Luigi & Iango Flash Akon, Estelle, Lexi, Luna, Taylor for Vogue Hong Kong February 2021!
Look again. This is not Vogue Japan. Models Akon Changkou, Estelle Chen, Lexi Boling, Luna Bijl and Taylor Hill share cover exposure for the February 2021 issue of Vogue Hong Kong. Schanel Bakkouche styles the quintet in images by Vogue Japan’s top photographer duo Luigi & Iango
[IG]./ Makeup by Georgi Sandev; hair by Pier Paolo
#RHOA #TWIRL: Kenya Moore Talks Working With Whitney Houston: ‘I Did Not Want That Smoke’!
Kenya Moore is considered reality television gold as a peach holder on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. But before her reality television fame, Moore was a beauty pageant winner and working actor. She had a brief role alongside Whitney Houston in Waiting to Exhale but admits she was initially scared to interact with the singing starlet.
Moore won the Miss USA title in 1993, becoming just the second African American woman to wear the crown. From there, she began guest-starring in a string of film and television roles throughout the 90s, mainly in urban sitcoms and movies.
Some of Moore’s acting credits include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Homeboys in Outer Space, Smart Guy, Living Single, In the House, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Parent ‘Hood, The Steve Harvey Show, and Martin.
She also began producing behind the camera, starring in and producing Trois alongside Will Packer in 2000. She moved to Atlanta from LA when more productions began taking place in Atlanta with the intention of expanding her producing career. But, her career took a shift when she was cast on The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2012.
Since appearing on Housewives, Moore has continued acting, with roles on television dramas like Saints & Sinners. She has a recurring role on the Netflix comedy Family Reunion. Her reality television career also expanded, including appearances on Celebrity Apprentice, and The Millionaire Matchmaker.
Kenya Moore says she was initially scared of Whitney Houston
One of Moore’s fondest memories on a set as an actor was her small part in Waiting to Exhale. Moore’s character Denise interrupts a moment on the dance floor between Houston’s character and an on-screen love interest. “Lionel, you haven’t danced with me all night,” Moore’s character says. Houston’s character shoots both a snide look before making her exit.
For Moore, the chance to work with someone as iconic as Houston was major. Despite such, Moore admitted in a recent interview with Behind the scenes Beauty w/ D.M. that she was initially scared and intimidated of Houston.
“I was scared, honey I was so scared,” Moore says with a laugh. Moore says her impression of Houston was as someone not to be messed with due to Houston being in the press for her diva behavior and allegedly confronting women over her then-husband. Bobby Brown.
“That was when she was all over the papers with Bobby and their issues and stuff and I just did not want that smoke,” Moore explained. “I was like, ‘I’m not going anywhere out there, I’m staying in my trailer, she is not going to fuss at me, I don’t want her man, I don’t want any part of it.’”
Luckily, when she finally met Houston, the encounter was pleasant. “When I finally got a chance to meet Whitney, she gave me the biggest hug, she was like, ‘We are so proud of you,’” Moore said of Houston, as a reference to Moore winning the Miss USA title.
Interestingly, Moore would reconnect with Loretta Devine who also starred in Waiting to Exhale when Moore began her recurring role on Family Reunion.
#NewMusic from H.E.R. – Fight for You!
Musical prodigy H.E.R. shares her contribution to the soundtrack for the upcoming feature film “Judas and the Black Messiah” with the new song “Fight for You”.
The song features production and writing from D’Mile and Tiara Thomas. It is reminiscent of the revolutionary sounds of the 60’s and 70’s with lyrics that are very relevant today in the fight for social and racial justice.
LISTEN HERE
The singer recently premiered the song live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
#HipHopNews: YFN Lucci Reportedly Released From Jail Following Felony Murder Charge On $500k Bond!
YFN Lucci is a free man once again but will be under strict provisions. According to TMZ, the Atlanta rhymer was released from Fulton County Jail on Monday (February 8) after putting up a $500,000 bond.
TMZ sources say Lucci — born Rayshawn Bennett — will have to forfeit his passport and use an ankle monitor at home, where he’ll need to be during the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m ET. Outside of those hours, he’ll only be allowed to travel for doctor appointments, see his lawyers and visit his kids.
