by Von Boozier Twins

January 13, 2025

Building Black Wealth: How Carter Cofield and George Acheampong Are Transforming Finances for the Culture

Melanin Money is looking to build wealth in Black communities.

Carter Cofield and George Acheampong aim to close the wealth gap and empower the Black community through financial literacy and strategic wealth building.

As a CPA and tax advisor, Cofield combines his expertise with cultural pride to provide tools, resources, and strategies through Melanin Money, the #1 Black wealth brand he co-founded with Acheampong. Together, they help individuals and families create lasting legacies by offering innovative financial solutions tailored to the community’s unique needs.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Carter and George to discuss their groundbreaking work, the inspiration behind Melanin Money, and their vision for achieving financial freedom and equity in the Black community.

BE: As the founders of Melanin Money, what inspired you to create a platform dedicated to building Black wealth, and how does it differ from traditional financial education?

Melanin Money was born out of urgency and purpose. One day, we discovered an article predicting that Black wealth would hit $0 by 2053. While alarming, it highlighted a real issue—our community’s lack of advanced financial literacy. We’re not just talking about budgeting and saving but higher-level concepts like investing, tax-saving strategies, and entrepreneurship. What sets Melanin Money apart is the expertise we bring. George is the #1 financial advisor in North Carolina, and I (Carter) am among the top certified public accountants in the country. We’ve built a platform rooted in authentic, expert-driven education designed to equip our community with tools to thrive financially.

BE: The wealth gap remains a persistent issue. What do you believe are the key steps the Black community can take to break generational cycles and build financial security?

It all starts with exposure—showing our community what financial freedom looks like and making them believe it’s attainable. “You cannot be what you cannot see.” Once that belief is instilled, we can begin educating on the actionable steps to achieve wealth. It’s equally essential to normalize conversations around money. That’s why we launched the Melanin Money Awards, celebrating our clients for attaining net worth milestones ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. By showcasing these successes, we’re breaking the taboo and proving that true wealth is within reach for people of color.

BE: Your work integrates tax strategy into wealth-building discussions. What are some overlooked tax tips that can significantly benefit individuals and small business owners in our community?

Our philosophy is simple: “It’s not about how much money you make; it’s about how much you keep.” Contributing to employer retirement accounts—especially Roth 401(k) options—is an excellent way for individuals to build tax-free wealth. Additionally, real estate can be a game-changer for W-2 employees by providing strategies to offset taxable income.

The tax code is your ally for business owners. IRS Section 162(a) deducts ordinary and necessary business expenses. When structured correctly, personal costs like rent, car payments, travel, and meals can become legitimate business deductions. These strategies are just the beginning of what’s possible for wealth-building through tax optimization.

BE: Financial literacy is often not taught in schools. What role should education systems and community organizations play in fostering wealth-building knowledge for the next generation?

While we believe financial literacy is critical, we’ve realized that schools are designed to create workers, not wealth builders. As a result, it’s up to individuals and community organizations to take the lead. This means seeking financial education independently and leveraging platforms like ours to fill the gap. Schools haven’t taught financial literacy for over a century, and they will unlikely start now. We have the responsibility to empower ourselves and future generations.

BE: In your experience, what are the most common financial mistakes people make, and how do you guide them to turn these into opportunities for growth?

Overspending and a lack of urgency around investing are the two biggest pitfalls. Many people spend more than they earn and delay investing, which keeps them on the wrong side of compound interest—paying it instead of earning it. The key is to live within your means and start investing early. Even small, consistent investments can grow exponentially, leading to financial freedom.

BE: Cultural representation in the financial industry is often limited. How does Melanin Money challenge stereotypes and create space for Black voices in finance?

We’ve created The Melanin Money Show, a podcast featuring top Black financial experts across various specialties. This platform highlights their expertise and demonstrates to the community that we have brilliant minds leading the charge in financial literacy. By amplifying these voices, we’re changing the narrative and expanding what representation in finance looks like.

BE: What does success look like for you, as CPAs and entrepreneurs and as leaders in a movement to transform how the Black community approaches money and wealth?

