News Bits: Jay-Z Visits White House, Lady Gaga Loses Inspiration, ‘Precious’ Director Slips Up

Jay-Z might really have Obama on the text. Before his show at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., the Brooklyn rapper spent time at the White House to have a brief tour and meeting with President Obama. During the concert, Jay casually told the crowd, “I just came from the White House.” He even showed love to a staff member’s kid, stating: “I don’t know where you are, but happy birthday. I just came from the White House. And your pop works there. He said, ‘Happy Birthday.'” —Rico Bouchet

Lady Gaga appeared on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross in Britain to speak on her love life, music and her late friend, fashion designer Alexander McQueen. “He was the kindest human being,” she said. “I feel left with nobody to inspire me any more.” Gaga went on to speak on how much of an outcast she is in the music business. “I didn't speak to anyone at the Brits [Awards]. I don't have any friends in the music business.” The pop singer also said she isn’t dating anyone because she doesn’t have time. —Rico Bouchet 

Precious may have been a heavy-hitter at the box office, but comments directed toward its lead actress, Gabourey Sidibe, haven't been easy to swallow. While accepting the Best Film honors at the NAACP Awards ceremony, Director Lee Daniels blurted out, “No one in Hollywood told me they wanted to see a movie about a 350-pound black girl who had HIV,” according to the Gainsville Sun. In an attempt to make up for his faux pas, he stated, “She's not 350 pounds,” making countless apologies. Sidibe handled the snub gracefully, laughing it off. —Jamila Pringle