Jennifer Hudson To Play In The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game To Pay Tribute To Her Slain Brother
Jennifer Hudson announced she will participate in the 2024 All-Star Celebrity Game, but with a meaningful motive, honoring her late brother, Jason Hudson.
During Tuesday's episode of 'The Jennifer Hudson Show,' the 42-year-old disclosed that her long-cherished dream of participating in the event was now turning into a reality.
"Have you all heard about the upcoming NBA All-Star Game?" Hudson asked the in-studio audience. Emphasizing her role as a basketball mom, she shared her annual tradition of attending the event with her son, David Otunga, Jr. and his cousins, playfully referring to them as "Camp David" due to their shared passion for basketball.
The EGOT winner, who shares one son with her ex-fiancé David Otunga, shared how the game holds special significance for her as it coincides with her late brother's birthday.
"His birthday was February 17th and he was big on basketball too," Hudson said. "This makes me a huge basketball fan and in honor of him I always make a point to celebrate his birthday that way."
Hudson's brother, along with her mother Darnell Donerson and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King, died in October 2008. Hudson's former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was convicted of the murders.
Hudson humorously acknowledged her height advantage, stating, "You see I'm tall enough, right?"
The Chicago native also expressed her determination to make her son proud, adding, "I'm calling everybody because I've got to make the son proud 'cause I can't get out there and don't know what I'm doing."
Hudson enlisted the help of former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher to prepare for the big game.
The 2024 All-Star celebrity game takes place on February 16 at 7:00pm ET on TNT. It will be played at the Lucas Oil Stadium.
