(L) Actor, Giancarlo Esposito; (R) Giancarlo with Tisha Campbell in “School Daze”
Remember when actor, Giancarlo Esposito, starred as “Julian ‘Dean Big Brother Almighty’ Eaves”– the leader of Mission College’s Gamma Phi Gamma Fraternity in “School Daze”? Back then he was fairly new to making a name for himself in Hollywood, and on his way to legendary status. However, fast forward to decades later and Giancarlo says his life took a painful turn for the worse. So much so, that the brotha actually plotted having a hit put out on his own life.
In a recent interview with SiriusXM’s “Jim & Sam”, when Giancarlo was promoting his new AMC drama series, “Parrish,” he explained how he was severely broke shortly before landing his popular role on the hit series, “Breaking Bad.” It was during that low point in his life, in 2008, when Giancarlo was nearly bankrupt and desperately trying to figure out how to provide for his four children. After seeing no way out, he contemplated a murder plot on his own life:
Giancarlo Esposito- “My way out in my brain was: ‘Hey, do you get life insurance if someone commits suicide? Do they get the bread?’ My wife had no idea why I was asking this stuff. I started scheming. If I got somebody to knock me off, death by misadventure, [my kids] would get the insurance. I had four kids. I wanted them to have a life. It was a hard moment in time. I literally thought of self-annihilation so they could survive. That’s how low I was.”
Luckily, he landed “Breaking Bad” just in time:
G.E.- “That was the first inkling that there was a way out, but I wouldn’t be here to be available to my kids. Then I started to think that’s not viable because the pain I would cause them would be lifelong, and there’d be lifelong trauma that would just extend the generational trauma I’m trying to move away from. The light at the end of the tunnel was ‘Breaking Bad.’”
Much respect to Giancarlo for sharing his truths with the world. Thankfully, he was able to see that there was in fact light at the end of the tunnel before it was too late.
Check out Giancarlo’s full interview below…
(L) Brian McKnight; (R) Throwback photo of Brian with his then-wife, Julie McKnight and two of his four biological children, Niko McKnight and Brian McKnight Jr.
Brian McKnight has managed to become enemy #1 in the eyes of many of his used-to-be-fans who once loved him. Why? Because he is online throwing all sorts of hurtful shade at his own flesh and blood- his four biological children (including his cancer-stricken son), while simultaneously embracing his step-kids ‘as his own.’ In a recent Instagram video, McKnight addressed a comment about his “other” kids, and let’s just say his response was extra salty…in a nice-nasty sort of way.
It all started when an Instagram user commented on a post showcasing a home that McKnight built for his current wife, Leilani — who is reportedly of Filipino and Hawaiian descent– and their blended family. The user mentioned Brian’s “other kids,” referring to his four biological children– Niko, Brian Jr, Briana, and Clyde McKnight. The comment struck a nerve, and McKnight wasted no time in firing back.
Brian McKnight’s “Evil” Comments About His Kids
In response, Brian re-shared a comment from a person who apparently tried to defend Brian’s disowning his biological children, which read, “For all of those asking ‘what about his other children’ some families are pure evil.” And Brian also had a response of his own. Check it out below:
“In order to live a life you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity, even if that evil and negativity is related,” McKnight said in the video. “We want everyone to live a life that you love. Our hashtag that’s what it means, #ILoveOurLife, but in order to do that you have to get rid of all that evil and negativity. There’s so many angry and upset and negative people out there. We want to use our platform as a place of positivity. A positivity platform.”
(Brian McKnight with his current family- wife, Leilani and step-kids; (R) Throwback photo of Brian with his two biological sons, Brian Jr. and Niko
McKnight’s response left many social media users speculating about his relationship with his adult children. Many slammed him for seemingly referring to his own children as a source of “evil” and “negativity.” But Brian’s negativity toward his biological children didn’t stop there. In online comments, he replied to another person and labeled his biological kids as a “product of sin”:
“1. God wasn’t talking about children that are the product of sin which these are. 2. I didn’t raise them their mothers did. 3. Know the whole story before quoting the Bible. 4. Take your inaccurate negativity off of my page and try being happy.” – Brian McKnight
And there’s more…in a separate recent video response, McKnight reportedly denied having more than one daughter, acknowledging only his wife’s daughter, Julia, as his “one and only daughter.” This caused further speculation about his relationship with his other biological child, Briana McKnight. However, Brian made it clear that he only posts about the children he has relationships with and is proud of.
People Obliterated Brain McKnight’s “Evil” Comments About His Kids
(L) Throwback photo of Brian McKnight with three of his biological children– Niko, Briana, and Brian Jr.; (R) Brian with his current family– wife, Leilani and her children.
As y’all can imagine, people waisted zero time goin’ the all the way OFF on Brian McKnight for disowning his biological children and further bashing them in public…
“Wait til karma spin the block on yo a$$! Them same kids you might need one day to wipe your ass! BE CAREFUL WHO YOU SPEAK ON!” wrote one commenter.
One commenter wrote, “OMG! Brian you already told the world that you want nothing to do with your black children. Please stop reopening their wounds and let them heal from your treatment of abandonment. Just be ready for karma to spin the block when its time.”
Another comment read, “He literally has a son battling cancer right now and this is the content he decides to make.”
“You are cancelled sir. Sad excuse of a father!!!”, commented another.
“I WILL NEVER GO to a @brianmcknight23 CONCERT or LISTEN to ANY of his MUSIC from this DAY FORWARD! He just got RKelly’d!”, vowed a now-former fan of Brian’s.
“He’s intentionally trying to hurt them, it’s alarming and sad,” one commenter noted.
Another stated, “Wonderful example of toxic positivity. Well done.”
After Brian’s insensitive statements about his biological kids went viral, his ex-wife of 13 years, Julie McKnight (the mother of two of his biological children – Niko and Brian Jr.), clapped back at him with poise and grace in her video post, as well as in the comment section of The Shaderoom:
“The point of every negative situation, whether it’s an illness whether it’s a fool that you have to deal with because they keep entering your life when you are no longer giving anymore energy to it, is to only keep you down to where they thought they had you because they were the author of an extremely abusive situation emotionally, mentally. And they’re no good at not being the center of attention anymore. So when everybody pulls that away, it’s like a kid without candy who throws a tantrum…” – Julie McKnight
Meanwhile…Brian McKnight’s Son Is Fighting Through Cancer Journey
Meanwhile, Brian’s and Julie’s son, Niko McKnight, is currently fighting for his life as he battles cancer. He completed his 9th round of chemotherapy as of March 2024, and has been chronicling his cancer journey on his Instagram page.What we sincerely want Niko to know, is that even if his father is choosing not to be there for him during this difficult time, he has millions of people rooting for him online. We wish him a full recovery.
As far as Brian McKnight’s relationship with his biological children – Niko, Brian Jr., Briana, and Clyde McKnight- we can only hope the brotha eventually finds it within his heart to work diligently at mending that shattered fence.
(L) Former Bad Boy rapper-turned politician, Shyne a.k.a. Moses “Shyne” Barrow; (R) Sean “Diddy” Combs; (inset photo) victim of 1999 Diddy-involved club shooting, Natania Reuben
In a recent interview, former Bad Boy rapper-turned Belize politician, “Shyne” Barrow shared his side of the story regarding the infamous 1999 NYC club shooting, in which he claims to have taken the fall for someone else. The incident, which involved music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, has resurfaced due to a lawsuit filed by producer, Rodney Jones, against Diddy. Shyne, who served around 8 years in prison for the shooting, maintains his innocence while acknowledging the reopening of old wounds.
Speaking to the 7News Belize, in Belize, where he now serves as an elected member of the House of Representatives, Shyne opened up about the lasting impact of the incident. Despite his reluctance to directly implicate Diddy, he firmly stands by his claim that he was the “fall guy” in that ’99 shooting ordeal:
“He says that the gentleman confessed to the shooting. And that is what stands out to me the most, because, you know, I’ve done my best to put it behind me and to move forward. And so but it certainly reopens the wounds that I’ve been saying this all along. Everyone knew all along that I was the fall guy.”
Although Shyne has been vocal about his claims of innocence for years, he directed attention to Natania Reuben’s recent videos. Reuben, who was shot in the face 25 years ago during the nightclub incident, has consistently accused Diddy of being the triggerman. Her detailed accounts shed light on a perspective that has been largely disregarded in legal proceedings.
Reuben has been steadfast in her claims, sharing her version of events with anyone willing to listen. Despite Diddy never facing charges in connection with the shooting, Reuben has made it clear that she firmly believes he was responsible. In her latest video, Reuben stated, “Not only did he (Diddy) pew pew (shoot) me in the face, he also set off a course of harassment against me for the past 24 years.”
At some point after the shooting, Diddy reportedly paid Natania Reuben $1 million. The District Attorney charged Diddy with gun possession and bribery, but he was ultimately acquitted. Shyne, however, faced conviction and imprisonment.
Natania Reuben, who was paid $1.8M by Diddy after 1999 nightclub shooting, claims Puffy flattened her tires seven times.
“Not only did he pew pew me in the face, he also set off a course of harassment against me for the past 24 years.”pic.twitter.com/HWErKhELWn
The incident occurred during Diddy’s relationship with Jennifer Lopez, who was present that night but was never accused or charged with any crime. Despite encouraging people to watch Reuben’s videos, Shyne does not explicitly endorse her remarks. Nevertheless, he continues to maintain a cordial relationship with Diddy and appreciates his contributions to Belize over the years. The two even performed together in Europe last year.
This renewed examination of the shooting is part of an ongoing federal investigation into Diddy’s activities. While he denies all the allegations brought against him and has not been charged with any crime, the incident continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny.
Shyne’s claim of being the “fall guy” in the 1999 Diddy-involved shooting sheds light on the lingering controversies surrounding the incident. With Natania Reuben’s unwavering accusations against Diddy, the narrative takes on additional layers of complexity. Thoughts I Love Old School Music fam?’
(L) Kimora Lee Simmons; The fathers of her children: (R) Russell Simmons; (top inset photo) actor, Djimon Hounsou; (bottom inset photo), Tim Leissner
Model and Baby Phat co-founder, Kimora Lee Simmons, opened up about the challenges of raising her children as the single mother she says she’s had no choice but to be. With five children from past relationships –including two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Simmons, with Russell Simmons; son, Kenzo, with actor, Djimon Hounsou; son, Wolfe, with ex-husband, Tim Leisner, an investment banker/former Goldman Sachs exec; and one adopted Son, Gary — Kimora claims that none of her children’s fathers are actively involved in their lives.
Kimora Calls Out Her Exes
Kimora and with then-husband, Tim Leissner (top row), ex-husband, Russell Simmons (bottom right), some of their children, and loved ones
Kimora called out all of three of her children’d fathers in an interview with Bustle…
“I have beautiful children, but our necessity for [men] in our life is very minimal,” Kimora candidly shared. “It’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. It’s not giving what it was supposed to have gave!”
At the age of 23, Kimora married Russell, but their marriage ended while their children were still young. She then had a five-year relationship with Djimon, in her 30s; and later married Tim, from 2014 until last year — after finding out through court documents that Tim was already married to another woman. Anywho, she emphasized that she does not co-parent with any of her children’s fathers and hasn’t spoken to Russell in years.
Kimora with her children.
Reflecting on her past relationships, Kimora voiced her disappointment and referred to her exes as “con artists”:
“I’m so bruised by it all. I feel like I’ve run into con artists every step of the way.”
Kimora and Russell
Kimora says even though it may seem like she is the “common denominator” she is rebuking that assumption to the fullest. Instead, she believes it has more to do with her personality and her stance in society. She described a pattern with powerful men who seem impressive on the surface, but hide their insecurities:
“It looks like, ‘Well, it’s all you, all fingers point to you, lady. You’re the one.’ I guess it is me, but I think it has more to do with my personality or my stance in society. Something about powerful men and how they really appear to be powerful and big and this and that. But they’re nursing an ego inside of there. Not just these men, any men. Men, powerful men, famous men, rich men, business rich men, whatever you want to call it. There’s a thing there and I don’t know what it is, but I don’t really have a great relationship with any of them and they’ve left me to it to just kind of do things on my own. I do everything on my own. Like I say, I’m a single mom.”
In 2019…DJimon Hounsou Called Out Kimora Over Their Son
Kimora Lee Simmons and Dijimon Hounsou with their then young son, Kenzo
Although Kimora says none of her kids’ fathers are in their lives, it seems that as of 2019 Djimon was fighting like hell to be there for their son. Djimon was interviewed outside of what appeared to be a courthouse, where he was clearly pissed off with Kimora regarding their then-10-year-old son, Kenzo. At that time, Djimon claimed that Kimora was keeping him away from Kenzo. Soon afterward he filed for joint custody of their son.
And get this…in the midst of the Djimon-Kimora drama, Russell and Kimora were still great friends. Russell even attempted to facilitate a resolution between Kimora and Djimon regarding Kenzo. Not sure what resulted from Djimon’s custody battle, but just thought it was interesting how things have seemingly drastically changed…based on Kimora’s latest reveals about her exes.
All in all, it would be a beautiful thing if Kimora and her exes – Russell, Djimon, and Tim – are eventually able to reach a peaceful resolution for the sake of their children.
Lil Kim
In a recent viral video, Lil’ Kim has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about her love life. The 49-year-old rap legend appeared on Instagram Live alongside a reportedly 24-year-old rapper, leading many to question the nature of their relationship.
The clip, shared on Instagram by user @livebitez, shows Lil’ Kim sportin’ black sunglasses and an Adidas ensemble. To the surprise of viewers…rapper, Tayy Brown (who’s said to be 24), can be seen putting his arm around her –and not in a mentor/mentee type of way, if you catch my drift– igniting rumors of a possible romance between the two.
Lil’ Kim and Tayy Brown
During the Live session, Lil’ Kim shared details about attending an Adidas party and showcased her outfit to the camera. She playfully turned to Tayy, asking if he could see her attire, while simultaneously referring to him as “babe”:
“This is Adidas. Let me show you,” Lil Kim said to Tayy while turning her back to the camera to show the audience. “…Can you see it, babe? Wait, make sure you can see it ’cause I can’t.”
As y’all could imagine, the video has since sparked a variety of reactions on social media, with many calling Lil’ Kim out over their age gap, as well as their perceived flirtation and/or alleged relationship. However, a few folks expressed a more light-hearted perspective, joking about the generation gap and highlighting the changing dynamics of relationships in modern times:
One commenter wrote, “Can’t nobody born in 2000 anything have a discussion with me outside of “Welcome to Popeye’s.”
“What is going on with all these grown ass women dating these little boys that could be their sons I don’t understand it. I have a son that is 24 years old. I will be pissed to see him with a 50-year-old,” wrote another.
“As a woman of a particular age (same as hers), I COULD NEVER!!!,” declared another.
Referring to Lil Kim’s 1996 hit, “Crush On You”, one commenter wrote, “He wasn’t even born when you came over with the bag of of the lethal 😩😩😩😩.”
Comparing the 44-year age gap of 24-year-old Aoki Simmon’s (Russell Simmons and Kinora Lee Simmon’s daughter) recent relationship with 65-year-old restauranteur, Vittorio Assaf, another commenter wrote, “Her and Aoki Lee Simmons need to switch men 😂”
Online comments discussing 49-year-old Lil’ Kim’s video post with Tayy Brown (24).
And there’s more…
“Dating someone would could mathematically be your gran son is wild,” read one comment.
“How does somebody that young even catch her interest like I don’t be understanding these females mindsets but let me mind my business 😂,” wrote another.
“A lot of the older women are going younger. Folks loved when Stella got her groove back so let Kim give him that hardcore he*d,” concluded a commenter who defended Lil Kim.
