Does pregnancy weight gain really matter? Ashanti recently dropped photos and videos from her second baby shower, and the internet is abuzz, but not for the usual reasons.
The excitement for Ashanti and Nelly’s first child was palpable as the R&B and rap stars hosted a baby shower over the weekend, surrounded by family and friends.
On Sunday, July 14, Instagram user @selenevoider shared a few videos on their Story. One video showed the user seemingly driving into an estate decorated with posters from Ashanti’s recent maternity shoot along the driveway.
In a heartwarming video, Ashanti, donning a white gown with cutouts and a braided ponytail, made an entrance as she walked down some steps and danced to her husband’s song “Ride Wit Me,” welcoming Baby Haynes with the caption: “Everybody, welcome Baby Haynes…”
Subsequent posts show Ashanti cutting a three-tier jungle-themed cake labeled “Baby Haynes.” In the user’s final Instagram Story post, the woman appears to reveal that she is Ashanti’s cousin.
According to MEFeater, the second baby shower took place at the Oheka Castle event venue in Huntington, New York.
The photos, which show Ashanti’s radiant glow and joyous celebration, also highlight her pregnancy weight gain—a natural part of her journey that has unfortunately elicited negative feedback online.
However, Ashanti’s devoted fans jumped into action, defending the star and praising her for embracing her body during this beautiful period of her life.
“Y’all talking bout her weight and snapping back .. smh.. until you bring a bundle of joy into this world, hush! Cause weight doesn’t matter; being happy and healthy is all that matters. Let her live and enjoy! Mean ahh people,” a fan commented.
Another continued, “She is huge. That’s a big baby. She looks so happy. Love this for her.”
“She looks bomb!!! Weight and all. A lot of y’all paying for the weight she gained fr fr!!!. Meanwhile, she naturally looks bomb. ASHANTI BABY!”
Here’s to Ashanti and her baby bump! May her pregnancy continue to be joyful, and may this positive online discussion pave the way for a more accepting environment for expectant mothers everywhere.
