Monday night was the series premiere of TV One's "R&B Divas" starring (L-R) Monifah, Nicci Gilbert, Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt. The show's story line revolves around Evans' plan to get the 5 women in the studio to record a blockbuster R&B album together.
But actually 'R&B Divas' -- which is filmed in Atlanta -- is just another reality show that focuses on black women and their dysfunctional relationships with men and with each other. The premiere episode set the tone for the rest of the series by highlighting each woman's flaws.
There's KeKe Wyatt, 30, who can't or won't go anywhere without her 2nd husband, Michael. Wyatt made headlines in 2001 when she stabbed her 1st husband in the chest and arms with a kitchen knife during an argument on Christmas day. Rahmat Morton survived his injuries, but he dropped Wyatt like a hot potato.
Wyatt's fragile emotions is further complicated by hormone fluctuations caused by her sixth pregnancy (she has 3 children with her 1st husband and 2 with Michael). Faith Evans, 39, has a history of drug and alcohol problems that resulted in DUI charges in 2004. Then there's Monifah, 41, whose personal experiences with abandonment issues and alcoholism caused her to become involved with abusive lesbians over the past 2 decades.
It's sad that TV One has chosen this route for these talented but troubled women, but there's money to be made at the expense of black culture.
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