Queen Latifah Opens Up About Overcoming Alcoholism & Being Molested
Queen Latifah is revealing how being molested as a small child by a babysitter and other tragedies led to alcoholism. She survived it and is offering up her story so maybe others can too. In the latest issue of Good Housekeeping, where the talk show host is looking Holiday glam on the cover, Latifah opened up about her journey of getting to where she is.
"There's probably no reason I should be here as an African-American girl from Newark," Latifah says. "And for a lot of the things I've wanted to do in life, I haven't looked typical," she adds, referring to Hollywood's beauty standards. While other aspiring actresses might have compromised themselves to win a role, Latifah has famously declared, "I was not born a size 2. I'm not skinny, period. I'm not willing to sleep with the director or step on somebody else's neck to get the job."
She said about deciding to get therapy thanks to the urging of her friend Jada Pinkett Smith:
We ignore our feelings a lot, I realize. Many of us have to…until they really bite us in the butt. What set me free was looking at it from a different perspective, I was 5, manipulated and afraid. You have to say something. The power of those who perpetrate the abuse is your fear and your shame…and that’s unacceptable.
On her brother's death:
My life was rocked to the core…I felt guilty, because I was angry at God. ‘Lance was not there for me to share it with, And I was thinking, Well, I don’t need this. I’d rather have my brother back.’
On her past drinking problem:
Drinking a bunch of alcohol, numbing myself. Every day I would be faded, like a painting that’s just not vibrant, whose edges are dull, I wasn’t living my full life.
On how she got through it all:
I was continuously praying, I realized that wasn’t helping me or my brother. I learned that God was going to provide comfort; I know He is always listening and guiding…I got this little message in my head that I feel was from God. It was as clear as day, like a voice that said to me, ‘Dana, don’t let it all go, because you’re gonna get through this.’ Nobody is perfect. I know that I’m not a saint, but God’s love is there for me. I know that I need help to make it through every day, so I pray to God to help me do the best I can, to lift me up when I am tired and help me develop into the person He wants me to be…I am always surrounded by His love, and He is always there.
The issue of Good Housekeeping is on stands now. Read the full interview HERE.
Paul Walker's has been Laid to Rest
Paul Walker was laid to rest on Saturday at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Hollywood.
And following the late actor’s burial Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Michelle Rodriguez paid tribute yet again to their fallen Fast And Furious co-star.
But this time Tyrese, clearly overcome with emotion, was unable to bridle his soaring rhetoric as he attempted to honour the 40-year-old’s life.
loved ones I wish today was your wedding instead....
‘God has a better plan even beyond ALL of our own understandings.
‘For selfish reasons we all wanted you to stay, another laugh, another take, another talk, another moment..... I guess you can't get all you ask for in life....
‘But our hearts are FULL from all the moments we DID have, 13 years of laughter and grace, humility and love..... Never did I take my access for granted....’
Adding: ‘Continue praying for his #Family, his daughter #Meadow, you are the WORLDS best friend that's why we're all feeling it... #RIHAW Rest In Heaven Angel Walker’.
The 34-year-old fashion model and Ludacris, according to E! News, attended a memorial service with family and friends following the burial.
And Ludacris was also sure to post a tribute.
But the 36-year-old hip hop artist kept it simple with a picture, presumably a photo used at the service, of Paul with his birth and death dates scrolled beneath with the words ‘Always in our hearts...’
Fellow Fast And Furious star Michelle Rodriguez tweeted: ‘I said goodbye to a great man today, a man I never got to show just how much I love his spirit and his golden heart, “stay golden pony boy”...
'I hope you get my tweet in heaven'.
Adding: 'ps your right; “stop talking just do it already” Love you Paul, your departure is fuel to my fire, well meet again, enjoy that light.’
Frank Marshall, who directed Walker in 2006’s Eight Below, posted to Twitter: ‘Today we celebrated the generous soul of PAUL WALKER. Always in our hearts... #PaulWalker’.
Walker and driver Roger Rodas died on November 30 when their car hit a pole and tree and caught fire in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston wins Heisman Trophy
NEW: At 19, Jameis Winston is the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy
"It's a blessing, " Winston says
Winston led the top-ranked Seminoles to an undefeated regular season
Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston was awarded the 79th Heisman Trophy on Saturday, an honor that comes amid lingering questions about a rape allegation that has cast a pall over his claim to the coveted bronze statue.
