Category: Television

Ben Affleck Speaks Out on Slave-Owning Ancestor


The Sony Hacks have uncovered some very unflattering facts about some of Hollywood’s top talent, one of which is Ben Affleck who apparently tried to nix details about his slave-owning ancestor during PBS’ “Finding Your Roots” in an attempt to keep his image intact.  Producers behind the piece adamantly fought to avoid his request, but in the end, Affleck got his way. While the request is more damning than the revelation itself, I found myself confused about how Affleck would explain the infraction. Shockingly, he gave an extremely honest explanation, and all celebrities should take note. Read his full statement below. Hats off to Ben for copping to it.


After an exhaustive search of my ancestry for “Finding Your Roots,” it was discovered that one of my distant relatives was an owner of slaves.


I didn’t want any television show about my family to include a guy who owned slaves. I was embarrassed. The very thought left a bad taste in my mouth.


Skip decided what went into the show. I lobbied him the same way I lobby directors about what takes of mine I think they should use. This is the collaborative creative process. Skip agreed with me on the slave owner but made other choices I disagreed with. In the end, it’s his show and I knew that going in. I’m proud to be his friend and proud to have participated.


It’s important to remember that this isn’t a news program. Finding Your Roots is a show where you voluntarily provide a great deal of information about your family, making you quite vulnerable. The assumption is that they will never be dishonest but they will respect your willingness to participate and not look to include things you think would embarrass your family.


I regret my initial thoughts that the issue of slavery not be included in the story. We deserve neither credit nor blame for our ancestors and the degree of interest in this story suggests that we are, as a nation, still grappling with the terrible legacy of slavery. It is an examination well worth continuing. I am glad that my story, however indirectly, will contribute to that discussion. While I don’t like that the guy is an ancestor, I am happy that aspect of our country’s history is being talked about.

Trevor Noah Named Daily Show Host: Women LOSE Again.

by Byron Keulemans

As a bi-racial South African man, Trevor Noah aligns with television’s admirable steps toward a more diverse landscape. And given that he only got his feet wet in December during his Daily Show debut, he’s also affirming Comedy Central’s great gamble. It’s a bit of a shock, but since their brand has always represented a fresh, anti-establishment perspective, perhaps it’s strategic to veer a little left of center. After all, aren’t there enough white hosts in this market? 

 Noah himself has expressed surprise by the selection, despite his excitement. But given that he’s only made three appearances on the show, it seems that the now infamous “Lean-the-fuck-away-from-me” debacle with Jessica Williams might have more legs than I originally thought. Williams was a fan favorite to take the reigns, and after she politely declined interest via social media, she received criticism from a Billfold writer who cried “imposter syndrome,” which is “a well-documented phenomenon in which men look at their abilities vs the requirements of a job posting and round up, whereas women do the same and round down.” Williams did not take kindly to the criticism, claiming, “Because of my choice, you have diagnosed me with something without knowing me at all. For the world to see.” While I ALSO know nothing of Williams or her decision to exit the race, I can’t help but question whether a woman with the same level of on-air experience as Noah would either take OR be considered for this gig. And though I’m happy to see change, I’d still like to see a woman in that chair.

Rumer Willis: Standout Performer on DWTS (VIDEO)

Rumer Willis graced the stage of Dancing With the Stars looking beautiful, poised, and prepared to go far in the competition. With the support of her modern family and their zygote significant others in the audience, Willis and her coyote-like skills slayed the Foxtrot.

John Oliver Takes on March Madness & The Awful NCAA

John Oliver made an enemy out of March Madness, claiming the celebrated scam generates $1 billion in television ad revenue, yet cons its athletes with a no-payment policy, given their student or “amateur” status. When NCAA president Mark Emmert’s explains that students receive a stellar education in exchange for their services, Oliver quickly points out that their extremely demanding schedule leaves little time for books. Watch below.


Grey’s Anatomy Sneak Peak: Is the Impossible Possible?

It’s no secret that Shonda Rimes is loyal to her key players, and while I usually agree with her casting choices, Caterina Scorsone is a misfire. Derek Shepherd has yet to find the same foe foil he had in Dr. Burke, and while the attempt was appreciated, Amelia simply doesn’t seem smart enough to take the throne. In the scene below, it appears as if I’m right. 


 

Norm Macdonald Happy Eddie Murphy Nixed Bill Cosby Sketch

Saturday Night Live’s 40th Anniversary generated some very positive buzz, but the one standout fail was Eddie Murphy’s appearance, which was more about lauding than laughter. For a man that once commanded the room, it’s unfortunate that he’s now seemingly against all things funny. Norm Macdonald has now shed some light on his stale appearance, explaining that the original intention was a Bill Cosby sketch, and that Murphy made the last minute decision to nix it because, “he doesn’t want to kick a man while he’s down.” While it’s not fair to let MacDonald speak for Murphy, one things for certain. Bill Cosby might have raped a bunch of women, so maybe he deserves a few kicks. That being said, perhaps rape isn’t funny enough to grace the SNL stage. Watch Murphy’s sub-par, brief appearance on the anniversary stage.

Farrah Abraham Returns to ‘Teen Mom’ — WATCH NOW

While I fundamentally object to the featuring of children on reality television, I will perpetuate the problem with this post, because it’s just so darn good. Farrah Abraham returned to ‘Teen Mom,’ the series that made her famous. It’s no secret that Abraham has made some very controversial choices since leaving the show, and it’s also no secret that she frequently engages in odd crying fits. In the case of this clip, it’s clear her daughter is both smart and sweet. Watch as her tiny tot acknowledges her own mother’s unstable behavior.

Get More:
Teen Mom (Season 4), Full Episodes

Nancy Grace v. Dr. Drew: Watch the Crazy Weed Debate

Nancy Grace’s crusade against recreational cannabis use has reached cartoonish proportions, and while I won’t delve deep into my distaste for the drug, even I am capable of calling her out for her outrageous antics. Weed can be harmful, but to quote the gentleman in the video below, “Isolated instances of aberrant behavior,” will not convince anyone of anything. Also, as Dr. Drew rightfully points out, prescription drug abuse is a far greater issue in this country, and no one seems to care. Can Nancy Grace focus on Gun Control instead? Grace is about to date herself out of daytime television. The jig is up.

Jon Stewart v. Mike Huckabee: Hypocrisy, Gravy, and Beyonce

Somewhere in the world of Mike Huckabee, there’s a cartoonish culture clash between Bubbas and Bubbles, with the latter living far from reality. According to Huckabee, “Bubbleville” has pesky Harvard graduates that can’t change your tire, adore Beyonce, and allow for broadcasts that perpetuate the “culture of crude.” Stewart squashed his bloated preach parade by showing a clip of Huckabee playing bass with Ted Nugent on television, with lyrics about “making her pussy purr.” Stewart then rightfully pointed out that he endorses Nugent simply because of his stance on firearms. As an irrelevant aside, Huckabee has gained a considerable amount of weight, and perhaps he should focus on combating obesity instead of Beyonce, given that it’s a far greater problem in this country.

Watch the greatness below.