4/20/25

The Daily Buzz For April 21☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Issa Rae for Grazia Magazine  

Issa Rae On Barbie, Black Mirror And Why Hollywood Needs A Shake Up. It may only be 7.45am in Los Angeles when we speak, but Issa Rae is full of energy. In fact, she’s been up for hours. ‘From 4am to 6-6.30am is my time. I wake up, work out, journal and then, around 7am, the work starts,’ she says. For a creative as prolific as Rae, who juggles writing, acting, producing and running multiple business, it’s the only time she can carve out those ‘precious hours’ for herself.

The mastermind and star of beloved Emmy-winning comedy Insecure, which followed two friends trying to make it in LA and ran for five critically acclaimed seasons, says that four years after the finale there is still huge affection for the show. ‘It’s still what I get stopped most on the street about,’ she says. ‘What I took from that show is the ability to start conversations and form community. I love that people are still connecting with it now.
The success of Insecure propelled Rae to become one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood, founding her own production company, Hoorae, writing a New York Times best-selling memoir, The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl, appearing on the cover of Time, and starring in films from coming-of-age tale The Hate U Give to whip-smart satire American Fiction – not to mention Barbie, as President Barbie. Who else?

This month, she stars in cult dystopian drama Black Mirror on Netflix. In her episode, Hotel Reverie, Rae plays A-list actor Brandy, who is craving a role she can immerse herself in – which takes a literal turn when she finds herself inside a 1940s black-and-white movie (with co-star Emma Corrin) thanks to AI. ‘Reading the script, I was enthralled,’ says Rae. ‘Like most Black Mirror episodes, it was like, “This could really happen.” I could see this technology existing. [It] appealed to me in a really frightening way.’

It’s very meta, considering how Google and Open AI are now lobbying for the US Government to designate copyrighted art, movies and TV shows as ‘fair use’ for them to train AI. How, as a creator, does this make Rae feel? ‘Part of me – a lot of me – hates it, that they can just take our material and use it to train models,’ she says. ‘But another part of me knows that the Government is very slow to regulate, and it really is going to come down to us as creators to take a stand. The more we treat this as unacceptable and draw clear lines in the sand, the more effective it will be.’

While Rae has been hustling in the entertainment industry since 2011, being part of the record-breaking Barbie juggernaut was an experience. ‘People still call me President Barbie – that will forever be cool to me,’ she says. ‘I think it’s definitely raised my [profile]. And it’s increased my points with my niece and nephews!’ As for the impact Barbie has made on the wider industry, Rae suggests that its full ripple effect is still to come. ‘I feel like we had this moment where we were like, “More women-directed movies! More female-centric films!” Like we always do when there’s something successful. But we’re not seeing the effects of that yet. I think this last happened with Wonder Woman, and then there was a dearth again.’

As a result, does she feel a responsibility to tell women’s stories? ‘A responsibility, no, but a desire, absolutely. I feel like I could write a male story. In fact, I actively am. There are, of course, elements where I need to do research; and there are certain parts of being a man that fascinate me, but only through the lens of being a woman and how they impact us,’ she explains. Still, much of her work follows the lives of women. ‘I like stories about women. There aren’t enough,’ she says. ‘I feel the responsibility to broaden what that audience might look like, where people aren’t as dismissive of women’s stories, saying, “That’s a chick flick.”’

She reflects on a line from her character in Black Mirror, who is ‘tired of playing the noble victim or fuckable sidekick’. ‘I definitely relate to that,’ says Rae, sharing her frustrations on being told what will and won’t ‘work’ for the market right now – particularly on the other side of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ‘retaliation’. ‘People are scared to tell stories that feel too diverse. I’ve even gotten feedback a couple of times for a script where, internally, they’ll be like, “Is this too Black?” And I’m like, “What? We’re asking this question now?” We’re back in time. So I identify with Brandy’s frustration of being out of control about how the industry sees you and your value and wanting to be more active in that change.’

Telling Black stories has always been central to Rae’s work. She began making mock documentary series Dorm Diaries while at Stanford University, showcasing the lives of Black students, which was followed by comedy web series The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl in 2011. These selfmade series came from a desire to fill the glaring gap on TV. ‘I loved television,’ she says, referencing The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, Living Single, Moesha and Family Matters as major influences. ‘When I didn’t feel like we were represented, my reaction was, “OK, let me create my own bootleg version of what this looks like and maybe that’ll inspire it to be on screen.”’

In 2020, she consolidated her production ventures under one company, Hoorae, to have more ownership of the stories she was telling. ‘I want to have a stake in [what] I make. I want to be able to finance and greenlight movies that I believe in,’ she says. Hoorae productions already include A Black Lady Sketch Show, Rap Sh!t and One Of Them Days starring SZA and Keke Palmer.

Hoorae's latest release, launched during Rae’s keynote talk at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, is Seen & Heard – a docuseries chronicling TV history and Black representation. ‘We made it during what was like the “Black renaissance” of TV, when there were all these shows on the air. We wanted to capture this time… and make sure that this moment lasts,’ says Rae. ‘Rewatching it, I get upset because it’s so prescient – it constantly feels like we have these booms, and then we’re trends and then we’re not relevant to the industry any more. But it’s inspiring to watch.’

Seen & Heard features icons including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes and Ava DuVernay, creatives who established themselves in a media industry that long refused to create space for them. How does it feel to now have her name often mentioned alongside theirs as a figure also paving a way for representation? ‘I have a long way to go before I feel like I can actually hold my own alongside them. But they are definitely inspirations to me.’

Alongside these entertainment greats, Rae can add Michelle Obama to her contacts lists, having been the first guest on her podcast IMO when it launched in March. Does it ever feel normal, going to work with Michelle? ‘No!’ she laughs. ‘Because I know she’s a Capricorn [like me], I’m like, “I understand you.” But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t showing the utmost respect. [There’s] a reverence, like, “This is the aunt that I don’t fuck up around.”’ As for Oprah, ‘I don’t know that she’s a real person to me,’ she laughs. ‘She’s so wrapped up in culture and my family’s memories. What she’s built based off of being entirely herself and trusting her gut, I respect that so much.’

Speaking of empires, Rae is very much on her way to creating her own. Alongside Hoorae, she has launched audio label Raedio, management company Color Creative and marketing agency Fête, and co-owns a series of businesses, including haircare brand Sienna Naturals with her sister-in-law, and LA’s Somerville restaurant and café chain Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. ‘They were all born out of an organic desire,’ she says, though she admits balancing it all is ‘exhausting’. ‘Running the business side has fun elements, but it’s a full-time job, though I don’t want it to be, as I like creating.’ Though having to use a different part of her brain does have its benefits. ‘When I have writer’s block and I don’t feel inspired, it is a relief to have these businesses as my outlet.’

With so many professional opportunities in motion, what could possibly be next? Well, she’s just entered a new decade, having turned 40 in January. Looking ahead to this next chapter, ‘I’m actually excited. I feel powerful, I feel strong, I feel motivated and I feel like the best version of me is here. I have such a renewed confidence that I’ve never felt before. I’m excited.’

Stream ‘Black Mirror’ on Netflix now


#RHOA: Kelli Ferrell Accused of Owing 6-Figure Sum in Unpaid Rent On ATL Restaurant
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell was accused of owing a six-figure sum in unpaid rent for her restaurant, months after making her debut on the show, In Touch can exclusively report.
According to court documents obtained by In Touch, the landlord, The Prado, filed a lawsuit against Kelli, 39, on March 26.
In the complaint, the company claims Kelli leased a commercial spot from it for her Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The landlord said the five-year lease, executed on January 16, 2024, expires on August 31, 2029.
In the suit, the landlord claims Kelli and Nana’s have breached the terms of the lease “by, amongst other things, failing to obtain required permits, failing to commence tenant improvements, failing to open the premises for business with the public, in addition to failing to pay” rent when due.

The landlord said it notified Kelli of the defaults in August 2024, October 2024, December 2024, February and “finally again” in March.
The suit read, “Despite receipt of the Notices of Default, neither Nana’s nor Defendant has cured the Monetary Default or the Non-Monetary Defaults.”
The landlord said Kelli has failed to comply with her obligations under the lease. “As of March 25, 2025, Nana’s remains in possession of the premises and the lease has not been terminated in any writing,” the suit read.

Kelli was accused of owing $101,140.64 in unpaid rent, interest and late charges. The landlord also wants Kelli to cough up $13,453 for future rent owed until the expiration of the lease.
Additionally, the landlord demanded attorney fees if the debt was not paid in full within ten days of the suit.
A rep for Kelli tells In Touch about the lawsuit, “This is in regard to her second location, which is underway. Although Kelli’s divorce has been finalized, there is still a lot of gray area left, especially with finances.”

The rep accused Kelli’s ex-husband of failing to pay money awarded to her in the divorce and child support.
“These instances, along with the fact that she had to pay close to $160K in legal bills for the divorce, left Kelli in a small financial stomp with opening the new location," the rep said.
“However, this situation is currently being sorted out with the landlords of the new location and Nana’s in Sandy Springs will be open by this Summer,” the rep added.

They ended, “Kelli has been a successful entrepreneur for over eight years, but this divorce is extremely contentious and has caused issues."
As In Touch first reported, Kelli settled her bitter divorce from her ex-husband, Chuvalo Ferrell, in September 2024. Kelli filed for divorce in 2022. She listed the date of marriage as August 20, 2011 and the date of separation as January 2022.

She demanded sole custody of the kids. The exes share three children: Chance, born 2012, and twins, Chasiti and Chelsi, born 2015. Kelli has an older daughter named Chloe from a previous relationship.
In response, Chuvalo demanded joint legal and physical custody.
In the divorce judgment, Kelli was awarded primary custody of the kids, while the exes share joint legal custody. Chuvalo was ordered to pay $3,991 per month in child support. In addition, the duo split the proceeds from their home sale.

Per the order, Kelli was also awarded furniture worth $45,000, a 2021 Navy Blue Cadillac Escalade, Rolex Oyster wristwatch, diamond necklace and her wedding ring set.
The settlement was reached weeks after Kelli’s ex was thrown in jail for a brief period of time. Kelli demanded he be locked up over money owed. At the time, the judge ordered Kelli’s ex to be incarcerated until he paid $14,889.
Kelli’s ex was released on August 14, 2024, after posting bond.
Chuvalo’s rep previously told In Touch, “Mr. Ferrell appreciates the interest in his ongoing personal matters, but he is committed to focusing on his family and professional responsibilities during this challenging time. It is important to note that the details surrounding his divorce from Kelli Potter-Ferrell are complex and sensitive. Mr. Ferrell has consistently sought to resolve these issues amicably and in the best interests of all parties involved, particularly their children.”


#NewMusic from Robin Thicke & DJ Mustard “Never Too Late”

R&B veteran Robin Thicke teams up with producer DJ Mustard for the release of the new single “Never Too Late”. The infectious, feel good Summer anthem is included on the soundtrack to animated feature film “Sneaks”, which was executive produced by DJ Mustard & 10 Summers.

Sneaks, an animated adventure about a lost designer sneaker searching for his “sole-mate” in New York City, features the voices of Martin Lawrence, Laurence Fishburne, Macy Gray, and more, bringing the sneaker’s world to life with star power and style. DJ Mustard serves as Executive Music Producer for the film, adding his signature sonic touch to elevate its cultural relevance and emotional resonance.
Thicke adds about the song: “Never Too Late is about second chances and leading with your heart. It’s a reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, love always finds its way back. I’m proud to be part of this beautiful story and this incredible soundtrack Mustard put together.”

LISTEN HERE:
The Sneaks original soundtrack and film are also out 


#HipHopNews: Fat Joe & Kenya Barris Developing Starz Series About Rapper’s Life
Fat Joe and Starz are teaming up once again for a series about the Bronx rapper’s life.
According to Deadline, The Book of Jose will be a rags-to-riches story about Joe’s rise to fame. Born Joseph Antonio Cartagena and of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, Fat Joe grew up in the rough-and-tumble environment of the Forest projects in the South Bronx, where he honed his skills as a graffiti artist and rapper just as hip-hop was becoming a global phenomenon.

As he rose to prominence in the New York City rap underground, Joe ran legendary crews like D.I.T.C., the Univeral Zulu Nation and Tats Cru. While already successful, his career really took off after he discovered the late Big Pun in the mid-’90s and started his own label, Terror Squad Entertainment, racking up five Grammy nominations for Joey Crack and multiple Hot 100 hits along the way.

Television veteran Kenya Barris (Black-ish) is also attached to the series as an executive producer and is penning the pilot alongside actor and filmmaker Dominic Colón, who himself is also serving as an executive producer and is set to have a recurring role in HBO’s upcoming miniseries Task starring Mark Ruffalo. Another executive producer is tapped to direct the pilot in music video director Jessy Terrero.

Fat Joe has already done business with Starz in the past with his weekly interview series Fat Joe Talks, which aired for eight episodes starting in October.
The Book of Jose was originally supposed to land at Showtime via BET Studios back in 2022, but talks didn’t go anywhere.


Judge Denies Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Motion To Delay Trial

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-stakes sex trafficking trial is set to take place as scheduled, despite his legal team’s recent efforts to delay it. On Friday (April 18), federal Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against the Bad Boy founder’s motion to push back the trial date by two months.

The motion, filed Wednesday (April 16), asked for “a 2-month adjournment” due to concerns about a lack of preparedness after additional charges were filed earlier this month. Combs’ defense argued that prosecutors have failed to provide critical evidence in a timely manner.
According to CBS, the decision was made “immediately” in court today. The judge said to the “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper’s attorneys that the motion was filed “last minute” and they did “have sufficient time to prepare.” Subramanian also said he “did not understand” why Combs wasn’t prepared when he has “four different law firms working on his case.”

The trial will begin on May 5 as originally scheduled.The judge also said drafts of a memoir written by one of the alleged victims will be allowed in court. However, the victim’s diaries and bank statements were denied. Outtakes from a documentary titled The Fall Of Diddy will be allowed.
Other deliberations from today included victim anonymity. There are three alleged victims who the government wants to testify under pseudonyms, and the judge has ruled they can testify anonymously. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura will testify under her own identity.

Despite this setback, Diddy’s legal team announced a win earlier this week. Brian Steel, the attorney who helped Young Thug come out on the winning end of his RICO trial, recently joined Combs’ defense team.
On Sept. 16, 2024, the Love Album creator was arrested in NYC and charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. Disturbing details from the court documents accused Diddy of using his companies to fund and facilitate “Freak Offs,” where he’d allegedly drug his victims and put them in sexually abusive situations. He is currently being held at the MDC Brooklyn and has been denied bail several times.


Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee wins Oakland mayoral race
Barbara Lee has secured a decisive win in Oakland’s special mayoral election, marking a significant political transition for the California city. The veteran Democratic U.S. Representative defeated city council member Loren Taylor with 52.7 percent of the vote compared to Taylor’s 47.3 percent, according to unofficial results from Alameda County, establishing her term until 2026.

Electoral performance and voter engagement
The special election, necessitated by former Mayor Sheng Thao’s resignation, drew substantial voter participation despite being an off-cycle contest. Lee, 78, acknowledged this civic engagement on social media following the polls’ closure, noting that turnout exceeded expectations because the people of Oakland care deeply about their future. This higher-than-anticipated participation underscores the election’s perceived importance among Oakland residents at a critical juncture for the city.

Lee’s margin of victory demonstrates a clear mandate from voters who connected with her campaign message focused on unity and leveraging her extensive political experience to address Oakland’s challenges.

Campaign strength and endorsement advantage
Lee’s campaign benefited from an exceptional coalition of supporters that political consultant Jim Ross described as among the most impressive endorsement lineups he had witnessed in a California mayoral race. Her backing included the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, major labor unions, and several former Oakland mayors.

This broad-based support helped Lee counter Taylor’s self-positioning as a “pragmatic progressive” who had received the San Francisco Chronicle’s endorsement. While Taylor’s campaign centered on the message that Oakland is broken, Lee successfully pitched her decades of legislative experience and commitment to civil rights as the remedy for the city’s divisions.

Navigating Oakland’s complex challenges
As Lee transitions from Congress to City Hall, she inherits a municipality facing substantial hurdles. Political analyst Dan Schnur contextualized the situation, noting that under any normal circumstances, the people of Oakland would view Lee extremely favorably, but these aren’t normal times.

Economic revitalization priorities
Oakland‘s economic landscape presents immediate concerns requiring the new mayor’s attention. The city has struggled with economic disparities while simultaneously experiencing housing affordability challenges that have contributed to community tensions. Lee’s congressional background in economic policy will be tested as she develops strategies to address these issues while protecting vulnerable residents.

Public safety reform
Public safety represents another critical priority for Lee’s administration. Oakland has experienced public safety concerns that have affected residents and businesses alike. The new mayor will need to balance progressive principles with practical approaches to improving security throughout Oakland’s neighborhoods.

Leadership transition and future vision
Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins has already extended congratulations to Lee, specifically highlighting her decades of public service and unwavering dedication to justice and equity principles. Jenkins expressed optimism about Oakland’s trajectory under Lee’s leadership, emphasizing her extensive experience navigating complex governance situations.

Lee’s election represents a pivotal moment for Oakland as she steps into a role demanding both political skill and community-building capabilities. Her congressional record advocating for marginalized communities positions her to implement inclusive policies addressing the diverse needs of Oakland’s population.

A progressive path forward
As Lee begins this new chapter in her political career, she carries the hopes of a city seeking renewed direction and cohesion. Her victory symbolizes broader progressive momentum in urban American leadership, with potential implications extending beyond Oakland’s borders.

Lee‘s administration will face immediate scrutiny as she navigates the interrelated challenges of public safety, economic development, and social equity. Her success will largely depend on her ability to translate congressional experience into effective municipal governance while building consensus among Oakland’s diverse constituencies.
The nation’s attention now turns to Oakland to witness how Lee’s progressive vision manifests in concrete policies and whether her leadership can fulfill the promise of creating a more unified, equitable city for all residents. With her commitment to social justice and equity, Lee is positioned to make a lasting impact on the city she now serves as mayor.


Tracee Ellis Ross Explains Why Older Men’s ‘Toxic Masculinity’ Leads Her to Date Younger

On the latest episode of IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, actress Tracee Ellis Ross opened up about why she "often" chooses to date younger men.
At around the 15-minute point of the episode, Tracee opened up about her dating life and explained she gravitates toward younger men because of the toxic masculinity she typically sees exhibited by men around her age. She recalled saying she dates younger men when she went to dinner with Michelle and her husband, former President Barack Obama, and he asked her why.

"We're across the table and your husband goes, 'But why?'" she laughed. "And I said, 'Well, maybe because I can.' ... I had to ask myself that question. I was like, 'What is this about?' Because I want a partner—and it's not just that I'm older, I'm also very embodied. I am a full, very whole person. Who knows myself, who is in charge of my life and lives a very full, robust life. So it's not just age, it's like, life experience is sort of a difference. But I had to ask myself the question, 'Why? Why does this keep sort of coming up other than they're hot and gorgeous?' But a lot of men my age are steeped in a toxic masculinity and have been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks."

She said that whenever she gets a sense that a man might have a rigid idea of what a relationship looks like, she's no longer interested. "I did enough of it, where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession or whatever those things were," she continued. "I have no interest in it and I will not do it again."
Craig asked her if it's a "generational" thing, and she admitted it was a "generalization" but she's seen a clear difference after dating men her age and younger men. "There is a difference, there is an openness that occurs with a younger man," she said. "Whether it's gender fluidity, not even having an issue with homosexuality. I mean, something as basic as that. There's times where I'll be sitting across the table from somebody and just like, 'What did you just say? Oh my God.'"
Tracee, 52, said she's "long past the age" where it's her place to teach or encourage a potential partner to be more understanding or mature. "I mean, there's so many different philosophies on dating, and I have come up with mine," she said. "And I have come up with mine. I have come up with what works for me and what makes sense for me and what feels safe for me. I'm not on dating apps. I have friends that have great success with dating apps, but that's just not something I'm comfortable with."

Elsewhere in the interview, Tracee said that she has experienced "grief" around not getting married or having children. "As much as grief does surface for me around not having children and not having a partner, I still wouldn't want the wrong partner," she said. "I'm not interested in that. You have to make my life better."


Bobby Brown Recalls Surviving 1995 Shooting: ‘178 Bullets Was in the Car’
Bobby Brown was divinely protected in a 1995 shooting that killed his friend, Steven Sealy.
The R&B legend was a guest on Club Shay Shay this week, where he recounted the incident, which reportedly happened in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, outside the Biarritz Lounge. Brown and Sealy, who was engaged to one of the singer's sisters, left the club at 1 a.m. when Sealy was struck in the face while in Brown's Bentley. The man was 31 years old.

"People are jealous. They envy him. He shouldn’t come around showing off," said Jimmy Young, an emergency medical technician, at the time.
On Club Shay Shay, Brown, who was uninjured in the shooting, agreed that the incident stemmed from jealousy. "I'll never forget that moment. 178 bullets was in the car," Brown said around the 1:18:00 mark of the video below. "And I didn't get scratched once." 

"That's how I know I got somebody watching over me," he continued.
While confirming his belief in God, Brown added that visiting home "ain't always where you need to be."
On what causes jealously, Brown thinks that those envious believe it "should've been them." "It's mind-boggling that people tend to get jealous of someone else's success when you should just bust your ass and work hard to be your own [success]," he said.

Also in the Club Shay Shay interview, Brown recalled disliking Britney Spears' 2004 cover of his 1988 hit "My Prerogative."


Rev. Al Sharpton Meets With Target CEO To Discuss DEI Rollback

Target CEO Brian Cornell met with Rev. Al Sharpton in New York last week amid mounting backlash over the company’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Sharpton’s meeting came as foot traffic at Target stores continues to decline and civil rights leaders weigh calls for a boycott.

Target initiated the meeting with Sharpton, who has not yet endorsed a boycott but supports efforts to pressure the retailer into reaffirming its commitments. He said Target must recommit to racial equity and invest in Black-owned businesses or face the consequences.

“If an election changes your stance on fairness, we reserve the right to change ours,” Sharpton told CNBC. He emphasized the need for accountability, referencing Target’s earlier promises made after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, where the company is headquartered.

After the meeting, Sharpton called the conversation “constructive and candid.” He plans to confer with allies including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who began a 40-day boycott in March. The National Action Network, Sharpton’s civil rights group, will meet after Easter to determine next steps.

Target’s pullback began in January, when it ended its three-year DEI plan, stopped reporting progress to outside groups, and reduced efforts to feature Black- and minority-owned products. Days later, visits to Target stores began to drop. Analytics firm Placer.ai reported 10 consecutive weeks of year-over-year declines in foot traffic, reversing prior gains.

While the company hasn’t commented on the data, the timing has raised concerns that Target’s shift on DEI has alienated parts of its customer base. Sharpton’s advocacy marks one of the most visible pushbacks against a conservative movement targeting corporate diversity programs. Activists like Robby Starbuck have pressured companies via social media to scale down DEI initiatives.

Target joins Walmart, McDonald’s, and others that have retreated. In contrast, Costco stood firm, rejecting a shareholder proposal to reconsider its DEI commitments. NAN responded by encouraging “buy-cotts” at Costco stores, which saw a 7.5% traffic increase in March. Target’s traffic fell 6.5% in the same period.

Beyond political pressures, Target faces deeper challenges. Sales have stalled for four years. Shoppers are buying essentials over home goods and apparel. The company has struggled with inventory issues, theft, shipping costs, and Pride Month backlash. In February, it projected modest 1% growth for the year.

Al Sharpton’s message to Cornell remains pointed: “What changed?”


Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Faints At Restaurant Months After Suffering Mild Stroke
Gregg Popovich, the legendary Spurs coach, “fainted” at a San Antonio steakhouse Tuesday night and was “taken away in an ambulance,” TMZ Sports reported.
The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. after Gregg Popovich had been inside for two hours. Though it was a “non-life-threatening injury or illness,” he was “alert and talking” by the time he reached the ambulance.

Gregg Popovich, 76, has since returned home and is “doing fine,” per ESPN. The Spurs revealed he suffered a mild stroke in November and missed the rest of the season. “This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said in December. “We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”\
Mitch Johnson served as interim coach as the Spurs finished 34-48. Popovich, who joined in 1996, has 1,422 wins, five titles, and added Victor Wembanyama in 2023 as his newest star.

Prayers up for a speedy recovery!


Former RHoP's Karen Huger Has been Denied Work Release

Last month The Real Housewives of Potomac cast member, Karen Huger, was sentenced to 2 years in prison on DUI charges. Well its been denied Huger’s application for work-release was approved by the corrections officials. All that remained was the generally routine approval from where the case started.

“She drew the wrong judge,” Montgomery County defense attorney David Moyse said. “It was just horrible luck.”
The judge — Terrence McGann, known for his quick humor and heavy sentences — issued a “disapproval of transfer,” according to court records, the latest chapter in a story of reality TV meeting courthouse reality: in this instance, how outcomes can be so judge-dependent.

Huger is now set to finish her sentence as one of about 835 inmates at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Given that she has served two months so far and that she is accumulating good conduct credits, Huger will probably be released by November, according to court records and her attorney.


Michelle Williams ‘Finally’ Meets the Other Michelle Williams After Hilarious Mixup
After getting mixed up by the general public for years, one particularly hilarious mixup prompted Michelle Williams and Michelle Williams to finally link up.
In a video posted Thursday (April 17) by the first Williams — as in, the superstar previously in the Beyoncé-led girl group Destiny’s Child — she sits backstage after a performance of her Broadway show Death Becomes Her, telling the camera, “We had an amazing show tonight!”

She then pulls out a stack of photos of the other Williams — aka the five-time Oscar-nominated actress who’s starred in everything from Brokeback Mountain to My Week With Marilyn — that a fan had mistakenly mailed her in the hopes of getting an autograph weeks prior. Turning the camera, the first Williams reveals that the second Williams is sitting there beside her, and the former asks the latter to sign the pictures of herself.
“Who should I make it out to?” the Blue Valentine star says, to which the “Journey to Freedom” singer replies giddily, “Would you make them out to meee?”

“#FINALLY,” reads the video’s caption.
The sweet meetup comes a little over a month after the singer posted a video of herself reading aloud a letter from a fan, featuring a hilarious twist at the end. “‘Dear Michelle Williams, I hope this letter finds you in great spirits,'” she recited in the March clip. “‘My name is Philip, and I have been an avid fan of your incredible performances in both film and theater.'”

“‘Your work in movies like Blue Valentine, Manchester by the Sea or The Greatest Showman has deeply moved me and many others, showcasing your exceptional talent,'” she continued at the time. “‘I am writing to kindly ask if you would consider signing the enclosed photos I have of you. Having your autograph would mean so much for me and my daughter, as we admire your artistry.'”
That’s when the first Williams showed the photos Philip had sent: snapshots of the second Williams in various movies. “Philip, thank you so much,” she said, laughing. “Thank you, Philip. Thank you so much. Absolutely brilliant. Her hair is fabulous.”

Though the moment was certainly memorable, Philip is far from the first person to get the two Michelle Williamses switched around. With both women working in the entertainment industry since the 1990s, countless others have gotten their identical names confused over the years.
The “Unexpected” artist has been starring in Death Becomes Her since the show opened in New York City in November. On the very first night of performances, her former bandmates Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland came out to Lunt-Fontanne Theatre to cheer her on. Film star Michelle is currently promoting her Hulu miniseries Dying for Sex.


Ryan Coogler Has Spoken To Gillian Anderson About ‘X Files’ Reboot

Ryan Coogler says that the next project he’ll work on is a reboot of the X-Files.
Coogler recently gave an update on his upcoming reboot of The X Files, which he revealed is “immediately next” for him, noting that he’s “spoken to the great Gillian Anderson” about the series.

“She’s incredible. Fingers crossed there,” said Coogler on Last Podcast on the Left.
“I’ve been excited about that for a long time, and I’m fired up to get back to it. Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f—ing scary,” he teased, adding: “We’re gonna try to make something really great, bro, and really be something for the real X Files fans, and maybe find some new ones.”

Following news of Coogler’s reimagining, Anderson said she “cannot think of a better way around for a reboot to happen,” calling the filmmaker “a bit of a genius.”
“Whether I am involved in it is a whole other thing,” she added. “I’m not saying no. I think he’s really cool and I think if he did it, it would probably be done incredibly well. And maybe I’ll pop in for a little something something.”

Originally running for nine seasons from 1993 to 2002, The X Files starred Anderson and David Duchovny as FBI Special Agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, who are tasked with investigating cases of the paranormal.
In addition to the feature adaptations, The X Files (1998) and The X Files: I Want to Believe (2008), the show was brought back for a two-season revival from 2016 to 2018.

Last year, OG series creator Chris Carter revealed that Coogler is “going to remount The X Files with a diverse cast” amid the Black Panther director’s five-year exclusive deal with Disney Television through his Proximity Media banner.
“So, he’s got his work cut out for him because we covered so much territory,” said Carter on the On the Coast podcast, acknowledging that a modern update in which the characters investigate the paranormal would look different as “we’re steeped in conspiracies” today.


Jordan Peele’s ‘Him’ trailer shows Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers in beast mode
Him, the latest horror film produced by Jordan Peele (via his Monkeypaw imprint) and directed by Justin Tipping, drops in theaters on September 19 and is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most disturbing and thought-provoking genre films. Combining the psychological torment of Get Out with the physical brutality of pro sports, Him takes the pursuit of greatness and appears to push it to a dangerous, disorienting extreme.

A Jordan Peele-produced horror film that turns the usual sports-thriller trope on its head
At the center of the film is Cameron Cade (played by real-life former wide receiver Tyriq Withers), a rising quarterback who suffers a traumatic brain injury after being attacked by a fan on the eve of football’s biggest scouting event. Seemingly down for the count, Cam receives an unexpected lifeline from his idol, Isaiah White — an eight-time champion and cultural icon portrayed by Marlon Wayans.

As the movie’s synopsis further revealed, White invites Cam to a remote training compound where he promises to mold him into a star. But what starts as an intense mentorship quickly devolves into something far more sinister. Isaiah’s words of wisdom — “If you want to transcend the game, you have to dig deep. No days off. No sleep.” — start to feel like cult indoctrination. As Cam trains harder, reality begins to fracture. Blood, sacrifice and strange symbols start to overtake the playbook. All the makings of a squeamish scare flick.

The official trailer teases masked figures, eerie rituals and violent hallucinations, all of which was emphasized by Isaiah’s unnerving appearance. In one especially chilling shot, Cam rocks a blood-splattered jersey on a football field, arms raised in a Christ-like pose atop a sigil resembling a modified pentagram.

WATCH:

Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans lead a star-studded, culture-rich cast
The film’s supporting cast includes a mix of alt-culture heavyweights and rising stars: Julia Fox as Isaiah’s influencer wife, Elsie; Tim Heidecker and Jim Jefferies as comedic wildcards and musicians like Tierra Whack, Guapdad 4000 and MMA fighter Maurice Greene making their big-screen debuts.


Garcelle Beauvais Cuts Ties With All Main Cast Of 'RHOBH' On Instagram After Dramatic Exit
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" has seen its share of drama, but Garcelle Beauvais added another twist by unfollowing her co-stars after her dramatic exit from the show.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the snub on Instagram, where Beauvais no longer follows any of her main cast members, including Sutton Stracke, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, and Bozoma Saint John. On the other hand, all five co-stars continue to follow her.

Beauvais, known for her roles in "The Jamie Foxx Show" and "Coming to America," left the Bravo show in March. However, her departure was anything but smooth, playing out in a fiery reunion episode.
Beauvais engaged in heated arguments with co-stars Kemsley, Richards, and Jayne, stating, "I'm really pissed right now. I'm pissed about all of it. All of it, since I've sat here on this couch." She also accused her co-stars of ganging up on her.

As the reunion tension escalated, Beauvais refused to take a cast photo and eventually stormed off the set, expressing her frustration backstage, "I can't be friends with people like that. I don't trust them. They're all f***ing a**holes."
While she ditched the main cast of "RHOBH," Beauvais still follows "friends" of the cast, like Kathy Hilton and Jennifer Tilly, on Instagram.
With Beauvais being the only cast member so far to confirm her departure for the upcoming season, speculation mounts over the casting decisions for "RHOBH" Season 15.

Recently, Debbie Matenopoulos, the former co-host of "The View", revealed she had entered talks to join "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for the upcoming Season 15.
For now, the Bravo community and fans are left dissecting the fallout and wondering about the new dynamics that will emerge. Stay tuned as we follow this unfolding story and bring you the latest tea on all your favorite reality TV stars!


Terrence Howard Plans Podcast to Expose ‘Shady’ Hollywood
Terrence Howard is gearing up to launch a podcast that he claims will pull back the curtain on the darker side of the entertainment industry.
In a recent conversation with TMZ, the actor teased a project he’s been recording that promises to expose what he calls “business betrayals” and “shady transactions” he’s encountered throughout his Hollywood career. Describing the upcoming podcast as a “studio’s nightmare and every actor’s wet dream,” Howard said he wants to give listeners an honest glimpse into how media companies operate behind the scenes.

One major focus of the show will reportedly be his ongoing lawsuit against Creative Artists Agency (CAA), in which he alleges he was pressured into accepting lower pay for his role on “Empire.” According to Howard, the podcast will also aim for top figures at companies like Disney and Fox, though he insists the goal is to “speak truth to power” rather than attack fellow entertainers.
While Howard claims he won’t target peers or name names unnecessarily, recent comments suggest that some revelations may still stir controversy. On a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, he made headlines after alleging that Sean “Diddy” Combs behaved oddly during a series of meetings.

According to Howard, Combs repeatedly invited him to be his acting coach, but each time they met, “Puffy invited me, for weeks,” he said, Combs would merely “sit” and “look” at him without engaging. Howard said things became even more perplexing when Combs asked to hear his music, only to again remain silent and still throughout the interaction.
Uncertain about what was really going on, Howard sought clarity from his assistant, and the response caught him off guard. According to Howard, the assistant said, “I think he’s trying to f–k you.” The comment was enough for Howard to cut off all contact with Combs.

Though Howard’s podcast has no confirmed release date, it’s already generating buzz as he promises to tell the truth about the machine behind the movies.


Deion Sanders Says He’s “Never Masturbated” In His Life

During a recent episode of his podcast We Got Time Today, Deion Sanders made a statement that surprised many listeners. When asked about self-pleasure, Sanders responded, “No, I don’t do that. I don’t pleasure myself. I’ve never in my life pleasured myself. Never in my life. God, God is my witness. In Jesus’ name. I’m telling you. God’s honest truth. … My next statement going to sound arrogant. I never had to.”

Co-host Rocsi Diaz and guests Mandii B and Weezy, known for their podcast Whoreible Decisions, expressed disbelief at Sanders’ claim. The conversation took a personal turn, highlighting Sanders’ unique perspective on the topic.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Rag Doll

Is that a wig or a legit hair?


AND NOW Meet: Jonnel
It's Jonnel! You can see more HERE

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

Enjoy!


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM

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