Paramount Africa silent over unpaid Queendom crew and cast and why BET signed off for filming to start on Clive Morris Production show that didn't have production money fully in the bank.

by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa and BET Africa boss Monde Twala are remaining silent on the unpaid crew and cast production scandal of Clive Morris Productions' Queendom without any answer on why Paramount Africa and BET for a second time signed off on filming to start on a South African series before all the funding was 100% secured.

A high-ranking crew member who worked on Queendom says it is unheard of and extremely unusual for a show to start filming, noting that "Prior to any minute of any footage being filmed all the money should have been in the bank".

Clive Morris Productions (CMP) entered into a deal where the production company had to come up with a very large part of the overall production cost to make Queendom - money it didn't have from the outset. 

This derailed and collapsed production of Queendom when Clive Morris Productions, after filming had already started, failed to get the money required when an investor no longer wanted to pay.

Neither Natalie Mdladla, Paramount senior director of communications, nor Kgaogelo Mohlala at the Total Exposure PR company responded to or acknowledged multiple emails, phone calls and messages after TVwithThinus made a media query on Queendom a week ago with questions for Paramount Africa and BET.  

The Queendom cast and crew are owed months of salaries after Clive Morris Productions abruptly stopped filming of the local telenovela at the beginning of June because it failed to pay the workers.

In mid-April, Paramount Africa and BET threw a splashy media launch bash at Kings Kraal in Bryanston for some media, while the cast and crew were already rumbling and angry behind-the-scenes among themselves about the challenging production conditions, delayed payments and Clive Morris Productions' ongoing promises that they would get paid.

On 26 April, just a week after Paramount Africa's Queendom media launch event, the show's crew and cast got paid the last time after they had already complained bitterly about not getting paid and delayed payments by Clive Morris Productions, with Paramount Africa that was aware of the issue.

The show's production crew and cast continued to work during May but when they were again not paid at the end of May, they decided in unison not to return for any further work from 3 June.

People within South Africa's TV and film industry now want to know why Monde Twala, senior vice president and general manager of Paramount Africa and BET International lead, signed off on Clive Morris Productions to start filming for Queendom when the production didn't have all of the money secured upfront.

Paramount Africa was asked on what date the last episode of Queendom will be shown on BET (DStv 129) and how many episodes there were supposed to be, but there's been no answer.

Paramount Africa and BET were also asked why Paramount Africa apparently allowed filming to start on a production before the money to make it, was 100% secured, and who at Paramount Africa and BET authorised pre-production and principal photography to start even though Clive Morris later admitted, after Queendom's shut down, that CMP didn't have their side of the money in the bank. 

So far this has also gone unanswered. 

This is the second time a production of Paramount Africa and BET suddenly shuttered - from the same production company - since Clive Morris Productions was also forced to suddenly shut down ISONO that it produced for BET, over exactly the same reasons when it didn't have the funding in place for it's side of the budget contract.

This also raises the question of why did Paramount Africa and BET for a second time enter into a similar type of contract with Clive Morris Productions after it saw what happened with ISONO. 

It's another one of the questions that were put to Paramount Africa last Thursday a week ago and not being answered.

"Typically shows like telenovelas and soaps are commissioned by TV channels and financed 100% by the channel. Queendom wasn't," the insider who worked on the show, explained.

"Clive Morris Productions entered into a deal where an onus was on them to raise a significant portion of the production costs, which are far too onerous for most producers."

"The fact that we haven't been paid is a testament to exactly how overly onerous those conditions were. Very few production companies, if any, would be able to raise that capital for a show of this size like Queendom."

"I had never heard of such an arrangement in the context of a telenovela. They exist for films or a very short miniseries. Prior to any minute of any footage being filmed all the money should have been in the bank. That wasn't the case, hence we find ourselves in the position we're in."

ALSO READ: Paramount Africa's Queendom on BET shut down with cast and crew unpaid by Clive Morris Productions as MultiChoice's Showmax also gives Empini to another producer.

Wendy Williams diagnosed with dementia and aphasia

by Thinus Ferreira

The former American talk show host Wendy Williams (59) has been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, after battling alcohol addiction and other health issues like Graves' disease and lymphedema.

Her dementia and aphasia diagnosis is the same as what has been happening to former action star Bruce Willis.

Williams is currently in an undisclosed treatment facility with family unable to contact her, with only a court-appointed legal guardian who has access to her. Williams can call family members from an unidentified number, but they can't call her. Her bank accounts were frozen in 2022.

In a press release from her representatives, her "care team" said "Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy's ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy's condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.".

"In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)."

"Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behaviour and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life."

"The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances."

"Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioural changes but have not yet received a diagnosis."

"There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need."

"Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way."

The announcement comes just before a two-part documentary, produced by Williams, "Where is Wendy Williams?" will be broadcast in the United States over this upcoming weekend on the Lifetime TV channel which is no longer available in South Africa. 

Paramount ran The Wendy Williams Show on its BET (DStv 129) channel until Williams' erratic behaviour led to its inevitable cancellation in mid-2022.

In the latest issue of People magazine in America to promote the documentary, her family - including her niece, sister and brother - broke their silence around her "shocking and heartbreaking" struggles.

"The people who love her cannot see her, "Wendy's sister Wanda told People magazine."I think the big question is: How the hell did we get here?"

To promote the documentary, Thursday's episode of the American talk show The View also featured Williams' niece Alex Finnie. 

In the released clip, Finnie, says contact with Williams has "been limited". "I finally got some sort of a response not too long ago, but it has been a big problem for the family in terms of just 'Can we get an update on how she’s doing?"

"All of a sudden there was just this wall that went down and the family was blocked out. It was in April 2022. And the contact from that point on, has been so limited."

"She went into where she is now, between April and May last year. We went months before we were even able to get a call."

Cancelled Wendy Williams Show to end in June, replaced by Sherri Shepherd.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Wendy Williams Show is reportedly getting cancelled and will end in June with the same staff hired to work on the new Sherri talk show that will debut later in 2022.

SEE UPDATE BELOW.

According to American reports, the producers told staff working on The Wendy Williams Show that it was getting cancelled at the end of June, and immediately "rehired" everyone to work on the new talk show for Sherri Shepherd who has been a fill-in host.

After numerous announcements of when the latest 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show - seen in South Africa and across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa on BET (DStv 129), would start - and multiple postponements citing Wendy's ongoing health issues and ill health, the producers and Lionsgate distributor Debmar-Mercury who have a responsibility to deliver a show and new episodes, eventually decided to keep Wendy sidelined and to schedule a revolving roster of guest hosts. 

Earlier this week Wendy Williams, who has left New York and has been seen cavorting in Miami, suddenly appeared in a new account on Instagram as she's trying to claw back some form of control after she lost control and access of the official WendyShow Instagram account.

The loss of her official Instagram account follows after the American bank Wells Fargo also froze all of her bank accounts after her own financial advisor said Wendy is "not of sound mind" with Wendy now defaulting on payments as well.

According to insiders, Wendy Williams had become "unbearable, having tantrums and throwing things at people. Basically the consensus among the crew is that she didn't want to be there anymore. Her illness may have exacerbated that feeling".

RadarOnline cites sources connected to the show, that the producers and Debmar-Mercury are on the verge of announcing that Sherri Shepherd is taking over from Wendy Williams on a permanent basis, with the talk show that will be refashioned after a new talk show host.

According to reports, the show's producers were still on the fence about whether to wait for Wendy Williams to get better and return to the show following her absence during the current 13th season, but that her latest Instagram video "sent them off the edge" in which she updated fans as she walked down the beach.

Wendy Williams told viewers that she planned on returning to The Wendy Williams Show and would be in better shape than ever.

This angered the production staff who have been trying to get her to film a short video for over a month as an update.

"Producers had been begging Wendy for months to address her fans on social media to explain in her own words what was going on. They were willing to send a team of social media professionals from the show to Florida to film and edit a short video that could be posted over all the Wendy show accounts, but Wendy wouldn't return their calls," a source told RadarOnline.

In September 2021 Wendy Williams was taken to a New York hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

UPDATE Tuesday 22 February 17:00:

Debmar-Mercury officially announced on Tuesday that The Wendy Williams Show will end with Sherri Shepherd taking over as the new talk show host later in 2022.

Sherri will be distributed by Lionsgate's Debmar-Mercury with showrunner David Perler remaining in the same position on Sherri, executive producing alongside Sherri Shepherd and her producer partner Jawn Murray.

"Sherri is a natural who proved her hosting skills for many years as a panellist on The View, on Fox's Dish Nation and again this season as a popular guest host of Wendy," Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein say in a statement.

"Like our viewers, we have been impressed by the unique comedic twist Sherri puts on our daily live 'Hot Topics' segment, her creativity and interactions with our guests. Her love for the content and daytime fans is obvious, and we are excited to partner with her to create another long-term talk franchise."

"This is also a bitter-sweet moment for us and our partners at Fox. We all have a great love and affinity for Wendy, who grew into a true icon during her 12 incredible seasons as the solo host of a live, daily talk show dishing on 'Hot Topics' and interviewing celebrities."

"Since Wendy is still not available to host the show as she continues on her road to recovery, we believe it is best for our fans, stations and advertising partners to start making this transition now. We hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future, and continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery."

ALSO READ: Wendy Williams says she doesn't have mental health issues after the bank takes her account away.

Wendy Williams says she doesn't have mental health issues after the bank takes her account away.

by Thinus Ferreira

The troubled talk show host Wendy Williams who hasn't been back and won't be for the remainder of the current American talk show season says she's not suffering from mental health problems - after Wells Fargo froze all of her bank accounts after her own financial advisor said Wendy is "not of sound mind" with Wendy now defaulting on payments.

After 2021's "Lifetime" movie and documentary of Wendy Williams, it seems the project was premature with the next tumultuous chapter of Wendy Williams' life playing out in 2022.

After numerous announcements of when the latest 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show - seen in South Africa and across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa on BET (DStv 129), would start - and multiple postponements citing Wendy's ongoing health issues and ill health, the producers and Lionsgate distributor Debmar-Mercury who have a responsibility to deliver a show and new episodes, eventually decided to keep Wendy sidelined and to schedule a revolving roster of guest hosts. 

With Wendy Williams battling ongoing health issues, including the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease, American trade publications revealed that Sherri Sheperd is likely to sign a contract to take over as the "permanent guest host" of The Wendy Williams Show. 

In September 2021 Wendy Williams was taken to a New York hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

The news that Sherri Sheperd is being lined up to replace Wendy barely broke when it was followed by a next wave: The American bank Wells Fargo freezing Wendy's bank accounts and demanding a New York court hearing to determine if Wendy should be placed under guardianship the way that Britney Spears was and if Wendy is an "incapacitated person".

Wendy Williams' publicist Shawn Zanotti in a statement on Monday said that "Wendy wants the world to know that she strenuously denies all allegations about her mental health and well-being", with her attorney claiming that Wendy is being exploited by those around her. 

"During this hiatus from the show, Wendy has employed holistic health professionals to help her reach optimal health during her treatment of Graves' disease and thyroid concerns."

Wendy told the court in a filed affidavit that "For more than two weeks, Wells Fargo has repeatedly denied my requests to access my financial assets, which total over several million dollars. I have submitted multiple written requests to Wells Fargo and I have visited various Wells Fargo branches in the South Florida area in an effort to resolve this matter outside of the courtroom."

"To date, I have submitted and made over a dozen requests, regarding the financial damages resulting from Wells Fargo’s decision to unlawfully deny me access to my accounts."

"As a result of my inability to access my financial assets, I have defaulted and I am at risk of defaulting on several billing and financial obligations, including, but not limited to, mortgage payments and employee payroll."

Wells Fargo in a statement to American media said that "Wells Fargo's priority is the financial well-being of Wendy Williams and the preservation of her privacy. As we have expressed to the court, Wells Fargo is open to working with Wendy Williams’ counsel to release funds directly to her creditors for bills historically and regularly paid from her accounts."

Wells Fargo froze Wendy Williams out of her own bank accounts, with the Daily Mail reporting that Wendy Williams' former financial advisor, Lori Schiller, claims that Wendy is "of unsound mind". That claim led Wells Fargo to freeze Wendy's bank accounts in mid-January.

The New York Post's Page Six that obtained the court documents, reports that Wells Fargo told the court that it is "concerned about Wendy Williams' situation. It is our hope that the Guardianship Part will imminently appoint a temporary guardian or evaluator to review the situation and ensure that Wendy Williams' affairs are being properly handled".

Season debut of The Wendy Williams Show on BET postponed yet again as talk show host undergoes psychiatric evaluation after relapse and staffers say 'everyone smells the liquor'.

The season premiere of the 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show on BET (DStv 129) has been pushed out yet again with Wendy Williams undergoing psychiatric evaluation after the American talk show host reportedly relapsing into drinking and insider staffers said that "They see it, they know it; they smelled the liquor".

Last week Wendy Williams (57) also tested positive for Covid-19. The 13th season premiere of The Wendy Williams Show, seen on BET (DStv 129), was supposed to start on 20 September, but was abruptly postponed to 4 October. 

Rumours are already swirling that the already-delayed premiere might be pushed back yet again.

American tabloids report that Wendy Williams (57) has been taken for psychiatric evaluation to the Beth Israel Hospital.

Staffers told the tabloids that they been "back for weeks now anticipating to have the show return at the end of the month".

"Now with it pushed back, staff is freaking out and becoming increasingly concerned and it doesn't help that information isn't being shared internally. Everyone is finding out what is happening in the news like everyone else."

Last week The Wendy Williams Show Instagram account announced that "Wendy is dealing with some ongoing health issues and is undergoing further evaluations. She will not be able to complete her promotional activities next week, but can't wait to be back in her purple chair on Monday, 20 September 20th for the 13th season premiere".

Just days later everything changed again when a follow-up post was released, noting that "While continuing her health evaluations, Wendy has tested positive for a breakthrough case of Covid-19."

"To allow Wendy time to quarantine and fully recover and to ensure that our production abides by all SAG/AFTRA and DGA Covid-19 protocols, we expect to begin the 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show on Monday 4 October."

Drinking heavily again

Staffers told the tabloids that Wendy Williams relapsed into drinking heavily again just before she was hospitalised for psychiatric evaluation, and that staffers working on the talk show smelled her reeking of alcohol.

"Wendy was drinking every day, even when filming the show. Everyone is an enabler because they don't want to lose their job. They see it, they know it, they smelled the liquor."

"Wendy drinks every day and the only time she was sober was when she was at the sober house. Her staffers are worried but no-one is ever going to speak up because they don't want to lose their jobs," an insider said.

"Wendy is an alcoholic. A bad one. She doesn't need a talk show, she needs help."

It turns out 10 April Wasn't Wendy Williams Day in South Africa as small ratings disappoint for American talk show host's biopic and documentary on A+E Networks Africa's Lifetime channel.

by Thinus Ferreira

While A+E Networks Africa tried to turn 10 April 2021 into "Wendy Williams Day" in South Africa on its Lifetime (DStv 131) channel, it didn't work, with this past Saturday that was far from a "Wendy Williams Day" and small viewership of her biopic and documentary on the Lifetime channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

Viewership ratings from South Africa's Broadcast Research Council (BRC) indicate that the claimed "Wendy Williams Day" only managed to hook a disappointingly small 49 219 viewers in the country during the 19:20 timeslot on Lifetime on Saturday for the Wendy Williams: The Movie made-for-TV movie.

The ratings increased very slightly to 50 107 viewers for the Wendy Williams: What a Mess! documentary that followed afterwards during the 20:50 timeslot on Lifetime on DStv.

In America the Wendy Williams biopic and documentary performed much better in viewership and audience share when it was shown on pay-TV there - also on a Saturday - in late-2020.

In March Wendy Williams mistakenly claimed in a YouTube video that 10 April is "Wendy Williams Day in South Africa", with South Africans who wondered where she got the wrong information.  

The former female radio shock jock turned TV talk show host Wendy Williams partnered with A+E Networks' Lifetime channel in the United States to tell her life story following the implosion of her marriage to Kevin Hunter.

His infidelity that led to lurid tabloid headlines and almost spelt the end of her The Wendy Williams Show seen on ViacomCBS Networks Africa's BET (DStv 129) channel in Africa.

ALSO READ: Wendy Williams Hot Topic biopic as well as fascinating Wendy Williams What a Mess! documentary to both air on Lifetime in Africa on Saturday 10 April.

ViacomCBS ends BET on linear broadcasting in the United Kingdom, TV channel switching to on-demand digital streaming only from 8 April.

by Thinus Ferreira

ViacomCBS's BET channel is ending as a linear TV channel on pay-TV in the United Kingdom on 8 April and will switch to becoming an on-demand digital video streaming channel only.

Monde Twala, senior vice president and general manager for ViacomCBS Networks Africa and peer lead BET International, announced the end of BET as a linear pay-TV channel in the UK market in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 

While BET remains a linear TV channel in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, BET is transitioning to "a digital-first brand" in the UK. 

It's not clear what the "digital-first" move for the UK, means for BET's "digital-first" aspirations for South Africa and Africa.  

"We are committed to growing the BET brand in the United Kingdom and to continuing to elevate Black love, joy, power and pride worldwide."

"BET is an authentic destination for Black culture globally, and we are certain this move will strengthen the brand presence in the United Kingdom as we super-serve lovers of Black culture with rich and diverse content across our streaming services."

Monde Twala said that "By investing in local content and focusing our United Kingdom future on streaming, we can connect with a larger base of fans in a deeper, authentic and more meaningful way."

"Every market is different, but streaming is a key pillar in making sure that the BET brand resonates and is successful. It's about being where the audience is. What we want to make sure we do is become a significant destination for talent and serve audiences that follow Black culture and entertainment."

Wendy Williams Hot Topic biopic as well as fascinating Wendy Williams What a Mess! documentary to both air on Lifetime in Africa on Saturday 10 April.

by Thinus Ferreira

In April South African viewers will get to see the sordid details of her personal life story, as well as the shocking drama behind-the-scenes as production on her American TV talk show crumbled, when Lifetime will broadcast both the Wendy Williams made-for-TV movie, immediately followed by the eye-popping documentary.

The former female radio shock jock turned TV talk show host Wendy Williams partnered with A+E Networks' Lifetime channel in the United States to tell her life story following the implosion of her marriage to Kevin Hunter, after his infidelity that led to lurid tabloid headlines and almost spelt the end of her The Wendy Williams Show seen on BET (DStv 129) in Africa.

The biopic, Wendy Williams: Hot Topic, as well as the startling documentary, Wendy Williams: What a Mess!, will be broadcast in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa on Saturday 10 April on Lifetime (DStv 131), two and a half months after it was shown in America on 30 January.

Interestingly, Lifetime has scheduled the Wendy Williams event night for a Saturday night in Africa as well, similar to America where both broadcasts became the most-watched programming on pay-TV for the night.

The biopic, Wendy Williams: Hot Topic is first on Saturday 10 April at 19:20, starring Ciera Payton in the lead role. 

The film that starts in the present, rewinds and pulls back the curtain on Wendy's childhood years, her early work life trauma at radio stations including her drug use and rape, as well as the start of her TV talk show in New York.

In recent years her talk show almost derailed following health issues and her controlling husband who cheated on her and had a child with another woman living just a few kilometres away. 

It led to Wendy escaping the "prison" Kevin allegedly built up around her after confining her in a so-called "sober house" where she couldn't speak to anybody and couldn't leave except with guards to record episodes of her show.

The documentary, Wendy Williams: What a Mess!, with a crying Wendy Williams speaking directly to camera, is also filled with fascinating first-person interviews including her parents, family members and friends, and talk show producers.

The documentary is filled with more startling revelations and insights, for instance how Wendy was essentially "held captive" by her husband and decided to escape from a car in order to make a secret meeting she had set up to file for divorce, the humiliation she experienced in childhood and how it turned her into a determined loner driven to succeed, as well as her notorious feuds with celebrities from Mariah Carey to Whitney Houston.

In the documentary viewers her more about the shocking circumstances that led to her divorce, her childhood, the untold turmoil behind-the-scenes of her TV talk show, and the private darkness she has had to endure.

Actress Lindiwe Ndlovu has died at 45, honoured as 'an unsung incredible actress who will leave a huge space in the creative world of acting'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African actress Lindiwe Ndlovu known for multiple roles on South African television and stage has died. She was 45.

The exact cause of death is unknown but Lindiwe Ndlovu who just celebrated her 45th birthday this past Friday had been suffering from medical issues according to her agent and passed away in her sleep on Monday morning, 11 January 2020.

"It is with heavy hearts and unimaginable sadness that we bring you the news of Lindiwe Thembekani Ndlovu passing in her home this morning 11 January," her longtime agent long-time agent Lynne Higgins at Gaenore Artiste Management says in a statement.

"To us Lindiwe was family but to many she was so much more - an unsung, incredible actress who will leave a huge space in the creative world of acting. Her incredible passion, deep respect for her craft and unrivalled commitment to her career evident in every project she took on."

"Lindiwe’s love for the stage is reflected in the many productions she gave her heart and soul to.  A large number of them being performed at the Market Theatre, to which she had strong ties with her entire career, even spending her younger days completing two years of studies there."

"From a TV and film production aspect, there are too many of her roles to mention, each of them giving herself into the character and process heart and soul."

"What we will remember most is her love and unwavering dedication to her friends and family. She had a larger than life presence that was undeniably infectious to those who loved her."

Lindiwe Ndlovu appeared in Isono, the first locally produced telenovela for ViacomCBS's BET (DStv 129) produced by Clive Morris Productions.

Clive Morris Productions in a statement says "We are so saddened by the news that multi-award winning actress Lindiwe Ndlovu has passed away. We will always remember the great contribution she made to our industry. It was an honour to have her part of our cast on Isono as her last role".

Lindiwe Ndlovu won a SAFTA award in 2013 for her role in the 2013-film Little One. She also appeared in films like Safari in 2013 and 2011's Winnie Mandela. 

On television she portrayed the role of Sponono in Zabalaza on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel, and had roles in Agent (SABC1/Netflix SA), Backstage (e.tv), Egoli (M-Net), eHostela (Mzansi Magic), Erfsondes (SABC2), Generations (SABC1), Ga Re Dumele (SABC2) and Greed & Desire (Mzansi Magic).

She also appeared in Home Affairs (SABC1), Ifalakhe (Mzansi Magic), Isidingo (SABC3), Lockdown (Mzansi Magic), Mazinyo Dot Q (SABC2), Ses' Top La (SABC1), Soul City (SABC1), Scandal! (e.tv), Stokvel (SABC2), Umlilo (e.tv) and Uzalo (SABC1).

The Wendy Williams Show on BET takes another break after the death of Wendy Williams' mom Shirley.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Wendy Williams Show seen on BET (DStv 129) has once again gone on a break in the United States from this week after talk show host Wendy Williams revealed that her mom Shirley had died.

The Wendy Williams Show will return with new episodes in America the new year after Christmas on 4 January 2021.

The show released a statement, saying "The Wendy Williams Show will air repeats to allow Wendy to travel and be with her family at this time".

"The show will return with original episodes on Monday, 4 January 2021. Debmar-Mercury extends its deepest condolences to Wendy and her family".

While the 12th season of The Wendy Williams Show on BET started on 21 September 2020 in America, ViacomCBS Africa only managed to start running them almost a month later in October. It means that viewers in Africa will still continue to see new episodes on the BET Africa channel with repeats that will only start here in roughly early-January 2021.

Wendy revealed in this past Friday's episode that her mom passed away. 

Shirley, who made several appearances in the past on her daughter's show, passed away on 29 November according to Wendy's brother Tommy Williams who revealed the exact date in a YouTube video. Shirley's funeral took place this past weekend in Miami, Florida. 

Wendy said on Friday's episode that Shirley "passed away beautiful and peacefully and surrounded by love".

"My mom and I, our relationship became closer and closer when I went to college. Our relationship was like that of two teenage girls - 17, if I could pick an age," Wendy said.

"You know if you have siblings, each of you has different relationships with your mom and dad… Right up until the end, my relationship with my mother was so girly and ridiculously giggly. We would do our nails together and we’d watch Housewives or American Greed."

"Gone is the best mother, the best girlfriend a girl could have. I am fortunate I had her in my life all of my 56 years".

Wendy said "She is everywhere; first thing I think about in the morning, the last thing I think of when I go to sleep."

ALSO READ: Wendy Williams back on BET in Africa for her 12 season - but with several changes, episodes a month late and cold topics that's old and dated.

TV NEWS ROUND-UP. Today's interesting TV stories to read - 27 October 2020.

Here's the latest news about TV that I read and that you should read too:

■ Wendy Williams on the verge of another drug-fuelled implosion?

With her bizarre and highly erratic behaviour once again visible on-air, insiders working behind-the-scenes at The Wendy Williams Show seen on BET (DStv 129) say "it's like coming to work and watching a trainwreck every day".

- Production staff is at a loss over what to do.

- Wendy Williams starts Monday with cryptic: "I'm not perfect."  - "You're a tough crowd."

- Shock that Debmar-Mercury would allow this to air.

- Former show DJ Boof warns: "Everyone there is afraid to speak up because they don't want to lose their jobs.  This is going to play out bad".

■ Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings: "We don't really focus that much on title count."

Video streamer on defence in its Q3 earnings call with investors as Netflix admits that its content catalogue of titles is now smaller than what it used to be.

■ Mindhunter on Netflix most likely cancelled.

■ How Apple TV+ is carving out a niche as video streaming service.

■ Health shock: Legendary SuperSport presenter Neil Andrews undergoing triple bypass surgery.

Hospitalised Saturday after unbearable chest pains started this past weekend.

■ Young YouTube influencers are shamelessly marketing junk food to other kids.

■ SABC3's cheater Expresso presenter Katlego Maboe didn't just throw Monique Muller but also the other woman Nikkita Murray under the bus.

When a child is involved, cheating becomes that much more difficult and destructive.

■ Home Improvement's Zachery Ty Bryan dragged girlfriend out of bed by her hair, beat her and choked her over a cellphone charger.

■ New show of Shepard Smith, now seen on CNBC Africa (DStv 410) is a ratings flop.

■ The room where it happens: Why writer rooms make for great TV.

■ How the TV industry in America is getting back to work.

■ In America TV journalism will remain broken after Donald Trump.

■ Joe Dempsey on his new British series Adult Material: The Game of Thrones actor talks porn, sex and self-pleasure.

■ The TV and film industry got black characters wrong for decades. Meet the black British creatives rewriting the script.

■ Shock and outrage as Nigeria's government and corrupt National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) cracks down on the struggling country's media and TV channels during #EndSARS protests.

"The future of press freedom in Nigeria is under massive attack to muzzle journalists."

■ UPIC TV launches in Botswana as an internet protocol TV service.

Wendy Williams back on BET in Africa for her 12 season - but with several changes, episodes a month late and cold topics that's old and dated.

by Thinus Ferreira

On Tuesday at 09:30 Wendy Williams bounced back on BET (DStv 129) for the premiere of season 12 of her American talk show but with several changes - including her signature "Hot Topics" that have now become cold topics and hopelessly outdated with ViacomCBS Networks Africa that is now running episodes a month late.

While MultiChoice's constantly wrong online DStv episode guide (EPG) shows The Wendy Williams Show to broadcast at 10:00 on weekday mornings, Wendy is actually shown from 09:30 to 10:15 on BET.

Wendy Williams is now back in her New York studio for The Wendy Williams Show but her content and the subjects, gossip and the people she is discussing and commenting on, are hopelessly dated. 

