From Lizzo's backups backing her up to a big week of ups and downs for Britney Spears, here's what's happening in entertainment.
Lizzo's Crew Speaks
Lizzo is receiving public support on Instagram amid allegations of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.
A note signed by "the Big Grrls and Big Boiiis," her backup dancers, says that their experience has been "beyond just #Special!"
"The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the Greatest lessons and Blessings that we could possibly ask for," the message continued.
Lizzo has been mostly quiet about the lawsuit since her initial address earlier this month when she said the former employees hurling the accusations "have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
Amid news of a pending divorce, Britney Spears is set to record a new album.
Page Six reported that collaborations with "some big artists" are in the works as she prepares for a writers boot camp. Spears is also set to release a memoir in October titled The Woman in Me.
News of the album comes the same week that Spears' husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce. He asked the public to be kind as reports floated about him seeking spousal support and a renegotiated prenuptial agreement.
Asghari cited irreconcilable differences amid rumors that Spears cheated.
Don Lemon Speaks
Former CNN host Don Lemon finally spoke in depth about being ousted from the network in April.
During an interview on the Pivot podcast with Kara Swisher, Lemon said he felt vindicated after former CNN president Chris Licht was fired in June.
"Read the story, and you speak to the people who are there, and I think people get what happened. All you have to do is read The Atlantic story, read the subsequent stories that came out and how it played out," he said.
As far as next steps go, Lemon said he will likely end up in the digital space or on a streaming platform.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
