Tristan Thompson Takes Accountability For Kissing Jordyn Woods

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Tristan Thompson Takes Accountability For Kissing Jordyn Woods

Five years after Tristan Thompson's kissing scandal with Kylie Jenner's former BFF Jordyn Woods, he made a public apology.

Five years after Tristan Thompson’s kissing scandal with Kylie Jenner’s former BFF Jordyn Woods, he has made a public apology.

In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Tristan sat down with Kylie to apologize for his numerous cheating exploits against her sister, Khloé Kardashian, especially that one time he got caught kissing Kylie’s then-best friend Jordyn. The kiss created turmoil in the family and led to Kylie and Jordyn ending their yearslong friendship.

Now that the dust has settled on Tristan’s multiple cheating encounters, he’s working to repair his relationship with the Kardashian-Jenner family. The Nov. 16 episode also saw Tristan sitting down with Kylie and Kourtney Kardashian to apologize for hurting their sister. For Kylie, his apology was different, as he also apologized for the part he played in Kylie and Jordyn’s broken friendship.

“Everyone got affected differently, but I think you were affected the most by the situation with losing a sister basically,” Tristan told Kylie, in a clip shared online.

“You lost Jordyn, who was a big part of your life. I know how much she meant to your life and your guys’ connection, you guys were like two peas in a pod. So the fact that I put myself and her in a situation that wasn’t right, and wasn’t smart, made it tough for you and Khloé.”

Tristan Thompson apologizes to Kylie for his role in changing she and Jordyn Woods’ friendship.

He also asks her to relay the apology to Jordyn

(Via: Kardashians on Hulu) pic.twitter.com/g5wYHzYmgR
— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) November 16, 2023

He continued, “It’s a hundred percent on me but I wanna say I’m sorry and I feel bad about it. The fact that I came with my poor decisions and being a f—ing idiot, and being young and stupid, I wanted to say I’m sorry again for that just because life is so short and it sucks because even though we made our mistakes, sometimes it’s hard to come back from situations like that.”

Kylie accepted his apology and gave an update on her current relationship with Jordyn.

“I think I was so codependent with Jordyn that I could’ve never imagined my life without her,” she explained. “We would’ve probably still been living together, and I think she needed to grow without me, I needed to grow without her. But you know, Jordyn and I are cool. We still talk and catch up, we’re good.”

Tristan went on to call himself a “f—ing idiot” for all the cheating he did during his relationship with Khloe. Kylie observed, “You do some dumbass s— … why, Tristan?”

“I think a lot of it was selfish and not really understanding the value of good people,” he said.

Khloé officially ended her relationship with Tristan months before the birth of their son, Tatum, in August 2022, after he was caught in a paternity scandal with Maralee Nichols. Despite all the times she forgave him in the past, including his cheating days after the birth of their daughter, True, in 2018 and the kissing scandal with Jordyn in 2019, Khloé has remained adamant that she has no intention of getting back together with the NBA player, People reported.

by Rafael Pena

November 16, 2023

NYU Students File Lawsuit Against University Over Antisemitism

The students cited instances of verbal and physical threats.

A lawsuit was filed by three Jewish students at New York University on Nov. 14, asserting that the institution has inadequately addressed escalating antisemitism, particularly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, reported ABC News.

The legal action, invoking Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, alleges that NYU’s failure has fostered a hostile environment in which Jewish students face pervasive acts of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation.

According to the lawsuit, antisemitic behavior at the university has been ongoing, and the students accuse NYU of displaying deliberate indifference at best. The plaintiffs claim that the university has allowed an environment in which Jewish students are subjected to abuse without consequences, contrasting it with how the institution addresses other forms of misconduct.

In response, NYU spokesperson John Beckman disputed the allegations, saying they did not accurately depict the campus conditions. Beckman emphasized that antisemitism violates university rules and that NYU is committed to combating hate, ensuring campus safety, and providing an environment where all students learn peacefully.

“Even though every instance of antisemitic behavior alleged herein is prohibited by one or more of NYU’s policies, the university has done nothing to enforce these policies to remedy or prevent that behavior, and certainly nothing approaching the manner in which NYU has enforced them with respect to misconduct not involving antisemitism,” the lawsuit states. “NYU selectively enforces its own rules, deeming Jewish students unworthy of the protections it readily affords to non-Jewish students victimized by discrimination, harassment, and intimidation.”

The students, juniors Bella Ingber, Sabrina Maslavi, and Saul Tawil, detailed instances of verbal and physical threats that made them feel unsafe on campus. They asserted that the university’s failure to address such issues has impacted their coursework and restricted their movements on campus.

Beckman told ABC News that the allegations “do not accurately describe conditions on our campus or the many steps NYU has been taking to fight antisemitism and keep the campus safe.”

“Antisemitism violates our rules; we take the issues of antisemitism and any other forms of hate extremely seriously, and we are committed to safeguarding our community and providing an environment in which all students can live and learn in peace,” Beckman said.

The lawsuit demands that NYU implements measures to prevent antisemitism, terminates responsible administrators and faculty, and takes action against students engaged in such conduct. Additionally, the students seek damages and attorneys’ fees.

The rise in hate speech and threats against the Jewish community in the U.S. has been noted by law enforcement officials and advocates, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Chad Ochocinco Johnson Gives Props To Viagra For Making Him ‘Move 10 Times Faster’ On The Football Field

by Sharelle Burt

November 16, 2023

Chad Ochocinco Johnson Gives Props To Viagra For Making Him ‘Move 10 Times Faster’ On The Football Field

Former NFL star Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson has never been shy about telling his business to the public.

Former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has never been shy about telling his business to the public. The retired football player took the opportunity to tell fellow retired footballer and show co-host Shannon Sharpe that he credited the sexual performance enhancement drug Viagra for his speed on the football field. During a Nov. 14 episode of his show, Nightcap With Unc and Ocho, the former Cincinnati Bengal discussed how the drug would help him.

“Listen to me; it’s an enhancement with the increasing blood flow to improve performance horizontally, depending on how you do it,” Ochocinco said.

“Stay with me now. If you take half a pill before a game with a little bit of Red Bull, it increases the blood flow, which enhances performance.”

The outspoken player made headlines for his ritual in 2020. Since the NFL generally screens for performance enhancing drugs such as steroids, Ocho said the erectile dysfunction medication helps get around it.

“NFL tests for steroids,” he said on Twitter.

“How you gonna stop me running on three legs every Sunday?”

NFL tests for steroids, how you gone stop me running on 3 legs every Sunday, no hat 🧢 https://t.co/fZ1OIx6DQ9
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 28, 2020

Ocho tried to get Sharpe to confess to using Viagra as well but the First Take co-host wouldn’t budge. “I can confirm nor deny,” Sharpe said.

The three-time Pro-Bowler continued his story to describe himself as one of the greatest NFL wide receivers while claim he scored 12 points NBA legend LeBron James during a game at NYC’s The Summit and thinks he could fight professional boxer, Bud Crawford, telling Sharpe to “ask Bud about these hands.”

There may be some truth to Ochocinco’s claims. A study from the American Heart Association found sildenafil, the generic name for Viagra, helps improve exercise capacity by dilating arteries and increasing muscular blood flow. According to the New York Post, another study found that the drug can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 60%.

by Sharelle Burt

November 16, 2023

State Judge In Maine Orders Two White Men To Pay Black Man $1.25 Million For Racially Motivated Attack

The victim testified saying that if he hadn’t been able to escape, “I probably would have lost my life that night.”

A state judge from Maine has ordered that a Black man be paid over $1 million after being a victim of a racially motivated attack in 2018, the Associated Press reports.

