Britney Spears is ready to leave the past behind — literally.
06.02.2022 - 01:07 / thewrap.com
Twitter statement. “But I must emphasize: to mock, belittle or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply. Not.
My. Nature. It never has, and it never was.” Awkwafina’s accent, or “blaccent,” has long been criticized as a form of cultural appropriation dating back to her early work as a rapper and to her character in “Crazy Rich Asians.” She briefly addressed the controversy to Reuters during press for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” last fall.
But Saturday’s statement was the first time she’s addressed the AAVE controversy in earnest. She continued by explaining that her immigrant background helped her carve an American identity based on the movies and shows she watched growing up, as well as by her love for hip-hop music. “I think as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them – what is correct and where they don’t belong.
And though I’m still learning and doing that personal work, I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities,” she said. “We do this first by failing, learning, acknowledging, hearing and empathizing… And I will continue, tirelessly, to do just that.” In two separate tweets, Awkwafina added that she’ll also be retiring from Twitter specifically, at least until 2024, though not other social media channels, citing mental health concerns from her therapist. To Clarify: I am retiring from the ingrown toenail that is Twitter.
Britney Spears is ready to leave the past behind — literally.
The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean has discussed an episode which viewers have claimed predicted the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The episode, titled ‘Simpson Tide’ which aired in March 1998, saw Homer Simpson join the US Navy and accidentally fire his captain into Russian waters.This is followed by a sequence where Russia reveals the Soviet Union never actually dissolved: as troops descend on the streets, the Berlin Wall is resurrected and Lenin is brought back to life from his glass coffin.After the clip was shared widely on social media following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s orders to attack Ukraine on Thursday (February 24), Al Jean responded to The Hollywood Reporter, describing the prediction as “sadly more the norm”.Simpsons called it… #Russia #SovietUnion #Putin pic.twitter.com/9OQ9nSpiGF— Matthew Walton (@Waltonamo) February 22, 2022“In terms of predictions, there are two kinds we have: The trivial, like Don Mattingly getting in trouble for his hair in ‘Homer At The Bat’,” Jean said. “And then there are predictions like this.
Lindsay Lohan left fans confused and stunned as she revealed we've been pronouncing her name wrong all along.The American actress, who announced her engagement to Bader Shammas in November last year, uploaded a short video introducing herself as she finally joined TikTok earlier this month. "Hey, everyone. It's Lindsay Lohan, and guess what? Now I'm on TikTok," the 35 year old said in the short clip, which is now viral.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine, he announced to press on early Thursday morning (February 24).
Wow, next month marks a real March away from Netflix!
Kate Garraway has responded to the suggestion that she has 'paraded' her husband Derek Draper in front of the public.
The musical drama series Soundtrack, which premiered on Netflix in December 2019, is being removed from the streaming service at the end of the month.
The pandemic has battered the fortunes of some of Britain's wealthiest tycoons – but life looks sweet again for Nick Candy as a bidding war for a podcast firm he backs gathered steam this weekend. The property billionaire holds a 15 per cent stake in Audioboom, which he says is 'on steroids' following the pandemic. The business, which turned its first profit last year, has attracted takeover interest from Amazon and Spotify, as well as Swedish podcast firm Acast and Virgin Media O2 owner Liberty Global.
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes have made their exit from All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly planning to replace long-serving judge Bruno Tonioli with Anton Du Beke. The 55-year-old took over from the Italian dancer, 66, in 2021, after he was forced to remain in the US due to the Covid pandemic and commitments to Dancing With The Stars. Anton was a firm fan favourite during last year’s series – which saw actress Rose Ayling-Eliis crowned winner – and now, producers are planning to make his transition from the dance floor to the podium permanent, according to The Sun.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses allegedly intend to keep Anton Du Beke as a judge this year, axing Bruno Tonioli, according to a report. Bruno, 66, was unable to take part in last year’s judging panel after Covid restrictions prevented him from travelling to the UK, however was he expected to return to the show after Craig Revel Horwood gave his support by casting him on the Strictly live tour. But, a BBC source has reportedly suggested that show bosses have now decided in Anton’s favour, claiming that his contract is due to be renewed.The source told The Sun: “We have been told Anton’s contract as a judge is going to be renewed.The bosses were really happy with his performance.
Bruno Tonioli's role as Strictly judge could be officially axed as he could be permanently replaced by Anton Du Beke.
Signing off. Awkwafina decided to leave Twitter after her statement on the use of a “blaccent” and African American Vernacular English (AAVE) brought backlash.
Awkwkafina responded to longstanding criticism that she uses a fake "blaccent" in her comedy while announcing that she’s retiring from Twitter. The "Shan-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star, who was born Nora Lum, has long-faced criticism for her use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). Some have spoken out on social media to accuse the actress of doing a voice that’s a caricature of a Black person in order to be funny.
Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8.Awkwafina – an Asian-American actress, whose real name is Nora Lum – shared the statement on Saturday (February 5), writing: “As a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalised group.“But I must emphasise: To mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply. Not.
Awkwafina is leaving Twitter for now.
Awkwafina‘s addressing criticism over her “blaccent” use in films, saying she never intended to “mock” or “belittle” anyone for speaking in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE).