#FASHIONFILES: Dolce & Gabbana Takes to Palermo for Spring ’22 Campaign
Dolce & Gabbana’s relationship with photographer Juergen Teller continues for another colorful season. The streets of Palermo serve as the setting for Dolce & Gabbana’s spring-summer 2022 campaign. This season, the Italian fashion house delivers a blend of casual and formal menswear that is thrilling and opulent in its presentation of styles.
Donning an embellished suit, Matteo Ferri stars in Dolce & Gabbana's spring-summer 2022 men's
For spring, Dolce & Gabbana enlists models Ryan Park, Simon Martyn, Matteo Ferri, Youssouf Bamba, and Vik Wildemeersch as the stars of its campaign. The models adopt a quiet demeanor and allow the bold designs of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to speak for themselves. After all, the season is exploding with vibrant prints that range from paint splatters to paisley in style and color.
Dolce & Gabbana offers a variety of designs for the season, ranging from perfectly fitted suits to boxy, oversized shirts and a daring white swimsuit. Similarly, fascinating accessories are available from the luxury company in leather belts and significant bags in different sizes. Dolce & Gabbana, of course, makes a bold statement with its must-have eyewear, which features dramatic frame forms and is sure to turn some heads.
#RHOA: RUMOR MILL Do We Believe It? Will Jeannie Mait Replace Kandi Burress?
Rumors has it that Jeannie Mai may be joining The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Mai is currently on maternity leave from The Real since giving birth to her daughter. If Mai does join the cast, she will allegedly be replacing fan favorite, Kandi Burruss.
Why Jeannie Mai will reportedly replace Kandi Burruss
Mai may be going from daytime talk show host on The Real host to a peacholder. The fashionista is newly married to rapper Jeezy and lives in Atlanta full time where they are raising their newborn daughter. Though filming for Season 14 has already reportedly wrapped and set to air later this year, word on the street is that Burruss had a lackluster season and producers are ready to switch it up if there’s a season 15.
“Kandi was boring this season, and she’s the highest-paid housewife. She’s gone after this season,” a source told The Ricky Smiley Morning Show. “This new season is expected to be one of the best in YEARS. Sheree and Marlo are the stars of this season. Drew brought the drama, and so did Kenya. But Sanya and Kandi are on the chopping block.”
Burruss has been on the show since season 2. She’s been the only cast member from her franchise to have multiple spinoff specials. Her latest spinoff Kandi & the Gang focuses on her Atlanta family soul food restaurant and is scheduled to premiere March 2022. If the rumors are true that she’ll no longer be on RHOA, she will remain within the Bravo family.
The Xscape member has been open about considering leaving the show
Burruss has previously spoken publicly about considering leaving the show. Despite the platform the show provides for her to expand her business profile, filming is extremely time consuming and takes up nearly 10 months of her year.
“It’s a constant change of cast,” she told Access Hollywood in a 2020 interview. “It’s a constant change of where people are in their lives. I don’t know is really my answer. I’m always contemplating when is my time to make a move. It’s a mutual choice. It’s the choice of the person if you want to stay but also it’s the choice of the network if they want you to stay.”
She threatened to leave the show after a fallout with a co-star
At one point, Burruss was going to leave the show over her fallout with Phaedra Parks. During the season 9 reunion, it was revealed that Parks was the mastermind behind a rumor that Burruss wanted to drug and sexually assault Porsha Williams.
In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Burruss admitted to telling the network that she wouldn’t return to the show if Parks was asked back. “Well, technically, yeah,” she said about the rtime. “At the end of the day, they said I called Bravo and said that. No, I did not call Bravo and tell them that. Did I say that to anybody? Yes, I did.”
#MusicNews: PJ Morton Announces April Release Of New Album ‘Watch The Sun’
If you follow PJ Morton on social media (which you should be doing, by the way), then you’ve no doubt seen him posting clips from the studio, snippets of new songs and using the hashtag #WatchTheSun over the past few months. It didn’t take a genius to ascertain that he’s been hard at work on a new album. PJ confirmed our suspicions today with the official announcement of his forthcoming new album Watch The Sun.
Watch The Sun will be released on Friday, April 29th on PJ’s own independent label Morton Records. He’s already shared the first two singles from Watch The Sun – the apologetic ballad “Please Don’t Walk Away” and the anthemic bop “My Peace” featuring JoJo and Mr. Talkbox. Both tracks showcase PJ at his best, which may have something to do with where and how he decided to record this project.
PJ needed seclusion, and he went deep into Louisiana to make the album at the legendary Studio In The Country located in Bogalusa. If the studio sounds familiar, that is where Stevie Wonder recorded his 1979 album Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants. Morton channeled his inner Stevie while recording Watch The Sun, which is said to feature some of the finest songwriting and production of his career.
Morton chose to isolate himself from the chaos of the world not just to make music but to make a way. “With the world changing so quickly in the last couple years, it called for a bunch of reflection. I reflected on what I wanted to change in my life. What I wanted to keep the same. What was left to say as an artist,” PJ shared via press release. “I think these last couple years taught us to identify what is truly important. It was important for me to tell an honest story on this album. The album is an unapologetically soulful painting about the true challenges in life and love.”
PJ Morton’s Watch The Sun is on the horizon and our radar. Watch the album’s trailer with scenes from its recording below (including a cameo by El DeBarge!), and mark the album’s April 29th release date on your calendars.
#HipHopNews: BET Announces Murder Inc. Documentary Series
It’s murder! BET has announced a new original unscripted documentary series on Murder Inc. Records. The five-part television event, tentatively titled “Murder Inc.,” will explore the untold tale of the rise, fall, and redemption of one of hip-hop’s most iconic labels and its founder and CEO, Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo.
When it premieres in the summer, each episode will take viewers through the label’s origins to present day, with never-before-seen archival footage and a soundtrack of chart-topping hits that helped shape the musical era.
“My life and Murder Inc. has been filled with many highs and lows. I got to work with my brothers and a lot of great people; from Jay-Z, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J Blige, to name a few,” said Irv Gotti. “Also, I got to start my record label, Murder Inc. Records, with Ja Rule by my side. My life was filled with great lows, but I’m not ashamed of those lows. It all helped make me the person I am today. So, with this documentary series, I plan to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help me GOD.”
“Pain is Love,” said Ja Rule. “We endured the pain so others could feel the love.”
Tiffany Lea Williams, Executive Vice President of BET Unscripted Programming, added, “Music is in our DNA. We thank our long-standing partner Irv Gotti, and the many talented artists at the iconic label for trusting our brand to tell their personal and inspiring stories. We look forward to bringing viewers a compelling music documentary series that reveals how this label consequently changed the music industry forever.”
Launched in 1999, Murder Inc. Records was home to some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest names including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Charli Baltimore, Vita, Black Child, Caddillac Tah, and others.
BET previously aired docuseries on two other iconic hip-hop dynasties, No Limit and Ruff Ryders, as well as the legendary Uptown Records.
Ex-Officer Brett Hankison Cleared In Shooting During Breonna Taylor Raid
A Kentucky jury on Thursday cleared a former police officer of charges that he endangered neighbors when he fired shots into an apartment during the 2020 drug raid that ended with Breonna Taylor’s death.
The panel of eight men and four women delivered its verdict about three hours after it took the case following closing arguments from prosecution and defense attorneys.
Hankison had been charged with three counts of wanton endangerment for firing through sliding-glass side doors and a window of Taylor’s apartment during the raid that left the 26-year-old Black woman dead. Hankison’s attorneys never contested the ballistics evidence, but said he fired 10 bullets because he thought his fellow officers were “being executed.”
Hankison, 45, testified during the trial that he saw a muzzle flash from Taylor’s darkened hallway after police burst through the door and thought officers were under heavy fire, so he quickly wheeled around a corner and sprayed 10 bullets, hoping to end the threat.
But in closing arguments Thursday, prosecutors cast doubt on what Hankison said he saw, challenging whether he could have looked through Taylor’s front door when police broke it open with a battering ram.
“He was never in the doorway,” Assistant Kentucky Attorney General Barbara Maines Whaley told the jury. Referring to Taylor she added, “His wanton conduct could have multiplied her death by three, easily.”
Whaley also reminded the jury that none of the other officers who testified recalled Hankison being in the doorway before the gunfire began. All the shells from his weapon were found in the parking lot, among a row of cars.
She said while other officers were in the line of fire of a single shot fired by Taylor’s boyfriend, Hankison was “over here, shooting wildly through sliding-glass doors covered with vertical blinds and drapes.”
The former narcotics detective admitted to firing through Taylor’s patio doors and bedroom window, but said he did so to save his fellow officers. Asked if he did anything wrong that night, he said “absolutely not.” Hankison was fired by Louisville Police for shooting blindly during the raid.
Defense attorney Stewart Mathews told the jury in his closing argument Thursday that Hankison thought he was doing the right thing and is not a criminal who belongs in prison.
“He did what he thought he had to do in that instant. This all happened in such a short span,” Mathews said.
A 20-year veteran K-9 officer assigned to handle a drug-sniffing dog during the raid, Hankison said he was positioned behind an officer with a battering ram, and could see the shadowy silhouette of a person “in a shooting stance” with what looked like an AR-15 rifle as Taylor’s door swung open.
No long gun was found — only the handgun of Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who told Louisville Police investigators he thought intruders were breaking in. Investigators determined Walker fired the shot that passed through the leg of Sgt. John Mattingly, who along with officer Myles Cosgrove, returned fire. A total of 32 rounds were fired by police. Walker wasn’t hit.
Whaley said other officers next to Cosgrove and Mattingly chose not to fire, and there was no evidence of any shots from a long rifle at the scene.
“Nobody got shot with an AR because there never was one,” she said.
The killing of Taylor loomed over the trial, though prosecutors insisted in opening statements that the case wasn’t about her death or the police decisions that led to the March 13, 2020, raid. Jurors were shown a single image of her body, barely discernible at the end of the hallway.
Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who had been settling down for bed when officers broke through her door, was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Kentucky Attorney General David Cameron ’s prosecutors asked a grand jury to indict Hankison on charges of endangering Taylor’s neighbors, but declined to seek charges against any officers involved in Taylor’s death. Protesters who had walked the streets for months were outraged.
Taylor’s name, along with George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery — Black men who died in encounters with police and white pursuers — became rallying cries during racial justice protests seen around the world in 2020.
The jury of 10 men and five women was selected after several days of questioning from a pool expanded to about 250 people. Before deliberations, the jury was reduced to eight men and four women after three alternates were dismissed. The judge declined to release details about their race or ethnicity.
Kim Kardashian Is Officially Single!
Good news for Kim Kardashian! After filing for divorce from Kanye West, 44, a year ago, a judge has finally granted her request to end her marriage and be declared single. Sources have confirmed Kim Kardashian, 41, is now single following the court showdown on Wednesday (Mar.2). Kim attended the hearing on a video call, while Kanye was not present. The rappers’ lawyer did not object to restoring Kim’s single status. However, the lawyer revealed Kanye had three conditions. Reportedly, the judge granted the first condition, which was that
“any right to get reimbursement of money was intended to be divided up will be preserved in case either of them dies.”
The second condition–which the judge rejected–was that the SKIMS owner would not transfer any assets she had in trust. Additionally, if Kim remarries, Kanye wants her to waive the “marital privilege”–which means a new spouse would not have to testify about communications he had with her. The judge rejected that condition as well.
A source close to Kanye West , revealed that the Chicago rapper recently had a change of heart and wanted the divorce to be granted. Kanye had previously objected to Kim Kardashian’s desire to be legally single, but now due to the ruling, he is now a single person as well. The “Junya” rapper exclusively spoke with Hollywood Unlocked and said,
“I’ve asked my team to expedite the dissolution of my marriage to Kim so I can put my entire attention into our beautiful children.”
They share four children together: daughters North, 8, and Chicago, 4, and sons Saint, 6, and Psalm, 2.
This change of heart comes just days after Kim Kardashian filed court documents claiming that Kanye West’s recent social media posts have been filled with ‘misinformation,’ and she claimed his attacks on her and her boyfriend Pete Davidson have caused her ’emotional distress.’ Although Kanye filed legal docs challenging her claims and insisted that he’s not going to end his marriage without a fight, it appears that he’s changed his mind for the sake of their children and their well being.
What are your thoughts?
Mary J. Blige To Executive Produce “Real Love” Inspired Lifetime Movie
50 Cent Threatens To Leave STARZ: They Suck, My Deal Is Over – I’m Out!
Great news for Mary J. Blige fans! According to reports, her chart-topping, classic song “Real Love” is being turned into a Lifetime movie. She will also executive produce the made-for-TV film.
“Real Love” was a 1992 song that debuted for her studio album, What’s the 411?. It was written and produced by Cory Rooney and Mark Morales. It became Blige’s first top-ten hit, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the top on both the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic charts, and was eventually certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 4, 1992.
the coming-of-age romantic drama “Real Love,” Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meets her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Lifetime’s “Real Love” will be written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Blige, Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson executive produce for Blue Butterfly and Jordan and John Davis executive produce for Davis Entertainment, with Sony Pictures Television distributing the movie.
Raymond Santana Files To Divorce Deelishis After Nearly 2 Years Of Marriage
Everything seemed like paradise back in December 2019 when “Central Park Five,” better known as the “Exonerated Five,” icon Raymond Santana proposed to former reality star Deelishis, real name Chandra Davis, also known as London Charles.
via: BET: Raymond Santana of the Exonerated Five has filed for divorce from his wife Chandra “Deelishis” Davis after nearly 2 years of marriage, reports TMZ. According to the media outlet, Santana filed for divorce in Georgia citing that the relationship is “irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation.”
The former couple met through Instagram in late 2019 and tied the knot six months later with a lovely wedding ceremony. The pair reportedly separated on Nov. 7.
Deelishis took to Instagram on Tuesday (Mar. 3) seemingly confirming the split, accusing Raymond of being a narcissist, liar, and cheater.
“I married a narcissist who is a COMPLETE liar and a cheat and I’m finally ready to speak my truth…stay tuned. #GlovesOff,” Deelishis wrote on Instagram, according to a screenshot posted by The Shade Room. The post has since been edited to read: “Today I appear to be in myself but I’m not ALONE.”
Despite the post, TMZ reports that the pair both agreed neither party would pay the other alimony. Stay tuned for more details.
Samuel L. Jackson says he should have won an Oscar for 'Pulp Fiction' but awards 'don't move the comma on your check'
Samuel L. Jackson said his performances in "Pulp Fiction" and "Jungle Fever" deserved Oscars.
However, Jackson said he is more interested in attracting audiences to the cinema.
"It's about getting asses in seats," he said.
Samuel L. Jackson told The Times of London that he believes he should have won an Academy Award for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film "Pulp Fiction," but he is more interested in drawing audiences to the cinema than winning awards for his performances.
"I should have won that one," Jackson told The Times about being nominated for "Pulp Fiction." Jackson was nominated in the best supporting actor category for his performance in Tarantino's film. He lost out to Martin Landau who won for his performance in Tim Burton's film "Ed Wood."
Jackson continued to say that he also believes he should've won an Oscar for his performance in Spike Lee's 1991 film "Jungle Fever." In the film, Jackson plays a homeless drug addict opposite Wesley Snipes. Jackson didn't receive an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Jungle Fever," and he told The Times that he was surprised to discover that two actors who starred in Barry Levinson's 1991 film "Bugsy" made the cut over him.
"My wife and I went to see 'Bugsy,'" Jackson said. "Damn! They got nominated and I didn't? I guess Black folk usually win for doing despicable shit on screen. Like Denzel for being a horrible cop in 'Training Day.' All the great stuff he did in uplifting roles like 'Malcolm X?' No — we'll give it to this motherfucker. So maybe I should have won one."
John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson starred in "Pulp Fiction" together in 1994.Miramax
Jackson later added that he is professionally more interested in attracting audiences than winning awards.
"Oscars don't move the comma on your cheque," he said. "It's about getting asses in seats and I've done a good job of doing that."
Later during the interview, Jackson — who is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the 2022 Governors Awards on March 25 — told The Times that the American Academy should include an award for the year's most popular film.
"They should have an Oscar for the most popular movie. Because that's what the business is about," Jackson said before championing the recent Marvel superhero hit "Spider-Man: No Way Home," which grossed $1.8 billion at the worldwide box office.
"It did what movies did forever — it got people to a big dark room," he said of the superhero film.
"All movies are valid. Go to the cinema to be moved dearly. Some like superheroes. If somebody has more butts on seats it just means your audience is not as broad. There are people who have had successful careers but nobody can recite one line of their parts. I'm the guy who says shit that's on a t-shirt."
The Oscars take place at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre and air on ABC live on Sunday, March 27.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Returns Home to United States After Escaping Ukraine
Maksim Chmerkovskiy has finally returned home to the United States.
The 42-year-old Dancing with the Stars alum had an emotional reunion with wife Peta Murgatroyd at LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday (March 2) after a week-long struggle to escape from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
“I just don’t want to resent peace somewhere else because of what I just saw, that’s the reality. I don’t know really what to say right this second,” Maks shared with Entertainment Tonight at the airport.
Maks also went on to address the ongoing fighting in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, while also sharing some details about his escape.
“The reason why Ukraine is standing right now is because of the Ukrainian people,” Maks shared. “And the fact that the entire world is helping.”
“Huge shout out to Poland, huge shout out to neighboring countries,” he added. “The way I was treated through the whole process of leaving into Poland, I’ve just got to bow down to the Polish people.”
Maks also talked about the war’s global impact, saying that everyone needs to get involved to help.
“If we don’t get involved, this thing is going to go everywhere else. I think that in 2022, following this action, we have to completely rethink the way we do things as a planet,” Maks explained. “There can never again be one person who can do something like this ever again. We have to have checks and balances globally, not just one country at a time.”
We are glad to hear that Maks has returned home safely
'So You Think You Can Dance' Is Returning After Two Year Hiatus!
So You Think You Can Dance is back! The long-running dance competition series will return after a two year hiatus amid the pandemic, producers confirmed Wednesday (March 2), via Variety.
Season 17 of the show will premiere in the summer of 2022.
Auditions for the new season will take place in March, and call for “highly skilled dancers between the ages of 18 and 30, showcasing their talents in various dance styles, including contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, animation, breaking and more.”
Sign up to audition at danceshow2022.castingcrane.com or fox.com/dance.
Selected dancers will be sent to auditions in New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans. Finalists will go to Los Angeles to perform for the judges and try to win a spot as one of the final contestants.
It is not confirmed whether Cat Deeley is back as host, or if there will be any changes to the judges table. Panelists were originally set to include Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Laurieann Gibson.
The Search for Madonna: Inside the Auditions for the Material Girl’s Biopic
At the moment, the biggest role available for some young actresses is one of pop music’s biggest icons: Madonna. Everyone from Emmy winners and Oscar nominees to signers turned actresses has been seen for the role, with some advancing on to what can be best described as a Madonna Bootcamp.
Casting director Carmen Cuba is running the search, with the list having been whittled down over the course of several months. Julia Garner and Florence Pugh are among those that are still in the running, along with Euphoria star Alexa Demie, indie regular Odessa Young (Mothering Sunday), and newcomer Emma Laird (Mayor of Kingstown). Musical artists have also been a part of the search, including Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira, the latter of whom has had small roles in Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver and the Twilight Zone series, among other onscreen parts.
As for the actual audition process, it’s “grueling,” says one rep with knowledge of the auditions, some of which have been going on for months.
According to sources, the hopefuls participate in intense — sometimes up to 11-hour-a-day — choreography sessions with Madonna’s choreographer, after which there are choreography sessions with Madonna, herself. And then there are callbacks, which consist of readings with Madonna, as well as singing auditions with the superstar.
“You have to be able to do everything,” says one person with knowledge of the process. The movie, which sources say currently culminates with her landmark, 1990 Blonde Ambition tour (this, of course, may change as the script continues to develop), will require dancing and singing sequences, meaning that after the audition process is over, the would-be star is still looking at months’ worth of intense training ahead of a potential start date.
Musical biopics often have their subjects — or subjects’ relatives or estates — involved, in order to retain the requisite rights. Elton John served as executive producer on Rocketman, with his husband David Furnish producing the film through their Rocket Pictures, and the upcoming Bob Marley biopic at Paramount has the late singer’s children and wife onboard to produce. But Madonna’s involvement — she is the subject, co-writer and director — is particularly notable.
“The reason I’m doing it is because a bunch of people have tried to write movies about me, but they’re always men,” Madonna said in October during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. (Brett Ratner’s RatPac and Michael De Luca were previously attached to produce a biopic about the singer for Universal based on the 2016 Black List script Blonde Ambition.) In 2020, it was announced that the singer would be directing a biopic for Universal and co-writing the screenplay with Oscar-winner Diablo Cody. Amy Pascal is on board to produce. Cody has since exited the project, with Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train) taking on co-writing duties.
Madonna is a plum role for any actress. With Universal as the distributor, it is assured a wide theatrical release. And with Madonna as the subject-director, it will no doubt attract a lot of eyeballs. The biopic, while in active development, does not yet have a green light from the studio, which is high on the project, but usually awaits a final script, budget and cast before giving the go-ahead. A major factor is ultimately who will be cast as the Material Girl.
Darren Criss Pens Heartbreaking Tribute After His Brother Charles Dies at Age 36
Darren Criss is remembering his "vibrant, special, worldly" older brother, Charles "Chuck" Criss.
The Glee alum, 35, took to Instagram on Wednesday, Mar. 2, to share the heartbreaking news that his 36-year-old brother had recently died by suicide.
"It breaks my heart beyond measure to say that my beloved brother Charles has left us," Darren wrote alongside family photos and images of his brother. "His loss leaves behind a debilitating fracture in the lives of his mother, his brother, his three small children, and their respective mothers."
The actor shared that, for the last several years, his brother had "struggled to find stability during an unfortunate rough patch" in his life.
"Despite our very vocal concerns about his well-being, and his protestations that everything was fine, it's crushing to say now that Chuck clearly had had a severe depression welling up in him for some time," he shared. "A depression that was only outmatched by his all-too-incredible ability to conceal it. Not just from the world at large, but most tragically, from the people who were closest to him."
"We will never know just how long he was fighting this war within himself," Darren wrote. "But last week, it consumed him fully, and he succumbed by taking his own life."
Darren encouraged others who feel similarly lost or hopeless to reach out. "Seeking professional counseling and support is a wonderful way to help you see just how abundantly love is available to you," he explained. "There is simply too much love readily available in this world to lose sight of that."
"While it was a lapse in Chuck's mental wellness that took him, it is simply not something that can define who he was," Darren wrote of his brother. "All of the wonderful, inspiring, positive things about his life far outshine the circumstances by which it came to an end."
He added, "He was a good man with a good heart who contributed enormous amounts of laughter, music, and joy to the world. And for the ones who were lucky enough to take part in those wonderful moments, it's marvelous to know that those memories are plentiful, everlasting, and can never be taken away."
Shortly after his post, comments of love and support for the American Crime Story actor began to flood in from his friends including fellow Glee co-stars Jenna Ushkowitz, Matthew Morrison, Kevin McHale and Lea Michele, who wrote, "Love you Darren. We will miss you Chuck. [heart emoji]"
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Laverne Cox responds to backlash about "entanglements" comments: "This is not apology"
Laverne Cox is taking accountability for her awkward mention of “entanglements” during a recent interview with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Cox had the opportunity to question the Smiths on Sunday (Feb. 27) as they walked the red carpet ahead of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. As she wrapped up their convo, she referenced one of the most-talked-about confessions on Jada’s Facebook Watch show. “Thank you for all the years of joy you’ve brought us, thank you,” she said. “We can’t wait for more ‘Red Table Talk’ and more entanglements.” At the time, the Girls Trip actress made light of the comment and made it clear that there will be “no more of those” in the near future. Others, including, Vivica A. Fox, were not as forgiving.
While discussing the interaction on her “Fox Soul,” the Independence Day actress said she thought that Cox’s mention of “entanglements” was pretty “tacky.”
“Talk about wrong place, wrong time,” she said. “… As [Jada’s] standing next to her husband, who is absolutely in line to win an Oscar for playing the role of Richard [Williams] in Venus and Serena Williams’ story, King Richard… I just thought it was tacky.” Her critique and other backlash were eventually met with some acknowledgment from the “Orange Is the New Black” star.
“I love ‘Red Table Talk’, and I love what the Smiths have done with ‘Red Table Talk.’ And I think my error is that I had so many things that I wanted to say to the Smiths, and we didn’t have time,” she explained in a new video. “There was probably someone in my ear telling me that we needed to wrap. And I wanted to say so much to them about not just the film but about their just oeuvre.”
“This is not an apology,” she clarified. “If the Smiths need an apology from me, I’ll find out privately, and I’ll do that privately. Um, this isn’t an apology.”
Usher reveals he regrets not dating his "close friend" Aaliyah
The pair were “really good friends,” but never took their relationship to the next level, Usher said.
Usher has had several high-profile romances over the years, but on Tuesday (March 1) he revealed the one that got away. The father of four sat down with E! Online’s “Daily Pop” and admitted he regrets not pursuing a relationship with Aaliyah.
“Somebody that I was really good friends with that I wish I would have taken more serious, because she was a really close friend of mine for a small amount of time and we just kind of disconnected, was Aaliyah,” Usher revealed to the outlet. “I think I would’ve dated Aaliyah and we just didn’t get around to it. We just kind of talked but didn’t do it.”
Usher explained that he and the late star were “good friends,” but never took their relationship to the next level.
“We were friends, we hung out. We’d watch movies together and hang out, but it didn’t go there,” he said.
Usher also revealed that Monica was his first celebrity kiss, adding that the “So Gone” songstress was “a good kisser.”
Tyler Perry’s ‘A Madea Homecoming’ #1 Movie on Netflix in the U.S.
A Madea Homecoming (2022), Tyler Perry as Madea. Cr. Charles Bergmann / Tyler Perry Studios
*Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Homecoming” is one of the most popular movies on Netflix right now.
The film premiered on the platform on Feb. 25 and is already the #1 movie on Netflix’s ‘Top 10’ list in the U.S. Per Urban Hollywood 411, the comedy is the #2 program overall in the U.S. after the drama series “Vikings Valhalla.”
Perry posted Saturday on his Twitter account: “Well!! Y’all still got this old broad’s back!! What a blessing after all these years. Still number one! #AMadeaHomecoming”
Perry stars in, directed, and wrote the film that centers on Madea’s great grandson’s college graduation, “but family drama and surprise guests cause some funny revelations,” per the outlet
“A Madea Homecoming” follows the last installment, “A Madea Family Funeral,” which debuted in 2019. At the time, Perry said that he was retiring the character after nearly 20 years.
“I just don’t want to be her age playing her,” Perry said during an interview on Bevy Smith’s SiriusXM show Bevelations in October 2018, adding, “So, we’re going to say goodbye to her.”
He jokingly added, “It’s time for me to kill that old b-, I’m tired, man! I’m tired.”
“A Madea Homecoming” continues Perry’s work with Netflix following 2020’s release of “A Fall From Grace” which was seen by 39M households in its first month. He is also writing, directing, and producing “A Jazzman’s Blues” for Netflix. Starring Joshua Boone and Solea Pfeiffer, the film unravels forty years of secrets and lies in a tale of forbidden love and family drama soundtracked by juke joint blues in the deep South.
The supporting cast in “A Madea Homecoming” includes Tamela Mann (Cora), David Mann (Mr. Brown), and Cassi Davis Patton (Aunt Bam) as well as Irish actor Brendan O’Carroll.
Perry uploaded a video on Instagram in June announcing Madea would be coming out of retirement.
“Madea’s coming to Netflix. We need to laugh, man. Too much is going on in the country,” Perry said in a video he posted on Instagram.
WNBA Fines New York Liberty Half A Million For Chartering Flights
The WNBA levied a $500,000 fine against the New York Liberty for their repeated use of charter flights over the back end of the season, an issue that has been at its boiling point for the past few years.
Last season, the New York Liberty, led by new owners Joe and Clara Tsai, decided to push those boundaries by paying for chartered flights anyway, according to Sports Illustrated‘s Howard Megdal. After they were caught, a furious league office proposed massive penalties, including a $1 million fine, substantial loss of draft picks and possibly even “termination of the franchise.”
So the WNBA doesn’t want their owners to charter flights for their respective teams seems very backwards in thinking. The WNBPA seems to think it’s backwards also.
In February, the WNBA announced a $75 million capital raise from investors to help address some of these problems. “It’s really important that the players know this is investment in them, even though it’s in the league and not a specific team or just specific players,” Engelbert said. “It’s to help grow our revenue streams and produce sustainable long-term growth.”
The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s eight founding franchises. They are one of three (Sparks, Mercury) still remaining as the league enters its 26th season in 2022. A fourth, the Utah Starzz, is currently the Las Vegas Aces.
By coming after the Liberty’s ownership, the WNBA seems to be moving backwards on the very promise they made to their players.
Kevin Hunter Sues ‘Wendy’ Show for “Wrongful Termination”
Wendy Williams’ ex-husband Kevin Hunter is suing Debmar-Mercury, the producer-distributor of The Wendy Williams Show for unlawful termination.
Per the court documents, ET reports that in the suit Hunter claims that Debmar-Mercury’s fired him based on his marital issues with Wendy.
“The termination message to Plaintiff made no reference to any performance related reason(s) or any decision(s) related to Plaintiff’s employment as an Executive Producer,” the documents note. “The termination of Plaintiff was based strictly upon Plaintiff’s marital status and his impending divorce to the Show’s host, ignoring all of the contributions that Plaintiff made to make the show a success.”
Hunter is asking for a jury trial, and is seeking no less than $7 million!
“As a result of Defendants’ unlawful and discriminatory conduct in this regard,” the court documents state, “Plaintiff Hunter has been significantly damaged reputationally, professionally, and financially.”
As we reported, Williams filed for divorce in A\ril 2019 after it was discovered that he had a baby with his mistress. They finally finalized their divorce in 2020.
In the complaint, Hunter also adds that “many of the elements” of the show he “helped conceptualize and the product integrations he created” for Williams’ show and it will be carried on into Shepherd’s. “Even though The Wendy Williams Show will be over, Defendants will continue to be unjustly enriched by Plaintiff’s initial work including his initial concepts created for the Show and Plaintiff’s product integration agreements.”
Jennifer Hudson’s Daytime Talk Show to Launch This Fall on Fox TV Stations
Jennifer Hudson’s daytime talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ is set to premiere this Fall on Fox stations.
via Variety: While the new one-hour talker is not technically Warner Bros. TV’s replacement for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which is coming to an end this year, Hudson’s show is positioned to be the studio’s new flagship daytime talk show once DeGeneres has said her final goodbye after a 19-season run.
As Variety first reported in November, “The Jennifer Hudson Show” also comes from “Ellen” production company Telepictures. “Ellen” executive producers Andy Lassner and Mary Connelly served as showrunners on Hudson’s test show, which was shot last fall on DeGeneres’ stage. The show has been shopped around to station groups since, with Fox TV Stations emerging as the winner.
In addition to being carried by buyer Fox TV Stations, Hudson’s show will also launch on Hearst Television, along with additional station groups representing more than 60% of the country.
“I have experienced so much in my life; I’ve seen the highest of the highs, the lowest of the lows, and just about everything in between, but as my mother always told me, ‘Once you think you’ve seen it all, just keep on living,’” Hudson said in a statement Wednesday. “People from around the world have been a part of my journey from the beginning — twenty years ago — and I’m so ready to join their journey as we sit down and talk about the things that inspire and move us all. I have always loved people, and I cannot wait to connect on a deeper level and let audiences see the different sides of who I am, the human being, in return. And I couldn’t be more thrilled to do it alongside this incredible team. We’re about to have a lot of fun and shake things up a little bit!”
Hudson’s show marks a reunion of sorts between Hudson and Mike Darnell, the president of unscripted and alternative television at Warner Bros. Prior to Warner Bros., Darnell was the longtime head of alternative at Fox, where he oversaw the massive “Idol” franchise. Hudson was a finalist on the show’s third season, in 2004, and although she didn’t win the competition, it set the stage for her career explosion: Soon after, she was cast in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls” — which earned her the Oscar for best supporting actress.
“I knew that Jennifer was a force to be reckoned with from the moment I met her nearly 20 years ago,” Darnell said Wednesday. “From her Grammy-winning career in music, to her Oscar-winning acting career, Jennifer’s amazing talent, big heart and authenticity shine through in everything she does. I am thrilled to be working with her in this new role. She’s a natural, and I know audiences will embrace her in their homes every day.”
David Decker, executive vice president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, added: “Daytime has found its Dreamgirl. We are excited to bring Jennifer Hudson to Fox, Hearst and all our broadcast station partners this fall. Warner Bros. stands as the cornerstone between A-list talent and top tier stations building successful brands that drive audiences.”
The pickup of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” marks the arrival of a second “American Idol” alum to the daytime talker space, as Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson has hosted “The Kelly Clarkson Show” for NBCUniversal Syndication Studios since 2019. “Kelly Clarkson Show” has been renewed through 2023 and runs before “Ellen” on major market NBC stations. (Those stations have previously announced that “Kelly Clarkson” will slide into the “Ellen” slot next season.)
DeGeneres announced in May that she would end “Ellen” after 19 seasons when her contract ends in 2022. She had originally planned to end the show in 2019, but renewed for three final years. (The show hit a bump last year over concerns about its work environment, however.) It was understood at the time that Telepictures had been preparing for DeGeneres’ departure; among the rumored names that had been approached to take on a new show was Jennifer Aniston.
Daytime talk is notoriously tough to crack, with most entries folding after their initial two-year station deals. “Ellen” was a tremendous exception, lasting nearly two decades and spawning spinoffs such as “Ellen’s Game of Games,” “The Masked Dancer,” “Family Game Fight” and “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.”
“As the syndication business continues to go through a major sea change, we need power players to reenergize talk shows, and Jennifer Hudson is just that,” Frank Cicha, executive vice president of programming at Fox Television Stations, said Wednesday.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” is produced in Los Angeles by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Telepictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Slams Students For Wearing Masks During His USF Speech
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis slammed students during a visit with the University of South Florida for wearing masks during his press conference.
The disgusting lack of leadership was on full display Wednesday morning when the controversial governor approached the students who were standing behind his podium waiting to greet him.
“I mean, please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything, and we’ve gotta stop with this COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous,” he snarled before beginning his speech announcing a $20 million cybersecurity program through the university.
Several of the apprehensive students removed their masks while others kept them in place. There were multiple students from Middleton High School in attendance as well during the awkward encounter. Once the clip surfaced on social media, many people slammed the governor for treating the students so rudely, with one Twitter user calling him a “petulant child.”
The governor’s office press secretary Christina Pushaw backed DeSantis, saying that health officials have sent multiple “mixed messages” regarding masks, and now the governor is ready to deliver the “facts.”
TikToker Faces Felony Robbery Charges After FBI Identified Him By His Shoes - He Wore The Same Sneakers During Robbery In His Videos
If you’re going to participate in crimes, it might be smart to get rid of the clothing you do your dirty work in, especially if you have a huge online presence.
Detroit native Chozen Terrell-Hannah was recently arrested after sneakers he wore in several of his TikTok videos linked him to four separate crime scenes. According to Detroit News, the 22-year-old was arrested by FBI agents after an investigation into a string of robberies. The TikToker (@ChozenWrld) - who has more than 148,000 followers and 1.6 million likes - confessed to robbing four convenience stores over a three-month period.
Authorities were able to connect a pair of white Nikes with red spots (seen in the clip above) directly to the scene of one of the crimes. Law enforcement alleged he held up a 7-Eleven convince store in Commerce Township TWICE. He was also accused of robbing a Marathon gas station and a Novi tobacco shop. The robbery spree started in December 2021 and ran until Feb. 2022.
The publication reported:
”A search of [his] residence led to the seizure of items believed to be used in the armed robberies, including a black Glock handgun, a black backpack with a floral pattern, a skeleton full body suit and white Nike tennis shoes," the FBI task force officer wrote.
Terrell-Hannah later talked with investigators. "[He] admitted to committing all four of the above-described armed robberies and acknowledged using the black backpack with a floral pattern in all four of the armed robberies," the officer wrote.
Turns out, an anonymous tip was sent in directing police to his TikTok videos, which led to his arrest. The TikTok star has been charged with robbery affecting interstate commerce and possessing a firearm during a violent crime. If convicted, he faces more than 20 years in prison.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
TOO TALL
Can’t be too tall, right?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment