Serena Williams has stepped up and out to defend her talent after it was questioned by the 58-year-old tennis icon John McEnroe.

The heavily pregnant athlete took to Twitter to respond to an insult McEnroe threw her way when he said:

If she played the men’s circuit she’d be, like, 700 in the world.

That doesn’t mean I don’t think Serena is an incredible player, and I suppose anything’s possible; maybe at some point a women’s tennis player can be better than anybody.

I just haven’t seen that in any other sport, and I haven’t seen it in tennis. If she had to just play the men’s circuit, it would be an entirely different story.

How she responded?

Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017

I’ve never played anyone ranked “there” nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I’m trying to have a baby. Good day sir

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017

Your thoughts?

The 21-year-old running back Ezekiel Elliott stands as the face of ESPN’s latest Body Issue this month, rocking the publication’s pages with a spread shot to showcase his personal and professional gains.

His interview and spread hits the net on July 5th and news stands two days later on the 7th and will arrive after his net worth rose to $12 million.

Watch below…

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jun 26, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

ESPN Body Issue 2017 pic.twitter.com/pMSGIVBiRL

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) June 26, 2017

Your thoughts?

Caitlyn Jenner is under fresh fire this week.

After coming face to face with criticism at a dinner party thrown by Katy Perry, the former athlete and Trans superstar has learned that Janet Mock is unimpressed by her.

Why?

Mock, who is also transexual, feels Jenner’s experiences (rooted in power and privilege) make her a poor representative for the community.

Her estimation of the former Kardashian clan leader below…

I’m not Caitlyn’s publicist, I’m sure she has a whole team on that mountain in Malibu protecting her. But most of my community isn’t protected in that way. So I find it really problematic that they say ‘trans activist or advocate Caitlyn Jenner.’ No, it’s Caitlyn Jenner, who’s a very specific person with a specific set of experiences that are very monied, very white, very privileged. She can say [those things] on behalf of herself, but I don’t think on behalf of the community.

Do you agree?

In the Black diaspora, the “barber shop” has become more than a transformative space.

Indeed, in many ways its end-product (a “fresh cut”) is often “added value” to its most powerful facet of being a public sphere for Black men.

It’s a debate space, a therapist’s room, a sports stadium, a cinema, and a religious pulpit.

Sewn into the scent of clipper oil and Afro hair products is a pervading portion of testosterone – warm in temperature and inviting more than intimidating.

It provides a hearty hotbed for conversations about love, life and lineage, as well as acting as a willing wall to lean on during times of hurt and hardship.

Playwright Inua Ellams draws on all of this for his critically acclaimed production ‘Barber Shop Chronicles.’

An intense and immersive offering, the play journeys from a barber shop in London, to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra.

A fusion of the hard-hitting and the humorous, the production dissects the semantics of Black masculinity and sets out to remould how it’s rationalised.

Through enlightened writing and powerful performances, ‘Chronicles’ succeeds in its intent. Sure it entertains, but it more crucially educates, empowers, and expands understanding of one of the most maligned groups in history.

A must see.

*******************

Following a sold-out initial run, ‘Barber Shop Chronicles’ returns to The National Theatre this Fall. Click here for dates and details. 

[Photo credit: Marc Brenner]

Naturi Naughton may be heavily pregnant, but she’s pushing ahead with promotion for the hotly anticipated new season of ‘Power.’

The actress, who plays Tasha on the hit STARZ series, stopped by Hot 97 to discuss the show and a whole lot more.

One of the most notable topics covered was the headline-grabbing apology she received from Adrienne Bailon – her former 3LW bandmate.

Historically, Naughton has been candid about the trying times that were her final days in the group; a journey that culminated, she says, in a KFC two-piece meal being thrown in her face by Kiely Williams.

Taking account for her role in the group’s various dramas, Bailon publicly attempted to mend fences.

Watch below as Naughton opens up about her true feelings on the matter, the mess their former manager tried to start after, and a whole lot more…

Great interview.

The term “real” is criminally overused, but that’s exactly what Naturi comes across as – real.

She’s obviously beyond the BS at this point and is winning at life right now after so much adversity. So more power to her.

Your thoughts?

Taraji P. Henson is slaying the TV arena as Cookie on FOX’s ‘Empire,’ however the actress still has the big screen on her mind.

Having earned critical and commercial acclaim with 2016’s ‘Hidden Figures,’ the star has reunited with Tyler Perry for her next project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 46-year-old will star in ‘Tyler Perry’s She’s Living My Life.’

Set to hit theaters on March  30th 2018, the Lionsgate movie will see Henson play a dutiful wife who, after growing tired of standing by her devious husband, gets enraged when it becomes clear she’s being betrayed.

The project reunites Henson and Perry after two previous collaborations: 2008’s ‘The Family That Preys’ and 2009’s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself.’

In other news, Taraji has been announced as a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Your thoughts?

Meek Mill and a group of his friends have been slammed on social media after they attacked his former live rival Safaree Samuels.

The rappers’ feud kicked off when Mill started a relationship with Safaree‘s former flame Nicki Minaj.

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jun 23, 2017 at 11:11pm PDT

Safaree clapped back with…

#Safaree has some words for #MeekMill after getting jumped ? @iamsafaree @worldstar #WSHH

A post shared by Worldstar Hip Hop (@worldstar) on Jun 23, 2017 at 8:52pm PDT

The incident took place at a party thrown to celebrate tomorrow night’s BET Awards.

