Entertainment
Simone Biles’ biological mother revealed her father forbade her from contacting the gymnast for six years after the adoption in an interview
Shannon Biles, the biological mother of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, recently made headlines when she asked Simone to forgive her past transgressions and explained why she gave her children up for adoption.
Many people disagreed with Shannon’s statement, who stated in a recent interview that although she had contacted her daughter, she was waiting for her response.
However, interest in Simone’s mother and her successful performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris led to a re-interview with the former drug addict in 2016.
“When we signed the (adoption) papers, it was like my dad flipped a switch on me – no communication, no calls, no visits. That was the beginning,” said Shannon Biles. Daily mail eight years ago.
After spending three years in foster care, then 6-year-old Simone Biles and her younger sister Adria were adopted by their maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his second wife, Nellie Biles.
Ron Biles’ sister, Harriet, adopted Simone’s two oldest siblings, Tevin, 29, and Ashley Biles-Thomas, 34. Shannon Biles had to offer up 4 of her children due to substance abuse issues.
“I was still using, and he didn’t want me to be in and out of his life when I wasn’t right for him,” Shannon explained in 2016.
“It took me six years to see my children again. I respected my father by allowing my children to have a sex change, he thought it was best for them,” she said. “It was hard to give my children up, but I had to do what I had to do, I couldn’t take care of them.”
Simone’s biological mother met her biological father, Kelvin Clemons, as an adolescent. Like her mother, he also struggled together with his own issues and addictions. At the time, Shannon said they did not have a relationship, but Clemons would call and ask how the kids were doing.
Daily mail conducted one other interview with Shannon Biles in August 2024. Despite her split from the seven-time Olympic gold medalist, Shannon expressed her desire to reconnect with Simone Biles.
“I would personally like to make things right with Simone — I’m just waiting for her and (her younger sister) Adria. I talk to Adria more than I do Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don’t judge me by my past. Let’s move forward,” Shannon said.
Her public plea for reconciliation with her daughter has been met with backlash online, with social media users slamming the 52-year-old Ohio native for attempting to reinsert herself in Simone’s life while the 27-year-old athlete continues to dominate gymnastics.
“The best thing she can do is leave her adult children alone. They have had enough drama in their young lives and have overcome obstacles and sadness,” one person wrote in the Daily Mail’s comments section.
Simone Biles has been open about her struggles with mental health. Additionally, the 4’8″ multiple world champion was amongst women sexually harassed by former USA team doctor Larry Nassar.
Her siblings have had their very own struggles in life. Her brother Tevin Biles-Thomas has been charged with murder for the 2019 New Year’s Eve shooting. He was acquitted of all charges In 2021, Ashley Biles-Thomas’ sister pleaded guilty fees drug trafficking, assault and driving under the influence of alcohol between 2015 and 2021.
“I’m all forgiving and moving on, but abandoning your children is taking it too far. At this point, the children have probably come to terms with their past and moved on as best they can, reopening that Pandora’s box could do more harm than good,” one other Daily Mail commenter wrote of Shannon attempting to reconcile with her children.
Shannon Biles says she is now clean and sober, but admits she continues to be a recovering drug user. After years of run-ins with the law, including a January 2020 assault conviction, she also says her days of crime are over.
Meanwhile, Simone added more accolades to her legendary Olympic run at the 2024 Games. She won 4 additional medals in Paris, increasing her total to 11, making her the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.
Simone often praises her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, for his support. She previously praised her adoptive parents, Ron and Nellie Biles, for saving her life and supporting her dreams.
“My parents saved me” Simone Biles said in 2017. “They set tremendous examples of how to treat other people and were there to support me from day one. There is nothing I could say to thank them enough.”
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.
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