The victim, Daimon McCollum, was randomly attacked in 2018 by Maurice Diggins and his nephew, Dusty Leo, of Biddeford. McCollum’s family had been celebrating one of his children’s receiving a college scholarship before McCollum walked to a local convenience store for a snack, encountering Diggins and Leo. From a vehicle, Diggins prevented McCollum from going into the store by circling around him and shouting racial taunts. Leo then approached McCollum and punched him in the jaw. McCollum ran away, and the men followed him to his home.

The judge handed down a default judgment against Diggins and Leo, who are currently being held in federal custody.

While McCollum’s attorney, Allyson Knowles, said that her client may never actually receive the awarded money, she praised the judgment, as it “demonstrates that this kind of conduct is abhorrent and won’t be tolerated.”

McCollum and his family initially relocated from the Bronx borough of New York City to Maine due to its low crime rate. However, following the assault, he decided to move out of Biddeford.

Diggins, meanwhile, has visible tattoos of symbols that represent hatred toward Black people and others, including swastikas and the initials “WPWW” for “White Pride World Wide,” which played a huge part in the trial. At Diggins’ sentencing, according to the Portland Press Herald, U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen said Diggins told his wife during a recorded jail call that several people from the state shared the same racist views and would protect him from a guilty verdict.

Diggins was sentenced to 10 years after being convicted of two counts of committing a hate crime and one count of conspiracy. His nephew pleaded guilty and received a three-year sentence. He is scheduled to be released from federal custody toward the end of November 2023.

After the attack, McCollum’s mouth was wired shut for a month. During his testimony, he said that if he hadn’t been able to escape,

“I probably would have lost my life that night.”

RELATED CONTENT: Woman Bitten During Racist Attack On A UK Train

by Rafael Pena

November 16, 2023

Tragedy Strikes Bahamas Tourist Ferry: 75-Year-Old Woman Dead After Vessel Sinks

A horrifying incident unfolded off the coast of the Bahamas as a double-decker ferry, sank, leaving a 75-year-old American woman dead.

A horrifying incident unfolded Nov. 14 in the azure waters off the coast of the Bahamas as a double-decker ferry, carrying cruise ship passengers to the scenic Blue Lagoon Island, sank, leaving a 75-year-old American woman dead, reported USA Today.

The calamity occurred as the ferry departed Paradise Island, Nassau, en route to Blue Lagoon Island, a tourist destination about three miles northeast of the Bahamas capital.

“The vessel experienced rough seas in the area, which resulted in the boat taking on water and becoming submerged in waters just outside of Blue Lagoon,” stated Police Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings to the Nassau Guardian.

@kellyswitz
our ferry went down on our way to Blue Lagoon #shipwreck #boat #boatsinking #bluelagoon #bahamas #ferry
♬ original sound – Kelly Schissel

With approximately 100 passengers on board, the ferry left Paradise Island around 9:30 a.m. The distressing scene was captured in a TikTok video by Kelly Schissel, an American tourist on board, who exclaimed, “Our boat is sinking. Everybody is freaking out.”

In the video, passengers wearing orange life vests can be seen clinging to one side of the ferry as it tips into the turquoise Caribbean waters. Chaos ensues, with screams and shouting in the background.

Schissel, in a follow-up video, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that as the water began pouring into the boat, passengers awaited instructions from the crew, who allegedly provided none. Consequently, when someone jumped into the rough waters, others followed suit, donning life jackets and swimming to a nearby boat. The evacuation continued until additional boats arrived for the rescue effort.

Despite swift action from emergency teams at Blue Lagoon Island, tragedy struck, claiming the life of a 75-year-old woman from Colorado. Her identity and cause of death remain undisclosed at present.

The ferry was reportedly approaching Blue Lagoon Island when the incident occurred. Passengers and five staff members were safely brought to the island, with two passengers requiring hospitalization.

In a statement, Blue Lagoon Island indicated that the passengers on the ferry were from a cruise ship. The U.S. Embassy, local authorities, and the cruise ship were promptly alerted about the accident.

As the investigation unfolds, questions about the boat’s seaworthiness and the crew’s response to the emergency remain. The Bahamas, known for its idyllic landscapes, is now grappling with the aftermath of a day meant for leisure.

State courts to consider blocking Trump from 2024 ballot under the ‘insurrection’ clause

by Daniel Johnson

November 16, 2023

Trump Lashes Out At Leticia James On His Truth Social Platform

Trump called Letitia James "racist" and claimed she was enjoying his trial "a bit too much."

Former President Donald Trump spoke harshly of New York Attorney General Letitia James on Nov. 14, using his Truth Social platform. According to The Hill, Trump wrote, “Racist A.G. Letitia James is smirking all day long from her seat in Court.”

He continued, “You have a (Trump Hating!) Attorney General who’s seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages when not a single penny was lost by these banks, and that’s part of this (Unconstitutional!) Law. You can see from the reaction of A.G. James, every morning from that seat, that she is enjoying this, enjoying it a bit too much.”

As the trial has proceeded, Trump has been vexed by James, and critical over what he has described as a vendetta against him for political purposes for quite a while. While The Trump Organization and its executives were found liable for fraud, an appeals court wants to wait until his case is completed before it strips his business license.

The trial, which is a civil trial, is separate from Trump’s criminal trial in Georgia, which concerns his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. There are also other trials: over his alleged mishandling of classified documents once he left the White House, as well as alleged efforts from Trump to hide hush money paid out ahead of the 2016 election.

Trump shared posts on his website where user described a fantasy situation in which James and Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the civil trial, were placed under citizen’s arrest for what the user called “blatant election interference and harassment.”

Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer in Trump’s administration, said that such attacks could lead to Trump being punished.

According to Newsweek, Cobb told CNN, “He’s specifically asked people to conduct a citizen’s arrest. Detention of either James or Engoron would be a crime if committed by any individual who was so motivated by the president’s remarks. It’s much like what he did on January 6, he continues to be off the rails in terms of the extent to which his invective infects these proceedings and is the potential in them to intimidate witnesses.”

He continued, “Comments like this will result in Trump not only being sanctioned, which will probably be the first order of business, but at some point, these types of comments will result in him being put in jail pending some of these trials.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Terrence Howard Says He Only Made $12K For ‘Hustle & Flow’

The Memphis-based film became a box office hit, earning $22 million in the United States and Canada.

Hustle & Flow garnered an Academy Award for Three Six Mafia. But the film’s Oscar nominated star, Terrence Howard, claims he only made $12,000 for the film.

It’s been 18 years since Howard captivated audiences with his starring role in the 2005 Memphis-based film, which earned $22 million in the United States and Canada. But on WREG’s Live at 9 on Tuesday, Nov. 14, the actor revealed the surprisingly low salary he walked away with.

“I made $12,000 for doing Hustle & Flow,” Howard said.

“What Paramount did, instead of putting my name as ‘Terrence Howard’ performing the songs, they put ‘performed by Djay [his character’s name].’ Well, they owned Djay.”

The studio’s subtle loophole allowed for the performance royalties to go to the media company instead of the song’s actual performer. Now Howard is suing Paramount. “So now, I’ve got to send them a letter to say, ‘Hey, you guys owe me about 20 years worth of residuals and performance royalties,'” he said.

As for why Howard agreed to the low pay, he said he was just trying to pay his rent. In 2020, Howard sued 20th Century Fox for using his likeness from Hustle & Flow to promote the Lee Daniels series he also starred in, Empire.

“SAG [Screen Actors Guild] didn’t do anything to help me,” Howard now says of the lawsuit. “They waited nine months until the statute of limitations went out.”

Howard, who played Lucious Lyon on all six seasons of Empire, filed a lawsuit accusing 20th Century Fox of keeping him in the dark when asked how it came up with the Empire logo. He never sat down for a photoshoot so he wondered how the image was obtained.

In the lawsuit, Howard says he ultimately determined the image was taken from the Hustle & Flow scene where “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” is being recorded in a studio. Now Howard is after two different studios to get what he feels he’s owed.

Veteran Raquel Riley Thomas Becomes Media And Entertainment Mogul, Pioneering Positive Change

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 16, 2023

Veteran Raquel Riley Thomas Becomes Media And Entertainment Mogul, Pioneering Positive Change

Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain veteran, entrepreneur, pageant queen, and humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain Veteran, Entrepreneur, Pageant Queen, and Humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul, reshaping industries and inspiring positive change. With over 30 years of combined military and private sector experience, she has seamlessly transitioned from the battlefield to the boardroom, leaving an indelible mark on the Beauty, Fashion, Celebrity, Lifestyle, and Music industries.

Raquel is the founder of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a Veteran-owned media and entertainment company headquartered in Washington, DC, with satellites in GA, NY, LA. Since its inception in 2011, AOAGWLLC has earned acclaim, winning over 75 awards. Raquel, as a Publicist and owner of AOAGWLLC, has led her team to support clients in achieving over 700 appearances in print media, television, in-person, and radio/podcast appearances.

Military Service and Entrepreneurial Journey

Raquel’s journey began in 1990 as a decorated military Veteran, serving nine years in the U.S. Army as an Enlisted photojournalist and later as an Ordnance Officer. In 2002, she started her first business, Photography By Raquel, LLC, capturing actors, celebrities, and Jet magazine swimsuit centerfolds. Transitioning into the world of modeling, Raquel signed with Elite Model Management and later Ford Model NYC, showcasing her versatility in the industry.

The pivotal shift occurred in 2011 when Raquel founded AOAGWLLC, making history with over 75 awards and producing pageants at renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center. In 2020, she expanded her entrepreneurial footprint with the launch of Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line (RRTBeauty), a performance-based makeup brand.

Education and Community Involvement

Raquel’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her educational achievements, including a degree in Psychology from Hampton University and a certification from Harvard Business School in Mastery of Negotiations. Actively engaged in the community, she serves as an Advisory Board member of Operation Renewed Hope, Public Relations Chair on the Executive Board of Fashion Group International Atlanta (FGIATL), and is a member of Veterans of Foreign War and Veteran’s In Media.

Raquel’s accolades include induction into the Library of Congress, Army Commendation Medal (2x), Army Achievement Medal (3x), “Veteran of the Year” 2011 by Women Veteran’s Rock, and recognition as a “Leader of the Future” by Ebony Magazine, among many others.

Personal Life and Advocacy

A native of Maryland, Raquel, alongside her husband, West Point graduate Ron Thomas, Esq, and their entrepreneurial daughters, Maria Raquel and Sophia J, exemplifies a commitment to family and community. In remembrance of her late mother, who took her own life by suicide, Raquel supports the American Federation of Suicide and initiated Queen V Day, pampering deserving Veterans.

She attributes her success to the skills honed during her military service, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, leadership, and adaptability. These attributes, cultivated on the battlefield, seamlessly transferred to the world of business, guiding AOAGWLLC towards success.

Recognizing the challenges Veterans face during transition, Raquel offers valuable advice for a seamless shift from the military to entrepreneurship. Leverage military skills, seek mentorship, understand cultural differences, translate military experience, invest in continuous learning, and proudly embrace military background.

Raquel stands as a pioneer in creating positive change, proving that even small steps can lead to meaningful impact. Her journey, marked by a profound shift in roles and responsibilities, serves as an inspiration for fellow Veterans seeking a new mission beyond the uniform.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Black Celebrities Who Are Military Veterans

Obamas Appear At ‘Rustin’ Screening For HBCU First Look Film Festival

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 16, 2023

Obamas Appear At ‘Rustin’ Screening For HBCU First Look Film Festival

The Former First couple executively produced the biopic centering on the openly gay activist.

Barack and Michelle Obama made a rare appearance in support of their new film’s latest screening. The former first couple joined the opening night of Rustin at the HBCU First Look Film Festival on Nov. 10.

The Washington, D.C. affair filled with esteemed professionals in the film industry, as well as public figures in the social impact sphere. Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin, played by Euphoria actor Coleman Domingo, an openly gay man and social justice advocate who helped create the March on Washington. According to Blavity, the film is executively produced by the Obamas, as part of their production company Higher Ground.

At the showing, both political figures spoke about the importance of telling Rustin’s inspiring, yet relatively lesser-known, story.

“I know how easy it is to doubt who you are, to wonder if the way you look or where you’re from or who you love will leave you on the margins of the broader American story,” Mrs. Obama explained.

“But as you watch this movie, I want you to let Bayard Rustin’s example give you the strength to silence those doubts. Let his story remind you that no matter the complication, no matter the hardship, you can make history.”

Her husband shared similar sentiments, stating that although Rustin is lauded for his work in present day, the hardship felt during the civil rights movement and ongoing fight for gay rights is still one to recognize.

“No medal can change what happened to Bayard, and no film can ease the pain of generations of Americans who have faced discrimination because of who they are and who they love,” shared Obama, referring to Rustin’s posthumously awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

“But Michelle’s and my hope is that, by telling Bayard’s story, more people will appreciate leaders like him who brought America closer to its highest ideals – even though they weren’t in the limelight.”

The film is set to open in a limited theater release on Nov. 3, with its Netflix debut on Nov. 17. The trailer for the upcoming biopic, released in October, can be viewed below.

Destiny Drake West Is In Position To Be First Black Woman To Represent Maryland In Congress

by Stacy Jackson

November 16, 2023

Destiny Drake West Is In Position To Be First Black Woman To Represent Maryland In Congress

Black history in Congress is in the making.

Destiny Drake West might make history.

West, a congressional candidate, recently announced she is pregnant with her fourth child. She also declared she will continue to strive to represent the citizens of Maryland’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to a press release emailed to BLACK ENTERPRISE, if West is elected for this position she will be the first Black woman in this role and the first Black representative to serve Maryland’s 6^th Congressional district. This would also make her the first woman to serve in Congress from the state of Maryland since 2016.

The politician stepped into the realm of public service after being motivated by her personal experience. Her background of being born into an impoverished family has led to her, she said, understanding of the various challenges faced by marginalized members of the community such as women and working families. According to West, this has provided her with a unique perspective and understanding of gender pay disparities, affordable childcare, paid maternity and paternity leave, and reproductive rights.

The soon-to-be mom of four uses her story of success as motivation when helping families in her district obtain access to opportunities that will set them up for economic growth and security.

“After years of trying to conceive and two failed pregnancies, my husband and I are thrilled to be expecting a child. However, I’m equally thrilled to continue my campaign for the people of Maryland’s 6th District. I entered this race because I believe, more than anything else, our district needs a working mother in Congress who understands that poverty is not a Democrat or Republican issue. Poverty is a failure of leadership–an inability to rise above petty political disagreements and recognize that our community is only as strong as our most vulnerable people,” West said.

“Right now, one-third of our families are struggling to make ends meet and the only thing standing in the way of finding common-sense solutions to these economic challenges is a lack of political will in Washington. This pregnancy will not deter me from my mission. If anything, it strengthens my resolve to run this race to the end,” she continued.

West has been praised for her excellence in politics by Dr. Don Trahan, Jr., a certified diversity executive.

“Destiny has the ability to navigate the complex landscape of running for Congress as a woman of color, where gender biases and inequalities still persist,” Trahan said.

Donna Edwards was the first African American woman in Congress from the state of Maryland, BE covered in 2008. She was elected to represent Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.

West is four months pregnant and will be running the race for the duration of her pregnancy, with a due date in April 2024.