#MAGFAB: Venus and Serena Williams Cover HARPER’S BAZAAR’s March 2022 Legacy Issue
IN THIS ISSUE, we explore the idea of legacy—what it means to build one or leave one behind and what it means to shepherd, be a part of, or reckon with one. It’s a concept that many of the subjects in these pages have had to confront, both privately and publicly, at various points in their lives including tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, who changed the face of the sport.
Venus and Serena on how King Richard broadened the scope of how the world sees them: “I don’t think people even thought about what happened before we turned pro,” Venus tells me. “This isn’t a movie about tennis,” Serena adds. “This is a movie about family.”
Venus on how the sisters were archetypes to the Black American experience, but at the same time how their lives were very different than the average family: “I think that our family is just unique to ourselves. Obviously we’re an African American family, and it’s important for people to see African American families in that dynamic…to have role modeling.” Still, she stresses again, “our family was super unique.”
Serena on how she sees the film King Richard: “I am a dreamer, and I love Marvel. I think King Richard is like Iron Man and that there still are other stories around it. The next, obviously, would be the Venus story, and then there’s always the story about our other three sisters, and then there’s like a mom, and then there’s the Serena story. When I look at it, I see it just encompassing this whole superhero kind of thing.”
Serena on how King Richard depicts her father in a way that sports fathers are often not shown: “A lot of people get this different story of sports fathers—especially tennis fathers, who are really overbearing. And that wasn’t necessarily my dad. Everyone’s like, ‘Well, how do you play tennis for so long?’ It’s because we weren’t raised in an environment where it was something that we abhorred.”
On how Richard always put the girls’ mental and physical health first There was the infamous decision to pull Venus and Serena from junior competition so that they wouldn’t “fall to pieces” because of pressure, Richard said in 1991, and could instead focus on schoolwork. Many in tennis considered it an affront to the way things are done. In retrospect, those kinds of choices honored a truth that the rest of the world was slow to accept. Serena tells me about being reluctant to tell her father about injuries because he would insist she rest. “He’s always like, ‘Take your time. You’ll be okay. Don’t play.”
Venus on how the media’s version of the sisters threatened to define Serena as a lesser player: “Usually in one family there’s one good player and then the other one is not that great. And I think people told Serena she wouldn’t be great. The fearlessness with which she approached the game was something I’ve always really admired. She doesn’t accept second. She explicitly told me herself that she plays for first place.”
Serena on how she just doesn’t consider the importance of legacy in her day-to-day life: “That’s something I don’t think about nor do I want. I don’t want to think about what I’m leaving. I just think about who I am every single day behind closed doors and behind cameras. And that’s what I focus on.”
This article originally appeared in the March 2022 issue of Harper’s BAZAAR, available on newsstands March 1.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Is Living It Up in Sizzling Swimsuits on Her Romantic Getaway
This Valentine's Day, rest and relaxation were on the menu for Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker. On February 13, The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member shared on Instagram that her husband surprised her with a with a romantic vacation. "A quick [getaway] is just what we needed," she wrote. And while, at the time, Kandi didn't even know where their plane was headed, her suitcase was expertly packed with sizzling swimwear.
Later that day, Kandi returned to social media to share an update on how her vacation was going. (Quite well, we'd say.) In the photo, the mom was all smiles as she posed by turquoise water and clear skies in a sultry red swimsuit. Kandi looked radiant in the plunging v-neck one-piece with a snakeskin pattern and an open back. Her hair was pulled into a high topknot, and her light pink nails were manicured to perfection. Hoop earrings and her gorgeous wedding ring gave her beachside ensemble some added sparkle.
Of course, Kandi had a second fierce swimsuit at the ready. On February 14, she shared photos of herself in a gold metallic swimsuit with a halter top and an open back. In the pics, the setting sun reflected off the shiny swimsuit and made Kandi's gorgeous skin glow.
"Living my life like it’s golden," Kandi captioned the post, which also included a smiling selfie with her man. Can't argue with that!
See more of Kandi, Todd, and their family on the upcoming show, Kandi & The Gang, which premieres on Sunday, March 6 at 9/8c
#MusicNews: Anthony Hamilton Teaches Musiq Soulchild Some ‘Lessons’ During Verzuz With Surprise Guests Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Kevin Ross & More
Verzuz returned for its third season premiere last night with a battle royale between soul brothers Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild. The pair stepped into the arena and onto the stage at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles to engage in some friendly competition, a little trash talking and a whole lot of singing. And when it came down to the singing, well, Anthony easily bested Musiq whose vocals were struggling for most of the evening.
Another area where Hamilton ran away with the competition was with his surprise guests. Although Musiq brought out Robert Glasper on piano to perform Black Radio favorite “Ah Yeah” (minus Chrisette Michele) and Lucky Daye to sing his “Halfcrazy”-sampling song “Over,” it was no match for AHam’s arsenal.
The first surprise came when Jermaine Dupri was seen behind the turntables serving as Anthony’s DJ, which should have clued us in that this was a game of chess not checkers. Next up were The Hamiltones who blessed the festivities with their tight three-part harmonies on backgrounds on “Can’t Let Go.” A couple of songs later, Big V formerly of the group Nappy Roots joined Anthony for “Po’ Folks.” It was the next group of surprise artists, however, that truly took things to the next level.
Anthony gave the Verzuz audience a hint when he told Musiq, “I’m bout to teach you a lesson.” He repeated himself a couple of times, but the reference was so subtle that it went over everyone’s heads. But when the first few notes of Eric Roberson‘s “Lessons (Remix)” began to play, and we subsequently heard Erro’s voice, the crowd went wild as he walked onto the stage followed closely by Raheem DeVaughn and Kevin Ross.
The four singers proceeded to sing their verses on the “Lessons (Remix)” with the very first live performance of the single and gave fans a mini-concert. The fellas sang the whole song and showed out with their chemistry and vocal skill. This performance effectively shut Verzuz down. Even Musiq had to come over to dap everyone up and give props where props were due. It was game over at that point, but Anthony was nowhere near done.
A few songs later, he reminded the audience that early in his career he was an accomplished songwriter of a song that became a ’90s R&B classic. He told the uninformed that the song was Donell Jones‘ jam “U Know What’s Up,” and the next thing we knew Donell was on stage with AHam in his party shirt. That was another mic drop moment for Hamilton. At the rate he was going, we wouldn’t have been surprised if he had brought out Left Eye to spit her hot 16.
After all that, Anthony still had one more artist waiting in the wings. He brought out Leela James to join him to sing their “Complicated (The Remix)” duet. The two of them were quite entertaining while giving frisky auntie and uncle. The only artist who was MIA was Jadakiss, but by the time AHam played their song “Why” as one of his selections, this night was already in the bag.
Anthony Hamilton did not come to Verzuz to play, and neither did Musiq Soulchild, to be honest. Hamilton may have come out on top when it came to vocals, surprise guests, wardrobe and stage presence, but Musiq’s stacked catalog was incredibly impressive and he barely dug in his crates. If we had to choose a winner, the clear victor of this Verzuz matchup was the culture once again.
Watch Anthony, Erro, Raheem and Kevin’s exciting live performance of the “Lessons (Remix)” on Verzuz below.
An official music video for the song has been filmed, so expect to see more of this talented supergroup on your screens soon.
#HipHopNews: DJ Khaled Reveals All-Star Saturday Night Lineup
DJ Khaled is bringing the stars out at NBA All-Star Weekend. After keeping the lineup under wraps, Khaled has revealed which of his famous friends will be joining him when he headlines State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at the 71st NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio.
The all-star lineup includes Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Migos, Gunna, and Ludacris. “I’m bringing the all-stars!” Khaled said.
Fresh off the epic Super Bowl Halftime Show, Mary J. Blige will also take the court with Khaled at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The two recently collaborated on “Amazing” off Mary’s new album Good Morning Gorgeous.
You can catch Khaled and friends when 2022 All-Star Saturday Night airs Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. on TNT.
The We the Best mogul is gearing up for his next album, the follow-up to last year’s Khaled Khaled, which may include collaborations with Kanye West and Drake
Columbus Short Threatens The Media For Accusing Him Of Domestic Violence & Child Endangerment
Actor Columbus Short warned his followers that, whatever they were about to read about him, was false. According to the Scandal star, he was informed that a certain media outlet was about to make some serious allegations against him.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, he stated:
“I just got word that TMZ bout to drop a story tomorrow, talking about I got charges dropped on me. For domestic violence and, second, child abuse. What?! The devil is a liar.So, I’m just putting this word out early. Cause Ima preemptively strike, cause I ain’t playing these games this time. I laid down the last time, I ain’t laying down no more. Harvey, if you want some smoke, bring it on! Stop playing with me!”
On Feb. 16, news broke that Columbus was charged with 2 misdemeanors for domestic violence. Reports claimed that he’d been arrested earlier this month for a dispute with his wife that turned physical. The alleged altercation reportedly occurred in front of a child, leading to a child endangerment charge.
Columbus was allegedly charged for domestic violence back in 2018.
A source told an outlet that Columbus–who once starred in films like Stomp the Yard and This Christmas–has battled drug addiction in the past.
The outlet claimed that, when they reached out to him, Columbus chose not to comment on the matter.
Do you think Columbus Short is telling the truth?
Wendy Williams’ Case Against Wells Fargo Has Been Sealed
Wendy Williams’ case fighting Wells Fargo’s claims that she is an “incapacitated person” who needs a guardianship has been sealed, Page Six has discovered.
Sealing the case allows for all relevant documents within the file to remain closed to the public and require a court order for access.
“We are concerned about [Williams’] situation,” attorney David H. Pikus wrote on behalf of the bank in the letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth requesting a hearing to determine whether Williams is of sound enough mind to continue controlling her own assets.
“It is our hope that the Guardianship Part [of the court] will imminently appoint a temporary guardian or evaluator to review the situation and ensure that [Williams’] affairs are being properly handled.”
Williams denies the assertion that she’s incapable of controlling her own finances, despite the assumptions being made regarding her health.
“Wendy wants the world to know that she strenuously denies all allegations about her mental health and well-being,” Williams’ lawyer LaShawn Thomas said in a statement to Page Six.
“[She is] disappointed about falsely circulated statements from an industry she has devoted her life to,” Thomas added. “Wendy is grateful for the love and the outpouring of support she has received from her fans, and she can’t wait to get back.”
The Walk of Famer has not hosted her daytime talk show since July 2021 and has spent much of her hiatus employing “holistic health professionals to help her reach optimal health during her treatment of Graves’ disease and thyroid concerns.”
Thomas — who has also represented Williams’ ex, Kevin Hunter — added, “She thanks everyone who has been patiently awaiting her return and believes that, thanks in large part to the love and support of her son, her family, her new team of doctors and a change of scenery, she is on the mend.”
Mariah Carey Must Defend Against Some Of Brother’s Defamation Claims: Judge
Nick Cannon pines for ex-wife Mariah Carey in new song ‘Alone’
Mariah Carey must still defend herself against claims that she defamed her brother in her tell-all memoir by alleging that he sold cocaine, beat up their mom and hired a hitman, a judge ruled this week.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jaffe sided with Morgan Carey, 62, on Tuesday in his suit against the “Fantasy” singer that portions of her book “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” could potentially be considered defamatory and that those claims must play out in court.
The judge ruled the “Always Be My Baby” crooner must prove that she didn’t defame her brother when she accused him of selling cocaine and beating up their mom, as well as once hiring a hitman and of being a drunkard.
Jaffe, however, dismissed all of the brother’s claims against Carey’s publishers and also tossed many other claims against his sister.
In dismissing 14 of the suit’s claims, the judge found that many of the other statements that the superstar made in her book about her brother were opinions and exaggerations — which don’t rise to the level of defamation.
Morgan filed the suit against the pop star — who is 10 years his junior — in March, accusing her of falsely portraying him as violent when they were growing up.
When asked about whether he would appeal, Morgan’s lawyer, Richard Altman, said, “I will discuss that with my client.” Altman declined to comment further.
Alison Carey, the diva’s elder sister, also filed suit in February 2021, claiming that she was publicly humiliated when Mariah Carey revealed alleged family secrets in the book — including falsely accusing Alison of drugging her when she was a kid. That case is still pending.
Lawyers for Mariah Carey and for the publishers did not immediately return a request for comment.
Danileigh’s Brother Brandon Bills Reportedly Sues DaBaby After Bowling Alley Brawl
DaniLeigh’s brother, Brandon Bills, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against DaBaby, less than a week after footage showed the rapper and his entourage physically assault him in a bowling alley brawl.
According too TMZ, Brandon is suing Baby for assault, battery, emotional distress and more. Bills claims that while the two were both at the bowling alley, he walked past DaBaby when he was suddenly attacked, leaving him with “severe injury and pain.”
Bills says he didn’t fight back and is now suffering from physical and psychological damage, plus medical bills and sustained disability. Meanwhile, DaBaby says he only fought Bills as a result of self-defense, and “you shouldn’t go around threatening people..”
Prior to the fight, Bills said on social media he would duke it out with DaBaby because of his treatment of DaniLeigh. The two split sometime last year before the arrival of their first child together, and DaBaby made some of their issues public as he filmed her breastfeeding on Instagram Live.
Aaron Rodgers & Shailene Woodley Split, End Engagement
Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley have reportedly split and ended their engagement, according to a new report.
The couple began dating in 2020 and announced their engagement in 2021.
Now, a source is revealing what reportedly happened between the NFL star and the actress.
A source told InTouch that the couple “couldn’t make it work. There were too many obstacles. They’re both adults and decided to part amicably.”
If you don’t know, fans noticed something was off in their relationship earlier this month! Find out what fans were pointing out on social media…
So far, neither Shailene nor Aaron have confirmed they’ve split. We’ve reached out to reps for comment. Stay tuned as we learn more on this developing story.
Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige in talks to collaborate on her next album
Thanks to a slip of the tongue, Dr. Dre announced that he and Mary J. Blige are planning to collaborate on her next album. He revealed the news during a recent conversation with TMZ.
“We’re talking about working together on her next project,” the renowned producer said before issuing an apology to the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. “I’m not even sure I’m supposed to be saying this or not, so I’m sorry Mary.”
If Mary and Dre go forth with their plans, the potential collaboration would not be their first rodeo. The musical icons have worked with each other a few times in the past, teaming up for the beatmaker’s “The Message” as well as Mary’s 2001 hit “Family Affair” and the Eve-assisted “Not Today.” Their most-talked-about project, however, may just be their latest one: the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
As fans know, Dre and Mary were two of five headliners on Sunday (Feb. 13) when hip hop dominated the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Alongside Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and 50 Cent, the stars showed out in their respective sets, making the trailblazing performance one to remember.
“Everybody came in, we were professional, everybody was on time,” Dre told TMZ. “Everybody really felt the magnitude of what this thing was and what we were going to be able to accomplish, and it was a fantastic experience.”
To celebrate the accomplishment, The Chronic emcee paid a visit to none other than McDonald’s. “There’s something about those McDonald’s French fries,” Dre said. “I deserve it today, I’ma treat myself and go and pig out today.” He also kicked it with Mary J at his home studio. “We were downstairs having a ton of fun, just listening to samples and music,” recalled the producer.
While fans wait patiently to hear Dre and Mary collab on her next album, the singer just released her latest LP. Good Morning Gorgeous, which features the likes of Dave East, Fivio Foreign, DJ Khaled, Usher and Anderson .Paak, is currently available on streaming services.
5 Observations From the L.A Rams' Championship Parade and Rally
LOS ANGELES – The Rams took to the streets of Los Angeles on Wednesday to celebrate their Super Bowl LVI victory over the Bengals, soaking in the monumental achievement with their fans.
Sunday's winning effort marked the Rams' second Super Bowl in franchise history and their first while playing in the L.A. market.
Rams players, coaches and family members road atop double-decker buses that cruised the parade route which traveled from the Shrine Auditorium and finished up at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Following the 1.1-mile parade that covered the streets of L.A., the team held a rally outside the L.A. Coliseum in front of the peristyle.
