Connect with us

Entertainment

Paris restaurant responds to Serena Williams attack for refusing entry to tennis player and her children

Published

on

Tennis champion Serena Williams has an estimated net price of $340 million. Then add 4 Olympic medals. Seven Wimbledon singles titles and the title of arguably the best Grand Slam player of all time.

But talent, fame and wealth didn’t stop the mother of two from being denied entry to among the best hotels in France to have lunch with her children throughout the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She and her husband Alexis Ohanian are parents to 6-year-old Olympia and daughter Adira, who was born in December 2023.

Serena Williams poses with husband Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters Olympia and Adira. (Photo: @alexisohanian/Instagram)

It’s unclear when the incident occurred, but Williams took to social media Monday, Aug. 5 to address the restaurant. She said, “Oh my @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to the roof to eat at an empty restaurant in better places but never with my kids. Always a first. #Olympic2024.”

Afterwards, a whole bunch of individuals asked, “Who denied him entry into GOAT?”

Although Williams never gave an actual reason for why she and her children were refused entry, word of the slight spread quickly, with many pointing to racial or national origin discrimination as the rationale for the disrespect.

“Everyone knows the French don’t like black people,” one person wrote on The Shade Room blog. fasting concerning the hotel’s refusal to accommodate Williams and her family.

Another added: “Between the Jamaicans who pulled out of their events, Sha’Carri and Shelly being denied entry, Coco being treated unfairly on the field and Serena being denied entry to a nice rooftop restaurant… Paris doesn’t seem to be kind to black people.”

Another cheekily asked: “Why was she refused? Did they give a reason or was it racism?”

Sha’Carri Richardson and Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were briefly barred from the 100m warm-up area after a rule change, while Jamaican runner Shericka Jackson withdrew from the 200m on Sunday.

Williams considers Paris his second home, even buying two bedroom pied-à-terrea small apartment within the seventh arrondissement in 2007. Before the recent backlash, she recalled fondly the time she spent there.

Someone said that the City of Light is: “Paris is that bad/introverted friend that invites you over but doesn’t want you to show up or touch anything.”

Some social media users have slammed the Olympic committee for a series of horror stories about how athletes of color are treated.

“Paris and the Olympic drama. They should never have the games again,” someone said. “They were HORRIBLE in their treatment of athletes—especially black and brown athletes.”

Others suggested it was a wider problem for France, comparing it to one other recent incident that drew criticism for racist treatment.

“Paris gives Cannes the red carpet,” one post read, referring to a May 2024 incident when singer Kelly Rowland was herded onto the red carpet throughout the premiere of “Marcello Mio” on the Cannes Film Festival by a staff member who was standing across from the guest.

Many assumed Rowland was offended for wagging her finger and frowning on the sight of a white woman who was considered one of the safety guards who pushed her down the red carpet steps into the hall. Meanwhile, other stars of color on the red carpet didn’t receive the identical treatment.

The Destiny’s Child singer was quick to say it was a transparent act of discrimination.

However, on this case, with Williams, there isn’t enough information to investigate what really happened.

One post said: “Maybe they don’t want kids on the roof. We need more context.”

The Peninsula Paris, which has been named the very best hotel in the town, has a rooftop restaurant and bar, L’Oiseau Blanc, where guests can enjoy views of the town, According to to the web site.

While hotels are generally family-friendly, policies regarding children in specific areas, reminiscent of the terrace, may vary. Typically, fantastic dining restaurants and bars could have restrictions or specific guidelines for young children.

For now, fans only know that one of the decorated tennis players on the planet was not allowed into the event.

Many have already began bombarding the European establishment with negative reviews on Google.

Others simply encouraged Williams to “support a black-owned restaurant in Paris” on her next visit to Paris.

The hotel later issued a press release apologizing to the tennis icon for the error.

“Dear Ms. Williams, Please accept our sincerest apologies for the disappointment you experienced this evening,” read a message on the restaurant’s website, X. “Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was fully booked and the only tables you saw were in our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully booked.”

In diversity reportMaxine Mannevy, who works on the Peninsula restaurant, said Williams looked “unrecognizable.”

“When she arrived, there were only two tables available, which had been reserved by hotel guests,” Mannevy explained. “My colleague didn’t recognize her and felt terrible, but he told her what he would tell any other customer, which was to wait downstairs at the bar until a table became available. It was absolutely nothing personal.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

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.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

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.

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.”

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.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

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.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

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.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

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.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending