Despite months and months and months of denying it, Toni Braxton just confirmed she’s engaged to Birdman!
In a somewhat of a Kris Jenner move, Toni waited for season 6 of Braxton Family Values to come around to share the big news. “I have an announcement to make — I’m engaged!” she tells her family as she shows off her yellow diamond in the BVF trailer released on Saturday (Feb. 17).
Toni and Birdman have been romantically linked since 2016, but have remained relatively silent about their relationship. They have also repeatedly denied rumors they are engaged. Toni’s rep had to shut down rumors she was married in October.
The singer most recently denied Birdman was her husband during an interview with Power 105’s Angie Martinez (while wearing a diamond ring, which she claimed was just a birthday gift).
“Tamar told the world we’re married and we eloped. We are not married. I promise you. Maybe I wouldn’t be so explosive about it, but I wouldn’t deny it. I wouldn’t say ‘I’m not married,’ if someone asked me. I’m not married.”
Toni was referring to her sister Tamar Braxton’s appearance on The Wendy Williams Show last year when she shared her suspicions. “I think that’s my brother-in-law, I do,” Tamar told the host. “I think they eloped. I’m telling you, they is married.”
Tamar, Toni’s sisters, and the Braxton matriarch, Evelyn Braxton, have given their stamp of approval to the unlikely couple. Evelyn had nothing but nothing but kind things to say about Birdman during a 2016 interview on The Rickey Smiley Show:
“I don’t care what other people say about him he is a nice man. He’s full of ‘respek.’ Put some respek on it! I met him years ago, Toni’s known him for about 15 years… Ever since I’ve been knowing that young man, I think he’s just phenomenal.”
Season 6 of Braxton Family Values premieres in March on WE TV, the season will also continue to document the breakdown of Tamar and Vincent Herbert’s marriage.
Blac Chyna is getting the Kardashian treatment in a way she probably never intended. A short sex tape of the TV personality has leaked online without her permission and she’s hoping for legal repercussions.
Chyna became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter today (Tues, Feb. 19) after a clip of her performing oral sex on an unknown man went viral. The 1 minute, 23 second video was uploaded by an anonymous source and she says she had no involvement in its release.
Walter Mosely, Chyna’s lawyer, couldn’t comment on the video to TMZ because “It’s a criminal matter.” However, Chyna and her legal team have contacted police in hopes of finding out who uploaded the video and to possibly sue the culprit.
Twitter has suspended the original account that posted the video as well as accounts that have shared it.
Attorney Lisa Bloom represents Chyna in her “revenge porn” case against ex-fiancé and father of her daughter Rob Kardashian, who posted (then deleted) several nude photos of her on social media last year after believing she was cheating on him. In response to her client’s latest nude scandal, Bloom tweeted:
Revenge porn — posting explicit images without the consent of everyone in those images — is a crime, a civil wrong, and a form of domestic abuse. It's also a way to try to slut shame women for being sexual. Girls have killed themselves over revenge porn. It's not a joke.
While it’s clearly Chyna in video, her male companion’s face is never seen. However, his voice is very much audible. Chyna’s ex, Meechie, believes its him in the video and also says he had nothing to do with its release. He wrote on Instagram:
“I can’t believe any body would stoop this low. I stay in my lane. I don’t do the drama… Now I gotta deal with my dick plastered all over the world. You gotta be fckn kidding me.”
Conservative Fox News host Laura Ingraham is rightfully being dragged on Twitter after telling LeBron James and Kevin Durant to “shut up and dribble” after they criticized Donald Trump.
We’ve come to expect dog whistles and subtle racist rhetoric from Fox News, but Ingraham’s intentions were crystal clear on the Thursday (Feb. 15) broadcast of The Ingraham Angle.
The host suggested James and Durant should “shut up” about politics because all they do is “bounce a ball.” She went on to describe their Trump comments as “barely intelligible” and “ungrammatical” and “ignorant.”
Laura Ingraham says #LeBronJames should "shut up and dribble" and leave political comments to people who didn't leave high school a year early. pic.twitter.com/vwInOpZJZq
“Must they run their mouths like that? Unfortunately, a lot of kids—and some adults—take these ignorant comments seriously.
“Look, there might be a cautionary lesson in LeBron for kids: This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA. And it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid a hundred million dollars a year to bounce a ball.
“Oh, and LeBron and Kevin: You’re great players, but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach. So, keep the political commentary to yourself or, as someone once said, ‘shut up and dribble.'”
Ingraham and Fox News’ latest attempt to silence black athletes on political matters is a response to comments James and Durant made on the web series, Rolling with the Champion.
James said about Trump:
“The No. 1 job in America, the appointed person is someone who doesn’t understand the people. And really don’t give a f*ck about the people.”
James—whose home was vandalized with “n*gger” spray painted on his gate last year—went on to say that fame and money doesn’t shield him from racism and racially-charged remarks such as Ingraham’s.
“No matter how far—money or access or how you become in life as an African-American man—they will always try to figure out a way to let you know that you’re still beneath them.”
For his part, Durant opined that “our team, as a country, is not ran by a great coach.” And the show’s host, Cari Champion, added: “It’s also scary because I shouldn’t be numb to your racist comments. I shouldn’t be numb to your behavior.”
The clip of Laura Ingraham slamming LeBron James and Kevin Durant for simply speaking went viral causing her to become a top 10 trending topic on Twitter for most of the day. And many weren’t here for her racist dog whistle/megaphone, including Dwyane Wade.
