Former NBA star Paul Pierce is stirring up controversy after offering a provocative take on why some Black NBA players prefer to date white women — a statement that sparked laughter, awkward silence, and a few cautious responses from his fellow panelists during the latest episode of It Is What It Is.
Pierce, speaking on his own podcast The Truth After Dark With Paul and Azar, claimed that white women “appreciate more” and “don’t mind being held accountable”, suggesting they are more apologetic and emotionally responsive in relationships. His comments quickly made their way to Cam’ron and Mase’s popular sports and culture talk show, where the reaction was swift, awkward, and hilarious.
Mase’s Nervous Reaction Draws Laughs
As the group dissected Pierce’s claims, Mase was visibly hesitant, knowing his wife might be listening in. “When she’s gone, I’ll be talking again,” he joked, drawing laughter from co-host Cam’ron and guest Maurice Clarett.
Cam’ron didn’t hold back, teasing, “So basically what’s going on is, Mase’s wife is my sister, Mo’s wife is my sister, ‘cause I love my brothers’ wives… but this what Paul Pierce was talking about. Look at them n*ggas!”
The joke lightened the mood, but Cam doubled down, mock-scolding Mase:
“Don’t be tough for me, Murda. Don’t do it for me. You better calm the f*** down!”
Mase Treads Carefully
Eventually, Mase gave a diplomatic response to the touchy topic:
“When it comes to women, I think women kinda act the way a man allows them to act… I believe there’s some women that’ll act the way you need ’em to act. And, if you get them, it’s the terms that you get ’em on.”
Clarett echoed the sentiment, suggesting Pierce’s dating history may be skewing his perspective:
“Maybe Paul just chose the wrong Black women. Or maybe his approach with women is a little bit different.”
Pierce’s Original Comments
Pierce’s original commentary — which ignited this debate — suggested a cultural or behavioral difference in romantic dynamics:
“I honestly think that maybe [white women] appreciate maybe more, and they apologize more. They don’t mind being held accountable,” he said with a chuckle.
While some fans are applauding Pierce for speaking his truth, many others online are calling his comments reductive and divisive. Regardless of where one stands on the matter, the conversation has sparked larger debates about interracial dating, accountability in relationships, and how public figures navigate sensitive topics in the age of social media.
