More than basketballs bouncing at newark school gym at center of twerking controversy

NEWARK, NJ—Community and school board members expressed outrage after a promotional video featuring women twerking was filmed in the gym of West Side High School in Newark. The video, intended for a celebrity basketball tournament titled ‘Nuttin’ But Azz,’ has led to the event’s cancellation and an immediate school district investigation.

“There were more than basketballs bouncing in that gym,” said one irate board member.

Board member Daniel Gonzalez condemned the association of such content with any educational institution, particularly distressed by the implications it might have on the school’s reputation. “I am appalled that a video of that sort was associated with that school or any of our schools,” Gonzalez stated during a recent board meeting.

Crystal Williams, another board member, demanded clarity on how the filming was authorized, who was present, and whether any minors were on-site during the incident. The controversy has prompted a swift response from the school’s administration, with Superintendent Roger León and Board President Hasani Council confirming that an investigation is underway, expecting results by the next board meeting on August 25.

Board Co-Vice President Allison James-Frison, representing the West Ward, shared her disgust at the meeting, held at Sussex Avenue Elementary School. “As the only West Ward board member on this dais, I was disgusted,” she declared.

The event, which had been scheduled for July 21, was promoted by music manager Big Fendi, known for discovering Nicki Minaj. Following the video’s circulation on social media, school officials have reassured the public that the event was never sanctioned as a district or school-related activity, with promises of appropriate disciplinary actions pending the investigation’s findings.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.