Sophia Michaels
Geoffrey Owens, known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on “The Cosby Show,” chose to decline a $25,000 gift from Nicki Minaj for commendable reasons. His public journey began in 2018 when a photograph of him working at Trader Joe’s drew mixed reactions; however, many praised his decision to work in retail during tough financial times. In an interview with Don Lemon, he reflected on the surprising attention, stating, “I took a regular job so I could support myself and my family, and it all went crazy,” adding, “It’s kind of surreal.”
His viral moment opened doors for new acting roles in shows like “New Amsterdam” and “Power Book II: Ghost,” offering a revival of his acting career. Despite this resurgence, he revealed that he still faces financial difficulties, stating, “Even today, right now as we speak, I still struggle to make a living.” He explained that many assume he is financially stable because of his appearances in various shows.
In December, while promoting his upcoming work, 2024’s “Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza,” Owens mentioned returning to Trader Joe’s temporarily, highlighting the reality of his situation.
Geoffrey Owens opted out of a ‘handout’
Owens willingly took on regular work to support himself but felt uncomfortable accepting Nicki Minaj’s donation. During a V-103 Atlanta interview, he confirmed the widely discussed rumor of Minaj sending him $25,000, sharing, “It seemed like the right thing to do” to decline the cash and donate it to charity instead. He expressed appreciation for her kindness but stated he did not want to accept what he considered a “generous, lovely handout,” especially when others might need it more.
Though his decision reflects his values of self-sufficiency, it has stirred mixed reactions online. Some social media users labeled his choice as prideful, suggesting he could have used the funds to invest in his future. Others viewed it as a generational mindset that prioritizes a certain value system over seeking assistance.
Despite differing opinions, it is evident that Owens is committed to his principles and making choices that feel right to him.
