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Being an Academy Award winner has its advantages. Just ask Jennifer Hudson.
The 'Dreamgirls' star, who recently suffered a family tragedy in Chicago – leaving her mother, brother and young nephew shot dead, has gained the support of celebrity tycoon Donald Trump.
Hudson and several of her relatives have been staying at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, free of charge, following the tragic family murders.
Jennifer Hudson Pictures
Academy Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson visits MTV's "Sucker Free" at MTV Studios on September 29, 2008 in New York City..Jennifer Hudson Visits MTV's "Sucker Free" - September 29, 2008.MTV Studios.New York City, New York United States.September 29, 2008.Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (55909841), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Nate Parker, Jennifer Hudson, Tristan Wilds and Queen Latifah arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55901516), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900966), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900963), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Queen Latifah and Actress Jennifer Hudson arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900845), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actors Jennifer Hudson and Nate Parker arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899727), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actresses Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899707), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899616), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
(L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Nate Parker and Queen Latifah arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899029), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55898998), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
The J Records recording artist, who recently starred in 'The Secret Life of Bees' alongside Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys, has reportedly been staying at the hotel since the Oct. 24 murders.
According to published reports, police are currently questioning her estranged brother-in-law William Balfour, who has been detained at Stateville Correctional Center outside Joliet since Oct. 26 for violating parole – stemming from a 1999 attempted murder conviction.
Comments: (46)
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By: beverly on 11/13/2008 12:35AM
I THINK THAT IT IS A WONDERFUL THING THAT MR. TRUMP IS DOING. THAT JUST LETS YOU KNOW THAT MONEY DOSEN'T STOP PEOPLE FROM OPENING THERE HEARTS TO SOMEONE IN A TIME OF NEED. IT IS A VERY HONORABLE AND NOBLE THING THAT HE IS DOING. AND I'M SURE THAT EVEN IF SHE WASN'T A CELEBRITY HE'D DO THE SAME......
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By: OneWord on 11/13/2008 12:37AM
Trump is an upstanding guy. I am a consistent viewer of the Apprentice and I am happy to see him act as a humanitarian in such a situation. My heart and prayers go out to Jennifer and her sister.
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By: dnice on 11/13/2008 12:47AM
THAT IS TRULY NICE OF DONALD, MAY GOD KEEP SENDING HER ANGELS, DURING THESE DIFFUCULT TIMES.
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By: Tiffany Grier on 11/13/2008 2:02AM
I think that it was inappropriate for this comment to be publicly announced. I think that it is rude to announce the "good deed" that you hve done when assisting someone else. What is the quality of his intent...to get a pat on the back?? I really dont know his point in mentioning his deed.
Also..I live in Chicago. Chicago is the crime captial of the United States. It is sad to say but..horrible things happen everyday. Spring break is not here and there were already 4 murdered Chicago Public School students murdered this school year. Where are these families to go?? There are thousands of homeless people in Chicago..where are they to go??? Maybe these families should go to Trump Towers to.
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By: MUNECA on 11/13/2008 2:51AM
Donald Trump YES INDEED HAS A GOOD HEART,GOD BLESS U MR TRUMP YOU ARE AN ANGEL SENT FROM HEAVEN. WE NEED MORE GREAT PEOLPE LIKE U IN THIS WORLD TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO JEN & JUILA STAY STRONG
MUCH LUV & RESPECT
HUGS & KISSES
MUNECA OF HARLEM NYC.
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By: Chris Pagona on 11/13/2008 7:51AM
Sorry Bev but if she wasnt famous he wouldnt be doing this at all.
Do you know how many african american families are going through this now? you may not because they arent famous in anyway so you arent going to hear about it...He wouldnt have done it for her if she wasnt famous..please dont be niave....She is from a Crime ridden part of chicago...if trump would have did this if she wasnt famous....why doesnt he go help the other african american families in need of a place to stay so they dont get murdered over dumb stuff...Lets be real.....she got help because she is famous..Honesty sucks i know.
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By: cheryl thomas on 11/13/2008 9:54AM
God bless Donald Trump.
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By: Tamala on 11/13/2008 10:09AM
I am still reeling from the murders. I am hoping that the truth comes out real quick and justice for the Hudson family is QUICK!!!
Bless Donald Trump for reaching out to Ms. Hudson and her family. As far as the comment made by Chris Pagona.......someone helps this family and you bash them and find negativity. Have you ever done anything besides offer condolences to someone that was dealing with a tragedy??? So what, a famous person helps a famous person. Is that a crime?
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By: Kathy on 11/13/2008 10:17AM
Chris, I feel you beleive me I do, but look at it this way, the life that Jennifer lives differs from the life that we live and if people in her status wants to help her give them praise, because as quite as its kept if you were someone of her status you would help her also. Talking about being real now lets just be that!!!
Mr Trump my hats off to you and I personally THANK yOU.
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By: cheryl thomas on 11/13/2008 10:34AM
Kissies and hugs for Donald Trump.
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