R&B singer Shantel May has set social media on fire after revealing she doesn’t take men with 9-to-5 jobs seriously. During a candid podcast discussion, the rising star explained her dating preferences, sparking intense online debates about relationships and respect for hard work.
“I need somebody who would be like, ‘Yo, sit down and shut up for a second,'” Shantel said when asked about her ideal partner. While the host challenged her on whether men with regular jobs could be assertive, Shantel stood firm, saying, “I personally won’t take you seriously.”
The conversation took an even more controversial turn when another host asked if she’d consider dating a reformed ex-convict working a regular job. Shantel replied, “If you’re like hood affiliated, I’ll listen to you.”
Shantel emphasized that her preference stems not from a dislike for stability but from her upbringing and life experiences. “It’s not even about boring because I’m a boring person. I like boring a lot,” she explained. “I gotta know that you’ve been through something.” She added, “I don’t want no man fighting demons. I’m too grown for that.”
Unsurprisingly, her remarks didn’t sit well with many, leading to waves of backlash on social media. Fans accused Shantel of belittling hardworking men and glorifying a lifestyle associated with struggle and danger.
“I always feel bad for the 9-5 men who get up every day and work hard to support themselves/family and then hop online to hear this mess,” an Instagram user commented.
Another added, “Shiiid, I will take a 9-5 over a hustler. I have met some really hardworking 9-5, making over 300k and living life. 401k, stocks, investments, name it. Yea, give me a 9-5 man.”
“Until he goes upside your head. That shyt is not fun and quite traumatizing actually…. I’ll take the 9-5 man ANYDAY.”
Amid the controversy, Shantel took to Instagram to clarify her comments, stressing that her preferences are rooted in compatibility rather than disdain for regular workers.
“It’s absolutely nothin’ wrong w/ men who work 9-5’s. Nothing but respect for em actually,” she wrote. “BUT I personally grew up around a certain environment, around certain people & have found I’m way more compatible with men who’ve been through similar life experiences as I did.
“I know… y’all thought I was a sweet R&B girlie lol…but I’m a woman from Scarborough & my mouth slickkk…so no, it wouldn’t work out with Jim from the office…lol. Lastly, a man who work a 9-5 don’t have time for my stink attitude. Let’s be real, lol.”
