Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN The nation is thoroughly disturbed as we all try to figure out if Jussie Smollett really got himself attacked last month. After Jussie was accused of staging the hate crime, and subsequently charged with felony disorderly conduct, many public figures have spoken out about the bizarre story—including, Senator Kamala Harris. Harris, who after finding out Smollett had been attacked hailed him as one of the “kindest” and “most gentle human beings” she knows, now says she is “disappointed.” “Like most of you, I’ve seen the reports about Jussie Smollett, and I’m sad, frustrated and disappointed. When anyone makes false claims to police, it not only diverts resources away from serious investigations but it makes it more difficult for other victims of crime to come forward,” she wrote in a statement, according to The Grio . Despite frustration with Smollett, Harris doesn’t want us to forget that hate crimes are on the rise , stating “ At the same time, we must speak the truth: hate crimes are on the rise in America. Just last year, the FBI released statistics that revealed a 17 percent increase in the number of hate crimes in America.Part of the tragedy of this situation is that it distracts from that truth, and has been seized by some who would like to dismiss and downplay the very real problems that we must address. We should not allow that. I will always condemn racism and homophobia. We must always confront hate directly, and we must always seek justice. That is what I will keep fighting for.” Click here to get caught up on the details surrounding Smollett’s case…it really is one of the most bizarre stories we’ve come across. Photo: WENN
Source: Adene Sanchez / Getty Black History Month has been a lot. We need a do over…but in the meantime, these were some of the craziest moments and pettiest reactions of the month so far. To kick things off, 21 Savage was arrested by ICE after he spoke out against some of their practices in his song “A Lot.” Obviously, we all wanted to see 21 safe and free to stay in the United States with his family—but when the nation found out that the most ATL person we’ve ever known was actually born in London, pettiness about him possibly having a British accent and more ensued. Click here to see who folks say “snitched.” Liam Neeson randomly admitted to wanting to kill a Black man…any Black man…in order to get revenge for a friend who claimed she was rape by a Black guy. He admitted to actively looking for Black men, hoping for some sort of an altercation…and while some folks, gave him props for admitting to his “past” racism, most didn’t let him off that easily and/or had petty jokes for days. Since we not fucking with Liam Neeson anymore put me in the next Taken ima find Jay Z 92 bricks. — Vince Staples (@vincestaples) February 11, 2019 I'm a bit late. All the good Liam Neeson jokes are…Taken. — Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) February 6, 2019 On another note, is it just us or has it been feeling more like blackface month? Gucci, Moncler, AND Prada were all blasted for obviously racist designs that were all blatantly offensive. Then, to top it off, Burberry had a model wear a “noose hoodie” while walking the runway for London Fashion Week. While many of us instantly decided these designers were #canceled, Floyd Mayweather—in all his ignorance and pettiness—decided to throw on head-to-toe Gucci , and hit Instagram to say “People boycott for trend but turn around and still shop at H&M and watch the NFL.” 50 Cent made fun of his reading ability once more and Twitter had a blast with it all. 50 Cent has responded to Floyd Mayweather’s comments pic.twitter.com/PBjUQeJGTw — Quake (@QuakeGW) February 15, 2019 People also thought it was pretty interesting that Nicki Minaj dropped her own remix to Blueface’s viral hit “Thotiana,” even though the West Coast rapper’s remix with Cardi B was on its way . Now that Cardi’s version has arrived, the debate on who’s is better has been never-ending. But overall it seems like the internet is fed up with Nicki’s…creative choices. I love this Thotiana Remix, Cardi B verse is heat on it, Blueface got bodied lmao. Nicki Minaj take notes, you could freestyle without having to rhyme IANA with IANA. — Hip-hop bigger than any artist (@TopHipHopPolls) February 17, 2019 On February 10, Will Smith was the butt of some hilarious jokes after unveiling his genie look in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin . Reassuring petty fans that he would, in fact, be blue he posted a sneak peek from the movie—but people were highly dissatisfied with the end result. “Should he look like the genie or like Will Smith?” “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/54sRUKXiRB — American Antony Santos (@TheMikeTre) February 11, 2019 The Grammys also went down on February 10. Due to being locked up by ICE, 21 Savage wasn’t able to hit the stage for his scheduled performance with Post Malone…so fans were eager to see if Post would at least shout 21 out—but nope. In fact, Childish Gambino producer Ludwig Goransson was the only person to shout 21 out the entire night. This ain’t a petty tweet, it’s simply facts. Ludwig Goransson gives the night's only real 21 Savage shoutout 3 and a half hours into the show. — Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) February 11, 2019 But there was more…Cardi B and Offset confirmed their obvious reunion… but folks are kind of tired of Offset , Kylie Jenner didn’t look her best and people pointed it out all night, Anita Baker didn’t seem pleased with the Aretha Franklin tribute, and for some reason Jennifer Lopez did the Motown tribute…which literally confused everyone. Also Cardi winning a Grammy had everyone on their pettiest behavior (including, BET unfortunately). ….. Shaking my head. https://t.co/u06PUk6Tsq — Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) February 11, 2019 I will never recover from that Jennifer Lopez Motown tribute at the Grammys or this Mariah Carey quote. pic.twitter.com/TC4boZHCB3 — GirlTyler (@sheistyler) February 13, 2019 Cardi B isn't better than Nicki Minaj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! — Omo Iya Eleja (@motivatedgeorge) February 11, 2019 When Steve Harvey and Mo’Nique sat down to discuss their differences of opinion regarding the actress being blackballed, fans came to Mo’s defense. After suggesting that Mo’Nique’s integrity was not as important as getting a check and more, Harvey was accused of being a sellout and dragged to Black Twitter hell by the internet. mo'nique: i have integri– steve harvey: if i crumble, my children crumble, my grandchildren crumble, blueberry crumble, rumble in the jungle, bitch be humble, i am a CLOWN — . (@hoodqueer) February 14, 2019 For some reason, people are obsessed with Malia Obama pretty much being a normal 20-year-old. Our Forever First Kid was caught sipping on some wine after a writer posted a photo that showed her holding a bottle of Rosé. The legal drinking age is 21, but everyone seemed more amused than they were upset. All of Twitter coming together to defend Malia Obama pic.twitter.com/9wgS2WHvj3 — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 19, 2019 In what was probably the most confusing moment of them all, Jussie Smollett has been accused of staging the homophobic and racist attack that hospitalized him in January. His mugshot has since been released and reports say he is being charged with felony disorderly conduct and faces up to three years in jail. Lmfao. I don’t want him in jail. I think he should be on 3 months probation with the terms being him having to eat Subway everyday https://t.co/WmsRxargHR — Yac House P | Taahir (@PhillyTheBoss) February 21, 2019 On a lighter note, persistent cheater Tristan Thompson got caught stepping out on Khloe Kardashian yet again—this time with Kylie Jenner’s best friend Jordyn Woods at a party. When reports surfaced, Khloe and the crew pettily confirmed them on social media and fans went in on the ever so trifling Jordyn and dirty dog Tristan. *source* from Tristan Thompson's party: pic.twitter.com/bMag6zKqMt — Jenn Wick (@Jennykay5real) February 20, 2019 While sitting down for a town hall symposium for the My Brother’s Keeper program, Barack Obama and Stephen Curry gave out some great advice to the young men in attendance. Specifically, Obama talked about having confidence and not using twerking women and gold chains to front. “If you are very confident about your sexuality, you don’t have to have eight women around you twerkin’,” he hilariously said. “You seem stressed that you’ve gotta be acting that way. I’ve got one woman that I’m very happy with.” Shout out to Mrs. O. and to be clear, there is no tweet to see here people…”You seem stressed” is Obama at his pettiest and we love it. To close thing out, we’ve also gathered your usual, everyday pettiness happening on social media…like folks making fun of single people, Soulja Boy correcting TMZ titles that claimed he was “dating” Blac Chyna, people laughing at Kim K.’s cluelessness , and more. Idk who needs to hear this but… Sis, your soulmate is not that lady’s husband. Lmao. — i work at the mall. (@noIGjazz) February 18, 2019 #SignsYouAreSingle You finished Netflix — Katt Funny (@KattFunny) February 11, 2019 when cardi b said invasion of privacy, offset took it literally pic.twitter.com/nniNkdlrDj — R1+ O (@r1finesse_) February 11, 2019 Soulja Boy apologizes to Blac Chyna pic.twitter.com/jtsln5mv9z — BallerAlert (@balleralert) February 21, 2019 Kim Kardashian saying PERIODT is violence — kayla (@kaylawillsaveu) February 21, 2019 You mean like @KylieJenner did countless times with smaller black owned businesses??? — belladonna (@la_bellamarie) February 19, 2019 lmao why did the sun give you a lineup https://t.co/awVvE4UPn9 — cilvia demo’s #1 fan ⃠ (@thesunstirade) February 13, 2019 He looks like Bruce Willis and Adam Sandler combined https://t.co/A4zoN1e4Bk — B E A N Z | Currently stuck in Raccoon City (@PhotosByBeanz) February 20, 2019 And per usual, shoutout to our heavenly queen, Bey. Every week Beyoncé is doing her part to save Black History Month and it needs to be acknowledged. https://t.co/VOpUO8UKJG — Your Fave (@PartitionBeat) February 20, 2019
Source: John Lamparski / Getty This was one of those weeks where the loses weren’t one hundred percent loses, and the wins are up for debate. But we’ll leave it up to your interpretation. Check out the W’s below and find out who took L’s on the next page! Winners Barack Obama (sort of) One young scholar put Barack Obama in the deep florescent spotlight when he brought up the topic of masculinity. During a My Brother’s Keeper town hall in Oakland, California, the former pres and NBA star Steph Curry talked to young men of color about their upbringing, philosophy and ways to succeed in America. Towards the end of the discussion, one person asked Barack how they can collectively change the narrative on what it means to be a man in the midst of unhealthy masculinity. Barack’s response was interesting to say the least. Along with talking about being responsible, being kind, being compassionate, etc., Barack also threw in a little criticism for hip hop. It’s well known Barack is an avid listener of rap music , but when it comes to flossing, he had some thoughts: “Let’s face it, a lot of hip-hop and rap music is based around me showing I have more money than you, I can disrespect you and you can’t do nothing about it, I’m gonna talk about you and punk you. Ironically that actually shows the vulnerability that you feel.” He continued: “If you were really confident about your financial situation, you’re probably not gonna be wearing an eight-pound chain around your neck. If you are very confident about your sexuality, you don’t have to have eight women around you twerkin’. You seem stressed that you’ve gotta be acting that way. I’ve got one woman that I’m very happy with.” Now granted, Barrack’s words are seeping with rigid ideas about sexuality and success. I mean if bills are paid… Why can’t I wear my gold chain! And all consenting twerk teams are welcome if we’re keeping it cute and safe, right? However, Barrack does have a point about the realities of juggling heavy chains and multiple sex interests. I mean, eight women are twerking in front of you? Are they getting paid? Do they have substantial health benefits? How long will the twerking go on, and are their adequate lunch breaks? All questions that need answers. And don’t get me started on that eight pound chain. Can someone say neck pains. Barrack is only watching out for the people. Check out his whole spiel in the clip below starting at the 52:17 mark.
Though Nike is known for their innovative and groundbreaking creations, it seems like their latest design has 2 Chainz up in arms. The “No Lie” rapper took to his Instagram page to call out Nike for biting the album art to his album Pretty Girls Like Trap Music and splashing it on the silhouette of their Valentine’s Day Zoom Fly SP. Designed by Nathan Bell, the sneaker does seem to not only feature the color of the album cover but the font used for the art and track listing. Naturally, Chainz peeped game and took to the Gram to call out Nike for stealing off his plate. “Dear @nike you guys are one of my favorite brands in the whole world. You have the best marketing I have ever seen and support some of the biggest superstars to date … I never really understand how much influence I have that’s why I made up the #blacknowstory so I could give people there#roseswhiletheycansmellthem ! With that being said I’m happy I could influence you guys to make this shoe based off my last album#prettygirlsliketrapmusic ! I met a few really good and cool @nike reps in Charlotte this past weekend and looking forward to speaking to someone soon about this ! Love Always , Negotiating Toni.” Check out his post below and let us know if Nike straight jacked Chainz of his work or if it was just a co-inky-dink. View this post on Instagram Dear @nike you guys are one of my favorite brands in the whole world. You have the best marketing I have ever seen and support some of the biggest superstars to date … I never really understand how much influence I have that’s why I made up the #blacknowstory so I could give people there #roseswhiletheycansmellthem ! With that being said I’m happy I could influence you guys to make this shoe based off my last album #prettygirlsliketrapmusic ! I met a few really good and cool @nike reps in Charlotte this past weekend and looking forward to speaking to someone soon about this ! Love Always , Negotiating Toni A post shared by 2 Chainz Aka Tity Boi (@2chainz) on Feb 20, 2019 at 1:54pm PST
Source: South China Morning Post / Getty Don’t have $32,000 off the rip to drop on the upcoming Tesla Model 3, well if this is rumor pans out, you will be able to lease Elon Musk’s electric vehicle. According to Electrek , an internal email sent to employees indicates the company is prepping its workers for some sort of leasing program that could possibly kick off in as little as two weeks. Tesla responded to the online publication verifying the program’s existence without finalizing its kickoff date confirming it will happen somewhere around those dates pointed out in the document. Per Electrek : “This is simply an internal document to ensure teams are prepared for when we eventually introduce a leasing option to customers. No decision has been made about when Model 3 leasing will be available, but it will definitely be after the dates outlined in this document.” To add more fuel to the fire, reports pointing to the company cutting down its delivery team hinting that Tesla has pretty much fulfilled all reservations to customers who have placed their orders on the vehicle. Plus in a series of Tweets from CEO Elon Musk which included a photo of 4,000 Teslas waiting to be shipped off to Europe while boasting that his company will be pumping out probably 10,000 cars per week this year. 4000 Tesla cars loading in SF for Europe pic.twitter.com/BODbSzo3Fr — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2019 Meant to say annualized production rate at end of 2019 probably around 500k, ie 10k cars/week. Deliveries for year still estimated to be about 400k. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2019 So if this is true, get ready to see a lot of more Teslas on the road. Will you be leasing one of the popular electric car models? Let us know in the comment section below. — Photo: South China Morning Post / Getty
Today we’re going to talk about a topic that impacts more women and families than we think. When we think about the injustices in prison industrial system, Black men are often the first, and only topic of discussion. But Black women are suffering too—and not just because her ‘boo’ is locked up. March is women’s month, and here at LTBW we really wanted to think about how we can best support all Black women. That lead us to think about a population we don’t often discuss—in fact, no one really talks about them—Black women in prison! According the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, Black men accounted for 37 percent of the total prison population—we talk about this a lot. But Black women account for about 22 percent! To give context, we are about 14 percent of the population. This is a staggering number. Imprisonment devastates individual lives, households and communities. Get into this week’s episode, above. About Listen To Black Women Listen To Black Women is a new show from HelloBeautiful and MadameNoire that discusses the issues that affect us most while incorporating the voices of our audience and experts. Each week, the show will gather insights from of our readers by asking them a series of questions related to the show topic. We’ll also be sharing thoughts from social media and the Internet at large as hosts Shamika Sanders, Africa Miranda, Keyaira Kelly weigh in with their opinions. This show doesn’t work without you so be sure to take our weekly polls, share the videos with your network, and leave feedback everywhere you can. We’re listening to you. RELATED STORIES: Listen To Black Women| Are Your Friends The Reason You’re Single? Listen To Black Women| Do You Put The Wrong Men In The Friend Zone?
Source: Paul Bruinooge / Getty We still have far to go when it comes to diversity on the runway, but it appears that the fashion industry is paying attention to the criticism it has faced in the past regarding the lack of it. During this year’s New York Fashion Week, models of all shades strutted down the runway in some of the top designer’s shows. They killed it in jewel tones at Cushnie, made our jaws drop in breathtaking Carolina Herrera gowns, slayed in Brandon Maxwell’s colorful satin designs, and so many more runway shows. It was tough to narrow down our list to only 20 looks that black models slayed on the runway, because there were just that many this time around that captured our essence and contained pops of color that complemented our skin tones. This was definitely an NYFW to remember. Take a peek at the hottest looks from the NYFW runway!
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty While Blueface might have one of the hottest singles out right now, he has bigger fish to fry at the moment. The “Thotiana” rapper is facing years in prison after he was caught possessing an unregistered handgun. The Blast reports : According to L.A. County D.A.’s office, the “Thotiana” rapper was just charged with possession of a fully-loaded, unregistered handgun from an arrest on February 1. He was arrested after LAPD rolled up on a large group of people he was hanging out with, causing everyone to scatter. Multiple people tried ditching their guns, but Blueface and two other men, were arrested. The charge is a felony and carries a maximum sentence of 3-years in prison. It also comes on the heels of another charge the rapper was given for a different possession of a firearm. Back in November, Blueface was busted in Santa Clarita, CA for his alleged involvement in a robbery and vehicle-to-vehicle gunfight. He was in a car that crashed into the center divider on the freeway, and he was arrested on a $50,000 bond for assault with a deadly weapon. As for his November arrest, the 22-year-old artist born Jonathan Porter is due back in court this week and faces up to a year in jail for the misdemeanor charge of possessing a legally registered handgun. — Photo: Getty
Source: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com / WENN Cardi B is chiming in on the reported attack against Jussie Smollett , saying she thinks it’s “f*cked up” if he’s been lying to the public…but she isn’t counting him out just yet. In an Instagram Live video that’s making its rounds on the internet, the “I Like It” Grammy award-winning rapper told her followers “I’m really disappointed in Jussie Smollett—whatever the f*ck his name is. I’m really disappointed in him.” “I feel like he f*cked up Black History Month,” she said. “I’m not gonna say yet…until he says out his mouth that it was fake and the sh*t was staged, I don’t wanna completely blame him because somebody that I was talking to, they said police in Chicago are racist.” She went on to acknowledge the possibility of the Chicago PD trying to frame the Empire actor, adding “Then you give f*cking Donald Trump immunity to f*cking laugh at n*ggas and sh*t.” Watch the clip here and let us know where you stand as far as all the claims from reported sources that Jussie Smollett staged the homophobic and racist attack against his own person back in January. Photo: WENN
View this post on Instagram OUR NOW. #MYCALVINS ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Youth. Discovery. The spirit of right Now: introducing our #Spring2019 #CALVINKLEINJEANS and #CALVINKLEINUNDERWEAR campaign — featuring @shawnmendes, @ncentineo, @asaprocky, and @kendalljenner. Shot and directed by @_glen_luchford. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ See more at CALVINKLEIN.COM [link in bio]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Music: “True Faith” by New Order A post shared by CALVIN KLEIN (@calvinklein) on Feb 18, 2019 at 10:02pm PST In a new Calvin Klein campaign shot by Glen Luchford , A$AP Rocky , Shawn Mendes , Kendall Jenner , and more strip down for cameras. Showing off their bodies in CK jeans and underwear, the new promo clips take us back to the brand’s ad campaigns of the ’80s and ’90s. Each posting their solo shots to their social media accounts, Rocky and Jenner talk staying true to yourself and the secret to youth, respectively, while Mendes hops on his guitar and sings his musical heart out. “I feel extraordinary because I’m free to be myself—and I think that’s what makes me feel free,” Rocky said. Check out their individual shoots from the Spring 2019 Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear campaign below. View this post on Instagram @calvinklein #MYCALVINS A post shared by PRETTY FLACKO (@asaprocky) on Feb 18, 2019 at 12:05pm PST View this post on Instagram @calvinklein #MYCALVINS #ad A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Feb 18, 2019 at 12:01pm PST View this post on Instagram So excited about this campaign. Thank you @calvinklein and @_glen_luchford. Our Now. #MyCalvins A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes) on Feb 18, 2019 at 10:01pm PST View this post on Instagram @CALVINKLEIN @_GLEN_LUCHFORD #MYCALVINS A post shared by PRETTY FLACKO (@asaprocky) on Feb 19, 2019 at 6:17am PST View this post on Instagram @CalvinKlein #MyCalvins. Campaign coming this week. A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes) on Feb 16, 2019 at 2:12pm PST Photo: Getty, Instagram
