PATTY JACKSON'S 4-1-1
Week of April 14th, 2008

If you are unable to read this HTML click here

The fairytale is over for Actress Lisa Raye McCoy Missick. The popular actress has been in hiding since allegation came forth regarding her husband Michael Missick, the Prime Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, being involved in a rape scandal. The Prime Minister has released a videotape denying these allegations, but the top officials want him to step down. This is not the first time the Prime Minister has been involved in controversy. A few years ago, he was accused of assaulting a police officer. Sources say the marriage between Prime Minister and Lisa Raye has been on the rocks for a while, and they were actually separated at the time of the incident, only appearing together for public events. Word is slowly coming out about what actually happened at the time of the rape incident. Apparently, the Prime Minister was hosting a party on the island. The alleged victim is a U.S. citizen and a possible friend of Lisa Raye’s. This marriage was rocky from the beginning. They became engaged shortly after meeting each other at the Trumpet Awards. The wedding was initially called off. Then it was called back on, and featured on a celebrity edition of wedding specials on The Oxygen Channel. Their ceremony was beautiful, but the marriage has been stormy with reports of cheating and mistresses with secret babies. I had a chance to meet the beautiful actress last year, and she admitted it was hard fulfilling the role of First Lady, but she was holding her own. Lisa Raye is best known for the TV Show All of Us and the cult classic Player’s Club. Despite her role as the First Lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands, she’s worked hard at maintaining her acting career.

Funeral services are taking place this week for Mary Ida Vandross. The 82-year old mother of the late Singer Luther Vandross died last week in Philadelphia. Mrs. Vandross spent the last few years of her life living in Philadelphia. She lapsed into a coma in her final days. It was just last August that Mrs.Vandross was a welcomed guest at our Unity Day celebration with Steve Harvey. When her famous son died, she picked up the torch spreading the word about diabetes and stroke awareness. In her life, she saw many highs, like Luther’s amazing success, but she also saw her share of tragedy. She outlived all of her children, her husband and a grandchild. Funeral services are set for Lower Manhattan. It will be interesting to see how family members behave at the services. That’s because several younger family members got caught stealing from Mrs.Vandross, and are trying to sell her personal items from Luther on line.

What’s next for Tavis Smiley now that he’s leaving The Tom Joyner Morning Show? In a surprise announcement that caught many off guard, Joyner announced that Smiley would be leaving. Smiley will be on the show until the end of June. After 12 years with the popular morning show, Smiley wants to branch out with new ventures. Smiley will be producing a documentary this summer, covering two presidential conventions and putting on a major exhibition of African American art and artifacts this fall. Smiley will continue publishing books through his publishing company. Look for new projects from Dr. Cornel West and Iyanla Van Zandt this year. Smiley has been under a lot of criticism for his recent commentaries bashing Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama. He insists this is not the reason for his leaving the Joyner show. Tavis says he has much love and respect for Joyner and thanks him for the opportunity. Now the search is on for his replacement possible contenders include Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and CNN Commentator Roland Martin.

Prosecutors want Wesley Snipes to go to jail. He was convicted in February of failing to file tax returns from 1999-2002. Snipes was acquitted of more serious charges, but prosecutors want to send tax dodgers a message. Snipes cheated the government out of $41million and the feds have recommended to a judge a possible three-year sentence for Snipes and a $5 million fine.

The Soul Train Awards are no more. The show suffered from low ratings and a decline in popularity. Last year, none of the winners showed up to claim their prizes, which was very embarrassing. Sources say Creator Don Cornelius is heartbroken over the turn of the events. Soul Train and the awards were his babies, now they are just a footnote in history.

Back together again Shaq and Shaunie? Apparently, the O’Neals are trying to work it out despite the accusations last year of infidelity, stolen money and pregnant jump-offs. Close friends say despite all the drama, the O’Neals love their children and have decided to put their family first. They no longer live in Miami. They have been settling down in Phoenix, where Shaq plays with the Suns.

New Edition is re-teaming with Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for their next project. Look for a new album by the end of the year.

Their may be a new addition coming soon to the Usher and Tameka Raymond household. Usher and his wife, Tameka, celebrated the birth of their first son last fall, and the two are hoping to expand their family soon. Usher says he would like to have three kids with his wife. Tameka, 40, already has three kids from previous relationships.

Now that she’s a married lady, is Beyonce looking forward to motherhood? Don’t believe those reports of an early retirement from Mrs. Jay-Z. Beyonce wants to release a new album then start work on having a family. When the time comes, she plans to balance her family with her career.

There are more reports coming out of South Africa about problems at Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy For Girls. Many of the girls have psychological problems and need counseling. Sources say the psychological issues of many of the girls were never taken into consideration. Many of the girls came from poverty, abuse and many lost parents to the AIDS epidemic. These issues have to be addressed. A lot of the girls have not adjusted to their new strict environment, and it appears many of the girls will have to leave the school. Last year, the school was rocked by scandal when a teacher was arrested for abuse of a student.

Bryant Gumbel is saying goodbye to the NFL Network. Gumbel was not a good fit for the show, but he will continue his hosting duties on the HBO show Real Sports.

The Essence Music Festival is scheduled for July 4th weekend in New Orleans. Scheduled performers include Frankie Beverly and Maze, Musiq, LL Cool J, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Chris Brown, Jill Scott and Morris Day & The Time, to name a few. For more info call 1-800-488-5252.

Don’t look for the Bravo reality series Being Bobby Brown on DVD any time soon. The reality show showcased the Browns, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, when they were married, and they brought new meaning to “Meet The Browns.” Whitney won’t sign off on the release forms. She feels the show featured her in a bad light and ruined her image. Who will ever forget the catch phrase “Hell to the no?” Whitney was obviously under the influence, and now that she is sober, she wants to put those days behind her. Bobby Brown, in the meantime, is ticked off because he wanted to make money off those DVD’s. He feels Whitney is keeping him from making money. Bobby will just have to wait to release his book, where he trashes his ex-wife to make some money.

In addition to appearing in the movie Sex and The City, Jennifer Hudson will also have music on the soundtrack. Hudson’s song, All Dressed Up In Love, will close the movie.

Congrats to CBS3 News Anchor Angela Russell. She and her husband Telly are the proud parents of a baby girl. Maya Michelle was born last week and joins big sister Ava.

Chris Rock’s mom Rose Rocks talks about parenting in her new book Mama Rocks Rules. Mrs. Rock says even though her son swears a lot in his shows. he was not allowed to use profanity in her household.

Actor Gary Dourdan is leaving CSI. His character “Warrick Brown” is scheduled to exit on May 15th.

What’s the mystery illness keeping Tennis Sensation Venus Williams off the tennis courts? Sources say she could be expecting her first child.

Now that her legal troubles are behind her, Brandy is once again concentrating on her music career. She recently signed a deal with Epic Records, and a new album is expected later this year.

Jackie Chan’s new movie, Forbidden Kingdom with Jet Li, opens in theatres this weekend. Chan says he is looking forward to working with longtime movie partner Chris Tucker again. They are best known for their successful Rush Hour movies. Chan says he has talked to Tucker, and they have agreed to do another project together separate from their Rush Hour movies.

Bill Cosby will be releasing his first hip hop CD next month. The CD, State Of Emergency, will feature Cosby’s point of view over jazz and hip hop beats. Guest rappers will appear on the project. The 70-year actor/comedian has been an outspoken critic of hip hop for years.

Singer/Songwriter Angie Stone has been named the new spokesperson for a diabetes awareness campaign. Stone is a diabetic, and she says she wants to encourage people with diabetes to learn how to better manage the disease.

::::: UPCOMING  TV & FILM EVENTS ::::::

Get ready for Sex And The City, the movie. The movie opens in theatres May 30th.

Singer India.Arie is headed to Broadway. Arie will be starring in the Ntozake Shange classic For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enough. The production originally debuted in 1977. Previews start in July, and it officially opens on Broadway August 2nd. The stage play looks at the experience of being a black woman in America through the eyes of seven characters.

Regina Belle will be releasing her first gospel album this spring. The album, Love Forever Shines, features the lead single God Is Good. Belle is due in Philadelphia on May 13th. She’s doing two appearances, one at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and the other at Sharon Baptist Church.

The TV version of A Raisin In The Sun with Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa Lathan and Audra McDonald is coming out on DVD May 6th.

Harrison Ford returns as “Indiana Jones” in the new movie, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. Despite being in his 60’s, Ford can still do the wild stunts. The movie opens in theatres May 22nd.

Actor Laurence Fishburne is headed to Broadway. Fishburne will be starring in a one man show based on the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Previews start April 12th.

::::: WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ ::::::

This NBA Superstar constantly cheats on his wife. Years ago, he was involved in a sex scandal, but since getting cleared he has not skipped a beat. Word has it his wife just looks the other way because she likes her high profile life.

This NBA Player and his celebrity baby mamma are working overtime to save face over his latest scandal. This Baller got caught drunk with his side chick, and the baby mama was furious. So, to get back at him, she let him stay in jail. She recently released a statement saying she’s going to stand by her man, but in reality she wanted to teach him a lesson so he will stop cheating on her.

Here’s a special message for someone who needs it…..you can love your spouse, but don’t let them ruin your career.

Lets here what you think at: http://downfront2.blogspot.com/

Did you miss the last 411 Report?  Click Here to view previous reports

Check our page on myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/downfront

PRINT THIS PAGE