The woman celebrated in the ‘ain’t nobody got time for that’ meme became involved in legal action following the wide distribution of her clip.
Kimberly Wilkins, famously known as ‘Sweet Brown,’ rose to internet fame more than ten years ago after fleeing a fire in her apartment complex.
In 2012, a reporter from KFOR News Channel 4 in Oklahoma interviewed Wilkins shortly after the fire, and her candid responses quickly captured the internet’s attention.
“I woke up to get me a cold pop, then I thought somebody was barbecuing,” she humorously recounted.
“… Then I ran out, I didn’t grab no shoes or nothing… and then the smoke got me. I got bronchitis! Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
Her words became an internet catchphrase, accumulating millions of views.
As a result of her sudden fame, Brown appeared in commercials, was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and was referenced by Beyoncé during the Superbowl. She also participated in a segment on Tosh.0 about fire safety, where she donned a superhero costume, put out flames on the host, Daniel Tosh, and advised children about hydrant use.
Yet, her viral fame also sparked legal issues when she sued companies like Apple and Seattle’s The Bob Rivers Show. The latter had created a song titled ‘I Got Bronchitis’ inspired by her interview, which was allegedly done without her consent.
Brown initiated a $15 million lawsuit, asserting that her voice was being used for profit without compensation.
According to NewOK, Brown alleged in her lawsuit that The Bob Rivers Show had monetarily benefited from her voice without her approval, although the show claimed she had given them permission.
The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, leading Brown to retreat from the public eye.
The interview remains a beloved clip online.
Recently, someone commented: “10 years later and she still brings a smile to my face.”
Another remarked: “This song always uplifts my mood. If u have a bad day, looking to this video immediately lifts up your spirit and make you smile.”
A third individual noted: “I came back here because I got bronchitis rn – ain’t nobody got time for that.”
And a fourth person added: “This video lives rent free in my head a decade later.”