Jennifer Hudson for The Hollywood Reporter THR Round Table
Welcome to the industry!” joked Jessica Chastain and Kristen Stewart to their younger cohort Emilia Jones as this year’s six participants on The Hollywood Reporter’s Actress Roundtable commiserated about overlooked labors of love (“Is anybody ever going to watch it?”), the degree to which fear drives their decisions (Jennifer Hudson and Kirsten Dunst say no, Tessa Thompson and Stewart say no longer) and navigating COVID-19 to give some of the year’s most acclaimed performances.
Convening at THR‘s headquarters in late October were: Chastain, star and producer of Michael Showalter’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye, in which she resurrects the infamous televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker; Dunst, who brings to life a 1920s remarried mother tormented by her brother-in-law in Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog; Hudson, who channels Aretha Franklin in Liesl Tommy’s biopic Respect; Jones, who portrays a hearing child of deaf parents in Sian Heder’s CODA; Stewart, who inhabits Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s Spencer; and Thompson, who plays a 1920s Harlem housewife reconnecting with an old friend passing as white in Rebecca Hall’s Passing.
At the gathering, old friends Stewart and Dunst embraced while everyone exuded gladness to be communing in person. As Dunst put it, after nearly two years of living and working in a pandemic, it is a time to be appreciative of things more important than movies. “How do you define success? Your grandparents are alive,” she says with a wry laugh. “It’s a weird time.”
We are sitting down at a time when you’re each receiving widespread acclaim for your work, a time that must feel like a professional high point for each of you. Meanwhile, many tuning in to this conversation dream of a moment like this but feel it’s very far away. What, for each of you, was the moment when this seemed furthest away? And did you ever consider not continuing down this path?
JESSICA CHASTAIN No, because I grew up very poor. I think that’s a great thing, because I never had parents who were like, “You need to be a doctor!” It was just kind of like, “Whatever you want to do, go for it.” When I was in high school, I dreamed about being in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, working in the repertory company, so this is beyond! As long as I could pay my rent and had food, I was happy. I never really had a moment of, “I’m going to give it all up.”
JENNIFER HUDSON I still feel like I have moments like that — but I don’t allow that to be the thing to drive me. I do everything because I’m passionate about it, and hopefully it’s received well. To me, the gift is being able to do what we love to do.
KRISTEN STEWART If I hadn’t gotten to this beautiful, luxurious place of choice, I would’ve found my way into production. I want to make movies. I grew up in a film-centric family, and I’m still starving for it. There was one point when I told my mom that she didn’t have to keep driving me to auditions, because it just wasn’t really happening. But then right after that I got my first job, at 9, so I stuck with it.
TESSA THOMPSON I grew up in Los Angeles — my dad is a musician — and we lived in a studio on Yucca and Ivar, so the Hollywood Walk of Fame was like my front yard. I was in some ways so close to the industry, and yet so far. Like, I never understood how people ended up in movies. It didn’t make sense to me. The only thing that made sense was going to New York or being in theater. What you think when you’re young is, how do you get away from where you are, even if the place is lovely. But I came back, and I just love storytelling, so even on the days when I’m like, “I’m going to pack up my stuff and leave,” I still want to be involved in storytelling in some way.
KIRSTEN DUNST I’ve had so many moments like that. But as I grew up, I learned to do what I do differently and make it more exciting for myself, rather than just giving to other people.
EMILIA JONES I’ve been acting since I was really young. It wasn’t really until I had my first lead role in Brimstone, a film that I did when I was 13, that I realized, “OK, I want to do this for the rest of my life.” There were moments where, you know, you’re too young to play certain roles, but you’re too old to play kids, so there was a moment where I wasn’t really working. But I learned a lot from self-tapes, so there was never a point, even when I wasn’t getting work, that was like, “Oh, this is not for me.”
Let’s talk about the roles that everyone is representing. Jennifer, Aretha Franklin has been a presence in your life since the beginning, right? It seems like the stars were aligned for you to play her.
HUDSON I seem to discover everything through music first, and Aretha was one of those people for me — like, I grew up in the church singing in the choir, and she was the ideal thing to be. My American Idol audition song was “Share Your Love With Me” by Miss Aretha — that was my introduction to the world. Crazy, right? Everything prepares you for what’s to come. Two years later, I got Dreamgirls. I won the Oscar. And then right after that, we had our first meeting about me playing her. Her having that faith in me gave me the courage to be able to get through it.
