Thank You!

To All Essence Readers,

Thank you so much for reading my Hollywood Diary. Over the past months I have so enjoyed your wonderful support and feedback--it has been amazing! It's been fun to share some of my many exciting experiences working in the entertainment business, but also sharing my loving family with you. My dad now logs onto Essence.com to see what I am saying about him! (He also loves looking at pictures of himself in his tux at the Oscars!)

I look forward to continuing my wonderful working relationship with Essence as I will contribute periodically to the magazine. I CAN'T WAIT to update you on the book that I am writing on "Girls and Self Esteem." Already the feedback has been incredible! I really think that this book will do so much to help girls feel better about themselves and to learn to focus more on inner beauty.

It will also serve as a catalyst for girls to get involved with helping others in their community. I also think that big girls (like myself) will benefit from reading the book because, let's face it, if we are smart we know that developing inner strength is a life-long process!

Once again, thank you so much for your support and love!

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood, and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Weekend Entertainment News

What were some of your favorite stars up to this past weekend?

Let's start with a favorite: "From now on, this is PRINCE'S house!" Few in the crowd could disagree when Prince made this declaration at the end of headlining Coachella--a hugely diverse music festival attended by 150,000 people over three days in Indio, California. In this rare appearance, Prince played a mix of his classics, like "Let's Go Crazy" and "Purple Rain" as well as covers like the Beatles' "Come Together."

Mariah Carey added shine to the Big Apple as she took over the Empire State Building to commemorate her career and the amazing sales of her new CD E=MC squared. The historic landmark turned lavender, pink, and white for the Grammy winner who is one of the most successful female recording artists of all time. Mariah recently surpassed Elvis Presley's record of 17 No. 1 hits with her 18th, "Touch My Body."

Janet Jackson, in a beautiful white linen Ralph Lauren pants suit was honored at this weekend's 19th Annual GLAAD Awards. The awards honor individuals and projects in media for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. Janet was chosen for the Vanguard Award because of her work with HIV/AIDS.

And Oprah Winfrey was in Las Vegas taping a special episode of her talk show with guests Tina Turner and Cher. Miss Tina announced that she will return to touring this fall after her friend, Sophia Loren, told her to stop "lolling about her Swiss home." This is going to be one of the biggest tours of the year!

What concert are you looking forward to seeing this summer? Post your comments below.

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Wesley Snipes News

“I am an idealistic, naive, passionate, truth-seeking, spiritually motivated artist, unschooled in the science of law and finance.”

These are words from Wesley Snipes on the day he was sentenced to three years in federal prison following his conviction on tax evasion charges. The 45-year-old actor was given the maximum sentence for what the prosecutors called his “brazen defiance” of the US taxman and referred to him as a “truly notorious offender." For nearly a decade, they said Snipes escaped paying more than $15 million in income tax returns by sending money to overseas accounts.

Before the sentence was handed down, Snipes asked the court to show mercy and offered three checks totaling $5 million in back taxes. He also presented letters from famous friends including Denzel Washington, Judge Joe Brown and Judge Greg Mathis attesting his good character and said he was “well-intentioned but, mis-educated” and asked for nothing more than home detention and to perform public service announcements.

Washington said Snipes was "like a tree -- a mighty oak.” His letter read, “Many who know him have witnessed the fruit of his labors, have sat in his shade and even been protected by his presence. I am proud of him, proud to call him a fellow thespian and most importantly, proud to call him a friend."

Addressing the court, Brown likened Snipes to legendary actors, including Sidney Poitier, and said, "I have been something of a mentor to the young man."

Prosecutors called it “grandstanding” and in the end, the court was unmoved. Before sentencing Snipes to the maximum sentence, the judge said Snipes had a “history of contempt over a period of time” for tax laws. Defense attorneys said Snipes was unfairly targeted because he’s famous, and said they would appeal.

What do you think about Wesley Snipes sentence? Is it too harsh or is it a just penalty for tax evasion?

Post your comments below.

Peace,

Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

The Kanye and Alexis Break-Up

Last summer, I was having brunch at the Four Seasons restaurant, a place where seeing celebrities is commonplace. As I was walking through the dining area to get seconds--I passed a face I immediately recognized.

"Hey Kanye," I said as he stood up to give me a kiss on the cheek. His beautiful fiancée, Alexis Phifer was sitting with him and gave me a cheery "Hi."

We chatted for a minute. I told Kanye how excited I was to host the charity event given by he and his mother, Donda, that was coming up that next month in Chicago.

Months later, Kanye suffered a catastrophic loss with the sudden passing of his mother. And we all saw Alexis by his side throughout the tragedy.

Now, the rapper and his fiancée have decided to end their engagement after dating on and off since 2002.

Of the breakup, Alexis said, "It's been hard and not been an easy time. I tried to keep things private but, yes, it's sad when things end like this and we truly do remain friends. I wish him the best in his future and in all of his endeavors. He's one of the most talented people I've ever met, that's for sure."

For those who know Kanye, they say he is a very complex personality and after the death of his mother, to whom he was very close, he threw himself into his work even more and is currently preparing for his world tour.

One friend said, "Kanye is possessed by the tour and everything going on and just couldn't keep it going. They are still friends and have broken up and gotten back together before, so it could work out."

Of marriage, last year Kanye said, "I'm just going to go and get married. I'm not going to make a big deal out of it."

If you have a message for Kanye, please post your comment below.

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Leona Lewis: Catch A Rising Star

"Man, she sure is FIIINE!"

The guys on our stage crew were still talking about Leona Lewis a day after she was in the NBC building visiting the Tonight Show.

"I was going to ask her for a picture," one of our cameramen lamented, "but, I didn't want security to throw me out of the building!"

It seems the 23-year-old British beauty, whose father is of Guyanese-Caribbean descent and whose mother is Anglo-Welsh, is having that effect on lots of men as she takes America by storm with her debut CD, "Spirit," which reached Number One on Billboard's Top 200.

I was at home when I first heard her on television singing her new single "Bleeding Love" and without even seeing her face, I thought, "Wow, this song is beautiful, who IS that?"

I walked into the room and saw this gorgeous statuesque woman crooning on the Tonight Show. It's easy to see why she won "The X Factor," which is a UK television talent show. Winning that competition catapulted her to instant stardom. And now, with American Idol's Simon Cowell and Clive Davis behind her, she is definitely on her way to even greater heights.

After Leona reached Number #1 in America, she said, "The past few weeks have felt like a dream. I just want to thank everyone for the brilliant support and to America for welcoming me. I feel so privileged that I get to sing and do what I love everyday...I'm just so thankful."

Right now, Leona's voice is being compared to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion. However, with her unique talent, I'm sure soon, this beautiful sister will be a star, standing in her own spotlight.

Have you heard Leona? Tell me what you think by posting your comments below.

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

A Shout Out to Soledad O'Brien

“The work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is as relevant today as when he was knee-deep in the civil rights movement,” these passionate words were spoken by CNN anchor and correspondent Soledad O’Brien as I presented her with a NAMIC Vision Award.

While award season is a distant memory here in Hollywood, I recently had the pleasure of hosting an event that celebrates diversity in cable programming. With more and more people choosing to watch cable television over tradition networks, having positive and diverse images of, not only African-Americans but all ethic groups is important and good business.

The National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) recognizes outstanding achievements in this area.

As we remember the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, Soledad, who is a role model, was honored in the News/Informational category for her "American Morning: MLK Series" that highlighted some 7,000 papers written by Dr. King, including "Letter From Birmingham Jail" written April 16, 1963.

Whoopi Goldberg won for Best Comedy Performance for "The Word According to Whoopi" on Bravo. And Best Performance in a Drama went to Adam Beach, for “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” on HBO.

And let me not forget The Africa Channel, who picked up an award for Original Movie/Special for “Akon: the Rhythm of Africa.”

To check out more of the diversity honors in cable programming, visit www.namic.com.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Any programs you feel deserved recognition? Post your comments below.


Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Alicia Keys Through The Storm

It's the interview everyone around the country is talking about and now Alicia Keys--the woman at the center--is having her say about what she calls "the firestorm."

Thank you for all of your comments. They were very passionate. But now, let's set the record straight.

Alicia says Blender magazine "misrepresented" her comments in its May issue about Gangsta Rap‚ and she is "disappointed with the negative spin the magazine put on it." She released a statement saying, "My comments about `gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music. The point that I was trying to make was that the term was oversloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the `gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues."

