LisaRaye McCoy Faces Colorism Accusations After Defending Radio Host

BY Erika Marie 3.5K Views
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LisaRaye McCoy, Halle Berry, Rob Lederman, Racism, Colorism
Rob Lederman compared Black women's skin tones to toaster settings, saying he'd "never go to a Serena Williams level."

Days ago, controversial remarks were made by radio host Rob Lederman after he took to the Morning Bull Show and compared women's skin tones to toaster settings. “I would never go to a Serena Williams level, but I’m very comfortable with a Halle Berry level," said Lederman. Soon, he was fired from his job and he later issued an apology, but Berry wouldn't let it slide. She publicly condemned him, but LisaRaye McCoy doesn't understand why people are making a big deal out of Lederman's preferences.

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"He's just saying he doesn't go as far as a dark-skinned Black woman," said McCoy while chatting with her Cocktails with Queens co-hosts. "He's comfortable with the color of a Halle Berry. What's wrong with that?" Syleena Johnson jumped in to disagree, noting that it wasn't necessary for Lederman to have a conversation about the skin tones of Black women.

"That's colorism! He could have said that differently in this climate," added Johnson. Still, McCoy was unmoved and attempted to counter her co-host. "I always say I either wanna get a latte or I'll say I wanna caramel latte or a mocha," said McCoy, But Johnson told her that she's a Black woman, not a White man making those statements.

Back in January, McCoy was criticized after she defended DaniLeigh following the singer's "Yellow Bone" controversy, saying she should be able to "celebrate her skin."

Check out the clip and a few responses below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.