Yeah, We Said It: Braxton Family Values Shows Why (Black) Family + Business = Disaster

WeTV definitely scored a hit with Braxton Family Values. Each week viewers tune in to see the super-sized life lead by R&B star Toni Braxton, and her super star wannabe siblings/employees. There’s no doubt that naturally the sisters are a good-looking bunch. But a combination of bad weaves, excessively light colored make-up, and gaudy get-ups often renders them looking more like drag queens than beauty queens. Most important, like any royal clan, they don’t disappoint with the drama.

For example this week, two siblings, Toni and Tamar decided to berate Traci, a sister who’s struggling to find herself and establish an income stream acting and singing, for charging Toni when she performs with her on tour. According to Tamar, Trina should perform for free like she does since Toni is their sister. After all, Tamar doesn’t charge Toni. There’s just one thing: Toni and Tamar are rich.

Last time we checked, Toni was a superstar entertainer. She is not a volunteer. She doesn’t perform for free. She gets paid or compensated for the lion’s share of her gigs. In fact, she loves earning money so much that she protected her beloved booty by filing bankruptcy — twice.

Then there’s Tamar, a megalomaniac who married a music industry fat cat. Her biggest financial worry is how many pairs of $3000 sunglasses and purses she can amass.

Both women own multiple homes, cars and are doing better than 90 percent of Americans — and all of their other siblings combined.

The notion that siblings should “donate” services to another’s business, especially when they can’t afford to do so, is ridiculous. Toni Braxton is a multi-million dollar brand. She would not expect any employee to spend hours rehearsing and working collaboratively to ensure she gives performances worthy of $100+ ticket prices to “volunteer”. Why should her sister Trina? Particularly since Trina’s primary residence is the size of Toni’s guesthouse.

At the end of the day, business is business. Of course family should be supported, especially when people are going through hard times. Still, if you’re dropping $3000 on shades, it’s pretty shady to play the “sister card” when it’s time to cut the checks.

When it comes to business, hard-working family members can be your biggest support. Pay them what they’re worth or it will spell disaster.