celebrity report....2-16-09

What's next for Chris Brown and Rihanna? Will they ever reconcile? Chris Brown released a lame public apology this week. He says he's very sad about what happened, and he is seeking counseling with his pastor. He says with God's help, he hopes to emerge as a better person. Brown never mentioned Rihanna in his press statement. He is doing major damage control now. Brown hired the attorney who helped Mel Gibson during his anti-Semitic rage that was caught on tape. Will this help Brown? Only time will tell. Rihanna has not made a public appearance or statement, but her family is talking. Rihanna's dad says his daughter will speak soon and will be back performing. He says he hopes his daughter will stand up for women around the world regarding violence in relationships. Some close friends of Rihanna claim the Umbrella star still loves Chris, but doubt if she will ever reconcile with him. Even thought they only dated a year, sources say it was a volatile relationship.

What was Tameka thinking, and why did she lie to her husband? Tameka Raymond, the older wife of Singer Usher Raymond, has a lot of explaining to do. Two weeks ago, she almost died during a plastic surgery operation. Tameka went to Brazil to get a liposuction procedure and tummy tuck. She left her babies behind, and never mentioned to her husband that she was leaving the country to get plastic surgery. Friends of Tameka say she wanted to be perfect for her husband. She just had a baby two months ago, and she wanted to be slim and trim. Because she is older than Usher, Tameka always felt insecure about him being in videos with younger models. Once she arrived in Brazil, Tameka proceeded to lie to the doctors telling them she gave birth four months ago when it was actually two months ago. Doctors prefer that women wait at least six to eight months before undergoing plastic surgery. During the procedure, Tameka suffered a heart attack and had to be put in a medically induced coma. Usher is beside himself. He can't believe his wife would lie to him and risk her life because she is so vain. He could have been left a widower with two babies if she had died. What was she thinking? Usher's mom tried to do damage control, but she realizes this is a public relations nightmare that has brought great embarrassment to her son.

Michael Misick is resigning as prime minister of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Citing it is in the best interest of the party, Misick will step down on March 31st. Misick's reign as prime minister was marred by sex scandals, misappropriated funds, secret babies and a high profile marriage. Misick's fairytale wedding to Actress LisaRaye turned into a nightmare marriage that made headlines around the world. LisaRaye testified in court about his infidelities and babies he made with other women during their courtship and marriage. She also talked about the hundred of thousand of dollars he spent on her and their lavish lifestyle. She also talked about the sex scandal that finally destroyed their marriage.

Is it another Norwood publicity stunt, or is Ray J the daddy? Ray J is laughing off reports that he got one of the contestants on his reality show For The Love Of Ray J pregnant. One of the contestants, Danger, is claiming she slept with Ray J every night during the taping of the show. Danger, whose real name is Monica Leon, says the condom broke and her pill failed. Now she is three months pregnant with Ray J's child. Ray-J's mom, Sonya Norwood, guides his career and she is known to run with fake stories to keep her children's name in the spotlight (remember Brandy's fake marriage). So is Ray J gonna be a father, or is this just a ploy to make people tune into his show on VH1?

Years ago, he was one of the most celebrated athletes on the planet. He was good looking, funny and a natural in front of the cameras. Yep, years ago Jayson Williams was the man. But trouble began when he accidentally shot his limo driver to death. Was it really an accident? He went on trial for murder, but he was acquitted. During this time, Williams got married and had two children by a woman he barely knew. A lot of people were surprised by this quickie marriage. Many wondered if this was love. Well, now the truth is coming out and Tonya Williams wants out. Tonya is divorcing Williams citing cruel and inhumane treatment. She stated in court papers how her husband sexually assaulted and threatened to kill her. She says despite their two kids, they barely had sex, but he had cocaine and condoms stashed everywhere. She says during their marriage he faked illnesses (stomach cancer) and suicide. Tonya says it was unsafe to stay in the marriage, and she wants a divorce immediately.

Phoenix Suns Center Shaquille O'Neal had a nice present for President Obama. He recently gave The Commander In Chief a pair of his size 23 sneakers.

Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, is about to make magazine history again. Look for Mrs. Obama to grace an upcoming issue of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. Oprah usually graces the cover herself, but she says it was time for a change. The Mighty O feels our First Lady is the one to do it. So, for the first time in the history of O magazine, Oprah is going to step aside and let Michelle Obama grace the cover. Oprah and Gayle recently visited the White House for the historic photo shoot and interview.

Gary Coleman is in trouble again. The pint size former child star was recently arrested for drunken driving. In interviews, he has stated how unhappy he is with his life, and it is showing in his recent run-ins with the law.

Nicollette Sheridan is leaving Desperate Housewives. Sheridan played the popular "Edie" character, and sources say that character is going to die. Look for her exit in April, and look for some girl on girl love with two of the main characters.

