Source: Chicago Tribune / Getty R. Kelly is facing even more sex crime charges. The embattled singer is facing two counts of engaging in prostitution with an individual under 18 years old and offering to hire for sexual purposes a person under 18. The events allegedly took place with an underage girl in Minneapolis in July 2001. During a news conference on Monday, State Attorney Mike Freeman said the alleged victim approached Kelly for an autograph and claims that the 52-year-old singer paid her $200 to get naked and engage in sexual acts at his Minneapolis hotel. Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg calls the latest charges “absurd.” Re: New charges @RKelly give me a break. This is beyond absurd — Steve Greenberg (@SGcrimlaw) August 5, 2019 Freeman said that there was no sexual intercourse between Kelly and the underage girl, but there was “sexual contact.” He also admitted that the case will be difficult to prosecute, given that the evidence dates back nearly 20 years. The news follows a month in and out of courts for Kelly. He was charged with 18 counts of sexual misconduct and other charges in Chicago and New York and pled not guilty to five federal criminal charges including kidnapping and racketeering. RELATED: Alleged Sexual Predator R. Kelly Calls His Accusers “Disgruntled Groupies” RELATED: Steppin’ Down In The Name Of Common Sense: R. Kelly’s Crisis Manager Quits
Source: Chesnot / Getty Netflix Has Created “Co-Watching” Contracts For Couples If you’ve ever felt betrayed by your significant other after learning they watched an episode of y’all’s favorite show without you, Netflix might just have the solution for you. The streaming platform has decided to lay out some rules for binge-watching so that couples can reach an agreement before settling on something to watch. The new “co-watching” contract is a document that both partners in a relationship must sign, with Netflix listed as a witness for the whole thing. The doc is to be used as an agreement to follow five rules before binge-watching a show together. Those rules of engagement are as follows: I won’t fall asleep I won’t get distracted by my phone causing the other person to rewind because I missed something; I won’t continue watching a show without the other person present; I won’t talk whilst the show is on; In the event that I come across a spoiler, I won’t share it with the other person. This whole thing could definitely be a good idea for a lot us out there who have been left behind by spouses who watched an extra episode after their partner fell asleep early–but some of the rules don’t seem so practical. In the event of some serious binge-watching, it seems unlikely that nobody is going to pick up their phones–and it seems even more unlikely that someone will keep a spoiler to themselves. But it’s a nice sentiment, nonetheless. Could you see your partner signing this co-watching contract?
Source: Infinity Ward / Activision Today (August 1), Infinity Ward and Activision unveiled the multiplayer mode for the upcoming “reboot” of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and boy does it look GOOD. With fans of the ridiculously popular first-person shooter franchise already hyped after seeing the story mode trailer , today’s reveal during the big live stream event in Los Angeles definitely has them salivating. In the 3:02 clip we are pleased to learn that Killstreaks are returning and they are not the same old ones we are used to from previous titles. We also get a glimpse of the new maps players will battle it out on for COD dominance. During the event, Infinity Ward discussed the many changes players can expect when they play the game. The reimagined version of Modern Warfare will be scrapping symmetrical three-lane maps we were used to in favor of more open-ended stages. Developers also revealed there will be deep weapon customization in the game. Gone is the Pick 10 system with players now able to customize weapons with up to 60 attachments. Game loadouts will now allow combatants to carry both a lethal and tactical grenades, two guns and equip three perks. A “Ground War” mode is also coming to Modern Warfare’s multiplayer that will allow up to 100+ players to take part in the action. It wasn’t shown during today’s event. This news followed the reveal of the games new 2V2 “Gunfight” mode back in July. Activision also spilled the beans on upcoming Beta with PlayStation 4 owners getting first dibs beginning September 12-13 (early access) and September 14-16 (Open beta). As announced previously, Modern Warfare will allow all the consoles to play nice with each other introducing cross-play to the franchise. Early access for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 owners begins September 19-20 with the open beta kicking off September 21-23. Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII will be a thing of the past once this game launches, you watch the trailer to see exactly why we feel that way. — Photo: Infinity Ward / Activision
Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty 21 Savage Is Back For Another Back To School Drive It’s that time of year again–and 21 Savage is here to host another back-to-school drive for the youth in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. For this year’s festivities, 21 is partnering with Amazon Music, Leading by Example Foundation, and Momma Flystyle for the event that takes place on Sunday, August 4. Since his rise to stardom, 21 Savage has made an effort to continually give back to his community as much as he can. The purpose of his annual back-to-school drive is to giveaway school uniforms, school supplies, and free haircuts for both boys and girls before the start of the new year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) on Jul 27, 2019 at 2:42pm PDT 21 Savage has focused a lot of his energy on his philanthropic efforts this year, which includes expanding his 21 Savage Bank Account Campaign by teaching a monthly online seminar on financial literacy, as well as promising to give jobs to at-risk Atlanta youth. Before last year’s back-to-school drive, the rapper spoke with VIBE on the importance of helping his community in Atlanta. When talking the about the event, 21 said, “I went to school in Dekalb and Gwinnett County. This is important since we didn’t have this as kids.” His co-manager Meezy added, “It takes being from here to understand what is needed. This is Dekalb County, I grew up here and I want to make sure these kids have nothing to worry about.” Shoutout to 21 Savage for always luuhhhhhvin da kids!
