Angela Simmons has done everything she can to make sure her son remembers his father’s legacy. Since the heartbreaking event that took Sutton Tennyson away from his young family, Angela has taken on the responsibility of raising their child.
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She had made sure that he would be able to enjoy the best life both his parents could give him. In fact, she even managed to secure his future by making him the CEO of a company when he was just 6 years old.
Sutton Jr. is a CEO
The crazy story was reported by Blavity News in 2023 after Angela shared the news on Instagram in a video clip of her son, Sutton Tennyson Jr. She revealed that her young son had signed a contract to become the CEO of a clothing company that his dad, Sutton Tennyson Sr, had been associated with.
In the caption, Angela explained that she was keeping her son in touch with the legacy his father left him. She wrote, “My baby is a young CEO. His father was sure to leave him behind something he can grow with.”
She went on to say that her boy loves making money, which was in his blood, and that it was, in her words, “finally” time to give him what was his. The fact that he was only six when Angela gave him a business to run didn’t seem to matter to her, as she was convinced it was his destiny passed down from Sutton Sr.
In her Instagram caption, Angela went on to address her late fiance directly. She wrote, “Your son gets the torch now. Though you are not here with us, your legacy lives on.”
In the clip, where we see Sutton Jr signing his contract, Angela asked him how it felt that his dad left him a company as his legacy. In a sweet moment, Sutton Jr told his mom that it felt “super great.” The clothing company was reported to be called Little Giants/Giant Shorties, a clothing store for children with stores in Los Angeles and Brooklyn.
Sutton Was Attacked at His Home
Sutton Jr’s dad was involved in the company before his tragic passing after a horrific attack. In 2018, Sutton Sr was fatally wounded in a shocking attack. He was attacked in his own garage.
By the time the police got there, it was already too late. Sutton passed away from his injuries. He was just 37.
Three months later, details of the attack on him were shared with the public. When TMZ obtained the results of his autopsy, it came out that Sutton was actually shot 13 times.
The horrible incident allegedly occurred after an argument broke out between Sutton and another man. Police told TMZ that he was seen talking in his driveway with the other man before a weapon was pointed at him.
The suspect was said to have then quickly driven away from the scene. Eventually, the identity of the man who perpetrated the attack was revealed.
A man named Michael Williams from Atlanta turned himself in at a local police station. The 44-year-old was taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies, according to People Magazine.
Apparently, his lawyer stated that Michael denied all allegations and would fight the case. However, about four years later, he was sentenced to life in prison. He was given an additional 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Michael’s Sentencing Brought Angela Peace
Angela soon shared her reaction to the sentencing. It was clear that she was happy to see Michael behind bars. But the way that she reacted to it was still heartbreaking.
She posted a photo of Sutton carrying their young son on his shoulders. Another picture she posted showed Sutton hugging her baby bump when she was pregnant.
In the caption, she said that justice was served that day. Next to a heart emoji, she wrote, “We got you,” which seemed to be Angela’s way of talking directly to her baby daddy.
It was obvious how much pain Angela was still in. After losing Sutton, she again wrote about her reaction on Instagram.
She started her post by thanking Sutton for leaving behind her greatest gift, in reference to their son. He was just two years old when he lost his dad.
Angela wrote that she was hurting and numb, before thanking her followers for their outpouring of love. She finished by stating that she couldn’t believe she was even saying rest in peace to Sutton.
Sutton Sr. Wanted to Be an Involved Father
The couple had actually split in 2017, two months after their son’s birth. Allegedly, it was a pretty nasty breakup. In fact, Angela even requested an order of protection, citing DV claims against her ex-fiance.
But, in the years that followed, their relationship seemed to be on the mend. Sutton was beginning to hope that he would be awarded joint custody of their kid.
After his attacker’s sentencing, Angela opened up about how excited Sutton was to be more of a present dad in their son’s life. After managing to grow close again after so much history, Angela was understandably broken by the loss. She never let Sutton Jr forget where he came from or what his dad worked so hard to provide for him.
Angela Recently Faced Backlash
Despite Angela’s amazing efforts to keep her baby daddy’s memory alive, she has also come in for some criticism lately. Many were shocked by the details of her outfit at a recent event, which looked almost like an insult to Sutton Sr after what happened to him.
The scandal happened after fans saw Angela at the 2024 BET Awards. The glamorous event was attended by a lot of big names in Black Entertainment.
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While there were many eye-catching outfits on display, one that attracted the most attention was Angela’s handbag. Unfortunately for Angela, her choice was almost universally slammed.
She walked the red carpet sporting a glittery green clutch in the shape of a firearm. At one point, she even pointed the bag at the paparazzi cameras as she posed for pictures before the event.
It didn’t take long for commenters online to voice their outrage at Angela’s choice of accessory. It was described as corny, cringe, and simply in bad taste. Many thought that considering her own experience of loss due to firearm violence, Angela might’ve known better than to flaunt an accessory like that in public.
Angela Took Accountability for Her Mistake
Soon after the event, Angela took to social media to address the criticism. She explained in a lengthy written statement that she had chosen the purse because it was cute and unique.
However, she admitted that she had made a poor decision, which she now deeply regretted. She acknowledged that the bag was inappropriate and insensitive, especially in light of her own experience.
The 36-year-old went on to write that she understood the pain and hurt her choice had caused, particularly to others who had been directly impacted by firearm violence. Angela said that she did not intend to promote firearm violence in any way and offered her deepest apologies.
She also stated that she has lived her life exemplifying “peace, unification, and the resolution of [firearm] violence in America,” which she described as a disease. Her mistake, she wrote, would not define who she is or her commitment to putting an end to the loss of life caused by firearms. Instead, she would continue “making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America.”
Despite her mistakes, there’s no doubt that Angela and her son are still having to deal with the fallout of their tragic loss. Luckily, however, Angela is making sure that Sutton Jr not only has a good life ahead of him but can look back on his late father’s legacy with pride and gratitude.
