12/18/18

The Daily Buzz For Dec 19 ☕📰☕


Jourdan Dunn for Wonderland - Winter 2018/2019
OVAH! Ph: Morelli Brothers, Stylist: Toni-Blaze, Hair: Renda Attia, Makeup: Alex Babsky


#RHoA: Cynthia Bailey Is headed to Ghana with boyfriend for the Holidays!
Cynthia Bailey and Mike Hill are putting their relationship to the test and traveling together for the holidays.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, 51, recently said that she and her new boyfriend are taking their first trip together to Ghana for a Christmas vacation. It’ll be their first time on an airplane together.
“He lives in LA, I live in Atlanta. So he flies to me or I fly to him but we’ve never actually flown on a plane together,” she said with a laugh. “So I know as excited as I am to get to Ghana, I’m really more excited about actually flying together with Mike because I’m like, ‘Do we have airplane chemistry or do we not?'”

“I’m a window person,” she explained. “I like to sleep on a plane. I’m like, ‘Is he gonna talk my ear off the whole flight? What’s going to happen?’ I don’t eat airplane food. I take my own food on the flight. I’m like, ‘Do I gotta pack stuff for him? Does he eat airplane food?’ I mean it’s a lot to figure out!”

The model doesn’t seem too worried though, telling us: “We’re super compatible and we do have a lot of chemistry, but we both travel a lot and I definitely see us traveling a lot together in the future. So I’m excited. I’m excited to just bond with him in the sky.”
But if sportscaster Hill, 48, needs any advice, Bailey told us who he can and can’t turn to.

“Nene [Leakes] and I have great airplane chemistry … she’s literally on her Instagram the whole flight and I’m like checking emails and whatever. She doesn’t talk too much and we talk enough. She’s not a movie person. I’ll watch a movie, but she knows not to bother me if I’m watching a movie. She just busies herself if I’m doing something … We just we’re good together. We usually sit together because — well nobody wants to sit with Marlo [Hampton] because Marlo’s too much. Marlo would drive me crazy the whole flight for sure!”


When Does #Empire Season 5 Come Back? Even More Secrets Remain For The Lyon Family To Uncover After The Holidays
It may be the most wonderful time of the year according to holiday traditions, but in television-land, it's actually the most suspenseful time of year. Why? Because so many fan favorite TV shows are taking a winter hiatus, meaning fans must be left to wonder when their beloved programming will return, and what will happen next. Among This Is Us, The Good Doctor, and others, Fox's Empire is going on leave after its mid-season finale premieres on Wednesday, December 5. So when does Empire come back after its winter break? It may be too soon to tell, but an official announcement is surely on the horizon.

Empire producers are currently focused on the release and public perception of their impending fall finale. Once the dust has settled there, they're likely to release a statement regarding the official date for the show's return, but as of right now, one hasn't been enough. But it's coming — when Season 5 was announced in May, the renewal called for 18 new episodes, so fans are guaranteed another eight after the holidays.

It may be frustrating for fans right now to wade into the unknown with the fall finale, especially considering the likelihood that it will end in a major cliffhanger. But at least they know for sure that the Lyon family will return to the small screen in due time. Hopefully, depending on how the mid-season finale shakes out, they'll return in one piece. Then again, Empire is all about a grueling power struggle that attempts to tear the family apart. So you may want to hold your breath there.


#MusicNews: Marsha Ambrosius Announces the “NYLA Tour” With Special Guest Elle Varner
Veteran R&B star Marsha Ambrosius has just announced that is gearing up for her headlining “NYLA Tour” in support of her recently released album. The trek will kick of January 27th in Las Vegas before making 29 stops and concluding in Baton Rouge, LA. Along the way, she will perform in major cities like Los Angeles, Houston, St. Louis, New York and more.

During the tour, Marsha will be joined by her eOne Music labelmate Elle Varner.
The tour is in support of Marsha Ambrosius’ recently released third solo album “NYLA”. The album made the list of our Top 10 Best R&B Albums of 2018.

Marsha Ambrosius “NYLA Tour” Dates

DATE CITY VENUE
Jan. 27 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas*
Jan. 29 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom
Jan. 30 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
Jan. 31 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Feb. 1 San Diego, CA HOB San Diego
Feb. 7 Cleveland, OH HOB Cleveland
Feb. 9 Chicago, IL Patio Theater
Feb. 10 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
Feb. 16 Leesburg, VA Tally Ho Theatre*
Feb. 17 Washington DC The Howard Theatre*
Feb. 19 Boston, MA City Winery*
Feb. 21 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Soundstage*
Feb. 22 New York, NY Sony Hall*
Feb. 23 Buffalo, NY The Tralf*
Feb. 24 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA)*
Feb. 28 South Bend, IN Venue TBD
Mar. 1 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Mar. 2 Fort Wayne, IN Rhinehart Music Center
Mar. 3 Detroit, MI Sound Board at the Motor City Casino Hotel
Mar. 5 Nashville, TN City Winery*
Mar. 7 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theatre
Mar. 8 Austin, TX One World Theatre*
Mar. 9 Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory
Mar. 10 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Mar. 12 Atlanta, GA City Winery*
Mar. 13 Atlanta, GA City Winery*
Mar. 15 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall
Mar. 16 New Orleans, LA HOB New Orleans
Mar. 17 Baton Rouge, LA The Varsity Theatre

*Elle Varner will not be appearing at this show


#HipHopNews: XXXTENTACION’S ‘Skins’ Debuts At No. 1
XXXTentacion returns to the top of the Billboard 200 with his third album Skins.

The 20-year-old rapper’s posthumous album debuts at No. 1 with 132,000 equivalent album units, of which 52,000 were in pure album sales. It marks his biggest sales week to date and second consecutive No. 1 debut in nine months.

Prior to his death on June 18, XXX topped the chart with ?, which opened with 131,000 equivalent album units in March 2018. In September 2017, he earned his first top 10 with 17, which debuted and peaked at No. 2.
Skins also becomes the first posthumous No. 1 album since Prince’s The Very Best of Prince re-entered the chart at No. 1 in May 2016, following his death in April of that year.

Gucci Mane makes his debut with Evil Genius, which enters at No. 5 and becomes his fifth top 10 album on the Billboard 200 with 51,000 units (5,000 in album sales). It marks Gucci’s 21st charting effort, dating back to 2005’s Trap House.
Elsewhere in the top 10, Travis Scott’s Astroworld climbs 8-6 (44,000), 6ix9ine’s Dummy Boy drops 3-8 (43,000), Lil Baby’s Street Gossip falls 2-9 (42,000) and Drake’s Scorpion rises 11-10 (42,000).

BILLBOARD 200 TOP 10
1. XXXTentacion – Skins – 132,000
2. Meek Mill – Championships – 129,000
3. Michael Bublé – Christmas – 57,000
4. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born – 55,000
5. Gucci Mane – Evil Genius – 51,000
6. Travis Scott – Astroworld – 44,000
7. John Mellencamp – Other People’s Stuff – 44,000
8. 6ix9ine – Dummy Boy – 43,000
9. Lil Baby – Street Gossip – 42,000
10. Drake – Scorpion – 42,000


Legendary Actress and Director Penny Marshall, star of 'Laverne & Shirley DIES at 75
Penny Marshall, who costarred in the top-rated 1970s and ’80s sitcom “Laverne and Shirley” before becoming a director of hit movies such as “Big” and “A League of their Own,” died peacefully on Monday night in her Hollywood Hills home due to complications from diabetes.

A publicist for Marshall told Fox News that the actress died "peacefully at her Hollywood Hills home" from complications due to diabetes on Monday.
"Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall," the Marshall family said in a statement.

"Penny was a girl from the Bronx, who came out West, put a cursive 'L' on her sweater and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story," the statement added. "We hope her life continues to inspire others to spend time with family, work hard and make all of their dreams come true."

The New York-born actress rose to fame from her hit 1970s sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley" and went on to become a director.
When Marshall directed Tom Hanks in the 1988 film “Big,” she became a pioneer as the first woman in history to helm a film that grossed more than $100 million.

She did it again with “A League of Their Own" in 1992, and later directed many stars including Geena Davis, Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Madonna, Denzel Washington, Rosie O’Donnell and the late Whitney Houston.

Per the statement, a celebration of Marshall's life will be held at a later date.
Marshall is survived by her older sister Ronny, daughter Tracy Reiner, and three grandchildren Spencer, Bella and Viva.


Trump Foundation To Shut Down after lawsuit exposes ‘pattern of illegality’
New York attorney general says charity functioned ‘as little more than a checkbook to serve Trump’s business and political interests’
Donald Trump has agreed to shut down his personal charity, the Trump Foundation, in the wake of a succession of scandals and a looming lawsuit which exposed a “shocking pattern of illegality”.

Trump had used the charity to pay off legal settlements within his business and even to buy a painting of himself to hang in one of his golf clubs.
The news that the charity will shut down was announced by New York’s attorney general, Barbara Underwood, who said the Trump Foundation had signed a stipulation agreeing to dissolve the foundation under judicial supervision.

Any remaining funds must be distributed to charitable causes which can be chosen by Trump and his children Ivanka, Don Jr and Eric, but they must be submitted to the court within 30 days and approved by the attorney general.
The action follows a court decision last month allowing Underwood’s lawsuit against the Trump Foundation to move forward.
In a statement, Underwood said: “Our petition detailed a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation – including unlawful coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing, and much more. This amounted to the Trump Foundation functioning as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr Trump’s business and political interests.”

She added: “This is an important victory for the rule of law, making clear that there is one set of rules for everyone.”
The attorney general had claimed the charity was used as a “piggy bank” to boost Trump Sr’s 2016 presidential campaign, violating rules that bar not-for-profit groups from engaging in certain types of political activity.

The suit claimed that up to $3m in such funds boosted Trump’s campaign. Among examples of improperly used funds is the allegation that the charity spent $10,000 on a giant painting of Trump himself.
The lawsuit alleged that during the 2016 campaign, Trump received more than $2m at a fundraiser in Iowa and the money went to his foundation. The lawsuit said Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, determined when and where money would be given away.

At least five $100,000 grants were made to groups in Iowa in the days immediately before the 1 February 2016 Iowa caucuses.
In November, the Manhattan supreme court justice Saliann Scarpulla found that the president was not “immune” from state lawsuits, as Trump has claimed in other litigation.
Following the announcement of the shutdown, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew) executive director, Noah Bookbinder, said: “The Donald J Trump Foundation has abused the rules governing non-profit charitable foundations and admitted to breaking the law. It apparently operated for the sole purpose of benefiting Donald Trump.

“Crew filed complaints calling for investigations into the Foundation for improper political activity, lying on its tax returns, and self-dealing to benefit Donald Trump, among other problems. It is good to see this fraud is finally over.”


'Fresh Prince' star Alfonso Ribeiro sues video game companies over use of 'Carlton Dance'
Alfonso Ribeiro, shown in August, is suing creators of "Fortnite" and "NBA 2K" over the use of his famous dance he performed as Carlton from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." (Willy Sanjuan / Invision/Associated Press)
Carlton Banks’ signature moves popularized in the 1990s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” are dancing into federal court.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro filed lawsuits Monday against “Fortnite Battle Royale” video game developer Epic Games Inc. and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. over the use of his sidestepping, arm-swinging, energetic boogie often danced to Tom Jones’ tune “It’s Not Unusual.”
Ribeiro is asking a federal judge to issue an order barring the companies from using the dance in their games and award him unspecified monetary damages.
Epic Games did not respond to an email seeking comment. A representative for Take-Two Interactive Software, which created the “NBA 2K” game series, declined to comment on the lawsuit Tuesday.

For an easy and delicious pizza sauce, simply stir fresh minced garlic into Contadina® Crushed Tomatoes, made from 100% fresh Roma tomatoes. Get Recipe!
The Los Angeles-based actor alleges the companies have “unfairly profited” from exploiting his creative expression by using the dance in the video games. “NBA 2K16: players can customize their avatars by unlocking and purchasing the dance moves listed under the name “So Fresh.” Players also can buy the dance in “Fortnite” under the name “Fresh,” according to the lawsuit.

“Ribeiro created his highly recognizable dance that has also been referred to by the public as ‘The Carlton Dance,’ which exploded in popularity and became highly recognizable as Ribeiro’s signature dance internationally,” the lawsuit states. “The dance is now inextricably linked to Ribeiro and has continued to be a part of his celebrity persona.”
Ribeiro contends he created the jig in 1991 and first performed it on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” during the “Will’s Christmas Show” episode. Ribeiro also performed the signature moves during his 2014 run on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Ribeiro is the latest in a string of celebrities to sue “Fortnite” creators over dance moves used in the game. Rapper 2 Milly, who created the “Milly Rock,” and Russell Horning, a.k.a. the Backpack Kid, who created the “Floss” dance move, also filed lawsuits this month.


Oh Really? K. Michelle Says Idris Elba Gives Great Oral Sex
K. Michelle sat down with TMZ’s Raquel Harper for her BET series Raq Rants, and opened up about her time with Elba.



Love & Hip-Hop star K. Michelle still has her mind on Idris Elba. The two dated for 8 months almost five years ago, but their time together is still engrained in Michelle’s mind. Maybe it was his gentleman-like demeanor, or his English accent. Actually, according to K. Michelle, it was his head game. Michelle sat down with TMZ’s Raquel Harper for her BET series Raq Rants, and opened up about her time with Elba. “That was the whole album girl,” jokes K. Michelle, insinuating that Elba influenced the entire creation of her latest project. “That was the one person who I learned the most from about business,” she explains. “‘Cause he was like a fucking drug dealer and DJ, hood ass Memphis nigga for real with an accent, behind closed doors.” That’s when Raq interrupts to dive into something more sexual. She inquires about Michelle singing on a song about Elba’s head game. “He’s great. He was very passionate. That was so good,” states K. Michelle as she melts back into her seat, flustered by her memories. Although it’s been years since she and Elba dated, the veteran actor still has his exes praising his existence. Peep a clip in the FULL story at www.itsKenBarbie.com #idris #idriselba #kmichelle #kimberly #kmichellemusic #rebels #lhhh #loveandhiphophollywood #loveandhiphop #vh1 #entertainment #raqrants #entertainmentnews #entertainmentblog
A post shared by KenBarbie™ (@officialkenbarbie) on

“That was the whole album girl,” jokes K. Michelle, insinuating that Elba influenced the entire creation of her latest project. “That was the one person who I learned the most from about business,” she explains. “‘Cause he was like a fucking drug dealer and DJ, hood ass Memphis nigga for real with an accent, behind closed doors.” That’s when Raq interrupts to dive into something more sexual. She inquires about Michelle singing on a song about Elba’s head game. “He’s great. He was very passionate. That was so good,” states K. Michelle as she melts back into her seat, flustered by her memories.


Man Defaces Meek Mill’s Grandmother’s House With Racist Word 
Meek Mill took to social media on Tuesday and shared a video of a white man defacing his grandmother’s house with a racist word.

The incident was caught on surveillance video and shows the man casually walking up to the side of the house and spray-painting the word on the side of the home.

Meek captioned the video: A white man sprayed a racial remark on my Grandmom’s house last night in south Philly referencing white Privileged…. the crazy part is this was a all black neighborhood 20 years ago It was gentrified and now this!!

WATCH HERE
This type of foolishness is downright sickening.


Former RHOC Gretchen Rossi Is Pregnant, Expecting First Child!
Gretchen Rossi is expecting! The 41-year-old Real Housewives of Orange County alum is expecting her first child with 45-year-old longtime love Slade Smiley, she confirmed on Monday (December 17).

