First off, Whitney Houston fans, prepare to be disappointed.  The star who made the film a mega-blockbuster hit will not resume her role as Rachel Marron, the international singer and diva facing a stalker’s death threat.  Instead, the studio is searching for a young female pop star for the lead role.  The goal is to recreate the phenomenon that was the original by giving an already popular artist their own, “I Will Always Love You,” ballad to last through the years.

Early rumors was that Rihanna was the front runner for the role. While it would be interesting to see an unexpected pick for the female lead, insiders say that the film’s producers may have already tapped Clint Eastwood to direct Beyonce.  If that is true, then it is quite possible the singer will be on track to play every singer in history, real and fictional, that has ever lived.

In the modern version of The Bodyguard, there will be some of the old and a lot of the absurd and new.  According to Deadline.com:

The new version is similar, including the love story, but here the bodyguard will be a former Iraq war veteran who gets the job protecting the star as his first gig after leaving the Army. He discovers that the world of Twitter, Google Maps and TMZ has made access to celebrities easier than ever, making the job more difficult than ever.

I can see it now: a psycho Bey stan using Foursquare to track down her every move.  Thrilling, no?

Frankly, all this news has just made me miss the original film and soundtrack even more.  Remember when Rachel throws a tantrum about having her Sunday brunch rescheduled to Tuesday?  Remember the love scene withKevin Costner?  Remember waiting for “Run To You” to come on so you could belt out the falsettos in your lace-up school shoes?

Ok, so maybe that last memory is a personal one, but point is this: The Bodyguard was and remains a defining moment in 90′s pop culture.  The interracial love interest between the two stars was one of the first scripted without the entire storyline being dedicated to the difference between the two and a race relations debate.  The film also proved that a black female lead could not only make a hit film, she could headline one that earned $441 million worldwide.  To this day, the film is one of Warner Brothers’ biggest global hits, so whoever ends up with the lead role–expect to see their face everywhere you turn.

I wonder what Ms. Houston thinks of all this hoopla…

What’s your favorite Bodyguard moment?  What do you think about the plans for a remake: could the update become an upgrade?

The payments in question came from the junior Khadafy and were for parties in 2008 and 2010, that featured performances by Jay-Z and Beyonce. Last year, at the thirty-three-year-old’s 2010 New Years Eve bash in St. Barts, Beyonce performed in front of Russell Simmons, Usher, and other high-profile guests.  Aptly named, Hannibal, the son of the Libyan dictator is known for throwing lavish parties.  Back in 2008, Beyonce’s husband, Jay-Z performed at another large event paid for by the Khadafy family as well.

Last year, Beyonce had initially received criticism for taking the gig due to the accusations that the family had funded terrorist groups around the world.  The outcries eventually quelled down as the event faded into memory and short-tempered bloggers moved on.  But with the political unrest and violence in Libya on the front page of newspapers around the world, the debate has been reignited.

Today, in an article from Salon titled “Why is Beyonce Untouchable?”, Drew Grant writes:

There is enough celebrity blame to go around for being paid in blood money to perform, and it’s doubtful that Beyoncé or Jay would consider performing at next year’s bash, now that Libya is all over the news for its protester blood bath. Still, the couple got away relatively unscathed in the media for their relationship with the dictator’s family, which is more than a little odd, especially since both (but especially Jay-Z) are considered political activists in the music industry. How could they not have known who was funding their performances?

As Grant points out, many celebrities are guilty of accepting money from less than upstanding sources.  Many times, unbeknownst to them, saying ‘yes’ can open up a hailstorm of controversy.  Just ask Naomi Campbell–who was summoned to testify before the Hague War Crimes Tribunal after the prosecution alleged she accepted ‘blood diamonds’ from former Liberian leader Charles Taylor.  While they may not be testifying in war crimes trial anytime soon, Jay and Bey are certainly in the hot seat.

Some are calling for the stars to return the money paid, saying that it should be given to humanitarian charity organizations helping Libyans affected by the unrest.  What do you think?  Should Jay and Bey give the money from those performances back?

That sister is Shawn Chapman Holley, a Los Angeles-based attorney. Holley, who was a prominent member of O.J. Simpson’s defense team, has become a go-to for many celebs in distress.

Holley’s list of clients reads like the who’s-who of gossip blogs: Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, The Game and more.  While a roster like that could keep any woman from seeing anything but the walls in her office, Holley balances work with being a mother and wife.  You may also recognize her husband, Damion Holley– a vocal coach on American Idol.

Today, Holley is back in court representing Lindsay Lohan.  Though they have walked through those courthouse doors before, it’s never been for as severe charges like this.  Lohan is currently facing a felony grand theft charge for refusing to return a necklace from a jewelry store.

Last year, it looked like Holley had taken about enough of Lohan’s foolery.  After many summer days in court, a judge ordered Lohan to a brief stint in jail.  Though Holley released a statement calling the sentence harsh, she also resigned from the case altogether by the end of that day.  The separation didn’t last long, though, as Lohan was busted on this latest charge while on probation for the last one.

We’re not really sure what to think of Holley and Lohan, but it’s clear their relationship is a professional one. With a client like Lilo, it’s hard to imagine getting much distance from the case.  Last year sources spilled Holley’s frustration with Lohan to Hollywood Life:

“Shawn is in lawyer hell,” says a friend close to Holley, “Every time she thinks there is an end in sight with Lindsay, she gets a new case! This is someone who just wants to get out.”

As much as it would be nice to sympathize with Holley’s pain, the love-hate relationship of repping troubled celebs is part of what pays the bills.

What about you Clutchettes- do you feel Lindsay’s lawyers pain or are you just happy to see a sister getting paid?

The forward had already gone through a long round of talks with the New Jersey Nets, which has resulted in nothing more than one angry Russian billionaire, angry fans and disappointment.  So the biggest story in sports this morning is more an exhale than a big surprise.

But while basketball fans in New York are walking with swag in their steps this morning, the ones in Denver…well let’s just say they woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  And it looks like Denver fans are putting salt on more than just the snow.  Nugget’s fans aren’t just mad at Melo for leaving, they’ve got a beef with his lady too.

In the sports section of the Denver Post, columnist Benjamin Hochman writes:

“[Anthony’s] desire was to get to a major media market, preferably New York. Doing so, he believed, would help his goals of becoming an international celebrity, and help him expand his interests in producing movies and music. His quasi-celebrity wife, entertainer La La Vazquez, had her own desires for stardom on a bigger stage. She even turned her marriage to Melo into a reality show.”

Though the wounds are still fresh, Denver fans’ assumption that the Carmelo trade will benefit La La is not unfounded.  The move to New York will also allow La La to return home to  the city of bright lights.  But if it’s a smart business move for the VH1 hostess, it’s even more so for her baller husband as well.

In defense of La La, she has stuck by her man in a city that was not the ideal place of residency for her career for years.  To imply that she was somehow a nudge in her man’s decision ignores his own driving ambition and downplays her loyalty in less than rosy times.

The initial time in Denver allowed Melo’s career to flourish, but after years of attempting at greatness, the faith in the ability of the team to breakthrough seemed to reflect in the athlete’s decreased presence in the sport world. 

If Melo is making the move to New York to elevate his brand, is La La wrong for doing the same?

While Rihanna and Drake’s recent duet appearances have had rumors flying, apparently our favorite Bajan has her eyes on another star.  According to The Sun, Rihanna has been sexting back and forth with notorious ladies man Colin Farrell.

The rugged Irish actor, who plays a bad boy with a five o’clock shadow in nearly all his films, is apparently loving playing the rude boy role with the singer. Sources told The Sun, “Colin was taken aback by some of the texts. He reckons he might well be in there. They’re both single, so why not?”

He may have been taken ‘aback’ but he shouldn’t be surprised.  Last year, sparks flew when the two stars met at a taping of The Graham Norton’s BBC talk show.  Colin complimented Rihanna on her dress noting that it left her ‘limbs’ on display.  After some time, Colin later elaborated on his compliment saying,

“They are very nice limbs. There’s probably a reason I mentioned them, I had to get them off my mind.”

Yeah Colin, you and everyone else with sight.  The two have made plans to see each other more, when they cross paths in Los Angeles later this month.  And while it will be interesting to see where this fling goes, we’re a little hesitant to throw our support behind RihRih’s latest choice.

While Colin is certainly on our list of blue-eyed soul candy, he does come with his fair share of baggage.  The actor recently split with his ex, actress Alicja Bachleda-Curu.  Though separated, the two have a young son together.  And let’s put it this way, this man is no Robin Thicke.

Personally, I’ll say the news of this budding relationship has been a refreshing break from the are-they-aren’t-they storyline between Rihanna and Young Money’s poster child, Drake.  Between Drake’s prolific conversation on the ‘almost’ romance and the rumor mill, it was getting to be a bit much.

Looking at the profiles of the men she falls for, Rihanna clearly has a type.  We’re all guilty of going for the guilty pleasure, but rarely does the repeat offense lead to the stable type.  Then again, few women have managed to turn sexting into a long-term love so maybe that just not what she’s looking for.  Hey, sometimes a girl just wants to have fun.

While we’re a little weary of Rihanna going for yet another bad boy type, we have to admit, the two would make a pretty hot couple.  But its hard to believe this could possibly lead to a good place for the singer.  Ladies, what do you think?

This morning the school put out a statement saying it was complying with police investigation and providing counseling for the girls in the wake of the tragic discovery.  The newborn belonged to a pregnant teen who attended the academy.  Though it is confirmed that she did give birth to the child Wednesday at the academy, it remains unclear what happened afterwards.

According to Sowetan Live:

It is alleged that the pupil gave birth in the school and hid her dead baby in her school bag.  Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the girl was hospitalised after one of the employees at the school noticed that she was “bleeding excessively”

“After a thorough check-up it was confirmed that the pupil had given birth,” Dlamini said.  Sowetan has learnt that at first the pupil denied that she had given birth. But after interrogation by the police she confessed. It is also alleged that she told nurses that she did not know what had happened to her baby.  The girl allegedly fell pregnant after she slept with her boyfriend while away at home during the Fifa 2010 World Cup.

With the details still forthcoming, there is no way to make a clear call on what actually happened.  From initial reports, the baby’s mother has been cast in a questionable light, but we should remember not to make this tragedy into an opportunity for baseless assumptions.

Teen pregnancy has long been an issue in South Africa.  In 2007, the United Nations estimated that one in three girls in South Africa became pregnant before the age of 20.  Though the rates have dropped since then, some analysts attributed much of the decline to terminated pregnancies.  While the government has increased spending on HIV/AIDS and birth control awareness, the issue continues to be one of the country’s most pressing gender issues.  Not only are the young mother’s faced with social stigma and discrimination, a report from South Africa’s Parlimentary Monitory Group found that the teen mothers were more prone to drop out of school, lack the education needed for economic stability and then pass the cycle on to their own children, as their children were less likely to complete secondary school as well.

This tragedy is the latest controversy facing Oprah’s academy.  In 2007, a supervisor was charged with fondling students and sexually assaulting them.  She was put on probation after spending five days in jail and was cleared of charges last October.

With their embattled past, this moment surely does not bode well for Oprah, her academy and most importantly the girls who attend it.  It remains to be seen, what all of this will mean for its future.

Why is she so light?

Did she bleach her skin?

One article, though, seems to stick out.  Today in the Daily Mail, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown wonders if Bey is setting a bad example. In “Why I believe Beyonce is Betraying All Black and Asian Women,” she writes,

“Her complexion and limbs were translucently pallid, her locks long, straight and blonde.

Now, racial mixing since the days of slavery means ‘Black’ Americans come in a whole range of skin hues, but in recent years Beyonce’s tone seems miraculously to be changing from dusky to peachy.

In truth, it is hard now to tell she is the daughter of an African-American father and Creole mother. It was three years ago that L’Oreal was accused of whitening Beyonce’s face in a magazine advert, a charge denied by the company. But now there she is, looking like a willowy Caucasian.”

Okay, let’s back up.  While it’s one thing to note your preference for a bronzy hued Beyonce, it is quite another to imply that she is purposely seeking to lighten her skin.  It seems like the oldest trick in the book of Black women’s criticisms to attribute paler skin to self-hatred.

Do African-American women continually see celeb examples of bleached skin?  Sure.  Our range of celebrities has certainly gone through it.  But for Beyonce (who has always been of fair complexion to begin with) to be blamed for having less of a tan than usual seems a bit harsh.  The snap judgment seems to speak more about our underlying beliefs more than we’re willing to admit.

Could the answer to this mystery be simply that Honey B has a case of the winter blues or must there be more to it?

After month of feuding, the entertainers made up at a fundraiser for Haiti held at New York City’s B.B. King’s club earlier this week. Tensions had been high between the two, after Penn called Wyclef out during his short-lived bid for the presidency.

Last year, Penn called Jean a “personality that threatens to create a new swell of social unrest in a plagued country,” saying what many critics were echoing at the time. Not being one to take an insult lightly, Jean responded saying:

“I got a message for Sean Penn: Maybe he ain’t see me in Haiti because he was too busy sniffing cocaine.”

Whoa. Well, now that some time has passed the two hot heads have cooled down and are reconciling in the name of the country they both love. During his speech to kick off the night, Penn gave his best attempt at laying down arms telling Jean, “let’s move on for some fun.”

Jean says that he and Penn later had a private conversation where they hashed out the roots of their falling out. As Clef tells it:

“[Sean told me,] ‘You’re more powerful without being a president. You’re the only person outside of that country that can give the country big visual lights. I felt like you were diminishing your power.’ But [Sean] said, ‘In five years, I know you’ll be ready to do it.’ “

Uhm…right.

For now, let’s just let bygones be bygones and let this one go. Haiti has much bigger issues on the horizon. For one, Former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide, exiled in South Africa held a press conference announced he plans to return to the country before its electoral runoffs coming up next month. The move is sparking concern from many at the United Nations and in international community at large, who fear he may cause unrest by returning before the country gets to vote.

Are celeb feuds a distraction for Haiti? Or does the attention keep the country in  our news?

10-year-old Maria Aragon of Toronto, Canada posted video of her covering Wednesday morning and already, it has gotten one million hits.  As little Maria croon out Lady Gaga’s new single, “Born This Way,” its easy to see why.  Not only is she adorable, her harping on her keyboard keys and chanting “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen” is priceless.

While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of Gaga’s theatrics, this stripped down cover from a girl barely old enough to have live through all the lyrics show the heart of the music. For the view times I’ve heard “Born This Way,” Maria’s version may very well be the one I like best.

She may be channelling Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” but seems Lady Gaga’s music is connecting- and that’s universal, no?

The ads feature Modern Family’s Sophia Vergara, the beautiful bombshell known for her curvy shape (34DD-28-39 to be exact) and the annoyingly beautiful way she belts out, “Jayyy!” for 30 minutes every Wednesday night at 9 P.M.

In the print version of the ad, the viewer sees a print version of Vergara, wearing a bright blue beach hat and using a straw to sip from Pepsi’s new skinny can for its diet soda.  However, the can isn’t the only thing looking noticeably slimmer.

Since the big reveal more folks have been talking about the lack of Vergara in the actual ad.  Margaret Hartman of Jezebel, criticized Pepsi for photoshopping Vergara’s breasts to minimize them in the ad, saying:

“We’ll begrudgingly give the company points for not making a joke about her “cans” in this ad — not that you can even tell it’s her. Vergara’s positioned so you can’t see most of her face and body, and her arm is whittled by an oddly-placed shadow.”

It seems counterproductive for Pepsi to enlist the actress known and loved for her curvy figure and then try to tame her actual image in their ads.  Vergara is naturally a busty woman, a feature that she doesn’t try to hide.  In an interview with SHAPE magazine, earlier this year Vergara confessed that she believed a woman should have some flesh on her bones, saying, “I think when women reach a certain age, they look better with a little fat in their face.”

The message the ad sends out through minimizing Vergara is a harmful one for younger women and unappealing to any woman looking on.  It seems to suggest that slim is better than beautiful, that withering means improvement.   I mean minus the digital tools, it seems the advertisers were one step away from just going Victorian and strapping those bad boys in with gauze.

Quite frankly, Pepsi’s faux pas is almost expected.  After the string controversies over various magazines using Photoshop to minimize or hamper women of color, an advertiser doing the same is hardly shocking.  Disappointing is all.

What do you ladies think of the ads for Diet Pepsi?  Have Sophie Vergara’s curves gone ghost?