Posted on Thu Jun 4th, 2020 7:42am PDT By
X17 Staff
Meghan Markle has refused to stay silent in the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd. The Duchess of Sussex used her platform to pay tribute to Floyd as she addressed her Alma Mater in a surprise commencement speech.
Markle poignantly told Immaculate Heart High School’s 2020 class:
“For the past couple of weeks, I've been planning on saying a few words to you for your graduation, and as we've all seen over the last week, what is happening in our country and in our state and in our hometown of L.A. has been absolutely devastating.
I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing. And I was really nervous that I wouldn’t or that it would get picked apart, and I realized — the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing. Because George Floyd’s life mattered and Breonna Taylor's life mattered and Philando Castile’s life mattered and Tamir Rice's life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know. Stephon Clark, his life mattered."
Markle also used the opportunity to reflect on her harrowing memories of the 1992 riots following the infamous Rodney King beating.
"I'm so sorry that you have to grow up in a world where this is still present. I was 11 or 12 years old... it was the L.A. riots which was also triggered by a senseless act of racism. And I remember the curfew, and I remember rushing back home and seeing ash fall from the sky and smelling the smoke... and I remember seeing men in the back of a van holding guns and rifles. Those memories don't go away."
Markle went on to state that one positive thing to spawn from the riots is uniformity between citizens: "We are seeing people stand in solidarity, we are seeing communities come together and to uplift. And you are going to be part of this movement."
George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killed May 25 at the age of 46. Chauvin, who has been charged with with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, was seen on video pressing his knee into the back of Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Three other officers involved in the incident were eventually charged with aiding and abetting murder.
A plethora of celebrities have addressed the incident, including, Taylor Swift, Cardi B, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Miguel and many more.
Following Floyd's death, protests have taken place in all 50 states, with some morphing into violent riots, clashes with police, and looting.
Posted on Wed Jun 3rd, 2020 9:23am PDT By
X17 Staff
Citizens took to the streets of Santa Monica and Venice following the tragic passing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other African Americans. What started as a peaceful protest turned rowdy when police officers began shoving citizens to the ground as the 2pm curfew approached. A videographer was pushed and stumbled onto the asphalt and arrested as he attempted to show his press pass to police. He was then treated for his injuries on the scene once an ambulance arrived.
And check this out ... OUR videographer was shoved to the ground!
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin refuse to sit on the sidelines and joined the discussion of privilege and racism in America.
On Sunday, the couple sat down with CNN commentator Angela Rye for a harrowing video chat in the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd. The group discussed the current state of affairs as protests, riots, and violence continue to spread across the country. Justin and Hailey went opened up on how their experiences in life were likely much different than people of color, and the privileges they feel they've been awarded for being white.
Hailey captioned the video:
"As a white woman, I know I am privileged, and I didn’t always understand what that really meant. I will never understand what it’s like to be racially profiled and targeted and wake up everyday uncertain if I could lose my life because of the color of my skin."
"'Through this conversation with Angela I really just wanted to learn, to ask questions even if I thought they were the wrong question. I want to know better so I can do better and I will not stop asking these questions and having these conversations."
"I want to keep learning how to be an ally, and I refuse to keep walking through life being ignorant"
Hailey went on to discuss what white privilege means to her and expressed a desire to further educate herself on the matter:
"From what I know and what I've seen, it's first and foremost just people getting treated different and getting ahead of other people faster because of the color of their skin, because they're white."
"'It's very obvious even when you're traveling in airports, I feel like people get profiled. To me it's really blatant."
"I want to keep learning how to be an ally, and I refuse to keep walking through life being ignorant"
After discussing how the duo and their future offspring could become allies for people of color, Justin confessed, "I've been feeling shame in the sense of like, why did it take these men being killed for me to almost take a blanket over my eyes. Why now? I do feel bad when it comes to that." Justin went on to discuss the couple's strong Christian faith and how they feel Jesus has the power to change hate within our hearts.
On Thursday, Hailey posted this touching tribute and heartfelt caption in honor of Floyd and his family.
Justin has been taking his mind of our nation's racial tension by shaking the dust off his basketball game. Bieber was seen decompressing over the weekend by shooting hoops in front of his Beverly Hills home.
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2020 12:00pm PDT By
X17 Staff
Protests continue to rage across the entire country as citizens fight for justice in George Floyd's unlawful killing at the hands of the Minneapolis PD. Among the thousands of protesters in Los Angeles was popular YouTuber DDG. The 22-year-old star is asked what he thinks will solve the ongoing issue of police brutality and says, "I think we should just keep protesting. We're gonna be a better country after this. The looting is a little much but I feel them. They're mad. They're angry."
As nightfall came, the protests once again turned violent, leading to fires, looting, and multiple deaths across the country. Many stores across the city were destroyed, including Adidas and luxury sneaker store Flight Club.
On Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called in the National Guard to patrol the streets of Los Angeles as tension between protesters and police continued to rise. The conflict between citizens and police lead to many being sprayed with tear gas and shot with rubber bullets.
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2020 11:00am PDT By
X17 Staff
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sets out for a cruise on his motorcycle after wrapping up his morning eBike ride with pal Ralf Moeller.
The action star is asked his opinion on President Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic but seems apprehensive to let his feelings be known. Schwarzenegger is then called out for no longer feeling the need to wear a protective mask in public before driving away. Moeller, who was on bike duty, was feeling a little more talkative and urged our videographer to stay safe amid the pandemic. He then does a quick plug for Arnold's upcoming film, Kung Fury II.
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2020 10:00am PDT By
X17 Staff
Justin Bieber TOTALLY has baby fever and it's basically the cutest thing ever!
The Yummy singer looks like a total natural as he plays with the 3-year-old son of his main collaborator Poo Bear. The trio spent the day hanging out in Beverly Hills and we've got the feeling Justin is getting just a little antsy to become a dad. Poo Bear has co-written many of Justin's hits including: the Despacito remix, What Do You Mean, PYD, Where Are You Now, All That Matters, and Hold Tight.
Justin has expressed his love of children in the past and has thoroughly enjoyed being a big brother. He and wife Hailey Baldwin have discussed becoming parents in the past we're counting the days until it finally becomes a reality!
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2020 9:00am PDT By
X17 Staff
An LAPD police officer suffered a gunshot wound to the leg in a Venice, California amid the protests following the tragic killing of George Floyd. The incident occurred around 4:30pm on Sunday in a Whole Foods parking lot as protesters and rioters continue making their presence known. The injured officer is seen strapped to a gourney before an ambulance transported her to a local hospital.
Following the shooting, hundreds of citizens continued to line the streets of Venice to deliver their cries for justice. As a fleet of LAPD officers arrived to the scene, the group of peaceful demonstrators asked for solidarity with police by chanting, "walk with us!"
Before the looting and violence began, hundreds of peaceful protesters gathered in Venice Beach and participated in positive talks with the local police departments. As the days passed, protests ultimately morphed into violence and looting.
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2020 8:00am PDT By
X17 Staff
Ben Affleck and girlfriend Ana de Armas have been using quarantine to their advantage! The couple have allowed themselves to become VERY close with one another since entering lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now they're nearly inseparable!
On Monday, Ben was seen giving his 32-year-old girlfriend a thrill by cruising around town on his sexy Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Ana seemed to be loving the joyride as she placed her hands on Ben's thighs during their afternoon adventure. As Ben picked up speed, Ana wrapped her arms around Ben tightly for better support. The couple are even dressing alike -- both rocked matching leather jackets and helmets. So cute!
Ben's ex-wife Jennifer Garner has been supportive of the relationship and is happy Ben found love once again. Jen even gave Ana her blessing and allowed her to spend time with the three children she shares with Ben. If there's one thing that can be said for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner... they certainly do co-parenting the right way!
