Category: Perspectives

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Lupita Nyong’o named Berlin Film Festival jury president

Lupita Nyong’o, the Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actor and filmmaker, will preside over the international jury of the upcoming Berlin Film Festival.

 

She will be the second consecutive female jury president at the Berlinale, following fellow actor Kristen Stewart.

 

“Lupita Nyong’o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and consistency to one idea that is quite recognisable in her characters, as diverse as they may look,” said Berlinale directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.

 

Lupita Nyong’o, who broke through in “12 Years a Slave,” said she was “deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.”

 

“I look forward to celebrating and recognising the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world,” Nyong’o continued.

 

On top of winning a best supporting Oscar for her performance in “12 Years a Slave,” she has received the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Critics’ Choice Award, the Independent Spirit Award and the NAACP Image Award. She went on to garner further acclaim with her role as the warrior Nakia in “Black Panther” and its sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Her other credits include “Us,” “Little Monsters,” “Queen of Katwe,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “The 355.” Her upcoming projects include the horror franchise spin-off series “A Quiet Place: Day One.”

 

Nyong’o is also involved behind the camera. She recently executive produced the Sudanese film “Goodbye Julia,” directed by Mohamed Kordofani. The movie was selected by the Sudanese National Committee operating in exile to compete in the international feature film race at the Oscars.

 

An outspoken activist, Nyong’o is currently preparing a podcast focussing on non-fictional storytelling from the African diaspora. One of her projects is a series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah.” Nyong is also an author, having penned the New York Times bestselling children’s book “Sulwe” in 2020.

 

This 74th Berlin Film Festival will mark the last under the current leadership. Both Rissenbeek and Chatrian will step down after this edition as their respective mandate ends. The festival’s future director will be announced tomorrow during a press conference in Berlin.

 

 

— Variety

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Denzel Washington to cast as ancient Gen. Hannibal in Antoine Fuqua Netflix film, sparks controversy in Tunisia

Denzel Washington being cast in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming Netflix movie as ancient Carthaginian General Hannibal, is sparking some controversy in Tunisia, the home country of the great military commander.

 

According to French newspaper Courrier International, there are complaints about depicting the Carthaginian general as a Black African being made in the media and the Tunisian parliament.

 

Member of Parliament Yassine Mami has pointed out that Hannibal, who was born in 247 BC in Carthage – now known as Tunis, the Tunisian capital – was of West Asian Semitic origin.

 

“There is a risk of falsifying history: We need to take position on this subject,” the Tunisian politician reportedly stated.

 

Concurrently, French-language Tunisian newspaper La Presse has published an editorial in which it similarly objects that depicting Hannibal as a Black African is “according to Tunisians and many observers, a historical error.”

 

However, Tunisian culture Minister Hayet Ketat-Guermazi had a different, more pragmatic take on the matter.

 

“It’s fiction. It is their [Netflix‘s] right to do what they want,” she responded, according to French newspaper Le Monde. “Hannibal is a historical figure and we are all proud that he was Tunisian. But what can we do?”

 

She went on to note that she is trying to negotiate with Netflix to shoot at least a portion of the film in Tunisia.

 

“I hope they decide to shoot at least a sequence of the film here and that that this is publicized. We want Tunisia to go back to being a location where foreign films are shot,” Ketat-Guermazi said, as reported by Le Monde.

 

Representatives for Netflix, Washington and Fuqua did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

 

The controversy in Tunisia over Washington playing Hannibal is reminiscent of the uproar sparked in Egypt in April over Britain’s Adele James, who is of mixed heritage, playing Cleopatra in Netflix’s docudrama “Queen Cleopatra.” The first-century Egyptian queen was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in 69 BC and belonged to a Greek-speaking dynasty. Egyptian academics went on a rampage over the fact that Cleopatra was of European descent and not Black.

 

The still-untitled film about the Carthaginian general will be written by John Logan, the three-time Academy Award winner who scribed Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.”

 

According to the official logline, the movie is “based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.”

 

Hannibal invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant. Under his lead, the Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans, allowing Hannibal to occupy the majority of southern Italy for 15 years. Eventually, Hannibal was defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Zama after they counter-invaded North Africa.