Source: Mint Images / Getty The efforts of a Pennsylvania businessman were denied after he reportedly offered to pay off $22,467 of a school district’s lunch debt in order to thwart the reported plans of administrators who threatened to place students in foster care over the unpaid debts. Two weeks ago, a widely circulated letter sent to parents from the Wyoming Valley West school district disturbingly laid out a plan of action for parents with unpaid lunch debts. Text “RICKEY”to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). “Your child has been sent to school every day without money and without a breakfast and/or lunch,” the July 9 letter states. “This is a failure to provide your child with proper nutrition and you can be sent to Dependency Court for neglecting your child’s right to food.” “If you are taken to Dependency court, the result may be your child being removed from your home and placed in foster care,” the letter continues. “Please remit payment as soon as possible to avoid being reported to the proper authorities.” Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit In an op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer, La Colombe Coffee Roasters CEO Todd Carmichael shared his frustration over what he referred to as “shaming” and burdensome in the eyes of parents and local taxpayers. Michael stated that he received a firm “no” from the school’s school board president Joseph Mazur. “On Monday, we talked to School Board President Joseph Mazur to determine the best way to transfer the funds in order to wipe the slate clean and restore dignity to the 1,000 families who received these threatening letters,” Carmichael wrote. SEE ALSO: Apple Unveils Updated MacBook Air & MacBook Pro For Back-To-School Season “Shockingly, Mr. Mazur turned us down. I can’t explain or justify his actions. Let me be clear: we offered over $22,000 with no strings attached. And he said ‘No,’” Carmichael continued. “Mr. Mazur, I am offering to pay this debt in full. By saying no, you are not just shaming families who elected you, but you are placing this burden on WVW taxpayers, and that is completely unfair,” he added. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey called the school district’s actions “callous” on Twitter and urged administrators to cease the threats of foster care. Moving forward, the School District has an obligation to find an appropriate way to collect these funds, instead of using threats — Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) July 19, 2019 The situation is shockingly similar to a story we reported on in May, where a school in Rhode Island served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to students with unpaid balances and denied the efforts of a local businesswoman who wanted to help pay off a fraction of the debt. Low-income students have again become collateral in the fight for who gets to eat and who is objectified for doing so. In the Wyoming Valley West School District, 64% of the students live below the poverty line, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. This story was originally posted on madamenoire.com . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”2001700″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : British Actress Cynthia Erivo Faces Backlash For Role As Harriet Tubman Since She Is Not An American Descendant Of Slavery “You Can’t Take Away 20…” Wendy Williams Gets Emotional Talking About Changing Her Last Name Nicole Murphy Apologizes For Kissing A Very Married Antoine Fuqua Follow @TheRSMS
Source: March Funeral Home / March Funeral Home The father of a 3-year-old Florida girl recently did an unspeakable act that left them both dead. WEAR-TV reports that Cherish Jackson was shot in the head twice by her father, 22-year-old Terrence Jackson, outside her Escambia County home Saturday afternoon. Candlelight vigil for 3 year old Cherish Jackson who was shot and killed by her father over the weekend in Pensacola pic.twitter.com/3eqRMwDQaX — Cody Long (@WKRGCodyLong) July 23, 2019 Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). A neighbor told the publication that Terrence came by to take her to the store and the child excitedly greeted him. Cherish ran out to the car crying, ‘Daddy, Daddy,’” one neighbor who witnessed the event told WEAR-TV. “She was all happy to see him.” “I know he said something to Cherish right before he shot her because I saw her look up at him,” the neighbor, who asked to remain unidentified, told WEAR-TV. “That image of her looking at him is etched into my mind forever.” Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit The neighbor who described the scene as “horrific” said Terrence walked about 100 yards with the daughter before shooting her and then turning the gun on himself. The witness called authorities as both bodies laid lifeless in the street. So far police don’t have a motive for the murder-suicide. SEE ALSO: Comedy Central Pulls Video After Comic Makes Joke About XXXTentacion’s Death During a vigil for little Cherish family members remembered her as a “fighter” and noted that she was still alive when transported to a local hospital for her injuries before succumbing to her injuries the next day. This story was originally posted on Bossip.com . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”2046938″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : A School District In Pennsylvania Turns Down Offer From Local Businessman To Pay Off School Lunch Debts Mo’Nique Says Until Oprah Publicly Apologizes, She Will Have A Problem With Her “‘Til The Day That I Leave This Earth” British Actress Cynthia Erivo Faces Backlash For Role As Harriet Tubman Since She Is Not An American Descendant Of Slavery Follow @TheRSMS
Source: BMX / REDLINE BIKES / BMX / REDLINE BIKES A$AP Ferg got Harlem going brazy. His custom two piece set is so fye that we wouldn’t be mad if Fashion Nova For Men jacked it. As per High Snobiety the “Plain Jane” rapper had all the Paid In Full vibes when he debuted his new Dapper Dan creation last week. He was seen sporting a one of one Gucci basketball jersey with the matching shorts. The set is sky blue with rhinestones throughout the body; it is piped out with white and black on the trim. Both Dapper Dan and Gucci patches live on the thigh of the shorts and on the back of the jersey. It is in commemoration of his Ferg’s newest single “Floor Seats”. He took to his Instagram to flex. @dapperdanharlem custom @gucci basketball uniform. Designed by me! “Floor seats” out now!!! View this post on Instagram @dapperdanharlem custom @gucci basketball uniform. Designed by me! “Floor seats” out now!!! A post shared by LuLu (@asapferg) on Jul 20, 2019 at 4:46pm PDT In true Harlem tradition he busted out with another Dapper Dan set for his appearance at Complex Con in Chicago. This version was a navy blue with Japanese themed embroidered dragons and tigers. View this post on Instagram Put in Work !!!!!! Love you @asapferg It’s crazy how we take so much for granted. I went Double Platinum with this man. He could of texted anybody else in 2013 to be apart of his creation and he chose me. Always Respect. Free the God @asaprocky DAY 1 Chicago @complexcon – @atljunkie ps….i had the hardest Jeans @complexcon , @madeintyo Hat was #DAD A post shared by Trinidad Jame$ (@trinidadjamesgg) on Jul 20, 2019 at 7:39pm PDT You can check out “Floor Seats” below. Photo: Lauren Cowart
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty The internet, especially #BlackTwitter is already trying to figure out what to wear to the Blade premiere now that Mahershala Ali is taking over. But that wasn’t the only news announced at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend about Marvel fans can expect in the next phase of MCU films. When Phase 4 officially kicks off next year, fans can look forward to the most diverse and craziest one yet. The upcoming slate of Disney+ shows and films features the first Asian superhero, the first LGBTQ superhero and plenty of girl power this time around. Marvel Studio’s head Kevin Feige confirmed all the fantastic news during the 90-minute presentation on Saturday (July 20). View this post on Instagram Just announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW with Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, and Rachel Weisz. Directed by Cate Shortland. In theaters May 1, 2020. #SDCC A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) on Jul 20, 2019 at 6:29pm PDT Kicking things off much to the chagrin of our deputy editor, Scarlett Johansson’s long-rumored Black Widow solo film will kickoff phase 4. The movie coming May 1, 2020, will serve as a prequel and will star Stranger Things ‘ star David Harbour. He will face off against the former Russian spy taking on the role of The Taskmaster who is an expert at mimicking the physical movements of any of one he sees. View this post on Instagram Just announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ THE ETERNALS with Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee. Directed by Chloé Zhao. In theaters November 6, 2020. #SDCC A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) on Jul 20, 2019 at 5:39pm PDT The Eternals will follow Black Widow arriving in theaters on November 6, 2020. The film is based on the legendary Jack Kirby’s same comics of the same name. It tells the story of a group of beings called Eternals who secretly exist and protect humans in the future. The movie boasts a stellar cast which includes Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie. View this post on Instagram Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, with Simu Liu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. In theaters February 12, 2021. A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) on Jul 20, 2019 at 5:58pm PDT The next film Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings won’t arrive till the following year, February 12, 2021. The first movie to feature an Asian superhero. Canadian-Chinese actor Simu Liu will take on the titular role, and he will take on the ten ring wearing villain the Mandarin (Tony Leung). Marvel fans will remember that Sir Ben Kingsley played a fake version of the supervillain in Iron Man 3 much to their dismay. Awkwafina was also announced as a member of the film’s cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role. View this post on Instagram Just announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS with Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. Scott Derrickson returns as director. In theaters May 7, 2021. A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) on Jul 20, 2019 at 6:10pm PDT The next film in Doctor Strange franchise will be a horror film, a first in the MCU. Doctor Strange and The Multiverse of Madness will see the wizard venture into the different dimensions — Mysterio lied about — in Spider-Man: Far From Home . It will follow the events of the Disney+ show WandaVision which will also introduce Teyonah Parris as a grown-up Monica Rambeau. The daughter of Captain Marvel’s Maria Rambeau . In the movie, Strange will team up with Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). The film arrives in theaters on May 7, 2021. View this post on Instagram Just announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER with Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman. Taika Waititi returns as director. In theaters November 5, 2021. #SDCC A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) on Jul 20, 2019 at 6:25pm