Lifetime's ‘Aaliyah’ Star Alexandra Shipp on Why She Almost Didn't Take the Role
By Matt Donnelly-The Wrap
Alexandra Shipp, the lead of Lifetime's “Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B,” takes pride in her performance as the late “Rock the Boat” singer. But, she admits controversy surrounding the role initially caused her some anxiety.
“I was really kind of grappling with it because one girl had dropped out, and there was controversy about it,” Shipp told TheWrap.
Before the actress’ phone rang, the Lifetime TV original movie was plagued with troubles: First they lost their original topliner, Zendaya, amid controversy when fans complained that the biracial Disney star was too fair-skinned.
Also read: Zendaya Takes on 'Haters,' Backlash Over Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic (Video)
Then there were reports that Zendaya wasn't satisfied with the limited song catalogue the film was forced to work with, after Aaliyah's family members actively withheld rights to her music and various content.
Further, many fans took issue with the casting of Chattrisse Dolabaille as Aaliyah's longtime collaborator and close friend Missy Elliot. Critics felt the Canadian actress looked radically different than Elliot herself.
Also read: Aaliyah's Family Speaks Out on Biopic: Lifetime Is the 'Wrong Forum'
Shortly after all the drama erupted, Aaliyah's family spoke out publicly against the film, prompting executive producer and daytime host Wendy Williams to respond. She reassured fans and the family saying the project would be made in good taste.
The script landed at Shipp's door as she was wrapping her lead role in VH1's “Drumline: A New Beat.” But the actress admits she had reservations.
Lifetime
“I don't feed into the controversy necessarily, but I do know it's out there. I wasn't sure I had thick enough skin to take on the project,” Shipp said.
She sought guidance from her “Drumline” director Bille Woodruff, who had plenty of insight and even directed Aaliyah in the 1997 music video for Timbaland & Magoo's “Up Jumps da Boogie.”
Also read: Alexandra Shipp Replaces Zendaya as Aaliyah in Lifetime Biopic (Photo)
“He said, ‘I believe in you'… he told me to go for my dream and if this is something that I really wanted to do I should go and shine my light,” she said.
TheWrap also spoke with Woodruff, who revealed he referenced Jennifer Lopez‘s red-hot career when Shipp came to him with her concerns.
Also read: Zendaya on Exiting Lifetime's Aaliyah Movie: It 'Wasn't All the Way There'
“I said … ‘You have to just show people. Like when Jennifer Lopez was doing ‘Selena.’ There was all kinds of flack and people being upset because she was doing that role, but it ended up being a wonderful, amazing movie that did great things for her career.” Woodruff said.
After significant hurdles, Shipp now says she's proud of the completed project.
“I worked really hard on it and I'm happy with the work that I've done. Everyone is a critic, right?” she said.
“Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B” premieres Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
Jethro Nededog and Anita Bennett contributed to this report
“I was really kind of grappling with it because one girl had dropped out, and there was controversy about it,” Shipp told TheWrap.
Before the actress’ phone rang, the Lifetime TV original movie was plagued with troubles: First they lost their original topliner, Zendaya, amid controversy when fans complained that the biracial Disney star was too fair-skinned.
Also read: Zendaya Takes on 'Haters,' Backlash Over Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic (Video)
Then there were reports that Zendaya wasn't satisfied with the limited song catalogue the film was forced to work with, after Aaliyah's family members actively withheld rights to her music and various content.
Further, many fans took issue with the casting of Chattrisse Dolabaille as Aaliyah's longtime collaborator and close friend Missy Elliot. Critics felt the Canadian actress looked radically different than Elliot herself.
Also read: Aaliyah's Family Speaks Out on Biopic: Lifetime Is the 'Wrong Forum'
Shortly after all the drama erupted, Aaliyah's family spoke out publicly against the film, prompting executive producer and daytime host Wendy Williams to respond. She reassured fans and the family saying the project would be made in good taste.
The script landed at Shipp's door as she was wrapping her lead role in VH1's “Drumline: A New Beat.” But the actress admits she had reservations.
Lifetime
“I don't feed into the controversy necessarily, but I do know it's out there. I wasn't sure I had thick enough skin to take on the project,” Shipp said.
She sought guidance from her “Drumline” director Bille Woodruff, who had plenty of insight and even directed Aaliyah in the 1997 music video for Timbaland & Magoo's “Up Jumps da Boogie.”
Also read: Alexandra Shipp Replaces Zendaya as Aaliyah in Lifetime Biopic (Photo)
“He said, ‘I believe in you'… he told me to go for my dream and if this is something that I really wanted to do I should go and shine my light,” she said.
TheWrap also spoke with Woodruff, who revealed he referenced Jennifer Lopez‘s red-hot career when Shipp came to him with her concerns.
Also read: Zendaya on Exiting Lifetime's Aaliyah Movie: It 'Wasn't All the Way There'
“I said … ‘You have to just show people. Like when Jennifer Lopez was doing ‘Selena.’ There was all kinds of flack and people being upset because she was doing that role, but it ended up being a wonderful, amazing movie that did great things for her career.” Woodruff said.
After significant hurdles, Shipp now says she's proud of the completed project.
“I worked really hard on it and I'm happy with the work that I've done. Everyone is a critic, right?” she said.
“Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B” premieres Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
Jethro Nededog and Anita Bennett contributed to this report
Wayne Brady Opens Up About His Depression: 'I Had a Complete Breakdown'
by Antoinette Bueno -ETOnline
Though we all know Wayne Brady as the upbeat comedian-turned-TV star of shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Let's Make a Deal, the 42-year-old Emmy-award winner is now opening up to ET's Nischelle Turner about his debilitating depression.
Brady admits he has secretly battled with depression for years and describes the harrowing emotions he's experienced. "People are like, 'Wayne Brady's always happy!'" he says. "No I'm not. Because I'm human."
"Having a bad day is one thing, having a bad week is another, having a bad life … You don't want to move, you can't move in the darkness," he explains. "You're like, 'I am just going to sit right here and I want to wallow in this. As much as it hurts, I am going to sit right here because this is what I deserve. This is what I deserve, so I am going to sit here because I am that horrible of a person.'"
VIDEO: Wayne Brady Recalls His Big Break
The constant self-doubt turned into a vicious cycle.
"It starts this cycle where you tell yourself these lies ... and those lies become true to you," he says. "So, you stick to your own truth you've set up. 'If I am this bad, then why should any of this matter?' I feel at that point, you end up wanting to stop the pain."
Brady reveals he hit rock bottom last June on his 42nd birthday, recalling, "I was there by myself, in my bedroom and I had a complete breakdown … Just go ahead and imagine for yourself a brother in his underwear, in his room, you got snot … and that birthday was the beginning of, 'OK, I've got to make a change.'"
An event that especially hit him hard was the tragic passing of Robin Williams in August, who took his own life after a longtime struggle with depression.
Brady, who knew Williams from the comedian's appearance on Whose Line, tweeted on the day news broke of Williams' death.
"When he was on stage [in] full-on Robin mode -- and I know this from being blessed enough to work with him -- you could not touch that man," he tells ET. "He made all these people feel great. And at the same time, knowing that he had this sense of … what I make up in my mind, this low sense of self-worth, of belonging, of loneliness, of pain that all the money in the world can't cure, all the accolades and awards, and all the love from people all over the world … all that love could still not stop that man from saying, I am in so much pain.'"
He also points out the double standard in Hollywood when it comes to admitting to depression as opposed to a drug problem.
"Nobody wants to out themselves so to speak, or if they out themselves, it's in a very -- I hate to say it -- Hollywood way," he says. "It's actually cool to go into rehab for some people. ... But if someone says, 'I'm clinically depressed,' that sounds like someone's making something up. It's like, ‘Psst, you're not depressed.'"
Brady now says he's currently on the road to recovery, and gives a lot of credit to his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa. He says the two are still close friends, despite divorcing in 2007 after eight years of marriage. They remain committed to co-parenting their daughter Maile, now 11.
"We said we want to give her the closest experience she can have to living in the same house," he says of being neighbors with his ex. "And we've always lived in different homes. We just live super-close now. The fact of the matter is, I like her mom. She was down with me when nobody in the world was down with me, except my mom. There was loyalty there, there was respect, there is trust -- she is my baby mama."
He also has this piece of advice for those battling with their own struggles with depression.
"It took me a while to get my stuff together to go, 'You know what? If you're not happy, you have to do something about it,'" he says frankly. "Just to admit that you are feeling this way is a huge step. To claim that, to say, 'Why do I feel dark? Why do I feel unhappy? Let me do something about this.'"
Brady admits he has secretly battled with depression for years and describes the harrowing emotions he's experienced. "People are like, 'Wayne Brady's always happy!'" he says. "No I'm not. Because I'm human."
"Having a bad day is one thing, having a bad week is another, having a bad life … You don't want to move, you can't move in the darkness," he explains. "You're like, 'I am just going to sit right here and I want to wallow in this. As much as it hurts, I am going to sit right here because this is what I deserve. This is what I deserve, so I am going to sit here because I am that horrible of a person.'"
VIDEO: Wayne Brady Recalls His Big Break
The constant self-doubt turned into a vicious cycle.
"It starts this cycle where you tell yourself these lies ... and those lies become true to you," he says. "So, you stick to your own truth you've set up. 'If I am this bad, then why should any of this matter?' I feel at that point, you end up wanting to stop the pain."
Brady reveals he hit rock bottom last June on his 42nd birthday, recalling, "I was there by myself, in my bedroom and I had a complete breakdown … Just go ahead and imagine for yourself a brother in his underwear, in his room, you got snot … and that birthday was the beginning of, 'OK, I've got to make a change.'"
An event that especially hit him hard was the tragic passing of Robin Williams in August, who took his own life after a longtime struggle with depression.
Brady, who knew Williams from the comedian's appearance on Whose Line, tweeted on the day news broke of Williams' death.
"When he was on stage [in] full-on Robin mode -- and I know this from being blessed enough to work with him -- you could not touch that man," he tells ET. "He made all these people feel great. And at the same time, knowing that he had this sense of … what I make up in my mind, this low sense of self-worth, of belonging, of loneliness, of pain that all the money in the world can't cure, all the accolades and awards, and all the love from people all over the world … all that love could still not stop that man from saying, I am in so much pain.'"
He also points out the double standard in Hollywood when it comes to admitting to depression as opposed to a drug problem.
"Nobody wants to out themselves so to speak, or if they out themselves, it's in a very -- I hate to say it -- Hollywood way," he says. "It's actually cool to go into rehab for some people. ... But if someone says, 'I'm clinically depressed,' that sounds like someone's making something up. It's like, ‘Psst, you're not depressed.'"
Brady now says he's currently on the road to recovery, and gives a lot of credit to his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa. He says the two are still close friends, despite divorcing in 2007 after eight years of marriage. They remain committed to co-parenting their daughter Maile, now 11.
"We said we want to give her the closest experience she can have to living in the same house," he says of being neighbors with his ex. "And we've always lived in different homes. We just live super-close now. The fact of the matter is, I like her mom. She was down with me when nobody in the world was down with me, except my mom. There was loyalty there, there was respect, there is trust -- she is my baby mama."
He also has this piece of advice for those battling with their own struggles with depression.
"It took me a while to get my stuff together to go, 'You know what? If you're not happy, you have to do something about it,'" he says frankly. "Just to admit that you are feeling this way is a huge step. To claim that, to say, 'Why do I feel dark? Why do I feel unhappy? Let me do something about this.'"
Tracy Morgan On Accident, ‘I Can’t Believe Walmart Is Blaming Me’
(Inquisitr.com) Tracy Morgan filed a lawsuit in July alleging that Walmart’s negligence led to the accident that left Morgan and two friends critically injured, and one dead. Walmart answered back Monday saying that the plaintiffs are to blame for not wearing their seat belts. The response appears to have left Tracy in a state of disbelief.
“I can’t believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused.”
The facts of the case favor Tracy Morgan’s side, so far.
According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the driver of the tractor-trailer hit Morgan’s limousine from behind on the New Jersey turnpike going 20 mph over the speed limit. The driver, Kevin Roper, had been awake for 24 consecutive hours at the time. Walmart seems negligent for letting a worker drive when he was seemingly not fit for a long haul.
Why was Kevin Roper awake for so long?
Before the trip that led to the Tracy Morgan accident, Roper had to commute from his home in Jonesboro, Georgia, to the Walmart facility in Smyrna, Delaware, a 750 mile drive. Then proceeded to make deliveries in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Morgan’s lawsuit alleges that the big box chain knew or should have known that it wasn’t safe to send Roper on a 14 hour delivery run after he had already commuted so long.
Walmart’s response to the lawsuit appears to send a message, that the big-box chain is willing to use any and all possible legal defenses, including seat belts.
According to CNN, Walmart’s legal response says the accident was “caused, in whole or in part, by plaintiffs’ failure to properly wear an appropriate available seat belt restraint device,” and that Morgan and company had “acted unreasonably and in disregard of (their) own best interests.”
The statement also mentions that the incident “may have been caused by third parties over whom Walmart had no control.”
Despite the aggravating claims, spokespeople for the retailer insist that it will work to settle the dispute out of court. The courts have not said how much Tracy Morgan is suing for.
The Walmart response added more hardship for Tracy Morgan who is still struggling to recover from his injuries. The comedian suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken leg, and worst of all, injuries to his brain. According to People Magazine, the comedian has been in physical and vocational therapy to try to recover his speech and motor-skills.
It is still not clear if Tracy Morgan will ever perform again.
[Image Credit: David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons]
“I can’t believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused.”
The facts of the case favor Tracy Morgan’s side, so far.
According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the driver of the tractor-trailer hit Morgan’s limousine from behind on the New Jersey turnpike going 20 mph over the speed limit. The driver, Kevin Roper, had been awake for 24 consecutive hours at the time. Walmart seems negligent for letting a worker drive when he was seemingly not fit for a long haul.
Why was Kevin Roper awake for so long?
Before the trip that led to the Tracy Morgan accident, Roper had to commute from his home in Jonesboro, Georgia, to the Walmart facility in Smyrna, Delaware, a 750 mile drive. Then proceeded to make deliveries in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Morgan’s lawsuit alleges that the big box chain knew or should have known that it wasn’t safe to send Roper on a 14 hour delivery run after he had already commuted so long.
Walmart’s response to the lawsuit appears to send a message, that the big-box chain is willing to use any and all possible legal defenses, including seat belts.
According to CNN, Walmart’s legal response says the accident was “caused, in whole or in part, by plaintiffs’ failure to properly wear an appropriate available seat belt restraint device,” and that Morgan and company had “acted unreasonably and in disregard of (their) own best interests.”
The statement also mentions that the incident “may have been caused by third parties over whom Walmart had no control.”
Despite the aggravating claims, spokespeople for the retailer insist that it will work to settle the dispute out of court. The courts have not said how much Tracy Morgan is suing for.
The Walmart response added more hardship for Tracy Morgan who is still struggling to recover from his injuries. The comedian suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken leg, and worst of all, injuries to his brain. According to People Magazine, the comedian has been in physical and vocational therapy to try to recover his speech and motor-skills.
It is still not clear if Tracy Morgan will ever perform again.
[Image Credit: David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons]
Tracy Morgan Still Wheelchair Bound and Struggling Nearly Four Months After Car Accident.
By Suzy Byrne Yahoo Celebrity
Tracy Morgan's fight with Walmart is just one battle he's waging right now. The other? To regain his health and, hopefully, resume his entertainment career.
Nearly four months after a six-car accident left him in critical condition in the ICU, Morgan was spotted being taken to a doctor appointment in Manhattan. The 45-year-old was in a wheelchair on Wednesday as he was transported into Mount Sinai hospital. The affable funnyman looked less than thrilled to have cameras on him and issued a terse "no comment" when asked how he was doing.
Morgan's attorney Benedict Morelli told the New York Post's Page Six that the Saturday Night Live alum continues to undergo rigorous rehabilitation following the June 7 crash. That includes daily speech, cognitive, vocational, and physical therapies.
[Related: Tracy Morgan 'Still Struggling' Following Car Crash, According to Attorney]
Morelli told the Star-Ledger that Morgan, who broke his leg, nose and several ribs, is "making incremental progress," but he relies on a wheelchair and they'll "have to wait another month before they assess him cognitively."
According to this lawyer, at this point it's unclear whether Morgan — who was returning home from a standup show in Delaware when a Walmart tractor-trailer driver crashed into his limobus on the New Jersey Turnpike, killing the star's mentor, James "Jimmy Mack" McNair — will ever perform again. "The jury's still out," Morelli told the Post. "The doctors don't know the answer. I don't know the answer."
Morgan and two of his fellow passengers, who were also critically injured, filed a federal lawsuit against Walmart in July, accusing the megastore company of negligence. The retailer employed the truck driver, Kevin Roper, who was going 20 miles over the speed limit. Earlier this week, Walmart filed a response to Morgan's lawsuit and alleged that Morgan and his group wouldn't have suffered such severe injuries had they been wearing seat belts. That prompted Morgan to react publicly.
"After I heard what Walmart said in court I felt I had to speak out," the 30 Rock alum said in a statement. "I can't believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused. My friends and I were doing nothing wrong. I want to thank my fans for sticking with me during this difficult time. I love you all. I'm fighting hard every day to get back."
Morelli, who's representing Morgan and his fellow passengers Jeffrey Millea and Ardie Fuqua, in the lawsuit, also lashed out about Walmart's claim.
"These people are despicable," he told the New York Post. "They knew that they changed these people's lives forever and killed somebody. They're good blame shifters. I guess that's how they make $783 billion a year, shifting the blame."
As for Roper, who's accused of not sleeping for a "period in excess of 24 hours" before the crash, he pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and assault by auto in a Middlesex County court in June. His next court date has not yet been announced.
Nearly four months after a six-car accident left him in critical condition in the ICU, Morgan was spotted being taken to a doctor appointment in Manhattan. The 45-year-old was in a wheelchair on Wednesday as he was transported into Mount Sinai hospital. The affable funnyman looked less than thrilled to have cameras on him and issued a terse "no comment" when asked how he was doing.
Morgan's attorney Benedict Morelli told the New York Post's Page Six that the Saturday Night Live alum continues to undergo rigorous rehabilitation following the June 7 crash. That includes daily speech, cognitive, vocational, and physical therapies.
[Related: Tracy Morgan 'Still Struggling' Following Car Crash, According to Attorney]
Morelli told the Star-Ledger that Morgan, who broke his leg, nose and several ribs, is "making incremental progress," but he relies on a wheelchair and they'll "have to wait another month before they assess him cognitively."
According to this lawyer, at this point it's unclear whether Morgan — who was returning home from a standup show in Delaware when a Walmart tractor-trailer driver crashed into his limobus on the New Jersey Turnpike, killing the star's mentor, James "Jimmy Mack" McNair — will ever perform again. "The jury's still out," Morelli told the Post. "The doctors don't know the answer. I don't know the answer."
Morgan and two of his fellow passengers, who were also critically injured, filed a federal lawsuit against Walmart in July, accusing the megastore company of negligence. The retailer employed the truck driver, Kevin Roper, who was going 20 miles over the speed limit. Earlier this week, Walmart filed a response to Morgan's lawsuit and alleged that Morgan and his group wouldn't have suffered such severe injuries had they been wearing seat belts. That prompted Morgan to react publicly.
"After I heard what Walmart said in court I felt I had to speak out," the 30 Rock alum said in a statement. "I can't believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused. My friends and I were doing nothing wrong. I want to thank my fans for sticking with me during this difficult time. I love you all. I'm fighting hard every day to get back."
Morelli, who's representing Morgan and his fellow passengers Jeffrey Millea and Ardie Fuqua, in the lawsuit, also lashed out about Walmart's claim.
"These people are despicable," he told the New York Post. "They knew that they changed these people's lives forever and killed somebody. They're good blame shifters. I guess that's how they make $783 billion a year, shifting the blame."
As for Roper, who's accused of not sleeping for a "period in excess of 24 hours" before the crash, he pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and assault by auto in a Middlesex County court in June. His next court date has not yet been announced.
Columbus Short plans to file appeal in domestic violence case, says wife is ‘just upset, a woman scorned’
BY NANCY DILLON NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Former “Scandal” actor Columbus Short wants a do-over in his domestic violence case.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, the actor said he never hurt his wife during a fight last February and was “under duress” when he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery last month.
The plea led to a sentence of three years probation, 30 days of community labor and counseling for domestic violence.
“I’ll probably file an appeal in the case because I don’t want it on my record since I didn’t do it,” he told The News after appearing in a Los Angeles courtroom on an unrelated felony battery case involving an alleged bar fight with a man.
“I took a deal when I didn’t really know what was going on. It was so rushed. I was in custody, and I was trying to make it to (another) courthouse (for another case),” he said of the plea he entered Aug. 21.
He was adamant Wednesday that he never hurt his wife Tanee McCall and confirmed he recently used social media to blast embattled NFL running back Ray Rice for punching his fiancee.
“DOMESTiC VIOLENCE is NEVER OKAY!!!!...The @NFL made the right decision. Violence against women who we should love and adorn is UNEXCEPTABLE,” the post, reported by Bossip.com, said.
He quickly deleted the photo caption, but Short said he meant it.
“What he did was awful,” Short told The News, referring to Rice.
“I’ve never touched a woman, never touched a woman like that in my life,” Short said.
“She’s just upset, a woman scorned,” he said of McCall.
Short, 31, said he retained a new lawyer, Michael M. Levin, after spending three days in jail last month because a bench warrant in his felony case kicked in immediately after he took the plea deal in the domestic violence case.
“That day was hell, but God is good,” he said, recalling how he was handcuffed in court Aug. 21 and later copped his plea.
Sheriff’s deputies originally took him into custody because he missed a prior hearing in the domestic abuse case.
Under his deal, he opted for community labor instead of jail, but he spent the next few days behind bars because he missed a dueling hearing in his felony case and got slapped with a second bench warrant.
He said he was the victim of miscommunication with prior lawyer Jeff Jacquet.
Jacquet was not in court Wednesday for Short’s first hearing since leaving jail, and the judge said his clerk's attempts to reach Jacquet were not successful because the lawyer’s voicemail was full.
Short asked the court to let him fire Jacquet and hire Levin, who was present in court.
Judge Mark Zuckman set a formal lawyer substitution hearing for Oct. 3.
"If Mr. Short was not properly advised, that may be a basis for making a motion to withdraw his plea," Levin told The News, referring to the domestic violence case.
Jacquet could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Short has pleaded not guilty to the felony battery of alleged victim Felton Hyche III.
Hyche claims Short “viciously lunged” at him after they had a verbal disagreement outside an engagement party at Gabe’s Bar and Grill last March.
The 37-year-old resident of San Bernardino, Calif., claimed Short knocked him to the ground with a “cowardly” sucker punch.
“I’m going to fight this all the way,” Short said of the felony case Wednesday.
[email protected]
In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, the actor said he never hurt his wife during a fight last February and was “under duress” when he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor spousal battery last month.
The plea led to a sentence of three years probation, 30 days of community labor and counseling for domestic violence.
“I’ll probably file an appeal in the case because I don’t want it on my record since I didn’t do it,” he told The News after appearing in a Los Angeles courtroom on an unrelated felony battery case involving an alleged bar fight with a man.
“I took a deal when I didn’t really know what was going on. It was so rushed. I was in custody, and I was trying to make it to (another) courthouse (for another case),” he said of the plea he entered Aug. 21.
He was adamant Wednesday that he never hurt his wife Tanee McCall and confirmed he recently used social media to blast embattled NFL running back Ray Rice for punching his fiancee.
“DOMESTiC VIOLENCE is NEVER OKAY!!!!...The @NFL made the right decision. Violence against women who we should love and adorn is UNEXCEPTABLE,” the post, reported by Bossip.com, said.
He quickly deleted the photo caption, but Short said he meant it.
“What he did was awful,” Short told The News, referring to Rice.
“I’ve never touched a woman, never touched a woman like that in my life,” Short said.
“She’s just upset, a woman scorned,” he said of McCall.
Short, 31, said he retained a new lawyer, Michael M. Levin, after spending three days in jail last month because a bench warrant in his felony case kicked in immediately after he took the plea deal in the domestic violence case.
“That day was hell, but God is good,” he said, recalling how he was handcuffed in court Aug. 21 and later copped his plea.
Sheriff’s deputies originally took him into custody because he missed a prior hearing in the domestic abuse case.
Under his deal, he opted for community labor instead of jail, but he spent the next few days behind bars because he missed a dueling hearing in his felony case and got slapped with a second bench warrant.
He said he was the victim of miscommunication with prior lawyer Jeff Jacquet.
Jacquet was not in court Wednesday for Short’s first hearing since leaving jail, and the judge said his clerk's attempts to reach Jacquet were not successful because the lawyer’s voicemail was full.
Short asked the court to let him fire Jacquet and hire Levin, who was present in court.
Judge Mark Zuckman set a formal lawyer substitution hearing for Oct. 3.
"If Mr. Short was not properly advised, that may be a basis for making a motion to withdraw his plea," Levin told The News, referring to the domestic violence case.
Jacquet could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Short has pleaded not guilty to the felony battery of alleged victim Felton Hyche III.
Hyche claims Short “viciously lunged” at him after they had a verbal disagreement outside an engagement party at Gabe’s Bar and Grill last March.
The 37-year-old resident of San Bernardino, Calif., claimed Short knocked him to the ground with a “cowardly” sucker punch.
“I’m going to fight this all the way,” Short said of the felony case Wednesday.
[email protected]
August Alsina Wakes From Three Day Coma Following Onstage Fall
By Colin Stutz- Billboard
After taking a nasty onstage spill during his show Monday night in New York, August Alsina Friday posted an image of himself to Instagram explaining he'd just awaken from a three day coma.
Before Stage Fall, August Alsina Commands Crowd in NYC
He wrote:
This is a bit graphic but i wanted to share this w/ every follower of mine. iWoke up out of a 3 day coma... &This guy @banggang_moneyteam right here never once left my side. What I'm tryna say is cherish the ones in life who cherish you & take good care of yourself. Your life can be gone in a split second'. I'm recovering well and thankyou for all of your prayers & concerns. -Yung
On Tuesday, it was reported that Alsina suffered from seizures after his faint, possibly brought on by exhaustion, and he remained in treatment.
This has all occurred as BET's Best New Artist of the Year is in the middle of a lengthy tour with dates scheduled through the remainder of the year in support of his major-label debut album Testimony.
The New Orleans R&B singer just released a new video for "No Love" (Remix)featuring Nicki Minaj and he nabbed his first Billboard airplay chart-topper last October with the Trinidad James-assisted "I Luv This Shit." That track also peaked at No. 1 on the Nielsen BDS-based Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay ranking.
Before Stage Fall, August Alsina Commands Crowd in NYC
He wrote:
This is a bit graphic but i wanted to share this w/ every follower of mine. iWoke up out of a 3 day coma... &This guy @banggang_moneyteam right here never once left my side. What I'm tryna say is cherish the ones in life who cherish you & take good care of yourself. Your life can be gone in a split second'. I'm recovering well and thankyou for all of your prayers & concerns. -Yung
On Tuesday, it was reported that Alsina suffered from seizures after his faint, possibly brought on by exhaustion, and he remained in treatment.
This has all occurred as BET's Best New Artist of the Year is in the middle of a lengthy tour with dates scheduled through the remainder of the year in support of his major-label debut album Testimony.
The New Orleans R&B singer just released a new video for "No Love" (Remix)featuring Nicki Minaj and he nabbed his first Billboard airplay chart-topper last October with the Trinidad James-assisted "I Luv This Shit." That track also peaked at No. 1 on the Nielsen BDS-based Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay ranking.
Denzel Washington Recalls Experiences with Discrimination and N-Word Insults
By Borys Kit The Hollywood Reporter
Denzel Washington’s experience shooting his new movie The Equalizer in Boston revived memories of racial discrimination he encountered more than 30 years ago.
Washington was at the Toronto Film Festival press conference Sunday for Equalizer, which premieres at Roy Thomson Hall. For most of the time, he, director Antoine Fuqua and actors Chloe Grace Moretz and Marton Scokas talked about acting methods and the uneasiness of the first day of shooting. But a question about filming the movie in Boston and a comment Washington made about his wife’s upcoming one-woman show led to unexpected revelations.
Washington recalled how about three decades ago he was in Boston with wife Pauletta Learson Washington, who was performing in a play, and some people in his hotel thought he was a pimp, and she was a prostitute. Security was called, and a fight broke out.
“I didn’t know how to fight, but I knew how to win,” Washington told the assembled media.
He also recalled how he walked to his wife’s show one night and was called the N-word.
“‘Hey n—, n—, n—, n—, hey boy.’ I was like, ‘Damn.’ That was the taste I had about Boston,” he said.
Then he recounted how the first time he was called the N-word was when he was in Florida on a balcony around the age of nine. He was called the pejorative word by a group of kids and then went into the house and asked his mother why.
“And she said, ‘Oh, that’s just somebody worried about you taking their place.’ It was like crabs in the bottom of the barrel. And in Southwest Boston, they were all right there,” he said, referring to homes in poor areas that are packed next to each other. “They are at the bottom. So it was like, ‘We’re better than you.’ Yeah, so I came in (to Boston) with all those kinds of memories.”
The Equalizer hits US theaters Sept 26.
Denzel Washington’s experience shooting his new movie The Equalizer in Boston revived memories of racial discrimination he encountered more than 30 years ago.
Washington was at the Toronto Film Festival press conference Sunday for Equalizer, which premieres at Roy Thomson Hall. For most of the time, he, director Antoine Fuqua and actors Chloe Grace Moretz and Marton Scokas talked about acting methods and the uneasiness of the first day of shooting. But a question about filming the movie in Boston and a comment Washington made about his wife’s upcoming one-woman show led to unexpected revelations.
Washington recalled how about three decades ago he was in Boston with wife Pauletta Learson Washington, who was performing in a play, and some people in his hotel thought he was a pimp, and she was a prostitute. Security was called, and a fight broke out.
“I didn’t know how to fight, but I knew how to win,” Washington told the assembled media.
He also recalled how he walked to his wife’s show one night and was called the N-word.
“‘Hey n—, n—, n—, n—, hey boy.’ I was like, ‘Damn.’ That was the taste I had about Boston,” he said.
Then he recounted how the first time he was called the N-word was when he was in Florida on a balcony around the age of nine. He was called the pejorative word by a group of kids and then went into the house and asked his mother why.
“And she said, ‘Oh, that’s just somebody worried about you taking their place.’ It was like crabs in the bottom of the barrel. And in Southwest Boston, they were all right there,” he said, referring to homes in poor areas that are packed next to each other. “They are at the bottom. So it was like, ‘We’re better than you.’ Yeah, so I came in (to Boston) with all those kinds of memories.”
The Equalizer hits US theaters Sept 26.
Rest In Peace: Joan Rivers Dead At 81
By Lindsey India -Global Grind
Joan Rivers has passed away after being hospitalized for injuries that occurred during a routine throat surgery.
According to the Associated Press, Melissa Rivers confirmed that her mother died peacefully earlier today in New York City – despite being put on life support.
Melissa released a statement:
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother.
Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated.
My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.
Harvard-educated film producer on way to Emmys party mistaken for bank robber; Beverly Hills cops detain him for
New York Daily News
Charles Belk was walking to his car to check the time left on his parking meter when officers handcuffed him. The 51-year-old, who has produced the NAACP Image Awards, said the cops never told him why he was under investigation and didn't realize they had
"It's one of those things that you hear about, but never think it would happen to you," Belk wrote on his Facebook page. "All because I was mis-indentified as the wrong 'tall, bald head, black male.'"
Belk said he was walking to his car around 5:30 p.m. Friday so he could check the time left on his parking meter. The 51-year-old had just finished a meal at his a Los Angeles restaurant and was due to attend the Emmys pre-party later that night.
Suddenly, officers approached him and demanded he sit on the curb.
Belk obeyed, and cops searched him, handcuffed him and took him to police. The officers never told him why he was being investigated, he claimed.
At the police station, police denied him a phone call and didn't let him speak to his lawyer, Belk said.
It wasn't until midnight — six hours after Belk's nightmare began — that police reviewed the video surveillance tapes and realized they had the wrong guy.
Belk said he believes he was detained because he shared a few, loose physical characteristics with the wanted man: He's tall, black and bald, too.
"All they saw was someone fitting the description. Doesn't matter if he's a 'Taye Diggs BLACK,' a 'LL Cool J BLACK' or 'a Drake BLACK,'" he wrote. "I was 'tall,' 'bald' a 'male' and 'black,' so I fit the description."
Belk holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Indiana University, he said. He also earned an executive leadership certificate from Harvard's Business School.
He's worked as a film producer and has helped organized at least four NAACP Image award shows, according to his IMDb page.
The police department apologized to Belk, but in a statement to Los Angeles' KTLA, it explained its officers were just following procedure.
"The Beverly Hills Police Department regrets the inconvenience to Mr. Belk, but was under obligation to thoroughly verify that he was not the suspect before releasing him," the statement said.
Police did arrest one suspect for Friday's bank robbery: 47-year-old Brianna Klouste, who is wanted for at least 10 other California incidents, police said.
They never found the suspect who "fit" Belk's description.
"It's one of those things that you hear about, but never think it would happen to you," Belk wrote on his Facebook page. "All because I was mis-indentified as the wrong 'tall, bald head, black male.'"
Belk said he was walking to his car around 5:30 p.m. Friday so he could check the time left on his parking meter. The 51-year-old had just finished a meal at his a Los Angeles restaurant and was due to attend the Emmys pre-party later that night.
Suddenly, officers approached him and demanded he sit on the curb.
Belk obeyed, and cops searched him, handcuffed him and took him to police. The officers never told him why he was being investigated, he claimed.
At the police station, police denied him a phone call and didn't let him speak to his lawyer, Belk said.
It wasn't until midnight — six hours after Belk's nightmare began — that police reviewed the video surveillance tapes and realized they had the wrong guy.
Belk said he believes he was detained because he shared a few, loose physical characteristics with the wanted man: He's tall, black and bald, too.
"All they saw was someone fitting the description. Doesn't matter if he's a 'Taye Diggs BLACK,' a 'LL Cool J BLACK' or 'a Drake BLACK,'" he wrote. "I was 'tall,' 'bald' a 'male' and 'black,' so I fit the description."
Belk holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Indiana University, he said. He also earned an executive leadership certificate from Harvard's Business School.
He's worked as a film producer and has helped organized at least four NAACP Image award shows, according to his IMDb page.
The police department apologized to Belk, but in a statement to Los Angeles' KTLA, it explained its officers were just following procedure.
"The Beverly Hills Police Department regrets the inconvenience to Mr. Belk, but was under obligation to thoroughly verify that he was not the suspect before releasing him," the statement said.
Police did arrest one suspect for Friday's bank robbery: 47-year-old Brianna Klouste, who is wanted for at least 10 other California incidents, police said.
They never found the suspect who "fit" Belk's description.
Marlon Wayans Sued For Racial Bias And Harassment
By Ruth Manuel-Logan
(NewsOne) The director/producer is reportedly being sued by actor Pierre Daniel (pictured), who alleges in a suit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court that he was hired by Wayans and allegedly subjected to offensive language about his African-American race and harassed.
When he complained, he was canned by the comedian, according to TMZ.
Daniel reportedly told TMZ, Wayans hired him for a bit in his film, “A Haunted House 2.”
Last September, Wayans allegedly tweeted a side-by-side picture of Daniel and Cleveland Brown, an animated recurring character, who first appeared on the hit television series, “Family Guy,” but then spun off into his own series entitled, “The Cleveland Show.”
Daniel alleges Wayans then captioned the comparison with the following:
“Tell me this n***a don’t look like … THIS N***A!!! Ol Cleveland Brown lookin ass.”
Daniel did not get Wayans’ off-color joke and instead, viewed the mean-spirited act as cyber-bullying. Daniel alleges Wayans’ posting was racially bias and made fun of his appearance. The bit performer also accuses Wayans of leering and rolling his eyes at him.
Wayans, who does seem to be prone to juvenile, slapstick antics, evidenced by his numerous appearances on television shows and films, is being painted in the lawsuit as a performer with a cruel and insensitive side.
Daniel now claims in the suit that Wayans hurt his ability to act by causing him “shock, pain, discomfort and/or anxiety” and so he is reportedly giving up his craft as a result.
Daniel is reportedly gunning for not only Wayans but for the film’s production company and is requesting unspecified damages.
BTW, I’d say there is quite a resemblance.
Hip-hop artist Young Jeezy arrested in firearms-related case
By Robert Salonga [email protected]
MOUNTAIN VIEW -- Chart-topping rapper Young Jeezy was one of six people arrested Sunday in Irvine on suspicion of possessing an assault rifle during the investigation into a deadly shooting backstage at a concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre over the weekend, according to the Mountain View Police Department.
The 36-year-old Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, was arrested by Mountain View police detectives at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, the last stop on the "Under the Influence of Music" national concert tour, where he was part of a bill headlined by Wiz Khalifa.
Also arrested were five people who police said were working for the tour: Alexa Beason, 52; William Paul Gilmore, 48; David Kuniansky-Altman, 31; Kena Jermaine Marshall, 39; and Peter Arthur Maynard, 38. All were arrested on suspicion of possessing an assault weapon.
None of the arrested have been identified as suspects in shooting, which was reported just after 11 p.m. -- as the concert was letting out -- and claimed the life of 38-year-old Orinda resident Eric Johnson, who police said was an entertainment promoter but not connected to Jenkins' tour. It was not clear if Johnson was with anyone when he was shot.
Mountain View police Sgt. Saul Jaeger, a department spokesman, said detectives traveled to Irvine as part of the homicide investigation and, with the help of Irvine police, served search warrants that turned up illegal firearms linked to the six people arrested.
"We haven't made any arrests for the homicide. These arrests were made during the execution of the warrant," Jaeger said.
As of Monday afternoon, the Grammy-nominated Jenkins was being held at Orange County Central Jail on $1 million bail, as was Maynard, described in jail records as a manager, and Marshall. Gilmore, described as a driver, was being held on $20,000 bail. Custody information for Beason and Kuniansky-Altman was not available.
After the shooting, headliner Wiz Khalifa tweeted condolences to Johnson's family and wrote "violence is never the answer," and concert promoter Live Nation cancelled the tour's Saturday stop in Chula Vista, near San Diego, with no plans to reschedule, citing the homicide investigation.
The tour continued in Irvine, though Jenkins was noticeably absent from the lineup, according to concert-goers' accounts on social media.
Jenkins' prior run-ins with the law include a January arrest stemming from a Sept. 2012 fight with his son, a 2008 DUI arrest, and charges in 2005 of carrying a concealed firearm that were later dismissed.
In Friday's shooting, investigators are still seeking a suspect they generally described as a black man in his 20s with short hair who was between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, wearing a black shirt, a red baseball cap and possibly white pants. The suspected weapon in the shooting was a black pistol with a large magazine.
Police ask that witnesses or anyone with information about the case, including videos or photos of the backstage area around the time of the shooting, contact detectives by calling 650-903-6395, emailing [email protected], send an anonymous text message with the keyword "MVTips" to 274637, or submit Twitter posts or images with #MVPDInfo. Tipsters should reference case number 14-4346.
Contact Robert Salonga at 408-920-5002. Follow him at Twitter.com/robertsalonga.
MOUNTAIN VIEW -- Chart-topping rapper Young Jeezy was one of six people arrested Sunday in Irvine on suspicion of possessing an assault rifle during the investigation into a deadly shooting backstage at a concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre over the weekend, according to the Mountain View Police Department.
The 36-year-old Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, was arrested by Mountain View police detectives at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, the last stop on the "Under the Influence of Music" national concert tour, where he was part of a bill headlined by Wiz Khalifa.
Also arrested were five people who police said were working for the tour: Alexa Beason, 52; William Paul Gilmore, 48; David Kuniansky-Altman, 31; Kena Jermaine Marshall, 39; and Peter Arthur Maynard, 38. All were arrested on suspicion of possessing an assault weapon.
None of the arrested have been identified as suspects in shooting, which was reported just after 11 p.m. -- as the concert was letting out -- and claimed the life of 38-year-old Orinda resident Eric Johnson, who police said was an entertainment promoter but not connected to Jenkins' tour. It was not clear if Johnson was with anyone when he was shot.
Mountain View police Sgt. Saul Jaeger, a department spokesman, said detectives traveled to Irvine as part of the homicide investigation and, with the help of Irvine police, served search warrants that turned up illegal firearms linked to the six people arrested.
"We haven't made any arrests for the homicide. These arrests were made during the execution of the warrant," Jaeger said.
As of Monday afternoon, the Grammy-nominated Jenkins was being held at Orange County Central Jail on $1 million bail, as was Maynard, described in jail records as a manager, and Marshall. Gilmore, described as a driver, was being held on $20,000 bail. Custody information for Beason and Kuniansky-Altman was not available.
After the shooting, headliner Wiz Khalifa tweeted condolences to Johnson's family and wrote "violence is never the answer," and concert promoter Live Nation cancelled the tour's Saturday stop in Chula Vista, near San Diego, with no plans to reschedule, citing the homicide investigation.
The tour continued in Irvine, though Jenkins was noticeably absent from the lineup, according to concert-goers' accounts on social media.
Jenkins' prior run-ins with the law include a January arrest stemming from a Sept. 2012 fight with his son, a 2008 DUI arrest, and charges in 2005 of carrying a concealed firearm that were later dismissed.
In Friday's shooting, investigators are still seeking a suspect they generally described as a black man in his 20s with short hair who was between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, wearing a black shirt, a red baseball cap and possibly white pants. The suspected weapon in the shooting was a black pistol with a large magazine.
Police ask that witnesses or anyone with information about the case, including videos or photos of the backstage area around the time of the shooting, contact detectives by calling 650-903-6395, emailing [email protected], send an anonymous text message with the keyword "MVTips" to 274637, or submit Twitter posts or images with #MVPDInfo. Tipsters should reference case number 14-4346.
Contact Robert Salonga at 408-920-5002. Follow him at Twitter.com/robertsalonga.
Beyoncé Looks "Crazy in Love" With Jay Z in First Trailer For HBO Concert Special—Watch Now!
Bummed you couldn't see Jay Z and Beyoncé this summer during their On The Run stadium tour? Don't fret because you may just be in luck!
HBO just released the first trailer for the couple's concert event that will feature the superstars performing more than 40 songs.
Featuring fabulous costumes, mesmerizing choreography and dozens of hits, the primetime special hopes to make fans feel like they are actually at a show.
Fans will even get to see videos shown during the sold-out stops such as Beyoncé singingNancy Sinatra's classic "Bang Bang" to her husband as he enjoys a fine cigar.
As relationship rumors continue to hound the private couple, the trailer also showcases a dynamic duo embracing each other with hugs, kisses and smiles.
It's a little different from what a source witnessed at the couple's San Francisco, Calif., stop earlier this month. "She occasionally smiled and danced alongside her hubby playfully," an eyewitness told E! News. "But the two did not have a lot of interaction when they weren't performing a song together."
Regardless of what fans think after watching the couple onstage, a source confirms to E! News that Jay Z is "pulling out all the stops" to save his marriage.
"Jay wants everything to work out and is trying to convince Beyoncé how much he does not want a divorce," a source told E! News. "It's flowers, constant texts and telling her he loves her. He is pulling out all the stops."
But until the tour is finished, the couple remains committed to each other.
"While they're still on tour, it's all business," an insider said. "They're professionals and they're trying to keep everything as professional as possible."
Fans can watch the special September 20—only seven days after the final concert in Paris, France—on HBO and HBO Go.
HBO just released the first trailer for the couple's concert event that will feature the superstars performing more than 40 songs.
Featuring fabulous costumes, mesmerizing choreography and dozens of hits, the primetime special hopes to make fans feel like they are actually at a show.
Fans will even get to see videos shown during the sold-out stops such as Beyoncé singingNancy Sinatra's classic "Bang Bang" to her husband as he enjoys a fine cigar.
As relationship rumors continue to hound the private couple, the trailer also showcases a dynamic duo embracing each other with hugs, kisses and smiles.
It's a little different from what a source witnessed at the couple's San Francisco, Calif., stop earlier this month. "She occasionally smiled and danced alongside her hubby playfully," an eyewitness told E! News. "But the two did not have a lot of interaction when they weren't performing a song together."
Regardless of what fans think after watching the couple onstage, a source confirms to E! News that Jay Z is "pulling out all the stops" to save his marriage.
"Jay wants everything to work out and is trying to convince Beyoncé how much he does not want a divorce," a source told E! News. "It's flowers, constant texts and telling her he loves her. He is pulling out all the stops."
But until the tour is finished, the couple remains committed to each other.
"While they're still on tour, it's all business," an insider said. "They're professionals and they're trying to keep everything as professional as possible."
Fans can watch the special September 20—only seven days after the final concert in Paris, France—on HBO and HBO Go.
UPDATE: Remy Ma Release Date Pushed Back: Former Terror Squad Member Remains in Prison for 'Disciplinary Issues'
By Carolyn Menyes
Though it previously seemed as though rapper Remy Ma's release date from prison had come and gone, it seems as though the former Terror Squad member remains behind bars.
According to REVOLT, the "Conceited" rapper is still being held at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Though she was due to be a free woman beginning at 8 a.m. this morning, her rapper husband Papoose left the prison grounds without his wife due to recent behavioral issues.
A prison official told REVOLT that Remy Ma, bornReminisce Smith, had a disciplinary issue on July 21, resulting in her prison release date getting delayed.
The July 21 date of the incident is the same day Smith spoke to Power 105 reporter Angie Martinez on the phone and is believed to be the reason for Smith's disciplinary issues, though that is not confirmed. The prison officials could only say that a "third party call" was an issue on that date.
Smith has reportedly been spending the last week in solitary confinement as she awaits a report on her prison incident. She cannot be released from prison until that report is filed.
She is currently behind bars for a 2007 incident, where she shot former friend Makeda Barnes-Joseph twice in the stomach outside of a Manhattan club. The incident took place after Smith accused Joseph of stealing $3000 from her purse.
Smith was sentenced to eight years for two assault charges but was expected to be released today (July 31) after only six served years for good behavior.
A new release date for Remy Ma is unclear.
