#TheMercedesShow || Episode 004 || Hadrian Ali

PRE-RECORDED •• LA
MERCEDES STUDIO
THE MERCEDES SHOW TAPING

MERCEDES: Ladies and gentleman welcome to another edition of The Mercedes Show and tonight we have a great show lined up for you tonight. Joining us shortly Hadrian Ali will make his way out here and yes he will answer all the questions I’m sure you guys out there in the audience and the world has for him.

Mercedes smiles as the audience claps.


(Hadi backstage)

MERCEDES: Just to give a short story on this man his rise to fame appearing on MIL’s network show #theLIFEATL but even before the show he was self made and a businessman and with him signing on for season 2 I’m sure he’ll have more to bring us so I don’t want to keep you guys waiting and I want you all give to a warm welcome to Hadrian Ali.

Hadi makes his way out from behind the curtain embracing the crowd's reaction, he walks over to Mercedes giving her a hug before
sitting down next to her in the chair.

MERCEDES: Look at you looking all handsome and sharp, thank you for joining us Hadi.

Hadi chuckles.

HADRIAN ALI: Thank you. I appreciate that. I see you lookin a lil scrumptious yourself, ma.

MERCEDES: Are you nervous? Don’t worry I won’t go to hard on you, I know this is like your first time doing something like this.

HADRIAN ALI: Nah, I can take it. Lay it on me.

MERCEDES: I must say when I watched the first season of ATL I didn’t see you much involved in a lot of the drama now I know usually when you do reality shows like that, things tend to get a little messy so how did you manage to stay away from all the drama?

HADRIAN ALI: Uh-I just didn’t get too invested in what the other casts were doing as far as any confrontation. I was on the show for one thing only: To put my name out there. I had a focus heading to the beginning of the first season. It was a coincidence that I knew a few of the other cast members on the show from Tre (Zeno), to Mal (Chanel), to Dallas, and then others I’ve heard of from mutual people.

MERCEDES: So Tre and Mal. That’s..Trazeno and Chanel, correct?

HADRIAN ALI: That’s right.

MERCEDES:But I’m curious though. What made you want to sign up for a season 2? I’m sure more money was offered because whether you were involved in the cast drama or not a lot still happened to you during that time period.

HADRIAN ALI: I honestly didn’t see myself in the second season at all. I thought the cast would be fine without me there, but I guess that was my own way of making excuses for myself to stay away from the limelight after that whole thang went down last season. I was obviously out of my element. I wanted to just let the controversy die down before I came back out again and started over. However, I saw a huge impact I had from the show. A lot of men and women out there saying that my story encouraged them to reveal their own secrets to their family and friends.

It’s funny, cuz I never expected this much when I was in the NFL. As an athlete, especially a black athlete, you are expected to give only the politically correct version of yourself, and I got used to that mindset. I guess when the football fans are more concerned about how much you can entertain them with your physical talents rather than knowing the real you, of course the positive comments about your personal life will surprise you.

The money also played a role. Much like everyone else on the show, this is considered a stepping stone for me financially and mentally.

MERCEDES: This season from the preview that we've seen it seems like your reconnecting with family? I think your brothers right? How did that come about?

HADRIAN ALI: It’s wild. I didn’t hear about them joining the show until a few days before filming. I’ll admit that I did lose communication with them years prior. Just needed some thangs to figure out about myself, before I went back to contacting them. Let them know the truth about me, and then this happens. I don’t know how they managed to come to the show, but I’m more than geeked up about them joining. I can be much closer to communicating with them more often than I used to.

MERCEDES: During the first season you were struggling with your sexuality a lot? You were even in a heterosexual relationship with a girl named Jasmine but were experiencing these feelings on the side so my question to you is why choose a platform like the show to open up instead of doing it privately?

HADRIAN ALI: That’s a good question. People always say that your past mistakes can catch up to you. When I came to this show, I didn’t know what to expect, because comments involving the show were all word of mouth. I only knew the bare minimum, which was using this show as a platform. That’s actually what my intentions were, but it seemed that I was more connected to the show than I thought. From that point on, my intentions were to admit to past mistakes, but only at my own pace. I was aware that the show was going to air my conversation with Zeno, but when it came to my relationship with Jasmine, it was all of matter of how I could tell her, but then the fight happened. The timing of everything was too...quick.

MERCEDES: When did you start having the feelings for men? Like an attraction to boys?

HADRIAN ALI: My history? My history with men goes further than the NFL. It’s as far as high school. Being an athlete, you are around men most of your life. A brotherhood away from home, but some “brothers” are a lot closer to you than you would think. I was one of those brothers when a teammate and I were in a secret relationship my Sophomore year in high school. I had a girl at that time.

MERCEDES: Did you ever talk to anyone about these feelings?

HADRIAN ALI: The only ones that knew was him. I don’t know how I managed to keep it a secret for so long, but I did. Even from my NFL days, I don’t know I managed.

MERCEDES: Was Jasmine your first ever girlfriend? Or maybe real relationship?

HADRIAN ALI: No, Jas wasn’t my first, but she was my first real relationship with a girl. She was my girl. I was her nigga. Just two youngins trying to make it. She was the more “in your face”, around the way, type of girl, while I was the more smooth, calculated one. Total opposites, but we somehow managed to create great chemistry together. We had our arguments, true, but it was never to the point where we had to separate from each other. This all changed once I joined the show.

MERCEDES: Are you still in contact with Jasmine?

HADRIAN ALI: Not so much, but I still check on her every now and then to see what she’s been doing and how her progress is going with everything, but I after that whole break up, she’s just been distant from me. I guess, because she is trying to keep away from any involvement with the show.

MERCEDES: I mean it must have been hard for her and even embarrassing. But at the same time you were casted for a show called #theLIFEATL which is solely based around men and women who are apart of the LGBT community so she must have thought something was strange.

HADRIAN ALI: I believe she did.

MERCEDES: I did ask Jasmine to be here today and she will join us later because I was interested in knowing her side of the story so I hope you don’t mind, I know you don’t do well in tense situations.

Mercedes pauses, flipping her hair to the side.

MERCEDES: But before we get into all of that, tell us what’s been going on with you since filming ended, I know at one point you were running or opening a gym possibly?

HADRIAN ALI: I was searching for a location. Might have been the hardest few months I’ve ever went through, because I was let go from Crossfit RX, which was where I was before and during the show, and I had to balance between traveling for workout sessions and looking for a place for my gym. Not to mention, coming to terms with my personal life.

MERCEDES: So What can we expect from you this season?

HADRIAN ALI: From me? Well, the good news is that I actually found a place for my gym, so people will get a glimpse of me trying to renovate it. However, the majority of this season will revolve around trying to pick up the pieces of personal thangs, from my brothers, to Tre, to last season’s incident.

MERCEDES: I was just going to address that as well. It seems like you’ve had some issues with a few people from the show, one of them being Dallas Reed. Last season you guys ended up in a fight that led to charges being pressed against both of you and you both are going to be on this season, what can you tell us about that situation?

HADRIAN ALI: You positive you want to know?

MERCEDES: Of course. The world wants to know.

HADRIAN ALI: Well, many may not know this, but Dallas was around when I was first training clients. Tre was one of the first, and he also recommended me to Dallas. Both were working on their modelling careers at the time.

MERCEDES: Do you think Zeno plays a part in the issues between you and Dallas? And what is your relationship with Zeno right now?

HADRIAN ALI: Nah, we not in a relationship. We cool, especially after squashing the tension that we had. Now, do I believe that Tre plays a role in the whole “squabble” between Dallas and I? Yes, I do believe it, especially after finding out that Dallas and Tre were in a relationship. I didn’t expect that. I especially didn’t expect Dallas to still be feelin some type of way about me, even though I can admit my wrong doing when it came to my past with Tre. I apologized to him for that.

MERCEDES: All of that seems like a lot, you seem like such a sweet guy but I feel like if someone crosses you the wrong way that it could cause problems.

Hadi chuckles.

MERCEDES: There’s a lot of drama going down this season on ATL, and I’m talking a lot of name slandering and fighting, how does that make you feel to see your cast members engaging in all of that mess?

HADRIAN ALI: I can’t sit here and tell them what they should be doing, because they are grown and can make their own decisions, but the drama they got is petty. That’s all.

MERCEDES: If you could say anything to Dallas right now and his face, what would you say?

HADRIAN ALI: I honestly feel sorry for the dude. I could see how much animosity he had over me after the whole love triangle he was involved in with Tre and his girl, Trinity, but after hearing about his condition, all I can give him is my prayers, and hopefully a sitdown, man-to-man.

MERCEDES: Now it’s time for the Hater of the week, and this week was no brainer I have to give it to Chanel Snow.

MERCEDES: Chanel I don’t personally know you but from seeing your twitter rants and listening to that little radio show you did a weeks ago was pathetic at the max. A lady so classy and booked as you faithfully tweet everyday does show one ounce of class or respect, if you want respect honey then earn it but with an attitude like that then those clubs you booked is where you’ll stay and that’s why you are this week's HATER OF THE WEEK.



MERCEDES: Good ole Chanel Snow, what you think about this week's pick Hadi?

Hadi laughs at Mercedes’s haughty delivery of the question, before giving his two cents on Chanel.

HADRIAN ALI: I am cool with Mal.I did feel some type of way over Mal telling Jasmine about the fight, but I had to take responsibility for my own actions. So all in all, I ain’t got any issues with Mal. Just Mal needs to keep focusing on his own career, and keep making that money.

The audience cheers, Mercedes rolls her eyes flipping her hair to the side.

MERCEDES: I’m sorry I just can't stand someone who hates all day everyday, but back to you Hadi So we got a lot of fan questions asking if you were single, so are you?

HADRIAN ALI: Ha-Ha, Single? Yeah, I’m single.

