Lil Nas X for Variety - Power of Young Hollywood Issue 2021!
Lil Nas X has achieved a pinch-me level of stardom since releasing “Old Town Road” in 2019, which has become the biggest song of the 21st century. Some of the places that journey has taken him include a turn around the dance floor with Beyoncé at her and Jay-Z’s Halloween party — “She said she’s super proud of me and to keep going; it was a next-level experience” — and rubbing shoulders with Timothée Chalamet, whose star turn in “Call Me by Your Name” led Nas to make it the subtitle of his recent chart-topping “Montero” single and groundbreaking video
“I saw it at home while I was beginning to make my album,” recalls Nas, 22, about the 2017 independent film. “And I was really happy to see such an artsy gay film, you know? I used it as a subtitle because I felt like that song, even before I added in lyrics, sounded like that movie, taking sounds from Indian music, Arabic music, African music, Latin music.”
How Lil Nas X Is Revolutionizing Hip-Hop as an Empowered Gay Star
Nas ran into Chalamet at “Saturday Night Live” last October. “He was just hanging out backstage, and he like super supportive and showed love,” Nas says. “I was like, ‘Holy shit, that’s a crazy, full-circle moment.'”
In a short time, Nas has become a generation-defining artist, pushing boundaries as he proudly shows the world who he is — an empowered, gay hip-hop star. In this week’s Variety Power of Young Hollywood cover story, Nas talks about his life and career, including coming out of the closet in 2019 at the height of his “Old Town Road” success.
In the Q&A below, Nas discusses being an LGBTQ role model, the imagery in his music videos — including a pixilated jail shower dance sequence in “Industry Baby” — how he met his first boyfriend on Grindr and why he doesn’t want to share his thoughts on DaBaby.
I’m older than you. I remember knowing that I was gay in junior high school, and not having any role models on TV. What has it meant for you to make being gay cool for a new generation of kids?
I don’t know if we’re quite there yet, but I feel like being in this place where so much of the youth already supports me and being out and open with myself, a lot of those ones that are having those feelings will be more confident in themselves. I wish I saw that growing up more. I feel like that’s the reason why a lot of gay youth cling on to female pop stars, because they’re much more accepting of us and whatnot.
Who were your role models?
Knowing people like Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator existed, it definitely made things easier for me.7
What has expressing your sexuality in your music done for you?
I had to think about it. I see myself as a pop star, and I look at what pop stars have done and what they’re not allowed to do. But then, also, look at the idea of an “out” gay artist. It has to be very sanitized and it has to be very clean and they’re not allowed to be actually sexual — not even using “he” pronouns, sometimes. It’s kinda like “my lover” or “my best friend.” I don’t want to be that. I know some people had no choice but to be that, but I feel like I live in an era where I don’t have to be that.
When you met Timothée Chalamet at “SNL,” what did he say to you?
I don’t remember exactly. I think he said something along the lines of him being proud of me, and he was on the set of “Dune” listening to one of my songs.
Was this before or after you had split your pants?
This was pre-split pants.
Let’s talk about some of the imagery in your music videos. For “Industry Baby,” why did you set that in a prison? On Twitter, people wondered if it was based on “Oz” or “Prison Break.”
“Prison Break” was definitely a big part of that. What else? The “Telephone” visual. Even there’s a reference “In da Club” by 50 Cent. But mainly, I really wanted to go to a place that I felt like people would not expect me to go for a music video.
Why the naked dancing in the prison showers?
If I go to prison and they were already doing it before they even saw the video, I knew people were gonna make those jokes about, “Don’t drop the soap.” Like, “Oh, he loves to drop the soap.” So it’s kind of… let me beat you to the punch.
The music video is pixilated. Were you actually naked when you filmed the dance scenes?
I don’t know. You tell me. You’ve got to find out.
Talk to me about the lyrics in “Holiday” where you come out as a bottom. [“Can I pop shit?/I might bottom on the low, but I top shit.”]
Not “come out as a bottom.” I’m dead.
Is that phrasing not accurate?
I think the phrasing is 100% accurate. I feel like even within the gay community, people see bottoming as a joke or something. And somebody who bottoms is beneath a top or something. The idea of that, I feel like, is a form of misogyny between men, you know? It doesn’t make any sense, and people attribute certain traits to whichever sexual position you decide to take. A lot of people say, “It’s just a joke.” But all jokes have truths to them.
Lil Nas X Power of Young Hollywood
How has becoming famous affected your sex life?
Oh, before fame, I didn’t really have a sexual life besides one person or two. It’s definitely made things a lot more interesting, to say the least. I’ve had some good boyfriends, some bad ones. A lot of them emotionally unavailable and whatnot. A lot of insecurity between them. But yeah, I found somebody special now.
You’re currently in a relationship?
Yeah. I think this is the one. I can’t explain it. It’s a feeling.
How did you meet guys before him?
You know how gay people meet guys.
On Grindr?
Ha, ha. Yes. That’s how I met my first boyfriend.
Were you recognized?
I wasn’t famous. I didn’t even do music yet. This is in college. I believe [age] 18. Before that, I had a guy who — it wasn’t my boyfriend, but we met in high school, we met in middle school, and we talked after we both found out that each other were gay or whatnot.
When did you know you were gay?
Maybe like 5. I had feelings for my sister’s cousin on her father’s side. We have different dads. And I was like, “Oh my God. He’s really cute.” Not only that, a lot of other boys my age, I was, like, “Oh, this boy is cute.” I didn’t act on anything until middle school, but then high school.
Do you think you’ll see a gay president in your lifetime?
I think that I’ll see a trans president in my lifetime. Things are progressing really fast.
How long do you think it’ll take?
Hmmm. Maybe 12 years.
Have you ever been to the Abbey?
The Abbey? I have not.
Do you ever go to gay bars?
I have with some of my friends before. I went to a gay bar with Kevin Abstract before. That was really cool. I went when the pandemic had just started. I had a hat and a mask on, so I wasn’t as recognizable. Plus, I wouldn’t look people in the eyes.
Was this in West Hollywood?
Yup.
How has homophobia affected you as an artist?
It bred a lot of self-hate, but it also made me stronger once I started getting over it. I was 17 or 18 [when] I finally accepted [being gay], and slowly, more and more, I’ve grown into that person who is 100% open with it.
In what ways have you observed homophobia in the music industry?
I’ll pass on that one.
Do you have a response to DaBaby’s homophobic comments?
The honest truth is, I don’t want to speak on a lot of the homophobia within rap and whatnot because I feel like this is a very dangerous playing field, you know? It’s more for my own safety rather than anything else.
Have you felt unsafe as a gay man in public?
Yeah, a lot of the times, absolutely. Especially once the “Call Me” video came out. There was literally someone who chased my car a few days after that video came out, and they were like, “Fuck you!” or something like that. They started to follow the car. That’s when I started getting security.
Because they were angry about you releasing your video?
I’m not sure exactly what, but I feel like it couldn’t be a coincidence — the timing of that and the video.
What is the first big splurge that you made after you got famous?
The first big splurge? I honestly don’t think I’ve made a big splurge until years later. I was so self-conscious with spending until my house, I guess. Once I got my house, I became more comfortable with spending, and that was this year. I bought this statue of this rainbow Jesus, and I think it was like a thousand dollars, and I was like, “Oh, this is really cool. This is worth it.”
Where is the rainbow Jesus?
It’s in my bathroom, on the counter.
WOW!
RHOA: Andy Cohen Addresses 'RHOA' Season 14 Casting, Predicts 6 Housewives and Sheree might really Coming back!
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's season 14 cast is coming together, so says Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen.
"You know what? We are noodling with the configuration of Atlanta as we speak," Cohen tells ET's Matt Cohen while promoting his new Peacock series Ex-Rated. When asked if rumors circulating that Porsha Williams and Cynthia Bailey might be out of the line-up, and franchise OG Sheree Whitfield could return, Cohen pulled a scrap piece of paper out of the waste basket at his desk.
"I just threw out a little piece of paper that has the names of who I believe the cast will be," he reveals. "I am not going to show you ... there are six names on this list."
Six would be one more 'Wife than season 13, which featured Porsha, Cynthia, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora, but the number is as much as the Watch What Happens Live host offered up when it came to a RHOA update (and Bravo does not comment on in-the-works casting). Cohen did confess to wanting to see Sheree back on the small screen when asked about which former Housewives from any city he'd like to bring back to TV. She last appeared as a cast member in season 10, which finished airing in 2018.
"I always love Sheree," he gushes. "I mean, we just brought Heather Dubrow back in Orange County and I thought that was great. It would be fun -- I think it would be fun to bring someone back who no one would [expect] -- I mean, people talk about Dorinda [Medley] or Lisa Vanderpump or... I always like the curveball and the people saying, 'What?! You're bringing back this person?!' I think Monique [Samuels] would be fun in Potomac."
While any of those returns remain to be seen, viewers can see a lot more of Cohen on screen in Ex-Rated, a new dating/social experiment streaming show on Peacock, in which people get a chance to be graded on some intimate topics by their exes.
#MusicNews: Elton John Teams Up With Dua Lipa For 'Cold Heart' Remix!
Elton John and Dua Lipa love each other. And we should be grateful for that because it's yielded us the track "Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)," which dropped on Friday.
The song features John singing lyrics from his 1989 single "Sacrifice" and Lipa coming with lyrics from the classic John hit, 1972's "Rocket Man."
LISTEN HERE
Both artists shared the love on social media in announcing the song.
"This track is the culmination of a beautiful friendship with you Dua and I'm so happy we can now share it - I hope you all love it!" John tweeted.
Lipa tweeted "Elton you are my friend and my hero and I never thought i'd be able to ever say that in a sentence."
"Thank you for all your love and support," she wrote. "Grateful to make music with you in this life."
Prior to the song's release, John teased it on his official Instagram account writing "Dua, I adore you, and it has been an incredible experience making this together. I can't wait for you all to hear it!"
And we think it's going to be a long, long time until we stop playing this tune.
#HipHopNews: Wu-Tang Clan Descends On Historic Red Rocks For 1st Show Since Pandemic!
DENVER, CO – All nine members of the Wu-Tang Clan — RZA, GZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna — descended on the historic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado on Friday night (August 13), their first show since the COVID-19 pandemic began its rampage.
Backed by the Colorado Symphony, the legendary Hip Hop crew sailed through hits such as “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Can It All Be So Simple” and “Protect Your Neck” as a screening of the 1978 film The 36th Chambers of Shaolin played on a giant screen in the background.
“My name is the RZA from the almighty Wu-Tang Clan,” RZA said as he initially stepped on stage. “First of all, it’s a privilege to be here tonight at Red Rocks. This is our first concert since the pandemic.
“We want to do something really special for y’all tonight, so we’re gonna bring a lot of childhood energy to you tonight. We want to show you one of our favorite movies called The 36th Chambers of Shaolin. We’ve got the Colorado Symphony orchestra, too.”
Young Dirty Bastard, the son of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, was also on deck to not only fill in for his famous father but also floss his new shoe collaboration with pro skater Paul Hart and FP Footwear.
The mid-top sneaker features the album cover for ODB’s 1995 album Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version on the side, which YDB was all too happy to show off.
Meanwhile, Method Man talked about his fitness routine backstage and revealed the macro component to his diet was integral. When asked how much cardio he did per day, he told HipHopDX with a laugh, “I do cardio every day busting my ass trying to chase this paper.”
LISTEN TO SOME OF THE SHOW HERE
Opening act Big Boi, who brought along Dungeon Family legend Sleepy Brown, performed several Outkast songs, including “Player’s Ball” and “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” then did it all over again for a second night at The Mission Ballroom in Denver on Saturday (August 14) with Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark warming things up.
Both shows follow a decision from concert giants Live Nation and AEG Live that will require concert attendees, artists and crew to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result within the last 72 hours beginning October 4.
AEG Live made the announcement on Thursday (August 12) with a press release that read in part, “The decision comes on the heels of the dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads throughout the United States.”
COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents Jay Marciano said in a statement, “We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status. Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again.
“We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”
Mike Dean Insists That He’s Still Working With Kanye West On ‘Donda’: ‘The Album Continues’!
For an album that we know is more or less complete, barring any extreme changes, the process toward the release of Kanye West’s tenth album, Donda, has been an extremely drawn-out effort. While the wait has certainly tested the patience of fans, one could assume that the constant work behind the scenes on the album may be a nuisance for some collaborators and that appeared to be the case for producer and engineer Mike Dean, who is a frequent collaborator of the rapper.
Thanks to a string of tweets from Dean on Saturday, many fans concluded that he quit working on Kanye’s upcoming project, but the producer insists that’s not the case.
It all started when Saturday evening when Dean sent out a number of tweets that seemed to be rooted in frustration. They included brief messages like “F*CK THIS” and “good to be at the house!!!” as well as longer ones where he writes, “100000% FOCUS ON MY SHOW PRODUCTION FOR NEXT WEEK. GONNA BE LIKE COACHELLA IN A 650 PERSON VENUE!!” A Kanye fan replied and wrote, “Fine but then go help Kanye PLZ,” to which Dean answered, “Helping myself. Thx.” Another user mentioned the producer and said, “mike dean is more than just donda guys,” and Dean replied, “A lot more. Very much more.”
Elsewhere, a fan who took notice of Dean’s tweets concluded in posts of their own that Dean’s messages were about his work on Donda. The Twitter user labeled the album’s process as “toxic” and “the weirdest rollout over.” The producer then slipped into the Twitter conversation and wrote, “Toxic. That’s it.” There was another message from Dean that called for fans to direct their album questions to the artists rather than to their collaborators.
“Don’t ask me about utopia or any other albums drop date,” Dean wrote referencing Travis Scott’s highly-anticipated fourth album. “Ask the artists. I’m not the decision makers here !!
Despite all of this, Dean returned to Twitter on Sunday morning to clear the air and assure fans that he has not stepped away from any projects. “I haven’t quit anything,” he shared in a tweet. “The album continues. Lol. People read too much into tweets. Lol.”
Jennifer Lopez Officially Moves On After Removing Ex-Fiancé Alex Rodriguez From Instagram!
Jennifer Lopez's latest gesture has "No Me Ames" written all over it. The 52-year-old global superstar proved that she's seriously moving on on from her breakup with Alex Rodriguez by making their split Instagram official. Take one look at her grid and you'll notice the retired MLB player is no longer featured on her page.
However, A-Rod does appear in a handful of J.Lo's videos that aren't centered around him, including a Father's Day tribute she shared in June 2020, a clip of the two speaking to President Joe Biden in October 2020 and another post dedicated to her mother, Lupe, on her 75th birthday in December 2020.
In addition, the JLo Beauty founder unfollowed her ex-fiancé. But at this time, the 46-year-old sports broadcaster still follows Jennifer and has kept photos of her on his Instagram page.
After hitting a rough patch in their four-year relationship earlier this year, the duo decided to call off their engagement in April.
"We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so," J.Lo and A-Rod said in a joint statement to E! News. "We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects."
Since going their separate ways, the Hustlers actress has moved on with an old flame: Ben Affleck.
After rekindling their romance just a few months ago, Jennifer and Ben appear to have picked up right where they left off.
The couple, who dated in the early aughts, recently enjoyed a sizzling European getaway and have continued to step out for romantic date nights in Los Angeles—where J.Lo is looking to find her new dream home.
"They are both very secure within their relationship and Ben worships her. It's truly meant to be and everyone around them thinks they are a perfect match," a source previously told E! News. "They have been meshing their lives and families and don't feel the need to get engaged yet or even tie the knot. They have both been there and don't feel it's necessary."
As for A-Rod? The former New York Yankees player appears to be enjoying his single status. After jetting off to St. Tropez (around the same time as J.Lo) for his birthday festivities, Alex took to Instagram Stories to share his new outlook on life.
"Stepping out with the big D energy," he wrote on Aug. 1. "Determined, darling & dapper AF…"
To celebrate his birthday on July 27, Alex expressed he was cherishing every moment, writing on Instagram, "I'm feeling so grateful today. Not just for celebrating my big day with my incredible friends and family on this magical trip, but for all the well-wishes, love and support from everyone. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Kevin Hart And Wife Eniko Parrish Share Sweet Tributes On 5th Anniversary!
Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko Parrish celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary with gushy Instagram tributes to each other on Friday.
“happy anniversary babe!” Parrish, 36, captioned a photo from their 2016 nuptials. “As we continue to grow older and change with age, my love for you remains the same..happy to be sharing life with you..”
She added, “5 years down! Forever to go..xo 💋”
Hart also posted a photo of the pair, calling his wife a “hot momma cheesecake.”
“Love u to the moon and back,” he wrote.
The pair wed in a lavish Santa Barbara wedding in front of 200 friends and family.
In 2017, the comedian, 42, copped to cheating on Parrish after a woman attempted to extort him for $10 million. He called it his “dumbest moment.”
“I’m gonna go home, I’m gonna address it,” he said at the time. “I’m gonna make my wife fully aware of what’s going on in the situation that I have now put us in and I’m hoping that she has a heart to where she can forgive me and understand that this is not going to be a reoccurring thing and allow me to recover from my f—king massive mistake.”
The couple welcomed their first baby Kenzo in 2017 and their second, Kaori, in September 2020.
“a little bit of heaven sent down to earth..welcome to the world baby girl..we couldn’t love you more..💜,” Parrish wrote on social media of Kaori’s birth.
Hart also shares two teenage children, Hendrix and Heaven with ex-wife Torrei Hart.
Dr.Dre’s Daughter LaTanya Young Launches GoFundMe Page!
Dr. Dre’s oldest daughter LaTanya Young has launched a GoFundMe page almost a week after revealing during an interview that she was currently homeless with her four children.
The GoFundMe page was launched on August 9, five days after Young’s explosive interview with the Daily Mail where she revealed she reportedly didn’t receive help from her father. Young said she was living out of an SUV rental in Tarzana, Califonia, and claimed she hasn’t received money from Dr. Dre since January 2020.
It reads, “This fundraiser is to help LaTanya and her four kids find a safe and stable home. She is currently working at DoorDash to keep afloat and these funds will be deeply appreciated.” The page is asking for a goal amount of $50,000 to help her find housing.
During the interview, she stated that she was in a “desperate situation.”
“I think GoFundMe campaigns are for people in desperate situations, and I’m in a desperate situation,”
Currently, the page has raised $3,700 as Young’s situation is going viral on social media after public figures addressed it on their platforms. Young says she hopes her father will contact her soon in light of the situation she’s facing.
“I know my dad is a busy man but I hope he will see it and reach back out to me on a father-daughter level.”
Chaos At The Kabul Airport Reflects The Desperation Of The Moment!
The scenes out of Afghanistan’s international airport in Kabul reflect the chaos and desperation the country is facing.
Images from the ground show hundreds if not thousands of Afghans crowding the airport, including the tarmac, in an apparent attempt to flee the country, as NPR’s Greg Myre described on Morning Edition Monday
U.S. forces have set up razor wire to keep the crowd back, and there have been reports of gunfire at or near the airport (NPR has not confirmed the details). The U.S. said Sunday an additional 1,000 troops would head to Kabul to help with evacuation airports, boosting the overall expected numbers to about 6,000 U.S. troops in the country.
The airlift of thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people, includes dual Afghan-U.S. citizens as well as Afghans who’ve helped the U.S., “but it seems many people have just rushed to the airport on their own,” Myre reports.
A Brawl Erupts At Rams Vs. Chargers Preseason Game!
Audiences are back at sports arenas and as it appears- bringing their problems with them. A brawl erupted between several fans at the Rams vs. Chargers preseason game in Los Angeles this weekend,
It’s unclear what sparked the altercation between the individuals, all who appear to be adult males. A cell phone recording shared by Twitter user @Dubs408 with the caption “Aaron Donald jersey caught a mean 100 piece,” shows a male in a white Aaron Donald jersey appear to be in a heated debate with a group of other fans. A woman can be seen being escorted out of the verbal altercation before it turned physical. Another fan throws a cup at the male in the Aaron Donald jersey before the man throws a series of punches at the others. He’s eventually pulled over the chairs in front of him as the area clears out.
The fight appeared to be over before security arrived almost two minutes later. No word on whether any arrests were made although a photo posted on USA Today’s Rams’ Wire page shows the fan in the Donald jersey standing shirtless and bloodied in the stands, but otherwise not seriously injured.
WATCH HERE
The Rams won the game 13-6.
#BOXOFFICENEWS: ‘Free Guy’ Tops $28 Million At The Domestic Box Office And There Might Be A Sequel!
Disney’s “Free Guy” tallied more than $28 million at the domestic box office during its opening weekend, higher than its $15 million to $20 million forecast.
Positive word of mouth led “Free Guy” to see a 24% spike in ticket sales between Friday and Saturday, the most of any tentpole released this summer.
“Free Guy” had a rare theatrical-only release this weekend and is an original concept with no franchise ties.
Heading into the weekend, analysts were eager to see whether fears over the Covid delta variant or the availability of films on streaming has caused a slowdown in box office sales.
In this article
Walt Disney’s “Free Guy” tallied more than $28 million at the domestic box office during its opening weekend, smashing expectations.
The 20th Century Studio’s film, which stars Ryan Reynolds, was forecast to garner between $15 million to $20 million over its first three days. With $22.5 million from international ticket sales, the film secured around $51 million globally.
Positive word of mouth led “Free Guy” to see a 24% spike in ticket sales between Friday and Saturday, the most of any tentpole released this summer. The film’s performance seems to have pleased Disney, which is reportedly interested in creating a sequel, according to Reynolds.
″[And] after [three] years messaging as an original IP movie, Disney confirmed today they officially want a sequel,” the actor wrote on Twitter Friday.
Box office analysts were eagerly watching “Free Guy’s” release, as its theatrical-only release and original concept would be a barometer for the strength of the movie theater industry.
Most of the high-profile films that had a theatrical-only release — such as Universal’s “F9” and Paramount’s “A Quiet Place Part II” — are part of established film franchises, giving them a ready-made fan base.
Likewise, it’s been difficult with hybrid releases, like Warner Bros.′ “The Suicide Squad,” to determine if ticket sales were hurt because of the pandemic or because the film was available to stream at home.
“In the latest box-office release model stress test, ‘Free Guy’ came out a winner,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.
Dergarabedian said that around 86% of theaters were open compared to 2019 levels, the highest of any weekend since March 2020.
“The film offers up even more proof that even in this challenging marketplace, movie theater exclusivity pays dividends not only in the opening weekend but over the long haul,” he said.
Authorities Take 2nd Child From 'American Idol' Contestant Syesha Mercado, Prompting Outrage!
Syesha Mercado, a former “American Idol” finalist embroiled in a battle with authorities to regain custody of her toddler son after he was unexpectedly placed in foster care earlier this year, has now had her newborn daughter taken away from her, too.
On Wednesday, Mercado broadcast an Instagram Live video showing Manatee County, Florida, sheriff’s deputies surrounding her car and insisting that she surrender her days-old baby in a surprise welfare check off to the side of a road.
In the video, Mercado holds the infant in a fluffy pink blanket and begs deputies not to take her, explaining the baby is breastfed.
After pumping a couple ounces of breast milk in the back of her car into a bottle to go with her daughter, Mercado starts to slowly carry her over to deputies.
“How could you guys do this? Do you not feel anything?” she asks at one point before starting to sob. “My baby is days old and you’re taking my baby away from me. You’re taking my baby away from me. You have no heart. This is so wrong.”
The video, which lasts for over an hour, has been viewed more than 1.3 million times and has prompted outrage among Mercado’s supporters, who feel racism has played a part in her case, along with other injustices. Mercado and her partner, Tyron Deener, who was also in the car during the confrontation, are both Black.
The couple’s nightmare initially began in late February when they took their one-year-old son, Amen’Ra, to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, for dehydration when he was struggling with the transition from breast milk to solid foods, according to We Have the Right to Be Right, an activist group campaigning for Mercado.
While there, the group says, Amen’Ra was assessed by Dr. Sally Smith, a physician who was the subject of a USA Today Network investigation for being accused by critics of being too quick to conclude caregivers are abusing children, something Smith denied to USA Today Network. The investigation reviewed hundreds of Smith’s cases and found more than a dozen instances in which charges were dropped or parents were acquitted, but their reputations forever tarnished.
In Mercado’s case, instead of Amen’Ra being released to his parents at the end of his hospital stay, he was put into the hands of the Manatee Child Protective Services.
In a statement to NBC News on Friday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said it had received information from the hospital’s child abuse line that a boy was “severely malnourished,” which Mercado disputes. Mercado says a child protective officer also accused her of denying her son a B12 shot that the hospital recommended.
Afghans rush airport tarmac in frenzy to flee as Kabul wakes to Taliban takeover
“Amen’Ra was forcefully and legally kidnapped from us by CPS, who claim we refused a B12 shot that was a matter of life and death, which is an absolute lie. We never refused a B12 shot, and at no point was he on the verge of death,” Mercado wrote in a GoFundMe account she created to cover legal fees; it has received more than $230,000 in donations.
The boy was discharged to a foster family without anyone consulting Mercado first on whether there were any family or friends qualified to house him, Mercado said. The foster family is white, she said, adding that she felt racial discrimination against parents of color and their children was pervasive and something that Amen’Ra’s case would shine a light on.
Mercado, who is an actor and a Broadway performer in addition to being a former “American Idol” contestant,” did not immediately reply to a request for comment from NBC News.
Her baby was still in protective custody after a hearing Thursday, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Mercado continues to fight for custody of her son.
Authorities always try to place children with another family member prior to any other placement, Capt. Dennis Romano Jr., commander of the child protection investigation division of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, said in a statement Friday, without commenting specifically on Mercado’s children’s cases.
When asked on Mercado’s Instagram Live video why they were taking her newborn, sheriff’s deputies said it was because the couple did not inform authorities that Mercado had given birth while she was in the midst of a legal battle over custody of her first child. In response, Deener tells the authorities that they had requested that all questions about them go through their attorney, something he said had not happened. The baby had just gone for a checkup the day before, the couple explains in the video, and received a clean bill of health.
Before handing over her daughter, Mercado questions again why she is being forced to give up her child.
“My baby is healthy and happy,” she said. “All you had to do was call the attorney. We have all the paperwork.”
Eminem’s Adopted Child Comes Out As Non-Binary!
Eminem’s adopted child, Stevie Laine, has come out as non-binary. The 19-year-old made the announcement in a TikTok video, while sharing their journey to “become more comfortable with myself.” Formerly known as Whitney (she/her), Stevie said they will use “all pronouns” going forward.
“forever growing and changing #greenscreen #genderfluid #bi #life,” Stevie captioned the montage video, which documents their transformation throughout the years.
Stevie received support from their 17,000 TikTok followers including half-sister Hailie Mathers, who liked the video.
Stevie also revealed how they came up with their new name, writing, “I spent a long time trying to pick a name I felt uncomfortable with and the first name I felt comfortable with is Stevie!”
According to Page Six, Stevie came out as bisexual in 2017 and requested at the time to go by the pronouns she/they.
In 2005, Eminem legally adopted Stevie, who is his ex-wife Kim Scott’s biological daughter with Eric Hartter. Scott gave birth to Stevie six months aft
‘Shang-Chi’ Star Simu Liu Fires Back at Disney CEO Over “Experiment” Comment!
Actor Simu Liu appears to have fired back at Disney’s top executive.
via: The Hollywood Reporter: Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who said the upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was an “experiment” for the company.
