The New York Times promoted Dean Baquet to the position of executive editor, in an announcement made Wednesday afternoon.“It is an honor to be asked to lead the only newsroom in the country that is actually better than it was a generation ago,” he said, “one that approaches the world with wonder and ambition every day.”  He will become the first black executive editor in the NY Times‘ 163 year history.

Most recently Baquet was managing editor at the Times, and earlier in his journalistic career had been the editor of the Los Angeles Times. The 57 year old New Orleans native and an award winning investigative reporter earned a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for a story about corruption in the Chicago City Council.

“There is no journalist in our newsroom or elsewhere better qualified to take on the responsibilities of executive editor at this time than Dean Baquet,” said Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., the publisher of The New York Times. “He is an exceptional reporter and editor with impeccable news judgment who enjoys the confidence and support of his colleagues around the world and across the organization.”

Baquet fills the slot suddenly and unexpectedly vacated by Jill Abramson, who’d been in charge of the newsroom since 2011. “I’ve loved my run at The Times,” she said in a statement. “I got to work with the best journalists in the world doing so much stand-up journalism.”

-Colby Carrington

For the record, Black-ish isn’t a snarky adjective here. It’s actually the name of an upcoming ABC comedy series starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson and produced byLaurence Fishburne’s production company Cinema Gypsy Productions.

*insert happy dance*

I’ve sorely missed seeing Tracee Ellis Ross’ funny arse on a regular basis. Black-ish, written and produced by Kenya Barris (The Game) looks to be a  scripted comedy about Ross and Anderson raising their four kids in the ‘burbs.  Together they seek balance in the notion of ‘movin’ on up’ without letting their kids lose their sense of cultural identity.

The cast of Black-ish includes Fishburne (as Grandpa Johnson), and child actors Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Marcus Scribner, and Yara Shahidi.  Watch the trailer below.  Will you be tuning in this Fall?

-Colby Carrington

Rumblings of NeNe Leakes‘ departure from Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta reached a fever pitch May 14 when she tweeted the following message:

Good morning tweetie pies! Never continue n a job u don’t enjoy! Follow ur passion & success will follow u! Hav a great day

— NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes) May 14, 2014

Bloop! Just last week, the reunion to the sixth season of the series aired its final installment. Andy Cohen was reportedly unhappy with NeNe’s participation, or lack thereof, during the sit-down with the other five cast members.

It is no secret Cohen, an openly gay male, was offended by NeNe’s homophobic use of the word “queen.” In seasons past, friend-to-the-cast Marlo Hampton‘s homophobic remarks may have barred her from becoming a full-time housewife. But when NeNe asked, “Would you like me to pull down your pants and kiss your ass?” after being questioned regarding her use of the q-word, there was an awkward silence.

According to rumors, NeNe quit the show because the producers did not meet her demands, which not only included a raise in salary, but also full control over who she films with. *side-eyes Kenya Moore*

During a chat on Watch What Happens Live with Cohen, Moore stated that many viewers consider her to be the show’s breakout star. That is debatable, however, the ratings this season were the highest of the “Housewives” franchise.

Reports have also been swirling that two of NeNe’s “Real Housewives” co-stars, Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams, have been fired from the hit show. For now, those developments haven’t been confirmed or denied. But NeNe’s tweet is sure to raise the antennas of RHOA fans, keeping them on alert for more news about the upcoming seventh season of the reality show.

Although many Hip-Hop artists have given themselves the prefix for doctor, this past weekend Sean “Diddy” Combs actually became Hip-Hop’s first honorary one. Proving that humble beginnings can lead to excellence, Combs was granted an honorary doctorate degree from Howard University, the institution he left to pursue his dreams of becoming a business mogul. The speech he gave during the 2014 commencement ceremony was televised on his network, Revolt TV, and included enlightening advice for the graduates:

“When you leave here today, go forth with the knowledge that you have the power to change the world. Embrace your power and turn your dreams into reality.”

When it comes to doing just about anything, the three-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, actor, producer, and entrepreneur does it all with a flavor that’s his own — and this week’s Star Style shows you how to steal Sean Combs’, er, Dr. Diddy’s style.

Florals are amongst the many menswear trends mirroring the women’s this season. An easy way for men to wear flowers is with one solid, head-to-toe color, as seen on Combs.

When unsure of how to put your best style forward when it comes to after-six swag, you can’t go wrong with a classic look.

Even though you may prefer a more baggy-fitting pair of pants, a straight flat-front pair presents a sleek appearance — which is best for men over 40.

Always be sure to have stand-out kicks within your wardrobe.

During the warmer months, why not consider lightening up for a formal event? The look is definitely not low-key, and is best for style leaders, such as Combs.

A plush track suit is one of the most versatile, casual wardrobe solution a man can own.

Never shy away from bold, pops of color! Wearing bright hues is definitely a do for men.

Even when wearing a suit casually, Combs knows the power of adding simple accents for a polished look.

For warmer days, pairing gray lightweight slacks with white or pastel-colored tops will work superbly for casual Fridays in the office.

While on vacation, wearing a suit casually with a logo Tee may just give you “rock star” appeal.

Men such as Combs realize that leaving the house with unmatched Tees and sneakers is a major faux pas.

To update your personal denim collection, consider purchasing a pair with a rugged, worn-in wash.

Healthy people at risk for HIV are advised to take daily antiretroviral pills that cut the odds of infection by more than 90 percent, according to U.S. health officials.

The groups who are urged to take Truvada include those involved with HIV-infected partners, those who inject illicit drugs and share equipment, or who’ve been in treatment programs for injection medicine use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday in a statement.

It is also advised that heterosexual men and women who do not always use condoms and gay or bisexual men who have sex without condoms or who are in open relationships consider using the pill as well. Gilead Sciences Inc.’s anti-AIDS pill Truvada, was approved in July of 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first drug to prevent the virus which causes AIDS. It was originally approved as a treatment for people already infected with HIV in 2004.

For HIV, “there’s no vaccine and cure in the near horizon. Prevention is key,” Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s national center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB prevention, said in a telephone interview.

PrEP, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, a prevention measure which involves at-risk individuals take daily doses of an antiretroviral drug like Truvada is a step in the right direction towards combating the AIDS epidemic, which infects 50,000 new patients each year in the U.S. alone.  It is a tool which, along with safe sex practices and regular HIV testing, helps lower the risk of infection.

This CDC endorsement is the first time a government agency has officially endorsed such a medicine as part of the PrEP strategy. While the drug costs about $15,000 a year in the U.S., it is not necessarily covered by insurance.

The new advancement is met with critique from some health care organizations including The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that provides medical care to over than 300,000 patients. The AHF says that they are in opposition of the recommendation of Truvada without the use of a condom because it does not prevent 100% of other sexually transmitted diseases. “This is a position I fear the CDC will come to regret,” said AHF president Michael Weinstein in a statement.

Although an advocate of the drug, Princy Kumar, Professor of Medicine and Microbiology at Georgetown University and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Washington’s MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, says  “it is not a magic pill” and that the pill works best when taken daily and in conjunction with “safe sex practices and consistent health counseling.”

Now this is what you would call a Happy Meal! Police are investigating an engaged couple’s claim of finding marijuana in between the patties of their McDonald’s double cheeseburgers.

Late in April, the couple purchased the burgers in a drive though at 8:15pm. After taking a bite into the sandwich, they noticed a strong smell and observed pieces of what appeared to be marijuana on their cheeseburger. They returned the burgers to the McDonalds based in Ottumwa, Iowa and police launched an investigation.

Ottumwa Police Lt. Jason Bell couldn’t confirm how much of the substance was present on the burgers, but said it “appears to be consistent with marijuana.”

Results confirming the plant like pieces won’t be available for least a month. Police are trying to determine how the material got into the burgers and are looking at everyone from the employees at the restaurant to the couple who reported the problem.

No charges have been filed. When contacted by phone for comment, the McDonald’s manager on duty said  “no comment” and then hung up.  We’re thinking McWeed burger jokes won’t go over too well there.

The battle of royalties continues for Motown legend Smokey Robinson and ex-wife Claudette Robinson. Although the couple divorced nearly 30 years ago, Claudette, 71, says she is still entitled to 50% of the cut from all her ex husband’s music created between 1958 and 1985. He’s best known for hits including, “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Get Ready” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do.”

The Motown singer and songwriter divorced Claudette after 27 years of marriage. In March, Smokey filed a lawsuit against his former flame citing the 1976 Copyright Act, saying she no longer owns the music copyright and royalty rights she was awarded in their 1986 divorce settlement.

The act mandates that copyrights expire 28 years after they were originally created. Robinson asserts he solely owns these songs because he is the composer. Claudette is demanding a trial by jury.

Smokey, 74, married his second wife, fashion designer Frances Glandney in 2004.

In 2014, passive aggressive Instagram reveals are how people communicate. After footage of the May 5 elevator fight between Solange and Jay Z was released last week, Solange abruptly deleted all photos of she and sister Beyonce from her Instagram account.

Yesterday, Beyonce responded via IG, posting nostalgic photos of she and Solo back in the day. It was seemingly an “I luh you sis” acknowledgement.

Today, Solange has responded in kind, uploading a few Throwback Thursday themed family photos of she and Beyonce from the ’90s. Perhaps in an attempt to put to rest rumors that the Knowles’ relationship is beyond repair? Or perhaps to just keep people talking since nowadays, there’s more buzz around the words implied by an Instagram photo than from an official statement.

Here’s another of a sock bunned Solange and Beyonce admiring Sisqo’s guitar skills.  (I’m expecting a spike in Sisqo Google searches today.)

Truthfully, I expected the powers that be to throw Solange under the bus and portray her as the unhinged family loon in order to preserve the image of the Knowles-Carter union.  Now I’m wondering if she might actually be in on a plot make Beyonce and Jay-Z’s upcoming On the Run Tour a record setting juggernaut.

I will point out that promotion for their sold-out On the Run Tour is hitting a new stride. Additional tour dates have been announced in the last week and corporate sponsor Chase offered pre-sale tickets to cardholders starting yesterday. Additional tickets were released to the masses today at 10am.  Call me a cynic but I’m thoroughly suspicious of any and all celebrity ‘crises’ that coincide with the launch of a major project.  But hey, I bow down to the masters of spin and influence.

Now I think it’s Jay Z’s turn for a photo response.

-Colby Carrington

Kristine M. Rodas, widow of the driver of the Porsche involved in the fatal crash that killed Fast And Furious actor Paul Walker, is suing Porsche for wrongful death.

Her husband, Roger W. Rodas, was driving a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, a car capable of speeds more than 200 mph, at only 55 mph, a safe speeding limit. Citing design flaws, Rodas claims the vehicle lacked a proper crash cage and pivotal safety features in the gas tank that would have saved both men’s lives. The lawsuit also adds that a failure in the car’s suspension system forced it to spin out of control, striking three trees while driving down a Santa Clarita, California street.

Mark Geragos, Rodas attorney, has hired top experts to evaluate the crash. The results, he claims, are an unbiased look at the accident that refutes an official investigation that determined the sports car was speeding at up to 94 mph when it crashed.

Rodas was a trained race car driver who is survived by two children. The brothers of Paul Walker are helping complete his action scenes in the next installment of the Fast And Furious series, a movie Walker was in the middle of filming. The film is slated for an April 2015 release.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. Porsche Cars North America has yet to comment.

Not only am I a huge fan of the NFL, but I love watching college football too. In fact, sometimes I find college ball more interesting because of the unbridled passion that these unpaid athletes show. Anyone who really watches NCAA football will be very familiar with the SEC (Southeastern Conference) because they continually have the best teams in the nation. And if you watch SEC football, you would be familiar with Michael Sam for what he did on the field, especially in December 2013 when he was named the Defensive Player of the Year after getting more sacks than Jadeveon Clowney (the young man who was drafted first overall at this year’s NFL draft).

When Sam declared that he was entering the NFL draft, I thought, “wow! I wonder how many sacks he will get in the NFL.” And after Sam announced that he’s gay I thought, “wow! I wonder how many sacks he will get in the NFL.” His sexuality meant nothing to me BEFORE I knew he was gay, and it definitely remained unimportant after he revealed his sexuality.

But when the media got a hold of it, the story exploded and he became a household name which is now culminating in him receiving his own reality TV show on Oprah’s OWN Network. While I’m happy that he is now living his truth, I will NOT be watching this series, not because I have a problem with Sam or homosexuality, but because the liberal media wants him to be something that he’s not: A homophobia-slaying media marvel.

When I watched Michael Sam’s press conference with the St. Louis Rams brass, I realized there is really only one title he cares about: Football player.

At the 8:00 mark, a young woman asks Michael for his thoughts on Missouri’s state policy where people can be fired for their sexual orientation, to which he responds, “I mean, it’s sad that they can be, but, you know, uh, I can’t really do anything about that.”

Now I’m not homosexual or excessively liberal, but I can tell that his answer was NOT what that young writer was looking for. In fact, the entire press conference was pretty bad simply based on the fact that Sam’s comments were very short, sometimes biting and even filled with annoyance. Michael wants to be recognized as a gay-football player (hell, that’s why he came out), but the latter part of that title is just as important as the former part to him – but the liberal media isn’t recognizing that.

But Michael is not just a helpless victim in his own annoyance because he has to realize that making history WILL come with excessive attention, especially in this day and age. He welcomes the press because it gives him an opportunity to control his own message, but with increased press comes more attention and scrutiny. I can understand how he can be mentally and emotionally exhausted with the constant questions, but he’s in no position to fully rebuke the media storm he had a hand in creating.

The truth is Michael Sam doesn’t want, nor need, to be asked about marriage equality, homosexual rights in Missouri, or whether or not gay folks should eat Chick-Fil-A. Sam wants to hit running backs, sack quarterbacks and cover kickoffs. He’s not going to give you grandiloquent quotes on the state of homosexuals in America, but he can tell you about his role in a cover 3 defense.

He’s not going to single-handedly pioneer a discrimination free utopia in America and anyone looking for that has got the WRONG man. What Michael Sam WILL do, is try to become such a historic force on the football field that the word “gay” isn’t always used to precede “football player.” Unfortunately, going on shows like Oprah’s will only continue to allow his sexuality to supersede his talents on the field.

Photo credit:  Brandon Wade/AP

LAB

Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com, he’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer” and a weekly contributor for UPTOWN Magazine. He can be reached via Twitter @lincolnablades and on Facebook at This Is Your Conscience.

Unless you live under a Sega Genesis, chances are you’ve seen the footage of Solange trying to give Jay-Z a two piece and a biscuit inside of an elevator at the Standard Hotel. You’ve probably read the many conspiracy theories on why it happened, and maybe even debated with friends about Beyonce’s emotionless reaction to seeing two people she loves go at it in such a confined space.

But the one intriguing conversation that has developed from this sordid affair is a frank discussion on double standards around abuse. To call what happened in the elevator a fight, is to call what happened in this year Super Bowl a competitive match-up. Solange straight up attacked Jay, and all he did was attempt to deflect the blows from landing.

After the footage was released, the response from many women was extremely confusing – to men. Jay-Z instantly became an object of ridicule by both sexes, which probably had more to do with the mismatch of his hard lyrics and this real life example of gentlemen etiquette. But besides the jokes, many women went on to blame Jay-Z for this interaction without even taking a real look at Solange’s reckless abandon in assaulting Jay. Clearly when the tables are turned, those same women have absolutely NO problem levying outrage against men who hit women.

Here’s where things got incredibly absurd…When women began purporting that Jay-Z would be DEAD WRONG for hitting Solange back as a measure of defending himself. Not only did most men find that to be bullshit logic, but Whoopi Goldberg even went on The View to chastise that ideology.

Interestingly enough, her comments have stirred up a lot of anger amongst women and co-signing amongst men, but the problem is that most people don’t understand that we are mostly arguing two different points. The women who are angry at Whoopi think she’s an idiot for believing that a man has the RIGHT to beat a woman into the ground for starting a fight, and the men who agree with Whoopi mostly believe it’s OK for them to physically defend themselves when a woman attacks, rather than standing there and absorbing the abuse.

Although I’m much larger than the average man, I have managed to avoid being in a fight for 20 years, and the last fight I was in was started by the other dude. I’ve never hit a woman in my life, I’ve never been arrested for anything especially violence against women, and I plan on being fight-free until the day I die. As a writer and public speaker, I am very confident in my abilities to defeat someone with words. With all that said, I agree with Whoopi in one sense but it does need one important qualifier: Regardless of someone’s gender, you should show humanity if possible.

Look, there are three ways a man can respond to a woman’s attack. First, there’s the Jay-Z strategy, which involves blocking punches with no counters, catching kicks without leg sweeps and taking purses to the face without retaliation. Second, there’s the Chris Brown method which involves going all the way overboard and beating a woman’s face in until she’s bloody and unconscious (not saying that Rihanna hit Chris first, but just using his unbridled rage as an example of going too far).

Now strategy number three is what I personally subscribe to, and it’s called: Neutralizing the threat. This isn’t about breaking a woman’s jaw because she pushed or swung at you, and it’s definitely not about sitting there and being her personal punching bag. It’s about using physicality, without excessive force, in order to stop her from continuing her assault. This is the best example of what I mean.

That video is exactly how I would handle a woman trying to beat me down. The boy asked her to stop while getting hit, then he reached the point where he refused to be assaulted anymore and took actions into his own hands. After restraining her and getting her to calm down, he even made sure to see if she was okay. That is the type of measured response that women and men should BOTH be advocating for. So while Whoopi is right that men should be able to defend themselves from an attacker of any gender, that does not automatically constitute a woman should receive a repetitive flurry of jabs and crosses to the jaw.

LAB

Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com, he’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer” and a weekly contributor for UPTOWN Magazine. He can be reached via Twitter @lincolnablades and on Facebook at This Is Your Conscience.

The Knowles and Carters say they are ready to move on from their much publicized spat and want you to do the same.

In an exclusive statement provided to AP, Beyonce, Jay Z, and Solange said the following:

“As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it,” an exclusive statement to The Associated Press said Thursday. “Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family.”

“The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false,” the statement continued. “At the end of the day families have problems and we’re no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We’ve put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.”

Translation:

We had to say something, so here goes. We were able to spin this little blip into a huge win for On the Run but now we are tired of the memes.  Please stop hunting for audio. The Beygency already has it.  And the person who released the video. Until June 25, we’d like to you to focus on #WhatisPretty. Please and thank you.

Photo credit: Beyonce.com; Video credit: Instagram
- Colby Carrington

Employees at the New York Times were stunned to hear that Executive Editor Jill Abramson was dismissed on Wednesday. She was replaced by Managing Editor Dean Baquet. Publisher and chairman Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr. made the announcement to the staff, citing “an issue with management in the newsroom.”

Abramson, 60, had only held the position since September 2011. People in the company who’d been briefed on the situation said that Abramson and Sulzberger had a tense relationship. He was also concerned about employees who had complained that she was polarizing and mercurial. She also butted heads with Baquet.

In recent weeks, her relationship with Baquet grew worse according to those sources. He became angry when he learned of Abramson’s plans to hire senior editor at The Guardian, Janine Gibson, and put her in alongside him as a co-managing editor, without consulting him first.

Abramson was taking steps to improve her management style by hiring a consultant to help her, but Sulzberger had made the decision to oust her earlier this month. Baquet was informed of his promotion last Thursday. It is said that this decision is informed in part by Sulzberger retreating from looking at their portfolio of media properties and instead focusing on the paper itself in an effort to spur growth. In order for this new game plan to be a success, he needed to have a positive working relationship with the executive editor.

Abramson had made history as the first woman to run the paper, and now her firing has made for history again. Baquet, 57, will be the first African -American executive editor of the storied publication.

According to the New York Times:

In accepting the job, Mr. Baquet, 57, made several promises to the staff in the newsroom. “I will listen hard, I will be hands on, I will be engaged. I’ll walk the room,” he said. “That’s the only way I know how to edit.”

Mr. Baquet thanked Ms. Abramson, who was not present at the announcement, for teaching him “the value of great ambition” and then added that John Carroll, whom he worked for at The Los Angeles Times, “told me that great editors can also be humane editors.” … “I’ve loved my run at The Times,” Ms. Abramson said in a prepared statement. “I got to work with the best journalists in the world doing so much stand-up journalism,” she added, noting her appointment of many senior female editors as one of her achievements.

Congratulations to Mr. Baquet on his extraordinary achievement. Hopefully he will fare better in the role than his predecessor.

Scientists claim that they’ve identified the key to building a profile that really speaks to potential admirers perusing your online dating profile. They’ve found that what keywords you include on your profile can have a big impact on whether or not people pay attention to you.

In a study of 12,000 dating profiles on eharmony.co.uk, scientists found that females got more admiring messages from men when they described themselves as sweet, ambitious or thoughtful. On the other hand, men who described themselves as physically fit, ambitious or perceptive attracted the most attention from the ladies. Passion also ranked high on the list for what women liked. Both sexes ranked funny as the sixth spot on their list.

What are the Top 10 keywords you should use in your online dating profile to attract a mate?

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Top 10 Words Used by Women That Get The Most Response from Men
Sweet +46%
Ambitious +39%
Thoughtful +30%
Spontaneous +30%
Physically fit +22%
Funny +21%
Outgoing +19%
Optimistic +17%
Hard working +17%
Passionate +16%

Related: The 7 Best Cities To Find Black Singles

Top 10 Words Used by Men That Get The Most Response from Women
Physically fit +69%
Ambitious +64%
Perceptive +63%
Passionate +53%
Optimistic +44%
Funny +38%
Spontaneous +33%
Thoughtful +21%
Affectionate +17%
Outgoing + 17%

Not surprisingly, women were more likely to be swayed by the words than men were. While women were between 69% and 63% more likely to talk to a man who included the top three words, it only impacted men between 30% and 46%. Men were more apt to  make decisions based on the profile pic alone. Surprise, surprise. Although the ladies aren’t completely absolved either since the number one phrase was ‘physically fit’. Y’all ain’t slick.

However, Jemima Wade, spokesperson for eharmony.co.uk, stressed that the site goes above and beyond the data to try to ensure a good time for their dates. “While the research shows certain words serve to grab fellow daters’ attention, at eHarmony we know that daters are looking for quality dates every time. And that takes more than just a few words; it’s about finding someone with the same values, who instantly gets you.” 

For those of you who are trying your hand at online dating and may not be getting as many bites, maybe this research can guide you in the right direction. At the end of the day though, it would seem that profile pictures and physical appearance still reign supreme. Just don’t go getting catfished!

Former Girlfriends actress Persia White is now engaged to her beau Joseph Morgan. 

The future spouses met on set of season 3 of The Vampire Diaries in 2011, where White plays Bonnie’s mother Abby. Morgan, a 32 year old British actor, reprised his role of Klaus Mikaelson on the spin off series, The Originals. 

White, 41, is best known for her role in the popular 2000′s series Girlfriends. Rumors of the show’s return and a movie has sparked excitement from the show’s loyal fans.

Morgan, who proposed only days before his 33rd birthday (May 16) and on the heels of The Originals season finale, dished on how he proposed. “I tried to be romantic,” he said on E!’s red carpet event. “It was a nerve wracking moment but it was special.”

“We really appreciate those of you who have supported our wild, creative, passionate and unlikely relationship,” the couple tells Us Weekly in a statement. “We have found a rare and precious thing; true love. We wish you all the same.”

R&B Divas star Nicci Gilbert is not too happy about new spin off show, Hollywood Divas and is suing TV One for unspecified damages.

Gilbert, former lead singer of 90′s singing trio Brownstone, is suing for breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, punitive damages and defamation among the 15 different counts she’s brought against the network and its partner, Think Factory Media, Inc.

The new series will feature actresses Elise Neal, Countess Vaughn, Golden Brooks, Paula Jai Parker and Lisa Wu.  The series is slated to follow the lives of the actresses as they face the challenges of being women of color in Hollywood. Gilbert believes the show is too close to the concept of her show R&B Divas.

Gilbert & Faith Evans are the co-creators & executive producers of the R&B Divas franchise,” said Gilbert’s publicist. “Now TV One is doing a spin-off, ‘Hollywood Divas,’ without them!”

Todd Tucker, newlywed husband to Real Housewives of Atlanta singer Kandi Burress, is one of the producers of the show. His production company, TTucker Productions, has not yet been named in the lawsuit.

Students at New York’s Columbia University have started a “rapist list” with the names of four alleged campus attackers, in an effort to protect women on campus from potential sexual assaults. The unidentified vigilantes have scribbled the names of the male “rapists” inside of women’s campus bathrooms and posted fliers with the same names around the school. A flier obtained by CNN titled “Rapists on Campus” is said to include three names of men who committed sexual assaults according to the university. The fourth name on the list is identified as a “serial rapist.” A staff member is reportedly named on the list.

Columbia sophomore Cami Quarta told CNN the intent for the list “was a last resort, just out of desperation” to protect students from sexual assault. “If they didn’t do it, it would have swept under the rug and no one would have heard about it — that’s why we’re talking,” said another student who was not identified. Columbia University quickly removed the lists.

The rapist list comes weeks after a federal complaint case was filed with the U.S. Department of Education in response to the mishandling of sexual assault cases according to a group of 23 students. In the complaint, students allege that the Ivy League school discouraged students from coming forward about sexual assaults, discriminated against students based on their sexual or gender orientation, and failed to punish the rapists.

“Columbia is more willing to silence and punish survivors and their supporters than serial rapists,” the students said in the complaint. 21-year-old Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, one of those students identified in the complaint, said she was a victim of sexual assault on campus nearly two years ago, but never reported it to authorities because she has no faith in the school system.

A Columbia spokesman said in a statement the university was aware of the complaint, but could not comment on the allegations. The university also declined to comment on the rapist list.

Save the date for the wedding of Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade this summer in Miami! The two will be walking down the aisle — or possibly the beach — in just a few short months, according to the save the date announcements sent to the lucky attendees.

The announcements were obtained by TMZ and are heart-shaped with their wedding date, August 30, across the front. Dwyane’s three boys make a guest appearance, holding up signs that read: “Nickie will you marry us?” from when Wade proposed last year. Nickie is Dwyane’s nickname for Gabrielle, which is taken from her middle name Monique. But don’t think these are the official invitations. According to the save-the-dates those will be forthcoming. With the recent leak of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian‘s wedding invitations last week, Gabrielle and Dwyane’s should be closely monitored, so wedding crashers don’t attend.

Gabby and D.Wade, who were engaged last year, have slowly trickled details about their wedding to the press. Just in case, you missed that amazing rock he gave her, then take a look below. The “Being Mary Jane” star is filming the second season of the BET hit series, while Wade is helping the Miami Heat go after another championship. Gabrielle recently spoke about Dwyane being a “groomzilla” and being involved in every detail of their wedding. Instead of being a “princess,” she’s taking a laid-back approach, just recently finding the perfect wedding dress. In fact, a couple of dresses. She told Arsenio Hall there will be “no bridesmaids, no groomsmen.” She also warned those outside of their immediate circle not to rush to the mailbox for their wedding invitations.

Darden Restaurants announced Friday it will sell Red Lobster to investment firm Golden Gate Capital and shift its focus to re-brand the Olive Garden. Darden Restaurants, based in Orlando, has entered an agreement to sell the Red Lobster business, real estate assets, and liabilities for $2.1 billion in cash. The deal is expected to close in the first fiscal quarter of 2015, which is this summer.

The announcement in the Associated Press comes after last year’s news that the seafood chain is losing money and dragging the company further into debt. In the agreement, Darden will receive an estimated $1.6 billion in net cash proceeds, after tax and transaction costs. The company plans to use $1 billion to resolve outstanding debt and the remaining money will go towards a new share repurchase program of up to $700 million in 2015. The sale will strengthen the Company’s credit metrics, while maintaining the current quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, or $2.20 annually according to the Company’s statement.

In spite of objection from shareholders to split Red Lobster from the brand, Darden began courting potential buyers for a sale or spin-off of Red Lobster and its real estate assets last year. The company’s press release touches on the extensive conversations with their shareholders about preserving the company’s brand while regaining momentum at flagship brand Olive Garden. The deal was not subject to shareholder approval, according to Darden.

Both Olive Garden and Red Lobster have reported business loss, as a result of the growing popularity of Chipotle and Panera Bread, restaurants that deliver quality food at a lower price and provide quicker service. Darden CEO Clarence Otis said Red Lobster has been unable to attract the higher paying customers of its more successful chains Longhorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, and Seasons 52.

Chuck Ledsinger, lead director of Darden’s board of directors, says the company is “committed to building on Darden’s leadership and will continue to focus on optimizing all of the Company’s assets, including its real estate.” Darden also owns Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s, and Yard House.

Kimye and baby North have more interesting Memorial Day plans than the rest of us. Designer Ermanno Scervino confirmed his close friend Kanye West will wed Kim Kardashian on May 24th in Florence, Italy.

The couple, who got engaged last October on Kim’s 33rd birthday, will hold their wedding and reception at Florence’s 16th century Forte di Belvedere. Groomzilla West chose to wed in Florence, Italy because that’s where their daughter, North, was conceived. A spokeswoman for the Mayor of Florence confirmed the historic fort was rented for $410K for the couple’s 1000 guest ceremony, putting to rest longstanding rumors of a Paris wedding.

Forte di Belvedere - also known as Fortezza di Santa Maria in San Giorgio del Belvedere - just re-opened after a dark history. In 2006 and 2008, two people fell to their death after plummeting over the ramparts.

This will be the first marriage for the Chicago rapper. He was engaged to fashion designer Alexis Phifer for 18 months. Next Saturday, Kim will exchange vows for the third time. She wed music producer Damon Thomas in 2000, and NBA player Kris Humpries in 2011 in a fairy tale/nightmare television wedding. The marriage lasted 72 days.

The couple graced the cover of Vouge in April, where Kim donned a white wedding dress.

Now how are you spending your Memorial Day 2014?