In a world where social media blunders are just a scroll away, you’d think celebrities would know better than to mix important tributes with a dose of levity. Enter rapper Sexyy Red, who, in an attempt to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, shared an AI-generated photo of herself partying alongside the Civil Rights icon—because nothing says “reverence” like a night out at the club, right? Unsurprisingly, the King family didn’t take too kindly to this unexpected portrait, with Dr. Bernice King, MLK’s youngest daughter, slamming the post as “distasteful.” Talk about a major misfire! While Sexyy Red meant no harm, her decision backfired spectacularly. So, what happens when you’re caught in a faux pas of historic proportion? Well, you apologize, delete the post, and fire back with a heartfelt message, of course! Join me as we dive into this whirlwind of social media antics, misunderstandings, and a surprising potential collaboration that might just redeem the day.
Sexyy Red tried to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on MLK Day. It did not work out. The rapper decided to share an AI-generated photo of her and the Civil Rights leader in a club setting. Needless to say the King family was not pleased. Dr. Bernice King, MLK’s youngest daughter, reached out to Sexyy Red via social media and blasted her for her decision. She dubbed the photo “distasteful,” and demanded it be taken down. Red, to her credit, did exactly that and issued an apology.
Dr. Bernice King made it clear that she was offended by Sexyy Red’s Twitter antics. “This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful,” she wrote. To my family and my father.” She also claimed that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not around to defend himself because he put his life on the line to improve living conditions for people like Sexyy Red. The rapper got the message, and deleted the AI-generated post. She then quote tweeted Bernice King’s post and made it clear she was in the wrong. “You ain’t wrong, never meant to disrespect your family my apologies,” the rapper wrote.
Sexyy Red also stated that she did not intend to offend, and that she didn’t create the image in question. “Just reposted something I saw that I thought was innocent,” she added. The superstar rapper has had plenty of controversies in the past, ranging from her lyrical content to her endorsement of Donald Trump during a 2024 podcast appearance. More recently, however, Red has tried to place the focus back on her music. The rapper drew attention for another social media exchange on Tuesday, but in a positive light.
Bruno Mars voiced his desire to make a “strip club anthem” with Sexyy Red via Instagram. “I’m headed to the studio right now to make a strip club anthem so I can celebrate and properly act up this weekend,” he wrote. “Someone please help me get in touch with Sexyy Red.” The rapper immediately @’d Bruno Mars on Twitter, and he got back to her. It sounds like these two superstars are going to be linking up for a new song sooner rather than later.