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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 12
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Tax protest by Q100 co-host flops
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Normally, when folks contemplate violating federal law, they don’t drop a dime to Buzz Central.
But when Q100 “Bert Show” co-host Melissa Carter, the city’s only out lesbian on Atlanta morning radio, decided to withhold money from her yearly Internal Revenue Service contribution this month, she let us in on it.
After the newscaster read a recent federal government study that outlined 1,138 provisions and benefits that heterosexual married couples enjoy under current tax laws, Carter opted to withhold exactly $1,138 from her check to Uncle Sam with a letter explaining her gay marriage legalization protest.
But IRS agents won’t be shaking Carter down for the dough, after all. After consulting with her accountant, Carter ran into a slight snag —”Even worst case scenario, I only owed $200!” Carter said, laughing. “So much for my big act of civil disobedience.”
Of course, if Carter were cooling her sensible shoes in the clink, it might complicate collecting her Community Leadership Award at this year’s 19th annual Human Rights Campaign Dinner May 13 at the Marriott Marquis downtown. The HRC is honoring her work over the past five years increasing public awareness of gay and lesbian issues each weekday morning on Atlanta’s airwaves.
A Legendary Event catering company owner Tony Conway, who has worked behind the scenes over the past decade on gay and lesbian and HIV/AIDS charitable causes, will receive the Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award at the dinner. While we bumped into Conway twice this month at the launch party for the Atlantan magazine and the Swan House Ball, the caterer may want to fire himself as a publicist. The bashful businessman never uttered a word about the honor to us.
More info: www.hrc-atlanta.org /dinner.
Mandisa addresses her faith
During an interview with ousted “American Idol” contestant Mandisa broadcast on Tuesday, the aforementioned Carter and her Q100 cohorts asked some pointed questions of the 29-year-old Antioch, Tenn., resident. The self-described “loving Christian” dismissed speculation that she had made anti-gay remarks while on “Idol.” But the budding singer also told the morning show frankly that she would not “feel comfortable” performing at a gay-themed event. She also touted the work of Exodus International, a ministry whose mission statement is “freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ.”
In an interview Monday with AJC “Idol” correspondent Rodney Ho, the singer stressed that she is not anti-gay. “No,” she said. ” I think I’m pro-God. It means I’m pro love. I love everybody no matter what.”
Hamilton, Headley and Van Hunt
Gritty soul singer Anthony Hamilton chose some interesting companions for his nationwide tour, which hits the Fox Theatre for a sold-out show tonight. Opening for the Grammy nominee are Tony Award-winning, incredibly polished R&B singer Heather Headley and Atlanta’s own man of many kinds of funk, Van Hunt. Here’s why: “I just love to mix it up,” Hamilton told Buzz. “I mean, Heather Headley, when she performs live it makes me feel proud about being an artist. … And I don’t think some groups of people know that this sister who has torn up Broadway can still like, bring it! She can put on her Chuck Taylors.
“And Van Hunt, he’s dope,” Hamilton continued. “I didn’t know who he was for a long time. But one day I needed something new to hear and somebody put him on, and it was refreshing. Soulful. Reminded me of Prince a little. And I was like, ‘This cat right here is it!’ “
Uncoupling
A pair of Atlanta lovebirds, rapper Bow Wow and R&B singer Ciara, have split, a spokeswoman for Ciara has confirmed. The young celebrity couple had dated for nearly a year.
“I cannot comment on the reason, but can confirm that Ciara and Bow Wow have split,” said Tracy Nguyen in a statement. In an atypical move that Buzz heartily endorses, the spokeswoman also took the unusual step of adding that the breakup wasn’t amicable.
A message left with Bow Wow’s publicist wasn’t immediately returned.
Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, was christened Lil’ Bow Wow by Snoop Dog. He dropped the “Lil’” in 2003.
The 19-year-old rapper sang a duet with Ciara on “Like You,” the second single off his fourth album, “Wanted.”
Ciara, 20, was dubbed “the first lady of Crunk & B” by Lil’ Jon, who produced her debut single, “Goodies,” from her 2004 album of the same name. At press time Tuesday, the rapper-producer had not yet removed the diminutive adjective from his stage name.
Celebrity birthdays
Talk show host David Letterman is 59. Singer-actor David Cassidy is 56. Actor Andy Garcia is 50. Country singer Vince Gill is 49. Singer Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls is 42. Actress Shannen Doherty is 35. Actress Claire Danes is 27.
Contributing: Rodney Ho, Sonia Murray and news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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