3/16/22

The Daily Buzz For Mar 17 ☕📰☕

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Naomi Campbell Is Lanvin's Art Deco Queen in Spring-Summer 2022 Campaign

Naomi Campbell wears silver art deco Lanvin dress on red sofa with big curves.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell reigns supreme in Lanvin’s Spring-Summer 2022 campaign.  Photographer Luis Alberto Rodriguez [IG] captures Naomi in an Art-Deco inspired set that honors the very roots of Lanvin’s identity as a 1920s luxury brand inspired by elegance, femininity, and modernity.

Art Deco influences are prevalent in the new campaign, dictated by creative director Bruno Sialelli’s deep understanding of Lanvin’s roots.


Carlos Nazario styles the shoot and the art direction, with hair by Jawara./ Makeup by Daniel Sallstrom

Naomi Campbell wears Lavin purple, column dress with anthuriums in tall, cylinder vase.

Art Deco influences are prevalent in the creative imagery,  from the 1920’s Art Deco floral arrangements, to the flowers themselves.

Geometry and a “strong-backbone” women vision of femininity and sensuality — as expressed in Naomi’s Lanvin clothes; the stark and erotic flowers in modern vases; and the furniture —   all signal a departure from the prior influence of Art Nouveau flourish.


Naomi Campbell wears Lanvin Art Deco short dress with sheer geometric panels.

Creative director Bruno Sialelli’s black crinoline dress and shoes  pay homage to the modernity deeply embedded in this new vision of fashion and femininity.  Animal prints — previously the province of kings and queens and their rugs — now covered women’s bodies in the early 1930s, at the height of the Art Deco movement.

While Paris and London skylines remained horizontal in shape and design, New York City’s Rockefeller Center rose in the decade of the 1930s, as a symbol of American might. In the perilous ashes of the American depression — part of a global economic convulsion — modern, industrial power rose skyward to touch a political cataclysm that threatened the entire world order at the end of the decade.

Naomi Campbell wears Lanvin animal print sheath dress in Art Deco set.

By the end of the 1930s, strong-backbone French women used fashion as a symbol of resistance against the horrors  sweeping Europe — and Lavin became a much-favored brand for those women.

Surely Naomi Campbell is cut from the same cloth and has the capacity and inner-fortitude to “step up”, perhaps expanding her new role as an ambassador for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. Countless young people — and especially young people of color in fashion world — adore Naomi.  And then we have her nine-month old baby daughter,



#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Addresses NeNe Leakes Claim That Bravo Exec Andy Cohen Is 'Racist'

In September of 2020, after NeNe Leakes announced she was leaving Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, the reality superstar caused a stir when she called Bravo exec Andy Cohen “racist.” Leakes, who will be featured on BET’s reimagined series College Hill: Celebrity Edition (premiering Summer 20220) even posted a petition calling for the boycott of the network. Kandi Burruss, who has been on Real Housewives of Atlanta for 13 seasons, recently addressed Leakes’ allegations.


While promoting her latest Bravo reality show Kandi and the Gang, Burruss said on SiriusXM Urban View’s The Clay Cane Show about the accusations of racism, she commented, “Realistically, I don't agree… Everybody can have their own opinion. I did not agree.”

Burruss said that Leakes “would tell everybody she was the highest paid on our show” and explained, “You can't brag about being paid the most out of anybody and then say that they're not treating you right.”


Burruss also added, “I know, a lot of the women, especially at that time – now we got a lot of new people, it's not as many of us left on the show – but at that time, we still had like, four or five of us, who had been there for a while, making some real good money.  It's not like one person is doing well on the show, multiple women on this show are doing really well… It’s certain things that you may not like, certain things that you may want to try to do better, but, overall, to say that they were racist – I didn't agree with that at all.”

In case you missed it, in September of 2020, Leakes tweeted about Cohen posting, "The racist is the master manipulator! They using me for ratings like they have always done."


She also tweeted, “They ALWAYS manipulating black women to say negative things about each other while they sit and enjoy us tearing each other down! Remember #BLM Remember #breonnataylor REMEMBER the most racist networks.”


Leakes called for her supporters to sign a Change.org petition to ban the network. Additionally, in December of 2020, Leakes tweeted to Cohen, “Stop bringing up my name.”


However, by November of 2021, Leakes appeared ready to return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. On a Nov. 4 episode of The Real, Leakes told Loni Love and Garcelle Beauvais, who appears on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, "Yeah, sure. I'll return to the show. I'm okay with returning to the show as long as we can work through a few things. I'd be happy to return to the show."


She also changed her tune about Cohen, saying, "I think Andy and I were really close for a really, really long time and I love Benny Boo [Benjamin..Cohen’s son] and I helped pay for his baby shower and all those things. I think that Andy and I need to have a sit-down and talk and we're off to the races!"


Cohen did not seem as open to giving her a peach. According to Reality Blurb, shortly after Leakes’ interview on The Real, Cohen said on his SiriusXM show Andy Cohen Live, “I think she would probably prefer that I keep her name out of my mouth and that is what I’m going to honor.”



#MusicNews: Chris Brown Readies New Single ‘Warm Embrace’

Chris Brown is finally ready to share his “Warm Embrace.” The R&B superstar has announced that the next single from his upcoming album Breezy will be available on April 1.

In an Instagram Story, he shared the cover art and previewed the long-awaited track, which he first teased back in the summer of 2021. In the clip, Chris can be seen dancing to the R&B jam alongside Tory Lanez.


“April 1st, u ready?” Breezy asked fans.

“Warm Embrace” follows “Iffy,” which dropped in January, and arrives ahead of Brown’s 10th studio album Breezy, which will contain 16 tracks, like his 2005 self-titled debut.


“The amount of songs on this one will be the same amount of songs as my first album. KEEP IT CLASSIC… Chris Brown to BREEZY!” he told fans of the follow-up to 2019’s Indigo.


Chris was recently in the headlines after he shared a voicemail from the woman who accused him of rape and sued him for $20 million. He has vowed to take legal action to clear his name.



#HipHopNews: Lil Baby Teases New Music: ‘My Turn Again’

Lil Baby is ready for another turn. The prolific rapper reveals that he has new music on the way. Taking to social media on Monday, he told fans to expect new heat in time for summer.

“It’s Gone Be A Nastyyyyy Summer,” he tweeted, while on Instagram he declared, “This summer mines.”


He also referenced his 2020 album My Turn, writing, “My turn again.”

Baby plans to drop a video every few weeks, leading up to the release of his next project.


Last month, he revealed that he was putting the finishing touches on his new album. “Album Almost Done  New Music Otw Tho,” he told his 6.3 million Twitter followers.

The 27-year-old MC hasn’t released any solo music this year, but he continues to be one of hip-hop’s most in-demand features. He recently collaborated with Nicki Minaj on a pair of tracks, “Do We Have a Problem?” and “Bussin.”


His last solo album was My Turn, which topped the Billboard 200 for five weeks and was certified triple platinum. In June of last year, he and Durk released their joint album, The Voice of the Heroes.



#RIP: Mike Mora, Kelis’ Husband, Dies at 37

Mike Mora, the photographer who married Kelis in 2014, has died of stomach cancer, a representative for the singer confirmed to Pitchfork. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Steve Satterhwaite of Red Light Management said, “Sadly, it’s true that Mike Mora has passed away. We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family’s privacy as of right now. Thank you.” Mike Mora was 37 years old.


After marrying in 2014, Kelis and Mike Mora welcomed their son Shepherd in November 2015. Nearly five years later, in September 2020, Kelis announced the birth of her second child with Mora. A year after his daughter was born, Mora publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis.


In the summer of 2020, Kelis and Mora sold their Los Angeles home and moved to a farm outside the city, as revealed in a Harper’s Bazaar feature written by Roxanne Gay. “We were proud agriculturists,” Kelis, who went to culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in 2008, said. “The idea of farm-to-table is not a new, trendy thing. That’s an African concept. We were thriving because we were able to work the land in such a way that it was feeding our people and for generations.”


Kelis last released an album, Food, in 2014. Last year, she returned with the single “Midnight Snacks.” Mike Mora shot the press photo that accompanied the comeback song.



Jussie Smollett’s Legal Team Requests An Emergency Release – Claim Family Member Received Call Threatening Sexual Assault On Jailed Actor

Jussie Smollett‘s legal team is working hard to try and secure his release. Lawyers for the embattled actor, 39, reportedly filed documents on March 14 requesting Jussie Smollett be released from Cook County jail immediately, citing “vicious threats” against him and his family. They added that the hate he receives on social media


“no doubt reflects the hatred and wish for physical harm toward Smollett, which he may experience during incarceration.”

A member of Jussie Smollett‘s family reported receiving threatening phone calls, including one from a man who wished sexual assault on the former actor.


“I hope what they do to that guy in jail — here’s what they’re going to do, right. They’re going to take a broom handle, and take that little [expletive], shove it in there, and he’s gonna go, ‘[shrieking sound],’” the man reportedly said.

In response, a representative with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office maintained they are alert to Smollett‘s “safety and security” and recommended the family member call police to report the calls.


The filing comes just days after Smollett was sentenced for disorderly conduct for filing a fake police report. He reported to police that he was walking in Chicago early one morning in January 2019 when he was jumped by two men, who hurled racial and homophobic epithets at him, doused him in a liquid thought to be bleach, and hung a noose around his neck.


Smollett‘s claims triggered a media firestorm and an investigation by Chicago police, who later returned with claims that he had staged the attack. They argued he did so because he wanted more attention and money from his show at the time, Empire.

Smollett was sentenced on March 10 to 150 days in jail and mandated to pay a $25,000 fine and $120,000 in restitution to Chicago. He vehemently denied the allegations against him when police announced their findings and continues to do so now.


Speaking after his sentencing, Smollett stood up to once again proclaim his innocence and announced he was “not suicidal” in case anything happened to him in jail.



Mike Tyson's cannabis brand is making ear-shaped weed gummies

Mike Tyson's cannabis brand just launched ear-shaped marijuana edibles, nearly 25 years after he was disqualified from the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Championship for biting his opponent's ears.

In reference to what became known as "The Bite Fight" against Evander Holyfield, Tyson's cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0, announced a new product: ear-shaped edibles called Mike Bites — complete with a missing chunk.


Mike Bites ears have a bite mark at the top of the gummy, right where Tyson took off a piece of Holyfield's cartilage.


The company announced the product Tuesday on Twitter.

It has Tyson's approval, too. Responding to a tweet about the new product, Tyson said, "These ears actually taste good!"

The gummies will be sold at dispensaries in California, Massachusetts and Nevada.


The 1997 match resumed after Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear. But Tyson was eventually disqualified and his boxing license was revoked after he bit Holyfield's other ear. He was fined $3 million.

The former opponents appear to have reconciled. In a 2019 episode of the podcast "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson," Holyfield said he "forgave" Tyson, and Tyson pitched an ear-shaped candy to him.


"You might be in business because we're going to make some holy ears," Tyson responded. "Edible ears that got a bit taken out of them. Holy ears."

Former co-host Eben Britton joked about taking a mold of Holyfield's ear.

"Well, I could do that," he replied.


It's unclear whether Holyfield will receive a bite of the profits from the gummies.



Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, husband of Kamala Harris, tests positive for COVID-19

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the husband of Kamala Harris, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the vice president's office.

"Earlier, the Second Gentleman tested positive for COVID-19," Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the vice president, said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Vice President will not participate in tonight's event [on Equal Pay Day]. The Vice President tested negative for COVID-19 today and will continue to test."


Emhoff, 57, said on social media that he is experiencing mild symptoms.

During his event marking Equal Pay Day at the White House -- an event both Harris and Emhoff were slated to attend -- President Joe Biden referenced Harris' absence due to Emhoff's positive test.


"One person I am particularly proud of is, was going to be introducing me is Kamala Harris," Biden said. "Kamala chose not to take a chance since her husband had contracted COVID, although he's feeling very well I'm told. By the way, when he tested, he's fine, but out of an abundance of caution, she decided she wasn't going to join us today."

"But let's send her our love, because she's something else. And I know how proud she is of our team," he added.


Asked if Biden is being tested again this evening given his proximity to Harris earlier, the White House pointed out that isn't required by COVID protocols.

Biden, as far as we know, was last tested on Sunday, and was negative.


Second gentleman Doug Emhoff listens as he meet with women entrepreneurs for a panel discussion while visiting Mi Casa Resource Center in Denver, Friday, March 11, 2022. The center which provides resources needed to educate, train, and support youth and adults on their path to economic success, was a recipient of federal, state and local funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Emhoff had a public event earlier Tuesday. In honor of AmeriCorps Week, he visited the Marvin Gaye Greening Center to tour the site and participate in a service project. He also spoke with two members of the press for several minutes at the event.


As second gentleman, Emhoff has traveled frequently to COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the country to promote shots. Both he and Harris have received their booster doses.

In his post sharing his diagnosis, Emhoff said he is "grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted" and urged others who have not yet gotten the doses, "please don't wait."


Nationwide, COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates continue to decline steadily, though new wastewater data updated this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the U.S. may be seeing the start of an uptick in infections.


Data released by the CDC on Tuesday also suggests that the omicron subvariant BA.2 has been nearly doubling in its presence every week nationwide. As of March 12, BA.2 is estimated to account for 23.1% of new cases in the U.S.


The data comes as countries in Europe and Asia, including the United Kingdom, Germany and China, are seeing resurgences of the virus.


U.S. officials are closely monitoring the increases overseas, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist, told CNN Tuesday.

"We're obviously keenly interested in what's going on with that," Fauci said, adding that he has spoken with his U.K. counterparts who have pegged the rise to the more transmissible BA.2 variant, the opening of society and waning immunity from prior infection or vaccination.



Young Dolph Was Shot 22 Times During Ambush, Autopsy Reveals

Late rap star Young Dolph was shot 22 times during the ambush that took his life in November 2021, reports Fox 13 Memphis. On Tuesday (March 15), the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center’s autopsy determined that he succumbed to over two dozen gunshot wounds in areas of the head, neck, torso, back, and arms. His death has been ruled a homicide.


Young Dolph was murdered on Nov. 17, 2021 while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a local bakery in his hometown of Memphis. Two suspected gunmen, 23-year-old Justin Johnson and 32-year-old Cornelius Smith, have each been apprehended and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm, and theft of property over $10,000. Both have pleaded not guilty and have a court hearing scheduled for March 24.


Shundale Barnett, who was arrested alongside Johnson, was charged with being an accessory but was later released and is currently unable to be reached by authorities. Two other suspects in the case, Devin Burns and Joshua Taylor, were identified in February. Burns was taken into custody two days later and charged with four counts of aggravated assault and one count of property theft in the amount of $10,000-60,000. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges. Taylor has yet to be arrested.



Pregnant Rihanna Pairs Hoodie with Sparkling Mini Skirt for Dinner in Santa Monica

Rihanna is enjoying a night out! The 34-year-old pregnant entertainer and makeup mogul strutted her way into the restaurant Giorgio Baldi for dinner on Tuesday night (March 15) in Santa Monica, Calif.


For her night out, Rihanna covered up her baby bump in a blue hoodie that had a photo of a city skyline on it, paired with a silver sparkling mini-shirt, a fuzzy blue and cream-colored jacket, and sparkling strappy heels.

Giorgio Baldi appears to be one of Rihanna‘s favorite restaurants. Over the weekend, she was spotted arriving there in a leather outfit that showed off her bare baby bump



Russell and Ciara Wilson visit Denver children’s hospital following Broncos trade

Community efforts and philanthropic work seems to always be a pleasure for power couple Russell and Ciara Wilson. Following his trade to the Denver Broncos, the Wilson’s made time to visit patients at a Denver children’s hospital, TMZ reports.

On Tuesday afternoon, the quarterback and the singer were seen at the facility taking photos and talking with kids. Taylor Brooks, a Denver sports reporter, shared the couple’s visit in a tweet.


The candid photo shows Ciara representing her husband’s new team while rocking two of the Bronco’s colors.


Both superstars are known for their community outreach projects and servitude. They’re also apart of the nonprofit foundation “Why Not You.” The company was founded in 2014 and its mission is “dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, empowering today’s youth to lead with a why not you attitude.” The organization is also designed to “empower change in the world, one individual at a time, and one child at a time.”


On Tuesday March 8, it was announced that the former Seahawks quarterback would be traded to the Denver Broncos. He signed a no-trade clause provision and passed his physicals with the AFC team. Wilson was eligible to veto the trade but moved forward. He’ll be an official team player on Wednesday (March 16.)



'Bachelor' finale shocker: Clayton is rejected and leaves single for the first time in show's history

History was made during Tuesday's finale of The Bachelor Tuesday when, for the first time in the history of the show, the bachelor was rejected, with Clayton Echard leaving as a single man.


After Echard realized he was in love with Susie Evans "the most," Echard decided to kill two birds with one stone by breaking up with the final two ladies — Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey — at the same time.


While Windey slammed Echard for betraying her and refused to let him walk her out, Recchia broke out into tears and promised him that letting her go would "haunt" him. And while the two women were left brokenhearted by Echard, karma caught up to the bachelor when he tried to win Evans back and was ultimately rejected.


"It's just you and me here because, like, I don't want anything else. And I want you to know that I'm so fully committed to, like, showing you how much I love you and how I will never stop fighting for you. And I know that I can't take back what I've done, and I take full accountability for it," Echard told Evans. However, Evans responded, "I don't feel like the kind of love I have for you right now is the kind of love that you have for me right now."


Evans added, "You have an unconditional love of somebody that you want to spend a lifetime with, and, like, that's not where I'm at. I have made the decision to leave Iceland alone. It doesn't make it, like, an easy decision. It's devastating, if I'm being honest. But, like, I've thought this through, and, like, I don't think that I'm your person and, like, and I don't think that you're mine. But it doesn't, like, take away from everything that we've had and the love that I genuinely, like, feel in my heart for you."


When Echard asked Evans if there is a chance it could be something in the future, Evans point blank stated, "I feel like it's over." However, during the reunion Tuesday, Bachelor Nation was surprised to find out that, since leaving Iceland, the two have rekindled their romance and have gotten back together.


In fact, it was a happily ever after for all four previously broken hearts. Host Jesse Palmer announced at the end of the night that, also for the first time in the history of the franchise, Season 19 of The Bachelorette will star two women — both Recchia and Windey!


As you could imagine, Bachelor Nation was thrilled:



Volodymyr Zelenskyy Invokes 9/11, Pearl Harbor In Powerful Address To Congress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Congress Wednesday morning, invoking the Sept. 11 attacks and Pearl Harbor as he called on the United States to “do more.”

“Right now the destiny of our country is being decided,” he said through an interpreter, adding, “Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities, it went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values.”


Zelenskyy received a warm welcome as he addressed lawmakers virtually, saying that he was grateful for all the assistance from the United States but that more was needed to push back Russia.


“Ladies and gentlemen, friends, Americans, in your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians — understand us now, when we need you right now,” he told lawmakers. “Remember Pearl Harbor, the terrible morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you. Remember Sept. 11, a terrible day in 2001 when evil tried to turn your cities, independent territories, into battlefields. When innocent people were attacked from air.”


“Our country experiences the same every day, right now, at this moment, every night for three weeks now,” he added.

Zelenskyy reiterated his request for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, although he acknowledged that the United States was unlikely to go that far. So he followed that ask for other types of assistance, both humanitarian and military, while saying he was extremely grateful for all the aid the U.S. government has already provided.

“If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative,” he went on, requesting other assistance to fight Russia, including S-300 missile systems.


Establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine ― which Zelenskyy has requested before ― would potentially be a major escalation of the conflict, requiring U.S. and NATO to shoot down Russian aircraft.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki has said the president “continues to believe that a no-fly zone would be escalatory.” Biden has also repeatedly said he does not want to put U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine or do anything that could lead to World War III with Russia, another nuclear power.


Congress has passed nearly $14 billion in humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine so far. President Joe Biden over the weekend approved $200 million in security assistance for Ukraine and is expected to announce later on Wednesday an additional $800 million, bringing the total security aid provided to the country since Biden took office to $2 billion.


Zelenskyy repeatedly turned to U.S. ideals and history to make his case, invoking both Mount Rushmore and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at times.

“I have a dream. These words are known to each of you,” he said. “Today, I can say, I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help. Which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, ‘I have a dream.’”


In his speech Wednesday, Zelenskyy also criticized the current governing bodies of the world, saying they were failing and that what was needed was a “union of responsible countries” that can stop conflicts immediately.


At one point, Zelenskyy played a graphic video showing Ukrainian cities both before and after Vladimir Putin’s invasion, in happy times and then full of destruction with injured children and people crying as they try to escape the carnage.

At the end of his speech, Zelenskyy appealed directly to President Joe Biden: “You are the leader of your great nation. I wish you to be leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace.”


He received a standing ovation after his remarks.

After the speech, lawmakers focused on Zelenskyy’s call for other types of assistance, brushing aside the no-fly zone and making clear that there’s little support on either side of the aisle for such a move.


Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) called the request for a no-fly zone “compelling” but added, “I think every one of us are deeply concerned about this spiraling into all-out war.”

“The point of the no-fly zone request is to make us feel guilty that we can’t do the no-fly zone, so that we work even harder on everything that we can do. It’s brilliant. It’s exactly what he should be doing. It’s effective,” Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) said.


Republicans have seized on Poland’s offer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as a way to criticize Biden’s handling of the situation, even though the Pentagon said the transfer of such planes would be logistically problematic and risk escalating the war. (The United States would then have sent Poland, a NATO ally, replacement F-16s.)


“The idea that we’re going to send in offensive equipment and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews — just understand, don’t kid yourself, no matter what y’all say, that’s called World War III,” Biden told a gathering of House Democrats last week.


“I think right now, providing the MiGs, they can create a no-fly zone,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said. “He’s never asked for American men or women to be in a battle, all he’s ever asked for is, ‘Give us the opportunity to defend ourselves. Don’t let us fight with sticks.’”

“The longer President Biden waits trying to figure out excuses to not offend Putin, it’s costing lives in Ukraine,” Rep. Steve Scalise (La.), the No. 2 House Republican, told reporters after Wednesday’s speech.


Zelenskyy speaks to Biden almost daily by phone, and about two weeks ago, he also had a call with lawmakers during which he asked for more assistance



Meagan Good, Naturi Naughton, Tichina Arnold and LisaRaye Mcoy to Direct Short Films for BET HER

BET HER, in partnership with producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMind Media who is serving as Executive Producer for the series, announces four original 20-minute dramas which will premiere during Minority Mental Health Month (July 2022) and during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2022).


Dedicated to telling stories that support and celebrate Black women in front of and behind the camera as well as bringing awareness to important issues directly affecting the Black community, producer Smallwood spearheads the Health Initiatives under the “Her Stories” banner, which spotlights women-centered short films and highlights the next generation of Black women filmmakers.  Special invited directors include a who’s who list of TV and film icons including Meagan Good (Harlem), Naturi Naughton (Power), Tichina Arnold (Martin), and LisaRaye Mccoy (The Family Business).


All films are written, directed, and produced by Black women and began shooting today in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Press are invited to the set Saturday, March 26, when Tichina Arnold directs The first night of special programming of this series, “The Couch,”  is set to air  Saturday, July 9th at 10 pm ET/PT, and the second night airs Saturday, October 8th at 10 pm ET/PT, both on BET Her.


These 20-minute dramatic short films focus on topics vital to today’s Black women, ranging from the varied impact of breast cancer, mental health struggles, and domestic violence on them and their families.  The films will live under the BET HER “Her Stories” franchise — a platform to empower the next generation of Black women filmmakers through a curated selection of original movies and documentaries. “Her Stories” provides women filmmakers a platform to tell authentic stories that celebrate, inspire and support Black women narratives.



World’s Largest Breaking Competition’s World Finals Returns To NYC

Today, global one-on-one breaking competition, Red Bull BC One, announces its return to New York City, the birthplace of Hip-Hop. Elite competitive breakers and Olympic hopefuls (‘b-boys’ and ‘b-girls’) from all corners of the globe will descend to New York City, where the world’s most highly anticipated annual breaking competition, the Red Bull BC One World Final, will take place on Saturday, November 12th at the Hammerstein Ballroom.


With over 60 qualifier events hosted across 30 countries, the competition brings together the best in breaking for an electrifying battle on the largest international stage, with the final event featuring a line-up of 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls. Last year’s Red Bull BC One World Final was hosted in Poland with B-Boy Amir from Kazakhstan and B-Girl Logistx from the USA taking the belt. Both will defend their titles at this year’s World Final.


Born on the streets of the Bronx, breaking is one of hip-hop’s four foundational elements, as integral to the expansion of the culture as MCing, DJing, and graffiti. Over nearly five decades, the vibrant local art form has broken beyond New York boroughs and become a worldwide phenomenon, evolving into a gravity-defying hybrid of stylized dance and athletic sport now globally recognized, with a sporting debut set for 2024.


In celebration of breaking’s progression, breakers from across the world will reunite in the art form’s birthplace at this unique moment in history to battle for their chance to be crowned Red Bull BC One World Champion.


“There is something special about the Red Bull BC One World Final returning to New York City,” says Logan “Logistx” Edra, winner of the 2021 Red Bull BC One World Final, and the youngest to ever hold the coveted title. “As the next generation of breakers rise, I feel it’s important to honor breaking’s roots while breathing new life into the sport as it continues to amass international and well-due recognition.”



Kanye West worried Pete Davidson will get Kim Kardashian ‘hooked on drugs’

Kanye West is now concerned about Pete Davidson’s influence on Kim Kardashian.

The Yeezy designer went on a social media tear against the “Saturday Night Live” star early Wednesday, saying he is “really concerned” Davidson will get his ex-wife “hooked on drugs.”

“Im [sic] really concerned that SKETE will get my kids mom hooked on drugs,” West captioned an Instagram post of a follower’s comment about Davidson. “He’s in rehab every 2 months.”


It’s unclear what made the “Flashing Lights” rapper discuss Davidson’s history with drugs, as the comment he screenshotted read, “The way Skete used Kim’s marital status too [sic] address Kanye was a sneak diss towards her & she didn’t even catch it.”


Davidson, 28, has been candid about his love of marijuana but always has maintained that he has “never really” done any other drugs. At one point, before he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, he thought his mental illness was a “drug problem.”

Kanye West is “really concerned” Pete Davidson will get Kim Kardashian “hooked on drugs.”


“I’ve been a pothead forever. Around October [or] September last year, I started having these mental breakdowns where I would, like, freak out and then not remember what happened after. Blind rage,” he disclosed on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast in September 2017 after completing a stint in rehab in Utah.


“I never really did any drugs, so I was, like, ‘I’m gonna try to go to rehab. Maybe that’ll be helpful.’ So I go and get off weed. They told me, they’re like, ‘You might be bipolar.’ … One of my psychiatrists [diagnosed me].”


The “King of Staten Island” star has been to rehab a couple of times to handle his mental health issues. He most recently sought treatment in Arizona in 2019 following his split from Kaia Gerber.

 “He’s in rehab every 2 months,” West wrote on Instagram of Davidson.

Kim Kardashian/Instagram

Since entering a relationship with the Skims founder, 41, last fall, Davidson has implored West, 44, to go seek help for his bipolar disorder.


“Let me help you man. I struggle with mental stuff too,” Davidson wrote in alleged texts to West.

“It’s not an easy journey, you don’t have to feel this way anymore. There’s no shame in having a little help. You’ll be so happy and at peace,” he added. “I have your back even though you treat me like s–t because I want everything to be smooth. But if you continue to press me like you have for the past 6 months I’m gonna stop being so nice.”


West and Kardashian were married from 2014 to 2022 and share four children: North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 2.



‘90 Day Fiancé’ star Ben Rathbun arrested for probation violation

 “90 Day Fiancé” star Ben Rathbun was reportedly arrested in Michigan on Tuesday for a probation violation.

According to TMZ, Rathbun’s arrest stems from his 2020 arrest for OWAI — operating while ability-impaired — for which he was sentenced to 18 months of probation.


The 52-year-old was reportedly scheduled for a probation violation hearing in February. But when he did not appear, the judge issued a bench warrant that ultimately led to his recent arrest.


Rathbun’s bond has been set for $10,000, per TMZ. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 21.

Rathbun stars on the current season of “90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days.” The show has followed his relationship with 22-year-old Mahogany Roca from Peru.


Despite concerns from Rathbun’s loved ones that Roca was catfishing him with heavily filtered photos, she ended up being a real person — even if she didn’t look like her social media pics — and the two decided to pursue a romance.


Though Rathbun caught Roca in several lies, including one about her age, the young South American has also stated that her beau was different than she expected him to be.

Rathbun isn’t the only “90 Day Fiancé” who has been cuffed. Other series alums who have been taken into custody included Geoffrey Paschel, Molly Hopkins, Paul Staehle, Danielle Jbali, Jorge Nava, Lisa Hamme, Tim Clarkson and Larissa Lima.


TLC did not immediately respond to request for comment.



Army Sergeant Killed Girlfriend Because She Laughed At Him When He Professed His Love

Chilling testimony in the murder of Fort Valley State University student, Anitra Gunn, reveals that she was killed because she laughed at her boyfriend.


The 23-year-old was found dead in a wooded area of Crawford County, Georgia, days after she was reported missing on Valentine’s Day 2020. Her boyfriend, Fort Gordon Army sergeant, Demarcus Little, was arrested and charged with her murder days later. Text messages between the two show that Gunn was trying to distance herself from the relationship for months, but after Little tried to commit suicide, she continued communicating with him.


On Friday, one of Little’s closest friends, Jaivon Abron, testified that his friend confessed to strangling Gunn to death after she laughed in his face while he allegedly professed his love to her on Valentine’s Day. Abron said Little told him that he blacked out and struck Gunn before strangling her. He then placed her body in the trunk of her white 2013 Chevy Cruze and drove her to the woods, partially damaging her car. Little then abandoned the vehicle in a neighborhood not far from where the couple was last seen together.


The two men retrieved the bumper of Gunn’s car, which had fallen off in the woods when Little was dumping her body. Despite the firsthand account of what transpired, Abron never went to the police after being threatened by Little.


Abron has been charged with tampering with evidence and making false statements to the police. Little has been charged with murder.



Whitney Houston Special to Feature Unseen Footage of the Singer

A new Whitney Houston special is headed to CBS featuring never-before-seen footage of the late vocalist.

“Whitney, a Look Back” will take viewers on a journey into Houston’s life through rare performance footage and other intimate moments with the internationally loved singer and actress. Those closest to Houston, including Dionne Warwick, Clive Davis, CeCe Winans, Monica, and Kelly Price, will share stories of their relationships with the “I Have Nothing” star.


Produced by Entertainment Tonight, exclusive footage directly from its vault will also be included in the special. Also included in the one-hour program are new details surrounding the days leading up to Houston’s untimely passing.


The six-time Grammy-award-winning singer passed away on February 11th, 2012, at age 48 from a drug-related accidental drowning. Sadly, her only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown, passed away just three years later in a nearly identical manner after a similar drowning left her in a coma for six months before ultimately succumbing to her injuries. As of now, it is unclear how much of Houston and Brown’s relationship will be shown in the forthcoming special.


Erin Johnson will take the reins as executive producer, while Leslie Kawaguchi and Whitney Wallace will serve as co-executive producers. “Whitney, a Look Back” will premiere on April 2nd at 8 p.m. on CBS and will be available on Paramount Plus the following day



U.S. Senate Approves Proposal to Make Daylight Savings Time Permanent

We just set our clocks forward this past Sunday and it might be one of the last times we ever have to make the switch again.

Tuesday the U.S. Senate unanimously voted in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. If the bill is passed in the House and signed by President Joe Biden, Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.


Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the lead sponsor of the proposal said the move was “a big, sensible step forward,” Tuesday on Twitter.  He previously shared a number of benefits to making daylight saving time permanent.


“There’s strong science behind it that is now showing and making people aware of the harm that clock switching has, there’s an increase in heart attacks, car accidents and pedestrian accidents,” he said.


If enacted into law, Americans would no longer lose an hour of daylight in the fall but it would also mean early risers would lose an hour of daylight in the mornings from November-February.


According to an AP poll, most Americans want to stop switching between daylight saving and standard time. However, there’s a divide between which should be used all year.

Are y’all in favor of daylight savings time being permanent?


If the bill is signed into law, the change would not take place until November 2023, Reuters reports



AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

PUMPKIN MAN

Make way for the Pump King



HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

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