R&B singer Mario is again addressing colorism criticism targeting him as he explains his relationship with Black women amid the drama with his pregnant Mexican girlfriend, and more.
Mario Claps Back At Critics Claiming He ‘Only Likes White Girls’
In June 2024, Mario, born Mario Dewar Barrett, first appeared to combat claims of him “only liking White women.” He shared a screenshot of an Instagram DM from an apparent Black woman claiming he “likes White girls.”
He replied, “I like good energy and who loves me the way that’s healthy. Could be Black, White, Mexican, alien… I dated an alien before it was great ☺️.” He followed the post with a photo of himself that read, “And I mean that from the heart!”
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In August 2024, Mario again went viral after sharing a photo of him with his then-girlfriend celebrating his 38th birthday together. Critics called him out for dating outside of his race and posing with an apparent Latina woman.
Then, in December 2024, the singer sat with Angela Yee on her ‘Way Up With Yee’ radio show. They reflected on him going viral after sharing several posts with his then-girlfriend. Yee noted that she hasn’t seen him post about his private life publicly before. He said she was “a safe place” for him and that he “trusted” and “loved” her. Yee also mentioned the singer clapping back at critics insisting he “only likes White girls.” He again denied the claims and clarified his girlfriend’s ethnicity as “Mexican.”
Mario, Who’s Expecting First Child With Mexican Girlfriend, Slams Claims That He ‘Doesn’t Like Black Women’
In August 2025, the “Braid My Hair” crooner went viral addressing claims that he “doesn’t like Black women” after announcing that he and his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, were expecting their first child together.
At the time, Rios shared photos to social media announcing her pregnancy. The singer then made his own announcement on his social media. While most fans were excited and congratulated the singer and his expecting girlfriend, others online criticized his choice in women. The singer’s comment sections on various Instagram feed posts were filled with fans debating if he liked Black women while analyzing his dating history.
About a month later, Mario again addressed claims he doesn’t like Black women. In September 2025, he fired off a message on his Instagram Story. It read:
“I’m so tired of the Black women slander in the comments about how I don’t like Black women and how Black women aren’t loved!! If you’re making these comments, I’m convinced YOU have a problem with Black women. Black women are loved and needed! 💯❤️💐.”
He followed the message with a screenshot of an Instagram DM from an apparent Black woman asking him in March, “You have a woman??” The message was followed by a more recent question, asking, “How can you be fine af and ugly at the same time lmao.”
Mario Talks Colorism Criticism, Relationship With Black Women, Drama Surrounding Pregnant Mexican Girlfriend, And More
Since addressing claims he “doesn’t like Black women” in August, Mario is again denying colorism claims with NFL player-turned-podcaster, Cam Newton. In an October 31-released episode of ‘Funky Friday,’ Newton flat-out asked Mario if he “had anything against Black women.” Mario said, “No, sir. I never had.”
Newton followed up asking about his relationship with Black women. Mario opened up about his grandmother and his mother. He said he mostly looked up to his grandma as his “hero,” naming her the ideal image of a Black woman who felt “safe” to him. However, with his mother, Mario said the relationship was a little “toxic.” He admitted that her talent, passion, and fire are all qualities he admired and took for himself. But, he also lost trust and faced trauma due to her own trauma.
Mario admitted that his “toxic” relationship with his mother has left him with issues in his relationships with other women. He continued to talk about claims that he doesn’t like Black women. He said that’s not true and that he doesn’t understand the hate, bashing for Black men who date outside of their race and opt for interracial relationships. Mario said his “relationship with Black women is evolving every day.” He continued to call out the comments he receives and criticism he has for his critics.
By topic end, Mario said he loves Black women, and has also dated Black women, White women, Latina women, Asian women, etc. He vehemently denied all claims that he doesn’t like Black women or has any hate for them. Mario tried to understand the claims thrown against him, while standing in his truth. He also tried to understand why Black women feel this way against him and why they may feel a way seeing Black men date other races.
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