Entertainment
Dutch soccer fans spark outrage for wearing blackface wigs and dreadlocks in honor of soccer legend Ruud Gullit
A bunch of Dutch soccer fans faced a backlash after they donned blackface in an try and imitate former Dutch soccer star Ruud Gullit through the European Cup in Berlin.
Ruud Gullit, born Rudi Dil in Amsterdam, was the kid of a Surinamese father and a Dutch mother. He began playing soccer as a young child before the age of 10 and played professionally for several soccer clubs in Europe throughout his adult life.
At the age of 26, Gullit played a key role in the Dutch national team’s victory at Euro 1988, beating the Soviet Union in the ultimate. The Netherlands returned to Euro 1992, but lost to Denmark in the semi-finals.
In 1995, Gullit signed for Chelsea, where he led the team to victory in the FA Cup in his first yr. It can be Chelsea’s first major title in 26 years. The following yr he became player manager of Chelsea Football Club.
30 years since this photo was taken and we became European Champions! It looks as if yesterday. Do you continue to remember where you were that day? pic.twitter.com/6swNxt5eYP
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) June 25, 2018
In addition to being an expert player, Guillit had a profession as a manager of several teams. He was also involved in music, and his anti-apartheid song “South Africa” peaked at number 3 on the Dutch Top 40 chart.
Gullit has been an undeniable legend in his home country throughout his profession, which is why through the opening match of Euro 2024 against Poland on June 16, several fans decided to to pay tribute for football, painting their faces black and wearing locking wigs. To drive home the purpose, in addition they wore orange Gullit replica shirts to commemorate the Netherlands’ Euro 1988 title.
It didn’t take long for fan photos to go viral. Many accused Gullit’s supporters of crossing the road from flattery to outright racism.
For centuries, blackface has invoked a racist, painful, and deeply offensive history. From research conducted by: This tradition is believed to this point back over 200 years Press Association. However, many once considered blackface minstrelsy as a form of entertainment.
In the 1830s, white people darkened their faces, creating caricatures of black men and women. The performances were intended to perpetuate stereotypes about black people. The name Jim Crow law comes from a personality played by blackface entertainer Thomas Dartmouth Rice, who claimed that his performance of “Jump, Jim Crow” (or “Jumping Jim Crow”) was inspired by an individual in bondage he once saw.
In the Netherlands, the Christmas character “Black Pete” has been at the middle of controversy for years. “Zwarte Piet,” the Dutch translation of “Black Pete,” has been widely seen at Christmas festivals and on television throughout the European country. Following Dutch tradition, a blackface figure works as an assistant and hands out candies and gifts to children during Christmas.
As the Black Lives Matter movement grew across the U.S. in 2020, the Netherlands also began to reassess its loyalty to “Black Pete.” Some municipalities and school boards in the Netherlands have decided to stop presenting the character during annual celebrations.
On June 16, a social media user shared a screenshot of fans dressed as Gullit. The report rejected the argument that the fans’ faces were “painted orange.”
“My answers were obviously crazy. I just wanted to end the argument that they were painted orange. Look at the difference in skin tone from your face to your hands. Regardless of shade, skin color is not a costume” – an individual wrote on X.
Other X users joined in vilifying the Netherlands for its apparently racist traditions. “There are many things I love about the Netherlands, but crazy racist costumes are not one of them” – one person he tweeted. “During my yr I saw a random Blackface, Yellowface, Brownface; literally every horribly offensive stereotype you’ll be able to imagine: worn by white people as a fancy dress, painted on.
The fan, who’s a white woman, also revealed that while living in the Netherlands, she witnessed her black friend being called a racial slur.
“My friend was accidentally called N slur while she was riding her bike in the street minding her own business,” she said. “I would see people who were most likely immigrants from Syria or other Arabic-speaking countries treated worse than I was if they were locals and spoke the language!”
One fan said: “The Dutch will never overcome racist allegations.” While one other added, “Blackface is always derogatory, idc. If it’s part of your culture, then your culture is racist. You can pay tribute without it!”
Even Dutch residents were embarrassed by the actions of Dutch fans.
“As a Dutchman, I hope he painted himself orange like everyone else, but it… is so outdated and tiring” – fan he wrote. “I don’t understand why they even let them into the stadium. “Say no to racism, but let people in blackface into the stadium?”
As for the match itself, the Netherlands defeated Poland 2-1. They will then face France on June 21.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
-
Press Release9 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release8 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater9 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis