DEVELOPING NOW! CHARGES DROPPED Against #Empire actor Jussie Smollett!😲
In a stunning reversal, Chicago prosecutors on Tuesday dropped all charges against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett just weeks after he was indicted on 16 felony counts for allegedly filing a false police report.
Smollett, 36, was seen arriving at a Chicago courtroom around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday for an emergency hearing. Following his court appearance, his attorneys released a statement saying that the actor's "record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him."
"Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement," the statement read.
"Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result."
During a brief news conference, Smollett said he has been "truthful" from the beginning."
"This has been an incredibility difficult time. Honestly, one of the worst of my life," he said, adding that he's ready to get back to his career and life.
Smollett was charged earlier this month by a grand jury of 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false report, according to a criminal complaint.
In February, he was charged with felony disorderly conduct after Chicago officers said he orchestrated the alleged hate crime in January on himself because he was unhappy with his salary on the show "Empire."
Smollett's lawyer, Patricia Holmes, slammed the Chicago Police Department for their public handling of the case and said they should "not to jump ahead and utilize the press to convict people before they are tried in the court of law.”
“Things seemed to spiral somewhat out of control," she said.
As a result of the allegations against Smollett, his role on "Empire," where he played Jamal Lyon, was cut from the final episodes of the fifth season "to avoid further disruption on set," the show's executive producers said in a joint statement on Feb. 22.
Smollett had told police on January 29 that he was beaten up by two masked men while he was out getting food in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The actor, who is black and gay, said his attackers hurled racist and homophobic slurs before punching him, putting a noose around his neck and pouring what he said was bleach on him.
Brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo were arrested in February as police investigated the alleged assault but were later released by police. They are not considered suspects. In a statement following the news of Smollett's charges being dropped, the brothers legal team said they are "still reviewing all legal stuff."
Smollett was then labeled as a suspect in his own alleged assault and arrested in February. Prosecutors and police said Smollett allegedly paid the Osundairo brothers $3,500 via a check to attack him and also gave them money to buy the supplies they would need to carry out the hoax crime.
He was released from jail after posting $10,000 of his $100,000 bond. Smollett's attorneys said Tuesday that the actor forfeited his bond over to the city of Chicago.
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said Tuesday that after reviewing the case, Smollett's volunteer service and his willingness to turn his bond over to the city, "we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case."
His family celebrated the decision, saying in a statement that "truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated."
"Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character has been unjustly smeared," the family said. "Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights, and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of."
The actor and his attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations against him. Mark Geragos, who represents Smollett, said in a statement to NBC News earlier this month that the indictment was "the prosecutorial overkill."
"This redundant and vindictive indictment is nothing more than a desperate attempt to make headlines in order to distract from the internal investigation launched to investigate the outrageous leaking of false information by the Chicago Police Department and the shameless and illegal invasion of Jussie's privacy in tampering with his medical records," Geragos said
What''s next for Smollett we don't know. Will just have to wait and see!
BREAKING: Grand Jury Returns 16 Counts Against ‘Empire’ Actor Jussie Smollett! 😲😲
Jussie Smollett is now facing deeper legal troubles after a grand jury returned 16 felony counts against the actor for falsely reporting a hate crime attack against him in January.
The grand jury returned the disorderly conduct charges on Thursday. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 14. The specific allegations–“false report of offense”– are Class 4 felonies.
“Jussie Smollett knew that at the time … there was no reasonable ground for believing that such offenses had been committed,” according to the indictment.
The indictment expands the case against the actor. The counts focus on allegedly false statements he made to two different Chicago Police officers. Each count covers various alleged acts that Smollett falsely described to the officers–including that he was hit by two men, that they yelled racial and homophobic slurs and poured a chemical on him.
Smollett, if convicted could face probation to up to three years in prison.“[The grand jury] decided he told multiple lies,”. “There were going to charge him for each.”
“If you have a crime, and that crime has multiple parts to it, you charge all those separate parts.”
Last month, Smollett was charged with one count of disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack last month in Streeterville.
Smollett, who is black and openly gay, had told police he was attacked as he was walking home around 2 a.m. on Jan. 29. He claimed two masked men – one of them also wearing a red hat – shouted racist and homophobic slurs as they beat him, put a noose around his neck, and poured a chemical on them.
Police said, in reality, Smollett had paid those two men, Ola and Abel Osundairo, $3,500 by check to stage the attack. Smollett also directed the brothers to buy the noose at a hardware store and the hat and masks at a store in Uptown. Johnson said police have the check.
Police said the two brothers wore gloves during the staged attack, and did punch Smollett, but the scratches and bruises on Smollett’s face most likely were self-inflicted.
Police at the time said the attack was a publicity stunt because the actor was upset about his pay on the show.
Jussie Smollett's Character Removed From Final Episodes Of 'Empire' Season!
Empire actor Jussie Smollett leaves the Cook County Jail in Chicago Thursday after posting bond. On Friday, the show's producers announced that they would be removing his character from the final episodes of this season.
Just a day after Jussie Smollett found himself formally in legal jeopardy, arrested in Chicago for filing a false police report, the Empire actor's job appears to be in jeopardy as well. Executive producers of the Fox program announced Friday that his character, Jamal, would not appear in the final episodes of the current season.
"The events of the past few weeks have been incredibly emotional for all of us. Jussie has been an important member of our EMPIRE family for the past five years and we care about him deeply. While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our trust in the legal system as the process plays out," said a statement signed by Lee Daniels, Danny Strong and five other producers.
"We are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show," they continued, "and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of 'Jamal' from the final two episodes of the season."