According to REVOLT, the "Conceited" rapper is still being held at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Though she was due to be a free woman beginning at 8 a.m. this morning, her rapper husband Papoose left the prison grounds without his wife due to recent behavioral issues.
A prison official told REVOLT that Remy Ma, bornReminisce Smith, had a disciplinary issue on July 21, resulting in her prison release date getting delayed.
The July 21 date of the incident is the same day Smith spoke to Power 105 reporter Angie Martinez on the phone and is believed to be the reason for Smith's disciplinary issues, though that is not confirmed. The prison officials could only say that a "third party call" was an issue on that date.
Smith has reportedly been spending the last week in solitary confinement as she awaits a report on her prison incident. She cannot be released from prison until that report is filed.
She is currently behind bars for a 2007 incident, where she shot former friend Makeda Barnes-Joseph twice in the stomach outside of a Manhattan club. The incident took place after Smith accused Joseph of stealing $3000 from her purse.
Smith was sentenced to eight years for two assault charges but was expected to be released today (July 31) after only six served years for good behavior.
A new release date for Remy Ma is unclear.
Keke Palmer's Interview With Chris Brown's Girlfriend Upset Rihanna Fans
HuffPost Live | By Emily Tess Katz
Keke Palmer made waves when she secured her own BET talk show, "Just Keke," but her choice to host Chris Brown's current girlfriend, Karrueche Tran , possibly generated even more media attention as it forced her to confront some turmoil from disgruntled Rihanna fans. Still, 20-year-old Palmer -- who's a friend of the "Rude Boy" singer -- maintains she doesn't regret her choice.
"I want to give my generation everything they're asking for," she told host HuffPost Live's Nancy Redd in an interview on Wednesday, July 16. "I feel like this was a specific thing that a lot of people were curious about. They were curious to hear what Karrueche had to say."
"You kinda know how Rihanna feels 'cause she kinda tweets here and there," Palmer continued. "You kinda know how Chris Brown feels, 'cause he'll just tell you -- he'll put a video to it! -- but Karrueche has never spoken out, and so I was really glad she trusted us at 'Just Keke' to kinda give us the word on how she feels."
Brown's relationship with Tran comes on the heels of a very public relationship with Rihanna, which continued off-and-on even as he was found guilty of assaulting her. Rihanna's loyal fan base is known for its hostility towards Brown, which has extended to his current girlfriend. Fans were predictably unhappy that Tran was being offered a forum to speak.
"[There was] lots of drama about me having her on," Palmer recalled. "Because people know I'm a huge Rihanna fan and so their initial thing is, 'Why would you have Karrueche on if you're a huge Rihanna fan?' And the thing is, it's not about me ... it's about me keeping a promise to you guys, which is to always give you the real ... this was news to my generation and I wanted to make sure I gave it to them."
Coincidentally, Rihanna is the guest whom Palmer said she'd most like to have on her show. And no, she doesn't think her interview with Tran, which aired July 16, will hurt chances of scoring a sit-down session with the pop star.
"Rihanna's not a petty person like that," she explained. "This [love triangle] has nothing to do with me, so I can't imagine she would feel a way about [the interview] -- that's just not her character."
"I want to give my generation everything they're asking for," she told host HuffPost Live's Nancy Redd in an interview on Wednesday, July 16. "I feel like this was a specific thing that a lot of people were curious about. They were curious to hear what Karrueche had to say."
"You kinda know how Rihanna feels 'cause she kinda tweets here and there," Palmer continued. "You kinda know how Chris Brown feels, 'cause he'll just tell you -- he'll put a video to it! -- but Karrueche has never spoken out, and so I was really glad she trusted us at 'Just Keke' to kinda give us the word on how she feels."
Brown's relationship with Tran comes on the heels of a very public relationship with Rihanna, which continued off-and-on even as he was found guilty of assaulting her. Rihanna's loyal fan base is known for its hostility towards Brown, which has extended to his current girlfriend. Fans were predictably unhappy that Tran was being offered a forum to speak.
"[There was] lots of drama about me having her on," Palmer recalled. "Because people know I'm a huge Rihanna fan and so their initial thing is, 'Why would you have Karrueche on if you're a huge Rihanna fan?' And the thing is, it's not about me ... it's about me keeping a promise to you guys, which is to always give you the real ... this was news to my generation and I wanted to make sure I gave it to them."
Coincidentally, Rihanna is the guest whom Palmer said she'd most like to have on her show. And no, she doesn't think her interview with Tran, which aired July 16, will hurt chances of scoring a sit-down session with the pop star.
"Rihanna's not a petty person like that," she explained. "This [love triangle] has nothing to do with me, so I can't imagine she would feel a way about [the interview] -- that's just not her character."
Probation violation spells jail for rapper Meek Mill
PHILLY-BORN rapper Meek Mill, apparently having forgotten the manners he learned in court-ordered etiquette classes last year, had his probation revoked and was sentenced to three to six months in jail followed by five years of probation.
Common Pleas Judge Genece E. Brinkley yesterday found the lanky rapper in technical violation of his probation rules after a four-hour hearing, during which a laundry list of his bad behavior was aired.
The rapper, whose birth name is Robert Williams, was busted for failing to get the judge's permission before booking out-of-town concerts - that included a show in Washington, D.C., scheduled for last night.
Brinkley also noted that Williams, 27, failed to provide his probation officer with a working phone number, posted disparaging remarks on Twitter about the probation officer and the prosecutor assigned to his case, was "combative" and "disrespectful" to probation staffers during a May 15 meeting and posed for a picture posted on Instagram holding a gun while two other men also held guns.
"After all these years of me trying to help him move his career forward . . . I believe he is thumbing his nose at me and at the probation office," said a frustrated Brinkley, who placed the rapper on probation in 2009 instead of sentencing him to five to 10 years in prison after a gun and drug-dealing conviction.
"Sir, I really didn't want to do this but you made me do it," added the judge, who rejected defense lawyer Gary Silver's request for his client to be allowed to go home to get his affairs in order.
Instead, a deputy sheriff ordered Mill to empty his pockets before he was escorted to jail, leaving behind his downcast entourage.
Silver had argued that the gun in the photo was a prop and that Mill's cellphone did work, at times.
Mill, who received glowing praise from his etiquette teacher, Gail Madison, during court hearings last September and this February, meekly asked Brinkley not to send him to jail because he had to earn money to provide for his son and other family members. She suggested that the judge instead suspend his ability to travel out of town - which Brinkley did for a month in 2012 as punishment for probation violations.
Going to jail, the rapper said, "will damage everything I got going on in my life, everything I've worked for in the last six years."
But Assistant District Attorney Noel Ann DeSantis - whom Mill called a "racist" on Twitter - said jail is where he belongs. She asked the judge to impose his original five-to-10-year sentence.
"I think the judge made clear in her analysis that she gave the defendant every opportunity to do well and the defendant continued to thumb his nose at this court," DeSantis told reporters. "He did not really take seriously that his probation was a gift and was really for him to be able to have his career."
Brinkley told Mill she believed he had the talent to be as successful as rap star Jay Z, but lamented he had let down her and his fans.
"Of all the people who have come before me, I knew you had a shot to make it in this business," the judge said.
Her order means Mill will miss - among other gigs - his "Homecoming Concert" at Temple University's Liacouras Center next Saturday.
On Twitter: @MensahDean
Common Pleas Judge Genece E. Brinkley yesterday found the lanky rapper in technical violation of his probation rules after a four-hour hearing, during which a laundry list of his bad behavior was aired.
The rapper, whose birth name is Robert Williams, was busted for failing to get the judge's permission before booking out-of-town concerts - that included a show in Washington, D.C., scheduled for last night.
Brinkley also noted that Williams, 27, failed to provide his probation officer with a working phone number, posted disparaging remarks on Twitter about the probation officer and the prosecutor assigned to his case, was "combative" and "disrespectful" to probation staffers during a May 15 meeting and posed for a picture posted on Instagram holding a gun while two other men also held guns.
"After all these years of me trying to help him move his career forward . . . I believe he is thumbing his nose at me and at the probation office," said a frustrated Brinkley, who placed the rapper on probation in 2009 instead of sentencing him to five to 10 years in prison after a gun and drug-dealing conviction.
"Sir, I really didn't want to do this but you made me do it," added the judge, who rejected defense lawyer Gary Silver's request for his client to be allowed to go home to get his affairs in order.
Instead, a deputy sheriff ordered Mill to empty his pockets before he was escorted to jail, leaving behind his downcast entourage.
Silver had argued that the gun in the photo was a prop and that Mill's cellphone did work, at times.
Mill, who received glowing praise from his etiquette teacher, Gail Madison, during court hearings last September and this February, meekly asked Brinkley not to send him to jail because he had to earn money to provide for his son and other family members. She suggested that the judge instead suspend his ability to travel out of town - which Brinkley did for a month in 2012 as punishment for probation violations.
Going to jail, the rapper said, "will damage everything I got going on in my life, everything I've worked for in the last six years."
But Assistant District Attorney Noel Ann DeSantis - whom Mill called a "racist" on Twitter - said jail is where he belongs. She asked the judge to impose his original five-to-10-year sentence.
"I think the judge made clear in her analysis that she gave the defendant every opportunity to do well and the defendant continued to thumb his nose at this court," DeSantis told reporters. "He did not really take seriously that his probation was a gift and was really for him to be able to have his career."
Brinkley told Mill she believed he had the talent to be as successful as rap star Jay Z, but lamented he had let down her and his fans.
"Of all the people who have come before me, I knew you had a shot to make it in this business," the judge said.
Her order means Mill will miss - among other gigs - his "Homecoming Concert" at Temple University's Liacouras Center next Saturday.
On Twitter: @MensahDean
Iggy Azalea responds to Nicki Minaj feud rumors
(CNN) -- Iggy Azalea would love it if everyone channeled "Frozen" and just "let it go."
The Australian rapper has broken her silence about a supposed feud between herself and Nicki Minaj, rumors that were sparked after Minaj gave a curiously pointed acceptance speech at the BET Awards on Sunday.
The New York-bred MC made it clear that when "you hear Nicki Minaj spit, Nicki Minaj wrote it," leaving observers to assume that she was taking a dig at Azalea, who's been rumored to work with ghostwriters and was Minaj's competitor at the awards ceremony.
Nicki Minaj vs. Iggy Azalea: Where's the beef?
Although Minaj said during her acceptance speech that she wasn't giving "shade" -- aka, disrespect -- it nonetheless appeared that way to many.
With the Internet chomping down on the apparent beef, both Minaj and Azalea have tried to clear the air.
"The media puts words in my mouth all the time and this is no different. I will always take a stance on women writing b/c I believe in us!" Minaj tweeted on July 2. "I've congratulated Iggy on the success of 'Fancy,' publicly. She should be very proud of that. All the women nominated should b proud. ... That will never change my desire to motivate women to write. Our voices have to be heard. I hope I inspire up & coming females to do that."
Azalea initially remained silent on the subject, but by July 3 the rapper had grown tired of the commentary.
"I have to say the general explosion of pettiness online in the last few days is hard to ignore and honestly ... lame," Azalea wrote in a statement, as captured on her Instagram account. "If I had won the BET award that would've been great but it wasn't my year and I don't mind -- so you shouldn't either."
And that's not all: "Generally speaking," Azalea continued, "I'm unbothered by anything that 'happened' at the BET awards, and just feel worn out by everyone trying to make me have wars with people all the time. Anyone who wishes me well is welcome in my life and those who don't can't get any more of my time. I hate to see everyone exhausting themselves on my behalf over things that I'm still not sure even exist and don't matter. Just let it go."
The Australian rapper has broken her silence about a supposed feud between herself and Nicki Minaj, rumors that were sparked after Minaj gave a curiously pointed acceptance speech at the BET Awards on Sunday.
The New York-bred MC made it clear that when "you hear Nicki Minaj spit, Nicki Minaj wrote it," leaving observers to assume that she was taking a dig at Azalea, who's been rumored to work with ghostwriters and was Minaj's competitor at the awards ceremony.
Nicki Minaj vs. Iggy Azalea: Where's the beef?
Although Minaj said during her acceptance speech that she wasn't giving "shade" -- aka, disrespect -- it nonetheless appeared that way to many.
With the Internet chomping down on the apparent beef, both Minaj and Azalea have tried to clear the air.
"The media puts words in my mouth all the time and this is no different. I will always take a stance on women writing b/c I believe in us!" Minaj tweeted on July 2. "I've congratulated Iggy on the success of 'Fancy,' publicly. She should be very proud of that. All the women nominated should b proud. ... That will never change my desire to motivate women to write. Our voices have to be heard. I hope I inspire up & coming females to do that."
Azalea initially remained silent on the subject, but by July 3 the rapper had grown tired of the commentary.
"I have to say the general explosion of pettiness online in the last few days is hard to ignore and honestly ... lame," Azalea wrote in a statement, as captured on her Instagram account. "If I had won the BET award that would've been great but it wasn't my year and I don't mind -- so you shouldn't either."
And that's not all: "Generally speaking," Azalea continued, "I'm unbothered by anything that 'happened' at the BET awards, and just feel worn out by everyone trying to make me have wars with people all the time. Anyone who wishes me well is welcome in my life and those who don't can't get any more of my time. I hate to see everyone exhausting themselves on my behalf over things that I'm still not sure even exist and don't matter. Just let it go."
Pharrell, Host Chris Rock Kick Off BET Awards
(Time Magazine) Host Chris Rock was successful with back-to-back jokes, helping take attention away from a fatal shooting and a separate stabbing at unsanctioned parties celebrating the ceremony.
Pharrell kicked off the BET Awards on Sunday with a playful performance featuring the reclusive Missy Elliott and host Chris Rock was successful with back-to-back jokes, helping take attention away from a fatal shooting and a separate stabbing at unsanctioned parties celebrating the ceremony.
One person was killed and five injured in separate incidents ahead of the show at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles police said. The events were “unauthorized and unaffiliated with the BET Awards,” BET said in a statement.
The death and four of the injuries followed gunfire early Sunday at a restaurant, Officer Drake Madison said. Separately, a man was stabbed in the stomach Saturday night at a nightclub.
Rock didn’t mention the violence at the show that marks the best in black entertainment. He won over the audience with jokes about Donald Sterling, the hit series “Scandal” and rapper Rick Ross. He called the BET Awards the “black World Cup.”
On the red carpet, rapper Nelly said of the violence: “You can’t place (the blame) on BET.”
R&B singer Ne-Yo had not heard about the incidents until arriving at the show, but he said he doesn’t fear for his safety at industry parties and events.
“I feel like the energy I give off is the energy I get back, and I don’t give off that kind of energy,” he said.
As the show kicked off, a tearful August Alsina, nominated for four honors, won the night’s first award for best new artist.
“I represent the struggle,” the New Orleans newcomer said onstage. “This award is not for me, it’s for the people.”
Drake, Beyonce and JayZ are top nominees with five each. Drake, who was originally set to perform, will not attend, BET said Sunday. A representative for Beyonce also said the singer wouldn’t attend, and her husband’s rep wouldn’t divulge if Jay Z would be there or not. Their attendance had nothing to do with the violence at the weekend parties.
Drake didn’t attend last year’s show, where he won video of the year. This year, the 27-year-old rapper’s “Worst Behavior” is nominated for the top prize, competing with Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” and “Partition,” as well as Pharrell’s “Happy” and Chris Brown’s “Fine China.”
Beyonce and JayZ launched a co-headlining stadium tour days ago. She is nominated for best female R&B/pop artist, with little competition aside from Rihanna, while her husband will battle Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Future for best male hip-hop artist.
Pharrell scored four nominations, including best male R&B/pop artist, best collaboration for Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and the viewer’s choice award. Beyonce, Drake, Alsina and Jhene Aiko are also up for the fan-voted award.
