Celebrity Scoop – 06/16/2020

2021 OSCARS ARE POSTPONED – (06/16/2020)

For the fourth time in history, the Oscars have been postponed due to the novel coronavirus. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday that the 93rd Academy Awards telecast has been postponed by two months, from February 28, 2021, to April 25, 2021. 

In a statement, Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said: “For over a century, movies have played an important role in comforting, inspiring, and entertaining us during the darkest of times. They certainly have this year. Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone’s control. This coming Oscars and the opening of our new museum will mark an historic moment, gathering movie fans around the world to unite through cinema.”

The Governors Awards gala, which typically takes place in the fall, has also been postponed. Date TBD. The December opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures was pushed to April, and will happen in tandem with the Oscars. 

The eligibility rules have also been loosened to accommodate disrupted productions. Now, the submission deadline for specialty categories (animated feature film, documentary feature, documentary short subject, international feature film, animated short film and live action short film) is Dec. 1, 2020. The submission deadline for general entry categories, including best picture, original score and original song, is now Jan. 15, 2021, Variety reports.

The format of the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, set to air on ABC, is also in flux. 

“We find ourselves in uncharted territory this year and will continue to work with our partners at the Academy to ensure next year’s show is a safe and celebratory event that also captures the excitement of the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,” ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said in a statement.

The Oscars have been delayed previously in 1938 after massive flooding in Los Angeles, in 1968, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and again in 1981 following an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

In 2020, major winners included Parasite for Best Picture, Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor in Joker and Renee Zellweger for Best Actress in Judy. 

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Read the Full Story: https://bit.ly/2UKyFFp

CELEBRITIES REACT TO MOMENTOUS SUPREME COURT RULING ON LGBTQ RIGHTS – (06/16/2020)

Please note the following story contains language that could be considered offensive.

Celebrities reacted to a landmark decision Monday by the Supreme Court in which they declared it illegal for an employer to fire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The 6-3 ruling made members of the LGBTQ community part of the Title VII Civil Rights Act. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote: “In Title VII, Congress adopted broad language making it illegal for an employer to rely on an employee’s sex when deciding to fire that employee. We do not hesitate to recognize today a necessary consequence of that legislative choice: An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.”

Cynthia Nixon celebrated the “HUGE VICTORY FOR LGBTQ RIGHTS!!!”

“We have won at the Supreme Court of the United States,” Laverne Cox said while tearing up in part of an Instagram Stories post. “It’s very emotional. We won at the Supreme Court. I can’t even believe it. I’m overwhelmed. A six-three decision stating that it is illegal to fire someone for being LGBTQ in the United States of America.”

Andy Cohen tweeted: “Hey Brett Kavanaugh—f–k you.”

Ellen DeGeneres applauded the “historic” moment, and Meghan McCain wrote that the ruling was “huge and long overdue.”

Mandy Moore dubbed the decision “incredible news,” adding that it’s “a bright spot in a dark time.”

George Takei tweeted: “The LGBTQ civil rights movement began 51 years ago with the Stonewall Riots, led by trans POC heroes. Today we mark another milestone in our struggle for equality with a victory in the Supreme Court, extending Title VII nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQs.”

Busy Philipps cheered the “LEGITIMATELY GREAT news!”

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Read the Full Story: https://et.tv/2MYtg98

HALSEY LEAKS ‘MANIC’ BONUS ‘TRACK WIPE YOUR TEARS’ – (06/16/2020)

Halsey has leaked an unreleased version of Manic bonus track, “wipe your tears” to celebrate Pride Month.

The singer – who won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist in 2018 – shared the second take of the track, which features on the Japanese edition of the LP, and teased that there is a third version.

Halsey admitted she’ll probably “get in trouble” with her record label for posting the recording online. She tweeted: “prolly gon get in trouble for this but, happy pride ! here’s the full OG version of wipe your tears. my favorite wlw song of mine that ended up on a special release of Manic. if it gets taken down it ain’t my fault”

When one of her followers replied to her that the leaked version is “superior” to the final cut, Halsey responded: “There’s actually 3 versions of this song in existence hahaha. You guys have 2 of them now.”

When another fan demanded she leak the third one, she wrote back: “Omg pls I jussssst leaked the 2nd lemme breathe y’all ravenous. I can’t I’ll get in too much trouble cause it has a feature hahah” Halsey then added: “Y’all gonna get me in trouble now shush. If I ever leaked a demo version of a song, I don’t leak it bc I did. No I didn’t.”

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Full Story: Billboard

SPONGEBOB IS GAY: It’s true. There has long been a debate about SpongeBob Squarepants’ sexuality, and now, Nickelodeon seemed to confirm his status with a tweet that showed SpongeBob with trans star Michael D Cohen and the bisexual The Legend of Korra character Avator Korra, writing: “Celebrating #Pride with the LGBTQ+ community.” 

2020 BET AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE IN – (06/16/2020)

Nominations for the 2020 BET Awards are in, with Drake leading the charge with six nominations. The virtual show will be held June 28th. Drake snagged  Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year for “No Guidance” with Chris Brown. 

Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch got five nods each. Stallion’s five nods include Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration, Album of the Year and Video of the Year, and Ricch’s are for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year, Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice categories as well as Best New Artist.

Beyonce and Jay-Z’s 8-year-old daughter Blue Ivy also got a nom for her appearance on her famous mom’s song “Brown Skin Girl” from The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack album. The anthem, which also features WizKid and SAINt JHN, is nominated for the BET Her Award. 

The BET Awards recognize achievements in music, TV, film and sports, across 21 categories. Stay tuned for more on this year’s Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievement honorees and the show’s talent and hosts. 

Check out the BET Awards, celebrating the ceremony’s 20th anniversary and BET’s 40th anniversary, simulcast live at 8 pm EST across ViacomCBS networks, including BET and BET HER, and in its national broadcast premiere on CBS.

The show will be hosted by Insecure star and comedienne Amanda Seales.

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/15/2020

SIA APOLOGIZES AFTER CONFUSING NICKI MINAJ FOR CARDI B ON TWITTER – (06/15/2020)

Sia has issued an apology after confusing Nicki Minaj for Cardi B on Twitter.

Fans of the rappers started a tweet-storm slamming Sia, causing the hashtag #Siaisoverparty to trend. It all began when a fan asked Sia if she would collaborate with Minaj in a tweet that included a photo of the rapper.

Sia replied: “I love @iamcardib.” Nicki’s fans were upset and brought up how the two rappers were once in a feud, but Sia seemed to think they were accusing her of drumming up a feud now.

Sia tweeted, “I don’t give a sh*t about feuds, George Floyd was f*cking murdered. Breonna Taylor. Murdered. Come on let’s rise in unity. You think @iamcardib and Nikki are so petty that they would want you focusing on a silly feud instead of REAL NEWS.”

Sia finally realized she mixed up the photos and tweeted, “My f*ck up @NickiMinaj.” Sia also tweeted, “Hey @iamcardib @NICKIMINAJ you aren’t thinking about a feud right now are you? We are focused on the problem of systemic racism.”

All of those tweets were deleted and Sia posted: “I totally misunderstood a tweet earlier that has resulted in me making a buffoon out of myself. Sorry @NICKIMINAJ and @iamcardib if you hear about it. Can I just like you both?”

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Full Story: E! Online

BRITNEY SPEARS’ FANS WANT CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS REPLACED WITH STATUES OF HER – (06/15/2020)

A Britney Spears fan has started a petition on Change.org, asking Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to replace Confederate statues with busts of Britney.

The petition, started by Kassie Thibodeaux, had over 23,000 signatures at press time  and calls on the Governor, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Rep. Cedric Richmond and the Louisiana State Senate and House to “do the right thing: Replace Confederate statues with an actual Louisiana hero and influential human being, Britney Spears.”

Historical statues are being toppled all across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. The petition says Britney is the perfect solution – citing her long list of contributions towards Louisiana, including money for Hurricane Katrina relief and flood victims.

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Full Story: Page Six

HALSEY LAUNCHES FUND FOR BLACK CREATORS – (06/15/2020)

Halsey has created a new fund to support black creators.

The 25-year-old singer launched the Black Creators Funding Initiative to help fund and amplify black artists, writers, filmmakers and other creators.

“I am launching this to give funds, resources, and a platform to black creators. Looking for black creators who want to enrich the world with their work,” Halsey said on Instagram. The new fund, known as BCFI, strives to amplify the “art, voice and perspective” of black creators.

The initiative will be funded by Halsey and her team. Halsey will promote recipients on her social media accounts. The singer and her team will announce the first recipients on June 18th.

The biracial singer-songwriter has participated in the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

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Full Story: Billboard

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/12/2020

KELLY CLARKSON FILES FOR DIVORCE AFTER 7 YEARS OF MARRIAGE – (06/12/2020)

Kelly Clarkson has filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock after nearly seven years of marriage.

The papers list the couple’s separation date as “TBD.” Clarkson met the music manager at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006. They got engaged in December 2012.

Clarkson and Blackstock married in October 2013 and have two children together, daughter River Rose, 5, and son Remy Alexander, 4. Blackstock has two other children, daughter Savannah, 18, and son Seth, 13, from his previous marriage.

During the pandemic, Clarkson and Blackstock spent their time together at their property in Montana. It was from there that Clarkson recorded The Kelly Clarkson Show and her appearances on NBC’s The Voice.

In the documents, filed June 4th, Clarkson, who filed as Kelly Blackstock, is requesting joint legal and physical custody of the children. The court documents say the pair had a prenuptial agreement.

Clarkson has been filming her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, from her ranch in Montana amid the pandemic. She is slated to perform July 3rd as part of the Today concert series.

Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, was married to country star Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.

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Full Story: People

LANCE BASS, PENTATONIX, CYNDI LAUPER AND MORE TO CELEBRATE PRIDE PROM THIS WEEKEND – (06/12/2020)

Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter’s Pride Prom will be taking place online tomorrow.

The day-long event will feature conversations about being out in their industries and the importance of representation in music, television, film and more.

Former American Idol contestant-turned Broadway talent Todrick Hall unveiled the list of headliners for the weekend celebration, which features Lance Bass, Cyndi Lauper, Noah Cyrus, Doja Cat, Lauren Jauregui, Pentatonix and many others.

The prom will also include a drag contest, where someone will be named Pride Queen. Other events scheduled for the day-long summit include instructional classes on fashion, seminars on LGBT representation in entertainment/media and a DJ set.

Learn more about the free event at BBTHRPrideSummit.com.

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Full Story: Press Release

NAACP TEAMS UP WITH JULIANNE MOORE, KRISTEN BELL, MORE: The NAACP has teamed up with Tommy Oliver and Adam Platzner of Confluential Content for #ITakeResponsibility, a new campaign launched to encourage white people to call out racism.  Julianne Moore, Kristen Bell, Sarah Paulson, Aaron Paul, Aly Raisman, Bethany Joy Lenz, Bryce Dallas Howard, Debra Messing, Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Kesha, Mark Duplass, Piper Perabo and Stanley Tucci are among the celebs who’ve agreed to participate. “It’s critical that we understand and accept that racism is a white people problem…a problem that, collectively, we need to look to ourselves to fix,” Platzner, Partner and Vice Chairman, Confluential Content tells Deadline. “I had never seen it quite that way before. Recent events in this country have shown us that we need to take a different approach if we’re to be impactful. That’s what led me to create this effort.”

LIL TWIST ADMITS HE TOOK A WEED CHARGE FOR JUSTIN BIEBER – (06/12/2020)

Rapper Lil Twist has revealed that he took a weed charge for Justin Bieber back in the early 2010s. During an interview on the Mina’s House podcast, Twist said, “If they would have put weed charges on Justin in his early career. It would have been bad on him. So I got a call one day saying, ‘Twist, do you really love this kid?’ I said, ‘Yes.’” Twist continued, “They said, ‘Cool, if you love him then you can take the heat for him because you can come off a little weed charge. You’re associated with Lil Wayne. You’re a rapper.’” 

Twist added, “It got to a point where I didn’t even have to be there at times and they were putting it, ‘Twist did it, Twist did it, Twist did it.’ It became overwhelming.” 

A source close to the situation told Page Six that Justin and Twist are no longer friends and he wishes Twist well and “finds these comments unfortunate and completely untrue.”

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/11/2020

GRAMMY AWARDS MAKE CHANGES TO URBAN, BEST NEW ARTIST CATEGORIES – (06/11/2020)

The Recording Academy announced new rules and guidelines for the Grammy Awards.

The Best Urban Contemporary Album category will be called Best Progressive R&B album. The use of the word urban has been criticized for being inappropriate and a synonym for black music.

The term urban will remain in the Grammys, however, with the Latin Pop album category being changed to Latin Pop or Urban Album. The Latin, Rock Urban or Alternative category has been renamed to Latin Rock or Alternative and the Best Rap/Sung Performance category has been renamed to Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Best New Artist will no longer prevent musicians from entering the category due to having released more than 30 singles or tracks.

Earlier this year, Tyler, the Creator was among the artists to call out the category and say he was torn between winning an award and the fact he disliked the term “urban.” “I’m half and half on it,” he said. “On the one side I am very grateful that what I made can be acknowledged in a world like this… but it sucks that whenever we, and I mean guys that look like me, do anything that’s genre-bending or anything, they always put it in a rap or urban category.”

“And I don’t like that ‘urban’ word,” he added. “It’s just a politically correct way to say the n-word, to me. So when I hear that, I’m just like, why can’t we just be in pop? So I felt like – half of me feels like the rap nomination was a backhanded compliment.”

This week, Billie Eilish backed Tyler’s comments. “I hate when people say, ‘Oh, you look like “blank.” You sound like “blank”.’ It was such a cool thing Tyler said. I agree with him about that term,” Eilish said in an interview with GQ.

Billie also agrees with the sentiment of why people say she only won her Grammys because she’s white: “Then there’s the other side of this whole thing: people sh*tting on me because I am white. ‘Oh, she’s white, that’s why she won.’ You know what? I agree with the sentiment; I get why people say that.”

The Recording Academy is also introducing changes to the Nominations Review Committee, shortening the amount of time members can be a part of the committee.

The Academy will additionally examine more closely conflicts of interest within its committees.

“We’re constantly evaluating our Awards process and evolving it to ensure the Grammy Awards are inclusive and reflect the current state of the music industry,” Interim President and CEO of The Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement.

The 63rd annual Grammy Awards is set to take place on January 31, 2021.

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Full Story: Variety

‘GONE WITH THE WIND’ REMOVAL REIGNITES DEBATE OVER HOW HOLLYWOOD DEALS WITH CONTROVERSIES – (06/11/2020)

Adjusted for inflation, Gone With the Wind is the highest grossing film of all time. It won 10 Oscars, including the first ever for an African-American performer, supporting actress Hattie McDaniel. 

But the 1939 film, adapted from the Margaret Mitchell book of the same name, has several problematic elements, including stereotyped depictions of African Americans, a case of marital rape and a generally gauzy depiction of the Civil War-era South. 

When HBO Max pulled it from its nascent service there was both support and outrage. 

The film will return, a spokesperson said, with “a discussion of its historical context” and denunciation of its racially charged aspects. The movie itself won’t be altered.

The move was encouraged by 12 Years a Slave director John Ridley, who pointed out that the film “glorifies the antebellum south” and perpetuates “some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.”

Not everyone was behind the decision. Wrote critic Charlie Kirk: “Liberty means: If you don’t like Gone With The Wind, then don’t watch it If you don’t want to leave your home, then don’t If you don’t like someone else’s views, then don’t listen You don’t have to silence people, erase history, or cancel our culture to feel ‘safe’in America”.

Rep. Paul Gosar pointed out the ironic timing: “Born today in 1893: Hattie McDaniel, the first black actress to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone With the Wind. HBO removed her award-winning movie on what would have been her 127th birthday.”

Megyn Kelly also denounced the move saying, “For the record, you can loathe bad cops, racism, sexism, bias against the LGBTQ community, and not censor historical movies, books, music and art that don’t portray those groups perfectly. Ppl understand art reflects life… as we evolve, so do our cultural touchstones.” 

She added that if Gone With the Wind has to go, “let’s do this – every episode of ‘Friends’ needs to go right now. If not, you hate women (& LGBTQ ppl, who also don’t fare well on ‘Friends’). Obviously Game of Thrones has to go right now. Anything by John Hughes … Woody Allen… could go on & on… & on…& on…”

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Read the Full Story: https://cnn.it/2YprKlI

KYLIE JENNER REVEALS PERCENTAGE OF BLACK EMPLOYEES, IGNORES SOCIAL DISTANCING – (06/11/2020)

Kylie Jenner’s beauty brand is participating in the Pull Up or Shut Up initiative designed to find out which brands are actually walking their progressive talk. 

Uoma Beauty’s founder and CEO Sharon Chuter introduced the initiative, saying: “Thank you for the public statements of support for the Black community. Whereas we understand and appreciate the support, be conscious that to piggy-back off a trending hashtag when you have been and continue to be a part of the problem is once again appropriating and exploiting the Black community.”

The statement continued: “So we ask all brands who have released a statement of support, to publicly release within the next 72 hrs the number of Black employees they have in their organizations at corporate level. We also need to know the number of Black people you have in leadership roles. You all have statements and policies about being equal opportunity employers, so show us the proof! PULL UP or SHUT UP!”

Jenner shared: “@kyliecosmetics Pulled up! 13% Black representation and leadership team consists of @kyliejenner and @krisjenner. Thank you for the transparency #pulluporshutup.”

The beauty brand also disclosed that its staff also consists of 100% women-identifying, 53% White and 47% BIPOC (which stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color).

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Meanwhile, Jenner apparently nixed social distancing advice during a celebration for Anastasia “Stassie” Karaniklaou‘s 23rd birthday, partying with several friends. 

Karaniklaou posted the group shot on her Instagram, writing, “Missing Liv and Taylor but these are my humans. I appreciate you all more than you know. thank you for a special night.”

Gatherings of 100 people or less are permitted in California, but the CDC recommends distances of six feet and the wearing of masks. 

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/10/2020

2020 EDITIONS OF LOLLAPALOOZA AND COACHELLA OFFICIALLY CANCELED: “Lollapalooza 2020” has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The annual event was set to take place July 30th through August 2nd at Chicago’s Grant Park and typically draws about 100,000 people each year. Organizers say they will host a virtual livestream festival during the same weekend that will feature “performances from around the city and beyond, epic archival sets from Chicago and the festival’s six international editions, never-before-seen footage from the 1990’s and much more.” A full schedule will be released next month. “Coachella” was one of the first major music events to be postponed in the wake of COVID-19, moving from its usual April dates to two weekends in October. But it has now been confirmed that “Coachella” will not happen this year either.

GEORGE FLOYD LAID TO REST IN HOUSTON – (06/10/2020)

George Floyd was laid to rest yesterday (June 9th) in Houston, Texas. Floyd’s private funeral was held at the Fountain of Praise Church and he was later buried in the Houston Memorial Gardens next to his mom in Pearland, Texas.

At the service, George’s daughter Gianna Floyd was escorted into the church with her mom Roxie Washington during the “Prayer of Comfort.” Pastor Kim Burrell then started the service with a performance of “God Will Take Care of You,” which featured the Houston Ensemble.

Celebs like Floyd Mayweather, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rev. Al Sharpton, Cal McNair, J.J. Watt, Rev. Arthur Rucker, Gusta Booker, Dr. Mary White, Dray Tate, Ange Hillz, Ivy McGregor, Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum and Kathy Taylor were all in attendance. Former Vice President Joe Biden also sent a video message to George’s family.

Ne-Yo and gospel singers Nakitta Foxx and Minister Kurt Carr also performed.

Meanwhile, during his eulogy, Rev. Al Sharpton called for changes that can prevent the deaths of more black people. 

NE-YO THANKS GEORGE FLOYD FOR HIS ‘SACRIFICE,’ FACES MAJOR BACKLASH – (06/10/2020)

Ne-Yo performed at the memorial service for George Floyd yesterday (June 9th) in Houston, Texas. Before his performance, the singer-songwriter spoke about the Floyd and how his death impacted him. He said, “50 states are protesting at the same time, this man changed the world. I just want to thank George Floyd for the sacrifice so my kids can be alright. I appreciate the sacrifice, I really do.”

Following his words, Ne-Yo performed Boyz II Men‘s It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday.”

Of course, social media reacted immediately to Ne-Yo calling Floyd a “sacrifice,” with one person tweeting, “Neyo just thanked George Floyd for his sacrifice so his kids can be alright…🧐I want y’all to stick with your talents and shut up about everything else.”

Another wrote, :Did Neyo just call the murder of George Floyd…a sacrifice?”

One person tweeted, “Neyo out here talm bout he thanks George Floyd for the sacrifice 🥴 So that his kids can live in peace George did not ask to lose his life to be the sacrifice to ABOLISH police brutality and racial injustice. Can somebody tell these celebrities to STFU!!! #neyo.”

HOLLYWOOD SIGNS UP FOR #SHARETHEMICNOW CAMPAIGN – (06/10/2020)

Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Swank and Julia Roberts are among the actors, authors, fashion designers, athletes and politicians sharing their social media platforms today (Wednesday) with black celebs on a #ShareTheMicNow social media campaign. 

White women with large followings are handing over the reins of their platforms to magnify the voices and work of black women. Endeavor CMO Bozoma Saint John launched the movement with Saint John, bestselling authors Luvvie Ajayi Jones and Glennon Doyle and fashion designer Stacey Bendet.

The push is part of a larger conversation in the U.S. grapples with the repercussions of police brutality and systemic racism. 

#ShareTheMicNow organizers said the campaign had four stated goals: “To form a social media campaign that magnifies Black women’s lives and stories. To form relationships among Black women and white women – so that our future activism is born from relationships. To create a network of disruptors who know and trust each other. To create action that could make change.”

Some of the swaps: fashion and beauty editor Kahlana Barfield Brown will work with Roberts, actress and transgender activist Angelica Ross will work with Swank, Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas will work with Paltrow, human rights activist Opal Tometi will work with Ashley Graham and Saint John will work with Kourtney Kardashian. 

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/09/2020

IS KANYE WEST FAKING HIS ALLIANCE WITH DONALD TRUMP? – (06/09/2020)

There’s a rumor going around that Kanye West is faking his alliance with Donald Trump to make progress for black people. According to The Jasmine Brand, Ye is being accused of “wearing his MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats so that he could get people out of jail.”

Reports also allege that rapper GLC revealed that “Kanye actually gave me the boxes of hats. He said, ‘I’m never wearing these again.’”

GLC said that Kanye added, “I’m just telling you that we got that amazing woman out of jail in Florida, right? We didn’t get to have that meeting until I put the hat on.”

JOE EXOTIC PENS CHILLING MISSIVE, CALLS ON TRUMP, CARDI B, KIM KARDASHIAN FOR HELP – (06/09/2020)

Tiger King’s star Joe Exotic has sent a chilling letter from prison that appears to be a suicidal cry for help, TMZ reports. The letter is addressed to “supporters, fans, loved ones” and opens by asking President Donald Trump to grant him his freedom.

The tone gets dark from there, and he says, “my soul is dead” as he describes his struggle to keep up his hope behind bars. He says he is tormented by reports that his husband Dillon Passage is moving on without him, and adds that he hasn’t heard from Passage. 

Exotic says that he needs medication for his health conditions and predicts “I’ll be dead in 2-3 months” without help. He tosses out a plea for help from Cardi B and Kim Kardashian, and suggests he’d get better treatment if he wasn’t white. 

His team has been campaigning for a pardon from Trump, but it looks like that ship has sailed. 

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Read the Full Story: https://bit.ly/2UkzmVq

BILLIE EILISH BACKS TYLER, THE CREATOR’S CRITIQUE OF GRAMMYS ‘URBAN’ AWARDS – (06/09/2020)

Billie Eilish is echoing Tyler, The Creator’s Grammys speech about being put into a category that is more determined by his race than his music.

Tyler won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for IGOR, a largely experimental record where he did very little rapping at all. He noted: “On one side I’m very grateful that what I made could be acknowledged in a world like this, but also it sucks that whenever “we” – and I mean guys that look like me – do anything that’s genre-bending or that’s anything, they always put it in a rap or “urban” category which is – and I don’t like that “urban” word, it’s just a politically correct way to say the ‘N-word’ to me.”

“I have always hated categories,” Eilish said in a new interview with British GQ. “I hate when people say, ‘Oh, you look like ‘blank.’ You sound like ‘blank.’ It was such a cool thing Tyler said. I agree with him about that term. Don’t judge an artist off the way someone looks or the way someone dresses. Wasn’t Lizzo in the Best R&B category that night? I mean, she’s more pop than I am.”

She adds: “Look, if I wasn’t white I would probably be in ‘rap.’ Why? They just judge from what you look like and what they know. I think that is weird. The world wants to put you into a box; I’ve had it my whole career. Just because I am a white teenage female I am pop. Where am I pop? What part of my music sounds like pop?”

Over the weekend, Republic Records announced that they would no longer be using the word ‘urban’ when describing their “departments, employee titles and music genres.” “We encourage the rest of the music industry to follow suit,” it added in a statement.

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: GQ

UPDATE: BTS’ FANBASE MATCH THEIR $1M BLACK LIVES MATTER DONATION: BTS’ fanbase have matched their $1 million donation (and then some) to the Black Lives Matter movement. The K-Pop band and their label Big Hit Entertainment threw their financial support behind the campaign in light of the death of George Floyd, but decided to remain tight-lipped about their donation. But when word got out, the BTS Army raised over $1 million in 24 hours after the #MatchAMillion initiative was launched by Twitter user @Monosplaylist with the help of One In An Army – a BTS fan collective. Fans have been donating to the likes of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The National Bailout Collective and Black Aids Institute. One In An Army described the Army’s “support” as “overwhelming” and vowed to continue the campaign.

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Celebrity Scoop – 06/08/2020

TV, FILM PRODUCTION CAN RESTART JUNE 12: California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed guidelines for film and TV productions to resume in Hollywood after months of shutdown due to coronavirus. “Music, TV and film production may resume in California, recommended no sooner than June 12, 2020, and subject to approval by county public health officers within the jurisdictions of operations following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing,” the California Department of Public Health said in a statement via the Governor’s Office on Friday. “To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should adhere to Office Workspace guidelines published by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Industrial Relations, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

BEYONCÉ, LADY GAGA, BTS, LIZZO, TAYLOR SWIFT, KATY PERRY, MORE APPEAR DURING ‘DEAR CLASS OF 2020’ – (06/08/2020)

Inspirational leaders, celebrities and YouTube creators came together yesterday to celebrate the class of 2020 as part of YouTube Originals’ Dear Class of 2020.

The virtual commencement event celebrated graduates, their families and their local communities. The celebration featured commencement speeches from Lady Gaga, BTS, and more.

Lizzo opened the event with a performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” with the New York Philharmonic, followed by Alicia Keys giving a speech addressing the graduates and their families.

Leon Bridges, Camila Cabello, Noah Cyrus, Cynthia Erivo, Khalid, Tove Lo, Chris Martin, Ben Platt and Ty Dolla $ign teamed up for a special rendition of U2’s “Beautiful Day,” introduced by Bono.

Katy Perry concluded the ceremony and led the graduates in the ceremonial tassel turn.

Alicia Keys was the first speaker to offer her thoughts. She began by congratulating the grads, adding: “But let’s be honest, it’s been a hard week, and a hard month and a hard year. Right now, it may not feel like there’s much to celebrate, and that’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay right now.” She also addressed the state of civil unrest in America and the protests against racial injustice worldwide and saluting the ways graduates responded to national tragedy by trying to better the world around them.

Justin Timberlake pointed out how historically unique this ceremony would be and Taylor Swift shared that she too was not able to have a traditional graduation, due to being in the midst of a radio tour. BTS also delivered individual messages from all seven members.

The cast of Schitt’s Creek reunited – with a very special guest joining them. As the Rose family and their friends serenaded students with a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” Carey herself hopped on the Zoom call. Carey even offered a few bars of “Always Be My Baby” following the performance.

Lady Gaga began her address by explaining that she had to re-record her speech after “the murder of George Floyd, and the subsequent activist movement protesting police brutality and systemic racism in this country.” She offered, “There is much to be sad about, there’s also much to be celebrated…  you are watching what is a pivotal moment in the country’s evolution. You’re watching society change in a deeply important way.”

Beyoncé delivered one of the longest and most powerful messages. “Thank you for using your collective voice in letting the word know that Black Lives Matter,” she said. “Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates we celebrate today.” She also slammed the continuing sexism that persists in the music industry. She finished by shouting out those who still felt like outsiders.

Dear Class of 2020 was original set for June 6th, but was moved in honor of George Floyd’s memorial service.

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Full Story: E!

OPRAH WINFREY TO HOST TWO-NIGHT TV TOWN HALL: Oprah Winfrey will host a two-night TV town hall addressing racism in America following the protests following the murder of George Floyd. The event, dubbed OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?, is scheduled to air June 9 and 10. It will be available on OWN, it’s social channels and Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV and the Science Channel. “There is no one like Oprah to bring us all together at this critical moment in our history to offer insights, perspective and action,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Inc. “We are honored to partner with OWN and use our global reach to amplify this important discussion about the global issues of economic and social justice and equality to a potential audience of one billion people across more than 200 markets in a way that only Discovery can.”

JUSTIN BIEBER SAYS ‘I HAVE BENEFITED OFF BLACK CULTURE’ AS HE VOWS TO FIGHT RACIAL INJUSTICE – (06/08/2020)

Justin Bieber has released a new statement about the Black Lives Matter movement and how he intends to “be a part of much needed change.”

“I am inspired by black culture. I have benefited off of black culture,” Justin said on Instagram. “My style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by black culture.”

He added, “I am committed to using my platform from this day forward to learn, to speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression, and to identify ways to be a part of much needed change.”

Bieber has been vocal about the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in police custody in May, which has sparked protests in the U.S. and worldwide.

“No lives matter until black lives matter,” he posted via Instagram on May 28th. A day later, He encouraged his followers to “rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation.”

On Saturday, Bieber also paid tribute to Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police who entered her home in March and would have celebrated her 27th birthday on June 5th. He encouraged his fans to honor Taylor’s memory by taking actions including signing a petition to have the officers involved in her death arrested.

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Full Story: Billboard

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