Meet Eboni Nichols — Queen Latifah’s Girlfriend Who's A Former LA Lakers Cheerleader
They were seen dancing at the VMAs.
getty On August 26, the MTV VMAs aired, giving everyone a taste of what life was like when the Music Television network actually ... played music. The show this year featured performances from Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Lizzo (with a giant inflatable butt, no less), Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, and a medley from Missy Elliot, who kids today have probably never heard of before.
Queen Latifah also performed a medley with Naughty By Nature, Fetty Wap, Wyclef Jean, and Redman. But it was during Lizzo’s performance that the Queen, whose real name is Dana Owens, and her girlfriend, Eboni Nichols were rocking out.
But who is Eboni Nichols? Even though Owens walked the red carpet alone in an orange pantsuit, she sat next to Nichols during the show. And as it turns out, it’s the first public outing for the new moms. Yes, really! Here's more about Queen Latifah's girlfriend:
Owens and Nichols have been a couple since 2013, but met back in 2009 on Dancing With the Stars. Nichols is a former L.A. Lakers cheerleader and is a choreographer, but she also has a B.F.A. in Theater and Dance.
Since becoming part of the entertainment industry, she’s toured and been in music videos with the late Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Beyonce, and Mary J. Blige. According to her bio, she also mentors aspiring dancers, serves on the Television Academy’s Board of Governors, and is Co-Governor of the Choreography Peer Group of the Television Academy.
Back in October 2018, Owens was making visits to a Beverly Hills medical center, being treated for a health crisis thought to be cancer or blood disease, though this hasn’t been confirmed. At the same time, Nichols was spotted with a baby bump. And according to a source for Radar Online, the couple couldn’t be happier: “Latifah has never been so full of life! Eboni and the baby have given Latifah something very special to live for.”
In March 2018, Owens lost her mother, Rita, after a lengthy battle with a heart condition. In a statement, Dana wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldly but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.
She had struggled with a heart condition for many years and her battle is now over. I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens’ daughter.”
This may have been the catalyst in her desire to start a family.
In 2017, Latifah said, “I had to get a lot of partying out of my system early in life. Now, I’m ready.” And along with a new bouncing bundle of joy, Queen Latifah and Nichols are also engaged! They haven’t released a statement, but Nichols was spotted with a ring on her finger, just showing how ready and excited Owens is to start this new chapter of her life.
And in a rare break in motherhood from the diaper changes and bottle feedings, it’s great that these two got to spend a night together having fun.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.