There’s tons of news coming your way in today’s daily round-up. From Tiffany Haddish’s major HBO deal to new sexual assault allegations against rapper Nelly, here’s all the news you need to know.
Russell Simmons being sued for $5 million dollars. In a lawsuit filed in California, filmmaker Jennifer Jarosik alleges that in 2016 the media mogul invited her to his house and propositioned her for sex. When Jarosik declined, Simmons reportedly became aggressive and raped her. (TMZ)
Questlove and NBC are being sued for racial discrimination by former Tonight Show employees who claim NBC fired them at the musician’s request. Kurt Decker and Michael Cimino claim they and Roots bassist Mark Kelley received an unsolicited text from a stagehand containing racist and misogynist materials. The lawsuit claims that Questlove requested that all white employees involved be fired. Questlove denies the accusations and NBC has firmly stated that it was their decision alone to fire the employees. (NY Daily News)
Tiffany Haddish just landed a major deal with HBO. The actress has signed a two-year first-look deal with the premium cable service. (Variety)
Lil Jon continues to use his star power for good. The rapper recently broke ground on a school in Ghana as part of his dedication to helping children in underdeveloped countries continue their education. It’s the second school he’s helped fund in the country. (CNN)
Black-ish actress Marsai Martin is set to star in and executive produce her first feature debut, Little. Writers Tina Gordon and Tracy Olivier both wrote drafts based on Martin’s ideas. Will Packer and James Lopez will produce through Will Packer Productions with Regina Hall and Josh Martin executive producing alongside Martin. (Shadow and Act)
Octavia Spencer reveals she was once mistaken for comedian Mo’Nique but didn’t have the heart to correct the happy fan. “I didn’t want to shoot her parachute down. I went with it.” (Vulture)
Simone Biles took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note thanking Judge Aquilina, the woman who sentenced former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to 175 years in prison after sexually assaulting more than 100 victims. Biles wrote, “To Judge Aquilina: THANK YOU, YOU ARE MY HERO…I just wanted to shout out all of the other survivors for being so brave and speaking like the queens that you are while looking at that monster and not letting him destroy you anymore. He will no longer have the power to steal our happiness or joy. I stand with every one of you.” (Instagram)
Rapper Nelly faces new accusations of sexual assault. Two women, currently identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, claim the rapper sexually assaulted them while touring in the UK. Jane Doe 1 claims Nelly stuck his hand up her skirt after asking if she had “a boo.” Jane Doe 2 says the rapper began masturbating in front of her before attempting to force her to perform oral sex. (Vibe)
A physical education teacher in Los Angeles is under investigation after stripping naked on a playground and chasing students. Video taken by a construction worker passing the scene caught the man putting his pants back on. Parents were notified and police say they are building a case against the unidentified teacher. (CBS Los Angeles)