Basketball Wives Evelyn Lozada Speaks Out About Bullying Incident
This week's episode of Basketball Stars saw Tami Roman launching a verbal attack against fellow cast-mate Kesha Nichols. The group were enjoying a vacation in Tahiti when the incident took place. The behavior of the 41-year-old grown woman was widely criticized by viewers, with many accusing her of "bullying" when she confronted Nichols for allegedly talking behind her back to other cast-mates.
After the verbal harassment, Nichol's had written in her blog: "What I experienced was extremely difficult and emotional for me, as I'm sure it is for all victims of bullying. Unfortunately, I had to relive my personal experience by watching it happen on national television. At the same time, I now have a platform to bring awareness to the issue of adult bullying in today's society."
In response to the recent drama, fellow cast-mate Evelyn Lozada wrote in her blog: "Last night's episode was a whirlwind of emotions for everyone. It's such a sensitive subject for me because I honestly see it from both sides. I'm not here to condemn or condone anyone especially given some of my choices this season, however I will say that once again last night's episode and all that happened forced me to look at and examine myself in ways that I haven't in the past."
Lozada continued: "No matter what the situation is, I'm realizing that we as grown women are allowing ourselves to be placed in a position for judgment. I'm confident that I speak for many of us on the show that when it comes to creating a better balance for television, we are all working very hard to do just that. Many of us are getting help for our inner issues and striving to portray a more positive image overall.
"Tahiti was just an example of all of us being a true work in progress... Hang in there with us, as we vow to grow and become better!"
Despite the escalated violence on the show, VH1 has renewed the reality series for a fifth season, with the producers issuing a a statement that they will work to resolve issues in a non-violent fashion.
Shed Media released a statement saying: "Shed Media US is fully committed to telling the compelling stories of the Basketball Wives in a balanced way. Our producing partner Shaunie O'Neal feels strongly about this, and we fully agree with this stance. We support her as she encourages the cast members to work out issues in a non-violent fashion. We look forward to working with her and the rest of the cast on conveying more balance in the next season."
Public backlash from Roman's behavior prompted the reality star to issue a public apology to Kesha. Roman wrote in a Facebook post: "I don't apologize for it 2b accepted - that is ultimately the other person's right to accept or deny it. My only responsibility is to acknowledge a mistake was made and own up to it. I apologize to my family, my REAL friends, my business colleagues, and my Project Girl ladies 4my recent behavior on BBW. I am NOT a bully as depicted on the show, but I did make poor decisions in handling my differences with my cast mate. I sincerely apologize to all of us, as well as to my castmate who was on the receiving end of my wrath."
