Category Archives: mzansi celebrities

Celebrity News SA

Flavor Flav and Ohanian step up to support struggling Olympian

In a heartwarming gesture, Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian have come to the rescue of US Olympian Veronica Fraley. Veronica was struggling to cover her rent just days before competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN HELP OUT
Fraley, who was set to compete in the women’s discus throw, took to social media on Thursday to express her frustration.


 
“I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent 😒,” she wrote on X.

“My school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything 😂) enough to buy new cars and houses 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾.”

Flavor Flav, the iconic rapper and former reality TV star, swiftly responded to Fraley’s plea, according to Page Six.

“I gotchu,,, DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW,,, and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow LETZ GO,!!!”

Flav, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., offered his support on X.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN SUPPORT FRALEY
The 65-year-old musician has been making headlines recently for his philanthropic efforts. These include his sponsorship of the US women’s water polo team.

True to his word, Flavor Flav followed up with a screenshot of his payment to Fraley. This demonstrated his commitment to helping the athlete.

“Imma try and come by and support you in person tomorrow ,,, LMK what time,” he wrote, showing his enthusiasm and support.

In a generous display of solidarity, Alexis Ohanian also stepped up to assist, according to the New York Post.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN’S HEARTFELT GESTURE
The Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams responded to Fraley’s post with, “C’mon now! I’ll split it with @flavorfav.”

Ohanian then shared a screenshot of his donation, amounting to R 157 600. He had sent via Venmo with “‘Murica” written alongside it.

“Update! It is done,” Ohanian announced on X, confirming that his part of the donation was complete.

The tech mogul, known for his charitable work, explained that he chose to contribute R 157 600. This reflected the number of his firm, Seven Seven Six.

OLYMPIANS AND SALARIES
Fraley, overwhelmed with gratitude, responded with a heartfelt message.

“THANK YOU & @FlavorFlav SO MUCH 😭🥹 this makes every difference in the WORLD & I hope to represent Team USA well this week 🇺🇸❤️,” she wrote.

Her appreciation highlights the impact of their support, especially in a time of financial strain.

Olympians often face financial challenges, as they do not receive a salary for competing, according to Entertainment Weekly.

According to NBC, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee offers financial incentives of R 742 500 for gold medals, R 472 500 for silver, and R 337 500 for bronze.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
However, these amounts do not cover all the expenses athletes incur while preparing for and competing in the Games.

Fraley’s story underscores the financial pressures many Olympians face, despite their immense dedication and talent.

With the support from Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian, Fraley can now focus on her competition without the added worry of financial hardship.

HUMAN SPIRIT
As she prepares to compete in the women’s discus throw, Fraley’s supporters, including Flav and Ohanian, will be cheering her on from afar.

Their actions not only demonstrate their commitment to supporting athletes but also highlight the broader issue of financial support for Olympians.

Serge Cabonge: ‘Let’s consider where Chidimma Adetshina grew up’

Congolese-born businessman Serge Cabonge is saddened by how some South Africans are treating one of their own, Chidimma Adetshina.

 
SERGE CABONGE: ‘WE ARE ALL AFRICANS’
The businessman tells TshisaLIVE that he’s disappointed at the xenophobic commentary about Chidimma Adetshina, who is a Miss SA finalist .

“We’re all Africans at the end of the day and other nations are laughing at us because we can so easily be divided by something like a beauty pageant. I’ve just concluded, Africans are hazards to themselves”, he says.

He asks, if there would be scrutiny like this if Adetshina was a European. He also asks if we were going to hear such nasty remarks if she would’ve won Miss World.

“But I love what Gayton McKenzie said, that he is waiting for information and records of what transpired. We need to consider where this young girl grew up.”

CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA: HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORTS HER
Chidimma Adetshina’s former high school, Hoerskool Bosmansdam High School in Cape Town congratulates her for being a Miss SA finalist.

The school said on their Facebook that they are bursting with pride after Adetshina made it as a Top 16 finalist in the pageant.

“Our star shines bright in Miss South Africa! We are bursting with pride to announce that Chidimma Adetshina, one of our past pupils, has made it as a Top 16 finalist in Miss South Africa!”

“This incredible achievement is a testament to her dedication, grace, and hard work. As a school, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her excel on such a prestigious platform.”

“We wish her all the best as she continues to shine and inspire others. Go forth and make us even prouder! The entire school community is cheering for you!”

Miss SA organisation reveals that the model, who is currently a Top 11 finalist is from Soweto, Gauteng, and is studying law at Varsity College.

Who do you think will be the next Miss SA?

Brandy eyes return in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ reboot

With Sony pushing ahead with a reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, set for release in July 2025, a familiar face from the sequel has expressed interest in returning: Brandy.

BRANDY AND ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER’
The 1998 film, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, featured Brandy alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.

Though the sequel didn’t match the success of its predecessor, Brandy’s role as Karla Wilson remains memorable.

Sony’s recent announcement about the reboot included the news that Love Hewitt and Prinze Jr. will reprise their roles.

Director Jenn Kaytin Robinson has confirmed that the 1998 sequel will be considered canon in the new film, according to the Daily Mail.

BRANDY’S CHARACTER ‘KARLA’This revelation sparked excitement among fans and led to a push for Brandy’s return.

While promoting Disney Channel’s new sequel, Descendants: The Rise of Red, Brandy revealed her surprise about the reboot.

“I didn’t know Sony was putting that together. That’s interesting!” she admitted during an interview, according to People.

When asked if she was keeping her involvement a secret, she assured fans otherwise. “I’m not pulling a fast one on you. I did not know that.”

BRANDY READY TO RETURN
Brandy’s character, Karla, survived the events of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

She survived the film’s climax and was left “bloodied up, ready to go,” according to Brandy.

The singer turned actress is keen to return. “I need them to give me a call because I survived in that movie!” she stated.

“Jennifer, Freddie, hit me up.”

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER FRANCHISE
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer, released in 1997, was a box office hit. It grossed $125 million (R 2.39 billion) worldwide.

It starred Hewitt, Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe.

The sequel, set in college, didn’t perform as well but still holds a special place in fans’ hearts, according to Vibe.

LATEST ACTING ROLES
Brandy’s latest projects include a role in the Disney Channel’s Descendants: The Rise of Red, released on Disney Plus on 12 July and debuting on Disney Channel on 9 August.

She also stars in A24’s thriller The Front Room, hitting theatres on 6 September.

As Brandy continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, her enthusiasm for revisiting her horror roots is clear.

“I did not die in that film,” she confirmed, hoping her return to the franchise will be on the horizon.

‘Allegiance is with Nigeria’: PA doubles down on Chidimma criticism

Patriotic Alliance Deputy-President Kenny Kunene has doubled down on his criticism of Miss SA Chidimma Adetshina over what he claims is her “allegiance” to Nigeria.

The 23-year-old has come under fire over her parentage. This includes a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent.

Chidimma – who is a South African citizen – has been at the receiving end of xenophobic comments from fellow South Africans.


 

 

 

 

Earlier this week, the PA issued a statement claiming that they would pursue legal action to prevent the pageant contestant from the competition.

KENNY KUNENE SAYS CHIDIMMA’S ‘ALLEGIANCE LIES WITH NIGERIA’
Speaking to the SABC, Kenny Kunene claimed that they had taken an interest in Miss SA Chidimma Adetshina as the Patriotic Alliance was a party that wanted to “Put South Africans first.”

Kenny also referenced a video clip of Chidimma being embraced by Nigerians, which has since gone viral on social media. He also made mention of a clip – which has since been proved as fake news – of a Nigerian man, credited as being “Chidimma’s father”.

He said: “Miss SA is supposed to be the face of South Africa. How do you, a Nigerian, become the face of South Africa? How are Nigerians celebrating a contestant of Miss South?

“Her allegiance lies with Nigeria, not with South Africans.”Sport, Arts and Culture Minister and PA leader Gayton McKenzie and Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina. The PA plans to prevent Adetshina from partiipating in Miss SA. Images: X Gayton McKenzie and Instagram/chi chi vanessa.
Kenny hinted that Chidimma’s ID could be fraudulent and also expressed doubt about Miss SA’s claims that they had vetted and verified her identity documents, including her South African citizenship.

He continued: “We can’t trust a private company that seeks to make a profit. We want a transparent vetting process”.

“Her full name is Nigerian. We have to test the validity and credibility of her ID”.

Kenny added that the PA would “go to court” to seek clarity on Chidimma’s nationality. It would also seek an interdict to have her expelled from the competition.

‘Such beauty in her power’: Beyoncé celebrates Simone Biles

In a heartfelt tribute that captivated fans around the world, Beyoncé narrated a powerful video celebrating Simone Biles’ journey to gold in the women’s artistic gymnastics all-around final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

BEYONCÉ FOR SIMONE BILES
The video offered an intimate look at Biles’ road to Olympic glory. It was beautifully accompanied by Beyoncé’s emotive narration and a snippet of her track “JUST FOR FUN” featuring Willie Jones.

 

The video opens with Beyoncé’s soulful voice setting the tone, as she sings the opening verse of her song, according to People.

“Let’s talk about power because, really, that’s what this story is about,” Beyoncé begins, as footage of Biles’ impressive performances fills the screen.

BEYONCÉ DESCRIBES POWER
The singer continues, highlighting the different facets of power.

“Physical power, its beauty, its wonder, the way it never stops amazing you. Then there’s spiritual power, the kind that really matters.

The power you can’t see, only sense.”

Beyoncé’s narration takes viewers through Biles’ remarkable journey, including a poignant reminder of the Tokyo Olympics.

There Biles faced the challenge of the “twisties” and had to withdraw from competition, according to the Rolling Stone.

SIMONE BILES AND THE PARIS OLYMPICS
This moment, captured in the video, underscores the mental and emotional struggles elite athletes face.

“And, of course, lasting power. Only a select few know what it feels like to get to the top and stay there and somehow keep getting better,” Beyoncé reflects.

The video transitions to scenes of Biles training and competing in the Paris Games.

Beyoncé’s words resonate as she praises Biles’ resilience and excellence.

SIMONE BILES: GREATEST OF ALL TIME
“Simone Biles inspires me, and I’m pretty sure she inspires you, too,” Beyoncé says.

“Such confidence in her strength, such beauty in her power, such a great lesson in her story.”

Her admiration is clear as she adds, “Brilliance, it doesn’t come easy.

Gold can be a hell of a journey, and the greatest of all time is willing to put that title on the line every time she walks out there.

Take your best shot, world. She’s ready for you.”

HISTORIC OLYMPIC SUCCESS
Beyoncé’s tribute is not the only highlight of Biles’ Olympic success. The gymnast’s achievements in Paris are making history, according to Billboard.

On 1 August, Biles clinched her second gold medal in the all-around final, solidifying her status as the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history.

Her team victory in the women’s team final, alongside Jade Carey, Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera.

This further cemented her place in the annals of Olympic greatness.