Thandie Newton for British Vogue May 2021!
Thandie Newton has graced our screens for the better part of three decades.
Now, the Emmy Award winner, 48, is correcting everyone on her name, after she was credited as "Thandie" in her first role and, subsequently, every role since. Going forward, she'll be credited with the correct spelling of her name, which means "beloved" in Shona.
"That's my name," she told British Vogue in her May 2021 cover interview. "It's always been my name. I'm taking back what's mine."
The actress also opened up about the backlash she faced in 2016, after revealing that she was a victim of sexual misconduct, a year before the #MeToo movement in Hollywood. The British star recalled firing her publicist, who asked her to stop talking about the abuse, because it was "not good for your reputation."
"There's a moment where the ghost of me changed, you know, and it was then, it was 16," she said of the incident, which she recounted to W Magazine in June 2016. Newton explained at the time that a director filmed up her skirt during an audition, later finding out that he was showing the video to friends at poker games.
"He derailed me from myself utterly," she told British Vogue. "I was traumatized. It was a kind of PTSD for sure. I was so distraught and appalled that a director had abused a young actress, and that it was happening elsewhere, minors getting abused and how f— up it was. I was basically waiting for someone to come along and say, 'Well, what shall we do about this?'''
Newton has previously credited the incident as part of the reason she took her role in HBO's Westworld, that of a robot who becomes aware of her existence and stokes a rebellion against her creators.
Newton and costar Evan Rachel Wood successfully fought for pay equity with their male counterparts back in 2018. "It wasn't a celebration. I was disgusted," she said of the win, which set a long-overdue precedent in the industry.
"Even though people know they can speak out now, there is still the fear of losing their job," she added. "I mean literally, people still say, 'There's someone else who could take this position, if you're not happy', that kind of s---. I do think studio heads need to take much more responsibility."
The Crash star has found a sense of empowerment in the industry, as she continues to fight for equity and inclusivity.
"The thing I'm most grateful for in our business right now is being in the company of others who truly see me," she said. "And to not be complicit in the objectification of Black people as 'others', which is what happens when you're the only one."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Sounds Off on Everyone's Obsession With RHOA 's Stripper Bolo!
It's safe to say The Real Housewives of Atlanta's stripper Bolo is the breakout star of season 13.
How do we know this? Well, the exotic dancer has been routinely brought up on the Bravo hit since his debut in February.
Thus, when Daily Pop co-host Carissa Culiner and guest host Tatyana Ali caught up with RHOA's Kandi Burruss on April 6, they had plenty of questions about the now-famous stripper.
When asked if she believes those hookup rumors involving Porsha Williams and Bolo, the Xscape alum gave a neutral answer, stating, "My name is not Porsha. I don't know what she does with her own body."
While Kandi has decided to stay tight-lipped regarding Porsha's personal life, we can't say the same for her co-stars, especially Kenya Moore. In a recent episode of RHOA, things got heated between Kenya and Porsha as the latter refused to discuss the Bolo rumor.
On where she stands in the feud, Kandi made it clear that she isn't picking a side. "Let people have their business and do what they want to do," she explained. "You know, Kenya…I guess her whole point is, like, if it was her, everybody would be talking about it. OK, I get it but, you know, if Porsha doesn't want to discuss it, she doesn't have to."
Still, Kandi understands why everyone is obsessed with the juicy topic. "Obviously, you know, if something wild like that happens in the house while we're on a cast trip, of course, there's gonna be talk," the Bravo personality said. "Everybody wants to talk. We all talk about each other all the time, that's what we do. But I think, you know, something like that is super exciting. It's super on the edge. A lot of people would never do it. So, it's kind of like, ‘Wow, you know, did she do it? Did she not do it?' You know, people want to know."
In addition to discussing RHOA drama, Kandi opened up about her new Lifetime movie, Envy: A Seven Deadly Sins Story. Per the reality TV star turned actress, she had an "awesome" experience—even though she was filming RHOA and Envy at the same time.
"I started filming the movie at the same time, towards the end of last year," she recalled. "It was really cool because I was super excited to be a part of this film. I love Bishop T.D. Jakes. He's a phenomenal speaker, you know, an inspiration and everything. So, to be a part of the Seven Deadly Sins, it just was amazing."
For more of Kandi, tune into the premiere of Envy: A Seven Deadly Sins Story on Lifetime April 17. You can also see Kandi on The Real Housewives of Atlanta Sundays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
#NewMusic from After 7 They Returns with new Single ‘Bittersweet’!
After 7 returns with the new single “Bittersweet,” lifted from the forthcoming album, “Unfinished Business.”
“Bittersweet” was written by Tradessa Willis and Trevon Trapper from the duo Shakespeare and produced by JCash Beatz. “Bittersweet is a song that delves into our favorite subject of Love, Life and Relationships,” shares Kevon. “I am fairly certain that if you live life long enough you will learn that you can’t have the sunshine without the rain,” he adds. “That is exactly what “Bittersweet” explores in most if not every relationship, the pain and pleasure that works hand and glove with people who love. This is where we get excited about delivering a song such as this because it allows us to put our storytelling skills to work.”
In May 2019, the group mourned the sudden loss of Melvin Edmonds, the father of the gifted and talented Jason Edmonds who stepped in to continue the legacy in both live concerts and recordings until July 2019. It was then that vocalist, Danny ‘SkyHigh’ McClain joined Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell to create a masterful woven tapestry of music with “Unfinished Business.”
LISTEN HERE
The new 15-track album, will include a tribute to Melvin and be released May 14th via SRG ILS Group/RoseWorks.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West Documentary Reportedly Has Been Sold To Netflix For $30m!
A Kanye West documentary is coming to Netflix later this year. According to Billboard, the streaming giant acquired the archival footage from directors Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah for upwards of $30 million. The documentary will chronicle Kanye’s decorated 2o-plus year career with rare videos and never-before-seen clips dating back to the ’90s.
Coodie and Chike directed two early Kanye videos for “Through the Wire” and the third iteration of “Jesus Walks.” They’ve been shooting him since he was an unknown attempting to make a name for himself in Chicago in the 1990s. The untitled project is set to examine Kanye West’s rise to fame as well as his impact on music and pop culture, in addition to the directors’ relationship with the music mogul.
Billboard also reports the multi-part series is set to touch on how Donda West’s death in 2007 changed the trajectory of his career, while also delving into his lucrative fashion ambitions and short-lived bid to become president. Kanye himself isn’t involved in the production but has allegedly signed off on the duo filming him.
Coodie and Chike previously directed 30 for 30‘s Benji for ESPN in 2012, which detailed the death of Chicago high school phenom Ben Wilson. They also helmed 2019’s A Kid From Coney Island documentary that focused on the life of former NBA superstar Stephon Marbury.
The multi-part series is expected to land on Netflix’s platform later in 2021. There is another documentary being shopped in Hollywood surrounding Kanye West by a former bodyguard of his named Steve Stanulis. Stanulis allegedly worked on Kanye’s security team in 2016.
#SADNESS: CNN and MSNBC Legal Analyst Midwin Charles Dead at 47!
According to the family of Midwin Charles, the CNN, MSNBC, and cable news legal analyst died Tuesday at the age of 47.
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart and the deepest sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Midwin Charles,” her family announced on Twitter.
Charles was the founder of the law firm Midwin Charles & Associates and a defense attorney. According to her website, she was a contributor to Essence Magazine and a columnist on CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV, and other media outlets. She was also a CNN legal contributor for “In Session,” where she provided legal commentary for live trials.
Charles’ friends and colleagues in the media took to Twitter to share their sorrow over her death:
T.I. & Tiny Respond To New Sexual Assault Allegations From Three Women!
T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) and wife Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris are speaking out, addressing the three more unnamed women have come forward with sexual assault allegations against them.
According to reports, the three women are represented by attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn. The attorney’s spokesperson claim that one 20-year-old woman claimed the couple “pulled out a pill and forced her to swallow it” when she met them at a nightclub in Miami in 2010. Blackburn’s spokesperson also said she alleged that she was later taken to a South Beach hotel, where the couple’s security allegedly took her phone and T.I. “forced her to take a powdered substance from his finger” and
“[Tiny] undressed her and proceeded to engage in sexual intercourse. She said her body was numb, the room was slowing down, and she could not consent.”
The other two women claim T.I. and a male friend of drugged and raped her in a Miami hotel during Memorial Day weekend in 2010. The other woman alleges she was
“drugged… and sex trafficked in Nevada, California, and Florida.”
Meanwhile, Steve Sadow, counsel for T.I. and Tiny, provided a statement on the Harrises’ behalf to Billboard on Monday (April 5):
“The Harrises are still waiting for the accusers to reveal themselves publicly. By continuing to hide behind anonymous allegations, the unnamed accusers effectively render themselves not credible and unworthy of belief. We say: Let the light shine on their identities so we can go about disproving these scurrilous accusations.”
As previously reported, Blackburn is said to be seeking a criminal investigation and approached law enforcement authorities in Georgia and California on behalf of 11 people claiming they were victimized by the couple or their entourage. The alleged incidents occurred between 2005 to 2018 and were described as instances of “sexual abuse, forced ingestion of illegal narcotics, kidnapping, terroristic threats and false imprisonment,” as well as nonsexual intimidation, assault and harassment, said Blackburn.
A spokesperson for T.I. and Tiny responded to the sexual abuse allegations in a joint statement to Billboard at the time.
“Mr. and Mrs. Harris want to be on record and more importantly want the public to know they emphatically deny in the strongest way possible the egregiously appalling allegations being made against them by Sabrina Peterson. The Harrises have had difficulty with this woman for well over a decade. They are taking this matter very seriously, and if these allegations don’t end, they will take appropriate legal action.”
The couple’s former friend, Sabrina Peterson, filed a defamation lawsuit against T.I. and Tiny on March 1, claiming T.I. threatened her with a gun and then denied it. She is suing for libel, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other causes of action.
Rihanna Rocks Red, Leather Blazer for Dinner in New York City!
Rihanna is heading out for the night! Thee 32-year-old entertainer and Fenty mogul put on her face mask as she arrived at Nobu restaurant for dinner on Tuesday evening (April 6) in New York City.
Rihanna looked cool in a red, leather blazer paired with baggy, ripped jeans as she stepped out for a bite to eat.
Rihanna‘s latest outing comes one night after she and boyfriend A$AP Rocky enjoyed a rare and low-key dinner date in the Big Apple.
Sharon Osbourne Refutes Sheryl Underwood’s Apology Claims And She Has Receipts!
Sharon Osbourne is already hitting back at Sheryl Underwood’s claim Osbourne never reached out or apologized to her following their March 10 dustup on “The Talk.”
Underwood, 57, on the latest episode of her “The World According to Sheryl” podcast, revealed that she hadn’t spoken to Osbourne since the tiff, and, when asked if Osbourne had reached out, replied, “No!,” scrolling through her phone messages as evidence.
But Osbourne, 68, leaked receipts of her own Tuesday to the Daily Mail, sending a series of screenshots of her purported texts to Underwood and telling the site, “I not only sent these messages to Sheryl but I apologized to her in person in her dressing room. Why are you saying I never apologized, Sheryl? What are you trying to do to me? Why are you trying to destroy my reputation? Just be honest. Tell me.”
“‘Sheryl, My heart is heavy and I’m deeply saddened by the events that transpired on Wednesday,” reads one screenshot provided by Osbourne, dated March 12.
“I don’t want to lose my true friend over this. Im sorry for telling you to f**k off during break, I’m sorry for accusing you of fake crying while we were live on air and I’m sorry for losing my temper with you.”
Osbourne continued, “I felt shocked, scared and saddened by what felt like was a blind-sided attack. You know me. You know how I’ve always had your back. We’ve outlasted everyone on this show and that’s because we’ve always been a team and had each other’s backs.”
