Social media influencer YesJulz shut down persistent rumors of an affair with LeBron James during a spicy hot wings challenge on a popular livestream, tracing the decade-old gossip back to podcaster DJ Akademiks and a heated celebrity feud.
The 33-year-old content creator, whose real name is Julieanna Goddard, fielded the question directly from host N3on while munching on increasingly fiery chicken wings in a segment mimicking the viral “Hot Ones” interview series. “No, I never did,” she said bluntly, before adding with exasperation, “You got your LeBron question out of the way. Now you guys can stop asking me that.”
The clip, shared widely on social media Sunday, quickly amassed views as fans reacted to her candid response. YesJulz, known for her bold online presence and past associations with hip-hop figures, has repeatedly addressed the speculation over the years but used the lighthearted format to deliver what she called a final word on the matter.
Rumors Ignited by 2025 Drake-LeBron Spat
The whispers linking YesJulz to James first surfaced around 2014, during his Miami Heat days, but exploded into mainstream chatter in January 2025 amid a public dust-up between the Lakers forward and rapper Drake. Akademiks, a controversial hip-hop commentator often at the center of celebrity drama, alleged on his show that Drake had assisted James in cheating on his wife, Savannah, including by withholding a purported sex tape involving YesJulz during trips to Toronto. The claims stemmed from leaked direct messages and a Drake freestyle that took jabs at James, fueling a brief but intense online beef between the two longtime friends.
Akademiks’ remarks, delivered during a heated livestream, painted a salacious picture of behind-the-scenes hookups, but YesJulz has long dismissed them as baseless fabrications aimed at stirring controversy. “Did I have relations with somebody he’s friends with or knows? Yeah, I did,” she clarified in a 2023 Instagram Live, stressing her respect for Savannah James and their family while denying any direct involvement with the NBA icon. “I did not f— with LeBron. I’m really f—ing tired of this stain being put on my name.”
Frustration Boils Over in Wing-Fueled Confession
On N3on’s “Hot Ones” parody — a format where guests endure progressively hotter sauces while answering personal questions — YesJulz appeared relaxed in a black top and white skirt, flanked by trays of Nashville hot chicken. The host, streamer N3on, dove straight into the elephant in the room early in the 20-minute segment, prompting laughter from the studio audience as chat messages flooded with similar queries.
Her denial came amid bites that left her fanning her mouth, blending humor with irritation. The influencer, who boasts millions of followers across platforms, has built a career on unfiltered takes but drew a line at the enduring gossip. “Love her (Savannah), think she’s amazing, think they have a beautiful family,” she reiterated, echoing past statements.
Social media lit up post-clip, with reactions ranging from skeptical memes to supportive comments. One viewer quipped online about the “black trucks” that might roll up if she spilled more, referencing James’ protective inner circle, while others debated her emphatic tone as proof or deflection.
James Remains Above the Fray
Neither James nor his representatives have addressed YesJulz’s latest comments, consistent with their approach to tabloid noise. The 40-year-old Lakers star, entering his 23rd NBA season, has prioritized family and on-court pursuits, recently sidelined briefly by sciatica but returning to help Los Angeles start 2-1.
Married to Savannah since 2013, the couple — parents to three children — often shares glimpses of their grounded life amid James’ high-profile career. YesJulz, meanwhile, continues to navigate influencer waters, using platforms like the N3on appearance to reclaim her narrative on her terms.
The episode, produced under the MemeHouse banner, highlights how viral formats amplify personal disclosures, turning old rumors into fresh content in the attention economy. As the wings cooled, YesJulz steered the conversation onward, signaling her readiness to let the topic sizzle out for good.
Hopefully, this will calm things down on social media.
Flip the page for YesJulz denying the rumor and more her BBL hot shots.
