‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap, episode 8: the wrath of Star Jones!
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Gary Busey’s departure doesn’t mean drama is gone, too. Why? NeNe Leakes is still around!
Again, she brought her insecurities out into the open while continuing to play her “I’m keeping it real” reality.
At the start of episode eight, NeNe was still smarting over LaToya Jackson’s comment from last week that said she’d stay in touch with everybody on her team – except NeNe.
Then she said a bunch of whoppers, at least to people who know her from “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
“I cannot understand what I”ve done to her personally for her to say that,” NeNe said. (Um… how about that Casper crack and about how she’s been living off her Jackson name all these years?)
“I don’t know anybody I hate,” she said. (Really? Kim Zolciak?) “And I have had people do some really bad things to me over the years.”
“I don’t hold a grudge,” NeNe added. (Really? Dwight Eubanks anybody?)
NeNe finally says something truly real: “Im not a very trusting person.”
Anyway, there were three men (Meat Loaf, John Rich, Lil Jon) and five women (Hope Dworacyk, Marlee Matlin, Star Jones, NeNe, LaToya) left. The eighth challenge was to create a four-page ad for Saveur magazine promoting Trump Hotels Collection.
Jones, who considers herself a connoisseur of elegance and sophistication, instantly volunteered to be project manager. None of the guys felt comfortable with the “ultra luxury” sector that Trump was trumping but Rich raised his hand to be the head of Backbone this time.
On the surface, this appeared to be Jones’ challenge to lose. “I can be a bit pretentious,” she said. “For once in my life, being pretentious does not hurt me.”
At one point, Star directed NeNe and LaToya to pick up props. But NeNe wasn’t comfortable going with LaToya. So Star forced the two to clear the air.
And they did. Shockingly, NeNe accepted a heartfelt apology from LaToya and the two got along okay after that.
On the other side, Meat Loaf would occasionally befuddle John Rich, who preferred working with rap star Lil Jon. Rich said the Atlanta star is more than just the diamonds and bling, that there’s real substance there.
Anyway, both sides mess up in multiple ways. The women create what could be potentially great photos, but then clutter them up in the actual ad. The Saveur magazine guy said it looked like a cheap stripper ad you might see in Vegas. (Ouch!) The women’s presentation with everyone saying adjectives supposedly describing the Trump brand fell flat and lacked emotional resonance.
The men ignore advice to avoid butlers and shots of buildings. They take photos of a butler and buildings. Their creative juices, after eight challenges, appear to be shot. But they still made a nice presentation, using personal anecdotes but failing to connect their words with their ad. They also forgot to include a phone number or website on the ad, which is Marketing 101. Again, I think fatigue is truly setting in here.
For the first time, there is no winner, only a worse loser. And that would be… the women!
Star Jones does not want to go home, naturally. She targets LaToya as the weakest player to date. Trump is surprised. Though he felt he had underestimated her in the past, executives tended to like her. Her coyness was initially interpreted by NeNe and others as weakness. But she has backbone and a determination that is far deeper than meets the eye. I grew to respect her.
Unfortunately, Star brought LaToya and NeNe back to the boardroom, sparing Marlee and Hope. And NeNe, despite her misgivings about Star, told Trump from a business standpoint, LaToya was weaker. Trump agreed. LaToya, despite a spirited defense, was fired.
Afterwards, LaToya in the cab ride called Star “cunning” and “evil.” She did not blame NeNe for supporting Star.
NeNe, however, was having second thoughts about focusing on business only and told Star afterwards that Star needed to be a little more flexible down the road. They appear okay at that moment.
But we all know things get worse because we see the previews for next Sunday, which are Bravo-licious:
“THE WRATH OF NENE,” the screen says. Then we have NeNe yelling at Star and threatening to “take you down.” Star even says, “This is not ‘Real Housewives.’ ”
But Trump and the NBC promo folks are going to milk this confrontation for all its worth. Heck, we saw it in promos months ago!
So if you want vintage angry NeNe, we get it next week for sure!
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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92 comments Add your comment
CaptainMudderland
April 25th, 2011
11:40 am
NeNe is not a celebrity in my view–however, the woman has a little game…Starr Jones better watch out sucker—cause the strongest woman there is The NeNe Monster. As fas as Hope goes, she is a very pretty woman obviously and this raises my interest in the show–really tough women overall now but that Starr get me ‘put off’ a bit…she really thinks she’s a big time manipulator.
carlaroqs
April 25th, 2011
11:40 am
i thought i heard somewhere that star wanted her own show on oprah’s new network?
JJ
April 25th, 2011
11:52 am
You know what really concerns me here? The number of people who say they “like” NeNe, and to some extent even those who like Star. NeNe Leaks is the epitome of a bully. She’s big, mean, intimidating,rude, crass, backstabbing, and did I mention mean? What kind of person “likes” that in someone? With all the problems we’re having with our children and bullying I would think almost everyone would be appalled by NeNe’s behavior and you’d think someone would have the courage to stand up to her but, that’s why bullies get away with being bullies. What a shame she has been chosen to represent women of Atlanta. Especially considering most ladies from the South are far kinder and classier than she will ever be.
Much as NeNe is a the bully, Star Jones is the prime example of pretentious, manipulative, shallow and cunning. Made all the worse by the fact that she knows and is quite proud of those qualities in herself. Where NeNe is the rattlesnake, Star is the cobra. Poor waif LaToya was in way over her head with these two. How sad she actually thought she could befriend a rattlesnake. I am no fan of Ms. Jackson’s but she is better off for having got out when she did. Who needs that kind of poison in their life?
What Star is to the women John Rich is for the men. A puffed up little man who thinks far too highly of himself. He’s a legend in his own mind. Meatloaf is only a few degrees short of Gary Busey, and Lil John? Well so far he’s stayed under the radar by just being quiet and non-confrontational. No real strengths or weaknesses. Just kind of blah.
Things should be getting very interesting now that the weak have been eliminated. We’ll see who survives.
Trish
April 25th, 2011
1:27 pm
I have started to feel sorry for Nene, I’m thinking she has head problems (seriously). She just talking and wont stop. I actually think Star should have gone home last night, but, if not her, then Hope!! Hope is a weaker link than Latoya.
Spatter2
April 25th, 2011
1:52 pm
Rating people, ratings… If NENE had taken Starr down last night, how many of us would be watching next week? Let’s face it, we love Drama, that’s why we watch unscripted TV. The Drama on this show is NENE and Starr’s relationship. If you wanted NeNe’s 15-min of fame to be over, you wouldn’t be watching a show with her on it. Let’s keep it real, or turn the channel….
Brain Cells Anyone?
April 25th, 2011
2:09 pm
Enough with the ‘Jackson Iconic Family’ hoo hah! That family sponged off of Michael ‘prepubescent pedophile’ his whole brief weird life.
And face it…
If Nene and Star were men, this conversation would be entirly different.
The men’s team’s printed materials were the worst ever last night. One of them should have gone (John Rich!) but you know Trump just couldn’t do it because he is sexist. He wanted to even out the teams to avoid the chances of an all female finale.
Anita
April 25th, 2011
2:29 pm
Leave NENE alone. She doesn’t deserve the crticism that she is getting just because she speaks her mind. Everyone needs to get some balls and guts.
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
2:54 pm
Nene just speaks her mind. How hard is that? What fool can’t babble out their negative opinions and thoughts of others. Hitler, Bin Laden, and Manson all excelled at that. Having respect for the feelings and opinions of others is a much more desirable quality. It takes more class and tact to not express the negative thoughts and feelings you of others and it is just as real. Nene hides behind her “keeping it real” mentality to belittle others and hide your shortcomings. In the end it will be her negative persona that will be her downfall.
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
2:55 pm
sorry for the typos. But i’m typing on a cell phone.
Star Jones is the next Apprentice
April 25th, 2011
3:01 pm
Spatter2, some of us actually watched the Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice way before Nene came along, and would’ve watched if she wasn’t on this season. So no, not everybody is watching it for her although I don’t doubt some people are.
Brain Cells whether you like it or not the Jacksons are an iconic family despite whatever issues MJ may have had. Heck LaToya brought in more money than Hope, why is Hope skating? (although whether she knows it or not her days are numbered).
Back to Bama
April 25th, 2011
3:20 pm
NeNe good luck you will need it against Star when she throws you under the bus. You dumb lady as it was the perfect time to nail Star to the cross with the help of LaToya. Why were you so jealous of that women? NeNe look around you people use names and family lineage everyday in America. Trump’s cloned children are a prime example needless to say. Just go back to Housewives as you screwed yourself and you will eventually be FIRED…
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
3:21 pm
I think Star doesn’t deem Hope a threat and wants to keep her around because she will be able to outwit her in the end. Same goes for Nene and Molly M.
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
3:23 pm
@Bama, Trump himself and not just his children, are using the name and legacy that his father built.
B Real
April 25th, 2011
3:27 pm
Do you really think Trump will let an ex stripper win? REALLY ???
Back to Bama
April 25th, 2011
3:27 pm
@ Amillion, Exactly that’s why it confused me when NeNe dogged LaToya about being a Jackson. NeNe is clueless; however, somewhere in Amercia she is a celebrity sad but true.
a$$play
April 25th, 2011
3:46 pm
Remember Trump is a BUSINESSMAN (thinks of profit bottomline)… In the beginning the clash was between Canseco and Hatch. THAT would have been something to watch. NeNe and Star is all he has left for drama and ratings.
If you need an example of the almighty $ thinking… I saw him in an interveiw right as the NATO thing went down… He was asked point blank…”Do you thing the US should be involved”…and he said and I quote… “ONLY IF WE GET THE OIL!!!” What politician in his right mind would say that????? If you don’t believe me google it.
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
3:49 pm
Nene is jealous of Latoya because she has lived a life of privilege something she so desperately wants for herself. Latoya grew up with a loving and supportive mother, a dad (no comment) and Nene’s mother dump her off on relatives and she has no idea who her father is. She’s your typical poser/wannabe.
Amillion
April 25th, 2011
4:05 pm
Trump has no real interest in being president. He’s an elitist and a narcissistic that’s more interested in the title of President and its prestige instead of making any real differences. He’s power hungry. If he actually wanted to help people or do something beneficial wouldn’t he have down something by now? He’s been in the business world since 1972 I believe. Where are his community centers, organizations, or outreach programs where he has tried to make a difference in the lives of others. Exactly whose quality of life has he tried to improve other than his own? What are his charities? Everything he’s involved with is either to create profits for himself or stroke his ego. There are a lot more people with a third of his wealth that are a lot more qualified to run this country. He likes creditability and shouldn’t been a real contender for president regardless of party. Anyone who looks up to or admires this man is obviously in love with his god, M.O.N.E.Y
Could you imagine him sitting at the table with foreign dignitaries. President Obama has done a great deal erasing the negative image and perception of America only to be followed by this? GTFO
mamaj
April 25th, 2011
5:09 pm
Ne Ne is just playing the game. I’m willing to bet that she is getting more money than any of the other folk, just for all that garbage spewing out of her mouth, cause talking trash pays. It’s just an entertainment show people–put on for your listening pleasure!
mamaj
April 25th, 2011
5:11 pm
Oh yeah, and that was funny, whoever said that Donald’s sons were a clone of him. Those were my thoughts exactly. They may be rich, but they are every bit as ugly as he is.
AtlantaFan
April 25th, 2011
5:28 pm
Very interesting show last night. It was obvious that Trump gave both teams a task that was difficult with the available talent left. I agreed with the executives in every sense of the word both teams’ print advertising was terrible. The men had a better presentation, and that was what enablef them to be less of a loser on this task.
NeNe didn’t advocate for Star to be eliminated, because she knows she needs Star to win future tasks. NeNe doesn’t have the intelligence to do anything but “bad mouth” people on the show. NeNe doesn’t strike me as the type to be a team player.
Whether John Rich is the male “Star” is debatable. I don’t think there is any way the existing men could complete a task with John Rich’s guidance and focus. The producers portray the men as working to win for their charities, as opposed to some of the women who work to win/bolster their TV popularity.
The last three standing will be John, Marlee, and Star.
bevvie
April 25th, 2011
6:26 pm
Star was the P.M. but she had enough sense to say that she should not be fired! Obviously. she was listening when the other idiots were stupid enough to say that they should be fired for being the P.M. or for any other reason! It’s about somebody realized that you never say yes to should you be fired!
z z top
April 26th, 2011
3:31 am
Nene is an embarrassment for ALLLLLL Black Women!!!! Forget ratings Ms Leakes have some pride and class about yourself. One thing for sure Nene Leakes does not represent me! Star, she knows how to play the game….remember Ms Star when as a Prosecutor had the MOST convictions EVER in the state of New York….hate her, love her, it doesn’t matter she is about winning. She knew just what she was doing when she put NeNe and Latoya in the boardroom. Prosecutor became an Executor.
Tim
April 26th, 2011
8:00 am
If Donald Trump worked for me and handled a desition the way he did on Sunday, I would fire him in a heart beat. You should be ashamed of yourself.
carlaroqs
April 26th, 2011
8:33 am
ne ne is not an embarrassment for all Black women. if one does not exhibit the negative personality traits, mirror the derogatory acts, speak the totally nasty words, and behave in that inane manner– how can she embarrass you? there are, unfortunately women of every race and color who behave like that and therefore like ne ne. i think the Bible has a word for such a womann–”shrew”. sorry, zz- she does not embarrass me, i feel sorry for her. apparently she did not have anyone to set a positive, loving, quiet! example for her. –donald trump is an idiot. people are calling for a boycott of his show and products due to what he is saying about the President. i would not do it for that reason, everyone is due their opinion. i am due mine as well– and it is, as i repeat: the donald is an idiot. who is he to say the President was not qualified to attend an ivy league school! for real, trump? for real? i was accepted into one–how about you and your kids? and btw- b real? i think the idiot would let an ex stripper win (you are hilarious)– i do not think it will happen though–didnt he marry a couple?
TG
April 26th, 2011
8:48 am
I didn’t see the whole episode, but from what I’m reading, it appears ghetto trash bird Nene Leakes showed her ignorant side (is there any other?) once again.
And how the Hope lady (the real “Casper” because no one even knows she’s there) skate by and allow the women to throw LaToya–the ONLY one who had been personally complimented by execs on more than one occiassion–is beyond me, and lends credence to the idea that the show is more farcial than I thought.
And I would like for the ghetto trash bird to explain what a “weak player” is. She LOST her challenge as PM…AND she cried when she saw she was going to lose, lol. Does that not equate to “weak?”
Really disappointed at this particular episode. Wrong on so many levels. Oh well, I will get the popcorn ready for next week. The smart but not brilliant, over-indulged, egotistical sneak pot vs. the loud, ghetto, insecure, bipolar, un-smart reality vixen.
Here we go!
Eric
April 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
Here’s our weekly recap of the Celebrity Apprentice…it’s pretty funny: http://youtu.be/9RWzlSd8aGI
Rose
April 26th, 2011
9:46 pm
I never knew too much about LaToya and I have to say I have gained a certain respect for her. Just because a person’s voice is soft and e not loud and rude doesn’t mean you are not a strong contender. Look at Michael Jackson and he could make just as much money as the Donald with a soft voice. I felt it unfair to target LaToya. These ladies have been after her since day one. I’m even more surprised at Marley M. targeting LaToya. I think she is probably just as shrewd as star. I’m disappointed most of all in the Donald. Sorry, Mr. Trump, this time I just don’t agree with you. LaToya didn’t deserve that. She gave so very much to that group and got nothing in return but mean remarks from some ladies and some not ladies. As for Star, I’m sick of her tooting her own horn and just because SHE stays at the best hotels and has been all over the world, I got news for her: Hey Star, you are not a lady and you certainly lack CLASS. You are vicious and manipulating to the MAX.
Nina Simone
April 26th, 2011
10:31 pm
I am so sick of Nene Leeks. You are an embarrassment to not only women but a hindrance to whatever female you are looking to walk into both of your sons lives. You are beyond ghetto, my dear you are a evil drama queen looking to tear down those you should be honored to stand among, Enjoy your time now and hopefully your head will get softer than your behind.
Use the thing you stress you are the most CLASS!
Ami
April 27th, 2011
12:58 am
It is sad to see LaToya get fired, as she did bring in alot of money for the charities and she did win the last task. NeNe needs to hold her tounge but she is a very strong player, she don’t put up with the stupid crap, she stands up for her self, I’m glad she was women enough to work things out with LaToya before she was fired! Star needs to go she is just as bad if not worse than Dionne W. You have to put yourself in their shoes. You got stand up for your self and fight or you will get fired! Go NeNe and Marley!
Ami
April 27th, 2011
1:03 am
Also wanted to add, I was glad to see NeNe show some emotion, it shows she has feelings and a heart! I just wish she could have seen what star was doing and got rid of her then, but maybe she wants it to come down to the two of them and neat her herself!
Some of you may not like the show but at least it is for charity!
meyouand she
April 27th, 2011
11:48 am
Ne-he will be on RuPaul Drag Race next.
venus
April 27th, 2011
8:27 pm
The Jacksons are an iconic famiily you brain cell idiot. Nene., Star sucks. Michael rocks!
middlevllage
April 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
star jones needs to go wake up ladys, you all are being played by her.she needs to get the boot
vibrant
May 1st, 2011
8:18 pm
This is my 1st time watching Celebrity Apprentice and will definitely be my last for a variety of reasons. Mainly there are so many other options (brain food) on PBS. Star Jones – IMO will be the winner or the last to go – she brings drama to the show- regardless of her performance. Star has been making her rounds to promote her new book “Satan Sisters” and Celebrity Apprentice and her charity (American Heart Association). She is crafty – there are so many dignified ways to raise money for a charity if you are sincere. But the raising money for the AHA is not her main reason for being on the show- it just sounds goods and makes her look good. Star is the most educated and talented, business savvy player on Celebrity Apprentice hands down but her tactics to win are not impressive and won’t do much for her brand. Celebrity Apprentice will soon be over for her- but her brand follows her. I heard she use to be a nice person but the Celebrity went to her head and she started smelling herself.
vibrant
May 1st, 2011
8:24 pm
Ne Ne bless her heart is trying to play the game but she will be OUTGUNNED by Ms. Star Jones. She comes off as loud and oh so GHETTO – but what can one expect from her – I never watched Housewives but I can only imagine- women being rewarded for behaving badly and ghetto.
vibrant
May 1st, 2011
8:30 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Donald is the only one who makes the DECISION who will be fired. It’s not about who should be fired – but its all about ratings cha ching cha ching. BTW I was appaulled by the comment he made about Star’s pre gastic bypass butt. Very bad taste. Shame on you Donald – and shame on those who found it amusing.
vibrant
May 1st, 2011
8:39 pm
I was impressed by LaToya – sorry to see Ms. Jackson go.
But NeNe got manipulated all over the barnyard by Ms. Star Jones. Remember NeNe – Star is trained to bait, trap and kill.
Star really looks way down on NeNe from the go -cuz she is uneducated, loud and 20 minutes off the pole. And we all know how Star likes to bellish- about her celeb friends and mentors.
vibrant
May 1st, 2011
8:47 pm
I keep hearing “NeNe” speaks her mind. There is nothing wrong with speaking your mind or being assertive. We have to or we get steamrolled.
It’s NeNe’s manner of speaking her mind that is the problem (LOL)
But to quote Dr. Cornell West – “even when its justified – you have to be DIGNIFIED. ” Got It.
jax5730
May 1st, 2011
11:43 pm
Please tell me nene went home the show was interrupted
millie
May 1st, 2011
11:56 pm
Well i watched the show every Sunday faithfully. NeNe needs to go.For the haters out there you have to respect the game. Star Jones plays it well and she know’s the game. She’s smart, educated and does’nt mind putting in the work. Ask yourself if you was lost in the wilderness who would you rather have on you team? Star or NeNe? Star will definetly get you home and NeNe will find excuses to blame her. She say’s she’s playing for her abusive charity but yet she comes across as a bully and the abuser. Hey she need psycological help. She appears to be bipolar. Let’s take a look. How in the world less than 24hrs later would you expect someone to work for you or with you that you have just insulted including the other women she so calls a puppet on a string.Yes she likes Marlin. Why? She know’s Marlin is smart and she needs someone on her side. Oh yes she really need a doctor. NeNe is a disgrace and has let the black community down. She was project manager and needs to go she failed her task. As far as I am concern she is a manipulater if she wasn’t she never would have put Hope out there to model when Hope clearly exspressed her concerns and told her that she wasn’t no model. Why would Mr.Trump keep her.She has a nasty mouth and calls B,s word to much on National television. Truely im no fan of Star but the woman has endured a lot and is still standing. She is educated and thank you for showing class. The way real women and mothers, daughters, Sons, human being she act. For that my hat off to you.
millie
May 2nd, 2011
12:01 am
just wanted to clear upmy last sentence. It should have said The way real women, and mothers, daughters, Sons. human being should act. For that my hatoff to her.