Gayle King Calls Out T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach’s ‘Sloppy Mess’ Affair on ‘GMA’
Gayle King is not here for T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach’s “sloppy mess” of an affair that has become the main attraction of GMA3.
Oprah Winfrey’s bestie, and CBS Mornings host, appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday night, where she was asked about how “all hell has broken loose” on her show’s rival, GMA3. King didn’t hold back while giving her two cents on Holmes and Robach’s extramarital affair.
“Oh gosh, of all the questions I was hoping you would not talk about,” King said. “I mean, I look at the situation and I do say it’s very interesting what’s happening over there.”
“It’s just gotten very messy and very sloppy. I do think that,” she quipped.
When news of the affair first hit the press, producers opted to keep Holmes and Robach on the air. But in the days since the scandal went public, decisions were made to pull the co-anchors off the show and put them on pause.
The new headlines surrounding the story, including allegations that Holmes carried on multiple in-office affairs over the years, had King calling out how “messy” the scandal has become.
“You know, because in the beginning I actually thought — listen, good on Good Morning America, they’re saying that they’re not taking them off the air, two consenting adults,” King said.
“But then the more you read, it’s just very messy.”
“To me, it’s a sad situation because you’ve got kids involved, you’ve got families involved and I keep thinking about that,” King continued. “I’m very concerned about that.”
Robach and Holmes have yet to officially comment on the drama, Peoplereports. They both deactivated their Instagram pages after the news of their romance broke.
The GMA3 hosts were “temporarily” pulled off the air on Dec. 5.
Ye’s Honorary Degree Rescinded After Making Repeated ‘Anti-Black’ and ‘Anti-Semitic’ Comments
With album titles like Graduation,Late Registration, and The College Dropout, Ye recently had an honorary degree revoked due to his recent controversies spewing anti-Semitic views.
In 2015, the music producer formerly known as Kanye West received an honorary college degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). In a statement released on Dec. 8, the school announced that the honor bestowed upon him had been taken away due to his recent behavior.
“The School of the Art Institute of Chicago condemns and repudiates Kanye West’s (now known as Ye) anti-Black, anti-Semitic, racist, and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities.”
“Ye’s actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values, and we’ve rescinded his honorary degree.”
According to CNN, a petition was started on the change.org platform by a group called Against Hate at SAIC.
The petition, in part, stated, “Regardless of his contribution prior to the receipt of this award, it is harmful to allow Ye, as he is presently known, to continue to use the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to help legitimize hatred and violence.
“This harm impacts the artists, designers and scholars affiliated to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and their values of justice, compassion, and free expression without hatred.”
Ye stated recently that he plans on making another presidential run in 2024. At a recent dinner with former president Donald Trump, he brought along two controversial figures, Milo Yiannopoulos, a right-wing extremist, and white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Ye stated that he went to ask the former president to run with him as his vice presidential candidate.
Meet the First Black Woman Executive Creative Producer of Walt Disney Imagineering Behind Tiana’s Bayou
With her latest project, Walt Disney’s Charita Carter leans into her passion every day to reimagine an iconic Black story for future generations to enjoy.
According to Forbes, this creative boss is celebrating her 26th year at Walt Disney – now as the first African American woman to hold the crown of executive creative producer of Walt Disney Imagineering.
“I have learned that I have staying power,” Carter told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“What I mean by that is I have been able to keep my eye on the goals I have set for myself, which shapes my approach to all challenges that I face.”
In tandem with Carter’s trailblazing accomplishment, a destination she found through continuous support and innovative passion, the mastermind is now leading the highly anticipated transformation of the beloved Splash Mountain into a Princess and the Frogattraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, picks up right where the film left off, taking guests on a journey inspired by the beloved story and characters from the hit animated movie The Princess and the Frog.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Since the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction was announced in 2020, Disney Parks has revealed a new scene in which guests can join “Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans,” per Disney Parks blog.
With glowing fireflies floating over the bayou, the joyful sounds of Louisiana-born zydeco music introduces the adorable duo to a band full of charming critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, and a turtle.
A first look at a new scene and some of the brand-new characters coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, coming to Magic Kingdom Park, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif., in 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. (Disney)
In executing this scenic attraction, Carter and her team of Imagineers have been hard at work capturing the authentic spirit of the princess.
“From the food, music, art and architecture of New Orleans to the diversity of its people and their traditions, there is so much from which to draw inspiration and we have done several research trips to get the story right,” Carter recalls about her visits to The Big Easy.
Image: Walt Disney Imagineering Team at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant / Courtesy of Disney
“We want Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to feel like you’ve stepped right into Tiana’s story. Even though Tiana is a character in a story, her culture and the place she comes from are real. We want this attraction to be a love letter to New Orleans, so it’s important that we approach this story in an authentic way by working with a diverse team and local experts,” she added.
Image: Charita Carter, Executive Creative Producer of Relevancy Activations at Walt Disney Imagineering / Courtesy of Disney
Growing up watching The Wonderful World of Disney on TV Sunday nights with her family in Southern California, Carter’s lasting memories are filled with family time and encouragement.
“I had seen all of the animated films of the princesses of the day, but I do not remember gravitating toward them,” Carter says. “I was taught by my family that I could do or be anything I wanted to be, and I was taught to be independent. However, to this day I am a hopeless romantic and perhaps the Disney princesses had a little to do with that.”
A young Carter learned very early to superimpose herself onto the characters she liked, despite the lack of Black representation on screen.
“It was all I knew and served as a constant reminder that I was very unique,” Carter says.
The upcoming attraction strives to bring people of different backgrounds together through recreating the timeless Princess Tiana story.
“I was so thrilled that Disney had a Black princess who was uniquely different beyond her ethnicity, and she was so relatable,” Carter says. “I also understood the implication and the impact Tiana would have on the young, and young at heart for the African American community.”
While living with budding passion, Carter’s latest responsibility is just part of her full-circle journey.
“I believe that bringing Tiana to the parks is one more opportunity to have a role model that all can relate to, who looks like me,” Carter tOLD black enterprise.
“In some ways, I feel the story of Tiana is one more tool I have, to be known as a Black woman and to help shape people’s initial perception of me and females like me,” she added.
Today, Carter brings a history of serving as an accountant in her current company to finance manager for the creative division, by not only taking the initiative but impressing creative leadership with her talents.
“And my ability to earn the trust of the teams I lead,” Carter says. “My secret sauce is to lead from a place of passion and love. My aim is always to create an environment where the people I am leading can thrive, and that requires looking for the treasure within, like leadership initially did with me. Finally, genuine passion combined with world-class talent is a recipe for Disney Magic.”
From brainstorming and development to refining and installation, Carter’s boss moves have landed her in a position to become a role model
“You have to take ownership of your vision and there’s a reason you have that vision,” Carter advises.
“You owe yourself to be courageous and lean into it because you don’t know what impact that will have on the world. The key is to overcome fear and be bold rather than to never have stepped out at all.”
Tennis Legend Serena Williams Promises New Wellness Brand ‘Will Perform’
The recently retired Serena Williams has introduced a new product to help athletes, and active people in general, find some relief while they recover.
The legendary tennis champion has partnered with Hank Mercier, a seasoned CPG (consumer packaged goods) executive, and Eric Ryan, the entrepreneur behind the eco-friendly household brand, method; nutrition brand, OLLY; and first aid brand, Welly.
Collectively, the trio has launched Will Perform, a line of clean, cruelty-free topical pain relief and daily muscle-care solutions that are designed to reimagine recovery.
“Recovery has played an integral role in my performance and professional success. It’s a practice that can benefit anyone with an active lifestyle. That belief is what inspired us to develop a line of products that targets your muscles and can be incorporated into your daily self-care routine,” Williams said in a written statement.
Will Perform has five products that span four categories: WILL Relieve, WILL Cool, WILL Rest, and WILL Soothe. Products included under WILL Relieve and WILL Cool offer pain relief. The WILL Rest and WILL Soothe items deliver daily skin and muscle care. Will Perform launched on Dec. 8, and will be available for purchase at Target stores and on Target.com starting on Dec. 18.
“I love transforming the mundane into a new experience that consumers will be excited to incorporate into their daily lives,” said Co-Founder Eric Ryan. “You can’t expect people to adopt a ritual if it’s not enjoyable, and that’s where Will Perform feels truly disruptive. These are beautifully designed and thoughtfully formulated self-care products that consumers will look forward to using.”
The tennis great was recently honored at this year’s Portrait of a Nation Award, along with her sister, Venus Williams, and award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay.Established in 2015, the award recognizes people who have made transformative contributions to the country and its people.
The honorees had their portraits displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, honoring the extraordinary contributions these individuals have made in their respective fields during a special red-carpet gathering.
