Forever 💍

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@lori_harvey_) on Jun 25, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

Ladies, he put a ring on it – Memphis Depay, that is.

If you haven’t got a clue as to who he is, we’re sure you’ve seen Steve Harvey’s stepdaughter Lori on the arm of the 21-year-old Dutch soccer player, who signed a reported $40 million, four-year contract with Manchester United in 2015. t’s unclear as to exactly how long the couple have been dating, but they shared photos of themselves in Paris celebrating Lori’s birthday last year when she turned 19. Since then, the two have been pretty much inseparable.

I’m so blessed, I get to marry my bestfriend 😍😍😍 I SAID YES!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@lori_harvey_) on Jun 24, 2017 at 2:39pm PDT

Yesterday (June 24), Harvey took to Instagram, sharing two photos of their new union. Visibly surprised in one of the photos, Harvey has her hands covered over her mouth while Day is down on one knee ready to pop the question. Harvey exactly captioned it, I’m so blessed, I get to marry my best friend. I SAID YES!!!!!!!!”

Congratulations are certainly in order for this couple’s engagement.

The post Lori Harvey, Steve Harvey’s Stepdaughter, Is Now Engaged appeared first on MadameNoire.

When you have a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for your role as an anesthesiologist on the highly-rated show black-ish, rub elbows with artists like Kanye West on the regular and have Diana Ross for a mother, you might think actress Tracee Ellis Ross has lived a pretty pain free life. Recently the actress opened up to Redbook magazine about her struggles with body image and the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards. Now she’s sharing her thoughts with Ebony magazine about the secret weapon she’s used to stay motivated and push towards success: Pain.

The actress has partnered up with Motrin and it’s #WomenInProgress campaign to get down to the nitty, gritty of exactly what pain looks like and how women can use it to their advantage. Ross maintains that the only problem with pain is our mindset about it and once we look at pain differently, it can actually be helpful:

“Pain is not a stopping point, but an opportunity for growth.”

“The immediate response is [to] get smaller [and say], ‘What I did was wrong; I shouldn’t have done that’ instead of, ‘This is really good information for me. This is either information about something that I do or don’t want, or information about how I want to be.’ Then make space for there not to be shame involved in the experience of what is a normal part of life: pain, disappointment and fear and those negative feelings.”

She also opened up about how although she enjoys social media, she doesn’t think it tells the whole story. She reveals that although winning an Emmy was a phenomenal moment that we all applauded from behind our computer screens, it wasn’t necessarily a defining moment for her:

“I know so many of the great things I’m experiencing . . . you know—this year 44, first time at the Emmys, I won a Golden Globe—things like that, are very exciting but those were not the breakthrough moments. The breakthrough moments were actually the hard moments. The breakthrough moments are the moments that actually gave me the courage to stand there on that stage winning a Golden Globe and actually be in the experience of it.”

It’s been said that money can’t buy happiness, but how painful can a life of fortune and fame really be? I mean her mom WAS Mahogany. But Ross says “the three A’s” have helped stay grounded and focused:

“Just like anybody else, I’ve experienced the pain of disappointment, of things not going the way I want on certain things or the way I wish that they had or being at a certain place in my life and thinking why has that not happened.”

“I have learned that the fastest way to where I want to be is where I am. May the space between where I am and where I want to be inspire me. I often get snagged when I know that I’m experiencing pain, whatever it is taking me down—depression, bad day, disappointment, I made a mistake and I’m beating myself up about it—whatever those things are and I see where I want to be, like, I shouldn’t be upset about this—say it’s that gap.”

“There’s the three A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Action. Jumping from awareness right to action skips right over the acceptance space, and what is in the acceptance space is actually you being able to feel what the right action is.”

The Girlfriends star also shared a funny story about pain and prepping for an opening dance number as a host for Black Girls Rock! in a HuffPost interview:

“I’m not a dancer, I have bad knees, I do not have the hinge at the back of my hips that Rihanna has nor do I on a regular basis do what Beyoncé does, so I knew it was going to be a challenge for me, I was afraid to make a fool of myself.”

“It was a challenge and at the same time, it was really hard on my body. I threw my back out, my knees were incredibly swollen. I could have used all of those as as a reason to stop and not do it.”

