When a Black woman decides to rock her natural hair, she knows she’s opening herself up to a ridiculous amount of opinions. If you’re a global superstar like Rihanna, you know that attention is going to be multiplied times a thousand when you show up to the launch of your new hair care line, Fenty Hair, with your short, natural curly locks.

First of all, Rih looks gorgeous no matter what she does with her hair. Over the years, she’s given us every style and color imaginable, and they’ve all worked. But for some reason, when it comes to natural hair, the rules are different. People get extra passionate on both sides of the debate. To that end, the internet went crazy over the “Diamonds” singer’s hair, with opinions ranging from she’s bald with damaged edges, to her knocking it out of the park and once again changing the game.

The beauty billionaire’s loyal fans were inspired by her choice, with one person writing on X, “I just want to say that @Rihanna rocking her short, natural curls for Fenty Hair makes my heart SING! I choose my short curls over a lot of styles…”

Another person noted how we’ve seen a different side of the superstar since she’s become a mom, writing on X, “I’m truly loving Rihanna rocking her natural hair. Something about motherhood really glows up a woman when/if she becomes one.”

One user pointed out how pregnancy can change hair, posting, “I ain’t saying nothing about Rihanna hair because postpartum hair loss is real. My baby left my hair effed up too.”

Meanwhile, someone responded to those taking issue with the fact that Rihanana rocked short hair for the release of a hair care line, writing, “I know ppl have given their critiques but I think it’s actually nice that Rihanna has her hair out like this. Short hair needs care too, not everyone seeks out products to gain waist length hair. Healthy hair should be the goal regardless.”

Of course, we can’t have nice things on the internet, so it wasn’t all positive.

With some people joking about her hair line, or pointing out that her hair could be damaged, one user posted, “I’ve seen her look better is all I’m saying.”

Another person aired their issues with celebrity hair care lines, noting that we’re probably not getting the whole story, writing on X, “GOOD HAIR vs NOT GOOD HAIR. Some of y’all need to stop trying to make this about texturism or discriminating against short, natural hair. We love coily, short afros. What we don’t love is when women market their overpriced hair products when their natural hair is struggling.”

We know that stars like Rihanna and Beyonce probably wear wigs and hairpieces. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have the same struggles with their natural hair that we all have. In fact, they may have more issues with damaged hair, as there’s is expected to handle a lot of changes in color and texture.

For Black women, going natural or not is always going to be a hot topic. There are merits to both. However, considering how wildly different our various hair textures are, we need to be more understanding of one another’s hair choices because we all know nothing works for us 100 percent of the time.

NEW YORK (AP) — For nearly a decade, Ozy Media projected an image of new-media success.

The company boasted big-name interviews, an Emmy-winning TV show, a buzzy music and ideas festival and impressive numbers to show prospective investors — until it imploded in 2021 amid doubts about its audience size, viability and basic integrity.

Those doubts are now at the center of a federal criminal trial. Founder Carlos Watson and Ozy are fighting charges of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Even after numerous other public and court reckonings for Silicon Valley companies that went from ballyhooed to belly-up, it’s hard to forget the moment in Ozy’s downfall when co-founder Samir Rao impersonated a YouTube executive to talk up the company to prospective investors.

Watson’s and Ozy’s lawyers blame any misrepresentations solely on Rao, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and to identity theft. The defense also has claimed that prosecutors are casting commonplace entrepreneurial puffery as a crime and singling out Watson, a Black founder in a tech world where African American executives have been disproportionately few.

“I am not now and never have been a ‘con man,’” he declared when indicted last year.

Prosecutors and Rao, their star witness, say Ozy shredded the line between hopeful hype and bald-faced deceit.

“We told so many lies to so many different people,” Rao testified after recounting how a teetering company concocted rosy financials in a desperate bid to lure investors and stay in business.

The hope was to enable “a diverse audience, to consume, hopefully, a different, more meaningful kind of content,” he said. But “survival within the bonds of decency, fairness, truth, it morphed into survival at all costs and by any means necessary.”

‘The new and the next’

Ozy was founded in 2012 on a Millennial-friendly premise of providing a fresh, sophisticated-but-not-stuffy take on politics, culture and more — billed as “the new and the next” — while amplifying minority and marginalized voices.

A Harvard and Stanford-educated son of two South Florida teachers, Watson had worked on Wall Street, started and sold a test-prep company and anchored on MSNBC. He conceived of Ozy and then recruited Rao, a former finance-world colleague, after a chance meeting at a Chipotle restaurant in Silicon Valley, according to Rao.

