Entertainment
Outrage Grows as Oprah Winfrey Called a ‘Scam’ Over $10M People of Maui Fund While Supporting Kamala Harris Campaign
Oprah Winfrey, 70, stays a polarizing public figure. Her recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign sparked outrage amongst critics who’ve criticized Winfrey’s previous, highly publicized charitable efforts.
In August 2023, a series of fires devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui. The OWN founder teamed up with fellow Hollywood mogul Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 52, to launch the People’s Fund of Maui for residents, initially donating $10 million.
The fiery disaster caused greater than 100 deaths and $5.5 billion in damage, and reportedly displaced about 12,000 people. Winfrey, who owns 1,000 acres of land on Maui, and Johnson, whose Anoaʻi family line comes from neighboring Samoa within the South Pacific, have faced constant criticism over the past 12 months.
“We’ve been meeting with community leaders over the last few weeks to try to figure out what we can do,” Winfrey said on the “Today” show in August 2023.
The Rock added: “In this time of need, you want to take care of people’s biggest need, and that’s to give them money… It’s going to take a long time to rebuild. It’s probably going to get a little worse before it gets a little better. But we’re here, we’re doing what we can.”
Winfrey’s recent appearance on the Democratic National Convention on August twenty first again raised questions on the cash earmarked for Hawaiians.
The X meme account went viral on Aug. 28 after it was reported that Winfrey had donated $150 million to Kamala Harris’ campaign. While “The Color Purple” star endorsed Harris for president, reports of a nine-figure contribution to the Democratic politician are unconfirmed.
“Almost a year ago, Oprah and Johnson faced backlash after asking struggling farmers to donate to a Maui fund they launched to help wildfire victims. Oprah and Johnson pledged $10 million,” one person wrote.
Page X, whose headline features Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, also wrote: “A year later, some wildfire victims still have not been found, hundreds, if not thousands, of Maui residents are still homeless, and the island has yet to be rebuilt.” That X post garnered 2.3 million views in 20 hours.
Many of the responses included unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about Winfrey’s motive. For example, one person It was speculated that the legendary talk show host’s real goal was to “buy out Hawaii.”
Another critic of Winfrey decided‘Oprah is a fraud and a con artist.’ The Rock also got here under fire online after calling himself a ‘free thinker’ and a ‘patriot’ published“She’s a servant of the elite and a tool. I can’t say what I think of Oprah here.”
In contrast, some X users have objected to the narrative that Winfrey gave Kamala Harris’ team $150 million. Someone else he stated“These stupid posts are getting more and more popular. A donation of that size isn’t even legal and you’d at least see it on ABC News.”
Other as well as“So what happened to the amount people donated?”
According to an April 2024 article published in The Journal Associated Press Press AgencyThe People’s Fund of Maui initiative has raised nearly $60 million through the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
The money was reportedly distributed to greater than 8,100 adults between September 2023 and February 2024. The Associated Press also confirmed that greater than 20,000 individuals and corporations have contributed to the fund.
Local Lana Vierra and 10 members of her family lost their homes within the Maui wildfires. The grandmother of 4 told the AP that every one but one of her adult relatives received six monthly payments of $1,200 from the People’s Fund.
Additionally, Honolulu Civil BeatThe online nonprofit news organization previously reported that the primary round of payments from The People’s Fund went out in September 2023 to greater than 5,000 Maui residents.
Fact Checking Website Snopes debunked quite a few accusations related to the People’s Fund of Maui. For example, the positioning flagged as false a rumor that “Aquaman” actor and Hawaiian native Jason Momoa accused Winfrey and The Rock of “stealing money from the poor.”
The Harpo Productions founder delivered a surprising speech on the Democratic convention, where the independent voter discussed her decision to support the previous California senator for president.
“I really care about this country,” Winfrey said. CBS News why she endorsed Harris. The Mississippi-raised billionaire also said, “The most important thing to me is that decency and respect are on the list. And that’s why I was willing to do it.”
Johnson revealed on Trevor Noah’s “What Now?” podcast that he has been approached by multiple political parties about potentially running for president. In an April 2024 interview, Fox NewsThe former WWE wrestler said he won’t endorse any candidate for president in 2024.
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 Release8 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