princess 1,712 Report post Posted June 27, 2003 Brandy and Husband Splitting Up MARK ARMSTRONG people.com Just two years after their secret nuptials, Brandy and her husband, music producer Robert Smith, are splitting up, a source close to the singer tells PEOPLE. "Brandy and her husband are not together," the source says. "They will remain friends and raise their daughter jointly." No word on why the couple has called it quits. Brandy, 24, and Smith, 23, announced their marriage early last year, but the pair said they actually tied the knot in summer 2001. A month later, the former "Moesha" star confirmed that they were expecting a child. Daughter Sy'rai was born June 16 of last year. (The baby also became the focus of a documentary, "MTV's Diary Presents Brandy: Special Delivery," which followed the performer's last weeks of pregnancy and aired two days after the birth.) The singer -- whose most recent album was last year's "Full Moon" -- never explained why she chose to keep the marriage private for so long, but she did tell PEOPLE at the time, "It was kind of fun, everyone speculating and wondering." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted June 25, 2004 people.comWeek Ahead:TUESDAY, JUNE 29: Brandy is out to prove she's Moesha no more with the release of her new album, Afrodisiac. The singer, now a 25-year-old single mom to daughter Sy'rai, 2, has already heated up MTV with her sultry single "Talk About Our Love" featuring hip-hopper Kanye West. The album, the follow-up to her platinum-selling 2002 CD Full Moon, is a look into her life now, including her breakup with music-producer husband Robert Smith, which she sings about on "Who I Am" ("I had to get rid of the weight on my fourth finger, left hand"). The little girl is all grown up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 Brandy, Quentin Richardson Are Engaged Thursday Jul 29, 2004 10:00am EST peopl.ecom Singer Brandy and NBA star Quentin Richardson are engaged, PEOPLE has learned exclusively. The Chicago-born L.A. Clippers guard, 24, surprised the Mississippi-born former Moesha star, 25, at a private reception at L.A.'s Century Club attended by both of their families and close friends on Tuesday. Sweetening the surprise: rose petals decorating the club ? and an 11 1/2-carat diamond ring valued at $1 million. Jeweler Jason Arasheben spent months designing the unique ring ? and finished it only 30 minutes before the proposal. "It was a total surprise for her," says Arasheben, who has designed custom-made jewelry for the likes of Ashton Kutcher and Michael Jackson. The couple have been dating about nine months. "He is a great guy for her," Brandy's mother, Sonja Norwood, recently told PEOPLE. "I can see the happiness in her." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobbyD 2 Report post Posted July 29, 2004 Hmmm...is it really an engagement? I want to believe you Brandy, I really, really want to! Look at the timing...interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted August 12, 2004 Brandy Norwood sings track from her new album, 'Afrodisiac' at Club Spirit on 27th St. - Photo by: DMI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted August 20, 2004 people.com CAST: Former Moesha star Brandy, 25, is returning to her comedy series roots by finalizing a deal to star in a weekly half-hour project for FOX TV, says the Hollywood Reporter. A concept for the sitcom is still being devised. While that occurs, the trade paper reports, Brandy will continue to promote her latest album, Afrodisiac, which has sold about 287,000 copies in the U.S. since its release in June, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted November 2, 2004 people.com SPLIT: By her own volition, Brandy has left Atlantic Records, which has been her record label for her entire career, reports Billboard. No details of the change have been provided, other than that it was instigated by the R&B star, 25, whose four albums on Atlantic have sold more than 8 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. She is said to be talking to other labels, as well as preparing some TV projects, including a 2005 comedy series for FOX. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
princess 1,712 Report post Posted December 20, 2004 Three-year-old Sy'rai has a fashion role model: mom Brandy. The R&B singer takes her identically suited daughter on a shopping trip to the trendy West Hollywood boutique Kitson. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krysbabe 0 Report post Posted September 21, 2005 source: metaltheoryR & B Singer Brandy has called it quits with her fiance Quentin Richardson. Too bad for her that is two failed very public relationships in a row that must be tough on her. But what made me absolutely furious is the fact that she had a tattoo of his face on her upper shoulder. Now she has it covered up with what looks like huge butterflies which makes it look even worse. What is this poor girl thinking? I told you all a month or so back he was caught cheating with a woman so this might have been the straw that broke the camels back! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taco 0 Report post Posted January 24, 2007 Brandy Causes Fatal Car Crash Posted Jan 24th 2007 11:36AM by TMZ Staff Filed under: Celebrity Justice TMZ has learned R&B sensation Brandy was involved in a fatal accident last month, and it appears to be her fault. It happened at 10:30 AM on December 30, 2006 on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover at 65 mph and did not notice that cars in front of her had slowed considerably. We're told Brandy's vehicle struck a 2005 Toyota. The Toyota then hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota then slid sideways and hit the center divider. As the 2005 Toyota came to a halt, it was struck by a 1988 Acura. We're told the driver of the 2005 Toyota was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition and she died. We're told Brandy was not injured. The driver of the Acura suffered moderate injuries. Brandy was not arrested and there is no evidence drugs or alcohol were involved. Calls to Brandy's reps have not yet been returned. Story developing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sanlee 49 Report post Posted January 24, 2007 That's very sad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutielb99 0 Report post Posted January 24, 2007 Brandy Involved in Fatal Freeway Crash WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24, 2007 02:25 PM EST By Ken Lee R&B singer Brandy was involved in a four-car accident on a Los Angeles freeway in December that left another female driver dead. The 28-year-old Moesha star, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, was traveling on the morning of Dec. 30 when her 2007 Land Rover (traveling about 65 mph) struck the rear of a 2005 Toyota, according to a California Highway Patrol statement. The Toyota's female driver, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, then hit a third car, causing Aboudihaj to strike a center divider. Aboudihaj sustained major injuries after she was subsequently hit by a fourth driver. CHP spokesman Leland Tang said Aboudihaj died the following evening, Dec. 31, at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. Brandy was uninjured; one other driver sustained moderate injuries. Tang said the singer was "very cooperative and helpful" with officers at the scene. "Brandy's holding up the best that she can. It has taken a toll on her," Evette Fergerson, a Norwood spokeswoman, tells PEOPLE. In a statement, Brandy's rep added: "She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of every one involved at this time." No arrests have been made, but the accident, first reported Wednesday by TMZ.com, remains under investigation. "We can't conclude if there's any criminal negligence involved," Tang tells PEOPLE. "It's just too early to tell." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutielb99 0 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 Brandy: The 911 Calls Posted Jan 24th 2007 7:13PM by TMZ Staff TMZ has assembled some of the 911 emergency calls made immediately after Brandy's fatal car crash on December 30. [Link] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutielb99 0 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 Brandy Tells Witness Fatal Crash Was Her Fault Posted Jan 24th 2007 11:36AM by TMZ Staff UPDATE: EXCLUSIVE -- BRANDY ADMITTED FAULT AT SCENE In an exclusive conversation with the man driving directly behind Brandy at the time of her fateful crash, TMZ has learned that the singer repeatedly blamed herself at the scene of the accident. "She got upset, talking about how it was all her fault ... she didn't stop, kept saying how she hit the lady," says the witness. He added, "Brandy walked in front of traffic, crossing the lanes of speeding cars, then she did it again. People were honking at her to get out of the road. She was obviously disoriented and highly upset." The witness also claims he tried to calm the hysterical singer, and even dished out some legal advice, saying he advised her to stop admitting guilt. He also consoled her by repeatedly saying "It was an accident." The witness also claims he went over to check on the woman in the Toyota, but couldn't find a pulse. TMZ has learned R&B sensation Brandy was involved in a fatal accident last month, and it appears to be her fault. It happened at 10:30 AM on December 30, 2006 on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover at 65 mph and did not notice that cars in front of her had slowed considerably. We're told Brandy's vehicle struck a 2005 Toyota. The Toyota then hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota then slid sideways and hit the center divider. As the 2005 Toyota came to a halt, it was struck by a 1988 Acura. In a statement to TMZ from Brandy's publicist, Courtney Barnes, the singer confirmed her involement in a fatal crash: Brandy was involved in a car accident December 30, 2006 in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time. We're told the driver of the 2005 Toyota, Awatef Aboudihaj, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition and she died the next day. Aboudihaj, a 38-year-old married mother of one, was a Los Angeles resident. Brandy was not injured. The driver of the Acura suffered moderate injuries. Brandy was not arrested and there is no evidence drugs or alcohol were involved. Police are doing a mechanical investigation of the cars involved in the accident to determine if there was a malfunction. Brandy's "Moesha" co-star, Lamont Bentley, was killed in January, 2005 when his car plunged off the same freeway. Another "Moesha" co-star, Merlin Santana, was killed by a gunshot wound while sitting in the passenger seat of a car in 2002. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobbyD 2 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 That's terrible...on a snarky note, her publicist gets some credit for keeping it quiet for this long. But then again, maybe the payoff check, bounced? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nsmallaz 0 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 I feel so sorry for her, the people that got hit and the person that died (and their family). This is a terrible thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Freckles 79 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 Terrible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobbyD 2 Report post Posted January 25, 2007 Brandy reached out yesterday to the family of a woman killed last month in an L.A. crash that involved the singer. The R&B singer "wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased" - Awatef Aboudihaj, 38 - said her rep, Courtney Barnes. California Highway Patrol Officer Leland Tang told us: "Right now, it would be hard to say if there will be any charges against Brandy because we don't know if she's the primary collision factor or if she's just associated." Brandy, 28, was driving a Land Rover Dec. 30 on the 405 Freeway when she rear-ended another car, setting off a four-vehicle crackup, first reported by tmz.com. Brandy was not injured, and there is no evidence that she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If responsible, Brandy could face misdemeanor charges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobbyD 2 Report post Posted January 26, 2007 Fatal crash tied to Brandy not due to car flaws Singer who rear-ended auto last month has been ‘fantastically cooperative’ LOS ANGELES - Mechanical factors were ruled out as contributing to the fatal freeway crash last month involving actress-singer Brandy, who triggered the accident when her vehicle rammed into the car in front of hers, police said Thursday. But it's unclear whether the 27-year-old former performer, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, will be found to be primarily at fault or criminally negligent in the Dec. 30 crash, said California Highway Patrol spokesman Leland Tang. A motorist, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a married mother of one, was killed after Brandy’s Land Rover struck her from behind. The former star of the television comedy “Moesha” was not hurt. Aboudihaj’s car was forced into another car in front of hers before swerving into the freeway’s center divider. She was broadsided by a fourth automobile. A big question remaining for investigators is what caused Aboudihaj’s vehicle to careen across four lanes of traffic, turning what otherwise might have been a relatively minor crash into a fatal one, Tang said. An inspection of all four vehicles found no mechanical defects, he said. “We know the person who started the chain reaction was obviously Brandy Norwood,” Tang said. Tang said investigators would spend the next day or two sifting through evidence from the scene and conducting further interviews before turning the case over to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review. Tang said Brandy has been “fantastically cooperative” with police. Alcohol and drugs have been ruled out as factors in the crash, and there is no evidence that Brandy was using a cell phone or was otherwise distracted at the time of the crash. She was in her car alone, Tang said. The celebrity Web site TMZ.com, which broke the news of the crash on Wednesday, quoted one eyewitness as saying the pop star was visibly distraught at the accident scene and “kept saying how she hit the lady.” Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sanlee 49 Report post Posted January 29, 2007 panachereport.com The attorney representing the husband of the woman killed in a 30 December (06) car pile-up involving singer Brandy has attacked the Los Angeles authorities for not making the case a priority. The R&B singer, real name Brandy Norwood, failed to notice cars slowing down in front of her on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles and ploughed her Land Rover into a Toyota, setting off a chain reaction of collisions. The pile-up left the driver of the Toyota Brandy hit, Awatef Aboudiahj, critically injured. She died later in hospital. Brandy recently issued a public apology as a fellow motorist involved in the crash revealed the singer admitted fault at the scene. The R&B star was not arrested, but Los Angeles police officials, who have spent the last month investigating the crash, are set to hand the matter over to prosecutors. Attorney Bill Sayed, who is representing the deceased woman's husband, has slammed the authorities, claiming they kept information from his client in a bid to protect a celebrity. He says, "I think there may have been a level of quietness due to the fact Ms. Norwood was involved." The lawyer reveals Aboudihaj's husband, who does not live in Los Angeles, did not hear about the death of his wife from authorities, but read about the tragedy on the Internet. Sayed adds, "He tells me, `I'm here on my birthday alone because I don't have my family here.'" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plick 1 Report post Posted January 30, 2007 Police want Brandy charged in fatality By JEREMIAH MARQUEZ, Associated Press Writer Tue Jan 30, 2:14 AM ET LOS ANGELES - The California Highway Patrol recommended Monday that actress-singer Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in a freeway crash that killed a woman motorist last month, a city attorney's spokesman told The Associated Press. The CHP referred the matter to the city attorney's office for review, said spokesman Nick Velasquez. "The office is currently reviewing the case and determining whether the evidence warrants the filing of a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter," Velasquez said. A message seeking comment from Brandy's publicist, Courtney Barnes, was not immediately returned. Earlier this month, Barnes issued a statement saying Brandy "wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased." Barnes also has said Brandy wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, Velasquez said. Prosecutors couldn't say when they would make a decision about whether to bring a case. If charged, Brandy wouldn't necessarily have to appear in court and could have her lawyer enter a plea, Velasquez said. Brandy, 27, was driving a Land Rover on Interstate 405 on Dec. 30 when traffic slowed and her vehicle struck the back of Honda driven by Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, according to a CHP report. Aboudihaj's car hit another vehicle, slid sideways into the center divider and was then hit by another car, the report said. Aboudihaj, a Los Angeles waitress, died at a hospital from blunt-force injuries, according to the coroner's office. The CHP alleges in a report that Brandy caused the accident by breaking a law against driving at a speed "greater than is reasonable or prudent" or that "endangers the safety of persons or property," according to a part of the report obtained by the AP. Bill Sayed, an attorney for Aboudihaj's husband, said he supported the CHP's recommendation. Brandy, who earned a Grammy in 1999, has made five albums. She began her recording career at 14 and acted for film and television, starring on the sitcom "Moesha" from 1996-2001 and most recently as a judge for NBC's "America's Got Talent." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobbyD 2 Report post Posted January 30, 2007 Charge Brandy in fatal wreck, L.A. cops urge LOS ANGELES - Police recommended yesterday that singer-actress Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in a four-car crash that killed another woman. The 27-year-old performer, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, triggered a chain-reaction crash when her Land Rover rear-ended another vehicle on Dec. 30, the California Highway Patrol said. Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a married mother of one, was killed in the accident. It's now up to L.A. City attorney's office to decide whether to charge the former "Moesha" star. The misdemeanor offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. News Wire Services Originally published on January 30, 2007 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutielb99 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2007 Brandy Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Car Crash TUESDAY JANUARY 30, 2007 05:35 PM EST TUESDAY JANUARY 30, 2007 09:30 PM EST UPDATED By Ken Lee The parents of the woman killed in a car accident involving R&B singer Brandy filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the former Moesha star. The suit, filed by Ahmed Aboudihaj and Zohra Labridi, alleges "Brandy was driving recklessly" when she struck their daughter. On Dec. 30, Brandy rear-ended 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj, a mother of two, on a Los Angeles freeway, causing a chain reaction which ultimately killed the Moroccan immigrant, police say. At the time of the accident, Aboudihaj was on her way to one of two waitress jobs she held, according to her widow, Hdidou Marouane, 32, an L.A. sales manager. On Monday, investigators recommended that Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. The L.A. City Attorney is reviewing the case. If charged and convicted, Brandy, 27, faces up to one year in county jail. "The accident was a terrible tragedy and Brandy's heart goes out to Awatef Aboudihaj's family," Brandy's rep said in a statement. "But for legal reasons we cannot comment on this lawsuit." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutielb99 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2007 Brandy Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Car Crash TUESDAY JANUARY 30, 2007 05:35 PM EST TUESDAY JANUARY 30, 2007 09:30 PM EST UPDATED By Ken Lee The parents of the woman killed in a car accident involving R&B singer Brandy filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the former Moesha star. Wasn't she married? I thought you had to be an heir or a dependent to file a wrongful death suit in CA. Are parents considered heirs in CA, even if there is a surviving spouse and/or children? And 50 million in damages?!? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Serendipity 12 Report post Posted January 31, 2007 From Dlisted.com: Black civil rights leaders in Los Angeles think that the CHP is making an example out of Brandy. In case you fell asleep at the wheel and smashed into a Toyota Corolla, Brandy was involved in a fatal car crash last December and the CHP has recommended she be charged with manslaughter. Najee Ali, leader of Project Islamic HOPE said, “the CHP is unfairly targeting her for prosecution because of her celebrity.” Najee is putting together an e-mail campaign urging other black civil rights leaders to put pressure on the L.A. attorney to not pursue charges against Brandy. "Unfairly targeting her?" She caused someone's death, for hevvinfreakinsakes! And I might turn the tables on Najee Ali and ask if he's rushing to defend her *because of her celebrity.* Cutielb99, In CA, the rule for filing wrongful death suits is that the surviving family (not just legal next of kin) is entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, which are suffered as a result of the loss of a loved one. So, even though the decedent was married, her parents can file suit also. I would guess the crazy $50-million does indeed have to do with Brandy's economic status, but most suits are filed high, with the expectation that they'll be awarded less than the asking amount. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
