The use of the slur “nigger” and all other versions of the word have always been a sensitive topic considering its racial origins. Recently, cast members of “The Real World Homecoming: Los Angeles” ruffled the feathers of reality television veteran Tami Roman when they repeated the word in the middle of a conversation about some of the racist events they experienced.
During the chat, castmate Glen Naessens recalled the time the racial epithet was spewed at his friend. “The first time I’ve really felt what you’re passionate about was when I was with my friend John, and I went to a pizza place,” he said. “And they called him a nigger.”
Shocked by his blatant use of the word, Roman took the time to school him and let him know that he should never utter it in any context, insisting that he instead say “the N-word.” Naessens, however, kept missing the point. He argued that he was only recalling what had already happened, inciting a heated response from the former “Basketball Wives” star. “You don’t understand what I’m saying to you that the word ‘nigger’ should not come out yo’ white-ass mouth!” she screamed.
Latina castmate Irene Berrera eventually chimed in to back Roman’s sentiments, but she negated the point as she, too, said the racial slur. “You have no idea what it is to be a nigger, okay? Do not ever say that!” she said, to which Roman responded, “You don’t say it either, ’cause you Latina.”
In a confessional, Roman vented about the experience. “I can’t go through my life trying to educate people on humanity,” she said. “Why do we have to educate you on something you should already know. And if you’re talking to a Black person about a plight that affects them, you might want to listen.”
“I’m annoyed,” she added. “It is not my job to educate you [on] how to understand equality, how to respect another human being, that is not my job.”
Roman’s exchange with her “Real World” cast members went viral, making her name a trending topic. See the clip and some of the reactions below.
Some questions are fun, some open up a can of worms.
The new episode of The #RealWorld Homecoming: Los Angeles is NOW STREAMING on @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/C1T3SoBBt7
— The Real World Homecoming (@RealWorldMTV) December 29, 2021
Tami really gave us an updated version. Same energy 😫 pic.twitter.com/v3bGneeRRD
— TheLimitDoesNotExist (@sylviamphofe) December 30, 2021
Tami Roman literally went from “Here we go” to “Looka this mfer” to “Alright nah bitch” in this scene. You could SEE her frustration chile. Love me some Tami! pic.twitter.com/Mn9QiKfzPa
— Keef (@__justkeith) December 30, 2021
“And you don’t say it, either. You’re Latina” – Tami Roman
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard because this Hispanics really think they’re special. pic.twitter.com/IrRq9hTvZZ
— raveen marie ❄️ (@xoraveen) December 30, 2021
Tami has definitely grown. Cause old Tami would have thrown punches before the -er left their lips.
— Andi King💎⚠️ (@An_Palace) December 30, 2021
Tami won me over in this scene.
I’ve held a grudge against her for YEARS because of the blanket situation. The way she handled this scene made me like and respect her. All is forgiven. pic.twitter.com/gEliSEszR5
— LookAtDustin (@LookAtDustin) December 30, 2021
They’re stressing Tami out in that house. The bonnet and cigarette combo is sending me! 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/TuG2XEW33N
— “You can’t say it either ‘cause you’re latina!” (@fineassjohn) December 29, 2021
OMG, the fact that Glen would repeatedly say the N-word in front of Tami and David is SICK. For those who don’t know, this is The Real World Homecoming: Los Angeles. Tami was on Season 2 of The Real World in 1993. That was her claim to fame. https://t.co/C8GEm23P4c
— 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒸𝒶 (@MJFINESSELOVER) December 29, 2021