• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2022

Lizzo To Receive ‘The People’s Champion’ Award At 2022 People’s Choice Awards

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Lizzo is adding to her list of awards and accolades with a special honor she’s set to receive at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards.

Last week, it was announced that the three-time Grammy Award-winner would receive “The People’s Champion” award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, Variety reports. Lizzo has been nominated for five People’s Choice Awards but has yet to take one home.

Now, a culmination of her success in music and consistent advocacy for body positivity and racial inclusion has garnered her first People’s Choice Award, which holds a special honor. “She leads with kindness, advocates for inclusivity and champions increased diversity and equity in the industry and beyond,” Cassandra Tryon, senior vice president of entertainment live Events for NBC Universal Television and Streaming, said.

“Her commitment to breaking barriers and empowering others to use their own voices to create change makes her a true ‘People’s Champion.’”

The About Damn Time hitmaker is being awarded “for her groundbreaking contributions to music and television, as well as her commitment to championing overall diversity and inclusivity across race, gender, sexuality, and size,” according to a statement shared by Billboard.

Lizzo could bring home more than one award, as she’s also been nominated in four music categories and one television category. Her nominations include the female artist of 2022, the song of 2022 (About Damn Time), the album of 2022 (Special), and the social celebrity of 2022.

The Detroit native’s Prime Video show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is also nominated for the competition show of 2022. Lizzo currently has three Grammys for best pop solo performance for Truth Hurts, best traditional R&B performance for Jerome, and best urban contemporary album for the deluxe edition of Cuz I Love You.

She’s nominated for four Grammys for the 2023 awards show, including Record of The Year and Song of the Year.

The 2022 People’s Choice Awards will be hosted by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson and will air live on NBC and E! at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 6.

Cocktails with Queens is back on Fox Soul, and hosts Claudia Jordan, LisaRaye McCoy, and Syleena Johnson sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to dish on where they’re looking to take the new season.

The culture’s favorite Queens are back each week to share their latest thoughts on pop culture, recent headlines, and deep dives with your favorite celebrities. From the sounds of it, the Queens aren’t too pleased with the current state of the culture and want to shed some light on how we can all play a part in elevating our communities.

“We are in some dark times right now,” LisaRaye said. “And we got people co-signing that it’s okay. And it’s cute to be gross.”

The Queens are all veterans in show business with 30 years of reputable work under their belts. Looking at the younger generation of socialites and influencers, the Queens think there’s misrepresentation regarding how women are gaining fame and popularity these days.

“I say this all the time we are in a race to the bottom, who can out ratchet each other, who can outgrow each other, who can be less classy and more of a problem,” LisaRaye quipped.

“Everyone’s on “demon time.” Wait, let me just take that back. It’s not everyone. It’s the people that are getting attention.”

When it comes to the current state of the culture, the ladies believe it’s extremely important to have shows like Cocktails With Queens to help speak much-needed truth to power on issues within the Black community.

“I think we want to shed some light on some of the buffoonery,” LisaRaye said. “And what I mean by that is, is that we’ll pose the question and just wait and sit on it. Like, this is what you’re doing. This is what you’re saying. This is what you are showcasing as an example to the younger generation, and your kids, and everyone else that’s out there watching you; this is what you’re doing. Is this what you mean?”

Looking back on the guidance she received from her elders growing up, LisaRaye hopes the Queens can provide that same level of guidance to the new generation.

“Hopefully having us four women of age, and experience and maturity will allow the younger generation to just hear our perspective,”she said.

“Because sometimes I find myself saying, like my mother, but there’s a reason for that.”

Press play to learn more about the new season of Cocktails With Queens, and be sure to tune in to Fox Soul every Monday at 5:00 PM (PT) / 8:00 PM (ET).

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2022

R. Kelly’s Former Manager Receives 20 Month Sentence For Threatening a Victim of Singer

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A former manager of embattled R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to a 20-month prison sentence for harassing and intimidating one of his victims.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Department of Justice from the Eastern District of New York, Donnell Russell was handed the sentence after pleading guilty over the summer.

On Thursday, United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly gave Russell the sentence after he was charged with one count of interstate stalking.

He was involved in a plot to harass, intimidate, and cause emotional distress to Jane Doe, a victim in the racketeering case against Kelly.

Russell was a self-described manager, adviser, and friend of the I Believe I Can Fly crooner. He harassed and threatened Jane Doe and her mother after she filed a civil lawsuit against R. Kelly. When he found out she would be testifying against Kelly, Russell continued harassing her.

“For more than a year, the defendant engaged in a vicious campaign to harass, humiliate and threaten the victim in order to force her to dismiss her lawsuit against R. Kelly and stop speaking publicly about him,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said.

“The punishment meted out to the defendant today is a victory for crime victims, particularly those of sexual assault and abuse, who are often reluctant to come forward to law enforcement or pursue legal recourse, given the trauma and fear of retaliation associated with publicly discussing their experiences.”

Russell reportedly threatened to release sexually explicit pictures of the victim in his possession. He wanted her to withdraw a lawsuit against Kelly to avoid him publicly sharing the photos.

In a different court case, Kelly was found guilty by a jury of his peers on nine counts of federal racketeering and sex trafficking. He was sentenced to a 30-year prison sentence in June.

• News

by Eric Moody

November 18, 2022

Al Roker Reveals Scary Health Condition As Reason For Television Absence From Today Show

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Beloved television personality and Today Show weatherman Al Roker has told his fan base why he has been absent from the air for the past few weeks.

The 68-year-old took to his Instagram and shared a photo of a bouquet of flowers sitting next to an NBC News Weather mug.

In the personalized post, the father of three shared that he had been hospitalized following a scary health condition.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Al Roker (@alroker)

“So many of you have been thoughtfully asking where I’ve been. Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg, which sent some clots into my lungs,” Roker wrote in his Instagram post. “After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers, and hope to see you soon. Have a great weekend, everyone.”

Roker’s wife, Deborah Roberts, commented on his post with words of encouragement as he works to overcome his medical condition.

“So grateful for the top-notch medical care and prayer warriors from every corner. We love you dearly, sweet Al, and can’t wait to get you home,” Roberts wrote.

The support did not stop there on Roker’s post as many others, including The Today Show co-stars, also offered their words of comfort and support.

“Al Roker– hurry back to us… counting the days xoxoxo,” Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb wrote.

Today Show co-anchor Craig Melvin also shared his words of comfort for the beloved weatherman.

“Love you brother… can’t wait to have you back!” he expressed.

Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie commented, “You’re the strongest person we know. We miss you and will see you soon!!”

Anchors are wishing @alroker a speedy recovery❤️ pic.twitter.com/iFqVNAZyZI

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 18, 2022

The Today Show cast spoke more about Roker’s condition on air during Friday’s taping.

“He’s in good spirits. We’ve all talked to him,” Guthrie said.

 Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer added, “The first time I called him, he immediately said, ‘Hey, Dilly Dill, how are the boys?’ That’s classic Al.”

As of now, Roker is still scheduled to host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for NBC on Thursday, according to Entertainment News.

• News

by Niko Mann

November 18, 2022

FBI Launches Investigation Into Death Of Shanquella Robinson

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According to USA Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson.

Robinson was found dead on Oct. 29 inside a villa in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, after going on vacation with a group of friends.

A graphic video of Robinson being beaten up by another woman, later identified as Daejhanae Jackson, circulated on social media. While BLACK ENTERPRISE will not post the video because Robinson is nude, she appears to be trying to get away from Jackson as she’s repeatedly punched and kicked in the head.

The man recording the beating could be heard saying, “Quella, can you at least fight back?”

The autopsy report stated that Robinson died of a cracked spine and broken neck. Robinson’s parents, Bernard and Salamondra Robinson, said their daughter left her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 28 to vacation with her friends and died less than 24 hours later. Her mother said Shanquella’s friends called her to say she had died from alcohol poisoning.

“I spoke with her Friday evening she was having dinner and I never spoke with her again,” said Robinson’s mother.

“On Saturday evening, they called and said she wasn’t feeling well, and they were going to call a doctor. And when they called, the doctor hadn’t arrived yet, but they said she had alcohol poisoning.”

After the Robinsons contacted the FBI and the authorities in Mexico, they learned the truth about their daughter’s cause of death.

“When the autopsy came back, they said it didn’t have anything to do with the alcohol. They said that she had a broken neck and her spine in the back was cracked. She had been beaten.”

The group of friends left Mexico without the body of their friend. Her mother said that Robinson’s body is now back in the United States after two weeks and $6,000 spent. In addition to Jackson, the other people on the trip were identified as Khalil Cooke, Malik Dyer, Wenter Donovan, Alysse Hyatt, and Nazeer Wiggins.

“She had a heart of gold. She loved everybody, and pretty much everybody loved her,” said Salamondra Robinson.

• Technology

by Derek Major

November 18, 2022

#RIPTwitter: Elon Musk Sees Mass Exodus Of Employees After Ultimatum Deadline Passes

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Twitter saw a mass exodus of employees Thursday after a deadline set by new owner Elon Musk for the remaining staff to commit to the company passed.

CNN reported that hundreds of the remaining employees at the social media site rejected Musk’s ultimatum to work “extremely hardcore,” which included long, intense hours and weekends – throwing the communications platform into utter disarray and raising numerous questions about how much longer it will survive.

The ultimatum came days after Musk laid off half the company’s 7,500 employees, cut thousands of contractors, and fired employees who publicly criticized him on the site.

In less than a month since Musk finalized his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, the site has gone from one of the world’s most popular social media sites to what could be its dying days .

“They will struggle just to keep the lights on,” a former Twitter executive told CNN.

The departure of employees has also brought concerns about how the site is currently being run and where user data is being kept. That has brought politicians into the situation, as a group of Democratic senators wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging an investigation into Twitter. The letter addressed concerns that the company may be violating the terms of a previous settlement with the FTC, stemming from past privacy violations.

Users on the site began using the hashtag #RIPTwitter as they cursed Musk and tried to get contact information from followers before the site shuts down for good.

Even Musk seemed to realize the gravity of the situation, as he relaxed his strong stance against working remotely, telling employees they can work from home as long as their “manager takes responsibility for ensuring that you are making an excellent contribution.”

However, the reversal did not appear to have helped bring employees back. One employee who rejected Musk’s work ultimatum told CNN, “People don’t want to sacrifice their mental health and family lives to make the richest man in the world richer.”

According to multiple reports, Musk has brought over more than 50 employees from his other company, Tesla. The social media giant could not respond to requests for a comment, as its entire communications team had left the company. Musk, however, responded to the situation in a Tweet.

“How do you make a small fortune in social media?” Musk asked. “Start out with a large one.”

A woman in search of an epic dress for a big event never expected to be wearing one of her favorite singer’s gowns.

Atlanta-based author and poet Aurielle Marie received a special package from singer Lizzo when she was struggling to find a dress to wear for an event in New York City, where she was to be honored by Out Magazine. According to Today, Marie posted a TikTok opening up Lizzo’s glamorous 2019 American Music Awards dress.

“Shut up,” Marie said in the video as she posed with the gown.

“Not me in Lizzo’s dress!” she yelled.

“I might’ve gotten a few tears on your dress @lizzo, my bad babe! Words dont suffice, and thank you isnt enough. But THANK YOU! I’m speechless. Y’all! A b—- is certified LIZZO SIZED!!!!!! And LOOK AT THIS GOWN! @Out Magazine here i come [sic],” Marie wrote in the caption.

@auriellebewritin

Replying to @noirediamonds i might’ve gotten a few tears on your dress @lizzo, my bad babe! Words dont suffice, and thank you isnt enough. But THANK YOU! I’m speechless. Y’all! A bitch is certified LIZZO SIZED!!!!!! And LOOK AT THIS GOWN! @Out Magazine here i come! #fyp #foryou #lizzo

♬ 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) – Lizzo

The poet reached out to Lizzo on Tiktok in October requesting to borrow the singer’s Emmy dress for the Out Magazine gala, where Marie was being honored as one of Out100’s LGBTQ+ Literary and Publishing Stars of the year.

“I can’t find anything, anywhere that is big b—- and red carpet ready,” she said in the October video.

“And I need to show out,” she says in the clip.

“I know you know how it feels to be the biggest b—- in the room and all the scrutiny and hyper-visibility that comes with that because I’ve watched you talk about it. But I can’t lie, the longer I go without something to wear, the less I want to be there,” Marie added.

After the video reached Lizzo, she responded with her own TikTok, revealing she could not send the Emmy’s dress because she ripped it during her speech at the awards show. “My AMAs dress was very similar to my Emmys dress and just as cute, honestly. So I found it in my storage, I got it cleaned, and shipped it out,” Lizzo said in another TikTok video.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/7166784391945915690?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7166784391945915690&web_id=7125009791635211822

Lizzo responded to Marie on Twitter after she saw her wearing the dress, saying it was her “absolute pleasure” to send it.

@auriellebewritin

Feeling ready 2 be loved in the gown Lizzo let me borrow. This whole thing has been a dream and I’m so grateful to yall. Tik Tok MADE IT HAPPEN! Photos: Hamadi Price Makeup: Pearl Dress: designed by D.Auxilly for Lizzo’s 2019 AMA performance

♬ 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) – Lizzo

• Lifestyle

by Atiya Jordan

November 18, 2022

Viral Video: TikToker Reads ‘Racist, Misogynistic, Trump-Loving’ White Father For Filth at His Funeral

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A biracial 19-year-old TikToker, whose pronouns are they/them, read their white father for filth at his funeral and stands firmly on the decision.

According to The National Desk (TND), the TikToker named Saga (saginthesunforever) is a self-proclaimed “Black Supremacist.” They recently went viral for calling their father a “racist” and “misogynistic” Trump supporter, among other insults, during his funeral roughly a month ago.

The video, posted by Saga, has surpassed 1.7 million views so far, per the outlet. Though their account is private, social media caught wind, and the video was retweeted several times.

This video of this girl is going viral on tiktok. She let her father have it at his funeral. Whew

Tiktok source: saginthesunforever pic.twitter.com/YZPWUxk28h

— Jason (U mad) (@EmperorTChalla) November 10, 2022

In a Nov. 9 video captioned, “POV: you’re in the audience watching me refuse to sing the praises of a shit person at their funeral,” Saga is seen front and center on what appears to be a stage. They are reading from a speech prepared to let their father have it in front of the guests and the world.

“Dad, please know that while I am grateful and highly aware of all that you’ve given this family, I still don’t miss you,” Saga said.

“When you died, I felt like there was a hole. I missed something, but it wasn’t you. It was the idea of what you could [have] become. I missed being able to hope and wish that one day you’d turn a corner and see the world from my perspective.”

In defense of the shameless speech, Saga told TND they spoke their truth despite the time and place. They want to inspire others to do the same “no matter what dissenting opinions would say.”

“Funerals and speeches are to provide solace to the people giving them. My solace was in my truth.”

“It was in expressing and condemning all of the trauma my father has caused me and expressing my grief the way I needed to express it,” Saga explained.

“Some people think the funeral wasn’t the right place but what was the right place?”

“When EVER would I get another opportunity to speak my truth and not just on TikTok to a screen but REALLY speak it. A part of me wanted to prove to myself that I had the bravery and the balls to be able to stand in my truth and belt it out to whoever could hear which is why I did it.”

• Health and Wellness

by Stacy Jackson

November 18, 2022

America’s Got Talent Fan Favorite Roslyn Singleton Dies From Brain Cancer At 39

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One half of a beloved couple who shed light on the world and encouraged people to love without limits has earned her angel wings.

Roslyn Singleton, a fan favorite on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and The Ellen Degeneres Show, died on Tuesday at 39. Singleton appeared on AGT, where her husband, Ray Singleton, was a former contestant.

According to People, Roslyn’s husband shared on Instagram that she underwent several rounds of treatment for brain cancer.

“WELL DONE!! Our wife earned her wings yesterday while peacefully sleeping right at home where she wanted to be,” he wrote. “This road ahead is going to be INCREDIBLY long & difficult!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ray Singleton, MEd (@willie_qool)

The couple became famous in 2020 after Ray posted a video of himself serenading Roslyn with Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” before she went into brain surgery.

Hollywood Life reported that the Singletons appeared on Ellen’s show in 2020, where Roslyn revealed she was diagnosed in 2013.

“It was Stage 3 the first time and the tumor was the size of an orange,” she explained during the show.

After going into remission for six years, the brain tumor returned in 2020, beginning cancer treatments after having it removed immediately.

Singleton also opened up about her cancer diagnosis earlier this year during an interview with Novant Health. “Whenever there’s something going on in my life, God always puts the right people just right in front of me to make it a little easier,” she explained.

“I know what God can do. My constant statement to him is: ‘Prove them wrong, prove them wrong,'” she added.

“She taught us all SOMETHING… She’s where we’re all trying to get one day so no need to be sad! Now we celebrate her legacy, her impact, her story & HER SPIRIT! She will LIVE FOREVER!! #LongLiveRos,” he continued in his post.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

November 18, 2022

‘This Was For Us To Do Together’: Nene Leakes Seeks Buyers For Atlanta Lounge After Son’s Stroke

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In the aftermath of her son’s stroke, Nene Leakes is looking for interested buyers to make a bid on the live entertainment lounge she runs in Duluth, Georgia.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum opened The Linnethia Lounge in 2020 with her son, Brentt Leakes, and her late husband, Gregg Leakes, according to Shadow and Act, and now she wants to sell amid Brentt’s recovery in a rehabilitation center.

The lounge has hosted Sunday brunches, industry events, and more for famous friends, including rappers Migos and Trina.

In an interview with The Larry Reid Show last month, the “Uncle Drew” actress explained her son’s sickness has prompted her to give up the lounge despite her son not wanting that to happen.

“I don’t want to run the business without them,” she told Reid. “This was for us to do together.”

In September 2021, Gregg passed away at 66 after a long battle with colon cancer, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported. At the time, his grieving wife shared an emotional update about his health at the lounge and asked for love and prayers.

More than a year later, the 54-year-old fashion designer revealed that her then 23-year-old son, Brentt, was hospitalized with congestive heart failure and a stroke. She took to Instagram, explaining to her followers that the doctors handling his care were trying to determine if the congestive heart failure may have been caused by drugs and/or alcohol, COVID-19, or possibly an infection. They tested him for all of these factors, but Leakes didn’t go into further details.

In a separate video published last month, Leakes said maintaining her club would be too much on her.

“We have sat and talked about selling the lounge now because it’s something that Brentt runs along with me. I got in the business with him and Gregg and some other friends to do it. And this is just a lot right now on me,” Leakes explained.

“So if there’s anybody out there that’s possibly interested in the lounge, send them my way if they are interested in purchasing. It’s very possible that we will sell the lounge because it is something I shared with Brent after Gregg’s passing.”