Justin Timberlake Avoids Talk of DWI Plea, Hypes New Tour Dates, Christmas Song on ‘Tonight Show’

Justin Timberlake was back in comfortable confines on Monday night (Sept. 16) when he visited The Tonight Show to hang with his good pal and frequent sketch partner host Jimmy Fallon. After a lengthy, laudatory pre-interview wind-up running down the multi-hyphenate singer’s resumé, Timberlake took a seat as Fallon assured his friend “you’re well-liked here.”

The visit was Timberlake’s first public appearance since pleading guilty to impaired driving in New York’s Sag Harbor Village Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 25 hours of community service and hit with $760 in fines and court fees. “I did not live up to the standards that I try to hold for myself,” he told the court, before addressing the judge, “I should’ve had better judgment. I understand the seriousness of this.”

Timberlake did not address the plea deal or the DWI incident during the visit, which focused on the singer’s Forget Tomorrow world tour; on Tuesday morning (Sept. 17), JT announced a string of 10 new 2025 dates for the outing (see below).

The friends mostly joked around, with Fallon demurring when Timberlake repeatedly suggested that the host would come out and do a mandatory warm-up set before Justin’s upcoming Barclays Center show in New York on Oct. 7. “I’m not doing anything,” Fallon assured him. “I’m going as a fan… screaming.”

“Shouldn’t Jimmy come out and do a 15-minute set?” JT baited Fallon as the studio audience howled at the idea.

Fallon also noted that he’s always giving Timberlake advice about touring, for example, suggesting he sit on a stool and play for 45 minutes. Instead, Timberlake plays for more than two hours and as Fallon noted, does a dramatic bit during “Mirrors” where he flies out over the crowd on a giant robotic arm that looks cool, but has led to some regrets from the singer.

“I’m going to say that was my idea… After 53-54 shows,” Timberlake said haltingly before standing up and getting into an arms wide open, leaning forward pose, “I was up there one time, just, like, suspended over everyone. I was like, ‘I could be on a stool right now.’”

“Yes! I told you that!” Fallon said enthusiastically, requesting that when he comes to the show he would like to not be able to see Timberlake that well. Clarifying, Jimmy said he doesn’t want such good seats next time, getting up from his desk and standing within a foot of JT to demonstrate his usual VIP status.

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“I don’t know what to do with myself,” Fallon admitted of being so up-close-and-personal. “I don’t dance… and so I just stand there and I bore your wife (actress Jessica Biel), so she leaves me [and] I’m by myself. It’s too much pressure for me.”

“Do you not want to come to the show?” Timberlake wondered. Amid the giggles and the inside jokes, Fallon teased a new holiday song the pair recorded for the host’s upcoming Christmas album, tracked at New York’s Electric Lady studio. “You’ll Be There,” described as a a “holiday bromance” tune, mixes sleigh bells and ukulele for a chilled-out island vibe, with JT singing, “The only thing on my wish list/ Is that you’ll be home for Christmas.”

The pair also played a round of “Playlist Playoff,” in which Fallon and Timberlake competed to pick the perfect song for different scenarios, including a pre-workout jam and the track they’d want on repeat if stuck in an elevator together, which prompted Justin to pay tribute to recently deceased R&B icon Maze frontman Frankie Beverly.

Check out Timberlake on The Tonight Show below.

Timberlake’s new 2025 North American Forget Tomorrow world tour dates:

Jan. 13 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center

Jan. 15 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center

Jan. 18 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center

Jan. 20 – Palm Springs, CA @ Acrisure Arena

Jan. 23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center

Jan. 25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center

Jan. 28 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena

Feb. 3 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center

Travis Kelce’s dating dealbreakers were revealed in 2016, with them now unearthed as the Kansas City Chiefs star cosies up to Taylor Swift amid swirling romance rumours

Taylor Swift is rumored to be dating American footballing hunk Travis Kelce, with his very racy dating dealbreakers now unearthed.

Back in 2016, the hunk had his own reality-dating show called Catching Kelce. The series saw the NFL football player, who was also a very eligible bachelor at the time, date 50 women from 50 states. The women all vied to win the heart of the pro football player.
In the series, Travis, with some help from his famous friends and family, attempted to find the woman who would become his perfect teammate. At the time Taylor Swift was starting to date Joe Alwyn, meaning she wasn’t in the picture whatsoever. And now in a resurfaced clip from around the same time, when Travis appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, he made a very raunchy confession.

Travis Kelce reveals his no sex deal breaker in unearthed clip amid Taylor Swift romance

Travis Kelce’s dating dealbreakers were revealed in 2016, with them now unearthed as the Kansas City Chiefs star cosies up to Taylor Swift amid swirling romance rumours

Taylor Swift is rumored to be dating American footballing hunk Travis Kelce, with his very racy dating dealbreakers now unearthed.

Back in 2016, the hunk had his own reality-dating show called Catching Kelce. The series saw the NFL football player, who was also a very eligible bachelor at the time, date 50 women from 50 states. The women all vied to win the heart of the pro football player.

In the series, Travis, with some help from his famous friends and family, attempted to find the woman who would become his perfect teammate. At the time Taylor Swift was starting to date Joe Alwyn, meaning she wasn’t in the picture whatsoever. And now in a resurfaced clip from around the same time, when Travis appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, he made a very raunchy confession.

Travis Kelce’s dating dealbreakers were unveiled in 2016 ( 
Image:
Bravo)
Real Housewives of New York City star Ramona Singer also appeared on the show, with her asking Travis: “Is it a dealbreaker if a girl doesn’t like to give oral sex?” The hunk then responded: “Ahh! Sounds like a dealbreaker to me.”

But this dealbreaker wasn’t the only one Travis revealed, because he revealed another that might come as a surprise. The hunk revealed that his other dealbreaker was women who would not have sex with him after three dates. He candidly admited: “The third date, that’s the breaker right there… I don’t want to say it’s a dealbreaker, but it … puts some questions in there. Very classy gentleman. Those first two dates are top-of-the-line dates.”

Elsewhere during his appearance on Andy Cohen’s show, Travis said that he wasn’t keen on women who were “obsessed with taking selfies”, and touching on how he liked women who were “comfortable and very confident” in how they looked.

Justin Timberlake kept a low-profile as he was pictured for the first time since pleading guilty to a DWI charge. 

The NSYNC alum, 43, was seen stepping out of a building, clad in a look that was part laid-back, part fashionable.

Justin sported an off-white ‘RC’ cap, sunglasses, faded jeans, and trendy black loafers. The Bye Bye Bye singer also accessorized with a beaded necklace.

Bag slung over his shoulder, the bearded pop star stepped out with a bold blue ‘Hydrated’ water bottle in hand.

Timberlake had been facing a criminal charge of driving while intoxicated but instead pleaded guilty to a reduced violation charge of driving with ability impaired on Friday.

 

Justin Timberlake kept a low-profile as he was pictured for the first time since pleading guilty to a DWI charge while out in New York on Monday

The plea leaves Timberlake free of a criminal record, which he would’ve had if convicted of the original misdemeanor charge.

Timberlake was arrested early in the morning on June 18 in the Hamptons after a night of drinking at the American Hotel. As part of the plea deal, he agreed to pay the maximum fine of $500 and a surcharge of $260. Additionally, he committed to making a public statement about the dangers of drunk driving.

Judge Carl Irace initially expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed statement, preferring a public service announcement. However, he ultimately accepted the deal under certain conditions.

Timberlake’s demeanor in court was somber. He expressed a desire to avoid returning to the courtroom and stated his love for the Sag Harbor area.

A major component of the plea deal struck by Timberlake’s attorney, Edward, Burke Jr. and the Suffolk County district attorneys office was that, after entering his plea, he would give a public statement about the dangers of drinking and driving.

To make the public announcement, Timberlake and his attorney exited the courthouse through a pedestrian bridge that connected the court to the police headquarters. This was the same bridge he had crossed in handcuffs on the night of his arrest.

At the police headquarters, Timberlake addressed the media, speaking about the dangers of drunk driving. Before the announcement, he had entered his guilty plea and faced questioning from Assistant District Attorney Ashley Cangro and Justice Irace.

While Cangro accepted Timberlake’s admission of the basic elements of the violation, Irace pressed for more details about the events leading up to his decision to drive. Timberlake reportedly expressed deep remorse and acknowledged the life lesson he had learned.

Bag slung over his shoulder, the bearded pop star stepped out with a bold blue ‘Hydrated’ water bottle in hand

 

Timberlake spoke to the press after Friday’s court hearing

The star was initially charged with a DWI, but will now admit to Driving While Ability Impaired instead to avoid a drunk driving charge, per TMZ

In addition to the fine, Timberlake’s driving license was suspended for 90 days. This suspension runs concurrently with a previous year-long revocation by the Department of Motor Vehicles due to his refusal to take a breath test.

Judge Irace emphasized the importance of community service and required Timberlake to complete between 25 and 40 hours of service. Timberlake agreed and expressed a desire to reach people of all ages with his message.

Whoopi Goldberg has been at The View long enough that she’ll never sit through a segment without giving her two cents — even if it means bashing the question she’s being paid to ask.

On this morning’s episode, the longtime moderator’s contempt for one Hot Topic was clear just seconds into the chat, which was focused on recent remarks from two major Hollywood stars about embracing their looks as they age.

After welcoming the audience back from a commercial break, Goldberg launched into the segment, but not before pausing, squinting her eyes, pursing her lips and saying, “So…” like only she can.

“Demi Moore and Kate Winslet are both speaking out about how they are done living up to male expectations of beauty,” Goldberg read off a teleprompter. “Moore told The New York Times that she finally learned to love who she is after decades of body image issues, and Kate Winslet told the How to Fail podcast that she thinks her body is getting sexier as she gets older.”

While her words earned applause from the audience, she wasn’t exactly thrilled about what she had to say next: “And I’m supposed to ask this really dumb question. Is this the new aging gracefully?” Goldberg reluctantly added.

She sneered at the words on the teleprompter and shook her head before explaining, “I don’t know that these are issues that we really face the same way, but apparently this is a big deal. I remember always, every actress who hits a certain age says, ‘You know, I’m feeling good about myself.’ Well, yeah. We don’t have a choice.”
Photo: ABC

What do you think? Be the first to comment.

Goldberg then repeated, “We don’t have a choice,” before adding, “Either we feel good or, you know, you’re depending on somebody else to tell you what you are. I always thought it was more important for you to feel like you were hot enough for you,” earning a round of applause from the audience and agreement around the table.

Later in the segment, Goldberg reiterated that just because women age, it doesn’t mean that “everything else stops.”

“Women of a certain age have been told that they don’t really function, that they’re not sexually active, that they have no interest. I love when people tell me what I’m feeling! People who haven’t gotten to a certain age have no idea what my body is doing,” she proclaimed.

Ana Navarro is slamming politicians for failing to acknowledge how pertinent political violence is in America following a second assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.

The Republican nominee was reportedly playing golf in Florida when his Secret Service agents spotted a man with an AK-47 about 500 yards away. When they fired shots, the man fled the scene and was later apprehended.

“We kept hearing yesterday and I kept reading yesterday, elected officials on both sides of the aisle tweet out, ‘In America, there is no space for political violence,’” Navarro said on this morning’s episode of The View. “We condemn political violence. We condemn it no matter who it’s perpetrated on or attempted on.”

However, Navarro noted that this sort of political violence happens way more often than anyone cares to admit.

“What America do these folks live in that they think there’s no space for political violence when Gabby Giffords, the congresswoman from Arizona, got shot in the head at an event in her district, when the congressional baseball team got shot at, when Nancy Pelosi’s husband got his skull bashed in with a hammer from a political enemy, when we had Jan. 6 when people raided and stormed the Capitol?” she said.

“We’ve had now two different attempts on Donald Trump,” Navarro continued. “This is the America that we live in and political violence is very much a part of it.
Photo: ABC
Navarro went on to list other recent happenings she would consider political violence.

“Bomb threats in Springfield, I consider that political violence,” she said, referring to the aftermath of false claims made against the town’s Haitian community. “Threats against Taylor Swift because she made an endorsement [for Kamala Harris], which we all have a right to do, I consider that political violence.”

What do you think? Post a comment.

The co-host concluded her rant by calling on politicians to address “people with mental health issues” who “keep getting easy access to assault weapons,” noting that there needs to be “bipartisan” measures to keep the country safe.

Jennifer Lopez stirs up social media with s*xy lingerie photos at age 54

Renowned actress Jennifer Lopez is showered with praise for her appearance after posting a photo shoot wearing lingerie. The singer has also caused more than a few to sigh with her posts.

Jennifer Lopez receives compliments for her appearance.

Photo: Dave Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images

A little after turning 54, Jennifer Lopez continues to steal sighs thanks to her posts on social networks and her undeniable sensuality , in addition to the talent she has demonstrated for acting.

