Source: Leon Bennett / Getty We’re used to seeing Angela Bassett in more dramatic roles, but she’s flexing her funny bone in Netflix’s new comedy Otherhood . Bassett turns on the charm as Carol, one third of a trio of “empty nesters,” who find themselves on a mission to reconnect with their sons after they forget to call them on Mother’s Day. The journey, in turn, becomes a mission to self-discovery. MUST SEE: Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette & Felicity Huffman Star In Netflix’s ‘Otherhood’ All of which drew Bassett to the production. “It starts with the script,” she said in a candid chat. “That was one of the things that attracted me to this movie. The chance to go a different way. My friends tell me I’m funny.” Basset chose to work Netflix, not because she needed an opportunity of course, but because they tell everyday stories when Hollywood can be so limited. “Our director and producer, they’ve been trying to get this done for 10 years. What stories are being told on the big screen goes through cycles. ‘We’re not doing biographies right now, or made for television movies right now. It’s great to have a place like Netflix where there’s such an array and something for everyone. We shot in New York City. It’s a love letter to the city. It was a wonderful experience.” Basset revealed she ultimately could relate to her character, which also influenced her decision to join the cast. “It had a comedic tone but was based in reality and I could relate being a mother. I relate being a girlfriend. I relate being a wife. I could relate on so many levels,” she said. “I thought this is something we don’t generally see but this is so real — the whole empty nest thing and who are you after the husband is gone and the children are gone. Depression is real after that for a lot of women. In families, sometimes the children are holding it together and everyone is focused on them. They’re fighting for their autonomy, and go off to college, who are you?” Bassett’s character and her Black son add some much-needed melanin to the Otherhood screen, which is important to Bassett who constantly reaffirms her children that they’re skin is beautiful. “It’s very important because the power of imagery and the history of this country and we know the scales have not been evenly placed and it’s very important, having a son and a daughter, that they understand who they are. That they are comfortable in their in skin that they’re skin is beautiful. For any woman, whatever skin you live in is beautiful but especially because it’s a life they have to live where they may not get a lot of affirmation in different rooms that they enter. They have to go in with confidence and come out with confidence. I just gave my daughter, I was leaving early this morning, a paper. I said ‘This is a little present for you because this is who you are little queen.’ It was an image of Nefertiti. So she should could always be proud of who she is and know that she is beautiful.” As for keeping herself grounded and motivated, Bassett offered the advice she gives her son, “When he goes off to the summer camp where he is a counselor at an autistic camp there are some days it’s a challenge. But that’s what it’s about, rising to the challenge and I tell him, ‘Yeah it’s tough, but find the good and praise it. It’s about your attitude and how you look t the situation. You won’t like it all but there’s a lesson in it.” Otherhood is streaming NOW on Netflix. RELATED STORIES: Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette & Felicity Huffman Star In Netflix’s ‘Otherhood ‘ Angela Bassett Agrees That She Was Robbed Of An Oscar For Playing Tina Turner [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”2854525″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Don Nixon / Don Nixon Name: Gabby Fé IG: @gabtheguru Agency: State Model Management Claim To Fame: A TJ Maxx commercial kick started her career. Standing 5 feet 8 inches Gabby Fé was used to hearing a common theme in comments about her appearance from her friends and family in Orlando, Florida . “When I was growing up people used to tell me like ‘Gabby you’re so pretty! You’re pretty and you’re tall. If you [would] only lose weight you can model but like you can’t, you know you can’t model the way you are.” In an exclusive interview with Hello Beautiful the sought-after model revealed how a surprise birthday present not only proved critics wrong but placed her on the cover of Plus Model Magazine . View this post on Instagram I am OVERWHELMED with emotions right now!! This is my First Ever Magazine Cover!! I’m SO Thankful that it was with Plus Model Magazine. I’ve had people tell me NO many times. I’ve had doors shut because people didn’t believe that I could do this!! But I Never Gave Up and I’m Still Going!!Im So Grateful to Be Living My Dreams and My Calling!! Thank You SO Much Maddy and Team it is truly an honor Thank you to my wonderful agents @bicoastalmgmt . @lucaspicturesnyc . . #plusmodelmag #plusmodel #covergirl #curvygirl #blackgirlmagic #darkskingirls #queen #curlyhair #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @charlotterusseplus @rebelwilsonxangels @bicoastalmgmt @statemgmt A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:38am PDT “It’s kind of a crazy story,” replied Fé’ when asked how she ended up signing to State Model Management and representing brands like Amazon, TJ Maxx, and Dia & Co . “My older sibling, my older brother who never gives me a Christmas present or birthday present, he goes like ‘Your birthday’s coming up. What you do what for your birthday?’ I was like ‘Really? I just want a round trip ticket to New York City. I’ve never been to New York City. He’s like ‘Great I will pay for your plane ticket and that will be your birthday gift. I was like ‘Wow! I’m so shocked,’ and my mom decided to pay for my AirBnB so that was my birthday present came to New York.” View this post on Instagram On Set with Dia and Co. Discussing August Fashions and How to Accessorize a Dress for three different occasions. Had so much fun with the team!! Can’t wait till you all see the finished product!! @diaandco . . #diaandco #newwork #plusmodel #plussizefashion #F21xMe #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick @rebelwilsonxangels @rebdolls @forever21plus @plusmodelmag @plussize_meplz @fullfigured_fashion A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 6, 2018 at 8:52am PDT She appreciated her family’s generosity, but she never thought their gifts would lead to an address change . “I never thought anything of it I’m just like I’m just gonna go.” View this post on Instagram Happy 2 Year Anniversary Living in New York!! #Blessed . . #afropunk #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #sayhi #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #curlfest2018 #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @modcloth @maurices @rue21official @premme.us A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:57pm PDT She was partially inspired by Ashley Graham , who she recalls being the first plus size model she saw celebrated in the mainstream media. “When I was growing up, I never heard of plus-size modeling, so I came specifically to New York to see what it was about to see if I had a shot at it.” Even her mother was taken aback by all the attention Graham was getting. “My mom was like ‘Hey Gabby, this girl she’s curvy like you. You should check it out. So I started doing my research I discovered Plus Model Magazine and I started seeing curvy models.” View this post on Instagram Best Compliment A Model Can Get “You Really Do Look Like Your Comp Card” . Shoutout to the Best Agent Ever – Love you Marcy!! @marcellamsa10 . . . @Tommychungphotography @samanthastudio @statemgmt @statemgmt.scout @universalstandard @curvycoutureintimates @models1curve @thecurvyfashionista @curvysupermodelrtl @plussize_meplz @lanebryant @plusmodelmag #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeYou #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #blackish #grownish @enews #getyourrebelon #aeriereal A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on May 31, 2018 at 12:17pm PDT While on her birthday trip Fé, who had been singing since she was a child but was discouraged from trying modeling, decided to cold call modeling agencies in an effort to find her way to the spotlight. She described her shock at how quickly she succeeded. View this post on Instagram Believe me, you're capable of a lot of things. Keep reaching for the stars. Sky's the limit Los Angeles 4/5-4/10 . @forever21 @plusbklyn @forever21plus @naturalmodelsla @fashionnovacurve @loveumag @fabuplus @universalstandard @skorchmagazine @musemodelsnyc @statemgmt @rebelwilsonxangels @xeharcurvy #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #type3 #visiblyplussize #fashion #crave #vogue #fur #loyalty @papermagazine #curlyhair #curlyhairstyles #coilyhair @devacurl #curly #curls #curlyhairdontcare A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT “As I was here literally everything started falling into place everything started happening at once. I literally went on line submitted to the agencies.” Her submissions resulted in several interest meetings being scheduled but before she could attend any of them fate intervened. View this post on Instagram Happy Birthday Gabby What an Amazing year I have lived. . I was born on a Tuesday and my birthday this year is on a Tuesday. As I reflect on my journey from this past year, I look back to see how many blessings came my way . . I booked my first cover on a magazine! Shoutout to @plusmodelmag . . . I got to visit my mom In Trinidad when I haven’t been back to her home country in 5 years. I completed my first year of Full-Time Modeling!! Whoo hoo Dream Come True. . . I released my first single to the world on my new album and i’m now officially Spotify verified. . . I had my first swimsuit photo shoot in one of the most beautiful places, Malibu. Thanks @i.mays . . So many more things I can mention but overall I want to say I am so blessed to live on this Earth another year!! I know God has a plan and a purpose for my life and yours and I’m so grateful. . . Time to party and celebrate and live it up!! Cheers to the Good Life A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Nov 6, 2018 at 9:12am PST “I got an email from like a random email saying there was a casting call for a TJ Maxx commercial,” she explained. Some might have written the message