Tabitha Brown Says She’s Not Changing After Food Network Show Is Pulled From Primetime TV
Tabitha Brown’s growth has been something to marvel at. From being a struggling actress to a viral sensation that has led to opportunities with Target and McCormick, the vegan influencer's steady climb to success has inspired many people. So, when it was announced that she would be getting her own show on the Food Network, it became big news. However, it seems to be trouble brewing with the network.
Tabitha’s plant-based cooking competition series It’s CompliPlated premiered on August 11 in the primetime 9 p.m. spot. And now in a recent Instagram video, the 43-year-old mother of two has revealed that her show has been moved to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and alluded to issues she’s faced with the series.
In the caption, she wrote, “One more time for the people in the back❤️
I’ve had to break down a lot of walls and barriers to get to my freedom! To walk proudly and confident in my truth is still an everyday pursuit!! I’m not going to change!! I’m also not going to be quiet about when things feel wrong!” She insisted.
“I always come from my heart and I’m very direct and honest. In the entertainment world I know that’s frowned upon especially coming from a woman. Sometimes my niceness makes people think that I’m weak, but I’m not! I will keep speaking up for myself 🙏🏾! God is my network and he said I’ve been created for such a time as this and I’ve said yes to the assignment! 🙌🏾OOHHH GOD I THANK YOU🙌🏾” for trusting me with this journey! Family thank y’all for loving me and supporting me just for being me!! I love y’all! ❤️”
Tabitha spoke more about her stance in the video while also announcing the show’s timeslot change.
“I know I’ve said this so many times before but for whatever reason, people just don’t seem to believe me, okay? There is not a company, there is not a network, there is not a person, place, or thing that is going to change who I am,” she stated.
“If you don’t like Tab as this Tab. If you don’t like the Tab who gives God glory. If you don’t like the vegan Tab. If you don’t like the cooking Tab, the mama Tab; If you don’t like my personality, if you don’t like everything that makes Tab Tab, don’t work with me,” she said. “‘Cause I’m not going to change. I’m not going to shift a little bit for your audience. I’m not going to talk a little bit different for your comfort. I’m not gonna change”
While she continued to explain why she plans to stay true to herself and not budge for anyone, she kept a positive attitude throughout the video. “This is the person I am. This is who God created me to be and if it ain’t enough for you, then you’re not for me, and if I bring it to your attention that, ‘Wait, I don’t like how this feels, I feel like you’re trying to change me or erase my personality or my culture’ and you get upset by that instead of hearing me from my heart, I also don’t want to be in business with you.”
“Does that makes sense? It ain’t personal for you but it’s personal for me and it’s business. Okay?”
The best-selling author continued on while also announcing that her new cooking competition series had been moved but also shared that fans can still stream it on Discovery Plus.
“I’m still not going to change and I’m gonna always speak my mind and my truth,” she added.
The Food Network has yet to respond but many of Tab’s fans and other celebrities have come to her defense and praised her for standing up for herself.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown commented, “🙌🏾❤️💫 Nobody — and I mean NOBODY — gathers folks (in Love) like you! 😂 If they didn’t know before, they SURELY know now. And they NEED👏🏾TO👏🏾KNOW👏🏾!”
While Michelle Williams commented, “That’s riiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!!❤️”
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Featured image by Unique Nicole/Getty Images
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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