The Daily Roundup for Aug 29
YES!! SHE IS…………….PREGGERS!
Beyonce Knowles: Baby On the Way!
She certainly knows how to make an entrance, and Beyonce Knowles had all eyes on her at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
The “Crazy in Love” songstress brought her fashion A-game as she posed inside the Nokia Theatre LA Live to prepare for her big performance, but the BIG news is the confirmation that she's expecting her first child with Jay-Z!Quite the exciting time for Beyonce, the gorgeous singer's baby news comes shortly after she released her music video for “1+1” from her latest album 4.Additionally, coming up on October 8th, Knowles will join in via satellite for the Michael Jackson tribute concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Just look at her Glow! I must admit she looks so cute preggers! Congrats Bey & Jay!
IN THE EDDIE LONG SAGA: Two of Eddie Long’s Accusers Detail Relationships with Bishop
Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande speak to Channel 2 Action News
*Two of the men who accused Bishop Eddie Long of coercing them into sexual relationships gave an extensive interview to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Channel 2 Action News.
Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande were among four young men who accused the founder of New Birth Missionary Church of sexual coercion. Their lawsuit against him was settled in May.
Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande were among four young men who accused the founder of New Birth Missionary Church of sexual coercion. Their lawsuit against him was settled in May.
The following is an excerpt from the story, which will be posted in its entirety on ajc.com around 5 p.m. Atlanta’s Channel 2 Action News will air the first part of their interview with the men in their 5 p.m. newscast.
Among those tuning in to watch the most anticipated sermon of Bishop Eddie Long’s career were two of the young men who, one week earlier, had filed suit claiming the powerful Lithonia pastor had coerced them into sexual relationships.
“It was like the Super Bowl for us,” said 24-year-old Jamal Parris, describing the anxiousness he felt before Long took to the pulpit last September. “This might be the day he finally says something.”
Neither Parris nor fellow accuser Spencer LeGrande, now 23, expected an admission of wrongdoing or an apology.
“I knew who he was,” LeGrande said. “I knew what was coming.”
Among those tuning in to watch the most anticipated sermon of Bishop Eddie Long’s career were two of the young men who, one week earlier, had filed suit claiming the powerful Lithonia pastor had coerced them into sexual relationships.
“It was like the Super Bowl for us,” said 24-year-old Jamal Parris, describing the anxiousness he felt before Long took to the pulpit last September. “This might be the day he finally says something.”
Neither Parris nor fellow accuser Spencer LeGrande, now 23, expected an admission of wrongdoing or an apology.
“I knew who he was,” LeGrande said. “I knew what was coming.”
In speaking before 25,000 New Birth Missionary Baptist members who packed the church and watched on television and online, Long vowed to clear his name.
“This thing I’m going to fight,” he said, comparing himself to the biblical David, turning the table on his accusers.
“This thing I’m going to fight,” he said, comparing himself to the biblical David, turning the table on his accusers.
Ironically, they say, Long often compared the two young men to David, the metaphorical armor-bearers to the bishop’s King Saul. Now they were being portrayed as Goliaths.
“I just got quiet,” Parris said. “I started crying. I couldn’t even stop crying because I was angry. The way he walked up [to the stage]. The way I saw people stand up and applaud this man. How dare you.”
“I just got quiet,” Parris said. “I started crying. I couldn’t even stop crying because I was angry. The way he walked up [to the stage]. The way I saw people stand up and applaud this man. How dare you.”
Nearly one year later, the wounds are still raw for Parris and LeGrande who, along with two other plaintiffs, filed lawsuits last September alleging the charismatic pastor “uses monetary funds from the accounts of New Birth and other corporate and non-profit corporate accounts to entice the young men with cars, clothes, jewelry, and electronics.”
Each alleged that, once they reached the age of consent, Long coerced them into sexual relationships.
The cases were settled in late May after months of mediation talks.
Each alleged that, once they reached the age of consent, Long coerced them into sexual relationships.
The cases were settled in late May after months of mediation talks.
Long has, through a spokesman, denied the allegations. He did not respond to requests from the AJC for an interview. Following the announcement of the settlement agreement the 58-year-old bishop released a statement saying the decision was made “to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry.”
“This resolution is the most reasonable road for everyone to travel,” the statement continued.
Documents were filed May 27 in DeKalb State Court confirming the lawsuits had been dismissed “with prejudice.”
Parris and LeGrande declined to discuss specifics of their settlement with Long, per the terms of their agreement. Their attorney, B.J. Bernstein, said at the time neither she nor her clients would be available for an interview “now or in the future.”By speaking out, Parris and LeGrande risk losing unspecified monetary rewards outlined in the settlement.
“The truth should’ve set [us] free,” said Parris, interviewed along with LeGrande in Miami late last week. “I thought I could cover the pain up. I thought I could move, start over and everything would go away. I was terribly wrong. I’m living a lifestyle meant to crash.”
Documents were filed May 27 in DeKalb State Court confirming the lawsuits had been dismissed “with prejudice.”
Parris and LeGrande declined to discuss specifics of their settlement with Long, per the terms of their agreement. Their attorney, B.J. Bernstein, said at the time neither she nor her clients would be available for an interview “now or in the future.”By speaking out, Parris and LeGrande risk losing unspecified monetary rewards outlined in the settlement.
“The truth should’ve set [us] free,” said Parris, interviewed along with LeGrande in Miami late last week. “I thought I could cover the pain up. I thought I could move, start over and everything would go away. I was terribly wrong. I’m living a lifestyle meant to crash.”
The money is irrelevant, LeGrande said.
“I’m going to tell the world – money does not buy happiness,” said LeGrande, who was 15 when he met the bishop. “When you sleep at night, the problems are still there. The money stuff, who cares about the number.”
“I feel like burning [the money],” he said.
LeGrande was 15 when he met Long at one of New Birth’s satellite churches in Charlotte. The sermon, on the importance of fathers, left him in tears.
“When I started crawling, that was the day [my father] left,” LeGrande said. “A lot of years I didn’t even see him.”
LeGrande said Long embraced him. “I got you” … “I will be your dad,” the bishop told the teen. Soon they were talking regularly on the phone.
“I’m going to tell the world – money does not buy happiness,” said LeGrande, who was 15 when he met the bishop. “When you sleep at night, the problems are still there. The money stuff, who cares about the number.”
“I feel like burning [the money],” he said.
LeGrande was 15 when he met Long at one of New Birth’s satellite churches in Charlotte. The sermon, on the importance of fathers, left him in tears.
“When I started crawling, that was the day [my father] left,” LeGrande said. “A lot of years I didn’t even see him.”
LeGrande said Long embraced him. “I got you” … “I will be your dad,” the bishop told the teen. Soon they were talking regularly on the phone.
“The day I met him it was like a God moment,” LeGrande said.
Parris said he too was raisedwithout a strong male influence.
“I have a clown for a father,” he said. “My dad was abusive, my dad would flake out … that’s all a predator needs.”
Long was the father figure both youths craved. He called them his armor-bearers and their loyalty was rewarded with exotic trips, expensive gifts and, more importantly, a role model.
“I have a clown for a father,” he said. “My dad was abusive, my dad would flake out … that’s all a predator needs.”
Long was the father figure both youths craved. He called them his armor-bearers and their loyalty was rewarded with exotic trips, expensive gifts and, more importantly, a role model.
“He did teach us good things,” LeGrande said, “but something had to be wrong with him.”
In 2004, when LeGrande was 16, he accompanied Long to Kenya. On another trip, to Johannesburg, they dined with Winnie Mandela. Rubbing elbows with the rich and famous became routine.
“You’re thinking you’re the luckiest kid in the world, like someone’s always got your back,” LeGrande said. “For me, it was more of a spiritual connection. It was about God.”
In 2004, when LeGrande was 16, he accompanied Long to Kenya. On another trip, to Johannesburg, they dined with Winnie Mandela. Rubbing elbows with the rich and famous became routine.
“You’re thinking you’re the luckiest kid in the world, like someone’s always got your back,” LeGrande said. “For me, it was more of a spiritual connection. It was about God.”
Parris met Long a few years earlier, in 2001 when he was 14 and new to Atlanta. He was at choir practice when he met the man he’d soon be calling “daddy.” Parris said he left that day with the preacher’s cell phone number, which he called days later after getting into trouble at school.
Long interceded, getting the teacher who had reprimanded Parris nearly fired, said Parris.
Long interceded, getting the teacher who had reprimanded Parris nearly fired, said Parris.
The power wielded by the bishop made an impression on the teen.
“It’s the power he commanded when he walked into the room. It’s like I’m with the president,” he said.
“It’s the power he commanded when he walked into the room. It’s like I’m with the president,” he said.
The bond was intense, say both accusers. Neither was aware of the other until after they broke away from Long.
Beyond the gifts — each more expensive than the last, Parris said — and the trips, there were deep conversations about spirituality.
Beyond the gifts — each more expensive than the last, Parris said — and the trips, there were deep conversations about spirituality.
