#MAGFAB: Jane Fonda for Glamour - July 2022
In her 84 years, Jane Fonda has been there, done that. Two Academy Awards? Check. An Emmy? Obviously. Golden Globes? She has eight.
Here's one accomplishment you may not have seen coming: As Glamour's May 2022 cover star (no, that's not the surprising part), Fonda was photographed against the backdrop of her very first Glamour cover—originally published in July 1959.
More than 60 years later, Jane has absolutely still got it.
Then a working model, Fonda recalls that she wasn't famous when German photographer Karen Radkai shot her closeup. “In those days, magazines just put models on the cover and I was a model,” she tells Yara Shahidi, the actor and activist who interviewed Fonda for Glamour's May cover story.
In 1959, Fonda was 22-years-old and just about to make her acting debut on Broadway, followed shortly by roles on the silver screen. But it wasn't until nearly 10 years later, in 1968, that she became a household name with Barbarella.
Reflecting on her younger self, Fonda recalls, “If somebody had told me that, at almost 85 years old, I’d still be working as much as I am and feeling as good as I do, I wouldn't have believed them.”
“At that time in my life, I doubted I would live past 30,” she says. Openness and a desire to learn, though, helped her find her purpose in acting, activism, and philanthropy: “If you stay curious, you will also stay young for a long time. I'm younger now than I was when I was 20.”
“I didn't give up,” notes Fonda. “I kept going. I tried to get better. I did.”
Originally Appeared on Glamour
#RHOA: Drew’s assistant allegedly spreads gay rumor about her husband
Drew Sidora’s assistant Anthony allegedly spread a rumor that her husband, Ralph Pittman, is gay on Sunday night’s episode of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
The tea was spilled at the third birthday party for Kenya Moore’s daughter, Brooklyn, when Sidora, 37, brought up speculation that co-star Shereé Whitfield stiffed Anthony out of money when he previously worked for the She by Shereé designer.
After Whitfield, 52, vehemently denied the allegation, her pal Fatum stepped in to ask, “Isn’t [Anthony] the same guy who told you her husband is gay?”
Whitfield avoided the question by looking down. A confused Sidora then demanded clarity from Fatum.
“She didn’t want to hire [Anthony] because he’s talking about you and he said that your husband his gay and all of that,” Fatum said, which incensed Sidora.
“What we’re not gonna do is ever bring up my husband’s name in that light because I just met you. And what you’re not gonna do is ever speak on my husband,” she said forcefully.
“That’s what we’re not gonna do! This is not the place to ever do that.”
Fatum told Sidora that she was simply relaying a message, but the “CrazySexyCool” actress shut her down further.
“You should stop talking. Just stop talking, just stop talking! Thank you,” she said. “Don’t you ever do that. Because you don’t know me. Don’t you ever speak on my husband’s name. Don’t you ever do that.”
Fatum, exasperated by Sidora’s response, then tells the group of women, “She keeps protecting her assistant, but he’s the one that’s messing up [her] name.”
After the situation diffused a bit, Whitfield — who claimed that Anthony never worked for her — proceeded to call Sidora a “ditzy bitch” for broaching the subject at Moore’s tea party-themed event for Brooklyn.
“Did you just call me a ditzy bitch?” Sidora pressed, to which Whitfield snapped back, “I did, bitch.”
Moore, 51, then stepped in to tell Sidora that Fatum was only trying to point out that Anthony seemed to be at the center of the latest “RHOA” scandal.
“This young lady here, you didn’t hear what she said. She was simply telling you that Anthony was the one who started that rumor and told other people and you jumped on her and I think you owe her an apology,” the former Miss USA said.
Sidora explained that she didn’t hear that important piece of what Fatum said — but didn’t seem to buy it anyhow.
“I didn’t hear that, sorry. I didn’t hear that Anthony said that,” she said, gesturing her hand as to brush off the accusation against her employee. “I never heard that a day in my life.”
Sidora told Page Six this month that her marriage to Pittman, 39, goes through many ups and downs on Season 14 of the Bravo reality show.
On the premiere, they dealt with an allegedly flirty text exchange between Pittman and a former female assistant; and on the second episode, the pair suffered through a disastrous dinner date.
“It’s just the journey of trying to get through life and trauma and triggers. And you have to be patient on both ends because I’m not always perfect,” she said, adding that the two are currently in couples counseling.
