Dang, Gabby has had it rough… She’s one of the most celebrated athletes to come out of the recently concluded London Olympics, but Gabby Douglas languished and suffered as a young gymnast in her native Virginia Beach, Virginia — where she was taunted by fellow gymnasts, sometimes even with racial slurs. Now 16 and in possession of two gold medals, Douglas (with mom Natalie Hawkins) told Oprah Winfrey on Sunday’s Oprah’s Next Chapter about the less-than-ideal atmosphere at a local gym. “One of my teammates was like, ‘Can you scrape the bar?’ And they were like, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it, she’s our slave?’” “I definitely felt isolated, I felt why am I deserving this? Is it because I’m black? Those thoughts would go through my mind,” said the champ, who became the first-ever African-American to win the coveted All-Around trophy. The teasing got so bad that, at age 14, Douglas threatened to quit the sport altogether if they couldn’t move away and find a new coach. “I felt like I was bullied and isolated from the group, and they treated me not how they would treat the other teammates,” Douglas admitted. Indeed, Douglas eventually did move to Des Moines, Iowa, in order to train at Liang Chow’s gym, where fellow Olympic champ Shawn Johnson trained. SMH. This just goes to show the levels of racism in this country. It’s crazy that this young girl who is so talented has already been exposed to such blatant hatred and prejudice. Source
Gabby Douglas’ road to Olympic glory was far from easy. The 16-year-old revealed to Oprah Winfrey on Sunday’s Oprah’s Next Chapter that she was often bullied and tormented – even at a local gym. “One of my teammates was like, ‘Can you scrape the bar?'” Douglas recalled. “And they were like, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it, she’s our slave?'” “I definitely felt isolated, I felt why am I deserving this? Is it because I’m black? Those thoughts would go through my mind,” said the champ.
Gabby Douglas’ road to Olympic glory was far from easy. The 16-year-old revealed to Oprah Winfrey on Sunday’s Oprah’s Next Chapter that she was often bullied and tormented – even at a local gym. “One of my teammates was like, ‘Can you scrape the bar?'” Douglas recalled. “And they were like, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it, she’s our slave?'” “I definitely felt isolated, I felt why am I deserving this? Is it because I’m black? Those thoughts would go through my mind,” said the champ.
That salt strikes again… Deutsche Bank Executive Beaten By LAPD Sues For $50 Million According to TMZ reports : There’s no doubt … Brian Mulligan — an international banking honcho — was beaten to a pulp by the LAPD — based on photos obtained by TMZ. Mulligan — the Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Media for Deutsche Bank — is unrecognizable in the pics — with severe nasal fractures and lacerations, a concussion, a fractured right scapula, and numerous contusions and abrasions. Although the LAPD claims officers beat and arrested Mulligan after he became violent and threatening … prosecutors declined to file charges. Our sources say prosecutors believe the photos are “clear evidence of excessive force.” Indeed, Mulligan already filed a $50 million claim against the City of L.A. TMZ first reported, Mulligan claims two LAPD cops beat him senseless after wrongfully detaining him … claiming he resembled a person suspected of attempted car theft. Mulligan claims the officers took him to a hotel against his will and when he tried to leave officers brutally attacked him. Mulligan’s lawyers, J. Michael Flanagan and Valerie Wass, tell TMZ cops at the scene conceded Mulligan was NOT under the influence of drugs and they described him as “calm, lucid, and cooperative.” They tell TMZ, “Mulligan had committed no violations of law and was not arrested. No drugs were found during a search of his person or his vehicle, and the officers found absolutely no evidence of drug use by Mulligan.” Despite his lawyer assertion that Mulligan had not used any drugs… An executive of one of the largest banks in the world allegedly told the police during an incident in May that he ingested “white lightning,” which police say is a commercial name for bath salts, CBS reports. Brian Mulligan, the 52-year-old managing director and vice chairman of media and telecommunications for Deutsche Bank, is suing the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for $50 million, claiming he was held captive in a motel room by police officers who then beat him to a pulp. The police report, obtained exclusively by CBS, states that Mulligan was sweating profusely and walking with an unsteady gait when officers responded to reports that he was trying to break into cars in a Jack-in-the-Box parking lot. Mulligan told officers he was being chased and didn’t know why. He also stated that he had ingested “white lightning” and marijuana and that he had not slept for four days… A few hours later, at about 1 a.m., police received another call from the same area, this time about a man running in traffic, Officer Joseph told HuffPost. Mulligan, standing in the street, defied officers’ orders to get out of traffic’s way. Instead, Mulligan bared his teeth, snarled and charged at the officers. Sounds like Brian was high off that isht and bit off a lil’ more than his salty azz could chew. Head HERE to see the graphic picture of Mulligan’s injuries. Source Continue reading →
It’s a cold world. Zoe Saldana ain’t gettin’ NO LOVE from former boo thang Bradley Cooper and the pair is supposed to be promoting their new film “The Words” together! Is Bradley Cooper giving ex-girlfriend Zoe Saldana the silent treatment? At a screening of “The Words” at Goose Creek in the Hamptons, People magazine’s 2011 “Sexiest Man Alive” told Confidenti@l he hasn’t been speaking to his co-star, who he was romantically linked on and off with from January until June. “I only talk to Brian [Klugman, the director and childhood pal],” Cooper told us when pressed. “That’s the only person I ever talk to.” The sexy Saldana was noticeably absent from the screening of the plagiarism thriller, which also stars Jeremy Irons, Ben Barnes and Dennis Quaid. In it, she plays Cooper’s lover. “She brought so much to the role, as did everybody else. Jeremy Irons was a dream. I had a chance to work with great people,” Cooper said. Spotted at the Fiji Water and Carrera Sunglasses-sponsored screening were Susan Sarandon, Howard Stern and his wife, Beth Ostrosky. Also noticeably absent was co-star Olivia Wilde, who was linked to the blue-eyed Lothario in March 2011 after he split from then-longtime girlfriend Renee Zellweger. A spokeswoman for Saldana says the “Avatar” actress “wasn’t able to travel to New York because she had a conflict. She will be at the premiere in L.A. and is doing press from there, too.” The rep didn’t elaborate on the “conflict,” but Saldana was spotted in Los Angeles with a cast around her wrist on Friday. The former couple, who made their debut at a New Year’s Eve bash together, seemed quite friendly after calling it quits in March. They had dinner at East Village Mexican restaurant Empellon Cocina at the end of May, and we reported them locking lips while brunching with Saldana’s family at Boom in SoHo in June. SMH. He shouldn’t have even said that much to the press about who he talks to! Hopefully Zoe will find her some new swirl soon and forget about this guy. Source GSI Media Continue reading →
Premium Rush is about speed. So let’s not pussyfoot around and get right to the action. The action flik, which led this week’s box-office newcomers with a reported $6.5 million take, features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Wilee, a bike messenger being pursued through the streets of New York City on his brake-less “fixie” — fixed-gear — rig. Among those chasing Wilee is corrupt detective Bobby Monday, played by Michael Shannon , who is hell-bent on intercepting the package that Wilee is carrying. In advance of the film’s release, Movieline sat down with director and co-writer David Koepp and his writing partner John Kamps ( Ghost Town ) to talk about writing a white-knuckle action movie without killing anyone and how cyclists are the most responsible travelers on the street. Why did Premium Rush need to be told? David Koepp: It needed to be told because John and I have seven children between us and they’ve got to go to school. [Laughs] I had had this idea kicking around in my head for a while because I live here and see cyclists. I wanted to do a chase movie on bikes, which I hadn’t seen. You follow the idea , and see how long it lasts. I realized at a certain point, Well, I’ve had this idea in my head for a while now. The only way to get it out of there is to just do it. So, for peace of mind, this had to become a film. Did you write this script with Michael Shannon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in mind? DK: No, we always try to keep the characters the characters at first. Did either of them surprise you in terms of their performances? DK: I was pleasantly surprised by Joe’s fearlessness. Not because I’d heard he was a pussy or something — because, just to be able to be willing to put yourself on a bike in a lot of traffic and in that kind of danger, while acting, is really courageous. So, I was pleased and surprised by how much he wanted to do and how aggressively he was willing to do it. And, Shannon — you’re surprised every day by his performance because it comes out of this Michael Shannon place that only he has. And you just think, I never would have thought to deliver that line that way. That’s fascinating. What are the pros and cons of directing versus screenwriting? DK: I’ll make it succinct. With directing, you have tons of control. But, you have tons of control, which means you have tons of decisions to make and you have to be there. And you have to have an incredible level of input and your life doesn’t really belong to you so much. With screenwriting, you get a lot more quiet. You go to an office every day. Maybe you work with a collaborator. That’s nice. It’s a life that’s in here [pointing to his head]. I like to mix it up. You get crazy being in the room alone for too long and you certainly get crazy directing on the streets of New York. What was it like, logistically, to be filming people on bikes on the streets of New York City? I feel like few filmmakers have approached anything like this. DK : It was one of the most logistically difficult movies of the last 20 years. And I’m not overstating, because it’s not cars; it’s people exposed to cars. But they’re moving at car speed. And, because so much of the action was on the street, we needed total street closures. The city went out of its way to be accommodating. The cops were great. And it still was a mess because people, surprisingly, don’t like to have streets closed. [Laughs] You largely avoided CGI and relied on human stunts, yes? DK: That was important. This movie was about what human beings can do–not about what computers can do. I mean, clearly there’s some computer stuff: like when he’s picturing what would happen if he went to the right and he ends up getting hit by three cars and run over by a truck. Clearly, that wasn’t a person. Everybody knows it’s a joke. So, I’d say 95-96 percent of it is really people doing that. I read about Joseph going through the back of a cab and getting 31 stitches. DK: Yeah, a guy with diplomat plates cut into our shooting lanes right in front of him. Joe had to swerve to avoid him and ended up going through the back of a taxi. It was really scary. There were lots of crashes, but his was the worst. Of course, he’s the star, so he’s got to have the worst crash and get the most stitches. [Laughs] Our biggest fear [while] writing it was: Fuck, I hope somebody doesn’t get killed on this movie. Ya know? Absolutely. So, what was the motive behind Joseph’s character paying little regard to the welfare of other people on the road? DK: I don’t think he’s really out of line. I would say that the most responsible people on the street are cyclists. They may not obey all the rules, but they stay out of the way really well if you just leave ’em alone. Cars are second, because drivers are notoriously distracted. They feel safe inside their bubble and they’re often texting and that’s no good. And then the worst &mdash: the scum of the streets — are pedestrians. We’re awful because we don’t follow logical patterns. We’re definitely texting. Nobody’s looking where they’re going. Nobody . And they make irrational decisions, like in crosswalks. And that’s not good. How does this compare to L.A. traffic? John Kamps : It’s very different. With pedestrians, it’s like: You have the audacity to walk? DK: I think it’s legal to hit them. JK : Pedestrians are completely on the defensive in L.A. because people are flying down the street at 60 miles an hour. So, it’s not like someone’s going to stop and honk at you. They’re going to take you out. DK: There’s a pedestrian attitude in New York, which is, if you’re crossing the street and you cut in front of a car and you don’t look at the car, he has to stop. That’s just not really coherent. What was behind your decision to use a visual mapping element in this film to show where the characters are in relation to each other? DK: When John and I were writing it, we were saying, We want to know where everybody is, exactly, and at what time and how far [Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character Wilee] has got to go and how he’s going to get there. JK: A lot of the action you see doesn’t make sense geographically. It’s like, he’s on the building. Now he’s over there on the car. You have no idea what his goal is, how he’s getting from point A to point B. DK: Then, you’re editing it. And you think, Well, let’s see. We should move the bathroom scene up a little. And you can’t. You can’t move anything, because you’ve gone to great pains to say who’s where when. So, we cursed the script many times in the edit room. How long did Premium Rush take to shoot? DK: Fifty-one days — with about 30 days of second-unit shooting, concurrent. The wardrobe never changes. How many red shirts do they you through? DK: Dozens! To get the right red shirt was a big deal. That’s the other thing about a movie in contained time: you’re a one-wardrobe movie. You have to really fall in love with what people are wearing. What did you think of The Amazing Spiderman given your involvement in the first iteration? DK: I think they did a great job. It’s hard to do something new that’s just been done, and I thought that they came up with a tone and a look that I hadn’t seen or expected. Great performances. I felt like it was sort of old school—the way the high-school scenes played out and the relationship between Peter and Gwen. It seemed very… DK: John Hughes? Yeah. Nell Alk is an arts and entertainment writer and reporter based in New York City. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal , Manhattan Magazine, Z!NK Magazine and on InterviewMagazine.com, PaperMag.com and RollingStone.com, among others. Learn more about her here. Follow Nell Alk on Twitter. 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The Most Unwife-able Celebrity Women Some women are perfect. They exist. Like, in real life. They’re great and you’ll want to take them home to momma and have them meet the whole family . Then there are others. Women you should never try to wife and you should stay as far away from as possible. Sure they may be hot and you may want to be with them , but wife material? Not a chance. Check the track records. Continue reading →
It’s SHOWTIME!!! Alicia Keys New Album Cover For Girl On Fire , Swizz Beatz Instagram Beef Despite an album art leak last week , today, Alicia Keys releases the official album cover for her 5th studio album Girl On Fire . Although her her husband and millions of her fans are happy about the new album, there were inevitably some haters, one in particular really set Swizzy off. Hit the flipper to see how gully these “Insta-gangstas” got…
It’s official: Sam Claflin , British newcomer and co-star of recent blockbusters Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White and the Huntsman , has been cast as former Games winner Finnick Odair in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire . It’s a sizable role and a fan favorite, as readers of Suzanne Collins’ novels can attest — so what better way is there to get acquainted with your future Finnick than with a few adorable, worship-worthy photos? [ GALLERY: 9 Ridiculously Cute Photos Of Sam Claflin, Your New Finnick Odair ] Ever since landing the role of the young love-struck Philip in the last Pirates of the Caribbean flick (he’s the one who fell for the mermaid), Claflin’s been setting up his breakthrough potential stateside; his turn as the moony-eyed Prince in SWATH pitted him against Chris Hemsworth for Kristen Stewart’s affections, and while the Finnick role in the Hunger Games saga isn’t a central character, it’s a notable character that offers Claflin the chance to play more than just a pretty romantic figure. As a District 4 career Tribute who became something of a sex symbol after his Hunger Games victory, the flirty Finnick is known for using his charm and beauty to his advantage although there are much deeper layers roiling beneath the surface. Scroll down for the official Lionsgate press release and jump to this gallery of ridiculously cute Claflin pics to get better acquainted with your new Finnick. Click above for pics. Press release: Santa Monica, CA, August 22, 2012- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that Sam Claflin has been cast in the role of Finnick in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire. Charismatic and clever, Finnick was a District 4 Hunger Games victor when he was fourteen. After breaking out in his role as the romantic lead in last year’s PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, Claflin starred in the box office smash SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN playing Prince William alongside Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth. He recently finished filming THE QUIET ONESopposite Jarred Harris, and MARY & MARTHA, in which he co-stars with Hilary Swank. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has sold more than 50 million books in print and digital in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013. Ongoing casting news and information for the film can be found at: www.CatchingFireCasting.com The Hunger Games: Catching Fire hits theaters November 22, 2013. Approve of Claflin as Finnick, Mockingjays?
Also in Wednesday afternoon’s round-up of news briefs, Toronto 2012 Sci-Fi horror John Dies at the End heads for theatrical release. Also headed to theaters is Ernest Borgnine’s final film. Ellen DeGeneres is in talks to reprise a Pixar favorite. And Tribeca Film Institute gives $400K in grants for transmedia projects. Toronto 2012 Sci-Fi Horror John Dies at the End Heads for Release Magnet Releasing will bring cult filmmaker Don Coscarelli’s John Dies at the End to theaters and VOD. The genre label of distribution company Magnolia Pictures will release the title via VOD in late December, followed by a theatrical release in early 2013. The feature will screen in the Midnight Madness section of the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival. Check out the film’s description here . Anti-Obama Doc Tops Online Ticketer Fandango 2016: Obama’s America is selling more advanced tickets than any other film, Fandango said. The feature, which is based on conservative author Dinesh D’Souza’s book The Roots of Obama’s Rage , expands nationwide Friday after posting solid numbers in limited release. Ernest Borgnine’s Final Film Vicente Fernandez Heading to Theaters Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine’s final film, The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernández will head for theatrical release via Indican Pictures which acquired North American rights to the title. The film will open in Los Angeles this October, with additional select cities to follow, and will launch an awards campaign centered on Borgnine’s final performance. The pic debuted at this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival where the actor won the Acting Prize. He passed away in July. Tribeca Film Institute Grants $400K to Transmedia Projects The program is in partnership with the Ford Foundation. Six interactive non-fiction projects explores a range of topics ranging from Guatemalan street gangs in Alma, A Tale of Violence to rural West Virginia issues in Hollow . Question Bridge explores black male identity. New Day New Standard centers on workers’ rights, while Laika’s Adventure is an educational story revolving around Connected Sparks, an online social change platform for children. And Immigrant Nation involves personal stories and multiple entry points surrounding U.S. immigrants. The TFI New Media Fund supports non-fiction film projects that go beyond traditional screens, exploring storytelling that is interactive, multi-platform and participatory. Around the ‘net… Ellen Page Set to Star in Pic Based on Landmark Gay Rights Case Ellen Page will play Stacie Andree who was denied pension benefits from her longtime partner Laurel Hester, a New Jersey police detective who became terminally ill. The story is based on the Oscar-winning short documentary Freeheld , which production company Incognito Pictures is developing, Deadline reports . Ellen DeGeneres Eyes Finding Nemo Sequel The comedian is in talks to reprise her role in the wildly popular underwater animated feature from Disney/Pixar. She would again voice Dory, the blue tang fish with the short-term memory challenge that she played in the 2003 original, THR reports .
