Kerry Washington is taking on a real life scandal in her new movie role. She’ll play Anita Hill in the upcoming HBO movie, Confirmation. The film will detail the historic 1991 Supreme Court nomination hearings when Hill accused nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. The resulting hearings changed the way conversation about harassment, women’s rights and racism in America. [The Hollywood Reporter]
Season Two of Empire is going to come with two huge guest stars. Oprah Winfrey and Common are rumored to be making their way to the hip-hop prime-time soap opera. Could this be true? “For absolutely sure. We’re gonna have a good time,” Lee Daniels told Access Hollywood. “You heard that first.” We’re so excited! [Access Hollywood]
It’s not over til the fat lady sings. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ attorney says they will be seeking an immediate appeal of Tuesday’s “Blurred Lines” verdict. “We are going to exercise every post trial remedy we have to make sure this verdict does not stand,” he said. “We look at it as being in the seventh inning of a game that could go into extra innings.”
Thicke and Williams were ordered to pay Marvin Gaye’s family $7.4 million for copyright infringement of Gaye’s 1977 song “Got to Give it Up.” [FOX]
Univision host Rodner Figueroa is known for his harsh and hilarious fashion commentary but this time, he’s gone too far. He was fired after he made a racially insensitive comment on air about the First Lady of the United States.
“Mind you, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she’s part of the cast of ‘Planet of the Apes,’ the film,” Figueroa said on his show El Gordo Y La Flaca.
Univision VP Ivelisse Malavae confirmed that Figueroa “was fired immediately” after his commentary aired. [Clutch]
The day after the violent shootings of two police officers in Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown’s parents shared a message of non-violence with protestors and the world.
“We reject any kind of violence directed toward members of law enforcement,” they said in a statement. “It cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“We must work together to bring peace to our communities,” the statement continues. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the officers injured during this morning’s shooting and their families.” [Huffington Post]
Beyoncé supports those who support her. She shared a sweet message on her website for her backup singer, Tiffany Monique Riddick, who is battling cancer.
“We love you Tiffany,” Beyoncé wrote. “Wishing you a speedy recovery. Love, Beyoncé.” Riddick has been singing background for Beyoncé since 2007. [ET Online]