The announcement follows a Thursday news conference in which Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that Smollett had staged the apparent hate crime he reported last month. The incident — which Smollett allegedly faked with the help of two brothers whom he paid $3,500 — was orchestrated "because he was dissatisfied with his salary," Johnson explained.
The police superintendent said Smollett carried out the "stunt" after a racist and homophobic letter he received a week earlier, which he allegedly also faked, had failed to get the attention he desired. "So," Johnson concluded, "he concocted a story about being attacked."
Smollett's legal team, meanwhile, has pushed back against the allegations, for which he faces up to three years in prison. And they chalked them up to politics.
"Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system. The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a Mayoral election," his lawyers said in a statement Thursday.
"Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing."
Looks like this is really 'THE END' for Jamal Lyon!
Essence Sets 2019 Black Women in Hollywood Honorees
Essence will honor four actresses at its forthcoming annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The honorees are Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give), Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish), Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Regina Hall (Support the Girls).
The Oscar-week luncheon will take place Feb. 21 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills.
In acknowledging this year’s slate of Black Women in Hollywood honorees, Essence chief creative and content officer MoAna Luu stated, “We are proud to salute the marvelous work and stunning achievements of our awardees who, as a collective presence, are challenging perceptions and impacting social change. Through their craft and commitment to causes, Amandla, Jenifer, Kiki and Regina represent the dynamic intersection of art and activism that is influencing how we shape our own destiny.”
Essence’s film-noir themed content throughout awards season — including digital profiles and the debut of four customized magazine covers — will feature each honoree. The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards is presented by The Ford Motor Company and sponsored by AT&T.
The New England Patriots Are Super Bowl Champions Again, Beat The Rams 13-3
In a testament to the enduring power of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots emerged victorious in Super Bowl LIII for the team's sixth championship victory since 2002.
The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in a slow-moving game with the lowest total score in Super Bowl history. That means the oldest quarterback-coach duo in Super Bowl history has defeated the youngest duo, Jared Goff and Sean McVay.
"[The Patriots] played like champions," Belichick said. "Everybody counted us out from the beginning of the season, the mid-season, but we're still here."
Wide receiver Julian Edelmen was named Super Bowl LIII MVP, after a remarkable showing with 149 yards and 10 receptions.
"It was an unbelievable year," Brady said after the game. "We fought through it more so than anything. It's unbelievable to win this game."
For the second time in as many decades, the Super Bowl featured a David versus Goliath clash between the Patriots and the Rams — but this time, the teams had swapped roles. The Rams weren't the big, bad favorites they were back in 2002, the last time they met the Patriots on the NFL's biggest stage. And the Patriots didn't stride onto the field as the lovable underdogs they were when Tom Brady was just a blushing sophomore.
These days, the Rams hail from Los Angeles, Brady's Hall of Fame career is old enough to vote and the question on the minds of everyone outside New England before the big game was some variation on the following: Could the Patriots please quit winning already?
As it turns out, no. At the outset, pressure from the LA defense looked like it could pose an insurmountable challenge to quarterback Brady. That proved not to be the case.
The Patriots put the first points on the board with a second-quarter field goal, answered in the third-quarter by the Rams. But the teams went the first three quarters of the game without a touchdown — a first in Super Bowl history.
Viewers complained about the low-scoring game, while commentators suggested that Rams kicker Johnny Hekker's record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history – at 65 yards – was the most exciting part of an otherwise incredibly boring night.
And then the Patriots scored the first touchdown of the game. An impressive 29-yard catch by tight end Rob Gronkowski brought the Pats within scoring distance, and running back Sony Michel sealed the deal with a 2-yard touchdown run.
Any hopes for a comeback by the Rams were more or less dashed by a Stephen Gostkowski field goal for the Patriots in the closing minutes of the game.
"Coach Belichick did an outstanding job," said McVay after his team's loss. "There's really no other way to put it. You know, I'm pretty numb right now, but definitely I got out-coached."
The Patriots are now tied for most Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers — six apiece. It's their second victory in three years. And although the game was the lowest scoring in Super Bowl history, it was also the highest margin of victory for New England in any Super Bowl.
#RHOA: Seriously? Nene Leakes Reveals She Turned Down 'Celebrity Big Brother'
Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes could’ve been pulling double reality television duty this winter season. The mother-of-two revealed on Saturday, February 2 that she was approached to do the 2nd season of Celebrity Big Brother but turned it down! Read on to find out why she said no.
NeNe spoke exclusively with Entertainment Tonight about why she didn't go on CBB and why she was "surprised" her RHOA costar Kandi Burruss did.
"I was surprised that she went on the show, because they asked me to go on and I said no," she shared. "I was surprised that Kandi took it. She is more of a game player than me. I'm not really that girl. I don't want to be away from my phone and locked up and sleeping with people that I don't know, because I didn't know who I was going to enter the house with."
"You have to be in a room with other people and then the cameras are watching you except for when you are on the potty and in the shower. They watch you brush your teeth, they watch you do a lot and I just don't want them to watch me do everything," NeNe explained of why she said no to being on CBB. "I don't want to be watched."
NeNe appears to be more team Tamar Braxton than Kandi on CBB. "I caught an episode, and I saw Tamar (Braxton) and I was like, 'Well, looks like Tamar's the one doing well.' It looked like Tamar was carrying her a little bit,"NeNe said about the former Real host.
"(Stirring stuff up} is what Tamar (does). That's why they need her in the house. She is coming there to shake things up," NeNe continued while also adding that she thinks the "Love & War" singer will win CBB when all is said and done on Wednesday February 13th.
Do you think Kandi or Tamar has a better shot at winning CBB?
#Empire: Jussie Smollett returns to stage at The Troubadour in Hollywood for the 1st time since Attack!
