Lizzo isn’t going down without a fight when it comes to the three former dancers who are suing her. The “Juice” singer is clapping back with plans of a countersuit.

Celebrity attorney Marty Singer is dishing on the newly surfaced photos showing Lizzo’s accusers “happily carousing” and “gleefully reveling” backstage with the performers from a topless cabaret show in Paris, TMZ reports. The photos were taken during Lizzo’s tour one month after the accusers claimed they were forced to eat bananas from a performer’s vagina.

A bombshell lawsuit filed by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez claims they were forced to attend a topless show in Paris while on tour with Lizzo. However, according to Singer, the photos show the former dancers were “happily cavorting backstage” with the performers and didn’t appear too distraught over the encounter.

More so, Lizzo alleges her accusers joined her for another stop at the cabaret show during the third leg of her world tour. In addition to the photos, the Grammy Award-winning singer is referencing an audition tape filmed in April where Davis gushed about working for Lizzo.

“It’s been so amazing and such a beautiful journey. I look up to her so much,” Davis says in the video.

“I just want to follow in her footsteps, and I just want to share that with the Queen Lizzo herself.”

Now, Singer says Davis is trying to shun her words in the audition tape, saying “she tried to explain away her glowing comments about Lizzo by claiming the ‘bulk’ of her accusations were based on things that happened later.”

“That excuse is completely contradicted by the facts, including by these images,” Singer said.

Lizzo’s lawyer believes they have “substantial evidence” that “prove the glaring contradictions between what the plaintiffs claim in their bogus lawsuit and what is actually proven by the facts.”

However, the attorney for the accusers, Neama Rahmani, is shutting down the photo of the former backup dancers smiling with the cabaret performers, saying they were just trying to keep their jobs.

“Of course, they wanted to keep their jobs. They had bills to pay just like everyone else but they finally had enough of the abuse, Rahmani said. “We stand by every claim in the lawsuit and look forward to trial.”

They’re also referencing claims made by other former staffers of Lizzo who have come forward to support the accusers with similar allegations of the singer creating a toxic work environment.

“We’ve been hearing from other former employees sharing similar stories, and as seen in the Los Angeles Times article today about how Lizzo used intimate footage of her dancers without their approval in the 2022 HBO Max’ Love Lizzo’ documentary,” Rahmani said.

We’re seeing even more of a pattern of just how much Lizzo thinks of those who work for her. Clearly, not very much.”

“Paparazzi caught up with Lizzo on Monday, Aug. 21, who said she was doing fine and teased the new music she’s working on.

RELATED CONTENT: LizzLizzo’sDancers Double Down On Claims: ‘We ‘ere Treated Poorly’

• News

by Atiya Jordan

August 23, 2023

‘Better Have My Money’: Americans Expect Salaries To Be No Less Than 70K

---

Amid overwhelming inflation rates, the New York Federal Reserve has released data indicating that Americans are seeking nearly $10,000 more than the average salary of $69,475 people received over the past four months. In fact, some are even demanding upward of $90,000. So, what does inflation have to do with it?

The average inflation rate over a year topped 5% in 2022 for the first time since 1990. Inflation’s long slumber is over, and the price tag has gone up. According to the survey data, as prices rise, Americans’ salary expectations for a new job have grown to lofty heights since March 2014.

What are Americans demanding?

Over four months, more Americans are expecting to be unemployed. The average expected likelihood of becoming unemployed increased to 3.9% from 2.3% in July 2022 for respondents younger than age 45 and those with annual household incomes less than $60K. Meanwhile, the average expected likelihood of receiving at least one job or even multiple job offers decreased.

Moreover, the survey results found that Americans expect an average annual salary of $67,416. This is a sharp increase from $60,310 in July 2022. “The increase was broad-based across age, education, and income groups, but was most pronounced for respondents above age 45 and for college graduates,” per the press release.

In comparison, the lowest wage respondents above age 45 would be willing to accept for a new job “reached its highest reading of $78,645, from $72,873 in July 2022.”

How do these demands affect Black Americans?

Black Americans often face more severe financial struggles in some of the most trying economic times. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on a 2022 survey published by Matt Brannon that offered some surprising results.

“While inflation and the current economic conditions are making life hard on Americans of all races, Black Americans are making the best of a bad situation. Overall, they’re making smart financial decisions, which are paying off,” Brannon noted.

• For instance, Black Americans (43%) are 8% more inclined to report they are doing better than they were last year versus average Americans (35%).
• Blacks (55%) are 7% more likely than average Americans (48%) to say they met their financial goals in 2022.
• Black Americans, 58%, are less likely to be worried about their finances than Americans overall (50%).

RELATED CONTENT: New Report Shows Women Aren’t Comfortable Asking for Salary Increases, Employers Most Likely Won’t Honor Their Request

Nia Long is continuing to finalize her split from ex-fiance Ime Udoka in the wake of his infidelity scandal and is seeking full custody of their son.

Following Udoka’s messy cheating scandal that put his relationship and job in jeopardy, Long is asking the Los Angeles County Court to grant her sole physical and legal custody of their son, Kez, The Blast reports. Long’s celebrity attorney, Samantha Spector, filed the petition to “determine a parental relationship” since the former couple never got around to tying the knot.

In addition to full custody, “The Best Man” star wants Udoka to cover all her legal expenses. Her filing appears to be the start of a custody battle that could see her receiving child support from the Houston Rockets head coach.

The filing comes nearly one year since Udoka’s cheating scandal that got him fired as the Boston Celtics head coach and ended his 13-year relationship with Long. The Celtics released a statement at the time confirming Udoka, a former NBA player turned head coach, for violating the team’s code of conduct by engaging in an “intimate and conceptual relationship with a female member of the Celtics’s staff.”

Udoka issued a statement at the time apologizing to his family and team for “letting them down.”

“I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment,” he said last September.

In December 2022, Long opened up about the split and shared how their son handled the news after the Celtics made the affair public.

“He still has moments where it’s not easy for him,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public.”

“No one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK, It’s very disappointing,” she added.

RELATED CONTENT: A Nia Long Memoir Is On The Horizon With Promise Of ‘Truth And Transparency’

In what seems to becoming a recurring theme, police officials have issued an arrest warrant for former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown. According to TMZ Sports, police in Florida have been instructed to arrest Brown after he was accused of missing another child support payment. On Aug. 9, a Miami-Dade County judge ruled that Brown missed a child support payment of $15,000 to Wiltrice Jackson, the mother of his daughter.

• News

by Iman Milner

August 23, 2023

Reggie Bush Plans To Sue The NCAA For Defamation That Led To Heisman Being Revoked

---

Reggie Bush was once the star quarterback of a highly successful University of Southern California football team that made history. With Bush leading the way, the Trojans secured two national championships and a 37-2 record throughout three seasons.

However, for the last 13 years, the 38-year-old one-time national hero has been fighting the NCAA after being accused of receiving pay-for-play benefits from a sports marketing agent in 2006 and was subsequently stripped of his Heisman Trophy. Now, Bush is prepared to take on the world’s leading collegiate sports governing body to clear his name and restore his legacy.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the former quarterback will announce plans to sue the NCAA for defamation at the Coliseum—where he once dazzled crowds—-on Wednesday, Aug. 23. “The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation,” Bush’s attorneys Levi G. McCathern and Ty M. Sheaks said in a statement. “Specifically, on July 28, 2021, the NCAA … falsely issued a statement to reporters that because of Mr. Bush’s prior involvement in a ‘pay-for-play arrangement,’ the NCAA would not consider restoring his collegiate records that it vacated in 2010, which subsequently resulted in Mr. Bush having to return his Heisman Trophy [the first player in history to do so]. Within less than a day, this false statement was republished by no less than 20 different media organizations and circulated to readers around the world.”

Since 2010, Bush has remained relatively mum about the NCAA’s treatment of him and his teammates, whose records were also affected by proxy. However, with new NIL deals and less strict collegiate rules taking effect in recent years, calls for Bush’s case to be reexamined have come from all across the association and other sports professionals. “The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any ‘pay-for-play arrangement’ which never occurred,” Bush’s attorneys said.

RELATED CONTENT: The Rock Hand-Picked Several Black Student-Athletes To An Inaugural NIL Deal With His Energy Drink Company

One of hip-hop’s legends, Doug E. Fresh, is transforming into “Doug E. Chef” to show off his culinary skills in partnership with McCormick.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, Doug E. Fresh released a new original song and an accompanying music video to celebrate two milestones—the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and McCormick‘s first bottle redesign in nearly 40 years.

The hip-hop icon and beatboxing pioneer did what he does best when he was in the kitchen with his son, cooking up a meal with McCormick’s new “SnapTight” lid. Using his unique skill for beatboxing, Fresh whipped up a signature meal and beat for his latest single, “McCormick Red Cap.”

