Source: Daniel Truta / EyeEm / Getty Cyntoia Brown Ordered To Serve 51 Years Before She’s Eligible For Release The shocking case of Cyntoia Brown has taken a turn. As previously reported Cyntoia’s case made national headlines after celebs drew national attention to her story and she was featured in a PBS documentary titled “Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story.” Cyntoia’s been imprisoned since she was 16 after she killed a 40-year-old man who bought her while she was sex trafficked. According to Cyntoia she was acting in self-defense. Now according to a Tennessee Supreme Court, there’s no way Cyntoia, now 30, will be out anytime soon. CNN reports that the court ruled that she m ust serve at least 51 years in prison before she’s eligible for release. All five judges were unanimous in their decision that was in response to a lawsuit where Cyntoia claimed that her mandatory life sentence was unconstitutional. “Under state law, a life sentence is a determinate sentence of 60 years. However, the sixty-year sentence can be reduced by up to 15 percent, or 9 years, by earning various sentence credits,” wrote the court in response to the suit. Brown has appealed the decision and it’s pending before the U.S. Sixth Court of Appeals. Her story is generating buzz again and the Women’s March participants are planning to march for her in January. Marching for women means marching for #CyntoiaBrown . But the #WomensWave can do more than march, and we can do it NOW: Contact Gov. @BillHaslam and demand he pardon her. Gov. Haslam has the power to #FreeCyntoia . Every day she remains in prison, he is actively choosing not to. https://t.co/pZUeGmlU0S — Women's March (@womensmarch) December 9, 2018
After two years of divorce, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are headed for a custody trial . At least, that’s what will happen if they can’t reach an agreement by December 4, their current deadline. An expert in how California Family Court operates sheds some light on how the Jolie-Pitt kids could end up in separate homes. It looks like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s division of personal property will be decided by a private judge. And so will custody of their children — up to a point. HollywoodLife spoke to a California Family Law attorney, David T. Pisarra, about what could become of their six children. Specifically, he addressed the possibility that some of these kids, whose ages range from 17 to 10, could get split up between households. “Certainly, that can happen,” Pisarra replies. But he does note that the possbility of siblings getting divided “generally deals with older children.” But Maddox, 17, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 10, are unlikely to be ordered to separate households. “Typically the courts want to keep all the kids together, Pisarra notes. “Because they want to maintain the continuity of the relationships.” Outside of fiction like The Parent Trap , where the parents monstrously separated infant twins, courts want siblings to know each other. “But,” Pisarra says. “If there are huge age gaps as there are with Brad and Angelina’s children, that can be a factor.” Even so, he says, “It’s generally disfavored.” Pisarra emphasizes: “and the courts try and keep the kids together.” Now, the older children in particular could ask the court to award custody to one parent over the other. “Absolutely,” Pisarra says, noting that “the parents can fight that.” “But the issue is once the kids are 14-years-old,” he explains. “They have the right and opportunity to be heard by the courts.” So Pax and Maddox, at least, will get to officially choose sides — if they choose to. It doesn’t mean that they’ll have to actually enter the courtroom, though. “The court can hear from them in many different ways, either by letter, interview by a third party, it could be in chambers with a court reporter,” Pisarra says. That’s good — speaking in court, especially about your parents, can be all kinds of intimidating. “And it depends on what the court wants to do,” Pisarra continues, depending upon “Their age and maturity.” “Maddox is 17, and technically he’s a minor, he’s more than old enough and mature enough to clearly state his wishes and desires,” Pisarra notes as an example. Brangelina split after some alleged altercation between Brad and Maddox — one that caused Angelina to report her husband to the FBI for child abuse. So it’s expected that he, at least, is going to want to remain in his mother’s custody for his remaining months as a minor. But just because Pax is old enough to be put on the spot in this way does not mean that the judge will do so. “Pax technically can at 14,” Pisarra says. “But judges typically aren’t going to allow it because they want to keep the kids out of this as much as possible.” The wishes of the children aren’t the only concern. The court has to have reasonable confidence that the children will be safe and provided for, obviously. Also, the court will want to minimize how much the children’s lives are disrupted. “A judge would also look at where the parents want the kids to live,” Pisarra mentions. He explains: “If Brad wanted to stay in Los Angeles and Angelina wants to live in London, that would factor into the decision.” Geography matters “because a judge might want to let the kids live in the same place they were raised.” That makes a lot of sense — but, of course, it’s only one factor in the court’s decision. Mostly this story just reminds us of what absolute monsters the parents were in The Parent Trap . In this case, however, the parents — and the court — have to decide what is best for the children, not what is best for themselves. No one knows for certain how Angelina and Brad’s custody trial will go. That is part of what is motivating them to attempt to hammer out a deal before then. But after two years, with just a couple of weeks to go, the possibility that they’ll see eye-to-eye narrows every day. Let’s hope that they get a good, wise judge. View Slideshow: 17 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces EVER
Usher and Laura helm. Getty Images and Instagram Laura Helm Said She Contracted Herpes From Usher Following Two Intimate Encounters The woman who is suing Usher for knowingly gave her the herpes virus has pleaded with a judge not to OK the singer’s motion to seal evidence in the case. Laura Helm said Usher’s belief that he needs an all-encompassing gag order because he’s such a big star that revelations about his sex life, partners and health coming to light could ruin his rep, are full of hot air. Helm said she has already had to endure embarrassment and humiliation from her herpes diagnosis and from having to publicly accuse Usher over it. “Unfortunately, trials are public and often the contents of a trial are embarrassing, but just because the Defendant is a celebrity does not entitle to him to private confidential trials while the rest of society must display their most embarrassing damages publicly, like the Plaintiff had to do to bring this action for the embarrassing damages caused by the Defendant,” Helm wrote in court docs obtained by BOSSIP. Helm said Usher’s legal bid to put a gag order on her herpes transmission case against him not only violates her and the media’s first amendment rights but the courts legal right to a public record. “It is ironic the Defendant, whose lawyer in this matter makes public statements, now asks this Court to gag the Plaintiff. The Defendant, with his power, money and popularity, requests this Court to silence his victims in the time of #metoo.” The alleged victim is adamant that evidence including both of their “content of medical reports or billing records regarding STDs and herpes or third-party claims for the same” be made public once the case heads to trial. A judge has not yet ruled on Usher’s gag order motion.
Over the weekend, Collin Gosselin resurfaced in photos of him visiting his father, Jon Gosselin. This was heartwarming for countless fans, especially since they know that Jon has filed for custody of Collin. Now, a family friend has opened up — and reveals that Collin could be home with Jon and Hannah surprisingly soon. Eric Rodriguez is the guy who’s been cutting Jon Gosselin’s hair for about 20 years now. Just this week, Jon shared a photo of Eric with Collin, and referred to Eric as “family.” Well Eric spoke to RadarOnline to reveal that Jon’s quest to bring his son home has a goal: before Christmas. “Jon is hoping for December 18,” Eric reveals. Folks, that’s only a little over a month away. Speaking of Collin, Eric says: “Lets hope he gets out soon.” We all share the sentiment of hoping that Collin is soon free. Fans all want him to be free of the institution that holds him and free of Kate, who put him there and made his childhood a living hell. But Eric has actually seen and spoken to Collin recently, as the photo Jon shared makes abundandly clear. Eric says that Collin seemed “so happy” during his visit. “Oh my god. His smile,” Eric gushes to RadarOnline . “Honestly, his smile was unbelievable” Eric even shares that Collin seems very healthy. “He lost a lot of weight from the last picture I saw of him that Jon showed me,” Eric divulges. it is important to remember that teenagers tend to have weights and body proportions that fluctuate wildly as they grow. “He looks really, really good,” Eric concludes. That is so heartwarming to hear. Collin has been out of sight — but not out of mind — for the better part of two years. As we reported, on October 24, Jon Gosselin filed for custody of Collin . In the court documents filed in Pennsylvania court, Jon argues that it’s in Collin’s best interests to live with him. Anyone familiar with Kate’s troubled and at times allegedly violent interactions with Collin will find that difficult to dispute. Hannah is already with her father, and most of her siblings have gotten to spend time with him here and there. Now, no one is saying that Jon should be winning any Father of the Year Awards. but Kate will be hard pressed to prove to the court that he should return to the home from which she banished him. Collin was sent away in the first place for vague “special needs.” Jon has explained in the past that Collin is smart and questions Kate, which infuriates her. Kate has been widely perceived as being deeply controlling, which brought her into conflict with her son who wanted to be his own person. Some fans believe that his alleged “anger issues” are simply the result of growing up under the suffocating constraints of Kate’s household. Others believe that perhaps he inherited his mother’s rage, and that working on it in an institution as he has is the best way to keep him from turning into another Kate. Either way, it sounds like him leaving Kate’s household, as hard as it must have been, was for the best. But now, countless fans are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that Collin can come and live with Jon. It’s not super clear how many of his children Jon can afford to support on a DJ’s salary. But plenty of parents have made do with less in order to give their children a safe, loving home. Jon and Kate have been waging a custody battle off and on for nearly a decade, now, since their messy split in 2009. Maybe Collin can finally join Hannah and get to start really experiencing his teenage years. Leaving his current institution just to return to Kate’s house sounds like an “out of the frying pan, into the fire” situation.
(Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage) Tory Lanez Denies Ever Being Involved With Joseline Hernandez Tory Lanez stopped by Hot 97 earlier to discuss his new album and upcoming projects, but when he was asked about rumored relationship with boo Joseline Hernandez the Toronto rapper wanted to clear things up once and for all.
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Wesley Snipes Ordered To Pay Back $9.5 Million In Back Taxes Pay your taxes. According to The Blast , after taking trying to take his tax case to court, the Wesley Snipes lost his appeal on $10 million in debt he owed to the IRS. This isn’t a new case at all. If you recall, Snipes was sentenced to prison for not filing his federal income taxes back in 2008 and has been in a legal battle with the IRS for over a decade for tax debt from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. He claims that his accountant and anti-tax advocate allegedly convinced him he didn’t have to pay taxes. Snipes originally owed $23.5 million to the IRS, but was able to reduce it down to $9.5 million. He tried settling for $850,000 but the IRS said “nah”. Snipes filed an appeal, and the court sided granted the IRS its requests. “Given the disparity between petitioner’s $842,061 OIC [offer-in-compromise] and the settlement officer’s calculation of $9,581,027 as his RCP [reasonable collection potential], as well as petitioner’s inability to credibly document his assets, the settlement officer and her manager had ample justification to reject the offer,” U.S. Tax Court Judge Kathleen Kerrigan. Snipes claimed in court that his financial advisor took out loans and assets without his knowledge, but failed to provide enough evidence to back up the claim. The judge ruled the $9.5 million payout wouldn’t leave Snipes broke and that he should be able to cover it.
Source: TIDAL X Brooklyn 2017: Live on Tour at the Barclays Center – Red Carpet arrivals Featuring: Cardi B Where: New York, New York, United States When: 18 Oct 2017 Credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com The drama between queens Cardi B and Nicki Minaj seems to continuously take new twists and turns with the latest coming from Cardi’s sister, Hennessy Carolina. Apparently the “Bodak Yellow”‘s sister is claiming that Nicki Minaj leaked Cardi’s phone number to her fan clubs in an attempt to get her followers to harass Cardi to no end. “She leaked my sister’s number to her fan pages the same shit she did to Mariah Lynn. It’s easy for y’all to ask me why I’m bothered, why I care so much. But not one of you is waking up to death threats every day, made up stories that can effect my real life and real relationships. Imagine if this was your infant child, imagine if this was your sister or ya mother. ” Wait, she did that to Mariah Lynn too? Wouldn’t that be a good look for her? Just sayin.’ #hennessycarolina admits that #nickiminaj allegedly leaked #cardib phone number. pic.twitter.com/i0Y6qJlN4c — DJ Louie Styles TV (@DJLouieStylesTV) October 28, 2018 Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’d know that Cardi and Nicki have been lowkey beefing with each other for a hot minute but things got extra real when the two rappers put paws on each other at this years NYFW . Now it seems like the Queen rapper has decided to engage in digital warfare. How Cardi will respond we have no idea but stay shut we’re sure she will not.
Source: photo: WENN Years after hanging up his jersey Grant Hill proves to be in a class by himself. His former sneaker company has brought him back for a new partnership. According to a report by Nice Kicks the former NBA all-star has resigned with FILA for a lifetime deal. The Italian brand released a formal press release confirming the announcement. “FILA is proud to have been a part of Grant’s history, partnering with him when he was drafted into the league,” stated Jon Epstein, President at FILA North America. “Grant was a tough yet graceful competitor. He possesses a strong work ethic and has demonstrated resilience and perseverance. Grant truly embodies the spirit of FILA, a brand that is synonymous with game-changers in sport and beyond. We look forward to Grant being an integral part of our move forward strategy in basketball.” Under the new deal Hill will revive their sneaker line with retro releases of his signature models. While FILA never had a strong presence in performance basketball Grant’s shoes, specifically the GH2’s, were received very well on the court and on the streets in the 1990’s. The former Detroit Piston detailed reuniting with the company. “Fila was there for my first professional steps on the court,” Hill said. “We have now come full circle, and I am thrilled to be a part of the family once again.” To celebrate the relaunch Hill will appear at the FILA booth at ComplexCon in November. You find more information here . — Photo: WENN.com
Splash News Just one year after Nicki Minaj ‘s brother Jelani Maraj was convicted of raping his 11-year old stepdaughter, his defense team has aired suspicion of jury misconduct, which forced the judge to order an inquiry. According to Newsday , the Judge wrote in a statement, “There is a need for the Court to conduct a hearing to determine the nature of the material placed before the jury and whether that material created a substantial risk of prejudice to the defendant.” The defense alleges that one juror told other jurors that if Nicki Minaj did not show up to testify then Jelani was guilty. Some jurors also talked about the case against the judge’s instructions and noted how they couldn’t “wait for him to be found guilty.” Other jurors reportedly read blogs and watched The Wendy Williams show where the talk show host slammed Jelani for being guilty. Despite the inquiry, the judge still felt that evidence was “more than legally sufficient” to prove Jelani as guilty. The new hearing is scheduled for November 15.
N ewly minted Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh ’s approval of voter suppression laws was not needed in a high court ruling on Tuesday which allowed a state to enforce its voter ID requirement for the 2018 elections. See Also: Brett Kavanaugh’s First Supreme Court Cases Will Seriously Affect Black America The court declined to overrule an appeals court order that permitted North Dakota to require government ID at the polls, The Hill reported. A group of Native Americans had challenged the ID requirement. Looking ahead, Kavanaugh brings a record on voter suppression cases that makes the court even less sympathetic to the concerns of people of color. Indeed, during his confirmation process, People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy group, warned that Kavanaugh “will threaten hard-won protections for the right to vote.” “The question is not whether Justice Kavanaugh will move the court in a more conservative and hostile direction on constitutional and civil rights, but instead how swiftly he will do so and how sweeping will the court’s rulings be,” Kristen Clarke , president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a statement to NewsOne . These two Supreme Court cases being heard this week by Brett Kavanaugh will seriously affect Black America. https://t.co/sHqBzd41CN pic.twitter.com/T2XCom8iVv — NewsOne (@newsone) October 8, 2018 The Native American group argued that the ID law disproportionately affected their population because a significant number of Native Americans live on reservations without standard address required to obtain the IDs. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, which Justice Elena Kagan joined. As an appellate court judge, Kavanaugh “demonstrated his lack of commitment to racial justice” in a 2012 South Carolina voter ID case, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said. Kavanaugh wrote an opinion for a three-judge panel upholding a South Carolina voter ID law that was objected to by the U.S. Department of Justice because of the significant racial disparities in the law’s photo ID requirement, the Leadership Conference explained. The ruling affected approximately 60,000 nonwhite voters who were previously registered. SEE ALSO: Meet Kim Jackson, Brett Kavanaugh’s Black Supreme Court Law Clerk Policy That Terrorized Black People Expected To Be Supported By Trump And Kavanaugh [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3830797″ overlay=”true”]