They use to try and hide it.. now the president has given everyone the courage to live their truths. https://t.co/OwLSMHIG0m
“Must they run their mouths like that?” @IngrahamAngle asked in her segment centered around calling @KingJames an uppity idiot. Yes, to answer her question—and also, thanks for making his point about being subject to racism despite being wealthy. https://t.co/QLJ5lVIQH7
Thought, Laura Ingraham’s LeBron hate stems from her website spreading that picture of Cavaliers victory parade and labeling it “5 miles of Trump supporters” waiting for his rally. She is lashing out to regain control. pic.twitter.com/9TxBVVMiCS
Laura Ingraham hates @KingJames because he represents excellence in everything he does. He’s enormously talented, intelligent, humble and uses his unmatched influence to inspire future generations to be great. And she despises that he’s all of those things, and Black. Simple.
That video of Laura Ingraham being racist as hell toward Lebron James is a disgrace and her smug confidence of knowing she'll get away with it is exactly what racism looks like.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long provided several examples of when Fox News invited celebrities to provide political commentary. But of course, they were white and conservative.
I’ll be replying to my own tweet with a collage of your network allowing political commentary from a few folks. https://t.co/WUGl1WQSLE
I’m sure the network she works for has interviewed a bunch of athletes, just couldn’t find the screenshots quickly. The point is, what’s the prerequisite for who can talk politics? So, Fox News folks who agree with Laura… you okay with these segments?
And if you reply “stick to sports,” you should probably tune of out Fox News because they’ve got karate guys talking climate change on there. (Which I’m cool with… it’s his right.) Unless it’s just about you needing to feel like you’ve got control of athletes like Lebron.
Following the backlash, Laura Ingraham issued a statement claiming there was “no racial intent” in her remarks and that she’s used the “shut up and…” against celebs since 2003.
“In 2003, I wrote a New York Times bestseller called ‘Shut Up & Sing,’ in which I criticized celebrities like the Dixie Chicks & Barbra Streisand who were trashing then-President George W. Bush. I have used a variation of that title for more than 15 years to respond to performers who sound off on politics.
“I’ve told Robert DeNiro to ‘Shut Up & Act,’ Jimmy Kimmel to ‘Shut Up & Make Us Laugh,’ and just this week told the San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich to ‘Shut up & Coach.’ If pro athletes and entertainers want to freelance as political pundits, then they should not be surprised when they’re called out for insulting politicians.
“There was no racial intent in my remarks – false, defamatory charges of racism are a transparent attempt to immunize entertainment and sports elites from scrutiny and criticism.
“Additionally, we stated on my show that these comments came from an ESPN podcast, which was not the case – the content was unaffiliated with ESPN.”
Ingraham also intends to address the controversy on tonight’s show (Feb. 16), and she doesn’t seem to be backing down on her stance.
Oprah may not be running for president, but there is one black Hollywood “starlet” who’s interested in becoming an elected politician: Stacey Dash.
Even though I know you wanna laugh, the problematic black Republican is actually serious.
A number of people online and off have suggested I run for political office. I wanted to see what my online community thinks of this idea as I mull the possibilities. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/L71fF0NnXR
Claiming a “number of people” have suggested she run for political office, Dash took to Twitter last week (Feb. 9) to announce she’s mulling the idea of running for Congress in her home state of California. She asked her 564K followers their thoughts and even included a mock political button to seem legit—“Dash to D.C.” or D2DC.
In response to numerous calls for me to run for office, I am considering a run for Congress. Would love to know what my fans and friends think. pic.twitter.com/e9z8MuFu5m
The fired Fox News contributor then responded to a few concerns that may come up during her potential campaign, such as having any skeletons in her closet.
“Everything I am is in my book and public,” Dash wrote, referring to her 2016 memoir. “Nothing they [say] can hurt me with that they haven’t thrown at me already.”
Everything I am is in my book and public. Nothing they can hurt me with that they haven’t thrown at me already.
Another user reminded Dash of her 2006 nude Playboy photo shoot. Dash wrote that her kids encouraged her to do Playboy after discussing the opportunity: “If they didn’t have an issue with it, neither should anyone else. #NoShame.”
My response: I conferred with my children when offered. They told me “go for it mom.” If they didn’t have an issue with it, neither should anyone else. #NoShame
I doubt anyone is really pushing for Stacey Dash to run for Congress, but even so, she thanked her fans for their support in a short Twitter video on Tuesday (Feb. 13).
“Thank you for all your comments. Now, I have to make a choice. [I’m] praying about it and putting it in God’s hands.”
Dash, a Donald Trump supporter, has faced heavy backlash with her problematic and controversial political stances in recent years. She said the Democratic Party has as “plantation mentality,” suggested transgender people use the bathroom “in the bushes,” and believes we should get rid of Black History Month and BET.
Dash is not backing down. Her latest political comments are in regards to the Parkland, Florida school shooting that killed 17 people. Dash shared her thoughts on how to address and fix the mass shooting issue in the country in a lengthy Twitter thread on Thursday (Feb. 15).
There is no one answer for what happened in Florida or what’s happened over the last 45 days or what is happening & sadly will happen again. Gun accountability is needed. https://t.co/7KRMI3JXT1
This is a multilayered, complicated issue interconnected with a number of problems. Thoughts and prayers won’t stop it. One size fits all legislation won’t stop it and it transcends politics. This is a societal issue and like a disease needs in depth diagnosis and treatment.
This is not to be solved online in tweets, posts or the like. This needs federal examination and yet it need some type of national, cultural discourse outside of the federal government that can’t even address its own issues and get simple reforms passed.
