‘The Challenge’ Star Cory Wharton Under Fire for Calling Himself ‘Biracial, Not Black’
MTV star Cory Wharton, mostly known for his several appearances on competition reality series The Challenge, recently came under fire for insisting he did not know what it’s like to be a black man because he’s biracial. Many were disappointed in his comment because they wanted him to speak up about the current unrest and protests across the country, sparked by a viral video of a Minneapolis cop killing George Floyd, an unarmed black man.
After speaking to Cheyenne Floyd, Teen Mom OG star, and mother of his oldest daughter, as well as some members of his family, Cory apologized for his comment.
Cory Wharton under fire for calling himself ‘biracial, not black’
On May 30, 2020, The Challenge star Cory Wharton talked to his fans on Instagram Live, who wanted him to address the racially-motivated protests and riots happening across the country.
To one fan, he explained there’s also “racism toward white people” because he’s been around “black families that do not like white families.” In another response, the 29-year-old claimed he “doesn’t know what it’s like to be black” and won’t say that he does because he’s “biracial.”
The comment irritated a lot of fans who thought his remark was ignorant. They felt like he missed the point because if a police officer stops him, they’ll likely treat him as a black man, which is the main reason behind the protests.
Many fans wanted him to speak out against police brutality toward blacks and thought he spent more time defending whites as also being victims of racism.
The following day, Cheyenne Floyd, fellow MTV star and mother of his oldest daughter, jumped into an Instagram Live with the personal trainer to explain why people were outraged with his original statement.
Cory Wharton apologized for his words
The father-of-two began the Live by apologizing for how he “articulated” himself and admitted he didn’t feel like what he said adequately represented himself.
Cheyenne explained that Cory was raised by his mother, who’s white, limiting his exposure to his “black side.” Therefore, the personal trainer felt like it was disrespectful to his mother to call himself strictly black.
The Teen Mom OG star, who has been vocal supporter of the peaceful protests, responded by telling Cory it wasn’t disrespectful because he and his mother would have different experiences if pulled over by a cop. Cory promised he would learn and educate himself so he could teach his daughters.
The following day, the 29-year-old posted a public apology on his social media. He started by saying he felt like he “let the black community down” and has learned that “education is key.”
The Challenge star promised he’s not “blind to the many injustices that impact black lives” but his “message got lost during his Live.” Cory continued and explained he stated things that he “honestly doesn’t believe” and spoke up too quickly, which “ended up causing more harm” than good.
He also acknowledged his words were “irresponsible” and claimed he is “proud of who I am.” Cory ended his post by promising to “be better” and continue educating himself “as a black father” so he can properly teach his daughters about their “heritage.”
The Challenge airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on MTV.