off as a scam but the then 22-year-old let optimism guide her. Shortly afterwards she was making the most of her impromptu vacation by meeting with the casting directors. View this post on Instagram My First National Campaign Check me out at TJ MAXX and the commercial airs on Prime Time TV During Dancing With The Stars #nycmodel #beautybeyondsize #psblogger #curvilyyours @plusmodelmag @msacurve @fffweek @forever21 #effyourbeautystandards #theashleygraham #curvemodel #Melanin #WildChild #photography #vlog #plusisequal #iamsizesexy #iamperfect #Brooklyn #loveandlegend #beyourownicon #DWTS #thickchic #ibbiwoman #Model #WILLYSCOUTS #NYC #Darkskingirl #psmodel #plussize #plussizemodel #getscouted #plussizefashion #thisbody @gabifresh A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 28, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT “They called me like 15 minutes later and they were like ‘You’re in New York City, we’re in New York City… do you want to come in for an in-person audition?” View this post on Instagram Always take the time to actively appreciate those who actively appreciate you. . . #Melanin #honormycurves #plusmodelmag #celebratemysize @tjmaxx #Plussize #sayhi #NovaBabe #curvygirl #gabifresh #xoq #LaneBryant #ftfselfie @plusmodelmag #bodypositivity #IAmDiverseBeauty #Maxxlife #thickchick #TheseCurves #Model #NYC #RealBeauty #slinksquad #photography #feelinggoody #nycmodel #Forever21Plus #plussizefashion #iwontcompromise #curvemodel #rebdolls #bbw A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 14, 2017 at 11:16am PDT The audition was a pretty routine process. She answered generic questions about herself and was dismissed with well wishes. Afterwards she returned home with her ambition in tow. “I just went back to my regular old life,” she explained. She was surprised to receive a call back from the company who insisted that she fly out immediately to appear in the ad. “I booked it. They flew me out to LA, in this beautiful penthouse suite. They had a driver and everything I felt like a celebrity or something. They gave me my own trailer. We were filming on Venice beach. It was so cool as my first experience.” View this post on Instagram Yellow is my favorite color. Ever since I wore a big yellow dress in my TJ Maxx Commercial I’ve been in love with this color. It enhances my dark skin, it reminds me of all things happy. The sun is yellow, light is yellow, pineapple juice is yellow and my fav. I’m blessed to rock yellow. . . Who is ready for warm weather and a big yellow sun? A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 29, 2019 at 1:35pm PDT The luxury didn’t last long and when Fé wrapped the shoot she knew she wanted more. “After I got that opportunity I was like ‘This is a sign I need to move to New York City’. So I took my earnings from the commercial and moved to New York city and from that point I signed with two different agencies and the rest is history.” That history includes walking in shows at New York Fashion Week and leaving behind a part-time job at Forever 21 to spend days smizing on set. “I’ve working with a lot of different brands. It’s my full-time gig now.” She still has side hustle. A lifelong lover of music she recently began releasing music often working with producers to perfect her sound in between modeling gigs. View this post on Instagram Yup!! This is the Real Me and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. . . I’m now modeling out of state and soon out the country. My music is getting out there and I’m officially blue check verified on Spotify so check me out (search Gabby Fé) I’m living my best life. . . . I have days where I go to the gym and eat super healthy then I have days where I just want a slice of pizza and to watch Netflix to avoid Adulting. I have back rolls and lovely lady lumps and I’m fully happy. Not needing anyone’s approval to be myself. Here is me, the real me, in my element, by the ocean, in my happy place. So here is a Body Positive Post for your Timeline . . . P.S. how many of you caught my IG live performance on Sunday? Sunday with Gabby Fé is happening again so let me know if you’re ready for another round. A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 18, 2019 at 10:39am PDT “I’ve been singing my whole life since I was like 4 but I started getting into the recording studios maybe two years ago. I have some stuff up on Spotify and some music videos coming out this year.” She says that her upcoming music reflects how her journey of self-acceptance has impacted her romantic life. View this post on Instagram 20k Followers!! Thank You These past few weeks have been insane! I’m Consistently Working, Booking New Clients and my E.P. Drops soon. Can’t wait for you all to hear what I’ve been working on. Sometimes I feel discouraged when things aren’t happening in my timing but the world doesn’t revolve around our timing only Gods timing. I’m grateful for everything I have today! Family, friends, My Wonderful Agents, and all of YOU!! Thank you for being on my Team! #TeamGabby #Gabbonaters . . #statemgmt #bicoastalmgmt #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @bustle @heyrevelist @dorothycombsmodels @immcurve @bridgemodels @rue21official @tresemme