Your thoughts?

The 2018 class of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame has been announced and Black talent is present in a major way.

Mary J. Blige, the decorated Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, will receive an honor for her contributions to the music field. Joining her in this category are Snoop Dogg and Ice T. 

For their efforts in the television field, Taraji P. Henson, RuPaul, Anthony Anderson, Shonda Rhimes, and Niecy Nash will all be immortalized on the iconic Walk.

‘Straight Outta Compton’s F. Gary Gray will be saluted for his film achievements, as will actress Zoe Saldana.

Meanwhile in the realm of theatre, Bernie Mac will be bestowed a posthumous honor.

Other deserving names in the fray include:

Kirsten Dunst, Jack Black, Jennifer Lawrence, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Minnie Mouse, Carrie Underwood, and Simon Cowell. 

Congratulations to all!

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

As fans get their eyes and ears ready to find out the fate of James St. Patrick (“Ghost”) on the 4th season premiere of ‘Power’ on Sunday, June 25th, viewers of STARZ’ flagship series were dealt a crushing blow when the show’s producer, rapper 50 Cent, revealed exactly when the series will end.

“I was telling [executives] in the very beginning, when they talked about how long do you think the series is going to last, I said seven,” 50, real name Curtis Jackson, told ABC News. “It’s going to go seven.”

Video may not be viewable in all countries

At least we can take comfort in knowing the show has at least 3 more full seasons of plot twists and OMG-worthy cliffhangers before we bid it adieu.

See below for season 4’s trailer ahead of its premiere:

Your thoughts?

Director John Singleton is certainly not looking to kiss and make up with the crew of ‘All Eyez On Me’ – the biopic of rapper Tupac Shakur (in theaters now).  As fans know, Singleton was originally on board to direct the flick before conflicts with fellow directors and producers over the film’s content caused him to dissociate from it and vow to make his own.

Recently taking to ‘The Big Tigger Show,’ the legendary director was quizzed on his thoughts on the critically panned film that celebrated a #3 box office opening this past weekend to the tune of $27 million in the U.S.

Joining an onslaught of negative reviews afforded the film, are you curious to hear the tongue lashing he lent ‘Eyez’?  Hear it from his mouth inside:

Start at 7:00:

As fans know, the “Aaliyah” movie Singleton is referring to is ‘Aaliyah: Princess of R&B’ – the unauthorized biographical account of the songstress’s life produced by Wendy Williams.  Airing on Lifetime in January 2015, the made-for-TV movie suffered a brutal slam from critics and viewers for poor casting, poor acting, and poor storytelling.

Click here to read more if you missed that.

Your thoughts?

The ever-changing game of friends on Bravo’s ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ continues this year.

The latest development? The feuding between former pals NeNe Leakes and Porsha Williams as shooting for its tenth season kicks off this month.

Rising as a fan favourite following Leakes’ hiatus from the series, the fun-loving Williams was quizzed on her feelings towards her return on the latest episode of ‘Dish Nation’.

Porsha Williams Reacts To NeNe Leakes’ Return ? Shade Or Nah? ? #RHOA #RHOA10 #PorshaWilliams #NeNeLeakes #DishNation Video Via @DishNation

A post shared by Real Housewives Of Atlanta ? (@realhousewivesatlanta) on Jun 21, 2017 at 5:25pm PDT

Her response prompted this message from Leakes (who is now friends with Williams’ nemesis Kenya Moore).

A post shared by Real Housewives Of Atlanta ? (@realhousewivesatlanta) on Jun 22, 2017 at 2:42am PDT

How the viewers feel about NeNe’s defection from Camp Porsha to Kenya’s Clan?

So now Nene has a problem with Phaedra and Porsha ? y’all say cynthia is a flip flopper but it’s really Nene #RHOA #RHOAReunion #WWHL

— Cinthia (@0_lala) May 1, 2017

Nene, you knew it, but you befriended her during your final seasons! You’re the BIGGEST FLIP FLOPPER, for whoever rides Team Nene. #RHOA

— Kween_SugarBaby (@BossLadySdotD) May 8, 2017

NeNe been searching for a storyline and Porsha that girl who gives the girls one the last 2 seasons https://t.co/4GzeInjAaE

— MILLI (@SoMilli_) June 22, 2017

Now that Nene is making her return to season 10 of #RHOA, we all know she’s going after Porsha now that Pheadra isn’t there?

— Movie & TV Show Talk (@MovieTvShowTalk) June 17, 2017

Do you agree?

In case you thought otherwise, OWN is the place to be on Tuesday nights.  A fact evidenced yet again last night when the network’s flagship series – Tyler Perry‘s ‘Haves & The Have Nots’ and the Ava Duvernay-directed ‘Queen Sugar’ – reigned over ratings as they made their respective returns to television.

Get the numbers inside:

Via TBTN:

As the ratings’ chart above reveals, OWN owned the night in its respective timeslots.  Drawing in more viewers than some of its closest competitors combined, the shows ‘Haves’ and ‘Queen’ also ruled over every other scripted series that aired on the night of  June 20, 2017.

Only live and/or “unscripted” news or sports entertainment programs pulled more.

Congratulations to both and we can’t wait to see how their respective seasons unfold!

Your thoughts?