Kelly's Team says Groupie Remorse; Nicole Murphy Come Up? AJ Is Out!

Youtube fair use video not a photo CBS Morning News R Kelly March 2019

Former 106 & Park Co-Host AJ Calloway is now done on the TV entertainment magazine show Extra. Calloway was suspended with pay in February after accusations of sexual misconduct. Before that, Warner Brother Studios, which produced Extra, investigated Calloway after initial accusations to learn if there was any misconduct at the workplace. Initially, the studio released a statement it found none. Then, they expanded their investigation and suspended Calloway during the process after more accusers spoke to the press and authorities. Now the studio released a new statement that Calloway and Extra have mutually decided to part ways. Calloway had been with Extra since 2008.

Ironically as Calloway exists, Billy Bush makes his comeback. Extra has been retooled and re-titled Extra, Extra, and is leaving NBC stations for FOX stations. Current Host Mario Lopez, who recently apologized for his remarks on parenting transgender children on a conservative podcast, will move to Access Hollywood. Bush, former Access Hollywood Anchor and Today Show 3rd hour host, will take over with the new Extra, Extra this fall. In 2016, Bush lost his Today Show job after the infamous Access Hollywood hot microphone caught his 2005 conversation with then Presidential Candidate Donald Trump. Trump used coarse language about women, including about Bush’s one-time Co-anchor Nancy O’Dell, and Bush laughed. Trump got elected, but Bush was shown the door at NBC (remember his on air disagreement with Al Roker over Ryan Lochte). Bush did a few interviews expressing regret, but kept to social media with other topics before this announcement. Extra, Extra begins this fall.

Lisa Marie Presley is doing a tell-all book. She’s been through a lot. At near 10 years old, Lisa Marie found her dad, the legendary Elvis Presley, dead in the bathroom. She battled an addiction to painkillers. She was in a much scrutinized marriage to The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, for two years (1994-1996). Remember that famous kiss on The MTV Video Music Awards? Presley says Jackson isn’t a pedophile. Well, you know what Lisa Marie? If you’re writing a tell-all this deep, I wanna know if you and Michael had sex! Did you consummate the marriage?!!! And, y’all want to know too!!!! While she may be rich, Presley keeps getting her heart broken in the marriage (4 total including Actor Nicolas Cage) and romance departments, and it sometimes costs her big bucks. She must be doing this tell all to express herself because despite any money losses, the Elvis estate just keeps the money rolling in for her. A release date has yet to be announced.

Real Housewives Of Atlanta Star Cynthia Bailey and Sports, TV, Radio and Digital Personality Mike Hill are engaged. The couple has been together for over a year. Bailey, who began her career modeling and acting, launched her career to a whole new level joining The Real Housewives’ franchise with her then husband Peter Thomas. This will be the second marriage for both Hill, 48, and Bailey, 52. Bailey confessed never thinking she’d marry again after divorcing Thomas, but her relationship with Hill made her see being married to him was something she could definitely do.

Who’s the lady that can turn side-jawn accusations to a skin care launch in one week? It’s Nicole Murphy that’s who. The former wife of Comedian Eddie Murphy was caught last week with Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day; The Magnificent Seven; The Equalizer) at a hotel pool in Italy kissing in multiple pictures. At first Fuqua, who’s been married to Actress Lela Rochon (Waiting To Exhale; Boomerang; The Cosby Show) for 20 years and share two children, said nothing. Nicole Murphy at first said she was kissing a family friend. Then more pictures came out causing Nicole to later apologize and say she wouldn’t be so disrespectful toward marriage. Then came Actress LisaRaye confirming she’s been in Lela Rochon’s shoes as a wife because LisaRaye said Murphy messed around with her ex-husband, former Turks & Caicos Islands Chief Minister Michael Messick. Remember, this is all on the back of Nicole dating Michael Strahan for five years, but broke up shortly after he put a tracking device in her car and caught her cheating. Meanwhile, Antoine Fuqua reportedly had a baby with a woman while dating Rochon, and then two more with other women while married to Rochon. WOW! Well a new week has Murphy rebounding with a skincare line called Zobela. I’ve only seen a foaming cleanser for the face so far. Unfortunately, she’s still getting the home wrecker dragging on social media. As for Rochon and Fuqua, they’re reportedly going to counseling and he’s promising to change, but these two aren’t splitting up.

Disney and Beyonce' want to do more, and it’s happening. The Lion King has already taken in a billion dollars worldwide at the box office. Beyonce’ performs on the soundtrack including the song that closes the movie called Spirit. Spirit is also included on Queen Bey’s surprise release, The Lion King: The Gift. The rest of that album is new songs inspired by the film. This is why Disney and Beyonce’ circled and have inked a deal. There’s no word as of press time on what projects are being considered.

R Kelly’s legal team is trying to get him bail while his live in girlfriends are trying to start their career. First, Azriel Clary and Joycelyn Savage are reportedly reaching out to talent and public relations reps, as well as other media outlets, to acknowledge jump starting their entertainment careers. The focus for the ladies is on modeling, acting and possibly entrepreneurship. Some have said this is because the Trump Tower apartment they’re staying at is only paid for until the end of the year. Others say with R Kelly on lockdown for now, the women are spreading their wings. No word on any status updates on the relationship with either of the ladies’ families. Meanwhile, R Kelly’s team has an upcoming hearing, and they’re trying to appeal the no bond ruling. Their papers say the singer/songwriter isn’t a threat to society because the accusations are bogus. The legal team also calls the alleged victims groupies who not only sought out R Kelly but fought each other to be with him. The Kelly team says Prosecutor Kim Foxx sounded the alarm after the Lifetime TV documentary to come forward and get famous. Kelly’s team says it boils down to five disgruntled groupies having groupie remorse. They also claim all those coming forward weren’t underage. At press time, Kelly remains in jail under the no bond judgment with a status hearing set for September 4th. Kelly faces federal charges in Chicago and New York in relation to sexual abuse and trafficking.

We remember legendary Power 99 Personality Don Juan Banks. As a longtime jock and production manager for the station, Banks was integral in shaping the sound and persona of the station as its mainstay voice talent on promotional and commercial spots. Though he had many shifts on the station, Banks is probably best remembered for his Sunday Morning Inspirations show. The key was he shaped that show to pay tribute to legends and invite the contemporary Power 99 listener with a change of pace not too far but still with inspirational message music. Personally, I look back at my memories of Don Juan during my time at Power 99 in the 80’s remembering him as a great supporter. I started at the station in overnights, and he would always check in with me find out how things were going and be there to lend a hand whenever I needed it. A gifted radio talent and media professional, we keep his family in prayer and salute Don Juan Banks.

We also remember legendary Photojournalist Robert Mendelsohn. A tireless worker, he made it his business to attend practically every event in the city impacting the African American Community. Politics, rallies, festivals, concerts you name it and Mendelsohn covered it. Whether for The Tribune, The Sunday Sun, The New Observer or any other publication, his work was instantly recognizable and in plentiful supply for readers. The Philadelphia Tribune website has a wonderful tribute retrospective of some of Mendelsohn’s greatest shots. It’s a great way to remember a wonderful person and top notch journalist, Robert Mendelsohn.

Power returns to Starz, and is promising some major twists. Team Ghost and Team Tommy with amazing show promos, but the only hint being dropped is that things are not as they seem. Look for Mary J. Blige to join the cast. Power returns to Starz on Sunday, August 25th.

At the movies this week, it’s Idris Elba, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Jason Statham in Hobbs & Shaw, the first spinoff from The Fast & The Furious movie franchise. Elba plays a high-powered villain going up against Co-stars Johnson and Statham, who play the title characters. Hobbs & Shaw opens this Friday. Plus Elba’s on the cover of this month’s Vanity Fair.

Missy Elliot is on the cover of the August edition of Marie Claire with the feature story The Legend Returns.

Mariah Carey is on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.

Actress/Singer Janelle Monae is on the cover of InStyle magazine.

Serena Williams is on a dual cover of Harper’s Bazaar.

Ciara, Teyana Taylor and the legendary Iman split the cover Essence magazine.

The Dell Music Center has announced its 2019 line up for the summer:

Thursday, August 8th: Anthony Hamilton/Ledisi/Gregory Porter

Thursday, August 15th: Guy featuring Teddy Riley/Tank/Avant

Saturday, August 17th: Jordan Feliz

Thursday, August 22nd: SWV/Faith Evans/Silk/Next

Thursday, August 29th: Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill/Stokley

Hip Hop’s Billionaire, Jay-Z, is presenting Made In America 2019 in Philly. Cardi B and Travis Scott are headlining. Also on the bill are Freddie Gibbs, Grace Carter, Kodak Black and Anderson.Paak. The festivities take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31st through Sunday, September 1st. Tickets and information can be found at madeinamericafest.com.

Check out who’s coming to town:

This Friday, August 2nd – The WDAS Summer Soiree celebrating The Kappa Conclave and welcoming the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The festivities take place at the First District Plaza, 38th & Market, hosted by Nephew Tommy/Patty Jackson/Frankie Darcell/Adimu and Music By Doc B. For tickets and Information log onto WDASSummerSoiree.eventbrite.com

Saturday, August 10th – Together On Stage Starring Ja Rule/Ashanti/My’a at The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, August 17th – Hammer’s House Party starring MC Hammer, Kid ‘n Play, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Biz Markie & DJ Koolat The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.

Monday, September 2nd – Patty Jackson’s Annual Party In The Park starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Whodini and Big Daddy Kane at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or log onto mydelleast.com

Saturday, September 7th - The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.

Saturday, September 14th - The Atlantic City Jazz Fest starring Boney James/Najee/Pieces Of A Dream/Norman Brown/Joe Bataan at the Mark Etess Arena in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com or acjazzfest.com

Saturday, September 28th – Snoop Dogg & Friends at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.

Thursday, December 12th– Sinbad in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Center in Bensalem, PA City. Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.

If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day.


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