Get Physical

Nikki Alexander hates the press. Back in the public eye via VH1's latest romp, I Love Money, the Italian-and-black beauty would rather court Midget Mac than sit in front of a tape recorder. "Damn, I hate interviews,” says the 25-year-old Michigan native, who won Flavor of Love in 2006. "Whatever benefits you guys, that's what you [print].” And with that said, her guard goes up like she's being chin-checked by Floyd Mayweather. Her disdain is understandable, as media outlets haven't handled her with kid gloves. Rumors abound: There's the one about being T.I.'s and Dwyane Wade's side piece, another on contracting the AIDS virus. Even when reality set in on June 13, 2006, when Nikki was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Dearborn, Michigan, police officer at her home, she felt the news cameras weren't on her side. "They told a story before they had the facts,” she cites. "Dearborn Police has a horrible reputation for racist acts, and I was absolutely treated unfairly [by the media] throughout the whole process.”

Before VH1 called up the young lass, she shunned the flashing lights to live like a hermit in Tennessee. But the lure of $250,000 was too much to pass up; hence she's catching flying chickens and hocking loogies for all the world to see. Doesn't make sense to us, either, but here's to hoping Ms. Alexander does reign supreme. She'll finally be able to pay for some much-needed courses in media training.

By Sean A. Malcolm

Before we get into I Love Money, what's your boggle with the media?
The media irritate me because my words get switched around. And they put out so many rumors about me; I can't defend my own self.

Because of past rumors, you don't conduct interviews?
If I don't have to do an interview, I won't do it. There are certain radio stations that I don't [talk to], because they came out with the AIDS rumor. It's a no-win situation for me. Why put myself out there when negativity is going to come? No matter what you do, it's critiqued. No matter what you say, it's wrong. You guys don't really care about what we feel or say. The way you handle your jobs, it's so shallow.