Our success is evident: We aim to decrease the wealth gap by $100 billion and create 100,000 Black millionaires. In just three years, we’ve helped our clients increase their net worth by over $100 million. Our ultimate goal is to prove the 2053 prediction wrong—not just slightly, but by $100 billion.

BE: What’s next for you?

The future is exciting. First, we’re focused on making the Melanin Money Awards the biggest celebration of Black wealth in history. Second, we want The Melanin Money Show to become the #1 financial literacy platform for people of color. Lastly, we’re doubling down on our mission to educate, empower, and equip our community to achieve the financial freedom we all deserve.

To learn more about Melanin Money, visit www.MelaninMoney.com.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 13, 2025

Mompreneur Launches New Line Of Fashionable Scrubs For Doctors, Nurses, And Healthcare Professionals

Based in Southern California and established in 2022, TLCscrubbs was born out of Shay’s vision to create a line of scrubs that embodies style, quality, and comfort, all while addressing the unique needs of healthcare workers.

Meet Shay Jackson, an African American mom and the proud founder of TLCscrubbs, a contemporary scrub brand dedicated to transforming how medical professionals experience their work attire. Based in Southern California and established in 2022, TLCscrubbs was born out of Shay’s vision to create a line of scrubs that embodies style, quality, and comfort, all while addressing the unique needs of healthcare workers.

After years of working as a nurse, Shay understands that finding the right balance between professionalism and comfort is essential for medical professionals. “Starting this small business has always been a dream of mine,” she states. “I wanted to create something unique and meaningful for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.”

The name TLCscrubbs reflects Shay’s core values — Thoughtful, Loving, and Compassionate — which she believes define the essence of nurses and healthcare workers. “Our scrubs are designed for those who heal, combining practicality with style,” she adds. “Looking good while doing good is essential for professionals on the go.”

The extra “B” in “scrubbs” signifies the busy lifestyle of healthcare workers, who are always on the move and ready to make a difference. TLCscrubbs aims to provide medical professionals with quality uniforms that not only look good but also support their demanding roles.

“Throughout my journey in the medical field, I’ve learned a lot about compassion and resilience,” Shay says. “I’m excited to share TLCscrubbs with the world, and I look forward to supporting my fellow healthcare professionals every step of the way.”

With a commitment to customer satisfaction, TLCscrubbs looks forward to providing stylish and comfortable options that help medical professionals embody the qualities they represent in their daily lives.

For more information about TLCscrubbs and to explore the collection, visit TLCscrubbs.com

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 13, 2025

Djimon Hounsou Admits He’s Still ‘Struggling’ To Make A Living In Hollywood

Hounson shared how he still deals with financial worries despite his multiple Oscar nominations.

Actor Djimon Hounsou got real about his ongoing financial stresses despite his Hollywood success. The two-time Oscar nominee revealed that he still struggles to make a living through acting.

Hounsou shared more about his predicament in an interview with CNN’s African Voice Changemakers. Born in Benin, Hounsou scored breakout roles in U.S. films such as Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” and the 2006 film “Blood Diamond.” He scored an Oscar nomination for the latter and one in 2002 for “In America.”

Despite his critical acclaim and extensive filmography, Hounsou still feels “underpaid.” He detailed how he continues to be lowballed in the industry and offered meager checks for new roles that do not match his accolades.

“I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said. “I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”

The 60-year-old continued by stating how his counterparts have accrued more financial gains with even less critical achievement. He shared that he feels “cheated” by this pay discrepancy, given how hard he has worked to build his career.

“I’m still struggling to try to make a dollar! I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades,” he explained. “So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well. I’ve gone to studios for meetings and they’re like: ‘Wow, we felt like you just got off the boat and then went back [after Amistad]. We didn’t know you were here as a true actor.’ When you hear things like that, you can see that some people’s vision of you, or what you represent, is very limiting. But it is what it is. It’s up to me to redeem that.”

Moreover, he cited that racism and xenophobia thwarted his efforts to gain further recognition for other performances, specifically his breakthrough performance in the 1997 film “Amistad.” Hounsou played a rebellion leader in the historical drama depicting the revolt by enslaved African people aboard a ship to America.

“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets,” he claimed. “Even though I successfully did that [film], they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism don’t change like that anytime soon.”

