Here’s all the news you need to know:
ABC says kneeling was not the reason the network pulled the plug on an episode of Black-ish. During a call with reporters, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said that the network has always been supportive of showrunner Kenya Barris’ ideas, no matter how controversial, but added that there were “a number of elements” that caused them to pull the plug on the unaired episode. Dungey said, “Much has been made of the sort of kneeling part of it, which was not even really the issue.” (Variety)
Actress Michaela Coel says she was mistaken for a flight attendant by a passenger who asked her to “clean up her mess.” Coel shared a photo of herself and one of what the flight attendants were wearing, writing, “Congratulations to Virgin Atlantic passengers once again! A lady just confused me for a hostess and asked me to clean up her mess and increase the flight temp. What I’m wearing… what the staff are wearing.” (Twitter)
Nicki Minaj might be working on a new film with Tina Fey. The rapper took to Instagram to share the news, writing, “@SNL SEASON FINALE W|THE ONE & ONLY TINA FKN FEY. GOTTA BE FKN KIDDING ME. OMG. SHE & I are shooting our movie after Saturday’s show airs. Yikesssssssssssss. Get ya whole fkn LIFE HOES!!!! In fact, that’s the name of the movie. #GetYaWholeFknLifeHoes. Sike. It’s called #GetYaLifeUgly.” (Instagram)
The white woman who called police on a Black family enjoying a BBQ has reportedly been identified. The woman is believed to be Dr. Jennifer Schulte, who is associated with Stanford University. It’s unclear whether she’s a professor or student. (News One)
Fox News has reached a settlement with 18 current and former employees who sued the network for racial and gender discrimination. The parent company of Fox News, 21st Century Fox, will reportedly dish out roughly $10 million. (NY Times)
The death of a young Black man in police custody has been ruled a homicide. According to the coroner, Keeven Robinson suffered “significant traumatic injuries” to his neck consistent with asphyxiation. Louisiana State Police and the FBI civil rights task force have been asked to investigate, while the four agents involved have been placed on desk duty. (NBC News)
Queen Latifah has received an honorary degree from Rutgers University. Latifah offered the class of 2018 words of wisdom before receiving the degree. She celebrated the moment by tweeting, “Say hello to the Honorary Dr. Dana Owens. Thank you Rutgers University and congratulations to all of the graduates of the class of 2018!” (Twitter)
Freeform has renewed hit mermaid thriller Sirens. The series focuses on a town’s upheaval after a mermaid wreaks havoc on the small fishing town. (Shadow and Act)