#FASHIONFILES: Zendaya for Valentino’s “Rendez Vous” Spring 2022 Ad Campaign
FABULOUS!
Joe Biden Picks Ketanji Brown Jackson For The Supreme Court
President Joe Biden has chosen Ketanji Brown Jackson as his Supreme Court nominee, CNN and the Associated Press reported Friday, a decision that will delight progressives and that seals his promise to put the first Black woman onto the nation’s highest court.
Jackson, 51, was considered the front-runner to replace Justice Stephen Breyer, who announced in January that he plans to retire this summer.
Jackson has been a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit since June. She previously served as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for eight years. She is a former public defender and was vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She also clerked for Breyer during the 1999-2000 Supreme Court term.
Presidents regularly pluck Supreme Court nominees from the D.C. Circuit. Justices John Roberts, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh all served on this court, as did the late Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia.
Progressive judicial advocacy groups and dozens of organizations representing public defenders had been urging Biden to pick Jackson. They argued it was long past time for a former public defender to have a seat on the court.
“Too often, past presidents have communicated through their judicial nominations that in order to be appointed to a prestigious federal judgeship, a lawyer should spend their career working at a corporate law firm or as a prosecutor,” reads a letter to Biden last week from the Black Public Defender Association, the National Association for Public Defense, The Legal Aid Society and others. “By nominating a former public defender to the highest court in the country, you would make clear that you believe defending the rights of people who cannot afford a lawyer is just as valuable as representing the wealthiest Americans.”
Jackson has already shown that she can pick up at least some GOP support in the Senate. When she was confirmed to her current judgeship last year, three Republicans joined Democrats in voting to confirm her: Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). When the Senate confirmed Jackson to her previous seat on the U.S. district court in 2013, it was by a unanimous vote.
“I’m not looking to make an ideological choice,” Biden recently told NBC’s Lester Holt regarding his selection process. “I’m looking for someone to replace Judge Breyer with the same kind of capacity that Judge Breyer had, with an open mind, who understands the Constitution and interprets it in a way that is consistent with the mainstream interpretation of the Constitution.”
Barring extraordinary circumstances, there is no reason to believe Jackson will not be confirmed. Biden already has the votes in his own party to confirm her. The Senate is currently tied along party lines, 50-50, and Democrats are unlikely to oppose the historic Supreme Court nomination of a Black woman by their party’s leader. In the event of a tie, Vice President Kamala Harris would cast the decisive vote.
One Democrat, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (N.M.), is currently out recovering from a stroke, but he is expected to return to work well before a vote on Jackson would take place.
Jackson’s confirmation wouldn’t change the ideological bent of the Supreme Court. It is currently tilted 6-3 in favor of conservatives, and she would replace Breyer, one of those three Democrat-appointed justices. Her confirmation would simply preserve the status quo of Democrats’ minority representation on the court.
It’s possible that former House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will be in the audience for Jackson’s Senate confirmation hearing. They are family, after all: The judge’s husband, Patrick Johnson, is the twin brother of Ryan’s brother-in-law William Jackson.
Ryan even testified on Jackson’s behalf in her 2012 confirmation hearing, calling her “clearly qualified” and “an amazing person.”
“Our politics may differ, but my praise for Ketanji’s intellect, for her character, for her integrity, it is unequivocal,” the Wisconsin Republican said at the time. “I favorably recommend your consideration.”
It now falls to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to schedule Jackson’s confirmation hearing.
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Thanks Entire Real Housewives Of Atlanta Cast Except Marlo Hampton For Supporting Her Business
Cue the marching band — Kenya Moore Haircare is coming to a CVS near you! It’s a major milestone for The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s shade assassin, and she recently took to Instagram to announce the new business move. In the celebratory post, she thanked her team, she thanked CVS, and she thanked her RHOA castmates for their support. However, it’s who she didn’t mention in the Instagram post that has us thinking that there’s a feud brewing in Atlanta.
Kenya recently shared a handful of photos from her CVS ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing a display of her haircare products. Announcing the retail expansion, she wrote in her Instagram caption, “This is such a monumental moment for me and #KenyaMooreHair. During Covid we lost our momentum and I feared we would lose our largest retail account. But God had a different plan.”
It seems like cameras were rolling for season 14 of RHOA, and in the Instagram post, Kenya thanked her castmates Kandi Burruss, Drew Sidora, and Sheree Whitfield. She even thanked newbies Monyetta Shaw and Sanya Richards-Ross. So who’s noticeably missing from this list of RHOA thank yous? None other than friend-turned-Housewife Marlo Hampton.
Kenya wrote, “Thank you @kandi for being an inspiration in business and @sanyarichiross @drewsidora @monyettashaw and @shereewhitfield who were so positive and happy for me! Love u ladies!”