“It’s pretty exciting that we have our little Christmas miracle. It’s been a little bit harder than I definitely anticipated. I think they lie to you when they tell you you’re gonna get morning sickness. They lie to you — it’s all day sickness! But the good news is that my doctor told me that’s actually a good sign,” Gretchen told People.

Gretchen is due in July of 2019. The couple has been together for nearly a decade. Congratulations!


CBS Says No $120M Severance For Les Moonves; Board declares Terminated For Cause!
Les Moonves, the once-powerful former CEO of CBS, will not be getting a single dime of the $120 million in severance he expected after stepping down under allegations of misconduct this fall, the company’s board has decided today.
 “The Board of Directors of CBS has completed its investigation of former Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves, CBS News, and cultural issues at CBS,” the company said in a statement Monday. “With regard to Mr. Moonves, we have determined that there are grounds to terminate for cause, including his willful and material misfeasance, violation of Company policies and breach of his employment contract, as well as his willful failure to cooperate fully with the Company’s investigation. Mr. Moonves will not receive any severance payment from the Company.”
Moonves is expected to take take legal action in regards to not getting the big-bucks payout he anticipated. CBS stock, which during the regular trading day sank 2.5% to a new one-year low, rallied nearly 1% after hours. Wall Street generally has been supportive of the moves the company has made to turn the page on the Moonves era. But a prolonged legal battle with the former chairman would be another pricey distraction unlikely to ease investor’s minds.

The board’s decision seemed all but inevitable, given the disclosures from a draft of an internal report obtained by The New York Times, which revealed that Moonves had destroyed evidence and misled investigators in an effort to protect his reputation and payout. In that preliminary report, investigators said they had substantiated numerous accusations of sexual misconduct and uncovered previously undisclosed allegations of wrongdoing.
Moonves resigned in September, after The New Yorker published a follow-on report by Ronan Farrow detailing new allegations by six women spanning from the 1980s to the 2000s. These fresh accounts of sexual misconduct include claims that Moonves forced women to perform oral sex on him and that he exposed himself to them without their consent.

The women’s accusations were similar to those made by six other women, who claimed they were subjected Moonves’ to unwelcome sexual advances and suffered professional retaliation when they rebuffed the now-disgraced television executive.

CBS’ directors said the investigators concluded that harassment and retaliation are not pervasive at the media company. However, investigators did find instances of “improper and unprofessional conduct” that were inconsistent with CBS’ stated policies on creating a harassment-free environment.
The two law firms conducting the investigation, Debevoise & Plimpton and Covington & Burling, also found that the company’s human resources department was lacking, noting it “did not hold high performers accountable” for their conduct or protect employees from retaliation.

The newly constituted CBS board and its acting CEO, Joe Ianniello, already have started making changes, including appointing a new chief people officer, Laurie Rosenfield.

The Board of Directors of CBS has completed its investigation of former Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves, CBS News, and cultural issues at CBS.

With regard to Mr. Moonves, we have determined that there are grounds to terminate for cause, including his willful and material misfeasance, violation of Company policies and breach of his employment contract, as well as his willful failure to cooperate fully with the Company’s investigation. Mr. Moonves will not receive any severance payment from the Company.

As a result of their work, the investigators also concluded that harassment and retaliation are not pervasive at CBS. However, the investigators learned of past incidents of improper and unprofessional conduct, and concluded that the Company’s historical policies, practices and structures have not reflected a high institutional priority on preventing harassment and retaliation. The investigation determined that the resources devoted to the Company’s Human Resources function, to training and development, and to diversity and inclusion initiatives have been inadequate, given the size and complexity of CBS’ businesses. Employees also cited past incidents in which HR and the Company did not hold high performers accountable for their conduct and protect employees from retaliation.

The Board, which includes six new members, and the Company’s new management have already begun to take robust steps to improve the working environment for all employees. Among other things, the Company appointed a new Chief People Officer, is actively engaged in ways to enhance and reimagine the Human Resources function, and has retained outside expert advisors to develop other initiatives for promoting a workplace culture of dignity, transparency, respect and inclusion. These efforts will continue to be a high priority for the Board and the Company’s management, and we will continue to work together to communicate with our workforce in that regard.

We would like to thank everyone who cooperated with the investigation and applaud CBS’ employees for remaining focused on their jobs during this very difficult time. We look forward to the people of CBS returning their full attention to the outstanding work that they do every single day.


Jacquees Apologizes To Keith Sweat After “King Of R&B” Altercation: “So, I’m Sorry”
For the past couple of weeks now there has been a debate about who is truly the “King of R&B,” and Jacquees has now pulled Keith Sweat into it, and apologized after miscommunication.

TMZ caught up with the R&B legend backstage on Saturday to get his thoughts on the recent battle between R&B artists. Just as the reporter asked Keith for his opinion, Jacquees’ crew was walking by and overheard the interview. Before Keith could give his reply, Jacquees interrupted him, saying, “You are the king.”

“I’m the king,” Jacquees said as he dapped up Keith. “This is the king from back then. I’m the king for right now. This is Keith Sweat. Big Sweat. But, it’s Big Que.” Keith quickly interjected, saying, “I’m still getting that bag. I don’t know what he’s talking about.” Jacquees retorted, “He getting a bag, but 16 to 25 is my generation. I’m the king.” The conversation came to a close as Keith walked into his backstage room. When the reporter asked if he’s willing to pass the torch to Jacquees one of his crew members replied:  “Ain’t no torch to pass.”

This wasn’t the end of the conversation; Keith, Jacquees and fellow R&B artist #Tank met up to discuss the matter with V-103. After Keith explained that he wanted no parts of the R&B beef and that he was never discussing Jacquees, Jacquees humbly apologized, ”So, I’m sorry….we all the kings of R&B.” Keith later added, “When we had this conversation, and I’ma just say it like this and keep it 100, I never heard Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, or nobody talking about who was the king.”

Tank added: “I think what people have missed is that now, the R&B conversation, because of this young fellow saying what he said, has gone international, intergalactical, and everybody is listening to see what R&B is getting ready to sound like. So now is a good time, whoever you are, if you feel like you’ve got that R&B in your system, and you want to get that off, now is a good time to be heard.”


David and Tamela Mann talk marriage and love in new memoir, album
David and Tamela Mann have been entertaining the masses for decades. With their soulful voices and superb acting, the married couple’s list of accomplishment--both individually and as a unit--is massive.                   

Their careers span three decades and so does their marriage. Life as husband and wife, however, hasn’t come without trials, and they’ve documented many of them in their new memoir and album, both titled “Us Against the World,” which are available now. 

During their promo run to support the projects, the award-winning couple stopped by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a hilarious and insightful conversation about their secrets to love and marriage. 

They chatted with reporter Najja Parker about their most challenging obstacles, their blended family and their tips for maintaining long-lasting relationships. Plus host Shane Harrison shares things to do in in the city during the next 10 days, including a heap of holiday-themed happenings.


Ed Sheeran Had Highest Grossing Tour In 2018 Earning $432 Million, The Most Tour Earnings In 30 
Ed Sheeran has earned the highest-grossing live music tour of 2018, making $432 million from 4.86 million ticket sales, according to industry analyst, #Pollstar. It’s the highest-grossing tour in a calendar year since Pollstar began its rankings 30 years ago. The previous record was set by #U2 for their Joshua Tree tour in 2017, with $316m.

According to The Guardian, Taylor Swift came in second with $345 million from 2.88 million tickets sold on her Reputation Tour, while Jay Z and Beyoncé’s OTRII tour generated $254 million from 2.16 million tickets. Pink, Bruno Mars, The Eagles, Justin Timberlake, Roger Waters, U2 and the Rolling Stones completed the remaining Top 10.

Pollstar also reported the 2018 Top 10 of the Worldwide Tours chart surpassed $2 billion in grosses for the first time, up from 2017’s $1.8 million. The entire concert industry saw a record-setting amount of $10.4 billion this year. Live Nation dominated the live events industry selling 49.6 million tickets, ahead of AEG Presents with 11.6 million tickets and Messina Touring Group with 5.3 million tickets sold.


