Wendy Williams Checks Into Rehab Facility And ‘Doing Her Best To Be Her Best’
Former radio host Wendy Williams is getting the help she needs after checking into a wellness facility for her alcohol abuse, Entertainment Tonight reports.
Williams’ manager, Will Selby, says she’s “doing her best to be her best” just days after her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., accused her team of ignoring her health issues in order to complete certain projects. Hunter Jr. feels his mother’s illness could be “fatal.” “And it’s gotten to a point where yes, it could have that effect that it might be fatal because it affects her way worse than a normal person, since it stays in her system,” he said.
Selby says Williams is taking it “day by day” and is disheartened that people aren’t asking about her well-being.
“I feel like everyone just puts out negative information about her, and that’s the focus,” Selby opined.
“Why don’t we just stop for a moment and just say, ‘Hey, how is she? Is she doing OK today?'”
Williams has had bouts with her health for a few years, fighting both Graves’ disease and lymphedema. Selby is asking fans to uplift her and show some compassion. “Just understand that she’s a human being that’s going through a lot. She’s dealing with a lot, and support her, please,” Selby says.
“She’s only thinking about Wendy 2.0 and her new chapter of her life, and the things that she wants to accomplish, and that’s our focus.”
Hunter Jr. says his celebrity mother had been doing well while living with him in Florida from late 2021 until spring 2022, according to The Sun. He would take her to restaurants that didn’t serve alcohol and had her eating better. When she is with her team, however, he fears she’s being taken advantage of. “I know the rate that she uses alcohol isn’t like a normal person, and we’ve spoken about it,” he said.
“There are a lot of people who are very aware that there is an issue with her drinking, and how that issue may be helped, but I think these people are taking advantage of it while allowing it to play out to make it look like they aren’t causing the issue.”
Nicole Beharie Reveals The Racist ‘Us-Against-Her Environment’ She Endured On Set Of ‘Sleepy Hollow’
A new book is unearthing the alleged “hellish” and “miserable” experience Black actors and writers had while working on Fox’s supernatural thriller “Sleepy Hollow.”
Written by journalist Maureen Ryan, “Burn It Down” explores the behind-the-scenes harassment and bias plaguing Hollywood. “Sleepy Hollow” has become a topic of conversation after Ryan spoke with one production staffer who revealed the “very us-against-her environment” launched against the show’s Black female lead, Nicole Beharie, EW reports.
According to the insider, a predominantly all-white male staff under showrunner Clifton Campbell allegedly labeled Beharie as “difficult” and treated her differently than her white co-lead Tim Mison. Beharie and Mison starred in “Sleepy Hollow” as detective Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane. But, the book reveals the alleged feud between Beharie and Mison that got so bad, the actors refused to hug on screen, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
One Black staffer identified only as Robert noted how both leads “went through steep learning curves that sometimes involved friction with colleagues,” but “Beharie’s behavior was weaponized against her in a way that Mison’s was not.”
A number of higher-ups reportedly “claimed not to have had a good experience” with Beharie, including staffers who never even met her in person, Robert claimed.
“When a bunch of white guys say a person of color is difficult, I tend to assume that there’s a lot more to that story,” he said.
“I found her to be pleasant, extremely talented, and an actor who was adjusting to being a lead. There are growing pains with that. In the time I was there, where the discrepancy came in was how their growing pains were viewed and handled.”
Others noted the “resistance” displayed over Beharie wearing her hair naturally and how Campbell allegedly cried when Black writers on the show accused him of showing signs of racism. When the bias issues were presented to network execs, staffers claim the concern was overlooked due to the leaders being “conflict-averse or unwilling to have tough conversations,” staffers said.
Tyrese Airs Out DJ Vlad’s $10K Interview Offer To ‘Leach Off of Black Culture’
Tyrese is calling out the owner of VladTV for allegedly offering thousands to public figures to continue his operation of “leaching off of Black culture.”
The “Fast and Furious” star blasted Vlad Lyubovny on Instagram this week after the vlogger spoke negatively about him during an interview with Boosie his site published on Tuesday, June 7.
“In this clip, Boosie reacted to Tyrese’s child support battle and the actor’s decision to request the help of Ben Crump and MLK’s son,” Vlad’s site wrote.
“Boosie and Vlad also recalled Tyrese’s past antics on social media before Vlad described his interactions with the “Fast & Furious” star.”
With the caption seemingly highlighting a personal quarrel between Vlad and Tyrese, the “Baby Boy” star, who’s known for not biting his tongue, took to Instagram to fire off a verbal shot at the media owner. The singer/actor revealed personal DMs showing Vlad offering him $10,000 for an interview on his platform, Complex reports.
Tyrese accuses Vlad of launching a personal vendetta against him for turning down his interview offer. According to the “Lately” singer, Vlad is trying “milk my trauama” and “leach” off Black culture.
“Haven’t you used BLACK PEOPLE ENOUGH??? What’s the dudes name who talks off camera who owns VLAD TV?? Can y’all pull his tax returns????????,” Tyrese wrote in the since-deleted post.
“How much is he leaching off of BLACK CULTURE???? This dude is already have four people on his show and he randomly keeps bringing MY NAME UP… laughing about my divorce traumas laughing about my crying video and trying to milk my traumas and pains in the Clickbait for his goofy ass show….”
The “Sweet Lady” singer doubled down on his anti-Vlad rant on Wednesday, June 7 by reposting a few articles about his feud with the alleged “culture vulture.”
“He’s worth 5 million and that 5 million came from MY CULTURE,” Tyrese quipped. “Since my divorce and traumas are funny…. Let’s keep laughing….. What more do you want from me??”
“I want EVERY RAPPER and singer who ever gets interviewed by this culture vulture to hit them pockets….. He offered me 10k I could of stuck him for 50k.”
This isn’t the first time DJ Vlad has been called out for his interviews with predominantly Black public figures. In the past, Vlad has been accused of seemingly working with authorities to criminate rappers who make reveals during their interviews on his platform, as noted by Moguldom.
In March, “Love & Hip Hop” star Benzino vowed to never appear on VladTV again following the murder of rapper BTB Savage over a feud many feel was ignited following an interview on Vlad’s platform. One critic claimed DJ Vlad blocked them on social media after they called him a “culture vulture.”
Bill Spriggs: A Black Labor Leader Who Challenged Discriminatory Systems Against Black Economists And Workers
Bill Spriggs, who notably called out the role of economists in perpetuating racism, built a legacy as one of our nation’s most accomplished, effective and respected economics professionals and policymakers whose guidance was sought by business and political leaders, including the President of the United States.
The trailblazing specialist at AFL-CIO and beloved friend at BLACK ENTERPRISE has reportedly passed away at the age of 68, according to an announcement posted by the federation union. As an educator, Spriggs’ commitment to racial justice and Black economic equality will continue to be a model for generations to come.
According to a statement, Derek Dingle, EVP and Chief Content Officer at BE, first met Spriggs as a student at Norfolk State University where he taught economics. He is proud to have witnessed Spriggs’ ascension in the fields of economics, policy and labor for more than 40 years.
“I will always remember Bill for his loyalty and energy in advancing the mission of BLACK ENTERPRISE, spending time and making invaluable contributions to our economic and business coverage as a trusted source and through his vital commentary,” said Dingle.
As a good friend, he was available and willing to provide sage counsel, engaging conversation and enthusiastic support. He will be deeply missed.
“As an esteemed member of the BE Board of Economists, he embraced our nation’s greatest economic challenges – especially in driving Black employment and closing the racial wealth gap – and always offered incisive analysis as well as innovative solutions.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Spriggs, a man who brought as much lasting brilliance to economics as he brought joy to his friends and colleagues,” President Biden shared in a statement.
Biden described Spriggs as a “towering figure in his field” and “a trailblazer who challenged the field’s basic assumptions about racial discrimination in labor markets, pay equity, and worker empowerment.”
An advocacy champion for Black economic equality
Born in Washington, DC, William Edward Spriggs graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts and holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sprigg’s tireless devotion to racial injustice is a reflection of his resilient parents, a Tuskegee Airman and a member of the Women’s Army Corps. His experience as a Black man pursuing the economic space is emulated in his dissertation, “Afro-American Wealth Accumulation, 1900-1914,” which he defended at the University of Wisconsin
The dissertation outlined the ongoing acts of segregation and discrimination in land and labor markets by evidencing the way these systems blocked access to wealth for Blacks people.
From the National Urban League and the US Department of Commerce to the Small Business Administration, Spriggs’ achievements are monumental. He went onto educate thousands of Black students as a Professor and Chair of the Economics Department at Howard University, and proudly declared it in a recorded interview.
As the former chair of the Howard University Economics Department, Spriggs continued to mentor and mold the next generation of Black economists with his government service, academic, and advocacy work. He also taught six years at Norfolk State University and for two years at North Carolina A&T State University.
Even President Obama tapped into Briggs’ commendable fight for worker’s rights when he nominated him, with Senate approval, to be Assistant Secretary for Policy at the US Department of Labor. His term witnessed the Great Recession and its most severe economic and financial crises in a generation.
A fighter for racial injustice
Following George Floyd’s 2020 brutal murder by a white police officer, Spriggs was unstoppable. He penned an open letter to economists. He brought attention to the profession’s extensive and despicable history on race, including committed eugenists who see Black Americans as an inferior race.
“Watching the other three police officers sit by and do nothing about the murder means you have to question other assumptions too. But I am not sure if this moment has gotten to economists enough to see their role as economists in perpetuating the very things they wish to recoil from,” Spriggs wrote.
Upon hearing about Spriggs’ passing, the Twitter community have continued to pay their respects with honorable interactions and everlasting memories. Spriggs was a generous man to many and an intellectual force who motivated them to continue his life’s work.
Our labor movement has precious few individuals who can bring a true worker perspective to the nuanced economic policy debates, and then return to advise the broad working class with wisdom and insight. Now we have one less.
— John Marshall, CFA (@jmarshall_cfa) June 7, 2023
A fellow graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a scholar on the wealth distribution before it was a hot academic subject, a prolific economist, and a powerful advocate for equity and for his Howard students. I will very much miss our interactions.
— C. Eugene Steuerle (@EugeneSteuerle) June 7, 2023
Devastated to hear the news of Dr. William Spriggs’ passing! He left a tremendous mark on society, contributing to the first-in-the-nation California Reparation Task Force, including the compensation section of our final report, releasing on June 29. Rest well! #ReparationsNow
— Kamilah Moore, Esq. (@KamilahMooreEsq) June 7, 2023
A big loss to the community overall and in academia and policy. He was really instrumental in helping me embark upon a policy focused economics pathway. He will be missed!
Kid Cudi Blasts Apple Music For Omitting ‘Proper Lyrics’ For His Latest Song ‘Porsche Topless’
Rapper Kid Cudi had a straightforward message to the folks at Apple Music. After seeing that the music streaming giant did not provide the correct lyrics to his song, “Porsche Topless,” he took to Twitter to ask them to correct their error.
The recording artist accused Apple Music of making up whatever words they wanted when they placed the lyrics to his latest song on its platform. He mentioned that he even took the time to supply the lyrics himself.
Hey guys @AppleMusic I put in the time to write out all my lyrics and send them to u. Its really stressful to see you guys just make up whatever lyrics you want and not include the proper lyrics that were given to you. Please fix PORSCHE TOPLESS so my fans have the correct…
Politely blasting a company like Apple Music on social media does wonders. Kid Cudi returned to Twitter later that evening to acknowledge that the service placed the proper lyrics on the platform.
The rapper has been busy as of late, as his latest project is supposed to be dropping later this year. He was recently featured in the Netflix animated film, Entergalactic, released last September. The album for the film also debuted on the same day. The project was created by Kid Cudi, with Kenya Barris assisting with the film.