With a day full of joy from all around, here are five observations from the Rams' championship parade and rally.
Aaron Donald hints at a return to the Rams
Donald, the Rams' defensive superstar who’s accomplished just about everything on an NFL player's checklist, hasn't been clear on what his future holds across the last handful of days. While Donald just capped off his age 30 season with plenty of good football ahead of him, there have been rumblings about the seven-time All-Pro possibly calling it a career.
Rams coach Sean McVay used Wednesday's celebratory event as a way to get the fanbase in on the sales pitch to bring Donald back. With Donald at the podium, McVay ignited a chant on the microphone, "run it back, run it back, run it back!"
Donald stood there for a couple of seconds to analyze the situation before eventually saying, "We built a super team, we can bring the super-team back," Donald said. "Why not run it back!? We can be world champs again!"
Andrew Whitworth isn't ready to commit whether or not he'll be back for another season
Whitworth, the ageless wonder who became the oldest left tackle to start an NFL game at the age of 40 this season, while also becoming the Walter Payton Man of the Year and a first-time Super Bowl champion, could perhaps walk off into the sunset and call it a career.
When asked at the rally if there was anything McVay could do in order to get him to subscribe to the 'run it back' campaign, Whitworth wasn't ready to commit to any decision.
"You know, we'll save that conversation for another day," Whitworth said in response to a question that asked about his future, before shifting a focus to the people who’ve doubted him throughout his career. "Five years ago I was told I was a little too old. I was told that maybe my time was done… bet on yourself because five years later, I’m holding this trophy up and I’m 40-years-old.”
McVay is held league-wide as one of the NFL's top coaches in the sport. He just became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl. But his future in coaching entering Wednesday had been left in question when he said earlier this week following the Rams' championship victory that "we'll see" when asked if he'd be the coach of the team next season.
While it could be more of a leverage-play for a new contract than anything, McVay could also garner interest from television networks in an effort to poach him away from the sidelines. However, Wednesday when speaking at the podium, McVay was perhaps the most fired up individual on the stage, making it seem as if he’s not going anywhere.
"I can't say enough about this team, the resilience, the mental toughness – Super Bowl champs. This sh** will never ever get old," McVay said. "Give it up for these players getting it done."
The Rams' all-in approach, acquiring proven talent and parting ways with future draft picks, has been the blueprint for how they do business. Certainly, it's not the most common form of team-building across the NFL, but the Rams are having success with it and Snead indicates that won't change.
Snead, who's casually joked throughout the year about his formula of handing out draft picks to acquire proven commodities, was at it again at the start of the team's rally.
"Here's what I know the late John Madden said: that winning the Super Bowl is the highest of high. So you know what – our players, our coaches, Stan (Kroenke), his family, every one of us in the organization who's supportive of that mission, and everyone out there – you know what, we know what that highest of high feels like today," Snead said. "So in honor of the shirt, eff them picks – we'll use them to go win more Super Bowls."
Kupp isn't from L.A. but he sure knows how to honor one of the city’s all-time greats. Kupp wore a Kobe Bryant jersey, featuring Bryant's early-career number 8 on the front and late-career number 24 on the back.
At the podium during the Rams' celebration, Kupp was asked about what went into his parade attire of wearing Bryant's jersey. The Super Bowl MVP spoke about the inspiration that the Lakers' great instilled in him, laying the foundation for what hard work looks like.
“I’m standing here in this city that knows nothing but championships,” Kupp said. “We’re all here celebrating this championship. Kobe is a part of this. He belongs here. I’ll tell you what, he set the standard. All I know is get back to work, let’s run it back.”
Sean McVay: "This sh** will never ever get old"
McVay is held league-wide as one of the NFL's top coaches in the sport. He just became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl. But his future in coaching entering Wednesday had been left in question when he said earlier this week following the Rams' championship victory that "we'll see" when asked if he'd be the coach of the team next season.
While it could be more of a leverage-play for a new contract than anything, McVay could also garner interest from television networks in an effort to poach him away from the sidelines. However, Wednesday when speaking at the podium, McVay was perhaps the most fired up individual on the stage, making it seem as if he’s not going anywhere.
"I can't say enough about this team, the resilience, the mental toughness – Super Bowl champs. This sh** will never ever get old," McVay said. "Give it up for these players getting it done."
Rams GM Les Snead plans to stay true to his formula
The Rams' all-in approach, acquiring proven talent and parting ways with future draft picks, has been the blueprint for how they do business. Certainly, it's not the most common form of team-building across the NFL, but the Rams are having success with it and Snead indicates that won't change.
Snead, who's casually joked throughout the year about his formula of handing out draft picks to acquire proven commodities, was at it again at the start of the team's rally.
"Here's what I know the late John Madden said: that winning the Super Bowl is the highest of high. So you know what – our players, our coaches, Stan (Kroenke), his family, every one of us in the organization who's supportive of that mission, and everyone out there – you know what, we know what that highest of high feels like today," Snead said. "So in honor of the shirt, eff them picks – we'll use them to go win more Super Bowls."
Cooper Kupp pays tribute to Los Angeles icon Kobe Bryant
Kupp isn't from L.A. but he sure knows how to honor one of the city’s all-time greats. Kupp wore a Kobe Bryant jersey, featuring Bryant's early-career number 8 on the front and late-career number 24 on the back.
At the podium during the Rams' celebration, Kupp was asked about what went into his parade attire of wearing Bryant's jersey. The Super Bowl MVP spoke about the inspiration that the Lakers' great instilled in him, laying the foundation for what hard work looks like.