Mahershala Ali Apologizes After Family of “Green Book” Character Calls Movie a “Symphony of Lies”
“Green Book” star Mahershala Ali has apologized after the family of pianist Dr. Donald W. Shirley condemned several elements of the film.

“Green Book” tells the story of real-life Dr. Donald W. Shirley, an extremely intelligent Black pianist who travels on a concert tour in the South with his white driver and bodyguard, Tony “Lip” Vallelonga. The story was adapted from stories Vallelonga told his son who is a screenwriter for the film. However, Dr. Shirley’s family is calling the portrayal of the pianist a “symphony of lies.”

Some elements from the film the family says are exaggerated and or completely false; for example: Vallelonga just so happened to always be there to save Dr. Shirley, Vallelonga is depicted to be the person who got Dr. Shirley acquainted with Little Richard as an artist, and convinced Dr. Shirley to try fried chicken. 

The movie also included a conversation about Dr. Shirley having lost touch with his family and friends. In response, Shirley’s nephew Edwin Shirley III and his 82-year-old brother, Maurice Shirley fired back at the portrayal saying Dr. Shirley did not consider Vallelonga to be a close friend, and that he was never estranged from his family, friends or his Blackness.

Furthermore, Dr. Shirley’s family says the pianist told Vallelonga’s son that he did not want a film made about their alleged friendship. “I remember very, very clearly, going back 30 years, my uncle had been approached by Nick Vallelonga, the son of Tony Vallelonga, about a movie on his life, and Uncle Donald told me about it,” Edwin told Shadow and Act. “He flatly refused.” Following their statements to NPR, Ali reached out to the family to extend his apologies.

“I got a call from Mahershala Ali, a very, very respectful phone call, from him personally. He called me and my Uncle Maurice in which he apologized profusely if there had been any offense,” Edwin told Shadow and Act. “What he said was, ‘If I have offended you, I am so, so terribly sorry. I did the best I could with the material I had. I was not aware that there were close relatives with whom I could have consulted to add some nuance to the character.’”


VICE CEO Shades Desus & Mero After They Leave For Showtime: “They’re Going To A Platform That Their Audience Doesn’t Pay For”
Last month, Showtime announced a February premiere date for its first weekly late-night show, starring the dynamic duo from the Boogie Down, Desus and Mero. But, as the debut date approaches, execs from their old network home are not convinced that the Bodega Boys will flourish on a subscription-based network. 

In a recent interview with Elle, Vice’s new CEO opened up about Desus & Mero’s move from cable to premium and expressed her concerns about the future of the Bronx-bred hosts. 

“They’re going to a platform that their audience doesn’t pay for,” Nancy Dubuc said, as she explained the fact that she’ll be introducing a new two-hour nightly live broadcast in place of the network’s highest-rated program, “Desus & Mero.” “I told them, ‘You can always come back.’” 

But, fortunately for fans of the pair, the new show will be accessible to all Bodega Boys fans, with or without Showtime. In fact, in a recent interview with Bossip, the two assured that the fanbase would be taken care of in regards to convenience and accessibility, saying, “You don’t have to have a Showtime login to watch what we’re gonna put out,” Desus said. 

“Bodega Hive is something very personal to us…we cannot just shit on this f*cking fanbase,” he added.

In the meantime, “Desus & Mero” is set to debut on February 21 at 11 PM on Showtime. Will you be tuning in?


Offset's Step Father is now Slamming Cardi B
Over the weekend rapper Offset was rejected by his wife Cardi B after he tried to publicly apologize on stage at Rolling Loud for getting caught cheating

Now Offset's step father is speaking out...
In a post on FaceBook Offset's father says Cardi B speaking about the situation publicly is damaging to the rest of his family and claims she released the picture of baby Kulture to screw up Offset's album release.


#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Woofy! 
Meet Woofy! To see more of him you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS!  And remember they’re NSWF!

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

ENJOY!


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘DINO JOKES’
Q: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl using the bathroom?
A: Because the ‘p’ is silent.


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Followers