Kerry Washington Graces The Cover Of “Ebony” Magazine’s “Scandal” Issue
On her role as Olivia Pope: “One of the things that challenges me most, and that I love most about playing her is how flawed she is. In her professional life, she is so powerful and is this self-made woman. But in [Olivia’s] personal life, she is a mess and I kind of love that…I love that I get to embody all of that complexity because I also think it takes a certain level of progress for us to have a Black Woman that powerful be an emotional mess on television.”
On her initial concerns: “I was a little concerned because [the character has] a scandalous relationship with the [occupant of the] White House. I thought, ‘If the president on the show is Black, I will not do the show.’ Because to me, it was too important a moment. I didn’t want to do anything that compromised my relationship with the [president] or that made it seem like I had an insider view on the Obama presidency. I thought that would be so disrespectful and so against all the work that I had done.”
Read more inside the “Scandal” issue, on newsstands now!
Coconut Water Company Sues Chad Johnson Over Head-Butting Incident
Johnson signed to the company a few months before he was arrested for head-butting ex-wife, Evelyn Lozada. The couple got into an argument in early August, which turned physical. Police arrested Johnson, and released him the next day. Zico fired him within days of the altercation, setting off a firestorm of other pinks slips. Within weeks he was let go from the Miami Dolphins, and had his reality show with Lozada canned by VH1.
Zico asserts that the 34-year-old was fired “for his involvement in a public scandal that significantly impairs the use of his image…disparaging Zico by words and conduct, and causing injury to Zico's reputation.”
The company further states that it's continued to lose money, and is seeking at least $40,886.76 in damages.
Johnson has yet to file a response to the suit, but going after his finest may lead to a dead end. The last few months have brought a $130,000 lawsuit filed against him by a former employee, and was in fear of having his home foreclosed on.
Mary J Blige is beng SUED By Bank of America
Now Mary is being sued by Bank of America...
From NY Post
R&B diva Mary J. Blige is singing the money blues after she allegedly defaulted on a $500,000 Bank of America loan, according to a new lawsuit.
The 41-year-old Blige — whose album sales have topped 50 million — took out the loan in 2005 and made payments through June 2011, when she abruptly stopped, the Manhattan Supreme Court suit claims.
The soulful singer now owes more than $511,000, which includes a $497,000 unpaid principal plus interest, court papers charge.
The Bronx-born recording queen has reportedly defaulted on sizable loans in the past. Reps for Blige did not return phone calls.
It’s NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!
The Folks came out for the start of New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 Collections. And Eve, Angela Simmons and model Selita Ebanks were amongst the brave fashionistas who stopped at nothing to get a front row look at what was hitting the runways.
Eve trekked it through the blizzardy weather in a black one shoulder top, black leather pants, cute blue pumps and her black, blue and white Celine bag to hit up the shows at the Lincoln Center.
Cute look.
And she also sat front row with Ashlee Simpson at Nicole Miller's show at the Studio at Lincoln Center:
And she also sat front row with Ashlee Simpson at Nicole Miller's show at the Studio at Lincoln Center:
Not sure about this red hair.
But loves her nonetheless.
But loves her nonetheless.
Fab chick Angela Simmons made her way to lots of shows.
She hit the Charlotte Ronson show at The Box at Lincoln Center, where she posed it up in Charlotte's design alongside the designer herself, Lydia Hearst and Holland Roden.
She and a friend showed off their shoes on twitter before hitting up the Concept Korea Fall 2013 fashion show at Lincoln Center:
Pretty.
And she looked gorgeous at the Tadashi Shoji show (as she posed with the designer himself) in this red lace overlay body con dress:
She kicked it front row with Miss J, of course.
And model chick Selita Ebanks kept it chic front row at the Noon By Noor Fall 2013 fashion show at The Studio at Lincoln Center.
She chatted it up with fellow model/reality show chicks--Olivia Palermo, Poppy Delevingne and Cory Kennedy.
Not loving the skirt, but she's looking pretty nonetheless.
And then there was this outfit change.
She and fellow model Anne V. headed to Pier 57 for the Sally Lepointe Fall 2013 show. Now how do we feel about this leather cropped top under a cut-out dress look?
Brooklyn Based rapper Theophilus London brought a mystery woman along...who he helped get out of their car with an awaiting umbrella to brave the snow.
And since no woman wants to ruin her shoes on her way to a show, Tyson Chandler's wife, Kimberly, had a friend carry her over the puddles as she made her way to the Made Suno show.
Fab times!
Nelson Mandela’s Granddaughters Star In New Reality Show, ‘Being Mandela’
Zaziwe Dlamini-Manawa and her daughter, left, and Swati Dlamini and her daughter, right, their mother, Zenani Mandela Dlamini, and grandfather, Nelson Mandela.
So what’s the skinny on the show? It’s 13-episodes and the show follows them around as they try to carry on the family legacy while juggling motherhood in Johannesburg. The sisters, who spent most of their childhood in exile in the United States, make an emotional visit to the prison on Robben Island where their grandfather spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned by South Africa’s white-ruled government. Zaziwe meets the guard who she says smuggled her into prison as a baby so Mandela could meet her. In an interview with the Associated Press, the sisters seem unapologetic about potentially negatively portraying their families famous name.
Swati explained:
“We get asked this question a lot. Is this not going to tarnish the name and is this not going to be bad for the name? But our grandparents have always said to us, this is our name too, and we can do what we think is best fitting with the name, as long as we treat it with respect and integrity.”
The show is currently on TV now. The first episode was Monday! Go to COZI TV.co for further Info
SAY WHAT? A Mailman Chokes 11-Year-Old
Daniel Villasenor, 55, is accused of chasing and then grabbing his alleged victim by the neck in a park outside Los Angeles, California, on Monday afternoon.
She was only saved from further harm when city workers heard her friend’s cries for help and came to her rescue, it is said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Dan Scott told KABC: “He got angry and pushed the 11-year-old child.
“He then grabbed her by the neck and the collar in what appeared to be a choking motion to the witnesses.”
Villasenor, who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 32 years, was dressed in uniform when the incident allegedly occurred.
He is said to have asked the girl for directions to the restroom, but accidentally walked into the one for women.
His alleged victim and her friend laughed at him as he turned and walked to the men’s room. He ignored the mocking at first, but it soon became too much.
Chasing the girl into the female restroom, he allegedly grabbed her by the neck and began choking her.
Two city workers heard her friend screaming for help, and managed to persuade Villasenor to stop.
He got into his car and drove away and was arrested nearby soon after.
Villasenor has pleaded not guilty to cruelty to a child and assault on park property. He is being held on a $15,000 bond, will reappear in court on March 5, and faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
Rumor Control: Is Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Expecting A Second Child??
Stay Tuned!
Meet A$AP Rocky’s New BEARD!
Go A$AP!
Beyonce Covers Vogue Magazine’s March 2013 “Power Issue”
The “Love on Top” songstress graces the “Power Issue,” glowing with her hair pulled into an elegant updo. Her black tank is revealed as her left arm is slipped out of her black & white jacket.
She recently announced her “The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour,” and the North American leg kicks off at the Staples Center in LA in June. This will also mark the start of 2013’s BET Experience weekend.
From BET – The festival, which begins on June 28 with Bey performing at the Staples Center, will lead up to the BET Awards on June 30. Other musical guests scheduled to perform include Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Miguel, who will all appear on June 29. On the final day of the Experience, R. Kelly, New Edition and The Jacksons will perform.
Get a look at the star’s intimate documentary when it airs February 16th on HBO.
Jurnee Smollett-Bell Talks ‘Tyler Perry’s Temptation’ With Essence
The film features Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a marriage counselor who gets involved in an romantic relationship with Harley (Robbie Jones) behind her husband Brice’s back (Lance Gross). Harley is a fine, successful businessman Judith meets at work. Things become tricky for Judith when the lines between work and pleasure become blurred.
View the photos below, along with Jurnee’s commentary..
Photo 1:
“At this point in her life, my character, Judith, is very restless and frustrated with her dull marriage and sluggish career,” says Smollett-Bell. “Judith has ambitious dreams and is afraid that she’s getting stuck and settling for less. She vents to her husband, Brice, about wanting more out of life, but he quickly discourages her dreams. Brice is complacent, and has become emotionally unavailable in their relationship. He often takes Judith for granted and is the kind of guy that would be perfectly happy with letting 15 years pass by without any significant change… which drives Judith crazy because she yearns for more.”
Photo 2:
“Judith finds herself in a passionate affair with Harley, a billionaire entrepreneur who seems to offer her everything she has been missing in her life,” explains Smollett-Bell. “He stimulates her creatively, emotionally, and physically. Most importantly, he believes in Judith and encourages her to take risks and go after her dreams. But the risks are greater than Judith initially realizes. This dilemma Judith finds herself in, and the choices she makes have a significant impact on her for the rest of her life.”
You can catch the movie when it hits theaters next month (March 29th).
Jesse Jackson, Jr. Admits To Stealing Funds
In the papers, signed within the past several days, Jackson admits converting campaign contributions for personal use. Some of the violations include using campaign funds for a $40,000 Rolex watch, travel expenses for a friend and furniture purchased for his Washington, D.C., home. Under the terms of the deal, Jackson’s sentence would be decided by a federal judge and could range from probation to prison time.
Jackson resigned from the congressional seat he held for 17 years on Nov. 21, 2012, acknowledging a federal investigation and citing health issues.
“During this journey, I have made my share of mistakes,” Jackson wrote in his resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. “I am aware of the ongoing federal investigation into my activities, and I am doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept responsibility for my mistakes, for they are my mistakes and mine alone. None of us is immune from our share of shortcomings or human frailties and I pray that I will be remembered for what I did right.”
Those with knowledge of the investigation say some loose ends have yet to be resolved, including questions surrounding whether Jackson’s wife, former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, will also be charged in connection with the case. During her husband’s political career Sandi Jackson regularly received a $5,000 a month check as his political consultant, according to NBCChicago.com.
Even before his resignation, Jackson had made plenty of headlines for his mysterious absence from Congress for much of 2012. It was later revealed the son of famed civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson had sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder.
Jackson’s resignation came just 15 days after winning re-election to his Chicago-area district by a 40-point margin. President Barack Obama and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) both endorsed Jackson during his primary battle with former Rep. Debbie Halvorson.
OFFICIAL: Toni Braxton Officially Announces Retirement
Indeed, a 20+ year career that’s seen her atop many-a-chart with industry award decoration to match is coming to an end per her announcement on ‘Wendy’ this week.
The past days have seen her tease the idea, but now you can watch as Braxton breaks the news (and reasons behind it)
WATCH HERE: It Starts at 2:05:
Here’s hoping the “love affair” between Toni and music reignites in the coming year and things turn around.
Bobbi Kristina Caught Smoking Weed
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina and her BF were double-teaming a hand-rolled cigarette in Atlanta almost one year to the day Whitney died from a drug overdose.
It’s unclear what’s inside the rolling paper — but c’mon.
It’s interesting, considering Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston has been vocal about her concerns that Bobbi Kristina could follow Whitney’s path into drug abuse unless she drastically changes her life.
Bobbi’s been at war with her grandmother for months … and recently slammed Cissy for writing a tell-all book about Whitney.
Whitney passed away on Feb. 11, 2012 after going on a drug binge that included coke, pills and marijuana. POOR CHLD Needs guidance!
Tracy Mourning--Wife Of Alonzo Mourning--ARRESTED FOR DUI In Miami!
While driving in Coconut Grove around Miami around 3:40am this morning, true basketball wife Tracy Mourning was arrested for driving her 2012 Porsche Panamera under the influence!
The seemingly sweet mom of three had a fun night out at Boris Kodjoe's ALFA clothing event last night at South Street Restaurant and Bar (pictured above last night with the restaurant's curator Amaris Jones).
Tracy was stopped after speeding 28 miles over the speed limit and flying through a stop sign. And then gave the officer a wink and asked if she was speeding. The Huffington Post reports:
According to the police report, Mourning then ran through a stop sign and swerved until an officer stopped her at Old Cutler Road and San Servando Avenue.
The arresting officer wrote that Mourning politely asked, "What did I do, sir?" and then winked as she said, "Was going fast, wasn't I?" According to the police report, Mourning told the officer she had just had dinner with some "amazing friends."
Mourning smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and slurred her speech, the officer wrote. She failed a roadside sobriety test and refused an on-scene blood alcohol level test, prompting him to take her into custody.
Mourning, the namesake of North Miami's Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School, was charged with driving under the influence. She and her husband are often recognized for their charitable contributions to South Florida, including the Honey Shine Mentoring Program Tracy Mourning began in 2002. Alonzo Mourning currently serves as Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Heat.
But on the upside--she and Alonzo just moved into a GORGEOUS $4.5 million home in Pinecrest, FL:
Fab House..But Tracy Boo….But no more Lushing!
Report: New Mariah Carey Single Due In Two Weeks
Readying her first full length album since 2009, those looking for a taste of what Carey is cooking up may have to deal with an appetizer until the main course is done if recent reports are to be believed.
While we wait on the official new new from Mimi, news has it a brand new single from the diva in due in days…
Via USA TODAY:
The song, titled ‘Almost Home’, will be the first official single from the ‘Oz the Great and Powerful‘ soundtrack. The track, distributed by label Island/Def Jam, is also being granted the visual treatment with legendary photographer David LaChapelle said to be at its helm.
No word on when fans can expect the video’s debut.
Your thoughts?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘Poodle Doodle Doo’
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
