PICS: ACTRESS MALINDA WILLIAMS' BRIDAL SHOWER BRUNCH.

Back in September (2007), I told you all Derrick Jones (former rapper D-Nice) had proposed to his girlfriend Malinda Williams. Time flies like a mug because next month, August 23, 2008 to be exact, the two, who have been dating for over three years, will officially become husband and wife. And we all know what comes before the big day: the bridal shower. Williams recently held her lavish bridal shower brunch in a "just a simple, intimate backyard get-together on a beautiful summer day." Eighteen guests were on hand, including Malinda’s mother Beverly Williams, and four of her five bridesmaids—Terri J. Vaughn, Vanessa Williams, and Malinda's sisters Leslie Dunn and Lisa Sorenson. Mingling among them were actresses Tasha Smith, Salli Richardson and Dawnn Lewis (A Different World) as well as fitness expert A.J. Johnson. The 5th bridesmaid, Nicole Ari Parker, was unable to attend. Williams, who played the bride’s big sister on Soul Food, told Essence: “I’m honored to be here as part of this [group] of gorgeous women who are surrounding Malinda with all of the love and light that she reflects.”

TO READ MALINDA'S BLOG, GO TO ESSENCE.COM

MORE PICS FROM MALINDA'S BRIDAL SHOWER BRUNCH AFTER THE JUMP!

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

BLACK GAY MAN SUE BIBLE PUBLISHERS FOR 20 YEARS OF EMOTIONAL DURESS & MENTAL INSTABILITY.

Just when I thought I couldn't read anything more unbelievable than the things I've already read on the Internet, I come across this bit. According to eurweb.com, Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, of Canton, Michigan is seeking $60 million from Zondervan Publishers and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson Publishing in lawsuits flied in U.S. District Court of the Easton District of Michigan, reports the Grand Rapids Press. Fowler states that he's suing the two major Christian publishers for violating his constitutional rights and causing emotional pain, because the Bible versions they publish refer to homosexuality as a sin. Fowler alleges the companies' bibles’ references to homosexuality as a sin has made him an outcast from his family and contributed to physical discomfort and periods of “demoralization, chaos and bewilderment.” He filed suit against Tennessee publisher Thomas Nelson in June. Meanwhile, Zondervan said that even if Fowler’s claim is credible, he is suing the wrong party. A company spokesman told WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids that Zondervan doesn’t translate the Bible or own the copyright for any of the translations.

Fowler alleges both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, with its King James Bibles, manipulated scripture without informing the public by using the term “homosexuals” in a New Testament passage, 1 Corinthians 6:9. He told WOOD-TV he wants to be compensated for the past 20 years of emotional duress and mental instability.

The report also states that U.S. District Judge Julian Abele Cook Jr. refused Monday to appoint an attorney to represent Fowler in the Thomas Nelson case, saying the court “has some very genuine concerns about the nature and efficacy of these claims.” So Fowler has been representing himself in both lawsuits.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

FASHION FACE-OFF: ROZONDA 'CHILLI' THOMAS VS. DIANE LANE IN A ZAC POSEN ORIGINAL.

Below Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC poses during a recent photoshoot at The Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia while wearing a beautiful off-the-shoulder/capped sleeves, emerald green, paneled cocktail dress by Zac Posen reminiscent of the early 1930s Hollywood glamorous era. Christian Louboutin gold multi-color open-toe heels; accessories, which include a diamond/emerald/ruby necklace, earrings and diamond bangles from Prriya & Chintans, as well as her slicked-back loose ponytail completes her ensemble.

Actress Diann Lane hit the red carpet at the Untraceable world premiere in Los Angeles wearing the same Zac Posen masterpiece. Lane opted to go golden her accessory choices: gold tear-drop earrings, a silver and gold bracelet and a diamond pendant necklace. She completed her look with a gold clutch and gold strappy sandals.

So, who wore this stunning, figure-hugging Posen original the best: Chilli or Diane?

....

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

PICS: NAOMI CAMPBELL & TYSON BECKFORD VISIT THE LAGOS ISLAND MATERNITY WARD IN NIGERIA.

Would you let Angry Naomi hold your most precious gift from God? In an effort to soften her harden and infamous spazz-out-at-any-time-day-or-night demeanor, the supermodel and her new boo and fellow male supermodel Tyson Beckford made a special visit to the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital while participating in the 3rd Annual Thisday African Rising Festival in Abuja, Nigeria. This year's edition of the THISDAY Music and Fashion Festival which is the third is designed to celebrate the best of Africa and to chart new development approach for the continent. The message of the festival titled 'Africa Rising' is to send inform the international community that what Africa needs is not aid and grant but massive investment in infrastructure and microfinance which will help the individual countries and their citizenry to fully develop their potentials.

MORE PICS OF NAOMI AND TYSON AFTER THE JUMP!

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

MARTIN LAWRENCE BIG TIPPIN' WAYS & MACY GRAY PLOTS FOR FREE FOOD.

Comedian Martin Lawrence, a prominent member of Hollywood's unofficial '$20 million per film club' proved that he has no problem sharing his wealth even when it comes to doling out tips to needy waiters. TMZ spies caught ol Marty-Mar dining with two members of his clique at Musashi Japanese restaurant in Simi Valley, CA -- where he apparently dropped $120 dollars on a $140 bill. Could Lawrence soon become a client and president of Hollywood's unofficial celebrity 'Big Tipper' department? The latest celebrity who made headlines for big tippin was American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. According to TMZ.com, last month Seacrest left $500.00 on a $100.00 tab at STK restaurant. Damn!

Then there's the rude and demanding Macy Gray. She tipped $20.00 on her $70.00 bill at Blowfish Sushi in Weho. So what's the big deal? Although Gray left a $20.00 tip, it was a bit mundane considering this heffah went and pulled the old 'I want my bill comped because there's a hair in my food' stunt; thereby receiving a free meal worth $70.00 of free food and drinks. I'm willing to bet she got a whole lot more than just free food. I think everyone knows that once you make a petty (or false) complaint about your meal, chances are you'll most likely end up with a sample of the cook's DNA. And if you're a celeb, you may receive worse.
....

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

VIDEO + PICS OF VIVICA A. FOX BLASTING PAMELA ANDERSON FOR BLASTING JESSICA SIMPSON FOR CALLING HER A 'B!TCH & A WHORE.'

If Vivica Fox looks pissed off to the highest level of pisstivity in a couple of the pics below it's because she was...a little bit. The actress was outside of Nobu restaurant in Los Angeles when a couple of paparazzi from TMZ.com asked her how her new B.F.F. Jessica Simpson is doing (CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO). That's when Fox threw actress Pamela Anderson under the bus for calling Simpson a 'whore' because she eats meat. "Yes, Jessica eats real meat. Pamela, kiss our ass, alright, kiss our ass! Jessica eats real meat! Don't talk about my girl! I love you Pamela, but that's (Simpson) the baddest blonde bitch on the planet. So shut it down." Vivica's defense toward Simpson was due to Anderson insulting Simpson on an Australian radio show where she branded Simpson a "bitch and a whore" after the actress wore a "Real Girls Eat Meat" t-shirt promoting meat. But the former Baywatch star later insisted her comments were meant in jest. Anderson, a vegetarian and spokeswoman for animal-rights group PETA, also said that Simpson was not referring to "actual cows and chickens, but was referring to, you know, men."

And although Simpson was said to be deeply hurt and mad as hell at the comments Anderson made, her parents told her responding to the comments would only "get Pamela the press she's so desperate for." However, Anderson says she will not apologize to Simpson for calling her out of her name stating, "I think people know my sense of humor too." Anderson is a vegetarian and spokeswoman for animal-rights group PETA.

And as for the little white baby she's holding in her arms? Well, maybe she's considering following in Madonna, Angelina and Brad's footsteps by adopting a white child.
...

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

NEW PICS: ALONZO MOURNING'S 'ZO'S SUMMER GROOVE BEACH BALL' EVENT IN MIAMI.

First things first. Can anyone tell me why it looks as if DeRay's gums are eating his teeth? Let me know.....

....Moving on, celebrities gathered at Hotel Intercontinental in Miami, Floria over the weekend for Miami Heat player Alonzo Mourning's annual 'Zo's Summer Groove Beach Ball.' Celebs in attendance included: Dwayne Wade and his mama, Gabrielle Union (why didn't someone tell her how ashy her back was?), Lauren London, Michael Strahn with his girlfriend (and Eddie Murphy's ex-wife) Nicole Mitchell Murphy, (retired) Judge Glenda Hatchett, Tim Hardaway, James Lesure, Queen Latifah and many more.

MORE PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT AFTER THE JUMP!

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!