John Krasinski Crowned People Magazine’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive

“The Office” actor John Krasinski has been crowned People magazine’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive, causing a stir on social media for the second time in one week.

Benny Blanco Featured in the Issue

On Nov. 11, Benny Blanco, music producer and boyfriend of Selena Gomez, was also featured in the issue, leaving fans scratching their heads.

Black Women Wondering About the Selection Process

With Krasinski taking the title a year after “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Patrick Dempsey held the spot in 2023, Black women can’t help but wonder who is in charge of choosing the Sexiest Man Alive each year.

Concerns Raised by Fans

One fan wrote under The Shade Room’s repost of the news asking, “Where are the black men?????”

Another Twitter user expressed disappointment, saying, “All these fine ass black actors & musicians and yet again, @people chose an average af looking white actor for this year’s #SexiestManAlive? I have nothing against John Krasinski but it’s called “Sexiest Man Alive”. People Magazine, please do better.”

Alternate Suggestions by Fans

Fans began naming other celebrity men who they believed would have been a better pick than Blanco and Krasinski. Even when Dempsey won, there were mixed reviews on whether he should have been chosen. Many argued that Method Man should have been picked.

Following the announcement about Krasinski, Black women protested in The Shade Room’s comments. One person said, “bruh have yall SEEN MORRIS CHESTNUT?! how is anyone even winning this when someone like morris chestnut is alive.”

A second person questioned if Method Man was considered for the title.

A third individual suggested names like Morris Chestnut, Lance Gross, Kofi Siriboe, and Luke James as potential candidates.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski at The American Institute for Stuttering’s 18th Annual Gala held at 583 Park Avenue on September 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)

History of Black Men as Sexiest Man Alive

The first Black celebrity chosen as Sexiest Man Alive was Denzel Washington in 1996. He remained the only Black man to hold the title until 2016 when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was honored.

In the following years, Idris Elba, John Legend, and Michael B. Jordan were named Sexiest Man Alive. Since Jordan in 2020, no Black man has received the title.

Insight into People Magazine’s Selection Process

In a 2010 ABC interview, People’s then-Managing Editor Larry Hackett explained the criteria for choosing the Sexiest Man Alive. He emphasized the importance of public perception and popularity in making the decision.

“We know it has to be a mix of someone who’s hot but well-known,” Hackett said. “Not too young, not too old, and somebody who, frankly, maybe we haven’t thought of. So the doors are open, no holds barred, what do we think?”

FAQs

Q: Who was the first Black celebrity chosen as Sexiest Man Alive?

A: Denzel Washington was the first Black celebrity chosen as Sexiest Man Alive in 1996.

Q: Who was the most recent Black man to be named Sexiest Man Alive?

A: Michael B. Jordan was the most recent Black man to be named Sexiest Man Alive in 2020.

Credit: yogossip.com