Thicke, who is set to release his new album, “Paula” — an ode to his wife, Paula Patton, whom he is separated from — on Tuesday, will perform Sunday. Usher, Mary J. Blige and Iggy Azalea will also take the stage.
Minaj and Azalea — whose anthemic “Fancy” has spent its fifth week on top of the Billboard charts — will compete for best female hip-hop artist, an award Minaj has won consecutively for four years.
Lionel Richie will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the show, where presenters include Kerry Washington, Kevin Hart and Gabrielle Union.
Pharrell kicked off the BET Awards on Sunday with a playful performance featuring the reclusive Missy Elliott and host Chris Rock was successful with back-to-back jokes, helping take attention away from a fatal shooting and a separate stabbing at unsanctioned parties celebrating the ceremony.
One person was killed and five injured in separate incidents ahead of the show at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles police said. The events were “unauthorized and unaffiliated with the BET Awards,” BET said in a statement.
The death and four of the injuries followed gunfire early Sunday at a restaurant, Officer Drake Madison said. Separately, a man was stabbed in the stomach Saturday night at a nightclub.
Rock didn’t mention the violence at the show that marks the best in black entertainment. He won over the audience with jokes about Donald Sterling, the hit series “Scandal” and rapper Rick Ross. He called the BET Awards the “black World Cup.”
On the red carpet, rapper Nelly said of the violence: “You can’t place (the blame) on BET.”
R&B singer Ne-Yo had not heard about the incidents until arriving at the show, but he said he doesn’t fear for his safety at industry parties and events.
“I feel like the energy I give off is the energy I get back, and I don’t give off that kind of energy,” he said.
As the show kicked off, a tearful August Alsina, nominated for four honors, won the night’s first award for best new artist.
“I represent the struggle,” the New Orleans newcomer said onstage. “This award is not for me, it’s for the people.”
Drake, Beyonce and JayZ are top nominees with five each. Drake, who was originally set to perform, will not attend, BET said Sunday. A representative for Beyonce also said the singer wouldn’t attend, and her husband’s rep wouldn’t divulge if Jay Z would be there or not. Their attendance had nothing to do with the violence at the weekend parties.
Drake didn’t attend last year’s show, where he won video of the year. This year, the 27-year-old rapper’s “Worst Behavior” is nominated for the top prize, competing with Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” and “Partition,” as well as Pharrell’s “Happy” and Chris Brown’s “Fine China.”
Beyonce and JayZ launched a co-headlining stadium tour days ago. She is nominated for best female R&B/pop artist, with little competition aside from Rihanna, while her husband will battle Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Future for best male hip-hop artist.
Pharrell scored four nominations, including best male R&B/pop artist, best collaboration for Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and the viewer’s choice award. Beyonce, Drake, Alsina and Jhene Aiko are also up for the fan-voted award.
Thicke, who is set to release his new album, “Paula” — an ode to his wife, Paula Patton, whom he is separated from — on Tuesday, will perform Sunday. Usher, Mary J. Blige and Iggy Azalea will also take the stage.
Minaj and Azalea — whose anthemic “Fancy” has spent its fifth week on top of the Billboard charts — will compete for best female hip-hop artist, an award Minaj has won consecutively for four years.
Lionel Richie will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the show, where presenters include Kerry Washington, Kevin Hart and Gabrielle Union.
Pharrell To Be Honored With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
by Rea Melissa Davis @Reyonce_
(All Hip Hop) Over the last two decades, Pharrell has become a prominent figure in the music realm whether its getting him to produce a hot track or simply him being featured on it. He is often noted for his incredible production skills, unique vocals, artistic eye, and unique creativity.Pharrell has made an indelible mark in the music industry for years. He has produced and collaborated with some of the biggest artists in the industry in addition to penning and producing his own hits. Other stars and legendary producers continue to comment on how Pharrell inspires them, so it was only a matter of time before Pharrell would receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recent recipients include Babyface and Jennifer Hudson.
The Walk of Fame Selection Committee, announced Thursday that the the “Happy” singer will be amongst a list of 30 honorees chosen to receive their place on the famed strip in 2015. Forthcoming honorees include Pitbull, Kool & The Gang, Will Ferrell, Kelly Ripa and more.
Chair of the Walk of Fame Committee Maureen Schultz stated:
“We know that the new selections represent the best of the entertainment industry and will be a great addition to the Walk of Fame for both the Hollywood community and fans from around the world who visit Hollywood every year.” Pharrell has had an amazing run this year and for the last twenty years!
The Walk of Fame Selection Committee, announced Thursday that the the “Happy” singer will be amongst a list of 30 honorees chosen to receive their place on the famed strip in 2015. Forthcoming honorees include Pitbull, Kool & The Gang, Will Ferrell, Kelly Ripa and more.
Chair of the Walk of Fame Committee Maureen Schultz stated:
“We know that the new selections represent the best of the entertainment industry and will be a great addition to the Walk of Fame for both the Hollywood community and fans from around the world who visit Hollywood every year.” Pharrell has had an amazing run this year and for the last twenty years!
Read Tupac Shakur's Heartfelt Letter to Public Enemy's Chuck D
By Kory Grow
Chuck D has shared a letter that Tupac Shakur wrote to him detailing the respect he had for the Public Enemy emcee. In his tweet, Chuck wrote, "Letter from Pac, but you should have seen mine."
50 Cent Explains Why Tupac Shakur Is One of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists
Shakur begins the letter, written in September 1995, noting how highly he regarded the Public Enemy mouthpiece and how much Chuck's letter of support meant to him. "Back in the dayz, on tour with u, I learned so much from what u did and how u did it," Shakur wrote. "It may be hard 2 C but u have alwayz played a major role in what it is I do 2day."
He went on to offer Chuck a few opportunities for collaboration, discussing a program he wanted to include Chuck in (though it's not clear what the program would be) and offering him a part in a movie. "And 2 push my luck even more, I would be honored if u would appear on this track 4 my next album, Euthanasia," he wrote. "The track is called 'Da Struggle Continuez.' It will also feature Sista Souljah, if God will. So let me know."
At the time he wrote the letter, Shakur was serving time in a New York prison following a conviction on two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree for offensive touching without consent. He mentioned making bail, pending appeal, for his sentence and said he hoped to be free by the time Chuck was reading the letter.
"I just got signed 2 Death Row, so I should be working on this album soon," he wrote. "Thanks again, Chuck! I believe we can make a difference, and I have every intention of doing just that. Stay strong!"
Shakur changed the title of his fifth album from Euthanasia to All Eyez on Me, though neither Chuck D nor Sister Soujah appeared on the album. That same year, he released the Makaveli album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, which he finished days before his death. It is unclear whether "Da Struggle Continuez" was ever recorded.
Shakur was released from jail less than a month after writing the letter and was murdered just short of a year after writing it.
www.rollingstone.com
Chuck D has shared a letter that Tupac Shakur wrote to him detailing the respect he had for the Public Enemy emcee. In his tweet, Chuck wrote, "Letter from Pac, but you should have seen mine."
50 Cent Explains Why Tupac Shakur Is One of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists
Shakur begins the letter, written in September 1995, noting how highly he regarded the Public Enemy mouthpiece and how much Chuck's letter of support meant to him. "Back in the dayz, on tour with u, I learned so much from what u did and how u did it," Shakur wrote. "It may be hard 2 C but u have alwayz played a major role in what it is I do 2day."
He went on to offer Chuck a few opportunities for collaboration, discussing a program he wanted to include Chuck in (though it's not clear what the program would be) and offering him a part in a movie. "And 2 push my luck even more, I would be honored if u would appear on this track 4 my next album, Euthanasia," he wrote. "The track is called 'Da Struggle Continuez.' It will also feature Sista Souljah, if God will. So let me know."
At the time he wrote the letter, Shakur was serving time in a New York prison following a conviction on two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree for offensive touching without consent. He mentioned making bail, pending appeal, for his sentence and said he hoped to be free by the time Chuck was reading the letter.
"I just got signed 2 Death Row, so I should be working on this album soon," he wrote. "Thanks again, Chuck! I believe we can make a difference, and I have every intention of doing just that. Stay strong!"
Shakur changed the title of his fifth album from Euthanasia to All Eyez on Me, though neither Chuck D nor Sister Soujah appeared on the album. That same year, he released the Makaveli album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, which he finished days before his death. It is unclear whether "Da Struggle Continuez" was ever recorded.
Shakur was released from jail less than a month after writing the letter and was murdered just short of a year after writing it.
www.rollingstone.com
Lupita Nyong'o Lands Gorgeous Vogue Cover Celebrating Her "Incredible Breakout Year":
(US Weekly) Strike a pose, Lupita! Breakout star Lupita Nyong'o landed her first cover of Vogue magazine, stunning on the front of the July issue.
The gorgeous cover, which was released on Thursday, June 19, shows the Oscar-winning actress, 31, in a figure-hugging printed Prada dress in shades of purple and red from the designer's Fall 2014 RTW collection.
PHOTOS: Lupita's best red carpet looks
Attention is drawn to Nyong'o's eyes with a subtle smokey eye, accented with a berry lip. Her look is accessorized with silver bangle bracelets and silver earrings.
The star is accompanied by a cover line reading "Her Incredible Breakout Year," reflecting the skyrocketing success she has seen since her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
PHOTOS: Hollywood's most powerful women of 2014
"I was really nervous about seeing myself in 12 Years a Slave because it had been such a profound experience in all ways," Nyong'o told Vogue about her emotionally raw role in the drama. "I remember it being one of the most joyful times in my life -- and also one of the most sorrowful. I didn’t want my experience to be a vain one. But I will say that when I watched it, my heartstrings were pulled so tight for [the main character] Solomon that I couldn’t go into the ego trip. I cried -- I mean, I was inconsolable. I wept for an hour after the movie."
In the months since, her acting chops have solidified her career and her red carpet looks have made Nyong'o a celebrated style darling, landing a campaign with Miu Miu, and making her the first African-American face of Lancome cosmetics. Her upcoming projects include a role in Star Wars Episode VII, a rumored part in Southpaw with Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker, and an adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel Americanah, which she will produce and star in.
PHOTOS: Lupita at the Oscars
Nyong'o is fully aware of her abrupt rise to fame after years spent working on smaller projects and earning her master's degree from the Yale School of Drama. "It just feels like the entertainment industry exploded into my life," she told Vogue in her cover interview. "People who seemed so distant all of a sudden were right in front of me and recognizing me -- before I recognized them!"
The Mexican-born Kenyan actress went on to add of the first time she was snapped by paparazzi, "For a split second I looked behind me to see who they were flashing at -- and it was me! That was, I think, the beginning of the end of my anonymity."
The gorgeous cover, which was released on Thursday, June 19, shows the Oscar-winning actress, 31, in a figure-hugging printed Prada dress in shades of purple and red from the designer's Fall 2014 RTW collection.
PHOTOS: Lupita's best red carpet looks
Attention is drawn to Nyong'o's eyes with a subtle smokey eye, accented with a berry lip. Her look is accessorized with silver bangle bracelets and silver earrings.
The star is accompanied by a cover line reading "Her Incredible Breakout Year," reflecting the skyrocketing success she has seen since her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
PHOTOS: Hollywood's most powerful women of 2014
"I was really nervous about seeing myself in 12 Years a Slave because it had been such a profound experience in all ways," Nyong'o told Vogue about her emotionally raw role in the drama. "I remember it being one of the most joyful times in my life -- and also one of the most sorrowful. I didn’t want my experience to be a vain one. But I will say that when I watched it, my heartstrings were pulled so tight for [the main character] Solomon that I couldn’t go into the ego trip. I cried -- I mean, I was inconsolable. I wept for an hour after the movie."
In the months since, her acting chops have solidified her career and her red carpet looks have made Nyong'o a celebrated style darling, landing a campaign with Miu Miu, and making her the first African-American face of Lancome cosmetics. Her upcoming projects include a role in Star Wars Episode VII, a rumored part in Southpaw with Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker, and an adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel Americanah, which she will produce and star in.
PHOTOS: Lupita at the Oscars
Nyong'o is fully aware of her abrupt rise to fame after years spent working on smaller projects and earning her master's degree from the Yale School of Drama. "It just feels like the entertainment industry exploded into my life," she told Vogue in her cover interview. "People who seemed so distant all of a sudden were right in front of me and recognizing me -- before I recognized them!"
The Mexican-born Kenyan actress went on to add of the first time she was snapped by paparazzi, "For a split second I looked behind me to see who they were flashing at -- and it was me! That was, I think, the beginning of the end of my anonymity."
Tracy Morgan Still in Critical Condition But Doing "Better" Following Car Crash
(USMagazine) Tracy Morgan is doing "better" but still remains in critical condition following the six-car accident in Cranbury, NJ that killed comic James McNair and seriously injured himself and others on June 7.
PHOTOS: Celebrity health scares
"Today was a better day," Morgan's rep told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, June 12. "While Tracy remains in critical, but stable, condition, he continues to show signs of improvement. His medical team remains optimistic that his recovery is progressing."
As previously reported, the 30 Rock star, 45, suffered a broken leg, broken femur, broken nose and broken ribs following a collision on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday morning.
PHOTOS: SNL's most successful stars
The funny man's rep adds his fiancee Megan Wollover"remains by his side and is relaying the countless good wishes and prayers that his family, friends and fans have been sending their way. "
Also injured in the crash was 43-year-old stand-up comedianArdie Fuqua, Morgan's assistant Jeff Millea, and comic Harris Stanton. James McNair, who was known as "Uncle Jimmy Mack," was pronounced dead at the scene at 63 years old.
"In addition, Jeff's wife asked us to pass along that Jeff has also shown much improvement over the past few days," Morgan's rep added. "She is very thankful for the love and support she and their family continue to receive."
The driver of the truck that plowed into the limo bus carrying Morgan and the others, Kevin Roper, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in court on Wednesday, June 11.
Roper was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto. According to NBC News, the Walmart truck driver, who was reportedly awake more than 24 hours at the time of the accident, did not speak during the arraignment and was released on $50,000 bail.
PHOTOS: Celebrity health scares
"Today was a better day," Morgan's rep told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, June 12. "While Tracy remains in critical, but stable, condition, he continues to show signs of improvement. His medical team remains optimistic that his recovery is progressing."
As previously reported, the 30 Rock star, 45, suffered a broken leg, broken femur, broken nose and broken ribs following a collision on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday morning.
PHOTOS: SNL's most successful stars
The funny man's rep adds his fiancee Megan Wollover"remains by his side and is relaying the countless good wishes and prayers that his family, friends and fans have been sending their way. "
Also injured in the crash was 43-year-old stand-up comedianArdie Fuqua, Morgan's assistant Jeff Millea, and comic Harris Stanton. James McNair, who was known as "Uncle Jimmy Mack," was pronounced dead at the scene at 63 years old.
"In addition, Jeff's wife asked us to pass along that Jeff has also shown much improvement over the past few days," Morgan's rep added. "She is very thankful for the love and support she and their family continue to receive."
The driver of the truck that plowed into the limo bus carrying Morgan and the others, Kevin Roper, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in court on Wednesday, June 11.
Roper was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto. According to NBC News, the Walmart truck driver, who was reportedly awake more than 24 hours at the time of the accident, did not speak during the arraignment and was released on $50,000 bail.
Truck Driver In Tracy Morgan Crash Turns Himself In, Charged
By Chelsea Regan
(Uinterview.com) Truck driver Kevin Roper has been charged after turning himself into authorities for causing the New Jersey car crash that severely injured comic actor Tracy Morgan.
