Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty Of the several allegations faced by R. Kelly, one of the more explosive charges came by way of one of his accusers, Lisa Van Allen. Van Allen claims that the troubled R&B singer slept with the mother of late entertainer Aaliyah, although Kelly is denying doing so via sources. TMZ reports : Lisa Van Allen — who accused Kelly of abuse in “Surviving R. Kelly” — said Kelly told her he and Aaliyah’s mom, Diane Haughton, had several sexual encounters. Van Allen claims Kelly stayed at Aaliyah’s home in Detroit in the ’90s and after she’d fall asleep, he’d wander into the living room and perform various sexual acts on the couch with her mom. Sources close to R. Kelly say he absolutely denies he and Diane had anything but a friendly relationship. We’re told Kelly believes the only reason Van Allen made those claims in the Vlad TV interview is to further smear his name and grab headlines for herself. Ms. Haughton has also denied having any sexual relationship with Kelly in an Instagram post near the top of the year. Kelly has bigger fish to fry as he is facing 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse . The singer is due in court on March 22. — Photo: Getty
Source: Dave Hogan / Getty The legacy of Michael Jackson has been tarnished in the views of some after the airing of the Leaving Neverland documentary. Adding to the fallout, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis removed some artifacts of the later entertainer from their facility. IndyStar.com reports : The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis removed three Michael Jackson items from exhibits this month, joining a handful of organizations that have reassessed connections to the late singer following HBO’s airing of documentary film “Leaving Neverland.” The two-part film, which premiered March 3-4, focuses on Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two adult men who allege Jackson sexually abused them when they were children. “When we put together exhibitions, we look at the objects and their association with high-profile people,” said Chris Carron, the museum’s director of collections. “Obviously, we want to put stories in front of our visitors (showing) people of high character.” The estate of Michael Jackson has launched a lawsuit against HBO for putting out the documentary. — Photo: Getty
T he mother of 9-year-old Trinity Love Jones could soon face charges for played some role in the death of her child who was found in a duffel bag on a trail in Hacienda Heights, California. SEE ALSO: Vigil Held After Police Identify Dead Body As Missing 2-Year-Old Noelani Robinson Investigators said they were preparing a criminal case against Taquesta Graham , 28, that they plan to present to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, KTRK-TV reported on Friday. Authorities extradited Graham on Thursday from Texas to Los Angeles where she’s being held on an unrelated warrant. After she arrived in Los Angeles, investigators interviewed her regarding her daughter’s killing. She was not immediately charged in the girl’s death. On March 12, police arrested Graham’s boyfriend, 38-year-old Emiel Hunt , and charged him with Trinity’s murder. Hunt faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life behind bars if he’s convicted. Graham, a registered sex offender, was convicted in 2009 of enticing a minor female for prostitution. Hunt, who has a prior child abuse conviction from 2005, was taken into custody on March 9 near the San Diego International Airport. His arrest marked the culmination of a mystery about Trinity’s identity after her body was discovered. Police made an arrest in the death of a 9-year-old Black girl, Trinity Love Jones, whose body was found in a duffel bag in Hacienda Heights, California. https://t.co/HVedilx1iP — NewsOne (@newsone) March 12, 2019 The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced on March 8 that the death of the then-unidentified girl was a homicide after her remains were found on March 5 near a horse and hiking trail. Deputy Marvin Crowder said the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner called about 8:30 p.m. Friday to notify the sheriff’s office about the status update. It was previously designated a suspicious death investigation. This homicide ruling confirmed what many had already suspected—she was killed intentionally. The sheriff’s office released this statement about the case, “The victim was found partially inside a black rollaway type duffle bag … where her upper body was seen protruding. Although preliminary investigation initially led investigators to believe the victim was between the ages of seven and 10 years, further investigation with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner determined the victim was a Black female between the ages of eight and 13. The young girl was found to be wearing a pink, long sleeve shirt with gray panda print pants (actual clothing depicted). She stood approx. 4 ft, 5 inch. tall and weighed about 55 lbs. No obvious signs of trauma were found on the victim’s body.” Workers found her body in bushes near a popular trail. Investigators believed at the time that she was dumped there sometime on the evening of March 3. SEE ALSO: Our Sisters’ Keepers? Chicago Unites To Bring Awareness To Missing Girls As Number Of Cases Grow Where Is Kierra Coles? Everything We Know About Missing Chicago Pregnant Postal Worker [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3795405″ overlay=”true”]
Source: FOX / Getty Good or bad, Jess Hilarious can’t manage to stay out the news. After appearing on The Ricky Smiley Morning Show on Friday , the same day a gunman opened fire on two mosques in New Zealand, killing 49 muslims and injuring 40 more, Jess with the Mess posted a video of Sikh man boarding her flight, gasping, wondering where he’s going even though Islam and Sikhism are two completely different religions. That clip was followed by another video showing Jess leaving her flight and subsequent clips cursing out anyone doubting the validity of her fears. See Also: Jess Hilarious Issues Apology After Calling Someone ‘F*ggot’ On Social Media The comedian claims the plane was evacuated and when she and other passengers were boarded the plane once again, the Sikh man in question was gone. @jess_hilarious you are racist af & sound so damn ignorant. The Sikh man was minding his business, is that what you felt THREATENED about?! #JessHilarious pic.twitter.com/b2DdZJYvU5 — s a r a (@sara_zfa) March 17, 2019 Folks are outraged, calling the Baltimore native a racist. Jess Hilarious believes she’s anything but, taking to Instagram once more with an apology. In a series of three posts, she said she didn’t tell anyone about her fears and admits she’s ignorant to the plight of Muslims despite having family members who practice Islam. See her full apology below. #JessHilarious Accused of Racism After Posting Video of Sikh Man Boarding Her Flight. Peep Her Apology: https://t.co/fub5mAEpJC pic.twitter.com/EskLUfOp6O — 92Q Jams (@92QJamsBmore) March 17, 2019
L egendary rapstress and producer Missy Elliott has left an indelible mark in the realm of music and continues to push the industry forward through her innovative projects. Earlier this year Elliott—whose real name is Melissa Arnette Elliott —made history by becoming the first woman rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the historic honors are continuing to roll in. According to Kiro 7 , the Berklee College of Music announced that the institution is awarding her with an honorary doctorate degree in music, making her the first woman hip-hop artist to receive the honor. Alex Lacamoire ( @LacketyLac ), @MissyElliott & @jtimberlake to receive honorary degrees from Berklee College of Music https://t.co/khqBn75uOA pic.twitter.com/L722EEYVqA — billboard (@billboard) March 12, 2019 Elliott will be given the degree from the Massachusetts-based school during their commencement ceremony in May at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. The day prior to the graduation, the institution will host a concert where students will pay homage to honorary degree recipients through performances. “This year’s honorary doctorate recipients are being recognized for their achievements and influences in music, and for their enduring global impact,” read a statement released by the school. “Missy Elliott is a groundbreaking solo superstar, pioneering producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper. The five-time Grammy Award–winner—with nominations spanning three decades—has achieved unprecedented success.” The Virginia native is humbled to be honored by the prestigious institution. She took to Twitter to share her excitement with her fans. Among other individuals who are slated to receive honorary doctorate degrees alongside Elliott include Justin Timberlake and Alex Lacamoire . The musical innovators join a long list of legends who have been honored by the school. Past degree recipients include Duke Ellington , Aretha Franklin , Quincy Jones , Lionel Richie , Nile Rodgers and many other influential music artists. SEE ALSO: Missy Elliott Becomes First Woman Rapper Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame Twitter Celebrated Music Industry Stars On Grammys Weekend [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847363″ overlay=”true”]
A new children’s museum centered on African history and culture is officially coming to Baltimore. According to CBS Baltimore the museum—which is slated to open its doors in the Park Heights neighborhood this summer—will be the first of its kind in the country. “They might not even know that they're learning, but we will introduce ideas and concepts that they could participate in, and thereby learn the history of Africa,” “Mama Kiki” Armstrong said of her aspiring museum. https://t.co/BSkAa0cJUp — WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) March 11, 2019 Dubbed the Sankofa Children’s Museum, the idea for the cultural institution was conceptualized by Esther “Mama Kiki” Armstrong . Armstrong—who is the owner of a Baltimore-based African-inspired boutique called Sankofa African & World Bazaar—believed that there was a lack of knowledge amongst children about the historical backgrounds of African nations. She thought there needed to be a space where youngsters could learn and embrace their roots and was adamant about bringing it to fruition. Armstrong wanted to create an interactive experience for children where they can learn about nations like Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe through playing musical instruments, trying cuisines that were derived from these countries, and dressing up in traditional garbs. She launched a fundraiser for the museum and is moving forward with the project with the help of generous donors. “This should help them appreciate the culture. We’re not just talking about African-American kids. We’re talking about all the kids in the community,” she told the news outlet. “We have to realize that the history of black America, for instance, does not start with slavery. There is a whole lot of history and a whole lot of civilization before the white men ever set foot in Africa.” She also added that it’s essential to bring an institution like this to Baltimore to combat the negative portrayals of our culture that Black children are inundated with and empower them to have pride in where they come from. Different countries will be highlighted on a rotating basis and she will have experts from embassies contribute to telling the narratives of these nations. Armstrong plans on opening up the museum on June 19 to commemorate Juneteenth. SEE ALSO: Obama Portraits Help Break Visitor Record At The National Portrait Gallery Black Art History Initiative Launched By The Getty Institute [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847363″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Steve Granitz / Getty Earlier today, TMZ got word that Michael Jackson ’s daughter, Paris Jackson , tried to kill herself. “Paris Jackson was hospitalized Saturday after she attempted suicide — and family sources tell us it’s due in large to the fallout from Leaving Neverland, ” the story read. 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 Paris took to Twitter to deny the incident and called the publication liars. fuck you you fucking liars — Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) March 16, 2019 While it’s unclear now why Paris may have been hospitalized if it wasn’t for attempted suicide, it was originally reported that she slit her wrists and was being closely monitored by a team of doctors, and now her team at home. SEE ALSO: Mo’Nique Slams Oprah For Interviewing Michael Jackson Accusers: ‘That Man Welcomed You To Into His Home’ The news comes days after it was reported that she and her brothers were considering filing a lawsuit against Wade Robinson and James Safechuck who were subjects of the new Leaving Neverland documentary that accused Michael Jackson of child sexual abuse. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1979404″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Chance The Rapper Ties The Knot, See The Wedding Photos Rickey Smiley’s Uncle, Thomas Smiley, Passes Away New Study Reveals Marijuana Before Sex Could Lead To Mind Blowing Orgasms Follow @TheRSMS
Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join! Source: Adam Bettcher / Getty Actor Kyle Massey has been slapped with a lawsuit from the mother of a 13-year-old girl, claiming the “That’s So Raven” star sent her sexually explicit photos and video. See Also: Weirdo Struggle Actor Orlando Brown Gets Rayen-Symone Chest Tattoo TMZ reports: The girl claims in the lawsuit she and her mom met the “That’s So Raven” star at Universal City back in 2009 when she was just 4 years old. She says Massey maintained contact with her and held himself out as a father figure. The girl says she had long been interested in pursuing an entertainment career and hoped Kyle would help. She claims in December he spoke with the mother and invited the child to fly out to L.A. where he would take care of her and help get her an agent. He said the girl could stay with him and his girlfriend. According to court documents, Massey allegedly began sending the young girl “numerous sexually explicit text messages, images, and videos,” including a Snapchat image of the former Disney Channel star holding his flaccid penis with the message “LOL/Just me messing with u LOL,” as well as video of his erect penis. See Also: A Sex Tape Starring Orlando Brown Has Leaked On Social Media They’re asking for at least $1.5 million. Massey has yet to release any formal statement. Source: TMZ
A student at the University of South Florida is breaking racial barriers and displaying #BlackExcellence at the institution. According to ABC Action News , Britney Deas was elected to become the student body president at the Tampa-based school, making her the first Black woman to be appointed to the position. USF students elect first African-American woman student body president https://t.co/0yOnlup2cx pic.twitter.com/2QmaS8QHKA — ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) March 14, 2019 The junior—who hails from Miami—has always had an interest in civic engagement. Her passion for advocacy led her to run for the student body president role at her school. Her win was historic; aside from being the first African American woman to be at the helm of the student government, she is the first woman in two decades to take on the position. For Deas, it’s all about representation. She hopes that her accomplishment inspires underrepresented individuals to change the status quo and boldly step into spaces that they’ve historically been locked out of. “Being the first African American female to hold the position is awesome. You know, I love to be that representation. Being the first female in 20 years is just as great because it shows that we’re moving forward,” she said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “If you want something, you go and you do it. You try and do it. There’s nothing stopping you but yourself.” Among the top issues on Deas’ agenda is combatting homelessness amongst the student population and creating resources for individuals battling with mental illness issues. She will be inaugurated next month and is slated to step into her role in May. Black students are rising up the ranks within campus groups and making history while doing so. In 2018, Kristine E. Guillaume was appointed to lead the Harvard Crimson making her the first Black woman to become president of the publication since it launched in 1873. SEE ALSO: Harvard Crimson Appoints First Black Woman President First Black Man To Earn Ph.D. In Chemistry Honored By American Chemical Society [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847363″ overlay=”true”]
A youngster from the United Kingdom is the epitome of Black brilliance. According to the Daily Mail , 4-year-old Alannah George has made history as the second youngest member of Mensa; the world’s largest and oldest high IQ society. Four-year-old Alannah George earned an IQ score of 140 and was officially named an “intellectual genius.” pic.twitter.com/r089332vbB — MoorInfo (@MoorInformation) March 12, 2019 Alannah’s parents Nadine and Edmund —who are from Buckinghamshire—says that their daughter has always had a love for learning. She started talking at just seven months old and by the time she was 3-years-old she was reading books that were advanced for her age. She taught herself how to read before starting school. Alannah also has a passion for math and often opts to watch a math-focused YouTube show called Endless Numbers over tuning into cartoons. The youngster—who attends Windsor Castle’s St. George’s School—was given an intelligence assessment test earlier this year and earned an IQ score of 140 which led her to be accepted into the society. “It’s exciting and overwhelming. I want to make sure she achieves her potential and manages to perform to the best of her ability. She is so young but she lives and breathes academia. It was a scary realization when we got the results about how clever she is,” her mother told the news outlet. “I just want to make sure she reaches her full potential and is happy. That’s the main goal. I am in no way a pushy parent so we will support her with whatever she does.” The youngest person to be accepted into Mensa was Elise Tan-Roberts who became a part of the society at the age of 2 in 2009. SEE ALSO: 11-Year-Old Receives Southern University Scholarship #BlackExcellence: Ten Black College Students Named 2018 Truman Scholars [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847363″ overlay=”true”]
