Influencer Raymonte Cole called out Essence for an article (now deleted) that spoke candidly about his marketability or lack there of even though he has a viable following.
The discourse stared with an Op-Ed article: Raymonte Birthday Trip: Why Influencer Diversity Is Important.
They described the article saying:
Following Raymonte’s viral birthday trip there is a larger conversation to be had surrounding lack of brand opportunities for Black Influencers
Watch:
@nosybystanders #greenscreen #essence wrote and article about #raymonte bday trip and the importance of black #influencers and #branddeals so someone said essence should fly raymonte to cover #essencefest and if they do ill fly 3 influencers to essence fest to accompany his for the coverage #brandtrip ♬ original sound – ????NOSY????
Despite their intention of broadening the conversation around black influencers…Raymonte did not appreciate being used to amplify the lack of diversity.
He said:
Omg essence thank you for the article but this is kind of hypocritical. You all have invited numerous other influencers to events never me the same with BET. I have a large following and my supporters keep me a float so I don’t cry over spilt milk, I don’t need a pity party or deep dive into why im not “marketable” don’t use me as the example when you contribute to the problem
Omg essence thank you for the article but this is kind of hypocritical. You all have invited numerous other influencers to events never me the same with BET. I have a large following and my supporters keep me a float so I don’t cry over spilt milk, I don’t need a pity party or… https://t.co/QNsBh6edjw
— Raymonte (@BDTRELILBROTHER) April 2, 2024
After he responded to the article Essence tried to clear the air but their now-deleted tweet did not help much.
They said:
It has always been ESSENCE’s mission to champion creatives, amplify black voices, and ensure that we are diversifying spaces that are non-traditionally occupied by Us.
Our intention here was to introduce our audience to you as a brand and as an influencer. This trip placed you on our radar and we believe that you are more than deserving as the article stated.
Here is where things went left:
Super disappointed that this was the response to an angle of uplifting learning more about you and wanting brands to recognize what you bring to the table Everything isn’t for everyone and we receive that moving forward.
Wish you the best. Keep going.
Twitter was not happy!
As the largest Black owned media company accelerating introductions is not enough. You have the power to be the change! Raymonte can provide an intro on his own. If this content series is “just recently” placing him on your radar that’s a lie otherwise Comm. not doing research. https://t.co/pvRdVkmevP
— ✨???????? sweet honey buckin’ biscuit ????????✨ (@charissereneeee) April 3, 2024
and neither was Raymonte:
Why are you disappointed at my response. You didn’t show case or highlight any of my content or postive moments so what’s being introduced? …….. talking about everything I’m not getting while also offering me nothing but well wishes and good luck? girl fuck yall ???? https://t.co/AsWt8uOKrM
— Raymonte (@BDTRELILBROTHER) April 2, 2024
and
Essence deleted both the article tweet and their response to Raymonte lmao. But the internet is forever…. cause if I got the screenshot I know countless other people do.
— Red da Redz (@shes_rADIAnt) April 3, 2024
Cardi B then entered the chat
What we did not see coming was, Cardi B entering the conversation.
We will let you read through the below tweets.
It’s crazy because when I became famous people said I’m ghetto, talked shit about my accent, call me dumb because the way I speak, say I got no couth, talk about my teeth , my braids, my two buns… and to this day no matter what I accomplished I still get called a stripper all… https://t.co/m2LJm5v2QM
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) April 3, 2024
and
Who doesn’t like you when you’re on the TL saying you didn’t want to be here I sent you something very heart felt and we had an amazing exchange and I thought we were good! you think I don’t like you because I like another woman and that’s not the case at all this isn’t no Stan… https://t.co/N5iEPKh8m7
— Raymonte (@BDTRELILBROTHER) April 3, 2024
and
I genuinely thought you were a Latina woman I’m from Minnesota we don’t have Dominicans and Afro Latina. W?hy does being mistaken as a Latina hurt I love Mexicans its not a slur or attack being Mexican isn’t a dig !!!!!! https://t.co/LJAY9mMfVc
— Raymonte (@BDTRELILBROTHER) April 3, 2024
and
Thank you wish we could’ve started off like this appreciate it https://t.co/x2e1Xoly36
— Raymonte (@BDTRELILBROTHER) April 3, 2024
and
@bdtrelilbrother
We hated to see the conversation get so derailed because there is need for more discourse about brand support for black influencers and creators.
What do you think about the whole thing?
Let us know!
