Matt James will be first Black Bachelor
The real estate broker joins the show which has aired for 18 years
It’s a crazy time in the world. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, a fight for justice and equality and a new season of Dating Around dropped on Netflix.
I haven’t taken off my sweatpants in months, I don’t remember how to put on eyeliner and I committed so fully to eating my weight in baked goods that I invested in a KitchenAid mixer.
While I’m still not leaving my house, things have been happening in Hollywood.
MATT JAMES JOINS SHOW
After 18 years and 40 seasons we are finally getting our first Black Bachelor. The 28-year-old is originally from North Carolina but currently resides in New York City (even more currently he is quarantining with bachelorfamous bestie Tyler Cameron in Florida). Matt is a 6-5 real estate broker and founder of ABC Food Tours, a charity that takes kids from underserved communities out for food and fitness events. Matt enjoys biking, running and has a strong faith. What am I, his Tinder profile?
FIRINGS AT VANDERPUMP RULES
After racist behaviour from Stassi’s past resurfaced, she and three other castmates were fired from the reality television show, Vanderpump Rules. Stassi actually revealed one of the stories that led to her dismissal on her own podcast, broadcasting that she had wrongfully called the cops on Black castmate Faith Stowers. Stassi was subsequently fired from the show, has been dropped by sponsors and has had her podcast removed. Does this mean they’re looking to fill spots? Because I’ve spent most of this pandemic practising, and my wine drinking and silly arguments are at their best!
DAVE CHAPPELLE’S NEW SPECIAL
Netflix released a Dave Chappelle special that isn’t a traditional comedy set as the subject is deathly serious. Chappelle talks about police brutality, the death of Kobe Bryant and his own experience and that of his greatgrandfather’s. The special is less than 30 minutes long – exactly the length of time it takes my pizza delivery to arrive.
WORDS FROM CELEBRITIES
YouTube hosted a virtual graduation ceremony, Dear Class of 2020, featuring words from Beyoncé, Barack and Michelle Obama, Alicia Keys, Lizzo and many others. I’d wear a shapeless polyester gown for Beyoncé any day.
DONATION TO BLACK LIVES MATTER
BTS is the biggest Korean pop group in the world and obviously the most generous as it recently donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter.
A BIGGER VOICE
In an effort to amplify Black voices, many celebrities joined in a #ShareTheMicNow event where they handed over their social media account to Black activists. Kourtney Kardashian, Julia Roberts, Hilary Swank, Katie Couric, Chelsea Handler and many others participated so we got to hear from leaders like Monique Melton, Elaine Welteroth, Tarana Burke, Austin Channing Brown and so many others. This is why I’m averaging five hours of daily screen time.
The world is heavy right now and so am I because I can’t stop eating cookies. Hopefully, the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement continues, and we see justice and the necessary change. Keely Turner takes a look at pop culture through the eyes of a P.E.I. girl with a big city attitude. Keely lives in Toronto, working as a fitness trainer and writer, with her husband and beagle. You can find her on Instagram @KeelyMTurner