By Jasmine Browley

We have all had those moments where a deep breath, a prayer to your maker, and a step back prevents a bout of anger from turning into one really detrimental situation. Well, these individuals took none of the aforementioned steps, and let their anger get the best of them. Word of advice: Do the exact opposite of everything mentioned below, and save yourself a world of trouble.

Tina Campbell (of Mary Mary) and Teddy Campbell: Who saw this coming? I surely didn’t. One-half of the hit gospel duo Mary Mary told Ebony that once she learned of her husband Teddy Campbell’s infidelity, she tried to stab him several times–and contemplated reconfiguring the terms of her will in case one of them died. Whew! Since then, the two have reconciled, and had added a fifth child to their large family. Her newest season of the hit WeTV reality show “Mary Mary” is set debut in the coming weeks.

Naomi Campbell Vs. Ana Scolavino: Naomi Campbell has certainly earned her reputation of being a super bitch model over the years, with her fierce demeanor and devil may care attitude. Nothing made this more evident than when claims from her former maid, Ana Scolavino, revealed that in a fit of rage, Naomi hit the her in the head with her cell phone. Ms. Campbell pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to probation and community service. Since then, the model has continued to make waves in the media with her hit reality show, “The Face,” and her blatantly inappropriate relationship with a married billionaire whom she supposedly, just recently split with.

Britney Spears Vs. an SUV: It seems like it’s been a lifetime since Britney Spears’ existential crisis–a.k.a. her head shaving-paps attack. Back in 2007, Britney seemed like she had had enough of the world that made her a teenage millionaire. After a bevy of bizarre behavior, she finally reached her boiling point when she took an umbrella, and attacked a photog’s SUV with it. After unsuccessfully trying to destroy the vehicle, she then turned her violent tantrum onto the photographer himself. That, again was unsuccessful. Eventually she was taken away by some friends. Of course, years later, the “Scream and Shout” singer is on top of the world again, and plans to embark on another tour.

Keke Wyatt and Ex-Husband Rahmat Morton: The R&B diva was indicted in 2002 on charges of assault and battery for stabbing her then-husband and manager Rahmat Morton with a steak knife. She has since moved on with her life–remarried and letting her life unfold in front of TVOne’s cameras on the hit reality show “R&B Divas:Atlanta.”

Lionel Richie and Brenda Richie: The singer who made the phrase “hello, is it me you’re looking for” famous was found alright–by his ex wife, Brenda Richie in the apartment of 22-year-old (lord have mercy) Diane Alexander back in 1988. Allegedly, the former Mrs. Richie broke into the apartment in the wee hours of the morning, found the lovebirds together, kicked Lionel in the stomach and then went H.A.M. sandwich on the mistress, leaving her with multiple bruises. The married couple have since been divorced, and are reportedly now the “best of friends.”

Jennifer Freeman and Earl Watson: Former “My Wife and Kids” actress Jennifer Freeman decided to allegedly take a bite out of her former husband, Earl Watson, according to TMZ back in 2010. The couple had a disagreement over a text received by Ms. Freeman, things quickly escalated to a violent scuffle, whereby Jennifer bit Earl on the wrist and chest so hard, that it drew blood. Immediately afterwards, the NBA player filed for a divorce, quickly recanted, but decided to go through with it a few months later. They have one daughter together.

Gabriel Aubry Vs. Olivier Martinez: Last year, according to reports model and father of Halle Berry’s child visited the actress’s home to drop his daughter Nahla off, and somehow ended up in fisticuffs with her current fiance, fellow actor and former boxer Olivier Martinez. And let’s just say, Mr. Aubry should leave the boxing to Money Mayweather. Afterwards, the charges were made and settled, and Halle and Olivier had time to make a baby. All’s well that ends well.

Sean Penn and Madonna: The ever-evolving singer and the outstandingly talented actor were married from 1985 to 1989–admittedly, the most volatile years of their lives. With reports of infidelity swirling, Penn would often antagonize Madonna, and have violent fits of rage. After reports that the actor left Madonna bruised, bound, and gagged in her home for two hours after an intense argument, the entertainer was finally able to escape, call the authorities, and immediately file for divorce. The two icons have gone on to see tremendous success both privately and publicly.

