Critics are holding Donald Trump to the fire after a former producer of “The Apprentice” revealed on Thursday that the Republican presidential candidate used the n-word during his time on the NBC show.

According to a Slate article written by Bill Pruit, who worked with Trump on the competition reality show, Trump used the racist slur when referring to Black contestant Kwame Jackson, who was a season 1 finalist alongside Bill Rancic, who is white. 

Pruitt recalled Trump saying, “…would America buy a n—winning?” while contemplating who should win the 2004 competition series, which resulted in a $250,000 cash prize and employment with the Trump Organization. 

The revelation about Trump’s use of the n-word stands to threaten the presidential candidate’s efforts to claw away Black voters from President Joe Biden’s successful 2020 coalition. Over the past few months, Trump sought to draw Black voters by selling signature gold sneakers, organizing a photo-op with Black students at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta, and hosting a rally in the Bronx, New York.

Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright, who says Trump’s outreach to Black voters amounts to “pandering,” told theGrio that reported use of the n-word should come as no surprise. 

Trump, he said, has a “very decorated past when it comes to cuddling and playing footsie with racism.” Seawright said the former president’s history of racist rhetoric has particularly targeted Black men, including calling for the death penalty against the Central Park Five and pushing false claims that Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, was not born in the United States, and therefore not qualified for the office.

“That word coming from him speaks for itself about what he projects when it comes to our community,” said Seawright. “If you add that to the catalog of racist things he’s said and done as it relates to us, then you can only imagine that he is who we think he is.”

The Biden-Harris reelection campaign similarly slammed the latest revelation about Trump, calling it a noticeable “pattern” that he would “denigrate a successful Black man.”

“Donald Trump is exactly who Black voters know him to be: a textbook racist who disrespects and attacks the Black community every chance he gets, and the most ignorant man to ever run for president,” said Jasmine Harris, the campaign’s Black media director. “It’s why Black voters kicked him out of the White House in 2020, and it’s why they’ll make him a loser a second time this November.”

Pruitt’s claim particularly incensed Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung, who had a public, expletive-laced exchange with Black political commentator Bakari Sellers. 

“Prove it, bitch,” said Cheung on the social media platform, X, in reply to Sellers, who wrote, “Trump said n—r.”

“You can’t, because it’s a fake and b——-t story your dumb ass is peddling because Biden is hemorrhaging support from Black Americans,” the Trump spokesperson wrote. 

Seawright dismissed Cheung as a “paper tiger and keyboard thug.” He said Cheung’s war of words with Sellers “tells you everything you need to know about Trump, Trumpism, and the foot soldiers that come along with that.”

He maintained that Black voters must understand that “you can’t separate the policy from the person or the politics.” Seawright added, “We have to settle ourselves on the reality that these people are more extreme than they ever been before. And I don’t know if we’ve seen the most extreme version of Trump or his supporters just yet.”

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Jamarr Brown, executive director of Color of Change PAC, the campaign arm of the civil rights organization of the same name, called the report about Trump “appalling.”

“He has used ‘The Apprentice’ as a platform to demonstrate financial, racial, and political privilege,” Brown told theGrio. “What is done in the dark always comes to the light — even him using the n-word on set to a qualified contestant. This is the same behavior we see in his third campaign for president,” said Brown, who warned that Trump and his allies “plan to dismantle” so-called “anti-white racism,” which he described as a threat to efforts to address “true disparities in our system that demand federal protections for Black people.”

“This report makes it even more clear that Donald Trump does not believe he should be held accountable —  from his reality TV set in Trump Tower to the White House,” said Brown. 

“Black voters must organize and mobilize in this critical presidential election to defeat Donald Trump so this behavior will not be demonstrated in the highest office in the land again.”

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Cardi B has taken direct aim at fellow rapper BIA in her remix of “Wanna Be.” The Bronx native didn’t hold back, rapping, “Guess I’m a teacher since you wanna sub me. She did one had no idea, thought she was on the shelf IKEA. Hope she talk like that when I see her. B*tch please don’t nobody wanna be her (BIA).”

This lyrical jab comes amid ongoing commentary surrounding Cardi B’s recent release, “Like What (Freestyle),” which dropped on March 1. The track, sampling Missy Elliott’s 1999 hit “She’s A Bih,” has been a point of contention, as BIA used the same sample last year for her song “I’m That Bih” featuring Timbaland. The practice of rappers flipping the same records is common, but Cardi B has faced criticism for it, exacerbated by a tease of a new song that bears similarities to BIA’s 2023 track “Fallback.”

The online discourse took a sharp turn when a user on X (formerly Twitter) posted snippets of both tracks, implying Cardi B drew heavy inspiration from BIA’s work. BIA reacted to the tweet with woozy face emojis and liked the post, fueling speculation. She also liked tweets hinting at her originality and her influence on other artists, though she later tweeted “Yall are sick” with laughing emojis, leaving her exact sentiments ambiguous.

Cardi B, known for her fiery comebacks, responded hours later on X, stating, “Bi**hes make a fool of themselves every single time *laughing emoji*.. ima show ya something when I release this song tho *winking emoji*.” While her message’s target was unclear, many inferred it was directed at BIA, and fans accused her of mimicking.

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As the sexual assault and sexual harassment lawsuits shine a light on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ troubling history of alleged violence toward women, Rolling Stone’s shocking new investigative article reveals that the music mogul’s misdeeds may stretch all the way back to his time at Howard University.

Diddy began attending the acclaimed HBCU in the fall of 1987 and left after his sophomore year. However, the way he shouts out his alma mater, talks about his time there and donates money, you’d think he graduated. Apparently, it was during his time at Howard that he developed his reputation for throwing unforgettable parties.

However, he also gained a reputation for his alleged “unwanted touching and fits of rage.”According to the magazine, one woman told the outlet that after he “‘caressed’ her back without warning and asked if she would be willing to meet one of his friends,” she stayed “as far away as possible” from the future Bad Boy founder.

It seems anger management has always been an issue, as a former student described an incident in which she had a problem with Diddy cutting the cafeteria line and he “flew off the handle.”

In a particularly scary incident, a former classmate of Diddy’s then-girlfriend described how he would show up at their English class and “tap on the window” to get his girlfriend to ditch. The classmate, who stayed anonymous out of fear of retaliation, recalled how the girlfriend “would tense up” during these moments. “He just had a weird control thing. I felt like she was fearful,” the classmate said.

Turns out she had reason to be scared: That same classmate went on to describe a situation where Combs showed up outside his girlfriend’s dorm “screaming in a ‘belligerent’ manner,” wanting her to come down. A short time later, women were banging on doors and panicking because he was outside allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The classmate remembered other students saying, “Puff is out here acting crazy. He’s beating her.”

Another witness, who stayed anonymous “due to the sensitive nature of the incident,” said he used what looked like a belt to “strike the young woman ‘all over the place.’”

“She was trying to defend herself a little bit,” the witness said. “She was crying. And we were telling him, ‘Get off of her.’ We were screaming for her.”

The victim of the alleged assault declined to comment to Rolling Stone.

In case you’re wondering, Howard is taking a lot of heat for its continued relationship with Diddy. Its reputation is being damaged by its association with the rapper/producer.

Combs started his music career as a part-time intern at Uptown Records while he was still attending Howard. Eventually, he left the university to work at the record company full-time. It was late rapper Heavy D who got him the job interview. They lived in the same neighborhood and Diddy bothered him relentlessly about the opportunity. Unfortunately, Diddy and Heavy D are forever linked for a much more tragic reason.

In 1991 they co-promoted a Celebrity Basketball Game at City College of New York. The event, which was supposed to feature appearances from New Edition’s Michael Bivins, Big Daddy Kane, members of Run-DMC, Ed Lover and others, was oversold past its 2,730 capacity.

When way more people than expected showed up and the event didn’t start on time, a lack of adequate police and security presence led to a crowd surge that killed nine people and injured 29.

The event put a quick halt to Diddy’s rise up the ranks at Uptown, with the controversy eventually leading then-CEO Andre Harrell to fire him. Shortly after he left Uptown, Arista Records signed him, along with Bad Boy, and the rest is history.

Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

On Thursday, a New York jury found former President Donald Trump guilty of criminal charges related to the former president’s alleged coverup of hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. After two days of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on 34 of 34 criminal charges, officially surpassing Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert as the GOP’s top crime boss. 

Before you put all your money into upside-down flags and “Free Donald Trump” T-shirts, theGrio put together a list of preliminary questions you may have about America’s favorite convicted felon.

Is Donald Trump going to jail?

While it would be hilarious to see Trump in a jumpsuit that matches his skin tone, it is unlikely.

Each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree carries a maximum of four years. However, Trump does not have a criminal record and his felonies are not classified as violent, so most experts believe he will likely receive probation or home confinement. In the rare case that Trump is sentenced to prison, it will likely be less than a year. 

Plus he’s white.

Can Trump still vote?

In short, yes.

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Trump is registered to vote in Florida, where convicted felons are not allowed to vote until they complete their prison sentence. However, Florida honors the voting laws in the state where the felony conviction occurs. And, according to a 2021 New York state law, any person convicted of a felony is eligible to vote upon release from incarceration — even if they are on probation or parole. Even if the judge sentences Trump to a term of incarceration on his July 11 sentencing date, the convicted felon is expected to appeal the decision, which will push his unlikely prison term past the 2024 November election, according to USA Today. 

Plus, he’s white.

Can he still be president?

While he can’t buy a gun or get TSA PreCheck, there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that disqualifies a convicted felon from serving as president. It’s not like the president is in charge of any kind of weapons or has a high-ranking post office job. 

In fact, Trump’s felony conviction may help him become president.

Last week, 24% of Trump supporters said a guilty verdict would make them more likely to vote for Trump while only 7% said they would be less likely to vote for him in the upcoming election. The results reflect a 2013 study that shows white men with felony convictions are 125% more likely to be offered a job than Black men with the same education and experience. 

I’m sure the Trump campaign is sending messages right now asking donors to put some money on his books. 

What is Black Twitter saying?

The Trump conviction ranks somewhere between when the Queen of England died and when we got our superpowers (Shhhhh … Don’t tell anyone)

Simply put, they’re taking it in stride.

What does Donald Trump have to say about this:

Who cares what a convicted felon has to say? Plus … 

You know.

Michael Harriot is a writer, cultural critic and championship-level Spades player. His NY Times bestseller  Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America is available in bookstores everywhere.

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Director Tayarisha Poe and actress Kiersey Clemons discussed their upcoming film, “The Young Wife,” a film that offers a fresh and unconventional take on the traditional wedding movie. The film will be released digitally on May 31, 2024, and follows a young lady, Celestina (Clemons), as she navigates the swirl of emotions and pandemonium on her “non-wedding” day.

Poe, known for her distinct visual storytelling, explained how she crafted the film’s unique style to mirror its unconventional narrative. “Yeah, we turned the visual style acid expressionism and we really were influenced by the art that artists would make when dropping acid first of all and just the vibrancy of it and the Prismatic visual language created through that and through that experience and then also just expressionism, we wanted this film to be expressionistic,” Poe said. “We were concerned with the emotions that people were feeling and visually and sonically representing those emotions for the audience to latch on to and really paint their own emotions.”

Clemons, who delivers a compelling performance as Celestina, shared some personal insights and advice she would offer to her character. “I would say I think she f*cked up from the get-go like why did you make an invite how are you going to make an invite and then be like but it’s not a birthday party but it’s not a wedding,” Clemons revealed. Reflecting on her character Celestina, Clemons added, “We’re watching this person unravel, and we don’t necessarily see her put herself back together; instead, we see her move on, possibly towards the next unraveling.”

Poe also disclosed that there were alternate versions of Celestina’s character and storyline that were considered during the development process. “Yeah totally very many alternate versions many Pathways that she could have taken of course it’s like but it’s like with life, you know there’s literally no use thinking oh my God, what if I had done this oh my God, what if I had done that it’s like it’s done,” Poe said. “Once you’ve gone down a path the other paths are gone they’re done so when I think about different versions or different edits of a film or like different potential ways that a character’s art could have gone even if I wrote them even if we shot them even if we edited them together if they got cut they’re done.”

Watch Director Tayarisha Poe and Kiersey Clemons’ Interview Below!

The film also stars Leon Bridges as Celestina’s soon-to-be husband, along with a talented ensemble cast including Kelly Marie Tran, Michaela Watkins, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Judith Light, has been praised by critics for its intimate and visually stunning portrayal of a woman’s emotional journey. Screen Rant described the film as “intimate, profound, and visually gorgeous.”

“The Young Wife” will be available on digital platforms starting May 31, 2024.

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Now that the trial has come to an end and Trump has become the first former U.S. president to be found guilty of a felony, which includes 34 felony counts over allegedly falsifying business documents, the conviction will still have dire consequences for Black Americans. Why? Because even though Trump is convicted, he can still run for president.

According to the Constitution, the only prerequisites to holding the position are 1) being a natural born citizen who is at least 35 years of age and 2) being a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.

Since Trump has been found guilty, he will most likely receive probation and fines instead of actual prison time as a first-time offender in a non-violent case. All 34 charges that Trump currently faces are classified as class E felonies in New York.

This means that they are on the lowest tier of felony charges in the state and hold a maximum sentence of four years each. Ultimately, Trump’s fate lies in Judge Merchan’s hands.

He is expected to appeal the verdict.

According to USA Today, “Trump will also likely to remain at liberty until the election.

More from USA Today:

“As a first time felon, his sentence could be as light as probation… Even if he does receive a jailtime sentence, he probably push it off until the appeal is resolved.A few presidential candidates in history have campaigned after an indictment or conviction: Socialist candidate Eugene V. Debs ran for president for the fifth time in 1920 while in prison for sedition. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry ran for president alongside Trump in the 2016 Republican primary after being indicted two years earlier for abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public official, but he dropped out of the race a few months into the primary.

While Trump has claimed he is the least racist person in the world, his policies have time and again stoked racial strife, violence and divisions among the races. In fact, allegations that he is racist reaches back to the 1970s, according to the Associated Press:

From his earliest days as a New York real estate developer, Trump has faced accusations of racist business practices. He spent years spreading the lie that Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, was ineligible to hold office. When he was president, Trump derided “shithole countries” in Africa and said four congresswomen of color should go back to the “broken and crime-infested” countries they came from, ignoring the fact that all of the women are American citizens and three were born in the U.S.

But as he seeks the presidency for a third time, Trump is aiming to win over an unlikely constituency: Black voters.

“Have you seen our poll numbers with African Americans and with Hispanic Americans? But I’m not that surprised because I see it, I feel it,” Trump declared during a rally in Atkinson, New Hampshire, days before the state’s primary. “We did great in 2016, we did much better in 2020 but there is much more enthusiasm now.”

There’s little evidence that Trump is making significant inroads with Black voters, who polls show remain overwhelmingly supportive of President Joe Biden…

Despite Trump’s push for the Black vote, African Americans won’t forget he is now a felon and definitely won’t forget his actions against us.

“Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” will not return to TV screens any time soon. 

The reality show, which follows “a group of young Black professionals vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, an island south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts,” was not greenlit for a third season, according to Deadline. Bravo did not cancel the series, the outlet reported, but instead put it on hiatus as the network decides what to do next with the show. 

“Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” aired its second season reunion special on Sunday, May 26; the cast had petitioned Bravo for a reunion, in which they resolved quite a few issues from the season. 

Nicholas “Nick” Arrington, Jasmine Ellis Cooper, Jordan Emanuel, Bria Fleming, Shanice Henderson, Amir Lancaster, Preston Mitchum, Summer Marie Thomas, Alex Tyree, and Noelle Hughly, who currently star on the show, reunited at the “Watch What Happens Live!” clubhouse to talk through their drama. 

“Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” is a spin-off of “Summer House,” which follows “New York City professionals renting a house to party every weekend over the summer,” according to Deadline. 

The “Martha’s Vineyard” cast experienced a few major developments recently. Mitchum announced his engagement to fiancé Donald Cooley in April and castmate Ellis Cooper welcomed her first child, Silas “Si” Geplay Cooper Jr., with her husband, Silas Cooper, in February. 

“I really tried to conceal my pregnancy as long as I could leading up to BravoCon,” Ellis Cooper told TODAY.com. “I had no expectations going into filming. It was interesting week to week to see how my body was changing.”

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Ellis Cooper added that she “definitely used that pregnancy card, full stop,” during filming, saying that she put her castmates to work as the pregnant woman on the show. “‘Hey, can you grab me this? I’m so hungry. I’m so tired. Could you give me that blanket?,’” she said as an example of her requests. “It was nice. It was very nice.”

“Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” may be on pause, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. Bravo has resumed shows on hiatus before, bringing back “The Real Housewives of Miami” in 2021, eight years after being off air, according to Deadline. 

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Just before the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, we celebrate Ayra Starr’s top five songs that have left an indelible mark on the music industry, ranked from five to one. These tracks not only showcase her unique artistry and lyrical depth but also highlight her journey from a promising newcomer to a global sensation. As fans eagerly await her new album, we reflect on the musical gems that have defined her career so far.

5. Sability

Coming in at number five is “Sability.” This track showcases Ayra Starr’s versatility and her ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. With its catchy beat and infectious rhythm, “Sability” has become a favorite among fans. The song’s lyrics speak to resilience and strength, themes that resonate deeply with her audience.

4. Fashion Killer

At number four is “Fashion Killer,” a song that highlights Ayra Starr’s flair for style and her connection to the fashion world. The track’s upbeat tempo and vibrant production make it a standout, celebrating individuality and self-expression. “Fashion Killer” has not only become a hit on the charts but also a staple in fashion shows and trendsetters’ playlists.

3. Commas

“Commas” takes the third spot with its intriguing blend of introspection and rhythm. This song delves into the complexities of wealth, success, and the double-edged sword they often present. Starr’s nuanced performance and the song’s thought-provoking lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the true meaning of success and the values that guide them. “Commas” is both a danceable hit and a lyrical masterpiece, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

2. Bloody Samaritan

A definitive hit that catapulted Ayra Starr to international fame, “Bloody Samaritan” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience. With its pulsating beat and defiant lyrics, the song quickly became a favorite among fans and critics alike. The music video, with its vibrant visuals and dynamic choreography, further solidified the song’s status as a cultural phenomenon. “Bloody Samaritan” is a powerful reminder of Starr’s ability to inspire and energize her audience.

1. Rush

Topping the list is “Rush,” a song that epitomizes Ayra Starr’s dynamic range and her knack for creating hit records. From the moment it was released, “Rush” dominated airwaves and streaming platforms, becoming an instant classic. Its infectious melody, compelling lyrics, and Starr’s charismatic delivery make it a standout track. “Rush” speaks to the hustle and drive that define the younger generation, and its universal appeal has made it a staple in playlists around the globe.

As Ayra Starr continues to rise in the music industry, these top five songs represent just a glimpse of her talent and potential. Each track not only highlights her musical prowess but also underscores the themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience that are central to her artistry. Fans eagerly await what Ayra Starr will bring next, confident that she will continue to push boundaries and inspire with her music.

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FX Networks has unveiled the much-anticipated release date and trailer for the third season of its Emmy-winning series, “The Bear.” Fans can mark their calendars for June 27, when all ten episodes of the new season will drop on Hulu.

The upcoming season promises to deliver another thrilling installment of the critically acclaimed show, which explores the tumultuous world of food, family, and the relentless demands of the restaurant business. As protagonist Carmy, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White, pushes himself and his crew to new heights of culinary excellence, tensions rise and bonds are tested within the restaurant’s walls.

Joining White in pivotal roles are Ayo Edebiri as Sydney and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie, according to a report by Deadline. Their performances are set to deepen the show’s exploration of ambition, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in the kitchen.

“The Bear” has captivated audiences and critics alike with its gripping storytelling and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those in the restaurant industry. With its third season, the series is poised to continue pushing boundaries and captivating viewers with its compelling narrative.

In addition to the exciting news about “The Bear,” FX Networks also announced the premiere date for the fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building.” The comedy mystery series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, will begin streaming on Hulu on August 27. According to Deadline, the announcement was made during the Disney upfront presentation, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in the adventures of the trio as they navigate the mysteries of The Arconia apartments in New York City.

Fans can look forward to an action-packed summer of binge-worthy entertainment, as both “The Bear” season 3 and “Only Murders in the Building” season 4 promise to deliver laughs, thrills, and plenty of surprises.

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