Dwyane Wade isn’t here for Donald Trump using his family for political gain.
Last week, Dwyane Wade lost his cousin Nykea Aldridge to a senseless act of gun violence in Chicago. Soon after the news hit headlines, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump posted this controversial tweet.
Dwyane Wade's cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago. Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2016
In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, Wade and GMA host George Stephanopoulos discussed his cousin’s death, the ongoing gun violence in Chicago and Trump’s tweet.
“I was grateful that it started a conversation but on the other hand, it just left a bad taste in my mouth because of what my family is dealing with and what our city of Chicago is dealing with and it looks like it’s being used as political gain,” said Wade.
Trump later also tweeted his condolences to Wade’s family.
My condolences to Dwyane Wade and his family, on the loss of Nykea Aldridge. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2016
Wade also admitted to not being a fan of the way the media reported the death of his cousin. “Instead of talking about a mother of four and getting to know her and getting to know how amazing, how great she was as an individual…most of them said ‘this is Dwyane Wade’s cousin.’ That was the whole thing from her murder. That kind of hurt me and put me in a dark place for a few hours.”
WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.
Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother of four, was fatally shot while pushing a stroller in Chicago’s Parkway Gardens neighborhood. Two brothers have since been charged with her death.