Justin Timberlake Apologizes Over BET Awards Tweet

TimberlakeWhen Justin Timberlake was called a hypocrite for praising Jesse Williams’ speech at the BET Awards, his response landed him in hot water. Timberlake said, “Oh, you sweet soul. The more you realize that we are the same, the more we can have a conversation. Bye.” When followers rightfully pointed out that the Williams’ point was that we are not in fact the same, Timberlake said he feels “misunderstood” and he “responded to a specific tweet that wasn’t meant to be a general response.”

One of Williams’ points was about cultural appropriation, with the star saying that white people are “extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment . . . ghettoizing and demeaning our creations, then stealing them, gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit.” Timberlake has long been accused of cultural appropriation, hence the hypocrisy of his support. Followers have said that more talented black R&B singers don’t get the same credit as the white superstar. They also pointed to his notorious Super Bowl performance with Janet Jackson, which resulted in her career suffering while his thrived.

It would be impossible to cite every example of cultural appropriation, because it’s endless. It’s no secret that just about all of what’s “cool” in white culture began with black culture, and we’ve consistently taken credit. For an easy, fun example of this, read this Buzzfeed article, entitled, “Vogue Thinks White People Invented the Big Booty Trend.” To quote “Hunger Games” actress Amandla Stenberg, “What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we loved black culture?”

While Justin Timberlake is a scapegoat for a larger issue, it goes without saying that he should perhaps be more in tune with the times, so as not to land in hot water. Twitter isn’t the problem, he is. But I am sure his intentions were pure, and it’s important to educate people, not bully them.

Jesse Williams Delivers Powerful Speech at BET Awards

JESSE WILLIAMS

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star and Advancement Project board member Jesse Williams took the stage at the BET Awards to deliver a powerful speech while accepting the honor for humanitarian of the year. The former public school teacher of American, African and African-American History said the award was for “the real organizers all over the country. The activists, the civil rights attorneys, the struggling parents, the families, the teachers of students that are realizing that a system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us cannot stand if we do. He also asked that those with “no interest in equal rights for black people” avoid “suggestions to those who do.” He ended his speech with perhaps the most powerful point, saying, “We’re done watching and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us, burying black people out of sight and out of mind while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment . . . ghettoizing and demeaning our creations, then stealing them, gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit.”

It’s worth nothing Williams’ non-confrontational, poignant delivery.  This is probably the best speech I’ve heard in some time. It’s powerful, yet non-divisive. To see it in it’s entirety, click HERE.

Team Harris v. Team Swift: Let the Battle Begin

CALVIN HARRIS TAYLOR SWIFT

Somewhere in the celebrity stratosphere is a team of tattlers that leak information to sustain the image of their precious money machines. And while Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris might have sung each other’s praises during their rather long courtship, the bad blood and disrespect was unfortunately bound to happen. If you would like to argue with me about whether their teams are behind the leaks, save your energy. From what I can gather, Harris started it. Here’s a list of leaks for your viewing pleasure.

TEAM HARRIS

“He didn’t feel like the relationship was leading anywhere.”

“Adam has been bored for a while and was hoping the spark would come back but it hasn’t

“Taylor is used to being treated a certain way.”

“Friends were even surprised it lasted this long because of the lack of chemistry.”

“It wasn’t an equal relationship. Their age difference might not be significant for many couples, but for them it was part of the problem too. Taylor somewhat lacks real-life experience. They will not be getting back together.”

“Taylor was starting to pressure Calvin into walking down the aisle and he just felt that he wasn’t ready yet.”

TEAM TAY TAY

“[Harris] said on multiple occasions that he was intimidated by Taylor, which is why he would not attend any events where she was being honored, or any award shows unless he was nominated.”

“The relationship wasn’t progressing the way she wanted it to. She felt like he wasn’t taking it seriously enough and wouldn’t come through for her when she needed him most.”

Did Blake Shelton Kill Gwen Stefani’s Style?

Gwen Blake

While watching back performances from the Billboard Music Awards I could not help but wonder if Gavin Rossdale was the secret style muse of Gwen Stefani. Because of all the women in this industry to wear the “naked dress,” I never thought Gwen Stefani would be one of them. I’m all for happy couples, but this duo simply seems odd. Her incessant staring and elegant hairstyle also left me wondering if she turned into a trite country star. Someone has to say the obvious. They have zero chemistry, on stage or off. But I like them both separately, and wish them luck.

The 38th Annual AAFA Image Awards — See Images

Top influencers from various industries visited the 38th Annual American Image Awards at the historical 583 Park Avenue event space for the The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)’s inspirational event. This year’s award winners included Person of the Year: Joseph Abboud; Company of the Year: BBC International LLC; Designer of the Year: Christian Siriano; Retailer of the Year: Shinola Detroit; and Fashion Maverick: Iris Apfel. Each received a statuette created by world-renowned designers and artists, Ruben and Isabel Toledo. Enjoy images from the event below.

 Iris Apfel (C) attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Iris Apfel (C) attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Iris Apfel attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Iris Apfel attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Jackie Cruz attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Jackie Cruz attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Steven Kolb attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Steven Kolb attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Model Mari Agory attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Model Mari Agory attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Hal Rubenstein attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Hal Rubenstein attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Dr. Mike attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Dr. Mike attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
: Dale Moss attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
: Dale Moss attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Designer Christian Siriano attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Designer Christian Siriano attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Africa Miranda attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association's 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))
Africa Miranda attends the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s 38th Annual American Image Awards 2016 on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA))

Britney Spears Slays The Billboard Music Awards

Britney_Spears_BBMAS_2016

With a medley of her most-loved hits, Britney Spears took the stage of the Billboard Music Awards to remind the world that she’s still got it, and those other b-tches can bow down. Though she entered the stage slightly stiff, she quickly loosened up for some eye-catching choreography amidst seasoned dancers while performing “Work Bitch,” “Womanizer,” “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” “Breathe On Me,” “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Touch of My Hand,” and “Toxic.” And let’s not forget those fantastic hair flips. It’s easy to root for Britney Spears, whose sweet disposition has always made her a fan favorite and her tragedy to triumph story certainly helps. Career comebacks are rare, but if anyone can do, it’s Britney. Plus, she has an astounding amount of hits, and the performance below will remind you of it.

Mariah Carey Addresses Jennifer Lopez Feud With Andy Cohen

MARIAH_CAREY

 

Andy Cohen has cornered the market on fun interviews, and he officially wins the award for best talk show host after having asked both Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez for their individual takes on what’s become a hilarious feud. For those that are not aware, Carey made headlines when asked about Lopez, who she passively aggressively dismissed by saying she “did not know her.” Though Carey brushed off the reaction while talking to Cohen, the real truth is there is in fact a feud and it’s based on a complicated history between the dueling divas. Having said that, her response is very funny and worth a watch.

Continue reading “Mariah Carey Addresses Jennifer Lopez Feud With Andy Cohen”

Dr. Luke Squashes Kesha’s Billboard Music Awards Performance

keshaKesha argued in court that her contract with Dr. Luke would end her career, as she’s accused him of heinous crimes. Luke has long denied the allegations and insisted he would not interfere with her comeback, and the courts agreed to uphold their agreement. So when Luke put the kibosh on her performance at the Billboard Music Awards, it made me wonder if Kesha was right. But then I learned about her plan to include a statement about their battle, which would clearly cause an issue.

While I understand the desire for an artistic, political, and legal statement, there’s simply no way Luke would allow it. His reputation is tarnished enough as it is, and if Kesha keeps renewing her accusations, it will be at the expense of Luke’s career. I realize this begs a much larger question about being forced to work with one’s alleged rapist, but as an attorney, I believe that one is innocent until proven guilty, and I see the massive danger in using the court of public opinion to convict people. Also, I’m sure Kesha’s lyrics speak for themselves.

Kate Hudson Hides From Her Children

cover_instyle_katehudsonThough the media is spinning Kate Hudson’s most recent essay in the May issue of InStyle about her children as negative, I couldn’t help but secretly find it liberating for a woman to finally admit that motherhood is both rough and sometimes simply unmanageable. After all, don’t we have enough celebrities toting all the life-changing aspects of child-rearing, insisting it’s simply divine? If you believe Instagram, then surely you’d think any idea otherwise makes you evil.

Hudson had her first child at 23 with Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson and her second with Muse front man Matt Bellamy. Both relationships went bust, but Hudson’s sexy single ways landed the much-younger Nick Jonas, among other swoon-worthy flings. So what’s the comment in question? Hudson wrote that although some days she deserves an award for best mother, on other occasions she “finds [herself] doing strange things that don’t have any real purpose, in faraway corners in [her] house, and I realize [she is] literally and deliberately hiding from [her] children.”

Who doesn’t love the image of the always-energetic Hudson playing “hide and seek” and never coming out of her hiding place? I think that new game might take on renewed interest after her self-penned essay.