Photo Credit: youtube CNN HDLN News Morgan Freeman not a Still photo but video 5 24 18
Morgan Freeman, the reigning dean of acting on the big screen, now stands accused of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment toward eight women. Years ago, the Oscar winner was caught in a car accident with a woman who was not his wife. A divorce quickly followed along with another more outrageous rumor that Freeman was involved with another woman….his Step-Granddaughter. Freeman was mum on the car accident and denied the step-granddaughter stories. Now, 16 people claim to be witnesses and have confirmed a pattern of inappropriate comments and touching by Freeman with eight women who confirm they are victims. The alleged incidents took place on movie sets and at Freeman’s production company. The behavior noted ranges from unwanted back rubbing to trying to lift women’s skirts on the movie set. Comments are even alleged to be toward his production company’s high ranking co-founder. A CNN producer, Chloe Melas, has also come forward about inappropriate remarks she alleges Freeman made toward her at a movie press junket while she was pregnant. Freeman has issued an apology to anyone who may have felt disrespected or uncomfortable by any of his actions, which was not his intent.
Mary J. Blige has new money woes!!! This time it’s not the I.R.S. It’s not a promoter or manager. It’s not even her ex-husband Kendu Isaacs. Blige is being sued for allegedly missing three payments……..on mansions in North Jersey. When Blige was still married to Kendu Isaacs, they bought mansions. But, since the divorce was finalized, the owners claim Blige hasn’t been paying the mortgage. Kendu was Blige’s manager when they were together. But, now that the divorce is final, it all seems to be in Blige’s hands. Can she settle this up or is back to the courthouse?
Michelle Obama’s new book Becoming will be released in the fall and our Forever First Lady is giving a little preview. Mrs. Obama recently revealed that the day of her wedding, future President Barack Obama had a head cold. But, he miraculously recovered enough by the time they met at the altar to be able to dance all night. More good news for the Obama’s: they’ve signed a deal with Netflix. The Obamas will be both in front and behind the scenes with projects based on common values and promoting the art of storytelling. Look for the Netflix deal to begin in 2019. Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, will be out November 13th.
Jamie Foxx returns to The BET Awards as host, but did producers actually want to serve Haddish this year? Foxx’s last time at bat for this show was 2009, the year Michael Jackson suddenly died. The show was overshadowed by that news and did heavy compensating for that musical loss. This year, DJ Khaled leads with six nominations. Kendrick Lamar is next with five nominations, and SZA and Migos have four each. So why isn’t the currently hot Comedienne and Actress Tiffany Haddish hosting? Because she was already signed as host for the MTV Movie And TV Awards, and MTV didn’t want to hurt their show. Now remember BET and MTV are sister networks and are both owned by Viacom. Could this be a case of sibling rivalry? Not a good idea if it is.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Haddish is everywhere. The comedienne and actress is on the cover of W magazine. She has an incredible photo shoot and interview inside as she is crowned A Star For Our Time by the fashion magazine. As I said earlier, Haddish will also be the first African American woman to host The MTV Movie & TV Awards Monday, June 18th at 9pm. The Trailblazer Award will go to Emmy Winning Writer/Actress Lena Waithe (TV’s Master Of None; Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One). Haddish and Tracy Morgan’s series The Last OG has been renewed for a second season by TBS. And, Haddish has two movies on the horizon. First up, she co-stars with NBA Champ Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Chris Weber, Lisa Leslie and Erica Ash in Uncle Drew, based on Irving’s Pepsi commercial character, hitting theaters June 29th. Then Haddish co-stars with fellow Comedian Kevin Hart in Night School coming to theaters September 28th.
Professional Race Car Driver Danica Patrick will be the first female host of The ESPY’s. The long running awards show has long spotlighted excellence in the world of sports. This year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award will be shared by Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Aly Raisman and the dozens of victims of the sexual abuse of U.S. Olympic Doctor Larry Nassar, who essentially received a life sentence for the extreme amount of criminal sexual assault accounts against him. Raisman is among the women leading the charge for reform in the sports world and protection against pedophiles and other sexual abusers. The 26th Annual ESPY Awards will air on Wednesday, July 18th at 8pm on ABC.
The NFL Players cannot take a knee on the field. The NFL issued a directive that players must stand on the field for the national anthem, and any player who doesn’t want to, must remain in the locker room. At press time, no comment from the player’s union on this rule. President Trump weighed in and said he thought even staying in the locker room was too easy. The president also suggested anyone who didn’t want to stand not only shouldn’t be in the NFL, but shouldn’t be in the country. This rule essentially forbids the exact protest over racism and police brutality exercised by many players, but most notably by Colin Kaepernick, who many argued was blackballed from the league as a result.
There’s an R Kelly documentary coming to Hulu. The much accused singer, who had a marriage certificate surface with a then underage Aaliyah, the late singer, and who was tried and acquitted on child porn charges, will have an unauthorized documentary on his life. The focus will come from the reporting of Journalist Jim DeRogatis, who broke the story on the R Kelly sex cult accusations. Look for many accusers and a look at that the R Kelly criminal trial to be featured. At press time, Hulu has not announced an official title or premiere date for the R Kelly documentary.
More Whitney Houston revelations as we await another documentary on this late singer’s life. First molestation of Whitney accusations laid at the late singer’s cousin and fellow singer the late Dee Dee Warwick, sister of Dionne Warwick. Now comes word that Pat Houston, Whitney’s very visible sister-in-law, is participating in the documentary and spilling secrets. Was Bobbi Kristina abandoned by her parents Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston and raised by someone else until she was eight? Did Bobbi Kris hate her life making it easy for the substance abuse which came later along with an allegedly abusive relationship with Nick Gordon to take over? This is all featured in the only documentary to have the approval of The Whitney Houston estate. Whitney opens July 6th.
In other Bobby Brown news, his life story is at the center of the follow up TV movie to BET's smash hit The New Edition Story. Actor Woody McClain will once again play Brown. The two-part TV movie will span Brown's 30-year career. Look for stories revolving around Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid & Babyface, and among the women in Brown’s life, Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. The Bobby Brown Story will air this fall on BET.
Good Morning America will be expanding to three hours. It’s not just to compete with the four hours of The Today Show. The Chew has been cancelled, so GMA will cover that. The Chew never really recovered from losing Co-host Mario Batali after he was fired in the wake of sexual harassment allegations. GMA’s third hour will most likely air at 1pm, and that leaves Live with Kelly & Ryan protected at 9am. The date of the third hour premiere of GMA is expected sometime this summer.
We remember Songwriter/Producer Reggie Lucas. His hits span the decades and all launching with his work as a jazz guitarist for legends Billy Paul and then later for Miles Davis. He soon teamed with James Mtume (Mtume) as writers for Stephanie Mills (Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’; Never Knew Love Like This Before), Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (The Closer I Get To You), Phyllis Hyman (You Know How To Love Me; Under Your Spell). Then Lucas went on his own and most successfully with Madonna. She paid tribute to Lucas on social media as he wrote her super hit Borderline. Reggie Lucas died of heart disease at age 65.
CBS This Morning Anchor Gayle King has a new book out called Note To Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People. CBS This Morning asked its diverse list of guests to give a note to their younger selves. The book will feature thoughts from Oprah Winfrey, Congressman and Civil Rights Veteran John Lewis, Chelsea Handler, Vice President Joe Biden and Maya Angelou to name a few. Note To Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People, collected and introduced by King, is available in bookstores and on line now.
The stars return to the Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue, this summer. Tickets are going on sale this Saturday and check out the line up so far:
Thurs., July 5th – Kem / Tamar Braxton / Damien Escobar
Thurs., July 12th - Kool & The Gang / En Vogue
Thurs., July 19th - Tamela Mann
Sun., July 22nd – Ne-Yo / Lyfe Jennings
Thurs., July 26th – Charlie Wilson / Avery Sunshine
Also coming are Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat, Ralph Tresvant, Gregory Porter and RBRM, a.k.a. Ricky/Bobby/Ronnie & Mike, a.k.a. Ricky Bell/Bobby Brown/Ronnie DeVoe/Michael Bivens. For more information log onto mydelleast.org.
Spike Lee and Oscar Winner Jordan Peele have teamed up for the feature film BlacKkKlansman. The movie is based on the life experiences of African American Detective Ron Stallworth, who so successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado that he became the head of the chapter. Fresh off his Oscar winning box office hit, Get Out Writer and Director Jordan Peele teams up with Spike Lee with Lee and Peele both serve as producers and Lee taking on directing and co-writing duties. The film stars John David Washington (son of Denzel and Pauletta Washington), Topher Grace (That 70’s Show), Adam Driver and the legendary Harry Belafonte. BlacKkKlansman opens in theaters August 10th.
Speaking of Acting Icon Denzel Washington, he is set to reprise his role as “Robert McCall” in The Equalizer II coming to the big screen July 20th.
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Michael B. Jordan, who’s currently filming Creed in Philly, is on the cover of Essence’s June-Summer Style edition. Jordan’s latest project, Fahrenheit 451, is now airing on HBO and based the Ray Bradbury novel about a society that bands books and the so called firemen charged with burning them. Jordan, who co-executive produced the project, plays a fireman whose conscious is challenged while burning books. Jordan is also on the cover of the May issue of Men’s Health magazine. And, the record breaking box office smash Black Panther, starring Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira, is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Speaking of Black Panther, Danai Gurira is on the cover of Ebony’s June issue. The actress/playwright/producer/activist has a huge cover shoot inside as Ebony also celebrates Black Music Month.
NBA Star James Harden is on the cover of G.Q., but check out Actress/Writer/Producer Issa Rae’s photo shoot inside. Rae pays homage to her favorite 90’s sitcoms A Different World, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Family Matters and Moesha. Rae is also on the cover of G.Q.’s special comedy issue, and her hit show Insecure returns to HBO Sunday, August 12th at 10:30pm right after the season premiere of Ballers with Dwayne The Rock Johnson at 10pm.
Rihanna is on the cover of Vogue’s Up All Night feature for June 2018. Rihanna is also co-starring in the big screen heist-adventure-comedy Ocean’s 8 with Mindy Kaling, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Sara Paulson, Helen Bonham Carter and Awkwafina opening June 8th.
Newlyweds Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are on the cover of Vanity Fair.
Beyonce bought a church?!!! Yes! Queen Bey bought a church in New Orleans not too far away from her sister Solange and mother Tina’s headquarters. The church is quite a historic landmark and the price tag was $850,000. The church was abandoned after many members had passed away. We’re still waiting on word for what Bey plans to do with the church.
WDAS presents our Second Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk taking place Saturday, June 16th 2018 at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, 201 North 17th Street. All the registration info and details are on the wdasfm.com page.
Essence magazine released the Essence Music Festival schedule and lineup for 2018. The festivities return to New Orleans July 5th through the 8th. Performers include Janet Jackson, Jilly from Philly Jill Scott, Philly’s own The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Teddy Riley’s New Jack Swing Experience (Wreckx-N-Effect, Blackstreet and Guy), Idris Elba, Fantasia, Miguel and Mary J. Blige with more acts to be announced. All the details are on Essence.com
The hit Power has gotten some good news from its cable network Starz. The award winning drama starring Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, Naturi Naughton, Lela Loren and, the show’s co-executive producer, Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, was renewed for a six season. 50 Cent is set to direct in that season, but first comes the faith season. And, the fifth season premiere of Power will be Sunday, July 1st at 9pm on Starz.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Saturday, May 26th – Philly’s own Hall & Oates present The 2nd Annual HoagieNation Festival with Train/ Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers/ Fitz & The Tantrums/ Down North/ Beano French and more. It all takes place at Festival Pier on Penns Landing in Philly. For tickets and information visit hoagienation.com
This Saturday, May 26th – The Irresponsible Tour starring Kevin Hart at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
This Saturday, May 26th - It’s The Sounds Of Philadelphia starring Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Delfonics & Harold Melvin's Blue Notes at the Xcite Center inside Parx Casino. For tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com
Saturday, June 2nd - The 11th Annual Roots Picnic with host Dave Chappelle. Scheduled to perform with The Roots are 2 Chainz, DVSN, Fabalous, Jadakiss, Rapsody and Brandy, just to name a few. It all takes place at Festival Pier on Penns Landing in Philly. For passes and information log onto rootspicnic.com/philly.
Saturday, June 30th – WDAS Summer Block Party starring Jill Scott / Boyz II Men / DJ Jazzy Jeff in concert at the Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street & Parkside Avenue. For more information log on to manncenter.org
Friday, July 13th – Lauryn Hill and the 20th anniversary of The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill tour at Penns Landing’s Festival Pier. Log on to ticketmaster.com for more information
Saturday, July 21st - Cedric The Entertainer comedy show at The Sugar House Casino. For tickets and information log onto sugarhouseentertainment.com
Monday, July 30th – Jay-Z & Beyoncé: 2018 On The Run 2 Tour at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, August 12th – Gladys Knight and The O’Jays in concert at the Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street & Parkside Avenue. For more information log on to manncenter.org
Saturday, August 25th – Smokey Robinson in concert at the Mann Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd Street & Parkside Avenue. For more information log on to manncenter.org
Saturday, August 25th & Sunday, August 26th – Stevie Wonder in concert at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For more information log on to theborgata.com
Sunday, September 2nd – Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For more information log on to theborgata.com
Saturday, September 15th – The Aubrey and The Three Amigos Tour starring Drake and Migos at the Wells Fargo Center. Log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com for ticket information.
Wednesday & Thursday, September 19th and 20th – Bruno Mars and Cardi B on Thee 24K Magic North American Concert Tour at the Wells Fargo Center. For tickets and information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day.