:: Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of May 30th, 2005:
Twenty years ago, the City of Brotherly Love had the honor of playing host to one of world's largest musical events, Live Aid. On Saturday, July 2nd, the spotlight will once again be on Philly as we gear up for Live 8, a concert on The Ben Franklin Parkway to benefit African countries. Philadelphia, along with London, Paris, Berlin and Rome, will play host to the musical extravaganza. Stevie Wonder, Will Smith, Usher, 50 Cent, Bon Jovi, The Dave Matthews' Band, Jay-Z, P. Diddy and Rob Thomas will be performing in Philadelphia.
If Michael Jackson is found not guilty in his child molestation trial, what will he do to revive his career and get his life back in order? Michael has made a vow to his fans that he will never again put himself in a position where he will be accused of child molestation. Simply put, no more young boys in the bed. Sources say Michael may leave the United States and take up residence in Europe. There has been talk of a theme park in Africa for children, and he's reportedly in talks with Casino Magnet Steve Wynn about doing shows at his new Wynn Casino. Will Michael be acquitted? Will his career ever recover?
In a recent interview, Michael's dad, Joe Jackson, opened up about the trial and how it has devastated his family. He reveals that Michael barely eats or sleeps. Joe blames Michael's problems on the people he was hanging around. Even though Michael has accused his father of beating and abusing him as a child, Joe claims this trial has brought them closer together.
The latest issue of Vanity Fair will feature an interview with a former private eye who worked with Michael. He says Michael is blaming his problems on a massive conspiracy led by former Sony Boss Tommy Mottola. Mottola used to be married to Mariah Carey. Michael feels Mottola wants his Beatles' publishing catalog which is worth millions, and he is willing to destroy him to get it. Michael allegedly revealed to the private eye that the judge on the case is in on it, as well as Sony Music and the Los Angeles County District Attorney. He thinks they want to take his money. The private eye claims he and Michael talked about what prison is like and if you can watch TV or movies. At one point, the private eye urged him to get rid of the weird persona, the hair, the lipstick and the eyebrows. He told him he should start going out with girls and do romantic things, but Michael refused. He says he told Michael to stop fooling around with kids. He says Michael told him no. So why is the private eye revealing all? He says Michael owes him $5 thousand for past work. He sounds like a man with an axe to grind.
Former NBA Star John Salley is making a lot of headlines this year. He's got the Fox show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period. He's doing morning radio at The Beat in Los Angeles. And, a few weeks ago, there were reports that he was making out with Desperate Housewives Star Terri Hatcher. Everybody is talking about John Salley, especially a former mistress. Salley is married with kids, but an old flame is talking and she's suing. Salley's ex is suing him for $8 million. She says he was possessive, jealous, controlling and abusive. She claims he beat her, and caused her a great deal of emotional distress. This is going to be an interesting court case. I wonder what Mr. Salley has to say?
Beyonce's dad, Matthew Knowles, is still missing in action. Knowles was the forced behind Destiny's Child and Beyonce's career. He created Sanctuary Records and had a roster of artists. But, a few weeks ago, trouble came to paradise when Beyonce got word her dad was up to no good with one of her background dancers. Apparently, Matthew had tried to hit on the girl and when she refused his advances, he threatened to fire her. The dancer went to Beyonce and revealed all, and that's when Beyonce put her foot down. She had put up with his behavior for far too long, and she had him replaced as the manager of the group and herself. Matthew is an admitted sex and drug addict, and he has been cheating on his wife for years. Sources believe he is on a binge right now, and, out of embarrassment, he is hiding. Beyonce's boyfriend, Rapper Jay-Z, is thrilled that her dad is out of the picture. He hated the sexy stage outfits her father made her wear. He has wanted her to tone down her sexy image. Now that he is guiding her career, Jay is getting his way. Destiny's Child will be releasing a gospel album later this year, and Beyonce is moving full steam ahead with her movie career. In August, she teams up with Steve Martin for The Pink Panther movie. And, next year, she heats up the big screen with Jamie Foxx in the movie Dreamgirls, based on the Broadway musical. Destiny's Child will be in Philly, August 5th in concert at the Wachovia Center. Tix go on sale June 11th. Opening acts for the show are Mario and Amerie.
Usher finally tells the truth! Usher admits his romance with Supermodel Naomi Campbell was fake. Usher says he never actually dated the supermodel despite rumors they were lovers for several months. Usher says Naomi is a great friend, and a great person for accompanying him to events. So, what's up with the publicity stunts? Is this latest squeeze, Model Eisha Brightwell, just an arm piece too? Is he doing all of this to create the image of a bad boy? Is he still secretly dating Chili of TLC? What do you think? Email me at
pattyj1053@aol.com
Chris Rock is on a roll. Over the weekend, his two movies, Madagascar and The Longest Yard, both grossed over $120 million at the box office. Chris starred in The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler, and they will be teaming up again for another movie. Adam is producing the movie, The Gilmores of Beverly Hills. Chris will star in the movie about a low income black family that moves to Beverly Hills.