Winston, who was considered a frontrunner by many college analysts, led the top-ranked Seminoles as a freshman to an undefeated regular season and a chance to play for a national championship in January.
"It's a blessing. I don't even know what's going on right now, honestly. I'm just so happy. I'm overwhelmed," Winston told an audience during the presentation in New York.
Winston wins Heisman in runaway
But even as Winston became only the second redshirt freshman to win the Heisman, questions swirled about a rape allegation made against him more than a year ago but made public only last month.
Heisman finalist finds special friendship Lawyer: Winston case a 'complete failure'
Prosecutors declined this month to file a charge against Winston, but a news conference by his accuser's lawyer the day before the Heisman presentation kept fueling the story.
Asked about the case on Friday, Winston -- who has maintained the sexual activity was consensual -- told reporters: "I knew I did nothing wrong."
On Saturday, shortly before being awarded the Heisman, he told the audience that he wanted people to know that he was a family man who loved his life and his college experience.
"People just got to know I love life," he said.
Winston recorded 3,820 passing yards and 38 passing touchdowns this year. He is only the second redshirt freshman to win the Heisman. The first freshman winner came last year, when Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel took the honor.
At age 19, Winston is the youngest player to win the Heisman. He also is the third FSU player, behind Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke, to claim the honor.
Winston led Florida State to a 13-0 regular season, setting the Seminoles up to take on the Auburn University Tigers in the BCS National Championship on January 6. The game will be played on Winston's 20th birthday.
Power candidates for 2014
Winston, who received 686 first-place votes according to Heisman trustees, finished ahead of Manziel, Auburn's Tre Mason, University of Alabama's AJ McCarron, Northern Illinois University's Jordan Lynch and Boston College's Andre Williams
Taylor Swift Shares Pictures From Her Birthday Down Under
Turning 24 can be a pretty big deal, and Taylor Swift took to Instagram to show off photos from her 24th on Friday (December 13).
The "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" songstress looked lovely in a multi-colored printed frock as she celebrated her big day with a garden party in Australia.
Documenting the occasion with snaps, TSwift certainly had a crowd of pals to party with, as multiple pics show her hanging out with a large group and party balloons.
"The best birthday I've ever had," was the caption on picture, while another read, "My 24th birthday was a Melbourne garden party. Thank you for all the birthday wishes!!"
Kevin Durant's Nike KD VI "Christmas" x "Velvet Hoops" Custom [PHOTOS]
Whether you celebrate Christmas or kick it Kwanzaa style, Kevin Durant and Nike Zoom technology have the perfect gifts for your feet this December. Like he always does around this time, Durantula drops his Nike KD VI "Christmas" in metallic red so bright, it will have Rudolph feeling some type of way over his trademarked nostrils.
This year's edition doesn't pull out any stops including a medallion-like ornament that captures light hues in the middle of the sneaker and candy cane-colored #35's on the bottom sole. His seasonal kicks joins his fellow All-Stars, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James for Nike Basketball's Christmas 2013.
Not to be outdone but their Saint Nick brother, the Nike Zoom KD IV "Velvet Hoops" Custom showcase red, black and green, symbolizing the colors of Africa, the blood their ancestors shed and the shade of their people.
Surely true sneaker heads won't be able to go without both when they release on December 26 but which ones will KD35 rock when he and the Oklahoma City Thunder square off with the ailing New York Knicks on Christmas Day?
Decisions, decisions. In the meantime, take a peek and decide which ones are your favorite pair.
Thoughts?
Paul Walker’s Brother to ‘Replace’ Him in Fast and Furious 7
According to Blog ‘Gumbumper’ Reports have surfaced that Paul’s lookalike younger brother Cody Walker is in talks with Universal to step in to film Paul Walker’s final scenes.
Here’s what an unidentified insider had to say
“Producers had a string of meetings right after Paul’s death. They soon realized they needed someone who looked like Paul to finish the movie and that’s when they approached his nearly identical brother, Cody. They can shoot Cody from behind and at distance and if it’s a shot they need Paul’s face in close up they can CGI it later on. If Cody agrees it’s because he wants to honor his brother’s memory. There are many details that still need to be worked out, but right now the family and cast and crew are all still grieving.”
