Essence.com | Essence Do Right Men 2008

R. KELLY, 41

PROFESSION: R&B singer

DOING WRONG: The Pied Piper of R&B has been plagued by accusations of sexual escapades with underage girls since his 1992 debut. In 1994, he married then 15-year-old “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” songstress Aaliyah, and since 1996 has been sued at least three times over allegations of sexual relationships with minors. In 2002 he was indicted on several counts of child pornography, and his case finally went to trial earlier this summer following a six-year delay. He was later acquitted in June of this year. In his own defense, Kelly told MTV in a 2002 interview, “There are a lot of people out there saying that R. Kelly is a monster, and there are a lot of people out there that are misinformed about who I am.”

Week 4: Michael Vick, 28, Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback

Week 3: T.I. , 27, Rapper

Week 3: R. Kelly, 41, R&B singer

Week 2: O.J. Simpson, 61, Former Football Player

Week 1: Lebron James, 23, Cleveland Cavaliers Forward


name: comment:

Essence, we already have enough problems dealing with the divisive ways of the "majority" population and its media, which further divides. To see you fall into the same trap has broken my heart. I could see a "Where are we going wrong in today's society?" type of article giving examples (without naming names) of ways that we ALL make mistakes. But I would fully expect to see at the end some upliftment, encouragement, compassion and empathy for ALL of us who make mistakes! Of course our youth need to understand and learn lessons from others' mistakes. But they should also feel as though our community won't turn their back on them if they do!

3:02 PM | Nina

I really didn't expect to see names and pictures. I never thought that Essence would do such a thing. I expected maybe a list of things that would make one a "Do Wrong Man". I'm really disappointed.

3:03 PM | Disappointed

O J Simpson and R Kelly were found innocent, why do you insist on saying they did wrong? If you knew so much, why didn't you help the prosecution team convict them? This is the reason why we as a people can't be unified. We are too busy focusing on the negative rather than the positive. T I is paying for what he did and Lebron James... only God knows what is going through his head. I thought you guys were a magazine with class. I guess not. I will inform my business to not buy anymore magazines. So much for supporting our black magazines.

3:04 PM | disappointed reader

I am disappointed in Essence to air the "Do Wrong Men. It's ashame that a black magazine would publish such filth about black men. It's bad enough that the media is having a field day. I am particularly disgusted about LeBron James being on the Do Wrong Men list. I do not condone bad behavior but this is insane. What has he done to put him on this list? Oh! He would not sign a teammates petition, he graced himself on the cover of Vogue and he blew 100 mph on a police radar ( that was bad) but other than that, what has he done that was soo bad? I've been a long time subscriber to Essence but this is ridiculous.

3:21 PM | MB

I commend you for posting the DO WRONG MEN young women need to know that men may look a certain way or make a lot of money and still turn out to be nut by making these choices they need to know how to look and question these men about there hobbies and likes and dislikes and not only their job and status.

3:32 PM | patricia

I don't think we should put down our brothers any more than society already does. As a black woman we need to support and uplift the few black men that we have and not black men bash. I'm sure all of us have our ups and downs but we didn't have them magnified through the media. Let's not keep dissing each other as society has always encouraged us to do.

3:33 PM | Ashley

Essence, I am extremely disappointed with this article of DO WRONG MEN. We all know the poor choices that these men made, as a people let us continue to uplift the good that are men do. I am one sister that is never, ever tolerant of the bashing of my brothers! While I may not condone the horrible and poor choices they made, I will not join in on tearing them apart. Essence, please do not ever publish another article like this. I have been reading Essence since the 1970's, and this is the first time I am ashamed of this publication. I was going to renew my subscription and purchase one as a gift. I'm putting that on hold and will look at future issues before deciding to subscribe. I really would hate to see our relationship end. Please don't disappoint!!

3:57 PM | Kaaron

All Essence is doing is telling the truth! And I hope they continue to do so!

3:59 PM | cehhw

Michael Vick I dont care what they say about Micael Vick he is still the man! N body is perfect and yes he admits doing wrong! The white man always take money from the Black man when he is wrong and they take every thing he worked for ! They could have given him a fine but not strip him of everything'"dam" I hope he can get all back and some! You cant keep a good brother down! I wish he was my husband! He is still my main man!

4:07 PM | Deb

For all those taking the "holier than thou" approach, get off your high horses. Essence is simply printing what was already dished in the news and other not so reputable magazines. Yes we all make mistakes but they shouldn't be covered up anymore than they should be glorifed. As for "black man bashing", you can't say you were all that PROUD when you read the stories of any of these men. Don't fault Essence, fault the men who made the mistakes and all of YOU who turned on the news, picked up the magazinesand supported the ones who did the bashing. Don't be enablers! Essence never said don't forgive but we can't let these acts go unnoticed either. Wrong doing doesn't have a color and neither does forgivness. You ladies are taking this article too personally and if it was your daughter what would be your comment then? Have a great day!!

4:23 PM | Sadira

I'm reading some more of the messages and it amazes me. When Lindsay Lohan and Brittney Spears are plastered all over the news you all snatch up the Star and People to see what they did next. We don't want to be treated differently because of our skin color, we want to be treated better; special even. Do we deserve a 'don't air my dirty laundry' pass because we are black? Give me a break. A lot of us have issues now because so many things were swept under the rug in our communities. You can't be seperateand equal at the same time. When it comes to supporting black businesses, where are you? When it comes to getting affordable childcare, where are you? Most BLACK people only come out and voice opinions for bad stuff. I don't see Al Sharpton marching for teachers or programs for single mothers. Wake up people. We are more than the color of our skin and if we don't realize it no one else will.

4:30 PM | Sadira

ATLANTA DO RIGHT MEN 2008!!!!

MICHAEL VICK & T.I.

MICHAEL VICK 7 T.I.

AS SOME MORE MICHAEL VICK AND T.I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4:32 PM | ATL Home of Mike Vick!!!!

YOU CANNOT PLACE SOMEONE THAT WAS ON TRIAL FOR NUMEROUS SEX CRIMES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN THE SAME CATERGORY AS SOMEONE WHO DID SOMETHING STUPID WITH HIS TIME TO ANIMALS IT IS NOT A VERY GOOD COMPARISON EVEN THOUGH MIKE VICK WAS WRONG... I AGREE LEAVE BLACK MEN BASHING TO THE NEWS!

4:32 PM | CJ

AND SOME MORE MICHAEL VICK & T.I. WHERE WE GET GET GET IT.......

4:34 PM | ATL Home of Mike Vick!!!!

We as Black people already know from the media who our DO WRONG MEN are. I really don't see the need for Essence to do it also. It is unfair to spotlight these so called DO WRONG MEN, just because they are famous. There are a lot of DO WRONG MEN men in the Black society. But the idea should not be to spotlight them because they are famous, it should be to spotlight all the DO WRONG MEN in our society by finding a way to Help Them NOT Bash Them. There is enough Black Male Bashing done by White America and sadly our own people too. We already know what these so-called DO WRONG MEN have done, the media (TV, internet, You Tube...) lets us know everyday, I'm just so disappointed that a publication that I hold in such high esteem would feel the need to jump on the bandwagon and do it weekly. There are so many famous Black men that are constantly screwing up, you could be doing this for years. But why do it at all. Essence as a publication for Black Women you should be doing articles

4:37 PM | Christi

If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas...if a man is not honorable, I see nothing wrong with highlighting it as such. I truly feel that it is this "uphold the black man no matter the cost" philosophy that has so many black women twisted up today. Sure, he beat me and didn't pay child support, but I can't knock him because then I'm just like "the man." PLEASE! Now, I do hope that we'll see someting other than professional athletes and entertainers! I can think of many politicians clergy and "average joes" that deserve the title as well! ESSENCE, don't get me started on your "star" treatment of Genarlow Wilson...

4:38 PM | nikki

I agree with the previous message. Leave negative talk about black men to the media. They give more than enough negative feedback on black men for the world.

5:01 PM | THAT B ME

I notice that there are no comments for or against R. Kelly or O.J. Simpson. Ain't nobody trying to defend Simpson! Ha..ha Oh, by the way, Time Warner owns Essence Magazine nowadays. I don't believe that to be a black owned corporation.

6:22 PM | Warmth1

Essence lets try to stay positive. That is why I like your magazine.

6:27 PM | TAB SC

I agree this was a wrong move for Essence. We should not cast judgement of anyone. These situations are in the hands of the United States Justice System. At the end of the day, it is God who takes charge of our lives. I truly feel Essence should sincerely apologize to not only its readers, but also to these men named as Do Wrong Men.

