#MAGFAB: Rita Moreno Covers TOWN & COUNTRY’s March Issue
Rita Moreno graces the cover of Town & Country for their March issue. Executive Style Director Erik Maza chronicles Moreno’s career from playing Zelda in “Singin’ in the Rain” in 1952 to her second role in “West Side Story” as Valentina in the 2021 remake (Moreno was also an executive producer on the film). Maza spoke with 90-year-old Moreno about her longstanding career, how she wants to be known for more than “West Side Story” and what her legacy on Hollywood is: “Let me just say, first of all, that I’ve never in my life thought of myself and the word legend in the same breath.” Beat. “I guess I am one.”
Moreno is honored as one of 150 people in Town & Country’s inaugural ‘O.G. List’ that honors the living style and arts figures whose gritty dedication to their own originality and point of view has made them into our cultural touchstones. They’re everywhere: on the runways, on our screens, in our collective consciousness. And if not them literally, we see their indelible imprints on all we deem cool and captivating right now.
On the pin Moreno wears when speaking with writer Erik Maza for the interview that says “No whining”: “That’s my badge for the day,” she tells me, “when something amuses me or affords me the opportunity to tell people to shut the f**k up.”
On when the Academy Museum opened in the fall, she was one of six pioneering women, alongside Barbra Streisand (79) and Sophia Loren (87), whose names were engraved on the walls for posterity and how she was touched by the tribute: “Let me just say, first of all, that I’ve never in my life thought of myself and the word legend in the same breath.” Beat. “I guess I am one.”
On how she just doesn’t waste much time looking back and hasn’t shed her immigrant grit: “When I started out, I wanted to be an actress in the movies. I wanted to be a star. That’s all I wanted out of life from the time I was five. Legacy is not something I associate with myself, and I never related to it. I don’t relate to it now. I don’t know—that’s a word I always associate with white people. It’s like a $50 word.”
On how she is back in the spotlight at an age when most actors would just bask in all the adulation “I still don’t have what I want. People aren’t exactly knocking my door down, you know. This West Side Story connection is wonderful, but that’s just one job. That’s not ongoing work. That’s not somebody saying, ‘There’s this part in the script that I think would be just wonderful for you. Would you consider it?’ It’s not happening.”
On how she hesitated when Spielberg approached her, convinced he wanted her for a minor walk-on and how she ended up being blown away by the script: “I thought, Okay, be nice, Rita. You be polite. I said, ‘I don’t want to tell you how to make your movies, but I just don’t do cameos,’” She was floored when the director reassured her, “Tony wrote this for you.” Kushner got permission from Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the musical’s lyrics, and from the estates of composer Leonard Bernstein and book writer Arthur Laurents, to give her something else.
On her initial emotional reaction to the song ‘Somewhere’: “When I read the script for the first time and I saw the song and I read the lyrics, I started to cry. I burst into tears.”
On the question of what she learned from playing Valentina in West Side Story: “I don’t think she taught me anything that I don’t know. She didn’t teach me anything I don’t know, because I know a lot,” she says, pleased. “If anything, Valentina would take lessons from me, because I am more sophisticated, and I’ve been around more than she, and I could dance circles around her.”
#RHOA: TEASIPS, Star Sheree Whitfield Is Now Filming With Her BF Tyrone Gilliams?
"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Sheree Whitfield has been filming for the show's upcoming season, and longtime beau Tyrone Gilliams will be joining her on camera for the first time ... after being on non-speaking terms for months.
Sources with direct knowledge tell the folks at TMZ ... the two recently filmed multiple scenes together, including the season finale, in which Sheree hosts a fashion show.
Having Tyrone on is a big deal for the reality series ... as you'll recall, the couple had serious bad blood after Sheree allegedly tried to spring a camera crew on him back in November ... he was on home confinement at the time and wasn't able to leave the house for any reason -- filming included.
Tyrone had his attorneys fire off a cease and desist to NBC, Bravo and production company Truly Original ... asking to scrub every trace of him from 'RHOA' footage, social media posts, and advertising that used his name.
Recently, Tyrone and his attorneys were able to hash out a deal with Truly, which led to him filming mid-February. Now that he's off home confinement, he was able to shoot with Sheree and the other 'RHOA' cast members in ATL.
This will be the first time Tyrone appears on camera for the show ... their relationship was spotlighted in seasons' past ... they were together while he was locked up, which made for an interesting story arch.
#MusicNews: H.E.R. Announces Second Leg of ‘Back of My Mind Tour’
Demand for a new H.E.R. tour is high, and the Grammy-winning superstar satisfies those interested in seeing her live with the second round of Back of My Mind Tour dates.
Currently slated for 19 dates, the North American trek begins on April 8 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and wraps up on June 18 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Between those dates, H.E.R. will play in major cities such as Seattle, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Denver.
Joining H.E.R. as the special guest for the U.S. stretch is up-and-coming singer Marzz, who recently released the song “KMS.”
H.E.R. also leaves fans to wonder who else will be taking the stage, as the tour poster alludes to other special guests.
Tickets for H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind Tour 2022 go on sale Friday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. local time.
So far this year, H.E.R. has attained several RIAA certifications, including gold awards for collaborations with Chris Brown (“Come Together”) and Jazmine Sullivan (“Girl Like Me”). She also gained a double-platinum honor for her Grammy-nominated record “Focus.”
When it comes to new music, she appeared on Saweetie’s new song “Closer,” which also has a supporting visual.
If H.E.R.’s plate wasn’t full enough, she will also support Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour in the midst of her Back of My Mind Tour.
That’s not all. H.E.R. was recently named global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. She is also gearing up for the release of The Color Purple musical. She’ll make her acting debut as Squeak.
In the awards arena, H.E.R. is nominated in various categories at upcoming ceremonies, including the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the 64th Grammys and the 53rd NAACP Image Awards.
All of the success is attributed to her debut album Back of My Mind, which was among Rated R&B’s Best R&B Albums of 2021 list.
H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind 2022 Tour Dates
April 08, 2022 — Honolulu, HI *
April 14, 2022 — Seattle, WA @ WaMU Theatre
April 16, 2022 — Portland, OR @ Theater of the Clouds / Memorial Coliseum
April 19, 2022 — Denver, CO @ Bellco Theatre
April 21, 2022 — Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater
April 24, 2022 — New Orleans, LA @ Champions Square
April 26, 2022 — Cincinnati, OH @ ICON Music Center
April 29, 2022 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
May 01, 2022 — Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater
May 03, 2022 — Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
May 04, 2022 — St. Louis, MO @ St Louis Music Park
May 16, 2022 — Los Angeles, CA @ Youtube Theatre
June 02, 2022 — Bridgeport, CT @ Mohegan Sun
June 07, 2022 — Portsmouth, VA @ Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
June 10, 2022 — Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion
June 12, 2022 — Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
June 16, 2022 — Tuscaloosa, AL @ Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
June 18, 2022 — Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
June 19, 2022 — Charlotte, NC @ Metro Credit Union Amphitheater
Marzz will not perform *
#HipHopNews: 50 Cent Says Friendship With Eminem Is ‘Never Gonna Change’
Fresh off their Super Bowl Halftime Show performance with Dr. Dre, 50 took a moment to reflect on his longtime friendship with his mentor. He shared a photo of him and Em from 2003 alongside a pic of them from the Super Bowl this year.
Despite the 19-year gap between the photos, 50 said they remain just as close.
“This friendship is never gonna change,” he wrote in his caption.
50 has often shown his loyalty to Eminem, who signed him to his Shady Records label 20 years ago.
“I have so much value for him, not just in my career, just in my life,” he told Music Choice in 2014. “He’s a guy that’s one of my best friends because I can trust that he’s gonna be honest in his constructive criticism.”
He also touted Em’s skills as an MC. “Hip-hop is Black music, without question. And unfortunately for some people, it’s tough to accept that you got a white artist that does it better than a Black artist,” he added. “You can get whoever you feel like is the best Black artist and stand them face to face in a room with Em and he will eat that shit alive.”
In January 2020, Eminem honored 50 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I’m here today because this is not only a business partner to me, it’s one of the best friends I’ve ever known in the world,” he said during the induction ceremony. “And I would say it’s much more fun to be his friend than it is to be his enemy, ’cause this guy is fu**ing relentless. And he won’t stop.”
While it’s been three years since they last collaborated on Ed Sheeran’s “Remember the Name,” Eminem did make a guest appearance on 50’s Starz series “BMF” in November.
Idris Elba Plans To “Lean Away From Acting” To Focus On Music Career
Idris Elba is ready to zero in on his music career. In a recent interview, 49-year-old actor and DJ Idris Elba said he’s hoping to step away from acting in the upcoming years in order to fully focus on making music.
After playing a DJ on Netflix’s Turn Up Charlie, performing at Coachella in 2019, and serving as DJ for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding reception, The Harder They Fall star Idris Elba is ready to let his acting career take a backseat to music making, as he said being a DJ has been a lifelong dream of his.
While speaking on the transition, Idris stated:
“Some may think, ‘Well, it will be the death of your acting if your music’s s—.’ I’ve dealt with the internal struggle of that over the years. So now I’m at peace and I’ve chosen: This is what I’m doing, and I’m going to do it. Some will love it and some will hate it.While it has frequently been reported that Idris was in talks to embody the next iconic James Bond character, the star actor spoke on the difficulties of making movies and doing music. Comparing it to making a soufflé and building a brick wall.
The actor stated:
“The thing about making music is it’s a very consuming process. It’s very difficult to shoot a movie and then go off into the studio or make a song. It’s like trying to build a soufflé while making a brick wall.”
This is not the first time the Sonic The Hedgehog star has spoken about trading up acting for music. During an interview back in 2013, Idris stated:
“This year, I’m not going to work as an actor and I’m going to put my mind into music. It’s a progression thing with me. I want to make music but I don’t want to shove it down people’s throats. People are just barely getting to know me as an actor. But I do it from the heart, I’m not doing it for money — I just enjoy doing it.”
Idris is already slated to reprise his role as Knuckles in the third installment of the Sonic The Hedgehog series, as well as a spinoff from the video game turned movie franchise. It’s unclear whether Idris will take the iconic James Bond role if it’s offered to him.
Jaida Benjamin, Missing ‘Insecure’ and ‘Family Reunion’ Actress, Found Safe
Actress Jaida Benjamin, known for her role as Kelly in Netflix’s “Family Reunion,” has been found after she was reported missing in the Los Angeles area.
via: New York Post
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they’d located Benjamin, 27, around Ventura Boulevard and Colfax Avenue in Studio City — near where she was last spotted before disappearing, CBS Los Angeles reported.
“We didn’t get any sleep at all. My phone is ringing off the hook. I barely got two hours sleep. But I’m relieved at the same time,” Jaida’s mom, Jocinda Benjamin, told The Post when reached for comment.
“She was located last night at 2:30 a.m. We are overjoyed and relieved! The stress has been out of this world,” Jocinda said via email. “I wouldn’t wish this amount of anguish on any parent or loved one. The country needs to do its due diligence to take better care of those battling mental illness. There’s too much red tape to go through just to get immediate assistance and support.
“Jaida is resting and being evaluated for treatment at this time” at a hospital, Jocinda continued, correcting an erroneous report that Jaida was back home with family. She added that there was no known date for when she might be able to return there.
The Post has reached out for comment from the LAPD.
It’s yet unclear how the North Carolina native — who also worked as Jaida-Iman Benjamin — was found or why she went missing, although the star reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The fortuitous find concluded a harrowing saga that began when Jaida was reported missing Monday after being spotted in the Studio City area on Saturday, Feb. 19, according to a flyer released by the LAPD.
The Charlotte native’s mother had implored the public for help in a heartbreaking Instagram message on Monday.
“Never thought I’d ever have to make this type of post,” the distraught parent wrote. “My baby is missing please help me find her. I can’t breathe.” Meanwhile, Jaida’s aunt, Jihan Jonhson, tweeted an LAPD flyer featuring up to date descriptions of the missing actress.
The entertainer’s info was subsequently shared by family members as well as a number of celebrities, including “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams, “The Walking Dead” actor Vincent M. Ward, rapper MC Lyte and “Vampire Diaries” star Kendrick Sampson.
Many of Jaida’s supporters voiced concern that the rising star’s disappearance was related to apparent ongoing mental health struggles.
Earlier this month, Jocinda revealed that her daughter intended to take a break from showbiz in part due to personal issues.
“In light of the recent tragic news of multiple suicides, combined with our own mental health concerns, Jaida and I have decided to take a much needed hiatus from the entertainment industry,” the self-described “Momager” posted on Feb. 2. “We truly appreciate everyone’s love & support over the years and ask for prayers and positive thoughts during this challenging time.”
Along with starring as Kelly in “Family Reunion,” Jaida has made cameos in “Austin & Ally,” “Southland,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Fosters” and many other TV series. The rising talent most recently starred in the 2021 flick “Christmas With My Ex” and has a thriller, “Devilreaux,” in post-production, per her IMDB profile.
Sending positive energy to Jaida.
Tommy Davidson Says Jamie Foxx Hasn’t Spoken to Him Since He Described Foxx as a Bully In New Book
Veteran comedian Tommy Davidson recently revealed that since the release of his 2020 memoir “Living in Color: What’s Funny about Me,” in which he blasted his former “In Living Color” cast mate Jamie Foxx, he has not heard from the Academy Award-winning actor.
During a recent interview with Page Six, the 58-year-old told the publication, “I haven’t actually heard from him” when asked about the “Ray” actor before clarifying that his analysis of the comedian was not to be considered “shade.”
Instead, Davidson said, “I threw some light on this because the book actually was about how my odyssey can help the reader.” He continued, “So I just pointed out all the situations I was in that I was able to eventually transcend. It was really a road map for the reader … not only understand something but over-stand it.”
In 2020, the “Bamboozled” actor did not mince words about how he felt about his longtime colleague. Despite his respect for Foxx’s talent, Davidson wrote that the 54-year-old was “competitive” and that his sense of humor was to be “mercilessly mean.”
The actor also alleged that after discovering he could win over “ILC” creator Keenen Ivory Wayans by bullying the “Strictly Business” actor, Foxx reportedly took on the role of tormentor with Davidson as the victim.
Davidson recalled that during an old sketch, Foxx veered off script by pulling on Davidson’s underwear, leaving him nearly naked. The actor believes the award-winning star used him for purely self-enjoyment.
The “Between Brothers” star also claimed that while filming the 1997 film “Booty Call,” Foxx “was determined to steal every scene he could.” He also recalled that a basketball game nearly ended in fisticuffs.
According to Davidson, one day, Foxx challenged him to a one-on-one basketball game, and despite efforts to distract the actor, Davidson was up 9-0. “The Proud Family” star said when he went for a layup, Foxx charged at him.
“If I had hit my head on the hardtop concrete, that would have been the end of me,” he wrote, the publication reported. “I was ready to give Jamie some street-fighting lessons too, but the crew pulled us off each other and held me back.”
Davidson told the outlet he has since accepted Foxx’s behavior, adding, “I am learning just to not have to have the world changed for me to be happy.”
Dame Dash proclaims Kanye West to be "our new Michael Jackson"
To see Dame Dash speaking candidly on his former artist Kanye West isn’t new. What is incredible is seeing the hip hop mogul singing praises about the Chicago talent during the first installment of the Netflix series “jeen-yuhs,” all of which took place prior to Ye signing on the dotted line as a Roc-A-Fella Records artist.
In a new sit-down with The Jasmine Brand, Dash gave his take on the docu-series and how he saw Ye‘s level of importance over the past couple of decades. He also revealed that he has plenty of throwback footage of his own:
“Not to say that I taught [“jeen-yuhs” co-director Clarence “Coodie” Simmons Jr.] to do that, but I was the guy who always ran around with a camera ’cause I knew that these moments were priceless, it was just a matter of when it was time. So, I was glad that they actually took that advice and did that, or at least followed the example, you know what I mean? I got a lotta footage, but it’s just the time, it’s always about the times.”
He continued by comparing Ye to an absolute pop icon:
“I think this is the right time for [“jeen-yuhs,”] ’cause you get insight into who Kanye is, especially because he’s so public, he’s turned into our new Michael Jackson, you know? Whether that’s negative or positive, but that’s just … it is what it is. I wasn’t expecting all that from Kanye.”
In related news, Dash is also gearing up to film the sequel to 2002’s Paid in Full, which — as REVOLT previously reported — is taking place in Newark, New Jersey and will open up the story to many other characters:
“So you’ll see a perspective from the stickup kids at the time, see a perspective of the younger dudes, I was a younger dude, the 16-year-olds. You’ll see perspectives from Kevin Childs, Jay Black, everybody, Lou Simms. It’s going to be off the hook. Trust me. A lot of other little stories will be told.”
Benzino Issues Apology To Coi Leray After Blasting Nicki Minaj Collab
Benzino issued a public apology to Coi Leray after blasting potential Nicki Minaj collab.
24-year-old Coi Leray gained her prominence in the music industry after the release of her viral single, “No More Parties” in 2021, and later adding Chicago’s very own, Lil Durk, onto the single and releasing the music video. The song reached over 76 million views on Youtube, making people want to know more about the trendy superstar.
Since then, Coi has continued to release music with hits such as TWINNEM, At the Top, BIG PURR featuring Pooh Shiesty and more. While Coi Leray is on a consistent run in her music career, the New Jersey native is gearing up to release her highly anticipated debut album.
While the album is still in the works, fans are trying to figure out which artist will be making a guest appearance on the new album. Following a series of events yesterday, fans may now have an idea after Benzino, father of Coi, may have spilled the beans.
“She got the song with Nicki Minaj that’s gonna be coming out that’s gonna be crazy,” Benzino stated in a room on clubhouse. When the media got wind of the collab so many were excited for the singer before Nicki Minaj addressed the rumor stating that she doesn’t have an upcoming collab with anyone. “I don’t have a collab coming with anyone. Onika mode. Love you,” Nicki penned on her Instagram story.
Clearly frustrated with her dad’s actions, Coi Leray took to social media to address his claims, stating that she advises that her father takes the backseat in her career and let her steer the wheel. “When people was yappin’ they mouth on the Clubhouse he felt like he had to defend himself but I had to tell my dad, he’s an OG and he was super-super big back in the day and everybody knows my dad’s an OG. He gotta play the back, gracefully,” she began. “It’s my turn now. It’s my turn, daddy. I’ma need you to sit the f**k down, grab some popcorn, enjoy the show, and clap for me when it’s time to clap for me. Alright, daddy?”
Although the singer is airing out her frustration, it’s a good thing to see the two on good terms following their online feud at the start of the singer’s career. “He’s going to go hard for me every single time. He not going to let nobody talk crazy about me or nothing,” she added. “I guess it was a situation where people was yapping their mouth on the Clubhouse and he felt like he had to defend himself.”
Could Nicki Minaj and Coi Leray really have a collab on the way
Kerry Washington Gets Into Character Filming 'The School For Good And Evil' in L.A.
Kerry Washington is back on set of her upcoming Netflix movie!
The 45-year-old actress made her way out of the hair and makeup trailer and to the set of The School For Good And Evil on Monday (February 21) in Los Angeles.
Kerry was seen with her hair up in two buns and wrapped in a diamond-covered band while wearing a black jacket over a white blouse paired with olive-colored pants and black boots.
Netflix first announced last February that they are working on adapting the fantasy YA novel from Soman Chainani into a movie starring Kerry and Charlize Theron
Jennie Nguyen denies throwing glass at Mary Cosby on #RHOSLC finale
Jennie Nguyen says that while she did throw a glass on Sunday’s finale of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” she didn’t throw it at Mary Cosby, per se
“That was my breaking point! I did not throw the glass at anyone, I threw it on the FLOOR!” Nguyen wrote on her Instagram Story on Monday.
The mom of three claims that she ultimately reached said breaking point after Cosby allegedly made insensitive remarks towards Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese descent.
“Yellow skin, slanted eyes, mocking my accent, Jennie from the hood, and finally little Asian,” Nguyen wrote, referring to phrases Cosby allegedly called her throughout the tumultuous season.
Nguyen, 44, and Cosby, 49, got into a heated argument in Sunday’s episode after Nguyen attempted to have a conversation with Cosby, who ignored her.
“I didn’t sign up for you,” Cosby told a highly charged Nguyen, who immediately clapped back, “I didn’t sign up for you, either!”
Nguyen then accused Cosby of calling her a “f—king psycho,” which Cosby denied, but Nguyen continued pressing her.
“Oh, run away … Run the f—k away because you don’t have nothing to say, Mary,” Nguyen shouted, throwing her glass as Cosby walked away from her. While the drink didn’t appear to touch Cosby, she did turn around and notice the shattered glass.
“If you have something to say about me, say it to my face!” Nguyen cried.
Nguyen had the opportunity to address the incident at the reunion, but will not during Season 3. She was fired from “RHOSLC” after several controversial Facebook posts — many of which denigrated the Black Lives Matter movement — came to the internet’s attention in January. The reunion was filmed prior to the posts being resurfaced.
Cosby has yet to give her opinion on #glassgate — and won’t be doing so at the reunion, having ditched the Season 2 roundtable to avoid addressing her co-stars’ accusation that her Faith Temple Pentecostal Church is a “cult.”
Part one of the “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” Season 2 reunion airs Sunday, Feb. 27, at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
TikTok Star Who Joked About Killing Someone Is Now Arrested With Mom For Murder
A TikTok star who made a video about killing somebody was arrested — along with her mother and three others — in connection with the murder of two men who died in an apparent car chase in Leicestershire, England, last week.
22-year-old Mahek Bukhari, her mother Ansreen Bukhari, and another woman, Natasha Akhtar, reportedly hunted down and ran cousins Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin and Saqib Hussain, off the road, killing both of them and tearing their car in half overnight on Friday, according to the NY Post.
Although law enforcement is still investigating the deadly incident, a judge raised a question to the mother, daughter, and Akhtar in court if they realize they “face the most serious charge known to criminal law,” provoking a one-word “yes” response from each during the first hearing.
According to Tiktok, the 22-year-old is very well known on the app. She is a fashion influencer who goes by the name of “May B Vlogs”. The TikTok user currently has 3.2 million likes on her account. She made a video pretending to tell another person that she “killed someone” as Shawn Mendes’ “It’ll Be Okay” played in the background.
Last November, according to the Daily Mail, she also discussed having “beef” with other influencers in a YouTube video.
“I would say ‘beef’ was coming to me last year and I cut off loads of people, lots of TikTokers, actually, which was good for my mental health as well,” Mahek allegedly declared. “Now I’m literally thriving and growing.”
Miss Alabama Zoe Sozo Bethel, 27, Dies Eight Days After Suffering Head Injury In Mysterious Accident
The former model who was crowned Miss Alabama for America Strong in 2021, passed away on Feb. 18 “after succumbing to her injuries,” her family confirmed on Instagram. She was 27 years old.
According to the Daily Mail, the beauty queen died from head injuries after she tried to take her life by leaping off a seven-story Miami condo. Zoe was then in a coma for more than a week after undergoing brain injuries before she passed away.
An ambassador for the Miami Police Department that they suspect that the “accident” she endured on February 10 was a suspected suicide.
Her family clarified the situation in an Instagram post next to a photo of the late model.
“Zoe had an accident Thursday night, February 10th, & sustained severe damage to her brain/brainstem & is in a coma,” they explained. “Unfortunately the doctors are saying the damage cannot be repaired & that she may not have much time left.”
“We are praying for God’s will to be done, regardless of what that may look like,” they continued. “This has been an abrupt & very traumatizing situation for our family, & we can imagine how much of a shock this will also be to everyone who knows & cares for her.”
“We ask that everyone please respect the privacy of our family during this time,” they continued. “Keep Zoe & the family in your prayers!”
#NewCoupleAlert: The Weeknd And Simi Khadra?
Looks like The Weeknd has got his eye -- and lips -- on a new woman ... Simi Khadra, from the twin duo "Simi Haze."
The Weeknd was throwing himself a birthday bash Saturday night at Delilah in Vegas ... the club was packed with folks celebrating his 32nd b-day. It was around 2 AM when he and American-Palestinian DJ Simi Khadra were seen making out like there was no tomorrow.
There's been a buzz the two have hooked up ... this clip seems to confirm it!
The club was playing The Weeknd's hits long into the night, and they even had cocktails created just for him. Simi chronicled the bday trip on her Insta story. Drake was also in attendance, and Swedish House Mafia and Kaytranada both hit the DJ booth.
A few months ago, rumors started spreading the grammy-winning singer was dating Angelina Jolie ... even putting lyrics in his last album about his "new girl" who's a "movie star."
It's worth noting ... Simi and her twin, Haze, were once close with The Weeknd's ex, Bella Hadid. Quite the small Hollywood dating pool.
Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Adds New Amendment That Would Allow Schools to Out Students’ Sexual Orientations
Florida‘s Under the Parental Rights in Education bill (HB-1557 or SB-1834) has a new proposed amendment that would order schools to out students about their sexual orientation.
Opposers of the bill have referred to it as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would ban teachers in schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. A new amendment of the bill would allow a school to announce or “out” a student’s sexuality. The amendment was added Friday, and it states that if a student confides in a teacher, the school would have six weeks to tell the child’s parents, Fox 13 reports.
The school would then have to create a plan with the use of government resources to let parents know about their child’s sexuality, the news outlet reports. The House is set to put the bill up for debate on Tuesday, and it will move to a floor vote by the end of this week.
Opposers call the bill “unnecessary” and “hateful.”
“People are outraged. People are really, really upset about this,” said Michael Womack, the communications manager for Equality Florida, reports Fox 13. “We’re really concerned about this because sometimes the home is not the safest place for a kid, and they often confide in teachers. Forced outing is going to be detrimental to a lot of kids’ mental health and their physical safety.”
Academy Won’t Air All Categories Live for 94th Oscars Telecast
Several major Academy Awards will not be presented on the air during this year’s Oscars in an effort to present a more streamlined and television-friendly broadcast. Eight honors will instead be awarded during off-air parts of the show and then edited into the telecast, Variety has confirmed. The Oscars recognize 23 categories in total, but the show has been criticized for being long-winded and its ratings have struggled in recent years.
The awards that will be handed out earlier in the ceremony are for documentary short, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, original score, production design, animated short, live action short and sound. The ceremony will start one hour before the on-camera portion begins in order to accommodate the changes.
Clips of the speeches will be folded into the live televised broadcast. That’s similar in approach to what the Tony Awards and other televised ceremonies have done with awards that recognize technical achievements. The Oscars have already moved the honorary honors off of the broadcast and present those prizes on another night. Nominees in the awards categories that will be awarded prior to the show were informed of the overhaul during a Zoom call on Tuesday.
As the Oscars enter their 94th year, the awards show is under pressure to bolster ratings from ABC, the network home of the ceremony. That’s because last year’s ceremony was the least-watched in the history of the awards, with a paltry 9.23 million viewers tuning in to watch “Nomadland” win best picture, a 51% drop from the 18.69 million viewers who switched on the previous year’s Oscars. That’s emboldened the Academy to make a decision to dramatically overhaul the March 27 telecast, a move that will almost certainly expose the group to controversy and criticism.
In 2019, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the group behind the Oscars, caused an outcry when it announced that several below-the-line awards would be presented during commercial breaks. That caused fierce blowback from artists and talent who believed the Oscars were minimizing the contributions of these craftspeople and the show’s producers then abandoned those plans in the face of the outcry.
“After carefully listening to feedback and suggestions from our film community, our network partner, and all those who love the Oscars, it was evident we needed to make some decisions about the broadcast that are in the best interest of the future of our show and our organization,” Academy President David Rubin wrote in a letter that went out to the group’s membership.
The new plan will allow more time for comedy, film clips and musical numbers, Rubin explained. But the Academy head acknowledged that the move could prompt bruised feelings.
“We realize these kinds of changes can prompt concern about equity, and we ask you to understand our goal has been to find a balance in which nominees, winners, members, and viewing audience all have a rewarding show experience,” Rubin wrote. “Moving forward we will assess this change and will continue to look for additional ways to make our show more entertaining and more thrilling for all involved, inside the Dolby Theatre and watching from home.
Rubin’s full letter is below:
Dear Fellow Academy Members,
We’re excited to present a 94th Oscars broadcast that both honors the year’s achievements in motion pictures and provides boundless entertainment for our global audience of movie lovers. After carefully listening to feedback and suggestions from our film community, our network partner, and all those who love the Oscars, it was evident we needed to make some decisions about the broadcast that are in the best interest of the future of our show and our organization.
When deciding how to produce the Oscars, we recognize it’s a live event television show and we must prioritize the television audience to increase viewer engagement and keep the show vital, kinetic, and relevant. This has been an important focus of discussion for quite some time. We do this while also remembering the importance of having our nominees relish a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In order to provide more time and opportunity for audience entertainment and engagement through comedy, musical numbers, film clip packages and movie tributes, a change in the show’s production will take place. This year’s show producers and Academy leadership with oversight of the Oscars have made the decision, with endorsement from the officers and the Awards Committee, that every awards category must be featured on the television broadcast, though eight awards will initially be presented in the Dolby Theatre in the hour before the live broadcast begins.
They will not be presented in the pre-show nor on the red carpet, as some have speculated. Instead, the in-person ceremony at the Dolby Theatre will begin one hour earlier to present eight awards categories before the live telecast starts. Those presentations will then be edited by our creative and production teams and will be folded seamlessly into the live televised show.
To be clear, all the nominees in ALL awards categories will be identified on air and ALL winners’ acceptance speeches will be featured on the live broadcast. Every awarded filmmaker and artist in every category will still have the celebratory ‘Oscar moment’ they deserve on the stage of the Dolby, facing an enrapt audience.
For the audience at home, the show’s flow does not change, though it will become tighter and more electric with this new cadence, and the live broadcast should end – yes, with the Best Picture category – at the three-hour mark.
This year, those categories presented in the evening’s first hour and seen later in the live broadcast are, alphabetically: Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action), and Sound.
The categories to be presented live on this year’s broadcast are, alphabetically: Actor in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Documentary (Feature), International Feature Film, Music (Original Song), Visual Effects, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and Writing (Original Screenplay).
We realize these kinds of changes can prompt concern about equity, and we ask you to understand our goal has been to find a balance in which nominees, winners, members, and viewing audience all have a rewarding show experience. Moving forward we will assess this change and will continue to look for additional ways to make our show more entertaining and more thrilling for all involved, inside the Dolby Theatre and watching from home.
Every Academy branch and award category is indispensable to the success of a film and vital to this industry. Both our challenge and our goal is to create an exciting, streamlined Oscars show without sacrificing the long-held fundamentals of our organization. We appreciate your understanding and will be grateful for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,
David Rubin
Krispy Kreme & Twix Join Forces For Candy Bar Donuts
Krispy Kreme has introduced a new line of donuts that combines the iconic pastry with Twix candy bars to satisfy your sugar cravings.
In a partnership announced on Monday, Krispy Kreme and Twix have teamed up for limited edition goodies. The Caramel Cookie Crunch Bar Donut is the most embellished selection. The treat is stuffed with an entire Twix bar and chocolate Kreme. The outside is also coated in chocolate and drizzled with caramel, topped with Twix pieces. The Mini Caramel Cookie Donut is much lighter on the chocolate, only featuring it on the icing with Twix chunks on top. The Caramel Cookie Crunch Original Filled Donut is more caramel-based. It takes a Krispy Kreme classic chocolate iced donut and stuffs it with salted caramel filling with broken Twix pieces on top.
The irresistible collab is now available in Krispy Kreme locations and will remain on the menu until March 6th. Sweets connoisseurs can purchase the donuts individually or in a dozen, including four of the Twix donuts, four of the filled donuts, and four original Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. Or, you can give them a try in a box of 16 minis, which features four of the mini Twix donuts.
Pair one of your Twix donuts with the wildly popular Krispy Kreme Caramel Mocha Latte for your morning on the go.
Kyle Rittenhouse Says He’s Going To Sue Whoopi Goldberg & Others For Calling Him A Murderer
Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois teenager who was acquitted of all charges in the shooting deaths of two protesters in Kenosha, Wis., was seen on Tucker Carlson on Monday where he disclosed plans to sue individuals who publicly called him a murderer.
Rittenhouse revealed he and his team have initiated the Media Accountability Project to fundraise and plans to take media corporations and individuals to court. In his interview, he named one of the people that he’s coming for and name-dropped The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg.
“Right now we’re looking at quite a few,” Rittenhouse said. “Politicians, celebrities, athletes. Whoopi Goldberg’s on the list. She called me a murderer after I was acquitted by a jury of my peers. She went on to still say that. And there’s others. Don’t forget about Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks. He called me a murderer before the verdict and continues to call me a murderer.”
“We are going to hold everybody who’s lied about me accountable,” Rittenhouse said. “Such as…everybody’s who’s lied, called me a white supremacist. They’re all gonna be held accountable and we’re going to handle them in a courtroom.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
SMELLED IT MILES AWAY
Bro, we know it was you.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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