February 23, 2017
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Contributor
Last week, a federal judge in Massachusetts struck down a defamation suit against Bill Cosby in a ruling that the legendary comedian’s attorneys said reaffirms the fundamental right for him or anyone else to defend against public accusations.
“This is another in a line of recent developments, vindicating Mr. Cosby’s right to defend himself in the face of an onslaught of unverified accusations,” the lawyers said in a statement.
The case stems from the accusations of former actress Katherine McKee, who in an interview to the international press in December 2014, accused Cosby of attacking her in the mid-1970s.
When Cosby’s lawyer tried to defend him by demanding a retraction of the story, McKee sued him for defamation, Cosby attorneys said.
The Massachusetts court ruling is among several dismissals granted in Cosby’s favor.
In December, a federal appeals court announced a similar decision in the case of Hill vs. Cosby, affirming the dismissal of a very similar lawsuit.
Renita Hill of Pittsburgh, Pa., had alleged that Cosby drugged and molested her for years, starting when she was 16, when she worked with him on a children’s TV show in the Steel City beginning in 1983.
Hill went public with her allegations in November 2014, after other accusers had already stepped forward.
She filed suit after Cosby’s lawyers denied any wrongdoing and Hill argued that the star defamed her with his denials, particularly by suggesting she was lying and trying to extort him.
“These two decisions should also pave the way to the final dismissal of the remaining civil actions pending against Mr. Cosby including the appellate proceeding challenging a partial dismissal of the action brought by reality television personality Janice Dickinson,” said Cosby’s lead civil lawyer Angela C. Agrusa. “This is the correct outcome. This order, taken in conjunction with the recent decision in the Hill case, amount to a powerful statement of the law.”
Agrusa continued: “It is paramount in a free society to be able to insist on one’s innocence in the face of serious public accusations, and today’s ruling reinforces that fundamental right.”
Dickinson’s suit began in 2015 when the former model sued Cosby, and then-lawyer Marty Singer, who has since been dismissed from the case, for defamation.
She claimed the men “publicly branded her a liar” after she gave a 2014 TV interview in which she said Cosby drugged and raped her in the 1980s.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Debre Weintraub in March granted in part, and denied in part, an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss the suit, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The judge dismissed claims related to a letter Singer sent to Good Morning America, finding those statements were protected by the litigation privilege.
However, she denied the motion tied to a statement Singer made to the press.
Agrusa argued that decision was in error and the entire case should have been thrown out.
“The Statement’s assertion that Ms. Dickinson’s rape allegations are fabrications constitutes Attorney Singer’s opinion, and because it also discloses the facts upon which that opinion is based, it cannot serve as the basis for a defamation suit,” Agrusa wrote in court filings.
She also noted that the 3rd Circuit recently affirmed a district court’s decision to dismiss with prejudice a similar defamation claim filed by Hill.
That opinion stated, “Even if Singer’s Statement does imply Ms. Hill is a liar, it is still not actionable, because it includes the facts supporting that implication.”
Further, Agrusa argued that — even if the statement was defamatory and issued with actual malice — Cosby didn’t speak or write the statement and the fact that Singer was representing him at the time isn’t enough to make him liable for it.
“With no evidence that Mr. Cosby himself issued the Statement, and no law imputing a malicious state of mind on an individual simply for failing to retract the statement of another, the trial court should have granted Mr. Cosby’s special motion to strike the defamation claim,” Agrusa wrote.
The attorney also argued that the public persona Dickinson has created would make it tough for her to prove that her reputation was harmed by Cosby, through Singer’s statements.
“In her quest to remain in the public eye, Ms. Dickinson actively cultivates a reputation for outrageous behavior that includes substance abuse, mental lapses, and not being truthful,” Agrusa said.
February 23, 2017
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Changes could happen quickly, and they could be triggered by Sunday's Solar Eclipse. You might feel a strong urge to act independently. While this can be exhilarating, it could also cause trouble further down the line. You may be tempted to forget about your responsibilities, but others will be sure to remind you. It might be better to stay on their good side and toe the line. With the Eclipse taking place in Pisces, a spiritual realization could prove empowering.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
While you may seem calm on the surface, this might not be the reality if emotions are boiling over. If you've had enough of someone's behavior, the coming days could see you venting your anger. But is this wise? It might not be, if you want to keep this person as lover or friend. Opting for a heart-to-heart talk first might be the better way to go. The weekend's Solar Eclipse could ring in the changes regarding your social scene.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
You could find conventional ways and means rather stuffy and too boring to conform to this week. But if you decide to renege on any commitments or promises, especially concerning finances, it might not help you. Though duties can be tiresome, doing what's expected of you can help you maintain your reputation and security. If you crave adventure, plan to do something that gives you a real adrenaline rush. An exciting opportunity could open up for you this weekend.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
The focus is on forging ahead with a plan that could put your career on a new track. However, someone might object to what you're doing because they feel left out. This could be a turning point for this relationship, and a decision may be pending as to whether to go ahead with it or bail out. Also, with a Solar Eclipse in your sector of adventure on Sunday, new horizons may beckon and encourage you to leave the past behind.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
Work commitments and responsibilities could seem to weigh heavily on you at this time, which might be the reason why getting away from it all seems so appealing. But a decision you make on impulse, such as telling off your boss or goofing off instead of getting back to work, could be something you come to regret later. You might need to be honest about what you want at this time. The Solar Eclipse on Sunday can help you with this. Uranus and the fact that it turns retrograde this week might also see you eager to leave the beaten track and seek exciting experiences.
Virgo
Aug 23 - Sep 22
Lust versus romance could be a choice this week and the reason you feel confused when it comes to a budding relationship. On the one hand, a powerful physical attraction could be encouraging you to get up close and personal right away. On the other, a desire to get to know this person better over time as the romance builds also seems desirable. Only you can decide what's best for you. If you don't, your conscience will certainly let you know.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
Is someone trying to drag you out of your cozy rut? It could certainly seem like it in the days ahead. With a powerful influence showing up, you could resent the presence of someone who seems to stir up feelings in you that you'd rather avoid. But the more you resist their efforts, the harder they may try to capture your attention. If you do go for the ride, you could find that new doors open and you feel new emotions.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
What you want to do and what you should do may be two different things this week. In fact, you might be willing to do anything to break out of a schedule that has become boring and staid. The thing is that you can't completely get away from your responsibilities, which you may discover in the coming days. No matter how frustrated you feel, it's better to get them out of the way so you can focus on the things you really enjoy.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
Try to go easy with your finances over the days ahead, as there could be a tendency to splurge on the spur of the moment, which could undo all the hard work you've put in recently to get your finances back into shape. If you need to let off steam, plan for something enjoyable that won't cost a fortune. Or opt for a break that's filled with adventure but that leaves you with cash to spare.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
A desire for change at home could encourage some radical decisions. With Mars powering through your domestic sector, it might be a good chance to clear away clutter or make more extensive changes to your place. In the coming days, an even bigger opportunity could arise that involves a move or perhaps extending or remodeling your property in some way, all good. Also, a Solar Eclipse in your communication sector could bring interesting news your way.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
You're likely to say exactly what you think this week, which could be liberating, especially if you've held your tongue for some time. And with Mars making some key aspects, it might be impossible to keep quiet. Be careful how you express yourself, though, especially of you want to stay on good terms with certain people. You could go too far without meaning to, and this could be upsetting. This weekend's Solar Eclipse in Pisces could make you sensitive to others' feelings.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
As the Sun continues to power through your sign, you may be ready to get moving on a plan that has deep personal meaning for you. And while money could be a factor, it might be more important to you to bring this dream to life rather than worry about your financial status. You might need to strike a balance, however, so you don't jeopardize your security. This weekend's Solar Eclipse in your sign could boost your efforts in this regard.
February 23, 2017
By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Newswire Contributor
In early February, “Hidden Figures” passed “La La Land” as the top-grossing (domestically) Oscar-nominated film in Hollywood this season. “Hidden Figures” focuses on three women who worked at NASA in the 1960s at a crucial time when America was competing with the Soviet Union for dominance in space during the Cold War.
According to BoxOfficeMojo. com, the domestic box office total for “Hidden Figures” was $137,336,830 as of February 17; the domestic box office total for “La La Land” was $130,154,066. The movie starring “Empire” fan-favorite Taraji P. Henson made $12,948,935 at the foreign box office, while the musical, featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, raked in $167,671,768 outside of the United States. “La La Land” was released on December 9 and “Hidden Figures” opened on December 23.
“Hidden Figures” was based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, which detailed the careers of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, respectively.
After working as a human computer at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the precursor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Jackson earned her engineering degree, was promoted, and became NASA's first African American female engineer in 1958. In 1961, mathematician Katherine Johnson worked at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with Jackson and Vaughan.
Though the character Al Harrison, played by Kevin Costner, was fictional, the depiction of John Glenn asking Johnson to recalculate and re-verify the IBM re-entry calculations was accurate.
According to NASA.gov, Johnson, “calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard, the first American in space.”
The NASA.gov article continued: “Even after NASA began using electronic computers, John Glenn requested that she personally recheck the calculations made by the new electronic computers before his flight aboard Friendship 7 – the mission on which he became the first American to orbit the Earth. She continued to work at NASA until 1986 combining her math talent with electronic computer skills. Her calculations proved as critical to the success of the Apollo Moon landing program and the start of the Space Shuttle program, as they did to those first steps on the country's journey into space."
Many have wondered how such a gripping story had never been told before. “Hidden Figures” author Shetterly grew up in Hampton, Va. She began writing the book in 2010. Her father, worked as a research scientist at NASA Langley Research Center alongside many of the subjects that would become featured in her book.
Twentieth Century Fox hosted a screening of “Hidden Figures” along with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Capitol Hill last week. The director of the film, Theodore Melfi was in attendance for a discussion as part of the screening. The film was also screened at the White House in December 2016.
In addition to being nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, Octavia Spencer was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and the story was nominated in the category of Best Screenplay.
February 16, 2017
By Brandon I. Brooks
Managing Editor
The 48th NAACP Image Awards took place Saturday February 11, in Pasadena, California at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Stars came out dressed to impress as the red carpet was full of the biggest and brightest that Black Hollywood has to offer.
The award ceremony was broadcast live on TV One with the majority of awards being announced during a non-televised gala. Nine categories were showcased during the telecast which was hosted by television star Anthony Anderson, star of the hit sitcom, “Black-ish.”
“Black-ish,” had a great night taking home six NAACP Image awards most notably, Outstanding Comedy Series. Anderson took home the trophy for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, and co-star Tracee Ellis Ross, took home the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Laurence Fishburne won for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Marsai Martin won for Outstanding Performance by Youth, and Kenya Barris won for Outstanding Writer in a Drama Series.
The other big winner in television was Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay’s hit series “Queen Sugar,” which took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series.
DuVernay did not attend the Image awards as she was in New Zealand filming a new film, “A Wrinkle in Time.” She did however share her joy via social media tweeting, “On the other side of the world, smiling from ear to ear, watching QUEEN SUGAR be crowned. Thx, @NAACP, Feels Lovely!”
The L.A. Watts Times caught up with the cast of “Queen Sugar,” backstage after the win and asked the cast about, “how important is diversity being that this show represents so many characters that we normally don’t see from actors and actresses of color, how important was it for you all to take this on and highlight this and showcase this?”
“I think as performers of color and actors of color…we are always hungry for images that are authentic and complex that tell stories that feel layered instead of one dimensional,” said actress Dawn-Lyen Gardner, who plays Charley Bordelon West in “Queen Sugar”.
“To be able to contribute to a story and a vision really, because it was Ava’s and Oprah’s vision of a story like this, it’s really beyond, it’s a dream come true and it really does like that responsibility is increased now. I think one of the ways that the art of storytelling makes impact is to insist on complexity and insist on authenticity and when you have people that look like the rainbow, who are that, then the world begins to see themselves differently and we begin to expand our idea of who we are. So, I think it’s really an honor to be part of it and its really an honor to be acknowledged.”
Other notable television winners were superstar actress Taraji P. Henson of “Empire,” taking home the Image award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, and Sterling K. Brown, star of “This is Us,” took home the Image award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
“It’s been a good year for people of color in front of the camera,” said Brown during his acceptance speech on stage. “The NAACP has always recognized our work.”
Henson had arguably the biggest night for any individual star snagging two more awards in the motion picture category for the groundbreaking movie “Hidden Figures.” She won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture and was part of a team victory winning for Outstanding Motion Picture.
Denzel Washington was honored for being Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, for his lead role in “Fences,” which he also directed.
“August Wilson is one of the all-time greats,” said Washington backstage after winning the Image award. “He speaks for the ordinary people. He writes for the ordinary people…he as other great play writes are not just for this time, but for all-time.”
Entertainer of the Year, went to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. “Thank God thank you for this blessing,” said Johnson during his acceptance speech. “This award is dedicated to my father and my grandfather…Everything can be done with two things, faith and two hands.”
Chairman of NAACP Rosalyn Brock spoke and presented the Chairman’s Award to Charles J. Ogletree, Professor at Harvard Law School who is now most famous for being a mentor to Barack and Michelle Obama. Brock spoke on how Ogletree helped “create much needed change in the world.” He lives a life of “justice and service, and never forgot what it is like to be a person of color.”
President and CEO of the NAACP, Cornell Brooks presented the Presidents award to Lonnie G. Bunch, III. who is the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and was the first curator at the California African American Museum here in Los Angeles. Brooks described Bunch as the, “Preeminent architect of the American experience.”
The NAACP Image Awards is the premiere multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
To see the full list of winners and to view red carpet interviews visit www.lasentinel.net