Entertainment
Oprah Winfrey Faces Storm Over Controversial South African School Over DNC Appearance
Oprah Winfrey was a special guest on the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which took place on August 21 in her hometown of Chicago. Her speech was met with mixed reactions.
The former talk show host took the stage on the United Center before a raucous Democratic crowd to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Winfrey delivered a 15-minute speech that included shots at Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance.
Oprah Winfrey mocked the Ohio senator’s controversial comments about “childless cat women” during her appearance. In 2021, JD Vance slammed Kamala Harris and other Democratic politicians for not having biological children.
“Contrary to what some people would have you believe, we are not all that different from our neighbors. When a house is burning down, we don’t ask about the race or religion of the homeowner, we don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No, we just try to do everything we can to save it,” Winfrey said on the DNC.
The 70-year-old billionaire continued: “And if that place belongs to a childless cat lady, well, we’re trying to get rid of that cat too.” The blatant reference to JD Vance was met with applause from the live audience but was met with criticism online.
Daily Mail Instagram Account posted a clip of Oprah Winfrey’s speech. The post focused on a camera panning to an unknown viewer as Winfrey delivered her “childless cat lady” line.
Clearly, right-wing critics took the chance to criticize the Tennessee State University graduate within the comments section. For example, one person on Instagram accused her of selling out for fame and fortune.
“Where are the kids, Oprah??? You sold your soul (devil emoji),” one person wrote. A Winfrey supporter replied, “And you built wealth, but you sold (yours) and got nothing in return.”
Several commenters referred to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. The boarding school was embroiled in allegations of physical and sexual abuse within the late 2000s.
“Oprah, is abuse still going on at Oprah’s girls’ school in Africa?” the critic asked. Another non-fan of the so-called “Queen of All Media” wondered: “Where are the girls from your school in South Africa?”
On June 17, Oprah Winfrey celebrated the graduation of one among her Leadership Academy “daughters” with a doctorate of drugs from Stanford University. The Color Purple star attended Bongeka Zuma’s graduation within the United States.
“One of the greatest joys of my life was seeing her walk across the stage! Knowing where she came from, from a small community in KwaZulu-Natal, and how strongly she believed in becoming a doctor,” Winfrey said in an Instagram caption.
The Oscar-nominated “The Color Purple” actress continued, “She never gave up, and with a support team of good friends, OWLAG sisters, and professors, we all celebrated her achievement with great pride. Congratulations, Dr. Zuma. Well done! Well done!”
Although Bongeka Zuma could also be seen because the success story of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, the sexual abuse scandal stays a subject of conversation. Although the previous dorm nurse Tiny Makopo was acquitted Out of all 14 allegations related to harassment accusations, many social media users consistently bring up the subject.
Winfrey also faced widespread criticism for her DNC appearance. One Daily Mail fan admitted, “I used to love Oprah, but she’s not the same anymore.” Another commented, “Oprah… so redundant. Try to stay relevant.”
Contrary to comments made in responses to the conservative tabloid’s Instagram post, Winfrey also received praise for her presentation on the convention. User X shouted“A stunning speech from a global icon! Oprah’s extraordinary impact on Chicago is one of the most important in the city’s history.”
Republican Party Pollster Frank Lutz wrote on Twitter“I was wrong – I thought Michelle Obama’s speech would be the most resonant speech at this convention. Instead, it was (Oprah). She really touched a nerve in values.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama and her husband, former President Barack Obama, addressed Trump’s “dark jobs” remarks before a Democratic rally in Chicago on Aug. 20. The following evening, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivered a speech accepting the vice presidential nomination.
Vice President Kamala Harris will close the DNC with a proper acceptance speech on the evening of Aug. 22. The recent Democratic Party leader will face former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump within the 2024 general election on Nov. 5.
In addition to Winfrey, other celebrities who attended the televised 2024 Democratic National Convention included Steve Kerr, Lil Jon, Spike Lee, Patti LaBelle, Mindy Kaling, Kenan Thompson, Eva Longoria, Common, John Legend and Stevie Wonder.
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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