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Support Emerges For the College Professor Who Accused Justin Fairfax Of Sexual Assault

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A hashtag, #IBelieveVanessa, is getting a growing number of contributors on Twitter from people who support the Scripps College professor who accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault—which he has denied. Educator and political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry is among those who have sided with Vanessa Tyson . See Also: Northam Now Says It Wasn’t Him In The Racist Yearbook Photo Tyson released a statement in which she officially identified herself as the accuser in the alleged July 2004 encounter, The Washington Post reported. “I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual. To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again,” Tyson’s statement said in part. Professor who accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of 2004 sexual assault issues statement detailing alleged incident https://t.co/YFeruFI5Dc — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 6, 2019 This statement adds to the growing turmoil for Virginia’s top elected Democrats. The state’s governor and attorney general have admitted recently to wearing blackface in the 1980s. Tyson first approached The Post about her allegation in November 2017 after Fairfax won his election. But the newspaper said it declined to publish her story because it could not corroborate either her version or Fairfax’s recollection of exactly what happened. Tyson’s allegation was resurfaced recently by Big League Politics, a fringe right-wing news website that also published the racist photographs from Gov. Ralph Northam ’s medical school yearbook. “I know Vanessa. I taught Vanessa when she was a student #IBelieveVanessa ,” tweeted Harris-Perry. Here are tweets from more of Tyson’s supporters. Realized that for some, why #IBelieveVanessa is trending is a question. https://t.co/7M1VnVy1bZ Here's why we stand with @VanessaCTyson #MeToo #MeTooPoliSci — Nadia E. Brown (@BrownPhDGirl) February 6, 2019 I believe Vanessa Tyson. I've always admired her work and generosity as a scholar. I now admire her strength and courage. #metoo #IBelieveVanessa — Jennifer R. Garcia (@JGarciaForrest) February 5, 2019 Dr. @VanessaCTyson is one of the most brilliant, dedicated, and generous scholars I know. I am proud to call her my friend. She is an amazing advocate for junior scholars, for WOC, and for survivors. I believe her. #IBelieveVanessa — Dr. Julia Marin Hellwege (@JuliaHellwege) February 5, 2019 Fairfax and Tyson first met in Boston at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She recalled Fairfax asking her to walk with him to his hotel room to retrieve some papers. Tyson said the sexual encounter began with consensual kissing. But she said Fairfax guided her to the bed and forced her to perform oral sex. Fairfax, who was not married at the time, has described the encounter as consensual. On Monday, Fairfax threatened legal action  against Big League Politics for its “false and unsubstantiated allegations” based on Tyson’s claim. The lieutenant governor said in his statement that The Post found “significant red flags and inconsistencies” in Tyson’s story. However, the newspaper denied Fairfax’s claim about find red flags when it investigated Tyson’s allegations and underscored that it simply could not corroborate either version of the encounter. SEE ALSO: Another Blackface Yearbook Photo Surfaces From Ralph Northam’s Alma Mater Republican Kirk Cox Could Become Virginia Governor If Scandals Bring Down Democrats [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3833240″ overlay=”true”]

Support Emerges For the College Professor Who Accused Justin Fairfax Of Sexual Assault

#Free21Savage: Jay-Z And Roc Nation Hire Attorney To Help Assist The ATLANTA Rapper Fight ICE

Source: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images/Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Jay-Z Hires Lawyer To Help 21 Savage Fight Deportation 21 Savage ‘s arrest by ICE on Super Bowl Sunday has become a cause that the hip-hop community has collectively decried as an injustice the likes of which should be resolved immediately. Until today, one voice we hadn’t heard was that of Shawn Corey Carter, but it wasn’t much of a mystery as to what side of this issue he would fall. Today, the Roc Nation head honcho not only released a statement but according to TMZ he also put his money in the mouth that the statement came from and hired lawyer Alex Spiro to help Savage. Jay described the arrest as “an absolute travesty” and went on to say that “In addition to being a successful recording artist, 21 deserves to be reunited with his children immediately.” We couldn’t agree more. Obviously, 21 isn’t a Roc Nation artist, but that didn’t stop Hov from doing what he could to help the father, son, and one of hip-hop’s brightest stars. Alex Spiro is dedicated to seeing the man born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph free: “We are not going to stop until he is released, bonded out or in front of a judge … What we have here is someone who overstayed their Visa with an application pending for 4 years – not a convicted criminal that needs to be detained and removed but, by all accounts a wonderful person, father, and entertainer who has a marijuana offense which was vacated and sealed.” If you can’t respect that, ya whole perspective is wack and that’s that on that.

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#Free21Savage: Jay-Z And Roc Nation Hire Attorney To Help Assist The ATLANTA Rapper Fight ICE

Jussie Smollett Speaks Out For the 1st Time After Attack

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Source: Jamie McCarthy / Getty We’re hearing from Jussie Smollett for the first time since his brutal attack earlier this week. “Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” the Empire actor said in a statement  to  ESSENCE on Friday. “My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words.” Smollett was beaten and brutalized by two men on Tuesday in Chicago. According to police there, the attackers first yelled racial and homophobic slurs before they beat him and poured an unknown chemical substance over him. They released photos of a pair wanted for questioning about the incident on Thursday. “I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level,” Smollett said about the misinformation being spread across social media about his attack. ” Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.” “As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process,” he concluded. “Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.” Smollett ended his statement by signing, “With Love, respect & honor…Jussie.” The Smollett family released a statement of their own yesterday that echos some of the same sentiments made in Jussie’s statement.

Jussie Smollett Speaks Out For the 1st Time After Attack

Jussie Smollett’s Releases Statement, Labels Assault an Act of "Domestic Terrorism"

The loved ones of Jussie Smollett have released their first statement since the Empire actor was savagely beaten for being a gay African-American . And they appear to have taken a shot at President Donald Trump in the process. “In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack,” the family said to open its message, adding: “We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice.” According to Smollett, he was attacked by two men who hurled racial and homophobic epithets in his direction. The men also screamed that he was in “MAGA country.” They then punched and kicked Smollett, fracturing his ribs, prior to tying a rope around his neck and pouring bleach all over him. As many have noted, this really was the equivalent of a modern-day lynching. This is how the statement continued: Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. As far as we know at the moment, Smollett is in stable condition. Moreover, we now have photos of the two suspects . Because the assailants referenced “MAGA,” the shorthand for President Trump’s slogan of Make America Great Again, many folks had been waiting for Trump to address the awful incident. He finally did so on Thursday afternoon. “That I can tell you is horrible,” Trump says when asked about it in the following video. “I’ve seen it. Last night. It’s horrible. Doesn’t get worse.” He does not, however, say anything specific about the “MAGA” taunt directed at Smollett. Donald Trump Comments on Jussie Smollett To conclude their statement it certainly, Jussie’s family certainly appears to call out the President and a lot of his hateful rhetoric over the years. “Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world,” the statement concluded. “With love & gratitude, the Smollett Family.” In related news, Smollett is expected to return to work in the near future. As soon as he is medically cleared, the actor will be back filming new episodes of Empire. We wish him all the best. View Slideshow: Jussie Smollett Attacked: Everything We Know So Far

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Jussie Smollett’s Releases Statement, Labels Assault an Act of "Domestic Terrorism"

Hate Crime: Jussie Smollett Hospitalized After Homophobic Attack By MAGAs

Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images / Getty Prayers up! Jussie Smollett Attacked In Racist Hate Crime We’re extended our heartfelt prayers to Jussie Smollett after he was viciously attacked in Chicago. ThatGrapeJuice broke the news that the “Empire” actor was targeted and beaten late Monday by two unidentified men in ski masks. They add that Jussie had previously received a startling message through mail calling him a “f***t.” “You will die black f***t,” read the note.   TMZ has additional details and they’re reporting that the actor was attacked while leaving a local Subway restaurant by white men who yelled, “Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?” They then attacked him, fractured a rib, and put a noose around his neck while yelling “This is MAGA country.” The men also reportedly poured bleach on him. Jussie was taken to Northwestern Memorial and discharged. Chicago Police are investigating the incident which seems premeditated. This story is still developing… ***Update*** The Chicago Police department released a statement saying that detectives are investigating and asking the public to send tips to CPDTip.com. Chicago Police Department just sent out this statement re: Jussie Smollett pic.twitter.com/DxQswZn8xd — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 29, 2019 We’re praying for you Jussie!

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Hate Crime: Jussie Smollett Hospitalized After Homophobic Attack By MAGAs

Lala Kent: Which FEMALE Vanderpump Co-Star Did She Hook Up With?

