Black Coffee Takes Nota to Court in Urgent Bid to Stop “Defamatory” Online Claims
A fierce legal showdown has erupted between Dj Black Coffee and Nota Baloyi, after the producer filed an urgent high court application demanding the immediate removal of a series of explosive online allegations.
According to Sunday World, Black Coffee argues that Baloyi has repeatedly posted false and damaging statements about him — including claims that he associates with criminals, mistreats people and is involved in questionable financial dealings.
He wants the court to declare the posts defamatory, order their deletion, and compel Baloyi to issue a written apology word-for-word as drafted by Black Coffee himself. He is also seeking costs against Baloyi on the strictest scale.
Baloyi Hits Back: “This Is About Silencing Critics” Baloyi, known for his unapologetic commentary on the entertainment industry, has fired back with equal force. In his responding papers, he accuses Black Coffee of using wealth, fame and influence to intimidate those who challenge him.
Baloyi argues that his posts are either factual or constitute fair comment protected under constitutional free-speech laws. He says the case “is not about defamation but an attempt to muzzle public discourse on issues that affect society.”
He further alleges that Black Coffee contacted his mother in an effort to pressure him — behaviour he labels “intimidatory” and emotionally distressing.
Counterapplication Demands Costs and Compensation Taking the fight a step further, Baloyi has filed a counterapplication asking the court to dismiss Black Coffee’s case entirely and order the DJ to pay punitive legal costs.
He is also demanding R25 000 in compensation for the distress he says was caused to his mother, along with an order barring Black Coffee and his team from contacting him or his family outside proper legal channels.
Baloyi insists the matter cannot be urgent, arguing that the posts remained online for weeks before Maphumulo took action. He wants the case postponed until Black Coffee hands over documents he believes will support his claims.
Court to Decide on High-Stakes, High-Profile Dispute
With both men seeking sharply opposing outcomes — one pushing for takedowns and an apology, the other demanding dismissal and damages — the legal battle is now in the court’s hands.
Police in Monkey Bay are detaining a 21-year-old woman, Regina Justine, for allegedly lacerating her client’s private parts.
Monkey Bay Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Alice Sichali confirmed the arrest and said the incident occurred on 1st December 2025 at around 17:00 hours at Devil Street in Monkey Bay Trading Centre.
According to police, the accused and the victim were in an intimate relationship when the victim became too drunk to engage in sexual activity.
Regina, reportedly angered by his state of intoxication and feeling neglected, allegedly used a razor blade to cut the victim’s manood while he was asleep.
The matter was reported to Monkey Bay Police Station, and the victim was issued a medical report before being referred to Monkey Bay Community Hospital, where he is currently admitted.
Police say Regina remains in custody as she awaits her court appearance on a charge of acts intended to cause grievous harm.
She hails from Kampepuza Village under Traditional Authority Kwataine in Ntcheu District.
As the fallout grows over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s alleged order to “kill” all survivors of a strike on a suspected drug-carrying sea vessel, recent developments suggest that a growing number of Republican lawmakers may be willing to turn on the top Trump official and impeach him, Zeteo reported Tuesday.
According to a whistleblower, Hegseth allegedly ordered on Sept. 2 a follow-up strike on a sea vessel off of Trinidad’s coast, a strike designed to kill two survivors of an initial attack who were observed clinging to the wreckage.
If proven, experts say it would be a blatant violation of international law and a potential war crime.
Hegseth outright denied that he issued the order to kill the survivors — a claim that President Donald Trump said he believed. Should it have actually happened, however, Trump said that he “wouldn’t have wanted a second strike,” and at least one Republican — Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) — said that Hegseth’s order, if true, would constitute an “illegal act.”
And on Monday, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said he intended to introduce an “unprecedented bipartisan House Armed Services investigation into this illegal strike,” an announcement that Zeteo reporter Peter Rothpletz argued Tuesday could hint that a larger GOP revolt may be on the horizon.
“One can assume Khanna wouldn’t make such a bold proclamation if at least several of his GOP colleagues on the committee had not already privately agreed to such a bold move,” Rothpletz wrote.
“Secretary Hegseth, I’m afraid you’re about to be introduced to the underside of a bus… Liberal lawmakers like Khanna are right to feel they have a real political opportunity here, even if their leadership team doesn’t yet recognize it.”
Rothpletz went on to argue that Democrats should not allow Hegseth to “wriggle off the hook,” and implored the House Armed Services Committee to “subpoena every last official” to get to the bottom of the allegations. Apparently, Rothpletz wrote, “lawmakers sense blood in the water around ‘Secretary of War Crimes,’” giving rise to the unprecedented defiance of at least one GOP lawmaker, and potentially more.
PRIESTS DECRY CONTINUED ATTACKS BY UPND SUPPORTERS
President of the Local Catholic Clergy in Zambia – Rev. Fr. Augustine Mwewa has condemned verbal attacks on Priests and Bishops made by UPND supporter Victor Kalesha at State House during a meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema on the constitutional amendment issue.
Mr. Kalesha, who claimed to be a Bishop, said Catholics Priests should not comment on the constitutional amendment issue because they do not have children.
But Fr. Mwewa of Holy Family – Lulamba Parish in Chingola of the Archdiocese of Ndola said Mr. Kalesha’s comment amounts to hate speech and abuse of Catholic Priests.
Speaking to Radio Icengelo News, Fr. Mwewa said Priests have a moral obligation and the right to comment on governance issues.
“I pity Mr. Kalesha, so he is saying all the youths, men and women without children should not speak-out? Where does he want to take our Prophetic role and human right? So now in Zambia if you have no child you hold no right to speak for the people,” Fr. Mwewa said.
He urged President Hichilema to denounce Mr. Kalesha’s remarks made in his presence at State House on Monday, 1st December, 2025.
“The President should stand up and denounce remarks by Mr. Kalesha. And the President the other day was saying he is ready for dialogue, is that dialogue we are seeing? Such people (Kalesha) must be arrested for hate speech. It is sad that we are being insulted for speaking the truth,” Fr. Mwewa said.
He said Priests will not be silenced by attacks from UPND and its supporters.
WE’VE TRIED TO DIALOGUE WITH HH BUT HE DOESN’T ACKNOWLEDGE US – KATEKA
NEW Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka says the opposition have been trying to engage the Head of State for the last four years, but he does not acknowledge them.
Kateka adds that the opposition have given up on the President as he has nothing but disdain for them.
On Friday, President Hakainde Hichilema, during a courtesy call with the Finnish Parliament Committee, said he has been telling his political competitors to put aside differences and work together for the greater good of the country.
Reacting to that in an interview, Sunday, Kateka said President Hichilema was a great showman who says the right things in public but acts differently.
She added that a wise leader would have engaged the opposition to garner some collective wisdom from them for implementation, to the benefit of the nation.
“The President, as [is] his custom, is being disingenuous when he urges the opposition to work together with him for the good of the country. How does one work with someone you have never met, never had a conversation with, or never had [contact] from? The opposition have individually and collectively tried to engage the President over the last four years, but he does not even acknowledge our letters. We have given up on him, quite frankly, as he has nothing but disdain for us,” said Kateka.
“He is a great showman who says all the right things in public, but his actions belie his words. He does not mean what he is saying at all. A good and wise leader would have engaged the opposition to garner some collective wisdom from them and he could then have implemented those ideas himself. The nation would have gained”.
FACT-CHECK | What Dr. M’membe Got Wrong About Bill 7
Public debate on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 has intensified, with political actors sharpening their narratives as the Bill edges toward Parliament. In this climate of competing claims, the role of factual scrutiny becomes urgent. As a nationalist platform committed to clarity, we are launching a dedicated fact-check feature to help citizens separate evidence from rhetoric. Today, we begin with the claims made by Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe, whose statement on Bill 7 has gone viral.
1. Claim: “Bill 7 allows the President to appoint fifty MPs.”
Fact-check: This claim is false. The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 does not explicitly state the proposed number of presidential-appointed MPs. However, it does talk about increasing the number of constituencies. The increase in the National Assembly comes from new constituency seats and reserved seats for women, youth and persons with disabilities under Article 68. None of these are presidential appointments. M’membe’s statement suggests a power grab that is not reflected in the actual clauses.
2. Claim: “Bill 7 gives the President power to fire an elected MP and replace them.”
Fact-check: This claim is misleading. Clause 5 amends Article 72 to remove by-elections for party-held seats. When an MP vacates a seat, the sponsoring party replaces the MP within seven days. This mechanism strengthens parties, not the presidency. It mirrors proportional representation systems in countries like South Africa. It is a legitimate debate whether this weakens voters’ influence, but it is inaccurate to say “the President will fire and replace MPs.”
3. Claim: “Bill 7 is secret gerrymandering to benefit one region.”
Fact-check: Unproven. Bill 7 introduces a change to Article 68 to increase the number of constituencies to 211. It does not list which constituencies will be split. That decision belongs to the Electoral Commission of Zambia under the separate delimitation process that began in 2019. Supporters and opponents may differ on motives, but the Bill itself does not redraw boundaries. Claims of regional rigging cannot be established without the ECZ’s full delimitation report, which has not been released.
