https://www.instagram.com/p/BkdJgEZnvLG/?hl=en&taken-by=lala
“Power” star LaLa Anthony seemed to have good intentions when she invited estranged husband Carmelo Anthony to accompany her while honoring the family of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz Monday, but the actress got skewered for it instead.
As LaLa celebrated her 39th birthday she decided to connect with the family of Guzman-Feliz, a Bronx, New York teenager who was stabbed to death in a gang-related attack last week. The former MTV VJ documented the visit with Junior’s mother, Leandra Feliz, and Anthony with an Instagram photo.
“This is what I wanted to do for my birthday today. Thank you to the ‘gram for connecting me to this family. I wanted to offer our love and support to Lesandro ‘Junior’s’ family,” she wrote in the image caption. “His sister @__octobersveryown__ reached out and told me he loved Melo. So I asked Mel to go with me.
“I can’t imagine this type of pain and sadness. His family is strong and may God bless them forever,” she continued. “Seeing his family smile when we walked through that door is something I will never forget. Putting my arms around his mom is something I will never forget. Being in his room is something I will never forget. Pls go to his sister in law’s page @c0co__amor to donate to this family. (& before it starts…we did more than bring jerseys and sneakers) just do what YOU can even if it’s $1.. this family will be in my heart forever 🙏🏽🙏🏽#justiceforjunior #justiceforjunior.”
But despite LaLa’s explanation of Melo’s presence or her good intentions, some fans began criticizing her for apparently using the tragedy to drum up publicity.
“People you’re missing the point, this is for a good cause we can agree on that but someone between those two wants the publicity more than the other here…before this have you seen her anywhere near Melo????”
“I think 🤔 your wack I honestly think it’s all about you and your publicity! How dare you make Junior about your bday! There was a reason I never liked your dumb ass!”