Roger Ebert learned this lesson the hard way in 2005 — you mess with Tyler Perry, you mess with a lot of angry black folks. And although CW13 was really mainly messing with Janet Jackson when they asked her a stupid question about her wardrobe malfunction (if you click on the video, it now directs you to an apology), Tyler Perry was still present. That’s all it took. CW13 now has a special message to handle all of the angry emails they’ve been getting from rabid Tyler/Janet fans. The “feedback” has forced them to “reassess” the anchor’s approach.
CONTINUED »
Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married finished it’s debut weekend on top with $21.5 million at 2,011 theaters (number two was The Rock’s Game Plan, which made $11.5 million at 3,128 theaters). Contrary to what some seem to believe, I didn’t want this movie or Janet Jackson to fail. It’s feels very good to see an all-black film bringing in this weekend’s box office prize. Check out the stats after the jump.
CONTINUED »
Dear Janet Jackson,
No reason. Just ’cause.
Well, that’s a lie. You do have a movie coming out this weekend, and you’ve been making lots of headlines for your drastic weight loss (again! All that yo-yoing can’t be healthy, J), and for putting out fires, and for promising she’s not married to Jermaine Dupri (we’ve all heard that before, J), and for having an awkward interview on the CW, and — well, these sorts of things always occur when you have a movie coming out. Speaking of your movie, I hope it does well. We are seriously lacking in positive black films. Knowing Tyler Perry’s history, I’m pretty sure it will.
Anyway, I guess I am just writing to say good luck — your career could use this pick-me-up, honestly. Oh, and you’re really pretty in person, not all plastic-surgeried-looking like I expected.
Also, I hope your brother Jermaine gets his shit together. He was my first crush.
Love,
Lauren
Janet Jackson is a woman who saves lives. She can’t be bothered with this frivolous Nipplegate shit. But I do have to commend those CW anchors on their interview techniques. Next time they have Vanessa Williams on to talk about her new projects, they should ask her about those nude pics she took in the early ’80s. The public has a right to know!
[MG]
• It’s really all Janet Jackson all the time around these parts. []
• Wesley Snipes catches a break. Not a tax break, it’s important to note. [SP]
• Will.i.am has trouble fielding the tough questions. []
• This just really doesn’t look like any check-up I’ve ever seen. [C&D]
• It’s the old “wrong address” defense. Good one. [MTV]
When I hear the term “Family Values,” I think of the Christian Right and Rev. Jerry Falwell, and I get all squirmy and want to run in the opposite direction. But Tyler Perry (seen here at yesterday’s Why Did I Get Married? premiere) recently announced that he wants to launch his own network geared toward promoting family values. Thankfully, that probably doesn’t include gay bashing and anti-abortion speeches. Plus, rumor has it T.P. is the last guy with any business spouting anti-gay invectives. If you catch my drift.
Perry says, “Our children and our families are falling apart because there’s only one thing to see, there’s only one place you can go for information, especially African-American people, and a lot of times it’s very negative.
“There are a lot of horrible things going on when you turn on the television with sex and violence and everybody has become desensitized to it. I want to own a television cable network that will be all positive when you turn it on in the morning, it will inspire your children if they’re watching cartoons or the prime time.”
This sounds like a good idea for kids, even if it turns into a self-indulgent Madea-fest. It will definitely be better than what the kids are watching in the mornings now.
What are the kids watching in the mornings? I’m out of touch.
CONTINUED »
Why Did I Get Married? It’s a question Janet Jackson has asked herself at least two times in her life. It’s also the name of the new Tyler Perry film, which premiered in Hollywood last night.
In attendance were the rest of the cast and friends, including Barry Bonds and his pleasant-looking wife, who’s probably asking herself that big question right about now, as well.
More pics after the jump.
CONTINUED »
I’m not really a Tyler Perry or Madea fan — yes, I know many of you love him — so I was surprised when I watched the trailer for Why Did I Get Married, starring T.P., Janet Jackson, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Michael Jai White, etc., and didn’t want to shut the window before it was over. It doesn’t necessarily look like a movie I would love, but I’m not mad at it either. Baby steps.
- If you’ve been fantasizing about smelling like Mariah Carey for the past 17 or so years, here’s your chance. []
- It’s official, Jay-Z and Beyonce are having the best vacation ever. [JJ]
- The 20-year-old suspect in rapper Stack Bundles’ murder was found shot to death this morning. []
- Jamie Foxx refused to let Gladys Knight come to one of his comedy shows because he didn’t want her to hear his language and subject matter. But did you send her a copy of Unpredictable, Jamie? [SP]
- Jill Scott’s making her way to the big screen with a part in the newest Tyler Perry film and a lead role in No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. []
- Universal Pictures might want to try this Belgium businessman’s trick the next time they want to get rid of a black employee. Blame it on a racist German Shepherd. Works like a charm. [Spiegel]
- If you ever meet Tyrese and he talks to you for five minutes then leaves, your parents must have done something right. [RWS]
- Tyler Perry’s indestructible, much to critics’ chagrin. He’s also in love with his own name. And lady’s clothing. What did I say earlier about black men, drag, and success? [BWE]
- Preview Kelly Rowland’s album on AOL and help pick out her first single. Be nice. [AOL]
- Young Denver Nugget J.R. Smith pulls a Paris Hilton by driving with a suspended license. Only this time someone actually got hurt. []
