Rami Malek for GQ Middle East - September 2020!
Rami Malek Thinks We Should All Be Wearing Face Masks
Just put the masks on. It's simpleRami Malek has some views on face masks. More specifically, he thinks you should be wearing one.
While debate rages (in some parts of the world, at least) about whether wearing a mask is a) necessary and b) an infringement on our civil rights, Malek has exercised some refreshing common sense on the subject.
Talking to us in his interview for the September issue of GQ Middle East, the Oscar winning star of Bohemian Rhapsody and the soon to be released No Time To Die addressed the topic of the coronavirus and wearing a mask.
“I’m kind of anticipating us going back into lockdown at some point. People have been going out and about without the mask like it’s New Year’s Eve every day,” he said.
“Just put the masks on. That’s it. It’s simple.”
Malek, who rushed to get to London to be with his loved ones before the first lockdown came into effect has, like the rest of the world, been stopped in his tracks by the virus.
Ironically, in his upcoming role as the villain Safin in the next Bond movie, Malek wears a mask. Just not one that covers his nose and mouth.
Now, as restrictions lift and the world returns to normal, a debate is emerging about whether we should, or need, to wear a mask.
We are firmly with our cover star on this one. Pre-existing conditions aside, wearing a mask is an inconvenience at worst, and at best a potentially life-saving addition to our already growing list of personal accessories.
Invest in a packet of disposable blue medical masks, buy one from a designer brand, order a face visor if you feel the need.
But, whatever you do, in the words of Rami Malek, just put the masks on. It’s simple
#RHOA: Oh? Eva Marcille Says Nene Leakes and Other Bravo Stars Are Suing Bravo for Racial Discrimination!
Eva Marcille says Nene Leakes’ absence is due to a pending lawsuit with Bravo
Marcille is no longer part of the franchise but she remains up to date with all things housewives. While co-hosting on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Marcille alleges that the reason Leakes is not filming and potentially not returning is due to a pending lawsuit against Bravo that Leakes and other Black stars of Bravo shows are joining forces for.
“Some of the women of Bravo are suing Bravo right now…a few of the housewives of Atlanta and some of the other shows that Black women are on have started a petition and a lawsuit against Bravo,” Marcille says. “[The lawsuit is about] the treatment of African Americans in the workplace. Now, who all agrees with that, I can’t say but that’s what it’s predicated on.”
Leakes and another Bravo star, Mariah Huq, are alleging Bravo has discriminatory practices in the way they pay and treat their Black talent.
Thoughts?
#NewMusic from Janelle Monáe Drops New Song ‘Turntables’!
Janelle Monáe fights the power. The singer-activist releases her inspiring anthem “Turntables,” which was written for and featured in the upcoming Amazon Studios documentary, All In: The Fight for Democracy.
Janelle sings about a new political and social order while spreading enlightenment. “Got a new agenda with a new dream / I’m kicking out the old regime / Liberation, elevation, education,” she sings on the soul-funk record.
“I’m simply watching, examining and wanting to highlight all of the people who are on the front lines, fighting for our democracy, fighting against racial inequalities, fighting against white supremacy, fighting against systemic racism and systemic oppression,” Janelle told Apple Music. “This song is to keep us motivated. This song is to lift up and keep us galvanized when we’re fatigued. And this song is really for the people.”
LISTEN HERE
“Turntables” marks Janelle’s first new music since her third solo album, 2018’s Dirty Computer.
All In: The Fight for Democracy opens in select theaters on Sept. 9 before streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting Sept. 18. She also stars in the upcoming psychological horror thriller Antebellum, which premieres Sept. 18.
#HipHopNews: Tory Lanez Denies That His Streams Have Dropped After Megan Thee Stallion Shooting!
Tory Lanez continues to face backlash for allegedly shooting Megan Thee Stallion, but he won’t let his reputation be tarnished.
In the wake of the shooting and his silence, the Canadian rapper has come under fire from social media and his peers including T.I. and Bun B, who have spoken out against him, while artists like Kehlani and JoJo have removed him from their albums.
Now Forbes reports that fans may be boycotting his music. The outlet claims that Tory’s total streaming numbers have “plummeted” by up to 40 percent in the wake of Megan’s accusations.
His streams were between 20-30 million since mid-June, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. However, after Megan’s livestream on Aug. 20, Tory’s streaming numbers reportedly fell by nearly 9 million, a 40% decrease from the previous week’s 22 million streams.
After Forbes published their story, Tory has come forward to deny the report. He told HotNewHipHop that his streaming numbers have not taken a hit. “Lmao that’s such a lie. 40% where ?!!” he wrote in a Twitter DM. “I have 27 million monthly listeners on Spotify currently.”
During her Instagram Live last month, Meg accused Tory of shooting her for “no reason” after a Hollywood Hills party on July 12. “Yes, this ni**a Tory shot me. You shot me. And you got your publicist and your people going to these blogs lying and shit. Stop lying,” she said.
Megan suffered multiple gunshot wounds and had to have surgery to remove the bullets. She originally told the police that she cut her foot on glass in order to protect herself and the other passengers. Tory was arrested and charged for carrying a concealed weapon, but he may also be facing assault charges.
Tamar Braxton’s Boyfriend Reportedly Files Restraining Order Against Her For Domestic Violence!
Tamar Braxton’s boyfriend, David Adefeso, has reportedly filed a restraining order against her.
Weeks following Tamar’s reported suicide attempt, TMZ claims that David asked the court for an order of protection against Tamar for what he describes as a domestic violence situation. The singer’s boyfriend reportedly filed the order today in Los Angeles, to prevent the domestic violence incident.
Details are unclear of what he’s alleging Tamar has done, but so far the court has not approved his request and neither of the two have yet to speak out about the claims.
We will keep you updated
Teyana Taylor And Iman Shumpert’s Daughter Born In Bathroom, Second Time For Couple!
For the second time, also by surprise, R&B star Teyana Taylor delivered a baby in the bathroom at her home with husband Iman Shumpert, a longtime NBA player.
“At 3:28 am on Sept 6th 2020 Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her and mommy was too lit,” the proud papa wrote on Instagram Monday. “She didn’t make the party but she managed to make the next day her birthdate!!!”
Fittingly it was Labor Day weekend when Taylor went into labor, as unexpectedly as the first time, when she gave birth to daughter Tayla Shumpert Jr., nicknamed “Junie,” in 2015.
Back then Shumpert was caught off guard, and the 911 dispatcher talked the emotional father through the delivery. This time he was an old hand of sorts. He also has a new respect for what may just be the most important room in the house.
“Now...when we buy homes, we always find a bathroom with great energy,” Shumpert wrote on Instagram. “But not in a million years would you be able to tell me we’d deliver both of our daughters in a bathroom without the assistance of a hospital!”
Taylor had announced her pregnancy in her “Wake Up Love” video, featuring Shumpert and Junie, in June, reported CNN.
Shumpert, who once played for the Knicks and last year was with the Nets, was ebullient and not a little bemused by the second bathroom miracle.
“Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore!” he wrote. “A healthy child. A little sister. Another daughter. Black love wins....again. Welcome babygirl...we love you!”
Serena Williams Makes U.S. Open History with Latest Win at Arthur Ashe Stadium!
Serena Williams celebrates after her big win during the 2020 U.S. Open on Monday (September 7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
The 38-year-old tennis star became the first tennis player to reach 100 wins at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the home of the U.S. Open.
Serena has won 100 matches and lost 13 of them. The player with the second-most amount of wins is Roger Federer with 77 wins.
During the match, Serena defeated Greek player Maria Sakkari to proceed to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open.
Serena has won the women’s singles tournament at the U.S. Open in 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014. She came in second place the last two years.
Tyler Perry Shot 19 Episodes Of New Series ‘Bruh’ In Just Four Days!
It’s a wrap at Tyler Perry Studios after a marathon two-month shoot of new installments of four Perry series.
Sitcom “Bruh” was the shortest order, 19 episodes, and the shortest shoot, four days. The BET+ comedy, which started filming Sept. 3, finished today.
Since July 9, when the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta opened its doors for the cast of “Sistas,” Perry successfully filmed 82 episodes of his BET series “Sisters” and “The Oval” and BET+’s “Ruthless” and “Bruh.”
Perry filmed new seasons of his series amid the coronavirus pandemic using a quarantine bubble model, sequestering cast and crew on the lot for the duration of a shoot.
Overall, there were 32 shoot days and 51 quarantine days total for the four series, with weeklong breaks between production of “Sistas” and “The Oval” as well as “The Oval and Ruthless.” (Perry and his crew stayed in continuous production after “Ruthless” to shoot “Bruh.”)
Perry’s quarantine bubble model involves check-in testing as cast and crew arrive at the studio, with everyone staying in their rooms until test results come back.
There were four positive tests (out of 360 people) during the check-in phase on “Sistas,” none of which involved cast, and a cast member of “Ruthless” tested positive during check-in.
But the bubble held up; there were no positive cases in camp once cast and crews had checked in and production started.
It is TBD what Perry will film next at his studios. Coming up is a birthday break for the media mogul, whose birthday is Sept. 13, and accepting the Governors Award at the Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 20.
Steve Harvey Slapped with Restraining Order!
Three years ago Steve Harvey's ex-wife Mary filed a $60 million lawsuit against him for child endangerment, torture, conspiracy against rights, kidnapping, murder, breach of contract and intentional infliction of emotional distress [click here if you missed that].
Now the woman who helped Mary file her lawsuit has been granted a restraining order against Steve...
According to reports civil rights activist Essie Berry claims Steve Harvey has been stalking, cyberbullying, harassing and threatening her for the past three years over work she did on behalf of his ex wife Mary. She also accuses Steve of putting a picture of her house on Internet.
Berry claims she was finally granted a restraining order against Steve on August 18, 2020.
Steve has not responded to the reports.
Jessica Betts Counters Niecy Nash Divorce Speculation!
Last month Claws star Niecy Nash married singer / songwriter Jessica Betts in a surprise wedding less than a year after finalizing the divorce from her second husband, sparking rumors that Jessica may have caused the break-up
Jessica laughs off their sketchy timeline...
In a recent post on Instagram Jessica shared a picture of herself staring at Niecy with caption, "You got divorced? Betts, say less," implying she had been patiently waiting her turn.
Niecy responded with laugher in the comment section.
Well?
Well?
Kevin Dobson, ‘Knots Landing’ And ‘Days Of Our Lives’ Star, Dead At 77!
Kevin Dobson, most known for his work on TV dramas “Knots Landing,” “Days of Our Lives” and “Kojak,” has died. He was 77.
The United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County announced the actor’s death on Facebook. Dobson, who died on Sunday, served as chairman of the San Joaquin County group.
Dobson was born in New York on March 18, 1943. Before pursuing his acting career, the New York native first worked multiple positions for the Long Island Railroad. After working as brakeman and conductor for the transportation system, he worked as a waiter.
The actor’s first big break into the industry was as Govorner Harrison Brooks in the TV series “One Life to Live” in 1968. The television appearance was the first of many roles Dobson would hold throughout his decades-long career. After his breakthrough, Dobson starred in a handful of other TV series including “The Doctors,” “The Rookies,” “Emergency!” and “Stranded.”
As the actor became a more regular face to the TV space throughout the late 60s and early 70s, Dobson landed a series regular role as Detective Bobby Crocker in “Kojak.” As Detective Bobby Crocker, Dobson starred alongside Telly Savalas, who played the titular Lieutenant Theo Kojak. Additional co-stars were George Savalas, Mark Russell and Dan Frazer.
