Carmelo Anthony‘s retirement announcement wasn’t the only shocker back in 2023. Almost 5 years later, the NBA legend showed a glimpse of his other child for the first time. It seemed that the mother and daughter preferred to stay out of public attention all these years. But with Melo’s son Kiyan making headlines almost every week for racking up thrilling performances in High School and the Nike EYBL, the incident almost seemed forgotten. Until, recently, a clip from the 7-year-old’s birthday party was shared on social media. 

While some praised the little one’s adorable tribute to Dad, others knew nothing about Melo’s daughter. Here is what we know about the Genesis Harlo Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony included his daughter Genesis in his video for retirement

As sources suggest, Genesis was born to Mia Angel Burks, who has also authored the book, Talk Like Me. The New York Knicks legend had never previously acknowledged his daughter. The rumors first appeared in the year 2017 but the NBA legend only mentioned his daughter for the first time during his retirement. In a clip that reflected his glorious 19-season-long NBA career, two pictures of his daughter and Burks were also seen. The most recent sighting was when she turned 7 years old this year.

The little one’s parents orchestrated a New York Knicks-themed birthday party to celebrate the occasion. She also wore a no. 7 Knicks jersey to pay homage to her dad. A clip from the birthday party was shared by The Shade Room. Here it is for you to see.

The father and daughter were also once spotted having lunch together. In all the pictures available online, Genesis looked like a twin to her father. A picture of a 5-year-old Genesis wearing a T-shirt with Melo’s Slam Dunk poster on it with her mimicking the same expression as Melo went viral.

Genesis Harlo Anthony’s mother took a stand for her daughter

Both Melo and Genesis’ mother faced a backlash when the news broke out with many taking to social media criticism. In response to all the hate directed at her, Burks defended herself and her daughter saying, “Calling me out of my name and disrespecting me is one thing, I can handle that. That’s water under the bridge. But calling my daughter disrespectful names… all in Dms is crossing the line.”

She also called out Genesis’ father for not speaking up on behalf of their daughter. “Her father may not defend her, but I will ‘till the end,” Burks argued. “She didn’t ask to be here, and it doesn’t matter how she got here, she’s here. If you don’t want to see her stay off my page,” Genesis’ mother warned the netizens. 

Melo was also on the receiving end of the criticisms upon infidelity rumors. And one of the reasons for the assumption was it all happened in the same year. 

La La Anthony recounted a “traumatic” experience 

Melo and his ex-wife La La briefly separated in 2017. They attempted to reconcile in 2018, but in 2021, they officially divorced, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

In an interview with The Jason Lee Show, the Black Mafia Family actress opened up about having a tough time dealing with rumors of Melo’s infidelity surfaced. She described it as a “traumatic experience with my son hearing things, whether true or not true.”

In his retirement video, Melo mentioned how his son, Kiyan, will carry on his legacy, while his daughter made a brief appearance. Post that, Kiyan hasn’t been exclusive about the dynamic but has been spotted celebrating her birthday or having a day out. No other drifts have come to surface since. Only a content bunch. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.