“Out of nowhere he hits you with the most emotional question,” LeGrande said. “‘I know what you’re feeling. I know what it’s like.’”
Parris equated their relationships to high school. He and LeGrande were like freshmen girls. Long, they said, was the senior with the fancy car, the big man on campus.
Parris equated their relationships to high school. He and LeGrande were like freshmen girls. Long, they said, was the senior with the fancy car, the big man on campus.
OH GAWD…RAP BEEF 2.0: Lil Wayne Disses Jay-Z On "It's Good" Featuring Jadakiss & Drake
Weezy responds to Hov's "baby money" diss on "H.A.M."
Jay-Z made a thinly veiled diss towards Baby on “H.A.M.,” saying, "you got baby money.” In a new leak off his upcoming album Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne not-so-subtly fires back at Hov on “It’s Good” featuring Jadakiss and Drake, using the third verse on the track to respond.
On the cut, he raps, “Talkin’ ‘bout baby money, I gotcha baby money / Kidnap your bitch get that how much you love your lady money / I know you fake, nigga / Press your brakes, nigga / I’ll take you out, that’s a date, nigga / I’m a grown ass blood, stop playing with me / Play asshole, and get an ass whippin’ / I think you pussycat, hello kitty.”
Wayne previously spoke on Jay’s diss, saying he wouldn’t turn anything into a full-blown beef but would address it. “Me and my wit, given my wit, I would probably play off of it," he said. "But I wouldn't make it a competition, because actually, the subject that he's talking about in that line, I can't box with the card. I'd be the first one to tell you that, given my wit, and the type of person that I am, I'd capitalize and I'd play off of it. Yeah, I definitely would."
CHILE BOO! Hustler Mag Claims They've Got A RIHANNA SEX TAPE With J.COLE?!
Usually we get giddy when we can smell a good sex tape coming. But this one just reeks of being fraudulent. Adult gentleman's magazine Hustler is claiming that they have a sex tape featuring Rihanna getting it poppin' with her LOUD tour opener and Roc Nation labelmate, rapper J. Cole. Here comes the drama.
The folks over at Radar Online say that Hustler magazine is spreading the word that they have their hands on a Rihanna-J.Cole sex tape. But they're not sure what they're going to do with it. Radar reports:
In an exclusive statement the porn magazine claims they are have an intimate video which allegedly features the S&M singer and rapper J-Cole.
"Hustler are in possession of the Rihanna and J-Cole tape," said a rep for the adult company. "We have seen it and we do not know what we are going to do with it yet."
"Hustler are in possession of the Rihanna and J-Cole tape," said a rep for the adult company. "We have seen it and we do not know what we are going to do with it yet."
While they refused to disclose any further details of the tape, the fact that it exists is sure to have Rihanna quaking in her stilettos.
However, despite Hustler's claim about the pair, a source close to Rihanna is still denying it exists.
"Rihanna is surprised because there is no sex tape," they told RadarOnline.com.
Sighs. If there was really a sex tape, why not just sell it like Vivid Entertainment does? Or post it on your own site and rack up the revenue? Something's fishy here. Maybe the two (Radar & Hustler) are in on a publicity stunt to stack their own traffic or Rihanna's tour needed a PR push before Rih kicks the LOUD tour off in London. Rihanna has already been linked to J.Cole's good friends Drake and Jay-Z. So this would be an odd Hollywood bed-hop.
All we know is--we just can't really see this ish. They all need more people. But on the other hand, we're not surprised by much that goes down behind the scenes. Especially with a chick who's made public knowledge that she like the smell of sex and chains and whips excite her.
Time will tell...
In the meantime, here's pics of Rih rolling into Portofino looking white hot and navigating through a mass of fans:
OVAHNESS RIHANNA..GET EM GURL!
Game Involved in a Street Brawl
Rapper Game is accused of socking some guy in the mouth outside a Hollywood nightclub. There's video from the skirmish but all it shows is Game's friends holding him back, begging him not to fight and Game grabbing on some girl. An investigation has been opened by the LAPD. The same LAPD Game was clowning last week..BOYEE STOP!
Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries: Prenup is Signed
Finally nailing down the particulars, newlyweds Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries have officially signed off on a prenuptial agreement.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal means that the 30-year-old reality star's estimated $35 million worth, as well as her NBA free agent hubby's $8-16 million in assets, are protected if ever they should split down the road.
While speaking with THR, family wealth planner Laura Zwicker noted that the agreement not only safeguards the bride and groom, but also the rest of the Kardashian clan, who may have money and entitlements tied up in business ventures with Kim.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal means that the 30-year-old reality star's estimated $35 million worth, as well as her NBA free agent hubby's $8-16 million in assets, are protected if ever they should split down the road.
While speaking with THR, family wealth planner Laura Zwicker noted that the agreement not only safeguards the bride and groom, but also the rest of the Kardashian clan, who may have money and entitlements tied up in business ventures with Kim.
Additionally, Zwicker pointed out that - if the pair do go their separate ways in the future - Kris would have a difficult time disputing the prenup, as she explained, "In their situation, it's less likely that a court would find it was unconscionable. They are similarly situated. She might have 10 times as much assets as he has, but he is not poverty stricken."
In other Kardashian/Humphries news, the Hollywood Reporter is reporting the two signed a nice prenuptial agreement. Kardashian is worth $35 million and Humphries between $8-$16 don’t have to worry about their money in case they divorce in the future.
My friends over at TMZ.com are also reporting that producers were trying to choreograph a special moment betweek Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick.
Christian Bale Weighing Options w/Spike Lee in “Old Boy” and Beyonce in “A Star is Born”
Spike Lee’s remake of Oldboy and the Clint Eastwood-directed remake of A Star is Born starring Beyonce Knowles are among a handful of high-profile pictures of which Christian Bale may have his pick.
Variety reports that several studios are courting Bale to star in the films once production wraps on Batman flick The Dark Knight Rises in November.
While Bale isn’t yet attached to either of the projects, both are part of a group of films under his consideration, which also includes Darren Aronofsky’s Biblical epic Noah; Gold, with Michael Mann to direct; and Out of the Furnace, with Scott Cooper to direct.
Variety reports that several studios are courting Bale to star in the films once production wraps on Batman flick The Dark Knight Rises in November.
While Bale isn’t yet attached to either of the projects, both are part of a group of films under his consideration, which also includes Darren Aronofsky’s Biblical epic Noah; Gold, with Michael Mann to direct; and Out of the Furnace, with Scott Cooper to direct.
Bale has been known for his versatility, starring in franchise projects (Batman, Terminator) as well as smaller, more award-worthy films (The Fighter), and he’s said to be making his decision based on the material and the people involved.
Will caught Jada and Marc Anthony in family home': The shock magazine claims sending Hollywood's power couple into a legal spin
The U.S. magazine claiming Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's relationship is in crisis hit newsstands today with a string of allegations about the couple's marriage.
In a six-page-long article, InTouch makes a series of claims - even alleging Will caught Jada and her Hawthorne co-star together in one of their homes in Los Angeles.
Will and Jada's spokespeople made two separate statements denying claims the couple had split after InTouch released a statement, pre-empting today's explosive edition.
In a six-page-long article, InTouch makes a series of claims - even alleging Will caught Jada and her Hawthorne co-star together in one of their homes in Los Angeles.
Will and Jada's spokespeople made two separate statements denying claims the couple had split after InTouch released a statement, pre-empting today's explosive edition.
And a representative for Anthony - who split from wife Jennifer Lopez last month - also 'unequivocally' denied reports the American singer-songwriter was involved in an off-screen affair with his Hawthorne co-star Jada, after the rumour mill went into overdrive.
But all parties involved will face fresh anguish as the magazine was published, with a dramatic cover
It was reported that Will and Jada have now got their legal team involved as they plot possible legal action to take against the magazine.
Today's article claims Will was left in floods of tears after catching Marc and Jada together in their Hidden Hills mansion in Los Angeles.
It was reported that Will and Jada have now got their legal team involved as they plot possible legal action to take against the magazine.
Today's article claims Will was left in floods of tears after catching Marc and Jada together in their Hidden Hills mansion in Los Angeles.
It alleges the 42-year-old actor, who has children Willow and Jaden with Jada, made a surprise visit to the house in early August 'under the cover of darkness' and found his wife with Marc.
The report does not elaborate on what he may have witnessed, saying their insider told them: 'Will didn't indicated exactly what he saw'.
But InTouch claims Jada moved out of the house the next day - while Will fired several staff accusing them of covering things up.
The magazine alleged things have been a long time coming.
A source reveals there was simmering sexual tension between Jada and Marc on the set of TNT medical drama, Hawthorne.
When the Latin singer began playing the on-screen lover of his co-star, workers on set could not help but notice the chemistry between them, it was reported.
A source said: 'On set, everyone noticed the insane chemistry between them.'
The co-stars also exchanged playful exchanges on Twitter saying how much fun they were having working together.
But it was when Anthony split from J.Lo last month that alarms bells started ringing for Will, according to the magazine.
The former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star, who has been in New York over recent months filming Men In Black III 'couldn't ignore the timing' with the insider relating: 'It was just too coincidental.
The report does not elaborate on what he may have witnessed, saying their insider told them: 'Will didn't indicated exactly what he saw'.
But InTouch claims Jada moved out of the house the next day - while Will fired several staff accusing them of covering things up.
The magazine alleged things have been a long time coming.
A source reveals there was simmering sexual tension between Jada and Marc on the set of TNT medical drama, Hawthorne.
When the Latin singer began playing the on-screen lover of his co-star, workers on set could not help but notice the chemistry between them, it was reported.
A source said: 'On set, everyone noticed the insane chemistry between them.'
The co-stars also exchanged playful exchanges on Twitter saying how much fun they were having working together.
But it was when Anthony split from J.Lo last month that alarms bells started ringing for Will, according to the magazine.
The former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star, who has been in New York over recent months filming Men In Black III 'couldn't ignore the timing' with the insider relating: 'It was just too coincidental.
Meanwhile a source close to the couple told gossip website TMZ.com that the pair have decided to go away with their children on a family holiday before deciding what to do, but the prospect of a split in the near future is 'definitely a possibility'.
These claims come despite the couple's denials to the contrary.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Will released a statement, saying: 'Although we are reluctant to respond to these types of press reports, the rumours circulating about our relationship are completely false. We are still together, and our marriage is intact.'
Will's statement came several hours after Jada denied having an affair with Anthony. The 39-year-old addressed industry whispers of a liaison with a statement released by her spokesperson, Karynne Tencer, which read: 'All the rumours regarding Marc Anthony and Jada are false. Completely untrue.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Will released a statement, saying: 'Although we are reluctant to respond to these types of press reports, the rumours circulating about our relationship are completely false. We are still together, and our marriage is intact.'
Will's statement came several hours after Jada denied having an affair with Anthony. The 39-year-old addressed industry whispers of a liaison with a statement released by her spokesperson, Karynne Tencer, which read: 'All the rumours regarding Marc Anthony and Jada are false. Completely untrue.
'As for [the reports of a split between] Will and Jada, I'm not commenting on their personal life.'
In Hawthorne, Jada plays widowed chief nursing officer Christina, who juggles the demands of her career with bringing up a teenage daughter. She is also an executive producer on the show.
Anthony was initially introduced as a guest star playing police detective Nick Renata, but is now a series regular. He also serves as the show's executive music producer.
Will's son was the first to defend the Hollywood power couple, who married in 1997.
Anthony was initially introduced as a guest star playing police detective Nick Renata, but is now a series regular. He also serves as the show's executive music producer.
Will's son was the first to defend the Hollywood power couple, who married in 1997.
Trey Smith, 18, who is the actor's child from his first marriage, tweeted today: 'Will and Jada getting a DIVORCE .. NOT TRUE AT ALL !!'
He later added: #Did #WillandJada split? No they did NOT split ! False information ..its not true RETWEET!!!'
He later added: #Did #WillandJada split? No they did NOT split ! False information ..its not true RETWEET!!!'
The pair, who earned 20 million between them last year alone, have two children together - Jaden, 13, and Willow, ten.
Famous family: Will with his son Trey, wife Jada and their children Jaden and Willow
Will has been divorced before. He split from Trey's mother - former fashion design student Sheree Zampino in 1995 - after three years together.
Famous family: Will with his son Trey, wife Jada and their children Jaden and Willow
Will has been divorced before. He split from Trey's mother - former fashion design student Sheree Zampino in 1995 - after three years together.
Will and Jada first met in 1990 when she auditioned for the his girlfriend on his hit TV show, The Fresh Prince.
She was rejected for the part because she was considered too short.
Jada was a source of comfort for Will after his first marriage ended and in 1997, they wed in a lavish ceremony at a mansion near her hometown of Baltimore in front of 100 friends and family.
She was two months pregnant with their son at the time.
The couple, who recently went on a family holiday in Hawaii, were last seen in public together on the set of US daytime show The Talk.
Will last week made a surprise appearance on the show as Jada gave an interview, and they shared a public kiss.
Jada was a source of comfort for Will after his first marriage ended and in 1997, they wed in a lavish ceremony at a mansion near her hometown of Baltimore in front of 100 friends and family.
She was two months pregnant with their son at the time.
The couple, who recently went on a family holiday in Hawaii, were last seen in public together on the set of US daytime show The Talk.
Will last week made a surprise appearance on the show as Jada gave an interview, and they shared a public kiss.
FIRST LOOK: Cory and Tia Mowry-Hardrict REVEAL BABY CREE!
New and proud parents Cory and Tia Mowry-Hardrict recently did a photoshoot with their new baby boy Cree, revealing him for the very first time. See the pics of the bundle of joy inside.....
Taking time off from promoting her reality show "Tia & Tamera", Tia Mowry Hardrict and her husband Cory showed off their now 2 month old bundle of joy. They shot a photoshoot with their cutie patootie Cree for an upcoming issue of PEOPLE Magazine. These are just the initial pre-release scans, and we'll have official pics as son as they're released.
They look like such a happy family.
What's Eating Chris Brown?
The other night Chris Brown went on a Twitter rant against a night club in Las Vegas. Chris Tweeted to his followers that they should stay away from Club XS and warned Team Breezy not to believe any lies Club XS might make up about him.
So what happened...?
So what happened...?
According to Chris Brown his entourage got turned away at the door for dress code violations and that's why he went off on Twitter.
Anyway here's Chris's rant about it.
However, a little digging around on the Internet revealed claims that Chris went nuts after being refused at the door, broke a bottle and invited the club bouncers and the manager to suck his dick while calling them all a bunch of fags. Now call me crazy but wouldn't the guy inviting another guy to suck his dick be the one considered a 'fag' so to speak?
Paris Hilton Wigs Out as Oxygen Reportedly Dumps Show
Looking to change up her appearance, Paris Hilton was spotted shopping for wigs on Hollywood Boulevard yesterday afternoon (August 23).
The “Simple Life” babe tried on a variety of styles colors of hair amidst reports that her show “The World According to Paris” got dropped by its network.
According to a report, Hilton’s latest attempt at Reality Television was mostly a flop, and Oxygen isn’t interested in making any more episodes.
The “Simple Life” babe tried on a variety of styles colors of hair amidst reports that her show “The World According to Paris” got dropped by its network.
According to a report, Hilton’s latest attempt at Reality Television was mostly a flop, and Oxygen isn’t interested in making any more episodes.
The series premiere back in June only scored 409,000 viewers, and over time the ratings dropped even more. A rep from the show told press, “The show just recently completed its run and no pick up decision has been made.”
OMG TRAGIC: Treme actor Michael Showers found dead in the Mississippi River
Michael Showers, star of Treme, has been found dead
Micheal Showers, star of the hit HBO show Treme, has been found dead.The 45-year-old star was found this morning floating in the Mississippi River after a steam boat captain reported seeing a body at 11.15am in the water around the New Orleans French Quarter.
Micheal Showers, star of the hit HBO show Treme, has been found dead.The 45-year-old star was found this morning floating in the Mississippi River after a steam boat captain reported seeing a body at 11.15am in the water around the New Orleans French Quarter.
As yet, his cause of death is unknown but authorities believe he had been in the river for around two days.
Showers had a recurring role playing Captain John Guidry, a police office, in the hit drama set in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Aside from Treme, Showers had previously starred in Breaking Bad, The Vampire Diaries, Tekken and Traffic.
Showers had a recurring role playing Captain John Guidry, a police office, in the hit drama set in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Aside from Treme, Showers had previously starred in Breaking Bad, The Vampire Diaries, Tekken and Traffic.
Meeka Claxton Says She MAY Drop Lawsuit Against Tami & She DOES NOT Need Speedy's Money
Meeka Claxton is making the interview rounds in an attempt to do damge control and show folks who she really is...because, as she says, the producers of "Basketball Wives" did not show her "likable" side or her success as a businesswoman. So she did this interesting little interview with Black Enterprise where she dishes on dropping the Tami lawsuit and more.
Most reality stars complain that show producers never reveal who they really are, and in the case of Meeka Claxton, she may be right. In a recent interview for Black Enterprise.com, Meeka talked about her priorities as a mother and businesswoman and how she offers free real estate advice to young players. The interview reveals a side of her that "BBW" came no where close to showing.
Read the highlights here....
Read the highlights here....
BE Next: You’re more than just a basketball wife you’re also a businesswoman, tell us about your real estate company.
