Entertainment
Eddie Murphy purchased one of the most iconic symbols of black culture from Marvin Gaye’s estate worth over $15 million – you won’t believe how much he paid
When Ernie Barnes’ painting “Sugar Shack” went up for auction at Christie’s in May 2022 – greater than a decade after the artist’s death – the British auction house estimated it will sell for around $200,000. The 1976 painting of a live dance scene is his most famous work and one of the few to achieve national attention during Barnes’ lifetime, famously appearing on the cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” album and in the closing credits to the Seventies sitcom “Good Times,” a show centering on a black family living in Chicago housing projects.
At Christie’s, bidding began below $120,000 but quickly rose, with 22 bidders crossing the $1 million mark. Within minutes, the price rose to the eight-figure range. To the surprise of the auctioneers, the final sale price for the Sugar Shack was $15,275,000, 76 times its pre-auction estimate, and went to African-American hedge fund manager and high-stakes poker player Bill Perkins.
In some ways, Christie’s auction recalls Ernie Barnes’ profession as a black artist. During his lifetime, major museums repeatedly omitted his works. But his paintings found a long-lasting place in the American psyche, and it was the black community that kept his legacy alive.
It seems that there are two original copies of “The Sugar Shack” and Eddie Murphy he owns the other one. “I paid fifty grand for this picture. After Marvin Gaye died, I bought it from his estate,” Murphy told Jimmy Kimmel with a giant smile on his face on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2023 clip recently appeared on X to introduce. The painting takes us to the Black Club, where the dancers and musicians are painted in Barnes’ signature style: expressive, elongated, and most with their eyes closed – an allusion to his belief that “we are blind to the humanity of the other.”
Eddie Murphy paid 50,000. dollars for a painting worth tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars pic.twitter.com/9QB3eMC3CQ
— Historical movies (@historyinmemes) March 17, 2024
Barnes later developed: “We don’t look deep into our interconnections. The gifts, strength and potential hidden in other people. We often stop at color. So one of the things we need to be aware of is who we are in order to like others. But when you can’t imagine another person’s sacrifices, then you obviously don’t look at the person with open eyes. We look at each other and immediately make a decision: This person is Black, so he must be… This person lives in poverty, so he must be…”
Barnes described his work as “a painterly backdrop to understanding the aesthetics of Black America.” The former skilled football player turned artist grew up in a segregated neighborhood in North Carolina and, in response to his memoir, “From Pads to Palette,” drew on the ground with sticks as a baby. Sonny Werblin of the New York Jets gave him his first real break, hiring the 27-12 months-old Barnes on a player’s salary to be the team’s official painter and, a 12 months later, sponsoring his first gallery exhibition.
But it was his Seventies national traveling exhibition, “Ghetto Beauty,” created in response to the “Black is Beautiful” movement, that brought Barnes to the ranks of his most powerful champions, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Grant Hill, Sylvester Stallone, Diana Ross, Harry Belafonte, Bill Withersand particularly Marvin Gaye.
Gaye met Barnes through his second wife, Jan Gaye, who revealed in an interview that her mother dated a painter in the Seventies. One day the couple was at Barnes’ gallery on La Cienega in West Hollywood, and Gaye was so fascinated by the paintings that he asked to make use of “Sugar Shack” on his album cover, but with some changes. Barnes added references to the Gaye album, akin to banners hanging from the ceiling promoting singles from the album. According to reports, the painting is already hanging on the wall Eddie Murphybowling alley.
Even after gaining fame with “The Sugar Shack,” Barnes sold reproductions for as little as $20 to make his works accessible to everyone. Today, his original works are finally part of the everlasting collections of major museums, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
What about the $15 million Sugar Shack sold at Christie’s to Perkins? This is now on display at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. One of the biggest talents of his generation is finally getting his due.
Entertainment
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ fiancée shares racy selfie online, shocking fans with her ‘low-cost and classless’ look
Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has faced dissatisfaction after showing off her body online.
Just a few days ago, Sánchez uploaded a file revealing selfie to her Instagram story, which was picked up by the Daily Mail and other media outlets.
