Naomi Watts by for Women’s Health - July 2020!
The Issue is on Newsstands now!
#PRAYERS! Tamar Braxton Has been Hospitalized After Being Found Unresponsive!
Tamar Braxton was hospitalized on Thursday night, according to multiple reports.
TMZ report that the singer and reality TV star, 43, was found unresponsive in her room at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in downtown Los Angeles. According to The Blast, she was found by her boyfriend David Adefeso.
Braxton is in stable condition but still unconscious, and is currently under 24-hour watch at the hospital.
The the LAPD said that officers responded to a call around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday at the hotel's location in regards to an individual who had a medical emergency. The spokesperson added that the individual was transported to the hospital.
Reps for Braxton did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the star told The Blast, "Tamar has had a very tough and emotional day — more information will be coming in the next few days. Please pray for her."
Braxton and Adefeso's show Coupled & Quarantined, which they livestream on YouTube, did not air as planned on Thursday night. Instead, the channel posted a 10-minute video with a statement to fans.
"Hello y'all, unfortunately your girl Tamar is under the weather today and not feeling well so we need to postpone today's show (don't worry it's not COVID)," the message began. "We're sad because we had a great show lined up for you today, but next week's show is going to be even bigger and better."
"So sorry for the inconvenience, we know many of you look forward to the show every week," the statement continued. "We'll make it up to you next week."
We send our prayers for her healing!
It can be very difficult and heart-wrenching to see a loved one struggling with symptoms of mental illness. And often it can be hard to know how to best help and support your loved one.
Every individual is different and situations vary greatly. The person may have a specific diagnosis, or you may just have concerns about the way a person has been talking and behaving. You know your loved one and may have an understanding of what approach or support will be most helpful. If you feel your loved one is at risk of hurting themselves or others, contact 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
#RHOA: This Is What Playtime Looks Like in the Burruss-Tucker Household!
Kandi Burruss is making the most of summer with her family. The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member recently shared a glimpse at some of the fun in the sun she’s enjoying with her two youngest children, son Ace Tucker and daughter Blaze Tucker.
On July 14, Kandi took to Instagram to share a photo of herself soaking up the sun and spending some time with Ace and Blaze outside of their Atlanta house. As captured in the pic below, the mom of three looked cute and casual for the family day at home, rocking one of the biggest trends of the year: head-to-toe tie-dye.
“I love to play with my babies but I don’t play about them! @acetucker @blazetucker,” Kandi wrote in the caption alongside the photo.
In addition to getting plenty of playtime outdoors, Kandi has been finding some creative ways to keep her kids busy in recent weeks. Earlier this month, her husband, Todd Tucker, offered a look at the cute classroom-like setup she created at home to help Ace with his schoolwork — or as Todd described it, “Mommy daycare.”
#NewMusicVideo from The Hamiltones – Serious!
R&B group The Hamiltones return with the visual for their latest single “Serious”. The song is lifted from the trio’s EP “Watch the Ton3s” (The B-Side) which released earlier this year.
The video was directed by The Last American B-Boy and follows up the philanthropic work the group has been doing this year in support of Covid-19 and systemic issues in the Great Atlanta area. Lelo of the group adds about the song:
“‘Serious’ was created for anyone who wants a true and honest relationship. Most times the scenario is generally, the woman wanting a serious relationship or marriage. Not often do you hear the male perspective as such. This song is for that person that wants to give all of themselves to a person but emphasizes, I want that all in return, hence ‘Serious’.”
WATCH
The Hamiltones were originally the backup singers of the legendary Anthony Hamilton and have made a name in their own right. Their 2019 debut EP “Watch the Ton3s” really was a culmination of all of the potential we could tell they possessed
#HipHopNews: Dj Khaled Announces New Album ‘Khaled Khaled’!
DJ Khaled has announced the title of his upcoming 12th studio album, Khaled Khaled. He shared an epic trailer comprised of highlights from his life and career, including his live shows, the birth of his sons, and winning his first Grammy.
“MY ALBUM TITLE: KHALED KHALED,” Khaled captioned the video. “MY 12th STUDIO ALBUM GOD IS THE GREATEST ALBUM MODE.”
The first two singles, or “keys” as Khaled calls them, both feature Drake and will be released on Thursday night. One is titled “Popstar,” while the second is called “Greece.”