Ozy debuted with a website, newsletters and a bang: Former President Bill Clinton was one of its first interviewees. The company expanded into podcasts, events and TV shows, winning a 2020 Emmy for the Watson-hosted “Black Women OWN the Conversation,” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The annual Ozy Fest in New York’s Central Park drew big names ranging from John Legend to a pre-presidency Joe Biden.

The company attracted a roster of major advertisers, clients and grants, according to testimony. But behind the scenes, prosecutors say, Ozy started bleeding money in 2018 and began trying to save itself with lies.

‘I don’t know where his numbers came from’

The company told a prospective investor it “finished 2017 with approximately 12 million in revenue” but gave its accountants a number under $7 million. The gaps widened with the years, yawning to as much as $53 million-vs.-$11 million for 2020, according to testimony and documents shown at trial.

Meanwhile, Ozy frequently delayed paying vendors and rent, borrowed against future receipts to get pricey cash advances and struggled to make payroll, former finance vice president Janeen Poutre testified.

The defense portrayed the cash scrambles as the growing pains of a successful startup.

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“Ozy Media did not defraud its investors or anyone else,” said the company’s lawyer, Shannon Frison.

Watson lawyer and Harvard Law School Professor Ronald Sullivan Jr. said his client “believed every number that he gave every investor.” Sullivan suggested revenue figures could vary depending on whether they account for such “in-kind” income as trading ads with another outlet.

Poutre testified that auditors rarely agree to count such revenue and she did not feel Watson was always honest.

“I don’t know where his numbers came from. I know where my numbers came from,” she said.

Fake emails and a voice disguise

The alleged schemes went beyond questionable numbers.

While trying to get Ozy a bank loan in 2020, Rao faked a contract saying that Winfrey’s OWN network had renewed “Black Women OWN The Conversation” for a second season. When the bank wanted information directly from the network, Rao set up a phony email account for a real OWN executive and used it to offer the bank “background on the transaction.”

Rao told jurors that Watson verbally approved the charade. Jurors saw a text message from Watson exhorting Rao to “be bold, get it done,” but the ”it” wasn’t specified. Ultimately, witnesses said, neither the loan nor the show renewal happened.

Rao’s infamous phone call came the next year as Ozy sought an investment from Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs. He’d falsely claimed YouTube was paying for Watson’s eponymous talk show. When Goldman bankers wanted confirmation, he downloaded a voice-modifying app and pretended to be a YouTube executive on a call with them.

But the bankers were wary, the real YouTube exec soon found out and Watson told Goldman Sachs and Ozy’s board that his co-founder had suffered a mental breakdown.

The investment didn’t materialize, but Goldman Sachs continued advertising with Ozy after the episode, Rao said.

Rao told jurors he was taking antidepressants but was not having a psychiatric crisis when he made the call. Watson was present and coaching him via text message, Rao said.

“I am a big fan of Carlos, Samir and the show,” reads one text, which Rao explained as Watson feeding him a line for his phony persona to say. Then Watson urged, “use the right pronouns. You are NOT OZY,” among other messages.

‘You’re a liar, right?’

Watson’s lawyer said the Ozy founder stumbled upon Rao’s deceit midstream, was appalled and signaled him to hang up.

The defense has emphasized that Rao drafted a 2021 letter — ultimately unsent — saying the phone ruse was his alone. Rao told jurors he wrote it to protect the company.

Defense lawyers have cast him as an incompetent executive, confessed fabricator and admitted criminal who’s falsely implicating Watson in hopes of avoiding prison for his own crimes.

“So, Mr. Rao, you’re a liar, right?” Sullivan asked during cross-examination last Friday.

“Regrettably,” Rao replied, “I’ve told many lies in my time at Ozy.”

We love to see racists get what they deserve, especially when they’re leaders of one of the most infamous and hateful white supremacist groups in world history.

Last week, Daniel Walls was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of civil rights intimidation after he admitted to posting several racist flyers on the doors of Black churches in Columbia, Tenn. in July 2023, according to NewsChannel 5 Nashville.

After his three-year sentence is served, he still faces another six years of probation.

They read, “Be Warned. Race traitors, mixed breeds, communists, homosexuals, and all other walks of Godless degeneracy, the Klan is back again and here to stay, so you’d better make amends or stay away!!!”

The flyers also included Ku Klux Klan imagery, racist slogans, and homophobic language.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Walls is the leader of the Old Glory Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (OGK), a small Klan group based in Maury, Tenn. They have been active since 2021 and have shared their propaganda in other states including Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

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“The judge had to send a clear picture that this kind of senseless act of hate has consequences and his incarceration will deter others from trying to do what he did,” said Kenny L. Anderson Sr., pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

“So I am glad all of that fell that way, I really am.”

During his sentencing hearing, Walls said, “I stand here today with deep regret in my heart. I know what I did was wrong and a horrible thing to do. I don’t know what got into me,” according to NewsChannel 5 Nashville.

I wonder if he felt that same sense of regret when he started his hate group nearly three years ago.

dream hampton, the executive producer of “Surviving R. Kelly,” addressed Sean “Diddy” Combs numerous assault allegations. 

The music journalist commented on the hip-hop mogul’s alleged crimes at the premiere of her new documentary, “It Was All a Dream,” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on Sunday, June 9. 

“I’m kind of just mad at him that I have to talk about or be asked about it,” she told People at the SVA Theatre. hampton added that she had “no idea” if Diddy would be held accountable for his alleged actions, saying that the process is “all unfolding.”

Multiple people have accused Diddy of sexual assault in several lawsuits since his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed her legal action against him in November 2023. In Cassie’s filing, she accused Diddy of numerous offenses, including rape, sex trafficking, emotional and physical abuse. 

In May, CNN shared security video footage of Diddy kicking, dragging, and manhandling Ventura at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles — actions that match the allegations the singer made against him in the lawsuit that has since been settled. The disgraced hip-hop mogul apologized for his actions at the time, saying it is “so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life.”

“Sometimes you gotta do that,” he continued. “I was f—– up. I mean, I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.”

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Ventura responded to the release of the video in a post on Instagram, writing, “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”

hampton’s 2019 Lifetime docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” which featured victims of R. Kelly sharing their stories about sexual and physical abuse, reignited conversations about the singer’s behavior. One month after the show’s release, R. Kelly “was indicted by a grand jury on 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four alleged victims,” according to People.

He was later found guilty on several charges, including child pornography, and was sentenced to 31 years in prison.

Every woman has had a crazy fashion moment where you try to take off a shirt or dress and just can’t find your way out of it. No matter what you try, you realize you’re trapped in this thing and may have to cut your way out. This can be particularly embarrassing when it’s not your clothes you’re stuck in. As awful as you feel, there’s a ridiculousness to this distinctly female problem that inevitably leads to unpredictable shenanigans. Halle Berry recently found herself in this situation and it was so hilarious, she posted it to Instagram.

Alongside the caption, “Bad and Booshy back at it slaving for fashion!,” the Oscar winner and her stylist, Lindsay Flores, are seen struggling to remove a white shirt and black corset from designer Anna Quan. The more they try, the more Halle seems to get stuck in the shirt. As Lindsay tries to pull it over Berry’s head, the actress jokingly reminds her, “Bitch there’s a zipper. You’re making it harder than it has to be.” From there, both women fall into uncontrollable laughter.

With things quickly going downhill and no escape in sight, the “Monster’s Ball” star wonders, “Why did you have me in this?” Flores is not wrong when she replies, “It looked good.”

At one point, when it looks like all hope is lost, Berry sends a message to the designer, saying, “Anna Quan, we might have to cut this shit off.”

Quan apologized for the mix up, noting that some changes needed to be made, replying, “I am sorry – we need to make the zipper longer next time.”

Halle did eventually find her way out of the outfit, but not before the crazy moment led to her boobs popping out a couple times. She did her best to cover herself, but there were a few slip ups.

Since we’ve all been through this, the replies to the “X-Men” hero’s post were full of women with similar stories.

One person related to all the emotions this situation takes us through, writing, “Have you ever been at home and had to do this by yourself? The panic, frustration and tears that come along…..then when you finally get it off all you can say is thank you Jesus. Lord, I love you! Maybe it’s just me.”

Another user highlighted what goes down when this happens while you’re out shopping, replying, “In a store dressing room? The panic and worrying you might have to rip it or wear it home. But either way thinking, cr@p I’m gonna have to buy this sht! Lol. While running through a series of emotions, while sporadically laughing. All in a dressing room alone.”

Meanwhile, someone on X wondered if they would need extra help, writing, “Geezus, Halle! I thought you guys were gonna call the fire department to get the jaws of life!”

There’s a joy in this moment that we don’t get enough of nowadays. Yes it’s ridiculous, but their raucous laughter throughout is infectious. When tabloids do “celebrities are just like us” features, they’re missing out on this moment. This is literally every woman at some point in their life.

Chaka Khan proved why she is one of music’s most celebrated icons during her live performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk.

The 71-year-old singer took to the stage, where she sang some of her biggest hits, including “I’m Every Woman” and “Tell Me Something Good,” on Tuesday in celebration of Black Music Month. Fans couldn’t get enough of Khan’s performance, gushing about the phenomenal set on social media. 