6:34 PM | Terrence Parker

Michael Vick is a jerk! He's almost as bad as T.O. BUT not quite! I met Vick 6 months before this story came out and he was RUDE & ignorant! Karma is a B*tch! Some people NEED to be put on blast. You can't treat people like caca and expect good things. What goes up must come down and sorry for the brother but he WILL have to do better.

7:20 PM | VICK DO BETTER!!!

I'm not feeling this do wrong men thing, primarily because we are already aware of these issues because they were reported on LONG ago in the mainstream media. OJ was a do-wrong man in our community long before Nicole was murdered or any of his recent activities. Why are you wasting energy and effort telling us what we already know? As for the other three men on this list, they are young and made some mistakes and, in the case of TI and Michael Vick, are paying their debts to society for their mistakes. Why are continuing to bash them here in a forum that is supposed to be used to celebrate our men?

7:23 PM | CJ

I forgot about R.Kelly but this again is old news. Why didn't you try to interview him and find out his side of this story and what he has learned from the whole ordeal? Now that you've put him on this list, I don't think that will ever happen. Would have been a major coup for you if it could have...especially after you'd already interviewed Andrea and blogged daily about the trial.

7:28 PM | CJ

For all of you "do wrong men" who allowed fame and fortune to control your life; I will always believe you got what you deserve. For many black americans poverty has no boundaries; but for you men you felt money would allow you to rise to the top; but when it came crashing down; you fell so low. How does one begin to rise above these standards while limiting their ethical behavior and moral judgements in order to gain notoriety? To have what you accomplished for a jail cell...for greed, money, and control. One thing you "do wrong men" may need to rekindle your relationships, while redefining your goals and attributions in life. One thing about success, fortune, and fame; you cannot take it with when you die! People will only remember the negative news vs the good you could have done had it not been for fame, fortune, and greed.

7:34 PM | LB

I love Essence, but this is a disgrace to our people. Its bad enough that society looks at the black man wrongly, but now we are bashing them also.

7:51 PM | Deirdre

This is a disgrace, we all have done wroong the only difference between them and ua is that they are in the spotlight and we are not. Essence Shame On You for putting down our own black men, when society beats on them enough.

7:54 PM | Deirdre

Yes, it is sad that these men were listed under this category. But we must also not covet those that knowingly engage in illegal activities and wrongdoing. They were wrong, they knew they were wrong and we as a community are not helping by enabling them. Maybe if they do like they say to the cameras; Vick - ???I hope I can move forward in my life and make better decisions???, then next year they will be in the "Do Right Men" Category. You have to earn respect and be a model to others every day t it. You don't get a pass for the one good deed you have done.

7:58 PM | Tonya

Michael Vick should have been placed on probation because he killed dogs not a human being, They have been killing us(blacks) for years.

8:07 PM | Jennifer

please who in essence is without sin cast the first stone!!!!!!

8:12 PM | dixie

That's the problem now with black people. The majority of the women who have commented are defending black men, which you should. HOWEVER, you are sending the wrong message to your young people. If we turn our heads and don't hold people accountable for their actions what kind of society do we have? We are steady praising black men because they have been bashed and whatnot but in this day and age that's a damn excuse. We have all kinds of avenues to get through and around the negativity. The only thing that's holding a black man down IS the black man. When they are the old men who own the candy store taking care of the little kids we don't praise them we condemn them for not making enough money. But, when they are multi platinum recording artistswho have fetishes with underage girls we blame someone else. Stop pointing the blame and defending grown human beings. When it's time to stand before the Lord and be held accountable you are not answering for R. Kelly and OJ, Lebron

8:20 PM | Anonymous

You can't please everyone but it's a damn shame that some people continue to use slavery to enslave the black population. Who is they, and how have they been killing us? The last time I checked there was more black on black crime because people like a few of the ones that listed comments don't care. Stop using excuses of what people are not giving us (BLACKS) and start taking action on things. Our ancestors worked together to give us opportunities and we continue to blame others, (whites or others), for our hardships. There's no one stopping you from excelling as much as another person of a different color except you and your prohibitions. FOCUS! Society doesn't look down on black men. Black men keep making dumb decisions when they get in the limelight and are shocked when their business is brought out into the open.

8:26 PM | Anonymous

It's so sad you desperate women who want so bad to be loved by black men that you keep saying, "Please don't bash black men. Society does it enough." Then you feel stupid as hell when you see a successful black man (football or basketball player, doctor, actor, etc.) who has deserted you for a woman of another race. Still standing by them when they have deserted you! You're upholding and praising them and who's doing it for you. Aren't you tired of raising your children alone? Aren't you tired of working hard and watching them sit at home playing the XBOX you paid for? The bigger picture is the BLACK woman is becoming extinct because we are steady "praising and uplifting" black men. Who do you have to depend on? When you ask Wesley Snipes about black women is he saying he's "praising and uplifting" us? No!! He will sell your soul for a white woman. So, society is not bashing black men, black men are doing it themselves.

8:38 PM | Anonymous

I know a lot of people were so happy with what happened to Vick, however I dont believe this should have caused this man his future. He made a stupid decision and I totally dont agree with the dog fighting but please. We judge football and basketball players, singers and entertainers as thru they arent human always suppose to do right, unless I missed something his name is Vic not JEsUs he's going to mess up. Let this issue die so this man can move on with his life, he is serving his sentence, paying back to the community what he took. Now my question is too all the people that cheered when he went to jail another black man fallen... would it have mattered as much if he was a nobody? If the answer is true, then it was no, and you shoul be ashamed of yourself for convicting him not for what he did but for who he is while he did something stupid. Vic if you see this or hear about it the only thing I can say to you young man is get to know God, he will never leave you, he will always stan

8:51 PM | Ice

What about Rev.Jessie Jackson and Bishop Weeks (great men of God)??? ALL have sinned and fallen short! "Even the Do Right MEN!" Who are WE to judge, let's leave that to GOD!

8:56 PM | Peace

WOW!!!!!!!!, I AM APPALLED AT THE LEVEL OF SICK DEVOTION, OF THE EVASIVE DO-RIGHT BLACK MAN. THAT IS BEING PROJECTED TOWARDS THIS ARTICLE. SOME ARE BLAMING ESSENCE, OTHERS DON'T KNOW WHO TO BLAME. BUT WHAT I FIND TO BE THE MOST SAD IS ALL THE FEMALE'S COMMENTARIES OF BEING, OR STAYING TO DEVOTED TO A SPECIES OF MAN, THAT HAS SOLD THEM OUT, IN A HEARTBEAT. COUNTLESS TIMES, UTTERLY FASCINATE ME. HOW COME WE CANNOT CRITICIZE THESE IDIOTS WITHOUT BLACK WOMEN BRINGING UP RACE AND THE PAST. WHERE ARE THESE BLACK MEN WHEN WE NEED THEM? BETTER YET, WHO IS KEEPING US ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW? MAYBE WE AS BLACK WOMEN NEED TO START A MILLION-FEMALE-TALK, BECAUSE I TRULY THINK THAT OUR PRIORITIES ARE NOT IN ORDER. THANK YOU.

9:46 PM | Evelyn, from Alabama

Wow - leave the black man bashing to the main-stream media outlets? Is this the same "accept him as he is" attitude that let's do wrong men do black women wrong over and over and over again? If they do so wrong in public, how wrong are they in private? Actions speak.

11:02 PM | Andrea

This situation was blown out overboard. Why is when african- american are involved in a crime it gets so much media attention? White people have been harming animals for years! I watched a special on Dog Fighting and there were only white men doing it.Weas a people just let the media destroy us mentally!!!!!

11:16 PM | vickie

DO WRONG MAGAZINE!!!! IMA TELL YO MOMMA ! IS THIS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT NOW? THE SLANDER OF THE BLACK MEN HAVE WE TAKEN THIS ROLE IN A PUBLICATION THAT I SUBSCRIBE TO. KEEP THIS UP AND I WILL REQUEST A REFUND! THIS IS EMBARRASSING ! SISTERS WAKE UP DONT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE! WE SHOULD BE FIGHTING FOR OUR MEN NOT BEATING THEM DOWN. HOW SHAMEFUL!

11:27 PM | KIAH

Initially I thought this was about praising our men. Then you use it to give more press those who were featured in every media outlet when these circumstances were occuring and thereafter. Essence I'm disheartened by this, because every day I encounterbrothers who feel they aren't needed/appreciated/etc by us because the attention is always put on those who do wrong. Don't overshadow these men who obviously doing more for the community.

11:42 PM | Wondering Why

Personally, I do not agree with Mr. Vick as being a "Do Wrong Man" yes he may have been involved an illegal operation however the brother is serving his time and I am sure he is more than remorseful for what he has done, I live in VA and happen to know for a fact that the Commonwealth is very harsh on their penalties and his sentence that he is serving is outrageous for killing animals, I do believe that animals have rights, but please explain to me why it is ok for a pedophile or rapists to live next door to me as opposed to someone who has dog fights, or chicken fights. It is amazing how we can always find so many negatives within our own people, when we should be uplifting each other and encouraging and inspiring each other to be positive. My heart goes out to the Vick family, especially his snitching cousin, he was that families sole provider. I do think that everyone should be held accountable for their actions but I do not think that this is the way that it needs to be done, as a

12:07 AM | highclass

Essence, I think you did a good thing by creating this list. It shows that in spite of all the good being done, there is still a few, who for whatever reason, just won't pull it together. I do agree that all these men have simply made a "mistake" however if they were not of celebrity status would there sentences have been so lenient? With the emphasis society puts on celebrities nowadays, especially our children viewing them as "role models," why do we continue to "justify" their actions? I would rather Essence print this article than Time or Newsweek, then it would be plain wrong, especially since or men are already low on the totem pole of society. I'm just glad as a mother of two African-American males, my boys do not view men of a "celebrity" status as a role model, but everyday men, such as their teachers, their pastor, and their uncles as role models. Men they can truly identify with on a daily basis. This way they are not taught to "chase" the American dream through celeb

12:15 AM | NYR

Let him without sin cast the first stone..

12:43 AM | Linda W.

Reading the vast majority of comments here, I am concerned for the moral fiber of black american women. We seem to have confused what to defend our men from. We cannot defend them from themselves, they must be accountable for their own actions. That is what makes a stand-up, do-right MAN a MAN. Accepting and excusing anything less - especially sadistic greed-driven cruelty on God's creatures - is not being, in my opinion, a do-right WOMAN.

12:50 AM | DT

They need to take LeBron James off the list! He has never been on trial!! He does a lot in the community! He has the right to look at a woman anyway he wants too! Let him live his life!! I think this section is way off base with their motives!!

2:23 AM | shelly

this is dead wrong. we need to be uplifting our black men not tearing them down even more. so they made mistakes but hopefully they will learn from them. hopefully you all will learn from these messages not to post mess like this. I think that most readers should go on strike against the magazine and not subscribe to it for a year and see how many people get laid off of their jobs because of this mess. I am appalled at whom ever is in charge of this. You should have spoken up but instead you would rathersay yeah lets do this just so you can get excepted at work by your peers and possibly gain a promotion. Well have some decency and respect for black men. They already have a lot going against them now you want to add this ridiculous monstrosity. Hopefully this what not your only idea for the magazine if so you are about to lose your job. start looking for a new one on monster.com or careerbuilder.com

2:30 AM | tga

They should put these men on a list because our younger black men look up to these men so we as Black people have to holded someone accountable for there poordecisions.

3:32 AM | Celeste

yes the bible says "he who has not sin cast the first stone" but it all so says "he that have sin ask for forgiveness" no one is perfect but someone has to take on the role toshow our children they is a better way we should judge but we should be held accountable for what we do because when it's all over you will be judge for what you have done.

3:47 AM | Houston

Ok essence, I expect better from this magazine.Don't judge people, I agree with the fist two readers.........

6:45 AM | Tara

I have been reading comments about putting black men on a 'do wrong men'list. Most people want Essence to praise the positives, but want the magazine to play down or even not report the negatives potrayed by the black men. I believe that, as a magazine, Essence is bound by the same journalistic principles as other 'mainstream' media outlets. It should report all news, however unpalatable it may be. That is the conerstone of good journalism. People should not be told only what they want to hear, they should hear it all. Maybe, Essence has been printing 'good news' all this time or engaging in some sugar-coating, but has now decided to sprinkle some 'bad news', no pun intended. In all the segments, Essence was clear about what the men did, and their comments and reactions! Please continue with fair and interesting and responsible journalism Essence. Do not refuse to cover news that potrays non-complementary events concerning black people simply because it casts a shadow on black people.

6:47 AM | Tyrone

put all the brothas who love white women on the list. and essence should quit putting those brothas (who are with white women) in OUR magazine. it will be interesting to see how many of the do right men will ultimately end up with one considering all the"love" they are showing us right now. can't wait to see who they hook up with.

8:46 AM | lesa

Personally, I don't think the "do wrong men" thing was necessary. There's good and bad in every race. Why do we always have to air our dirty laundry..nobody else does. It's always black men this and black men that. LET'S JUST STOP THE MADNESS. Black men are like any other men, it's just that they're little dirt is always magnified.

9:16 AM | Zee Alamin

A recent situation in Houston really opened my eyes to the injustices our black men have to suffer in today???s society. A white man in the Houston area gunned down two people in the back might I add. He is not going to face ANY charges, and here wee Mike Vic going to jail because he took the life of a DOG???So 2 men???s lives are not worth that of a dog here in Houston. Shame on Essence for adding insult to injury!

9:48 AM | Courtney...houston

humans do bad things and humans do good things...you have to take the good with the bad...call them out...you tell us the nice things...let them know yes I saw that...yes I heard what you said..thank you for the "not so nice info" about those I'm interested in...

10:12 AM | sonya

he still fine as all out

1:06 PM | natalia

FINE AS HELL

1:07 PM | juanita

I am extremely dissappointed in Essence at this time, with allllll the negative press about our brothers why, if you can't say something good say nothing at all!! We are tired of the brother bashing mess in all the media and 75% of the time they are jumping the gun just to bring another black man down, we aren't supposed to be successful so God forgbid one of us makes it and a speck of dirt becomes a mudbath! Come on you guys have more perspective than this. Rely on good press as we rely on you to keep us informed and inspired.........God Bless

1:20 PM | Kakee in NJ

After reading all the commentaries posted I was enlightened to the fact that this is no longer a Black Enterprise, hence the bashing it saddens me to say this since I've read Essence since I was a teen and have been a lifelong subscriber but that has just ended. I refuse to allow ANY other culture to dictate to me (as the multi-media franchises do) what "I" know and what "they" want me to and I'm paying for it!!

Goodby Essence fare thee well.

1:47 PM | Kakee in NJ

Okay, Essence, I thought you guys had more class than that. It's true that these guys made some bad decisions and yes it makes my blood boil. But who has the right to point the finger and not have one pointing back at themselves? Let he who is WITHOUT SIN cast the first stone. Some food 4 thought!

2:18 PM | Miriam

I would have to agree with Essence on this one. If they were so worried about their image,then they would have kept it clean,Stupid is as stupid doe's!!!

2:54 PM | Sherita

This Do Wrong section is totally decent and in order. The ones that do right should be praised and the ones that do wrong should be admonished. They are not being totally bashed...and what I DO admire about the articles is that the men are given a chance to defend themselves...their comments are printed. Their defenses are displayed, and the consequences of their actions given. There is nothing wrong with this section.

4:27 PM | Anonymous

Yes, he was wrong to be nvolved in a dogfighting operation, but a 23 month prison sentence is absurd.There are pedophiles who haven'treceived a sentence like Vick's?Why don't you write a story about the pedophile who was scared to go to prison, so the judge complied, and he murdered a six year old African American boy after he raped him? Let's speak honestly about do wrong men. Now that is criminal. Please don't become mainstream, and remain true to your subscribers because without us there will not be an Essence magazine.

4:47 PM | Nija

If this is the case, ALL MEN are Do Wrong Men. No one is perfect. Get a life Essence Editors!

Next week should be ALL BABY DADDIES - including Sean Combs.

5:07 PM | Nina

Essence is supposed to be an African American Magazine uplifting African American people. How could you tear down the black community by posting such filth about our black men? don't you think that the white community tore Michael Vick up enough? but, you think this is more funny then the white community. That's why you are still posting this garbage! This was very disappointing to see.

6:25 PM | Elisha

hey i love you mike keep your head up..

7:43 PM | ruff ruff

I thought this magazine was better than this, you are doing exactly what the white people want to display our brothers on the chopping. Always remember before you pass judgment on anyone remember what the Bible say Judge ye not unless ye be Judge first, give a person a chance to change their lives before you destroy them.

7:54 PM | Robbie Arbor

I agree with the points that others are saying about keeping it positive...because all of us have done wrong and I am sure no one likes for the bad choices that they made to published for everyone to keep talking about...can we get pass Vick..Let's talk about some of the young black men that are still out there that made need to still be highlighted and uplifted

8:17 PM | Anonymous

iwant to nominate my kids' father who got out of prison july 16 and instead of looking for a job he went to parties, jazz concerts and is shacked up with a woman he met while in prison. while i have been taking care of our kids(and no time to date) etc. now that is a loser = do wrong fool

9:25 PM | wendy

...saw it on TV over and over....Why are we casting stones???? Do Wrong Man? Would you be so bold as to seek out the Do Wrong woman and put her on blast...or really, truly does it even matter? ...makes a person afraid to "Do Right!" Heaven forbid a man make a mistake and end up, "The do wrong man of the week" in the Essence Magazine. Keep in mind...as long as we are human we are entitled to some "HUMAN ERROR!" If you can't say anything good...say nothing at all.

10:06 PM | in my 18th year

quit throwing hissy fits. i think all the magazine was trying to say is that its hard being black and these guys made it easier for black people to be labeled. they are out in the forefront representing and they misrepresented. just cause you like them dont mean they didnt do wrong. i think its time we stopped giving them excuses for doing wrong, cause that sets a precendent for future generations. those who apologized and have turned around we support, but that doesnt mean they didnt do wrong.

10:18 PM | Anonymous

I don't see anything wrong with this feature of do wrong black men! Good Job ESSENCE!!! We NEED to do better! Besides, it's not like its not true! These men have or had opportunities other less fortunate brothers are still dreaming and striving for and these males, such as R.Kelly, have managed to abuse their privilege, making a mockery or just plain ole' hot mess of a good thing!

10:38 PM | CeeJay

In my opinion, these are some do wrong men. The choices that were made by these men were made on many different occassions. And the WRONG choice- i might add. And you sisters need NOT be oblivious of these choices that were made by these brothers. I'msure they regret these choices AFTER convicted of crimes but come on- we have to keep it real here. We've got some "do wrong brother's" and some "do right brother's". Regardless if Essence wanted to highlight their stories, why are you upset? This isn't the first time these brothers have been in the media for doing wrong. So to answer the sisters question of who is in charge of these DO WRONG MEN?? Well, if you really need an answer, they are- not Essence. The DO RIGHT BROTHERS outweigh the DO WRONGBROTHERS- so what's the problem? At least the men showcased in the magazine- but you really don't need a list of "do wrong brother's" because we all have experienced one in our life at some time or another. WAKE UP SISTERS because th

11:04 PM | Anonymous

granted...but keep in mind... it is a privilege that they earned! ...and the status that we buy in to. If they mess it up.. that's on them. they pay the fine or do the time. I'm not saying not to address it, but over and over? we know they have done wrong... made bad decisions. Who hasn't...with all the bad decisions i have made in my life...I'm glad that i don't have fame... I just might be the Do Wrong Brother you are judging.

11:25 PM | Anonymous

This was a bad move. Our men already have enough negative publicity.

3:02 AM | Shiva

We cannot pretend that every male member of our community is an upstanding citizen or a model man. Perhaps the magazine's condemnation of certain behaviors will give these individuals an incentive to change.

3:49 AM | DeVeda

To "ATL Home of Mike Vick",

Please try to utilize spell and grammer check. They are both free and included in most software packages.

10:25 AM | Anonymous

Too many times we limit ourselves by living our lives based on other peoples opinions.

Only the strong survive!

10:26 AM | Srvn God

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Essence publishing a section on DO WRONG MEN. It is true that they have made mistakes and that it is not always the best idea to point out someones flaws but lets be real people: Essence has featured these DO RIGHT MEN and this is a positive thing but we cant be caught up in an imaginary world where DO WRONG MEN dont exist when obviously they do. I think its fine as long as there is no emphasis being placed on these DO WRONG MEN. I found it kind of humorous as it shows whats going on the flip side.

11:53 AM | Jade

Essence has just lost a big fan. You won me over because you were the only magazine that I felt was uplifting and informative to black americans. Not anymore.

12:15 PM | Dana

CNN's Black in America just gave us all a bleek picture into to the world of an african american man, how a black man with a degree has about as much of a chance of getting a job as a white felon, and yet still WE bash our own men, some of you ladies will never learn, the way to keep a BLACK man is to praise him tell him hoow great he is, how you love his masculinity, how proud you are of him. In most cases you are the only one who tells him this, he goes to work and is belittled and looked down upon, the mainstream media does the same and now this. What if Essence had an article about you and your BABY DADDY drama or "DRUNK NIGHTS" in college, cmon give these guys a break and praise them. Men are made in the image of God and what does god need PRAISE, an ugly woman that praises a man will KEEP a man, before a showstopper will.

12:28 PM | absurd

BRENDA IN TX are you that dumb, financed charities with money from dogfighting, apparently you have no clue how much a charity cost the administration, the supplies and equipment, the

12:32 PM | Anonymous

I hope Michael has learned his lesson. He has plenty of time to think about what he's done. I pray he'll be able to get his life back in order. I'll bet he doesn't have that superego attitude now. Bring it down a thousand.

1:51 PM | MEOW

I could not agree with Anonymous more!!!! To celebrate Do Right Men and then turn around and bash other black men all in the same breath...very disappointing. Anonymous, you are right...we see enough of that on the 6 O'clock news!

2:35 PM | Lynn

I think a big problem with African-Americans is that we can dish it out but we can't take it. I think it was very brave and maybe a little brazen for Essence to have created this list. Maybe if the men who are caught up in some mess realize that we will call them out on it, then they'll stop their triflin ways. I have a dozen more names for you to add to this list, Essence. I love me some TI but he did wrong. He still has time to correct himself and get right, as does the rest of these men. So what if Essence called them out? They are wrong, they did wrong. Maybe they'll think twice when they start to get involved in some more mess and wont embarass themselves or their people.

Thank you Essence for creating this list. Please add Sean Combs and Eddie Murphy next. Yeah I said it.

3:43 PM | Stephanie

Once again we have a group of people who are insulted and disgusted by the fact that a black man is being called on the carpet for his behavior. I can think of a few others that should go on that list. We always give the excuse of "they are only human". However I have a brother who is "black" but has seemed to stay out of trouble. He has not executed his dog, or murdered his ex-wife or molested a 13 year girl. Give me a break; it's about choices people. And to the writer that suggested this does not represent their over all character, I beg to differ. Your character is based on what you do when no one is looking..not what you do when the world is watching..i.e.Foundations, charity's, donation etc..

8:37 PM | Take responsibility..

So funny..most of the comments written are from black women saying "don't bash OUR beautiful black men. But statics say 45% of black women will never get married.Do you know why? Well part of the reason is that most black women don't want to date outsideof their race, while black men have and will continue to date everyone but "YOU"..Funny how black women will defend them, but they won't defend or take care of you. O.J married a black woman, but left her for a white woman (yes he did) R.Kelly is marriedto a black woman, but has zero respect (his a cheater). Now correct me if I'm wrong, but is T.I. the one having babies with that singer, but hasn't married her yet? So the "black man" that you keep calling "yours" really left you a long time ago" and youstill don't realize it. Now that's the "Do Wrong Man"..and maybe the 6:00 news wouldn't bash them it they didn't have anything to bash them for. So tired of being in denial.

9:11 PM | Not Your Man

Everyone make mistakes.....Mike is getting enough 'heat' from the Falcons, the media, and everyone else. Don't get me wrong, what he did was wrong, but "our people" should not contribute to his persecution.

9:49 PM | Robin

Wow, two days ago there were only a few comments. We all have a right to our opinion, Essence is a media outlet, just like all the others, and their making money, that's all its about people. At least you got an opportunity to vent, now exhale and keep it moving. lol :)

11:40 PM | Lisa

God bless you in your positive future, only he can judge you. We all make mistakes in life but not all get caught. Only place you can go is up brotha, I wish you the best.

10:55 AM | talltansmileyredd

mr vick, so fine, can i be your prison pen pal, i still love ya boy. Those eyes, damn

11:11 AM | sharon

Take an Essence magazine and tear out all the advertisements except for those pages that back an article. Now see how much interest you have left! I clearly understand what advertisement pays for but when a magazine is reduced to paltry articles like Do Wrong Men then Essence will continue to lose my subscription dollars.

11:34 AM | PIMM

How many ways can a person say retarded?

6:34 PM | Lee

I would love to think that the "Do Right Men" are "Right", not sure what kind of screening Essence did, but one of the Military Men definately isn't doing right. Unless you call recieving non-judicial punishment for striking a military sister and lying about being a Big Brother. The Air Force brotha needs to relook at the core values, especially Integrity FIRST!

8:03 PM | Anonymous

We should pray for him, you can see in his eyes that his spirit is broken.........

12:38 AM | Mary Ann

What was he thinking?

4:26 AM | n/a

I BELIEVE YOUR TROUBLES ENDED A LITTLE UNFAIRLY/ BUT U KEPT YOUR HEAD UP AND WALKED STRONG/ THE WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE VERY PROUD BY YOUR SIDE

9:28 AM | CYNTHIACLINTON@SBCGLOBAL.NET

we have enough media attention given to black men who do wrong, we don't need essence to hi-light them

9:30 AM | nn

He is fine

12:51 PM | vanessa

People make bad choices in life and I don't believe they should be labeled 'wrong' for human errors. I know there are men out there who are trifling but to broadcast it on a magazine which I hold on such high esteem is just WRONG! Essence you know betterthan that.

1:59 PM | alex

that was ridiculous to be arrested for what they said you did....

5:06 PM | Gigiee

Hello out there, Michael Vick is not a Mr. Do Wrong he just messed up he is paying for it now. So let's stop putting anothet one of our BLACK MEN down.

8:32 PM | Hania

MICHAEL VICK, I don't agree with his off field antics.Iput what he did in a misdemeanor category.He should have never got time in jail ,but a fine.I'm not making excuses for him ,because he is black.I dont care if he was white ,I will say the same thing.He was wrong of the mistreating of these animals, but jail time,Ido not agree was the answer.I'm sure he sees the errors of his ways,and he will come back from all this back lash ,and become a productive young man.When the story came out about this situation, I thought he had killed or hurt a human being. The media was unfair to a certain degree.We kill and hurt animals every day, for different reasons,for sport,to eat ,for clothing and this is justified by society,this is wrong also.I know some would say that we are killing with reason, and him no reason,both are for money.I'm saying this as a individual with rights not because he is black, and famous, it wouldn't matter to me what color he was, I will say the same.What he has done,

1:30 AM | PETULA HARPER

what he has done should never be compared to violating and crimes against people,thats a different offense,maybe he got jail time because he is famous and black, or an escape for something that has been and still on going for years by all races.

1:52 AM | PETULA HARPER

I agree with most of the comments on here. I would have never thought Essence would stoop so low. The thing that I would like to ask who ever was in charge of this is, Did you check any of your "DO Right Men" to see if they have ever done wrong? I'm morethan sure some of them have made mistakes in their life also, but I guess you didn't think about that.

3:06 AM | What tha $#!!

Keep ya head up Bro!!!! So what if they want to publish somethng like this. I don't think that anything is wrong with these articles, it's simply showing that no matte who you are we ALL make mistakes and take what we have for granted....Yes Even you twoanonymous and cheryl!!!!!!!!!

9:21 AM | Kodak23

FIRST OF ALL ESSENCE HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG AND IS NOT JUDGING THE MEN NOTED IN THE "DO WRONG" LIST. IN FACT, THE LIST IS TOO DAMN SHORT!!! IT'S NOT JUDGMENT TO STATE THE FACTS!!! WRONG IS WRONG. THE MAG DIDN'T SAY THESE BROTHERS COULDN'T GET IT TOGETHER BUT AS OF PRINT, THEY ARE SOME DO WRONG DUDES!!!

4:12 PM | ANGEL

I am very disappointed in Essence. Are Black men the only men who do wrong? We are already having a hard time in society with all the negativity about being Black. People make mistakes. Let us forgive and find ways to help our men. God has already forgiven them.

4:43 PM | Dr. Charles

DO WRONG MEN? HOW ABOUT HE ONES WHO ARE NOT CELEBRITIES, MURDERERS, DO NOT PAY CHILD SUPPORT, ECT.? EVERY HUMAN MAN INCLUDING THE WRITER HAS DONE SOMETHING WRONG!! IF YOU ARE GOING TO KEEP IT REAL, THEN BE REAL!!

5:51 PM | BROWN QUEEN

Essence may want to rethink this one. This whole idea of Do Wrong Men. I thin kwe can find another venue/forum to express our outrage at behaviors that we deem socially unacceptable.

10:49 PM | Cast the first stone!!!!

I think Michael was just misguarded with his action,so every wrong thing that the men do just post it to essence including the do right men also.

2:44 PM | Unknown

hello i agree with one of the comments who would publish this. there are worse issues issues going on out here then this one in all everyone wants to keep dewelling on this one. Michael Vick keep your head up. do you pray an things will work out. much love!!!.

9:39 PM | shamar

Vick's past is behnind him. I know he is moving toward a positive future. Essence, we should not label this man as a "Do Wrong Man" how about a man that made a mistake and learned from that mistake. Vick, you are alright in my book. Keep the faith!

11:07 AM | GV , Washington, DC

How is it that ESSENCE is creating a negative image for these "Do Wrong" men? ESSENCE is merely doing what they are inthe market to d and that is to report news. You would probably do better to send you comments to the "Do Wrong" men so they hopefully won't do wrong again. ESSENCE has no reported anything on-line or in script that we, as the public, have not said in our homes, cars, office, on phones, etc. Do you expect the magazine to just report all "happy" stuff? Would this be a real depiction? EVERYBODY MESSES UP AND EVERYBODY GETS A TURN. Read it, talk about it, laugh about it, cry about it but just move on and get over it! Jeez!

11:13 AM | Anonymous

I am disappointed in the section of Essence. Mr Vick made so poor choices and he is reaping for what he has sowed. Let's not focus so much on judging, but pray and help build up our black men.

11:21 AM | Vickie

I don't think that a black magazine should publish such mess has this. The brother has suffered enough and now here you all go with another down pour on him. I feel like canceling my subscription for this nonsense. Please stop this stuff people

11:23 AM | Filth

The news and other media have already bashed the reputation of these black men. It is shameful that a black magazine such as a well known and respected magazine would publish the "already known" news and make a gallery embarassing them more as if they hadn't had enough already.I agree with the other readers. very disappointing Essence.

11:30 AM | Monique

Essence - I applaud you for being strong enough to publish not only the Do RIGHT Men, but the Do WRONG Men. Our men are not perfect, they are human. The fact that there are 10 TIMES the number of Do Right Men as Do Wrong Men says something about our men and about us.

Sweeping it under the rug is no way to handle the issue - and unless these MEN are ready to take responsibility and account for their prior bad acts, they should CONTINUE to be on the Do WRONG list!

Go 'head, Essence!

11:49 AM | Lady Di

Lebron James, Do Wrong, thisis ridiculous, here is a 23 year old young man that is really a good guy, no one is perfect, there are no Gods walking the earth,he goes back and supports the youthin his hometown, when he did get the speeding ticket he admitted his wrong he wasnt' trying to hide, give a brother a break instead of listing do wrong brothers, list do prayer brothers, stop judging

11:58 AM | Tracye in C-Town

everybody makes mistakes and it is sad that he got caught up. I am glad God is not like man. hold your head up.

12:20 PM | sonia

I found this article very uplifting!! Not because of the ridiculous article itself, but because so many people took the time to write and correct Essence for publishing it. Go ahead my Black people!!!! I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful race offorgiving & generous people. Judge ye not - these men will meet a greater judge who also forgives!!! Lets encourage them to CHANGE, not degrade them further. I would love to see an article on how they plan to atone and do better - with interviews from the men themselves and them lets hold them to that. Essence needs to issue a response to renew our faith in you immediately!

12:28 PM | Vanessa

I must say, I'm very disappointed in the Essence Readers who are unequivocally backing Michael Vick, saying he just made a terrible mistake. Sure, he made a mistake, and yes, it was terrible. He was responsible for the cruel treatment of dogs, all at the expense of money and entertainment. One would think being a star football player would provide enough money and entertainment, without the need to starve, beat and murder helpless animals. The black community so quickly jumps up to defend one of their own, without examining the actions that caused his fall from grace. If a white man had abused these dogs, threw away his football career to finance dog-fighting, the black community would have already condemned him, locked him up and thrown away the key -- child of God or not. It is sad that such a large amount of racism comes straight from our own community. African Americans are the biggest bunch of hyprocites out there. It's time to stop pointing the finger at the white man and

12:48 PM | Yolanda, San Francisco, CA

There is no excuse for their action and yes they should be called out. These guys must be held accountable for what they do. I mean, they are not little kids who don't know any better; they do have brains and they know what is the right thing to do. You d*&n right, Essence should call them out! They are suppose to be "GROWN-A$$ MEN" but in reality they are just LITTLE LOST BOYS and they have only themselves to blame. So they make a lot of money, so what, that doesn't mean that they're special or above anyone else and it's just simply foolish of them to think so. If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the f&%!ing kitchen, You reap what you sew, so on and so forth; you get the point. Advice people, learn from other peoples mistakes and if you don't know; find someone who does and get your head out of your a$$. Listen folks, you don't have control over what other folks do but you do have control over what you do (No excuses).

12:48 PM | Adrian

i hope you can too. it is a shame when our black men can't let go of their past. i wonder how many of you r so called friends are there for you. stop letting great talent go to waste. keep your head up!

12:57 PM | donna

PLEASE LEAVE MIKE ALONE, HE'S DONE NO MORE THE THE REST.

12:59 PM | DENISE

I disagree that this is man-bashing, especially when it's in our own forum. Wrong is wrong. Right is right. There are far more rights than wrongs here. Hopefully, our brothers -- famous and not -- will learn from their mistakes and realize that we really do have their backs when they're on the up-and-up. I want my brothers to be at their best. I applaud Essence magazine for this little section, too. You know "when you miss Essence, you miss you." It's my mantra and I'm sticking to it. That's my two cents.

1:11 PM | Ericka

Whether or not Michael Vick has done "wrong" is based on a set of standards that are not fair in this country. People kill animals all the time...deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Just because someone decided it was ok to kill these animals and make you get a little piece of paper each year does not make it right. Americans have always had a fasination for dogs and treat some of them better than humans!!! Why are the laws surrounding fighting dogs different from the laws surrounding the racing of dogs.Both are cruel and inhumane. But a group of people made one set of laws for punishment of one and no laws for punishment of the other??? It aint' right. ANd speaking of right...Essence you are totally wrong for even setting up this category for peopleto vote on. Where do I place my vote for the Do Wrong Magazine? You would win hands down if there was such a place.

1:35 PM | Sheila

We have all fallen short but we all are children of GOD!!!

2:23 PM | Pamela D Dutch

Let's get real, people that hurt other people lose less than Michael Vick has. Fine him for each dog and leave him alone. A talented, successful black man, that made a really bad decision..let him pay his fines, never own another animal and move on. Heshouldn't have hurt the dogs, I'll give you that, but that's all I'll give you.

2:52 PM | Roxie

He is definetly a "Do Wrong Man: who should be ashame of what he did. It is not like he was broke and needed money. As a professional football players, he should be investing his money in other thing, but harming a dog.

White people do not play around when it comes to dogs and I agree with them as a dog owner (They are harmless depending on how they are trained. It will be difficulty for people to forget what he did. He will never be the same

3:41 PM | angela7622

To the editors, what is this going to prove or change with these so called "do wrong men?" I thought Essence focused on the positive. Leave this negativity out of your magazine please.

4:36 PM | Marva Parker

You need to get right with God.

5:26 PM | Tammy

Essence Pleas do not go there, I have three young men black soldiers and they are making dumb mistakes every day it seems, but never would I expose them to public humility. They are mine and can always count on me for support, through the good and bad. and I be damn if I let anybody take them away form me if I can help it. I say that to say these are our black men that have made mistakes and we still have to support them even when they are wrong, THEY STILL BELONG TO US. We can help them that no one takethem away from us, your job Essence as reporters are to start by not putting out garbage such as this. Dont fall to their games, we have to be better than them. Report the truth but hold some type of integrity in our black men even when they dont show integrity in themselves, we must, it is our duty as a society to grip ours, thats what black folks do. They might be wrong but we run to the gate together for ours.

Peace

6:04 PM | Puuullllease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Essence is going to give us a heads up on whom they consider "Do Wrong Men" please have SEAN COMBS on the cover. I don't understand how this magazine continually puts him and his ignorant "Baby Momma" on the cover of your magazines. He and

7:59 PM | Kara

If you're wrong, you're wrong. Let's hold every wrong man accountable, regardless of race...

11:50 PM | Debbie

I am a Michael Vick freak, and love dogs. I can't say hunting and dog fighting are the same thing. I agree everyone makes mistakes, but when you do the same thing over and over again, isn't that more like a routine then a mistake?

12:04 AM | Debbie

i believe he received a really bad rap...

12:40 AM | DAna

Essence has presented both sides of the spectrum, and its time black women stopped thinking of black men as "our" own. Their is no we or our when it comes to black men. They freely drift from "us" to other races and experience no shame or hesitancy in doing so. We could keep it positive...but I'd rather keep it real which is something many blacks don't like to do.

3:12 AM | Ann

I'm so sick of this being such a big deal! So the man let some dogs fight, instead of chickens. See my point? When the slaves and slave owners did it, it wasn't a big deal. We all are human. We make some mistakes. Whoop-dee-do...move on from this. It's bad enough he has been jailed for this, just to make a point of professional athletes and their wrong doings. Must we now condemn him and label him a "do wrong man?" Come on now Essence, let's stay positive to our men. Media and society is doing a good enough job bringing them down, must we add to that? We need to support them. And when they do wrong, not make a federal case about it, but let them know that it wasn't right, let them learn from it, and move on. PLEASE!

4:40 AM | Charmaine A., El Sobrante, CA

Now I dont understand how they give Vick 2 years for fighting dogs and so on... this is a man with no prior record now.... then turn around and give TI like 6mths and fines to pay and he has a past record and these was gun charges...what is the justice system coming to the time should fit the crime thats all Im sayn ...

10:16 AM | Ladie_bambam

I am surprised that everyone is so upset with Essence. I agree black men do get hit the hardest in the news. Shouldn't that make them want to be better men and make stand up choices. We all want better lives but we all have to be responsible and decide to do better to get there.

10:53 AM | LeLe

ATTENTION, ATTENTION, DO WRONG MEN EXSIST! I have been reading this magazine since I was 17 years old, and it is still my ABSOLUTE favorite at age 41. Now, I don't agree with Michael Vic being on your list Essence, his actions surrounding the dog-fighting certainly do not make him a do-wrong-man, it makes him a black man who got caught up (we all know and love at least one.) But hold on, I don't know what all of these readers are complaining about, sure it is true that the media unfairly holds the successful black man under a microscope, and yes, it is unfortunate that the negative actions of some are publicized far more than the positive actions of many black men, this needs to change. However, we can???t afford as black people to continue to view celebrity black men through rose colored glasses. This impacts the way our younger generation of women will view themselves and men in general. DO WRONG MEN EXSIST, CALL THEM OUT! This may inspire them to do better. It is not the m

2:04 PM | Courtenay Hancock Chicago

I think the punishment is a little two harsh. I think whe it comes to celebrities everyday situations are blown out of proportion. I guess color, money, and public position makes a difference or does it? Anyway Boo, u are still sexy as hell 2 me!!! Love you still!!

5:05 PM | Victoria, Vicksburg, MS

How can you put O.J. with any of these guys? 2008 is the year you should focus on not years ago. Who are the do wrong men of 2008? I really don't like this subject either. This is not good and I will sit with Michael Viok any day but not O.J!

6:33 PM | Robyn S.

People are taking this way too serious. It's a nonscientific poll by a small group of people. Surely, such a small sample is not valid. I personally think it is judgmental of you all to label anyone as "bad." All you people out there who are judging in turn judging Essence and wanting to change your subscription need to look at your own commitment. They make one mistake and you pull support? Wow! I wonder what you would do if after one mistake you were thrown away? Essence, next time just remember, we need to lift our brothers up. There are already millions in the system. We need to lift each other up. Maybe an article that focuses on what they???ve done to improve would be better. Maybe just find out the essence of why they did it. That cd help some other kid out there who might be contemplating doing something bad. Essence has been one of our strong voices. I???ve enjoyed it since a child. Surely I???m not going to let one mistake cause me to act irrational. I???v

8:45 AM | M. Darby

Sweetie, weren???t you making enough money as a quarterback???

You are not getting any younger. Time to straighten up!

12:53 PM | anon

Oh, lighten up, people! What's wrong with "Do 'Wrong' Men?" Are Black men not capable of doing any wrong? (More than a few "babies mamas'" hands should be raising right about now.) Why are we condoning criticizing men who act trifling?--especially when it's balanced against a "Do Right Men" posting. ...I say "Brava! Essence, for airing "dirty laundry." (Sunlight is the best disinfectant.) And, let us cut out all the celebrity worship of rich and in/famous Black men, many of whom seem to have little concern for those outside their families and celebrity circles.

11:14 AM | dsquared

Black women should be able to uplift honor and praise our men while still keeping those other men ACCOUNTABLE. We should have high expectations of our men and part of creating better standards is to speak out when they're coming up short. Women are the fabric of our communities if we are afraid to speak the truth our communiities will flounder.

11:36 AM | se, nyc

I can't believe you all...Say what u want about Kells but he's still the greatest, that's why u have to cover yourselves by saying "accusation/allegation"...You know you'd be sued....the nerve to even have a list like this. Haters!! We love u Mike Vick, R. Kelly, T.I and definitely Lebron James...now let me do my HATER WALK!!

11:37 AM | Phinebrowngirl

I am disappointed that Essence decided to label these men as "Do Wrong Men". It's embarassing.

11:40 AM | Mom of 2

Wow Essence must really be losing revenue..YOU actually put thought and time into a Do Wrong List about black folks, how sad...I see white america has you all shooked! you lose a lot of readers this way, especially when you're bashing men who have MILLIONS of fans...I reall didn't expect this from Essence but hey, you're just showing us that you're no different than the rest of the media out there trying to portray blacks as bad people...Why isn't Jessie Jackson on your list...dumb phucs

11:44 AM | Phinebrowngirl

And why isn't NO FAMILY MORALS having Bill Cosby on ur list....one of the biggest cheaters of our time!!!

11:45 AM | Phinebrowngirl

Essence you have really put your feet so to speak in your mouth this time.You should have just did the Do Right Men,segment.Never thought you would put our men on blast and in a negative manner,truth be told thier is wrong in everyone,it's just that these guys are in the limelight,so all eyes are on them,and like a reader stated before,you have some wrongdoers in your corperation, you just haven't caught them as of yet,hell for that matter look at some of your family members.......Disappointed

11:51 AM | Anonymous

This article is Despicable,I cant believe Essence would publish this..

11:54 AM | Aries

Idiot with talent. And now he will soon be a old idiot. He should be banned form all young girls. No wonder his wife left him hope she get tested for every disease know and unknow to man kind.

12:16 PM | Michelle

Michael Vick should be locked up and loose all he has. How many young talented black men would love to have the chance he had, By the way all those dogs probally wanted tolive as well. We are suppose have a brain to think and God put us over the land andanimals to take care of not have dog fights,you say it was just dogs I feel sorry for you as well we can say they were just children when our children get abused. People who mistreat animals go on to abuse you and me.

12:19 PM | Anonymous

Let the truth be told. These men are accountable for their actions. They made the choices so let them deal with the consequences. JUST DO THE RIGHT THING!

12:23 PM | Rachel

R Kelly TI Michale Vick Lebron James all idiots with opportunities that most black men will never get. So stop trying to make these as= holes seem like they are saints. No white man told R Kelly to urinate on a underaged girl. No body made Michale Vickhave dogs who can not take care of themselves fight. We as blackpeople need to stop defending idiots. Who told TI to go to the award show to buy a gun. I am black and proud and I say stop trying to make fools look like saints. Every time we keep looking at people with money and they act a fool we try to make like it is some one elses fault. No we need to be accountable for our own crap. Why get upset because people put them selves in the news for being a fool and then we whine about them as if they did no wrong. I am no appalled and and feel contempt because if you dont want be presenterd as a idiot no matter what race you are then dont act like one.

12:26 PM | michelle

Oh my! Yes, they have made horrible mistakes. But let those who are without sin, cast the first stone. White America is sitting back right now and saying, "see, we told you so." Why give them something else to look down at our black men for? Shame on youEssence.

12:27 PM | What???

To Essence: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!"I totally agree with Lachelle. This magazines has a lot of nerve to point out the black men who they feel are the "do wrong men". Especially with Lebron James. Lebron's picture on the cover of Vogue was not offensive to me. Surprizingly, Essence and other negative influences from the media formed this imaginary image of a black man that some what looks like King Kong with a white danzel. However, they didn't talk about the rest of the pictures in the magazine, which could have also have a negative impact. But we all know "white men" are excluded in the ridicule. Because they could never be looked at as barbarians... It's simply unreal! When I seen this cover I said Damn this is one sexy cover.As a matter of fact I really didn't notice the model :). Black men have came a long way and it's just wonderful to see Lebron James as the first black man in an image that is fitting of his Basketball personality. Another negative issu

12:38 PM | Champangne

Hooray to Essence for putting these men in the catagories that you have put them in. I don't think that those that are bashing you for doing it would bash the articles if it was their child that R.Kelly molested. No he did not rape her, but he was a grown man and should of used his better judgement as a man and a Father,whether black or white. That is the problem now with society, we need to stop making excuses for the BLACK MAN, because honestly most of them bring their problems on themselves. There areway to many resources out there now tnat they can utilize to better themselves if that is what they want to do. Let them be men and stop acting like the weight of the world is on every BLACK MANS shoulder, because it is not. Sponken by a single black woman, and mother. So again Hooray to essence for publishing this article.

12:48 PM | CLM/ Sav/GA

If they did not do wrong then there would not be a need for a Do Wrong Men section. I am so tired of everyone saying our black men have it hard enough! About the black man always accusing the white man for their problems and how their life turned out.If you do not want to be incarcerated then DO NOT break the law! People go through their entire life without breaking the law. It's just that plain and simple! The entire black race has it hard..Woman, Man and child! These men are grown and just because they are celebrities does not make them exempt from upholding the law and doing their duty as an American citizen. Whether they are black, blue, or green. No one held a gun up to their head and said break the law! So no one should hold a gun up to Essences head for doing what every other magazines will do and has done. We can only hope and pray that maybe, and just maybe if they see their name under a "Do wrong Men" section then they will do what they need and have to do to be un

1:03 PM | Fed up

Hey, Hats off to Essence for this segment! I think the real DRMs are the ones who are tearing down the Presidential hopeful. Yes, I said it.. Jessie .. oh let's not forget the "outside child" he fathered. Not to mention his lousy comment about Obama. Essence, put it out there .... the real do wrong men have the biggest following on Sundays and it's not the ballers..

Yeah, I said it ...

dana

1:27 PM | why not Jessie Jackson

how can you say O.J simpson is a do wrong man when any evidence was ever found to convict him

1:38 PM | robertellis07

Essence has not done anything wrong! "Our black men", the ones mentioned, have done wrong. Just facts, nothing to do with race/color!

1:46 PM | Td

Would somebody please tell R. that he is too old to still be wearing cornrows

2:11 PM | R. Kelly

This is a TERRIBLE article! I don't know how all of these men are being categorized as "Do Wrong Men." I guess I don't understand the context of this whole article. To me, this is totally out of character for Essence. Wow. I think you will lose a lot of readers on this one. Bad move.

2:35 PM | kb

I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BECOME A DISGRACE TO ALL OF OUR BLACK MEN OUT HERE TRYING TO WHAT THEY KNOW AND THATS THEYRE TALENT BUT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A CHILD ITS JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE AT ALL NO MATTER WHAT SHE MAY LOOK LIKE YOU FAILED TO ASK QUESTIONS AND IF YOU DID ASK QUESTION YOU KNOW TO KNOW HOW TO DISTINGUISH THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ADULT CONVERSATION AND A CHILDS I FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO GET IT TOGETHER AND GET SOME HELP BECAUSE WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR DAUGHTER SOMEONE WAS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ORJUST LOOK AT HOW YOU MAKE YOUR CHILDREN LOOK AND FEEL YOU NEED TO STOP BLAMING EVERYONE ELSE AND BLAME YOURSELF

4:17 PM | TEAIRRA27

Why take the time and actually make a Do Wrong Man of the year headline. If you take a look in the news its enough of Black men being headlined doing the wrong thing. Okay, R.kelly was accused of having sex with an underaged female but if he was aquittedlet the man live. Don't buy his music! We should support our black community by finding stories that focuses on the good that someone has done for our society.

4:25 PM | whocares

Okay for real...Essence is WRONG for DO WRONG men...let's keep it positive PLEASE...Unnecessary...and tacky...this is shocking to me.

4:43 PM | Nameless

The media already depicts our Black men in a horrible light. Let's keep lifting our Black men up and set an example of loving them thru the tough times and forgiving them..and not pointing out who are the do wrong men. Love all. Forgive all.

4:48 PM | Kim

THESE MEN DEFINITELY NEED TO BE CALLED OUT. WHAT MESSAGE ARE WE SENDING TO OUR YOUNG MEN ABOUT THEIR SUPPOSED "ROLE MODEL BEHAVIOR". WE AS AFRICAN AMERICANS ALWAYS TEND TO WANT TO KEEP OUR BUSINESS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. NO. PUT IT OUT THERE. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT MAINSTREAM AMERICA DOES. APPARENTLY IT DOESN'T WORK WELL ENOUGH FOR THEM TO STOP DOING WHAT THEY'VE BEEN DOING. MAYBE THIS ANGLE WILL HELP. BRAVO ESSENCE. BRAVO.