“SOME BOY DEM MAKE POP CHUNE WE MAKE CHUNE THAT GO POP! POP PON THEY HEAD!!” said Khaled.
“Greece,” which previously leaked, finds Drake serenading a special lady. “Come with me, leave all of your things, yeah / We can stop at Gucci, stop at Louis V, yeah / Come with me, fly you out to Greece / Full speed, survoler Paris,” he sings.
Khaled teased his Drake collaborations during a recent appearance on N.O.R.E.’s “Drink Champs” podcast. “Drake is definitely on DJ Khaled’s single and the vocals sound so incredible,” said Khaled. “The frequency of that motherfu**er, the sonics, the way that shit sound, it’s incredible.”
Khaled Khaled marks the follow-up to last year’s Father of Asahd, which spawned the Grammy-winning hit “Higher” with Nipsey Hussle and John Legend.
Megan Thee Stallion Says That She Was Shot Amidst Reports About Tory Lanez’s Arrest!
After several reports revealed that an incident took place involving Tory Lanez being arrested on gun charges, and Megan Thee Stallion being sent to the hospital, the 25-year-old rapper is reportedly setting the record straight. Through her Instagram account, Megan Thee Stallion recounted what took place in Hollywood Hills and to clear any rumors that she was arrested.
“The narrative that is being reported about Sunday morning events are inaccurate and I’d like to set the record straight,” Megan wrote. “On Sunday morning, I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me. I was never arrested, the police officers drove me to the hospital when I underwent surgery to remove the bullets. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive and that I’m expected to make a full recovery, but it was important for me to clarify the details about this traumatic night. I’m currently focused on my recovery, so I can return back to my life and back to making music as soon as possible.”
She also captioned:
“I was never arrested. This whole experience was an eye opener and a blessing in disguise. I hate that it took this experience for me to learn how to protect my energy.”
It was previously reported that a house party in the Hollywood Hills resulted into an altercation in an SUV reportedly driven by Tory Lanez. According to reports, when police arrived on the scene, witnesses gave a description of the vehicle. When officers tracked down the SUV, they found Tory Lanez and a injured Megan Thee Stallion.
After searching the car, police reportedly found a gun and arrested Lanez. He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in the vehicle. Following his arrest, Megan was treated for her wounds at a nearby hospital.
The night prior, the two were spotted at a pool party with Kylie Jenner.
Nia Long Says She Too Was Discriminated Against During Her Audition For 'Charlie's Angels'!
Thandie Newton wasn’t the only one to have a horrible audition process for 2000′s Charlie’s Angels movie, Nia Long did as well.
Speaking with Insider, the 49-year-old actress recalled going out for the same role of Alex Munday for the movie, which ultimately starred Lucy Liu in the role, opposite Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore.
Nia shared that her agent notified her that she wouldn’t be getting the part because she “looked too old” to star alongside Drew, although they are only four years apart.
“I was like, ‘What?’” she said. “I love Drew Barrymore, I think she’s amazing, but I think that was just a nice way to say you’re a little too Black. Personally, that’s what I think. Because if you notice there were no brown skin [actors]. I mean, honestly, I would have been the blackest thing in the film.”
Nia explained that “the feedback that I received from my agent was, ‘She just looked too old and sophisticated to be next to Drew Barrymore,’ and I’m thinking to myself, it’s an actor’s choice to walk in the room how they want to look, but it’s a director’s vision to help create and curate a character. So if you couldn’t see beyond the fact that I had on a blazer and a pair of jeans then that was clearly not the job and opportunity for me. So, no problem, I’ll keep it moving.”
Thandie made headlines earlier this month in a tell-all interview where she opened up about her own experience auditioning for the part, saying that she believed she was going to be objectified in the film and because of Amy Pascal‘s remarks.
Tyra Banks Will Be The New Host of Dancing with the Stars!
This week ABC execs announced they were getting rid of longtime Dancing with the Stars hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
Tyra Banks has been chosen to take their place...
This week Tyra was named the new host and creative director for Dancing with the Stars.
Bergoron had been with the show 15 years.
Nick Cannon Responds To Viacom/CBS Firing Over Anti-Semitic Comments!
Nick Cannon was fired by ViacomCBS on Tuesday for making anti-Semitic comments on a podcast where he discussed conspiracy theories about Jewish people and praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan for anti-Jewish comments.
