#MAGFAB: THEE ICON, THEE GLADIATOR Denzel Washington Covers ESQUIRE’s Winter Issue
Denzel Washington has lived a big life. Tough streets, close calls, a wife of 41 years, four kids, 50 movies, two Oscars, three Equalizers. For the first time—on the occasion of GLADIATOR II, and his approaching 70th birthday—the man himself breaks it all down, in his own words, from the moments that mattered to the experiences that made him. As told to Ryan D’Agostino, “The Book of Denzel” is on Esquire.com now and in the new Winter issue, available everywhere by December 3.
On the characters he played being true to his life: “Those characters I played in Training Day, in American Gangster—it might look like they were close to me, and I could tell you they were, but I wasn’t no gangster. I ran with them real gangsters down there, but I was not them. So let me not tell that lie to you. I had one foot in the streets, but I ain’t no killer.”
On his character Alonzo in Training Day: “I created that character out of lines someone else wrote. I changed pretty much everything. In the original script he was more of a straight-ahead cop, but we got into the whole gangster side of it and met some gangster cops. We did the research.”
On doing acid as a teenager at Oakland Academy, the private, semi-military school he attended: “Blotters. Orange Owsley. We did it on Fridays because we had to be back in class Monday. My first trip, the trees are moving. I’m scared to leave. I was by myself, and everyone else was waiting for me back at the little lodges we lived in. (This is probably why I’m screwed up now.) I don’t think I got back until four in the morning, and I’m sneaking around knocking on everyone’s doors, telling them, Man, there was the snake, and the spiders were trying to come through, and— They started laughing. They said, D, you’re tripping! I said, I know. It was pretty tame, though. It was psychedelic, but it was tame. There was a little weed around, and the acid when someone could get it. I wasn’t big on alcohol, partly because you had to sneak out and go get somebody to get it for you in Newburgh on the weekends.”
On being a descendent of George Washington: “Here’s a fact: We’re descendants of George Washington. We’re ex-slaves. My sister did the whole genealogical history of our family. She is truly a genius. She’s good, and she spent forever figuring it all out. We still own land down there—not far from D. C. Come on. Our last name’s Washington. Do the math.”
On having religion in Hollywood: “Things I said about God when I was a little boy, just reciting them in church along with everybody else, I know now. God is real. God is love. God is the only way. God is the true way. God blesses. It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me. When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior. I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town. I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
On how faith informs the roles he chooses to play: “[M]y faith has always informed the roles I choose. Always. I’ve always been led by God, and most of my performances are faith filled. Even if I was playing the devil. I still have my shooting script from Training Day, and I wrote on the cover: “The wages of sin is death.” The wages of sin is death. And now all these years later in Gladiator II, I play another bad guy in another great movie. Even in the darkest stories, I’m looking for the light.”
On losing the Oscar to Kevin Spacey (for American Beauty) in 2000: “I’m sure I went home and drank that night. I had to. I don’t want to sound like, Oh, he won my Oscar, or anything like that. It wasn’t like that. And you know, there was talk in the town about what was going on over there on that side of the street, and that’s between him and God. I ain’t got nothing to do with that. I pray for him. That’s between him and his maker.”
On drinking: “Wine is very tricky. It’s very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden. And part of it was we built this big house in 1999 with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar, and I learned to drink the best. So I’m gonna drink my ’61s and my ’82s and whatever we had. Wine was my thing, and now I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that’s what was left. And then later in those years I’d call Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard and say, Send me two bottles, the best of this or that. And my wife’s saying, Why do you keep ordering just two? I said, Because if I order more, I’ll drink more. So I kept it to two bottles, and I would drink them both over the course of the day. I never drank while I was working or preparing. I would clean up, go back to work—I could do both. However many months of shooting, bang, it’s time to go. Then, boom. Three months of wine, then time to go back to work.”
On vices: “I never got strung out on heroin. Never got strung out on coke. Never got strung out on hard drugs. I shot dope just like they shot dope, but I never got strung out. And I never got strung out on liquor. I had this ideal idea of wine tastings and all that—which is what it was at first. And that’s a very subtle thing. I mean, I drank the best. I drank the best.”
On drinking after completing the filming of Flight: “I wasn’t drinking when we filmed Flight, I know that, but I’m sure I did as soon as I finished. That was getting toward the end of the drinking, but I knew a lot about waking up and looking around, not knowing what happened. But look: I was put on this planet to do good. I’ve been blessed with this ability to act, and I’ve tried to use it for goodness’ sake. For God-ness’ sake. Even the darkest guys. I know during Flight I was thinking about those who had been through addiction, and I wanted good to come out of that. It wasn’t like it was therapeutic. Actually, maybe it was therapeutic! It had to have been.”
On getting sober: “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see. I’ve been clean. Be ten years this December. I stopped at sixty and I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since. Things are opening up for me now—like being seventy. It’s real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter—if I get another thirty, what do I want to do? My mother made it to ninety-seven.”
On getting a trainer: “About two years ago my good friend, my little brother, Lenny Kravitz, said, D, I wanna hook you up with a trainer. And he did, and he’s another man of God. I started with him February of last year. He makes the meals for me and we’re training, and I’m now 190-something pounds on my way to 185. I was looking at pictures of myself and Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth, and I’m just looking fat, with this dyed hair, and I said, Those days are over, man. I feel like I’m getting strong. Strong is important.”
On doing more Equalizer films: “I told them I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five. More people are happy about that—people love those daggone Equalizers. It’s about variety for me. I’ll sometimes say to myself, One’s for me, one’s for them. So for example, Othello: We’re doing it on Broadway and then a movie. That’s for me. But I’ve come to realize that the Equalizer films are for me, too, because they’re for the people.”
On Gladiator II: “It’s a great cast and a great story and I get to be a part of it. I loved the first one, with my friend Russell Crowe. When Ridley Scott called asking if I would be in it—are you kidding? It took me about two seconds to say yes. We had done American Gangster, of course, also with Russell. But this film, Gladiator II, continues a great, epic story in such a truthful way, an exciting way—it’s a wonderful script—and I’m happy I’m in it with those fantastic actors.”
On what he’s proudest of: “[W]hen I think of what I’m proudest of, anything I’ve accomplished doesn’t even come to mind. It’s our children: They’re good people. They know right from wrong. What else can you ask for, you know?”
On the characters he played being true to his life: “Those characters I played in Training Day, in American Gangster—it might look like they were close to me, and I could tell you they were, but I wasn’t no gangster. I ran with them real gangsters down there, but I was not them. So let me not tell that lie to you. I had one foot in the streets, but I ain’t no killer.”
On his character Alonzo in Training Day: “I created that character out of lines someone else wrote. I changed pretty much everything. In the original script he was more of a straight-ahead cop, but we got into the whole gangster side of it and met some gangster cops. We did the research.”
On doing acid as a teenager at Oakland Academy, the private, semi-military school he attended: “Blotters. Orange Owsley. We did it on Fridays because we had to be back in class Monday. My first trip, the trees are moving. I’m scared to leave. I was by myself, and everyone else was waiting for me back at the little lodges we lived in. (This is probably why I’m screwed up now.) I don’t think I got back until four in the morning, and I’m sneaking around knocking on everyone’s doors, telling them, Man, there was the snake, and the spiders were trying to come through, and— They started laughing. They said, D, you’re tripping! I said, I know. It was pretty tame, though. It was psychedelic, but it was tame. There was a little weed around, and the acid when someone could get it. I wasn’t big on alcohol, partly because you had to sneak out and go get somebody to get it for you in Newburgh on the weekends.”
On being a descendent of George Washington: “Here’s a fact: We’re descendants of George Washington. We’re ex-slaves. My sister did the whole genealogical history of our family. She is truly a genius. She’s good, and she spent forever figuring it all out. We still own land down there—not far from D. C. Come on. Our last name’s Washington. Do the math.”
On having religion in Hollywood: “Things I said about God when I was a little boy, just reciting them in church along with everybody else, I know now. God is real. God is love. God is the only way. God is the true way. God blesses. It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise, to make sure that anyone and everyone I speak to the rest of my life understands that He is responsible for me. When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior. I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town. I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
On how faith informs the roles he chooses to play: “[M]y faith has always informed the roles I choose. Always. I’ve always been led by God, and most of my performances are faith filled. Even if I was playing the devil. I still have my shooting script from Training Day, and I wrote on the cover: “The wages of sin is death.” The wages of sin is death. And now all these years later in Gladiator II, I play another bad guy in another great movie. Even in the darkest stories, I’m looking for the light.”
On losing the Oscar to Kevin Spacey (for American Beauty) in 2000: “I’m sure I went home and drank that night. I had to. I don’t want to sound like, Oh, he won my Oscar, or anything like that. It wasn’t like that. And you know, there was talk in the town about what was going on over there on that side of the street, and that’s between him and God. I ain’t got nothing to do with that. I pray for him. That’s between him and his maker.”
On drinking: “Wine is very tricky. It’s very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden. And part of it was we built this big house in 1999 with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar, and I learned to drink the best. So I’m gonna drink my ’61s and my ’82s and whatever we had. Wine was my thing, and now I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that’s what was left. And then later in those years I’d call Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard and say, Send me two bottles, the best of this or that. And my wife’s saying, Why do you keep ordering just two? I said, Because if I order more, I’ll drink more. So I kept it to two bottles, and I would drink them both over the course of the day. I never drank while I was working or preparing. I would clean up, go back to work—I could do both. However many months of shooting, bang, it’s time to go. Then, boom. Three months of wine, then time to go back to work.”
On vices: “I never got strung out on heroin. Never got strung out on coke. Never got strung out on hard drugs. I shot dope just like they shot dope, but I never got strung out. And I never got strung out on liquor. I had this ideal idea of wine tastings and all that—which is what it was at first. And that’s a very subtle thing. I mean, I drank the best. I drank the best.”
On drinking after completing the filming of Flight: “I wasn’t drinking when we filmed Flight, I know that, but I’m sure I did as soon as I finished. That was getting toward the end of the drinking, but I knew a lot about waking up and looking around, not knowing what happened. But look: I was put on this planet to do good. I’ve been blessed with this ability to act, and I’ve tried to use it for goodness’ sake. For God-ness’ sake. Even the darkest guys. I know during Flight I was thinking about those who had been through addiction, and I wanted good to come out of that. It wasn’t like it was therapeutic. Actually, maybe it was therapeutic! It had to have been.”
On getting sober: “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see. I’ve been clean. Be ten years this December. I stopped at sixty and I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since. Things are opening up for me now—like being seventy. It’s real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter—if I get another thirty, what do I want to do? My mother made it to ninety-seven.”
On getting a trainer: “About two years ago my good friend, my little brother, Lenny Kravitz, said, D, I wanna hook you up with a trainer. And he did, and he’s another man of God. I started with him February of last year. He makes the meals for me and we’re training, and I’m now 190-something pounds on my way to 185. I was looking at pictures of myself and Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth, and I’m just looking fat, with this dyed hair, and I said, Those days are over, man. I feel like I’m getting strong. Strong is important.”
On doing more Equalizer films: “I told them I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five. More people are happy about that—people love those daggone Equalizers. It’s about variety for me. I’ll sometimes say to myself, One’s for me, one’s for them. So for example, Othello: We’re doing it on Broadway and then a movie. That’s for me. But I’ve come to realize that the Equalizer films are for me, too, because they’re for the people.”
On Gladiator II: “It’s a great cast and a great story and I get to be a part of it. I loved the first one, with my friend Russell Crowe. When Ridley Scott called asking if I would be in it—are you kidding? It took me about two seconds to say yes. We had done American Gangster, of course, also with Russell. But this film, Gladiator II, continues a great, epic story in such a truthful way, an exciting way—it’s a wonderful script—and I’m happy I’m in it with those fantastic actors.”
On what he’s proudest of: “[W]hen I think of what I’m proudest of, anything I’ve accomplished doesn’t even come to mind. It’s our children: They’re good people. They know right from wrong. What else can you ask for, you know?”
Gladiator II is out Friday!
RHOA: Kenya Moore Teases Her Future on Reality TV: ‘The Truth Always Comes to Light’
Moore has appeared in nearly 10 seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. While she was originally part of the season 16 cast, she abruptly exited the series due to an alleged explicit photo scandal.
“Thank you for all the support #teamtwirl,” Moore wrote via Instagram in June. “My heart is full and my conscience is clean. So many false claims hiding behind anonymous sources. All this conversation and no facts being reported. If a claim or source was valid, would they need to hide?”
“I know I’m a tough cookie,” she shared. “I think for me, in the history of me in this whole TV world or reality TV world, I think that what I say always comes to light. The truth always comes to light, and I’m always right.”
When asked to share what she learned about herself in the last few months, Moore realized she is stronger than she thinks she is.
“No one wants to be in a situation where you’re painted in a way that you know isn’t the truth or is rooted in the truth,” she said. “No one wants to read awful things about themselves, not be able to speak up and not be able to tell your truth. But I’ve learned in my big age that I have survived much worse. It’s fun to be able to take anything negative and put it behind you and focus on only things that are positive.”
One positive project Moore is working on is a new children’s book with her 6-year-old daughter, Brooklyn.
Titled Brooklyn Bound: Paris, the book takes readers on an exciting adventure through the City of Lights to celebrate Brooklyn’s birthday. With her mom by her side, the elementary school student explores the wonders of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
With the book already proving to be successful, Moore is hoping the project can turn into an animated TV show.
“We are talking with my agents and we are trying to figure that out,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything like it, especially with a Black single mom and a curious 6-year-old. At least I’m not aware of it if there is one. I would like to definitely turn this into an animated series.”
Brooklyn Bound: Paris is available now.
#MusicNews: Dua Lipa Announces New Live From the Royal Albert Hall Album
On Thursday, October 17, Dua Lipa played a special concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. For the show, she was joined by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, conductor Ben Foster, 14-member choir, and a seven-piece band. She’s now releasing a recording of the concert on the new live album Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall. It comes out December 6. See the tracklist and album artwork below.
“Getting to perform at the Royal Albert Hall was unlike anything I’ve ever done,” Dua Lipa said in a statement. “For the longest time, I’ve had this idea to reimagine my music with an orchestra, and when I was making Radical Optimism, I was constantly thinking about the live element and how these songs would transform on stage, so when the Royal Albert Hall show came up, it presented itself as the perfect opportunity to not only reconstruct these songs, but also celebrate them in such a beautiful and intimate way. The experience was entirely thrilling and equally rewarding. It was a dream come true, and something I’ll always take with me.”
In other Dua Lipa news, the pop singer has been named the Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year for 2024. The organization recognized Lipa for using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Lipa began her tour in support of Radical Optimism earlier this month. She doesn’t begin the North American leg of the tour until September of next year.
All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall:
01 Overture
02 End of an Era
03 Houdini
04 Training Season
05 These Walls
06 Whatcha Doing
07 French Exit
08 Illusion
09 Falling Forever
10 Anything for Love
11 Maria
12 Happy for You
13 Love Again
14 Pretty Please
15 Levitating
16 Sunshine
17 Cold Heart
18 Be the One
19 Dance the Night
20 Don’t Start Now
On Thursday, October 17, Dua Lipa played a special concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. For the show, she was joined by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, conductor Ben Foster, 14-member choir, and a seven-piece band. She’s now releasing a recording of the concert on the new live album Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall. It comes out December 6. See the tracklist and album artwork below.
“Getting to perform at the Royal Albert Hall was unlike anything I’ve ever done,” Dua Lipa said in a statement. “For the longest time, I’ve had this idea to reimagine my music with an orchestra, and when I was making Radical Optimism, I was constantly thinking about the live element and how these songs would transform on stage, so when the Royal Albert Hall show came up, it presented itself as the perfect opportunity to not only reconstruct these songs, but also celebrate them in such a beautiful and intimate way. The experience was entirely thrilling and equally rewarding. It was a dream come true, and something I’ll always take with me.”
In other Dua Lipa news, the pop singer has been named the Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year for 2024. The organization recognized Lipa for using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Lipa began her tour in support of Radical Optimism earlier this month. She doesn’t begin the North American leg of the tour until September of next year.
All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall:
01 Overture
02 End of an Era
03 Houdini
04 Training Season
05 These Walls
06 Whatcha Doing
07 French Exit
08 Illusion
09 Falling Forever
10 Anything for Love
11 Maria
12 Happy for You
13 Love Again
14 Pretty Please
15 Levitating
16 Sunshine
17 Cold Heart
18 Be the One
19 Dance the Night
20 Don’t Start Now
#HipHopNews: Rapper and Menace II Society actor Saafir dies at 54
West Coast rapper Saafir, known for music he made solo and with Xzibit and Ras Cass, as part of Golden State Project, and for his performance in the 1993 film Menace II Society, has died at 54.
Xzibit said in a post shared by the artist's son, Lil Saafir, that the death occurred Tuesday.
"I can't believe I'm writing this right now, but don't know what else to do at the moment," Xzibit wrote. "Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. We have so much history I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now."
"Friends, Family, everyone that rocked with us from the Hip Hop community," he continued, "if you could be so solid and reach out for @chopblack his younger brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs to be supported during this time. That's all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you Bro.
The Oakland-born rapper, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, rose to fame in the ’90s, with the hip-hop crew Hobo Junction. He appeared in the film Menace II Society after roommate Tupac Shakur introduced him to the directors, according to Northern California's public radio station, KQED.
Saafir landed a major record deal with Quincy Jones, after a famous on-air rap battle against Hieroglyphics. A handful of albums, including his debut, 1994's Boxcar Sessions, resulted.
Saafir had a spiritual awakening in 1992, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, after being a passenger on TWA Flight 843, which crashed during takeoff. According to the newspaper, he went to prison for a parole violation in 2003, when he converted to Islam.
Over the last 15 years, Saafir struggled with complications from both spinal surgery and spinal cancer.
He is survived by his son and brother.
Xzibit said in a post shared by the artist's son, Lil Saafir, that the death occurred Tuesday.
"I can't believe I'm writing this right now, but don't know what else to do at the moment," Xzibit wrote. "Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. We have so much history I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now."
"Friends, Family, everyone that rocked with us from the Hip Hop community," he continued, "if you could be so solid and reach out for @chopblack his younger brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs to be supported during this time. That's all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you Bro.
The Oakland-born rapper, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, rose to fame in the ’90s, with the hip-hop crew Hobo Junction. He appeared in the film Menace II Society after roommate Tupac Shakur introduced him to the directors, according to Northern California's public radio station, KQED.
Saafir landed a major record deal with Quincy Jones, after a famous on-air rap battle against Hieroglyphics. A handful of albums, including his debut, 1994's Boxcar Sessions, resulted.
Saafir had a spiritual awakening in 1992, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, after being a passenger on TWA Flight 843, which crashed during takeoff. According to the newspaper, he went to prison for a parole violation in 2003, when he converted to Islam.
Over the last 15 years, Saafir struggled with complications from both spinal surgery and spinal cancer.
He is survived by his son and brother.
Luther Vandross Documentary ‘Never Too Much’ To Premiere On CNN New Year’s Day
Luther Vandross fans, wake up! On New Year’s Day, CNN will debut “Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary about the life of the iconic Luther Vandross.
The film will debut at 8 pm and “chronicles the story of Vandross from his formative years in Harlem, appearing in the Apollo Theater house band and the first episodes of Sesame Street, through his ascendance to become the indisputable master of the love song.”
Vandross’ own voice is featured to tell his story using archival footage. The film will also feature interviews with Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
Luther Vandross fans, wake up! On New Year’s Day, CNN will debut “Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary about the life of the iconic Luther Vandross.
The film will debut at 8 pm and “chronicles the story of Vandross from his formative years in Harlem, appearing in the Apollo Theater house band and the first episodes of Sesame Street, through his ascendance to become the indisputable master of the love song.”
Vandross’ own voice is featured to tell his story using archival footage. The film will also feature interviews with Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
Mary J. Blige and Giuseppe Zanotti Unveil Second Thigh-High Boots in Their Collaboration
Divas of the world, get ready for the second round of Giuseppe Zanotti and Mary J. Blige’s boot collection.
The iconic “Family Affair” singer has once again teamed up with Zanotti to co-design a white patent leather thigh-high boot that mirrors the original “Mary Boot” she introduced in May 2024.
The new version takes inspiration from their inaugural boot, available in a shiny rose gold shade. This time around, the release is even more special as it’s the exact design Blige wore onstage during her Strength of a Woman festival earlier this year.
This new shoe launched on November 15th, aligning with the release of Blige’s highly anticipated album, “Gratitude.” Retailing at $1,495, it is a tad bit higher than the first version, which sold out in just 24 hours at $1,295. However, it seems the brand has restocked several sizes in rose gold.
“I’m truly so thankful to my fans. The reaction to my first boot collaboration with Giuseppe blew me away. The new thigh-high version made in winter white patent was born from what my fans wanted. I’ve been asked for years about making my own thigh-high boots, and it’s exciting that they’re here now, and I get to continue working with my friend Giuseppe,” Blige shared in a statement.
Blige’s boot selections have become a signature part of her legendary fashion, which is why introducing the luxury shoe line made sense. Fans wanting to own the white Mary Boots should act fast, as many sizes have sold out.
The iconic “Family Affair” singer has once again teamed up with Zanotti to co-design a white patent leather thigh-high boot that mirrors the original “Mary Boot” she introduced in May 2024.
The new version takes inspiration from their inaugural boot, available in a shiny rose gold shade. This time around, the release is even more special as it’s the exact design Blige wore onstage during her Strength of a Woman festival earlier this year.
This new shoe launched on November 15th, aligning with the release of Blige’s highly anticipated album, “Gratitude.” Retailing at $1,495, it is a tad bit higher than the first version, which sold out in just 24 hours at $1,295. However, it seems the brand has restocked several sizes in rose gold.
“I’m truly so thankful to my fans. The reaction to my first boot collaboration with Giuseppe blew me away. The new thigh-high version made in winter white patent was born from what my fans wanted. I’ve been asked for years about making my own thigh-high boots, and it’s exciting that they’re here now, and I get to continue working with my friend Giuseppe,” Blige shared in a statement.
Blige’s boot selections have become a signature part of her legendary fashion, which is why introducing the luxury shoe line made sense. Fans wanting to own the white Mary Boots should act fast, as many sizes have sold out.
Post Malone Will Headline Coachella 2025!
Post Malone will headline Coachella 2025, Rolling Stone can confirm. The musician, who announced his Big Ass Stadium Tour on Tuesday, Nov. 19, will kick off his performance run with headlining slots at the festival on Sundays, April 13 and 20. The performances will mark his return to the desert after headlining Stagecoach earlier this year.
A source tells Rolling Stone that the singer will play a mix of career-defining hits and some music from his country album F-1 Trillion during a “mind-blowing set” that will serve as a “perfect precursor to his stadium tour.
Coachella’s other two headliners have yet to be announced. The festival takes place in Indio, California.
Post last graced the Coachella stage in 2018.
Post Malone will headline Coachella 2025, Rolling Stone can confirm. The musician, who announced his Big Ass Stadium Tour on Tuesday, Nov. 19, will kick off his performance run with headlining slots at the festival on Sundays, April 13 and 20. The performances will mark his return to the desert after headlining Stagecoach earlier this year.
A source tells Rolling Stone that the singer will play a mix of career-defining hits and some music from his country album F-1 Trillion during a “mind-blowing set” that will serve as a “perfect precursor to his stadium tour.
Coachella’s other two headliners have yet to be announced. The festival takes place in Indio, California.
Post last graced the Coachella stage in 2018.
'Family Matters' Star Jaleel White Recounts Pressure To Alter Steve Urkel's Wardrobe To Conceal Growing Maturation
In his memoir, "Growing Up Urkel," actor Jaleel White, known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel in the sitcom "Family Matters", recounts the behind-the-scenes pressure he faced to alter the beloved character's signature uniform. White reveals that as he grew older and outgrew the geeky attire of his early seasons, show executives approached him with concerns.
According to White, after season 8, when he was in his early 20s, the executives told him to ditch his suspenders and high-waisted tight jeans. They reportedly explained that his "bulge" was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in the tighter jeans, stating, "It's getting a bit uncomfortable watching him in tight jeans. There's a, uh...bulge."
White, who was only 13 when the show premiered and 22 when it ended, recalled feeling uncomfortable with the changes. He claims he began to experience physical pain from speaking in Urkel's signature high-pitched voice, as his natural voice had matured.
Despite the challenges, White remained on the show until its cancellation in 1998. He also faced conflicts with some of his co-stars, including Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Peyton, who he alleges made him break down in tears during a table read.
White's memoir, due out on November 19, provides an intimate look into his time on "Family Matters" and the pressures he faced as he navigated the transition from child star to adult.
In his memoir, "Growing Up Urkel," actor Jaleel White, known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel in the sitcom "Family Matters," recounts the behind-the-scenes pressure he faced to alter the beloved character's signature uniform. White reveals that as he grew older and outgrew the geeky attire of his early seasons, show executives approached him with concerns.
According to White, after season 8, when he was in his early 20s, the executives told him to ditch his suspenders and high-waisted tight jeans. They reportedly explained that his "bulge" was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in the tighter jeans, stating, "It's getting a bit uncomfortable watching him in tight jeans. There's a, uh...bulge."
White, who was only 13 when the show premiered and 22 when it ended, recalled feeling uncomfortable with the changes. He claims he began to experience physical pain from speaking in Urkel's signature high-pitched voice, as his natural voice had matured.
Despite the challenges, White remained on the show until its cancellation in 1998. He also faced conflicts with some of his co-stars, including Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Peyton, who he alleges made him break down in tears during a table read.
White's memoir, due out on November 19, provides an intimate look into his time on "Family Matters" and the pressures he faced as he navigated the transition from child star to adult.
According to White, after season 8, when he was in his early 20s, the executives told him to ditch his suspenders and high-waisted tight jeans. They reportedly explained that his "bulge" was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in the tighter jeans, stating, "It's getting a bit uncomfortable watching him in tight jeans. There's a, uh...bulge."
White, who was only 13 when the show premiered and 22 when it ended, recalled feeling uncomfortable with the changes. He claims he began to experience physical pain from speaking in Urkel's signature high-pitched voice, as his natural voice had matured.
Despite the challenges, White remained on the show until its cancellation in 1998. He also faced conflicts with some of his co-stars, including Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Peyton, who he alleges made him break down in tears during a table read.
White's memoir, due out on November 19, provides an intimate look into his time on "Family Matters" and the pressures he faced as he navigated the transition from child star to adult.
In his memoir, "Growing Up Urkel," actor Jaleel White, known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel in the sitcom "Family Matters," recounts the behind-the-scenes pressure he faced to alter the beloved character's signature uniform. White reveals that as he grew older and outgrew the geeky attire of his early seasons, show executives approached him with concerns.
According to White, after season 8, when he was in his early 20s, the executives told him to ditch his suspenders and high-waisted tight jeans. They reportedly explained that his "bulge" was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in the tighter jeans, stating, "It's getting a bit uncomfortable watching him in tight jeans. There's a, uh...bulge."
White, who was only 13 when the show premiered and 22 when it ended, recalled feeling uncomfortable with the changes. He claims he began to experience physical pain from speaking in Urkel's signature high-pitched voice, as his natural voice had matured.
Despite the challenges, White remained on the show until its cancellation in 1998. He also faced conflicts with some of his co-stars, including Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Peyton, who he alleges made him break down in tears during a table read.
White's memoir, due out on November 19, provides an intimate look into his time on "Family Matters" and the pressures he faced as he navigated the transition from child star to adult.
Shyne Recalls Dating Brandy While She Was Also Seeing Ma$e, Says Diddy Disapproved
Moses Michael Levi “Shyne” Barrow has been sharing his various takes on former boss Sean “Diddy” Combs as of late. From the infamous club shooting that resulted in his incarceration to his thoughts on Puff’s current legal woes, the Belizean politician isn’t holding back in promotion of new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne.
Within the doc, the late DJ Clark Kent confirms that the former rapper began dating R&B star Brandy while she was seeing her “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” collaborator, Ma$e. In a new Breakfast Club interview, Shyne details Puff’s disapproval of him pursuing someone who was already seeing his Bad Boy label mate.
“At the time, I got on in ’98, and instead of getting in the studio and getting the information, I was living the life,” Shyne admitted. “That caused a strain between him [Diddy] and I, because he’s like, ‘who does this kid think he is?’
“Ma$e was dating a girl, and I started dating the girl, and that caused a big thing,” Shyne went on. “We had to have a family meeting, like, ‘Yo, what are you doing? You’re like Kobe coming to the Lakers and you want to go after Shaq’s joint, you can’t do that!'”
He went on to reveal that he continued to move with arrogance until Brandy herself told him the hard truth the following year.
“The girl that’s also seeing Ma$e, she’s selling millions of records, she had the biggest record that year…we had an argument and she said, ‘yo, you’re nobody. You ain’t sell one record. You think you stylin’, you think you’re that, you’re nothing. You haven’t sold a record,’ and that hit me like the hand of God, because she was right.”
Moses Michael Levi “Shyne” Barrow has been sharing his various takes on former boss Sean “Diddy” Combs as of late. From the infamous club shooting that resulted in his incarceration to his thoughts on Puff’s current legal woes, the Belizean politician isn’t holding back in promotion of new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne.
Within the doc, the late DJ Clark Kent confirms that the former rapper began dating R&B star Brandy while she was seeing her “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” collaborator, Ma$e. In a new Breakfast Club interview, Shyne details Puff’s disapproval of him pursuing someone who was already seeing his Bad Boy label mate.
“At the time, I got on in ’98, and instead of getting in the studio and getting the information, I was living the life,” Shyne admitted. “That caused a strain between him [Diddy] and I, because he’s like, ‘who does this kid think he is?’
“Ma$e was dating a girl, and I started dating the girl, and that caused a big thing,” Shyne went on. “We had to have a family meeting, like, ‘Yo, what are you doing? You’re like Kobe coming to the Lakers and you want to go after Shaq’s joint, you can’t do that!'”
He went on to reveal that he continued to move with arrogance until Brandy herself told him the hard truth the following year.
“The girl that’s also seeing Ma$e, she’s selling millions of records, she had the biggest record that year…we had an argument and she said, ‘yo, you’re nobody. You ain’t sell one record. You think you stylin’, you think you’re that, you’re nothing. You haven’t sold a record,’ and that hit me like the hand of God, because she was right.”
‘Inside The NBA’ will continue on ESPN
“Inside the NBA” — starring Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal — will air on ESPN and ABC beginning with the 2025-26 season, thanks to a collaboration between TNT Sports and the NBA, it was revealed Nov 18. TNT Sports will continue to produce “Inside the NBA” independently from its Atlanta-based studios throughout the length of the deal, with the exception of when the show travels. Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal will remain on the show.
The show — which has earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards — will appear on ESPN and ABC during high-profile live events, including ESPN’s pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, conference finals, NBA playoffs, all ABC games after Jan. 1, Christmas Day, opening week, the final week of the season and other marquee live events.
“Inside the NBA is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “We have long admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust set of NBA studio offerings to super-serve NBA fans like never before. The addition of Inside the NBA further solidifies ESPN as the preeminent destination for sports fans.”
In exchange for Barkley and the rest of the crew, ESPN agreed to offer Warner’s TNT Sports the rights to televise an exclusive slate of Big 12 football and men’s basketball games beginning with the 2025 season. These games, however, were widely expected to be streamed on ESPN+, which is probably why they felt comfortable enough to give them up.
This agreement is part of a settlement reached after Warner Bros. Discovery — the parent company of TNT Sports — sued the NBA in New York state court in August after the league declined to accept the company’s matching offer for one of the packages in its new 11-year media rights deal, which will begin with the 2025-26 season. The agreement grants TNT Sports, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights a global license to NBA content with no rights charge for the next 11 years.
This is good news to NBA fans everywhere. Everybody was dreading the end of “Inside The NBA,” so it’s amazing to see this news after months of speculation. “Inside the NBA” began in 1989. Johnson took over as host in 1990, and Smith began working on the show full-time in 1998. Barkley signed on in 2000, followed by O’Neal in 2011. Their undeniable chemistry made them a staple every Tuesday and Thursday. Barkley signed an extension with WBD in August and Shaq’s contract ends this year, but it has already been agreed upon to extend it.
The show — which has earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards — will appear on ESPN and ABC during high-profile live events, including ESPN’s pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, conference finals, NBA playoffs, all ABC games after Jan. 1, Christmas Day, opening week, the final week of the season and other marquee live events.
“Inside the NBA is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “We have long admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust set of NBA studio offerings to super-serve NBA fans like never before. The addition of Inside the NBA further solidifies ESPN as the preeminent destination for sports fans.”
In exchange for Barkley and the rest of the crew, ESPN agreed to offer Warner’s TNT Sports the rights to televise an exclusive slate of Big 12 football and men’s basketball games beginning with the 2025 season. These games, however, were widely expected to be streamed on ESPN+, which is probably why they felt comfortable enough to give them up.
This agreement is part of a settlement reached after Warner Bros. Discovery — the parent company of TNT Sports — sued the NBA in New York state court in August after the league declined to accept the company’s matching offer for one of the packages in its new 11-year media rights deal, which will begin with the 2025-26 season. The agreement grants TNT Sports, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights a global license to NBA content with no rights charge for the next 11 years.
This is good news to NBA fans everywhere. Everybody was dreading the end of “Inside The NBA,” so it’s amazing to see this news after months of speculation. “Inside the NBA” began in 1989. Johnson took over as host in 1990, and Smith began working on the show full-time in 1998. Barkley signed on in 2000, followed by O’Neal in 2011. Their undeniable chemistry made them a staple every Tuesday and Thursday. Barkley signed an extension with WBD in August and Shaq’s contract ends this year, but it has already been agreed upon to extend it.
Quincy Jones wrote his Oscar speech before passing at 91
Quincy Jones was working on his acceptance speech for his honorary Oscar before he passed away. The music industry pioneer had been crafting his words carefully, reflecting on his extraordinary seven-decade career in entertainment.
The legendary music producer died on Nov. 3 at 91, after a battle with pancreatic cancer, His daughter Rashida Jones actually read out a few words from the acceptance speech he was writing for the Governors Awards. Quincy’s contributions to film music include over 40 major motion picture scores, earning him seven Oscar nominations throughout his career.
“When I was a young film composer, you didn’t even see faces of color working in the studio commissaries,” Rashida — who attended the awards show in Los Angeles on Nov. 17, alongside his daughters Martina and Kenya as well as his son Quincy III — said. This powerful statement reflected Quincy‘s role as a trailblazer in Hollywood, where he became one of the first African American composers to achieve mainstream success.
“I’m so, so proud of the fact that my name and contributions can be included in that evolution. I share this award and tonight’s honor with all the amazing directors, legendary actors — and, of course, exceptional songwriters, composers and musicians who I’ve formed dear friendships with over my seven decades in this business — and know that I wouldn’t trade this night or those experiences for anything in the world,” Rashida continued to read. His words captured the essence of his collaborative spirit, having worked with countless legendary artists throughout his career.
Rashida felt proud to collect the Lifetime Achievement Oscar on behalf of her father, but she also acknowledged that “it was a difficult decision” to attend the event. The timing of the ceremony — just two weeks after his passing — made it an emotionally challenging moment for the family.
“In some ways, it was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight but we felt like we wanted to celebrate his beautiful life and career,” the actor — who has starred in comedy shows such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” — said. The family’s presence at the ceremony demonstrated their commitment to honoring Quincy’s legacy and celebrating his unprecedented impact on the entertainment industry.
“His music has literally defined an entire century of culture — jazz, disco, film, pop, hip-hop — but the real thread in his music is that his music is all infused with his love,” Rashida stated. This sentiment echoes throughout Quincy’s vast catalog, which includes producing Michael Jackson’s bestselling album Thriller and the charity single “We Are the World.”
The Governors Awards ceremony marked a poignant moment in Hollywood history, celebrating a man who had broken numerous barriers in the entertainment industry. Jones’s career included 80 Grammy Award nominations and 28 wins, making him one of the most decorated musicians in Grammy history.
His influence extended far beyond music, as he became the first African American to be named vice president of a major record label in 1961, and later co-produced Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple in 1985, which earned 11 Oscar nominations.
The honorary Oscar represents the culmination of Jones’s remarkable journey from Chicago’s South Side to the heights of Hollywood. Throughout his career, he worked with legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Jackson, while also scoring countless memorable films.
His last project before his passing was overseeing the completion of a documentary about his life, featuring interviews with many of the artists he had influenced and mentored over the years. The film is scheduled for release in 2025.
The acceptance speech he prepared serves as a fitting final testament to his legacy, emphasizing the importance of diversity, collaboration and the transformative power of music in bringing people together. His words continue to inspire future generations of artists and creators.
Quincy Jones was working on his acceptance speech for his honorary Oscar before he passed away. The music industry pioneer had been crafting his words carefully, reflecting on his extraordinary seven-decade career in entertainment.
The legendary music producer died on Nov. 3 at 91, after a battle with pancreatic cancer, His daughter Rashida Jones actually read out a few words from the acceptance speech he was writing for the Governors Awards. Quincy’s contributions to film music include over 40 major motion picture scores, earning him seven Oscar nominations throughout his career.
“When I was a young film composer, you didn’t even see faces of color working in the studio commissaries,” Rashida — who attended the awards show in Los Angeles on Nov. 17, alongside his daughters Martina and Kenya as well as his son Quincy III — said. This powerful statement reflected Quincy‘s role as a trailblazer in Hollywood, where he became one of the first African American composers to achieve mainstream success.
“I’m so, so proud of the fact that my name and contributions can be included in that evolution. I share this award and tonight’s honor with all the amazing directors, legendary actors — and, of course, exceptional songwriters, composers and musicians who I’ve formed dear friendships with over my seven decades in this business — and know that I wouldn’t trade this night or those experiences for anything in the world,” Rashida continued to read. His words captured the essence of his collaborative spirit, having worked with countless legendary artists throughout his career.
Rashida felt proud to collect the Lifetime Achievement Oscar on behalf of her father, but she also acknowledged that “it was a difficult decision” to attend the event. The timing of the ceremony — just two weeks after his passing — made it an emotionally challenging moment for the family.
“In some ways, it was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight but we felt like we wanted to celebrate his beautiful life and career,” the actor — who has starred in comedy shows such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” — said. The family’s presence at the ceremony demonstrated their commitment to honoring Quincy’s legacy and celebrating his unprecedented impact on the entertainment industry.
“His music has literally defined an entire century of culture — jazz, disco, film, pop, hip-hop — but the real thread in his music is that his music is all infused with his love,” Rashida stated. This sentiment echoes throughout Quincy’s vast catalog, which includes producing Michael Jackson’s bestselling album Thriller and the charity single “We Are the World.”
The Governors Awards ceremony marked a poignant moment in Hollywood history, celebrating a man who had broken numerous barriers in the entertainment industry. Jones’s career included 80 Grammy Award nominations and 28 wins, making him one of the most decorated musicians in Grammy history.
His influence extended far beyond music, as he became the first African American to be named vice president of a major record label in 1961, and later co-produced Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple in 1985, which earned 11 Oscar nominations.
The honorary Oscar represents the culmination of Jones’s remarkable journey from Chicago’s South Side to the heights of Hollywood. Throughout his career, he worked with legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Jackson, while also scoring countless memorable films.
His last project before his passing was overseeing the completion of a documentary about his life, featuring interviews with many of the artists he had influenced and mentored over the years. The film is scheduled for release in 2025.
The acceptance speech he prepared serves as a fitting final testament to his legacy, emphasizing the importance of diversity, collaboration and the transformative power of music in bringing people together. His words continue to inspire future generations of artists and creators.
Jay Leno Suffers Broken Wrist & Eye Injury After Falling 60 Feet Down Hill
Jay Leno is on the mend after another injury. In a new interview, the 74-year-old comedian and former Tonight Show host revealed that he suffered multiple injuries after falling down the side of a steep hill while on his way to dinner before a recent performance in Pittsburgh.
“I’m a little beat up,” Jay told Inside Edition. “Fell 60 feet—boom, boom, boom, boom.”
Jay said that he broke his wrist and “lost my nail on the finger.”
“I am all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks,” Jay added, noting that one of the rocks “hit me in the eye,” resulting in a swollen eye which is why he’s now wearing an eye patch.
Jay said that he checked out his injuries in the restaurant bathroom and still made it on stage for his performance. He added that he’ll be checking in with a doctor soon.
If you forgot, back 2022 Jay was was hospitalized after a fire in his garage, where he sustained serious burn injuries to his neck, chest, hands, and arm and had to undergo reconstructive surgeries.
Then two months after the gasoline fire, Jay broke multiple bones after he was injured in a motorcycle accident.
“I’m a little beat up,” Jay told Inside Edition. “Fell 60 feet—boom, boom, boom, boom.”
Jay said that he broke his wrist and “lost my nail on the finger.”
“I am all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks,” Jay added, noting that one of the rocks “hit me in the eye,” resulting in a swollen eye which is why he’s now wearing an eye patch.
Jay said that he checked out his injuries in the restaurant bathroom and still made it on stage for his performance. He added that he’ll be checking in with a doctor soon.
If you forgot, back 2022 Jay was was hospitalized after a fire in his garage, where he sustained serious burn injuries to his neck, chest, hands, and arm and had to undergo reconstructive surgeries.
Then two months after the gasoline fire, Jay broke multiple bones after he was injured in a motorcycle accident.
Keke Palmer Shares Surprising Voicemail Will Smith Left Her When She Considered Emancipating Herself from Her Parents
Keke Palmer got some help from a surprising source when she was having difficulties with her parents.
The actress, 31, appeared on a Tuesday, Nov. 19 episode of The Toast podcast and opened up about a voicemail she received from Will Smith that helped her through a tough situation with her family. Palmer, who rose to fame after her role in Akeelah and the Bee, discussed how grappling with her newfound notoriety was difficult for her and her family.
She decided to discuss emancipation from her parents with her lawyer, who tried to steer her towards therapy instead.
"Couple of weeks go by and I'm on the set of True Jackson, VP, and I get a call from this like really, really obscure number," Palmer remembers. "And I'm like what? Like this is weird, I'm not answering this."
The star went back to work and later checked her phone, which now had an unread voicemail from that same number — who ended up being Will Smith.
"Hey, Keke. It's Will. We're over here doing Karate Kid with Jaden and I just want to let you know that I talked [her lawyer]," Palmer says, impersonating the Men in Black actor. "He let me know everything you're going through, and I want you to know sometimes it's hard being the first, but you'll get through."
"Just keep staying focused, love on your family, and y'all gonna be good," Palmer remembers Smith saying.
At the end of the day, Palmer decided not to seek emancipation from her parents and attributes part of the reason to Smith's phone call.
"It's something that happens when you're stepping out, and you could be a child entertainer, or you could be the first person in your family to go to college, or the first person in your family to get married," Palmer says. "There's so many firsts that can happen as the generations of your family continue to grow and evolve."
"And this was a difficult thing for me that I felt meant that I had to throw my family away," she continues.
"I've always had, I think a lot of people — whether they're notable names or they're my attorney — that I had a good community, that also my parents made sure I was around, that would encourage community and not like dissension and us breaking apart."
Keke Palmer got some help from a surprising source when she was having difficulties with her parents.
The actress, 31, appeared on a Tuesday, Nov. 19 episode of The Toast podcast and opened up about a voicemail she received from Will Smith that helped her through a tough situation with her family. Palmer, who rose to fame after her role in Akeelah and the Bee, discussed how grappling with her newfound notoriety was difficult for her and her family.
She decided to discuss emancipation from her parents with her lawyer, who tried to steer her towards therapy instead.
"Couple of weeks go by and I'm on the set of True Jackson, VP, and I get a call from this like really, really obscure number," Palmer remembers. "And I'm like what? Like this is weird, I'm not answering this."
The star went back to work and later checked her phone, which now had an unread voicemail from that same number — who ended up being Will Smith.
"Hey, Keke. It's Will. We're over here doing Karate Kid with Jaden and I just want to let you know that I talked [her lawyer]," Palmer says, impersonating the Men in Black actor. "He let me know everything you're going through, and I want you to know sometimes it's hard being the first, but you'll get through."
"Just keep staying focused, love on your family, and y'all gonna be good," Palmer remembers Smith saying.
At the end of the day, Palmer decided not to seek emancipation from her parents and attributes part of the reason to Smith's phone call.
"It's something that happens when you're stepping out, and you could be a child entertainer, or you could be the first person in your family to go to college, or the first person in your family to get married," Palmer says. "There's so many firsts that can happen as the generations of your family continue to grow and evolve."
"And this was a difficult thing for me that I felt meant that I had to throw my family away," she continues.
"I've always had, I think a lot of people — whether they're notable names or they're my attorney — that I had a good community, that also my parents made sure I was around, that would encourage community and not like dissension and us breaking apart."
Jay-Z’s Team Roc Sues Kansas City Police for Failing to Release Abuse Records
Jay-Z's Team ROC and Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) have joined forces to file a lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas, and its police department for failing to produce records regarding corruption and abuse within law enforcement.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Wyandotte County District Court, alleges the city, the police department and the government of Wyandotte County are violating the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) by not disclosing records relating to police corruption and abuse. In November 2023, Team ROC and MIP requested to see documents from the police department and the Unified Government's public records highlighting a large amount of corruption and misconduct committed by the Kansas City Kansa Police Department (KCKPD).
In addition, those documents would also show the efforts taken to hold perpetrators accountable and foster the necessary reforms to rebuild the trust the public has in law enforcement and the local criminal justice system. Kansas law states that the Unified Government is required to respond to KORA requests within three business days, and they've only provided basic information such as field manuals, training materials, and other departmental policies.
Within a year, the lawsuit alleges the KCKPD and Unified Government failed to provide those documents that list various complaints and investigations regarding current and former detectives and officers within the department, the suspicious deaths of individuals while in custody, and the FBI or KBI running investigations into the KCKPD's misconduct.
"We have to set a precedent that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable," Team ROC managing director Dania Diaz said in a statement. "For the past year, we've been pushing for documents from the government and have been continuously met with non-compliance. It's unacceptable – getting access to those materials is critical to exposing the corruption, reforming local policies, and helping the local community heal.
This lawsuit comes just ahead of the trial of former KCKPD detective Roger Golubski, who is facing federal charges for allegedly using his position to extort and rape Black women and teenagers for over three decades in Kansas City, Kansas. Golubski is also accused of threatening to fabricate criminal charges against his victims' family members if they rejected his sexual advances.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Wyandotte County District Court, alleges the city, the police department and the government of Wyandotte County are violating the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) by not disclosing records relating to police corruption and abuse. In November 2023, Team ROC and MIP requested to see documents from the police department and the Unified Government's public records highlighting a large amount of corruption and misconduct committed by the Kansas City Kansa Police Department (KCKPD).
In addition, those documents would also show the efforts taken to hold perpetrators accountable and foster the necessary reforms to rebuild the trust the public has in law enforcement and the local criminal justice system. Kansas law states that the Unified Government is required to respond to KORA requests within three business days, and they've only provided basic information such as field manuals, training materials, and other departmental policies.
Within a year, the lawsuit alleges the KCKPD and Unified Government failed to provide those documents that list various complaints and investigations regarding current and former detectives and officers within the department, the suspicious deaths of individuals while in custody, and the FBI or KBI running investigations into the KCKPD's misconduct.
"We have to set a precedent that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable," Team ROC managing director Dania Diaz said in a statement. "For the past year, we've been pushing for documents from the government and have been continuously met with non-compliance. It's unacceptable – getting access to those materials is critical to exposing the corruption, reforming local policies, and helping the local community heal.
This lawsuit comes just ahead of the trial of former KCKPD detective Roger Golubski, who is facing federal charges for allegedly using his position to extort and rape Black women and teenagers for over three decades in Kansas City, Kansas. Golubski is also accused of threatening to fabricate criminal charges against his victims' family members if they rejected his sexual advances.
Charleston White Claims Black People Spread STDs in White Neighborhoods At Ft. Worth City Council Meeting
*In a heated city council meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, social commentator/provocateur Charleston White found himself forcibly removed after delivering a provocative speech that drew immediate backlash.
Known for his polarizing views, White ignited controversy as he warned council members of Black individuals “invading” predominantly white neighborhoods and allegedly spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
The incident, which has since surfaced online in a viral clip, began as White addressed the council from the podium. Tension escalated when a female council member interrupted him, cautioning that he would be asked to leave if he continued with offensive language. Undeterred, White expressed his belief that Black people have historically experienced disparities and have been subjected to systemic injustices.
“This country once sold my ancestors, so civility is something that Black people don’t typically get exposed to in this country. But I do understand the constitution, so I do come in uncivil behavior,” White proclaimed, invoking a historical context to support his viewpoint. Comparing the council members to the biblical Pharaoh, he emphatically criticized their apparent lack of empathy for the very community they serve, citing, “There’s somewhere in the Bible that [says] it was God that hardened the heart of Pharaoh. And you guys kind of represent Pharaoh in modern-day times.”
However, the tension escalated dramatically when White’s comments shifted focus towards race, prompting a rapid response from city officials.
“I wanna remind some of these white people, they got some Black people coming to y’all neighborhood and they got some diseases,” he declared, naming various sexually transmitted infections. His remarks triggered alarm among council members, who quickly moved to have him removed from the chamber.
White’s ejection from the meeting underscores the deep divides present within discussions about race, health, and community dynamics in contemporary America. His speech and the council’s response have reignited conversations surrounding race relations, public discourse, and the responsibilities of elected officials to navigate complex and sensitive issues.
As footage of the incident continues to circulate, reactions vary widely—some echo White’s sentiments on the plight of Black Americans, while others condemn his language as inflammatory and inappropriate for a public forum. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle to address societal issues surrounding race without inciting further division
*In a heated city council meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, social commentator/provocateur Charleston White found himself forcibly removed after delivering a provocative speech that drew immediate backlash.
Known for his polarizing views, White ignited controversy as he warned council members of Black individuals “invading” predominantly white neighborhoods and allegedly spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
The incident, which has since surfaced online in a viral clip, began as White addressed the council from the podium. Tension escalated when a female council member interrupted him, cautioning that he would be asked to leave if he continued with offensive language. Undeterred, White expressed his belief that Black people have historically experienced disparities and have been subjected to systemic injustices.
“This country once sold my ancestors, so civility is something that Black people don’t typically get exposed to in this country. But I do understand the constitution, so I do come in uncivil behavior,” White proclaimed, invoking a historical context to support his viewpoint. Comparing the council members to the biblical Pharaoh, he emphatically criticized their apparent lack of empathy for the very community they serve, citing, “There’s somewhere in the Bible that [says] it was God that hardened the heart of Pharaoh. And you guys kind of represent Pharaoh in modern-day times.”
However, the tension escalated dramatically when White’s comments shifted focus towards race, prompting a rapid response from city officials.
“I wanna remind some of these white people, they got some Black people coming to y’all neighborhood and they got some diseases,” he declared, naming various sexually transmitted infections. His remarks triggered alarm among council members, who quickly moved to have him removed from the chamber.
White’s ejection from the meeting underscores the deep divides present within discussions about race, health, and community dynamics in contemporary America. His speech and the council’s response have reignited conversations surrounding race relations, public discourse, and the responsibilities of elected officials to navigate complex and sensitive issues.
As footage of the incident continues to circulate, reactions vary widely—some echo White’s sentiments on the plight of Black Americans, while others condemn his language as inflammatory and inappropriate for a public forum. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle to address societal issues surrounding race without inciting further division
Michelle Obama Producing Netflix Dating Show for Baby Boomers
Executive produced by the former first lady, the docuseries “follows singles in their 50s, 60s, and 70s as they try for their second (or third, or fourth) chance at love,” per Netflix.
“Throughout the eight episodes, six baby boomers — many of whom haven’t been in a relationship in over a decade — go on a series of blind dates with potential partners of a similar age,” the streamer’s description states. “Helping them navigate the modern dating landscape are their children, close friends, and a certified expert: dating coach Logan Ury, whose mission is to help people (especially those who are out of practice) find love. She offers the singles realistic dating goals and expectations while also encouraging them to relish the unexpected, joyous moments that come with meeting new people.”
All eight episodes of “The Later Daters” drop on Nov. 29. Watch the trailer above.
“The Later Daters” singles range from divorcees to widowers. Check back to learn more about the men and women who are on a quest to find their better half:
Anise, 62
Suzanne, 63
Nate, 56
Pam, 71
Lori, 57
Greg, 61
Executive produced by the former first lady, the docuseries “follows singles in their 50s, 60s, and 70s as they try for their second (or third, or fourth) chance at love,” per Netflix.
“Throughout the eight episodes, six baby boomers — many of whom haven’t been in a relationship in over a decade — go on a series of blind dates with potential partners of a similar age,” the streamer’s description states. “Helping them navigate the modern dating landscape are their children, close friends, and a certified expert: dating coach Logan Ury, whose mission is to help people (especially those who are out of practice) find love. She offers the singles realistic dating goals and expectations while also encouraging them to relish the unexpected, joyous moments that come with meeting new people.”
All eight episodes of “The Later Daters” drop on Nov. 29. Watch the trailer above.
“The Later Daters” singles range from divorcees to widowers. Check back to learn more about the men and women who are on a quest to find their better half:
Anise, 62
Suzanne, 63
Nate, 56
Pam, 71
Lori, 57
Greg, 61
Who is The Later Daters dating coach?
Logan Ury is a Harvard-trained behavioral scientist turned dating coach who helps her clients navigate their love lives. Ury previously ran the behavioral science unit at Google and is the current Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge. She also wrote the self-help dating book How to Not Die Alone.
The show follows six seasoned singles living in the greater Atlanta area as “they navigate a whole new dating world and its different rules and online etiquette (where the eggplant emoji maybe doesn’t mean what they think it does),” according to the official synopsis.
“Whether divorced, widowed, or longtime single, they end up forging deeper connections not only with their families and potential partners, but with themselves,” the description continues.
Chris Brown’s Ex Manager Alleges Parents Would Drop Their Daughters Off At His Hotel
Tina Davis, who managed Chris Brown for 12 years, addressed some of the controversies that surrounded the R&B superstar during his rise to fame. Davis shed light on the complex dynamics of fame, including how some parents went to great lengths to gain access to Brown, and offered insights into the infamous incident with Rihanna that shook the music world in 2009.
Parents Pushing for Stardom
Davis revealed startling details about the lengths some families would go to in pursuit of fame or financial security through their association with Brown.
“Parents used to drop their daughters off at hotels, hoping they’d get into a relationship with Chris so he’d marry them,” Davis shared during the interview with The Art of Dialogue.
She described these situations as a difficult and unsettling reality of managing a young artist with immense popularity. According to Davis, this behavior was part of the challenges of protecting a young star in the music industry, where boundaries were often blurred.
Davis also indirectly addressed long-standing rumors surrounding the infamous 2009 fight between Brown and Rihanna. For years, speculation circulated that a text message from Davis to Brown was the catalyst for the argument that led to the altercation.
Though Davis didn’t speak directly about the incident in this interview, her involvement at the time raised questions about the pressures and entanglements of managing a young superstar at the height of his fame.
Chris Brown’s Road to Redemption
Following the fallout from the 2009 incident, Brown faced significant backlash, with many radio stations pulling his music from rotation. Davis disclosed the strategic efforts her team employed to help rebuild Brown’s career and regain industry support.
“It wasn’t easy,” Davis admitted. “We had to find ways to get him back on the radio while navigating all the controversy. It was about showing the world his talent and that he was willing to grow from his mistakes.”
The efforts eventually paid off, with Brown returning to the charts and solidifying his status as one of R&B’s most consistent hitmakers. While Brown’s journey has been marked by both extraordinary success and intense scrutiny, Davis’s perspective offers a glimpse into the complexities of managing a star during turbulent times.
Parents Pushing for Stardom
Davis revealed startling details about the lengths some families would go to in pursuit of fame or financial security through their association with Brown.
“Parents used to drop their daughters off at hotels, hoping they’d get into a relationship with Chris so he’d marry them,” Davis shared during the interview with The Art of Dialogue.
She described these situations as a difficult and unsettling reality of managing a young artist with immense popularity. According to Davis, this behavior was part of the challenges of protecting a young star in the music industry, where boundaries were often blurred.
Davis also indirectly addressed long-standing rumors surrounding the infamous 2009 fight between Brown and Rihanna. For years, speculation circulated that a text message from Davis to Brown was the catalyst for the argument that led to the altercation.
Though Davis didn’t speak directly about the incident in this interview, her involvement at the time raised questions about the pressures and entanglements of managing a young superstar at the height of his fame.
Chris Brown’s Road to Redemption
Following the fallout from the 2009 incident, Brown faced significant backlash, with many radio stations pulling his music from rotation. Davis disclosed the strategic efforts her team employed to help rebuild Brown’s career and regain industry support.
“It wasn’t easy,” Davis admitted. “We had to find ways to get him back on the radio while navigating all the controversy. It was about showing the world his talent and that he was willing to grow from his mistakes.”
The efforts eventually paid off, with Brown returning to the charts and solidifying his status as one of R&B’s most consistent hitmakers. While Brown’s journey has been marked by both extraordinary success and intense scrutiny, Davis’s perspective offers a glimpse into the complexities of managing a star during turbulent times.
Delaware Rep-Elect Sarah McBride responds to transgender bathroom ban measure
As a Delaware politician is making history, a soon-to-be colleague is introducing a resolution that would keep her from using the women's bathroom.
Earlier this week, U.S. House Rep. Nancy Mace presented a resolution that seeks to ban transgender women from using female restrooms inside the Capitol.
This would mean House members and employees alike are barred from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex,” according to the resolution.
The measures comes shortly after current Delaware State Senator and Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride won Delaware’s lone seat in the House, which would make McBride the first openly transgender member of Congress elected in U.S. history.
“The sanctity of protecting women and standing up against the Left’s systematic erasure of biological women starts here in the nation’s Capitol,” Mace, a Republican who represents South Carolina, said in a statement.
McBride, who is set to assume her new position early next year, said in a statement that Mace’s resolution is “a blatant attempt” to distract from the country's current problems and from providing the solutions that many need.
“We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care and child care, not manufacturing culture wars,” McBride said. “Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
McBride will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, along with fellow members of the incoming 119th U.S. Congress.
McBride, who has long said that she didn’t run her campaign to be known for one particular aspect of her identity, emphasized that she will work to guarantee paid family medical leave, raise the minimum wage and ensure reproductive rights and freedoms, among other key issues.
On “Day One” of her new role, McBride has said she intends to prioritize co-sponsoring the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and dedicate herself to establishing and maintaining relationships with all of her fellow lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation.
As a Delaware politician is making history, a soon-to-be colleague is introducing a resolution that would keep her from using the women's bathroom.
Earlier this week, U.S. House Rep. Nancy Mace presented a resolution that seeks to ban transgender women from using female restrooms inside the Capitol.
This would mean House members and employees alike are barred from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex,” according to the resolution.
The measures comes shortly after current Delaware State Senator and Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride won Delaware’s lone seat in the House, which would make McBride the first openly transgender member of Congress elected in U.S. history.
“The sanctity of protecting women and standing up against the Left’s systematic erasure of biological women starts here in the nation’s Capitol,” Mace, a Republican who represents South Carolina, said in a statement.
McBride, who is set to assume her new position early next year, said in a statement that Mace’s resolution is “a blatant attempt” to distract from the country's current problems and from providing the solutions that many need.
“We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care and child care, not manufacturing culture wars,” McBride said. “Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
McBride will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, along with fellow members of the incoming 119th U.S. Congress.
McBride, who has long said that she didn’t run her campaign to be known for one particular aspect of her identity, emphasized that she will work to guarantee paid family medical leave, raise the minimum wage and ensure reproductive rights and freedoms, among other key issues.
On “Day One” of her new role, McBride has said she intends to prioritize co-sponsoring the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and dedicate herself to establishing and maintaining relationships with all of her fellow lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation.
Mattel Releases Barbie Honoring The “EGOT” Herself Rita Moreno
Moreno said in a statement, “I hope this doll inspires in each and every girl today: to live their life with courage and resilience so that they can make their dreams a reality.”
The doll’s dress is inspired by the gown Moreno wore on the night she made history at the 34th Oscar ceremony in 1962, when she won best supporting actress for her role as Anita in “West Side Story.”
Comcast to announce the spinoff of cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC and USA, sources say
Comcast is expected to announce a plan Wednesday to spin off its cable networks into a separate company, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News.
The split would cleave off some of NBCUniversal's best-known brands, including MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Golf Channel, USA, CNBC and Oxygen, which now face the same cord-cutting challenges as many other major cable channels.
The spinoff plan was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Comcast had announced during its quarterly earnings call in October that it was considering spinning off its cable networks.
President Mike Cavanagh said at the time that the company was exploring creating “a new, well-capitalized company owned by our shareholders and comprised of our strong portfolio of cable networks.” He added that NBCUniversal’s broadcast network NBC and the streaming service Peacock would remain with Comcast.
Comcast owns NBCUniversal, which is the parent company of NBC News. A spokesperson for Comcast declined to comment.
Comcast is moving forward with the decision as millions of customers exit the traditional pay TV bundle in favor of streaming. The company has been beefing up Peacock in recent years. Comcast said last month that Peacock's paid-subscriber count jumped nearly 30% to 36 million year over year.
Bravo will remain part of Comcast’s NBCUniversal because its content is heavily featured on Peacock, CNBC reported.
Comcast shares were up more than 2% in after-hours trading.
The spinoff will take roughly a year as the company figures out whether licensing agreements need to be put in place and whether MSNBC and CNBC will continue to work with NBC News, CNBC reported.
Mark Lazarus, the current chairman of NBCUniversal’s media group, will lead the new company, CNBC reported, while NBCUniversal’s chief financial officer, Anand Kini, will be the CFO and operating chief.
Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts will have a voting position in the new entity, but he won't be on the board of directors, CNBC reported.
At NBCUniversal, Donna Langley, the current chief content officer, will become chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios. Matt Strauss, the current head of the direct-to-consumer unit, which includes Peacock, will be chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, overseeing sports, ad sales and distribution, CNBC reported.
Cesar Conde will continue to lead the NBCUniversal News Group as chairman — which includes oversight of NBC News, Telemundo and local TV stations — and will advise the company on areas of business growth. Executive Vice President Adam Miller will become NBCUniversal’s chief operating officer, CNBC reported.
The split would cleave off some of NBCUniversal's best-known brands, including MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Golf Channel, USA, CNBC and Oxygen, which now face the same cord-cutting challenges as many other major cable channels.
The spinoff plan was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Comcast had announced during its quarterly earnings call in October that it was considering spinning off its cable networks.
President Mike Cavanagh said at the time that the company was exploring creating “a new, well-capitalized company owned by our shareholders and comprised of our strong portfolio of cable networks.” He added that NBCUniversal’s broadcast network NBC and the streaming service Peacock would remain with Comcast.
Comcast owns NBCUniversal, which is the parent company of NBC News. A spokesperson for Comcast declined to comment.
Comcast is moving forward with the decision as millions of customers exit the traditional pay TV bundle in favor of streaming. The company has been beefing up Peacock in recent years. Comcast said last month that Peacock's paid-subscriber count jumped nearly 30% to 36 million year over year.
Bravo will remain part of Comcast’s NBCUniversal because its content is heavily featured on Peacock, CNBC reported.
Comcast shares were up more than 2% in after-hours trading.
The spinoff will take roughly a year as the company figures out whether licensing agreements need to be put in place and whether MSNBC and CNBC will continue to work with NBC News, CNBC reported.
Mark Lazarus, the current chairman of NBCUniversal’s media group, will lead the new company, CNBC reported, while NBCUniversal’s chief financial officer, Anand Kini, will be the CFO and operating chief.
Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts will have a voting position in the new entity, but he won't be on the board of directors, CNBC reported.
At NBCUniversal, Donna Langley, the current chief content officer, will become chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios. Matt Strauss, the current head of the direct-to-consumer unit, which includes Peacock, will be chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, overseeing sports, ad sales and distribution, CNBC reported.
Cesar Conde will continue to lead the NBCUniversal News Group as chairman — which includes oversight of NBC News, Telemundo and local TV stations — and will advise the company on areas of business growth. Executive Vice President Adam Miller will become NBCUniversal’s chief operating officer, CNBC reported.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
President Abe!
Seeing the fruits of capitalism!
Seeing the fruits of capitalism!
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Gerson Behr
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EFREM