Chapek made the remark during an earnings call on Thursday while discussing the conglomerate’s future plans for theatrical releases, calling Shang-Chi “an interesting experiment for us” as the film only has a 45-day theatrical window. Shang-Chi along with Free Guy (released Friday), will not be made available on Disney+ Premier Access, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Liu, who plays Marvel hero Shang-Chi, was not pleased by the comment and responded via social media.
“We are not an experiment,” he began. “We are the underdog; the underestimated. We are the ceiling-breakers. We are the celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year. We are the surprise. I’m fired the f**k up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US.”
Shang-Chi will arrive on Disney+ 45 days after its Sept. 3 release. “The prospect of being able to take a Marvel title to the service after going theatrical for 45 days will be yet another data point to inform our actions going forward on our titles,” Chapek said during the call.
Naomi Osaka Is Donating Prize Money To Haitian Relief Efforts!
Tennis phenomenon Naomi Osaka has announced that she is donating her prize money from next week’s Western & Southern Open to help victims of Haiti’s massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Osaka, whose father is Haitian, said, it “Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break,” before adding, “I’m about to play a tournament this week, and I’ll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestor’s blood is strong we’ll keep rising.”
The possible prize money from the tournament ranges from $255,220 for the winner, $188,945 for the runner up and $100,250 for semifinalists.
Erykah Badu Apologises For Being “Terrible Guest” At Barack Obama’s 60th Birthday Party!
Erykah Badu has apologised for being a “terrible guest” at Barack Obama’s 60th birthday party after her photos caused a backlash against the former President.
Badu shared unauthorised photos from the event, which took place at Martha’s Vineyard on August 7, featuring hundreds of guests not wearing masks.
The pictures, which have since been deleted, sparked criticism about the party with it being dubbed a “superspreader event”. The star has now apologised on Twitter for posting the images without permission.
“Mr. And Mrs. Obama , Please forgive me 4 being the “terrible guest “ at such a sacred event for your family,” she wrote. “I was so inconsiderate, Thank you for all your love. What an example of ‘how NOT ‘ to be …… erica.”
When a Twitter user suggests the Obamas had “made” her “take down the video and apologise publicly”, Badu responded: “Naw sis. It’s just right thing.”
Obama’s birthday bash made headlines before it took place after the 475-strong star-studded guestlist had to be cut due to rising COVID-19 cases in the US. Among those who were uninvited were Curb Your Enthusiasm comedian Larry David and talk show hosts David Letterman and Conan O’Brien.
Those in attendance included Jay-Z, Beyoncé, George Clooney, Steven Spielberg, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Dwayne Wade, and Gabrielle Union.
Cardi B Slams Haters After Lizzo Brought to Tears Over Online Negativity!
The internet can be a cruel and nasty place, and unfortunately, celebrities often experience the worst of it. Take Lizzo, who got emotional on Instagram Live recently, where she tearfully talked about how all the negativity she receives is weighing on her.
After a fan tweeted a recording from the IG Live her friend and recent collaborator Cardi B came to her defense.
“When you stand up for yourself they claim your problematic & sensitive,” Cardi wrote in quote-tweet. “When you don’t they tear you apart until you crying like this. Whether you skinny,big,plastic, they going to always try to put their insecurities on you.Remember these are nerds looking at the popular table.”
As for Lizzo, she seems to be fed up with all the hate. “For the most part, it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I don’t care,” she said in the IG Live. “I just think when I’m working this hard, my tolerance gets lower, my patience is lower, I’m more sensitive and it gets to me.”
Cardi later hopped back on Twitter to defend the success of their new song “Rumors,” as well as Lizzo.
“Rumors is doing great. Stop trying to say the song is flopping to dismiss a woman emotions on bullying or acting like they need sympathy,” she wrote. “The song is top 10 on all platforms. Body shaming and callin her mammy is mean & racist as fuck.”
Lizzo has always been very vocal about body positivity, and a few months back she was a part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Leading up to the event, the rapper posted an unedited nude selfie with a message about loving who you are and affirming realistic body standards.
Just in case. A lot of choices to stab you with Freedom.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘FIX YOUR KNIFE CHOICES’
Just in case. A lot of choices to stab you with Freedom.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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