We have some good news, some bad news, and some nerdy news to go with your coffee this morning!
Yesterday, news broke that Phylicia Rashad had finally spoken out in defense of her TV husband, Bill Cosby, saying “Forget these women” who’ve accused Cosby of sexual assault. But Rashad insist that she never said such a thing. She went on ABC’s Nightline yesterday to clear the air and explain what she really meant. “I am a woman, I would never say such a thing,” Rashad said. “I would never think such thing. This is not about the women. This is about something else. This is about the obliteration of a legacy.” [ABC News]
Sad news today for Jurnee Smollett-Bell. The actress’s father has passed away from cancer. “Dad, I’m so proud of you. You fought the good fight like a champ. You taught me a deeper level of courage and strength and for that I will always admire you,” she wrote on her Instagram with a pic of her hugging her dad. “I’m so grateful God chose me to be your daughter. I know you’re smiling down and soaring in God’s arms…Rest peacefully daddy. #cancersucks” [Instagram]
Crunchy Black, member of the Oscar-winning rap group, Three 6 Mafia, is a wanted man. According to TMZ, Crunchy was arrested and jailed in March for allegedly “beating” his fiancee in a hotel room. Crunchy was charged with two felony counts of domestic violence and one count of drug possession. After skipping his November court appearance, a warrant has been issued for his arrest. [TMZ]
Good news for Muhammad Ali! The boxing legend has finally been released from the hospital after being admitted three weeks ago for pneumonia symptoms. the 72-year-old heavyweight champ, who also suffers from Parkinson’s disease, was treated for pneumonia and a severe urinary tract infection. Now that he’s released, Ali is back to daily routine and ready to celebrate his upcoming birthday on January 17. [News One]
Late-night TV just got a little bit smarter! Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is going to host a late-night TV version of his web podcast, Star Talk, on the National Geographic Channel. Tyson describes Star Talk as a bridge between pop culture and science. The talk show will debut on National Geographic in April. [Huffington Post]