Former daytime talk show queen Wendy Williams finds herself entangled in legal drama once again, this time with her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, at the center of the storm. Hunter is currently suing Williams for two years’ worth of back alimony payments after allegedly being abruptly cut off when Williams resumed drinking and abandoned her talk show following their divorce. However, the plot thickens as Williams’ court-appointed financial guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has filed papers demanding that Hunter return $112,500 in alimony payments that she claims he was mistakenly overpaid.
The U.S. Sun reports Morrissey contends that according to the couple’s Marital Settlement Agreement, Hunter was entitled to severance payments from Williams if her yearly earned income exceeded a certain threshold. However, with Williams’ absence from hosting “The Wendy Williams Show” for her entire last season and the subsequent cessation of her full salary payments in October 2021, Morrissey argues that Hunter continued to receive payments despite no longer meeting the criteria outlined in the agreement.
The court filing alleges that Hunter’s receipt of $112,500 in overpaid alimony constitutes unjust enrichment at Williams’ expense. Morrissey is now seeking a court order to compel Hunter to repay the sum, along with any accrued interest.
In addition to the financial dispute, Morrissey is also seeking to impose a gag order on Hunter, preventing him from speaking about the case. This move underscores the escalating tensions between Williams and Hunter, as their legal battle spills into the public eye.
In the unforgiving entertainment world, fame often comes with a hefty price tag. This is especially true for child stars thrust into the limelight at a tender age. While the allure of stardom can be irresistible, the journey to the top is filled with challenges. The many stories of these child stars underscore the harsh realities of fame and the toll it can take on young talents. From battling mental health issues to grappling with substance abuse and legal troubles, their journeys serve as cautionary tales of the perils of celebrity culture. While most of them are doing well today, not everyone is lucky.
Raven-Symoné
Best known for her role as Raven Baxter on That’s So Raven, Raven-Symoné faced the daunting task of balancing fame with her personal growth. Despite her success, she confronted body image issues and the pressure to conform to industry standards. In an interview with People, she opened up about being body-shamed and criticized for her weight while on set.
“I wish I was living now as a younger person,” she said. “I probably wouldn’t have so many mental issues. [They said] I was too big to be doing an hour-and-a-half concert. ‘I don’t know how she can dance being that big.’ And I was like, ‘I still did it!’ I was on tour forever because it’s not about your size, it’s about what you have to say.”
Gary Coleman
As the lovable Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, Gary Coleman was one of the most famous child stars of his time. However, behind the laughter lay a troubled soul battling financial woes and legal disputes. Despite his iconic status, Coleman struggled to shake off the stereotypes associated with his on-screen persona, grappling with the harsh realities of fame. His relationship with his parents was also fraught. They were accused of mishandling his earnings and using him for their own financial interests.
After his seeming success in the ’70s and ’80s, Coleman’s career started to wane in the 1990s. As a result, he encountered difficulties securing more roles in Hollywood. Additionally, he grappled with legal troubles, including a lawsuit against his parents and an arrest for assault in 1999. Sadly, Coleman succumbed to complications from his congenital kidney condition in 2010 at the age of 42.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s name is known worldwide. When discussing child stars and the consequences of fame, there’s perhaps no better illustration. Michael began his career at the tender age of five and later became widely known as the “King of Pop.” He dazzled the world with his extraordinary talent, but behind it all lay a childhood marred by exploitation and intense scrutiny. Michael endured relentless media attention and struggled with his identity under the spotlight, facing immense pressure to maintain his image as the epitome of perfection.
Speaking with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, he confessed: “It hit me before I was a teenager. I wanted so badly to play in the park across the street because the kids were playing baseball and football but I had to record. I could see the park, right across the street. But I had to go in the other building and work until late at night making the albums. I sat there looking at the kids with tears running down my face and I would say, ‘I am trapped and I have to do this for the rest of my life. I am under contract.’”
Regina King
Some may not know Regina King as a child actress and may recognize her from her roles in Boyz n the Hood, A Cinderella Story, and If Beale Street Could Talk. However, the actress became quite popular when she starred as Brenda Jenkins in the TV series 227. She was 14 years old at the time and struggled quite a bit because of her rising popularity. She opened up with People Magazine about her mother’s decision to keep her in public school.
Thanking her mother, she said, “It was instrumental in me becoming a person who can find balance on shaky ground. It’s not an easy thing, living your life on display, and it’s particularly hard when you’re young. But participating in those social situations as a teen gave me an understanding of how different people can be, which has been very helpful when navigating Hollywood.”
Keke Palmer
Bursting onto the scene with her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee, Keke Palmer was one of the most adored child stars around. Yet, as she transitioned into adulthood, Palmer faced the pressure to shed her child-star image and prove herself in a competitive industry. Despite her resilience, she confronted moments of self-doubt and scrutiny from the media. She told The Root: “However, it caused me a lot of pain because I essentially had to abandon my childhood feelings and desires, becoming like a parentalized child, which is something some of you can probably relate to in your own way. This was something that I have had to continuously work through because I am grateful but often feel like I missed ‘IT.’”
Orlando Brown
Known for his role as Eddie Thomas on That’s So Raven, Orlando Brown’s journey from child star to adulthood was marked by personal turmoil and legal troubles. Despite his early success, Brown grappled with substance abuse and erratic behavior. This subsequently overshadowed his talent and threatened to derail his career. The former child star has since had several run-ins with the law for drug possession and burglary.
He appeared on The Dr. Phil Show and opened up about his battles with addiction, homelessness, and his mental health. “I was drinking a lot,” he said. “I just found myself in a dark place because I couldn’t really find everybody. It’s kinda like looking for your keys, when you stop looking, they’re right there type of deal. I started to realize what was in front of me.”
Jaleel White
Immortalized as the iconic Steve Urkel on Family Matters, Jaleel White experienced the highs and lows of child stars at a young age. Despite his success, White grappled with the burden of being typecast and struggled to break free from the shadow of his most famous character. He also faced racial discrimination. During an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, he disclosed that certain prominent child stars from that era received preferential treatment compared to him.
Furthermore, he lamented that he was never extended an invitation to the Emmys. He said: “It’s fair of me now to definitely say, you were made to feel African-American. Fred Savage was always invited to the Emmys; he was always treated like a darling during this time. I was never invited to the Emmys, even to present. I was pretty much told that I would be wasting my time to even submit myself for nomination.”
Lindsay Lohan
Rising to fame with her roles in Disney films like The Parent Trap, Mean Girls, and Freaky Friday, Lindsay Lohan was destined for stardom. Yet, her journey took a tumultuous turn as she grappled with substance abuse and legal troubles in her teenage years. The constant glare of the media magnified her struggles, casting a shadow over her promising career.
In 2019, she spoke with Variety, stating, “The first time I was in a tabloid, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I feel like Britney Spears!’ because she was in a tabloid and I felt cool. Little did I know what would happen from there. I know that I’m a damn good actress, and it’s been my passion since I was a child, and I know that when I care about something I put 100 percent and more into it. And I know that in my past I was young and irresponsible, but that’s what growing up is. You learn from your mistakes.”
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes was one of the child stars on a meteoric rise. However, behind the scenes, Bynes battled with mental health issues exacerbated by the pressures of fame. Her public struggles played out in the media, underscoring the harsh realities faced by child stars thrust into the unforgiving spotlight. Bynes later took a break from acting due to her constant reliance on drugs. She confessed to Paper Magazine in 2018 that her drug usage changed her.
“My advice to anyone who is struggling with substance abuse would be to be really careful because drugs can really take a hold of your life. Everybody is different, obviously, but for me, the mixture of marijuana and whatever other drugs and sometimes drinking really messed up my brain. It really made me a completely different person.”
Rising to fame as a Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato charmed audiences with her powerhouse vocals and relatable persona. However, behind the facade of success lay a battle with addiction and mental health issues. These were exacerbated by the pressures of fame. Lovato’s journey to recovery played out in the public eye, shedding light on the challenges child stars face.
While promoting her docuseries Simply Complicated at the Cannes Lions, she stated: “I wouldn’t start that young if I could do it over again. It was a difficult transition from child star to transforming into a mainstream artist. It’s something that is very challenging. You have to find your identity. For so long you’ve been molded into something and then you’re expected to figure out who you are very fast in front of the entire world. It’s definitely been difficult, but it’s been a learning experience. I am still figuring out who I am every day.”
Macaulay Culkin
As the precocious Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin became a household name overnight. Yet, his rapid rise to fame took a toll on his childhood, leading to strained relationships and personal struggles in adulthood. According to Entertainment Weekly, Culkin pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor drug possession charges in 2005. He also confessed to Esquire: “I played with some fire, I guess is the best way to put it. At the same time, I’ve never been to rehab or anything like that. I’ve never had to clean out that way. There were certain times when I had to catch myself, once or twice.”
Recently, comedian Bobb’e J. Thompson took to social media to share a humbling lesson he was taught from his early years in showbiz. In a candid revelation, he recounted an incident involving none other than Tracy Morgan, during their time together on “The Tracy Morgan Show.”
At just 7 years old, Morgan confronted him for missing cues and trying to emulate his acting style, resulting in a memorable scolding. This encounter, while intense, contributed to Bobb’e J’s growth as an actor and remains a significant memory in his journey to success.
For Bobb’e J, the experience was both eye-opening and humbling. In retrospect, he acknowledges the importance of mentorship and constructive criticism in shaping his craft. Despite the initial shock he views Tracy Morgan’s outburst as a formative moment that ultimately propelled him towards growth and self-improvement.
In the years since, Bobb’e J has gone on to carve out a successful career for himself, appearing in numerous films and television shows, and establishing himself as a formidable comedic talent in his own right. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, he remains grounded, never forgetting the valuable lessons imparted to him by his mentor.
Watch below,
Comedian Bobb’e J. Thompson says Tracy Morgan snatched him by his collar when he was a 7 year old kid and cursed him out for stealing scenes when he was on “The Tracy Morgan Show.”
At just 27 years old, Zendaya is already one of the most stylish women in entertainment. This is largely thanks to the work of her stylist, Law Roach, who knows exactly how to accentuate the actresses’ best features. Her latest roles include the Spider-Man franchise opposite her beau, Tom Holland, as well as Dune and its sequel with Timothée Chalamet. Before all of that, Zendaya was only 13 when her career initially began on Disney Channel, which she spoke about candidly in a new British Vogue interview.
“It’s funny, because it’s something that I’m figuring out now. I don’t know how much of a choice I had. I have complicated feelings about kids and fame and being in the public eye, or being a child actor,” Z shared when asked what teenage her thought about the possibility of her career not flourishing in adulthood. “We’ve seen a lot of cases of it being detrimental,” she continued, seemingly referencing the likes of Amanda Bynes, Orlando Brown and countless others who got their start on Nickelodeon or Disney.
Zendaya went on, “I’m almost going through my angsty teenager phase now because I didn’t really have the time to do it before. I felt like I was thrust into a very adult position: I was becoming the breadwinner of my family very early, and there was a lot of role-reversal happening, and just kind of becoming grown, really.”
Many of our favourite former child stars are speaking out amid the situation with Nickelodeon, leaving us to wonder who else has yet to tell their harrowing stories of abuse. Thankfully Zendaya’s negative feelings mostly came from within her own family dynamic, but the same isn’t true for victims like Drake Bell. Review the allegations brought forth against Dan Schneider and his colleagues at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
In the ongoing legal battle surrounding R. Kelly, new developments have emerged as Faith Rodgers’ mother has been ordered to sit for a deposition. Rodgers, who accused the singer of failing to disclose an STD before their encounter, continues her pursuit of justice through legal means.
According to reports from Radar Online, a recent court conference shed light on the upcoming deposition. While Rodgers did not attend the conference held on March 7, the court mandated responses to defendant R. Kelly’s discovery requests by April 7, 2024. Additionally, dates for both Rodgers’ and her mother’s depositions were to be provided by March 21, with the depositions set to take place in April. Fact discovery is slated to conclude by June 30.
Faith Rodgers is one of the five women who testified against R. Kelly during his 2021 trial in Brooklyn federal court, where he faced charges including sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, racketeering, and trafficking. Rodgers initially sued Kelly in 2018, seeking damages for sexual battery and false imprisonment.
In her pursuit of justice, Rodgers seeks answers under oath from Kelly regarding their relationship, including the date they met and the frequency of their sexual encounters. She also demands a list of credit cards used by Kelly from 2017 to 2019, as well as information about medical professionals and healthcare facilities he visited during that period. Crucially, Rodgers seeks acknowledgment from Kelly regarding his alleged failure to disclose his herpes diagnosis before engaging in sexual activity.
The unfolding legal proceedings add another chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding R. Kelly, whose convictions and legal battles have garnered widespread attention. As Faith Rodgers and her legal team continue their pursuit of accountability, the outcome of the depositions and subsequent legal actions remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for further updates as the legal proceedings unfold in the case against R. Kelly.
It’s not easy being a superstar. The emotional and physical toll it can have on a person is unclear until it’s too late, which is something fans have seen debilitate dozens of their favorite artists. Polo G was on track to become a household name, but the spotlight proved to be too bright. He took a step back for the sake of his mental health and the well-being of his family. The rapper talked about his monumental decision during a recent interview with Kurrco.
Polo G didn’t mince words when it came to his reasoning for taking a break. “I feel like I took a three year break after being scorching hot,” the rapper told Kurrco. He noted that the multi-year break was not an intentional one, as he was forced to navigate a lot of personal situations, but that it ultimately proved to be something he needed. Polo G also admitted that he found it difficult to stop making music, since it had been the driving force in his life up to that point. “That’s like my baby,” he admitted. “I always want to be in tune and connected with my fans.”
Polo G considered this hiatus the hardest thing he’s had to do. “That s**t really f***ed with my mental, a lot,” he asserted. The rapper’s desire to open up in a public space was only made possible, however, by his decision to get back in the game. “Everything that I did accomplish, I don’t feel like it’s enough,” he added. “Everybody want me to prove myself.” The interview ends with the interviewer joking about all that Polo has accomplished. “Even with 14 cars in the driveway?!” he asks, before both parties start laughing.
Polo G’s comeback is already underway. The rapper has announced plans to release Hood Poet in August 2024. The album has been in the works for several years, with the lead single, “Distraction”, dropping way back in June 2022. The single peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is impressive for most but underwhelming for a rapper with a number one hit under his belt. It’s time for Polo to prove that he’s still got what it takes to excel.
The world of children’s television has been rocked by allegations of misconduct and abuse directed at former Nickelodeon showrunner and producer, Dan Schneider. The accusations have surfaced in the wake of the investigative docuseries, “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which sheds light on the alleged mistreatment of child stars on Schneider’s shows.
Numerous former child actors have come forward with claims of inappropriate behavior and abuse during their time working with Schneider. These allegations paint a troubling picture of the industry and raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of young performers.
Among those who have spoken out is Chris Massey, a former star of the popular Nickelodeon series “Zoey 101.” However, Massey’s response to the allegations has stirred controversy itself, as his mother publicly expressed support for Schneider via Instagram Stories.
In a surprising turn of events, Angel Massey, Chris Massey’s mother, took to social media to thank Schneider for the opportunities he provided her son. She appeared to dismiss the allegations against Schneider, suggesting that parents should bear responsibility for their children’s experiences on set.
Her comments sparked outrage and disbelief among fans and followers, prompting Chris Massey to address the situation directly. Taking to his own Instagram Stories, Massey asserted his right to share his own experiences and feelings about working with Schneider.
“My story will be told from me… not from a parent, a friend, a coworker… ME!!! and only ME… so please stop messaging me about what my mom said… respectfully,” Massey wrote.
The conflicting responses highlight the complexity of the situation and the challenges of expressing misconduct in the entertainment industry. While some individuals choose to stand by Schneider, others are demanding accountability and justice for the alleged victims.
In an unexpected turn of events, beloved musician Lizzo announced her departure from the music industry in a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday. The “Juice” hitmaker, 35, revealed that she was stepping away from fame due to the relentless criticism and scrutiny she faced, particularly regarding her appearance.
In her poignant message, Lizzo expressed her exhaustion from being constantly “dragged” both in her personal life and on the internet. She lamented the prevalence of lies and disrespect directed towards her, citing instances where her character was unfairly dissected by strangers who didn’t know her.
“I’m tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” she wrote. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”
The Grammy-winning artist candidly addressed the toll that the industry had taken on her mental and emotional well-being, declaring, “I didn’t sign up for this s**t. I quit.”
Following her announcement, social media erupted with an outpouring of support from fans and followers, urging Lizzo not to give up on her passion. Many expressed their love and appreciation for her music, emphasizing the positive impact she has had on their lives.
However, Lizzo’s decision to step away from the spotlight comes amidst ongoing legal battles and controversies. Just one day prior to her announcement, the lawyer representing three of her ex-dancers, who previously sued her for sexual harassment, criticized President Joe Biden for allowing her to perform at his fundraising event.
Last August, Lizzo faced allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment from three former dancers, who accused her of weight-shaming and inappropriate behavior during a performance in Amsterdam. The lawsuit detailed disturbing incidents, including the dancers being forced to touch nude performers and engage in demeaning activities.
Despite Lizzo’s public persona of body positivity and empowerment, the lawsuit painted a starkly different picture of her treatment towards her dancers. The shocking revelations left fans and critics alike questioning the disparity between her public image and alleged private actions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in charge of safeguarding the safety of our food and drugs, finds itself embroiled in a legal battle as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in a lawsuit against the agency. At the heart of this legal dispute lies the FDA’s decision regarding mifepristone, a high-risk drug used in medication abortion procedures. This decision, made despite acknowledged inadequacies in the supporting data and studies, has raised serious concerns about the welfare of hundreds of thousands of Americans impacted by its ramifications.
Mifepristone’s FDA-approved label warns of its potential dangers, with approximately one in 25 women facing the prospect of ending up in the emergency room after taking the drug. Recognizing these risks, the FDA initially instituted stringent safety measures, including mandatory in-person medical care with a licensed physician before and after taking the drug. These precautions aimed to detect life-threatening conditions like ectopic pregnancy and monitor for complications such as severe bleeding and infections.
However, in both 2016 and 2021, the FDA controversially eliminated these requirements, allowing for the distribution of mifepristone without ongoing in-person medical supervision. This decision came despite the drug’s Black Box warning highlighting the potential for “serious and sometimes fatal infections and bleeding.” What’s alarming is that the FDA based its decision on data and studies it openly admitted were unreliable and inadequate.
The FDA’s reliance on its Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to justify the removal of in-person requirements raises serious questions. The agency itself acknowledges that FAERS data alone are insufficient to determine a drug’s safety profile. Additionally, the FDA’s failure to address the absence of reporting requirements for non-fatal serious adverse events leaves a critical gap in monitoring and responding to potential risks associated with mifepristone use.
Moreover, the FDA’s reliance on studies evaluating mail-order dispensing of abortion drugs, despite their limitations and red flags, further undermines the credibility of its decision-making process. These studies revealed alarming rates of hospitalization and unplanned clinical encounters associated with mail-order dispensing, directly contradicting the FDA’s rationale for removing in-person requirements.
In light of these deficiencies, the FDA’s decision to authorize self-administration of mifepristone poses a grave risk to women’s health, exposing them to serious and life-threatening complications without adequate medical oversight. The agency’s failure to engage in reasoned decision-making, as required by the Administrative Procedure Act, highlights a troubling disregard for public safety.
The lawsuit challenging the FDA’s actions, supported by Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and a coalition of doctors and medical associations, underscores the urgency of holding the agency accountable. These healthcare professionals, who witness firsthand the harms inflicted by the FDA’s recklessness, are advocating for the restoration of common-sense health and safety standards.
As the case heads to the Supreme Court, the American people deserve a federal government committed to evidence-based decision-making and prioritizing public health above all else. The FDA must not be allowed to jeopardize women’s health with insufficiently supported conclusions and inadequate rationales. It’s time to ensure that no agency is above the law, and that the FDA fulfills its duty to protect and promote the well-being of all Americans.
Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams finds herself embroiled in a legal battle as her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, attempted to halt the airing of the Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?” The controversy arose after Morrissey filed an emergency injunction just days before the series was set to premiere, citing concerns over her portrayal in the documentary.
According to reports from The Wrap, Morrissey initially took issue with the docuseries after viewing its trailer in February. Feeling apprehensive about how she would be depicted in the series, Morrissey filed a petition against A&E Networks to prevent the airing of the show. The move came as a surprise to many, given that Morrissey had been aware of the documentary’s filming for over a year.
In response to Morrissey’s actions, A&E Networks filed a legal defense arguing that her attempt to silence criticism of her role in Wendy Williams’ life was unconstitutional. The network contended that Morrissey had ample time to address any concerns she had about the documentary, as she had been aware of its existence since at least February 2023. Additionally, A&E’s legal team highlighted that Williams had been compensated for her participation in the series.
The unfolding legal drama sheds light on the complexities surrounding Williams’ personal and professional life, as well as the challenges faced by those tasked with overseeing her affairs. With the airing of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” potentially hanging in the balance, the dispute underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual rights.
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