Martin Lawrence Responds to Health Concerns, Kevin Costner Reveals Surprise Relationship With Whitney Houston, Ray J’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ Appearance, Don Lemon Address Haters and Other Entertainment News

A collection of our best posts of the week in entertainment

Photo: Getty Images Gerald Matzka for Sony Pictures

Martin Lawrence Finally Addresses Concerns Over His Health, and His Response is Surprising

Photo: Getty Images Gerald Matzka for Sony Pictures Photo: Getty Images Gerald Matzka for Sony Pictures

As fans continue to theorize over whether or not “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” star Martin Lawrence is in good health or not, the comedian and actor is finally putting the whispers to rest. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Could the New Pope Be Black?

Everyone’s Asking ‘What’s Wrong With Martin Lawrence’s Health After That ‘Bad Boys’ Premiere?’

Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas

As the fourth iteration of the popular ‘Bad Boys’ franchise gears up to hit theaters on Friday, June 7, fans are voicing their concern over one of the film’s stars: Martin Lawrence. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Kevin Costner Finally Reveals His Surprising Relationship With Whitney Houston While Filming ‘The Bodyguard’

Photo: AP Associated Press Photo: AP Associated Press

If you’ve seen the popular 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” you’re probably already aware of the amazing onscreen chemistry between costars the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Drake Fueling Culture Vulture Accusations, Again, With His New Feature

Photo: Getty Images Carmen Mandato Photo: Getty Images Carmen Mandato

The music Drake has released since the end of his historic rap battle with Kendrick Lamar has been questionable at best. First, he was featured on the boisterous Sexyy Redd track, “U My Everything,” where he attempts to turn the #BBLDrizzy beat to his advantage by rapping over it. – Noah A. McGee Read More

The Internet Reacts to Ray J’s Hilarious Club Shay Shay Appearance

Screenshot: YouTube/Club Shay Shay Screenshot: YouTube/Club Shay Shay

On the latest episode of Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, his latest guest was none other than singer Ray J.

The “One Wish” artist sat down with Sharpe for yet another nearly three-hour-long interview which ran the gamut to everything from his relationship with ex Kim Kardashian, his friendship (or lack thereof) with Floyd Mayweather, his musical career and more. Despite the fact that Ray has had his hand in various things over the years, what often stands in the forefront of his success is the myriad of viral moments he’s spawned from his off the cuff commentary in interviews. And this recent example was no different. – Shanelle Genai Read More

‘The Wire’ Actor Wendell Pierce Has Much To Say About White Apartment Owner Denying His Rental Application in Harlem

Photo: Getty Images David Livingston Photo: Getty Images David Livingston

In today’s day and age, it’s not unlikely to hear unfortunate stories about housing discrimination when it comes to Black folks. But it becomes especially egregious when that discrimination happens to well known public figures like The Wire, Elsbeth and Power Book III: Raising Kanan star Wendell Pierce. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Don Lemon Just Majorly Clapped Back Against All the Haters Talking About His Interracial Marriage

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy for GLAAD Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy for GLAAD

Just in time of Pride Month, former CNN anchor Don Lemon is opening up about the naysayers and negative Nancies who spew ignorance regarding his interracial relationship with his partner Tim Malone. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Oh Lord. Connecticut Town to Pay Family of Child Claiming Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright’ Video Caused Distress

Screenshot: YouTube Screenshot: YouTube

Emotional distress over a music video is a new one, especially when it’s a song that is meant to provide hope and optimism to a group of people who have felt marginalized for years. – Noah A. McGee Read More

Golden Brooks on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’

Golden Brooks talks ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ and working with Pam Grier on ‘Linc’s’. She also talks about what it’s been like being a mother.

Daniel Francis on Season 3 of ‘Bridgerton’

Daniel Francis talks season 3 of ‘Bridgerton’ and shares what kind of acting roles he would like to do next.

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! …
Why The Black Barbershop Is The Only Space For Black Men To Be Pampered and Safe

Why The Black Barbershop Is The Only Space For Black Men To Be Pampered and Safe

For Black men, the barbershop is more than just a place to get a haircut, it’s a place where they are truly cared for and seen …
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 …