Tyrese Gibson Breaks Down, Emphasizes the Emotional Struggles of Black Men: “Black Men Cry”

Tyrese Gibson, the multifaceted R&B singer and actor, recently opened up about his deep-seated grief and emotional struggles during an appearance on “The Breakfast Club.” The interview, which aired on Tuesday, August 20, revealed the heart-wrenching realities Gibson faces as he navigates the turbulent waters of loss, publicized divorces, and the pressure to maintain his public persona.

Gibson, known for hits like “How You Gonna Act Like That,” and his role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, spoke candidly about the immense pain he carries following the deaths of his mother, close friends Paul Walker and John Singleton, and the loss of his two sisters. The emotional weight was palpable as Gibson discussed how these losses have impacted him profoundly.

In the interview, Charlemagne tha God, one of the hosts of “The Breakfast Club,” touched on Gibson’s tragic losses, including his divorces from Norma Gibson and Samantha Lee Gibson, with whom he shares two daughters. Charlemagne inquired if Gibson had taken the time to process his grief or if he had been keeping busy to avoid it.

“I’m doing the best I can with every 24 hours I get,” Gibson responded, visibly emotional. He notably declined a tissue offered by the host, stating, “I don’t need no tissue. Black men cry.” This powerful statement highlighted the often-overlooked emotional vulnerability of Black men, challenging the stereotype that men, particularly Black men, should not show their emotions.

Gibson went on to express the irreplaceable void left by his mother’s death, emphasizing that no material possessions or achievements could ever fill that emptiness. “There is no square footage I could ever live in, there is no rims, no jewelry, and no car, there is no net worth, there is no press release, there is no co-star, there is no collaboration in the world that could ever replace my mama,” he said.

He also touched on the emotional toll that divorces and miscarriages take on men, a perspective often overshadowed by societal focus on women in these situations. “When divorces happen, women aren’t the only ones that are devastated. When a miscarriage happens, women are not the only ones that you should be checking on,” Gibson added, shedding light on the often-neglected emotional struggles men endure during such challenging times.

Gibson’s openness about his grief and struggles is a reminder that emotional pain knows no gender, and that men, especially Black men, should not be afraid to express their emotions. His courage in discussing these topics publicly may inspire others to confront and share their own struggles.