Most people heading into maternity leave understand that someone else will step into their role while they’re away. But in the whirlwind of welcoming a new child, that reality can feel like an afterthought—until it’s time to return. When I prepared to come back from maternity leave after having my son in 2023, I couldn’t shake the insecurity. Would I still have a place? Would my temporary replacement be missed more than I was? In my mind, it (wrongly) became a competition of who did the job better.
It’s yet another weight working mothers carry, often in silence. These thoughts have been top of mind as I’ve followed the fallout between The Breakfast Club co-hosts Jess Hilarious (real name Jessica Moore) and Lauren LaRosa. While the popular radio show has spun their disagreement into gossip fodder, I see something deeper: the age-old narrative of women—especially Black women—being pitted against each other.
I’ve sat with this story. As a mother, I empathize with Moore and the emotions she must have felt during her postpartum period. As a journalist, I recognize LaRosa’s perspective—excelling at your job shouldn’t invite resentment. More than anything, I’ve tried to hold space for the nuance of this moment and what it reveals about the way we navigate work, success, and each other.
The Thief of Joy
Moore joined “The Breakfast Club” in February 2024, bringing her signature humor to the show’s news and celebrity gossip segment, “Jess with the Mess.” Not long after her arrival, Moore announced her pregnancy and later took maternity leave. In her absence, she personally selected journalist Loren LaRosa to step in—a common practice in radio. However, what set LaRosa’s tenure apart was the audience’s reaction to her performance.
Listeners quickly praised LaRosa for her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to deliver the news seamlessly. But the conversation didn’t stop at compliments. Instead, comparisons between the two women escalated, with many uplifting LaRosa while simultaneously tearing Moore down.
When Moore returned from maternity leave, management made a surprising decision: they asked LaRosa to stay on as a fourth host. This shift led to rising tensions, as the two women were expected to co-host “Jess with the Mess”—a move Moore has since revealed she did not support.
What Did Jess Hilarious Say?
On Tuesday, Moore went live on social media to share her thoughts on everything that has unfolded between her and LaRosa since returning from maternity leave. While she didn’t name him directly, many believe her comments were sparked by comedian Cory Holcomb, who praised LaRosa while harshly criticizing Moore in a viral video. During her livestream, Moore addressed several issues, including her frustration that no one publicly defended her as she endured waves of criticism and comparisons to LaRosa.
Watching the video, I couldn’t ignore the raw emotion beneath Moore’s words. I understand the insecurity that comes with stepping away from a job to bring life into the world. For many women, Moore’s situation is a worst-case scenario—one that stirs up deep fears about self-worth and belonging. Landing a role on “The Breakfast Club” was a major milestone for her, and she likely grappled with her own anxieties about proving herself long before LaRosa became part of the equation. Then, during one of the most vulnerable times in a woman’s life, she was forced to watch critics dismantle her value. Truthfully, that kind of pressure might push more of us to “crash out” than we’d like to admit.
Misplaced Frustrations
Still, Moore most certainly is not without fault in the situation most notably her admitted misplaced anger toward LaRosa. That is the part of this whole story that is so hard for me to grapple with.
“No, I didn’t like her when I came back because I’m like ‘alright, what’s going on?’” Moore said. “She knew it. We had a conversation. Cause the anger was misplaced. ‘Naw it ain’t even you that I don’t like I’m realizing.”
Moore explained that it was the show’s management she really took issue with upon her return. Despite that understanding, Moore has continued to have a rather tense relationship with LaRosa. That includes the comedian telling the journalist to “hush” and “shut-up” while on-air. As I watched those interactions in particular, my blood boiled. The exchanges were unprofessional and as a Black woman I would hope for better from a fellow Black woman. Moore says it’s because LaRosa speaks over her regularly but surely she can see how much comments like those belittle her co-host.
A Path Forward
Many also take issue with the way that Moore has decided to air her grievances. It’s not surprising that a comedian who came to fame on social media would turn to the apps to share her professional frustrations. Some, however, hoped she would have chosen other avenues to address her issues. While laying in bed watching her live, I felt sure she would soon be out of a job. But the next day Moore was back on-air again discussing the controversy and remains a co-host of the show . It felt like an instance authentic issues that can impact mental health, being monetized and turned into pure entertainment.
However, as I watched the two women speak to each other, I also surprisingly felt hopeful. There was a moment when I saw a future where the two were not just cordial but allied. I don’t think it’s LaRosa’s responsibility to assuage Moore’s insecurities around performance. I do truly hope she’ll consider what the comedian is facing when interacting with her. Hopefully, these two complicated, talented and successful Black women can find peace and common ground in a way that serves them both.