The Quick Read: Shonda Rhimes Says Roseanne Barr Got Exactly What She Deserves

TV show creator Shonda Rhimes sided with ABC after they pulled the plug on Roseanne. Following Barr’s racist tweet calling former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett an ape, the network swiftly canceled the hit reboot. Though Rhimes recognized that the “talented innocent people who worked on that show” will “suffer because of this,” she feels Barr got what she “deserved.” “Roseanne made a choice. A racist one,” she wrote on Twitter. “ABC made a choice.  A human one.”

Valerie Jarrett is “fine” after Roseanne Barr’s racist tweets. The former senior advisor says the actress’ behavior and subsequent cancellation of her hit show should, in fact, be “a teaching moment.” Jarrett also went on to place some of the responsibility for the racist tweet on President Trump. “The tone does start at the top, and we like to look up to our president and feel as though he reflects the values of our country,” she said during MSNBC special, Everyday Racism in America. “Our government is only going to be as good as we make it be.” (USA Today)

Regina Hall has been added to Little, a film helmed by Black-ish star, Marsai Martin. Hall was already announced as an executive producer and will now join Issa Rae in the cast. The Will Packer Productions feature centers on a woman who relives life as her younger, carefree self when the pressures of adulthood become too much.” Little releases in September 2019. (Shadow and Act)

A study estimates that 4,645 people died in Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico officials greatly underestimated the death toll, first reporting it to be 64. However, the aftermath of the storm, which hit the U.S. territory on September 20, 2017, contributed to a much higher number. Still, as thousands of people remain without electricity and other basic needs, the exact number of deaths may never be known. (CNN)

The cancellation of Roseanne has left ABC to consider Steps, a comedy pilot starring Ryan Michelle Bathe. The series was first passed over because of its similarities to another fall pickup, Single Parents. Now, with the open slot, this show that revolves around four adults in three houses raising three kids after two divorces — together has a shot. (Deadline)

Ella Washington earned her first college degree at 89 years old. The North Carolina native and mother of 12, who earned her GED diploma at 49, received an associate degree in interdisciplinary studies from the online program at Liberty University. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s in history at the same Virginia school. “There’s nothing wrong with learning more,” Washington says. “Education will help you make the best life for yourselves and those who come after you.” (Vibe)

Jamie Foxx will play popular antihero Spawn in new comics film from Blumhouse. The film will focus on the Albert Simmons-turned-immortal creature working with the New York Police Department to catch criminals. Creator of the original comic Todd McFarlane says the feature will not be an origin story. (Shadow and Act)

A Black New York City cop is seeking $5 million for emotional distress after being falsely arrested by fellow police officers. According to court documents, Karim Powell was off duty when two officers accused him of leading them on a car chase and detained him. Even after showing his ID, the cops still took him to the 47th Precinct. Pending an investigation and several false claims, Powell wasn’t able to return to full duty until April of this year. (The Root)

Janelle Monáe and Nicki Minaj have been announced to perform at the 2018 BET Awards. The 18th annual event will be hosted by Jamie Foxx and will air June 24. Other performing artists include Ella Mai, H.E.R., and Migos. (Complex)