FASHIONFILES: British Vogue’s Momentous All African Cover Spotlights 9 Young Women Redefining What It Is To Be A Model
It’s a grey, mild-for-November Tuesday morning, in a brutalist indoor car park off an industrial road within a not particularly fashionable enclave of west London. There’s a large table, methodically laid with lateral flow tests. One would be justified in thinking that this is not where the magic happens. But then, a door opens into a cavernous studio with dramatic black drapes. Inside, nine striking Black models – their facial features varied and distinct – await hair and make-up. They are playfully conversing; I note snippets of Dinka and hints of other mother tongues peppering the conversation. They’re laughing and teasing one another while moving and mouthing the lyrics to Wizkid’s “Don’t Dull”, “Ojuelegba”, “Essence” and pretty much the entire tracklist of Made in Lagos. These women are a wholly different type of model and are currently pushing the boundaries not only of beauty but of the entire fashion world.
Adut, Anok, Nyagua, Janet Jumbo, Maty Fall and co are representative of an ongoing seismic shift that became more pronounced on the spring/summer ’22 runways. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu and many more were awash with dark-skinned models whose African heritage stretched from Senegal to Rwanda to Sudan to Nigeria to Ethiopia. For an industry long criticised for its lack of diversity, as well as for perpetuating beauty standards seen through a Eurocentric lens, this change is momentous.
“I saw all these incredible models from across Africa who were just so vivacious and smart,” recalls Edward Enninful, British Vogue’s editor-in-chief and European editorial director, explaining the inspiration behind shooting an all Black, all African cover. His excitement for this moment is tangible: “These girls,” he continues, “are redefining what it is to be a fashion model.” This, he asserts, is well overdue. “You know, fashion tends to follow waves. We’ve had the Brazilian wave. We had the Dutch wave, the Russian wave, the Eastern European wave… And while, in the last decade, the Black model has come to prominence, I love that we are finally giving more space to African beauty.” Unlike the trends that have gone before, which favoured a certain aesthetic – the perpetually sun-kissed Amazonian curves of the Brazilians, the strong jawlines of the Eastern Europeans – this African wave taps into a variety of aesthetics from across that vast continent.
Consider Adut Akech. At 22, she is arguably the most successful African model working today. Following her runway debut at Saint Laurent, in 2016, her international Vogue covers have run into double digits, she has notched up numerous fashion and beauty campaigns – from Valentino to Estée Lauder – and recently bought a house in LA. Undoubtedly she has inspired other African models, such as Janet Jumbo, the 19-year-old Nigerian who walked Louis Vuitton and Burberry and says the wave of success African models are riding right now “gives me hope that I can succeed at this”.
Akech, dressed in a towelling robe, her tousled hair redolent of a protagonist in a James Barnor photograph, recalls the landscape of five years ago as a world away from what we see now. “When I first started modelling internationally…” She makes a face, eyes incredulous, and lets out a wry laugh. “I would literally be the only Black, dark-skinned girl in the show. There were no Sudanese models, no African models. Now,” she says, smiling, “I go to a show and there are girls from my country, girls from Africa who look like me. So yes, there has been a huge change. It has gone from me being the only one at a show to 15 or 20 of us. I’m just so happy that we are finally at this place. I was tired of always feeling out of place and feeling like an outcast.”
The experience of not belonging resonates with Anok Yai, a fellow Sudanese model, who in February 2018 became only the second Black model ever to open a Prada show (the first was Naomi Campbell, in 1997). “In the beginning, I felt really isolated,” she says. “I got thrown into the modelling industry very quickly and I kind of had to navigate it on my own. I also have social anxiety, and so I struggled a lot with connecting with people. Backstage, there would maybe be one other Black girl, but now my tribe is backstage. I can speak my own language to my friends. They are basically like my family.”
For all the celebration of this moment, the elephant in the room remains. Why are we only just beginning to truly embrace African models on the international runways? Particularly when, as Omoyemi Akerele, the founder of Lagos Fashion Week, says, the issue cannot be put down to a lack of fresh talent: “Over the last decade, we have worked alongside agencies dedicated to discovering and nurturing new faces from across the continent. Models like Mayowa Nicholas started out walking at Lagos Fashion Week.”
The pandemic, as well as the logistics of the African continent, have, Vogue contributing casting director Ashley Brokaw explains, played a significant role in the lack of African models on the international runways. “The reason everyone saw a lot of new faces this season was really a function of access,” she says. “Prior to the pandemic, we had sorted through initial visa issues – some countries were definitely easier than others – we got all the paperwork, we got all the necessary travel documents for the girls done in advance, and then everything shut down. So, the explosion of African girls on the catwalk that we suddenly see is a result of things opening up.”