Now the actor and TV host is firing back at the media conglomerate, claiming ownership of the “billion-dollar brand” he created with his MTV and VH1 series “Wild ‘N Out,” and alleging that the company “swindled” the show away from him.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Cannon writes, “I created a billion-dollar brand that expanded across a multitiered empire that is still Viacom’s biggest digital brand, touring business, talent discovery and incubation system and successful restaurant franchise. Based on trust and empty promises, my ownership was swindled away from me. For Viacom to be so deceptive is no surprise; they have been mistreating and robbing our community for years, underpaying talent on their biggest brands like Love & Hip Hop, all of BET programming and of course, Wild ‘N Out.”
When you shop Local Goodness at Food Lion, you’re not only getting the best flavors in town, you’re helping our community come back stronger than ever.
Cannon’s firing follow his comments on a recent episode of his “Cannon’s Class” podcast during which he discussed race and racism with former Public Enemy member Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin.
“They’re acting out of fear. They’re acting out of low self esteem. They’re acting out of a deficiency. So therefore the only way they can act is evil. They have to rob, steal, rape and [unintelligible] in order to survive,” he said, while referencing the ideas of Farrakhan.
Cannon also shared anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about The Rothschilds and “the bloodlines that control everything,” while saying that Black people are the “true Hebrews.”
Following his comments, ViacomCBS severed ties with Cannon. “ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism. We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’ on YouTube, which promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories,” read the statement. “While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him.”
In his Facebook post on Tuesday, titled “Truth and Reconciliation,” he called ViacomCBS’ decision “unwise” and claimed that he has received “death threats, hate messages calling me an ungrateful Ni**er and beyond.” “Viacom’s goal to keep me from providing for my family and lineage will be foiled. They can try to kick me while I’m down or force me to kiss the master’s feet in public for shame and ridicule, but instead I stand firm on my square with my fist in the air repeating my mantra, ‘You can’t fire a Boss!'” he said.
He alleges that ViacomCBS refused to run ads supporting George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and that he tried to reach out to ViacomCBS chair Shari Redstone. “I also went as far to reach out to Ms. Shari Redstone, the owner of Viacom, to have a conversation of reconciliation and actually apologize if I said anything that pained or hurt her or her community. Dead Silence!” he said.
His claim was denied by a ViacomCBS spokesperson, who told Deadline, “It is absolutely untrue that Nick Cannon reached out to the Chair of ViacomCBS.”
Cannon says he has received an “outpouring of love and support from the Jewish community” and pledged to bring the Jewish and African-American communities together. “I must apologize to my Jewish Brothers and Sisters for putting them in such a painful position, which was never my intention, but I know this whole situation has hurt many people and together we will make it right,” said Cannon, who said he has been invited to Israel.
In closing, he says Viacom is on the “wrong side of history” and apologized if his comments caused any hurt (“If I have furthered the hate speech, I wholeheartedly apologize”).
He also demanded ownership of “Wild ‘N Out” and an apology from Viacom. “I demand full ownership of my billion dollar ‘Wild ‘N Out’ brand that I created, and they will continue to misuse and destroy without my leadership! I demand that the hate and back door bullying cease and while we are at it, now that the truth is out, I demand the Apology!” he said.
YouTuber Jake Paul in hot water over massive California party amid COVID-19 surge!
Controversial YouTube star Jake Paul is in the hot seat again, this time for hosting a massive party at his California mansion Saturday — despite renewed COVID-19 restrictions in the Golden State.
Wild video footage from the bash posted to social media and later by obtained by FOX 11 in Los Angeles shows dozens of people without masks and packed into Paul’s Calabasas home.
“It’s really just a party acting like COVID does not exist, it’s acting that businesses aren’t closed,” Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub told the news station.
“They’re having this large party, no social distancing, no masks, it’s just a big huge disregard for everything that everybody is trying to do to get things back to functioning,” the mayor said.
Video from the bash shows partygoers boozing it up and crowding together, rolling dice on a ping pong table with wads of cash nearby in one clip, and in another showing three women dangling from the bucket of a backhoe sitting in Paul’s yard.
Weintraub told FOX 11 that her office received several complaints about the party.
“It wasn’t just myself who was outraged, it was everyone who saw the video,” she said.
Paul, 23, made headlines in early June after getting charged with criminal trespassing and unlawful assembly for allegedly disregarding police orders to film looting at an Arizona mall.
The social media influencer’s weekend party came two days before California Gov. Gavin Newsom reversed much of the state’s reopening efforts as coronavirus cases soared in the state.
California was averaging more than 8,000 new cases a day as of Sunday — more than double the total from a month ago.
British Vogue EIC Edward Enninful Says He Was Racially Profiled At Work!
British Vogue’s first black Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful reported that he was racially profiled at his own office on Wednesday when he returned to work in London from the lockdown.
“Today, I was racially profiled by a security guard whilst entering my workplace. As I entered, I was instructed to use the loading bay,” he posted on Instagram. “Just because our timelines and weekends are returning to normal, we cannot let the world return to how it was. Change needs to happen. And it needs to happen now.”
He said Vogue publisher Condé Nast “moved quickly to dismiss the security guard, but it just goes to show that sometimes it doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved in the course of your life: the first thing that some people will judge you on is the colour of your skin.”
A spokesperson for Condé Nast said that the security team is hired through a third party. “The matter is being handled with them directly. We’re confident we’ll be able to resolve it with them,” the rep said.
The Ghanaian-born Enninful was named editor-in-chief in 2017.
Migos Sue Their Lawyer Over “Excessive Fees,” Conflicts of Interest; QC CEO Responds!
Atlanta music group Migos are suing their lawyer Damien Granderson for stealing millions of dollars from them through “excessive fees” without proper authorization, and for failure to mention conflicts of interest from his representation of their label, according to Billboard.
The group, comprised of Quavious Marshall (Quavo), Kiari Cephus (Offset), and Kirsnick Ball (Takeoff), are taking legal action not only against Granderson but also his current firm, Granderson Des Rochers, as well as his previous one, Davis Shapiro.
The group is suing him for professional malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, violation of California Business & Professions Code 6147 and 6148, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. They are asking for restitution and punitive damages, as well as an affirmation that the 5% unexpected fee agreement is inadequate.
In the complaint to the court, Migos attorney Bryan Freedman wrote:
“Granderson was working with Migos since the group’s early days, including on the 2014 deal to have 300 Entertainment distribute Migos’ debut album, Yung Rich Nation. At that time, the group’s members were in their late teens and early twenties and had nothing more than high school education.”
The group’s attorney claims that Granderson viewed the Migos as “easy targets” and tricked them into a deal that could benefit him by landing him Quality Control Music as a client. The suit claims that Granderson created a legal argument with 300 to switch the group to Capitol Records.
Freedman also wrote:
“Granderson later exacerbated the harm he caused to Migos by negotiating a 2018 amendment to the exclusive label agreement between QCM and Capitol Records. That amendment triggered an extension of the exclusive recording agreement between QCM and Migos, which Granderson knew to contain terms that were unconscionable for Migos.”
According to the suit, those specific terms forced the group to give control to Capital Records if they decided to terminate their relationship with QCM.
Freedman continued:
“Granderson effectively prevented his other client — Migos — from ever being free of paying excessive compensation to QCM, from ever being signed to any other record label, and from ever obtaining negotiating leverage to secure reasonable terms in connection with the distribution of its musical recordings.”
Granderson is also being accused of creating errors in multiple agreements while practicing law without a California license several years after relocating to Los Angeles from New York.
Billboard reached out to Granderson for comment, but he has yet to respond. However, Quality Control CEO Pierre” Pee” Thomas has since responded, saying,” it is unfortunate that the same people that we have worked hard for, provided opportunities for, and championed for are now alleging that we have participated in any kind of immoral or unfair business practices or took advantage of them and their careers, especially while we are dealing with the death of an artist on our label that was dear to us. We have always practiced honest business and complete transparency from the beginning when we started Quality Control Music.”
” We built this business on family values, which has been so hard to do when you are dealing with so much pride and ego. The problem that I have been struggling with in this business as black man is jealousy, hate, division, and lack of communication. I was a millionaire before I got in the music business and for me to know the sacrifices I have made for the people that I have invested in and put every dollar, blood, sweat, and tears into is nonsense. I will not stand by and let Quality Control Music’s reputation and everything we have built and sacrificed be tarnished by allegations of unfair and unjust business practices. I am a student of this game and I have watched several black record label owner’s get destroyed by the same things that I am facing right now,” he said.
” This is why majority of the people in this business end up in financial turmoil and ultimately failing to reach their full potential. It is hard enough to be fighting and battling with corporations and the powers that be, I am not doing it with those who I consider family. I love my artists and I love my team. Everyone has their own lawyers. I understand in this business that you are not always going to end with the people you started with. I say that to say, I am not forcing anybody to be in business with us that has a problem and cannot communicate and does not want to work as a unit. Everything is negotiable. I wish my whole team more money, more blessings, and continued success. #longlivemarlo”
Terry Crews Wants to ‘Defund Pornhub?’
It was reported earlier today that Terry Crews has taken up a new social cause, although, this one is a lot different from Black Lives Matter and other groups focused on identity politics and racism.
Fans of Crews, the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star, know he has been in the headlines repeatedly for his remarks regarding the Black Lives Matter protests as well as the importance of not turning the movement into black supremacy.
Crews even took his views to CNN’s Don Lemon, a discussion during which the actor backed up his arguments. Terry is now fighting against PornHub, the internet pornography website that compiles adult-themed videos from all over the industry.
On the 14th of July, Terry took to his Twitter account to fire shots at PornHub. He wrote on his account, “DEFUND PORNHUB @FightTheNewDrug.”
According to Hot New Hip Hop, Crews tagged the organization, Fight The New Drug, a group that says its aim is to provide quality information regarding pornography and the effects it has on people’s lives.
They describe themselves as “non-religious and non-legislative,” and their purpose is to help consumers make an informed decision regarding internet pornography using nothing but science, facts, and the personal experiences of their members.
The response to the star’s social media declaration has definitely been varied, with some arguing that it’s simply adult entertainment, whereas others described their own experiences with relying on websites for their intimacy needs.
To many, the idea of pushing users away from Pornhub and other pornography websites seems ludicrous, especially since most of modern society has accepted there are no health repercussions to masturbation.
One report from Psychology Today suggested there were no studies indicating a deleterious effect on a child’s brain from internet porn use. However, another article from the same publication said there was a correlation between loneliness and increased pornography use.
Furthermore, individuals who regularly watch internet pornography tend to need more and more porn to satisfy the same sexual urges. For that reason, it’s not unreasonable to assume that Terry Crews is encouraging for more interpersonal relationships rather than increased internet pornography usage.
Tamar Braxton Calls Out Pay Inequality Between “The Braxton Family Values” And “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”: “That’s What Happens When It’s All White Executives”!
Tamar Braxton says her family show The Braxton Family Values has been paid significantly less than other family reality TV shows, specifically Keeping Up with The Kardashians.
On Monday, a Twitter user wrote, “I wish y’all could work out a deal with a black-owned network. Anyone of them would be ecstatic to have the Braxton Family! #BET #OWNTV #bouncetv #tvonetv We ALL remember the ratings that #BFV_WEtv brought to #WEtv !! #PayThemTheirWorth #PayThemTheirRespect.” Braxton retweeted the user’s tweet with a post saying, “Are we going to talk about pay… I 100 percent wrote the theme song… where is the coin… our show is on Netflix… where is the coin… 10 years on The air… we make 75 percent LESS than the Kardashians. How come there are no villains on that show.”
Braxton Family Values aired on We TV for six seasons and a total of 142 episodes, The Blast reports. The hit continuously brought the network and producers very high ratings. However, the singer and reality star revealed that when white producers and execs control the narratives of Black talent, Black people suffer and are mistreated. As Braxton continued, she replied to the fan’s tweet, saying, “& STILL more DRAMA till this day! But that’s what happens when it’s all white executives having all the power & telling your black family stories🤷🏽♀ I WILL get justice for my family and all other black reality shows with the narrative of ABP & negativity. it’s TERRIBLE& I’m tired.”
She added: “Your post is exactly what I’m talking about. I, too, feel the same way. It used to be funny and fun. But some will say well you actually said or did the negative things. True, but now true. It’s the context. And that’s why they do it. To ruin your credibility.”
Thoughts?
Hallmark Says It Is In 'Active Negotiations' To Include LGBTQ Storylines In Its Holiday Movie Lineup!
