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OSCARS 2018: Empire’s Taraji P. Henson Clarifies She Was Not Dissing Ryan Seacrest On The Red Carpet!

Photo: RSeacrestTwitter

When Empire star, Taraji P. Henson (Cookie) took to the 90th Oscars Red Carpet on Sunday, and chatted with E’s Ryan Seacrest, the Twitterverse assumed she had dissed him during their on-camera conversation given the allegations that surfaced from his ex-stylist claiming he subjected her to “years of unwanted sexual aggression.”

E! previously announced that after an independent investigator was hired to look into her claims that they found “insufficient evidence” of any wrongdoing by Seacrest.  The usual Oscars red carpet coverage by Seacrest seemed to be hindered where he was only able to chat with over a dozen people.

When Henson talked with Seacrest she touched him under his chin and said, “You know what? The universe has a way of taking care of the good people. You know what I mean?””  Later Henson clarified that she was actually telling Ryan to keep his chin up when she spoke with PEOPLE.

Taraji revealed she “absolutely” supports Seacrest, adding the touch on the chin was done because: “I did it to keep his chin up. It’s an awkward position to be in. He’s been cleared, but anyone can say anything.”  There was more to the Seacrest and Henson exchange that people didn’t initially see, which ended in a hug.

Adding fuel to the original diss was following her conversation with Seacrest, Henson told ABC’ s Wendi McLendon-Covey, “I’m great now that I’m in your company,” 

So, what do you think of Henson’s comments? How Seacrest has been judged thus far on the accusations against him?  Comment below!

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It seems people have to go to great lengths to explain their every word and action nowadays.

So true…

I am totally opposed to radical political correctness..
The liberals take it way way way too far.
Political correctness is not needed what is needed is for parents to teach their children kindness and manners , how to carry ‘mouth’ dignity…

Anyways; I tuned in for about 15mins.. yuck.. it was not the oscars of prestige as it once was it was a platform for their grievances …………………
Instead of graciously accepting their awards they had need to junk it with their causes.
The oscars is not the place for stump speeches.. It was a bit radical lol

I am all for the cause/movement but not for them to be the platform of the Oscar ceremony.

So– I quickly tunes out ..

I agree, su0000. Yet, Liberals still hold their beloved Bill Clinton near and dear to their hearts….

Stereotyping entire groups of people (“the liberals”) as if they all act the same is ignorant.

@su0000, totally agree with you Su.

suoooo…Don’t know what you consider “radical” political correctness, even though I do admit to getting tired of hearing about all the abuse allegations everyday, no matter where they are coming from.

It’s one of reasons I didn’t watch the Academy Awards anymore. I just want to be entertained in the same way I want my soaps to be love and adventure in the afternoon. (And I can handle some Corrintos, just not soooo much.)

Do remember what may have been the first “protest”…Marlon Brando had a Native American woman pick up his award for best actor. Plus another reason I don’t watch is that I haven’t seen all of the movies, or know all of the actors, etc. And it goes on too long.

But I am concerned about those being branded guilty until really proven they have committed what they are accused of. I’m sure this has happened to some in the long list of abuse and power-trippers. But glad the Olympic gymnastics coach was convicted.

As for parents teaching kindness, etc, totally agree. But not all parents will, are doing this, or know all of “the secret lives of teens” or we wouldn’t see all of the bullying we are seeing. Also everyone, not just parents are up against what seems a new-low-norm in political un-correctness being accepted from campaign language, to D.C., to social media.

Amazing post, SuzieQ…..I am as open-minded as one can be ( liberal in theory; practical at heart), but unprincipled ‘ideals’ brought on stage is uncalled for…..especially for those who have no education or a clue about politics and what makes it tick. Most, as Jennifer Lawrence, or even Barbra Streisand, spew nonsense, which only manifests their ignorance.
Being a celebrity does not a genius make.
I used to love the Oscars….my siblings and I would get all our snacks together ( started as kids) awaiting THE OSCARS with excitement….now, these “stars’ ( who don’t shine), are a kill-joy!!
Do they honestly think this unwanted venom serves them well? Personalities and politics do not mix. They should adhere to their profession. If they want to indulge and dive, headlong, into the political forum, then they should remove themselves from the entertainment business and run for a seat in Congress.
We get enough news EVERYWHERE….some of us want to escape the overwheming fodder thrown at us, and THE OSCARS once fulfilled that ….no more….nowhere to run…

I don’t like any awards or soaps being a place to do more than just entertain. But as some would say “that ship has sailed.” Especially with social media and the number of media outlets and “experts.”

So to those who would discount the opinions of celebrities, or maybe even the Florida kids, or anyone one else because to some they may have “unprincipled ideals, or no experience, or no clue about politics” in some eyes is almost funny.

Look at who some voted into office this last election…known by many from a tv show with no political experience. And if I remember right some voted for this person because they didn’t want a “professional politician.” But for many others is known for stories of unprincipled business deals, not paying bills, negative words and actions during the campaign you wouldn’t want to teach your kids that haven’t stopped, and possible other ladies.

Big time difference about leadership from the bio movie from the entertainment industry that did win the Academy Award…Churchill.

So I guess it’s a new world in reaching people with a message. Personally I am not on social media sites for reasons of my own. But when you have the podium at a once-a-year event like awards ceremonies you take advantage of it to counter numerous of what many consider questionable tweets everyday that get picked up and replayed all day long in the media…until some are “revised.”

I couldn’t help but feel this was a media-fueled issue. I am for EVERY Harvey Weinstein-type out there to get their punishment. There have been times I question whether the media dn Hollywood are picking/choosing their targets.

Billy Bush has to be the most bitter human being on the planet. All he did was conduct an interview and was associated with a story from more than 10 years ago. Next, he loses his job at NBC, while his subject went on to become President of the US.

Al Franken admitted his wrong-doings, resigned from his position, yet he still had supporters from “SNL.”

With Ryan Seacrest, I think he seems like a great guy, but that is all I know. We do not know these people away from their public persona. I hope it is not true because he has built a great empire. I do not think Taraji would make a nasty comment about him because I believe she is close friends with Kelly Ripa. I am glad Kelly has been so supportive. It had to be incredibly hurtful to be on the carpet and be avoided by celebrities that he will have to face again on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

Thumbs up to Taraji. Chin up to Ryan. If you are innocent, the people who avoided you last night are the losers.

I did not watch, Ray…..just the odd ad; news etc…..but, I appreciate your honest appraisal of what is what. No frills, no bias…just the facts. TY.

I have always thought Taraji P. Henson is one CLASS ACT ! and the would not diss anyone !

typo ! I meant to say “and that she would not diss anyone !”

Everyone who talked to Ryan, coffee is on me. BECAUSE, until there is proof that he misbehaved inappropriately, to me, its just another BIMBO trying to get 15 minutes and a payout! God Bless you Ryan Seacrest!

Well it killed one of the best actors in daytime’s career all they had to do was throw the rumor out there and poof he was gone. I have a friend who has a successful radio show he will not step on a elevator alone with a woman

I think it has happened it has been going on for years I also think we have false accusations thrown around and Hollywood is the last place you look for answers.

kay, women are wonderful BUT today it just seems like there is no energy in the room anymore to meet and mingle. I just go about my business, enjoy my job and keep my mouth shut!

exactly!!!

Exactly. It’s an easy way to make a buck these days, cry sexual harassment. You don’t need proof, just an allegation, and you receive a hefty settlement to go away. It’s sad because these women take away from those that have been brutally abused, assaulted, attacked and no longer have a voice or platform. In today’s world, you are guilty until proven innocent.

Thats so true, this finger pointing has watered down what was once major compassion towards abuse. Now, we all wonder unless the abuse is obvious.

well then there’s also the case of Bill Cosby who, even though, scores of women have accused him still went on to a successful career! It’s because of attitudes of people who don’t believe women, even when they’re in numbers, that people are afraid to speak out. As for Muhney, if he were innocent there’d be many of his co-workers rushing to his defense and he would have sued for defamation.

