Kelly Rowland admits that she was dropped because her records didn't perform as well
By Florence Anthony
Although Tyler Perry has not said a word publicly, it has been reported that the brilliant filmmaker was very upset by the "Boondocks" parody of him that aired June 20 on Turner Entertainment's Adult Swim Network. Adding fuel to the fire is Tyler's mega-deal with TBS for "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and 'Meet The Browns." Aaron McGruder, the creator of "Boondocks," created a thinly designed Tyler-like character, who dresses up like Madea and uses religion to cover up the fact that he is gay. According to the Los Angeles Times, soon after the episode aired, Tyler got in touch with execs at Turner including entertainment chief Steve Koonin and Phil Kent, the chief executive of Turner Broadcasting. The newspaper claims Tyler complained loudly about the episode and even threatened to rethink his relationship with the company. At press time, Perry was in New York, shooting location scenes for his upcoming movie: "For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Was Enough."
Former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland confessed to Entertainment Weekly that the split from her longtime label home at Columbia Records wasn't a mutual decision. The "Commander" singer admits that she was dropped because her records didn't "perform as well as maybe they wanted them to." Kelly says we live in an industry where you've got to bring in money. Says Kelly: "You can't be pushing out so much money and not bring anything back." Her next album is due out on Motown. Let's hope she does well there.
Diversity Affluence, the New York-based consultancy specializing in marketing communication, research and business development will launch the Leaders, Achievers & Pioneers Brunch Series this summer amidst the dynamism and glamour of The Hamptons. The brunch series, presented by Jaguar to herald the 2011 Jaguar XJ, will honor a diverse array of individuals from the worlds of media, entertainment, fashion, hospitality and philanthropy. The first event will be held on July 28 honoring individuals in media and entertainment. Subsequent events will be held on July 25 (Fashion) and August 22 (Philanthropy and Non-Profit). Each invitation-only event will honor three or more individuals including Dwayne Ashley, CEO Success for Kids; Derrick Ashong, musician and host on Sirius XM's Oprah Radio, Desiree Dancy, Vice President of Diversity for The New York Times, Jacques-Phillippe Piverger, founder and chairman, the Global Syndicate and director, Pine Ridge investments, Stuart Scott, sportscaster and anchor, ESPN's Sports Center, and, Reginald Van Lee, Senior Vice-President, Booz Allen Hamilton, Edward Wilkerson, design director, Lafayette 148, and others. Moet & Chandon will be poured exclusively. All events will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dockers Waterside Restaurant & Marina on scenic Dune Road in East Quogue.
Word is Khloe Kardashian's publicist is shooting down rumors that Khloe and Lamar Odom are going to do a reality show. "It's not true," Khloe's rep tells OK! Magazine. A source close to the couple tells OK!: "I don't know where these people get this info." A pal of Khloe's adds that the situation is so far from the truth, it's the reverse. The insider says: "It's funny because it's actually the complete opposite. Khloe is over filming. Lamar doesn't mind it, but has no interest in having his own show. Khloe plans on being preggers by the end of the summer."
Don't believe that rumor that Elin Woods is going to get a $750 million settlement out of Tiger. A source of mine tells me that while the ink is not dry, the divorce is a done deal and she will be receiving around $150 million. Says the source: "There is no way his lawyers would let him give her practically all of his money. The source agrees that the settlement stipulates that Elin can not do a tell-all book or any future interviews.
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Word is Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth indulged Saturday at Wella Beauty Bar at Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood, with a blowout, manicure and makeup application. The recently named West Coast Editor of Reality Weekly, chatted with guests in the Schick Quattro for Women lounge.
T.I. has confirmed that VH1 renewed his hit reality show, "T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle," for a second season. He has said that the show is so important to him because it helps people get a better understanding of who he really is. T.I.'s highly anticipated album, "Troubleman," is due out in March.
A very happy Savannah Brinson showed off the 10 carat pear shaped engagement ring that her fiance LeBron James presented her at last Sunday's Miami Heat/Charlotte Bobcats game at the American Airlines arena in Miami.
Three years ago, Jeff Friday, Founder/CEO of Film Life, Inc., launched The Pro Hollywood Initiative at the American Black Film Festival. Friday's program was so impressive and ground-breaking, that it gained the attention of the NFL.
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Broadway producer Alicia Keys will host a talkback discussion following the "Stick Fly" performance on Thursday, December 22 at the Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48 Street, New York City.
After being ordered on bed rest for the latter part of her pregnancy, the American Idol winner gave birth to a boy on Monday, December 12th. She delivered the bundle of joy in a North Carolina hospital.