Jimmy Butler Debuts New ‘Emo’ Look, Sparking a Frenzy Online

Jimmy Butler new “emo” hairdo is the internet’s latest obsession. The Miami Heat star, 34, showed up to media day on Monday sporting straightened hair, painted nails, and piercings. This marks the second consecutive year Butler has chosen media day to unveil a fresh look for the season.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Butler told the amused reporters. He added, I’m very emotional right now. This is my emo state, and I like it. This is me—how I’m feeling lately.

With Jimmy Butler emo style set to appear in promotional photos throughout the NBA season. While, it’s already capturing significant attention on social media. Fans have compared his new look to the iconic hairstyles of early 2000s emo bands like Secondhand Serenade, Fall Out Boy, and Panic! at the Disco.

One post on X, formerly Twitter, showcased several photos of Butler new hairstyle alongside an emoji meme of the classic emo black hair swoop. Another user shared Butler’s official headshot with the caption: Not he went and got that…

On Instagram, one user edited Butler’s head into the “Hey Ya!” music video by Outcast, featuring Andre 3000’s signature short silk press. Meanwhile, the hairdresser responsible for Butler’s new look posted a behind-the-scenes clip of her straightening his hair. Moreover, with Fall Out Boy’s “Thanks for the Mm’s” playing in the background.

Also read: Decoding the LeBron James ‘You Are My Sunshine’ Meme

The internet has come up with playful nicknames for Butler’s new style, including Heat Wentz, Ball Out Boy,” and “Panic! At the Free Throw.

Butler is known for his frequent style changes. Last year, he sported dreadlocks for months before deciding they might interfere with his game, leading him to remove them before the Heat’s first preseason game, as reported by the Ringer.

It’s uncertain how long Butler will keep his hair straightened, but social media users have already speculated. Jimmy Butler gone sweat his press out before the end of the first quarter, one person posted on X.

Butler’s new look even surprised his teammates. Heat center Bam Adebayo admitted he hadn’t seen Butler in person before media day and initially thought the photos of his straightened hair were edited with Photoshop.