Zendaya Ursula Stephen and Sheika Daley Her GLAM squad for The Hollywood Reporter - 25th September 2019!
Black-on-black-on-black....that’s the color scheme on one of the two covers of the Hollywood Reporter’s “Glam Squads” issue, featuring its seventh annual list of the Top 15 most influential hairstylists and makeup artists. And black-on-black-on-black is also the composition of Zendaya’s team, which includes tress-whisperer Ursula Stephen and face-maker Sheika Daley (Zendaya’s all-black squad is led by “image architect” Law Roach).
It’s a fitting showcase for one of Hollywood’s most dynamic teams, which has transformed the now 23-year-old from Disney kid to ingenue to bona fide fashion icon. The star’s stratospheric rise now includes her own collection with Tommy Hilfiger, a contract with Lancôme, a starring role and production credit on Euphoria, projects in development and shut-it-down status on red carpets from the Oscars to the Met Gala, where this year Zendaya celebrated what she called “a fairy-tale ending to [her] Disney days” as “Zenderella,” a nickname coined by Daley.
“Law wanted to embody the whole look from the movie, from the dress to the hair to the makeup,” said Daley, who used Lancôme’s Teal Fury shadow palette to create the princess effect. Stephen, an industry innovator previously known for helping to create Rihanna’s shape-shifting persona, credits teamwork for Zendaya’s gorgeous array of looks. “It’s like getting a bride ready for her wedding. It’s an opportunity for everyone—hairstylist, makeup artist, stylist, client—to share their best,” she says.
Get more at The Hollywood Reporter!
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Stuns In Sexy PlungingOne-Piece & Leopard Print Cover Up InGreece — Pic
Kandi Burruss!
‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss took to Instagram on Sept. 28 to share a gorgeous photo of herself looking happy and showing off her figure in a black one-piece swimsuit.
Kandi Burruss, 43, knows what she’s got and she’s all about flaunting it! The gorgeous Real Housewives of Atlanta star posted a stunning photo of herself to her Instagram page on Sept. 28 and in it, she’s flashing a bright smile and revealing a lot of skin. The brunette beauty is showing off her figure in a black one-piece swimsuit under a leopard print over shirt in the snapshot, and topping off the look with metallic gold-colored sandals. She’s posing while standing on a staircase with one leg up and bent. “I’ll make you step your game up! #BossMoves @mzsam68 📸: @thekenyamoore cover up from @tagsboutique,” she captioned the pic.
Kandi’s latest photo is believed to have been taken in Greece, where she’s been spending time with her RHOA gals and their annual cast trip. They all left for the trip on Sept. 22 and were gearing up to film season 12 of the popular Bravo series with a lot of excitement.
When Kandi is not having the time of her life filming and vacationing with co-stars like Kenya Moore and NeNe Leakes, she’s gearing up to welcome a third child via surrogate with husband Todd Tucker. The reported news made headlines on Sept. 26 and wasn’t too much of a surprise considering Kandi was seen looking for surrogates in season 11 of RHOA. The upcoming bundle of joy will join Kandi’s 16-year-old daughter Riley, who she shares with ex Russell Spencer, her three-year-old son Ace, who she shares with Todd, and Todd’s 22-year-old daughter Kaela.
We look forward to seeing Kandi’s journey on the 12th season of RHOA!
#Empire: ‘Law & Order: SVU’ star Ice-T says Jussie Smollett ‘Empire’ drama inspired upcoming Season 21 episode!
It was bound to happen eventually. “Law & Order: SVU” star Ice-T, who plays the fan-favorite Fin Tutula on the legendary "ripped from the headlines" crime drama, said that this season, fans will see an allusion to the saga of former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett that played out in the news earlier this year.
“I mean, I don’t know what I can say,” the 61-year-old actor told Us Weekly on Wednesday at “History Is Made: Law & Order: SVU Celebrates a Milestone” at the Paley Center for Media. “I can give you some hints.”
The rapper said an “Empire-ish drama” would somehow seep into a Season 21 episode, but not before the gang adjusts to new roles within the district attorney’s office.
Smollett made national and world headlines in January when he filed a police report alleging that two masked men attacked him, put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him. Smollett, who is black and openly gay, claimed the men made racist and homophobic comments and yelled, “This is MAGA country," a pointed reference to President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.
After an intense investigation, police said Smollett had staged the entire episode to drum up publicity for his career. Smollett, who was dropped from "Empire," has strongly denied the accusations.
Showrunners said the entire cast will be making major adjustments following the season premiere.
“Welcome to the DA’s office, District Attorney Sonny Carisi,” showrunner Warren Leight told the magazine on Wednesday. “We’ll be looking out for some new blood in the squadron over time, and I think a lot of changes in the dynamic. It’s one thing when you work for lieutenant, now Captain Benson at the end of this episode. It’s another thing when you now go to the DA’s office and technically you are in charge of her in some ways.”
Of course, it's hardly the first time an “SVU” episode has drawn parallels to real-world events. In November 2016, NBC chose to pull a Donald Trump-inspired episode from its scheduled airing, which was slated to run eight days after the presidential election.
“Law & Order: SVU” airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
#NewMusic from Jagged Edge – ‘Genie’
The legendary R&B group Jagged Edge have dropped their new single “Genie”. The song is the follow up to their lead single “Closest Thing to Perfect” which came out a few months ago.
LISTEN HERE
Both songs will appear on their upcoming project “A Jagged Love Story” which the group exclusively told us on the SoulBack R&B Podcast will be a double album. “A Jagged Love Story” will be the follow up to their “Layover” album which came out in 2017.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West Is Reportedly Done Making Secular Music only Gospel going forward!
“Kanye also announced that he is no longer making secular music,” tweeted Barber. “Only Gospel from here on out.”
Kanye is expected to release his new album sometime today featuring 10 tracks with a gospel theme, inspired by his popular Sunday Service series. The religious-themed titles include “Follow God,” “On God,” “Sunday,” and “Selah.” The album closer, “Use This Gospel,” features Clipse and Kenny G. According to Barber, the Nicki Minaj-assisted “New Body” has been cut from the album, despite being included on the latest tracklisting.
Additionally, Kanye previewed his new IMAX film of the same name during his listening experiences in Detroit on Friday and Chicago on Saturday. Jesus Is King brings Sunday Service to life and was shot in the summer of 2019 at Roden Crater, artist James Turrell’s never-before-seen installation in Arizona’s Painted Desert. The movie features gospel performances of West’s hit songs and new music. Jesus Is King will premiere in IMAX theaters worldwide on Friday, Oct. 25.
While in his hometown, Kanye also popped up at Chance the Rapper’s show on Saturday night at Chicago’s United Center. “We came here tonight to declare that Jesus Christ is king,” said Ye before hugging Chance.
Uncle Luke Calls Out NFL and Jay Z for Super Bowl Performers!
Miami native Uncle Luke is not here for the halftime performers of the 2020 Super Bowl in Miami. It was announced recently that Jennifer Lopez and Shakira would be hitting the stage for the main event.
But Uncle Luke is just one of many people who took to social media to express their disappointment; much of it comes after Jay-Z signed on to the NFL’s live entertainment strategist in the league’s social just initiative.
Uncle Luke said on Instagram over the weekend,
“I am so pissed right now. I really want to use some profanity but I got a lot of kids that follow me on Instagram I’ve noticed these days. All of a sudden, the NFL, y’all gon’ bring in J. Lo and somebody else, and just totally disrespect all the African-American entertainment in Miami? So, we don’t exist.”
He added that he himself doesn’t want to perform, but offered up a few options that he said should have been considered.
“It ain’t about me, I don’t want to perform. But you wanna bring J. Lo and the other girl, I don’t even know where she from. Nobody from Miami. We got world-class entertainment here. I would have thought you had sense to go get Pit Bull, Flo Rida or Ross or somebody, Trick Daddy or something. Really? You’re gonna bring in those two people? You’re gonna rape the town of all of our money, and then gonna bring us… We don’t need the NFL, our hotels are already filled up.”
He then called on Jay-Z to make it right. “You need us! Jay-Z, you gotta fix this s***. I’m just gonna keep it 100.”
He added the caption
“I have a serious problem with the @NFL and the people they pick to perform at the Super Bowl. The @NFL has totally disrespected the African American along with Miami entertainment community. Jay-Z this your first job”
Interestingly enough, Uncle Luke first defended Jay-Z when his partnership with the NFL was announced last month. While some criticized Jay-Z for joining the league after it allegedly blackballed former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for his protest against police brutality during games, Uncle Luke was one to back the rapper.