Truck Driver ChargedRoper, 35, was driving the tractor-trailer that struck the luxury limo that was carrying Morgan, who was traveling for his Turn It Funny comedy tour. The Jonesboro, Ga., native faces one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. The lone fatality was comedian James McNair, who had been pronounced dead at the scene.
“Driver failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead," New Jersey State Police Sgt.Gregory Williams said according to ABC News. “He observed at the last minute - just prior to impact - the limo bus carrying Morgan and his party.”
Alcohol is not thought to have been a factor in the accident, though it’s been reported that Roper may have been dozing prior to making impact with the limo bus.
Bail has been set at $50,000
Tracy Morgan's ConditionMorgan remains unconscious and in critical condition. His ex-wife and high school sweetheart Sabina Morgan revealed his injuries included a broken leg.
“He’s not in good shape. I’m traumatized. I’m so upset. I can’t believe it. It’s like I’m in a nightmare,” Sabina Morgan, who has three children with the 30 Rock actor, told theNew York Daily News. “We’re just still vigilant with prayer...They’re [our children] not holding up well at all.”
In a statement, Morgan’s rep revealed that Morgan was surrounded by his family and that there weren’t any updates on his condition. “His family is now with him (in hospital) and he is receiving excellent care,” the statement read. “We don’t anticipate much of a change in his condition today.”
Truck Driver ChargedRoper, 35, was driving the tractor-trailer that struck the luxury limo that was carrying Morgan, who was traveling for his Turn It Funny comedy tour. The Jonesboro, Ga., native faces one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. The lone fatality was comedian James McNair, who had been pronounced dead at the scene.
“Driver failed to observe slow-moving traffic ahead," New Jersey State Police Sgt.Gregory Williams said according to ABC News. “He observed at the last minute - just prior to impact - the limo bus carrying Morgan and his party.”
Alcohol is not thought to have been a factor in the accident, though it’s been reported that Roper may have been dozing prior to making impact with the limo bus.
Bail has been set at $50,000
Tracy Morgan's ConditionMorgan remains unconscious and in critical condition. His ex-wife and high school sweetheart Sabina Morgan revealed his injuries included a broken leg.
“He’s not in good shape. I’m traumatized. I’m so upset. I can’t believe it. It’s like I’m in a nightmare,” Sabina Morgan, who has three children with the 30 Rock actor, told theNew York Daily News. “We’re just still vigilant with prayer...They’re [our children] not holding up well at all.”
In a statement, Morgan’s rep revealed that Morgan was surrounded by his family and that there weren’t any updates on his condition. “His family is now with him (in hospital) and he is receiving excellent care,” the statement read. “We don’t anticipate much of a change in his condition today.”
Rapper 50 Cent Defends Beyonce for MET Gala Event Behaviour Towards Jay Z, Calls Beyonce Protective
By nidhi tewari
Beyonce was highly criticized recently when she did nothing to defend her husband Jay Z at the time her younger sister Solange attacked him after the MET Gala event. However, now rapper 50 Cent has come to the defence of Queen Bey saying she is in fact quite protective and fierce when it comes to Jay Z.
During a recent interview with New York radio station Power 105.1, the "In Da Club" rapper said he got to see Beyonce's fierce temper in a Las Vegas club once when she thought he had not behaved respectfully towards her husband Jay Z. Beyonce was quite the opposite of what her fans had recently seen in the leaked hotel video. She confronted 50 Cent and stood by her man then.
"One time (Beyonce) jumped off of a ledge and came running over 'cause she thought me and Jay had issues (sic). And I'm like, 'What the f---? Did she really just jump and run up on me like that?," the rapper said during t he radio interviews, according to torontosun.com.
"We was (sic) at the Cosmopolitan. She jumped out and was like this (in his face like), 'What?! That Bonnie and Clyde for real! You try this or what, boy (sic)?! I'm here!' She bugged (flipped) out at me," the rapper recalled adding that Jay Z was quite impressed with Beyonce's impromptu act.
" I looked and Jay starts laughing. He's like, 'Yo, you know what it is.' I said, 'Oh s---! What the f--- y'all got going on, man?' Bey jumped down off of that joint like, 'What?! Wassup (sic)?!," the rapper added, according to the Web site.
This incident is just quite opposite of Beyonce's reaction that was captured in the lift video when Solange, Beyonce and Jay Z were leaving for the MET Gala after party. Solange was seen kicking Beyonce's husband Jay Z with fists and legs but Beyonce maintained a cool composure. She was even made the subject of various jokes and memes at that time, which can be checked here.
"Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred," the family said in a statement after the controversial incident. "They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."
During a recent interview with New York radio station Power 105.1, the "In Da Club" rapper said he got to see Beyonce's fierce temper in a Las Vegas club once when she thought he had not behaved respectfully towards her husband Jay Z. Beyonce was quite the opposite of what her fans had recently seen in the leaked hotel video. She confronted 50 Cent and stood by her man then.
"One time (Beyonce) jumped off of a ledge and came running over 'cause she thought me and Jay had issues (sic). And I'm like, 'What the f---? Did she really just jump and run up on me like that?," the rapper said during t he radio interviews, according to torontosun.com.
"We was (sic) at the Cosmopolitan. She jumped out and was like this (in his face like), 'What?! That Bonnie and Clyde for real! You try this or what, boy (sic)?! I'm here!' She bugged (flipped) out at me," the rapper recalled adding that Jay Z was quite impressed with Beyonce's impromptu act.
" I looked and Jay starts laughing. He's like, 'Yo, you know what it is.' I said, 'Oh s---! What the f--- y'all got going on, man?' Bey jumped down off of that joint like, 'What?! Wassup (sic)?!," the rapper added, according to the Web site.
This incident is just quite opposite of Beyonce's reaction that was captured in the lift video when Solange, Beyonce and Jay Z were leaving for the MET Gala after party. Solange was seen kicking Beyonce's husband Jay Z with fists and legs but Beyonce maintained a cool composure. She was even made the subject of various jokes and memes at that time, which can be checked here.
"Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred," the family said in a statement after the controversial incident. "They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."
Chris Brown released from jail, LA deputy says
LOS ANGELES – Singer Chris Brown was released early Monday from a Los Angeles County jail, authorities said.
Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy Tony Moore told The Associated Press that Brown was released at 12:01 a.m. Monday, but he didn't have any more details.
Brown had been in custody since mid-March, when he was arrested after being expelled from a court-ordered rehab sentence for violating its rules.
And a judge last month ordered the R&B singer to remain in jail after he admitted he violated his probation by getting into an altercation outside a hotel in Washington, D.C., last year.
In his May 9 decision, Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin sentenced the singer to serve an additional 131 days in jail, but he had been expected to get out much sooner.
Brandlin had sentenced Brown to serve a year in county jail but gave him credit for nearly eight months. The credits include time that the singer has spent in rehab and jail, as well as credits for good behavior while behind bars.
Officials said at the time that Brown's time in jail could be cut down even more drastically once sheriff's officials start tallying his sentence and determine whether he's eligible for early release.
The Grammy-winning singer was on probation after he attacked pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, hours before the 2009 Grammy Awards. In October, while on probation, Brown was accused of attacking a man outside a hotel in the nation's capital in October. He was charged with misdemeanor assault.
During his May 9 court appearance, Brown admitted he committed a crime in that case and waived his rights to an evidentiary hearing in which prosecutors would have to prove that Brown violated his probation.
Brandlin had said Brown will have to complete the remainder of his 1,000 hours of community labor once he is released from jail. As of early February, Brown had 800 hours of community labor remaining.
The judge said he took into account that Brown was relatively young when he attacked Rihanna, and that he had a previously undiagnosed mental illness before the case began.
Brandlin ordered Brown into rehab in November and the singer was receiving treatment for anger management, substance abuse and issues related to bipolar disorder before he was dismissed in March.
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Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy Tony Moore told The Associated Press that Brown was released at 12:01 a.m. Monday, but he didn't have any more details.
Brown had been in custody since mid-March, when he was arrested after being expelled from a court-ordered rehab sentence for violating its rules.
And a judge last month ordered the R&B singer to remain in jail after he admitted he violated his probation by getting into an altercation outside a hotel in Washington, D.C., last year.
In his May 9 decision, Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin sentenced the singer to serve an additional 131 days in jail, but he had been expected to get out much sooner.
Brandlin had sentenced Brown to serve a year in county jail but gave him credit for nearly eight months. The credits include time that the singer has spent in rehab and jail, as well as credits for good behavior while behind bars.
Officials said at the time that Brown's time in jail could be cut down even more drastically once sheriff's officials start tallying his sentence and determine whether he's eligible for early release.
The Grammy-winning singer was on probation after he attacked pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, hours before the 2009 Grammy Awards. In October, while on probation, Brown was accused of attacking a man outside a hotel in the nation's capital in October. He was charged with misdemeanor assault.
During his May 9 court appearance, Brown admitted he committed a crime in that case and waived his rights to an evidentiary hearing in which prosecutors would have to prove that Brown violated his probation.
Brandlin had said Brown will have to complete the remainder of his 1,000 hours of community labor once he is released from jail. As of early February, Brown had 800 hours of community labor remaining.
The judge said he took into account that Brown was relatively young when he attacked Rihanna, and that he had a previously undiagnosed mental illness before the case began.
Brandlin ordered Brown into rehab in November and the singer was receiving treatment for anger management, substance abuse and issues related to bipolar disorder before he was dismissed in March.
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‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ Canceled After One Season
By Cynthia Littleton Editor-in-chief: TV @Variety_Cynthia
“The Arsenio Hall Show” has stopped production, marking an abrupt end to the host’s efforts to restart his latenight franchise in syndication.
TV PILOTS/DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD: Follow the action during upfront season
CBS had said that the show would return for a second season, but the latenight strip was facing significant downgrades from stations and the Eye determined that the show would not be financially viable. The show was in reruns this week and will not resume production. The show’s last original seg was May 21.
SEE ALSO: Arsenio Hall: CBS, Tribune Bet on Host for Latenight Syndie Show
CBS said in a statement: “Unfortunately, ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ will not return for a second season; while there are many loyal fans of the show, the series did not grow its audience enough to continue. Arsenio is a tremendous talent and we’d like to thank him for all the hard work and energy he put into the show. We’d also like to thank Tribune and all our station group partners for their support of the show.”
Hall had sought to rekindle the success he had in the late 1980s and early ’90s with his syndie yakker. The revived show, a joint production of CBS and Tribune, started out with promise last September but could not maintain its early momentum and struggled with guest bookings. Original showrunner Neal Kendall was axed after one month into the show’s run and a permanent replacement was never set.
The return of Hall was part of an unprecedented shakeup in the latenight TV lineup during the past two years. At the time plans for Hall’s return were first announced in June 2012, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was still airing at midnight and Jay Leno was still firmly in control of “The Tonight Show.” Back in his heyday, Hall was a hip, urban-friendly alternative to Johnny Carson; this time around, he was one of many alternatives in latenight.
“Arsenio Hall” staffers were floored by the news of the shutdown that was announced Friday afternoon at the show’s offices on the Sunset Bronson studio lot that is home to Tribune’s KTLA, which carried the show in L.A.
The news came as a shock because CBS and Tribune had previously committed to a second year of the show. Leno even made a special visit to the show to announce the season two pickup, his first TV appearance after exiting “The Tonight Show” in February.
Hall could not immediately be reached for comment.
“The Arsenio Hall Show” has stopped production, marking an abrupt end to the host’s efforts to restart his latenight franchise in syndication.
TV PILOTS/DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD: Follow the action during upfront season
CBS had said that the show would return for a second season, but the latenight strip was facing significant downgrades from stations and the Eye determined that the show would not be financially viable. The show was in reruns this week and will not resume production. The show’s last original seg was May 21.
SEE ALSO: Arsenio Hall: CBS, Tribune Bet on Host for Latenight Syndie Show
CBS said in a statement: “Unfortunately, ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ will not return for a second season; while there are many loyal fans of the show, the series did not grow its audience enough to continue. Arsenio is a tremendous talent and we’d like to thank him for all the hard work and energy he put into the show. We’d also like to thank Tribune and all our station group partners for their support of the show.”
Hall had sought to rekindle the success he had in the late 1980s and early ’90s with his syndie yakker. The revived show, a joint production of CBS and Tribune, started out with promise last September but could not maintain its early momentum and struggled with guest bookings. Original showrunner Neal Kendall was axed after one month into the show’s run and a permanent replacement was never set.
The return of Hall was part of an unprecedented shakeup in the latenight TV lineup during the past two years. At the time plans for Hall’s return were first announced in June 2012, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was still airing at midnight and Jay Leno was still firmly in control of “The Tonight Show.” Back in his heyday, Hall was a hip, urban-friendly alternative to Johnny Carson; this time around, he was one of many alternatives in latenight.
“Arsenio Hall” staffers were floored by the news of the shutdown that was announced Friday afternoon at the show’s offices on the Sunset Bronson studio lot that is home to Tribune’s KTLA, which carried the show in L.A.
The news came as a shock because CBS and Tribune had previously committed to a second year of the show. Leno even made a special visit to the show to announce the season two pickup, his first TV appearance after exiting “The Tonight Show” in February.
Hall could not immediately be reached for comment.
5 Reasons Why Beyoncé Won’t File For Divorce From Jay Z
By Rebecka Schumann
(IBTimes) Following “elevator-gate", multiple outlets are reporting that Beyoncé, 32, and her husband of six years, rapper Jay Z, 44, are headed for what is being labeled as an “inevitable” split. While the A-list duo has released a statement claiming to have “moved forward as a family” following the May 5 incident with sister Solange Knowles, the tabloids are singing a different tune.
“They’ve been on the verge of divorce for the past year,” a source told OK! Magazinein its latest print edition. “Jay and Bey go to public events and put on a front that they’re happily married, but they haven’t been happy for a while.”
Life & Style is also reporting that divorce is in the cards for the “Crazy in Love" performers, one unidentified “family insider” confirming to the magazine that a breakup is just on the horizon. “It’s been real rocky for them,” said the source. “Divorce is inevitable and Beyoncé’s only option.”
While Beyoncé is rumored to be out on the outs with her beau of more than a decade, there are several reasons for the songstress not to forward with a separation.
IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE
With Beyoncé and Jay Z's combined net worth estimated to be $900 million, legal experts are reporting that their divorce could cost upwards of an astounding $1 billion. “It would be the most expensive celebrity divorce in history,” Goldie Schon, a California family lawyer, told Life & Style. “Attorneys’ fees and professional fees could be in excess of $100,000 every month. The cost of divorce is endless.”
IT MIGHT BE BAD FOR BUSINESS
Not only would their celebrity divorce break monetary records, it could also hurt their income in the long run. According to Life & Style, the couple are trying to keep their union together in order to complete their “On The Run“ tour, which is reportedly selling tickets for up to $342 a pop. “A divorce would simply be bad for business,” reported the magazine. “That’s the big reason why they’re keeping their troubled relationship a secret.” A source relayed a similar sentiment to OK!, saying, “Beyoncé has been told by their manager that they need to maintain a united front.”
BLUE IVY
Despite their own issues, Beyoncé’s top priority is reportedly the well-being of their 2-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. While there is no word if the tot is what is keeping the entertainers together, sources are speculating that the pair would share custody of Blue if they split. “Little Blue Ivy is the light of both of her parents’ lives,” reads Life & Style’s report, adding that the pair is adamant about the youngster being “unscathed” by a potential divorce.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE
According to Life & Style, Beyoncé may be holding back from ending her relationship with Jay Z in an effort to keep up their happy couple persona. “Beyoncé is extremely careful about her image, and everything she does is thought out and planned,” said one source. “She is obsessed with them appearing as the perfect family.”
HE RUNS HER CAREER
Following her 2008 nuptials to Jay Z, the music mogul has reportedly taken over his wife’s career. While Beyoncé’s father Mathew Knowles used to serve as her manager, Life & Style is reporting that Jay Z has since taken over the job. “Jay Z is very controlling,” said one insider. “[Beyoncé] basically went from having her father running her life to Jay running her life.”
“They’ve been on the verge of divorce for the past year,” a source told OK! Magazinein its latest print edition. “Jay and Bey go to public events and put on a front that they’re happily married, but they haven’t been happy for a while.”
Life & Style is also reporting that divorce is in the cards for the “Crazy in Love" performers, one unidentified “family insider” confirming to the magazine that a breakup is just on the horizon. “It’s been real rocky for them,” said the source. “Divorce is inevitable and Beyoncé’s only option.”
While Beyoncé is rumored to be out on the outs with her beau of more than a decade, there are several reasons for the songstress not to forward with a separation.
IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE
With Beyoncé and Jay Z's combined net worth estimated to be $900 million, legal experts are reporting that their divorce could cost upwards of an astounding $1 billion. “It would be the most expensive celebrity divorce in history,” Goldie Schon, a California family lawyer, told Life & Style. “Attorneys’ fees and professional fees could be in excess of $100,000 every month. The cost of divorce is endless.”
IT MIGHT BE BAD FOR BUSINESS
Not only would their celebrity divorce break monetary records, it could also hurt their income in the long run. According to Life & Style, the couple are trying to keep their union together in order to complete their “On The Run“ tour, which is reportedly selling tickets for up to $342 a pop. “A divorce would simply be bad for business,” reported the magazine. “That’s the big reason why they’re keeping their troubled relationship a secret.” A source relayed a similar sentiment to OK!, saying, “Beyoncé has been told by their manager that they need to maintain a united front.”
BLUE IVY
Despite their own issues, Beyoncé’s top priority is reportedly the well-being of their 2-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. While there is no word if the tot is what is keeping the entertainers together, sources are speculating that the pair would share custody of Blue if they split. “Little Blue Ivy is the light of both of her parents’ lives,” reads Life & Style’s report, adding that the pair is adamant about the youngster being “unscathed” by a potential divorce.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE
According to Life & Style, Beyoncé may be holding back from ending her relationship with Jay Z in an effort to keep up their happy couple persona. “Beyoncé is extremely careful about her image, and everything she does is thought out and planned,” said one source. “She is obsessed with them appearing as the perfect family.”
HE RUNS HER CAREER
Following her 2008 nuptials to Jay Z, the music mogul has reportedly taken over his wife’s career. While Beyoncé’s father Mathew Knowles used to serve as her manager, Life & Style is reporting that Jay Z has since taken over the job. “Jay Z is very controlling,” said one insider. “[Beyoncé] basically went from having her father running her life to Jay running her life.”
Tupac's Last Words: 'F**k You,' Says First Responder Cop (Report)By Devon Malone - Billboard
A new interview with the Las Vegas police officer who was first on the scene when Tupac Shakur was fatally shot outside the MGM Grand in 1996 alleges that the 25-year-old rapper's last words were a kiss-off to the cop. The interview is the centerpiece of a feature written by the officer's cousin and published by Las Vegas alt-weekly Vegas Seven earlier this week.
Chris Carroll, who retired from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department in 2010, was a bike-patrol officer working a night shift on the evening of Sept. 7, when boxer Mike Tyson won a first-round knockout match against Bruce Seldon at the MGM Grand Hotel and after which the gang-related initial skirmish involving Tyson's good friend Shakur and Death Row Records boss Suge Knight broke out.
A few minutes after the fight, after Shakur and Knight had driven away from the scene -- and into the drive-by with the white Cadillac that contained Shakur's killers -- Carroll was the first police officer on the scene, and the one to eventually open the passenger door of Knight's BMW and catch a bleeding Shakur as he fell out of the car. Carroll alleges that instead of naming his murderers, who had shot him four times in the chest, Shakur stuck to his no-snitching mantra to the end:
"So I’m looking at Tupac, and he’s trying to yell back at Suge, and I’m asking him, 'Who shot you? What happened? Who did it?' And he was just kind of ignoring me. He was making eye contact with me here and there, but he’s trying to yell at Suge. And I kept asking over and over, ‘Who did this? Who shot you?’ And he basically kept ignoring me. And then I saw in his face, in his movements, all of a sudden in the snap of a finger, he changed. And he went from struggling to speak, being noncooperative, to an 'I’m at peace' type of thing. Just like that.
"He went from fighting to 'I can’t do it.' And when he made that transition, he looked at me, and he’s looking right in my eyes. And that’s when I looked at him and said one more time, 'Who shot you?'
"He looked at me and he took a breath to get the words out, and he opened his mouth, and I thought I was actually going to get some cooperation. And then the words came out: 'Fuck you.'
"After that, he started gurgling and slipping out of consciousness. At that point, an ambulance showed up, and he went into unconsciousness."
Carroll goes on to recount how he rode along in the ambulance with the unconscious Shakur, in case he regained consciousness and was able to name his killers -- a dying declaration does not constitute hearsay and is permissible in court -- but says the rapper and actor remained comatose until his death by internal bleeding six days later.
The ex-officer also claimed that, contrary to reports of the case still being investigated, "nothing more is ever going to happen with it," and that Knight, who many believe had something to do with the murder, "had legitimate concern for [Tupac]. It wasn’t acting; you could see it was the heat of the moment. This is not the guy who had him killed; it’s ridiculous."
In the 18 years since Shakur's murder, which is still technically open, the case has been fraught with allegations from reporters of police apathy, in addition to countless conspiracy theories including, most famously, those that claim Shakur is not dead at all, but instead is hiding out in another country. This new report comes just a few weeks before "Holler If Ya Hear Me," the Broadway musical based on Shakur's music, begins previewing at the Palace Theatre in New York on June 2.
Chris Carroll, who retired from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department in 2010, was a bike-patrol officer working a night shift on the evening of Sept. 7, when boxer Mike Tyson won a first-round knockout match against Bruce Seldon at the MGM Grand Hotel and after which the gang-related initial skirmish involving Tyson's good friend Shakur and Death Row Records boss Suge Knight broke out.
A few minutes after the fight, after Shakur and Knight had driven away from the scene -- and into the drive-by with the white Cadillac that contained Shakur's killers -- Carroll was the first police officer on the scene, and the one to eventually open the passenger door of Knight's BMW and catch a bleeding Shakur as he fell out of the car. Carroll alleges that instead of naming his murderers, who had shot him four times in the chest, Shakur stuck to his no-snitching mantra to the end:
"So I’m looking at Tupac, and he’s trying to yell back at Suge, and I’m asking him, 'Who shot you? What happened? Who did it?' And he was just kind of ignoring me. He was making eye contact with me here and there, but he’s trying to yell at Suge. And I kept asking over and over, ‘Who did this? Who shot you?’ And he basically kept ignoring me. And then I saw in his face, in his movements, all of a sudden in the snap of a finger, he changed. And he went from struggling to speak, being noncooperative, to an 'I’m at peace' type of thing. Just like that.
"He went from fighting to 'I can’t do it.' And when he made that transition, he looked at me, and he’s looking right in my eyes. And that’s when I looked at him and said one more time, 'Who shot you?'
"He looked at me and he took a breath to get the words out, and he opened his mouth, and I thought I was actually going to get some cooperation. And then the words came out: 'Fuck you.'
"After that, he started gurgling and slipping out of consciousness. At that point, an ambulance showed up, and he went into unconsciousness."
Carroll goes on to recount how he rode along in the ambulance with the unconscious Shakur, in case he regained consciousness and was able to name his killers -- a dying declaration does not constitute hearsay and is permissible in court -- but says the rapper and actor remained comatose until his death by internal bleeding six days later.
The ex-officer also claimed that, contrary to reports of the case still being investigated, "nothing more is ever going to happen with it," and that Knight, who many believe had something to do with the murder, "had legitimate concern for [Tupac]. It wasn’t acting; you could see it was the heat of the moment. This is not the guy who had him killed; it’s ridiculous."
In the 18 years since Shakur's murder, which is still technically open, the case has been fraught with allegations from reporters of police apathy, in addition to countless conspiracy theories including, most famously, those that claim Shakur is not dead at all, but instead is hiding out in another country. This new report comes just a few weeks before "Holler If Ya Hear Me," the Broadway musical based on Shakur's music, begins previewing at the Palace Theatre in New York on June 2.
'The Shield' actor Michael Jace charged in wife's shooting death
By Alan Duke, CNN
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jace, who played a Los Angeles cop in TV's "The Shield," has been arrested in the fatal shooting of his wife, police said Tuesday.
Police found April Jace, 40, shot to death in her south Los Angeles home Monday night, Los Angeles Police Det. Lyman Doster said.
Michael Jace, 51, called 911 to report that his wife had been shot, Det. Dean Vinluan said, adding that he "was on the phone with the operator." Neighbors who heard gunshots also called 911, he said.
"At this moment, the motive of the murder is believed to be domestic violence," a police statement said.
Investigators detained Jace at the couple's Hyde Park-area home Monday night and booked the actor on a homicide charge early Tuesday, according to Doster.
ace was booked into a Los Angeles jail with bail set at $1 million.
CNN has been unable to find the name of any lawyer Jace may have hired to defend him in this homicide case. He is not expected to appear in court before Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney said.
Two children were in the home when their mother was shot, Vinluan said. The children, whose ages he would not reveal, were taken to a police station and then handed over to a representative of California's Department of Children and Family Services, he said.
Investigators have found no reports of domestic violence between the husband and wife at their south Los Angeles residence, LAPD Det. Iasparro said.
A woman described as a close friend of his first wife said in a sworn statement that she witnessed Jace physically abusing his wife in 1997. The declaration was in court records from Jace's 2005 custody case concerning his son with Jennifer Bitterman.
Jace "choked and hit" his wife and "slammed her against the wall while (their infant son) screamed in his crib next to her," Maria De Le Vegas said in the sworn declaration obtained by CNN.
Jace "was raging and out of control, and seeing the extent of his anger was one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen," she said.
Jace appeared to be suffering severe financial strain in recent years, according to court documents obtained by CNN. The actor filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in March 2011, citing $500,000 in debts and an annual income of around $80,000 from residuals from his TV and film work, the documents said.
Jace had defaulted on the $411,000 mortgage on the south Los Angeles home where his wife died, according to the documents. His bankruptcy case is still active, according to his lawyer.
He married April Jace in June 2003, a year after divorcing his first wife, with whom he shared a son who is now a teen.
The FX police drama "The Shield" was the biggest and longest-running role in Jace's 22-year acting career. He appeared in 89 episodes as Julien Lowe, who started as a rookie officer in an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct in 2002 and rose through the ranks to become a detective before the series ended in 2008, according to the Internet Movie Database.
He acted on several episodes of "Southland," another TV drama about Los Angeles police, between 2009 and 2012.
Jace often played a law enforcement or military officer on television shows. He is credited with roles in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Private Practice," "The Mentalist," "Burn Notice" and "NYPD Blue."
He had the title role of Michael Jordan in the 1999 TV movie about the NBA star, "Michael Jordan: An American Hero."
Jace played Officer Brown in Russell Crowe's 2009 film "State of Play," and he portrayed a Black Panther member in the 1994 blockbuster movie "Forrest Gump."
April Jace had worked for the past year as a financial aid counselor at Biola University, a private school in La Mirada, California, according to the school.
"We are obviously shocked and saddened by this terrible news, to lose a wonderful colleague, mother and friend," Biola President Barry Corey said in a written statement.
"April's radiant personality brought great energy to the financial aid office," financial aid director Geoff Marsh said. "Her love for helping students and families and her great work ethic earned the respect and love of her coworkers. Her smiling face and helpful spirit will be missed by all."
CNN's Dottie Evans and Selin Darkalstanian contributed to this report.
Police found April Jace, 40, shot to death in her south Los Angeles home Monday night, Los Angeles Police Det. Lyman Doster said.
Michael Jace, 51, called 911 to report that his wife had been shot, Det. Dean Vinluan said, adding that he "was on the phone with the operator." Neighbors who heard gunshots also called 911, he said.
"At this moment, the motive of the murder is believed to be domestic violence," a police statement said.
Investigators detained Jace at the couple's Hyde Park-area home Monday night and booked the actor on a homicide charge early Tuesday, according to Doster.
ace was booked into a Los Angeles jail with bail set at $1 million.
CNN has been unable to find the name of any lawyer Jace may have hired to defend him in this homicide case. He is not expected to appear in court before Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney said.
Two children were in the home when their mother was shot, Vinluan said. The children, whose ages he would not reveal, were taken to a police station and then handed over to a representative of California's Department of Children and Family Services, he said.
Investigators have found no reports of domestic violence between the husband and wife at their south Los Angeles residence, LAPD Det. Iasparro said.
A woman described as a close friend of his first wife said in a sworn statement that she witnessed Jace physically abusing his wife in 1997. The declaration was in court records from Jace's 2005 custody case concerning his son with Jennifer Bitterman.
Jace "choked and hit" his wife and "slammed her against the wall while (their infant son) screamed in his crib next to her," Maria De Le Vegas said in the sworn declaration obtained by CNN.
Jace "was raging and out of control, and seeing the extent of his anger was one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen," she said.
Jace appeared to be suffering severe financial strain in recent years, according to court documents obtained by CNN. The actor filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in March 2011, citing $500,000 in debts and an annual income of around $80,000 from residuals from his TV and film work, the documents said.
Jace had defaulted on the $411,000 mortgage on the south Los Angeles home where his wife died, according to the documents. His bankruptcy case is still active, according to his lawyer.
He married April Jace in June 2003, a year after divorcing his first wife, with whom he shared a son who is now a teen.
The FX police drama "The Shield" was the biggest and longest-running role in Jace's 22-year acting career. He appeared in 89 episodes as Julien Lowe, who started as a rookie officer in an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct in 2002 and rose through the ranks to become a detective before the series ended in 2008, according to the Internet Movie Database.
He acted on several episodes of "Southland," another TV drama about Los Angeles police, between 2009 and 2012.
Jace often played a law enforcement or military officer on television shows. He is credited with roles in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Private Practice," "The Mentalist," "Burn Notice" and "NYPD Blue."
He had the title role of Michael Jordan in the 1999 TV movie about the NBA star, "Michael Jordan: An American Hero."
Jace played Officer Brown in Russell Crowe's 2009 film "State of Play," and he portrayed a Black Panther member in the 1994 blockbuster movie "Forrest Gump."
April Jace had worked for the past year as a financial aid counselor at Biola University, a private school in La Mirada, California, according to the school.
"We are obviously shocked and saddened by this terrible news, to lose a wonderful colleague, mother and friend," Biola President Barry Corey said in a written statement.
"April's radiant personality brought great energy to the financial aid office," financial aid director Geoff Marsh said. "Her love for helping students and families and her great work ethic earned the respect and love of her coworkers. Her smiling face and helpful spirit will be missed by all."
CNN's Dottie Evans and Selin Darkalstanian contributed to this report.
Guess How Much TMZ Paid For That Leaked Solange-Jay Z Elevator Footage? By Price Peterson-The Wire
Today in celebrity gossip: TMZ paid A LOT of money for that infamous security camera footage, Bryan Singer came out as bisexual, and Lil' Kim tweeted her baby registries to fans.
