From Ari Lennox’s emotional moment on Martin to Ciara’s honorary citizenship in Benin, this episode digs deep into what it means to be Black American on a global stage, and whether our culture is admired for its greatness or consumed through the lens of American imperialism.

We open with Kamala Harris’s recent appearance with labor leader Chris Smalls (6:55) and follow his controversial visit to Israel, alongside growing outrage over a $2 billion payout to Jewish communities in Colombia (10:53). Next, we unpack the fallout from Shannon Sharpe’s firing from his podcast network amid legal controversies (27:59).

In our national roundup (49:30), we examine headlines from around the country, including the chilling case of a Blackstone executive shot in NYC (58:36). Then, we explore Ari Lennox's colorism commentary and her viral breakdown tied to 90s Black sitcoms (1:13:10), followed by Ciara’s Benin citizenship moment and its implications for Black American identity (1:22:37).

We go even deeper into the delineation debate: is rejecting Pan-Africanism anti-Black, or a form of self-preservation for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery? (1:39:24). Finally, we question whether Black culture is a lineage or just a brand, sparked by a critique of Black American influence and a Ghanaian gospel executive of Maverick City's call for a reset in gospel music (2:07:05).

This week on Lost in the Script TV, we unpack a seismic shift in Black American consciousness. At 2:35, we mourn the sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his portrayal of Theo on The Cosby Show, and reflect on his enduring legacy. By 8:18, news of Hulk Hogan’s death at 71 sparks contrast between how white and Black icons are remembered. At 24:02, Candace Owens is sued by France’s First Couple over wild gender claims about Brigitte Macron — showcasing the real-world consequences of viral disinformation. 35:14 brings chaos as Hunter Biden unleashes in a crack-fueled interview targeting Trump and the media. At 47:43, Shannon Sharpe quietly settles a sexual assault lawsuit — raising questions about celebrity protection. Then at 1:05:32, Trump’s name surfaces in Epstein’s files, followed by bombshells at 1:11:08 where new FBI docs challenge the official narrative of MLK’s assassination. By 1:35:59, we’re breaking down a case involving an Indian Subway franchise owner caught in fake robberies, visa fraud, and marriage scams. This story intensifies debates around immigration and its effects on Black communities. Then at 1:49:54, it’s FBA/ADOS vs. Wakanda as tensions with Pan-Africanism explode. Finally, by 2:54:33, we confront a growing trend: Black Americans boycotting African businesses in the U.S. This episode is bold, raw, and necessary. Tap in.

In Episode 201 of Lost in the Script TV, we break down the escalating fallout from Essence Fest 2025 and how it’s deepening the rift between Foundational Black Americans (FBA) and segments of the Black immigrant community. Beginning at [3:00], we dive into the political landscape: Is Gavin Newsom setting up for a 2028 presidential run? What’s happening with Trump’s fading Black support? Then at [11:55], we move to the devastating Texas floods, with over 120 lives lost, we ask: why do Black communities suffer most during climate disasters, and what’s behind the growing “rainmaker” conspiracies?

At [23:48], we cover the Epstein file closure, where the DOJ declares no client list and rules his death a suicide, but who’s convinced? Then around [36:14], we tour major stories around the country, from Juneteenth backlash to diaspora tensions over cultural ownership. At [1:02:29], we get into explosive accusations out of Atlanta: Tyler Perry Studios is rocked by rape allegations, with claims of a cover-up implicating top executives.

The downfall of Akon’s $6 billion futuristic city project in Senegal is discussed at [1:21:20], what went wrong, and what does it mean for African development dreams? By [1:51:07], we examine growing immigration tensions, particularly how solidarity between Black Americans and Black immigrants is being tested under anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy threats. Finally, at [1:58:25], we close with a powerful conversation on FBA, cultural gatekeeping, and accusations of economic exploitation within Black communities, sparked by Essence Fest's controversial leadership and historic ties to wealth built from slavery.

From political moves to cultural warzones, this episode unpacks who controls Black culture — and at what cost.

✊🏾 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. 🎙️ New episodes weekly on Lost in the Script TV