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Jameela Jamil has stepped in to defend Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the cruel treatment by the British press regarding her usage of private planes to go on holiday last week.

Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Pink, Elton John, and Meghan's best friend, Jessica Mulroney, have all blasted the media for degrading the Duchess consistently and unfairly.

The Good Place actress and activist Jameela Jamil has now had her say, pointing out that the reason why the royals take private planes is because of their assassination risk.

"Ugh. Dear England and English press, just say you hate her because she’s black, and him for marrying a black woman and be done with it God dammit," she wrote on Twitter.

"Your bullying is so embarrassing and obvious. You’ve all lost your marbles. It’s 2019. Grow up.

"I will never forget reading an English sh*t rag, writing the words, “Meghan’s exotic DNA shall certainly THICKEN the royal blue blood line…” (bangs head against table and throws up in own mouth.)" Jamil added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@jameelajamilofficial) on

"I too used to not understand that in this day and age there’s still such a distinct hatred/disrespect towards black women in the world, because I grew up sheltered and without personally feeling any negative way towards any race. But we have to open our eyes. It so prevalent," she tweeted.

"ALSO, it’s not safe for us to be on the same planes as royals or presidents you absolute muppets. They are prime targets for kidnap and sometimes assassination. It’s in the interest of us civilians to not be endangered by proximity to people in such powerful positions."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@meghanmarkle_official) on

The iWeigh founder and activist was featured as part of Meghan Markle's Vogue UK September issue, entitled 'Faces for Change'.

Hopefully the media and general public realise the inequality which Prince Harry's wife faces as a result of her race, and checks their privilege.

Fair play to Jameela for saying it like it is.

Feature image: Instagram/@jameelajamilofficial

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Love Island's Yewande Biala has opened up about what life is like when you're black and in the media.

The 23-year-old Irish scientist says being black means "you have to be 10 times better than everyone else", she told 1Xtra Talks.

Yewande was one of the 2019 cast originals, but left the show after Danny chose Arabella over her in a brutal dumping.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yewande (@yewande_biala) on

She says: "When I got into this I realised being black is hard, but being black and in the media is harder.

"You have to stand out and you have to do more and it can get quite frustrating," she adds.

"You feel like you're not doing enough, but just keep pushing to keep doing what you're doing and someone will see how amazing you are."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@yewande_biala) on

The reality star also claims that finding love in the villa was harder because of the colour of her skin.

Yewande's best friends were candidates Amber Gill, who is mixed race and Anna Vakili, who's Iranian, and she says "we all struggled".

"We didn't find anyone who liked us. It was always someone coming in and saying 'my type is blonde and petite'. We'd just look at each other and say 'they're obviously not here for us'."

Yewande also spoke about the pressure of social media outside of the villa, and how she copes with it.

She says "the majority of people were super supportive" in public platform comments, but that she did receive some hurtful direct messages.

"When I came back from Mallorca I got such a tan. I was so dark but I loved it.

"And people would come to me like, 'Oh you're too dark, like why are you so dark? Why are you so black, you're too skinny'. It was just stupid."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yewande (@yewande_biala) on

Yewande was also quizzed on her feelings about Danny Williams and Arabella Chi.

Model Arabella Chi is now dating Wes Nelson from the 2018 series, while Danny is dating Jourdan Riane after falling for her during the Casa Amor segment only days after Arabella was dumped.

The scientist says numerous articles appeared online about her which portrayed a tired stereotype used against black women following her dumping.

"I tried not to read any articles about myself because I didn't want to get upset. I think they were trying to label me as the angry black woman, which was kind of insane.

"Not once in the villa did I ever raise my voice or feel like I acted in that way, even considering the circumstances I was in."

Feature image: Instagram/@yewande_biala

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Disney-owned cable network Freeform has bit back against the "poor, unfortunate souls" criticising the casting of the live-action The Little Mermaid remake.

Halle Bailey has scored the role of Ariel in the new film, and a torrent of racist backlash has ensued as a result.

Groups online have claimed the original has now been "ruined" by a black actress earning the role, and that the Danish author of the fairytale would have wanted her to be a Caucasian actress.

The hashtag #NotMyAriel even trended after the casting announcement, with racism clearly alive and well. It's rare that an actress-of-colour gets a protagonist role, especially in a Disney film, so it's a huge deal.

In an open letter referencing Ursula the sea witch, the network reminded the ridiculous critics of the new Ariel that the tale is a "work of fiction" and that the casting of the "highly talented, gorgeous" Bailey is "inspired".

The letter reads: "Ariel … is a mermaid. She lives in an underwater kingdom in international waters and can legit swim wherever she wants…But for the sake of argument, let's say that Ariel, too, is Danish."

"Danish mermaids can be black because Danish *people* can be black."

It added: "If you still cannot get past the idea that choosing the incredible, sensational, highly talented, gorgeous Halle Bailey is anything other than INSPIRED casting that it is because she 'doesn't look like the cartoon one', oh boy, do I have some news for you… about you."

"Ariel can sneak up to the surface at any time with her pals Scuttle and the *ahem* Jamaican crab Sebastian and keep that bronze base tight. Black Danish people, and thus mer-folk, can also *genetically* have red hair," Freeform continued. SLAY.

Hilarious rapper and actress Awkwafina, who is set to play Scuttle in the film, responded to criticism by saying:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chloe and Halle (@chloexhallebailey) on

"I think that she's going to play an amazing mermaid. She's an incredible singer, incredible actress and I'm really excited to have her as a Disney princess."

The original Little Mermaid herself, Jodi Benson, has also had her say about the casting. “The most important thing is to tell the story," she started, via Comicbook.com.

"And we have, as a family, we have raised our children, and for ourselves, that we don’t see anything that’s different on the outside. I think that the spirit of a character is what really matters," she continued.

“We need to be storytellers," she added. "And no matter what we look like on the outside, no matter our race, our nation, the colour of our skin, our dialect, whether I’m tall or thin, whether I’m overweight or underweight, or my hair is whatever colour, we really need to tell the story."

"I know for Disney that they have the heart of storytelling, that’s really what they’re trying to do. They want to communicate with all of us in the audience so that we can fall in love with the film again.”

Bailey is half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle with her sister, Chloe. Halle has yet to speak out about the backlash, which is probably wise. Don't waste energy on bigots, girl.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Matty Lin (@matty_lin) on

The new adaptation will include songs from the 1989 animated Disney classic and new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Production on Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid is set to begin in 2020. Hopefully the ignorant white trashbags dissing Halle will have fled the cinema by then…

Feature image: Disney/Vanyaland

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Diversity is merely one issue in a large spectrum of problems perpetuated by ITV2's hit reality show Love Island. 

It speaks volumes that Irish contestant Yewande Biala has already been racially abused by trolls only hours after she was announced as part of the cast.

The 23-year-old is among the 12 participants entering the Spanish villa for the summer, which sees the Islanders couple-up and compete for the cash prize.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yewande (@yewande_biala) on

The scientist, who is of Nigerian descent but is from Enfield in County Meath, has seen her friends leap to her defence after online bullies asked racist questions regarding her nationality.

One troll remarked that Biala is "far from Irish", while another said, "not Irish and never will be." *Rings bell* SHAME

Luckily, her fans leaped to her aid, saying, "“Born and raised here I’m pretty sure that makes her Irish.” Another wrote, "Just because she hasn’t got white skin doesn’t mean she’s not Irish. Small minded people.”

The Dubliner who is self-confessed unlucky-in-love has seen her Instagram followers increase from 3,000 to more than 21,000 in just one day.

"I don’t think there is a science to finding love and if there is then I have clearly been reading the wrong books," she said of her love life. Twitter supporters were over the moon to see representation onscreen.

One fan wrote: “Today has been a great day for black Irish women…A black Irish woman was elected to the Irish local council and a black Irish woman is gonna be on Love Island."

A Wakanda-level protection group has been made online: "Black Twitter listen the hell up. We are gonna support our queen Yewande Biala to the end no questions, no fuss.. it is what it is.”

“Officially announcing that I am apart of the Yewande Biala defence squad #LoveIsland," wrote another fan.

These ignorant scumbags who are targeting Biala are no match for her fan-base, and we are loving it. We stan an Irish queen.

Feature image: Instagram/@yewande_biala

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Lizzie McGuire was one of my fave after-school shows when I was a kid.

And Miranda Sanchez was the real MVP, in my humble opinion.

The side-kick to the sometimes-irritating Hilary Duff's Lizzie, Miranda was quick and funny and had a killer dress sense.

But it was all sunshine and roses behind the scenes as the actor who played her, Lalaine Vergara-Paras has revealed.

It always struck me as odd that in the credits her name only came up as 'LaLaine' with no surname.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lalaine (@thelalaine) on

This was due to racism in the TV industry and Lalaine has taken to Instagram today to reveal that she was forced to look white during her career.

She wrote, ''Most of my life growing up I was forced to look as ‘white’ as possible.''

The 31-year-old continued, ''These days I struggle to find photos where I look as ethnic as possible. Or like in this photo the most East Asian I’ve ever looked.”

She added, ''In order to see, for most people, you have to zoom in on ma face. And in case you still don’t understand, I love my face in this photo.''

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lalaine (@thelalaine) on

Her fans applauded her brave words.

One said, ''Your ethnicity still shined through…even when forced to shine less…and is the main reason I watched the show. Always thought everything about you was beautiful af.''

While another wrote, ''I'm sorry you had to be something you weren't. But I am proud of who you are and what you are. May you never lose yourself in the societal demands of Hollywood.''

We think it's fantastic that she's spoken out – go Miranda.

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Rapper 21 Savage has opened up for the first time about his arrest by immigration authorities, saying that he "was definitely targeted."

The breakout star, whose real name is She’yaa Bin Abraham Joseph, was arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 4 2019 after they said he was a UK citizen "unlawfully present" in America.

The Rockstar rapper still faces deportation, but was released on bond on Tuesday after over a week in jail, and sat down with ABC's Good Morning America to get candid about the ordeal.

Reporter Linsey Davis spoke to the 26-year-old about the arrest, saying "‘I don’t know. I was just driving and I just saw guns and blue lights. And, then, I was in the back of a car. And I was gone."

He elaborated on ICE's actions; "They didn’t — they didn’t say nothing. They just said, “We got Savage”. It was definitely targeted." He also mentioned that there was a "helicopter" circling overhead during his arrest.

21 Savage's legal team said in a statement:

"For the past 9 long days, on behalf of She’yaa Bin Abraham Joseph, known to the world as 21 Savage, have been speaking with ICE to both clarify his legal standing, his eligibility for bond, and provide evidence of his extraordinary contributions to his community and society."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) on

The statement concluded, "Today, 21 Savage was granted a release on bond. He won his freedom."

He was seen boarding a private jet with his mother Heather soon after he was let go from ICE custody. He jetted back to his home in Atlanta, Georgia, but now awaits a hearing regarding his possible deportation.

ICE's accusation that Abraham-Joseph is a British citizen came as a shock to the artist's fans, as he is clearly associated with Atlanta's music scene.

He previously has said the "21" in his name is a reference to a street gang in Decatur, and his songs often refer to his past in East Atlanta's Zone 6. ICE allege that he has overstayed his Visa by a decade.

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Rapper 21 Savage has finally been released on bond from ICE custody after the federal immigration agency detained him, alleging that he had overstayed his visa.

Officials said the rapper is a British citizen with a felony conviction, hence his arrest and attempt at deportation.

In a statement, lawyers Charles Kuck, Dina LaPolt and Alex Spiro said She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph (his given name), was released yesterday.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) on

The lawyers said in the statement: “In the last 24 hours, in the wake of the Grammy Awards at which he was scheduled to attend and perform, we received notice that 21 Savage was granted an expedited hearing."

It continued; “Today, 21 Savage was granted a release on bond. He won his freedom. He will not forget this ordeal or any of the fathers, sons, family members, and faceless people he was locked up with or that remain unjustly incarcerated.”

He was taken into custody on February 3, and had a wave of celebrities and authority figures campaigning for his release ever since.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) on

His lawyers claim to have been speaking with ICE ever since his arrest to “clarify his actual legal standing, his eligibility for bond, and provide evidence of his extraordinary contributions to his community and society.”

They previously stated that the 26-year-old rapper was brought to the US when he was only seven-years-old, with his legal status expiring in 2006.

“21 Savage asked us to send a special message to his fans and supporters,” the statement also wrote. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) on

“He says that while he wasn’t present at the Grammy Awards, he was there in spirit”.

Finally, it read that 21 Savage is "grateful for the support from around the world and is more than ever, ready to be with his loved ones and continue making music that brings people together.”

Feature image: Instagam/@21savage

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An online petition is quickly gaining traction which calls for actor Liam Neeson to be scrapped from the new Men in Black: International movie.

The Taken and Cold Pursuit star is facing massive backlash after an interview with The Independent saw him admit to roaming the streets hunting for a "black b*stard" to kill after a close friend was raped.

The interview was published on Monday, and already the repercussions have been stark. The actor cancelled an appearance on Stephen Colbert's US talk show, and the premiere of his new film was cancelled.

Now fans of Men in Black are calling for him to be re-cast, and it's gotten ugly.

Neeson went on Good Morning America to insist that he's not racist in a follow-up interview, but many people were of the opinion that he made the matter even worse, and want him gone from the upcoming reboot.

The remake stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, and is based on the iconic Will Smith sci-fi alien film..

One Twitter user wrote that they "hope it’s not too late to digitally erase" the Northern Irish actor from the movie, with a source reporting to The Sun that: “Mounting pressure on Neeson to be axed won’t go unnoticed.”

Many of us probably are totally unaware that he's even cast in the film…

Speaking about his interview with The Independent, Neeson tried to explain his actions:

“We were doing a press junket and the topic of our film was revenge. The lady journalist (Clémence Michallon) was asking, "How do you tap into that?" and I remembered an incident nearly 40 years ago when a friend of mine was brutally raped I was out of the country and when I came back she told me about this."

“I had never felt this feeling before which was a primal urge to lash out.”

Whoopi Goldberg jumped to Neeson's defence on The View, saying she believes he's "not a bigot", and former England football player John Barnes also praised him for admitting his guilt, saying that if we don't acknowledge racism, how can we tackle it?

Men in Black: International will be released in UK cinemas on June 14.

Feature image: Twitter/@heroichollywood

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Veteran actress has had her say on the whole Liam Neeson race controversy, defending the Taken actor over his polarising remarks.

Goldberg appeared on US talk show The View to speak about the debate, insisting he's not a 'bigot' in the aftermath of his comments about wanting to "kill a black b**tard".

Neeson has been plagued by social media backlash after an interview in The Independent was published where he spoke about seeking revenge after his friend was raped.

He was promoting his new film Cold Pursuit at the time, but received widespread condemnation for his account of the event which happened over 40 years ago during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Goldberg has known the actor for decades, and is adamant that Neeson is “not a bigot” and that people “shouldn’t be surprised he was angry” after learning about the rape of his close friend.

She said: “People walk around sometimes with rage, that’s what happens. Is he a bigot? No. I’ve known him a pretty long time, I think I would have recognised, I’ve been around a lot of real bigots. I can say this man is not one."

Image: Vanity Fair

She continued her defence of the long-standing Irish actor; “You can’t be surprised that somebody whose loved one is attacked is angry and wants to go out and attack.”

The Sister Act star valued how Neeson “realised it was too dark” and went and “got himself help” by power-walking and speaking to a Catholic priest.

Appearing on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Neeson responded to the backlash himself by insisting he was “not racist” and “sought help” after his worrying instincts.

“It hurt me. I did seek help. I went to my priest and had two very good friends I spoke to,” Neeson explained. 

Former England footballer John Barnes also praised Neeson for “coming out and telling the truth” urging people to realise Neeson said he was “ashamed and horrified” at himself.

Like it or not, a vital conversation on racism, basic instincts and admitting the truth has begun as a result of his words.

Feature image; wedoitfortheloveofmusic.com

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Fashion brand Gucci has been forced to apologise after releasing a balaclava-style jumper which resembles 'blackface', according to the Evening Standard.

The black piece of attire was being sold as part of their Fall/Winter 2018 campaign, and covers the lower half of the face and red mouth cut-out.

The jumper has now been removed from sale, and the brand has issued an apology after facing massive social media backlash for the offensive material.

Their statement was released by a spokesman for the luxury fashion house, saying that they consider diversity a 'fundamental value' of their company and that the incident would be adapted into a 'powerful learning movement';

"Gucci deeply apologises for the offence caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores."

“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organisation and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond," it concluded.

The description for Gucci's item originally read; 

“Inspired by vintage ski masks, multi-coloured knitted balaclavas walked the runway, adding a mysterious feel to this collection. This knit top combines the accessory with the ready-to-wear collection.”

Social media users managed to get screenshots of the $890 jumper before it was pulled, ironically noting that it was Black History Month.

One Twitter user wrote; “Haute Couture Blackface for the millennials?”

Gucci's problems with fashion mishaps is the latest incident in a number of racially-charged mistakes by designer fashion brands. 

Prada removed items last month over products which were also concerning for the public.

Feature image: India Today

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Liam Neeson's racism controversy isn't showing any signs of dissipating, as the red carpet events before the New York premiere of his latest film have been cancelled.

Just one day after the interview was shared involving the actor describing his revenge plot against a "black b*astard" for the rape of his friend, the Cold Pursuit promotion has ended.

He went on Good Morning America yesterday to try and explain the remarks, which he made during an interview with The Independent, saying; “I’m not a racist.” 

His comments have been met with huge outrage since Monday, and has drawn condemnation from civil rights activists for their racist tones.

The Taken actor has said that the episode roughly occurred 40 years ago, after hearing that a close friend had been raped by a black assailant. 

“After that there were some nights when I went out deliberately into black areas in the city looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence,” Mr. Neeson said. “And I did it for, I’d say, maybe four or five times.”

The interviewer on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts, who is African-American, told Mr. Neeson, “You have to understand the pain of a black person hearing what you said.”

Mr. Neeson replied: “You’re absolutely right, and at the time, even though it was 40 years ago, I didn’t think about that. All those things surprised me, but it was this primal hatred, I guess, that really, really shocked me when I eventually came down to earth and saw what I was doing — going out and looking for a fight.”

Yesterday's red carpet events, which would have allowed Mr. Neeson and his co-stars to talk to reporters, cameras and more questions, were cancelled hours before they were scheduled to begin, according to a spokesman for Lionsgate, who wouldn't make a statement about the actor's remarks.

In his interview with Good Morning America,  Neeson said he would have responded with a similar “primal urge” if his friend’s attacker had been white, and also linked his urge for violence to his time growing up in The Troubles of Northern Ireland.

“If she would have said an Irish or a Scot or a Brit or a Lithuanian, I know I would have had the same effect,” Mr. Neeson said on Tuesday, referring to his friend. “I was trying to show honour to my- stand up for my dear friend in this terrible, medieval fashion.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LIAM NEESON FAN  (@liam.neeson.original) on

He power-walked and spoke to a Catholic priest to try and overcome his anger about his friend's horrible victimisation; the friend passed away five years ago.

Mr. Neeson said the episode 40 years ago had taught him that violence and revenge only lead to more violence and revenge. He said the uproar this week had taught him something, too.

“We all pretend we’re politically correct, but in this country, it’s the same in my own country, too, but sometimes you just scratch the surface and you discover this racism and bigotry,” he said. “It’s there.”

Feature image; stuff.co.nz

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Otis Milburn has an announcement, and you DEFINITELY want to hear it.

The critically-acclaimed and fan favourite Netflix series Sex Education has won the heart of every single viewer, for it's hilarious script, lovable (complex) characters and important themes.

The iconic show touches on everything from sex, consent, homosexuality, prejudice, mental health, gender identity, abortion rights and racism. Somehow, they also made it funny, with beautiful acting. HOW?

That's right lads, Sex Education is coming BACK for a second season, after leaving us on a major cliffhanger at the end of season one.

The students at Moordale High School garnered a massive social media following (those quotable memes?), and it's estimated that over 40 million households watched the title within one month.

The fan demand for season two was predictably high, and Netflix has confirmed that the series has been renewed for another eight episodes of the heartfelt, funny and honest show. We STAN.

awkward gillian anderson GIF by NETFLIX

Season two is slated to start production this spring in England, with Gillian Anderson, Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Aimee-Lou Wood, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Tanya Reynolds, Patricia Allison and Alistair Petrie all reprising their unreal roles.

Fans are pretty darn excited, as we guessed. Twitter has had a slight meltdown as the thought of more open conversations about sex, which is SO needed in today's society.

Creator of the show Laurie Nunn will return alongside executive producer Jamie Campbell. The first season achieved popular acclaim for it's poignant treatment of relationships and identity, we're OBSESSED with Otis' sex therapist mum.

Gillian Anderson is a certified boss.

We love the intersectional appeal of the show. I mean, a jock reading Virginia Woolf, and liking it? That's some revolutionary sh*t right there.

Multidimensional characters in a teen show can be hard to come by, but this cast has delivered it with heart.

Series creator Laurie Nunn said,

“The reception to series one has been so exciting. Seeing how people across the world have connected to characters that began as ideas in my head is incredible. I’m hugely grateful to every person that has taken the time to watch the series, and I can’t wait to continue this amazing journey.”

Thank you, Laurie, for giving us Emma Mackey's character: the badass Maeve Wiley. We need her so badly in our lives.

fuck you high school GIF by NETFLIX

We can't wait to see what's in store for season two.

SPOILER ALERT:

At the end of season one, Otis was smooching his new gal Ola, much to Maeve's heartbreak. Will Maeve return to school? And what about Adam and Eric's burgeoning romance? We can't deal.

Bring on 2019, God exists and she has delivered us this gift.

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