Source: Michael Tullberg / Getty Lauren London made her return to television in BET’s new juicy drama, Games People Play Tuesday night, starring in the role of basketball wife Vanessa King. London’s performance was relatable as she unveiled the ugly truth of being married to a successful basketball player who struggles with an addiction and infidelity, all while flashing her mesmerizing smile. Source: BET / BET While the cast is made of black Hollywood all-stars (including a few celebrity guests), it’s Lauren London’s character that we can’t get enough of, as Vanessa effortlessly makes us empathize with the often-idolized lifestyle of a glamorous yet constantly cheated on basketball wife. It’s clear that London’s own experience as a doting mother of two comes through in her role of Vanessa King, as she prioritizes her family both on and off screen. “Being a mother has changed my outlook on life,” the 34-year old actress recently told The Grio, “and I think that naturally filters into my work.” In the series premiere, we’re introduced to Vanessa and Marques King (Sarunas J. Jackson), a good looking and successful couple who seemingly have it all but struggle to keep their marriage in tact due to Marques’ compulsive cheating. In spite of their struggles, we see that Vanessa clearly loves her husband, or “King” as she calls him, and even puts her dreams of becoming a high-powered attorney on hold to become the perfect wife and mother that’ll help take her husband’s professional basketball career to the next level. Like so many wives and mothers in real life, Mrs. King is devoted to keeping her family together, but her constant sacrifices can’t seem to stop her husband from messing around with known side-chicks and groupies behind his wife’s back. As an escape from Marques’ persistent unfaithfulness, Vanessa turns to her sorority sister and gossip blogger friend, Nia Bullock (Karen Obilom), for support and a sense of familiarity in her new Los Angeles home. But in the age of social media and click bait, there’s no escaping that reality as Marques’ extramarital affairs will soon be made public through an exclusive interview with his mistress done by Vanessa’s BFF, Nia. Now, Nia is conflicted on whether to remain loyal to her girl or impress her boss by running the exclusive story about Marques’ cheating. The pilot episode started off with a bang and we can only anticipate that more drama will unfold in the weeks to come. Catch “Games People Play” Tuesdays at 8pm (EST) on BET. RELATED STORIES: At Memorial, Lauren London Pays Tribute To Nipsey: ‘He’s In All Of Us’ Lauren London Breaks Silence On Nipsey’s Death: ‘I Am Completely Lost’ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3025383″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty Adele’s Divorce Could Cost Her $180 Million First Halle Berry, then Mary J. Blige , now you can (potentially) add Adele to the list of famous boss women who’ve had to pay an ungodly amount of money to their ex-spouse during a divorce. Over the weekend, a rep for the Rolling In The Deep singer confirmed that her and her husband of seven years, Simon Konecki, are splitting and reports surfaced soon after that Adele could have to pay up big time. Various U.K. outlets are reporting that Adele and Simon never signed a prenup when they wed in 2011 — which means that Konecki could be entitled to half of the singers earnings. That’s a lot of bread…approximately $182 million to be exact. But the 30-year old songstress could potentially walk away with her full $275 million net worth if she’s plays her cards right. According to lawyer Emma Gill, the courts could deem the marriage as “medium-length”, based on their son Angelo’s 2012 birth, which would ultimately work in Adele’s favor. “If it was a short marriage, Adele would probably walk off into the sunset with her £150 million ($275 million) fortune intact. Because it’s pushed into that medium-length bracket, and some of her successes are squarely within her relationship with Simon, they might be liable to be shared — in other words, Simon could be entitled to half.” Even if Simon was with Adele shooting in the gym, $180 million is a lot of money to dish out for a divorce. Thoughts?
