Police officers were seen at Will Smith’s mansion in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon after reportedly answering a call alleging a drone was flying through the neighborhood.

According to the New York Post, the police were called to investigate the alleged sighting of a flying drone in the ritzy community. At least one police vehicle was seen at the 53-year-old actor’s house. Deputies have stated that they could not locate the reported drone, according to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department.

Authorities weren’t sure who placed the phone call.

“It could have been [the Smiths] or their neighbor,” the spokesperson said.

“We just sent that unit over there to try to locate the drone and see if there was a paparazzi or what was going on, but when the deputies got there, they couldn’t locate the drone. It had already left the area.”

After Smith delivered a slap to the face of Chris Rock at Sunday’s Academy Awards presentation, the comedian declined to bring charges against the rapper-turned-actor, according to police officials.

Smith did, however, issue an apology to Rock earlier this week.

Smith took to his Instagram account and acknowledged his action while apologizing to the man he hit at the Academy Awards show.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.

“I am a work in progress. “

Stand-Up comics and entertainers are coming to Chris Rock’s defense while tickets for his next comedy tour after actor Will Smith slapped him during the Oscars.

Actor and comedian Jim Carrey, Radio host Howard Stern and others shared their opinion on the controversial Oscars moment with many of them backing Rock and pointing to what could be a disturbing trend for stand-up comedians.

“Stand-up comics are very adept at handling hecklers,” tweeted Mark Hamill. “Violent physical assault… not so much.”

Bad Boy Founder and producer Sean “Puffy” Combs, who presented an award following the incident, said he was “shocked” but thought it was “important to bring love into the room. I think we know both of those guys’ characters and sometimes s**t happens.”

Others that commented on the incident included Oscars Producer Will Packer, sportswriter Jemele Hill, actress Rosie Perez, HBCU professor Hannah Jones and late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

One person who did defend Smith’s actions was comedian Tiffany Haddish, who said “When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife. That meant so much to me. And maybe the world might not like how it went down, but for me, it made me believe there are still men that love their women.”

While Rock has remained silent since the incident, his pockets are filling up fast. According to Fortune, tickets to his upcoming stand-up tour, titled Ego Death, have skyrocketed in popularity and price.

We sold more tickets to see Chris Rock overnight than we did in the past month combined.

— TickPick (@TickPick) March 28, 2022

Tick Pick, which sells tickets to events online noted on Twitter that they sold more tickets to Rock’s comedy tour Sunday night than they sold in the past month combined. Tick Picks manager Kyle Zorn, added prices for Rock’s show at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre on Wednesday have ballooned in value from $46 for the cheapest ticket on March 18, to $411 as of March 28.

According to AfroTech, Rock has amassed a net worth of more than $60 million between his stand-up specials including Bring The Pain and Bigger and Blacker. Additionally, Rock has starred in several movies including Head of State, New Jack City and Spiral, his sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, as well as investments in real estate ventures and the Lowell Herb cannabis company.

• Technology

by Black Enterprise Shop

March 30, 2022

With PixelHost, It’s Never Been Easier To Create And Maintain Your Website

---

Virtually anybody can benefit from having a website.

Everything and everyone from digital agencies, bloggers and small businesses to social media influencers rely on a webpage to convey their message or brand to the masses. Not long ago, being able to do so was reserved to cash-flushed companies or tech-savvy individuals who knew the ins and outs of web hosting and all that comes with it.

Today, it’s far easier to create and maintain a website, and PixelHost WordPress Hosting is the perfect vehicle to do so. For a limited time, you can purchase a lifetime subscription to the service for just $59. That’s a savings of 83% from its manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $360.

All it takes are just a few simple clicks to get your webpage up and running with PixelHost. Users are provided support and guidance every step of the way to make it easier. Also included with your purchase are an array of tools and the ability to host any number of websites for you or your clients.

The Starter Plan comes with unmetered bandwidth, unlimited traffic/visitors, 150GB SSD storage, shared resources, Unlimited SSL certificates, and One-Click App Installer.

PixelHost WordPress Hosting offers unrivaled support that includes DDOS protection, comprehensive security, daily backups, global reach, and fast storage, among other valuable resources.

All that’s needed to run this software are the ability to change a nameserver, a registered domain, and an active internet connection. Robust updates are included for the length of the program, and it’s accessible via desktop computers.

There’s never been a better or easier time to purchase and maintain a website. The benefits are vast, whether you’re looking to launch a new company or if you’re just looking for a digital space to compose and catalog your musings. Purchase PixelHost today and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

Prices subject to change.

Please don’t come for Tiffany Haddish unless she sends for you.

At least that was the lesson one reporter learned when interviewing the Girls Trip star on the Oscars red carpet and daring to ask her about her “costume.” Haddish was a presenter at Sunday’s Oscars and wore a bold and daring off-the-shoulder, emerald-green gown designed by Dolce & Gabbana.

But after her high-profile presentation, she switched gowns as she headed to the Vanity Fair after-party.

But when Lauren Zima, a journalist at Entertainment Tonight, called Haddish’s switch a “costume change,” that didn’t sit well with the comedian, who took a moment to issue a classy clap back that went viral.

 “I’m not wearing a costume. I’m wearing Dolce & Gabbana. It’s called an evening gown, darling,” she said. “No one is paying me for this. I paid for it, it’s custom. Thank you.”

Even the reporter had to laugh it off.

I Curse You With Joy

Tiffany Haddish is releasing a book at the end of November.

According to The Associated Press, the book, an essay collection by the comedienne, is titled I Curse You With Joy and released by Amistad. The book company, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced last week that this collection is scheduled to be released on Nov. 29.

“After my first book, I knew I wanted to share more of myself in I Curse You With Joy, Haddish said in a written statement. “I want to bring readers on a journey with me that is hahahas and highs and lows, so people know even through the hurt, you can spread joy.”

This isn’t Haddish’s first book. She released her first book of essays, The Last Black Unicorn, which became a bestseller when it was published in 2017. She also has a picture book, Layla, the Last Black Unicorn, scheduled for release in May.

This latest collection, I Curse You With Joy, will include stories of how Haddish has used and continues to use comedy to help with her pain and turn it into art. She writes about how she auditioned for Saturday Night Live before becoming the first Black female comic to host the late-night comedy show. She also discusses how the trauma in her own life has helped transform her into a more compassionate person and her complicated relationship with her father, whom she reunited with after she was 20.

Haddish most recently commented on the recent Oscars controversy involving Will Smith and Chris Rock, where Smith slapped Rock on stage at the Academy Awards ceremony. She stated that what Smith did was admirable because he was defending his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

“When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife, that meant so much to me,” Haddish told PEOPLE at the Governors Ball following the ceremony. The actress continued to uphold her argument that Will’s actions were notable, especially for protecting his wife.

Haddish went on to directly address Rock’s actions. While noting that he’s a “friend” of Will and Jada, she also questioned his intentions behind the joke. “Why would you do that? He didn’t even run the joke by her, but she was hurt though. Would you do that for your wife? Would you say, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your m***** f******…’ Like, yes! Yes!”

On one crazy, somewhat chaotic Sunday night, Will Smith made his mark now as an Oscar winner after he made headlines slapping Chris Rock across the face. 

But Rock also rose up as a winner, not only because he took the slap like a welterweight champ, but now the famed comedian is basking in the aftershock of the Academy Awards as ticket sales for his anticipated comedy tour, Ego Death World Tour, have skyrocketed.

“We sold more tickets to see Chris Rock overnight than we did in the past month combined,”  said ticket resale marketplace TickPick in a tweet Monday morning.

We sold more tickets to see Chris Rock overnight than we did in the past month combined.

— TickPick (@TickPick) March 28, 2022

Rock is set to start off his Ego Death tour tomorrow in a sold-out show at Boston’s Wilbur Theater and expected to close in November at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, the same theater that hosted the slap heard ‘round the world. 

According to the Daily Mail, the cheapest ticket prices surged from $46 to over $400. This tour will take the comedian to 35 cities around the world, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In his February announcement to Instagram, the veteran comedian wrote, “Ego Death World Tour 2022 all new material introspective very personal and very funny. Can’t wait to show you.”

It is speculated those attending hope to bear witness to Rock’s address of the Oscars drama.

The Oscar-winning actor took to Instagram and acknowledged his actions, apologizing to Rock, who refused to press charges.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” read part of the post.

While other comedians have been in similar circumstances, reminiscent of Katt Williams’ 2016 altercation with teenagers in which a video surfaced of Williams getting beat up by a 7th grader, one can only hope Rock follows suit and turns the smack into part of his stand-up routine. 

• Women

by Derek Major

March 29, 2022

Grammy-Nominated Artist Cheri Moon To Star In The First Ever NFT-Backed Film

---

Grammy-nominated artist Cheri Moon is participating in a first-of-its-kind NFT film, I Live Here Now

Directed by Julie Pacino, I Live Here Now, according to AfroTech, is about a young actress navigating Hollywood’s perceptions of body image, which only worsens after the actress discovers she’s pregnant and begins to worry the hotel she resides in has grown a disturbing interest in her body.

The movie was fully funded by the Keepers Of The Inn NFT-art project, which features more than 3,300 photos taken during rehearsals of the movie. The movie is the first feature film to be financed by Non-Fungible Tokens and the first photography Internet Protocol to lead to the inception of a feature film,  according to ONE37pm.

“The I Live Here Now–Keepers of the Inn project is a very interesting and one-of-a-kind piece not only because of the intricate storyline of the actual film but also the way in which Julie Pacino has decided to create and fund it,” Moon told AftoTech in an email. “I Live Here Now is the first film to be fully funded by its NFT project, which is pretty incredible. The art created through making the NFT collection will certainly give the film longevity in a different way on a different platform.”

The movie and art project is part of a pledge by Pacino to support female filmmakers. According to Deadline, female filmmakers are still facing difficulties in the film industry; just 12 percent of the 250 top-grossing movies in 2021 were led by female filmmakers.

Pacino wants to change that and her project aims to set a new standard by disrupting the current film infrastructure and creating new opportunities for women in the entertainment and film industries. After the Keepers Of The Inn collection sold out, a short film competition was announced by Pacino.

Three filmmakers will be selected by NFT holders to win a grant to fund their projects. Once the projects are finished, they will be minted and the filmmakers will be able to keep 100 percent of the proceeds their project generates and 50 percent of secondary sales from the Keepers Of The Inn Fund, according to the website.

• News

by Wendy Medina

March 29, 2022

Two St. Louis Children Die on Instagram Live While Playing With a Gun

---

This story contains mentions of gun violence, murder, and suicide.

Two cousins from St. Louis, Missouri, 12-year-old Paris Harvey, and 14-year-old Kuaron Harvey, died from an accidental discharge while playing with a gun on Instagram Live on March 25.

In the video spread on social media, the two cousins were recording a livestream in the bathroom during a family party with a handgun equipped with a drum magazine. From one instant to the next, Kuaron is shot, and Paris and the gun drop to the floor before the gun accidentally goes off again. Moments later, family members attempt to go into the bathroom and witness the tragic scene. According to the family, both children were shot in the head.

St. Louis police classified the tragedy as a murder-suicide; however, family members insist it was an accident.

“It was no murder. It wasn’t a suicide,” said Shinise Harvey, Paris’ mother, to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It was a freak accident. It happened.”

She was not at the party, nor did she watch the video. She shares that Paris and Kuaron were not going to be allowed to go; however, she gave in after the children begged.

“No matter how good we raise our kids, they still are going to venture off,” Harvey said.

An incident report stated they were discovered by police at 2:07 a.m. on Friday, unconscious and not breathing. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members say they believe the gun belonged to Kuaron.

“They were playing with a gun when they shouldn’t have been. Of course, they shouldn’t have been doing it,” said Susan Dyson, Paris’ grandmother. “I think it just went off. It went off by mistake.”

Her mother described Paris as a “beautiful spirit,” creative, funny, and spoiled. Kuaron was said to do “backflips out of this world” with a funny and goofy spirit.

A GoFundMe has been created for Paris and Kuaron to help cover funeral expenses.

Per the New York Post, St. Louis police have yet to release the investigation results.

In a move to possibly combat former Miami Dolphins head coac, Brian Flores‘ discrimination lawsuit, the National Football League (NFL) is assembling a diversity hiring committee to review its hiring practices.

• Sports

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 29, 2022

Kevin Durant’s Boardroom Joins First-Ever Collegiate Partnership With St. John’s Department of Athletics

---

The St. John’s Department of Athletics announced the first-ever collegiate partnership with Boardroom that will further enhance the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources available to Red Storm student-athletes.

Boardroom, a sports business media network founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, has become a premier source of sports, entertainment, and culture news and insights, including reporting on deals and development in the NIL space.

As the newest partner of St. John’s UNLIMITED program—an all-encompassing educational, networking and leadership platform—Boardroom will serve as an exclusive editorial partner around select NIL announcements, help amplify storytelling and content development, and provide unique access and experiences with Boardroom executives. The program will officially launch on Wednesday, Mar. 30 as part of St. John’s Student-Athlete Career Night at Carnesecca Arena, according to a press release.

“There is no question that our partnership with Boardroom will help take St. John’s UNLIMITED to new heights,” said St. John’s director of athletics Mike Cragg.

“It will provide such unique opportunities for our student-athletes to maximize their NIL potential and leverage key networking and professional resources by connecting with the talented team at Boardroom right here in New York City.”

As part of the partnership, Boardroom will maintain an on-site presence at St. John’s, notably through speaking engagements and participating in professional events with a focus on the latest trends in NIL and sports business.

“I’ve been a St. John’s fan my whole life, and it’s really important to what we’re building at Boardroom that we’re able to connect directly with the next generation of student-athletes and young entrepreneurial minds,” said Kleiman, co-founder and CEO of Boardroom/Thirty Five Ventures. “This is just the beginning of Boardroom’s true connectivity with athletes at the university level.”