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Victoria’s Secret is Cancelled, Julia Roberts as Harriet Tubman, Lizzo + Grammy Noms and More From Last Week

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U.S. Attorney Plans to Address Disappearance of Native American Women

The disappearance of thousands of Native American women each year in the United States and Canada is a rarely talked about crisis that is finally being addressed by U.S. Attorney Bill Barr, who announced a plan last week to increase government funding in order to fight the epidemic. Native American women are twice as likely to be victims of violence such as rape and assault, compared to the general population; most of that violence is committed by non-Native people.

Julia Roberts was considered for Harriet Tubman role

Gregory Allen Howard, the screenwriter of Harriet revealed that Julia Roberts was pitched for the role of Harriet Tubman— a literal Black emancipation icon— by a Hollywood executive. Howard said that the executive said ‘no one would know the difference’ because Tubman’s life had taken place ‘so long ago.’ Although disturbing, the revelation is hardly surprising considering Hollywood’s long history of casting white people for POC roles.

Aaron Philip is named model of the year by Out

Aaron Philip, a trans and disabled model, was named Out magazine’s model of the year along with Teddy Quinlivan. The 18-year-old Bronx native is signed to Elite Model Management and has gained popularity on social media for being a representative of all her intersecting identities. This year was particularly successful for Aaron, who was featured on a Sephora campaign and graced the cover of Paper magazine in June. Her prominence in such an exclusive industry is revolutionary for diabled, Queer, and POC communities.

Brenda Song was told she ‘wasn’t Asian enough’

In an interview with Teen Vogue, Brenda Song, who is Hmong and Thai, revealed that she tried to audition for a role in Crazy Rich Asians but was turned away for ‘not being Asian enough.’ Song is best known for playing London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and said in her interview that it ‘broke her heart’ to be turned away from a role made specifically for Asian Americans when she had spent her entire career auditioning for ‘Caucasian roles.’ Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu denied Song’s allegations, and said he is a big fan of the actress.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is officially cancelled

The once-beloved show has been heavily scrutinized in recent years for refusing to include trans or plus-sized models. The show has flopped in recent years and is being replaced by more progressive and inclusive fashion events, particularly Rihanna’s Fenty shows.

Lizzo wins Best Soul Album at the Soul Train Awards and Ari Lennox is bothered

At this week’s Soul Train Awards, singer Ari Lennox was nominated for 3 awards and lost to H.E.R, Chris Brown, and Lizzo. She took her frustrations to social media and targeted the awards show for not recognizing her dedication to the genre. She went on to shade other artists, saying that she was done with music because she refuses to “sell out.” Fans and other artists such as EarthGang stood behind Lennox on Twitter, praising her album Shea Butter Baby and calling out Lizzo for not being a true soul artist.

Taylor Swift is awarded Artist of the Decade

Taylor Swift, a polarizing figure that many of us love to hate, was awarded Artist of the Decade by the American Music Awards (AMAs). Although controversial, Swift’s impact is undeniable: she held music streaming companies accountable for underpaying artists and has sold 32.7 million albums worldwide. But then again, Beyoncés numbers look good, too…

Summer Walker is meme-ified

Summer Walker’s rigid red carpet photos have been turned into memes and were retweeted by Walker herself. Among our favorites are the edits are of her as a still Sims character, a rocket ship blasting off and a Popeyes employee waiting to take orders. Walker has been very vocal about her social anxiety and the pressure she felt in attending the Soul Train Awards, but seems to find comedic relief in the online community’s spin on the awkward photos. 

Plus… Some Grammy Snubs

Last week, the nominations for this year’s Grammys were announced and came with some surprises and snubs. Lizzo lead as the most nominated artist with 8 nominations, while Lil Nas X— a gay, Black man— was the most nominated male artist, receiving 6 nominations. 

On the other hand, the Hip-Hop categories were devoid of female rappers even though they made huge waves this year, which begs the question: are separate male and female categories needed in order for everyone to receive the recognition they’re owed?

Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer”

Mariah Carey’s Caution Album

Ciara’s Beauty Marks Album

Sam Smith’s Hit Single “How Do You Sleep?”

Missy Elliott’s Iconology (EP)

Article by Abigail Castillo and Ian Kumamoto

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