“I’m back in the kitchen, cooking up some hot new sounds to introduce McCormick’s new red caps, which are designed to keep flavor fresh, like me,” Doug E. Fresh said of the new partnership.

The “La Di Da Di” rapper, who enjoys cooking when he’s not performing on stage, knows firsthand just how helpful the new SnapTight lid is when cheffing up a meal.

“Anybody that cooks knows that you want a cap like that,” Fresh told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Cause sometimes when you’re cooking, you know, number one, you’ve got to turn the thing and then take it off. And it’s a little less complicated when you just pop it open and then you’re just able to do your thing and snap it back down.”

But it’s not just new music that comes along with Fresh’s partnership with McCormick; in addition to the “Red Cap” song and video, the hip-hop legend will be leading a one-of-a-kind cooking class for local New Yorkers on Sept. 14, where he’ll share his savory version of Spiced Cod with Mashed Plantains and teach lucky participants how to master the recipe.

 “It’s been something that a lot of people who know me know that cooking is my passion,” Fresh shared.

“Cooking in general and just making up recipes and coming up with different special formulas.”

Those interested in attending the cooking class can view the official rules and enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes are open from Aug. 22 – 31 at 11:59 p.m., with limited spots available through a random drawing.

RELATED CONTENT: Tabitha Brown Stays Winning With Permanent Partnership With Target For Vegan Food Line

Halle Berry has finally finalized her eight-year-long divorce from her third husband, Olivier Martinez, and the odds weren’t in her favor.

The former couple worked out a formal custody and child support arrangement that will see Berry forking over loads of cash to her ex-husband, TMZ reports. As part of the divorce settlement, the X-Men star will share joint legal and physical custody of her and Martinez’s 9-year-old son, Maceo.

Berry will have custody of Maceo from Monday to Wednesday, and Martinez will get him from Wednesday to Friday, with variations depending on school closures. The pair will alternate custody of their son on the weekends.

With them sharing custody, Berry will have to pay child support to her ex-husband in the amount of $8,000 a month, plus pay an additional 4.3% of all income she receives above $2 million. The hefty payout will go to someone Berry was only married to for two years and shared a prenup with.

After two years of marriage, the Monster’s Ball star separated from Martinez in 2015. Their divorce dragged on for eight years due to disagreements over custody and child support.

In the end, Martinez won big, and Berry at least gets some closure from her third marriage. In addition to the custody agreement, Maceo will attend individual and family counseling where Berry and her daughter, Nahla (from her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry), can sit in during the family sessions with Martinez.

Berry’s current boyfriend, musician Van Hunt, is not allowed to participate in the family counseling. The Catwoman star was also ordered to pay for her son’s “private school tuition, school uniforms, and school supplies,” with the payments going directly to the school and not her ex, Page Six reports.

The Losing Isaiah star also agreed to cover the cost for all of Maceo’s extracurricular activities and will reimburse Martinez for the 2023-2024 school year since he covered the bill. Martinez was Berry’s third husband after marriage to singer Eric Benet from 2001 to 2005 and former MLB player David Justice from 1993 to 1997.

RELATED CONTENT: GOT ‘EM! Halle Berry Trolls Even Celebrity Friends With Fake Wedding Announcement

• News

by Iman Milner

August 23, 2023

Serena Williams And Alexis Ohanian Welcome Their ‘Beautiful Angel’, Daughter Adira River

---

Tennis GOAT Serena Williams has become a mom again. She and her billionaire tech entrepreneur husband, Alexis Ohanian, welcomed their second daughter Adira River to the world via Instagram on Tuesday, August 23.

Ohanian shared the news alongside adorable family photos featuring baby Adira’s first moments with her big sister, 6-year-old Olympia.

“I’m grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and a happy & healthy mama. Feeling grateful”, he wrote. “@serenawilliams you’ve now given me another incomparable gift — you’re the GMOAT. Thanks to all the amazing medical staff who took care of my wife & our daughter 🙏 I’ll never forget the moment I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alexis Ohanian Sr. (@alexisohanian)

Fans of the tennis star will remember how difficult Williams’ first labor and delivery was. After giving birth, the 23-time Grand Slam winner formed life-threatening blood clots that required her to undergo emergency surgery. ”

They were trying to talk to me, and all I could think was, “I’m dying, I’m dying. Oh my God,” Williams wrote in an essay at the time. “Being heard and appropriately treated was the difference between life or death for me.” Upon announcing her retirement from tennis in 2022, Williams shared plans to focus on expanding her family in her next chapter.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

Soon after, she revealed her second baby bump at the Met Gala, donning Gucci outfits alongside Ohanian.

“Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala”, she wrote. The excitement surrounding baby number two has been palpable as both Williams and Ohanian have anticipated the ease of parenting the second time around.

“We’re not first-time parents anymore. I feel more confident about having a newborn, all of those things that I just had zero confidence about with Olympia because I’d never even been around babies at that point in my life,” Ohanian said.

RELATED CONTENT: Serena Williams and Family Share Big Gender Reveal For Baby No. 2

• News

by Iman Milner

August 23, 2023

‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’: How Hip-Hop Inspired The Growth Of Black-Owned Businesses

---

There’s no denying the marketing juggernaut hip-hop culture has been for the past 50 years. From Run DMC making Adidas the must-have apparel for b-boys and cool kids in the 1980s, to luxury brands like Versace and CHANEL benefitting from the flashy bravado of the 1990s, the profitability of hip-hop has been apparent from the start. However, it would take many years for the moneymaking machine created by Black people in this country to trickle down to the communities they came from.

According to Yahoo Finance, hip-hop and the community it represents have harnessed the $16 billion economic impact of the culture; turning it into financial empowerment and a generational wealth accumulator.

From fashion industry disruptors like popular streetwear brands FUBU and Rocawear to major players in industries spanning TV, film, art, and spirits, the hustle has become about more than just bragging rights on wax. Hip-hop has grown to recognize its power; and with around 3 million black-owned businesses in America, it’s become the catalyst through which the creatives who birthed it have stepped into their own.

“Hip-hop went from being a fad to commercialized and monetized in technology, fashion, sports and business,” Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT, said.

“In the beginning, we weren’t owners, just brand ambassadors, not accumulating wealth from a genre and culture that we created. We’ve gone from making others rich to wealth accumulators.”

Where hip-hop artists like Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young were once anomalies in the culture – breaking away from simply being the face of, largely, white brands to launch their own successful ventures – it is now more shocking to find artists whose only stream of income is music-related. And the culture’s Midas touch has extended past those who hold the mic. People like Dapper Dan, Misa Hylton, Vashtie, Dream Hampton and Sharene Wood have leveraged their connection to hip-hop to gain notoriety in their respective industries.

“Hip-hop allowed Black creatives and artists to create brands that wouldn’t have existed without hip-hop and allowed us to engage in collective economics, supporting other Black businesses,” said Wood, who is the president and CEO of 5001 FLAVORS and Harlem Haberdashery.

“Hip-hop opened the door to a lot of Black brands.”

RELATED CONTENT: Lincoln Center Announces Hip Hop Week In Honor of Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday

Bunnell Elementary School in Flagler County, Florida, is being called out for targeting only the low-scoring Black students in an assembly. Parents of the fourth and fifth graders say that the administrators intentionally “divided” the children by race.

Local news outlet WESH reported the incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 18. The Black students, some of whom were not underperforming on tests, were presented with a racially specific PowerPoint. During the presentation, they were given statistics regarding the standardized test performance of African Americans. Where these facts came from, and their accuracy has not been verified.

Parents whose children were unwilling attendees at the assembly said they did not approve of the information shared with the young learners. They were also not made aware that the assembly was happening.

Students were incentivized with fast food for “higher grades,” as an anonymous parent told the news source that the kids were promised to be “rewarded” with McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A if they improved.

However, the offensiveness of the conversation did not end there, as the mother also shared that her daughter received high scores on her assessments despite being told of the consequences of low grades and was not the only high-performing child in the room.

“You left the white children to continue their education, and the Black children had to go out to be talked about the consequences of not being successful,” said one mother. “It became racial for me when they included and boxed all of the Black children together no matter if they were below average, average or above average.”

The interim superintendent at the Florida school, LaShakia Moore, released a statement explaining the school’s intentions but expressed that there was a more considerable way to address the issue.

“While the desire to help this particular subgroup of students is to be commended, how this was done does not meet the expectations we desire among Flagler Schools,” shared Superintendent Moore. “We want our parents and guardians to actively participate in their children’s educational successes. Without informing them of this assembly or of the plans to raise these scores, our parents were not properly engaged.”

The educational leader stated that she will continue investigating the matter and will work alongside the school’s principal to ensure they “affect change” in the appropriate manner that does not alienate certain groups.

RELATED CONTENT: First-Of-Its-Kind Study Shows When, How, and Why Black Students Get Disciplined At Higher Rates