Essence Festival 2025: What Happened, What’s Next — And What to Expect in 2026

Essence Festival 2025: What Happened, What’s Next — And What to Expect in 2026

Every July, New Orleans becomes the beating heart of Black music, culture, and community when the Essence Festival of Culture rolls into town. But after the 2025 event — one marked by both celebration and serious criticism — fans, artists, and city officials have been asking a lot of questions about the festival’s future. Here’s a deep-dive into what happened, why Stephanie Mills spoke up, and what’s on the horizon for Essence Fest 2026.

🎤 2025: A Festival of High Hopes — And High Drama

On the surface, the 2025 Essence Festival maintained its role as one of the biggest cultural gatherings in the U.S., bringing Black music, entrepreneurship, wellness, art, and community programming to thousands of attendees in New Orleans. Organizers touted the event as an evolving celebration of Black excellence — complete with hundreds of panels, free daytime activities, and legendary performances. �

Essence

But behind the scenes, things weren’t all smooth.

🎙 Production Problems Spark Frustration

Many fans and even performers took to social media complaining about organizational chaos: show times running hours late, confusing schedules, and sound equipment that didn’t function up to expectations. �

Reddit

The most public critique came from Stephanie Mills, the Grammy-winning R&B and Broadway icon, who wrote an open letter blasting the festival for what she called “operational deficiencies” — including sound issues, scheduling problems, and a lack of technical preparedness that, in her eyes, marred her own performance. �

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This wasn’t just social media chatter — Mills’ letter made headlines and became a lightning rod for broader discontent about how the festival was run. �

TheWrap

A separate incident involving Lauryn Hill’s set starting extremely late — her performance didn’t hit the stage until early morning hours — only deepened scrutiny of the festival’s scheduling and management. �

Los Angeles Times

💸 Money Matters: Unpaid Bills and Funding Questions

Just as the performances wrapped, it emerged that the Essence Festival had significant unpaid bills from the 2025 event — including more than $400,000 owed to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, with even larger amounts reportedly outstanding to some vendors. �

Facebook

Those unpaid balances have now become a political issue: Louisiana lawmakers are questioning whether the festival should receive state funding for the 2026 event, given the outstanding debt. �

EURweb

Essence organizers have pushed back, saying they are negotiating repayment plans and emphasizing the festival’s overall economic impact — including millions in tax revenue and tourism dollars — while pointing toward future planning. �

EURweb

🎇 Looking Ahead: What Essence Festival 2026 Has in Store

Despite the drama, Essence Festival is scheduled to return for Fourth of July weekend, July 3–5, 2026, in New Orleans. �

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Here’s what we know so far:

Dates: July 3–5, 2026 — with daytime events at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and evening concerts at the Caesars Superdome. �

New Orleans

Daytime programming: Free community and culture-focused events — from wellness workshops to business panels and interactive experiences. �

New Orleans

Evening concerts: Expect R&B, hip-hop, soul, gospel, and more — though the official 2026 lineup hasn’t been released yet. �

New Orleans

Organizers are stressing that core vendors from previous years are returning and that the festival is deeply committed to New Orleans — even as contracts and funding are reviewed. �

EURweb

📣 Fan and Artist Sentiment: A Community Divided

After the backlash of 2025, conversations about Essence Fest have become more pointed.

Some festival supporters remind the world that Essence remains a unique cultural institution, celebrating Black creativity in ways few events can match. Others argue this moment is a wake-up call — that organizational leadership needs fresh energy and better execution to safeguard the festival’s reputation. �

Black Enterprise

Many fans — especially on social platforms — echoed Stephanie Mills’ frustrations, describing the 2025 festival as disorganized and “a hot mess” compared to its storied past. �

Reddit

🎟 Final Thoughts: Essence at a Crossroads

As it stands, the Essence Festival of Culture is far from canceled — but it’s undeniably at a turning point.

2025’s issues exposed weaknesses in planning, technical execution, and financial oversight. Yet, the festival’s community appeal remains powerful. With the 2026 event already on the calendar, the big question isn’t if Essence Fest will happen — it’s how it will respond to critique and evolve while staying true to its mission.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee, an R&B fan, or a casual cultural explorer, 2026 could be one of the most important Essence festivals yet — a chance to either prove the critics wrong… or finally reclaim the glory that made this event legendary in the first place.

Would you like a social media post version of this review, or a shorter “hot takes” recap you can share on platforms like Instagram or X?

🍑 The Peaches Are Bruised, Polished & Petty: Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Is Coming in HOT

🍑 The Peaches Are Bruised, Polished & Petty: Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Is Coming in HOT

The Real Housewives of Atlanta is back for Season 17 and baby… the trailer didn’t just drop — it THREW shade, flipped tables, and whispered secrets behind manicured hands.

Mark your calendars for April 5th on Bravo and Peacock — because Atlanta is about to remind the girls how drama is really done.

And let me tell you something…

This is not a calm season. This is not a healing season. This is a “who you slept with?” season.

Let’s get into it. ☕

☕ Spilling Tea Like It’s Sweet Tea at Sunday Dinner

The trailer opens with the ladies claiming they’re trying to be “good.”

Good… WHERE?

Because five seconds later, they’re playing their favorite sport: Spill the Tea & Duck.

We’re talking:

Accusations of sleeping with married men 👀

Side-eyes sharper than a new lace front

Confrontations that look like they require security and a prayer circle

When one Housewife hints at somebody messing with a married man, you can practically hear producers rubbing their hands together like, “Yes. Yes. This is it.”

Atlanta doesn’t argue. Atlanta performs.

🎤 Enter the New Girls — And They Did NOT Come Quietly

This season is bringing in fresh peaches, and they are not shy.

🎶 K. Michelle Is Clocking In

K. Michelle has entered the group chat.

And she’s not just here to sing a note and go home. She opens up about being the “only Black woman” on her country music label — and the pressure that comes with that. That’s layered. That’s real. That’s storyline with depth.

But this is Atlanta. So yes, we’re going to get vulnerability… and then probably a dinner argument right after.

Because balance.

💰 Pinky Cole Is Bringing Corporate Peach Energy

Pinky Cole — the entrepreneur behind a $100 million brand — is also stepping in.

And listen… when someone casually says they built a $100 million business, the temperature in the room automatically rises.

Because in this group, “Who’s the richest?” is not just a question.

It’s a competition.

And somebody in that cast absolutely Googled net worths after filming.

💎 Glamour, Money & “Who Got It Like Me?”

The trailer makes sure we see:

Expensive cars

Designer labels

Statements about being “the richest”

Atlanta has always been about luxury with a side of loud.

But this season feels like: “Show me your bank account and I’ll show you mine.”

The flexing is strategic. The glam is aggressive. And the wigs? Laid with tension.

🤝 Friendships… That Are Hanging by a Thread

You know how every season starts with: “We’re sisters.” “We’re growing.” “We’re evolving.”

And by episode three somebody is yelling across a marble island?

Yeah. That.

We see hugs. We see tears. We see people trying to “be good.”

And then we see full-blown confrontations where voices are raised, fingers are pointed, and somebody absolutely says, “Don’t play with me.”

Atlanta friendships don’t just crack. They explode.

💼 Boss Moves & “I Want My Own Things”

Beyond the chaos, some of the ladies are focused on building empires.

“I want to own my own things.”

Translation:

“No more depending on anybody. I am the brand.”

Businesses. Ventures. Personal rebrands.

But here’s the thing about Atlanta — you can launch a brand at brunch and lose a friend by dessert.

🍑 The Energy Feels… Different

Season 17 doesn’t feel sleepy. It feels like the producers said:

“Okay ladies, let’s bring Atlanta BACK.”

There’s tension. There’s money talk. There’s new blood. There are secrets that sound expensive.

And if that married man storyline actually unfolds the way the trailer hints?

Oh, we are eating GOOD this season.

Final Thoughts: Should We Be Worried… Or Excited?

Both.

Because when Atlanta is good, it’s iconic. When Atlanta is messy, it’s legendary. And when Atlanta mixes money, ego, and tea?

It’s appointment television.

April 5th is coming. The peaches are polished. The shade is activated. And somebody is about to get exposed.

Now the real question is…

Who’s telling the truth? And who’s about to blame editing? 🍿

Lisa Rinna Is Back in the Headlines — And It’s Messy, Personal, and Very On-Brand

Lisa Rinna Is Back in the Headlines — And It’s Messy, Personal, and Very On-Brand

If you thought life after Housewives meant peace and quiet for Lisa Rinna, think again. The former The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is trending again — and this time the drama isn’t just about glam squads and reunion couches. It’s about alleged party chaos, memoir revelations, Bravo tension, and long-standing rumors she is finally addressing head-on.

Let’s break it all down.

The Traitors Premiere Drama: What Really Happened?

Rinna recently attended the premiere party for The Traitors (streaming on Peacock), and what was supposed to be a celebratory night reportedly took a dark turn.

According to reports, Lisa believes she may have been drugged at the event. She allegedly became extremely intoxicated despite claiming she hadn’t consumed much alcohol. Sources say her team had to escort her out after her behavior raised concern.

Now let’s pause.

This isn’t petty reality-TV drama. This is serious. If true, it raises major safety concerns about celebrity events and party culture. Rinna hasn’t framed it as a dramatic headline grab — she’s expressed real confusion and concern about what happened that night.

And whether you love her or hate her, no one deserves that.

The situation remains unclear, but it immediately shifted the tone of her Traitors rollout. Instead of strategy and alliances, the conversation became about safety and speculation.

The Andy Cohen Fallout

If that wasn’t enough, Rinna is also making waves over her comments about Andy Cohen.

In her memoir, she claims he included private text messages from her in his book without what she feels was proper respect or boundaries. She allegedly described the move as “shady” and even admitted she burned his book after reading it.

Now THAT is Housewives-level dramatics.

For years, Rinna was one of Bravo’s most loyal soldiers. She defended the network. She delivered storylines. She stirred pots. She showed up ready to “own it.”

So this public fracture between her and Bravo’s most powerful figure is significant.

It suggests that whatever happened behind the scenes during her exit from RHOBH might run deeper than viewers realized.

Was it just contract negotiations? Was it creative differences? Or was there resentment building for years?

Rinna has always been polarizing, but she rarely bites the hand that feeds her. This shift is notable.

Addressing the Harry Hamlin Rumors

Then there’s the topic that has followed her marriage for decades.

In her memoir, Rinna firmly shut down long-standing rumors that her husband, Harry Hamlin, is gay. These whispers largely stem from roles he played in the 1980s and Hollywood gossip culture that refuses to die.

Lisa makes it clear: the rumors are false, and she stands solid in her marriage.

Whether people believe her or not, it’s interesting that she chose to address it now. Rinna has historically leaned into drama when it benefits her storyline. This time, she’s taking a more defensive and protective tone.

And honestly? That’s understandable. After years of speculation, sometimes you just want to close the chapter.

The Colton Underwood Tension

Another wrinkle in the narrative: reported tension with Colton Underwood, her Traitors co-star.

After the reunion, fans noticed social media unfollows and subtle shade. While neither party has delivered a full-blown explosive tell-all, insiders suggest their relationship cooled significantly after filming wrapped.

Rinna thrives in competitive environments — and The Traitors is built on deception, manipulation, and social strategy. It’s not shocking that alliances crack once the cameras stop rolling.

But Rinna rarely leaves a dynamic quietly. If there’s tension, she’ll eventually talk about it.

You better believe that.

Life After RHOBH: Reinvention Mode

Let’s not forget — this is all happening post-Housewives.

Since leaving RHOBH, Rinna has pivoted into fashion weeks, high-energy social media presence, modeling campaigns, and now her memoir era.

And here’s the interesting part:

Without Bravo editing her narrative, she controls the story.

She decides which rumors to address. She decides which friendships to burn. She decides how vulnerable to be.

And that shift feels intentional.

Instead of reacting to reunion accusations, she’s proactively telling her own version of events.

For someone once accused of “producing herself,” this may be her most authentic era yet.

Is This a Comeback or a Controlled Burn?

The bigger question: what does all of this mean for her career?

Let’s be honest. Lisa Rinna doesn’t do quiet seasons.

Even off Housewives, she’s:

• Allegedly involved in a mysterious party incident

• Calling out Andy Cohen publicly

• Addressing decades-old marriage rumors

• Sparking tension with co-stars

That’s not retreat energy. That’s momentum.

Whether this memoir cycle rebuilds her brand or further divides fans remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — she understands headlines.

Rinna has always known how to stay relevant.

The Reality TV Power Shift

There’s also something bigger happening here.

Former Housewives are increasingly speaking more openly about behind-the-scenes production dynamics. Networks aren’t untouchable anymore. Cast members are branding themselves independently.

And Rinna stepping forward with her own grievances signals a shift in power.

She doesn’t need Bravo the way she once did.

Streaming platforms, social media, brand deals — the ecosystem has changed.

And Rinna seems ready to operate outside the Bravo bubble.

Final Thoughts

Lisa Rinna has never been boring.

From owning it on RHOBH to walking high-fashion runways to now confronting personal and professional tension publicly, she remains one of reality TV’s most talked-about figures.

The alleged party incident is serious and deserves clarity.

The Andy Cohen commentary is bold.

The marriage rumors being addressed feels strategic but personal.

The Traitors tension keeps the storyline alive.

Love her or not, she understands narrative control.

And if 2026 is the year of Lisa Rinna rewriting her story?

You better believe she’s going to talk about it.

If you’d like, I can also:

🚑 Married to Medicine Season 12, Episode 11 Review

Carried to Medical… and Carried Away?

Season 12, Episode 11 of Married to Medicine proved one thing: when this group says they’re “concerned,” you better brace yourself. Because somehow “checking on a friend” turns into a full-blown emotional triage unit with side-eye, receipts, and a side of surgical shade.

Let’s get into it.

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🩺 The Medical Emergency That Wasn’t Just Medical

This episode centers around a cast member being carried to medical — and yes, the visuals alone were dramatic enough to qualify for an Emmy in Reality Chaos.

But let’s be honest… in this group, nothing is ever just about health.

What started as concern quickly turned into whispered conversations:

• “Is she okay?”
• “Has this been building?”
• “Is stress playing a role?”
• “Who added to that stress?”

And that’s where the real storyline began.

Because when one woman goes down physically, the others start digging emotionally.

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🔥 Tension Under the Scrubs

The group dynamic has been fragile all season. Alliances shifting. Apologies half-served. Smiles that don’t quite reach the eyes.

Episode 11 exposed what’s really been brewing:

• Lingering resentment.
• Unspoken jealousy.
• Questionable loyalty.
• And the classic “I support you but also I told you so” energy.

Some of the ladies showed genuine concern. Others? It felt… performative. And the cameras caught it.

You could see it in the confessionals — soft voices in person, sharp commentary behind closed doors.

Classic.

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💬 The Conversations That Hit Harder Than The Emergency

Once the immediate scare passed, the group gathered to process what happened. And instead of it bringing everyone together… it did the opposite.

There were quiet accusations:

• “Stress doesn’t just appear.”
• “People need to take accountability.”
• “You can’t keep holding everything in.”

Translation?
Someone believes someone else contributed to this situation.

And the finger-pointing began.

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👀 The Husbands & Background Commentary

Let’s talk about the men for a second.

The husbands often act like calm observers — but this episode showed they’re paying attention. And some of them clearly feel their wives are being mistreated.

When the men start forming opinions, that’s when Married to Medicine shifts from light shade to marital tension.

Because now it’s not just: “You hurt my feelings.”

It becomes: “You disrespected my household.”

And that? That’s when things escalate.

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💅 Shade Level: Subtle but Surgical

What I loved about this episode is that the shade wasn’t loud — it was precise.

The looks. The pauses. The “I just want the best for her” speeches that had hidden meaning.

No tables flipped. No drinks thrown.

But emotionally? It was heavy.

You could feel the exhaustion. The frustration. The buildup from earlier in the season finally surfacing.

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🧠 Bigger Theme: Stress & Success

One thing this episode quietly touched on is how these women carry so much:

• Businesses
• Marriages
• Public scrutiny
• Friend group politics
• Image maintenance

And sometimes the body reacts before the mouth does.

It felt like Bravo was subtly reminding us: These women are strong… but they’re still human.

And that vulnerability made this episode feel deeper than the typical dinner-party drama.

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🎬 Production Notes

Bravo knew exactly what they were doing with the editing:

• Slow-motion reaction shots
• Dramatic music swelling
• Flashbacks to prior conflicts
• Confessionals that connected dots

It felt like a mid-season turning point.

This wasn’t filler. This was a shift.

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🏆 Final Thoughts

Season 12, Episode 11 wasn’t explosive in the traditional sense — but it was emotionally intense.

It showed:

• How fragile friendships can be.
• How stress manifests.
• How unresolved tension lingers.
• And how quickly concern can turn into commentary.

If the group doesn’t genuinely address what’s underneath all of this, we’re headed for a much bigger blow-up before the reunion.

Because nothing in this circle stays buried.

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⭐ Episode Rating: 8.5/10

Not chaotic — but layered, tense, and meaningful.

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What did you think?

Was the concern genuine?
Or was it another excuse to dissect someone’s life under the guise of friendship?

Drop your thoughts below. 👇

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 10, Episode 19 Reunion Part 2: Receipts, Regret & Ruthless Shade

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 10, Episode 19 Reunion Part 2: Receipts, Regret & Ruthless Shade

If you thought Part 1 of the reunion was messy, buckle up. Season 10, Episode 19 (Reunion Part 2) of The Real Housewives of Potomac delivered classic Potomac chaos — calculated reads, emotional confessions, and the kind of tension that makes you pause your TV and whisper, “Oh this about to get GOOD.”

With The Real Housewives of Potomac celebrating a decade of drama, this reunion felt like a referendum on the entire cast — who’s evolved, who’s deflecting, and who’s still playing chess while the others argue checkers.

And yes… the binder made its presence known.

Ashley Darby vs. Accountability: “I’m Just Being Me”

Let’s start with Ashley Darby, because she stayed in the hot seat for a good chunk of this episode.

Ashley doubled down on her season behavior, especially when it came to her commentary on Wendy Osefo and the legal drama that hovered over Wendy this year. According to Ashley, she was “just asking questions.” But the problem? The questions didn’t feel neutral — they felt pointed.

And that’s where the ladies pushed back.

Several cast members argued that Ashley plays innocent while lighting the match. It’s the classic Potomac formula: stir the pot, then sip your drink while everyone else burns. Ashley’s defense? The show has always been shady. The audience just got softer.

But here’s the thing — there’s a difference between playful shade and weaponized information. This reunion forced Ashley to confront whether she crossed that line.

Did she fully take accountability? Not exactly. But she did look rattled at times — and that’s rare.

Wendy Osefo: Calm, Controlled, and Calculated

Speaking of Wendy, she came prepared.

Wendy was far more measured than in previous seasons. Gone were the rapid-fire comebacks and visible frustration. Instead, she leaned into calm confidence. She articulated her side clearly, especially when addressing how rumors affected her family and reputation.

This wasn’t reactive Wendy. This was professor Wendy.

And that shift changed the energy. It forced the other women — especially Ashley — to either match her tone or look messy by comparison.

Gizelle’s Emotional Moment

Then came the unexpected emotional turn with Gizelle Bryant.

Gizelle opened up about personal family matters involving her father’s estate, and for a moment, the shade paused. You could see the layers drop. The usual smirk disappeared. Instead, we saw vulnerability.

Even cast members who typically clash with Gizelle softened during this segment. It was a reminder that beyond the glam, the gowns, and the confessionals, these women are navigating real-life grief and legal stress.

Potomac doesn’t always slow down long enough for sincerity — but when it does, it hits.

Jassi vs. Keiarna: New Girl Energy, Old School Aggression

Now let’s get to the sparks.

Jassi Rideaux and Keiarna Stewart clashed hard.

Jassi walked in with bold energy, ready to defend herself and re-litigate her conflicts. Keiarna wasn’t backing down either. What made this dynamic interesting was the generational shift — newer cast members bringing a more confrontational style compared to the original Potomac “smile-while-I-slice-you” approach.

The exchange felt less strategic and more explosive.

And Andy? Oh, he was grinning.

Monique’s Return & The Binder 2.0

Yes. It happened.

Monique Samuels made a surprise appearance — and she did not come empty-handed.

The binder of receipts, now iconic in Housewives history, made its dramatic return. Even if she wasn’t central to the episode’s conflict, her presence symbolized something bigger: Potomac’s legacy.

Monique’s original binder moment years ago redefined reunion warfare. So seeing her step back into that space felt nostalgic and slightly ominous.

The message? In Potomac, nobody ever really forgets.

The “Too Sensitive” Debate

One of the most layered discussions of the night centered around whether today’s cast (and audience) is “too sensitive.”

Ashley and others suggested earlier seasons were harsher — and no one blinked. But social media has changed the stakes. Cancel culture, think pieces, and online backlash now follow every shady comment.

This debate felt meta. It wasn’t just about this cast. It was about reality TV in 2026.

Are Housewives still allowed to be villains? Or do they have to self-produce to survive?

Potomac has always thrived on sharp wit and elite-level reading. But this reunion suggested the women are more cautious — and more defensive — than ever before.

Andy Cohen’s Control of the Room

Credit where it’s due: Andy Cohen did not let anyone fully escape.

He pressed Ashley repeatedly. He asked Wendy direct questions. He circled back to unresolved conflicts. He allowed emotional pauses but quickly pivoted back to drama.

The pacing felt tighter than recent reunions. There was less shouting over each other and more structured confrontation.

Which honestly? Made the reads hit harder.

Final Thoughts: Who Won Part 2?

Reunion Part 2 felt like a chess match.

Wendy gained points for composure.

Gizelle earned sympathy.

Ashley took heat but held her ground.

Jassi and Keiarna brought chaos.

Monique reminded everyone of the franchise’s power era.

No one delivered a single knockout blow — but the psychological shifts were noticeable.

The alliances are cracking. The tone is evolving. And Season 10 is clearly transitional.

Potomac isn’t falling apart — it’s recalibrating.

And if Part 2 was this layered, you already know Part 3 is about to dig even deeper.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Not the most explosive reunion episode in RHOP history — but definitely one of the most strategic. Less screaming. More positioning. More legacy talk.

And honestly? That might be more dangerous.

Because in Potomac…

The real fight isn’t the argument. It’s the narrative.

And everybody is fighting to control it.

You Deleted Social Media… But You’re Still on YouTube? Girl, Let’s Talk.

You Deleted Social Media… But You’re Still on YouTube? Girl, Let’s Talk.

I’ve been watching YouTube day in and day out (because let’s be honest, that autoplay button is undefeated), and I keep seeing the same dramatic announcement:

“I deleted my social media. I’m free. I’m healed. I’m off the grid.”

But then… five minutes later… they upload a 27-minute YouTube video explaining why they left social media.

Pause.

Now don’t get me wrong — I support protecting your peace. I support logging off. I support mental clarity. But let’s not act brand new.

YouTube is social media.

You are still posting. You are still commenting. You are still engaging. You are still reading feedback. You are still checking analytics.

You didn’t leave social media. You switched platforms.

And that’s okay! Just say that.

The Real Issue: It’s Not the Platform — It’s the Relationship

People don’t usually leave social media because it exists. They leave because:

They were comparing themselves.

They were doom-scrolling.

They were addicted to validation.

They were overwhelmed by opinions.

They were mentally drained.

But instead of saying:

“I needed healthier boundaries.”

They say:

“I deleted social media.”

And then upload a YouTube video… with ads on.

Be honest. You restructured your access. You didn’t disappear.

YouTube Is Social Media (Let’s Be Clear)

YouTube has:

Comments

Likes

Shares

Subscribers

Algorithms

Analytics

Monetization

Community posts

Live chats

That’s social.

So if someone says they’re off social media but they’re active on YouTube, what they really mean is:

“I left Instagram/Twitter/Facebook because it wasn’t serving me.”

And that’s valid.

But let’s not act like YouTube is some underground monastery of peace and silence.

It’s just a different room in the same house.

If I Delete My Account, What Should I Do?

Now let’s flip this.

If you decide to delete your social media accounts, here’s some grounded advice:

1. Don’t announce it dramatically.

If you’re truly stepping away for peace, you don’t need applause. Just go.

When people make long speeches about leaving, sometimes it’s still about attention.

Peace is quiet.

