Rap-Up.com || Alicia Keys Calls Out George Michael for Bailing on Black Ball

Alicia Keys rarely makes waves, but when she does, everyone takes notice. The “Superwoman” chided George Michael after the ’80s pop icon was a no show at her Black Ball charity gala.

“#Blackball Uk was a TREMENDOUS Success!!!!” wrote the Keep a Child Alive founder before thanking supporters including Mark Ronson, Tinie Tempah, and Boy George for lending their support to her non-profit organization that fights HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

The annual fundraiser was held in London on Wednesday, June 15, and was expected to feature a performance from the “Faith” singer. But when he didn’t appear, Keys called him out on Twitter, asking, “but one question…..what kind of person bails on 15million orphans…..#GEORGEMICHEAL???? ;-(.”

Michael previously explained his absence, attributing it to a toothache. “Hi boyz n girls….bad news im afraid. This tooth ain’t getting better in time for tonight, not enough to sing anyway,” he told his followers. “I’m really sorry folks. You watch, it’ll be totally fine by tomorrow. Bloody typical. I hope not too many of my lovelies managed to grab a ticket. Of course I’d recommend going anyway, Alicia is great live, and @KeepaChildAlive is great charity to donate to.”

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65 Comments

MONKEY
June 15th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
whatever…
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B,Uused to b hair..now u gone nair Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@MONKEY, agreed…she just looking for something to talk about. It’s already been confirm she was homewrecking.
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Anita Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
He should’ve showed up whether he could sing or not, just to lend support. Who cares if his jaw was swollen? He wasn’t going to a beauty contest. Anyway, I’m sure he had enough pain killers to not even know he was in any kind of pain. But then again, typical of MOST men. Not all, but most. They like to be babied.
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Hugi Reply:
June 17th, 2011 at 3:26 am
@Anita, please don’t be so quick with your judgment. GM apparently had a totally swollen cheek, so much so that he could not even open his mouth to talk irrespective of painkillers. You also wouldn’t want to attend a ball, let alone perform in such state–because it’s impossible. BUT, he called all his fans to support the charity so he did the most he could, considering the circumstances. And I agree with Bob, why call him out? I hope it’s only the press making it up that she called him out. (because if she really did, then that would show that AK is merciless person and not a friend to him.)
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Anita Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Hugi, I’m not sure what really happened but I know Alicia cares very much about this charity and performed last year just days before giving birth. Someone had to make up for him not showing. All the planning and preparing had to be changed, supposedly at the last minute. Rumors, yes rumors were that the organization only learned about him not coming through the media. Also this wasn’t the first time GM had bailed on Alicia. Guess she was a little upset, with a right. Might not have been the wisest thing to tweet like he did about his tooth (that wasn’t very wise either) but she did. Oops! Guess we’re all human and stick that foot in our mouth sometimes. I say don’t even plan on GM next year. Two times bailing is enough.
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Lioness Reply:
June 17th, 2011 at 5:52 am
@MONKEY, I am with you on this one…whatever.
i mean…she doesn’t want anyone calling her a homewrecker or saying that she stole a young child’s father away from their mother…so she shouldnt throw stones. …just sayin
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Bob
June 15th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I don’t see the point of calling him out. Doing charity is a good look but nobody should be forced.
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Ross Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Bob, Nobody forced him to agree to do it. The point is that he shouldnt of backed out last minute after he already said he would be there.
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Karen Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Bob, Uh, I don’t think he was forced, I think he agreed. Anyway like someone else said, he should’ve went to lend support anyway, even if he couldn’t perform. Would’ve been a little more decent of him.
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Ice
June 15th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Alicia was wrong for calling him out like that. Besides, those orphans have probably never heard of George Michaels, I know I haven’t.
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Nick Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Ice, what does it matter if they have heard of him or not? they are raising money. you sound ignorant.
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Christina Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Ice, OMG, that’s the most ignorant comment I’ve heard
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Phoenix_Wright Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Christina, it wasnt that serious u sound like a ho lol
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Yaser Lad Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@Ice, Your scum just like George!
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Ice Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Ice, I didn’t intend that comment in a harsh way, and I probably shouldh’ve reworded it. I am a Christian, I believe in charities, and I am sympathetic towards orphans. I have never heard of George Michael, that part of my post was intended to be funny. I’m hoping that he still donated even if he didn’t show up, that would be messed up. But if the guy was unable to sing due to health related problems, I don’t think Alicia shouldh’ve singled him out over it. Sorry for upsetting yall, but Im not a bad person, just chose a bad choice of words.
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WatchTheThrone Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@Ice, a decent human being would’ve at least gone on stage and apologized… he can do that even if he can’t sing
he just cancelled last minute like he didn’t give a crap about the charity. i think that’s why everyone’s pissed.
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whatsittoyou Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@Ice, Alicia is very serious about this organization. She cares very much about those children. I’m sure she was very upset and I know she has performed when she hasn’t been up to it. Bad look for George. Anyway many people do know him and he has many fans, even if the orphans didn’t know him. He could’ve drew in a big crowd and many donations. For him to say he hoped not many of his fans bought tickets and then try to cover it up by saying, well Alicia is great anyway. Didn’t he get what all this was for? A little strange.
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Christina
June 15th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
This is the second year in a row that he has cancelled…… That’s not right….. If he didn’t wanted to go, he could’ve said NO… That’s a shame
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Sarah
June 15th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
HOW WAS SHE WRONG? Money goes into this event..you ask someone, they agree and then call out last minute? Y’all are STUPID.
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Face
June 15th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Agreeing with Sarah. Obviously his followers we’re the more important ppl to get the message to than Alicia. She clearly didn’t know or she wouldn’t have tweeted that.
Watch this blow up into a huge issue. *rolls eyes*
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...
June 15th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Classless of Alicia. Call the man directly, don’t shame him on twitter like you don’t know one another. C’mon.
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hmm Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
@…,
Call him? He didn’t even bother to call her from what I’m hearing now. It’s like they were still expecting him. He doesn’t deserve a call, he wasn’t interested in that charity at all or Alicia. And the second year he’s done this? No, he didn’t deserve a call. Maybe a swift kick.
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Lisa
June 15th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
She was right to call him out, why would you or your rep not call and let them know? To just not show and advertise it on twitter that you are sick is unprofessional. If you were sick and couldn’t go to work would you put a message on twitter and not call your job? Please!! I know that this is over some peoples head so I expect some level of ignorance in these posts
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Anita Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@Lisa,
You can say that again! Agree! 100%
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From Tokyo Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Lisa, “I know that this is over some peoples head so I expect some level of ignorance in these posts”
This can apply to so many posts! Yes, this!
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PMZD
June 15th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
She was absolutely right. It was the second time he did that. First year, she understood but don’t play with her, she’s a boss chick lol
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Stacy Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@PMZD, The second time? I wouldn’t care how great he is, I’d never ask him again. He seems to be a real jerk. Or then again, maybe they should ask him and offer him a lot of money, then cancel him at the last minute. He still could’ve shown with all his pain killer and watched the show or said something. I always thought he could sing good, but I don’t want to hear him anymore.
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DeeJay
June 15th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
I was surprised.
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Yaser Lad
June 15th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Alicia has every damn right to call that bum out; It’s not about the orphans not knowing who he is, but them knowing famous people who people follow and love care about their situation! This why alot of the celebrities who have a lot of power when it come to movements like this are darn right ignorant! They just don’t care. smh
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Julien
June 15th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
What was he supposed to do? Show up sick? She could’ve kept that rant to herself.
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Stacy Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
@Julien, Uh, two years in a row. I could maybe understand one time, but two? No. He’s a jerk. And yes he could’ve shown up with his swollen jaw for support. But then again maybe it really wasn’t swollen. Who knows?
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Jay
June 15th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
George Michael ain’t great live anyway. The fact he couldn’t even be bothered to show up for charity show he’s a scum bag. #Sleazyguy
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Alicias certified homewrecka
June 15th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
I Don’t blame him, if I knew the homewrecka was showing, I would of missed it too. Now she needs to be publically called out for her ho-ish behavior
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J-Rock Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@Alicias certified homewrecka, YEP.com
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Sonya Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@Alicias certified homewrecka, NOT
You again? You’re such an idiot. You and George Michael belong together.
Good job Alicia. If this happened twice, he needed to be called out. I would feel bad if he were REALLY ill but for this to happen twice, I find that hard to believe. He should’ve went even if he was a little swollen. Maybe not to sing but for support. But then like he said, hey his luck he’ll probably be better by tomorrow. Surprise, surprise.
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Rachel
June 15th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Her calling him out, and just the way she worded it makes her no better than him for not showing.
That was really tactless of her.
Twitter really shows how lame and basic some celebs truly are. SMH.
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Tracy Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@Rachel,
Good job Alicia! If it was legitimate, I’m sure she would’ve been understanding. Alicia’s not the type to talk about other people, so that tells me George was wrong. And when he said he hoped not many of his people had planned on going, well that just showed what an idiot he really is. Maybe an apology to his fans and yes this is a great cause so hope you all buy tickets. But to word it like that with no regard for the charity or feeling bad about that, what is wrong with him? I’m sure he’ll be fine by tomorrow.
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polusss
June 15th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Just got back from the BLACK BALL London – believe me AK handled George not showing with dignity, positivity and professionalism with the help of Mark R, Boy George, Beth and Paloma.You know what though, hearing first hand tonight what this charity does was awe inspiring. This isn’t show biz preaching do gooders.This is people who really care and clearly reflect that in their year round time investment, energy and actions. Have to say (sadly) got the feeling the charity learned through social media feeds and subscriptions that George was pulling out on them and not through a dignified personal apology or message. We all know George has his issues with live performance, and as some posts say he has a tooth infection- but you’ve got to question the basic principles and character of a grown-up who for whatever reason didn’t make a personal call, apology or gesture to event organisers. No one, no one, no one in Keep A child alive deserved that kind of treatment.
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Anita Reply:
June 15th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
@polusss,
Thank you. I’m sure Alicia handled this with dignity and positivity because that’s just how she is. I know I would personally rather hear her. It’s just I’m sure he has a lot of fans also and could’ve brought in many donations. He hopes his fans didn’t buy tickets? Oh my! George this is for charity. Encouragement for you fans to buy tickets anyway would’ve been nice. I guess just because you sang at one time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re intelligent.
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Name here
June 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
alicia was right-unless you have a good reason no way should u back the last mintue
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michelle
June 15th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
If people bothered to read all his tweets they would know that he felt really bad about letting the charity down. George isn’t one of the celebs who has to shout about all the charities he donates to. I’m sure the charity still benefited from George even though he didn’t show.
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Fa
June 16th, 2011 at 3:49 am
Alicia SIT DOWN
If i ever purchase a ticket it’s not for her sake
george is a different caliber
I hate it when kids forget about age and respect as soon as they have a deal with clive davis
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Too_Funky
June 16th, 2011 at 4:50 am
For those ignoramus leaving comments about George Michael, do you not know the amount of charity work this man does that never gets mentioned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have personally met him and he is the nicest guy you could ever meet and @Jay if he is not any good singing live tell me why all his concerts sell out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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michelle
June 16th, 2011 at 5:48 am
Can I also add in george michaels defence that he released a single earlier this year for comic relief. Whether or not any of the george michael critics liked it, it was for charity. Also he released a track for royal wedding & asked everyone to donate. He is a caring man when it comes to vharity. Had he turned up last night & not been able to give his 100% to singing he would be criticised for that also.
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lee
June 16th, 2011 at 6:03 am
She may have handled things with dignity at the ball but she sure showed her classless side on Twitter. He had previously notified her and his fans that he would not be able to attend over medical issues and apologized for it. It’s not like he randomly did not show up. Not everyone can soldier through a medical issue to be at an event especial at his age. George Michael has been doing charity work before Alicia Keys was even born so I’m gonna need Alicia to gently sit down.
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Lisa
June 16th, 2011 at 7:23 am
Can someone explain to me why people think Alicia is a homewrecker?
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Crazystuff Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Lisa, Because they believe ALL the gossip to be gospel. It’s a long story that I’d rather not spread more gossip about.
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bel
June 16th, 2011 at 7:37 am
i’m thinking some misunderstanding was going on around. i mean, michael tweeted about the possibility of not attending few days ago. so either his people dropped the ball in terms of letting the charity know or alicia’s people dropped the ball in informing her. either way, it’s unfortunate, because both are among the few celebrities out there at the moment that are famous for their talent and both are known humanitarians.
p.s. the wording of the tweet was unnecesarrily nasty. no wonder she deleted it…
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Mack of Sound-Savvy
June 16th, 2011 at 7:44 am
Wasn’t this his second year in a row bailing on her??? Lesson learned: don’t invite him again. But I think her statement was justified… maybe ill-planned but justified nonetheless.
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Steve Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
@Mack of Sound-Savvy, AGREE! 100%
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Crazystuff
June 16th, 2011 at 8:01 am
@Too_Funky, So let him mention HIS charities. Still don’t dedicate yourself to someone elses and not even bother to let them know you’re canceling. Yes I agree he is or was a great singer. He has a beautiful voice. But if he really wasn’t or even if he was sick and didn’t even call the organization to cancel ahead of time and they were still looking for him, well that is just wrong. I don’t care how nice he was before.
@michelle, Maybe he would have still been criticized if he’d shown up, but at least not as much and he wouldn’t have looked as bad. Also, the people from the organization deserved a response from him. They shouldn’t have to read tweets to see he was feeling bad. Very crazy, if that’s the way it really went down.
@Fa, Age has nothing to do with this. A person is respected because of their dedication and reliability. Doesn’t matter if they’re 18 or 80 respect is respect. His actions did not deserve respect, IF what I’ve read is true. He seemed to only be concerned with his people buying tickets and not getting to see HIM. The bigger picture here George? The charity.
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trent
June 16th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Hmm. Last year Alicia performed when she was nine months pregnant. Gave birth a week after. George Michael couldn’t get over a toothache? Really? Whatever. He should’ve inform her. No wonder Alicia got angry. She might’ve took it a step too far though.
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Blazey100
June 16th, 2011 at 10:27 am
George Michael cancelled two years in a row at the last minute. Year one, stomach problems, year two tooth problems. Bit hard to believe. Charities work hard to sell tables and engage artists to help them in their mission. George agreeing left a gap for someone else to fill – and they had a lot of interest from Artists. KCA is serious about what they do. The people they serve are not expendable. They are important equal citizens of the world invisible to most. But they all worked hard to fill the gap, even doing Freedom at the end as rehearsed.
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Anita Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@Blazey100,
Very very good points! Two years in a row is a bit ridiculous and unbelievable. Please schedule someone else next year as clearly Mr. Michael is unreliable. Glad the show still went well without him. Alicia is amazing!
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Blazey100
June 16th, 2011 at 10:29 am
BTW Alicia is all heart. It really shocked her that he tweeted about not coming before telling the charity.
That wasnt classy at all. But we English dont think of George Michael as classy thats for sure after his exploits.
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Robin Coffman
June 16th, 2011 at 10:48 am
So, if your sick or in pain you cant cancel, since when. If Alicia Keyes knew the sightest thing about George Michael she would KNOW he would never cancel a charity concert with out a just reason and she would know WHY. He has been doing chartity and benifits before she was ever heard of, HE saied she was amazeing live SHE was nasty and mean sprited. If she was uniformed she should have seen where the comunnication failed unstead of being a witch. She can blast someone but cant see if someone failed to deliver a message. It takes more then gender to be a lady and it takes more then money or record sales to have class.she missed the boat twice.
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RealMusic Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Robin Coffman,
Alicia is a lady and George Michael is a gentlemen.
She is entitled to express her disappointment in George Michael.
It was about a bigger issue, millions of little children without a home, sick with AIDS. These children probably have more great spirit than most.
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Robin Coffman Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@RealMusic, If Alicia knew ANYTHING about GM she would KNOW IF he was well he would have been there that any charity benifit relateing to HIV / Aids is close to his heart and she would know WHY. Being disapointed is one thing but she was down right mean sprited and that is a FACT. It s a worthy cause regardless of who lent thier name to it..my isuse isnt with the cause… . If she had isuse of his not being there try getting the facts BEFORE you blast a person .
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Keep A Child Alive
June 16th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Ms. Alicia Keys is correct at being disappointed in Mr. George Michael. He had a toothache. He could have came to the event to show support of Keep a Child A Live. He didn’t have to perform.
If you have a toothache, you still go to work and to school. In life you show up………….
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Man vs Women
June 16th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
There is a big difference between men and women. A woman can be sick but will still go to work and take care of her children. A woman can’t afford to be ill because she has to still get up a do for her children.
A man can have a toothache and all hell breaks loose. The world has ended. Do you know how many times, my Mother has been really, really ill but get up and goes to work and I have to go to school.
Please! Please! Some people are just weak.
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Sonya Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@Man vs Women, AMEN!
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WTF Reply:
June 17th, 2011 at 7:47 am
@Man vs Women, It is move about individuals than man vs woman! (your mother don’t represents all women especially not black women)
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headphones
June 16th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
this really isnt a big deal, and i don’t see anything wrong with what Alicia did, he bailed at the last minute for a toothache? #cmonson
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Sonya
June 16th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Robin Coffman,
No she didn’t miss it any! Alicia is a lady AND she has class. And why would she know just because he’s George Michael that he would be at the charity if he possibly could? I mean he evidently had done this to her before. My question, why would she depend on someone like him and trust him to show? Hopefully that won’t happen again. She had every right to be upset especially if he didn’t even call. I think we all need to get over this. I’m sure they are. Maybe a trust issue, but over it. Love Alicia and all her efforts to help this cause. She is a beautiful person. Doesn’t mean she can’t be upset and vent at times, especially when it concerns something as important as this charity.
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Truth
June 18th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
This was clearly a joke.. Yall take things too far.
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