crime Archives • Page 24 of 24 • Hollywood Unlocked

Steve Harvey Defends Ellen Amid Show Scandal: She’s ‘One Of The Kindest People In Business’

September 18, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Steve Harvey Defends Ellen Amid Show Scandal: She’s ‘One Of The Kindest People In Business’

Steve Harvey is the latest celebrity to speak out in support of Ellen Degeneres amid a very public scandal involving toxic workplace accusations against her popular daytime show.

During his appearance on PEOPLE TV, the 63-year-old detailed how long he’s known DeGeneres, noting that she’s “one of the coolest and kindest people I’ve met in this business: “I’m going to say this about it: Ellen DeGeneres, the person that I know, that I’ve known for a number of years, that I saw back in the comedy club days when we used to split time with the same management, all of this and what’s happening now, Ellen, the person, is probably one of the coolest and kindest people I’ve met in this business,” Harvey said in an interview with People.

Despite being called “mean” and being accused of creating a toxic workplace by former Ellen DeGeneres Show staffers, Harvey said that these problems should not fall on her shoulders: “People want to take something and make something out of everything,” he said. “[Ellen] has no control over what every staff member does, what every producer does, you can’t control that. You don’t even know some of the stuff that’s happening.”

However, he agreed that because “it’s her name that’s on the show” she had to “take the hit.” Harvey said he would do the same on his own talk show. Aside from that, the “Family Feud” host said he doesn’t believe DeGeneres, 62, has a “racist tendency.”

“I’m a 63-year-old Black man. I’ve been Black the entire time. I ain’t took no days off. I ain’t experimented with nothing else. I ain’t got nothing else going. I’ve been a Black dude my whole life. I know racism. If I have a conversation with you, I know if you got racist tendency somewhere in you, because it radiates. I can feel it. I’ve been around a long time, man. That’s not Ellen DeGeneres. That’s just not her, period,” he reiterated.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Michelle Obama Says She And Barack “Could’ve Never Gotten Away With” What Trump Has Done

September 18, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Michelle Obama Says She And Barack “Could’ve Never Gotten Away With” What Trump Has Done

On the latest episode of “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” the former first lady opened up about being Black in America and in the White House.

While speaking about their time in office, Mrs. Obama explained that she and former President Obama “never could’ve gotten away with some of the stuff that’s going on now” in the White House because their “community wouldn’t have accepted that,” The Hill quotes.

Obama, 56, who was joined on the podcast by her mother, Marian Robinson, 83, and her older brother, Craig Robinson, 58, also discussed race and the interactions between African-Americans and police officers – including an incident from the family’s own experience.
They talked about the time police once accuse Craig — now an executive director with the National Association of Basketball Coaches — of stealing his own bicycle when he was a young boy.

“You were riding down the street and you got stopped by the police, and they accused you of stealing your own bike,” Obama remembered. “And they would not believe you, to the point where you were like, ‘Take me to my home.'” Despite that, he said the incident when he was 10 or 11 years old was “terrifying” and it left him completely “heartbroken,” especially because he was “always taught that the police are your friends … and they’ll believe the truth.”

“What a lot of folks who are not in our position don’t understand is that this is such a way of life when it comes to interacting with the rest of the world,” Obama said according to The Hill. “It doesn’t matter who you are and what kind of values you have, nobody thinks about the fact that we all come from good families that are trying to teach values.”

“When you leave the safety of your home and go out into the street, where being Black is a crime in and of itself, we have all had to learn how to operate outside of our homes with a level of caution and fear because you never know,” Obama, 56, added.

Press Play Below For More On Michelle Obama’s Podcast:

Source

UPDATE: US Government Plans To Ban TikTok And WeChat On Sunday

September 18, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

UPDATE: US Government Plans To Ban TikTok And WeChat On Sunday

#Socialites, get into this! This Friday, The Commerce Department announced plans to restrict access to TikTok and WeChat this coming Sunday as the Trump administration’s executive orders against the two apps are set to take effect!

The Department said that as of Sunday, any moves to distribute or maintain WeChat or TikTok on an app store will be prohibited, CNN notes. While WeChat users will also be banned from transferring funds and processing payments through the messaging apps, further restrictions are expected to be announced later, including against other apps if they are seen to be used as workarounds, the news site reports.

“Today’s actions prove once again that President Trump will do everything in his power to guarantee our national security and protect Americans from the threats of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in a release. “At the President’s direction, we have taken significant action to combat China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personal data, while promoting our national values, democratic rules-based norms, and aggressive enforcement of U.S. laws and regulations.”

The move comes after Trump’s August announcement that he will sign an executive order that would effectively ban TikTok in the United States unless the Chinese-owned ByteDance could find an American owner for its US operations by September 20. He expressed concerns that the hugely popular app could be used as a spying tool by Beijing. Not only that, but authorities also fear that it could be leveraged to collect personal data on US citizens.

President Donald Trump demanded the sale of the service in August. Bytedance has been trying to win U.S. approval for a transaction with Oracle that would leave the Chinese-headquartered parent company with majority ownership of TikTok. While it’s unclear where that stands, for now, people can continue to post their short videos content. Once the ban is enacted, however, it’s still not clear what it would mean for users.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Paris Hilton Reveals Her Real Voice: “I’ve Been Playing A Character”

September 18, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Paris Hilton Reveals Her Real Voice: “I’ve Been Playing A Character”

In Paris Hilton’s brand new documentary, “This Is Paris,” the star opens about many things in her life and in conjunction with the release, she also spoke to Australian breakfast TV program “Sunrise” where for the first time, she lets fans hear her “real voice.”

As many people know, one of her trademarks is her super valley girl baby voice that she has been using since the early 2000s. While many people assumed that was indeed her real voice, she’s letting everyone know that it was all an act that she has put on for years!

(Photo Credit: Screenshot: Paris Hilton Reveals Five Of Her Past Boyfriends Were Physically Abusive)

“This entire time, I have been playing a character, so the world has never truly know who I am… The real me is someone who is actually brilliant. I’m not a dumb blonde, I’m just really good at pretending to be one.”

Paris Hilton went to say that she doesn’t want to be “remembered for some airhead, but the businesswoman” that she really is. Paris previously made an attempt to speak out about the “fake voice” she felt obliged to put on in previous interviews. Back in 2016, she appeared on the Today Show in America, where the hosts presenters quizzed her about the sudden change in her voice.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

UPDATE: Cheer’ Star Jerry Harris Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Prosecutors Demand Cheer Star Jerry Harris Remain In Federal Custody, Claiming He'll Prey On Other Minors

UPDATE: Cheer’ Star Jerry Harris Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Chicago confirmed this Thursday that “Cheer” star Jerry Harris has been arrested on “production of child pornography charges.”

The news site notes that in the complaint filed Thursday, Harris allegedly asked for pornographic images and videos from two 14-year-old boys. The boys’ parents found the photos and videos on one of the teen’s phones, the complaint also stated.

As we previously reported, FBI agents executed a search warrant Monday afternoon at a home in Naperville after cheerleading company Varsity alerted police officers in Florida and Texas about the allegations against Harris. It was stated that the company learned about the claims of “inappropriate sexual conduct” last month but felt it was necessary to take action now. USA Today noted that the criminal investigation is based on allegations reported separately to police by Varsity Brands, a private company.

Federal law enforcement confirmed to TMZ that federal authorities were investigating Jerry for alleged possession of child porn and as part of that probe they are looking into whether Jerry was allegedly soliciting minors.

According to the report, Varsity shared 2 screenshots with police, including an alleged Snapchat message of Jerry’s face with the message, “Would you ever want to ****.” However, a spokesperson for Harris told the news site that he was 19 at the time of alleged solicitation, back in May 2019, and also that the allegations don’t involve any physical contact. The spokesperson also disputed the allegations against him.

“We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager. We are confident that when the investigation is complete the true facts will be revealed.”

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Bill Barr Compares National Coronavirus Lockdown To SLAVERY

September 17, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Bill Barr Compares National Coronavirus Lockdown To SLAVERY

On Wednesday, Attorney General Bill Barr compared the coronavirus-related lockdown orders to slavery.

After Barr delivered an address at Hillsdale College in Michigan, he made those shocking remarks during a question and answer session. When asked about the constitutionality of the coronavirus restrictions, Barr suggested that instead of imposing lockdowns, states should have allowed businesses to try to “adapt” to new rules. He argued, “you’ll have ingenuity and people will at least have the freedom to try to earn a living.”

He went on to say,

“But putting a national lockdown, stay at home orders, is like house arrest,” Barr continued. “Other than slavery, which was a different kind of restraint, this is the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in American history,” CNN quotes.

According to the news site, Barr went on to say “governors do what bureaucrats always do,” which is “defy common sense,” and “treat free citizens as babies that can’t take responsibility for themselves and others.”

As expected, his comparison to slavery drew outraged reactions from Democrats and many social media users. Despite that, he has not spoken out to clarify or defend his remarks.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Kanye West Reportedly Told Campaigners To ‘Avoid Fornicating Outside Of Marriage’

September 17, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Kanye West Discloses Financial Records Which Suggests He's NOT A Billionaire

Kanye West Reportedly Told Campaigners To ‘Avoid Fornicating Outside Of Marriage’

Kanye West is determined to win the presidential race and he’s making sure he has the “perfect” staff to get him in office. According to a report by the New York Times, the rapper allegedly told campaigners to avoid ‘fornicating’ outside of marriage.

Although a reason for that specific request wasn’t shared, it does line up with some of the ideas West has previously voiced during his campaign and attributed to his Christian beliefs. The New York Times reports that Kanye West also wants to bring back prayer in schools, give more government support to religious groups.

As Forbes points out, this is not the first time West encourages those around him to keep sex between married partners only. The 43-year-old reportedly made the same request last year for people he worked with in the studio recording his latest album, “Jesus Is King.” In a series of text and phone exchanges with a Times reporter published by the paper, Kanye also made it clear that he believes he will become president, and if all doesn’t go well, he’s going to try again in the next four years.

As of last week, Kanye’s team has helped him appear on ballots only in 12 states. Despite that, they’re still determined to reach the finish line in the presidential race.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Chris Rock Defends Jimmy Fallon’s Blackface Impersonation Of Him: ‘He Didn’t Mean Anything’

September 17, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Chris Rock Defends Jimmy Fallon’s Blackface Impersonation Of Him: ‘He Didn’t Mean Anything’

While talking with the New York Times, Chris Rock briefly spoke about the controversy surrounding his good friend Jimmy Fallon, who many people tried to cancel a few months ago.

As we previously reported, in May, the clip from a 2000 episode of Saturday Night Live went viral, which showed Fallon wearing blackface for an impression of Rock. It was accompanied by the hashtag #JimmyFallonIsOverParty. Fallon eventually apologized for making the “terrible” and “unquestionably offensive” move. While many fans and celebrities defended the talk show host at the time. Still, we didn’t know how Rock really felt about it until now. In the new interview published Wednesday, Rock explains: “Hey, man, I’m friends with Jimmy,” Rock told NYT. “Jimmy’s a great guy. And he didn’t mean anything. A lot of people want to say intention doesn’t matter, but it does. And I don’t think Jimmy Fallon intended to hurt me. And he didn’t.”

Rock, 55, also discussed the incident in a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, dismissing the sketch as “bad comedy” and adding that Fallon “doesn’t hold a racist bone in his body.”

Fallon previously said he is dedicated to doing better:

“I realized that I can’t say I’m horrified and I’m sorry and I’m embarrassed,” Fallon said at the time. “And what that small gesture did for me was break my own silence. … Silence is the biggest crime that white guys like me, and the rest of us, are doing. We need to say something. We need to keep saying something. … We all need to be talking about this.”

Source

Tina Knowles-Lawson Explains That “Beyoncé” Is Actually Her Maiden Name

September 16, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Tina Knowles-Lawson Explains That “Beyoncé” Is Actually Her Maiden Name

In the first episode of the “In My Head with Heather Thomson” podcast, Tina Knowles-Lawson opened up about a few things including the origin of Beyoncé’s name. During Tuesday’s show, the 66-year-old fashion designer and businesswoman revealed that “Beyoncé” is actually her maiden name.

“A lot of people don’t know that Beyoncé is my last name. It’s my maiden name,” she said. “My name was Celestine Beyoncé, which at that time was not a cool thing to have that weird name. I wanted my name to be Linda Smith because those were the cool names,” the matriarch, who is also the mom to singer Solange Knowles, shared.

She went on to explain that various family members have different spellings of the “Beyoncé” last name due to a clerical error.
“I think me and my brother Skip were the only two that had B-E-Y-O-N-C-E,” she said. “And it’s interesting and it shows you the times because we asked my mother when I was grown I was like why is my brother’s name spelled B-E-Y-I-N-C-E? And you know it’s all these different spellings. And my mom’s reply to me and was that’s what they put on your birth certificate. So I said, ‘Well, why didn’t you argue and make them correct it? And she said I did one time and I was told be happy that you’re getting a birth certificate. Because at one time black people didn’t get birth certificates.”

Mrs. Lawson added that it “must’ve been horrible” feeling for her mother to “not to even be able to have her children’s names spelled correctly,” PEOPLE quotes.

As many are aware, she later took on a different surname when she tied the knot to Beyonce and Solange’s father; their former manager, Mathew Knowles. After their divorce in 2011, she then married Richard Lawson in 2015.

View this post on Instagram

The big day is here! My #podcast IN MY HEAD premieres TODAY!) I love asking hard questions and I #love digging deep into the human soul and heart. There you will always uncover stories of hope, triumph, success and strength. It's empowering, it’s motivational, it’s inspirational, it’s everything… That’s why I had to create IN MY HEAD a podcast where I can talk, learn and listen to all different types of people, and share with you our journeys through inspirational conversation. The very first episode is up NOW! w/ the wonderful and beautiful Tina Knowles Lawson @mstinalawson ❤️ you'll hear about our history and some important messages from the heart. LINK IN BIO #premiere #inmyhead #talk #speak #express #lifestyle

A post shared by Heather Thomson (@iamheathert) on Sep 15, 2020 at 4:25am PDT

Source

UPDATE: Breonna Taylor’s Family To Receive $12 Million Settlement From City Of Louisville

September 15, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

UPDATE: Breonna Taylor’s Family To Receive $12 Million Settlement From City Of Louisville

Earlier this Tuesday it was shared that a settlement had been reached in a civil lawsuit between the family of Breonna Taylor and the city of Louisville. At the time, full details weren’t shared but sources told WAVE 3 News that the settlement included a significant amount of money reaching into the millions of dollars and is “expected to be one of the largest settlements following an officer-involved shooting in Louisville police history.”

CNN also reported that the mayor of Louisville is expected to announce the settlement later Tuesday in a joint press conference with the Taylor family attorneys.

Now, according to the latest updates by The Hill, it has just been revealed that the family will receive a $12 million settlement for the horrific death of the 26-year-old EMT, who was shot and killed in her own home by plainclothes Louisville police officers back in March. It was noted by the Courier-Journal that the deal is the largest settlement that the city has paid in a police misconduct case, shattering the previous top figure of $8.5 million.

The Hill reports that Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer (D) and Taylor family attorneys, including prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, are all expected to share more details on the deal at a press conference this afternoon.

We will continue to keep you updated when more details have been shared.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

Michael Cohen Says He Regrets Not Smacking Trump For Saying Teen Daughter Was “Hot”

September 15, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Michael Cohen Says He Regrets Not Smacking Trump For Saying Teen Daughter Was “Hot”

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Samantha Cohen, the daughter of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, said when she was 15, Trump noticed her walking off a tennis court and said, “Look at that piece of ass.” The now-president also allegedly added, “I would love some of that,” only to have Cohen inform him the woman in question was his teenage daughter! However, Trump didn’t come off as apologetic. Instead, he asked Cohen, “That’s your daughter? When did she get so hot?,” the Huffington Post quotes.

Now, during a Monday appearance on “The View” to promote his new book, “Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump,” host Joy Behar asked: “Why didn’t you sock him in the face at that moment? How could you let that slide?” He then gave an explanation while blaming his behavior on Stockholm syndrome.

Michael Cohen To Be Released Back To Home Confinement After Retaliatory Arrest — WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 27: Michael Cohen, former attorney to President Donald Trump testifies before the House Oversight Committee at the Rayburn House Office Building on Wednesday February 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“Well, I wouldn’t have liked to have said it, I would have liked to have smacked him across the side of the head. I never would have allowed anybody to speak to or about my daughter in such a disrespectful way,” Cohen said. “I did just because, you know, as so many people would say, let Trump be Trump, and that’s the problem.”

From there, he went on to explain that he wrote his book to “get people to open up their eyes and to see the individual for who he really is,” the news site quotes.

Press Play Below For More:

“I knew it was wrong.”@MichaelCohen212 on lewd comments he claims Pres. Trump made about his then 15-year-old daughter and why he let the comments slide: “I did just because, you know, as so many people would say, ‘let Trump be Trump,’ and that’s the problem.” pic.twitter.com/LfaTYD6YAr

— The View (@TheView) September 14, 2020

Source

Chadwick Boseman Laid To Rest Near Hometown In South Carolina One Week After Death

September 15, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Chadwick Boseman Laid To Rest Near Hometown In South Carolina One Week After Death

Beloved actor Chadwick Boseman who died at aged 43 from colon cancer, was laid to rest on Sept. 3 at Welfare Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton, South Carolina, about 11 miles from Boseman’s hometown of Anderson, the Los Angeles County Certificate showed.

According to the Associated Press, on the same day as Boseman’s burial, Anderson, his hometown, held a screening of Black Panther. It was noted that fans wore masks followed social distancing guidelines while remembering the star. Some even attended wearing Black Panther costumes. E! Reports that Boseman was also honored at a private memorial in Malibu, California, on Sep. 5.

His death certificate states his immediate cause was listed as multiple organ failure, with the underlying cause of colon cancer, which his family said previously that he had been diagnosed with four years earlier.

As we previously reported, the actor died on Aug. 28 at his home in Los Angeles. It broke the hearts of many including his loyal fans. However, many promised to keep his legacy alive while remembering the true fighter, who delivered so many great films while battling his health.

Netflix Delays Virtual Preview Of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom After Chadwick Boseman Death — SANTA MONICA, CA – MARCH 03: Actor Chadwick Boseman attends the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 3, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

“Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in a statement said. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”

Press Play Below To Look Back On Chadwick Boseman:

Source

Family Mourns The Loss Of Young Boy Who Died While Holding His Dog In Oregon Fire

September 15, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Family Mourns The Loss Of Young Boy Who Died While Holding His Dog In Oregon Fire

A family is left heartbroken after the wildfires on the West Coast sadly took two of their members. 13-year-old Wyatt Tofte and 71-year-old grandmother Peggy Mosso both died Tuesday, September 8, in the wildfires in Marion County, Oregon.

According to CNN, both Wyatt and Mosso died in a burning car as Wyatt’s mother tried to save them. A relative, Ashley Tofte, explained on Facebook that “Wyatt went back with his dog to save his Grandma. His last moments were heroic and full of love, together with his grandmother and his puppy.” The young boy’s mother Angela, who tried to save them, survived but is in critical condition. Her husband and Tofte’s father, Chris, also survived.

The family also released a joint statement saying, “Our family is devastated by the loss of our kind-hearted 13-year-old Wyatt and his beloved grandmother Peggy in the Santiam Fire in the early morning of September 8th. After a long search for Wyatt, he was found in a car with his dog on his lap, but unfortunately, was not able to escape the fire. Angie is in critical condition with full-body burns,” the statement said. “We want to thank all emergency personnel and people who helped in the search. Our family appreciates the love and support we have received from everyone during this terrible tragedy.”

The page continued:

“What we know happened…the power was out and Chris had left to get a generator. Angie awoke to flames surrounding their home. Grandmother Peggy had broken her leg a week earlier and was awaiting surgery. Angie had loaded her mother in the car and by the time she got Wyatt and the animals, the car was surrounded by flames. Knowing it was life and death and there was no way to drive the car out or save her mother, Angie told her 13 year old son Wyatt to run. It was pitch black outside except for flames and smoke. However, Wyatt did not keep going to safety, and instead went back to the car and tried to drive his grandmother out of the flames. The road was so hot, it burnt the tires up. He was a heroic boy, trying against all odds to save his grandmother. All this happened while his father Chris was desperately trying to get back to his family. Blockades had been set up and in desperation he ran the blockades. He found a woman on the road, her clothes burnt away, feet burnt to the bone, unrecognizable. He put her in the car and said he was sorry but he had to keep going to save his son and wife. Her mouth was black and was not able to speak, but finally whispered “I am your wife.” After desperate searching, the car was found 2 days later with Wyatt in the driver’s seat with his dog in his lap and his grandmother in the car.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the surviving family members (the parents of Wyatt) has raised more than $136,000.

Press Play Below For More:

Source

‘Captain America’ Actress Mollie Fitzgerald Charged With Fatally Stabbing Her Mother

January 1, 2020January 1, 2020 by Kecia Gayle

Captain America’ Actress Mollie Fitzgerald Charged With Fatally Stabbing Her Mother

On Tuesday, actress Mollie Fitzgerald was arrested after being accused of fatally stabbing her mother in Kansas.

According to TMZ, Fitzgerald, who had a small role in “Captain America: The First Avenger” — was taken into police custody in Olathe, Kansas and has reportedly been charged with second-degree murder. She’s being held on $500k bond.

Fitzgerald’s arrest comes shortly after cops found her 68-year-old mother, Patricia, dead from an apparent stab would inside her home on Dec. 20. Cops say when they responded to a call of a disturbance, Mollie was found on the scene and then transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

As of right now, the case remains under investigation, but cops have not provided additional details yet. However, what we do know is that she’s reportedly set to be arraigned Thursday.

Press Play Below For More On Celebs That Have Been Arrested

Source

HU Exclusive: Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy And Elizabeth Moss Take Over “The Kitchen”

August 7, 2019 by Alyssa Lee

HU Exclusive: Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy And Elizabeth Moss Take Over “The Kitchen” Giving You A Sneak Peak Of ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Hollywood Unlocked stepped into the world of 1978’s Hell’s Kitchen for the Monday night premiere of “The Kitchen” starring Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Elizabeth Moss. All three ladies … Read more