by Daniel Johnson

January 6, 2024

Houston Rapper Viper Arrested, Charged with Aggravated Kidnapping After Allegedly Holding Woman Captive For Years

Lee Carter is a 52-year-old Texas rapper who uses the stage name Viper.

Lee Carter, a 52-year-old Texas rapper who uses the stage name Viper, was arrested by the Houston Police Department on Jan. 4 and was subsequently charged with aggravated kidnapping after he allegedly held a woman captive at his home for years. According to the Houston Chronicle, court documents indicate that upon responding to a call about a kidnapping in progress, officers heard a voice. The voice was later identified as belonging to the person who made the complaint, who said Carter kidnapped her about four or five years ago while she was panhandling near Almeda Genoa Road in Houston. She said that Carter told her to get in his vehicle and took her back home with him.

According to the court documents, the woman alleges that Carter kept her locked up in a garage attached to his home and fed her a steady diet of drugs, including crack cocaine, and chips, and also repeatedly sexually assaulted her and did not allow her to use the bathroom or shower on a regular basis. The documents allege that Carter would occasionally let her bathe in his house, but she would then be returned to the garage. At a certain juncture, the woman managed to flee by shattering the garage window. She was subsequently picked up by the police and transported to a hospital. However, she was later discharged and Carter resumed holding the woman in captivity. Following this escape attempt, Carter boarded up the window and allegedly threatened the woman with physical harm if she tried to escape again.

UPDATE: Sources tell me Lee Carter is also known as Houston rap artist “Viper”. Carter is accused of kidnapping a pregnant panhandler and locking her in a garage 4-5 years ago, forcing her to have sex with him. He was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated kidnapping. pic.twitter.com/vG8ktjqslU
— Matthew Seedorff (@MattSeedorff) January 6, 2024

The court documents allege that on April 7, Carter gave the woman access to a laptop, which she used to contact the police via a Text Now app and informed them that he was holding her against her will. The officer who responded to the call said that the woman in the garage stood around 5’2 and was extremely malnourished, weighing around 70 pounds. After the Houston Fire Department breached the window, officers discovered a mattress that was covered with vomit, bags of chips and Twinkies, and a makeshift toilet. Her hair was “crusty,” according to the documents, and her clothes were “filthy dirty.” She informed the officers that she pleaded with Carter daily to release her from captivity and that she never got a full meal, surviving on snacks.

ABC 13 reports that neighbors described seeing a woman who appeared to be several months pregnant, crawl out of a window. Jedediah Beights, a neighbor, told the outlet, “At one point, maybe a year ago now, the cops come banging on my door claiming somebody had called from inside the house and was kidnapped or not able to leave on her own. Right then, as the cops are standing at my door, a gal comes crawling out that window just there, just clawing her way out, pregnant, eight months.”

Houston Police Department Commander Michael Collins said that the conditions he found the woman in sickened him, telling ABC 13, “It makes me sick as a human being. And I can tell you as a police department, we are here for the citizens of Houston, we are here for the community, and we are here to make sure that this individual and her family gets justice.”

The allegations against Carter were so disturbing, the judge cleared the room before reading the court documents aloud and setting Carter’s bail at $100,000. Despite the allegations that the woman was pregnant when Carter allegedly abducted her, it has not yet been determined if she gave birth or what happened to the child once she did. The woman’s location is also currently unknown, according to the Houston Police Department.

Carter is currently being held at the Harris County Jail and a preliminary hearing for his case has been set for Jan. 8.

by Jameelah Mullen

January 6, 2024

Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton Collection Debuts With Immersive Pop-Up Shops In California And New York

The collection will be available at 50 Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

Pharrell Williams’ highly anticipated Louis Vuitton collection has made its debut in California and New York. The collection appeared in pop-up shops in West Hollywood and New York’s SoHo district.

Both pop-up boutiques are designed to replicate the France’s Pont Neuf bridge, where shoppers can get a taste of the Parisian experience. The store’s interior features replicas of European architecture, street lamps, and a patterned floor that mimics the historical bridge.

Hidden behind a makeshift bookshelf is a “Speedy” room. The speakeasy-style room features a red, blue, yellow, and red version of the famous LV Speedy bag. Shoppers can purchase Williams’ Damoflage prints, a fan-favorite when the mogul debuted the menswear line over the summer at a special fashion show. Patrons will also receive a limited-edition shopping bag.