As for Seacrest? I always liked him. He’s likeable, charming, attractive. But then again I always liked Mel Gibson until I heard the anti-semitic garbage that came out of his mouth.

I don’t think we should assume we know a public figure because we “like” him or her. Unless the accuser is proved to be a liar I accept that she could be telling the truth.

Or, to be more accurate, I accept that I don’t KNOW the truth and therefore don’t take sides…(and, of course, if I like the actor I’d prefer it to be proven false).

rebecca1-There are cases like that of Cosby or Weinstein (and many, many more) that are legitimate. I don’t have any bias towards Ryan Seacrest, or really, any male figure in Hollywood. It just grows tiresome that you can’t turn on the television these days without a new allegation from 5, 10, 15-plus years ago without any substantial proof. It just seems that with the on-slaught of allegations, some (not all) of the allegations are questionable. Again, I think it takes away from those women who have been severely abused, assaulted, brutalized, and harassed. You know who I was really disappointed in, Matt Lauer. I always felt as though I was having breakfast with Matt and Savannah each morning. Just goes to show you, you never know what happens behind closed doors (literally). Awful.

Yes, dmr….lest we forget the young men who, also, are victims to sexual harrassment….straight and gay.
My very ‘bestest’ friend, and Godfather to my son, ( who is gay) had his ups and downs, as did some of my straight friends.
I think many of us experienced sexual harassment in some form or another.
As far as I am concerned, lewd comments about one’s body, specifically the bosom ( I simply did not tolerste that—sick, especially for those men who have daughters) is not only sexual harassment, but also sexist. No touching necessary…words are just as bad.

Hi dmr…I think that’s the problem. Unless people have witnesses it’s a he said/she said and that’s very unfortunate; regardless if its’ the woman who was really abused or the man falsely accused.

However, the reason allegations are coming out as you say, “5, 10, 15 plus” years later (or from ago as you said) is BECAUSE women weren’t believed, their careers were ruined if they dared speak out; their reputations sullied. Even in today’s day and age fans of Michael Muhney couldn’t believe that he could possibly do what the actress accused him of. Why? Because he’s a fan favorite on their soap? I think it took great courage for a young actress to come out and speak her truth (which was backed up by several co-workers if I remember correctly). With that said it was left ambiguous but it must have been serious enough for the network to side with her rather than fire her instead of him.

It IS crazy the amount of allegations that are coming out…and disheartening. I, too,was shocked about Matt Lauer. Ryan Seacrest, too. But there were accusations and denials regarding Michael Jackson and so many others going way back (what really shocked me? Stephen Collins who played many a Lifetime movie and played a pedophile priest in one and then confessed he had sex with underage girls in real life and was a sex addict!!!!)…it’s all over the place!! And it’s not just Hollywood. It’s in corporate America, it’s in government, from Bill Clinton to pedophile Moore to the “wife-beater” Rob Porter. Physical sexual abuse seems to abound.

So, maybe Ryan is innocent. I truly hope so. But we really can’t be sure. I wouldn’t jump to call women “bimbos” as was posted above or assume that each time a favorite celeb is accused that the woman is lying. Not saying she isn’t, but until/if we know it’s problematic. When its’ SO obvious like the Cosby, O’Reilly or Weinstein case when several to many women speak out against the same man there’s obviously some truth to it. ( which is why it ASTOUNDS me that Cosby got away with it…so many women!!!!!)

I had an “experience” myself. Haven’t thought of it in years but it did freak me out at the time. I was in my 20s and working in the theatre district in NY. I was in a producer’s office (who was in his 50s) and asking him about some assignment I had and he backed me against the desk and tried to stick his tongue down my throat! I must’ve ducked to the side…can’t even remember but I kinda laughed it off and must have “lectured” him in my way (LOL) and we were “cool.” But I NEVER would have thought of telling someone or starting anything because I was young and just starting out in the creative realm (going on to publishing) and he was well-known and very respected. Just wouldn’t/didn’t do anything about it. But it was awkward to say the least and completely inappropriate. It DOES happen. Luckily this guy just stepped over the boundary but never tried anything again so I wasn’t “traumatized” or “violated.” But the fact he felt he could do that is the problem; the fact that man women across many fields experienced that and much worse but never spoke out is indicative of victims getting victimized. Think of rape victims who are afraid to testify because they’re humiliated on the stand…they “asked” for it if their skirt was too short or their blouse too low. So by that logic a man in a speedo should be attacked and abused on the beach because he’s showing too much! Or that dude with the tank top/muscular arms and the low-rise jeans that shows all…I guess women or men shouldn’t be blamed if they were so turned on that they couldn’t help but force themselves on him.

Sick society we live in.

I find this really hard to believe..Ryan Seacrest??? he couldn’t hold on to Julianne Hough….isn’t he gay???? Just amazes me, how some men lost their jobs and livelihood over allegations, but Seacrest was cleared in, what? a day? I’m not saying the men guilty didn’t deserve what they got, but he must have forked over a lot of money to kill this story….maybe he had help from Simon Cowell or Randy Jackson….just sayin!!!!

Ryan could easily clear this up with a frank conversation about who he is. This is 2018 after all.

You really think Seacrest is gay, Steve? I don’t know….this is one guy who has me baffled. If he is, why is he fighting it? As you say, this is 2018…. a new world….
I, also, wanted to point out that there are lascivious perverts—-usually older men; just as there are women who tell untruths and cry rape.
As dmr states; it’s easy money, while someone’s reputation is shot to death.
….or, they do it for attention, while those who are truly victims may not be believed because of women who are mendacious.
I know doctors ( male and female) who always make sure there’s an assistant in the exam room with them….whether it’s a male or female patient. It’s scary, when you think about it.

You make a good, sound argument, Scott…..Not to speak ill of the dead, but so did Michael J…..the payoff was astronomical.

I have never been a fan but think Ryan is being framed, by an accuser looking for a payday. Me too has jumped the shark. It is the new version of a staged slip and fall. Some people will lie, cheat, fabricate a story with no regard for the individual being accused.
I’m also pretty sure Ryan is gay.
I fear this won’t end well for him.

I’m sick to death of the Hollywood award shows. I no longer watch, cannot stand celebrities pontificating and preaching. Ratings continue to fall, more and more viewers are just turned off.

This is the first year since I was a wee little one that I haven’t watched the Oscars or the red carpet. I just wasn’t feeling it….at all! And I don’t regret it.

I didn’t watch it either. I always looked forward to it, to see what the women were wearing and have a few laughs. I stopped last year, they have got way to political and it is no longer enjoyable. If I want to watch politics I’ll watch a news channel.

That’s what I took away from that exchange. She was trying to give him some encouragement and people have to make into what they want it to be about!! I loved her on Person of Interest. She is one classy lady!!

What kills me are people are lambasting Seacrest with zero proof but they cheered Kobe who is a convicted rapist.

Michael Fairman I am surprised you did not post an article about Alison Janney’s Oscar win for supporting actress. You usually give such big love to former day timers’ acknowledgement in film, primetime and theatre.

Empire

Taraji P. Henson Says She Fired Her Entire Team After They Failed to Capitalize on Her Success as ‘Empire’s’ Cookie Lyon

When Fox’s hit primetime soap opera, Empire, hit the air it became a smash hit, especially due to its lead female character, Cookie Lyon, as played by Taraji P. Henson.

The actress played Cookie for all she was worth and the some becoming one of the more original soap and television characters. After all, Cookie went to jail for 17 years before being released, and was the wife of former drug dealer, now music mogul, Lucious Lyon played by Terrence Howard.

Now, Taraji revealed all was not kosher behind the scenes during a sit-down interview for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation (see below). It was there, she revealed that she had to fire her entire PR team and more, because of how they failed to capitalize on her rousing success at the time as Cookie.

Photo: Fox

The moment came about during the Q&A Henson was asked what was the best business decision she ever made.  She swiftly answered: “Firing everybody after Cookie,” adding, “Everybody had to f**ing’ go. Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this? That’s why you all haven’t seen me in so long. They had nothing set up.”

Empire fans recall that a ‘Cookie’ prequel had been in the works to continue the character after the series was canceled after six seasons, but nothing happened. At the time reports shared, Danny Strong, co-creator of the Empire was said to be co-writing the series, and it would come through Henson’s new production banner.

Taraji explained what went down behind the scenes: “All they wanted was another Cookie show, and I said, ‘I’ll do it, but it has to be right. The people deserve, she’s to beloved for y’all to f**k it up.’ And so, when they didn’t get it right, I was like, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and they had nothing else. ‘You’re all f**ng fired.”

Photo: JPI

Henson added that she felt like she had Stockholm Syndrome from the entire situation, which is defines as a syndrome ‘where hostages sometimes develop a psychological bond with their captors.’ (Think Kevin, Y&R!) The moral of Henson’s story was to make sure the people you pay and who work for you, understand that you are the talent and nothing happens without you including them collecting a paycheck off you.

Henson can currently be seen in the musical version of The Color People in movie theatres everywhere.

Check out her emotional and enlightening conversation with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation below.

Now let us know, do you think Cookie Lyon was one of the best TV characters and should have either been spun off into her own show, or Henson should have appeared in more commercial and endorsement deals given the popularity of the character? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Empire

Jussie Smollett Releases New Rap Single ‘Thank You God’ Speaking On the Injustice of His Court Case

Now that former Empire star, Jussie Smollett (Ex-Jamal Lyon) is out of jail while appealing his conviction for the 2019 Chicago hate crime hoax, in which he was at the epicenter, the singer/actor wasted no time dropping a rap single.

On his Instagram account, Smollett posted a short clip of a new rap song, which speaks about his court case and the injustices brought down upon him by the system.

The track entitled,“Thank You God,” features Smollett rapping lyrics like: “You think I’m stupid enough to kill my reputation?”  He also raps, that there will come a day when he can sit down and talk with his followers.  He gives a mention to “D.L.” who many believe is CNN anchor, Don Lemon, who was originally one of Smollett’s main advocates.

Jussie served 10 days of jail time of his sentence of 150 days before being released . He also has 30 months of probation ahead of him and was ordered to pay $120,106 to the city of Chicago and a $25,000 fine for his actions.

Smollett says any funds raised for “Thank You God” will be donated to the Illinois Innocence Project, Rainbow Push, Secure The Bag Safety.

Check out Jussie’s Instagram post containing the rap below/

Now let us know, what do you think about Smollett releasing this track and still defending his innocence? Comment below.

 

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A post shared by @jussiesmollett

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Breaking News

‘Empire’ Star, Jussie Smollett, Sentenced to 150 Days In Jail For Fake Hate Crime Attack

Late Thursday, former Empire actor and singer, Jussie Smollett, was sentenced in Chicago more than three months after being found guilty on five felony counts to the alleged 2019 hate crime hoax that made national headlines, and got the actor fired from the former Fox primetime drama series.

In the sentencing, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days starting immediately.  In addition, he received 30 months’ probation, and has to pay the city of Chicago $120,106 in restitution, plus Jussie received an additional $25,000 fine.

Cook County Judge James Linn, who levied the sentence, came down hard in his words on Smollett due his actions noting he was, “selfish, arrogant and narcissistic.”  The judge added, “You wanted to make yourself more famous throwing a national pity party for yourself. You’re just a charlatan, pretending to be the victim of a hate crime.”

Linn went in on Smollett for his ‘performance’ and ‘pure perjury’ when the actor took to the witness stand in his own defense last year.

At the end of his sentencing, Smollett pulled down his mask to speak. He then let everyone in the courtroom know that he feels he is innocent, adding, “Your honor, I respect you and I respect the jury, but I did not do this. And I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself. And you must all know that.”

Just before he was taken into custody, Smollett yelled again that he was innocent and raised a fist in the air as he exited.

Watch the sentencing of Jussie Smollett below, then weigh-in.  Did Smollett get enough of a sentence for his crime? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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