Tessa Thompson for Porter - 10th August 2020!
Actor and producer Tessa Thompson is styled by Shibon Kennedy in Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Calle Del Mar, Cushnie, Dodo Bar, Jason Wu, MM6 Maison Margiela, The Great Eros and more. Photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis makes the image capture for Porter Edit August 10, 2020.
In an interview with plenty of emphasis on activism, Tessa Thompson explains her engagement with fashion in Hollywood. With her stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Thompson balances major names like Chanel, Loewe, Versace, and Valentino with rising talent like Christopher John Robers and Pyer Moss. Lynette Nylander conducts the cover story interview ‘Woman Of Action’.
“I think about fashion the same way I think about the industry, in that I get to work in big commercial spaces and also make smaller, independent films. I like to do that with what I wear, too,” she comments.
It annoys Thompson as it does so many female actors that “There’s this thing in Hollywood, particularly if you’re a woman, that puts so much emphasis on how you look. It’s problematic, as you’ll be asked who you’re wearing before you’re asked about your work.”
Work and Activism are Serious Subjects to Thompson
After the killing of George Floyd, Thompson — alongside actor Kendrick Sampson — “penned an open letter, co-signed by more than 300 film-industry professionals, that called for Hollywood to divest from the police and invest in the Black community. “
In 2019, she launched the #4PercentChallenge from Time’s Up and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which asks Hollywood figures to commit to working with a female director, especially a director of color, within the next 18 months. Prominent figures like Kerry Washington, Amy Schumer, and Janet Mock signed up.
Thompson is involved with Pass The Mic, and gave her Instagram account to Dr. Helene Gayle, CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, to explain how COVID-19 particularly affects communities of color.
“It’s my LIFE and it’s important that my core VALUES line up with my CREATIVE ecosystem.”
Like BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, whose masters degree studies the intersection of art and activism, Thompson embraces the intersection of those two forces in her own life.
“I don’t think any artist necessarily has a responsibility to try being an agent of change,” she considers. “But, for me, it’s always been something that feels compelling. And if there’s a risk in speaking up, it’s always felt worth it. I’m just continuing to try to learn how to show up in those spaces and to pass the mic to folks who know a lot more than me.”
Continue the read-out of Lynette Nylander’s interview of Tessa Thompson and see the fashion credits at Porter Edit..
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss The Subject Of New Course At Georgia State University’s Law School!
Not only is she a Grammy-winning songwriter, former member of R&B group Xscape and cast member of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”, Kandi Burruss is now the subject of a new course at Georgia State University’s College of Law.
Titled the Legal Life of Kandi Burruss, the course will be offered to Georgia State students this fall, taught by professor Mo Ivory as a part of the Entertainment, Sports and Media Law Initiative, which began in 2018 to prepare students for practice in Georgia’s booming entertainment industry.
This new curriculum follows such previous “Legal Life of…” courses as the Legal Life of Ludacris, which was taught last fall.
“I chose Kandi because she has an amazing career, which spans every aspect of the entertainment industry from music, television and live performance to licensing, apparel and more,” Ivory said. “I wanted to study a woman this time around, and having worked with Kandi in the past, I knew she was the perfect choice. She handles her business and it shows with her success, but all the while she’s completely approachable and willing to share her lessons learned. I couldn’t be happier for my students to learn the law through Kandi’s career.”
“I am honoured to be part of this year’s curriculum at Georgia State University College of Law,” Burruss added. “Attorneys are among the most important members of your team. It’s imperative you have the right lawyers around you to assist in making the best decisions. Every contract you sign is building towards your overall dreams and goals. I’m excited to see the students get a first-hand look into some of the contracts that have shaped my career thus far.”
During the course, Ivory will guide law students through the deals and contracts that have contributed to building Burruss’ brand, with students role-playing contract negotiations. In addition, the class will also hear from such key figures as Burruss’ mother, attorneys, manager and others, in order to help students develop skills in deal-making, copyrights, trademarks, licensing and endorsements, as well becoming familiar with recording, television and film contracts.
“This class, and the entire Entertainment, Sports and Media Law Certificate program, gives students a real-world look into client representation, writing and interpreting contracts, negotiating deals, and the personal touch it takes to be successful in this practice area,” Ivory explained. “These skills aren’t always taught in a traditional law school setting, and I’m looking forward to an exciting semester.”
#NewMusic from Tori Kelly ‘Unbothered’!
What has Tori Kelly been doing during quarantine? She's preparing her own music for release. That includes her upcoming EP Solitude, which will be released sooner than you think. The five-song set looks to add to her ever-growing oeuvre of catchy, soulful songs with a pop appeal and she's been unveiling them song by song in the lead up to the EP's release. The latest track to be revealed is the sweet and classy kiss-off "Unbothered" — and she just so happened to drop off a lyric video for the track for us to enjoy.
The song is a kiss-off of sorts. But rather than wallow in any bitterness or resentment, the song instead focuses on how good she feels to be free of a relationship that wasn't working for her. "I’m winning, minding my business / No time to stop and start thinking about you," she sings on the first verse as she compares her then and now. The song feels just as happy as its lyrics, with a bass-led groove leading the way and piano, guitar and synths trailing after it gladly as she looks forward to the "good times on the way." The lyric video captures this feeling as well by offering images of dandelions, birds flying and other tranquil things to illustrate the feeling of freedom she's experiencing.
LISTEN HERE
If you're wondering how long you'll have to wait to get into Solitude, then you're in for a some good news. The EP is set to drop this Friday (August 14th)! You can pre-order the EP here.
#HipHopNews: XXL Reveals Their 2020 Freshman Class!
The 2020 Freshman Class is here. XXL has revealed its 13th annual list of hip-hop’s brightest new stars. The Class of 2020 includes NLE Choppa, Polo G, Calboy, Lil Tjay, Fivio Foreign, and Baby Keem, along with Rod Wave, Lil Keed, and Jack Harlow.
“I’ve been fantasizing about becoming a Freshman since I was a kid,” tweeted the “WHATS POPPIN” hitmaker. “To be the first one from Kentucky to make the list means everything to me. Thank you.”
Chika and Mulatto hold it down for the ladies, while “Mood” rapper 24kGoldn earned the most fan votes to land the Freshman 10th spot.
Pop Smoke was selected as the first Freshman for the 2020 list prior to his tragic death in February. According to XXL, he happily accepted but “circumstances out of our control prevented us from including Pop as part of the cover posthumously.”
The Freshman list has produced alum including Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Mac Miller, Lil Uzi Vert, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, and Travis Scott.
Due to the pandemic, the issue was delayed and the magazine wasn’t able to shoot the artists together for the cover, but they still plan on releasing freestyles and cyphers, soundtracked by producer Jetsonmade.
Maya Rudolph Reacts to Kamala Harris Being Named Joe Biden’s Vice President Pick
It’s safe to say Maya Rudolph will be making a lot of appearances on Saturday Night Live when the NBC comedy series returns for season 46.
The 48-year-old actress had the perfect reaction when news broke on Tuesday, August 11, that Kamala Harris is officially Joe Biden’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election.
“Oh s—t. Ruh-roh,” Rudolph, who first portrayed the politician on SNL in September 2019, said during a panel with Entertainment Weekly after the news broke on Tuesday. “I love going to the show. Any excuse I can get, I love. I just didn’t really anticipate traveling during a pandemic, but if there’s anyone that can work it out I’m sure [creator and executive producer] Lorne [Michaels] has some sort of invisible helicopter that can get me there.”
While the Bridesmaids star wrapped up her full-time role on SNL in 2007, Rudolph often returns to the sketch show. She even scored an Emmy nomination earlier this month for guest comedy actress for her impersonation of the California senator.
“I’m as surprised as you are,” Rudolph continued to EW. ”That’s spicy. … I don’t know that I’m ready to go right this minute, but it’s so nice to have this nomination be associated with the show because it’s my true love. I love going to the show any excuse I can get.”
Harris, meanwhile, confirmed she approved of Rudolph’s impersonation in September 2019.
“That girl being played by @MayaRudolph on @nbcsnl? That girl was me,” the 55-year-old former attorney general tweeted after the season 45 premiere of SNL.
Rudolph was clearly excited by her approval, replying, “YES SHE WAS SENATOR HARRIS!!!”
Earlier on Tuesday, Biden, 77, announced Harris as his Vice President candidate, making her the first Black woman on a major presidential ticket.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock
“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” he tweeted, before referencing his late son, Beau Biden, who lost his cancer battle in 2015. “Back when Kamala was Attorney General, she worked closely with Beau. I watched as they took on the big banks, lifted up working people, and protected women and kids from abuse. I was proud then, and I’m proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign.”