As fans awaited the next album by the Cleveland-raised artist, it was announced that he would join the cast of Knuckles. The upcoming television series will be on the streaming platform, Paramount+, where he will be joining Idris Elba, Adam Pally, Rory McCann, and Tika Sumpter. The show is currently in production and is slated to be released in December 2024.
Kid Cudi has already appeared in several films. He can be seen in X, House Party, Need for Speed, and Don’t Look Up.
NBA Player Launches Anti-Woke Clothing Line For Christians And Patriots
Orlando Magic power forward Jonathan Isaac is taking yet another stand for his conservative views; releasing a new clothing line specifically for Christians and patriots.
Issac, who infamously stood during the National Anthem while his other teammates took a knee, says Unitus will be a brand for the “unwoke.” The brand, which is slated to release in August, will be an alternative for those who have found themselves ostracized by pushes for diversity and inclusion around the country.
In a long tweet, the 25-year-old spoke on why he has chosen to distance himself from liberals who he feels have benefitted from the movements spawned by Black people but only seek to push harmful agendas.
“The real woke today are the people clinging to Christ and traditional values that truly lead to human flourishing. Those two things have no color!,” he said.
Being woke was never about being a victim. It was never about a perpetual pessimism that you couldn’t succeed unless other people did for you. Being woke was about progress in the face of real injustice and systemic racism. It was about overcoming. But with less injustice and…
Though it’s unclear how the brand will specifically speak to more Christian values and patriotism, in a video posted to promote Unitus, the company aims to “[bring] people together over love of God and country.”
Issac says the sports and apparel brand means “freedom” to him and he believes he isn’t the only player who will speak up for traditional values.
“The hope is to be able to sign athletes across all different sports and to create a real infrastructure of people who are in the sports world,” he said. “Moms and dads who want to buy their kids sneakers and clothes but wanna give their money to a company that they know is going to work toward bolstering their values.”
Retail brands have the freedom to go woke. We have the freedom to create an alternative. UNITUS launches August 2023. Stay tuned🙃 #WeAreUnituspic.twitter.com/2TIfkVc6Zt
First Black-Owned Stock Exchange Announces New Anthem Encouraging People To Think Bigger
The first Black-owned stock exchange is encouraging people to think bigger with its new anthem, “Dream Again.”
Dream Exchange announced the release of its anthem, created by world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips. To record the uplifting song, Phillips recruited a team of talented artists including producer Hamilton Hardin and entertainment executive and song co-writer Tanya James of TJ Entertainment Group, according to PR Newswire. Sarah Ikumu, who received a Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent, is featured as the lead vocalist.
In an interview featured on Dream Exchange’s YouTube page, Phillips explains how the song came about and what he wants fans to get out of it. “When people are listening to the song, I want them to search their souls and check to see if they have their license to dream,” Phillips said. “And that’s why in society, we find people running in place, because the dream is not as prevalent as it should be.”
Dream Exchange is currently preparing an application to become the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange. Dwain Kyles, its director and managing member, says the song was created to get people moving toward turning their dreams into reality. “With ‘Dream Again,’ we hope to inspire all people as well as a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs to join us in creating a more just and ethical financial system,” said Kyles. “We are proud to be the first minority-owned stock exchange, in formation, and we believe that we will provide new opportunities and resources for underrepresented communities.”
The company is keeping its word: Last month, it announced that former NFL player Solomon Wilcots has invested in Dream Exchange, according to a press release. Kyles said that Wilcots’ joining the team is “further testament to their belief in Dream Exchange’s mission to democratize access to capital and continue empowering investors.”
Editors’ Note: This article was updated on June 9, 2023. It originally mistakenly stated that “Dream Exchange became the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange in 2020.” Dream Exchange is currently preparing an application to become the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange.
Anita Baker Shuts Down ‘Slander’ About Her Alleged Feuds With Maxwell, Luther Vandross, and Babyface
Anita Baker is not here for all the allegations surrounding her industry relationships with fellow singers Maxwell, Babyface, and the late Luther Vandross.
