Lizzo responds to critic who claims she is popular because of ‘obesity epidemic’

Boyce Watkins, a social media and political pundit, set off a Twitterstorm Monday when he attacked Lizzo’s weight.

He complained that the recently named Time Magazine’s entertainer of the year is popular because her weight is reflective of the obesity epidemic in the U.S. He lamented that people classified as obese are dying from diabetes, adding an image of Lizzo alongside the commentary. Fans took to Twitter in no time to condemn the remarks. Lizzo also responded, asking why male artists like DJ Khaled were not subjected to the same scrutiny.

READ MORE: Lizzo named Time Magazine 2019 Entertainer of the Year

#Lizzo popular is because there is an obesity epidemic in America. Rather than encouraging people to do better, we are simply lying to them and telling them that they are just fine the way they are.

Unfortunately, Many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease pic.twitter.com/75TY8jJRIX

— Dr Boyce Watkins (@drboycewatkins1) December 20, 2019

Lizzo argued that she is popular because she writes songs that resonate with fans and that she’s a talented performer. She also noted that she’s doing fine and Watkins needs to check himself.

I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love.

The only person who needs to do better is you.

Keep my name out ya mouth & look in the mirror before you come for me.

Here’s the attention you ordered 😏 https://t.co/zXnOv4f9Dr

— Feelin Good As Hell (@lizzo) December 23, 2019

More than 207,000 Twitter users liked Lizzo’s tweet, many of whom accused Watkins of fat-shaming and sexism, focusing on the singer, instead DJ Khaled, because she’s a confident Black woman at the top of her game.

Here are samples of fans rushing to her defense:

Lizzo is popular because she lets all women know they’re beautiful and fabulous exactly as they are and that we don’t need the validation of any man or anyone but ourselves. She reminds us we are enough. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya, sir.

— Music City Mel (@musiccitymel) December 24, 2019

Dr. Watkins out here addressing your fine-ness like he has an MD behind his name.

Sir, your PhD is in finance. @lizzo he just big mad that no amount of his work will reach the people you reach, through love.

Be well, beautiful. xx

— 🎁 Veronica is Present 🎁 (@LovesTheBern) December 23, 2019

Not one to be silenced, Watkins hit back:

Why #Lizzo is popular: We take toxic, deadly, dysfunction and make it cool. All of us are worthy of love, but we should not encourage our people to be unhealthy. https://t.co/XymmVpD7Jj pic.twitter.com/OqOs55kylt

— Dr Boyce Watkins (@drboycewatkins1) December 24, 2019

Let us know your thoughts about this debate in the comments section.

READ MORE: For the Big Black girls who are apathetic about Lizzo’s bare bottom

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Ben Carson on slavery reparations: ‘No one is ever going to be able to work that out’

Ben Carson, the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in a recent interview tried to dismantle long-standing arguments by advocates and scholars that the U.S. should pay reparations to descendants of slaves, claiming the racial makeup of Black Americans precludes officials from determining just how much to give relatives today.

READ MORE: HUD secretary Carson under fire for remarks about transgender community

“What I would say about reparations is, you know, show me a mechanism that works,” he told Jericka Duncan in an interview on CBS This Morning that aired Monday. “You know, I did my DNA analysis. OK. I’m 77 percent sub-Saharan African, 20 percent European, 3 percent Asian. So how do you proportion that out to everybody?”

In response to a question from Duncan, Carson, a Republican and fierce supporter of Donald Trump, questioned how the mechanics of such an undertaking would work, and even called it “unworkable.” He suggested the topic of reparations should shift from what is owed African-American descendants of slaves to creating “a better economic situation now.”

“If you can prove you’re a descendant of a slave, though, do you think it’s worth having a conversation?” Duncan asked, for which Carson replied: “Yeah, but what percentage of money do you get? What percentage of reparation? No one is ever going to be able to work that out.”

Duncan pushed back, saying: “But nobody considered what percentage of what black people looked like in the Civil Rights era. They didn’t say, ‘Well, we’re not going to discriminate against you because you might be partially this or partially that.'”

READ MORE: Ben Carson’s hires staffer who wrote he had no problem with whites using the N-word

The retired neurosurgeon wasn’t swayed. “Proportionately, you’re not going to be able to figure it out. And where do you stop it? It’s unworkable. I would much rather concentrate on how do we provide the opportunities for people to get into a better economic situation now,” Carson told CBS.

Almost immediately, Carson’s comments hit Twitter, where experts like Nikole Hannah-Jones, a reporter with The New York Times Magazine who covers race, weighed in on the issue.

Why is @CBSThisMorning interviewing Ben Carson on reparations?

— Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) December 23, 2019

His reasoning for opposing reparations is genetic tests show black people are mixed. White “blood” didn’t keep black people out of slavery, Ben. https://t.co/tP2rPxhFLo

— Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) December 23, 2019

The issue of reparations has received renewed interest this year with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introducing a bill in the House that calls for the establishment of a commission to study the impact of slavery and the continued discrimination against Black people. before the commission makes recommendations on reparations. And Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful, introduced a similar measure in the Senate this spring.

Also recently, the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish denomination, backed a resolution that calls for the creation of a federal commission to look into ways to atone for slavery and systemic racism against Black people, according to Huffington Post.

 

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The 10 Worst Tech Product Launches of the 2010s

It wasn't all unicorns and cryptokitties. From Apple's Antennagate to Juicero's fruit bomb, the decade offered up plenty of brutally expensive embarrassments.

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The female coach making history in Sierra Leone

The owner of Sierra Leone's East End Tigers says Victoria Conteh is the top-flight's first woman coach 'because she's qualified and that's the bottom line'.

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Chatroulette Was Shorthand for Chaos Online. Then Came the 2010s

The video chat site wasn’t exactly civil—far from it—but it pales in comparison to the actual chaos of the past decade.

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Got the Flu? These Doctors Really Want to See You—Virtually

Getting sick is the worst. But if you're trying to lure customers who are reluctant or unable to leave home, the virus can be an ally.

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US recalls ambassador to Zambia after gay rights row

The ambassador said he was "horrified" that two men had been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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US stops sending sniffer dogs to Egypt and Jordan

The move follows the deaths of US-trained dogs due to negligence - one died of heat stroke.

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Africa's 2019 news quiz

How well do you remember the quirkier headlines from the continent this year?

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Eritrean players fail to return home once again

Players from the Eritrean football team have again disappeared following a regional Cecafa tournament in Uganda.

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Science Explains Why We Should All Work Shorter Hours in Winter

People tend to get gloomy when night comes early and cold weather descends. But adjusting our workday to the season could lift our mood.

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Omarosa claims Nancy Pelosi is at top of Donald Trump’s ‘list’

If it was not already apparent that Donald Trump was out for payback, then confirmation from a former insider should make it more obvious.

On Sunday, former Trump White House official Omarosa Manigault Newman talked with MSNBC host Kendis Gibson about the president’s recent impeachment, as well as his thirst to get even. When Gibson asked Manigault Newman if Trump was a “revengeful person,” she gave a disturbingly vivid picture of how the president liked to operate from her experience.

READ MORE: Omarosa, not one to stay on the sidelines, emerges as Michael Cohen advisor

“You know, he tweeted back when we were doing Celebrity Apprentice that ‘revenge was sweet not fattening,” Manigault Newman remembered. “He actually loves the idea of getting even. In fact, he writes about it in many of his books about getting even with anybody that crosses him.”

Manigault Newman, who was fired by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly in December 2017, went on to claim that Trump has a list of people he wants to seek vengeance against.

“I even remember talking with him during transition,” she continued, “he has kept a list of people who he believes has wronged him. And recently as you know with impeachment, that list has grown and he is going through that list, and he trying to figure out ways to undermine them whether that’s through policy, whether that’s through calling them names or trying to attack them publicly, but Donald Trump will find a way, in his mind, even fighting with people who are deceased, to get even.”

With Trump’s impeachment in full swing, Manigault Newman said she believed there was “no question” Nancy Pelosi would be at the top of Trump’s hit-list.

“He has a very special type of venom that he reserves for women in power, in particularly this woman who has one-up’d him, who has beat him at his game. I mean, no one has played Donald Trump quite the way she has in such a public way that will forever kind of tattoo a mark on him. And so, he is trying to plot a way, somehow, someway to get even with Speaker Pelosi.”

There is no doubt that Pelosi has been the leading voice in the fight to impeach Trump, which inevitably happened on Dec. 18 when the Democrat-led House voted in favor of impeachment. Though the Republican-controlled Senate has passionately declared that they will not vote to impeach, Pelosi is still claiming a win.

”He just got impeached. He’ll be impeached forever. No matter what the Senate does. He’s impeached forever because he violated our Constitution,” Pelosi told the Associated Press.

Trump has been beyond vocal about his disdain for the Speaker.

READ MORE: Omarosa Manigault-Newman slapped with lawsuit from DOJ for not coming clean about her coins

“They are violating the Constitution,” Trump said, calling Pelosi “crazy Nancy,” days after the announcement Reuters reported.

With all of the madness happening in Washington regarding impeachment, Manigualt Newman warned that the people around Trump at this time are “feeding his worst instincts.”

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‘Celebration of Life’ held for slain Alabama teenager Aniah Blanchard

Dozens of mourners decided to spend the weekend before Christmas showering Aniah Blanchard‘s family with love and support.

On Saturday, Blanchard’s family held a “celebration of life” to honor her memory at the Faith Chapel Christian Center in Birmingham, Ala. According to ABC News, some supporters had even traveled from Blanchard’s hometown of Homewood, Ala. to attend the memorial service. Attendees wore the color baby blue, which was Blanchard’s favorite color, and black.

READ MORE: Suspect in Aniah Blanchard death has outburst in court

Blanchard’s mother, Angela Haley Harris, spoke to friends, family and even strangers that were touched by Blanchard’s story

“It’s easy for me to talk about Aniah, she is my mini-me… I gave birth to her on my birthday,” Harris said. “She is the greatest gift to me.”

Throughout the two-hour service, many people who knew her consistently talked about 19-year-old Blanchard’s infectious “light.”

“Aniah had a light that you wanted to be around. The light she had every day of her life is still here and is still being shared,” Hannah Haley, Blanchard’s cousin, remembered.

Blanchard’s stepfather, UFC fighter Walt Harris, also spoke to fellow mourners about how his stepdaughter encouraged him in his career.

“Aniah is my biggest fan. She would always tell me when it came to my career it will be okay, you gotta keep going,” Harris said. “So now I have to go strong for the other kids… Glad to have her in my life and how she had an impact on my life.”

Harris was the resounding voice that brought national attention to Blanchard’s Oct. 23 disappearance from an Alabama convenience store. After an extensive search, her body was found on Nov. 25. Ibraheem Yazeed, 30, has been charged in her abduction of murder.

READ MORE: Teenager might have staged kidnapping because she didn’t want to move

According to ABC, authorities believe Yazeed, who is facing capital murder charges, may have killed Blanchard after she tried to reach for his gun. David Johnson Jr., 63, and Antwon Fisher, 35, have also been charged in the case.

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Trina Braxton was positively glowing as she tied the knot with Von Scales

Trina Braxton is a married woman y’all!

According to Page Six, the Braxton sister wed fiance Von Scales in a lavish Dec. 15 wedding less than a year after they were engaged. Scales is Braxton’s third marriage.

READ MORE: Tamar Braxton fires back at accusations she’s homophobic: ‘STOP with that BS!’

PEOPLE reported that Toni, Tamar, Traci, Towanda, Michael Jr., and mother Evelyn were all in tow to celebrate the lovely ceremony that took place at Windows on Washington in St. Louis. Braxton wore a breathtaking white floor-length wedding dress designed by Naama & Anat Haute Couture and was positively radiant in pictures from her reception.

“Our wedding day was unpredictable and amazing. Our personalities shined through and it was a great example of our relationship. Simple elegance, but all about celebrating with family and friends. It was perfect for us,” Braxton told PEOPLE. “I’m married to an amazing man, and our night was about displaying our love for each other amongst our loved ones and including our loved ones and blending our families. Who could ask for anything more?!”

Though Braxton and her sisters were all smiles during the wedding, according to Page Six, baby sister Tamar was not excited about the engagement earlier this year, which took place on Braxton’s 42nd birthday.

“This is not a birthday celebration for me,” she said in a video at the time. “This is some straight foul s–t.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

My sissy @trinabraxton1 is getting married tomorrow and this is her last night as a single fish 🐟😂 I’m so happy for her and @vonscales because they are such an AMAZING AWESOME couple ❤️Congratulations guys 🎉

A post shared by Tamar Braxton ❤️ (@tamarbraxton) on Dec 14, 2019 at 10:37pm PST

 Tamar would go on to apologize to her sister a few days later saying in tweets have since been deleted, “Sometimes you get so caught up in ‘ME’ you fck up not only your night, but others are well! Looking at the big picture, I’m so excited and Happy for @TrinaBraxton1 and @Vonscales!”

Braxton’s wedding happened almost one year to the date of the one year anniversary of her ex-husband Gabe Solis‘ death. Braxton and Solis had been married for 12 years and their troubled relationship was documented on Braxton Family Values.

READ MORE: Lizzo, Ciara, Toni Braxton and more hit the stage at the 2019 American Music Awards

And do not worry if you were not able to score an invite to the wedding as it was filmed for the upcoming season of Braxton Family Values.

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MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge drives a more equitable economy

In 2015, the world began to realize a stark reality — the unprecedented wealth and prosperity ushered in by the digital age was not being shared equally across society. Research indicated that income inequality was rising, and the headlines reflected a growing public fear of unemployment driven by automation. 

MIT Sloan School of Management's Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, co-directors of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE) and co-authors of “The Second Machine Age,” recognized this reality as a challenge that could be solved if the right resources were brought to bear.   

IDE’s response was the MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge (IIC), a global tournament for entrepreneurs harnessing technology to ensure a more equitable future. Since the IIC was launched at the first MIT Solve in 2015, IDE has identified 160 organizations from around the world, awarding a total of $5 million in prizes to accelerate their missions. In three years, those IIC winners have collectively generated over $170 million in revenue, raised over $1 billion in capital, created more than 7,000 jobs, and served 350 million people. 

IIC awardees include entrepreneurs like Hugo Pinaretta, whose grandparents were smallholder farmers in Peru. He and his co-founders now lead AGROS, which applies remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies to increase small farmers’ yields. 

In another case, Helen Adeosun, a former home health care aid, launched CareAcademy, which provides online professional development to teach and up-skill caregivers, a growing profession that is unlikely to be replaced by robots or automation. Adeosun and her team provide opportunities for millions of workers to prepare for the future of health care.

The IIC has been a grassroots initiative — a small team relying on the power of an international community to scale and to drive their mission. They have worked with more than 600 experts to select IIC winners from among 4,500 global registrants and engaged more than 100 outreach partners: like-minded for-profit and nonprofit organizations that helped the IIC source inclusive innovators from every corner of the world. They also partnered with nine collaborator organizations, including Merck KGaA in Germany, MaRS Discovery District in Canada, and Liquid Telecom in Kenya, to host 14 celebrations on five continents, attended by more than 4,000 investors, policymakers, academics, and business leaders.

After accelerating the global future-of-work movement for the past four years, the IIC team began looking for ways to further amplify their impact. Coming full circle, they looked to MIT Solve, an Institute-wide initiative designed to address the world’s most pressing problems through partnership and open innovation. The IIC will transition into Solve in 2020, powering its Economic Prosperity Challenge to drive increased resources and global awareness to the inclusive innovators who are creating an equitable future of work for all. This transition will magnify the impact of IIC winners and the transformative, lasting change that is imperative for today’s global economy.

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Star Wars News: 'The Rise of Skywalker' and Everything After

The finale of the saga has come and gone. So what happens now?

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Memorial party for Chicago shooting victim turns violent

With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to imagine the horror that took place in Chicago during what was supposed to be a party to remember a shooting victim.

On Sunday morning, 13 people sustained gunshot wounds at a memorial party. According to Complex, the violence transpired following a personal dispute and to make matters more disturbing, a shooter decided to fire randomly at attendees who were attempting to leave the party.

READ MORE: Gunfire interrupts holiday shopping at Cumberland Mall in Atlanta

“There was a dispute where shots were fired inside,” Chicago Police Chief Fred Waller said. “The people started to spill out, and as they spilled out more shots were fired. So we have about three [shooting] scenes.”

Authorities also said that the horrific scene was caught on police cameras, which also showed one of the party-goers shooting at a passing vehicle.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot took to Twitter to send her prayers to the 13 victims of the shooting in a series of tweets.

“Our hearts are with the 13 individuals whose lives were significantly harmed after gunmen opened fire at a memorial gathering last night,” Lightfoot wrote late Sunday morning.

Our hearts are with the 13 individuals whose lives were significantly harmed after gunmen opened fire at a memorial gathering last night.

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) December 22, 2019

“People deserve to live their lives without fear of someone pulling out a gun,” she continued. “Especially in a moment of reflection and remembrance during the holiday season.”

According to Complex, Lightfoot spent part of her Sunday visiting the 13 victims, whose ages range from 16-48, in the hospital and was urging people to come forward with any information regarding the shooting.

USA Today reported that two people of interest had been questioned with one having been armed with a revolver and the other sustained a gunshot wound. On Sunday night ABC 7 noted that 37-year-old Marciano White had been charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon after police searched him at the scene, but it is unclear if he was the shooter.

READ MORE: Social media influencer sentenced to 14 years for plot to steal a domain name by gunpoint

According to ABC 7, the victim who was being honored at the memorial party was killed in April after attempting a carjacking.

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With Governor’s Signature, New Jersey Becomes Nation’s Third State Forbidding Hair Discrimination

New Jersey becomes the nation’s third state to have a law that prohibits hair discrimination.

The legislation surfaced Thursday after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law making it unlawful to discriminate based on hairstyles related to race. New Jersey joins California and New York among states in America banning discrimination based on hair.

Murphy’s action comes after the New Jersey Assembly Labor Committee on Monday robustly passed a hair discrimination bill co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

The legislation was initiated after Andrew Johnson, a black high school wrestler at Buena Regional High School, was forced to cut off his dreadlocks in order to compete in a match a year ago.

The fresh law Murphy signed, known as the “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act” (CROWN Act), includes discrimination on the basis of “traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles, Murphy’s office reported.

“Race-based discrimination will not be tolerated in the State of New Jersey,” Murphy said in a statement. “No one should be made to feel uncomfortable or be discriminated against because of their natural hair. I am proud to sign this law in order to help ensure that all New Jersey residents can go to work, school, or participate in athletic events with dignity.”

U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey added, “I’m grateful to Governor Murphy for signing this important legislation and applaud Senator Sandra B. Cunningham and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, who led the CROWN Act and Crown Coalition advocate Adjoa B. Asamoah, who worked tirelessly to end the implicit and explicit biases against natural hair.”

New Jersey Assemblywoman Angela McKnight on the New Jersey General Assembly floor. (Image: New Jersey General Assembly Office)

“Discrimination against black hair is discrimination against black people and no one should be denied a job, an education, or face discrimination because of their hairstyle,” Booker continued.

The CROWN Act updates the “Law Against Discrimination” to clarify that prohibited race discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of hair. As defined in the bill, this includes, but is not limited to, “such hairstyles as braids, locks, and twists” according to a news release from the governor’s office. This change is intended to remove any confusion or ambiguity over the scope of the Law Against Discrimination and its applicability to race discrimination predicated on such traits.

Main sponsors of the bill along with McKnight include senators Sandra B. Cunningham, Nia H. Gill, and Shirley K. Turner and Assembly members Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shanique Speight, and Britnee Timberlake.

“I am proud to see New Jersey become just the third state in the nation to put an end to this discriminatory practice. This law will ensure people of color are free to wear their hair however they feel best represents them, whether that be locks, braids, twists or curls. No one should ever be told it is ‘unprofessional’ to embrace their culture,” stated New Jersey State Senator Cunningham. “It is unacceptable that someone could be dismissed from school or denied employment because they wear their hair exactly how it grows, but that has been the reality for many black and brown individuals. Today, here in New Jersey, we’ve changed that.”

Earlier this month, Booker officially supported the CROWN Act with the launch of a new federal bill. A Democratic presidential candidate, Booker’s bill basically calls for banning discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles frequently tied to a particular race or national origin.

Further, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, joined by Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

McKnight is an official member of the national CROWN Coalition, co-founded by Dove along with the National Urban League, Color Of Change, and Western Center on Law and Poverty. The coalition, among other things, aims to advance efforts to end hair discrimination largely against black women and girls.

McKnight stated, “Unfortunately it’s all too common for African Americans and people of color to be subjected to discrimination at work or school for wearing their hair in braids, twists, and dreadlocks or embracing their natural curls.”

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WIRED's 7 Big Science Stories That Shaped 2019

The police went nuts for DNA, the vaping wars heated up, and a black hole pic grabbed the internet: These were some of 2019's standout themes.

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12 Science Books You Should Read Right Now

Snuggle up with these 2019 books on the so-called language of God, dirty drugmakers, and the future of food and booze.

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Why Big Data Has Been (Mostly) Good for Music

The explosion of metrics and algorithms isn't just reflecting what's happening in the music industry. It's transforming it.

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Bill Cosby spokesperson accuses Eddie Murphy of selling out

A spokesperson for Bill Cosby is big mad after Eddie Murphy took aim at the disgraced comedian’s incarceration in his Saturday Night Live monologue.

On Saturday, Murphy finally took the stage on SNL for the first time in 35 years to one of the most anticipated episodes in the show’s history. During his opening monologue. which is customary on the sketch comedy show, Murphy decided to use Cosby’s recent legal troubles as a punchline.

READ MORE: Eddie Murphy hits gentrification, Cosby in triumphant ‘SNL’ return

“But if you would have told me 30 years ago that I would be this boring, stay-at-home … house dad and Bill Cosby would be in jail,” Murphy said, “even I would have took that bet.”

The father of 10 then posed this question to the audience and at-home viewers alike in a hilarious impersonation of Cosby, “Who is America’s Dad now?”

In April 2018, Cosby was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in 2004, CNN reported. He is currently serving a three to 10-year sentence.

Murphy’s joke was a hit to many, but there was one person in particular that did not find it funny at all; Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt released a statement on Sunday condemning Murphy’s comments.

“One would think that Mr. Murphy was given his freedom to leave the plantation, so that he could make his own decisions; but he decided to sell himself back to being a Hollywood Slave.”

Wyatt also credited Cosby for paving the way for Murphy and other Black comedians and accused the SNL vet of “cooning.”

“Remember, Mr. Murphy, that Bill Cosby became legendary because he used comedy to humanize all races, religions, and genders; but your attacking Mr. Cosby helps you embark on just becoming clickbait,” Wyatt’s statement said. “Hopefully, you will be amenable to having a meeting of the minds conversation in order to discuss how we can use our collective platforms to enhance Black people rather than bringing all of us down together.”

READ MORE: Bill Cosby says he’s an ‘educator and political prisoner’ in Thanksgiving tweets

According to The Hollywood Reporter, in spite of Wyatt’s criticisms, Murphy’s Saturday return brought in the highest ratings for SNL since 2017.

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The Libyan following the footsteps of Brazil's Socrates

Libya's Ahmed Al Trbi is emulating Brazilian legend Socrates by combining medicine and international football.

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9 Extremely Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Procrastinators

If your Christmas tree is missing a present, these gifts—and excuses—will keep you on the nice list.

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The Worst Hacks of the Decade

It's been a rough 10 years in cybersecurity—and it's only getting worse.

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Today's Cartoon: Privacy Claus

‘Tis the season to be COPPA compliant.

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Algeria's powerful military chief Ahmed Gaid Salah dies

Ahmed Gaid Salah emerged as de facto leader after telling veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign.

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The smart wristband helping Kenyan students pay for lunch

Thousands of schoolchildren can now afford to eat a healthy lunch by using prepaid smart wristbands.

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Letter from Africa: In search of Zambia's glam rockers

How Afros, funk and black power became part of a glorious era in a nation's post-colonial music scene.

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Uninstall ToTok, an Alleged Emirati Spy App, From Your Phone Now

A messaging app called ToTok had scores of positive reviews, particularly from users in the UAE. US intelligent officials say it may be spying for that government instead. 

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Chicago Black man exonerated after prosecutors drop charges brought by corrupt cop

A wrongly convicted man who had a murder conviction hanging over his head, can now apply for a certificate of innocence after a judge threw out his murder conviction.

READ MORE: Man awarded $21 million after wrongfully imprisoned 12 years

On Friday, Demetrius Johnson, 44, left the criminal courthouse smiling broadly after attending a hearing to have a wrongful murder conviction removed from his record, The Chicago Sun-Times reports. He was released from prison in 2004 but served 12 years for a crime that he said he never committed.

A judge agreed and Johnson has now become the 20th person to have his murder conviction exonerated, after more than 50 people accused disgraced retired Chicago Police Detective Reynaldo Guevara of framing them for murders, the report says.

In November, a Cook County judge vacated his conviction. The State’s Attorney’s Office decided against pursuing a retrial and subsequently dropped all charges.

“It’s an out-of-body experience,” Johnson said after the hearing. “I felt like I had a gorilla on my back.”

Johnson, who was 15, was charged with a 1991 murder in Wicker Park. But earlier this year, it was revealed facts related to the case from an eyewitness who fingered another suspect, had been withheld from prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Now the freed man and father of four can apply for a certificate of innocence. The conviction had haunted Johnson and recently he couldn’t even pass a background check to coach his 10-year-old son’s basketball team.

“We were preparing for a re-trial,” Johnson’s attorney Joshua Tepfer said. “We appreciate the state’s attorney making this decision before the holidays.”

READ MORE: ‘It’s finally over’: Chicago man exonerated in murder conviction tied to corrupt cop

“I feel awesome because really for my whole life I thought my dad was guilty of this crime, and the whole time he was innocent and it messed up my life a lot,” said his son, Demetrius Johnson Jr., 28.

Earlier this year a man was award $21 million after serving 11 ½ years of a 30-year prison sentence based on claims that Detective Guevara coerced witnesses to implicate him in a murder.

The post Chicago Black man exonerated after prosecutors drop charges brought by corrupt cop appeared first on theGrio.

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Kenan Thompson tweets thanks to fans amid perceived ‘SNL’ photo slight

The internet is collectively saying sorry to Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live’s longest-tenured cast member after he was cut out of an iconic photo that circulated widely on the internet featuring Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan and Chris Rock.

READ MORE: Eddie Murphy hits gentrification, Cosby in triumphant ‘SNL’ return

It all started when Murphy made his long-awaited debut Saturday on the SNL stage after a 35-year hiatus to host the show. He also conjured up some of his most memorable characters.

So, to kick off his comeback, the comedy legend was joined on stage during his monologue Morgan, Rock, and Chappelle.

Lastly, Thompson took the stage and it was a rare moment to see all of the comedy icons in one snap. Thompson, who as we mentioned is the longest running SNL cast member, is the youngest of the comedic crew, but he has surely earned his right to join them on the stage.

But the internet did what it does and someone circulated a photo that omitted Thompson, depicting only the first four comedic giants.

Eddie Murphy
Chris Rock
Dave Chappelle
Tracy Morgan

Wow.#SNL pic.twitter.com/SVKi4zD6SS

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 22, 2019

Some took it as a slight at Thompson and started sending tweets of support his way to let him know that he’s not an afterthought and has earned his stripes to stand on stage next to the greats. The virtual hug did not go unnoticed by Thompson.

It’s so very nice to see the love that’s being shown here today!!! I really needed that!! Glad y’all see me!!! Last night was legendary and I’m glad y’all feel I deserved to be in it!!!

— Kenan Thompson (@kenanthompson) December 22, 2019

Thompson’s fans shared that sentiment.

You’ve been making me laugh for as long as I can remember – you are legendary pic.twitter.com/Sz8PnZPwJ4

— Spencer (@SpencerBlow) December 22, 2019

Yes these are the Kings Of Comedy

— Charles Maher (@IrishPhinFan) December 22, 2019

Oh, you were in the right place last night — you belong with the greats!

— AltCivilServant ✊🏼🇺🇸✊🏼🌊🙄🌲🐶🐔🐺🐝✌🏼 (@AltCivilServant) December 22, 2019

Was there even a debate you didn’t deserve it? You absolutely do! I was literally waiting for it as each of the others appeared in the monologue. “How’s Kenan gonna enter in this?” And you cracked me up, as usual. 😂❤️

— That Longhaired Guy 🇨🇦 (@LonghairCanuck) December 22, 2019

Thompson been in the comedy business for years, making his TV debut back in 1994.

He is a former cast member of the kid-comedy All That sketch show on Nickelodeon and later Kenan & Kel. He’s been on SNL for 16 years and NBC recently greenlit a half-hour comedy, The Kenan Show.

READ MORE: Kenan Thompson gears up for new NBC show

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Meek Mill & REFORM Alliance treat children to holiday shopping spree, NFL game

Meek Mill, co-founder of REFORM Alliance, played Santa to 50 kids whose lives have been affected by the broken criminal justice system.

READ MORE: Meek Mill, now a soldier for reform, gets recognition for his stance against injustice in the system

The rapper, along with other REFORM Alliance co-founders Michael Rubin, Clara Wu Tsai and Robert Kraft, on Saturday hosted a shopping spree for the children in Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey, at the NBA Store in Manhattan. They were joined by DJ Khaled and Brooklyn Nets player Caris LeVert.

A warm welcome from @MeekMill to dozens of children being treated to the shopping spree in time for Christmas. All of the kids invited have a parent impacted by the justice system and incarceration. @6abc @REFORM @MichaelGRubin pic.twitter.com/GkTELhnByZ

— Sharrie Williams (@WilliamsSharrie) December 21, 2019

The kids were chosen because their lives have been negatively impacted by the broken probation system. Some children have a parent incarcerated for technical violations of their probation, similar to Meek Mill’s experience. Others have a parent who is locked up, or whose probation was extended due to a technical probation violation, according to a press release.

“I respect them! Anybody can do it but they doing it… these kids are from my hood and just got a experience of a lifetime that they will never forget!!!” Mill wrote on Twitter.

I respect them! Anybody can do it but they doing it… these kids are from my hood and just got a experience of a lifetime that they will never forget!!! https://t.co/2ZCfCxexvd

— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) December 22, 2019

The participants played games at the NBA store and we able to buy sports apparel. The whirlwind experience didn’t stop there. Next the group boarded Rubin’s private plane and were flown to New England to attend the New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills AFC East division title game on Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: Meek Mill, Van Jones introduce Philadelphia probation reform measure

They also rubbed elbows with Patriots owner Robert Kraft and quarterback Tom Brady on the field at Gillette Stadium.

The alliance formed after Mill was handed a controversial two-to-four-year prison sentence for technical probation violations. Rubin and Mill joined forced earlier this year and introduced plans for a bipartisan bill proposal to address issues with technical probation violations. They also endeavored to revise some of the unforgiving penalties that people in Pennsylvania are sometimes dealt while on probation.

The post Meek Mill & REFORM Alliance treat children to holiday shopping spree, NFL game appeared first on theGrio.

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50 Cent gives son ultimate Christmas gift with Toys ‘R’ Us shopping spree

Although he goes by 50 Cent, he’s surely got enough dollars to shut down one of the few remaining Toys “R” Us just so his seven-year-old son could go on a Christmas shopping spree.

READ MORE: 50 Cent trolls an EP who owed him a million dollars and gets his cash

The rapper, known for his petty social media fisticuffs with celebrities, gave his son, Sire Jackson, a Christmas gift of epic proportions with a private shopping spree after he rented out the whole toy store, Billboard reports.

And Sire, the son he shares with Daphne Joy, got to choose whatever he wanted to go under the Christmas tree.

That move is probably every kid’s dream to run through a toy store and score everything on their Christmas list.

“When I asked my Dad for the ‘WHOLE Toys R Us Store’ for Christmas I didn’t think he would actually do it, but he did,” the 7-year-old in a caption on his Instagram page Saturday.

And Fif looked like a proud papa as he posed with Sire and Geoffrey the Giraffe after the big shopping day. According to reports, 50 Cent spent a whopping $100,000 to rent out the store so Sire could shop. No word on how much he spent on toys, though.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

When I asked my Dad for the “WHOLE Toys R Us Store” for Christmas I didn’t think he would actually do it, but he did 😱🤩❤️ Thank you Daddy! Best Christmas Ever! 😱🙏🏽 🎄 🎁

A post shared by Sire (@sire_jackson) on Dec 20, 2019 at 10:58pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Did this just happen? #ToysRUs #BestChristmas 🙊🎄🎁✨

A post shared by Sire (@sire_jackson) on Dec 20, 2019 at 11:18pm PST

The Power EP posted a short clip of Sire’s Toys R Us toy grab. And 50 had a little fun himself shooting off what appeared to be a Nerf gun while Sire chose from an array of toys and placed them in a basket.

 

SIRE’s TOYS R US, we lit 🔥happy holidays. #lecheminduroi #bransoncognac #starzgettheapp #ancforlife pic.twitter.com/29a2OrJoFR

— 50cent (@50cent) December 22, 2019

Toys R’ Us Closes Majority of Stores

Earlier this year, the toy retailer announced that it was closing a majority of its 735 stores. Toys “R” Us was founded in 1948, but recently found itself struggling against big box retailers like Walmart and online distributors like Amazon, failing to turn a profit since 2012.

READ MORE: Russell Simmons and 50 Cent accuse Oprah of bashing Black men in sexual misconduct documentary

The post 50 Cent gives son ultimate Christmas gift with Toys ‘R’ Us shopping spree appeared first on theGrio.

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Eddie Murphy hits gentrification, Cosby in triumphant ‘SNL’ return

Eddie Murphy made his much-anticipated comeback on the Saturday Night Live stage as host for the first time in 35 years and surprisingly some of his old comedy friends who he influenced crashed the party to show their support.

READ MORE: Eddie Murphy hints he might do some signature skits during ‘SNL’ return

Murphy’s triumphant return didn’t disappoint either, and the gut-busting laughs were reminiscent of his early SNL years.

And like the comedic champion he is with a breadth of work that spans decades, Murphy walked out onto the stage to chants of “Eddie! Eddie!” as if he were Muhammad Ali getting ready to rumble.

The 58-year-old dust off some of his most celebrated comedy characters like Buckwheat, Gumby, Velvet Jones and even the brought back Mr. Robinson but this time from a gentrified neighborhood.

The former SNL cast member was in his element and in full old-school mode and dug right in with the comedic jabs.

“This is the last episode of 2019,” he said, “but if you’re black, it’s the first episode since I left in 1984,” he said to the cheerful audience members.

Murphy then showed the audience a throwback photo of himself saying: “You know what they say: Money don’t crack.”

He’s Gumby, dammit. #SNL pic.twitter.com/SXwVfEfdbL

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2019

Let’s check in on our old friend, Mister Robinson. #SNL pic.twitter.com/UzHoagFGGM

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2019

It’s Black Jeopardy! and Velvet Jones is here to win. #SNL pic.twitter.com/IiV0y60Q3a

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2019

The father of 10 was in raw form and even made a slip of the tongue that included a curse word during the “Holiday Baking Championship,” skit when he said, “We can still win this sh–“. It was the ‘oops’ heard on live TV because for some reason there was no delay.

Some of the most iconic skits he performed for the night included Mr. Robinson’s not-so-beautiful neighborhood with a dose of reality about gentrification.

Murphy’s skit got real about how once minority-owned neighborhoods have been turned cushy multi-million dollar neighborhoods. He explained: “It’s like a magic trick. White people pay a lot of money, and then poof, all the black people are gone,” he narrates. “But where do they go, boys and girls? Back to where they come from, of course. Atlanta,” he joked.

And how has Mr. Robinson been able to afford his same digs all these years? He says: “Squatter’s rights. It’s like finders-keepers, but for other people’s houses.”

It was a funny, not-so-funny moment because it’s actually true to life about what’s been occurring across America.

READ MORE: Seriously? Bill Cosby is having ‘amazing’ experience in prison

But one of the biggest stingers came during his opening monologue when he took a stab at Bill Cosby, and impersonated him. Murphy has previously said Cosby treated him mean when he was on the come-up as a new comic back in the 80s.

Once known as ‘America’s Dad’ Cosby now sits in a jail cell after he was convicted of raping and drugging a woman. Murphy made mention of the irony of the situation saying that he would have never thought 35 years later Cosby, a once-beloved TV father figure, would be on the outskirts in America.

“If you would have told me 30 years ago that I would be this boring, stay-at-home house dad and Bill Cosby would be in jail … I would have took that bet,” Murphy said.

“Who is America’s dad now!” he quipped, crowning himself the treasured title.

The love for Murphy was crystal clear on Saturday as Murphy was not only joined by his 10 kids at Studio 8H, but comedic legends Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Tracy Morgan as well as Kenan Thompson, appeared on on stage during the opening monologue.

The comedy icons spoke about how much Murphy influenced their comedy careers.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/xRJmTvTfFJ

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2019

For the record, it was Murphy who gave Rock a shot in the movie Boomerang, and he enlisted Chappelle as a crude comic for Nutty Professor and Morgan was an SNL cast member who followed in Murphy’s footsteps as well.

“When I got hired, Lorne told me, ‘You’re going to be the next Eddie Murphy,” Rock said. “And then a year later he said, ‘No, you’re not.’”

Chappelle said: “I followed your blueprint for my entire career,” Chappelle said. “I became the biggest star on television and then I quit.”

The powerhouse legends stood together on stage in a rare moment for all the world to see. And they didn’t let it go unsaid about just how much collective power they hold in their pockets.

“Right now you’re looking at half of Netflix’s budget, right here onstage,” Chappelle said.

It was a night to remember and singer Lizzo who had an extraordinary year, rounded out the night with two musical performances of her hits.

Griofam, what were your favorite Murphy skits? Let us know in comments.

The post Eddie Murphy hits gentrification, Cosby in triumphant ‘SNL’ return appeared first on theGrio.

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Darfur conflict: Sudan launches investigation into crimes

A trial could take place outside the country if necessary, the state prosecutor says.

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Bukayo Saka: Arsenal teenager weighs up international options

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England, says he is weighing up his international options.

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Reebok Will Release Plant-Based Vegan Sneakers in 2020

Sneaker giant Reebok is releasing its first-ever plant-based performance running shoe. The Forever Floatride GROW will be available for purchase in fall 2020.

The running shoe is the latest example of Reebok’s commitment to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics in footwear by making products with plants. The Forever Floatride GROW follows the success of the brand’s successful Cotton + Corn lifestyle collection of footwear.

“With Forever Floatride GROW, we’re replacing oil-based plastic with plants,” said Bill McInnis, vice president of Reebok Future in a statement. “The biggest challenge in making a shoe like this was developing plant-based materials that could meet the high-performance needs of runners. During the three years we spent developing this product, we heard loud and clear that the idea of a plant-based running shoe resonates strongly with serious runners. But those same runners felt just as emphatically that they would never compromise on performance. The Forever Floatride GROW is the result. Plant-based performance—with no compromise.”

The shoe’s highly cushioned, responsive midsole is built from sustainably grown castor beans, and the eucalyptus tree upper is naturally biodegradable, sustainably sourced, strong, and breathable. The sock liner utilizes BLOOM algae foam. And the flexible, durable, and responsive natural rubber outsole is sustainably sourced from real rubber trees, as opposed to the petroleum-based rubber featured in other performance products.

“The earth is a runner’s arena, and we have a responsibility to help detox the world for the athletes who run in it,” said Reebok Brand President Matt O’Toole. “Our Cotton + Corn collection was the first step in making shoes from things that grow. Now, we have taken an award-winning running shoe, the Forever Floatride Energy, and reinvented it using natural materials to create what we feel is the most sustainable performance running shoe on the market.”

“Our consumers have told us they want more sustainable products, and the running community has been the most vocal and passionate on this issue,” said O’Toole. “We want to help runners perform at their best, while also feeling good about the products they wear.”

Consumers can sign up to learn more about the Forever Floatride GROW here. The Reebok NPC UK Cotton + Corn is available now.

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Lesbian Culture Went Viral, Finally, in 2019

From Megan Rapinoe to the “gay rights” meme, queer women's culture was all over the internet this year.

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Car Share Shrinks, a Tax Break Vanishes, and More Car News This Week

Share Now says it is leaving North America, and Tesla buyers will no longer get help from Uncle Sam for their EVs (and GM buyers are next).

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Trump's Impeachment Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

President Trump was officially charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Then came the tweets.

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The Science Behind Why No Two Snowflakes Are Alike

A physicist's obsession with unusual snow crystals has led him to pursue a grand unified theory of how they form.

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Beats Solo Pro Review: More Than a Fashion Statement

With great battery life, sound, and fit, Beats' latest noise-canceling on-ears are among the best headphones you can buy.

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The 5 Best Comics of 2019

These titles stood head-and-shoulders above the rest.

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Caf awards: Mahrez, Mane and Salah on final shortlist

Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Egypt's Mohamed Salah make Caf's three-man shortlist for the 2019 Player of the Year award.

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The Firefox Browser Settings You Should Tweak Right Now

Get the most out of Mozilla's Firefox browser with these tips and tricks.

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Bitcoin's Path From Insurgents’ Talisman to Tool of Big Tech

Blockchain technology was designed to thwart big institutions. Now the likes of Facebook and Twitter are co-opting it.

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West Africa: Is France losing ground to militants?

After attacks in Mali and Niger, questions are being raised about the intervention.

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Quilombo cuisine: Rescuing the ancient cuisine of African slaves

The Quilombo diet is organic, gluten-free and practically lactose-free. It has its roots in African traditions and uses fresh ingredients.

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Nigerian table tennis players home from Bosnia camp

The two Nigerians say Croatian police mistook them for illegal migrants and forced them into Bosnia.

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U-20 Women's World Cup: Nigeria lose 2020 bid to Costa Rica and Panama

Nigeria lose their bid to stage the Women's Under-20 World Cup after Costa Rica and Panama are chosen by Fifa as joint hosts for next year's tournament.

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Court upholds firing of cop who killed Tamir Rice

The firing of Timothy Loehmann, the former Cleveland cop who killed Tamir Rice, was justified, a Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas decided.

The Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association has been fighting on behalf of Loehmann to get his job back after he was dismissed from the department for failing to reveal facts about his job history, and lying on his employment application, Cleveland 19 reports.

Loehmann dodged any possibility of being held criminally liable for Rice’s death after shooting the 12-year-old youth in November 2014. But he was terminated from his job as a Cleveland police officer in May 2017 for other matters unrelated to Rice’s death. However, he claims it was a wrongful termination.

READ MORE: Police union files appeal to get ex-cop who killed Tamir Rice his job back

Loehmann, however, was forced out by a suburban Cleveland police department, yet never revealed that fact on his job application. After the Rice shooting, Cleveland police learned Loehmann was not forthcoming about being forced to resign from a previous job with the police department in Independence, Ohio. Ultimately the rookie cop was declared unfit to work in law enforcement.

According to a 2012 police memo, Loehmann also had an “emotional breakdown” during a firearms exam.

The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas ruled that the city of Cleveland was within its rights to fire Loehmann.

On Friday, Jeff Follmer, CPPA President expressed disappointment in the decision.

“We think it’s clear cut he didn’t lie on his application and this is another political decision,” Follmer said.

Union attorney Henry Hilow said they are still deciding whether to appeal the decision.

The city of Cleveland said in a statement on Friday that it was satisfied.

“The city has consistently maintained throughout the process that Loehmann’s termination was justified,” the statement said.

READ MORE: Cop who killed Tamir Rice finds new job, but boy’s mom not staying silent about it

Subodh Chandra, attorney for the Rice family, said in a statement:

“Having ended a child’s life, Loehmann should live his life as something other than a police officer. Having lied on his application to get the job that enabled him to end a child’s life, Loehmann should apply to be something other than a police officer. And Cleveland’s police union—which is apparently so uncommitted to truth and the rule of law that it thinks that it’s okay for an officer to lie—needs to end its relentless assault on the community’s intelligence and integrity. Clevelanders do not want Loehmann to ever again be entrusted with a badge and gun anywhere, but least of all here. The union leadership should stop embarrassing itself with the appeals and let the Rice family—and the community—heal.”

The post Court upholds firing of cop who killed Tamir Rice appeared first on theGrio.

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SAG-AFTRA investigating firing of Orlando Jones from ‘American Gods’

After actor Orlando Jones was unceremoniously fired from the Starz series American Gods, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced Friday that it is launching an investigation.

Along with a probe into the dismissal of why Gabrielle Union was reportedly fired from America’s Got Talent, SAG-AFTRA said it plans to explore Jones’ claims that he was let go because of racial and political concerns.

Who's naughty? Who's nice? @sagaftra investigation announced today @itsgabrielleu you're right sis❤️ #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/I9p5tXelA6

— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) December 20, 2019

READ MORE: Gabrielle Union has ‘productive’ meeting with NBC execs over AGT toxic workplace complaints

Jones who played Mr. Nancy, an African trickster god who gives striking commentary about America’s history of slavery and racism, said that producers were concerned about the messaging the character sent to Black Americans, USA TODAY reports.

“After initial meetings with Gabrielle Union and her representatives about her experiences on America’s Got Talent, and after learning more about Orlando Jones’s experience on American Gods, SAG-AFTRA is expanding its investigation of Fremantle Media,” a statement read.  “Our enforcement actions are handled confidentially to protect the members involved, and we typically do not publicize these matters unless the affected members request that we do so.”

In response, Fremantle released a statement and said; “We welcome this investigation and intend to cooperate fully. Allegations without factual support should not go unchecked.  We have already informed SAG-AFTRA that we are willing to meet to discuss the allegations.”

At issue, Jones claims that he was fired for a superficial reason and without merit.

“There will be no more Mr. Nancy. Don’t let these m*****f*****s tell you they love Mr. Nancy. They don’t,” Jones said in a video. “I’m not going to name names but the new season 3 showrunner [Charles Eglee] is Connecticut born and Yale-educated, so he’s very smart and he thinks that Mr. Nancy’s angry, get shit done is the wrong message for black America. That’s right. This white man sits in that decision-making chair and I’m sure he has many Black bffs who are his advisors and made it clear to him that if he did not get rid of that angry god Mr. Nancy he’d start a Denmark Vesey uprising in this country. I mean, what else could it be?”

READ MORE: Orlando Jones says he was fired from ‘American Gods’ for a petty, superficial reason

He also called out Fremantle saying it was a “nightmare” to work for the company.

They “treated you like a 2nd class citizen for doing your job to [sic] well,” he tweeted.

“They were exceptionally nasty and evil the way they did it,” he added.

The post SAG-AFTRA investigating firing of Orlando Jones from ‘American Gods’ appeared first on theGrio.

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