PDT Last but certainly not least, Thor will be back in Phase 4, but there is a huge twist coming, and we are not talking about his weight. It was revealed that his love interest in previous films, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) will return. This time around, she won’t be a damsel in distress but instead, become the new God of Thunder and Lightning. Taika Waititi ( Thor: Ragnarok ) returns to direct Thor: Love and Thunder. The upcoming sequel also boasts the first LGBTQ superhero with Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie looking for Queen to rule by her side. Of course, we can’t forget Falcon and The Winter Soldier , Loki , Hawkeye and the animated series What If? all coming to Disney+. Plus Feige also hinted at the arrival of the recently acquired Fox properties The Fantastic Four and X-Men finally finding their way into the MCU. We are sure he still has more aces up his sleeve for the upcoming D23 Expo. Marvel Studios and the House of Mouse is gonna be raking in the dough for a long time. — Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty
Ever since she married Prince Harry back in May of 2018, Meghan Markle’s ability to get along with her royal in-laws has been a subject of constant speculation and debate. Has Meghan breached royal protocol again? Is she really feuding with Kate Middleton ? Is her apparent beef with the Duchess of Cambridge just a smokescreen disguising Prince William’s feud with Prince Harry ? These are questions that have popped up repeatedly in tabloid headlines and have even served as the inspiration for numerous lengthy thinkpieces that touch on topics of race, the “special relationship” between England and America, and the nature of royalty itself. Unfortunately, it may be decades before the story of Meghan’s assimilation into the royal family can really be told truthfully. Until then, we’re left to ponder smaller questions — like why in the hell would Queen Elizabeth II tell Meg she can’t adopt a freakin’ dog? Yes, as you may recall, earlier this year, Harry and Meghan moved out of Kensington Palace and into Frogmore Cottage, an estate on the Queen’s property. They also relocated their offices, which means they now work in close quarters with Elizabeth — who has apparently made it clear that there are struct rules in place regarding pets. “Harry and Meghan have moved their offices in with the Queen’s Buck House, and she absolutely does not want some mutt messing up her rugs,” a source close to the situation tells Radar Online. “Plus her corgis rule the roost there and don’t take too kindly to outsiders.” But it seems even queens engage in compromise from time to time: “The Queen has said Meghan can do what she wants on her own property out at Frogmore, but is not to bring any of them to the Palace,” the insider continues. “Meghan would be devastated by this, given rescues are her chosen passion.” So it sounds less like Meghan is not allowed to have a dog and more like there would be restrictions on where the dog is allowed to roam on the grounds — which seems totally reasonable. Still, in the interest of stirring up drama, the insider says this is the Queen’s way of keeping Meghan in check following several recent breaches in royal protocol. It seems the most serious violation was Meghan’s baby shower , which was apparently such a no-no that QE2 is still pissed about it, several months later: “Baby showers and post-birth celebrations are simply not done in the royal family so this will likely set off some fireworks at Buckingham Palace,” Yet again, being royalty sounds like it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. You have to give up the right to have a party with your friends, and you’re not even allowed to behead people anymore? What’s the point? View Slideshow: Meghan Markle’s Deleted Instagram Revealed: Booze, Boyfriends & Bedroom Selfies!
Waiting week-to-week for TV shows can be a real drag. We have no idea how anyone ever did it. Some shows are just best served binged — and that's why we've picked these 13 shows down beloow. If you're looking for something to watch (and watch and watch and just keep watching), we've got you covered! 1. Veronica Mars – Hulu Veronica Mars has cheated death on a number of occasions. After three seasons and a movie, the series seemed to be dead for good. Years later, Hulu ordered an eight-episode revival that features the most harrowing case yet. 2. Euphoria – HBO Euphoria is like a reboot of Skins, but even more messed up. With an all-star cast that includes the likes of Zendaya and Eric Dane, it’s one show you cannot miss. 3. Schitt’s Creek – Pop TV This comedy about a family who loses everything has been around for several years, but thanks to the power of Netflix, its popularity exploded to the point that it has scored multiple Emmy nominations. 4. The Haunting of Hill House – Netflix If you’re a fan of the horror genre, then this excellent Netflix series is the one for you. With first-rate acting, many horrors, and a whole lot of twists, it will keep you engrossed from start to finish. 5. Big Little Lies – HBO With a cast that includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern, and even Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies is one of the best shows on the air. It’s a tale of a group of women bonded by murder, and how they come to grips with that. All two seasons are available to stream right now. 6. YOU – Netflix You started its life on Lifetime, but it didn’t pop until it moved to Netflix as an original series. With Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley playing a stalker who will go to any lengths necessary to be the only person in a young woman’s life, it’s a crazy tale that is best served binged. View Slideshow
