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GABRIELLE UNION

Left out of MeToo: New initiative focuses on Black survivors

Tarana Burke, founder and leader of the #MeToo movement, stands in her home in Baltimore on Oct. 13, 2020. A coalition of three groups vital to the #MeToo movement is collaborating on an initiative to focus on a population that has often felt left out of the conversation: Black survivors of sexual violence. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark, file)It’s been more than three years since the #MeToo movement launched a culture-shifting conversation about sexual violence. In a statement, the groups said they were working together to create safe spaces for Black survivors; to confront narratives "that harm and silence Black survivors;" and lastly to come up with new practices that will help get Black survivors “believed, heard, and supported.”Burke said the most important immediate impact will simply be that a national conversation is being had. AdAmong the initiative's concrete plans: narrative research; conversation guides; a five-part event series; and “rapid-response tools” to support Black survivors who come forward.

Kevin Hart: Hosting MDA telethon is a 'major level-up'

Jerry Lewis performs during the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sept. 5, 2005, left, and Kevin Hart arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" in Los Angeles on Dec. 11, 2017. Hart is hosting a re-imagined online fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The two-hour event will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Harts Help From the Hart charity. (AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Kevin Hart says hosting a re-imagined online fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association is “a major level-up for me.”“It’s different from anything that you’ve really seen me do. And there’s a great reason behind it,” said the comic and actor, who is leading the MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon online on Saturday.

Gabrielle Union, NBC settle dispute over racism allegations

LOS ANGELES – Gabrielle Union and NBC said Tuesday that they have settled their differences in their dispute over her firing as a judge on “America's Got Talent,” which she said was retaliation for her complaints that the show tolerated racism on the set. “We’ve reached an amicable resolution," Union and the network said in a joint statement. "NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect.”Both sides declined further comment, and would not give further details. Variety reported soon after that Union, who is Black, believed she was fired because she had asked NBC and the show’s producers to respond to an environment that tolerated racist jokes and remarks from judges and producers. NBC said the investigation "found an overarching culture of diversity on the show.”___Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.

Judges Cry as Kodi Lee Takes Home Big Prize on 'America's Got Talent'

America has voted and the winner of the $1 million and star of a show in Las Vegas is Kodi Lee. Singer Kodi Lee took home the big prize on America's Got Talent Wednesday night. Lee won the hearts of millions when his audition for the show went viral this past summer. Gabrielle Union was so moved by his talent, she gave Lee the Golden Buzzer right off the bat. Now after weeks of competition with his mom by his side every step of the way, Lee won it all.