Morning! While you were sleeping (or staying up to binge-watch Friends for the tenth time) (or pulling an all-nighter in the library), a few things went down that you’ll probably want to know about. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get scrolling.
What In The World
Prominent Afghan journalist and political advisor Mina Mangal killed on Saturday in Kabul days after she expressed on social media that she feared her life was in danger, CNN reported.
Mangal was gunned down in broad daylight in a public place, according to The Guardian. She posted to Facebook on May 3, expressing her fears. According to The Independent, Mangal wrote that she had received threatening messages, but “declared that s strong woman wasn’t afraid of death and that she loved her country.”
A spokesperson for the interior ministry, Nasrat Rahimi, told CNN that one or possibly more attackers had escaped and no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Police currently do not know whether or not the murder was a terror attack or an attack from someone close to Mangal. Rahimi added that investigations are still in progress.
Before entering politics, Mangal was a highly regarded journalist and worked for popular Pashto-language channels such as Tolo TV, Shamshad, and Lemar television stations as a presenter. Mangal had recently become a cultural advisor for the Afghan parliament, The Independent reported. As well, she had been a supporter of women’s rights to education and work.
The attack prompted an outpouring of anger and grief of women’s rights activists. Many condemned authorities for not protecting Mangal despite her fears.
Disgusted by the silence of the young females with voices & platforms. They seem to care about advancing their image or organization.
Honor & gallantry has been asleep with our men, now the silence of our women will kill the possible strength of our sisterhood. #Afghanistan https://t.co/Ewd3Vh2P4h
— Mariam Wardak (@MaroWardak) May 11, 2019
“This woman had already shared that her life was in danger; why did nothing happen? We need answers,” said Wazhma Frogh, who is an Afghan human rights lawyer and women’s rights activist, The Guardian. “Why is it so easy in this society [for men] to keep killing women they disagree with?”
Can’t stop my tears at the loss of this beautiful soul. She had a loud voice, & actively raising voice for her people. In this Facebook status she says she’s threatened & she says she she trusts her Allah & that a strong woman isn’t scared of death. RIP Mina Mangal pic.twitter.com/plsoYJlPlA
— Madam Frogh (@FroghWazhma) May 11, 2019
According to CNN, a journalist at Lemar TV called for female journalists to be protected.
“So sad to hear, Journalist& Advisor to the Parliament #MinaMangal assassinated today in Kabul by unknown person. She was a strong self made woman; RIP #Mina. She isn’t the 1st and wouldn’t be the last lost(unfortunately). Serious protection 4 female journalists! Is what we need,” Salma Kharooti said.
Rumor Has It
Great news—ABC has renewed Fresh Off the Boat for a sixth season! But, it seems like one person isn’t too happy about it.
Constance Wu wasn’t exactly thrilled when the networked announced the series renewal on Friday. “So upset right now that I’m literally crying. Ugh F*ck,” she wrote in one tweet.
Fans of the show were quick to express their excitement about the show’s renewal.
“Congrats on your renewal! Great news:),” the fan wrote, but Wu replied, “No it’s not.”
The comment shocked fans and many were angered, saying her remarks were insensitive to not only struggling actors but also to the cast and crew of the sitcom.
According to Deadline, Wu even disliked the Fresh Off the Boat Instagram with a dislike before deleting the comment. The actor later clarified her comments on Friday, saying people took her words out of context.
“Todays tweets were on the heels of rough day&were ill timed w/the news of the show,” she explained. “Plz know, Im so grateful for FOTB renewal. I love the cast&crew. Im proud to be a part of it. For all the fans support, thank u & for all who support my casual use of the word fuck-thank u too.”
On Saturday, Wu apologized and offered a further explanation in a lengthy post. The Crazy Rich Asians actress revealed that the show’s renewal created a scheduling conflict with another project that “would have challenged me as an artist.”
These words are my truth. I hope you hear them pic.twitter.com/l6SvbFcUlj
— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) May 11, 2019
Wu also said she regretted that her words were insensitive to actors who dream of starring in a network comedy.
“My words and ill-timing were insensitive to those who are struggling, especially insensitive considering the fact that I used to be in that struggle too,” she wrote. “I do regret that and it wasn’t nice and I am sorry for that.”
Then This Happened
Peggy Lipton, known for her roles in Twin Peaks and The Mod Squad, has passed away from cancer at 72.
Her death was announced on Saturday by her two daughters Rashida and Kidada Jones. Lipton was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004, NPR reports.
“She made her journey peacefully with her daughters and nieces by her side,” Rashida and Kidada said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “We feel so lucky for every moment we spent with her. We can’t put all of our feelings into words right now, but we will say: Peggy was and will always be our beacon of light, both in this world and beyond. She will always be a part of us.”
Born in New York City in 1946, Lipton started modeling at the age of 15 and began taking acting classes afterward. At 19, she made her television debut. Her breakout role was on the television show The Mod Squad, where she played undercover flower-child cop, Julia Barnes. The show dealt with major topics such as the Vietnam war, drugs and abortion, and it had the first interracial cast on television. The show ran from 1968 to 1973.
In 1971, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama for her role. Lipton was also nominated for an Emmy four times.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the actress also had a singing career and three of her single hit the Billboard charts.
After The Mod Squad ended, Lipton married music producer Quincy Jones in 1974 and retired from acting to raise her two daughters. They later divorced in 1990, and she returned to the spotlight to star as Double R Diner owner Norma Jennings in Twin Peaks. Lipton reprised the role in the 2017 revival on Showtime.
Happy Thoughts
The Bachelorette finally returns, and we seriously cannot wait to see who Hannah B makes a connection with on night one!. Grab your gal pals and a bottle of rosé because you definitely don’t want to miss this!