2. Be clear about your goals.

Ask yourself:

Am I leaving because I’m triggered?

Because I’m addicted?

Because I’m distracted?

Because I need to focus on money or purpose?

Clarity helps you return healthier — or stay gone confidently.

3. Don’t replace one addiction with another.

If you delete Instagram but now spend 8 hours on YouTube, did you really change?

Switching apps isn’t healing. Changing habits is.

4. If you’re a content creator, plan strategically.

Now this part is important — especially if you’re building something (and you are).

If you make money from your content, don’t just delete everything emotionally.

Instead:

Archive posts.

Pause notifications.

Limit screen time.

Delegate.

Batch content.

Change how you engage.

You don’t burn your house down because you need fresh air. You open a window.

The Performance of “Leaving”

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes “I’m leaving social media” becomes a rebrand moment. A reset narrative. A soft-launch transformation arc.

And then three weeks later:

“I’m back. I’ve grown so much.”

It becomes content.

And again — that’s not wrong. Just be transparent.

There’s nothing wrong with stepping back. There’s nothing wrong with needing boundaries. There’s nothing wrong with monetizing your life.

But don’t act superior because you deleted Instagram while uploading daily vlogs.

We see you.

My Advice If You’re Over It

If you’re tired of watching people perform their exits, here’s what you do:

Unfollow.

Stop clicking.

Stop hate-watching.

Protect your time.

Build your own lane.

Because while they’re announcing their departure from “social media,” the algorithm is still paying them.

Focus on your own consistency instead of their contradictions.

Final Thought

Leaving social media isn’t about the app. It’s about discipline. It’s about intention. It’s about mental clarity. It’s about energy.

If you delete your account — do it quietly. If you stay — stay intentionally. If you pivot — own it.

But please…

Don’t stand in the middle of YouTube talking about how you left social media like you escaped the Matrix.

You just changed rooms.

And that’s fine.

Just say that.

Did 60 Minutes Report That Jesse Jackson Passed Away? Let’s Clear This Up.

Did 60 Minutes Report That Jesse Jackson Passed Away? Let’s Clear This Up.

This Sunday, timelines were in a frenzy.

Group chats were buzzing.

Facebook aunties were typing in all caps.

And somebody — somewhere — said that 60 Minutes reporte

d that Jesse Jackson had passed away.

Let’s slow this down.

Because that did not happen.

Where Did This Even Start?

Anytime a legendary public figure has health challenges, the internet starts pre-writing obituaries. Jesse Jackson has had visible health struggles in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease. When cameras show him looking frail, social media does what it does best:

Speculate.

Exaggerate.

And then hit “share” without checking.

That’s how rumors are born.

Did 60 Minutes Announce His Death?

No.

There was no official report from 60 Minutes stating that Jesse Jackson has passed away.

If that had happened, every major news outlet would have confirmed it within minutes. Instead? Silence. Because it wasn’t true.

And here’s the thing — 60 Minutes often profiles historic figures, civil rights icons, and political legacies. Sometimes a reflective segment about someone’s life can feel like a memorial piece. But that does not mean the person has died.

Context matters.

Why These Rumors Spread So Fast

Let’s be real.

We are in the era of:

“I heard…”

“Somebody said…”

“It was on TV…”

“Did you see the post?”

Before you know it, a rumor becomes a headline in someone’s mind.

And when the person involved is someone as historically important as Jesse Jackson — a civil rights figure who stood alongside giants of the movement — emotions run high.

But facts still matter.

The Bigger Conversation

There’s something uncomfortable about how quickly we jump to announce someone’s passing before confirmation. Especially Black leaders. Especially elders.

Instead of celebrating legacy while people are still here, we often wait for a death rumor to trend.

Maybe the real takeaway is this:

Honor people while they’re alive.

Share their history. Discuss their impact. Teach younger generations who they are.

Without turning social media into a premature obituary board.

Final Word

As of now, Jesse Jackson is alive.

And no, 60 Minutes did not announce his passing.

Before you repost, before you panic, before you text the family group chat — check a reliable news source.

Because in 2026, misinformation travels faster than truth.

And we don’t need another “Wait… he’s not dead?” moment.

What do you think?

Did you see the rumor too? Or was this your first time hearing it?