While there have been random plots weaving in and out of Basketball Wives: LA all season, the main action seems to involve Draya’s relationship (or lack thereof) with the rest of the wives, as the 25-year-old mother of one has been an outcast since the first time she showed her face at paintball. She’s pretty, she’s single, and she owns every ounce of who she is, and for some reason, that has gotten under the skin of pretty much the entire cast, to the point where you have to wonder how much negativity one person can take before bailing.
When Malaysia let it slip to Draya that her attendance at Jackie’s wedding had been a point of discussion, you had to know that this was the straw to break the camel’s back. Draya had been pushed and prodded so far to the outside of “the circle” that now having to jump through hoops in order to “prove herself” to a crowd that doesn’t even like her in the first place would be too much for anyone’s pride to take. Her response to finding out that the invitation wasn’t genuine, skipping Jackie’s 17th wedding, may be seen by some as too kneejerk/counterproductive, but honestly, I think I would have done the same thing.
I can see why people would think that it was a faux pas, at least on principle. Here you have someone that doesn’t know you well offering you a chance to kind of get inside their world a little bit and be a part of something special to them, which could likely bond you more and help the awkwardness subside whenever there’s a group function. It would give you an opportunity to prove that all the gossip about you being such a bad person to be incorrect and to show that you’ve been misunderstood during the time that you’ve been on the show. Plus, not calling even if you were planning on skipping the ceremony could be construed as being quite rude and unappreciative.
However…
It’s not like Draya was welcomed with open arms. I can see why she would have felt unwelcome, as Jackie didn’t even invite her to the bachelorette party and finding out that your attendance was up in the air until the last minute must have wounded her pride even more. Therefore, why would she want to go to a function where her presence could potentially upset/stress out the bride even more? We’ve seen in the episodes leading up to Jackie’s wedding that Mrs. Christie has been having a hard time, whether it be with planning the wedding, dealing with her mother’s cancer, or just trying to make it through her hectic day-to-day schedule, so the actual wedding ceremony should be her time to finally exhale. She should be as comfortable as possible and I can see Draya thinking that “hey, she’s not really feelin’ me 100% yet, so I’ll just keep my distance, let her enjoy her day, and then I’ll just talk to her later”.
That could also explain the lack of a phone call because the hours, minutes, and seconds before a wedding can be incredibly overwhelming, even for a bride that’s done this over 20 times. (Jackie revealed tonight that she had been married three times before marrying her husband Doug.) Why would Draya want to throw even more stress onto what Jackie’s already dealing with? Imagine if Draya had called Jackie while she was in Vegas and told her that she wasn’t going to go to the wedding. There’s no way Jackie could have completely enjoyed her day and appreciated the time that she had if she had been dealing with interpersonal drama shortly before the ceremony. And having seen Jackie for the past four episodes, I have no doubt that she would have held that dangling over Draya’s head, that she was the one that “ruined” the wedding ceremony, especially since it would be the last one with her mother, so calling ahead could have, in theory, made things worse.
I honestly don’t see the big deal about Draya not going to Jackie’s wedding. To me, it’s a more respectful gesture for someone to simply step away, knowing that they could cause a kerfuffle, than to go there and have to walk on eggshells just to please people who don’t even like you to begin with. I know that likely nobody else on the Basketball Wives: LA cast will see things this way, so the next few episodes should see Draya Michele drift further out into the show’s orbit. It’s a shame, though, because in this world of weird friendship codes that is Basketball Wives: LA, Draya may have made the most genuine move of all.
Thoughts, Quotes, & Observations:
- From The Huffington Post: Tanya talks about her role on the show and being a spokeswoman for domestic violence prevention.
- Jackie’s mother Cora has passed. RIP, Miss Cora.
- Imani tries to clear up misconceptions about herself from the first three episodes, but it didn’t help.
- Is Draya the enemy?
- Jackie’s daughter Ta’Kari has a tell-all blog that hints that “Miss Jackie” may not be all that she seems. You can follow her on Twitter, too.
- Speaking of Twitter, here are the accounts for each lady: Draya, Imani, Kimsha, Tanya, Jackie, Laura, Malaysia, and Gloria.
- “They’re not prunes, or whatever you call ’em.”
- “I’m walking around and I’m feeling emotions.”
- “All I remember is her askin’ to see my woo woo.”
- “White is right, girl.”
- Can Suzie just go away? She made a cameo tonight, as she was in town for her brother’s graduation, and one of the first things out of her mouth was “I don’t like drama”. Um, yes, you do, and I’d appreciate a hiatus from Suzie for the next few months. Thanks.
- I didn’t think I’d say this, but I really like Laura now. To me, her story of starting over is the type of stuff that shows like this need more of, because, as I’ve mentioned many times before, it makes the angry moments that much more understandable. Not necessarily forgivable, but you know where that type of negative emotion is coming from.
- Imani’s “misgivings” about Malaysia may be over for now, but don’t be surprised if this issue pokes its head up again sometime later this season.
- Dougie, Jr.’s hair was everything to me.
- I really liked Jackie’s dress, at least from what we could see on camera. The black was different, the fit was right, and it had enough details to keep from being too simple. Good job.
- How lauded Jackie’s relationship was the entire hour was strange. Everybody kept talking about how her relationship with Doug gives them hope and nobody has a relationship like theirs anymore, but they’ve been married 17 year. Not 25, not 40, not 50. 17. It’s fantastic that they’ve managed to last this long, especially with divorce rates as high as they are, but they’re not the only couple in the world to have been married for 17 years.
- Draya’s hair and make-up at the lingerie shoot was stunning.
- Raise your hand if you want to see Imani’s future dating on the show. (Also, her daughter is so bitter about their father not playing a role in their lives. You know she had to have heard something like that from someone, especially at such a young age, because I doubt she’s already this angry.)
- Next week, the girls get into an MMA ring to duke it out. No, really.
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I absolutely respect Draya for not going to th wedding. The ladies will soon realize that Draya is no lap dog and does her own thing. Love her. Go Draya.
I agree. I don't like the way the women talk about Draya. At least she earns her own money modeling. How do the others make money, beside child support? And Imani has a lot of nerve calling Draya worthless. I saw her crying in the previews. Apparently, she feels that she has no worth.
Tanya,
Just want to say, you absolutely made the correct decisions in dealing with the cast members. How do you know? Their response, “I’m through with this one.” What can one possibly say behind the answers you gave them as to why you did not get involved in such an elementary fight? Also, You stated that you speak with Jackie quite a bit. Since she is in fact in contact with you, my belief is that it is a tactic to discover your next move(s). You should keep your distance from her. I think she feels that you are a threat to her. She is envious of you because of your intellectual ways and values. Jackie said she can also be intellectual, but has not proven it. Talk is cheap! Especially, in front of a camera. The way in which you carry yourself made her forget that she married her present husband 16 times. She was too insecure and did not know how to approach you. You are a beautiful African American women and I am hoping that you return back to the show to teach these Basketball Thugs, (I mean Wives) how to act, live and perhaps love each other as human beings. First impressions are the lasting impression and these so called women are who they are. Please help and teach them. Keep a watch on Jackie, however, in the interim, If I were you, I would stay away from her. She is the most insecure. Run Tanya, run!
Why would any couple feel the need to get remarried sixteen times,really. Jackie is devting to much time and effort attempting to prove that she and doug are blissfully happy, probably not!
Have I missed something? Where is Tanya and Rob Artests' woman at?
I for one am very proud of Tanya for not getting involved in such elementry non-sense…Why in the world would Jackie feel the need to have a wedding for the 16th time, when people are starving (this is what happens when ghetto gets money)…you would have thought she would have donated her time to a homeless shelter, that money could have brought many dinners…also, what kind of msg is that sending your children. That is ridiculous…Draya did the right thing by NOT going, all they wanted to do was be MAD for ANYTHING she did…she would have been under the microscope for no reason…why put yourself through that.
Malaysia was underestimated and as a result gave an overcut, although it could have been avoided. Jackie set the tone, then pretended to be on the phone when both ladies argued. When I’m on the cell, cannot hear anything over loud voices, never the less sitting next to the person?? She then proceeded to blame Tonya for not helping, when in fact Jackie kept her distance. Jackie’s very facetious & insecure. She may show love to her immediate family, but not to others and this is what counts! MTV should get rid of Jackie, Imani and Gloria and create a show for them called the “Basketball Stooges.” Never thought I would say this, but “They’re Irrelevant,” yes, Miami, (I said it)to the show! Gloria’s face shows despair at everything her eyes set on. Imani is the pot calling the kettle black. How dare she, knowing her background! Someone please tell me if she’s serious? These are the most insecure on the show. Draya is giving them the run for their senses. You go girl!
Come on MTV BRING ON SOME POSITIVE WOMEN. Tonya! Tonya! Tonya!
Draya happens to be one of my favorites this season. Even Gloria said, "She owns who she is." Now if the other "ladies" could follow suit. Be who you are or nothing at all. What makes these "wives" so special that their group is the be-all and end-all. Everybody was so focused on Draya not being there…they acted like she was Jackie's sister or bestie or someone OTHER than a female they'd just met. Why was Draya's presence not important enough to warrant an ivitation to the bachelorette party, but was in such high demand for the wedding. A wedding is an intimate occasion (even if you are doing it for the 100th time) and sharing it with someone who you have lukewarm feelings about is not even worth the emotion. And Jackie's statement Oh I hope she's not laid up with five men or at a club or somewhere stripping or whatever else she said showed her true feelings regarding Draya. And sidenote: Gloria smaller than her sister…why she feel like she gotta fight all her sister's battles? Let that big amazon throw her own blows!
No, but she certainly should have called(texted) she appreciated the invitation but she wasn't going to be able to make it….no one has manners these days….!
I dont think Draya should of attended the wedding, and i dont believe a phone call was necessary, they dont like her, they judge her, but they want her to prance around them begging to be let in (the circle), Draya sweety handle your business , if doing the show gives you a lil more exposure to open other doors , so be it, but those woman are not your friends. And you owe them NOTHING. The nerve that anyone could actually call a human person WORTHLESS, was just beyond me, and i applaud Draya for not gettin off that couch and and slapping that dumb look off her face.
I like Draya and I do think that was just to far to call someone worthless, because no one in the Lord eyes are worthless. I felt so bad and that made me just angry as hell to watch that. I think that they are jealous of Draya.
Draya is very pretty and can start her own circle if she wanted to. I think they are mad because she is young and beautiful and they are getting old as hell. Do you Draya!
Draya is too young to hang around with those old prunes(lol) anyway. I like Draya and respect her for not going to the wedding. They were only setting her up to see if she would make a mistake at the wedding. Why was it so important anyway to them for her to be there? They acted like she was the main guest knowing full well that they don't like her. Draya is young but she can stand up to them. I also agree that Tanya really showed that she is not a hoodie like the rest of them. Why in the world would she get involved in a schoolgirl fight with them when it didn't even concern her. Way to go Tanya. You should return to the show if for nothing else but to teach them how to be ladies.
anytime there's a group of women who hang out together, there's always one that everybody wants to lable as the outcast and to prove themselves worthy of being in the "CIRCLE" Draya, please don't feel you have to prove anything to these women!!! You're much more interesting to them then you think. Anytime someone always has something to say about you – usually negative, they are missing something in their lives. You obviously are the most attractive and in the best shape. Why would they be so UPSET just because she didn't go to Jackie's wedding. PLEASE!!!
and by the way…they all look like broad shoulder MEN!
I LOV DRAYA!!! IDK WHY THOSE GIRLS THINK SHE OWE THEM EXPLAMATIONS LIKE WTF..SHE HAS HER OWN FRIENDS SO ITS NOT LIKE SHE HAVE TO DEPEND ON THEM FOR SOCIAL CRAP…THEY ALL JUS HATING ON HER BECAUSE SHE GOT HER WHOLE LIFE INFRONT OF HER..SHE PRETTY..SHE DONT HAVE ALOT OF KIDS SHE GOT A CARREER!!!! LIKE WTF!! YOU NOTICE TANYA PRETTY SO SHE NOT INTIMINATED BY HER..BUT THE REST LOOK OLD AND RUSTY SO THEY THREATEN BY HER PRESENT..EVERYTIME THEY SEE HER THEY BE REMINDED OF THEY OLD DAYS WHEN THEY LOOK SUMWHAT LIKE THAT
Hell no i wouldn't have gone to the wedding and i wouldn't have called either. You don't owe anybody an explanation Draya and i wish you the best.
Hell No Draya should not have gone to this performance. Who the hell gets married 16 times and what are you trying to prove? Jackie is missing something in her life to think that this is normal. Instead of spending money on these multiple weddings, go find a good, professional hair stylist to hook up your weave and please take Imani with you. Then when you leave the hairdresser go to the gym and work on those broad shoulders. Jackie is more buff than her husband. With the exception of Malaysia I think all the rest of the girls are haten on Draya's beauty and body. Malaysia knows she has it going on also and is confident within herself so she don't need to hate. Draya they don't like you Boo Boo, but don't back down from them. Hold your ground. They want to be the woman that you are. They are lacking confidence and class.
Considering how this would show is good for a wannabe actress, Draya should have gone to the wedding. I mean really is this staged? Draya is becoming a celebrity by being on this show. She is not even a Ex-girl-friend of a Basketball Player.
It's pathetic but funny the way both Basketball Wives Miami and LA act like mean 30 and 40 something girls. These Reality star bullies always have to have a target is this voted on who will be the victim to boost ratings, or can these women be this juvenile and petty? Notice how Laura said she is (Draya) is out of the circle. This was reminiscent of the Evelyn and Royce drama. How can grown women go on national Television and embarrass themselves that way? Why isn't the NAACP protesting Laura saying over and over white is right? What a foolish and disgraceful comment! Aren't her kids by a black guy which makes them black! What kind of self-esteem will her kids have when they hear her saying junk like this?
Why all the attack on Draya. Gloria took a dig at her when she was demonstrating her work as a Pole dancer and make fun of her saying that's how she makes her money. Excuse me Gloria but you are living off your shack up boyfriend after 2 kids he has still not married you!
Correction This show would be good exposure for a wannabe actress like Draya is what I meant to say in the first sentence so who was she fooling that she doesn't want to hang out with these women no matter how stupid and pathetic they act for ratings. Draya is getting her name out there.
All of the women have bad-mouth this girl since day one. Why should Draya come to that wedding. All of these ladies except maybe Malaysia, seem judgemental anyway trash talking this girls every move. They all want to make it seem as if their lives are better than Draya's. Draya is only 25 years old she is a baby compared to them and has her whole life ahead of her. She is still growing and learning. They are jealous because she looks better. They sound very bitter and seem to be looking for a fight. No wonder kimsha did not want to be on the show. Gloria wants to bad-mouth miami when she been instigating a fight since she been there. It was her idea for the kick-boxing. What is wrong with Gloria and sister Laura, both have problems. They have so much bitterness in them from their relationships they seem to be taking it out on Draya and I still think they may have issues with malaysia too. –cus Draya and Malaysia are younger and prettier. They sound so, so bitter. I understand people making mistakes in life or decisions like the stripping or the latch-key incident with the child, but that does not mean you are worthless. Imani tried to say that was around the time of the Casey Anthony trial so that is where her attitude was @ the time. Bull!!! Draya is not Casey Anthony. Draya is an Angel compared to Casey A. That Baby daddy, must have done a #numb. on Imani, cus she cant even hold alcohol without crying over him and what happened. She needs help! All of them do except malaysia and draya. Those two seem to be cool with their lives and are @ peace with what they choose to do. They dont front. Shaunie is right though BBW LA is trashy they are ghetto messes. Cant wait for BBW miami! They were alot classier and even fought with more class than these Hens! I understand Kimsha and Tanya for not being on the show lately. I dont blame you for giving it a break! How you gone fight the 2nd episode when you dont even know anybody enuf to be fighting already. Please! You should not fight @ all but that was just stupid, and Shaunie need to put a stop to the fighting @ least for upcoming holidays lol. VH-1 I understand you want to keep the ratings but LA is just rediculous! Hope Evelyn returns for season 4 – I miss all of those ladies except for Royce–and meeka is out! Dont like the fights but someone needs to drop Gloria. She is bitter from Matt beating her down. She seems angry all the time, even when she supposed to be happy. I want to see Miami meets LA –that would be hilarious!
….and another thing, I do hope Draya becomes a big success after this. She wants to become an actress and I can see that. I also can see Malaysia becoming more famous also. They seem to be about business. You notice Malaysia has not talked about alot of dirly laundry or bad situations, probably cus she has had none. Draya has no shame in her game and no regrets about her life or decisions and if they do have issues, again THEY ARE YOUNG, they got time to change that. They are not near 50 years old, set in their ways and think they have all the answers. Tanya sd she was a motivational speaker so, I think they just took her the wrong way. All of them give each other advice all the time. They just did not like Tanya cus of the reserved person she was. Tanya probably sd "Im not gettin in no ghetto fight and gettin knocked out trying to break these fools up" Dont blame Tanya, she should have walked out. The business kicked all of them out afterwards. Every person on a reality dont have to fight and did not grow up fighting. She sd she was abused by her ex-husband anyway, so I dont think you need to mess with Tanya. Just saying. Anyway Draya, you keep doing you and make that money and dont let those ——s!keep you from fulfilling your dreams. Stay away from Chris Brown too.If he has not gotten help you dont need that. Real Talk. Be happy Draya and congratulations on all success from this show!
i,m so sick and tired of GLORIA AND HER WOLF Pack, always snubbing their noses down on some one: First it was shanie and everybody from Miami now it,s Draya who made them judge & jury no 1 their not perfect none of them and their realtionships aren,t either, THey should concentrate on their own lives and leave miss Draya alone no she,s not perfect but she,s her own person and speaks her mind and their intimidated and have to find fault because she,s young and single and their miserable and you know the saying Misery Loves company! P.S you don,t have to keep renewing marriage vows to prove that you have a happy marriage that something that takes God 1st and the couple second who keeps it together and makes it work as a whole ms.jackie needs to get it together:
Malaysia was underestimated and as a result gave an overcut, although it could have been avoided. Jackie set the tone, then pretended to be on the phone when both ladies argued. When I’m on the cell, cannot hear anything over loud voices, never the less sitting next to the person?? She then proceeded to blame Tonya for not helping, when in fact Jackie kept her distance. Jackie’s very facetious & insecure. She may show love to her immediate family, but not to others and this is what counts! MTV should get rid of Jackie, Imani and Gloria and create a show for them called the “Basketball Stooges.” Never thought I would say this, but “They’re Irrelevant,” yes, Miami, (I said it) to the show! Gloria’s face shows despair at everything her eyes sets upon. Imani is the pot calling the kettle black. How dare she, knowing her background! Someone please tell me if she’s serious? These are the most insecure on the show. Draya is giving them the run of their senses. You go girl!
Come on MTV BRING ON SOME POSITIVE WOMEN. Tonya! Tonya! Tonya!
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I've come to like Draya, yeah, its prolly smart to proceed with caution cuz she's young. These are grown supposedly mature women, what would it hurt to give her a real chance? I would think Jackie who seems to be the oldest, would set an example, if necessary, Jackie should take her under her wing, since she IS young, but Naw, I think jealousy clouds these womens' judgment. At the passion party, when ole girl wrote on the paper that was pulled out of the box, wrote that Draya was "worthless" that REALLY touched a nerve, my heart went out to Draya, Imani was being a coward, she din think anyone would find out it was her, I just really hate to hear one of us belittle the next person reguardless of what. WOW jealousy REALLY IS an ugly monster.
And they need to stop riding Glorias' a**, OMG, of ALL people, Why does SHE get to play little Shawnee? She just better, start a business, or get an education so she can have her own solid foundation, cuz if Matt decides to leave the she won't have sh***!
Dats all!
Draya did not have to go to the wedding if she didn't want to especially if you didn't feel comfortable. They act like Jackie and Draya were best friends. It was suppose to be Jackie's day but instead they were making it a Draya day by spitting her name out of there mouth every chance they had.
I think she did the right thing by not going. Most of the other ladies or girls are just straight up haters.HATERS. TWO OF THEM FOR REAL MAYBE THREE ARE JUST STRAIGHT UP HATING .I really like Jackie at first but she is being a bit fake Right Now.
I feel bad for Draya having to tolerate those pigs. They're petty and obviously crazy because she couldn't be nicer. And what's up with Jackie's respessed lesbianism? At every opportunity she's commenting on Draya supposed sex life. I think Jackie wants her…
I HAVE WATCHED THIS SHOW TRYING TO SEE WHAT THE PURPOSE OF IT,THESE WOMEN ACT LIKE IDIOTS! WHO EVER THEY ARE WITH THEY ACT LIKE SOME TEENAGE SCHOOL KIDS, THE ONE BRAGGING ABOUT HAVING CHILDREN,AND SOME ARE YOUNG ADULTS,SEE THEIR PARENT ACTING LIKE THIS.WHAT BUSINESS THEY HAVE CHECKING INTO SOMEBODYS BACK GROUND,AND FEELING THAT SOMEHOW THIS PERSON OWES THEM A EXPLANATION??? AND ALL THIS IF SHE WANTS TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM?? WHAT ABOUT THEM AND THEIR PAST,AND WHAT MATURE WOMAN ACTS THIS WAY! AND FIGHTING IN RESTAURANTS,AND BECAUSE OF SOME,YOU SAY, THEY SAY!! THIS IS KIDS KARP,AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE BEHAVING THIS WAY.AND JUST BECAUSE ONE WOMAN DID NOT WANT TO HELP BREAK UP TWO IDIOTS REACHING ACROSS THE TABLE HITTING EACH OTHER,IS SO STUPID!THEY HATE ON HER,SHE ACTS LIKE A LADY,AND BY THE WAY, THE ONE WHO JUST TWO WEEKS AGO GAVE BIRTH,STARTED IT,SHE REACH OVER AND HIT THE OTHER PERSON, SO UNREAL,THIS SHOW DOES NOT SHOW THAT THESE WOMEN WHO ARE WITH RICH OR FAMOUS MEN,ARE JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, THEY BEHAVE BADLY,AND PROVE WHY THESE MEN PICK OTHER RACES OF WOMEN TO MARRY,THATS NOT TO SAY THEY ARE BETTER,IT JUST SHOWS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR BETTER,IT ALSO DOES NOT MEAN THE MEN ARE ALL SO MUCH BETTER EITHER,NOW THAT BEING SAID,THE OLDER ONE THAT KEEPS GETTING MARRIED EVERY YEAR TO HER HUSBAND,IS TOO OLD FOR THIS KARP,AND SEEMS TO ACT THIS WAY WHEN AWAY FROM HER HUSBAND,AND THE ONE WHO FIRST GOOGLED THIS NEWEST ONE TO THE GROUP,SHOULD MIND HER OWN BUSINESS,SHE IS NOT DOING SO GREAT IN HER LIFE,AND THE ONE PUNCHING THIS GIRL, CAUSE SOMEBODY TOLD HER SHE WAS BEING TALKED ABOUT,REALLY??SHE TALKS ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE,AND THE ONE SHE IS MAD AT,GIVE ME A BREAK,GROW UP,GET A LIFE,HOW DO THESE GROWN ASS WOMEN THINK ABOUT HOW THEIR CHILDREN SEE THEM???AND WHEN THEY ACT UP IN SCHOOL,OR AROUND OTHERS,WHAT CAN THEY SAY TO THEM??THIS SHOW SHOW HOW MUCH HELP THESE WOMEN NEED, COUNCELING!! THEY ARE MISERABLE WOMEN,ACTING OUT ON OTHERS,AND IF YOU ARE SO HAPPILY MARRIED,WHY ARE YOU OUT THERE ACTING THIS WAY???? AND QUESTIONING ANOTHER WOMEN ABOUT HER TRUST WORTH, CAUSE SHE SAID SHE HAS A YOUNG SON,TO LOOK OUT FOR??? AND SHE ACTS THE WAY SHE DOES??? THE SHOW DOWNS WOMEN AND THEY DOWN THEMSELVES,FRIENDS DONOT TREAT EACH OTHER THIS WAY,THAT YOUNG LADY OWES NOBODY THERE , NOTHING ABOUT HER BUSINESS,SHE NEEDS TO LEAVE THESE PEOPLE ALONE,THEY ARE BACK STABBERS,OLD BACK STABBERS!! HOW SAD!!!