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Have you ever wondered about the real father of Billie Jean’s son?
“This man ruined my life,” explains Bill Cooper, adjusting his sunglasses. “He tried to make my mom look like a skeezer… Do people even say ‘skeezer’? NO? Scalpel. Jazzybell?”
If Bill makes it look like he’s stuck in the ’80s, it’s because, in some ways, he’s. For years, 44-year-old Bill Cooper lived in relative solitude. Suffers from agoraphobia, a mental condition brought on by social anxiety that makes him avoid leaving the house. On the rare occasions when the single computer engineer leaves the Southern California suburban home he shares along with his mother, it’s never during the day.
– Bill did it too heliophobia, fear of brilliant or intense sunlight,” explains Bill’s mother, Belinda, who joined theGrio for our exclusive interview. “That’s why he at all times wears sunglasses. But I feel he’s hiding because he’s paranoid. I blame myself. I should never have told him what That Man said about me.
“It’s not your fault,” Bill interjects. “The police asked you an issue and you told the truth. Plus, you technically never said he was “the one.” You just said he could be my father. This man began to disclose himself as soon as he heard that he was the subject of a police investigation. Writing this song was bullshit and This Man knows it.
“That Man” is what the Coopers call the singer, songwriter and maybe the most superstar to ever walk on the moon: Michael Joseph Jackson.
When That Man released his sixth solo project November 30, 1982nobody could have predicted that this may make Jackson the undisputed “King of Pop”. Until 2018, Jackson’s breakthrough album was the best-selling project in recorded music history. For critics and fans, the seven songs on the album constitute the magnum opus of the global superstar.
According to the police, the entire album is an alibi.
But for the Coopers, Thriller is greater than just a group of songs. It’s an atomic bomb that tore their world apart. This is the subject of Belinda’s ire and the bane of Bill’s existence. More importantly, it’s an origin story. This is nearly, but not quite, sort of the true story of Belinda Jeanette Cooper and her only child, William – or as they’re known around the world:
Billie Jean and her son.
Belinda the Beautiful
Belinda Cooper resides proof that Black doesn’t crack.
At the age of 65, Cooper’s stunning beauty is as evident as the day she began her profession as a model, actress and wonder pageant contestant. “Belinda was a bad mama,” Sheila D’Roni told Grio. “As bad as she could be.”
D’Roni knows a thing or two about beautiful women. Before she began hosting, organizing and judging beauty pageants, the woman generally known as Sheila “The 10” D’Roni earned her nickname during the 1962 Miss Thang beauty pageant. As the first contestant in the now-defunct competition to attain perfect scores in every category, D’Roni saw Belinda’s potential. “Back then, black women weren’t allowed to enter major beauty pageants,” D’Roni said. “Miss Thang was principally Miss Black America. Former Miss Thangs include Thelma Evans, Foxy Brown and Helen Willis. And I used to be the queen of black beauty queens… Until Belinda got here along.
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On October 23, 1980, 21-year-old Belinda Cooper broke D’Roni’s scoring record and was crowned Miss Thang 1980. To have a good time, D’Roni invited Belinda to a VIP afterparty at a neighborhood nightclub. Just then, one of the invited stars approached the couple pretty young Thangs.
“This guy with Jheri curls came up and started talking to us,” Belinda told Grio. “Apart from just a few small film roles, it was my first time participating in a beauty pageant. So I knew he was attempting to make me think I looked like a beauty queen from a movie. I just waved at him and said, “It’s me.”
“He accused me of making a scene and kept asking me to dance,” Belinda continued. “The VIP section was too crowded, so we danced on the floor in rounds. He wasn’t really my type – his hair was too greasy. But I won’t lie – This Man could cut a rug! Plus he was consistently buying drinks. I finally told him my name was Billie Jean, which technically wasn’t a lie. That’s what my grandmother called me. After an evening of drinking, dancing and competing, I used to be pretty exhausted. So when he suggested that he should walk me home, I agreed. It was the worst mistake of my life. I blame it on boogie.
Many partygoers confirmed Belinda’s version of events, including when the couple left to walk the three blocks to Belinda’s apartment. “When I saw them leaving, it didn’t seem strange to me,” said a nightclub bouncer, who asked to not be named since it wasn’t I need to start out something. “Mike was smiling from ear to ear like, “The girl is mine.’ I assumed it was just that human nature, but Jackson had an odd look in his eyes. That was the last time I saw them.”
Two months after the superstar who later became “That Man” disappeared on a cold October evening with a girl he knew only as “Billie Jean,” the 1980 Miss Thang winner made history again.
“It is with great disappointment that we accept the resignation of Belinda Jeanette Cooper,” read a press release from Miss Thang Beauty, Inc. “Unfortunately, her pregnancy will prevent her from fulfilling her duties as Miss Thang 1980. While we can’t comment on the rumors about her baby’s father, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We also ask for prayers for her quick recovery after the terrible crime she experienced.”
This is where Belinda’s story changed into a nightmare.
Emotion killer
Public sources indicate that in the weeks leading as much as the Miss Thang pageant, there have been 12 fatal attacks in the vicinity of Belinda Cooper’s apartment. Although the attacker left bloodstains on the carpet of the only surviving victim (a girl named Annie, who was not well), DNA science had not yet developed enough to find out the victim’s identity. smooth criminal. According to FBI profilers, the perpetrator likely committed the murders because he derived pleasure from “homicide-related wood.” However, to today the mystery of the serial murders stays unsolved.
“A woman never talks about her personal life,” Belinda told Grio. “Let me just say that when he was in my apartment, This Man didn’t do anything I didn’t want him to do. When we finished, um… talking, we stood outside waiting for That Man’s limo to pick him up. Then everything happened.”
What happened? Was Billie Jean the thirteenth victim? Was Jackson involved?
To piece together the events of that evening, Grio reviewed police interviews with Jackson, Cooper and folks in the area.
Belinda says there was a full moon that night (which Grio confirmed). She and Jackson were waiting outside for his limo to choose him up when she commented on how beautiful the moon looked. “I was just about to tell him my real name,” Belinda recalls. “But as soon as he checked out the moon, he began behaving strangely. You know what it’s like when you all lose interest. Then I heard a sound. It was already near midnight, so I wondered what was lurking in the dark. I do not remember much after that.
Our investigation shows that neighbors remember hearing a high-pitched scream followed by disturbing laughter. “I’m an alto, so it wasn’t me,” she added. “I remember screaming, but I was too scared.” Belinda described a person who appeared out of nowhere, which inserts the description of Thrill’s killer. “He was a tall, slim Caucasian man with long fingernails and a unkempt beard,” Belinda told Grio. “He kind of looked like a hairier, green-eyed guy Chet Holmgren. I froze when he looked me straight in the eyes. But apparently someone wasn’t paralyzed. I looked around and That Man had already beaten him. Then I fainted.”
When Belinda woke up in the hospital, she asked if Michael Jackson had survived the attack. Unfortunately, doctors, nurses and police assumed she was still delirious or drunk. She was in the hospital for weeks and thought Michael Jackson was dead. When it turned out that she was pregnant during a routine medical examination, she assumed that the deceased singer was the father of her child. A number of months later, at her homecoming party, the DJ played the second song from her primary album in the country. As everyone danced, Belinda slowly realized that Jackson had not only abandoned her, but had also abandoned any involvement in the life of her yet unborn child.
Is this kid the son of That Man?
William James Cooper isn’t focused on taking a DNA test.
“Why would I want a father who doesn’t want me,” Grio said. “I believe my mother. Besides, where do I get a DNA sample?”
Neither Bill nor his mother ever filed a paternity suit. In fact, Belinda at all times insisted on Jackson. However, when Belinda told her son the story of her strange encounter with the King of Pop, Bill dropped out of school and commenced his own investigation into the unsolved murders and the identity of his biological father. “It was mostly about bullying,” Bill explained. “My classmates called me ‘Willie the Werewolf’ because I don’t love daylight. Or perhaps it’s because I had a full beard after I was seven. Anyway, I told my third grade teacher that I used to be an Audi 5000 and went to nighttime school as an alternative.
Unfortunately, after years of collecting evidence, Bill still has not solved any of the puzzles. Instead, he’s specializing in his engineering profession. He admits to smoking marijuana 28 days a month, which helps relieve his anxiety. “I don’t feel comfortable during the day,” he explained. “I really don’t feel comfortable at night either, except on a full moon. The only salvation is Reefer.”
Meanwhile, Belinda has been off work since the attack. She received a big settlement in her discrimination lawsuit against Miss Thang. He also receives a big monthly check from an anonymous donor. “All I know is it’s a return address 2300 Jackson Street, she said. “It’s probably a coincidence, but I don’t question fate.”
When asked in the event that they ever wondered if the song “Thriller” could be a real origin story and never “Billie Jean,” Bill fell silent while his mother revealed the strangest part of their entire story.
“Can I tell you a secret?” – Belinda asked. “Neither of us has ever heard this album.”
Now it’s weird.
This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
May serves as an unofficial start of the summer season. Graduation, Mother’s Day and Weekend on the occasion of Remembrance Day are the most significant events of the month, together with the return of WNBA. When it comes to sneakers, it implies that the houses of the Brotherhood can finally allow those that, a cooked Air Force graduate, my mother can get several pairs that show softness and love, you’ll find the perfect shoe for beach classes. And finally, we will finally answer the query where the shoe is.
Angel Reese uses a small shavnosis
Reebok
Since signing the contract with Reebok, Angel Reese has given us many footwear options, from her collection to the debut of the first Reebok shoe for years. While we’re waiting for the first characteristic REESE shoe, it still gives us a fresh approach to Reebok classics. The latest is her tribute to her “uncle Shaqa” and his Shaqnosis. This pair with the Shaq and Angel Reese logo is a perfect representation of summer in washed gray and western beads with gold notes.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 150
Because he still knows
Nike
At the starting of 2000, “Auburn” Nike Trainer SC was my Graal shoe. He is legendary for worn by my favorite athlete, because Jackson, it was one shoe that I told myself that I’d retire if I ever get it. We can now call it a lie a couple of hundred couples later. But to be honest, shoes just don’t retro so often. This classic cross training continues to be one among my most beloved, so I probably collect one because having crunchy pair on ice is mandatory. I only need some Girbaud denim shorts and a white shirt to finish your outfit.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 130
Adidas keeps it nice
Adidas
What happens whenever you mix fashion and future technology? You get Adidas air con. Completely printed in 3D shoes have arc support and heel lining, in addition to 360 degrees of air thanks to the kindness of a large grille. Simply put, these shoes are greater than aesthetic; They are also practical, which makes them ideal for summer days when you will have to do the trick quickly.
Release date: May 2
Retail sales: USD 140
Anatomy of a very good gray shoe
New Balance
Gray is analogous to black and white when it’s used on shoes and garments. All three colours can look so different with the slightest tone correction or when using various materials. The South Korean label of Thisisnever, which proves that the theory by utilizing a subdued color palette on a scale of gray and mixing in Premium Pigskin, Synthetic Nubuck and Mesh to get a fresh take a look at the New Balance 991V2 runner. It was definitely one among the higher latest models released in the previous few years.
Release date: May 5
Retail sales: USD 270
A’one in any respect a’rries
Nike
Over the years, when the popularity of WNBA and ladies’s basketball increased, the query and conversation focused on when the star of Las Vegas aces a’ja Wilson will receive her characteristic shoes. This moment is finally when A’one is available in a mix of pink shades with details scattered over the shoe, which pay tribute to her travel in the type of Celtic symbols for her parents and inspiration of pearls to represent her grandmother. Most importantly, the name Wilson is on the fingers of each shoe, thanks to which everyone knows whose shoes it’s.
Retail sales: USD 110
Release date: May 6
Nike cooked the classic
Nike
Let’s assume that it happens that you just enter every university campus, music festival or anywhere where Gen X may be present in a big number: you will likely see that the air forces, which according to older generations, saw higher days. But for the current generation they’re in perfect condition. Although they’ll develop into, dirty and cracked, as if worn for months, the real surprise is that over time, as a substitute of becoming a more dirty version of the dirty shoe, the upper gives way to a clean upper, as if fresh from the box.
Release date: May 7
Retail sales: USD 130
Deion shows love to his mother
Nike
Mother’s Day just around the corner is only a deion sanders Shows love to his motherConnie Sanders, with the latest issue of Diamond Turf ’96. Using the red, commonly accepted color of affection, things are easy here. Upper also accommodates notes of white that can help to convey the message, because it was a dozen or so roses. One special accent lies in the inscriptions “love you, mom” on the inserts.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 170
Caroline Hu gives samba softer
Adidas
The Chinese clothier Caroline Hu slowly pulls out a novel space thanks to the cooperation of Adidas and this is softness and female touch. Her latest sees Samba translates, exchanging traditional skin or canvas, into satin and lace. This update immediately removes heritage in a football court and makes it suitable for a date or evening with friends. Available in red, silver and navy blue I can do many couples for various occasions.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 160
Kevin Durant’s latest return
Barry Gossage/Nbae via Getty Images
We saw Nike Basketball uses a book 1 to recycled of old colours in latest ways. This time they tried the same approach to the characteristic model of Kevin Durant, reviving the most famous colours AirThe rims shoe from the 90s widely related to the former heat guardian Miami Tim Hardaway. The old biting looks rare, unless it gives such results.
Release date: May 15
Retail sales: USD 150
Nuggets PE Carmelo Anthony receives the right edition
Jordan Brand
Long before Carmelo Anthony became often known as the host of the podcast or dad Kiyan Anthony for a certain generation, he was one among the best players in the NBA and face from the Jordan brand for the latest generation. Sale of being an athlete from Jordan? Custom retros in team color. One of the cleanest couples was this pair of Jordan 12s in Anthony’s color scheme when he was a member of Denver Nuggets. Simplicity is a game, because a solid white upper leather sits on a blue outer sole with powder blue accents on the shoe, thanks to which it’s a straightforward selection to slide into the rotation of sneakers.
Release date: May 17
Retail sales: USD 200
Jordan 4 “White cement “returns
Jordan Brand
One of the most significant and hottest shoes in the history of Jordan Brand triumphantly returns for the first time since 2016. This 12 months’s edition is a component of the brand celebrations of 40 years. It repairs many complaints and sneakerhead tanks – the overall shape is closer to the original model from 1989, and the side mesh and the heel tab has been adapted to reflect the original version. I’d advise anyone who was fascinated about them to double them.
Release date: May 24
Retail sales: USD 225
Sporty & Rich Sticks to Retro Runners
Adidas
Sporty & Rich explained that they love to dig in the treasury of Adidas and pull out forgotten figures. Their latest takes them back to 2008, and the Adios Adios 1. White upper with silver overlays turns the model into something suitable for at some point with friends as a substitute of actual running. However, when you determine to do each, know that each one the performance functions from the original are still present.
Release date: TBD
Retail sales: USD 160
Be like Mike in 1996
Jordan Brand
In 1996, this low level of Air Jordan XI was noticed only at Michael Jordan during the Bulls Championship. Quickly forward and at last hits the store shelves. Earlier, we saw the version with a red heel insert, but for the first time a totally black liner-clipping element for purists-he maintains a public edition. Everything else adheres to the classic “grown” formula – the outer sole, white midsole and black uppers.
Release date: April 26
Retail sales: USD 190
Travis Scott goes in the spring “Bright Cactus”
Nike
When Travis Scott isn’t busy Rulescent of stocks with John CenemThe group pays his status of one among the best collaborators in the Nike/Jordan letter. In the latest edition of his Jack Sneakers lists the usual darker tones for light green cactus and cream uppers with black accents. As with any Scott cooperation, they flew, but they sell at low prices on the secondary market.
Date of release: April 30
Retail sales: USD 200
Line notes
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Robert Glasper. Photo Frazer Harrison / Jazmine Sullivan. Photo of Mike Coppola
Black Radio Blue Note Jazz Festival, which this summer is a really anticipated return to the NAPA-a composition 2025 is stuffed with talents defining the species. This yr’s edition will happen on August 29–31 on the Meritage Resort and SPA, the essential performances of among the biggest music acts will perform.
The artist’s residence Robert Glasper will once more select and organize the weekend, continuing the heritage of his Black Radio series with a dynamic mixture of jazz, hip-hop, R&B and Soul. This yr’s performers are Jazmin Sullivan, The Roots, Hiatus Kaiyote, Slum Village, Lupe Fiasco, Willow, Terrace Martin, Warren G, Esperanza Spalding, Saba, Little Brother, Big Daddy Kane, and shortly a mysterious act.
On August 28 in Glasper he may even lead the ticket opening dinner and concert individually, starting the weekend in real star fashion. “Black Radio Experience and Robtober are platforms that I use to connect all my favorite artists and colleagues as one big family meeting, and this year is not different!” Glasper said in an announcement. “I am honored that I can be part of such an amazing community and connect this community for the next drug weekend in Napa.”
Fan Presale begins on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 PT / 12 PM ET, with general completion on Friday, May 9. Three -day festival passes and full details of events can be found on the Official Blue Note Jazz Festival festival website.
See the complete composition of this yr’s Jazz Blue Note festival.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Entertainment
The second Kehlani concert in New York was canceled, this time due to “security and safety problems”
Another upcoming Kehlani concert, which is to happen in Summersage at Central Park in the Pride month, has been dismissed.
On Monday, May 5, just just a few weeks after her concert was canceled on the University of Cornell, Summerstage announced that they cancel the upcoming Kehlani concert after receiving security and safety problems from the office of the mayor of New York Eric Adams.
“We were notified by the mayor’s office that they have concerns about security and safety problems in connection with the Kehlani concert of June 26,” said the organizers Statement published in social media–Sums that the fears result directly from the “controversy regarding the decision of the University of Cornell” to cancel its program.
“We strongly and definitely believe in all kinds of artistic expression. However, the safety of our guests and artists is of great importance,” the organizers continued. “In the light of these fears, the concert was dismissed.”
The 30-year-old R&B singer responded to the news by publishing “Lol” and noticed that their post was the primary to hear about news, together with fans, AP News Reported.
In posts about news concerning the threads, the singer “After Hours” wrote: “The second program canceled by the state of New York! Reminder: We were played Barclays. :)”
On Tuesday, Adams said that officials wondered if the Kehlani concert in Central Park would affect public safety before making a call CBS messages.
“We wanted to conduct an analysis and make sure that it is not so, and on the basis, without the need to review this full analysis (City Parks Foundation) made this determination,” said Adams.
This cancellation occurs after the Cornell University decision concerning the cancellation of the Kehlani program in April for its constant and loud support of Palestine in the course of the ongoing conflict in gas. Michael Kotlikoff, Michael Kotlikoff, was to perform in the course of the annual “Slopa Day”, when the president of the University of Cornell said that she would now not perform after she allegedly “was in favor of anti -Semitic, anti -Israeli sentiments in performances, films and social media.”
After dismissal, Kehlani began to social media to clean the air round her position.
“I am not anti-Semitic or anti-war. I am an anti-denominant, counteracting the Israeli government, anti-excist to whole people, antibulating innocent children, men and women. This is what I am anti-anti-“-said the singer Instagram video. “The first living at the beginning of this genocide was a really beautiful Jewish organization called Jewish voices (sic) for peace, and I still learn and work with really influential Jewish organizers against this Ludobom.”
In the signature, she continued to write that in addition to Cornell University, other attempts to cancel her programs were made.
“If you want to cancel me on your occasion or because of your Zionism. Do not do it anti-Żyko,” Kehlani wrote in the signature.
(Tagstotransate) Israel Palestine Conflict (T) Cornell University
This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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