“I’m standing here in this city that knows nothing but championships,” Kupp said. “We’re all here celebrating this championship. Kobe is a part of this. He belongs here. I’ll tell you what, he set the standard. All I know is get back to work, let’s run it back.”
Ariana Grande Shares Rare Photo Kissing Husband Dalton Gomez
Valentine's Day isn't over yet for Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, who gave a peek of PDA in a new Instagram post on Feb. 16. In the two-part post, Ariana and Dalton are first seen embracing one another underneath a moonlit night. In the second part, followers are greeted with a video clip of the pair sharing a sweet kiss. Ariana captioned the post with a single pink heart with an arrow emoji.
The husband and wife duo are normally quite private with their relationship and don't take to the feed too often, so it's no surprise this snapshot has brewed some buzz in the comment section.
Ariana's former Victorious co-star Daniella Monet took to the comments to write, "v cute," followed by two white heart emojis. Actress Octavia Spencer also chimed in writing, "Gorgeous you two!!!!" And we must admit, we could not agree more.
In the post, Ariana is seen wearing a black dress with lace detailing and black sky-high pumps. Dalton looks quite dapper himself in a gray suit with a black tie and black shoes to match.
The stylish couple, who began hanging out in March 2020, went officially public with their relationship in May 2021 by starring in Justin Bieber's "Stuck With U" music video.
Following their music video debut, the pair proved they were moving up from "stuck with u" to "sticking with you" when Ariana revealed that they were engaged on Dec. 20, 2021 with an Instagram post of a stunning ring on that finger. The pop-star captioned the precious post, "Forever n then some" with the real estate agent.
Making their romance officially official, the two wed in May 2021 in a private wedding ceremony held at her Montecito, Calif. home.
At the time, an insider shared with E! News that the intimate day was comprised of "close family and friends," adding, "It was a beautiful day and very romantic. Everyone is happy for them. It was perfect and just what Ari wanted.
Britney Spears Invited by Congress to Testify About Conservatorships
Is Britney Spears headed to Washington D.C.? The pop star and her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, have been invited by Congress to speak about guardianships and conservatorships. The outreach from Capitol Hill follows Spears’ recent legal victory — the singer was freed from a 13-year conservatorship in Nov. 2021.
Britney Spears' Lawyer Calls Jamie Spears' Attorney a Liar in Fiery Courtroom Showdown
In a letter dated Dec. 1, 2021, the singer was addressed by Congressmen Charlie Crist and Eric Swalwell, who congratulated the star and her attorney on their “historic victories.”
“It goes without saying that we have been following your conservatorship closely and were elated that you were able to both remove your father as a years-long conservator in September and finally terminate your conservatorship entirely in November,” Crist and Swalwell wrote. “Your journey towards justice will inspire and empower many others who are improperly silenced by the conservatorship process.”
On Wednesday, Spears posted the letter on her Instagram, telling her followers that she had received it months ago and was “immediately flattered,” but wasn’t yet at the “healing stage” she is at now.
“I’m grateful that my story was even acknowledged,” the pop star wrote Wednesday to her social media followers. “Because of the letter, I felt heard and like I mattered for the first time in my life!!!”
“In a world where your own family goes against you, it’s actually hard to find people that get it and show empathy!!!!” Spears continued on Instagram. “Again, I’m not here to be a victim although I’m the first to admit I’m pretty messed up by it all … I want to help others in vulnerable situations, take life by the balls and be brave!!! I wish I would have been … I was so scared and nothing is worse than your own family doing what they did to me … I’m lucky to have a small circle of adorable friends who I can count on.”
Spears finished her caption, writing, “In the mean time thank you to Congress for inviting me to the White House.”
An individual close to the pop star tells Variety that Spears and Rosengart have been formally invited by Congress to testify. No word on whether they have plans to appear at this time.
In the letter, the Congress members noted that Spears was allegedly forced to work against her own will while she was under a conservatorship — which is something that Spears brought to the court’s attention when she testified in June 2021, telling Judge Brenda Penny that she was forced to perform when she did not want to tour.
The Congress members also wrote that Spears was unable to choose her own lawyer for the majority of her conservatorship. (After working with a court-appointed lawyer for more than a decade, Spears was granted the right to obtain her own counsel in the summer of 2021, roughly one month after she publicly testified about the “conservatorship abuse” she said she endured, and she hired Rosengart.)
“Many concerning issues that are commonplace in the guardianship and conservatorship process were brought to light,” the Congress members wrote in their letter to Spears. “Especially troubling was news that, for years, you were unable to hire your own counsel to represent your personal and financial interests. Other issues surrounding the initial petition, the eventual permanence of the conservatorship, and being forced to engage in employment against your will, are all equaling concerning.”
“To that end,” the letter continues, “we wanted to personally invite you and your counsel to meet with us in Congress at a mutually convenient time to describe in your own words how you achieved justice. There is no doubt that your story will empower countless others outside the millions that are already inspired by you and your art. Please know that you have absolutely no obligation to do anything more but fight for yourself, but if you are willing, we would appreciate learning more about the emotional and financial turmoil you faced with the conservatorship system.”
Spears’ conservatorship was terminated after more than 13 years. In September, before the court terminated it, Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, was suspended from the conservatorship that he had overseen since 2007 when his famous daughter was placed under the court-ordered arrangement.
This is not the first time that Spears has caught the attention of politicians, hoping to utilize the pop star’s story to change legislation.
Prior to her conservatorship being terminated, when a documentary aired about Spears’ story, the singer’s conservatorship battle caught the attention of House Republicans, who were seeking a hearing on the pop star’s case. “In recent years, there has been growing public concern about the use of conservatorships to effectively deprive individuals of personal freedoms at the behest of others through the manipulation of the courts…the most striking example is perhaps the case of multi-platinum performing artist Britney Spears,” reps Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan wrote in a Mar. 8 letter to the House Judiciary Committee. (Last summer, Gaetz showed up to one of Spears’ hearings in Los Angeles, and slammed her father outside of the courthouse.)
And in July, a so-called “Britney bill,” with bipartisan backers, was introduced in Congress, designed to crack down on conservatorship abuse.
Over the past decade, but especially in the last year, Spears’ story has garnered international interest, sparking conversation about conservatorships. Prior to her court battle and the #FreeBritney movement, most people did not know what a conservatorship was, but with Spears’ worldwide fame, the public has been educated on conservatorships — and the abuses — within the system.
Presently, Spears legal battle continues with both sides arguing over finances.
Tiki Barber Catches Heat for Defending NFL Owners Amid ‘Racism’ Claims
*Retired New York Giants star Tiki Barber is catching heat for declaring that the NFL is “not racist” after former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the league and several teams.
Earlier this month, Flores sued the NFL, the Dolphins, the Broncos, and the Giants, alleging racist practices during the hiring process for coaches and executives.
“This is about changing the hiring practices in the National Football League, and that’s what this lawsuit is about,” Brian said on CNN. “I want to coach football that’s what I’m called to do.”
In the lawsuit, he alleges that the NFL “is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation.”
As reported by moguldom.com, the Miami Dolphins fired Flores in January “after he delivered two of the best seasons they’ve had in years,” the outlet writes.
Per the report, six NFL teams have never hired a Black general manager or head coach full-time, including the Giants.
“I just don’t think that the Maras, who I’ve known for 25 years, are racist,” Barber said, about the family that owns the Giants during his CBS sports talk show, “Tiki & Tierney,” on Feb. 2. Barber played as a running back for the New York Giants from 1997 to 2006.
“I’m not willing to scream and yell that the Giants, an organization that I revere, that I had a great relationship with, to say that they’re racist simply because they haven’t had a black head coach or a black quarterback,” Barber said. The team has had a Black general manager.
The Maras “embraced me like I was family,” Barber said. “I know them intimately, so when I say I don’t believe they’re racist, it’s because I know they’re not … I know they’re not a racist organization.”
Black Twitter users were quick to label Baber a “coon” for defending the NFL owners.
One Twitter user noted that “I can’t say what I want to say about this guy because my account will be suspended but this is the type of black man who enjoys being the only black man in the room please trust and believe.” A follow-up tweeted said, “This is the same man who left another white woman who was pregnant with his child for the white woman you see on the picture now. Y’all Brothers out there watch out for guys like this this they’re just as dangerous as any racist white man.”
To clarify, Barber actually left his Asian wife back in the day for his white female intern.
“The thing about Tiki Barber and other black players and coaches defending the white owners is, it’s never reversed. Whenever something blatantly racist happens to us, no other white players or owners come out and say, ‘yes this was a racist attack/move/institution’,” tweeted @Matthew_Gaskin.
“Tiki Barber on CNN cooning,” tweeted @JA5O4.
“Of course, Tiki Barber would get his Sambo ass on CNN to defend the NY Giants,” tweeted @DarlingEbony.
Florida Woman Arrested And Charged After She Allegedly Used PPP Loan To Hire A Hitman
You can’t make these things up: A Florida woman found herself behind bars after she allegedly took out a PPP loan and used some of the money to hire a hitman!
According to authorities in Miami, the woman identified as Jasmine Martinez, 33, took out a $15,000 loan to help keep her single-employee beauty salon going. Days after receiving the loan in spring 2021, she took out $10,000 days before the murder of a U.S. Transportation Security Administration officer Le’Shonte Jones, 24; who was shot in front of her home last year.
According to police, the victim was walking into South Miami-Dade apartment when she was shot multiple times. Javon Carter, an ex-con, is the accused hitman in the murder of TSA officer Le’Shonte Jones. Detectives believe Jasmine gave Javon an estimated $10,000 to murder Le’Shonte. Jasmine reportedly has had multiple run-ins with Le’Shonte over the years. It was noted that just hours after the murder, Javon got paid and videotaped himself counting a large amount of money. “Just another day at the office,” he said in the video.
An arrest warrant dated Feb. 9 stated that Jasmine was arrested along with a man named Najee Romiel Robinson, who is believed to be in a relationship with her, on charges of conspiracy to murder and first-degree murder, according to The Miami Herald. Police have separately arrested Javon Carter.
Jasmine’s lawyer, Fallon Zirpoli, released a statement Tuesday night denying her client’s involvement in the incident. She said to the Times:
“[Martinez] has always denied any involvement in this tragedy since the first time law enforcement approached her last summer,” Zirpoli reportedly said.
Maxine Messam: Connecticut Woman With Butt Lift Injection Wounds Dies At Bronx Hospital
A Connecticut woman named Maxine Messam was brought unconscious to a hospital in the Bronx. The woman then died after she was unresponsive. NYPD thinks that something was injected into her buttocks. According to the New York Police Department, two women dropped off a 53-year-old woman at Jacobi Medical Center in Morris Park shortly before 2 am on Tuesday (16th February) and then fled. Medical personnel pronounced the woman deceased after she became unconscious and unresponsive. The hospital phoned 911 at 1:51 am shortly after the woman died and police were dispatched.
