On Sunday, August 25, Tyrese took to Instagram Live to connect with fans. During the stream, the singer explained that he wasn’t at a funeral but a “graduation.”
“My office hours are from nine to three — Dr. Gibson…” he said.
As the clip continued, a woman placed a black, red, and gold graduation gown on the singer. Furthermore, in a second livestream, it was revealed that the singer received his honorary doctorate degree from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University.
Instagram user @braidsbyleondra wrote, “His ole lady in the back like a proud mama ❤️”
While Instagram user @jungletographytv added, “They need to stop it with these honorary degrees lol”
Instagram user @hoodrichhcc wrote, “Anyways my mother received her doctorate degree in the midst of losing her only big brother & having a baby at 40 so shout out to her 😇🤝🏾”
While Instagram user @rainebryanna added, “Every time they give away one of these, y’all tussle in the comments 😂 y’all gotta know the difference by now.”
Instagram user @jakademik_md wrote, “Ain’t no one gon be able to tell him he’s not Dr. Tyrese 😂😂 oh lord”
While Instagram user @thatsorayven added, “Literally fighting for my life in graduate school & yall keep handing these out 😭 must be nice”
Instagram user @fitnfiesty1 wrote, “Meanwhile I be over here slinging this half-wig off stressing and trying to study for my exams!! Smh 🤦🏾♀️ They are just throwing these out like candy now smh”
While Instagram user @virginhairmermaids added, “Just say congratulations and stop with the negative comments 😩🙄 ( humans )😞”
Instagram user @kristhis17 wrote, “Congratulations to you, King!! @tyrese You deserve all the happiness, joy, and peace in this very temporary world. Life is too short to even acknowledge the haters, because they will always be there, attempting to tear you down. Focus on those who want the best for you…”
While Instagram user @malikkj_ added, “I’m not a fan of the honorary doctorate degree. People like myself, and others worked hard for our degrees! And just giving folks that title with no work is crazy!! 💯”
Instagram user @humble_n____blessed wrote, “Congrats!!!!”
While Instagram user @thejointsurgeon added, “The worst is when they get the honorary paper and expect to be addressed as DR. 🥷please. While it took me 15 years of training 🙅🏾”
Meanwhile, Tyrese’s girlfriend, Zelie Timothy, stepped in to add:
“Yesssssss 🤗”
See more photos from the event below.
STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipients Darlene McCoy, Raheem DeVauhghn, Dr. Vera Caddie, Rickey Smiley and Tyrese attend the 5th Annual Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Doctorate Degree Graduation Ceremony at Eagles Landing Country Club on August 25, 2024 in Stockbridge, Georgia. (Photo by Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipients Rickey Smiley and Tyrese attend the 5th Annual Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Doctorate Degree Graduation Ceremony at Eagles Landing Country Club on August 25, 2024 in Stockbridge, Georgia. (Photo by Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)
STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipients Darlene McCoy, Raheem DeVauhghn, Dr. Vera Caddie, Rickey Smiley and Tyrese attend the 5th Annual Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Doctorate Degree Graduation Ceremony at Eagles Landing Country Club on August 25, 2024 in Stockbridge, Georgia. (Photo by Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Dr. Verna Caddie, Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipient Tyrese and Guests attend the 5th Annual Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Doctorate Degree Graduation Ceremony at Eagles Landing Country Club on August 25, 2024, in Stockbridge, Georgia. (Photo by Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)
Another Celebrity Recently Spoke Out After Receiving Their Honorary Doctorate Degree
At this time, Tyrese hasn’t returned to social media to address the mixed reactions. However, another celebrity recently wasted no time addressing critics after they received their honorary doctorate. As The Shade Room previously reported, comedian Pretty Vee received her honorary doctorate in humanitarianism in June.
At the time, Instagram user @happy_with_self wrote, “I love Pretty V and I celebrate all of her accomplishments. However, to go all out for an honorary degree that was simply given to you is like a slap in the face for those who WORKED tirelessly to EARN theirs…
While Instagram user @loco.winter added, “I’m struggling to get a bachelors and they just giving out doctorate degrees”
Later that month, Vee returned to social media with a few words for anyone who felt bothered by her accolade, per The Shade Room.
“…Let me tell you something…. when God qualifies you, he qualifies you. He qualifies you for higher…it’s acceleration season. It’s your excel season. So don’t let nobody tell you that you can’t do and you can’t be a part of anything,” she explained while speaking on Instagram Live.
