NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Midler apologizes for tweet about racism

NEW YORK

Bette Midler is apologizing for a tweet that caused a social media backlash when she compared the struggle of women to the history of racism.

The singer-actress wrote that women “are the n-word of the world” and “They are the most disrespected creatures on earth.” Midler was quoting the title of a 1972 song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The comment drew sharp criticism from many who said it erased the atrocities committed against black people and the struggle of black women in particular.

Midler tried to defend the tweet before deleting it altogether and apologizing a few hours later, saying to black women: “I am an ally and stand with you; always have. And I apologize.”

Rapper donates $1M for mental health

CHICAGO

Chance the Rapper says he’s donating $1 million to help improve mental-health services in Chicago.

The Chicago native made the announcement Thursday during a summit for his nonprofit organization SocialWorks, saying those involved “want to change the way that mental-health resources are being accessed.”

Six mental-health providers in Cook County will each get $100,000 grants, and SocialWorks is starting an initiative called “My State of Mind” to help connect people with treatment. Members of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Chicago Department of Public Health were on hand for the announcement.

Also Thursday, the rapper, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, announced plans to give money to 20 additional Chicago Public Schools. His nonprofit has given millions to Chicago schools in recent years.

Affleck posts about battling addiction

LOS ANGELES

Ben Affleck says battling addiction is “a lifelong and difficult struggle.”

The actor posted on Instagram on Thursday that he has completed a 40-day stay at a treatment center for alcohol addiction and remains in outpatient care.

The 46-year-old said the support he’s received from family and friends has given him strength to speak about “his illness” with others. He said he is fighting for himself and his family.

Affleck said battling addiction is a full-time commitment and “one is never really in or out of treatment.”

He had previously sought treatment in 2001 and 2017.

Affleck has been separated from actress Jennifer Garner since 2015. They have three children.

Associated Press