No Plans For Smollett To Meet With Chicago PD
(Chicago, IL) — Attorneys for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett say there are no plans for him to meet with Chicago detectives Monday for a follow-up interview about his reported assault. Anne Kavanagh is a spokeswoman for Smollett’s lawyers. She says in an emailed statement that his lawyers “will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf.” Smollett reported last month that he was physically attacked by two men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs. He said they also yelled he was in “MAGA Country,” an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. Police said Saturday that the investigation had “shifted” after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges. Police say they’ve requested a follow-up interview with Smollett. Smollett’s lawyers say the actor feels “victimized” by reports that he played a role in the assault.
Allred Believes Her Client Is On New R. Kelly Tape
(Chicago, IL) — Attorney Gloria Allred says one of her clients may be on newly discovered tape that purportedly shows R. Kelly having sex with an underage girl. Allred represents multiple Kelly accusers, some of whom have yet to come forward. Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents others involved in the Kelly case, said last week that the video shows Kelly and a female who both refer to her as 14 years old. Avenatti turned over the tape to Chicago prosecutors. Kelly has consistently denied allegations of sexual and physical abuse leveled against him throughout the years. His attorney, Steve Greenberg, says Allred’s comments are “speculative.”
Jazz Great Ethel Ennis Dies
(Baltimore, MD) — The music world is mourning the loss of jazz great Ethel Ennis. Baltimore’s First Lady of Jazz passed away yesterday at her Greater Mondawmin home from complications of a stroke at the age of 86. Ennis enjoyed a nearly seven-decade career that began in the `50s, performing with the likes of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Her final album released in 2005, a live set recorded in Prince George’s County, drew critical acclaim
