Bravo Greenlights New Special "The Kandi Factory" Starring Kandi Burruss
In the special, Burruss will give two protégés the opportunity to come to Atlanta and learn the fundamentals of pop music success.
[via press release from Bravo]
BRAVO GREENLIGHTS NEW SPECIAL "THE KANDI FACTORY" STARRING KANDI BURRUSS
Special Follows "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" Star As She Transforms Music Hopefuls Into The Next Big Popstar
NEW YORK - September 29, 2011 - Bravo Media and Kandi Burruss hit a high note as the network announced today it has greenlit "The Kandi Factory," a new special following "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star and multi-platinum songwriter. Ever since Burruss turned Kim Zolciak's single "Tardy for the Party" into a digital download phenomenon, she has been bombarded by thousands of wannabe artists desperate for her popstar secrets. Burruss believes she can turn anyone with raw talent and drive into "something hot" and wants to give aspiring artists a shot at their dream. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.
"With her breakout personality and straightforward attitude, Bravo fans have grown to love Kandi on 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta,'" said Eli Lehrer, Vice President of Development for Bravo. "'The Kandi Factory' will capture a unique look at her successful music career as Kandi transforms two music hopefuls into the next big popstar."
In the special, Burruss will give two protégés the opportunity to come to Atlanta and learn the fundamentals of pop music success. She has identified three factors that have to fit perfectly together to create a pop sensation: the song, the look and the performance. Burruss and her team of experts at The Kandi Factory will work with the two contestants in order to turn them into music superstars. Will they listen to Burruss' advice and rise to the occasion or will they bomb?
Burruss is a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who resides in Atlanta with her nine-year-old daughter, Riley. She is a former member of the platinum-selling music group Xscape and the recipient of a Grammy for her work on TLC's mega-hit "No Scrubs." She's also switching gears with music and focusing on writing country hits for popular artist, JoDee Messina. Burruss juggles her busy life as a single mom and hard-working career woman, but also finds time to let loose on the Atlanta social scene, stepping out with members of the music industry elite.
Produced by True Entertainment with Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh, Mark Ford and Kevin Lopez serving as executive producers.
Video: Basketball Wives L.A. – Episode 5 – When Your Back Is Turned
The group takes Draya to task over sitting out Jackie's wedding, and Imani's frustration with the single life results in a new resolve to get back in the game. Also, Laura discovers that Draya has had a lot to say about her to someone outside the group.
Videos: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Episode 5: $25,000 Sunglasses?! Episode 5: $25,000 Sunglasses?!
The ladies get to know Brandi even better, and some of them still aren't so fond of Adrienne's new friend.
PREMIERE: Monday October 3, 9 pm
Episode Description: Adrienne throws a lavish barbecue, Beverly Hills style. She invites her friend Brandi, and while Brandi and Camille seem to bond instantly over their very public and very ugly high-profile divorces, the other ladies are shocked by this newcomer's numerous social faux pas. They begin to wonder what she's doing on their turf and if she will fit into their social circle.
A Show Off and a Showdown: Taylor Armstrong's friend Dana Wilkey is ready to show off and Kyle Richards is ready to showdown.
The Eyes are Rollin': The ladies, especially Kyle Richards, are a little taken aback by the 'balls to the wall' attitude of Brandi Glanville. Dana Wilkey arrives....
Not Masquerading as a FriendKyle Richards speaks to Lisa VanderPump about Taylor Armstrong.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Blogs - Best Moments
Videos: Can't Get Away from Cedric - Lisa VanderPump is surprised that Brandi Glanville knows Cedric. Going to the Head of the Rattlesnake: Taylor Armstrong wants to know how personal information leaked to the press and asks Hollywood publicist Elliot Mintz for advice.
Gossip Girls Episode Description: The tension is high not only for the ladies, but also for Adrienne's NBA team. Adrienne, Paul, and Kim attend the last game of the season -- but the fans are not happy with the potential move and things get dangerous for the Maloof family. Meanwhile, back in Beverly Hills, Kyle throws a charity cocktail party to raise money for the Lollipop Theater Network. The focus, however, turns to an unexpected guest named Brandi, who is rumored to be friends with someone in Lisa's past. The ladies immediately side with Lisa and question the intentions of this gorgeous Beverly Hills newcomer.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Blogs
September 27, 2011Brandi GlanvilleDefense Mode Brandi picks apart her Beverly Hills debut and tells us what she really thought of Lisa. Tonight marks for me my first episode on RHOBH! Yeah! I feel so blessed to have become a part of this wonderful TV show. Watching the show was a new experience for me because I am not used to seeing myself on TV! I, of course, picked my appearance apart like any girl would do, from my talking out of the side of mymouth, to making funny faces, or to how my hair and makeup looked (we do it ourselves). After the insecurities subsided, I was able to sit back and really take a look at my interactions with this group of people. Needless to say, Paul and Adrienne are wonderful, cool, and honest people whom I adore more and more as time goes on. No BS with those two. Read Blog September 26, 2011Lisa VanderPumpNothing to Hide
Lisa addresses Taylor's accusations, her reaction to Brandi, and why she participates in reality TV at all.
This week after watching, many things became clear to me. I had no idea that Taylor was accusing me of something so sneaky and despicable as going to the tabloids with her personal information. That is deplorable, and as a woman with a conscience, who has many celebrity friends (where secrecy is crucial), and who also owns restaurants and is therefore privy to many situations shall we say, is an absolute insult, and I must say hurtful.
There are times when, as many of you have asked me in the past, I think why on earth am I doing this? Where I have had to reflect and ask myself honestly what would make me open my life for the world to see? My answer has always been, I have nothing to hide. I am honest and straight forward and not in the habit of being disloyal, and I try to be as supportive as possible of those close to me.
I knew Taylor to be in a situation that, from what she had told me, was a very difficult one. I have many times said to her, "I know we are not that close but if you ever need me, call me at any time of the day or night." I always worried about her. Many things in the past just didn't seem to ring true. Each time I saw her she was extremely emotional. She told us in Colorado that she didn't eat and was losing weight at an alarming rate. I feel foolish now as she later gave an interview regarding some new diet pills she'd been taking.Read Blog September 26, 2011Kyle RichardsTiny But Mighty Kyle shares her thoughts on the "tiny, but mighty" Adrienne and on new girl Brandi. Taylor came to me about a story that was leaked about her in the tabloids and on the internet. It was very personal information, which made it strange. However, I know that Lisa had nothing to do with this. It can be very difficult trying to figure out who leaks stories. For the person being targeted, it can be very frustrating -- leading you to consider everyone you know and becoming very distrusting. I feel bad that Lisa's name was dragged into this because I know that hurt her. All of us were taken aback when Adrienne and Paul showed up with Brandi to my cocktail party. We had all seen the pictures of Brandi with Cedric on the internet and tabloids and felt like she had ulterior motives. All of us were feeling a little defensive -- especially, Lisa and me. Lisa and I are very close, so I felt protective because I knew that this was an uncomfortable moment for her. Read Blog September 26, 2011Dana WilkeyWhat You Don't Know Dana shares some more details about her first episode and her first impressions of Brandi.
One of the first encounters I had with Brandi was that night. I asked her "Oh I'm so sorry, how did you break your foot?" She told me, and I'm paraphrasing, that she fell off her high heel. I was like, "That can't really be the story. What a silly way to say you broke your foot." Why wouldn't you say "I just fell"? Anyway, then I glanced down at her feet, and she was wearing one stiletto heel and I'm thinking "Isn't that dangerous based on the way you broke your foot in the first place. You're really asking for trouble now!" That's why I seem excited to be so catty towards her at the end!
When they say that sports are the most dramatic theater in the world, they aren't kidding. As an NBA owner, I can honestly tell you that I've been moved to laugh, cry, curse, and celebrate by what has happened on the court. In this past episode though, it was what was happening off the court that was causing me the most pain.
If I could have waved a magic wand or been granted a wish by a genie that day in Sacramento, I would have asked for everything to align in time so that we could get a new arena deal done with city leaders, partners, and the rest of the powers that be. We'd tried for a decade to get this done so that we would be able to give our fans what most of the other NBA franchises had -- a state of the art, fan-friendly arena that was competitive in the league. After this episode was filmed, my family was able to find a way to stay for one more year to see how we could get the deal done and give it one more chance. At present time, it's out of our hands.
The business of basketball however doesn't account for the heart of basketball -- and that's what you saw at that last game of the season. I remember sitting in that limo, watching the fans outside and wanting to tell them that I was right there with them, aching from what seemed to be inevitable at the time –- having to move the team elsewhere. Read Blog
BH ProducersHittin' the Wall BH Producer Dave Rupel tells us about his production fatigue and answers your questions from last week's blog.
Kyle's event was important for us because we were introducing two of our new friends of the Housewives, Brandi and Dana. It was a very organic way to bring them in, because Kyle told her friends to bring friends, which is exactly what they did. Adrienne brought Brandi and Taylor brought Dana. Read Blog
Watch What Happens Live After Show with Patti Stanger: Part I - Teresa Giudice calls the Clubhouse to get Patti Stanger's advice. Part II - Patti Stanger answers more viewer questions. Sexual Revolution - Patti Stanger gives her quick tips on various sex subjects.
The fun starts new every Monday with a round of "Turtle Time," where each week, players are given a bare virtual turtle in an empty tank. Their challenge: to design the most fabulous outfit and tank using an assortment of virtual costumes, backgrounds and tank accessories. Players will have the option to gift items to friends, as well as purchase special items with Facebook Credits. When a turtle is created, it is entered into the competition, where players vote hot-or-not style on their favorite designs. The virtual turtle with the most votes will be re-created on that week's live show on the new Clubhouse's resident. At the end of the season in December, Andy Cohen will choose the top turtle of the season, and the winning designer will be jetted to New York to attend a taping of "Watch What Happens: Live" and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the turtle.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Lisa Vanderpump as a 22-year-old "vixen" (but only on special days, right?) in ABC's Poison Arrow video. She rejects lead singer Martin Fry's advances while reapplying her makeup at a dance club. She blows powder in his face, Fry shrinks and VanderPump traps him on the table with a martini glass. Bam!
In the above clip of Mantrap, Seminal New Romantics ABC and punk filmmaker Julien Temple pay homage to 50s espionage flicks in this hour long folly from 1983. Martin Fry has the look of a Hitchcock protagonist, but by his own admission, his acting was a little "mahogany". Temple captures the isolation and paranoia of the former Communist Bloc, but forgets to tell a story in the process.
Nonetheless, this curiosity from the naive dawn of pop-video has enough to keep fans and casual viewers entertained. The 6th form script about some Cold War double dealing will occasionally make you wince, but is padded out with some wonderful footage of ABC's (sadly never repeated) World Tour.
B-Movie regulars and wannabes try their best amidst the ensuing nonsense - but it's pretty much in vain, so don't expect John le Carré! But do delight in a soundtrack taken from arguably the greatest debut album of all time - "The Lexicon of Love".
Millions tune in to indulge themselves in the affluent lifestyles of the seemingly picture perfect women featured on Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. But recently, reality turned tragic when famed housewife Taylor Armstrong was faced with the horrific suicide of her estranged husband, Russell. Their tumultuous marriage became a recurring storyline on the show. There was fighting, allegations of abuse and trips to a marriage counselor, all under the constant microscope of reality TV. In a daytime exclusive, Taylor speaks out about the shocking suicide and the events leading up to that horrible day. What pushed the Beverly Hills businessman over the edge? Was it his troubled finances, his crumbling marriage or his wife’s allegations of abuse that devastated him enough to take his own life? And just how much of a role did the show play in this tragedy?
Alex McCord & Simon Van Kempen on Good Morning America describe the show Real Housewives as “spiraling out of control.”
“If people continue to behave in a way that’s shocking, then how can it do anything but get darker,” McCord told “Good Morning America” today in the couple’s first television interview since being fired from the reality-TV show last week.
“You’re not going to stop reacting to people fighting and behaving badly,” she said. “It’s gotten more and more toxic.”
“One thing that I do, absolutely, is I call people out,” McCord said of the bold, opinionated persona she took on in what would be her last season on the show. “And I got louder and louder about that.”
The harshest barbs from both McCord and Van Kempen, however, came aimed at fellow fired cast member Zarin, who, like McCord, was an original cast member on the show, along with Singer and DeLesseps.
“She’s a manipulator and she’s very good at feeding information to her own end,” McCord told “GMA.” “She has been trying to get me off the show for a number of years. She succeeded.”
Van Kempen called Jill Zarin a “flawed woman extraordinaire.”
“The word ‘junior high’ has come up a lot about the drama on the show,” he said. “Jill sometimes is still very much stuck in junior high as the girl who was unpopular, who was bullied. And 30 years later, she’s still there.”
When asked by “GMA” to respond to the couple’s comments, she fought back:
“I just feel pity for them using me for press yet again,” she said, also telling “GMA” she believes the couple is jealous.
In response, a rep for Zarin tells Us Weekly: "Alex and Simon's allegations represent the type of negativity that Jill is eager to move on from. Jill will continue to take the high road and wish Alex and Simon nothing but the best."
"While it is easy to play the blame game, it is our hope that Alex and Simon will eventually accept Bravo's decision and proceed with grace to the next stage in their career rather than hold on to past resentments," Zarin's rep continued. "As Jill proceeds with optimism, she is grateful to Bravo for a successful 4 year run on The Real Housewives of New York City and is focused on the national launch of her shapewear line, Skweez Couture at Lord and Taylor."
Andy Cohen addresses viewer response to 'New York Housewives' casting news.
September 23, 2011 I'm off to St. Louis for my high school reunion (go Greyhounds!), but before I left I taped a lil something for you....
HA HA! Bravo Launches "Turtle Time" Facebook Game - The game invites fans to play for the opportunity to see their virtual vision come to life on-air.
[via press release from Bravo]
Interactive Game Results To Be Unveiled On-Air During "Watch What Happens: Live"
NEW YORK - September 22, 2011 - Expanding on their innovative track record, Bravo Media announces the launch of "Turtle Time," the first Facebook social media game to have its outcome announced on-air each week. Inspired by one of the most legendary declarations uttered by a Bravolebrity, this game invites fans to play for the opportunity to see their virtual vision come to life on-air. Bravo's "Watch What Happens: Live" introduces their newest member to the Clubhouse Sunday, September 25th at 11pm ET/PT.
Andy Cohen has his Turtle Time! Andy Cohen hits it off with a new friend and wants to take things to the next level.
"Ever since I landed on the shores of Sag Harbor, I have been searching for my big break in show biz. When Andy Cohen came walking down those golden sands, I knew my dreams were coming true," Divulged Yet-To-Be-Named Turtle. "I can't wait to move into the Bravo Clubhouse and to be dressed in the latest fashions."
TURTLE TIME! - Bethenny Frankel would rather go to the Fat Turtle than deal with the crazy toad.
The fun starts new every Monday with a round of "Turtle Time," where each week, players are given a bare virtual turtle in an empty tank. Their challenge: to design the most fabulous outfit and tank using an assortment of virtual costumes, backgrounds and tank accessories. Players will have the option to gift items to friends, as well as purchase special items with Facebook Credits. When a turtle is created, it is entered into the competition, where players vote hot-or-not style on their favorite designs. The virtual turtle with the most votes will be re-created on that week's live show on the new Clubhouse's resident. At the end of the season in December, Andy will choose the top turtle of the season, and the winning designer will be jetted to New York to attend a taping of "Watch What Happens: Live" and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the turtle.
Bravo has notified American Humane Association so that the turtle's well-being can be monitored during production. A Certified Animal Safety Monitor from American Humane Association is scheduled to be on the set, upholding the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals In Filmed Media to ensure the turtle's safety.
Jill Zarin's Good Morning America interview. She speaks about Housewives "franchise problems" and says that she and her castmates were hurt and shocked by Bravo's decision.
Video: Taylor Armstrong's ET Interview 'Taylor Armstrong's Horrible Secret'
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Taylor Armstrong speaks to Nancy O'Dell "He had mentioned he was afraid he might kill me, and I think he meant it in almost an accidental way, that he would get so angry at me at some time that he would hit me, and I would hit something, or he would grab me by the neck and something would go wrong."
Amy Phillips: "Ramona Singer's Real Housewives Address" -"Ramona Singer" speaks out about the RHONY firings! Amy is a hilarious comedian/impressionist and was featured on the Rachel Zoe Project on the episode "Zoe vs. Zoe." She also does a mean Drita D'Avanzo!
The Beverly Hills Housewives meet Brandi Glanville and Lisa VanderPump's feathers are ruffled at the sight of her. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Episode 4 Preview - Feathers are Ruffled!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Episode 3 - Let's Just Fast-Forward - The ladies discuss the state of Taylor Armstrong's marriage over dinner in Colorado.
In episode 3, Adrienne's family is forced to make some very serious decisions that could potentially move their NBA team to a rival city. She heads to Sacramento for what could be the team's last home game ever and invites Kim along for the ride. However, Kim seems to be a little off, and the issue that has been on everyone's mind since last year is finally addressed when Adrienne questions her sobriety.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Episode 3 - Moving the Sacramento Kings? Adrienne Maloof struggles with the reality of possibly having to move a professional basketball team.
(Preview) Real Housewives of New Jersey: 'Blood is Thicker Than Guccis' Episode 18 Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 3 Episode 18 - Next week "Blood is Thicker Than Guccis" the wives continue their vacation in Punta Cana, but they discover an open-air market and the streets become hazardous as the women dodge dead animals in heels!!! The guys bust balls on the course.... Back in Jersey, Ashley considers getting a tattoo! http://lockerz.com/s/48210090
Teresa's Bikinis- Bathing Suit or Strippers Outfits? The Real Housewives of New Jersey
Caroline's Teresa migraine is so bad that she can't even go out on the boat ride with the rest of the gang. Something about this group of people being in the middle of the ocean seems like a horrible, horrible idea. Gilligan's Island started with a boat ride, and those people all liked each other. Regardless of my trepidations, the gang starts oiling up and get ready to hit the seas.
The next morning everyone is having breakfast, and Caroline looks like she is going to die. Teresa tries to lift everyone's hung over spirits by modeling her bathing suits. Lauren explains in her interview that it was "hot as balls" and she was on her period and Teresa modeling bikinis wasn't helping. Are these women all on the same cycle? Teresa's bikinis are all very tiny and sparkly. They look like what would be in the wardrobe department if Walt Disney did porn. Everyone but Greg seems to be truly sickened by Teresa's fashion show. Greg knows that in Teresa's mind, singer/songwriter/recording artist Melissa is going to have a great swimsuit and Teresa knows that she is going to have to try and top it. Good point, Greg. Maybe Greg could be my assistant on my RHONJ therapy show? Jacqueline says that she wishes she had Teresa's ass. I'm guessing so do half the men watching the show. READ MOHR!
The Three Amigos - The Real Housewives of New Jersey (LOL) Chris Manzo has a special way of making his mom laugh... let loose, get drunk, LA KOOKAROOOACHA!
It looks like it's official -- People Magazine writes that Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, Kelly Bensimon and Cindy Barshop were not asked back for season 5.
"Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn DeLesseps will be returning for season 5 of The Real Housewives of New York City," a network spokesperson tells PEOPLE. "We've had a fabulous run with all the ladies and appreciate them sharing their lives with our viewers. It is a friendly departure among the other ladies and we continue to have on-going discussions with them."
Rumors flew around this week regarding casting changes after Huff Po Celeb cited sources @Bravo saying Jill, Alex, and Kelly were not asked back. At the time their reps – as well as Bravo – said nothing was official.
Lisa Vanderpump has sold her beautiful, huge home for $19-million, telling RadarOnline.com "it's just too big for Ken and me." "We had such a great offer on the house, one we couldn't refuse," Lisa says. "It's 17,000 square feet and my daughter, Pandora and son, Max, already moved out of the nest. So it's just Ken and me and it's really too big for two people."
"We found a beautiful, 10,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills which I adore," Lisa says. "I'm never happy with anything I buy. As a designer, I like to design things my way just Villa Blanca restaurant and my new bar SUR. The new house needs extensive remodeling to suit me and my husband’s needs."
"Pandora wanted to get married in the house and I'm sad both she and I won't live in it to savor those precious memories," Lisa adds. "But life goes on and I'm looking forward to my new house and landscaping it and of course decorating it. It's going to be a lot of work but at the same time, a lot of fun." Radar Online
BETHENNY FRANKEL, New York Times bestselling author and star of Bravo's top-rated Bethenny Ever After, returns with three easy-to-follow yoga practices that can be combined or done separately.
Teaming up with New York City yoga instructor Mike McArdle, Bethenny uses her signature wit and levelheaded approach to fitness to make this workout a fun, fast way to get fit and toned.
APPROX. 50 MIN., plus bonus n 16:9 WIDESCREEN COLOR n STEREO n YOGA/FITNESS DVD Single
Stretching segment (12 min.) and a recipe booklet from the New York Times bestseller, The Skinnygirl Dish
Genre: Health & Fitness
Category Aerobic Exercise, Toning & Strength Training, Women's Health
From Acacia-
Does your dog love yoga (or the yoga mat) too? Send us a picture for a chance to win two yoga DVDs! To win, send us a photo* of you and your pet doing a yoga DVD (downward dog anyone?) or maybe just taking a snooze on your mat. Do you do yoga with your kids? Send us a photo of that too! Email all pictures to web@acornmedia.com!
10 random winners will be selected and notified, Friday Sept 23rd. All winners will a copy of Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout and Shiva Rea: More Daily Energy Vinyasa Flow Yoga to continue your yoga practice!
* Winning photos may be used by AcaciaLifestyle.com and Bethenny.com on social media platforms
Here’s a sneak peek of Cookie’s appearance on Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout:
On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Atlanta Branch of the NAACP will host the 13th annual Jondelle Johnson Freedom Fund Awards Dinner, which serves to raise funds for the operation of the Atlanta Branch NAACP and its programs, while honoring persons who have made significant contributions to the community and the struggle for justice.
The Jondelle Johnson Freedom Fund Awards Dinner has become one of the most impressive lineups of VIP's to be held in the social justice arena. Jondelle was affectionately known as “Mrs. NAACP" to many who knew her. She was the epitome of dedication, perseverance, and service. The Jondelle Johnson Legacy Award recognizes those who exemplify these characteristics.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
7:00 pm
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303
Performance by: Kandi Burruss, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Atlanta Housewife
THE ABBEY HOSTS 6th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES
The West Hollywood Tradition will be Co-Hosted by David Cooley and Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Adrienne Maloof
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - (September 14, 2011) – The Abbey Food and Bar, known as “The Best Gay Bar in the World,” is hosting it’s 6th Annual Christmas in September event on Monday, September 19th from 8-10 PM. This year’s event will be Co-Hosted by The Abbey’s Founder David Cooley and one of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Adrienne Maloof. The annual event has become a West Hollywood tradition and helps solicit toys for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles during a time of the year when they need them most.
“Many people are generous enough to donate toys during the holiday season but by fall our inventory of toys is very low,” said Wendi Kellaris, Manager of Volunteer Resources at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “The generous donation and hard work from the Abbey and this event will keep us stocked for the months ahead and ensure that we can give our patients the comfort and distraction that they so need."
“Christmas in September is one of my favorite events at The Abbey,” said David Cooley. “It is a fun way for our team and the whole community to help children in need.”
Christmas in September will feature food and cocktails by Belvedere (RED) Vodka, surprise performances and an appearance by Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, Adrienne Maloof. Guests who would like to attend the event simply have to bring an unwrapped toy for a teen or an infant. Guests can also drop off toys anytime before the event as a part of a toy drive for the hospital.
The Abbey Food and Bar is located at 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, California, 90069.
Updated: Real Housewives of DC cast members Tareq and Michaele Salahi are in the news again as Tareq tells TMZ that he feels Michaele may have been kidnapped. Tareq Salahi says that he last saw Michaele at their home in Virginia on Tuesday, September 13, at around 11 a.m. as she was leaving for a hair appointment and a dance class. She did not keep either appointment, according to manager Gina Rodriguez. Michaele Salahi called her husband later that night using a cell phone with an unfamiliar Oregon number and told him she was going to her mother's house, according to Rodriguez. Tareq, feeling suspicious, called Michaele's mother who said she had not spoken with her daughter and was unaware of any plans to visit. Feeling something was wrong, Tareq called the Warren County Sheriff's Department for help and was told that Michaele had been in touch with them already, to let them know she is OK, and is simply dealing with “family issues.”
Tareq Salahi has issued a statement asking the public for help as he apparently believes Michaele was forced to make the calls.
"We are reaching to the public pleaing [sic] desperately for your help."
"It is our belief as of last night, that Michaele Salahi may have been kidnapped or abducted and being held under duress and forced to tell persons, including authorities she is okay."
"We are asking the public to please be on the look out for her, and if found please contact the authorities and please approach her and contact the authorities to intervene and that she may be forced to say she is okay, when in fact she is not and being held under possible abduction.
The Salahi family can be reached at 540-635-9933."
According to TMZ the Warren County Sheriffs Department are not releasing any information. CNN writes that the sheriff and the FBI have not commented on Salahi's concerns.
The Salahis are planning to reopen their Virginia winery, after its assets are auctioned off at a September 18th auction. The plan is to reopen the winery with an "invitation-only party that will be filmed for a 'major reality show' in development," according to Tareq.
UPDATE: TMZ- COPS: Michaele Salahi was NOT kidnapped Michaele Salahi was NEVER abducted ... so say police in Virginia ... who claim Michaele has contacted law enforcement and told them she DID NOT want her husband to know where she was. The Warren County Sheriff's Dept. just released a statement saying one of their deputies spoke with Michaele and "She seemed calm, was engaged in conversation, and assured the deputy that she had left the residence with a good friend and was where she wanted to be."
The WCSD adds, "Mrs. Salahi advised that she did not want Mr. Salahi to know where she was." Cops say Michaele expressed she was "very sorry" that the Sheriff’s Office had to be involved, but "she did not want to be home right now." Read the rest at TMZ.
UPDATE: TMZ now reports Michaele Salahi is with Neal Schon, the lead guitarist for the band Journey. In a surreal turn of events, TMZ now writes:"...we've learned Michaele has been dating the rock icon, went to his show in Nashville last night and is currently with Schon in Memphis, where Journey is set to perform with Foreigner. Scoop Marketing, the rep for Journey, confirmed with TMZ that "Nobody kidnapped her and they are in Memphis together."