“What I left with was this incredible experience that I never would have tried if I had let the idea of the being in pain or being afraid stop me.”

Ross is definitely giving out some gems about taking life one day at a time and appreciating each moment for what it is and the important part pain plays in each woman’s journey. You can read more about how she copes with loss and her reaction to last year’s presidential election here. You can also watch her share her thoughts on the stigma associated with pain below:

The post “The Fastest Way To Where I Want To Be Is Where I Am” Tracee Ellis Ross Talks Using Pain To Grow appeared first on MadameNoire.

On Friday (June 23), Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis celebrated 14 years of marriage with her husband, Julius Tennon. And of course, in today’s social media age, Davis sent out a heartfelt tweet in honor of their wedding anniversary.

“My life got sweeter, richer the day I met you. I love you like a big ole dog!!! Happy 14 years my love, my heart,” she captioned the photo of the couple from when they renewed their vocals in 2016,  garnering tons of likes and best wishes.

Tennon and Davis wed in 2003 and added an addition to their family in October 2011 by adopting their beautiful daughter Genesis. Back in 2013, How To Get Away With Murder star shared with Page Six that  Tennon was the answer to her prayers for love to finally come into her life.

My life got sweeter, richer the day I met you. I love you like a big ole dog!!! Happy 14 years my love, my heart.
📷: @CarellAugustus pic.twitter.com/XwGPCRGGX0

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) June 23, 2017

“I was the loneliest woman in the world, and someone said, ‘You should just pray for a husband,” Davis said. “I said I wanted a big black man from the South who looked like a football player, who already had children, who maybe had been married before Three and a half weeks later, I met my husband.”

The post Viola Davis Celebrates Wedding Anniversary With Sweet Message To Husband appeared first on MadameNoire.

Lipstick lovers, listen up!

MAC Cosmetics has the coolest promotion going on that we’re currently obsessing over. While we’re a tad bit late to the party (today, June 25 is sadly the last day), we still champion a good deal and had to share the deets.

If you’ve ever gone ham in one of MAC’s brick-and-mortar stores, don’t feel too bad because we’ve all been there. But the popular beauty and cosmetics brand is easing the shopping regret with a deal that will have you feeling guilt-free for once.

So, according to MAC’s site, you can get a free full-size tube of lipstick with a purchase of any two lip products. That means if you cop lip pencils, prep and prime for lips, and even lipglass, you’re qualified to grab one of their highly coveted lip shades at no additional cost. Sounds like a deal to us.

But hurry, because the promotion, which is in-store and online ends today.

The post Here’s How You Can Score Free Lipstick From MAC appeared first on MadameNoire.

Back in April, TLC shared the release date for their highly-anticipated kickstarted-funded album, TLC, and as June 30 inches closer and closer,  Chilli and T-Boz are beginning to flood the internet and radio waves with new jams.

After premiering their first single, “Way Back,” which features Snoop Dogg, and “Haters,” the ladies are back with an emotional tune titled, “American Gold.”

The Kayo-produced track manifests a message of standing strong in the face of adversity.

“I think none of us are safe,” sings T-Boz. “We’ve been in and out the race / Cries, they echo into space / Tragedies we have to face.” The song continues, “I lost some friends, some friends that I didn’t want to / I lost some stars, my heart bleeds red, white, and blue / I’ve been in and out of the fire battling for you / Bleeding on American soil.”

Take a listen to “American Gold” below.

The post Listen To TLC’s New Song “American Gold” appeared first on MadameNoire.

Happy birthday my baby Girl Solange Knowles Fergurson❤️ now you are 31 and we are going to pick you up again when we see you ! Because in Mariah’s voice “you will always be my baby” in this this case OUR baby❤️

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 24, 2017 at 7:03am PDT

On Saturday (June 24), Solange Knowles celebrated 31 years of life. So, of course, as a proud mother would, Tina Lawson took to Instagram to honor her youngest with a sweet and empowering message detailing the A Seat at the Table singer’s unwavering courage.

“Happy Birthday my beautiful baby girl. 31 years ago today you entered this world (when YOU got good and damned ready to come)! 10 days late! We were all in love!!!” she wrote.

“You’ve been walking to the beat of your own drum every since!!” the caption continued. “I don’t know anyone who is as headstrong and determined to do it their way , no matter the consequences. I admire your courage , Boldness, intelligence , beauty , refusal to conform to others definition of (traditional beauty , your kindness, loyalty, love of family , great mom skills, fashion sense , work ethic , activism. I could go on.”

Happy Birthday my beautiful baby girl❤️31 years ago today you entered this world (when YOU got good and damned ready to come) !10 days late! We were all in love!!! You’ve been walking to the beat of your own drum every since!! I don’t know anyone who is as headstrong and determined to do it thier way , no matter the consequences. I admire your courage , Boldness, intelligence , beauty , refusal to conform to others definition of (traditional beauty , your kindness, loyalty, love of family , great mom skills, fashion sense , work ethic , activism. I could go on. Its one story i will tell . The Asst. principle called me when you were in the 6 th grade and said you started a petition to discipline a teacher because she continuously allowed a student to harass and disrupt the class and keep the other kids from learning! She said you were disruptive and too grown , at which i said “go Solange” i was as proud as i could be! I told her so. You were always lite years ahead of your time . We are always here and got your back !! I love you with all my heart!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️💐💐💐🎍🎍💥🔥🎂

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 24, 2017 at 6:15am PDT

Tina went on to share a heartwarming story of how Solange has always been one to speak up and have her voice heard, even as a child.

“The Asst. principle called me when you were in the 6th grade and said you started a petition to discipline a teacher because she continuously allowed a student to harass and disrupt the class and keep the other kids from learning!” Tina said. “She said you were disruptive and too grown,  at which i said ‘go Solange’ I was as proud as I could be! I told her so. You were always lite years ahead of your time. We are always here and got your back !! I love you with all my heart!!!”

The post Mama Tina Gushes Over Solange’s Courage And Refusal To Conform In Heartfelt Birthday Message appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s no secret that Rihanna doesn’t play when it comes to her money, her men and making a difference in the world. In between setting the music charts on fire with “Wild Thoughts”, alongside Bryson Tiller on their recent contribution to DJ Khaled’s Grateful album, the singer also makes time to do things like call out world leaders and encourage them to play their part in affordable education.

The singer has actually been an advocate for education and human rights for some time. In between making it rains hits with her ANTI, Loud and Unapologetic albums, back in 2012 “Rih Rih” founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (named after her grandmother and grandfather) which aims to support education and healthcare. In 2016 the organization partnered with Global Citizen and the Global Partnership for Education with Rih acting as its first-ever Global Ambassador. Rihanna had this to say about the partnership:

“I feel strongly that all children everywhere should be afforded the opportunity of a quality education. Therefore I’m proud to announce Clara Lionel Foundation’s partnership with education advocacy leaders like the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen. Working together, I know we can amplify our efforts and ensure that millions of children gain access to education globally.”

Recently, Rihanna took to Twitter to gather her Navy and urge global leaders to publicly commit to funding education:

Hey Navy – step up w/ me and be a @GlblCtzn ! Demand that #G20 leaders agree in July to 🆙 support 4 @GPforEducation https://t.co/laLQ7SYS7Q pic.twitter.com/mkI21fxkpM

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/rihanna/status/878366661224550400

🇨🇦 @JustinTrudeau I know you had our backs during the #GlobalCitizen Festival, will you recommit Canada to #FundEducation?

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

🇫🇷 bonjour @EmmanuelMacron, will France commit to #FundEducation?

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

Germany, I'm checking in to see where we are on the commitment to #FundEducation w/ @GPforEducation? @regsprecher, I'm depending on you!😊 🇩🇪

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 23, 2017

Rih’s Navy of just over 74 million followers didn’t disappoint in their duties. Her initial tweet to Macri currently has 23,000 retweets, over 50,000 likes, and almost 3,000 replies, while the other tweets follow closely behind. Unfortunately, the only leaders to respond to Rih’s call to action has been the powers that be over in Germany:

Hi @Rihanna, education is a key area of German development policy. We have nearly doubled spending since 2013.Thanks for spreading the word! https://t.co/ff4QX1rb0s

— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) June 24, 2017

We love that Rih uses her social media for more than selfies and album teasers, but don’t get it twisted. The music icon isn’t just tweeting her little heart away on a tour bus. Rihanna can easily go from the studio to the classroom as featured recently in a video released from the Clara Lionel Foundation of the singer’s trip to Malawi, a country also known as “the Warm Heart of Africa.” While visiting she used her gift of song to teach students some math skills and to learn the best way she and the organization can help students stay in school and overcome poverty. She praises the students on their unique approach to learning:

“I love that they learn in melody. They adopt melody really, really quickly. And so, if you can use that as a learning tool, I think that’s the most brilliant, brilliant thing.”