We, as people of all colors, faiths and economic backgrounds need to put aside politics, examine our lives, our culture, our media, our entertainment and our environment as a whole thing to see where the cancer is. It’s there. It’s growing. I wish I could lay hands and cure it.
If your ratchet antennas have not been tuned to “The Queens Court,” the online talk show and podcast hosted by Khia of “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” fame and transwoman TS Madison, then you need to pull your head out of Mona Scott-Young’s messy wig and get with the best thing to hit the hoodverse since WorldStarHipHop.
But just as “The Queens Court” was gaining serious steam, it all fell apart in a spectacularly messy fashion. It all started with the new year when TS Madison decided to give “The Queens Court” a bit of a makeover.
The show, in its original inception, consisted of nothing more than TS Madison and Khia sitting in front of an iPad in her living room talking shit, laughing and roasting callers who dialed in for the gags. But Maddie decided the talk show needed a real set, so she and Khia got a backdrop, some props and judges robes. Which might’ve been tolerable, but along with the new props, Maddie decided to hire a “professional” production crew to enhance the lighting and camera equipment.
Unfortunately, that didn’t go so well when they tried to go live with for their weekly episode on Monday (Feb. 5) with special guest Mo’Nique. The audio, the lighting, and the stream were all jacked up, and after several delays, Madison couldn’t get it to work and she broke down. This might’ve been behind-the-scenes drama that none of us would’ve known about if Mo’Nique hadn’t been live streaming the entire debacle on her Periscope. (THE SHADE!!!)
Khia, who has a world famous motor mouth and an equally hot temper, was OVER the production crew’s failures and decided she was better off not participating in the shitshow, so off she went, leaving Madison a heaping, sobbing mess all by her lonesome.
After the aborted interview and the behind-the-scenes meltdown began to make the rounds on the internet, chatter about the death of “The Queens Court” began to trend on Black Twitter and YouTube. Funky Dineva (real name Quentin Latham), a distressed and evicted blogger who’s had more than his own share of public failures and flops, took to his YouTube channel to offer his take and advice to the pair. Given that he’s supposedly “friends” with TS Madison and once appeared on one of Khia’s “roast and gag” live streams that preceded “The Queens Court,” Quentin’s perspective carried more weight than others.
In the video, Funky Dineva gives props to the duo for building a viral brand, but he reveals his disdain and disgust for Khia, who he brands a liar.
Things got quiet for a while and people expected the duo to return to the air the following week on Feb. 12, but alas, the dynamic duo were no-shows. Madison did emerge to confirm that “The Queens Court” was on hiatus and would return in March, but the two were still committed to their live appearances.
Well, Khia finally broke her silence after being quiet for a week and let loose on a live stream of her own on Tuesday morning. It’s 59 minutes, so if you feel like listening to an angry beaver scream and sputter, have fun:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFdY2ya87Jc
If you don’t have the stomach for Khia’s bile, here are the highlights:
She warned Madison not to trust the production crew she hired as she didn’t trust their energy and felt they were lying about their production capabilities.
She’s annoyed that Madison tried to overcomplicate the show by adding all of the new elements and props.
She felt like Monique was fake and troublesome and shouldn’t have been live-streaming the behind-the-scenes chaos to her fans.
She loves The Queens Court and still likes TS Madison, and will be continuing on with the live shows, but Madison pulled some moves that she didn’t appreciate as a business partner.
Funky Dineva is a “punk” and a cocaine-snorting loser who has been whispering in Maddie’s ear and feeding her lies.
She’s pretty much going back to doing her own thing and will be doing her own live streams at her house from now on.
It was a lot to digest and once Khia’s rant made the rounds, TS Madison had to respond with her own response:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f09uItmWlU
Unlike Khia’s video, Madison’s live stream was only 20 minutes but again, in case you want the highlights:
She never did or implemented any changes on the show without consulting with Khia, which includes the backdrop, the judges’ robes and more.
She admits the production people she hired let her down and they should’ve tested the equipment well in advance of the actual show.
She claims Khia hasn’t been as involved or helpful with the back-end side of things so she’s had to pick up the slack pretty much on her own as the business lead.
The love between the two remains, and like Khia, she will do the live appearances, but she doesn’t understand why Khia has blocked her on social media if they’re supposed to be cool.
She remains hopeful that The Queens Court will return in proper form on March 19th.
On top of Khia and Madison’s responses, Funky Dineva had yet ANOTHER response, taking aim at Khia for claiming that he snorted coke in front of her.
Again, the highlights:
He admits to using a variety of drugs including cocaine, but denies doing it in front of Khia.
He calls her a liar and a gossip who makes up stories about people.
He asks why her kids don’t want to associate with her.
He’s making money off of talking about Khia and Madison and made nearly $2,000 off of one video.
Are you exhausted yet? Cause I am.
I hope that Khia can get over herself and return to the fold so that “The Queens Court” can live on. TS Madison was certainly trying to do too much too soon, but her heart was in the right place and it’s still salvageable. Madison just needs to listen to Khia, fire the crew, and get back to basics on what the fans want. And Khia needs to put Funky Dineva on the docket, roast him once and for all, and stop filling his YouTube piggy bank.
TS Madison is certainly holding out hope. Come on, Khia. Don’t let her, or the fans, down.
Wendy Williams must be cursed by themed episodes. The talk show host was forced to cancel her Valentine’s Day show as well as tapings for the rest of the week due to her exhibiting “flu-like symptoms.”
Today’s Valentine’s Day episode, which featured Taye Diggs as the guest, was abruptly canceled Tuesday (Feb. 14) because Williams was ill. A spokesperson then announced all remaining shows for this week were canceled.
“Wendy is still experiencing flu-like symptoms, and so she can rest up and get better, we have decided to cancel tapings the rest of the week.”
Williams gave a health update to her fans earlier today via an Instagram video. Though she hadn’t been officially diagnosed with the flu, she said she was feeling “flu-ish.”
“It’s not the flu yet, but I feel flu-ish. It’s not a five on a scale of one to five, it’s not even a four… I feel awful, I had to be talked [out of going] into work today, and taking off a few days to get myself together.”
This is the first time in the show’s 9-season run that Williams has missed a taping. Referring herself to a “thoroughbred,” she says she has always been hesitant to take days off work, even in her radio days.
“I took the proper vacation time, but take off sick? What? No, never,” she said.
Williams last had a health scare during her Halloween show in 2017. Dressed as the Statue of Liberty, the host fainted live on-air, explaining later that she simply overheated in her costume (though the incident looked more serious).
The CDC expects the 2017-18 flu season to be one of the worst and could break records. “This is a difficult season,” said Anne Schuchat, acting director of the CDC. “Everything we are looking at is bad news.”
The flu is currently widespread in 49 states with 7.7 percent of all hospital visits being related to flu-like symptoms, a rate that is on track to meet or exceed the “swine flu” pandemic in 2009-10.
63 children have already died due to the virus and it’s being estimated that this year’s strain is killing up to 4,000 Americans a week.
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta star Tommie Lee might be adding another mugshot to her collection. Police are investigating a matter after Tommie allegedly attacked a mall employee in Atlanta.
On February 1, Tommie and an unknown male walked into the Henry Bendel jewelry store in Lenox Square mall. According to a police report obtained by TMZ, Tommie got into an argument with an employee named Daniella. The argument escalated and Tommie went behind the employee counter and allegedly slapped and punched Daniela repeatedly.
The store’s manager broke up the fight between the two women. Tommie and her male companion fled the scene before cops arrived. However, the incident was captured on camera and police have launched an investigation.
Daniella told cops she had bruising on the left side of her face and eye and wants to press charges. TMZ also reports Daniella has obtained a lawyer and may seek to sue Tommie.
The Henry Bendel store manager says Tommie and her friend come to the store often and have tried to steal items in the past. During her Feb. 1 visit, Tommie was reportedly rude while shopping and Daniella confronted her about her attitude, which sparked the physical altercation.
Tommie has an extensive arrest record, racking up over 30 mugshots since 2003. Her most recent mugshot came in 2016 when she turned herself into authorities after a warrant was issued for her arrest for making “terrorist threats” against fellow LHHATL castmate, Joseline Hernandez.
She stated last year that she would not be returning for season 7 of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, which will air later this year.
Despite Cardi B recently shutting down the rumor, its still being reported the rapper may currently be pregnant, and members of her entourage accidentally shared the private news.
TMZ reports one of Cardi’s reps told staff at the Maxim Super Bowl party in Minneapolis last weekend that the rapper was “3 to 4” months pregnant.
Cardi performed at the event where there was a VIP section reserved for football players and talent and a second VIP section for Cardi and her crew. TMZ reports a rep for the rapper declined an offer for Cardi to be escorted back to her VIP section explaining she wanted to avoid the “party atmosphere” because she is currently with child.
Cardi chose to stay near the stage and drink Fiji water instead of mingling with the other VIP guests who were consuming alcohol.
Earlier this month, a fan asked if Cardi was secretly pregnant and the “Bodak Yellow” MC denied the suggestion like only she could. “No b*tch, I’m just getting fat,” she wrote. “Let me fat in peace.”
Cardi is currently engaged to Migos member Offset. The status of the couple’s relationship has been questioned since videos leaked in December of Offset with other women. Cardi addressed the cheating rumors and said she would follow her heart and mind when making a decision on how to move forward in her relationship.
Again, we should note, TMZ is not reporting that Cardi B is, in fact, pregnant, but that a member of her team allegedly claimed she was.
Fantasia Barrino and her family have suffered an unexpected loss. The singer’s teenage nephew has died after being shot.
18-year-old Tyquan Vonricco Washington was found suffering a gunshot wound in Greensboro, NC around 11 am Tuesday morning (Feb. 13). Paramedics performed life-saving measures on the teen, but he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
David Lee White Jr, 21, has been arrested for the shooting and was charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the Guilford County Jail without bond.
Greensboro police released Washington’s identity in a news release.
Earlier today, Ricco Barrino, Washington’s father and Fantasia’s brother, wrote a love letter to his son. Ricco recalls fond memories of his son and writes that he always knew he was special.
“A love letter to my son. Dear son I needed to write this sooner but it’s funny how life make you aware of your own unconscious procrastinations. I wanted you to know that from the depths of my heart your daddy loves you and he always has…
“Well on this day you became a bigger man when you put on a pair of wings and did what I have yet to do. So you show me your leadership skills. you go join hands with your grandma and kiss for me. You sing loud for me up there.
Fantasia shared two photos of her nephew on Instagram. “Ty, Auntie is So Sorry Baby,” she wrote. “RIP to my Oldest Nephew Please Pray for his Mother and my Brother @riccobarrino & his Stepdad.”
Ricco’s manager tells FOX8 News that Ricco and Washington’s mother are both “heartbroken.”
The manager added that Ricco knew his son had been in “some trouble but was turning his life around.” The 18-year had aspirations of becoming a musician like his father and Grammy-winning aunt, and was currently working on a mixtape.
Our thoughts are with the Barrino family as they mourn this tragic and unexpected loss.
Yesterday (Mon, Feb. 12) marked another historic moment in Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s legacy. The former President and First Lady of the United States helped unveil their official portraits at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.
The Obamas each handpicked the artist they wanted to paint their portraits. The former president chose Kehinde Wiley and Mrs. Obama picked Amy Sherald. Both artists are known for painting portraits of African-Americans.
Watch the unveiling of the Obama portraits at the National Portrait Gallery on Monday pic.twitter.com/EI8K18QxR0
Wiley also now becomes the first black artist to paint a presidential portrait for the National Portrait Gallery, which displays the portrait of each president.
“I look pretty sharp,” Barack said after seeing himself in art form. Wiley depicted the former president sitting in a chair with a wall of greenery behind him. Wiley is known for painting portraits of prominent black figures in heroic and royal poses. The Grio likened Obama’s post to a king.
“From the greenery sprout flowers that have symbolic meaning for the sitter. African blue lilies represent Kenya, his father’s birthplace; jasmine stands for Hawaii, where Mr. Obama himself was born; chrysanthemums, the official flower of Chicago, reference the city where his political career began, and where he met his wife.”
Sherald’s portrait shows Michelle Obama posing in a gown designed by Michelle Smith featuring geometric shapes reminiscent of African textiles.
“Sherald’s interpretation of Ms. Obama used a stylized gray hue to portray Black skin tones. The use of gray is a political statement of sorts for Sherald, in which she discards the assigned “color” of African-American subjects. Sherald’s approach is more about artistic expression and composition than about realism.”
“Amy, I want to thank you for so spectacularly capturing the grace and beauty and intelligence and charm and hotness of the woman that I love,” Barack said, praising Sherald.
Michelle also noted in her speech what it means for little black girls to see her portrait hanging in the gallery.
“I’m also thinking about all the…girls and girls of color, who in years ahead will come to this place…will see an image of someone who looks like them hanging on the wall of this great American institution.”
Twitter had mixed reactions to the portraits. Many were excited for the Obamas return to the spotlight and praised the two black artists. The two images also sparked a few memes.
I LOVE that Barack and Michelle Obama chose Black artists to paint their portraits. The Obamas were America's first Black first family, so it's fitting they bestowed this "first" on two Black artists as well. pic.twitter.com/nQfofwJVTy
Monday morning joy as portraits of President and First Lady Obama are revealed by artists Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley. Reminds me to hope. #ObamaPortraitspic.twitter.com/6r4NtH0rxx
I really like both of the portraits and I love that the Obamas chose to showcase the immense talents of two black artists. It's was a new chapter in our country's history and I love a new style of art to commemorate it.
I'M REALLY MISSING THE OBAMAS. THEY'RE UP HERE CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND ART AND BEING ROLE MODELS AND PLEASE COME BACK BARACK AND MICHELLE. pic.twitter.com/KMAXR33cOa
A Russian plane with 71 people onboard crashed just minutes after leaving Moscow Airport. According to media reports from Russia, everyone on the plane died.
Here are some things you need to know:
1The plane crashed about 50 miles east of Moscow, Russia shortly after taking off from Moscow Domodedovo Airport.
According to the Russian emergency ministry, shortly after takeoff, the plane—an Antonov An-148, which was operated by Saratov Airlines, went down in the Ramenskoye District, near the village of Argunovo, which is about 50 miles south-east of Moscow, Russia’s capital city.
Not too long after takeoff from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, the Antonov-148 aircraft disappeared from the radar and crashed soon afterward, Russian state news agency Tass reported (via CNN).
The plane was flying to Orsk, a city in the Urals. An emergencies ministry source told Interfax, “The plane crashed near the village of Argunovo. The crew and passengers had no chance.”
2The plane was in the air for less than 10 minutes when it started to “break up in the sky.”
Shocked witnesses reportedly described seeing the plane “breaking in the sky” before it came crashing down in flames after taking off from the Domodedovo Airport. As seen in footage from the crash site, the wreckage was spread over a large area.
A source told news agency TASS, “Debris has been found, there are no survivors.” Video filmed by local boys showed wreckage in the snow. One source added, “It appears the plane began to fall apart in the sky.”
3All 71 people on board (65 passengers and 6 crew members) were killed in the crash.
There were 65 passengers and six crew members on the plane, and according to Russian media reports, everyone on the plane (a total of 71 people) died in the crash.
Initial reports from Russia blamed the crash on weather or human error, however, it was unclear how that measures up with claims that the plane “[fell] apart in the sky.”
The Russian-made plane was seven-years-old at the time of the crash and the airline purchased it about a year ago.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates…
Meek Mill is celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ historic Super Bowl win along with the rest of his city. The currently locked up rapper has been showing his appreciation for the team and the reinvigorated #FreeMeekMill campaign on social media.
The Eagles took home their first Lombardi Trophy on Sunday (Feb. 4) after defeating the New England Patriots 41 to 33. Though Meek couldn’t attend Super Bowl 52 to cheer on his home team, he was there in spirit. The team walked out to Meek’s “Dreams and Nightmares” and celebrated with the track following their big win.
Prior to the championship game, Meek told NBCSports Philadelphia what it meant to have the Eagles use his music to motivate them, which they’ve done for most of the season.
“It really lifted my spirit to hear the team rally around my songs and that’s why I make music—to inspire others and bring people together. But the Eagles have also motivated me with the way they’ve overcome tough situations and injuries to succeed this year.”
