T.J. Holmes Admits He Uses The ‘N-Word’, Addresses BET Cutting His Show + Sidesteps Dating Chilli Questions

One of BET’s freshest faces, T.J. Holmes stopped by Power 105’s ‘The Breakfast Club’, discussing his new show ‘Don’t Sleep’. During his interview, Holmes explains his move from CNN to BET, his feelings on his show’s time being reduced (Initially, Holmes’ show was four days a week, for 30 minutes. Now, the show is one day a week, for 60 minutes.) the use of the N-word and some other entertaining ‘stuff’. Peep a few excerpts:

On the show’s concept:  

‘The show is our opportunity and our platform. We now have a place. Black family, finance, black problems. That is what I intended for the show to be.’

On being labeled an uppity negro, because he speaks proper English:

‘That’s a part of our issue, this idea of anti-illectualism. Why is that looked down on? I don’t ever talk down to anybody. My job is to pull up as many brothers and sisters as I can.’

Using the N’Word: 

‘I’ll be honest with you, as soon as I walk out of this room, I’ll probably drop it about 20 times. I’ve never said it on the air, I’ll only say around certain folks. I don’t know. How do you reconcile? I dont think it necessarily has a place. I do think it matters who utters the words. We have normalized and sanitized the word in such a way…’.

When folks can catch his show: 

One hour, Wednesday nights.

On if he’s the reason Chilli (of TLC) has such long requirements for dating a man [Editor’s note: he and Chilli use to date. Holmes is now happily married.]

‘Look, I assume you’re talking about the South American country. LOL.’

Watch the full interview below.

[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://youtu.be/vHnuZXLRwSk[/youtube]