A$AP Rocky is facing criticism after comments he made about Black fatherhood during a red carpet interview at the Met Gala on Monday night. The rapper was asked to give advice to Black fathers on raising children, and his response quickly sparked debate.
Rocky said, “I think it’s like a known thing that people don’t really talk about. Black fathers are always present. Mine was present. All my friends’ dads were present. There was this weird stereotype or stigma about Black men leaving mothers to be single Black moms. I would say that was all a facade. It was all a lie.”
He followed up with a message to Black dads: “Continue being great to your kids. Love them unconditionally. No matter what. And on top of that, get your dad swag right, because I’m in my bag.”
While some praised him for speaking from personal experience and highlighting positive Black fatherhood, others felt his comments were tone-deaf. Many pointed out that millions of children have grown up without their fathers, and that Rocky’s experience does not reflect the struggles of everyone in the Black community.