The Entertainment Weekend Recap: June 12th
The weekend kicked off with buzz circulating around the recently announced “BET Awards” 2023 nominees. Drake led the nominations with seven categories, and he was followed by rising female rap talent, GloRilla. BET is expected to host the ceremony on Sunday, June 25 and it will celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop throughout the telecast. Award categories include “Album of the Year,” “Video of the Year,” “Best Female Hip Hop Artist,” “Best Male Hip Hop Artist,” “Best New Artist,” “Best Movie” and more. In addition to Drake and GloRilla, other nominated artists are Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Tems, Cardi B, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Ice Spice, SZA and others.
While BET Soul Train Legend Award recipient Teddy Riley may be respected for his musical talents, he has come under fire for his political views. The famed music producer received criticism after leaving a comment of support under former President Donald Trump’s social media. Trump was indicted on charges of conspiracy and violating the espionage act on Friday and took to social media to proclaim his innocence. After commenting and taking heat for it, Riley revealed that he supports the former president because he played a role in getting his older brother released from prison while serving a double life sentence.
Another celebrity familiar with a welcomed release is WNBA star, Brittney Griner. The Phoenix Mercury star was allegedly harassed at the Dallas Airport by controversial right-wing vlogger Alex Stein. Stein teased the encounter on his social media and released the accompanying video of the exchange. The vlogger condescendingly asked the basketball star if she still wanted to boycott America following her release from Russian detainment. Griner spent nearly ten months in prison in 2022 after Russian airport officials found cannabis-oil cartridges in her luggage. Fortunately, she was released in a prisoner swap and has since made a return to the basketball court.
The WNBA shared a statement of support on Saturday, calling Stein’s actions “inappropriate and unfortunate.”
Fellow basketball player Zion Williamson also found himself being heckled this weekend. Williamson revealed that he is expecting a child with his girlfriend and the announcement did not go over well with some of the other women in his life. The couple posted photos of them smiling while at a gender reveal event for the baby.
Adult film star Moriah Mills was the first to launch a Twitter tirade and call out the ballplayer, followed behind by content creator Yami Taylor. Williamson seems to be keeping quiet on the highly publicized drama, but the mother of his child has vaguely clapped back and added “The Most Hated BM on social media” to her Twitter bio.
Although there was plenty of drama this weekend, there was also a somber tone of love and remembrance. Loved ones of television personality Jacky Oh gathered on Saturday to celebrate her life. Jacky Oh shared three children with her longtime partner, comedian and entertainer DC Young Fly. Her funeral was held at Jackson Memorial Baptist in Atlanta and live-streamed for her fans. Jacky Oh died on May 31 in Miami after undergoing a “mommy makeover.” However, the cause of death has not been released.
