Dont Be These 6 Black Women in the News: Stories of Bad Behavior Abroad

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Keeping Women Accountable. Respectful Behavior and Cultural Awareness Abroad

This post is a departure from what I usually write. Yes, it’s about travel and being a good ambassador and taking accountability for our actions while away. We, as black women, are traveling more and more these days. We need to confront the serious issue of black women behaving badly while doing so. The media is quick to report bad behavior, especially when it involves black women, casting us as the villain in every single story no matter what.

However, these incidents are not just minor missteps; they are serious and damaging. They not only endanger the individuals involved but also reinforce negative stereotypes about black women abroad. The angry, uncooperative, argumentative black woman at home can also turn into the ugly black woman everywhere else too. Traveling is meant to be an adventure, a chance to explore and immerse oneself in new cultures. Today, we’re diving into five real, raw stories of black women abroad. These stories break through the glossy facade of travel brochures and serve as sharp criticisms of our behavior. They remind us why we must do better to hold our fellow sisters accountable.

Financial Hardship in Thailand

Kiawanna Moore

Meet Kiawanna Moore, a woman from Baton Rouge. The girl who packed her bags and thought it was a great idea to fly halfway across the world to Thailand with just $7 in her bank account. Yes, you heard that right—seven bucks. She was the one who made this story go viral, begging for help. Initially, she landed in Japan before heading to Thailand. She became homeless and relied heavily on the generosity of her online followers and the local community for support. Her lack of preparation and financial planning led her to take advantage of her hosts, making her particular story about all black women.

Kiawanna’s journey to Thailand began with very limited funds, no job, or place to stay. This made rely on the kindness of strangers. Eventually, she received free food and a place to stay above a nail shop because she was homeless. However, her decisions soon complicated the situation further.

Even though she was struggling, Kia had her girlfriend move in with her. This additional burden strained the already tense living arrangement. The shop owners, initially compassionate, grew frustrated with the couple’s presence and lack of contribution.

Anger in Thailand

When the owners asked them to leave, Kiawanna’s reaction was destructive. In a fit of anger, she caused significant property damage, breaking glass and other items. This behavior led to a fine of 120,000 Baht and reflected poorly on her character. Videos of the incident showed the extent of the damage and further tarnished her reputation.

Kiawanna’s actions highlight the consequences of taking advantage of others’ generosity and failing to manage personal responsibilities. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the support offered by others and the potential fallout when that support is misused. It also underscores the need for better behavior among black women traveling. Hopefully, this incident will not reflect upon the rest of us.

Altercation at Bali Nail Salon

Andrea Warren and Chansler Butler

Next, we fly to the paradisiacal island of Bali, where an altercation at yet another salon, Ombre Nail Salon in Kerobokan, shattered the serenity on one of my favorite islands. Andrea Warren from London and Chansler Butler from New York found themselves in hot water after a dispute over payment for additional nail services escalated into a violent fight. They decided that the service was not worth the amount requested. Security footage showed Chansler allegedly grabbing a salon clerk by the collar. Andrea entered the scene attempting to pay, but the situation escalated, resulting in their arrest. Andrea explained in an interview, “I was coming to give you the money. Relax yourself. Understand.” But it was too little to late.

Following the altercation, Andrea Warren and Chansler Butler were arrested and dragged off a flight while attempting to leave Thailand. They are currently facing serious legal charges. The women have been charged under Section 1, Article 351 of the Indonesian Penal Code for maltreatment, which carries a maximum sentence of two years and eight months, and Article 335 for “forcing others to do something,” which carries a maximum prison sentence of one year.

As of now, Andrea and Chansler remain in custody in Bali, awaiting further legal proceedings. They have been paraded in front of the media in police custody. Both black women face potential lengthy imprisonment if convicted. Their case highlights the importance of maintaining proper behavior for black women traveling, as legal consequences abroad can be severe. Trust me, prisons in foreign countries are not as comfortable as ours and should be avoided at all cost.

Rental Dispute in Dubai

Tierra Allen

Dubai, a city of gleaming skyscrapers and luxury, became a legal labyrinth for Tierra Allen, a black female trucker and social media influencer. A rental car dispute spiraled out of control, leading to her detention under Dubai’s stringent legal framework. Payment issues escalated into a confrontation, showcasing the importance of understanding and respecting the contracts and agreements you sign. In Dubai, as in many places, ignorance of the law is no excuse. This incident underscores a vital lesson for all travelers: always be aware of the legal landscape you’re stepping into.

As of now, Tierra Allen, also known as the “Sassy Trucker,” has been released from police custody in Dubai following the resolution of her legal issues. After months of being stuck due to a travel ban, she managed to return to the U.S. by paying a fee to lift the ban. Her lawyer has stated that she was innocent and was caught in a common rental car extortion scheme targeting tourists. Although she has left Dubai, it’s unclear if she still faces any ongoing legal proceedings.