“The bond was negotiated last week and finalized today,” Lucci’s attorney Drew Findling told TMZ. “He was released just before 4 p.m. ET. There are a variety of conditions which is somewhat consistent with these cases, which included surrendering his passport.”
Fulton County Jail records confirm Lucci’s Monday release. He was originally booked on January 13 on an array of charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, participation in criminal street gang activity and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Bennett is being tied to the December 2020 murder of 28-year-old James Adams. The deadly shooting took place in southwest Atlanta during the afternoon hours of December 10.
Lucci isn’t allowed to communicate with any of the co-defendants or victims in the case while out on bond. He’s also barred from visiting a certain Atlanta recording studio, according to TMZ.
The Original Dream Girl Mary Wilson, Motown Legend And Founding Member Of The Supremes, Dead At 76!
Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, has died at the age of 76, her publicist has said.
Wilson died suddenly at her home in Henderson, Nevada, on Monday. A statement confirming her passing did not state a cause of death.
The Supremes performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show," in 1964. From left: Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Mary Wilson.
Wilson, a singer as well as best-selling author, helped form the female singing group The Primettes in Detroit in 1959, alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown. The latter left the group and was replaced. Wilson, Ross and Ballard went on to enjoy huge success as trio The Supremes.
Under the Motown Records label, the group scored 12 no. 1 hits with songs like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and still remains influential decades later.
Wilson stayed on with The Supremes even after other original members left and new ones joined the line-up. The group split in 1977 and she pursued a solo career.
“The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown’,” Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a statement.
“I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes ... She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.”
The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. The 2006 film “Dreamgirls,” starring Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson, was loosely based on their story.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral service for Wilson will be private, the statement said. A celebration of her life is expected later in the year.
Early Tuesday, friends, colleagues and fans shared their thoughts and remembrances on social media:
Beyonce Drops ICY PARK Winter Joy Collection from IVY PARK x adidas!
Queen Bey releases her third collection in her IVY PARK x adidas collab, this time for the launch of her latest winter-ready capsule fittingly entitled “ICY PARK”. The Lemonade artist imagines a winter wonderland world led by global citizens like Hailey Bieber, Gucci Mane, Kaash Paige, Akesha Murray and more.
“On the apparel side, the two parties turn to playful monogram graphics and cozy materials such as faux shearling and performance towel terry to infuse into its pieces. Tight-to-the-body activewear, lifestyle tracksuits and accompanying accessories are available for both men and women, all of which lean on vibrant and seasonally-appropriate hues of pink, blue and a snowy white,” writes adidas about the collection dropping February 19.
Queen Latifah Says “It Means The World To Me” Stepping into the Role of ‘The Equalizer’!
Updated and reimagined for 2021, CBS gives us The Equalizer. Starring and coming on as an executive producer is the talented Queen Latifah. We’ve seen the role of Robert McCall played by Edward Woodward in the original ’80s series and Denzel Washington in the film adaptations. Now we get to see the first Black woman in the role of the retired intelligence agent with a mysterious past.
The Equalizer is a reimagining of the classic ’80s series. It follows Robyn McCall, played by Queen Latifah, as she raises her teenage daughter and becomes an anonymous guardian angel in the pursuit of personal redemption.
Latifah, who gave some insight into the new series at a recent press conference. Check out some of the conversation below.
On bringing her personal touch to the role…
“One thing that ain’t on the page is this hair. So that’s one thing that will be introduced.
“I wanted her to have a different sort of swagger. I didn’t want her to just be in a dark place all the time. I wanted to see her humor. I want us to eventually hear songs that she would know, that all Black women would know. I wanted her to not like bullies. That was one of the most important things to me because I was bullied a little bit as a kid. So I got a particular thing about bullies, and so that excited me about this role. The idea of sticking up for someone is important.
“I want to try to make things as true to the culture and people’s cultures, as we can. That’s another thing I think is very important because sometimes people’s culture is painted with broad strokes. I’m hoping that wherever we can get more specific, that we do that, to honor people’s cultures, to enjoy people’s cultures, rather than just assume that this is what they’re like.”
On what it means to be in this role…
“I think we need to see more [Black women in roles like this]. We’ve been doing what we have to do and we’ve been carrying a lot of things on our back. Unfortunately, sometimes, we’re not lifted up in the way we should be. When it comes to how much we carry, how much grit we have, how much determination we have, how powerful we are, and how magical we are, I think these things come naturally. It’s time for the world to see it on a normal basis, in a very normal way, in a natural way, told through the lens of a Black woman.
“It means the world to me to be in this role. It means that you get to see what life is like for a Black woman in this position. I like to say we Black women have been equalizing for eons, from Hatshepsut to Stacey Abrams, to my mother and grandmother. I’ve watched Black women be strong, caring, sensitive, and entrepreneurs. I remember my grandmother always letting me know she used to work at the Picatinny Arsenal loading shells for the war. We’ve been involved. You just haven’t gotten to see it as much as you should. So, here I am. Lorraine Toussaint’s here. Laya DeLeon Hayes is here. You’ll see three generations, at least, on this show. This is important to see.
“Let me say, one Black woman is not all Black women. So there are things that we will get to see that are different from one to the next, and that’s important because we’re a dynamic people. Human beings are different from one to the next. We can’t just show one version of what a Black woman is; I think we’ve seen that way too much. The more we get an opportunity to be in the writing room, or to be the producers of the show, or the directors of the show, the props department of the show, the wardrobe or the makeup or the hair, or the grips, we get to catch things that other people might not catch because they’re not a Black woman. It’s important that we’re in these positions because you’ll get to see things more through our lens and what things are really, truly like, and not an idea or caricature of some sort.”
On the writers…
“I’m hoping we get to mine culture and mine people’s lives. We have such a diverse group of writers, that everybody gets to bring their stories to the table. We want to see different stories. We want to see things through everyone’s lens. It’s my job to deliver it, and our job as producers, to deliver a show that entertains everyone. I’m loving each writer because every time I get a script, I can see the style of each writer. I can see the story of each writer. I can see the mind and how this particular writer thinks, and it’s so exciting. I could see who’s just kind of cool. I could see who thinks long game. I can see who watches a lot of sci-fi. I can see who’s really into very fine details. I can see who likes music in certain ways, and this is just fun to bring to life. I don’t have to do all the heavy lifting.”
“I love the explosions. There’s one action sequence that doesn’t involve me having any weapons at all. Everything is not about a gun, but everything is a weapon to me. You’ll see something that may happen with a clipboard. You’ll see something that maybe happens with my hands. There’ll be some humor in it. Whatever she needs to use to defend herself, you’re going to see her use throughout the season.
“It’s definitely a lot more work. I have a great amount of respect for stunt people. I can’t do all of the stunts. I’m able to do some. I’m able to do a lot of intimate close contact fighting and things like that. But, I’m not getting crashed on a table. I ride motorcycles, but there are certain things that I’m just not doing on the bikes at this point. I would have done it in my 20s maybe, but not now.
“Our [stunt] coordinators work hard to create these intricate scenes that don’t look like things you’ve seen before. I think they work very well with our directors and our DPs at making sure that these scenes look cool. You can still see me take guns, disarm people in various ways, handle them. There’s a dance to it. It’s choreography. It’s learning things by beat. I think being a rapper/singer/artist has helped me throughout my career in terms of rhythm.
“When I was on Living Single, everything is timing on a sitcom. Your joke has to come off so there’s a rhythm to it. That rhythm is helping me now with the choreography. ‘Turn around’ or ‘break glasses’ becomes a song in my mind, and I gotta whoop you by the time that that hook comes. I need to have this fight over by the time this chorus is over, in my brain. So, I really appreciate them.”
The new action-drama series debuts its first episode on February 7, after the Super Bowl. Starting February 14, The Equalizer moves to its regular time and day, Sunday at 8 pm on CBS.
Tessica Brown, Woman In Gorilla Glue Hair Horror, May Sue Over Ordeal!
A Louisiana woman who went viral after struggling to remove Gorilla Glue from her hair claims that neither the hospital nor the company’s advice helped remove the hardened adhesive.
Now she’s considering a lawsuit to get out of the sticky situation, according to TMZ.
Tessica Brown hired an attorney and is weighing litigation against Gorilla Glue, because while the product’s label warns against using on eyes, skin or clothing, it does not mention hair, the outlet reports.
During Brown’s weekend trip to the ER, health care workers put acetone on the back of her head, but instead of getting to the root of the problem, it burned her scalp and only made the glue gooey before hardening back up, according to TMZ.
Gorilla Glue is aware of the dilemma, and tweeted a statement reading: “We are very sorry to hear about the unfortunate incident that Miss Brown experienced using our Spray Adhesive on her hair. We are glad to see in her recent video that Miss Brown has received medical treatment from her local medical facility and wish her the best.”
The company goes on to reiterate that its product “is not indicated for use in or on hair as it is considered permanent.”
Brown posted last week that her hair had been stuck in place for a month after she ran out of her usual hair product and opted to use the extra-strong superglue instead.
Tessica Brown posted on Feb. 4 that her hair had been stuck in place for a month after she ran out of her usual hair product and opted to use Gorilla Glue.
The super-strong glue is only intended to be used with products like wood, laminate, fabric, paper and cardboard.
Michael B. Jordan Working On Muhammad Ali Series, Roc Nation To Executive Produce!
Michael B. Jordan is working on a limited series about late boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The project, which is slated to air on Amazon, will also be produced by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
“It’s an incredible honor and I bring tons of respect to it. It’s a healthy weight to carry, to be able to tell the story of Muhammad Ali. It’s called The Greatest right now and we’re partnered with Roc Nation on the music side of things.”
He added that Muhammad Ali’s estate is on board.
“It’s a project where we’ve partnered with the estate and we’ll be able to tell this story with no red tape. It’s a limited series that will really dive into the life of Muhammad Ali.”
While he’s played a boxing star himself in Creed, Michael B. Jordan said this time around, his work will be done behind the camera as he shares the personal side of Muhammad Ali’s story.
“People know Muhammad Ali from his boxing days, but this is an opportunity to go beyond the ring, and more into the man. It’s going to give more of a 360-degree view of who he was. And no, I’m not playing that guy, I can say that for sure, and we are still in early stages here and can’t say too much. We are still putting the pieces together, but it feels like something to look forward to in the future.”
Michael B. Jordan is broadening his off-screen work as he’s also set to direct Creed III, his co-star Tessa Thompson confirmed.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming project?
Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Natalia Signs Modeling Contract!
Natalia Bryant is following in her dad's footsteps by stepping into the spotlight.
The daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, Natalia signed with a modeling agency on Monday, Feb. 8. That means that less than three weeks after she turned 18, his eldest daughter is poised to become the next superstar in the family.
IMG Models Worldwide announced the deal on Instagram and quoted her as saying, "I have always been interested in fashion since a very young age. I have a love for the industry and ever since I can remember I wanted to model."
She added, "There is a lot to learn but I feel this is a great opportunity for me to learn and express myself creatively."
Natalia later told her 2.3 million Instagram followers that she is "beyond thrilled and so honored to be a part of the IMG family." The agency also reps Ashley Graham, Gigi Hadid, Millie Bobby Brown and more A-list models.
Her mom, Vanessa Bryant, reposted the reveal to her feed and Instagram Story, where she added GIFs reading, "i am so proud of you" and "i love you." Gigi commented a big ol' "YES" on her post, while Olivia Munn, Jennifer Meyer and more Hollywood insiders showed their love.
Their family friend, La La Anthony, also gushed over the new model. Referring to Natalia as her "niece," she wrote, "I'm so excited and proud of you. Beautiful from the inside out! Just like ur momma."
Natalia's modeling gig comes after a string of other rising stars have signed with IMG in recent weeks. Those that joined with clout of their own include Vice President Kamala Harris' stepdaughter Ella Emhoff and Inauguration poet powerhouse Amanda Gorman.
Model Beverly Peele Claims She was Raped by Peter Nygard!
In a new docuseries about disgraced fashion designer Peter Nygard, 90s model Beverly Peele claims he raped her shortly after she signed a contract with his fashion house...
From Page Six “My encounter was definitely not consensual. After my incident, no, I didn’t tell anybody, because I’d just signed a three-year contract, and it was one of those things where … I’m a strong independent person, and I am just gonna brush this under the rug and show up for work the next day. Get my money, and keep it moving,” she said. “I just wanted to finish my contract, and be done with this man.”
Peele got pregnant and “the whole pregnancy I thought it was my husband’s … and then the baby came out … the baby looked identical to Peter,” she recalled. “I didn’t want to hold my son for three months because of Peter Nygard … I had nightmares for three years because of Peter Nygard.”
Peele, along with dozens of other models, makes the shocking allegations in the new docuseries “Unseamless.”
Nygard was arrested in Canada last month for raping dozens of underage girls.
Ciara proud of Russell Wilson being named ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year’!
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was named the 2020 “Walter Payton Man of the Year” on Saturday, Feb. 6 during the Super Bowl LV festivities. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is given to a player who demonstrates “outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on it,” according to the NFL.
R&B songstress Ciara was by her husband’s side during the ceremony and sent a special tribute to Wilson on Instagram. The “Goodies” singer wrote, “You’re the most selfless, loving, & caring person I know. Your heart, dedication, and commitment to taking care of others is truly what sets you apart. It’s one of the most beautiful and attractive things about you! I’m so proud of you and to be a part of your great mission to impact others!
“Proud to call you my Husband. Proud of the Father you are to our children. Proud of the Man you are to our family,” she added. “I love you so much @DangeRussWilson! Congratulations on the Walter Payton MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD Babe! You really are That Man!”
Since his rookie year in Seattle in 2012, Wilson has visited children suffering from cancer every Tuesday. He also established the Why Not You Foundation in 2014 to empower kids through educational opportunities and food sharing programs.
Mickey Guyton And Husband Grant Savoy Welcome Baby Boy!
Mickey Guyton and her husband Grant Savoy are officially parents! On Monday (February 8), the country singer turned to Instagram to announce the arrival of their first child, son Grayson.
"The hardest and most beautiful thing I have ever done," she wrote alongside a photo of the newborn wrapped up in the hospital bed. "Welcome to the world Grayson!"
She added, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalm 30:5."
Guyton first announced she and her husband were expecting their first child together back in August of 2020. Several months later, the singer revealed the baby's sex to be a boy.
"This baby is an absolute miracle," she told People at the time, going on to discuss her concerns about raising a Black son in America.
"I've seen racial injustice happen to my husband. I've had a 'Karen' falsely make claims against him and say some of the most heinous things, like the N-word," Guyton explained. "I'm growing this Black child in my belly that is going to have to face this. I pray for him."
"I just want this baby to just have its own life and have its own choices, and I will accept this baby for who or whatever it chooses to be," she added. "I just want to support it in every way that I can."
Guyton and Savoy have been married since 2017. They tied the knot that June in Hawaii. Congrats to the couple!
Claudia Jordan Calls Out Rickey Smiley for Blocking Gary with da Tea's Bag!
Back in December Fox Soul podcaster Claudia Jordan started a new podcast featuring Al Reynolds, Funky Dineva and Gary with da T.
Apparently radio host Ricky Smiley told Gary he had to choose between him and Claudia...
In a recent interview Claudia Jordan put Ricky Smiley on blast for forcing his gossip contributor Gary with da Tea, to choose between working with him or working with her, while his other co-hosts are free to pursue outside work.
Claudia blames her brief stint on the Ricky Smiley Morning Show six years ago for Ricky's petty behavior claiming he still hates her for being open about getting fired from his show
Black Twitter Reacts To Cracker Barrel Trending Online Over Fake Post!
According to Google–and this is not true–yesterday on Black Twitter, a user tweeted a photo of a Cracker Barrel truck with the caption that read, “Cracker was a slang term for whip. That’s why blacks called whites crackers, from the crack of the whip. A Cracker Barrel is a barrel that held the whips for sale at the country store. You see the whip going from the R to the K? Racism in your face!!”
It seems like most of us Black people didn’t even notice the whip from the R to the K, to begin with. Most Black folks I know wouldn’t even step foot in this restaurant/store chain, but you know Black Twitter had to react to the possibility of this tweet being true.
US Officials Say Pilot Error Caused Kobe Bryant Chopper Crash!
The pilot who crashed the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, killing all nine aboard, made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said Tuesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board primarily blamed pilot Ara Zobayan in the Jan. 26, 2020 crash that killed him along with Bryant, the basketball star’s daughter and six other passengers heading to a girls basketball tournament.
Zobayan, an experienced pilot, ignored his training, violated flight rules by flying into conditions where he couldn’t see and failed to take alternate measures, such as slowing down and landing or switching to auto-pilot, that would have averted the tragedy.
The NTSB said it was likely Zobayan felt pressure to deliver his star client to his daughter’s game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. Officials believe Zobayan may have also felt “continuation bias,” an unconscious tendency among pilots to stick with the original plan despite changing conditions.
“The closer you get to the destination the more you think just maybe you can pull this off,” NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said Tuesday.
The agency announced the long-awaited findings during a four-hour hearing pinpointing probable causes of what went awry in the 40-minute flight. The crash led to widespread public mourning for the retired basketball star and several lawsuits, and prompted state and federal legislation.
The agency also faulted Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, for inadequate review and oversight of safety matters.
When Zobayan decided to climb above the clouds, he entered a trap that has doomed many flights. Once a pilot loses visual cues by flying into fog or darkness, the inner ear can send erroneous signals to the brain that causes spatial disorientation. It’s sometimes known as “the leans,” causing pilots to believe they are flying aircraft straight and level when they are banking.
Zobayan radioed air traffic controllers that he was climbing when, in fact, he was banking and descending rapidly toward the steep hills near Calabasas, NTSB investigators concluded.
Flying under visual flight rules, Zobayan was required to be able to see where he was going. Flying into the cloud was a violation of that standard and probably led to his disorientation, NTSB said.
There were 184 aircraft crashes between 2010-2019 involving spatial disorientation, including 20 fatal helicopter crashes, the NTSB said.
“What part of cloud, when you’re on a visual flight rules program, do pilots not understand?” Landsberg said.
NTSB member Michael Graham said Zobayan ignored his training and added that that as long as helicopter pilots continue flying into clouds without relying on instruments, which requires a high level of training, “a certain percentage aren’t going to come out alive.”
Zobayan had been certified to fly using only instruments, but was no longer proficient, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said.
The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) per minute when it slammed into the hillside and ignited, scattering debris over an area the size of a football field. The victims died immediately.
Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six others who left Orange County that morning were headed to his Mamba Sports Academy in Ventura County. The group had flown to the same destination the previous day and Zobayan had flown Bryant along that route at least 10 times in 2019.
The aircraft itself had been flown on largely direct routes between the airports in Orange and Ventura counties about two dozen times since late 2018, data shows, but the pilot took the chopper further north because of low visibility that day.
There was no sign of mechanical failure and the pilot was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, investigators said.
The helicopter did not have so-called “black box” recording devices, which were not required, that would have given investigators a better understanding of what happened.
The NTSB report reiterated a previous recommendation to require flight data and cockpit voice recorders on choppers, but the agency only investigates transportation-related crashes. It has no enforcement powers and must submit suggestions to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration or the Coast Guard, which have repeatedly rejected some board safety recommendations after other transportation disasters.
Over the past year, experts speculated that the crash could lead to a recommendation for requiring helicopters to have Terrain Awareness and Warning System devices, which signal when aircraft are in danger of crashing.
But NTSB investigator-in-charge Bill English said the system, which was not on the helicopter, would probably not have prevented the crash.
The hilly terrain, combined with the disorientation, would have made the warning system “a confusing factor,” English said.
“The pilot doesn’t know which way is up,” English said.
Federal lawmakers have sponsored the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act to mandate the warning systems on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.
The NTSB report is likely to factor into litigation in the case, whether it’s admissible in court or not, said Dallas lawyer Michael Lyons.
The crash generated lawsuits and countersuits, with Bryant’s widow suing Island Express and the pilot for wrongful death on the day a massive public memorial was held almost a year ago at Staples Center, where the Lakers all-star played most his career.
Vanessa Bryant said Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the aircraft, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp., did not properly train or supervise Zobayan. She said the pilot was careless and negligent to fly in fog and should have aborted the flight.
Zobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said Kobe Bryant knew the risks of flying in a helicopter and that his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate. Island Express Helicopters Inc. denied responsibility and said the crash was “an act of God” that it could not control.
Lawyers for Berge Zobayan and Island Express said they had no comment on the NTSB findings.
Families of other victims sued the helicopter companies but not the pilot.
The others killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.
The companies have countersued two FAA air traffic controllers, saying the crash was caused by their “series of erroneous acts and/or omissions.”
While air traffic controllers failed to report the loss of radar contact and radar communication with the flight, which was inconsistent with their procedures, it did not contribute to the crash, the NTSB said.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘CLASH OF THE ANIMALS’
Dude. That’s a trashy outfit even if you were a real woman. Rethink the Peggy Bundy bikini look.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment