Culture
Joe Budden Addresses Harassment Allegations From Olivia Dope
Following the termination of Rory and Mal from The Joe Budden Podcast (and the now-former co-hosts’ response just a few days after), Joe Budden has continued to be in the news, as a former podcast host from the Joe Budden Network has accused Budden of sexual harassment.
Oliva Dope, formerly of the See The Thing Is.. podcast, took to Instagram a recount of the incidents with Budden that pushed her to leave the See The Thing Is.. podcast. The DJ stated that Budden made lude comments and sexually suggested remarks that made her feel extremely uncomfortable. Specifically on Episode 16 of the podcast, Dope explains an encounter with Budden, who was a guest on the show, where they gave each other an “on-air” hug, and Budden began to move his hips while hugging her. Throughout the episode, Budden made comments that he and Dope should sleep together.
Since the episode, Dope decided to leave the show altogether and battled with bringing this to light.
“I am here today, still uncomfortable, but I find the bravery to speak out on a very embarrassing situation,” said Dope. “On Jan. 18, 2021, Joe Budden sat in on a recording of the female-led podcast I was a part of and continuously made sexual, suggestive remarks to me that made me extremely uncomfortable as well as fearful of dampening the mood if I didn’t laugh along while he made those sexual remarks to me. Those moments not only live on the internet forever, it also forced me into the decision of quitting the podcast.”
“Once I decided to quit, I informed my lawyer,” she concluded. “My lawyer got on the phone with his lawyer and informed that these are the reasons my client is leaving this network. I then informed my cast mates via text that I am not built for the Joe Budden network. No one responded in that moment and I was removed from the group chat. But I did speak to both of them a week after. Also, after my departure, Joe then went on his podcast and made this statement: ‘If I hire any women, I’m going to want to fuck them bitches.’””
View this post on Instagram
Budden has since issued an apology:
“As a podcaster, it is my job to address topics and create dialogue around them. During the conversation on the See, The Thing Is podcast I didn’t handle the topics with the sensitivity they deserved. I recognize my words and power in that situation created an upsetting environment for Olivia. Upon reflection, both the network and I take accountability for this.
I apologize sincerely to Olivia, her former co-hosts, our staff, and the public. In an effort to not further any trauma, the episode will be removed from all platforms. We support all women’s rights to feel comfortable and protected in the workplace. We fell short of that in this instance. We support Olivia in her quest to heal, applaud her for finding the strength to share her experience, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. I am taking the time to listen and learn; we have already begun to make the necessary changes to ensure this is a safe environment for all moving forward. We at the network endeavor to continue to elevate Black women’s voices and create opportunities to have constructive conversations to impact change.”
Culture
Ashanti & Nelly Engaged & Expecting First Child Together
It’s official! Ashanti and Nelly are expecting their first child together.
The songstress confirmed to ESSENCE, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
In addition to the news, the couple has announced their partnership as co-owners of Proov, alongside founder Amy Beckley, PhD. Proov is a pioneering diagnostics company that offers affordable at-home tests designed to aid couples in their conception journey, providing valuable insights and support without breaking the bank. These medical-grade tests illuminate potential obstacles to conception, empowering individuals on their path to parenthood.
Congratulations to Ashanti who is expecting her first child with Nelly.
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) April 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/PHYwVvUB8c
This new addition will mark Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The “Hot in Herre” rapper is also a father to his adult children, Chanelle, 29, and Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship. Nelly also adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her passing from leukemia in 2005.
Ashanti shared her pregnancy announcement on Instagram through a heartwarming video that included a moment with her mother, Tina Douglas. In the clip, Ashanti is seen preparing for a show, and her mother, acting as her timekeeper, asks how much time she needs to get ready. After being asked twice, Ashanti emerges from behind the curtains and responds, “I’ma need about nine months,” leaving Tina pleasantly surprised by the joyous news.
Culture
NBA YoungBoy Arrested in Utah: Facing Charges Ranging from Drug Offenses to Identity Fraud
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has found himself in legal trouble once again as he was apprehended on Tuesday, Apr. 16, in Utah. The charges against him span a range of offenses, from identity fraud and forgery to multiple drug-related charges.
According to records from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the charges, which originated from his hometown in Louisiana, include patterns of unlawful activity, attempts to obtain drugs, identity fraud, forgery, possession of controlled substances, and possession of a dangerous weapon. At the time of his arrest, NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, was under house arrest in Utah.
In October 2022, YoungBoy Never Broke Again was granted bond by Louisiana Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick after being arrested in March 2022. He had been placed in FBI custody due to an outstanding warrant related to drug and weapons charges from a September 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, where he was filming a music video.
Last month, NBA YoungBoy released his seventh studio project, titled “Compliments Of Gravedigger Mountain,” featuring 13 tracks. Notably, this marks his thirteenth project in the past two years alone.
Culture
Gunna Announces New Album ‘One of Wun’
Gunna has announced the release of his new album, “One of Wun.”
The cover art, created by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, was unveiled to accompany the announcement on socials. While no release date has been specified, the album is now available for pre-order, including physical copies.
The album will be distributed by Young Stoner Records/300 Entertainment.
- Albums3 weeks ago
G Fredo Releases ‘Karma 2’
- Audio4 weeks ago
Kendrick Lamar Disses Drake & J. Cole on ‘Like That’ from Future & Metro Boomin’s New Album, ‘We Don’t Trust You’
- News4 weeks ago
Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami Homes Raided By Feds in Sex Trafficking Case
- News3 weeks ago
Yung Miami Accused of Transporting ‘Pink Cocaine’ for Diddy
- Albums7 days ago
Drake Disses Kendrick Lamar, Future, Metro Boomin, Rick Ross & The Weeknd on Leaked Track
- Albums2 weeks ago
J. Cole Releases Surprise New Project ‘Might Delete Later’
- Albums4 weeks ago
Joyner Lucas Finally Releases New Album ‘Not Now I’m Busy’
- News3 weeks ago
Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist for New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’