James Pendergrass from season 4 of Netflix’s hit reality show Too Hot To Handle caught up with us to talk about dating in 2023, his acting aspirations and more.
Can you imagine being on a dating show in your 20’s, full of gorgeous women and sexy men thinking you’re about to hook up and party, only to find out you have to keep your hands to yourself to win 200k? I was surprised to know that a show like this existed, testing your ability to make a real connection….without physical touch…with strangers.
James had his eyes on the money prize, but he was one of the stand out contestants on the show, who was able to make a real life connection that went on after the show. While on Too Hot To Handle, James found love with co-star/model Brittan Byrd.
Fate took place because with all the contestants being from all around the world, these two made a connection, and both just so happen to have already lived in Hawaii. Here’s a clip from one of their scenes making it official.
With race playing a major factor in today’s world, the Texas native spoke candidly about his relationship, and the backlash he has received from following his heart.
“[Laughs…] You know its funny because we kind of say these things to each other, but everyone is gonna have an opinion…rather we do what they tell us to do, or what we do on our own. So we kind of just say that we’re gonna at least be honest to ourselves and be real with ourselves, do what we want to do…at let them say whatever they wanna say after that. Um…we’ve gotten a little bit of backlash just the interracial part…and me not going for the African American women or the African women on the show….but I like who I like and I’m with her for a reason…”
We asked if he thought there is a bias for black women when dating outside their race, and he shed light on fans of the show being negative towards his relationship choice, but praising his African co-star for choosing a white guy.
“It’s funny seeing the backlash being kind of like…slanted for me for example, versus Jawahir for example, like Jawahir was with a white guy and she was getting praised for it. It was like they were praising her for…for that decision, but I was getting slanted for going after a white woman….um definitely, me and Jawahir talked about it actually…we can’t really control the narrative…I mean…we did what we did out of our hearts and our mental decision…so…um…it’s definitely unfortunate, and we definitely see it, but it is what it is, we can’t do anything about it now…”
Check out the full interview below where James talks his new found respect for actors, how he relates to the move “You People”, tips for dating in 2023, and find out how you can receive personal training from the fitness guru himself.
