Ratchet & Respectable

Black + Iconic at BET; New York is overflowing with Black Excellence: Superfine and Lorna Simpson at The Met; Audra McDonald and Latanya Richardson Jackson on Broadway, Amy Sherald at The Whitney; And Just Like That returns with a whimper; The Handmaid’s Tale ends without closure; The Gilded Age is coming; leave Vanessa Bryant alone; Offset hits up his estranged wife for spousal support; Cardi makes it IG official with Steffon Diggs, Broadway drama from Patti Lupone aka a woman Audra McDonald hasn’t seen in 11 years.  Thanks to our sponsor: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/RATCHET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diddy’s trial reveals shocking testimonies from former assistants and associates, detailing a disturbing criminal enterprise including serious allegations of abuse and intimidation. A forensic psychologist discusses why victims like Cassie endure such toxic situations. Intriguing elements, like a never-ending supply of baby oil and bizarre anecdotes, add a peculiar twist to the otherwise heavy narrative. This gripping account sheds light on the dark side of fame and the psychological toll of manipulation and control.

Demi chats with Thembi Banks, a talented director and NAACP award-winner known for her work on 'Forever'. They dive deep into the complexities of parenthood, especially through the lens of Dawn's character, and discuss how societal pressures challenge personal identity. Thembi shares insights on the importance of authentic Black representation in storytelling and critiques the misogyny surrounding the character Keisha. Their candid discussion also highlights the nuances of teenage experiences and the emotional support systems within Black families.

Denzel, Spike and Rocky wow at Cannes; Tory Lanez makes another feeble attempt at freedom; Chris Brown locked up abroad; Drake plays Captain Save a …; Meg responds to her industry colleagues supporting the man who was convicted of shooting her. Also, she needs an Auntie team. Bad; Halle Bailey files a restraining order; RG3 makes Niece Angel Reese a target. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The actual charges against Diddy, as per the actual grand jury indictment and whether the prosecution is making its case in the first week of an eight week trial; Cassie is cross-examined; the defense argues Diddy was a vindictive lover who beat Cassie out of jealousy and drug use, not to force her into Freak Offs; Cassie’s husband says he didn’t rescue her; a Homeland Security Investigator finds Freak-Off evidence— and a woman!—  in Diddy’s hotel room the day he was arrested; Dawn Richard of Danity Kane/Dirty Money testifies Diddy tried to hit Cassie with a skillet and threatened Dawn to remain silent; And more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*TRIGGER WARNING***  Cassie testifies about her volatile 10-year relationship with Diddy, which included grooming as a teenager, coerced sex, excessive drug use, brutal physical and psychological abuse, and kidnapping. Oh, and Kid Cudi’s blown up car, and all the horrible things that happened every time she tried to leave. And more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Forever" is the best binge on "TV" (and leaving viewers in tears); Torey Lanez is shanked in prison (yawn); Cassie’s testimony at the Diddy trial leaves everyone horrified; Halle Bailey is granted a restraining order against DDG, and he is (finally) banned from speaking her name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Demi wraps #seesome CAPETOWN and returns to East America; Fur of Smokey Robinson's former housekeepers are suing him -- and his wife-- for (at least) $50M alleging sexual assault, repeated rape and more; Brian McKnight catches a stray; Usher heads to BET+; Ms. Tina hits #1 on the NYT Best Sellers List; complete strangers are trying to diagnose a child with autism; The Met gala breaks fundraising records, but disappoints viewers; Halle Berry’s coochie cleavage on the red carpet; Diddy’s trial is a go; Jalen Hurts stands on business; Dr. Marc Lamont Hill talks to the wall. And it responds! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Demi’s first #seesomeCAPETOWN trip, Shannon Sharpe has a long history (with receipts) of crazy accusations, including allegedly choking out an assistant at Fox, the other leave of absence (at CBS); the OTHER ongoing lawsuit, and the exes—plural— who have accused him of DV; the Blacksonian isn’t, in fact, being dismantled, despite reports; "Sinners" shas a second week of success; Nephew Jalen Hurts ties the knot and gives us no info about the nuptials; IRL Mollie Moon has replaced fictional Mrs. Russell as my girl-crush; WELCOME MS. TINA TO THE GROUP CHAT; details on the next #seesomeCAPETOWN adventure THIS YEAR.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

((((BONUS EPISDE))) Bruh. This is the most N-bombs I have ever dropped in one episode. Sharpe’s lawyer’s response to the lawsuit; the rejected $10M USD settlement; the choke out threat on audio; Sharpe’s snug Deacon suit response; finally, the actual lawsuit, which is horrific.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices