Overview of When They Go Low We Go High (Halle Berry is Engaged and Trump Racist Post)
This episode of The Latest with Lauren LaRosa (The Black Effect Podcast Network / iHeartPodcasts) delivers a rapid pop-culture roundup: Lauren’s behind‑the‑scenes check-in and an event plug, a brief interview plug with Dan Morgan (Morgan & Morgan), a deep dive into Halle Berry’s engagement clarification, and a political controversy after the White House reposted an AI video mocking Barack and Michelle Obama. The tone is conversational, opinionated, and centered on Black pop‑culture and current events during Black History Month.
Key topics covered
- Lauren’s weekend/event update: DJ MV’s Black Family Reunion at American Dream Mall (Feb 7, 2026).
- Interview plug: Dan Morgan of Morgan & Morgan (how to contact: dial #LAW / pound 5‑4? (pound five to nine was mentioned) and forthepeople.com).
- Halle Berry engagement clarification: background from a The Cut interview and a later clarification on Jimmy Fallon.
- White House / Truth Social controversy: AI video depicting the Obamas with simian imagery set to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” reposted and then removed — White House blames a staffer; bipartisan outrage follows.
- Brief promotional ad for Marvel’s Wonder Man (Disney+).
Segment summaries
Behind the scenes + event plug
- Lauren checks in briefly: Friday mood, cold in New York, a chill weekend planned.
- She’s hosting/appearing at DJ MV’s Black Family Reunion at American Dream Mall on Saturday, February 7, 2026 (12–7 p.m.). Attendees can buy exclusive Brown Girl Grinding merch in person.
Dan Morgan (guest plug)
- Dan Morgan, managing partner at Morgan & Morgan (large injury law firm), appears briefly to promote the firm’s services and recovery numbers (discussed ~$20B+ recovered).
- Contact info mentioned: dial “pound law” from your cell and visit forthepeople.com for local offices.
Halle Berry — engagement backstory and clarification
- Context: Van Hunt reportedly proposed in June 2025; in a The Cut written interview, Halle said she “hadn’t said yes” and questioned whether marriage was necessary for a meaningful relationship (she emphasized medical/health decision exceptions).
- Halle’s reasoning: cautious after multiple divorces; values accountability and self‑knowledge.
- Clarification on Jimmy Fallon: Halle said she did not say no — she accepted, they are engaged but have not set a date. Lauren reacts with personal commentary (encouraging marriage, praising the couple).
Notable quotes from Halle as reported:
- From The Cut: “I haven’t said yes. I don’t think we need to be married to have a full meaningful relationship.” (context: earlier comment)
- On Fallon: “I did not say no… of course I said yes. We just don’t have a date.”
White House / Truth Social post targeting the Obamas
- What happened: A Truth Social repost (originating from a post that featured political meme imagery) showed an AI/manipulated clip placing Barack and Michelle Obama’s faces on characters resembling Planet of the Apes, with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” playing.
- Reaction and removal: The White House (initially via press secretary Karoline Leavitt) defended a related meme that had Trump pictured as a lion, then later said a White House staffer reposted the clip and it was removed. Lauren and others called the imagery blatantly racist; the episode notes bipartisan condemnation and a wave of supportive responses toward the Obamas.
- Lauren’s framing: The incident is part of an ongoing pattern of racialized attacks; she urges celebrating Black History Month and not letting the act derail the month’s meaning.
Notable insights & host commentary
- Lauren emphasizes self‑agency and accountability in Halle Berry’s relationship choices, sympathizing with the caution after previous divorces.
- She frames the White House repost as an egregious act that many see as racist and unacceptable — highlights widespread condemnation, including from some Republicans.
- Tone: an emphatic mix of celebration (Halle, Black History Month events) and righteous indignation (the reposted video).
Takeaways
- Halle Berry and Van Hunt are engaged; public confusion stemmed from a written quote that was clarified on TV. They have not set a wedding date.
- The White House reposted a racially charged AI/meme video of the Obamas to Truth Social; it was later removed and blamed on a staffer, sparking bipartisan criticism.
- The episode mixes celebrity news with political accountability, encouraging listeners to celebrate Black achievements even amid online attacks.
Action items / links mentioned
- Attend DJ MV’s Black Family Reunion — American Dream Mall, Saturday, Feb 7, 2026, 12–7 p.m. (Lauren will have exclusive Brown Girl Grinding merch).
- For legal help with accidents: Morgan & Morgan — forthepeople.com (and the dial‑in #: “pound law” / pound 5‑9 mentioned in episode).
- Follow The Latest with Lauren LaRosa for daily pop-culture and entertainment news.
Final note
Short episode blending personal commentary, celeb relationship news, a notable political controversy, and community event promotion — aimed at listeners who want a sharp, personality-driven daily digest of entertainment and culture.