Here’s everything you need to know today.
Snapchat has issued an apology to Rihanna after removing an advert that made light of domestic abuse. The ad asked users if they’d rather “slap Rihanna or punch Chris Brown.” Users called the ad “tone deaf” and Snapchat issued a statement making it clear that the ad violated the social media app’s terms and appeared “in error.” (BBC News)
Lauryn Hill is set to headline Pitchfork Festival with a performance that will celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The festival, which takes place in Chicago’s Union Park, will also include Blood Orange, Syd, Earl Sweatshirt, Chaka Khan, and more. (Billboard)
Old Spice has reached out to Terry Crews to show their support after Crews came forward about being sexually assaulted by WME agent Adam Venit. The letter, which Crews shared on Twitter, called on men to change the culture of sexual assault and harassment as well as thanking Crews for being courageous enough to speak out. (NY Daily News)
Gabrielle Union has opened up about why writing about her rape, in her book, We’re Going To Need More Wine, has been so therapeutic. “Writing my book, We’re Going to Need More Wine, was therapeutic. Whether I was talking about sexual assault, failed marriages or finding joy in being my authentic self.” (Good Housekeeping)
After 70 years, Toys ‘R’ Us is closing its doors. The toy store fell victim to big-box retailers as companies like Amazon and Walmart continue to expand their influence. The company will sell or shut down all of its 735 stores. (CNN)
X-Men actress Alexandra Shipp is speaking out about the criticism she faced after fans called out X-Men: Apocalypse’s depiction of Storm as a light-skinned woman. “What I experienced on Twitter, which I personally, had no idea the grandiose of speaking on it, I was speaking on a personal experience and I feel like I was this metaphorical straw that broke this interracial camel’s back. I wasn’t trying to offend anyone, but at the same time if my work offends you, let’s take a step back and ask why my personal experience is offensive to you?” (Heroine Magazine)
A Tribe Called Quest has opened up about how they feel after being snubbed by the Grammys. The group received zero nominations for their 2017 album, We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service. Group member Consequence revealed, “Just to be honest with y’all, we all thought we was going home with the statue.” Ali Shaheed Muhammad added, “To say that the group performed and that should be your consolation prize, I think is very disrespectful to the art that you put forth.” (Sway in the Morning)
Key and Peele are reuniting. The duo is set to lend their voices to Netflix’s Wendell and Wild, a stop-motion animation feature that follows a pair of brothers who happen to be demons. (Variety)
Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Ghostface Killah, and more are set to headline a benefit concert in Puerto Rico on behalf of Hurricane Maria victims as the island still deals with the damage from the massive hurricane. (Vibe)
A white man in Las Vegas was busted recently after robbing a casino in blackface. Cameron James Kennedy was arrested two weeks after the robbery after an investigation revealed Kennedy had used makeup to conceal his identity. (FOX 5 Vegas)
Snoop Dogg’s cannabis firm, Casa Verde Capital, has raised $45 million. The rapper co-founded the company in 2015 with hopes of investing in cannabis startups. (The Grio)