BET that previously used to ran episodes of seasons of Wendy Williams first on the exact same date as they are broadcast in the United States on DStv, and then a few days later, hasn't said why it is now showing episodes of the 12th season of The Wendy Williams Show a full month after the original broadcast date on DStv.

Tuesday's debut episode of the 12th season of The Wendy Williams Show on BET was broadcast on 21 September 2020 in America already, with very little that's left that's relevant in it.

Wendy Williams for instance talking about NeNe Leakes leaving The Real Housewives Of franchise, now awkwardly comes across as out of touch with the watching of episodes that feels like a waste of time since topics and stories have moved on so quickly and so long ago already.

In other changes because of the Covid-19 pandemic the Just Wendy/Perler Productions show, distributed by Debmar-Mercury, has ditched the in-studio audience that Wendy called "my co-host" in favour of production crew members.

Crew, now with masks on and adhering to social distancing, are now sitting and clapping on a few of the purple chairs.

Also mysteriously gone without explanation is DJ Booth from the show's DJ booth, replaced by DJ Suss One.

With DJ Booth and Wendy Williams who have unfollowed each other on social media, it has led to rife speculation over the past month that he might have left because of the talk show's toxic work environment, or a personal fight with Wendy, or because of drama between Wendy and Nicki Minaj since he worked closely with the rapper.  

After heavy criticism ViacomCBS Networks Africa backtracks on 'activist' Pearl Thusi's tone deaf planned interview on BET with alleged rapist Tall Ass Mo in 4th season of Behind the Story.

by Thinus Ferreira

Following heavy criticism of its controversial decision, ViacomCBS Networks Africa is retreating and will no longer broadcast an interview between Pearl Thusi and Tol Ass Mo - accused of alleged gender-based violence and involved in an ongoing court case - in the upcoming 4th season of the celebrity profile series Behind the Story on BET (DStv 129).

Controversy erupted when BET Africa announced that Mongezi Mahlangu, known as Tal Ass Mo, together with his wife Mome, would be included in the next series of sit-down interviews in the upcoming 4th season of the celebrity profile series Behind the Story fronted by Netflix's Queen Sono star Pearl Thusi.

With MultiChoice and ViacomCBS Africa running gender-based violence (GBV) campaigns and TV ads during Women's Month over the scourge of violence against women in South Africa, Pearl Thusi was accused of being "tone deaf" after she shared that she would be interviewing Tol Ass Mo who is facing ongoing court action after allegations of rape brought against him by actress Lerato Moloi.

In a statement earlier this month on 4 August 2020 Lerato Moloi revealed that she was allegedly sexually assaulted and raped by the comedian while working on a TV production in 2014 in Paarl in the Western Cape.

Pearl Thusi who initially defended her right to interview Tol Ass Mo later deleted her social media post and has now also locked her Twitter account, with BET and ViacomCBS Africa that initially also supported the celebrity interview inclusion in the upcoming season.

Pearl Thusi initially compared her upcoming Tal Ass Mo interview to that of CBS News' Gayle King in the United States. Gayle King interviewed R Kelly for a news special specifically about the multiple rape allegations swirling around him. Pearl Thusi said that she is not a judge but "an activist".

When Pearl Thusi was asked when she will be interviewing Lerato Moloi, she said she is "still waiting for her to agree".

On Sunday afternoon ViacomCBS Networks Africa in a statement made a a U-turn and announced that the Pearl Thusi sit-down with Tol Ass Mo will no longer be happening as part of Behind the Story.

"BET Africa confirms that the Tol Ass Mo and Mome interview from the upcoming new season of Behind the Story with Pearl Thusi will not be aired on the channel out of respect for the current environment, legal proceedings and the basis of impartiality," ViacomCBS Networks Africa said.

Pearl Thusi stays getting L's for her absolute and utter tone deafness..

Sis cannot read the room for anything..

Nobody wanted some feel good interview about a rapist. Especially not now when were in the midst of a GBV epidemic..

— A Black Woman 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 (@SneKhumaloSA) August 22, 2020

You are missing the point! Your tone to interviewing Tol Ass Mo was completely different compared to Gayle’s. You were excited to be interviewing him whereas Gayle was seeking to hold R Kelly accountable. It’s ridiculous for you to flip it as if it’s the same thing. pic.twitter.com/Z5voqfp4Fj

— Busi Lethole #JusticeForShoni (@BusiLethole) August 23, 2020

@pearlthusi it would be great to understand what made you want to interview him with the current allegations when GBV is robbing the country of its women. What happened to Wathintabafazi wathintimbokodo? Where is your empathy 🤔

— Lancaster (@Lancast06187973) August 23, 2020

Over the weekend TVwithThinus asked ViacomCBS Networks Africa why Pearl Thusi and BET Africa is doing an interview with an alleged rapist, while a courtcase is ongoing and how such an interview aligns with MultiChoice's latest gender-based violence campaign and Viacom Africa's statements and campaigns about the issue.

ViacomCBS Networks Africa said that "BET Africa and Behind the Story supports the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and we are consistently creating content and using our platforms to amplify and support a positive and urgent change in attitudes and behavious towards gender-based violence. There is an immediate need to drive and champion education of this crucial societal issue".

ViacomCBS Networks Africa was also asked what specifically it and the BET Africa channel's policy is regarding giving exposure to alleged perpetrators of gender-based violence.

ViacomCBS Networks Africa in response to this question said that it is "concerned about the seriousness of this matter, the mature of the allegations and respect the sensitivities".

When asked if ViacomCBS Networks Africa is also interviewing Lerato Moloi and giving her the same airtime as the glossy profile celebrity interview to be aired with Tall Ass Mo, ViacomCBS Networks Africa said "we continue to engage with all parties concerned in relation to the interview".

Coronavirus: Multiple TV channels, platforms to show the global Covid-19 concert – One World: Together at Home – on Sunday in South Africa and across Africa.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African viewers will be able to watch One World: Together At Home, a star-studded global concert as a live broadcast very early on Sunday morning, 19 April on BET,  MTV, MTV Base and MSNBC and through online streaming on various platforms, with a primetime rebroadcast on E! on Sunday evening.

The One World: Together at Home broadcast, curated by Lady Gaga will feature appearances by Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder. 

Others who will appear include Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, Usher and Pharrell Williams.

Also appearing are Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Awkwafina, Amy Poehler, LL Cool J, Lupita Nyong’o, Matthew McConaughey and Victoria Beckham.

The aim of the broadcast is to raise awareness and to generate funds to fight the global spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus pandemic, with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO) who are partnering together to present the show. 

 One World: Together at Home will be shown as a live broadcast on BET (DStv 129), MTV (DStv 120), MTV Base (DStv 322) and MSNBC (StarSat 263) in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa at 02:00 in the morning on Sunday, 19 April at the same time as it is shown in the United States, with E! (DStv 124) that will show a rebroadcast on Sunday evening at 18:00 in South Africa and across Africa. 

Disney's National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) is also set to broadcast One World: Together at Home although it's not yet clear whether it will be a live broadcast or a rebroadcast with no announcement from National Geographic in Africa yet.

As a multi-hour digital broadcast streaming online, One World: Together at Home will be accessible on Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Instagram, Tencent, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, Twitter, Yahoo and YouTube. This digital special will include additional artists and performances. 

The American late-night TV hosts Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show and Stephen Colbert of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert seen on e.tv, are set to be the hosts of the One World: Together at Home broadcast and will be filled with musical performances and comedic sketches, with the core purpose to help raise funds and to educate and inform viewers globally about Covid-19 risks, prevention and response. 

The special will also include interviews with experts from the WHO, as well as stories of frontline healthcare workers from around the world and their courage and sacrifice fighting the virus. 

"As we honour and support the heroic efforts of community health workers, One World: Together at Home aims to serve as a source of unity and encouragement in the global fight to end Covid-19," says Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. 

"Through music, entertainment and impact, the global live-cast will celebrate those who risk their own health to safeguard everyone else's. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, says "We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The One World: Together at Home concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat."

American talk shows and late night hosts including Trevor Noah shun studio audiences as coronavirus fears grow.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African and African viewers will soon notice the start of the absence of live studio audiences in several American shows which are doing away with in-studio audiences for an unspecified period as coronavirus cases worldwide and in the United States and fears of in-person transmission increase.

In South Africa, where the number of coronavirus cases is increasing, the TV industry has not yet implemented any changes in terms of in-studio audiences for local talk shows, game shows, youth shows and other programming which are filmed before rows of seats filled with people from across the country.

Producers of The Wendy Williams Show carried on ViacomCBS Networks Africa's BET (DStv 129) is immediately doing away with the New York in-studio audience that Wendy Williams often refers to as her "co-hosts".

"Wendy values her co-hosts and their daily participation but in light of the current health climate, The Wendy Williams Show will not have a live studio audience until further notice. We will continue to produce a daily live talk show and look forward to welcoming the studio audience back when the time is right," the show says in a statement.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show carried on M-Net's VUZU (DStv 116) says that "With the rapidly changing nature of the Covid-19 outbreak and out of concern for our audience attending The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Telepictures will suspend audience attendance during tapings effective Monday 16March," Telepictures says in a statement.

The Real shown on BET - also produced by Warner Bros from the same Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank in Los Angeles as Ellen will however start to screen people before allowing them to sit as in-studio audience members.

"We are asking all guests to confirm that neither they nor any member of their household have traveled within the past 3 weeks to or through a location that has been deemed Level 3 by the Centre for Disease Control, currently China, Italy, Iran and South Korea," says Warner Bros. in a statement.

"These new and temporary precautionary measures have been put in place out of an abundance of caution and out of concern for the health and safety of our guests and staff."

No longer seen in South Africa, Dr. Phil is also axing the in-studio audience for now. "The health of our audience members, staff and crew are the priority," says Carla Pennington, the show's executive producer in a statement

The Late Late Show with James Corden done from Los Angeles and seen on M-Net (DStv 101) will continue with a live in-studio audience. The Talk seen on 1Magic (DStv 103) and done from The CBS Studio Centre in Los Angeles is also still taking audience members during late March and early-April.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah carried on ViacomCBS Networks Africa's Comedy Central (DStv 122) and that records episodes in New York is currently still making tickets available for audience members this week but will get rid of the audience from next week.

"Our top priority is the safety of our guests and staff. Beginning Monday 16 March The Daily Show with Trevor Noah will film without a live, in-studio audience," says Comedy Central in a statement.

"This move is being made out of an abundance of caution and concern regarding the spread of the Covid-19 virus and per guidance from New York City officials to take appropriate actions. There have been no developments at The Daily Show’s studio to cause concern for audience members who have plans to attend the show tonight or tomorrow."

"Measures have been taken to protect everyone who enters and works in the office and studio with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures."

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert shown on e.tv and also recording in New York from inside the Ed Sullivan Theatre is also stopping letting people in.

"Beginning Monday 16 March The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will film without a live, in-studio audience," says CBS in a statement. "This move is being made out of an abundance of caution regarding the spread of the Covid-19 virus and the uncertainty of the situation for future weeks."

"Per guidance from New York City officials, CBS and The Late Show are doing their part to help decrease the potential rate of transmission in our communities. There have not been any specific developments at The Ed Sullivan Theater to cause concern for audiences."

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver seen on M-Net (DStv 101) is also removing the in-studio in New York.

"As of this coming Sunday 15 March Last Week Tonight With John Oliver will film without a live, in-studio audience," says HBO in a statement. "We are taking this precaution in accordance with best practices as outlined by New York City officials. We will continue to monitor the situation."

KB Motsilanye replaces Kelly Khumalo as title star in BET's Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story bio-series.

Actress KB Motsilanyane has replaced Kelly Khumalo who exited for as-yet-unknown reasons as the title star of BET's (DStv 129) Dream: The Lebo Matosha Story that will start airing on the channel and Showmax from Wednesday 6 November at 21:30.

After a public casting call earlier this year the Ochre Moving Pictures production settled initially roped in Kelly Khumalo, as well as the reality star Bahumi Madisakwane, but after Khumalo dropped out, producers scrambled to replace her with KB Motsilanyane to portray the legendary singer.

The two will depict different stages of the kwaito star's meteoric life that ended in tragedy.

KB Motsilanyane will portray the adult Lebo as she experiences the highs and lows of the music industry, which placed her as a music icon on a global stage, while Bahumi Madisakwane will depict the youthful Mathosa as she traverses the journey of finding her feet and realising her dream.

"It’s not an easy journey to play this character because it’s beyond imagination, larger than life and every single thing is a new experience. Walking in Lebo’s shoes is definitely one of the greatest things I have ever done,” said KB Motsilanyane in a supplied statement from Viacom Africa on Tuesday.

Bahumi Madisakwane said "The fondest memory I have of Lebo Mathosa was from when I was five or six and we went to the Rand Easter Show, a show where she and my father were performing.  I remember she was this amazing powerhouse on stage… and was always so maternal and protective over me and I think that is why I really want to tell her sincere, humble and emotional side.”

Dream: The Lebo Matosha Story is a co-production between BET Africa and Ochre Moving Pictures. and the  project is co-funded by the department of trade and industry, the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC)  and Showmax, supported by The Lebo Mathosa Foundation.

After Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story premieres on Wednesday, 6 November on BET Africa episodes will become available on MultiChoice's video streaming service, Showmax, the following day.

The Wendy Williams Show seen on Viacom Africa's BET renewed for another 2 seasons until 2022.

The Wendy Williams Show, seen in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa on Viacom Africa's BET (DStv 129) has been renewed for a further two seasons until 2022.

The 11th season of the weekday American talk show kicked off on Monday in the United States with Liongate's Debmar-Mercury announcing that Wendy has been renewed for another two seasons.

The 11th season follows after the tumultuous on-again, off-again 10th season that saw Wendy Williams take several extended breaks since January 2019 dealing with health issues and chronic disease complications, addiction and a divorce from her husband Kevin Hunter who was also axed as executive producer after 8 years after allegedly fathering a child following his years-long extra-marital affair with another woman.

"I'm so excited to launch our 11th year by letting the world know I will continue to do what I love to do so much - and for a very long time," Wendy Williams said in a press release announcing the renewal.

Wendy said the talk show "will never stop working very hard to bring our dedicated Wendy Watchers and audience 'co-hosts' the freshest national daytime television!".

Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus said "Wendy's enduring demo strength is matched only by its unwavering support among our valued station partners".

Viacom Africa says that Jerry O'Connell and his new talk show, The Jerry O Show, won't be replacing The Wendy Williams Show on BET during reruns.

Episodes of Jerry O'Connell's new 3-week American talk show tryout won't be replacing The Wendy Williams Show on BET (DStv 129).

The Wendy Williams Show, broadcast on BET at 17:00 in South Africa and across Africa concluded its 10th season in the United States on Friday with talk show host Wendy Williams going on an American summer vacation until the debut of the 11th season sometime in September 2019.

During this time, Wendy Williams has given her New York studio and production facilities to Jerry O'Connell who will get a 3-week tryout to possibly launch a permanent new TV talk show, depending on whether he can get sizeable enough ratings.

Jerry O'Connell was one of the guest hosts on The Wendy Williams Show earlier this year while Wendy Williams was hospitalised and received treatment for a fractured shoulder and substance addiction while going through personal problems including separation from her husband.

At the end of new episodes of a season, BET usually goes into repeats and rebroadcasts of The Wendy Williams Show, similar to what happens in the United States and with other American TV talk shows.

In this case, Viacom Africa and BET won't be replacing The Wendy Williams Show repeats on DStv with new Jerry O'Connell episodes and will show Wendy Williams Show rebroadcasts of the 10th season in the same timeslot until the 11th season starts.

"On 1 August Jerry O'Connell appeared on The Wendy Williams show to announce his new talk show to be aired on the FOX network later this month. Jerry is a close friend of Wendy’s and stood in as a guest host on The Wendy Williams Show during her time off," Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) told TVwithThinus in response to a media enquiry asking about whether The Jerry O Show might replace it during repeats.

" While they will be using the same set, their shows, network and target audiences are quite different," said Monde Twala.

Similar to The Wendy Williams Show, The Jerry O Show is also produced by Liongate's Debmar-Mercury.

"We are big believers in trying new concepts and excited to once again be collaborating with our friends at Fox," said Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents, in a statement.

"We have come to know Jerry as a true talent whose infectious charisma and authenticity have made him a favourite of many daytime talk show fans, and we are so glad to provide him with this opportunity to shine."

"I love daytime. I love watching it and have fallen in love with guest-hosting it," Jerry O'Connell said.

"Whether asking people to 'Cash Me Outside' or asking them 'How You Doin'?' daytime is a big part of my life. I am thrilled to work with my friends at Debmar-Mercury. I have been collaborating with them for years and am so excited to bring a little bit of the traditional - and something brand-new - to the audience. This is going to be a fun, fun time".