In 1982 Dobson took on a new series regular role as Mack MacKenzie in CBS’ popular drama “Knots Landing.” In the Golden Globe-nominated show Dobson acted with Michele Lee, Nicollette Sheridan and Ted Shackelford.
While he’s most known for his TV work, Dobson also starred in a number of films as well. He played Ensign George Gay in Jack Smight’s “Midway,” Bobby Gibbons in “All Night Long” and Donald Shawnessy in “She’s No Angel.”
Among his most recent credits are “Dark Power,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Hawaii Five-0” and “House of Lies.” In “Days” the actor played Mickey Horton, following John Clarke and John Ingle.
Dobson set to appear the TV series “12 to Midnight,” which will premiere in 2021.
Survivors are Dobson’s wife Susan and their children Mariah, Patrick and Sean.
Philippines President Pardons U.S. Marine Convicted Of Killing Transgender Woman!
The president of the Philippines on Monday pardoned a U.S. Marine who was convicted of killing a transgender woman.
The Philippine Star newspaper reported prosecutors’ attempts to block Lance Cpl. Joseph Pemberton’s early release from prison prompted Rodrigo Duterte to pardon him.
Prosecutors contend Pemberton in October 2014 murdered Jennifer Laude in a motel room in Olongapo City on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon after he discovered she was trans. The murder took place after Pemberton met Laude at a local nightclub while his ship was docked at the Subic Bay Freeport.
Laude’s death sparked outrage among Philippine activists. The case also highlighted opposition to the U.S. military presence in the country
A court on Dec. 1, 2015, sentenced Pemberton to 6-12 years in prison, but he received credit for the time he spent in custody before his trial. A judge in 2016 reduced Pemberton’s sentence.
Gender and Development Advocates (GANDA) and more than 30 other Philippine LGBTQ advocacy groups on Monday issued a joint statement in which they sharply criticized the pardon.
“We strongly condemn the absolute pardon granted by President Rodrigo Duterte to Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the U.S. Marine convicted for killing Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City in 2014,” reads the statement.
The statement criticizes Duterte’s human rights record that includes his government’s anti-drug crackdown that has left thousands of people dead. The groups also say Pemberton’s pardon confirms “how his government has been using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to promote and kowtow to foreign interests which have caused profound suffering, indignity, and injustice to the Filipino people.”
“President Duterte’s pardon of Pemberton sends out a loud and clear message that a Filipino trans woman’s life does not matter, that it is open season for discrimination and violence against transgender people, and that American soldiers will continue to get away with murder in Philippine soil,” reads the statement.
GANDA Executive Director Naomi Fontanos in a separate statement she sent to the Washington Blade described the pardon as “absolutely unacceptable, unconscionable and unforgivable.”
“This proves that President Duterte is not a friend or ally of the LGBTQIA+ Filipinos and that he has just been using our community to promote his populist image in spite of the fact that he is misogynistic and homo/bi/transphobic,” said Fontanos.
“It is an injustice not only to Jennifer Laude and her family but to the Filipino people,” added Fontanos. “This pardon calls into question his understanding of LGBTQIA+ people’s needs, issues and concerns and calls into question his assertion that he is not an American lackey much like the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos whom he idolizes.”
Dindi Tan — a trans woman and activist who Duterte late last year appointed as the Philippines’ Department of Agrarian Reform — also questioned the pardon.
While I cringed at the thought of Pemberton being scotch-free, I am definitely sure there must be a far deeper reason as to why the president decided in this direction,” wrote Tan in a Facebook post.
“I am a part of the administration and I am committed to furthering PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte)’s agenda for the people no matter what,” she added. “Like in all relationships, I would like to treat this as a ‘heartbreak’ that can be mended. And, like in many relationships, this too, shall heal.”
The State Department has yet to publicly comment on the pardon.
Bruce Williamson, Former Singer For The Temptations, Dies At 49!
Bruce Williamson, a former lead singer for the R&B group The Temptations, has died, according to a Facebook post from his son. He was 49.
"There's no words in the world that can express how I feel right now," Williamson's son wrote in a post Monday morning. "I love you Daddy thank you for being awesome thank you for being loving thank you for being Who You Are."
Williamson reportedly joined the band in 2007, replacing the departing tenor G.C. Cameron, and left in 2015.
The lineup of The Temptations has changed frequently since the original group formed nearly 60 years ago. The act remains best known for its string of 1960s hits, including "My Girl" (1964) and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966).
The New York Times, reviewing a seven-night Broadway production featuring The Temptations in 2014, called Williamson "a find: a large man who’s light on his feet and, even more important, full-throated with gospel timing."
"He had multiple paths from croon to rasp, and he could sound simultaneously forceful and desperate," The Times wrote of Williamson's performance.
Lupita Nyong'o Honors Chadwick Boseman With Heart-Wrenching Tribute: "It Doesn’t Make Sense"!
Lupita Nyong'o is paying tribute to her friend and Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman.
The Oscar winner took to social media on Tuesday, Sept. 8, to share a message about the beloved actor, who passed away in late August. "I write these words from a place of hopelessness, to honor a man who had great hope," Lupita began. "I am struggling to think and speak about my friend, Chadwick Boseman, in the past tense. It doesn't make sense."
Lupita said that the news of his death is a "punch to my gut every morning." She went on to note that Chadwick was a man "who made the most of his time, and somehow also managed to take his time." Though she said they didn't know each other for long, Boseman "had a profound effect on me" in that time that they had together.
"When we came together to make Black Panther, I remember being struck by his quiet, powerful presence," Lupita wrote. "He had no airs about him, but there was a higher frequency that he seemed to operate from. You got the sense that he was fully present and also somehow fully aware of things in the distant future. As a result, I noticed that Chadwick never seemed rushed! He commanded his time with ease...and he put in the work with all of us."
"He showed up to every rehearsal and training and shoot day with his game face on," the actress continued. "He was absorbent. Agile. He set the bar high by working with a generosity of spirit, creating an ego-free environment by sheer example, and he always had a warm gaze and warm strong embrace to share. His large hands would descend on my shoulders and give them a squeeze that relieved me of the tensions I did not realize I was holding. Chadwick's hands were strong enough to carry the weight of the film and free enough to clasp mine when I needed it."
Lupita noted that she "never heard him complain" during their time together despite his private battle with cancer. "I think he understood the power of words and chose to manifest power through his word. He used his mouth to build, to edify, never to break," she said. "And he used it to tell some regrettably lame dad jokes. He practiced not going against himself. He seemed to really love himself; he expressed who he really was, even when it meant he didn't smile when you thought he should. He accepted himself. And perhaps that's why he was capable of loving so many, so deeply."
"And he used his body in every way he could," Lupita shared. "He did his own stunts, drummed at his own parties, danced many a night away, mastered martial arts... the list goes on. He loved, honored and respected that body, doing more with it than most. In so doing, he took the risk to be alive, fully alive. So it seems that it was life that gave up on Chadwick long before Chadwick gave up on life..."
Lupita wrote that when she was around Chadwick she "wanted to be better, less petty, more purposeful." She added, "He was fueled by love, not fear. He moved quietly, deliberately, and without imposing himself or his ideals on others. And yet he also made damn sure that his life meant something. He cared so deeply about humanity, about Black people, about his people. He activated our pride by pushing through and working with such high purpose in the films he chose to commit to, Chadwick has made the infinite his home."
generations to come." As she shared, "He used his life force to tell meaningful stories. And now we tell his..."
The 43-year-old passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer, his team confirmed on Friday, Aug. 28. "A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," read a statement posted to the star's social account. "From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy."
"It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther," the statement continued, adding that Boseman passed away at his home alongside his family, including his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward. "The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
NFL Teams Reportedly Had ‘Fake’ Interest In Colin Kaepernick: “Seemingly Out Of Guilt”!
On August 26, 2016, Colin Kaepernick began his kneeling demonstration to protest police brutality and social injustice.
The decision sparked a ripple effect of protests across the league but also garnered widespread hate and criticism over what many initially believed to be unpatriotic and the disrespect of the American flag. By the end of the season, as the 49ers planned to cut him, Kaepernick opted out of his contract and continued his work as an activist.
It wasn’t until the May death of George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer, that the majority, including the NFL, began to understand the real meaning behind Kaepernick’s protest. So much so that Roger Goodell felt inclined to apologize to the quarterback, saying, “We were wrong…I wish we had listened earlier.”
By June, several teams expressed interest in signing Kaepernick, according to Mike Silver of NFL Network. At the time, Mike Garafolo even reported that organizations reached out to Kaep’s associations, with interest, Bleacher Report reports. But now, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there was never a real offer available for Kaepernick.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, there was some ‘fake’ interest expressed immediately after [George] Floyd’s death, seemingly out of guilt,” Florio said. “There has been zero interest expressed as to Kaepernick ‘in months.’”
Kaepernick held a workout in November 2019, in an attempt to land a contract. But, he remained unsigned after ditching an NFL-planned workout.
Eve Recalls Feeling 'Devastated' After Dr. Dre Dropped Her From Aftermath!
Eve may have become the Ruff Ryders' First Lady, but before that, she was working with Dr. Dre while signed to his Aftermath label. Now, the artist is opening up about being dropped from the label not long after Eminem was also signed by the music mogul.
During BET's Ruff Ryders Chronicles series, Eve recalled that after being dropped from the label in 1998, she felt "devastated." She explained, "I remember when I was working with Dre that Eminem did get signed. So, I would literally show up to studio sessions that I wasn't supposed to be at, where I knew Dre was gonna be, and be like, 'So, when am I recording? When are you going to put me on a song? What's going on?' I think he got sick of that, and then I got dropped eight months later."
Eve then added, "It wasn't too long after Eminem was signed [that] I got dropped from Aftermath, and I was devastated."
Despite her devastation, Eve moved back home, and explained that the entire experience was humbling for her. She recalled, "I had to go back home, I had to go back to my mom's house, I had to get back on the bus. All these people [that] came to my going away party are now like, 'Oh, so you're back. That was fast.' So, it humbled me."
Following her Aftermath departure, Eve went on to release her debut album, Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady, the following year via Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Interscope Records.
After that, Eve's career flourished as she released three more full-length albums, several chart-topping collaborations, won a Grammy Award, and appeared in a long list of films and TV series, including Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Barbershop: The Next Cut.
‘RHOP’ Star Ashley Darby Pregnant With Baby No. 2!
“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Ashley Darby has been keeping herself busy in quarantine.
The ZenGem founder, 32, announced that she is pregnant with her second child in a video posted to Instagram Tuesday, which featured Ashley and her husband Michael with their 1-year-old son Dean wearing a onesie that reads, “I’m Gonna Be a Big Brother.”
“Baby D2 arriving February 2021,” the video concluded.
Ashley added in the caption, “There’s no hiding this big belly anymore! We are elated to share our news with you! To say we are thankful is an absolute understatement ♥️ #RHOP.”
Michael has two adult children from a previous relationship as well.
Ashley and Michael, 60, tied the knot in 2014, but have had a tumultuous marriage. In a recent episode of the hit Bravo show, Ashley confronted Michael about allegedly behaving inappropriately while she was away on a cast trip.
Michael was also accused of sexual assault by a cameraman for the show. The cameraman alleged that Michael groped his butt and gave him “a flirtatious look,” but the charges were eventually dropped.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY’
So you’re either (A) a hoarder (B) a hustler (C) a panic purchaser or (D) you shit yourself a lot. Probably all the above actually.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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