The previous scarcity of African models, continues Brokaw, can also be attributed to outmoded casting processes. “Over the years, I have had to do my scouting through an agent, perhaps based in Milan or Paris, who would filter their choices down to me. Now, thanks to social media, I can reach out directly to scouts in say Rwanda or Burundi or Uganda and find a great girl. They can also text, WhatsApp or find me through Instagram. The level of access through social media is just incredible. This means I’m now able to choose girls through my own lens, which makes the process so much more democratic and inclusive.”
The power of social media has also been a game-changer for Piergiorgio Del Moro, the founder of DM Casting, which he runs together with Samuel Ellis Scheinman. “Every day,” begins Del Moro, who discovered Akech, “I receive tons of messages and images from scouts and potential models from all over the world.” The previous system, which, Scheinman explains, “came down to where money was invested to find models”, meant that the Black girls cast were predominantly light-skinned African Americans, and only one or two were African because the agencies didn’t have the right connections to get girls from Africa into Europe. “And so, for us, we see social media as a real change in terms of how scouting has blossomed in Africa. We are now able to have a photo of a girl sent to us in a nanosecond.”
Logistics, economics and technology aside, there is no denying how much the global reckoning around race, diversity and inclusion, heightened in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, has forced a shift in mindset towards racial inequities and unconscious bias. The casting process, agrees Scheinman, is no exception. “The industry has definitely gone through a soul search about what diversity means, what inclusivity means, and what being truly global means when it comes to casting. We really saw this starting to shift about five years ago, and so for us as casting directors, the more options we have, the more we’re going to want to explore every version of beauty. Now that we have access to these amazing girls, there’s no reason not to work with them.”
As the casting director for Kerby Jean-Raymond’s label Pyer Moss, which actively celebrates Blackness and casts accordingly, Katherine Mateo has long been vocal about the narrow ideals of beauty perpetuated by the fashion industry. And she’s not afraid to highlight the complicity of the casting process. “For many years, we have been stuck on what society has trained us to believe is the ‘perfect’ skin colour, size, age, height. But the fact of the matter is people want to see the world that reflects their reality. Our world does not have one type of beauty, and we as casting directors have the power to directly connect with brands and publications and hold them accountable for the change we would like to see.”
Del Moro adds, “It is our job to push diversity. Diversity of age, diversity of size, diversity of skin colour. Some editors, like Edward [Enninful], have over the years raised their voices about diversity, and you also have some designers who have it at the forefront of their minds. But where they don’t, it’s our job to push for it.”
Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli is known to champion African models such as Akech; his groundbreaking spring/summer ’19 haute couture show famously featured an all Black cast. “For months, I had been nourishing the desire, the fantasy, to make couture inclusive. Simple as it may seem, it started with an iconic picture by Cecil Beaton of the Charles James salon. I said to myself, ‘What if instead of these white-swan models we had a salon filled with Black women wearing couture?’” His research took him to archive editions of Jet and Ebony. What he discovered strengthened his resolve. “Magazines [aimed at a Black readership] had to buy most of the clothes for their editorials, because couture houses didn’t want to lend to them. The more I delved into it, the more I felt I had to do something. Not to say or to promise, but to do. Fashion is the language I use to express my values and ideas, and I thought the only trustworthy, valuable statement that I could make was through a couture show with only Black models. Do I think it’s enough? No, it’s not. But every time I look at that finale picture, I know it meant something, and I know I want to do more.”
While he is under no illusion about the mammoth hurdle to eradicate racial inequity in fashion, Piccioli is excited about the current trajectory of African models. “I am pretty sure there is no coming back from this. It is unlikely to be replaced by the constraints and unreachable standards of beauty. These must be defeated because being standardised does not belong in the future we wish to witness.”
The characteristically straight-talking Bethann Hardison, a trailblazing veteran Black model, agent and long-time activist for diversity in the industry, has reservations. She suggests caution over what could potentially be a double-edged sword. To be clear, she asserts that this isn’t to rain on anyone’s parade; her perspective comes from experience: “Remember, I’ve been around for a while, so I see these things through a different gaze,” she explains. “Of course, I believe in racial diversity, but the good news and the bad news is that fashion changes. I worry that this situation becomes this thing where, ‘If you’re Black you’re in,’ which means then at some point, you could be out.” Again, to avoid misinterpretation, Hardison adds a caveat. “Look, I’m not saying that this will absolutely be the case in this situation, but generally when you lean so hard in one direction, the natural move after a while is to begin to lean far into the opposite end.”
There is validity to her point. There is a constant tug of war within the thorny triad of diversity, authenticity and longevity. Is it real? Will it last? For how long? Scheinman admits that there is an element of casting that is performative. “We have some clients for whom diversity is embedded in their DNA, and there are others where we have had to have very active discussions with them, where they then say, ‘I really want to change, I want to be more inclusive.’ While the industry perhaps hasn’t necessarily invested much in the way of size inclusivity, I feel like the racial aspect of diversity is the one that is most embedded. It’s like a non-negotiable. For Piergiorgio and me, there’s no question that the world could go back to, say, a ‘Russian casting’. It’s just not modern. Not only is diversity an obligation, it would be irresponsible to treat it as something so disposable.”
