POSE Stars Janet Mock, MJ Rodriguez and Indya Moore on the Cover of Harpers Bazaar!
How Pose Changed Hollywood Forever. As the show takes its final bow, producer, writer, and director Janet Mock and stars Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Dominique Jackson reflect on how the groundbreaking series began—and then changed everything.
Steven Canals took 166 meetings before finding someone willing to make Pose. It was a pitch about New York’s ballroom scene set at the height of the AIDS epidemic, written by a queer man of Black and Puerto Rican heritage, starring an almost all-nonwhite cast, and with a triptych of trans women as its nucleus. Not exactly what executives in Hollywood, an industry still struggling to see BIPOC and LGBTQ+ stories as not only necessary but also profitable, would score across-the-board 10’s. The series finally found a home with Ryan Murphy and FX. But Pose didn’t find its heart until the producers brought on the trans women whose lived experience and ability to channel it into art would turn the show into a cultural phenomenon: Janet Mock, an activist and best-selling author; Mj Rodriguez, who began acting at 11, entered the ballroom scene at 14, and came out as trans mid-career; Indya Moore, a foster kid who was bullied as a teen and has since walked runways and fronted fashion campaigns; and Dominique Jackson, an emigrant from Trinidad and Tobago who became a true ballroom icon.
Between them, they know about hardship, homelessness, sex work, and dealing with rejection. But because of their camaraderie and agency in shaping Pose, it’s so much more than a struggle story. It’s also about joy—hard-won and worthy of being celebrated in ballrooms and beamed into living rooms everywhere. When the ladies log on to Zoom for their roundtable, that joy and affection radiates through the screen. “It’s because we genuinely love each other!” says Mock. On the set of their photoshoot, Mock, Rodriguez, and Moore record a message for Jackson when she falls ill on the day of the shoot. “We love you, Dominique!” they yell into a phone. Later, in front of the camera, they harmonize to Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and it takes them a few bars to even realize they’re doing it. Whether on Zoom, on set, or miles apart, the women are always connected. On the eve of Pose’s series finale after three remarkable seasons, the women reflect on its happy beginnings and its bittersweet ending.
JANET MOCK: Ladies, I keep on saying this mantra to myself in my head: “I feel like I can do almost anything in the world after shooting this show for six months during a pandemic.” I’m really proud of our producers, the network, and the studio for their faith in us—the faith in our stories, that they were worthy of investing millions of dollars in, on top of what it already costs to do this show, to bring us back. Because our stories matter and are important, and should be onscreen. So I want to take us back to the very beginning. Mj, I want to hear your story of auditioning for Blanca.
“The fact that I got to work with you women and stand in solidarity at these events that people never thought they would see us at, to stand in our power, to stand in knowing who we are and affirming our positions? I was ready.”
MJ RODRIGUEZ: I was at a crossroads in my career. I didn’t know if I wanted to keep pursuing acting because I had been receiving so many “no’s.” Then two opportunities came to me. One was my first Broadway show; then I saw this breakdown for Pose in Backstage magazine. I saw the description of Blanca and what she represented, and I knew, I want this role.
And then I remember sharing a moment with Dominique in the audition room, and I thought: “This feels good. Not only is the show about the strong Black trans women in our lives that have never gotten their own story, it’s also with people that I know.” But I had my reservations personally, as far as my transness—how the world was going to receive me, or going to receive our stories collectively. But I was proven wrong, honey. We turnt it.
INDYA MOORE: When I auditioned [for Angel], there were a lot of people in the room. Now I’m coming into this business very naive. I didn’t have a familiarity with who Ryan Murphy was. But I remember seeing Steven’s face. And Steven looked just like my family; he looked like me. I was so overwhelmed with excitement at the feeling of that familiarity. Because I didn’t know if this was for me. I didn’t know if I deserved it. This is just so far from what we think our reality gets to be.
JM: That’s so powerful for me to hear because as you were all auditioning in July, August of 2017, I met with Ryan. He was directing on the set of American Crime Story. And in between setups, he had a quick, 30-minute meeting with me on the side. He said, “I’ve read your work, and I’m wondering if you’d be interested in moving to L.A. and writing on this show.” I said, “This sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I have a lot of questions first.” And he was very transparent and clear about what he didn’t know. That, for me, that was my in. I felt like, “This is how I can be useful to this show.”
IM: When I saw Janet was coming on as a writer and as a producer, I knew that we were going to be safe. So thank you for protecting me and for protecting all of us through all these weird moments in Hollywood, where we were being processed and interpreted through lenses that don’t have the capacity to hold all that we are.
JM: The day that I knew this show was going to be magic was the first day that I came on set. I remember the depth of the love that I received from Indya, from Mj, from Dominique. There was a moment when Dominique came up to me and hugged me in her full-on-mama Elektra regalia, and said, “Girl, I knew the show was going to be okay once I heard that you were writing on it.” The entire time I’ve said that I am my sister’s keeper. I am here to protect you. That is my sole job on this show, my internal compass. My work producing and directing and all of that stuff has always been to show up and to make sure that in this big ensemble, with all our very talented actors, that the women are never lost.
DOMINIQUE JACKSON: You don’t know how much you all touched my heart. When Angel calls my character, Elektra, “Mom,” it was like, “Wait, am I feeling this for real?”
JM: As someone who is of ballroom, who has been an integral part of the scene, what did it mean for you when you got the role?
DJ: I had settled into understanding that there were certain levels in life that I would never get to. I did Strut [the 2016 reality show about trans models], executive-produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Leonardis. And I faced the age barrier because I was already 40 years old. Whoopi had to fight for me. People were ready to see me audition, but as soon as they heard my age, they thought: “You’re Black. You’re trans. You’re an immigrant. And you’re 40?” And in my head I’m going, “But just look at me!”
Then I got the call from my agent at the time, who told me about this show. I read for the character Elektra. I only saw Elektra. I’m over 40, so they did not send me Blanca; I knew nothing of Angel. It’s like, Girl, you got one shot. And I felt a closeness to [the script]. I thought of sitting at the bar at Two Potato with Paris Duprée back in the 1990s. And her drinking her 151 shots, and me drinking my Kir Royales and thinking: “Why is this old woman talking to me? Can’t I just have my drink? Can’t you just go up there and do ‘In My Eyes’ and let us see you rip those lashes off? That’s what I’m here to see.” But she kept giving me this history of Avis Pendarvis and Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, and all of that. And as time progressed, it all came with me. So reading the sides, I thought to myself, “These are those women.”
And so I went to the first audition, and I dressed up. I remembered Octavia Saint Laurent and Danielle Revlon, and how they represented and how they came forth, and it was so bold. I went in and I knew every single line off-book. The scene was the read Elektra delivers to Blanca [bragging] about her cheekbones.
JM: “High as the sun in the sky!”
DJ: “You are not ready!”
MR: “You are not on my—"
ALL: “—level!”
DJ: [Casting director Alexa L. Fogel] and her assistant just exchanged these looks, and I’m standing there thinking, “Just give me my 10’s and let me move on.” I was not expecting a callback. I thought: “You just got your Green Card, you already have a job, you’ve already been blessed. You’re asking for too much.” And I have to be really intimate with you all right now. At the time I was also in the process of fulfilling a lifelong dream: completing my gender-affirming surgery. [When I got my callback], I picked up my heels, and I said to myself: “If you put on these heels, you could pop these stitches. You could end up back in the hospital.” I didn’t have much money, so I borrowed some for a cab. I was in tears because once I put on my heels, I didn’t feel as comfortable in them as I normally do. I was in pain. But I walked into the room and something just clicked.
I cried going home also, not because I was in pain but because I accomplished something. I showed up. I pushed through. And when I got the call that I had the part, as someone who didn’t have the means to go to acting school, it was the most joyous, most validating accomplishment that any person could have.
JM: Mj, you’ve been in this business since you were 11. You were prepared in terms of your craft, but you’re also new on your journey. As a trans woman, having to transition publicly, were there any trepidations or fears around the unknown space of being this kind of trailblazing leading lady?
MR: I had let the world know about my transness before, but it was on a smaller scale. But being a part of something like this? I asked myself: “Are you willing to put yourself out on a limb and also be ready for the possible backlash? Because you are not only a trans woman, but also a Latina and African American woman. Are you truly ready?” So I was nervous but also diligent in knowing my message and purpose when it came to Pose, which was to show who we are and what we’ve done, not only from 1987 through 1994 [when the show is set] but what we’re capable of now and in the future. And the fact that I got to work with you women and stand in solidarity at these events that people never thought they would see us at, to stand in our power, to stand in knowing who we are and affirming our positions? I was ready. More than ready.
“It’s the legacy of our foremothers who, when no one offered them anything, made their own shit up.”
IM: I’ve always been uncomfortable with referring to myself as a “star.” I’ve never allowed myself to because, I don’t know, I felt like it just wouldn’t be healthy. But when I saw myself on a TV screen as Angel, it was so hard not to feel like, “Oh, my God, I’m a star."
JM: Feel it, honey, feel it!
MR: It is what it is, baby!
JM: I’m so glad that you were able to see yourself onscreen and belike, “Bitch, I am a star.” Because it’s necessary. We have to own that. We have to hold it. Writing and directing for you ladies has been the greatest gift of my life. I don’t know if I’m going to have a more creatively fulfilled experience than working on Pose with you all. It’s the legacy of our foremothers who, when no one offered them anything, made their own shit up and showed up and showed out, and made their dreams come true with no societal acceptance or any kind of resources. To me, Pose is a love letter to those women and to those people who made magic out of nothing.
Production: Eric Jacobson for Hen's Tooth Productions; Set Design: Jesse Kaufmann.
A version of this article originally appeared in the June/July 2021 issue of Harper's BAZAAR, available on newsstands June 8.
#RHOA: Nene Leakes Comments on Porsha Williams Getting Engaged to Faylynn’s Ex: ‘It Looks Bad’!
Nene Leakes is not on The Real Housewives of Atlanta anymore but she has recently commented on the drama surrounding her “little sis” Porsha Williams. The latter recently revealed that she is engaged to Simon Guobadia, who up until recently was married to Falynn Guobadia. Falynn was introduced to Bravo fans when she came on RHOA Season 13 as a “friend of” Williams. Leakes received backlash for showing support to Williams on social media, which she recently talked about once again.
Porsha Williams has found love once again
After a rough year for Williams following her multiple arrests as she became a social justice activist, the RHOA peach has found love. Williams shocked her followers on Instagram when she shared a photo between her ex-fiancé and her new fiancé. The Bravo’s Chat Room co-host had been rumored to be dating someone and it was after Mother’s Day that she dropped the bombshell.
“Our relationship began a month ago—yes we are crazy in love,” the entrepreneur shared. “I know it’s fast but we are living life each day to its fullest. I choose happiness every morning and every night. Tuning out all negative energy and only focused on positive wishes. He makes me so happy and to me, that is what matters most.”
It wasn’t long before the backlash started and fans pointed out that her new man was recently married to Falynn. In the same post, Williams distanced herself from being Falynn’s friend despite introducing her on RHOA Season 13 as a friend. She also noted the timeline of when their relationship started and when Simon’s marriage had ended.
“For all of you that need facts, I get the optics but Simon filed for divorce from a previous marriage in January. I had nothing to do with their divorce filing. That’s between the two of them,” Williams revealed. “Falynn and I are not friends, and Simon’s divorce has been settled. Our relationship is a positive, loving step forward in everybody’s lives.”
One of the friendships that Williams had on RHOA was with the OG queen Nene Leakes. The two had a cute relationship as Williams always saw Leakes as a mentor. When Leakes was a guest on Hollywood Unlocked, host Jason Lee remembered one of the iconic lines the “tastiest peach” said on the show, “Close your legs to married me.” Lee used this to ask Leakes about the controversy surrounding Williams’ new relationship.
“I think it looks bad,” Leakes said.
Leakes went on to explain that in the reality TV world, sometimes people come on the show that you don’t really know but “they make it appear like you do” know them.
“I could believe that Porsha did not know the girl,” she added. “But it looks bad… because they did work together. They did travel together so she did get to know her, and she did visit the girl’s home.”
The Fashion Police alum said that she got backlash online for supporting her friend. She explained that she didn’t know who Simon was, but did notice Dennis, Williams’ ex. Leakes saw Dennis and thought Williams had gotten back together with him and that’s what the post was about. In fact, Leakes thought Simon was Miss Diane’s boyfriend, Williams’ mother.
#MusicNews: ‘Women Songwriters’ Hall of Fame’ | Honoring Valerie Simpson, Klymaxx, Deniece Williams + More!
The Women Songwriters’ Hall of Fame (WSHOF), was founded to honor women whose body of work represents the best of the heritage and legacy of modern American music. Paying homage to ten noteworthy female songwriters on June 25th, 2021.
The event will take place at the opulent Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC and will celebrate some of music’s finest songwriters and composers in a magnificent moment to mark their careers and classic songs. The honorees bring an arsenal of artistry, along with hits covering the last five decades of popular music, to their induction.
Legendary Grammy award winning artist Jody Watley is hosting this stellar event.
Inductees for 2021;
Roberta Flack, known for such giant gems as “Killing Me Softly (With His Song)” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which made her the 1st artist in music history to win back-to-back Grammys for Song of The Year (only U2 and Billie Eilish have since joined her) composed “Be Real Black For Me” with Donny Hathaway and “And So It Goes” with Dr. Maya Angelou.
Singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson wrote and recorded hits for decades with husband and recording partner Nick Ashford, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (for Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell),” “I’m Every Woman (Chaka Khan and later Whitney Houston),” and Ashford & Simpson’s masterpiece “Solid,” which became a worldwide, chart-topping smash hit. The duo was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. They are also recipients of The Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award, ASCAP Founders Award, and the Grammy Trustee Award. Rolling Stone ranked them No. 19 on its list of the 20 Greatest Duos of All Time.
Tawatha Agee, known to the world of soul music for her sultry vocals on the hits “Juicy Fruit” and “You, Me and He,” with R&B/Funk/Jazz giant James Mtume, also composed songs for saxophonist Gary Bartz and co-wrote the Stephanie Mills/Teddy Pendergrass hit “Two Hearts”. She’s been described in The New York Times as an “acrobatic, gospel-charged soprano.” Agee has worked consistently as a backing singer from the mid-1970s to the present day, predominantly with James Mtume, who produced her one solo album, Welcome to My Dream, for Epic Records in 1987. She is also a part of “the Lovely Ladies” trio, who tour with the Dave Matthews Band.
Mary Chapin Carpenter spent several years singing in Washington, D.C. clubs before signing in the late 1980s with Columbia Records, Carpenter’s most successful album to date remains 1992’s Come On Come On, which yielded seven charting country singles including the hit “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and was certified quadruple platinum in the US for sales exceeding four million copies. She followed it with Stones in the Road (1994) and A Place in the World (1996). Carpenter has earned five Grammy Awards and is the only artist to have won four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, which she received from 1992 to 1995.
The all-female band Klymaxx is still going strong as their music is a staple on the radio and in dance clubs around the world. Belting out hits like, “The Men All Pause” and “Meeting in the Ladies Room” the group’s name is synonymous with classic women’s anthems. Their ballad “I Miss You”, was one of Billboard’s top songs of1986 and still to this day is played when love is in the air. Continuing into the 90’s with the #4 R&B hit, “Good Love” followed their sultry Neo-Soul groove entitled, “Private Party” showed evident that they could flow with the changing music trends.
The songbird Deniece Williams with her sparkling soprano brought life and success to songs like “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” and the hit pop song from the movie ‘Footloose’ “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” but she penned some of her most noted and revered songs including “Silly” as well as the most sampled and covered “Free.” Williams has been described as “one of the great soul voices” by the BBC.
Jerry Keever “Bunny” Hull has written hit songs as well as racked up many years as a session singer on many recordings. Hull co-wrote “New Attitude”, a hit for Patti Labelle, as well as the Top 10 smash, “Breakdance”, for Irene Cara. She is a recipient of 20 Gold and Platinum Certifications, a Grammy Award for the soundtrack to “Beverly Hills Cop”, an Emmy nomination, a GMA Dove Award, a BMI Performance Award, and multiple Parents’ Choice Awards.
Dr. Veryl Howard, founder of Faith Management & Talent Casting is recognized as one of the most successful managers and promoters in the world of Christian and Gospel music. She was recently awarded the “Glitz Girl Power Award” along with Amara De Negra, Actress Lisa Raye and many more. She is also recently received the “Shout the Alarm Award” by Preach the Word Worldwide TV Network and the Golden Image Award by Urban Café TV. She serves as a spokesperson for “Preach the Word World Wide TV Network” and is affiliated with several networks in addition to casting guests for five radio stations.
Country music icon Naomi Judd hails from the Appalachian foothills of Ashland, KY. Recording with her daughter Wynonna as the Judds they became one of the best-selling duos of all time. For the rest of the 1980’s, each single they released made the Billboard Top 10 Country charts with 14 hits going all the way to number one, including “Mama He’s Crazy”, “Grandpa, Tell Me About The Good Ol’ Days” and :”Love Will Build A Bridge”. The Judds swept the CMA’s Vocal Group/Duo category from 1985 to 1991 and garnered six GRAMMY® Awards.
Actress/songwriter Dawnn Lewis portrayed Jaleesa Vinson–Taylor on the NBC television sitcom A Different World from the launch of the series in 1987 until the end of its fifth season in 1992. Lewis co–wrote the theme son which has been used and reused over the last 30 years by TV Parodies, organizations, universities, youth groups and fans around the world. Dawnn’s works have been recorded by Take 6 (“I’m Going To Write Myself A Letter”) and as a duet by Grover Washington Jr. with Nancy Wilson (“Your Love”). Lewis’ songs are also featured in motion pictures – Disney’s The Poof Point (“Worth Waiting For” – which is also the title of her solo album) – and the HBO series Dream On (“Whisper”).
With these inductees, the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame commemorates and acknowledges the female songwriter, who has gone remarkably unrewarded by the music industry that should be lauding and applauding these trailblazers.
The event will be executive produced by Janice McLean DeLoatch, founder of WSHOF.
The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame came into existence to salute these women and many others whose talents stand solidly beside their male counterparts, but whose acknowledgement is so lacking that Billboard and even fashion magazines have done feature stories on the subject.
On June 25th 2021 at The Museum of Women in the Arts, that all changes, forever.
For Tickets and More Information go HERE!
#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion Returns As Tina Snow!
Tina Snow is back. After going on a brief hiatus, Megan Thee Stallion has announced that she’s returning as Tina Snow. On Sunday (June 6), the Houston rapper shared a video alongside a message for her Hotties.
“IM BACK HOTTIES🔥 ADDRESS ME AS MS SNOW,” she captioned the IG post.
In the clip, the three-time Grammy winner can be seen emerging from her cryogenic slumber. She opens her eyes while wearing an oxygen mask as a technician monitors her mental health, body, confidence, bars, knees, and one level called Tina Snow.
While her exact plans remain unclear, fans have speculated that she is reviving her alter ego who she introduced on her 2018 EP Tina Snow, which spawned the hit “Big Ole Freak.”
On April 22, Megan announced that she was taking a hiatus. Her team took over her social media accounts during her absence.
“Megan Thee Stallion is recharging! Due to the demands of the Hot Girl lifestyle, Meg has now entered a period of regeneration to prepare for what’s next,” read the message, while teasing her comeback. “Thee Hotties lead a brave RESISTANCE in anticipation for the return of their Fearless Captain!”
In November, Megan released her chart-topping debut album Good News, which featured the smash “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé.
Harry And Meghan Announce The Birth Of Their Second Child!
The second baby for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is officially here: Meghan gave birth to a healthy girl on Friday.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan said Sunday the couple welcomed their child Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Their daughter weighed in at 7 lbs, 11 oz.
Her first name, Lilibet, is a nod to Her Majesty The Queen's nickname. Her middle name is in honor of her grandmother and Harry's mother. The baby is the eighth in line to the British throne.
The Royal Family congratulated the couple in a tweet.
"Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of Lilibet Diana! The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted with the news," the tweet said. "Lilibet is Her Majesty’s 11th great-grandchild."
The birth comes after Harry and Meghan’s explosive TV interview with Oprah Winfrey in March. The couple described painful discussions about the color of their first child’s skin, losing royal protection and the intense pressures that led her to contemplate suicide.
Buckingham Palace said the allegations of racism made by the couple were "concerning." The royal family said the issue would be addressed privately.
Winfrey and Harry have recently collaborated to discuss mental illness on the Apple TV+ mental health series "The Me You Can't See."
Harry and American actor Meghan Markle married at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Their son Archie was born a year later.
In early 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. They live in Montecito, a posh area, and recently bought a house in Santa Barbara, California.
Last year, Meghan revealed that she had a miscarriage in July 2020, giving a personal account of the traumatic experience in hope of helping others.
Months before the miscarriage, Harry said the royal family cut him off financially at the start of 2020 after announcing plans to step back from his roles. But he was able to afford security for his family because of the money his mother, Princess Diana, left behind.
In the interview with Winfrey, Meghan said she grew concerned about her son not having a royal title because it meant he wouldn’t be provided security. She said digesting everything while pregnant was "very hard." More than the "prince" title, she was most concerned about her son’s safety and protection.
Meghan said it was hard for her to understand why there were concerns within the royal family about her son’s skin color. She said it was hard for her to "compartmentalize" those conversations.
Harry, too, said there are lasting impacts about Meghan’s treatment and his relationship with his family.
Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties began in March 2020 over what they described as the intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the duchess.
#RIP: Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' dies at 81!
LOS ANGELES — Clarence Williams III, an actor known for portraying Linc Hayes on "The Mod Squad" and Prince's father in "Purple Rain," died on Friday. He was 81.
Williams' management confirmed his death to Variety, citing the cause as colon cancer.
Williams broke through in 1968 as one of the stars of the counterculture cop show "The Mod Squad," also starring then-unknown actors Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole. He was a mainstay of the series until its end in 1973, and went on to have a career in film, television and theater spanning four decades.
Williams portrayed Prince's father in 1984's "Purple Rain" and had a recurring role as FBI Agent Roger Hardy on the TV show "Twin Peaks." He also had a long-running collaboration with director John Frankenheimer, playing Bobby Shy in 1986's "52 Pick-Up," Chaka in 1994's "Against the Wall," Archie in the 1997 TV movie "George Wallace" and Merlin in 2000's "Reindeer Games."
Born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939, Williams began his career in acting on stage in "Dark of the Moon" in 1957, directed by Vinette Caroll. He also starred opposite Geraldine Page in "The Great Outdoors" on Broadway. In 1965, Williams earned a Tony nomination and Theatre World award for his starring performance in "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground." Williams' other theater credits include co-starring with Maggie Smith in Tom Stoppard's "Night and Day" and leading Joseph Papp's "King John" at the Delacorte Theatre.
Williams' other film credits include "The General's Daughter," "Sugar Hill," "Half Baked," "Deep Cover," "Hoodlum," "The Brave," "Happy Here and Now," "The Legend of 1900" and "Life." More recently, Williams appeared in "Lee Daniels' The Butler" in 2013 as Maynard.
Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw and grandniece Azaria Verdin.
Kenya Duke Calls Gary Owen A ‘Deadbeat’ Who Hasn’t Seen His Kids In Months On Social Media!
After Gary Owen uploaded a photo in a t-shirt that read “bread-winner” along with a definition, his estranged wife Kenya Duke went to social media and blasted him with a lengthy post. Under the same photo, Duke, who filed for divorce from Owen in March, shared on Instagram that she felt triggered by the photo because she was more of a breadwinner throughout their 23 years together and felt that the Think Like a Man star was lying.
She went on to share that Owen has not provided any emotional or financial support to their family since April.
I have never gone to the media. The media goes looking for the paperwork. I have allowed you to tell your family, friends, and fans any false narrative that you want or need it to be about us, the relationship and our kids. Because I DON’T care or feel a need to defend or explain myself. You and I know what it really is! But when you go and make these dumb passive aggressive posts in these insensitive ass t-shirts, I am triggered and you now have my attention. You haven’t supported us since April 1st. Nothing, nada, zero not electric, water, gas, not insurance (medical, dental, life, car, house, etc.), not groceries, not maintenance for the house, not the gas or maintenance of the cars, not the platinum card I got for us (because you wanted one) and you couldn’t get one (on your own), not the cell phone you had for 23 years; instead you just got another phone number and didn’t pay the bill. All of our bills are attached to my SSN and credit. You have paid the $4500 mortgage that is attached to your SSN and credit (for the 1st time) but that is it.
Duke added that Owen hasn’t seen their children in months. She also expressed feeling disrespected and that Owen disregarded the years they shared together by posting that picture.
You haven’t seen your daughter in over 6 1/2 months, you haven’t seen your son in over 4 months. This is your choice. You do remember us right???? I “guess” we were useful when your content was needed. Or when I allowed you to live your best life while I stayed back with our kids, the house and taking care of the business. This is what it is after 23 years, of being the only one to have your back 100% of the time, wow! The new you is a Mofo. Do you even recognize right anymore? You’ve shown lack of care for me maintaining the financial stability and sole emotional support for our kids. I am the only person that has always protected you and you treat me like this, says more about your character than any of your antics. You are not a good guy, so cut it out and get a shirt that says DEADbEAT. I will let you get back to living your best life…lying, clout chasing, side chicks, and looking for a black celebrity friend group. #igiveyouzeroproblems #noliestold
#DONTBELATEFORTHECOURTDATE
Duke also insinuated in a now-deleted Instagram post that Owen was unfaithful during their marriage. The post read:
“Dallas, TX—I have all your info.
I am going to deal with you in a minute, I am a little busy now.
You can have him but you can’t disrespect me and my kids in the process.
@GaryOwenComedy let her know a storm is coming.”
Duke is also requesting $44,000 a month in spousal support “to pay credit cards and finance her personal spending,” according to TMZ.
Issa Rae Cast As Spider-Woman In 'Spider-Verse' Sequel!
The spider-verse just got a little more Insecure, if you know what we mean. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Issa Rae will be joining the cast of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as Jessica Drew, also known as Spider-Woman.
Alongside Shameik Moore (Dope, Netflix’s The Get Down) and Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2, Bumblebee) returning as Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen, Rae’s roles as Spider-Woman is a dream come true for the self-proclaimed Marvel fan. The Lovebirds actress took to her Instagram story to express her excitement. “The way that I have loved Spider-Man since the third grade. A dream come true,” she wrote in her story.
Insecure co-star Yvonne Orji tweeted the official announcement of Rae joining the animated Spider-Verse movie, and said: “Love. To. See. It.”
Though “plot details are being kept hidden in the circuits of a super-collider,” according to THR, the sequel has a slated release date of Oct. 7, 2022. Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be the credited writers, and Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson are directing.
In more Issa Rae-related news, the multihyphenate announced her eight-figure deal with WarnerMedia and is currently filming the fifth and final season of Insecure, which earned her three Emmy nominations, including outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul Ends Without a Knockout After 8 Rounds!
Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul’s highly-anticipated boxing match ended after eight rounds without a knockout.
via NYT: Floyd Mayweather Jr., the greatest boxer of this generation, exerted little energy in an exhibition bout against Logan Paul, a social media star with essentially no experience, earning millions of dollars in the process.
Mayweather boxed against Paul for eight rounds in a rainy Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., in an unofficial bout that would never have been a threat to Mayweather’s spotless professional record. No winner was announced because there were no judges in the special event. But the fans craved a knockout, and began booing toward the end of the final round.
Paul, who stands 6 inches taller and weighed in 34½ pounds heavier than Mayweather, exerted his weight on Mayweather throughout the fight, hugging and leaning his bigger frame against the boxer’s body.
“He’s better than I thought he was,” Mayweather said in the ring after the fight. “I was surprised by him tonight. He knew how to use his weight and he tied me up tonight.”
It was a change in tone for Mayweather, who in the lead-up to the fight likened the contest to a “legalized bank robbery.” Mayweather has been known for using an evasive style rather than relying on knockout power.
“It’s an honor to grace the ring with him, this is the coolest thing ever,” Paul said after the fight. “I’m glad I made it out. He’s old but he’s tough to hit.”
Floyd and Logan made millions of dollars and everyone else got to sit back and watch them do…nothing.
‘In The Heights” Star Stephanie Beatriz Pregnant With 1st Child!
Congratulations are in order for actress Stephanie Beatriz, who announced Wednesday that she is expecting her first child with husband Brad Hoss.
The "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star, 40, revealed the happy news on Instagram, sharing a photo of her cradling her baby bump while leaning against Hoss.
"Mom and Dad (for real tho)," she gushed in the caption. "PEOPLE’s Pride Issue is on newsstands nationwide Friday!! In it, we talk about our expanding and chosen family."
The happy couple gushed about becoming first-time parents with People, with Beatriz revealing what values she intends to instill in her child.
"I think one of the best things you can do is raise a kid who understands that however a person chooses to shape their one glorious life is worthy of celebration," she explained.
Beatriz, who is openly bisexual, also discussed how she didn't originally see herself settling down or starting a family.
"I didn't think that a committed partnership was really for me," the upcoming "In The Heights" star said. "I couldn't really see kids. It wasn't that I was closed off to it. It was more that I couldn't quite see how a baby fit into the life that I was building."
Although Beatriz married a man, she insisted it doesn't make her "any less queer."
"I was able to be my fullest, most authentic self around Brad. He's extremely empathetic and open," she said of her husband, whom she married in 2018.
Simone Biles Becomes First Woman to Win 7th All-Around U.S. Gymnastics Title!
Simone Biles is continuing to look unstoppable ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 24-year-old gymnast claimed her seventh-straight all-around title at the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Ft. Worth, Texas on Sunday, June 6.
In doing so, she remained unbeaten at nationals since 2013 and became the first American woman to win the title seven times, breaking her tie with Clara Schroth Lombady, who competed in the late 1940s and early '50s. Alfred Jochim (1925-30, 1933) is the only other American gymnast to collect seven titles.
During the weekend-long event, Simone compiled a total score of 119.650 and also took the titles in the vault, balance beam and floor, in addition to the all-around.
Suni Lee ended up in second place with 114.950, while Jordan Chiles, who is Simone's training partner, landed in third with 114.450.
All three athletes are seen as increasingly likely to occupy three of the four slots on the U.S. team that will be gunning for its third-consecutive Olympic team gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Olympic Trials for the team take place June 24 to 27.
Every Time Simone Biles Was a Total Winner
"It's really emotional, especially going into my second time doing an Olympic run," Simone said after winning the title. "It's really crazy, and I appreciate everyone that's come out to watch and support us, especially after the year we've had."
Among those congratulating the athlete on her special day was former Olympic teammate Aly Raisman, who tweeted, "Congrats @Simone_Biles proud of you!!!!"
At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Simone picked up three individual gold medals and one bronze, in addition to the gold she won with the U.S. team. Her 30 total Olympic and World Championship medals rank her as the most-decorated American gymnast, and third-most in the world.
Belarus gymnast Vitaly Scherbo, who retired in 1997, is tops with 33 medals at the Olympics and Worlds, meaning Simone would need four medals in Tokyo to surpass him.
Zendaya's Lola Bunny Makes Debut in New 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Trailer - Watch!
Zendaya is making her debut as Lola Bunny!
ESPN released a new trailer for the upcoming Space Jam: A New Legacy starring LeBron James.
In the new trailer, fans are treated to a first listen at the 24-year-old actress’ voice as Lola Bunny.
The new trailer is framed in a mock documentary that builds up to the plot of the new movie.
