BREAKING NEWS! THE BATTLE IS OVER Australians have decided! Same-Sex Marriage is LEGAL!💖💖💖
THEY FAUGHT, THEY WON!
Australians have voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage in a historic non-binding poll.
The vote showed 61.6% of people favour allowing same-sex couples to wed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.
More than 12.7 million people - about 79.5% of eligible voters - took part in the eight-week postal survey.
PM Malcolm Turnbull said the "overwhelming" result meant his government would aim to change the law in parliament before Christmas.
"[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," he said after the result was announced.
"They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it."
Supporters began celebrating the result in public spaces across Australia on Wednesday, waving rainbow flags and singing and dancing.
Mr Turnbull, a same-sex marriage supporter, is facing debate within his government over what the parliamentary bill should include.
Some conservative MPs are pushing for the the bill to include exemptions that would allow businesses opposed to same-sex marriage to refuse goods and services for weddings. Prime Minister Turnbull says it should done and legal by Christmas! WATCH!
In the meantime Australian LGBTQ's CELEBRATE You have the Victory!
In the latest edition of ES Diddy discusses politics, therapy and America’s race problem. This from the dude damn near supported Trump. Anywho he’s obviously promoting something………You can read his article HERE!
#RHoA: SAY WHAT? EVA MARCILLE to join RHoA?
PEEP THIS TEA! Eva Marcille is allegedly testing to joining The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
According to TMZ: cording to TMZ, the former ANTM winner has been filming with the peach-holders for the upcoming season of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” wanna switch things up this season, and it’s up to former “America’s Next Top Model” winner Eva Marcille to pass the test. Sources close to the production tell TMZ … producers invited Eva for the upcoming season to see if she fits with the current cast.
We’re told she’s already shot a few scenes with NeNe Leakes at her home. Eva — who won season 3 of ‘Top Model’ — could possibly replace Cynthia Bailey or Porsha Williams because we’re told one of them might be phased out next season on account of their story lines drying up.
Eva’s age also makes her attractive — at 32 she’d be younger than the other ladies. However, we’re told the most important requirement is chemistry and drama. Eva’s gotta bring it … like she totes did on ‘ANTM.’
What do y’all think?
#EMPIRE: Lee Daniels developing Fox drama ‘Mason Dixon’ that tackles race and class
Lee Daniels and 20th Century Fox Television are putting forward a new drama called “Mason Dixon,” which will tackle issues of race and class.
The show follows a black politician’s wife and a “good ol’ boy” who form an unlikely bond after their spouses are caught cheating. Their alliance blends their families and shakes up a small community that is still deeply divided when it comes to both race and class.
The project is part of an overall deal that Daniels is under with Fox and is his second network sale after an untitled megachurch project. Daniels already has two other hit series on Fox: Empire and Star.
#NEWMUSIC: June’s Diary Release New Mixtape ‘Male Edition’
Female R&B quintet June’s Diary have finally delivered new music for their fans.
Formed in 2016, the group–consisting of Kristal Lyndriette Smith, Ashly Williams, Brienna DeVlugt, Gabrielle “Gabby” Carreiro and Shyann Roberts–were the winning members of Kelly Rowland and BET’s singing competition show “Chasing Destiny.”
On the very last day of June, the ladies premiered their debut mixtape ‘Male Edition.’ The 7-track project includes original covers of classics by iconic male R&B groups including Jodeci, Jagged Edge, and The Deele. Showing their diverse abilities they even take on The Beatles “Hey Jude.”
Before the release, June’s Diary had released a cover of Jodeci’s “Stay” as a teaser for what listeners could expect to hear on the mixtape. Combining their outstanding vocal talents, inspiration from ’90s R&B and adding their own modern vibes, the mixtape is sure to have fans everywhere hitting replay and wanting more.
Stream June Diary’s ‘Male Edition’ mixtape HERE
#HIPHOPNEWS: Report: Kanye West Leaves TIDAL, JAY-Z Threatens to Sue
JAY-Z and Kanye West’s simmering feud continues, and now, it might turn into a legal battle. Yeezy has decided to leave TIDAL over a financial dispute, and Hov’s streaming service is planning to sue.
According to TMZ, Mr. West has been displeased with TIDAL for quite some time and he feels he is owed more than $3 million, in part due to bonuses over The Life of Pablo, an exclusive that helped score 1.5 million new subscribers for the platform last year.
In addition to the bonuses, Kanye’s camp claims that TIDAL reneged on reimbursing Yeezy for music videos. The streaming service says he didn’t deliver the amount of visuals required under their contract and West says he will put them out once he’s paid.
The dissent began one month ago, when ‘Ye’s lawyer sent a letter to TIDAL to say that he was cutting ties with the company due to a breach of contract. For two weeks, lawyers from both camps tried to sort things out, but two weeks ago, Kanye’s lawyers sent another letter, claiming once again that the deal was over.
This could eventually lead to a legal battle. According to insiders, TIDAL is saying that it will sue Kanye if he breaks his exclusivity with another streaming platform, and West is reportedly willing to countersue.
In November, Kanye said he was against the label politics between Apple and TIDAL, claiming that it prevented him from collaborating with Drake. He also demanded to speak with Hov about their differences. “Jay Z, call me,” he said. “You still ain’t called me. Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please don’t send them at my head. Please call me. Talk to me like a man.”
JAY-Z addresses his fallout with Kanye on multiple songs off his just-released album 4:44, including “Kill Jay Z.” “You ain’t a saint,” raps Hov. “This ain’t ‘Kumba-yay’ / But you got hurt because you did cool by ‘Ye / You gave him 20 million without blinkin’ / He gave you 20 minutes on stage, fuck was he thinkin’?”
On “Caught Their Eyes,” JAY references Yeezy’s “Big Brother” song and their Watch the Throne collaboration, “Ni**as in Paris.” “Don’t big bro me, don’t big homie,” he raps. “I’ve seen pure admiration become rivals / I’ve been to Paris at least two times / I’ve seen the Eiffel, I’ve seen an eyeful.”
#PRAYERS: Maria Menounos Diagnosed With Brain Tumor as Mom Fights Brain Cancer
Maria Menounos is on the mend after undergoing surgery to remove a golf-ball-size meningioma brain tumor last month. Her mom, Litsa Menounos, is currently battling stage 4 brain cancer.
"This February I thought I had an ear infection so I went to a doctor, and he said, 'Your ears are the cleanest things I've ever seen. What else are you feeling?' I'd been getting light-headed on-set and having headaches. My speech had gotten slurred, and I was having difficulty reading the teleprompter. I said, 'I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but I think I have a brain tumor like my mom,’” the E! News coanchor, 39, recalled to People magazine. “He said, 'I don't think you're crazy. Let's just get an MRI.' The next week I started feeling better, so I was like, 'I'm clearly paranoid.' So I kept pushing the MRI."
Three months later, Maria had the scan and learned of her brain tumor, which was not cancerous. She had it removed and her prognosis is hopeful.
Maria has decided to step down from her E! News position following the health scare. She spoke out about her ordeal in an emotional interview on the Today show, which aired on Monday, July 3.
“For me, I saw it as a huge blessing and a huge gift because I needed to change my life,” she said, crying. “We’re caretakers as women and we help everybody and we put ourselves last always. And I don’t think — at least for me — I guess I realized I didn’t value myself in a lot of ways. And so I think that that was a really important lesson.”
Maria has been receiving support from her fiancé, Keven Undergaro, as she continues to recover from home. “I want to start a family,” she added on Today. “You realize really quickly when something like this happens that nothing else really matters.”
Amber Rose criticizes Kodak Black’s comments about Black women
Kodak Black found himself in extremely hot water with Black women last month when he made the insensitive and confounding comment online that he’s not really into Black girls. Since then, Black women and men across the web have been blasting Kodak over his distaste for Black women. Recently, Kodak tried to clean up his words by saying there are only certain types of Black women that he likes but Amber Rose recently weighed in on Kodak’s comments and explained how problematic they are for the Black community.
In a recent interview, Kodak explained his comments about not liking Black women and he ended up putting his foot in his mouth again as he explained that he doesn’t like dark-skinned Black girls because he doesn’t like his own skin color.
“I’m an average dude cause I don’t see myself no better than him, no better than him, you know, or no less than him. So if he could say that he like skinny women … if he prefers skinny woman more than a more chubbier [sic] or more heavy set woman, he could say that and nobody won’t get mad at him,” he said. “I just said I don’t like women with my complexion. I like light skin [sic] women. I want you to be lighter than me. I love African American women, but I just don’t like my skin complexion.”
Kodak then claimed that dark-skinnned people are rougher and tougher and more aggressive than lighter-skinned people and that light-skinned women are just easier to deal with.
“My complexion, we too gutta. Light skin [sic] women … they more sensitive,” he went on. “Nah, nah, they too tough. Light skin [sic] women, we can break ’em down more easy, you know what I’m saying?”
Well, like many folks, Rose was upset about Kodak’s comments and she went on Instagram and explained how colorism and racist social mindset that pits light-skinned and dark-skinned Black women against each other played a major role in her childhood and how Black women across the board view and treat each other.
“Smh this really makes me so sad. Being a ‘yellowbone’ 🙄 mixed light-skinned woman I know unfortunately that Modeling jobs, boys and opportunities came to me easier but did not realize that until I got older. Growing up in Philly I went to an all black school. I was the ‘white girl’ The one that the boys DIDN’T like, The girl that wasn’t as cool as the brown skinned girls. Black was the thing to be! 😍 But for me my mom was my only black parent, my dad was as white as snow and I came out just as light as him. I would lay out in the sun and try to get as dark as I could. I would look at all of the beautiful dark skinned girls in my class and wish that I could wear bright color shirts like they did but it never quite looked as good on my complexion…… but the Brown skinned girls would pick on me, pull my hair and want to fight me for no reason? Why tho?! I loved them! I wanted to be them! Little did I know at such a young age society was teaching them to hate me. Society was telling these girls that they weren’t as beautiful as me because of their complexion. They were too strong and too outspoken. It was OK for men to have sex with them behind closed doors but not OK to have them on their arm. As if light skinned girls were some type of trophy for a man, it was a social status smh. Insinuating that he had money or he just had a ‘bad b–ch.’ I wanted to be them and they wanted to be me. Getting older I found myself always battling racism and feminism, asking directors why isn’t there any dark skinned girls in the music videos I was featured in? Even when I was Stripper maybe there were 1 or 2 brown skinned girls that would get hired because they didn’t want the club to be too ‘Black’ 😔 I can’t help that I was born with light skin but I am a woman before anything else! We need to stick together as women and educate society, educate men like this with black mothers! Not let men/people dictate what type of woman is in style or more beautiful. We are all smart and capable of being great! No matter where we come from or what complexion we are! If no one tells you you’re beautiful I’m here to tell you that you are! 😍 let’s change the stigma I love you all – Muva,” Rose wrote.
What do you think of Rose and Kodak’s comments? Who do you agree with?
NBC Cancels ‘The Carmichael Show’ After Jerrod Carmichael Quits
Jerrod Carmichael got sick and tired of NBC dragging their feet on renewing “The Carmichael Show” for another season, so he quit the show.
Subsequently, NBC officially announced season 3 of the beloved comedy will be it’s last.
Here’s the scoop via Deadline:
“For three seasons (okay 2.5), I got to make a show that I love with my friends. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 13. Now, I’m excited to go make other things that I love. Thank you to every person who worked on or watched the Carmichael show,” he said.
Just like last May, we heard renewal negotiation between NBC and 20th TV had been difficult, with the two sides far apart and talks going slowly. With no clear indications from the network one way or the other, I hear 20th TV quietly sent out feelers to other networks to gauge potential interest in case NBC opted to cancel the show.
“The Carmichael Show was such a wonderful show that we choose to focus today not on its loss but on the three incredible seasons we had the pleasure to produce,” said 20th Century Fox TV presidents Jonnie Davis and Howard Kurtzman today in a statement. “We are thankful to the brilliant Jerrod Carmichael and his talented cast, and to showrunner Danielle Sanchez-Witzell, our fantastic writers and devoted production team. It’s a rarity that a comedy series tackles the social and political issues of the day in such a clever and hilariously funny way. This show was special, and we will miss it.”
Jerrod and NBC have had a history of bumping heads when it comes to “The Carmichael Show,” and it’s become evident that he’s tired of the tomfoolery.
#SPORTSNEWS: Steph Curry Signs Five-Year, $201 Million Super-Max Deal, Richest Deal in NBA History
Back in 2012, Steph Curry signed a four-year, $44 million extension with Golden State Warriors, amid lingering concerns about his ankle injury.
At the time, Curry was aware of the concerns, saying “My ankle was a big factor in the [contract extension] number.” In the previous season, Curry was limited to 26 games with his scoring average dropping to 14.7 points. “They had to protect themselves a little bit,” he said.
Five years later, the two-time NBA MVP has earned his keep, landing the richest deal in NBA history.
According to ESPN, the eight-year veteran has agreed to a five-year, $201 million extension with the Golden State Warriors to become the first Baller in history to sign a supermax contract, crossing the $200 million threshold.
For five consecutive seasons, Curry has led the league in 3-pointers, ranking 10th of all time, emerging as one of the best players in the league.
Congratulations to the two-time NBA MVP, four-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA first team baller, Steph Curry.
OMG, Hannibal Buress Sent A Lookalike to the Spider-Man: Homecoming Premiere In His Place
Hannibal Buress, who plays Coach Wilson in Spider-Man: Homecoming, was unable to attend the film’s L.A. premiere because he was down in Atlanta shooting the upcoming comedy Tag. Luckily, he came up with a very creative solution to his scheduling conflict.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Buress sent out some tweets on Wednesday, June 28 offering $500 to hire “a lookalike with solid comedic timing for an event tonight.” (The tweets have since been deleted.) Actor Joe Carroll took him up on the offer.
While on the red carpet, Carroll also gave interviews and signed autographs as Buress. When asked about his role in the film, Carroll gamely played along with the reporter in the video below – who I think genuinely believes that this is Buress.
“You know, it was a great opportunity,” Caroll said. “I had a lot of fun. Spider-Man‘s huge. You know, we grew up watching Spider-Man. So to play Coach Wilson, working with the cast…it was just a great time. I had a blast. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing in the world.”
“Did you have a particular gym coach [or] gym teacher that you modeled him after?”
“Not necessarily. You know, in high school I had a really tough coach. I wasn’t a big fan of physical education.”
Inside Edition also caught up with Carroll to ask him about the evening.
Mostly, this prank is just hilarious. I love that Buress transformed a complication from his busy schedule into something clever and fun, and I am even happier that he expected to pay Carroll for his night. (Nobody should work for exposure.)
However, there’s also something profoundly uncomfortable about the reporter getting fooled by this prank. I mean, Buress and Carroll look similar, but only in the way that I look like every other ginger under 5’8” with a pixie cut. From people mistaking Franchesca Ramsey for Jessica Williams to the “I’m America Ferrera, not Gina Rodriguez” joke at the 2016 Golden Globes, it’s pretty well-established that uber-white Hollywood can treat actors of color as interchangeable. This interview is no exception.
As with all the best jokes, this stunt also makes a larger commentary. It speaks to both the inanity of red carpet questions (see how easily and vaguely Carroll cooked up responses) and the way that Hollywood views black actors – all while giving Burgess and his fans a good laugh.
At Long Last, Germany’s Lawmakers Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Germany has for many years been out of step with other EU nations in not recognizing the legal right of same-sex couples to marry. Love wins once again, however, and Friday’s parliamentary vote made same-sex marriage the law of the land.
It might surprise some casual Germany watchers that the country, often thought of as forward-thinking and generous on issues like welcoming refugees, was lacking same-sex marriage. Marriage equality has long been accorded to populations in many Western European countries, with the Netherlands and Belgium leading the charge. Spain and France have followed suit.
But cities like the uber-liberal Berlin, where most tourists soak up a German experience, are hardly representative of the nation of a whole—no more so than New York City speaks for the rest of America. Germany’s leading political party, the Christian Democratic Union, has been more stalwart in espousing “traditional” values, though same-sex civil unions were legalized in 2001. Those partnerships did not accord the same rights as marriage, so this is a huge step forward.
Germany is a major EU power player and is headed by a woman, Angela Merkel, that articles have anointed the new “leader of the free world” in the wake of Donald Trump’s defection from the role. Much of the resistance to marriage equality was supported by Merkel and her CDU party, who opposed the measure for years. Merkel, the daughter of a Protestant minister, has in the past stated, “For me, personally, marriage is a man and a woman living together,” and she repeated similar sentiments on Friday. She also voted against same-sex marriage in the parliamentary vote.
But Merkel is more than anything a savvy politician who knows which way the wind is blowing, and European conservatives are often of a wildly different cut than their American counterparts. It’s Merkel who paved the way for Friday’s landmark vote, knowing that the German parliament was overwhelmingly in favor of equality—in line with the public’s growing support of the matter.
It was a smart move that allowed her to retain her stance while permitting Germany to catch up with the rest of the modern world. While I might strongly disagree with Merkel’s personal conviction, I can admire her tactics and decision not to fight tooth and nail to block progress because of her own views. The Washington Post reported:
By allowing the law to pass before the elections despite opposing it, Merkel appealed to the majority of voters but might have avoided the anger of much of her party — following Merkel’s long-standing rationale of trying to make the least enemies whenever possible. “I hope that with today’s vote not only that mutual respect is there between the individual positions, but also that a piece of social peace and togetherness could be created,” Merkel said after the Friday vote.
Just imagine Donald Trump expressing a sentiment like this and praising “social peace and togetherness.” I’ll wait.
Despite the bumps in the road to getting there, love won today in Germany, and it did so to the sound of raucous applause and under a rain of confetti. Ehe für alle!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
New music: Jennifer Hudson's 'I Still Love You' In honor of Marriage Equality!
Jennifer Hudson's latest music video for her song "I Still Love You" is a heartwarming celebration of marriage equality. The clip which first premiered on Elle.com, opens with a young gay man calling his father and getting only his answering machine. He's calling to remind him that today is his wedding day. And he's marrying a man. But will he show up? In the father's home we see memorabilia from his military service and reminders of his son's all-American upbringing. Meanwhile the young man, played by Brandon Crowder, gets ready for the big day with his fiancee, sharing snuggles and writing love messages on shower doors.
The video concludes with a caption that reads, "Jennifer Hudson, W Hotels [where the video was filmed] and the Human Rights Campaign ask you to join your fellow Americans in support of marriage equality."
Watch for yourself and find out how this love story ends
Kanye West covers Billboard‘s annual Power 100 issue alongside Universal Music Group artist Lana Del Rey and UMG chairman/CEO Lucian Grange, who ranks No. 1 on the magazine’s list of power players.
The 2015 Power 100 list also includes Apple’s Jimmy Iovine, Roc Nation’s Jay Brown, Epic Records’ L.A. Reid and Sylvia Rhone, and Cash Money’s Birdman and Slim.
SHE’S BACK! ‘Flavor of Love’ Star Tiffany Pollard & Mom Reportedly Heading Back To Reality TV
Tiffany “New York” Pollard is one reality star you can’t forget. Her claim to fame was a few years ago when she was on VH1’s “Flavor of Love” and then got her own spin off “I Love New York.” Well, according to her instagram the “H.B.I.C is back,” but this time around it’s with her mom, Sister Patterson. They will reportedly have their own show and according to TMZ:
Production sources tell us it will be a completely different NY … she’s breaking away from “Flavor of Love” style dating shows and getting real personal with her mom, Sister Patterson.
There is a chance this might actually be true because the caption on her instagram photo reads:
“My gorgeous mom and I back at it again on set!!! H.B.I.C & Sister Patterson”
Will you be tuning in?
HERE’S YOUR FIRST LOOK At The NWA Biopic "Straight Outta Compton" Trailer
I've got a first look at the NWA biopic trailer and it kicks off with an intro from Dr.Dre and Ice Cube. Here's the "Straight Outta Compton" synopsis:
In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation. Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., Straight Outta Compton tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.
WATCH HERE!
The film stars O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube's son), Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, Straight Outta Compton is directed by F. Gary Gray and Will Packer serves as executive producer. Straight Outta Compton is due August 14th.
We're definitely going to see this one.
Is Beyoncé & Jay Z Working On a Joint Album?
It has been rumored for sometime now that the power couple will release a full album in 2015-Bey and Jay have toured stadiums together-they have given us singles and only thing left is full album. Last night on the 57th annual Grammy Awards red carpet Noel Fisher, aka Detail, seems to hint and confirm the rumor for a full album??? The producer tells Billboard that an LP may drop really soon.
“I’m working with a couple of new projects that I don’t want to unveil, and then me and Beyonce and Jay Z are actually doing something together this year,” said Detail, who won his first career Grammy on Sunday (Feb. 8) when the pair’s “Drunk in Love” won best R&B song. “When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think ‘album.’ You should already know,” said Detail. Asked if that album was going to arrive this year, the producer diplomatically replied, “In my imaginary mind, I will work to say it’s true.”
I guess stay tuned!
Iggy Azalea Attacks Papa John’s On Twitter After Driver Leaks Her Number
While you were watching the Grammys last night, something far more important was brewing on Twitter. Well before the award show even began, Iggy Azalea was beefing with #brands. Pizza brands, actually.
Reports The Verge: According to the Fancy performer, a Papa John’s driver had handed her personal phone number off to his family members. Naturally she was upset.
Spotted: Nicki Minaj, Rae Sremmurd & Young Thug On Set Of “Throw Sum Mo” Video Shoot
Nicki Minaj was spotted on set with Rae Sremmurd and Young Thug, prepping the visuals for their club banger “Throw Sum Mo.” Nicki shared pics from the shoot, which took place at a skating rink, on Instagram Friday. Producer Mike WiLL Made-It and more were also in attendance.
Catch more pics from the video shoot
She put her curves on display in multicolored leggings, and a green bralet. “This one is for the #Barbz my name barbie b—h!,” she captioned a pic.
SN: Nicki’s single “Only,” featuring Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown is now certified platinum in the US. She posted the news to the ‘gram while thanking fans.
Bobbi Kristina and Nick Gordon’s Violent Relationship Fueled By Jealousy
As Bobbi Kristina Brown is in Emory University Hospital in a medically-induced coma, troubling revelations about her relationship with boyfriend Nick Gordon are coming to light. Allegedly, domestic violence fueled by jealousy from who many thought was her husband was a part of the life Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston’s daughter.
Reports TMZ: Sources close to the couple tell us … their spats which sometimes resulted in domestic violence were almost always triggered by Nick’s jealousy over Bobbi Kristina’s fame. He felt he was also Whitney Houston‘s child since he grew up with her and could not understand why people focused on Bobbi.
One recent example … they were trying to get their own TV show but when Nick wasn’t offered the same deal as Bobbi Kristina they turned it down.
Sources close to the couple tell us Bobbi Kristina’s injuries, which triggered an ongoing criminal investigation with Gordon as the target, don’t surprise their friends because they’ve known the relationship sometimes got violent.
Gordon has been quiet as a church mouse and reportedly lawyered up when the authorities came sniffing around.
Solange Goes Chic & Sheer For Swanky Carnival-Themed Brunch In Miami
Solange hosted the Veuve Clicquot Carnival party at the Thompson Hotel in Miami. And her minilaist hair and makeup look is always just perfect for the ocassion.
The much adored fashionista donned a pale pink see-through summer dress with a ruffled top and black sandals, all paired with two Triple Ball Cuff from Jennifer Fisher Jewelry and a pair of J Fisher Knot Cuffs.
In light of the event's tropical atmosphere, she also carried a small bunch of Bird of Paradise flowers.
Solange's transparent garment showed off just enough, but she kept it classy and chic at the same time.
The VIP fete was attended by several of Solange's close friends. Her new hubby Alan Ferguson was not pictured at the event. Perhaps he was in LA for the Grammys?
Beware of This Pastor and Others Like Him: He Sexually Assaulted a Woman During ‘Exorcisms’
*Man, the more I hear news like this, the more I feel an obligation to warn people to stop looking at “pastors” as people without the capacity to be lowdown dirty dogs. Recognize that they, too, are only human; and as such, are capable of using their status…excuse me, misusing their status to commit evil. I repeat: They are only human, nothing more. Of course this may not be your pastor, but its somebody’s. Like the Canadian pastor who has been arrested after he sexually assaulted a woman he was performing an exorcism on.
Wayne Marlon Jones, 53, has been accused of the assault by Toronto police. It occurred sometime between May 2011 and May 2013. Jones was arrested last August, but according to the Toronto Sun, police have only now began to reach out to anyone who may know something as the investigation continues.
Police said Jones’ victim was given “spiritual guidance” that included exorcisms, according to the Toronto Star. And a biography on Jones, posted on the United Spiritual Baptist Church website, says he is married with “a vast number of Spiritual Children” to his credit.
The bio also reads,“Bishop Dr. Wayne M. Jones is a man who believes in gratitude, and because of this he always talks about how grateful he is to every one who has touched his life in some way to get him to where he is now.”
Jones’ victim was also convinced to turn over her money and property to him and he faces three counts of fraud to the tune of $5,000.
And this victim may only be one of many. Neighbor Sue Lamonday told the Toronto Sun that the church services that went on made her uncomfortable.
“Weird things go on over there,” Lamonday told the publication. “It didn’t make sense people would be there at 2 a.m. until 4, 5, 6 a.m. I walked by last summer and heard [a man] screaming, ‘God is going to save you from the fires of hell if you hand over your help any way you can.'”
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (416) 808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Greg Hardy’s Domestic Violence Charges Tossed After Ex Stops Cooperating
*Domestic violence charges against Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy have been dismissed, because his accuser has not made herself available to help with the case, prosecutors said Monday, according to ESPN.com.
Hardy’s appeal of his 2014 conviction was scheduled to begin Monday morning at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, but his accuser, ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder, never showed up.
In a statement explaining the decision to dismiss charges, the district attorney’s office said it has “reliable information” that Holder and Hardy have reached a civil settlement and that she has “intentionally made herself unavailable to the State.”
Prosecutors have been unable to find Holder to issue her a subpoena, which would have compelled her to testify in the trial. Holder’s civil attorney also has refused to assist prosecutors in locating his client.
Hardy requested the jury trial July 15 after Mecklenburg District Court Judge Rebecca Thorne Tin found the 2013 Pro Bowl selection guilty of assaulting and threatening Holder. Under North Carolina law, his appeal set aside the guilty verdict.
Prosecutors last spoke with Holder in November, and at that time she indicated she wasn’t interested in participating in another trial. She has not spoken with them since then, they said in the statement.
Hardy left the courthouse without comment.
ON THE FIELD
Hardy played only one game last season but received $13.1 million from Carolina after being designated the franchise tag in February. He was placed on the inactive roster in Week 2, days after the NFL’s climate regarding domestic violence changed with the release of a video showing then-Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice hitting his then-fiancée Janay Palmer in a casino elevator.
Hardy was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list before Week 3 until his case was resolved. General manager Dave Gettleman said after the July 15 verdict that “what’s happened with Greg is very concerning and disappointing.”
“His status remains unchanged until we fully review the matter,” the NFL said Monday.
Lil’ Mo Preps for 3rd Season Premiere of ‘R&B Divas LA’ on TV One February 11, 2015
*“It was released in October (2014). We’re re-releasing. It’s a digital album,” said 2-time ASCAP R&S Award winner Lil’ Mo (Cynthia Loving) about her current album “SCARlet Letter.” She said its re-release will coincide with the 3rd season premiere of TV One’s reality show “R&B Divas LA.” She stars in the reality show with a long list of other music industry female personalities. “I (also) wrote a tell-all book to coincide with the album.”
Lil’ Mo cast members include Chante Moore, Chrisette Michele, Michel’le Toussaint, Christina “Brave” Williams, Leela James, and Stacey Francis. TV One’s “R&B Divas LA” is co-executive produced by Faith Evans and Nicci Gilbert.
“It’s a build up to the 3rd caliber…navigating through reality TV,” said the BMI Pop and Urban Music Award winner about what we can expect on the reality show. “Some (cast members) are returning and we have some new people. You expect people to be one way…you meet them…and their not that way.”
Lil’ Mo is a Long Island, NY native living currently in my home state of Maryland. She started out in the entertainment business as a songwriter with credits that include JaRule’s hit singles “Put It On Me” and “I Cry.” She was signed to Elektra Records and debuted with “Based on a True Story” in 2001. In 2003 she released “Meet the Girl Next Door.” Other album releases include “Superwoman Pt II” and in 2011 “PS, I Love Me.” She has collaborated with Miss Elliot on “Hot Boyz,” Jay Z, Bow Wow, Kelly Price and Keith Sweat. She has also garnered a Teen Choice Award nomination and a MTV Video Music Award nomination.
TV One’ “R&B Divas LA” premiered in 2013 with the highest viewer rating in its history for ages 25 – 54.
“My story always goes to the next level each season,” Loving said. “I am an all around entertainer. I signed on to do the best of my ability. So much has changed. People think reality TV is fake…People don’t tell me what to do. It’s a storyline…we try to get through.”
For more information on the new season of TV One’s “R&B Divas LA” log onto www.TVOne.com/category/shows/rb-divas and you can find out more on Lil’ Mo aka Cynthia Loving at www.TheLilMoShow.com.
Alabama is the 37th State to now have Marriage Equality!
The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for same-sex marriage in Alabama despite attempts by the state's chief justice to refuse licenses for gay couples.
In a federal ruling, the justices rejected Alabama's bid to stop legalization from taking effect on Monday.
It means Alabama is the 37th state to allow gays and lesbians to wed - paving the way for nationwide legalization.
'It's about time,' said Shante Wolfe, 21, who has camped outside the courthouse with her partner Tori Sisson, hoping to be Alabama's first same-sex couple to marry.
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore spearheaded the attempt to block gay marriage in the Deep South state by sending an order to state probate judges on Sunday night.
Moore has been one of the state's most outspoken critics of gay marriage. He called homosexuality an 'inherent evil' in a 2002 custody ruling against a lesbian mother.
Last week, Moore sent a letter urging probate judges to reject the licenses.
The head of the judges' association on Friday predicted most would issue the licenses. Moore upped the ante Sunday night by sending the directive.
He argued that judges are not bound by the ruling of a federal judge that the gay marriage ban is unconstitutional.
The letter sent on Sunday night read: 'Effective immediately, no probate judge of the state of Alabama nor any agent or employee of any Alabama probate judge shall issue or recognize a marriage license that is inconsistent with (the Alabama Constitution).'
After marriages begun on Monday, Alabama's Attorney General Luther Strange slammed the ruling for causing 'confusion'.
According to Pink News, he said: 'In the absence of a stay, there will likely be more confusion in the coming months leading up to the Supreme Court's anticipated ruling on the legality of same-sex marriage.
'With the lifting of the 14-day stay on Feb. 9, 2015, the U.S. District Court order remains in effect, enjoining me from enforcing Alabama's laws against same-sex marriage in my official capacity as attorney general.
'I advise probate judges to talk to their attorneys and associations about how to respond to the ruling.'
It was a dramatic return to defiance for Moore, who was removed as chief justice in 2003 for refusing to obey a federal court order to remove a washing machine-sized Ten Commandments from the state judicial building.
Critics lashed out that Moore had no authority to tell county probate judges to enforce a law that a federal judge already ruled unconstitutional.
He's been one of the state's most outspoken critics of gay marriage; in 2002 he called homosexuality an 'evil' in a custody ruling.
'This is a pathetic, last-ditch attempt at judicial fiat by an Alabama Supreme Court justice-a man who should respect the rule of law rather than advance his personal beliefs,' said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign.
Warbelow urged probate judges to issue the licenses in compliance with ruling of U.S. District Judge Callie Granade.
Susan Watson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, predicted that 'we will see marriage equality in Alabama' on Monday.
'I don't think the probate judges in Alabama are going to defy a federal court judge's order,' she said.
On January 23, Granade ruled that the state's statutory and constitutional bans on gay marriage were unconstitutional but put her order on hold until February 9 to let the state prepare for the change.
The same-sex couples queuing outside courthouses were left waiting until the last minute on Monday morning for the high court to issue a ruling on the state's request.
Jessie and Cooper Odell brought their son with them to witness their marriage. Jessie, 42, said he was surprised by the speed with which Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage fell.
'I knew it was coming, but not this fast with our history on civil rights,' he said.
OMG…UGH This Teen Killer Took Selfie with Victim's Body
Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested a 16-year-old boy who allegedly shot a classmate in the face and then shared a selfie with his corpse on social media, The Washington Post reports.
According to police, the photo served as "a key piece of evidence" against Maxwell Marion Morton, who they say murdered Ryan Mangan, also 16.
A day after Mangan was discovered dead in his home on Wednesday, the mother of a third teen showed the picture to police, her son having screencapped the photo from Snapchat. From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
"(Police) received a copy of the photo which depicted the victim sitting in the chair with a gunshot wound to the face," a police affidavit states. "It also depicts a black male taking the 'selfie,' with his face facing the camera and the victim behind the actor. The photo had the name 'Maxwell' across the top."
Additionally, police say the third teen received texts from Morton stating, "Told you I cleaned up the shells," and "Ryan was not the last one."
Marion reportedly confessed to the crime after police searched his home and found a 9 mm handgun. The teen now faces charges of first-degree murder, homicide and possession of a firearm by a minor.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘CUTTING GLASS’
Looks pretty cold in Walmart today. Better toss on a really thin shirt and no bra.
