[MeezDiscreet]

some tidbits from jawn murray...

Usher also has had several lunch dates in Los Angeles with Antwone Fisher beauty Joy Bryant. He handpicked the actress to co-star in the 20-minute mini-movie that debuted on Ryan Seacrest's poorly rated New Year's Eve special on Fox.



Now, Usher’s rep told my Daily News colleague Ben Widdicombe over the weekend, “The nasty rumors are simply not true. [Karrine’s] a young girl who volunteered to be an extra in Usher's video and is clearly bitter about not getting a larger role."



But that’s a bunch of bull. Anyone remotely familiar with Steffans’ story knows that she doesn’t have to fabricate stories. If you’ve seen her features in XXL, Vibe or the recent one in Britain’s News of the World, you know she’s the real deal—unlike that Usher and Naomi Campbell relationship. Yes, I am going on the record and saying that while Usher and Campbell may be friends with benefits, they are and were about as much of a couple as Ruben Studdard is a skinny man. Steffans put it best in News of the World when she said, “I mean, even I would go out with her for a photo opportunity!”



And in regard to those rumors saying that Steffans has inked a deal for a tell-all novel that will name the names of numerous celebrities, that’s not completely true. While there is a book in the works about Steffans’ life, her relationships with high-profile men in the business is only a portion of it. There’s a broader story here that tackles her growing up as an abusive child and her marriage to hip-hop veteran Kool G Rap, as well as the negative side of the music industry. One would be surprised to learn that there’s more to Steffans than the knack for exceptional oral sex.


Vivica A. Fox is annoyed at recent false reports of her marriage to the King of Crunk. "I am not married to Lil’ Jon, and I definitely need folks to know that," the actress told me.



In other news, Fox also doesn’t want folks to misunderstand her comments regarding 50 Cent in her Jan. 2005 Essence cover story. “The whole quote was not used,” the vivacious one told me. “I love Essence, and I love the photos, but some of the article was definitely taken out of context.”



Fox says she was simply saying that 50 Cent can still offer her an apology for the disrespectful nature in which he ended their relationship. She’s not interested in rekindling, reconnecting or reviving anything with the G-Unit rapper. But simply, she believes every man or woman comes to a point where they have to apologize for a wrong dead, and if his conscience ever gets the best of him, she’s still able to be reached at the same numbers.



Unfortunately for Fox, that message wasn’t conveyed, and the article read like she’d give the rapper a second chance. Her giving him a second chance is about as likely as Diana Ross leaving home without her afro wig. It ain’t going to happen!