At one point, Lola Bunny confidently proclaims to LeBron and the rest of the Looney Toones that they are part of “Lola’s Team,” which is then followed with a hilarious cutaway to an upset looking Bugs Bunny.
When it was first announced that Zendaya had joined the cast, the movie’s director Malcolm D. Lee explained why he decided to give Lola Bunny a modern new look.
WATCH
Space Jam: A New Legacy premieres July 16 in theaters and on HBO Max.
Pose Star Mj Rodriguez Responds To Talk Of A House Of Abundance Spin-Off!
Pose's third season treated fans to a special flashback episode with 'The Trunk', which gave us a glimpse into how characters including Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista came to meet in the House of Abundance.
Some fans enjoyed the flashback scenes so much that they've been calling for a prequel series further exploring the earlier years of the House of Abundance. Star Mj Rodriguez – who plays Blanca – has revealed during an exclusive interview with Digital Spy that she would love to be involved in such a show if it were to happen.
"I mean if Ryan [Murphy, the show's co-creator] was ready and down and willing, honey, I would jump right on it," she said. "I loved being young Blanca... I would love to get more funny moments with younger Blanca, because I feel like the younger kids need to see that."
The actress also explained just how much she loved exploring her character's younger self, telling us that she found the experience very liberating.
"Oh my god – going back I was so happy, I was so excited," she said. "Mj is naturally a silly, funny, goofy person... I was finally able to just be foolish and show my younger side. Show the kid side of me that I always wanted to show.
"I've always had to be, or act, as this really strong, secure, held-together woman, because Blanca that's who she is, as this person who's gone through so much... Everyone has learned from their struggles. But no one really got to see where she just got to live, while her mother Elektra (Dominique Jackson) was struggling to make sure she was alright.
"And it was just so fun, it was so silly! I watched that episode like four times because I just love all of the dynamics between every one of the cast members... It was beautiful at the same time. People got to see where the kids got their lessons from."
The star also spoke about how Blanca's journey on the show will conclude, saying that "the story will definitely end off on a high note".
"I think people will be happy with that," she said. "I think the work with her children that she has laid down throughout all of the seasons is being seen. She gets to see that she worked hard in raising resilient children... And I just think that's where the season will leave off, I think it leaves off with hope."
6ix9ine Taunts Lil Durk Over Reported Death of His Brother OTF DThang!
After the reported death of Lil Durk’s brother Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr., 6ix9ine opted to not pay his respects or keep silent on the matter, instead taunting the rapper during his tough time.
On Sunday, in a post on Akademiks’ Instagram page, the rainbow-haired artist decided to clown Durk over the Chicago shooting that reportedly took the life of his sibling. As previously reported by TMZ, DThang was reportedly shot and killed outside of a nightclub this weekend.
“[Lil Durk] tell the truth about yo Gang man they really dyin,” 6ix9ine wrote alongside several laughing emojis.
But, while he also told Durk to “stop the senseless violence” with a few more tasteless emojis, he wasn’t only in the comment sections of his good friends like Ak. As Hotnewhiphop reports, 6ix9ine also shared a sarcastic “RIP” on a Shade Room post about the reported death of Durk’s brother. And fans have been finding other possible examples throughout Instagram as well.
Former Alabama Police Officer Shot And Killed His Wife Two Weeks After Getting His Gun Back!
A former Alabama police officer shot and killed his wife a little over two weeks after getting his gun back. The gun was taken away following a prior domestic dispute between the couple that left his wife with a gunshot wound.
Police took 43-year-old Jason McIntosh’s pistol nine months ago when he shot his wife, 31-year-old Megan Montgomery, in the arm. He was placed on leave until an investigation was completed but resigned from the Hoover Police Department just two days later.
Yet despite having an active order of protection, McIntosh was given back his weapon. His own attorney even condemned the move, who said it was “irrational, illogical, and not prudent to do so.”
Alabama has a law on the books stating no one with a restraining order for domestic abuse should have access to a gun, according to the Daily Mail. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, who took over the case since McIntosh’s co-workers were the responding officers, said the investigation was closed, and there was no reason to keep his personal property, despite the law.
“Additionally, the restraining order did not restrict Mr. McIntosh’s access to firearms. If the gun had been a department-issued service weapon, ALEA would have returned it to the department,” a spokesman for the ALEA said.
But, in December 2019, just 16 days after getting his gun back, McIntosh fatally shot Montgomery after driving her to a parking lot and beating her.
McIntosh pleaded guilty to murder earlier this year, part of a plea agreement that nets him 30 years behind bars. A judge accepted his plea on March 31, and as part of the deal, he admitted to the murder but not to committing capital murder. He would’ve been eligible for the death penalty if convicted of capital murder
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
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HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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