Pop Culture

Whoopi Goldberg Apologizes For Holocaust Comments 

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Whoopi Goldberg is speaking out after receiving backlash for her remarks about the Holocaust. Earlier this year, Whoopi declared the Holocaust was “not about race,” but about “white supremacy” and “man’s inhumanity to man.” Over the weekend, she seemingly doubled down on her comments during an interview with the Sunday Times. 

The EGOT winner dished on cancel culture and more before reiterating the controversial comments she made about the holocaust. Despite the interview, Whoopi issued an apology on Tuesday regarding her triggering statements. “I tried to convey to the reporter what I had said and why, and attempted to recount that time. It was never my intention to appear as if I was doubling down on hurtful comments,” she told Variety. “Especially after talking with and hearing people like rabbis and old and new friends weighing in.”

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 01: Whoopi Goldberg is seen leaving “GMA” on November 1, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
Read More: Whoopi Goldberg Doubles Down On Antisemitic Comments

“I’m still learning a lot and believe me, I heard everything everyone said to me. I believe that the Holocaust was about race, and I am still as sorry now as I was then that I upset, hurt and angered people. My sincere apologies again, especially to everyone who thought this was a fresh rehash of the subject. I promise it was not. In this time of rising antisemitism, I want to be very clear when I say that I always stood with the Jewish people and always will. My support for them has not wavered and never will.”

Whoopi’s apology comes on the heels of the Anti-Defamation League slamming the star for her “deeply offensive” comments. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt also issued a statement following Goldberg’s initial comments about the Holocaust. 

“[Whoopi’s remarks] are deeply offensive and incredibly disappointing, especially given that this is not the first time she had made remarks like this. In a moment when antisemitic incidents have surged across the U.S., she should realize that making such ignorant statements can have real consequences.”

Share your thoughts below. 

Finneas Addresses Age Gap In Billie Eilish’s Relationship

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Finneas has addressed the controversy surrounding the 10-year age gap in his sister, Billie Eilish’s, relationship with Jesse Rutherford. Finneas supported his sister in response to a fan replying to one of his TikTok posts.

“Your sister’s dating a 31-year-old man and your music is shitty,” the person said.

“I want my sister to be happy and safe,” Finneas responded, before adding, “and she is a 21 year old adult perfectly entitled to make her own life decisions.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: L-R) Billie Eilish, winner of Record of the Year for “Bad Guy”, Album of the Year for “when we all fall asleep, where do we go?”, Song of the Year for “Bad Guy”, Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for “when we all fall asleep, where do we go?”, and Finneas O’Connell, winner of Best Engineered Album Non-Classical for “when we all fall asleep, where do we go?”, Song of the Year for “Bad Guy”, and Producer Of The Year Non-Classical pose in the press room during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

Finneas previously confirmed his support for their relationship while speaking with E News at an event for GQ in November.

“Listen, as long as she’s happy,” he told the outlet, “I’m happy.”

Eilish first confirmed her relationship to The Neighbourhood back in October after paparazzi caught them kissing in Los Angeles.

She later elaborated while speaking with Vanity Fair in November.

“It’s really cool, and I’m really excited and I’m really happy about it,” she said at the time. “I managed to get my life to a point where I not only was known by a person that I thought was the hottest fucking fucker alive, but pulled his ass! Are you kidding me? Can we just [get a] round of applause for me.”

Billie further added: “Thank you, Jesse Rutherford, everyone! I pulled his ass. All me. I did that shit.”

Check out the TikTok to which Finneas responded below.

@gaybutboring

#stitch with @finneas like

♬ original sound – juliana

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50 Cent Discusses His “Surviving El Chapo” Podcast

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50 Cent spoke about the making of his latest podcast, Surviving El Chapo, during a new interview with PEOPLE. 50 also explained shifting his focus to television over music in recent years.

“I like true crime, period, the entire genre,” 50 Cent told the outlet. “If you don’t read the news, if you’re not in the current events, [then you should]. I do.”

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 03: Actor/producer Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson attends For Your Consideration event For Starz’s ‘Power’ at The Jeremy Hotel on May 3, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)

The series focuses on Pedro and Margarito Flores and how they became the government informants who brought down El Chapo.

50’s co-host, Charlie Webster, also discussed the process of making the podcast with PEOPLE. Webster says the two would speak with the twins in a discreet “safe house” with security posted outside.

“We did speak to them separately, but to get them in this house, we thought it was so important to really show who they are by them being together,” he said.

Webster continued: “We also wanted to tell the reality of what so many young kids get brought up in and how it can turn out.”

“This is just the first one for me and Charlie,” 50 added. “You’re going to see more.”

As for music, 50 says that he’s got “new music ideas,” but has no plans on releasing anything as of now.

“I mean, I really enjoy the music,” Jackson says, “But the audience is changing. My core audience was in college in 2003. They’re grown now and they may have the drink that you would have in the nightclub in the privacy of their home now. They are my television viewership now. That’s who’s watching.”

50 Cent released his last album, Animal Ambition, back in 2014.

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Joycelyn Savage’s Father Denies R.Kelly Baby Rumors 

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Joycelyn Savage’s dad is coming forth after rumors surfaced that his daughter gave birth to R. Kelly’s child. Timothy Savage slammed an Instagram account claiming to be his 26-year old daughter, announcing that she welcomed daughter “Ava Lee Kelly 12.08.22.”

The alleged faux account shared a second post pretending to be Joycelyn. “My baby girl Ava when you were born and my whole world shined so bright. I knew that it was no longer about me anymore it was about us . Though the world is cold , I promise to always protect you . I am so happy to be your mother & you bring me so much joy.”

Timothy
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 23: Joycelyn Savage (R) and Azriel Clary arrive for a bond hearing for R&B singer R. Kelly at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on February 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly, who is facing charges on ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, is being held on $1 million bond. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Read More: R. Kelly’s Lawyer Says Joycelyn Savage Is Not Pregnant

However, Timothy says the page is fraudulent and that his daughter has not welcomed a child with the incarcerated singer. “My daughter Joycelyn is not pregnant,” he shared on Instagram Live. “This is 100% accurate. Rest assured. I am investigating this to the fullest and other people are too.” Savage’s video didn’t end there. He went on to call out the folks responsible for posting the unknown baby in the IG photo. “The little baby on the account is a pretty little baby. If I had a granddaughter, I would be the first to say I love this child, no matter what the situation is. These people are evil, cruel people. To take a horrible situation and try to make some profit off of it.”

“My daughter has been hidden away from everyone, due to the circumstances. And it’s not right.  If it was the case that my daughter had a child, [she] would come forth and be happy about it. But as we both know, my daughter has not responded. I have messaged that [Instagram] to see if that was my daughter. It has not responded in the proper way.” 

Fans quickly slammed the seemingly concerned father, accusing him of reading from a script and not being genuine. Check out Timothy’s full video and share your thoughts below. 

Reginae Carter Drags Trolls After Boyfriend Armon Warren Gifted Her A Promise Ring

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Reginae Carter and Armon Warren appear to still be going strong after a video of the YouTuber gifting her a promise ring was posted online. Shortly after, Carter clapped back at trolls who had negative comments about the sentimental gift.

In the video clip, Warren asks her to retrieve the ring from the box, saying, “So this is my promise ring to you baby, okay? This is my loyalty, this is my love.”

“This is everything,” the singer added, continuing, “This is me investing my time, everything into you. I only want to be with you. This is my promise.”

READ MORE: Reginae Carter Confirms YFN Lucci Split By Sharing She No Longer Has A “Bae”

Responding to haters who had negative comments, Carter took to her Twitter on Tuesday (Dec. 27) morning to get a few things off of her chest.

“Y’all old a**es mad at my promise ring but been in 10 year relationships with a bunch of broken promises,” she fired back on Twitter. “Get you somebody to take care of your time not waste it aunties.”

Following up with a second tweet, the 24-year-old continued, “But anyways .. back to my amazing morning … Happy Holidays.”

After going public with Warren earlier this year, the Louisiana native opened up about her new relationship in an interview with The Shade Room.

On what Lil Wayne and Toya Wright thought about their daughter’s new boyfriend, Carter revealed, “My mom likes Armon. My dad, he hasn’t really gotten to meet Armon yet.”

“I’m really slow with my dad. Like, I bring people around my dad a little later on, because it’s just that…But I’ve told him about him. I’ve talked to him. He’s liking what he’s hearing.” she continued.

The pair reportedly got their start after attending a blind date recorded for YouTube over the summer, and have been inseparable ever since.

What are your thoughts on the young couple? Share in the comments below.

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Singer Jo Mersa Marley, Bob Marley’s Grandson, Passes Away At 31

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Jo Mersa, born Joseph Mersa Marley in Kingston, Jamaica, has died at age 31. He was a grandson to the popular singer Bob Marley, who passed away in 1981 at 36 years old.

The young reggae singer died as a result of “asthma-related conditions, according to TMZ, though an exact cause of death has not been announced.

Per RadarOnline, Jo Mersa was found “unresponsive in his vehicle” this past Tuesday (Dec. 27).

Jo Mersa followed up his grandfather’s legacy by launching his own music career. In 2014, he debuted his EP Comfortable and later dropped his second project Eternal in 2021, releasing “Burn It Down” in between. 

Featuring his brother Yohan Marley, “Burn It Down” proved to be a hit track, gaining over three million views on YouTube.

Continuing to hone in on his craft, Jo Mersa also attended Miami Dade College and took audio engineering courses while growing as a reggae musician.

He was the son of Stephen Marley, who also enjoyed a successful music career. Winning eight Grammy awards, Stephen has collaborated with a number of notable artists over the years, including Pitbull and the Fugees.

READ MORE: Lauryn Hill’s Daughter Responds To Backlash After Wearing Ye’s “White Lives Matter” Tee
Jo Mersa
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 13: Reggae artist, Jo Mersa Marley performs during The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing on July 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

In an interview with Reggaeville last year, Jo Mersa spoke about his latest EP and also opened up about how he and his family commemorated the “No Woman, No Cry” singer around his birthday and the anniversary of his death. 

“Family-wise, you would hear memories from my father or from our uncles, you would see them posting pictures or even just speaking to us in an environment talking about ‘I remember when Daddy did this or when he came from Africa or when Daddy did this interview or when he was in Italy,’” he shared. “So, we always hear those reflections, speaking about those things, about the role that he played not only as family member and father, but also in the world and the impact he had on the Reggae community and the Reggae culture, the roots, bringing forward the message of Rastafari and love, over all love.”

Our hearts go out to the Marley family during this time. R.I.P.

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Akon Draws Backlash After Comparing American & African Performers

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Akon found himself on the wrong side of Twitter this week after a video of him began making the rounds on social media. In the now-viral clip, he compared performers from Africa with those in the United States, seemingly implying that Africans have a better stage presence than their Black American counterparts.

While sitting down with the Zeze Millz Show, Akon and Millz were on the topic of a young African musician. “Well he’s African,” the “Locked Up” singer shared, adding “We’re a little different when it comes to stage presence.”

Akon continued that those in America are often “wobbling, pants hanging half down, bored as hell, half asleep ‘cause they high as hell on stage. But [in] Africa, we wake up in the morning, like look at these YouTube clips of all these kids from Uganda. Like these kids are performers. So for us, it comes natural.”

READ MORE: Akon Believes Canada Is Dominating Hip Hop: “Don’t Get It Twisted”

Shortly after the clip was shared on social media, many gave their thoughts on the singer’s controversial comments.

“As a Ghanaian-American, I hate this with every fiber of my body for so many reasons, but what really gets me about this entire ‘conversation’ is Akon using AAVE while degrading African-Americans,” one user tweeted. “It is both a slap in the face and peak anti-Blackness.”

Another responded with, “FURTHER, I cannot fathom a time when I have EVER heard someone say ‘I wanna see that Akon concert’. From what performance expertise is he coming from and what showstopping stage presence is he under the impression he provides? F**k Akon.”

Akon recently faced backlash for a clip from the same interview. While discussing Nick Cannon’s growing family, the “Soul Survivor” singer supported him, saying, “That’s how life is supposed to be. Why not? He’s rich … He’s responsible.”

Continuing to discuss fatherhood, Akon was asked if he actively shows up to children’s events, with Millz posing, “So every single time, you’re at every single recital?”

“No, that’s a white man’s thing. Who gives a f**k about a recital?” Akon then asserted, adding, “No, seriously. Listen, my job is to raise my kids, to be responsible, to be understanding, to protect their mother, to give a hand with their father, and to assist with family planning, and to be responsible adults.”

What are your thoughts on Akon’s recent interview? Watch it below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Kehlani Debuts New Relationship On Social Media

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Months after Kehlani called it quits with 070 Shake, the singer has now popped out with someone new. The Oakland-born musician showed off her new relationship on TikTok this past week, with her and Kiara “Kiki” Russell letting fans in on their budding romance.

Russell, a former college basketball star, went viral on the platform over the weekend after posting a video of her and Kehlani dying her hair. The pair shared a kiss in the intimate video, which features the romantic jam “Into You” by Tamia and Fabulous.

@kiararuss

Somethin newww

♬ Into You (feat. Tamia) – Fabolous

A day earlier, she also shared a video of her and the “Beautiful Lies” songstress addressing a fan’s comment about how they met. 

@kiararuss

Replying to @jaydetssss

♬ original sound – Kiki

“We were at Whole Foods and we both touched hands reaching for the same kiwi. And the next thing you know, love,” Kehlani joked in the clip, adding, “Actually the stud stork brought her, so she dropped off on my porch.”

Kehlani also showed off Russell on her own TikTok account, posting a clip of them together. “Say hi to the girls,” the It Was Good Until It Wasn’t star sang on video. 

@kehlani

since yall asked

♬ original sound – Kehlani

“You wasn’t really supposed to say hi to the girls,” Kehlani then said. “No, you supposed to say hi. Not to the girls.”

READ MORE: Kehlani Dances On Letitia Wright At Club In London

Social media users were quick to respond to the 27-year-old’s new chapter, with many commenting on the pair going public and Kehlani’s past relationships. Others also shared that they thought the new couple closely resembled each other.

“Kehlani really loves her a look alike,” one user wrote on Twitter.

Another user tweeted, “One thing about Kehlani, she gone keep her a girlfriend.”

Let us know your thoughts on Kehlani’s new relationship by sounding off in the comments below.

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Maino Flows On New “Neck & Wrist” Freestyle

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Maino just dropped a new freestyle over Pusha T and Jay-Z’s 2022 hit “Neck & Wrist” and it’s one for the books. Featured on Fire in the Booth for the first time, the New York emcee got back to his lyrical roots over the Pharrell Williams-produced beat.

Shortly after the beat dropped, Maino goes straight into his bars, quoting memorable one-liners on the track.

Featured on Pusha’s fourth studio album It’s Almost Dry in April 2022, “Neck & Wrist” entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart shortly after its debut. It marked the 45-year-old’s first collaboration with Jay-Z since Pusha T’s 2016 song “Drug Dealers Anonymous.”

Earlier this month, Jay-Z released his year-end playlist for 2022, listing “Neck & Wrist” along with Gunna’s “Pushin P” and Beyoncé’s “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA.”

Maino, whose career has spanned decades, recently teamed up with his longtime friend Jim Jones to form Lobby Boyz. The pair released their self-titled project earlier this year, featuring Styles P, Benny the Butcher, and more.

What are your thoughts on Maino’s new freestyle? Drop your take in the comments below.

Quotable Lyrics:

Bandanas, all black leather like Black Panthers

These d***k riding internet n****s, they can’t stand us

Pain addict, can’t find space I’m that tatted

Just met her, gave her my face, I’m that savage

Judge Orders Sony To Pay $160 Million For Role In 2017 Cousin Stizz Concert Shooting

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It’s been five years since the deadly shooting that occurred at a show in which Cousin Stizz was on the bill.

A new development regarding the incident shows that Sony is actually partly responsible for the tragedy.

Rapper Coustin Stizz performs onstage during day one of the Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

As the 2017 performance at the Atlanta venue, The Masquerade was ongoing, a shooter opened fire on the crowd. The Boston native was one of the performers getting ready to take the stage later in the night. The shooter is responsible for hitting four innocent members of the audience. Two of them, Giovan Diaz and Ewell Ynoa, passed away from their injuries sustained that night.

The police were later successful in identifying the suspect as 25-year-old Jonathan Bautista. He was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of murder.

On December 15, a DeKalb County judge ordered Sony Music Holdings to pay $160 million in damages for the incident. The judge labels the company’s failure to protect concertgoers as the reason. Additionally, the victims’ families allege the venue didn’t have proper security present. The awarded money will go to the families of the victims.

Furthermore, the Beasley Allen Law Firm is responsible for filing the lawsuit in 2018. They named Sony and RCA Records, as well as Live Nation and Masquerade as defendants in the case.

To make matters worse, reports indicate that Sony never even showed up for the trial.

“One of these men had been told he would be a father just a few hours before the shooting happened. Combine that with the fact the concert endangered everyone, and this Defendant refused to participate in the legal process, and you get the type of verdict we saw here,” Atlanta lawyer Parker Miller says in a statement, explaining the outcome.

Earlier this year, Cousin Stizz dropped off his latest project, Just For You. Boasting a feature from Curren$y, the 13-track album finds the 30-year-old reflecting on years of abiding by label restrictions.

What are your thoughts on the ruling? Comment down below. As always, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest industry and pop culture updates.

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