After concern that none of the 40 films Hallmark announced as part of its 2020-2021 holiday lineup included an LGBTQ lead, a representative from the company said some of the movies in its "Countdown to Christmas" and "Miracles of Christmas" programming "will include LGBTQ storylines, characters and actors."
"Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us and we look forward to making some exciting programming announcements in the coming months, including announcements about projects featuring LGBTQ storylines, characters, and actors," wrote George Zaralidis, the vice president of network program publicity at Hallmark's parent company, Crown Media Family Networks, in an emailed statement. "We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome."
Zaralidis added that the company is in "active negotiations" and will announce "more details when we can."
Hallmark did not include a full list of the 40 upcoming movies in its initial announcement, instead naming 18 of the 40 forthcoming movie titles, prompting some online to assume that the company would omit LGBTQ storylines as it has in past years.
LGBTQ audiences have been long advocating for greater queer representation from Crown Media. Shortly after The Wrap reported that neither Hallmark nor Lifetime were featuring any LGBTQ leads in their 2019 lineups, Bill Abbott, the former CEO of Crown Media, told the Hollywood Reporter that the network was open to “any type of movie of any type of relationship in any space" and the company's executive vice president of programming and network publicity, Michelle Vicary, stated that Crown Media was actively seeking to expand its offerings to include queer couples.
“We are continuing to expand our diversity,” Vicary said. “We are looking at pitches for LGBTQ movies … and we are looking to expand and represent the United States as a whole.”
Not everyone was thrilled about the company asserting that it would center LGBTQ characters in future movies, however. One Million Moms, which bills itself as a group of parents who are working to stop the “exploitation of children” by entertainment media, and LifeSiteNews, a right-wing Catholic news organization that has been criticized for promoting false stories, like one linking trans healthcare to thousands of deaths, each issued separate petitions last year asking Hallmark to keep its content “family-friendly” by keeping the “promotion of homosexuality and transgenderism” out of its movies and advertisements.
Crown Media's commitment to inclusivity was further called into question after Hallmark removed, then reinstated, a wedding ad featuring a same-sex couple in December.
"The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we've seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused," Hallmark President and CEO Mike Perry said in a statement at the time, adding that Hallmark planned to work with GLAAD, the premier LGBTQ media representation group, "to better represent the LGBTQ community" across its brands.
After Hallmark's reversal, GLAAD's president, Sarah Kate Ellis, said the company's decision sent an important message to LGBTQ people and signaled a "major loss" for "fringe organizations" that aim to "hurt families like mine."
GLAAD declined to comment on Hallmark's forthcoming holiday programming until the full list of movies is announced. According to Entertainment Weekly, several movies of the 40 movies wrapped production earlier this year before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
Abbott stepped down from his role as CEO in January following the backlash over the same-sex wedding ad and his replacement has not been announced nor is it listed on a company webpage naming its executive leadership.
George Floyd's Family Sues Minneapolis, Officers Involved In Death!
The family of George Floyd filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Minneapolis and four former police officers who were involved in his death.
Lawyer Ben Crump filed the civil rights lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. It seeks unspecified compensatory and special damages.
The family says Floyd's rights were violated during his arrest on May 25 when former officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes, asphyxiating him. Chauvin faces second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
The other three officers -- J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao -- face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four were fired the day after Floyd's death.
The lawsuit also accuses the city of Minneapolis of fostering a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity without fear of retribution in the police department. The court documents detail more than a dozen examples of excessive force in the department dating back to 2009.
"This complaint shows what we have said all along, that Mr. Floyd died because the weight of the entire Minneapolis Police Department was on his neck," Crump said.
"The city of Minneapolis has a history of policies, procedures and deliberate indifference that violates the rights of arrestees, particularly Black men, and highlights the need for officer training and discipline. This is an unprecedented case, and with this lawsuit we seek to set a precedent that makes it financially prohibitive for police to wrongfully kill marginalized people -- especially Black people -- in the future."
Floyd's death, caught on video by bystanders, sparked worldwide protests against police brutality and racial bias. It also prompted reforms in some law enforcement agencies, including in Minneapolis, where the City Council voted last month to approve an ordinance that removes the requirement for a police department in the city charter.
The ordinance allows for the creation of a community safety and violence prevention department that includes "licensed peace officers."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘WILL DO BUDDY’
Looks like I can still get that friendly customer service feel at self-checkout now.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment