Analyzing R. Kelly Interview with Gayle King on CBS News

R. Kelly finally breaks his silence following his arrest on sexual abuse charges in an interview with CBS This Morning co-host, Gayle King. Parts of the 80-minute interview have aired and people are choosing sides. Everyone wants to know, “Did R. Kelly Do It?”

R. Kelly is being charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse relating to misconduct with four women, three of whom were underage at the time of their alleged assaults. In January 2019, Lifetime premiered Surviving R. Kelly, a six-part docuseries that detailed the allegations against Kelly. It featured accounts from multiple women who say they escaped Kelly’s “cult” and interviews with some of the women’s parents. Amongst interviews are Jocelyn Savage and Azriel Clary’s parents. Who believe Kelly is holding their daughters against their will or have brainwashed them. Again, Robert Kelly has denied everything.

Below, we have analyzed some red flags and potential behavioral patterns of batterers that stood out during this interview.

RED FLAG #1: R. Kelly says, “Rescue someone that doesn’t need rescuing cause they’re not in my house.” However, a video soon to follow shows him confessing to his relationships with 23-year-old Jocelyn Savage and 21-year-old Azriel Clary. According to their parents, the two young women need to be rescued. The question is, are they in the house or not? If they are in the house willingly, why won’t they talk to their parents?

RED FLAG #2: He’s stated that he doesn’t know what a cult is, which is problematic. If he doesn’t know what a cult is, how can he be sure that he doesn’t have one?

RED FLAG #3: When speaking on the docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly, Kelly says, “Everyone said something bad about me. Nobody said nothing good. They were describing Lucifer.” It is true that the women addressed R. Kelly and Robert as two different people. Most of the women said great things about R. Kelly, and described Robert as Lucifer in the sense that he’s a charismatic charmer that sings his way into people’s hearts. Before delving into Robert’s sexual behaviors, they spoke A LOT about R. Kelly being a sweet and caring man who would give the world to the people around him, but when Robert takes over, it’s scary.

RED FLAG #4: When R. Kelly starts crying, I can’t say that I don’t think he’s hurting. However, I do believe that his tears stem from a different source of pain. Think for a second. Have you ever witnessed a man cry when he realizes something in his life is being taken from him? Most times, men don’t cry because they feel bad. They cry because they’ve been caught or don’t know how to fix the problem. He feels like shit because he is now realizing everything he did in the past and the present is catching up with him. He can’t find an escape route. This is my perception of R. Kelly’s pain.

EXAMPLE: Society for the most part, doesn’t accept underage dating and it’s illegal. In some states, parents can sign their children over to a spouse from the age of sixteen. Also, there are men in certain neighborhoods that prey on younger, more vulnerable women. It makes them seem more manly to have young women chasing after them. If R. Kelly surrounds himself by a crowd of people that encourage his actions, why would he change? At that point, neither the law nor outside opinions matter to him. Who is going to finally stand up and tell R. Kelly, “No”? What consequences will he face? Consider this as you listen to his outbursts.

He uses the words, “ABDUCTED, RAPED, and CHAINED” when describing women that really need help. Again, the women that are in his alleged “cult” are technically not being held against their will, but if the allegations are correct, he has psychologically brainwashed them. They may not be in physical bondage, but they’re definitely in bondage.

RED FLAG #5: I believe that R. Kelly truly thinks his behaviors, minor or extreme, are unproblematic. It’s actually pretty scary to watch/hear because R. Kelly is far from the first who hasn’t comprehended their wrongdoing, nor will he be the last.

He even speaks about arresting himself if his daughters were said to be enduring the same abuse that he’s allegedly guilty of. WHAT??? I can’t! Help him PLEASE!!!

RED FLAG #6: R. Kelly says, “How come it was okay for me to see them until they wasn’t getting no money from me…What kind of a father, what kind of mother would sell their daughter to a man?”

He still doesn’t fully understand what he’s saying. He literally admitted to buying two young women from their parents. If he did purchase these young women, keep in mind that Azriel Clary was 17-year-old when they met. Clary is now 21-years-old and according to Kelly, the two are now in a romantic relationship. If that’s the case, is he expecting people to believe that he waited until she was 18-years-old to legally engage in sexual intercourse with her? If there was no sexual intercourse between the two, was romance a NO altogether? This whole damn scenario is messed up. R. Kelly should not be dating or interested in anyone younger than 21-years-old. He needs help ASAP.

“An emotionally abusive partner will systematically and intentionally try to separate the victim from their external network of support: friends, family, co-workers, clergy. This is designed to make the victim solely dependent upon the abuser and to decrease the likelihood that others will witness the abuse. The more a victim is isolated, the harder it is for them to be connected to the resources they need to escape the relationship.” ― Ferentz HUFFPOST

Recognizing the Signs: I’m not sure if anyone else picked up on this, but R. Kelly shows many signs that are common of an abuser.

Sign 1: He talked over King every time she spoke. This shows that he is used to controlling a conversation. Also, he stood up and started yelling, which is a sign of a verbal and emotional abusers. They use their dominance to show people that they’re in charge.

Sign 2: He wouldn’t take responsibility for any of his actions.

“It’s extremely rare for an emotionally abusive partner to take responsibility for his or her behavior. Their tactic is to project responsibility or fault onto their partner. They will deceptively twist reality, distort the truth or outright lie to make the case that their partner is to blame. The subject matter becomes irrelevant as the emotionally abusive partner sidesteps responsibility at all cost.” ― Carol A. Lambert, psychotherapist and author of Women With Controlling Partners HUFFPOST

I’m sure there are other things that I didn’t catch. If you can identify any other signs or red flags that you’re willing to discuss, comment below!

Advertisement

Jordyn Woods Joins The Red Table Talk To Tell Her Story!!!

Jordyn Woods shares her story with Jada Pinkett Smith on The Red Table Talk.

Last week, a story broke out that Jordyn Woods and Khloe Kardashian’s boyfriend Tristan Thompson allegedly had an affair. Woods has denied all allegations; because of this, she has been called a liar by the Kardashian family and the public, along with receiving threatening messages to her and her family. With so much confusion revolving around the story, Woods tries to tell her story. Jada Pinkett Smith has known Jordyn Woods her whole life and has been close to the Kardashian family for some time. Jada voices that this has impacted all three families, but Jordyn needs to let the world know the truth.

After listening to the entire video, I have to say I believe Jordyn. Not saying that I can’t be wrong, but everything she says seems like something that could happen to anyone. She doesn’t make up some elaborate story to convince us. It is the most generic story, nothing to question or consider.

We all can agree, and Jordyn says it often that she shouldn’t have allowed herself to follow the other ladies to Tristan’s house. It was inappropriate, and she acknowledges that many times.

I do want to explore the comments on her being drunk, as all these blogs feel the need to pick at her for mentioning the alcohol. Let’s be clear; alcohol surfaces a lot of built-up energy or feelings that one may have. People are making it seem like she is making an excuse. That isn’t an excuse; It’s the truth. She describes her sitting next to Tristan and how their feet touched. Inappropriate, but this is the only thing that raises a red flag for me. It seems like Jordyn may have had a connection with Tristan before this event. Not something that would cause cheating but a feeling that possibly lingered in the air when they’re in the room together. Something that neither one of them really acknowledged or perhaps just ignored.

Jada Pinkett Smith says it many times that everyone has been in a situation like this or similar. I’m not saying that the Kardashians should forgive her. I’m just saying these kinds of things are more common than not. It doesn’t matter who you are. We only learn from them and move the hell on.

When someone tells their story, it doesn’t always have to be that they are looking for attention. Sometimes people make mistakes and want to make it known that they made a mistake. It is possible someone can be genuine. Again I don’t remember whether Jordyn Woods is lying or not, but I won’t dismiss her apology just because people feel she wants attention. If that’s the case, no one would come out and say anything they’ve done or been through because, unfortunately, the world we live in, people love scandals that will bring them attention.

For the trollers…with all of the cases of people committing suicide because of bullying, it’s also inappropriate to send someone messages stating things like “That’s why your father deserved to die” and “I hope you die.” Hateful rhetoric is disgusting, and no one should ever speak to someone like that, especially not because of an alleged affair. Let’s be frank the Kardashians don’t know half of you who are “defending” them. You aren’t getting your bills paid, and you’re not going to become their best friends. You’re just fueling an issue that, when you go home at night, has nothing to do with your real life. Grow Up! These people are hurting and don’t need your petty and childish insults.

Kofi Siriboe’s short film “Jump” Identifies Mental Health

Kofi Siriboe released his short film “Jump” yesterday and it has already been getting buzz. The film follows Ziggy, a African American male that is detached from reality. Ziggy continues to see a young girl that is telling him to follow her, but every time he finds her, no one is ACTUALLY there. He repeats the words, “I don’t wanna live, I don’t wanna die”, directly signifying his complex with living a life of depression and actually not wanting to ending the life he know (with friends) but doesn’t enjoy. His friend tries to reach out to him but he’s not interested in hanging out or talking. It ends with Ziggy on the bridge considering what to do next…

I’m proud of Kofi Siriboe for this wonderful film. Keep up the good work! OnPoint!

Check out the short film below:

Drake Bring Together The Degrassi Cast For “I’m Upset” Video

Rapper Drake dropped the music video for “I’m Upset” which displays the reunion of the Degrassi: The Next Generation cast. In the video they all meet up at their high school and party it up. Drake who played Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian TV Show from 2001 to 2009, reunites with 19 his cast members.

Here the list of cast in order of appearance in the video:

Shane Kippel, who played his onscreen best friend Gavin “Spinner” Mason

Lauren Collins played Paige Michalchuk, the queen bee at Degrassi. Before there was a Regina George, there was Paige Michalchuk.

Adamo Ruggiero and Stacey Farber played Marco Del Rossi and Ellie Nash, respectively, joining the cast in season two. Marco spends most of the series struggling to accept his sexuality and getting others around him to do the same, while Ellie deals with a home life in constant turmoil. The two strike up a friendship with Paige to form the best trio since Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Jake Epstein played musician Craig Manning; he is the boy every girl in school wants, who has to battle some serious inner demons.

Christina Schmidt and Andrea Lewis played Terri MacGregor and Hazel Aden, respectively. Terri is incredibly insecure about her self-image and eventually gets in an abusive relationship. She leaves after the third season, following an assault by her ex-boyfriend. Hazel is the best friend of Paige, who struggles with hiding her Muslim faith from her friends because of facing harassment after 9/11. She eventually decides to live in her truth, as well as dating one Jimmy Brooks later on in the series.

Melissa McIntyre played Ashley Kerwin, another past love of Jimmy Brooks and the “perfect girl” who attracts all the guys. She is hated by quite a few of the Degrassi girls, but Ashley is too busy dealing with her whole drama to bother with all that. We will never forget when Jimmy Brooks has the audacity to call her a slut. She also has a tumultuous relationship with Craig that inspires the classic hit “Mr. Nice Guy.”

Linlyn Lue and Stefan Brogren played Laura Kwan and Archibald “Snake/Archie” Rupert Simpson, respectively. They are both teachers at Degrassi, Kwan for English and Archie for Media Immersions. Kwan is known for being strict AF, whereas Archie is a lot looser. Archie goes on to become the principal and has to tighten the reins a little more. Brogren actually portrayed Archie in the original Degrassi in the ’80s, thus making Archie an official alumnus of Degrassi Junior High and High School.

Marc Donato and Dalmar Abuzeid portrayed Derek Haig and Daniel “Danny” Van Zandt, respectively. They are basically everyone’s annoying little brothers.

