#MAGFAB: Tems for Vogue UK August 2026
Nadine Ijewere [IG] photographs Nigeria’s highest-charting female musician Tems in ‘Step To The Beat’, a look at fashion’s voluminous, fall shapes. Jessica Willis, who serves as fashion director for The Cut since June 2023, chose autumn looks from Chanel, Ferragamo, Givenchy by Sarah Burton, ONALAGA, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and more for British Vogue [IG] August 2026 issue. / Hair by Isaac Poleon; makeup by Kayla Perez
Nice!
#RHOA: Andy Cohen Drops Major Kenya Moore Admission Amid RHOA Return Hopes
Andy Cohen has revealed that he misses Kenya Moore, reigniting speculation about whether the former The Real Housewives of Atlanta star could eventually return to the Bravo franchise.
Cohen did not say that Moore is returning, but his comments have fans wondering whether the door could still be open.
Andy Cohen says he misses Kenya Moore as 'RHOA' return speculation heats up
Recently, No Chaser TV shared a post on X about the RHOA host's conversation on Radio Andy, during which a fan directly asked Andy Cohen about Kenya Moore. In response, Cohen admitted that he misses her too.
Andy said, "Well I'll tell you this, I'm thinking about her all the time. I text her last week about how much I miss her."
Although Cohen did not explicitly say that Kenya Moore would return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, his comments were enough to spark speculation among fans about a possible comeback.
Moore's exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta became one of the most talked-about moments of 2024. Moore's Season 16 run ended in June 2024 after Bravo suspended her amid an investigation into an incident involving sexually explicit images allegedly depicting newcomer Brit Eady. Moore ultimately left the season and did not resume filming.
Moore later expressed regret over the incident, calling it a mistake and taking full accountability for her actions.
The incident was widely characterized online as "revenge porn," but Moore strongly denied that accusation, saying she had never distributed anyone's private images or footage. She maintained that she had never distributed anyone's private images or footage and rejected the way people portrayed the situation.
Moore's 2024 departure was not necessarily framed as a permanent banishment. At the time, TMZ reported that Bravo was keeping the door open to a potential future return.
After her shocking exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, American actress and TV personality Kenya Moore has continued managing her haircare business while raising her daughter, Brooklyn.
Cohen did not say that Moore is returning, but his comments have fans wondering whether the door could still be open.
Andy Cohen says he misses Kenya Moore as 'RHOA' return speculation heats up
Recently, No Chaser TV shared a post on X about the RHOA host's conversation on Radio Andy, during which a fan directly asked Andy Cohen about Kenya Moore. In response, Cohen admitted that he misses her too.
Andy said, "Well I'll tell you this, I'm thinking about her all the time. I text her last week about how much I miss her."
Although Cohen did not explicitly say that Kenya Moore would return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, his comments were enough to spark speculation among fans about a possible comeback.
Moore's exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta became one of the most talked-about moments of 2024. Moore's Season 16 run ended in June 2024 after Bravo suspended her amid an investigation into an incident involving sexually explicit images allegedly depicting newcomer Brit Eady. Moore ultimately left the season and did not resume filming.
Moore later expressed regret over the incident, calling it a mistake and taking full accountability for her actions.
The incident was widely characterized online as "revenge porn," but Moore strongly denied that accusation, saying she had never distributed anyone's private images or footage. She maintained that she had never distributed anyone's private images or footage and rejected the way people portrayed the situation.
Moore's 2024 departure was not necessarily framed as a permanent banishment. At the time, TMZ reported that Bravo was keeping the door open to a potential future return.
After her shocking exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, American actress and TV personality Kenya Moore has continued managing her haircare business while raising her daughter, Brooklyn.
#NewMusic from October London Releases New Album “Love Me For Me”
Grammy Award-winning R&B vocalist October London has officially released his highly anticipated new studio album, Love Me For Me, via Death Row Records/gamma. The 10-track project arrives alongside a brand-new official music video for the album’s focus track, “Body Talk.”
Produced in its entirety by hip-hop veterans Snoop Dogg and Soopafly, Love Me For Me marks a significant new creative chapter for London. While the project preserves the timeless warmth and classic soul aesthetic that have become synonymous with his sound, it also pushes into a more intimate exploration of love, commitment, and self-discovery.
Anchored by rich storytelling, lush instrumentation, and his unmistakably smooth vocal delivery, the album explores the multi-dimensional aspects of relationships. The tracklist includes the previously released single “Your Girl” alongside the Top 10 radio-charting hit “Silent Treatment,” offering a comprehensive look at the complexities of desire, devotion, and vulnerability.
The release of Love Me For Me follows a highly successful run for London, who has rapidly established himself as one of contemporary R&B’s most distinctive voices. His acclaimed sophomore album, October Nights, recently debuted in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, successfully building upon the foundation laid by his breakout debut, The Rebirth of Marvin.
STREAM HERE"
Produced in its entirety by hip-hop veterans Snoop Dogg and Soopafly, Love Me For Me marks a significant new creative chapter for London. While the project preserves the timeless warmth and classic soul aesthetic that have become synonymous with his sound, it also pushes into a more intimate exploration of love, commitment, and self-discovery.
Anchored by rich storytelling, lush instrumentation, and his unmistakably smooth vocal delivery, the album explores the multi-dimensional aspects of relationships. The tracklist includes the previously released single “Your Girl” alongside the Top 10 radio-charting hit “Silent Treatment,” offering a comprehensive look at the complexities of desire, devotion, and vulnerability.
The release of Love Me For Me follows a highly successful run for London, who has rapidly established himself as one of contemporary R&B’s most distinctive voices. His acclaimed sophomore album, October Nights, recently debuted in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, successfully building upon the foundation laid by his breakout debut, The Rebirth of Marvin.
STREAM HERE"
London also recently secured his third career No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart with the single “Touch on Me,” joining his previous chart-toppers “Back to Your Place” and “Mulholland Drive.”
Beyond his commercial chart success, London’s music continues to resonate on a broader cultural level. Earlier this summer, his hit single “Make Me Wanna”—which has amassed over 15.3 million streams and 3.8 million YouTube views—was selected for former President Barack Obama’s renowned 2026 Summer Playlist.
Further cementing his status among the genre’s leading acts, London delivered a standout performance at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards as part of a star-studded tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, and earned a nomination for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2026 BET Awards.
With Love Me For Me, October London continues to expand his musical footprint, delivering a project deeply rooted in the traditions of classic R&B while remaining entirely his own.
Love Me For Me and the official music video for “Body Talk” are available now across all major digital streaming platforms.
Beyond his commercial chart success, London’s music continues to resonate on a broader cultural level. Earlier this summer, his hit single “Make Me Wanna”—which has amassed over 15.3 million streams and 3.8 million YouTube views—was selected for former President Barack Obama’s renowned 2026 Summer Playlist.
Further cementing his status among the genre’s leading acts, London delivered a standout performance at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards as part of a star-studded tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, and earned a nomination for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2026 BET Awards.
With Love Me For Me, October London continues to expand his musical footprint, delivering a project deeply rooted in the traditions of classic R&B while remaining entirely his own.
Love Me For Me and the official music video for “Body Talk” are available now across all major digital streaming platforms.
#HipHopNews: Tyga Says Critics Misunderstood How ‘STARFACE’ Was Made
Tyga is pushing back against criticism surrounding his latest album, $TARFACE, clarifying that artificial intelligence was only used for select production elements—not the music as a whole. The rapper addressed both the backlash and Pitchfork’s widely discussed 0.0 review during a new interview with TMZ.
Responding to the publication’s rating, Tyga dismissed its influence while reiterating how the album was made. “I don’t know what Pitchfork is. All I know is the devil uses a pitchfork,” he joked before addressing the growing debate over AI in music.
“Unfortunately, Gen Z can’t read – what I said was this: I used AI-assisted things in the production,” he explained. “All the vocals are me, I wrote all the songs. When it comes to the ‘80s synths and the guitar solos, yes I used AI for that. But I didn’t make a full AI album. I was in the studio for 3 months working on this.”
Released on July 31, $TARFACE marks Tyga’s ninth studio album under his Starface alter ego. Inspired by 1980s synth-pop, funk, R&B and synth-wave, the project represents one of the biggest stylistic departures of his career. Before its release, Tyga had already acknowledged using AI-assisted tools during production, explaining in an interview with Vibe that the technology helped create specific sounds such as vintage synthesizers and guitar solos while insisting that the songwriting and vocal performances remained entirely his own.
The conversation surrounding the album intensified earlier this week after Doja Cat publicly criticized Tyga during a Twitch livestream. “Nobody asked me anything about Tyga, but I just felt like saying this,” she told viewers. “Tyga is a p*nis for making an AI album.”
Her remarks echoed a broader debate over generative AI’s role in music creation. Doja Cat has previously rejected AI-generated songs falsely attributed to her, posting “F*ck AI for real” after fake leaks circulated online in June.
Meanwhile, $TARFACE has become one of the year’s most polarizing releases. Pitchfork awarded the project a 0.0 rating—its first zero score in 19 years—delivering an exceptionally harsh review that fueled even more discussion across social media.
Responding to the publication’s rating, Tyga dismissed its influence while reiterating how the album was made. “I don’t know what Pitchfork is. All I know is the devil uses a pitchfork,” he joked before addressing the growing debate over AI in music.
“Unfortunately, Gen Z can’t read – what I said was this: I used AI-assisted things in the production,” he explained. “All the vocals are me, I wrote all the songs. When it comes to the ‘80s synths and the guitar solos, yes I used AI for that. But I didn’t make a full AI album. I was in the studio for 3 months working on this.”
Released on July 31, $TARFACE marks Tyga’s ninth studio album under his Starface alter ego. Inspired by 1980s synth-pop, funk, R&B and synth-wave, the project represents one of the biggest stylistic departures of his career. Before its release, Tyga had already acknowledged using AI-assisted tools during production, explaining in an interview with Vibe that the technology helped create specific sounds such as vintage synthesizers and guitar solos while insisting that the songwriting and vocal performances remained entirely his own.
The conversation surrounding the album intensified earlier this week after Doja Cat publicly criticized Tyga during a Twitch livestream. “Nobody asked me anything about Tyga, but I just felt like saying this,” she told viewers. “Tyga is a p*nis for making an AI album.”
Her remarks echoed a broader debate over generative AI’s role in music creation. Doja Cat has previously rejected AI-generated songs falsely attributed to her, posting “F*ck AI for real” after fake leaks circulated online in June.
Meanwhile, $TARFACE has become one of the year’s most polarizing releases. Pitchfork awarded the project a 0.0 rating—its first zero score in 19 years—delivering an exceptionally harsh review that fueled even more discussion across social media.
#RIPHaydenPanettiere, known for roles in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ dies at 36
Actor Hayden Panettiere, who was known for roles in television’s “Heroes” and “Nashville” and had recently published a memoir, has died, her father said in a statement Sunday night. She was 36.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Skip Panettiere said in a statement provided by her representative.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office on Monday said that Panettiere’s cause of death remains pending further investigation.
An autopsy was completed Monday, the statement added, and “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.”
At around 1:50 p.m. Sunday, authorities received a 911 call regarding a “reported cardiac arrest” at an apartment complex, according to the coroner’s office. Police say an acquaintance of Panettiere made the 911 call.
“Panettiere was found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying,” the coroner’s office said.
Advanced cardiac life support measures were initiated, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, the statement added. Panettiere was pronounced deceased at 2:32 p.m.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” the police said Sunday, adding that the preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Panettiere revealed this year that she previously struggled with postpartum depression and addiction, which she said led to her decision to give up custody of her only child, daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, in 2018, whom she had with former partner Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian professional boxer.
Panettiere recently published a memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which generated headlines over its revelations, including about her past relationships.
In 2024, she described pain and grief after her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart condition the previous year.
“When you lose somebody that you saw in all the important moments in your life, standing right next to you, it just rocks your world,” she told NBC’s “TODAY” show.
Hayden Panettiere was born and raised in Palisades, New York, about 40 miles north of New York City, according to her Television Academy bio.
Panettiere started working at 11 months old, when she appeared in television commercials, it said.
She appeared on soap operas, including “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light,” beginning at age 4. Her voice was featured as the young princess ant in “A Bug’s Life,” the animated feature, and she eventually appeared in big-screen stories, including “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing.”
One of her most impactful roles was as Juliette Barnes on television’s “Nashville.” The role earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Before that, she was Claire Bennet on the 2000s show “Heroes.”
Connie Briton, Panettiere’s costar on “Nashville,” posted several photos of the two of them together on set with the caption: “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”
Actor Matt Lanter, who played a boyfriend of Panettiere characters in both “Heroes” and ABC’s “Commander in Chief,” posted a sweet picture of her hugging him in happier times.
“We always had a great time on set and tons of laughs,” Lanter wrote, calling Panettiere’s passing “just too young.”
Emma Roberts, who appeared with the late actor in the 2011 horror sequel “Scream 4,” also posted loving photo of her kissing Panettiere on her forehead.
Roberts, the niece of Julia Roberts, eulogized, “rest in peace my sweet friend,” telling the departed Panettiere that she was “so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Hayden Panettiere, center, and the Season 2 cast of "Heroes."Frank Ockenfels / NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Her time shooting “Nashville” included the pressure of having had a baby and experiencing postpartum depression, she said, and at times it was too much.
“That’s why I turned to substances — because the anxiety that I started having, the panic attacks that I started having,” she said in a tearful interview on the “Jay Shetty Podcast” in May.
Panettiere said she always wanted to be a mother but discussed her sadness amid her postpartum depression.
“I had this beautiful plan in my head, and then I had my daughter, and I knew something was just terribly, terribly wrong,” she said on the podcast. “I was miserable. I was in tears all the time. Even though the alcohol helped my nervous system calm down, it is a depressant, so over time it made things worse, not better.”
Despite being apart from her daughter after she gave up custody to Klitschko, Panettiere told Shetty, she formed a strong bond with her child.
“I will always want her here. I always miss her,” she said. “I always want to have my arms wrapped around her, but that’s just not the way life is right at this moment.”
She continued, “I have faith that she is going to come to me and that we’re going to have an incredible relationship and bond and friendship that a lot of parents don’t get to have with their kids.”
In 2018, the year “Nashville” ended its six-season run, Panettiere sold her home in the namesake city.
“We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere,” the screen actors union SAG-AFTRA, which counted her as a member since 1994, said in a statement. “Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans.”
Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film “Custody,” paid tribute to her “amazing talent.”
“I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered,” Davis said in a post on Instagram.
Actor Emme Rylan, who appeared with Panettiere in “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” reacted to news of her death on Instagram, saying: “So very sad. Rest in peace sweet soul.”
Kelly Osbourne said in an Instagram story that she was “deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me.”
“We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” Osbourne wrote, adding that Panettiere was “such a good friend to me.”
Brit Shaw, who guest starred on “Nashville,” called Panettiere’s death a “shock” in an Instagram post.
“She had this way of making you feel at home. From the moment I walked onto the Nashville set, she made me feel like I belonged,” Shaw wrote. “We had so many good times together, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”
Alyson Stoner also took to Instagram to express her grief over Panettiere’s death, whom she succeeded as the English voice actor for Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
“From one Kairi to another… One sky, one destiny,” captioned the emotional video. “My deepest condolences to Hayden’s family, community, and the many lives Hayden reached. May you rest in freedom, Hayden.”
District of Columbia shadow Sen. Paul Strauss shared a photo of himself with Panettiere on Instagram and said he was “devastated” by her death.
“Hayden was a special person who always tried to use her platform for causes she believed in. Her advocacy to protect whales, and for DC Statehood were just some of the worthy causes she generously donated her time and energy to,” Strauss said. “A special soul gone way too soon.”
Panettiere was a spokesperson for the Whaleman Foundation, an oceanic conservation group; appeared in the 2010 Oscar-winning documentary on dolphin slaughter, “The Cove”; and received the Genesis Wyler Award from the Humane Society, according to the Television Academy.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her— and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her father said.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For additional resources, visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Skip Panettiere said in a statement provided by her representative.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office on Monday said that Panettiere’s cause of death remains pending further investigation.
An autopsy was completed Monday, the statement added, and “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.”
At around 1:50 p.m. Sunday, authorities received a 911 call regarding a “reported cardiac arrest” at an apartment complex, according to the coroner’s office. Police say an acquaintance of Panettiere made the 911 call.
“Panettiere was found unresponsive inside the residence, where she had been temporarily staying,” the coroner’s office said.
Advanced cardiac life support measures were initiated, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, the statement added. Panettiere was pronounced deceased at 2:32 p.m.
“The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office,” the police said Sunday, adding that the preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Panettiere revealed this year that she previously struggled with postpartum depression and addiction, which she said led to her decision to give up custody of her only child, daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, in 2018, whom she had with former partner Wladimir Klitschko, the Ukrainian professional boxer.
Panettiere recently published a memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which generated headlines over its revelations, including about her past relationships.
In 2024, she described pain and grief after her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart condition the previous year.
“When you lose somebody that you saw in all the important moments in your life, standing right next to you, it just rocks your world,” she told NBC’s “TODAY” show.
Hayden Panettiere was born and raised in Palisades, New York, about 40 miles north of New York City, according to her Television Academy bio.
Panettiere started working at 11 months old, when she appeared in television commercials, it said.
She appeared on soap operas, including “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light,” beginning at age 4. Her voice was featured as the young princess ant in “A Bug’s Life,” the animated feature, and she eventually appeared in big-screen stories, including “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess” and “Bring It On: All or Nothing.”
One of her most impactful roles was as Juliette Barnes on television’s “Nashville.” The role earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
Before that, she was Claire Bennet on the 2000s show “Heroes.”
Connie Briton, Panettiere’s costar on “Nashville,” posted several photos of the two of them together on set with the caption: “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”
Actor Matt Lanter, who played a boyfriend of Panettiere characters in both “Heroes” and ABC’s “Commander in Chief,” posted a sweet picture of her hugging him in happier times.
“We always had a great time on set and tons of laughs,” Lanter wrote, calling Panettiere’s passing “just too young.”
Emma Roberts, who appeared with the late actor in the 2011 horror sequel “Scream 4,” also posted loving photo of her kissing Panettiere on her forehead.
Roberts, the niece of Julia Roberts, eulogized, “rest in peace my sweet friend,” telling the departed Panettiere that she was “so loved and you will be forever missed.”
Hayden Panettiere, center, and the Season 2 cast of "Heroes."Frank Ockenfels / NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Her time shooting “Nashville” included the pressure of having had a baby and experiencing postpartum depression, she said, and at times it was too much.
“That’s why I turned to substances — because the anxiety that I started having, the panic attacks that I started having,” she said in a tearful interview on the “Jay Shetty Podcast” in May.
Panettiere said she always wanted to be a mother but discussed her sadness amid her postpartum depression.
“I had this beautiful plan in my head, and then I had my daughter, and I knew something was just terribly, terribly wrong,” she said on the podcast. “I was miserable. I was in tears all the time. Even though the alcohol helped my nervous system calm down, it is a depressant, so over time it made things worse, not better.”
Despite being apart from her daughter after she gave up custody to Klitschko, Panettiere told Shetty, she formed a strong bond with her child.
“I will always want her here. I always miss her,” she said. “I always want to have my arms wrapped around her, but that’s just not the way life is right at this moment.”
She continued, “I have faith that she is going to come to me and that we’re going to have an incredible relationship and bond and friendship that a lot of parents don’t get to have with their kids.”
In 2018, the year “Nashville” ended its six-season run, Panettiere sold her home in the namesake city.
“We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere,” the screen actors union SAG-AFTRA, which counted her as a member since 1994, said in a statement. “Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans.”
Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film “Custody,” paid tribute to her “amazing talent.”
“I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered,” Davis said in a post on Instagram.
Actor Emme Rylan, who appeared with Panettiere in “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” reacted to news of her death on Instagram, saying: “So very sad. Rest in peace sweet soul.”
Kelly Osbourne said in an Instagram story that she was “deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me.”
“We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” Osbourne wrote, adding that Panettiere was “such a good friend to me.”
Brit Shaw, who guest starred on “Nashville,” called Panettiere’s death a “shock” in an Instagram post.
“She had this way of making you feel at home. From the moment I walked onto the Nashville set, she made me feel like I belonged,” Shaw wrote. “We had so many good times together, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”
Alyson Stoner also took to Instagram to express her grief over Panettiere’s death, whom she succeeded as the English voice actor for Kairi in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
“From one Kairi to another… One sky, one destiny,” captioned the emotional video. “My deepest condolences to Hayden’s family, community, and the many lives Hayden reached. May you rest in freedom, Hayden.”
District of Columbia shadow Sen. Paul Strauss shared a photo of himself with Panettiere on Instagram and said he was “devastated” by her death.
“Hayden was a special person who always tried to use her platform for causes she believed in. Her advocacy to protect whales, and for DC Statehood were just some of the worthy causes she generously donated her time and energy to,” Strauss said. “A special soul gone way too soon.”
Panettiere was a spokesperson for the Whaleman Foundation, an oceanic conservation group; appeared in the 2010 Oscar-winning documentary on dolphin slaughter, “The Cove”; and received the Genesis Wyler Award from the Humane Society, according to the Television Academy.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her— and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her father said.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For additional resources, visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods wed in Malibu ceremony
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods have officially tied the knot. The star-studded couple married at a Malibu, California ceremony over the weekend, and the event was packed with notable names. From teammates -- Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart were among the Knicks there -- to superfans -- Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller -- representatives of Towns' New York team were aplenty.
But they weren't the only big names on the invite list. Michael B. Jordan as well as Justin and Hailey Bieber were among a number of celebrities reported to be in the Golden State for the wedding.
The guests also left Malibu with swag in hand. According to the New York Post, attendees received hoodies reading "Married in 5" -- a play on Towns' recent NBA Finals win with the Knicks -- as well as Fanatics-branded gift bags and In-N-Out cups.
The wedding caps a longtime romance for Towns and Woods. The two had been dating for over five years when Towns proposed on Christmas Day last year in New York City.
But they weren't the only big names on the invite list. Michael B. Jordan as well as Justin and Hailey Bieber were among a number of celebrities reported to be in the Golden State for the wedding.
The guests also left Malibu with swag in hand. According to the New York Post, attendees received hoodies reading "Married in 5" -- a play on Towns' recent NBA Finals win with the Knicks -- as well as Fanatics-branded gift bags and In-N-Out cups.
The wedding caps a longtime romance for Towns and Woods. The two had been dating for over five years when Towns proposed on Christmas Day last year in New York City.
The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards: Full Winners List
Knowles-Smith, 42, won five awards, four of them for the hit album Revival: Live in Dallas, which she recorded with The Brown Singers. Knowles-Smith won the Albertina Walker female artist of the year award; duo/chorus/group of the year and quartet of the year alongside The Brown Singers; producer of the year in tandem with Frederick Perry; and song of the year for “Promises (Live),” which she wrote under her real name, Alescia Knowles-Smith. The song reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart in June.