The Queen of Soul fired off a round of tweets on June 7 in response to one since-deleted tweet that referenced a rumored business dealing with Maxwell.
“Dear Sir. My Companies, have No contract for Co-headling concerts. My Corps execute Percentage Agreements, with its Trademark as headliner,” she wrote.
“I have Never, worked with my friend❤️ Maxwell. Your statements, constitute Slander & create liability.”
The “Sweet Love” singer continued blaming the critics for deleting their slanderous tweet without apologizing.
and, of Course, they Deleted their Public slander with Zero apology.. https://t.co/iWTh2hsqI4
Baker also addressed speculation about an alleged feud with Babyface that ignited after the musician was told not to perform his opening set at the Prudential Center to “give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety,” he tweeted at the time.
Now, Baker is clarifying that Live Nation was at fault for Babyface’s axed performance and not her.
“I Went on My Stage, at the appropriate time. Did my job without benefit of full production… I *Did, my Job/Lifelong Profession. Your public statements are false,” she quipped.
Dear Sir, Live Nation, took Full responsibility.
I Went on My Stage, at the appropriate time. Did my job without benefit of full production.
I have Never, been in Concert, with my Friend Maxwell
The Quiet Storm music icon also cleared up any speculation surrounding age-old rumors of an alleged quarrel with the late Luther Vandross stemming from their time touring together. While she noted the “disagreements” she had with Vandross, she said they were “successful business partners” who created lots of “joy, jobs and commerce for our community.”
Magic Johnson Encourages His Son EJ To ‘Keep Living Your Truth’ On His 31st Birthday
NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson and his wife, Cookie, took to social media to wish their son, EJ Johnson, a happy birthday and to show continued support for him.
On Magic’s Instagram account, he posted a picture of himself with EJ and offered the 31-year-old encouragement as he told him to “keep living your truth.”
“Happy Birthday to my son, EJ!! I love your pure heart and creativity! Keep living your truth, it’s what I love about you most! Have a great day❤️”
In 2022, Magic discussed his relationship with his son in the Apple TV+ docuseries “They Call Me Magic.” He admitted that he struggled with accepting that EJ was gay. Although close friends of EJ knew of his sexual preference, his parents were unaware. Magic recalled that Cookie knew before him and had to convince him to speak to EJ about it before he departed to attend college in New York at NYU.
In an interview with Variety, the Los Angles Laker legend said, “I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. He actually helped me get there. Because he was so proud. Cookie said, ‘Look in the mirror.’ I said, ‘You’re right.’ Because I’m proud of who I am. And he got it from me.”
“He changed me,” Magic stated. “He was so proud. This dude here is just so proud of who he is.”
This week, he opened Trill Burgers’ first brick-and-mortar location in his hometown of Houston, in Montrose at 3607 S Shepherd Dr. at Richmond Avenue. Currently, the hours of operation are 11 a.m. 9 p.m. daily.
The 3,236-square-foot Trill Burgers will be serve as an extended pop-up location for the next six months until a permanent location is secured.
“It’s been a dream for us, and it’s actually coming true,” Bun B said in an Instagram post. “It’s been our sole goal to open up an establishment where we can serve you guys Trill Burgers consistently at a high level on a daily basis. And now we’re ready to do it. We are now officially open for business, ready to serve you.”
The eatery’s menu will have the same signature items that have been presented at various pop-up locations and events since the UGK (UnderGround Kingz) rapper introduced the concept in 2021.
Unfortunately, customers of the restaurant can only purchase the food in-person—only taking credit and charge cards (or related apps that have access to either). The restaurant can seat 125 guests while a drive-thru service will be opening soon.
This opening comes on the heels of the Houston rapper securing a new deal with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo for the Trill Burgers company. The burgers have a place among 10 Houston restaurants that can be purchased at Clutch City’s Shell Energy Stadium.
Celebrities like DJ Khaled, Z-Ro, Ludacris, Bryson Tiller, and Travis Scott have been very supportive of the burgers and have shilled for the eatery. Trill Burgers recently appeared at Rick Ross’ The Promised Land this past weekend.