Rih created a $3.1 billion goal to gift over 870 million children globally with quality education. Harvard University didn’t name her the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year for nothing. Watch some students have the best day ever when Rihanna plays substitute below:

The post Rihanna Is Throwing Shade On Twitter Again, But This Time It’s For A Good Cause appeared first on MadameNoire.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! @allwomanproject @nikenyc #forceisfemale #allwomanproject Photo by @jaclynadams

A post shared by Saada (@saada___) on Mar 8, 2017 at 1:10pm PST

Unless you’ve been unplugged from the internet for the past five years or hiding under a rock, then you should be well acquainted with Everyday People, a monthly brunch party and gathering in downtown New York City started by Saada Ahmed, DJ Moma & Chef Roble.

Basically, it’s a host of beautiful brown people, good food, and even better music. And everyone has been spotted there from Kelis to Solange. Now, five years in, Everyday People has spread its wings past the metropolis, bringing their good vibes to many more by hosting parties across America.

#FBF My lazy eye and I had fun in Miami @babygirlcomeover Shout out to @ltenght & @spinsertracy for having me dance alllll night

A post shared by Saada (@saada___) on Apr 7, 2017 at 7:04pm PDT

Recently, Essence chatted with Saada, who also models, about a slew of things from prized possessions to fashion faves. But what caught our attention most was her minimal beauty must-haves.

If you browse through Saada’s Instagram, you’ll instantly be inundated with photos that flaunt her natural beauty – glowing, radiant complexion included.  So, if you’re wondering how she looks so put together with minimal effort, here you go.

“My must-haves are coconut oil, an Anastasia eyebrow pencil and Glossier Boy Brow groomer,” she revealed.

While it may seem skimp to some, with summertime in full effect, it’s better to let your skin breathe with less makeup. So, slather on some coconut oil as a good moisturizer (it gives you that perfect dewy look, too) and groom your brows to perfection. While Saada didn’t add a lip color to her must-haves, if you want to up the amp of your look, definitely opt for a pigmented hue to turn heads.

Read the full article here and find out more about Everyday People’s Saada Ahmed.

The post Everyday People Brunch’s Saada Ahmed Shares Her Beauty Must-Haves appeared first on MadameNoire.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! 💋🎂💋

A post shared by LaLa (@lala) on Jun 25, 2017 at 9:09am PDT

2017 has been a tough year for La La Anthony after reportedly separating from her husband, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. But while the details of their relationship is still in limbo, the television personality, New York Times best-selling author, business woman, producer and actress, has been keeping quite busy.

Not only does the highly-anticapted fourth season Power, the STARZ original series where she plays the character of  LaKeisha, premiere today, but La La celebrates 38 years of life. Recently, the mother of one has been slaying the scene every time she steps foot outside – scroll through her Instagram account for further prove.

And to kick off her new chapter of life, La La posted a series of super sexy photos to celebrate. Rocking a black latex swimsuit featuring a deep v-neck, La La strikes several poses in a shower, captioning it, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!”

That right, La La. Happy birthday and we wish you many, many more!

The post La La Celebrates Birthday With Super Sexy Photo Shoot appeared first on MadameNoire.

In her autobiography, Taraji P. Henson, makes a point to let us know that it wasn’t her Oscar nomination that got her top billing as an actress. (As an aside, she didn’t get what deserved on the project.) Instead, it was Tyler Perry casting her as the lead actress in I Can Do Bad All By Myself, that made her pockets fatter.

So it only makes sense that she might feel a sense of loyalty to the man. Perhaps that’s why she’s partnering with him for a second film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is called Tyler Perry’s She’s Living My Life. In the drama, Henson plays a faithful wife who grows weary of remaining loyal to a no-good man. And once it’s become painfully clear that she’s been betrayed, that’s when things get rollin’.

I won’t say too much but I hope Tyler Perry takes his time with this one. Either way, I’ll be out to support Taraji.

What do you think? Does it sound interesting to you?

The post Taraji P. Henson And Tyler Perry Team Up For A New Film Project appeared first on MadameNoire.

While a lot of attention is often paid to the squabbles of women (FX just aired a series called Feud: Bette and Joan about the beef between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford), not much is said when the women decide to put an end to their drama. But when you think about how major the feud was between Azealia Banks and fellow femme rapper Iggy Azalea, the fact that they may have been able to finally bury the hatchet is a pretty big deal.

If you’ll recall, the drama between them started to heat up when Azalea was picked for XXL‘s 2012 Freshman Class list of the hottest new rappers, which rubbed Banks the wrong way considering she hadn’t been selected, and Azalea had once called herself a “runaway slave master” in a rap. Things got worse from there with T.I. even getting involved, Banks calling out Azalea for appropriating Black culture but not speaking out about the killing of Black men by police, and Banks giving a pretty epic interview about her beef with Azalea and cultural smudging in 2014. Azalea would respond by calling Banks a bigot before slowly but surely finding herself at odds with way too many people in music (Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, etc.). And Banks, well, she would go from speaking straight facts to pretty much saying some pretty backwards things about a whole lot of people in music and culture as well (Rihanna, Zayn Malik — pretty much everybody). At this point, both women have become incredibly controversial figures, and their careers, if we’re being honest, have stalled.

With that in mind, it seems to be the perfect time to start stop making and riling up enemies, and instead, try to at least be civil with one another.

Azalea shared a pretty lengthy message on Snapchat recently about how much she has in common with her former rap rival.

“I just want to say FYI, re: A. Banks. Call me crazy but girl, I don’t hate you. I don’t know you to hate you,” she said. “I believe you may want to meet me in person so you can steal a lock of my hair and cast a spell hoping I die (lol) I don’t agree with many of your opinions but honestly, at times I empathize with you as a creative Gemini woman. I wish you had spoken to me before deciding I was out to get you when we first came on the scene, but that’s also typical Gemini reaction sh-t (I get it). As a 27 year old adult woman just know: I wish you well from one human to another and joke collaboration or not as adults we should move past trivial beef with strangers.”

She also posted a video saying that if possible, she would like to close that particular chapter of her life.

“I was thinking a lot about feminism and forgiveness and being a grownup. I kind of want to meet up with Azealia Banks and speak to her,” Azalea said. “That’s what I’m thinking at the moment. I would just really like for us to at least be able to come to an understanding. I don’t think I’m going to agree with her on every topic or that she’ll agree with me. But I do think that we should privately have a conversation. It’s kind of been a lot of years worth of negativity with this person and I just want to finish that chapter of my life. And if nothing else, I think that it would be good for history and female rap for us to just be able to squash it. B—h I’m tired [laughs]. I don’t want to keep fighting with this muthaf–ka. I can’t do it. I can’t.”

As for Banks, she responded by telling XXL she is open to having that conversation as long as Azalea is open to hearing the truth about her privilege.

“I think a true reconciliation can happen once there is some acknowledgment of what hip-hop has been trying to tell her,” Banks said. “I still don’t think she quite understands the effect her racial privilege and the socio-economic leverage that comes with it has on a marginalized group of women’s culture. Race aside, this is also a women’s issue. I hope that there will be a chance for us to have an open discussion about this, as I feel America and the world could really benefit from some candid discourse between two public figures about the world’s biggest sickness: racism. I wish for women of the future to be able to refer to this moment in women’s culture as an example of what can happen when people take time to understand.”

She also posted a note on Instagram with her current music and film goals, and one of them included a collaboration with the Australian MC.

We’d love to be front row and center for a conversation between these two. And if they can get past all of the vitriol (we’re talking about five years worth), maybe there’s hope for Nicki and Remy?

Ok, fine. I won’t hold my breath.

The post In Case You Missed It, Azealia Banks And Iggy Azalea Finally Buried The Hatchet appeared first on MadameNoire.

Last night, all eyes were on Mary J. Blige during her performance at the BET Awards. For one, as Jamie Foxx pointed out, the singer was looking superb with her post-breakup revenge body on fleek. And two, she also sang “Set Me Free” which everyone knows is about her ex Kendu Isaacs. Even Kendu knows it, which is why he took it upon himself to post about his soon-to-be-ex-wife’s performance on Instagram.

After Mary sang about “When you had another b-tch and taking trips and sh-t,” Kendu popped up with exactly the type of f-ck boy message every woman has gotten at one point in her life from an ex who has acted an absolute fool and then when you put his a– on blast, he’s confused. And faux hurt.

“I love you to death Mary J. Blige, I can’t even begin to understand why you are going about this the way you have been,” he wrote. “I never wanted to discuss our life airing the laundry. You know me better than that. You and I really need to talk and stop all this negative nonsense. I love you and I always will regardless of your actions.”

Mary, thankfully, has not bothered to respond to the nonsense as of yet. Perhaps Kendu should spend a little more time thinking about his actions rather than Mary’s and he’d understand why, as an artist, she’s “aired” his dirty laundry.

The post Kendu Isaacs Is Out Here Acting Like A F-ck Boy Ex Again appeared first on MadameNoire.

A few months back, Naturi Naughton visited The Real and received an apology from former 3LW member Adrienne Bailon for the part she may have played in the negative way Naughton was treated while in the group and after parting from it. It seemed to be a sweet moment where the former bandmates reminisced over their teen years and the anxiety they felt while in the pop group.

But to some (check out the comments in that linked MN article), the exchange seemed awkward. People remarked that Naughton just didn’t seem into the apology (and rightfully so), and even Ebro in the Morning co-host Peter Rosenberg joked with her about it during a recent visit to the show to promote the return of Power. Naughton explained why she didn’t have the reaction some people thought she would have had.

“I don’t know what you guys saw. I just will say it wasn’t something where I was like, ‘Oh, I need this apology,'” she said. “I had let go of any animosity towards her, towards the group, because it had been like 15 years. But for me it was more like, I appreciate that. It was a difficult time and I just tried to receive it and let her know that I’m moving forward and as women we should both be able to do our separate things.”

Also, Naughton probably wasn’t as moved as people thought she would be by it all because she was also told ahead of time that Bailon would address her on-camera.

“They told me before I was coming on that she wanted to address something so they gave me a heads up,” Naughton said. “I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen or what was going to be said, but I felt she really genuinely wanted to squash it. I just accepted it and said thank you, but maybe I should have done more? I was just keeping it real, but they wanted the Oprah hug it out and cry. It was just real.”

Check out Naughton’s thoughts on that apology (at the 9-minute mark), along with her take on life after 3LW and shooting Power while pregnant below:

The post Naturi Naughton Explains Flat Reaction To Adrienne Apologizing: “It Wasn’t Something Where I Was Like, ‘Oh, I Need This Apology'” appeared first on MadameNoire.

I really need y'all to stop with this Bruno Mars praise and be more critical about the ways we understand appropriation.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

Bruno Mars does not identify as Black. Let's get that clear at the outset.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

He is a non-Black person of color (POC) who has recently decided that singing Funk music is economically productive.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

These claims that Bruno Mars is "bringing Funk back" are erasive to Black Funk artists who pioneered the tradition. FUNK. NEVER. LEFT.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

Yes, he gives "credit" to Funk artists on occasion. He also has a primarily white audience which has no memory or care for Black artists

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

In Bruno's case, 'bringing Funk back' essentially means, "Funk was a Black thing and now I gave it to white people." That's appropriation.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

I need us to stop relaxing our critical lens to anti-Blackness and appropriation when it is a non-Black POC harming us.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

The Bruno Mars praise is also patriarchal cause some of y'all were giving Eminem, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke passes too. Stop it.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

Taking our shit and repackaging it for white people is not innovation. Even if these non-Black ppl sing well, it's appropriation. Period.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

Listen, you can like Bruno Mars's music and still be critical about how his role in the industry erases Black people. Then and now.

— Jenn M. Jackson (@JennMJack) June 25, 2017

"When you say ‘black music understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop, and Motown. Black people created it all. Being Puerto Rican, even salsa music stems back to the Motherland [Africa]. So, in my world, black music means everything. It’s what gives America its swag."

her whole argument was based around his fan base demographic, which really isn't his fault. Bruno makes music that he's inspired by.

