Source: Prince Williams / Getty Cardi B has cancelled a few of her concerts last month due to needing more time to heal from her recent plastic surgeries . Last week, she took to social media to give fans a glimpse of the toll that the recovery process has taken on her body. In a now deleted post, the “Press” rapper showed her severely swollen feet and revealed that when she flies her feet and stomach become swollen. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). “Look at how swollen my feet get every time I take a plane,” she said. “Imagine my body. Reasons why my doctors told me to chill on shows.” She added that not only is there swelling but she feels a burning sensation in her stomach and feet as well. https://twitter.com/PopSirens/status/1137494708115116034 After giving birth to her daughter, Kulture , Cardi said she underwent plastic surgery again, getting her breast redone by getting breast augmentation and liposuction. On Instagram, the former Love & Hip-Hop star said she misunderstood how long the recovery process would actually take and didn’t follow the doctors orders when he told her not to fly for a few months. SEE ALSO: Here’s A First Look At Cardi B And Offset’s Baby Girl, Kulture [PHOTOS] “One thing my doctor was saying was that you cannot take planes,” Bardi explained. “You cannot take planes for like 3 months. So every time that I keep traveling, like, my feet and my legs, they swell up. Like, I had really bad ‘cankles.’ Then after my shows, I wasn’t really feeling it when I performing, but I would really feel a lot of back pains. And then on top of that, my stitches around my boobs, on the outside, are completely healed, but the inside, you know, you still got stitches in the inside, in my breasts, so they’ve slowly got to heal.” The Bronx native is scheduled to perform on June 16th at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. There is no word of her cancelling that performance so hopefully she will be healthy enough to take the stage. This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . 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 [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”2000235″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Maryland Rapper Killed In Shooting Usher Gets Big Ass Head Tattoo [PHOTOS] Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Jan Kjerrman / EyeEm / Getty UPDATE 6/10/19 at 2:34PM EST : The fire has been extinguished. CNN reports that at least one person was killed in the helicopter crash. — The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is responding to reports of an accident that occurred this afternoon in the city’s Midtown section. FDNY members are operating on scene at 787 7th Ave in Manhattan, helicopter crash landing. — FDNY (@FDNY) June 10, 2019 According to reports, a helicopter crashed into the roof of a 54-foot office building at West 49th Street and 7th Avenue. Many sirens along 6th avenue in Midtown Manhattan headed to what is being reported as a small plane or helicopter crash into or on a nearby building. — Michael Del Moro (@MikeDelMoro) June 10, 2019 Road closures are expected for emergency personnel and as the building is being evacuated, authorities also urge people to avoid the area. Scene at 52nd between 6th and 7th after plane/helicopter crash in NYC. Building was evacuated. pic.twitter.com/8XqDDRvr2C — CJ Cervantes (@SirVontezII) June 10, 2019 PRELIMINARY UPDATE: There was a helicopter hard landing on the roof of 787 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Fire has been extinguished. Please continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/pBvrbD1MGh — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 10, 2019 This is a developing story; check back for more details. Source : NBC New York ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Maryland Rapper Killed In Shooting Usher Gets Big Ass Head Tattoo [PHOTOS] Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty Jada Pinkett Smith And Her Mom Speak With A Couples Therapist About Infidelity Sike! We honestly don’t know what Will did exactly because Jada didn’t go into specifics. But the new episode of the RED TABLE TALK was a really interesting discussion about fidelity — you can see it now on Facebook Watch. In this episode, Jada and her mother, Adrienne, reveal how the infidelities in their lives shaped their views of marriage. World-renowned couples therapist Esther Perel joins the ladies at the Red Table and shares how she’s helped couples overcome infidelity. Y’all they make it sound really easy. Check out the new episode HERE View this post on Instagram Our ladies are shedding light on infidelity — and their own experiences with it. Hear their story on the all-new episode of #RedTableTalk, only on Facebook Watch. A post shared by Red Table Talk (@redtabletalk) on Jun 9, 2019 at 9:02am PDT When you think about a healthy relationship — does that automatically mean monogamy? How much of a role has cheating played in the demise of your relationships? Does cheating have to be the end? View this post on Instagram Infidelity isn't always the endgame of a relationship. Our ladies take deep dive into the topic on the all-new episode of #RedTableTalk. Join us now, only on Facebook Watch. (Link in bio) A post shared by Red Table Talk (@redtabletalk) on Jun 10, 2019 at 9:03am PDT The cool thing about this episode was that it featured a few real couples who discussed their issues as well. Hit the flip to watch the episde
Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Taco Bell Foundation Awards $4.6 Million In Scholarships Taco Bell is continuing to excel at charitable donations. The fast-food chain’s foundation is announcing that it’s dishing out more than just fourth meal curbing cravings, The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding $4.6 million in scholarships. Dubbed the Live Más Scholarships, the scholarships were created for students with passion, not academic merit or athletic ability. All that the application requires is a 2-minute video describing what they love to do. No essays, test scores or GPA are considered for the awardees. This year after receiving nearly 13,000 applicants, TB’s awarding money to 531 students, over half which are students of color. This is especially important considering the racial disparities in education. According to EdBuild , predominantly white school districts receive $23 billion more than with districts that serve mostly students of color. According to Brookings , black graduates with bachelor’s degrees owe $7,400 more on average in college loans than their white peers. The Taco Bell Foundation gave out $25,000 worth of Live Más moola, the scholarship’s top prize, to several deserving students including: Dwalyn Bryant a former Taco Bell employee who will use the scholarship to study biomedical health at Penn State, in hopes of becoming a surgeon one day. After her mom was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, she knew that wanted to make an impact in the medical field. In addition to maintaining straight A’s and her job at Taco Bell, she has participated in programs with the National Institute of Health and the Army Education Outreach Program. Source: Via The Taco Bell Foundation / Live Más Scholarships Zaniya Lewis a junior at George Washington University majoring in political science with a minor in human services and social justice. In 2016, she founded her own non-profit, the Yes She Can Campaign, to provide educational opportunities to girls and young women. She has volunteered over 9,000 community service hours, reached over 1,000 students nationwide and chartered two college chapters of her non-profit. Zaniya is a renewal winner. She won $25,000 this year, $10,000 last year, and $2,500 the year before, bringing her total awards to $37,500. Source: Via The Taco Bell Foundation / Live Más Scholarships and Miles Spearman who will attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall to study music and science. Curious about how to increase his airflow and become a better trumpet player, Miles combined his passions for music and science to learn more about human anatomy. He became interested in biology and neurological diseases and now hopes to help people with Alzheimer’s through music and medical research. Source: Via The Taco Bell Foundation / Live Más Scholarships Congrats to all the Live Más Scholarship winners!
Source: Alo Ceballos / Getty Kim Kardashian Posts First Photo Of Baby Psalm Ye It’s been exactly one month since Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed home their 9-pound, 6-ounce second son who has been dubbed “Psalm Ye”. Today, Kim felt comfortable enough to share the very first photo of the newest Kardashian-West heir with her 141 million Instagram followers. View this post on Instagram Psalm Ye A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 10, 2019 at 10:17am PDT Cute kid! Were sure today marks the first of hundreds of thousands of photos that will appear on Instagram over Psalm’s life.
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Rah Ali Breaks Her Silence After Losing Baby Rah Ali has been mourning the loss of her premature newborn since May 26th. Now, she’s deciding to share details about it with the public. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE , Rah details the timeline of events that went down the day she, unfortunately, lost her daughter. “I called my husband and he rushed home,” she tells PEOPLE. “The ambulance came and they took me to the hospital. That’s when they told me that my cervix was completely open and that my water had broken.” Rah added that she named the baby girl Sanaa, before she even went into labor and she would talk to her. “Every single day, I would get up and feel her kicking and I would talk to her,” Ali says. “Not like a baby, but like a person. I would say, ‘What are we eating this morning?’ Or, ‘Okay, you’re getting agitated and feisty. I know you’re hungry and I’m going to eat something.’ “ Before the tragedy, the mother was planning to share photos from her maternity shoot with the world as a way to announce her baby. Over the weekend she decided to share that moment as well. Here she is hugging her pregnant belly. View this post on Instagram Despite the outcome, I still want to thank my friends for assisting me with this shoot. Your work wasn’t in vain, as we forever have the memories. Thank You @People For Your Continued Support cc: @EchoHattix Hair: @WhiteLabelHair @Tb_HairStylist & @Iam_jonathan_ @MakeupbyLatisha @DiandreTristan @IamPhotoJ #BabySanaa #ILoveYou A post shared by Rah Ali (@rah_ali) on Jun 9, 2019 at 7:20pm PDT Hit the flip for more from Rah detailing her fateful labor story. She also discusses whether or not her ex-friend Remy Ma has reached out to her.
Source: Tawni Bannister / Courtesy of Quan Michelle Name: Quan Michelle IG: quanmichelle_ Agency: Dorthoy Combs Models Claim to Fame: Michelle was one of the faces in Universal Standard’s groundbreaking athletic attire campaign. As a young girl growing up in Baltimore, Maryland Quan Michelle thought a model was someone who “exuded confidence.” Sadly, despite having a longstanding desire to join the industry, that description did not apply to her. “I wasn’t confident growing up at all. I got teased a lot for my height, my weight, I was a bigger girl, taller,” explained Michelle in an exclusive interview with Hello Beautiful. View this post on Instagram Thankful for all that transpired during the past two months. Learned more about this industry, myself, elevated my career and my inspiration is VIVID. The lord holds my hand through tribulations and protects my energy from negativity. I held on to people who wouldn’t blink for me for a long time because I thought I had to. I asked God to remove my enemies and a lot of folks started disappearing. I’m thankful for my mentality, it’s been the hidden gem. Watch company you keep and trust your gut instincts. Some want to use you for selfish reasons that aren’t genuine. Be thankful for those you can trust, confide in and appreciate what you do! Thankful for my home, health, family, tight circle, experiences, contracts and lessons. Blessed to have my blended family who genuinely supports me. Gracious for my team, you all work so hard! To EVERYONE I’ve worked with in 2018 and past. Thank you ALL, you’re all part of my growth! I love you guys and can’t wait to reveal my HUGE SECRET! Xo #Anyways BLESSED X THANKFUL. Periodt . . . . @zacmakeupartist @john___ellis A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Nov 22, 2018 at 8:07am PST “As my journey progressed, I gained that confidence. It’s something I had to teach myself, something I had to learn,” she added. One of the methods she used to accomplish that was seeking out role models she could connect with. One of them was industry veteran Tyra Banks . “I am a huge huge Tyra Banks fan. I used to rush home from school and watch her show,” she said. Not only was it comforting for Michelle to see Banks in the spotlight as a statuesque woman with a shapely figure it was healing to hear someone else give voice to the insecurities she was dealing with. View this post on Instagram Behind the scenes from a recent commercial shoot. Photography: @ayceebrownphoto Hair: @jayjstyling MUA: @dawnmua More To Come ! #PlusModel #ModelsOnDuty #QuanMichelle #BeAnthony #Handbags A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Feb 15, 2015 at 1:59pm PST “It was very refreshing and nice to feel that you know I can relate to someone. She used to speak on her forehead and about being bigger and an African-American woman in the modeling industry. I just listened to how she did not let anyone stop her from fulfilling her dreams . It was very inspiring.” View this post on Instagram So excited to be working with @rainbowshops today!! @msamodels @msacurve #MsaModels #QuanMichelle #Rainbow #CurveModel #WorkingModel #SetLife #FallFashion A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Oct 17, 2017 at 9:55am PDT The inspiration she found in her room on weekday afternoons motivated her to leave not only the city but the state. She was soon making plans to relocate to New York determined to see if like her idol she was capable of making her dreams come true. View this post on Instagram Gotta keep it caliente, feel me?! A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Dec 23, 2017 at 12:08pm PST “I was like ‘You know what? I can do this! I am gonna do this and I’m doing it!” As she began to peek out of her comfort zone, she was surprised to a bit of additional inspiration closer to home. “There’s a model from Maryland as well, her name is Liris Crosse . She’s obviously given me such good advice. I really appreciate her support. There are some catty models in the industry, but you focus on the good and people like Liris are the reason why. she’s such a beautiful spirit I can ask for anything anytime and she’s always wiling to help.” View this post on Instagram Asked God, he said “Grind a little harder” @john___ellis @makeupbylucas @statemgmt . . . . . . . #NycModels #Statecurve #BeastMode #SmokingIsBadDontSmokeLol #BlondeHair #CurlyHair #QuanMichelle #SkinGlow #CurlyModels #LAModels #Portrait #Beauty #CurveModel #editorialphotography A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 18, 2018 at 4:27am PST With the warm welcome she received from Crosse and other models Michelle has been able to build a support system that’s encouraged her as she booked major campaigns and fit modeling jobs for brands like ELOQUII , Rent The Runway and Swimsuits For All. View this post on Instagram Cute as a button! @renttherunway @helenreavey @yukihayashi89 @tawnibannister @statemgmt @stateartistmgmt @draperjames @reesewitherspoon @eloquii #XOQ #MyRTR #reesewitherspoon #QuanMichelle #StateMgmt #StateCurve A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on May 9, 2018 at 2:31pm PDT The opportunities she earned as a model allowed her to finally have her mother visit her in the city. “I took her out to dinner at Essex on the Lower East side and I cried at the table. I was so embarrassed! It was a very special moment for me. She told me that she always wanted to come to New York. She’s never been here, so we got to enjoy New York together and do all the touristy stuff.” View this post on Instagram Yearning for the REAL springtime.. A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Apr 2, 2018 at 10:25am PDT Her mother expressed how relieved she was to see her daughter was able to turn a childhood passion into a full-fledged career . “She is SO proud of me she was so worried when I left the state but now, she’s like okay you got this I see you,” said Michelle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @quanmichelle_ on Jul 18, 2018 at 9:41am PDT Another benchmark in her career has been appearing in the “liberating” athletic campaign she did with Universal Standard. “I had such a good time on set,” she exclaimed. She described the experience of working with the other models included as one that felt like “a sisterhood.” She worked with the brand to promote their collaboration with Orange Is The New Black’s Danielle Brooks as well. View this post on Instagram What an absolute pleasure modeling for the lovely @daniebb3 clothing line collaboration with @universalstandard on National Television! Any of these clothing pieces make a perfect gift for the holidays! You can shop on Universal's website, or just head over to their instagram and start shopping from there also! Ahhhh, I am elated to share this moment with @jovannaalbino & @bailey.culbreth ! No worries if you missed the show, you know I got the link for this segment in my bio just for you babes! Thank you so much for an awesome experience and what a way to end the year?! Woot, Woot! XOXO . . . . . . #QuanMichelle #JovannaAlbino #BaileyCulbreth #UniversalStandard #DanielleBrooks #CBS #HarryTv #PsModel #CurveModel #MSAmodels #MSAcurve #NYC #USxDB #DaniSweaterDress #DanielleShirtDress #BrooksOveralls #Slay #Slayage #EveryWoman #Designer #Broadway #Actress #Model ps. Lovies I tagged two places for great comfy wide width shoes btw! Oh, you're welcome lol ! A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Dec 14, 2017 at 12:07am PST “It was very nice to show that women plus-size women are active . We don’t sit on the couch. We do work out and we should be included as well,” she continued. View this post on Instagram Keep that new year resolution with @universalstandard athletic wear @yuliagorbachenko . . . . #UniversalStandard #athleticwear #workoutgear #plussize #StateModels A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 23, 2018 at 2:23pm PST While some decry that brands are late to the body positivity party as just seeking coins Michelle is enthusiastic about the garment industry stretching itself. View this post on Instagram Huge thank you to @mrrichardlawson and @mstinalawson for hosting such a lovely event! The @wacotheater is truly a gem. It was an absolute pleasure to be in attendance to see the marvelous art! Congratulations @beyonce for receiving your humanitarian award and #GloriaCarter for the everyday people award. So blessed to be around so much wearable art, people making a difference and beautiful spirits. . . . . . . . . . MUA: @phamousbeauty Dress: TS Couture Custom Head Piece: @photosbysyranno @_themelroseexp @bbmcqueen_ Shoes @csiriano #wacotheater #wearableartgala #wacotowakanda A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Mar 18, 2018 at 5:48pm PDT “I feel like more brands are starting to jump on the inclusion band wagon and it’s nothing wrong with that because we all need representation, we need body diversity.” View this post on Instagram It's GAME time ! . . . . . . . Introducing GAME by @universalstandard ! This is a 5-piece collection of performance #activewear. SPOTLIGHT: Named Armor #Bodysuit. Ultimate freedom of movement in a single piece design with a soft hand feel that creates a next-to-naked sensation. Shop now! Link in Universal's bio as well mine. It's game time, let's tackle 2018! @yuliagorbachenko A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:02am PST She quickly added, “We need racial diversity as well,” acknowledging the bias Black models encounter daily. View this post on Instagram Thank you to @mrrichardlawson and @mstinalawson for hosting such a lovely event! The @wacotheater is truly a gem. What an absolute pleasure to be in attendance to see the marvelous art! Congratulations @beyonce for receiving your Humanitarian Award and Gloria Carter for the everyday people award. Thank you for all your efforts to give to others! #wacotheatercenter #wacotheater2018 #wearableartgala #wearableartgala2018 #wacotowakanda A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:13pm PDT A firm believer that, “your fitness journey starts in the kitchen,” she is working with Dominic Nell of City Weeds to promote healthy and sustainable practices in her home city. She is not only contributing financially to the purchasing of raised plant beds but donating time as well. Her modeling career might be moving in the right direction, but she is still seeking inspiration to take her career to the next level. These days she finds it in in the books she totes with her to castings including Susan Moses’ The Art of Dressing Curves and Crosse’s The World Is My Runway. She doesn’t own a television preferring to spend her time learning. View this post on Instagram I ain’t sorry.. nah #CreateYourLane #honoryourcurves #effyourbeautystandards #thickthighssavelives @lanebryant @dorothycombsmodels A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on May 29, 2019 at 2:18pm PDT She said, “I pretty much will pick up a book about almost anything if I feel like it will help me with my own personal growth.” Michelle hopes to provide aspiring creatives with the support she received from connecting with Crosse. She is currently working on opening a cost-regulated studio to provide Baltimore residents with a fraction of the creative infrastructure of their New York counterparts. “There are so many talented people in Baltimore, and I feel like they don’t have the resources all the time to do what they love. I would love to be the person to help them and provide those things.” She believes her status as a Baltimore native will helps her understand the needs of those grinding in the city in a way that way that Crosse understood hers when she was starting out. “It’s very nice to have that support from someone that understands where I come from,” she stated. DON’T MISS: MODEL MONDAY: Aba Forewa Is Going Full Force MODEL MONDAY: Christina Mendez Kept Her Children First On Her Climb To The Top MODEL MONDAY: Hope Kiriisa Wants Everyone To Embrace Everyday Fabulous [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3028437″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Cindy Ord / Getty What a difference a few months can make! Cause baby…. Wendy Williams has been out there living her best life as of late as she regains her happiness after her incredibly messy marriage to former manager Kevin Hunter . Now, it appears that the 54-year-old even has a new boo, a much younger boo! Over the weekend during a recent trip to Los Angeles, the iconic talk show host posted up a pic of the two, holding hands by the water. “Last night was the most beautiful sunset in Sherman Oaks with special people. Thank you, California! You’ve won me over! I’ll be back for the Hip Hop Festival in August! #92 .3 #oldenoughtobeyourmother #verysexyman #mynewlife,” she wrote on Instagram. Sadly, we didn’t see a glimpse of his face or get his name. View this post on Instagram Last night was the most beautiful sunset in Sherman Oaks with special people. Thank you, California! You've won me over! I'll be back for the Hip Hop Festival in August! #92.3 #oldenoughtobeyourmother #verysexyman #mynewlife A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow) on Jun 10, 2019 at 5:53am PDT Clearly, folks are here for it! Singer and reality star Tamar Braxton wrote: “ LOVE IT!!! @wendyshow.” While fans, @alice_in_wndrlan wrote, “Wendy is reclaiming her time! Yasss!!!” and @randirossario asked, “Auntie who dis man ” Meanwhile, the paparazzi (being the nosy folks they are), recently posted a video of Wendy in a car with a man (who we assume, but cannot confirm is her new boo). The paps who mistook this man for Kevin, asked the talk show host a range of questions about her relationship with her soon-to-be ex husband and how she, her son and Kevin are doing in the wake of their split. “Stuff happens in life, and I’ve had a really full life and the things that I have endured…please don’t make me cry,” she said. Wendy then looked to her alleged Bae and apologized. Turning back to the paps, she was clear: “I didn’t plan on this, but it is what it is…I have a very full life. Thank you for watching. Adding, “I would ask you to respect our privacy, but please, I don’t respect people’s privacy. That’s why I do the hot topics,” she quipped. When asked if we would ever see the three of them together , Wendy screamed, “Yes,” reminding them that their son is going to graduate from college and get married one day and both his parents will be there for him. Take a look below via Shaderoom: View this post on Instagram TSR STAFF: Tanya P.! @tanyaxpayne ____________________________ #TSRExclusive: #Roommates, I know y’all have seen #WendyWilliams on the ’gram cuttin’ up lately! Sis has been out zzdippin’ & zzdoin’ it while she’s been in Los Angeles and has even snagged herself a lil’ bae! _________________________ Earlier today we reposted, a photo she uploaded where she’s seen hand-in-hand with her “special someone” as they watched the sunset together. ___________________________ Last night Wendy was picking up some soul food with her new (alleged) boo and even spilled tea on what’s REALLY going on at home. Though Wendy seems to be in good spirits, she did break down into tears while talking about her situation. Make sure to watch the WHOLE video #Roommates, lets say… it gets interesting. Enjoy! #HowYouDoin A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jun 10, 2019 at 8:49am PDT Listen, we are so happy for Wendy! Girl, go be with whoever makes you feel loved, seen, respected and happy. You deserve it! RELATED NEWS: Summer Jam Was Lit, But Wendy Williams’ Single Swag Was A Mood Wendy Williams Is Living Her Best Life, Hung Out With Blac Chyna Last Night Boy Bye: Kevin Hunter Officially Out As Executive Producer Of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’
Let’s show up for our sister, Layleen Polanco Xtravaganza, who should still be here. #Justice4Layleen #CloseRikersNow pic.twitter.com/NDiRwIVvQB — Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) June 9, 2019 Layleen Polanco Found Dead At Rikers Island Family and friends of Layleen Polanco are reeling after their loved one was found lifeless in a jail cell. Polanco also known as Layleen Xtravaganza, died June 7 at Rikers Island. The New York Post reports that she was found unresponsive in her cell at the Rose M. Singer women’s facility around 2:40 p.m. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. “Any death in our custody is a tragic loss, and we are looking into how this happened,” a DOC spokesperson told the publication. No further details have been released. The 27-year-old is now the 10th transwoman to be found dead this year. “Pose” actress Indya Moore who grew up with Layleen also spoke on her death and condemned the current administration for not protecting trans lives. “I knew Layleen growing up. I Remember desiring to be beautiful like her. She was cool, and funny too, like all of us she had dreams of escaping poverty and the misery of social ostricisation. She is the 10th trans woman to die this year. Noone knows if it was a murder, or how she died but this is the closest black trans death has ever gotten to me and this is extremely alarming and traumatic,” wrote Indya on Instagram. “As you all know the trans community is extremely small, we feel every loss and we often all know someone who knew somebody murdered. By initiation of the trump administration, the supreme Court is debating RIGHT NOW on whether trans people deserve to be a federally protected demographic, to equal access legal aid, employment, shelter, healthcare, and employment they are hearing our cases on why we deserve human rights. Our current administration is sending a legislative message that trans peoples lives don’t matter and that is encouraging people to take our lives, it’s making our deaths go uninvestigated. I don’t want to die, I don’t want us to die.” View this post on Instagram (link in bio for support) On June 7th, yesterday- layleen cubilette polanco Xtravaganza, a black latinx trans woman was found dead in her cell on rikers island, the women's division. No details on her death have been released. I'm so disturbed. I feel like I'm in a virtual reality. I knew Layleen growing up. I Remember desiring to be beautiful like her. She was cool, and funny too, like all of us she had dreams of escaping poverty and the misery of social ostricisation. She is the 10th trans woman to die this year. Noone knows if it was a murder, or how she died but this is the closest black trans death has ever gotten to me and this is extremely alarming and traumatic. As you all know the trans community is extremely small, we feel every loss and we often all know someone who knew somebody murdered. By initiation of the trump administration, the supreme Court is debating RIGHT NOW on whether trans people deserve to be a federally protected demographic, to equal access legal aid, employment, shelter, healthcare, and employment they are hearing our cases on why we deserve human rights. Our current administration is sending a legislative message that trans peoples lives don't matter and that is encouraging people to take our lives, it's making our deaths go uninvestigated. I don't want to die, I don't want us to die. And I won't fucking stand for it and I WON'T STAND BY AND WATCH PEOPLE PROMOTE AN ADMINISTRATION THAT IS SENDING A MESSAGE THAT OUR LIVES DON'T MATTER AND IT'S OKAY TO KILL US. I don't care who they are! OUR LIVES MATTER BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT AND TELEVISION. WE MATTER IN REAL LIFE AND THAT IS THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE OF MY WORK AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE!!! #ABOLISHPRISONS #STOPKILLINGUS #TRANSLIVESMATTER #BLACKTRANSLIVESMATTER #JUSTICEFORLAYLEEN. I WANT TO SEE THE ADVOCACY AND OUTRAGE FROM MY COMMUNITY AND FROM BLACK PEOPLE THAT WE SAW FOR #SANDRABLAND WHEN SHE MYSTERIOUSLY DIED IN JAIL. #JUSTICEFORLAYLEEN (link in bio for support) A post shared by IAM (@indyamoore) on Jun 8, 2019 at 6:42pm PDT She also compared Layleen’s mysterious passing to Sandra Bland’s and encouraged people to demand answers. I can't help but think about #Sandrabland and the mystery of her death while incarcerated and the nation outrage I witnessed and contributed to. The supreme Court is seeing Donald Trump's appeal of federal laws that protect trans people. #StandupFIGHTBACK #JUSTICEFORLAYLEEN https://t.co/OWai4ndD5x — IAM (@IndyaMoore) June 9, 2019 Three days later and the family and friends of Layleen STILL don’t have details about what caused her death??? We hope they get the clarity they so deserve.
