News

*Singer/rapper(?) T-Pain and his bodyguard found themselves being detained for a while by Atlanta police when they tried to go through a security checkpoint with a gun at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday (08-31-18).

According to police, the gun was found in a backpack belonging to T-Pain, (real name: Faheem Rashad Najm). Investigators say the bag was being carried by his bodyguard, Carlos Aleili Flores.

T-Pain and Flores were taken to the airport police precinct while officers investigated.

In a statement, police said the entertainer confirmed owning the firearm, provided a valid permit to carry and the weapon was returned to him. The statement said no charges were filed against either man.

However, according to police, an investigation continues to determine if Flores will face charges for possession of a weapon at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.

Watch T-Pain’s video ab ovee for his explanation as to what happened.

READ THIS: ARETHA’S FUNERAL: MINUTE BY MINUTE, PERFORMANCE BY PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN & MORE

In other entertainment news, she may have been killed off on Starz’s “Power,” but Donshea Hopkins‘ career is alive and well. In fact, reports Page Six, she has already bagged and filmed her next as Bobbi Kristina Brown in BET’s upcoming “The Bobby Brown Story.”

“It’s kind of a tear-jerker,” she said of the tragic tale while at Black Girls Rock!

“I feel like everyone looked at her as just the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown instead of an actual person.”

Miss Donesha also added: “Playing her was such a great experience — it was an honor to be her and to learn more about her as a person.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/t-pain-detained-at-airport-ex-power-star-playing-bobbi-kristina-was-an-honor/

*If you’re a fan of Childish Gambino (Donald Glover), you’ll be thrilled to know that he has released a video for his hit single, “Feels Like Summer.” The animated production features (cartoon) appearances from Nicki Minaj, Drake, Kanye West, Michelle Obama and more.

As Complex notes, the video shows Gambino walking through a neighborhood surrounded by various entertainers, including Drake chasing Future on a bicycle, Migos playing basketball, Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj playing together (and Nicki becoming visibly upset), J. Cole watering the lawn (and other rappers), 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’ smoking in a car, Kanye West wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and being embraced by Michelle Obama, Gucci Mane relaxing, and more.

Chance the Rapper, Jaden Smith, Birdman, Lil Uzi Vert, Snoop Dogg, Lil Yachty, Lil Pump, and more are also seen within the video at different points.

READ THIS: CELEBRITY BACKED VOTER REGISTRATION WITH LISARAYE, TERRY CREWS, ADRIANE HOPPER WILLIAMS AND ANTHONY HEMINGWAY

TMZ thinks the highlight of the video is Kanye West, wearing his MAGA hat as he breaks down and cries a river of tears. It’s unclear if Childish Gambino is suggesting Ye has remorse over his support for Trump, but that’s the way it seems. And then there’s Michelle’s hug-from-behind. What does that mean?!

Kanye went on the WGCI Morning Show this past week to explain his TMZ Live comment, that “slavery sounds like a choice.” He kinda, sorta clarified that he meant it would have been a choice for him. However, not surprisingly, a lot of people on social media weren’t buying it.

In any event, the animated video was directed by Glover, Ivan Dixon and Greg Sharp. Visual artist Justin Richburg worked on the design for the characters, and had his art featured in the “Teddy Perkins” episode of Atlanta Robbin’ Season.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/watch-childish-gambinos-video-for-feels-like-summer-with-celeb-cameos-up-the-kazoo/

*(Via NewsOne) – Aretha Franklin’s memorial service on Friday was an incredible way to honor a woman who deserves even more. Also, the service is maybe the largest and most-viewed religious gathering in the Black tradition we may ever see televised in America.

Over the course of the eight-hour service, we got the good, bad and extremely ugly of the Black church. The latter came thanks to a 30-minute eulogy by Reverend Jasper Williams, senior pastor of Atlanta’s Salem Bible Church.

The eulogy was less a tribute to Aretha Franklin and more a promotion of the misogyny and respectability politics that have historically plagued so many black churches across the country.

In short, Williams’ speech was disgraceful.