Do you agree with Uncle Luke on the Super Bowl performers?
Forever 21 Fashion chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy!
NEW YORK — Low-price fashion chain Forever 21, a one-time hot destination for teen shoppers that fell victim to its own rapid expansion and changing consumer tastes, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The privately held company based in Los Angeles said Sunday it will close up to 178 stores. As of the bankruptcy filing, the company operated about 800 stores globally, including more than 500 stores in the U.S.
The company said it would focus on maximizing the value of its U.S. stores and shutter certain international locations. Forever 21 plans to close most of its locations in Asia and Europe but will continue operating in Mexico and Latin America.
“The decisions as to which domestic stores will be closing are ongoing, pending the outcome of continued conversations with landlords,” it said in the statement. “We do, however, expect a significant number of these stores will remain open and operate as usual, and we do not expect to exit any major markets in the U.S.”
Forever 21 joins Barneys New York and Diesel USA in a growing list of retailers seeking bankruptcy protection as they battle online competitors. Others like Payless ShoeSource and Charlotte Russe have shut down completely.
The numbers bear out the crisis facing traditional retailers. So far this year, publicly traded U.S. retailers have announced they will close 8,558 stores and open 3,446, according to the global research firm Coresight Research. That compares with 5,844 closures and 3,258 openings in all of 2018.
Coresight estimates the store closures could number 12,000 by the end of 2019.
Forever 21 was founded in 1984 and, along with other so-called fast fashion chains like H&M and Zara, rode a wave of popularity among young customers that took off in the mid-1990s.
Their popularity grew during the Great Recession, when shoppers sought fashion bargains.
But over the last year or so, fast fashion has fallen out of style. Young customers are losing interest in throw-away clothes and are more interested in buying eco-friendly products. They’re also gravitating toward rental and online second-hand sites like Thredup, where they see clothes worn again instead of ending up in a landfill.
These trends are happening while discounters like Target have spruced up their fashion assortments, stealing away customers.
Forever 21 has also been more vulnerable than some other chains because of its large footprints in major malls, which are attracting fewer shoppers.
#BoxOfficeNews: 'Abominable' is the #1 Movie in America!
Universal finished atop the weekend box office yet again this year with their animated adventure Abominable, while also taking second position with Focus's Downton Abbey, now in its second weekend. Meanwhile, Roadside saw a strong performance from their release of Judy, delivering a top ten performance in moderate release, while holdovers such as Hustlers and It: Chapter Two held on strong in their third and fourth weekends respectively.
At the top of the box office, Universal's release of DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio's animated title Abominable debuted with $20.85 million. While it doesn't say much for this year's slate of original animated titles, the performance does mark the largest opening for an original animated film in 2019, while joining Universal's Us and Good Boys as the only original films to open number one at the North American box office in 2019. Additionally, this is the seventh Universal title to top the charts this year (eight if you include Downton Abbey) giving the studio the most #1 films in 2019.
That being said, with a $75 million price tag Abominable still has some work to do and with The Addams Family right around the corner it will need to work fast, at least at the domestic box office. The film did earn an "A" CinemaScore from opening day audiences and a 96% audience score RottenTomatoes, which could bode well for its holdover potential. The film played to a crowd that was 56% female.
Internationally, after opening in a couple of markets last weekend, Abominable is now playing in 30 overseas territories and brought in an estimated $8.8 million this weekend. Leading the way was a $1.98 million opening in Mexico, followed by a $1.45 million weekend in Brazil. The film still has several markets yet to open including Italy and Russia next weekend.
Universal also enjoyed second place with their release of Focus Features's Downton Abbey, which followed up a strong debut with a solid sophomore frame, bringing in an estimated $14.5 million, pushing the film's cume over $58.5 million. The performance makes the film the fifth highest grossing Focus release of all-time after just ten days in release. The film also added another $10 million internationally for an overseas cume totaling $48.6 million and a worldwide tally that now stands at an impressive $107.1 million.
STX's Hustlers enjoyed an excellent third weekend in release, dipping just -32% for an estimated $11.47 million three-day and a domestic cume that now totals over $80 million. Hustlers is now the third largest STX release of all-time and will soon become the studio's third film to top $100 million at the domestic box office. The film also added another $3 million internationally this weekend for an international cume just shy of $15 million and a worldwide tally topping $95 million.
In fourth position, Warner Bros. and New Line's It: Chapter Two also had an excellent weekend, dipping just -32% to enter its fourth week in release with an estimated $10.4 million. The performance gives the film a $193.9 million domestic cume as it pushes toward that $200 million milestone. Internationally, the film added another $11 million this weekend giving it a $223.5 million overseas total and a $417.4 million global cume.
Rounding out the top five is Fox's Ad Astra, which dipped -47% as it enters its second week in release. The performance resulted in a $10.1 million three-day for a domestic cume that now totals $35.5 million. The film also added another $18 million this weekend from 50 markets for a $53.5 million international cume and an $89 million global tally.
Sidney Starr Professes Her Love For Malik Yoba!
Transgender "Love & Hip Hop" cast member Sidney Starr professes her love for Malik Yoba. Get the scoop.
Sidney Starr Professes Her Love For Malik Yoba
The transgender “Love & Hip Hop” cast member took to social media over the weekend to profess her love for Malik Yoba.
Malik, who recently revealed he’s “trans attracted,” has been promoting his workshop at the Trans Visibility March in D.C.
Sidney said she had plans to go to the march on Saturday to get her mans.
So I’ve held this in long enough guys! It’s time I let it be known, I’m going to get my MAN @malikyoba tomorrow !
Yeap I’m going to the Trans March tomorrow and I’m confessing my love for you, I’ve loved you ever since New York undercover!!!
I’m following the footsteps of my boo @bobbylytes if he won’t come to me Then I’m coming to him! PERIOD!!!! ⛪️💑💋 #SidneyStarr #MalikYoba US!!!!
Sidney hasn’t posted an update on whether or not she was able to link up with Malik Yoba.
Lil Nas X Announces That He’s Taking Time Off!
Lil Nas X is taking a break from the spotlight. After a whirlwind year, the record-breaking rapper has announced plans to take some time off. “it’s been a wild last 7 months and im ready to take a little time off,” he tweeted on Friday.
As a result, he has canceled this weekend’s appearances at TwitchCon in San Diego, Calif. on Saturday and the SANDBOX Festival in Mesa, Ariz. on Sunday. “sorry to everyone attending twitchcon or the sandbox music festival, i will not be there. i love u guys and will make it up to you some way,” he added.
The 20-year-old has had a banner year, thanks to the massive success of “Old Town Road,” which became the longest-running No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history, with 19 weeks at the top. His follow-up single “Panini” and his 7 EP were also certified platinum by the RIAA.
Nas recently appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where he opened about his sexuality. “Just knowing it was something that I should have been done,” he said of his decision to come out. “But I was not in a position where I had to worry about like family and friends, like how they would react. But in the past year, I’m on a new level so it doesn’t really matter, I guess.”
Just a day before his announcement, Fiona Apple claimed that Lil Nas X owes her money for sampling her song “Every Single Night” from her 2012 album The Idler Wheel… on his 2018 Nasarati mixtape cut “Kim Jung.”
“You sampled that song, too, in a song called ‘Kim Jong Un,’ I think,” the “Criminal” singer said in a video. “And, hey, where’s my money, you cute little guy? Where’s my money?”
Beyoncé Fans Tell Bey to Run After Aaron Carter Reaches Out Amid Downward Spiral!
The Bey Hive went into panic mode as Aaron Carter set his sights on their Queen.
It all went down Saturday night, during one of Carter's recent social media rants.
"omg @Beyonce I just want you to know that love you always and your music! also, I wanted to let you know I never forgot when you let me open up for you and @destinyschild in 99 & 2000! that's all I wanted to say #Beyhive thank you for everything you've done for me."
The two stars did cross paths when Bey was a rising star and Carter was at the top of his game. There's even a photo of the two of them dancing together during an after-party following the 2001 American Music Awards.
The message was innocent enough, as Carter was just reflecting on the times he spent performing with Beyoncé, however her fans were sounding the alarm.
"Run. Run. Run for your life," one fan wrote on Twitter, while another aggressively warned, "Stay tf away."
Another commented, "HahahaHahahah that is funny! I promise you he isn’t on Bey’s radar.. maybe her securities, but not hers."
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin arrive by speedboat for their South Carolina wedding rehearsal dinner!
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin's wedding celebrations have kicked off in style with a rehearsal dinner at a lavish hotel in Bluffton, South Carolina.
The couple are staying at the five-star Montage Palmetto Bluff and threw a cocktail party on Sunday night for 36 close friends and family at Moreland Landing, a small banqueting hall nearby.
Bieber and his bride-to-be traveled to the venue with their guests in a flotilla of small boats – each of which flew flags bearing red hearts.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin’s wedding celebrations have kicked off in style with a rehearsal dinner at a lavish hotel in Bluffton, South Carolina
The Canadian singer looked a little awkward as he followed his bride down the jetty towards the venue
The couple appeared to reach out for each other, as Hailey navigated the wooden jetty in blush $975 Jimmy Choo stiletto heels decorated with white organza bows
Hailey looked spectacular in a super short ivory gown, with a low v-cut neckline, which she accessorized with a white bow in her hair
Canadian singer Bieber was sporting a fresh haircut and wore a simple white polo shirt and black pants, with deck shoes.
Model Hailey picked a short ivory off-shoulder dress, worn with pearl earrings and a bow in her hair. She accessorized with blush $975 Jimmy Choo stiletto heels decorated with white organza bows.
The small venue, which boasts spectacular views of the May River, was lit up with fairy lights for the event and was staffed with black-jacketed waiters.
Picnic tables were decorated with spectacular floral arrangements, featuring brush and reeds, while baskets filled with greenery were hanging from the ceiling.
Bieber was sporting a fresh haircut and wore a simple white polo shirt and black pants, with deck shoes
Photographers were on hand to document the moment that the couple traveled by speedboat to their wedding rehearsal drinks and dinner
The couple confirmed they had got married on November 23, 2018, but have delayed the celebrations citing Bieber's mental health
The couple had a Police boat escort down the May River near Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina on Sunday
Along with Bieber and Hailey, guests included Bieber's mother Pattie Mailette and Hailey's parents Stephen and Kennya Baldwin.
Hailey told The Cut that her family would be included in her wedding party, explaining: 'My sister [Alaia Baldwin Aronow] will be my bridesmaid.'I was hers last year. And maybe Justin's little sister as a flower girl. Is 10 too old?'
Meanwhile, her dad Stephen told TMZ that '[his] only job is walking [his] little princess down the aisle!' Adding: 'They're going to have a lot of their pastor friends and a lot of their Christian friends around them at this time.'
Cocktails were followed by a barbecue buffet dinner at Cole's; a 'lounge-style' restaurant that bills itself as offering 'comfort food with stunning views'.
Three vintage buses in peach, pistachio and duck-egg blue were seen parked outside ready to take guests back to the hotel after the event.
The couple jetted into the Palmetto State on Saturday night, flying into nearby Savannah airport from Los Angeles.
Bieber and Hailey are staying at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs; a five-star hotel that says it offers 'upmarket accommodation in a plantation style resort'.
Covering 20,000 acres, the property boasts its own nature reserve, as well as a private marina and golf course.
‘Joker’ Has Quiet Los Angeles Premiere Amidst Fear Of Threats!
After premiering at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, Joker made its way to Hollywood for its stateside premiere. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film has been put under the media microscope considering its divisive story about a man unraveling and resorting to acts of violence as a result of being alienated. There have been fears that screenings would be susceptible to a threat of a mass shooting.
At last night’s premiere at the TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the security was high, but the threat was fairly low. Security was scattered amongst the entire Hollywood and Highland complex — even each floor of the parking garage had official monitors coming in and out of the busy structure. Hollywood Boulevard was closed and authorities were guarding the area, closely watching everyone that went in and out of the theater and the restricted areas including the afterparty. But in the end, it was your basic, run-of-the-mill Hollywood premiere…with some adjustments.
Before the premiere, Warner Bros. curbed broadcast and print interviewers from their “green” carpet premiere and regulated the press line to photos-only. The news was made shortly after it was announced that Joker would not be playing at the Cinemark Aurora theater where the 2012 Dark Knight Rises mass shooting took place, killing 12 and wounding 70.
Despite the heightened risks, the LAPD stated that they “were aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of the Joker. While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the Department will maintain high visibility around movie theaters when it opens. We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy all of the weekend leisure activities this city has to offer however, Angelenos should remain vigilant and always be aware of your surroundings. As always if you see something, say something.” Industry sources also informed Deadline that the FBI and Homeland Security found no credible threats surrounding the release of Joker.
Before the screening started, director Todd Phillips came out to greet the audience — something he doesn’t do often. He joked that Joker hasn’t been getting any press lately and told everyone to spread the word about the film. He then said that the movie should just be appreciated for the art that it is.
Joker will open in theaters October 4.
Renée Zellweger needed fake teeth to play Judy Garland!
Renée Zellweger had “seven to eight” sets of false teeth to play Judy Garland.
The star was sent home with the dentures to practice singing with them, hair and makeup designer Jeremy Woodhead revealed.
“The teeth proved one of the biggest challenges of ‘Judy.'”
“She had very distinct, ‘gappy’ teeth, and it was shocking toward the end as they were quite rotten,” Woodhead said. “I made seven to eight sets of false teeth. Renée took each set home to practice singing with them.”
Director Rupert Goold told the Hollywood Reporter he knew the designers had nailed it when “I would show people pictures on my phone and say, ‘Guess who this is?’ They had no idea it was Renée at all. It was brilliant.”
Rapper Too Short Welcomes First Child With Girlfriend Sue Ivy!
Congratulations to rapper Too Short who became a father last December. The recording artist welcomed a daughter, Yanni Shaw, with his girlfriend, Sue Ivy.
TMZ reports, “Too Short is wasting no time introducing his daughter to the spotlight from an early age … we’re told he’s already been shooting a documentary with Ray J and his manager, David Weintraub, and the film’s all about raising their little girls in Hollywood.”
Too Short is often referred to as a “player” in the rap industry because of his hit songs, which speak about not being tied down by a wife and kids. In fact, one of the rapper’s most celebrated singles is titled ‘I’m A Player.’
Too Short found himself in a whirlwind of backlash back in 2012 when he released a music video that some said glorified rape culture. The recording artist later corrected the misstep by reaching out to activist Dream Hampton to provide an explanation.
“My eyes are opening just from reading the comments, the stuff that is coming from people,” Too Short shared. “They say stuff like, ‘Does he get it?’ I’m reading it and I am starting to get it,” he added.
“This is something that I would never do [intentionally],” the rapper reiterated to assure fans that glorifying rape culture is not his thing. “Never in my life would I ever sit down and turn on the camera and really do something negative. This is only a wake-up call for me.”
Yanni Shaw is Too Short’s first child.
California Governor Signs Bill Allowing College Athletes To Profit From Endorsements!
In a move that puts California on a collision course with the NCAA, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill effectively allowing college athletes in the state to earn compensation for the use of their likeness, sign endorsement deals, and hire agents to represent them.
The governor signed the measure in a segment released Monday by Uninterrupted, a sports programming company co-founded by LeBron James.
Newsom proclaimed the move as "the beginning of a national movement — one that transcends geographic and partisan lines."
"Collegiate student athletes put everything on the line — their physical health, future career prospects and years of their lives to compete. Colleges reap billions from these student athletes' sacrifices and success but, in the same breath, block them from earning a single dollar," he said in a statement. "That's a bankrupt model — one that puts institutions ahead of the students they are supposed to serve. It needs to be disrupted."
That marks a significant shift from the current policies enforced by the NCAA, collegiate sports' national governing body, which generally renders student-athletes ineligible to accept compensation for "the use of his or her name or picture to advertise, recommend or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind."
And the NCAA Board of Governors pushed back hard against the bill at the time of its passage in the Legislature, saying that it would leave the playing field for universities of different sizes radically uneven.
"Right now, nearly half a million student-athletes in all 50 states compete under the same rules," the 22-member panel composed mostly of university presidents and athletic directors said in a letter to Newsom on Sept. 11. "This bill would remove that essential element of fairness and equal treatment that forms the bedrock of college sports."
On Monday, shortly after Newsom's announcement, the NCAA released another, slightly more conciliatory statement — one acknowledging that "changes are needed to continue to support student-athletes" but also warning that "this new law already is creating confusion for current and future student-athletes, coaches, administrators and campuses, and not just in California."
"We will consider next steps in California," the group added, "while our members move forward with ongoing efforts to make adjustments to NCAA name, image and likeness rules that are both realistic in modern society and tied to higher education."
The financial stakes of the dispute are massive.
Between TV rights, marketing fees and other avenues — particularly for its major cash cow, the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — the organization has reported annual revenues cresting $1 billion.
The NCAA maintains that it converts much of that intake into crucial opportunities for student athletes, saying it has "provided billions of dollars in scholarships and the opportunity for millions across 24 sports to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees."
That hasn't silenced critics, who have grown louder in recent years amid a recent spate of high-profile investigations — including efforts by the FBI — looking into alleged corrupt recruiting practices in NCAA men's basketball. The hefty punishments levied against schools and players by the national governing body has focused a spotlight on why the competitors featured in such a lucrative industry are left out of its profits.
Michael Sokolove, who wrote of the massive scandal at the University of Louisville's basketball program in The Last Temptation Of Rick Pitino, talked to Fresh Air last year about one notable discrepancy.
"If you look at a program like Louisville, which is a program that I focused on, they generate about $45 million a year in revenue. They give out 13 scholarships. That adds up to about $400,000 a year. The rest of it gets spread out to the coach, who makes $8 million a year, to the assistant coaches, who make as much as a half-million dollars a year," Sokolove said.
"All throughout out the athletic department, people are making six-figure salaries. It does not go to the players, what I call the unpaid workforce."
Pushback has also come from a number of prominent athletes, including James, who opted to skip college basketball entirely to head straight to the NBA — before the pro league implemented a minimum age requirement in 2006, barring others from following James' path.
"Part of the reason I went to the NBA is to get my mom out of the situation that she was in," James said in the informal signing ceremony with Newsom that was held on a barbershop set. "I couldn't have done that if I would have stepped on a college campus."
Others, such as NFL cornerback Richard Sherman, have rejected the notion put forward by the NCAA and others that a free college education is recompense enough for the amount of work these athletes put in. Sherman told Sports Illustrated in 2015 that he would "love for a regular student to have a student-athlete's schedule during the season for just one quarter or one semester and show me how you balance that."
"People think, 'Oh, you're on scholarship.' They pay for your room and board, they pay for your education, but to their knowledge, you're there to play football," said Sherman, who got his degree from Stanford University. "You're not on scholarship for school and it sounds crazy when a student-athlete says that, but that's those are the things coaches tell them every day: 'You're not on scholarship for school.' "
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Have "Magical Weekend" at Disneyland After Demi Moore Drama!
Ashton Kutcher and wife Mila Kunis are not letting the drama surrounding Demi Moore get to them, and opted to spend the weekend with their kids at the Happiest Place on Earth.
On Saturday, fans spotted the couple in Disneyland with their daughter Wyatt and son Dimitri, 2, on Saturday, two days before their little girl turns 5 and several days after the actor's ex-wife released a tell-all book that details some shocking claims about him and their marriage.
Kutcher posted on his Instagram page on Sunday a selfie showing him and Kunis smiling in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. The pair's kids are not shown. Kutcher and Kunis are notoriously private and have kept their children off social media.
"Magical weekend @disneyland An imagination tinderbox," he wrote. "That Walt guy had a vision."
Moore and Kutcher were married between 2005 and 2013. In her memoir, Inside Out, the actress reveals that she suffered a late-term miscarriage during their relationship, which prompted her to start abusing alcohol, and also claims the actor cheated on her and that she fulfilled the actor's threesome fantasies.
After she made headlines over her book and drew much attention to the actor, he opted to bite his tongue.
"I was about to push the button on a really snarky tweet," he tweeted last week. "Then I saw my son, daughter, and wife and I deleted it. [heart emoji]"
"Life is good - Larry Kutcher," he added.
A source later told E! News, "The unwanted attention has been hard to deal with. [Kutcher and Kunis] have no interest in being dragged into the spotlight or reliving the past. Ashton knew it was coming and he did have a heads up. But of course he would prefer not be brought into this."
"Demi was always very private so it came as a surprise that she wanted to air all of her dirty laundry and have so much focus and attention on her personal life," the source added. "Mila and Ashton are just riding out the media attention and know it will die down soon."
Moore has not commented.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘MAXI PROTECTION’
This looks like a real life feminine hygiene commercial. I prefer the fake ones of models running through fields of clouds and flowers.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Mr. Drand!
Meet Drand! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