“He’s not always going to be perfect … [but] we both married to stay together forever.”
Sidora and Pittman tied the knot in 2014. They share son Machai, 6, and daughter Aniya, 4, and parent son Josiah, 11, from a previous relationship of Sidora’s.
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Mary J. Blige Receives Icon Award From Janet Jackson at 2022 BBMAs
Mary J. Blige‘s icon status was made official at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards.
via: Rap-Up
Mary J. Blige was in the spot as she received the Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday. Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance to present the award to her friend.
“Mary J. Blige represents truth. Her work has always given us comfort because she sings me, she sings you,” said Janet.
During the video montage, more of Mary’s friends and collaborators shared tributes including H.E.R., Kiana Ledé, Ella Mai, Taraji P. Henson, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott.
With Diddy holding her hand, the icon herself took the stage to accept the award in a stunning cutout dress. “I’m in a dream right now,” she said.
Mary, who has sold 75 million albums throughout her career, reflected on her journey to becoming the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul after Andre Harrell and Diddy signed her to Uptown Records in 1991.
“It was the beginning of a movement. Every inner city girl was recognizing their own and could relate to everything I was saying,” she said. “Every female artist that came into the game wanted to do everything I was doing and still does to this day.”
WATCH
In addition to thanking the late Andre Harrell, Diddy (“one of my biggest inspirations”), and her fans, Mary said she realized her greatest gift of all, self love.
“I finally found that real love and that real love is me,” she said.
#HipHopNews: Travis Scott Returns To The Stage At Billboard Music Awards
Six months after the Astroworld tragedy, Travis Scott returned to the stage at Sunday’s Billboard
Music Awards in Las Vegas.
Following an introduction from Diddy and French Montana, the Houston rapper performed “Mafia,” one of two songs he dropped last year, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Wearing fur pants and wraparound sunglasses, he transported viewers to the Alps during his icy performance.
Joined by a DJ and model Jazelle, La Flame also gave fans a peak into Utopia with an unreleased song called “Lost Forever,” for which snippets previously leaked online.
Earlier in the evening, Travis hit the red carpet with Kylie Jenner and their daughter Stormi.
This marks his first awards show performance since the Astroworld Festival in November, which resulted in 10 deaths. Travis, who previously performed at a paid gig during Race Week in Miami, is slated to headline the Primavera Sound festivals in South America this November.
Travis appears to be in comeback mode as he readies his long-awaited album Utopia. Last month, he teamed up with Future on Southside’s single “Hold That Heat.”
Lovers & Friends Concert Stopped Mid Show Due To False Report Of Gunfire, 3 People Injured As People Stampede To Escape
Some dangerous confusion left a few people injured at the Las Vegas Lovers & Friends concert.
Reportedly, the LV Metropolitan Police Department stated that three people were taken to the hospital after the crowd stampeded. Police state that around 10pm, reports of gunfire near the area riled up the audience, causing attendees to frantically rush towards the exit. However, an LVMP investigation concluded that there was no evidence to support the report. Following police clearance to continue, the concert resumed to completion.
The two-day music festival kicked off yesterday, Saturday (May 14th), and featured big named early 2000 artists such as Usher, Ciara, Nelly, and Ms Lauryn Hill. Reports suggest that video footage from the frightening moment revealed the incident took place during Usher’s set.
Social media users quickly took to the internet to post check-ins and share their experience. According to one user, the stampede began after people screamed “shooter”, and claims thousands of people abandoned the concert following the gun scare.
Another user claims it was a fight that instigated the stampede, though no physical altercations were reported by police.
Many others simply recounted the fear they had in the moment, some saying it’s been the most fearful they’ve been in their lives.
The incident comes after 10 people were killed at Travis Scott’s Astroworld concert in Houston back in November of 2021. As well as the mass Las Vegas shooting that saw 58 people fatally shot at the Route 91 Harvest back in 2017. Thankfully, there were no fatalities nor life threatening injuries reported.
Do you think concerts are becoming more unsafe to attending?
Billboard Music Awards 2022: Complete List of Winners
It was a big night for music at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards.
via People:
Held Sunday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs, the award show gave out trophies to the musicians who’ve achieved success via album and song sales and streams, radio play, touring, and social engagement.
Leading this year’s nominations was The Weeknd, a finalist in a whopping 17 categories thanks to the staying power of his Dawn FM album and singles, which followed 2020’s After Hours. Following the release of her Planet Heralbum, Doja Cat held the most nominations for a female act this year as a finalist in 14 categories. The most-nominated duo/group of the 2022 BBMAs was BTS, who’ve topped the Billboard Hot 100 twice over the past year with “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” Additionally, Mary J. Blige was honored with the coveted Billboard Icon Award to celebrate her decades-long success as a musician.
Check out the complete list of winners below:
Top Artist
Doja Cat
WINNER: Drake
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top New Artist
Givēon
Masked Wolf
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
Pooh Shiesty
The Kid Laroi
Top Male Artist
WINNER: Drake
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd
Top Female Artist
Adele
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group
WINNER: BTS
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Migos
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Adele
Drake
Juice WRLD
Morgan Wallen
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Justin Bieber
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd
Top Song Sales Artist
Adele
WINNER: BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Walker Hayes
Top Radio Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist
BTS
Dua Lipa
WINNER: Ed Sheeran
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd
Top Tour
Eagles (Hotel California Tour)
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
Harry Styles (Love on Tour)
WINNER: The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)
Top R&B Artist
WINNER: Doja Cat
Givēon
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)
Summer Walker
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist
Givēon
Khalid
WINNER: The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist
WINNER: Doja Cat
Summer Walker
SZA
Top R&B Tour
WINNER: Bruno Mars (Bruno Mars at Park MGM)
Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)
Usher (The Vegas Residency)
Top Rap Artist
WINNER: Drake
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Moneybagg Yo
Polo G
Top Rap Male Artist
WINNER: Drake
Juice WRLD
Polo G
Top Rap Female Artist
Cardi B
Latto
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion
Top Rap Tour
J. Cole (The Off-Season Tour)
Lil Baby (The Back Outside Tour)
WINNER: Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)
Top Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Walker Hayes
Top Country Male Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
WINNER: Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Top Country Duo/Group
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Zac Brown Band
Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan (Proud to Be Right Here Tour)
WINNER: Eric Church (Gather Again Tour)
Chris Stapleton (All-American Road Show Tour)
Top Rock Artist
WINNER: Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Machine Gun Kelly
Måneskin
Twenty One Pilots
Top Rock Tour
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
WINNER: The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)
Top Latin Artist
WINNER: Bad Bunny
Farruko
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro
Top Latin Male Artist
WINNER: Bad Bunny
Farruko
Rauw Alejandro
Top Latin Female Artist
WINNER: Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rosalía
Top Latin Duo/Group
Calibre 50
WINNER: Eslabon Armado
Grupo Firme
Top Latin Tour
Bad Bunny (El Último Tour Del Mundo)
Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin (Live in Concert)
WINNER: Los Bukis (Una Historia Cantada Tour)
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
WINNER: Lady Gaga
Marshmello
Tiësto
Top Christian Artist
Carrie Underwood
Elevation Worship
for King & Country
Lauren Daigle
WINNER: Ye
Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music
WINNER: Ye
Top Billboard 200 Album
Adele, 30
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR
Top Soundtrack
Arcane League of Legends
WINNER: Encanto
In The Heights
Sing 2
tick, tick…BOOM!