Newly Elected Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Denied D.C. Apartment Due To Bad Credit
Maxwell Frost, the newly elected representative for Florida’s 10th Congressional District, said he was denied an apartment in Washington, D.C. due to bad credit.
Axios reports that Frost said his bad credit is the result of him taking on debt while spending a year and a half running for Congress and that he was even forced to drive for Uber.
“Just applied to an apartment in D.C. where I told the guy that my credit was really bad. He said I’d be fine. Got denied, lost the apartment, and the application fee,” Frost tweeted Thursday. “This ain’t meant for people who don’t already have money.”
Kevin Lata, who managed Frost’s campaign, told Axios Frost told the building’s management he was an incoming representative and the House sent a verification letter to the building’s management. Lata did not name the building, but said it was located in the Navy Yard section of D.C., an upscale neighborhood along the Anacostia River.
According to Zumper, as of December 3, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Navy Yard section of Washington, D.C. is $2,800, a 13% increase from 2021. Frost’s annual salary as a member of Congress is $174,000, meaning he would be spending more than 15% of his salary on rent, something the majority of U.S. renters know too well.
PBR reports 49% of U.S. renters spent at least 30% of their household income on housing costs in 2020.
Other politicians experienced similar situations when moving to D.C. after being elected. In 2018, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also couldn’t afford an apartment in D.C. The politician also opposed and defeated Amazon’s second headquarters which was slated for Queens, NY.
While former New York City MayorBill de Blasio said the headquarters would add 25,000 jobs to the area, the Queen’s rep. questioned the validity of that figure and cited a report showing the tech giant pays $0 in federal taxes
“$0 for schools. $0 for firefighters. $0 for infrastructure. $0 for research and healthcare,” she tweeted at the time. “Why should corporations that contribute nothing to the pot be in a position to take billions from the public?
According to Phoenix, the creator – Cameron-James Wilson, a white man – is being criticized for profiting off of a Black model’s digital career.
Wilson, a professional retoucher in reality, used 3D modeling software such as Daz3D, Photoshop, and garment simulation software Clo3D, to create the fictional model, which he said is inspired by Black icons such as Naomi Campbell, Alex Wek, and Iman.
Wilson has been receiving profits, too, because, according to The Outlet, Shudu has been featured in Vogue, Hypebeast, V Magazine, and WWD within the first two years of her career. Wilson said his Black supermodel has also fronted campaigns for Balmain and Ellesse. Additionally, Shudu made an appearance on the red carpet at the 2019 BAFTA awards in a Swarovski gown.
Shudu has also released her own record and was named one of the most influential people on the internet by Time.
That’s what you’re enabling Lensa to do when you give them your likeness. The more images you give it, the smarter and more lifelike it becomes. In addition to deepfakes or putting your face somewhere it’s never been or saying something you’d never say—AI is also Blackface.
However, some disagree with the critics, and believe the concept creates more jobs for real Black models.
Phoenix reported that Jamaican model, Misty Bailey, a human talent signed to D1 Models in London, stands in as one of Wilson’s muses for Shudu. Bailey originally discovered Shudu on Instagram and began working with Wilson and his creation within a year.
Bailey believes critics who condemn Cameron for being a white male and creating an idealized Black woman are a bit racist.
“I think that’s a bit racist to be honest, because how can you tell someone what colour or race they should create? I don’t think it makes any sense,” she said.
“I believe they are racist with that. Because there are photographers working with black models, designers working with black models, that are not black. Why should there be any difference?”
According to The New York Times, earlier this summer, AI-generated rapper FN Meka was dropped from Capitol Records after the concept received major backlash for exhibiting stereotypical Black behaviors under the control of white people.
“We offer our deepest apologies to the Black community for our insensitivity in signing this project without asking enough questions about equity and the creative process behind it,” the company said in a statement. “We thank those who have reached out to us with constructive feedback in the past couple of days — your input was invaluable as we came to the decision to end our association with the project.”
This Ex-Navy Drone Operator Is Now Working With Lizzo: ‘Anything In This World Is Attainable’
Disclaimer: This story has been republished with permission from Entrepreneur.com.
Back in 2018, Taylor Character, aka HoneyLuv, was operating drones for the Navy at a base in Malibu, Calif.
“Being in the military made me a lot more organized,” the Cleveland native told Billboard.
“I would also say being more diligent, not allowing myself to slack, and to be on top of everything — a self-starter and motivator.”
She used her newfound discipline to teach herself how to DJ, a skill that would pay off big time. In just two short years, HoneyLuv has toured at EDM festivals around the country and produced remixes for such artists as Diplo and Lizzo.
“Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t possible. Anything in this world is attainable,” HoneyLuv said.
After leaving the military, HoneyLuv made her first debut by spinning Hip Hop and R&B music on Dash Radio as a Guest DJ for celebrity trainer Corey Calliet’s “Issa Lifestyle” radio show. She also began regularly spinning at Flamingo Deck, a club in San Diego.
Her sets caught the ear of a former talent agent who booked her at The Day Trip Festival in Los Angeles. Her career began to take off from there.
HoneyLuv hired a business manager, which she said is one of the wisest moves she’s ever made.
“To have someone there to help guide you business-wise makes it so much easier,” she told Billboard.
Her manager booked HoneyLuv huge tours, such as Desert Hearts and the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, where she was the only Black artist in the entire lineup.
In July, HoneyLuv dropped an impossibly-titled tech house single called “Thr33 6ix 5ive.” The song has been streamed on Spotify more than 5 million times.
This month, HoneyLuv will release a remix of Lizzo’s song, “Everybody’s Gay.”
“I’m a huge Lizzo fan. Just what she stands for,” HoneyLuv said in a profile in The New York Times.
She hopes her success will inspire more Black female DJs to join the party.
“It’s up to us to continue the legacy in hopes we can inspire more and more people to join this community and enjoy the music.”
Writer Michael Harriot Calls Out Van Jones, Says He Did Apologize to Jewish People For Black Folks
Writer Michael Harriot, with receipts in hand, called out CNN’s Van Jones for lying about being misquoted by a reporter at Jewish publication earlier this week in a keynote address delivered to a Jewish organization.
Harriot took to his Twitter account earlier this week to blast Jones and provided proof, along with audio that the commentator wasn’t exactly being honest. Jones defended himself while thanking the reporter who retracted an earlier statement saying that Jones apologized to the Jewish community at a dinner in New York City on Monday.
The controversy transpired earlier this week when Jacob Kornbluh, a senior political reporter for the Jewish publication The Forward, went to his Twitter account and wrote that Jones had apologized for the “silence” of Black people for not chastising Ye after he stated that he loved Hitler on the right-wing program infowars.
The artist formerly known as Kanye West also remarked that the Jewish community should forgive the racist German leader for his atrocities against Jewish people in Germany.
In a now-deleted Tweet, Kornbluh walked back his initial comments and posted a clarification that Jones did not make an apology.
did not apologize for alleged Black silence about Kanye. To the contrary: he stressed that many in his community are speaking out forcefully. In speech, he said he was sorry that he + others didn’t do more before Kanye. Apologies for any confusion.”
Jones acknowledged the post and replied back to Kornbluh:
. If I HAD said Black folks weren’t holding Kanye/Ye accountable, that woulda been a lie—coz zillions of us HAVE condemned Ye. Let’s stick together and get louder vs hate.”
If I HAD said Black folks weren’t holding Kanye/Ye accountable, that woulda been a lie—coz zillions of us HAVE condemned Ye. Let’s stick together and get louder vs hate. https://t.co/g6MUkIi1vM
He wrote that Jones was a “boldfaced liar” who contacted Black media outlets to try to “get them to retract a story” yet, he did not do the same toward the white media outlets. Harriot also provided the transcript of his speech as well as the audio clip of Jones saying the statement he denied making in his Tweet.
This tweet was gonna be a thread about a boldfaced liar who called Black media outlets to get them to retract a story, including MY BOSS, but left the white media outlets alone. Then I thought about it and said:
On Thursday, Harriot followed up on what he posted the previous day.
While I would never call myself the spokesperson for Black people, I like to think of myself as the spokesperson for Black people who do not consider Van Jones to be the spokesperson for Black people
Watch: Video Footage Shows Brittney Griner Returning to American Soil
After a long detainment, Brittney Griner is back on U.S. soil.
A video was released earlier today showing WNBA player Brittney Griner exiting an aircraft. According to CNN, the formerly imprisoned Griner touched down in San Antonio, Texas, this morning after being swapped for convicted Russian gun dealer Viktor Bout known as the “Merchant of Death.”
The news comes less than 24 hours after Russian media released video clips of Griner preparing to board an airplane to be exchanged for Bout.
Brittney Griner is now back on U.S. soil and has just landed in San Antonio, Texas. pic.twitter.com/vYD0xCCbeg
Media outlets have started to show videos of Griner exiting the aircraft in Texas where she lives. There is no word on who greeted her or any other arrangements. Russian media released edited videos Thursday showing the moment the two former prisoners were exchanged before they were escorted to the waiting aircraft.
The FSB published footage of the exchange of American Brittney Griner for Russian Viktor Bout. pic.twitter.com/tDQKedqnru
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Roger D. Carstens tweeted Griner’s return this morning via his Twitter account.
So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. Welcome home BG!
— U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Roger D. Carstens (@StateSPEHA) December 9, 2022
CBS News reported that the newly freed Griner was flown to Kelly Field in San Antonio. As is standard for prisoners who have been jailed in another country, the Phoenix Mercury player will undergo a medical evaluation.
The WNBA star is returning home after spending the last 10 months in Russia being detained for possessing vape canisters with cannabis oil. She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in February as Russia began its war with Ukraine.
President Joe Biden released a statement yesterday regarding the athlete’s return to the United States.
“After months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under intolerable circumstances, Brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along. This is a day we’ve worked toward for a long time. We never stopped pushing for her release.”
The prisoner swap took place in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Martell Cognac Taps Fe, Founder Of Womenswear Brand Fe Noel, To Create One-Of-A-Kind Sneaker Designs Using Signature Color Theory And Brainwave Technology
Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, is proud to announce “The Martell Sneaker Atelier,” a holiday experience that draws inspiration from a French tradition that encourages placing shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts by morning.
Blending tradition with modern-day sneaker culture and high fashion, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Fe, founder of womenswear brand Fe Noel and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund recipient, will introduce brainwave technology to inform one-of-a-kind sneaker designs as unique as the individual.
As a brand committed to forward-motion and reinvention, Martell Cognac keeps its legacy fresh by partnering with cultural architects and multifaceted minds like Fe to twist tradition in elegantly modern yet unexpected ways. A mainstay in New York culture widely remembered for her historic role in conceptualizing NBA All-Star LeBron James’ first all-female designed sneaker–Fe is no newcomer to the realm of bold design and set to “make waves” this season. Together, Martell and Fe are embarking on another first: redefining personalized footwear.
“I truly believe that fashion is a language of cultural self-expression and individuality. It’s a way to communicate who you are and where you’ve come from,” said Fe.
“With this collaboration, my main objective is for people to feel good in their own skin by embracing their most precious memories and unapologetically celebrating their inner “Standout Swift” with wearable art.”
Since the founding of Martell, the cognac producer has been pushing the boundaries of innovation, as embodied by a category first: Martell Blue Swift. As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell Blue Swift is a celebration of the brand’s historic ties with the U.S., made of V.S.O.P cognac matured in French oak casks and finished in American whiskey barrels.
“Like the ‘Swift’ that adorns each bottle, Martell Blue Swift is crafted for those who soar higher, those who – like Fe Noel – are boldly redefining convention,” says Charlotte Raux, Senior Brand Manager, Martell Cognac at Pernod Ricard USA. “Fe has mastered the ability to bottle up culture with her fashion, making her the perfect creative partner for a holiday experience that marries technology with design for the ultimate gift of self-expression.”
(Image: Courtesy)
Just in time for the holidays, Martell invites consumers to experience “The Martell Sneaker Atelier,” a one-day only consumer event on Dec. 14, 2022, at SNS New York, located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Attendees 21 and over can sip festive Martell Blue Swift cocktails and while time permits, enjoy a complimentary sneaker cleaning from Jason Markk, pioneer and most-trusted name in premium shoe care.
Brainwave sensing headsets will interpret positive holiday memories into vibrant patterns incorporating Fe’s signature color palettes before translated into truly unique sneaker designs. Each sneaker will be hand painted live on-site and receive a finishing touch by Fe, custom gold charms designed in collaboration with New York-based jewelry artist Johnny Nelson.
Consumers are encouraged to sign up at https://themartellsneakeratelier.rsvpify.com and arrive early, as well as bring a pair of blank-canvas, white, leather sneakers. A selection of new sneaker options from SNS will also be available for purchase onsite.
To learn more about Martell Cognac, visit https://www.martell.com/en-us or follow at @martellusa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
