Tag Archives: Lawyer

Lawyer For Nigerian-American Brothers Won’t Explain Why They Participated In Jussie Smollett Attack

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T he twists and turns continue in the Jussie Smollett case. At this point, no one knows who is telling the truth: the Chicago Police Department or the “Empire” actor. Now, the lawyer for Smollett’s alleged accomplices, Nigerian-American brothers  Ola and Abel Osundairo , appeared to only make things worse in an awkward interview on “Good Morning America” on Monday. See Also: Complete Timeline Of Jussie Smollett Investigation Gloria Schmidt  told George Stephanopoulos that the $3,500 the Chicago Police Department claimed the brothers were paid for staging the attack was actually for fitness training. “They were paid for the training … but they were also asked to do this favor for him,” she said. When pressed about whether there was any evidence to back up their claims, she said they were asked to “do this favor.” When pushed on what incentive brothers had to stage the attacked, Schmidt said, “If you’re friends, and I’m saying ‘Hey, I’m going to pay you for training, I’m also asking you to do me a favor’ … and the favor was to stage the attack.” Schmidt claimed the brothers also feel “taken advantage of,”  but she wouldn’t directly answer if she thought the attack was a hoax. “I’m confident that they did not do a hate crime,” Schmidt said. Watch below: Attorney for brothers in Smollett case speaks out https://t.co/H1qDtJOQJ8 — Gloria V. Schmidt, Esq (@GloriaSchmidtR1) March 11, 2019 Smollett on Friday was indicted by a grand jury on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. “What is happening here is frankly a media gangbang of this guy of unprecedented proportions,” the actor’s lawyer, Mark Geragos told CNN on Friday. “And that’s the reason I got into this. I’ve never seen a media pendulum swing more quickly and viciously and rob somebody of their presumption of innocence like this case. It’s startling the way people assume that he’s guilty.” He continued, calling out the Chicago Police Department. “He hasn’t been given one stitch of discovery. There isn’t one police report,” Geragos said. “Your package just said he paid $3,500. I’ve got the texts. Those texts––and they conceded that the check and the texts were for training. It wasn’t to pay anything. So I don’t understand how it comes from.” Geragos also challenged the idea that Smollett staged an attack because he wanted a higher salary on the prime time soap opera. “They have not talked to one person at Fox who has said he was dissatisfied with his money,” he said. “They have not interviewed one person connected with the show ‘Empire; who says he was dissatisfied with his money. They are the ones that started their internal investigation about the leaks because all of the information that was being leaked was false .” He also accused Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson of tainting the jury pool. Watch Geragos below: On Jan. 29, while walking to a subway, Smollett claimed two men yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him, investigators told  The Hollywood Reporter . They allegedly punched and poured bleach on him while one of the suspects put a rope around his neck. As they fled the scene, Smollett told police they said, “This is MAGA country.” The Chicago Police Department claimed the Osundairo brothers told them the attack was orchestrated by Smollett and that they were paid $3,500. However, TMZ reported the FBI said the Chicago Police were “overstating” and “went too far” when they said Jussie sent a hateful Jan. 22 letter to himself. “Jussie Smollett You will die black fag” Okay, I'm ready to fight. pic.twitter.com/h42Px47lvW — ℝ

Lawyer For Nigerian-American Brothers Won’t Explain Why They Participated In Jussie Smollett Attack

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T he twists and turns continue in the Jussie Smollett case. At this point, no one knows who is telling the truth: the Chicago Police Department or the “Empire” actor. Now, the lawyer for Smollett’s alleged accomplices, Nigerian-American brothers  Ola and Abel Osundairo , appeared to only make things worse in an awkward interview on “Good Morning America” on Monday. See Also: Complete Timeline Of Jussie Smollett Investigation Gloria Schmidt  told George Stephanopoulos that the $3,500 the Chicago Police Department claimed the brothers were paid for staging the attack was actually for fitness training. “They were paid for the training … but they were also asked to do this favor for him,” she said. When pressed about whether there was any evidence to back up their claims, she said they were asked to “do this favor.” When pushed on what incentive brothers had to stage the attacked, Schmidt said, “If you’re friends, and I’m saying ‘Hey, I’m going to pay you for training, I’m also asking you to do me a favor’ … and the favor was to stage the attack.” Schmidt claimed the brothers also feel “taken advantage of,”  but she wouldn’t directly answer if she thought the attack was a hoax. “I’m confident that they did not do a hate crime,” Schmidt said. Watch below: Attorney for brothers in Smollett case speaks out https://t.co/H1qDtJOQJ8 — Gloria V. Schmidt, Esq (@GloriaSchmidtR1) March 11, 2019 Smollett on Friday was indicted by a grand jury on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. “What is happening here is frankly a media gangbang of this guy of unprecedented proportions,” the actor’s lawyer, Mark Geragos told CNN on Friday. “And that’s the reason I got into this. I’ve never seen a media pendulum swing more quickly and viciously and rob somebody of their presumption of innocence like this case. It’s startling the way people assume that he’s guilty.” He continued, calling out the Chicago Police Department. “He hasn’t been given one stitch of discovery. There isn’t one police report,” Geragos said. “Your package just said he paid $3,500. I’ve got the texts. Those texts––and they conceded that the check and the texts were for training. It wasn’t to pay anything. So I don’t understand how it comes from.” Geragos also challenged the idea that Smollett staged an attack because he wanted a higher salary on the prime time soap opera. “They have not talked to one person at Fox who has said he was dissatisfied with his money,” he said. “They have not interviewed one person connected with the show ‘Empire; who says he was dissatisfied with his money. They are the ones that started their internal investigation about the leaks because all of the information that was being leaked was false .” He also accused Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson of tainting the jury pool. Watch Geragos below: On Jan. 29, while walking to a subway, Smollett claimed two men yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him, investigators told  The Hollywood Reporter . They allegedly punched and poured bleach on him while one of the suspects put a rope around his neck. As they fled the scene, Smollett told police they said, “This is MAGA country.” The Chicago Police Department claimed the Osundairo brothers told them the attack was orchestrated by Smollett and that they were paid $3,500. However, TMZ reported the FBI said the Chicago Police were “overstating” and “went too far” when they said Jussie sent a hateful Jan. 22 letter to himself. “Jussie Smollett You will die black fag” Okay, I'm ready to fight. pic.twitter.com/h42Px47lvW — ℝ

Pharrell Williams Brings 3-Day Music Festival To Virginia Beach

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Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Virginia Beach is moving forward with plans for a music festival during College Beach Weekend in April. Don’t Miss The Latest In Entertainment, News, and More! Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit Music mogul Pharrell Williams originally introduced the idea in October of 2018. The vision is that the festival will be a multicultural event merging music, art, fashion and food. It is to feature around 25 national acts. According to The Virginian Pilot , Pharrell anticipates that the 3-day event will become an annual celebration like more established music events around the country. Text “iPower” to 37890 for your chance at ticket giveaways and news before anyone else! …Standard Messaging Rates Apply For the past few years, Virginia Beach has been the premier location for college co-eds looking to unwind before exams. The weekend is known to draw more than 30,000 people. Unfortunately, without organized city-sanctioned events, the oceanfront destination has become a site for occasional violence. RELATED: Pharrell Williams Threatens To Sue Trump For Playing ‘Happy’ At His Rallies City officials are hopeful that the festival will boost the resort area while discouraging violence and destruction. The official lineup is said to be announced next week when tickets go on sale. RELATED: Daddy Duties! Pharrell Opens Up About Raising Triplets For the Latest Entertainment News : Follow @ipowerrichmond [ione_media_gallery src=”https://ipowerrichmond.com” id=”2895124″ overlay=”true”] Latest… Breast Milk Can’t Fix That: Tamera Mowry-Housley’s Sickness Revealed As Viral Pneumonia Democratic Maryland Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti “Apologizes” For Calling PG County “Ni**Er District” Jada Pinkett-Smith Gets Real About “Deteriorating Fantasies” In Marriage [VIDEO] Trump’s Ex Lawyer is Snitching Snitching!

Pharrell Williams Brings 3-Day Music Festival To Virginia Beach

Prosecutors To Receive Second R. Kelly Sex Tape

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Source: Scott Olson / Getty Attorney Michael Avenatti is prepping to turn over a second R.Kelly sex tape to Cook County prosecutors Monday. According to TMZ , the 55-minute VHS video is much more shocking than the first sex tape that Avenatti procured in April 2018 . The 45-minute long VHS recording was uncovered after multiple clients came to him alleging Kelly had sexually assaulted minors. He claims the video clearly shows Kelly engaging in multiple sex acts with a girl. Related:  R. Kelly Doesn’t Have Enough Money To Post Bail, Lawyer Says CNN also confirmed that tape’s existence, saying the girl calls the man “daddy” and also shows her urinating at his request. After that, he urinates on her. CNN says the girl is seen on tape referring to her body parts as “14 years old.” Now, in regards to this second tape Avenatti is preparing to turn over to prosecutors, sources say R.Kelly is seen on camera having sex with the same 14-year-old girl seen in the aforementioned video. Sources tell TMZ , R. Kelly is seen choking the girl while having anal intercourse. There’s also a part where he takes some sort of lotion and “sprays” it all over her face. He apparently then chokes her, mounts her from behind and turns her face to the camera for a reaction shot. Related:  Semen Matching The DNA Profile Of R. Kelly Reportedly Found On Alleged Victim’s Clothing [VIDEO] Avenatti is also working to access a third tape which shows R.Kelly with a different girl who allegedly was between the ages of 13 and 16 years old at the time. This is all comes as R.Kelly spent another night in jail after failing to post his $1 million bail. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://92q.com” id=”4030888″ overlay=”true”]

Prosecutors To Receive Second R. Kelly Sex Tape

21 Savage In First Interview Since ICE Arrest: ‘It Was Definitely Targeted’

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R apper 21 Savage  has become a symbol of harsh immigration laws after he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Atlanta on Feb. 3. The 26-year-old is now speaking out for the first time since the arrest to “Good Morning America.” See Also:  Why 21 Savage Memes Are No Laughing Matter While talking to ABC News’ Linsey Davis, the rapper, whose real name is She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, explained the arrest, “I was just driving. And I just seen guns and blue lights. And, then, I was in the back of a car. And I was gone.” He also said they never told him he was under arrest, “They didn’t say nothing. They just said, ‘We got Savage.’” He added, “It was definitely targeted. There was helicopters.” Rapper 21 Savage tells @ABC News' @LinseyDavis that he was “definitely targeted” by ICE in exclusive interview on @GMA . https://t.co/6hOI6VROMv pic.twitter.com/BUgNTKOmzD — ABC News (@ABC) February 15, 2019 ICE claimed that 21 Savage is a United Kingdom citizen who entered the U.S. legally in July 2005 as a minor. However, he failed to leave the U.S. under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa. Consequently, ICE said his presence in the U.S. has been unlawful since his visa expired in July 2006. When asked if he considers himself to be a Dreamer — a young, undocumented immigrant who came to the U.S. as a child and met the requirements to participate in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — he replied, “I guess so… I went into first grade here, so I don’t really remember too much. I remember, like, my grandma house, and that’s probably about it. I didn’t really do much there. I’ve been Atlanta probably 20 years, 19 years. I’m from Atlanta, in my eyes.” Savage also described the detention center he was held in, claiming he was in one room all day. “I feel like I done been through so much in my life, like, I learned to embrace the times when I’m down ’cause they always build me up and take me to a new level in life,” he said. “So it’s like even if I’m sitting in a cell on 23-hour lockdown, in my mind, I know what’s gonna come after that. So I’m not happy about it. But I’m accepting of it.” EXCLUSIVE: Grammy-nominated rapper 21 Savage describes fears of deportation to @ABC News' @LinseyDavis in first interview since his release on bond from ICE custody. https://t.co/5nQPAwVp4a pic.twitter.com/MdUasUcmUt — ABC News (@ABC) February 15, 2019 He was released on Wednesday after more than a week in detention. “21 Savage was granted a release on bond,”  Kuck Baxter Immigration LLC posted to its social media channels. “ He won his freedom.” The rapper is reportedly working with, “ICE to both clarify his actual legal standing,” according to his lawyer. However, it is not definite if Savage will be allowed to stay in the country. SEE ALSO: Terry Crews Says Hollywood Is ‘Like A Plantation’ And ‘If This Is The End Of My Career, Just End It’ Why 21 Savage Memes Are No Laughing Matter US Immigration Border Policy Is Literally Killing People [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3440564″ overlay=”true”]

21 Savage In First Interview Since ICE Arrest: ‘It Was Definitely Targeted’

Act Of Kindness Displayed By Black Men In Florida Goes Viral

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A n act of kindness displayed by three young Black men from Florida has warmed the hearts of people across the nation. According to Yahoo Lifestyle , a video that captured the men helping an elderly couple into their car has gone viral. A police officer in Florida recently saw three young Black men helping an elderly couple, and decided to film them and share it with the world! (The officer told reporters, “I know… https://t.co/oTJShZt2ns — Black News (@BlackNews) February 8, 2019 The men were at a gas station store when they noticed Rose Griest , 89, and her husband David Griest , 100, having a hard time getting into their vehicle. As Griest tried to assist his wife with sitting in the passenger’s seat safely, her legs gave out. The group of men— Freddy G , Marty , and Joc Koe Stoe —stepped in to ensure that she was okay.  “We didn’t even ask if they needed help — we felt comfortable giving them a hand right away,” Marty told the news outlet. “I kept thinking, ‘She could have been my grandmother.’.” Officer Kenesha Carnegie from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office captured the special moment on camera and posted the video on social media. The video has now garnered millions of views. “I look over and three men were assisting the couple — it was a beautiful thing to see,” said Carnegie. “I know these men from the neighborhood, and I wanted them to have that moment to show who they really are.” The elderly couple—who have been married for two decades—were thankful that the men gave them a helping hand. Their family is also grateful that the men were there to help too. Their grandson Tommy Griest came across the video on Facebook. “I was scrolling through and saw my grandmother’s purple outfit. Praise these guys for helping them,” he said. Witnessing acts like the one displayed by these young men restores faith in humanity at a time when our country is so divided. Check out the video of the special moment below. SEE ALSO: Judge Inspires At-Risk Camden Teen To Become A Lawyer Candle Brand Launched By Three Black Youngsters Featured At Macy’s [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3844698″ overlay=”true”]

Act Of Kindness Displayed By Black Men In Florida Goes Viral

Blac Chyna is a Neglectful Parent to Dream, Kardashians Accuse

Over the weekend, Rob Kardashian was allegedly unable to hand over Dream because Blac Chyna was MIA . Chyna was partying it up in Hawaii even though it was her turn to have custody of their daughter. Apparently, the Kardashians believe this is part of a pattern — and that Chyna isn’t properly caring for Dream. After Rob and Chyna’s latest parenting dispute, People   spoke to an inside source for insight into how the Kardashians are viewing this situation. “Regardless of the issues that Rob is dealing with,” the insider begins, acknowledging Rob’s relative lack of success. “It’s pretty clear that the environment that Rob and his family can offer Dream is the healthiest for her,” the source continues. “Rob always wanted Dream to spend time with her mom, too,” the insider insists. “He has never wanted Chyna to be cut out of Dream’s life,” “But,” the source explains. “He also doesn’t want Dream to be raised by a nanny while her mom is off partying out of state.” Having nannies is one thing, but what’s the point in a custody drop-off if the other parent is in a different time zone? Blac Chyna spent the weekend in Hawaii with her boyfriend, 30-year-old Kid Buu. Apparently, their entire group was “being inappropriate in several ways” at the Honolulu Ritz-Carlton at which they were staying. They were by the pool, and an inside source shares with People that they were making asses of themselves. “The girls were showing nipples, they were twerking, and just being obnoxious,” the insider characterizes. Some of that was even captured on video for all to see. Then, of course, came the chilling part. Chyna got into a physical fight with Kid Buu at their hotel in the wee hours of Monday morning. It’s said that their disagreement began verbally, with Chyna accusing Buu of cheating on her. At some point, possibly hours later, things escalated to a brawl. Chyna is said to have scratched Buu. Buu is said to have slammed her into a wall repeatedly and to have choked her. That is absolutely terrifying. “Rob’s family always had issues with Chyna,” the source tells People. “Her public behavior in the past few days,” the insider notes. “Certainly isn’t going to give her a Mother of the Year award.” “Chyna has long acted like her number one priority isn’t raising her kids,” the source characterizes. “This is very hard for Rob’s family.” “They don’t feel like Dream is properly cared for when she is with Chyna,” the insider expresses. “They find it to be a sad situation,” the source explains. “Dream is the cutest little girl.” “She is very happy and so much fun to be around,” the insider gushes. “Rob’s family just wants Dream to be raised in the best way possible.” “The family’s whole approach is ‘it takes a village,'” a source says of the Kardashian family. Case in point: on Monday, while Chyna was presumably recovering from her brawl with Kid Buu, Dream was with her aunt Khloe. Khloe took True and Dream on a precious outing for the little cousins. “Dream has so much fun playing with her cousins and being around Rob’s sisters,” an insider tells People . “They all love her very much,” the source affirms. “Rob stays with Kris,” the insider notes. “So Kris also helps out with Dream when Rob has custody.” “When Dream is with Rob, he does have help,” the source confirms. “He is a good dad, but his family also wants to help,” the insider explains. This is normal, even for smaller families. “One of Rob’s issues is that he isn’t comfortable being out in public,” the source says. “So his sisters take Dream out for fun activities with her cousins.” “Rob doesn’t want Dream to stay alone with a nanny while Chyna parties in Hawaii,” the insider expresses. “This is what he is mad about.” “She needs to tell him when she won’t be in L.A. so Rob can keep Dream longer,” the insider added. “Rob is getting his lawyer involved.” To be clear, no one is accusing Blac Chyna of not loving her adorable young daughter. But a child going on an outing with an aunt or spending a few hours with a grandmother is not the same as staying with a nanny. This is especially true when Dream’s mother is out of state. That said, we are of course grateful that Chyna’s physical fight with Buu did not take place anywhere near her daughter, Dream. We are sure that Rob feels the same way. View Slideshow: Dream Kardashian Photos: What a Cutie!

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Blac Chyna is a Neglectful Parent to Dream, Kardashians Accuse

Safaree Struggles With Seven-Figure Peen Mold Offer, Clowns Fiancée & Other #LHHNY Moments

Source: Matteo Marchi / Getty

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Safaree Struggles With Seven-Figure Peen Mold Offer, Clowns Fiancée & Other #LHHNY Moments

Pon Di Bible: Rihanna’s Possibly Shady Patriarch Responds To Her Lawsuit, Claims Imma Do Nuh Such Ting

Source: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Caroline McCredie/Getty Images for Fenty Beaut / Getty Rihanna’s Father Responds To News That She Is Suing Him Yesterday we reported that Rihanna is suing her father Ronald Fenty for exploiting the Fenty name to promote his businesses. Today, the folks at OK! spoke to Ronald and he has responded to the news that his daughter wants ALL the litigious smoke. “She is? Suing me? Why would she sue me? It’s my name!” he exclaimed. “She’s never going to sue me — I’ll have to fight it!” It is reported that Ronald and a partner have been using the name to act on Robyn’s behalf without every having permission to do so. “Thing is she doesn’t have the time to deal with all this stuff herself, so it is someone else that will be doing it,” he continued. ”She’s working hard on her album at the moment. I don’t think she’d sue me.” He goes on to say: “This is all news to me. They sent something to Fenty Entertainment, it was a letter from Roc Nation I think, but my lawyer said it was OK. They said they preferred me not to use the name, but they didn’t say I couldn’t.” Sounds like those lawyers were trying to use gentle language with Ronald as a warning out of respect for his role as Rihanna’s father, but, uh…Roc nation ain’t going for anything that will tarnish Rih’s shine. Including daddy dearest.

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Pon Di Bible: Rihanna’s Possibly Shady Patriarch Responds To Her Lawsuit, Claims Imma Do Nuh Such Ting

SMH: R. Kelly’s Lawyer Admits The Singer Married Aaliyah At 15, But Claims She Lied About Her Age

Source: Scott Legato / Getty R. Kelly’s Lawyer Confirms His Client Married Aaliyah At 15-Years-Old R. Kelly has finally confirmed to the public that he was indeed briefly married to Aaliyah –well, through his lawyer, at least. Steve Greenberg appeared on Good Morning America in an effort to address the recent allegations of rape, abuse, and sexual misconduct that are being stacked up against his client following the Lifetime docuseries, Surviving R Kelly . When Kelly’s representative was asked if his client had ever been in a relationship with a woman who was below the age of consent, he replied that the singer ‘absolutely’ denied being with any underage girls, which was quickly called into question. “Was he married to Aaliyah when she was 15?” asked reporter Linsey Davis. Greenberg replied, surprisingly admitting that Kelly did marry her, but deflecting onto another famous relationship. “He was married to her when she was 15. Elvis was married to Priscilla,” replied Greenberg, who did not pause or miss a beat. This was a reference to the marriage of Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla, who was almost 22 when she married the rock star, which she completed with her parents’ blessing. The reported continued to hound Greenberg on the subject saying, “So then, 15 is not of the age of legal consent, right?” But of course, Greenberg had an excused for Kelly, claiming he wasn’t in the wrong here because Aaliyah was dishonest. “Right except my understanding is that she did not claim to be 15. And in order to get married she had to lie about her age,” claimed the lawyer. “And he is saying he had no idea?” inquired Davis. To which Greenberg confirmed: “No idea.” But Aaliyah’s age still isn’t the only thing that’s disheartening about her relationship with Kelly. Jim DeRogatis , the reporter who has pursued the sexual and physical abuse allegations against R. Kelly since 2000, was a guest on the New York Times’ podcast series  The Popcast  with host Jon Caramanica last year. During the conversation, DeRogatis recalled when he first went through the documents that related to R. Kelly and Aaliyah’s annulment. “The annulment of the Aaliyah marriage and Aaliyah’s legal claim against him had been sealed in Detroit…they were sealed by the court but those documents were provided to me,” DeRogatis  revealed . “It’s a harrowing document, a non-disclosure agreement on both her part and Kelly’s, vowing not to pursue further legal claims for physical abuse. So it wasn’t just an underage sexual relationship, he hit her, allegedly, according to that court document.” The marriage was reported by Vibe magazine  shortly after the release of Aaliyah’s debut album,   Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number . The magazine found that the official Illinois wedding certificate falsified Aaliyah’s age, listing the late singer as 18. But the aforementioned document–vowing not to pursue further legal claims for physical abuse against Kelly–hasn’t really been mentioned when discussing various allegations, even in the  Surviving R. Kelly  documentary series that has been the catalyst for all the current R. Kelly conversations.   Continue reading