power book ii: ghost
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Source: John Nacion / Getty / Michael Rainey Jr.
Power Book II: Ghost star Michael Rainey Jr. should be celebrating the return of his hit Power spinoff series. Instead, he had to address a disturbing sexual assault incident he was the victim of.
Rainey addressed his fans on Monday, June 10, after he was sexually assaulted during TyTy James’ Twitch livestream.
Viewers of the live stream and fans of the young actor were stunned when James’ younger sister inappropriately grabbed Rainey Jr. while he was making a guest appearance on the popular Twitch stream.
He sent a statement on the incident through his rep, which went viral on Elon Musk’s trash platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Rainey is “deeply saddened and shocked by the events that occurred during the TyTy James live stream this past weekend. He is still processing what happened and doesn’t entirely know how to feel about it,” the statement sent to PEOPLE reads.
“This situation is not being taken lightly,” the statement continued. “Sexual harassment and assault are serious and unacceptable acts. Taking advantage of someone’s celebrity in this manner devalues entertainers and underscores the need to respect their humanity. Those who entertain us are human beings just like everyone else.”
Rainey Said He Was Still In Shock Following The Incident
Rainey then hopped on his Instagram account and addressed the incident, writing that he was “still in shock,” adding, “Can’t take it lightly because I know I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed.”
“This is an unfortunate situation that I can’t condone in any way,” he continues. “The fact is, sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We’re all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should respect ourselves.”
While we couldn’t see James’ sister grope Rainey because her hands were covered by three younger children in the viral clip, the Power star’s visibly uncomfortable look on his face let us know something wild was going on.
He reportedly left right after the groping incident.
TyTy James Apologizes For His Sister’s Behavior
Following the backlash, James immediately issued an apology on his sister’s behalf.
“After the actions that occurred during my stream last night I would like to sincerely apologize to Michael and his family for what took place.”
“My little sister was completely wrong and out of line. What she did was very inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly embarrassed and disgusted by her actions,” James wrote on Instagram. “I completely respect whatever direction Michael wants to go in this situation. After watching the clip, I was completely taken aback by what she done [sic]. I will take extreme precautions with future streams to avoid similar issues and have banned her from participating in future streams. I do not condone any type of assault.”
50 Cent Plays Himself Trying To Be Funny
Rainey’s boss and former Power co-star, 50 Cent, was the target of X slander after trying to make light of the 23-year-old actor’s situation.
“Wait sexual assault 😟 from a male perspective this was an aggressive advance. LOL HE’s fine no charges are being pressed,” Diddy’ longtime nemesis and professional troll wrote in a now-deleted post.
The G-Unit general was quickly reminded that nothing is actually “deleted” on social media.
“This is the same 50 cent who’s supposed to be exposing Diddy for predatory behavior. He’s such a charlatan and opportunist,” a post on X read.
Welp.
If you or anyone you know were a victim of sexual assault, you can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
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2. The accuracy
4. Where’s the lie?
5. She damn sure did
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Source: Starz / Starz
Michael Rainey Jr. is back as Tariq—the son of James St. Patrick in Season 3 of the hit Starz series Power Book II: Ghost.
The hit show returns to Starz with new episodes on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.
Tariq is still running wild in the streets and getting deeper and deeper into the underworld. Working alongside Davis MacLean (Method Man) who has stepped out of the courtroom and into a bigger role in Tariq’s life.
Now that Tasha and the rest of his family are in witness protection, Tariq is invoking his father’s behavior something that his grandmother, Estelle–played by Debbi Morgan expresses her concern in the trailer. “I’m not like my dad; I’m smarter than him,” Tariq replies as the camera pans to show Ghost’s grave marker.
Mary J. Blige is back as Monet and she has her sights on Tariq. Who now even has his own “Tommy” by his side, Brayden (Gianni Paolo), and they’re looking to make Wall Street-level money.
While Tariq has his threats on-screen, on social media Rainey and BMF star, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory are engaged in friendly competition to see who sits on the throne of 50 Cent’s Starz universe—sparked by HipHopWired family site CassiusLife.com’s Michael Rainey Jr. cover story no less.
Looks like it’s gonna be a big season, catch up before March 17– Seasons 1 and 2 of Power Book II: Ghost are currently available to stream via Starz.
Check out the trailer below.
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