“I consider you a genuine friend. If you want to talk on the phone over the weekend I’m here. Once again from the bottom of my heart I’m sorry. Is there anything You need from me or that I can do to help you heal? Love and respect always — Sharon.”
A follow-up message from March 15 reads, “Hi Sheryl. I know you’re taking space and I don’t want to disrespect that. I’m just reaching out because I want you [to] know I’m thinking about you. If you are willing, can we talk before Wednesday? Big kiss.”
Osbourne’s supposedly final note, from March 18, reads, “Sheryl I am thinking about you. Hope you are well. Sending my love.”
A March 15 Page Six exclusive appears to confirm Osbourne’s version of events, with a source telling us “she texted [Underwood] a very detailed, emotional and heartfelt apology on Friday” the 12th. “It was very personal and Sheryl did not get back to her.”
Osbourne exited “The Talk” two weeks after a heated argument with Underwood over Osbourne’s defense of pal Piers Morgan, who exited his own show in Britain after blasting Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Pose Season 3 Trailer: FX Drama's Final Episodes Bring Triumph and Tragedy!
Pray Tell, Blanca, and the House of Evangelista are not going down without a fight in the third and final season of FX’s Pose, premiering May 2.
Pose‘s seven-episode final season jumps ahead to 1994, where “ballroom feels like a distant memory for Blanca, who struggles to balance being a mother with being a present partner to her new love, and her latest role as a nurse’s aide,” per FX’s official logline. “Meanwhile, as AIDS becomes the leading cause of death for Americans ages 25 to 44, Pray Tell contends with unexpected health burdens. Elsewhere, the emergence of a vicious new upstart house forces the House of Evangelista members to contend with their legacy.”
“We got to tell the exact story we wanted, as we wanted to tell it, and I’m incredibly honored and grateful. Pose’s story may end in 1996, but its impact will go on forever. Pose has been one of the creative highlights of my entire career,” said creator Ryan Murphy about the series’ ending. “From the very beginning when Steven Canals and I sat down to hear his vision and ideas for the show, it has been a passion project. To go from the beginning of my career in the late 90s when it was nearly impossible to get an LGBTQ character on television to Pose — which will go down in history for having the largest LGBTQ cast of all time — is a truly full-circle moment for me.”
WATCH HERE
In addition to Emmy and Tony winner Porter and Rodriguez, Pose stars Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Hailie Sahar, Angel Bismark Curiel, Dyllón Burnside, and Sandra Bernhard.
Filming on the final season officially wrapped in March.
Why MLB settled on Colorado to host 2021 All-Star Game after move from Atlanta!
Rocky Mountain high fly balls coming this summer to a screen near you.
Less than a week after MLB officials stripped Atlanta of the 2021 All-Star Game, the league announced a new host, with the state of Colorado and the city of Denver hosting the All-Star Game for the first time in over two decades.
Commissioner Rob Manfred made the decision after speaking with players and clubs, with the league ultimately deciding to move the game. On April 6, the new host was selected, with Coors Field hosting all the events of All-Star week.
Here's where the midsummer classic will be and why the league decided to move the game to Colorado:
On April 6, Major League Baseball announced that Coors Field in Denver, Colo., home of the Rockies, will play host to the 2021 All-Star Game after previously announcing that Georgia would not house the events.
Ultimately, since Colorado had already made a pitch to host an All-Star Game, MLB gave the nod to Coors Field.
MLB expounded its decision to move the game to Colorado in a statement:
MLB chose the Rockies because they were already in the bidding process to host a future All-Star Game. The Rockies had supplied a detailed plan for hotel, event space and security that took months to assemble, and MLB staff had already made several site visits to Denver. In addition, Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Michael Hancock have both committed to provide the necessary facilities and services needed to support this year’s festivities.
On April 2, MLB announced the 2021 All-Star Game would be moved from Truist Park in Cumberland, Ga. in protest of the state's newly implemented voter laws, which the league feels severly hinders and restricts voting rights.
The Braves and Georgia politicians were not in agreement with MLB's decision, bashing the league for getting involved in politics and misrepresenting what they believe the law stands for.
MLB announced that funding towards local Atlanta communities will continue despite the game being moved.
The 2021 All-Star Game is scheduled for July 13. It will be the 91st All-Star Game in league history, and the first
Caitlyn Jenner is reportedly considering running for governor of California!
Almost three months after former President Donald Trump left the White House, another Republican reality TV star may be eying a political campaign of their own.
Caitlyn Jenner has been "actively" exploring running for governor of California and has been talking with political consultants about potentially doing so, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing three sources.
Jenner, the former athlete and Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, is reportedly being assisted by longtime Republican fundraiser Caroline Wren, who helped organize the Jan. 6 rally Trump spoke at before the Capitol riot. Jenner is a Republican who voted for Trump in 2016, although in a 2018, she criticized him and said she was wrong to think he would help transgender people as president.
"The reality is that the trans community is being relentlessly attacked by this president," Jenner wrote at the time. "The leader of our nation has shown no regard for an already marginalized and struggling community. He has ignored our humanity. He has insulted our dignity."
Jenner previously considered running for Senate in California, saying in 2017 she was weighing whether she might accomplish more by "working the perimeter of the political scene" or "from the inside," per USA Today. But Jenner's manager in February shot down speculation she could run for governor, saying she has "never considered" it.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is set to face a recall election, and several Republicans have already announced plans to challenge him. Former California Gov. Gray Davis (D), Axios noted, previously faced a recall in 2003, and Arnold Schwarzenegger ultimately replaced him. "Not quite Schwarzenegger level," Politico's Alex Thompson wrote of Jenner's potential bid, "but would be something."
Kim Kardashian Is Officially A Billionaire, Forbes Says!
According to Forbes, Kim Kardashian is officially a billionaire.
On Tuesday (April 6), the finance publication announced that the reality star turned business mogul joined the World’s Billionaires list for the very first time.
Per Forbes, Kim is now worth $1 billion, up from $780 million in October, thanks, in large part, to two of her businesses —KKW Beauty and Skims— as well as "cash from reality television and endorsement deals, and a number of smaller investments."
Let's break it all down, shall we?
Forbes estimated that Kim's stake in her valued $500 million shapewear line Skims is worth $225 million. The outlet also noted that Kim cashed in when she sold 20% of KKW Beauty to Coty for $200 million, a deal that valued the company at $1 billion. While Forbes estimated that the figure is "a little bloated" her remaining 72% stake is reportedly still worth about $500 million.
The rest of Kim's fortune is in cash and investments, including real estate. According to Forbes, every year since 2012, Kim has earned at least $10 million pretax, "thanks to paychecks from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, endorsement deals and endeavors" like her mobile game and her now-defunct Kimoji app. The Skims owner also has three properties in Calabasas, "a portfolio of blue-chip investments, including shares of Disney, Amazon, Netflix and Adidas that her soon-to-be ex-husband Kanye West gifted her for Christmas in 2017."
Speaking of Mr. West, last month, Forbes disputed Bloomberg's report that he was the richest Black man in America with a net worth of $6.6 billion.
"It’s not true, based on our calculations," the outlet reported. "Forbes estimates he’s worth less than a third of that, or $1.8 billion. That’s a big jump from last May when Forbes first pegged his net worth to be $1.3 billion, but nowhere near as much as the purported $6.6 billion. Vista Equity’s Robert F. Smith remains the richest Black person in the U.S., worth an estimated $6 billion, while Aliko Dangote of Nigeria, worth $11.8 billion, is the richest Black person in the world."
New Couple Alert: Lamar Odom & Karlie Redd Spotted!
Lamar Odom and Karlie Redd may be dating according to sources!
The pair were spotted together at a birthday gathering for ‘Love and Hip Hop’ star Yandy Smith. Her husband Mendeecees Harris surprised her with a luxury car with their close friends and families there to celebrate.
Karlie Redd showed up to the festivities with Lamar Odom and now fans are speculating that they might be an item.
Odom recently broke things off with his ex-fiance, Sabrina Parr.
Hey, he is single!! What do you think about Karlie and Lamar’s relationship?
Lil Nas X Himself Has Responded To Sada's Controversial Post On Instagram!
Sada Baby is regretting his words about Lil Nas X. After being slammed for wishing death on the Grammy-winning rapper, Sada made use of his Instagram account to explain his side and apologize to Lil Nas X.
"I said what I said in that post because of the shoes," Sada wrote in the post, referring to Lil Nas X's controversial "Satan Shoes" in collaboration with MSCHF which sales are blocked by Nike. "That's it. The Devil shoes, the Devil in the video. Giving the Devil a lapdance. Wild, that s**t crazy."
Expressing his disagreement of both "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" music video and the shoes, Sada went on to say, "That will never be no s**t I sympathize with or empathize with or agree with. But I wasn't wishing death on blood for real, nobody want a n***a dead."
"His main audience is kids," Sada argued. "What you showing to kids is you giving the Devil a lapdance. I don't want to walk in a room anywhere with any of my family and see my kids imitating what they see in that video in any way. That's not something I agree with. But yeah, I apologize to Lil Buddy if he feel I wanted him dead."
Lil Nas X himself has responded to Sada's controversial post on Instagram Story which has since been deleted. The "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" hitmaker said, "this is so f**ked up omg." However, the "Old Town Road" star appeared to take it lightly as he made use the opportunity to promote his new new song, writing, "everyone stream the number 1 smash hit Montero (Call Me By Your Name) out now on all platforms!"
Diablo Cody Has Finished Script For Madonna's Biopic Before Leaving!
Diablo Cody has finished the script for Madonna's self-directed biopic.
Despite reports that creative differences had led to the Juno screenwriter stepping down from the project, a source has now told Entertainment Weekly that Cody has "completed her work and moved on to her next project."
The insider added that Cody and Madonna, 62, have sent a final draft of the script to Universal, the studio, which is developing the movie, after spending much of 2020 working on the project.
Madonna announced the biopic last year, saying in a statement, "I want to convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer - a human being, trying to make her way in this world. The focus of this film will always be music. Music has kept me going and art has kept me alive. There are so many untold and inspiring stories and who better to tell it than me. It's essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision."
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reveal Their First Docuseries With Netflix!
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry revealed their first Netflix docuseries on Tuesday, titled Heart of Invictus. The multi-episode series will focus on the Invictus Games, which the prince founded. The games allow injured and sick military personnel to compete in different sporting events.
Local 1o reports that Prince Harry will executive produce the series and appear on the screen. Orlando von Einsiedel will direct, and Joanna Natasegara is set to produce the series.
Netflix said in a statement that the series “will follow a group of extraordinary competitors from around the globe, all service members who have suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses on their road to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, now set to take place in 2022.”
The pair signed a multi-year deal with Netflix in September to produce several projects for the streaming giant. “Heart of Invictus” will be Archwell Productions’ first series.
Two Manhattan Doormen Fired For Not Helping Asian Woman During Attack!
Two Manhattan doormen were let go after they were seen on video failing to help an elderly Asian woman who was attacked outside of the building last month.
On Tuesday, the building’s management company posted to Facebook that their investigation into the doormen’s lack of action has been completed and that they have been let go, according to The Hill.
“While the full lobby video shows that once the assailant had departed, the doormen emerged to assist the victim and flag down an NYPD vehicle, it is clear that required emergency and safety protocols were not followed,” the Brodsky Organization said in the post. “For this reason, their employment has been terminated, effective immediately.”
In the March 29 incident, Brandon Elliot, 38, approached a 65-year-old Asian woman outside the complex in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. He can be seen on video knocking her to the ground and then kicking her repeatedly.
Elliot was arrested and charged with assault and hate crime charges. At the time of the attack, he was on life parole after serving 17 years in prison for murdering his mother.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘LORDS OF THE DANCE’
Not quite the dancers I had in mind, but perhaps this could turn out to be a more memorable Christmas than I thought.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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