The Hollywood star has also given people something to talk about thanks to her marriage to Ben Affleck , with whom she had already had a relationship during the first years of the millennium, despite the fact that the two went through other marriages, it seems that they finally decided to get back together.

The couple got married in July 2022 and have been very much in love ever since , although they are also the protagonists of memes and questions every time they appear in public, especially because of the actor’s gestures.

And one of the most frequent comments is that he always seems to be exhausted when they go out , so much so that some of the most common jokes they make about it is that “he’s losing his energy because of her.”

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On the other hand, on her social networks, specifically on her Instagram account, Lopez already has a little more than 252 million fans who are following her life and who do not hesitate to comment on each of her publications.

Now, the ‘Jenny From the Block’ singer is showered with praise for a carousel of eight photos in which she appears wearing lingerie. Her followers claim that at 54 years old she looks better than ever.

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Among the comments, Internet users call her “perfect,” “the most beautiful being that has ever walked the earth,” “angelic,” and tell her “no other woman has everything like you, the body, the face.” You may be interested in: Five artists who have found a balance between being mothers and their careers

For now, Jennifer Lopez has not addressed the messages, however, she continues to post some photos that had not previously come to light . The truth is that each of the snapshots usually receives a large number of comments about it.

Many people can’t believe that the actress is actually 54 years old, as her skin, figure and physical condition are perfect, which has led her followers to ask her for her tricks and tips to stay as extraordinary as she is.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Go Public After Their Split: A Story of Heartbreak, Healing, and Hope

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, affectionately known as “Bennifer,” have always been one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples. Their love story, spanning decades, has been filled with ups and downs, rekindled romance, and the kind of passion that captivates millions. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, the couple recently announced their split, leaving fans shocked and saddened. Now, as they begin to move on with their lives, Jennifer and Ben have gone public about their breakup, showing the world that healing after heartbreak is possible—and sometimes, it’s necessary.

The story of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck began in the early 2000s when they first met on the set of the film Gigli. Despite the movie’s lackluster reception, the spark between them was undeniable, and they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Their whirlwind romance captured headlines as they graced red carpets and appeared in public with a seemingly unbreakable bond. They were even engaged in 2002, with J.Lo sporting a stunning pink diamond engagement ring that symbolized the strength of their love.

However, just days before their highly anticipated wedding in 2003, the couple shocked the world by calling off the nuptials, citing the overwhelming media pressure as the reason for their breakup. For nearly two decades, Bennifer remained apart, each going on to marry and have families of their own. But in 2021, after reconnecting and reigniting their romance, they surprised everyone by getting back together, much to the delight of their fans.

Fast forward to 2024, and the fairy tale seemed to hit a sudden, unexpected roadblock. Rumors began circulating about trouble in paradise, with reports of the couple spending less time together and dealing with personal struggles that placed a strain on their relationship. Despite their best efforts to keep things private, the cracks in their relationship were becoming more visible.

When the couple officially announced their breakup, it was met with a mix of disbelief and heartache from fans around the world. Bennifer had once again become the symbol of enduring love, and their split felt like the end of an era.

Jennifer and Ben have always been candid about their feelings, and following their public announcement, they both shared heartfelt messages with their fans. Jennifer posted a moving tribute on her social media, writing, “Sometimes love isn’t enough. We’ve grown and learned so much from each other, but it’s time for us to focus on ourselves and our individual journeys. We will always have love and respect for one another.”

Ben, too, shared his thoughts in a statement that echoed Jennifer’s sentiments, saying, “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for both of us. We have shared so much together and have the utmost respect for one another, but we believe this is what’s best for us moving forward.”

Breakups are never easy, especially when they play out in the public eye. For Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, their relationship has always been under intense scrutiny, with every move analyzed and speculated upon. But this time around, both have chosen to approach their split with maturity and grace, focusing on healing and self-reflection.

Jennifer Lopez has long been known for her resilience, and this chapter in her life is no different. Despite the sadness of the split, she has made it clear that she is focused on her personal growth and well-being. Friends close to J.Lo have shared that she’s been spending time with her children and focusing on her music and acting career. As someone who has always been driven by her passion for creativity, it’s no surprise that Jennifer is using this time to channel her emotions into her work.

Ben Affleck, too, is taking time to reflect on his next steps. Known for his struggles with personal demons in the past, Ben has made significant strides in his journey of recovery and self-improvement. While this breakup has undoubtedly been difficult, those close to him say he’s handling it with a sense of clarity and purpose, focusing on being the best father he can be and continuing his work in the film industry.

What sets Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck apart from other celebrity breakups is the level of respect and dignity they’ve maintained throughout this difficult process. Instead of engaging in public feuds or blaming one another, they’ve chosen to take the high road, emphasizing the love they still have for each other, even if it’s no longer romantic.

Their decision to go public about the split also sends an important message about the realities of relationships. Love is complex, and sometimes even the most passionate connections don’t last forever. Jennifer and Ben’s willingness to be honest about their feelings shows that it’s okay to acknowledge when a relationship has run its course—and that ending a relationship doesn’t mean failure.

In the weeks following their split, Jennifer and Ben have each been seen out and about, living their lives with grace and confidence. Jennifer was spotted attending a charity event, looking as radiant as ever in a stunning gown, while Ben was seen enjoying time with his kids, proving that both are determined to move forward and focus on the things that truly matter to them.

Although their romantic relationship may have come to an end, the legacy of Bennifer will undoubtedly live on in Hollywood history. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have shown that love can be powerful and transformative, even when it doesn’t last forever. Their journey together has been filled with lessons about resilience, forgiveness, and the importance of personal growth.

As they continue on their separate paths, one thing is certain: Jennifer and Ben will always be remembered for their ability to love deeply, to forgive, and to move forward with strength and grace. Their story may have ended, but their impact on fans and their contributions to their respective fields will continue to inspire for years to come.

In the end, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship reminds us all that love, no matter how fleeting, is worth experiencing—and that healing is always possible, even after the hardest of heartbreaks.

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who spent a significant part of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, is set to acquire a 10 percent ownership stake in the team, according to multiple reports on Thursday. Bridgeman, who will be 71 on Tuesday, is buying into the team at a $3.4 billion valuation.

In 2023, Dee and Jimmy Haslam purchased a 25 percent stake in the Bucks for $3.2 billion. For context, the average NBA team is valued at $4 billion, as noted by Sportico.

Bridgeman, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, was traded to the Bucks shortly after in a major deal involving Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During his career, Bridgeman was known for his role as a valuable sixth man, averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds over 849 games with the Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Beyond his basketball career, Bridgeman became a successful businessman, initially investing in Wendy’s franchises and later expanding to own 360 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants. After selling these in 2016, he invested in a Coca-Cola bottling franchise, which generates at least $350 million in annual revenue. Bridgeman also purchased Ebony and Jet magazines in 2020 and co-owns Coca-Cola Bottling of Canada with Larry Tanenbaum, which he acquired in 2018.

CNBC was the first to report on Bridgeman’s new stake in the Bucks.

Aside from millions of dollars and fame, if Charles Barkley earned something through his career, it was some deep-rooted friendships. While his usual buddies like Shaquille O’Neal and more from Inside the NBA cast are known, there are some from different sports and networks altogether. One such person is NHL broadcaster, Christine Simpson.

It all started in Las Vegas, more than 20 years ago, when the basketball icon crossed paths with the NHL broadcaster. While Simpson was enjoying a trip with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, fate brought her and the 11x NBA All-Star together.

But it didn’t stop there. Barkley and Simpson, along with Canadian broadcaster Rod Black, built a friendship that has lasted to this day. If you’ve ever caught Chuck talking about Canada on TV, you may have noticed he often gives a playful nod to both Christine and Rod.

The connection they’ve shared over the years proves that sometimes, the most unlikely of encounters can lead to lasting friendships. No wonder that the former Philadelphia 76ers star expressed a great deal of disappointment at the firing of Christine from Sportsnet.

The similar circumstances of two friends despite different networks and different sports

Yes, it’s true, the NHL broadcaster’s run with the network has ended after a long span of over two decades. As a friend and as someone who was nearly in similar circumstances, Barkley can surely understand what Simpson must be going through.

Despite coming from different worlds—Christine Simpson in hockey and Charles Barkley in basketball—their career journeys came down to share some similarities. Although not the ones they would’ve desired. Simpson recently announced her departure from Sportsnet, where she had been a cornerstone of NHL coverage since 1998.

In a heartfelt message on X, she expressed gratitude for her time at the network. “This was so much more than a job to me. So while I’m sad to see my chapter at Sportsnet come to a close, I’m eager to see what my next chapter will bring,” she wrote. Meanwhile, over in the NBA world, Charles Barkley found himself in a somewhat similar, albeit more unpredictable, situation earlier this year.

While Barkley was not in an identical situation with TNT, some could say it was even worse. Not even knowing what the future holds for your job. Amazon along with NBC and maybe Disney have landed the deal with NBA now. But there was a time when everything was not so obvious. In fact, there came an instance where Chuck also considered himself to be someone who got fired from his job. The sentiment surfaced during an interview with 12News.

On a lighter note, he faced the question of what it would take for him to consider joining 12News. The 11x All-Star politely declined the offer, stating he still might come on the channel now and then just for fun. “… I’m definitely gonna enjoy,” he said. It seemed he was going to close the statement with “retirement” but stopped midway.

“You know it’s not even retirement… I didn’t retire. I got fired,” Chuck continued his statement. As someone who spent over two decades with TNT, Barkley surely understands what Simpson must’ve felt after losing her job.

Charles Barkley’s reaction to Christine Simpson losing her job with Sportsnet

When Simpson parted ways with Sportsnet, Barkley didn’t hold back on his disappointment. For someone who’s seen the ups and downs of the sports world, both as a player and a broadcaster, his reaction was heartfelt. He described Christine as not only a tremendous talent but also a “wonderful person and a great friend.”

via Getty

So it’s not hard to see why her departure hit him hard. Think about it—Simpson has been a key figure in NHL coverage for over two decades. To lose someone with that experience, and those connections must’ve left a void for both her audience and colleagues.

Barkley, recognizing her immense value, was quick to emphasize how fortunate any network would be to hire someone like her. After all, how often do you find a broadcaster with such a deep connection to the sport she covers? So why exactly did Sportsnet release such an employee from the network?

Well, some on social media speculate ageism to be a factor, as Simpson is nearing her 60th birthday. However, Barkley refrained from commenting on this. “I don’t talk about sh*t, I don’t know about,” he gave his reason.

At the end of the day, Charles Barkley’s overall reaction is a reminder that, despite their differences in sports and networks, the bond between him and Simpson runs deep.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.

Earlier this year, Shaunie Henderson’s statement from her memoir spread like wildfire. “Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man.” The 49-year-old later clarified that it wasn’t her intention to besmirch anybody. All she wrote was her truth and her life experiences. In her memoir, the mother of 5 also clarified that the successful show Basketball Wives happened because of her hard work. Not because of Shaq’s connection or influence.

In Undefeated, “Let’s set the record straight. Nobody pulled strings for me with TV networks or production companies to get Basketball Wives picked up. I did that on my own, through persistence and sheer force of will, because I had to support myself and my children.” Previously, Shaunie had mentioned that she decided against her lawyer’s advice as she never wanted money from Shaq.

The narratives could be because Shaunie filed for divorce in 2009, and 2010 was when the show premiered. But because she was part of the close circle of other athletes’ partners, she realized the problems that they were facing. “I’d gotten to know the wives as they watched their husbands get traded, get injured-and all too often, get caught fooling around with women they met on the road.”

So she was confident she could create a show based on authenticity and real stories. Ultimately, it became a hit and currently, the 11th season is on air. That’s why in her book she specified that it was her parents and children who motivated Shaunie to pursue her dreams. Even though there is no bitterness in the statement, she had to clarify that it was her hard work and not a handout from Shaquille O’Neal.

From her experiences with Shaq, Shaunie decided to launch her platform

That’s the point she also discussed in her interview with xoNecole. The book was also a hit, but before that, she discussed the challenges. “I knew that I had lost my voice before, and I wanted to provide a space to ensure that other women didn’t lose theirs.” It was the major reason why Shaunie was so sure about her idea of the Basketball Wives.

The first lady of Houston Lighthouse Church said it was important to provide a platform. Thus, it helped them gain other opportunities apart from being part of the reality TV show. Because she wanted to be independent, she decided it would be best to do the same for others.

Before her marriage to Shaquille O’Neal, she was working as a film promoter. During the marriage, taking care of kids was of paramount importance, and lived off an ‘allowance’ from him. But the motivation from the loved ones made sure that she took the big step with the show. Similarly, it was Keion, her husband, who pushed her to release her memoir.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”