Source: Kyle Blair/WENN.com

The running joke around our office, is that if you spend enough time in Brooklyn, you’re bound to run into actor Malik Yoba. Now, this fun fact doesn’t have much to do with the story at hand but I share it to illustrate the type of “relationship” we here at MadameNoire have with Malik. We’ve been watching him since his “New York Undercover” days, rooted for he and Joan to make it work in “Girlfriends,” and the Tyler Perry fans among us…(read: me) wondered why he and Janet just couldn’t get it together in Why Did I Get Married? He’s the famous guy who is simultaneously accessible and just happens to hang out where we hang out on the weekends. A real around-the-way type of dude.

But earlier this month, Malik displayed another side of himself in an ugly confrontation with a reporter and Fox9 contributor on–you guessed it–Twitter. See how it all went down.

Source: Twitter

OOOoopp!

Now, was Malik wrong for this? Probably. But was this a very natural, very human reaction to being taunted unnecessarily and unprovoked on Twitter? Definitely. If you peruse Ms. Dish Central’s twitter page, you’ll see that she makes a name for herself coming for celebrities, everyone from Justin Beiber to Prince (inexcusable) to Oprah. If that’s your thing, that’s your thing; but don’t feign shock and prudishness when any one of the celebrities you target fires back with equal or excessive rudeness. The rules of karma dictate that you get what you put out there. Malik was simply not having it that day. Later, Ms. Dish learned some information about Malik that would probably make most folk in her position feel a bit remorseful. But instead, she used it as an opportunity to steadily criticize.

Source: Twitter

Malik, probably having calmed down a bit, had this to say in response.

Source: Twitter.com

Later, in an interview with Hello Beautiful , Malik explained his thought process at the time of the “altercation,” why he said what he said and whether he regretted it in hindsight.

“People think that it’s ok to degenerate and disrespect someone just because they’re in the public eye. Don’t think because I’m a positive dude, I’m going to always say something nice. If you come at me crooked, one too many times or if too many people came at me crooked too many times in a row, then they’re going to get it. I don’t always exercise that self control and I don’t regret it either.”

There you have it. Do I suggest Malik Yoba continues suggesting that women wrap their lips around his johnson? Ehh no. But I can’t deny that he brings up very valid points about the way we treat celebrities…especially in the digital space. I don’t think celebrities are above reproach for the work they produce and present for us to consume; but when you start talking about their personal lives, especially going to the lengths of mentioning them so they can see your comment on Twitter, you have to evaluate your motivation and more importantly your morals. At the end of the day it’s just not cool. And while I suspect Ms. Dish is trying to make a bit of a name for herself by insulting others, there are millions of us who practice tearing down celebs and their personal lives, like it’s our new found faith. Furthermore, why do we then expect these celebrities, fellow human beings, to act like Jesus Christ and keep turning their cheeks while we get to act a fool because we don’t have a platform? If these celebs are not above criticism please believe they’re not above wallowing in the mire right along with us.

But the bigger question is why do we even feel the need to attack them personally? Does it make us feel better about our lives? Is this our jealousy manifested in the comment section? Is it easier to clown someone when you know they can’t access you physically? Probably a little of all of that. It’s always easier to attack the elusive stranger who you’ll probably never meet in real life than it is to deal with the person you have to live with every second of everyday. And if you’ve made peace with that cool but don’t be surprised if someone comes back at you and tells you what to do with your flapping lips…

Read the rest of Malik Yoba’s interview over at Hello Beautiful.com.

What do you make of this altercation, why do we feel so comfortable coming for celebrities?

Source: WENN

We’ve known for a while now that Terrence Howard is an interesting individual. But in a recent interview with several media outlets, promoting his new film, Dead Man Down, Howard revealed just how interesting he really is. The green-eyed thespian talked to Hello Beautiful about everything from bashing Jamie Foxx’ album back in the day, why he’s looking forward to The Best Man sequel and how he plans to–prepare yourself–cure cancer.

Here are some of the highlights:

On bashing Jamie Foxx’ music

HB: What made you take on the role in this film and what it is about a film that will make you do it?

“I’ve been on this planet as Terrence for 44 years. Since everything behaves according to octaves, nothing ever really dies. There’s a life and death and rebirth process continually. At the end of this, whatever it may be, I’m hoping I can leave something behind in the body of my work or in the legacy of the shadows that cool the ground behind me. Revenge is one of those things that’s killing our community, especially the urban community. I made a mistake many years ago and I made a comment about my brother’s album (Jamie Foxx) and I was completely in the wrong. I deserved to have my A$$ whooped that day because I had no business speaking against my brother. We do it everyday when we blog against someone. When the urban community comes together and begins lifting up one another instead of tearing each other down, especially you guys—you control it, then we’ll have a brand new society. Until then, we’re little dogs, biting at each other’s ankles and that’s deplorable. I’m ashamed at times how we speak against each other.”

