On Tuesday, Evelyn Lozada expressed her regret for making a racist comment during a recent episode of VH1’s Basketball Wives.
The reality star was in a heated argument with her co-star CeCe Gutierrez, who referred to her as “Evil-yn” and a one half of “Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”
In response, Lozada fired back with, “I have a problem with you, Lee-Lee.” The remark was viewed as offensive because Gutierrez is of Asian descent and “Lee-Lee” referred to another Asian woman who works at a nail salon, according to castmate Malaysia Pargo. Several viewers called out Lozada, who is also a woman of color, for using perpetuating the racial stereotype.
A Change.org petition was set up by a fan requesting that the Bronx native be removed from the reality series.
“The viewers of VH1’s Basketball Wives demand Ms.Lozada be terminated from employment indefinitely… by the Executive Producer Shaunie O’Neal or The Other VH1 Underlying Personnel,” the petition read. “If not, expect the show to drop in massive ratings, as we the viewers will not tolerate sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, fat-shaming, or any other type of harassment and injustice.”
Lozada issued a written apology and a video explaining herself to her Instagram account. Check at the response below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCHnL9FQFU/?taken-by=evelynlozada
