Raven-Symoné is back in the spotlight for yet another controversial statement she made on national television. This time, she’s coming to the defense of former Univision host Rodner Figueroa, who was fired last week for saying Michelle Obama looked like a Planet of the Apes character.
“But was he saying it ‘racist-like?’” Symoné said during an appearance on The View. “Because [Figueroa] did say he voted for [Michelle] later and I don’t think he was saying it racist.”
“Some people look like animals,” she went on to say. “Is that rude? I look like a bird. So can I be mad at somebody that calls me ‘Toucan Sam?'” Sigh. No comment. [The Grio]
Empire is the show to watch. Now, it’s also the album to hear. The Empire series soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart last night, a rare achievement for a network television drama. The Empire cast is embarking on special tour to promote their album starting today in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more here.
David Oyelowo is about to show a side of himself that we’re not used to. The Selma star will take on the bad guy role in the upcoming film Captive, the true story about Brian Nichols (Oyelowo) who broke out of jail and fatally shot the judge who convicted him. The thriller is set for release on September 18, 2015. [Colorlines]
Mo’Ne Davis keeps giving us more and more reasons to love her. The 13-year-old has teamed up with M4D3 and a non-profit, Because I Am A Girl, to design a pair of colorful sneakers. With each pair sold, 15% of the proceeeds will go to help girls living in poverty all around the world. Is there anything Mo’Ne Davis can’t do? [Clutch]
Remember the homeless Arizona mother who left her children in the car while she went on a job interview? Her heartbreaking story just keeps getting sadder. On Monday, Shanesha Taylor plead guilty to felony child abuse after misusing the funds that were given to her to provide childcare for her young children. After her guilty plea, Taylor was sentenced to 10 years probation, fined $100,000 in restitution and fines, and will have to complete a domestic-violence and parenting class. [Hello Beautiful]
Big news for the Barbz out there. Nicki Minaj has just announced her Pinkprint U.S. tour dates, kicking off in Dallas, Texas on July 17 and going through August. Not only that, but Nicki also became the first female artist in history to simultaneously have three songs as the lead artist in the Top 10, according to Billboard. [Hello Beautiful]
News of Chris Brown’s secret baby was clearly the last straw for on-again, off-again girlfriend Karrueche Tran. She’s reaching out for help from none other than the ultimate life fixer, Iyanla Vanzant. During their exclusive one-on-one interview, Vanzant will get all of the details on why Tran keeps returning to her broken relationship, what Chris Brown was really like and hopefully Tran will get the help and advice she needs. This special Iyanla: Fix My Life will air Saturday March 28 on OWN. Will you be watching? [Necole Bitchie]
Colman Domingo appeared as Ralph Abernathy in the critically acclaimed film, Selma and now, he’s making his directorial debut this spring with the musical production, “A Band of Angels.” New York Children’s Theater will put on the production about Ella, a pop-culture obsessed teenager living in the present day who is transported back in time to meet the Jubilee Singers and gain a new appreciation for history and education. [Playbill]