Walls, 35, won two awards: artist of the year and contemporary male artist of the year, both for Heart of Mine.
Vincent Bohanan & SOV won three awards, all for their album Live in New York: album of the year, choir of the year (in a tie with JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise), and contemporary choir of the year.
Other artists with two wins were Jonathan McReynolds, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr and The Brown Singers.
Kim Person had tied with John P. Kee for the most nominations this year (seven each), but she was not a winner on the night.
In addition, Tasha Cobbs Leonard was presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Pastor Mike Jr. received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
The show will premiere on The Stellar Network, available on Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios, with the broadcast debuting on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. ET with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET. The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET before expanding to audiences nationwide through broadcast TV syndication from Sept. 5 through Sept. 27. In Charlotte, WBTV (CBS) will serve as the local television broadcast partner. Bounce TV will air the ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. ET.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards is executive produced by Don Jackson (founder of the Stellar Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, Inc.) with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson-Pressley as talent producer, and Daniel Moore as music director.
Here’s the full nominations list, with winners marked.
Overall Awards
Artist of the Year
WINNER: Darrel Walls; Heart of Mine; Tyscot Records / Gumbo Studios
Jekalyn Carr; Jekalyn X The Legends; Waynorth Music
Kim Person; Reflections; Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TASHA; Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Tye Tribbett; Only on the Road (Live); Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Song of the Year
“Able” ft. Kim Burrell ~ Paul Sylvester Morton Jr.~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
“Come Jesus Come” ~ Stephen McWhirter, Tara McWhirter, Hank Bentley, and Bryan Fowler ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
“On the Way” Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia Andrews, Karl Powell, Michael McClure Jr., Jeremy James, Jaicko Raphael Lawrence, Israel Allen, & Erica Campbell ~ Rock City Media Group
WINNER: “Promises (Live)” ~ Alescia Knowles-Smith ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
“Your Love” ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Male Artist of the Year
Asaun Bynum ~ True to Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
WINNER: Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Tye Tribbett ~ Only on the Road (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year
Adia ~ On the Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Maranda Curtis ~ Worship Restored ~ ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Jesus I Love You ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
CeCe Winans & Pastor Shirley Caesar ~ Come Jesus Come ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
New Artist of the Year
WINNER: Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Asaun Bynum ~ True to Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Bishop Charles Ellis & Greater Grace Worship Choir ~ Graceful Records
United Music & Arts Conference Choir ~ Clap Your Hands ft. Beverly Crawford & Craig Hayes ~ High C
Album of the Year
Heart of Mine ~ Darrel Walls ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
WINNER: Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Reflections ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
WINNER: JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
WINNER: Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Quartet of the Year
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
The Flying Clouds of South Carolina ~ Don’t Leave Me ~ Blockbuster Records
The Gospel Legends ~ Jesus Is the Man ~ 4Winds/Malaco Records
Tim White ~ Help Live in Chicago ~ Independent
Producer of the Year
WINNER: Alescia Knowles-Smith & Frederick Perry ~ Revival: Live in Dallas (Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers) ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Donald Lawrence & Cedric Thompson ~ Global Love Alive (London) ~ Platoon
Kim Person & Phillip Bryant ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
PJ Morton ~ Heart of Mine (Darrel Walls) ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Music Video of the Year
“I Am Happy” ~ Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
WINNER: “Find Jesus” ~ Deitrick Haddon ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
“You Matter” ~ Maurice Griffin ~ World Changing Entertainment
“On the Way Remix” (Adia ft. Erica Campbell) ~ Will Thomas ~ Rock City Media
Specialized Categories
Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity ~ Chain Breaker 2.5 ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
WINNER: Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Mariah Carey (feat. The Clark Sisters ~ Jesus I Do ~ MARIAH/gamma.
Red Hands ~ Red Hands ~ Black Suit Music/Anderson Music Group/TAMLA Records
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ft. John Legend ~ Church ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Group Fire ~ I Can Count on You ~ Jet Records North/East
Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
WINNER: Brandon Camphor & One Way ~ In Christ Alone ~ TOMii Entertainment
Darrel Petties & Take 2 ~ Word ~ Independent
Lucinda Moore featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
WINNER: Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studio
Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Thomas Ware ~ The Book of Thomas ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Zacardi Cortez ~ Ibhar: The Journey (Chapter 2) ~ Blacksmoke Music
Traditional Male Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
Earnest Pugh ~ We Wanna See You, Vol 1 Live ~ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
JJ Hairston ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
WINNER: John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
Adia On the Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Crystal Aikin ~ Lord I Need Your Help ~ Godshand Management Services LLC/Mixed Bag Entertainment
WINNER: Erica Campbell ~ Trust and Obey – London ~ My Block Records Inc.
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Nia Allen ~ Lord I Love You ~ Lewis-Kortez Group
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Traditional Female Artist of the Year
WINNER: Blanche McAllister-Dykes ~ Words (Donald Lawrence) ~ Platoon
Bobbi Lane ~ He Never Failed Me ft. Paul Porter ~ Taylor Music Group
K. Jeanette ~ Jesus Is My Friend ft. Shawn Bigby ~ Devine Records
Lucinda Moore ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ft Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Contemporary Album of the Year
WINNER: Fred Hammond Presents Sensere: The Soul of Future Worship Vol. II ~ Sensere ~ Wrightsound M&E
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Book of Thomas ~ Thomas Ware ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Traditional Album of the Year
WINNER: Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
Throwback: An Evening With John P. Kee Part I; ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Urban Single or Performance of the Year
“Church Parking Lot” ft. Tasha Page-Lockhart ~ Otis Kemp ~ Revive 5.0 Entertainment
“Do It Again” ~ Kirk Franklin ~ Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records
“Jesus I Love You” ~ Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
“Make a Way” ~ VaShawn Mitchell ~ VMan Entertainment/Fair Trade Services
WINNER: “On the Way” Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia ~ Rock City Media Group
“The Light” ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong Music/Lewis-Kortez Group
Traditional Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
Bishop Brian D. Moore & The Life Center Choir ~ Always Come Through ~ Independent
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
WINNER: John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Contemporary Choir of the Year
Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith on Full ~ A Song ~ Just 1 Global Productions/Johnny Sanders Presents LLC
Sounds of Blackness Feat Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, Atlanta Drum Academy ~ We’re Unstoppable ~ Sounds of Blackness/AtomicK Records
WINNER: Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Voices of Fire ~ Ophanim ~ EZ FLO Innovations LLC/PW Music/Warner Records
Traditional Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Special Event Album of the Year
WINNER: Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents: Almost Home – A Ramp Record with Friends ~ Bishop S.Y. Younger ~ Ramp Records, Under Exclusive License to MNRK Records LP
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year
All We Like Sheep ~ Childlike CiCi ~ Capitol Christian Music Group, TAMLA
Party in Heaven ~ Mike Teezy ~ MTEntertainment, LLC
WINNER: Reconstruction ~ Lecrae ~ Reach Records
Walking With Purpose ~ DFG SUL ~ Independent
Youth Project of the Year
AMG Kidz x Wilson World; Boombox; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
Janessa Smith; Lift Him; Inspired Recording
WINNER: Pure N Heart; Alphaeus Anderson Presents Pure N Heart Celebrate Jesus 20yrs; Music2ChangeU
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Brianna Dowd & JJ Hairston – The Live Reunion – Motown Gospel/Jamestown Music
Kim Person & JP Designs Art – Reflections – Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Octavius Holmes – Jekalyn Carr x The Legends – Waynorth Music
WINNER: PJ Morton – Heart of Mine (Darrel Walls) – Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Praise and Worship Album of the Year
Coritos Vol. 1; Israel & New Breed; Integrity Music/District 11
Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas); Naomi Raine; Tribl Records
WINNER: Promises; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand Music, FairTrade Services
Worship Restored; Maranda Curtis; ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
Praise And Worship Song of the Year
“Be Glad” ~ Naomi Raine ~ Tribl Records
“Bless Your Name” ~ Maranda Curtis ~ ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
“Proverbs 3” ~ Todd Dulaney ~ DulaneyLand Music, FairTrade Services
WINNER: “Your Name” ~ Jovonta Patton ~ Newton Street Entertainment/Integrity
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year
“Headphones” ~ Lecrae ft. TI & Killer Mike ~ Reach Records
“Move It!” ~ 1K Phew Ft. Forrest Frank & 1K Pson ~ Reach Records
WINNER: “Movin” ~ JustCordell ~ Rock City Media Group
“10X My Blessings” ~ Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz ft. Isaac Carree, Jazze Pha, Gaz Money, & Blanco Brown ~ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
HBCU Choir of the Year
Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University ft. Damien Sneed & The Levites and Kierra Sheard Kelly
Morgan State University Choir
NC A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir
Southern University Gospel Choir ft. Cameron Blain
WINNER: The Fort Valley State University Choir ft. Loren Michelle & Tiffany Boone
Gospel Radio of the Year Nominees
Top Market of the Year
WINNER: WPZE Praise 102.5 ~ Atlanta
WPZS 102.5 and 610AM ~ Charlotte
WFTB 104.1 ~ Nashville
WPRS Praise 92.7/95.9 ~ Washington, DC
Medium Market of the Year
WDEK Columbia’s Praise 95.7|1170 AM ~ Columbia
WFMV 96.1FM 620AM ~ Columbia
WINNER: WXHL 89.1 FM Reach Gospel Radio ~ Wilmington
KFFH 93.7 FM ~ North Little Rock
Small Market of the Year
WINNER: WWDA FM 101.9 ~ Clarksville
WRNP 94.1 FM ~ Ft. Wayne
WEHA 88.7FM 100.3 ~ Atlantic City
WKTT 97.5 FM ~ Salisbury
Internet Station of the Year
Black Gospel Radio, https://BlackGospelRadio.net
Hands Up Radio, https://handsupradio.org
WINNER: WTRC Praise 98.3, https://live365.com/station/a33136
WVTC Detroit, https://wvtcdetroit.com
Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year
WINNER: Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell with Arlen “Griff” Griffin & Cheryl Jackson
The Bobby Parker Show; Bobby Parker
The Tracy Morgan Show; Tracy Morgan
Willie Moore Jr.; Willie Moore Jr.
Gospel Announcer of the Year
Anna Johnson; WFLT 1420 AM, Flint, MI
Neiko Flowers; WPZE 102.5, Atlanta, GA
Pam Dixon; WEAM 100.7, Columbus, GA
WINNER: Trey Nickelson; WBZF-FM – Glory 98.5, Florence, SC
Congrats to the Winners!
NABJ Gives Stephen A. Smith A Thumbs Down Award
The National Association of Black Journalists handed Stephen A. Smith its “Thumbs Down” award Saturday night at the organization’s Salute to Excellence Awards Gala during the NABJ26 convention, citing a “recurring public pattern of disparaging public commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.”
The recognition, given annually to entities or individuals whose actions run counter to NABJ’s mission, landed just a few years after Smith and ESPN’s “First Take” were featured guests at the same organization’s conventions. In 2024, “First Take” broadcast live from the NABJ gathering in Chicago, where Smith cut short vacation time to appear and spoke warmly about the group’s value. “You come to a place like the National Association of Black Journalists conference and you’re reminded of what togetherness is all about. How there’s strength in numbers and unity,” Smith said at the time. The show returned for a live taping at the 2025 convention in Cleveland as well.
The contrast has fueled sharp online reaction. Philip Lewis, a HuffPost deputy editor and Washington Association of Black Journalists president, shared video of the announcement, which quickly drew thousands of engagements. One widely circulated post from Faith M. Jackson simply read, “Black women say THANK YOU @NABJ,” accompanied by applause emojis. Other users amplified the news with varying degrees of approval, while some questioned the selective nature of the criticism.
Critics of the award quickly pointed to what they describe as NABJ’s own inconsistencies. In 2024 the organization invited then-former President Donald Trump to appear at its Chicago convention for a high-profile interview with a panel of Black journalists. The decision sparked resignations among some organizers and widespread internal debate after Trump made comments questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity and delivered a combative performance. NABJ leadership defended the appearance as an exercise in journalism and accountability, even as many members and outside observers called it a platforming of divisive rhetoric.
The organization has also faced scrutiny over its engagement with other polarizing media figures and commercial partners. Conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock, whose commentary has frequently targeted progressive cultural positions and drawn accusations of disparaging Black athletes, women and institutions, has long operated in the same broader media ecosystem. Whitlock has publicly commented on NABJ events and decisions over the years. Separately, NABJ has maintained open advertising and sponsorship channels that accept revenue from a range of media companies, including those aligned with right-leaning sports commentary outlets such as Outkick, which has built a brand around contrarian sports and culture takes under Clay Travis and later Fox ownership.
Defenders of the thumbs-down decision argue the award specifically targets a pattern of commentary rather than political affiliation or commercial relationships. Smith’s high-profile critiques of figures ranging from athletes and coaches to political leaders and media personalities have long generated both ratings and backlash. Supporters of the NABJ action say the organization is simply holding a powerful Black media figure to account for rhetoric that, in their view, disproportionately harms Black women.
Smith, one of the highest-paid and most visible personalities in sports media, has not yet issued a detailed public response to the award as of early Sunday. His history with NABJ includes both participation as a featured voice and occasional friction over coverage and commentary standards.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions within Black journalism circles over free speech, accountability, political platforming and commercial pragmatism. NABJ’s decision to honor Smith with its negative distinction while previously hosting Trump and maintaining relationships across the media spectrum has left some observers accusing the group of selective standards. Others see it as a consistent defense of Black women against public disparagement, regardless of the speaker’s prominence or past cooperation with the organization.
The Salute to Excellence Awards continue to recognize positive contributions to journalism alongside the thumbs-down citations, reflecting the group’s dual role as both celebrant and critic within the industry.
The recognition, given annually to entities or individuals whose actions run counter to NABJ’s mission, landed just a few years after Smith and ESPN’s “First Take” were featured guests at the same organization’s conventions. In 2024, “First Take” broadcast live from the NABJ gathering in Chicago, where Smith cut short vacation time to appear and spoke warmly about the group’s value. “You come to a place like the National Association of Black Journalists conference and you’re reminded of what togetherness is all about. How there’s strength in numbers and unity,” Smith said at the time. The show returned for a live taping at the 2025 convention in Cleveland as well.
The contrast has fueled sharp online reaction. Philip Lewis, a HuffPost deputy editor and Washington Association of Black Journalists president, shared video of the announcement, which quickly drew thousands of engagements. One widely circulated post from Faith M. Jackson simply read, “Black women say THANK YOU @NABJ,” accompanied by applause emojis. Other users amplified the news with varying degrees of approval, while some questioned the selective nature of the criticism.
Critics of the award quickly pointed to what they describe as NABJ’s own inconsistencies. In 2024 the organization invited then-former President Donald Trump to appear at its Chicago convention for a high-profile interview with a panel of Black journalists. The decision sparked resignations among some organizers and widespread internal debate after Trump made comments questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity and delivered a combative performance. NABJ leadership defended the appearance as an exercise in journalism and accountability, even as many members and outside observers called it a platforming of divisive rhetoric.
The organization has also faced scrutiny over its engagement with other polarizing media figures and commercial partners. Conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock, whose commentary has frequently targeted progressive cultural positions and drawn accusations of disparaging Black athletes, women and institutions, has long operated in the same broader media ecosystem. Whitlock has publicly commented on NABJ events and decisions over the years. Separately, NABJ has maintained open advertising and sponsorship channels that accept revenue from a range of media companies, including those aligned with right-leaning sports commentary outlets such as Outkick, which has built a brand around contrarian sports and culture takes under Clay Travis and later Fox ownership.
Defenders of the thumbs-down decision argue the award specifically targets a pattern of commentary rather than political affiliation or commercial relationships. Smith’s high-profile critiques of figures ranging from athletes and coaches to political leaders and media personalities have long generated both ratings and backlash. Supporters of the NABJ action say the organization is simply holding a powerful Black media figure to account for rhetoric that, in their view, disproportionately harms Black women.
Smith, one of the highest-paid and most visible personalities in sports media, has not yet issued a detailed public response to the award as of early Sunday. His history with NABJ includes both participation as a featured voice and occasional friction over coverage and commentary standards.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions within Black journalism circles over free speech, accountability, political platforming and commercial pragmatism. NABJ’s decision to honor Smith with its negative distinction while previously hosting Trump and maintaining relationships across the media spectrum has left some observers accusing the group of selective standards. Others see it as a consistent defense of Black women against public disparagement, regardless of the speaker’s prominence or past cooperation with the organization.
The Salute to Excellence Awards continue to recognize positive contributions to journalism alongside the thumbs-down citations, reflecting the group’s dual role as both celebrant and critic within the industry.
Cardi B Allegedly Films Secret Tiny Desk Set With Strict No-Phone Policy
Cardi B may be bringing her larger-than-life energy to one of music’s most intimate stages.
According toThe Jasmine Brand exclusively reports that the Grammy-winning rapper allegedly taped an NPR Tiny Desk performance last week, with attendees reportedly required to hand over their phones before entering the session. Details surrounding the setlist and release date remain under wraps.
The rumored appearance would arrive during a major chapter for Cardi, who released her long-awaited sophomore album, “Am I the Drama?,” in September 2025, seven years after her Grammy-winning debut, “Invasion of Privacy.”
The project was followed by her Little Miss Drama Tour, her first full headlining arena run, which traveled across North America earlier this year.
A Tiny Desk set could be the perfect victory lap for Cardi. Known for huge production, choreography and headline-making performances, the stripped-down NPR format would give her a chance to spotlight her live delivery, personality and catalog with a band in a much more intimate setting for fans to see.
Cardi also returned with new music this summer, releasing “AH HA,” her first single of 2026, keeping momentum going after her album and tour era.
The rumored appearance would arrive during a major chapter for Cardi, who released her long-awaited sophomore album, “Am I the Drama?,” in September 2025, seven years after her Grammy-winning debut, “Invasion of Privacy.”
The project was followed by her Little Miss Drama Tour, her first full headlining arena run, which traveled across North America earlier this year.
A Tiny Desk set could be the perfect victory lap for Cardi. Known for huge production, choreography and headline-making performances, the stripped-down NPR format would give her a chance to spotlight her live delivery, personality and catalog with a band in a much more intimate setting for fans to see.
Cardi also returned with new music this summer, releasing “AH HA,” her first single of 2026, keeping momentum going after her album and tour era.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Reunite for “For Good” Surprise Performance at London Concert
Ariana Grande gave Wicked fans a surprise reunion during the latest stop of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Grande welcomed Cynthia Erivo to the stage during her Aug. 16 concert at London's O2 Arena, reuniting the pair for a live performance of "For Good" from Wicked: For Good.
Erivo's appearance came during Grande's second night of her extended run at the O2. The two also teamed up for a performance of "Happy Days," giving fans another chance to see the chemistry that helped make their Wicked partnership a pop culture phenomenon.
Grande and Erivo starred opposite one another as Glinda and Elphaba in director Jon M. Chu's Wicked films. Both earned Academy Award nominations for their performances following the release of the first movie.
Their rendition of "For Good" carried extra significance given the song's role in the relationship between their characters. The emotional duet is one of the signature numbers from the musical and was featured in the second film, appropriately titled Wicked: For Good.
The surprise arrives as Grande nears the end of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. After taking the show around the world, she's closing out the run with 10 concerts at London's O2 Arena, with the final performance scheduled for Sept. 1.
The tour shares its name with Grande's seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, and comes amid a particularly busy stretch for the singer and actress. She followed that project with her eighth studio album, Petal, which arrived on July 31. Once the tour wraps, Grande plans to pull back from the spotlight for a while.
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny," her representative previously told People.
News of the planned break came around the same time it was revealed Grande would no longer participate in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George. She had been expected to star in the production alongside fellow Wicked cast member Jonathan Bailey.
Grande explained at a recent show that this break is something she has planned for a while and not a result of "negativity."
"Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," she told the audience. "It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it's a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Grande welcomed Cynthia Erivo to the stage during her Aug. 16 concert at London's O2 Arena, reuniting the pair for a live performance of "For Good" from Wicked: For Good.
Erivo's appearance came during Grande's second night of her extended run at the O2. The two also teamed up for a performance of "Happy Days," giving fans another chance to see the chemistry that helped make their Wicked partnership a pop culture phenomenon.
Grande and Erivo starred opposite one another as Glinda and Elphaba in director Jon M. Chu's Wicked films. Both earned Academy Award nominations for their performances following the release of the first movie.
Their rendition of "For Good" carried extra significance given the song's role in the relationship between their characters. The emotional duet is one of the signature numbers from the musical and was featured in the second film, appropriately titled Wicked: For Good.
The surprise arrives as Grande nears the end of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. After taking the show around the world, she's closing out the run with 10 concerts at London's O2 Arena, with the final performance scheduled for Sept. 1.
The tour shares its name with Grande's seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, and comes amid a particularly busy stretch for the singer and actress. She followed that project with her eighth studio album, Petal, which arrived on July 31. Once the tour wraps, Grande plans to pull back from the spotlight for a while.
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny," her representative previously told People.
News of the planned break came around the same time it was revealed Grande would no longer participate in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George. She had been expected to star in the production alongside fellow Wicked cast member Jonathan Bailey.
Grande explained at a recent show that this break is something she has planned for a while and not a result of "negativity."
"Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," she told the audience. "It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it's a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Tommy John Dies, MLB’s ‘Bionic Man’ & Namesake of Career-Saving Surgery Dies at 83
Tommy John has sadly passed away. The four-time MLB All-Star died at the age of 83 peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. He was surrounded by family, including his wife Cheryl, per a statement via TMZ.
He has battled bladder cancer and other health challenges in recent years, though it’s unclear what his actual cause of death is at this time. He reportedly entered into hospice care earlier in August.
The MLB legend, best known as “the Bionic Man,” played for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989 for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics. He has the second-most wins of any pitcher since 1900 not in the Hall of Fame.
He also notably faced a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the ’70s, and underwent an experimental elbow reconstruction by Dr. Frank Jobe, which went on to become known as Tommy John surgery. He successfully returned to baseball following the surgery.
The procedure has since become common, and reportedly over 35% of MLB pitchers active as of a few years ago received it at some point during their careers.
On the 78th Old-Timers’ Day earlier this month, the Yankees shared an emotional goodbye statement from the former MLB player.
A Letter from Tommy John:
I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career.
Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.
Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.
The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, “Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.”
I’ve never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless
Tommy John (TJ)
A private celebration of life will be held in Florida, and the family is asking for donations to the Duke University Medical Fund.
Our thoughts are with Tommy John‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. RIP. We have sadly lost many legends in 2026.
He has battled bladder cancer and other health challenges in recent years, though it’s unclear what his actual cause of death is at this time. He reportedly entered into hospice care earlier in August.
The MLB legend, best known as “the Bionic Man,” played for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989 for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics. He has the second-most wins of any pitcher since 1900 not in the Hall of Fame.
He also notably faced a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the ’70s, and underwent an experimental elbow reconstruction by Dr. Frank Jobe, which went on to become known as Tommy John surgery. He successfully returned to baseball following the surgery.
The procedure has since become common, and reportedly over 35% of MLB pitchers active as of a few years ago received it at some point during their careers.
On the 78th Old-Timers’ Day earlier this month, the Yankees shared an emotional goodbye statement from the former MLB player.
A Letter from Tommy John:
I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career.
Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.
Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.
The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, “Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.”
I’ve never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless
Tommy John (TJ)
A private celebration of life will be held in Florida, and the family is asking for donations to the Duke University Medical Fund.
Our thoughts are with Tommy John‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. RIP. We have sadly lost many legends in 2026.
Law Roach says he tries not to be friends with his clients: ‘I want to get paid’
Law Roach has a rule for working with clients: He tries not to become friends with them.
"It blurs the line, and I want to get paid," the celebrity stylist said.
But of course, Zendaya is an exception because they had "grown up together" and are like "family."
Law Roach is careful not to let client relationships get too personal.
Speaking on SiriusXM on Saturday, the celebrity stylist said he tries to keep clear boundaries with the people he works for.
"I always had a rule not to become friends with clients," Roach said.
He described his relationship with Zendaya as the exception, saying they had "grown up together" and are like "family." With other clients, he prefers to maintain some distance.
Roach shared an example he uses with his assistants and people who work under him to explain why mixing friendship and business can get tricky.
"They say, 'Come over, let's have dinner,' and then they say, 'Oh, would you go to the closet and pick me out an outfit?' How are you going to send them an invoice?" Roach said.
He added that's where maintaining a professional boundary becomes important.
"This is your business, this is your livelihood," Roach said. "It blurs the line, and I want to get paid."
This isn't the first time Roach has spoken about keeping his client relationships separate from his friendships.
In a 2015 interview with VH1, Roach said he generally avoids hanging out with clients, since they're paying him to do a job.
"You see them at their most vulnerable — no hair, no makeup — so in that situation we do build a really strong relationship. But for me, because I see what happens with a lot of stylists, I chose to make it really professional," Roach said.
Other celebrities have similarly spoken about keeping some separation between work and friendship.
In 2025, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer said they deliberately avoided spending too much time together outside work while making the show.
"We weren't hanging out as friends during 'Broad City.' We couldn't," Glazer said.
"It was just, after 12, 14 hours of Monday through Friday, we were like, 'Let's not do dinner on Saturday,'" Jacobson added.
Treating colleagues like personal friends can make work more enjoyable, but also create tension because the two relationships operate under different expectations.
Hakan Ozcelik, a professor of management at Sacramento State University, previously told Business Insider in 2024 that workers should bring their "best professional selves" to work rather than their "intimate selves."
"Our intimate selves and our needs and our desires and our purposes in our intimate roles as human beings should be fulfilled in other domains in our lives rather than at work," Ozcelik said.
There are several ways to maintain boundaries at the workplace, even with colleagues you consider friends. Etiquette coach Mariah Grumet told Business Insider in January that people should avoid gossiping or discussing sensitive subjects with coworkers, no matter how close they are.
"We shouldn't be bringing up anything too personal, such as religion, politics, personal health concerns, appearance — anything like that that might be crossing over that boundary," she said. It is also important to avoid making jokes about others that could be received poorly.
Law Roach has a rule for working with clients: He tries not to become friends with them.
"It blurs the line, and I want to get paid," the celebrity stylist said.
But of course, Zendaya is an exception because they had "grown up together" and are like "family."
Law Roach is careful not to let client relationships get too personal.
Speaking on SiriusXM on Saturday, the celebrity stylist said he tries to keep clear boundaries with the people he works for.
"I always had a rule not to become friends with clients," Roach said.
He described his relationship with Zendaya as the exception, saying they had "grown up together" and are like "family." With other clients, he prefers to maintain some distance.
Roach shared an example he uses with his assistants and people who work under him to explain why mixing friendship and business can get tricky.
"They say, 'Come over, let's have dinner,' and then they say, 'Oh, would you go to the closet and pick me out an outfit?' How are you going to send them an invoice?" Roach said.
He added that's where maintaining a professional boundary becomes important.
"This is your business, this is your livelihood," Roach said. "It blurs the line, and I want to get paid."
This isn't the first time Roach has spoken about keeping his client relationships separate from his friendships.
In a 2015 interview with VH1, Roach said he generally avoids hanging out with clients, since they're paying him to do a job.
"You see them at their most vulnerable — no hair, no makeup — so in that situation we do build a really strong relationship. But for me, because I see what happens with a lot of stylists, I chose to make it really professional," Roach said.
Other celebrities have similarly spoken about keeping some separation between work and friendship.
In 2025, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer said they deliberately avoided spending too much time together outside work while making the show.
"We weren't hanging out as friends during 'Broad City.' We couldn't," Glazer said.
"It was just, after 12, 14 hours of Monday through Friday, we were like, 'Let's not do dinner on Saturday,'" Jacobson added.
Treating colleagues like personal friends can make work more enjoyable, but also create tension because the two relationships operate under different expectations.
Hakan Ozcelik, a professor of management at Sacramento State University, previously told Business Insider in 2024 that workers should bring their "best professional selves" to work rather than their "intimate selves."
"Our intimate selves and our needs and our desires and our purposes in our intimate roles as human beings should be fulfilled in other domains in our lives rather than at work," Ozcelik said.
There are several ways to maintain boundaries at the workplace, even with colleagues you consider friends. Etiquette coach Mariah Grumet told Business Insider in January that people should avoid gossiping or discussing sensitive subjects with coworkers, no matter how close they are.
"We shouldn't be bringing up anything too personal, such as religion, politics, personal health concerns, appearance — anything like that that might be crossing over that boundary," she said. It is also important to avoid making jokes about others that could be received poorly.
"You can never be too careful with being respectful," she said.
Law Roach has a rule for working with clients: He tries not to become friends with them.
"It blurs the line, and I want to get paid," the celebrity stylist said.
But of course, Zendaya is an exception because they had "grown up together" and are like "family."
Law Roach is careful not to let client relationships get too personal.
Speaking on SiriusXM on Saturday, the celebrity stylist said he tries to keep clear boundaries with the people he works for.
"I always had a rule not to become friends with clients," Roach said.
He described his relationship with Zendaya as the exception, saying they had "grown up together" and are like "family." With other clients, he prefers to maintain some distance.
Roach shared an example he uses with his assistants and people who work under him to explain why mixing friendship and business can get tricky.
"They say, 'Come over, let's have dinner,' and then they say, 'Oh, would you go to the closet and pick me out an outfit?' How are you going to send them an invoice?" Roach said.
He added that's where maintaining a professional boundary becomes important.
"This is your business, this is your livelihood," Roach said. "It blurs the line, and I want to get paid."
This isn't the first time Roach has spoken about keeping his client relationships separate from his friendships.
In a 2015 interview with VH1, Roach said he generally avoids hanging out with clients, since they're paying him to do a job.
"You see them at their most vulnerable — no hair, no makeup — so in that situation we do build a really strong relationship. But for me, because I see what happens with a lot of stylists, I chose to make it really professional," Roach said.
Other celebrities have similarly spoken about keeping some separation between work and friendship.
In 2025, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer said they deliberately avoided spending too much time together outside work while making the show.
"We weren't hanging out as friends during 'Broad City.' We couldn't," Glazer said.
"It was just, after 12, 14 hours of Monday through Friday, we were like, 'Let's not do dinner on Saturday,'" Jacobson added.
Treating colleagues like personal friends can make work more enjoyable, but also create tension because the two relationships operate under different expectations.
Hakan Ozcelik, a professor of management at Sacramento State University, previously told Business Insider in 2024 that workers should bring their "best professional selves" to work rather than their "intimate selves."
"Our intimate selves and our needs and our desires and our purposes in our intimate roles as human beings should be fulfilled in other domains in our lives rather than at work," Ozcelik said.
There are several ways to maintain boundaries at the workplace, even with colleagues you consider friends. Etiquette coach Mariah Grumet told Business Insider in January that people should avoid gossiping or discussing sensitive subjects with coworkers, no matter how close they are.
"We shouldn't be bringing up anything too personal, such as religion, politics, personal health concerns, appearance — anything like that that might be crossing over that boundary," she said. It is also important to avoid making jokes about others that could be received poorly.
Law Roach has a rule for working with clients: He tries not to become friends with them.
"It blurs the line, and I want to get paid," the celebrity stylist said.
But of course, Zendaya is an exception because they had "grown up together" and are like "family."
Law Roach is careful not to let client relationships get too personal.
Speaking on SiriusXM on Saturday, the celebrity stylist said he tries to keep clear boundaries with the people he works for.
"I always had a rule not to become friends with clients," Roach said.
He described his relationship with Zendaya as the exception, saying they had "grown up together" and are like "family." With other clients, he prefers to maintain some distance.
Roach shared an example he uses with his assistants and people who work under him to explain why mixing friendship and business can get tricky.
"They say, 'Come over, let's have dinner,' and then they say, 'Oh, would you go to the closet and pick me out an outfit?' How are you going to send them an invoice?" Roach said.
He added that's where maintaining a professional boundary becomes important.
"This is your business, this is your livelihood," Roach said. "It blurs the line, and I want to get paid."
This isn't the first time Roach has spoken about keeping his client relationships separate from his friendships.
In a 2015 interview with VH1, Roach said he generally avoids hanging out with clients, since they're paying him to do a job.
"You see them at their most vulnerable — no hair, no makeup — so in that situation we do build a really strong relationship. But for me, because I see what happens with a lot of stylists, I chose to make it really professional," Roach said.
Other celebrities have similarly spoken about keeping some separation between work and friendship.
In 2025, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer said they deliberately avoided spending too much time together outside work while making the show.
"We weren't hanging out as friends during 'Broad City.' We couldn't," Glazer said.
"It was just, after 12, 14 hours of Monday through Friday, we were like, 'Let's not do dinner on Saturday,'" Jacobson added.
Treating colleagues like personal friends can make work more enjoyable, but also create tension because the two relationships operate under different expectations.
Hakan Ozcelik, a professor of management at Sacramento State University, previously told Business Insider in 2024 that workers should bring their "best professional selves" to work rather than their "intimate selves."
"Our intimate selves and our needs and our desires and our purposes in our intimate roles as human beings should be fulfilled in other domains in our lives rather than at work," Ozcelik said.
There are several ways to maintain boundaries at the workplace, even with colleagues you consider friends. Etiquette coach Mariah Grumet told Business Insider in January that people should avoid gossiping or discussing sensitive subjects with coworkers, no matter how close they are.
"We shouldn't be bringing up anything too personal, such as religion, politics, personal health concerns, appearance — anything like that that might be crossing over that boundary," she said. It is also important to avoid making jokes about others that could be received poorly.
"You can never be too careful with being respectful," she said.
Bruce Willis makes rare appearance at daughter's wedding
Bruce Willis made a rare public appearance at his daughter Tallulah's backyard wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho on Aug. 8, 2026, despite his ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia. The ceremony was attended by former wife Demi Moore and featured Tallulah marrying musician Justin Acee. Willis has been retired since 2022 and his wife Emma Heming has been his primary caregiver.
Bruce Willis showed up for his daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding as he navigates the progression of frontotemporal dementia.
In photos shared by Vogue on Aug. 14, the "Pulp Fiction" actor, 71, makes a rare appearance at his 32-year-old daughter's backyard wedding with musician Justin Acee at her home in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Aug. 8.
In a heartfelt black-and-white photo, the "Die Hard" star is seen embracing his daughter, whom he shares with ex-wife and actress Demi Moore, while holding his son-in-law's hand. Bruce is seen sporting a short-sleeved button-up shirt, casual trousers and a woven fedora as he places his arm over the bride, who is wearing a custom cream Balenciaga gown.
Moore, who was married to Bruce from 1987 to 2000, was also present at the ceremony, as seen in a photo showing the "Substance" star wearing a flowy blue satin dress.
"We made a decision at the very beginning of our relationship that we were going to choose each other every day," Tallulah told Vogue of her romance with Acee.
She confirmed their engagement in a December 2024 Instagram post, which featured photos of the couple smooching and holding hands, surrounded by rose petals, candles, and a Christmas tree, with the caption "Everyday."
Willis has been retired from acting since March 2022, when he was initially diagnosed with aphasia.
His family disclosed in February 2023 that his aphasia progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which represents a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Those parts of the brain are generally associated with "personality, behavior and language," the Mayo Clinic states.
The Emmy-winning actor shares three children with Moore: Rumer, 37, Scout, 35, and Tallulah, 32.
He has been married to former model and entrepreneur Emma Heming Willis since 2009, and they share two children: Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 12.
Since her husband's latest health struggles, Heming Willis has assumed the role of his caregiver. She wrote a book about her experience, titled "The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path," which was published in September, and in which she advocates for the support caregivers need in the United States.
On the Jan. 28 episode of the "Conversations with Cam" podcast, Heming Willis said she is grateful that Bruce is unaware he has dementia. "I think that's the blessing and the curse of this," she said. "Bruce never tapped in. He never connected the dots that he had this disease, and I'm really happy about that."
Bruce Willis showed up for his daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding as he navigates the progression of frontotemporal dementia.
In photos shared by Vogue on Aug. 14, the "Pulp Fiction" actor, 71, makes a rare appearance at his 32-year-old daughter's backyard wedding with musician Justin Acee at her home in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Aug. 8.
In a heartfelt black-and-white photo, the "Die Hard" star is seen embracing his daughter, whom he shares with ex-wife and actress Demi Moore, while holding his son-in-law's hand. Bruce is seen sporting a short-sleeved button-up shirt, casual trousers and a woven fedora as he places his arm over the bride, who is wearing a custom cream Balenciaga gown.
Moore, who was married to Bruce from 1987 to 2000, was also present at the ceremony, as seen in a photo showing the "Substance" star wearing a flowy blue satin dress.
"We made a decision at the very beginning of our relationship that we were going to choose each other every day," Tallulah told Vogue of her romance with Acee.
She confirmed their engagement in a December 2024 Instagram post, which featured photos of the couple smooching and holding hands, surrounded by rose petals, candles, and a Christmas tree, with the caption "Everyday."
Willis has been retired from acting since March 2022, when he was initially diagnosed with aphasia.
His family disclosed in February 2023 that his aphasia progressed to frontotemporal dementia, which represents a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Those parts of the brain are generally associated with "personality, behavior and language," the Mayo Clinic states.
The Emmy-winning actor shares three children with Moore: Rumer, 37, Scout, 35, and Tallulah, 32.
He has been married to former model and entrepreneur Emma Heming Willis since 2009, and they share two children: Mabel, 14, and Evelyn, 12.
Since her husband's latest health struggles, Heming Willis has assumed the role of his caregiver. She wrote a book about her experience, titled "The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path," which was published in September, and in which she advocates for the support caregivers need in the United States.
On the Jan. 28 episode of the "Conversations with Cam" podcast, Heming Willis said she is grateful that Bruce is unaware he has dementia. "I think that's the blessing and the curse of this," she said. "Bruce never tapped in. He never connected the dots that he had this disease, and I'm really happy about that."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Shoplifter Meltdown
“I have the moneee-ah!” “Stop-ah!”
AND NOW Meet: Carlos
It's Carlos! 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 DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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