THE FACTS
Images of Faizon Love and Kali Hawk were removed from a promotion poster for the Vince Vaughn comedy, Couples Retreat. 

THE SPIN
In “ya’ll say it’s not racist, but it sure sounds like it to me” news, marketers removed the images of Faizon Love and Kali Hawk from the promotional poster of the film Couples Retreat for the U.K. market.

A spokesperson for Universal responded to criticism about the altered poster saying the posters were altered “to simplify the poster to actors who are most [recognizable] in international markets.”

I’m sure it had nothing to do with the belief by some in Hollywood that Black actors aren’t marketable outside of the U.S.

Although the international film market is very much racist, altering the actors out of the posters is essentially caving in and enabling racists across the pond.

However, since the criticism has spread online Universal issued a statement regretting any offense it caused, and the studio has scrapped all plans to use the modified poster in other overseas markets.

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YOUR SPIN: Do you think we’ll have move past racism?  Tell us here.

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(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)

THE FACTS
Excerpts from Janet Jackson’s interview with ABC News have been released.

THE SPIN
While the rest of the Jacksons dance around the question, Janet flat out says she blames Dr. Conrad Murray for the death of Michael Jackson.

In tonight’s interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, Damita Jo says this about Dr. Murray: “He was the one that was administering. I think he is responsible.”

And she also recalls how she found out about her brother Michael dying:

“I was at my house in New York. You know, another day. Another morning. And I get a call…[my assistant] said, ‘Your brother’s been taken to the hospital. It’s on CNN right now.’ I called everyone…I spoke to Mother. I spoke to Tito. I spoke to my nephew Austin. I spoke to my sister La Toya.

I told them to call me when they got to the hospital. And I remember thinking, nobody’s calling me back, so I tried calling again, and that’s how I found out that he was no longer.”

It didn’t ring true to me. It felt like a dream. It’s still so difficult for me to believe.”

In addition to thoughts on Michael’s death, Janet was asked about a longstanding rumor about her father, Joe.

When asked if he was indeed abusive, the youngest Jackson answered:

“You have to keep in mind that I’m the baby. I think it’s old-school. And that may extrapolate into, ah, being a little abusive. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Missed the interview?  Watch it here:

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YOUR SPIN: Do you think Joe was abusive or a tough parent?  Tell us here.

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(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)

THE FACTS
Gayle King denies rumors that she and Oprah are involved.

THE SPIN
It’s been one of those rumors that never seen to go away. I could’ve sworn Gayle and/or Oprah have laughed about it before, but it seems they’re still being asked about it.

British newspaper The Metro caught up with Oprah’s BFF and asked her about the rumors for the umpteenth time.

She said:

“The thing [is], if we were gay, we would tell you. We would so tell you. We wouldn’t try to keep that a secret because there’s nothing wrong with being gay.When asked about the burning question, she quipped, “I love that question. That never bothers me because it’s so silly.”

So if we were, we would tell you. The truth of the matter is we’re not. It’s hard enough for me to get a date on a Saturday night as it is.

This isn’t a rumor I’m trying to continue to explore, but no there’s nothing, there’s nothing wrong with it.”

As I’ve told you many times I love and fear Oprah Winfrey…but more so fear. That said, if her best friend says she’s not gay, then she’s not gay.

YOUR SPIN: Do you believe Gayle and why is this still an issue?  Tell us here.

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(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)