Omarion Dodges Nia Long Questions In Awkward Exchange With Paparazzi

BY Erika Marie 1.8K Views
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Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "You People" - Arrivals
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Long and Omarion attend the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "You People" at Regency Village Theatre on January 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/WireImage)
He did say they're both single, so "you never know."

She's newly single and it's unclear if she's ready to mingle, but all eyes have been on Nia Long. The actress ended her 13-year relationship with Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka following an explosive cheating scandal that rocked the franchise. She remained silent through the pop culture chatter, but now, Long is back to promote not one but two film projects.

Long has been busy jet-setting from red carpets for Missing and You People, to popping up in Dubai with Terrence J. At the You People premiere in Los Angeles, she ran into Omarion as photographers captured their interaction. The innocent exchange turned into a viral moment after the former B2K singer shared a post on social media.

Read More: Nia Long Says She’s “Single AF” Following Omarion Dating Rumors

Omarion added a simple smiling face emoji to the brief clip. Quickly, as social media users often do, rumors began swirling online about some romance—or sneaky link. Long returned to join in with the laughs and made it clear that she's a single woman.

More recently, while traveling through LAX, Omarion was spotted by the paparazzi. Of course, they questioned him about his moment with the veteran actress. The singer was quick to shut down speculation about them dating.

Read More: Nia Long & Yung Miami Show Love At “You People” Premiere

The cameraperson noted that Omarion was "putting the fire out, right here, right now."

"Well, I wouldn't say that," Omarion replied. The photog assumed, "Oh, so there's a little bit of a window." O answered, "I didn't say that. I didn't say anything."

It was clear that the paparazzo was looking for a soundbite to roll with, but Omarion wasn't budging. "I just met her on the red carpet," he added.

Check out the awkward exchange above.

Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "You People" - Arrivals
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Long and Omarion attend the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "You People" at Regency Village Theatre on January 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/WireImage)
About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.