MAXINE WATERS COVERS ESSENCE MAGAZINE!
From Essence: Maxine Waters shares the importance of being her most authentic self, from her style to her career. Additionally, she drops gems on what you need to know before running for political office.
Before Maxine Waters (D-CA) ever went viral for reclaiming her time at a congressional hearing this summer, she was advocating for constituents domestically and globally.
That’s what makes her rise to popularity within social media feel familiar — she’s been about this life, battling injustice, inequality and systematic silencing for over 40 years. So when she delivered the now-famous line in a House Financial Services committee hearing in August after Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin attempted to filibuster her, it was business as usual.
“It’s [the] regular order of business,” she told political commentator Angela Rye in ESSENCE’s Dec/Jan issue. “I think it was important for me to let him know that he couldn’t get away with that.”
For millennials — who affectionately call the California Congresswoman “Auntie” — that kind of no-nonsense advocacy has inspired memes and movements that position Waters’ words as bible for those looking to stand their ground, organize and activate. Recently, “Reclaiming Our Time” became the theme for the Women’s March Convention in Detroit.
For those who remember when Waters took on apartheid in South Africa through divestment in the 1980s, or who are familiar with her creation of the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998, it’s clear that she has no plans to slow down or to give up on the communities she represents.
Maxine Waters isn’t a trending topic.“One of the things I discovered a long time ago was that I make people uncomfortable and that my advocacy goes beyond what politicians normally do,” she told ESSENCE. “I have a strong sense of what’s fair and what’s not fair, and for vulnerable people who are being taken advantage of, or who are being bullied or intimidated, I tend to want to be protective or to fight for them,” she continued.
And in all, through her work as a wife, mother, grandmother, organizer and legislator, one thing reigns supreme.
“I want to be remembered as a courageous fighter.”
Read the full interview in the Dec/Jan issue of ESSENCE, on newsstands this week.
BREAKING: Charles Manson Dies at 83
Charles Manson, the notorious leader of the Manson Family cult that murdered actress Sharon Tate and six others in 1969, died Sunday in a Bakersfield, Calif., hospital. He was 83.
The California Department of Corrections released a statement reading, “Inmate Charles Manson, 83, died of natural causes at 8:13 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at a Kern County hospital.”
Manson returned to the hospital in mid-November after being hospitalized in January. He was transferred out of Corcoran State Prison, where he had been serving nine life sentences. He had been denied parole 12 times.
The shocking murders brought the carefree hippie era of the late 1960s to a dark end, with Manson and his followers becoming infamous cultural figures. Though he didn’t commit the Tate and LaBianca murders himself, the Corrections Department said “On December 13, 1971, Manson received a first-degree murder conviction from Los Angeles County for the July 25, 1969, death of Gary Hinman and another first-degree murder conviction for the August 1969 death of Donald Shea.”
A career criminal from an impoverished and abusive background, Manson was first incarcerated in 1951 and by age 32 had spent half of his life behind bars.
An aspiring musician who first learned to play guitar in prison, Manson began gathering followers in San Francisco during the Summer of Love in 1967. In the short time between his 1967 prison release and his imprisonment in 1969, Manson skirted the fringes of show business, even briefly finding himself working with the number rock and roll band in America, the Beach Boys.
He became intertwined with Hollywood in 1968, when he and more than a dozen of his followers lived at the Sunset Boulevard home of Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. Manson crossed paths with several entertainment business figures, including actors and film producers intrigued by his charismatic hold on his followers and his counterculture beliefs.
Manson recorded several songs and was introduced by Wilson to other show business acquaintances, including music producer Terry Melcher, the only son of Doris Day. One of Manson’s songs, “Cease to Exist,” was reworked by the Beach Boys as “Never Learn Not To Love,” and eventually released by the band with the writing credit attributed to Dennis Wilson.
The band’s changes to his song reportedly angered Manson, who allegedly threatened Dennis Wilson with murder.
In 1968, Manson and his followers were evicted from Dennis Wilson’s home and Manson relocated his group to Spahn Movie Ranch, near Chatsworth, Calif. The locale was rich with film and TV history, and films such as King Vidor’s “Duel in the Sun” and popular TV shows such as “Bonanza” and “Zorro” had filmed there.
From their Spahn Movie Ranch base, Manson launched a killing spree in 1969 with the goal of a sparking a race war he called “Helter Skelter,” based on his interpretation of a song from the Beatles’ “White Album.”
On Aug. 9, 1969, he directed his followers to kill the 26-year-old Tate — who was pregnant and married to director Roman Polanski — and four others at the home she was renting in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles.
Polanski was out of the country at the time of the Cielo Drive killings. The other victims were celebrity hair stylist Jay Sebring, 35; Voytek Frykowski, 32; coffee heiress Abigail Folger, 25; and Steven Parent, 18, a friend of Tate’s caretaker. The word “Pig” was written on the front door in blood.
On the following night, Manson and his followers killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles. “Death to Pigs” and “Healter Skelter” were scrawled in blood at the crime scene.
Manson and more than 20 of his followers were arrested at ranches in the California desert in the following months. He and three followers — Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten — were found guilty in a trial and sentenced to death in 1971. The death sentences were commuted to life in prison in 1972 when the death penalty was abolished in California. Van Houten was granted parole in September but her release must still be approved by Governor Jerry Brown.
Manson has been the subject of dozens of books and articles, some, like musician-writer Ed Sanders’ 1971 tome “The Family,” investigative and rich in details of the cultural moment of the murders, but many simply cut and paste jobs published to satiate the public’s curiosity about the notorious killer.
The story of the trial was re-told in the 1976 TV film, “Helter Skelter,” based on the 1974 book by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry. Steve Railsback portrayed Manson. The book was adapted for a second TV movie in 2004, directed by John Gray and starring Jeremy Davies as Manson.
The events surrounding the murders were explored in numerous other movies and TV shows including NBC series “Aquarius,” indie film “Manson Family Vacation” and on “South Park.”
In 2013, James Franco announced he would play hairdresser Sebring in “Beautiful People,” though the film was never put into production.
Over the decades, pop culture references to Manson and his murderous clan have abounded, from the name of goth rocker Marilyn Manson to the alt-rock band Kasabian, named after one of his followers, Linda Kasabian.
Manson’s impact was also seen with numerous Manson Family mentions in acclaimed novelist Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 bestseller set in ‘70s Los Angeles, “Inherent Vice,” while Joan Didion’s “White Album” includes an examination of the impact of Manson as well as an interview with Kasabian.
Manson again made headlines in 2015 when his fiancee at the time, Afton Elaine Burton, AKA “Star,” 53 years his junior, was reported to be planning their nuptials in order to secure a claim to his corpse, which she hoped to exploit as a commercial public display piece.
Since the murder convictions, Manson has been imprisoned at San Quentin; the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, Folsom, and at Corcoran.
#RHoD: ‘Could this Black Beauty Queen Morgan Bredde be the next ‘Real Housewives Of Dallas’ Star?
A source close to The Real Housewives of Dallas production team spilled the tea about next seasons casting. It appears that all the girls are expected to be back next season, except Kameron who is on the fence with the network due to the fan response to her. Bravo is currently testing new girls to join the group for season 3. That means we could possibly have seven girls next season.
Morgan Bredde is one of the ladies who is in the final rounds to be seriously considered to be on the show next season. Morgan is married to a famous football coach and has two adorable mixed kids. The potential newbie was formerly Miss Minnesota so maybe her and LeeAnne Locken can swap beauty queen stories? She has hinted at joining the cast on her Instagram account and has already been connected to Stephanie Hollman.
I am so down for a bit of diversity on the Real Housewives. Atlanta and Potomac are the only casts with African American women so it would be great to see some Black women on a predominantly white franchise, especially a Southern one.
Normally Bravo doesn't make casting decisions until weeks after the reunion has finished airing but they want to get a jump on production so that filming can begin in the new year because producers want to keep the drama fresh from the reunion, like they did with their other new city, Potomac.
Morgan hasn't officially been handed her star and she still has to beat out some other competition, but I am pulling for a woman of colour to mix it up with those other Texan ladies. Maybe Morgan can put those girls back in their place.
The Real Housewives of Dallas is expected to begin filming in early 2018 with a potential fall premiere date. Stay tuned at Good Tea for our shady recap and exclusive tea on the lone star ladies!
#EMPIRE: ‘Empire’ Posts Best Ratings Since Season Premiere
On a night when many broadcast shows posted gains in both key ratings measures, Fox’s “Empire” posted its best ratings since the season premiere.
Airing at 8 p.m., “Empire” drew a 2.0 rating in adults 18-49 and 6.1 million viewers. The season premiere drew a 2.4 and 7.1 million viewers in September. Previously, the next highest-rated episode was the episode that aired on Oct. 11, which drew a 2.0 and 5.9 million viewers.
Later on Fox, “Star” (1.2, 3.8 million) was even.
On NBC, “The Blacklist” (0.9, 5.9 million) was up in total viewers. A special Wednesday edition of “The Voice” drew a 1.4 and 7.7 million viewers. “Chicago PD” (1.2, 6.4 million) was up significantly in both measures, matching the high in the demo for this season set by the premiere.
On CBS, “Survivor” (1.7, 8.7 million) was up in total viewers with its biggest audience of the season. “SEAL Team” (1.1, 7.2 million) was up in both measures. “Criminal Minds” (1.0, 5.6 million) was up slightly in the demo.
For ABC, “The Goldbergs” (1.4, 5.6 million) was up slightly in total viewers. “Speechless” (1.1, 4.4 million) was up slightly in both measures. “Modern Family” (1.7, 6 million) was up in the demo. “American Housewife” (1.3, 4.9 million) was even. “Designated Survivor” (0.8, 4.1 million) was up slightly in the demo.
On The CW, both “Riverdale” (0.5, 1.4 million) and “Dynasty” (0.2, 0.7 million) were even.
Fox won the night in the demo with a 1.6 but finished third in total viewers with 4.9 million. CBS was second in the demo with a 1.3 but first in total viewers with 7.2 million. ABC and NBC tied for third in the demo with a 1.2 but NBC was second in total viewers with 6.6 million. ABC was fourth in total viewers with 4.8 million. The CW averaged a 0.3 and 1 million viewers.
#NewMusicVideo: Mariah Carey – The Star
Mariah Carey debuts the official music video for “The Star.” The title track off Sony Picture Animation’s new holiday film is a soaring, inspirational ballad that follows the movie’s theme of the nativity story.
“Thunder and rain surround you but his love’s just a breath away,” sings Carey in front of a starry night scene. “If you follow the heart, follow the light, follow that star.”
In a previous video that acted as a trailer for the film, Mariah beamed about how the song relates to the movie. “I think that the song brings the entire movie to life,” she said. “That’s a pretty special thing.”
In addition to “The Star” the singer has released another brand new original holiday song with “Lil Snowman,” off the soundtrack to her own animated movie Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, which was released on DVD and digital streaming this week.
Watch the video for “The Star” HERE
#HIPHOPNEWS: Meek Mill Reportedly Moves Into General Population At New Prison
CHESTER, PA – Meek Mill was moved into general population at a new prison after the Philly rapper requested he be taken out of solitary confinement, according to TMZ. A State Correctional Institution official who works at the Chester, Pennsylvania facility reportedly said Meek was out of Camp Hill and at their prison in his own cell.
Earlier this week, Meek had demanded to be removed from solitary confinement for fear it would wreak havoc on his mental state. His attorneys reportedly said prison officials were concerned about Meek’s interactions with other inmates considering his celebrity status.
With general population comes more privileges. The Wins & Losses rapper is now able to play basketball, jog, read at the on-site library, exercise in the yard and clock in some gym time. He will also have to choose a job, either cleaning cells or cooking, which only pays 19 cents an hour.
Countless fans and fellow artists alike have come out in support of Meek, including JAY-Z who recently penned an op-ed for the New York Times in Meek’s defense. A “Free Meek Mill” rally was held in Philly on Monday (November 13) and the flyer was shared by everyone from T.I. and Black Thought to Metro Boomin and Swizz Beatz.
Lawyers are currently fighting to get Meek’s two to four-year sentence thrown out. On Wednesday (November 15), TMZ reported Meek’s attorney filed court documents to get him released and request that his probation be terminated.
#RIP Iconic Fashion Designer Azzedine Alaïa Passes Away
Legendary fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa has passed away as a result of heart failure. He was 82.
According to Business of Fashion, Alaïa's love of fashion started at a young age through reading issues of Vogue. Born to Tunisian farmers, he lied about his age in order to attend the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunis before he moved to Paris and started his career working for Christian Dior. With a wealth of experience, he opened his own atelier in the late '70s.
Alaïa's work defined '80s fashion; his bodycon designs and his precise and structured tailoring led him to the nickname "The King of Cling," and would serve as inspiration for countless designers to come. Alaïa was never one to follow the rules, be it through his creations or in response to the industry's strict demands or scheduling. Instead, he often showed his ready-to-wear and couture collections at a time that best suited him.
His humility, regardless of his continued success, and the high standards he held for himself were just a few of the attributes many remember him by. And despite often only sleeping two hours a night to realize his designs, he frequently hosted dinners at his atelier, The Telegraph reports, cooking for and entertaining some of the world's most influential names.
Among the frequent guests his gatherings was supermodel Naomi Campbell, who not only credits Alaïa for much of her career successes, but considers him to be a dear friend and father figure. In a 1998 interview with the Independent, Campbell says she referred to Alaïa as "Papa," likening their close-knit friendship to a father-daughter relationship. "Azzedine saw something in me and taught me to have confidence. I didn't know how to do runway when I started modeling, but he believed in me," said Campbell, who first met the designer when she was 16-years-old and living in Paris. "That brought attention from other designers, and is kind of how I became known — because other designers heard of this little girl Azzedine was working with."
Campbell is just one of the many high-profile celebrities who considered themselves fans of Alaïa's work; over his nearly 40-year-long career, he created pieces for Cindy Crawford, Michelle Obama, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, and Tina Turner, among many others. But, it may be thanks to Cher Horowitz, of the '90s cult classic Clueless, that Alaïa became a household name to those outside the fashion industry. In the film, as Horowitz is robbed at gunpoint, she says: "This is an Alaïa...It's like, a totally important designer." And with that, millions knew his name.
Alaïa was quoted having once said: "You have to be honest in your work. You have to stay true to yourself. That’s the best thing." Disliking the words "trend" and "modern," he also described fashion as not being a trend anyone should feel obligated to follow, adding: "When something is good, it’s good."
R.I.P Alaïa and THANKS for your contributions to the world of Fashion!
Ryan Seacrest Accused of Sexual Misconduct Allegations Made By Former Wardrobe Stylist
Ryan Seacrest released a statement on Friday, November 17, denying sexual misconduct claims made by a former wardrobe stylist.
The allegation was made by the stylist who worked at E! News with the Live With Kelly and Ryan host, according to The Hollywood Reporter, but the details of her accusation have not been made public.
“Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her,” Seacrest, 42, said in a statement on Friday. “If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry.”
“I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result,” he continued. “I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that’s core to who I am. Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I’ve endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that’s how I believe it should be.”
“I’m distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question,” he concluded. “I’m proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself. I’m an advocate for women. I will continue to support their voices.”
A spokesperson for E! confirmed to Variety that the channel is investigating the allegations and THR reports that the alleged victim had requested a substantial financial payment in exchange for her silence.
The news comes in the wake of multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, directors James Toback and Brett Ratner, and actors including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Piven, Ed Westwick and Louis C.K.
#BLOOP! Usher’s Herpes Lawsuit Dismissed!
GAG! The $20 million lawsuit, filed by a woman who claims Usher infected her with Herpes, has been dismissed.
Before you break out into the dance routine from the “You Don’t Have To Call” video…it’s important to note the case was dismissed without prejudice meaning it can be refiled at a later date.
Via TMZ: Laura Helm filed a $20 million lawsuit against the singer, claiming he had unprotected sex with her and transmitted the disease. She had a problem — she told someone on a recorded phone call 2 days before the suit was filed that she only had protected sex with Usher.
Helm’s lawyer withdrew from the case and Helm got a new attorney, who immediately filed legal docs to dismiss the case. It is, however, dismissed without prejudice, “with intent to refile.” It’s unclear why her lawyer made the move to dismiss.
We reached out to Usher’s lawyer, Steve Sadow, but we were not able to reach him. Helm’s lawyer had no comment.
Now Quantasia Sharpton where are you?
#BOXOFFICENEWS: JUSTICE LEAGUE and WONER Wins the Box Office!
With an estimated $96 million, Justice League managed to top the weekend, but fell short of the low end of expectations. Despite bringing in $13 million from Thursday previews, which was $2 million more than Wonder Woman hauled in from preview screenings ahead of a $103.2 million debut, Justice League just couldn't crack the century mark, delivering the lowest opening for any of the films in DC's Extended Universe thus far.
Kim Kardashian and Assistant Stephanie Shepherd Are ‘No Longer working Together Anymore’
Kim Kardashian and pal Stephanie Shepherd have gone their separate ways — professionally, at least. The reality star and her assistant of the past four years are no longer working together, multiple sources exclusively confirm to Us Weekly.
“They just agreed their working relationship was no longer working,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “Steph is still a part of Kim and her family’s life – she went to Kim’s birthday dinner and Kendall’s birthday party. There isn’t bad blood there. They still hang out and are friends, but they have gone their separate ways and are not working together anymore.”
Another source says that Kim let Shepherd go a few weeks ago, explaining that “it’s been a downward spiral” ever since Shepherd was profiled by Refinery29’s celebrity inner circle series in May 2017.
“Other stuff happened on top of that that left a bad taste in Kim’s mouth,” the source adds.
A strain in the duo’s professional relationship was documented on the October 29 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, when Kim admitted she thought her sister Kourtney’s friendship with her assistant was “unprofessional.”
“Just a heads up, we were talking and she was saying that she didn’t know what she wanted to do in life,” Kourtney told Kim about Shepherd. “She feels, like, maybe she’s in a place in life where she’s unfulfilled, job-wise.”
The Selfish author looked shocked and said, “I do think it’s, like, inappropriate for her to talk to you and not to me.”
“I mean, don’t you think that’s just, like, a little bit unprofessional?” Kim added in her confessional. “That’s like a convo she should have with me.”
Kathy Griffin Continues Her Beef With Andy Cohen By Posting Shady Fan Story
Kathy Griffin is really committing to her new zero fucks lifestyle. I mean she is the self proclaimed Mayor of Zero Fucksville!
The disgraced comedian isn't letting go of with beef with Andy Cohen. Kathy posted a story that a fan sent her about his one night stand with Andy in the 80's.
The guy named Forrest is claiming that he met Andy through their mutual friend Amanda who suggested that they should date. Apparently Andy hooked up with him and wasn't interested in anything else. Men.
The shady source also insinuated that Andy had a very small penis. Now if you are going to spill the tea you better spill all of it, and that's what Kathy is doing!
Kathy ended her rant by saying: do you know me now bitch? If you don't remember, Andy shaded Kathy in a TMZ interview by channeling his inner Mariah Carey and saying "I don't know her?" Kathy responded to the shade with a 17 minute rant where she accused Andy of offering her cocaine. You can't make this stuff up!
Andy hasn't clapped back yet but we will keep you updated on this juicy celebrity beef. Check out the fans full story below!
Who's side are you on?
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
THE WALKING DEAD
I’ve seen enough Walking Dead to know a zombie bite when I see one. Best stick you in the back of the head with a knife right now and get it over with.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Papi Leo Bear
Meet Papi Leo Bear! You know what to do to see them goods. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
You’re Welcome!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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