Ari Lennox recently encountered a distressing incident during a recent performance in Los Angeles. As the opening act for Rod Wave’sNostalgia Tour, the “Pressure” singer faced an unfortunate moment when a water bottle was hurled towards her on stage while delivering a passionate performance.
Ari Lennox Gets Heated
Ari Lennox, the talented R&B artist known for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics, was in a heated moment during a recent performance in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, amidst her opening act for Rod Wave’s Nostalgia Tour, Ari Lennox endured a moment that no performer should have to face. While she passionately delivered her music to the audience in Los Angeles, a water bottle came flying towards her on stage. With a fiery response, she exclaimed:
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of artists during live performances. Fans took to social media, expressing their disappointment and speaking out against the disrespectful behavior.
One user, @FckYaya wrote, “‘Ari Lennox recently told Angela Yee she was having a hard time opening up for Rod Wave because her music may be too happy for his crowd and there is a disconnect. Now she is getting bottles thrown at her. We do not need another Rico Nasty situation.”
This refers to the unfortunate incident when rapper Rico Nasty was also victim to a fan throwing a water bottle at her during a concert in 2021, prompting her to jump into the crowd in response.
Ari Lennox had previously discussed her experience touring with Rod Wave, acknowledging the potential mismatch in energy and audience appreciation. She told Angela Yee:
“It’s hard, I’m opening up for young people. I think my music is too happy and his is like different.”
Fans Getting Crazy At Concerts
Fans disrespecting artists on stage is not new. In 2018, a fan stormed the stage during Beyoncé and Jay-Z’sOTR II Tour, causing concern for the couple’s safety.
More recently,Cardi Bencountered a similar situation when a fan threw water on her during a concert. In response, Cardi retaliated by throwing her microphone at the offender. The microphone used in that incident was even auctioned off for charity, with bids reaching up to $100,000 on eBay.
Nardo Wick Issues Public Apology
The incident involving Ari Lennox joins a series of unfortunate encounters between fans and celebrities. Recently, Nardo Wick faced backlash after an altercation with a fan, leading the fan to seek medical treatment.
Sarunas Jackson, the brother of Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson, finds himself embroiled in controversy as the mother of his child has initiated legal action against him. She outlines a range of alleged disturbing behaviors, from emotional volatility to physical abuse, and is seeking to determine a parental relationship.
Alleged Disturbing Behaviors Highlighted
Sarunas Jackson, brother of Darius Jackson, who is Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend, is under fire as the mother of his child DomiNque Perry has filed a legal suit accusing him of emotional and physical abuse spanning over five years.
In a petition filed on November 28, DomiNque Perry alleges a series of disturbing behaviors exhibited by Jackson, including emotional volatility, intimidation, bullying, undeserved stress, mental and physical abuse, and controlling and narcissistic behavior.
She had previously filed a petition for determining parental relationship on September 21, which was opposed by Jackson in a filing on November 16.
Perry Alleges Jackson Choked Her
Perry recounted a heated conversation in March 2020, where Sarunas allegedly became violently angry and grabbed her by the throat, choking her.
Their 22-month-old daughter Zen, witnessed the incident, where she began crying. She claimed that in the heated conversation in March 2020, Sarunas blamed DomiNque for their daughter being on the Autism Spectrum, where she claimed Jackson “became increasingly angry and physically grabbed my throat, choking me.”
Shockingly, Perry revealed that Sarunas had blood coming from his mouth due to biting his tongue amid his anger.
‘Vile and Abusive’
Following the allegations, fans voiced their opinions on social media. One user @ayojennyy wrote, “Exactly why he should’ve sat out of the Keke conversation. Those skeletons something crazy.”
This comment referred to Sarunas interjecting himself into the situation between his brother Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer, where Sarunas called his brother “vile and abusive.”
This came after Darius faced accusations of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Keke Palmer, where ultimately leaked camera footage of both Jackson and Palmer was shown. Keke’s mother, Sharon Palmer, then called out Sarunas as she called him “phony” and accused him of knowing about the abuse of Keke beforehand.
Sharon also alleged that Sarunas “taught his brother how to be abusive.” Palmer stated:
“I went to Sarunas over a year ago and told him that his brother was abusive to daughter. And he said, ‘Well, I used to be like that too. So now he’s posting on Twitter like he’s this special guy when we know he’s the biggest f*ck boy in Hollywood; he’s disrespectful to women just like his brother.”
No Trespassing
It was stated that Keke faced abuse with Darius for at least one year and that the actress filed for a restraining order and custody of their child, Leo Jackson.
In the court documents, photos contained in the restraining order show a man who appears to be Darius Jackson attempting to throw Keke Palmer over a couch. The documents also included when Jackson allegedly broke into Palmer’s home and attacked her, where she stated:
“Trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent, threatened me, then physically attacked me – lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone when I told him I was going to call the police.”
Battle of the Mothers
In the aftermath, Keke’s mother threatened to harm Darius, stating she would put a bullet in his head. Darius’s mother, upon hearing about the threat, reached out in a text, expressing:
“How are you? I have tried not to get involved in my son’s personal business, but I heard that you are going to put a bullet in my son’s head??? Well, then now we have to involve the authorities because you don’t respect or value yourself, and I can see no value in my son’s life. You might have to kill all of us. I will file a police report on you now.”
In response, Keke’s mother replied:
“Please do not contact me with this ridiculous childish behavior. Your son choked his sister; deal with his anger issues. If he attacks my daughter in her own home, where she pays the bills, he is trespassing, and anything can happen, so he should stay away. You should be very ashamed to have raised a man who fights women.”
Gunplay Arrested
In a jarring parallel to the allegations against Sarunas Jackson, rapperGunplayrecently faced legal trouble involving the mother of his child. He was arrested for pulling a gun on her, putting their daughter at risk, and violating a restraining order.
Charlamagne Tha Goddelved into the prospect of his co-host DJ Envy’s potential absence during a recent interview. The discussion revolved around DJ Envy’s real estate scandal allegations with business partner Cesar Pina, prompting questions about The Breakfast Club’sfuture.
Charlamagne Talks DJ Envy
Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of Power 105.1’sThe Breakfast Club, has addressed the potential absence of his co-host, DJ Envy.
In a recent interview on Rap Radar on Nov. 17, Charlamagne discussed DJ Envy’s alleged real estate Ponzi scheme scandal. When asked about the future of The Breakfast Club without DJ Envy, Charlamagne expressed his commitment to the show, stating that it will continue even if he is the last remaining original member.
“I think you kind of have to, right? You know what I mean? Because I think The Breakfast Club is bigger than any of us as individuals. I’ve always felt like that,” Charlamagne said.
Charlamagne drew parallels to Angela Yee, a former co-host who left to have her own show on Power 105, highlighting that the platform can still thrive with new talent under its umbrella:
“My mind… what I always wanted for The Breakfast Club was new talent constantly comes in and is a part of this… is under this umbrella of the club. So whether Angela Yee is there, or I’m there, or Envy’s there, the platform can still continue. I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was,” Charlamagne added.
There has been no confirmation regarding DJ Envy’s departure from the show or the outcome of his involvement in the real estate scandal.
The radio cohost was surrounded by controversy after his business partner Cesar Pina was arrested on Oct. 19 and was charged with a real estate Ponzi scheme. Pina later defended DJ Envy on Instagram Live and said Envy had nothing to do with the allegations.
‘The Breakfast Club’ Moves To BET & VH1
In recent years, The Breakfast Club has made significant moves, including a partnership with BET Networks and iHeartMedia, resulting in their show airing on BET and VH1. However, former co-host Angela Yee decided to pursue her own show, Way Up with Angela Yee, outside of the new partnership.
