Much like Kevin Hart (whose career was rocked by headlines around resurfaced homophobic tweets just a week ahead of the premiere of his latest film, ‘The Upside’), Taraji P. Henson and Erykah Badu – stars of the new film ‘What Men Want’ (in theaters February 8) – have been bombarded with negative press surrounding their perceived support of embattled R&B legend R. Kelly.

Kelly, whose 2019 has been dominated by heightened press after the Lifetime documentary ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ ignited public damning and legal investigations, has become such a hot topic that even stars who suggest supporting him get burned.

Case in point?  Last week Badu and Henson (as we reported here and here respectively) were dragged on Twitter for the mere implication the ‘Bump N’ Grind’ star deserved less unfavorable attention.  Now, as they are in full swing of a promo blitz of the soon-to-be-released flick, the two have been quizzed on their thoughts about the backlash that ensued after their respective statements.

See what they said inside:

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Few stars can say they’ve survived an industry black-balling and landed on their feet the way funnywoman Mo’Nique has.

Despite earning quite the reputation for her outspoken nature, being cast as “difficult” and “demanding” by the likes of entertainment industry leaders Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels, Whoopi Goldberg, and more, and becoming the source of ridicule for her highly publicized battle with Netflix, the 51-year-old is celebrating a major comeback courtesy of a recently announced stint in Sin City.

Making history as the first Black comedienne to have her own Vegas residency, Mo took to our friends at Essence to not only dish on the major accomplishment but also reflect on the recent downfalls that have gotten her to this point (i.e. backlash received for supporting Roseanne, Netflix drama, and more).

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‘On & On’ takes on new meaning as neo-soulstress Erykah Badu‘s involved in yet another Twitter tussle thanks to her recent feather-ruffling comments on actor/singer Jussie Smollett.

As we reported here, Smollett was hospitalized after a heinous homophobic attack in Chicago recently.  When fellow celebs and fans alike took to Twitter to voice their support for Smollett and outrage against the perpetrators, Badu used her social media platform to say:

Needless to say, just a week after being slammed for her support of R. Kelly (click here to read more), her comments on Smollett incited Twitter attack…

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‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett has received an enduring wave of support from celebrities and fans alike after That Grape Juice exclusively broke the story of his vicious attack by homophobic and racist assailants.

As the FBI investigates what they have deemed a “possible hate crime,” many of Smollett’s supporters – including ‘Empire’ director Lee Daniels and the show’s network home, FOX – have vowed to offer assistance with the 35-year-old’s return to health and raise awareness about violence against the LGBT community.

Daniels recently took to Instagram to give his followers the first glimpse at Smollett since his hospitalization.  Following up with a fiery rant, see the video, photo, and more inside:

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In a developing story, That Grape Juice has learned that ‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett has been hospitalized in Chicago following a homophobic and racially charged attack.

Full story below…

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Nearly a year after the announcement, the bitter, highly publicized divorce of actors Duane and Tisha Campbell Martin has garnered intense media attention again after Tisha unearthed shocking claims that she suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her estranged husband.

Details inside:

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Tinashe racked up praise aplenty for her turn in FOX‘s ‘Rent,’ however ratings for last night’s broadcast were anything but stellar.

In fact, it registered the lowest ever numbers for a televised live musical.

Details below…

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The cast of the hit movie ‘Black Panther’ earned the Outstanding Performance By a Cast in a Motion Picture award at last night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards.

This, marking the first award any of the actors in the movie earned for their parts in it.

Watch their win and Chadwick Boseman‘s acceptance speech below…

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The Real Housewives Of Atlanta has returned for its 11th season. And despite over a decade on-air, the Bravo smash is losing none of its sassy steam.

Already delivering on its promise of shady twists and turns, the latest outing of the ensemble title is proving a must-see.

Want to know what Nene, Kandi, Porsha Cynthia, Eva and new addition Shamari DeVoe will be serving up on episode 14/ season 11?

Watch a sneak peek below to find out out below…

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Devon Franklin has a ‘Garden of Eden‘ movie on the way.

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When analysing tropes and themes covered by Beyonce‘s immersive videography, there is one motif which takes centre stage in almost all of her art.

The past…and its presence in present.

Examples? ‘Naughty Girl’ (see 1953’s ‘The Band Wagon’), ‘Formation‘ and its wink at the Reconstruction era, ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’ (set in the 1950s) and ‘Flawless‘ (see Punk subculture of the 1980s).

What isn’t as obvious, is the artist’s exploration of the future via magical realism, science fiction..and Afro-futurism.

 

Afrofuturism addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through technoculture and science fiction, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences.

Meet us for a look into the other-wordly worlds of Beyonce below…

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ABC hit ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ is back for a firework filled-fifth season.

The legal drama, which stars Emmy winner Viola Davis, follows a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defence professor.

Last season brought with it a countless list of shocking twists and the newest run is already delivering a whole lot more. Particularly with the addition of Rome Flynn.

It all makes for a riveting watch. And like millions, we’re all sorts of hooked!

Peep the preview of episode 11 / season 5 – titled ‘Be The Martyr’ below…

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