Source: Jason Miller / Getty Tristan Thompson Gets Fined $15,000 For Inappropriate Gesture Tristan Thompson is going through it with the folks of the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers player ended up being fined $15,000 for “making an inappropriate gesture toward a spectator,” after flipping off a fan in the crowd, the league announced on Thursday. The incident occurred at the end of the December 3 game, when the Cavs played against the Brooklyn Nets on their home turf at the Barclays Center. In the video footage obtained by TMZ , Thompson is seen quickly giving the middle finger to members of the crowd after the Brooklyn Nets missed a final three-point shot while trying to secure a buzzer-beating win. His team won with a 99-97 victory, while Thompson celebrated with the $15K fine. Tristan just can’t catch a break lately, especially on the court. Just last month, his almost-sister-in-law Kendall Jenner had a front-row seat to a heated exchange between Thompson and her rumored boyfriend Ben Simmons. She was also seen boo-ing the ball player and laughing about it afterward during the same game, following the two and their altercation. Luckily for the ballers, there were no hard feelings on Thompson’s part. After the game, Tristan retweeted a clip of their argument writing, “Ben Simmons is my bro.” It’s good that T could make nice with Ben Simmons, but it’s not likely he’s as happy with the NBA after having to cough up thousands of dollars.
Source: NBC / Getty Fans Are Accusing Ariana Grande Of Using A Blaccent And Blackface Ariana Grande’s “Thank You, Next” recently blew up the internet — but not without controversy. Folks are taking notice that even though the video is giving us homages of several different hit teen movies, one thing doesn’t change throughout the visual; Ariana’s extremely tan skin. Ariana has been seemingly tanning for a minute (it was even apparent at Aretha’s homegoing service ), but this may be the darkest we’ve seen her. This image, along with how differently she spoke in a recent Billboard interview is raising brows. While skimming through old photos of herself, Ariana seems to be getting sassy and using AAVE. Did she always speak like this? Hit the 2:25 mark to see what folks are pointing out. Hmmm. Her accent. I'm sorry but she's been coming off as so fake lately I'm DONE pic.twitter.com/6EoC0w8paA — jeremy (@gagasbaristaa) December 5, 2018 This was just the beginning of the discussion. Ariana was raised in Boca Raton, Florida and her family is Italian according to her bio. Her skin never tanned this dark when she was younger. Why does nobody talk about how Ariana Grande is appropriating black culture? pic.twitter.com/6zia0KhbOe — Barry McCockiner (@SportsTalkBarry) November 30, 2018 What are YOUR thoughts on this? Hit the flip to see how else folks are reacting to Ariana’s new look and voice.
Source: Morgan Lieberman / Getty Some boomin’ #BlackGirlMagic… The Hollywood Reporter Features “Black Women Who Brunch” Lena Waithe’s collective of black female writers in Hollywood is being positively profiled. Black Women Who Brunch was started by Waithe, writer Nkechi Okoro Carroll of the CW’s ““All American” and Erika Johnson of OWN’s “Queen Sugar” in 2014. The entertainment networking group is comprised of nearly 80 members who meet monthly for potlucks. 62 of said members recently gathered to discuss navigating the rampant racism and sexism in Hollywood and the results were glorious. The ladies told The Hollywood Reporter about the inequality they face… “We have such little room for error. We have to be exceptional. Those writers who always move up despite being ‘just OK?’ None of them are Black women. If a White male staff writer is bad, it’ll never keep those in power from hiring another White guy. I’ve heard people say that they ‘tried’ to hire diverse, but the Black writer they hired didn’t work out, so they never hired a Black person again. Incredible.”—Marquita Robinson, co-producer on “Glow” Britt Matt, executive story editor, A.P. Bio (NBC) Before anyone even reads your material, you’re often already placed in a box or categorized based on your race and gender. Some showrunners won’t read you unless they’re looking for a writer that fits your demographic. Pilar Golden, story editor, God Friended Me (CBS) In most rooms, there is only one of “us,” either male or female. When there is only one slot, you, along with every writer of color at every agency or unsigned, are vying for that. and also about how this group’s practice of kinship over competition has helped them thrive. According to the ladies BWWB has helped them book gigs, managers and agents and provided them a sisterhood. Cynthia Adarkwa, staff writer, In the Vault (Complex Networks) Trying to traverse this unique career can at times be such a s***storm. With these women, I’m able to air frustrations and talk strategy in a safe and judgment-free zone. I’ve bothered Erika Johnson quite a few times about career moves (sorry girl, but also thank you so much). It’s been priceless and keeps me going on the hardest days. Kibuka Many of its members were responsible for helping to facilitate much of my incremental progress toward finally becoming a TV staff writer, such as guiding me in my management/agency search, helping with targeted prep for showrunner meetings and, most important, being an empathetic body of solace and strength when navigating the highs and lows of the creative process. Stacey Evans Morgan, consulting producer, Family Time (Bounce TV) Iron sharpens iron, and when we come together to break bread, it’s comforting to know that there is a fellow sister scribe who has your back. The job information shared is also amazing, as one member may have the inside scoop on a staffing opportunity, and the ability to put in a good word with a showrunner on your behalf. It’s great to see black women kinship being promoted especially in such an epic way. The “Black Women Who Brunch” feature was The Hollywood Reporter’s biggest shoot EVER. Read the full story here.
Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN.com Cardi B Reveals Her Daughter Kulture Cardi B has finally given fans their first glimpse of baby Kulture ! Hot on the heels of announcing her necessary split from her dirty-doggin hubby Offset , the proud mama decided to let all her followers get a good look at her beautiful baby girl’s face for the first time. It seems that even though her relationship fell apart over her hubby’s extramarital escapades , Cardi’s staying focused on what matters most. The rap darling took to IG to reveal her baby girl with the simple caption “My heart.” Who do you think lil Kulture favors more?? Is she a Baby Belcalis or a Mini Kiari? Or do you think she looks like the “exotic mix” of Rihanna, Hennesy Carolina, and Offset she described prior? Either way, she’s a cutie! We wonder how long before we get even more flick of Cardi’s lil baby bundle… Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia/FayesVision/WENN.com
Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN.com Cardi B Reveals Her Daughter Kulture Cardi B has finally given fans their first glimpse of baby Kulture ! Hot on the heels of announcing her necessary split from her dirty-doggin hubby Offset , the proud mama decided to let all her followers get a good look at her beautiful baby girl’s face for the first time. It seems that even though her relationship fell apart over her hubby’s extramarital escapades , Cardi’s staying focused on what matters most. The rap darling took to IG to reveal her baby girl with the simple caption “My heart.” Who do you think lil Kulture favors more?? Is she a Baby Belcalis or a Mini Kiari? Or do you think she looks like the “exotic mix” of Rihanna, Hennesy Carolina, and Offset she described prior? Either way, she’s a cutie! We wonder how long before we get even more flick of Cardi’s lil baby bundle… Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia/FayesVision/WENN.com
Malaysia Pargo and More Attend the Hennessy Privilège Toast & Celebration Dinner Honoring Khalilah Abdul-Baqi Source: Prince Williams / ATL Pics Over the weekend, Hennessy Privilège closed out the year celebrating the Leading Ladies installment of Hennessy #PrivilegeToast to honor Khaliah Abdul-Baqi. This prestigious toast is presented to those who embody strength and sophistication; ideals held close in the House of Hennessy Cognac for almost 250 years. The celebration attracted over 50 of Atlanta’s celebrities and influencers to the private dinner held at STK Atlanta including Kandi Burruss-Tucker , Todd Tucker, Malaysia Pargo, Monyetta Shaw, Chaka Zulu, Aiyisha Obafemi, RL and Lena Huggar, Gocha Hawkins and more. Guests partied into the night, enjoying sounds curated by DJ E-Clazz, a photobooth experience, 5 course dinner and of course, specialty crafted cocktails courtesy of Hennessy. Khalilah Abdul-Baqi is the Founder and CEO of EGO Entertainment & Media LLC, a full service consulting firm that specializes in talent management and celebrity philanthropy. Abdul-Baqi has over 15 years of marketing, fundraising, non-profit management, and communications experience. Abdul-Baqi, previously worked with Grammy award-winning music artist Ne-Yo and continues to hold an impressive roster of clients which include entrepreneur and fashion designer Angela Simmons, television personality Malaysia Pargo, singer K. Michelle, DhairBoutique and tech company SpokeHub to name a few. The world’s first and finest VSOP Cognac, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, celebrates the accomplishments and achievements of respected entrepreneurs and professionals around the globe. Hit the flip to see more photos from the elegant event!
Source: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Getty Obamas, Trumps, And Clinton Greet Awkwardly At Bush Funeral Today, the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, was laid to rest. The death of a former President is one of the rare occasions where the current POTUS and all former living Presidents come together publicly. Considering the fact that all the living Presidents and their wives pretty much hate Donald Trump, things will obviously be awkward as AF when they all come face-to-face. Now we didn’t expect fisticuffs, least not during the funeral, but the tension was visibly palpable as Donald and Melania greeted the former First Families. The Obamas and Bill Clinton kept it cute for the most part, but Hillary Clinton, oh, Hillary Clinton wasn’t having any of it. Ice cold. Check it out in the video below. It was all good just minutes before the orange azzhole showed up… It only takes one person to change the climate in the room. pic.twitter.com/sRFrmKGBP9 — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 5, 2018 Did you see Michelle’s face after she shook Donnie’s hand? She HATES having to be congenial toward him! LMFAO! We don’t EVEN blame her.
Source: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Getty Obamas, Trumps, And Clinton Greet Awkwardly At Bush Funeral Today, the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, was laid to rest. The death of a former President is one of the rare occasions where the current POTUS and all former living Presidents come together publicly. Considering the fact that all the living Presidents and their wives pretty much hate Donald Trump, things will obviously be awkward as AF when they all come face-to-face. Now we didn’t expect fisticuffs, least not during the funeral, but the tension was visibly palpable as Donald and Melania greeted the former First Families. The Obamas and Bill Clinton kept it cute for the most part, but Hillary Clinton, oh, Hillary Clinton wasn’t having any of it. Ice cold. Check it out in the video below. It was all good just minutes before the orange azzhole showed up… It only takes one person to change the climate in the room. pic.twitter.com/sRFrmKGBP9 — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 5, 2018 Did you see Michelle’s face after she shook Donnie’s hand? She HATES having to be congenial toward him! LMFAO! We don’t EVEN blame her.
Source: Splash News/Euan Cherry/WENN.com / Splash News and WENN.com She Expressed Her Search For Resources In A Tweet More things are coming to light now that actress Amber Dixon Brenner accused Love Is co-creator Salim Akil of domestic and sexual abuse. TheJasmineBrand.com got the scoop that Brenner once reached out to Rose McGowan on Twitter in regards to seeking help. McGowan is known for bringing the #MeToo movement to a wider audience when she accused Harvey Weinstein of rape. Amber wrote on June 24, 2018: “@rosemcgowan How do traumatized men and women contact your organization? Many sisters and friends are curious about a means to tell their story, clarify their confusion, and out abusers of power in Hollywood and elsewhere.” @rosemcgowan How do traumatized men and women contact your organization? Many sisters and friends are curious about a means to tell their story, clarify their confusion, and out abusers of power in Hollywood and elsewhere. — Amber Dixon Brenner (@AmberDixon26) June 24, 2018 Rose did not reply to Amber’s tweet back then, but considering her story now, it could have caused things to unfold sooner. As we reported earlier, Brenner allegedly had a 10 year affair with Love Is and Black Lightning producer Salim Akil, who is married to another TV creator Mara Brock Akil. During their alleged 10-year-relationship, Brenner says Akil would slap and strangle her, and force her to enact oral sex. She says at one point, Akil even urinated in her mouth. She is suing Akil for compensatory damages, emotional distress, attorney fees and punitive damages. Amber also claims the Akils took from an original script she wrote and use the material for Love Is , which airs on the OWN network. She is suing the Akils and OWN in federal court for copyright infringement. Salim has since denied Amber’s allegations through his lawyer, who said, “These allegations are deeply upsetting – but they are also totally untrue. We will defend Salim to the fullest against the false and offensive claims that a woman with whom he had a past relationship has included in multiple unsubstantiated lawsuits.” Neither OWN, nor the CW (where Black Lightning airs) have responded to Amber’s allegations.
Source: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images / Getty Kevin Hart Selected To Host Oscars Ceremony Congrats are in order for one of America’s favorite funnymen ! Kevin Hart has been tapped to bring his unique brand of comedy to the Academy Awards stage this February. The actor/comedian announced the good news via his Instagram account earlier this evening, and needless to say, he’s over the moon to have been selected. “For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same. I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s supposed to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time…To be able to join the legendary list of [hosts] that gave graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time…I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity…now it’s time to rise to the occasion. #Oscars” Good for Kevin! Hopefully, he can make the long, drawn-out ceremony a bit more entertaining with his jokes and commentary next year. Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