Last week, the world learned that Adele and Simon Konecki had separated after eight years together. Immediately, several big questions sprang to mind, not the least of which was, when can we expect the most epic breakup album of all time? We kid Adele out of love. No, what fans really wanted to know was how much will Adele be forced to pay Simon (Hint: it’s a lot), and what caused these two to call it quits. After all, it wasn’t so terribly long ago that Adele seemed to be head-over-heels for Simon, and vice-versa. But then again, a lot has happened in the eight years since Adele and Simon got together. The split was announced on Friday with the usual boilerplate statements from reps for the couple: “Adele and her partner have separated,” the statement read. “They are committed to raising their son together lovingly. As always they ask for privacy. There will be no further comment.” Needless to say, not a ton of information there. But while there’s been “no further comment” from Adele’s team, insiders close to the situation have offered valuable insights to the media. A clear picture is beginning to emerge with regard to what led Adele and Simon to their decision to part ways — and it sounds like it’s a familiar set of circumstances that afflicts many celebrity marriages. “They had a lot in common early on, but eventually they just grew apart,” an insider tells E! News. “She became a bigger and bigger star, and he was okay [with] being in the background, but as she got bigger and had massive tours and intense schedules, they just grew apart.” Like we said, it’s a tale as old as time. It’s basically A Star Is Born , except Simon got a nice big settlement check instead of punching his own ticket in the garage. Oh, um … spoiler alert for A Star is Born . The source claims the split came as a shock even to the singer’s closest friends: “Their marriage was clearly working for a very long time,” the insider adds. “Whenever she was out at big openings and special events, he was usually with her, and they looked really just happy together and in love.” The source believes both parties continued working on the relationship until the very end, saying: “They were into the marriage pretty much until they decided this just isn’t working anymore.” Fortunately, it sounds as though Adele and Simon are committed to keeping the split amicable for the sake of their son, 6-year-old Angelo. “It’s highly unlikely this is going to get ugly,” says the source. That’s a good thing. After all, Adele has an album to record. View Slideshow: 19 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces Ever: Where Does Jeff Bezos Rank?
At the very end of January, reports shared that Jussie Smollett had been the victim of a brutal hate crime. He was later arrested on suspicion that he had staged his own attack, though prosecutors dropped all charges against him. Now, his brother is making a powerful argument in Jussie’s defense. And he might have a point. In a guest post shared by BET , Jussie’s older brother, philanthropist Jojo Smullett, speaks out in defense of his brother. “It has not yet been 90 days since my younger brother, Jussie Smollett, was assaulted on a cold winter night in Chicago,” Jojo begins. “Within less than three months,” he notes. “His life has been turned upside down.” Jojo has “witnessed him endure unrelenting attacks to his character and reputation.” “Like so many others,” he writes. “This entire process quickly devolved from a focus on him as a victim of assault.” He adds that it Jussie has faced “being falsely accused and held responsible for a crime that was perpetrated against him.” “To define this experience as unjust would be an understatement,” Jojo notes. “After several leaks from ‘unnamed’ police sources,” Jojo recalls of how the media narrative turned against Jussie. “And,” he continues. “Despite a long history of wrongful accusations from the Chicago Police Department.” “Many in the media accepted these unconfirmed reports as fact,” Jojo laments. “The numerous police leaks, which prompted an internal Chicago Police investigation, convicted Jussie in the court of public opinion,” he observes. All of this went down “before he even entered a courtroom.” “On February 14, the day that the Osundario brothers were brought in for questioning as suspects,” Jojo continues. He adds: “the Chicago Police Communications Director, in response to leaked sources within the department.” “Had begun spreading the word that Jussie had supposedly staged the attack,” Jojo writes. “The police chief ‘has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting,'” Fox News reported. “‘And heir supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate,'” the report read. “If the CPD had no evidence to support the idea of a hoax,” Jojo posits. “Prior to interviewing the Osundarios.” “Then,” he reasons. “They base their whole case against Jussie on that interview.” That doesn’t sound like a very solid case at all. “The police chief later admitted that the men made no mention of a hoax,” Jojo points out. Not “until the final hour that they could legally be held.” That sounds incredibly, wildly shady. “By this time,” Jojo says. “Jussie had already refused to sign a complaint against the Osundarios,” He explains that Jussie was “convinced that these men, one who he had considered a friend and the other an acquaintance, could not be his attackers.” “Most