by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 19, 2025

Music Producer Mustard Seeks Child Custody And $30K From Ex-Wife After Online Disparaging Remarks

A judge's order prevents them from making negative comments about each other in front of the children

Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, known as music producer Mustard, has filed paperwork to obtain full legal custody of the three children he shares with the children’s mother, his former wife, Chanel Thierry, citing her public disparaging comments about him.

According to TMZ, Mustard is seeking full custody of 13-year-old Kiylan, 10-year-old Kauner, and 6-year-old Kody. The producer of the Kendrick Lamar song, “Not Like Us,” is making the request due to a previous court ruling, where the judge prohibited both parents from making “negative, disrespectful, or derogatory manner to or about the other” in front of their children or if they are “within hearing distance of the child.” He claims Thierry did not adhere to the ruling when she posted negative remarks on social media in October.

Mustard’s attorney, Samantha Spector, filed the papers alleging that Thierry violated the judge’s order when she posted a public message to the producer when she wrote on Threads, “Dijon I know you are reading this, I’m so sick of your s***. You suck.” She posted the message on Oct. 26.

She also included, as evidence, screenshots of the posts, which also included her writing, “I’ve been divorced 3 years now and my ex husband continues to do things to purposely get under my skin … A man will treat your child according to how he feels about the mother. Mark my words.”

View on Threads

The producer stated that the comments she made online “negatively impact the best interests” of their three children and “undermine the proper functioning of the co-parenting process.” With that reasoning, he feels he should be given sole legal custody of them.

Mustard, who pays $24,500 monthly in child support, also wants her sanctioned $30,000 for violating the judge’s order.

The couple were married from 2020 until their divorce in 2024. As part of the divorce agreement, Thierry received a one-time spousal support payment of $315,000.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 19, 2025

Disturbing Video Shows Fulton School Officer Tasing Student On Bus

Following several attempts to remove Johnson-Hunt peacefully, with officers heard saying "you want to get off, or you want me to take you off?"

There is a call for a Fulton County Schools resource officer in Georgia to be fired after a disturbing video of him tasing an 18-year-old student on a school bus has gone viral.

The unidentified officer has been removed from active duty following the Dec. 18 incident on board a Langston Hughes High School bus. Things took a turn after two officers appeared in a video approaching a student, identified as Lanier Johnson-Hunt by Atlanta News First, attempting to remove him as he allegedly was on the wrong bus. Officers were heard in the video saying that he needed to get off the bus if he was not assigned to it.

Following several attempts to remove Johnson-Hunt peacefully, with officers heard saying “you want to get off, or you want me to take you off?” officers began to use force, resulting in one officer tasing the student. Students witnessing the incident were heard screaming in the background.

Fulton County Schools officer removed from duty after tasing a student who refused to get off a school bus pic.twitter.com/3ei5nNfLuQ
— ATL Uncensored (@ATLUncensored) December 19, 2025

The student said that it was his first time being tased and was surprised by the officer’s move. “At the moment, nothing was going through my mind.

“I’ve never been tased before. But now I think that’s crazy,” Johnson-Hunt said. “You’re a school resource officer. You’re supposed to be helping us, and you’re tasing random kids. There’s no point in you tasing me at all.”

Damion Dunn, a parent of a fellow Langston Hughes student, said there has to be more to the story and is curious if tasing was the right thing to do. “Is he that big to tase? Could they have just pulled him off? I just like to get the full context of the situation of what happened before, not making a judgment,” Dunn said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

“But you know, looking at it as a parent, you know, I don’t want my son being tased.”

Fulton County Schools released a statement confirming that the officer has been removed and said an investigation is underway.

“Fulton County Schools can confirm a Fulton County Schools police officer deployed a taser during an incident involving a student on a bus. The incident is being taken seriously and is currently under review. The officer has been removed from active duty pending the outcome of an investigation,” the statement read.

“Because this matter involves students and an ongoing review, the district is unable to share additional details at this time. Fulton County Schools is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff, and to ensuring that all incidents involving school police are reviewed thoroughly and appropriately.”

