Flavor Flav expressed his surprise at being included in PEOPLE’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive issue. In an interview with Rolling Stone published on Dec. 30, the “Fight The Power” singer discussed his reaction to being listed alongside celebrities in their 60s such as Denzel Washington and Andy Garcia for the Sexy at Every Age list. At 65 years old, Flav admitted he was taken aback by the recognition, stating, “It surprised me big because I don’t feel I’m sexy. I was shocked to see it.”
Reflecting on a past encounter, Flav recounted an incident where a woman approached him at the airport and called him “ugly” before requesting a photo. Despite the woman’s comment, Flav remained gracious, allowing her to take the picture without retaliation. He shared, “There was a lady that came up to me in the airport and said, ‘Ooh, Flavor Flav. You so ugly, but I want to take a picture with you.’ And you know what I did? I said, ‘Okay, come on. Take the picture. Let’s go.'” Flav acknowledged that some individuals had also described him as unattractive but chose not to engage negatively with such remarks.
Following the publication of the Sexiest Man Alive issue, Flav responded to online comments by sharing a picture of himself featured in PEOPLE’s list. In the caption, he asserted, “People Magazine says otherwise,,, calling me one of the Sexiest Men at any age.” Emphasizing the importance of character, Flav added, “Good guy,,, good heart,,, goes a long way. Something you wouldn’t know anything about.” The acknowledgment in the PEOPLE SMA list left Flav feeling “real good inside,” prompting him to reflect on his inclusion with humor. “I’m like, ‘Wow, how can I be one of the sexiest men alive? You can’t even see my eyes. I got on sunglasses.’ But, hey, I ain’t going to lie. I’ll take it,” he remarked to Rolling Stone.
In a separate interview, Flav revealed a personal grooming preference that may contribute to his appeal. He disclosed that he has been using the same cologne for over 50 years, highlighting the importance of smelling fresh from “underarms all the way down to [their] toes.” Recalling childhood memories, Flav shared, “When I was a kid, my dad used to always keep Old Spice in the cabinet in the bathroom. So that was the cologne that I used to wear when I used to go to school in the fourth grade.” His long-standing loyalty to the brand has endured through the years, indicating a commitment to personal hygiene and grooming habits.
Flav’s unexpected inclusion in the Sexiest Man Alive issue serves as a testament to the diverse perceptions of attractiveness and the significance of self-confidence. Despite initial disbelief, Flav embraced the recognition with humility and gratitude, highlighting the impact of
