EURweb |
10-09-09 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
JACKSON 5 BLACKFACE SKIT DRAWS IRE: Aussie talent show contestants paint faces black for performance; judge Connick Jr. speaks out. (Video)
*An Australian TV special has apologized for a skit in which the contestants donned blackface and afro wigs to imitate the Jackson 5, and whiteface to mimic lead singer Michael Jackson.
The comedy troupe, who called themselves "Jackson Jive," featured four men who painted their faces black and donned afro wigs as they sang and danced behind a Michael Jackson impersonator wearing white makeup.
Viewers of the show, titled "Hey Hey It's Saturday," quickly took to Twitter and accused the program of racism. Also, American singer Harry Connick Jr., who served as a guest judge on the popular show, was visibly shocked by the skit and called for an immediate apology.
"If I knew that was going to be part of the show I definitely wouldn't have done it," Connick said after calling a halt to the skit and awarding the six performing members with a zero rating.
The show's host Daryl Somers apologized to Connick on air during the special reunion program watched by 2.3 million people, acknowledging producers had been briefed on the skit, based on a similar one performed 20 years earlier.
"I know that to your countrymen, that's an insult to have a blackface routine like that on the show, so I do apologize to you," Somers said.
Connick responded: "I just want to say, on behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that we take it really to heart."
Anand Deva, the frontman of the "Jackson Jive" act, said it was not meant to cause offense but added he would not have performed it in the United States.
On Twitter, one viewer called the show "embarrassing and distasteful" and questioned "Is it racist for white folks to paint their faces black?"
While the live crowd was largely supportive of the skit, 62 percent of respondents to an online poll by The Courier-Mail newspaper called the segment "tasteless and racist."
"Hey Hey" ran for 27 years starting in 1971. The "Jackson Jive" group first appeared on the show 20 years ago and were invited back to reprise their roles during the second of two reunion shows for the once-popular program.
Watch clip here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dB6-uXvaNY&feature=player_embedded
LISARAYE TARGETS STAR JONES, VIVICA: New TV One reality show to reportedly air out her former friends.
*LisaRaye McCoy-Misick's upcoming reality show for TV One is said to include dirty laundry about the demise of her friendships with several celebs, including Star Jones and Vivica A. Fox.
As previously reported, cameras will capture LisaRaye as she focuses on her acting career, helps her 19-year-old daughter Kai transition into adulthood; keeps her incarcerated sister, Da Brat, in line; takes care of her ailing mother, and tries to hold down a love life.
According to the New York Daily News, the as-yet-untitled series will also mention that a slew of her celebrity friends abandoned her after her divorce last year from Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick.
The newspaper reported Thursday:
First up is former "View" co-host Jones, who raised McCoy's ire by supposedly supporting Misick after the divorce. "LisaRaye hosted Star at her home in the Turks & Caicos for three weeks when Star was going through her divorce from Al Reynolds," says a source close to the TV One series. "When the tables turned and McCoy's marriage ended, Star was helping LisaRaye's husband."
That allegedly included counseling Misick and even recommending her personal damage-control publicist to aid him during the messy split.
McCoy says she was also double-crossed by former best friend Fox, who allegedly shared McCoy's most intimate secrets with Misick. "LisaRaye hasn't spoken to Vivica since," said the source.
The list doesn't stop there - in fact, it gets worse. McCoy also counts "106 & Park" host Rosci as an enemy, accusing the BET star of having an illicit affair with Misick. Even McCoy's former TV hubby on "All of Us"
has fallen out of favor - McCoy claims actor Duane Martin provided a mistress for her then-husband in an effort to do business on Turks & Caicos.
"LisaRaye intends to use her show as an outlet to air it all," says the source. "She's been quiet until now, but when she starts sharing these stories, it'll make 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' look like a gathering of church ladies."
'MO'NIQUE' RATINGS DELIVER FOR BET: Monday's premiere was network's highest rated program this season.
*BET's Monday premiere of "The Mo'Nique Show" drew 1.5 million viewers, making it the top-rated program of the season for the network, Variety reported. Tuesday's broadcast was seen by 1.9 million, according to Nielsen.
Airing at 11 p.m. weeknights, the hour-long talk show improved on its lead-in substantially. Director Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman"
saw an audience of 758,000 on Monday, and the first installment of "Mo'Nique" nearly doubled that viewership.
Guests for the inaugural episode were Steve Harvey, R&B artists Monica and Jeremih and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. The show tapes in the Georgia capital.
Meanwhile, Mo'Nique will be a player in this season's Oscar race for her performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." She's receiving strong reviews, and at Sundance, she drew the special jury prize while the film took the audience award.
ROXANNE SHANTE RESPONDS TO PHD CONTROVERSY: 'I would like to apologize that this story regarding my post recording career has caused such a ruckus.'
*Former rapper Roxanne Shante has released a statement in response to recent revelations about her academic credentials, including false reports of her earning a PhD and having her former record label foot the bill for her tuition.
After a recent feel-good story from the New York Daily News told of the artist receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Marymount Manhattan College and a PhD in Psychology from Cornell University, Slate Magazine decided to investigate.
According to their findings, New York state records indicate that no one named Lolita Gooden or Roxanne Shanté is licensed to practice psychology or any related field.
The magazine also investigated Shante's claims that Warner Music Group funded her education because of a clause in her recording contract with them. The publication found that neither Warner, nor any of its subsidiary record labels ever had a contract with Shanté, and it was not obligated to pay for her education. And, there’s no evidence that it ever did.
Slate further reported: "Shanté doesn’t have a Ph.D. from Cornell or anywhere else. Indeed, she admitted it in an interview with Slate. And Cornell has no record of Gooden (or “Shanté”) ever attending or receiving a degree. According to Marymount Manhattan College records, Shanté enrolled there but dropped out less than four months later without ever earning a degree."
A rep for Shante explained that Cornell's Web site had posted a picture of the artist and listed her name as "Dr. Shante," when in fact, she "didn't receive the years of education to constitute a PhD. She did not falsely promote herself as a PhD, but rather she continued what the college started in how they basically said she was a doctor."
On Thursday, Shante sent us the following statement responding to the controversy:
I would like to thank my long time fans and supporters for your continued support. I am humbled and grateful to all of you for that.
Without going into all of the details as of right now, I would like to apologize that this story regarding my post recording career has caused such a ruckus. The entire story will be revealed at a later time.
Throughout my career and life, I have been faced with many challenges, both professionally and personally. Like all of you, I am human, and may have not made the correct decision all the time. And, like anyone else, I would like to think that my entire life or career is not judged by one error or mistake.
It is very easy to criticize someone and I have left myself open to criticism. That is fair.
There are plenty of people that will attest that I have done a lot for them. It seems though, that negativity gets more attention than positivity.
All I can say to that, is before you level any further criticism and cynicism, walk in my shoes. I am making this statement to apologize to the people that truly care about me for any angst that this situation has caused, and to thank them for their continued support. I am proud of what I have been able to do for so many others, and would like to let those persons know that I will continue to be there for them no matter what.
I am proud that during my twenty plus years as a pioneer in the Hip-Hop industry, to have opened doors for those who came after me, such as MC Lyte, Salt N Peppa, and Queen Latifah to name a few.
I will have no further statement in regards to this matter at this time.
Regards,
Roxanne Shante
GOLDEN BROOKS, D.B. WOODSIDE WELCOME DAUGHTER: 'Girlfriends' vet gave birth last month to their first child.
*Actress Golden Brooks and her boyfriend of over a year D.B. Woodside are the parents of new daughter Dakota Tao Brooks-Woodside, born Sept. 1, reports People.com.
Brooks, best known for her lead role on the CW sitcom "Girlfriends," says of the new arrival "everyone is insanely in love with her. We're so happy."
"My mom and dad have moved in to be around her that much more! We're already calling her our little jumping bean because she's so active!"
Brooks will next be seen in the indie film, "Polish Bar." Woodside, whose initials D.B. stand for David Bryan, is best known for playing President Wayne Palmer on the Fox series "24."
MARLON WAYANS HEADED TO PRYOR BIOPIC: Actor in 'advanced talks' to play icon on big screen.
*Marlon Wayans is in advanced talks to play comedy legend Richard Pryor in "Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?" for Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions and Sony Pictures.
The $20 million production will follow Pryor's controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs reports, Entertainment Weekly.
"Dreamgirls" and "Gods & Monsters" writer/director Bill Condon will direct from his own screenplay, while Chris Rock, Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and Mark Gordon are also on board as producers.
Wayans beat out Eddie Murphy who was originally attached to star. Sources tell EW.com that Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13- min screen test where he “transforms into Pryor.”
CONRAD MURRAY MAY FACE ARREST: Warrant may be issued after Michael Jackson's personal doc failed to show at a family court hearing.
*An arrest warrant may be issued for the doctor at the center of an investigation into Michael Jackson's death after he missed a hearing to explain late child support payments.
Clark County District Attorney David Roger said a district judge could approve an arrest warrant for Dr. Conrad Murray that's recommended by a family court hearing master within 10 days, reports the AP.
"At that time, we'll send our investigators out to locate and arrest Dr. Murray," Roger said.
Roger says Murray, who owes $13,000 in unpaid child support to a California woman, can object to the warrant before a judge approves it.
Murray's lawyer in the Jackson case, Edward Chernoff, is not representing Murray in the family court case, Chernoff spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik said Thursday. Sevcik said she did not know whether the 56-year-old doctor had another attorney for the child support case.
Roger said he also plans to ask the state medical board to suspend Murray's medical license because of the unpaid support. Roger said his office would soon file a motion in family court and send a letter to the board saying Murray is behind on his payments. Murray would have 30 days after that to make good on past payments, or risk suspension of his professional license, Roger said.
Meanwhile, prosecutors in Los Angeles are weighing charges against Murray in Jackson's death. Murray told police he administered a powerful anesthetic to the singer shortly before Jackson died June 25.
TV ONE PREMIERES 'BREAST CANCER EXAMINED': Roundtree, Union, Carroll among celebs in documentary to promote early detection and treatment.
*In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TV One will premiere "Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective," a one-hour original special promoting early detection and treatment on Sunday (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m.
The documentary, produced as part of a collaboration with Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org), focuses on the organization’s African American breast cancer initiative, “Circle of Promise.” The show travels from Washington DC to Dallas to Los Angeles, probing into the areas of prevention, detection, treatment and empowerment for survivors, their families and friends.
Despite the decline of breast cancer in the general population, it remains the most common and second leading cause of cancer fatalities among African American women. Breast cancer also affects a small percentage of men, with African American men’s survival rates being lower than the general population.
Personal stories play an integral role in "Breast Cancer Examined" as the film dissects the many facets of breast cancer. Individual patients invite viewers inside their world as they experience different phases of the process including treatment, and aftercare/survival.
Through these stages, viewers will learn about the types of breast cancer, the numerous kinds of treatments, and different approaches to surviving, living and thriving. These patients’ depictions present a compelling view of how real people everyday deal with breast cancer and why early detection and treatment can make the difference between life and death.
The film includes interviews with a number of celebrities, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure Circle of Promise ambassadors actor Richard Roundtree, journalist and author Rene Syler and syndicated radio personality Ebony Steele, who share their personal experiences with breast cancer.
Circle of Promise ambassadors actress Gabrielle Union and artist Synthia Saint James are also featured. In addition, breast cancer survivors and actresses Diahann Carroll and Alaina Reed Hall give emotional accounts of their personal experiences.
WILL.I.AM TO JUDGE WHITE HOUSE VIDEO CONTEST: Artist among panel to choose winner of clip backing health care reform.
*Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am is among the celebrity judges who will choose the winner of a contest to produce a video backing President Barack Obama's proposed health care reforms.
Others celebs on the panel include actress Kate Walsh of ABC's "Private Practice"; Seth MacFarlane, the creator of hit animated series "Family Guy," and half a dozen other entertainment names, officials announced Wednesday.
From the world of politics, the judging panel will feature Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who is also head of the Democratic National Committee (DNC); DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon and David Plouffe, Obama's election campaign manager, among others.
"Your video can be serious or funny, simple or sophisticated. Just make sure to focus on why we need to fix today's broken system, or how President Obama's plan will help make sure all Americans have the care they need," said an email sent out by Plouffe announcing the judging panel for the competition.
Video entries can be no more than 30 seconds long and must be submitted by U.S. citizens. The deadline is Oct. 18.
The prize for the winner will be the honor of having their video "used in a television advertisement associated with Sponsor's health reform campaign."
TARAJI AND TERRENCE TEAM FOR 'SOUL TRAIN': Award show returns next month with Oscar-nominated actors as hosts.
*New cable channel Centric announces the return of the "Soul Train Awards" with Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard slated to co-host, organizers announced Thursday.
As previously reported, the event will tape at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and will premiere on both Centric and BET in a special simulcast at 9 p.m.
The "Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" special will honor the careers and musical influences of legendary artists Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds.
Tickets for the show are by invite only and not available for purchase.
BET TO AIR MICHAEL VICK REALITY SHOW: Series to follow QB's personal and professional struggles since release from prison.
*The Los Angeles Times is reporting that BET has picked up a reality show about controversial NFL quarterback Michael Vick and his attempt to resurrect his career and personal life after an 18-month prison stint.
Tentatively titled "The Michael Vick Project," the show will follow his comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles while also examining his tumultuous past -- including his troubled childhood and his 2007 arrest for financing a dogfighting ring.
"I just want people to really get to know me as an individual," Vick told the paper. "What I want to do is change the perception of me. I am a human being. I've made some mistakes in the past, and I wish it had never happened. But it's not about how you fall, but about how you pick yourself up."
The project is being produced by DuBose Entertainment; Vick's production company, MV7 Productions; and Category 5 Entertainment.
Producers say the series is not a typical reality show like VH1's "The T.O. Show," but rather a serious docu-series that focuses on his personal struggles since his release, including the strains on his relationships with his fiancée, Kijafa Frink, and his children. It will also revisit the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., where Vick spent 1 1/2 years behind bars and the Virginia property where he ran and financed a dogfighting ring.
The TV show has the support of the Eagles, the NFL and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has served as Vick's mentor since his imprisonment, say the producers. Also on board, they say, is the Humane Society, which has enlisted Vick in its battle to end the widespread abuse of dogs in the inner city.
"This show can be a blueprint for so many kids," Vick said. "I want to show them that things are going to happen, that they're not going to get through life without dealing with some kind of adversity. I want to show that if they have a fall from grace, this is how they can turn it around. We want this to be a story of hope."
Vick is aware that the series may do little to alter the negative perception some hold against him.
"All I can ask is that people are receptive and come to this with an open mind," said Vick. "I can't change the past, I can only change the present. I know there are people who can't forget what I did, but I hope they can someday forgive me."
ESSENCE ATKINS GOES 'THERE' FOR TBS: Newlywed joins TV adaptation of 'Are We There Yet?'
*Newly-married actress Essence Atkins has landed the female lead opposite Terry Crews on TBS' upcoming comedy series "Are We There Yet?" a TV adaptation of the 2005 film that starred Ice Cube.
The small screen version centers on newly married Nick Persons (Crews) and Suzanne Kingston (Atkins) who move into a new home with Suzanne's two children.
Last month, Atkins ("Half & Half") married her boyfriend (http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur56363.cfm) Jaime Mendez after meeting him less than two years ago through online dating site Match.com.
WESLEY SNIPES 'GAME' FOR NEW ACTION FILM: Actor reteams with his 'King of New York' director for Sony project.
*Wesley Snipes and director Abel Ferrara are reuniting on action-thriller "Game of Death," their first project together since Ferrara's 1990 cult picture "King of New York."
According to Variety, Snipes stars as a politician's bodyguard who must fend off five of the world's top assassins.
The film will be distributed in the U.S. through Sony Pictures.
In 2008 Snipes was convicted on three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file federal income tax returns, and on April 24 sentenced to three years in prison. On May 22, the trial court ruled that Snipes may remain free while his appeal is being considered.
"NCIS: LA" GETS FULL SEASON PICKUP: CBS likes what it sees in spinoff starring LL Cool J.
*CBS has given a full-season pickup to "NCIS: Los Angeles," the LL Cool J-led freshman drama that also carries the title of most-watched new show of the fall season.
The "NCIS" spinoff that focuses on undercover work in Los Angeles is currently averaging 17.5 million viewers, according to the Hollywood Reporter, and has won its time slot among viewers and adults 25-54 over the last three weeks.
The network has also committed to a full season of "The Good Wife,"
the second most-watched freshman series, pulling 13.7 million viewers.
RAPHAEL SAADIQ TO 'SEE' MORE ROAD WORK: Crooner books Nov and Dec shows to promote latest album.
*Singer/songwriter Raphael Saadiq will hit the road later this year in continued support of his latest album, last year's "The Way I See It."
The tour begins Nov. 16 in Seattle and hits 20 cities in November and December before coming to a stop Dec. 16 in Minneapolis. Canadian singer Anjulie and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Janelle Monae will open on select dates.
"The Way I See It," heavily infused with '60s R&B and soul touches, features guest appearances by Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and Joss Stone, whose "Introducing Joss Stone" Saadiq produced in 2007.
Below are Saadiq's tour dates:
November 2009
16 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
17 - Portland, OR - McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
18 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre
20 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theatre
21 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
24 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
25 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
28 - Miami, FL - Fillmore @ Jackie Gleason Theatre
29 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Hotel
30 - Atlanta, GA - Centerstage
December 2009
2 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
4 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
5 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues
6 - Baltimore, MA - Ram's Head Tavern
7 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
9 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
11 - Toronto Ontario - Kool House
12 - Montreal Quebec - Metropolis
14, 15 - Chicago, IL - Park West
16 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
ANNE-MARIE JOHNSON RETAINS SAG VP POST: Actress lost presidential election, but remains as 1st national vice president.
*Anne-Marie Johnson, who lost the SAG presidential election last month, has retained her post as 1st national vice president, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The Hollywood Division board re-elected Johnson by acclamation Monday. She also will continue as chair of the division's board.
"I hope to continue to help lead with honesty, inclusion and determination," she said. "We are and will be facing extraordinary challenges, and it is my responsibility to do my best to continue to put the concerns and well-being of SAG members first."
Johnson ("JAG," "Pursuit of Happiness") is a 25-year SAG member who has served three previous terms as 1st national vp.
NC A&T WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR GUCCI MANE GIG: University removes name from concert after student protests.
*Officials at North Carolina A&T have cut ties with an upcoming concert featuring controversial rapper Gucci Mane after a number of protests from students.
The artist is due to play at the school's homecoming on October 31 alongside Fabolous and Keri Hilson. But the booking angered students, who protested over the star's alleged gang ties and violent lyrics.
University bosses were unable to pull the plug on Mane's appearance because the contract had been signed and over 6,000 tickets sold, but they have now agreed to distance the institution from the concert by removing the university's name from the event.
University Chancellor, Dr. Harold Martin, tells Allhiphop.com, "The headliners booked for our student concert have generated dissonance among our student leaders and our constituents. This dissonance has provoked internal discussion and policy reviews which are both necessary and welcomed and which will undoubtedly make us better as a university community.
"We have agreed with the promoter to remove the name of North Carolina A&T State University from the event. While this does not absolve us of our connection to the event, it allows us, within our limited options, to take a moral stand while we simultaneously honor our legal obligations."
WE REMEMBER BEN ALI: Founder of DC Landmark 'Ben's Chili Bowl' dies of natural causes at 82.
*Ben Ali, the founder of Ben's Chili Bowl diner, a landmark in Washington's black business and entertainment district and a frequent stop for politicians and celebrities, has died, reports the Associated Press. He was 82.
Ali died of natural causes Wednesday night at his home, restaurant manager Maurice Harcum said Thursday. Ali was born in 1927 and opened the restaurant with his wife, Virginia, in an old movie house in 1958, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and integrating public schools.
It became a longtime fixture in the black business community, serving up bowls of chili and its trademark chili-covered half-smokes. The smothered sausages became Washington's answer to the Philly Cheese Steak when rivalries flared between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.
Ali's family posted a statement on the restaurant's Web site thanking people for an outpouring of support.
"Family, friends, and countless fans of Ben's will sorely miss the energetic and unforgettable personality of Ben Ali," the family wrote. "He was a true hero of the people and a great example of someone who actually epitomized the American dream."
Ali was an immigrant from Trinidad who moved to Washington and studied at Howard University.
The newlywed couple opened the restaurant on U Street, then known as America's "Black Broadway" for its thriving black-owned shops and theaters.
Jazz greats Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole performed along the strip and were known to visit Ben's.
More recently, Bill Cosby has been a favorite guest — joining Ali to celebrate the diner's 45th anniversary — as well as President Barack Obama in January. After the 2008 presidential election, the Ali family put up a
sign: "Who eats free at Ben's: _Bill Cosby _The Obama Family."
Before that, only Cosby ate for free.
The restaurant has survived tumultuous times, including the 1968 race riots, years of urban blight and recent gentrification in the surrounding neighborhood. Virginia Ali, who oversaw the business with her sons Kamal and Nizam in recent years, has said the family didn't want to move. She said the business survived because of community support. Ben's celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2008.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."
— Les Brown
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Oct. 9: R&B singer Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) is 65. Actor Tyler James Williams ("Everybody Hates Chris") is 17.
Oct. 10: Actor-dancer Ben Vereen is 63. Singer Cyril Neville of The Neville Brothers is 61. Singer Mya is 30.
Oct. 11: Rapper U-God of Wu-Tang Clan is 39. Rapper MC Lyte is 38.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
In these tough economic times, a job source is a great resource. Here's one: www.HBCUCareerCenter.com
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Oct. 9, 1975: Professional baseball player, Frank Robinson, becomes the manager of the Cleveland Indians and the first black manager of a major league team.
Oct. 10, 1966: Black Panther Party founded in Oakland, Calif. by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale.
Oct. 11, 1887: The elevator, as well as safety devices for elevators, were invented by Alexander Miles, Patent # 371,207
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