On social media, users are expressing mixed emotional reactions, some saying the officer was in his rights, while others view it as excessive force against a child and feel he should be fired.

Omega pSi Phi, Caleb McCray, Caleb Wilson, Southern University

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 19, 2025

5 Suspects Indicted For Alleged Hazing Death Of Southern University’s Caleb Wilson

A grand jury in East Baton Rouge Parish indicted Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, Isaiah Smith, Winston Sanders and Jaydn Landrum

The five suspects who were allegedly involved in the purported hazing incident at Southern University, where potential Omega Psi Phi initiate Caleb Wilson died after reportedly being punched in his chest in February, have been indicted.

According to WSAB, a grand jury in East Baton Rouge Parish indicted Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith, who were arrested in March, as well as Winston Sanders and Jaydn Landrum. All five men were indicted on several charges for their alleged role in the death of Wilson, who died Feb. 26.

McCray was indicted for manslaughter and principal to felony hazing, and Thurman was indicted for principal to felony hazing and three counts of obstruction of justice. Smith was indicted for principal to manslaughter, principal to felony hazing, and obstruction of justice. Landrum’s indictment was for principal to felony hazing, and Sanders’ was for principal to felony hazing, as well as two counts of obstruction of justice.

All suspects were also indicted for misdemeanor hazing charges for other pledges who were allegedly being hazed that night.

District Attorney Hillar Moore stated that the investigation is ongoing.

“We are continuing to investigate,” Moore said. “The main thing is telephones that are being downloaded and other evidence, and then hopefully cooperation of people that are now indicted.”

A sixth suspect, Jaelyn Grissom, was not indicted, but he is not out of the clear, as he might be if more evidence comes to light.

Rob Marionneaux, who is representing the Wilson family, said, “Rather than call the authorities once they realized something bad was going on with Caleb, what did they do? Change his clothes, come up with a story and drop him on the steps of the hospital.”

The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in September.

Wilson was a member of the Human Jukebox Marching Band, played the trumpet, and was a mechanical engineering major.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 19, 2025

Courtney B. Vance Receives Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Vance was joined by family, colleagues, and supporters.

On Dec. 16, actor Courtney B. Vance was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,

Vance was joined by family, colleagues, and supporters as his name was permanently embedded along Hollywood Boulevard. He was honored for his body of work in television

“I’m deeply moved, I’m appreciative, and I’m honored,” Vance said during the ceremony.

Vance’s wife, actress Angela Bassett, praised his craft and character.

“As an actor, Courtney is committed, relatable, and deeply reliable,” she said. “He shows up fully every time, onstage, on-screen, and on television, drowning each performance in emotional truth and the human complexity.”

Vance also honored Bassett in his comments.

“I’m just very, very full and grateful. I saw this honor bestowed upon my wife March 20th, 2008, when our children were almost 2, and I remember how huge a day it was for both our families,” he said. “And to return to this hallowed place directly across the street from where she was honored and have that same honor bestowed upon me is really more happiness than I emotionally can bear.”

His versatile television work includes his role as Ron Carver on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, along with roles on Lovecraft Country, 61st Street, and Genius: Aretha.

Vance has maintained a strong presence on the stage. His Broadway credits include performances in Six Degrees of Separation, Lucky Guy (which earned him a Tony Award), and Fences.

His career has been cited as an example of sustained excellence across multiple media.

For Vance, the recognition serves as a professional milestone and the fulfillment of a dream. Reflecting on his career with Variety, Vance spoke of his unwavering commitment to honor those who came before him by reaching for any dreams.

“I’m the poster child for following your heart,” he said. “I wasn’t going to settle for anything unless it made me happy. Our generation, parents and grandparents, and great grandparents suffered so that I could make that decision and that choice.”

by Kandiss Edwards

December 19, 2025

The Diaspora Salon Returns To Marrakech For Transnational Gathering

The event coincides with the annual 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which draws artists, collectors and curators from around the world.

Shoppe Black announced The Diaspora Salon will return to Marrakech in 2026 for a four-day gathering focused on culture, creativity, and global exchange.

The 2026 edition of the Diaspora Salon is scheduled for Feb. 8–11, 2026, and will take place at Jnane Tamsna, a boutique hotel and cultural retreat. The event coincides with the annual 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which draws artists, collectors, and curators from around the world.

The Salon was founded by Meryanne Loum-Martin, a hotelier and patron. Loum-Martin also owns Jnane Tamsna. According to Shoppe Black, Loum-Martin created the gathering as a space for conversation and connection among Africans and members of the global African diaspora.

According to the Shoppe Black announcement, organizers said the purpose of the event, theDiaspora Salon, is a “yearly rendezvous celebrating cultural and entrepreneurial initiatives by trailblazers of African ancestry.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JNANE TAMSNA (@jnanetamsna)

The publication reported that attendees will include participants from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, reflecting the Salon’s emphasis on transnational exchange. Rather than positioning itself as a traditional conference, the Diaspora Salon emphasizes intimacy and conversation. The event is intentionally limited in size, allowing participants to engage directly with one another in both formal sessions and informal settings throughout the four days.

Programming will feature a distinguished lineup of thinkers, creators, and cultural leaders. The roster includes Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, a historian whose work reshapes understanding of Black resistance; Heather McGhee, author and policy advocate; and Bernardine Evaristo, an award-winning novelist celebrated for exploring the breadth of Black British life, to name a few.

Jnane Tamsna serves as both the venue and a central element of the experience. The property, known for its gardens, architecture, and role as a gathering place for artists and thinkers, has hosted previous editions of the Salon.

Organizers have advised prospective attendees that space is limited and that registration is required in advance. Additional details about the program and registration are available through the Salon’s official website.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 19, 2025

NAACP Slams AT&T DEI Rollback As ‘Anti-Growth,’ Warns It Abandons Black Consumers And Workers

NAACP President Derrick Johnson wrote directly to AT&T's chairman and CEO regarding their 'disappointing' decision to cutback on DEI programming.

The NAACP is holding companies accountable for the continued drawback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

In light of AT&T’s decision to cut its DEI programming, the NAACP has called out the decision in a letter to the corporation. Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the civil rights organization, addressed the situation in a direct statement to AT&T’s Chairman and CEO John Stankey.

In the exclusive letter shared first with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Johnson wrote about the “grave concern” over AT&T’s decision to discontinue its DEI programs, noting how this choice could demean its place as a leader in the telecommunications industry. The organization’s president also noted how the push against DEI practices undermines the growth of “economic opportunity” within the corporate sector.

“In principle and practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments have been mischaracterized in the current political environment. In direct contrast, the economic history of this country reflects a strong parallel in the growth of civil rights laws and the expansion of economic opportunity,” detailed the letter.

The letter added, “Decades of civil rights laws and practices adopted by the corporate sector have greatly benefited the U.S. economy. Corporations benefit from expenditures by minority consumers and a diverse employee base.”

Of their “ill-considered” decision, Johnson called it an “anti-growth and reactionary agenda” in line with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI legislation sweeping the federal level. Johnson also noted the multitrillion-dollar spending power of Black Americans, emphasizing how AT&T’s decision dismisses their impact.

“Black Americans’ buying power is massive –- now approaching $2 trillion dollars. Rather than valuing this market, AT&T has chosen to send a clearly ideological message: “AT&T does not value people of color as employees or customers.”

In his comments on AT&T’s DEI reversal, Johnson told BE that the choice conforms to “extremist pressure” while abandoning the diverse customers AT&T serves.

“Leadership requires courage, not capitulation,” shared Johnson. “AT&T’s continued shift is alarming and should concern everyone who helped build this company. AT&T grew because of a diverse America, yet now appears willing to abandon those communities by yielding to extremist pressure. America is stronger when we embrace diversity, not when corporations retreat from it.”

Amid boycotts against companies for their cutbacks on DEI, the NAACP reminded AT&T that the Black community has historically taken away their support for companies that no longer reflect their values. While it did not call for a direct boycott of their services, the NAACP issued a staunch warning of what could come if AT&T stands firm on its withdrawn DEI stance.

Kirk Franklin, Jamaica, Crip Walk, fun in the son, performance, concert,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Kirk Franklin, Pharrell Williams, Brandy To Be Honored During GRAMMYS Week 2026

The ceremony will take place Jan. 29, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

The Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective will honor three living legends, musical mastermind Pharrell Williams, R&B siren Brand, and gospel leader Kirk Franklin, during next year’s GRAMMYS Week.

The Recording Academy said the trio will be honored Jan. 29, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

https://twitter.com/revolttv/status/2001366107136123386

The ceremony is part of the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors.

Pharrell will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. It is being awarded to him in recognition of his musical achievements, entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts, and global cultural influence.

Brandy and Franklin will receive the Black Music Icon Award, which honors Black music creators whose artistry, innovation, and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations worldwide.

“Pharrell, Brandy, and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft. Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention, and shapes culture. Their artistry continues to inspire generations of artists around the world. I’m thrilled to join the Black Music Collective in honoring three of music’s brightest stars in January and celebrating their immeasurable contributions to the industry,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a written statement.

Past honorees include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and John Legend.

The 2026 GRAMMYS will be shown live on Feb. 1, 2026, from Crypto.com Arena and will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network and streamed on Paramount+ from 5 to 8:30 p.m. PT/8 to 11:30 p.m. ET.

The 2026 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, which is being held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, will take place at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m.It will also be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

The Black Music Collective (BMC) is an advisory board of music-industry leaders dedicated to advancing opportunities for Black music creators and industry leaders.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Investigator Reveals Unused Burn Cage Incinerator At Property Rented By Murder Suspect D4vd

Private investigator Steve Fischer discloses information via social media

Now that recording artist D4vd has been named a suspect in the killing of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, there has been a reported discovery of a “burn cage” incinerator on the property of a home he was renting.

According to Complex, a private investigator named Steve Fischer was hired to search the Hollywood Hills home the singer rented from the property’s landlord, Mladen Trifunovic. Trifunovic had summoned him because he had not received any updates from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding its search of the home. In an X post, Fischer revealed that he had found the incinerator after he took to social media to clarify earlier statements attributed to him.

After saying he had been “misquoted by some,” he reiterated what he stated originally about things he found at the property. He wrote that some of the things seen were “items you would expect to find on a farm rather than in a home in the Hollywood Hills.”

He continues, “One of those items was a Burn Cage incinerator, advertised to burn at 1,600 degrees. Human cremations are typically performed at approximately 1,400 degrees. An incinerator is not legal to use within city limits and serves no legitimate purpose at a residential property in the Hollywood Hills.”

Fischer went on to state that some may have said the incinerator was to be used as a prop in a video, which he disputes. “Why would a 55-pound burn cage be delivered to a private residence instead of directly to a prop designer or production house?”

After asking several questions about that theory, he considered the relevance of sending it to personal property rather than a professional space, especially right before he was heading out on a world tour. According to him, the burn cage was a new item and had never been used. He also revealed that it was delivered there under a false name. He became skeptical because the Tesla in which Hernandez’s remains were discovered was registered to D4vd and used the same address as the residence.

Fischer even attached a photograph of the Burn Cage incinerator that was at the property, along with an image from the manufacturer’s advertising materials.

Although my words have been misquoted by some, what I actually said about certain items found at the Doheny address was that they were “items you would expect to find on a farm rather than in a home in the Hollywood Hills.” One of those items was a Burn Cage incinerator,… pic.twitter.com/VlS2MHdb2G
— SF INVESTIGATES • STEVE FISCHER (@SF_investigates) December 16, 2025

D4vd has been listed as a suspect months after Hernandez’s remains were discovered in the Tesla registered to the recording artist (in September). He reportedly was in a relationship with the underage Rivas Hernandez. Her decomposing body was found dismembered in the back of the vehicle, and authorities think it had been in the trunk for several weeks before discovery.

by Mitti Hicks

December 18, 2025

House Republicans Pass Healthcare Package That Does Little For Medical Costs

The Republican-led healthcare bill, the 'Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act,' passed in the House 216-211.

House Republicans passed a healthcare package that does little to address Americans’ concerns about rising medical costs. The Republican-led healthcare bill is called the “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.” It passed in the House 216-211.

The vote comes after a fiery battle between both parties, which became the central issue for Democrats during the recent government shutdown. The approved bill, however, does not extend the tax credits that would have prevented an increase in premiums for Affordable Care Act enrollees, subsidies that Americans use to lower monthly health insurance premiums, which will expire on Dec. 31.

Instead, the House GOP package allows small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together to buy a plan of their own to lower premiums. The plan would also provide another kind of subsidy to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees.

One priority for Republicans has been transparency. The approved plan would require pharmacy benefit managers, who act as middlemen between drugmakers and insurers or employers, to provide employers with data on drug prices, CNN reports.

House Republicans’ Healthcare Plan Now Heads To The Senate

The bill will now head to the Senate, which Politico reports is likely dead on arrival as millions of Americans face uncertainty just weeks before new policies begin on Jan. 1, 2026. Democratic senators would have to side with GOP lawmakers to send the bill to the President’s desk.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, premium payments will increase by an average of 114% for 22 million Americans enrolled in ObamaCare. In the latest KFF poll, researchers found that a majority of those who buy health insurance in the Marketplace will find it very or somewhat difficult to afford. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 100,000 people will become uninsured each year if the bill passes.

There’s no word yet on when the Senate will take up a vote on the House’s bill. Lawmakers are set to head home for the holidays by the end of the week.

RELATED CONTENT: The Myth About Obamacare And Small Businesses

TikTok, The Danish Deception, Black women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2025

Police Investigating Death Of TikTok Star Riziki Ilenre After Fans Suspect Suicide

Police are investigating the death of beloved TikTok creator Riziki Ilenre after fans claim she took her own life during a livestream.

Police are investigating the death of TikTok creator Riziki Ilenre following allegations from fans that she took her own life during a livestream.

The Montgomery Police Department in Alabama confirmed they are investigating the circumstances surrounding Ilenre’s death on Dec. 12, TMZ reports. The inquiry comes amid a surge of social media reports claiming she took her own life during a TikTok livestream after facing ongoing harassment from other creators.

On her now-deleted TikTok account, Ilenre frequently shared her experiences with mental health challenges and her disability, along with adventures with her service dog, Chief. Following her death, a Change.org petition has been launched calling on lawmakers to pass the Riziki Ilenre Act, with the petition alleging that she endured “relentless harassment from various creators on TikTok.” The petition urges stricter penalties for cyberbullying and the implementation of systems to help victims report abuse more easily.

“They mocked her, they made fun of her disabilities, and in the deepest cruelty, they told her to kill herself,” the petition starter continued. “This relentless bullying and cyber attacks led to a devastating loss, not only for her family and friends but for all of us who witnessed another life taken too soon by such heartless acts.”

Tributes have poured in for the social media star following her death. A spokesperson for Church Without Walls in Carrollton described Ilenre on Facebook as a “bright and brilliant young woman” preparing to attend law school. Pastor Walter D’Andre Green of her local church also mourned her, calling Ilenre his “daughter—not biologically, but absolutely spiritually.”

“I had the privilege of watching her grow from an awkward sophomore in college into a young woman preparing to take on the world as a law student,” his Facebook post read. “She was brilliant, driven, and fearless in thought.”

Green noted Ilenre worked as a social media director, photographer, and a ministry intern at the church before her death.

“One thing about Rizi — she loved to debate,” he added. “She thrived in apologetics and theological discourse, and I think that’s part of why we were so close. She loved truth, and she wasn’t afraid to wrestle with it.”