Hounsou continues to be a force in Hollywood. He recently starred in “A Quiet Place: Day One” and has upcoming roles in horror films and thrillers. However, his calls for better compensation and representation remain an ongoing conversation for diverse actors in the entertainment industry.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 13, 2025

Black Scientist Creates Breakthrough Haircare Product For Lasting Hydration In 4C Curly Hair

Meet Shawna Moses, a laboratory-scientist-turned-entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of Kinky Tresses, a thriving natural haircare brand that is transforming the industry with its unique fusion of science and passion.

Meet Shawna Moses, a laboratory-scientist-turned-entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of Kinky Tresses, a thriving natural haircare brand transforming the industry with its unique fusion of science and passion. Her company offers a range of premium, moisture-focused products tailored for tightly coiled natural hair textures rooted in her personal journey and professional expertise.

The story of Kinky Tresses began with Moses’ childhood fascination with hair. As a young girl, she enjoyed styling cornrows and twists on family members, sparking a lifelong love for haircare. However, her journey took a transformative turn during her college years, when advanced chemistry courses gave her a deeper understanding of the unique needs of kinky and curly hair.

After experiencing a severe chemical relaxer burn, Moses boldly decided to embrace her natural hair. Yet, like many others, she struggled to keep her hair moisturized with the products available on the market. Armed with her scientific knowledge and determination, she began experimenting with natural ingredients to create a solution.

Her breakthrough came with the Coconut Mango Hair Butter, a product born from months of rigorous testing and an intricate balance of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. The results were immediate: her dry, brittle hair became soft, supple, and retained moisture for days, sparking a transformation that led her severely damaged hair to flourish.

Today, thousands of customers across the globe rely on Kinky Tresses products and are amazed by the immediate results. With glowing 5-star reviews praising the products’ ability to deliver long-lasting moisture, Kinky Tresses has built a loyal community of customers who trust the brand to nurture and transform their natural hair.

Kinky Tresses offers a full line of products, all made with superior-quality and natural ingredients. From shampoos to conditioners, each product is meticulously formulated to deliver long-lasting moisture that penetrates deep into the hair shaft. This focus on moisture retention is what sets the brand apart in a crowded marketplace.

“At Kinky Tresses, we understand that dryness is one of the biggest challenges for natural hair,” said Moses. “Our mission is to provide effective, science-based solutions that empower our customers to embrace and love their natural hair.”

The brand continues to grow, serving as a beacon for those seeking to nurture their natural hair with safe, effective products. With a foundation rooted in science, passion, and a commitment to quality, the brand is poised to revolutionize natural haircare for years to come.

For more information, visit KinkyTresses.com.

This story was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.

by Daniel Johnson

January 12, 2025

Justice Department Finds 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre ‘Coordinated, Systematic Attack’

The investigation found that the attack was caused by unfounded allegations that a Black teenager assaulted a white woman.

After completing its four-month investigation into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which devastated Black Wall Street, the Department of Justice concluded on Jan. 10 that the original one-week inquiry conducted by a single agent from the Bureau of Investigation, the FBI’s predecessor, was inadequate by today’s investigative standards.

According to ABC News, the new report clarified that several aspects of the initial report were flagrant misrepresentations of what happened during the massacre.

https://twitter.com/CivilRights/status/1877810712367579277?s=19

“Contrary to the agent’s 1921 report, the situation did not ‘spontaneously’ grow out of control,” the new report proclaimed. “Rather, what had initially been sporadic and opportunistic violence became systematic, yielding a much more devastating result due to coordinated efforts among white residents and law enforcement entities. Moreover, although the 1921 report asserts that the massacre (then called a riot) was not the result of ‘racial feeling,’ perpetrators of the massacre overtly expressed and acted upon racial bias.”

According to the DOJ, investigators for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division “spoke with survivors and with descendants of survivors, examined firsthand accounts of the massacre given by individuals who are now deceased, studied primary source materials, spoke to scholars of the massacre and reviewed legal pleadings, books, and scholarly articles relating to the massacre.”

In congruence with many historical scholars of the event, the investigation found that the attack was caused by unfounded allegations that a Black teenager, 19-year-old Dick Rowland, assaulted a white woman who was operating an elevator he used.

Per the report, after the police deputized residents who had been looking to carry out a lynching, “law enforcement officers helped organize these special deputies — as well as other white Tulsans — into the martial forces that ravaged Greenwood. Over the next several hours, they looted, burned, and destroyed 35 city blocks while Greenwood’s residents tried desperately to defend their homes.”

The report continued, “Some Black residents were shot (or otherwise assaulted), and many were arrested or detained. Law enforcement actively participated in the destruction, disarming Black residents, confiscating their weapons, and detaining many in makeshift camps under armed guard.”

Due to the length of time that has passed, the Justice Department is unable to take any legal action, per the report.

“The report recognizes that some may find the department’s inability to prosecute a painful or dissatisfying outcome,” the DOJ said in a statement regarding the report. “However, the review recognizes and documents the horrible events that occurred as well as the trauma and loss suffered by the residents of Greenwood.”

In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said that the attack stands alone in the annals of American history due to the barbarity, magnitude, racial hostility, and annihilation of Greenwood’s Black community.

“Now, more than 100 years later, there is no living perpetrator for the Justice Department to prosecute. But the historical reckoning for the massacre continues. This report reflects our commitment to the pursuit of justice and truth, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles. We issue this report with recognition of the courageous survivors who continue to share their testimonies, acknowledgment of those who tragically lost their lives, and appreciation for other impacted individuals and advocates who collectively push for us to never forget this tragic chapter of America’s history,” Assistant Attorney General Clarke said.

Tennis Star Gael Monfils, ATP Tour Title

by Daniel Johnson

January 12, 2025

Tennis Star Gael Monfils Becomes Oldest Player To Win ATP Tour Title

Ahead of the tournament, Monfils told reporters that although his love of the game is what keeps him competitive, he has less love for the grind of traveling.

French veteran professional tennis player Gael Monfils made history when he claimed his 13th ATP tour title on Jan. 11 at 38 years and 112 days old, breaking the record formerly held by Roger Federer when he won an ATP Tour title at 38 years and 74 days old.

According to ESPN, Monfils dispatched Zizou Bergs in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4 at Auckland’s ASB Classic.

With his historic win, Monfils also made more history; he is currently ranked No. 52 in the world and is the oldest player in the history of the ATP Tour to be ranked in the top 100.

Before the formation of the ATP Tour in 1990, Pancho Gonzales won a singles title in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1972 at the tender age of 44 years, seven months, and four days, making him the oldest man to win a singles title in history. Monfils’s latest win comes 20 years after he won his first title in Sopot, Poland, in 2005.

Ahead of the tournament, Monfils told reporters that although his love of the game keeps him competitive, he has less love for the grind of traveling.

“I love tennis. I love what I’m doing, so of course, all the sacrifices you do, they are a little bit easier. When you love something, it’s easier to keep pushing. I’ve been enjoying myself since the first day I played tennis and [at] 60 years old I will still have this joy. Practice, it’s easy. It’s in the DNA. Stay in shape, it’s easy. It’s more the travel.”

According to The Athletic, Monfils, who is married to WTA Tour player Elina Svitolina, dedicated his win to the pair’s daughter, Skai.

“Age is a number, but we keep working; I’m still striking a good ball. Hopefully, many more to come.” Regarding his daughter, Monfils said, “She might just wake up now. It’s my second final as a dad and I’m really happy, super happy let’s say that I could win a tough final.”

by Daniel Johnson

January 12, 2025

MAGA Thinks Black Men Helping Save Items During California Wildfires Are Looters, Because Of Course They Do

In reality, the men were attempting to save items from a relative's home before it completely burned down.

After a video on social media showing a pair of Black men taking items from a house on fire began making the rounds, the truth got lost as MAGA Republicans and other users affiliated with right-wingers started asserting that the men were looters. In reality, the men were attempting to save items from a relative’s home before it completely burned down.

MAGA out here lying about Black people looting during these California fires, just like they LIED about Haitian immigrants eating pets!

MAGA is a disease and these creatures are irredeemable and void of a soul. pic.twitter.com/3I9MOxh2IG
— Charli Huxley (@ImKnotTheOne) January 11, 2025

Because they’re Black, they must be looting? This isn’t an honest mistake.

Spread the truth, not lies: These people were not looters. This footage is from KTLA News, where the homeowner explained that her brothers and friends were helping her move belongings out of her burned… pic.twitter.com/QQ7I9qySbw
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) January 10, 2025

According to Newsweek, leaders in California, both local and state, have been vocal about their desire to punish looters. In local media outlet interviews, some Californians, most notably white women, have indicated that they believe there is widespread looting occurring as people’s homes burn down.

https://twitter.com/TheAfrocentricI/status/1877571910684246440?s=19

Per KTLA, who originally broadcast the footage that had been taken out of context to fit a racist narrative online, the owner of the home shown burning told the outlet in an interview that the men were her brothers who were trying to help her.

The KTLA interview which gives context about what was really happening. They were helping her, not looting. pic.twitter.com/4f10Fdykf4
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) January 10, 2025

“They told us to leave and we got what we could,” the woman who owned the home said. “We have dogs, we have animals…We just got what we could get; that’s all we could do. We’ve got to start over.”

In response to the panic over looting, users on social media pointed to reports from outlets like The LA Times that experts predicted that in the wake of the wildfires ravaging California, rent is expected to skyrocket, an example of disaster capitalism.

However, the people spreading falsehoods about two Black men trying to help their sister save belongings from a house fire, of course, most likely aren’t concerned about disaster capitalism. And their spreading of a false and racist narrative about Black people has gone viral.

Meanwhile, according to NBC, the fires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed entire communities and more than 12,000 structures.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 12, 2025

Kamala Harris Appears To Crop Trump Out Of Jimmy Carter Funeral Pic

The Carter Center posted a funeral ceremony photo that also excluded Trump.

Kamala Harris is letting a picture say a thousand words. The vice president and former presidential nominee conveniently cropped out her opponent, Donald Trump, in a photo she posted from Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

Harris shared the photo on her official “VP” Instagram with all the other heads of state at the Jan. 9 memorial service. However, followers noticed that Harris had left out the President-elect.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vice President Kamala Harris (@vp)

“President Jimmy Carter loved our country. He lived his faith, served the people, and left the world better than he found it,” captioned the post. “President Carter’s many contributions will echo for generations to come.”

The picture was nonpartisan and featured former and current Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush. However, the cameraman was seemingly unable to get President-elect Trump in the shot. Instead, a pillar blocked Trump at that angle. He was seated next to Obama, and his wife, Melania Trump, was beside him.

While Harris’ intentions were unclear in including this specific shot of the funeral, commenters could not help but smirk at the situation. Given her recent match with Trump, Instagram users were not shocked that the photos lacked the Republican leader.

“Best photo crop of the decade,” reads one comment.

Another user wrote, “Shout out to the person in charge of the seating who had the foresight to think about the photos.”

Furthermore, Harris was not the only one who left Trump out of the photos marking the event. The Carter Center, the nonprofit founded by late President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, also posted “beautiful moments” of the funeral. They notably excluded Trump from the posted photo.

Beautiful moments from the service at Washington National Cathedral this morning honoring former President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/CwikJWLbjQ
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) January 9, 2025

Surprisingly, Trump has yet to comment on the cropping of photos. However, regarding his documented “friendly” conversation with Obama at the event, he did say that the unlikely duo appeared to like each other and that they “probably do.”

by Daniel Johnson

January 12, 2025

Apple Joins Costco In Opposing Conservative Meddling In DEI Programs

Apple is urging its shareholders to vote against a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research to end the company's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

On Jan. 10, Apple filed its annual proxy report for shareholders in advance of its February shareholder meeting. As Costco’s board of directors had done earlier in January, Apple called for its shareholders to vote against a National Center for Public Policy Research proposal to end the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

According to Reuters, Apple is urging its shareholders to vote against the NCPPR proposal and three other outside proposals.

The proposal from the NCPPR claims that DEI “poses litigation, reputational and financial risks to companies, and therefore financial risks to their shareholders, and therefore further risks to companies for not abiding by their fiduciary duties.”

Apple, however, strongly responded to these claims by asserting that shareholders should vote against its proposal.

Apple’s board of directors recommends investors vote against a shareholder proposal to abolish the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a proxy filing.

Read: https://t.co/xYaS6v1Bm9 pic.twitter.com/gNUrYfazjA
— Profit (@Profitpk) January 12, 2025

“The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program and the proposal inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple’s ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies,” Apple said.

Apple’s opposition to a call for the company to report on ethical AI data acquisition and usage is centered on the fact that the proposal concerns OpenAI rather than Apple’s proprietary Apple Intelligence system, per the company’s response.

According to Reuters, Apple routinely asks its shareholders to vote against external proposals. Thus, rejecting these calls, which appear to be mostly from conservative activists based on the requests, is a common practice.

“The proposal does not raise any specific issues with Apple Intelligence, but instead focuses its criticisms on OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, an independent service that Apple users may choose to access, and inappropriately cites controversies related to other companies that do not involve Apple,” the company stated in response to the call for an ethical AI report.

In a recent interview with WIRED, Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that user privacy and security within the company’s AI structure are top of mind.

“We’ll always consider the privacy implications. We don’t accept that there’s a trade-off between great privacy and great intelligence. Much of Apple Intelligence runs on the device, but for some users we need more powerful models. So we crafted private cloud compute that essentially has the same privacy and security as your device does. We just kept plugging at it until we came up with the right idea,” Cook, who recently donated $1 million to Trump’s upcoming inauguration, told the outlet.

Apple also opposes a report on costs and benefits of child sex abuse material-identifying software and user privacy and a report on charitable giving for similar reasons; in its recommendations for shareholders to vote against those reports, it cited the company’s commitment to protecting data and children, respective to each report.

Regarding the child abuse report, Apple declared, “We believe that our current approach to child safety, which is informed by stakeholder engagement, is more appropriate than the universal surveillance suggested in the proposal, which could have serious implications for our users’ human and civil rights globally.”

Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, restraining order

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 12, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Secures Restraining Order Against Tory Lanez Through 2030

The ruling comes after Megan gave an emotional testimony about the trauma she has endured since her original 2020 shooting.

Megan Thee Stallion will no longer have to worry about her ongoing claims of harassment against incarcerated rapper Tory Lanez. The “Savage” rapper recently obtained a restraining order against Lanez that now lasts until early 2030.

According to Yahoo News, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge approved Megan’s request for the protective order on Jan. 9. This news follows recent headlines that Megan, whose real name is Megan Pete, filed the motion. Her legal team claims that Lanez has continued harassing the hip-hop star despite being behind bars.

Judge Richard Bloom granted the request following a hearing that included an emotional testimony from the Houston native. She expressed her fears that Lanez would retaliate against her once released from prison, stating she worries that “maybe he’ll shoot me again.”

“I’m scared that when he gets out of jail, he’s going to still be upset with me,” Megan told Judge Bloom via video, according to the news outlet. “I feel like maybe he’ll shoot me again, and maybe this time I won’t make it.” Fighting back tears, she added, “I haven’t been at peace since I was shot. I’m just tired of being harassed.”

She added, “I understand that being a public figure comes with hearing a lot of people from all over the world talk about you,” she said. “The problem is that the man who shot me is paying people to put out lies and smear campaigns against me.”

This testimony was accompanied by additional evidence provided by Megan and her attorneys. This included call logs from Lanez’s correctional facility, proving her claims that he is contacting third parties to spark online harassment campaigns.

However, Lanez’s lawyers wrote an objection to the request. They argued that Lanez’s imprisonment prohibits him from being a “current or future threat” to the 29-year-old. Despite this, the judge ruled that Megan’s legal team had met the burden of proof to extend the temporary restraining order for five more years.

Furthermore, the judge acknowledged the media spectacle and subsequent ridicule of Megan since the shooting occurred. He referred to it as a “ripple effect” that has led to Megan’s trauma.

“With a violent act like that, there’s a ripple effect that continues on,” he shared. “Ms. Pete’s testimony makes it clear that the ripple effect here has been significant.”

Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting the Grammy winner in 2020. A jury found him guilty in 2022 of three felony charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He is currently appealing his conviction.