Harris, whose father is Black and mother was Indian, subsequently sent out a tweet of her own.
“@JoeBiden can unify the American people because he’s spent his life fighting for us. And as president, he’ll build an America that lives up to our ideals,” she wrote. “I’m honored to join him as our party’s nominee for Vice President, and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief.”
Ed Sheeran & Wife Cherry Seaborn Expecting Their First Child!
Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn are reportedly expecting! The 29-year-old “Shape of You” singer and his wife are said to be expecting a baby soon after quietly becoming pregnant amid lockdown, according to The Sun on Tuesday night (August 11).
The news follows Ed‘s announcement that he is taking a break from music at the end of 2019, following over two years of touring.
“Ed and Cherry are over the moon. They’re very excited, but have kept things very low-key. Lockdown was a perfect excuse not to be seen out and about too much, but things are getting closer and the excitement has been building so they have started telling friends and family. They’re just making the last of the preparations at home, and the baby is expected later this summer (in the UK),” a source told the outlet.
The Sun also reports that Cherry shared the news with some of her closest circle of friends online this week.
“It’s a really happy time and their families are all totally delighted for them and cannot wait to meet the new arrival,” the source adds.
Ed confirmed his marriage to Cherry back in June of 2019.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' Is The Latest To Get Hollywood's Reboot Treatment!
The '90s sitcom is getting reimagined as a gritty drama. There's nothing — truly nothing — Hollywood loves more than a reboot. All the iconic shows of the '90s and onward are always on the verge of being "reimagined" for a fresh audience, and now that includes the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
The newly announced Bel-Air reboot, Variety confirmed on Tuesday, is all thanks to a well-made viral trailer by filmmaker Morgan Cooper, who took the premise of a wayward young man born and raised in West Philadelphia and switched up the comedic antics for a more dramatic setting. In this new version, a modern-day Will gets in trouble with gun possession, forcing him to pack up his Meek Mill hoodie and fly out to live in Bel-Air for a new chance at life. Thankfully, the serious new storyline has already received Will Smith's blessing.
The reboot will bring back the entire Banks family and if the trailer is any indication, their core characters won't be too different from the original. Expect lots of shopping addiction and gossip from Hilary and nerdy uptightness from Carlton.
The new series is currently being shopped around to multiple leading outlets, including HBO Max, which is the streaming home of the original series, per Variety. The original Fresh Prince series producers like Smith, Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and creators Andy & Susan Borowitz will all be returning as executive producers.
Sumner Redstone, Viacom Head Who Built Empire, Dies at 97!
Sumner Redstone, the New England cinema operator who became a billionaire media mogul late in life after buying Viacom Inc., Paramount Pictures and CBS Corp., has died. He was 97.
Redstone died Tuesday afternoon at his home in Los Angeles. His holding company, National Amusements Inc., confirmed the death in a statement Wednesday. No cause was provided.
Even in a business known for larger-than-life personalities, the 6-foot-tall, redheaded Redstone stood out. His swashbuckling, billion-dollar takeover battles garnered headlines in the financial press. And his power struggles, love life and seemingly mercurial decisions, such as publicly firing action star Tom Cruise, made him the subject of endless industry gossip and tabloid stories.
“Sumner Redstone was a brilliant visionary, operator and dealmaker, who single-handedly transformed a family-owned drive-in theater company into a global media portfolio,” ViacomCBS Inc. Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish said in a statement.
He leaves an empire that includes media giant ViacomCBS and its library of pop-culture titles stretching from “Rugrats” to “Titanic.” Redstone had a net worth of $1.9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He controlled his assets through the closely held National Amusements.
The CFDA Names CaSandra Diggs its First Black President!
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) today announced the appointment of CaSandra Diggs as its new president. Diggs is the first woman and the first person of color named to the role since the organization was founded in 1962.
Diggs was promoted from her previous position as the CFDA’s chief administrative and financial officer, and she has been a member of the organization since 2001. She will report to Steven Kolb, who was previously president and remains CEO of CFDA, as well as the organization’s board of directors.
“CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations,” said Kolb in a press release announcing the appointment. “Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunity to meet the needs of the membership in a broad and diverse way. It is a critical time for our industry, and she is the right person with the right ideas to help lead CFDA into the future.”