RELATED NEWS/MUST SEE VIDEO: FUNNY MAN SHULER KING ON MCCAIN’S ’45 MIN’ FUNERAL & ARETHA’S EPIC HOME GOING – WATCH

It was all a disaster. Williams sounded less like a man tasked with leading 10,000 the 10,000 black people who go to his churches every Sunday, and more like a Trump speechwriter. The resulting outrage was swift and deserved, with many watching on Twitter sharing their outrage. Even Stevie Wonder himself took the stage to make sure we all knew that black lives do, in fact, matter.

Williams’ lecture was, unfortunately, to cap off a ceremony that had been filled with beauty and respect. Beyond that, his sermon – combined with Bishop Ellis’ groping of Ariana Grande hours early – was a reminder to so many people why they left the church in the first place. Because, sadly, Williams’ ideology isn’t an anomaly.

Read  David Dennis’ FULL essay/article at NewsOne.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/writer-calls-out-rev-jasper-williams-aretha-franklin-eulogy-as-disgraceful/

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/i-have-to-do-better-evelyn-lozada-apologizes-to-basketball-wives-cast-member-for-racist-comment-watch/

*Evelyn Lozada filmed a two-part apology to her “Basketball Wives” costar CeCe Rodriguez after making a racist reference to her on this week’s episode.

Taking to her Instagram page on Tuesday afternoon, Lozada addressed the incident, which took place during an argument at dinner while the ladies were in Amsterdam.

After CeCe called Evelyn “EVIL-lyn”, Lozada responded with “I have a problem with you. I have a problem with you, Lee-Lee.”

CeCe was confused by the term, until cast member Malaysia Pargo explained that it was a reference to a nail shop technician, which CeCe immediately labeled as racist.

Watch below:

Many viewers also took offense to Evelyn’s comment and a petition has since been crafted pushing for Evelyn’s removal from the show.

Evelyn took to her Instagram on Tuesday, two days after the episode aired, to issue her apology in a 2-part video, as well as a pre-written statement.

“In the heat of a verbal battle, things are sometimes said that are hurtful, untrue and totally out of character. It’s not cool- but regrettably it happens,” she wrote. “I understand why many are upset by derogatory, stereotypical reference of another woman of color-and for that I’m so sorry. To intentionally add to a pot of racial divisiveness is not reflective of my heart. I extended a heartfelt apology to my castmate CeCe Gutierrez a few weeks ago back in which she graciously accepted. Moving forward… I have to do better!”

The statement was followed by two separate clips about the incident. “Hi guys, I wanted to make this video following my statement because I know how impersonal statements can be sometimes,” she said in part one. “I wanted to publicly apologize to CeCe, her son, her family, my friends and family, the viewers of this show, anyone that was offended by my comment during a heat of the moment argument. Regardless of what was being said behind the scenes and how I felt, what I said was wrong and I should have never said that. That’s not even who I am and how I was raised.”

“I don’t want to add, you know, the world is already divided and I don’t want to be a part of that,” she continued in the second part. “That’s not even who I am, so… I’m work in progress and I apologize to anyone who was offended again. I apologized to her for a few weeks ago, we talked about it, she apologized for things she said and we both moved on. But, I felt I had to apologize to anyone else that watched the show that was offended. That will never happen again.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/aretha-franklins-funeral-where-to-watch-live-finalized-program-chaka-khan-to-sing-going-up-yonder/

*The funeral program for Aretha Franklin has been revealed, showing the addition of Ariana Grande to the lineup of singers set to pay tribute during the star-studded service on Friday (Aug. 31), at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple.

Here are all the ways you can watch the service live:

Bounce TV will televise the service, and its Brown Sugar channel will carry the livestream. Bounce and Brown Sugar will partner with Bounce’s local Detroit affiliate, WXYZ-TV, to air and stream WXYZ’s hometown coverage and commentary nationwide.

The Word Network, the largest African American religious network, will air the service in its entirety starting at 10 a.m. via television and live-stream on their website. (Detroit-based audiences can watch on Channel 2, Channel 4 and Channel 7.)

Detroit’s local news channels WDIV-TV, WJBK-TV and WXYZ-TV will carry the funeral live, and will stream on their respective websites. CNN , MSNBC and (yes) Fox News will air portions of the event nationally.

The Detroit News will provide live coverage for the service via its social media.

The Associated Press will carry the entire service on its livestream YouTube channel.

Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, Ron Isley and Marvin Sappare also among the performers listed on the program, which was revealed online Wednesday.

Below, Chaka tells TMZ that she will sing the Tremaine Hawkins gospel classic “Going Up Yonder” at the service.

Watch below:

Below, view the full list of speakers and performers for Aretha Franklin’s funeral on Friday:

9:30-9:50 a.m.: Musical Prelude: Aretha Franklin Orchestra
9:50-10:00 a.m.: Lighting of Candles: Swanson Funeral Home, Inc.
10:00-10:20 a.m.: Processional: Clergy, Ministers and Family
10:20-10:25 a.m.: Prayer of Comfort: Dr. E.L. Branch, Pastor, Third New Hope Church
10:25-10:40 a.m.: Scripture of Comfort:
10:25 a.m.: Old Testament: Bishop T.D. Jakes, Potter’s House, Dallas, TX
10:30 a.m.: New Testament: Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Triumph Church
10:35 a.m.: The Psalm: Bishop P.A. Brooks, Pastor, New St. Paul Tabernacle Church
10:40-10:45 a.m.: Musical Tribute: Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir
10:45-10:49 a.m.: Musical Tribute: Faith Hill
10:49-11:03 a.m.: Remarks:
10:49 a.m.: Brenda Jones, City Council President
10:51 a.m.: JoAnn Watson, Detroit City Council
10:53 a.m.: Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
10:57 a.m.: Governor Rick Snyder, State of Michigan
11:03-11:08 a.m.: Musical Tribute: Ariana Grande
1108-11:13 a.m.: Musical Tribute: The Clark Sisters
11:13-11:18 a.m: Acknowledgements and Condolences: Barbara Sampson
11:18-11:23 a.m.: Musical Tribute: The Williams Brothers & Vanessa Bell Armstrong
11:23-11:40 a.m.: Family Reflections: Vaughn, Cristal, Victorie & Jordan Franklin
11:40-11:45 a.m.: Family Musical Tribute: Edward Franklin
11:45-11:50 a.m.: Obituary: Sabrina Owens
11:50-11:55 a.m.: Musical Tribute: Alice McAllister Tillman
11:55-12:00 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Audrey DuBois Harris
12:00-12:15 p.m.: Personal Remarks:
12:00 p.m.: Eric Holder, Former U.S. Attorney General
12:05 p.m.: Senator Gary Peters, State of Michigan
12:10 p.m.: Former President, William (Bill) Jefferson Clinton
12:15-12:19 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Pastor Shirley Caesar and Tasha Cobbs-Leonard
12:19-12:36 p.m.: Personal Reflections :
12:19 p.m.: Greg Mathis, Retired Judge, 36th District Court, Detroit, MI
12:23 p.m.: Brenda Lawrence, State Representative, 14th Congressional District
12:27 p.m.: Rev. Donald L. Parsons, Logos Assembly Church, Chicago, IL
12:31 p.m.: Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder, National Action Network
12:36-12:41 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Chaka Khan
12:41-12:51 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Ron Isley
12:51 p.m.: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder/President Rainbow P.U.S.H. Coalition
1:00 p.m.: Dr. William J. Barber, II, Pastor, Greenleaf Christian Church, Goldsborough N.C
1:05 p.m.: Rev. James Holley, Retired Pastor, New Light Missionary Baptist Church
1:10-1:15 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Fantasia Barrino-Taylor
1:15-1:30 p.m: Personal Reflections :
1:15 p.m.: Tyler Perry
1:17 p.m.: Cicely Tyson, Actress
1:20 p.m.: Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music
1:25 p.m.: Smokey Robinson, Recording Artist
1:30-1:34 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Bishop Paul Morton and Yolanda Adams
1:34-1:53 p.m.: Personal Reflections :
1:34 p.m.: Mildred Gaddis, Radio Personality
1:38 p.m.: Isaiah Thomas, Former NBA Player, Detroit Pistons
1:42 p.m.: Ron Moten, Personal Friend, Franchise Owner, McDonald’s Restaurants
1:48 p.m.: Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of Sociology, Georgetown University
1:53-2:00 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Bishop Marvin Sapp and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir
2:00-2:05 p.m.: Sermonic Selection: Jennifer Hudson
2:05-2:35 p.m.: Eulogy: Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr., Pastor, Salem Baptist Church, Atlanta GA
2:35-2:45 p.m.: Musical Tribute: Stevie Wonder joined by National Artists
2:45-3:00 p.m.: Recessional: Jennifer Holliday and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/kevin-carroll-says-facebook-watch-best-platform-for-sacred-lies/

*Kevin Carroll stars in the Facebook Watch series “Sacred Lies” as a forensic psychologist. Based on the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Handless Maiden” and Stephanie Oakes‘ novel “The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly,” the drama is about a handless teen who escapes from a cult and finds herself in juvenile detention, suspected of knowing who killed the cult leader.

In an exclusive interview, Carroll explained why Facebook Watch watchers get a more in depth experience seeing the series on Facebook.

Kevin, how did you get involved in this project?

To be honest, Marie, sometimes you find projects and sometimes projects find you. And I think for me the stars aligned at the right time. It came through at a time when I had a few different auditions. But this one seemed very interesting in terms of a black forensic psychologist and the passion Raelle Tucker (Blumhouse Televisionexecutive producer and showrunner) had for the project. It was so all consuming.

Do you relate at all to your character?

Oh for sure. The notion of giving strength to those that come after you to do better than you did. It is something that has always been a part of who I am; the notion of responsibility toward your fellow-person.

What’s the importance of having this series on Facebook Watch?

Who would be brave enough to produce a show like this where you have the main character being a disabled heroine that has no hands. Then thee’s the Blumhouse team with the idea of moving culture forward, using a different voice outside of the expected, outside of the norm, and what is comfortable. Facebook galvanizes the notion of community. They’re not policed the same as with some of the platforms like ABC, NBC, or CBS. And we can talk to the fans.

“Sacred Lies” can be seen Fridays at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on Facebook. Cast also includes Elena Kampouris, John Malkovich, Kiana Madeira, Ryan Robbins, and Toby Huss.

Facebook.com/TheFilmStripTM       Twitter: @thefilmstrip     Instagram.com/thefilmstriptm

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/mokelly-and-roland-martins-unfiltered-look-at-america-audio/

*September 4th marks the launch of the highly-anticipated daily digital show, “Roland Martin Unfiltered” which will feature news and cultural commentator Roland Martin at his best; breaking down the issues of the day. The former host of “News One Now” wanted to make sure that not only will he be unlimited in his reach in the digital age, but also unfiltered in his content.

I had the opportunity to take a deep dive into both the present state of America as well as its complex history with Martin; as we give context to the dysfunctional state of American politics and the coarse rhetoric which surrounds it.

You will not make it to end of our extended conversation without feeling something, learning something and most importantly being moved to do something; be an active participant in American democracy.

For more information on Roland Martin and “Unfiltered,” please visit RolandMartinUnfiltered.com

The Mo’Kelly Show airs Saturdays and Sundays on the #1 news/talk station in America KFIAM640 and iHeartRadio. For more: visit Mo’Kelly’s website at mrmokelly.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/t-i-thinks-his-sht-dont-think-says-arresting-officer-on-body-cam-watch-listen/

*Well now, isn’t this interesting. According to TMZ, the officer who busted rapper/actor T.I. back in May outside the guard shack of his gated community talked major trash about the rapper and his level of fame … and it was all captured on the officer’s body cam.

The footage was obtained from the Henry County officer who busted T.I. for public drunkenness and simple assault of the security guard. The video shows the officer talking to the guard, who had refused to let T.I. enter when he didn’t have his key.

The guard’s supervisor tells the cop, “That’s T.I., the rapper.” The cop repsonds, “He thinks his s**t don’t stink” and then laughs. The supervisor agreed with the officer.

TMZ broke the story, T.I. says the guard — who was eventually fired over the incident — had also cursed out Tiny when she called to say it was okay to let her husband enter their gated community.

T.I. was heated about the arrest and argued with cops after they took him into custody. He’s been charged with 3 misdemeanors … but most likely won’t face any jail time if convicted.

READ THIS/LEBRON JAMES: ‘TOOK ME A WHILE TO ADJUST TO WHITE PEOPLE’

T.I.’s attorney, Steve Sadow, was contacted about the about the body cam footage, however, he declined to comment.

Here’s more on the aftermath of T.I.’s arrest …

He has pleaded not guilty in the criminal case stemming from his run-in with a security guard outside his gated community in Georgia.

T.I., also known as “Tip,” filed the documents last week, according to The Blast. He reportedly requested that his case go to trial, believing he can win the case if a jury hears the full story.

He’s also sought to dismiss all three charges, and argues that there was no “true threat” that fits the bill to warrant prosecution.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/verna-myers-joins-netflix-as-vice-president-of-inclusion-strategy/

*Los Gatos, Ca based Netflix Inc. has announced  that Vernā Myers is joining the company as Vice President, Inclusion Strategy. In this newly-created role, Vernā will help devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide. For the past two decades, through The Vernā Myers Company, she has consulted with a wide range of major corporations and organizations on how to help eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other differences and to make more just, compassionate, and productive work environments.

“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” said Jessica Neal, Netflix Chief Talent Officer. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”

“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I got a chance to meet the people behind the screen. I was so impressed by their mission, their excellence, and decision to take their inclusion and diversity efforts to a higher level,” Vernā Myers said. “I am so excited and look forward to collaborating all across Netflix to establish bold innovative frameworks and practices that will attract, fully develop, and sustain high performing diverse teams.”

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Vernā is also the author of Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing and What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People. She has been an active speaker at TED and has also contributed to numerous publications including Refinery29, The Atlantic, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review.

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/slick-rick-and-the-black-eyed-peas-share-new-song-and-video/

*NEW YORK –– Slick Rick, hip-hop’s greatest storyteller, and The Black Eyed Peas – whose crossover over appeal has generated sales of more than 40 million units worldwide – share a new song and video, “Constant Part 1 & 2,” released globally today across all DSPs. Rick, who celebrates the 30^th anniversary of his landmark The Great Adventures of Slick Rick in November, appears in the video.

“Constant Part 1 & 2” is the fourth Black Eyed Peas (sans Fergie) single this year. Directed by will.i.am and Ernst Weber, the clip marks the first Slick Rick-Black Eyes Peas collaboration. In the past, the band sampled the emcee’s song “The Ruler’s Back” for (2005’s “Don’t Lie,” as well as “Children’s Story (2010’s “The Beginning) and “The Show” (2015’s “Yesterday”). “Constant” interpolates a line from Rick’s classic “La-di-da-di,” and a conscious message is delivered via warm, jazzy boom-bap and hip-house.

Earlier this year Kanye West and Nas exchanged verses about police brutality over Rick’s four-word sample from “Children’s Story,” (“Cops shot the kid…”), which has become the most sampled song in hip-hop history.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/patti-labelle-performs-you-are-my-friend-at-aretha-franklins-memorial-concert-watch/

*Aretha Franklin’s pre-funeral concert in Detroit took place last night and Patti LaBelle gave an incredibly moving performance.

LaBelle sang her hit song “You Are My Friend,” and belted what turned out to be one of the best tributes of the night. Other acts including The Four Tops and Johnny Gill also hit the stage at Chene Park Amphitheatre.

As we reported, 23 acts were originally slated to perform Thursday, including big names like the Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley and lots of others. Gladys’ rep later clarified she wouldn’t be performing, but would be in attendance.

READ THIS: MLK’S NIECE SAYS HE WOULD’VE LAUGHED AT CARDI B’S ‘HOUSEWIVES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT’ SPOOF

The Four Tops performed “Bernadette,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There.”

What’s noteworthy is that these stars committed to the show as they’re all took care of their own travel and lodging expenses, according to a document obtained by TMZ.

Aretha’s actual home going service is happening today, and features additional headliners including Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande, among others.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/bow-wow-breakdown-rapper-attacks-crew-camera-equipment-at-tv-shoot/

*Oh wow, we can only wonder what set Bow Wow off last night. According to TMZ, the rapper and unemployed actor went left while shooting a segment for “Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta.” He attacked his camera crew and damaged thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

Production sources say a shoot for “Growing Up Hip Hop” was going down Thursday night at the Westside Cultural Arts Center when he allegedly snapped. The report says Bow Wow shifted from calm cool and collected to a person no one recognized … and it’s unclear why.

Sources say in a fit of rage, Bow Wow started shattering gear … busting three cameras in the process. The rapper also attacked anyone who tried to step in and stop him.

Yes, cops were called to the scene, but no word yet if anyone was arrested.

The event at the Cultural Arts Center was a party for Da Brat — who recently got off of probation — we’re told she may have been involved in the melee too.

HipHopDX reports that acording to production sources, the apparent meltdown took place at Atlanta’s Westside Cultural Arts Center during an Off Probation Party for Da Brat (who arrived in inmate garb and handcuffed!).

READ THIS: ‘QUEER EYE’ STAR KARAMO BROWN REVEALS HE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN 2006

You might be interested to know that in a post uploaded to his Instagram stories on Friday (August 31), the 31-year-old addressed the incident.

“Stop fucking over reacting and stop with the sympathy texts to my [phone],” he wrote. “Yall are not the therapist so stop acting like one. I got this. Thanks.”

By the way, the rapper has a previous public breakdown in his recent past.

Just about a month ago, he threatened to quit his career to work at GameStop. Bow Wow then revealed he was “cash apping all my money away today” for those who want “free money.”

There’s got to be video of him going off. It’s only a matter of time before it’s releasde.

Story developing …

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/aretha-franklins-going-home-service-is-streaming-live-on-eurweb-watch-now/

*Earlier (on 08-31-18), EURweb is provided live coverage of Aretha Franklin‘s home going services at Greater Grace Temple in her hometown of Detroit.

Now, you can watch it again. In its entirety.

Speakers at her services included former President Bill Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the legendary Smokey Robinson.

Her services included performances by stars as Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande (see below). Franklin handpicked Hudson to play her in an upcoming biopic. Faith Hill performed a duet with Franklin for 2011’s “A Woman Falling Out of Love.” And Stevie Wonder, a dear friend of Franklin’s for decades, was among the final guests to visit her before she died of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/gladys-knight-clarifies-she-doesnt-have-cancer-aretha-franklin-had/

*It was incorrectly reported by several media outlets that Gladys Knight has the same kind of cancer that Aretha Franklin succumbed to, pancreatic cancer. However, the singer’s spokesperson set the record straight with a statement to the Detroit Free Press.

“She’s healthy. Someone must have misinterpreted,” said Javier Delgado, a publicist with JDS PR, which represents the onetime Motown star.

The issue regarding Knight’s health started trending online after the 74-year-old singer spoke to reporters about Franklin before entering Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple for Friday’s funeral.

Knight talked about the last time she had spoken to her “sister” Franklin while staying at the same hotel:

“So we got to talking and everything, and at that time we shared the fact that we had the same disease,” said Knight. She did not elaborate and that’s what started the speculation. This is another instance that shows how words matter.

RELATED: ARETHA FRANKLIN’S HOME GOING SERVICES ON EURWEB – WATCH AGAIN NOW

Later, Knight’s publicist, Jay Schwartz, put out a statement from Knight explaining the earlier comment.

“I’d like to clarify that Aretha and I discussed both of us having cancer, mine was stage 1 breast cancer and hers was pancreatic. Due to early detection, I am cancer free and grateful for that. It is unfortunate that on a day we should be celebrating Aretha’s life and massive contribution to our world, a reporter who did not relay accurate information has missed the message. I send my love to the entire Franklin family and my gratitude to them for sharing such an extraordinary person with us.”

USA Today notes that Knight was an unannounced addition to the funeral proceedings, and performed two songs near the end of the services: “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Snoop Dogg is releasing a “cannibus-free” cookbook this fall, ironically, on Chronicle Books. The book will be called “From Crook to Cook” and can be pre-ordered here.