by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 22, 2023

‘RHOP’ Star Gizelle Bryant Subtly Hints At Not Believing Juan Dixon’s Claims In Cheating Scandal

The Real Housewives of Potomac star Gizelle Bryant isn’t so convinced by Juan Dixon’s explanation about his hotel cheating scandal, despite her BFF Robyn Dixon choosing to stick beside him.

Robyn and Juan have been under fire in the wake of Robyn revealing her husband’s side conversations with another woman in 2020, which led to them putting off getting re-married during the season 7 finale.

While Robyn denied cheating allegations about her husband on the show and allowed other husbands to be wrongfully accused of the activity, she ended up admitting Juan wasn’t completely innocent, only after filming had wrapped.

She boldly defended Juan while being grilled by executive producer Andy Cohen during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live last month. According to Robyn, her husband only agreed to pay for a woman’s hotel receipt and never spent any personal time with the mystery lady.

“She had told Juan that she was dating a Baltimore Ravens player so she was telling him she was flying to Maryland and he’s like, ‘Okay, whatever.’ But somewhere along the way, she gets to Maryland, she’s reaching out to him, and she’s telling him she lost her wallet in the casino and she cannot pay for her hotel room,” Robyn explained.

“So he feels bad for her. Apparently, she was really stressed out, really distraught. He feels bad for her, he goes to the hotel, puts his card down at the counter or whatever, and that’s it.”

Now, one month later and Robyn’s “Green-Eyed Bandit” groupmate Gizelle Bryant is subtly revealing her true thoughts on the hotel cheating scandal.

“I believe that’s what Juan told her,” Gizelle told Baller Alert’s Ty Cole. “I totally believe that’s what Juan told her. So, we’re gonna leave it there.”

Gizelle’s response seemingly highlighted her own doubts about Juan’s claims. She has already owned up to not bringing Juan’s cheating allegations to light on the show to support her friend.

“It was just not really my story to tell,” Gizelle told People. “And I’m going to support my friend.”

Juan was caught having side conversations with another woman from Canada in 2020, at a time when he and Robyn were engaged after rekindling their relationship following a divorce in 2012, as noted by Reality Blurb.

Juan’s cheating scandal, along with a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former student-athlete, ultimately played a part in Juan’s recent termination from his head coaching position at Coppin State University.

It looks like Robyn will have a lot to address when she returns for RHOP Season 8.

New Bill Proposed In Uganda Brings On Severe Penalties To Members of the LGBTQ+ Community, Including Death and Life Prison Sentences
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 22, 2023

New Bill Proposed In Uganda Brings On Severe Penalties To Members of the LGBTQ+ Community, Including Death and Life Prison Sentences

The LGBTQ+ community in Africa just took another L in the fight for their rights.

Bloomberg reported that officials in Uganda just approved a bill with stricter laws against gay people. The new legislation will issue harsher penalties outlawing homosexuality – including death and life sentences in prison. Documents list same-sex intercourse with persons under 18, an “offender” who is HIV+, or a person who even identifies as LGBTQ, as aggravated homosexuality.

While the legislation hasn’t been implemented as an official law, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, who is a strong critic of LGBTQ, is expected to sign it into law.

The almost-unanimous vote happened Tuesday night in a packed chamber, with only two out of close to 400 representatives voting against it.

“Congratulations,” Speaker Anita Among said, according to NPR. “Whatever we are doing, we are doing it for the people of Uganda.”

LGBTQ advocates, like U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, criticized the vote. In a tweet, Blinken said the bill “would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

After hearing the news, advocacy groups followed in the Secretary of State’s footsteps, making statements against the rulings. “If signed into law by the president, it will render lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda criminals simply for existing, for being who they are,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said. “It could provide carte blanche for the systematic violation of nearly all of their human rights and serve to incite people against each other.”

International rights for members of the community are facing increased pressure as some countries are doubling down on stricter LGBTQ laws. Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently opposed pro-LGBTQ rulings by the nation’s top court, while officials in Ghana are considering placing legislation against gay people as well.

‘It Takes Courage’: Jackèe Harry Speaks On The Shame And Guilt Of Leaving Abusive Relationships
by Iman Milner

March 22, 2023

‘It Takes Courage’: Jackèe Harry Speaks On The Shame And Guilt Of Leaving Abusive Relationships

Jackèe Harry has been bringing us joy since her days on 227. From her larger-than-life personality to her perfect comedic timing, our beloved sitcom it-girl has always been a reflection of ourselves.

So, it comes as no surprise that she is using her most recent role as a platform to share her own life lessons. In the new Lifetime movie, Every Breath She Takes” Harry stars alongside Tamala Jones and Brian White and deals with the harrowing experience of abusive relationships. In an exclusive trailer released on Shadow and Act, the film’s plot was revealed: “Jules Baker (Jones) thinks her problems are over when her abusive husband Billy (White) dies after a struggle and fire that destroys their house….As Jules begins to rebuild her life, dark rumors haunt her when she hears whispers around town that she is “the one that killed her husband.” Things take a turn for the worse, and police begin to question her relentlessly. Detective Walker (Tisha Campbell) insinuates that all signs say Jules was behind the fire. Is her past coming back to burn her?”

For the movie’s press run, the Sister, Sister actress spoke candidly about her own experience in an abusive situation in hopes of addressing the “shame and guilt” that comes with them. On Twitter, she shared a clip from an interview where she said, “It takes courage to admit that you have been abused,” adding that the treatment of victims who decide to stay with their abusers usually keeps them from speaking out. “I’m a very strong woman. Even if you look at me like you’re gon’ to hit me, it’s over. You know, I walk out the door,” Harry said. She hopes to influence others, especially those dearest to her, to do the same.

“I wanna raise my, you know, kids and grandkids to have that strength,” she said. Amen to that!

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 22, 2023

Telfar Shakes Up The Fashion Industry With A New Collection and New Pricing System

Telfar is in high demand and, with a new pricing system, they’re letting the world know they aren’t going anywhere.

After a dramatic announcement on Twitter and Instagram, the Black-owned luxury handbag brand finally made it official – the price is going up! Their newest collection, dropping on Mar. 27, will come with a unique pricing system. Fast Company reported prices for the bags and accessories will be determined by popularity, with a pricing tool designed to keep the fastest-selling products on the cheaper side.

This new design reinforces the mission of founder, Telfar Clemens, to make his products affordable and accessible to anybody. “Many brands use price as a barrier to entry,” Clemens said. “I never wanted that for my brand.”

The brand has been a hot commodity in the fashion industry, setting the bar high for Black accessory designers. Celebrities from Chloe Bailey to Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé, have been seen sporting the colorful bags, which come in almost every color of the spectrum. With a variety of offerings, the products range in size and price, starting around $150.

Creative director, Babak Radboy, said that in the beginning, the team struggled with price points, as many brands were charging obscene amounts of money for things like hoodies. “The more we thought about it, the more it became clear that the pricing model in fashion doesn’t make any sense,” Radboy told Dazed.

“If we charge $600 for the hoodie, then only one class of person would buy it – the person who can afford it,” Radboy added.

The pricing for the new collection, consisting of handbags and garments for everyone, will start at the wholesale price and will increase over time. The final price at which the item sells will eventually decide the set cost for all future collections by Telfar.

by Stacy Jackson

March 22, 2023

Ari Lennox ‘Auditions’ For Live-Action ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Remake

Singer Ari Lennox is making it known where her head is at with her career. She is determined to play a Disney princess, but she’s being specific with her request – she wants the role of Princess Tiana in the rumored live-action remake of The Princess and the Frog.

Earlier this week, Lennox got intentional about her dream and took to Twitter to get the process started.

“Hi @Disney I’m Ari Lennox and I would love an opportunity to audition for Princess and The Frog in person. Here’s #AlmostThere by Anika Noni Rose,” she tweeted with a video of herself singing the song over the music track.

Lennox was all smiles after hitting the song’s long concluding note before she walked to the camera to cut the recording.

https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1637988965209853954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1637988965209853954%7Ctwgr%5E322f6f1d9098fc063990d064d19ff83bb2cbaa5f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vibe.com%2Fnews%2Fmovies-tv%2Fari-lennox-the-princess-and-the-frog-1234743635%2F

“I think that Ari’s voice is a voice that she can sing about many things that matter to a lot of people. Her voice is an important voice, and I think that it’s just the beginning for her,” singer and songwriter Babyface said during an episode of Angela Yee’s Lip Service podcast.

Ari Lennox isn’t the only name that has come up in the discussion for the role. Singer and Bel-Air star Coco Jones previously addressed fans who threw her name into the conversation to play Tiana. “Oh, I would love that,” she said during an appearance on The Wayne Ayers Podcast last year. “Disney has been such a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s made me who I am and I’m always here for the representation,” she said, adding, “If i could have the honor of doing that recreation, i would do it in a heartbeat.”

During an interview with PopBuzz last year, singer and actress Keke Palmer also threw her name into the mix to play the role. When asked if she would play Tiana she responded, “I would love to play Tiana. Call me up. Let’s go!”

Judge Approves $600 Million Settlement For Flint Water Crisis
by Booker Jones

March 22, 2023

Judge Approves $600 Million Settlement For Flint Water Crisis

According to Attorney General Dana Nessel, after two years, a judge has ordered the state of Michigan to pay $600 million to settle the lawsuits over Flint’s water crisis, The Hill reported. 

“This historic settlement cannot undo the unimaginable hardship and heartbreaking health effects these families and children in Flint have endured,” Nessel said to The Hill. “This ruling provides families with much- needed compensation for the injuries they have suffered. I am proud of my team’s tireless work on behalf of the people of Flint.”

Flint’s water crisis left 12 people dead after subjecting thousands of people to lead-contaminated water. Exposure to lead can cause kidney and brain damage, as well as other behavioral and health problems. 

This settlement comes nine years after former Michigan governor Rick Synder tried to save the city money by switching Flint’s water system from Detroit’s Lake Huron to the Flint River. According to The Michigan Advance, the change was done without taking any anti-corrosion measures, which caused oiled pipes to leak into the city’s water. 

According to The Michigan Advance, residents of Flint began to complain about discolored water, which caused rashes and hair loss. 

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission wrote, “The people of Flint have been subjected to unprecedented harm and hardship, much of it caused by structural and systemic discrimination and racism that have corroded your city, your institutions, and your water pipes, for generations.” 

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission added, “When the last of the civil lawsuits and the Attorney General’s criminal investigations are completed, and relief dollars from state and federal sources are exhausted, what will remain is a city and its people who will continue to fight against built-in barriers but whose voices — as a matter of public right — must never be stifled or quelled again.” 

Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant Invest In Tiger Woods’ TMRW Sports
by Iman Milner

March 22, 2023

Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant Invest In Tiger Woods’ TMRW Sports

Tiger Woods is making major moves in the sports media sector with his TMRW Sports venture. And now he’s adding some heavy hitters to help carry the load.

In August 2022, it was announced that Woods would partner with TMRW founders Mike McCarley and Rory McIlrory to launch the company that would “build technology-focused projects with a progressive approach to sports, entertainment and media.” The company, which is slated to officially debut in 2024, will also feature a tech-infused golf league – one that Woods is particularly excited about.

“As a big sports fan myself, I’m excited about blending golf with technology and team elements common in other sports,” Woods said in a statement about the partnership. “We all know what it’s like to be in a football stadium or a basketball arena where you can watch every play, every minute of action unfold right in front of you. It’s something that inherently isn’t possible in traditional golf.”

It seems that the five-time Masters champion’s involvement has caught the attention of some fellow sports legends. Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant (alongside his partner Rich Kleiman for their company 35V) have joined TMRW Sports as investors, according to a blog post. “The broadening appeal of what we are building with TMRW Sports continues to gain momentum as we welcome more investors with Shaq, Kevin and Dwyane to our team,” said McCarley, according to the blog post.

“As champions, they understand what it takes to build a great team. And I welcome their leadership, insight, and enthusiasm for what we’re developing as we reimagine sports through the lens of a new generation of connected fans. Plus, I can’t wait for the company pickup games.”

TMRW already boasts big names with the likes of Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Chris Paul, and Jayson Tatum.

Naomi Osaka Poses For Photos With Baby Bump In Japan
by Stacy Jackson

March 22, 2023

Naomi Osaka Poses For Photos With Baby Bump In Japan

That maternal glow is shining.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka was roaming her Japanese hometown when she decided to stop and take some photos showing off her baby bump.

According to photos posted to Instagram, Osaka was all smiles in a jersey top where her belly peeked out from under. Comfortable yet stylish, the professional athlete sported some printed baggy pants with a pair of stylish sneakers and a cap.

The photos accumulated a lot of love and support from followers. “Mama in Japan 🇯🇵😍 better not delete this!!!!!!!,” one user wrote. “You are serving with the baby bump rn,” a second user commented, while a third wrote, “Good to see normal life happening,” followed by three brown hearts. Other followers called the photos gorgeous, sent congratulations, and told Osaka she was glowing. Nike Women also commented a load of hearts from its Instagram page.

The Japan outing comes after Osaka made a previous appearance at the Super Bowl in Arizona last month. “Only Rihanna would get me to come out the house,” she wrote on her Instagram page.

Osaka announced her pregnancy with rapper Cordae on Instagram in January. “2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me and I hope I’ll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I’ll be at Aus 2024,” she wrote in a message to her fans alongside a photo of her sonogram. “Love you all infinitely.”

Tennis World USA reported that before Osaka’s pregnancy announcement, the tennis star hadn’t signed up to compete in any matches for the start of 2023 and withdrew her participation in the Australian Open.

“I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom’, haha,” she said in the January post.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 22, 2023

She’s Back! Brandy Makes Long-Awaited Return As Cinderella in New Disney+ Musical

Brandy made history as the first Black Disney princess when she starred as Cinderella in the 1997 television movie Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Now, 26 years later, the singer/actress is reprising her iconic role.

On Wednesday, Disney released an official first look at Descendants: The Rise of Red, where Brandy puts back on Cinderella’s signature glass slippers, Variety reported. Paolo Montalban, who played her Prince Charming in the 1997 TV movie, is also returning for the new musical where Charming now serves as king and Cinderella is queen.

First-look images and videos show Brandy and Montalban in their king and queen attire outside a massive castle where their characters rule the Auradon kingdom.

In the 1997 TV film, Brandy and Montalban starred alongside the late Whitney Houston, who played the Fairy Godmother. Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters, and Jason Alexander also appeared in the film that garnered seven Emmy nominations, ET reported.

The new musical film follows Chloe (Mia Baker), the lighthearted wide-eyed daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, who come together to travel back in time in an effort to prevent the destruction of their kingdom, Auradon.

Rita Ora will star as the Queen of Hearts, with additional cast members including China Anne McClain as Uma, daughter of The Little Mermaid‘s sea witch, Ursula; Morgan Dudley, who plays Ella, the younger version of Cinderella; and Melanie Paxson as the Fairy Godmother.

Disney has yet to announce a release date for the new musical that serves as the fourth installment of the Descendants franchise. The movies tell the stories of the children of Disney’s most infamous villains. The 2015 original debuted on the Disney Channel to over 6 million viewers, followed by two sequels that came out in 2017 and 2019.

Family of Man Who Wrongfully Spent 28 Years in Prison Receives $28M Settlement One Year After His Death
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 22, 2023

Family of Man Who Wrongfully Spent 28 Years in Prison Receives $28M Settlement One Year After His Death

The family of a Kentucky man who spent 28 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit has received the largest settlement in the state’s history.

William Virgil spent three decades professing his innocence in the 1987 murder of a Veterans Administration nurse in Newport, Kentucky. Last week, the city of Newport finally settled his wrongful conviction with a record-setting pretrial amount of $28 million, Courier-Journal reports.

The settlement comes over one year after Virgil died inside a hotel room in Cincinnati the night before a medical checkup. He was just shy of his 70th birthday and had been ill since his release from prison.

While Virgil didn’t live to receive his hefty settlement, his family is set to receive $28 million to settle his wrongful conviction lawsuit. It equates to $1 million for each year Virgil spent behind bars.

“William couldn’t live long enough to see justice,” Virgil’s attorney Elliot Slosar said.

“William as a human being and William’s case will have caused a significant change in the criminal justice system.”

The wrongful conviction stemmed from the 1987 rape and stabbing death of Retha Welch, 54, a Newport grandmother and prison minister who was murdered inside her apartment.

Virgil declared his innocence from the beginning and demanded DNA testing, where three semen specimens failed to match the man imprisoned for the rape and murder. In 2015, his conviction was overturned.

Virgil sued the city and police for wrongful conviction in 2016 and had his civil trial set for 2021 before it was delayed so officers could appeal, WCPO reports. He ended up passing away before the settlement was reached.

“We’ve spent the last half decade trying to show how William was framed for a crime he didn’t commit,” Slosar said.

“Our team did dozens of depositions and we got documents from all these police departments that were never turned over, and eventually, we were granted a trial.”

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