The woman was from Bridgeport, according to the NYPD. According to investigators, the woman had several injection wounds on both buttocks. She was nude below her waist and seemed to have been injected with an unknown chemical. The two women who transported the unconscious woman to Jacobi told while admitting her to the hospital that they found her near Woodlawn Cemetery and drove her to the hospital in her own car. Police said an autopsy will determine Messam’s cause of death.
Meanwhile, two unknown females are being sought by NYPD as they took Maxine Messam, 53, to Jacobi Medical Center in her own BMW SUV and then walked away leaving the car behind. The victim's startled husband Carlos Simpson told The Sun outside the family’s home in Bridgeport, “We don’t know what happened. She was at work and she left work. So we don’t know what happened from there.” Messam's son, who did not want to be identified, said, “Everybody is really emotionally damaged at this point in time. I would like to say something, but we don’t have all the details.”
In recent years, women who could not afford to go to professional cosmetic surgeons have turned to fraudsters posing as certified plastic doctors and promising risky modifications at a discount. Leslie Ayala died in June 2018 after receiving an unlawful buttocks injection. Ayala traveled to the city from Philadelphia for the dangerous treatment, according to cops. She collapsed into cardiac arrest at a friend's house on Seward Ave in Castle Hill, where she was staying, NY post reports.
A Harlem mother who had buttock enlargement surgery also died in a similar way according to Fox26. Latesha Bynum, 31, went to a shady clinic on July 15, 2017, to obtain silicone injections from someone pretending to be a doctor, according to her family and lawyer. The phony physician, Kevin Richardson, who conducted Bynum's surgery pled guilty to charges of second-degree homicide and illegal practice of a profession. He was given a sentence of up to 12 years in prison.
.
Nick Cannon Addresses Rumors He Wants Ex-Wife Mariah Carey Back
Nick Cannon dropped his new song “Alone” on Valentine’s Day, which contained a sample of his ex-wife Mariah Carey’s “Love Takes Time.” Social media was set ablaze, thinking that the talk show host wanted his ex back.
“For all of the people out there that was alone on Valentine’s Day, I did a song called ‘Alone,'” the Wild’ N Out host said. “And it sampled one of my favorite Mariah Carey songs, ‘Love Takes Time,’ and so I think people put the two and two together, and they tried to say … that this was my song to try to get Mariah back.”
But Cannon said on Wednesday’s edition of The Nick Cannon Show that the show was more about owning up to his mistakes.
“I know that’s impossible, I know!” Cannon explained. “The song is really about reflection of, like, the process of when somebody — and men, we do this a lot — where you realize, ‘Man, I really messed up. I had probably the greatest situation, I had my dream girl, and I messed it up!’… So the song wasn’t really about trying to get her back. It was taking ownership of what I did as a man and owning my flaws and expressing it through song.”
After explaining the meaning behind “Alone,” he expressed his desire to get Kanye West on the “Alone” remix. He likened his situation with Carey to what Ye is going through with Kim Kardashian.
“Matter of fact, Kanye, I need you on the remix to my record. That’s what we gon’ do with this,” he continued. “Kanye and Nick, it’s the ‘Alone’ remix ’cause I salute everything tryin’ to do. Yo, get your woman back, man.”
The audience took exception to Nick’s comments, probably because Ye has exhibited some disturbing behavior toward Kardashian with his stalking and harassment.
“You said no? “That’s his wife!” the comedian exclaimed. “He got kids with her! But I can get Mariah back, though, huh? But Kanye can’t get Kim back? Y’all ain’t right. Y’all ain’t right. We gon’ do the remix, that’s all I’m sayin’. Kanye will pull up in the Toyota with the roses, I’ll pull up in the minivan with some butterflies, it’s goin’ down.”
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Meets With Drill Rappers Over Gun Violence
New York City Mayor Eric Adams sat down with “drill” rappers to address the violence that has plagued both the genre and the city.
Adams had previously expressed his desire to sit down with notable drill rappers, which he got to do late Tuesday night. Maino, Fivio Foreign, Bleezy, B-Lovee, CEO Slow, and Bucksy Luciano were all in attendance.
Rapper Maino posted a video to his Instagram showing all the rappers sitting at a table with the mayor. “There’s been a lot of talk about drill rap, drill music in New York City, connecting violence with the culture, and I just wanted to create a conversation with the mayor,” he says at the beginning of the video.
Maino says they came together to give the mayor an understanding of drill rap and open up a dialogue and “make things happen.”
“We’re going to roll out something together on the whole conversation, and we’re looking forward to it,” Adams says in the video.
The city has been plagued by gun violence. According to NBC New York, shootings are up 37 percent over this same period last year, with an average of four people shot every day. Up-and-coming drill rappers Tdott Woo and Chii Wittz were murdered in Brooklyn earlier this month.
Kimora Lee Simmons’ Husband Tim Leissner Is A “double bigamist” Who Was “married to two different women at the same time, twice,” Lawyer Claims
It looks like Kimora Lee Simmons’ estranged husband, Tim Leissner is in a bit of hot water!
