Ask Myron: Fantasia, this ain’t helping your rep
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/5173/1/Ask-Myron-Fantasia-this-aint-helping-your-rep/Page1.html
By Myron Mays
Published on 08/19/2010
Just in case you have not been in the vicinity of electronic media this past week, singer Fantasia has been in the news a lot regarding the situation with her boyfriend, who just so happens to be separated from his wife, but still legally married to her. Apparently the wife is suing Fantasia for destroying her marriage, which is legal in the state of North Carolina.
There are also reports that there is a sex tape that involves Fantasia and her boyfriend and that might be used in the lawsuit as well. I decided to do a little research on the law in the state of North Carolina and I found out the following:
The “other” woman cannot state that she didn’t know that the man was married, separated or that the wife was being unfaithful. This apparently means that if the wife can prove that she is validly married to the guy, and can also prove that her husband had sex with another woman, then the other woman is liable for damages. This is where the alleged sex tape comes in. If this is indeed true, Fantasia could have some tough days ahead. However, no lawsuit filed had been filed by press time.
For a while, I felt that Fantasia was getting judged more harshly than Alicia Keys when they both essentially did the same thing, and that was dating a guy who was still legally married to his wife. I even tried to give her the benefit of a doubt saying to myself, “Well maybe the guy lied to her.” And when Fantasia was admitted to the hospital from an apparent overdose, my heart really went out to her.
But when I read the report that less than 48 hours after being released from the hospital, she was spotted in the park with the guy, I was outdone! All I can say is “Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia, why?”
Some people say that it’s a publicity stunt. Well, maybe so. According to reports, her reality show is being reworked to reflect this recent situation. And while I know that in Hollywood any publicity generally is considered “good” publicity, I’m not sure this is a good look for her.
Let’s be frank: Fantasia already had the bad label of not being very smart. Nothing in this scenario is lifting that burden. I really wish her the best, even though she clearly is not helping her cause.
On another note: Happy birthday to me!
Yeah, I know it’s early, but I’m just making sure I get the word out. Sept. 4th is my birthday. What will I do? I don’t know! I need some ideas quick! Email me at myron@whats happeningmyron.com with your ideas. Do you have an event you wanna invite me to; tell me about it. A guy only turns 37 once, right?
Ask Myron:
Q: “Myron, do you think Dr. Laura should be fired after she used the N-word on her radio show?”
A: This type of thing has been happening for years. A radio personality says something stupid, offends someone, gets fired, panders to the offended party and eventually gets back on the air. Why? Because they are making money for the company they work for. Sure they can fire Dr. Laura, but she will eventually be back on the air doing what she does. I don’t think she should be fired any more than someone black being fired for the same thing. I just wish we all would have a little more responsibility when it comes to the N-word.
(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)
Just in case you have not been in the vicinity of electronic media this past week, singer Fantasia has been in the news a lot regarding the situation with her boyfriend.
Ask Myron: Fantasia, this ain’t helping your rep
 |
Myron Mays |
There are also reports that there is a sex tape that involves Fantasia and her boyfriend and that might be used in the lawsuit as well. I decided to do a little research on the law in the state of North Carolina and I found out the following:
The “other” woman cannot state that she didn’t know that the man was married, separated or that the wife was being unfaithful. This apparently means that if the wife can prove that she is validly married to the guy, and can also prove that her husband had sex with another woman, then the other woman is liable for damages. This is where the alleged sex tape comes in. If this is indeed true, Fantasia could have some tough days ahead. However, no lawsuit filed had been filed by press time.
For a while, I felt that Fantasia was getting judged more harshly than Alicia Keys when they both essentially did the same thing, and that was dating a guy who was still legally married to his wife. I even tried to give her the benefit of a doubt saying to myself, “Well maybe the guy lied to her.” And when Fantasia was admitted to the hospital from an apparent overdose, my heart really went out to her.
But when I read the report that less than 48 hours after being released from the hospital, she was spotted in the park with the guy, I was outdone! All I can say is “Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia, why?”
Some people say that it’s a publicity stunt. Well, maybe so. According to reports, her reality show is being reworked to reflect this recent situation. And while I know that in Hollywood any publicity generally is considered “good” publicity, I’m not sure this is a good look for her.
Let’s be frank: Fantasia already had the bad label of not being very smart. Nothing in this scenario is lifting that burden. I really wish her the best, even though she clearly is not helping her cause.
On another note: Happy birthday to me!
Yeah, I know it’s early, but I’m just making sure I get the word out. Sept. 4th is my birthday. What will I do? I don’t know! I need some ideas quick! Email me at myron@whats happeningmyron.com with your ideas. Do you have an event you wanna invite me to; tell me about it. A guy only turns 37 once, right?
Ask Myron:
Q: “Myron, do you think Dr. Laura should be fired after she used the N-word on her radio show?”
M. Smith, Memphis
A: This type of thing has been happening for years. A radio personality says something stupid, offends someone, gets fired, panders to the offended party and eventually gets back on the air. Why? Because they are making money for the company they work for. Sure they can fire Dr. Laura, but she will eventually be back on the air doing what she does. I don’t think she should be fired any more than someone black being fired for the same thing. I just wish we all would have a little more responsibility when it comes to the N-word.
(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)