Nia Long reveals gift via private jet, proving why she’s “that girl”
Hardly anyone can deny that Nia Long was the ultimate “It Girl” of the 90s and captured the hearts of many with her charm and talent.
The Brooklyn native, who rose to fame in the role of Brandi in John Singleton’s cult film “Boyz n the Hood,” became an icon of her generation, even if she wasn’t fully aware of her status at the time.
In a resurfaced 2018 interview with TV One, Long reflected on what it was like to have so many men vying for her attention in her early twenties.
“I was something like the It Girl back then. Everyone called me,” she remembers.
The “Love Jones” star recounted a particularly memorable experience in which a guy went out of his way to get her attention.
“One guy,” Long laughed. “I won’t name names. But I had one guy… my doorbell rang at 4:00 in the morning and there was this beautiful box of diamond earrings delivered in the middle of the night on a private jet,” she recalled.
As her fame grew, the actress began to realize the “overwhelming” nature of her newfound status.
“Now I’m a little bit famous, you know. People are starting to know my name. My name started coming up in rap songs,” she said, adding, “I was like, ‘What’s going on? Why are they writing songs with my name in them?'”
The actress from “Roxanne Roxanne” is mentioned in more than 20 rap songs, including “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole, in which he raps: “My only regret is that I’m too young for Nia Long.”
A clip from the interview recently shared on TikTok left fans amazed at the lengths men would go to get Long’s attention.
“Diamond earrings are flying your way???? Oh yeah. She was that girl,” one fan commented.
Another compared Long’s story to a scene from an Eddie Murphy movie: “Like Lisa McDowell from ‘Coming to America’ – Prince Akeem was delivered these earrings and her sister had to sign for them. Lol I know that’s true Nia!”
One user said: “Damn, in my next life I want to be Nia Long.”
Nia Long’s iconic roles
– Boys in the Neighborhood (1991)
– Live Alone (1993)
– Friday (1995)
– The Fresh Prince (1994-1995)
– Dear Jones (1997)
– Soul Food (1997)
– The Best Man (1999)
– Big Momma’s House (2000)
– are we already there (2005) pic.twitter.com/CYmvPC1yXM— bre ✨ (@justthatbre) October 30, 2023
Some fans speculated about who might have sent the jewels, naming names like Prince, actors Robert De Niro and Chris Webber, and even compared the gesture to something Floyd Mayweather might do in 2024.
Other commenters, meanwhile, lamented how the men’s efforts have changed over the years. Despite the admiration, some comments centered on Long’s recent split from Ime Udoka, her ex-fiancé and father of her son.
Their 13-year relationship ended after Udoka’s public cheating scandal, which led to his suspension and eventual firing as head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2022.
Fans were quick to express their disbelief at Udoka’s actions.
“I don’t understand how that guy cheated on her… You won’t do better than Nia Long,” one said.
Another comment loudly declared: “And Ime cheated on HER! HER! Ms. Nia Long! Ugh.”
Watch Nia Long identify the Celtics employee Ime Udoka had an affair with and reflect on why she still works with the team despite the Celtics showing no mercy toward her; the woman’s husband decided against a divorce even after she was in isolation with Udoka (IG pics) https://t.co/KYpVcvKFGL pic.twitter.com/s84t7eQVO6
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) 28 September 2023
Long, who has had romantic relationships with several high-profile personalities over the years, including Massai Z. Dorsey, Dwight Freeney, Cuttino Mobley, Kevin Phillips, TI, 50 Cent and Peter A. Thomas, has yet to find true love.
One fan said: “I wonder how and why women who have all these options end up with horrible partners. Her fiancé cheated on her and they never got married. She was and still is stunningly beautiful!!!”
Even though her previous relationships didn’t work out, Long undoubtedly still seems to be enjoying her life to the fullest.
The “Best Man” actress recently shared photos on Instagram from a tropical vacation, looking radiant in a chic black one-piece, designer sunglasses and a beach hat. Fans noticed the two coconut drinks and cups next to her in the photo, suggesting she wasn’t alone.
“Who took the photo?” someone asked. After facing scandal for the first time in public for almost two years, her fans are hoping someone will make her happy.
While the identity of her companion remains secret and classified, one thing is certain: Miss Nia Long is still the “It Girl”.
