December 12, 2019
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody
AP Entertainment Writer
Lena Horne was a fierce advocate for civil rights in her later years, but that part of her legacy is often pushed behind her glamorous image. Her good friend Harry Belafonte hopes that a new award in her honor will push that aspect of her life front and center.
“She had a huge burden. She was black, she was hugely popular, and she had to continually safeguard that environment of hers, the celebrity,” he said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “Her outspokenness didn't come until later in life.”
He added: “That last sparkle of life was the place where she felt most nourished. She found her voice, socially and politically, beyond the enormous notoriety she had as the most beautiful black women in the universe, and one of the great singers.”
The newly created Lena Horne Prize for Artists Creating Social Impact was announced last month. It was revealed Friday that Solange Knowles would be the first recipient of the prize to be awarded Feb. 28 in a ceremony at New York's Town Hall. Besides the honor, the singer and artist will receive $100,000, which she plans to donate to the Project Row Houses in Houston, an art nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and engaging the black community through the exploration of its art, culture and history.
In a statement, Knowles said she was beyond humbled to receive the award and noted that at 12, she played Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wiz,” the very role Horne played in the 1978 film.
“It was then that I learned about Lena's dedicated activism and fearless integrity as a woman and groundbreaking artist,” she said. “I am honored to be receiving an award that bears her name and continue her legacy of using the arts to inspire reflection and evoke change.”
Horne, who died at 92 in 2010, was a pioneering entertainer. She was considered the first black actress to make waves when signed to MGM and starred in black-audience films like “Stormy Weather.” Though she was considered one of the most glamorous stars in her heyday in the 1940s and 50s, her opportunities were curtailed due to racism. However, she still flourished through the decades and won a Tony among other accolades.
Belafonte and Horne were close friends who also performed and recorded together. They also banded together due to the racism they endured. Belafonte recalled the difficulty they faced despite their immense fame in New York City, where some of the most exclusive buildings would not allow either one of them to live in the 1950s. Belafonte ended up shielding his identity and buying one of those buildings, and gave Horne the penthouse.
“I was very glad that I found the resources to do it,” he said. “I began to load it up with people who were quite prominent. ... like Sidney Poitier, like Lena Horne, like Danny Glover, who came much later.”
Belafonte, well known for his civil rights activism throughout the years, says Horne became more politically involved the closer she got to like-minded entertainers like himself and Paul Robeson, and would become a big booster of civil rights organizations, particularly during the movement.
“She was a huge contributor because she found the best way to use her strength and notoriety, (which) was to make sure she did things that stimulated attention and positive response,” he said.
Belafonte wishes more entertainers of today would follow in her footsteps and decries those who are afraid to use their celebrity for activism.
“That desire not to offend is all about money and it's all about popularity as an end in itself. What's the point in being popular if you can't popularize things that are worth knowing about?” he said. “There are a lot of great black people all over the places . My deep regret is that political power has been somewhat blurred by people turning that power into a misuse of popularity.”
December 12, 2019
By MARYCLAIRE DALE
Associated Press
Bill Cosby lost his bid to overturn his sexual assault conviction Tuesday, as an appeals court upheld the verdict in the first celebrity trial of the #MeToo era.
In its ruling, the Superior Court affirmed the right of prosecutors to call other accusers to bolster their case — the same issue fought over in movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial, now set for Jan. 6.
“This decision is a reminder that no one is above the law,” Andrea Constand, the victim in Cosby’s case, said in a text message to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Cosby’s lawyers had complained that the judge had let five women testify at last year’s retrial in suburban Philadelphia, although he had let just one woman testify at the first trial in 2017.
But the Superior Court said their testimony was evidence of Cosby’s “unique sexual assault playbook” and undermined any claim that he “was unaware of or mistaken about victim’s failure to consent.”
The prosecutor who took the case to trial praised Constand for inspiring other victims to come forward against powerful men. She went to police long before the #MeToo movement saw prominent men in entertainment, business, media and other fields brought down over their treatment of women.
“She came to law enforcement almost 15 years ago seeking justice for what was done to her,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said Tuesday. “The world is forever changed because of Andrea’s bravery.”
Lawyers for Cosby had argued eight issues on appeal. They challenged the judge’s decision to air Cosby’s damaging deposition testimony from a related lawsuit; said he had a binding promise from a former prosecutor that he would never be charged; and said a juror had prejudged Cosby’s guilt.
The appeals court rejected those arguments and also upheld his classification as a sexually violent predator subject to lifetime supervision.
Cosby, 82, can now ask the state Supreme Court to consider his appeal. He recently said he is prepared to serve the full 10-year sentence rather than express remorse to the parole board.
The long-married Cosby, once beloved as “America’s Dad” for his TV role as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on the hugely popular sitcom “The Cosby Show,” has acknowledged having sexual contact with a string of younger women. Many of them went to him for career advice and then took alcohol or pills he offered.
In response to the court ruling, a spokesman for the actor repeated the attacks that Cosby’s wife and handlers have long made on the judicial system. Cosby has called himself a political prisoner in the mold of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.
“This isn’t about justice,” spokesman Andrew Wyatt said Tuesday in a statement. “This is a political scheme to destroy America’s Dad.”
Cosby maintains his innocence, he said, and still hopes to prevail at the state Supreme Court.
Cosby has been serving a three- to 10-year sentence at a maximum-security state prison not far from his estate in suburban Philadelphia, where the 2004 encounter, which he says he deemed consensual, took place.
He was arrested a decade later, after a federal judge unsealed portions of the deposition at the request of the AP and new prosecutors reopened the criminal case. In the deposition, Cosby acknowledged getting quaaludes in the 1970s to give to women before sex.
Judge Steven O’Neill’s decision to let the other accusers testify came after more than 60 women accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. Prosecutors asked to call 19 of them. Superior Court Judge John Bender, who wrote the 94-page opinion, focused on the issue when the appeal was argued in August.
“The reality of it is, he gives them drugs and then he sexually assaults them. And in four out of the five, those were in mentor situations,” Bender said, challenging the defense.
Kristen L. Weisenberger, representing Cosby, said one of the women wasn’t even sure she was sexually assaulted. However, the panel concluded Tuesday, that’s how Cosby planned it.
O’Neill had allowed just one other accuser at Cosby’s first trial in 2017, when the jury deadlocked.
The defense has long suggested that many of the accusers were gold diggers seeking money or fame.
Cosby agreed to pay Constand about $3.4 million to settle the lawsuit she filed after a prosecutor failed to arrest Cosby when she went to police in 2005. His insurance company, following his conviction, settled at least nine other defamation lawsuits filed by accusers for undisclosed sums.
Constand, a former Temple University women’s basketball team manager who now lives in Toronto, thanked Steele for fighting “tirelessly throughout two trials and the appeals process” for her.
A professional basketball player-turned-massage therapist, she is launching a foundation to help other sexual assault victims with their healing. She is also starting to work with law enforcement groups to help them understand the process that victims go through.
Lawyer Gloria Allred, who represented several of the other Cosby accusers who testified, said they helped show “that Mr. Cosby knew when he drugged Andrea Constand that she also had no power to consent.”
The AP does not typically identify sexual assault victims without their permission, which Constand has granted.
December 12, 2019
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
If you're not with someone who is on your level in terms of goals, ambitions, and mutual career support, you have a problem. Your star is rising -- that much is clear. In fact, you are working furiously to crush all of your goals, Aries. With all of your ambition, you must have a romantic partner who can meet you where you are. If you're in a situation where you constantly have to make yourself smaller so that you can have love in your life, then you'll realize it's time to put an end to the nonsense once and for all. You deserve better.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
Talking to your mate about finances and your mutual financial goals will be a lot easier this week. In fact, you might want to make a decision together that connects to a shared investment or other plan you have to make your money work together. In other news, it's possible that you'll feel an intense commitment to your partner this week due to your religious or spiritual beliefs. There might also be a legal matter the two of you need to focus on together. Don't worry -- it seems to be something business-related and definitely positive.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
A Full Moon in your sign late Wednesday will leave you feeling much more emotionally open and vulnerable. The good news is that you and your partner will have an easy time communicating about whatever it is you need to share. Although decisions might be more based on feelings for you and on logic for your mate, it will still be quite possible for you to reach common ground. If you're single, it's possible you'll go out on a date with someone much older or younger than yourself. You'll feel an intense erotic connection. Yum!
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
Your relationship with your partner is about to undergo a significant test. Both Saturn and Pluto will align with Venus in your partnership sector this week. As a result, you'll feel a tremendous sense of duty to your lover as well as a piercing desire to control the outcome of whatever is happening between you and your mate. The threat of loss may be very real and, if this is the case, your fear could trigger an unhealthy reaction. There is something about the existing structure of your relationship that requires excavation in order to continue cultivating love. Now is the time to tear down what you must so that love can have a fighting chance.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
If you feel like communication between you and the person you're dating hasn't been up to par lately, you're in for a welcome change. On Monday Mercury moves into your romance sector, helping you and your lover talk about everything under the sun. You may enjoy more philosophical discussions rather than shallow chitchat and that will suit you just fine. If you are completely single, it's possible that one of your siblings will try to set you up with someone. You may also start talking to a man or woman who just moved into your neighborhood. There will be something exotic about this person.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
Your love life will be as serious -- and as intense -- as it could possibly get this week. Venus is currently moving through your romance sector which is bringing new dating opportunities. If attached, then this is a time when you and your mate are having more pleasurable moments, even if you need to schedule them into your busy calendars! This week both Saturn and Pluto will link up to Venus, making you want to commit to the person you've been dating. There might also be a sense of duty you feel to your mate about a joint creative endeavor, or you may tackle a problem together about your children.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
There is major money emphasis this week for you and your mate. You could benefit unexpectedly from a family member or through a real estate venture. Another possibility is that you and your partner have decided that it's time to become more diligent about long-term financial planning for the both of you. Contributions to retirement accounts and re-evaluating your stock portfolio are likely to be themes you and your mate focus on. Somehow, all of this responsibility toward securing your mutual financial future will amp up the passion between you. Enjoy it!
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
You've got the ability to take inspired action this week in a way that supports the growth of your love life! On Friday, Mars, now in your sign, will be at a perfect angle to Neptune, the planet of unconditional love, now in your romance sector. This totally represents you making fairy-tale magic happen in your love and dating world. You won't even think about settling for anything less than the ideal happy ending, Scorpio. Why? Because you know that this is your time to get everything you've ever wanted in love ... and so it shall be!
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
Speaking your mind will be easier than ever this week thanks to Mercury entering your sign on Monday. Use your stellar communication skills to help cultivate a dialogue of open curiosity about someone new you're dating. Asking the right questions can only help promote a positive start to this connection, so go ahead and inquire! If you're already in a committed partnership, then a Full Moon on Thursday might lead to an emotionally-charged turning point. But because you're able to talk anything through, you should wind up even closer than you were before.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
Venus is moving through your sign, helping to soften the rough edges that Saturn and Pluto (also in your sign) might have been giving off to the world. This will be a tremendous assist if you have wondered why others find you so unapproachable. In fact, it's possible that you'll attract someone your way this week that is much older or younger than you are and who has an intensity you find completely intoxicating. If you're already in a relationship, you may find that your partner is complimenting you more and showing his or her appreciation for all that you do. It'll feel good.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
Your love life is definitely getting spotlight-attention this week. On Thursday, a Full Moon lands in your romance sector. If you're completely single, it's possible that you'll find yourself engaged in an emotionally fulfilling conversation with someone you find extremely engaging. This could be someone you "swiped right" on and didn't think much of, only to find that you're spending hours on the phone getting to know each other! Don't worry; the first date in person won't be a disappointment. If you're already with someone, you can look forward to heartfelt declarations of love and sentimental moments together. Beautiful!
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
One of your friends might meddle in your love life in a way that you find completely overbearing and out of line. He or she might be trying to throw a wet blanket over your love fest with the person you're currently dating. This might be out of jealousy, but it is also possible that your friend genuinely feels as if this person is undeserving of your affection. You'll have to rely on your instincts and know who to trust and what to do in this situation. Another possibility is that you have a friend who is going through a difficult time in their love life and asks for your support. Be there; it's serious.
December 05, 2019
By Andrew Dalton
Associated Press
Gabrielle Union and NBC both said Wednesday that they have had a “productive” first conversation on her firing from “America’s Got Talent” and her allegations that she was removed over her complaints about racism and other troubling on-set behavior.
“We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday,” Union said on Twitter. “I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.”
NBC said in a statement that the “initial conversation was candid and productive. While there will be a further investigation to get a deeper understanding of the facts, we are working with Gabrielle to come to a positive resolution.”
Union’s attorney Bryan Freedman said Tuesday’s meeting, which included representatives from Fremantle, the show’s production company, was a good start.
“We’re waiting to see the next steps on whether NBC is going to make sure that there are real changes made to protect both the contestants and the talent,” Freedman said.
Union, an actress best known for her roles in films including “Bring It On” and “Bad Boys II,” was a judge on the talent showcase but she and fellow judge Julianne Hough were not asked to return after their first season.
Variety subsequently reported that Union, who is black, believed she was fired because she had asked NBC and the show’s producers to address an environment that tolerated racist jokes and remarks, including what she said were multiple notes from producers saying she was wearing her hair “too black” for the “America’s Got Talent” audience.
Union had also complained of other behavior, such as judge-producer Simon Cowell’s smoking on the indoor set, Variety reported.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, of which Union is a member, said Monday that it was also working with her to investigate her complaints.
Without directly referring to NBC or the two companies that produce the show, Fremantle and Syco, Union has tweeted about her situation several times, acknowledging the support she’s gotten and retweeting instructions on how to give a proper apology.
Other prominent names on social media, including Union’s husband, former NBA player Dwyane Wade, have called for answers on why she was fired.