Sánchez, who can also be vp of the Bezos Earth Fund, dated the billionaire for five years before revealing their engagement last May. She often shares photos of their fancy dates and TV appearances to advertise her book. But her outfit on this sexy photo was much shorter than the one she wears online.
“He is doing the whole lot to maintain his place. Then he wonders why she wasn’t really accepted anywhere unless he was invited and she’s the plus,” someone wrote in a Daily Mail comment.
In the November 16 post, the 54-year-old journalist might be seen wearing a cleavage-baring black minidress, black knee-high boots and a red trench coat. She may also be seen wearing a diamond pendant around her neck with the letter “B”, possibly derived from Bezos’ surname.
Speaking on to her future husband, one person added: “Come on Jeff, it doesn’t take the amount of your (money) she spends to look cheap and classless. She could spend less and get the same results.”
A 3rd person said: “They are living proof that money can’t buy class (or taste).”
Sánchez’s outfit even drew comparisons to Jennifer Lopez’s risqué selfies amongst critics, who wrote: “She is accomplishing an amazing and unimaginable feat, she is worse than JLo” and “Sad. JLo dresses more classic than her.
Another commenter asked: “Does this woman really want to do this at her age? Think about this for a minute. There are certain things that spouses keep to themselves.”
Yet one other critic added: “We are approaching an age where no amount of implants or skimpy clothes will help. Time catches up with everyone. You either look old or silly.
Some even called it “the street”. However, many got here to her defense, including one one that wrote: “Well that plastic caught her because the richest man ever. She will need to have some substance. Personally, I do not think it’s perfect beauty, but it surely’s for everybody.”
Sánchez became engaged to Bezos, 60, in May 2023 after the pair reportedly began dating in 2019. The New Mexico native has repeatedly expressed her love for her future husband on social media.
“You showed me that you don’t have to fight bravely for great love. Thank you for always being there for me and for being the most loving and supportive partner,” Sánchez captioned an Instagram post celebrating her fiancé’s 59th birthday in 2023.
The mother of three continued: “Thank you for at all times being there for me and being essentially the most loving and supportive partner. I’m grateful for the memories we now have had and the adventures yet to come back. We wish you a lot more birthdays stuffed with love and laughter.
In January 2024, Sánchez shouted out her partner again on Instagram. The licensed pilot praised Bezos on his sixtieth birthday by sharing a childhood photo of the Washington Post owner.
“Today is one other day when your laughter fills our house and your smile lights up every room. I wish you plenty of easy joys and quiet moments of happiness,” Sánchez wrote.
She added, “I hope every day brings you countless reasons to smile, similar to you give me a reason to smile every single day. I like you and blissful birthday, darling.
Before agreeing to marry the third richest person on the earth, Sánchez married Endeavor talent agent Patrick Whitesell in 2005. They had two children: a son, Evan, born in 2006, and a daughter, Ella, born in 2008.
Remember this, Laura Sanchez. She is the fiancée of Jeff Bezos. This is her Oscar De La Renta outfit. I mean girl, with all that cash!!!!!! #MetGala2024 pic.twitter.com/ax10raoUvc
— Cindy Sainvilien🇭🇹 (@cindoodooch_) May 7, 2024
Sánchez allegedly cheated on Whitesell with Bezos. The affair reportedly caused the top of that marriage in 2019, in addition to Bezos’s marriage to novelist MacKenzie Scott.
Bezos and Scott married in September 1993 and officially separated in April 2019. After separating after 25 years of marriage, Scott married science teacher Dan Jewett in 2021 and then divorced in January 2023.
Sánchez also gave birth to a son named Nikko in 2001 with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Bezos has 4 children with Scott, three sons and a daughter.
Entertainment
Ice Cube Sets Record on His MAGA Ties, Years After Trump Campaign Meeting and Partnership with Elon Musk
West Coast rap pioneer-turned-political affiliate Ice Cube has repeatedly denied being a supporter of Donald Trump or the MAGA movement years after the controversial encounter, but lots of his fans do not believe him.
Recently, the NWA co-founder said that folks “f***ed him up” for considering he was a Trumper, while explaining where he thought the split got here from.
The “No Vaseline” artist appeared on the Tuesday, November 19 episode of “The Baller Alert Show” on YouTube, and on his “Friday” he talked about all the pieces from newest basketball star Caitlin Clark and the contract he offered her to her recent movie. concession. He also talked about how people think he doesn’t support the GOP and doesn’t support Vice President Kamala Harris.
The host talked to him for a segment about him broadcast titled “You Got Me F-ked Up” and asked if the artist had anyone he could tell it to.
“People who think I’m a MAGA supporter or a Trump supporter (and stuff like that) and I went out there and voted Republican and that’s it, man, they pissed me off,” Ice Cube told hosts Ferrari Simmons and You Know BT.
He added: “I never said that. They don’t have any proof. I even have never supported any candidate. So, you understand, I believe they pissed me off and it’s only a false narrative.
When the Art of Dialogue sent excerpt from the interview, many fans expressed mixed opinions.
“He simply used his voice and asked to see what both sides had to offer Black people, as he should as a voter. “People exaggerated the proportions,” one person wrote.
Others were convinced he supported Trump.
“He supported Trump and voted for him 100%,” someone declared, one other person said, “You bet $5 he voted for Trump.”
Someone else said: “Anyone who thinks they are wrong to vote for Trump hasn’t paid attention.”
A fifth comment read: “He saw it coming, now he’s trying to take back his words.”
According to Ice Cube, people consider he supports Trump on account of his contact with the Trump-Pence campaign regarding what they planned to do for Black people through the 2020 election cycle.
He presented them with what he called the “Black America Deal.”
Don’t you understand why I do not know Trump’s plans just like the back of my hand? This is his plan. My plan is the Contract with Black America. Compare the 2 and see what they took. https://t.co/roKuVsWYWD
— Ice Cube (@IceCube) October 17, 2020
During the 2020 campaign season, he reached out to each Democrats and Republicans on his proposal outlining policies to handle systemic inequalities affecting Black Americans.
“Both sides came to me,” Cube told the hosts. “I didn’t go to them saying, ‘Look what I’ve got, man. You should sit down and talk to me. They both came up to me and said, “Hey, you’ve got an interesting document here.” Can we discuss this with you?”
While the Biden campaign reportedly postponed discussions until after the election, the Trump campaign “ripped out” elements of the “Ride Along” star’s proposal and incorporated them into its “Platinum Plan,” prompting public backlash and accusations of political affiliation.
“That’s not my plan, that’s what it is,” Cube added. “This was done in their own counseling center.”
Once again, the “It was a good day” rapper’s interactions with the Trump campaign sparked controversy amongst fans, especially after Trump adviser Katrina Pierson publicly thanked him for his involvement.
Cube responded by stating that the 2 sides had made contact and continued talks with the Trump campaign on account of their desire to interact immediately. He emphasized that his actions were intended to supply tangible advantages for Black Americans and to not support any particular political ideology or candidate.
Fans even threatened to boycott his recent movie “Last Friday” on account of his political connections and the perception that he’s a MAGA freak.
After Cube partnered with Elon Musk to air the 2024-2025 season of his BIG3 basketball league on the X platform on social media, crowds began criticizing him for supporting a known Trump supporter, claiming it was proof of Cube’s appearance “conform” to the ideology of white supremacy.
Shut your ass, bitch! I’m not with anything, you trash. I draw my very own fucking lines. https://t.co/hnKX3IMTNa
— Ice Cube (@IceCube) March 22, 2024
The 2009 BET Hip Hop “I Am Hip Hop” award winner says nothing may very well be farther from the reality. He doesn’t like Trump, Musk or some other politician. He clarified that he’s impartial and focused solely on advancing his community-focused agenda.
The “Straight Outta Compton” rapper said he has been intentionally silent in regards to the 2024 presidential election, noting that he has never told people to not vote or who to vote for despite false reports. But he said, “You should get something for your vote, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Cube’s stance appears to exemplify the nice line between advocating for real change and navigating political landmines.
While he has passionately defended his decisions to host talks with Trump and other conservative lawmakers, he also wants to guarantee his core fans that he shouldn’t be in anyone’s political pocket.
Still, Cube’s desire to attach not only polarizes him within the eyes of many, but additionally sparks intense debate.
Entertainment
LisaRaye McCoy says Nicole Murphy deserves a beating for allegedly fooling around with McCoy’s ex-husband Michael Misick
Hindsight is 20/20, and for LisaRaye McCoy, the news was already on the wall that her friendship with Nicole Murphy was going to disintegrate. The women were friends almost twenty years ago before an alleged affair permanently modified their bond. The “Player’s Club” star has long claimed that Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife became inappropriately involved with her then-husband, Michael Misick.
LisaRaye met the previous prime minister of Turks and Caicos in 2005, they usually married a yr later. However, their picturesque relationship fell apart inside two years, resulting in a separation in 2008 and a divorce in 2009, the identical yr he was forced to resign on charges of corruption, and after greater than a decade of delays, he is ready to face trial in next month .
During the breakdown of their marriage, Misick was accused of fraud, mismanagement of presidency funds and accepting bribes.
Eddie and Nicole were married for 12 years and divorced in 2005. They are co-parents of 5 children. In a latest interview with Carlos King, LisaRaye recalled how her late mother, Katie McCoy, saw something within the model that sparked concern.
The ’90s beauty told the fact show producer: “She was at my bachelorette party, which, , my mom told me about on the time. She said, “You know what, you have to watch this movie.” And I said, “Who?” I asked, “The one who dances?” She said, “Yes.” I said, “That’s Eddie Murphy’s wife.” She said, “You have to watch this.”
The “Cocktails with Queens” host admitted she ignored the warning, but LisaRaye ultimately said her mother “was right.” She came upon concerning the alleged affair when she noticed Nicole’s name on her and Misick’s private jet. “I do not know why you accepted his invitation once you don’t even know him. I do not know the way this might occur,” she told King.
Da Brat claims that Nicole Murphy “without a doubt” attacked LisaRaye’s ex-husband while they were married. https://t.co/9gDmKcDDOx pic.twitter.com/vmKoz9J85H
— MadameNoire (@MadameNoire) July 24, 2019
Additionally, the actress said that Nicole refused to go to the island during her audition and eventually stopped taking LisaRaye’s calls. “When I found out she was dating Michael Strahan, so I called him,” she said. She also uploaded a video showing Nicole dropping off Misick at a private airport after she denied meeting them.
Nicole and the previous New York Giants player dated from 2007 to 2014. They were engaged but never made it to the altar. LisaRaye stated that the footage was enough proof that their friendship was over.
“For me it was enough. It was like, “Wow, I’m going to kick your ass.” … That’s what I was like, what, ba… ch? You don’t do this. Friends don’t do that. …I think it would be done by an enemy or someone I just don’t know.(…)Where I come from, on the South Side of Chicago, it’s ass-kicking, period,” she said.
😠 #HollywoodExes star Nicole Murphy locks lips with the very married Antoine Fuqua (director of “Training Day,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Concealer”).
Antoine has been married to Lela Rochon for almost 20 years.
What a mess. pic.twitter.com/52vEYMS3hx— Reality Wives (@realitywives) July 22, 2019
The star also admitted: “I can’t say I didn’t try to get her. …She did something stupid and I had to let her know I wasn’t the one or the other. On TikTok, where the trailer for the interview was published, a viewer commented“Nicole Murphy is no joke, she was with her husband Lela Rochon too.” And the other person said, “Oh, okay, I’m doing high quality.”
In 2019, Nicole made headlines when photos were published of her kissing director Antoine Fuqua during a trip to Italy. Fuqua was and still is married to “Waiting to Exhale” actress Lela Rochon.
The parents of two children have been together for almost 26 years. The model stated that she had no idea they were still together as she became absorbed within the moment. Rochon has never publicly addressed the scandal.
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