Cops say a man tried to steal Halle Berry’s house. Authorities have charged Ronald Eugene Griffin after he allegedly came to the actress’ L.A home twice. First, Griffin reportedly shows up in January trying to work on the locks, but the house staff chases him away. Then a month later, authorities say he returned with a locksmith, and they actually get one of the locks changed. Another houses staffer shows up that time and calls out Griffin and his locksmith. Griffin, who reportedly claimed he owned the house, and Berry’s house staffer both threaten to call the cops. Cops show up and Griffin is investigated. Griffin was arrested and charged with forging a deed and other related charges. Because Berry’s house is listed under a trust, it may have been hard to tell the Oscar winner is the actual owner. At press time, 59-year old Griffin remains in custody in lieu of $36,000 bail.
Mariah Carey is suing her ex-assistant for $5 million accusing her of breaching their confidentiality agreement. The singer/songwriter’s alleged escapades have been leaked left and right to the media: cheating on her billionaire ex with a back up dancer, the super spending sprees, the butt injections and the fillers. Carey is reportedly furious that these stories are now public. Will the suit only bring more details out about Carey’s personal life? Time will tell.
Serena Williams graces the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. Congrats to the tennis phenom. Williams becomes the second African American tennis player to grace the cereal box that’s made its reputation putting legendary athletes on the cover. The first was Althea Gibson, who was both a pro tennis player and pro golfer.
Ciara, Teyana Taylor and the legendary Iman split the cover Essence magazine. It’s the July/August issue and the summer themed edition celebrates 25 years of Essencefest.
Meanwhile, did Ebony magazine stiff its writers?The legendary publication, which has seen various owners since the death of Founder/Publisher John H. Johnson in 2005, is now being accused of firing its digital team and not paying them. First, for publications in this day and age, digital is everything. There’s too much competition beating you to the punch if you don’t have a digital presence. Published reports say the investment corporation that now owns Ebony sent out a notice that a delay in receiving capital is the reason paychecks were notsent out that period. The Clear View Group, which now owns Ebony, is not commenting on the accusations or the lawsuits thathave also been filed against the publication. By the way, the cover of this month’s Ebony features the cast of Shaft:Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Hall (Girls Trip), Jessie T. Usher (Independence Day: Resurgence), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men; Straight Outta Compton), Method Man and Richard Roundtree (the original Shaft). Shaft is in theaters now.
It’s another girl for The Bryants. Retired NBA Superstar and Philly native Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa welcomed daughter Capri Kobe Bryant earlier this month. Capri is the couple’s fourth child and joins big sisters Bianka, two-years old, Gianna, 13, and 16 year-old Natalia. All are doing well and congratulations to The Bryants.
The BET Awards 2019 is in the history books. Now they did have a lot of no-shows (Regina King; Michael B. Jordan; BlacKkKlansman), but the highlights made up for it. Tyler Perry’s emotional speech when he accepted the ICON award was about his life, helping others and business ownership. Tyler’s been wonderful to me over the years and I knew him way back when. People were visibly moved. He also announced the streaming service, BET Plus, will begin this fall. Then Mary J. Blige was amazing during her Lifetime Achievement Award segment. She did her own music and brought it. Now, that speaks volumes about today’s music and singers because usually other singers sing the honoree’s songs to her in tribute. But, The Queen Of Hip Hop Soul took to her throne and didn’t disappoint. Remember, she’s coming to Atlantic City (July 20th) and Philly (September 7th) with Nas on The Royalty Tour. Some other highlights included tributes to Nipsey Hussle and Filmmaker John Singleton. One of Singleton’s exes took to social media to criticize how short Singleton’s tribute was. Singleton’s mom and manager, Shelia Ward, quickly checked her and explained Singleton’s ex doesn’t speak for the family and the family liked the tribute. Then, there was Lizzo who rewrote the book on twerking. She performed her hit Truth Hurts and played the flute between dance moves. Lizzo is coming to town at The Met on Wednesday, September 18th for the Cuz I Love You Tour. The BET Awards will be re-airing throughout most of the summer.
After divorcing in 2017, it’s time to say congrats to Mike Epps. The 49-year old comedian/actor married a 29-year old TV producer. Kyra Robinson is a producer for OWN, and now she’s found love with Epps. The Whispers even performed at the reception. Congratulations to The Epps.
Congrats to Eddie Murphy and his ex-wife Nicole Murphy. Their son Miles is expecting a baby girl with his girlfriend Carly Olivia.Nicole Murphy took to social media and announced she’s excited to become a G-Ma. Eddie Murphy himself welcomed his latest child, Max, with his girlfriend Paige Butcher just this past December. Speaking of Eddie, Comedian Jermaine Fowler (Superior Donuts) will join him for Coming To America II. Kenya Barris will be executive producer and an August 2020 release date is scheduled.
Cardi B pleads not guilty. The BET Awards’ Album Of The Year recipient is facing possible jail time after she was indicted on 12 charges, which includes two counts of felony attempted assault with intent to cause serious physical injury. These charges stem from a fight that happened at a strip club. Allegedly, the rapper ordered two of her team members, the tough ones, to beat up a couple of strip club bartenders she thought were her husband Offset’s sidejawns. Cardi B faces 4 years in prison.
Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter are reunited…..to support their son Kevin, Jr. Kevin, Jr. appeared in court and pled not guilty to charges in connection to a fight he had with his dad in public that led to Jr. punching Sr. in the face. Kevin Sr. and Wendy were in a car outside of the courtroom proceedings as the first part of their united front to get their son out of legal jeopardy. Jr.’s lawyer says he expects the case to be fully resolved as Sr. has no interest in pressing charges. The divorce is still on between Jr.’s parents however. They’re just putting their son’s welfare first.
A judge has ordered a special prosecutor to re-examine the Jussie Smollett case and why charges were dropped. The judge also noted that if the special prosecutor sees fit, the prosecutor can bring charges. That note could come back to haunt both sides if any case is brought against Smollett. Meanwhile, the body cam footage of police speaking with Smollett shortly after the alleged attack has been released. Smollett was still wearing the noose around his neck while taking to police. He reportedly realized he was being recorded and then wanted to stop the conversation. Chicago PD accused Smollett of staging an attack against himself that he reported as a racial and homophobic attack. Smollett was initially charged with multiple felonies, but the State’s Attorney’s Office dropped the charges. A judge initially sealed the documents in the case then another judge ordered them released. The City Of Chicago is currently suing Smollett for the cost of the man-hours police put into the case. Smollett maintains his innocence. By the way, the sixth and final season of Empire, which Smollett will not be returning to, premieres on its new night Tuesday September 24th.
Spider-Man: Far From Home, starring Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisa Tomei, JB Smoove and Zendaya, hits theaters July 2nd.
The silver anniversary of the Essence Festival is taking place in New Orleans. Forever First Lady Michelle Obama makes her Essence debut, and she’ll join Mary J. Bilge, Pharrell Williams, Teddy Riley, Missy Elliott, Brandy, MC Lyte, Musiq Soulchild, Major, Ro James, Queen Naija and El DeBarge and the return of Frankie Beverly & Maze to the Essence Fest. The 25th Annual Essence Festival will run Friday, July 5th through Sunday July, 7th.
The Dell Music Center has announced its 2019 line up for the summer. Everything kicks off Thursday, July 11th with the premiere groups of Philly Soul The O’Jays with special guests Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Intruders and Bloodstone and the rest of the lineup:
Thursday, July 18th: Ne-Yo and Tamia
Thursday, July 25th: The Whispers and Stephanie Mills
Thursday, August 1st: India.Arie/Raheem DeVaughn/Major
Thursday, August 8th: Anthony Hamilton/Ledisi/Gregory Porter
Thursday, August 15th: Guy featuring Teddy Riley/Tank/Avant
Saturday, August 17th: Jordan Feliz
Thursday, August 22nd: SWV/Faith Evans/Silk/Next
Thursday, August 29th: Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill/Stokley
Hip Hop’s Billionaire, Jay-Z, is presenting Made In America 2019 in Philly. Cardi B and Travis Scott are headlining. Also on the bill are Freddie Gibbs, Grace Carter, Kodak Black and Anderson.Paak. The festivities take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31st through Sunday, September 1st. Tickets and information can be found at madeinamericafest.com.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Saturday, June 29th – The WDAS Block Party starring Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Mase, DJ D-Nice and Musiq Soulchild at The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
This Saturday, June 29th– Diana Ross in concert at Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto theborgata.com for tickets and information.
This Saturday, June 29th– Chaka Khan & Michael McDonald in concert at The Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 6th– Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th– Lionel Richie in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Friday, July 12th– Patti LaBelle in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Center in Bensalem, PA City. Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 20th– The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 20th– JB Smoove in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Center in Bensalem, PA City. Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, August 17th – Hammer’s House Party starring MC Hammer, Kid ‘n Play, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Biz Markie & DJ Koolat The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue, on Saturday, June 29th. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Monday, September 2nd – Patty Jackson’s Annual Party In The Park starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Whodini and Big Daddy Kane at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or log onto mydelleast.com
Saturday, September 7th - The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, September 28th – Snoop Dogg & Friends at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Thursday, December 12th– Sinbad in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Center in Bensalem, PA City. Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.