TGIF!
Oprah Winfrey has joined the cast of Ava DuVernay’s Selma. Winfrey, who was already producing the project, will play the role of Annie Lee Cooper. Cooper was a Selma, Alabama native who stood in line for hours in an attempt to register to vote, ignoring the local sheriff’s order to go home. When she was poked in the neck with a billy club, she punched the officer and knocked him out. She was charged with assault and attempted murder and later released. Production for Selma is currently underway. [TheRoot]
Keyshia Cole has announced the launch of her tour, “Point of no Return,” in support of her upcoming album of the same name. The concert kicks off July 12 in Rochester, New York and closes out August 25 in San Diego, California. Cole will hit cities like Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta on the 22 date tour. Tickets go on sale June 13. [ThatGrapeJuice]
Shonda Rhimes’ home is set to get the presidential treatment. The Scandal creator will host President Barack Obama in her home on July 23 to raise money for the Democratic National Convention. Kerry Washington will be serving on the hosting committee for the evening. Ticket prices range from $1,000 to $32,400 per guest. Top givers will have access to the president’s photo line, a reception and exclusive dinner. The evening will include a musical performance with the artist to be announced at a later date. [HollywoodReporter]
Jamaican tennis star Dustin Brown defeated Rafael Nadal at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany. Four days after winning the French Open for a record ninth time, Rafael Nadal lost the opening match 6-4, 6-1 in less than an hour. [TheGuardian]