Alicia also says that AK 47 was a nickname that was given to her by friends "as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, `killing 'em dead' on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation." For the record, Blender Magazine says it is standing by its story.

I know Alicia to be a woman about positive messages and uplifting people and I'm sure she will be feeling the love from her fans.

If you have a message for Alicia, you can post your comments below.

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Alicia Keys in the News

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here in Los Angeles it was beautiful. I spent yesterday relaxing at a pool party where they were playing one of my favorite CDs, "As I Am" by Alicia Keys. I adore Alicia. Over the years that I have known her, she has always been as sweet as she is talented.

There is a new interview with the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter in Blender magazine that will sure to have many of her fans talking.

Although she is known for her romantic tunes, the magazine reports that Alicia says that "'Gangsta rap" was a ploy to convince Black people to kill each other. " 'Gangsta rap' didn't exist."

Keys says she's read several Black Panther autobiographies and wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead," according to the interview in the magazine's May issue.

It says the 27-year-old Keys also feels the bicoastal feud between slain rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. was fueled "by the government and the media, to stop another great Black leader from existing."

The songstress says she wants to write more political songs. If Black leaders such as the late Black Panther Huey Newton "had the outlets our musicians have today, it'd be global. I have to figure out a way to do it myself," she said.

Alicia has always been one to make people think so...what do you think? Post your comments below.

Peace,

Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

Forest Whitaker's Brave New Film

I spent part of last night watching American Idol--one of my few TV addictions. This was elimination night, but I was most interested in the "Idol Gives Back" portion of the show that included the film that Oscar winner Forest Whitaker recently shot on the tragedy of malaria in Africa. A portion of the proceeds raised by 'Idol Gives Back' ($60 million dollars so far) goes to the charity 'Malaria No More.'

The film also highlighted the plight of Angola's orphaned children. Keisha, Forest's wife, is a friend, so when she and her husband returned to the States she told me about her trip. She said the experience was forever seared into her memory. Having been to Johannesburg, I have witnessed the shanty towns with one-room houses made of tin--no water, no electricity. I can relate to how she feels. Keisha and Forest's emotional film showed 6-year-old kids in Angola begging for money on the street so that the family can eat.

Throughout some parts of Africa, 50 million kids have been orphaned and abandoned for various reasons including famine, disease and war. Angola is one of the worst affected after a half century of war...one in ten children have lost one or both of their parents.

There are bright spots. Forest and Keisha visited a children's home that provides a sanctuary for kids on the streets and provides an education to help them to prepare for a better future. Here the kids get to have a real childhood, go to class and play with other children.

However, they can only help a handful of kids and need donations to reach out to more children on the streets. To help, you can go to www.americanidol.com.

50 million children orphaned. How far away do you think we are to seeing an end to Africa's devastation? Share your comments below.

Peace,
Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.

More Naomi Campbell News

Naomi Campbell’s arrest on British Airways last week struck a cord with many of you. Now, just when we thought the story had been put to rest, the latest news out of the BBC Network is that the airline has BANNED the supermodel from all future flights! A strong reaction from the airline but is it an OVER-reaction?

When asked about this extraordinary move, British Airways says its policy is that it doesn’t give detailed comment about individual passengers. However, they did issue this statement:

“All incidents of abusive or disruptive behaviour towards fellow passengers or staff are taken extremely seriously and will not be tolerated. We deal with cases on an individual basis and take appropriate action where necessary."

Last week, Campbell, 37, was arrested after it was alleged that she assaulted a police officer. Reports suggested Naomi became disruptive after she was told one of her pieces of luggage was missing.

As you know, in a different incident, Naomi was sentenced to community service for throwing a cell phone at her housekeeper. She has also been ordered to take anger management classes.

Naomi’s publicist said she hopes the dispute with British Airways would be resolved amicably: “Naomi has been flying with BA for nearly 30 years and has been a good customer.”

It’s not often that a celebrity is banned from an entire airline. Do you think it was an overreaction by British Airways or was Naomi’s alleged behavior considered abusive enough to render her a passenger not wanted on the airline? Should she be given another chance or is this just a tough lesson learned? Share your comments below.

Peace,

Shaun

Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host of the nationally syndicated entertainment show, Access Hollywood and is writing a book on "Girls and Self-Esteem." For more information on Shaun, visit ShaunRobinson.com.