Vanessa Bryant Being Accused of Leading a ‘Fishing Expedition’ Against the County of Los Angeles
With the pending lawsuit that Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, has filed against Los Angeles for first responders taking and showing photographs of the death scene to people outside of official capacities, it has become a back and forth between the two parties.
According to USA Today, Bryant, who is suing the county of Los Angeles for negligence and invasion of privacy, has accused county sheriff and fire department employees of sharing photos from the scene of the helicopter crash that took the lives of her husband, Kobe, and daughter, Gianni, along with 7 others. Los Angeles, in response, has stated in a new court filing that Bryant is leading a fishing expedition that is taking first responders away from their jobs. They also are claiming that this is also subjecting them to harassment after she sued them and posted four of the names of the responders on Instagram in March.
“This straightforward case, with undisputed facts, has turned into a fishing expedition that is taking first responders away from their jobs — and subjecting them to public harassment and threats,” it states in a filing submitted in federal court this week by attorneys for the county. “Defendants are eager to have their day in court and put an end to this.”
Last month, in another court filing, the county of Los Angeles had stated, “The accident was now close to 1.5 years ago, and there has been no public dissemination” of the photos, the county’s filing said. “Hypothetical harm is not a basis for a lawsuit. Nor is it a basis for `no stone left unturned’ discovery against public entities and first responders.”
Last week, the Los Angeles County Fire Department conducted an investigation and have concluded that two firefighters took several photos of the dead bodies at the scene of the helicopter crash. The firefighters then sent the pictures to another firefighter, a media relations officer who had appeared at the scene. A month later, the third firefighter shared the images with other off-duty firefighters and their wives and girlfriends while attending an awards ceremony at a Hilton hotel.
The two firefighters were sent “intention to discharge” letters late last year in December. The third firefighter received an “intention to suspend” letter.
On Second Anniversary As Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot Grants Interviews To Reporters Of Color Only
In the days leading up to her second anniversary as mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot made waves by announcing she would only do interviews with Black and Hispanic journalists.
Defending her move, Lightfoot said since she took office, she’s been surprised by the “overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets, editorial boards, the political press corps and the City Hall press corps.” In a two-page letter she wrote to members of Chicago’s media Wednesday, Lightfoot doubled down.
“In the year 2021, with a Black lesbian mayor, a Black woman City Treasurer, a Latinx woman City Clerk, and a majority Black and Latinx City Council, the group of reporters assigned to cover City Hall is practically all white,” Lightfoot wrote. “While there are women of cover who sometimes cover my administration, there are zero women of color assigned to the City Hall beat. Zero. I find this unacceptable and I hope you do too.”
Several outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, have declined to participate in the interviews. WBEZ Chicago also disputed Lightfoot’s claim, noting two of its three City Hall reporters are minority women–one South Asian and one Hispanic.
Lightfoot’s two years in office haven’t been a breeze. She had a well-publicized fight with the Chicago Teachers Union, The Chicago Police Department issued a vote of no confidence against Lightfoot as she hasn’t been able to curb gun violence. She also admitted she knew about a police raid that left a naked Black woman handcuffed. The police later discovered they raided the wrong house.
The Board of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) agreed with Lightfoot’s call for newsrooms to diversify their press ranks, but added it cannot support Lightfoot’s action.
“NABJ’s history of advocacy does not support excluding any bona fide journalists from one-on-one interviews with newsmakers, even if it is for one day and in support of activism,” the NABJ board wrote in a statement Wednesday.
Police Officer Allegedly Urinated on The Funeral Home That Served Andrew Brown Jr.
A funeral home that belongs to a Black council member who sympathizes with the death of Andrew Brown Jr. was allegedly urinated on by a police officer in uniform.
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, council member Gabriel Adkins says he has surveillance footage of an officer urinating on his private property, blatantly a sign of disregard for Black lives, according to The Washington Post.
Hours after Brown was shot, Adkins shared his feelings about the shooting with his colleagues. “As a Black man sitting here tonight, I’m afraid. I’m afraid that I may be the next one, you know,” Adkins said, implying that he might be the next Brown, a 42-year-old unarmed Black man who was shot and killed by police in his car.
“I’m completely furious that any member of the sheriff department would think these acts are acceptable,” Adkins told WaPo. “This is a funeral home. A place where we house family’s loved ones. I have lost all trust and respect for our sheriff department.”
The explanation for why the officer, who is Black, urinated on the funeral home was given by the Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten via WaPo’s email.
“Apparently, the Black officer in question was on patrol around 2:30 a.m. and had nowhere to use the restroom. Wooten also said the Black officer technically relieved himself near an outbuilding behind the business close to a nearby field.”
In addition to Wooten’s statement, the spokesman said the Black officer “didn’t know who owned the business and meant no disrespect to Mr. Adkins and has reached out to apologize to him.”
“I’ve reinforced to all deputies the need to respect the community and avoid even the appearance of anything that could be seen as disrespectful,” Wooten added.
Russell Simmons Sues Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons For Allegedly Stealing His Energy Drink Stock
Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons are known for being one of the most amicable former couples in Hollywood. But it looks like there is tension behind the scenes after the Def Jam founder launched a lawsuit against his ex-wife for allegedly stealing some of his Celsius energy drink stock.
Russell is suing his ex and her current husband Tim Leissner for allegedly transferring and using his Celsius shares to pay for Leissner’s legal fees, The Blast reports.
The hip-hop mogul filed the suit after his accountants discovered a “substantial unexplained change” in his interests in Celsius. Russell, his ex-wife, and Leissner came together to invest tens of millions of dollars into Celsius.
But, now his lawyers say Kimora and Leissner allegedly “conspired with each other, aided and abetted each other and together engaged in fraud by causing an unlawful conversion and fraudulent transfer” of Russell’s Celsius shares without his consent or knowledge.
The best-selling author believes his ex-wife and Leissner transferred his shares to themselves without his knowledge and had it not been for his accounting team, he might’ve never known.
On May 5, Russell sent his wife a letter in hopes of rectifying the issue privately instead of filing the suit, Rolling Out reports. The letter was an effort “to get the important family matter of the Celsius shares to a close so that we can put it behind us and carry on as the loving united front we have always been.”
But now his suit is seeking restitution for the alleged stolen shares.
“I am shocked and saddened to see how your side has behaved in response to my repeated attempts to get an agreement from you to rightfully and legally reaffirm my 50% of the Celsius shares…which have been locked up with the government after being used for your husband’s bail money,” the letter read.
Back in December 2019, the DOJ charged Leissner with conspiring to launder money and violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The former Goldman Sachs executive agreed to a permanent ban from the securities industry and to surrender $43.7 million in damages, NY Times reports.
But it looks like Leissner resorted to drastic measures to pay his bills and dragged his wife and her ex-husband along for the ride.
Four White Men Arrested For Beating a Black Man On What They Called ‘Stomp a N-Word Night’
Four white men have been arrested after being accused of beating a Black man at a local bar in Pennsylvania.
According to The Sharon Herald, four white men have been hit with charges, including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after they were accused of beating a Black man at a local bar in Mercer Country, Pennsylvania.
The four white men, Thomas L. Boyer II, 48, and Casey Thomas Boyer, 27, both of 245 Byers Road, Harrisville; John Michael Fortuna, 41, of 90 Shenango Park, Lot 64, Pymatuning Township; and Papillon Keeler, 46, of 42 North St., West Middlesex will be facing a preliminary hearing on May 25 on the charges stemming from an attack on a Black man at a Sharon bar.
The men were charged nearly two weeks ago with ethnic intimidation, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, riot, and reckless endangerment. Boyer was also charged with robbery after police accused him of stealing the man’s watch.
The police department in Sharon stated that police officers responded to a report of a fight after midnight on April 29 at the Marigold Bar, which is located at 38 N. Main Ave. When the officers arrived, they saw the four men leaving the premises on their motorcycles.
In a criminal complaint, police officers said that according to two witnesses, video surveillance images, and the victim’s account, it points to the four white men attacking the victim.
The victim sustained several injuries, including a cut on his hands and bruising to his face. The victim could not remember his correct address and was unable to say his Social Security number. He was treated at a hospital for a concussion and other injuries.
The victim stated to the police officer that he did not know the four white men that assaulted him. One of the men blocked his path when he tried to use the bathroom. When that took place, it started an altercation and he was attacked and knocked down by the white men. Witnesses also told police officers that they heard the four men using racial slurs and one witness reported hearing one of the men say, “Looks like it’s going to be stomp a (N-word) night.”
Naomi and Mari Osaka Make NFT Debut With Release of Autographed Art Collection
Tennis champions and sisters Naomi and Mari Osaka have teamed up to release an autographed art collection through the growing NFT market.
Titled “The Colors of Naomi Osaka” the collection includes pieces designed by Mari and personally signed by each sister, Hype Beast reports. The sisters partnered up with Basic.Space when making their NFT debut with all proceeds going to Naomi’s foundation, The Play Academy.
The sisters’ five-piece artwork collection sold for $600,000 with a sixth piece being given away through a $5 raffle that allowed for buyers of all ages to participate. Speaking about her inspiration behind the pieces, Mari shared how her 4x Grand Slam-winning sister acted as her muse.
“I basically asked Naomi what she likes or dislikes and came up with the concepts and art based off her answers,” she said. “Each of the pieces have a different story to tell based off her interests.”
With the non-fungible token market increasing in popularity, the Japenese-Haitian sisters thought the industry would be a great way at breaking barriers to connect with their supporters.
“The NFT world allowed us to broaden our platform as creatives by letting us know there was a platform where this kind of art and creativity are wanted,” Mari said. “I didn’t see digital art becoming a wanted commodity until the NFT world emerged.”
Even as the cryptocurrency market starts to cool down, NFTs are still making headlines for some of its recent projects including an auction of the infamous “Charlie bit my finger” video (via BBC), and an Andy Warhol digital art collection, CNN reports.
When it comes to NFTs making a crossover into the sports industry, Naomi says “the opportunities are endless so there’s no limit to expression.”
Despite the recent drop in the crypto market, her sister thinks NFTs are here to stay.
“I think that currently since the NFT world is new, there is a huge boom about it but in my opinion it is definitely something that is here to stay for a while.” Mari said. “Considering almost anything can be an NFT I see digital art playing a role but I also see animations and real-life items, it’s a huge list of almost anything you would want.”
YUMS is Back: Legendary Streetwear Brand Relaunches Signature Sneaker
For legendary street artist, Tex Moton, creating a streetwear brand that combined his talent for graffiti art with his love of food was a no-brainer, and consumers agreed. Originally introduced in 2007, YUMS, an acronym for “You Understand My Style,” quickly rose in cultural popularity with Tex as its Chief Creative Officer and found immediate traction with streetwear enthusiasts, celebrities, boutiques, and major retailers across the country who were hungry for Tex’s original artwork.
Behemoth NIKE took notice, filed suit against the smaller YUMS in 2009, and sparked a multi-year legal battle that resembled a modern-day David vs Goliath battle. As a result of the case’s outcome, YUMS is re-launching its signature Sweet Series sneakers, made possible by the Supreme Court’s decision in Already, LLC d/b/a YUMS v. NIKE Inc., 568 U.S. 85 (2013), and Nike’s first-ever covenant not to sue, which NIKE Inc. issued to YUMS, and the Supreme Court applied.
We spoke to Tex Moton, Chief Creative Officer of YUMS, to hear from him firsthand about his inspiring journey as a creative entrepreneur, YUMS’ comeback story, what’s next for the streetwear brand, and more.
Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to pursue this path, and how do your Dallas roots come into play?
I grew up in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood of Dallas in a single parent house with my mom and brother. We had limited means, but we always found inexpensive outlets for entertaining me and my brother through art. Art became the center for me, creating just brought me happiness! When I was in junior year of high school, I co-founded a graffiti artist collective called, Infinite Crew (I.C.), which gave me and my friends a creative outlet, unified the city’s youth, and inspired a whole generation of up-and-coming painters. The city of Dallas plays a huge part in my style as an artist because it’s a very fashionable and artistically visible city. Dallas, mixed with my love of hip hop, skate and streetwear culture, my love of bold colors, set the table early in life for my vision for YUMS.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a creative?
As a creative typically it can be challenging to earn a living. There is a fine line between following your vision and having commercial success. The key for me has always been finding new ways to remain in a creative state. Aside from YUMS, I’ve worked with truly incredible brands and sports teams from the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Texas Rangers and Nashville Predators to Playboy and Coca Cola. I’ve been blessed to use my art to connect with people and bring joy!
What’s something you wish you knew when you were younger?
Growing up in low income areas there aren’t many role models in the community. I had to learn most things through the school of hard knocks, many mistakes made but many solutions found too! I wish we could see more creative success stories in the hoods, more paths and steps to follow in. I hope my story can inspire the next artist or designer of the future!
What are some of the most rewarding parts of your job?
I’m very fortunate to be able to work with a great creative team (including my brother) in a great work environment. We all build off each other and constantly push ourselves. It’s super fun, and I get to influence a whole next generation of creatives.
What advice do you have for other creatives and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their communities?
I would say a very important piece of the puzzle is connecting with good people. A hard working, conscientious, and moral team. Be patient and develop your craft, lasting success doesn’t come to most overnight.
Tell us about YUMS. Can you share YUMS’ journey and why it’s relaunching now?
YUMS, which stands for You Understand My Style, is a footwear and accessory brand that we first launched in 2007. We just announced YUMS re-launch this May and released YUMS’ renowned Sweet Series sneaker collection in the first drop. Now is the perfect time for YUMS relaunch for two reasons. First, sensing the world could use a dose of joy, YUMS believes it’s now time to reinvigorate that sensational happiness with its signature flavor-inspired collections. Secondly, the current release can be traced to the Supreme Court’s decision in Already, LLC d/b/a YUMS v. NIKE Inc., 568 U.S. 85 (2013), and Nike’s first-ever covenant not to sue, which NIKE Inc. issued to YUMS, and the Supreme Court applied.
What are some features that make YUMS unique from anything else on the market?
What makes us different in the marketplace is the fusion element. We have changed the way people relate to sneakers and think about collections, designs and product development by including unexpected details, like graffiti art on the soles of the shoes that can be seen through clear rubber bottoms. YUMS give this category life and personality, through the art and the connecting elements of the flavors they represent.
What’s your favorite “flavor” in this first collection?
In this initial release of the First Collection, I’d have to go with the Rainbow Sherbet! Love them all but I just love how this shoe came together! Those colors, and the balance flip from the right to the left. Something special!
What’s next for YUMS? Are you open to collaborations?
We have a lot of fun things planned for our supporters! Just keep one eye open #YumsLife
Do you have any advice for other independent brands out there who faced similar situations as YUMS?
My advice would be, find your lane. Where do you exist and what are you adding to the world. Also, what is your brand story and how does it connect with people?
Candace Owens Will Do Anything For Attention, Report Shows
In a seven-part listicle, NewsOne broke down what may be understood as the con artistry of Candace Owens
In light of Chrissy Teigen’s past cyberbullying, including the supermodel telling a non-binary teenager to kill herself, “conservative” firebrand. Candace Owens thought it was safe to criticize Teigen while the negative publicity is still hot—big mistake.
In what could be her biggest setback response on social media, Owens thought she’d address her concern about Teigen’s toxicity, saying she would have been “happier” if Teigen apologized, NewsOne reported.
The only problem with Owens’s concern is that it is more likely fake, considering how she mocked those with suicidal thoughts and did far more deplorable and shady things than Teigen.
When Meghan Markle, who leans toward the left, was having suicidal thoughts, it was reported that Owens made fun of her. Owens also mocked the deaths of Kurt Cobain and Anthony Bourdain, further cementing that she does not care about Teigen’s remark but was looking for attention.
NewsOne continued to unravel more of Owens’ dirty laundry, exposing her for being two-faced, misrepresentative, capitalizing on ideologies that turn a profit for herself not because she genuinely believes in it.
“There are true conservatives out there who have been involved in politics for years, but Owens does not appear to be one of them. She is clearly in this for fame, attention and is following the money,” the article stated.
In addition to capitalizing on pop trends, Owens has gone after pop singer Demi Lovato, who has a past of having suicidal thoughts, who recently announced they identify as non-binary, Newsweek reported.
“Announcing that your pronouns are they/them is just poor grammar. I don’t care your reasons—please stop trying to make low academic achievement a thing,” Owens tweeted.
Journalist Behind ‘The 1619 Project’ Snubbed for Tenure at UNC-Chapel Hill
Faculty members at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are upset after learning one of their professors has been snubbed on her tenure track quest possibly due to her ties to “The 1619 Project.”
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is the writer behind the NY Times “The 1619 Project.” The UNC-Chapel Hill professor also holds a master’s degree from the school and was being considered for tenure less than a month ago. The school released a news release that lauded her for being “one of the country’s leading voices in journalism covering housing and school segregation, civil rights, and racial injustice in the U.S.”
But just a few weeks later, it’s been revealed that the school’s Board of Trustees has decided to rescind its offer, The Chronicle of New Education reports.
“When her case was presented, the Board of Trustees did not act on tenure, and she was offered a five-year, fixed-term contract by the university,” Susan King, the dean, wrote. “The Board of Trustees has the authority to approve all tenured (lifetime) appointments. I was told the board was worried about a nonacademic entering the university with this designation.”
“The 1619 Project” has been under scrutiny by Republicans bothered by it placing slavery at the center of retelling American history. Former President Donald Trump worked hard to prevent the curriculum from entering public schools and even threatened to withhold federal funding from schools who taught it, Forbes reports.
Angry faculty members came together to release a blistering letter blasting the decision due to how it “unfairly moves the goalposts and violates longstanding norms and established processes relating to tenure and promotion at UNC-Chapel Hill.”
Mimi V. Chapman, chairwoman of Chapel Hill’s faculty spoke with Hannah-Jones on Tuesday and she said she “understands that this is part of a larger picture that just undermines the value of faculty.”
“We didn’t see her as this controversial figure that we wanted because we just really like controversy,” Francesca Dillman Carpentier, the committee’s chairwoman said. “We saw her as an alum who had made it, and who had made a real difference in starting difficult conversations.”
Senate Panel Approves Biden Judicial Pick Ketanji Brown Jackson To Replace Merrick Garland
Reuters – A federal judge seen as a possible future U.S. Supreme Court pick by President Joe Biden cleared a key hurdle on Thursday in her nomination to an influential appellate court, winning approval in a Senate committee despite Republican opposition.
The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Washington-based U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on a 13-9 vote. All those in opposition were Republicans, with two – Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn – voting with Democrats to approve the nomination.
Jackson’s nomination now heads for a final confirmation vote in the full Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Democrats.
Biden nominated Jackson to the D.C. Circuit to replace Attorney General Merrick Garland on the bench. That appellate court in the past has served as a springboard to the Supreme Court for some justices.
The Democratic president pledged during his election campaign to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court if he gets a chance to fill a vacancy, which would be a historic first. Jackson is among the most prominent Black women in the federal judiciary and, at age 50, is also relatively young.
At Jackson’s confirmation hearing last month, several Republicans questioned her on whether race plays a role in her approach to deciding cases.
In explaining his vote against Jackson’s nomination, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said he would not support any nominee who would not commit to a conservative approach to judging known as originalism.
“Unless a circuit nominee can show he or she is affirmatively committed to the Constitution as originally understood, I don’t think he or she should be confirmed,” Grassley said, adding that Jackson had not given that assurance.
Jackson was appointed to her current post by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2013.
With conservatives holding a 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court, liberal activists have been urging the court’s eldest member, 82-year-old liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, to retire this year while Democrats control the Senate. A Harvard Law School graduate, Jackson early in her career served as one of Breyer’s law clerks at the Supreme Court.
Nominees can win confirmation to lifetime judicial appointments with a simple majority vote in the 100-seat Senate, which is currently split 50-50 between the parties and is controlled by Democrats because Vice President Kamala Harris can cast a tie-breaking vote.
Jackson and another Black female judge, California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, are considered frontrunners to be nominated by Biden should Breyer step aside.
The committee also advanced several other nominations including that of Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, a Black woman lawyer nominated to the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The committee also approved the nomination of Zahid Quraishi, who would be the first Muslim to serve as a U.S. district court judge.
(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)
Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to pursue this path, and how do your Dallas roots come into play?