MERCEDES: If you have to choose one guy from this seasons cast to date, who would it be?

HADRIAN ALI: I honestly don’t know which cast member I would date. Guess it takes getting to know them more for me to take that chance.

MERCEDES: What is it you look for in a guy when dating? And do you prefer men or women?

HADRIAN ALI: I prefer both. What qualities do I look for in a man or woman? Somebody that isn’t afraid of breaking boundaries in this world. Someone who knows when to speak up for somethin. Somebody...with self-confidence. That sh-*beep* is sexy to me. Also, someone that’s a go-getter. A hustler. Anything to help build our empire. That’s what I look for.

MERCEDES: Well Hadi it’s about that time to bring out Jasmine, I just want to make sure you are okay.

MERCEDES: Everyone please welcome Jasmine Rey Isa!

Jasmine walks out to a warm reaction from the audience, she embraces both Hadi and Mercedes before joining them on stage.

MERCEDES: Thank You Jasmine for joining us today, I know this might be hard for you a bit so I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your side of the story with us.

JASMINE: Well, thank you for having me!

MERCEDES: Earlier I mentioned that when Hadi was casted for #theLIFEATL, did it ever run through your mind that this might be a little suspicious?

JASMINE: I didn’t think too much of it, because I wasn’t familiar with the show either. I didn’t even know how popular the show was, until recently. However, I was a little suspicious at Chanel’s party, when people knew of him. Only a tad bit, because there are plenty of gay and straight men that know each other.

MERCEDES: How are you feeling since things ended with Hadi?

JASMINE: It’s actually been great for me after leaving the show. I moved back to Los Angeles with my mother, and I’ve been working on getting my dream job together.

MERCEDES: When the show aired and the world finally saw what went down, what was your mindset? And what did your family and friends think about the whole situation?

Jasmine sighs.

JASMINE: Every emotion imaginable: Sad, Angry, Disappointed, Humiliated. I couldn’t believe that after years of being with Hadrian, he would keep this secret from me, and my family back home was not fond of that situation at all, but later on, they were forgiving. Some more than others.

MERCEDES: Oh yes, speaking of that. How did you feel about your brother and his offensive language towards Hadi a few months ago?

JASMINE: The infamous tweet? I could tell that my brother was being protective of me and the negative emotions I had from being on the show, but I there are better ways with addressing people, especially with using such a slur like that. It was disrespectful.

MERCEDES: What is your relationship with Hadi right now?

JASMINE: We are okay. We’ve had some time to fully talk about everything, and it has all been settled.

MERCEDES: Do you feel as though the show was good idea or do you think Hadi should have handled it in a private manner?

JASMINE: I thought it was a good idea at the time, but that was just me supporting his decision to market himself. I didn’t know about his connections. If so, I would have told him that he didn’t need the show for that. I would have been willing to take the truth coming out of his mouth, but that was never the case.

MERCEDES: Well let’s switch gears a little, I don’t want to drain you with all that, so I heard you’re wrestling now? Tell me a little about that.

JASMINE: Oh, yes, I am! I’ve been working on a different style this time around. Some Capo, especially. I’m also attending Santino Bros Wrestling School for their Beginner’s seminar back home in California. Just 8 straight weeks of learning the basics. I’m already on my second week in. I’m just so glad that I’m finally able to go to a wrestling school for once. I’ve been waiting since forever.

MERCEDES: Will we see you at all this season on the show? Maybe as a supportive friend?

Jasmine looks down with a chuckle sneaking from her lips, before raising her head to Mercedes.

JASMINE: I appreciate the offer, but I think the show is just a experiencing chapter of my life. It was an opportunity worth being in, but there is a better lane for me to head towards.

MERCEDES: Aww, well us at the MIL Network will miss seeing you on The Life, but will patiently wait for your return in television soon. Thank You Jasmine for stopping by and I wish you nothing but success in your journey.

JASMINE: Oh, thank you! It’s been fun.

Jasmine raises up to hug Mercedes with a smile on her face. She waves goodbye to both Mercedes and Hadi and she exits off stage.

MERCEDES: That was sweet of her to gracefully come out here and just put everything to rest, maybe that was closure for her.

MERCEDES: So What’s next Hadi? I want to see you all over this season, all this sexiness should not be missed out on.

HADRIAN ALI: You know the sexiness will still be there, but this season I wanted the world to know more about me. The balance between a career and personal life. Somethin more human outta me. I’m gonna be making some changes this season...hopefully.

Mercedes smiles.

MERCEDES: Thank You Hadi for stopping by, and thank you world for watching. You can catch Hadi on Season 2 of #theLIFEATL airing every week on MIL Network and also stop by his champ and get your workout on while enjoying the view.

Hadi blushes.

MERCEDES: And tune in next week a special Guest stops by and yes we have a lot to talk about.

Mercedes waves at the crowd and turns and starts talking to Hadi, music plays and the credits roll and the scene fades to black.