Source: GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos / GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos Gucci is making good on their promises after what is being called the biggest faux pas in the fashion industry. The retailer has appointed a new executive to ensure they do right by all cultures. High Snobiety is reporting that the luxury brand has named Renée Tirado as their first-ever Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; previously she held the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer role for Major League Baseball. The announcement is a direct response to the now infamous blackface controversy in February where the Italian brand was selling a sweater with a roll up collar that evoked feelings of blackface. In a statement obtained by The Independent Tirado expressed her enthusiasm at the opportunity. “I am in the business of making human connections that start with the foundations of inclusivity, respect, and diversity to ensure Gucci remains culturally relevant and economically competitive. I am honored to join a company that puts these non-negotiable values at the forefront of their business model, not as a ‘nice to have’ but as a key component of its business strategy.” In addition to the appointment Gucci also implemented a diversity and inclusion program earlier this year that will help foster more diversity within their corporate team and hire more designers of color. 1/3 Gucci’s first four initiatives in a long-term plan of actions designed to further embed cultural diversity and awareness in the company. pic.twitter.com/xMIMn9PNDR — gucci (@gucci) February 15, 2019 Photo: GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos
Source: NICHOLAS KAMM / Getty Former President Barack Obama released a personal statement on Monday condemning “language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders” that “normalizes racist sentiments.” Although the statement did not directly name Donald Trump , the statement comes on the heels of two mass shootings in the country on Saturday, one of which carried out by a white supremacist suspect. “We should soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred or normalizes racist sentiments; leaders who demonize those who don’t look like us, or suggest that other people, including immigrants, threaten our way of life, or refer to other people as sub-human, or imply that America belongs to just one certain type of people,” Obama wrote. He added, “It’s time for the overwhelming majority of Americans of goodwill, of every race and faith and political party, to say as much — clearly and unequivocally.” You can read Obama’s full statement below. pic.twitter.com/nNOVtQ50O4 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 5, 2019 RELATED: El Paso Shooter Identified Online As Trump Supporter Who Didn’t Like ‘Race Mixing’ RELATED: Multiple Fatalities Reported Following Mass Shooting In El Paso, Texas
Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty R. Kelly is facing even more sex crime charges. The embattled singer is facing two counts of engaging in prostitution with an individual under 18 years old and offering to hire for sexual purposes a person under 18. The events allegedly took place with an underage girl in Minneapolis in July 2001. During a news conference on Monday, State Attorney Mike Freeman said the alleged victim approached Kelly for an autograph and claims that the 52-year-old singer paid her $200 to get naked and engage in sexual acts at his Minneapolis hotel. Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg calls the latest charges “absurd.” Re: New charges @RKelly give me a break. This is beyond absurd — Steve Greenberg (@SGcrimlaw) August 5, 2019 Freeman said that there was no sexual intercourse between Kelly and the underage girl, but there was “sexual contact.” He also admitted that the case will be difficult to prosecute, given that the evidence dates back nearly 20 years. The news follows a month in and out of courts for Kelly. He was charged with 18 counts of sexual misconduct and other charges in Chicago and New York and pled not guilty to five federal criminal charges including kidnapping and racketeering. RELATED: Alleged Sexual Predator R. Kelly Calls His Accusers “Disgruntled Groupies” RELATED: Steppin’ Down In The Name Of Common Sense: R. Kelly’s Crisis Manager Quits
Source: Don Nixon / Don Nixon Name: Gabby Fé IG: @gabtheguru Agency: State Model Management Claim To Fame: A TJ Maxx commercial kick started her career. Standing 5 feet 8 inches Gabby Fé was used to hearing a common theme in comments about her appearance from her friends and family in Orlando, Florida . “When I was growing up people used to tell me like ‘Gabby you’re so pretty! You’re pretty and you’re tall. If you [would] only lose weight you can model but like you can’t, you know you can’t model the way you are.” In an exclusive interview with Hello Beautiful the sought-after model revealed how a surprise birthday present not only proved critics wrong but placed her on the cover of Plus Model Magazine . View this post on Instagram I am OVERWHELMED with emotions right now!! This is my First Ever Magazine Cover!! I’m SO Thankful that it was with Plus Model Magazine. I’ve had people tell me NO many times. I’ve had doors shut because people didn’t believe that I could do this!! But I Never Gave Up and I’m Still Going!!Im So Grateful to Be Living My Dreams and My Calling!! Thank You SO Much Maddy and Team it is truly an honor Thank you to my wonderful agents @bicoastalmgmt . @lucaspicturesnyc . . #plusmodelmag #plusmodel #covergirl #curvygirl #blackgirlmagic #darkskingirls #queen #curlyhair #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @charlotterusseplus @rebelwilsonxangels @bicoastalmgmt @statemgmt A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:38am PDT “It’s kind of a crazy story,” replied Fé’ when asked how she ended up signing to State Model Management and representing brands like Amazon, TJ Maxx, and Dia & Co . “My older sibling, my older brother who never gives me a Christmas present or birthday present, he goes like ‘Your birthday’s coming up. What you do what for your birthday?’ I was like ‘Really? I just want a round trip ticket to New York City. I’ve never been to New York City. He’s like ‘Great I will pay for your plane ticket and that will be your birthday gift. I was like ‘Wow! I’m so shocked,’ and my mom decided to pay for my AirBnB so that was my birthday present came to New York.” View this post on Instagram On Set with Dia and Co. Discussing August Fashions and How to Accessorize a Dress for three different occasions. Had so much fun with the team!! Can’t wait till you all see the finished product!! @diaandco . . #diaandco #newwork #plusmodel #plussizefashion #F21xMe #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick @rebelwilsonxangels @rebdolls @forever21plus @plusmodelmag @plussize_meplz @fullfigured_fashion A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 6, 2018 at 8:52am PDT She appreciated her family’s generosity, but she never thought their gifts would lead to an address change . “I never thought anything of it I’m just like I’m just gonna go.” View this post on Instagram Happy 2 Year Anniversary Living in New York!! #Blessed . . #afropunk #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #sayhi #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #curlfest2018 #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @modcloth @maurices @rue21official @premme.us A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:57pm PDT She was partially inspired by Ashley Graham , who she recalls being the first plus size model she saw celebrated in the mainstream media. “When I was growing up, I never heard of plus-size modeling, so I came specifically to New York to see what it was about to see if I had a shot at it.” Even her mother was taken aback by all the attention Graham was getting. “My mom was like ‘Hey Gabby, this girl she’s curvy like you. You should check it out. So I started doing my research I discovered Plus Model Magazine and I started seeing curvy models.” View this post on Instagram Best Compliment A Model Can Get “You Really Do Look Like Your Comp Card” . Shoutout to the Best Agent Ever – Love you Marcy!! @marcellamsa10 . . . @Tommychungphotography @samanthastudio @statemgmt @statemgmt.scout @universalstandard @curvycoutureintimates @models1curve @thecurvyfashionista @curvysupermodelrtl @plussize_meplz @lanebryant @plusmodelmag #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeYou #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #blackish #grownish @enews #getyourrebelon #aeriereal A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on May 31, 2018 at 12:17pm PDT While on her birthday trip Fé, who had been singing since she was a child but was discouraged from trying modeling, decided to cold call modeling agencies in an effort to find her way to the spotlight. She described her shock at how quickly she succeeded. View this post on Instagram Believe me, you're capable of a lot of things. Keep reaching for the stars. Sky's the limit Los Angeles 4/5-4/10 . @forever21 @plusbklyn @forever21plus @naturalmodelsla @fashionnovacurve @loveumag @fabuplus @universalstandard @skorchmagazine @musemodelsnyc @statemgmt @rebelwilsonxangels @xeharcurvy #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #type3 #visiblyplussize #fashion #crave #vogue #fur #loyalty @papermagazine #curlyhair #curlyhairstyles #coilyhair @devacurl #curly #curls #curlyhairdontcare A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT “As I was here literally everything started falling into place everything started happening at once. I literally went on line submitted to the agencies.” Her submissions resulted in several interest meetings being scheduled but before she could attend any of them fate intervened. View this post on Instagram Happy Birthday Gabby What an Amazing year I have lived. . I was born on a Tuesday and my birthday this year is on a Tuesday. As I reflect on my journey from this past year, I look back to see how many blessings came my way . . I booked my first cover on a magazine! Shoutout to @plusmodelmag . . . I got to visit my mom In Trinidad when I haven’t been back to her home country in 5 years. I completed my first year of Full-Time Modeling!! Whoo hoo Dream Come True. . . I released my first single to the world on my new album and i’m now officially Spotify verified. . . I had my first swimsuit photo shoot in one of the most beautiful places, Malibu. Thanks @i.mays . . So many more things I can mention but overall I want to say I am so blessed to live on this Earth another year!! I know God has a plan and a purpose for my life and yours and I’m so grateful. . . Time to party and celebrate and live it up!! Cheers to the Good Life A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Nov 6, 2018 at 9:12am PST “I got an email from like a random email saying there was a casting call for a TJ Maxx commercial,” she explained. Some might have written the message off as a scam but the then 22-year-old let optimism guide her. Shortly afterwards she was making the most of her impromptu vacation by meeting with the casting directors. View this post on Instagram My First National Campaign Check me out at TJ MAXX and the commercial airs on Prime Time TV During Dancing With The Stars #nycmodel #beautybeyondsize #psblogger #curvilyyours @plusmodelmag @msacurve @fffweek @forever21 #effyourbeautystandards #theashleygraham #curvemodel #Melanin #WildChild #photography #vlog #plusisequal #iamsizesexy #iamperfect #Brooklyn #loveandlegend #beyourownicon #DWTS #thickchic #ibbiwoman #Model #WILLYSCOUTS #NYC #Darkskingirl #psmodel #plussize #plussizemodel #getscouted #plussizefashion #thisbody @gabifresh A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 28, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT “They called me like 15 minutes later and they were like ‘You’re in New York City, we’re in New York City… do you want to come in for an in-person audition?” View this post on Instagram Always take the time to actively appreciate those who actively appreciate you. . . #Melanin #honormycurves #plusmodelmag #celebratemysize @tjmaxx #Plussize #sayhi #NovaBabe #curvygirl #gabifresh #xoq #LaneBryant #ftfselfie @plusmodelmag #bodypositivity #IAmDiverseBeauty #Maxxlife #thickchick #TheseCurves #Model #NYC #RealBeauty #slinksquad #photography #feelinggoody #nycmodel #Forever21Plus #plussizefashion #iwontcompromise #curvemodel #rebdolls #bbw A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 14, 2017 at 11:16am PDT The audition was a pretty routine process. She answered generic questions about herself and was dismissed with well wishes. Afterwards she returned home with her ambition in tow. “I just went back to my regular old life,” she explained. She was surprised to receive a call back from the company who insisted that she fly out immediately to appear in the ad. “I booked it. They flew me out to LA, in this beautiful penthouse suite. They had a driver and everything I felt like a celebrity or something. They gave me my own trailer. We were filming on Venice beach. It was so cool as my first experience.” View this post on Instagram Yellow is my favorite color. Ever since I wore a big yellow dress in my TJ Maxx Commercial I’ve been in love with this color. It enhances my dark skin, it reminds me of all things happy. The sun is yellow, light is yellow, pineapple juice is yellow and my fav. I’m blessed to rock yellow. . . Who is ready for warm weather and a big yellow sun? A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 29, 2019 at 1:35pm PDT The luxury didn’t last long and when Fé wrapped the shoot she knew she wanted more. “After I got that opportunity I was like ‘This is a sign I need to move to New York City’. So I took my earnings from the commercial and moved to New York city and from that point I signed with two different agencies and the rest is history.” That history includes walking in shows at New York Fashion Week and leaving behind a part-time job at Forever 21 to spend days smizing on set. “I’ve working with a lot of different brands. It’s my full-time gig now.” She still has side hustle. A lifelong lover of music she recently began releasing music often working with producers to perfect her sound in between modeling gigs. View this post on Instagram Yup!! This is the Real Me and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. . . I’m now modeling out of state and soon out the country. My music is getting out there and I’m officially blue check verified on Spotify so check me out (search Gabby Fé) I’m living my best life. . . . I have days where I go to the gym and eat super healthy then I have days where I just want a slice of pizza and to watch Netflix to avoid Adulting. I have back rolls and lovely lady lumps and I’m fully happy. Not needing anyone’s approval to be myself. Here is me, the real me, in my element, by the ocean, in my happy place. So here is a Body Positive Post for your Timeline . . . P.S. how many of you caught my IG live performance on Sunday? Sunday with Gabby Fé is happening again so let me know if you’re ready for another round. A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 18, 2019 at 10:39am PDT “I’ve been singing my whole life since I was like 4 but I started getting into the recording studios maybe two years ago. I have some stuff up on Spotify and some music videos coming out this year.” She says that her upcoming music reflects how her journey of self-acceptance has impacted her romantic life. View this post on Instagram 20k Followers!! Thank You These past few weeks have been insane! I’m Consistently Working, Booking New Clients and my E.P. Drops soon. Can’t wait for you all to hear what I’ve been working on. Sometimes I feel discouraged when things aren’t happening in my timing but the world doesn’t revolve around our timing only Gods timing. I’m grateful for everything I have today! Family, friends, My Wonderful Agents, and all of YOU!! Thank you for being on my Team! #TeamGabby #Gabbonaters . . #statemgmt #bicoastalmgmt #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @bustle @heyrevelist @dorothycombsmodels @immcurve @bridgemodels @rue21official @tresemme A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jul 20, 2018 at 12:47pm PDT “I feel like it really comes down to me. I’ve always had guys who have been attracted to me, but I haven’t always been attracted to myself. I was always uncomfortable in my skin because there weren’t a lot of plus-size girls around me. I was always the biggest girl in my friend group and I was always the biggest girl in class so I felt uncomfortable. But now that I’ve kind of grown into my own I feel more comfortable with my body and the way I look. I can tell that the guys that I date enjoy my beauty and who I am as a person, so it’s helped me to just accept who I am, come out of my shell and enjoy being looked at and complimented. I can take compliments now you want to tell me a compliment I can appreciate that now back then I couldn’t.” Her non-romantic relationships have evolved as well. Today her former critics are in awe of how she has expanded their view of what a ‘model’ looks like. “I think it’s like a new world to them and they never saw anything like it before. They’re very supportive now they see the vision coming to life and they’re very supportive of it.” DON’T MISS: MODEL MONDAY: HBCU Dancer DaQuendra Elston Never Let Her Size Hold Her Back MODEL MONDAY: Ashley Chew Started #BlackModelsMatter After Seeing Fashion Week From Both Sides MODEL MONDAY: Ariel Pierre-Louis Talks Colorism And Classism In The Modeling Industry [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3054173″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Rihanna slammed Donald Trump over his response to the mass shootings that happened in El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH over the weekend. One of the issues Rih has is with how easy it was for these gunman to legally acquire weapons. “Your country had 2 terrorist attacks back to back hours apart leaving almost 30 innocent people dead,” she wrote in Instagram under his tweet about the El Paso shooting. “This, just days after yet another terrorist attack in California, where a terrorist was able to LEGALLY purchase an assault rifle (AK-47) in Vegas, then drive hours to a food festival in Cali leaving 6 more people dead including a young infant baby boy!” Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). The Bajan songstress also expressed outrage over Trump’s tone deaf views on what the real problems are in this country. Instead of focusing on issues like gun control he prioritizes immigration and his notorious wall he wants built to stop immigration from Mexico. “Imagine a world where it’s easier to get an AK-47 than a VISA!,” she added. “Imagine a world where they build a wall to keep terrorists IN AMERICA!!! My prayers and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims from Texas, California, and Ohio! I’m so sorry for your loss! Nobody deserves to die like this! NOBODY!” 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 Gunman Patrick Crusius marched into a Walmart in El Paso yesterday (Aug 3rd) and shot 20 people with one victim being reported dead. Gunman Connor Betts terrorized a popular nightlife area in Dayton, Ohio, shooting 27 people leaving nine people dead. https://t.co/KeSkI3fk1C pic.twitter.com/IzjXncVbmh — Rihanna (@rihanna) August 4, 2019 This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Rapper Shot And Killed In Houston See Lauren London’s Moving Birthday Note To Nipsey’s Sister Baby Shower Goals: Keyshia Cole Celebrates New Baby Boy On A Yacht [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Prince Williams / Getty By now you’ve probably heard about rapper Trouble’s out of control pool party at an Atlanta mansion. As previously reported Alexis Skyy is getting dragged for publically penetrating a woman with a cucumber during a poolside #CucumberChallenge . Reginae Carter also got hit with shade after folks noted that she previously called the challenge “disgusting” but attended the party. Now, Reginae ’s explaining herself and telling her supporters that she’s innocent in this #CucumberChallenge calamity. According to Lil Wayne and Toya Wright’s daughter, she was in attendance to spy on her boyfriend YFN Lucci and says she left the pool party when the vegetables came out and also admitted to “looking like a fool” over her on-again/off-again boyfriend. “Okay guys . I wanna say this .. I went to the party to spy on ray(lucci). Females , don’t act like you never did it . But when I heard about the cucumber activities , I left. Tbh , I’ve made myself look like a fool for this man and I apologize for allowing you guys to see it . I’m young and still learning . Unfortunately, every move I make is publicized. I can’t control it . Imma try to be more private for now on . It’s hard because I’ve always been so open and honest . But I gotta learn how to deal with my problems alone and in private.” See more of her tweets about it below… I wanna tell my supporters that actually cares about me and not tryna drag me for my mistakes .. that I love you guys and it’s big things on the way ! I was loosing myself but baby I promise imma find ME Again ! — Love me (@reginae_carter1) August 5, 2019 Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). No I didn’t have to do this . But I owe it to my true fans. BecauSe my brand is something that means a lot to me. And I’m not tryna mess it up . So I’ll be taking a Lil break . I love you guys . (I’m talking to my fans not you hating hoes) thanks . — Love me (@reginae_carter1) August 5, 2019 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=”1946609″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Reginae Carter Responds To Kodak Black After He Said Lil Wayne Should’ve Died Toya Wright Is Not Here For Reginae Carter’s Relationship: ‘I Don’t Like The Age Difference’ Reginae, Sammie, Kash Doll & More Call Out Distasteful “Cucumber Challenge” [VIDEO] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Noah Graham / Getty On Friday (August 2) Drake released a multitude of hits that never made it to the streaming services by way of a project aptly titled Care Package . In it features a cut with J. Cole called Jodeci Freestyle that ends with a harsh lyric that prompted an online petition to surface back when the track originally dropped. That petition garnered nearly 4500 signatures. Here’s the un-edited version below: The controversial lyric comes on Cole’s verse near the very end, “Go check the numbers, dummy, that’s just me gettin’ started/ I’m artistic, you n—as is autistic, retarded.” The second part of the bar is completely muted, and the beat continues to just carry on. Some people argue that it sounds more awkward than had they just left it alone. The two emcee’s were forced to acknowledge and apologize for those words. J. Cole by way of a blog post , while Drake spread his message through in OVO announcement .
Source: Brian To/WENN.com / WENN Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez clearly do not get along, and their child is going to suffer. A judge issued an arrest warrant for Joseline after she didn’t allow the producer and fellow reality star to visit his daughter. TMZ detailed the struggle: Stevie had a right to take custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Bonnie Bella from July 28 to August 11. Joseline was in Miami shooting “Marriage Boot Camp,” so he traveled there on the 28 to pick up his daughter. According to court documents, obtained by TMZ, instead of turning Bonnie Bella over, Joseline took the child and flew to L.A. After Stevie’s attorney, Adamma McKinnon ran to court, the judge in the custody case issued an arrest warrant Thursday, ordering Joseline to turn the baby over STAT or she would be taken into custody. We’ve learned Stevie J flew to L.A. late Friday and the stage is now set for a showdown. The judge made it clear … if Joseline doesn’t turn the child over, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. is ordered to immediately arrest her. And, there’s more … because Joseline violated the custody agreement — which gave her physical custody and Stevie J visitation — the judge switched it around and now Stevie has sole physical custody of Bonnie Bella … until August 15 when they’re back in Fulton County court. Fortunately for Joseline, she reportedly handed Bonnie Bella to Stevie’s adult daughter in Miami. She and the baby are now on their way back to Los Angeles. We’re going to guess the Love & Hip-Hop cameras weren’t around.
Source: Amy Sussman / Getty We now know the fate of Jason Mitchell ‘s character in Showtime’s The Chi series. The actor was dismissed after misconduct allegations on the set became public, so it really come as a surprise. But just in case, spoilers ahead, but not really. According to Deadline , Mitchell’s character Brandon will be killed off. The actor was fired after Season 2 wrapped, which put exactly how the character would be removed in limbo—and now we know. When asked by Deadline after the network’s TCA executive session, Showtime’s President of Entertainment Gary Levine confirmed that Brandon is being killed off. “There is a lot of great life in The Chi, and there’s also death in The Chi, and that’s how we’ll be dealing with it,” Showtime’s President of Entertainment Gary Levine told Deadline when confirming the character’s demise. Back in May. Mitchell was accused of inappropriate behavior on the set with female co-star Tiffany Boone. However, he only got the heave-ho after multiple incidents and after it continued despite HR training. Executive produced and created by Lena Waithe, The Ch i is headed into its third season.
I t’s been over a year since Debra Lee stepped down from the helm of BET, and the businesswoman is continuing to make power moves. According to Black Enterprise , Lee was recently appointed to join AT&T’s board of directors. Debra Lee, former chairman and CEO of BET Networks, joined AT&T's board while she is leaving Twitter's board https://t.co/We4XdgNIat — Variety (@Variety) July 29, 2019 Lee was tapped to join the board of the telecommunications company for her business acumen and leadership in the media industry. During her tenure as the CEO and chairman of BET, she developed new platforms and outlets that celebrated Black entertainment and artistry and she was a leading force in increasing the network’s budget by 50 percent. She started her journey with BET in 1986 and worked hard to rise up the ranks. Amongst some of the projects that she spearheaded was the creation of BET.com, the BET Awards, the BET Experience festival and the Centric network. She joins AT&T’s board of directors after the company acquired Time Warner in an $85.4 billion deal. “Debra’s outstanding leadership, deep expertise and strong track record in the entertainment and media industry will be terrific additions to our board of directors,” AT&T chairman and CEO, Randall Stephenson said in a statement, according to Deadline . “Her unique perspective as a media industry leader and operations executive, and her lifetime commitment to community service give her valuable insights I look forward to having on our board.” Serving on boards is nothing new to Lee. She has been on boards at Marriott International Inc. and Twitter. She currently serves on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s board. Her appointment comes at a time where there is a major need for racial diversity on boards. According to Reuters , between the years of 2016 and 2018, African Americans only accounted for 5 percent of new board directors. SEE ALSO: What’s Next For BET After Debra Lee Steps Down As CEO And Chairman? Serena Williams Appointed To Join Poshmark’s Board Of Directors [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3882606″ overlay=”true”]