Meeka Claxton: Allure Realty Group is the brainchild of myself and my partner, Shiwana Scott-Reed. Before I’d even met her I was giving real estate advice to younger players, and at the time we were maybe 25 and these guys were 19 coming in buying $5 million dollar homes on $2 million dollar contracts. And as much as you want to live a certain lifestyle and be “the ballplayer” you can do that [but with] lower means. You can still watch your pennies. So I’d been giving free advice, and when I moved to Atlanta I really fell in love with Atlanta real estate, got licensed there, worked with Shiwana, who’s a broker, and she and I came up with this. I had a niche because I know the players, so what we came up with was this luxury red carpet relocation service. We’re a global relocation network. A lot of people think we’re just a real estate company and ask “well, how are you doing things globally and you’ve only got one office?” No, we’ve got two offices, which are more like call centers. We have a network all over the U.S. and also in certain countries, too, because we’ve worked with a couple of European player—so it’s growing.
Besides helping to buy and sell properties what services does your company provide?
What we do is travel for and with players during their off-season time or during the season when they may want to build or buy an off-season home and their wife or girlfriend doesn’t wanna miss a game. Or if they’re single, they can’t miss a game or practice, so we make things happen [for them]. We also have tools to present virtual tours and things like that to them. Everything we do is for their convenience. I know what it’s like to have to move mid-season and within a day and have kids and I knew that these guys needed help and that they would appreciate a service that would provide X, Y, and Z. We do so much—even stock the refrigerator and pantry of the home with the favorite items of the family before they even walk in the house.
Unlike some wives and girlfriends of pro athletes it seems like you always wanted to make sure that you were independent with your own money. Where did those values come from?
I get that from my mom. My mom taught me early on to be an independent woman. I don’t think she knew when I was seven or eight that I’d grow up to marry a multi-millionaire, but she was married to my dad who was a stockbroker at the time and making good money, yet she was a working mom by choice. She always said you have to have your emergency money, your own account. She always instilled that in me, so I always had it in the back of my head that I need to have my own emergency funds and checking account—something that no one could touch.
Being with my husband I meet a lot of these girls you’re talking about, about 85-90% of the girls in the league are like that, and I found myself talking to some of the younger girls telling them that it would behoove them to build something for themselves outside of these guys because sometimes they’re not even engaged. And even if you’re married nothing is guaranteed. I’m definitely blessed that I have a good husband and father to my kids, but still, I’m good if he’s gone.
That’s one of the main reasons I decided to say yes and do Basketball Wives because I wanted to show that we’re not all at home eating Bon Bons on the couch with three nannies to take care of our one kid. I have two kids and no nanny, although we do have someone who can help babysit if we need because of the schedule now, but honestly both my husband and I are both hands on.
Being with my husband I meet a lot of these girls you’re talking about, about 85-90% of the girls in the league are like that, and I found myself talking to some of the younger girls telling them that it would behoove them to build something for themselves outside of these guys because sometimes they’re not even engaged. And even if you’re married nothing is guaranteed. I’m definitely blessed that I have a good husband and father to my kids, but still, I’m good if he’s gone.
That’s one of the main reasons I decided to say yes and do Basketball Wives because I wanted to show that we’re not all at home eating Bon Bons on the couch with three nannies to take care of our one kid. I have two kids and no nanny, although we do have someone who can help babysit if we need because of the schedule now, but honestly both my husband and I are both hands on.
How do you balance marriage, motherhood, business and your new-found celebrity?
The only way I know is prioritizing what’s most important, and that’s my family, so nothing was going to come before them. Luckily my husband scouts for the Golden State [Warriors] and his work didn’t start until June, so I was lucky that filming fell between the time that he was home and not doing anything so he could help me out a lot. He was there for me and he wanted to show a real family doing big things, I guess. If it wasn’t for him, I couldn’t have done it. We’re so close-knit. We’re not really about the nannies and all of that, but we do have family who can help, and we fly in my mom and dad from time to time. His parents are here in Long Island, so we have family help, but we don’t let them stay 24/7 to do that. That’s not their job. My priorities are my family first, my business and then everything else.
Now about the situation with Tami Roman, is your lawsuit against her still pending?
Yeah, the lawsuit is actually still pending. I did an interview and they asked me, “if she does want to talk to you and has learned her lesson, would you drop the suit?” I mean, that’s all I really want. I don’t need any money, I just really wanted her to know that you can’t [resort to violence] as a grown woman. I mean, I just turned 32. I was 31 when we were filming and she was 41. It’s like I’m a kid to you, so I felt like if I know better you should definitely know better. It was more like I said, a lesson you can’t just go around putting your hands on people because you don’t like something or you don’t like them. You have to learn to verbally express yourself no matter how hard that is. The lines of communication are open on my end so let’s see [what happens].
So you’re willing to drop the suit if you feel like she’s learned her lesson?
Yeah, I hate to say “lesson” because she is a grown woman, but it’s more like if she realizes what she did was wrong. That’s the way I want to say it I don’t want to say “learned her lesson.” If she honestly has some kind of remorse and can work on that then yeah, I’m grown and I have no problem talking to her.
Read the rest of the interview at Black Enterprise/BE NEXT!
NBA Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin Finds Work in Comedy
*NBA players have to be creative these days while the league is in lockout. So instead of playing ball, LA Clippers All-Star Blake Griffin decided to go to work for Will Ferrell on the hit comedy site, “Funny Or Die.”
But he’s a part of the production portion. He’ll help write, shoot and edit the videos along with doing some of the acting.
It’s all about the experience he says.
“Just to get an inside look at how things are run here is exciting to me,” Griffin said. “I don’t know what interns at’ Funny Or Die’ are like, but I’m about to find out, I guess.”
But he’s a part of the production portion. He’ll help write, shoot and edit the videos along with doing some of the acting.
It’s all about the experience he says.
“Just to get an inside look at how things are run here is exciting to me,” Griffin said. “I don’t know what interns at’ Funny Or Die’ are like, but I’m about to find out, I guess.”
What’s going to happen is, the pro-basketball player is going to be treated just like all the other interns.
“We’re going to put him to work,” said Mike Farah, president of production at Funny Or Die. “He’s shooting a series of videos, and he’s also coming to meetings. He’s basically doing everything that an intern does.”
While he’s getting down in the production room, he also launched a basketball camp for kids in his hometown of Oklahoma City.
“We’re going to put him to work,” said Mike Farah, president of production at Funny Or Die. “He’s shooting a series of videos, and he’s also coming to meetings. He’s basically doing everything that an intern does.”
While he’s getting down in the production room, he also launched a basketball camp for kids in his hometown of Oklahoma City.
RCA Records Shuts Down Promotions Department
RCA records recently dropped the ax on all 50 positions in their promo department.
Nearly 50 employees were laid off at Jive Records yesterday when the iconic label was folded into RCA. As we first reported in June, Jive, which signed Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, would be dumped into RCA as Sony Music consolidates its labels. An insider said that none of the artists have been axed -- yet -- but most of the promotions department has been demolished. Usher, Chris Brown and Pink will now be managed under RCA. A label rep declined to comment.
Nearly 50 employees were laid off at Jive Records yesterday when the iconic label was folded into RCA. As we first reported in June, Jive, which signed Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, would be dumped into RCA as Sony Music consolidates its labels. An insider said that none of the artists have been axed -- yet -- but most of the promotions department has been demolished. Usher, Chris Brown and Pink will now be managed under RCA. A label rep declined to comment.
Jamie Foxx To Bring Back ‘Showtime At The Apollo’
At a recent fundraising event dubbed “Apollo in the Hamptons”, actor/comedian/singer Jamie Foxx took to the stage to announce that he would be revamping the variety show that ran for 21-years at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Foxx will be the executive producer for the show which will be airing on BET Networks. Foxx, who was once booed off the stage, commented, The Apollo did it long before ‘American Idol,’ except the audience were the judges.”
The benefit raised $1 million for education programs in Harlem and included performances by Alicia Keys, Jon Bon Jovi and Apollo legends Ben E. King and Bettye LaVette.
Rodney King charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
Rodney King has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol stemming from an arrest in Southern California last month.
District attorney spokesman John Hall said King was charged with two misdemeanour counts last Wednesday alleging he was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
His blood-alcohol level was higher than the legal limit when he was pulled over in Riverside County’s Moreno Valley.
His blood-alcohol level was higher than the legal limit when he was pulled over in Riverside County’s Moreno Valley.
If convicted, King faces up to a year in jail because of a prior DUI conviction in San Bernardino County.
King, who is black, was beaten by four white officers in 1991. A year later they were acquitted of federal charges, sparking days of rioting that killed 55 people and caused widespread damage.
King was booked into jail for investigation of a DUI last month, and his bail was set at $2,500.
King was booked into jail for investigation of a DUI last month, and his bail was set at $2,500.
He was given a sobriety test and also submitted to a blood test, the results of which have not yet been published.
The 46-year-old has struggled with sobriety and appeared on television's Celebrity Rehab.
A police spokesman said no arraignment date has been set.
The 46-year-old has struggled with sobriety and appeared on television's Celebrity Rehab.
A police spokesman said no arraignment date has been set.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Lookin’ Fly”
“Lookin’ Fly”
I didn’t know the Fly Girls from In Living Color were still around…
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD!!
EFREM
EFREM
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