Mahershala Ali for Esquire UK - March/April 2019
Mahershala Ali Discusses 'True Detective 3', 'Green Book' And That Standout 'Moonlight' Scene
The Oscar-winning actor was a guest at Esquire Townhouse with Breitling
"When I read that script the character scared me a bit," Mahershala Ali says of his forthcoming role as world-renowned pianist Dr. Don Shirley.
The actor, who picked up a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in Moonlight in 2016, was at Esquire Townhouse on Saturday to speak about his career thus far and upcoming performances in Green Book and the third season of True Detective.
"The spirit of it is very small and intimate," Ali said of Green Book which recalls the true story of the unlikely bond Shirley formed with his driver, Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen.
Ali also discussed other career highlights including the significance of the emotional scene in Moonlight where a young Chrion asks Juan if he is gay. "That's the scene that terrifies you," Ali said, adding that it was the "scene we collectively had to get right."
In January next year he will release True Detective 3, a project he admits he has only seen a few finished episodes of so far, but does divulge that the "finale episode if the best piece of television I've read in my life."
Mahershala Ali was in conversation at Esquire Townhouse with Breitling. Check out the full event here.
#RHOA: NeNe Breaks Down Over Strained Relationship with Gregg is she talking Divorce?
NeNe Leakes has had a difficult time dealing with husband Gregg Leakes' cancer battle, and much of it has been documented on this season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."
Sunday's episode had NeNe in tears on multiple occasions, and we couldn't help but feel for her. Being a caretaker is sometimes a thankless job. Plus, we're not used to seeing her so vulnerable.
The ladies were wrapping up their Tokyo trip when Cynthia Bailey dropped by NeNe's room to chat. NeNe had just gotten off the phone with Gregg and told Cynthia she hadn't really spoken to him a whole lot since being away.
"I get that he's overwhelmed and he's scared, but I am overwhelmed, too," NeNe said with tears in her eyes. "It's a lot for me. I don't ever get this emotional about things, but this is making me emotional. It really is because Gregg and me -- we been tight for a long time. It just sucks. I'm so serious, I never get this upset about stuff."
"The fact that him and me barely talk -- I feel like we're going back the same way we came," she blubbered. "We gonna be breaking up. It's really hard. I have to be way out here by myself, and I can't talk to him."
Cynthia tried her best to comfort her friend.
"I hate when people say stuff like that, Cynthia," NeNe interrupted. "Like, 'You're so strong. You got this.' I still have feelings! I hate that word. I have feelings."
Cynthia agreed NeNe was only "human" but said she just had to "keep going."
"Yeah, but I'm tired," NeNe replied. "I'm tired. I'm tired of trying to put on a face for everybody, and nobody is trying to take care of me."
The moment was heartbreaking, but the tears didn't end there. The next day, Eva Marcille was hanging out in NeNe's room when the ladies heard a knock on the door. It was the concierge with a massive bouquet of flowers.
Upon opening the note, NeNe dropped her head and started sobbing. She literally couldn't speak. Eva asked NeNe's permission to read the note aloud.
Mrs. NeNe Leakes,
You are for me. When you are in pain, I hurt, too. Forgive me, my errors, and let me drown you in my love.
Hurt no more, for I feel the pain I inflicted on you.
Let me back in your heart so that I can touch it and mend our love as we continue to grow with each other.
I love you so much,
Your husband, friend and biggest supporter.
By this point, Eva was in tears, too. NeNe asked if she could be left alone, so Eva gave her her space.
Also important to note: Kandi Burruss ended up giving Porsha Williams the apology she had been looking for -- but not necessarily expecting. During the ladies' last dinner in Tokyo, Kandi teared up as she asked Porsha for forgiveness for having judged Dennis and her relationship with him. Kandi said she remembered how people spoke poorly about Todd in the beginning and felt bad for doing that to Porsha. The two ended up hugging it out and agreed to move forward with a friendship.
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
#Empire: Boss Reveals 'Strong' Star Jussie Smollett Is 'Happy to Be Back' Working on Set
Jussie Smollett is “happy” to be back at work on the Empire set following the attack on him last week.
Speaking to Deadline ahead of Fox’s Television Critics Association winter press tour, where they appeared on the “Voices of Drama” panel on Wednesday, Empire executive producers Brett Mahoney and Danny Strong confirmed news that the actor had returned to work.
Smollett made his return to the FOX Studios set on Monday to film the final scenes of the season and to complete a cast table read on Tuesday. His return to work came less than a week following his attack.
“He’s been back at work since Monday — he wanted to get back to work and he just wanted to get things back to normal,” Mahoney told the outlet. “He’s the heart of the show in many ways and everyone welcomed him back. We let him know we’re all family, we’re all supporting him and we all have his back. I think that helped him ease back to getting back to work.”
Smollett, who portrays the openly gay character Jamal Lyon on the FOX series and came out as gay himself in 2015, was the victim of a possible hate crime on Jan. 29 in Chicago, leaving him bruised.
“Jussie is a proud, gay black man, and I’m not sure if the cowards were trying to beat the pride, gay or black out of him but he’s strong and we’re happy he’s back at work,” Mahoney said onstage during FOX’s presentation.
“He’s truly a very special person, which is how he got cast as Jamal, because we needed someone truly special to play that part, and it was him,” Strong added. “So I’m not surprised at all by the class and the poise of his response to what has happened.”
Smollett’s return to set was aided by a number of measures to protect him, as well as the other members of the cast and crew, from any further attacks. After news of the attack broke, FOX reportedly ordered heightened security around production locations, including the presence of armed guards and occasional sweeps of the area.
FOX also hired a private security company to screen mail sent to the cast and crew of Empire in an attempt to identify any potentially dangerous mail and prevent it from reaching those working on the series. The team is reportedly working in a joint effort with the FBI, who helped them set up a protocol for screening the mail, after a threatening letter was sent to FOX Studios for Smollett in the days prior to the Jan. 29 attack.
“We’re really concerned about security for the cast and the crew. That’s the priority,” Strong said. “We’re just worried about him right now.”
Assisted by the FBI and others, the Chicago Police Department is still investigating the crime.
#NewMusic from Alicia Keys – ‘Raise a Man’
Shortly after hosting the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, R&B star Alicia Keys shares the new song “Raise a Man”. During the six minute long ballad, the singer allows her vocals to shine backed by stripped down production and her signature piano.
She shared the following message on her social media with the release of the song: “Tonight was such a musical night I decided to drop a new vibe & have some fun with y’all!!”
LISTEN HERE
Most recently, Keys released her sixth album “Here” back in 2016. She had recently teased on social media that new music would be coming, but no word on if “Raise a Man” will lead to a new project.
#HipHopNews: Cardi B Dedicates History-Making Grammy To The Late Mac Miller
LOS ANGELES, CA – Cardi B walked away from the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (February 10) with a trophy in the Best Rap Album category for Invasion Of Privacy. It marked the first time in Grammy history a solo female artist has won in that particular category.
Following her win, the always colorful Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar shared an Instagram video of herself celebrating the momentous occasion. But she didn’t forget the late Mac Miller, whose Swimming album was also nominated for Best Rap Album.
“Thank you so much!” she begins. “Thank you Bardi gang for always supporting me … I read an article that Mac Miller’s family said that if he don’t win, they want me to win, so I’m sharing this Grammy with you muthafucka. Rest in peace. Thank you everybody. Bronx up!”
Miller passed away last September following a drug overdose. In the wake of his untimely death, his parents Karen Meyer and Mark McCormick were invited to the ceremony to accept any posthumous awards on his behalf. Although their son didn’t win, the Pittsburgh-bred musician was included in the tribute reel of those we lost in 2018.
Disney Offers First Look At Will Smith As Genie In ‘Aladdin’ & Folks Are Not Happy!
Disney offered a first look at Will Smith as “Genie” in their live-action adaptation of their animated classic, Aladdin, during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards and whew chile…folks are not happy about it!
Will proudly shared the clip as well as a still from the film via social media with the caption:
I told y’all I was gon’ be Blue!! 🧞♂️ Y’all need to trust me more often! 😆 #aladdin
Watch the trailer HERE.
People took to the streets of social media with their disdain for Will’s version of the iconic blue genie.
Peep the salty tweets below.
What are your thoughts?
Ariana Grande’s New Album Had Largest Global Debut Within First 24hrs, According to Apple Music
Ariana Grande‘s new album “thank u, next” appeared to be a hit with fans, and also Apple Music. Reports claim, the streaming service said the 12-track album had the largest global debut of any female artist in every genre within the first 24 hours of the album’s release.
Two leading singles from the album have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 charts; the title track “thank u, next” debuted No. 1 in November and held the spot for seven weeks while her single “7 Rings” has taken the #1 spot for two weeks in a row.
“thank u, next” was made available on streaming platforms Friday (Feb. 8), coming six months shy of her Grammy award winning and third No. 1 album “sweetener.”
What’s your favorite track from the album “thank u, next”?
Chris Pratt is coming to his Church’s defense After Anti-#LGBTQ Claims from Ellen Page!
Chris Pratt is speaking out to defend his church after Ellen Page claimed that the church holds anti-LGBTQ beliefs.
The Oscar-nominated actress criticized Stephen Colbert for letting Chris talk about his religious beliefs on The Late Show, but for not questioning him about the church’s alleged views on LGBTQ people.
“It has recently been suggested that i belong to a church which ‘hates people’ and is ‘infamously anti-LGBTQ.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone,” Chris wrote in a lengthy message on his Instagram Stories.
“Despite what the Bible says about divorce my church community was there for me every step of the way, never judging, just gracefully accompanying me on my walk,” Chris continued. “They helped me tremendously offering love and support. It is what I have seen them do for others on countless occasions regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender.”
Chris added, “My faith is important to me but no church defines me or my life, and I am not a spokesman for any church or group of people. My values define who I am. We need less hate in this world, not more. I am a man who believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want free from the judgement of their fellow man.”
“Jesus said ‘I give you a new command, love one another.’ This is what guides me in my life. He is a God of Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness. Hate has no place in my or this world,” he concluded.
Nicki Minaj Cancels BET Performance After Network Makes Cardi B Grammy Joke
Someone over at BET had to learn the hard way — you do not come for Nicki Minaj unless she sends for you.
After the network tweeted a shady comment about the "Chun-Li" rapper, Nicki announced that she, nor her Young Money team, will be a part of their upcoming BET Experience or BET Award show, despite being the headliners for both events.
Here's how it all went down:
After the 2019 Grammy Awards on Sunday (February 10), the BET Twitter account celebrated Cardi B 's big Grammy win by sharing an article with the headline: "Cardi B Is The First Solo Female Rapper To Win Best Rap Album, And Fans Are Weeping." However, instead of keeping the caption about Cardi the network decided to take the moment to shade Nicki, whose previously had beef with the "Money" rapper. "Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj is being dragged by her lacefront," read BET's tweet.
After fans slammed the account for tweeting such a thing, it was deleted shortly after, but not without getting Nicki's attention first. Less than 24 hours after the initial tweet was sent, the "Barbie Dreams" rapper replied with a tweet of her own. "Young Money will no longer be apart of the BET Experience or award show. ♥️🙏🏽♥️ Summer Tour dates dropping soon 🦄," she wrote. Nicki didn't stop there, she later captioned a screenshot of her fans slamming BET with caption: "Meanwhile, BET is being dragged by their lace front. 🤣." She also instructed her fans who bought tickets to the BET Experience to get a refund.
In another post, Nicki thanked her fans for their support, writing. "I can’t thank you guys enough for all the love & support you continue to show me. To everyone who said something sweet, thank you. Whether I read it or not, I felt it. From the bottom of my heart. I love you so much. So so so soooo much. Stay tuned. ♥️🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄♥️."
Nicki's tea-spillage continued in a separate post. After a fan tweeted, "Nicki Minaj has been at the top of her game for way too long to not have had a Grammy. I don’t know what white man from the boards she pissed off," the "Good Form" rapper promised to reveal the truth about her history with the Grammys. "I pissed off the same man Ariana just called out for lying. Grammy producer KEN," she wrote referencing Ken Ehrlich, the producer Ariana Grande accused of lying last week . "I was bullied into staying quiet for 7 years out of fear. But I’ll tell my fans the REAL," she admitted before saying she'd disclose "the truth" very soon. Adding: "CONGRATS to everyone who won last night. 🙏🏽"
Quincy Jones To Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Classic Hits With London Show Ahead of 10th Anniversary of Jackson’s Death
Amid the increased controversy surrounding the forthcoming HBO release of Dan Reed’s “Leaving Neverland” documentary – which explores dated sexual abuse claims against Michael Jackson -Quincy Jones, longtime collaborator with the King of Pop, is set to honor the singer and some of his greatest hits at a summer concert in London.
According to Billboard, Jones will celebrate his historical contribution to Jackson’ classic hits with a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the O2 Arena on June 23. Not only will the show feature Jones as the host of the event, but he will also conduct the orchestra in performances of 1979’s “Off The Wall,” 1982’s “Thriller,” and 1987’s “Bad.”
In addition, Jones will also share a slew of never-before-seen videos of the making of each timeless hit, with a host of special guests.
According to reports, the concert is set to kick off two days before the 10th anniversary of Jackson’s 2009 death, where Jackson was scheduled to perform his comeback residency.
Smokey Robinson calls Jennifer Lopez Motown tribute complainers 'stupid'
Before they even hit the stage Sunday night at the Grammys for a tribute to Motown, Smokey Robinson was defending the selection of Jennifer Lopez.
"I don't think anyone who is intelligent is upset," Robinson told Variety. "I think anyone who is upset is stupid."
Lopez joined the Motown legend and singer Ne-Yo for an energetic tribute to the label founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit in 1959.
Speaking to Variety outside Clive Davis' pre-Grammy gala on Saturday, Robinson didn't take too kindly to social media complaints that Lopez was not a good choice for the performance.
"Motown was music for everybody. Everybody," Robinson said. "Who's stupid enough to protest Jennifer Lopez doing anything for Motown?"
Turns out that Lopez had both critics and supporters afterward and Robinson tweeted her a thanks.
"Any type of music can inspire any type of artist ...You can't tell people what to love," Lopez said. "You can't tell people what they can and can't do -- what they should sing or not sing."
What do you think?
The Cleveland Browns sign RB Kareem Hunt
The Cleveland Browns have signed RB Kareem Hunt. The club announced the following in a press release:
Hunt is 5-11, 216 pounds and entering his third NFL season out of Toledo. Originally drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft, Hunt has appeared in 27 career games. He has rushed for 2,151 yards on 453 attempts (4.7 average) with 15 touchdowns, while adding 79 receptions for 833 yards with 10 touchdowns.
As a rookie in 2017, Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards en route to a Pro Bowl selection. He became just the sixth rookie since 1966 (Super Bowl era) to lead the league in rushing yards. Hunt also became the first player in NFL history to record six consecutive games with 100-plus scrimmage yards to start their rookie campaign. He appeared in 11 games in 2018 and registered 824 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns. He was released by the Chiefs on Nov. 30. Hunt finished his collegiate career as Toledo’s all-time leading rusher with 4,945 yards, while scoring 44 rushing touchdowns. He attended Willoughby South High School in Willoughby, Ohio
Hunt released a statement through the Browns Monday.
“First off, I would like to once again apologize for my actions last year. What I did was wrong and inexcusable. That is not the man I was raised to be, and I’ve learned a great deal from that experience and certainly should have been more truthful about it after the fact. I’m extremely grateful that John Dorsey, Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the Cleveland Browns organization are granting me the opportunity to earn their trust and represent their organization in the best way possible on and off the field. I am committed to following the necessary steps to learn and to be a better and healthier person from this situation. I also understand the expectations that the Browns have clearly laid out and that I have to earn my way back to the NFL. I’m a work in progress as a person, but I’m committed to taking advantage of the support systems that I have in place to become the best and healthier version of myself," Hunt said in a statement.
Justin Fairfax’s Law Firm Places Him On Leave Pending Investigation
The law firm that employs Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) has placed him on leave pending an external investigation into sexual assault allegations leveled against him.
The firm, Morrison & Foerster, announced the decision Friday in a statement first published by the National Law Journal.
“The firm has retained outside counsel to conduct an investigation. During the investigation, Justin Fairfax has taken a leave of absence from Morrison & Foerster,” Larren Nashelsky, the firm’s chair, said in the statement. “Justin has agreed to cooperate with the firm’s investigation.”
“We take the allegations against Justin very seriously,” Nashelsky continued. “As a firm, we believe that it is important to seriously listen to any allegation of sexual assault or harassment, and to treat all persons making such allegations with respect and sensitivity.”
Virginia’s part-time legislature convenes from January through March. As a result, state lawmakers have full-time jobs outside the Capitol that provide the majority of their income. The same is true of the lieutenant governor, who presides over and breaks ties in the state Senate.
Fairfax, a 39-year-old former federal prosecutor, left his job as a white-collar defense attorney at Venable in northern Virginia in January, and joined Morrison & Foerster in September.
Two women have accused Fairfax of sexual assault. The more recent allegation emerged on Friday, when Meredith Watson accused Fairfax of raping her when the two were classmates at Duke University in 2000.
Days earlier, Vanessa Tyson, who met Fairfax at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, publicly accused Fairfax of physically coercing her into performing oral sex during an encounter that began as consensual. Tyson said she was moved to come forward when it appeared that Fairfax might replace embattled Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D).
Northam is under pressure to resign after a racist photo from his medical school yearbook page surfaced on Feb. 1. Northam initially indicated that he was in the photo, which shows a person wearing blackface next to someone wearing a Ku Klux Klan uniform. But the following day, he denied that either person in the photo was him. He has since refused to resign.
Fairfax has vehemently denied the sexual assault allegations against him. But after Watson made her allegation on Friday, state-level and national Democrats, many of whom had been taking a wait-and-see approach, demanded Fairfax’s resignation en masse.
An attorney for Tyson has said she is prepared to testify at any impeachment proceedings against Fairfax. Virginia Del. Patrick Hope (D) raised the prospect of initiating an impeachment process against Fairfax on Sunday, but has since said that “additional conversations need to take place” first.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘WHAT GOES UP’
There is where iPhone live photos come in handy. I need the whole slideshow of what happens here! Don’t hold out on us.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Horacio The Cuban Cub
Meet Horacio! So you know what to do to see more. Just CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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