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T.I. Settles Charges With SEC Over Fraudulent Cryptocurrency

Rapper, actor, producer, club owner, investor. T.I. has long been a proponent of diversifying his streams of income and is known as a keen entrepreneur that is always quick to impart financial wisdom and advice on his followers.

However, it’s that same eagerness that recently landed the Atlanta rapper in trouble with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He was charged by the SEC as part of Atlanta-based movie producer Ryan Felton’s fraud scheme. The charges allege that Felton “misappropriated funds” and “engaged in manipulative trading” to inflate the price of the Spark tokens he was offering.

Felton first recruited Tip to promote FLiK, who then “falsely claim[ed] to be a FliK co-owner and encourag[ed] his followers to invest in the FLiK ICO,” according to an SEC press release.

An ICO, or initial coin offering, refers to an Internet-based method of crowdfunding for new cryptocurrencies.

Lars Niki/Getty Images for BET

Tip, along with his social media manager, William Sparks, were charged with promoting fraudulent ICOs that were not registered with the SEC. The two have since settled their civil charges with the SEC, paying a $75,000 fine and agreeing to refrain from marketing or selling securities for a minimum of five years.

In a statement given to HipHopDX, a representative for T.I. asserted that the rapper “regrets his involvement with Mr. Felton.” The SEC’s claim alleges that Felton used the misappropriated funds he embezzled and “the proceeds of his manipulative trading to buy a Ferrari, a million-dollar home, diamond jewelry, and other luxury goods.”

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Tiffany Haddish’s African Grocery Store Visit Sparks Debate, Is She a Trailblazer or Out of Touch?

Tiffany Haddish is at the center of controversy after a video of her visit to a grocery store in Zimbabwe went viral. In the clip, Haddish marvels at the store’s size and the availability of items like sugar cane and organic strawberries, which she seemed to find surprising.

The reaction from viewers has been mixed. Some applauded her for challenging stereotypes about Africa, while others mocked her for acting as if the continent lacked modern amenities. One user on X quipped, “Tiffany Haddish, the first woman to discover a grocery store in Africa,” while another expressed confusion over her reaction, questioning why she seemed surprised by the store’s offerings.

In response to the backlash, Haddish took to X to clarify her intentions. She emphasized that her goal was to “demystify” Africa and encourage more Black Americans to visit.

This incident follows another controversial trip earlier this year, when Haddish visited Israel amid ongoing conflicts, a move that drew criticism for its insensitivity. Despite the recent backlash, Haddish remains active, with her latest project being the memoir I Curse You With Joy, which has garnered positive reviews for its candidness.

In an era where public figures must tread carefully, it seems Haddish’s words continue to spark debate, whether she’s on a global adventure or sharing her personal experiences.

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Robert Downey Jr. Unveils Doctor Doom, and Jonathan Majors’ Fallout Sparks Viral Frenzy!

At San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, Robert Downey Jr. stunned fans with his unexpected return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealing himself as Doctor Doom in the highly anticipated “Avengers: Doomsday.” The excitement didn’t stop there, as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also teased a follow-up film, “Avengers: Secret Wars.”

The reveal set social media ablaze, with MCU fans ecstatic to see RDJ back in action. However, the celebration was tinged with controversy as Jonathan Majors—who was slated to play Kang in the now-controversial “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty”—has been trending on X. Majors’ recent conviction for assault and subsequent departure from Marvel has led fans to reflect on his past statements about wanting to share the screen with Downey.

In a 2023 interview with Lifehacker Australia, Majors expressed his admiration for RDJ, saying, “I would love to be across from him on screen… His portrayal of Iron Man is so fascinating.” As the dust settles on Downey’s big reveal, fans can’t help but wonder about Majors’ reaction and what could have been.

What are your thoughts on the viral reactions surrounding Jonathan Majors as RDJ makes his big Marvel return? Drop your comments below and stay tuned to Honk Magazine for more updates!