Get more at THR
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Reveals Why She Exited 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'
Porsha Williams is getting candid about her exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
In a new interview with Variety, the reality star discussed her new memoir The Pursuit of Porsha: How I Grew Into My Power and Purpose and why she ultimately decided it was time for her to leave the beloved Bravo franchise.
In her new book, Porsha opened up about her relationship with former Washington Redskin running back Clinton Portis and revealed that after he learned she was pregnant with their child, he informed her that he wanted the baby and would raise it with his mother.
After “a lot of somber contemplation” she ultimately decided to have an abortion. The decision to talk about it in her book was “an easy one” she said.
“The shame and regret, and the hurt and the loss — all of that is the same feeling that a lot of women feel,” she explained of her decision to be open about it. “Hopefully, another woman who is going through something like that, or has gone through something through like that, will be able to forgive themselves quicker than I did.”
She also alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by a boyfriend who she calls Southern Jon in the book.
“In writing this book, I was so set on being 100% honest, 100% open, that it truly frustrated me not to be able to be more detailed than I was,” she noted. “But for legal reasons, I was advised not to.”
Porsha went on to say that she hopes the incident will help clarify the pattern of relationships she fell into throughout her life.
“She’s looking for love in the wrong places,” she said. “She’s wanting something from a man regardless of the red flags, regardless of anything else, and ending up in a place with yet another man who I loved who took advantage of me.”
She also details her time on RHOA in the book, throwing some subtle shade at co-star Kenya Moore by refusing to name her while writing about her.
When asked about the show, she replied: “I think about the sisterhood — I really do.”
She brought up Kandi Burruss supporting her after her divorce, and Nene Leakes “on and off camera, just being the voice of reason in my life for me — helping guide me through this crazy divorce, this crazy new world of being a reality star.”
The lowest points of her time on the show, she said, where “dealing with anger management.”
“What I needed to do was get my emotions in check, and keep true to my character and understand what’s important,” she explained. “Through going to counseling during that time, I realized: ‘You know what? How you want to leave this world, what legacy you want to leave behind, that’s more important than any argument.”
Porsha announced that she would be leaving the series in September and revealed in her interview she had been contemplating the exit for a while.
“I knew that I wanted to semi-retire at 40,” she said. “After I had my daughter — listen — I just knew she was my world. That’s it. I just want as much time with her as possible. And with me in the past dealing with mental health, I knew that I needed to be as healthy mentally as I could be. No drama, etc. Just in a happy peaceful place for my baby girl.”
She added that RHOA was a journey she would “never, ever regret” and said of a possible return to the franchise, “I would never say never.”
Her new Bravo spinoff, Porsha’s Family Matters, is set to premiere on Nov. 28.
#MusicNews: H.E.R.’s ‘As I Am’ Is Now Certified Gold
H.E.R. has earned yet another certification from Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“As I Am,” lifted from her 2018 project I Used to Know Her, has reached gold status with more than 500,000 equivalent units sold. The song was co-written by Elijah Dias (Lonr.), H.E.R., Hue “SoundzFire” Strother, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman and Ronald “Flippa” Colson. The latter two also co-produced the track.
This year alone, the Oscar and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has been awarded an RIAA plaque every month since May.
#HipHopNews: Watch The Trailer For HBO’s DMX Documentary
DMX takes the spotlight in HBO’s new documentary, Don’t Try to Understand.
Directed by Chris Frierson, the film follows a year in the life of the rap legend as he worked to rebuild his career after his release from prison for tax evasion in January 2019.
In the first trailer, Earl Simmons is seen navigating business meetings, a tour, and family life, with never-before-seen footage and conversations with DMX and those closest to him.
“My goal is to be an inspiration to someone that I don’t know,” says X, who died in April at age 50.
The documentary, described as an “eye-opening portrait of DMX, a man struggling with addiction, fame, and his inner demons in the final years of his life,” is part of the Music Box Series, a collection of films created by Bill Simmons exploring pivotal moments in the music world. An upcoming episode will also feature the late Juice WRLD.
WATCH
Don’t Try to Understand premieres Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on HBO Max.
Madonna’s IG Post Has Her Under Fire For Allegedly Exploiting Free Labor, Glorifying Domestic Violence, & Committing Cultural Appropriation
Madonna’s latest Instagram post has landed her in the hot seat once again.
Famed entertainer Madonna, 63, is facing backlash for allegedly exploiting free labor from artists, committing cultural appropriation, and glorifying domestic violence. Yesterday, November 21, Madonna shared a thank you post via her IG page to show appreciation towards the people who helped with the creative work for her collaboration with V Magazine. The ‘Material Girl’ singer recently graced the cover of the magazine and was featured in a Marilyn Monroe-inspired spread as well.
In her thank you post, Madonna shared pictures of herself rocking cornrows as she stands alongside the photographer from the magazine shoot, Steven Klein, 56. In one of the images, Steven Klein can be seen holding a knife to Madonna’s throat. In her caption, Madonna revealed that many people who assisted with the photoshoot didn’t get paid for their time and work. She wrote,
“Proud of my collaboration with @stevenkleinstudio For @vmagazine and knowing that against all odds And with very little support from non artistic people who kept pushing back and the fact that we did it with almost zero budget we were still able to make ART! Art is not dead if you have the strength to fight for what you believe in !! Thanks to all who did support us and slept on couches and worked long hours and for free all to support madame [red X emoji] who is not only here to disturb the peace but to keep Art alive I send you all a BIG kiss [3 kiss emojis]! #Madame[red X emoji]”
Following her post, it didn’t take long for people to call the multimillionaire out in the comments for seemingly exploiting free labor, glorifying domestic violence, and showcasing cultural appropriation.
Madonna has yet to respond to the accusations she’s facing.
What are your thoughts on Madonna’s IG post?
Wendy Williams Is Reportedly Confined to a Wheelchair and Is Suffering Early Signs of Dementia
Wendy Williams’ health is reportedly much more dire than what’s been made public.
According to reports, Wendy has lost all blood circulation in her legs and feet and is unable to walk. Because of this, she’s been confined to a wheelchair.
She’s also allegedly showing early signs of dementia, according to news that surfaced following an interview with brother Tommy.
Earlier this month, Wendy gave fans a vague update on her health via Instagram, writing:
“I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that’s taking longer than we expected. I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready.”
BUT WAIT! Now However, Wendy's younger brother Tommy, 54, exclusively told The Sun that his famous sister has not been “displaying that type of behavior to the family.
He said: “We haven't had any alerts like that and I haven't seen anything like that or have had conversations with her that would lead me to believe that.
“We routinely go up and check on Wendy even though we're all down here in Florida.
“I try to make it up there and my dad speaks with Wendy frequently. So no, we don't have any concerns concerning her mental state. It’s all physical."
Wendy’s brother said that the star is mentally well enough to possibly travel to see her family in Florida for the upcoming holiday weekend.
“I am trying to find out if she's coming down for Thanksgiving. I mean- she's normal like that,” he added.
Guest hosts for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ have already been lined-up throughout the rest of the year.
Keep Wendy in your prayers
NBA’s Iman Shumpert is the WINNER of 'Dancing With the Stars' 2021
The season 30 finale of Dancing With the Stars just aired and the winner has been revealed.
It was an incredible season of dancing this year with some of the best performances we’ve seen and one of the most competitive group of contestants in years.
Dance Moms‘ JoJo Siwa, The Talk co-host Amanda Kloots, NBA star Iman Shumpert, and Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby made up the Top 4 and the each danced twice throughout the night.
Fans voted throughout the finale and the votes were combined with the judges’ scores to determine the winner.
The winner of the season is…
Iman Shumpert photo
NBA’s Iman Shumpert – WINNER
2nd Place: JoJo Siwa
3rd Place: Cody Rigsby
4th Place: Amanda Kloots
Tracy Morgan Denies Having A Girlfriend After Confirming He Has A Girlfriend
Days after telling reporters that he was dating a mystery woman who was seen on his arm outside “SNL’s” Midtown studios, the comic says he’s not dating anyone — and even denies ever making that statement
“I didn’t say that … I don’t care what the media says, I didn’t confirm anything,” Morgan, 53, told Page Six about his recent statements.
“I take pictures with females every day and they’re next to me posing.”
Morgan and the woman were snapped leaving Studio 8H on Nov. 8. The former “30 Rock” star told photographers on the scene that he was dating the woman, whom he would not name, leading to widespread reports about his self-described new romance.
The sighting came after Morgan split last year from his estranged wife, Megan Wollover, after nearly five years of marriage. The couple share daughter Maven, 9.
Meanwhile, the beloved funnyman has a new season of “The Last O.G.” as star and executive producer.
“It’s a little more intense,” the Brooklyn native continued. “I wanted to make it a little bit more tense but the funny is still there. It’s gonna be great. It’s based on what has happened to me in my life. I give my ideas on the way that I want each episode to go. I love my writers, they take it and they run with it.”
And Morgan isn’t about to spill the beans on how many seasons he sees the TBS sitcom running.
“Just stay tuned,” the “SNL” alum chortled. “I’m not going to give you the ending while I’m on a phone interview with you!”
Thankfully, Morgan seems to be fully recovered from a catastrophic car accident in 2014 when a minibus he was traveling in was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, killing his friend and fellow comedian James McNair.
“Before the accident, I was closer to God, I just believe the accident brought me closer to him,” he said. “When you spend two days in a coma, you’re on the other side, you’re knocking on the door.
“It’s surreal to me, ’cause I don’t remember it. I don’t remember none of it, I don’t remember being hit. I had traumatic brain injury so I don’t remember that stuff. But I could appreciate all that stuff, it makes me view life in a different way now.”
Morgan is also grateful for his infectious personality and spirit.
“I’m thankful if I do have an energy around me,” he explained. “The Lord gave it to me, I’m thankful for that and I hope I continue to have that energy. Some people are low-vibration … I like to share and inspire others.”
Ahmaud Arbery’s Mom Calls Defense Attorney “Rude” For Saying Her Son Had “Long Dirty Toenails”
Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, said one of the defense attorneys in her son’s murder trial was “beyond rude” for describing her son’s toenails as “dirty.”
On Monday (Nov. 22), attorney Laura Hogue — who represents Gregory McMichael, one of three men charged with murder for killing Arbery — said the 25-year-old jogger was no victim and caused his own death. “Turning Ahmaud Arbery into a victim after the choices that he made, does not reflect the reality of what brought Ahmaud Arbery to Satilla Shores in his khaki shorts, with no socks to cover his long, dirty toenails,” Hogue said.
Closing arguments begin in trial for men charged with murdering Ahmaud Arbery
Following Hogue’s closing arguments, Arbery’s parents spoke to reporters outside the courtroom about how her comments affected them. “She described Ahmaud as his long legs and his dirty long toenails, that was just beyond rude,” said Cooper-Jones. “Regardless of what kind of toenails he had, what size legs he had, that was still my son, and my son actually was running for his life in that description. I thought that was just flat out just rude.”
“It’s just wrong,” said Marcus Arbery Sr. “So, the way that they tried to characterize his name...it is just really hurting to his mom and me.”
“They got no defense ground, so she trying anything. They desperate, so we already know that. So, all we want is justice. Justice for Ahmaud,” Arbery Sr. added.
Travis McMichael admits Ahmaud Arbery never pulled out weapon or threatened him
Attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the family, said Hogue’s remarks were “difficult” for Arbery’s relatives to hear because “they’re sitting here assassinating his character.”
On Monday (Nov. 22), closing arguments for the trial of McMichael, his son Travis McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan began. All three men are facing a nine-count state indictment — including false imprisonment, felony murder and aggravated assault charges — for hunting and killing Arbery last year as he jogged through a Georgia neighborhood. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Local Rapper Darrell Brooks Identified As Person Of Interest In Deadly Wisconsin Christmas Parade Rampage
5 people are dead and 40 others were left injured after an SUV plowed into a Christmas parade in Wisconsin on Sunday. At least 18 children remain hospitalized Monday following the event, Children’s Wisconsin, a pediatric hospital in nearby Milwaukee shared.
The city of Waukesha tweeted Monday morning, that the numbers of those killed and injured “may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals.”
According to the latest updates, a local rapper who used an SUV in one of his music videos, is now reported as a person of interest in the Waukesha parade tragedy. As TMZ points out, Darrell Brooks Jr. aka Mathboi Fly dropped a music video a couple of years ago set in Milwaukee. Several times in the video, you see the red Ford Escape, which looks like the one seen in the horrific videos of the Christmas Parade. The news site notes that Brooks Jr. has a recent criminal history in the area. He got charged on November 5 with resisting an officer, bail jumping, 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, and battery.
UPDATE: Cops have confirmed that he is the suspect and noted that Brooks was fleeing another incident when he barreled through the parade. We’re told there will be an investigation into how the parade route was secured and where those failures took place.
Richard Williams Being Cared for by Son Amid Declining Health
*Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, is in declining health and being cared for by his son Chavoita Lesane.
Lesane, 48, who has a criminal past according to the New York Post, has power of attorney over the 79-year-old. We previously reported that publicly available court documents show Williams is suffering from irreparable “brain damage” and “dementia.”
The report noted that Richard is “totally incapacitated to conduct any business,” the documents, which include testimony from his own doctor, state.
The former tennis coach has barely been seen in public over the last few years, as he’s been fighting a messy divorce with wife Lakeisha Williams, 41. The couple married in 2010 and have a young son, Dylan, born in 2012.
Williams’ health has been in decline since suffering a stroke in 2016. He’s in such a terrible medical condition that he has given power of attorney to his son who reportedly acts as his interpreter.
Per the Post: In addition to multiple traffic infractions, Lesane has been charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman in 1998 although the case was later dropped, according to Florida court records. He was charged with battery in 2001, and entered a not guilty plea. He was sentenced to four years probation for driving with a suspended license in 2007.
Richard reportedly filed a lawsuit accusing his estranged wife of stealing his social security checks. He then sought a restraining order against Lakeisha, claiming she was stalking him and Chavoita, who filed a similar suit.
He also claimed in court documents that Lakeisha forged his signature to change the mortgage deed on his house in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, into her name. Richard alleges an associate of Lakeisha’s pretended to be him so that she could borrow nearly $300,000 of equity on the house from a lender named David Simon to start up a trucking business.
In response, Lakeisha alleged her ex-husband threw her out of their Florida home, which was owned by Serena, whose legal team wrote to her, “requesting she and [her] child vacate the home and threatened to change the locks.”
Lesane’s Instagram account features recent photographs of Williams.
White Texas student hits Black teacher in viral video: “She’s Black and f*cking pissing me off!”
A Texas school district is investigating a viral video of a white high school hitting a Black teacher.
The clip, which was taken at Castleberry High School in Fort Worth, Texas and posted online over the weekend, showed a white girl stomping to the front of the classroom to confront the teacher as she tried to call the girl’s parents. The girl hung up the phone and the teacher then tried to move her arm off the button. The student hit the woman in the arm and picked up the phone while yelling, “I’m calling my momma, you ain’t about to fuck me up bitch!”
Teacher tells Black students they would be her “field slaves” without the Constitution
While on the phone, the girl told her parent, “I need you to get over here now because this teacher is about to get fucked up if she doesn’t get the fuck away from me.”
“You want to talk to her ‘cause she’s Black and she’s fucking pissing me off right now?” she asked the person on the phone. The girl then threw the phone at the teacher and stormed out of the classroom.
The video has since gone viral and even caught the attention of civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who tweeted that the outcome of the incident would have been different if the teacher was white and the student was Black.
WATCH
On Monday (Nov. 22), Castleberry Independent School District released a statement about the incident and turned the matter over to law enforcement “because criminal activity occurred.”
California teacher accused of mocking Native Americans placed on leave
“Castleberry ISD is aware of, and greatly disturbed by, videos of an incident circulating social media in which a student becomes aggressive toward an African American teacher, including attacking the teacher physically and making racially charged comments and threats,” the statement read.
The district also commended the teacher for remaining calm throughout the violent situation. “We support this teacher and her response in the strongest terms possible,” the statement added
Malikah Shabazz, Daughter Of Malcolm X, Found Dead In Her Brooklyn Apartment By Her Daughter!
One of Malcolm X's six daughters, Malikah Shabazz, 56, was found deceased around 4:40 p.m. EST on Monday in her Brooklyn apartment by her daughter, a New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed.
Her death comes two days after Muhammad Aziz and the late Khalil Islam were exonerated for the murder of her father. Their convictions were reviewed after Malcolm X's daughters requested that the investigation into his murder be reopened in light of new evidence, citing a deathbed letter from a former policeman who alleged New York police and the FBI conspired to murder their father, BBC reported.
The investigation is ongoing and this story will be updated as more information is released
Gunna Addresses Chloe Bailey Dating Rumors and Inspiring Rihanna’s Halloween Costume
Billboard caught up with Gunna on the red carpet during the American Music Awards Sunday, where he addressed rumors he’s dating Chloe Bailey and how he felt about Rihanna dressing up as him for Halloween.
When asked by correspondent Chelsea Briggs whether there was any truth to the rumors he’s dating the Chloe X Halle singer, Gunna said they were just friends. He revealed they took in an Atlanta Hawks game back in October, but it was just a date.
“We’re not dating,” he said. “That was just like a date, though, where you just go to the game and, you know, catch a vibe. But she’s my friend. We went to the studio after and locked in; she’s very creative. She’s very talented. And you will be seeing us more.”
He confirmed they made two songs together, and there’s a potential we could see it released on Chlöe’s next project, or his. We will just have to wait and see where those songs end up!
When asked how he felt about being the inspiration for Rihanna’s Halloween costume, Gunna said he was both shocked and honored.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my God, the GOAT just went in my closet and got dressed,’” Gunna said. “I couldn’t believe it, but I was very, very flattered and honored. I ain’t know where it came from; you know what I’m saying? Nobody ever dressed like me.”
'Bachelorette' Stars Tayshia Adams, Zac Clark End Their Engagement
Tayshia Adams and Zac Clark, who met during Adams' season of "The Bachelorette," have ended their engagement.
Rumors of a split surfaced last week when Adams, who now co-hosts the series, was spotted without her wedding ring. On Monday, a representative for Adams confirmed that the two are "no longer a couple." People magazine first reported the news.
Both Adams and Clark have yet to address the breakup on social media.
Adams stepped in and completed the season, giving the final rose -- and her heart -- to Clark.
Since announcing their engagement in December 2020, the two had been open about their relationship and one another on social media, often sharing photos together.
However, Adams did previously open up in August about issues they experienced while she filmed Katie Thurston's season of "The Bachelorette."
"It was kind of like we needed to remember why we were with each other," she said during an appearance on "The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous" podcast. "And I think that that's absolutely normal. It's hard to be in a new relationship and then kind of go away for a couple of weeks ... and this is me being real and honest."
"People don't need to need to know our story, but like, I think it's -- people need to know that even when two people are heavily in love, you still go through things," she added. "Like, OK, we need to remember where we came from."
BET Elevates President Scott Mills to CEO
Twenty-four years after he first joined BET and four years after he returned to the company as president, Scott Mills has become the company’s CEO.
ViacomCBS has promoted Mills to BET CEO, it said today.
“Under Scott’s leadership, BET has reached new heights with continued commercial success and profound cultural impact during a period of immense industry and social change,” ViacomCBS president and CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “Scott has been instrumental in the expansion of the BET brand as the premier destination for Black entertainment and top talent, and he has spearheaded transformative initiatives that not only give back to the community but also play a critical role in representation in front of and behind the camera. BET is a source of inspiration and pride across the company, and I’m excited for BET’s strong future ahead with Scott at the helm.”
Mills rejoined BET when he was named president in December 2017, as then-CEO Debra Lee relinquished that title. Lee subsequently stepped down in May 2018 after 32 years at the company.
Under his watch, Mills grew BET well beyond a linear network, pushing into streaming platforms. He also created BET+, which rolled out in September 2019, and signed major deals with top Black creators like Tyler Perry and Kenyra Barris.
Most recently, in September he unveiled BET Studios, a new venture led by Aisha Summers-Burke that provides equity ownership to Black content creators across TV and film.
On Juneteenth 2020, BET rolled out a $25 million social justice initiative campaign called Content for Change, partnering with civil rights and social justice groups to drive forward conversations about racial justice. That initiative has now been adopted across the entire ViacomCBS company.
“It is an extraordinary privilege to steward such a culturally significant brand with an enormous legacy as a catalyst for change,” Mills said in a statement. “As CEO, I look forward to working with my immensely talented BET colleagues and our great partners to ensure that BET continues to thrive and remains ideally positioned to succeed in the ever-changing media landscape.”
Before rejoining BET, Mills was Viacom’s evp and chief administrative officer for five years. He was previously CFO and president of digital media for BET Networks, and first joined BET in 1997 as svp of business development.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
A TRUE LOYALIST
You can’t this guys mind even if you insist.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Daddy Bull
Meet Daddy Bull! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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