4. Claim: “Bill 7 centralises land control under the Presidency.”
Fact-check: False. Bill 7 contains no amendments to Articles governing land administration. The 13 clauses deal with representation, nominations, succession rules, qualifications for office, and vacancies. Land policy remains governed by the existing Constitution and statutory laws. M’membe’s reference to land appears to conflate unrelated debates.
5. Claim: “Bill 7 removes presidential term limits.”
Fact-check: Incorrect. Clause 7 amends Article 106 only to clarify succession rules and partial terms. The two-term presidential limit remains unchanged. The Bill does not extend the President’s stay in office nor adjust the 50+1 requirement, contrary to what M’membe suggested.
6. Claim: “Bill 7 is a ‘silent coup’ designed to create a one-party state.”
Fact-check: Opinion, not fact. Bill 7 contains controversial provisions, especially the removal of by-elections and mixed-member representation, and these changes deserve public debate. However, none of the clauses in the Bill provide for presidential appointments of MPs, one-man control of Parliament, or constitutional abolition of term limits. The language of “silent coup” is political, not legal.
7. Reality Check: The actual 13 clauses For accuracy, Bill 7 proposes amendments to Articles 47, 52, 68, 72, 81, 106, 110, 154, 158, 177, 189, and transitional provisions. The full outline makes one point clear: many of the claims circulating do not match the Bill’s contents.
8. Why this fact-check matters Bill 7 is now the centre of Zambia’s most heated national conversation. Citizens deserve factual, verifiable information so they can debate the issues with clarity rather than fear. Politicians will frame the Bill according to their interests. Our job is to interrogate those claims using evidence, not sentiment.
This Fact-Check column exists to verify public statements without bias. Our commitment is to accuracy, national interest, and the integrity of public discourse.
LUBINDA REFUSES TO REINSTATE MPANKANTA AND OTHERS, APPOINTS NEW INDIVIDUALS FROM THE VACANCY CREATED
..Replaces Musonda Mpankanta, Christopher Shakafuswa, Brenda Nyirenda and others…
STATEMENT TO ALL PF MEMBERS & THE GENERAL PUBLIC
RE: APPOINTMENTS IN THE CENTRAL AND PROVINCIAL COMMITTEES
In accordance with the provisions of Articles 51 and 61 of the Patriotic Front Constitution, the President Hon Given Lubinda has exercised his powers and made the following interim appointments with immediate effect.
A. MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) In view of the vacancies that have arisen in the recent past, the President has appointed the following;
1. As MCC & Deputy National Chairman for Youths : Mwenya Matafwali 2. As MCC : Goodson Banda 3. As MCC: Brave Mweetwa 4. As MCC: Alinedi Adora Phiri 5. As MCC : Lawrence Sichalwe 6. As MCC : Warren M. Liywali 7. As MCC: Hon Tasila Lungu Mwansa
B. LUSAKA PROVINCE 1. Lusaka Provincial Youth Chairman : Enock Mwila Yumba 2. Lusaka Province Deputy Youth Chairman: Cliff Bwalya
C. The Provincial Chairman for Lusaka Forbes Mufwaya has elevated the following;
1. Steven Mwape: Lusaka District Youth Chairman 2. Gift Simusamba: Interim Lusaka District Vice Youth Chairman
CELESTIN MUKANDILA DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL – ADMINISTRATION
CC: The PF President
-The National Chairperson
-The Secretary General
-The National Deputy Secretary General (Political)
-The MCCs
-All PF Provincial Chairmen
-PF General Membership
-Media & the Press
⬆️ ANALYSIS | Miles Sampa Step-Aside: Symbolic Resignation or Political Calculus?
Miles Sampa has announced that he is relinquishing the position of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. In the same breath he has promised to vote “NO to Bill 7 whenever it will be brought” and has framed his move as obedience to “what has been demanded of us by the Oasis Forum and the general public.” The timing is not accidental. The Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments handed its report on Bill 7 to State House after fresh consultations were ordered by the Constitutional Court earlier this year.
On paper, Parliament already has a Leader of the Opposition. The official National Assembly record lists Robert Chabinga, the Mafinga MP, as Leader of the Opposition recognised by the Speaker. Sampa’s claim to the same title has rested on internal PF decisions and on his own public messaging rather than on formal parliamentary recognition. His “relinquishing” therefore changes little in the standing orders of the House. It changes a lot in the political theatre.
Sampa has always mixed principle with performance. He is the Matero MP, former Mayor of Lusaka and a long-time PF insider who has shifted positions more often than most of his peers. His latest statement does three things at once. First, it distances him from any accusation that he might be part of a “bought” opposition ahead of the Bill 7 vote. Second, it frees him from responsibility if the PF caucus fractures and the Bill scrapes through. Third, it allows him to reposition himself as the opposition figure who listened to the Oasis Forum and “put Zambia first and not our pockets,” even if his influence over actual votes is limited.
The context matters. Bill 7 was already declared unconstitutional in its original form by the Constitutional Court for lack of adequate consultation. Government responded by appointing a Technical Committee that claims to have collected thousands of submissions countrywide. Opponents, led by the Oasis Forum, argue that the process is still flawed and have demanded that the Bill be withdrawn rather than reintroduced. The terrain has now shifted from courts and consultation rooms back to pure numbers on the floor of the House.
Just like Bill 10 in 2020, which collapsed after failing to secure a two-thirds majority following a UPND walk-out, Bill 7 will live or die on parliamentary arithmetic.
Sampa’s move is designed to influence that arithmetic by moral pressure rather than by institutional leverage. By publicly stepping aside, he sends a coded warning to PF and independent MPs who might be tempted to back the Bill. If the Bill passes, he wants the public record to show that “Parliament’s official printout” has his NO on it and that the blame belongs to others.
If it fails, he can claim to have been part of the resistance, even without holding the title he has just “relinquished.” It is politics of reputation management in advance.
Inside PF, his statement exposes the depth of fragmentation. There is an officially recognised Leader of the Opposition who is not driving this conversation. There is a party leadership that has struggled to impose a single line on Bill 7. There are MPs who privately accept some elements of the Bill, particularly delimitation and proportional representation, but fear a backlash from a base that has branded the entire process “illegal” and “a power grab.” Sampa’s declaration adds another centre of gravity.
It tells PF supporters that he is their man in the House, even if the Speaker’s Order Paper says otherwise.
Strategically, Sampa is also reading the opposition vacuum. Since UPND moved into government, Zambia has lacked a coherent, disciplined opposition bloc. PF is locked in leadership struggles. Minor parties that opposed Bill 10 on principle have no parliamentary footprints. By tying his resignation to the demands of the Oasis Forum, Sampa is trying to occupy that moral space that the old UPND once held: the camp that says no to controversial constitutional amendments inside the chamber, not only on the streets and at prayer rallies.
There is also a personal calculus. Sampa invokes the late Edgar Lungu’s “consent” in making him Leader of the Opposition. That line is aimed at the nostalgia of PF supporters who still see Lungu as the reference point for opposition strategy after his death in June. By presenting himself as the custodian of Lungu’s last political wish, Sampa nudges PF MPs and the PF base to treat his stand on Bill 7 as faithful to the founding script, while leaving the harder organisational work of caucus management to whoever takes over the title.
In practical terms, his resignation will not decide the fate of Bill 7. That outcome will depend on whether PF, independents and smaller parties can replicate what the then-UPND did with Bill 10, and hold a disciplined line inside the House despite pressure, inducements and fears of dissolution. But Sampa has ensured that, whatever the final vote, his own name and his own narrative are insulated.
He has stepped out of a contested office and stepped into a clearer role: the MP who wants history to remember that he voted no, even if his party could not hold the line.
For The People’s Brief, the story is less about one title and more about what this gesture reveals. The opposition remains split. The moral centre of the anti-Bill 7 campaign lies outside Parliament, in churches and civil society, while inside Parliament the numbers and the leadership are still in flux. Miles Sampa has chosen his side and written his own alibi in advance.
The real test now is whether the rest of the opposition, both PF and non-PF, can convert public anger into disciplined votes when Bill 7 finally reaches the floor.
BILL 7 IS A DIRECT ATTACK ON ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRACY AND MUST BE REJECTED
Bill 7 is not a constitutional amendment. It is not a reform. It is not a modernisation of governance. Bill 7 is a calculated assault on Zambia’s democracy and a deliberate attempt to centralise political power in the hands of one individual and one party. Every patriotic citizen must stand up and oppose it.
This Bill represents the most dangerous threat to our constitutional order since independence. It seeks to rewrite the rules of our democracy in ways that undermine the will of the people, weaken Parliament and place the presidency above every institution in this country.
The first dangerous provision is the proposal to allow the President to appoint fifty members of Parliament. No democratic nation allows a Head of State to handpick a battalion of MPs who owe their loyalty not to the people but to the President who appoints them. This is political corruption written into law. It will give the President unchecked power to amend the Constitution, remove term limits, abolish the 50+1 rule, and impose any legal changes that consolidate his power.
The second alarming feature is the manipulation of constituency delimitation. The proposals are opaque and suspicious. There is no transparency on which constituencies will be increased, merged, or eliminated. Yet there are strong indications that the intention is to multiply constituencies in specific strongholds to give one party a permanent numerical advantage. This is gerrymandering. It is tribal arithmetic. It is an attack on fairness and equality. No nation survives when constitutional boundaries are drawn to favour some citizens and punish others.
Most chilling of all is the clause that gives the President the power to fire an elected Member of Parliament and replace them without a by-election. This provision alone is proof that Bill 7 was crafted to weaken Parliament and silence dissent. It turns MPs into frightened spectators who cannot challenge the President for fear of instant removal. It undermines the sovereignty of the people who voted them into office. It makes elections meaningless if the President can simply replace elected leaders with his own appointees.
The Bill further seeks to centralise land administration under the state, weakening the authority of traditional leaders and exposing communities to dispossession. Zambia’s land belongs to its people. It is a cultural, economic, and ancestral asset that cannot be subjected to political manipulation. Centralising land control in this manner opens dangerous doors for exploitation by foreign interests and political elites.
Bill 7 is not a reform document. It is a silent coup. It is a structured attempt to tilt the entire governance system toward one centre of power. If enacted, this Bill will cripple democratic institutions, destroy legislative independence, and create a presidency that is untouchable by the people.
We must resist this attempt to hijack our Republic. We must protect our Constitution from those who seek to weaken it for personal political gain. Zambia belongs to all of us, and it’s not going to be a good place for any of us to live in if it is not a good place for all of us to live in.
TASILA LUNGU JOINS PF CENTRAL COMMITTEE IN LATEST PARTY SHAKE-UP
FORMER Chawama Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu has been appointed to the Patriotic Front Central Committee, becoming one of the key figures added in the party’s continued restructuring under Acting President Given Lubinda.
In a statement issued by PF Deputy Secretary General for Administration Celestin Mukandila, the latest appointments are meant to fill vacancies that have emerged in recent weeks.
The reshuffle also includes other notable figures such as Mwenya Matafwali, who will now serve as Deputy National Chairman for Youths.
On 21st November 2025, Lubinda dropped Musonda Mpankata, Brenda Nyirenda, Melisiana Phiri,former Secretary General Davis Mwila,as well as Northern Province Chairperson Chomba Chipili and Lusaka Province Chairperson Christopher Shakafuswa from the party’s Central Committee.
Why the UPND Government’s Attack on the Catholic Church Is a Disservice to Zambia’s Democracy
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
The Catholic Church’s involvement in Zambia dates back to the late 19th century, long before the rise of modern political parties or formal state structures. Early Catholic missionaries—such as the White Fathers and the Jesuits—did far more than preach. They built the country’s earliest mission schools, health centres, agricultural training institutions, and technical workshops.
These institutions produced some of the first generations of educated Zambians who later joined nationalist movements, public service, trade unions, and civil society. Their educational work instilled values that shaped Zambia’s political culture, including respect for human dignity, personal responsibility, civic consciousness, organisational discipline, and community leadership. Even before independence, the moral and social teachings of the Church helped cultivate a population capable of embracing democratic participation. The Church did not merely evangelize; it prepared citizens for leadership, dialogue, and political engagement.
The Church as a Voice of Conscience During the One-Party Era
During the Second Republic (1972–1991), when Zambia became a one-party state under UNIP, many independent organisations were restricted or co-opted. Yet the Catholic Church remained one of the few autonomous institutions with the courage to speak openly on governance issues. Through pastoral letters, Catholic newspapers, social teaching programmes, and public statements, the Church reminded those in power about universal human rights, the dangers of political monopolies, and the importance of transparency and accountability.
The 1990 Pastoral Letter “You Shall Be My Witnesses” became a turning point. At a time of deep economic distress and widespread political frustration, the Church gave voice to the concerns of ordinary citizens and called for the restoration of democratic space. Historians widely recognise this intervention as one of the catalysts for Zambia’s return to multiparty democracy in 1991.
The Church and the 1991 Transition to Multiparty Democracy
As Zambia approached the crucial 1991 elections, the Catholic Church played a stabilising and peace-building role that helped the country avoid chaos or violence. Through the Zambia Episcopal Conference (now ZCCB), the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), and partnerships with Protestant and Evangelical churches, the Church mediated national dialogue, conducted nationwide voter education, monitored elections, discouraged political violence, and promoted unity during a highly polarised period.
These actions were not partisan—they were expressions of civic responsibility. Zambia’s peaceful transition owes much to the Church’s moral authority and steady presence.
Defender of Democratic Space in the Third and Fourth Republics
From 1991 to the present, the Catholic Church has remained one of Zambia’s most consistent defenders of democratic values. It has challenged wrongdoing under every administration—UNIP (post-1991), MMD, PF, and now UPND—demonstrating its loyalty to principles, not political parties.
The Church continues to champion accountable governance, social justice, economic fairness, ethical leadership, and the protection of the poor and marginalised. It also remains one of the nation’s largest providers of education, healthcare, and community development services, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. In many communities, Catholic institutions form the backbone of social and economic life.
Why Attacking the Catholic Church Is Misguided
The Catholic Church’s engagement in governance issues is not new or unexpected. It is rooted in more than 130 years of service and moral leadership. Speaking against injustice, corruption, or abuse of power is part of its mission. Accusing the Church of overstepping simply because it raises uncomfortable truths ignores its historic role and constitutional freedom to contribute to national discourse.
Furthermore, attempts to portray the Church as partisan are inaccurate. The Church has always critiqued governments when they deviate from ethical or democratic norms. This consistency should be seen as integrity, not political rivalry.
The Church also provides essential services that the state still depends on: schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, and community projects. To undermine such an institution is to weaken the very social fabric that supports millions of citizens.
Perhaps most importantly, hostility toward the Church threatens national unity. The Catholic Church remains one of Zambia’s most trusted and respected institutions. Efforts to discredit or intimidate it risk creating unnecessary tension, eroding public confidence in leadership, and shrinking democratic space.
Conclusion: A Partner, Not an Enemy
The Catholic Church has been central to Zambia’s development—from mission education in the 19th century, through the struggle for democracy in 1991, to its continued defence of justice and human dignity today. It has guided the country through crises, transitions, and ethical challenges.
Any attempt by the UPND government to “fight” the Catholic Church is not only unnecessary but ultimately self-defeating. The Church is not an adversary; it is a partner in nation-building. Attacking it for fulfilling its historic mission is a waste of time and a disservice to Zambia’s democratic maturity.
Nations grow stronger when they value their moral institutions—not when they attempt to silence them.
BILL 7 IN ITS CURRENT FORM RISKS PLUNGING THE NATION INTO DISORDER – KATEBE
By: Sun Fm TV Reporter
The Oasis Forum Has Pulled Out Of The Ongoing Constitutional Reform Dialogue, Accusing Government Of Pursuing An “Illegal And Flawed” Process While Ignoring Critical Governance And Rule-Of-Law Concerns.
Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe Stated That The Organisation Could Not Continue Participating In A Process That Violates Constitutional Court Directives And Lacks Legitimacy.
The Forum Contends That The Reform Effort, Built Around Bill No. 7 Of 2025, Contravenes The Court’s Earlier Ruling Which Nullified The Bill’s Initiation Due To Inadequate Public Consultation.
Ms. Katebe Further Noted That The Technical Committee Responsible For Collecting Public Submissions Operates Without A Proper Legal Framework To Ensure Independence And Accountability.
The Oasis Forum Has Insisted That Bill 7 Must Be Withdrawn From Parliament Before Any Meaningful Dialogue Can Resume.
It Also Criticised The Decision To Align The Reform Process With The 2026 Electoral Calendar, Arguing That The Rushed Timeline Undermines Inclusivity And Diverts Attention From Pressing National Challenges Such As The Cost Of Living, Water Shortages, And Unemployment.
Ms. Katebe Warned That Continuing With Bill 7 In Its Current Form Poses “A Serious Threat To The Integrity Of Zambia’s Foundational Law And Risks Plunging The Nation Into Disorder.”
The Forum Announced Plans To Pursue All Available Legal Channels And May Seek Support From The International Community To Pressure Government Into Halting The Process. #SunFmTvNews
The Bill 7 Saga: Will Parliament Be The Final Gauntlet As Zambia’s Future Is Held Hostage?
By Rev Walter Mwambazi
The debate around Bill 7 has once again exposed the deep fault lines in our nation’s constitutional journey. Yesterday’s spectacle at State House was presented as “national engagement,” but to many of us watching closely, it felt less like genuine dialogue and more like window dressing – a carefully choreographed performance designed to project inclusivity while masking exclusion.
I read a statement by my brother Wiseman Henry Zulu, which defended the process and dismissed the Oasis Forum as irrelevant. His words, though eloquent, carried the unmistakable weight of official duty. But history has a way of judging such moments, and I believe this one will not be remembered kindly.
The truth is simple: TRUST was lost at the beginning. When the Oasis Forum and other civic voices were sidelined from the technical process, the foundation of legitimacy cracked. No amount of stage-managed consultations can repair that breach. Trust, once squandered, cannot be regained through theatrics.
Now, as with Bill 10 before it, the fate of our constitutional order rests in the hands of Parliament. This is the final gauntlet – the arena where the destiny of our nation will be decided, not by the voices of ordinary citizens, but by political maneuvering and numbers on the floor. That reality is tragic.
What troubles me most is the déjà vu. We fought hard against the manipulation of constitutional reform under the previous regime, only to witness the same playbook being dusted off and used again. The actors may have changed, but the script remains the same.
Bill 7 is not just another piece of legislation. It is a test of whether Zambia can break free from cycles of elite-driven constitutional engineering, or whether we will remain trapped in a pattern where the people’s voice is drowned out by political expediency.
I stand with the Oasis Forum, not because they are perfect, but because they represent a principle: that citizens must be heard, not managed. That principle is worth defending, even when it is inconvenient to power.
Parliament now holds the line. But let us be clear – whatever decision emerges will not only shape our laws, it will shape our history. And history, unlike propaganda, cannot be stage-managed.
✅GOVERNMENT MOVES TO ENSHRINE FREE EDUCATION INTO LAW
Government has taken a historic step toward securing free education as a legal right, with the Ministry of Education initiating amendments to the Education Act of 2011.
Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has announced that the proposed amendments have already been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for fine-tuning.
Once enacted, the law will guarantee free education for children from Early Childhood Education through secondary school.
“We have seen the massive benefits that the introduction of free education has brought to the country, and we want to ensure that this policy is backed by law,” Hon. Syakalima said.
The Minister stressed that the surge in school enrolments demonstrates the strong demand for education, previously hindered by school fees.
He further expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Educational Association for Quality Assurance in Zambia (EAQAZ), which will play a key role in monitoring and enhancing the quality of education nationwide.
“As government, we have provided free education, recruited teachers, supplied desks, completed stalled infrastructure projects, and reintroduced meal allowances. Now, what we want is to ensure that the provision of quality education is upheld,” Hon. Syakalima added.
During a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, EAQAZ president Dr. Chilao Mutesa, who was accompanied by a four-member delegation, formally introduced the Association to the Minister.
Dr. Mutesa highlighted EAQAZ’s mission to promote excellence, foster collaboration, and strengthen capacity in quality assurance across Zambia’s education sector.
Dr. Mutesa explained that EAQAZ is a professional body comprising quality assurance practitioners and higher education institutions.
“EAQAZ wishes to convey its support for the recent policy changes, such as the introduction of free education, teacher recruitment, and the revision of the school curriculum, among other positive initiatives,” Dr. Mutesa said.
He further proposed that the free education policy be enshrined in the Constitution to ensure its permanence.
By Hastings Khoji Chishete – MA Political Science, MBA, MPH
What if a constitutional change promising greater representation actually tightens the grip of those already in power? Zambia’s proposed Bill 7 aims to reshape our democracy—but beneath its pledge of inclusivity lies a real risk of entrenching executive dominance and silencing local voices.
What is Bill 7 Bill 7 is a proposal to change Zambia’s constitution, mainly focusing on elections and parliament. The Constitutional Court’s struck down Bill 7 on June 27, 2025, based on the fundamental principle of public participation but the UPND leadership decided to resurrect it, The main changes it suggests are:
1. Increasing the number of local representatives in parliament from 156 to 211.
2. revise the electoral system for election to the National Assembly to provide for a mixed-member proportional representation electoral system to guarantee the representation of women, youths and persons with disabilities; Changing the rules for by-elections, candidate nominations, and filling empty seats.
3. Setting a standard five-year term for both members of parliament and local councilors.
4. Requiring government ministers to step down from their ministerial roles 90 days before an election if they want to run.
5. Allowing mayors and council chairs to serve more than two terms.
6. Letting members of parliament also be part of local council meetings.
7. Updating the legal definitions of terms like “child,” “adult,” and “youth.”
The bill’s stated purpose is to modernize and democratize the electoral system through MMPR, to enhance representation of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to implement delimitation recommendations by increasing constituency seats, to harmonize and stabilize governance terms via five-year unified terms for Parliament and councils, and to clarify and streamline electoral and vacancy procedures.
The underlying intent appears to be increasing political inclusivity and diversity in the National Assembly, reducing electoral disruptions by limiting by-elections before general elections, strengthening executive continuity by allowing ministers to remain in office until 90 days before an election, and expanding local governance integration by including MPs in councils.
Zambia political system and why Bill 7 is bad for it Zambia political system is unicameral, and there is no true separation of power among the three arms of government. Reason being that the President is the head of state and government, and they appoint the Cabinet (ministers) from the elected MPs in the National Assembly. This fusion means there is an overlap between the executive and legislature, the same individuals who seat in cabinet also takes the front seats in parliament. This cconcentrate’s power in the president, offering fewer checks on the executive, especially when the ruling party commands a strong parliamentary majority.
In a unicameral system like Zambia where the President appoints the cabinet from Parliament, several amendments raise concerns:
• Increased Seats (211 constituency MPs): Could lead to gerrymandering, where politicians draw voting regional maps in unfair, twisted shapes to rig elections in their own party’s favour and disproportionate executive influence over a larger, more fragmented Assembly.
• The MMPR System: While promoting diversity, may weaken direct accountability of MPs to constituencies, as some are appointed via party lists with possible influence from powerful leaders in the party.
• Removing mayoral term limits means the same person can stay in power indefinitely, which stops new leaders with fresh ideas from emerging and weakens local democracy.
• MPs in Councils: Blurs lines between national and local governance, potentially centralizing power and undermining local autonomy.
• 90-Day Ministerial Vacancy: May allow outgoing ministers to influence elections while in office.
• Reduced By-Elections: While this saves money, it takes the power to choose a representative away from the voters and gives it to the party leaders
Overall Risk: The reforms if done will strengthen the ruling party’s grip on both national and local governance, reducing checks and balances in a system already prone to executive dominance. Making the president even more powerful and controlling.
Our constitution is the bedrock of our nation’s future—it should empower the people, not just the powerful. Don’t let this moment pass in silence. Get informed, join the debate, and demand clarity from your representatives. Share your views, attend public consultations, and insist on amendments that truly protect democracy, diversity, and local accountability. Your voice matters use it now before the rules are rewritten.
HH STANDS FIRM ON DUE PROCESS, SAYS HE HAS ‘NO REGRETS’ IF BILL 7 FAILS
By: Justin Banda
President Hakainde Hichilema Reaffirmed Commitment To Continued Stakeholder Engagement On The Constitutional Amendment Process Until It Is Concluded.
The President Called On Stakeholders To Help Correct Misinformation Surrounding Bill 7, Emphasizing That Government Will Follow The Correct Procedures In Handling The Amendment.
He Added That He Would Not Regret It If Bill 7 Ultimately Fails To Pass, Stressing That Transparency And Due Process Remain Central To The Reform Effort.
President Hichilema made these remarks yesterday at state house as he meant church leaders from Lusaka,Copperbelt and Western Provinces. #SunFmTvNews
The story of Hon. Given Lubinda: a vivid tapestry of loyalty, resilience, and strategic patience, set against the backdrop of the Patriotic Front’s dramatic rise and internal power struggles.
By Bwembya Mwaume
In the 2010/2011 PF convention, Hon. Given Lubinda-Zayellow-secured 26 votes, a modest yet significant showing against the towering figure of late President Michael Sata.
This contest was less about defeat and more about the respect accorded to experience and vision; Sata remained party president and quickly became the PF’s 2011 presidential candidate. This moment mirrored the classic Zambian political saga, where competition is fierce but respect for leadership endures, like lions circling before asserting dominance.
When PF triumphed on September 20, 2011, Sata’s ascent to presidency opened doors for Lubinda, appointed initially as Minister of Information & Broadcasting, before taking the helm of Foreign Affairs in 2012. Yet, in the volatile arena of politics, loyalty often courts peril. By February 2013, whispers and _utuchawa_ , fueled by misguided party factions, led to Lubinda’s dismissal amid unfounded allegations of leaking to the opposition UPND, a testament to the ruthless nature of succession battles hiding beneath party unity.
Despite the fall, Lubinda’s unshaken loyalty shone like a steady flame. After President Sata’s death in October 2014, rather than jockeying for power, he backed President Edgar C. Lungu, playing a key role in ECL’s electoral victories in 2015 and 2016.
Lubinda’s continued service, as Minister of Agriculture, then Justice, and now acting PF president, reflects a political craftsman who understands that real power often comes from patient persistence and unwavering commitment to the cause.
In Zambia’s political jungle, Lubinda’s journey is a poignant reminder: true leadership is forged not just in moments of triumph, but also in the shadows of adversity.
THE Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendment on Bill 7 yesterday handed over its report to President Hakainde Hichilema, in which over 11,800 submissions were made using various platforms in just two months.
Committee chairperson Christopher Mushabati, represented by vice chairperson Landilani Banda, presented the report to the President.
Judge Mushabati said the over 11,800 submissions marked the second highest recorded in Zambia’s constitutional review process, following about 12,000 submissions collected over a two-year period.
“We are happy to say that we did this in a space of two months. We kept our promise that we would be cost-effective, efficient, and produce quality work,” he said.
President Hichilema, in October, appointed a 25-member technical committee tasked with consulting citizens nation-wide and drafting amendments to the Constitution.
Judge Mushabati emphasised that the committee carried out its work effectively and without interference.
Guided by its terms of reference, the committee conducted physical sittings at provincial centres and virtual sittings in all districts.
Zambia’s Credit Rating Upgrade, What It Means for Our Economy and Our Daily Lives
By Dr. Haabazoka Lubinda, Economist
When I appeared on Hot FM and gave President Hakainde Hichilema’s government a fiscal discipline rating of 9.1 out of 10, I was heavily criticised by some commentators. But fiscal discipline, properly defined, is not about politics or emotions. It is the government’s ability to live within its means, manage debt responsibly, reduce wastage, improve revenue collection, and prioritise spending that grows the economy rather than drains it.
This same fiscal discipline, combined with Zambia’s successful debt restructuring, has now led to two major international rating agencies upgrading Zambia’s credit rating. Fitch Ratings has upgraded Zambia from “RD” (Restricted Default) to B-, and Standard & Poor’s has upgraded Zambia to CCC, removing us from the default category altogether.For the first time since the crisis began in 2020, the world is officially acknowledging that Zambia has come out of economic distress and is now on a clear upward trajectoryWhat Exactly Is a Credit Rating? A credit rating is like a financial scorecard that tells the world how trustworthy a country is when it comes to paying back its debts. It is determined by global agencies such as:
● Fitch Ratings ● Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ● Moody’s These agencies examine a country’s economy, political environment, government discipline, debt levels, inflation, and currency stability. They then assign a score that ranges from very strong (AAA) to very weak.
A good rating makes it cheaper and easier for a country to borrow. A poor rating makes borrowing difficult and expensive.
Zambia’s move from default level to the B- and CCC bracket means we are no longer viewed as a country in financial chaos, but rather as one that is stabilising and regaining credibility.
Why the Upgrade Happened: Understanding the Key Drivers 1. Debt restructuring is almost complete Zambia has restructured or agreed on restructuring for 94% of all external debt. This includes:
● The full USD 3.8 billion Eurobond restructuring ● Almost all commercial debt ● Nearly all bilateral obligations Only a small remainder, about USD 44 million, is still being negotiated. Creditors now believe Zambia can pay its obligations.
2. Debt levels are falling Government debt is projected to drop from:
● 114% of GDP in 2024, to ● 93% in 2025, and 85% in 2026. This is a dramatic improvement and a major reason for the upgrade.
3. Interest rates on external debt have collapsed Before restructuring, Zambia paid around 7.5% interest on external loans. After restructuring, we will pay below 1.5%. This means more money stays in the economy instead of being sent abroad to creditors.
4. Strong economic growth is returning Fitch forecasts:
● 5.2% GDP growth in 2025 ● 6% growth by 2027 Mining, agriculture recovery, improved energy supply, and private sector expansion will fuel this growth.
5. Inflation is expected to fall Inflation is projected to decline from 15% in 2024 to:
● 14% in 2025 ● 10% in 2026 ● 8% in 2027 Lower inflation means stable prices for citizens.
6. Credibility and stability have been restored Through fiscal discipline, anti-corruption efforts, and strict adherence to macroeconomic reforms, government has demonstrated seriousness in managing public finances.
This is why Fitch stated that Zambia has “normalised relations with commercial creditors.”
What Does the Upgrade Mean for Zambia? 1. Cheaper borrowing for government A better rating reduces Zambia’s future interest costs. This frees up money for:
● Schools ● Hospitals ● Infrastructure ● Energy projects ● Social services 2. More foreign investment Investors take credit ratings seriously. With the upgrade, Zambia is now seen as:
● Safer ● More stable ● More predictable This attracts new investment in mining, agriculture, real estate, energy, and manufacturing.
3. A stronger kwacha Credit confidence increases demand for the kwacha, helping stabilise and strengthen the currency.
4. Lower inflation over time A stable currency and lower debt service costs help reduce inflationary pressure.
5. Job creation When investment increases, companies expand. When companies expand, they hire.
This is how improved ratings translate into real jobs for Zambians.
When Should Citizens Expect to Feel the Benefits? Economic improvements do not transform livelihoods overnight. But the benefits follow a clear timeline:
Immediate effects (0–12 months)
● Kwacha strengthens or stabilises ● Business confidence improves ● Lower inflation begins to show ● Government debt service pressures reduce ● More investors begin assessing Zambia Medium-term effects (1–3 years) ● Job creation increases as investments turn into actual projects ● Government spending on social sectors rises
● Reduced cost of borrowing leads to more infrastructure development ● Inflation and interest rates fall further Long-term effects (3+ years) ● Higher, stable economic growth ● Rising household incomes ● Improved public services ● Consistent access to affordable goods ● Less pressure on taxes ● More private sector-led development ● Stronger local currency
How Will Citizens Feel the Improvement in Daily Life? Here are the practical signs that ratings upgrades bring:
● Cheaper loans for SMEs, farmers, and households ● More jobs as new investors enter mining, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, and construction ● Stable prices for mealie meal, fuel, and essential goods ● A stable kwacha, which protects savings and salaries ● Government paying suppliers on time, stimulating the economy ● Better roads, energy supply, and infrastructure due to cheaper government financing ● Expansion of power generation, reducing load shedding In short, as Zambia’s credit rating rises, cost of living pressures decline, economic stability improves, and opportunities grow.
Zambia Has Come Out of Crisis The upgrades by Fitch and S&P are not political statements. They are independent global financial assessments confirming that:
● Zambia is no longer in default ● Debt restructuring is essentially complete ● Growth is returning ● Inflation will fall ● The economy is stabilising ● Fiscal discipline has brought credibility ● Zambia is on a recovery path In other words, the economy is no longer in crisis; it is now on an upward trajectory.
The hard work of the past four years is beginning to show results. With continued discipline, policy consistency, and investment in productive sectors, Zambia can look forward to a more stable and prosperous future.
SLAY QUEENS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT FOR YANGO DRIVERS, SAYS ASSOCIATION.
Kopala Online Taxi Association Chairperson, Moses Mwanga, has revealed that yango drivers are facing challenges especially when they are booked by what he termed as slay queens.
Speaking during the YAR FM social chatter program this morning, Mr. Mwanga, explained that most times the said slay queens would book a yango and then when it is time to pay, they start forcing the driver to touch them or report the matter to relevant authorities with intentions of accusing the driver of wanting to rape them.
Mr. Mwanga, said due to the threatened accusations, most drivers end up not getting their money, a situation he said needs serious attention from relevant authorities.
And Mr. Mwanga, said apart for the challenges of low pricing, and accusations from slay queens, most yango drivers are risking their lives especially when they are booked in the night.
Mr. Mwanga, said in as much as the risks are there, drivers tend to risk their lives so that they can earn a little money and fend for their families.
He added that, as an association they are doing everything possible by engaging the government in the best way, online drives can be helped.
He further said there is need for the government through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to look into the matter and ensure that online transport business is registered with the government.
Caution: Image from file for illustration purposes.
The Nigerian government has granted special protection to the Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate, Fernando Costa, due to reports of imminent threats to his life.
Mr Costa had been the main opposition candidate to incumbent President Umaro Embalo in the 2025 presidential election, held on 23 November.
However, hours before the results were to be announced, the military seized power, suspended elections, and imposed a curfew.
According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Bola Tinubu had approved the decision to place Dias under protection within the Nigerian Embassy premises in Guinea-Bissau.
A letter addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, dated November 30, and signed by the Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the decision reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring the safety of political actors in the region.
The letter also requested ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to provide Mr Da Costa with additional protection within the embassy grounds.
“I write to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GON, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr Fernando Dia Da Costa. Mr President’s decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life.
“The decision to accommodate Mr Da Costa within the Nigerian premises underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy,” the letter read in part.
The development comes after military officers announced a coup in the Portuguese-speaking West African nation last Wednesday.
The coup took place days after the country’s presidential elections.
In 2020, the SDA Church refused to take a position on Bill 10, stating clearly that they were non-political and did not involve themselves in national political debates much like the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Even when one of their own members(President HH) faced imprisonment, the Church maintained silence, insisting that politics was outside their mandate.
Yet today1st December, 2025, the same SDA Church is making public pronouncements on Bill 7 with top Church leaders endorsing the Bill and campaigning for President HH.
This shift raises important questions: What has changed?
Ethel Chisono Edwards, a Zambian-American blogger, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making hateful remarks against President Hakainde Hichilema. She was arrested in September 2025 upon arrival in Zambia to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
The charges against her include four counts of seditious practice and hate speech, allegedly directed at the President, which she initially pleaded not guilty to.
Edwards had been using social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, to disseminate hate speech and seditious content. As part of her plea bargain, she has accepted a guilty charge, hoping for a lighter sentence.
This case has sparked debate about freedom of speech and censorship laws in Zambia. Some argue that the laws are being used to suppress dissent, while others see it as a necessary measure to maintain national unity and protect public figures.
Zimbabwe Inflation Plummets From 82.7% To 19% In Three Months: RBZ Zimbabwe’s inflation rate has collapsed from a massiive 82.7% to just 19% in a mere three months. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Monetary Policy Committee made the historic announcement on 1 December 2025, revealing that the local currency, the ZiG, is now stabilising at a pace not seen in decades. The committee declared that single-digit inflation is now firmly on the horizon for early 2026, a landmark event for a nation long plagued by hyperinflation.
Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu presented the committee’s resolutions, painting a picture of rapid disinflation and growing stability. He stated that the sharp decline was a direct result of sustained monetary policy.
“The MPC welcomed the positive developments on the inflation front, which saw the dissipation of base effects and the deceleration of ZiG annual inflation from 82.7% in September to 32.7% in October and further to 19.0% in November 2025,” the statement read.
A Historic Path To Single Digits The figures presented signal a potential end to one of the country’s most persistent economic crises. For the first time in over twenty years, officials are forecasting inflation to dip below 10%. According to the MPC, annual inflation is now expected to end 2025 between 15% and 17%, a significant improvement from earlier forecasts of 20% to 30%. The committee directly linked this success to its policy stance maintained since September 2024.
“For the first time in more than 20 years, local currency annual inflation is expected to reach single-digit levels in the first quarter of 2026,” the communiqué confirmed.
Strong Inflows Underpin New Stability The report highlighted a surge in foreign currency reserves as a key pillar of the new stability. Total foreign currency inflows for the first ten months of 2025 surpassed US$13 billion (approx. R 234 billion), marking a more than 21% increase from the same period in 2024. These inflows have bolstered the reserves backing the ZiG to approximately US$1 billion (approx. R 18 billion), providing critical import cover. The MPC noted this has allowed the foreign exchange market to operate smoothly.
“The increase in foreign currency inflows ensured that the foreign exchange market fully met all bona-fide import and foreign payment requirements,” the statement asserted.
“Stay The Course” On Policy Despite the positive news, the MPC has opted for a cautious approach, resolving to maintain its current tight monetary policy. The committee decided to keep the Bank Policy Rate at 35% and left statutory reserve requirements unchanged. The goal is to entrench the newfound stability and sustainably anchor inflation expectations before any normalisation.
“The MPC, therefore, reaffirmed its strong commitment to a well-calibrated and data-driven monetary policy stance to sustain the current positive real interest rates environment, which is critical for boosting demand for the ZiG, protecting the value of savings and discouraging speculative borrowing,” Dr. Mushayavanhu explained.
The committee also linked this progress to the broader national vision, stating the developments show “bold strides” towards meeting the conditions for transitioning to a single currency by 2030, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2.
50 Cent is just hours away from dropping “Sean Combs” The Reckoning” and seems that Diddy’s PR has a big problem with it.
50 Cent is unapologetic about releasing this new docuseries about Diddy and his fall from grace. He feels it’s necessary for the world to know that the rap community isn’t turning a blind eye towards his past actions. “It’s not personal,” denouncing that this is a way for him to further disgrace his longtime foe.
“If I didn’t say anything, you would interpret it as Hip-Hop is fine with his behaviors. There’s no one else being vocal. So, you would look at it and say, ‘mind your business, or let me not say nothing,’ it would allow the entire culture to register as if they’re for that behavior.”
But while some will respect Fif for this move, Diddy’s team doesn’t, and understandably so. In fact, the G-Unit boss claims that his PR team, namely Juda Engelmayer, views him as an “adversary.” In an Instagram post caught by DJ Akademiks, 50 writes, “This is puffy’s crisis management PR he is saying very nasty things about me. I mean very nasty, he is calling me an adversary. [worried face emoji] I just didn’t want to go to his party’s LOL.”
Alongside this claim is a screenshot of a June 2025 article The New York Times wrote about Juda and how he became Harvey Weinstein’s PR manager. The article is titled, “The Perks of Being Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist.”
Of course, the irony here is that Juda is representing two men who have a disturbing history of sexual assault and misconduct. Folks in the comments are cracking jokes, too, hoping that a beef like 50 and Diddy’s never finds them.
Juda and 50 might be butting heads even more in the next few days as Sean Combs: The Reckoning is set to premiere tomorrow, December 2. The hitmaker is the executive producer of this four-part docuseries, which can be found on Netflix. It will feature interviews from people close to the incarcerated mogul as well as jurors from his extensive summer trial.
A tragic incident in Mkwasine has shocked the community after a mother allegedly killed her three-year-old daughter, reportedly to appease her new boyfriend, who did not want a partner with a child.
Geviza Fadzai, 35, of Village 2 in Fair Range, was arrested after inconsistencies in her story came to light during preparations for the child’s burial.
According to police, Fadzai allegedly stabbed her daughter on the neck with a knife on Monday, 25 November. She first approached a neighbour, claiming that four unidentified men had attacked the child. Moments later, she reportedly told the village head that the girl had died of natural causes.
Her deception unraveled when mourners noticed a deep, suspicious cut on the child’s neck while preparing the body for burial. They alerted the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Mkwasine, leading to Fadzai’s arrest.
Investigations revealed that the alleged motive was to remove obstacles to her relationship, as her boyfriend reportedly did not want to marry a woman with a child. The child’s body has been taken to Chiredzi General Hospital for a post-mortem examination as police continue to investigate the case.
Authorities described the incident as a heartbreaking example of how jealousy, desperation, and distorted notions of love can result in unthinkable tragedy.
A new teaser for Netflix’s four-part docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning has revealed a tense moment where Sean “Diddy” Combs made a desperate phone call to his legal team just days before his arrest.
The footage, filmed on September 10, 2024 inside the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan, shows the music mogul saying, “We have to find somebody that’ll work with us that has dealt in the dirtiest of dirty business… We’re losing,” Daily Mail reported.
The documentary, premiering Tuesday, was produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who obtained the never-before-seen clips. Speaking on Good Morning America, 50 Cent addressed their long-standing issues, clarifying that it stemmed from uncomfortable encounters he interpreted as “tester” behaviour and not a personal feud.
In another scene from the teaser, Combs is seen greeting supporters in Harlem before requesting hand sanitizer in his SUV, saying he had hugged “about 150 people.”
50 Cent said proceeds from the project will go to victims of sexual assault and rape, adding that some moments captured in the footage showed Combs “forgetting he was on camera.”
Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence at the low-security Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution after being convicted on two counts related to the Mann Act.
The docuseries also features interviews with two jurors from his federal trial. One described Combs and his former partner Casandra “Cassie” Fine as “two people in love.” Another noted that domestic violence was not among the charges they were asked to decide on.
Combs’ public stance shifted after CNN released a 2016 video showing him assaulting Cassie. She later filed a lawsuit alleging rape, abuse and sex trafficking, which was settled over a year ago.
He still faces more than 50 civil lawsuits from multiple accusers, all of which he has denied.
Outspoken war veteran and former ZANU PF Central Committee member Blessed Geza has cautioned Zimbabweans against assuming that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will automatically succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stressing that his current position is entirely at the discretion of the Head of State.
Posting on his X account, Geza said Chiwenga’s appointment as First Vice President was made by the President, meaning his role depends on Mnangagwa’s continued confidence.
“Let me set the record straight for our fellow Zimbabweans who hope to see General Chiwenga become the next President after President Mnangagwa. The fact is, people often overlook that VP Chiwenga was appointed by the President to serve as his first Vice President, which means his position is at the discretion of the President,” Geza said.
He added that while Chiwenga has a legitimate path to succeed Mnangagwa should the President resign, pass away or step down, ZANU PF remains a democratic party with internal processes that allow individuals to contest for the Presidency.
Geza also issued an apology for previous remarks in which he had suggested unconstitutional action against Mnangagwa.
“I wish to clarify that I was wrong to suggest taking action to unconstitutionally remove the President. Such a move is not only unconstitutional but also impossible to implement. I regret making that statement and apologise for any confusion caused. I urge everyone to respect the constitution and the democratic processes of our country,” he posted.
Geza’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about succession within ZANU PF, with Chiwenga widely regarded as a potential future leader.
US Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem proposed a “full travel ban” on unnamed countries she claims are “flooding” the US with dangerous migrants, following a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, December 1..
The recommendation is the latest hardline immigration step taken by the Trump administration in the wake of the recent Thanksgiving eve attack on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C..
Secretary Noem’s recommendation was delivered in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter).
She stated: “I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.”
She continued her condemnation of foreign nationals, asserting that the nation was not built “for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS. WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”
A DHS spokesperson confirmed to the media that a list of nations affected by the proposed ban would be announced “soon.”
The recommendation follows last week’s deadly incident near the White House where Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 10$29$-year-old Afghan national, allegedly shot National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, killing her, and critically injuring Andrew Wolfe.
Lakanwal, a former member of a CIA-backed Afghan military unit, entered the US legally in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome program following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and he was granted asylum in April 2025.
In response to the attack, the Trump administration had previously announced it would halt all asylum decisions, re-examine more than 720,000 green-card holders from 19 “countries of concern,” and pause visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
The 19 countries on the list are those previously subjected to travel restrictions under a June presidential proclamation, which included Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen with full restrictions, and Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela with partial restrictions.
Secretary Noem last week blamed the incident on what she called the “unvetted, mass paroled” individuals brought into the US under the previous administration, stating, “I will not utter this depraved individual’s name. He should be starved of the glory he so desperately wants.”
Popstar, Example has been criticised after telling fans, including those with disabilities, to stand up and dance while he performs.
Elliot John Gleave, 43, who is better known by the stage name Example, has been performing with boyband JLS as a warm-up act for their The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour.
The singer and DJ had big hits between 2010 and 2013, including Won’t Go Quietly, Kickstarts, and Changed the Way You Kiss Me.
On his recent tour, he has delighted fans with his nostalgic hits. However, he has been called out by one fan after a recent performance at the O2 Arena in London, which saw him complain that the audience wasn’t standing to watch him.
“What are you doing? You look stupid,” the singer could be heard saying in a video viewed 45,000 times on TikTok and posted by a concertgoer who revealed she was pregnant and disabled, meaning she needed to stay seated.
“Getting called out by @Example was not on my 25 bingo card… ‘get out your seat’ ‘what you doing’ ‘you look stupid’ sir am 27wks preggers and disabled #jls #example #theo2,” kxrstyyx wrote alongside the video on TikTok.
Other commenters added that the singer had made similar requests from his audience to stand at different venues on the tour.
“In notts the whole time he was complaining about people being sat down,” said emilyyycox.
“He was like this in Cardiff. he was fuming as everyone sitting down,” stephanie2509 wrote.
Followers also rushed to support the concertgoer, saying that they felt sorry for her.
“No because as someone who has chronic pain i was crying for you when this happened in felt so bad and lowkey glad I didnt get front row seats,” xabsolutemuffinx wrote.
“Me and my bf were laughing because I’m a wheelchair user and he was like ‘yeah get up and dance babe’.” said snorlaxowo
“I was there! I kept saying to the group I was with that I didn’t like him because he was being really rude!,” commented chana.18x.
The concertgoer even revealed that at one point she showed her walking aid to Example while on stage, but he proceeded to call her stupid.
One follower commented: “Think at one point the camera went on you, and I think I remember holding up the walking aid?”
The disabled concert-goer then replied: “I diddd he then proceeded to say I looked stupid.”
She later revealed to The Sun that after the concert, she fortunately got to meet JLS and they were very kind to her.
“JLS themselves were absolutely lovely to myself, mentioned how they loved that I painted my walking aid the colours as well,” she said.
U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has revealed that President Donald Trump instructed him and the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a post shared on his verified X account, Moore stated that Trump’s directive follows growing reports alleging that thousands of Christians across Nigeria face attacks, discrimination, and pressure because of their faith.
He also noted that the committee had already begun preliminary work on the issue, and the latest instruction would deepen efforts to uncover the full scope of the situation.
Moore announced that the committee will convene a roundtable discussion with experts, human rights organizations, and religious leaders to better understand the security challenges and alleged violations of religious freedom in various parts of Nigeria.’
According to him, the session aims to “build on the work we’ve done so far” by gathering detailed information and testimonies.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s military is reportedly prepared to wage a prolonged guerrilla war and sow widespread chaos throughout the country should the US attempt a ground invasion to depose him, according to a new report from Reuters.
The report suggests that the Venezuelan dictator is aware his nation’s armed forces are significantly dwarfed by the might of the American military.
Rather than facing an invading force head-on, Venezuela plans to mount a guerrilla-style resistance and execute an “anarchization” strategy to prevent the US from quickly installing a new leader.
The preparations come amid escalating tensions, with the US deploying more than 10 warships—including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford—and a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Caribbean.
Sources and documents obtained indicate that in the event of a US ground or air attack, Venezuela will activate a strategy referred to by high-ranking officials in Caracas as “prolonged resistance.”
The plan involves military units being ordered to split into more than 280 locations across the country to employ guerrilla tactics and acts of sabotage against invaders. Maduro has recently deployed $5,000$ Russian-made Igla missiles, which a source said would be used for surprise attacks, particularly in the face of aerial aggression.
Venezuela’s military has also reinforced routes leading to the capital, creating fortified roads filled with anti-vehicle barriers and heavy machinery to stymie any ground invasion of Caracas. Maduro’s forces are also set to launch an “anarchization” strategy, which would utilize intelligence services and loyalists to create disorder in the capital and make Venezuela ungovernable for any US-backed replacement regime.
While the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela (FANB) boasts about $123,000$ active personnel, sources suggest the army is small, inexperienced, and ill-equipped. The military relies heavily on aging Soviet-era weapons and technology acquired by Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, which would be largely ineffective against advanced American military assets.
Furthermore, analysts expect that should Maduro activate the supposed $8$-million strong civilian militia, only thousands of people truly loyal to his ruling party would show up for combat.
The report suggests that third-party actors could complicate any conflict. The country’s western border sees heavy use by Colombian guerrilla forces like the National Liberation Army. Drug trafficking groups operating in the country—whose international operations have been the justification for America’s increasing threats—could also potentially become involved.
Maduro has repeatedly denied any allegations that his regime is linked with drug trafficking groups, accusing the US of making false allegations to justify an invasion and take control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Sadio Mané continues to provide for the needs of his hometown, the Senegalese village of Bambali.
He has previously delivered several major projects, including a modern school, a fully equipped health centre, a gas station, 4G internet access, and a 1,000-seat football stadium. Yesterday, he inaugurated a new bakery.
Built at a cost of approximately $399,950, the bakery will make it easier for villagers to access their daily food staples while creating valuable job opportunities for the community’s youth. This is a beautiful step in the ongoing development of his village.
Nigerian President Tinubu Orders for Protection of Guinea Bissau’s opposition candidate.
– To reside in Nigeria’s Embassy in Bissau.
The President Bola Tinubu’s administration has formally requested the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to provide additional protection for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa, a presidential candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s November 2025 general elections, following alleged “imminent threats” to his life.
In a letter dated November 30, 2025, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, announced that President Tinubu had approved a security provision for Da Costa within the Nigerian Embassy premises in Bissau.
Tuggar noted that the approval “underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” emphasizing Nigeria’s long-standing role in stabilisation efforts across the West African sub-region.
The minister further requested that ECOWAS mandate its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to extend formal protection to the presidential candidate while he remains at the Nigerian Embassy.
“In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy,” Tuggar stated.
Cameroon’s opposition leader Anicet Ekane dies in military detention
The death of veteran politician Ekane sparks accusations of medical neglect and intensifies the country’s post-election crisis.
Veteran opposition figure Anicet Ekane has died in military custody in Cameroon, his family and legal representatives have said.
Ekane, 74, passed away on Monday morning in Yaounde, the country’s capital, 38 days after security forces detained him in the port city of Douala, France’s public radio RFI reported.
His death has sparked widespread outrage and threatens to deepen the political turmoil gripping Cameroon following October’s disputed presidential election, which saw 92-year-old Paul Biya claim another term after more than four decades in power.
Russia has accused Europe of preparing for a “major war” after a top NATO official suggested the alliance may consider launching “pre-emptive strikes” against Vladimir Putin.
Moscow lashed out at the proposal, accusing the West of “moving towards escalation”, despite Putin’s ongoing shadow war of sabotage, cyberattacks, and airspace violations across Europe.
The warning came after Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATO’s Military Committee, said the alliance could be compelled to act proactively rather than wait to react, marking a major potential shift in its defence posture.
Putin’s covert campaign across Europe has included fires and explosions, such as the blaze at a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in east London, along with the severing of undersea Baltic cables and widespread cyber intrusions. These attacks, Dragone told the Financial Times, are forcing NATO to reassess how it responds to hybrid warfare.
In Moscow’s response, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the remarks as “an extremely irresponsible step” and claimed they showed “the alliance’s readiness to continue moving towards escalation.”
She added: “We see in it a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to overcome the Ukrainian crisis. The people making such statements should be aware of the risks and possible consequences, including for the alliance members themselves.”
Russia’s ambassador to Belgium, Denis Gonchar, also accused NATO of “intimidating its population with the Kremlin’s non-existent plans to attack the alliance countries,” insisting the West is “preparing for a major war with Russia.”
The exchange comes as peace negotiations over the Ukraine war continue. On Monday, Donald Trump said talks were “going along well,” with both U.S. and European officials describing recent sessions as productive.
The Kremlin confirmed that Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Moscow for further discussions.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its lethal bombardment of Ukraine, with at least four more people killed in a strike on Monday, December 1.
Speculating on the possibility of NATO acting first, Dragone said the alliance is examining all options:
“We are studying everything. On cyber, we are kind of reactive. Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about.”
He noted that cyber counter-attacks would be the easiest to execute since many NATO members have strong digital capabilities, while retaliating for physical sabotage or drone incursions would be more complicated — but “not out of the question.”
He added that a “pre-emptive strike” could, in certain circumstances, be considered defensive, though it is “further away from our normal way of thinking.”
Several eastern European nations have already urged NATO to abandon a purely reactive stance. One Baltic diplomat said: “If all we do is continue being reactive, we just invite Russia to keep trying, keep hurting us. Hybrid warfare is asymmetric, it costs them little, and us a lot. We need to be more inventive.”
The debate comes as Ukraine faces intense pressure to reach a settlement, while President Volodymyr Zelensky grapples with mounting military and political challenges at home.
Sean Combs is furious with Netflix and Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, over a new docuseries set to debut on the streaming platform. His spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, issued a sharply worded statement accusing Netflix of exploiting unauthorized material for what he described as a deliberate attack on Combs. Engelmayer told TMZ, “Netflix’s so called documentary is a shameful hit piece” and went on to say it “confirms that Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release.”
The controversy intensified after 50 Cent appeared on Good Morning America on Monday to promote the project ahead of its Tuesday release. During the appearance, he previewed footage of Combs recorded just before the music mogul’s September 2024 arrest. Jackson claimed Combs would ultimately appreciate the documentary, saying Diddy would think it was “amazing” and “the best documentary I have seen in a long time,” except for “some bits and pieces.” He added that Combs would still “see the truth in it.”
Combs strongly disagrees. According to Engelmayer, Netflix and its chief executive, Ted Sarandos, have mishandled and misappropriated private recordings that Combs began compiling at age 19 with the intention of one day telling his story on his own terms. Engelmayer said the streamer was “plainly desperate to sensationalize every minute of Mr Combs’s life, without regard for truth, in order to capitalize on a never ending media frenzy.”
The representative further accused Netflix of taking privileged moments out of context. He said, “If Netflix cared about truth or about Mr Combs’s legal rights, it would not be ripping private footage out of context, including conversations with his lawyers that were never intended for public viewing. No rights in that material were ever transferred to Netflix or any third party.”
Combs is also angered by 50 Cent’s involvement, citing the long running feud between the two. Engelmayer said, “It is equally staggering that Netflix handed creative control to Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, a longtime adversary with a personal vendetta who has spent too much time slandering Mr Combs.”
He added that beyond legal concerns, the situation represents a betrayal. He said, “This is a personal breach of trust. Mr Combs has long respected Ted Sarandos and admired the legacy of Clarence Avant. For Netflix to give his life story to someone who has publicly attacked him for decades feels like an unnecessary and deeply personal affront. At minimum, he expected fairness from people he respected.”
Combs’s camp has made it clear they believe the docuseries, titled Sean Combs The Reckoning, is an act of hostility rather than journalism.
Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has officially been stripped of his last royal titles amid a “delay” to his eviction from the royal lodge.
According to the UK Sun, King Charles has ordered his membership of the Order of the Garter, said to be the most chivalric order in the land, to be cancelled.
The King has also ordered Andy’s Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order to be cancelled and annulled.
The official cull comes just weeks after the shamed royal was stripped of his Duke of York and Prince title and agreed to leave Royal Lodge.
But his eviction from Royal Lodge is likely to be delayed until February, because he is struggling to downsize.
The orders were announced in the London Gazette at midday after it was agreed and announced on October 30.
Andy had earlier agreed to give up his Order of the Garter membership.
They read: “THE KING has directed that the appointment of Andrew Albert Christian Edward MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR to be a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, dated 23 April 2006, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.
“THE KING has directed that the appointment of Andrew Albert Christian Edward MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, dated 19 February 2011, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”
His coat of arms had already been removed from St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
The King’s decision means the disgraced former royal is only clinging on to one remaining title.
Andrew is still a vice-admiral in the Royal Navy, despite the government’s pledge to strip him of the honour at Charles’ request.
Secretary John Healey said the government would “work to remove” his last remaining title of vice-admiral.
The decision and power to remove the honorary vice-admiral title remains with the government and not the King.
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years until 2001 and fought in the Falklands as a helicopter pilot.
He was awarded the honorary rank of vice-admiral by the Navy in February 2015 for his 55th birthday.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is not smiling at all after Netflix shocked everyone with the sudden announcement of a four-part documentary about his life titled The Reckoning, set to drop December 2.
The music mogul fired back through his spokesperson, who described the docuseries as a “shameful hit piece” and accused Netflix of using stolen, unauthorized private footage — including clips he claims were never meant for public viewing, Daily Mail reported.
Diddy is reportedly furious that Netflix allegedly took footage he has been archiving since his teenage years, insisting that it should have been used for him to tell his own story, not handed to outsiders.
His camp also accused Netflix of being “desperate to sensationalize every minute of Mr. Combs’ life” just to cash in on ongoing controversies
But the director of the project insists otherwise, claiming the team obtained all materials legally and had the necessary rights. According to her, Diddy has been filming himself for decades and the footage “came to them” through proper channels.
What seems to sting even more for Diddy is Netflix bringing in 50 Cent — his longtime public enemy — to work on the documentary. His spokesperson called it “staggering” and accused the rapper of having a personal vendetta.
Diddy also sees the move as a personal betrayal from Netflix leaders he claims to respect. He was especially shocked that the streamer would allow someone who has “attacked him for years” to shape the narrative of his life.
Netflix, on its part, has stayed quiet except for releasing the trailer, which features a heavy voiceover saying: “You can’t continue to keep hurting people and nothing ever happens.”
The docuseries promises exclusive interviews, “explosive” never-before-seen materials, and a deep dive into the rise and fall of the Bad Boy Records founder — now serving prison time.
Jada Pinkett Smith is facing explosive accusations from Bilaal Salaam, a man who says he was Will Smith’s “best friend for nearly 40 years.”
In a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Salaam claims Jada confronted him at a hotel in Calabasas during Will’s 53rd birthday gathering in 2021 — with a group of seven people behind her — and allegedly warned him that he would “end up missing” or “catch a bullet” if he didn’t stop talking about her personal life.
He says she demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement “or else,” forcing him to leave, while one of her associates allegedly followed him with more threats, Daily Mail reported.
Salaam — who appeared in Will’s 2000 film The Legend of Bagger Vance — says the incident destroyed his peace, caused severe emotional trauma, triggered health issues including high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, and even led to a 100-pound weight gain.
He claims he went into self-exile for almost two years, losing his long-term relationship and time with his children.
Speaking after filing the suit, he said he is “seeking justice for the atrocities committed against me by Will and Jada,” adding that he plans to file a separate case against Will.
Salaam also says the threats continued after the 2022 Oscars slap. Actor Duane Martin allegedly contacted him to help with crisis management, but Salaam refused, saying he didn’t want to be part of a “cover-up.”
According to him, Martin warned he would have “serious problems with Jada” if he didn’t cooperate — and three more threats followed from Will’s associates.
He says things escalated further when news broke that he was writing a memoir about his years around the Smith family.
Salaam is even suing Jada for emotional distress over her public denial that she ever saw Will behave intimately with men — a denial he claims was meant to paint him as a liar. He says he had previously released a video showing Will touching actor Alfonso Ribeiro inappropriately in front of Jada and their children.
According to him, Jada’s comments led to ridicule and destroyed his luxury jewelry brand, which he says had celebrity supporters. He also claims he lost a $500,000 book advance because he became too emotionally overwhelmed to continue the memoir.
The lawsuit further accuses Jada of launching a smear campaign on radio, allegedly claiming Salaam attempted a “money shakedown” and suggesting extortion — statements he says were false and damaging.
She also reportedly said she and Will planned to sue him but never followed through, which he claims was part of an effort to discredit him.
All of this ties back to Salaam’s long-standing allegation that he once walked in on Will Smith and Duane Martin being intimate — a claim the Smiths have never publicly validated.
Representatives for Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith did not respond to requests for comment.
