Rapper-actor Bow Wow – also known as Shad Moss – took time yesterday to answer questions from fans on Twitter. In his discussion, he revealed his plans not to vote in this year’s presidential election. But the bulk of the conversation focused on his race.
A fan asked the former star of CBS’ “CSI: Cyber” if he was in favor of Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton or Republican nominee Donald Trump.
“I don’t really care,” Bow answered.
@bonezmayne you SHOULD care, based on the fact that your ancestors died so that you could have the right to vote!
— MSF (@mfromthesfbay) July 27, 2016
User MSF told the artist he should care because of the sacrifices his African-American ancestors made to give him the right to vote.
But Bow Wow responded by letting the fan know about his mixed heritage and denied his ancestors died to earn voting rights, saying, “I don’t know what my ancestors was doing. I only know what I see!”
Man i only believe what the eyes see. Im mixed. I dont know what my ancestors was doing. I only know what i see! https://t.co/OdDO2pvtBS
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
The fan questioned Moss’ lack of knowledge about the Civil Rights Movement.
You don't know what your ancestors were doing??? Did your eyes see a movie called Selma directed by @AVAETC ?? https://t.co/37C8k9yZTY
— MSF (@mfromthesfbay) July 27, 2016
And Moss explained his entire family is not Black. The fan then asked if his mixed heritage meant he was unable to relate to the struggles faced by past generations that allowed him to achieve his success.
so cuz you're only half black you're saying you can't relate to sacrifices black men made in the past for you to be where you are?
— MSF (@mfromthesfbay) July 27, 2016
But the TV host stuck to his original statement about only being able to “believe what my own eyes see,” once again mentioning his background.
I honor that fasho! What im saying is i only BELIEVE what my own eyes see. My background diff from yours. Trust https://t.co/nIncfzUodb
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
When asked what his mixed race has to do with him voting, Bow Wow explained his father’s side of the family was white and Native American.
Because my ancestors were in tribes. My moss side of my family is white and native. Shit i cant help thats my family https://t.co/nOS7Qf5OWf
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
A fan accuses the MC of believing “it’s bad to be full black.”
@smoss So you discredit being black because you're mixed? Almost like you think it's bad to be full black or something
— shhh (@Fettichebaby) July 27, 2016
But he points out he would never disown his Blackness.
Dont start this sensitive "black thing" off STOP IT 5. 😂 maybe with someone else but not me. NEVER would i do that. https://t.co/9CFOe1gFuq
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
Moss later reveals grandmother is not Black and his grandfather was mixed.
Seen his mom? My grandma is not black. My dads father was mixed. My dad look like a drunk cuban with no rhythm. https://t.co/6lykpMfIqB
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
He also said his cousins all have blonde hair and his nephew looks like white pop star Justin Bieber.
NO BLACK really on the moss side of the family. All my cousins have BLONDE HAIR BRO. Nephew etc.. look like bieber. https://t.co/TKlLplDAvK
— Bow Wow (@smoss) July 27, 2016
In case any fans had any doubts about his heritage, Moss posted his dad’s photo on Instagram for proof.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIYqa7wBlX-/