The first Monday of the new year brought major headlines and heated conversations on The Morning Hustle Podcast, where the team unpacked shocking allegations, tragic news, and celebrity drama.
The Lo’Down segment kicked off with Tyler Perry facing a new sexual assault allegation from actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims Perry groped him and later sent hush money after their initial meeting at a gym. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages, sparking debate about justice versus payoffs. Next, the hosts discussed boxer Anthony Joshua’s devastating start to 2026: while celebrating his recent victory in Nigeria, Joshua was injured in a car crash that killed his longtime trainer and strength coach. The driver, reportedly unlicensed and reckless, now faces multiple charges. Finally, NBA YoungBoy narrowly avoided legal trouble on New Year’s Eve when police found drugs in his car during a traffic stop in Utah. A female passenger claimed ownership of the substances, sparing the rapper from charges—though Boosie continues to plead for his own pardon online.