Noir Nation, ‘Baby, This Is Keke Palmer’ just got real—and this episode? Definitely provided a safe space that quickly turned into a necessary cultural moment!

Chelley and Olandria, two standout faves from Love Island USA Season 7, joined Keke Palmer on her hit podcast in a new episode for an honest sit-down that peeled back the layers on the reality of being Black women on national television.

The conversation was an overall vibe as the ladies swapped notes of their experiences and journey in the villa to their final exits.

Keke moved to address everything from racial bias and tone policing to how they were received by fans online.

🛑 “Don’t Do That”

“There was a moment, Olandria,” Keke began. “I really actually liked that you did… when you said to Huda, ‘Don’t do that.’ I lived because to me, you were saying—don’t pity me. I’m good.”

But what followed, Keke noted, was a swift shift in energy. Suddenly, Olandria was painted as the “mean girl,” all over a calm boundary being set. That observation led her to a broader question: How often do Black women have to “tone it down” just to exist in these spaces?

🗣️Olandria Spoke Up On The Emotional Labor Behind The Scenes

“It’s very exhausting to say the least,” Olandria said. “Me and Chelley had to tone down a lot just to not cross that invisible line. Because the moment we do, it’s a problem. But others are praised when they act out.”

“Me and Chelley had to tone down a lot… because the moment we get emotional, we’re labeled the aggressor. Meanwhile, others get coddled.”

Chelley added that while they were seen as emotional support in the Villa—people came to them for peace and advice—the internet painted a wildly different image:

“We’re loving, honest, level-headed. But we come home and see ‘angry’ or ‘disrespectful.’ It’s like, wow… y’all really don’t know us at all.”

✊🏾✨ Keke Took It There: “You’re Afraid Of Something I Can’t Take Off”

The Emmy winner broke it down with truth that hit hard:

“Just because I’m saying something sternly doesn’t mean I’m a threat… That fear is rooted in something anti-Black.”

She tied the moment to her own memories watching reality shows growing up—recognizing the same biased narratives playing out over and over again.

🩷So What’s The Advice For The Next Generation?

Keke closed the episode with a powerful question about what advice they’d give to the next generation of Black or non-white women entering reality spaces.

Chelley answered:

“Be yourself. You can’t control how they portray you. Just stay true to who you are.”

Olandria added:

“Have confidence in yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

And Keke? She co-signed it all with this final gem:

“Because at the end of the day, you can’t win for losing yourself.”

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