Meek has been in jail since November after being sentenced 2-4 years for probation violations stemming a decade-old conviction when the rapper was just 19. The controversial sentence immediately launched a #FreeMeekMill campaign which was reignited on social media as the Eagles played and won the Super Bowl.
Celebs such as Lebron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Kevin Hart, and fans could be seen wearing “Free Meek Mill” jersey’s during Sunday’s game. Meek shared his appreciation of the support on social media.
Meek is currently incarcerated at the Chester State Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison just outside of Philly. His lawyers said he would be able to watch the Super Bowl in a community room or from his cell via a TV bought from the commissary. It’s unclear which option he chose.
Mathew Knowles riled up Black Twitter earlier this month. Beyonce? and Solange’s father opened up about his experiences with racism and colorism and shockingly revealed he was initially attracted to Tina Knowles because he thought she was white.
Mathew is currently promoting his book, “Racism: From the Eyes of a Child.” In an interview with Ebony, the Texas native discusses how colorism and “eroticized rage” lead him to dating mostly white women and light-skinned black women.
“When I was growing up, my mother used to say, ‘Don’t ever bring no nappy-head Black girl to my house.’ In the deep South in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, the shade of your Blackness was considered important. So I, unfortunately, grew up hearing that message.”
He admitted that he initially believed his ex-wife, Tina was white. Tina is actually black and of Louisiana Creole descent.
“I actually thought when I met Tina, my former wife, that she was White. Later I found out that she wasn’t, and she was actually very much in-tune with her Blackness.
“I had been conditioned from childhood. With eroticized rage, there was actual rage in me as a Black man, and I saw the White female as a way, subconsciously, of getting even or getting back. There are a lot of Black men of my era that are not aware of this thing.”
Mathew’s comments sparked a discussion with Black Twitter. Some dragged him, while others understood his point about internalized colorism. The music executive turned college professor became a trending topic.
If anyone has seen a younger pic of Tina they would know she was not white. Matthew Knowles is trying to sustain some relevance months before Beyoncé takes the Coachella stage ? it’s a conspiracy I tell ya pic.twitter.com/ryxTqb5dqP
Ebony’s Mathew Knowles interview revealed how black institutions are complicit in engineering black men’s view of lighter skin as desirable. So the twitter abuse dark skin women face now, is something that’s been baked into our culture.
Matthew Knowles pretty much describes the mindset of most (if not all) black men across the globe. We’ve been conditioned & indoctrinated from birth. Colorism and anti-blackness is so ingrained within our psyches that it’ll take a LIFETIME to unlearn.
I'm not surprised by what Mathew Knowles said at all and I'm not mad either… using his own daughters was a good example. I'm glad that he can admit there is indeed a colorism issue in the black community. Period. Point. Blank. #mathewknowles#colorism#ebonymagazine#ebonypic.twitter.com/hXMlPPUqgD
So basically, if Matthew Knowles had known Ms. Tina was black from the jump there would be no Beyoncé. Whew! That was a close one. pic.twitter.com/EaOWVF9SIx
Mathew also noted the role colorism plays in the music industry, suggesting women with lighter complexions have a better shot at achieving mainstream success.
“When it comes to Black females, who are the people who get their music played on pop radio? Mariah Carey, Rihanna, the female rapper Nicki Minaj, my kids [Beyonce and Solange], and what do they all have in common?”
“They’re all light-skinned,” the interviewer answered. “Do you think that’s an accident?” Mathew responded.
Part two of Mathew Knowles’ interview with Ebony is expected to released online soon.
Jennifer Hudson has landed her next film gig and she’s tackling a true legend. J-Hud will portray Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biopic approved by the Queen of Soul herself.
Legendary music producer and executive Clive Davis unexpectedly revealed Hudson’s casting as Aretha during his pre-Grammy party. He also noted that Aretha handpicked the award-winning singer/actress to portray her on film. Hudson won an Oscar in 2007 for her performance in Dreamgirls.
Hudson performed a medley of Aretha’s hits at Davis’ Grammy party, including, “Think,” “Rock Steady,” and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.”
Variety reports MGM has acquired the rights to the untitled film project. Scott Bernstein (Straight Outta Compton) and music producer Harvey Mason have signed on as two of the film’s producers.
Aretha has longtime pushed for a movie about her life. Back in 2011, she stated she wanted Halle Berry to play her. However, the Oscar winner declined, mainly because she doesn’t sing. “Someone should tell Aretha that I can’t do her justice,” Halle said.
Aretha further explained why Berry was her first choice in a statement she exclusively sent to Wendy Williams.
“I would’ve liked Halle Berry to portray the older Aretha in the upcoming biopic of my life based on my memoir, Aretha: From These Roots. She was my first choice, everything’s subject to negotiation, and she shouldn’t underestimate her own talent. There are a number of other leading ladies out there that can definitely handle the role. I never expected Halle to sing. She’s an actress, not a singer. Many actors have portrayed vocalists by lip-synching to the artists’ original recordings.”
Coincidentally, Williams suggested Jennifer Hudson after Berry took herself out of the running.
For the most part, Twitter seems pleased with the casting choice.
Leave it to the Kardashian-Jenner clan to upstage Super Bowl Sunday. But at least its for a good reason. Kylie Jenner personally announced that she has given birth to a baby girl!
“My beautiful and healthy baby girl arrived February 1st and I just couldn’t wait to share this blessing. I’ve never felt love and happiness like this I could burst!” the new mom wrote on Instagram.
Kylie, 20, gave birth on Thursday (Feb. 1) at 4:43 p.m. at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. The baby girl weighed 8lbs, 9 ounces. This is Kylie and rapper Travis Scott’s first child together. E! News reports that the couple has yet to decide on a name for their daughter.
A source also tells the news outlet that Scott, 25, is a very proud father, showing the baby off to his crew. “He seems so happy and just keeps rubbing her head and saying, ‘Daddy’s here. Daddy’s here.'”
Kyle has also posted an 11-minute video titled “To Our Daughter” on her YouTube page. The video documents her pregnancy, including private moments, the baby shower, and her baby’s first cry.
Despite it being heavily reported that was expecting, Kylie never confirmed her pregnancy and retreated from the public spotlight and social media in recent months. Her famous family and friends also respected her wishes by not sharing the big news.
In a note to fans today (Feb 4), Kylie explained why she chose to keep her pregnancy private.
“I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark through all the assumptions. I understand you’re used to me bringing you along on all my journeys. My pregnancy was one I chose not to do in front of the world. I knew for myself I needed to prepare for this role of a lifetime in the most positive, stress free, and healthy way I knew how. There was no gotcha moment, no big paid reveal I had planned. I knew my baby would feel every stress and every emotion so I chose to do it this way for my little life and our happiness.”
“Pregnancy has been the most beautiful, empowering, and life-changing experience I’ve had in my entire life and I’m actually going to miss it,” she added. Kylie gives birth just three weeks after big sis Kim Kardashian welcomed her third child, Chicago West, with Kanye West via surrogacy.
Kylie and Scott began dating in April 2017. Thought they’ve often been seen in public and displaying heavy PDA, the two don’t discuss their relationship publicly.
A white college athlete tried trash-talking his black opponent with racially insensitive comments, and got himself suspended because of it.
Spencer Brown of Appalachian State in North Carolina was suspended from the team after making several racist comments towards his black opponent, John Wilson IV of North Carolina A&T. “At least I know my dad,” Brown said to Wilson during their match on Sunday (Jan 28).
Wilson shared the incident on Twitter and noted that the App State tennis coach responded to Wilson’s concerns by saying: “…we have a black guy on our team.”
Hey #NCAT this is Spencer brown, a tennis player at Appalachian state. During our match today, along with other racist comments, Spencer told me, “At least I know my dad.” Their coach responded by saying, “..we have a black guy on our team.”
App State Athletics released a statement on Monday (Jan. 29), declaring Brown’s comments as “derogatory and offensive.” Brown has been suspended indefinitely for violating the university’s student-athlete discipline policy.
Though App State’s statement says they have reached out to NC A&T, Wilson says that he has not been contacted personally by App State. The A&T senior class president added that he’s always had to deal with racism as a black tennis player.
Update: Even though I have yet to be reached out personally from the administration of Appalachian State. The athletics program suspended Spencer indefinitely! Thank you all for the help, this is something I’ve always dealt with being a black tennis player. #NCATpic.twitter.com/9MqHvTe6fR
Kenya Moore missed out on the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast trip to Barcelona, but that didn’t stop her from globetrotting with her hubby.
Kenya and husband Marc Daly are currently vacationing in Egypt to celebrate her 47th birthday. Kenya’s birthday was January 24, but she revealed her exciting whereabouts in an Instagram post on Saturday (Jan. 27) with a photo of the couple near the ancient pyramids in Cairo.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d actually visit #Egypt I’ve long romanticized about visiting this historically rich country-which is the first wonder of the world- and with my husband. Thank you for the most amazing birthday gift of my life!”
The Giza Plateau includes the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx, and several tombs, including King Khufu’s tomb. Its unclear how many of these sites the two tourists explored.
Kenya teased her Egyptian getaway with a photo of a birthday cake and balloons. “Where in the world am I?” she wrote.
Marc Daly has yet to appear on RHOA, but Kenya is clearly getting comfortable with showing him off on social media. The two secretly got married in private St. Lucia ceremony last year.
The couple is also trying to start a family and Kenya is undergoing IVF treatments. They were both spotted at a reputable fertility clinic in Barbados.
Mark Salling, a former actor on the hit Fox series Glee, has died of an apparent suicide while awaiting sentencing for child pornography charges.
TMZ first broke the news Tuesday morning (Jan. 30). While the coroner has yet to release an official cause of death, US Weekly has confirmed through the Los Angeles Police Department that Salling died from an apparent suicide.
Salling’s death ends a tragic chapter in his life that saw him facing up to seven years in prison for child porn accusations. He was 35 years old.
1TMZ reports that Salling’s body was discovered near a riverbed, and he may have died after hanging himself.
According to TMZ, Salling’s body “was found near a riverbed in Sunland … the area where he lived. We do not yet know the manner of death. We’re told he may have died after hanging himself. We’ve learned the address where Salling was found dead is a little league field near a creek.”
TMZ reports his body had been there for a while. Police went to Salling’s home in Sunland after receiving a request to conduct a “welfare check.” The check led the officers to a nearby little league baseball field which is adjacent to the area Salling’s body was found.
According to Us Weekly, police responded to “a death investigation near the Glee alum’s home in the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood” the morning of January 30th but the Glee star wasn’t initially identified.
2Salling allegedly tried to commit suicide before, but his lawyer denied it.
Before reaching a plea deal in his child porn case, back in August 2017, Salling allegedly tried to commit suicide, according to TMZ.
At the time, the site reported that Salling “freaked out” and cut “both of his wrists.” His roommate “discovered the bleeding,” TMZ reported. Salling’s lawyer, however, denied TMZ’s report.
3Salling pleaded guilty to charges of child pornography possession, which could have sent him to prison for years.
Back in 2016, Mark Salling was accused of possessing child pornography and was charged. According to the Hollywood Reporter, he pleaded guilty to the charges through a plea deal at the end of 2017 “after admitting he possessed images of prepubescent children.”
A search warrant discovered “more than 50,000 images of child porn on his computer and thumb drive,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. In addition to the child porn charges, Salling also had other troubles with the law over the years, like in 2013 when he was accused of sexual battery by his girlfriend, Roxanne Gorzela, in a 2013 lawsuit. E! News reported that the actor settled the lawsuit and was ordered by a judge to pay $2.7 million to Gorzela.
Salling would have been sentenced for his child porn case in March 2018, and he would have faced between four and seven years in prison and would have been forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
4Salling was raised in a religious family in Texas.
Mark Salling’s IMDB bio states that he was born in Dallas, Texas. “He is the younger of two children of Condy Sue (née Wherry), a school secretary, and John Robert Salling, Jr., an accountant,” the site reads.
Salling’s IMDB bio also states that his family were strict Christians and he was home-schooled for a while. While in high school, he wrestled and starred in talent shows. As an adult, he “attended the Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music in Pasadena, California and began studying guitar, giving guitar lessons to make a living.” Salling then ended up on Glee, for which he’s best known.
5Salling is best remembered for playing on “Glee” as Noah Puckerman.
Most fans remember Mark Salling best as the character Noah “Puck” Puckerman on the hit Fox TV show Glee. He starred on Glee for its entire six-year run, between 2009 and 2015.
Salling dated his co-star Naya Rivera for three years while on the show. “He was always just a very dark soul to me,” Rivera told Entertainment Tonight after Salling’s child pornography arrest in 2015. “I always felt like there was something that he was wrestling with.”
According to the Mercury News, Rivera wrote of her relationship with Salling in a 2016 memoir: “I think everyone should have that one relationship where you look back and ask yourself, ‘What the hell was I thinking?’ You’ll learn something and you won’t regret it. Unless, of course, that relationship was with someone who had a sizable stash of child porn on his computer. Then, by all means, regret everything.”
6Salling’s death marks the second unexpected “Glee” death.
Mark Salling’s death is second unexpected death from a “Glee” cast member. Corey Monteith, the show’s male lead, died of an accidental drug overdose in 2013.
Heroin, codeine, morphine, and alcohol were all found in the 31-year-old’s system. Glee remained on-air for two more seasons.
Tragedy once again strikes the Glee cast. Mark Salling has been found dead from an apparent suicide.
TMZ reports police found Salling’s body on Tuesday (Jan. 30) near a riverbed in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Salling reportedly committed suicide by hanging and TMZ reports his body had been there for a while. He was only 35.
Police went to Salling’s home in Sunland after receiving a request to conduct a “welfare check.” The check lead the officers to a nearby little league baseball filed which is adjacent to the area Salling’s body was found.
The actor’s death comes as he was out on bail and awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in December. Sentencing was to take place in March and Salling faced 4 to 7 years in jail.
Prosecutors alleged Salling had 50,000 images of underage children on his computer.
Prior to accepting the plea deal, Salling allegedly attempted suicide in August 2017 by cutting his wrists. He was rushed to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation and then admitted to a rehab facility for more evaluation. His lawyers denied the incident was a suicide attempt.
This is the second unexpected Glee death. Corey Monteith, the show’s male lead, died of an accidental drug overdose in 2013. Heroin, codeine, morphine, and alcohol were all found in the 31-year-old’s system. Glee remained on-air for two more seasons.
Recently, Glee alum Naya Rivera has also faced hard times. She was arrested for domestic battery in November 2016 after hitting her husband during a dispute. She was released and refiled for divorce.
Salling and Rivera also briefly dated during their Glee days, but the relationship was tumultuous.
“He was always just a very dark soul to me,” Rivera told Entertainment Tonight after Salling’s child pornography arrest in 2015. “I always felt like there was something that he was wrestling with.”
Salling starred on Glee for its entire six-year run.
It’s not looking too good for Meek Mill as he continues to sit in jail. His legal team’s claim that Judge Genece Brinkley suggested the rapper drop Roc Nation and hire her friend as his manager instead was just debunked.
TMZ reports that a court transcript of the hearing in question, which took place in Brinkley’s private chambers, show that Brinkley was not the person who suggested Mill hire respected music manager, Charlie Mack. Mill’s probation officer made the comment.
The PO felt Mack was a good influence on Mill, whose real name is Robert Williams. According to the transcript, the officer said:
“What I like about Charlie, he is not invested in Meek Mills. He is invested in Robert Williams.”
In fact, the transcript obtained by TMZ shows that Judge Brinkley made it clear that she was not trying to get involved with Mill’s career choices. She said:
“I don’t want the record to suggest who your management is or is not.”
After Brinkley controversially sentenced Mill 2-4 years in jail for violating his probation, the rapper’s lawyers claimed the judge has a personal vendetta against him because he refused to hire Mack and give Brinkley a shout out on a Boyz II Men cover song.
Brinkley, Mack and Mill are all from the same region of Philadelphia.
While it seems Brinkley may not have acted unethically, TMZ has also uncovered that a court clerk secretly asked Meek Mill for money. Wanda Chavarria admitted to giving Mill a note in which she asked him to “donate” to her son’s college tuition.
Chavarria is also from Philly and says Judge Brinkley had no knowledge of the note she wrote to the rapper. A formal court investigation has been launched into this particular situation.