Tierra’s situation was further complicated by her choice of attire, which was considered inappropriate by the conservative standards of Dubai. Known for its strict decency and morality laws, Dubai expects visitors to dress modestly. Tierra’s revealing clothing drew negative attention and likely contributed to the severity of her situation. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to local customs and dress codes when traveling abroad, especially in conservative countries. The behavior of black women traveling can significantly impact their experiences and how they are perceived by locals.

Tragic Death in Mexico

Shanquella Robinson

Let’s talk about Shanquella Robinson, whose vacation in Mexico with “friends” ended in tragedy. However she is the only victim on this story. Initially reported as a death due to alcohol poisoning, the truth turned out to be far more sinister. An autopsy revealed a severe spinal cord injury. Video evidence showed Shanquella being assaulted by one of her friends. This story took the internet by storm, leading to public outcry. We all want to know what happened to the beautiful entrepreneur. Her “friends” refused to talk to authorities in Mexico or at home. This heart-wrenching incident stresses the importance of knowing who you are traveling with. Trust is a traveler’s best companion.

The video that surfaced showed a violent altercation the night before Shanquella was found dead in which two of her “friends” assaulted her while the male “friends” stood by and watched and filmed it. The Cabo 6 included Khalil Cooke, Malik St Patrick Dyer, Wenter Essence Donovan, Alysse Michelle Hyatt, Daejhanae Jackson, and Nazeer Wiggins.The day her body was found, all the friends cut their vacations short by relocating to a new hotel and flying back home the following day. They have “leaked” a few details, including the video, but nothing to indicate what actually happened to Shanquella. As of today, the district attorney has declined to press charges due to a lack of evidence. This tragic incident underscores the critical need for good behavior among black women traveling to ensure their safety and well-being.

Detention in Amsterdam

Ari Lennox

While I know it’s important to keep my temper in check, sometimes it’s hard not to raise my voice when I feel threatened. However, I try to stay calm because I don’t want to make people uncomfortable or set a bad example for other black women travelers.

Ari Lennox, the R&B singer known for hits like “Shea Butter Baby” and “Pressure,” didn’t handle it this way. She ran into trouble in Amsterdam on her way to perform. When she arrived at Schiphol Airport, she claimed she was racially profiled by an airport security officer. Her response to this led to her arrest for disturbing public order and being drunk in public. Dutch police said Ari was aggressive and wouldn’t calm down, which is why they detained her. She tweeted about the incident, saying, “F— Amsterdam security. They hate black people,” and mentioned she never wanted to leave her house again.

After the incident, Ari was taken into custody but was later released. The police reported she seemed drunk and was aggressive. There were also claims she might have made threats to the staff and security officers. This situation shows how important it is to stay composed and know local laws when traveling. Ari didn’t face any fines or further legal trouble after her release.

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Detention in Russia

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner, a professional WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury basketball player, ran into serious legal trouble in Russia. In February 2022, she was detained at a Moscow airport because customs officials found cartridges with less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil in her luggage. Hash oil is illegal in Russia. Griner had been playing basketball in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA off-season. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison. Her detention caused an international uproar, with U.S. officials saying she was “wrongfully detained.” In December 2022, she was released in a high-profile prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Since then, Griner has returned to professional basketball, rejoining the Phoenix Mercury and playing in the 2023 and 2024 WNBA seasons. She’s also gearing up to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Griner has spoken out about her ordeal, describing the harsh conditions of her imprisonment in her memoir, “Coming Home.” Her story highlights the importance of knowing and respecting local laws when traveling abroad, especially in countries with strict regulations. Brittney’s case shows how crucial it is for black women to understand the potential consequences of their behavior while traveling.

Conclusion: Promoting Safe and Mindful Travel

I am tired of giving these women a pass. If you travel even a little bit, you know the behavior tolerated here will get you in trouble abroad. You are not entitled to anything more or less than those of us who try to be respectful of our hosts. Our actions abroad impact how future travelers are perceived, treated, and welcomed in these countries. Bad behavior can close doors and create an unwelcoming environment for those who come after us. Let’s ensure our journeys leave positive impressions and pave the way for more respectful and enriching cultural exchanges.

These stories are more than just tragic tales—they’re wake-up calls. For black women—and indeed, for all travelers—the message is clear: be prepared, vigilant, and culturally aware. Do your homework, constantly communicate, respect local laws, and approach new relationships cautiously. Sharing these stories isn’t just about raising awareness and building a community that supports safe, respectful travel practices. So, let’s learn from these experiences and ensure our journeys are filled with joy.

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