Nia Long has been quietly reclaiming her narrative following the scandal involving her and her husband, Ime Udoka. It’s been a rough few weeks for the Love Jones star, who has had to endure a pretty public embarrassment due to her husband’s private indiscretions. Ime took a huge hit professionally as well, getting sidelined as the Celtics’ head coach for the entire season after it was revealed he slept with a female staffer. It’s unclear if the duo is looking to work things out, but Long has a list of suitors lined up if she does decide to kick Ime to the curb.
Long maintained her silence in the first few weeks following the news of Ime’s infidelity. She was only spotted out one time by TMZ, who questioned her as she and her son rushed to her car. Long was reportedly not wearing a ring and scoffed when asked if she would be working things out with her fiancé of over a decade. In her only public statement, she said, “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.” Yesterday she broke her social media silence, posting a meme that read, “Shoutout to Black Women just because.” In her caption, she said, “My warrior QUEENS always show up. I love you. ❤️”
The post received support from everyone, including Viola Davis, Busta Rhymes, and Holly Robinson Peete. “Shout out to US, beautiful soul! You are the Queen, and we are here to keep that crown straightened for you! 🙌🔥❤️” said one supporter. In a second post, Long posted a headshot from a photoshoot. In it, she delivers a smoldering look at the camera with her hand resting on her arm. She’s rocking a gold and yellow outfit with gold accessories. She captioned it with a kissing face emoji. Niecy Nash and Tina Knowles-Lawson showed their support and fans said, “We SEE YOU, QUEEN! They better stop playing with you.”
Fans have been busy trying to keep Long busy and taken. They’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to reconnect her with Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate who is very much happily married. Congressman Jamaal Bowman was not above shooting his shot, however. “Sending nothing but love to Nia Long,” he said in a Tweet. “We’re not letting a man, who didn’t recognize the luxury her presence was, dim all her beauty and glory.” He went on to say that she was deserving of her own national holiday, but fans clown him saying, “Sir, what does this have to do with your job?”
Another public figure making his Nia Long love known fellow ’90s icon, Cam’ron. He shared screenshots to his Instagram account of a lengthy message he sent Long. In it, he calls her “Ni-Amour” and says he was inspired to reach out to her because he was watching “The Best Man.” Cam goes on to say that she is a Queen and deserves a King like him. “This was last week. Still no response 😡😡😡🤦🏾♂️ Lolol” he said in his caption.
Do you think Cam will get a response? It’s been over a week now and Nia Long has yet to respond.