Why Brains Of Obese People Are Different From Those With…
Meet The Clutch's Less Expensive Cousin
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Black America's most esteemed filmmaker Spike Lee is experiencing his very own share of real-life drama.
The 'Jungle Fever' director is embroiled in a legal brouhaha with his brother over family real estate.
"Spike's a hypocrite, a liar and a phony," Christopher Lee said in an interview with 'The National Enquirer' in the Jan. 8 edition. "I'm about to get evicted because of this clown."
What ever happened to brotherly love?
Christopher, 48, charges that Spike, 49, has abandoned him and is squeezing him out of his inheritance; a valuable parcel of Atlanta land that their 100-year-old grandmother Zimmie bequeathed to be divided amongst the five siblings.
Throw in the fact that Christopher is allegedly on welfare and this "story" sounds a bit sensational.
But since Spike is known not to pull any punches --or mince words -- he was quoted in the piece, stating to reporter Don Gentile: "I'm not the first nor will I be the last public figure who will be accused by a sibling for not doing enough. My question is, 'When is enough enough?'
Good question.
Christopher also revealed that his millionaire brother gave their 78-year old father Bill Lee "just a pair of sneakers for Christmas," and said when he encountered him at their grandmother's birthday celebration about the land, Spike told him, "I'm not giving you a dime."
The acclaimed auteur, who scored Oscar nominations for films such as 'Malcolm X' and '4 Little Girls,' mandates that his brother's claims are "falsehoods."
"Nonetheless, my siblings and I still love him," he added.
This is a dog's mess. But at least Spike is remaining classy about it.
Comments: (598)
Add a comment
By: Stacy on 1/14/2007 7:58AM
One thing about this that I must address is Spike has a point to say when is enough enough. Knowing Spike personally from ventures and him producing and directing many of my high school plays, he is a man that is always willing to help. He isnt one to say here or how much do you need but he involves his family into his projects if they are willing. Not because a person becomes famous and has money they are entitled to just give away. Shoot pull your own weight. As we have seen for many years his sister Joi has always pulled her weight whether acting his the films or helping to produce. Christopher doesnt want a helping hand to get up he wants to enjoy and splurge big like he made any of the money when he didnt lend a hand in any of Spikes successful projects. Grow up and get a real life Christopher.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Gigi on 1/14/2007 8:18AM
When there is a celebrity in the family, or better yet a person that is well off, there is always the pressure to provide for your family. Why is that? I mean, they are just a year apart. Christopher is 48 years old, at what point does Christopher take responsibility for his actions and carry is own weight? Just like the other siblings and family members! The fact remains that, this is Spike Lee money, he has earned it, he tried to do right by providing for the family, but, it looks like they only complain when they don't get what they want! How much Christopher got paid when he sold this story to the National Enquirer? Now, Christopher can buy his father another pair of sneakers!!!!! LOL...
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: S Hedgepeth on 1/14/2007 8:21AM
Many famlies have a Christopher, who tries to ride his or her siblings coat tail. And do so with a sense of entitlement. Christopher's issue with Spike Lee would probably have come up if Spike Lee was a school teacher. The only reason we are hearing about it is because Spike Lee is famous. Like the old folks used to say, "God bless the child that got it's own."
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tangee535 on 1/14/2007 11:39AM
Let by-gones be by-gones. Live, Love and be Happy.
The family that prays together, stays TOGETHER. Life is to short, for these family squabbles. No amount of money, will help you passed through those pearly gates.
Remember what matters. " Be a consistent help to those
that need help."
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: earl l. morgan on 1/14/2007 8:34AM
I know that spike is a man--I know that because he walks- talks- looks and most of all, He thinks like a man. live long spike. God is blessing you in everything you decide.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Laura on 1/14/2007 8:50AM
Stick to your guns Spike Lee,iam in the same war.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Wanda on 1/14/2007 8:41AM
There is always two sides to any story, and if Spike Lee did abandoned his brother it's for a reason. We you have money and look out for your siblings they try to sick you out of everything, they will send you to the poor house. Family sometimes is a hard pill to swallow.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Lynette Colbert on 1/14/2007 8:44AM
Don't believe the story. If he can't pay his rent, how will he pay the property taxes. People think if you have money, you must give it away. Then, when you have nothing,people want to talk about you. I'm sure his brother had the same opportunities that Spike had. Land is valuable and should be kept inthe family. Chris sounds like someone who would let the land be lost. That's Spike's money,he can do whatever he wants with it.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Quanny on 1/14/2007 8:46AM
I think the brother did this for spotlight and spike probally been carrying him and is now tired
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: charlotte on 1/14/2007 4:05PM
Isn't that the way it works? When you are struggling to make it, many of those closest to you won't even offer a word of encouragement. Yet, when you achieve a measure of success, they stand at the front of the line looking for a hand-out. Spike's brother needs to develop his talents.
Reply to this Comment | Report This