Cody Walker, who had previously worked as a movie stuntman in the past, resides in Oregon, although he has been in Los Angeles since his brother’s death to help comfort his mother Cheryl.
A Universal Pictures spokesperson released the following statement.
“Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul’s immediate family and our extended Fast & Furious family of cast, crew and filmmakers.”
Day 26 Reuniting For Tour : Diddy Gives His Blessing
A rep for Day 26 has confirmed that the band, handpicked by Diddy on the 2007 show Making The Band, is planning a 30-city tour starting in the Spring of 2014 … and it’s gonna include ALL of the original members. How fast do you think tickets will sell???
Back in the day, D26 produced 2 albums before trouble began. Qwanell “Que” Mosley was kicked out of the group in 2009 because of disagreements with management.
The whole band broke up in the summer of 2012 … and there’ve been rumors of a reunion ever since. It wasn’t until Que climbed on board that it became a reality.
As for Diddy … we’re told he’s NOT part of the resurrected band … but he’s already given the boys his blessing…..TMZ
Khloe Kardashian Spotted Out With Matt Kemp
We told you that the two could be possibly dating and now that Khloe Kardashian has filed for divorce from Lamar Odom it’s all fair in love and war. She was spotted yesterday trailing behind Matt Kemp’s vehicle. We mentioned earlier that the two were dating!
Wondering where they are headed? Chile if there is any truth to this, then this is a MAJOR upgrade for Khloe.
Like I said Kris and Matt put up the same Christmas Tree on Instagram talking about their upcoming holidays. This is an upgrade….
Rihanna Gets DRAPED In Fur, Dines Out In NYC
Rihanna was spotted dining at her fave restaurant Da Silvano. Our source who was also dining at the restaurant says Rihanna was was friendly with the staff, even making an effort to personally say "goodbye" to all the wait staff before she left.
To brave the chilly weather in NYC, Ri rocked a fur coat and a full denim look. Also, she's still rocking the long dark locks that she debuted a few days ago.
On the homefront, Rihanna has been ordered back to LA to sit for a deposition involving a $6.9 Million home in she bought in Beverly Hills in 2009. And chick is suing for breach of contract claiming the mortgage company didn't tell her the home needed a lot of handy work.
Wale Threatens Complex Magazine: ‘I Swear to God I’ll Come to That Office & Start Knocking N—as the F–k Out!’
Complex got a taste of the Kanye Kool-aid when rapper Wale phoned up their offices to inquire about why he was left off of their Top 50 Rap Albums list this year. During the call, Wale asked if the staff had some sort of personal vendetta against him before things took a turn for the worse. From there, yelling and threats ensued and Complex staff was advised to put security on standby.
Catch the exchange below:
Wale: So you think y’all being a responsible publication by continuously to f–king like, so all that petty s–t? At this point you know it’s got to be personal. I don’t want — you telling me it’s not personal, it’s like a bold face lie. To be omitted from every type of list that y’all do or be at the bottom of it or every type of way that y’all can omit me, y’all will. So I just need to know if anybody’s ready to keep it 100 with me and be like, ‘Yeah, it might be. You might have rubbed somebody wrong years ago in some way or fashion’ because I have had no interaction with the company in years. So, to be, every time, be omitted from everything that y’all do, it’s gotta be something. So, I’m trying to find out if you’re going to be the person that tells me that or you just gonna give me the song and dance.
Complex: Well, no, I’m not going to be the person that tells you that. It’s not a personal thing man. We sit
Wale: *screaming* You mean to tell me Juicy J album is better than mine?! Is that what you trying to tell me? You mean to tell me everybody you put on that f–king list…boy don’t play me, man. I came at you civil right now but it could go completely in another direction right now. Respect me, dog. Respect me, dog. Respect the f–king culture right now, man, because right now it’s like some petty s–t going on right now, and I’m trying to get to the bottom of it in a civil manner, yo.
