Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

New York Rep Jamaal Bowman tweeted about Nia Long and people had thoughts: ‘Take your shot bro’

Bowman is a member of the Squad and a New York Knicks fan.

Eric Garcia
Friday 23 September 2022 18:57 BST
Comments
(Getty Images for MoveOn)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Representative Jamaal Bowman came to the the defence of Nia Long after reports circulated about her partner, Boston Celtics coach Ume Udoka, having a relationship with someone on staff.

The Boston Celtics suspended Mr Udoka for the entirety of the 2022 to 2023 NBA season after it was reported that he had an intimate relationship with a staffer on the team, ESPN reported.

The suspension comes just after the Celtics went to the NBA finals this year but lost to the Golden State Warriors.

Many on social media pointed out how Mr Udoka is engaged to actress Nia Long, who despite being with a Celtics coach, is a native of Brooklyn. Various fans of Ms Long came to her defense -- including Mr Bowman.

“Sending nothing but love to Nia Long,” Mr Bowman tweeted. “We’re not letting a man, who didn’t recognize the luxury her presence was, dim all her beauty and glory. Matter of fact, we need a Nia Long national holiday!“

Plenty of people on social media joked about the congressman shooting his shot with the actress.

“shooters shoot,” one woman tweeted.

“take your shot bro,” another person wrote.

“Ladies and gentlemen your 2022 Kia® Wild Boy Of The Year™,” yet another posted.

Later, Mr Bowman, who is married and a fan of the New York Knicks, responded to critics and fans alike to say that he was not trying to flirt with Ms Long.

“Hahaha, ya’ll hilarious,” he tweeted. “Y’all do know it’s okay for a man to show a woman love and support without shooting his shot? That’s actually a thing.”

Mr Bowman frequently posts memes about pop culture, as was the case when he tweeted about Joe Manchin wanting to ease restrictions for energy projects using the meme about Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine reportedly direct messaging a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair.

He also recently posted a TikTok of a racoon coming out of a dumpster with the caption: “Waking up in America and remembering you don’t have free healthcare, paid family leave, a livable minimum wage, free healthcare, affordable housing, clean air and water, reproductive rights, equitable voting rights, well funded public schools...”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in