BV Entertainment Newswire April 19

Coming To A 'Head'

A steamy video featuring 'New York Times' best-selling author Karrine Steffans will arrive in stores April. 21 – almost two weeks after her appearance on 'Oprah.'

And the former music video siren --who detailed her sexual exploits with a who’s who of celebrity in her controversial memoir 'Confessions of a Video Vixen'-- is not happy.

"The company exploiting me by releasing this video is using footage that is more than six years old," Steffans says in a statement released to Black Voices. "More so, the footage has been circulating online for free for more than two years. For this company to attempt to capitalize off of my recent appearance on 'Oprah' by repackaging this footage is both dishonest and despicable."

Steffans appeared on 'Oprah' April 10, for a show labeled 'Stupid Girls,' about the imagery of women in popular culture and how the clock is being turned back on young girls' development. The segment also featured a lengthy interview with pop singer Pink, who talked extensively about her new song, "Stupid Girls."

Titled 'Superhead,' the Vivid Entertainment release features Steffans alongside adult actor Mr. Marcus in a number of scenes. According to the promotional tools of the title, it "clearly demonstrates the notorious sexual prowess for which she earned her nickname.”

Steffans says she was approached by the adult movie star, after her book was released and hit the bestseller’s list, about endorsing the repackaging of the video. She declined and claims he began bootlegging the video on his website. Her attorneys intervened and the selling of the video ceased. In retaliation, she alleges, the porn star struck a deal for re-release.

"I would like this unfortunate incident to stand as proof that decisions made when young, in despair and under the influence of drugs and alcohol can and most likely will come back to haunt you," she says. "I have worked extremely hard to rectify my wrongs and redeem each negative deed of my past. Despite much scrutiny and backlash, I’ve allowed my pitfalls in life to be public in an effort to deter those who seek the lifestyle I once lived from facing the same troubles."

Media expert, best-selling author and motivational speaker Terrie Williams says she was "struck' by Steffans' appearance on 'Oprah. " It sounded as if she were making life changes," Williams told Black Voices. About the video surfacing, Williams added, "People have to make a living and do make compromises—I personally was disappointed to hear about the DVD release. While I am in no position to judge her, I can’t help but think about the impact on the psyche of young girls—and boys."

A spokesperson for the author, who reportedly owns the copyright to the term "superhead," would not comment on any further legal action regarding the DVD.

For The Love Of Nina

The family of Nina Simone is celebrating her in a major way this weekend in the Big Apple. Andy Stroud, the former husband/manager of the late song stylist, will unveil a photo presentation and conduct a book singing for the recently released 'Nina Simone: Black Is The Color' at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The book is a compilation of rare photographs and personal images of Simone, who died April 21, 2003.

In commemoration of her historic 1959 performance at New York City's Town Hall, her daughter Simone will grace the same stage to pay tribute to her mother and her rich musical legacy on April the anniversary of her death. An award winning singer/songwriter in her own right, Simone will perform some of the same songs her mother performed 46 years ago at the venue – classics such as "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Summertime" and "Fine and Mellow." According to a spokesperson for Town Hall, Simone will collaborate with Al Schackman and the original Nina Simone Band in revisiting the concert.

Whoopi Back On The Tube

Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg will make a cameo on VH1's new 'celebreality' show, 'so NoTORIous' April 23, beginning at 10 p.m. For the fictionalized series --inspired by real life exploits of actress Tori Spelling-- Goldberg will star as Mama Belle, a Santeria priestess to the stars. Goldberg, who won a Best Supporting Actress award for her role in 1990's 'Ghost,' starred in a self-titled NBC sitcom in 2003.

Busy As A 'Bee'

Though rising star KeKe Palmer has the starring role in the inspirational drama, 'Akeelah and the Bee,' in theaters April 28, the 12-year-old Chicago native has her eyes and ears set on a recording career. She signed a deal with Atlantic Records and is currently recording the project, in between promoting 'Akeelah.’ Palmer, who recently played a wayward youth in the box-office hit 'Madea's Family Reunion,' is featured on a song co-written by her sister Loreal Palmer, on the 'Akeelah' soundtrack entitled "All My Girlz," for which she just shot her first music video.

Written and directed by Doug Atchison ('The Pornographer'), 'Akeelah' centers on a precocious eleven-year-old girl from South Central Los Angeles with a gift for words, who becomes a national spelling bee contestant. Academy Award nominees Laurence Fishburne and Angela Basset also star in the movie. Palmer's break-out role in 2004's Emmy nominated telepic 'The Wool Cap,' won her acclaim, including nods from the NAACP Image Awards and the Screen Actors Guild. She has also starred in 'Barbershop 2: Back In Business,' and appeared on TV shows such as 'ER,' and 'Law & Order.' For the promotion of 'Akeelah,' she will appear on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' (April 24) and 'Oprah' (April 25).

'Icing' On The Cake

Stacie J, who starred on the third season of 'The Apprentice,' announced the launch of her own jewelry and accessory line, to be carried in 200 Icing by Claire’s stores nationwide, starting next month. The 'Stacie J' line will include an array of rings, belly chains, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, sunglasses, handbags and belts made from several materials such as shell, crystals and metallic. "I wanted something that reflected my style," the fashion model and entrepreneur said. "I love accessories. A wardrobe isn’t complete without them." Her favorite color, canary, is prominently featured throughout the line, with prices ranging from $7.50 to $30. Stacie J recently appeared on WE channel's reality show 'Daddy's Spoiled Little Girl.'