It’s been five weeks since Mike Sorrentino reported to prison to begin serving an 8-month sentence on tax fraud charges. While Mike doesn’t deny that he’s guilty, his imprisonment is still a heartbreaking development for many, particularly given the ways in which he’s turned his life around over the course of the past two years. Fortunately, Mike recorded a wealth of video content before beginning his sentence, and his life, Lauren Pesce, is now releasing it gradually on the couple’s new YouTube channel, titled, of course, The Situations . The biggest of Mike’s many life changes has been putting his hard-partying past behind him. Sorrentino has been sober for almost three years, and admirably, he’s been using his experiences with addiction and recovery to help others beat their demons and step into the light. Mike Sorrentino: The Sober Situation In the video above, Mike opens up about his struggles and pays a holiday visit to a sober house. At the time the video was shot, Mike had already been sentenced and knew that he was just weeks away from beginning his sentence. So this wasn’t an attempt to butter up the sentencing judge — it’s just Mike trying to pay it forward as an expression of gratitude. “I was known to be, ya know, one of the bigger partiers on Jersey Shore, so I had to think in my brain, ‘how was I going to contribute to the show if it even gets popular?’ You don’t even know if people are going to watch the show again,” Mike says about the recent Shore reboot. “So, I just said to myself ‘I’m going to have to continue to challenge myself in my recovery,’” he adds. “My base was two years sober, I had the sponsor, I had a good support system at home with my wife.” Asked about his plans for the future, Mike reveals that he’s not letting prison slow down his career momentum. “It’s all about mindset,” Mike says of his time behind bars. “I’m going to try to better myself by reading more, I’m going write a book.” He also reveals in the clip that a third season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation has already been filmed and will feature footage of his wedding to Lauren. “We’re so excited to have a second chance and we’re doing the most with it,” Sorrentino says at one point. Mike’s release date is currently set for September, but with good behavior, he could be bound for a halfway house in just 3-4 months. Something tells us the reformed Situation will have no trouble keeping his nose clean. View Slideshow: Mike Sorrentino in Prison: Star’s Sad Farewell to Freedom, New Life Behind Bars, Conjugal Visit “Situation” Revealed [UPDATED]
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). We’ve watched Taraji P. Henson progress as an actress and Hollywood for in love with her since stepping into the business. She recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is still on cloud nine since it. 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 This weekend, Henson’s movie “What Women Want” also debuts in theaters. She always knew that she was going to be successful in acting because she had her eye on the prize. SEE ALSO: Believe It Or Not, Taraji P. Henson Still Has To Fight To Get Paid, Even After An Oscar [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Henson said, “I didn’t come to Hollywood to fail.” To continue success she makes sure to have a movie role under her belt every year. This year she has several movies coming out including “What Women Want” as well as a civil rights film. If there was ever one role Henson would do again she mentioned it would be “Proud Mary.” She didn’t feel it was marketed right and believes a part two would be awesome if she got the opportunity. Besides working on all these projects she is also planning to possibly get married this summer. Henson is engaged to former NFL player, Kelvin Hayden and is madly in love. Make sure you listen to the full interview with Taraji P. Henson up top! See photos of Taraji below! ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Bow Wow Arrested In Atlanta After Fight With Woman 21 Savage Arrested By ICE Agents, Says He’s A UK Citizen Jussie Smollett Speaks Out For the 1st Time After Attack [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1793392″ overlay=”true”] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Royce da 5’9″ Releases Scathing New Song “Field Negro” If you didn’t listen to Book of Ryan last year then fix your life and go listen to that, but first, listen to THIS. Royce da 5’9″ has released a new song called “Field Negro” and boy, oh boy, is it going to ruffle some feathers. I’m scriblin’ my killings down and sendin’ them out like chain letters I’m not here for the crown nor Tory Lanez cheddar I’m here for respect or else I’m willin’ to take off the belt And whoop a young nigga’s ass with it like James Evans Especially THIS line… I did it my way without all the complainin’ And all the whinin’ all day like Kanye or Wale For the validation of all the bloggers There is A LOT more where that came from. Press play below and get into it! We are 100% for rappers being challenged on and off the mic. This should make anybody listening take a good hard look at themselves to figure out which side they’re on.
Source: Alex Wong / Getty On Thursday, New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a new climate change resolution aimed at bringing a Green New Deal legislation to life. At 29 years old, Alexandria is repping for a millennial generation that’s often unfairly categorized as entitled at best and ill-informed at worst. But somewhere in between this is a generation demanding better from our leaders, and in many cases the youth are following the trails of movers and shakers that came before us. But with that being said, what are the goals of this Green New Deal and maybe more importantly… Should Black and Brown people care? In many instances, politicians might sell an idea to the most marginalized that ultimately won’t benefit us in the end. Well first, a couple of things on the Green New Deal, according to NPR : 1. Right now, this is a non-binding resolution Ocasio-Cortez isn’t actually introducing a bill that would create programs if passed by Congress. Instead, she’s introducing a proposal to the House entitled “Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.” If agreed upon, the House will affirm that the initiatives in the proposal should be carried out in the coming years. Meanwhile, Democrat Sen. Ed Markey is introducing a companion proposal to the Senate. 2. The goal of the proposal is to create millions of “good, high-wage jobs” by aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. No matter if you’re Black, Brown, alabaster… Who doesn’t like a good “high-wage job?” As for greenhouse gases…they’re not cute. They trap a lot of heat in the atmosphere which contributes to global warming and thus climate change, and thus some of the bizarre ( and dangerous ) weather we’ve been experiencing lately. 3. It’s urgent According to the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , the world has 12 years to reverse greenhouse gas emission trends in order to prevent irreversible global warming. So yea, the Green New Deal is trying to carry out it’s plan in the next ten years. 4. The U.S. stay emitting greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide being the biggest one), and that’s gotta stop. According to the resolution, the U.S. is “responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions, having emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014. 5. The goal is to switch from energy that creates greenhouse gases (e.g. the burning of fossil fuels) to clean, renewable energy (e.g. solar energy, wind energy, etc.) Just think about how oil powers cars or how coal might power electricity. The Green New Deal is trying to stop all of that and switch to renewable energy. O.K. so now that we know the primary goals, how are we going to get this, clean renewable energy AND HOW ARE BLACK & BROWN PEOPLE GOING TO BE AFFECTED? More on Black and Brown people soon. But first, below are some strategies the New Deal laid out in a FAQ sheet and summarized by NPR. A lot of these strategies hope to create new jobs, which can boost the economy: “upgrading all existing buildings” in the U.S. for energy efficiency; working with farmers “to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions … as much as is technologically feasible” (while supporting family farms and championing “universal access to healthy food”); “Overhauling transportation systems” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — including expanding electric car manufacturing, creating “charging stations everywhere,” and broadening high-speed rail to “a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary” Now for the big question… How will this affect Black and Brown people? Well first off, Black and Brown people are deeply affected by greenhouse gases and things that pollute the air. According to a 2018 Environmental Protection Agency report , when studying areas most affected by particular air emissions, such as soot, people of color and especially Black people are affected the most. The report showed that “those in poverty had 1.35 times higher burden than did the overall population, and non-Whites had 1.28 times higher burden. Blacks, specifically, had 1.54 times higher burden than did the overall population.” This equates to a 54 percent increase for Black people, and it shows that class still doesn’t necessarily keep Black people from dangerous pollution. With many factories and polluting facilities close to Black communities, the health risks increase, including higher rates of asthma, heart attacks and lowered life expectancy rates. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy will help decrease these risks. Now granted, the Green New Deal doesn’t explicitly say it’s goal is to benefit Black and Brown communities, but it does say it’s goal is “to promote justice and equity by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression of indigenous communities, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, and youth…” A.K.A the front line and vulnerable communities, according to the resolution. The New Deal FAQ sheet listed out 15 requirements to adhere to these goals, which you can check out here . So again, should Black and Brown people care about the Green New Deal? Ultimately, yes. But it’ll take a lot more than an announcement and a lengthy fact sheet to get the masses hype. The impact of the Green New Deal will only be felt with further research, accountability and the actions of leaders to get more Black and Brown people invested.
Source: Alex Wong / Getty On Thursday, New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a new climate change resolution aimed at bringing a Green New Deal legislation to life. At 29 years old, Alexandria is repping for a millennial generation that’s often unfairly categorized as entitled at best and ill-informed at worst. But somewhere in between this is a generation demanding better from our leaders, and in many cases the youth are following the trails of movers and shakers that came before us. But with that being said, what are the goals of this Green New Deal and maybe more importantly… Should Black and Brown people care? In many instances, politicians might sell an idea to the most marginalized that ultimately won’t benefit us in the end. Well first, a couple of things on the Green New Deal, according to NPR : 1. Right now, this is a non-binding resolution Ocasio-Cortez isn’t actually introducing a bill that would create programs if passed by Congress. Instead, she’s introducing a proposal to the House entitled “Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.” If agreed upon, the House will affirm that the initiatives in the proposal should be carried out in the coming years. Meanwhile, Democrat Sen. Ed Markey is introducing a companion proposal to the Senate. 2. The goal of the proposal is to create millions of “good, high-wage jobs” by aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. No matter if you’re Black, Brown, alabaster… Who doesn’t like a good “high-wage job?” As for greenhouse gases…they’re not cute. They trap a lot of heat in the atmosphere which contributes to global warming and thus climate change, and thus some of the bizarre ( and dangerous ) weather we’ve been experiencing lately. 3. It’s urgent According to the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , the world has 12 years to reverse greenhouse gas emission trends in order to prevent irreversible global warming. So yea, the Green New Deal is trying to carry out it’s plan in the next ten years. 4. The U.S. stay emitting greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide being the biggest one), and that’s gotta stop. According to the resolution, the U.S. is “responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions, having emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014. 5. The goal is to switch from energy that creates greenhouse gases (e.g. the burning of fossil fuels) to clean, renewable energy (e.g. solar energy, wind energy, etc.) Just think about how oil powers cars or how coal might power electricity. The Green New Deal is trying to stop all of that and switch to renewable energy. O.K. so now that we know the primary goals, how are we going to get this, clean renewable energy AND HOW ARE BLACK & BROWN PEOPLE GOING TO BE AFFECTED? More on Black and Brown people soon. But first, below are some strategies the New Deal laid out in a FAQ sheet and summarized by NPR. A lot of these strategies hope to create new jobs, which can boost the economy: “upgrading all existing buildings” in the U.S. for energy efficiency; working with farmers “to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions … as much as is technologically feasible” (while supporting family farms and championing “universal access to healthy food”); “Overhauling transportation systems” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — including expanding electric car manufacturing, creating “charging stations everywhere,” and broadening high-speed rail to “a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary” Now for the big question… How will this affect Black and Brown people? Well first off, Black and Brown people are deeply affected by greenhouse gases and things that pollute the air. According to a 2018 Environmental Protection Agency report , when studying areas most affected by particular air emissions, such as soot, people of color and especially Black people are affected the most. The report showed that “those in poverty had 1.35 times higher burden than did the overall population, and non-Whites had 1.28 times higher burden. Blacks, specifically, had 1.54 times higher burden than did the overall population.” This equates to a 54 percent increase for Black people, and it shows that class still doesn’t necessarily keep Black people from dangerous pollution. With many factories and polluting facilities close to Black communities, the health risks increase, including higher rates of asthma, heart attacks and lowered life expectancy rates. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy will help decrease these risks. Now granted, the Green New Deal doesn’t explicitly say it’s goal is to benefit Black and Brown communities, but it does say it’s goal is “to promote justice and equity by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression of indigenous communities, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, and youth…” A.K.A the front line and vulnerable communities, according to the resolution. The New Deal FAQ sheet listed out 15 requirements to adhere to these goals, which you can check out here . So again, should Black and Brown people care about the Green New Deal? Ultimately, yes. But it’ll take a lot more than an announcement and a lengthy fact sheet to get the masses hype. The impact of the Green New Deal will only be felt with further research, accountability and the actions of leaders to get more Black and Brown people invested.
When the world first learned Jenni Farley had filed for divorce from Roger Mathews , it looked as though it would be a fairly amicable split. Sure, Mathews wasn’t too thrilled about it — in fact, he kept posting videos in which he begged Farley to take him back . But even Roger’s pleas were good-natured, as rather than castigating his estranged wife for leaving him, he implored her to remember the good times and grace with him with another chance. That all changed, however, when Farley publicly accused Mathews of abuse — a claim that she later corroborated with a video of her own. In the week since, Jenni and Roger’s divorce has grown increasingly volatile. Mathews seems to be pursuing an elaborate two-pronged offensive, attempting to make nice with Farley publicly, all while siccing his legal team on her in brutal fashion behind the scenes. Mathews started the week by penning an open letter to Farley in which he admitted to engaging in abusive behavior. Just days later, however, it was revealed that Mathews had filed a petition for primary physical custody of the couple’s two children. In his filing, Mathews asks the court to toss out his prenup with Jenni, arguing that the document is “invalid and unenforceable.” Mathews also asks the court to name his home as the children’s “primary residence” with Farley being the parent of “alternate residence.” In an astonishing display of chutzpah, Mathews also demands that the court grant him alimony and child support from his estranged wife. Not surprisingly, Jenni didn’t take too kindly to any of this legal maneuvering. According to Radar Online, Farley filed a counterclaim in which she requests that the court throw out Roger’s petition without any further consideration. “[Farley] demands judgment dismissing the counterclaim, together with such further relief as the court shall deem just and proper,” reads a document obtained by the site. It’s unorthodox for a judge to toss out a petition without allowing both sides to make their arguments in open court. But in Jenni’s case, there might be cause for an exception. Farley was recently granted a restraining order against Mathews in response to evidence that she had been abused during her marriage. Furthermore, she argues that Mathews has repeatedly put the couple’s children in harm’s way, most recently by refusing to acknowledge dietary restrictions and a diagnosis of autism for son, Greyson. If Jenni is able to prove — as she clearly intends to — that Roger is a threat to her children, then the court may have cause to throw out Mathews’ petition for custody. Either way, this situation is sure to get a whole lot uglier before it gets resolved. View Slideshow: Jenni Farley vs. Roger Mathews: Where Does the Divorce Go From Here?
Okay this Black History Month needs an absolute do-over. Luxury designer Gucci apologized Thursday for their new wool balaclava jumper because it happens to resemble blackface a little too much. “Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper,” the brand wrote in response to the backlash. “We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.” The $890 sweater was pulled from Gucci’s website and all physical stores. As you can see, it is black and covers up to the wearer’s nose with material. However, the red ring around the hole for the jumper’s mouth resembles a pair of lips, reminiscent of blackface or minstrel cartoons. Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs — gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019 The reveal of the sweater comes only days after the state of Virginia found itself in some amazing hot water over multiple state officials who admitted to wearing black face to either portray Michael Jackson or something similar. Again, can we restart black history month?! IMAGE CREDIT: Gucci RELATED: Governor Of Virginia Refuses To Resign After Racist Images Surface RELATED: Not Surprised: Covington Catholic School Kids Wore Blackface At Sporting Events
Source: Sonia Moskowitz/ Heidi Gutman / Getty Whoopi Goldberg Pisses Off Dana Gasby Dan Gatsby ‘s daughter is NOT HERE for Whoopi Goldberg or anyone else criticizing her dad’s new relationship. The family fell under criticism recently when the story of her dad moving his girlfriend into the home where his wife battled Alzheimer’s spread . On a recent episode of The View , Whoopi was uncomfortable with it, calling B a friend. ““I didn’t want to see B look like that,” said Goldberg. “I didn’t need to see that.” Dana Gasby , 32, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue, her step-mom is a “physically strong toddler who speaks in gibberish,” who sometimes needs to be forced to shower and use the toilet. She wants Whoopi and others judging to HUSH with their judgment. “These fraudulent friends know nothing. I have not seen them here,” says Dana, who moved back home three years ago to care for Smith. “They don’t call my family. I see them talking on TV and how do you know what your supposed ‘friend’ would want?” Dana fully supports the relationship between her father and Alex, his girlfriend. She says she hears Goldberg’s criticism of the video showing Smith’s day-to-day reality and wonders: is it “because you’re getting older and not happy with your health or whatever and you decide it’s not ok? Guess what—this is what aging is.” Thoughts?
Source: Bennett Raglin/BET / Getty Despite the fact that Jussie Smollett squashed the rumors that he made up his attack, folks like Joe Budden seem to remain skeptical. The rapper and reality star shared his thoughts about the “Empire” actors alleged hate crime on a recent episode of his podcast “ State Of The Culture.” He opened with going over the news about his attack. “[He] was allegedly brutally attacked recently in Chicago by ‘MAGA terrorists.’ They broke his ribs, they put a noose about his neck, they poured bleach on him and called him derogatory names. The FBI is on the case now but it has confirmed that a letter was previously sent to a FOX studio that contained threatening language and a powdery substance said to be Tylenol.” According to Hip New Hop News , while his co-hosts attempted to make the point that since President Trump has been elected that has been an uptick in hate and bias crimes committed over the years. “Why can’t we trust that there is black pain, that that has happened?” – @ScottieBeam responds to @JoeBudden ’s speculations of what happened to Jussie Smollett. #SOTC pic.twitter.com/93bOXSjwy1 — StateofTheCulture (@StateofCulture) February 6, 2019 Yet, Budden, who has been accused of domestic violence himself, refuses to believe Jussie’s version because he cannot fathom the idea that any Black man could wear a noose on his neck for 45 minutes after being attacked. The 38-year-old also made fun of the threatening letter allegedly sent to FOX saying it looked “like some bulls**t I saw in Austin Powers.” While Budden says that he believes that Jussie was attacked, he isn’t sold on the idea that it was a hate crime. “Famous rich people, when bad things happen and they want to cover the story because famous people to fuck shit sometimes like humans,” Joe stressed. “You cover the story to protect your image, your likeness and your career.” He concluded that Jussie may be preying on the emotions of the community to garner support and sympathy. “I’m waiting for footage. Just show me footage and I’ll shut the fuck up,” he said. Not surprisingly, some of Budden’s fans agreed with him, believing that Jussie’s story isn’t adding up: Man Joe Budden bust this Jussie Smollett story wise open. @theeonlyme and I been saying that something was off about it — ShaQuann (@MissShaLeJoan) February 2, 2019 Im glad that I’m not the only one who thinks Jussie is lying @JoeBudden pic.twitter.com/3vDTCdXbzp — sammiesopinion (@sammiesopinion) February 2, 2019 i cant wait til the truths comes out and the whole world has to say @JoeBudden was right about this nigga #Jussie Story and he just got beat up over Dick. ctfu — chucktheworld_ (@ChuckTheWorld_) February 6, 2019 However, there were also people who disagreed with Budden, asking their own questions about why folks are so quick to invalidate the pain Black LGBTQ folks face: Soooo #JoeBudden doesn’t believe Jussie was attacked.. Why LGBT Black men pain and experiences can never be acknowledged and validated. Is it not that valuable to us? God for bid this was Andy Cohen or Anderson Cooper no one would even question the story. — Petty J. Blige (@FxckgirlBri) February 5, 2019 There’s no reason for Jussie to lie. pic.twitter.com/zzi1coKT6H — Auntie Fan4ever (@1Truvet) February 5, 2019 Joe Budden needs to be cancelled for being out here questioning the authenticity of Jussie Smollett’s attack….. #alwaysurown pic.twitter.com/LpY0yj85tX — itstheCoConutWater (@DivaHoneyPri) February 6, 2019 Wow! Just wow! What is sad is that now in this day and age you need some mf receipts to prove you was attacked. Back then ya word was good enough and the family would be ready to go whoop whoever ass. Now we have show footage that he was beat to believe him? TF! #TheAudacity — TheChattyBlogger (@DaChattyBlogger) February 6, 2019 Budden isn’t the only Black celeb to publicly question the validity of Jussie’s attack. Recently, Azealia Banks posted on social media that this is nothing but “propaganda.” “Sorry…this is all promotion for the next season of empire/propaganda to make sure black for the DNC next go round,” she wrote in her IG Stories. “Loads of black people didn’t vote at all in the 2016 election which worked in Trump’s favor.” Girl, huh. Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department are still looking for the two men involved in the attack. RELATED NEWS: Jussie Smollett Speaks Out About Attack: ‘I Fought The F**k Back.’ Y’all President Called Jussie Smollett’s Attack ‘Horrible,’ But Then Made It About His Wall Kevin Hart Sent Jussie Smollett ‘Prayers’ After Attack, Twitter Snapped Off [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3022208″ overlay=”true”]
