Queen Latifah has always been a master of the "pivot." She went from a teenage beat-boxer in New Jersey to a literal Oscar-nominated queen of the silver screen. But for years, there was one part of her life that felt like a vault. Locked tight. No entry.
Then came the 2021 BET Awards.
While accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, Latifah looked into the camera and dropped a line that sent the internet into a tailspin: "Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Happy Pride." Just like that, the world finally got a name for the little boy everyone had been whispering about for months. Queen Latifah’s son, Rebel, isn't just a celebrity kid; he’s the living proof of a dream Latifah held onto for over a decade.
Honestly, it's kinda refreshing. In a world where every celebrity toddler has a curated Instagram feed before they can even crawl, Latifah chose a different path. She chose silence.
The Long Road to Motherhood
You’ve gotta understand that Latifah didn't just wake up one day and decide to be a mom. She’s been talking about it since the mid-2000s. She’s what she calls a "late bloomer." Back in 2016, she told E! News she was finally ready to stop procrastinating.
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"I think I'm ready," she said. And she wasn't kidding.
Rebel was reportedly born in 2019. This was a heavy time for the actress. Her mother, Rita Owens—who was basically her North Star—had passed away in 2018 after a long battle with a heart condition. Many fans believe Rebel was the light Latifah needed after such a massive loss. It’s poetic, in a way. One life ends, another begins, and the family legacy carries on in a tiny, energetic human who reportedly has his mom's famous smile.
Who is Eboni Nichols?
You can't talk about Rebel without talking about Eboni Nichols. She’s a powerhouse in her own right. A professional choreographer who has worked with everyone from Beyoncé to Rihanna.
The two reportedly met on the set of Dancing with the Stars back in 2009. They didn't rush into anything public. They were spotted at US Open matches, walking through airports, just living life. By the time Eboni was spotted with a baby bump in late 2018, the rumor mill was at a fever pitch. But again, Latifah didn't say a word. She’s always been about that "you don't get that part of me" energy.
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Making Rare Appearances
If you’re looking for daily updates on Rebel, you’re gonna be disappointed. This isn't The Kardashians. Latifah and Eboni are incredibly disciplined about his privacy.
However, we have seen him a few times lately.
- The Harlem Globetrotters Game: This was one of the first times Rebel was seen in the wild. He was about four years old, looking like any other kid mesmerized by basketball tricks.
- The 2024 Paris Olympics: A huge moment. The family was spotted in the stands, soaking up the atmosphere.
- WNBA Courtside Seats: This is where the most recent "mini-me" photos come from. In August 2025, Latifah took Rebel to see the New York Liberty play at the Barclays Center.
The kid was decked out in a Sabrina Ionescu jersey (the "Rebel Edition," fittingly). He looked happy. He looked normal. That’s the real victory for Latifah. She’s managed to raise a child in the middle of her Equalizer fame without turning him into a public commodity.
Why the Privacy Matters
Some people find it frustrating. They want to know the "details." What's his favorite food? Does he like his mom's old rap records? But there’s a nuance here that most people miss.
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Latifah has spent over thirty years in the public eye. She’s seen the meat grinder of child stardom and the way the media dissects celebrity families. By keeping Queen Latifah’s son out of the headlines, she’s giving him a gift: a choice. When he’s older, he can decide if he wants the spotlight. For now, he just gets to be Rebel.
It’s an unselfish way to parent. It's not about the "likes" or the brand deals. It’s about protection.
What’s Next for the Family?
As of early 2026, Latifah seems to be leaning even further into this "slow life" philosophy. She recently mentioned in an interview that she’s not rushing into new projects. She wants to "come down to the ground" and actually enjoy the people she loves.
If you’re following the journey of this iconic family, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Respect the boundaries: If you see them out, don't be the person with the hidden camera.
- Support the work: Latifah’s career is thriving (check out The Equalizer if you haven't), and that success is what allows her to provide this private, stable life for her son.
- Look for the rare cameos: When they do show up at WNBA or NBA games, it’s usually because they genuinely love the sport, not for a PR stunt.
Rebel is growing up in a house full of music, dance, and a whole lot of Newark-bred grit. Whether he follows in his mom’s footsteps or stays completely behind the scenes, one thing is certain: he’s got the best protector in the business.
Keep an eye out for Latifah’s upcoming biopic projects in 2026. While they'll focus on her rise to fame, they might just give us a tiny bit more insight into the woman she became once she stepped off the stage and into the role of "Mom."