This is music to the ears of Akerele, who stresses that while ensuring representation from marginalised communities to reflect our “global village”, stakeholders must be mindful to ensure no one is left out of the conversation. “Casting directors across the world must hold themselves accountable to a higher standard. The underlying question should be, ‘Who am I excluding?’” This responsibility, however, argues Abrima Erwiah of the Ghana-based brand and social enterprise Studio One Eighty Nine, extends far beyond casting directors. The onus, she believes, is on everyone, from consumers to brands to editors and anyone who engages with the industry. “Yes,” she admits, echoing some of Hardison’s misgivings, “some people might see it as a trend and a moment and try and suck it dry to move on to the next sexy thing, but whether we believe we have power or not, we all have to come together and work on this as a community. If the logistics and the infrastructure are there to support these models, I think it will work.”
It is a sentiment, a clarion call, if you will, echoed by Enninful. He believes the way to ensure that this “moment” isn’t transient, is to ensure the models’ careers go the distance. “It’s sad and heartbreaking for me to see girls who are on the rise suddenly taper off. We need to ensure these girls last. We have to invest in them, nurture them and support them with editorial, with advertising, with shows. It has to be 360.” Recalling Alek Wek’s early modelling career, he reveals the secret to her longevity: “Alek Wek didn’t suddenly become Alek Wek. There was a group of us behind girls like her, propelling them forward. This is what we have to do in all our different roles. Getting these girls and then throwing them away after one season? That has to stop.”
Outside, the grey skies have dimmed to a blue-black. The energy among the models is still high. The infectious sound of Afro B’s “Drogba (Joanna)” reverberates around the studio, and the frisson of excitement that permeated the air earlier in the day shows no sign of abating. As the hairstylist prepares her for another shot, Akech mulls over the hope that the uprising of African models goes beyond a trend. “I mean,” she says, choosing her words carefully, “that is the goal, that it becomes more than a moment.” And then, almost immediately, as if to correct herself, she answers more resolutely: “Actually, I don’t see it being a trend. Also,” she says, laughing, “there are so many of us – we are just not going to go out of style.”
Iman, the groundbreaking original African model, who not only paved the way but has long campaigned for diversity on the catwalk, has a message for Akech et al. “If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then let the beholder be you.” And her charge to the world? “All hail our African models with their jet-black skin, impossibly long limbs and natural hair, full of joy and absolutely no compromise.”
The February 2022 issue of British Vogue is on newsstands on 18 January
#RHOA: Phaedra Parks’ Ex-Husband Apollo Nida’s Plea To End Probation Shut Down
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks’ ex-husband Apollo Nida will remain on criminal probation for a couple more years despite his pleas for early termination.
According to court documents obtained by Radar, on January 10, a federal judge in Georgia the request brought by the former Bravo star.
In court, Nida claimed he was trying to start a new life, but his probation officers were making things hard. Parks’ ex was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison back in 2014 for his role in a massive fraud scheme.
Prosecutors accused him of laundering more than $2 million through a bunch of phony bank accounts. Nida ended up snitching on his associates and reached a plea deal to avoid 30 years behind bars.
Parks had no role in the criminal enterprise. Nida filed for divorce from the RHOA star after 5 years of marriage while in prison
On May 27, 2019, Nida was released from prison but was ordered to complete 5 years’ probation which will end around 2024. However, last month, Nida asked the court for the entire case to be closed and for him to no longer must report to a P.O.
Nida claimed it’s been a nightmare dealing with the probation office and accused them of being unorganized. His lawyer claimed lifting travel restrictions would also allow Parks ex to make money working as a guest speaker.
“Mr. Nida earned income as a guest speaker; Mr. Nida was also paid to host parties and events in various cities and states throughout the country. In fact, while on pretrial release (bond) Mr. Nida continued to travel and earn income through these same means,” his motion read.
In October 2020, Nida moved from Philly to Atlanta to be closer to his two sons with Parks. His lawyer told the court his client’s probation officer failed to contact for several months. Nida said he was forced to reach out to make
As part of his plea, the reality star also revealed he was arrested on May 30, 2021 during a trip to Miami. He claims to have told his P.O. about the travel but she later denied knowing about it. Nida says the situation caused him problems and led to him having a GPS monitor placed on him along with a stricter curfew.
As first reported, court records show Nida was arrested for resisting an officer without violence. He was released on a $1,000 bond. Prosecutors ended up dropping the charges on August 5.
#NewMusic from Chris Brown Returns With New Single “Iffy”
Chris Brown is back with his new single “Iffy”. The song is the perfect party anthem to kick off 2022 and also serves as the lead single off his tenth studio album “Breezy” which is set to come out later this year.
There hasn’t been a lot of information on Chris’ upcoming album yet, but he did mention that it will not be a double album like his last two albums “Indigo” and “Heartbreak On A Full Moon”. Both of those projects contained more than 30 songs each and clocked in at well over two hours.
LISTEN HERE
Breezy Is back!
#HipHopNews: Kanye West Raps About Divorce, Pete Davidson On Game Collaboration ‘Eazy’
Just days after hitting the studio, The Game and Kanye West reunite on their first collaboration in years, “Eazy.”
Ye doesn’t hold back on his verse, addressing his high-profile divorce from Kim Kardashian.
“Ni**a, we havin’ the best divorce ever / If we go to court, we’ll go to court together / Matter of fact, pick up your sis, we’ll go to Kourt’s together,” he raps. “Noncustodial dad, I bought the house next door / What you think the point of really bein’ rich for?”
He also threatens to beat up Kim’s new boyfriend, Pete Davidson. “God saved me from that crash / Just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s ass (Who?).”
This comes amid reports that security at Kim’s house stopped Ye from seeing his kids because Pete was inside, however, sources close to Kim refute the claim.
Elsewhere on his verse, Ye shouts out his new girlfriend, Julia Fox: “And my new bitch bad / I know Illuminati mad.”
This is the latest collaboration between Game and Ye, who have worked together before on songs including “Crack Music,” “Mula,” “Jesus Piece,” and “Dreams.”
Game hasn’t released an album since 2019’s Born 2 Rap, which was supposed to be his final album. He has been using the hashtag #Drillmatic in his Instagram captions, which appears to be the title of his upcoming album.
Kanye also recently linked up with A$AP Rocky, Hit-Boy, Moneybagg Yo, will.i.am, and Pusha T as he readies DONDA 2.
Tiffany Haddish Arrested For Suspicion Of A DUI
Tiffany Haddish landed behind bars in Georgia after being suspected of driving under the influence.
The Like A Boss star fell asleep behind the wheel during the early hours of Jan. 14, Us Weekly reports. Police were called and she was taken into custody by the Peachtree City Police Custody and charged with driving under the influence and improper stopping on a roadway, TMZ noted. Police suspect that Haddish was under the influence of marijuana while driving. The Los Angeles native was later released after posting $1,666 bond around 6:30 a.m after only being in custody for a few hours.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the 42-year-old said she had been having a difficult time in her personal life.
“I’m going through some things over here,” Haddish said. “My personal life is in shambles. This year people are like ‘Happy New Year!’ I’m like, no, neutral New Year. I’m gonna be neutral in the year.”
Mosty recently, she was heartbroken over the loss of comedian Bob Saget, who she saw as a mentor and father figure.
“That man– he taught me so much,” she shared. “I met him when I was 16 at the Laugh Factory Comedy Camp. He was always encouraging and kind…You know when you watch TV shows and you’re like, ‘I wish I had a dad like that?’ He became like this — he was instantly like a father figure to me,” she said. Around the time I turned to like 21 he shifted from a father figure type to like a big brother. He’d be like, ‘Alright, let’s go out.’ He would send me messages and tell me he was proud of me.”
Haddish and Common also ended their relationship last year, and breakups are not always easy to cope with either. The lovebirds parted ways because of their busy careers taking time away from their relationship, according to an anonymous source.
“They are never in the same city together,” the insider told PEOPLE.
Wendy Williams Show Staffers Allegedly Fear Talk Show Host Won’t Return To The Show
Wendy Williams hiding from producers of The Wendy Williams Show?
Talk Show host Wendy Williams, 57, has allegedly been missing in action from producers and staffers of her hit show, The Wendy Williams Show. In addition, it is being reported that Wendy has not been in contact with those associated with her nighttime program for many months, making many of her staffers afraid that she will “never return to her show.”
An anonymous source claims that the only person who has been able to get in contact with Wendy Williams is her manager, who really has no control over her anyway.
The source claims:
“She hasn’t been talking to anybody, not producers, not senior producers- no one… She has disappeared, and the only line of contact production has been through her manager. She’s isolated herself from everyone and isn’t talking to anybody connected to the show.”
Wendy’s alleged selective isolation is said to have those associated with her program fearing the end of her show, as they are unaware if she will choose to continue.
Producers have planned for special guests to host her show, whose 13th season began filming January 10th, 2022, until further notice. However, as the face of the program, the show would not be able to last long without Wendy Williams, making her presence, or lack thereof, a significant factor in whether or not staffers will have a job.
Do you believe Wendy Williams is done with The Wendy Williams Show?
In Spite of what you heard, Letitia Wright Has Returned To The Set Of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
After Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige announced that production on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would be paused while Letitia Wright healed from her injuries (that were more serious than the studio realized), rumors began swirling that Wright would be fired from the franchise due to her alleged unvaccinated status. The actress had previously deleted her social media account after sharing a video where a pastor called the COVID vaccine the “Mark of the Beast” while also espousing transphobic views, which only further led to speculation that she was running afoul of Marvel.
However, those widespread rumors appear to be unfounded as the BBC reports that Wright has returned to the set of Wakanda Forever and production has officially resumed on the sequel:
Production was halted in November but has now resumed, according to Wright’s representative and Marvel’s parent company Disney. Wright’s spokesperson told BBC News: “Filming resumed this month as planned and we’re on schedule.” The film is due to be released this November.
As for how Wright was able to fly from London to the U.S. despite reportedly being unvaccinated, well, that has not been addressed, but at this point, it appears to be a fool’s errand to speculate on her status with the Black Panther franchise. Despite the internet’s collective thinking on Wright not returning, that ended up clearly not being the case. Now, the interesting question is whether the sequel will follow the comic books and — spoilers for people who haven’t read the comics — pass the mantle of the Black Panther down to Wright’s character Shuri, and how will fans receive that development following her anti-vax controversy.
Dwyane Wade Says Younger Generations Will Forget About Michael Jordan in GOAT Debate: ‘Like We Forget About Kareem’
The biggest NBA debate to be had is who the greatest player of all time is. Usually, the debate is among Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson.
via: Complex When asked if any basketball player has passed MJ on the list of the greatest players in league history, Wade spoke about how the sport has evolved, admitting that it’s only a matter of time before someone wrestles the GOAT title away from Jordan.
“These GOATs, these names that we throw out, it’s not gonna just be a lot of those players,” Wade explained at the 4:45 mark of the episode. “But the game continues to keep moving forward. And so we are gonna continue to see things that we have never seen before. And the eyes are gonna get younger and younger.”
Wade goes on to say that the younger generations will one day forget about Jordan, just as in recent years basketball fans have seemed to forget about the legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“We are not going to have a conversation about the GOATs,” he explained. “Now it’s going to be the younger, younger, younger generation. And they’re gonna forget about Jordan like we forget about Kareem.”
As for who he thinks is the GOAT, Wade maintained that he still rides with MJ, while admitting that LeBron James is “going to be the GOAT for a lot of generations.”
“I come from the Jordan era, so I’m biased,” Wade explained. “Michael Jordan will always be my GOAT. I played basketball because of Michael Jordan. All of us have our own individual opinions. LeBron is going to be the GOAT for a lot of generations. Jordan will be my GOAT. I made it out of the hood because I’ve seen a dude, number 23 play the game of basketball at a level where I was like I want to do some of that.”
Leslie Grace Is Looking Great in her new Batgirl costume
The pop singer and In The Heights star showed off the first look at her Barbara Gordon in the upcoming HBO Max movie
We’ve known for a while now that Leslie Grace—who made the transition from pop star to actor with a notable performance in last year’s In The Heights—would be playing Batgirl in a new movie for HBO Max. And now we’ve finally got visual confirmation, as Grace posted a photo of herself in her new costume for the direct-to-streaming film on Instagram this weekend. It’s very purple!
To be fair, Batgirl’s costume has typically operated in those brighter hues—she’s the rare hero to rock the shade, which is usually associated with villains like Lex Luthor, The Joker, or Thanos’ big, weird-chinned face. But in an era where superhero costume design has typically skewed more drab (give or take your Shazams or Spideys here and there), it’s nice to see some bolder tones get their day in the Gotham City moonlight.
Grace accompanied the post with a quote from 2003's Batgirl: Year One, written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon, with art from Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez. The series recounts Barbara Gordon’s transition from computer-friendly commissioner’s kid to increasingly seasoned crime fighter; the quote presumably suggests what sort of direction the Batgirl film, currently aimed at a loose “2022" release date, will be going for.
Grace will star in the film opposite J.K. Simmons, who had very little to do as Commissioner Jim Gordon in Justice League; that project, like this one, bore many of the fingerprints of dethroned nerd king Joss Whedon, who was originally set to write and direct Batgirl as part of his career-long obsession with small women capable of beating seven kinds of shit out of a variety of opponents.
Whedon got moved off the project, though, as part of Hollywood’s great and ongoing de-Whedoning; it’s now being directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, working from a screenplay by Bird Of Prey screenwriter Christina Hodson. Michael Keaton is reportedly set to reprise his old Batman role for the film (similar, presumably, to what he’s doing in The Flash), while Doom Patrol’s Brendan Fraser is set to play the villainous Firefly.
Britney Spears Posts New Open Letter to Jamie Lynn, Expresses Both Love & Sadness for Her Sister
Britney Spears has written another open letter to her sister Jamie Lynn Spears and this time she’s expressing a range of emotions.
The 40-year-old “Baby One More Time” singer took back the previous comment she made about Jamie Lynn being a “scum person,” but she also said that her sister’s recent remarks don’t make sense to her at all.
In her new post, Britney accused Jamie Lynn of doing “absolutely nothing” to help get her out of the conservatorship until she publicly said something on Instagram a year ago.
Throughout the post, Britney expressed love for her sister and ended the letter by saying, “I admire you for being strong … just know I love you and I think you know that already more than anything!!!”
You can read the full letter below…
Jamie Lynn … I don’t think your book is about me at all … I said some harsh things because you obviously hurt me by the things you are making up about me !!! When I said only a scum person would make up things like that about someone, I could have sworn I said “but you’re not” … but it doesn’t make sense at all to me what you are saying !!! I know you worked hard for the life you have and you have done amazing !!!! But I think we would both have to agree to the fact that the family has never been remotely as hard on you as they have been on me !!! What Dad did to me, they don’t even do that to criminals … so for you to sit back and act completely aloof to what has happened to me is honesty insane to me !!! Do you know anybody who worked as hard as I did and the hours I put in during those 13 years only to be sent away for 4 months for no reason at all ???
And I won’t even mention what was done to me in that place !!! It took them years to give me a cup of coffee … people who have killed people and are in jail or on death row can have as much coffee as they want … so why the hell was my own family hiding coffee from me ??? You guys treated me like nothing and that’s not even half of it !!! I’m honestly shocked Dad isn’t in jail !!! Come on !!! We are supposed to have each other’s back … but what you’re saying just truly confuses me !!! All I know is I love you unconditionally !!! So go ahead and say whatever you want … it’s so tacky for a family to fight publicly like this !!! You say you love me … yet your loyalty is still with the people that hurt me the most !!! I think the thing that saddens me the most is that when this all happened to me and when I called you from that place … you would take days to respond !!! I never got to talk to you !!! You would just text me days later and I was so scared … I needed you … my family, my blood and your support more than anything !!!
You guys did absolutely nothing UNTIL a year ago !!! I said something on Instagram and you and Bryan showed up at my house … because of an Instagram post !!! THAT makes me the saddest…. why ???? Because I needed you WAYYYYYY before that and the fact that you and Bryan showed up laughing at my gate, instead of KNOWING you should have been here way before that makes me very sad !!! I don’t care anymore !!! Say whatever you want to say just know I do know your real heart more than anyone !!! It’s your life and you deserve a beautiful life !!!! I wish I would be able to do what you’re doing and do interviews !!! I’m scared of all of it … I admire you for being strong … just know I love you and I think you know that already more than anything !!!
WOW!
Get Ready! Here’s How Much Netflix Is Raising Its Monthly Subscription Prices
Streaming Netflix is about to get more expensive. According to Variety, the streaming giant is raising the monthly subscription price of its Standard plan in the U.S. by $1.50, for a total $15.49 per month. Meanwhile, its Premium plan will be jacked up by $2, bringing it to $19.99 a month. As for its Basic plan, that will go up just $1, for a total of $9.99 a month.
“We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said in regards to the price hike.
“We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget,” they added.
As the streaming wars heat up, Netflix continues to lead the charge thanks to a number of Oscar-worthy titles released this year alone. Both The Power of the Dog and Don’t Look Up figure to heavily factor into this year’s awards season. Couple that with the continued success of hit shows like Cobra Kai and Emily in Paris, and it’s no wonder that Netflix is upping its prices.
The company’s next challenge will be holding off its competitors, which include household names Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon’s Prime Video, and Apple TV+. In other words, there is absolutely no shortage of things to watch right now, and with the pandemic still raging, that’s totally fine with us
Kendrick Lamar To Produce Comedy With ‘South Park’ Creators
Kendrick Lamar is making his first movie. The Compton rapper’s pgLang company has teamed up with “South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker to produce a new film for Paramount Pictures. According to Variety, the live-action comedy was written by Vernon Chatman (“South Park,” “The Shivering Truth”) and will “depict the past and present coming to a head when a young Black man, who is interning as a slave re-enactor at a living history museum, discovers that his white girlfriend’s ancestors once owned his.”
Lamar and his pgLang partner Dave Free will produce the as-yet-untitled project with Stone and Parker’s Park County. Production is slated to begin in the spring.
Paramount will handle theatrical distribution, home entertainment, and television licensing rights, and the film will also stream on Paramount+.
“On behalf of Paramount Pictures and the wider ViacomCBS family, we look forward to ushering in the first theatrical collaboration from these creative visionaries, and galvanizing audiences worldwide around a powerful storytelling experience,” said Brian Robbins, Paramount Pictures’ President & CEO.
This is the first feature film for pgLang. Lamar and Free launched the company in 2020, describing it as a “multilingual” collective who tells stories through media including music, film, television, and books.
Meanwhile, fans continue to await new music from the Pulitzer winner. In August, he confirmed that he is working on his final TDE album, the follow-up to 2017’s DAMN.
Former Chicago cop Jason Van Dyke who killed Laquan McDonald to be released from prison early
The ex-Chicago police officer who fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald will be released from prison early after serving more than three years behind bars.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jason Van Dyke will be freed on Feb. 3 after serving a little more than three years of the 81-month sentence he was given after being convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.
McDonald’s uncle and pastor of Grace Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Marvin Hunter said he was notified by authorities on Friday (Jan. 14) about Van Dyke’s upcoming release. “I’m hoping he’s learned the errors of his ways. I have always asked for justice and not revenge,” Rev. Hunter said. “We got as much justice you could get with the players that were there at the time he was on trial. The system needs to be changed, it needs to be overhauled.”
Back in 2014, Chicago police responded to reports of alleged car break-ins. They came upon McDonald, who was reportedly acting erratically and wielding a knife that he refused to put down. Moments after Van Dyke arrived at the scene, he shot the teen 16 times, killing him.
At the time, police said the shooting was justified. However, a dashcam video that was released to the public more than a year after the shooting showed McDonald walking away from Van Dyke. The video sparked nationwide protests as people called for justice in the teen’s shooting death.
A year later, Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder. He became the first Chicago police officer in decades to face that charge. In 2018, he was found guilty of lesser charges and he was sentenced to 81 months in prison in Jan. 2019.
Van Dyke reportedly has no plans to ever work in law enforcement again upon his release.
Over 100 A-listers and family mourn Bob Saget at Los Angeles funeral
Bob Saget was laid to rest Friday in Los Angeles following his untimely death this week at the age of 65.
The comic and television star was mourned by wife Kelly Rizzo and a host of celebrity friends who paid their respects at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Forest Lawn Cemetery, his final resting place.
Comedians who showed up for Saget included Dave Chappelle, Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock, Jimmy Kimmel and Jeff Ross, who served as a pallbearer alongside John Mayer, Jonathan Silverman, Mike Young, Ted Sarandos, Steve Hale and Saget’s “Full House” co-stars, Dave Coulier and John Stamos.
Saget’s pallbearers included Jeff Ross, John Mayer, John Stamos, Jonathan Silverman, Mike Young, Dave Coulier, Ted Sarandos, and Steve Hale.
Fellow “Full House” alums Candace Cameron Bure, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen also attended the service in remembrance of their television dad.
The Jewish service welcomed well over 100 guests mourning “America’s Dad,” who was transported to the cemetery in a blue Chevrolet hearse.
Stars have been remembering Saget all week, with longtime friend Stamos tweeting before the funeral, “Today will be the hardest day of my life. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Stamos also took to Twitter to mourn his friend and co-star upon hearing news of his death Sunday, writing, “I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much Bobby.”
Coulier added, “My heart is broken. I love you, Bob. Your forever brother, Dave.”
“I don’t know what to say,” his TV daughter Bure shared when she heard the news. “I have no words. Bob was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known in my life. I loved him so much.”
“Bob was the most loving, compassionate and generous man. We are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us but know that he will continue to be by our side to guide us as gracefully as he always has,” Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen said in remembrance of Saget in a statement obtained by Page Six.
“My whole heart. Bob was my absolute everything,” the lifestyle expert told Page Six on Monday. “I am so completely shattered and in disbelief. I am so deeply touched by the outpouring of love and tribute from our friends, family, his fans and his peers.”
Brownstone’s Nicci Gilbert Sues ‘P-Valley’ & Starz – Claims They Ripped Her Off
of #PValley to return to our TV screens, it looks like viewers aren’t the only ones who have paid attention to the Starz series. Legal representatives have also taken notice of the show, and in a new lawsuit against Lionsgate Entertainment Corp. and Starz, reality TV star and singer #NicciGilbert is calling out the show’s creator for similarities.
According to @yahoonews, Nicci, the plaintiff, alleges the show, which debuted in July 2020, has several notable similarities to her musical stage play, #SoulKittensCabaret (SKC), starring Nicci, #FaithEvans, and #Fantasia was released on DVD in 2011.
Reports state the lawsuit alleges the series is a “veritable unauthorized 2020 knock-off of Plaintiff’s ‘Soul Kittens Cabaret.” In addition, she claims that the defendants “knowingly and illegally used her works to create the ‘P-Valley’ television series.
Louis Vuitton Announced NYC Residency Honoring Final Men Collection By Virgil Abloh
This month, Louis Vuitton will host a temporary residency in New York City, showcasing the last men’s collection designed by the late Virgil Abloh.
The pop-up display will be unveiled at 104 Prince Street in SoHo and will include looks from Abloh’s final spring/summer 2022 collection. The vibrant line includes LV Trainers, soft trunks, and “Millionaire sunglasses.”
In addition to the lavish clothing goods, a ten-story mural of Abloh will accompany the residency near the Maison’s 5th Avenue Louis Vuitton store.
Days after Abloh passed, celebrities gathered in Miami to walk the runway in Louis Vuitton’s spring ’22 menswear collection. Prior to his death, Abloh planned a fashion show that included his equally as famous musician friends walking in the show while others took a seat in the front row.
Spectators will have a chance to view the residency, though it is unclear if an entry fee is associated with the display. Inside the residency, a black-and-white checkered pattern adorns the floor and references the chessboard theme that Abloh used in several collections. Birch trees also decorate the space, reminiscent of those at the Miami spring ’22 men’s Spin-Off show.
An official open date will be announced soon.
Cardi B Cries On Stand In Std Defamation Case, Reveals She Felt “Suicidal”
Cardi B cries on the stand during her testimony sharing she felt “suicidal.”
The “Up” rapper is addressing the claims made by YouTuber Tasha K. whose real name is LaTasha Kebe. During a court appearance in Atlanta on Thursday, Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, says she felt “suicidal” at times following the alleged claims made by Tasha.
According to court documents, the YouTuber claimed the Bronx native has herpes, used a beer bottle as a sex toy when she was a stripper, worked as a prostitute and abused cocaine.
Cardi B went on to detail how she never felt suicidal prior to the blogger’s allegations. According to TMZ, Cardi admitted to feeling not worthy of having a family and performing her wifely duties. “I felt defeated and depressed and I didn’t want to sleep with my husband.” Cardi added, “I didn’t deserve my kid.”
In an earlier dismissed case in Cardi’s favor, Tasha K alleged she was threatened and experienced emotional distress by the “WAP” rapper after making inflammatory remarks and sexual claims implying Cardi B was a prostitute and had herpes and HIV.
Meanwhile earlier this week, Tasha K reportedly admitted that she knowingly published lies about Cardi because it was beneficial to her platform’s business interests.
Court is expected to be adjourned until Tuesday.
If you or someone you know need mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Former Haitian Senator Arrested In Connection To The Assassination Of Haitian President Jovenel Moise
According to the Associated Press, Jamaican authorities have detained a former Haitian senator who is a key suspect in the murder of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.
John Joel Joseph, a well-known Haitian politician named by the authorities as a suspect in Moise’s killing, was arrested by the authorities on Friday, Jamaica Constabulary Force spokesman Dennis Brooks told Reuters. It is unclear exactly where in Jamaica he was detained.
As it was previously reported, Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his private residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince on July 7. It sparked a major manhunt and investigations across several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Former National Police Chief Leon Charles said at the time that Joseph was a key player in the plot, alleging he supplied weapons and planned meetings, and that police were searching for him.
As the news site notes, Haiti has arrested dozens of people following the July murder. However, it has not charged anyone directly for the assassination. Though U.S. authorities this month charged a Colombian man with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States in connection with the assassination of Moise, the first official charges in the brazen crime, Reuters notes.
"Disappointed" Novak Djokovic Says He Will Leave Australia After Losing Legal Fight
Novak Djokovic said Sunday he was "extremely disappointed" by a top Australian court's decision to uphold the government's cancellation of his visa, but he would comply and leave the country.Agence France-
Novak Djokovic said Sunday he was "extremely disappointed" by Australia's decision to deport him but he would comply and leave the country. Hours earlier, three judges at the Federal Court had unanimously dismissed the unvaccinated Serbian superstar's last-gasp attempt to overturn the government's cancellation of his visa.
"I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country," the 34-year-old world number one said in a statement on the eve of the Australian Open.
In an 11-day battle over his lack of a Covid-19 vaccine that captured global attention, the tennis ace had his visa cancelled at Melbourne airport, reinstated on a procedural issue and then cancelled again by the government.
He spent his first few nights in Australia at a notorious Melbourne detention centre, walked free to practice on the Australian Open's courts for several days after he won back his visa, and then was returned into detention.
"I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this," Djokovic said.
The defending Australian Open champion flew into Melbourne on January 5 hoping to win the title for a 10th time, in the process becoming the first men's player in the history of the game to grab 21 Grand Slam titles.
"I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love," said Djokovic, who had been scheduled to play Monday evening as the first seed.
"I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament," he said.
"Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me."
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby Indicted On Federal Charges Of Perjury
Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State’s Attorney, is now facing federal perjury charges and making a false statement on a loan application in a federal indictment announced on Thursday.
Mosby is being accused of lying about experiencing COVID-related hardship on a loan application in an effort to withdraw $40,000 from her Baltimore City retirement account.
According to the indictment, Mosby didn’t actually suffer any financial hardship due to Covid-19, an eligibility requirement for the loan.
Mosby is also charged with making false statements to influence a mortgage company in connection with a vacation property in Florida. She allegedly failed to disclose to the mortgage company that she owed “significant amounts of federal taxes on her application.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
THAT’S ONE WAY TO DRESS UP
Because Why not!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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