Source: Nike / NIke Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BOX to 24042 to join! It’s official. Warner Bros. announced on Thursday (Feb. 21) that the Space Jam sequel starring LeBron James will be released on July 16, 2021. Black Panther director Ryan Coogler is producing Space Jam 2 with Terence Nance as director. It’s the first movie role for James since 2015’s Trainwreck . Space Jam 2 is the long-anticipated follow-up to the November 1996 film starring Michael Jordan . RELATED: It’s Official: LeBron James To Star In ‘Space Jam 2,’ Ryan Coogler To Produce RELATED: Will LeBron James Be The New Michael Jordan In ‘Space Jam 2?’ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://theboxhouston.com” id=”9826761″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Charley Gallay / Getty After 8 longs months of a Desus & Mero drought, the Bodega Hive is about to be blessed with a brand new show from their favorite duo. Desus Nice and The Kid Mero are finally returning to television with their Showtime premiere tonight at 11pm, following their hiatus after leaving a nearly 2 year gig at VICELAND . Even though the duo still uploaded their podcast, Bodega Boys, weekly while on hiatus, fans are still understandably thirsty for the return of the visual art. Now that February 21 is here and we’re all only a couple of hours away from a hot & fresh interpretation of Desus and Mero’s classic late night banter, fans all over the internet don’t know how to contain their excitement. From their daytime appearance on The View yesterday to them overcoming some spicy challenges on Hot Ones today, all of these teasers have the Bodega Hive’s anticipation at an all time high. Knowing just how insanely unfiltered Desus and Mero’s content is, it’s probably a no-brainer that their fanbase is pretty problematic, too. With that being said, let’s take a look at how fans are reacting on Twitter to all of the excitement surrounding tonight’s premiere of Desus & Mero on Showtime: Finally the end of a dark period of time in our country. Desus & Mero's new show starts tonight. — Wizard Ocular (@WVGauntlet) February 21, 2019 You know, the hiatus of Desus & Mero was at the same time as a lot of messed up stuff happening with our country–coincidence? I think not. But New Yorkers are more proud of them than anyone else. Because, ya know, the Bronx. Desus & Mero on showtime start tonight. I feel like this is an accomplishment for all New Yorkers — Willie Carroll (@WILLIECtheMC) February 21, 2019 And there are some real concerns to be had, like keeping that same energy they had at VICELAND . Desus & Mero on showtime better be as good or better then it was on Vice, cuz it was Classic on Vice | Tonight at 11 — C R O M E (@Cromexmusic) February 21, 2019 While some of us are just in straight up disbelief because it’s been so long since we’ve been blessed by the Bodega gawds. When you realize Desus & Mero is finally back on our TV sets pic.twitter.com/rcE0v5J6UR — Shervon Fakhimi (@ShervonFakhimi) February 21, 2019 anyway, don’t let this distract y’all from the fact Desus & Mero are back tonight. — Reggie E. (@firstklass_regg) February 21, 2019 And of course, there’s just some real, raw excitement. The Bodega Hive is on Cloud 9. DESUS & MERO ARE BACK TONIGHT THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA — transplant disliker (@lameposter) February 21, 2019 Desus & Mero premieres tonight nothing else matters — Gert (@parkergert) February 21, 2019 I feel like we all should be watching Desus & Mero tonight as a unit… — Goddess (@aricayvette) February 21, 2019 Oh, and lots and lots of Desus & Mero GIFS. New Desus & Mero tonight pic.twitter.com/JuMYksSc0s — LastElfofKrypton (@GodofKrypton) February 21, 2019 HAPPY DESUS & MERO DAY @SHODesusAndMero @desusnice @THEKIDMERO #THEBRANDISSTRONG pic.twitter.com/OYAH7rO2Pm — ○KungFu Candy☆ (@BRITTNY9000) February 21, 2019 Whatever way you express your excitement for tonight’s Desus & Mero return, just know, there’s probably someone on Twitter who’s just as excited and probably wildly problematic. In the meantime, while we all wait for that new Showtime goodness, peep Desus and Mero on Hot Ones being even more spicy than usual. And if you haven’t gotten your premium cable subscription yet–it’s time to bite the bullet; If you really think about it, $4.99 is nothing for an endless amount of Trumpito jokes, hot takes, and throwback City Island stories.
Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty Emotions are high following reports from the Chicago Police Department that Jussie Smollett staged his January 28 attack. Reactions from political commentators, social media users, and celebrities close to Smollett have opened up conversations about hate crimes, the trustworthiness of police and the power of the media. As we reported earlier and according to Jussie’s interview with Good Morning America last week, the Empire star says he was picking up food from Subway one night when someone called him a racist and homophobic slur. Jussie was then allegedly attacked by two masked men who poured an unknown substance on him and put a noose around his neck. The alleged incident sparked social media outrage and at first, the CPD reported that they were treating Smollett like a victim. But now, according to ABC7 , police are saying Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers $3,500 to stage his attack. The 36-year-old is now being charged with one count of felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. Jussie turned himself in to authorities on Thursday and if convicted, he can face up to three years in prison and substantial fines. In a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett staged the incident because he was “dissatisfied with his salary.” Jussie allegedly staged his attack with the Osundairo brothers — one of them was Smollett’s personal trainer while the other one was an extra on Empire. S urveillance footage shows the brothers purchasing the ski masks allegedly used in the attack, and it also shows them buying a red ball cap and gloves. Even before the alleged attack, police claim Jussie faked a letter he received on the Chicago set of Empire that included racist and homophobic statements. The letter, which was sent on January 22, is currently in the FBI crime lab for analysis. According to an ABC7 legal analyst, Jussie could also face charges for the letter if it’s proven to be a hoax, and he could possibly serve up to five years in prison. All this updated information has caused a roller coaster of emotions from people. 20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment released a statement Thursday morning reading: “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.” Meanwhile, some people are already labeling Smollett as guilty even before a trial has started: https://twitter.com/missnemmanuel/status/1098647071241003009 Others are already hoping he’ll see prison time if found guilty… If found guilty, Jussie Smollett should not only serve prison time, but he should also be forced to pay back every cent to the Chicago PD that was spent on his hate crime hoax. — #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) February 21, 2019 Then, of course, people like Trump used Jussie’s case as another excuse to defend MAGA minions. . @JussieSmollett – what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2019 But despite how bleak everything seems, there are still people supporting Jussie no matter the outcome of the case. I don’t pretend to know what really happened. But I continue to pray for Jussie’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. I also continue to support and BELIEVE the victims of hate crimes, sexual assault, other forms of violence. https://t.co/qcoebf3i7n — Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) February 21, 2019 I’ve been vocal about this situation & my love for Jussie & his entire family. I will continue to hope for the best for everyone involved as things continue to unfold. And I, like all of you, will watch them unfold. But believing victims is always the right choice. Always. — yvette nicole brown (@YNB) February 21, 2019 Many people continue to remain supportive, especially because of the Chicago Police Department’s long history of corruption. The cover-up of Laquan McDonald ‘s murder by Chicago officials and the almost 20 years of Chicago police torture cases serve as two examples of CPD’s corruption. The Chicago PD has dedicated immense energy to arresting Jussie, versus waiting 13 months to release the tape of 17yo Laquan McDonald being shot by a Chicago Police Officer. The dash cam video of the shooting showed McDonald had been walking away from the police when he was shot. https://t.co/rGqXaNSqrz — Eliza Orlins (@eorlins) February 21, 2019 Some people even gave personal examples of not being treated fairly by the CPD… Let me say this as a black, gay ex-Chicago resident (not reporter): A few years ago my neighbors spewed racist and homophobic epithets at me and friends, lit a grill under my porch and tried to smoke us off. Chicago police wouldn’t let me even file a report. — Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) February 21, 2019 Superintendent Eddie Johnson also annoyed a lot of people when he spoke about the Jussie case, saying , “I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention because that’s who really deserves the amount of attention that we’re giving to this particular incident.” Ironcially, CPD has had a low homicide clearance rate even before the Jussie case. According to ABC7 , only a reported 17 percent of murders were solved in 2017 alone. So once again, the CPD has a history of not being good, and some social media users let this be known. *Looks at CPD clearance rate* Lmao https://t.co/MydJ8UpNhW — JBG (@jeauxsef_) February 21, 2019 Chicago handled this Jussie case fast as hell. You done showed your cards CPD, fix your clearance rate now. #JussieSmollettHoax — Jennyfer (@TheNavigaytor) February 21, 2019 Chicago PD has murdered people with guns and covered it up, though. https://t.co/QyOVNt1J6k — Bree Newsome Bass (@BreeNewsome) February 21, 2019 I'm pretty sure the murder of Laquan McDonald and the cover up carried out from CPD to the mayor's office as well as decades of systemic racism against Black Chicagoans has done more to “damage the image of Chicago” than the Smollett case has. — Bree Newsome Bass (@BreeNewsome) February 21, 2019 Meanwhile, Jussie’s family still seems to be supporting him, with his siblings Jazz, Jake and Jocqui showing up to Chicago court on Thursday for Jussie’s bail hearing . Even some of Jussie’s celebrity friends are continuing to keep him in their prayers. Tyler Perry spoke on Jussie’s situation on Facebook and used the disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos as an intro: “How I wish that the disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos could get half as much attention as this Jussie Smollett thing. I have personally spoken to Jussie, and he is adamant that he’s telling the truth. Also, everyone that I know who knows him says that he is not the kind of person who would make up such a horrible and awful thing. Yet the evidence seems to state otherwise. I’m lost for words. To stoke fears and raise racial tensions is wrong in every situation on ALL SIDES! Yet my prayers are still with him and his family and our Nation. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THE HATE!” Sides will surely continue to be taken. But Jussie’s defense urges people to acknowledge due process before coming to any conclusions. In a statement, Smollett’s lawyer wrote: “Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.” The saga continues.
Gwyneth Paltrow very clearly resides in her very own universe. In case this wasn’t obvious based on the bizarre and expensive items the actress peddles on Goop, Paltrow has now shown no shame in freely admitting the following: She doesn’t know what’s going on between Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson . To Paltrow’s credit, if you want to phrase it that way, she does apparently read the Internet. She is evidently aware that Thompson is trending today for some reason; she just doesn’t know it’s beause he cheated on Khloe Kardashian with one of her good friends, Jordyn Woods . She seemingly has no idea that Thompson stands accused of inviting Woods over to his house on Sunday night and then making out with her on the couch and then not saying goodbye to her until 7 a.m. Or that she learned about this affair through a series of very awkwad text messages . Simply put, Paltrow is mostly clueless. But she’d at least like to have a clue. View Slideshow: Khloe Kardashian Shades Jordyn Woods, Puts on Brave Face for the Press We know this because someone hilariously wrote the following on Instagram today in response to this sordid story: Jordyn Woods is best friends with the worlds youngest billionaire who gifts her with cars, diamonds, and lavish vacations. You’re telling me there’s a chance she gave that all up for a guy who rides bench for the Cavs and has a community d—? THE HORROR. Thompson is actually averaging 29.8 minutes per game this year for Cleveland, but that isn’t the point right now. The point is that Paltrow actually stumbled across this comment and replied with one of her own. It reads: Can someone explain what’s going on? I have never heard of half of these people, someone give me context. Please. It seems serious Assuming Paltrow is familiar with Khloe, simply due to the pervasive nature of her family in the entertainment industry, this is a rather funny way of throwing shade at Thompson. And it’s even funnier because we totally believe that the actress legitimately has no idea who he is. Cardi B, conversely, is very familiar with both people involved in this scandal. And, as always, she has an opinion to share. “Why us women don’t have compassion toward each other? Y’all know I’ve been through some shit, I know y’all know I’ve been through some shit,” the rapper said to her followers on Thursday, clearly angry at those taking Khloe to task for some reason. “This whole Khloe Kardashian thing and everybody is like celebrating that that happened to her. It’s like, why? “I know the Kardashians have done f-cked up shit before and everything, but the thing is, it’s like, I think the karma got to them when the last situation happened to shorty before the day she gave birth,” she added. Cardi, of course, is citing the last time Thompson was caught cheating . Continuing with this theme, Cardi went on… “Whatever karma they deserve, I think they already have it. “So why do you guys keep wishing that on a woman? Especially a woman that has a daughter? We know how it is when a n—a fuck up. Y’all know that your heart shatters in pieces. “Y’all know it feels like your heart is literally bleeding and you just want to die. You can’t even escape it when you’re seeping, you dream about it.” Preach, Cardi B. Preach! View Slideshow: Khloe Kardashian: Tristan Thompson CONFESSED to Banging Jordyn Woods! (And It Was All Caught on Camera?!) On a roll, Cardi turned her attention to Kardashian and added: “She already learned her lesson, something real f-cked up happened before she gave birth, so why do you guys keep enjoying other people’s pain, other people’s misery, knowing how much it hurts when a guy that you’re in love with, especially the father of your child, does something wrong?” In conclusion? Cardi called out “all these fake ass woke people” celebrating women and feminism, saying they’re the same ones “that will be laughing in the comments when another woman is going through some shit.” We rarely say this, but: Amen, Cardi B! We feel for you, Keeks. You’ll get through this.
It’s been four years since August Alsina gave an official interview, and so much has gone on in the star’s life since then. The Shade Room caught up with the “I Luv This” singer and he dished on everything fans have been wanting to know during his hiatus, including the status of his relationship with Jada Pinkett-Smith and how he’s been holding up since his sister’s death. Aug got emotional when asked how he’s been feeling: “I’m going through my process. I’m going through my journey. And I’m not looking for any sympathy because I know that God has me even when I feel that God doesn’t. Even when I’m talking to God in a rage and I can’t hear God responding to me. I’m just in a space where I know that there are certain things you can learn about God through suffering.” The tears continued to fall as he opened up about getting custody of his nieces after his sister’s death. “While I’m suffering, and while I’m watching my nieces suffer — who are my kids now— to hear them tell me ‘I want my mother and I want my father’. And them seeing me as a person who can always fix something for them. And this is a situation that I can’t fix. I just continue to walk by faith and not what I see. Because people are dying.” Fortunately, it looks like August is back in good spirits since the emotional interview. We’ve been praying asking for details on where we’re going..&God says “JUST START WALKiNG! &WHILE you are walking WITH ME I will fill you in on what I want you to do. Walk w/your feet, &listen in your HEART, &before you take the next step, I will give you the next command” pic.twitter.com/wFEbr5CaOP — August Alsina (@AugustAlsina) February 19, 2019 We’re rooting you, August! Prayers up for the young king.
Yandy Smith On Headline Heat Yandy Smith has a lot going on these days. Aside from starring on season nine of Love & Hip Hop New York, the Harlem-bred business woman, who is also a foster mom now, spends time fighting for the rights of those who don’t have the freedom to do so themselves. Yandy stopped by to address some of the wildest headlines Bossip has ever written about her, and she even opened up about being pepper sprayed while protesting inhumane prison conditions in Brooklyn. Check it out in the video above.
Source: Baltimore Sun / Getty Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join! The county giveth and the county taketh away. Judge Mickey J. Norman of Baltimore County has decided to overturn the decision of a jury that awarded more than $38 million to the family of Korryn Gaines. Gaines, a 23-year-old Randallstown woman who was shot and killed by county police in 2016. J. Wyndal Gordon, an attorney for Gaines’ family, told the Baltimore Sun they plan to appeal. “It’s devastating to a certain extent, but they’re a very faithful family,” he said. “It’s not over.” Judge Norman presided over the civil case in Baltimore County Circuit Court last year. His new decision comes almost exactly a year after jurors found that the first shot fired by Officer Royce Ruby at Gaines, killing her and injuring her then-5-year-old son, Kodi, was not reasonable and therefore violated their civil rights under state and federal statutes. This is a developing story. Source: Baltimore Sun
Source: Nurphoto / Getty Gucci Apologizes For Blackface Sweater It’s a bad week (and month) to passive aggressively express your racism and ignorance. Gucci learned the hard way after folks were up in arms about the luxury brand’s new sweater design that resembles Blackface. After folks like T.I. and Dapper Dan spoke out against the brand , Gucci has finally addressed the controversial moments and proposed ways that they plan to do better in the future. On Friday, president and CEO of Gucce, Marco Bizzarri, said in a statement: “Following the recent unintentional balaclava jumper incident, Gucci announces the first four initiatives in a long-term plan of actions designed to further embed cultural diversity and awareness in the company. “We accept full accountability for this incident, which has exposed shortfalls in our ongoing strategic approach to embedding diversity and inclusion in both our organization and in our activities. I am particularly grateful to Dapper Dan for the role he has played in bringing community leaders together to offer us their counsel at this time.” View this post on Instagram Gucci’s first four initiatives in a long-term plan of actions designed to further embed cultural diversity and awareness in the company. A post shared by Gucci (@gucci) on Feb 15, 2019 at 3:57pm PST Dapper Dan had a meeting with the folks over at Gucci on Friday and apparently his conversation with them powerful enough for them to make some changes. But do you think hiring more people of color is enough to win back the support of the Black community?