Marlon Jackson of The Jackson Five has stirred up controversy with his latest venture. Jackson has teamed up with investors to build a slavery theme park in Africa. The proposed park will be built in Nigeria along the site of a famous slave port. Jackson is proposing building a Jackson Five museum along with casinos, shops, condos and a golf course. Needless to say locals are outraged at his plans. Jackson has been trying to rebuild his career for years. During his last job, he was stocking shelves at a supermarket.

Some of today's biggest comedians are joining forces to star in a new comedy film. Chris Rock, Kevin James, Adam Sandler and David Spade will be teaming up for a movie featuring four friends from high school going to their 30th year reunion.

Despite a D.U.I. controversy hanging over his head, Charles Barkley is moving on with his life. Late last year, the former basketball star was arrested for a second time involving drinking and driving. He was suspended from his job as an analyst on the TNT network and lost of couple of endorsement deals, but he is not letting his troubles stop his career. Barkley loves the game of golf, and he will be starring in a new reality show on the Golf Channel. Barkley says he needs to work on his swing.

Bishop T.D. Jakes has gathered his family together to save his son Jermaine. Jakes has been on a roll with his TV ministry, books, movies and upcoming talk show, but the recent arrest of his son has stopped the Bishop in his tracks. Earlier this year, Jakes' 29-year old son Jermaine was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. According to police reports, Jermaine was in a park known for picking up men and he exposed himself to two undercover cops. The shock waves were heard around the country with the news of the preacher's son. Jakes regularly speaks out against homosexuality, and now he finds his faith tested as he deals with this controversy regarding his son. The Jakes family has pledged to stand by their son during this time of crisis.

Two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise, could be joining forces. Word has it they are scheduled to do a spy thriller as two enemies bought together.

Stevie Wonder was recently award the Gershwin Prize For Popular Song. This award was created by the Library Of Congress, and Wonder was honored by President Obama and First Lady Michelle during a special White House ceremony.

The plastic surgery paid off. Vivica A. Fox is no stranger to plastic surgery, and her recent good looks can be attributed to Botox, a face lift, an eyelift and nose adjustment. Fox's new reality show, The Cougars, debuts on the TV Land network in mid April. The show is about older women looking for love with younger men.

Russell Simmons recently unveiled his new men's clothing line at Wal-Mart. The line, called American Classics, is priced to sell.

Congrats to Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. They are expecting their third child, and congrats to Rhonda Ross. She's the daughter of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. Rhonda is expecting as well. Speaking of The Boss, Tyler Perry wants her to star in his next movie. But, Ross won't return his calls or respond to the gifts he has sent her.

Former Sixer, now Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson debuted his new look over the weekend at the NBA All-Star Game. For years, Iverson sported cornrows and braided styles, but he said he wanted a new look. Now he is sporting a low top fade.

Isaac Hayes passed away last August, and his estate is in turmoil. His home in Memphis has fallen into foreclosure and is headed for the auction block.

MC Hammer is back. Hammer has just signed a deal for a new reality show on the A&E network. Hammertime will feature Hammer, Stephanie, his wife of 23 years, and their five kids. In the 90's, Hammer was a celebrated rapper with a huge fortune. In 1991 alone, he made $33 million. Five years later, he was broke.

Will Smith has signed on for the movie Monster Hunter. Smith will play a psychiatrist in the family comedy.

Halle Berry has signed on for the true story of international jewel thief Doris Payne in the movie Who Is Doris Payne.

Lil' Kim is coming to Dancing With The Stars. The new season kicks off March 9th. David Allen Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are also part of the cast.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy's on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Starting March 1st, their latest project called RELISH will open its doors at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki's. RELISH will feature live jazz music Thursday through Sunday.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Queen Latifah will be performing on the Oscars this Sunday. She'll be doing the memorial segment remembering those industry legends who have died in the past year. Hugh Jackman is hosting this year's ceremony, and he is scheduled to do a musical performance with Beyonce and Zac Efron of High School Musical fame.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

At the movies this week, it's Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail. The movie also stars Derek Luke, Keisha Knight Pulliam and Oscar Nominee Viola Davis.

Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show's executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there'll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told you not to marry her! These words are coming back to haunt a Singer who was warned he was marrying a crazy woman. Her recent lies almost killed her.

This Manager/Mom is trying to pull a fast one on the public. She will do anything to keep her client/son in the spotlight, including paying off hoochies to make up stories and keep him in the press.

Is she or isn't she? This beautiful Actress is keeping her name in the press by staying close to another celebrated Actress. Are the two having an affair?!! Probably not…. but they have a lot of people interested in them and saying hmmmmmmmmmm!