backlash

Tems Explains Viral Oscars Dress After Facing Backlash On Twitter

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This past weekend, the Oscars was undoubtedly the biggest event taking place for Hollywood’s elite. Countless stars and starlets were at the Dolby Theatre to watch Brendan Fraser bring home the award for Best Actor, and Angela Bassett once again get snubbed from winning a coveted prize from the Academy. Besides the annual list of winners and losers, the internet has also been discussing the various red carpet looks that were worn. Specifically, Tems’ extravagant gown has brought in considerable backlash online.

The Nigerian singer-songwriter’s all-white look was undeniably stunning, though the stiff fabric wrapped around her head proved to be problematic for others. After killing it on her first Oscars red carpet, Tems headed inside the venue, where her OOTN unfortunately blocked the view of those sitting behind her. In some clips circulating on socials, some attendees struggle to take in the show from behind the Best Original Song nominee.

Tems’ Oscars Look Sparks Twitter Debate

In the time since, Twitter has sparked a debate surrounding the topic, with some arguing that the 27-year-old is only facing so much backlash because she’s a successful Black woman. On the other hand, many users think that Tems’ dress of choice was “inconsiderate” of those around her, and making that known isn’t an act of hate. “People point that out is not racism, as long as they aren’t using derogatory language. Humans need to be more honest,” someone vented on Monday (March 13).

That same day, Harper’s Bazaar shared an interview with the “Free Mind” songstress, in which she explains her bold outfit’s inspiration. “Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she told the outlet. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”

“Lift Me Up” Co-Writer Explains Her OOTN

Tems attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage )

Her stylist, Dunsin Wright, told the magazine that his vision came together after hearing Tems say that she’s “entering a new era” at the start of 2023. “That played on my mind as I considered the perfect outfit for the Oscars. We wanted something that felt quite delicate but powerful, something that made her feel ethereal,” he shared. “It was a bold option, but I was confident that if anyone could wear it the way it needed to be worn, it was Tems.”

“She is so graceful and confident, and she makes every piece her own,” Wright praised his client. On her Twitter page, the recording artist seemingly addressed those throwing shade her way online, writing “Oops,” alongside some stunning portraits of her in the Lever Couture look. Let us know what you thought of Tems’ Oscars outfit in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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MrBeast Responds To Polarizing South Africa Charity Video On Twitter

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MrBeast’s latest charity video, gifting 20,000 kids in South Africa their first pair of shoes, drew some controversy and even a response from the content creator on Twitter. Moreover, the YouTube sensation is known for his charity videos, of which recent high-profile example was helping 1,000 blind people see. As charitable and good-natured as these videos seem, many online believe that such acts are performative. However, such backlash paired with a seemingly equal number of defensive responses from fans. In fact, the social media star responded to this most recent South Africa video addressing his detractors.

“Just a reminder for those of you that don’t normally watch this channel,” he tweeted. “Beast Philanthropy is a charity we run and all the revenue from these videos goes towards running our food pantries and helping people around the world. Our charity owns this channel, I thought it’d be fun to use my fame to create a loop of helping. Film good deed, inspire millions of kids to do good, use revenue from good deed to do next good deed.”

MrBeast Gives 20,000 South African Kids Their First Pair Of Sneakers

Meanwhile, people on Twitter expressed a variety of emotions. Many pointed out that these charitable videos just add to more exposure, promotion, and revenue for an already rich content creator. On the other hand, many just took the gesture as heartfelt, effective, and overall positive. Overall, consensus online points in two directions: distrust of his business and content model or complacency with its positive impact. It’s something that celebrities, especially MrBeast, have to handle all the time with philanthropy and speaking on social issues. However, the conversation around this channel in particular is almost exhausting at this point.

After all, he won Favorite Male Creator at the 2023 Kids’ Choice Awards, which is a lot of his main demographic. Increased attention and conversation surrounding his charitable efforts is only going to further promote it, however negative it may be. With that in mind, at least MrBeast is doing something good for others, which takes precedence over any public image. Regardless of your take, check out reactions down below and return to HNHH for more big news on MrBeast.

Twitter Reacts To MrBeasts’s Charity Video

Logic’s Cover Of Ice Cube’s “Today Was A Good Day” Get’s O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s Attention

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Logic is in full swing as he continues to settle into his non-retirement. The rapper seemed as if he was done with the industry for a brief moment before returning to announce he was un-retiring. Since then, there have also been rumors of a collaborative project with Madlib, and recently, he dropped off his anticipated effort, College Park. The newly independent artist is pushing forward, full steam ahead, and this week, he shared a cover of a Hip Hop favorite.

Ice Cube’s “Today Was a Good Day” was one of the few hits that took over in 1992. To be fair, the song continues to be a staple, so its reign continues as interest is renewed from one generation to the next. Logic paid homage to Cube’s classic by sharing a cover of the track. He slowed things down with live musicians backing him up, and once it was released, fans were quickly divided.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. Reacts To Logic’s Cover

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 11: Rapper Logic performs at PNC Music Pavilion on August 11, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jeff Hahne/Getty Images)

Opinions varied as criticisms poured in. Some people seemed unaware that Logic is biracial, even though he often raps about it. Those critics took issue with him saying the n-word, which sparked a separate conversation. Meanwhile, of all the shared hot takes, Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s was the most important.

Jackson also reshared the clip of Logic’s cover and added a few thoughts. “I respect Logic. I think he can rap. And that’s all I really need,” he said. “But bruh… if [I] ever hear you sing about my mother again… it’s gone be a misunderstanding lmaoooo.” Jackson was, of course, referencing his dad’s bars about getting a “beep from Kim, and she can f*ck all night.” Additionally, many fans didn’t know the line was about Cube’s wife.

O’Shea Jokes About His Parents

“Imagine having to be your pops hype man and doing that part …….. I’ll wait………pretty awkward right…….” Jackson told a Twitter user who was shocked by the reveal. “So now when either me or my brother in stage with him the line is ‘I got a beep from HER’ instead of my moms name.” Check out Logic’s cover above and let us know what you think of his rendition.

Bad Bunny Will Make His WWE Return At Backlash In Puerto Rico

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bad bunny
Peacock

WWE has announced that Bad Bunny will make his return to the squared circle for the first time since taking an F-5 from Brock Lesnar at the 2022 Royal Rumble when he hosts the premium live event Backlash in Puerto Rico on May 6.

Backlash will take place live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will also mark the first WWE premium live event to take place in Puerto Rico since January 2005. In a release, Bad Bunny expressed regret over being unable to attend that pay-per-view, which was headlined by an Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship which was won by Triple H.

“In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo,” said Bad Bunny, per the release. “Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event and this time I won’t miss it.”

Bad Bunny’s inclusion at Backlash comes after he stole the show at WrestleMania 37 in a match where he teamed with Damian Priest to defeat The Miz and John Morrison. It also follows him becoming a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K23 game, slated for nationwide release on March 17. Pre-ordering any version of the video game will come with access to the Bad Bunny Bonus Pack, which includes Bad Bunny on the game’s roster and a Ruby Bad Bunny MyFACTION Card.

Melle Mel Addresses Backlash To His Eminem Criticism

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Melle Mel has addressed the backlash he’s been receiving in response to his criticism of Eminem. Speaking on his Hip Hop Corner podcast, Mel denied being “jealous,” “bitter,” or “intimidated by” anyone in hip-hop. Mel had argued that Eminem is only considered an all-time great in hip-hop because he’s white. He made the comments during an interview with The Art of Dialogue.

“Melle Mel has nothing against nobody in hip-hop,” he said in the video while lifting weights in the gym. “I’ve been in hip-hop for 40 years. Very competitive, really have nothing against nobody. I’m not jealous of nobody, I’m not intimidated by anybody or anything, and I’m not bitter. I just come across as I come across ’cause I’m a man and I say what I say, and when I say what I say, basically, I mean what I say.”

Melle Mel At The Grammys

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Melle Mel performs onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )

He continued: “Everything that I said, that I commented on, it was to comment on what he wrote and who he put on this said list. And I think Billboard is not known for Hip Hop, of course, they’re known for records. So obviously, Billboard is more leaning toward guys that made records, compared to guys like myself that put in all the time in hip-hop. We’re responsible for the genre. We’re the biggest influences in the genre, and if you ask anybody that knows anything about true hip-hop, they will tell you that. If you ask anybody that calls themselves an MC, they will be the first to tell you that there is no modern day rap or hip-hop of that nature if it wasn’t for Grandmaster Flash, if it wasn’t for the Furious Five, if it wasn’t for Melle Mel, if it wasn’t for [Keef] Cowboy.”

The backlash for Mel’s original comments on Eminem came from more than just fans. 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Kevin Gates, Papoose, and more all spoke out in disagreement in the days after the take went viral on social media. While they all showed respect for Mel, they couldn’t help but disagree with his opinion on Eminem’s legacy.

Melle Mel’s Response

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Chris Rock’s Michael Jackson Pedophile Joke Slammed By King Of Pop’s Nephew

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After enduring the embarrassment that came with last year’s “Slapgate,” Chris Rock had an undeniably huge opportunity to tell his side of the story this month. The comedian teamed up with Netflix for his latest comedy special, which spanned two and a half hours, and has already earned the Rush Hour actor significant backlash. Most of the criticism is coming from those accusing him of “punching down on Black women” for making disparaging comments about Meghan Markle and calling Jada Pinkett Smith a “bitch” on more than one occasion.

Elsewhere in the standup set, Rock made comments about the late Michael Jackson that aren’t sitting well with many viewers. “I’m all for social justice, I’m all for marginalized people getting they rights,” he says in the circulating clip. “The thing I have a problem with is… the selective outrage. Selective outrage! You know what I’m talking about! One person does something and gets cancelled, and somebody else does the exact same thing… Nothing!”

Chris Rock’s Controversial Comments

The 57-year-old continues, “You know what I’m talking about. You know, like the kind of people that play Michael Jackson songs, but won’t play R. Kelly.” At this point, a rumble of laughter is heard moving through the crowd, causing Rock to smile wide. “Same crime! One of ’em just got better songs. I play ‘Startin’ Something’ and it’s a party, but I play ‘Bump and Grind’ and you an activist,” he adds as the audience laughs on.

While Rock obviously got the laugh he was looking for on stage, online the response has been far less kind. In fact, the King of Pop’s nephew, Taj Jackson, loudly called the comedian out on Monday (March 6) before thanking the Gemini Man actor for slapping him. “Chris Rock has used my family as punching bags for his entire career,” the 49-year-old alleged in a tweet.

Taj Jackson Claps Back

“Yet I am supposed to feel bad for him getting slapped and humiliated [at] the Oscars. After seeing a new clip of him attacking my dead uncle in the first minutes of his ‘retaliation – I’m still relevant’ special, I have three things to say,” Jackson’s rant went on. “1. What did my family ever do to you to warrant these decades of harassment and your constant bullying [disguised] as jokes?”

For his second point, the former 3T member reminded Rock that, just because he experienced bullying as a child doesn’t give him the right to tear down others now. Jackson ended with, “3. Thank you, Will Smith,” seemingly praising the embattled actor for slapping the comedian nearly a year ago. Do you think that Chris’ comments about MJ were out of line? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.

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City Girls’ Awkward Rolling Loud Interviewer Responds To Backlash: “I STILL GOT PAID”

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Rolling Loud California is over for another season, but the internet isn’t quite done talking about the hip-hop festival yet. Praise is continuing to pour in for 23-year-old Ice Spice, who brought in one of the biggest audiences of the weekend for her set, and plenty of other female artists showed their stuff too. Among them were Nicki Minaj, who made a surprise visit during Lil Wayne’s stage time, and the City Girls, who debuted a new song while they were performing.

“Piñata” is the title of the unreleased single. We have no official premiere date as of now. Still, Yung Miami previously said that new music from her and JT is coming sometime this spring and/or summer. As they put on a show, rapping old favourites from their discography, as well as more recent arrivals, the City Girls reminded audiences exactly why they love them. From their curve-hugging, coordinated outfits to the sheer excitement of securing the bag at Rolling Loud beside their best friend, the partners in rhyme looked as though nothing could ruin their mood last weekend.

City Girls Take Rolling Loud California 2023

Unfortunately, that energy didn’t last long. At one point during the festival, Caresha and Jatavia spoke with media personality Tamera Kissen, and needless to say, the interview was nothing short of unprofessional. In a clip that’s been circulating online, the host and Yung Miami go back and forth about previously linking up at an event while JT awkwardly watches on. By the time the City Girls start answering questions, things only become more embarrassing to take in.

“Did you know it’s the 50th day of hip-hop today?” Kissed asked. “No,” the REVOLT podcast host responded. “Me neither, they told me to talk about it,” the host said, obnoxiously laughing. Shortly after, she began pressing the City Girls for details on when they “last let a broke dude hit,” among other uncomfortable topics. As the video continues to circulate online, plenty of backlash is pouring in for the interviewer. At the same time, the “Twerkulator” artists are hearing praise for pushing through the weird moment.

Tamera Kissen Responds to Backlash

On her Twitter page, Kissen has had plenty to say about her chat with the City Girls. “The community really don’t f*ck with you if you ain’t full Black, let’s just be honest,” she vented online. In response, another user wrote, “No baby, it was just a really bad interview. Like… horrific. Nothing to do with race, learn and grow.” Not letting the haters get her down, the 28-year-old continued to rant about the situation in another series of tweets.

“Some FYI: When footage is raw and unedited like that and people throw things at you last min as an interviewer it’s because someone on the job doesn’t want you to do good. Nothing I haven’t dealt [with] before,” she began. “Shit really ain’t that serious. The girls that don’t like me all look the saaaaaaaaaame.” Kissen went on to compare the industry to being back in high school before reminding followers that “at the end of the day, [SHE] STILL GOT PAID.” Let us know what you thought of the City Girls’ awkward Rolling Loud interview below, and check back later for more pop culture news.

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Angela Yee Reponds To “The Breakfast Club” Backlash: “Didn’t Anticipate This Would Cause A Firestorm”

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Now that it’s been a few weeks since her exit from The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee has been getting candid about the years she spent working alongside DJ Envy and Charlamagne tha God. “I was the only woman who worked there, too. When it came to producers, camera people – and it wasn’t an easy room for me to be in,” the media personality explained on the Tamron Hall Show earlier this week. “I feel like I did need more like backup.”

Following the 47-year-old’s interview, her former cohosts – and past guests on the radio show – were quick to chime in with their opinions. Both Erica Mena and Lil Mama had plenty to say about Yee being just as bad as her male counterparts, who have previously been known to make women cry with their comments. Additionally, the former pointed out that Angela was aware of DJ Envy’s marriage when knowingly watched the mother of three hook up with him, thinking he was single.

DJ Envy Calls Cap

For his part, the New York entertainer has markedly called cap on his former coworker’s claims. “That’s just not true,” he wrote in The Shade Room‘s Instagram comments earlier this weekend. “There are plenty of women that work behind the scenes on @breakfastclubam.” In an interview, Envy spoke further on the situation, telling the media that he believes Yee “misspoke” when discussing her time on the show.

“It was her, Charlamagne and myself, so she was the only woman on air,” he noted. “But behind the scenes, I mean, our boss – the actual person that pays our bills and pays our checks and hires us – is Thea Mitchem, who’s a woman. I think she misspoke, I think the words were taken out of I guess technicality. I’m sure she would clean it up, but there’s a lot of women who work on that show,” DJ Envy later added.

Angela Yee Addresses the Drama

Turns out his prediction was correct, as Yee used her Twitter account to address the rampantly running gossip. “Usually I don’t comment or go back and forth with people, but there’s too much spinning,” she began. “‘In the room’ referred to the people in the studio: the producer, board op, videographer, and hosts. Yes, they are men. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t amazing women who are execs, salespeople, interns, and in other departments,” the entertainer explained in a series of posts.

“I’ve said it on many occasions: that it can be hard when your viewpoint is different based on your experience,” she went on. “I didn’t anticipate that this would cause such a firestorm.” Keep scrolling to read Yee’s full explanation, and let us know if you miss hearing her on The Breakfast Club in the comments.

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Toronto Raptors Apologize For Deleted Women’s History Month Video

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All they wanted to do was express gratitude for Women’s History Month, but the Toronto Raptors missed the mark with fans. March 1 ushered in a new month and a new celebratory season. The Raptors shared a brief, 13-second video highlighting WHM, but it quickly fell flat. Players were asked, “Beyoncé said girls run the world. Why do you think that’s true?” This is where things took a turn.

Malachi Flynn answered, “They are the only ones that can procreate.” Precious Achiuwa added, “They birth everybody.” The clip concludes after Scottie Barnes chimes in with, “All women are great because they’re all queens.” Viewers took to social media to complain that the video seemed awkward while highlighting that not all women can give birth and procreate.

The Video Disappears

TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 26: The team logo decal at center court on Welcome Toronto night during the Toronto Raptors NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Air Canada Centre on January 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

The video was supposed to be empowering, but that didn’t translate for the public. It didn’t take long for the clip to mysteriously vanish from the Raptors’ socials, but it was too late; people were already firing off hot takes after screen recording the post. “In case you were worried no sports team would completely bungle their Women’s Empowerment Month goodwill this year,” one person tweeted in the video’s caption. “Here’s an already-deleted video from the Toronto Raptors. Speechless.”

LGBTQIA+ allies were also upset because it was stated by the players that only women can have children. Transgender equality advocates said that women weren’t the only ones who could become pregnant, prompting another fiery debate online. Later, the Toronto Raptors issued an apology via CTV News. “We’re an organization that prides itself on doing the right thing when it comes to inclusion and representation, and we made a mistake yesterday.”

Supporters Come To Team’s Defense

Still, despite deciding to take down the video, the Raptors had plenty of supporters in their corner. As podcast hosts were in a flurry to jump on a microphone and discuss the controversy, others questioned why this was an issue. The topic of transgender rights has caused a divide, and online, the Raptors are being defended. Check out the clip from the Toronto Raptors above, and let us know if you think it’s controversial.

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Draymond Green Catches Heat For Wanting An End To Black History Month

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It’s March 1, so Black History Month in the U.S. has concluded, but Draymond Green believes we should eliminate the celebration altogether. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Golden State Warriors star wants to cease honoring Black history, but he did share his grievances with it receiving the shortest month out of the year. Green conveyed his thoughts during a recent press conference and acknowledged wearing a Black History Month shirt. He explained why this was unusual for him.

“This is actually the first time you’ve seen me in a Black History Month shirt all Black History Month, and it’s very intentional,” Green told the press. Then, he eased into his opinion. “And I really just threw this shirt on because I didn’t have another shirt to throw on. But Black History Month, at some point, can we get rid of it? Like, at some point?”

Draymond Green Calls For An End To BHM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Warriors 128-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Of course, this take came as a shock to viewers. However, Green explained that he advocates for teaching Black history, but it shouldn’t be relegated to just one month. The basketball icon also spoke on recent political controversies about Black history being banned in schools. It’s something that Green finds frustrating, and he didn’t mince words when detailing his thoughts.

“Why we got to keep getting the shortest month to celebrate our history? You got governors wanting to take our history out of schools. And I’m not going to be the fool to go say, yeah, we can celebrate it for 28 days. So at some point, I’d like to get rid of it. It’s—you know, we’re making all these changes in the world. Can’t talk about these people, can’t talk about those people. Can’t say this, can’t say that.

A Yearlong Celebration

“At some point, it’s time to get rid of Black History Month,” Green concluded. “Not get rid of Black history, like they’re trying to do. But Black History Month? No. Teach my history from January 1 to December 31. And then do it again, and then again, and then again, and then again. That’s what I’d like to see.” Check it out above.

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