A video of businesswoman Fawn Weaver went viral on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The clip showed an awkward interaction at an event. It was shared by The Shade Room. The video sparked widespread criticism online.
In the video, a man approaches Weaver. He asks if she remembers him. He says they were in the same class from 6th to 8th grade. Weaver’s reaction was seen as dismissive by many viewers. She turned to the crowd and repeated his question loudly. People around her began to laugh. The man insisted he was serious.
Weaver then responded directly to him. She said, “I do not. I’m sorry. I don’t remember the 6th, the 7th, or the 8th grade.” The encounter ended with a brief hug before the man walked away.
Weaver Issues Public Apology on Instagram
Following the backlash, Fawn Weaver posted a full video of the incident on Instagram. She also issued an apology. Weaver said she now understands why the man felt dismissed. She explained her initial reaction. Weaver said she attended three different schools during those middle school years. This made her think his question was a joke at first.
“Once I realized it wasn’t, I apologized for not remembering him from 35 years ago, hugged him, and moved on,” she wrote. Weaver also shared a personal reflection. She described that time in her life as very hard. She said it led to her moving out at age 15 and dropping out of high school.
Fawn Weaver’s Substantial Net Worth and Career
Despite the controversy, Fawn Weaver is a highly successful entrepreneur. According to Forbes magazine, her net worth is estimated at $480 million. She earned a spot on Forbes’ 2024 list of Richest Self-Made Women.
Her wealth is largely tied to Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Weaver is the CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and the chief historian of the whiskey brand. The company was valued at an estimated $900 million in early 2024. It was founded to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green. Green was a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Weaver told Essence magazine her goal was to put Green’s name on a bottle and support his descendants’ education.
A Diverse and Successful Professional Background
Weaver’s career extends far beyond the whiskey business. She is a bestselling author for The New York Times and USA Today. She has also been a featured TED speaker. Her professional history is varied.
She founded FEW Entertainment. She worked as a business manager for chef G. Garvin. Weaver also held management roles in hospitality. She worked for the Viceroy Hotel Group and Dimension Development Co.
According to her LinkedIn, she studied at Harvard Business School and the University of Alabama. She is also a board member of the global network Endeavor. She is a member of professional groups like WomenExecs on Boards and YPO.