A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jul 20, 2018 at 12:47pm PDT “I feel like it really comes down to me. I’ve always had guys who have been attracted to me, but I haven’t always been attracted to myself. I was always uncomfortable in my skin because there weren’t a lot of plus-size girls around me. I was always the biggest girl in my friend group and I was always the biggest girl in class so I felt uncomfortable. But now that I’ve kind of grown into my own I feel more comfortable with my body and the way I look. I can tell that the guys that I date enjoy my beauty and who I am as a person, so it’s helped me to just accept who I am, come out of my shell and enjoy being looked at and complimented. I can take compliments now you want to tell me a compliment I can appreciate that now back then I couldn’t.” Her non-romantic relationships have evolved as well. Today her former critics are in awe of how she has expanded their view of what a ‘model’ looks like. “I think it’s like a new world to them and they never saw anything like it before. They’re very supportive now they see the vision coming to life and they’re very supportive of it.” DON’T MISS: MODEL MONDAY: HBCU Dancer DaQuendra Elston Never Let Her Size Hold Her Back MODEL MONDAY: Ashley Chew Started #BlackModelsMatter After Seeing Fashion Week From Both Sides MODEL MONDAY: Ariel Pierre-Louis Talks Colorism And Classism In The Modeling Industry [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3054173″ overlay=”true”]
A ctress Keke Palmer has broken several barriers in the realm of entertainment. She was the first Black person to play the role of Cinderella on Broadway and she also made history as television’s youngest talk show host five years ago. The Illinois-bred star recently hit another major milestone in her career. According to Deadline , she landed a deal with ABC to join the daytime talk show Strahan and Sara . Keke Palmer Nears Deal To Join ‘Strahan And Sara’ As Third Co-Host https://t.co/dwYv9QWSvb pic.twitter.com/gXiyncyWsa — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) August 1, 2019 Palmer has made several guest appearances on the show hosted by former NFL player Michael Strahan and journalist Sara Haines . She was filling in for Haines while she was on maternity leave. Cognizant of the great chemistry displayed between the hosts, the show’s producers decided to give Palmer a permanent role. The Strahan and Sara team hopes that her presence on the daytime talk show will attract a younger audience. “Keke has been so much fun filling in, so they decided to make her an offer,” an individual involved in the deal told Page Six . “The audience knows her and she’s got great chemistry with both [hosts].” The deal is slated to be finalized soon. Palmer hopes that her journey will inspire Black youth to reach for the stars. “I just want them to know that they can achieve many things if they believe that they can,” she said in an interview with BET . “I know that sounds like a cliche or maybe even corny, but honestly it is the truth, you must believe that all things are possible. Having faith is so important.” The 25-year-old has several other projects in the works. She released a new single dubbed “Twerk N Flirt” on August 2. She also stars in the upcoming movie Hustlers with Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez . The film is slated to hit theaters this fall. SEE ALSO: #BlackGirlMagic: Simone Manuel Makes History At FINA World Championship Serena Williams Invests In Startup Focused On Maternal Health [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3882606″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Sheri Determan/WENN.com / WENN Chance The Rapper Sits Down With Zane Lowe To Talk About His New Album Chance The Rapper is the latest artist to sit down for an in-depth discussion with Zane Lowe . Throughout their interview, Chance talks about his wedding, calling it “the best wedding of all time,” while also proclaiming that they need to have a movie made about it. He also explained why he’s kept so strong on his preference for more independent approaches to the music industry, Kanye West’s influencer on him, his future ambitions, and more. Peep the conversation down below to see what Chance had to say:
Source: Image via OWN Network / OWN Everything Pops Off On OWN’s “To Have And To Hold: Charlotte” Finale Happy Friday! We’re just one day away from the season finale of OWN’s “To Have And To Hold: Charlotte” finale and boy is it going DOWN. On Saturday’s episode Alane accuses Tyyawdi of giving up too soon on her marriage and invites Juliana over to resolve their differences. Peter answers Josh’s proposal. And when Darhyl and Christine see a fertility doctor, their conflict about when to have children reignites. Check out an exclusive clip below where Alane asks Juliana if she knew Josh had dated men. Episode: Popping Off airs Saturday, August 3 (10 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET/PT) Hit the flip for more clips
Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty lt looks like Safaree Samuels isn’t the only VH1 reality star delving into the sex toy industry ! Apparently, LHHATL star Karlie Redd has signed a $300,000 deal with Doc Johnson USA (the same company that signed Safaree) to sell casts of her buttocks and vagina, which will be made into “strokers.” (It’s pretty obvious what that means y’all.) TMZ reported that the casts took almost 6 hours to make and will retail soon for roughly $70. Take a look at the process: Karlie is taking the sex game serious stresses her rep, KD McNair, telling TMZ that in addition to the toys, the reality star is creating a sexpert advice blog and plans on curating special packages of sex toys for men and women. Get money Karlie! As we previously reported , fellow LHH-franchise star Safaree signed a 7-figure deal for his “Anaconda” dildo, which debuted in July at the ANME trade show in Burbank, CA, which highlights adult novelty manufacturers of intimate toys, lingerie, lubricants and novelties. That also will be hitting stories in the near future. View this post on Instagram It’s finally here! We’re debuting the @docjohnsonusa @safaree Anaconda to our retailers and distributors at our ANME trade show! . . @britmo_inc @tmz_tv @worldstar @breakfastclubam @theshaderoom @hollywoodunlocked A post shared by Doc Johnson (@docjohnsonusa) on Jul 15, 2019 at 9:00am PDT RELATED NEWS: Surfbordt! Safaree’s 12-Inch ‘Anaconda’ Sex Toy Is ‘Finally’ Here ‘LHHATLS8’ Reunion Pt 2: Karlie Redd Actually Told The Truth Pictures Of Sexy Black Men Just Because It’s Friday
D uring the first Democratic debate, Sen. Kamala Harris went viral for holding Joe Biden accountable for comments about segregationists and his policy on bussing. Now, the tables have turned and Harris took a blow in the polls. See Also: This Colin Kaepernick Retweet Says Everything You Need To Know About The NFL Players’ Anthem Grievance According to the Morning Consult poll, Harris went from 13 to 10 percentage points, the only top eight candidates to drop. Sanders, Booker, Buttigeg, Booker, O’Rourke and Yang all remained the same. Warren went from 13 to 15 percent. Biden went from 31 to 32 percent. Harris’ drop could be due to the attack by Tulsi Gabbard . The Congresswoman from Hawaii said, “Now Senator Harris says she’s proud of her record as a prosecutor and that she’ll be a prosecutor president. But I’m deeply concerned about this record. There are too many examples to cite but she put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and then laughed about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana.” She continued, “She blocked evidence — she blocked evidence that would have freed an innocent man from death row until the courts forced her to do so. She kept people in prison beyond their sentences to use them as cheap labor for the state of California.” Harris tried to defend herself but Gabbard continued, “The bottom line is, Senator Harris, when you were in a position to make a difference and an impact in these people’s lives, you did not. And worse yet, in the case of those who were on death row, innocent people, you actually blocked evidence from being revealed that would have freed them until you were forced to do so.” WATCH: Tulsi Gabbard brings up Kamala Harris' record as California AG, saying Harris “put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and laughed about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana.” #DemDebate #DemDebate2 #DemocraticDebate pic.twitter.com/1634mXChh3 — NewsBusters (@newsbusters) August 1, 2019 Biden got pummeled as well, especially by Cory Booker. When Biden tried to distance himself from Obama’s immigration policies, Booker went in, “You can’t have it both ways. You invoke President Obama more than anybody in this campaign. You can’t do it when it’s convenient and then dodge it when it’s not. And the second thing that this really irks me because I heard the vice president say that if you got a PhD., you can come right into this country. Well that’s playing into what the republicans want, to pit some immigrants against other immigrants.” He also said, “Some are from shithole countries and some are from worthy countries. We need to reform this whole immigration system and begin to be the country that says everyone has worth and dignity and this should be a country that honors for everyone. ” Nonetheless, that hasn’t shaken Biden in the polls. SEE ALSO: WTH? ‘Black Panther’ Writer Roxane Gay Was Not Invited To The Movie Premiere White Woman Accused Of Pretending To Be A Doctor In Africa Is Sued After ‘100 Babies’ Die Everything To Know About The Phoenix Police Department’s Culture Of Racism And Corruption [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3850202″ overlay=”true”]
Even though reports warned of it as far back as January, some fans are still in shock over Vicki Gunvalson’s demotion . The OG of the OC is just a “Friend” on Season 14 of The Real Housewives of Orange County . Now, she’s admitting on social media that even she doesn’t know why she lost her orange. Through thick and thin, Vicki has been active on Instagram this year. A lot of that time has been spent shooting down rumors — even rumors that ultimately turned out to be true. Fans know that Instagram is a place where they can, on occassion, reach her and even elicit a response. With the news of her demotion, some aren’t sure what to think about the show or its future. “Why were you demoted?” asked one fan who continues to struggle with this major shake-up. The follower confessed: “I don’t understand.” “I don’t really know,” Vicki admitted in her reply. That must be a haunting feeling for one of the most famous faces in an entire franchise. She then speculated: “I think they wanted to change it up.” Perhaps. It has also been suggested that it was as serious as a punishment for Vicki’s habit of spreading malicious rumors that were too much for Bravo. Other reports have said that it was, much more simply, Vicki’s apparent lack of a storyline. Admitting that she can’t explain her demotion is not all that Vicki has had to say recently on social media. Last week, reports circulated that Vicki would rather quit than go another season as a “Friend” of the Housewives. That’s no real surprise — many find a demotion like that humiliating. Famously, NeNe Leakes quit rather than be demoted. When ratings tanked, Bravo welcomed her back with a massive pay raise. Many had hoped that Vicki would try something similar. But Vicki says that the story that she’d rather quit than be a “Friend” for another season is nothing but a load of hooplah. “None of this is true!!” Vicki declared when she saw the original report by RadarOnline . She then asked: “Where do you get your information from???” “It’s all incorrect,” Vicki clarified. We somehow suspect that the folks over at RadarOnline won’t lose any sleep over this, but it’s great that Vicki let her fans know. Vicki continued her negotiations with Bravo early this year, missing the first couple of weeks of filming. Eventually, she reached some sort of agreement, but nothing was ever officially confirmed. It was said at one point that she would get engaged to and marry Steve Lodge in an effort to save her job. Sure enough, early this spring, Steve proposed to Vicki. She shared the happy news on Instagram, and her fans breathed a sigh of relief, hoping that this would give her enough of a storyline to remain a Full Housewife. Plus, you know, they were just happy for her. The reality is that producers and network folks have a lot to weigh when it comes to deciding on casting. Who joins the cast? Who leaves? Who becomes a Full Housewife, who stays one, and who gets demoted to Friend status? These are all based upon ratings and production expenses and various complications. It sounds like a real headache. The advantage of a long-running, successful series is that, as Vicki says, sometimes they may just want to “change it up.” If the change doesn’t go over well with the audience, they can change it right back. View Slideshow: Vicki Gunvalson: DEMOTED to “Friend” of the Real Housewives in Stunning Shakeup!
It’s been five months since the college admissions bribery scandal first made headlines. But much to the chagrin of the many wealthy families ensnared in the FBI’s Operation Varsity Blues sting, the story is a subject of national fascination. Fairly or otherwise, former Full House actress Lori Loughlin has become the face of the controversy. Unlike the other high-profile figures who were (allegedly) caught rigging the admissions process in favor of their children, Loughlin has refused a plea deal and will soon stand trial. Legal experts say it’s likely that Loughlin will serve time in prison, a fate she likely could have avoided by striking a deal with prosecutors. The actress clearly believes standing trial is worth the risk, and insiders say she’s desperate to clear her name. Lori’s daughters, Bella and Olivia Giannulli have both dropped out of USC as a result of the scandal Sources close to the sisters say their uncertain about their future at the school, but would like to re-enroll at some point. However, a recent development might have convinced the Giannulli girls that they would be better off seeking their education elsewhere. According to a new report from Us Weekly Olivia and Bella have been kicked out of their sorority as a result of their role in the scandal. “Olivia and Bella were both in Kappa Kappa Gamma and the sorority has since kicked them out and is trying to distance themselves from the situation as much as possible,” the source explains. The insider adds that the sisters are taking it “day by day” and are closer than ever as a result of the scandal. “This has strengthened their bond more than anything possibly could,” the source claims. Olivia was a popular influencer on Instagram prior to her mother’s arrest, and it seems she experienced a more immediate form of devastation than her sister: Olivia’s world came crashing down quicker in terms of getting dumped and losing all of her business, but this all unfolded slower for Bella and it’s been more emotionally devastating.” A source for Kappa Kappa Gamma disputes Us Weekly’s claim and insists that Bella is still a member and Olivia never was: “The story regarding these two individuals is false,” a statement from the sorority reads. ” Bella Giannulli remains an active member of the Delta Tau chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.” “Olivia Jade did not complete the membership process.” So perhaps the sisters are clear to enroll in classes after all — though they may want to wait and see how their mother’s criminal trial plays out.
