Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, and Gabrielle Union cover the newest issue of Essence Magazine. The actresses spoke candidly about gossip blogs and I give a response. Check for that after the cut.
Essence: How do you deal with the 24-hours-a-day gossip that comes out on the Internet?
Gabrielle: Just last week somebody gave me a baby. This isn’t Perez Hilton or the White gossip people, these are women of color, specifically Black women who, for whatever reason, don’t like the company I keep.Sanaa: She’s talking about the gossip sites.
Essence: The blogs.
Sanaa: That are run by Black women.
Gabrielle: And now because everyone is clamoring for celebrity tidbits, the bigger gossip sites and even mainstream entities are picking up on it. No fact-checking, no nothing. And in one week’s time, there were like five different dudes, a baby—I’m a homewrecker. In literally seven days. I can’t point the finger at the White media. They don’t care about us. Paparazzi are not staked out in front of any of our houses. They are not going through our garbage because they don’t care about us in that way. So when you hear crap about us, it is coming from our own community, which hurts.
Nia: We are some of the few Black actresses whose passions are rooted in our community.
Gabrielle: There is this idea that there is integrity in journalism; if it’s written it has to be true. But that’s not the case. When blogs or any of the magazines get it wrong, there’s no accountability. In the next breath, they’ll complain on the blogs that we don’t have enough Black stars. Well, you rip us to shreds every two seconds from our nose to the weave to the clothes to the shoes to the ashy ankles. [ SOURCE ]
I would have to disagree with what Gabrielle Union said about bigger sites coming to our blogs and getting info. Actually all the gossip we have ever posted about her was from Page Six or some other “popular” gossip site. From the Darren Sharper slow dance to the Derek Jeter rumor, all were Page Six. And to be blunt, I don’t pull rumors out my ass just for the sake of it. I always try to have a source.
As a young black woman heading a popular black blog, I take offense to what she said. We try hard to make it clear what is a rumor and what is fact. We also try to show everyone in a positive light. We cannot control what is said in the comments, only moderate them. Don’t generalize all the black blogs as if we all are out to attack. She name dropped Perez Hilton, but couldn’t name drop what black blog she was specifically talking about? How convenient.
It’s whatever! I really do like that cover though.
I agree with gabby and I think this should be a great read. Can’t wait to cope this issue.
oMq dey lOok sO pRetty!!! =]
they all look very beautiful
I still think there’s some truth to the rumors about Gabby. LOL
She wrong for putting all Black blogs down this site is cookies and milk compared to media takeout!
DARK AND LOVELYYYYYYY
I was woundering what these ladies where up to. I’ll have to read.
Damn, what did they do to Sanaa’s chest? They airburshed her flat…
iz it just me or does Nia look a lil uncomfortable….anywayz….they all look beautiful especially Gabriel
& all black blogs aren’t ran by black people. I don’t want to put anyone on blast, but obviously they don’t know the behind the scenes info on blogs. I could name three popular “black” blogs that AREN’T headed by black women.
Gabrielle seems a bit bitter…
…o well…
they look beautiful
They all look really pretty.
I LOOOOOOVE Sanaa!
I love all three women, but I do feel that Gabby should not generalize all the black blogs… some do not like her and will never give her any positive comments but not all are like that.
I sincerely hope all 3 of these beautiful women listen to the best free podcast – AudioLoveMagic – with that unfairly handsome host.
Gabrille is preaching that WORD!! Althouhg, i wouldn’t say ConcreteLoop is a messy site, but the comments here can be horrible at times. Black folsk really do like to tear each other down. SMH
I think Gabby shouldn’t be bashing black blogs, especially since like Angel said they are not all run by black women. I feel that CL is very objective (in some ways more than others); I don’t see Angel bashing celebs on here the way Perez or the guy from D-List does.
Nice cover ladies.
THREE OF THE MOST GORGEOUS WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD! THEIR SKIN IS ALWAYS FLAWLESS, STYLE IS ALWAYS ON IT, AND THEIR JUST HAVE “IT”. I CAN SEE WHY THEY ARE STARS. MUCH PROPS TO THEM…I MUST COP THAT ESSENCE.
I respect your opinion Angel but it doesn’t seem like she specifically attacked your blog. She spoke about blogs that post rumors as facts and trash celebrities. Your site is highly respectable and I’ve personally never seen distasteful posts here. Anyway, keep up the terrific work!! I’m addicted!
I think CL is not like many of the other blog sites that run rampant with any and every rumor. Alot of other sites just go for broke on the stars with so called info from un-named sources. CL doesn’t do that. One of the main ones are MTO and that site is managed by a Black dude. I read about him in JET magazine a few weeks ago.
I do agree with her saying that people talk about their “ashy ankles” and what not, but that us the posters.LOL Hey Gabby it is what it is girl. They say if people ain’t talking about you then your not doing something right. Take it as a compliment.
Gabrielle, that ain’t Angel talking about y’all ass………..That’s negroes like me.
Y’all looking like a damn En Vogue cover band and sh!t.
@ 18. I feel she did, because she specifically said the ones headed by black women. Y’all know I usually keep my opinions to myself, but that irked me. Therefore, people who read Essence who don’t know anything about CL will look at the site all side-eyed. As if saying, just because this is a blog it HAS to be a negative thing.
Hold Up!
I did not read that snippet before my first comment. Like she said none of the mainstream white celeb blogs “care about her like that” so she should be glad somebody is even talking about her. Some of the blogs go to far (mediatakeout) but you can look at those stories an tell they are fake nobody believes them and if she read the comments she would see that. Sure people poke and make fun but that’s part of the industry she is in and it aint gone stop for her. So get over it.
Angel,
Why do you take offense to what gabby said since she clearly was not talking about concreteloop? You guys are not ran by all black women….if you read her first comment, it seems as if she’s talking about “a particular site”….that’s what i got from it…but it got confusing cause sanaa can’t pipping in saying the black women bit…
I mean i could be wrong, but i could swear she’s not talking about concreteloop cause you guys always shows her love….and you don’t bash her at all.
I would like to know the name of the site she’s referring to though.
All I know is those 3 fine ass sistas BETTER MARRY BLACK MEN!!! LOL!!!
The ladies all look great on this cover! I understand what Gabrielle is saying but she might as well get over it. If we didn’t talk about her who would. When the “black” blogs, which seems to be the only ones she has a problem with, stop talking she should worry then.
its about time we have some black women on the covers of magazines that arent light skin with green eyes:)
Regarding Gabrielle’s comments – there is always a problem when you generalize.
Not all blogs are run by women or African Americans – and the mainstream media cast as much aspersions as anyone else.
I understand her frustration, but her generalization is doing the same thing she claims is being done to her — kicking dirt with facts.
GO GURL ANGEL!
GET DAT MONEY!
U MAKE ALOT OF SENSE AND GABRIELLE SIT DOWN!
I cant agree with Gabby more. I hear some of the most hateful things about black celebrities especially black woman from black blogs. But hey it is what it is, what would you expect. I know I come for the rumors and gossip, LOL.
They all look nice on the cover.
Is it true that Bossip is ran by white people?
i kinda get it what gabrielle is saying though but it her opinion but i really thinks he is referring to mediatakeout they are the mose well known site for lies!
anywho! I STILL THINK GRABRIELLE NEED TO SIT DOWN
its
she
most
**************
lol i was typing fast :p
I believe its more the people who comment than the people who run the sites.
I must agree angel you guys don’t do that at the loop when you guys post pics and articles they are never bias they always say what event they were taken at and who the person pictured is.
I can understand where your anger is coming from but you also have to realize that not everybody feels that way. I am a loyal reader and will continue to be. If gabby doesn’t like how she is portrayed she can do several things to change her image: stop hanging out and all over married men, stop partying so hard, etc….
I like gabby but she needs to stay her ass at home if she can’t handle the gossip!
ThinkAboutIt
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Regarding Gabrielle’s comments – there is always a problem when you generalize.
Not all blogs are run by women or African Americans – and the mainstream media cast as much aspersions as anyone else.
I understand her frustration, but her generalization is doing the same thing she claims is being done to her — kicking dirt with facts.
_____________
Ooops…. a few corrections
Regarding Gabrielle’s comments – there is always a problem when you generalize.
Not all BLACK blogs are run by women or African Americans – and the mainstream media cast as much aspersions as anyone else.
I understand her frustration, but her generalization is doing the same thing she claims is being done to her — kicking dirt withOUT all of the facts.
I do think you are being sensitive Angel. I agree with Gabby. Every week I have seen her potrayed as a hoe, with a new man or some other mess by black blogs. Just because she didn’t make a laundry list of those sites, doesn’t mean she meant you. Like Jay said once, you case a wide net and if you feel guilty it’s probably ‘coz you are. You’re not guilty so it shouldn’t sway you at all. Sites like Bossip and YBF though, need to check themselves. Let’s support our community…especially beautiful black women
Well said Angel.
Beautiful pics but they look kind of unatural to me like the their heads were pasted on different bodies or something. But I love Sanaa and the other girls as well
The cover is beautiful I may have to buy it. I love CL and it is not like other blogs
Duh, Gabby,some white blogs talk trash about white people and some black blogs talk trash about black celebs…she’s in an industry where that is just the situation. If anything, a lot of the gossip and coverage from the blogs have made her a lot more popular. She needs to take that ish with a grain of salt and move on.
I’VE GOT LOVE FOR GABRIELLE, BUT SHE NEEDS TO SHUT THE FUCK UP.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH FAR WORSE THINGS THAN WHAT SHE JUST DESCRIBED.
SUCK IT UP AND KEEP IT MOVING GABBY!!!
Gabriel is right. Every time a picture is shown on this site, its immediately pinpointed out that the two people are dating or whatever without any real substantial facts. EVERY TIME! U can disagree all you want but look back through the blog history and count how many times this shit has happened. Especially coming from the blog headmasters!
Love the cover all three of these women are beautiful!!! The article should be interesting and I’m looking forward to reading it.
THATS A NICE COVER. PRETTY SMILES
I Dont Disagree With Nothing That Gabby Said. #36 I Couldnt Agree With You More. Angel You Really Are Taking It Way Too Personal And When Its Not That Serious. Lol You Feeling Yourself Too Much. Her Naming Sites Aint Called For, As Long As You Know You A Positive Site Thats All That Matters Ma Calm Down. But Gabby I Feel You And All The Ladies Look Fantastic On The Cover.
I’m not surprised Angel. Gabrielle down talked these blogs when she was on the Black Carpet last week. She said instead of gossiping about celebrities you don’t know about try putting out awareness about breast cancer and other things that effect the Black community.
I agree the comment section are always horrible.
its the PEOPLE commenting on the site talking trash about other black folk, and since she can’t track them down, she’ll go after the ones she CAN: the blog headmasters.
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im so tired of hearing black this black that
and now its white peoples fault for any black bashing that goes on celebrity blogsites,,,gimmie a fuckin break people///
i like concrete loop too but they arent much diffrent than other blogs,,,
Angel is right. Everyone knows that the main sites that bash Gabby and them aren’t even operated by black woman, or black people for that matter. And Gabby kicks it with the white folk, so her business hits Page Six like crazy.
I can understand why Angel would be offended. CL is one of the hottest blogs on the net, but they get no love from the mass media. Take for example Perez HIlton (who Gabrielle just shouted out whether she liked it our not). His layout is garbage and he is making millions. CL’s layout is top class, effienct, and well put together. And I know they ain’t making no millions. They could have easily gone the Mediatakeout route this year, but decided to switch it up.
And can we say the candid posts are to die for? Imagine doing that every day. I’m a photoshop pro, so I know those posts aren’t easy to do and are tedious, but Angel holds it down. Tianna and Brian also make sure to have their posts together. I don’t think Angel was “feeling herself too much” when she stated her opinion, she was basically right.
—come on now—why do some celebrities have to have the weaves—its annoying seeing alll three of these beautiful black women wearing something NOT embracing their natural background–its okay to look like yourself—sheesh.
# 50. You can’t be serious? Do a side-by-side view of all the blogs and say that comment again.
i will say CL does stay in the good lines and most of the negativity comes from comments …. but on da other hand the person that runs “Crunk and Disorderly” thats all she does is bash and talk down n clown she hates so much i don’t even read hers anymore … but CL i don’t fell they just bash ppl they just post stuff and they are decent enough 2 write ” Rumor Alert” beside topics
ii sweat deze 3 chickz
I think CL does a great job of just posting the photos and keeping personal views on how the celebs look to themselves. I have never read anything negative on here. The only time something that could be perceived as bad is said is when Brian talks about the new music and his ear is so good that he is usually CORRECT that a song is wack. Gabrielle has a personal issue with a particular site or 2 that linked her to Dwayne Wade and Chaka Zulu. She needs to address that particular black woman and then commend the other black women run sites that continually support her. I think the blogs have actually helped more of these actresses than they have hurt.
@ ANGELA…….
No offense to Angela but I’m sorry I do not think that Gabby was referring to your blog at all. I’m a publicist in the industry and most entertainment celebrity love your site because it is very informative. It also my favorite site to visit because there is an integrity about this blog site that other blog sites lack. So please do not take what Gabrielle Union said the wrong way because I agree with her. I am a publicist who loves to travel, party, and I have a lot of celebrity friends. We all like to party and have a good time but just because I’m at a football players party, a basketball player’s party, an actor’s party, or and any entertainment figure’s party doesn’t mean that I am dating any of them. What people do not understand is the fact that if you are in the industry you tend to hang out with other industry friends because we can understand each other’s way of living. Don’t get me wrong, I have my separate friends who I grew up with and we don’t hang much because they like to hang out at the clubs I use to hang out with when I wasn’t in the industry. I also have my industry friends who I hang out with and we can all afford to travel, vacation, a party hop having a good time because that is what our lives consists of. If you only knew how many opportunities I got from partying!!! People have no idea and if you are not in the industry, you would never understand.
Please excuse the format of my above post because I did not proof read and I type to fast. LOL
Thanks
Gabrielle needs to get over it.. she should be glad that folks are even commenting on her blah ass!! She needs to worry about when Tyler stop making movies and she has to go back playing the neckrollin cheerleader or uptight, sexually repressed successful black woman that can’t find a man… BITCH PLEASE..
I’m with you Angel.. you ought not post anything about her ass anymore..
Perez Hilton bashes people of all color so you can’t say he only bashes Blacks, He Likes Kanye, Alicia, Jhud , Halle, Rihanna. He hates Beyonce. So yeah it is MOSTLY the Black blogs. To me I agree that it is the comment sections. Look at the one before this one. People are hating on Bee and Jhud.
Anyway I saw that Black Carpet event too last week and Gabrielle was compaining about blogs saying that people in general should focus on more important issues and why is everyone so wrapped up in celebrities personal lives.