Chris Tucker has turned down starring in the movie, Rush Hour 3. He was set to join Jackie Chan in the movie, and get a $20 million payday. There's no word on why he turned down the part, or if someone else will take over his role. I was not looking forward to another Rush Hour movie. Chris needs to prove he can do other parts. He's very talented, and he needs to take it to the next level.
Did religious reasons play a part in Dave Chappelle's strange disappearance? Chappelle is a Muslim, and sources say he found it hard to continue doing comedy bits where he had to talk about sex, use profanity and joke about drugs. There is still no word on whether he will resume his job on Chappelle's Show for the Comedy Central network. Is he willing to walk away from $50 million to serve his God? When one finds their religious calling, it becomes very difficult to serve two Gods. Can he practice his Islamic faith, and still be funny? Or, is this just an excuse to break that contract with Comedy Central?
The City of Philadelphia is gearing up for Tammi Terrell Day on June 16th. The Native Philadelphian and Motown Legend will be honored in her hometown at City Hall. A reception is also taking place with her family at the Chestnut Hill Hotel. For more info call 215-242-5905. Tammi's sister, Ludie Montgomery, is the author of a new book about Tammi's life called My Sister Tammi, The Real Tammi Terrell. Vickie Wright also serves as co-author. Tammi is best known for her hits with Marvin Gaye and romances with James Brown and David Ruffin. She died in her early 20's from a brain tumor. The classic duets she made with Marvin (Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Your Precious Love, If This World Were Mine) are truly timeless.
SISTAS 2005 is happening on July 16th at The Tweeter Center in Camden, New Jersey. In Concert, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah, and Floetry.
Singer Lauryn Hill almost got an employee fired at a carpet and home store. The employee went to assist Lauryn, who was looking around the store, and she made the mistake of calling her, "Lauryn." Lauryn flew into a rage and demanded to see the store manager. She told them she is to be addressed as "Ms. Hill." I guess this confirms that she is not married because she wants to be called by her maiden name.
It's a boy for Stevie Wonder and his wife Fashion Designer Kai Miller. The boy, his fifth child, was born on Stevie's birthday, May 13th.
What's going on between Tyra Banks and Actor/Playwright/Director Tyler Perry? The two have been spending a lot of time of time together. But, sources say the two are just friends. Tyra is dating an Italian Basketball Player Giancarlo Maracaccini.
In other Tyra news, she is shaking things up on the set of America's Next Top Model. Former Supermodel Janice Dickerson is out and 60's Fashion Icon Twiggy is in. Tyra and Janice did not get along. When Janice starting making money demands, she was shown the door. Janice not only looked harsh (too much plastic surgery), she was very harsh on the contestants. Sometimes, she was downright cruel. She didn't like any of the women who were picked as Top Model winners. Tyra was getting sick of her act, and made the change. The new season of America's Next Top Model kicks off in September. The same time as her new daytime talker is unveiled. Tyra is going to be one busy lady. As for Janice Dickerson, she will be starring in the new installment of the VH1 reality series, The Surreal Life. On this one, Janice butts heads with Omarosa of Apprentice fame, and they almost come to blows. In a preview scene, it looks like Janice is going to stab her. In other Top Model news, Eva Pigford, the winner from season two, is finding that her career is not taking off as promised. She was recently replaced as the face of Rapper Nelly's clothing line, Apple Bottoms.
We could all use a boss like Oprah Winfrey. To celebrate her show's 20th season, she treated her staffers to an all expense paid trip to Hawaii. The trip included air fair, a stay at a Five Star hotel and spending money. Staffers were also allowed to bring their children, spouses or significant others. Where can I send my resume? (smile)
Ashanti and the Gardener? Ashanti will be teaming up with Jesse Metcalfe, the teenage love gardener on Desperate Housewives, for the movie, John Tucker Must Die. It's a revenge movie about a heartbreaker (Metcalfe) and the three girls he hurts. Ashanti plays one of the girls.
Now that she's a singing sensation, will Fantasia take the time to get her GED? Fantasia had to drop out of school to raise her daughter, and then she became the American Idol. Now it's time for Sista girl to get her GED.
Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band is teaming up with R Kelly for his latest project, and he admits he's very excited. The CD, Charlie, Last Name: Wilson, comes out on July 26th. Charlie says filming the video with sexy women was fun, but his wife was on the set to keep everything in line. Charlie, who has led a wild life with drugs and women, says he plans on staying on the straight and narrow.
Martin Lawrence returns to the big screen on July 1st with 'Rebound'. Wendy Raquel Robinson also stars.
On July 13th, it's Terrence Howard and Anthony Anderson in the John Singleton film, Hustle and Flow.
Actor Hill Harper from the CBS show, CSI: New York, is writing a motivational book for youth. Letters To The Young Brothers is due out next spring. Harper says he is writing the book to encourage young people who are not hearing any positive messages.
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