Khia Wasn't Feeling Billy Porter's Oscars Tuxedo-Gown: "Dress Like A Boy"

BY Erika Marie 8.0K Views
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Billy Porter
The rapper didn't approve of the actor's tuxedo gown.

Rapper Khia has never been one to hold her tongue when it comes to sharing her opinion, and she had much to say about Billy Porter's Academy Awards tuxedo-gown. The acclaimed actor turned heads while on the Oscars red carpet in his velvet, Christian Siriano ensemble. The social media feedback regarding Porter's look was overwhelming, bringing in both cheers and jeers from onlookers. Khia expressed her displeasure about Porter's attire on social media, sharing that men shouldn't wear dresses.

Khia stated in her video that she doesn't care if a man is gay, but he needs to "dress like a boy" and pick a side. "It ain't gon' be half-tuxedo at the top and ballgown at the bottom," Khia said. "That ain't how none of this s**t work." Porter, who anticipated that there would be some who didn't approve of his choices previously commented, "People are going to be really uncomfortable with my black ass in a ballgown, but it’s not anybody’s business but mine."

There has been backlash, but the Pose star hasn't been swayed by any negativity as he defended his custom Oscars gown."I was ready to create the conversation," Porter told The Associated Press. "We have to teach people how to treat us, we have to teach people how to love us, we have to teach people how to respect us, and the only way we do that is to respect ourselves."


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.