Trans Star Nyobi Khan Murdered; 2nd Such Death in Two Days

Trans Star Nyobi Khan Murdered; 2nd Such Death in Two Days

NORTH PHILADELPHIA — Trans star Nyobi Khan lost her life to gun violence early Sunday. It is the second such death in as many days, as the industry grapples with the shocking death from gun violence of performer Cashmere on Saturday in Dallas.

Khan, who also performed as Ivy, was active in adult entertainment for roughly a decade, from 1999 through approximately 2008, and filmed for Grooby, Kink.com and Evil Angel.

Khan, aka Michelle Washington, known on social media as Michelle Simone, and Tamika, passed away early Sunday morning. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains active with the Philadelphia Police Department’s homicide division.

Deja Lynn Alvarez, an at-large candidate for the Philadelphia City Council, spoke out about the violence. "It's very important that we stress that we're not seeing LGB people murdered every other day," they said. "It's time that we say this is happening to trans women, it's happening to black trans women, it's happening to trans women of color… It's time that we shift the focus to that."

A local media outlet described Washington as “a longtime advocate for the transgender community.”

Amber Hikes, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, issued a statement. “I am devastated by the senseless murder of yet another one of our trans sisters. Tamika was a brilliant and outgoing member of Philadelphia’s transgender community, known for her advocacy and mentorship, and she will be profoundly missed. The epidemic of violence that continues to plague the transgender community — disproportionately impacting trans women of color — is heartbreaking, frightening, and infuriating.”

Raquel Evita Saraswati, chair of Mayor Jim Kenney’s Commission on LGBT Affairs, offered solidarity and drew attention to the hashtag #SayHerName.

She renewed a commitment to  “ending the plague of anti-black, anti-trans and queerphobic violence that plagues not just our nation, but our own local community. Our community is nothing without black trans women, and we will mourn the loss of Michelle ‘Tamika’ Washington today and in the years to come. We pledge to not let her loss be in vain, and to stand with those who both endure and combat this violence on a daily basis.”

Steven Grooby notes Khan/Ivy was “highly sought after” as a performer. She first filmed for Grooby in 1999 in New York. “I’d met Ivy personally,” he said. “She was a hugely popular model and performer for her good looks and ability to perform well and realistically, one of the early genuine black trans stars who appeared over multiple companies, for a long period. Although I hadn’t seen her in years, she would pop up.”

“On behalf of Grooby, I want to wish condolences and love to her friends and family.”

Grooby issued a call for more attention to be brought to this specific issue. “I hope we can raise more awareness of how often this happens — noting the deaths of models who have worked in the adult industry, or for us, is just a small segment of the amount of trans women, and especially trans women of color, who are murdered or subjected to violence.”

Cashmere, aka Muhlaysia Booker, was the subject of a shocking viral video in April that showed a mob beating and kicking Booker and shouting slurs. One suspect has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault. It is not yet known if Booker’s murder over the weekend is related to the incident; there are currently no suspects.

News sources.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Penthouse Names Sharna Beckman July's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Australian model Sharna Beckman as Pet of the Month for July.

Adult Time Names Alison Rey as Newest Brand Ambassador

Adult Time has named Alison Rey as the studio's newest brand ambassador.

Violet Myers Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Media Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Anal Exam."

Digital Playground Premieres Marvin Love's 'The Last Resort'

Digital Playground has debuted Marvin Love's new feature, "The Last Resort."

Juliana Marie Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Juliana Marie stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

April O'Neil Returns to 'All-Girl Massage' From Adult Time

April O’Neil stars in the latest installment of Adult Time series "All-Girl Massage," titled "This Ass Ain’t Gonna Rub Itself!"

Adult Time Drops New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More