So what is going on between Kenya and Marlo? They’ve been dropping hints for weeks that there’s something off. In December, the two unfollowed each other on Instagram, which is basically an act of war in the world of The Real Housewives. And Marlo seemingly shaded Kenya on Instagram with a message on her story saying, “I will unfriend, uncousin, unf–k, unco-worker, unfollow, unfamily a draining soul REAL quick.”
Of course, Kenya and Marlo have had a tumultuous friendship over the years, but at the end of season 13, it seemed like they had formed a powerful truce. What happened? Of course, there is a very slim chance that this was just an oversight on Kenya’s part when she was typing up her Instagram post. Or maybe we’ll find out that Marlo came crashing into the CVS with a marching band and signage for Marlo’s HER Hair Collection. We’ll have to wait and see, but season 14 can’t come soon enough.
#MusicNews: Patti LaBelle Brings Her Classics To NPR Music’s ‘Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts’ Series
Patti LaBelle is undoubtedly a music legend and a living, breathing example of Black history. The trailblazing diva has enjoyed a storied 60-year career and has a litany of accolades to show for it, yet she continues to give us amazing performances whenever she steps on a stage. So it’s no wonder that Miss Patti was one of the artists selected to hold it down for NPR Music‘s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts series in honor of Black History Month.
LISTEN HERE
The singer had many, many hits to choose from, so it would be hard for her to disappoint with song selection. And she doesn’t, bringing three of her signature songs and a showstopper from her LaBelle days to the proceedings.
She opens her set with “Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight)” from her 1986 album Winner. The song might not be her best known, but her live band (which features Jeff Bradshaw on trombone and B. Slade on backing vocals) help the veteran make it pop like it topped the charts. She then slows it down with the ballad “Love, Need And Want You.” Though she’s performed the song probably thousands of times, this version incorporates some jazzier inflections into this take to make it sing even more.
Patti then puts another slow jam on with “If You Only You Knew,” taking her time to deliver the romantic tune with just the right amount of tender, loving care. And while she’s known for sending her voice to the rafters, she shows that she can also reel us in for the quiet moments as well. She goes on to close the set with LaBelle’s funky staple “Lady Marmalade.” The upbeat number acts as the perfect punctuation to a good time as it allows the singer to have a good time while reminding us all why she’s the icon she is.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West Debuts ‘Donda 2’ In Miami With Alicia Keys, Migos, & Jack Harlow
Kanye West brought DONDA 2 to life during his “Donda Experience” in Miami last night.
Ye debuted his 11th studio album, the sequel to last year’s DONDA, with an epic performance at LoanDepot Park on 2-22-22, which was live-streamed on YouTube and in IMAX theaters, and featured appearances from Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow, The Game, Migos, and more.
Ye once again erected a replica of his childhood Chicago home in the stadium, engulfed in flames and surrounded by water. XXXTentacion’s vocals could be heard blaring through the speakers for the opener “True Love,” which finds Ye rapping about being separated from his kids.
Divorce was a recurring theme on the album, including on the song “Security,” with the lyrics, “Never stand between a man and his kids / Y’all ain’t got enough security for this.”
Throughout the 90-minute spectacle, which was plagued by sound issues, Ye brought out special guests including The Game, who performed “Eazy.” Pusha T waded through the water with Ye for “Diet Coke,” while Migos debuted their new collaboration “We Did It Kid,” which also features Baby Keem.
Jack Harlow joined his “hero” live for “Louis Bags,” while Soulja Boy and Ye squashed their beef and reunited on “First Time.”
Other featured guests on DONDA 2 include Travis Scott (“Pablo”), Don Toliver (“Broken Road”), and the album’s executive producer, Future, who appears twice on “Pablo” and “Do I Look Happy?”
After debuting new music, Ye performed tracks off the original DONDA including “Jail Pt 2,” with appearances from Marilyn Manson and DaBaby. According to Rolling Stone, the appearance of the shock rocker—who’s been accused of sexual assault—drew “noticeable groans” from the audience.
On the opening of “Sci-Fi,” Ye sampled Kim Kardashian’s “SNL” monologue, during which she praised the father of her kids as the “best rapper of all time.”
Alicia Keys delivered the chilling opening notes of “City of Gods” before being joined by Fivio Foreign. The evening closed out with “Off the Grid” featuring a raging Playboi Carti, donning face makeup, followed by an explosion that echoed throughout the stadium.
DONDA 2 will be released exclusively via Ye’s Stem Player, which can be purchased for $200 and allows users to customize any song.
Da Brat And Jesseca Dupart Tied The Knot On ‘Twosday’
Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart have tied the knot. On Feb. 22, 2022, or 2/22/22, the WEtv reality stars got married at the Horse Mansion in Fairburn, Georgia in front of 100 close family and friends, People reported. Draped in dresses designed by Esé Azénabor, Da Brat was escorted down the aisle by Jermaine Dupri while Dupart was escorted by her father Damon Dupart, Sr. to “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross.
At the reception, guests were serenaded by Keith Sweat and Le’Andria Johnson while enjoying savory plates of Southern-fried lobster tail with port wine braised short ribs over truffle mac and cheese, asparagus and broccolini catered by Bold Catering. The butter almond wedding cake was supplied by Cakes by La’Meeka.
Guests included Brat’s sister LisaRaye McCoy, who was a bridesmaid, Porsha Williams, Kandi Burruss, Shamea Morton and Rickey Smiley, who stepped in for the father-daughter dance with Brat.
Dupart said she and her wife chose “twosday” as their wedding date because it is reflective of their compatibility.
“We’ve been calling each other twin flames for a while,” she told People. “So this date, 2/22/22, is a significant event. We just didn’t want to miss it because it comes once in a lifetime. It’s relevant. It’s just real significant to our relationship. It signifies angel numbers, and it also is reminiscent of twin flames.”
Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, echoed those sentiments, saying that it didn’t take long for her to realize that Dupart was meant to be her wife.
“Everything about her made me want her to be mine forever,” she added. “And I felt like I knew it not much longer than from the day we met.”
Da Brat added that their wedding is such a “milestone because, in the ’90s, things like this couldn’t happen.” She didn’t officially come out as lesbian until March 2020 when she revealed her relationship with Dupart.
“I met somebody that made me want to be so out loud and tell everybody and scream it from the mountaintops. So, I’m very grateful for that. It was like a weight lifted. I promise you, she was sent to me by God.”
The lovebirds are honeymooning in Turks and Caicos.
Da Brat and Dupart said “I do” a month after they revealed they were expecting their first child together. The special day was documented for their reality show, Brat Loves Judy, and we will get to see what the special day was like next season.
The Wendy Williams drama just took another strange turn with her and her Publicist
On the heels of the news that she’s been fired from her own talk show, embattled TV host Wendy Williams is reportedly considering legal action as a result of producers replacing her. On top of that, her publicist is raising questions about whether the TV icon is in control of her own social media accounts.
Thus far, 2022 has not been kind to Williams. Earlier this month, she filed a lawsuit against Wells Fargo, claiming she couldn’t pay her bills due to the finance giant cutting her off from her own accounts.
That was followed by the announcement that she would not return to her hit talk show, and that former The View personality Sherri Shepherd would replace her as host. The Wendy Williams Show will be rebranded as Sherri later this year.
Amid all the chatter, people close to Williams are raising even more concerns.
This week, publicist Howard Bragman publicly questioned whether Williams has been issuing her own statements or if someone else has been operating her social media accounts from the shadows.
Bragman previously issued a statement on Williams’ behalf congratulating Shepherd on her new gig. But later that day, Williams’ personal Instagram account posted a scathing condemnation of him and his statement.
“Mr. Bragman although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support,” it read.
This prompted Bragman to issue a statement of his own, alleging that Williams is not in charge of her own social media accounts anymore.
“I’m not honestly convinced of the source of that social media post, so when my old friend Wendy FaceTimes me personally and we alone have a chance to discuss recent events, together we can figure out the best path forward,” it read.
Furthermore, Radar Online reports that Williams and her lawyers are exploring legal action over her firing from The Wendy Williams Show.
“Wendy is on sick leave and has basically been fired,” sources tell Radar. “This isn’t right and Wendy isn’t going to take this.”
“She is considering legal action again her producers and is also deciding on what to do about Sherri Shepherd. Sherri was supposed to be a friend filling in for Wendy while she was sick, but instead, Sherri stabbed Wendy in the back. If anyone thinks Wendy is going to disappear without a fight they are a fool.”
Another source adds, “You can’t just fire someone after a decade because they are sick. Wendy has been reading the news where Chris Cuomo is suing CNN for $60 million and Megyn Kelly get $60 million when she was kicked out of NBC. Knowing Wendy, she will think she can get the same amount too.”
“This is going to get ugly.”
Wendy Williams has missed the entirety of the 13th season of The Wendy Williams Show due to a variety of health issues, including a case of COVID-19. Producers initially assured viewers that she would eventually return and that a rotating roster of guest hosts would serve as temporary replacements. Then in early February, producers admitted that Williams would not return to the show, and began negotiations with Shepard to serve as a full-time replacement host.
