Celebrities React To the Devastating News of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s Sudden Death
To folks like Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara and more, 'tWitch was pure love and light.'
News of Stephen tWitch Boss’s tragic suicide on December 14 have sent ripples of sadness around the world. The entertainment community especially has been mourning the loss of their talented friend, colleague, and family member, who turned 40 years old only a few months ago.
tWitch was a mainstay on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, entertaining viewers with his DJ spinning, infectious smile, and wicked dance moves, eventually moving into an executive producer role on the show as well.
The legendary talk show host is “heartbroken” by the news, stating “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him” in a dedication post on Instagram.
RELATED: Fans Reeling at News of Sudden Death of the Ellen Show’s Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss
“The world lost a bright light today,” Scandal star Kerry Washington wrote in her IG caption. “tWitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him.”
She also encouraged followers to “Call your friends. Reach out to people in need” and added resource information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Jennifer Lopez posted a carousel of images from when she worked with tWitch as a judge on World of Dance. She stated she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news, and sent love to his family.
Superstar singer Ciara shared a special behind-the-scenes dance moment with the DJ from an old episode of Ellen, while singer, actress and dancer Leslie Grace added video footage from an “unforgettable moment” of when tWitch and a group of dancers got together for an unplanned dance session.
Questlove shared his raw reaction with followers on Instagram, in a heartfelt post where he explained how “everyday is a winding road & you just may never know who is on the edge. A lot of us can’t process emotions & how to deal with it.”
“Take time out for yourselves if you feel like you’re on the edge,” he continued. “I know most of us are confused when it comes to darker emotions like sadness and anger—both healthy to express but becomes problematic when your solution is to figure out how to get rid of the feelings that don’t feel good to you.”
“Even the ‘strong’ ones, the ‘happy’ ones,” Pose star Billy Porter added in his tribute post. “We never know what folks are going thru. 🙏🏾🕯”
Perhaps one of the most powerful posts comes from entertainment marketing mastermind Bozoma Saint John, the first Black CMO at Netflix, who wrote a personal response that resonated with many regarding the notion of suicidal persons “reaching out” for help.
“The thoughts of being unworthy or hopeless are too overwhelming to seek help,” she wrote, describing how immediate suicidal thoughts can overcome personal actions. She included a story of how she wishes she had taken action from “triggers” she noticed but couldn’t support before her college boyfriend committed suicide and that she wishes she “had the tools to do something.”
“If you know something is going on, please seek help yourself so you can know how best to help,” she explained. “If you’re scared for someone in your life…please seek help too.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis or contemplating suicide, help is available by texting 988 or 988lifeline.org.
