Police say preacher beaten by husband

Juanita Bynum, a televangelist with a national following for sermons about women’s empowerment, pressed charges against her estranged husband Thursday after she was bruised in a confrontation with him during a meeting to reconcile, police said.

Preacher Thomas W. Weeks III, founder of Global Destiny churches, will be charged with aggravated assault and terroristic threats, Officer Ronald Campbell said.

The struggle happened early Wednesday in the parking lot of the Renaissance Concourse Hotel near Atlanta’s airport, Campbell said.

“They were talking about a reconciliation. They got into an argument. In the process of the argument, her husband walked out to the parking lot area, turned back around and started to choke Miss Bynum,” Campbell said.

“As he choked her, he pushed her down to the ground and started to kick her and also stomp on her,” he said. “There was a bellman at the location who witnessed the whole assault, intervened, and pulled Mr. Weeks off of Miss Bynum.”

Bynum, who was bruised around her neck and upper torso, met with authorities Thursday at an undisclosed location to press the charges, Campbell said.

Amy Malone, a publicist for Bynum, said, “She was not in a fight with her husband; she was attacked by her husband.”

“Basically she is recovering,” Malone said. “The appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that this does not happen again. She just asks that everyone respect her privacy.”

Weeks did not return a phone message or an e-mail request for comment by The Associated Press. A call to Global Destiny was answered by a recorded message offering only information about the ministry.

Bynum is a former homemaker, hairdresser and flight attendant who became a Pentecostal evangelist. She got a break when Bishop T.D. Jakes invited her to speak at one of his conferences several years ago.

Her ministry blossomed after her “No More Sheets” sermon about breaking free of sexual promiscuity at a singles event. She writes books, records inspirational CDs and preaches to millions through televised sermons.

She married Weeks in 2002 in a televised wedding.

Televangelist’s husband turns self in

The minister husband of evangelist and gospel singer Juanita Bynum turned himself in Friday to face charges that he beat her outside a hotel earlier this week. He was later released on bond but ordered to have no contact with his wife.

Thomas W. Weeks III, known to his followers as Bishop Weeks, was accompanied by his lawyer when he surrendered at the Fulton County Jail, said Atlanta Police spokesman James Polite.

Weeks was photographed and fingerprinted, then released on $40,000 bond after a brief hearing with the condition that he have no contact with his wife or her sister. He faces charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats following a confrontation in which police say he left his estranged wife badly bruised.

Officer Ronald Campbell said earlier this week that during an argument outside a hotel, Weeks choked Bynum, then “pushed her down to the ground and started to kick her and also stomp on her.” A hotel employee intervened and pulled Weeks off of her, he said.

Bynum met with authorities Thursday to press the charges against Weeks. In a statement released by her publicist, Bynum said she was recovering from her injuries.

Bynum is a former hairdresser and flight attendant who became a Pentecostal evangelist, author and gospel singer. Her ministry blossomed after she preached at a singles event about breaking free of sexual promiscuity. Among her books are “No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex” and “Matters of the Heart.”

Her album “A Piece of My Passion” had been listed in the top 10 gospel albums by Billboard magazine for several months. She also preaches through televised sermons.

Weeks is the founder of Global Destiny churches. The couple married in 2002. Together, they wrote “Teach Me How to Love You: The Beginnings.”

John Singleton, acclaimed director of “Boyz in the Hood,” was involved in a fatal accident Thursday night in Los Angeles.

LAPD officers tell TMZ Singleton was driving his 2001 Lexus SUV around 8:00 p.m. on a Los Angeles street when a female pedestrian, not in a crosswalk, suddenly stepped out in front of Singleton’s car. Police say Singleton immediately stopped and waited for police and ambulances to arrive. The 57-year-old woman, identified as Constance Russell of Los Angeles, was taken to a nearby hospital where she unfortunately died Friday morning.

Police tell TMZ Singleton was not speeding at the time and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cops say their investigation has concluded and they’ve determined that this is a “very, very unfortunate accident.”

Singleton will not be cited for any violation.

A call placed to Singleton’s agent was not immediately returned.

John Singleton Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

John Singleton, acclaimed director of “Boyz in the Hood,” was involved in a fatal accident Thursday night in Los Angeles.

LAPD officers tell TMZ Singleton was driving his 2001 Lexus SUV around 8:00 p.m. on a Los Angeles street when a female pedestrian, not in a crosswalk, suddenly stepped out in front of Singleton’s car. Police say Singleton immediately stopped and waited for police and ambulances to arrive. The 57-year-old woman, identified as Constance Russell of Los Angeles, was taken to a nearby hospital where she unfortunately died Friday morning.

Police tell TMZ Singleton was not speeding at the time and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cops say their investigation has concluded and they’ve determined that this is a “very, very unfortunate accident.”

Singleton will not be cited for any violation.

A call placed to Singleton’s agent was not immediately returned.

John Singleton Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

John Singleton, acclaimed director of “Boyz in the Hood,” was involved in a fatal accident Thursday night in Los Angeles.

LAPD officers tell TMZ Singleton was driving his 2001 Lexus SUV around 8:00 p.m. on a Los Angeles street when a female pedestrian, not in a crosswalk, suddenly stepped out in front of Singleton’s car. Police say Singleton immediately stopped and waited for police and ambulances to arrive. The 57-year-old woman, identified as Constance Russell of Los Angeles, was taken to a nearby hospital where she unfortunately died Friday morning.

Police tell TMZ Singleton was not speeding at the time and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cops say their investigation has concluded and they’ve determined that this is a “very, very unfortunate accident.”

Singleton will not be cited for any violation.

A call placed to Singleton’s agent was not immediately returned.

Patty Jackson’s 411 for the week of August 20th,Oh Snap,Her,Again

What’s going on with Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri? Does Janet have a new title? Is she Mrs. Dupri? Word has it the two have secretly gotten married. This should come as no surprise because Janet is known for sneaking off and getting married. If they are married, this would be Janet’s third marriage and Dupri’s first. Dupri has a young daughter from a previous relationship. Janet needs Dupri right now. They both have exciting projects coming out this fall. Janet is starring in the new Tyler Perry movie Why Did I Get Married with Jill Scott. The movie comes out October 16th. Jermaine Dupri is gearing up for the release of his autobiography. He’s only 35, but he has quite a story to tell. His book, which is coming out in a few weeks, is called Young, Rich and Dangerous: My Life In Business. Dupri is a very successful producer and songwriter. He started out as a teenage dancer for Whodini and went on to create hits for Usher, Mariah Carey, Jagged Edge and many others. For those who ask: why is she with Dupri? He’s loaded, and right now with her family in financial turmoil, she needs financial security. Her family is draining her with their financial problems. Janet supports her mom who’s 74. Her mom, in turn, takes care of her sons’ bills and their off spring. It’s just too much. Two weeks ago, a judge ordered Katherine Jackson to pay Jermaine Jackson’s child support because he claimed he doesn’t have income. Janet realizes she likes living a certain way. Plus, she knows Dupri really loves her and will protect her.

It’s been a week, and no Eddie Murphy bashing from Mel B. His baby momma has been quiet because Eddie has had enough. He told her stop the bad mouthing or I will sue you. Eddie is tired of the smear campaign painting him as a deadbeat dad. Spokespeople for Eddie claim Mel’s campaign against him borders on extortion. Did Mel demand a $9 million house from him that she could live in for free for 18 years? Eddie has his lawyers standing by because he says he has given her money and he will support his child. At the moment, Mel may be quiet about Eddie but she is speaking up for her new hubby. Mel says she was hurt by stories that came out about her new hubby. Friends and family feel Mel has hooked up with a con artist based on his past of dating older women with money. He has also been accused of being a deadbeat dad who beat up his baby momma and a man who lied about his name. He says his name is Stephan Belafonte, but his birth certificate says Stephan Standsbury. Mel claims her new husband is not a monster or a psycho. She says her hubby is a changed man. For the record, she did make him sign a pre nup when they married. Mel is no dummy. The former Spice girl is going to protect her money. She had to give her first husband a ton of money when they split, and she doesn’t plan on doing it again.

Singer Jon Lucien has died. Lucien passed away last weekend from respiratory failure and other complications. Lucien was best known for his blending of jazz, Caribbean rhythms, R&B and Brazilian music. Some of his most popular songs included Sweet Control, Rashida, Dindi and Love Me.

As the new Spokesperson for Armani’s Diamonds perfume, Beyonce was given over 100 Armani gowns. Beyonce is currently on tour. When she wraps up, she will start work on a new album due out next summer.

Donald Trump has found a new way to pump life into The Apprentice. He’s getting ready to unveil a celebrity version of The Apprentice with Omarosa, George Foreman, Kimora Lee Simmons, Joan Rivers, Pete Rose, and Race Car Driver Jeff Gordon, to name a few. Celebrities participating will raise money for various charities.

Will R Kelly cop a plea? Kelly’s child pornography trial is due to start next month. He faces 14 counts of child pornography stemming from a sex video allegedly featuring him and a 14-year old girl. The girl in the video is now 23, and she says it’s not her in the video. She is expected to testify on behalf of Kelly. The girl in question was a family friend who was close to Kelly, but she and her family claim she is not the girl on the tape. This could be a big blow to the prosecution, and R Kelly may not spend one day in jail.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is well known for her temper tantrums and beating up her assistants, but now she is taking on the modeling industry. Campbell says racism is rampant in the industry because people don’t understand black beauty. Campbell says despite her status, the London edition of Vogue has never featured her on the cover, and the US version has not had her on the cover in five years.

Is Singer Brandy partying too much? According to the man whose wife died in a car accident that Brandy caused: Yes! Late last year, Brandy was involved in a car crash that killed a woman. It was an accident. She was never charged, but she is facing several lawsuits. The widower of the woman wants to know why is she out partying while he’s mourning his wife’s death. Four parties are currently suing Brandy including the husband, the woman’s children, her parents and a woman who survived the accident. Word has it all the lawsuits are going to be combined.

Halle Berry may be wearing baggy clothes, but her publicist insists she’s not pregnant. In other baby news, Singer Mary J. Blige has yet to confirm reports that she and Kendu Isaacs are expecting their first child together.

Get ready for the Ike Turner reality show. Damon Wayans is helping the 75-year old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a TV show that searches for the new Ikettes. Turner has always been known for his backup singers, and he’s looking for a new group to go with him on tour.

Bernie Mac has signed on for the new Disney film Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams. The trio are put in charge of seven-year old twins.

Rapper/Actor LL Cool J’s new CBS TV show has been picked up as a mid season replacement. The show, entitled The Man, stars LL as an undercover cop.

The men from the I Love New York reality show are gearing up for their own TV show. Patrick Hunter, a.k.a. Tango, and Mr. Boston will be starring in a show based on their search for Ms. Right. Tango famously dumped New York (Tiffany Pollard), and now New York is searching for a new man. Her second season kicks off in October.

Vivica A. Fox has slammed reports that she and Jessica Simpson bumped heads on the set of the movie Major Movie Star. Fox says she and Simpson got along fine during filming of the movie, which is scheduled to be released next year.

Mariah Carey goes nude. Yes, nude! Mariah is gearing up for the release of a new album and her perfume line, and she takes it all off for Interview magazine. It’s just Mariah and a sheet, that’s all!

The VH1 Hip Hop Honors take place October 8th on VH1. Tracey Morgan is hosting. Special appearances on the show include Chris Rock, Rapper/Actor T.I., Bow Wow and Nick Cannon.

The 80th Annual Academy Awards will take place February 24th on ABC.

On February 25th, it’s the ABC premiere event A Raisin in the Sun starring Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sanaa Lathan.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Oscar winning Actor has turned out to be a major disappointment. He cheats on his wife all the time and his drinking is out of control. After a promising film start and an Oscar, he has starred in one flop after another. Can his career be saved or will he destroy himself with his reckless behavior?

Upcoming Movies and Events:

Lord, Why Am I Not Married – August 25th and 26th at the New Freedom Theatre, Broad and Master Streets. It’s a play for the married, single and searching.

Labor Day weekend oldies show with The Delfonics, Enchantment and Billy Paul – September 1st at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware, 818 Market Street. For more info call 302-652-5577.

The stage play Whatever She Wants with Vivica A. Fox, Boris Kodjoe and Richard Roundtree, September 11th -16th at the Merriam Theatre.

The Brave One- Terrence Howard and Jodie Foster, September 14th.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married – Jill Scott & Janet Jackson, October 16th.

Things We Lost In The Fire – Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro October 26th.

American Gangster – Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe & Rapper T.I., November 2nd.

The Better Man- Martin Lawrence, Mo’Nique and James Earl Jones, February 2008.__________________________

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE 3 LINKS BELOW FOR MORE JUICY GOSSIP!

 

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SUPERHEAD: I TOLD MY SON THE TRUTH ABOUT MY PAST!!!

August 20, 2007. MediaTakeOut.com has learned that Karrine “Superhead” Steffans is speaking again. In an interview with Essence magazine, which can be found here, Superhead talks about how she explains her “lifestyle” to her 9 year old son. Here’s what she had to say:

ESSENCE.com: Are you ever concerned that one day your 9-year-old son, Naiim, might question you about your past?

K.S.: There’s nothing about my past that is bad. All of this is good. It depends on what you think. That question makes me feel as if other people think that something was wrong about my life. I have a son and I am his mother. And if I was a crack whore on the street he’d still love me because I’m all he’s got. When a question is asked of me, I tell the truth. Whether it’s to him or anybody else. I don’t worry about what to say because there’s only one thing to say: the truth. What my son knows about his mother is this: I have worked damn hard to get him to where he is, and as a mother that’s my job. And if I have to sell every inch of this a*s of mine to make sure he has what he needs, then that’s what I’m going to do.

Vivica A. Fox ’s

Vivica A. Fox ’s glam New York birthday party Tuesday night turned into a thorny mess of allegations yesterday, with her own stylist claiming she was drinking alcohol in violation of a court order.

RIHANNA’S FATHER SELLS CLOTHES – OUT THE TRUNK OF HIS CAR!!!!!

August 18, 2007. MediaTakeOut.com got a hold of pics of Rihanna’s father at his job – selling clothes and beauty products out of the back of his car. Hey, it’s a living.

So that’s where all those freebies that CoverGirl gave Rihanna have been going…

Supermodel Campbell’s past clashes can be raised in lawsuit

NEW YORK (AP) _ Supermodel Naomi Campbell’s string of tussles with aides and maids can be raised in a lawsuit against her, a judge has ruled.

The British catwalker tried to block former maid Gaby Gibson from bringing up Campbell’s history of dust-ups with people who work for her, saying it was “scandalous and prejudicial.” But in a ruling published Wednesday, Manhattan state Supreme Court Judge Michael Stallman said previous incidents could be admitted.

“Those alleged acts might be relevant to the issues of intent and the need for future deterrence,” Stallman wrote. Gibson was “very happy” about Stallman’s ruling, said her lawyer, Lambros Lambrou. Campbell’s lawyer did not immediately return a telephone message left at his office early Thursday.

Gibson worked for Campbell from November 2005 through January 2006. She claims the 37-year-old model hit her, called her bigoted names and threatened to charge her with theft after being unable to find a pair of jeans designed by Stella McCartney.

Campbell has denied the claims. She was never charged with any crime in the incident Gibson alleges.

Campbell did plead guilty in January to misdemeanor assault for throwing her cell phone at another maid, Ana Scolavino. Sentenced to pay Scolavino’s medical expenses, attend an anger management program and do five days of community service, Campbell traded couture togs for a city Department of Sanitation vest to sweep, mob and scrub at a Manhattan garbage truck garage in March.

In February 2000, Campbell pleaded guilty in Toronto to an assault charge for beating assistant Georgina Galanis while making a film in Canada in 1998. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Campbell expressed remorse and was released without punishment or a criminal record.

Campbell also has faced other lawsuits from other former employees who accused her of violent behavior. She settled a claim filed by former employee Amanda Brack this spring, but no settlement terms were disclosed.