“CHAKA KHAN’S TINY DESK IS LIVE!!! This is NOT A DRILL!!” actor and content creator KevOnStage wrote on X (Twitter). 

“Chaka Khan is really one of the best singers of our time,” media personality Scottie Beam commented on X. “Watching her sing is one of my favorite past times… because it looks so effortless. People will literally pass out trying to keep up with Chaka on stage.”

“Chaka Khan’s Tiny Desk performance was phenomenal! The way she is still singing in the original key of songs she recorded 40 to 50 years ago never ceases to amaze me! Chaka is the ultimate!” wrote another fan on social media. 

Khan’s performance is one of several upcoming Tiny Desk performances by Black women artists for the month of June. NPR is releasing nine concerts in total.   

“This Black Music Month, Tiny Desk is giving the ladies their flowers,” NPR said in a statement on its website. “We’re releasing nine Tiny Desk concerts from Black women artists, from veterans who’ve paved the way for what we hear today in Black music, to those who are carving out their own paths.”

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In a recent interview with The Independent, Khan revealed that fellow music legend Stevie Wonder wrote one of her band Rufus’ signature songs “Tell Me Something Good” in the 1970s. Wonder originally offered Khan his unrecorded song, “Come and Get This Stuff,” but she turned it down. 

“I don’t think he ever heard that at all,” she said when asked about how often Wonder heard negative feedback. “But I wasn’t thinking about that. I just tell the truth all the time, and I can’t help it.” 

“It upsets people sometimes,” she added. “But hell, if the truth upsets you I can’t really help that.” 

“Stevie said, ‘What’s your birth sign?’ Aries. ‘Oh, I got the song for you…’ And then he started playing that ‘wakka-wakka’ on the keyboard, and – bam! – there it was,” Khan recalled, referencing the band’s 1974 single, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, according to People.  

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The highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 action-comedy “My Spy,” titled “My Spy The Eternal City,” is set to hit screens with an all-new trailer that promises a thrilling and heartwarming adventure through some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. Reuniting the dynamic duo of Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman, the film is poised to be this summer’s must-see family action-comedy.

In “My Spy The Eternal City,” Sophie (Chloe Coleman) and her stepfather JJ (Dave Bautista) embark on a captivating journey when Sophie’s high school choir is chosen for an Italian tour, culminating in a performance for the Pope in Vatican City. JJ volunteers to chaperone the group, envisioning a chance to strengthen his bond with Sophie. However, their picturesque European adventure takes a dramatic turn as they become unwittingly embroiled in a terrorist plot with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The movie showcases breathtaking scenes from Venice’s canals, Florence’s renowned bridges, and Rome’s historic sites, adding a rich cultural backdrop to the high-stakes action. Directed by Pete Segal, known for his work on “Get Smart” and “50 First Dates,” the film blends comedy, action, and heartfelt moments seamlessly.

The returning cast includes fan favorites Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal, with new additions Anna Faris, Craig Robinson, and Flula Borg joining the ensemble. The screenplay, crafted by Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber, and Pete Segal, promises witty dialogue and pulse-pounding sequences that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

“My Spy The Eternal City” is produced by Chris Bender, Pete Segal, Jake Weiner, Robert Simonds, Gigi Pritzker, Dave Bautista, and Jonathan Meisner. With a runtime of 111 minutes, the film is set to provide a perfect blend of excitement and entertainment for viewers of all ages.

Prime Video will stream “My Spy The Eternal City” globally starting July 18. As anticipation builds, fans are encouraged to watch the official trailer to get a glimpse of the thrilling escapades that await JJ and Sophie in this epic follow-up.

Are you ready? Watch the official trailer for “My Spy The Eternal City” below!

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As the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer, Watch The Yard is on a mission to spotlight the incredible Black fraternity and sorority members, as well as HBCU alumni, who are set to compete on this prestigious global stage.

Watch The Yard is a platform dedicated to celebrating the culture and achievements of Black college students and alumni everywhere and this year we are looking to specifically highlight members of Black Greek-letter organizations as well as current students and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who will be competing in the olympics. Recognizing the profound impact these institutions have on their members and communities, our platform aims to showcase the excellence and talent emerging from them.

If you are a member of a Black fraternity or sorority, or an HBCU alumnus competing in this year’s Olympics, Watch The Yard wants to hear from you! We want to highlight your journey, achievements, and experiences by filling out the quick contact form below. This is a unique opportunity to inspire and connect with a community that celebrates your success and supports your endeavors.

Join us in celebrating the legacy and future of Black excellence at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Let’s cheer on our athletes who exemplify the spirit of determination and community.