Mother of Slain TikTok Star Swavy Slams Wendy Williams' 'Disrespectful' Discussion About His Death (2024)

The mother of slain TikTok star Swavy is calling out Wendy Williams for her "disrespectful" coverage of the 19-year-old's death.

Swavy, born Matima Miller, died of his injuries on July 5 following a shooting in Wilmington, Delaware, according to police.

His mother, Chanelle Clark, told CBS3 on Saturday that she was still reeling from his murder, saying, "I'm mentally going through it because I seen it. I seen my son shot down in the street like that."

Clark went on to slam Williams, 56, for the comments she made about Swavy when she shared news about his slaying on a recent episode of her morning talk show.

"Look at my eyes and stuff. Y'all, like as a mother, Wendy Williams, how dare you? So disrespectful," Clark said. "I used to watch you as a child and even though you have a gossip show and all that, you didn't even know my son."

A representative for Williams did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Swavy — who had a huge following on both TikTok, under the handle @babyface.s, and on Instagram — was known for his dance routines in public spaces.

On Wednesday's episode of The Wendy Williams Show, Williams commented that she had "no idea" who Swavy was in a segment about his death. She also compared their social media followings during her coverage.

"I have no idea who this is," Williams began. "Neither does one person in this building."

After asking her audience to clap if they had heard of Swavy, the TV personality said, "He's a TikTok star. He's got more followers than me — 2.5 million."

Williams then explained that she doesn't use TikTok before sharing news that Swavy had been murdered.

"Aw, all those followers," she said. "Yeah, that's really tragic."

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After the broadcast, many viewers expressed their shock on social media at how Williams covered Swavy's death. Williams' name began trending on Twitter on Friday after a clip of the segment went viral.

A spokesperson for the Wilmington Police Department previously told PEOPLE that an investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing. Wilmington police had no further comment when reached by PEOPLE for comment Monday.

In a statement released last week, the late dancer's family said they are "working diligently to get justice for Swavy."

"This is just the beginning, we will forever keep his name alive and continue his legacy!" their statement read in part. "The impact he had on others remains unmatched."

In the wake of Swavy's death, this family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs. As of Monday, it has raised over $23,900.

Mother of Slain TikTok Star Swavy Slams Wendy Williams' 'Disrespectful' Discussion About His Death (2024)

FAQs

When did Swavy pass away? ›

Swavy was shot to death in Wilmington's Southbridge neighborhood on July 5. In early November, Israel Lecompte, 18, was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Miller and 22-year-old Quinton Dorsey. Lecompte was charged with more than 30 other felonies at the time.

What did Wendy fall from? ›

The staff member stated that She climbed to the second-floor tunnel, as scripted. She was prepared to go down the stairs during the song. But the stairs were not set in place. At that moment, she lost her balance and fell down the stage.

What was Swavy famous for? ›

Matima Miller, also known across social media as Swavy or Babyface. S, was a popular TikTok star known for his dance moves and comedic content.

What happened to One Way Swavy? ›

It is with great sadness that we announce Swavy's passing on 07/05/2021. He was taken away from us due to a senseless act of gun violence. Unfortunately, due to legality we are not able to provide much information on the events surrounding his passing. However, the family is working diligently to get justice for Swavy.

Who was Swavy brother? ›

Swavy's brother, Rahim Clark, announced his family. has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money toward. "Swavy's Shining Youth Scholarship Foundation."

How old is Swavy today? ›

Matima Miller, the dancing TikTok star better known as Swavy and Babyface. S, has died. He was 19 years old. The Delaware-based teen's passing was confirmed Tuesday by authorities, who told The Post he was fatally gunned down in broad daylight Monday in the Southbridge neighborhood of Wilmington.

What happened to baby face swavy? ›

Matima Miller, a TikTok star celebrated by millions of followers for his dance moves, has died aged 19. Police in Wilmington, Delaware have identified Miller, also known online as Swavy and Babyface. s, as the victim of a shooting that occurred on Monday (5 July).

How much does Swavy make? ›

Swavy's net worth was estimated to be $100k according to Fandom. Most of Swavy's earnings came from his social media presence as a content creator.

What happened to Gabe not Gabe? ›

Gabriel Salazar, a TikTok star with 1.8 million followers, has died following a car crash, according to local authorities.

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