Tim Leissner, 50, is currently on trial for his alleged involvement in a multi-billion dollar embezzlement scheme. According to reports, Leissner–the estranged husband of fashion model and reality television star Kimora Lee Simmons, 46, and former Goldman Sachs executive– is the federal government’s key witness in its case against Roger Ng, the banker who led Goldman Sachs Malaysia division. The federal government alleges that Ng illegally pocketed $35 million as part of a scam. Ng worked with Leissner and Malaysian financier Jho Low to divert $4.5 billion from the 1MDB fund– a Malaysian development fund that was later looted – to allegedly fund a lavish lifestyle.
As expected during any trial, secrets get revealed and it looks like Tim Leissners’ alleged indiscretions are coming to the surface. On Monday (Feb.14), defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told jurors that Leissner “uses people”. He said,
Tim Leissner is a “double bigamist” who was “married to two different women at the same time, twice. “
Agnifilo alleged that Leissner also had an “illicit” relationship with Jasmine Loo, who was general counsel at 1MDB. Reportedly, Loo fled Malaysia and is wanted by authorities there for her role in the scheme.
Roger Ng’s defense attorney told the jury that Leissner and Loo developed a “dark trust because of their illicit, intimate romantic relationship.” Attorney Agnifilo said that Leissner,
“uses women, he uses false intimacy, and now he’s trying to use my client to get him to do his jail time.”
Kimora Lee Simmons who tied the knot with Tim Leissner in 2013, share a son 6-year-old son, Wolfe.
Ming, Kimora with husband Wolfe and children Ming, Wolfe, Kenzo, Aokie
Tim Leissner has been battling legal woes for a few years. Back in 2017, Kimora’s fashion company was dragged into her husbands lawsuit. It was suspected Leissner had funded the launch of her designer brand Kimora Lee Simmons, but the mother of four denied Leissner had any involvements with the inception of her business. Citing that,
“I fund my own business.…I’ve been in the fashion industry since [age] 12, modeling and all that. So all my money, not that I want to say it that way, this is my third marriage that I’m on so, no, my husband has nothing to do with my professional life.”
Kimora has yet to comment on the current status of her estranged husband’s trial.
Reportedly, Leissner has pleaded guilty to money laundering and bribery. He has agreed to testify against Ng in hopes of getting a reduced prison sentence.
Federal Jury Hears Evidence Of Racial Slurs During Hate Crimes Trial Of Ahmaud Arbery's Killers
Travis McMichael and William Bryan, two of the three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in 2020, used several racial slurs about Black people, including in the days leading up to Arbery’s death, an FBI analyst testified in federal court Wednesday.
FBI agent Amy Vaughn said that McMichael shared several racist messages with friends as far back as 2019, adding detail to the claims made by prosecutors in opening statements of the federal hate crimes trial on Monday. Vaughn is the fifth witness to testify in the trial, in which the government aims to prove that Arbery’s death met the legal definition of a hate crime.
The FBI has reviewed McMichael and Bryan’s cellphones. Gregory McMichael, Travis’ father and the third man convicted in the killing, also had information from his iCloud taken by agents. Greg McMichael’s phone was encrypted, according to Vaughn.
The government showed jurors messages from Travis McMichael’s phone beginning in March 2019. McMichael asked a friend, identified as H.B., where they “ended up last night.”
H.B. wrote back: “n*****s everywhere.”
“Damn. They ruin everything,” McMichael replied. “That’s why I love what I do. Not a n****r in sight.”
“Ha ha ha,” H.B. wrote. “What do you do?”
McMichael described himself as a “government contractor driving boats for Navy & Marines.” He added: “Love it. Zero n*****s work with me.”
In another instance, McMichael was meeting someone at a Cracker Barrel in January 2019. A person identified as M.B. told him there were “hood rats” somewhere nearby.
In response, McMichael said: “They need to change Cracker Barrel to N****r bucket.”
In August 2019, McMichael referred to a location in Georgia as “N*****ville,” according to evidence presented at the trial. He also shared a racist song by the late singer Johnny Rebel with the n-word in its title. The song was played for jurors.
On social media, prosecutors said, McMichael was just as inflammatory. Writing on Facebook, he referred to Black people as “subhuman savages,” they said.
On a post shared by McMichael’s friend Derrick Thomas, describing an incident where a firecracker blew up in a Black person’s face, McMichael wrote that he wished the explosion blew “that n****r’s head off.” In comments on another Facebook post, McMichael wrote that he would “kill that f*****g n****r.”
At some point, McMichael told Thomas that a gun was recently stolen from his truck. According to Thomas, McMichael believed the person who stole the gun was white. However, prosecutors accused Thomas of changing his story, saying he’d previously told jurors that McMichael believed the thief was a Black person.
Amy Copeland, McMichael’s attorney, argued that many of the messages lacked context because you could not hear the inflection of McMichael’s voice.
Bryan also had a record of using racial slurs toward Black people, prosecutors said. In private text messages from 2020, Bryan said he’d been “working so all the n****rs” could take the day off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Bryan did not approve of his daughter dating a Black person, according to prosecutors. In a text message, Bryan told someone: “She has her a n****r now. I’ve been calling it for a while. Not surprised.”
In their opening statements earlier this week, prosecutors hinted that all three men convicted of Arbery’s murder had a record of using racial slurs.
Arbery was fatally shot on Feb. 23, 2020. The shooting sparked national outrage and months of protests, and accelerated a national conversation on race in America and the profiling of Black people. While the state murder trial did not explore the possibility of a racial dimension to Arbery’s killing, the federal trial is focused on whether the three white men who chased Arbery down did so out of racism.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
THEY SEE ME ROLLING
They hatin
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment