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Black America Web
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Charles Oakley Says He Was Joking About Being Drugged Before Marrying Angela
Source: Marcus Ingram / Getty Charles Oakley recently caused a stir with a surprising comment about his marriage to wife Angela Oakley. While chatting during a livestream with a cast member from The Real Housewives of Atlanta , the former NBA star joked that he might have been 'drugged' before marrying Angela. The moment sparked plenty of buzz online, with some fans unsure if he was serious or just being playful. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). Now, Oakley is setting the record straight. According to him, it was all a joke — and not meant to be taken so seriously. 'I was just trying to be funny,' he said, downplaying the comment. Angela, who was right there with him during the livestream, didn't seem upset at all. In fact, she laughed it off, and the two shared a fun story about their spontaneous Las Vegas wedding. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The couple also teased a new project they're working on together, hinting that despite the internet chatter, they're still solid and enjoying life as a team. Charles and Angela have been together for years and have kept most of their relationship out of the spotlight. Over time, though, fans have seen glimpses of their dynamic — Angela often showing up to support Charles at public events, and Charles speaking with admiration and humor about their life together. Their bond has clearly stood the test of time, even with Charles's tough-guy reputation and media attention that often surrounds him. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Still, some people didn't find the joke funny. Critics called it inappropriate and said suggesting someone was drugged into marriage, even as a joke, wasn't a good look. Others saw it as just another example of Charles's blunt, no-filter sense of humor that doesn't always land well with everyone. Related Article: Kenya Moore's Shocking Exit From 'RHOA' Airs as Fans Demand Her Return Related Article: Knicks Legend Charles Oakley Arrested For Allegedly Cheating At Vegas Casino But Angela didn't seem fazed at all. She appeared relaxed and happy during the stream, even throwing in her own jokes and smiling through the conversation. If anything, she reminded fans why the two have lasted so long — she knows how to roll with Charles's personality and keep things light. Despite the backlash, Charles and Angela seem to be doing just fine. For them, it was a moment of humor that may have missed the mark but didn't shake their connection. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Charles Oakley Says He Was Joking About Being Drugged Before Marrying Angela was originally published on
Black America Web
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Trump Asks How Liberian Leaders Speak English—It's Their Language
Source: Win McNamee / Getty President Donald Trump recently hosted a meeting at the White House with five African leaders, including Liberian President Joseph Boakai. While the gathering focused on building diplomatic ties and exploring economic partnerships, it was a comment made by Trump that quickly gained attention online. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). During the discussion, Trump turned to President Boakai and said, 'Such good English, it's beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' Boakai replied that he was educated in Liberia, where English is the official language. Trump responded with surprise, adding, 'That's very interesting. I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well.' For many observers, especially in Liberia, the remark felt patronizing. Liberia was founded in the early 1800s by freed American slaves and has used English as its official language ever since declaring independence in 1847. A Liberian diplomat, speaking anonymously to CNN, called the comment 'not appropriate' and 'a bit condescending to an African president who's from an English-speaking nation.' South African politician Veronica Mente echoed this sentiment on social media, questioning why President Boakai didn't simply walk out in protest. Meanwhile, Liberian youth advocate Archie Tamel Harris told CNN that he felt 'insulted' by Trump's remark. 'Our country is an English-speaking country. For him to ask that question, I don't see it as a compliment,' Harris said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. Despite the criticism, others defended the president's intentions. White House officials insisted the remark was a genuine compliment. Massad Boulos, a senior advisor for Africa in the Trump administration, said, 'The continent of Africa has never had such a friend in the White House as they do in President Trump.' Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti also downplayed the backlash, saying that President Boakai took no offense. 'What President Trump heard distinctly was the American influence on our English in Liberia,' she explained. 'We know that English has different accents and forms, and him recognizing our intonation wasn't taken negatively.' CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! This isn't the first time Trump has made headlines for remarks related to foreign leaders' English skills. In a previous meeting, he complimented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his English during a joint press conference. Still, Trump's history of controversial comments about African nations—including a 2018 reference to 'shithole countries'—made this moment more sensitive for many. Critics say the president's surprise at Boakai's fluency reinforces outdated stereotypes about Africans and their education. The broader meeting, however, was more optimistic in tone. Trump praised the African nations represented—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—calling them 'vibrant places with valuable land, great minerals, and wonderful people.' The leaders, in turn, praised Trump and expressed a strong interest in working with the U.S. on economic development. Related Article: WTFGO In Politics: ICE Raids, Trump Vs. Musk & More Related Article: Black Americans For Trump Member Questions Trump's Tariff Policy President Boakai even said Liberia believes in the 'policy of making America great again,' signaling that despite the awkward moment, Liberia remains open to building stronger ties with the United States. As the meeting wrapped up, reactions to Trump's comment remained split—some saw it as a tone-deaf gaffe, while others saw it as a misunderstood compliment. What's clear is that words still matter deeply in diplomacy, especially when historical legacies are involved. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Trump Asks How Liberian Leaders Speak English—It's Their Language was originally published on
Black America Web
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Rocsi & AJ Explain Why They Missed the 106 & Park Reunion at the 2025 BET Awards
Source: Christopher Polk The 2025 BET Awards had no shortage of iconic moments—from major wins to unforgettable performances. As the network celebrated its 25th anniversary, one of the most talked-about segments was the long-awaited reunion of 106 & Park , the classic music video countdown show that helped shape an entire era of hip hop and R&B culture. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). While many former hosts and contributors showed up for the celebration, fans quickly noticed that two key figures were missing: Rocsi Diaz and AJ Calloway, one of the most memorable host duos in the show's history. The pair, who helped define the early 2000s run of the program, were missed by fans hoping for a full reunion. Shortly after the show aired, both Rocsi and AJ posted heartfelt apologies on Instagram, offering insight into why they couldn't be there and sharing just how much the show still means to them. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. Rocsi Diaz was open about her disappointment, writing, 'I'm so sorry if I let you down. Just know I tried everything possible to be a part of the 106 & Park reunion—it really meant a lot to me.' She explained that an unexpected job opportunity conflicted with the event, preventing her from attending. Despite the scheduling clash, she expressed deep appreciation for the team behind the scenes and her fellow hosts, calling her time on 106 the best thing that ever happened in her life. AJ Calloway shared a similar sentiment, revealing that he was literally in the air on a flight when the reunion aired. 'When your phone blows up because you missed a huge night for the best and livest audience in the world!' he wrote. He also promised that this wouldn't be the last opportunity to reunite: 'I know we will do something where we all can make it.' CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Both hosts used their messages to reflect on the incredible impact 106 & Park had not only on their careers but on the culture. In a previous interview, AJ had stated, 'We had no idea that it would have the global impact that it did. To the fans of 106 , thank you for the constant love—we love you right back.' Related Article: Gallery: Black Couples We Swooned Over At The 2025 BET Awards Related Article: Deion Sanders Addresses 'Getting It On' with 'Work Boo' Rocsi Diaz The absence of Rocsi and AJ didn't go unnoticed, but their heartfelt messages showed fans just how much the show still means to them. As the 2025 BET Awards wrapped up, fans were left with nostalgia, excitement—and perhaps a little hope that the full reunion could still happen in the future. With such strong fan energy and ongoing love for 106 & Park , who knows? A reboot or full-scale reunion could still be on the horizon. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Rocsi & AJ Explain Why They Missed the 106 & Park Reunion at the 2025 BET Awards was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
TS Madison Explains Why She Doesn't Date Gay Men
Source: Michael Buckner / Getty In a recent appearance on The NeNe Leakes Show , TS Madison sat down with Real Housewives of Atlanta alum NeNe Leakes for a conversation that quickly turned into a lesson on gender identity, attraction, and how society still struggles to make sense of it all. What started as a casual chat became a deep and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue about who trans women are—and who is attracted to them. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). TS Madison, a well-known media personality and advocate, tried to set the record straight when Leakes questioned the sexuality of men who are romantically or sexually involved with transgender women. 'I don't date gay men,' Madison explained, making a clear distinction that many often miss: that a man being attracted to a transgender woman doesn't mean he's gay. Leakes pushed back, saying it didn't make sense to her. 'If he sleeping with you and sleeping with a woman, he something,' she said, suggesting bisexuality as a possibility. Madison calmly responded that a man who is attracted to her isn't necessarily gay or bi—he may simply be a man who is attracted to women, including trans women. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The conversation got even more tense when Leakes said she wouldn't want to date a man who had previously been with a trans woman. 'I don't want to run into them. I don't want to date them,' she said, adding that she would feel deceived by a man who didn't disclose that history. Madison tried to gently challenge that thinking, pointing out that many men—regardless of how they identify—might have past relationships or experiences that women will never know about. 'There's a difference between being men and being male,' Madison said, trying to separate biological sex from gender identity. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Despite the awkwardness, Madison handled the exchange with grace, not defensiveness. Online, she was praised for staying calm and respectful throughout what many saw as a difficult and even offensive conversation. Critics were quick to call out Leakes for her comments, with some saying the interview revealed a harmful level of ignorance. 'NeNe has absolutely lost me after that interview,' one person wrote. Others pointed out the irony of her long-standing 'gay icon' status while expressing such dismissive views about trans women and those who love them. Related Article: Trans Vs. Cisgender Tirade: Jess Hilarious 'Cancelled' For Defending Biological Women? Related Article: TS Madison Says 'She Fears For Her Life Everyday' As A Black Transwoman On 'Tamron Hall' Following the episode, Madison posted on Instagram to thank Leakes for the opportunity to have a tough but important conversation. She reiterated a point that seemed to get lost in the moment: 'Men who identify as gay do not date or desire trans women. Trans women are desirable to men who identify as straight as well.' She also emphasized a critical truth—gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same thing, and understanding that difference is crucial to having respectful and inclusive conversations. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE [zype id='6840a5c2096b770001fa55a3″ SEE ALSO TS Madison Explains Why She Doesn't Date Gay Men was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration
Source: SUZANNE CORDEIRO / Getty Michelle Obama is finally speaking out about one of the most talked-about moments of her post–White House life: why she chose not to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). In a candid conversation on the latest episode of her podcast 'Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast' — co-hosted by her brother Craig Robinson — the former First Lady said that although the decision wasn't easy, it was necessary for her own well-being. During a discussion with actress Taraji P. Henson, Michelle explained that skipping the event was a personal boundary, not a political stunt. She shared that she intentionally made the choice impossible to walk back by not even preparing an outfit. 'I basically tricked myself,' she said. 'I told my team, 'Don't get me a dress. I don't even want the option.'' Michelle admitted that if she had gotten ready, the pressure to attend might have overtaken her instincts. 'If I had a dress, I probably would've gone and done the 'right' thing,' she said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The public, however, speculated otherwise. Rumors swirled that her absence was a sign of trouble in her marriage with Barack Obama, who did attend the inauguration. Michelle set the record straight, making it clear that her decision had nothing to do with their relationship. In fact, she emphasized that after everything she's done in service to the country, she shouldn't have to constantly prove her patriotism or perfection. 'If after all I've done, I still have to prove I love this country, that I'm doing the right thing, then all I'm doing is keeping up with that unrealistic bar our mothers and grandmothers had to meet,' Michelle explained. The 61-year-old author of Becoming said learning to say 'no' has been a major part of her growth, calling it a 'muscle' that she's just now beginning to build. She hopes her decision encourages young women to practice setting boundaries — even when it's uncomfortable or goes against public expectations. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Michelle, who also opted out of President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this year, says she's not trying to be a rebel — she's just being true to herself. Sources have noted that she's been quietly stepping away from the political spotlight, choosing instead to live a more intentional and private life outside of Washington, D.C. As for her marriage, Michelle and Barack are still going strong after 32 years. Despite spending more time apart publicly, she recently shared on another podcast that their bond is unshaken. Barack even joked at a college appearance that he tries to plan fun activities with her to make up for the strain the presidency placed on their relationship. Michelle and Barack tied the knot in 1992 and share two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, who now live together in Los Angeles. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Michelle Obama Opens Up About Why She Skipped Trump's Inauguration was originally published on
