Russell Simmons Sued For Alleged Rape Of Former Def Jam Exec

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 15, 2024

Russell Simmons Sued For Alleged Rape Of Former Def Jam Exec

Russell Simmons is being sued for sexual harassment and battery by a former Def Jam executive who says he raped her in the 1990s.

Russell Simmons is being sued for sexual harassment and battery by a former Def Jam executive who claims he raped her in the 1990s.

The suit was filed by a “Jane Doe” who worked at Def Jam in the ’90s as a senior music executive and video producer, per The Hollywood Reporter. The woman, who now works as a writer and producer, claims Simmons invited her to his New York City apartment to approve a music video.

While there, Simmons allegedly started to “wrestle” with her “in an attempt to appear playful,” but the “situation escalated into aggression,” with the Def Jam founder pinning her down on a bed, the suit states.

“Ms. Doe repeatedly told Mr. Simmons to get off of her, but he refused,” according to the complaint. “Mr. Simmons proceeded to rape her.”

After the attack, the accuser struggled with frequent panic attacks, depression, and anxiety while on the job where Simmons also allegedly harassed her.

“He would sit on her desk, lean over her, aggressively invading her personal space while making sexual innuendos, suggestions, and advances, and rubbing the front of his pants,” the complaint states. “Mr. Simmons would follow Ms. Doe to the door or block her path to prevent her from opening it again.”

The harassment allegedly got so bad that a senior executive would tell Simmons to leave the accuser’s office. The accuser eventually resigned from Def Jam in 1997 and went on to work as an executive producer for TV and commercial production companies.

The suit follows rape allegations made by former Def Jam exec Drew Dixon, who publicly accused Simmons of sexual assault in 2017 before outlining the alleged attack in the 2020 documentary On The Record. Dixon went on to work as an executive at Arista Records, where she claims to have been harrassed by L.A. Reid.

Last year, Dixon sued Reid for sexual assault and retaliation after he allegedly hindered her career after she refused his advances. Reid recently filed a response requesting all documents related to Dixon’s abuse allegations against Simmons.

The “Jane Doe” behind Simmons’ rape lawsuit joins a long list of women who have accused the hip-hop mogul of sexual misconduct. In December, Simmons sat down for an interview where he denied rape allegations made by at least 18 women, saying he took “nine lie detector tests” that allegedly proved he’s “never done this to anyone.”

Simmons has been living in Bali, Indonesia, since the rape and sexual misconduct allegations from the 1980s to early 2000s first started to come out against him in 2017.

Donald, Glover, Awaken My Love, Childish Gambino, model, residuals, cover

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 15, 2024

Donald Glover Says Misogynoir Criticism ‘Hurts’ But ‘Doesn’t Matter’

Donald Glover is "hurt" by those who think he has a disdain for Black women. But the criticism also "doesn't matter" to him.

Donald Glover is “hurt” by those who think he has a disdain for Black women. But the criticism also “doesn’t matter” to him.

Glover and his Mr. & Mrs. Smith star Maya Erksine recently sat down for a deep dive with The Hollywood Reporter where he was asked about his 2022 Interview magazine feature, in which he interviewed himself and asked, “Are you afraid of Black women?”

The question and his response only added to age-old misogynoir criticism Glover has faced throughout his career.

When asked about the misogynoir “narrative” that follows his name, Glover didn’t hold back.

“I felt like it was something that people always say, but no one ever asked because I felt like people really don’t want to know,” he said. “It is a better narrative. But anybody who actually knows me knows how much that hurts me.”

“Of course” the criticism bothers Glover. “But I also realize it doesn’t matter. People are not going to read this and be like, ‘Wow, I was wrong,'” he said.

His Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star jumped in, asking Glover if his defense to the criticism is to just tell himself “I don’t care?”

“To go play with my kids and be happy and be present. Because my kids know that and they’re the only ones who matter. Or my mom knows that, and she’s the only one who matters. Or Quinta [Brunson] knows that, and she’s the only one who matters,” Glover said in response.

“People who actually know me. And also, it’s not true. When I walk down the street in Atlanta, that’s not what happens.”

Glover has long faced claims of showing disdain or disregard for Black women from criticism about his FX series Atlanta not being for Black people to his old music where he made repeated references about Asian women. When interviewing himself for Interview magazine in 2022, Glover asked himself if he was “afraid of Black women.”

“Why are you asking me that?” he wrote in response. “I feel like you’re using Black women to question my Blackness.”

There was never a direct answer to the question. His latest response might shed more light on where Glover stands on the misogynoir topic. He married Michelle White in 2015 while working on Mr. & Mrs. Smith. They share three sons, born in 2016, 2018, and 2020.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 15, 2024

Dwayne Johnson Blasts ‘False’ Report About His Maui Relief Efforts: ‘I Won’t Stay Quiet’

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took time out of his busy day to address one reporter who made a "false" claim related to his Maui relief effort.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently took time out of his busy day to address one reporter who made a “false” claim related to his Maui relief effort.

While Johnson has made it his business to offer support and relief to Maui in the wake of 2023 wildfires, one reporter decided to call his bluff. Independent journalist Nick Sortor went viral over the weekend after he claimed Johnson was booed at a WWE press conference in Las Vegas for not doing enough for the people of Maui.

“Oprah and Dwayne @TheRock Johnson promised TENS OF MILLIONS to the victims of the Maui fires, but many victims still have not seen a dime,” Sortor tweeted. “It looks like the audience is fully AMERICA FIRST and is demanding The Rock and Oprah follow through with their commitment to take care of the people of Lahaina.”

“The crowd started booing and chanting “MAUI! MAUI! MAUI!” he added.

I typically refrain from responding to toxic, false clickbait garbage like this because I hate dignifying bullshit with a response, but when you use Hawaii’s tragic events to draw attention to yourself I won’t stay quiet.

This moment you’re referring to is from our @WWE press… https://t.co/z76m1Q7w1N
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 11, 2024

On Saturday, Feb. 10, Johnson caught wind of the “false” report and issued a lengthy response to Sortor, shutting down his claim and providing more context as to why he was booed at the wrestling event and his continued relief to the people of Maui.

“This moment you’re referring to is from our @WWE press conference this past Thursday where I turned “heel” – wrestling parlance for [a] bad guy,” he explained. “I’m playing it up with our crowd as they boo. It’s what we do in our WWE universe, and we all love every second of it.”

Johnson continued, “Our People’s Fund of Maui has already DELIVERED over $50 MILLION DOLLARS to over 8,000 survivors who were affected by the fires, and I’m grateful to the bone that we’ve been the primary funders.”

The Fast and Furious star, who has roots in Hawaii, went on to share his upbringing in Hawaii as well as how he spends parts of the year there raising his children. He also praised the resilience of the Polynesian community in Hawaii.

“These are my Polynesian people, and these are OUR American people. You can’t imagine how much they are still struggling daily to put their lives back together and take care of each other,” Johnson wrote. “Our Poly American people are as resilient as people come, and they will [rise] and get back on their feet.”

Sortor followed up in a separate tweet and seemingly admitted using the moment as clickbait to bring media attention back to Maui relief efforts.

Obviously the claim made in this post has been disputed by the Rock himself, which seems to have some validity.

I’m leaving this post up simply to provide context to the ongoing dispute between the two of us regarding funding for Maui.

I’m willing to hear the Rock out, and I’m…
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 12, 2024

Johnson and Oprah Winfrey teamed up last year to launch a fund dedicated to providing aid and relief to victims of Hawaii’s August 2023 wildfires on the island of Maui. The natural disaster is considered the country’s deadliest wildfire in more than 100 years, with an estimated 2,170 acres of land burned and approximately 100 lives lost. The People’s Fund of Maui, which Johnson and Winfrey launched last August with a $10 million donation, remains active.

Tristan Thompson, Amari Thompson, guardianship, brother, mother, death

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 15, 2024

Tristan Thompson Calls Out Estranged Father For ‘Abandoning’ Disabled Brother After Separating From Late Mother

Tristan Thompson is putting his estranged father on blast amid his legal fight to win guardianship of his disabled younger brother Amari Thompson.

Tristan Thompson is putting his estranged father on blast amid his legal fight to win guardianship of his disabled younger brother, Amari Thompson.