Complex: There’s no disrespect, man. I mean, straight up I really –
Wale: Man, f–k you, dog! You know it’s disrespect! Every f–king time, dog. I swear to God I’ll come to that office and start knocking n—as the f–k out. You want to see some ghetto ignorant s–t? That’s what y’all promote! That’s the only thing y’all promote from n—as is ghetto ignorant s–t. You want me to do that? ‘Cause right now it’s like you giving me the same song and dance like I’m a f–king idiot. You think I’m a f–king idiot? Is that what you trying to tell me?
Complex: No, man, not at all.
Wale: I think you think I’m a f–king idiot, dog. ‘Cause y’all always do this s–t. How the f–k you mean to tell me my album ain’t in the Top 50? That’s what you believe? Or if you saw me in the street would you be like, ‘Aw, dude, aw s–t. I think your s–t is great, man.’ Which one is it? ‘Cause if I see one of y’all, y’all gonna tell me that in my face.
Complex: Let me tell you something. When we make these lists we all get together. We have a big staff meeting and we debate the list for hours and we consider lots and lots of artists. More than 50 artists. Maybe a 100, maybe 200 artists –
Wale: Alright. Alright. I’ll see y’all n—as tomorrow. I’ll see y’all tomorrow. How about that? Get the security ready. *he hangs up*
According to Complex, they tried to reach out to Wale’s camp to sit down for a more “civilized” conversation but they were denied.
Earlier this year, when MTV released their “Hottest MCs List,” Kanye placed an angry phone call to Hot 97 with a similar rant (excluding the threats) after he was placed at #7 (behind Big Sean) in the rankings. It’s the type of thing that you hear about happening often behind the scenes. When an artist releases a project that they feel is their best work, and it’s not recognized as such, they become frustrated which results in angry calls [that usually don't make it to the web.] Could Wale have handled this better? Absolutely. Were politics involved in him not being included in the Top 50? The list is subjective and we may never know…
Kenya Moore Says She Has Been ‘Invisible’ To Her Mom Since Birth
If folks could forget all the “Gone With The Wind Fabulous” and burning bridges with the other Real Housewives for just a minute, they’d see that glamour girl Kenya Moore is dealing with a lot of pain of her own. On Sunday’s heated episode of RHOA, Kenya cried as she revealed that her mother got pregnant with Kenya at 16 and decided to give her to Kenya’s grandmother to raise. Even until today, Kenya says her aunt has been her mother figure while her real mom treats her like she’s invisible and was never even born.
In a heartbreaking blog after the show, while discussing Kandi’s current issues with her mom Joyce being disapproving of her relationship, she wrote:
Ironically, I would rather have a mother that acts inappropriately to protect me than not have a mother at all. My Aunt Lori is my mother’s sister and has always been a mother figure to me. She is smart, driven, successful, and kind. Since birth, my mother made the decision at age 16 to pretend she never had me. She has never spoken to me. Even if present in the same room with other people and family, she pretends that I simply don’t exist. She pretends I’m invisible.
I fully understand that there has been a void in my life because of this, which relates to my romantic relationships. I have never had any issues with falling in love, dating, sustaining long-term relationships, or attracting great men in my life, who have loved me unconditionally. Although I have had now seven proposals of marriage, I have never accepted one.
As my Aunt pointed out, I choose “unavailable men.” I’ve never wanted a married man or one that is in a relationship. I acknowledge I have a pattern of falling for men who are emotionally unavailable, physically unavailable in terms of distance, or categorically unavailable with respect to time or where they are in life. For instance, some men know they are not ready for marriage. Perhaps my pattern is that I unconsciously seek rejection or failure with these men, which sadly mimics my mother’s relationship.
Kenya says her story isn’t over and she’s working through her pain. She’s got herself a new boo and is ready to start a family, even if that means doing it without a man.
Although I have suffered a great deal of pain from my mother, my understanding of my own pathology is a step toward healing. Everyone has a story. Everyone has suffered loss, pain, or rejection on some level. My story of my mother has been written and published for 42 years. My story of having a family of my own is still being written. I have had a series of unfortunate setbacks, but I have faith in knowing that God has a plan for me. My Aunt believes that if a baby is what I want now, then I should focus on that. For me, I will explore all my options as I have someone special in my life. I have learned my lesson about pressuring a man for marriage. With that said, I will continue to work on myself so that I can be the best woman, friend, companion, and mother to my future children… God’s speed.
Wishing Kenya the best!
The $9,000 Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear
Louis Vuitton has a bear for a child/adult who has almost everything LV in his/her closet. At just $9,000 on the Louis Vuitton Monogram Limited Edition VIP Collectible DouDou Teddy Bear and walk back home with a collector piece.
At $9,000 for a stuffed animal? I’ll pass, because that is just ridiculous.
Lakers’ Security Guard Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Championship Rings
A security guard at the LA Lakers training facility was arrested on Tuesday for (allegedly) stealing two championship rings and $20,000 in gift cards
Eddie Monterroso, 23, who worked at a Lakers training facility, was arrested Tuesday outside the facility, the El Segundo Police Department said.
The two championship rings were from the 2009 and 2010 seasons, police said.
A search of the suspect’s home on December 10 “yielded evidence of the theft as well as the championship rings,” according to an El Segundo Police Department statement.
He is facing charges of burglary and grand theft, police said.
The gift cards were going to be used by the team to give away as donations to community groups for Christmas, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The GREAT work of the detectives, they quickly narrowed down their suspect and were able to retrieve $6,000 of the gift cards.
T.I., Tiny, & More Party At ATL's Vanquish Night Club [PHOTOS]
T.I. has been on a world tour this week. Following a stint in New York City, where he announced news about his upcoming album and celebrated the release of a book, the rapper returned to his native Atlanta to party it up
The Kang was spotted alongside his wife Tiny at the popular Vanquish Night Club. John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Monica, Jazze Pha, DTP's Chaka Zulu, Kim Porter, DJ Don Cannon, and Toya Wright.
Dior Goes Metallic For New Watch Collection
This seems to be the season for dope designer accessories. Dior has just presented its latest luxury watch inspired by the world of haute couture fashion.
The stunning and modern timepiece comes with a bracelet in metallic leather, (one of the hottest trends seen on the runways this season), a little neon detailing, and rich sapphires.
Available in two different versions, the new watch is based on a self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve and an oscillating weight, which has been lacquered in pale green. In high-tech black ceramic and stainless steel, the case — available in 33 mm and 38 mm — is crowned by a rotating bezel with raised black ceramic pyramids. This collection will only have 188 watches available for purchase, and it will be available beginning in January. Sorry, the price has not been released yet. Reps are only adding ” price available by request” to the press releases, but I’m sure you can do a quick estimate in your head if needed.
Oprah Winfrey In The Hollywood Reporter: There Won't Be A "Next Oprah"
Taking time away from her busy schedule, Oprah Winfrey graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter.
During her sit down with the publication, the 59-year-old television personality opened up about her Broadway dreams and even shared details about how others took advantage of her.
Highlights from Miss Winfrey's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to pay a visit to The Hollywood Reporter!
On "The Oprah Winfrey Show":
"The only thing I ever questioned about leaving [the show] was the timing. Should I have waited and then started OWN separately? Should I have tried to start it earlier? But the actual ending of the show, I never wanted to be in the position of ever having people say, 'You shoulda come out of the rain.'"
On her successor:
"There won’t be a 'next Oprah.' Just like there won’t be another Barbara Walters, Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston. People who make their mark in the way that they made it, that’s it."
On her generosity:
"When you're the most successful person in your family, in your neighborhood and in your town, everybody thinks you're the First National Bank and you have to figure out for yourself where those boundaries are. I got to the point where nobody ever asked me for anything less than $5,000. I felt pressured for a long time to say yes, because I thought, 'I can't lie and say I don't have it. My salary is printed in the paper. I've bought more houses and cars than I can even tell you."
On her interest in Broadway:
"It's something I would like to do, but I'd like to get settled in my house, have a life and then make the next move. I'd just like to be in the space where I really feel like I have nothing to prove. I think I'm just about there."
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘IN A FLASH’
Is it weird my first thought right now is if she is willing to show some boobies at Walmart then she probably could have put that to good use and skipped some Black Friday lines? Also, boobs are the best. Just in case anyone had any doubt as to what is the best, it’s boobs. The answer has always been and will always be boobs.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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