Entertainment
The reaction to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s injury is a reminder of who made it possible for him – Andscape
Deshaun Watson’s season is over, and possibly his entire NFL profession. The Cleveland Browns quarterback was having one of the worst statistical seasons in league history, and Browns fans booed him when he took the sphere on Sunday. Then suddenly, within the second quarter of their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson dropped back to throw a pass after which fell to the bottom with a torn Achilles. Reactions to the injury were harsh. Cleveland fans have shown they’re fed up with Watson’s uselessness even greater than they’re fed up along with his off-field transgressions. Meanwhile, Watson’s peers and teammates defended him and lifted him up. Both types of responses are a reminder of an environment that has allowed a person accused of dozens of acts of sexual misconduct to proceed to be accepted and defended, although many others found these alleged acts abhorrent.
An unwritten rule in sports is that fans show respect to players once they are injured. Even should you support the opposing team, cheering when a player is injured is bad form. It’s especially bad to have a good time when a player from the team you support gets injured. The Cleveland crowd ignored this unwritten rule as fans loudly celebrated on the sight of Watson falling to the bottom with a devastating injury. In a vacuum, Watson’s raucous joy at misfortune would have been universally dismissed, but Watson’s unique circumstances complicated the whole lot.
The Cleveland Browns contract gave Watson a record-setting salary $230 million over five yearstied the team to the quarterback for almost all the duration of the contract. They cannot sell Watson and even fire him without serious financial consequences. The contract was already unpopular since the offer for Watson got here when he was in front of him over 20 charges about sexual misconduct. As part of the contract, Watson also received enough money to allow him to settle any allegations out of court, making it virtually unimaginable for him to face any legal consequences for any wrongdoing. In short, it was a morally invalid decision for the Browns.
But that wasn’t Watson’s biggest sin within the eyes of many fans, who continued to go to games, root for the team, buy T-shirts and support a franchise that went out of its way to make the accused sexual assault man the face of its franchise. For these fans, Watson’s best sin was that he was bad at football – he would end the season as… worst quarterback within the league. He led the worst offense the Browns have seen this century. And combined with a coach who refused to let him sit on the bench, Watson’s stick with the Browns was a nightmare. Therefore, as soon as Watson entered the sphere, he was whistled. Yes, of course there was a large group of fans who were against him and expressed their opinions about it. However, there have been still enough people willing to fill stadiums every week, hoping that Watson could deliver a Super Bowl victory. Enough people whose boos filled the world on Sunday in a way they hadn’t within the weeks and months leading up to Watson’s on-field defeat. The deafening booing on Sunday was like a booing that hadn’t been there before. If fans were this anti-Watson, the taunts would have reverberated from the moment he stepped onto the sphere in a Browns uniform and would never have stopped.
And this is not about singling out Cleveland fans. I live in Atlanta, near the Falcons, who were also willing to step up to the plate for Watson. I actually have little question that the stadium here can be just as packed for Watson to play. I actually have been given no reason to imagine that society as a whole is willing to put the well-being of women above our own selfish desires, even when those desires are as shallow as wanting the team we love to win a championship.
But on Sunday, fans in Cleveland booed. And they cheered loudly once they realized the franchise can be without Watson for all the season. The cheers drew the ire of Watson’s peers, namely Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and linebacker Myles Garrett, who expressed how upset they were with fans rooting for Watson’s injury.
Winston passionate requests included comments equivalent to “I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve Deshaun.”
“I’m very upset about the reaction to a man who has had the world against him for the last four years,” Winston said. “And every day he put his body and his life on the line for this city.”
Garrett suggested it: “Man does almost the whole lot well. A model citizen in college in addition to professionals. He’s playing as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen… We have to be there for him as a team and as a corporation. We cannot have a look at a guy for mistakes on the pitch or anything off the pitch. We haven’t any moral basis to look down on this guy.
The comments were disappointing at best, but more specifically, offensive to anyone who has experienced or survived sexual assault of any kind, especially from Watson himself. Watson had “the world against him,” as Winston said, largely because of his righteous anger on the person accused of doing what he accuses Watson of doing. And someone with “the world against him” doesn’t have a guaranteed $230 million to rest on. Garrett calling Winston a model citizen is a slap within the face. I actually have asked previously why Watson’s teammates so quietly refused to share a locker room with someone accused of sexual harassment. In a league that excommunicates players it doesn’t like on a regular basis (ask Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, for example), why hasn’t this happened in Cleveland yet? Unfortunately, Winston and Garrett gave us a glimpse into a locker room that simply didn’t consider Watson’s alleged crimes egregious enough to speak out against him. Players like Winston and Garrett might argue that playing against their very own quarterback can be unpopular, but defending someone with Watson’s history should not be that unpopular.
Perhaps probably the most disappointing reaction of the night got here from Ohio State’s LeBron James. He he tweeted his disappointment on fans booing Watson: “Cleveland fans! You all know how much we have been through over the years, both good, bad and indifferent. With that in mind, booing anyone who is injured, let alone your own player, is LAME AF,” he wrote.
James is not latest to his support of Watson. He sent out a celebratory tweet when Watson joined Browns in 2022. It’s a sad irony after we visit James’ timeline on X, formerly generally known as Twitter, and see that his last two tweets are in regards to the WNBA Finals, followed by a tweet expressing support for a man accused of molesting women.
James’ tweet. Support from Watson’s teammates. The boos that grew louder for Watson after his poor play allowed people like Watson to flourish within the face of terrible accusations. Every celebration, lost ticket and jersey purchased while Watson was a Brown was confirmation that even what he was accused of wasn’t enough to demand the team play higher. Each of these ways of supporting the team is not less than passive support for a terrible decision. And that does not even count the fans who fully supported Watson despite – or because of – what he was accused of.
Watson’s profession might be over. All that is still is the necessity for many individuals to look in lots of mirrors and wonder how we ever allowed his profession to get this far.
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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