Culture
Real or staged? The Oscars Release Formal Statement Along With Message For Will Smith
An Oscar’s official confirmed on Sunday night that Will Smith slapping Chris Rock across the face during the live taping of the 2022 Oscars was not a planned stunt.
Ramin Setoodeh, the Variety executive editor tweeted from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood saying, “Someone who works for the Oscars told me that Chris Rock was not interrupted by Will Smith at rehearsals yesterday… It was not supposed to happen. It was real. #Oscars.”
Smith (53), surprised the world when he walked on stage and struck Rock (57) in the face after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head — resulting from her struggle with alopecia.
WATCH THE UNCENSORED EXCHANGE BETWEEN WILL SMITH & CHRIS ROCK
VIA JAPANESE TELEVISION: The uncensored exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/j0Z184ZyXa
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 28, 2022
Following this incident with Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock at Sunday’s ceremony. The organization behind the annual film awards show initially said it condemned violence without mentioning Smith by name, but now it is making its displeasure over the incident more explicit.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
It appears that Smith may face some type of disciplinary action or sanction, though it’s unlikely he will be made to forfeit his prize. In its official= standards of conduct, the Academy states it is “categorically opposed to any form of abuse.
Smith was named best actor later in the evening. He used his time at the podium to apologize to the Academy and to his fellow nominees — he did not mention Chris Rock.
Smith, who was named best actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams, in “King Richard,” had his big night tainted by his outburst. After Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s close cropped haircut, referencing “G.I. Jane,” Smith charged the stage and slapped Rock. He then screamed at Rock to “leave my wife’s name out of your F-ing mouth.” Pinkett Smith has said her hair loss results from alopecia.
“Love will make you do crazy things,” he said, adding, “To do what we do, you got to be able to take abuse. You got to be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business you got to be able to have people disrespecting you. And you got to smile, you got to pretend like that’s okay.”
Tori Kelly was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday after collapsing, reportedly due to blood clots in her legs and lungs, penned a letter posted to social media on Thursday. Fans have been sending prayers and words of encouragement since hearing the news. Not much has been released regarding any updates on her health until today. She said she’s “feeling stronger now and hopeful, but unfortunately there are still some things to uncover.” She also shared her love and appreciation to fans for all of the love and care they have been sending her way.
The Grammy Award winning singer included the words “Deuteronomy 31:8” as the sole line written in the description of her post today as she began to pen a letter letting everyone know the updates on her health. This line references a Bible verse which reads in full as saying: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. … Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
She began her letter speaking directly to her fans saying,
“Hi friends, as you may have heard, I’m dealing with some unexpected health challenges,” after reportedly passing out while out to dinner with friends. “It’s been a scary few days but I can feel your prayers… I’m feeling stronger now and hopeful but unfortunately there are still some things to uncover. I’m so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses who have been looking after me.”
Kelly continues her letter saying,
“I’m heartbroken about all of the things I had planned for this week of the releasing of my EP, but I know my health must come first. Until I see you again, I still want you to enjoy a project that represents the happy place I’ve been in the last few years. I won’t let this hurdle prevent the music from being yours this Friday! I love you all so much and I am truly overwhelmed by all of the love and care I have received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Tori Kelly’s Husband Extends Gratitude to Fans & Asks For Continued Prayers
Tori Kelly’s husband, André Murillo, is thanking her fans for their support in the aftermath of her hospitalization. Murillo — who is a professional German basketball player — extended a message of gratitude to the singer’s fans in a post shared on his Instagram story on July 26.
Murillo — who is a professional German basketball player — extended a message of gratitude to the singer’s fans in a post shared on his Instagram story on July 26 saying,
“Tori is smiling again and feeling stronger. Not fully out of the woods, but we see the sun. Just waiting on a few more answers. Your love and kindness has been overwhelming. Thank you so much!”
No other updates have been given at this time. But, we know for certain that we and her fans will all continue to pray for Tori Kelly and her family until she is well again.
A new report recently released stating that Tyler Perry is ready to take over the cable channel BET. But has this “report” been confirmed as a fact? This is the question that has been buzzing around social media lately. This is what we know so far:
In the last few months, Tyler Perry, Diddy, Byron Allen (owner of The Grio and The Weather Channel), 50 Cent and others have all expressed an interest in buying the network after the announcement that Paramount is currently exploring selling the network along with their intentions of placing the network under Black ownership.
Currently, out of everyone who has expressed an interest in the network, Tyler Perry’s desire to own BET has been getting the most attention in recent days. This could be due to the recent report published by the media outlet Streamr (which was later removed from their platform) along with the resurfacing of an interview that Tyler did with Entertainment Tonight in April of this year.
In April, Entertainment Tonight asked Tyler a key question, “Why would something like this be so important to you?”
Tyler replied… “I’ve read about Byron Allen, Puffy and everyone wanting to bid, and I think it’s really great! This is what I love about it. When Bob Johnson sold it in 2000 I think it was, there wasn’t one Black person who could buy it. So, now to see all of these Black people… [both] men and women who are able to be in a position to buy it, man that makes me feel really really really excited!” – Tyler Perry
During that same interview in April, when asked about the time frame of a resolution for this deal, Tyler Perry responded light-heartedly saying, “It could be later rather than sooner…later or yesterday, today, tomorrow, next month, 6 years, etc.” After some banter, Tyler firmly stated the following: “We can very much say there are conversations, I am beyond interested and there will be a resolution in 20-two years.”
As we can see, the humor never ends with Tyler. So, while his interest is certain, the confirmation of the finalization of this deal has not yet been shared. We are standing by for a final word on this from Paramount and Tyler Perry himself.
FOX 5 NEWS ATLANTA CONFIRMS TYLER HAS NOT MADE DEAL OFFICIAL
[Update] According to @fox5atlanta , @uproxx, @okayplayer , 11Alive.com and more, Paramount, BET and Tyler Perry have yet to confirm or deny the report that Tyler has made the deal to take over BET official. In addition, journalists such as Philip Lewis (who is also the Senior editor of the Huffington Post) was one of the first to start a viral twitter thread speaking about the challenges with influencers and blog sites citing situations as real news without any confirmed sourcing or accountability vs journalistic news sites who have to hold to specific standards for news confirmation remaining the standard. Phillip along with a number of journalists discussed the pitfalls that exist in today’s media ecosystem, as laid out in a brief Twitter thread here.
The Tyler Perry buying BET “report” is not a largely consequential thing but it is worth pointing out what separates news outlets from blogs and the like: corrections
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 13, 2023
The Streamr simply pulled down the original report: no correction, or explanation or anything. Several blogs have done the same, or just left the story up. They’re under no obligation to do so
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 13, 2023
Right. And this is why we say every website isn't producing real journalism and everyone who posts a story isn't a journalist.
— Nicquel Terry Ellis (@NTerryEllis) June 13, 2023
the crazy thing to me is is that everybody is congratulating him I'm not about being a hater at all but it wasn't even an official press release from @bet
— Braylon Rayvon Lee (@BrayBray27) June 13, 2023
Fox News Atlanta carried the same sentiments with their recent article release saying,
“Congratulations are pouring in for Tyler Perry after news reports that the media mogul successfully acquired BET and VH1, making him the first African American to own two major television networks … except, no one knows if it actually happened.”
In April, Entertainment Tonight asked Tyler directly what his plans were for the BET Network. His desire was clearly expressed. He wants to own as much of the network as possible.
What Would This Deal Do To the Entertainment Network and Black Talent Within the Industry?
Judging by the response from this currently unconfirmed news going viral today online, BET fans would highly approve of Tyler’s ownership of the network! Until we hear a final confirmation on this news, it looks as though Tyler Perry, Diddy, Byron Allen and many others may all still be in the runnings to lock in this deal. If this is the current status, the good news is that once it’s all done, BET Networks will be under Black Owned leadership; and that’s something to celebrate!
Watch as Byron Allen explains the importance of BET Networks being under Black leadership.
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Kierra Sheard-Kelly (35) is expecting her first baby with 32 year old husband Jordan Kelly! This celebration is especially exciting for the couple because it comes after a series of miscarriages.
“I am so excited and blessed to have this opportunity to carry, my prayer, and watch our baby grow,” says the singer. “I’m most excited about raising a game changer, loving someone so deep, and having that same impact my mother had on me. I think I’ll be raising one of my best friends!”
The joyful news comes after the singer experienced two miscarriages that she says “took me near death’s doors.
“God still showed me that He’s in charge, and to keep believing. I’ve been fearful and have worried, but God has sent me constant reminders and ways of affirmation. My husband’s faith and declarations have stood in place of my lack many times,” she adds.
“He has encouraged me to know that I’m still loved, had we had this moment or not. Getting on one accord helps create our love child, and is growing us closer,” she continues. “I’ve downloaded faith-based books, prayed every morning over my womb and baby, and surrounded myself with a very supportive and prayerful community.”
“As a result, we are here seeing our prayers answered. I’ve felt the presence of God in my womb and it’s been one of the most promising moments I’ve had in my life,” adds Sheard-Kelly.
Sheard-Kelly and Kelly tied the knot in December 2020. The pair celebrated their second anniversary in December, with Sheard-Kelly posting several photos to her Instagram to mark the occasion.
“Happy Anniversary king @mrjordankelly! I’ve learned so much with you,” she wrote “I’m honored that the Lord has blessed me to be your companion help-meet, lover, friend, homie, and wife.”
On Valentine’s Day, Sheard-Kelly posted a sweet tribute to her husband. “Mr. Kelly, wit’yo fiiiine self, I love you so much.” She went on to reflect on their marriage, ending with “Thank you for loving me like no other man has. You’ve restored me in so many ways and I’m excited to see what we’ll grow into.”
Sheard-Kelly’s new book, The Vibes You Feel, and her new album, All Yours, are both available now.
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