Lala Kent is a late addition to the Vanderpump Rules cast, but unlike other recent attempts to mix some new blood into the potent sangria that is the staff at SUR (We're looking at you, Billie Lee!), Lala has been embraced by both co-stars and viewers. One of the reasons for Lala's popularity is the fact that for the most part, she's more candid and forthcoming than most reality stars. We say “for the most part” because Kent kept her relationship with Randall Emmett under wraps for over a year. But now that that's out in the open, Lala is back to telling it like it is. And #PumpRules Twitter is abuzz today following the revelation that Kent hooked up with one of her female castmates. Take a look: 1. Give Them Lala Lala is the most recent addition to the full-time Vanderpump cast, and while she’s no slouch when it comes to creating drama, she’s also proven to be one of the most likable members of the SUR staff. 2. A Hard Road Of course, it wasn’t always this way. In fact, Lala had an extraordinarily difficult time winning over some of her female castmates. 3. Tequila Katie Katie Maloney, in particular seemed to object to Lala’s presence. 4. Making It Work But in time, Lala won over the ladies of SUR. 5. Frenemies No More These days, Lala and her new BFFs participate in all sorts of bonding activities together, from getting piercings to doing battle with the nefarious shaved ferret that is James Kennedy. 6. Sidepiece No More And despite many predictions to the contrary, Kent has even made the difficult transition from sidepiece to main piece, scoring an engagement ring from her former sugar daddy. View Slideshow

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Lala Kent: Which FEMALE Vanderpump Co-Star Did She Hook Up With?

Eliza Dushku Accuses Michael Weatherly of Sexual Harassment

Early this year, Eliza Dushku shared that she was molested at age 12 on the set of True Lies. It was a heartbreaking #MeToo story. What she did not share, because she had signed a confidentiality agreement, was something less awful but much more recent. Eliza was paid $9.5 million by CBS after she reported Michael Weatherly’s sexual harassment on the set of Bull . The New York Times reports that Dushku was paid $9.5 million in a secret settlement by CBS. Eliza joined the cast of Bull , a show that really exists about Dr. Phil, as a guest star whom they planned to make a series regular. The Buffy and Dollhouse alum quickly reported disturbing and outrageously inappropriate comments made by the show’s lead actor. Weatherly, best known for his roles on NCIS and Dark Angel , apparently made a series of not-safe-for-work (and not-safe-for-anywhere) comments. Eliza reported the sexual harassment … and quickly found herself written off of the series. Michael Weatherly made a rape joke, suggested a threesome, and made other comments of an overtly sexual nature to and about Eliza. According to the report obtained by the Times , Eliza laid out the incidents of sexual harassment. She reported that she made a gesture with three fingers, which prompted Michael to suggest that the two of them engage in a threesome with another cast member. She says that he would make comments — so apparently this happened multiple times — about bending her over his knee and spanking her. Gross, dude. Eliza also reported that he referred to a scene filmed at a windowless van and referred to it as a “rape van.” That last could have been a poor attempt at acknolwedging the creepiness of a windowless van, but it is not appropriate for a workplace. Though Eliza has not officially commented on the story, Michael did speak to the Times on the subject. “During the course of taping our show,” Michael says in his statement. “I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script.” “When Eliza told me that she wasn’t comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized,” he says. “After reflecting on this further,” Michael adds. “I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate.”: “And I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza,” Michael concludes. An apology is better than nothing. Sometimes, people need to unlearn bad behavior. Eliza did receive the $9.5 million settlement, said to be what she would have been paid as a castmember for four season of  Bull . In exchange, she had to keep quiet about the sexual harassment and the circumstances of her being written off of the show. According to the draft of the investigation report, this case exemplifies one of a number of problems at CBS. That’s no surprise. In a professional environment where reports of a man’s sexual harassment lead to a woman being written off of a show, things are not good. There is hope that, with the ousting of Les Moonves, CBS can undo decades of damage. In a statement to People , CBS acknowledges that this is far from their finest moment as a network. “While we remain committed to a culture defined by a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, our work is far from done,” the statement reads. “The settlement of these claims,” CBS explains. “Reflects the projected amount that Ms. Dushku would have received for the balance of her contract as a series regular.” “And,” the statement says, the amount “was determined in a mutually agreed upon mediation process at the time.” Getting paid without doing the work may sound like a good deal, but it doesn’t help your resume or face-recognition. And no one should have to endure workplace sexual harassment. View Slideshow: #MeToo: Stars Share Stories of Sexual Harassment, Assault

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Eliza Dushku Accuses Michael Weatherly of Sexual Harassment

Fed Up: Pete Davidson Addresses Ariana Grande Fans Bullying Him — “I’m Upset I Even Have To Say This”

Source: NBC / Getty Pete Davidson Addresses Online Bullies Leave Pete alone! The comedian is fed the heck up with Ariana Grande fans making comments about his health, appearance and break up with their pony-tailed Goddess. In a statement, he says he believes they’re trying to really make him harm his self. In his statement, he said: “I’ve kept my mouth shut. Never mentioned any names, never said a word about anyone or anything, I’m trying to understand how when something happens to a guy the whole entire world just trashes him without any facts of frame of reference. Especially in today’s climate where everyone loves to be offended and upset it truly is mind boggling. I’ve been getting online bullied and in public by people for 9 months.” Pete Davidson, 25, continues in his message, “I’ve spoken about BPD and being suicidal publicly only in the hopes that it will help bring awareness and help kids like myself who don’t want to be on this earth. I just want you guys to know. No matter how hard the internet or anyone tries to make me kill myself. I won’t. I’m upset I even have to say this. To all those holding me down and seeing this for what it is – I see you and I love you.”” Do YOU feel him on this??? Recently Ariana covered up her tattoo for Davidson with a tribute to her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. She tattooed his dog’s name, Myron, on her ankle. Hopefully, fans of Ariana take heed and leave him alone now.

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Fed Up: Pete Davidson Addresses Ariana Grande Fans Bullying Him — “I’m Upset I Even Have To Say This”

SMH: Charges Filed Against Two Former School Officials In Fort Valley State Sex Scandal

Darrin Klimek/Getty Images Charges Filed Against Fort Valley State Officials Over Alleged Prostitution Ring Official charges have been filed against two Fort Valley State University administrators in connection with an alleged prostitution ring. As previously reported, Alecia Johnson, a graduate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a former executive assistant to the University’s President, was under investigation for allegedly pimping women to “pay” for pledging. She’s now been charged alongside one other former Fort Valley State University official and five others. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Johnson and six others are facing charges related to prostitution and sodomy dating to 2017. Johnson’s been charged with numerous crimes, including six counts of pimping and six counts of prostitution. They add that she was also charged with conspiring to steal a student’s book-scholarship money, awarded in October 2015. The other official named is Charles Jones, Fort Valley’s former chief legal counsel, who was charged with pandering and solicitation of sodomy. Fort Valley State has released a statement confirming that they’re cooperating with the investigation. “FVSU has promised its students that their safety and security is our first priority, and we fully support the application of the judicial process,” the statement says. “We have consistently and aggressively worked with the University System of Georgia and law enforcement to ensure that anyone who allegedly puts our students at risk is investigated thoroughly and expeditiously, and have advocated for the most appropriate standards to be applied.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the nation’s first black sorority founded 110 years ago, previously released a statement confirming that their own investigation was underway and condemned Johnson’s alleged actions. “These allegations are in no way representative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 110-year service-based mission or its nearly 300,000 members. We condemn these allegations in the strongest possible terms,” the statement said. SMFH, this is deplorable. We hope officials find out what really went down at this school.

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SMH: Charges Filed Against Two Former School Officials In Fort Valley State Sex Scandal

Safaree Flexes On Gatorade & Supports Dancehall Icon Bounty Killa

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Source: Andrew Toth / Getty When he’s not popping up on Love & Hip Hop, or dropping new music , or moving his branded Coconut Oil, Safaree’s  usually flexing for his “Stunt Gang” on Social Media. While 2017 saw him emerge as the “Fur God”, Saf recently teamed up with Club Foreign to release a limited run of “Stunt Gang” apparel. Featuring two red, white, and black bomber jackets, and a “Jamaica Flag” bomber jacket, the line was inspired by Gatorade’s refusal to cut him a cheque for rocking their Air Jordan x Gatorade Jacket in a recent video that went viral . “ Gatorade didn’t cut the check…so imma make my own! ” was the statement made in one of his recent Instagram posts. Check that out below and more from Safaree on page 2.

Safaree Flexes On Gatorade & Supports Dancehall Icon Bounty Killa