See what we’re chatting about over coffee:
• NASA’s responding to Beyoncé’s statement about using Challenger audio on her new song “XO.” According to the agency, the accident should never be trivialized. “The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” said NASA press secretary Lauren B. Worley. Beyoncé said in a statement earlier this week that she never planned to offend anyone, but chose the audio to “help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen.” [Grio]
• Actor Omar Gooding (Baby Boy, Wild & Crazy Kids) got off the hook in his DUI/drug possession case. He accepted a plea deal which lessened the charges to reckless driving. As a result, Gooding will be on probation for two years and will be forced to attend 12 Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Classes. [TMZ]
• LisaRaye McCoy says she wasn’t in love with her ex-husband, former Premier of Turks and Caicos Michael Misick. “I loved him,” she said. “But I wasn’t in love. We were growing towards that. I just didn’t fall soon enough before all hell broke loose.” [Sister2Sister]
• Best Man fans will be thrilled to know a third installment is on the way. Morris Chestnut confirmed the news in a recent interview. “As of right now, Malcolm Lee, the writer/director, is writing another [Best Man],” said Chestnut. “[Malcolm] has only told me about a few of the details for the movie. But I do not know who Terrence is going to marry. All I know is, it’s gonna be really interesting.” [EURweb]