Lil Kim’s Seemingly Affectionate Happy Birthday Tribute To Her Rumored Young Bae
In February 2024 Lil’ Kim also celebrated Tayy Brown’s reportedly 24th birthday with what seemed to be a lovey-dovey type of post. Her caption read as follows:
“I know this post is a little late but I was blessed enough to spend ur whole birthday with U and we’re still celebrating 🍾🥂💃🕺
Our bond is so perfectly matched in the most organic way. I kno it was God that brought us 2gether.”
She continued:
“If ppl only knew how big of a role u play in my life and in my career. If they only knew ur a big part of the reason the beehive is getting new music right now. U are my motivation and that voice that is always cheering me on. Ur so intelligent and such a boss. If they only knew the things we figure out 2gether, how we can talk with our eyes and be on the same page. How we are each others rock, the late night talks, the gut wrenching laughs we share, the arguments, the debates. U get on my nerves sometimes 🙄 😩 but it also brings me great pleasure to annoy u cause I’m annoying 👋 Hi
Even after I annoy u, u always give me the biggest smile. Which if anyone knows u, they know that u barely do and that’s why it makes me so happy to annoy u 😹 😻 It’s so weird how we became so close because it happened out of nowhere but I’m really proud of what we’re building and most of all the unconditional love we have for each other. Ur a sweet gangsta and I love it! I always want the best for u and I wanna see u go all the way to the top where u belong. U deserve it. My twinn, my bestfrennn. So proud to call u my artist. I Love u 4 Ever @realtayybrown 🫶❤️❤️❤️ HBD”
If you’re still not clear on whether or not Lil’ Kim just made things ‘official’ with 24-year-old Tayy Brown…neither are we. But sometimes if a situation looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then….🤷🏾♂️.
“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”: (L) Michael J. Pagan and Angela Bassett; (R) Taye Diggs and Angela Bassett
Remember the kid who played Angela Bassett’s 12 year old son in How Stella Got Her Groove Back? He also starred alongside Denzel Washington in Fallen, as well as in other films such as See No Evil; The Gospel; Up, Up, and Away, and Gridiron Gang. He was a cute kid back in the day, but after seeing recent photos of him as a grown man now, we’re sure a lot of the ladies in our ILOSM fam’ will appreciate what you’re about to see.
Actor, Michael J. Pagan, is now 39 years old, so he’s legal ladies. However, it seems like just yesterday he was a kid who hadn’t even gone through puberty yet. Anyways, check out the ‘Stella’ co-star now below and what he’s doing for a living these days…
“How Stella Got Her Groove Back” actor, Michael J. Pagan
Like we said, he’s a grown man these days…and he’s still acting and building his resume.’ According to his bio, he now wears several hats, other than just acting.
Michael J. Pagan
‘He has evolved from child prodigy into impresario and is currently writing and producing films. Pagan adds the horror flicks House of Fears as Associate Producer and Chain Letter, which he wrote and produced. He also stars in both films. Pagan has worked with some of the biggest heavy hitters in the industry and he continues to surround himself with individuals of affluence. There are some things about Pagan you might not know.’
One movie he co-wrote was the 2010 horror film, Chain Letter. That was a hit at the box office that Michael also starred in and released under the entertainment company that he acquired from his dad in 2007 called Tigertail Entertainment.
His Views On “Maturing”
Michael J. Pagan
In an online post, Michael embraced the beauty of aging:
“I love maturing and getting older. My mind has grown. My purpose has been defined. Walking with way more purpose and clarity! Beyond grateful!! #focusonyourself #stepyagameup #growyourmind” – Michael J. Pagan
Female Fans Leave Thirsty Comments For Michael J. Pagan…
Of course, Michael’s female fans are leaving thirst filled messages for the brotha all over social media and some of them are hilarious. Check out a few comments below.
_brini****: you need a wife? asking for a friend
altdesig****: The fact that I’ve been in love with you for 20 years, and now I find you…and you’re thriving and still look good as hell… 😭😭😭😭
geez****: First of all why we ain’t know he was this fine fine now?
_myblackisbea*******: Damnnnn Quincy, you grew up 😂😍😍
It’s always difficult to imagine these kid actors as grown folks, if we haven’t seen them since they were still getting dropped off to school by their Mommas. Michael J. Pagan is yet another example of how time travels at damn near lightening speed. On a side note, if you were old enough to go see How Stella Got Her Groove Back by yourself (without a guardian) back in the day, you are officially Old School now. Welcome to the family.
O.J. Simpson with his then wife, the late Nicole Brown Simpson, and their daughter, Sydney Brooke Simpson
The late O.J. Simpson and his late ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, have two children together — daughter, Sydney, and son, Justin. With all the talk that has surrounded O.J. throughout the years (ever since his 1995 murder trial), his entire family has kinda been flying under the radar.
Their daughter, Sydney Simpson, has been living a normal, low-key lifestyle ever since their Mother’s 1994 murder. But in more recent years, the reclusive Sydney was spotted in St. Petersburg, FL., walking alone in public and completely undetected by the folks passing her by on the street.
All of that obscurity is probably a welcome treat for the entire O.J. fam,’ given the cloud of controversy that consistently follows the troubled NFL’er, even after his passing on April 10, 2024. Sydney was just 8 years old when her Mom died, but she is now 38. Get your scroll on to see more recent photos of her, and to also peep what her ex-boyfriend revealed about who Sydney reportedly believes really killed her Mom.
Sydney Simpson Now
Check out O.J.’s and Nicole Brown Simpson’s daughter, Sydney. Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?
Sydney Brooke Simpson
Sydney and her 35-year-old baby bro’, Justin Simpson, have both graduated from college. Sydney was an event planner at one point, and last we’d heard, she’s now owns her own business, Simpsy LLC, which according to EOnline, she ‘manages the three properties she owns’ in St. Petersburg, FL – the city in which she resides. Justin is a chef.
Sydney’s Ex Discloses About Who She Allegedly Believes Killed Her Mom
A few years ago – while O.J. was still behind bars for theft of his memorabilia in Las Vegas- Sydney’s ex-boyfriend, Stuart, did an interview with Radar Online, and revealed details about what he says Sydney told him about her opinions on her Mother’s death:
“Sydney is a real good girl and she has a good head on her shoulders,”Stuart Alexander Lee, who dated Sydney from roughly 2007 to 2012 tells Radar exclusively. “She’s not lazy. She works very hard.”
“She doesn’t understand that her story could help someone else,” Lee says. “When I was with her, I got friends in [the industry] I tried to set her up with and she said fame is a scary thing. It’s so real to tell your side of the story.”
(L – R): O.J. Simpson (inset photo); Sydney Brooke Simpson; Sydney’s then boyfriend, Stuart Alexander Lee; Sydney
“Everybody contacts her to speak out,” he claims. “She could be an inspiration to so many people, but she’s scared. She doesn’t understand. Hopefully one day she will.” But in private, he says, “She talked about the murders, of course. Of course she talked about it. The way she feels, she doesn’t feel like he did it.”
“They [Sydney and her brother, Justin] speculate that it was a drug deal gone bad,” Lee says. “May she rest in peace, but [Nicole’s] throat was cut like a Colombian necktie. Sydney doesn’t believe O.J. did it, but she doesn’t know what to believe. The media changes, and how the police changed the whole situation… Either way, her mother died.”
“I had plenty of conversations with them [telling them] to confront the media,” he reveals. “They’re letting their dad sit in prison for nothing!”
“And he’s a good father from behind bars,” Lee insists. “They all still love him very much. They go out and visit him, and he calls them all the time and they talk together all the time. He’s a father. He’s a good guy. I don’t think he did it.”
Lee and Sydney broke up because of the increasing demands of his music career, but he says, “There’s no hard feelings on either side. I want to see her happy, and if this can motivate her to speak out, I hope it really does. My whole thing is, I was always tired of her and her brothers and sisters crying over spilled milk. You can’t let the world beat you up, especially when you didn’t ask to be here.”
“I know that if she decided to speak out she could be in a better position,” he says. “She’s a good-looking girl, the whole nine. She’s hella strong.”
Overall it’s beautiful to see that Sydney and her brother, Justin, have been able lead productive and progressive lives, in spite of all of the pain they’ve endured. Wishing them continued success as they continue to process the recent passing of their father, O.J. Simpson…and continue to mourn the loss of their mother, Nicole Brown-Simpson.
Jackie Jackson; Paula Abdul
This alleged Jackie Jackson and Paula Abdul situation is a wild story and according to Jermaine Jackson’s former common-law wife of 7 years, it’s also a very true story.
Now, we have nothing but love for Jackie and Paula Abdul, but word on the Old School curb is that our girl, Paula “Straight Up Now Tell Me” Abdul had an alleged rendezvous with Jackie Jackson back in the day and the you-know-what hit the fan big time one evening in Los Angeles. Jermaine’s ex, Margaret Maldonado, revealed exactly what went down in her tell-all book, “Jackson Family Values.” Scroll down for details…
Jackie Jackson with his then wife, Enid Jackson, who sadly passed away years ago
According to Maldonado, Jackie’s wife, Enid caught him having an affair with Paula Abdul (at the time, a Laker Girl and would-be choreographer for Janet). Maldonado claims Jackie did little to keep it a secret during its long run. Well, in 1984, it came to a head when Jackie took Paula to a Drive-In theater in the LA area. Marlon’s wife, Carol, found out about it and told Enid and that’s when the heat got turned up.
She goes on to say, Enid drove to the theater and located Jackie and Paula and yanked ‘Ms. Straight Up’ out of the Range Rover by her hair and dragged her across the theater lot. Then Jackie tried to pull his wife away. He was still trying to help Paula when Enid got into her car and put it in reverse and ran into Jackie’s leg and broke it.
The broken leg kept Jackie from performing on the first half of the massive “Victory Tour.” Three years later, he and Enid divorced. Shortly afterwards, Enid had Jackie arrested for violating the terms of the divorce, by showing up to their former house together to use his home studio. If all of this is accurate, I guess it’s safe to assume that Enid did NOT play. All we kept hearing back in the day was Jackie broke his leg and would have to miss the tour because of a “car accident.” Glad to see that eventually all was forgiven among them and our beloved Enid Jackson was a beautiful soul, may she rest well.
Margaret Maldonado (Jermaine Jackson’s ex) pictured on the cover of her memoir, “Jackson Family Values”
The teller of this incident, Margaret (pictured above), is no longer with Jackie’s brother, Jermaine, but she and Jermaine have two children together and based on her book, she seems to have several stories to share about her former ‘in-laws.’ Nowadays she has a successful business representing photographers and stylists in Hollywood.
From the looks of it, everything’s all good now between Paula and the Jackson fam.’ A peaceful, happy ending is always a beautiful thing.
O.J. Simpson, one of the most infamous high-profile former NFL players of all time, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. The former NFL great, who was famously acquitted of the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in the ’90s, lost his life on Wednesday, March 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, and his family announced the news on Thursday.
According to his family, O.J. Simpson was surrounded by his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren, when he took his last breath. His health had been deteriorating in recent years due to prostate cancer, and he had been under hospice care for the past few months.
On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.
The news of O.J.’s chemotherapy treatment first surfaced in February of this year, though details were initially unclear. However, in a video posted on X in 2023, O.J. himself mentioned battling cancer, but instead suggested that he had overcome it. The disease resurfaced in 2024, leading to his untimely death. In the lead-up to his passing, O.J. appeared frail and was often seen using a cane.
As you all know, O.J.’s life was filled with both triumphs and controversies. Before the murder trial that captivated the nation, O.J. was a beloved all-American hero, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming a Buffalo Bills legend. He also found success in Hollywood, starring in numerous movies and TV shows, and even served as the face of Hertz for many years.
However, everything changed in 1994 when O.J. Simpson was accused of the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The subsequent trial, dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” gripped the nation, with O.J.’s defense team famously arguing the glove didn’t fit.
Despite being acquitted of the murder charges, O.J.’s reputation was forever tarnished. He was later found liable for the deaths in a civil suit brought by the Goldmans and the Browns, resulting in substantial financial damages.
Following his acquittal, O.J. faced legal troubles in Las Vegas, including a conviction for his involvement in a hotel room incident to recover sports memorabilia he believed had been stolen from him. He served a lengthy prison sentence before being released on parole in 2017.
While O.J.’s life was a tumultuous rollercoaster, he still had fans and family members who stood by him, even in the face of controversy. His passing marks the end of a multi-decade saga filled with crime, intrigue, and national fascination.
As we bid farewell to O.J. Simpson, let us remember that his life was complex, defined by both incredible success and unthinkable tragedy. The legacy of the man once hailed as an American hero will forever be intertwined with the events that unfolded in the 1990s.
Actor/comedian, Mark Curry
Remember comedian and actor, Mark Curry, from back in the day? Most of his mainstream fans know him as the star of the 90’s sitcom, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper. For those of us, Old Schoolers, who are 80’s hip hop fans, we also remember being first introduced to Curry, when he portrayed that hilarious ‘hater’ on Too Short’s 1989 hit, “I Ain’t Trippin.”
Mark Curry’s work created some great memories throughout the years, but behind the scenes, the brotha has gone THROUGH the fire and back. He endured a strange, frightening accident that left part of his body severely burned and has recently spoken about it. He also revealed which celebs helped him overcome his subsequent suicidal thoughts after the horrific ordeal.
During his VladTV interview, Curry was initially reluctant to discuss his accident, stating “that’s kinda blocked outta my life,” because it’s too painful of a memory. However, he did manage to give some details.
In 2006, 20% of Mark Curry’s body was severely burned while dong laundry at his home. Let him explain…
The Painful Details & Confessions Curry Has Now Given
How Mark Curry’s Accident Happened…
In the video below, Curry explained that while doing his laundry at his residence, an aerosol can was behind the water heater, unbeknownst to Curry. The laundry machine was located near the water heater. The contents of the aerosol can, combined with the water heater’s temperature, etc, suddenly caused an explosion, throwing Curry across the room and ultimately landing him in the burn unit, in bad condition.
The Effects Of His Injuries…
Mark Curry was placed in a medically induced coma, after suffering massive burns on his back, side, and arm…
“I was in the St. Francis burn unit. I was in a coma for a while…and the Lord saved me…he saved me. It was just a [traumatic] event.”
Why Curry Contemplated Suicide…
After awaking from a 3-day coma, Curry explained why he wanted to kill himself, but in true comedic fashion, he still slipped a joke in to lighten the harsh reality of that time:
“It was a bad situation and it prompted me to go into a deep depression…and so, I don’t even deal with that. …and it changed my life.
I thought about suicide, but it’s hard to commit suicide when you’re 6’6” (LOL)…the ceiling’s right here. [So] I can’t hang myself. … It took me so low, into a black valley. People didn’t know what was wrong with me…
Celebrity Friends Helped Curry Get Through…
As Curry spent months in rehabilitation, recovering from his burn wounds, several of his celebrity homies and fellow comedians worked hard at helping him pull himself together emotionally and psychologically. They did so, by doing what they do best- finding the comedy behind the pain. He says they even jokingly compared him to Richard prior after Pryor’s infamous freebasing incident. It was a language Curry understood and still appreciates to this day:
“I’m in the hospital, [Bill] Cosby called me, making jokes. Damon Wayans called me, Chris Tucker [called]..all the comedians called me. All them muthaf**as joked on me,” Curry jokingly recalled.
Curry says his biggest surprise during his hospital stay, was his tremendous weight loss, which gave him a clear picture of the depth of his situation. He was typically 230 pounds, but says that because there are no mirrors in the burn unit, he had no idea he’d loss so much weight, until he attempted to wear regular clothes for the first time while there. He recalled, “The pants fell straight off…I started crying, like ‘What is going on?!!!'”
He also recalled taking a bath for the first time in a long while after being burned, which is usually extremely painful for still recovering burn victims…but for Curry, it was “like a baptism,” because he miraculously felt no pain.
These days, Mark Curry’s back to fulfilling his life’s passion as an actor and comedian. His story is a reminder of the old school saying: ‘What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.’ Best wishes to the brotha.
