“Basketball Wives” Evelyn Lozada Talks “Bullying,” Colorism & Racism Allegations (Exclusive)

Source: David Livingston / Getty

“Basketball Wives” Star Aims To Set The Record Straight In Exclusive Interview

Evelyn Lozada has been embroiled in a public feud with her “Basketball Wives” co-star Ogom “OG” Chijindu – a spat that has led to allegations of racism, Twitter draggings and, according to her, has affected her bottom line.

And now, just days after the TV personality and mother of two filed a defamation suit against OG, she spoke to BOSSIP where she aims to set the record straight about what’s transpired over the last few weeks. Lozada admits that she is a work in progress and is trying to do better – but she also says that the public has got it wrong about what’s in her heart:

Bossip: What has been the biggest misconception about you following this season of “Basketball Wives”?
Evelyn: “The biggest misconception is that I am a bully. I’ve come to realize that outspokenness could be misconstrued for something that it’s really not. My family and friends know me, love me and accept complete and utter honesty from me-LOL. I’ve thought long and hard about this and concluded that there is a difference in how my directness and candor is received by those I personally know and those I don’t. I will do better…”

Bossip: Following show airing, one of the criticisms of you was that you had displayed racist behavior – are you a racist?

Evelyn: “Oh wow, First, let me say, I think the initial criticisms were of reality television, in general, highlighting a sentiment that there is a widespread issue of colorism plaguing women of color as to how they are portrayed and treated on television. If you ask me if I agree with that question, I would say that we must all be a little more cognizant of how we all can play a role in bringing awareness and effecting change. With respect to the question around racism, nothing could be further from the truth. For anyone to call me a racist or a bigot against my own people is simply bananas and misinformed. 90% of the people I work with are people of color and 98% are women. And the same numbers, if not higher apply to my personal businesses. Besides, last time I looked in the mirror I was a woman of color–who has to more often than not, navigate through unchartered “real life” discrimination. Addressing false claims about racism and bigotry seems to be a waste of valuable time. I’ll just leave it there.”

Source: Courtesy VH1 / VH1

Bossip: Do you think there has been a double standard in the conflict between you and OG?
Evelyn: “No, I do not. I treat people how I want to be treated and I will react if I’m being treated badly—I’m human. For example, if I walked around with a negative disposition sprinkled with an authoritarian mannerism, how should I expect to be received and treated? What I will never do is cry wolf, act like a victim or manufacture a storyline to remain relevant.”

Bossip: Do you think that the situation between you two could ever be resolved? If so, how?
Evelyn: “That question can be best answered by Ogom, not me.”

Bossip: Have you thought about not returning to the show after this season?
Evelyn: “Absolutely not. If I am invited back for Season 9, I’d welcome it.”

Source: Michael Tullberg / Getty

Bossip: Do you have any regrets about your storyline and/or actions this season?
Evelyn: I’ve been on reality television for a long time; scenes get cut short, conversations are spliced, and some people will try to “control” the narrative to show you the person they want you to see….the truth they want you to believe. I bring my authentic self at all times by living in my truth. Just remember people don’t show you everything about their life on reality television, social media, etc., there is a lot you don’t see. There is a lot to me…what I care about and how I live.

Bossip: We remember seeing your episode with Iyanla Vanzant – have you been able to use some of the strategies and resources she gave you going into this situation?
Evelyn: “I learned powerful lessons from Iyanla and I still do. I’m a work in progress, we all are, and we strive to be and do better. Since the show, I look at life through a totally different lens with an understanding of the bigger picture. Iyanla helped me to recognize the power of understanding who I am and how that knowledge is (a) a fundamental part of every aspect of my life.”

Bossip: What’s next for you?
Evelyn: Let me answer by beginning with “what’s going on now?” It’s a really exciting time in my life. For the past 8 years, I have been quietly building my lifestyle brand. In May 2018, the Evelyn Lozada Jewelry Collection was launched. The collection offers classic and chic pieces adorned with beautiful flowers as well as butterflies. The goal was to provide women with an affordable option of showcasing effortless beauty wherever they go. We sold out of the first color and style in just 3 hours and the entire collection in 12 hours after it launched; then it sold out on Amazon. I couldn’t be more ecstatic!

In 2019, I grew my brand to include a CBD skincare line–BX Glow Skincare. And yes, the name is an unapologetic nod to the Bronx-LOL. The clean line of glow-worthy products is comprised of a daily cleanser, exfoliator, eye cream and hydra-cream, all priced under $50 and available via http://www.evelynlozada.com and http://www.rivalworld.com.
I partnered with skincare and natural-ingredient gurus to design a clean skincare formula with infusions of Cannabis sativa flower extract, natural oils and protecting antioxidants. Each product in this line is formulated to be clean—no parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances, and never tested on animals.

Also, in June of this year, my long-awaited romance novel “The Perfect Date” hit the bookstore shelves and digital platforms with very flattering literary reviews. And for your readers who don’t know, my heart has always lived in a place of caring and compassion for others. This is why I founded the Evelyn Lozada Foundation (ELF) in 2018. Our mission is to transform society’s response to DV and the overall empowerment and upliftment of women and children. All activities are designed in the spirit of collaboration with existing nonprofits that are in communities and on the frontlines.