andPOP » AIDS

Kelly Rowland Appointed ‘Staying Alive’ Ambassador

andPOP Staff — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:01:47 +0000

Kelly Rowland has officially been appointed 2008 Ambassador for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

The foundation empowers young people who are working to eliminate HIV and AIDS in their communities.

“I am honoured to work with The Staying Alive Foundation in its mission to transform attitudes to HIV and AIDS around the world,” the Destiny’s Child alum commented in a press release. “The Foundation continues to recognize and reward young people whose relentless mission is to encourage, educate and empower their peers in the fight against HIV and AIDS. I am excited to be a part of this remarkable initiative and look forward to supporting Staying Alive in all its efforts to change the prevailing culture of ignorance which fosters and perpetuates this disease.”

Rowland will kick off her first solo tour and new role simultaneously, when she visits Africa in June. There she will visit tour some of the grassroots projects supported by the Foundation.

Her new album, ‘Ms Kelly Deluxe’, will be released May 12.

Elton John Makes Headlines Again

andPOP Staff — Fri, 26 May 2006 01:02:12 +0000

Elton John is in the news again, but not for the reason you think

John received 100,000 pounds in libel damages from a British newspaper which said he acted like a “tinpot dictator” when he ordered guests at a charity function not to approach him.

“The articles falsely alleged that Sir Elton had issued a bizarre and absurd edict to guests … ordering them not to approach him … thereby acting like old-fashioned royalty or some tinpot dictator and exhibiting self-important, arrogant and rude behavior bordering on paranoia,” Nigel Tait, John’s attorney, said in court.

John donated the funds to the Elton John AIDS foundation. It was the second time this year the singer has won a libel suit against a British newspaper.

Naomi Watts Joins UN’s Fight Against AIDS

andPOP Staff — Mon, 15 May 2006 17:44:05 +0000

Naomi Watts has joined the UN in its fight against AIDS, according to Reuters.

Watts, an Oscar-nominated actress recently seen in the remake of King Kong, said she “could not sit around and watch people die.”

She was recently appointed special representative for UNAIDS, which is the UN department that deals directly with the AIDS crisis in countries in Africa.

Watts was at a news conference in New York showcasing the UN?s new AIDS awareness campaign called ?4-for-everyone? which focuses on prevention, treatment, care and support.

Watts is not the only celebrity to get on board with the UN. She follows in the footsteps of Michael Douglas, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Danny Glover.