The NBA star made a recent filing where he provided details about his estranged relationship with his father, Trevor Thompson, Radar Online reported. According to Tristan, 32, his dad abandoned his two sons after separating from their late mother, Andrea Marie Brooks, in 2014.”

“Before Andrea Marie Brooks, the proposeward’s’s biological mother died on January 5, 2023, she obtained sole custody of [Amari] in July of 2014″ the filing states.

“Trevor Douglas Thompson was ordered to pay child support to Andrea Marie Brooks as a result of the same proceeding which granted Andrea Brooks sole custody. Since then, Trevor Douglas Thompson has effectively abandoned the proposed ward; he failed to pay any child support despite the court order and has not been in contact with the [Amari] or Andrea Marie Brooks since July 2014″”

Tristan’s latest petition comes after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge requested additional information to become Amari’s permanent guardian, 17. The Cleveland Cavaliers player was granted temporary guardianship of his brother following his mother’s passing.

Amari has epilepsy and other medical conditions that require around-the-clock support, which Tristan has been handling since losing their mother. The NBA champion, who has four children of his own, is seeking permanent guardianship of Amari and needs the court to grant his petition.

“Amari is a minor and has medical conditions that render him unable to take care of himself or seek gainful employment,” the petition states. “Appointing a guardian for Amari would be in his best interest because it would ensure that someone would be responsible for providing and fulfilling his basic needs””

Once granted permanent guardianship, Tristan plans to use the $114k inheritance for Amari to invest in his younger brother’s future. The athlete will ensure his younger sibling receives proper healthcare, and bring him along when Tristan travels internationally. The eldest of his mother’s three sons is also the only person who can afford Amari’s expensive care.

“Tristan has been taking care of Amari since their mother died in January of 2023,” the filing reads. “Tristan has ensured that Amari has made all his medical appointments, has had all of his basic needs met, and has provided him with a quality of life that none of Amari’s other living relatives can meet.”

However, the courts are seeking more information as it relates to their father. Tristan is clarifying that he has no contact with their father or even an address to serve him with notice of the hearing for guardianship.

With no idea where Trevor Thompson is located, Tristan believes it’s “contrary to the interests of justice” for his father to be notified of the hearing.

“[Trevor] has done nothing to support or raise the proposed ward since then and has relinquished all rights to have any say in the proposed ward’s care,” the petition states.

“Trevor Thompson, a Canadian citizen, is my father and the father of my minor brother, Amari. Amari and I have not had any contact with him since his separation from our late mother in 2014, and contact was minimal prior to that date.”

The last time Tristan claims to have seen or spoken to his father was a “brief interaction” at his mother’s funeral. Even after hiring a legal professional to track down his father, Tristan was unsuccessful. He is asking the court to grant him legal permanent guardianship of his brother without their father showing up to court.

Joyel Crawford, Fairygodmentor, Ask Your Fairygodmentor, Column

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 15, 2024

Ask Your Fairygodmentor®: How To Make A Great First Impression Without Burning Yourself Out In The Process

It’s really exciting and overwhelming to start a new job. You want to ensure you’re bringing your best but not overdoing it and burning yourself out.

Reader’s Question:

Hey Joyel, as someone who’s just joined a new team, I really want to make a great impression by going above and beyond. But I’m also worried about burning out. How can I show my dedication without getting overwhelmed and stressed? Looking for some solid advice on finding that sweet spot.

Thanks!

New Job Who Dis

Dear New Job,

Congratulations! It’s really exciting and overwhelming to start a new job. You want to ensure you’re bringing your best to the organization each day but can also be going so above and beyond that you may overdo it and burn yourself out. Kudos for this self-awareness!

Indulge me a moment for a little story. I recall one of the new jobs I’d taken on where I would work several hours after everyone had gone home for the evening. It got to the point where I’d work so late that the cleaning crew left before me! My cubicle was on the way out of the office and I wanted each team member to leave the office seeing me working past regular business hours. My working late amplified my dedication to the job or so I thought.

One particular evening, one of the most senior members of the executive team was on his way out. He always stopped by my cubicle to say goodnight. This time he looked at his watch and looked at me and said something that stuck with me for life.

“Be careful of the story you’re writing, because folks will begin to expect you to be here this late regularly.”

Creating boundaries is necessary. You teach people how you want to be treated, especially when you’re starting a new job. How late you work, how much you take onto your plate beyond your capabilities, and not speaking up when things aren’t going quite right all add up. If you continue to let things slide people will assume that you’re ok with things the way they are when you really are not.

Set expectations that meet reality from the get go. Bring your resume and that interview energy to your first meeting with your manager to discuss performance objectives and expectations.

Reiterate your passion for the role, discuss your communication styles, discover the chain of command in decision making, ask questions about the role and job expectations that need clarification, discuss your own work performance objectives and expectations of your manager.

You may try saying, “In order for me to be the most successful player on your team, I’d like to understand what your expectations are of me and I’d like to share with you what helps me be most productive and successful in meeting those goals and expectations.”

Discuss your schedule and any accommodations that you may need to ensure that you are self-advocating for your commitments.

If you have a habit of losing focus or get nervous, use a script. Write up a quick list of bullet points to keep your conversation on track. Take notes of the conversation, ask questions to check for understanding and send a summary of talking points to your manager (keep those receipts!). Never leave that conversation until everything you wanted to discuss is clearly understood by both parties.

While you’re at it, make sure to get a standing one-on-one meeting set up with your manager so you can continue to work together to ensure that you’re on track performance and career wise. Remember, you drive your career. Your manager is your GPS to help you calculate your route. Only you know the address. It’s up to you to coach upward to help others know where you want to go. If you have questions about career or leadership ask here.

Congrats again! You got this!

Sincerely,

Your Fairygodmentor®

Joyel Crawford of Crawford Leadership Strategies grows leaders for a living. Joyel hosts a podcast called Career View Mirror®. She also holds PHR, DISC, and Birkman Assessment certifications. She’s a member of SHRM, the National Black MBA Association, and a legislative advocate for NAAF. Her career advice is featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Essence, Newsweek, and many more outlets.

T.D. Jakes, Wells Fargo, $1 billion, partnership, foundation, real estate ventures, Atlanta, wellsfargo

by Rafael Pena

February 14, 2024

T.D. Jakes And Wells Fargo Announce $9M Grant For Underserved Communities

On Feb. 9, Pastor T.D. Jakes and Wells Fargo announced a $9 million grant as part of a community revitalization initiative.

Forbes reports a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at addressing societal challenges and revitalizing forgotten communities. On Feb. 7, renowned pastor T.D. Jakes and Wells Fargo announced a $9 million grant initiative. The partnership, born out of a shared commitment to social impact, seeks to bring positive change to underserved areas, emphasizing financial literacy, affordable housing, and community development.

T.D. Jakes, founder and pastor of The Potter’s House, had proposed a foundation to address sociological issues four years ago, estimating a need for $100 million. Undeterred by the absence of immediate funds, Jakes, known for his faith-driven initiatives, went public with his vision in January 2020.

“I’m not normal. I stepped out on faith,” said Jakes of his belief in the transformative power of faith.

The partnership includes a significant financial commitment from Wells Fargo, the $9 million grant is intended to aid in revitalizing marginalized communities, particularly Black and brown neighborhoods. The announcement specified a $500,000 allocation to Augusta, Georgia’s Laney Walker neighborhood, where plans include the construction of a much-needed grocery store.

Last year, the collaboration between the T.D. Jakes Foundation, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, and Wells Fargo crystallized into a $1 billion investment initiative. The multifaceted approach aims to refurbish underserved areas, fostering economic growth and community well-being. Jakes envisions combating financial disparities through increased financial literacy programs and addressing issues like predatory payday loan businesses.

“Incrementally, we will attack some of the issues,” affirmed Jakes, who has already initiated mixed-use real estate development plans in South Florida, including senior housing. Notably, the pastor has enlisted the support of billionaire Tyler Perry for a project around the Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta.

The combined developments in Atlanta and Florida are projected to include 2,000 homes, with plans to build an additional 10,000 nationwide over the next five years.

Jakes emphasizes his commitment to creating opportunities for Black Americans and empowering communities.

“For years [Black Americans] had people making decisions about us without us,” Jakes said. “And often, even when well-meaning, it’s been to our detriment.”

Addressing concerns about Wells Fargo’s historical relationship with Black Americans, especially regarding mortgage discrimination, Jakes expressed trust in the bank’s current leadership. He noted CEO Charles Scharf’s commitment to rectifying past issues and emphasized the ongoing endeavor to build equity, opportunity, and affordable housing.

“I’m here to represent our people in an ongoing endeavor to build equity, opportunity, to build a commodity of affordable housing,” Jakes said. “Wells Fargo is standing alongside to provide capital.”

culture atlanta, consigner, seller, shoe, Cumberland mall, Cobb county, burglary, robbery, theft

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 14, 2024

Atlanta Consignment Store Closes After Alleged Robbery, But Sellers Are Suspicious

Culture Atlanta, a consignment store at the Cumberland Mall, closed after an alleged robbery, but sellers aren't buying it.

A sneaker consignment store in Atlanta announced it was closing its doors due to multiple robberies there. However, sellers who consigned merchandise to the retailer believe the store’s owners are stealing the inventory, according to WSB-TV.

Culture Atlanta, located at Cumberland Mall, is known for selling high-end sneakers and designer items. The store announced its closure on Instagram, citing multiple robberies as the reason behind the decision. Some of its consigners expressed frustration over a lack of communication from Culture Atlanta, according to a report by Channel 2’s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell, and have been given no information about what is going on with the items they consigned to the store.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Culture ATL 🔥 (@cultureatlanta)

“I’ve been working so hard for this,” said John Gabriela, adding that he and his brother lost a lot of money as a result. “I’m out about $35,000 altogether. With my brother alone, it’s another $15,000.”

Another consigner says he has lost approximately $10,000 and hasn’t heard anything from the store owners about his items.

“I’m getting married next month; I lost about $10,500,” said consigner Stephen Kane. “They won’t reply to any of us.”

Consigners reported that sales were sporadic, and when they attempted to gain access to their inventory at the store, they could not be accommodated.

“Even when we would make appointments, they would cancel my appointments or say they can’t find my stuff,” said William Ortega. “I first started seeing red flags like anywhere from November to December, when they started giving me issues giving me my stuff.”

Emphasizing a lack of communication, the consigners said they learned that Culture Atlanta was closing through an Instagram post.

Meanwhile, Culture Atlanta claims that $50,000 in cash was stolen along with its inventory.

However, an open records report from the Cobb County Police Department revealed that only one burglary has been reported. And the company representing Cumberland Mall stated that the multiple robberies alleged by the store via its Instagram account were false.

Vice President Kamala Harris, civil rights

by Rafael Pena

February 14, 2024

White House Hosts Historic Gathering Of Descendants Of Black Civil Rights Leaders

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the descendants of influential civil rights leaders in the same room for the first time.

At the White House on Feb. 13, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the descendants of some of the most influential civil rights leaders, who convened in the same room for the first time, according to NBC News.

The gathering included families with legacies rooted in the struggles and triumphs of the 1950s and ’60s, echoing the monumental contributions of their ancestors.

Among the esteemed attendees were descendants of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, Thomas Jefferson, and Sally Hemings.

This group, known as The Descendants, gathered to celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the enduring impact of their familial legacies.

Harris lauded the group as “extraordinary American heroes” who embodied the nation’s promise and the principles captured in the Constitution.

“They’ve passed the baton to us,” said Harris, acknowledging the weight of responsibility carried by The Descendants to continue the fight for justice, equality, and civil rights.

Following Harris, Stephen K. Benjamin, the director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, provided an overview of the administration’s initiatives. This included updates on a recently signed executive order addressing police accountability and President Joe Biden’s historic move to declare Juneteenth a federal holiday.

The Descendants, whose members actively coordinate behind the scenes, expressed their appreciation for the event and the significance of bringing these families together. Joshua Jordison, one of the coordinators, said discussions about organizing the gathering began several years ago.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Kenneth B. Morris Jr., a descendent of Frederick Douglass and Anna Murray Douglass, adding that “freedom’s torch has been passed to us.”

While invitations were extended to other notable families, some couldn’t attend due to scheduling constraints.

Shaquille O'Neal, 32, 34, jersey, retire, rafters, magic, Orlando, Miami heat, number, Shareef O'Neal

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 14, 2024

Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 32 Retired By Orlando Magic

Shaquille O'Neal is the very first Orlando Magic basketball player to have his number raised to the arena’s rafters.

At the beginning of the year, the Orlando Magic announced that NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal would be the first Magic player to have his number retired and raised to the arena’s rafters. The ceremony took place on Feb. 13 at the Kia Center. After being defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-113, The Magic ended the night on a high note, retiring the jersey of one of the organization’s greatest talents.

#32 to the rafters!@SHAQ x @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/mPo70j28Fd

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2024

According to NBA.com, Shaq was honored with the accomplishment after becoming the first to achieve several milestones with the Orlando Magic franchise.

“You know, there’s an old saying: Never forget where you come from,” O’Neal said. “And my professional career started here. I’ve been living here mostly all my life. The fans have been hospitable. The people have been very, very hospitable. I never thought this day would happen.”

Along with the many fans who stayed behind to witness history, several of Shaq’s teammates were there to see the historical moment. Most notable were Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, and Nick Anderson.

The Magic drafted Shaq after they secured the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. The 7-footer played for the franchise for four seasons, 1992-96. As the starting center for the team, Shaq was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and made the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1992-93. He was voted as a member of the All-Star team every season he played for Orlando and was named to the All-NBA Second Team once (1994-95) and All-NBA Third Team twice (1993-94, 1995-96).

While playing for the franchise, he started in 295 regular season games, putting up 27.2 points a game, pulling down 12.5 rebounds with 2.79 blocks per contest. He also shot .581 from the floor, averaging 2.4 assists in 37.8 minutes a game. Although he took the Magic to the NBA championship in 1995, the team was met by a strong Houston Rockets team that featured Hakeem Olajuwon at center. The Rockets swept the Magic 4-0.

“There’s no one more deserving to be the first than Shaq,” Magic CEO Alex Martins stated. “Shaq put the Orlando Magic on the map. And the foundation of his Hall of Fame career started right here in Orlando.”

The Orlando Magic is the third NBA team to retire Shaq’s number. The Los Angeles Lakers retired No. 34 in his honor, and the Miami Heat retired the No. 32, as well. Shaq is only the third NBA player to have his jersey retired by three franchises, sharing that honor with Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.

by Rafael Pena

February 14, 2024

39% Of Americans Believe They Can Find Their Soulmate On A Dating App

A recent survey conducted by Boston University's College of Communication and Ipsos sheds light on Americans' perceptions of dating apps.

In the era of digital romance, a recent media and technology survey conducted by Boston University’s College of Communication and Ipsos sheds light on Americans’ perceptions of dating apps. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the survey reveals confidence and skepticism among users.

According to the survey, a substantial number of Americans, regardless of gender, believe that dating apps hold the potential for soulmate connections. About 39% of respondents—42% of men and 37% of women—agreed or strongly agreed that “people can find their soulmates” on these platforms. The sentiment was particularly strong among the younger demographic: 58% of 18 to 34-year-olds expressed confidence.

However, when it comes to the effectiveness of these apps in fostering successful relationships, the opinions were more divided. A mere 15% of respondents, including 17% of men and 13% of women, agreed or strongly agreed that “dating apps are the best way to find a successful relationship these days” while 41% disagreed.

The survey also revealed that 62% of respondents believe people tend to lie on these platforms.

“Though people feel soulmates may be hiding out on dating apps, they are hesitant to fully trust these technologies alone,” said Kathryn Coduto, an assistant professor at Boston University College of Communication, whose recent research has focused on the impact of dating app technology on user trust.

The survey also explored attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a crucial component of many apps dedicated to dating. While 17% of respondents believe AI-powered apps lead to more successful relationships, 35% expressed skepticism about the technology’s efficacy.

Furthermore, concerns about the prevalence of chatbots—machines posing as real people—on dating apps were evident: 47% of respondents felt these platforms are filled with too many untrustworthy chatbots.