What is money? Where does it come from and what is it worth and what are we even supposed to do with it? Sure, money is easier to comprehend when it comes in small increments. Like, I know that two bucks is worth about one and a half packs of Starbursts. But if we're talking about more than, say, 85 dollars cash American, that's not even an amount of money anymore, that's just a concept. You know? Money is weird and it only gets weirder when there's a lot of it. But here is a story about a lot of money that you may find interesting, mostly because it involves Solange beating up Jay Z in an elevator. That whole incident came to light because some very unprofessional employee of The Standard Hotel in NYC held up a camera phone to a security monitor and the rest is TMZ click-bait history. First of all, just FYI, that very unprofessional employee was fired from The Standard, you should know that right now. Here's the hotel's official statement:
The Standard has identified the individual responsible for breaching the security policies of the hotel and recording the confidential CCTV video released by TMZ. The Standard has already terminated the individual and will now be pursuing all available civil and criminal remedies.
I don't think anybody will dispute that that employee deserved to be fired. But if you were that employee, exactly how much remorse could you possibly be feeling about your rule-floutin' considering you'd sold the footage to TMZ for $250,000? So yeah, strikethrough that earlier mention of "unprofessional" and write "enterprising" in its place. Was this act of footage-ganking immoral and shady? Yes, of course. Was it also maybe a modern-day Horatio Alger story about a quick-thinking rascal seizing an opportunity and walking away with cash-lined pockets? Yes as well. According to Page Six, this unnamed entrepreneur "shopped the footage around for five days before selling it to TMZ." Five days of making phone calls and then pulling in a quarter of a million dollars sure beats staring at security monitors for 6 years, right? Guys, look, I'm not endorsing breaking laws or defaming celebs or anything like that, but still. $250,000! That is SO MANY packs of Starburst. I'm honestly sort of impressed? Deal with it, Olivia Wilde. [Page Six]
What is money? Where does it come from and what is it worth and what are we even supposed to do with it? Sure, money is easier to comprehend when it comes in small increments. Like, I know that two bucks is worth about one and a half packs of Starbursts. But if we're talking about more than, say, 85 dollars cash American, that's not even an amount of money anymore, that's just a concept. You know? Money is weird and it only gets weirder when there's a lot of it. But here is a story about a lot of money that you may find interesting, mostly because it involves Solange beating up Jay Z in an elevator. That whole incident came to light because some very unprofessional employee of The Standard Hotel in NYC held up a camera phone to a security monitor and the rest is TMZ click-bait history. First of all, just FYI, that very unprofessional employee was fired from The Standard, you should know that right now. Here's the hotel's official statement:
The Standard has identified the individual responsible for breaching the security policies of the hotel and recording the confidential CCTV video released by TMZ. The Standard has already terminated the individual and will now be pursuing all available civil and criminal remedies.
I don't think anybody will dispute that that employee deserved to be fired. But if you were that employee, exactly how much remorse could you possibly be feeling about your rule-floutin' considering you'd sold the footage to TMZ for $250,000? So yeah, strikethrough that earlier mention of "unprofessional" and write "enterprising" in its place. Was this act of footage-ganking immoral and shady? Yes, of course. Was it also maybe a modern-day Horatio Alger story about a quick-thinking rascal seizing an opportunity and walking away with cash-lined pockets? Yes as well. According to Page Six, this unnamed entrepreneur "shopped the footage around for five days before selling it to TMZ." Five days of making phone calls and then pulling in a quarter of a million dollars sure beats staring at security monitors for 6 years, right? Guys, look, I'm not endorsing breaking laws or defaming celebs or anything like that, but still. $250,000! That is SO MANY packs of Starburst. I'm honestly sort of impressed? Deal with it, Olivia Wilde. [Page Six]
Apple 'Closing In' On Dr. Dre's Beats For $3.2 Billion
Beats founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine
(Forbes) Could “Beats By Dre” soon be “Beats By Apple”?
That’s what Matthew Garrahan and Tim Bradshaw of the Financial Times are reporting: Apple is “closing in” on what would be its largest ever acquisition, a potential $3.2 billion purchase of Beats Electronics.
Beats is primarily known as the popular high-end headphone maker founded in 2008 by rapper-turned-businessman Dr. Dre (perennial member of Forbes’ Cash Kings list) and music producer Jimmy Iovine. The company also operates a new streaming music service.
Forbes had previously estimated that the founders each owned approximately 25% of the company, but there have been a number of transactions in the last year, with former majority owner HTC backing out and private equity firm Carlyle Group investing as a minority partner. Beats also reportedly raised $60 million in funding from, among others, billionaires Len Blavatnik, Marc Rowan, James Packer, and Lee Bass.
Most recently, Forbes estimated the value of Beats at about $2 billion, but Apple would appear to be paying well above that if the acquisition goes through.
Unlike some of its Silicon Valley peers, Apple is not known for making big acquisitions, so such a deal would be a marked departure in style for CEO Tim Cook. But it could be a way to start using Apple’s massive hoard of cash or attempt to shore up the company’s large but slowing iTunes music sales business. $3.2 billion would be the same price Google GOOGL +0.44% paid for high-end thermostat maker Nest Labs in January.
The Financial Times reports that a deal could be announced as early as next week, although terms are not final.
Apple AAPL -1.21% shares are down slightly in after hours trading. Recently, the stock has been trading at its highest price since October 2012.
That’s what Matthew Garrahan and Tim Bradshaw of the Financial Times are reporting: Apple is “closing in” on what would be its largest ever acquisition, a potential $3.2 billion purchase of Beats Electronics.
Beats is primarily known as the popular high-end headphone maker founded in 2008 by rapper-turned-businessman Dr. Dre (perennial member of Forbes’ Cash Kings list) and music producer Jimmy Iovine. The company also operates a new streaming music service.
Forbes had previously estimated that the founders each owned approximately 25% of the company, but there have been a number of transactions in the last year, with former majority owner HTC backing out and private equity firm Carlyle Group investing as a minority partner. Beats also reportedly raised $60 million in funding from, among others, billionaires Len Blavatnik, Marc Rowan, James Packer, and Lee Bass.
Most recently, Forbes estimated the value of Beats at about $2 billion, but Apple would appear to be paying well above that if the acquisition goes through.
Unlike some of its Silicon Valley peers, Apple is not known for making big acquisitions, so such a deal would be a marked departure in style for CEO Tim Cook. But it could be a way to start using Apple’s massive hoard of cash or attempt to shore up the company’s large but slowing iTunes music sales business. $3.2 billion would be the same price Google GOOGL +0.44% paid for high-end thermostat maker Nest Labs in January.
The Financial Times reports that a deal could be announced as early as next week, although terms are not final.
Apple AAPL -1.21% shares are down slightly in after hours trading. Recently, the stock has been trading at its highest price since October 2012.
Leslie Jones sparks outrage with slavery jokes on ‘Saturday Night Live
BY CHIDERAH MONDE , DON KAPLAN , GINGER ADAMS OTIS - NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A "Saturday Night Live" sketch joking about slavery — written by one of the show’s recently hired black female writers — has ignited an online backlash.
But comedian Leslie Jones — who made her debut Saturday night for a segment on the news-show parody “Weekend Update” — refused to apologize for her controversial bit, calling her critics “self-righteous.”
The sketch, “No. 1 Slave Draft Pick,” opened with Jones discussing People magazine’s choice of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as the cover girl for its “World’s Most Beautiful” issue.
Jones joked about her own lack of love life — but added that in the days of slavery, her sturdy frame would have gotten plenty of attention.
“See, I’m single right now, but back in the slave days, I would have never been single. I’m 6 feet tall and I’m strong,” she joked.
“I mean, look at me, I’m a mandingo ... I’m just saying that back in the slave days, my love life would have been way better. Massah would have hooked me up with the best brotha on the plantation. ... I would be the No. 1 slave draft pick,” Jones said.
Ebony.com editor Jamilah Lemieux tweeted her disgust: “This Leslie Jones person is an embarrassment ... I’m so appalled right now.”
As additional negative reactions began to pour out, Jones defended her sketch.
“If anybody should be offended it’s white folks cause it’s what they did,” she tweeted.
“Y’all so busy trying to be self righteous you miss what the joke really is. Very sad I have to defend myself to black people,” she wrote.
Lemieux wasn’t pacified and continued the attack.
“So the Lupita moment had to be counteracted by a Black woman acting like a big loud monkey? Just ... wow.”
She later took to Ebony.com to further berate Jones in an essay, saying she minimalized the brutality experienced by black women during slave days.
But Jones continued to fire back — and accused her critics of a double standard for female comics.
“Now I’m betting if Chris Rock or Dave (Chappelle) did that joke or Jay Z or Kanye put it in a rap they would be called brilliant,” she wrote.
“Cause they all do this type of material. Just cause it came from a strong black woman who ain’t afraid to be real y’all mad,” she said.
“SNL” officials declined to comment Monday.
Jones was one of three black women hired by SNL recently after the 39-year-old show was criticized for its lack of racial diversity.
[email protected]
But comedian Leslie Jones — who made her debut Saturday night for a segment on the news-show parody “Weekend Update” — refused to apologize for her controversial bit, calling her critics “self-righteous.”
The sketch, “No. 1 Slave Draft Pick,” opened with Jones discussing People magazine’s choice of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as the cover girl for its “World’s Most Beautiful” issue.
Jones joked about her own lack of love life — but added that in the days of slavery, her sturdy frame would have gotten plenty of attention.
“See, I’m single right now, but back in the slave days, I would have never been single. I’m 6 feet tall and I’m strong,” she joked.
“I mean, look at me, I’m a mandingo ... I’m just saying that back in the slave days, my love life would have been way better. Massah would have hooked me up with the best brotha on the plantation. ... I would be the No. 1 slave draft pick,” Jones said.
Ebony.com editor Jamilah Lemieux tweeted her disgust: “This Leslie Jones person is an embarrassment ... I’m so appalled right now.”
As additional negative reactions began to pour out, Jones defended her sketch.
“If anybody should be offended it’s white folks cause it’s what they did,” she tweeted.
“Y’all so busy trying to be self righteous you miss what the joke really is. Very sad I have to defend myself to black people,” she wrote.
Lemieux wasn’t pacified and continued the attack.
“So the Lupita moment had to be counteracted by a Black woman acting like a big loud monkey? Just ... wow.”
She later took to Ebony.com to further berate Jones in an essay, saying she minimalized the brutality experienced by black women during slave days.
But Jones continued to fire back — and accused her critics of a double standard for female comics.
“Now I’m betting if Chris Rock or Dave (Chappelle) did that joke or Jay Z or Kanye put it in a rap they would be called brilliant,” she wrote.
“Cause they all do this type of material. Just cause it came from a strong black woman who ain’t afraid to be real y’all mad,” she said.
“SNL” officials declined to comment Monday.
Jones was one of three black women hired by SNL recently after the 39-year-old show was criticized for its lack of racial diversity.
[email protected]
Columbus Short Not Returning to Scandal For Season 4, Releases Statement
It looks like Papa Pope actually did take out Harrison Wright in the season 3 finale of Scandal. ABC star Columbus Short will not be returning to the hit drama for season 4.
Short, 31, released a statement to Us Weekly about his decision to exit the White House-based series.
PHOTOS: Olivia Pope's best looks
“At this time I must confirm my exit from a show I’ve called home for 3 years, with what is the most talented ensemble on television today," Short says in his statement. "I would like to first thank [creator] Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast. Thank you GLADIATORS, who have supported me throughout my entire career and of course to ABC and Shondaland for allowing me to play such a pivotal role in the Scandal series. I have enjoyed every single minute of it. Everything must come to an end and unfortunately the time has come for Harrison Wright to exit the canvas. I wish nothing but the best for Shonda, Kerry and the rest of the cast, who have become like a second family to me in such a short amount of time. For this, I will forever be grateful.”
PHOTOS: Get the Scandal style for less
After Henry Ian Cusick (who played Pope and Associates' Stephen Finch) exited the show in season 1, Harrison became a right-hand man to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), helping run her business while she was "fixing" some of the White House's biggest problems.
Despite his dangerous dalliance with terrorist Adnan Salif, his character seemed to be in good standing until he crossed paths with Olivia's father Rowan Pope in the April 17 finale, but off-screen, Short's antics were cause for concern.
PHOTOS: Stars who have been fired from their jobs
In late March, the actor was arrested on a felony battery charge after a restaurant brawl. The charge could result in up to four years in prison if convicted. And on Valentine's Day Short was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery and ordered to stay away from wife Tuere Short. They are currently in the middle of a heated divorce.
Follow us: @usweekly on Twitter | usweekly on Facebook
Short, 31, released a statement to Us Weekly about his decision to exit the White House-based series.
PHOTOS: Olivia Pope's best looks
“At this time I must confirm my exit from a show I’ve called home for 3 years, with what is the most talented ensemble on television today," Short says in his statement. "I would like to first thank [creator] Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast. Thank you GLADIATORS, who have supported me throughout my entire career and of course to ABC and Shondaland for allowing me to play such a pivotal role in the Scandal series. I have enjoyed every single minute of it. Everything must come to an end and unfortunately the time has come for Harrison Wright to exit the canvas. I wish nothing but the best for Shonda, Kerry and the rest of the cast, who have become like a second family to me in such a short amount of time. For this, I will forever be grateful.”
PHOTOS: Get the Scandal style for less
After Henry Ian Cusick (who played Pope and Associates' Stephen Finch) exited the show in season 1, Harrison became a right-hand man to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), helping run her business while she was "fixing" some of the White House's biggest problems.
Despite his dangerous dalliance with terrorist Adnan Salif, his character seemed to be in good standing until he crossed paths with Olivia's father Rowan Pope in the April 17 finale, but off-screen, Short's antics were cause for concern.
PHOTOS: Stars who have been fired from their jobs
In late March, the actor was arrested on a felony battery charge after a restaurant brawl. The charge could result in up to four years in prison if convicted. And on Valentine's Day Short was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery and ordered to stay away from wife Tuere Short. They are currently in the middle of a heated divorce.
Follow us: @usweekly on Twitter | usweekly on Facebook
Lupita Nyong’o named People Magazine’s ‘Most Beautiful’ person
BY RACHEL MARESCA
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
It sure is Lupita Nyong'o's year to shine!
The first-time Oscar winner was crowned as this year's "Most Beautiful" by People magazine.
The mag announced who was awarded their prestigious honor Wednesday morning.
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o said of gracing the cover. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on (it) and feel a little more seen."
The 31-year-old actress has certainly proved this past year that she is beautiful both inside and out.
Nyong'o received a ton of attention for her head-turning red carpet fashion and her incredibly moving speech after taking home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "12 Years a Slave."
The star, who was born in Mexico and brought up in Kenya, told People her early views of beauty were swayed by what she saw on television.
"Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she said. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess."
Nyong'o sweetly said her mother Dorothy "always said I was beautiful, and I finally believed her at some point."
What is the best beauty compliment the stunning starlet has ever received?
"When I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on," she told the mag
The first-time Oscar winner was crowned as this year's "Most Beautiful" by People magazine.
The mag announced who was awarded their prestigious honor Wednesday morning.
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o said of gracing the cover. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on (it) and feel a little more seen."
The 31-year-old actress has certainly proved this past year that she is beautiful both inside and out.
Nyong'o received a ton of attention for her head-turning red carpet fashion and her incredibly moving speech after taking home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "12 Years a Slave."
The star, who was born in Mexico and brought up in Kenya, told People her early views of beauty were swayed by what she saw on television.
"Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she said. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess."
Nyong'o sweetly said her mother Dorothy "always said I was beautiful, and I finally believed her at some point."
What is the best beauty compliment the stunning starlet has ever received?
"When I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on," she told the mag