Other items featured in the boutique include the Speedy 40 Black Tie bag. The pearl and crystal embossed bag retails at $59,000.

Williams’ designs will soon appear in select Louis Vuitton locations across the globe, including London, Seoul, and Paris. London will feature a mini-replica of the Pont Neuf bridge while the producer’s hit song “Joy (Unspeakable)” plays over the sound-system. The Seoul location will have a photobooth and personalized postcard service.

The music mogul received critical acclaim when he debuted the collection in Paris last year. The star-studded audience included Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rhianna, A$AP Rocky, LeBron and Savannah James, Naomi Campbell, and Megan Thee Stallion.

The multi-hyphenated star became the creative director of the LV men’s collection last year following the death of former creative director Virgil Abloh.

While some industry professionals questioned the decision to place Pharrell in the role, many defended the brand’s choice. Fashion writer Louis Piscano told Glossy magazine that Williams was suited for the job.

“He’s a multidisciplinary creative, straddling the worlds of music, fashion, art, and design with an approach and aesthetic similar to Virgil’s. In my opinion it’ll be a seamless transition in which the new menswear clientele that Virgil attracted won’t be found wanting.” Pisano said.

The Grammy Award winning artist will debut his next collection at Paris Fashion Week Men’s, which begins Jan. 16.

by Rafael Pena

January 6, 2024

NYC Mayor Adams Responds To Rise In Assaults On Police Officers

As Mayor Eric Adams highlights a decline in gun crimes and an upswing in jobs, he also addresses the escalating assaults on NYPD officers.

As Mayor Eric Adams celebrates his halfway point in office, highlighting a decline in gun crimes and an upswing in jobs and tourism, a pressing concern surfaces—escalating assaults on New York City police officers, according to CBS News.

During a recent interview, Adams acknowledged the challenge, stating, “There’s just an erosion of expectation of authority, this feeling that you don’t have to respect the authority of this city.” While crime rates overall have seen a decrease, assaults on police officers have surged, becoming a significant hurdle for the NYPD.

In the first three months of 2023, the city witnessed a staggering 41% increase in assaults against cops, totaling 4,077 incidents compared to 2,886 in 2021. The injuries spanned various categories, from cuts and bruises to more severe cases involving shootings, stabbings, or broken bones.

Mayor Adams attributes this surge to a minority of “repeated offenders” who perceive themselves as beyond the reach of law and order. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to address this issue, pointing fingers not just at lawmakers but also at an apathetic electorate, stating, “New York is at a crossroads. There is a lot of apathy, a lot of people believe that their vote matters, and they’re unable to understand the connection between who’s in office and how it impacts your quality of life.”

Adams refrained from directly targeting specific lawmakers responsible for what he saw as anti-police legislation but expressed frustration at the impact of recent criminal justice reforms. Chief of Crime Control and Strategies at the NYPD, Michael LiPetri, pointed out that only about 8% of those arrested for assault end up serving jail time, a significant drop from the pre-reform rate of over 20%.

Police officials argue that this leniency sends a message favoring criminals over law enforcement. Patrick Hendry, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), stated, “The message is that the system favors criminals over cops.”

The mayor’s comments drew criticism from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who accused Adams of misrepresenting his bills and likened his statements to “a 5-year-old throwing a temper tantrum.” Despite these challenges, Mayor Adams remains focused on addressing the complex dynamics of crime reduction and officer safety in the city.

Grambling State University, Connie Walton

by Daniel Johnson

January 6, 2024

Grambling State University Names Connie Walton Interim President

Dr. Connie Walton previously served as Grambling's provost.

On Jan. 4, Grambling State University announced Dr. Connie Walton as its interim president. According to KSLA 12, Walton previously served the university as its provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Walton replaces Rick Gallot, who was named the University of Louisiana System president in October 2023. Gallot is chairing the committee leading the search for Grambling’s next president.

Walton issued a statement to KSLA 12 indicating excitement over the next chapter in her career as well as an understanding that the position is temporary. “This appointment provides an additional way to serve this great institution and help shape the lives of students,” Walton wrote. “My life is a testimony to the impact that this university can have on a student’s life. I knew as an undergraduate student at Grambling State University that I wanted to come back and be a part of the faculty.”

She continued, “This appointment provides an additional way to serve this great institution and help shape the lives of students. When the next president of Grambling State University is identified, I look forward to supporting that person’s strategic goals.”

Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has been named Grambling State Interim President by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System's Executive Committee. Read more at https://t.co/8gnj3MTgNa. pic.twitter.com/KnTIltiym6
— Grambling State Univ (@Grambling1901) January 4, 2024

Gallot supports Walton’s appointment, telling KSLA 12, “I am supremely confident that Grambling will be well cared for under Dr. Walton’s interim leadership. She has proven her dedication to the institution and its success through her commitment to advancing cybersecurity and nursing programs, both of which are now soaring, and I know she will bring that same determination to the interim presidency.”

In February, Grambling’s board of supervisors will vote on whether to ratify Walton’s appointment or not. Gallot told the Ruston Daily Leader that he had to do a little work to convince Walton, saying, “She was reluctant, but after good conversation she has agreed to serve in this interim term only.”

Gallot said his connection to Grambling still existed but in a different capacity, and that he was confident in Walton and the administration around her. He told the Ruston Daily Leader, “We’ve got an amazing cabinet, group of vice presidents who are all incredibly talented and will continue to move their respective portions of the university forward.”

Walton’s appointment was originally scheduled for Dec. 7 but was delayed due to waiting for Louisiana Tech’s new president and former University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson’s new contract to be finalized. The board was also waiting on Gallot’s new contract, which was finalized Dec. 31.

According to Grambling, the preferred deadline for applications for the open president position is Jan. 12. The search committee will choose semifinalists at its next meeting on Jan. 22. Following their nominations, interviews will be conducted Feb. 5, and the final selection will be made by Feb. 22.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2024

Digital Crime: British Police First To Investigate An Alleged Virtual Rape In The Metaverse

The victim a 16-year-old girl, was playing a video game when her avatar was allegedly raped by a group of men.

British police are investigating a virtual rape that allegedly took place in the Metaverse in a case believed to be the first of its kind, the New York Post reports.

The victim, identified as a 16-year-old girl, was playing a video game wearing a virtual reality headset when her avatar, or virtual representation, was allegedly raped by a group of men. While the girl herself didn’t sustain any physical injuries, investigators feel she may suffer the same trauma of that of a live rape victim.

“There is an emotional and psychological impact on the victim that is longer-term than any physical injuries,” senior officers said.

An article by Julian Dibbell published in 1993 touched on “a rape in cyberspace.” The piece reported how the people behind the avatars that were sexually assaulted in a virtual community experienced emotions similar to those of victims of physical rape, according to The Guardian.

This case has raised questions between law enforcement agents and government officials who feel the investigation is a waste of limited resources given the lengthy backlog of in-person rape cases. United Kingdom authorities fear prosecution may be impossible since current laws define sexual assault as “physical touching in a sexual manner without consent.”

Home Secretary James Cleverly is defending the case. In a television interview, the senior lawmaker said that while it’s easy to skip over something that isn’t real life, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.

“I know it is easy to dismiss this as being not real, but the whole point of these virtual environments is they are incredibly immersive,” Cleverly said. “And we’re talking about a child here, and a child has gone through sexual trauma.”

While this is the first investigation of its kind, there have been numerous reports of sexual assault in the virtual world, specifically Horizon Worlds, the free VR game operated by Facebook’s parent company, Meta. A spokesperson there said users have “an automatic protection called personal boundary, which keeps people you don’t know a few feet away from you.” Still, more can be done.

Meanwhile, in the U.K., advocates hope the new Online Safety Bill will set a precedent in protecting children and adults online.

Dunkin' Donuts, exploding toilet, lawsuit

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2024

Dunkin’ Customer Claims Exploding Toilet Left Him Filthy, Seeks $100,000 In Damages

When he walked out of the bathroom, he claims one employee said they were aware of the 'problem with the toilet.'

A customer at a Dunkin’ in Florida received a little extra with his order, claiming the toilet exploded at the coffee shop, causing him injuries, The Associated Press reports.

In a lawsuit filed Jan. 3 that seeks more than $100,000, Paul Kerouac says he suffered “severe and long term injuries” following the explosion in a Dunkin’ men’s restroom in Winter Park in January 2022. The incident left Kerouac covered in human feces, urine, and debris. When he walked out of the bathroom seeking assistance from employees or the manager, one employee said they were aware of the “problem with the toilet,” naming similar incidents, according to the suit.

Kerouac’s attorney, Scott Spradley, says his client is seeking monetary damages from HZ O Donuts, which operates as a Dunkin’ location, for its negligence.

“As a direct result of Defendant’s breach and/or multiple breaches of its duties and obligations to Plaintiff, who was lawfully on Defendant’s premises, Plaintiff unwittingly became the victim of the exploding toilet and of the aftermath which followed, and sustained damages, including injuries and emotional and mental distress,” the lawsuit reads, according to USA Today.

The “bodily injury” Kerouac endured required months of mental health care and counseling. “Negligently failing to warn or adequately warn Plaintiff of the gander (sic) of the mens’ room toilet, when Defendant knew or should have known that the toilet was unreasonably dangerous, leaving Plaintiff unaware of the danger,” the lawsuit claimed.

The popular donuts and coffee brand isn’t having the best start to the new year after being hit with another lawsuit, this one out of New Jersey. The lawsuit claims an employee was mocked by his supervisor for his bipolar disorder after complaining about alleged workplace violations. The supervisor, Lisa Fresco, allegedly stated to him, “You must be going bipolar,” when he did not agree with her,” according to the suit filed in Superior Court of Ocean County on Dec. 21.

by Rafael Pena

January 6, 2024

Social Media Users Call ‘Cap’ On Ja Rule’s Alleged $100M Record Deal

Ja Rule recently announced a record deal he claims is potentially a $100M. Despite his excitement social media reactions were unfavorable.

Ja Rule is making waves across social media with his recent announcement of a potential $100 million record deal, Complex reported. But apart from a few congratulations here and there, folks on the internet aren’t believing the hype. This has caused Ja Rule to respond to all the naysayers via his X account.

https://twitter.com/jarule/status/1742885383686250610

The former hip-hop superstar has weathered several controversies in his career. One involved a rap beef with 50 Cent that left his high-profile rap career in limbo. The other is for his contributions to the infamous Fyre Festival as a partner to Billy McFarland. Ja Rule leveraged his fame and industry connections to put together one of the worst music festivals of all time. So when it comes to credibility, the public isn’t sure what to believe regarding the “Holla Holla” rapper.

Addressing the public’s response on X, Ja Rule embraced the love from his fans while dismissing his “haters” with a straightforward “SMD.” The social media reactions, however, seemed to prompt a series of tweets from the former Murder Inc. artist. He took shots at the “goofies” for not congratulating him and criticized “a**hole fans” who target people for speaking negatively about him.

Expressing his weariness at taking the high road, Ja Rule introduced his followers to his alter ego, “Petty Murphy.” Ja Rule responded to tweeters who didn’t support the Queens rapper’s exciting news.

pic.twitter.com/iQ6w18AidR
— emcdouble (@edubnewjeruz) January 4, 2024

Responding to the doubters who questioned his fanbase, Ja Rule engaged with X users, defending his impact on the music scene. While some fans stood by him, citing his influence on their musical upbringing, others called into question the legitimacy of his record deal, with one user telling him to “stop the cap,” and tagging 50 Cent.

Despite the buzz surrounding the alleged record deal, the rap veteran has not provided specifics. What is clear, though, is his renewed focus on music, after Ja Rule announced he was “in album mode” more than a decade after releasing his seventh album, Pain Is Love 2.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2024

HBO Is Releasing Lil Nas X’s ‘Long Live Montero’ Tour Documentary

The film was shot over 60 days during the “Long Live Montero” tour that took place between 2022 and 2023.

If you missed Lil Nas X on his last tour, you now have a chance to catch the documentary that was filmed during his “Long Live Montero” outing.

HBO announced that the rapper’s tour documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, will debut on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET. The film, which premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), will show on HBO and stream on Max.

The film was shot over 60 days during the “Long Live Montero” tour between 2022 and 2023. Over three acts—”Rebirth,” “Transformation,” and “Becoming”—we watch the journey of Lil Nas X, born Montero Hill, as he embarks on his first headlining global tour.

Viewers also get to see the inner workings of his tour set through rehearsals, shows, and Lil Nas X’s interactions with his fans and his team.

“‘Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero’ is a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, in a written statement. “In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores his profound impact, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music. We are thrilled to host Lil Nas X at TIFF this year.”

The recording artist recently collaborated with Coach for a winter collection that can be purchased at select stores and online at coach.com. The pieces include shearling coats, graphic tees, and a varsity jacket complete with patches of the artist’s cat and his zodiac sign. There’s also a furry tabby bag in electric blue.

Lil Nas X collaborated with Coach’s creative director, Stuart Vevers, to develop the colorful collection, bringing in elements from his own life.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2024

Man Struck By Train After Fight On Subway Platform

Two men were fighting in a Philadelphia train station when one struck the other and he fell onto the tracks as a train was arriving.

An altercation between two men led to one being killed, after he was allegedly punched by the other, fell on the subway tracks, and was struck by an oncoming train at a Philadelphia train station on Jan. 4.

According to 6 Action News, a man was hit by a SEPTA train after falling off the platform in Philadelphia‘s University City neighborhood Thursday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m. The tragedy occurred at the 34th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line. A video of the moment the man fell onto the tracks has been circulating online (WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED).

The video shows two unidentified men engaging with each other near the edge of the platform. The taller man (who fell on the tracks) has the other man pinned against a beam in the subway station. As he motions to hit him, the shorter man seemingly tries to escape his grip.

As the train comes into the station, the shorter man, still trying to get away, lunges at the taller man, hitting him, and as the man is backing away from the hit, he stumbles onto the track just as the train arrives. He is then struck by the train as the shorter man moves away and witnesses at the station react to the man being hit by the train.

Service was shut down temporarily on the subway line.

Police officers arrested the suspect, Chaz Wearing, at 40th and Market Streets, and Wearing has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The name of the victim has not yet been released. Police are are viewing the video of the fatal incident as part of their investigation and trying to learn what led to the fight. The police department asks that anyone with any information on the incident or who witnessed it contact them.

African migrants, immigrants, NYC, right to shelter, homeless, Harlem

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 5, 2024

African Migrants Face Failed ‘American Dream’ Promises On The Streets Of NYC

New York City has seen the largest number of Black immigrants in the country since 2000.

Hundreds of African migrants have depleted their life savings in order to travel to America, only to experience homelessness in New York City after being turned away from shelters, Daily Mail reports.

Landry from Congo spent his life savings—$9,000—traveling to the U.S. in 2023, leaving his wife and son behind. He had hopes of securing a job in construction but hasn’t had any luck. Instead, the armed services veteran has found himself sleeping in the below-zero streets of New York City as shelters quickly run out of space.

While he describes the conditions in Congo as “terrible,” Landry says it is no better in New York, claiming pets and animals on the streets are treated better. “It’s like prison here. It’s negligence,” he said. “We have no access to food, toilets, or anything. Animals live better here — pets in the street are treated better than us.”

Admitting that he was bused from California, Landry says migrants like him are “sold a dream in Hollywood films and TV” but quickly learn that NYC is no movie.

New York City has seen the country’s largest number of Black immigrants since 2000. Advocacy groups like the nonprofit African Communities Together have been connecting African migrants with legal services, job opportunities, and governmental services but have never seen a scale of this kind. City and State NY reported that Sophie Kouyate, the group’s community coordinator, is concerned that non-Spanish-speaking migrants are getting the short end of the stick.

Kouyate and other advocates cited a lack of basic resources for migrants from African countries such as Senegal, Guinea, and Mauritania, and believe it’s time for city leaders to step up and put forth a significant effort. “We must encourage and ensure language access to our city’s social and legal services, including Indigenous and African dialects relevant to the incoming groups,” Jumaane Williams, New York City public advocate, said during a hearing.

“Black immigrants tend to get left out — in particular places like Africa and Haiti.”

Abdoulaye, from Guinea, spent $10,000 traveling through Turkey, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, and Texas to pursue the American dream. His shelter stay only lasted a few weeks, and now he finds himself sleeping on the streets. “After one month, they can put you outside,” Abdoulaye said. “Sleeping outside in the cold is too much. The situation is no good right now.”

New York City has a “right to shelter” rule that requires the city to provide housing to anyone who requests it. Mayor Eric Adams is fighting it, however, claiming the migrant surplus doesn’t apply. “These people are paroled into the country that has nothing to do with it,” Adams said. “While they’re here, we are obligated [to provide housing], and that’s why we’re in court saying that the right to shelter should not have an impact on this migrant crisis.”