WEST HOLLYWOOD, California -- Jussie Smollett was blunt, emotional and defiantly determined Saturday night at a Southern California concert some urged him not to play, telling the crowd before singing a note that he had to go on with the show because he couldn't let his attackers win.
"The most important thing I can say is 'thank you so much, and I'm OK," said the "Empire" actor and R&B singer from the stage at the Troubadour in West Hollywood in his first public appearance since he reported to police in Chicago on Tuesday that two masked men had assaulted him and put a rope around his neck while using homophobic and racial slurs.
"I'm not fully healed yet," said Smollett, who is black and openly gay, "but I'm going to be, and I'm gonna stand strong with y'all."
The concert had been planned long before the incident, and his family members and others had urged him to postpone it.
But Smollett said he couldn't do that. "I had to be here tonight, y'all. I couldn't let those (expletives) win," he said to screams and cheers from the packed room of about 400 people. "I will always stand for love. I will only stand for love."
His small band then launched into an upbeat song and he broke into dance, wearing a simple white buttoned shirt, white sneakers and black jeans, shuffling across the front of the stage and at times standing defiantly with a fist in the air.
Smollett kept the tone mostly celebratory through his hour-long set before addressing the attack head-on toward the end of his hour-long set, when he told the crowd he wanted to clarify a few things.
He said he was bruised but his ribs were not cracked. He went straight to the doctor but was not hospitalized, and physicians in both Chicago and Los Angeles cleared him to play but told him to be careful.
"And above all, I fought the (expletive) back," he said to cheers.
Then he paused and said, emphatically but with a laugh, "I'm the gay Tupac."
WATCH HERE
Fan Monique Davis said after the show that she was shocked he spoke so bluntly and directly about the incident, but she's glad he did.
"It was amazing, it was emotional, it was inspiring," Davis said. "He showed everyone in the room he was strong."
Smollett told police the men attacked him as he walked home in Chicago early Tuesday, throwing a chemical substance at him in addition to shouting slurs and putting the rope around his neck.
Surveillance video captured potential persons of interest in the attack on 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett , Chicago police said Wednesday afternoon.
No arrests have been made, and police have not found surveillance video of the attack, though they found footage of Smollett walking home with the rope around his neck.
Smollett had made his first public comments about the incident on Friday in a written statement that said he had been "consistent on every level" with the police during their investigation, countering comments on social media saying he had changed his story and been uncooperative with investigators.
Chicago police also said Smollett has been cooperative and they have found no reason to think he's not being genuine.
Smollett stars alongside Terence and Taraji P. Henson in "Empire," the Fox TV show about the power struggles of a family in the music business that is now in its fifth season. The series has allowed Smollett to play, sing and occasionally write music in addition to acting.
Last year he released a solo album, "Sum of My Music, which made up much of Saturday night's set, along with songs from "Empire."
He often sits at the piano on the show but stood front and center at the microphone at the Troubadour, the legendary Los Angeles club that helped launch the careers of James Taylor, the Eagles and Elton John.
He was joined in jubilant dance by his family members during his encore.
Earlier, they had taken the stage and voiced their support before he came on.
"To be honest, as his big brother, I wanted him to sit this one out," Joel Smollett Jr. said. "But we realized this night is an important part of Jussie's healing. He's been a fighter since he was a baby. He fought his attackers that night, and he continues to fight."
#NewMusicVideo from Amerie ‘Curious’
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Months after releasing her two EPs, Amerie has dropped a stunning video for “Curious,” which is lifted from her latest EP 4AM Mulholland.
Much like a Victoria Secret commercial, Amerie gets dressed in a retro bra and high waist panty set and stars as the beautiful model. She poses for a few glamour shots as she sings the sensual lyrics.
WATCH HERE
4AM Mulholland and After 4AM is the follow-up to Amerie’s 2016 EP, Drive.
#HipHopNews: ICE arrests rapper 21 Savage, says he's illegally present in US
Grammy-nominated rapper 21 Savage was arrested in Atlanta early Sunday by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to ICE spokesperson Bryan Cox. The agency says he is illegally present in the United States.
ICE says that the rapper, whose real name is Shayaabin Abraham-Joseph, is a citizen of the United Kingdom, according to Cox. The agency alleges that he entered the US legally in July 2005, when he was a minor, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa. ICE says Abraham-Joseph became unlawfully present when his visa expired in July 2006.
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts," ICE said in a statement. "ICE will now await the outcome of his case before a federal immigration judge to determine future actions."
An attorney for Abraham-Joseph said his representatives were working to secure his release.
"We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with the authorities to clear up any misunderstandings," Dina LaPolt said in a statement to CNN. "Mr. Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in this country, especially in Atlanta, Georgia, and is actively working in the community leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy."
Abraham-Joseph was also convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia, ICE said.
Cox said Abraham-Joseph was arrested in a targeted sting.
21 Savage features on the song "Rockstar" by Post Malone, which was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap Performance at the Grammys.
ICE's allegation that Abraham-Joseph is British came as a shock to the artist's fans, as he is most closely associated with Atlanta and its music scene. He has said the "21" in his name is a reference to a street gang in Decatur, and his songs often refer to his past in East Atlanta's Zone 6. In "Bank Account," for example, he raps that he is "straight up out the 6."
The Atlanta-based rapper released his album "Issa Album" in 2017, featuring the hit song "Bank Account." His second album "I Am > I Was" was released in December 2018. He has also released a collaborative album with Offset and Metro Boomin named "Without Warning" in October 2017.
This is a developing story.
#RHOBH’ Star Lisa Vanderpump Responds to NeNe Leakes’ Restaurant Claim By Posing With Holy Father
Lisa Vanderpump is claiming innocence by posing with her Priest, seemingly slamming NeNe Leakes‘ claim that she stole the real estate that is now PUMP out from underneath the Atlanta housewife’s nose.
The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star shared a post smiling alongside the father and tagged herself at the West Hollywood restaurant, a subtle slam at NeNe who recently said it was her idea to put an eatery there.
“Having dinner with my priest 😍🙌🏻 #FatherGreg,” Vanderpump wrote.
This comes the same day that NeNe made headlines for finally revealing the duo’s beef — claiming she saw the high priced location first and divulged she was interested in purchasing and creating a restaurant there … but Vanderpump talked her out of it.
NeNe opened up about the situation on Friday during an appearance on Jenny McCarthy‘s SiriusXM show.
“We would ride down that West Hollywood area where all the gay bars are — and I have a large gay fan base — and I kept thinking ‘it would be so cool if I had a bar right in here somewhere,’” she said.
NeNe claims when she called Vanderpump with the idea, the BH housewife convinced her not to buy the property.
“She said, ‘Oh darling, darling, it’s a piece of crap and they’re charging so much for it darling,’” Leakes said. “She talked me off of it and then went and got it.”
Vanderpump ended up purchasing the real estate and opening PUMP in 2014.
This is the latest housewives drama surrounding the restaurant entrepreneur.
Earlier in the week, Kyle Richards slammed Vanderpump for missing Andy Cohen‘s baby shower, insinuating the only way to get her around the housewives is to bribe her with cash.
Bow Wow Parties With Jermaine Dupri and Diddy After Battery Arrest
Bow Wow wasn’t going to let a little thing like an arrest for allegedly getting into a fight with his ex-girlfriend ruin his Super Bowl weekend.
While his Saturday began hanging out with cops, it ended partying with Jermaine Dupri and Diddy at a club in Atlanta. He posted a video in the wee hours of Sunday morning of the three men hanging together and having a good time.
He captioned the video, “My pops @jermainedupri and my big homie @diddy f**king ATLANTA UP!!!!”
Bow Wow was arrested early Saturday morning after an alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend (who was also arrested). Police said they “were unable to determine the primary aggressor of the altercation, so both parties” were charged with battery.
Bow Wow’s attorney released a statement saying witnesses would corroborate the rapper’s story that she was “without a doubt the primary aggressor.”
Bow Wow was released after posting $8,000 bail.
#BoxOfficeNews: 'Miss Bala' BOMBS as 'Glass' retains No. 1 spot at box office
With the distraction of the Super Bowl, freezing temperatures affecting large portions of North America and only one big new release in theaters in "Miss Bala," movie going audiences largely took the weekend off from the theaters in what is estimated to be the lowest-earning Super Bowl weekend in nearly two decades.
M. Night Shyamalan's "Glass" kept a fragile hold on the No. 1 spot for the third time while "The Upside" stayed in a close second on this sleepy box office weekend. Studios on Sunday estimate that "Glass" has earned an additional $9.5 million in ticket sales, bringing its total earnings to $88.7 million.
STX's "The Upside" added $8.9 million. The Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston film has held very well in its four weeks in theaters, never dropping more than 30 percent week to week. Its domestic grosses are already up to $75.6 million.
The weekend's only big newcomer, "Miss Bala," landed in third place with $6.7 million. Gina Rodriguez stars in the Catherine Hardwicke-directed actioner, which is a remake of a 2011 Mexican film. While on the lower end of projections for the Sony film, "Miss Bala" was also made for a modest $15 million. Still, with a dismal 27 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it will have its work cut out for itself to break even.
"The box office in 2019 hasn't gotten its groove back yet," said Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian. "Januarys by and large are not known as blockbuster months and that certainly has held true this year with the month being down 16 percent."
"Aquaman" slid into fourth place with $4.8 million and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" clung to fifth with $4.4 million.
Peter Jackson's World War I documentary "They Shall Not Grow Old" opened on 735 screens after a few single day showings to a robust $2.4 million, which was enough for it to crack the top 10. The Mads Mikkelsen survival thriller "Arctic" also opened in limited release to $56,463 from four locations.
The overall industry grosses from the weekend is estimated to be around $71 million. There hasn't been a worse-performing Super Bowl box office weekend since 2000.
"We've had certain movies hit it big on Super Bowl weekend," said Dergarabedian. "But it's all about momentum and we don't have it right now."
Some high earning Super Bowl weekend anomalies have included "Taken" and the "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert."
It's an undeniable cooling off period from the record 2018 year at the box office, but Dergarabedian said that, "The Calvary is on the way."
Next weekend, the sequel to "The LEGO Movie" opens nationwide.
Rihanna’s Brother Arrested on Assault Charges
Rihanna‘s brother was arrested this week for allegedly assaulting two people in Barbados.
The alleged incident took place on January 20, according to Barbados Today, when Rorrey Fenty allegedly assaulted Lee-Ann Lingo while on a party boat called the M.V. Dream Chaser.
On the same day, Fenty is accused of assaulting another person, Andrew Thornton, and he was charged with causing actual bodily harm.
Fenty appeared in court on Friday and pleaded not guilty. He was granted $1,000 bail and will next be in court on June 6.
Rihanna has two brothers, Rorrey and Rajad (both younger than her), as well as two half-sisters and a half-brother from her father’s previous relationships.
#POLITICS: Will Governor Northam Resign? There were calls Sunday made night to his staff as to will he consider resignation, or not!
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) called an unscheduled senior staff meeting Sunday night just before the start of the Super Bowl, as the governor considered resigning after two days of defiance amid a controversy over racist photos in his medical school yearbook.
People familiar with the meeting said the governor had not reached a final decision about his fate. It was unclear who was there, besides that it involved senior staffers of color. But Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who would become governor if Northam resigned, was not there, the people said.
Calling the Sunday night meeting was a clear signal of Northam’s effort to weigh support within the administration as he evaluates his options. Though he pledged on Saturday to stand his ground, he also said he would reconsider if he felt he could no longer be effective. Just a day later, resignation is an active consideration, the people said.
The meeting was emotional, according to a Democratic official. Northam scheduled a larger meeting for Monday morning for administration staff, the official said.
Before the meeting, Northam spent much of the day in seclusion at his family home on the Eastern Shore as confidantes delivered conflicting advice about whether he should resign or continue fighting to clear his name, according to people close to the governor.
Some of his strongest allies in Virginia’s Democratic Party took their calls for resignation to the national airwaves Sunday, arguing that the discovery of a racist photo on his 1984 medical school yearbook page had made him unable to continue to lead the state.
Even within the circle of his staunchest defenders, there was debate about whether he should step down, according to one person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity. At least one senior staffer and one cabinet member have reached out to private firms about job possibilities, according to a person who was approached by the two.
One of those urging Northam to stay and defend his honor is First Lady Pam Northam, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Some supporters worked Sunday to track down evidence about the yearbook photo that they believed would prove Northam was not in the racist image, which showed two figures, one in blackface and the other in Ku Klux Klan robes, each holding a can of beer.
The uncertainty over what Northam would do next left Richmond in limbo Sunday. No Virginia governor has failed to complete his term since the Civil War, and the current crisis comes as the state officials would rather focus on two big anniversaries - the arrival of the first Africans and the first meeting of representative government, both in 1619.
Lawmakers met Sunday to work on the state budget in a somber climate of rumors and dismay. Northam is well-liked by Republicans and Democrats alike and had compiled a glittering list of accomplishments in his first year in office, but sentiment around the legislature was almost universal that he should step down.
Northam initially apologized Friday night after the racist image surfaced on the conservative web site Big League Politics, but reversed himself Saturday at a nationally televised press conference and insisted he was not in the photo.
After the press conference, in which he admitted another incident in which he wore blackface to imitate Michael Jackson at a dance contest in 1984, Democrats in the General Assembly and in Virginia’s congressional delegation intensified their calls for him to resign.
Northam stood his ground in calls to old friends and colleagues Saturday night, saying he intended to stay and fight, according to three people who received those calls. Among them was Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Stafford), a close friend and fishing buddy.
Stuart did not want to disclose what the governor told him. “But I can tell you I firmly believe that he is going to do everything he can to clear his name and do what he thinks is right in the face of this. I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” Stuart said.
Northam’s only public appearance Sunday was at his home church in Capeville on the Eastern Shore. The pastor at First Baptist Church - Kelvin Jones - is African American and had been in Richmond the day before to support Northam at the press conference.
Northam returned to Richmond Sunday afternoon. A small circle of staffers and trusted advisers has been helping him handle the crisis, including chief of staff Clark Mercer and Brian Coy, a former spokesman who was a holdover from the administration of former Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Fairfax (D), who had begun making preparations to take over as governor on Saturday when it seemed as though Northam might resign, spent Sunday with his family in Northern Virginia and returned to Richmond in the evening.
Party leaders, concerned that Northam will become a liability for 2020 Democratic hopefuls and threaten Democratic control of an important swing state, have been unrelenting in their demands that he step aside.
McAuliffe, who helped Northam win the state’s top office and under whom Northam served as lieutenant governor, said on Sunday that he was “heartbroken” over the discovery of the photo. But he said Northam’s insistence that he was not in the picture was irrelevant.
“It doesn’t matter whether he was in the photo, or not in the photo at this point,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We have to close that chapter.”
McAuliffe, a possible 2020 presidential contender, also defended Northam, saying he will be remembered for doing some great things, including helping McAuliffe restore the voting rights of Virginians who completed their sentences for felonies — many of whom are African American.
But McAuliffe said part of Northam’s legacy should be choosing “the right moral course for Virginia” and resigning.
Host Jake Tapper noted the nickname “Coonman” appeared in Northam’s Virginia Military Institute yearbook and cited other examples before asking McAuliffe if Northam is racist.
“I have zero indication of that,” he said.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), speaking as a member of Congressional Black Caucus leadership, said there is nothing Northam can do to convince him to give him more time in office.
“He’s lost the authority to lead,” said McEachin, who served in the Virginia Senate with Northam. “He’s lost the authority to govern. He has to resign. It’s in the best interest of the commonwealth. It’s in the best interest of the party.”
One Democratic official said the state party has had no contact with Northam since calling for him to step down on Saturday. Others said that Northam has lost the ability to lead even if he is not in the original photograph because of the way he flipped his story and because of his admission of the Michael Jackson incident.
The question of how the photo could have turned up on Northam’s page in the 1984 yearbook from Eastern Virginia Medical School without Northam’s knowledge remained a central mystery.
William Elwood, who helped lay out the school’s 1984 yearbook, said each student was responsible for submitting photos for his or her page in a sealed envelope
“Every student would provide them - some big envelopes, some small - with their names written on the outside, and we would keep them sealed until it was time to design that student’s page,” recalled Elwood, 68, a retired family practice and emergency-room doctor in Mississippi. “I don’t remember exactly after, but I think they were sealed up and given back” to the students, he said.
Elwood said he had served a tour in the Navy before college and so was 29 and more apt to hang out with a group of older students at Eastern Virginia. He said he didn’t know Northam EVMS or remember if he designed his yearbook page.
But the yearbook, he recalled, was a laborious project for seniors. Elwood had the time to help, he said, because he had taken a four-year path through medical school, giving him a lighter load his senior year.
Elwood said looking at the photo in recent days, he has believed it was likely done in jest. “People back then put on all kinds of costumes at parties,” he said. “I think it probably is a thing of humor more than politics or racist.”
But there was no excusing the photograph for Northam’s fellow Democrats, especially members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Lamont Bagby, chair of the caucus, said despite his repeated calls for Northam to resign, impeachment isn’t publicly on the table yet.
“I encourage the governor to step aside so that we can start the healing process,” Bagby said on ABC’s “This Week.” “I’m not at a point where I want to publicly have a conversation about impeachment.”
Former Virginia congressman Jim Moran, a Democrat, emerged Sunday as the virtually the only person defending Northam and encouraged him to ride it out.
“I hate to be on the other side of virtually all of my friends on this,” he said on “This Week.”
“But I do disagree with their judgment because I think it is a rush to judgment before we know all of the facts and before we’ve considered all of the consequences,” Moran said.
Moran said Northam should be given a chance to redeem himself and invoked President Lyndon B. Johnson’s ability to work with conservative Republicans because of his background in Texas.
“No untarnished liberal from the North could ever have gotten the Great Society programs passed,” Moran said, “but he was able to work with his Southern colleagues because he knew where they were coming from. We still have a conservative Republican legislature and, frankly, I think that Ralph will have the highest motivation possible to bring us further away from this horrible past of racism.”
Then Moran brought up Robert C. Byrd, the long-serving senator from West Virginia, who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan in the early 1940s but, after many decades in the Senate, helped set aside land on the Mall for a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr.
“That’s the power of redemption,” Moran said.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Supermodel Naomi Campbell takes the cover of British Vogue Magazine‘s March 2019 edition captured by fashion photographer Steven Meisel. In charge of styling was Edward Enninful, with creative direction from Jason Duzansky, and set design by Mary Howard. Beauty is work of hair stylist Guido Palau, makeup artist Pat McGrath, and manicurist Jin Soon Choi.
For the cover British supermodel is wearing Burberry dress and De Beers diamond earrings.
#RHoA: Nene Leakes Flirts With John Mayer At Andy Cohen’s Baby Shower
Where’s Gregg? NeNe Leakes didn’t hold anything back in her flirt game with John Mayer during Andy Cohen’s baby shower on Saturday, January 26. Read on to find out what she had to say.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star was one of several Housewives who celebrated Andy’s impending fatherhood.
John was one of the few non-Housewives there, alongside couple Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn.
NeNe’s flirting abilities with John were released in a clip on Andy’s podcast Radio Andy on Tuesday, January 29.
“Let me ask you something, have you ever dated a brown girl?” NeNe asked John. “Yes I have,” he responded.
“Ooh yes, honey. How she taste, honey?” the mother-of-two then inquired as John started to laugh hysterically. “I wish you could see the facial expressions that NeNe is making,” he said.
“You know John Mayer is sexy, I will have to say that,” NeNe admitted.
Fans of Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador wanted her to date John after some photos of them together at the baby shower were released.
He would have a better shot with Shannon as she is currently single. NeNe, however, is not, as she’s been married to her husband Gregg for several years.
#Empire Calls in Armed Security After Actor Jussie Smollet is attacked!
Celebrities and fans alike have rallied to lend their support to Jussie Smollett after the 35-year-old actor was attacked in what is being investigated as a hate crime.
Janet Jackson took to her Twitter to share a special message for the actor, along with a photo of the two of them together.
'Sending so much luv and healing energy your way @jussiesmollett. we know that you’ll continue to change the world,' added Fergie.
The sentiment was shared by Shonda Rhimes, who said: 'Sending love, healing, and support to @jussiesmollett. We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.'
Naomi Campbell posted a impassioned plea to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to find the people responsible for the attack.
Empire follows the Lyon family as they try to maintain their dominance in the music industry. Taraji P Henson and Terrance Howard star as the main powerhouse couple in the series.
Smollett has played Jamal Lyon - an openly gay singer - for five seasons on the hit FOX series.
'We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice,' 20th Century Fox said in a statement. 'The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.'
Celebrities including Janet Jackson, John Legend and Lee Daniels have all rushed to offer their support in the wake of the horrifying attack.
He is additionally known for playing Terry Hall in 1992's 'The Mighty Ducks'. The singer and actor is also related to actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell.
Smollett has used his profile to work heavily with Little Miss Flint and getting clean water to the predominantly black Michigan town. He is also an advocate for LGBTQIA rights and is considered a close friend of the Human Rights Campaign
'This shocking attack on our friend and tremendous advocate Jussie Smollett is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. There is an alarming epidemic of hate violence in our country that disproportionately targets Black people, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities -- and particularly those living at the intersections of multiple identities,' said HRC President Chad Griffin.
'Last year alone, at least 26 transgender people, mostly transgender women of color, were brutally murdered. This is an unacceptable crisis, and HRC continues to press for improved reporting, passage of state laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from hate crimes, and expanded education and training initiatives.'
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, added: 'The recent racist and homophobic attack on acclaimed actor and activist Jussie Smollett is troubling.
'The rise in hate crimes is directly linked to President Donald J. Trump's racist and xenophobic rhetoric. It is dangerous for any society to allow a tone of divisiveness and hatred to dominate the political discourse.
'As this rhetoric continues to bleed into our everyday lives, dangerous behavior will continue to place many law-abiding individuals at risk. We pray for a full physical and mental recovery Jussie Smollett and many unnamed victims of this forum of hate based terrorism.'
Sources connected to production tell us Jussie and the rest of the main "Empire" cast members will have armed security going forward while they continue shooting in Chicago.
Fox just issued this statement
"Empire" staff held an emergency meeting Tuesday morning in Chicago to tell everyone what happened to Jussie. We're told the cast and crew were extremely upset. Several actors were already in their trailers getting ready to shoot when they got the news.
We're told there was a discussion about getting extra security on set while shooting. They have a handful of episodes left to shoot for the current season.
#MusicNews: Iconic Grammy-Winning Singer James Ingram Dies at 66 from Brain Cancer
Iconic R&B Singer James Ingram has died at the age of 66. The Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter’s longtime friend and creative partner, choreographer and Grey’s Anatomy producer Debbie Allen, confirmed the news on social media on Tuesday.
“I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” she announced in a tweet Tuesday. “He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name.”
Ingram reportedly died from a form of brain cancer and had been ill for some time, according to TMZ.
A native of Ohio, Ingram had been a session keyboardist in Los Angeles before getting his big break after Quincy Jones heard one of his demos and asked him to sing several songs on his 1981 album, The Dude.
Ingram co-wrote Michael Jackson’s chart-topper “P.Y.T.” with Jones, and he teamed up with Jackson and Jones again when he appeared in the “We Are The World” charity single and video.
Jones paid tribute to Ingram by sharing a video of Ingram performing their collaboration “Just Once” to Twitter on Tuesday. He wrote in the caption, “There are no words to convey how much my ❤️ aches with the news of the passing of my baby brother, James Ingram. With that soulful, whisky sounding voice, James was simply magical. He was, & always will be, beyond compare. Rest In Peace my baby bro…You’ll be in my ❤️ forever.”
“Another dear friend has made his transition. James Ingram, a voice to be recognized and revered, a wonderful human being full of joy,” Dionne Warwick, his duet partner on “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”. “Truly deep heartfelt condolence to his wife and his family. He will be missed and may he now rest peacefully!”
Before going solo, Ingram was a member of the 1970s group Revelation Funk. His solo career produced a string of hits in the ’80s, including his duet with Patti Austin, “Baby Come to Me,” and duet with Linda Ronstadt, “Somewhere Out There.”
Nominated a total of 14 times at the Grammys, Ingram won a gramophone trophy in 1981 for “One Hundred Ways” and then again in 1984 for his duet with Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There.” Among his other nods was a nomination for best new artist.
“Ingram’s rich voice and masterful songwriting has made a lasting impact on the music industry,” the Recording Academy said in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Ingram was also nominated in back to back years at the Academy Awards in 1994 and 1995 in the best original song category for “The Day I Fall In Love” and “Look What Love Has Done,” respectively.
Lets reminisce on his many HITS below
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie Robinson, and their six children.
#HipHopNews: RZA & Ghostface Killah To Produce "Angel Of Dust" Film With Wu-Tang Clan Soundtrack
RZA and Ghostface Killah are known for creating classic music together. Now, they are joining forces for a different type of collaboration.
According to Deadline, the Wu-Tang Clan members are a producing a new horror/thriller film titled Angel of Dust. Impossible Dream Entertainment’s Shaun Redick, one of the executive producers behind Jordan Peele’s blockbuster Get Out, has also signed on to produce the movie.
RZA is set to direct the film and provide the score. Matt Leslie and Stephen J. Smith, best known for writing the 2018 horror film Summer of 84, will pen the script.
The story, which was created by Ghostface and his longtime manager Michael Caruso, focuses on a teenager named Casey who is forced to grow up on the hard streets of Shaolin — a.k.a. Staten Island — alone following the mysterious death of his parents. The teen must find a way to survive everyday hardships as well as a supernatural serial killer called Angel of Dust.
While RZA and Pretty Toney are the driving forces behind the film, the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan will be involved in the movie’s soundtrack. The OST is being produced by Ghostface and Caruso.
“It’s a blessing to partner with Oscar-nominated producer Shaun Redick and Impossible Dream Entertainment, and to be doing business with my brother RZA directing is a dream come true,” Ghostface told Deadline. “Putting all these great minds to work together will be legendary.”
RZA added, “The creative collaboration of RZA and Ghostface has stood the test of time through our music. Now the opportunity to put our creative energies together onto the silver screen has arisen and I’m turbo charged. Bong Bong!”
No release date for Angel Of Dust has been announced at this time. Fans will get to see a Wu-Tang film soon though.
Watch HERE! Cardi B & Steve Carell Star in Pepsi Super Bowl 2019 Commercial!
Cardi B and Steve Carell are teaming up for Pepsi’s 2019 Super Bowl commercial!
The 26-year-old “Money” rapper and the 56-year-old The Office actor star in the new ad, called “More Than OK,” which premiered on Monday (January 28).
Lil Jon also makes a funny cameo in the spot.
WATCH HERE
“Every day, there are millions of people who enjoy Pepsi — people who love this brand — yet they continue to be asked ‘Is Pepsi OK?’ We felt that it was time to address this question head-on” explained Pepsi exec Todd Kaplan.
Taraji P Henson and her Co-Stars plus Others Attend The ‘What Men Want’ L.A. Premiere
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Taraji P. Henson and a star-studded cast attended the What Men Want Hollywood Premiere at the Regency Village Theater on Monday night. What Men Want stars Taraji as a sports agent in a male-dominated profession who gains an advantage when she develops the ability to hear men's thoughts.
Co-stars include Erykah Badu Morgan, Max Greenfield, Kellen Lutz, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Shaquille O'Neal, Richard Roundtree, Aldis Hodge, Tamala Jones, Mark Cuban and many more.
What Men Want is directed by Adam Shankman, 2nd from right, and produced by Will Packer, far right, and BET Films.
Gwyneth Paltrow Sued for $3.1 Million for Alleged Hit-and-Run Ski Crash
According to court documents a lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by a man in Utah who claims Gwyneth Paltrow crashed into him while skiing,
Terry Sanderson claims that on February 26, 2016, Paltrow was “out of control” and “was skiing too fast for her ability on a beginner run.” He claims she slammed into him from behind, “knocking him down hard, knocking him out, and causing a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries.”
He claims that rather than apologize or acknowledge the collision in any way, “Paltrow got up, turned and skied away, leaving Sanderson stunned, lying in the snow.”
Sanderson also alleges that a ski instructor blamed him for the crash and “failed to send help, as he was obligated to do, and later filed a false report to protect his client.”
The lawsuit names Paltrow, the instructor, the Deer Valley Resort Company and two unnamed employees as defendants.
He is suing for damages and attorneys’ fees.
A rep for Gwyneth Paltrow told Fox News, “This lawsuit is completely without merit and we expect to be vindicated.”
Fyre Festival Trustee Comes After Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Other Models In New Lawsuit
The legal drama surrounding the infamous Fyre Festival is now coming after the models who helped advertise it.
IMG Models and DNA Model Management, which represent Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Emily Ratajkowsk, are now attached to a new lawsuit targeting the models that helped promote the FYRE Festival, a music event that led to hundreds of people being scammed out of their money and left stranded on an island in the Bahamas.
A court-appointed trustee in the Fyre Media case filed a request for the judge to submit several subpoenas on Friday for management agencies representing top models, demanding the models reveal how much they were paid by Billy McFarland and his company to promote Fyre Festival. In October, McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to defrauding investors out of more than $27.4 million, Business Insider reports.
Kendall Jenner may also be grouped in the lawsuit for receiving a $275,000 payment to promote the festival in one Instagram post, which has now been deleted. Additionally, trustee Gregory Messer wants a subpoena issued to everyone who worked on the festival, including musicians, suppliers, and other management agencies. The legal document states each party was given $5.3 million for their contribution. The festival was scheduled as a two-weekend event in April and May 2017. Tickets ranged from $1,200 to $100,000.
Fyre Festival “spent tremendous amounts of time and borrowed money promoting the Festival through YouTube videos and social media promotions featuring celebrities. As a result of this advertising and promotional blitz, thousands of people purchased tickets to the Festival,” the court filing said.
Russell Simmons Backtracks On Comments About Terry Crews’ Sexual Assault: I Never Meant To Silence You
It’s been almost a year and a half since actor Terry Crews came forward with his sexual abuse claims against Hollywood film executive Adam Venit, but the impact of what happened is still being discussed today.
Earlier this week, Crews and D.L. Hughley got into a heated debate regarding the issue and now music mogul Russell Simmons is offering a different take on Crews’ claims than he had in the past.
Back in 2017, at the height of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, a surprising victim came forward to tell his story of sexual assault, none other than Terry Crews. Many were shocked and flat-out dismissed his claims due to his overpowering stature…and Crews never hesitated to call them out. One of those he exposed was Russell Simmons, who is in the middle of dozens of allegations of rape and sexual assault himself, who he revealed told him to give Venit “a pass” for groping his genitalia at a party.
Crews recently got on Twitter and directly called out Hughley, Simmons, 50 Cent and Tariq Nasheed for their initial (and continued) responses to his sexual assault:
“You @50cent @unclerush and @tariqnasheed have decided my sexual assault was hilarious, whereas there are a whole generation of black women and men who don’t think it’s funny. ABUSERS PROTECT ABUSERS but they MOCK SURVIVORS as well. When you see me, keep it moving.”
Fast forward to 2019 and Simmons is apologizing via Twitter to Crews for his previous advice and also praising his bravery for speaking out:
“My bad never ever meant to silence you i gave my best advice which was wrong , thank you for being a leader.”
When pressed by a Twitter user for an actual apology, instead of simply saying “my bad,” Simmons elaborated on his sentiment:
“Let me clearify i thought that he might be putting himself in bad position so i made the terrible mistake of advising him wrongly I WAS NOT ever thinking g of anything but his well being i was VERY WRONG and I’m glad he stayed the course he is a hero for all of us.”
Do you think Russell Simmons’ apology is sincere?
‘Black Panther’ Returning To Theaters, For Free, After Oscar Noms And SAG Win
Black Panther, which grossed $1.35 billion in its first foray into theaters beginning last February and was 2018’s highest-grossing film in the U.S., is returning the big screen next month for a one-week engagement at 250 AMC Theatres locations.
Disney said the return February 1-7 will mark the start of Black History Month — and tickets will be free. As part of the initiative, the company said it also is giving a $1.5 million grant to support the United Negro College Fund.
“Black Panther is groundbreaking for many reasons, including the rich diversity of voices behind its success,” Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a release announcing the news. “The story also showcases the power of knowledge to change the world for the better, and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to it.”
Disney and AMC said there will be two showings per day at each theater — there at 25 in California, six in New York, for example — and after all tickets are scooped up, a waiting list for cancellations will open. Details on participating venues and tickets here.
Marvel’s Black Panther has become a cultural touchstone during its run, and scored seven Oscar nominations including for Best Picture — a first for a comic book movie. On Sunday, it won the marquee Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Award at the SAG Awards.
“Almost a year ago, movie lovers were transported to Wakanda, and the guest response to Black Panther was unlike anything our industry has seen before,” AMC president and CEO Adam Aron said. “AMC is excited this best-picture nominated film is once again accessible on the big screen at AMC. We are also pleased to play a constructive role in Disney’s generous support of Black History Month.”
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