Courtesy of The Frisky

People who are terrified of bees, or the thought of human beings having sexual intercourse with bees, or the thought of dying, please be forewarned that you may find what I am about to tell you highly disturbing. A 35-year-old Swedish man known as “Hasse” was found dead outside of his farm this week in Ystad after having sex with a hornet’s nest. Let that sink in for a moment. Sex with bees. SOMEONE WANTED TO FUCK A SWARM OF HORNETS.

Keep reading …

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

The girls of Danity Kane might be plotting some kind of reunion project minus Diddy.

Dawn Richard, Aubrey O’Day, Aundrea Fimbres, and Shannon Bex got the rumor mill churning yesterday when they were spotted grabbing a bite to eat at Maggiano’s.

It’s been years since the girls got together after Diddy abruptly dissolved the group on “Making The Band 4.”

Keep reading …

It turns out Jaden Smith will not be going the way of fellow child star Macaulay Culkin to seek emancipation from his parents. He’s quite comfortable inside the Smith family home.

On Wednesday, the 14-year-old After Earth star spoke with Ellen DeGeneres to address the reports about splitting from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith on his 15th birthday in July.

“Here’s the thing I need to explain: I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “The thing that people don’t get is that everything at [Will's] house is free. So I can get anything and everything I want at his house.”

He continued, “I think I’m going to be there for 20, 30 more years. He says as soon as I have a movie that’s bigger than one of his movies then I have to get my own house.”

Spoken like a true teenager.

Related: Star Clique

Rumors began swirling after Will spoke with The Sun about his son’s “gift of freedom” for his upcoming birthday.

“He says, ‘Dad, I want to be emancipated.’ I know if we do this, he can be an emancipated minor, because he really wants to have his own place,” the elder Smith reportedly told the outlet. “[...] That’s the backlash. On the other side, if kids just want to have command of their lives, I understand.”

Will admitted to DeGeneres that the joke was taken out of context and there would be “no emancipation for the Smith kids.”

The post Jaden Smith Blasts Emancipation Rumors: ‘I’m Not Going Anywhere’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Root

“I’m a young black woman with what you would call a ‘ghetto’ name. I’d have no problem with my name if it weren’t for the fact that for my entire life, white people have made fun of me. I’ve been made fun of by teachers, even professors in college when they call out my name. I’ve had people tell me, ‘You seem like such a good person, though — I can’t believe you have such a ghetto name.’ People have said my parents made a huge mistake. I’ve had hiring managers tell me that they would hire me only on the condition that I ‘shorten’ my name for the customers.

“My name is Laquita, so it really isn’t even complicated. Anyway, I’m tired of it all.

“The problem with this is telling my family — I have no idea why my mother gave me this name. I feel like it’s a curse. So how do I tell her that I’m doing this without offending her? Do you think it’s the right choice, or am I ‘giving up’?”

Honestly, my first reaction when I read your question was, “Go for it. If your mother loves the name so much, tell her she can have it.”

But treating this dilemma as if it has a quick fix strips your question of all the complicated background that compelled you ask it. Plus, something about that didn’t really sit right with me. So I gave it some more thought.

Keep reading …

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Don’t think for one second that the rich and famous are trouble-free. Take Kanye West, for example.

Following his run-in with a pesky street sign and some intrusive paps outside of a Beverly Hills restaurant last week, the cloud of bad luck seemed to loom over the 35-year-old rapper and his $750,000 black Lamborghini Aventador. Yup, the same luxury sports car gifted by his sugalumps Kim Kardashian.

Related: Star Clique

The vehicle was being delivered to Kim’s Los Angeles home on Tuesday after being serviced, but didn’t quite clear the electric front gate. The doors crushed the Lambo before it could make its way up the driveway.

TMZ reports a local repair shop sent out a detailer to check out the damage.

Let’s hope things begin to look up for Yeezy this week. And pray that poor, poor driver still has a job.

The post Rich People Problems: Kanye West’s $750K Lambo Gets Crushed In Kim K’s Gate appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

In response to her response on the importance of the Black in America series for CNN, Soledad O’Brien let the cat out of the bag about a new documentary that will focus on White America.

Yes, White in America.

During her talk at Harvard’s Institute of Politics with Callie Crossley (video below), the award-winning journalist defended her decision to stick with BIA– despite her split from the network– and why she believed the topic of race needed to be an ongoing conversation.

“First of all, it’s only white people who ever said that — ‘if we could just see beyond race. If only people didn’t see race, it would be such a better place, and you are responsible for bringing up these icky race issues, Soledad, you should just let sleeping dogs lie,’” she explained.

“I was like, again, ‘OK, white person, this is a conversation that you’re clearly uncomfortable with, and I have no problem seeing race, and I think we should talk about race.’”

On Wednesday, O’Brien found herself on guard once again having to defend her remarks, stating:

“My comments on the importance of discussing who we are and where we come from are nothing new. What is new is our friends in the blogosphere taking the conversation out of context and ginning up headlines so we lose sight of the real issues. I would encourage those reporting on my work to listen to the conversation in its entirety, and this time, turn their mute buttons off. As a journalist, my job is to probe the uncomfortable topics to drive conversation. I’m happy to see that’s still happening as a result of ‘Black In America,’ and I look forward to continuing that conversation as we continue to tell the stories of who we are. We’re not just working on BIA, but also developing a ‘White in America.’ Stay tuned for that one.”

There has been no official announcement from CNN and there is no word on when the series will premiere.

O’Brien announced her departure from the network in February, but continues to work on documentaries on a nonexclusive basis. She is expected to host at least one documentary this year and three next year with the help of her new production company, Starfish Media Group.

Source

The post Soledad O’Brien To Develop ‘White In America’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

As pouty as it may seem to some, there are times when you simply want (and need) the spa to come to you. Well the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico’s only AAA Five Diamond resort, answers that angst with its indulgent Spa Without Walls amenity. For a mere $70 more on any treatment at its Remède Spa, you decide where the indulgence will take place on the 483-acre former coconut plantation nestled between the El Yunque rain forest and Atlantic Ocean. Try a hidden nook along the beach, under the shade of a coconut tree or even on your very own terrace overlooking the water. Your wish is truly their command. stregisbahiabeach.com

By Sorilbran Stone

The Johnson family is outraged and rightfully so.

On the morning of January 11^th, the body of 17 year-old Kendrick Johnson was found at Lowndes High School rolled up in an athletic mat.  The death was immediately ruled an accident by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.  Not the county coroner.

Despite the fact that Kendrick did not report to some of his classes the day before, it wasn’t until Kendrick’s father, Kenneth Johnson, became concerned that his son hadn’t returned home from school that Kendrick’s disappearance became an issue.  Kendrick’s body was found in the school gym the following morning.

When the story first broke in mid-January, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department headed up the initial investigation.  And the first curiosity emerged immediately.  Nobody called in Bill Watson, the county coroner. When the Sheriff’s Department released its first guess at what transpired, the story seemed unlikely.  Sheriff Chris Prine supposed Kendrick did in fact attend his third block classes on Thursday January 10^th, but opted to skip his fourth block classes.  The teen allegedly went into the school’s gym alone where he spent time atop the school’s athletic mats, which were rolled and standing vertically on their ends.  Sheriff Prine guessed Kendrick dropped something into the mat – possibly a shoe or other article of clothing – then dove into the rolled cylinder after the shoe.  They say he was unable to get himself out of the mat and suffocated as a result.

The only problem with that scenario is this.  It is unlikely that the body of a teenage boy could slide into a rolled mat. Kendrick played both football and basketball for Lowndes High School.  He was thin, but muscular.  A picture of the boy’s father attempting to enter the mat the way the Lowndes County Sheriff is saying Kendrick entered the mat is displayed on Kendrick’s memorial page on Facebook.  His attempts are unsuccessful as the opening is too slim to allow for anything but his head to enter the mat.

In the first week of May, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department released the autopsy report and said Kendrick died from “positional asphyxia.”  The press release acknowledged the fact that the Sheriff’s Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation worked together on the case even though they did not kept the family up to date on the investigation. They insist the investigation had, in fact, been ongoing since January.

The Johnson Family is calling for a federal investigation into Kendrick’s death. They have gained the support of the National Action Network and The United Justice League.  “We want an independent investigation, let’s just say, by an agency with higher credentials than Lowndes County,” said Marcus Coleman, President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Action Network. “There’s been a number of what we feel are inconsistencies, are mishandlings, and for that very reason… we want another set of eyes.”

The mishandlings include: Lowndes High School’s refusal to release footage containing Kendrick in the final hours before his death, the Sheriff Department’s refusal to call in the coroner until hours after the body was found, the perceived carelessness and insensitivity of law enforcement in protecting the accident scene and securing any evidence found at the crime scene.

There is a post-mortem photo of Kendrick that has gone viral that is painfully reminiscent of the infamous images of Emmet Till.  In it, Kendrick’s face shows signs of trauma, but the Sheriff’s Department insists Kendrick sustained no injuries.

Key questions remain unanswered. How in the world did Kendrick wedge himself into a rolled athletic mat? What was on the video that Lowndes High School is hanging on to?  And finally, what really happened to (i.e. who killed) Kendrick Johnson?

The post Cry Loud: The So-Called Accidental Death of Kendrick Johnson appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Just one week after Randy Jackson announced his departure from American Idol, Us Weekly reports another outspoken judge could be making her exit.

According to a show insider, Nicki Minaj will not be returning for another season of the talent competition– making it her first and last run at the judging table.

Related: Star Clique

“It’s safe to say she isn’t coming back to Idol,” the source told Us. “She’s okay with it. She had a great time but was only going to do one season anyway.”

Minaj will reportedly focus her energy on an upcoming album, touring and endorsements. And with a new big budget flick on the horizon, it’s safe to say there’s enough on the 30-year-old rapper’s plate to keep her busy.

Mariah Carey and Keith Urban, your move.

Courtesy of The Grio

A New Jersey kindergartner was able to help save his father’s life on Monday thanks to some quick thinking and a firm grasp of his ABCs.

Nathaniel Dancy Jr. had spent the day going to the movies and buying new shoes for school with his father on Monday afternoon when Nathaniel Dancy Sr. began suffering a stroke and an aneurysm while driving. He was able to pull the car off the highway and into a parking lot but was incapacitated once he stopped the car. The 5-year-old grabbed his father’s phone and called his grandmother, who often takes care of him while his mother works at her job at New Jersey Transit.

“It was very confusing and it was scary,’’ the boy’s grandmother, Susan Hardy-Blackman, told TODAY.com of the incident, originally reported by NBC New York. “I was on the other side of town, and I was just trying to figure out where they were so I could get to them.’’

The distraught boy initially hung up but then called Hardy-Blackman back, and she patched him into a three-way call with her daughter, the boy’s mother, Janel Blackman. Nathaniel was trying to tell them where he was but had trouble pronouncing the name of a nearby store, so they asked him to spell it out. He said, “F-U-R-N-I-T-U-R-E “ and then the number 22. He also said they had just gone through a “tunnel,’’ which was actually a nearby highway overpass.

Continue at The Grio…

The post Kindergartner Helps Save Dad’s Life By Knowing His ABCs appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Think something built from a kit has to have a crafty DIY vibe? Think again.

The above $7.5-million vacation compound, which includes the main house; guest cottage; and garage with living space above, was built from a Timberpeg post and beam construction frame kit in Orleans Cape Cod.

Boasting 9,000 square feet of living space on six acres of land, pond views, and access to deep saltwater, this compound is nothing to laugh at. But the real highlight is that the Timberpeg construction kit has kept alive the centuries old tradition of “using traditional mortise and tenon joinery fastened with wood pegs known as ‘trunnels,’” according to a Timberpeg press release. This same technique was used on William Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon home and the Plimouth Plantation.

Enthusiasts, including the couple who built this home for vacations in Cape Cod, love the details, like exposed wood posts and beams; intricate trusses; soaring cathedral ceilings; and open interior space, the post and beam construction method affords.

The Timberpeg kit that built this mansion must’ve been quite mega-sized!

Keep clicking for more photos!

[All images: Timberpeg]

Courtesy of EURWeb

With what she’s working with, LisaRaye McCoy knows how to catch a man.

The beautiful actress has scooped up another. Unlike her last one, that crazy Caribbean politician, Premier Michael Misick, this one’s a man of the cloth.

Rumors sparked back in 2011 that she was dating romantic notable preacher, Bishop Noel Jones. And according to Jawn Murray’s AlwaysAList.com and William McCray’s ObnoxiousTV, the rumors are true.

Keep reading …

Courtesy of The Associated Press

A second suspect has been arrested in the shooting that injured 20 people at a parade on Mother’s Day, police said Thursday afternoon.

Shawn Scott, 24, was arrested Thursday, police Chief Ronal Serpas said. He is the brother of 19-year-old Akein Scott (pictured), who was arrested Wednesday night in the shooting.

Both face 20 counts of attempted second-degree murder, and Serpas said investigators believe the Scotts worked together in the shooting.

Akein Scott appeared before a magistrate judge Thursday. His bond was set at $10 million.

At a news conference at the shooting site near the French Quarter, Mayor Mitch Landrieu accused the suspects of “callously shooting into crowds of hundreds of citizens.”

“The culture of violence is unnatural and unacceptable,” Landrieu said, calling the shooting site “holy ground.”

In addition to the Scotts, Serpas said police arrested four people who are accused of helping Akein Scott elude capture. Serpas said their charges are being accessories after the fact to attempted second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. They range in age from 19 to 32, he said.

The post Police: 2nd Suspect Arrested In Mother’s Day Parade Shooting appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather totally knocked out his competition to be named 2013′s top-earning American athlete by Sports Illustrated. For the second year in a row, the undefeated boxing champ has been crowned king on the sports magazine’s annual “Fortunate 50″ list.

Mayweather is projected to bring in a minimum of $90 million this year from just two bouts which include his win against Robert Guerrero on May 4 and an upcoming fight in September. With luck on his side, the 36-year-old welterweight could pocket up to $128 million.

The list’s results are based on salary, winnings, bonuses and endorsements, with endorsements reflecting current deals and salaries based on current or most recently completed seasons. SI also consulted players’ associations, tour records, online databases, agents and media reports.

Miami Heat’s LeBron James takes the No. 2 spot with earnings totaling more than $56 million. While the four-time MVP makes a “modest” check on the court, it’s his handful of endorsement deals with Nike, Samsung, Baskin-Robbins and others that make him a filthy rich baller.

Other notables in the top ten of the 50-athlete list include: Kobe Bryant (No. 4; $46,850,000), Tiger Woods (No. 5; $40,839,027) and Derrick Rose (No. 7; $33,403,000).

Check out the entire list here!

The post Floyd Mayweather Named Top-Earning American Athlete For Second Consecutive Year appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Celebrities can be shady, ratchet, and a tad violent at times! This week, Dennis Rodman questions President Obama‘s swag, Mo’Nique celebrates hero Charles Ramsey, and Wayne Brady has an ass whooping with Bill Maher’s name written all over it. Plus, guess which former Atlanta housewife is still trying to stay relevant. And Joseline Hernandez said what?! AND I QUOTE …

“Obama can’t do sh*t”

Dennis Rodman responds to questions about his relationship with North Korea’s Kim Jung Un and why he thinks Obama doesn’t have any real power, via TMZ.

Source

“I admire that brother and I appreciate what he did.  No he don’t have no teeth but Charles when we come to Cleveland, you have tickets to the show! “

Mo’Nique discusses the heroism of Charles Ramsey, her most recent weight loss, and Iyanla Vanzant, in an on-air interview with NYC’s Hot 97 radio station. 

Source

“ I will give you that black dude and I will beat your ass in public!”

Wayne Brady sends a very clear message to comedian Bill Maher, regarding what he will do the next time their paths cross, on Huff Post Live.

Source

 “I might get my breasts done. Who knows if my breasts gonna go down to my ankles–I can’t do that!”

Tamar Braxton opens up about having vitiligo and surviving domestic abuse, and denies plastic surgery, in an exclusive interview with Ebony.com.

Continue reading on UPTOWN

“You look nuts for that. I would have wrote him a song. Ray J holla at ya boy!”

Ne-Yo addresses the controversy surrounding Ray J’s ridiculous song, “I Hit It First,” which is about ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian, in an interview with Philly’s Hot 107.9.

Source

“That’s how we talk in Miami and I’m trying to work on that because actually my brother’s gay. And I’m gay, I like women.” 

Joseline Hernandez defends her usage of the words “gay” and “fa***t” to describe her “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” lover Stevie J, via Vlad TV.

Source

“I’m really flattered that the ‘rich and famous,’ the newly ‘rich and famous,’ still have time to talk about me all day. I don’t know, um, maybe get a life?”

Sheree Whitfield responds to former cast mate Ne Ne Leakes’ hateful rant about her life, on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live.”

Source

The post AIQ…Dennis Rodman, Mo’Nique, Wayne Brady & More appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Beyoncé’s camp forgot to tell Uncle Larry to answer all questions with “no comment.”

In a recent interview with Celeb Buzz, Larry Beyince claims that Mrs. Carter only put a ring on it because “she got tired of being alone.” He was surprised the singer married famous hubby, Jay-Z.

“She wasn’t too particularly fond of him,” he says.

He may be confused as to how the royal couple connected but he admits he has no problem with Mr. Carter “as long as he treats her well and makes her happy, that’s all I ever wanted. He’s okay with me.”

Continue at Vibe Vixen…

The post Beyoncé’s Uncle Larry: “She Didn’t Want to Be Famous” appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

RiRi is not having it!

Recording artist Rihanna is going to court to protect her likeness!

Rihanna has hired international law firm Reed Smith to represent her in her lawsuit against Topshop in London. The British retail giant Topshop, headed by billionaire Sir Philip Green, is being sued for $5 million for selling T-shirts bearing Rihanna’s image without her permission.

Continue at Black Enterprise…

The post Rihanna Sues British Retailer, Topshop, For $5M appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

For millions of faithful fans, Thursdays at 10 p.m. just won’t be the same. With the conclusion of the second season of Scandal, we will have to survive 6 months, void of our weekly dose of the lies, deceit, deception, and political scandal that Shonda Rhimes has us hooked on. So what are we to do?

The show is brilliant, not just because it’s extremely entertaining, but because there are significant leadership lessons we can learn from Olivia Pope, the show’s protagonist and the head of Olivia Pope & Associates— affectionately known as OPA to us Scandalites. Like many leaders, Pope fixes hazardous situations on a daily basis, and ensures her clients are set-up for success. As a political fixer, she operates in a fast-moving, constantly changing environment, not unlike the corporate arena that many of you business types operate within on a daily basis.

In 60 minutes, Pope yields results faster and works her way out of tighter situations than any other leader I’ve seen. Sure, she is fictional, but both Olivia Pope’s leadership prowess and her shortcomings are ripe with lessons that you can incorporate in your leadership toolbox immediately.

Keep reading …

The post Final ‘Scandal’ Power Play: 5 Winning Leadership Strategies of Olivia Pope appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Clutch

Actress Zoe Saldana has been inserting the proverbial foot in her mouth in recent weeks. The Colombiana starlet has been media blitzing for the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness film and leaving a trail of disrespect in her wake. A fellow Clutch editor, Yesha Callahan, thinks Saldana needs a dictionary and a clue. I concur and also think she needs to enroll in an Introduction to Critical Race Theory course ASAP.

During an interview with BET, Saldana candidly discussed how she views race, alleging “there’s no such as people of color.”

RELATED: Zoe Saldana Responds To Nina Simone Backlash: ‘I Did It Out Of Love’ [VIDEO]

When asked how she racially-identifies, Saldana responded:

Keep reading …