The appointment comes after months of discourse on the organization, both outside and from within. As the Black Lives Matter took hold amidst protests around the U.S. and the world, the CFDA announced in early June a new series of initiatives, including the strengthening of internships, mentorships and job placement programs within the industry as well as contributions to organizations like the NAACP and Campaign Zero.
The CFDA received some blowback on the announcement, and initiatives like the Black in Fashion Council, the Black Fashion and Beauty Collective and the Kelly Initiative have taken aim at both furthering equality measures and holding the organization accountable for its plans.
Last year, the organization named four designers of color — Virgil Abloh, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Maria Cornejo and Carly Cushnie — to its board of directors.
“CFDA remains a vital pillar of the fashion community,” Diggs said in the announcement. “I am delighted to join Tom Ford and Steven Kolb as we continue to advance and evolve the CFDA into a modern, forward thinking organization that is reflective of our times.”
Stephen "tWitch" Boss Says He's Felt "Genuine Love" Working on The Ellen DeGeneres Show!
Numerous current and past employees have spoken out about the "toxic environment" at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, but based on his experience, Stephen "tWitch" Boss has nothing bad to say.
In a recent interview, the show's DJ told E! News he was looking forward to returning to work and "experiencing the love there."
"You know, there hasn't been too many gigs where you feel it every day and build a genuine love from front to back. And the audience, being so happy to be there and ready to dance and ready to laugh and have a good time," he explained, adding that this makes him feel "blessed... on a daily basis."
At the moment, it's unclear if and when The Ellen DeGeneres show staff will return to the WarnerBros. lot, but tWitch says that until then, he and wife Allison Holker are making the most of the time they have with their family.
"Once we pick back up like how we were—I don't know how many years it's going take or whatever—we're going to look back on the time that we have right now and realize that that was that it was actually something special, amidst all of the things that are going on, and other things we addressed," tWitch said of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
And for those struggling to live in the moment, here's what Allison had to say: "We're all figuring this out. No one has a solution, because this is new to everyone. So I think the best thing that you can do is wake up every day and just at least do one thing that you want to do, and that's good enough. Everything you're doing is good enough, and just remind yourself that patience is key right now."
tWitch added that he's found himself grappling with what to do in these times. "There is no blueprint for this. You know what I'm saying? And they didn't release a manual on how to operate during quarantine with everything that you have going on. So, it is an everyday process, you know? Patience, patience, patience," he shared.
Lauryn Hill’s Daughter Selah Marley Reveals Traumatic Childhood!
Lauryn Hill’s daughter Selah Marley is getting candid about the “trauma” she experienced during her childhood.
In a two-hour Instagram Live, the 20-year-old daughter of Lauryn and Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley recalled what it was like to grow up with her famous mother and absent father.
“She was just very angry. She was so, so, so, so, so, so angry,” she said of Hill. “She was literally unapproachable, not easy to talk to, and then half the time we didn’t live with her. I was living with my grandparents half the time.”
She described how the 8-time Grammy winner would physically discipline her and her siblings. “It’s crazy, I’m playing this trauma back in my head as I speak to you. She’d be like, ‘Go get the belt.’ That’s how you know you’re in trouble… It’s like walking to your death.”
“My mother is an amazing woman, but she obviously didn’t do everything right,” she said before proceeding to reenact the beating. “That actually just traumatized me. Hearing that sound… Yo, that sound, bro.”
Selah said she would scream and cry before her mother would tell her to “fix your face.” “That was some slave shit that they were on, all Black parents on that shit. They were on that shit. That was some slave owner shit. And they didn’t understand.”
She claims Hill was upset because she was getting “attacked by the media” while trying to deal with issues in her relationship. “She was also going through her own shit. She had five kids with a man that—they didn’t really get to know each other, so they were always arguing, always fighting. So I didn’t really see much peace at all.”
She doesn’t fault her mother, but admits that she suffered longterm trauma. “I don’t think she realizes how much that shit affected me ’cause that’s all I know. All I know is physical.”
However, she said her mother is no longer like that. “My mom changed. She’s not like that anymore. I’m actually very proud of her. I’m very, very proud of her,” said Selah.
Her father’s absence made it even harder growing up. “I came to the conclusion of how much of my life I’ve fu**ed up and how much of me is fu**ed up simply because my dad just wasn’t around. And there’s just a void where there should be a person. And it’s honestly really hard.”
After her initial comments received widespread attention, Selah followed up with a clarification while calling out the media for highlighting only a portion of her two-hour livestream. “Why did y’all take the worst part of my video? Did you guys understand that I was tryna come from a place of healing?” she asked. “These motherfu**ers took the worst aspect of everything.”
She said that she deleted the video at the request of her father. “Don’t take it and vilify my mother. Don’t take it and vilify my father,” she added. “I have a lot of empathy for my parents.
Stephanie Mills Says Nick Cannon And Kanye West Are Acting Like ‘Paid Slaves’ Over Presidential Run!
Ms. Stephanie Mills had some words for Kanye West and Nick Cannon amid West’s apparent run for president.
The singer and stage legend took to Instagram to get her feelings off her chest. She started by expressing empathy for West, who has bipolar disorder.
“First, I know that Kanye is suffering mentally. I know that he’s swinging high and low and I really pray and hope that he gets help,” she started. “But I must say that I’m disappointed because if he’s trying to help our community by running for president, it’s not helping our community. He’s not qualified to be president. Neither is the person at the White House at this time.”
Mills then turned her attention to Nick Cannon, who recently told TMZ that he “loves” the idea of Kanye running for president and that he would vote for him at the polls.
“You I don’t understand,” Mills said in her video. “For you to come out and do what you did, like supporting Kanye, what is that?” “I don’t understand it. Kanye’s being paid to do what he’s doing. Now are we to believe that you’re also being paid to be a distraction? You guys are acting like little boys in a sandbox with toys. But being that you’re acting like that, as a mother, I would like to say, take your toys go home and sit down and get help. Get therapy.”
Mills further explained how people were suffering during this time due to the coronavirus pandemic and high unemployment.
“Nick you should know better because you’ve learned and listened to the teachings. So you should know better,” Mills said. “We have no time for you two to be out here acting like little paid slaves. I said it.”
Hallmark's 'Wedding Every Weekend' Will Feature The First Same-Sex Wedding In The Network's History!
The Hallmark Channel isn’t waiting until Christmas to act on its promise to feature LGBTQ characters in its original programming. On Aug. 15, the network is premiering the new TV movie Wedding Every Weekend, starring Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell as Brooke and Nate: two single pals who agree to be “wedding buddies” through a matrimonial marathon of four weddings over the course of four weekends. (Fortunately, no funerals follow any of them.)
It goes without saying that attending back-to-back-to-back-to-back weddings leads the two to develop feelings other than friendship. But here’s a plot twist you wouldn’t expect: One of those unions brings together their mutual friends, Amanda (Carmel Amit) and Vicky (Makayla Moore), in wedded bliss. It’s the first same-sex marriage in Hallmark history and the network featured the momentous event in the movie’s trailer as well as on its official Facebook page.
Twitter — which had previously put Hallmark on notice for its long history of excluding LGBTQ storylines — immediately added the movie to their “must-see TV” lists.
But Hallmark has also encountered vocal opposition as it pushes forward with efforts to diversify its programming. One Million Moms, a division of the Christian-right American Family Association, renewed its efforts to organize a boycott of the network, writing on its official site: “The once conservative network has recently caved to LGBTQ pressure and has done a one-eighty from the wholesome content the channel once aired.” (Last year, One Million Moms pressured Hallmark to remove a Zola wedding commercial featuring a same-sex wedding; the network eventually apologized and returned the ad to the airwaves.)
Some protesters took their complaints to Twitter but were met with firm opposition by Hallmark, which stood by the film.
Wedding Every Weekend star Paul Campbell — who shot to fame as fan-favorite Billy Keikeya on the beloved 2004 reimagining of Battlestar Galactica — has also been a vocal defender of the movie on Twitter, often responding to conservative critics directly.
With Wedding Every Weekend leading the way, Hallmark is poised to bring something new — not something old or something borrowed — to its traditional fare. And that’s a vow they seem ready to keep.
Wedding Every Weekend airs Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. on Hallmark Channel
Bill Cosby files new appeal in Pennsylvania Supreme Court!
In court docs filed on Tuesday, his attorney argues that his trial was not fair because it allowed five accusers to give “decades-old” testimony that prejudiced the jury against him.
They also argue it was “unfair” to have included a deposition he gave in an old civil suit “regarding [Cosby’s] use of quaaludes and his sexual behavior” because the disgraced comic believed the testimony was essentially immune from prosecution.
He was convicted in 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 — and he has more than 50 other accusers. He’s served two years of a three- to 10-year sentence
Tracy Morgan Demands Estranged Wife Change Her Last Name in New Divorce Docs!
New court documents reveal that Tracy Morgan demanded his estranged wife Megan Wollover-Morgan to revert to her maiden name following their divorce, BOSSIP reported.
Although news broke weeks ago that the two filed for divorce, Morgan said he separated from his wife months ago before the pandemic started.
Late last month, Megan filed for divorce from the comedian, citing “irreconcilable differences,” adding that there were no chances of the pair rekindling their marriage.
According to Page Six, Megan is reportedly seeking full custody and financial support for their daughter, Maven.
She also wants Morgan to pay her alimony and all of her legal fees.
However, The Last O.G star responded to filling, requesting joint legal, and shared residential custody of their 7-year-old daughter. He further asked that both parties pay child support.
According to court documents obtained by BOSSIP, the 51-year-old also agreed to split property and assets per the prenup but demanded he gets his last name back.
Morgan released a statement to Page Six about the publicized split, asking for privacy.
“Sadly, after nearly five years of marriage, Megan and I are filing for divorce,” Morgan said. “This is a challenging time for all involved, so I ask that you please respect our privacy.”
Raymond Allen, Sanford and Son and Starsky and Hutch Actor, Dies at 91!
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Allen's family said the actor was in a long-term California facility and was found unresponsive on Monday morning. EMTs were not able to revive him.
His family told the outlet that Allen — who had been in a health care facility since 2016 — died as a result of respiratory issues, but they were not coronavirus-related.
His daughter, Ta Ronce Allen, also posted about his death on Facebook.
"Just wanted to let The Allen Family and friends know that Dad received his wing two hours ago. His warmth, kind heart and cleaver sayings will be missed. His laughter will ring in heaven. Rest In Heavenly Peace Raymond Allen. The last of 12 siblings," she wrote Sunday.
"What a day this is been. I am so surrounded by love from friends and family. This has been one of the hardest days of my life I lost my father Raymond Allen and my cousin Deborah Doll (his niece). They are now both being held by the wings of angels," she posted early Monday morning.
In addition to the 1970s series Sanford and Son, Allen also appeared in the following TV shows: Good Times (as Ned the Wino), Starsky and Hutch (Merl the Earl), The Love Boat (Mr. Cory) and The Jeffersons (Zeke), among others.
He is reportedly survived by two children.
Alleged Lil Wayne Bus Shooter Receives Plea Deal, Prison Sentence Dropped From 20 Years To Seven!
The alleged gunman responsible for shooting at Lil Wayne’s bus back in 2015 has accepted a plea deal.
According to new court documents obtained by TMZ, Jimmy Winfrey has pleaded guilty to two counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. As part of the deal, Winfrey will be relieved of several different charges including four counts of violation of the RICO Act, six other counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, 12 counts of aggravated assault, two counts of criminal damage to property in the first degree and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
A judge sentenced Winfrey to seven years in prison, a drastic change from the 20-year sentence the judge initially gave him back in 2015. However, Winfrey’s conviction was overturned in 2018, which made the entire case start completely over. Now, Winfrey will receive credit for time served and will be released.
According to his attorney, Steve Sadow, Winfrey’s release date has been put on pause until they handle another issue involving outstanding warrants unrelated to his case with Wayne. Sadow said that the guilty plea deal that Winfrey accepted will also allow Winfrey to maintain his innocence. In addition, Winfrey will have to pay $100,000 in restitution to Alvin Lewis, the bus driver involved in the shooting.
According to TMZ, Alvin claimed that Birdman and Young Thug made secret deals with prosecutors. Alvin said he became suspicious that Cobb County prosecutors labeled Birdman and Young Thug co-conspirators in the alleged shooter’s indictment, but they were never charged with any crimes. Alvin says that there was a plethora of evidence that would prove Winfrey, Birdman and Young Thug played a part in the shooting. He says some evidence includes phone records, recorded confessions, and payment arrangements.
Sources close to Birdman told TMZ that the rapper denies being involved with the case in any capacity. Alvin says that he suffered a spinal cord, rotator cuff, and psychological injuries during the drive-by shooting of Wayne’s bus in Atlanta.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘NO SMOKING’
That Darwin might have been on to something…
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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