Amazon Pulls The Plug On AMP
One show that unfortunately was taken away was Nicki Minaj’s radio show, Queen Radio. The show’s cancellation was due to Amazon shutting down their live listening service Amp, which had other shows from Nick Cannon, Lil Yachty, and more.
Polo G has recently initiated a lawsuit against two concert promoters and is seeking compensation amounting to nearly $500,000. The Chicago rapper is contending that the promoters misled the public with fraudulent advertising of live performances that were never intended to transpire. Beyond the financial ramifications, Polo G asserts that these deceptive practices have inflicted harm on both his brand and reputation within the music industry.
Polo G Takes Legal Action
Polo G has taken legal action against promoters J. Noah B.V. and Jozef Wanno, filing a lawsuit demanding nearly $500,000.
According to Radar Online, the lawsuit alleges that the promoters falsely claimed to be booking agents and promoters, deceiving the public by advertising live performances that were never intended to happen. Polo G asserts that these false advertisements have caused financial harm and damaged his brand and reputation in the music industry.
Rapper Polo G Sues Promoters Over $495k Deal to Perform Overseas Months After Arrest https://t.co/lEixsYRxiz Click the image for details:
According to the lawsuit, the “Epidemic” rapper had agreed with the defendants to perform overseas.
The contract stated that he would be paid $495,000 for ten performances. However, Polo G claims that the promoters failed to fulfill their obligations. The lawsuit reveals that the rapper received only $100,000, missing the $123,000 payment deadline, and never received the remaining $23,000 or any of the promised installment payments.
Despite informing the defendants that the performances would not be happening, Polo G alleges that they continued to advertise the events. The rapper asserts that the false advertisements and misuse of his name have caused significant harm to his brand.
Polo G’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the financial losses and damage to his reputation.
Polo G’s Brother’s Legal Woes
Other news involving Polo G was his brother, Taurean Bartlett, being arrested and charged with the murder of a 20-year-old man that took place in June 2023. He is currently facing felony murder charges, along with a first-degree residential robbery charge from August 2023.
In August 2023, law enforcement raided the Chicago native’s home in Los Angeles as part of a robbery investigation targeting his brother, Taurean Bartlett. Polo G was handcuffed and taken into custody.
G Herbo Sues His Former Manager
In a similar vein, fellow Chicago rapper G Herbo recently filed a lawsuit against his former manager and label, Machine Entertainment, for $8.4 million. G Herbo claimed his contract was manipulated when he was a teenager, leading to the multi-million dollar dispute.
Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, took to Instagram to defend her daughter against the backlash she received for her appearance at her Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé premiere. Fans flooded social media with comments, accusing Queen Bey of bleaching her skin. This prompts the question: Why do Black prominent figures face constant scrutiny regarding their Blackness?
Ms. Tina Fires Back At Haters
On Nov. 25, the premiere of Queen Bey’s Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé occurred, marking the upcoming release of the “CUFF IT” singer’s highly anticipated film on December 1. During the premiere, Beyoncé was donned in silver and chrome Versace attire with platinum silver hair, leading some social media users to accuse her of bleaching her skin and being “whitewashed.”
“Beyoncé, you are a vision in Versace. You are unique. One of one, the number one, the only one!!! I can't wait to see the Renaissance tour movie.” Donatella. pic.twitter.com/bF1NOGDkxl
“She does a film, called the renaissance, where the whole theme is silver with silver hair, a silver carpet, and suggested silver attire and you bozos decide that she’s trying to be a white woman and is bleaching her skin? How sad is it that some of her own people continue the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy. Duh, she wore silver hair to match her silver dress as a fashion statement clown. ALIEN Superstar duh! What’s really sad is that a white woman had the audacity to reach out to Neal Beyonces hairstylist she was from TMZ to say that the fans are saying that she wants to be white and she wanted to get a statement about it from Neal.. lWell that made, my blood boil, that this white woman felt so entitled to discuss her blackness. What’s really most disappointing is that the some Black people yes you bozos that’s on social media. Lying and faking and acting like you’re so ignorant that you don’t understand That black women have worn platinum hair since the Etta James days. I just went and looked at all the beautiful talented black celebrities who have worn platinum hair and it has been just about everyone of them at one time or another. Are they all trying to be white? I am sick and tired of people attacking her.”
Following Tina calling out those diminishing her daughter, users had much to say regarding her recent comments.
One user named @MJFINESSELOVER wrote, “I’m glad Mama Trina DRAGGED all of the bozos and losers, who were accusing Beyonce of bleaching her skin, and also TMZ for having the audacity to even reach out to Beyonce’s stylist for comment on this nonsense. She has had enough of ya’ll attacking her daughter. Smh.”
Fellow Celebs Offer Outpouring Support
As Tina vouched for her daughter, the Knowles matriarch was met with an outpour of support from many including actress KeKe Palmer, LaTavia Roberson, Octavia Spencer, and more.
Keke wrote:
“I love you so much Ms. Tina! She deserves to be protected in this way!”
Former Destiny’s Child member LaTavia chimed in and wrote:
“Educate them, they always try to break the Black Woman especially one they feel intimidated by. The true definition of a protector.” Lastly, Octavia Spencer wrote, “You have raised beautiful, intelligent black, PROUD TO BE BLACK women. Period. Anyone who says otherwise has their own issues to deal with. I’m sorry you’ve come across the negative comments that people don’t realize is a reflection of how they feel about themselves.”
‘Not Black Enough?
This narrative has sparked conversations about the challenges Black artists face, where the most prominent figures are often questioned about their “Blackness.”
For numerous years, Queen Bey has constantly emphasized and celebrated her Black identity, utilizing the powerful platform she has garnered. From her early solo career to the present, Beyoncé has consistently been a prominent advocate for the Black community.
One notable instance is her 2016 Super Bowl performance, where she paid homage to the late Michael Jackson and the Black PantherParty while delivering a powerful rendition of her single, “Formation.” During this time, she faced scrutiny, even being questioned about whether she was “Black enough” to undertake such a performance.
Queen Bey Has Always Embraced Her Blackness
Beyoncé’s creation of Lemonade further exemplified her commitment to portraying and honoring Black culture in the critically acclaimed film.
Additionally, the iconic 2018 Coachella performance, famously known as “Beychella,” stands as another testament to the iconic singer’s dedication to pushing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) culture to the forefront, celebrating the richness of Black tradition.
Showing consistency in her craft, Bey’s album The Gift and the accompanying film,Black Is King, emerged as a spinoff from the live-action adaptation of The Lion King, where it not only featured numerous Black and African artists but also highlighted the essence of African Traditional Religions.
Then, in her latest project, Renaissance, the “Run The World” singer continues to cast a spotlight on the Black community, specifically the Black queer community, celebrating the depth in both her album and the accompanying film, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.
Michael Jackson Too?
Similarly, the late great Michael Jackson was no stranger to scrutiny regarding his Blackness.
Despite his physical Black appearance, Jackson’s skin underwent transformation due to the skin disorder called Vitiligo, leaving him to become lighter than he was. However many believed Michael “bleached” his skin because he wanted to appear as White and that he “hated” his racial identity.
He addressed these speculations during a 1994 interview with Oprah Winfrey, expressing his frustration with the spread of false narratives. The King Of Pop stated:
“I have a skin disorder the pigmentation of my skin. It is something I cannot help. When people make up stories that I don’t want to be who I am, it hurts me. It’s a problem for me. I can’t control it.”
Dr. Umar Calls Out Rappers
While some individuals question the Blackness of prominent figures like Beyoncé, others within the black community have taken a different stance. Dr. Umar Johnson, for example, criticized certain rappers for promoting philanthropy while still rapping about violence, highlighting the hypocrisy within the hip-hop industry.