A.J. Saudin played Connor DeLaurier, Archie’s godson who struggles with social situations as a result of his having Asperger’s syndrome. He ends up joining the football team and becoming valedictorian of the class of 2014.

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes played Jay and Silent Bob Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. The two come in the final three episodes of season four as exaggerated versions of themselves who are filming a fictional film at Degrassi.two come in the final three episodes of season four as exaggerated versions of themselves who are filming a fictional film at Degrassi.

Miriam McDonald and Cassie Steele played the unforgettable Emma Nelson and Manny Santos, respectively. They are an unstoppable duo who battle sexism, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, and terrible decisions in boyfriends together. They are the definition of BFFL.

Nina Dobrev and Sarah Barrable-Tishauer coming in during season six, Dobrev portrayed Mia Jones, a teenage mother who just wants to model. She eventually leaves to pursue a career in Paris and somehow gets waylaid by some vampire brothers in Virginia, USA. Barrable-Tishauer played Liberty Van Zandt, who never lets anything get in her way, even teenage pregnancy and losing her partner. She is and will always be a genius baddie.

Ephraim Ellis, who played Rick Murray the infamous schoolmate who shoots Jimmy and paralyzes him during season four.

Jake Goldsbie portrayed Toby Isaacs, stepbrother of Ashley Kerwin. He is also best friends with J.T. Yorke.

Paula Brancati portrayed Jane Vaughn, a transfer from Degrassi’s rival school Lakehurst Secondary School and aunt to Mia’s daughter, Isabella.

Below is the full video…Enjoy!!! 😊😊😊

Kofi Siriboe Brings Awareness To Mental Health in Black Communities

Actor Kofi Siriboe from the film Girls Trip and TV Series Queen Sugar has created a documentary called What the Fuck Is Mental Health? Tackling the unrecognized issues of mental illness in black communities. In the short documentary, a group of young Black speak on their personal experience with mental health and how they have overcome.

Siriboe expressed to the Huffington Post about being inspired to make a documentary dealing with mental health:

Making WTF Is Mental Health? Has been a part of the healing process for me, one I’m still exploring. It’s the combination piece to Jump, a short film I made after a mentor and a big brother figure died by suicide, just before I got the call that I’d then cast in Queen Sugar. I started working on this beautiful, emotional show and felt how liberating it was to channel my fears into art. As I began to mold Jump, I realize the true conversation I was craving centered on young black people who are figuring out this mental health thing, too.

He also explains that he wants Black people to express themselves:

Everybody doesn’t have that language and doesn’t understand that there is a community or world out there of people dealing with similar things, so I want to explore what it is and what it means to us. A lot of our project is just asking questions, and I think with the questions, they’re able to give us answers and able to define these definitions for ourselves rather than what we are accustomed to being told.

It is no secret that Black people have a hard time expressing themselves. It is however difficult for many people to understand WHY Black people have such a hard time expressing themselves. This documentary is just the beginning of a well-needed discussion on mental health in black communities.

The NFL has a NEW Policy About Standing For The Anthem (BAD IDEA)

After an eye-opening 2017 season, which caused NFL attendance and TV rating dropped as Trump and other critic’s scrutinized on-field protest by many of the league players. NFL commissioner Roger Goodall announced this week that the league has a new policy, “this season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the anthem may stay in the locker room until after the anthem has been performed”.

When Trump was asked about the new policy he says, “I think the people pushed it forward. This was not me. I brought it out. I think the people pushed it forward. This country’s very smart. We have very smart people,” the president said. “And, you know, that’s something ideally could have been taken care of when it first started. It would have been a lot easier. But if they did that, they’re doing the right thing.”

The new policy stem from all of the opinion’s after former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, shocked the world when he decided to Neil for the national anthem before a preseason game and then before regular-season games throughout the 2016 season.

The protest let some to boycott watching NFL games last season and it appeared to have played a part in NFL’s ratings. Television viewership fell 9.7% across all networks last season, according to Nielsen data. An average NFL game was watch by 1.6 million fewer people compared to last year, declining overall from 16.5 million $14.9 million, ESPN reported.

Although their ratings have dropped, the NFL still signed a $1.5 billion deal with Verizon to stream games across the wireless carriers platform, according to Recode. The NFL also reached a five-year, $3 billion to broadcast Thursday night Football on Fox sports, according to Reuters.

The problem with this entire policy is that it effects the 70 percent of football players that are African American feeling the injustice in this country. Colin Kaepernick and other players have said they are not protesting the anthem or the military; they are using the anthem to bring attention to racial injustice and the issue of police abuse of black and brown Americans. Below is the video of Sterling Brown being arrested for a parking violation brings up Kaepernick’s point.

NEW VIDEO: Migos ft. Drake – Walk It Talk It

Today rap trio Migos released the visual for a “Walk it Talk It” featuring the rapper Drake from the Culture II album. The video is directed by Daps and Quavo and produced by Sarah Lacombe.
The first scene opens up on the set of the soul train called ‘culture ride’ with actor,singer and songwriter Jamie Foxx introducing Migos. Everyone is dressed in 70’s attire. They were lined up, like the temptations, in sink with each other killing us with the moves…lol Meanwhile the audience is playing games and starting a soul train line. 

I the video. I like how they got their lyrics to match with not only the setting but their moves. It’s SUPER cute!!! OnPoint!!! 💋

WINNERS Of The 2018 NAACP Image Awards

Outstanding Actress In Motion Picture – OCTAVIA SPENCER (Gifted)Outstanding Actor In Comedy Series -ANTHONY ANDERSON (Black-ish)Outstanding Actress In Drama Series – TARAJI. P HENSON (Empire) Outstanding Actress In Comedy Series – TRACEE ELLIS ROSS (Black-ish)

Outstanding Actor In Drama Series – OMARI HARDWICK (Power)

Outstanding Comedy Series – Black-ish

Chairman Award – WILLIAM LUCY

Outstanding Documentary (Television) – “THE 44th PRESIDENT: IN HIS OWN WORDS”

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special – The New Edition Story

Outstanding Talk Series – The Real

Outstanding Writing In Motion Picture (Film) – JORDAN PEELE (Get Out)

Outstanding New Artist – SZA

Outstanding Directing In A Dramatic Series – CARL FRANKLIN (13 Reasons Why)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series – JOE MORTON (Scandal)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series – JAY ELLIS (Insecure)

Outstanding Jazz Album – SOMI (Afrique)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In Comedy Series – MARSAI MARTIN (Black-ish)

Outstanding Performance By A Youth (Series, special, Television Movie, or Limited-Series) – CALEB MCLAUGHLIN

Outstanding Female Artist – MARY J. BLIGE

Outstanding Children’s Program – DOC MCSTUFFINS

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture – TIFFANY HADDISH (Girl’s Trip)

Outstanding Directing In A Television Movie Or Special – ALLEN HUGHES (The Defiant Ones)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture – IDRIS ELBA (Thor: Ragnarok)

Outstanding Host In A Talk Or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual Or Ensemble – ROLAND MARTIN

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture – Detroit

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition – THE MANNS

Outstanding Literary Work – CHILDREN – LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY

Outstanding Supporting Actress In Drama Series – NATURI NAUGHTON (Power)

Outstanding Director In A Motion Picture – JORDAN PEELE (Get Out)

Outstanding Writing In A Drama Series – GINA PRINCE- BYTHEWOOD (Shots Fired)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) – Unsung

Outstanding Literacy Work – Poetry – INCENDIARY ART: POEMS – PATRICIA SMITH

Outstanding Variety Or Game Show (Series or Special) – LIP SYNC BATTLE

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album (Traditional or Contemporary) – GREENLEAF SOUNDTRACK

Outstanding Writing In A Comedy Series – JANINE BARROIS (Claws – Batsh*t)

Outstanding Literacy Work – Debut Author – STEPHANIE POWELL WATTS (No One Is Coming To Save Us)

Outstanding Host In A Reality Competition, Game Show Or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble – LL COOL J (lip sync battle)

Outstanding Literacy Work – Fiction – THE ANNOTATED AFRICAN AMERICAN FOLKTALE

Outstanding Directing In A Comedy Series – ANTON CROPPER (Black-ish)

Outstanding Character VoiceOver Performance (Television or Film) – TIFFANY HADDISH (Legends Of Chamberlain Heights)

Outstanding Documentary (FILM) – STEP

Outstanding Song (Traditional) – BRUNO MARS (That’s What I Like)

Outstanding Actor In A Television Movie, Limited-Series Or Dramatic Special – IDRIS ELBA (Guerrilla)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album – BRUNO MARS (That’s What I Like)

Outstanding Literacy Work – Youth/Teens – CLAYTON BYRD GOES UNDERGROUND

Outstanding Writer In A Television Movie Or Special – ABDUL WILLIAMS (The New Edition Story)

Outstanding Literacy Work (Biography/Autobiography) – BEING MS.BURTON FROM PRISON TO RECOVERY TO LEADING THE FIGHT FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN

Outstanding Album – DAMN (Kendrick Lamar)

Outstanding Actress In A Television Movie, Limited-Series Or Dramatic Special – QUEEN LATIFAH (Flint)

Outstanding Literacy Work (Nonfiction) – DEFINED MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY: READING BETWEEN THE LINES

Outstanding Literacy Work (Instructional) – THE AWAKEN WOMAN: REMEMBERING AND REIGNING OUR SACRED DREAMS

Outstanding Male Artist – BRUNO MARS

Outstanding Duo, Group Or Collection – KENDRICK LAMAR FT. RIHANNA – Loyalty

Outstanding Song – Contemporary – Humble (Kendrick Lamar)

Chapter 10: Its Because I Love You (The Real Me)

Christina

After my altercation with Omar, I now know, it is time for me to get away. I pack my bags and head straight to the airport. Back home is the best place for me right now, I ran away for a long time, but it seems to always give me relief when I go back. Not permanently, but to clear my head. My destination is Los Angeles California. There, I have a different life. One that I tried so hard to escape. Sometimes it’s just good to see your loved ones, to remind you of the importance in life. Although I won’t be spending, too much time there, I still want to see them. I plan to stay at the Lorder Hotel, for about a month. I could just go to the apartment that I have there. This is the one place Omar, can never seem to pinpoint me unless, I was staying with my parents.

I head to the hotel and check in. I don’t have to do much, because of my family. They’re just always glad to have me stay there. That’s why they allow me to use a different surname. All to ensure I can keep some form of privacy. Now that I’m thinking about it, that’s probably the reason Omar can never find me. The manager at the hotel is super sweet, and really makes a girl feel welcomed. Once I check in, I go to my room and take a long hot shower. As I’m standing in the shower for a bit, the phone starts to ring. After I ignore the first two rings, it continues. Irritated I turn off the water, step out of the shower, and dry off while heading to the phone. When I pick it up, the voice on the other end says in an accusatory tone, “when were you going to tell me you’re in town?”

Rolling my eyes, as I look at the phone, “Mom I literally just landed, how do you even know I’m here?”

My mother replies, “As smart as you are, sometimes I feel like I dropped you on your head at some point. Who’s paying for your hotel?”

“Goodbye mom”, I say as I get ready to hang up the phone.

“No, I’m sorry sweetheart”, she says in time to stop me from pressing the end button. Putting the phone back to my ear, hearing the silence, she knows that she can continue, “Your father and I want you to come over for dinner. I’m making all of your favorites.”

“You didn’t even know, I was coming. How are you making all my favorites?”, I ask crossing my arms awaiting her clever response.

“I just had Lora go to the store, to buy all your favorite foods. Even though, I wish you would stay here, instead of going to one of those hotels”, she says disappointed. “Do you know how embarrassing it is, to have the manager of one hotel that you donate to, call you and say that your daughter is staying there?”

“No mom, I don’t know…tell me how embarrassing it is?”, I say waiting for her to respond.

“Sorry sweetheart, I’m just saying”, she says trying to make herself sound sincere continuing, “And your brother misses you, he really wants to see you.”

“That’s funny because, I haven’t gotten a phone call from him ever”, I say sarcastically.

“Who’s the oldest sibling? I think you should be calling him”, she states. This is the moment where my mom tries to make me feel bad, for not being the big sister that they expect me to be.

“Here we go again, bye mom”, I throw my hands up, and shake my head.

“Will I be seeing you tonight?”, my mother asked right before ending our lovely conversation.

“Yes mother, I’ll come tonight for dinner”, I respond trying to get her off the phone.

“Now was that so hard, love you sweetheart see you later”, she says.

I’m upset the manager called my mother. That’s never happened before. Which must mean that my mother, has been searching for me for a while, and has everyone on the lookout. I hate when she does things like this. This is why I moved to New York, in the first place, to get away from all this. To start my own life, and make my own money, and do what I want to do.

I get dressed and head out on the town. My first destination is to my friend Dana, owner of Dana’s diner. Originally owned by her parents, was handed down to her when she graduated college. At first, they started off with only one diner but now she managed to expand the business to four different locations. One in San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. The diner, named after Dana herself is well known to be the haven for celebrities to get a quick bite. It’s also known for catering exclusive events. If you ask anyone in California, they must know about Dana’s.

My father was in the military for Twenty years. Once he got out, my parents used all the funds they’ve saved and put it into their dream, a PR company. Just like Dana, I was supposed to take control of my parents’ business, but I have different plans. My parents are well known in the entertainment industry for PR in consulting work. In the beginning they started off small, with just a few clients. Then they got their big break when they worked with Jay Z. After that, business started booming for them. Their life became everything they’ve hoped for, but I had no interest in taking over the business, its boring to me. I know many people would consider working with celebrities an honor but, I’ve been around it my whole life. I can’t see myself doing this, for the rest of my life. My decision has brought them so much anger, to know that I did everything in my power to steer away from the family business. Although in my eyes, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal because, I’m adopted. My younger brother however, is their biological child. I know, I shouldn’t say it like that but, I think he deserves to have the business more than I do, and if you ask him, I guarantee he would say the same thing.

Once I arrive at what I knew to be the diner, I recognized nothing. The only marker left to show me that, I was in the right place sat on top of the storefront. There it is, “Dana’s” written in big letters. Definitely not the old storefront, that I’m used to, a brand new one with cursive italic words. A smile appears on my face when I look at the sign, then I walk into the diner and look around. To see a brand new renovated restaurant. It was bright and lively, with all the bodies that sat inside. I still feel the same energy as before. but with a more modernized feel. I had no doubt that Dana would, make this place her own, and that’s exactly what she did. I’m so proud of her. I spoke to her assistant earlier this morning, and she told me that Dana would possibly be at the Los Angeles location, for meetings. Although she has other locations, Los Angeles is home to her, so that’s where her office remains.

Walking to the main counter, where there is a young blonde girl taking orders, over the phone. When she spots me, she smiles and I could see her mouth saying, ” give me a minute”. I smile at her, indicating for her to take her time. I sat down on the first stool I spotted, patiently awaiting her assistance. As I get comfortable, looking around I’m drawn to the menu on the table. Looking through the menu, I see triple the amount of entrées that were once available for customers. Just reading through the menu, begins to make me hungry. Dana is definitely doing her thing with these diners. My eyes are glued to the menu, I hear the sound of heels clicking on the floor, getting closer. I look to put a face to the noise. As I look up I see Dana talking to one of her employees, close to the kitchen area. I quickly put down the menu and hop up off of the stool. Walking over to her, where her back is facing me and I interrupt, ” excuse me ma’am

Dana

Dana stops and turns around. Before she could speak a smile appears on her face, and she hugs me tight, “OMG, What are you doing here?”, she says before letting me go.

” I just thought it was time, to come home for a little bit.”

” yeah?! I know what  that means, there’s way more to the story than that”, she says crossing her arms.

I don’t respond, I just put my head down and cover my face with my left hand. I can never lie to her. That’s when she says, ” don’t worry about it we have enough time to get into the details”, she then looks back at her employee and says, “James we’ll finish this later”, he nodded his head and walks away then she turn back to me and continues, “OK so how are you?”

“I’m not sure I’m as good as you’re doing”, I say as I look around the diner smiling

“Oh you mean this old place, I only did a few renovations”, she says.

She guides us to sit in a booth that is across from where we are standing. As we sit down she looks at me for a few moments before speaking again, “I can’t believe you’re actually here”.

I think when I moved, the person that took it the hardest was Dana. Although she didn’t verbally tell me exactly how she felt. I knew that me moving was going to strongly impact her life. As I said before we did everything together, she was my backbone. She knew everything that was going on in my household and she knew how I felt. She never judged me or made me feel like less of a person, she was always there for me. As I sit down looking in her eyes, and she just stares back at me. I can see the happiness but I can also see the hurt in her eyes. I know I’d love to say, Victoria’s my best friend, but while I’m sitting here with Dana, I realize that this is going to remind me, of what a best friend really is. No secrets, no lies, just loyalty and love. I reach out and hold Dana’s hands, ” I needed to get away from the New York life, it was draining me.”

“I can imagine.”

“It Just feels good to be back here, with my real family.”

“So you know what this means right?”

“Oh yes! It’s been forever since we partied together and tonight is the night”, she said before she continues, ” I already have a table, with a few ladies. I would love for you to join us. I take that back you will be joining us”, she said demanding.

“Oh I should’ve been prepared for this.”

” I agree, but we still have time to get you out of it”, she said before she popped up from the table then saying, “I have a lot of meetings to do today, so I gotta go. But I will see you at 10.”

After leaving the diner, I drove around LA, for a bit before heading to my parents house. Entering into the compound, I knew that I would have to become a different person. Those few moments slowly dragging by as I park my car in front of my parents house. This is what people call anxiety at its best. I have no idea why This happens to me every time I go home. Taking a few moments to collect my thoughts, then getting out of the car. As I look around, everything looks exactly the same way I left it. I guess mom wanted everything to remain the same. As I’m reconnecting with the environment, I hear the front door open, turning around I spot my brother Jordan, standing at the double doors. Before actually walking up to him, we look at one another for a few moments in silence. Until he finally broke his intimidating frown, and walk down the steps to hug me.

Jordan

“What made you, decide to come back home?”, he says before letting go of me.

“I’m not coming back home, I’m just visiting.”

“However you want to say it, what made you decide to visit us?”

“I thought it was well overdue.”

“I could’ve told you that”, he says walking back up the steps to the front door, then turning back at me to say, “are you just gonna stand there, or are you going to come in the house? You’re not a stranger”. I don’t respond I just follow behind him, into the house closing the door behind myself.

Our huge chandelier, hung from the ceiling, as bright as can be. The steps meet like a bridge, from both ends of the wall. Beneath it was a walkway giving access to the kitchen. The floor and steps are marble and the walls are painted tan. My mother is all about elegance, everything in our house, is made to perfection for the eyes of our viewers. My mother was a woman of class and opinion. As opinionated as she is, she made sure her house was always setting the standard, for any possible guest that may be passing through. I continue walking into the house, making my way to the kitchen, where everyone is standing around the table. As I entered the room, all eyes turn to me. My father eventually pulls out the seat next to him, indicating for me to come sit down. I smile and walk over to the seat, gently sitting down and looking back at him. He smiles as he pushes my chair in. Sitting down next to me, as he looks at my mother who is sitting directly across from him, though i was so close to her, I wouldn’t look directly into my mother’s eyes. We all were around the table, staring at one another. This is the norm in my house, everything is always completely awkward until someone breaks the silence. Multiple times than none, it’s my father. For some reason he actually believes he’s funny, although super corny it’s just what we need, to get the family talking.

“So Christina, i hear you’re popping in the streets these days?”

I slowly turn my head to make direct eye contact, “what?”

“What’s Poppin?!” my dad says, hoping to get a laugh out of someone.

“Dad no”, I reply, but he just looks at me as if he did nothing wrong, that’s when I continue, “please don’t say that again”. He’s still looking at me wondering why. My brother, just shakes his head, and grinned the entire time.

“Can someone just say grace, so that I can start eating please?”, mother said with a complete attitude.

“I’ll Say grace”, Jordan says smiling as he puts his hand out for my parents to hold them. My father displayed a great smile as he placed his left hand, on top of my brothers right hand. My mother gracefully smiled and placed her hand upon my brothers right hand, and held it tight. I followed up and held both my mother, and my father’s hand. Together we are binded, and sharing this moment to acknowledge Christ, and what he means to us. We slowly followed up with, the bowing of our heads and closing our eyes. A few moments pass, and my brother begins praying, “heavenly father, we thank you for allowing us to be together again. For my sister to come back home and have dinner with us, like old times. Heavenly father I pray we enjoy our meal and thank our mother for the wonderful job she did with the food. Amen”. We all repeat Amen, before opening our eyes.

“Thank you son, for blessing the food, Now let’s dig in”, my mother says proudly.

As the food is being distributed, my mother took no time to begin her interrogation, “So, what’s the real reason for this reunion?”

“There wasn’t supposed to be a reunion, but you insisted that I come over here. So technically that’s the real reason for the reunion.”

“You will watch your tone when your in this house”, my father interjected as he pointed his fork in my direction, ” do you understand me?”

“Yes, I understand.”

After we got through our awkward stage, we had a nice family dinner. We laugh, joke, and talk about all the things that I’ve missed while I haven’t been around. My father wants to hear about everything that I’ve been doing in New York. My mother acting as if she’s engaged, but try to hold back her obnoxious comments. My brother asking question after question is if he just found his best friend. I’m glad we could sit down and have this amazing meal together, but the truth is always the same. After dinner I head to what was my old bedroom. Everything looks exactly the same. I take a shower, to get ready for my interesting night with Dana.

I put the finishing touches to my outfit, looking at myself in the mirror, and smiling at what I see. I’m wearing a, long sleeve, tight fitted, one piece suit made of metallic silver. I could see every curve in the mirror. I topped it with my favorite black stiletto heels. My hair is pinned up in a neat bun, accentuating my bone structure. I added an elegant pearl earring.

The next thing I know, Dana barges in my room, making a grand entrance, ” The queen has arrived”. She takes one look at me, begins yelling out as she skips over to me, ” that’s my best friend, that’s my best friend, you betta”, she said as she walked around me clapping. She knows exactly what to say to give me hyped up. As I listen to her chanting and clapping, I start dancing and twerking in front of her. She says laughing, ” I swear we think alike”, I say as I look her up and down. She’s wearing an all black long sleeve one piece.

As we stepped outside, still laughing, I see an all black Escalade sitting in front of the door, with a man in a suit waiting with his hands folded. We stepped down the steps and straight into the black vehicle.

I’m very surprised to see that Dana had a driver, she was always the type to want to driver self around. I guess a lot has changed since I’ve left, hopefully for the better. The drive to the club, didn’t have much talking. Dana just kept pouring champagne and drinking, bump into the music. I won’t lie, I took a few sips of champagne and vibe to the music, but I was more worried about what I was going to see once I got into the club. When we pulled up to the front of the club, the driver open the door for us. I smiled at him as I got out and Dana followed. There was tight rope on two sides, leading to the entrance way by the red carpet. On the side there are lines wrapped around the building with people waiting to get in. As usual we just step to the front, Dana hugs the bouncer before both of us walk in. As we step into the club, it’s full wall-to-wall people. A young lady that works there, guides Dana and I to our table. The table is sort of, in front of the stage but secluded from the rest of the club. The young lady moves the tight rope for us to sit down. Already at the table there were about four women. I have never met anyone of these ladies before. When they saw Dana’s face, they all got excited and rushed up to hug her. I just found a comfortable seat and sat down, while Dana interacted with her associates. As I’m pouring myself some champagne, Dana introduces her associates to me. I smile and nod my head as if I’m totally interested, in meeting them.

“Hi! Dana talks about you all the time”, One of the young lady says and she hugs me tight. I’m a little thrown off by her enthusiasm. The other young lady follows up and hugs me also, but doesn’t say anything but smile. Where the hell did Dana find these, goofy ass girls. They’re cute, but nothing about them really stands out to me. After the introduction, I make my way to the dance floor. On my third glass of champagne it begins to kick in. I began dancing my life away, that’s when I noticed an attractive male staring at me as I dance. I know, I said that I wouldn’t focus on men while in LA, but the way he staring at me, makes me want to rethink things a bit. I break eye contact with him and get Dana’s attention to join me on the dance floor, but she was preoccupied with some other guy. I can’t fully make out what he looks like. After spending a few moments trying to get her attention, I decided to walk over to her to realize that she’s talking to my brother Jordan. I’m a bit confused, because Jordan was in the house when I left. When did he have time to get ready? And why is Dana and him so close to one another? A bunch of thoughts begin roaming through my head.

As I approach them, I simply ask, ” Jordan what the hell are you doing here?”

He turns around with the irritating smile he always gives me, “The same reason you’re here”

“I’m here, because my best friend…”, I say with an attitude. But as I repeat the words back to myself, I realize something didn’t seem right. I turn to Dana and ask her, ” what is he doing here?”

“To party, like the rest of us”, she says naïvely”

As I attempt to interrogate them some more. A man reaches from behind me, and grab the champagne bottle. Due to my irritation, with my brother already being here. I’m not ready to have anyone that close to me. As I turn around to give him a piece of my mind, I realize it’s the man that was staring at me on the dance floor. For some reason in that moment, the words couldn’t fully come out. I just began blushing, like a little girl. He says nothing, just pours the champagne, while staring at me. He smiles as he hands me the glass, reaching over me once more, to grab another, then pours it directly in front of me. Putting down the champagne bottle and holding up our glass, we clinch our glass together. He nods his head and smiles, then takes a sip of champagne. Throughout our entire interaction, he says nothing, just looks at me with that smile. I don’t know, what came over me. I lean in and kiss him, lasting for a A few moments, I step back in shock of my behavior. I can tell in his eyes, that he was just as surprised. He just picks up his glass, and takes another sip. I’m not sure why he’s not talking, but the silence is doing something to me. I enjoy the rest of the night. I’m glad, that I came out with Dana. Although I’m still skeptical about her and Jordan.

The next morning, I wake up with my head pounding. Should’ve known, this is how I’m going to feel, after my third drink. When things in the room became blurry, I didn’t stop, just kept on going. Drinking with an attractive man, that I’ve yet to get his name. The way I behaved last night, is unlike anything that I’ve done before. With escorting, I never have to do much, but be there and smile. Last night I put forth effort, to impress this man. Why? I still don’t have the answer. Attempting to get up a few times, but my body will not allow me to. As I lay in the bed staring at the ceiling, I reach over to the side table, picking up the phone then I press 9, to call the front desk. The phone rings a couple times before someone answers, “Hello, my name is Seth. This is the front desk, how may I help you?”, says the voice on the other end. Still laying in the same position, I say, “Can I get a vegetable omelet, with toast and coffee please…to room 56”. The man says politely, “No problem, it will be up to you shortly”.

“Thank you”, I say before hanging up the phone. Staring at the wall once again, finally force myself to get up. Slowly leaning up to sit at the edge of the bed. Taking a couple of deep breaths, then going to the bathroom. Turning on the warm water, I undress, it takes me forever to finally get my clothes off. Then step into the shower, one foot at a time. Standing underneath the shower for a while, feels amazing. When I begin to feel myself fall asleep, I quickly wash myself up and step out the shower. Grab the robe I have hanging on the bathroom door. While in the bedroom, I begin to lather myself with my scented lotion. I hear a knock at the door. Finishing up my lathering, I head to the door. When I open it, there is a male standing in front of me, with a cart. Stepping aside to indicate for him to come in, he roles the cart into the room, stopping midpoint and turns back to look at me.

“Is there something else I can help you with?”, he says to me with a smile.

“No! That will be all”, I reply with a smile.

He nods his head and says, “Okay!  Have a good day”. Then walks out of the room.

“You too”, I say as I close the door behind him.

Later, I decide to meet with Dana at her diner. Once I step into the diner, I realize that the diner is packed. I look around for a moment, trying to find a table to sit at. I notice my brother in the back of the diner, sitting at a booth. As I make my way over to him, I realize he’s sitting with someone else. I can’t make out the persons face. Once I get close enough, I realize it’s the guy from last night. I instantly feel a rush going through my body. I don’t want him to see me, I embarrassed myself during our last encounter. How is he going to look at me? All the thoughts roll through my mind at the same time, that I don’t realize that I have made it to their table.

Jordan looks at me confused, “Wassup?”

“I could ask you the same thing”, I say with my hand on my hips.

Jordan interjects with confidence, “This is our spot, remember you have been gone for a while.”

I reply, “Well I’m back now so…”

I look over at this handsome male, who is now staring at me, like he did on the dance floor. I try hard to be cute, then I smile at him, “I’m sorry, I don’t think we formally introduced ourselves”

Michael

“I’m Michael”, he says in the most pleasant voice.

“Christina”, I say moments after him. I then ask him, “Are you friends with my younger brother?”

“Yeah! He’s aight”, he replies.

“How old are you?”, I ask.

“Not as young as you maybe thinking”, he says smiling.

We both are playing this attention game. He won’t give in and I won’t either. I can stare at him all day. He has a natural swag, that I can’t put in exact words. Dana comes from her office and joins us at the booth.

“You made it! How you feeling?”, she ask me giggling.

“Im okay now”, I say with a slight grin. As my memory begins to come back to me, I try to interrogate Dana again, “Why were you and Jordan so close to one another, last night?”. I can tell everyone at the table wants to ignore me, but I continue, “I don’t get why you two were so intimate”. Jordan gets irritated with all my question, that he interrupts the conversation to say, “Dana’s my girl”, he then grabs her by the waist and smiles. Dana quickly pushes away from him and says, “not here”, she starts looking around to make sure no one is looking.

“Im sorry, did you say your girl?”, I ask calmly.

Jordan smiles and looks at Dana. Dana won’t even look at me.

“Eeeewwwwww!!! When did this happen?”, I ask Dana.

“I don’t know, a while”, Dana says trying to play it off.

At this point I’m boiling, suddenly Michael grabs my hand and say, “Let’s get out of here”. We both make our way out of the restaurant, and into Michael’s car that is waiting outside.

TO BE CONTINUED…

FAN FICTION!!!!! 💋

Getting to know Basketball Wives Cristen Metoyer

Domonique From OnPointCelebz interviewed Cristen Metoyer, to get to know her more as a person. Ms. Metoyer is known, for being on the hit show “basketball wives” on VH1. She is currently dating basketball player Joe Crawford. During the show we find out that, she and Joe have a young daughter together. They are in a committed relationship, and hope this sealed the deal soon. Through out learning all of this, we still never learned about Cristen as an individual person. So we conducted an interview, to help solve any unanswered questions people may have about her. Personally, I enjoyed watching her on the show, and absolutely love what I learned about her. Throughout her interview, she was really sweet and attentive. Below, is the full interview. I hope you’ll enjoy it, just as much as I have. MuaH!!! 💋💋💋

P.s. This interview was done, a little while ago.

Where did you grow up? Where is your hometown? I grew up in LA. I actually grew up in West LA and Valencia California. And my hometown, i’m back-and-forth, I own a house in Detroit, well Michigan and out here in LA.

How did you meet Joe Crawford? We met through mutual friends. I was out with my sister, she was meeting up with one of his teammates. We didn’t know that we were actually with the same party, and we randomly started talking to one another. And that’s it!

How did you get into the basketball wife cast? Originally, to tell you the truth I’m a really private person. So when it was brought to us, it was brought to us through Asia. They had approached her on it and she said [to my other sister and I], “ I don’t want to do it by myself, Will you guys do with me?”. I told her yeah, I I will go on as your sister. Of course for the moral support. I have your back, and that’s all that really came about.

Do you think that the show, has had a positive or a negative impact on your career? To tell you the truth, it wasn’t negative in anyway. The only negative is the fact that, me and my sisters had a big falling out because of the show. Its actually been really positive. I’ve actually had the chance to inspire women, that are insecure with certain things about them self. To say fuck it, and just embrace everything about them. And if you want to change whatever it is, if you work hard enough you can do it. [Also] I look like a crybaby on the show… I am really sweet, but every time I check someone they didn’t [film] it. Me and the stylus had exchanged words and they didn’t [film] it. [I just said] well, I guess on the sweetheart next-door.

Do you have any business ventures, that hasn’t been released to the public yet? I’m actually a photographer, so I’m used to being on the other end of the camera, instead of in front of it. That’s my career that’s what I do. That’s what I was doing before I that on the show.

Did you start off with photography? And you realize that was your passion? I grew up, and a family of photographers. So I’ve been around in my whole life. I’ve always been the kid, that when everyone would go outside to play, I was curious to see how the camera works. The different lenses, I was a kid I went in a dark room. I took photography when I was in school, then I really put my all into it. I had a camera already, and I would do little shots by myself. Then one day he bought me a professional camera, and it took off from there.

Do you do photography for certain people? I’ve done it for a few socialites. I’ve done a lot of work in Israel. I do parties, I do events, weddings. I pretty much do it all.

How do you get involved in Israel, with your photography? Because of Joe, the city that we were in. Whatever he wanted or we wanted they gave it to us. There were a couple of restaurants that will turn into clubs. We were really close with the owners, so I will come and shoot [during that time]. That’s how, that Open doors for me.

Do you have interest in being a part of the entertainment industry, Apart from the show? I wouldn’t mind, my boyfriend always says you should’ve been an actor, because you’re a drama queen. He always says I’m good at acting. I wouldn’t mind television, I’m too short for modeling I have too much body.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years and the next 10 years?

Hopefully, in the next year I’ll be married. [Also] oh well known photographer in the states at least. Probably have another kid. I really throw myself into my work, I really just want to be known for my artistic side. There so many layers to me with that.

Could you see yourself doing another season of basketball wives?

Yes, just for my redemption. Just to say first of all ladies I can dress. I’m not no goddamn crybaby. No one will walk over me, this season. I wouldn’t mind, because the ladies were actually really nice. They were really warm and welcoming, so I wouldn’t mind giving it another round.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I just want to be a real inspiration to my daughter. For her to know, no matter what he can accomplish anything. That she sets her mind to. I want to be known as one of those people that went out and did it, that it done, and help other achieve the same goals. I want to be known as the person that always gave back.