 

Fuqua most recently directed Washington in the action-thriller “The Equalizer 3,” in which Washington reprised his role as ex-Marine Robert McCall.

 

Washington is currently involved in another war epic, the upcoming sequel to Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” which has resumed shooting in Malta after production was halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

 

 

— Variety

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Scandal-hit Japanese talent agency Johnny and Associates renamed as Starto Entertainment

Johnny & Associates, the Japanese talent agency that has been embroiled in a huge sexual abuse scandal, is rebranding itself as Starto Entertainment.

 

The name is derived from the words ‘star’ and ‘to’ implying “to head toward the future,” the group said on Friday.

 

“It is an expression of our commitment to all our artists current and yet to come, with whom we inaugurate a new era in accordance with their individual talents and personal goals,” the group explained.

 

Johnny & Associates was for many years the most powerful talent shop in Japan, creating idol groups such as Snow Man, and leveraging its male performers into film and TV roles.

 

It was brought low by a scandal relating to its founder Johnny Kitagawa who abused young male performers over a period of decades before his death in 2019. While this seems to have been known, but widely ignored by many in the industry, the scale of depravity and cover-up blew up earlier this year following a BBC documentary.

 

Two subsequent third-party investigations revealed details. And Johnny’s current management was forced to admit the events were factual. It also said that it would set up a compensation fund and investigate claims.

 

Corporate partners and sponsors, however, fled from the scandal. Some ended their use of Johnny’s talent in commercials. Others, such as state broadcaster NHK, chose not to book Johnny’s talent on its shows.

 

With a new name, Johnny’s appears to be trying again to put recent events behind it and to be looking forward again.

 

“Starto is, without any doubt, an entertainment team that represents the pride of Japan. Be it song, dance, or stagecraft, the first-class contents and national treasures of Japan have left an indelible mark around the world and mandate continued effort to meet the appropriately high expectations of their passionate fans,” it said.

 

Additionally, it set out three addition undertakings: greater digitization, including the establishment of a proprietary music streaming platform; increased global openness and overseas outreach; and “metaverse market entry”: extending artists’ talents with state-of-the-art technology.

 

“We will fervently apply ourselves toward a just, upright, bright, and international future for a new entertainment landscape,” it added.

 

 

— Variety

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Non-GMO now considered higher priority for tea consumers than Fair Trade by industry professionals

Firsd Tea’s new report suggests industry experts view Non-GMO certification as more important to consumers than Fair Trade.

 

“Importantly, Organic certification is still the predominant priority standard for consumers in the eyes of industry professionals.”

— Jason Walker, Marketing Director, Firsd Tea

SECAUCUS, N.J. — According to a new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the U.S., most professionals in tea and related industries say Non-GMO certification is now more important than Fair Trade for their consumers—a trend change from last year’s findings.

 

Specifically, most respondents in 2023 viewed Non-GMO certification (81%) as the second-most important standard and Fair Trade (68%) as the third-most important standard to consumers—a reversal from 2022’s survey findings.

 

“Though it’s unsurprising that Non-GMO certification has grown in perceived importance for consumers with our survey-takers, it was interesting to see it leap past Fair Trade certification this year,” Firsd Tea marketing director, Jason Walker, explains. He adds, “Importantly, Organic certification is still the predominant priority standard for consumers in the eyes of industry professionals.”

 

Along with revealing the Non-GMO certification’s increasing importance, the study also found:

  • Most survey-takers remain worried about the effects of climate change on their business operations (80% in 2022 vs. 75% in 2023).

 

  • Tea is still considered the most sensitive industry to the effects of climate change by most professionals in tea and related industries (93% in 2022 vs. 95% in 2023).

 

  • Most respondents in tea and related industries still agree Organic Certification is the most important standard to consumers (84% in 2022 vs. 88% in 2023).

 

  • Compared with Firsd Tea’s 2022 study, Vietnam (+37%), Kenya (+33%), China (+26%), and Sri Lanka (+26%) saw outstanding perceived sustainability improvements in 2023.

 

  • Most respondents in tea and related industries report improved outlooks on progress made in sustainability from 10 years ago, the current state of sustainability in tea, and the trajectory for the next 10 years.

 

“We look forward to this critical study providing important information to stakeholders across tea and related industries, hopefully helping their decision-making and giving them a more accurate pulse on their industry peers,” explains Firsd Tea executive director, Shengyuan Chen.

 

Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2023 is the second annual survey that continues a first-of-its-kind global 2022 study to gauge opinions of tea sustainability among associated experts.

 

“In this post-pandemic era, consumers remain focused on healthy lifestyles and recognize the importance of protecting the environment. The significance of organic certification with growing numbers of tea consumers echoes the mindset of many coffee consumers as well, specifically, that organic certification hits two touch points: it is good for the body and it is good for the planet,” says Vanessa L. Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

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Kirby McInerney LLP announces the filing of a securities class action on behalf of Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. (OTLK) investors

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $OTLK #classactionlawsuit — The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of those who acquired Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. (“Outlook” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OTLK) securities during the period from Dec. 29, 2022 through Aug. 29, 2023, inclusive (the “Class Period”). Investors have until Jan. 2, 2024 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.

 

Outlook is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing monoclonal antibodies for various ophthalmic indications. The Company’s lead product candidate is ONS-5010, an ophthalmic formulation of the antibody bevacizumab for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (“wet AMD”) and other retina diseases.

 

In August 2021, Outlook announced the topline readout of data from its pivotal Phase 3 NORSE TWO trial of ONS-5010 for the treatment of wet AMD. According to the Company, this data, among other things, “demonstrated clinically relevant and highly statistically significant results” that supported the submission of a biologics license application (“BLA”) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for ONS-5010 for the treatment of wet AMD, which the Company planned to submit to the FDA in the first quarter of 2022. In March 2022, Outlook announced that it had submitted the ONS-5010 BLA to the FDA.

 

In May 2022, the Company voluntarily withdrew the ONS-5010 BLA to provide additional information requested by the FDA. Following receipt of further correspondence from the FDA, the Company purportedly confirmed the additional information necessary to re-submit the BLA for ONS-5010 and resubmitted the BLA in August 2022.

 

On August 30, 2023, Outlook announced that the FDA had issued a complete response letter to the ONS-5010 BLA. The Company advised that the FDA could not approve the BLA during this review cycle due to several issues. On this news, the price of Outlook shares declined by $1.141 per share, or approximately 80.92%, from $1.41 per share to close at $0.269 on August 30, 2023.

 

The lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose that: (i) there was a lack of substantial evidence supporting ONS-5010 as a treatment for wet AMD; (ii) Outlook and/or its manufacturing partner had deficient chemistry manufacturing and controls and other manufacturing issues for ONS-5010, which remained unresolved at the time the ONS-5010 BLA was re-submitted to the FDA; (iii) as a result of all the foregoing, the FDA was unlikely to approve the ONS-5010 BLA in its present form; and (iv) accordingly, ONS-5010’s regulatory and commercial prospects were overstated.

 

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Outlook securities, have information, or would like to learn more about this investigation, please contact Thomas W. Elrod of Kirby McInerney LLP by email at investigations@kmllp.com, or by filling out this contact form, to discuss your rights or interests with respect to these matters without any cost to you.

 

Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs’ law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, whistleblower, and consumer litigation. The firm’s efforts on behalf of shareholders in securities litigation have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLP’s website: https://www.kmllp.com.

 

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contacts

Kirby McInerney LLP

Thomas W. Elrod, Esq.

212-699-1180

https://www.kmllp.com
investigations@kmllp.com

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Nicolas Cage talks: ‘Superman’ that flopped, top five screenplays, filming the ‘most humiliating sex scene in the history of cinema’

From internet memes to a slew of movies, this is the Age of Cage, but Nicolas Cage himself revealed that as he approaches his 60th birthday he is taking stock.

 

He told a sold-out audience at the Red Sea Film Festival that he was winding down his film career after 45 years and over 100 films: “I want to do television; maybe Broadway.”

 

His decision – inspired in part by his son showing him “Breaking Bad” — won’t be final, as he has several film projects in the pipeline, including “Sympathy for the Devil,” co-starring festival jury member Joel Kinnaman and a sequel to 2005’s “Lord of War” — “My character’s son grows up and becomes a rival. It’s very Arthurian,” he said.

 

The Academy Award winning actor hyped by the “good energy” in the room talked through the four decades of his career and every film mentioned was greeted by whoops and applause from an enthusiastic to the point of deafening audience. Cage explained his name change – “Filmmakers don’t want the name Coppola above the title of their movies” – and shared many stories that spanned his entire career, at one point simply responding to whatever film the audience cried out. “Face/Off” was mentioned: “That one might be a masterpiece,” he said. “Ghost Rider” – “It’s like Disney made a film about Faust; like a tattoo which came to life.” Cage spotted a fan holding up a poster for the film and called her to the stage to show the audience, revealing he often goes on eBay to buy memorabilia from his own films as well as comic books of which he’s an avid collector.

 

Had acting not turned out, his Plan B had been to become a fisherman in Alaska, and so couldn’t help but talk about some of the films which got away. He was in play for the George Clooney role in “A Perfect Storm.” The film which he most regrets losing and which got the biggest cheer of the night was “Superman,” with Cage as the Man of Steel and Tim Burton directing: “The studio wanted Renny Harlin and were frightened it would cost too much money so they shut it down.”

 

While making “City of Angels” his decision to not blink as the angel was in preparation, he said, for playing the otherworldliness of Kal-El (aka Clark Kent) in the planned “Superman,” which would have immediately followed it. Cage also noted that he’d approached David Bowie to write a theme song for “Superman.”

 

The “Wild at Heart” star also paid respect to those who helped him in his career such as “Valley Girl” director Martha Coolidge who picked his headshot out of a pile; his uncle Francis Ford Coppola “was like a dad to me,” and co-stars such as Sean Connery. “He wanted to play golf and I wanted to go fishing and so we ended up talking about movies.” Cage’s clear intellectual philosophy when it comes to screen acting was clear. “Independent dramatic cinema is my well,” he said. And throughout the talk he characterized himself as a student always trying to push himself into zones of discomfort. He listed his top five screenplays as “Raising Arizona,” “Vampire’s Kiss,” “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Adaptation” and “Dream Scenario.” Two of his favorite films are “Pig” and “Dream Scenario.”

 

Securing an Oscar for “Leaving Las Vegas” was like getting tenure, Cage said. “My uncle sent a telegram that read ‘Congratulations Nicky, from Francis Cage.’” Having achieved critical recognition, Cage embarked on an unexpected stint as an action hero in films such as “The Rock” and “Con Air.” More recently he discovered that he had become a meme, googling his own name to find a series of videos entitled “Nicolas Cage loses his shit.” The shock left him “confused, frustrated and a little stimulated.” His new film “Dream Scenario,” about a man who finds that he is appearing in everyone’s dreams, is directly related to Cage’s own changing relationship to fame: “I suffered from the memeification and my character suffers from the dreamification.” It also features what he describes as “the most humiliating love scene in the history of cinema.”

 

Now Cage has taken to picking his projects more “severely and stringently” and is acutely aware of the passage of time. “I have a 15-month-old daughter waiting for me at home.” Asked if he shows his children his films, he laughs “absolutely not. We watch the cartoon ‘Invincible.’ It’s wild.”

 

 

 

— Variety

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Stormi Steele checks Marsau Scott at LaTisha Scott’s expense

Marsau Scott and Stormi Steele have been bumping heads on LAMH.

 

“Love & Marriage: Huntsville” stars Stormi Steele and Marsau Scott have been clashing a lot this season.

 

They initially bumped heads because Marsau and LaTisha Scott asked Stormi to participate in their Blaque Business Expo.

— Photo Credit: OWN/YouTube

 

Melody Shari had just confirmed she would not be on the panel. So Marsau and LaTisha figured that Stormi would be a good replacement. However, the couple forgot to tell Stormi she needed to pay a booth rental fee. Although LaTisha told Marsau to let it go, he asked Stormi for the money the day of the event. Stormi didn’t like this at all. She refused to pay out of principle.

 

As their tension lingered, Stormi called Marsau a *****. She accused him of acting catty towards women. To no surprise, Marsau and LaTisha saw this as disrespectful. Marsau attempted to get even when Courtney Beasley came around. He called Courtney “Courtney Steele.”

 

Marsau told LaTisha that he doesn’t want to be around Stormi moving forward. He doesn’t think it’s cool that she said he acts like a *****. Interestingly enough, both couples will meet up on the upcoming episode. During a preview, Stormi attempts to explain why she called Marsau a *****.

 

She says, “Granted the word ***** is disrespectful, right? However, you feel like in order to retaliate or get your lick back against me and going toward Courtney, technically that ain’t no **** a man would do. That’s some **** a ***** would do.”

 

Stormi continues, “So that’s why I called you a *****. A man would have been like Courtney get your ************* wife.”

 

Stormi Steele goes there

Marsau is over it. “Again, even after our conversation about the *****, you still choose to use that term.”

 

LaTisha interjects, “Why can’t we give up on this word?”

 

Stormi responds, “I’m just trying to get to the bottom of it. I’m not calling you a *****. Not right now.”

 

Marsau then says he’s just going to ignore Stormi, “Well I feel like you did. I’m gonna learn to ignore what you say.”

 

She quips, “No, you ain’t gotta ignore me. That’s disrespectful. That’s why she got a drink thrown in her face.”

 

Is Stormi being disrespectful, or is she just being real? Catch an all new #LAMH tonight at 8|7! pic.twitter.com/08kMAbItwe

 

— OWN Unscripted (@OWNKeepItReal) December 2, 2023

 

The post Stormi Steele Checks Marsau Scott At LaTisha Scott’s Expense appeared first on Urban Belle Magazine.

 

 

— Urban Belle Magazine

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JOTO PR Disruptors reveals key e-commerce strategies post record Cyber Monday sales

In an analysis of Cyber Monday 2023, JOTO PR DisruptorsTM unveils revolutionary AI and AR strategies poised to redefine e-commerce. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies are shaping future consumer trends and driving business success in the digital marketplace.

 

TAMPA, Fla. — JOTO PR Disruptors, a leader in disruptive PR strategies, analyzes the transformative consumer behavior and record-breaking sales trends of Cyber Monday 2023.

 

The BNN Network report on Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 revealed a significant uptick in online shopping trends. Notably, Black Friday recorded an impressive $9.8 billion in online sales in the U.S., a 7.5% increase from the previous year, with global online sales reaching $70.9 billion, an 8% increase. Cyber Week was expected to generate $37.2 billion in online spending, a 5.4% increase, and Cyber Monday was projected to hit a record $12 billion in sales.

 

These figures demonstrate a robust growth in e-commerce, driven by substantial discounts and a stronger consumer spending capacity, particularly evident in the increased use of smartphones for shopping​​​​ (1) JOTO PR Disruptors offers insights and disruptive communication tips for companies looking to optimize their e-commerce strategies using the latest AI and AR technologies in 2024.

 

“2023’s Cyber Monday has not only broken sales records but also highlighted significant shifts in consumer behavior,” says Karla Jo Helms, Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors.

 

“Understanding and leveraging these changes, especially through emerging technologies like AI and AR, is crucial for companies to stay ahead in the digital marketplace.”

 

In anticipation of the evolving market dynamics, JOTO PR Disruptor has outlined three essential strategies that businesses will need to prioritize in 2024. These strategies are designed to effectively respond to the ‘Amazon effect,’ a consumer trend characterized by increasing demands for convenience, efficiency, and tailored shopping experiences. By adopting these approaches, companies can stay ahead in a marketplace heavily influenced by the benchmark set by Amazon, ensuring they remain competitive and in tune with consumer expectations. JOTO PR emphasizes the necessity of these strategies in navigating the shifting landscape of consumer preferences and e-commerce.

 

  1. Optimized E-Commerce Strategies: Integrating AI-driven tools for automating routine processes, improving operational efficiency, and offering personalized shopping experiences. Utilize AR technology to provide virtual try-ons and immersive product demonstrations, transforming how consumers interact with products online.(2)
  2. Leveraged Data Analytics for Personalized Marketing: Employing AI to analyze customer data, including browsing history and purchasing tendencies, for targeted and customized marketing strategies. This approach enhances customer engagement and conversion rates​​​​.(2)
  3. Improved Customer Experience and Engagement: Using AI-powered customer service technologies and AR-driven product demonstrations to increase customer interaction and satisfaction​.(3)

 

To enhance the impact of these innovative technologies, companies will also need to employ dynamic and disruptive communication strategies:

  • Virtual Reality Press Conferences: Host immersive VR press conferences for a hands-on experience of AI and AR e-commerce integrations.
  • Interactive Social Media Campaigns: Engage customers with AR filters and AI-driven interactive content on social media.
  • AI and AR-Driven Storytelling: Use storytelling with AI and AR elements to narrate the brand’s technological journey in e-commerce.
  • Tech Influencer Collaborations: Partner with tech influencers for live demonstrations and insights into AI and AR advancements.
  • Augmented Reality Product Launches: Introduce new products through AR virtual events, showcasing innovative e-commerce experiences.

 

“By implementing these AI and AR strategies, companies can leverage the momentum from Cyber Monday, setting the stage for success in the upcoming holiday season and beyond,” concludes Helms.

 

About JOTO PR Disruptors™:

Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency, established in 2009, combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at http://www.jotopr.com

 

About Karla Jo Helms:

Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. 

She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumni of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. 

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Jussie Smollett loses appeal for hate crime hoax, 150 day jail sentence upheld by Illinois Court

An Illinois appellate court has upheld Jussie Smollett’s conviction for staging a hate crime.

 

According to Variety, the First District Appellate Court rejected his appeal in a 2-1 vote conducted on Friday.

 

A jury convicted Smollet in December 2021. An Illinois judge sentenced him to 150 days in the Cook County jail for five felony charges of disorderly conduct.

 

Smollett took his acting from the small screen to the streets of Chicago five years ago in a staged assault. The 41-year-old orchestrated the hoax with two brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo.

 

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Sh

The disgraced actor claimed strangers beat him while spewing racist and homophobic remarks. He reported they poured bleach on him and tied a noose around his neck. Smollett also told police the assailants yelled he was in “MAGA country.”

 

The hoax went viral in 2019 after investigators discovered the Empire actor paid the men to execute the staged “assault.” The series subsequently dropped the fibbing thespian from the final season.

 

Despite the brothers’ confession and the jury’s guilty verdict, Jussie maintained his innocence. Upon sentencing, he yelled in the courtroom, “I am not suicidal!” with a raised fist. Smollett’s defense team appealed the conviction, and he secured a release after only serving six days.

 

Jussie Smollet appeals his conviction for staging a hate crime

Source: Nuccio DiNuzzo / Getty

 

During the appeal, Smollett’s attorneys challenged “virtually every aspect” of the hoax case. Justice David R. Navarro called their objections to jury selection, the sentence and the appointment of a special prosecutor “excessive.” The falsifier’s attorney also stated COVID-19 capacity limits in the courtroom hindered his right to a public trial.

 

Navarro’s arguments were rejected on the grounds that the trial judge did not abuse his discretion and swiftly corrected any mistakes.

 

The justices wrote, “For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County.”

 

Justice Freddrenna Lyle contested as she argued that Smollett should not have been re-prosecuted after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office initially dropped all charges against the former child star.

 

The decision resulted in a firestorm of vitriol. The judge appointed Dan Webb to reexamine the case and bring forth charges if he saw fit. The court official contended the state’s attorney did not accurately recuse herself. Lyle asserted reversing the decision caused the state to back out on a deal that was made with Jussie’s defense team, thus they should have upheld the initial outcome.

 

The justice wrote, “Public policy considerations and reverence for our justice system disfavor reneging on such agreements and should never be outweighed by a cacophony of criticism as to the terms of the agreement.”

View this post on Instagram

 

The Mighty Ducks actor’s reps stated he would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

 

The officials released a statement: “We wish to highlight that the decision was divided, with Justice Lyle offering a detailed analysis in favor of Smollett. We are preparing to escalate this matter to the Illinois Supreme Court, armed with a substantial body of evidence.”

 

The special prosecutor on the case, Dan Webb, also released a statement citing the appellate decision as a “resounding victory for justice.”

 

“We are proud to have prevailed in a case that, we believe, can help restore the public’s confidence in the Cook County justice system,” Webb said.

 

“We hope this decision will reassure the community that our legal system is fair, just, and impartial.”

 

Jussie’s character on Empire, Jamal Lyon, clearly had a fitting last name, considering he is going to ride this untruth until the transmission gives out.

 

 

— Bossip

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AACCNJ founder and CEO addresses 2 major business issues for upcoming NJ State elections

As statewide elections approach, the president of African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), John E. Harmon Sr., faces the essential conversations regarding Equity, Accountability and Reciprocity for Black businesses working for the State of N.J.

 

“As we approach two major upcoming elections for our state — US Senator and Governor, the question that remains unanswered is what’s in it for us?” Harmon asked in a recent op-ed.

 

The immediate reaction for some, is that Harmon is talking about the 1.2 million blacks which still have the highest poverty, unemployment low median income, home ownership of 35% and a net worth of approximately – $17,000 vs. $322,000 for white New Jersey residents, or is he referring to the over 88,000 black businesses of which only 3.5 percent have employees?

 

Perhaps he is speaking about our state legislators still allowing education, occupation, and credit scoring to be used as proxies to determine auto insurance premiums for licensed drivers. During the last legislative session, the minimum insurance coverage was raised from $15,000 to $30,000, another direct adverse impact on those with minimal disposable income in New Jersey, this was in addition to the three auto insurance premium proxies which are burdensome alone.

 

Our state also allows its taxpayers to contribute to the funding of public projects and a select group not only receives a preference when these opportunities are distributed but it’s a culture of perpetual practice. For example, in 2004 Governor McGreevey issued Executive Order Number 1[1]which allowed all public contracts to be governed by Project Labor Agreements (PLA) which only allowed for non-unionized businesses to participate up to $5 million. This Executive Order is approaching its 20th Anniversary, without any change notwithstanding the election of several US Senators and Governors since that time.

 

It is important to note, that our last two democratic presidents whose PLA thresholds at the Federal level were 5 and 7 times higher: President Obama $25 million[2] and Biden $35 million[3], than Governor McGreevey’s Executive Order threshold of $5 million in 2004. How can the Democratic Party in NJ be so misaligned on an economic agenda that it is supposedly representative of its constituency?

 

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter, 79% of our state’s construction firms are non-union and 21% are members of a trade union. Additionally, only 2% of minority contractors are members of a trade union.

 

Furthermore, as we begin to embark on the $16 billion dollar Gateway Tunnel project which PLA threshold will take precedence, McGreevey’s five million on Biden’s $35 million.

It is time for our state and federal representatives to respond to these and other questions.

 

The time has long passed for the voters of New Jersey to have a consensus on an equitable economic agenda versus party bosses. The potential implications would not only be beneficial to blacks but to all of New Jersey’s taxpayers.

 

The above are kitchen table pocketbook issues that affect hardworking New Jerseyans every day and our current policy makers continue to remain silent on these transformational issues.

 

Trust me, we have asked these questions at every level of government and their silence is a pure insult. There is plenty of room for compromise on each of these issues.

 

So again, what will be the difference this election season because for now the status quo appears in full effect. The same old politicians seeking to advance the same old playbook.

 

We need the citizens of New Jersey from every community to muster the courage and ask the above questions now and demand an on-the-record response regarding where they stand. In the coming years there will be a tremendous amount of economic opportunity to potentially be shared. Let’s join hands and reach a consensus to improve the competitiveness of our state.

 

Thank you.

John E. Harmon Sr.

 

[1] https://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eom1.htm

[2] https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/realitycheck/the-press-office/executive-order-use-project-labor-agreements-federal-construction-projects

[3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/02/04/executive-order-on-use-of-project-labor-agreements-for-federal-construction-projects/

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J. 

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.