Fall News: The Late Edition

[Sophist08edLady]

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of October 23rd, 2006

The fallout continues on the ABC TV show Grey’s Anatomy, and Boris Kodjoe may be just what the doctor ordered. Ever since Actor Isaiah Washington, who plays “Dr. Burke,” choked a cast member, Actor Patrick Dempsey, and made a gay slur against another cast member, T. R. Knight, execs are scrambling to keep calm on the show. Knight, who plays “George” on the show, came out of the closet when the story broke because he knew his secret was out. Dempsey has been quiet about the fight, and other cast members are being coy downplaying the incident. Does Isaiah Washington have anger management issues? When will he apologize? At press time, he was scheduled to sit down and talk about the incident with Ellen DeGeneres. This was not the first time that Isaiah Washington has had trouble with cast members. In 2000 when he guest starred on the Showtime series Soul Food, he got into a fight with Actress Nicole Ari Parker and Producer Tracey Edmonds, the ex-wife of Babyface. After his altercation with the ladies, he was never invited back on the show. Isn’t it ironic that Nicole Ari Parker’s husband, Actor Boris Kodjoe, is being interviewed as a possible replacement for Washington. ABC execs and staff members want Washington replaced. They feel he is a loose cannon waiting to explode again.

Producer Jermaine Dupri has left the building, and has landed his own record label. Dupri was so upset with Virgin Records and their handling of Janet Jackson’s latest album, 20 Y.O., he quit his job as the head of their Urban Music Division. Dupri feels Virgin dropped the ball on the album, which has proven to be a sales disaster. Dupri is about to sign a new deal with EMI Records, and he will be getting his own record label. Of course, he will sign Janet Jackson as his first artist. While Jermaine blames Virgin for the poor sales of Janet’s album, many people are pointing the finger at him. They feel Dupri made a big mistake trying to turn a 40-year Pop Icon into a Hip Hop Diva. They also feel he had too much influence on the album. He barely let Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis do their job. Dupri is controlling every move that Janet makes. Friends fear he may be ruining her career.

I AM NO LONGER A SLAVE TO THE UNITED STATES! Actor Wesley Snipes was indicted last week as a tax cheat. He owes the U.S. Government over $12 million in taxes. Wesley is currently in the African nation of Namibia filming a movie. He left the U.S. with his Korean wife and their kids. Since he is in Namibia, the United States can’t get him extradited. Wesley has no plans to return to the states or pay his taxes.

Diana Ross is letting her bitterness show. The motion picture Dreamgirls is due to hit theatres in late December. A lot of people are eager to see the movie, which is loosely based on the experiences of The Supremes and other girl groups from the 60’s. The movie stars Beyonce, who plays “Deena Jones,” the Diana Ross Diva-like character. Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson also star. Diana Ross feels she is being ripped off, and she is not happy with the movie. She also hated the Broadway musical, which made a star out of Sheryl Lee Ralph, who originally played the Diana Ross Diva-like character. Diana feels they changed just enough elements in the Dreamgirls story to keep her from getting royalties. She is also insulted that she was not asked to give any input. Despite her wealth, Diana Ross is not happy with her career, but it’s her own fault. She ruined The Supremes reunion with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong with her demands. Right now, she doesn’t have the great career and success that Barbara Streisand is enjoying or Cher or Tina Turner. I love Diana, but her attitude has to change. You can be a Diva, but don’t let your bitterness show.

Friends of Nicole Richie are warning her to be careful now that she is best friends again with Paris Hilton. Paris is known for using people, and Nicole can be needy. Nicole is going through a rough time. She recently lost her grandmother. At press time, there was no word on whether it was Lionel’s mother or her mom, Brenda’s mother.

Singer Toni Braxton has had a hard time coping since revealing her son Diesel has autism. Braxton and her husband knew something was wrong with their child, but doctors took a while discovering the problem. Braxton is currently doing a long running engagement in Las Vegas, and she frequently breaks down when talking about her son during her show.

Boxer Mike Tyson says his career has been a joke, and his biggest regret in life is sleeping with so many women. Tyson claims he had children with people he had no business having children with.

The Flavor of Love Reunion Show is set to air this weekend, and the girls go on the attack against New York. She may be a two time loser to Flavor Flav, but she is getting her own show next spring on VH1 called The Flavorette. The other contestants on the show hated her, and let her know it. New York, a.k.a. Tiffany Pollard, could care less because next year, she is going to find her true love.

Tony award-winning Actress La Chanze is leaving the Broadway musical The Color Purple. La Chanze, who played “Miss Celie,” is leaving the musical in early November. She will be replaced by her understudy. Sources close to the production are not surprised about her departure because she was always taking off from the show. The Color Purple is an Oprah Winfrey Production. I’m sure she’s disappointed by La Chanze’s decision, but the show will go on without her. La Chanze has written two children’s books, and she says she looks forward to spending time with family and pursuing TV and film work.

Former America’s Next Top Model Winner Eva Pigford is going to be hosting a new reality show on BET called My Model Looks Better Than Your Model. The show debuts in early November, and one of the guest judges is Fashion Stylist and Author Lloyd Boston.

Evelyn “Champagne” King is making a comeback. King is best known for the 1978 classic Shame. She is planning to release her first album in a decade next year.

What’s going on with Supermodel/Talk Show Host Tyra Banks. On a recent episode of her talk show, she appeared with no makeup and she was screaming and jumping up and down proclaiming how great Vaseline is. Sometimes she is too over the top, and it’s too much to watch. Tyra, please stop trying so hard! In a recent interview, Tyra opened up about a past relationship with a boyfriend who abused her emotionally and physically. She wouldn’t name the boyfriend, but sources say it was Director John Singleton. She starred in his movie Higher Learning. Singleton has a reputation for being rough with the ladies. Years ago, he made headlines for choking one of his baby mommas.

Former Basketball Star Dennis Rodman is putting himself up for auction on EBAY. For almost $8 thousand, you can spend the night with the worm, which includes dinner and a visit to a strip club.

Bobby Brown has found a gig. He is currently filming a movie role in Los Angeles playing an old man. He has also been spotted with a new mystery woman.

Mega Producer Quincy Jones has been named as a culture and arts consultant for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Jones is also going to compose an original song for the games.

Tom Cruise has set a wedding date with his baby momma Katie Holmes for November 18th, and he’s looking to get his career back on track. First up, no more jumping on couches....second, picking movie roles that could land him as Oscar. He is currently in talks with Director Spike Lee about doing a movie together. His latest film, Mission Impossible III with Laurence Fishburne and Ving Rhames, arrives on DVD at the end of the month.

Friends of Producer Teddy Riley are consoling him after his latest marriage disaster. Riley learned the hard way that you can’t always find love on the internet. When he met Melinda Santiago, he thought he found true love and married her right away. He should have conducted a background check. Once they exchanged I do’s, he found out that she has been around the block and back again. Some of her former lovers include Usher and Tyrese. Tyrese dumped her when he realized she has Usher’s name tattooed on her body. Riley is not only a talented producer but a very nice guy. To get burned like this is not only embarrassing, but it’s hurtful. Let’s hope he takes his time the next time he finds love.

According to Gossip Guru Jawn Murray, Vivica A. Fox has found life after Dancing With The Stars. Vivica will be appearing on one of my favorite shows, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show stars Larry David. I am so happy for her. She was voted off of Dancing With The Stars too soon. She was a fierce dancer.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

This young woman is a former child star. She is now a huge Star with a TV show on a family channel. In addition to her TV show, she also sings in a group and stars in movies based on their name. She’s rich and famous, but has refused to hit the road to do shows with the girls. The girls in the group are not as famous and they need money, so they going on tour without her. The girls feel the TV Star is a selfish B***h! (Raven Simone)

This Actor is very married with a grown daughter. He has a loyal wife, but he cheats on her all the time. When he signs on to do movies, he has a clause in his contract demanding that the studios provide him with prostitutes and strippers for his enjoyment. The studios are getting tired of his demands. It’s not like he’s an Oscar-winning actor. Maybe one day he will finally win an Oscar, and stop cheating on his wife. (Danny Glover?)

The Ivy Legacy Chapter of the AKA’s Present Philly’s Men Are Cooking. The 15th Anniversary Fundraiser takes place December 2nd at The National Constitution Center, 6th and Arch Streets. For more info call 215-848-4735.