Willow Smith Accused Of Islamophobia For Depiction Of Amazigh People In Novel "Black Shield Maiden"
After Penguin Books shared an excerpt of the forthcoming novel, Willow and co-author Jess Hendel were hit with backlash.
Her father is a recent bestseller and Willow Smith is hoping to follow in his footsteps. The singer has been a creative force since early on in her childhood, and with parents like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, it was expected. Aside from her musical career, Willow has partnered with Jess Hendel to co-author a fantasy novel titled Black Shield Maiden, and although the book is slated for arrival this October, an excerpt was recently released by its publisher, Penguin Books.
The story is reportedly about an African warrior who was kidnapped from her native land and forced into a community of Vikings. In the excerpt, Smith and Hendel's description of the real-life Amazigh people did not bode over well with many readers.
The excerpt states: “The Amazigh are dangerous on their best day. They have little regard for anyone who doesn’t worship the Muslim god — and even their own tribes are always at war with one another.”
Soon, people began taking to social media to call out both writers for their depiction of the Amazigh. They faced accusations of Islamophobia and racism, as well as perpetuating Westernized stereotypes of African cultures. Neither Willow nor Hendel have answered the criticism publicly.
Megan Thee Stallion files lawsuit against her record label for the third time
Megan Thee Stallion is going toe to toe with her record label again over her contract. The “Thot Shit” rapper is suing 1501 Entertainment for third time, this time over the legal definition of an album.
In October 2021, Megan released Something For The Hotties, a compilation album comprising of her freestyles and loose singles. It’s not considered a mixtape because the record contains all original production, versus Megan rapping over beats made by other artists. The rapper claims 1501 said the work did not meet the requirement of an album two months after its release, and therefore does not fulfill the “Minimum Recording Commitment” in her recording agreement.
Per the parameters of an album in her contract with 1501, according to Pitchfork, the only defining characteristic is that the runtime is at least 45 minutes. Something For The Hotties comes in at 45 minutes and 2 seconds. In the suit, she’s seeking a non-monetary judgement which will force 1501 to consider Something For The Hotties an album and therefore satisfying the contract with the company.
According to BBC, the suit claims 1501 is trying to keep Megan locked into the contract so it can continue to profit from sales.
“1501's new position, taken months after the album’s release, is clearly a ruse in an effort to try to take further advantage of [Megan], at great expense and not in good faith,” the suit reads.
Megan first sued 1501 Entertainment in 2020, seeking to terminate the contract entirely after negotiations around it failed. She took to Instagram Live to explain how she got stuck in the contract in the first place, and said the label would not allow her to release new music. She sued the label, calling the agreement “unconscionable.” At the time the judge granted a temporary restraining order, which allowed her to release her album Suga.
She sued the label a second time over the release of the BTS song “Butter,” which featured the rapper. She was once again given an injunction on the contract, as the judge found 1501 Entertainment was “recently engaged and will continue to engage in conduct preventing the release of [Megan Thee Stallion’s] new music.
Odell Beckham Jr. Announces Birth of First Child with Girlfriend Lauren Wood
Odell Beckham Jr. has been busy since winning his first Super Bowl ring with the Rams just over a week ago.
via: AceShowbiz: The 29-year-old announced the arrival of his son on Instagram on Wednesday, February 23 along with photos of the family of three snuggling up in bed. In the lengthy caption, he expressed his gratitude for his recent blessings, including his successful knee surgery.
“Man man man. Where do I even begin? This is as real as it gets,” he began. “This last week has been one that I truly could never forget. I had never been more prepared and focused for a game in my life, I was ready to go nuclear and perform at the highest level that I ever had in my career. I knew it and I felt it in my soul, I was in my biggggest bag n nothin was goin to stop me.”
He continued talking about the Big Game, “I reallly mean that!! I was ON. Motivated, determined, and eyes set on a goal that I promised to myself and this team from the moment I decided to be an LA Ram. Safe to say those were my plans and not Gods. I kno there’s purpose in all of this and it may seem that this journey has come to an end but it’s really just a door opening to a new beginning. Starting it off, as a WORLD CHAMPION.”
Odell got another blessing when his son was born on February 17. “2-17-22, 0605. THE biggest blessing I’ve ever had in my life arrived here on earth!” he shared. “The words, I can’t even put together for the overwhelming emotions that ran thru me … a moment I will never forget and cherish forever. Zydn was born n at that moment I knew my life changed for the better.”
He went on gushing about his girlfriend and baby mama, “Lauren Wood, u changed my life forever and delivered the most beautiful gift of all… EFFORTLESSLY! Ur strength throughout this gives me the courage to keep goin because i now kno with u by my side and holding it down for me, I can get thru anything. I love u so much.”
The athlete also celebrated his successful surgery. “And so the journey continues; 2-22-22; the stars are all aligned; surgery was a success,” he said. “Like I’ve said all along ‘IT WAS WRITTEN.’ Im just sticking to the script and seeing where God will take me. Honestly I’ve been through so much to get to where im at.. I duggg deep, and figured out a lot about myself along the way.”
Remaining optimistic of the future, he added, “Lol I kno yall probably tired of hearing me say this every year now ‘this my year’ BUT IM GON BE BACK!!! U better believe imma be back , and imma be back better than ever before. I mean that Shxt from the bottom of my heart. Filled wit LOVE and gratitude. I wanna thank u all for the love and support, this is not the end; but only the beginning to everything I’ve ever dreamed of. LUV.”
Odell and Lauren announced they’re expecting their first child back in November. At the time, the model let out some maternity photos, in which she flaunted her baby bump while joined by the NFL star. They have been together since 2019.
Jennifer Lawrence Gives Birth to First Child with Husband Cooke Maroney - Report
Jennifer Lawrence is reportedly now a mom! The 31-year-old Oscar-winning actress has reportedly given birth to her first child with husband Cooke Maroney.
Jennifer reportedly gave birth in Los Angeles County, according to public records obtained by TMZ.
As of right now, the baby’s name, gender, and date of birth have not been revealed yet.
Jennifer and the 37-year-old director of the high-end Gladstone Gallery in New York City confirmed that they were expecting their first child back in September 2021.
Jennifer and Cooke were first linked together in 2018 and got married in a private ceremony in Rhode Island with close friends and family in October 2019.
In a recent interview, Jennifer revealed that she was planning on keeping her child’s life private. Find out what else she said here…
If the reports are true, congrats to the new parents!
Celebrity Big Brother Finale Recap: Did the Right Houseguest Win Season 3?
It took 29 days for the Celebrity Big Brother house to pare down this season’s 11 hopefuls, and on Wednesday’s season finale, the finalists were hungrier than ever to earn a spot in those final two seats. Even hungrier than a sleepwalking, cake-chomping Chris Kattan.
As a result of Monday’s double eviction, Todd Bridges and Lamar Odom got the boot, leaving Todrick Hall, Miesha Tate and Cynthia Bailey as the Final 3. And while crazier things have happened (I mean, who would’ve guessed that Jordan Lloyd would’ve won Season 11?), Cynthia’s going to have to win something, anything if she wants to break up the unstoppable power duo that is Todrick and Miesha.
But we aren’t holding our breath.
So who outlasted the rest and who did the jury vote as the winner of Celebrity Big Brother Season 3? Read on for the highlights from the season finale.
* After copping to being a BB superfan, Todrick makes a plea to Cynthia with hopes that she’ll take him to the finals if she happens to win the last Head of Household comp. As usual, Cynthia believes everything he says hook, line and sinker, but let’s be real: She ain’t winning jack.
* In the final HOH comp, the houseguests must figure out which of their former roommates’ statements are false from a selection of three. Unsurprisingly, Miesha destroys her competition and becomes the final Head of Household. (Is there a new “Beast Mode” in the BB ranks? We think so!)
* It comes time for Miesha to evict the final houseguest, and of course, she boots Cynthia, opting to take Todrick to the finals to face the jury. In her interview with Julie, Cynthia says she respects Miesha’s honest approach to the game. She also says she would’ve taken Todrick to the Final 2 had the decision been hers.
* Julie welcomes the jury back and gets right to the goods, asking Carson if he’d like to clear the air about his regrets. He then takes a few moments to publicly apologize to Shanna, who graciously accepts his kind words. Aww!
* In her statement to the jury, Miesha says she tried to play the game with integrity, while trying to win as many competitions as she could. She wanted to inspire her children to dream big, and show her daughter that girls can do it all. Todrick says he came in hoping to lay low, but knows he was a target from the get-go. He namedrops The Cookout, and says he wants to win because he knows the game like the back of his hand. He also adds that he never sat on the nomination block, and that he wants to use the money to make art for his community. (Live feeders: Aren’t you just a little bit tired of listening to Todrick talk about himself? OOF.)
* It’s time to vote, and Teddi tells one houseguest (TODRICK) that despite his love for The Wizard of Oz, he forgot that “we can see behind the curtain.” MIC. DROP. Shanna then says that her vote will ensure that “I never have to hear your voice again.” Todd also mentions seeing the live feeds, more or less solidifying the fact that Todrick is (deservedly) going dooooown.
* Julie reads the votes and Miesha wins by a vote of 7-1. And America’s Favorite Houseguest: Carson Kressley!
Snoop Dogg's Death Row acquisition will not include these Dr. Dre and Tupac albums
Snoop Dogg’s newly acquired Death Row Records may reportedly exclude some of the label’s biggest albums. According to a Billboard report, Tupac Shakur’s All Eyez On Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory albums are no “longer on the label” and have been since last month. Additionally, Dr. Dre‘s debut The Chronic is not part of the discography acquired by Snoop, but it may return to the record label early next year.
Per the publication, the deal between the “Beautiful” emcee and Blackstone’s MNRK Music Group has not yet been closed. Sources claim they are still negotiating specifics surrounding Death Row‘s catalog, which is currently still owned by Blackstone and MNRK. With the exclusion of the aforementioned projects, Snoop, who dropped three Death Row albums, is now the best-selling artist on the label’s roster.
As previously reported by REVOLT, Snoop announced the acquisition of his former record label days before his halftime performance at Super Bowl LVI. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and deemed it a “meaningful moment” in his life.
“I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value,” he said in a statement. “It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me.”
Since then, the “Bacc on Death Row” emcee has announced his plan to make some trailblazing moves with the label. “Death Row will be an NFT label. We will be putting out artists through the metaverse,” Snoop said in a previous Clubhouse conversation. “Just like we broke the industry when we was the first independent [label] to be major, I want to be the first major [label] in the metaverse.”
Brian Flores Claims He was Offered Millions to Keep Quiet After Firing
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said team owner Stephen Ross offered him millions of dollars to keep quiet after he was fired in January.
In his first interview since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff, Flores, who is suing the Dolphins, the NFL and other teams alleging racial discrimination, told HBO Real Sports’ Bryant Gumbel he refused to sign a nondisparagement agreement (NDA) so he could speak out about his experience.
Flores’ attorneys, Doug Wigdor and John Elefterakis, joined him on the show.
“I think just signing that separation agreement would have really silenced me,” Flores said.
When asked by Gumbel how much money he left on the table by not signing the agreement, Flores said, “a lot.” Elefterakis chimed in and said, “It was millions of dollars.”
In a statement to CNN, the Dolphins denied Flores’ claims.
“This latest assertion by Brian Flores that Steve Ross mentioned an NDA to him is categorically false. This just did not happen, and we simply cannot understand why Brian continues this pattern of making unfounded statements that he knows are untrue,” the team said. “We are fully cooperating with the NFL investigation and look forward to all of the facts coming out which we are confident will prove that his claims are false and defamatory.”
Flores lawyers responded to the Dolphins on Twitter by posting images of what the attorneys say is the nondisparagement agreement in question.
The interview is the latest salvo in Flores’ legal battle with the NFL, the Dolphins, the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos over allegations of racial discrimination.
Flores, who is Black, alleged in the suit that Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross offered to pay Flores to purposely lose games in order to secure a higher pick in the NFL draft and encouraged Flores to purposely violate league tampering rules. When he refused, Ross then led a campaign to treat Flores with “disdain and held out as someone who was noncompliant and difficult to work with,” the lawsuit states.
Flores also accused the Giants and Broncos of carrying out sham interviews in order to comply with the “Rooney Rule,” which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for open head coaching jobs.
The Dolphins fired Flores in January at the end of the latest NFL season. He went 24-25 in three years with the Dolphins, including a 9-8 record this season when Miami missed the playoffs. He has since been hired by the Steelers as the team’s senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach under head coach Mike Tomlin
Hollywood Unlocked CEO Stands by False Report of Queen Elizabeth’s Death
Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee is still convinced the queen is dead.
Earlier this week, the celebrity news site published a baseless report announcing that Queen Elizabeth II was found dead Tuesday morning. The shocking news came just days after Buckingham Palace confirmed the 95-year-old monarch had tested positive for COVID-19 and was exhibiting cold-like symptoms.
“Sources close to the Royal Palace notified us exclusively that #QueenElizabeth has passed away,” read a Hollywood Unlocked Instagram post. “She was scheduled to attend the wedding of British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, but was found dead.”
Though Instagram has since labeled the report as “false information,” Lee continues to stand by the outlet’s initial reporting, as his team received the news directly from an individual who attended Enninful’s wedding. He also clarified that the source is not related to the Queen, nor do they work with the Royal Family.
“I would never post something like this if the person that told me, I did not trust,” Lee told BuzzFeed News. “People are asking why we posted without allowing the royal family or the Palace to release a statement. Why? Because we break stories. And I’ve broken many stories that have been factual. We have never been wrong.”
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As pointed out by BuzzFeed, the Queen rarely attends celebrity weddings and has never been to one involving a gay couple. The publication also notes there is no proof that Queen Elizabeth was expected to attend the star-studded ceremony. Enninful and Buckingham Palace have yet to comment on the report.
According to CNN, Queen Elizabeth had her weekly meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday; but because of her COVID diagnosis, this week’s meeting was held virtually. Officials say she will continue “light duties” throughout her recovery, which could include reviewing and answering documents.
A source told BuzzFeed the Hollywood Unlocked report may have stemmed from a misunderstanding. On the day of Enninful’s wedding, it was announced that Queens of the Stone Age singer Mark Lanegan had died at age 57. The outlet reported that it’s unclear whether the rockstar was expected to attend the event, but noted some of the wedding guests had ties to the music industry and Lanegan.
So, is it possible that Hollywood Unlocked simply misunderstood the source? Maybe, but Lee made it clear he isn’t backing down—not now, at least.
“I don’t want to have a call every time there is an update on the internet,” he said when asked if he was aware of Lanegan’s death. “What I said earlier still stands: Until there is a retraction, that’s the story.”
Cheryl Burke files for divorce from Matthew Lawrence after 3 years of marriage
Cheryl Burke has filed for divorce from Matthew Lawrence after being married for nearly three years.
The “Dancing With the Stars” pro filed for dissolution of marriage without minors from the “Boy Meets World” alum on Friday, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.
In the filing, Burke cited “irreconcilable differences” as the legal grounds for divorce and listed the date of separation as Jan. 7, 2022.
The document also stated that the couple’s prenuptial agreement — dated from three days before they wed — is in “full force and effect and is fully binding upon the parties.”
Neither Burke, 37, nor Lawrence, 42, have publicly addressed the filing, nor did their reps return Page Six’s requests for comment.
The now-ex-couple met through Lawrence’s brother Joey when he was a contestant on Season 3 of “DWTS.” They dated for a year in 2007 before calling it quits, subsequently reuniting in February 2017. Lawrence popped the question in May 2018, and the two wed a year later, in May 2019.
Burke last posted a couple’s selfie with Lawrence on Christmas wishing her followers a Merry Christmas. One month prior, Burke wrote about how “grateful” she was to spend more time with her family over Thanksgiving.
“After working daily these last few months, beyond grateful to spend much needed quality time with my family,” she wrote alongside a series of photos with Lawrence and her family. “So thankful for their continued love and support on my journey.”
Lawrence, whose social media usage is rather sparse, also indicated little cause for concern. The actor posted a photo from their wedding in May 2021, wishing Burke a happy anniversary.
Black woman awarded $100,000 after cop pulls gun on her for having legal firearm permit
A Black woman who won a $100,000 settlement from the Minneapolis Park Board after a park police officer held her at gunpoint is now speaking out about the incident. In 2019, Jenice Hodge was delivering food when she was pulled over for what she thought would be a routine traffic stop.
In body camera footage from the incident, officer Calvin Pham could be heard informing Hodge that he pulled her over for being on her phone and not wearing a seatbelt. However, the woman informed Pham that she was using her phone’s GPS to deliver food and said her safety buckle was on while her arm was over the other strap, which she had never been pulled over for before.
The officer then asked for her license, which she went to retrieve from her purse.
“I didn’t even have my driver’s license out of the sleeve and I had a gun pointed at my head,” she told KSTP.
Less than 60 seconds after pulling her over, Pham had his gun drawn at the woman and commanded her to step out of the vehicle.
“I was confused and scared, and I didn’t know what was going on,” she said.
Hodge raised her arms through her car’s sunroof, but refused to leave her vehicle.
“Step out of the car, now. I will rip you out if you do not step out of the car now,” Pham could be heard telling her.
The woman finally stepped out of the car and asked why she was being apprehended, before Pham pushed her face to the ground.
“What did I do to cause this reaction from him?” she recalled.
According to Pham’s police incident report, he noted a weapons permit in Hodge’s wallet, which prompted his decision to pull his gun on her.
“I observed a card in her wallet that appeared to be an MN PERMIT TO CARRY, which made me believe that JENICE may have a gun,” it read.
Hodge confirmed that she does have a permit to legally carry a firearm, but Pham never reported seeing a gun.
“You didn’t see a firearm, you didn’t ask if I had a firearm, you just reacted to something that you see in my wallet,” she said.
Pham also claimed Hodge appeared to be “trying to conceal something or reaching for a weapon,” which she denied.
The woman was arrested and charged with obstructing the legal process and marijuana possession, though the charges were dropped after she pleaded guilty to driving with a suspended license. She filed a civil lawsuit against the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and received a settlement of $100,000; after which Pham resigned from the police department.
Hodge said the incident reminded her of the 2016 death of Philando Castile, who was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop.
“That was the very first thing that ran through my mind,” she said. “I’m going to die the same way that young man died.”
Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, also reacted to the “terrifying” body camera footage.
“As a trained law enforcement officer, you’re supposed to [be] trained in how to de-escalate the situation. And yet, we see these situations happen over and over and over again,” she said.
Pete Davidson Deactivates Instagram Amid Kanye West Drama
Pete Davidson deleted his Instagram account just hours after throwing some shade toward girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s estranged husband, Kanye West.
Earlier Wednesday, Davidson posted a clip from Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy. In the clip, Robert De Niro, who plays Rupert Pupkin, says, “Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.”
Of course, people immediately speculated the post was aimed toward West amid their ongoing drama.
The Saturday Night Live star had once again deactivated the social media account by Wednesday afternoon.
Davidson reactivated his account last month after being absent from the app for four years.
West started following him done day later and has been insulting him regularly. West has called Davidson a “d*ickhead” and refers to him as “Skete.”
Kardashian filed for divorce from West in February of 2021 after seven years of marriage. The two share four children, North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 2.
Davidson and Kardashian have been dating since last fall
Pepsi Introduces New Nitro-Flavored Drink
A spin on the typical nitro-cold brew, Pepsi introduces new nitrogen-flavored drinks in regular and vanilla flavors!
The latest Pepsi drink releasing March 28 will give caffeine lovers something to rave about. Nitrogen-flavored drinks have been the hottest commodity partially because of the creamy and silky flavor and how sweet it is. Now Pepsi wants in and is creating the first of its kind soda beverage.
Since nitrogen is typically served with an open-top for the gas to breathe, Pepsi has found a way around it.
CNN reports, “Pepsi took a page from Guinness’ playbook and added a so-called widget at the bottom that creates a “frothy, foamy, smooth texture unique to Nitro Pepsi.” Guinness patented the widget about 50 years ago, and the nitrogen-filled capsule releases the gas when opened to create the stout’s signature foamy head.”
The company recommends a specific way to enjoy the nitro drink, without ice and not using a straw.
Recently, Pepsi made it clear it wants to target non-carbonated drinkers though its brand solely relies on it.
“While soda has been a beverage of choice for so many consumers over the past century, some people still cite heavy carbonation as a barrier to enjoying an ice-cold cola,” said Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s vice president of marketing, in a press release. He added that Nitro Pepsi is a “huge leap forward for the cola category and will redefine cola for years to come.”
Draft Cola and Vanilla Draft Cola will be available in single cans and four-pack varieties and will soon hit stores!
Prosecutors Leading New York Investigation Into Trump Business Resign
Two prosecutors leading the Manhattan district attorney’s yearslong criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization’s business practices resigned Wednesday.
Prosecutors Carey R. Dunne and Mark F. Pomerantz submitted their resignations after the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, expressed doubts about moving forward with a case examining allegations of tax evasion and fraud, The New York Times reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
A spokesperson for the DA’s office told HuffPost it was “grateful” for Dunne’s and Pomerantz’s service and said the Trump investigation remains ongoing. The office declined further comment.
Bragg, a former federal prosecutor who was elected to office last fall, had previously pledged to personally focus on the investigation into Trump’s business practices and had said he might expand the probe. This was before he had been briefed on the facts of the case.
The DA’s office has been investigating the Trump Organization since 2018, when Trump’s former personal attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, began volunteering information about his former boss while facing his own criminal investigation. That probe ultimately ended with Cohen receiving a three-year jail sentence.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is also leading a civil investigation into the Trump Organization’s business practices and has also assigned two of her office’s lawyers to work with the Manhattan DA’s office on its criminal investigation. Her investigation also remains ongoing as of Wednesday.
Pomerantz, a former prominent federal prosecutor, was recruited to help with the DA’s investigation early last year due to his background in investigating and defending white-collar and organized crime cases. Dunne became former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance’s general counsel shortly after the 2016 presidential election. Prior to this, he was a senior partner with Davis Polk & Wardwell, a New York law firm that defends Wall Street banks and global corporations.
A day before the prosecutors resigned, lawyers for Trump’s longtime finance chief, Allen Weisselberg, asked a judge to toss tax fraud charges against Weisselberg in relation to the Manhattan DA’s investigation.
Weisselberg has pleaded not guilty to charges that he collected more than $1.7 million in off-the-books compensation, including apartment rent, car payments and school tuition, with the Trump Organization. He has claimed that he is being unfairly targeted by the DA’s office because he refused to turn on Trump and his businesses. Prosecutors are expected to respond to his request in the coming weeks
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
ACCIDENTAL RENAISSANCE PAINTING
Wait- is… anyone watching that baby? I was distracted by the ferret.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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