Tom Hanks’ Sugar Land-based Son, Creator of ‘White Boy Summer,’ Faces Scrutiny — Again

Tom Hanks’ Sugar Land-based Son, Creator of ‘White Boy Summer,’ Faces Scrutiny — Again

Photo from @chethanx on Instagram

OCCASIONAL SUGAR LAND resident Chet Hanks, 30, the one-time rapper and sometime actor son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson — long known for his questionable internet antics, like announcing his parent's covid-19 diagnosis while shirtless last year — has been in the news quite a lot this week, most recently over allegations and counter-allegations of violence between him and his now former girlfriend, per reports.


It all started just a few days ago when Hanks set certain corners of the internet abuzz when he deemed this summer the confusingly conceptualized "White Boy Summer."

"I'm not talkin' about Trump, you know, NASCAR-type white," Hanks clarified in his video. "I'm talkin' about, you know, me, Jon B, Jack Harlow type white boy summer. Lemme know if you guys can vibe with that and, get ready, because I am."

He's since released a steady stream of videos outlining the rules and regulations of "White Boy Summer," like not wearing plaid shirts, Sperry Top-Sliders or anything salmon-colored.

"Burn it, burn that sh*t. Don't ever wear that again," writes Hanks in an Instagram story outlining the sartorial specifics of White Boy Summer, in which he urges men to wear simple black and white tees, Vans, Chucks and Jordans. "It's time for us to evolve, okay? Period. It's time for us to grow from a Pikachu to a Raichu."

But, thanks to a new scandal, it looks like White Boy Summer might be over before it begins, although his new webstore selling "White Boy Summer" merch is still up.

The Houston Chronicle reported today that a Fort Bend judge has granted a protective order against Hanks at the request of his girlfriend, a Black woman, who alleges that the actor was physically and verbally abusive. In the woman's application for the protective order, per news reports, she describes a variety of instances in which the actor allegedly became violent and aggressive toward her, including threatening to "blow [her] brains out," pushing her around, throwing things at her, breaking her phone and calling her racist slurs.

Hanks does not appear to have commented publicly on the protective order. However, late this afternoon People reported that Hanks has sued his ex-girlfriend, alleging it was she who attacked him. And in a video reportedly obtained by TMZ, Hanks is said to be seen bleeding after an altercation with his former paramour. CityBook was unable to reach Hanks for comment.

Some might observe that such unseemly drama and conflict doesn't square well with the White Boy Summer ethos, including the video in which Hanks says, "You know what's not White Boy Summer? Having any ill will or prejudice toward anybody from a different background, race, walk of life than you, you know? That's not White Boy Summer, dude … Because the real vibe is having nothing but good vibes toward everybody."

People + Places
Exclusive Furniture’s Sam Zavary Credits Luck, Hard Work and ‘Mom’s Prayers’ for His Success

How did you get to where you are today? I am a firm believer that hard work and having dreams that you strive to achieve will motivate and inspire people to achieve their potential. Working hard, dreaming, and making sure to take advantage of every opportunity is something I learned at a young age. I credit God and God’s grace firstly, but I know that success is a direct result of hard work. I tell my podcast subscribers and followers to continue setting goals, evolving, improving, and planning, and I practice what I preach. I am proud to have started my business in the fastest growing major city in the United States, and I attribute a lot of the success of Exclusive Furniture to the family culture we create in the best city — Houston’s diversity, philanthropy, and innovation have helped me achieve a lot of the milestones in the furniture business (and the “low prices”) you see today!

Keep Reading Show less

The pool at Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands

IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate

The four-bedroom home at 3 Briarwood Court, listed by Compass’ Robert Bland for $27.5 mil, has verdant courtyards and a whole-home generator.

IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate