Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty R. Kelly’s Inner Circle Were The Ones Responsible For Him Reportedly Facing Federal Charges According to TMZ , R. Kelly investigators now have over 20 tapes of the singer having sex with minors in their possession, and it was his own inner circle who handed them over to the authorities. Gerald Griggs, the attorney who is representing the family of Jocelyn Savage, reportedly stated that the tapes show multiple victims of sexual abuse and that many of them were confirmed to be underage at the time of the filming. R. Kelly was arrested earlier this week on 13 counts of federal sex crimes, including four counts of producing and two counts of receiving child pornography. Kelly is also facing other counts for racketeering, violation of the Mann Act, and obstruction of justice. Kelly is also facing 11 other sex abuse charges in Cook County relating to his alleged abuse of Jerhonda Pace. It might be over with for R. Kelly.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Mother of Nipsey Hussle’s Daughter Claims His Family Has Cut Her Off Since His Passing According to The Blast , the mother of Nipsey Hussle ‘s 10-year-old daughter claims his family has kicked her out of the apartment he used to rent for her and cut all ties with her. Tanisha Foster filed a motion in the guardianship case of her daughter, Emani Asghedom. She disputing the joint guardianship petition filed by Nipsey’s immediate family. “I strongly oppose both of the petitions filed by Samantha Alexandria Smith, Samiel Asghedom and Angelique Smith,” Foster says. “I am the other of Emani Asghedom and there is no good reason my rights as her mother should be taken away from me, or otherwise reduced as her mother.” Foster claims she and Nipsey “always shared the responsibility of parenting Emani.” Since his murder, she has “had to depend on the goodwill of family and friends for my food, clothing, shelter and transportation. Ermias had always provided for these needs up until his date of death.” She says the Nip “also gave me substantial sums of cash that I used for the benefit of Emani and myself.” But all that has since been cut off after his passing and his family has decided to cut ties with Foster in every aspect.
Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN Kumail Nanjiani Chops It Up With Desus & Mero About His New Movie, Stuber Kumail Nanjiani stopped by Desus & Mero this week to talk about his new movie, Stuber . While he’s in the building, the comedian discusses still getting confused for Kal Penn from Harold and Kumar , diversity in Hollywood, being nominated for an Oscar, working with Dave Bautista, and how it feels to be asked about his craziest uber stories all the time now because of his movie, Stuber . Peep the hilarious conversation down below:
Source: Leon Bennett / Getty Cassie Say Team Of Black Women Have Uplifted Her Career Cassie is giving all glory to Black women for giving her career new purpose and effect. In a new interview L’Officiel , the singer/actress/entrepreneur talks about taking her career to the next level now that she is expecting a daughter. “My priorities have absolutely changed, not just for creating an amazing future and life for my daughter, but because I want her to be proud of me,” Cassie shared. “I’ve heard people say that they’re nervous to raise females in today’s world, but I’m excited! I can’t wait to see her grow, learn and challenge the world right back!” A big part of getting to that next level is the work of her new team that is comprised of predominantly Black women. When asked about working with a crew of black female creatives, Cassie explained how the new squad has helped her confidence. “When it comes to me choosing to work with certain people I have to go off of an organic connection. I love the fact that everyone that I work with now communicates fully on every aspect, we are not in competition, we work as a team and they actually understand who I am and who I want to mold myself to become. As a group, we work as a collective. “For me, this is the first time that I feel that I actually have a strong team in place that has my best interests at heart and the added bonus is that the majority of the team are creative black females. To me, it means we see each other,” she continued. “The energy I feel when we’re in a room together is unmatchable. We all have our own levels of experience and we bring our best to the table. We support each other and balance each other out all at the same time. It just works.” We’ll certainly be keeping on eye on Cassie’s moves to see how they reflect this new foray into overt Blackness.
Source: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com / WENN Keke Palmer On Working With Cardi B & Her Thoughts On Nene Leakes Keke Palmer stopped by Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live recently to chop it up with Andy Cohen about anything and everything. While she was in the hot seat, Keke talked about working with Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez on the upcoming movie “Hustlers” and says that Cardi B taught her some dance moves. She also shares her thoughts on the R. Kelly docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” saying what her experience was when he mentored her at the start of her music career. Check out a couple clips from her time on the show below:
Source: Peter Forest/Getty Images for OWN Bossip Be Trippin: Essence Fest 25 Hey beautiful people, it’s your wanderlusty buddy-pal Alejandro with another White Diamond-splashed Essence Fest adventure to recap. And yes, there are taupe kitten heels, bedazzled bodysuits, snazzy toe rings, stretchy floral fabrics, young aunties in polka dot hot pants and big Bluetooth energy (courtesy of Pop-Pop Frankie Beverly) sprinkled into this journey. Sounds amazing, I know, so let’s get into it. But first–I have to thank Ford for loaning me a 2019 Ford F-150 Limited (basically an Autobot) for the trip. I’ll call him Optimus Jr. and he’s simply incredible with the best fuel mileage of any new-age truck. I drove from Atlanta to NOLA (470 miles) without stopping for gas and STILL had 100 miles left to E. It’s absolutely life-changing (if you have an older vehicle like myself) with a planet-shaking sound system, dependable navigation interface, spacious interior (sooo much backseat space for luggage unlike most pickup trucks), MOONROOF, self-parallel parking (yes, you read that right) and buttery smooth leather seats. Source: Alex Ford/iOne This isn’t a commercial (I promise) but I told them I would let yall know how impressive the F-150 is. My only (small) complaint is the $69 is takes to fill up. STRESSFUL. But yea, I’m a fan and recommend you take one for a spin someday. Now, back to Essence Fest that attracted 1.7 billion people (I counted) to the (not) Big (enough) Easy this year for some good ‘ole fashioned day drinking shenanigans in wig-melting, eyebrow-sizzling heat. At one point, it was 104° outside but that didn’t stop anyone from attending an impressive array of events and brunches and lunches and dinners and pop-ups and soirées and kickbacks and meet & greets this year. There were SO MANY EVENTS. Almost too many. And these were my faves: View this post on Instagram Regal vibes at the @spotify #AreAndBe event! #EssenceFest • • : @gabriel_williams1 : @braided__ x @mauimoisture #SpotifyHouse A post shared by Lexi (@lexiwiththecurls) on Jul 7, 2019 at 8:48am PDT Spotify’s star-studded House of Are & Be was a VIBE with well-moisturized somebodies and the most IG-friendly photo booth experience at the festival. Look at our Digital Comms Director Lexi killin’ it. View this post on Instagram #SpotifyHouse vibes with @omarihardwickofficial @uluz3 & @iamluckydaye •• Thanks to @spotify for the #EssenceFest weekend love! Good times! •• : @gabriel_williams1 / iOne Digital A post shared by Bossip.com (@bossipofficial) on Jul 11, 2019 at 10:05am PDT Yep, EVERYBODY was there. View this post on Instagram Ava Duvernay, Gayle King & More Attend The Summer Of OWN Essence Cocktail Party •• LINK IN BIO •• #BOSSIP —— (OWN/Photographer Peter Forest) A post shared by Bossip.com (@bossipofficial) on Jul 7, 2019 at 9:21am PDT Ava Duvernay, Gayle King & more stopped by the exclusive Summer Of OWN Essence Cocktail Party at Legacy Kitchen for great vibes, impossible amounts of food (IT WAS LITERALLY A FEAST–THANKS OPRAH!) and all the Dove products you could stuff into your luggage. It was quite the event. View this post on Instagram @universalpictures threw an extravagant First Look soirée with the prettiest flowers on Earth & open bar for soon-to-be movie of the moment #QueenAndSlim. I only saw the first 12 minutes but it looks incredible in a ‘Love Jones’ had a baby with ‘Set It Off’ kinda way. Big shouts to @lenawaithe & everyone involved #TrustGod #EssenceFest #SupportBlackFilm (Swipe) A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 10, 2019 at 12:30am PDT Universal Pictures threw a swanky First Look soirée where they showed the first 12 minutes of soon-to-be movie of moment “Queen & Slim.” It looks incredible. No, seriously. View this post on Instagram Finallyyy met Brandy who was gracious with her time & glowing at @att’s lavish #DreamInBlack brunch #EssenceFest #CUZIMYOSISTAAA #MoeToThe #Braiderella #ItsPossibleee A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 11, 2019 at 12:20am PDT Brandy stunned at AT&T’s extravagant Dream In Black brunch (that also celebrated Ava Duvernay and Zendaya ). She looked and sounded AMAZING. View this post on Instagram She crashed my pic but it’s all love at #EssenceFest (If my potential boo is reading this in her bonnet with the chin strap, I don’t know this woman ) Thank you @starz for another amazing experience #TakeTheLead A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 8, 2019 at 8:29pm PDT Starz always has great Essence Fest events and this year’s Lounge was another win. Source: Alex Ford/iOne The magnificent Motown Manor had tarot card readings, henna painting, celebrity MUAs for guests, braid adorning, open bar and a live performance/intimate chat with BJ the Chicago Kid. Very dope. View this post on Instagram Favorite #EssenceFest moment (so far) #WaitForIt (had no idea Ari Lennox was so fine ) #GirlLemmeBuyYouCrystals #ThriftingSpreeOnMe #TheSheaToHerButter #AriHive A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 6, 2019 at 10:43am PDT Shea butter baby Ari Lennox gave us a classic moment at Airbnb’s elegant A Woman’s Path To Power event. THEY HAD DELICIOUS MINI-SHRIMP PO’BOYS. Source: Alex Ford/iOne HBO’s intimate Black Ladies in Comedy brunch celebrated Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell (Supervising Producer & Actress), A Black Lady Sketch Show ‘s Dime Davis (Director) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Head Writer) who chatted about Blackness in very white Hollywood spaces. Great convo and even better food. Source: Nigel Degaff Our good friends at Ford painted the future proud with a culturally delicious Ride & Drive experience combining art, food and fellowship. View this post on Instagram Kicking off #EssenceFest with @disney. Y’all see Will behind me? He plays all day. Lol #DisneyXEssence #Essence A post shared by Dani Canada (@iamdanicanada) on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:55am PDT Disney’s preview brunch for “The Lion King” and several other future box office smashes from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” to “Frozen 2” was, well, magical. View this post on Instagram This was the moment when luxurious linens magically appeared on me in the Superdome. Pop-Pop Frankie had the aunties in taupe kitten heels going crazy. This is big Bluetooth energy. Lord, please let my shoulders be this full of life at 72. Meemaw was right—they don’t make music like this anymore #EssenceFest A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 11, 2019 at 7:06pm PDT Forever First Lady Michelle Obama and Final Boss auntie MJB set the tone for Pop-Pop Frankie to unleash big bluetooth energy during a dazzling performance that closed out Essence Fest with the biggest of bangs. Overall, I really enjoyed Essence Fest 25 and LOVE that it lived up to the hype. Special thanks to Team Epiphany for the exclusive invites, Legacy Kitchen ‘s wonderful staff who blessed us with fresh (and delicious) beignets, Ford, HBO, AT&T, BET, OWN, Disney, McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Universal and Motown. Thanks for reading and follow my unsupervised shenanigans on IG (@alejandro_nigelsias). See ya next time!
Nick Pendergrast has opened up about something both very personal and, quite literally, very painful. The former reality TV star, who helped anchor Season 4 of Married at First Sight, shared details late this week regarding a near-fatal workplace accident that took place six months ago. In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post on Friday, Pendergrast explained – for the first time to the public – that he is now partially paralyzed and that he was also forced to relocate from partner Heather Yerrid and their twins in order to receive proper care. Heavy, sad stuff. “It’s been a life changing and devastating 2019. “I knew for myself I needed to be in a better mental state to share what happened to me in January,” Pendergrast said at the outset of his message, which accompanied the photos above and below. “I don’t really know if I am truly ready to open up about all of it in fear of how it will be received. What I am sure of, I need all the support I can get right now to make it through this,” he continued. “These pictures were taken so that if I survived, I could see how far I have come to give me hope for the future.” From here, Nick went on to detail exactly what transpired back in January. Along with how it affected his relationship. “I was in an unfortunate severe accident while on the job. When Heather arrived to the ER, she was told they didn’t know if I was going to make it through the night. “January 22nd, I was found submerged in water for hours, with severe hypothermia, multiple pelvic fractures, severely comminuted sacral fractures, Morel-Lavallee, and more.” Pendergrast didn’t go into any further detail about the incident, focusing instead on the aftermath. “It’s been 6 and a half months and I finally feel like I’ve gotten a straight answer about what the future may hold,” he wrote. “The nerve damage caused by the blunt trauma has left me partially paralyzed.” The entire experience has obviously been brand new for Nick. Brand new and scary, he says. “Up until 2019, I had never met anyone in a wheelchair or knew of anyone in my circle that had experienced this type of thing. “I had to relocate to a place that had the best doctors to save my life, and the best environment to regain any functionality in my lower body.” Pendergrast says the “past 6 months have been lonely, depressing, scary, stressful, and difficult,” but he’s now trying to keep a positive frame of mind. This is how he wrapped up his post: Just recently, my goal has been to learn how to become independent again as a disabled individual. I have the support of my family. Heather brings one child at a time to see me since she can’t yet travel with two. I am fighting every day to stay sane, motivated, and in high spirits. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I have gained empathy, compassion, and gratitude through this and hope to gain more. If nothing else, I just want to be able to walk again. If anyone has experienced this and has a similar story, where they were told they will never walk again and did, I would love to hear from you. Even if you were told you’d never walk again and didn’t, I would love to hear how you have coped and moved forward. I am asking for your prayers, love, and hope through this difficult journey. In February of 2018, Pendergrast and Yerrid (pictured directly above) welcomed twins, a baby boy named Logan Joseph and a girl named Layla Rae. Throughout his recovery, Pendergrast said he’s only been able to see one child a time because Yerrid can’t yet travel with both. The Married at First Sight star was previously married to castmate Sonia Granados, but they filed for divorce after almost a year of marriage in 2017. We send Nick all of our thoughts and prayers.
The untimely death of Nugget, Jenelle Evans' poor little French bulldog, made a whole, whole lot of waves. And that's because the dog was killed by Jenelle's husband, David Eason. Or was she? Did David actually kill the dog? Is everything we know a lie? In the past few days, Jenelle has been talking more and more about what happened, and she's made an even bigger mess of everything, if you can even believe it. She's made a mess so big, in fact, that she may be facing charges for it. 1. Buckle Up! This is a long, complicated, sometimes infuriating story, all right? So settle in, maybe grab a snack or some tissues or like a stress ball or something, and let’s get started. 2. RIP Nugget At the end of April, David shot and killed Nugget, Jenelle’s dog, after she allegedly bit Ensley. It was a huge story at the time, and clearly it still is. 3. The Confession After the news of Nugget’s death broke, David took to Instagram to explain his side of the story, writing “I dont give a damn what animal bites my baby on the face… whether it be your dog or mine, a dog is a dog and I dont put up with that sh-t at all. I’m all about protecting my family, it is my lifes mission.” 4. Worth Killing For “Some people are worth killing or dying for and my family means that much to me,” he continued. “You can hate me all you want but this isnt the first time the dog bit Ensley aggressively. The only person that can judge weather or not a animal is a danger to MY CHILD is ME.” 5. Confirmed Jenelle confirmed the awful news several times in different statements — like, she said “David killed my dog Nugget because he snapped at my 2-year-old, Ensley. He doesn’t put up with that and those are his beliefs. He just took her and shot her in the woods … about two acres away from the house.” 6. More Evidence She shared countless stories on her social media accounts about how David had killed the dog, she posted a sad story about how devastated she was that the dog was gone and never coming back … like, we all know what happened. View Slideshow
