#MAGFAB: MOON KNIGHT star Oscar Isaac Covers ESQUIRE Magazine
Oscar Isaac is the cover star of the new April/May issue of Esquire. Isaac sat down with writer Maaza Mengiste to discuss his debut into the Marvel Universe (Moon Knight, which debuts today on Disney+), tripping on mushrooms with Ethan Hawke, and how surviving a hurricane as a child was a transformative moment in his life.
On the characters he’s drawn to: “I’ve always felt like an outsider. Literally, and then emotionally, psychologically. I always felt like I was observing life and not actually experiencing it. There was a lot of guilt with that, sometimes feeling like I was a vulture of my own life.”
On the Marvel franchise becoming a significant point along the continuum of cinema: “Marvel has taken the place of big comedies, to a certain extent, in the theater. There was a time when you’d go and watch the big comedies. You’d watch Hangover, you’d watch all the great Judd Apatow films. And now it feels like these are the movies that people go to, to have a really good time and to laugh. These superhero movies, particularly the Marvel movies, exclusively the Marvel movies. That’s a really important element. But tonally, what Downey started, which was just amazing was kind of the slightly self-referential, really cynical, but beautiful character. If you go back and watch that first Iron Man, that thing’s got teeth.”
On the mental-health message of Moon Knight: “It’s a celebration of the power of the human mind. It’s basically saying, we have a superpower and it’s the human brain, particularly for those who deal with trauma and sustained abuse. There’s this thing that the brain can do to allow them to survive…My uncle suffered with mental-health issues. He started crying watching an episode of Moon Knight because, I think, it just felt like being seen. There was something there that felt like an acknowledgement of the pain and what people do with pain, and the forgiveness, of how you forgive yourself, and how to come to terms with the child within you.”
On healing from the religious trauma from his childhood: “It feels like something directly out of my nightmare. It was a form of spiritual abuse. There’s like a real spiritual abuse. So this year’s really been about trying to cultivate a healthy relationship with spirituality, because I went the opposite way, pure materialist, because of all that spiritual trauma. If I couldn’t see it and couldn’t touch it, I didn’t want to deal with it.”
On the loss of his mother: “For me, she was unconditional love. And when she died, it felt like God died, too.”
On cancel culture: “In a way, we’re living in an almost Victorian time. It’s not about what you really believe. It’s about what you’re going to get called out on.”
On labels: “I grew up with this idea of, don’t label me. I don’t need your labels, man. Now it feels like you’ve got to have a label and it better be the right label. It’s very much about the labels. It’s interesting, the evolution towards that, which all comes from a reaction to something else, and how that evolves and then suddenly you find yourself in this weird place. Then how that’s going to eventually change to something else, the abstract and the surreal being the scariest place for people who need to have intense definition to be able to say what’s right and what’s wrong.”
The full interview is on Esquire.com and in the new issue, available everywhere by April 19
BREAKING: Will Smith resigns from the Academy after Chris Rock slap: 'I am heartbroken'
American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer, and director
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, five days after his first Oscar win. The King Richard star, 53, faced suspension or expulsion for smacking Chris Rock, a stunning incident that overshadowed his big moment.
In a new statement on Friday, Smith apologized once again to Rock and called his actions "painful and inexcusable." He said he will accept any other consequences that the Academy's Board of Governors deems fit, which could include stripping his Oscar.
"My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home," Smith tells Yahoo Entertainment, via his rep.
"I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film," he continues.
"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate," Smith concludes. "Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."
Smith added that he has "directly responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice," and "will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct."
On Tuesday, Smith initiated a virtual six-minute call with Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson to apologize for the incident. The next day, the Academy's Board of Governors met to begin disciplinary proceedings. The organization announced suspension and expulsion was on the table.
The Academy's board will meet on April 15 to determine additional consequences.
Jerrod Carmichael Officially Comes Out as Gay on His HBO Special ‘Rothaniel’
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael — who is hosting “Saturday Night Live” on April 2 — has officially come out in his new HBO special, which premieres Friday night.
“Rothaniel,” which was taped in February at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, weaves stories of Carmichael’s family history in with his own coming out process. At times contemplative, buoyant, and occasionally heartbroken, Carmichael talks about the weight of keeping this secret throughout his life and career, and how coming out has changed his relationships with his friends and family for both the better and the worse.
After telling a story about realizing his father had been cheating on his mother for years, Carmichael takes a beat and looks out at his audience. “After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret,” he says. “One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I’m gay.”
After a long silence, the audience claps, to Carmichael’s visceral relief. “I’m accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it.” Later, he adds, “I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I’d never, ever come out. At many points I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. I can’t control that.”
Carmichael — 34 and born in North Carolina — came to prominence in the Los Angeles stand-up comedy world. He also created the brilliant-but-canceled sitcom “The Carmichael Show,” which ran for three seasons on NBC, and was both topical and semi-autobiographical.
In his 2019 HBO special “Home Video,” the comedian talked about his sexual experiences with men during a conversation with his mother when he said, “I’ve hooked up with dudes before.” In “Rothaniel,” however, Carmichael admits his relationship with his mother has been more fraught since he came out to her, but he has hope for the future. “As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free,” he says. “And I do feel freer.”
“Rothaniel” premieres Friday, April 1 at 9 pm EST on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
#RHOA: Season 14 Trailer Is Finally Here! WATCH!
If you think you know what's coming up in Season 14 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, think again. The trailer for the new season is finally here, and it's filled with one jaw-dropping moment after another.
As previously announced, RHOA Season 14 will feature the return of Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, and Drew Sidora. The above trailer for the new season teases some reignited drama between Kandi's husband, Todd Tucker, and her mom, who is lovingly known as Mama Joyce, as well as a new strain in Drew's relationship with her hubby, Ralph Pittman. But as for Kenya, she's letting her confidence shine these days after competing on Dancing with the Stars and a Turks and Caicos vacation on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. It's no wonder she proclaims in the preview, "I am the moment, bitch. I am the moment!"
After last appearing in the cast in RHOA Season 10, Shereé Whitfield is back, and she is better than ever with Chateau Shereé officially complete and her SHE by Shereé line of joggers about to hit the market. But with her old flame, Tyrone Gilliams, back in the picture, things may get a little complicated for Shereé as she tries to live her best life.
Longtime friend of the Atlanta Housewives, Marlo Hampton (or "Marlo Fabulous F--king Hampton," as she proclaims in the above sneak peek), will also be in the new season — this time holding her very own peach. In Season 14, we'll get to know Marlo like never before as she shares an intimate look at her life raising her nephews and growing her fashion business, Lé Archive.
We'll also meet new Housewife, Sanya Richards-Ross, who's a four-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, mom, wife, and businesswoman. Sanya will introduce us to her family as she and her husband, former NFL player Aaron Ross, contemplate having another child (they are already parents to 4-year-old son Aaron). We also can't wait to see Sanya bring the RHOA ladies to Jamaica to share her culture with the group.
Kandi's longtime pal, Monyetta Shaw, also appears this season as a friend. The mother of two is a recent newlywed to husband Heath.
With wild parties, loads of friendship drama, and shade galore, the Atlanta Housewives are definitely bringing it this season. Oh, and there will also be the return of a familiar face that we definitely did not see coming.
WATCH
It all starts on Sunday, May 1 at 8/7c.
#MusicNews: 29th Annual Capital Jazz Fest To Welcome Chaka Khan, Eric Roberson, Faith Evans & More To The Stage
DMV music lovers, rejoice! The Capital Jazz Fest returns to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD for its 29th edition the weekend of Friday, June 3rd through Sunday, June 5th with another stellar talent lineup.
After the 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic, a modified version of Cap Jazz was held last September with performances by Anthony David, Lalah Hathaway, Stokley and Zo! and Tall Black Guy, to name a few. The festival was pared down from three days to two and all performances took place on one stage.
Prior to 2021, Saturday and Sunday performances were hosted on two separate stages – the Pavilion Stage and the Soul Stage, a temporary stage set up on the other side of the venue. The Pavilion Stage was reserved for jazz artists, while the Soul Stage hosted R&B/soul acts. Performance times were staggered by 30 minutes between stages to allow attendees to make their way from the one stage to the other, based on the artists they wanted to see.
The 2021 version of Capital Jazz Fest significantly changed as the Pavilion Stage became the only stage for performances, and the Friday evening event was temporarily put on the shelf. The 2021 model will be in effect (a permanent change), with the Friday night event set to return.
Live! Casino and Hotel in nearby Hanover, MD, will host the Friday festivities, labeled the Indie Soul Showcase. The event will be hosted by Eric Roberson and feature The Ton3s (fka The Hamiltones), Shayna Steele, Lori Williams, Regina Troupe and Cecily.
Saturday is Soulful Saturday, and the headliner will be Faith Evans, the former First Lady of Bad Boy, who kept us moving and grooving in the late 1990s and early 2000s with classic R&B grooves and her incredible voice. The rest of the lineup features a nice mix of established and newer acts, including smooth R&B artist Musiq Soulchild, Keyshia Cole, hip-hop legend Common, neo-soul favorite Dwele, Deborah Cox, Cory Henry and Adeline. Well-known DC band Spur Of The Moment will supply the music for and produce a Teena Marie tribute, which will feature artists from Saturday’s lineup (with one or more surprise guests).
After the show, it’s the after party, and Saturday’s festivities will end with the Late Night Dance Party, also hosted at the Live! Hotel and Casino. The dance party will feature hip-hop icons Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Sunday is Jazzy Sunday, and the headliner will be the living legend and Queen of Funk herself, the incomparable Chaka Khan. Chaka has a vast catalog of hits, going back to her early days as the lead singer for Rufus. The rest of the Sunday lineup is very impressive as well, featuring vocal powerhouse Ledisi, Maysa and Jeffrey Osborne, legendary Bay Area band Tower of Power, violinist Damien Escobar, Naturally 7, Butcher Brown and The String Queens.
Tickets for the 2022 Capital Jazz Fest are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster and Etix. Tickets will not last long, so get yours today to ensure you do not miss this weekend of great music.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West Reportedly Could Still Perform At Grammy Awards
LAS VEGAS, NV – While Kanye West was reportedly removed from consideration for performing at the 2022 Grammy Awards earlier in March, the Recording Academy might be having a change of heart.
According to HitsDailyDouble, Kanye is one of many artists still in talks with the Grammy Awards to be a late addition to the lineup of performers for Sunday (April 3).
In addition to Yeezy, other stars under consideration include Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. The lineup already features performances from the likes of Nas, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Silk Sonic, John Legend, J Balvin, BTS, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood and more.
Variety previously reported that Kanye had been removed from the lineup due to “concerning online behavior” which saw him target host Trevor Noah, Kim Kardashian, D.L. Hughley, Pete Davidson and resulted in him being banned from Instagram for 24 hours.
However, since the temporary suspension, Kanye has been on his best behavior and has gone silent on all of his social media accounts for the last 10 days.
Kanye West has 22 Grammy Award wins to his name and is up for a handful more with five total nominations at the 64th annual ceremony, including Donda being on the ballot for Album of the Year. He last performed at the award show in 2015 alongside Rihanna and Paul McCartney.
A decision is expected by the weekend and tune into the Grammy Awards on Sunday (April 3) at 8 p.m. ET which will be taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians retiring, to be replaced by Todd Bowles
As it turns out, Tom Brady isn't the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leader hanging it up this offseason.
Bucs head coach Bruce Arians is retiring from coaching and moving to the team's front office as a senior football consulutant, the team announced Wednesday. He will be replaced by Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
Arians reportedly informed his staff and players of his decision Wednesday evening.
Arians is retiring after eight seasons as an head coach, nine if you count the 12 games he coached as the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. There have been whispers of his potential retirement for years, but few saw it playing out like this.
Per Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, teams would typically need to interview at least two minority candidates for a head-coaching vacancy, but because of the timing of the move after the start of the league year, the hire is allowed.
This will be Bowles' second stint as an NFL head coach, having previously coached the New York Jets for four seasons. He amassed a 24-40 record in that span and never made the playoffs despite a 10-6 record his first year.
Since the Jets fired him, Bowles has seen his stock jump back up thanks to his results in Tampa Bay, which included a Super Bowl ring in his second year. The Buccaneers' defense has ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in points allowed in each of the past two seasons, up from 29th when Bowles first took over and 31st in the year before he came aboard.
Instead of, well, the Jets, Bowles, who is reportedly getting a five-year contract, will now take over as the head coach of a roster of a Super Bowl contender. Arians claims that was part of the reason he retired.
Bruce Arians: Tom Brady's unretirement played role in decision
According to Arians, Tom Brady's stunning decision to retire played a role in his decision to hang up his whistle. Specifically, he wanted Bowles to have the best roster possible and Brady allowed that to happen.
Arians said a pivotal moment in his decision came two weeks ago when future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady decided to unretire and rejoin the team. Arians said that gave him the peace of mind he needed to pass along the job to his longtime friend and colleague.
“[I don’t need to] win another 15 games for me to be happy,” Arians said. “I’d rather see Todd in position to be successful and not have to take some [bad] job. I’m probably retiring next year anyway, in February. So I control the narrative right now. I don’t control it in February because [if] Brady gets hurt and we go 10-7, it’s an open interview for the job.”
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported Brady was told Arians planned to step down either the day the quarterback announced his return or the day after. The team reportedly insists the decision for Arians to unretire had nothing to do with Brady, but past speculation of a rift between Arians and Brady is going to leave only more questions.
Tom Brady reacts to Bruce Arians' retirement
No drama was apparent when Brady first reacted to the news publicly, as he strongly praised Arians in an Instagram post.
Will Smith Refused To Leave Oscars After Slapping Chris Rock
On Wednesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that they have begun disciplinary proceedings on Smith over his actions at Sunday’s Academy Awards.
“Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” the organization behind the Oscars said in a statement.
The Academy also claims that Smith was asked to leave the Dolby Theatre after the incident but refused.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the Academy said. “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”
Prior to this, there was speculation that the Academy and producers allowed Smith to stay until his Best Actor category was announced, a move they were criticized for.
“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment,” the statement continued. “We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”
Smith, who received a standing ovation after he won his first Oscar, later apologized to Rock directly in a post on Instagram. “I was out of line and I was wrong,” he wrote. “I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
Another board meeting is scheduled for April 18 during which the Academy “may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.”
Chris Rock Speaks Out About Will Smith Oscars Smack for First Time
Chris Rock is speaking out for the first time and breaking his silence about the controversial moment involving him and Will Smith at the Oscars. Tonight, he had a show The Wilbur in Boston. During his set, he addressed the incident telling the audience,
“I’m still processing what happened.”
The comedian received a standing ovation and at one point told the audience that he would probably talk about what happened at some point in a serious manner.
As previously reported, Inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Rock cracked a few jokes, including one about Pinkett Smith’s appearance.
The joke offended Smith, who walked on stage & smacked Rock. After the assault, Smith shouted to a stunned Rock:
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f—–g mouth.”
Rock declined to press charges.
Smith issued a public apology.
No additional comments were said to be made during his set, about the incident.
50 Cent Calls Out ‘Power’ Creator Courtney Kemp For Comparing Her Success W/ Starz To Her New Network, Netflix
It looks like there’s some drama brewing between former work besties 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, and Courtney Kemp.
Television writer/producer Courtney Kemp, 44, is most known for being the mastermind behind the hit Starz show “Power.” The drama series, which was executive produced by 50 Cent, 46, ran for 6 seasons and is responsible for multiple spin-off projects. In August of last year, Courtney Kemp made headlines after she took her talents to Netflix following her longtime deal with Starz parent company Lionsgate coming to an end.
Despite her switch to Netflix seemingly being a peaceful transition, it now looks like 50 Cent isn’t too happy with Kemp’s recent comments regarding her exit from Starz. During an interview that took place earlier this month at the 15th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, Kemp shared what she believes to be the biggest difference between the two powerhouse Networks. She said,
“Coming from the “Power” universe and Starz, which is a very masculine, very male, very male lead, going to Netflix where it is women…Everyone I talk to is a woman, all the collaborations are female, and I have to say it is a change It’s a real collaboration, and it’s so much fun. I love “Power.” I’m still involved in the universe. I love drug dealing, murder, and all of that, but it’s nice to talk about romance sometimes and human emotion. I’m getting into a new phase, and it’s beautiful.”
According to Hollywood Unlocked, 50 Cent posted a now-deleted Instagram post calling his former work buddy out over her comments. In part, he wrote,
“Why would you compare your only success to something that didn’t work yet I hope this new lovely emotional female perspective Netflix is giving you works. If it doesn’t the females who work there will do you so dirty you won’t believe it.”
Kemp has yet to respond to 50 Cent’s comments. However, in the past, the two creatives have publically spoken about their relationship and shared that they are good friends outside of work too.
What are your thoughts on this entire situation?
Jonathan Majors Shows Off Ripped Bod While Filming 'Creed 3' With Michael B. Jordan
Jonathan Majors has some major strength! The -year-old actor was spotted around Venice Beach, Calif., on Tuesday (March 29) filming Creed 3 next to co-star and director Michael B. Jordan.
While it’s not clear what the scene could be about, it’s suspected that what Jonathan and Michael were filming was a training montage or sequence for Jonathan‘s character, who will be a nemesis to Adonis, in the upcoming movie.
In between the montage filming, Jonathan and Michael were seen chilling out on the concrete barrier.
Creed 3 will mark Michael‘s directorial debut, which was announced last year.
He said at the time, “This franchise and in particular the themes of Creed III are deeply personal to me. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the awesome responsibility of being its director and namesake.”
Alongside Michael and Jonathan, Tessa Thompson will also return for the movie.
Katy Perry Announces Podcast Series About Elizabeth Taylor
Katy Perry is taking on a new project. The Smile pop superstar will tell the tale of Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming podcast series, via Variety.
The podcast, called Elizabeth the First, will include never-before-heard stories about the star in a 10-part series narrated by Katy.
It’s set to premiere later this spring on all major podcast platforms.
“Like most people, I was attracted to her glamour, and in my own life, I continue to find myself referencing her through some of my visuals,” Katy said in a statement.
“I’ve always felt a kinship towards her — I’ve even literally bathed in the same bathtub where she made that bar-setting Cleopatra deal! I’m inspired by her bold activism, her constant boss moves in business, and through it all, an unapologetic way of loving — all things I try to live in my own life. It’s an honor to be able to share her story in this way.”
The series will also feature stories from people closest to Elizabeth Taylor, who died in 2011, including through “exclusive access to audio from the archives of the House of Taylor.”
A few days before, Katy Perry laughed off a wardrobe malfunction on American Idol.
Susan Lucci's Husband Helmut Huber Dead at 84: 'A Tremendous Loss'
Susan Lucci's husband, Helmut Huber, has died. He was 84.
The TV producer, who wed Lucci in 1969, died peacefully on Monday on Long Island, New York,
"A family man, he was a loyal friend, and loved them deeply," according to a representative for the family. "With a roaring sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, and a practical problem-solver, he lived his life to the fullest. Mr. Huber who formerly raced motorcycles in Austria was a first-rate skier, and avid golfer, belonging to the Garden City Golf Club and Westhampton Country Club."
Huber is survived by the All My Children star, 75, and his two sons and two daughters as well as his brother, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions are made to the American Stroke Association in support of stroke awareness and research.
"Helmut's passing is a tremendous loss for all who knew and loved him. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend," a statement from Lucci's publicist, Jessica Sciacchitano, said. "The family kindly asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time."
Born in October 1937, Huber became a citizen of the U.S. in January 1994. He leaves behind a long and impressive career, which included being Lucci's manager and the CEO of Pine Valley Productions.
Huber was was also an esteemed chef.
Previously, he had been asked to join the Austrian Ski Team but instead chose to complete his apprenticeship at the Hotel Maria Theresia. He eventually studied at L'Ecole Hoteliere in Lausanne, Switzerland as well, graduating at the top of his class.
Upon coming to North America at 21, Huber kick-started his career in Canada before making his way to New York at 23.
Though he spoke several languages fluently, he improved his English by watching John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart movies.
Silk Sonic to open the Grammys, new performers announced
While some of the biggest names in music have spoken out against the Grammys in recent weeks, one thing for certain is Silk Sonic is in.
On March 30, J. Balvin, Carrie Underwood, Maria Becerra and John Legend were among the names added to the coveted lineup of performers as well as Silk Sonic — the duo consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak — who will open the show.
If you recall, last year Bruno Mars humbly suggested the duo should be added to the ceremony.
“Dear Grammys, If you can see it in your hearts to allow two out of work musicians to perform at your show, we would really appreciate it. We just released a song and could really use the promotion right now. We have a lot riding on this record (and the Pelicans game next week, but that’s another story),” Mars tweeted on March 7 of last year.
Well, it seems like the Recording Academy loved the idea and listened.
The soulful “Smokin Out the Window” singers will have to take a quick break from their Las Vegas residency to pull off the performance. On Jan. 19, the “Leave the Door Open” duo announced a 13-show run. “An Evening with Silk Sonic” as the show is called, kicked off March 2 and runs through May 29.
Other stars expected to be in attendance include Doja Cat and Justin Bieber, who both received eight nominations, Lady Gaga who was nominated for record and album of the year and Lil Nas X who will be making his on-stage return with Jack Harlow after a brief hiatus.
For the first time, the ceremony will be held in Las Vegas after the Coronavirus pandemic forced the change of date and venue from the usual Los Angeles location. The show will now be held on Sunday, April 3 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Comedian Trevor Noah will serve as the host for the evening.
Lizzo Previews ‘Yitty’: Her New Line of ‘Size-inclusive’ Shapewear
*Lizzo continues to expand her brand beyond music and her latest business venture involves diving headfirst into the crowded field of shapewear. After teasing her fans about a big announcement, #Lizzo finally revealed that she has a brand new “size-inclusive” shapewear line in the works called YITTY.
@PaperMagazine reports, named after what she was called during her childhood, YITTY is the new shapewear line from Lizzo that aims to provide undergarment support to women of all shapes and sizes. Ranging from sizes XS to 6X, Lizzo explained her concept behind launching YITTY. “Instead of thinking about size in this linear way, we’re thinking about it on a spectrum where everyone is included. It’s not high, it’s not low. It’s not big, it’s not small. It’s just your size. I was constantly being told through TV and magazines that my body wasn’t good enough. And, in order to be considered ‘acceptable’ I had to inflict some sort of pain upon it to fit into an archetype of beauty,” she said.
Underneath its parent company Fabletics, YITTY is launching on April 12th with three initial collections: Nearly Naked for seamless shapewear, Mesh Me for underwear-turned-outerwear and Major Label for functional, everyday pieces. The shade names of the shapewear are inspired by her music, such as “Moody B**ch Taupe” and “Tempo Lavender.”
Issa Rae Denies Pregnancy Rumors: ‘Let A Bitch Eat’
Issa Rae is not pregnant, “f–kyouverymuch.”
“LET A BITCH EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY,” she exclaimed on Twitter Wednesday morning, responding to recent rumors she may be expecting a baby.
In case her message was not clear, she also declared, “I am not pregnant, f–kyouverymuch.”
Last week, rumors began swirling that Rae, 37, and husband Louis Diame were expecting their first child after a video of the star sporting what some fans were convinced was a baby bump started making its rounds on Twitter.
The short video was taken on March 25 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where Rae’s production company, Hoorae, was hosting a four-day festival to highlight “the talent of Black creatives.”
The clip showed the “Insecure” creator and star at a fancy event, dressed in a form-fitting black gown, spotting co-star star Yvonne Orji. The two women were seen approaching each other excitedly to exchange hellos, which included some shrieking, a big hug and lots of dancing.
Though Rae had a glass of champagne in her hand for the smile-evoking salutation, several internet users thought they spotted the shadow of a pregnancy belly.
“Issa Rae & husband Louis Diame are Expecting!” one person replied to the snippet, which was met with: “Oh how wonderful, congratulations!!!”
“Idk but I just saw a video of Issa Rae and it’s giving pregnant,” posted someone else.
“My friend called Issa Rae being pregnant 2 months ago,” read another tweet, which was followed by, “Issa Rae being pregnant, all cute and subtle is giving me life.”
One outlet even went so far as to say that the star’s pregnancy was “CONFIRMED!!”
Not only did Rae’s response to the rumor leave no room for interpretation, but it also elicited praise from dozens of fans.
“Issa Rae said she not pregnant…..f–kyouverymuch. Gotta use that,” remarked one supporter, as another added jokingly, “Not pregnant just eating good.”
Rae and Diame tied the knot last July in a private ceremony in the South of France.
A$AP Rocky Announces New Mercer + Prince Whiskey
A$AP Rocky is moving into the world of spirits. The New York City music and fashion superstar has announced Mercer + Prince, a new Canadian whiskey created alongside Global Brand Equities and E & J Gallo.
According to Billboard, the new spirit is named after Rocky’s favorite intersection in his hometown of NYC. The new whiskey is a hybrid of vanilla, caramel, and baked apple flavor.
“I’m so excited and grateful to finally introduce Mercer + Prince to the world,” founder Rocky said in a statement to Billboard. “I have been learning about whisky from all over the world for the past decade and wanted to defy the rules to create something unique, while honoring and respecting industry traditions.”
You can learn more about the new whiskey here.
Dapper Dan X Gap Release New Colorways of the DAP GAP Hoodies
Harlem legend and renowned fashion designer Dapper Dan teamed up with GAP for their Spring/ Summer 2022 campaign.
The letters D-A-P can be seen mirroring the classic GAP hoodie that originally displayed G-A-P across the chest of the hoodie.
The campaign’s theme is the America Dream. According to GAP, they brought unique individuals from different places, cultures and generations together with hopes of finding out what “All American” looks like, there was no answer. The brand hopes to showcase the importance of individuality.
Dapper Dan can be seen modeling the hoodie collection on GAP’s website with different color ascots to match each color hoodie.
In an interview with Hypebeast, Dan stated, “What I want to do is de-stigmatize the hoodie. That’s why you see me with a hoodie on with an ascot.”
Now the second drop of hoodies has been released in new colorways including rose pink, golden, sky blue and black. The hoodie is retailed at $98.00.
Families of Sandy Hook Victims Reject Alex Jones Settlement Offer
Relatives of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims rejected Infowars host Alex Jones’ offer to pay $120,000 per plaintiff to resolve their ongoing lawsuit.
The families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims rejected the offer within hours.
In court filings, they claimed Jones defamed them by asserting the massacre never happened, and they are determined to proceed with their case. They called the offer a “transparent and desperate attempt by Alex Jones to escape a public reckoning under oath with his deceitful, profit-driven campaign against the plaintiffs and the memory of their loved ones lost at Sandy Hook.”
The defunct talk show host was found liable for damages in November, and a trial is scheduled to determine how much he should pay the victims’ families.
Jones was found liable for damages in similar lawsuits filed in Texas by relatives of Sandy Hook victims, and he faces another trial later this year. The National Football League May Soon Launch an ‘NFL Plus’ Streaming Service
The National Football League may be working on an “NFL Plus” mobile streaming service.
All you football fans who constantly watch your sports news online or on cable, the NFL is looking to have you have a space to get your football information, watch your teams, and more directly from a streaming service. The Verge reports that owners learned about the new venture during an annual meeting.
During the multi-day meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, team owners were shown a presentation with slides labeled with “NFL+” branding.
There’s no official launch date for the streaming service or details on the service subscription price. However, a hypothetical $5-a-month prince point was mentioned during presentations to owners.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
NEW WHEELS
She must be tired.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