— kaiden (@hypebruno) June 25, 2017

Some of y'all so woke that you need a nap

— bootlegg (@BrooksKr1089) June 25, 2017

Should he be doin traditional Filipino music? Are we all bound in interests & talent based on our lineage? Not allowed 2 deviate from that?

— Brian Esbensen (@udontknowB) June 25, 2017

I need to have an in person convo with somebody about Bruno Mars and appropriation because I don't get it

— 008 (@jeauxsef_) June 26, 2017

Yes and I will be sitting there bopping to Versace on the Floor! pic.twitter.com/3V0khRENdp

— €! (@uberheelx) June 25, 2017

Same! I didn't even know he was opening the BET awards. I'm excited now pic.twitter.com/VjleBG5ND7

— Miesharoni (@mimireshee) June 25, 2017

No Bruno Mars slander will happen on my TL Dats Unnecessary hating n u shall be blocked- Management

— Breeze (@BreezeWorld) June 26, 2017

I've said this once but I'm going to say it again. BRUNO MARS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST PERFORMERS OF THIS TIME. GIVE HIM EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/vBj567Zf24

— maria (@roughkinkniall) June 26, 2017

Random chick: "black twitter, let's be mad at Bruno mars!"

Black twitter: pic.twitter.com/wuA1keEbbL — Black PPl Vines (@blackpplvins) June 26, 2017

The post Writer Argues Bruno Mars Is Appropriating Black Culture…And A Lot Of People Weren’t Here For It appeared first on MadameNoire.

In case you missed it, a lot of drama has surrounded production of the ABC reality show Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico. Production was shut down early in the month after DeMario Jackson, a cast member from the most recent season of The Bachelorette, was accused of sexually assaulting co-star Corinne Olympios. They were both said to be heavily intoxicated at the time of the alleged assault, and their encounter prompted a third party, who witnessed it, to file a complaint of misconduct against him.

After the announcement, an investigation was done on the matter, as there was obviously footage of this encounter to look over (cameras were rolling at all hours). According to TMZ, a situation took place where there was “rubbing, touching and fingering” as well as oral sex by Jackson. And while he was aware of everything that happened on that evening, intoxicated or not, Olympios issued a statement saying she had zero recollection of the situation and more than anything, blamed production staff for not protecting her.

“I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened the night of June 4,” she said. Olympios said in a statement, released to Variety. “Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production. As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality.”

But the investigation was closed and Jackson was cleared of allegations of misconduct. Production was continued after it was concluded that Olympios was “lucid” and taking part in what was happening. With that, Warner Bros. put out a statement saying footage of the incident showed it does “not support any charge of misconduct by a cast member. Nor does the tape show, contrary to many press reports, that the safety of any cast member was ever in jeopardy.”

Jackson is now speaking out, and is doing so in an exclusive three-part interview with E! News, telling them how much the allegations hurt him (he reportedly lost his job) and his family.

“It was stressful. For me, mostly for my mother,” Jackson said in the sneak peek of the chat. “It’s hard to see your mom cry every single day. It was very difficult.”

“My dad, he kept me extremely strong and kept me grounded and humble,” he added, “but having your mom cry every day for something that you know you didn’t do.”

And while he may have been cleared by Warner Bros., Olympios can still pursue legal action, but instead of it being against producers (she will reportedly be unable to go after them per her contract), it would be against Jackson and could be filed in Mexico.

Before the investigation concluded, Jackson issued a statement in the hopes of clearing his name.

“It’s unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations,” he said in a statement to E! News early this month. “I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws.”

The post Bachelor In Paradise‘s DeMario Jackson Speaks Out After Being Cleared Of Sexual Assault Allegations appeared first on MadameNoire.

It was a year ago, almost to the date, that we found out Jessica Williams would be leaving her position at The Daily Show. At the time, rumor was the youngest correspondent to ever join the show would be working on her own scripted series for Comedy Central, but as it turns out Williams is slated to star in her own Netflix movie this summer, The Incredible Jessica James.

According to Empireonline:

“Jessica James is a look at modern life and love through the lens of its main character, an aspiring playwright working odd jobs to make ends meet. Recovering from a recent break-up and thoroughly discouraged by the world of Tinder, she finds an odd connection with the recently divorced Boone (Chris O’Dowd), and navigates through the tough times.”

The teaser Netflix just released of the series gives us a taste of what looks to be a cute, quirky, fun comedy. Check out the video and tell us if you’ll be watching when it drops July 28.

The post Here’s Your First Look At The Incredible Jessica James appeared first on MadameNoire.

If you want to hear offensive, incendiary comments, you need look no further than Fox News. But apparently the racially-charged remarks are only acceptable when they come from White men because when Lisa Durden, an adjunct professor at a community college, made a remark that I wouldn’t consider offensive but happened to mention race, all hell broke loose.

Burden appeared on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and while there, she and Carlson spoke about a Memorial Day event that was exclusively for Black folks, hosted by Black Lives Matter.

When Carlson asked Durden her thoughts, she said, “Boo hoo hoo. You White people are angry because you couldn’t use your White privilege card.” [to attend the event.]

Two days later, Durden was suspended with pay. After she addressed the matter in a public meeting, she was fired.

Essex Country College President, Anthony Munroe said the school “supports and affirms the right of free speech and independent views and expressions of those views” for faculty and staff. He also noted that although Durden did not mention her affiliation with the school during her television appearance or claim to be representing its views, “her employment with us and potential impact on students required our immediate review into what seemed to have become a very contentious and divisive issue.”

Durden says the school “publicly lynched” her.

While she said she’s received a lot of support from staff and students, she likened her experience to a rape victim being blamed for their assault.

“I fully believe that institutions of higher learning must provide a safe space for students to explore, discuss and debate, not only academic philosophies, but the harder issues related to living harmoniously and growing together in our communities and as a country. The character of this institution mandates that we embrace diversity, inclusion, and unity. Racism cannot be fought with more racism.”

Now, I don’t think Durden has been publicly lynched and I don’t think she should liken her situation to a rape victim. But there is absolutely no reason she should have been fired. White privilege is a thing. And there is nothing wrong with calling it out. Mentioning someone’s race is not racist or divisive. And it’s a shame that the college wasn’t willing to stand by Durden for highlighting a very real issue. It is White privilege that causes White people to feel insulted for not receiving a formal invitation for events that they likely wouldn’t want to attend in the first place.

The post Should This Professor Have Been Fired For Her Comments On Fox News? appeared first on MadameNoire.

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Image via WENN

After a jury declared Bill Cosby’s sexual assault case a mistrial, his publicist promptly announced that Cosby was going to be going on tour to teach men about how to avoid rape and sexual assault accusations.

A representative of Cosby said, “A brush against the shoulder, anything at this point could be considered sexual assault and it’s a good thing to be educated about the laws.”

A statement that made me throw up a bit in my mouth.

I had no intention of writing about the statement but then Shonda Rhimes gave us the perfect response.

From Shonda’s Town Hall on Avoiding Sexual Assault Charges: 1)Do not sexually assault anyone. 2)Shut up-this attention belongs to survivors.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) June 23, 2017

I mean, really. What type of person beats this type of charge and then immediately makes it about him? When we all know that the number of sexual assault victims, regardless of Cosby’s guilt or innocence, is staggering.

I don’t know if Cosby’s people were responding to Shonda specifically but afterward, they issued a statement to clarify the intentions of the forthcoming town hall.

“When we initially talked about the town hall meetings, it was about restoration of legacy. Much of what Mrs. Cosby spoke on in her statement is the sensationalism brought on by the media. This is another example of that. To take something meant to talk about restoration of a man’s legacy that was destroyed by the media before he even had a chance to step into the courtroom. That’s what this is about.”

The post Shonda Rhimes Has The Perfect Response For Bill Cosby’s Town Hall Meetings appeared first on MadameNoire.

Bryshere Gray

Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Candace Parker

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Chadwick Boseman

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Damaris Lewis

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Rosalyn Gold-Onwude and Drake

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Draymond Green

Draymond Green

Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith

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Hill Harper

Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Jada Pinkett-Smith

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James Harden

Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

John Wall

Credit: Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Monica

Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle

Robin Roberts

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