Hidden Black History in Obama’s Movie, Best Celeb Black hair, Colman Domingo Was Too Dark For This TV Series and More Celeb News

Catch up on The Root’s best posts of the week in entertainment

Screenshot: Taken from ‘Leave the World Behind’ theatrical trailer.

A Must-Watch: Hidden Black History Facts in ‘Leave The World Behind’

Screenshot: Taken from ‘Leave the World Behind’ theatrical trailer. Screenshot: Taken from ‘Leave the World Behind’ theatrical trailer.

The Barack and Michelle Obama-produced Netflix film, “Leave The World Behind,” is an apocalyptic thriller replete with Black History easter eggs, Julia Roberts awkwardly dancing, and metaphors used to underscore and warn of society’s overdependence on technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the destruction of the environment, and lastly, the omnipresent issue of race and racism in America. But there are five, little-known, Black History facts you might have missed that will help explain why the movie is one of this year’s most important Black TV/movie moments. – Richard Ryles Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Fashion Icon Andre Leon Talley’s Best Style Statements

‘The Color Purple’ Stars Explain Film’s Lesbian Love Affair Between Two Characters

Photo: Getty Images Charley Gallay/Getty Images for ELLE Photo: Getty Images Charley Gallay/Getty Images for ELLE

Making a new adaptation of “The Color Purple” was always going to be controversial. The musical debuted in 2005, but every fan has their own connection to the novel and the original 1985 movie, so people feel like they have ownership over the story. To that end, a particular point of contention for the new film has been the romantic relationship between Shug and Celie. – Stephanie Holland Read More

The Best Black Hair Moments of 2023

Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores / Contributor Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores / Contributor

As 2023 draws to a close, we’re looking back at all of the best moments of the year. Black celebs, in particular got creative this year with their hair. From locs to wigs to afros, the best dos were on display every day. So, sit back and relax and let’s take a walk down memory lane. Here are the hair moments we loved this year. Enjoy! – Amira Castilla Read More

‘The Color Purple’ Star Colman Domingo Was Called Too Dark for This Hit HBO Show

Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett

Colman Domingo is in the middle of a major career moment. He can currently be seen as Mister in the blockbuster musical “The Color Purple.” He’s also receiving critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for his performance as civil rights icon Bayard Rustin in the Netflix biopic ‘Rustin.’ However, the Emmy winner shared that early on his career he had a rough go at making it in Hollywood. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Watch This: Audience Not Impressed With Tiffany Haddish’s Two DUI Arrests

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

Tiffany Haddish continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons yet she is trying—as comedians do—to find the silver lining in it all and laugh about it. But many don’t seem to think it’s funny. The “Girls Trip” star, 44, was performing at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles on Christmas Day when she began to address her most recent DUI arrest to a crowded room, and things got awkward. – Candace McDuffie Read More

The Holiday Box Office Was Damn Good to The Color Purple, but Not So Much for Aquaman

Photo: Getty Images Raymond Hall Photo: Getty Images Raymond Hall

Even if most cities didn’t have a white Christmas this year, it was a green Christmas at the box office this year. With three major releases all slated on Christmas day—that’s The Color Purple, Ferrari, and The Boys In The Boat—families were keen to leave eggnog and wrapping paper behind to watch Adam Driver drive (ha) and Callum Turner row. All in all, the box office’s four-day total was up 11% from this time last year, despite a massive 2022 showing by Avatar: The Way Of Water drowning out this year’s equally water-based winner (via Deadline). – Emma Keates Read More

Year-End Binge: The Best TV Shows of 2023

Photo: Nick Wall/Netflix Photo: Nick Wall/Netflix

From sweeping period pieces, to thrilling horror, to the most dysfunctional family in television history, 2023 delivered an endless amount of captivating TV series. Honestly, it’s understandable if you couldn’t keep up with all of it, because a new prestige project premiered almost every week. Whether you missed that one show everyone is still talking about, or you want to relive the series that’s still living in your head rent free, check out our picks for 2023’s best TV series. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Is Kanye West Serious With This Apology for His Anti-Semitic Remarks?

Photo: Getty Images Victor Boyko/Getty Images For Kenzo Photo: Getty Images Victor Boyko/Getty Images For Kenzo

In October 2022, rap superstar Kanye West nearly destroyed his career and reputation with a series of anti-semitic rants on social media. He played up offensive stereotypes about Jewish people and said he planned to go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.” – Stephanie Holland Read More

‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ Star Dr. Wendy Osefo Reveals Which Episode Bravo Should Have Never Aired

“When I step into a room, the women have no choice (to) just want to irritate me,” said Dr. Wendy about why she seems to never be having fun on the show.

‘American Fiction’ Star Erika Alexander Gushes Over Jeffrey Wright, ‘Living Single’

Alexander is receiving praise for her role as “Coraline” in the Amazon MGM film directed by Cord Jefferson.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Everything You Need to Watch, Listen To Before You See the New Michael Jackson Movie

Everything You Need to Watch, Listen To Before You See the New Michael Jackson Movie

There’s exactly one week before the new Michael Jackson biopic hits theaters. But if you can’t wait to enter into MJ land, consider this your pre-viewing and listening syllabus! …
A Look Inside Prince's Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

A Look Inside Prince’s Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

An all-new Prince celebration is set to take place soon, so what better time to revisit the place Prince called home? Let’s take a look! …
Black Law Workforce Hits Decade Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Black Law Workforce Hits Decade Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Following the 2026 NALP report, experts warn that the systematic dismantling of DEI policies under the Trump administration is reversing a decade of progress for the Black middle class …
Expert Tips to Help Black Families Navigate Dementia Care

Expert Tips to Help Black Families Navigate Dementia Care

In many Black families, caregivers pour their hearts into taking care of loved ones. Here’s what an expert wants families to know about managing dementia care …
5 Things You Won't See In New Michael Jackson Movie

5 Things You Won’t See In New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives this week—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut …
Charles Barkely And Michael Jordan Squash Their Decades-Long Beef

Charles Barkely And Michael Jordan Squash Their Decades-Long Beef

After more than ten years of silence, the two NBA icons have set aside their differences and reconciled …
Why Millions are Risking AI Medical Advice Despite Fading Trust

Why Millions are Risking AI Medical Advice Despite Fading Trust

A new study found that consumer trust in AI as a medical decision-making tool is waning …
No, Janet Jackson Isn't In the New Michael Movie and Here's Why

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why she’s not in the film …
Behind the Violent End of Justin Fairfax’s Marriage

Behind the Violent End of Justin Fairfax’s Marriage

They were a Duke University power couple with the world at their feet. But by April 2026, Justin and Cerina Fairfax met a tragic end during tense divorce proceedings …
Everything You Need to Know About the Black Woman Trump Nominated To Lead the CDC

Everything You Need to Know About the Black Woman Trump Nominated To Lead the CDC

Pres. Trump just nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director. Here’s all you need to know about the Black woman who has been tapped to take over the nation’s top public health agency …
D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

Authorities had been circling D4vd for a while now, but had nothing concrete to bring him in on until now. Here’s what we know …
Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Meghan Markle is opening up about the digital bullying she experienced, but Black women online aren’t letting her fight this fight alone! …
Why Bill Bellamy's Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

Why Bill Bellamy’s Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

While many people love Bill Bellamy for his comedy, he’s sadly coming under fire for his latest joke and message to Black women. Let’s get into it! …
Hilton Head's Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They're Fighting To Be Heard

Hilton Head’s Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They’re Fighting To Be Heard

The Legal Defense Fund says that the Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community is being shut out of key land talks that could shape their survival …
Dave Chappelle Says Republicans 'Weaponized' His Trans Jokes, But That's Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle Says Republicans ‘Weaponized’ His Trans Jokes, But That’s Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle is reflecting on his trans jokes and the role some Republicans seemingly played in making things worse—but there’s more to it than that …
Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

The Black internet is giving Vogue magazine an earful after they tried to rename a classic hairstyle that represents Black pride …
Viral 'Demure' TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

Viral ‘Demure’ TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

In a new interview with Tamron Hall, Jools Lebron reveals the dark side of overnight fame after she went viral on TikTok for “demure.” …
LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

The only thing left for King James to prove is that he knows when to walk away …
This Georgia Lawmaker's Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

This Georgia Lawmaker’s Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

Folks say if “tone-deaf” were a person, Georgia lawmaker Kasey Carpenter might be contending for top spot after a photo of him in blackface sparked fury …
Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

After allegedly trying to downplay her role in helping Lamar Odom recover from his 2015 brother incident and more, Khloé Kardashian is now pushing back! …