Courtesy of The Huffington Post

When plastic surgeon David Matlock first walked into a consultation with Veronica, he thought he’d just be giving her information about his famous vaginoplasty procedure. Little did he know, he’d soon be giving her an engagement ring, as well.

Matlock, who rocketed his Los Angeles Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute to fame on “Dr. 90210,” told Barcroft Media that it was “love at first sight.” Without blinking an eye, he’d persuaded Veronica to go under the knife and get his “Wonder Woman Makeover,” which includes liposuction of the chin, arms and thighs. (Hey, romance isn’t always pretty.) She agreed to all of the procedures.

The doctor proposed on the first date and has been using his Michelangelo-like sculpting skills to make her more beautiful ever since. Matlock’s not one to be outdone by his muse, though. He notes that he’s also taken advantage of the plastic surgery procedures that he pioneered to craft his own perfect body.

While Matlocks might call themselves an aesthetically “perfect” couple, not every member of the family is in favor of these artificial enhancements.

Continue here…

Good Golly Miss Molly!

The Electric Zoo music festival in New York City was canceled on Sunday following the death of two concertgoers and at least four critically-ill attendees during the first two days of the event, said city officials. The deaths appear to have involved MDMA, or (as so often referenced in music) molly.

The full statement from the NYC Mayor’s office reads:

“Due to serious health risks, the Electric Zoo music festival on Randall’s Island on Sunday, September 1^st has been cancelled. The City recommended cancellation and the event promoters have agreed.

During the first two days of the Electric Zoo music festival, two concert-goers have died and at least four others became critically ill and have been placed in intensive care at area hospitals. Definitive causes of death have not yet been determined, however, both appear to have involved the drug MDMA (ecstasy, or molly).  The Electric Zoo organizers have worked with City officials to reduce health risks at this event, but in view of these occurrences, the safest course is to cancel the remaining day of the event.”

The dead concertgoers have been identified as 24-year-old Jeffrey Russ of Rochester, NY and 20-year-old Olivia Rotondo of Providence, RI.

Electric Zoo is in its fifth year.

As her network moves ahead to a more profitable future, Oprah Winfrey has given a thumbs up to the new reality series Crazy.Sexy.Life, centered on the lives of four, fast-paced girlfriends in New York City.

The synopsis states:

“Kiyah, Bershan, Chenoa and Tiffany have known each other for more than ten years, and are constant sources of inspiration, support, competition and companionship to one another. Kiyah, an ambitious and successful celebrity hair stylist, is the link that brought the four friends together, and New York City’s legendary Harlem neighborhood is where the quartet come together on a regular basis … over drinks, lunches, dinners, you name it. Two are married, two are single, and all are strong and fiercely independent women who believe in living out their dreams and not letting anybody or anything get in their way.”

The show will get a sneak preview this Tuesday (Sept. 3) following the fall finale of Tyler Perry‘s The Haves And The Have Nots before its series premiere in early 2014. Check out the first five minutes below!

By Kali O’Mard

The summer is winding down. And even if you did not achieve the “beach body” you’ve always wanted, its not too late. You know why? Because being healthy and sexy is not a seasonal thing—it’s always in. So, even with the fall approaching and you maybe thinking of the sweaters and scarves that may hide the bulge, it’s always hot to feel confident in your clothes that fit well and out of your clothes as well (wink). So, it’s time to get disciplined!  The quote I like to drill in my clients heads is “Don’t let what you want permanently, be wasted on what you want for the moment only.”

Before you shed a tear, I’m here to help. I’m going to teach you how to party your ass off and stay in shape. All that’s required are some basic will power and tricks of the trade. It’s the basic rule of thermodynamics. I’ll explain it in a nutshell:

• Consume more calories than you burn = you will gain weight.
• Burn more calories than you consume = you will lose weight
• Consume the same amount of calories that you burn = you will maintain weight

It’s not rocket science. If you want to maintain the body of your dreams, follow the following four steps and trust, you’ll keep that body you worked hard for.

(Photo credit: Kali O’Mard)

1 – HIT THE HOTTEST EVENTS
Stop finding every excuse to go out and pick the ones that are WORTH indulging in. This decreases the amount of times and likelihood of you wilding out on your diet, consuming empty, barren calories and drinking.  You’ll increase your odds of preserving your fit physique.

2 – WORKOUT BEFORE YOU GO OUT
Create what’s known as a caloric deficit by working out before you go out. Why? This provides a little cushion or leeway for the extra calories you’ll likely be consuming. The time of day doesn’t matter; just knock it out before you toast the town.

3 – FILL UP THE TANK BEFORE YOU GO

You know the phrase “Don’t go to a supermarket for groceries while hungry”? Well, the same applies for partying. Don’t leave your house hungry. Ever. What do you do when you’re on the go and hungry? You eat everything or anything in sight. Being hungry makes it even tough to make the right food choices at a party.

So what exactly should you eat?

It’s simple: Eat something healthy like whole grain bread with almond butter or a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit before leaving your house. Further hydrate with water to promote the feeling of satiety. The more full you are, the less you’ll drink.
4 – KNOW YOUR LIQUOR
The majority of liquors are assortments of highly-useless calories in high-sugar cocktails. Did you know that the average pure alcohol cocktails have seven calories per gram…literally almost twice the amount as carbs or protein?  Here’s where it becomes flat out absolutely crucial to drink consciously.  I’m going to list a few do’s and don’t here:

Under 100 calorie Dos:

• Jack Daniels (Single Shot) – 55 Calories
• 6 oz. Rum and Diet Coke – 65 Calories
• 6 oz. Vodka and Soda Water – 65 Calories
• 4 oz. Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay – 90 Calories

Over 500 Calories Do Not’s:

• ANY 6 oz. Mud Slides, Coladas, Margaritas, Long Islands range from  – 500 to 650 calories alone. Stay the heck away. Matter of fact, RUN.

Quick Recap:

1. Light beer’s cut an average of 40 calories per bottle.
2. Mix the hard liquors with diet soda, seltzer or at worst fruit juice instead of regular soda.
3. Don’t be a shot warrior. Take it easy on the tequila shots or any others for that matter. Yes, I know they are small and they are small and low in calories by themselves; but a night of them can add up. Big time.
4. Alcohol dehydrates you. The more you drink, the more you’re likely to continue to quench that thirst. Drink a glass of water for every cocktail you have. This will help fill you up so you aren’t drinking alcohol to quench your thirst. Water will also keep you hydrated and minimize the effects of your hangover.
5. Set a number, in the single digits. Stay strong and stick to the pre-determined number of drinks you allowed yourself.

(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

Kali O’Mard, one of New York’s top trainers and a go-to guy for celebrities, socialites and trendsetters alike, has joined the UPTOWN family and will offer his expert advice on getting healthy, achieving the body you desire and how to do all of this without sacrificing everything that involves F.U.N. His motto is “Party by Day, Train by Night”; he lives by his own belief, and so will you. Kali represents a new philosophy in fitness – that you can go out, drink, enjoy your life and then dedicate yourself just as much to the gym. It’s all about moderation and anyone who has ever trained with him will tell you his motivation tactics are infectious. Now you too can GET STARTED and learn to Train By Day and Party By Night!

ABC has released a teaser for the season three premiere of “Scandal,” which will air on October 3.

The intense season picks up from the scandal that ensues when it becomes known that Olivia Pope, played by Emmy-nominated actress Kerry Washington, and President Fitzgerald Grant are having an affair. She continues leading her gladiators, while attempting to clear her name.

Need to catch up on the hit series? Netflix recently released season two of “Scandal.” Also, ABC announced that a one-hour recap special will air before the season premiere.

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

Tyrese Gibson recently won an ugly child support dispute with his ex-wife Norma Gibson.

According to reports, the legal battle was over an increased child support request by Norma, the mother of the former couple’s 5-year-old daughter Shayla, who claimed she needed more money each month because her ex-husband is an absentee father “who consistently blows off daddy duties.”

In his defense, Tyrese detailed his daughter’s recent 5th birthday party — complete with 300 guests and more than 200 gifts — to the court. Along with throwing elaborate parties, the TGT signer revealed that he pays for Shayla’s private school, nanny, clothes and gifts for the holidays.

Tyrese’s bid worked. TMZ reports that the judge sided with him and denied Norma’s request.

The Gibsons currently share custody of their daughter, however Tyrese has publicly stated that he’s seeking full guardianship. Take a look at eight celebrity dads who were successful in gaining custody of their mini-mes below.

Keep reading …

Courtesy of EURWeb

Why is it that most Tavis Smiley and Cornel West supporters always jump to the unwarranted conclusion that the only reason that Black people dislike Smiley and West is because they’re criticizing President Obama?

That’s an extremely presumptuous point of view, and it’s not true. The majority of Black people aren’t hostile toward Tavis and West BECAUSE they criticize Obama, but for the WAY they criticize Obama.

The reason we become angry every time they criticize Obama is because Tavis and West are arrogant, petty, self-serving, condescending, and disrespectful, and those flawed character traits come to the forefront whenever the subject of President Obama comes up. In addition, they’re criticisms never come coupled with constructive solutions, so it’s obvious to the Black community that they’re not actually interested in the issues; they’re merely USING the issues as a pretext to attack the man – and Cornel’s repeated racial slanders clearly validates that perception.

Keep reading …

Comedians aren’t always funny. This isn’t a revolutionary statement.  We’ve all seen a comedian tell a joke that doesn’t land well. No harm no foul, right? You just don’t laugh at that one and anxiously anticipate the next. Then, there are some jokes that go beyond lack of humor and enter the realm of discomfort.

Sheryl Underwood, comedienne and co-host on CBS’ “The Talk,” recently ran head first (literally) into that uncomfortable arena. The co-hosts were discussing the fact that Heidi Klum saves the trimmings from her sons’ Afros after haircuts.  Co-host Sharon Osbourne was steering the conversation towards a discussion about unusual things that they save, but Underwood wasn’t having any of that. She butts in with laughter and asks incredulously, “Why would you save Afro hair?! I mean, you can’t weave in Afro hair … you don’t never see us in the place like ‘Now what I need is [pause for uncontrollable laughter] what I need is this curly, nappy beaded [hair]. That just seems nasty.”

Sheryl, girl—what?! Let’s not even focus on the inaccuracy of that statement, since I do in fact know women who go into salons and get Afro-styles weaved in. Is your self-hatred so penetrating that you can fix your mouth to say something that ignorant on national TV?  The discussion’s focus wasn’t even on the hair itself, so much as the sentiment behind it.  Do you detest your natural hair so much that you just had to harp on that point?  I wanted to give you a pass and say that maybe you tried to force a joke — albeit a horrible one — for laughs since, I would assume, that is your role on the show. I could’ve done that, but then I kept watching.

Co-host Sarah Gilbert tries to move on from the joke and continue on with the topic, saying that she relates to Klum because she also saved hair from her son’s first haircut. She can’t even finish her sentence before Underwood interjects with, “Which is probably some beautiful, long, silky stuff. That’s not what an Afro is!”

That was like a smack in the face. I’m so disappointed that you would use your position on a nationally viewed talk show to degrade blackness. You should know better and you need to do better because, unfortunately, to some who don’t know better, your voice will be the authority they use to spread that same hate. However, I’m not even as mad at you as I am at Aisha Tyler.  I saw you, Tyler, on the sidelines looking uncomfortable as you laughed along.  Say something! Speak up! I think it’s worse to have knowledge of something being wrong and to let it stand anyway.

My heart aches for Underwood. Those words are so self-destructive. The “curly, nappy beaded” hair that grows from your head is not something to be ashamed of. If you choose to weave it, curl it, relax it ,or whatever because you like the style that is your prerogative. But to denounce “Afro hair” is another much deep-seeded issue entirely. Learn to love yourself for everything you are. Watch the video below.

Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

Justin Timberlake thinks the public is being a little too hard on Miley Cyrus following her controversial performance on the 2013 VMAs.

“Listen, man, you know, it’s the VMAs. What did you guys expect?” Justin told New York’s Fresh 102.7. “I like Miley. I like her a lot. I think, you know, she’s young. She’s letting everybody know that she’s growing up.”

Keep reading …

Courtesy of Cocoa Fab

Love her or hate her, Tami Roman knows how to give good reality.

Now in her fourth season on “Basketball Wives,” she has learned a thing or two about baring all for the cameras. Still her seemingly sideways behavior this season has even her biggest fans wondering what’s up.

In part one of CocoaFab’s exclusive interview, the veteran reality star tells the truth about her advice to Evelyn Lozada and explains her reasons for coming for Tasha Marbury. (She didn’t!)

The first bit of baffling behavior came on this season’s opener when Tami seemed to encourage Evelyn to go back to Chad Johnson. Fans were shocked to hear the tough-talking woman tell her friend to head back to her abusive, cheating husband. According To Tami, that’s not the whole story.

“That wasn’t all of the conversation and thats one of those moments where a three hour conversation was cut into five minutes of camera time. That was after listening to Evelyn explain how much she still loves Chad,” she explains. “Since then she has admitted that if the public didn’t know about it, she would have gone back and swept it under the rug. Me knowing that at that dinner was like, ‘OK, if you’re going to go back, then…’

Keep reading …

By Jaia Thomas

The second track on Lupe Fiasco‘s 2007 album, The Cool, is a short ditty titled, “Free Chilly.” The lyrics state -

“If we can break down these walls to set you free/we would, cause we out here/And we miss you/ If we could build a ladder that tall to come and see you/ We would cause we down here.”

Few may know that the song refers to Lupe’s longtime Chicago associate and mentor, Charles ‘Chilly’ Patton, currently serving a 44 year prison sentence.

In 2003, Charles Patton and his wife, Inita Patton were charged with heroin possession. They were also charged with overseeing and orchestrating a drug enterprise in ‘Chicago that would have allegedly pumped more than 900 grams of heroin into the arms of addicts. During Patton’s 2007 trial, Lupe provided testimony in Patton’s defense. But the testimony wasn’t sufficient for a jury to exonerate Patton of the charges. He was found guilty and sentenced to 44 years in prison. It is also worth noting that during Patton’s trial, prosecutors unsuccessfully attempted to connect Patton’s drug schemes to Lupe’s 1st and 15th Records (where Patton served as a partner).

Patton’s estranged wife, Inita Patton has now filed a lawsuit against Lupe claiming that the rapper conspired with Patton to allocate approximately $9 million into various bank accounts in an attempt to keep her from cashing in on any of it during their divorce proceedings. Lupe’s attorney claims that charges are unfounded and that there are “no secret accounts nor illicit instructions.” Unless Inita Patton has direct evidence of these alleged bank accounts and transactions, the likelihood of her prevailing on her claim is almost nil.

Jaia Thomas is a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment attorney.  Her multi-faceted practice covers all segments of the entertainment industry, including: television, film, music and new media. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a graduate of Colgate University (BA), The George Washington University Law School and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. For more information: www.jathomaslaw.com or @jaiathomaslaw.

Raven Symone and her girlfriend AzMarie Livingston, who was an “America’s Next Top Model” contestant, hit up the LudaDay Weekend festivities in Atlanta this past weekend. This is the first time the actress has been seen publicly with her girlfriend since coming out via Twitter. Coincidentally (or maybe not), it was also Atlanta’s Gay Pride weekend.

The two reportedly began dating years ago and have been shacking up for awhile now. They were spotted all over the LudaDay events, even walking hand-in-hand through the club. Aww.

It’s nice to see that Raven feels comfortable enough to live her life the way she pleases. Good for you girl. Check out the pics below.

Photography by Kah Poon

Supermodel Tyson Beckford roams the rooms of New York’s famed 110-year-old Mansfield Hotel (history has it that Max von Gerlach, the rumored inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s hero Jay Gatsby was a longtime resident). Here, Beckford, a legend in his own right, remixes the definition of dapper, sporting lavish blazers and sophisticated suits perfect for the fall. Guys, take note. Ladies, proceed with caution.

BREAKING PATTERNS
ETRO jacket, $2,214 and trousers, $443; JEANRICHARD watch, $3,500; STUBBS & WOOTTON slippers, $450.

BLUER THAN VELVET…
CANALI suit, $2,175; DAVID YURMAN watch, $4,600; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN loafers $795.

BEFORE NIGHT FALLS

On Tyson: CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION jacket, $1,150, shirt, $155, and trousers, $925; DAVID YURMAN watch, $10,000.
On Irsida: DONNA KARAN dress, $1,995; DAVID YURMAN bracelet, $5,500, and rings, $1,950 and $3,950; ATELIER SWAROVSKI by ZALDY earrings, $370.

SHADES OF GRAY

BRIONI coat, $8,000, and turtleneck, $950; SALVATORE FERRAGAMO trousers, $730.
ABOVE THE BAR

On Tyson: ALEXANDER NASH suit and tie, price available upon request; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN loafers, $795. GIRARD-PERREGAUX watch, $32,860.
On Irsida: DONNA KARAN dress, $3,295, and shoes, $895; ATELIER SWAROVSKI by FREDRIKSON STALLARD neck piece, $1,405.

THE DETAILS
On Tyson: ALEXANDER NASH suit and tie, price available upon request; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN loafers, $795. GIRARD-PERREGAUX watch, $32,860.

SHOOT LOCATION: THE MANSFIELD HOTEL, NYC: THE RENWICK PENTHOUSE, THE M BAR AND CLUB ROOM. MANSFIELDHOTEL.COM; (800) 255-5167
STYLIST: MARTIN WAITT; MODEL: IRSIDA @DIRECT MODEL MANAGEMENT; GROOMING FOR TYSON: ADRIAN FANUS; MAKEUP FOR TYSON: JACEN BOWMAN; HAIR FOR IRSIDA: NOEL; MAKEUP FOR IRSIDA: LENA J.; DIGITAL TECH: JOHN ENGSTROM; ASSISTANTS TO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DERRICK HEMPHILL AND ARRICK DUNLAP; PHOTOGRAPHER’S 1ST ASST: ALEX SEGAL; PHOTOGRAPHER’S 2ND ASST: MATT GRANGER; VIDEOGRAPHER: FELIX AUGUSTINE; STYLING ASSISTANTS: HILLARY GLUCK, REIKO MIZUSHITA; HAIR ASSISTANT: TERRANCE BROWN

A GENTLEMAN’S RETURN

The world’s most famous male supermodel, Tyson Beckford highlights the essence of a quintessential gent with just a little bit of steam in fall’s classic looks for men.

GYPSY WOMAN

Boris Kodjoe steps behind the camera and captures the spirit of a model’s nomadic life, starring supermodel Selita Ebanks.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHAMPAGNE

UPTOWN’s Executive Editor Chrystal Parker found out there’s a lot more to the good stuff than bubbles. What do monks have to do with the “devil’s juice”? You’ll be surprised.

DON’T STOP THE MUSIC!

Thriller and Michael Jackson may be what most people immediately think of when it comes to Quincy Jones, but at the heart of it all, he may be the alpha and omega of modern music. You decide.

AGITATE! AGITATE! AGITATE!

George Zimmerman is free man. Critical aspects of the Voting Rights Act were repealed. It’s 50 years after the historic March on Washington, and Roland Martin says it’s time for some action.

ALL EYES ON:

Meet Italy’s newest design star, Stella Jean, and find out why fashion icon Giorgio Armani is showering her with support.

Plus rides, indulgences and essentials!!

TV-host-turned-actress La La Anthony is never one to skim on style, regardless of her demanding career. Other than catching her on the VH1 reality series, “La La’s Full Court Life,” fans will get a chance to see her in the upcoming film Baggage Claim, along side Jill Scott, Paula Patton, Lauren London, and others.

La La is proving to be a go-to girl for style and beauty with the launch of her new collection 5th & Mercer, and her beauty collection Motives for La La. So, if you’re looking for ways to complete your wardrobe this fall, consider a few inspirational looks from the closet of “Star Style“ celeb of the week, La La Anthony.

Hit the streets in a bad-girl moto-style jacket for fall. Take a page out of La La’s book and go for a style that is anything but basic black. A jacket in a bold print or nubby fabric like tweed will take the look to the next level.

Leather is the new denim and this season, investing in the skin is ideal – whether its updating your closet with new dresses, skirts, or pants. In spite of what you may think, leather does not discriminate, so you will absolutely be able to find something age and size appropriate.

Play up your favorite warm autumnal hues — orange, gold, or emerald — with hints of gold. Never overdo it, as La La proves here that a little goes a long way.

Looking for a way to appear pretty and professional for your next office affair? There is no better answer than tasteful sheer. Be sure to punctuate your polished look with an updated classic shoe style.

Animal prints are always great for livening up a look, but in color, the classic print can make an outfit more vibrant.

Camo prints are among the most popular trends for fall – and can be worn in a way that is either laid back or chic. For dressed down days, simply pair with a pair of kicks, and add an edgy heel and shirt for a dressed-up approach.

Borrowed looks from the boys are always en vogue, and not just for the office. Whether for brunch, a party, or an after-five event, a suit with feminine touches can add sass and class.

Today, September 4, is Beyoncé‘s 32nd birthday and whether you praise her, think she’s the head of the Illuminati, or don’t care either way, there is no denying that she is indeed the Queen Bey. She’s been running the game for damn near 10 years now with no signs of stopping. The notoriously private diva has loosened the reins recently and allowed us more of a peek into her life and the Beyhive cannot get enough picture of their queen. So, we’ve compiled just a few photos to say, “Happy birthday Beyoncé,” in honor of this  fierce Virgo.

RELATED: 12 Celebrity Virgos

Courtesy of Ebony.com

I just watched Dave Chappelle quit stand up. Out in the Comcast Theater in Hartford, Connecticut, shivering in the open air, I can’t think that this is anything else. I felt this coming just five minutes after the silver curtain had dropped dramatically, by which point the former Comedy Central star had barely gotten any jokes out. We all knew it was five minutes because, with an edge in his voice, Chappelle had ticked off the time.

The Oddball “Funny or Die” tour was supposed to be Chappelle’s big return to stand up (again). Shorty after taking the stage—to our massive applause—someone in the front interrupted to ask if he was back for real this time. He answered “Yes.” We all cheered.

He had started with some Paula Deen jokes that went over well when he had to stop again. Maybe it was his gratuitous use of the N-word to a mostly White audience. Maybe it was the overpriced beer that, to my amazement, everyone seemed to keep buying. Whatever it was, there was a palpable change. The crowd got rowdier, louder, ruder. Folks started calling out random references to his past work (he informed us that if we ever see him in a Half Baked sequel, that means he’s run completely out of money) and, most bizarrely, his 2006 Oprah interview.

After engaging some of the heckling politely, Chappelle had enough. “I’ve been up here a while now and I thought it was me but now I ‘m sure it’s you. There is definitely something wrong with you.” he told us. In other words, “shut up and let me perform.” Not many did. Finally, he gave up and took his cigarettes and his water and sat on stage.

Keep reading …

Jennifer Hudson was all smiles at T. D. Jakes’ Megafest that Winnie Mandela, the new biopic that explores the freedom fighter’s life for South African equality, has a Sept. 6 release date.

“It’s crazy. It took a couple of years for ‘Winnie’ and it’s ironic that it comes out now with the other films right behind it. I’ve been working really hard so I’m happy that these films will be seen,” Hudson told Blackfilm.com.

Although the film features Academy Award winner Hudson (Dreamgirls) and nominee Terrence Howard, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to bad reviews. The film explores Winnie and Nelson Mandela‘s “untold love story” while focusing on Winnie’s contributions to South Africa’s fight for equality. Winnie Mandela criticized her portrayal in the film. Both issues caused a two year delay in the stateside release of the film.

Over the weekend, the film premiered in Dallas at first International Faith and Family Film Festival.

Fans anticipating Hudson’s third album, can be assured she has recorded new music for Winnie. The Diane Warren ballad “Bleeding for Love” from the film’s soundtrack was released to coincide with the release.

Church-goers are shocked by their pastor at a North Carolina encouraged whites only to stand at the front doors of the church. Freedom House Pastor Makeda Pennycooke, an African-American woman, encouraged “only the best of the best at the front door” in the email.

“You can put a white face all over the front door. But when you come through those doors, you’re going to see African Americans, you’re gonna see Asians. You’re going to see people of color,” Carmen Thomas told WBTV.

“We are continuing to work to bring our racial demographic pendulum back to mid-line,” she continued in the email. “So we would like to ask that only white people be on the front doors.”

A spokeswoman for the church confirmed that the e-mail was sent by Pastor Pennycooke. An apology letter was issued to some church members.

“Freedom House believes in a diverse relationship within its membership, reflecting the larger community in which the church resides, doing life together as a church representative of everyone — culturally, ethnically, economically, and generationally,” church officials stated in a statement.

Kerry Washington is on the cover of October’s Glamour magazine looking gorgeous as usual. She discusses her role on hit TV show Scandal, her style evolution and deftly avoids revealing anything about her marriage to NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha.

On her journey with fashion and becoming the fierce, red carpet head-turner she is:

 It started out as, like, Good-Student Kerry. OK, I’m going to admit this: There were a couple of actresses whom I felt were having the upper hand careerwise—because they knew how to work that red carpet. I was like, “I’m missing a really important tool. If I am the CEO of the Kerry Washington Corporation, my marketing department is really lax.” So I sort of developed a new character: Red-Carpet Kerry.

And I researched her like any other character. I actually called Tracee Ellis Ross [the actress and Diana Ross’s daughter], who’s a good friend, and literally asked, “How do you pronounce Hermès?” Red-Carpet Kerry needed to know.

The professor’s daughter kicked in. I was doing library hours on fashion. And then it happened—I was in love.

Who she considers her real life Gladiators:

My closest girlfriends from college, and I’m really close to the girls on the show. It’s a sisterhood.… That’s the big thing that really differentiates me from Olivia: She compartmentalizes her relationships. I really try to let my friends into all of my life. They know that Red-Carpet Kerry is a version of Kerry, and they know that DNC Speaker Kerry is me.

On her surprise marriage and why she keeps her relationships private:

 I learned through experience that it doesn’t work for me to talk about my personal life. I’ve had earlier times in my career when I did talk about it. I was on the cover of a bridal magazine [InStyle Weddings, in 2005, when Washington was engaged to actor David Moscow]. But I couldn’t just turn around and say, “I only want to talk about the good stuff, but not the bad stuff.” So I just thought, OK, no more.

I’m walking around in the world with my ring. And when people say congratulations, I say thank you. But I’m going to continue to not talk about it and just let it unfold.

I don’t want to sound smug about it…but the point is to do what’s best for me. I have girlfriends in this business who talk about their personal lives, and it works for them, and I love it. But not for me.

The issue hits stands September 10^th. Check out the fab photos from the shoot.