Entertainment
Minister sparks outrage with shocking ‘No Diddy’ comment during explosive sermon on premarital sex
Minister Robert Edwards is gaining popularity not due to his inspiring words. Oakwood University’s vice chairman’s mention of accused sex trafficker Sean “Diddy” Combs while addressing the university’s student body has caused a stir online.
On October 3, Edwards delivered a Diddy-inspired message about abstinence until marriage during a chapel service at his alma mater in Huntsville, Alabama. The program was broadcast live on YouTube.
At in regards to the 1:22:00 minute mark within the video, Edwards says, “Talking to the Oakwood Live students straight away, I do know you are attempting to make a call. Even in case you’re here, you may must say ‘no, Diddy’ to an Oakwood student.”
The Seventh-day Adventist leader’s advice to avoid premarital sex was met with applause from the group. He then mentioned that on the age of 19, he promised God to stay celibate until marriage.
“I had to say ‘no, Diddy.’ The first time I had sex was the night of my wedding. No, let me share something with you. I also told the Lord, “I won’t fluff it up prefer it was a pillow.” I do not squeeze the Charmin tissue.
Edwards is married to highschool administrator Dr. Denise Henderson Edwards. They each have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.
The phrase “no Diddy” became a meme in late 2023 and early 2024, after several lawsuits accusing the Bad Boy Entertainment founding father of sexual misconduct and physical violence became public.
It is usually used as a alternative for the slang expressions “no homo” or “pause”, that are used to make clear that the speaker didn’t intentionally use a homoerotic digraph.
While Edwards’ quotes went viral on the web, he was actually referencing Dr. MyRon Edmonds’ “chapel message” from an earlier service. The self-proclaimed spiritual strategist’s sermon focused on his problems with conversations that sexualize young people.
“Well, now it’s evolved from ‘pause’ to ‘no, Diddy.’ You all know I was going there today. Look at your neighbor and say, “No, Diddy.” You know what? This is the title of my talk today. Yes it’s true. “The title of my talk today is ‘No Diddy,'” Edmonds told attendees.
Several social media accounts, including: Spiritual worldreposted a video through which Edwards mentioned “no Diddy” during the blessing portion of the Oakwood Live service.
“Unc didn’t even use it in the right context,” one person wrote in the web site’s comments section. An even harsher comment was, “It was corny and couldn’t be directly connected to, sir.”
Someone else joked, “Yes, I will continue to read the Bible in the comfort of my home.”
However, several were concerned in regards to the way Edwards presented his message, using popular culture references. “I miss the times when church was church… now it’s all for money and jokes. Sad times,” one person said.
Another said, “I keep seeing pastors bringing the “world” to the church reasonably than the church to the world.” One final observer said, “I’m so embarrassed.”
Allegations of sexual and physical abuse against Sean “Diddy” Combs became a legal issue after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in New York against Combs under the Adult Survivors Act on November 16, 2023.
Combs and Ventura reached an undisclosed settlement on November 17. In additional lawsuits, various ladies and men accused Diddy of sexual assault, gang rape, false imprisonment, emotional distress and more.
Initially, Diddy denied any wrongdoing. In a social media post on December 6, he claimed that accusers were attempting to assassinate his character, destroy his legacy and get a “quick payout.”
In May 2024, CNN released surveillance footage of Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel on March 5, 2016. The brutal footage forced the 54-year-old Harlem resident to release apology videobut he didn’t mention Cassie by name.
Diddy’s legal battle turned from a civil case to a criminal case when the Southern District of New York on September 17 charged the “Can’t Someone Hold Me Down” rapper with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for the aim of prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty to all three federal charges and maintains his innocence. The father of six is reportedly being held without bail on the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“We are disappointed in the decision to continue what we believe to be an unfair prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said in an announcement to AND! News.
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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