On curing cancer

HB: It’s interesting that you have a Doctorate in Physics…

“Well, I have a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering, but its an honorary Doctorate. I went to school for Chemical Engineering but because I took a part of my company–SCIO–we grow diamonds. You think a diamond has to grow from the ground, no. We have a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition and another thing I’ve come up with called Harmonic Wave Sequencing, which will put an end, within the next five years to cancer or any genetic ailments.”

That’s a lot. Honestly though, I can definitely understand and respect where he’s coming from with the Jamie Foxx comment. I’ve often said cruel things I later regretted. As far at the creation of diamonds and curing cancer… well, anything’s possible.

What do you think about Terrence’s opinions

Read the rest of Terrence’s interview where he talks about seeking revenge and The Best Man over at Hello Beautiful.

Source: Zimbio.com

Black folks use a lot of food references to describe our many skin tones, from butterscotch, brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel to honey, mocha, toffee, and even every woman’s favorite treat, chocolate. Some of us embrace these sweet names as a demonstration of how in love we our with our skin, and others ask why we can’t ditch the candy references and just be what we are: black. Tika Sumpter is not a part of the latter group.

In a recent interview with Hello Beautiful, the actress talked about the relationship she developed with Mike Epps while on the set of their new movie “Sparkle,” saying,

“He’d just come in the makeup room in the morning, and then he’ll just say something and be like, ‘Hey, chocolate.’ You know?”

Though Tika giggled after she made that remark, the site still asked her how she felt about Mike and his lighter-toned comedic self referring to her in that way, especially in light of Naomi Campbell’s infamous comment that “It’s upsetting to be described as chocolate.” Tika said she doesn’t mind.

“I think it’s a term of endearment. I mean I don’t care. It’s just like, I don’t know if it’s like they don’t know what else to say, or do they just love my skin color? I don’t know.

“I don’t think it’s anything negative. I mean, chocolate’s my favorite thing to eat. So I can’t live without it. So I don’t mind it. I don’t find it like a negative way. I just— it is what it is. And I know when guys say it like, you know, I know when Mike Epps says it… it’s not a negative thing. So I don’t care. Look, if Tyler Perry wants to pay me the money to call me ‘chocolate’ and be an a**, I’m cool with it.”

I’m not completely sure what that Tyler Perry reference was about, but I’m feeling the rest of what Tika said. I think when someone you know or have a rapport with references your skin tone in a way that’s not derogatory, it’s not a big deal. It’s almost the same as only wanting to be called pet names like sweetie, honey, or baby by close friends, boyfriends, or relatives. But when random men on the street — who ought to know better anyway — think it’s cool to just shout out things like “hey chocolate” or “hey red” to get your attention, it’s not even so much offensive as it is uncomfortable and inappropriate. It really is quite easy to tell when someone is using one of these words as a term of endearment versus an expression of disgust with your skin tone, but as the story so often goes with black people and color we tend to get in our feelings when caught off guard by one of these said terms.

How do you feel about people using words like chocolate or caramel or mocha to describe your skin color?

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Source: Usweekly.com

From HelloBeautiful

Beyonce‘s mother Tina Knowlesstopped by Access Hollywood this morning to discuss her new Fall fashion line for House Of Dereon, and was asked about her seven-month-old granddaughter Blue Ivy. Tina  revealed that Beyonce won’t stop spoiling her daughter.

“Blue Ivy is wonderful, I just saw her yesterday, she’s starting to scoot to crawl so that’s exciting,” a proud Tina gushed. When asked if Beyonce is spoiling her first child, Tina replied: “Of course she is, we all are.”

See what else Tina had to say about her daughter and granddaughter over at Hello Beautiful.com

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Source: hellobeautiful.com

From Hello Beautiful.com

Dear Gay Best Friend,

So, I have been with my man for 2 years. We live together and have now for over a year. It just seems lately that he is very distracted and more interested in what his ex wants or needs. He does have a 15 year old with her, but I feel he should only have contact with his ex when it comes to his child. He is still paying her car insurance and I am afraid he is doing that to hold on to whatever he can. What do I have to do to get him to finally let go? I am so confused and I am also sick of wasting my time if he can’t be fully devoted to this relationship. Please help – Hoping He Moves On

See what the Gay Best Friend has to say about this at Hello Beautiful.com.

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Source: rollingout.com

From HelloBeautiful.com

Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton is being sued by Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America–an insurance company trying to remove themselves from any responsibility of the unarmed teen’s death at the hands of George Zimmerman, according to an attorney for Martin’s family. Not only did the insurance company come for Fulton, they came for the The Retreat at Twin Lakes Homeowner’s Association–the gated community Martin was fatally shot in.

According to the Huffington Post, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America claims that it is not responsible to defend the homeowners association because of various clauses in the association’s policy, specifically a “wrongful act” exclusion. Benjamin Crump, the Martin family attorney told HuffPo, “It’s real simple: They are filing against the homeowners association and Sybrina because we are making a claim against them.”

Read the rest of this story over at HelloBeautiful.com

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Source: HelloBeautiful.com

From Hello Beautiful.com

On the premiere episode of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” Karlie Red said that: “Joseline [Hernandez] is a real chick. She ride or die for her man.”

It wasn’t until last night at The Griffin in New York City, that I was witnessed their chemistry and agree with Karlie that their romance is undeniable.

Watching episode seven of “L&HHATL” was rather uncomfortable, seeing how the cast was sitting in the same room. Stevie and Joseline were standing to my left, side by side like Mimi never existed. Ironically, we watched Mimi and Stevie at couples counseling on the show while Joseline sipped a much needed gulp from her glass in the VIP section of the packed venue.

Still, the couple carried on with their loving display of affection like Mimi’s tears weren’t still streaming down her cheeks on the projector. Stevie and Mimi revealed that their mothers were not present in their lives growing up. Clearly, these two are missing essential influences that have rendered them rather off-balance. Joseline started stripping at a young age to take care of herself. It is evident that this group of lovers thrive off each others internal weaknesses.

I was able to ask Joseline how she felt about being partially responsible for Mimi’s water works on the show. She responded “I Love Mimi,” then continued to say that she should stop crying over Stevie.

See what else Joseline and Stevie J had to say at HelloBeautiful.com.

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From Hello Beautiful.com.

Dear Gay Best Friend,

I don’t know where to begin, but I need your advice on where to go from here. So here’s the story.

I have been in a relationship with this man for four years. Two years into the relationship, he proposed marriage which I proudly accepted. However, throughout our relationship I NEVER met anyone face to face, nor via phone from his family — no kids, no friends, no church family. NO ONE! I constantly questioned this, but was always told that since these loved ones lived in another state it was difficult to get them all together. So, I let it go.

Anyway, the wedding planning was taking place quite smoothly, yet there were times when I constantly had to nag him for his list of guests and their addresses. Needless to say that he NEVER came through with a complete list for me. Yet, he told me that all of his guests knew all the pertinent wedding information.

Now, on to the good part. Two days before the wedding, he tells me that his mom (who lives in another state) became very ill and was hospitalized in intensive care. Therefore, he told me that some family members would not be attending the wedding. The very next day, he claimed that there was NO change in his mother’s condition and that more of his family members would not be attending and he was thinking of going to see his mom also. So, I responded with, “I understand your feelings for your mom, but how do we handle all the other guests and family that have traveled for this big day?” Well, the next day comes around, (which is the wedding day), and I get two calls that morning. First, he called and said that his mom took a turn for the worse. Then the second call, (an hour later from the first), he called and said that his mom had die. So, I immediately jumped into action by going to him to console him for his loss and to try to arrange for him to leave at some point that day to meet other family members to handle arrangements for his mom. While all of this is going on, I called around to tell all the other guests the news and that we would be delaying the ceremony for an hour so that the groom could get himself together, and he would be leaving right after the ceremony.

While guests are arriving to the church they find the church locked and no one inside. Out from nowhere the groundskeeper appears and asked why the guests are there? They responded they were there for a wedding. The groundskeeper informs them no wedding was set to take place. After many phone calls back and forth between my guests, the groundskeeper, and my potential groom it was discovered that the groom NEVER asked his pastor to officiate our wedding, nor did he book the church for the wedding. By that time it seemed to me, and others, that he simply DID NOT want to get married, aside from the grief he was suffering from losing his mother, which looked suspect after finding out the truth about the “locked” church. So, it was confirmed two days later that the groom lied about his mother’s death because he wanted to cover up the fact of NOT completing his wedding task as he should have. He claims he failed to do his part of the planning and came up with all these lies because he was scared and afraid that I would leave him for being lazy and procrastinating. I was devastated and humiliated beyond belief that I could have been left at the altar like that. To this day, this man constantly calls and asks for forgiveness and another chance at love with me. But, why would I even want to give him an ounce of my time? Am I being too harsh to someone that I undoubtedly truly did love? Or, should I just admit that I deserve better and let him and his deceitfulness go elsewhere? – The Jilted Bride

Find out what the gay best friend, Terrence Dean, has to say about this at HelloBeautiful.com.

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Source: HelloBeautiful.com

From HelloBeautiful.com

Tweet took a hiatus from music but is back with new material to soothe the souls of her fans. It is Tweet’s voice that separates her from the crowd. The Southern Hummingbird covers Aretha Franklin’s “Day Dreaming” but adds her flare to the heart-felt track!

Look for her forthcoming album Simply Tweet due out later this year! She will be releasing new music every Tuesday, stay tuned!

Listen to the song over at HelloBeautiful.com. 

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Source: HelloBeautiful.com

Looks like Evelyn and Chad have no plans of relinquishing their reigning title as one of the tackiest couples in history of coupledom. In a not-so-surprising TMI moment the New England Patriot tweeted a picture of Evelyn’s birth control pills. There really are no words. Just disapproving grunts and slow head shakes because we’re not the least bit surprised. The only bright side of this situation is that these two won’t be reproducing anytime soon.

See how Evelyn responded to the tweet and accompanying image at HelloBeautiful.com 

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