importantly,” he continus. “Detectives refused to show Jussie video, photos, or any evidence to prove they were the attackers.” “The fact that these two brothers, who in the final hour confessed to attacking my brother yet say it was Jussie who told them to,” Jojo notes. He laments that this “is all the evidence that the police and the general public needed to be convinced, should be frightening to everyone.” Jojo asks readers to consider whether the public should condemn a man over an accusation police received after hours and hours of interrogations. (Especially if those police are part of a department as dubious as the CPD) “Is that all it takes to destroy a lifelong dedication to one’s craft and community?” Jojo asks. He adds: “Is it really that easy to convince the world of a person’s guilt?” “Is that all it takes to turn someone’s life upside down in America?” Jojo wants to know. He suggests: “Simply ask yourself this, ‘What if Jussie is telling the truth?'” “With not one inkling of solid evidence,” Jojo continues. “Many believed the false witness testimony from two suspects who turned into witnesses.” He notes that they do so “even though they lacked standard credibility.” “It was under-reported that one of the ‘witnesses’ had previously been arrested for attempted murder ending with a plea deal for aggravated battery,” he adds. “Or,” Jojo adds. “That the brothers repeatedly expressed homophobia on their social media in the past.” Which could give them one hell of a motive for staging an attack on a man who had once paid them. “Additionally,” Jojo says. “It was never reported that they changed their story while under police interrogation.” In addition to pointing out that many in the public don’t have all of the facts, he continues. “Jussie was booked, arrested, and has maintained his innocence the entire time,” Jojo points out. “Following an evaluation by prosecutors,” he ads. “Before any court proceedings or a trial, the case was dismissed – dropped completely.” “I think that they, being legally trained and experienced,” Jojo suggests. “Determined that the case against Jussie was weak.” “There were lots of things that came out in public to give them concern,” Jojo writes. “After the initial reporting about a ‘check’ paid to allegedly stage the incident,” he cites as an example. A check “which turned out to have been a check for personal training and nutrition.” Jojo observes that “other inconsistencies came out where the public accusations did not match up against the truth.” Indeed, the Chicago Police Department cited multiple alleged motives for Jussie … adding a second one after the first one didn’t pan out. We worry when either side of a criminal case is suddenly changing its story. “The Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department announced publicly,” Jojo writes. The CPD sayd that “that Jussie’s motive in staging an attack was so he could make more money from Empire .” “Fox immediately said that wasn’t true,” Jojo points out. “But the police chief never withdrew his accusation.” “The chief also stated as fact that Jussie had sent himself the threatening letter … weeks before the attack,” Jojo recalls. “The FBI then refuted this claim,” he observes. “Again, the chief did not correct his accusations.” “Letting it float for the public to either believe or not,” he concludes. This is a complicated case, but Jojo’s words are certainly worth considering as he lays it all out. View Slideshow: Jussie Smollett: This is How He Staged His Alleged Assault
Usually, when there’s some controversy over a Kim Kardashian Instagram photo it’s because the soon-to-be mother of four is showing what some folks consider to be too much skin. (Some people apparently believe Kim should dress like a Duggar at all times simply because she’s a mom. These people are jackasses.) These days, however, there’s a renewed focus on Kim’s beliefs and actions, rather than just her appearance. (Sadly, in 2019, strangers on the internet are going to find something to shame you for.) Most of the criticism has had to do with Kim’s efforts to become a lawyer , as many seem to believe she’s not up to the task intellectually. Apparently, they don’t think you need to be all that bright in order to build a multimillion-dollar media empire so massive it makes your entire family rich and famous. This week, however, there’s a new controversy, and it stems from the belief that Kim cheated — on her first husband, Kris Humphries. Allow us to explain: That’s a photo posted by popular Instagram account The Shade Room . As you can see, Kim commented, “Always had [eyes] for him” in reference to the way that she appears to be undressing Kanye with her eyes here. The only problem is, Kim and Kanye were not yet married when this photo was taken — at least not to one another. Kim was still married to Kris Humphries at this point, and Kanye was dating Amber Rose — and these facts were not lost on many of the pics commenters. “He was with Amber then,” wrote one IG user. “But you were married in this picture,” remarked another. “To the point you violate his relationship but okay,” a third screeched. One fan claimed to have sensed sparks between these two way back when this pic was snapped in 2011. “Yep, I remember this and the look they gave each other. I was like uh uhn,” the follower remarked. Another questioned Kim’s claim that the attraction was always mutual: “Stop lying he had an eye for you the feeling wasn’t mutual from day 1,” the commenter wrote, adding: “#beforreal and I love you guys but don’t do it for the gram mama.” Needless to say, a lot of people are reading a whole lot into this photo. But is there any truth to the claim that Kim cheated on Kris with Kanye? We doubt it. Mostly because the marriage only lasted 74 days. Hardly enough time for an affair. View Slideshow: Kim Kardashian Basically Got Naked on This Red Carpet and Twitter Came at Her So Hard
Anna Duggar might not be the first person to spring to mind when you think of fashionable reality stars. And while it's true that she may never achieve Kardashian-levels of trendiness, Anna's look has come a long way over the years. Gone are the floor-length skirts and deep-fried Michelle hair of yesteryear. These days, Anna is sporting — skirts that stop just above the ankle, and …well, at least she's not putting her hair through such torment anymore! Join us as we take a look at how Anna's appearance has evolved over the years: 1. Happier Times This pic was taken before the world learned of Josh Duggar’s various sex scandals. We’re sure in most ways, it was a happier time for Anna — but she had yet to figure out her personal sense of style, which is a tragedy in its own right. 2. The Supercuts Savior The Duggar women pride themselves on emulating Jesus in every way, which apparently includes very rarely getting haircuts. 3. Anti-Choice Chic We call this look “your body, my choice.” Hold onto your coathangers. If Anna has her way, you’re gonna need ’em! 4. Hardcore Evangelical Hair In the early years of her marriage, Anna favored an even more traditional look than the OG fundie breeding queen, Michelle Duggar. 5. Modern Amish Slowly but surely, Anna’s look began to evolve. In this pic, she’s basically gone from Civil War widow to 1890s factory seamstress. 6. The DC Years It seems like ancient history these days, but it was just a few years ago that Josh and Anna left Arkansas so that he could pursue a career as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. View Slideshow
Meredith may be back in the world of dating, but she was still keeping a secret of epic proportions. Her kids had no idea she was dating DeLuca, and it all came crashing down on Thursday’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy. DeLuca ran into Zola in the middle of the night at Meredith’s, and it made the surgeon realize she needed to come clean. Meredith’s biggest concern, however, was that her new man was not fond of children. In true DeLuca fashion, he said he did. He went as far as saying the kids might end up liking him more than her. Meredith was confused, primarily because she fretted her kids did not take the news well. “All you have to do is show up, make it clear what’s happening, answer her questions,” Bailey said to Meredith at the hospital. “All she wants to know is that you’re not going anywhere no matter what.” The kids took the news well. Neither of them complained about it, so that was a good start. “He may be coming around a lot more, but I’m not going anywhere,” she told them. “You’re stuck with me.” Elsewhere, Jo made her grand return to work, but everyone realized there was something off with her. Alex grew concerned that he and Jo were about to break off. If they can’t confide in each other, then what can they do? “She isn’t Izzie. She isn’t Ava or Lexie. She isn’t your mother. She’s not broken, and neither are you,” Meredith told her friend. “She’s going through something, and she’s been through worse and come through on the other side fine. She just isn’t ready to talk about it yet.” Jo tried to hide out from everyone but grew excited when Jackson wanted her to work with him … until Jackson realized Jo was drunk and had a water bottle filled with vodka. Yikes, right? Alex realized he needed to put his foot down, and said that she needed to talk to him about things. “I will talk to you when I’m ready to talk to you, and if you ever threaten to go to Pittsburgh again, I will leave you. Are you clear?” Jo said. “If you ever come to work drunk again, I’ll tell Bailey,” Alex replied. “Great,” Jo said. “We have a deal.” This does not bode well for this marriage, you guys. What did you think of all the latest action? Hit the comments below. Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC. View Slideshow: Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 2 Photos: Tales From the Crypt
It is officially time to say ciao to Joe Giudice. The disgraced former Real Housewives of New Jersey star was informed this month that his deportation appeal was denied, paving the way for Giudice to be sent back to his native Italy. It has taken several days for the news to leak online, but this is what source close to the situation just told E! News: “The Board of Immigration Appeals ruled against Joe in an April 6 decision.” This same insider explains that Joe had to learn about the board’s decision by mail because the process is “done entirely by mail.” Giudice, of course, pleaded guilty to his role in a bankruptcy scheme back in 2016. He was then sentenced to serve 44 months in jail, but was able to postpone this stint under after his guilty wife completed her time behind bars. Then, last fall, a judge determined that Giudice would be deported because he broke federal law as a non-U.S. citizen. The father of four’s legal team filed an appeal, which is what a court just shot down. However, on Wednesday, this same legal team filed a petition for the federal court to review of the appeals decisions. This really is the final chance for Joe to avoid deportation — and it appears to be a long shot. “We are extremely disappointed that the Board of Immigration Appeals has denied Mr. Giudice’s appeal,” the family’s attorney James J. Leonard Jr. says. “We have filed a stay with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and will continue to fight to keep Mr. Giudice in the United States, the only country he knows, and reunite him with his wife and four daughters.” It’s true that Joe has four daughters and we legitimately feel terrible for them that their dad is about to be forced out of the country. On the other hand, perhaps they will be better off with just one criminal raising them at home, as opposed to two. As for Teresa? She will follow her dear husband wherever she goes and is committed to the man she loves and the life they have built together. Just kidding. She’s already said the marriage is over once Joe is outta here. Appearing opposite Andy Cohen last month when the topic was broached, Teresa sounded very casual and cool with the impending divorce, “It’s like starting a whole new life,” she said of moving to Italy with Joe, adding: “And [her daughters have] been through so much already. So, I mean, I’m not doing a long-distance relationship. I’m just not doing it. I want somebody with me every day. “I know exactly what happens, I’m sure he’ll be with other women. It happens. We do the long-distance thing? It’s not going to work. I’ll be like, ‘bye bye.'” View Slideshow: Teresa Giudice: The Wedding Ring is Off! Heck, there’s been chatter that Teresa is already dating someone new and planning her very own Bravo spinoff. Shocking, right? By which we mean… not shocking at all.
The new season of 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? premieres very soon, and fans can expect to see more of Ashley Martson’s health battle . But there’s more than lupus that’s trying to ruin Ashley’s life. She has now revealed that her husband, Jay, has cheated on her — again . On Monday, April 15, Ashley Martson took to her Instagram Stories to announce to the world that Jay Smith is in hot water. “It’s all fun and games until your ass gets deported,” Ashley writes. “Have fun at the strip club with MY money and MY car,” she adds. Ashley then notes that it’s a car that “you’re driving around without a license!” In case there was any doubt, she tags her husband, Jay Smith. To make her feelings even clearer, she adds: “Bye Felicia” and “canceled!” Ashley had also shared an earlier, even more hostile version of the message. “It’s all fun and games,” she had written. “Until I get your disgusting, cheating ass deported.” Despite her slightly moderated tone, it’s clear that she’s pissed. It sounds like she’s accusing him of once again cheating on her — the second time since they got married. Ashley and Jay have both unfollowed each other on Instagram. In Touch Weekly spoke to an inside source who says that Jay has torpedoes his marriage for the last time. “Ashley is indeed filing for divorce,” the insider confirms. “After catching Jay cheating yet again.” “She has reached her breaking point,” the source elaborates. “And this is the final straw.” “She feels like she was an opportunity for him,” the insider reveals. “And,” the source expresses. “She is hurt and disgusted.” “She also feels like he manipulated her,” the insider notes. “And,” the source says, Ashley “is saddened he cheated multiple times.” Ashley may be sad now, but Jay is the one with the most to lose. “Due to him not being a citizen,” the insider begins to caution. “Once she proceeds with the divorce,” the source concludes. “He could potentially be deported.” Even before Ashley and Jay got married, Ashley’s friends were warning her that her deeply horny fiance was going to cheat on her. “Maybe I don’t care what Jay does when I’m not over there,” Ashley said at the time. She added: “What he does in Jamaica when I’m not there is not my business.” “Honestly,”:she expressed. “If Jesus came down from heaven right now and said he cheated on me, I wouldn’t do anything about it.” That was her policy when they were merely engaged and living in different countries. “But,” she warned. “If Jay cheats on me here in the U.S., I would have to send him packing and back home.” Well, the two of them got married in Vegas. And then Jay cheated, even if Ashley caught him before he had the chance to lay any extramarital pipe. Jay downloaded Tinder just days after the two got married. She caught him video chatting with a girl. (They had also had a non-binding “wedding” ceremony in Jamaica months earlier, making his behavior even less excusable) Ultimately, Ashley gave him a second chance. Clearly, he will not get a third. However … Ashley has taken Jay back before. After he cheated that first time. She also briefly filed for divorce on January 11 of this year, only to take it back just days later. So she could change her tune on Jay. We also don’t know what Jay might have done. Obviously, merely going to a strip club is not cheating — and Ashley didn’t say that it was. When we know more, you’ll know more. View Slideshow: Ashley Martson Delivers Major Health Update: Is She Back in the Hospital?
Last week, talk show villain Wendy Williams filed to divorce her terrible husband , Kevin Hunter. Reports of his alleged cheating had been pouring in for ages, and it looks like her sobriety journey helped her make other changes in her life. Now we’re learning that the divorce only went down after Wendy confronted him about fathering a child with his mistress. People reports that Wendy’s divorce is going down because she could no longer ignore Kevin’s antics. “The split is definitely due to Kevin’s ongoing infidelity,” an insider confirms. “And,” the source adds, due to the fact “that his mistress recently welcomed their child.” “Wendy had hired a private investigator,” the insider reveals. She got the facts first, the source explains, “and confronted him.” “He confessed to everything,” the insider notes, adding that this went down “three weeks ago.” The source explains: “All of the recent drama put a huge strain on Wendy.” Of course! Rumors are bad at any time, but especially when they’re true — and even more so when you’re in addiction recovery. All of this was a trigger for her, the insider explains, “and caused her to struggle with her sobriety.” She wrestled with her addiction, the source says, “as she did everything she could to try and save their marriage.” Even though it’s definitely the right move, apparently Wendy has really struggled with this choice. “The decision to split was terribly hard for her,” the insider expresses. “But,” the source notes. “She’s regaining her health.” Her health and general wellbeing matters more than any marriage. “She decided she needed to finally put herself first,” the insider reports. Wendy Williams’ representative released a much less informative statement about the divorce. “Thank you to everyone for respecting the family’s privacy during this time.” the statement began. The rep claimed that “Kevin is supportive of Wendy.” “And,” the statement continued. “They are working through this process together.” The statement concluded: “No additional comment will be provided at this time.” The Wendy Williams Show put out a statement affirming their appreciation of Wendy. “Wendy and her family have been a part of Debmar-Mercury for over 10 years,” the statement began. “We respect their privacy,” the show continued. “Regarding personal matters.” “As always,” the statement concluded. “We remain committed to bringing an entertaining and topical show to our viewers.” Wendy herself has taken shots at her cheating husband on her show. She has addressed the fact that her show has operated under the motto: “Their business is our business.” “It’s crazy ’cause now my business is your business,” Wendy pointed out. “It’s kind of funny,” she admitted. “Turnabout’s a fair game, I get it.” “I’m moving out of the sober house in just a few days, you know,” she revealed. “It’ll be Wendy on her own.” “I have to tell you, you know, I’ve been dealing with issues with addiction, alcoholism,” Wendy reminded her viewers. “And,” she revealed. “I have a whole new life that I planned for myself and my son,” “Believe me you,” Wendy expressed. “When you lay in a room with no TV and four gray walls all day …” She added: “this is my life in the sober house.” Not exactly the best advertisement, but Wendy says that it’s been good for her. “It’s one of the best things, honestly, that could have ever happened to me,” Wendy expressed. “Addressing my sobriety, my addiction, head-on has really helped me sort out every single compartment of my life,” Wendy announced. “I have a commitment to me and my son,” she affirmed. “To come out of here better, stronger, and faster than ever.” “And by the way, I will still commit,” she promised. “I commit that the motto of this show will always be, ‘Their business is our business.’” In other words, just because her personal life was laid bare doesn’t mean that she’s suddenly sensitive to the privacy desires of other public figures. People ‘s insider confirmed: “She’s ready to leave the sober living house and build a new life for her and her son.” View Slideshow: 24 Stars Who Have Been Cheated On
