Look who is coming to ‘Celebrity Big Brother' Cast it’s Tamar Braxton & Kandi Burruss!
Also entering the "Big Brother" house are Anthony Scaramucci, Dina Lohan & Ryan Lochte.
The cast of season 2 of CBS' Celebrity Big Brother has been revealed.
Viewers will soon be given 24/7 access to the cast that includes former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, Dina Lohan, Ryan Lochte and Grammy nominee and TV personality Tamar Braxton.
For Scaramucci's part, he is now the second former Donald Trump aide to join the reality series and move from the White House to the Big Brother house. Omarosa Manigault Newman starred on the show's first season, where she made headlines after revealing details about her time in the White House. After her return to reality TV, she went on to write the explosive tell-all Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House.
In a promo airing Sunday during playoff football coverage on CBS, Scaramucci was pegged as the show's "big surprise."
This isn't the first time Celebrity Big Brother has reached out to Scaramucci. Last season, Julie Chen Moonves, who will return as host this season, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter, "We formally asked him and he turned it down. But now he will see the attention Omarosa got."
Also joining the Mooch will be actor Joey Lawrence, Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett, Olympic track athlete and bobsledder Lolo Jones, former NFL running back Ricky Williams, former WWE wrestler Natalie Eva Marie, comedian Tom Green, singer and reality star Kandi Burruss and Kato Kaelin (who is being described as "an infamous houseguest" for his notoriety from the O.J. Simpson murder trial).
In the show's promo, Kaelin quips, "Living with celebrities is nothing new to me."
The new season kicks off with a two-night premiere event starting Jan. 21.
The spinoff of the longtime CBS summer flagship will see its famous cast cut off from the outside world as they live together and compete in a slew of competitions and a social game battle for the $250,000 grand prize.
Celebrity Big Brother will air for 13 episodes leading up to its season finale on Feb. 13. The first season crowned Hairspray actress Marissa Jaret Winokur as its winner, edging out runner-up Ross Mathews, who was voted "America's Favorite Houseguest."
She said she wants to talk about SEX! Kandi Burruss’ Sex Talk Show’ Kandi Kotated Night’ Has Been Picked Up By Bravo!😍
Bravo Media is spicing things up with “Kandi Koated Nights,” a new half-hour talk show hosted by Kandi Burruss of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” premiering on Sunday, July 1 at 9pm ET/PT.
According to the press release, During each episode, host and executive producer Kandi Burruss, alongside her friends and celebrity guests, will discuss a variety of topics surrounding relationships, dating and pop culture.
Known for her “tell-it-like-it-is” approach and unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit, Kandi has never been shy when it comes to having candid conversations surrounding relationships. “Kandi Koated Nights,” an adaptation of the web series with the same name, will feature host Kandi, joined by comedian Yamaneika Saunders, Nikki Nicole, The DJ AOne, and topical experts, to dish on a myriad of topics and give their opinions on the theme of the night. From taking a deep dive into the digital dating age to discussing the do’s and don’ts of relationships, nothing is off limits when Kandi makes her saucy talk show debut.
Are you excited for Bravo picking up Kandi Koated Nights?
Ariana Grande Gives us Blonde Ambition, Ditches Signature Ponytail and Shows Her Freckles for her Vogue UK Cover
Who’s that girl?
Ariana Grande completely changed up her look for a new fashion shoot — and for the first time in a long time we’re seeing the star without her now-famous sky-high ponytail. (Cue the Internet freakout! )
Wearing barely any makeup, the “No Tears Left to Cry” singer is nearly unrecognizable on the cover of Vogue UK’s July issue as she wears her blonde — yes blonde! — hair down and shows off her freckles.
Grande, who has gone lighter in the past with a bright white-platinum hue, trades her brown hue for a brand new golden-blonde shade that’s different from anything she’s tried before.
The singer, who has also been making headlines for her PDA-filled relationship with SNL‘s dating Pete Davidson, shared photos from the new shoot, which hits stands on June 8th, on Instagram, writing “Thank you @britishvogue ♡ I don’t even know where to begin to express my love and gratitude @edwardenninful.”
Aside from her new blonde hair, there’s one major detail that stands out in the photos: her freckles. Along with her go-to black cat eye and a nude lip, the star almost always has a layer of makeup covering the freckles on her nose and under her eyes. But this time around, she seems to have foregone cover-up and eye liner altogether, instead showing off her glowing, rosy cheeks and a pale pink natural-looking lip shade.
But it seems that Grande has returned to her usual shade since the shoot, as she performed at Wango Tango over the weekend with long, brown hair. During her set, Grande gave fans their first taste of “The Light Is Coming,” a new song from her forthcoming album Sweetener, out next month.
#RHoA: Kandi Burruss and her Family Vacationed in Dubai She said "It's Been an Adventure"!
Hot on the heels of her 42nd birthday getaway to Las Vegas, Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker took their children on a family vacation somewhere much farther flung... to Dubai! Only it didn't start out quite as planned for The Real Housewives of Atlanta couple, Todd's daughter Kaela Tucker, Kandi's daughter Riley Burruss, and their young son Ace Tucker.
They now can explore the wonders of Dubai and find out why it's one of the ultimate bucket-list destinations.
#Empire: Terrence Howard made $9.6 Million for Playing Lucious Lyon on ‘Empire’ According to Divorce Docs.
Terrence Howard has pulled in close to $10 million in the past five years playing Lucious Lyon on the hit show “Empire.”
According to court documents, Howard’s ex-wife, Michelle Ghent, claims Howard has been hiding his money from her and owes her in excess of $1 million in back support.
In the docs, she reveals Howard has pulled in a total of $9,675,000 for his work on “Empire.” She says the actor was paid $125k an episode in the first season but that was increased to $175k for the following seasons.
Ghent accuses Howard of assigning all his “Empire” paychecks to his third wife’s company as payment for “management fees” and then from that he is paid a meager salary of $109,000 per year. She claims because of this, she is unsure exactly how much he owes her, but she believes it may exceed $2 million.
She is demanding the court take action and order Howard to cough up the money owed ASAP.
#NewMusic from Ne-Yo – Summertime
Ne-Yo shares another new song from his upcoming Album with “Summertime.”
Speaking about the song, Ne-Yo shared with fans, “’Summertime’ is an absolute VIBE. The guitars create a feeling that says ‘just ride’,” he wrote on Instagram. “A perfect song for hot summer days with the top off or the windows down and this song ALL THE WAY UP. A mellow smooth soundtrack for you, a special somebody and your summertime.”
Take a listen to “Summertime” HERE
Due out June 8, the 17-track Good Man album includes guest appearances from PARTYNEXTDOOR, Romeo Santos, Eric Bellinger, and Candice Boyd.
#HipHopNews: Drake Reportedly Helped Kanye West Write "Yikes" But Didn't Get Credit
Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg and Ebro Darden confidently asserted on their morning show Monday (June 4) that Drake wrote the hook on Kanye West’s Ye track “Yikes.”
Not only did Drizzy pen the hook, but G.O.O.D. Music left his name off the songwriting credits because they apparently forgot about his contribution.
“It is now a confirmed thing that Drake wrote the hook for ‘Yikes,'” Rosenberg revealed. “It may be the best melody on the album when you go listen to it. You’ll hear it now and go, ‘Oh, that does sound really good.’ [Kanye] gets a double congratulations in my opinion. They didn’t credit him. They said they like ‘forgot.’ They left him off. He doesn’t have a writing credit. Interesting timing to forget the writing credit for Drake.”
Interesting timing since Pusha T, Kanye West’s artist and President of G.O.O.D. Music, came at Drake on his DAYTONA cut “Infrared” for using ghostwriters, which spurred an overdue rap battle between the two. The OVO head released his response with “Duppy Freestyle” which resulted in Push dropping “The Story of Adidon,” coupled with an old picture of Drake in blackface.
Things have been increasingly tense between the two camps since Drake mentioned Pusha T’s fianceé on “Duppy Freestyle” and King Push clowned Drizzy by mentioning his alleged son, mom, dad and producer Noah “40” Shebib’s multiple sclerosis condition on “The Story of Adidon.”
Almost 10 years of unaddressed issues suddenly boiled over in such a way that Kanye decided to call a peace treaty and Rap-A-Lot CEO J. Prince told Drake not to release the response track aimed at Pusha T.
Drake’s response track reportedly features Lil Wayne and, according to Prince, has the capability of ending Push’s career.
Designer Kate Spade Found Dead In Manhattan Apartment In Apparent Suicide
Designer Kate Spade was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on Tuesday following an apparent suicide.
Kate Brosnahan, 55, was found by her housekeeper at 10:20 a.m. at her home at 850 Park Ave. Brosnahan achieved fame in the fashion world under the name Kate Spade.
She left a note, sources said.Just last year, Coach bought the Kate Spade company in a $2.4 billion deal.
Her handbags created a huge sensation in the fashion industry in the 1990s, and her company, Kate Spade New York, had over 140 retails shops across the country and 175 internationally.
She was born in Kansas City in 1962 and went to Arizona State University where she met Andy Spade, who she eventually went into business with, forming the company Kate Spade New York in the early 1990s.
Brosnahan and Spade started the company after she worked at the magazine Mademoiselle. It eventually grew into a global lifestyle brand.
‘No More Rappers’ at Wyoming Ranch After Kanye’s Party Upsets Townfolk
Kanye West made sure everyone could hear his new album when he blasted it from a mountain top in Wyoming, but unfortunately the neighbors weren’t big fans of the noise, and now Kanye’s party will be the last rap gathering at the picturesque ranch.
Jane Golliher, who owns and operates the Diamond Cross Ranch in Moran, Wyoming. She says hosting Kanye’s party was great exposure for the business, but admits it was the “most confusing” event they’ve ever handled.
Golliher says the entire event was a great “learning curve,” especially when it comes to music. We’re told Kanye’s planning team originally had the party set for inside, but Golliher says plans were changing “every 30 minutes” and the ultimate location ended up being outside where the sound was so loud it triggered immediate complaints from the ranch’s neighbors.
We’re told Teton County has strict noise ordinances which require any sound after 10PM to be kept under 80 decibels, which is akin to a garbage disposal. However, we’re told Ye’s listening party cranked up the music to 120 decibels, which is comparable to a thunderclap or chainsaw.
Golliher says her neighbors — mainly other lodges — immediately complained about the deafening noise, and she had to send employees running down to smooth things over to avoid complaints with the county.
Furthermore, we’re told the party was supposed to be over by 10PM, but Kanye did not start until 930PM. Golliher says it got so hectic that around midnight her husband threatened to pull the power on the event unless the party shut down.
Golliher is adamant she has no beef with Kanye, and says that his planners and employees were amazing, but feels that she was misled on the details of the event. She also says the hip-hop star’s team made it clear that he does whatever he wants.
Going forward, Golliher says there will be “no more rappers” at the ranch, however she is open to doing an event with “good music,” and probably only a “day concert.”
She also admits the event was severely undercharged, and in retrospect says she should have charged $50,000.
However, we’re told there are no negative feelings towards Kanye or his guests, and Golliher is amusingly chalking up the chain of events to everyone being from “California and L.A.”
Scott Disick and Sofia Richie Are ‘Back Together’ After He’s Spotted With Another Woman
That was fast! Scott Disick and Sofia Richie are back on just two days after he was spotted getting cozy with another woman.
“They are now back together and Scott isn’t done with her,” the source explains. “Sofia had a strange weekend and Scott and her are working through things.”
Disick, 35, and Richie, 19, started dating in the summer of 2017. And over the weekend the couple had split after he “cheated on her in Miami” and she told her father Lionel Richie.
“[Lionel] said he is going to cut her off and write her out of his will if she continues her relationship with Scott as he thinks he’s extremely toxic for her,” the source told Us.
Another insider revealed that the reality TV personality was “really sloppy” and “could barely speak” when he was seen with another girl at Kanye West‘s Ye album listening party in Wyoming on Thursday, May 31.
“He went to Wyoming because of it and was photographed with another girl and that was the icing on the cake for her to break up with him,” the source told Us, adding that Richie found out about the alleged Miami cheating after their May trip to St. Bart’s.
Disick downplayed the breakup reports on Monday, June 4, writing, “We had no idea we even broke up but thanks for thinking of us” on his Instagram Story. The duo also stepped out together on the same day.
While Riche has yet to address her brief split from Disick, she last shared a photo of him on social media on May 26. In honor of his birthday, the model posted a pic of the duo in the ocean with the caption, “Happy Birthday babe! Thank you for being you. Love you.”
Gabrielle Union ‘Bad Boys’ Spinoff Is A Go … In Canada
Gabrielle Union’s Bad Boys spinoff series has finally found a home … just not in America. After NBC surprisingly pulled out of a deal to air the series this fall, Canadian broadcast company Bell Media inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television to air the show on it’s premium channels.
According to Deadline, the network decided not to pick up the series last month even after green lighting the pilot and an additional 13-episode run. Sony TV then signed on to take the show out and find it a home.
Apparently now that the Canada deal is done they are also in talks looking to close a similar deal with Charter Communications so that the show will be aired in the U.S. So you see, we might get to still see the Bad Boys spin-off after all.
As previously reported the spin-off will focus on Gabby’s character Syd Burnett, Martin Lawrence’s character Marcus’ younger sister, becoming an LAPD detective as she tries to escape her past. Jessica Alba and Duane Martin are also set to appear.
Tamar Braxton, Toni Braxton, Evelyn Braxton, Vince Herbert, And Towanda Celebrate Logan’s 5th B-Day
It looks like Towanda Braxton and Vince Herbert were able to set aside their differences to celebrate Logan’s Herbert birthday family vacation.
Traci and Trina were not at the event.
Southern Charm New Orleans Stars Reagan and Jeff Charleston Announce Separation!
Southern Charm New Orleans stars Reagan Charleston and Jeff Charleston are calling it quits on their relationship after just under six years of marriage.
After going through what Jeff labeled as a “difficult” time in their marriage earlier this year while filming season one of the Bravo reality series, the couple confirmed the news of their split.
“Jeff and I have decided to separate and are devoting time to re-establishing a great friendship while focusing on personal growth apart,” Reagan told People on Monday, June 4.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for us,” the former couple continued.
While Reagan and Jeff have no plans to divorce quite yet, they were open with their relationship drama in past weeks as their marital troubles play out on the debut season of Southern Charm New Orleans. As People explained, one particular episode of the show featured Reagan and Jeff engaging in an alcohol-fueled fight that ended with Jeff hopping out of their car and running into a swamp.
On Twitter, Reagan and Jeff reacted to the drama between them.
This news is somewhat surprising as just last month, Reagan did an interview during which she revealed her marriage was back on track and that she and Jeff were in a “wonderful place.”
“You have to reach a breaking point, especially when difficult things happen,” said Reagan in early May. “I wanted to just throw myself into work instead of addressing the issues that were between us. It was kind of cathartic to film and therapeutic in a sense that people were pushing us to open up about things that I otherwise probably wasn’t ever going to open up about. It’s interesting to look back and see how much things have changed.”
Reagan and Jeff met in 2009 and married in 2012.
The season finale of Southern Charm New Orleans just aired this Sunday. Bravo has yet to announce a second season, but with the show’s popularity, a sophomore season is more than likely.
Normani Kordei Surprises a Fan at His High School Graduation!
Normani Kordei dropped in to surprise one of her biggest fans, Gabriel Lowell, at his high school graduation!
The 22-year-old “Love Lies” singer attended the big day on Friday (June 1) in her hometown of Houston.
Last year, Gabriel asked Normani to prom, but she was unable to attend due to scheduling commitments.
She definitely made up for it this weekend, though, after spending the day hanging out with him and his classmates!
“I love you so much,” Gabriel tweeted. “Thank you for everything you do. You made an amazing day even more special. I can’t wait until you show the world what they’ve been missing. It’s not everyday your idol comes to your graduation for you and your bestfriend. 💕 @Normani @GucciGabby3.”
“I’m so proud of you and this milestone,” Normani replied. “You always have my support in anything you both choose to pursue. I love you guys so much. Thanks for making me feel special on YOUR day. I’m literally getting my charm put on my bracelet now lol See y’all soon ✨😘👑👑 love you legends.”
#RIP: 'The Office' actor Hugh Dane, who portrayed Hank the security guard, dead at 75
Hugh Dane, who portrayed beloved security guard Hank in the NBC show “The Office,” has died at age 75.
The actor also portrayed characters in memorable films and series such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Bridesmaids.”
The Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles posted a notice of his death on Facebook on Saturday.
Dane died May 16 and his cause of death hasn’t been revealed.
“The Office” stars Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson opened up about their friend’s passing
Dane was also very active in theater productions.
In addition to paying tribute to Dane, Wilson provided a donation link to the Inner City Cultural Center where Dane spent a lot of his time.
Harry and Meghan have received a jaw-droppingly expensive gift from Queen Elizabeth II
In fact, Kensington Palace had said in a statement, "It should be noted that gifts cannot be brought to St George's Chapel or the Reception that follows at Windsor Castle."
But a Queen has her say in most matters. Queen Elizabeth II has gifted the Royal couple the York Cottage, from her Sandringham Estate. The couple currently resides in the Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Funnily enough, the residence used to be known as the Bachelor's Cottage.
York Cottage is a Royal stately home where Her Majesty's beloved Sandringham House is situated.
A basic 4-bedroom house in the area costs a whopping Rs 13 crore!
The overall property is believed to be spread over 8,000 hectares (around 19,800 acres) and includes a 240-hectare public park and 24-hectare garden, which is connected to the main house.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new pad dates all the way back to King Edward VII, who gave it to his son, the future King George V in 1893.This isn't the first time the Queen has given such a generous wedding gift.
When Prince Charles married Diana, he was given Birkhall House in Scotland, while Prince William and Kate Middleton had Anmer Hall, also in Sandringham, near Harry and Meghan's new home, where they lived until mid-2017.
Azealia Banks Slams RuPaul Over Stolen Song
Azealia Banks has accused RuPaul of plagiarism, claiming that the Drag Race star “ripped off” her song ‘The Big Big Beat’.
In a series of furious tweets on Saturday, Banks claimed that RuPaul had plagiarised ‘The Big Big Beat’ with his own song ‘Call Me Mother’ and said that the claims led to the subsequent removal of RuPaul’s entire American album from Spotify.
At present, ‘American’ is no longer available to stream on Spotify, but it remains on iTunes, Apple Music, TIDAL and Pandora.
Although Spotify are yet to comment on the removal, they are known for a policy of removing any record from their platform when it faces investigation.
“You will not step on my little black girl toes bitch. You will take your razor bumps and pumps to the nearest laser hair removal clinic and seethe. @RuPaul BYE UGLY”, Banks wrote on Twitter.
She needs help!
Harvey Weinstein Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges In Court
Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to three felony counts in New York Supreme Court.
According to reports, The disgraced producer walked into court for an arraignment on two counts of rape and one first-degree criminal sex act charge.
Weinstein denied all allegations of nonconsensual sexual activity, and he’s remained free after posting $1 million cash bail, according to his attorney, Benjamin Brafman.
“Under the circumstances, he’s holding up reasonably well. No one can be happy to be in the position that he is in,” Brafman said Tuesday outside court.
“As terrible a crime as rape is, it is equally reprehensible to be falsely accused of rape, and since Mr. Weinstein has denied these allegations, that’s where we are,” he added.
Miss America Pageant Ends Swimsuit Competition
The Miss America pageant will no longer feature a swimsuit competition, ending a tradition widely criticized as misogynistic as the event tries to move toward more inclusion.
“We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance. That’s huge. And that means we will no longer have a swimsuit competition,” Gretchen Carlson, the new chair of the Miss America Organization, announced Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Miss America, Carlson added, will be a “competition,” not a “pageant,” and will strive to change its public perception by emphasizing its role in providing scholarships to young women and honoring talent.
“We’ve heard from a lot of young women who say, ‘We’d love to be a part of your program but we don’t want to be out there in high heels and a swimsuit,’” Carlson said. “So guess what? You don’t have to do that anymore. You’re welcome. Please come join us.”
Carlson, a former Fox News host who won Miss America in 1989, has become a prominent advocate against sexual harassment since settling a lawsuit against executives at the cable news giant in 2016.
Miss America has undergone a major overhaul in response to the Me Too movement. Carlson became chair after emails uncovered last year revealed sexist and misogynistic comments among its leadership. The competition’s leadership teams now all are headed by women, including former Miss America winners.
The organization also will overhaul the evening gown portion of the contest, according to Carlson.
Neither the swimsuit nor the gown competitions were the highest-rated parts of the program, Carlson said, and the changes got little resistance within the organization.
Miss America, she added, hopes “to be open, transparent, inclusive to women who may not have felt comfortable participating in our program before.”
The changes will go into effect for this year’s contest, scheduled for Sept. 9.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
Issa Rae Covers GQ + Releases Premiere Date For ‘Insecure’
Award winning actress, producer and pop culture phenom Issa Rae is having the best week ever. Not only did she just announce that her popular HBO series, Insecure is coming back on August 12 but she is also gracing GQ‘s new comedy issue along with Sarah Silverman and Kate McKinnon.
“Our intention was to celebrate the three super-funny superstars, who are all that is smart and perceptive and riotous and necessary in comedy right now. We deeply regret that the results violated GQ‘s rigorous standards of editorial excellence and the laws of nature,” says GQ.
Profiles on each of the ladies will be released on GQ.com next week.
In addition to Insecure, also look for Issa Rae to star in Little with Marsai Martin and The Hate U Give with Common, Regina Hall, Amandla Stenberg and Anthony Mackie.
#RHoA: Kandi Burruss Flaunts Bikini Body At Birthday Bash With Friends
Kandi Burruss is out there flaunting her fabulous bikini body while on vacation in Las Vegas for her birthday.
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta star and a group of ladies including Toya Wright decided to recreate Lil’ Kim’s “Not Tonight (Ladies Night)” video.
In the clip, Kandi is wearing a white bikini and is sporting a cute bob as she danced with a very sexy friend.
Todd Tucker, who is Kandi’s husband and posted the video, wrote: “Babe @Kandi I’m happy you’re having a good time for your bday! Baddies takin over Vegas!”
She responded by: “Last night was awesome! My hubby surprised me & took us all to @jlo’s show. She did an amazing job! My whole crew loved it. Thanks, babe.”
One fan told the Xscape diva: “Thank you for the video you look like you really enjoyed your birthday praise God for another day. Yessss live yo best life, you work so hard!!! My fav role model!!! Honey and turn up and many more to come to you and God bless you love that you don’t drink. Shows that you can have fun without liquor. That one friend that stays on the phone while everybody lit lol. Kandi you look good Thought it was a throwback of Lil Kim ladies night.
#Empire: Gabby Sidibe and Gabrielle Union Bonding Over Racist Casting Directors Has Fans Outraged About Their Experience
This week’s “Empire” episode highlighted the racist casting practices that movie makers may engage in and actresses Gabby Sidibe and Gabrielle Union have feelings about it.
On the Wednesday, May 9 episode, Hakeem Lyon lands a movie role with popular “Star Wars” actor, Haven Quinn. However, the gig is shortlived after the white director begins instructing him to turn up the blackness and act like a stereotype.
“Bring all your Black into it. Let your guard down. I know you’ve been taught to keep the beast in check. But on my set Black lives matter,” the director says before telling Hakeem to “turn the Glock pinky up like a rapper does!”
When Hakeem responds, “Don’t nobody do that,” he gets fired and the director pines for Jaden Smith to replace him. But at least he earns Haven’s respect.
Meanwhile, Sidibe, who stars on “Empire,” tweeted that’s she’s had a similar experience.
“I’ve mos def had a director or 2 who wanted me to be ‘blacker’ or ‘sassier’ or they just make a neck rolling motion and tell me to do that. Assholes,” she said.
Moments later, Union co-signed, Sidibe.
“Gurl… Once had a casting director who kept saying ‘More sassy… you know. You KNOOOOW… like Della Reese,'” the “Breaking In” actress recalled.
“I never understood that…,” someone tweeted. “How the hell does someone tell a POC auditioning for a role of a POC who already has the [role] ‘you’re not Black enough’ or ‘you’re too Black?’ 🙄WTF?”
“Once had a casting director ask me where I’m from because I wasn’t convincing enough of being a Black man,” an actor said. “From the south, HBCU grad, dark as midnight but you wanted a stereotype not a Black man.”
“Not Black enough and too Black,” someone else said. “I don’t even have words for this ish…well just one…Degrading!”
#RnBFlashback Teddy Pendergrass ‘Love TKO’
In a career that spanned over a decade, R&B crooner Teddy Pendergrass became a legend for his silky smooth voice and soulful delivery. As the vocalist behind several of the most beloved and monstrously successful hits of the 80s such as Love TKO. Let’s listen and reminisce to ‘Love TKO’
Listen HERE
#HipHopNews: E-40 Announces "The Gift Of Gab" Album
E-40 is living up to his Charlie Hustle nickname. One month after releasing the Connected & Respected album with his cousin B-Legit, the Bay Area Hip Hop legend has announced a new solo album titled The Gift Of Gab.
40 Water’s next LP is scheduled to drop on June 29. The project will be the 25th solo album of E-40’s career. His last solo effort was The D-Boy Diary, which was released as a two-parter in 2016.
No tracklist for the upcoming album has been revealed at this time. E-40 also hasn’t shared a lead single for the LP.
Beyoncé Bought a Church in New Orleans…Church of Bey?
Seriously? Beyoncé just purchased an attractive stone church in New Orleans, so we can now all convert and move to the Big Easy. According to TMZ, "Queen Bey's the new owner of a stone structured, 7,500 sq. ft house of God in The Big Easy. The New Orleans church -- which is more than 100 years old -- was listed at $850,000 ... but it's unclear if she got a divine discount." Beyoncé and her sister Solange both already own residential properties in the city, so maybe they're investing in the community.
And don't worry, her purchase didn't displace some put-upon congregation, like those nuns Katy Perry kept trying to evict from a convent (RIP that one nun!). Per TMZ, "We're told Beyonce's church was built in the early 1900s, but has been out of commission as a place of worship for some time due to its church members passing away." Morbid, but understandable.
All in all, we don't have a ton of information to go on with this latest purchase. Is it an investment? Is she going to flip it? Does she just want the land? Will she turn the building into a museum or performance space, or install a ministry where every hymn is "Halo?"
We're reminded of the opening scenes of Jay-Z's "Family Feud" video, which finds him, Bey and Blue Ivy attending church together, seeking solace and inspiration and Grace. Hmm. Beyoncé tends to keep her plans pretty quiet so her projects make a big splash when they actually debut, so hopefully we'll know more about what she has in store soon.
Deadpool 2 dominated the box office and set a new record for Fox International with a staggering $301.3 million worldwide debut.
The film, starring Ryan Reynolds, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin and others scooped $125 million domestically and $176.3M at the international box office giving Fox International their biggest opening of all-time.
Via Deadline:Fox/Marvel’s Deadpool 2 strutted his stuff into 81 markets this weekend, grossing $176.3M at the international box office. That sets a new benchmark for Fox International as its biggest opening of all time, topping the previous record-holder, X-Men: Days Of Future Past.
The offshore opening is also the biggest ever for an R-rated title, clawing away last year’s Logan. In all launch markets this session, Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a mouth scored the No. 1 spot and bested Deadpool 1’s start by 7% (in like-for-like plays and at today’s exchange rates). The global debut cume is $301.3M.
In the sequel, foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy of supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling mutant, Cable.
Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding Swag Bag Hits the Auction Block
If you weren’t one of the lucky 600 guests invited to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle then chances are you didn’t get to cop one of the sweet goodie bags that were handed out after the ceremony. Luckily, the bags are now being auctioned off, and are loaded with royal keepsakes.
The royal swag bags were handed out to the guests Saturday as they left St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. They were not available for purchase, and intended to be personal mementos from the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex to celebrate the wedding.
However, many listings for the coveted giveaways are now popping up on eBay. Here’s what’s inside:
Official Order of Service for the ceremony
Harry and Meghan commemorative chocolate coin
Refrigerator magnet with the couple’s initials and wedding date
Map of Windsor Castle with points of interest listed
Official Windsor Castle water bottle
Special guest badge
Harry and Meghan wedding themed shortbread cookies
20% off coupon good at Windsor Castle gift shop
The tote bag itself is also a collector’s item with the couple’s initials and wedding date prominently displayed.
A complete bag is currently going for around $200 and climbing, but other listings offering single items or just the bag itself, are going for cheaper.
One particular listing noted that the proceeds from their sale would be donated to charity, which we think the royal newlyweds would surely support.
RHOP’S Robyn Dixon Responds to Karen Calling Her a ‘Ditzy B*tch” Plus Says Monique Should Take Responsibility for Accident
Real Housewives of Potomac star, Robyn Dixon has been pretty laid back this season, but her cast mates have been as outrageous as ever! She opened up about some of their more dramatic (and problematic) moments during a new interview.
First, she addressed Karen Huger’s utterly bizarre behavior during “that dinner” on the first night of their recent trip to Pennsylvania. She’d gone off on an unprovoked tirade, calling Robyn “Gizelle’s puppet” and “the dizziest b*tch at the table”.
But despite all that crazy, Robyn managed to take the high road, and laughingly chalk the whole incident up to too much champagne.
”That whole exchange at that table was baffling, to say the least. I really found it comical that, out of nowhere, Karen started bringing up old issues and calling names. But the champagne was clearly flowing, and talking, that night, so I wasn’t fazed at all by what Karen said, and was actually quite entertained,” Robyn said to Bravo.
And speaking of being over served, Robyn and the other ladies have become increasingly concerned about Monique’s drinking throughout the season—especially after the grisly looking car accident she had, following a boozy outing with Ashley Darby.
”Wow! Total shock!” Robyn said of her reaction to hearing about the crash. “The thought of not only crashing your car, but waking up in a ditch, is terrifying, and gives me chills just thinking about it. I truly was grateful that Monique was safe, and no one was injured, but I was also concerned about the circumstances that lead to the crash.”
Robyn explained that, as Monique’s friend, she’d felt it was her duty to confront her about those ‘circumstances’ head on, and to ensure that she understood the full weight of what she’d done.
”Driving under the influence is not something that should just be brushed off lightly, and not taken seriously. If Monique had a serious problem, then it would have been wrong for all of us not to address it,” she explained.
But unfortunately, Monique did seem pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. She’d insisted that she’d just been “tired” that day, and couldn’t possibly have been drunk after “only” two martinis, although Ashley maintained that she’d had at least twice that many.
“It didn’t sound like she wanted to take responsibility for the situation. ‘I can usually go five martinis before I throw up’. Say what?! We aren’t talking about being black out wasted, we are talking about being impaired just enough to fall asleep and crash your car. And being tired is definitely a side effect of drinking too much,” Robyn said.
But despite her breezy attitude, Robyn remains hopeful that, deep down, Monique heard her.
”Although Monique talked herself out of this (as she does everything else), I do hope and believe that she has been able to look back, and process what happened, and vows to make better choices in the future,” Robyn said.
Well, we certainly hope so! Monique’s basically a good person, with a family who needs her, and we’d hate to see anyone get hurt. Besides, driving drunk is just plain selfish—especially when you have the money to hire a driver. Perhaps she should ask Karen for a referral? Word on the street is that “Blue Eyes” is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty!
Amber Rose Says Kanye West And Trump ‘Have The Same Personality’
Following Kanye West’s controversial comments about President Donald Trump and slavery, Amber Rose is speaking out about her ex-boyfriend.
During an interview with “The Fallen State,” the model sat down with host Jesse Lee Peterson to discuss ‘Ye and his similarities to Trump. “When I first seen Trump on the podium and just kinda running for president, I was like, ‘Oh my God. That is Kanye in a white man’s body,'” said Rose. “I really felt like they have the same personality.”
She continued, “I would like to think—and this is hypothetically speaking—that Kanye met with Trump and Trump said, ‘Look, I seen these people. I knew they were gonna vote for me and I used them to get elected and I can’t tell nobody that ’cause I want to get a second term, but now that I’m in office I really want to make a change.’ Now, Kanye can’t snitch on him, he can’t snitch on himself. So, you know, maybe he’s thinking of the greater good of what Trump can do for the country.
“Kanye’s the type of person that he loves art, and he loves the art in things, so I think that he appreciates the politics that Trump used in order to get in office, ’cause Trump was a Democrat for like 30 years I heard, or something like that. So I could only hope that Trump kind of used the white people, seemingly like racist white people, to get in office maybe for the greater good. I don’t know.”
She also weighed in on Trump’s own controversy. “I think he’s a sexual predator. I feel bad for Melania,” she said. “I want her to get a divorce and become an activist. But that’s what I can only assume.”
Kanye, who plans to run for president in 2024, has met with Trump and been an outspoken supporter of his. “You don’t have to agree with trump but the mob can’t make me not love him,” he tweeted. “We are both dragon energy. He is my brother.”
Celebrity chef Mario Batali under criminal investigation by New York police for Sexual Misconduct!
Authorities have launched a criminal investigation of restaurateur and celebrity chef Mario Batali, a New York Police Department spokesman confirmed Sunday.
It wasn't immediately clear what incidents the police were examining. Batali was fired from ABC's "The Chew" in December and took a leave of absence from day-to-day operations of his businesses after the foodie website Eater.com reported allegations of sexual misconduct.
The investigation was first reported by CBS' "60 Minutes," which aired interviews on Sunday with several former female employees of the Spotted Pig, a restaurant Batali invested in and frequently visited.
The women alleged that Batali and the restaurant's co-owner, Ken Friedman, sexually harassed or assaulted them.
A spokeswoman for Batali didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, and there was no immediate reply to messages to The Spotted Pig and Friedman.
Batali apologized after the allegations were reported in December, saying: "Much of the behavior described does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted. That behavior was wrong, and there are no excuses."
In a statement to "60 Minutes," he denied assaulting a woman whose allegations were reported by CBS. He added that he wasn't focused on a professional comeback but on a "personal path forward" on which "I can continue in my charitable endeavors — helping the underprivileged and those in need."
In a separate statement to "60 Minutes," Friedman said he had "focused intently on what we could and should have done better, on my own personal decisions and mistakes for which I have apologized."
A spokesman for Friedman added that he "vehemently denies any non-consensual activity." A woman who alleged to "60 Minutes" that Friedman assaulted her "never issued a complaint," the spokesman said, "and expressed ongoing affection for him".
New Edition Members Talk Facing Hard Financial Times Despite Their Popularity
A few days ago, we shared a statement from Ricky Bell about why New Edition won’t be touring at the moment, and he also addressed whether Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill were really kicked out of the group as reported.
Recently, Bell, along with Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe and Michael Bivins, stopped by TV One’s “Sister Circle Live” to talk about their new group RBRM, and why it’s important for them to have different revenue streams.
Bell was very honest that things can get tough for them financially, because people aren’t always clamoring to see a New Edition, BBD or Bobby Brown show.
“Being in the business for as long as we have, we have experienced that every record is not always a hit; every tour is not always a sell out. Sometimes you have dry seasons. So with that in mind, it’s definitely a smart idea to have [a lot of] revenue streams.”
From the way it looks, New Edition, as the public knows them, is in complete disarray. Reportedly, the main reason has to do with Tresvant and Gill owning the group’s trademark, and they won’t cut the other members in for a piece. However, none of that has been confirmed by either member or their representatives.
All of the fighting might come as a big surprise to folks, after the group seemed united after the success of their biopic “The New Edition Story,” released in 2017. Around that time, they were promoting the film, doing interviews together and said the actors from the movie would be joining them on a tour.
But earlier this month, Bivins took to Instagram and said the members of New Edition weren’t communicating, and the tour wasn’t going to happen. Then just a few days ago, Bell confirmed the cancellation and admitted that the group was in the middle of a dispute. He also denied reports that Tresvant and Gill were kicked out of New Edition.
Later in the “Sister Circle Live interview,” the hosts asked RBRM what still keeps them going after all these years, which some may consider a good question, considering the infighting, dealing with a changing music industry and as Bell admitted, having financial dry spells at times.
“It always comes back to our fans,” answered Bell. “They love us, they support us, whether we have a record out or not, no matter what form we are whether it’s BBD, Bobby, New Edition, Ralph or Johnny, they alwas show up. And we love what we do. We love to perform, we love to create music and the money is good.”
Bivins added to those words and said despite what New Edition has accomplished, there’s still more rungs on the ladder of success they’d like to climb.
“We was put in this game for a reason,” he explained. “It seems like when we first started coming out the projects and just having “Candy Girl,” we had the best monster to get out the gate and we touched so many lives. But what you were saying about what inspires you? I think it’s what you want out of it. We’re still striving for some things we haven’t received. Regardless to what we have, there’s just some more personal goals.”
German Broadcaster Criticized For 'Racist Coverage' Of Royal Wedding
German public broadcaster ZDF has been lashed for what critics called “racist” coverage of Britain’s royal wedding Saturday.
Announcers were mesmerized by how African-Americans straighten their hair, repeatedly referred to Meghan Markle and black wedding guests as “exotic,” and said the gospel choir at the wedding sang “beautifully black,” German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported.
HuffPost Germany complained: “The station never tires of emphasizing that Meghan Markle … is black. Black, black, black. Can we please talk about hats again?”
At one point, a ZDF announcer wondered: “Are those dreadlocks on Meghan’s mother?” Another responded, according to DW: “It’s curly hair that’s been somewhat de-curled, same as Meghan probably does all the time.”
The broadcaster was hit with criticism in emails, on Twitter and by phone. ZDF has not apologized for its coverage, but told DW that “we take the criticism of our viewers seriously.” The ZDF spokeswoman also said the network received praise for its coverage.
One tweet about the coverage complained: “Dear @zdf, it is extremely annoying that Meghan’s lineage is THE subject for the reporters. If Meghan were white, what would they snigger about? Please treat them equally.”
Another tweet, translated by DW, sarcastically proposed a very British drinking game: A shot of Pimm’s every time ZDF mentions “African-American background.”
Shameful.
Halle Berry Cast In ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’
Halle Berry is joining the cast of the action film “John Wick: Chapter 3.” The third installment of the film will be directed by Chad Stahelski and stars Keanu Reeves as the title character. The film will pick up immediately after the events of the second film, following a retired assassin who now has a $14 million bounty placed on his life.
Details of Halle’s role are being kept under wraps but reportedly she will not be a villain in the film. Berry confirmed her role, posting on Instagram,
Berry last appeared in three movies last year including “The Kingsman: Golden Circle” with Taron Edgeton and Channing Tatum.
The first film “John Wick” was released in 2014. The sequel “John Wick: Chapter 2” was released in 2017. “John Wick: Chapter 3” hits theaters May 2019.
Oprah Winfrey, Natalie Portman, Lena Dunham, Chadwick Boseman Among 140 To Sign Open Letter On
Movie and TV heavyweights including Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman and Lena Dunham are among those to sign an open letter calling for action against gender inequality.
The 140 signatories from the entertainment arena are putting political leaders “on notice” in the letter which is spearheaded by international charity ONE. Also among those to sign are Black Panther stars Letitia Wright and Chadwick Boseman, Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Reynolds, Amy Schumer, Issa Rae, Michael Sheen, Thandie Newton and Natalie Dormer.
The 140 signatories call for a commitment to help every girl get an education and for leaders to use their power to deliver “historic changes for women.” The letter describes poverty as sexist and says, “We won’t stand by while the poorest women are overlooked.”
The campaign — which hopes to attract many more signatories — has also been endorsed by prominent names outside the entertainment biz, including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Chelsea Clinton and Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington.
According to a World Economic Forum report from last year, the equality gap between men and women would take 100 years to close at its current rate.
The letter reads:
“Dear World leaders,
We’re putting you on notice.
For 130 million girls without an education. For one billion women without access to a bank account. For 39,000 girls who became child brides today. For women everywhere paid less than a man for the same work.
There is nowhere on earth where women have the same opportunities as men, but the gender gap is wider for women living in poverty.
Poverty is sexist. And we won’t stand by while the poorest women are overlooked.
You have the power to deliver historic changes for women this year. From the G7 to the G20; from the African Union to your annual budgets; we will push you for commitments and hold you to account for them. And, if you deliver, we will be the first to champion your progress.
We won’t stop until there is justice for women and girls everywhere.
Because none of us are equal until all of us are equal.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
