What seemed like a good idea infuriated the school board, with some members calling it “appalling” and “disgusting”
Abasketball tournament at West Side High School in Newark, NJ, was abruptly canceled after a sexually explicit promotional video surfaced online.
The video, which featured several African American women performing twerking in scantily clad outfits while dribbling basketballs and jumping on the court, caused an uproar within the community and among school officials.
The promotional video, intended to advertise the tournament called ‘Nuttin’ But Azz,’ was widely condemned for its inappropriate content.
Produced by Big Fendi, a well-known party promoter credited with discovering rapper Nicki Minaj, the video was labeled as “obscene” and “repugnant” by members of the school board.
In the video, women were shown in sexually suggestive positions, slow-motion twerking, and gyrating to hip hop music.
The phrase “Rough Riders” was visible on the walls, a slogan traditionally used to cheer on the West Side High School team. The video also featured a man dressed as a referee announcing, “We’re giving $10,000 to the best of four teams.”
The tournament, also known as the ‘NBA Baddies NJ Basketball Tournament,’ was scheduled for July 21, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $500.
The Newark Board of Education condemned the video and expressed shock that such content could be associated with any of their schools.
Daniel González, a board member, voiced his dismay during a Tuesday night meeting, stating, “I’m appalled that a video of this nature is linked to this school or any of our schools.”
Other board members expressed concern that students might have witnessed the recording or seen the video online.
Crystal Williams, another board member, demanded accountability, asking, “I want to know who signed off on this, who opened those doors, and how many minors were on site.”
Investigation and Parental Response
In response to the incident, school authorities launched an investigation, reviewing school surveillance footage to identify how and who allowed the film crew onto the campus.
Parents of students at West Side High School also expressed their outrage. Loucious Jones, a Newark parent, shared his shock with the board, saying, “I opened Facebook and thought my eyes were deceiving me. My wife had to take the phone away.”
As a result of the controversy, the tournament was canceled. Big Fendi issued an apology to “the entire city of Newark” in an Instagram video.
“Things went a little left and got out of control. I take full responsibility for that because you had no idea what these girls would be wearing,” he stated.
The incident highlights the need for careful oversight and consideration in school-associated events and promotions, ensuring they uphold the values and standards expected by the community and educational institutions.
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