Kevin Hart Patty Jackson photo credit Patty Jackson of WDAS
Roseanne Barr cancelled, but she may be fighting back! The biggest TV comeback just had the biggest fall when ABC cancelled their # 1 hit sitcom Roseanne. The show returned to huge ratings, but it all came to a crash after Barr sent out a tweet stating former Obama Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett was a child of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet Of The Apes. Barr deleted the tweet and replaced it with an apology. Too Late!! ABC’s Entertainment President Channing Dungey, the first African American woman to hold that post, made the announcement that the comments weren’t ABC’s values and the show was cancelled. ABC’s parent company Disney released a statement through CEO Bob Iger, who once had Dungey’s job at ABC, backing up Dungey and the cancellation decision. It didn’t take long for Roseanne to change her mind, return to twitter and say she’ll check her options and that her fans make her want to fight. Roseanne also trashed some of her co-stars who expressed their disdain for her tweet. Some Roseanne fans are even calling for Bill Maher, from HBO’s Real Time, to be fired for his Donald Trump-Orangutan jokes. Today, people are applauding Valerie Jarrett who asked this be turned into a larger conversation about race. And, people are applauding ABC President Channing Dungey for her moment of truth in her announcement.
Tiffany Haddish is being sued by her ex-husband for $1 million in a libel, slander and defamation lawsuit. Haddish’s book, The Last Black Unicorn, talks about her life. In the book, she describes her former marriage. She says there was so much abuse and she was so stressed out that she had a miscarriage. Haddish’s ex-husband, William Stewart, is responding with a lawsuit. Stewart claims Haddish portrays him as an abuser and that’s untrue. He also claims his ex-wife didn’t miscarry but had an abortion. At press time, Haddish hasn’t responded to the lawsuit.
Speaking of Tiffany Haddish, 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. Haddish will 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.
Morgan Freeman fights back at CNN. Last week, the Oscar-winning actor was accused of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment toward eight women. He quickly issued an apology to anyone who may have felt disrespected or uncomfortable by any of his actions, which was not his intent. Now Freeman has put on the breaks. His lawyers say CNN, the network that broke the story, used their own producer, Chloe Melas, as the primary accuser. Freeman’s team says from there CNN used falsehoods, slight of hand and journalistic malpractice. Freeman’s team is demanding a retraction from CNN, who at press time say they stand by their reporting. Many insiders feel this may be a prelude to a lawsuit, and Freeman fighting because definitely doesn’t want to be labeled as an offender in the #metoo movement.
Jamie Foxx is looking to revive another comic book franchise. He’s teaming up with Writer/Director Todd McFarlane for another big screen adaption of Spawn? Spawn was a comic book about an African American CIA agent who was double crossed and killed. He comes back from the dead after making a deal with hell and given superpowers as an unrecognizable hell-spawn. In 1997, Michael Jai White starred as the original character, but now Jamie Foxx is signed on for the reboot after almost 10 years of development. Meanwhile, Foxx is hosting the summer series on FOX, Beat Shazam, with his daughter Corrine as the DJ. Beat Shazam is the reality game show where the contestants guess the titles of the songs they hear and advance for money and prizes. Beat Shazam airs Tuesday at 8pm on FOX.
In more Jamie Foxx news, he’s also hosting The BET Awards. DJ Khaled leads with six nominations. Kendrick Lamar is next with five nominations, and SZA and Migos have four each. The BET Awards air Sunday, June 24th at 8pm.
Kevin Hart returns to TV to knock you out….with his new show. TKO: Total Knock Out, hosted by the Philly-born comedian, is an obstacle course challenge reality show. Produced by Hart and The Apprentice Producer Mark Burnett, TKO: Total Knock Out premieres on Wednesday, July 11th at 8pm on CBS.
Debra Lee has left the building at BET. The long time CEO and Chairman of Black Entertainment Television is calling it quits and has resigned her post. In her 32-years with the company, Lee oversaw the creation of The BET Awards and Black Girls Rock, the ratings gold of scripted shows The Real Husbands Of Hollywood, The Game and Being Mary Jane and The New Edition Story, which garnered record breaking cable ratings. Lee hasn’t hinted at her next move and media reports noted that BET is one of many Viacom owned cable outlets going through leadership shake ups. Good luck to Debra Lee.
Did Mariah Carey make $2 million off her engagement ring? The Vision Of Love singer was once engaged to Billionaire Businessman James Packer. While the two never made it down the aisle, they did reportedly make it to the lawyer’s office with a financial settlement. That settlement included Carey keeping the ring. Apparently, it was valued at $10 million, and Carey’s camp is denying reports that she sold it for $2 million for some quick cash. Carey’s net worth has been valued at $520 million by the way. Maybe she just wanted to move on and let the ring go. Confidentiality agreements are keeping the purchaser of Carey’s ring from talking.
A judge tells Halle Berry and her estranged husband: either get divorced or stay together. It’s been three years since the Oscar winning actress filed for divorce from her third husband Oliver Martinez, but they still haven’t finalized. Following California law, if the couple don’t resolve their issues by either divorcing or dismissing and remaining married in the next few weeks, they’ll be forced to sit down for court ordered family intervention-counseling sessions. That could prolong things even worse. The couple shares a son, and Berry has a daughter from a previous relationship. Could money be one of the hang ups? This will make Berry’s third divorce and it’s been costly in the past on top of a previous baby daddy child support order she pays as well.
Bridget Nielsen is pregnant at age 54. You’ll remember the statuesque actress as the former Mrs. Sylvester Stallone and his leading lady in Cobra, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Red Sonja and the murderous master thief in Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy. Her latest comeback was as Flavor Flav’s on and off screen love interest while doing the reality shows The Surreal Life & Flavor of Love. Nielsen wed Mattia Dessi, her 39-year old husband, back in 2006. Nielsen already has 4 sons ranging in age for 23 to 34 from previous relationships. Nielsen commented on social media Happy Time Positive Vibes while showing her baby bump.
New Jackson family drama begins and ends with the Jackson Brothers. The surviving members of The Jacksons want to tour and want Michael there with them. That’s why the Jackson brothers want to tour with a Michael Jackson hologram to enhance the performance. They’ve petitioned their late brother’s estate, but so far the idea is getting a chilly reception. Meanwhile, Jermaine Jackson’s estranged wife, Halima Rashid, is asking for more than $35,000 a month in spousal support. Rashid says because Jermaine makes between $50,000 to $500,000 in any given month, her request is fair. This could be a problem as Jermaine declared money was tight when his ex-wife Alejandra petitioned for more money in the past. Estranged wife Rashid filed for divorce in 2016 following a domestic violence incident that saw Rashid arrested but not Jermaine.
Mark your calendars because I’m hitting the road:
First, Wednesday, June 6th at 5:30pm, I’m hosting a Mix & Mingle at Warmdaddy’s, Columbus Boulevard & Reed, (215) 462-2000. It’s a free event for after work.
Then Thursday the June 7th, I’m broadcasting live from the Dell Music Center for my show 10am to 3pm, and the Dell Box Office will be open for business. We’ll kick off the countdown to my annual Patty’s Party In The Park. Also on Thursday, June 7th, after my broadcast we’ll host a free kickoff concert with Breakwater. You’ll also be able to purchase tickets for the upcoming Dell shows like my Party In The Park celebrating my 35th anniversary on Sunday, September 2nd with Frankie Beverly & Maze and The Whispers.
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.
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.
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
Thurs., Aug 2nd – Erykah Badu & Talib Kweli
Thurs., Aug 16th - Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill & Ralph Tresvant with special guest Major
Thurs., Aug. 23rd - Patti LaBelle & Gregory Porter
Sunday September 2nd - Patty Jackson’s Annual Party in the Park Celebrating her 35th anniversary starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & The Whispers
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.
Newlywed Princess and Actress Megan Markle is on the cover of People magazine.
Serena Williams is on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar as she enjoys her comeback at The French Open
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.
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, 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.