7:00 PM | RIDICULOUS COMMENTS

Black people need to get it together Im not going to give a child molester a pass just because he's Black. That's why your kids are knocked up at 12 and don't know how to act now. Because ya'll want to praise the most corrupt males in the industry and say "but they can sang though" so that would be your excuse for letting them drag u down and dog u out but want to jump bad when your man is sleeping with your daughters. Too many of you are lost. Money shouldnt matter when it comes to your soul, you women are too quick to forgive for some Chanel, Versace. They dont even like ya'll. But u willing to let a molester in your home with your kids for a chance to own some high end attire. And you wonder why they call u B@#$%.This is from a strong, God fearing, Black Woman that will not sell herself short for a chance to wear some name brand shoes, purse, or jacket. Ya'll done lost your minds wanting to take up for some flea-ridden dogs.

8:10 PM | Amena

we are the most hypocrytical race on the planet we complain

when others talk negatively

about us in public but then

we have a meaningless poll such as this one lets try to

find something positive to read about because we can turn

the t.v on everyday and see

the negative and we need to stop being so jugemental none of us are perfect and we will

all be held accountable for what we have done here on earth when we crossover i expect better from essence

this is not one of those checkout stand magazines

9:25 PM | pamela

be fair how about the do wrong

woman

9:35 PM | Anonymous

I am so glad that Essence had the courage to say R. Kelly is a DO WRONG MAN!!! Whether you like his music or not, the fact remains that the man was at best guilty of marrying an under-aged girl, and at worst urinating on a minor. Thank you, Essence, for calling him out, and letting the entire Black community know that R. Kelly is a DO WRONG MAN!!!

12:13 AM | s. Johnson

Essence focused on the truth, not negativity. Whites cover up all of their wrong doings. By asking Essence to do the same for r.kelly because he black, makes us no different than white folks. Wrong is wrong, no matter what color. And he has a historyof dating young girls. Whether he knows the ladies are young or not is debatable.

7:42 AM | R.Brown

ALOT OF PEOPLE SAID THAT R.KELLY SHOULD BE CALLED OUT BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW UNLESS YOU WERE WITH HIM OR IF YOU WERE THAT CLOSE TO HIM TO KNOW WHAT HE ACTUALLY DOES? RIGHT NOW ITS SPECULATION AND BECAUSE PEOPLE TALK, IT DOESN'T MEAN ITS THE TRUTH. TO LABEL HIM A DO WRONG MAN IS NOT RIGHT...HOW ABOUT WE LABEL EVERYONE'S WRONG AND PUT THEM ON THE LIST...IT WOULDN'T BE RIGHT!

9:16 AM | whocares

Essence, I disagree with listing the Do Wrong Men mainly because it's kind of tacky and more in line with US or Star magazine. However, I think the comments that this has generated is perhaps indicative of what ails our community. As women, we tend to bevery protective of black men based on society's treatment of them. Unfortunately, for some(emphasis on some) black men, That same sense of protection does not extend to us as black women. We are the only race of women denigrated in songs and video. HIV rates higher for us than any other race, victimized by domestic violence, etc. I would love to see black men stand up and rally and march to defend us. Furthermore, I can almost guarantee you that if you had an article on Do Wrong Women, many women would probably have joined in making nasty comments about their sisters. If women would stand up and fight for, defend other black women as valiantly as we fight for our men, things might be a little better off for all of us as a people.

1:39 PM | Tracy

Okay, so from reading the comments it seems that most people are saying that when black people talk about black people doing wrong it's not cool. But when white people talk about blacks doing wrong it is okay because it is expected. Err?!

I simply thinkthat Essence is stating a fact and it's okay because it's the truth. It's not that they are focusing on the negative but they are choosing not to esteem these black men in their wrongs. So, I think that it is right to announce the "Do Wrong Men". BET wouldn't do that... would they?

3:01 PM | Ashleigh

We all know that everyone will answer for their "Own" actions come judgement day.

3:09 PM | Karen

For some strange reason people are not getting, why don't you know where your teen child is, also black people hardly ever look there age. Teenagers are conartists too, they know what they want and they do what it takes to get it, just like adults. Stop putting down all the black men because you are not raising your children. If R. Kelly didn't knock on your door to get your daughter out of the house then the problem lyes with you...

5:52 PM | Valerie

Hey no matter what people say I still love R.Kelly. Everyone has done something wrong in there lives and I don't believe those allegations about him. He is a very gifted and handsome and also intelligent young man. I love you always and forever Mr.R.Kelly.

11:01 PM | G. Nelson

Hope he focuses on his family and stays out of trouble from now on. By the way, I love his hair.

2:51 AM | Lisa

I LOVE YOU R.KELLY, KEEP YA HEAD UP! HATERS ARE EVERYWHERE

12:11 PM | crystal B. bamberg,sc<cristyles77@yahoo.

guess they have done what they set out to do which is divide us as a whole keep pulling eachother down like crabs in a pot and just when u think it may get better now this sure lets just help them dog us wow great job essence and i'll just help you out with this also by asking my wife to unsubscribe to ur magazine watch ur local news u know when a black man does something the show his picture the fast but when a white person does something it take days before u see the picture of them so keep doing what u do essence magazine it wont be for long before u r out of of business "do wrong magazine"

2:52 PM | Darren in Dallas

I actually commend Essence for listing Do Wrong men in addition to Do Right men. Too often in the Black community, we uphold wrong behavior and that sends the wrong message to our kids and to the world. I appreciate Essence's "unpopular" stand to differentiate between good behavior and bad. Without this distinction, many people accept bad behavior when they should denounce it for what it is.

3:31 PM | Danielle

Judge lest not he be judged....not one person reading or making comments have not done something that they wish they could take back or wish they had never done. Instead of tearing down black men who have made some poor choices, we should encourage themto do better and stay focused. There are too many other races tearing our black men down....we should refuse to partake in the current feeding frenzy surrounding our brothers.

6:51 PM | Dee K.

While I do not agree with dog fighting, I do not think that this brother needs to be wasting away in jail over a dog. If anythig give himma fine, let him do public announcements about animal abuse; but locking him up and giving him a "Mr. Do Worng" lable is just not right. Keep your head up....Vick.

6:59 PM | Dee K.

In the face of 2008 being a most historic year where we will nominate a Black man as the Democratic nominee for the highest office in the land why are we putting other Black men down. Yes they did wrong things but that does not mean they all are bad people. We as a black community are to quick to tear each other down instead of building each other up. We all fall short of the glory, but the best part is we can fall down and get back up and try again. Let's lift up and not judge others!!

11:51 PM | Pam H.

I strongly feel that something needs to be done in our community. We are suffering greatly from a lack of ignorance. (Not everybody) but the "next generation" needs guidance. Our young men are turning to gang violence because they need to feel wanted andrespected. We need Men to show them what it means to be respected and what respect means. Therefore, nonsense shootings, robbery, and acts of violence are occurring because we as a people won't come together and say no more! We would probably be a force to be reckoned with if we stood up together!

10:57 AM | Generationwho?

I am extremely disappointed with most of these comments about Essence and this list of Do Wrong Men. Why are most of you defending them? They did wrong and apparently Essence did the right thing because they have to point it out to you. With your twisted sense of loyalty you don't see that these men deserved what they got for being stupid. It's one thing to make a mistake, quite another to knowingly commit a crime and think you can get away with it just because you're famous. This isn't "Stand By YourBlack Man, Do or Die" because I am pretty sure none of those men would stand by you if you got yourselves in the same kind of trouble (though I would hope most of you would be smart enough not to get into that kind of trouble--though with some of you being so singleminded in your views, you might just be that kind of person anyway). If you, black man or not, do something stupid enough to get yourself in jail, then guess what--don't look for me to bail you out. This Black woman is not

8:51 PM | Anonymous

Add 90% of the Blackmen in San Francisco Bay Area....sorry ass MF

11:50 PM | Browneyedsista

can't get to the michael vick page, but if it has anything to do with the dog situation, i personally feel so what, they're dogs. white society pays high priority on dogs, but very little on black lives. these are the same white americans who would powerspray black people with water in the 60's, where is our justice for that. we don't deserve justice is what they think. anything can happen to black people and nothing happens to those at fault. the man lost millions of dollars behind 'dogs', but look at r-kelly who gets off for having sex/raping young girls or the cops that kill black men with enough bullets to take out a small community, but him breeding dogs for fighting takes precedence over all that. where are our priorities?????

3:48 PM | Anonymous

Whatever! You can kill a person a nobody gives it a second thought! My niece was killed by her husband in front of my family members, and she was forgot about a month later. I do not agree with what he did, but, Enough already.

10:10 PM | Sick and Tired

I forgot to mention in my comment who I was talking about. Micheal Vick

10:12 PM | Sick and Tired

Way-to-go, Essence, for highlighting these less than positive examples of Black America. White American media doesn???t do nearly enough of that already.

9:40 AM | Anonymous