When the final biography is written for 2010, the narrative is sure to be filled with an assortment of shocking scandals that many of us failed to see coming. From lawsuits to sex scandals, leading community figures were in the news for reasons that I’m sure failed to make their mothers proud. Motherly disappointments aside, let’s take a look back at some of the biggest scandals of 2010.
Bishop Eddie Long Sex Scandal
In what was perhaps the greatest jaw-dropper of 2010, Bishop Eddie Long was accused and ultimately sued for coercing young men to engage in sexual activities with him. As the pastor of one of the nation’s largest black churches, the accusations caused an immediate stir as names of new accusers were being released daily. In the end, Long would publicly proclaim his innocence while privately reaching a financial settlement with his accusers. Was he guilty? The verdict is still out.
Fantasia Busts Up (Somebody Else’s) Marriage, Then Attempts Suicide
Adding to our list of head scratchers was former “American Idol” champion Fantasia Barrino, who found herself in the middle of a scandalous love triangle. Paula Cook filed suit in North Carolina during divorce proceedings, where she sought custody of her two children and claimed that her husband Antuan and Fantasia had been engaged in an illicit affair.
As the public criticism rose against Fantasia for being a home wrecker, the singer attempted to take her own life with an overdose of pills. The attempt failed, and Fantasia subsequently released a new album and new season of her reality show shortly thereafter. Was it all a publicity stunt? Only she and God know … what we do know is this ordeal was definitely worthy of a top spot on our list of 2010 scandals.
Reps. Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters Congressional Scandals
The word scandal also found its way into the halls of Congress as representatives Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters were both accused of financial impropriety. Rangel was accused of financial and fundraising misconduct, while Waters was forced to answer accusations that she sought financial funds for a minority-owned bank in which her husband had a financial stake.
The conclusion? Well the 80-year-old Rangel was censured, while the hearing for Waters was indefinitely postponed. In both cases, guilt or innocence is not what matters, as the stain of the accusation is damaging enough.
Kat Stacks Makes Soulja Boy Look Like a Junkie
In many ways, Soulja Boy’s paltry album sales could be classified as borderline scandalous. But those embarrassingly low numbers pale in comparison to the bombshell dropped by presiding groupie emeritus, Kat Stacks. The drama-laden “model” released damning video footage that seemed to expose Soulja Boy’s coke habit. His denials would follow, but nobody was buying it.
Honorable Mentions:
T.I. Gets Out of Jail … Then Goes Right Back
Tyler Perry Reveals Sexual Abuse
Tony Parker Caught Cheating; Divorces
Lance Gross and Eva Marcille Break off Engagement
Wesley Snipes Goes to Jail