Top R&B Album
WINNER: Doja Cat, Planet Her
Givēon, When It's All Said and Done…Take Time
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), An Evening With Silk Sonic
Summer Walker, Still Over It
The Weeknd, Dawn FM
Top Rap Album
WINNER: Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Moneybagg Yo, A Gangsta's Pain
Rod Wave, SoulFly
The Kid Laroi, F*ck Love
Ye, Donda
Top Country Album
Florida Georgia Line, Life Rolls On
Lee Brice, Hey World
Taylor Swift, Fearless (Taylor's Version)
WINNER: Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor's Version)
Walker Hayes, Country Stuff: The Album
Top Rock Album
AJR, OK Orchestra
Coldplay, Music of the Spheres
Imagine Dragons, Mercury – Act 1
John Mayer, Sob Rock
WINNER: Twenty One Pilots, Scaled and Icy
Top Latin Album
Eslabon Armado, Corta Venas
J Balvin, Jose
Kali Uchis, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)
WINNER: Karol G, KG0516
Rauw Alejandro, Vice Versa
Top Dance/Electronic Album
C418, Minecraft, Volume Alpha
FKA Twigs, Caprisongs
WINNER: Illenium, Fallen Embers
Porter Robinson, Nurture
Rüfüs Du Sol, Surrender
Top Christian Album
Carrie Underwood, My Savior
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Phil Wickham, Hymn of Heaven
WINNER: Ye, Donda
Top Gospel Album
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Maverick City Music, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition
Maverick City Music & Upperroom, Move Your Heart
WINNER: Ye, Donda
Top Hot 100 Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA, "Kiss Me More"
Dua Lipa, "Levitating"
Olivia Rodrigo, "Good 4 U"
WINNER: The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Streaming Song
Dua Lipa, "Levitating"
Glass Animals, "Heat Waves"
Olivia Rodrigo, "Good 4 U"
WINNER: The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Selling Song
WINNER: BTS, "Butter"
BTS, "Permission to Dance"
Dua Lipa, "Levitating"
Ed Sheeran, "Bad Habits"
Walker Hayes, "Fancy Like"
Top Radio Song
WINNER: Dua Lipa, "Levitating"
Ed Sheeran, "Bad Habits"
Olivia Rodrigo, "Good 4 U"
The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Collaboration
Doja Cat ft. SZA, "Kiss Me More"
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Givēon, "Peaches"
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, "Industry Baby"
WINNER: The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Billboard Global 200 Song
Dua Lipa, "Levitating"
Ed Sheeran, "Bad Habits"
Olivia Rodrigo, "Good 4 U"
WINNER: The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song
BTS, "Butter"
Ed Sheeran, "Bad Habits"
Lil Nas X, "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)"
WINNER: The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber, "Stay"
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, "Save Your Tears"
Top Viral Song
WINNER: Doja Cat ft. SZA, "Kiss Me More"
Gayle, "abcdefu"
Glass Animals, "Heat Waves"
Masked Wolf, "Astronaut In The Ocean"
Walker Hayes, "Fancy Like"
Top R&B Song
Doja Cat & The Weeknd, "You Right"
Givēon, "Heartbreak Anniversary"
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Givēon, "Peaches"
WINNER: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), "Leave The Door Open"
WizKid ft. Justin Bieber & Tems, "Essence"
Top Rap Song
Drake ft. 21 Savage, Project Pat, "Knife Talk"
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug, "Way 2 Sexy"
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, "Industry Baby"
Masked Wolf, "Astronaut in the Ocean"
Polo G, "Rapstar"
Top Country Song
Chris Stapleton, "You Should Probably Leave"
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood, "If I Didn't Love You"
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, "Buy Dirt"
Luke Combs, "Forever After All"
WINNER: Walker Hayes, "Fancy Like"
Top Rock Song
Coldplay X BTS, "My Universe"
Elle King & Miranda Lambert, "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)"
Imagine Dragons, "Follow You"
WINNER: Måneskin, "Beggin'"
The Anxiety: Willow & Tyler Cole, "Meet Me at Our Spot"
Top Latin Song
Aventura x Bad Bunny, "Volví"
Bad Bunny, "Yonaguni"
Farruko, "Pepas"
WINNER: Kali Uchis, "Telepatía"
Rauw Alejandro, "Todo De Ti"
Top Dance/Electronic Song
WINNER: Elton John & Dua Lipa, "Cold Heart – PNAU Remix"
Farruko, "Pepas"
Regard x Troye Sivan x Tate McRae, "You"
Tiësto, "The Business"
Travis Scott & HVME, "Goosebumps"
Top Christian Song
Anne Wilson, "My Jesus"
WINNER: Ye, "Hurricane"
Ye, "Moon"
Ye, "Off The Grid"
Ye, "Praise God"
Top Gospel Song
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, "Jireh"
WINNER: Ye, "Hurricane"
Ye, "Moon"
Ye, "Off the Grid"
Ye, "Praise God"
Congrats to all the Winners!
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker legally tie the knot
Weeks after holding a private wedding ceremony in Las Vegas without a marriage license, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker have legally tied the knot at the downtown courthouse on Anacapa.
The celebrity couple who became engaged in October 2021, exchanged vows in Santa Barbara with a small number of family members and friends.
Kourtney's maternal grandmother Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell and Barker’s father Randy, also attended the ceremony on Sunday.
After getting hitched, the 42-year-old reality star and drummer, 46, were seen driving off in a vintage black controvertible with a sign that said 'just married' hanging off the bumper, according to Daily Mail.
The reality TV show star was seen wearing a short white dress and a traditional veil over her dark tresses.
Kerry Washington & Delroy Lindo to Star Together in New Comedy Series 'Unprisoned'
Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo are teaming up for a new show!
The Onyx Collective – a Disney banner focused on underrepresented audience – has picked up the upcoming comedy series Unprisoned, inspired by the life of creator Tracy McMillan.
Here’s the synopsis: “The half-hour comedy revolves around a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom (Washington) whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad (Lindo) gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son,” according to THR.
Unprisoned, which will have eight episodes, will be available for streaming on Hulu, Star+, and Disney+.
Kerry will be producing the show under her production company Simpson Street.
“From the moment Tracy McMillan brought this project to Simpson Street, we knew that it had the potential to be provocative, groundbreaking and life-affirming,” Kerry said in a statement. “I love this show. I love these characters and the stories that they inspire. And I’m extremely excited to be working, once again, with both Onyx collective and ABC signature, and honored to be collaborating with this talented group of creative partners.”
Civil rights groups respond to “racially-motivated” Buffalo shooting
Several civil rights organizations have responded to the racially-charged mass shooting that claimed the lives of at least 10 people and wounded three in Buffalo, New York on Saturday (May 14).
According to Mayor Byron Brown, eleven of the victims who were shot by an alleged white supremacist at the Tops Friendly Markets store were Black members of the community.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, issued the following statement:
“While details of the horrific shooting in Buffalo are still emerging, there are already strong indicators that the individual who allegedly carried out this attack was heavily influenced by white supremacist ideology, including the virulently antisemitic and racist ‘Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory. Make no mistake: This is the same hateful antisemitic bile that inspired the shooters in Pittsburgh, Poway, El Paso and Charleston.
“This was yet another predicable attack by an avowed white supremacist who imbibed hateful conspiracy theories online and then turned to violent action, this time targeting mostly Black victims. We cannot remain complacent in the face of this continuing and serious national security threat. More must be done – now – to push back against the racist and antisemitic violence propounded by the far right.
“This shooting is a deadly reminder of the dangers of white supremacy, and the need to call out these hateful views at every opportunity. We need our elected leaders at all levels to have the political will to pass meaningful legislation that will hold anyone involved in spreading white supremacist conspiracy theories to account and to stop potentially violent terrorists before they commit a crime.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to victims and their families of this horrific hate crime, and we stand in solidarity with the African American community at this difficult time.”
On behalf of the NAACP New York State Conference, President Hazel N. Dukes issued the following statement:
“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Buffalo community. We’re in touch with Buffalo officials and our NAACP leaders, Buffalo Branch President, Reverend Mark Blue (who is on the ground), and Regional Director Linda Brown-Robinson. We are appalled at this horrific shooting. This unfortunate act of terrorism highlights the NAACP’s continued fight for sensible gun legislation that doesn’t just allow military-grade weaponry into the hands of everyday citizens. We stand ready to give assistance anywhere we can to the victims’ families and the Buffalo community. We will at a later time notify our supporters how they can further support the Buffalo community.”
Janai S. Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), issued the following statement:
“We send our deepest condolences to the victims of the racially-motivated shooting targeting Black people in Buffalo, New York. This horrific rampage is another in the long line of distinctly American mass shootings that combine racism and gun violence. This is a deepening crisis for which we must be prepared to make all the necessary sacrifices to peacefully bring to an end the scourge of hate.
“Black Americans are the leading targets for hate crimes in our country, but we also continue to witness increases in anti-Semitic attacks, as well as violence against the Latino, Asian, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities. The frequency and intensity of this violence has been super charged in part by social media, which provides a virtually unchecked platform for hate speech and the encouragement of violent actions. And, as we have seen by the number of attacks that have been live streamed, a built-in audience for hate.
“Social media companies are not alone in having created this environment, however, as cable television has increasingly become a home for what were once seen as extremist views. Indeed, the Great Replacement Theory, which a shocking one in three Americans now believes to be true, has found a mainstream home on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News program after being previously cited by four mass shooters – including those who committed the heinous crimes in Oslo, Norway; Christchurch, New Zealand; Dayton, Ohio; and El Paso, Texas.
“This is a time for action. Simply offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families will not prevent future attacks. It is imperative that elected officials take concrete steps to reduce online hate speech – including essential government regulation – and put forward serious legislation to put an end to gun violence in America. The public also has an important role to play in holding digital and media platforms accountable for the culture of hate and violence that they have coddled for too long.
“Unless we want to be a nation riven by increasing violence and terror, all of us – not just those of us who are the targets – must act now to end the propagation of hate speech and unchecked access to militaristic weapons that are trained on our communities.”
NAACP President Derrick Johnson also released a statement on the tragedy, stating that “hate and racism” should never be accepted in this country.
“Our hearts are with the community and all who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy. Hate and racism have no place in America. We are shattered, extremely angered and praying for the victims’ families and loved ones,” the statement reads.
Payton S. Gendron, the alleged shooter, surrendered to police Saturday (May 14) evening and was taken into custody. Authorities say he livestreamed the entire shooting and wrote a manifesto advocating for a race war.
Gendron was charged with first-degree murder, prosecutors said, and pleaded not guilty in court.
Wynonna Judd Says The Judds Tour She & Mom Naomi Planned Will Go On
Wynonna Judd has revealed that the planned The Judds Tour will still be happening.
The 57-year-old musician shared the news during the Naomi Judd: ‘A River Of Time’ Celebration, which aired tonight, May 15, on CMT.
Wynonna and her late mom, Naomi Judd, announced the tour just a few months ago, before Naomi‘s passing late last month.
Ashley Judd revealed her cause of death just recently.
“It’s so strange in a way to be here, but it seems so natural,” she said on stage following her performance of “The Rose” with Brandi Carlile. “I lived my life publicly since I was 17 so it feels natural to be with my family of choice. Tonight is a celebration. And at the same time, I can’t put into words how devastating. It’s the first place I’ve been publicly.”
She continued, “I said goodbye to her two weeks ago, kissed her on the forehead. Her eyebrows were still perfect. She was unlike anyone in our family, and I miss her so much. But I will continue to sing. I said I would.”
“So, I made a decision, that after a lot of thought, I’m gonna have to honor her, I’m gonna do this tour, because that’s what you would want. And mama once told me ‘Give them what they want. Not what you want.’” she said. “So tonight, as we close. I say the show must go on.”
“As hard as it may be, and we will show up together. And you will carry me as you carried me for 38 years, once again. Because I honestly didn’t think I could do it,” Wynonna added. “I didn’t know if I could go on without her. Life is so strange, it’s so devastatingly beautiful what happened here tonight so we will continue. That’s what she would want, right?”
One Dead, Multiple People Shot At S. California Church, Authorities Say
LOS ANGELES — A gunman opened fire in a Southern California church during a lunch banquet on Sunday, killing one person and wounding five, before churchgoers detained the suspect and hog-tied his legs with an electrical cord, authorities said.
Police responded to the incident that unfolded at about 1:30 p.m. local time at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods and arrested an unidentified suspect in his 60s, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told a news conference.
“That group of churchgoers displayed … exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect. They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities,” he said.
One person died at the scene while four other victims were critically wounded. Another person suffered minor injuries, he said. All of the injured were taken to hospitals.
About 30 to 40 people were in the church when the shooting occurred, Hallock said.
“At this time, we do not know what the suspect’s motive may be or whether he had an intended target, or whether this is even a hate-related incident,” Hallock said, adding that authorities believe the suspect does not live in the area.
Two handguns were found at the scene.
“No one should have to fear going to their place of worship. Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and all those impacted by this tragic event,” Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said on Twitter.
It was at least the second mass shooting of the weekend in the United States, which has been plagued with gun violence in recent years. In Buffalo, N.Y., on Saturday, a white 18-year-old man opened fire at a supermarket in a mostly Black neighborhood, killing 10 and wounding three in what authorities described as a purely racist attack.
Chris Rock Roasts Amber Heard Amid Her Defamation Trial Against Johnny Depp: ‘Believe All Women Except Her’
Chris Rock appears to have picked sides in the ongoing court case against Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, having shared his opinion on the matter during a comedy show in London this week. The 57-year-old touched on the exhilarating trial in his set and reportedly told the studio audience to “believe all women except” Amber, clearly indicating that Chris is not siding with the actress as she prepares to face her ex again in court this upcoming week.
According to Daily Mail, Chris’ comments about Amber stemmed from his talk about the #MeToo movement before he urged people to listen to women when they say they’ve been sexually or physically abused — well, except for the Texas native, that is. “Believe all women, believe all women… except Amber Heard,” he quipped. “What the f**k is she on? She s**t in his bed! She’s fine but she’s not s******g fine.
“She s**t in his bed. Once you s**t in someone’s bed you just guilty of everything. She s**t in his bed. What the f**k is going on there? Wow. And they had a relationship after that. It must be amazing p**** … I’ve been with some crazy b*****s but g**dammit.” Chris’ joke came following Johnny’s revelation in court last month that despite Amber allegedly defecating on the bed, they were able to work through their issues, but it wasn’t long before another physical altercation occurred after that. Amber would go on to file for divorce three days after her ex-husband’s mother had died.
Earlier this week, Snapchat was forced to deny social media claims they had drawn inspiration from Amber’s sobbing in court for their crying face filter. The feature was released the same week she had testified in court and amassed a whopping 1.3 billion in just seven days after being added to the media giant’s list of filters.
But a Snapchat spokesperson confirmed to TMZ that there was no truth behind the speculation on social platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. In fact, the filter had been in the works for around six months before it was implemented on the app, further implying that the timeline wouldn’t have added up.
“New #AmberHeard Snapchat filter just dropped. Am dead,” one person wrote on Twitter after trying out the crying face feature. “LMAOOO they made a Snapchat filter that looks eerily close to Amber Heard facial expressions in court,” another person tweeted. “Asif there’s a #amberheard Snapchat filter,” a third chimed in.
The trial will continue on Monday and is expected to conclude by the week’s end, as Amber Heard faces the hot seat in the upcoming cross-examination with Johnny’s legal team. It’s been reported that the actress’ previous arrest in 2009 for allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Tasya van Ree at a Seattle airport will also be brought up.
Steph Curry: NBA Star Set to Graduate from Davidson College Today
Stephen Curry smiles during a practice session in Cleveland, Saturday, February 19. (AP for CNN)
*Steph Curry is succeeding on and off the court. Thirteen years after he left Davidson College to enter the NBA Draft, the basketball superstar is finally set to graduate today with his bachelor’s degree, according to a tweet from the college.
Curry, 34, only needed to complete one semester of coursework to complete his degree, Davidson explained.
He matriculated at the college in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself playing for the Davidson Wildcats, before opting out of his senior year and being drafted by the Golden State Warriors.
“Stephen Curry has on many occasions emphasized the importance of education, how much he valued his Davidson College experience and that he is committed to earning his degree,” wrote the college on Twitter.
The three-time NBA championship winner re-enrolled during the spring semester, Davidson said, and will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in sociology along with Davidson’s class of 2022 today.
Unfortunately for basketball fans hoping to spot the athlete at graduation, Curry is not attending Davidson’s commencement ceremony today in person, according to the college.
Graduating from college is just one of Curry’s accomplishments from this week. On Tuesday, Curry became the first player in NBA history to make 500 career playoff three-pointers.
Jason Momoa Reportedly Dating Eiza González Amid Lisa Bonet Divorce
Just a few months after he and wife Lisa Bonet announced they were separating following four years of marriage, Jason Momoa has a new woman in his life.
People reports Momoa, 42, has been recently dating Baby Driver actress Eiza González, 32. The news arrives a month after the Aquaman star attended the premiere of González’s new movie Ambulance, although the couple was not photographed together.
“They are dating. He cares about her. He’s in a great place, working on Fast X,” a source told the outlet. “He’s quite busy and he’s in a good place.”
Another insider added, “They’re both busy with work but are having fun together. It’s nothing serious yet.”
Back in March, Momoa took to Instagram to thank fans for giving his family space amid his split with Bonet.
“Mahalo to the fans and press for being generous and giving us space for the children,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “It’s hard enough separating in the public eye. We appreciate the continued privacy through these times.”
Momoa and Bonet, who were together for 16 years, announced their split at the top of the year, when they told fans via a statement that while they still love each other, it was necessary to go separate ways due to some changes. The pair started dating in 2005 and ended up getting married in 2017.
“We share this not because we think it’s newsworthy ~ But so that~ as we go about our lives we may do so with dignity and honesty,” they wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other ~to be who we are learning to become… Our devotion unwavering to this sacred life & our Children Teaching our Children What’s possible ~ Living the Prayer May Love Prevail.”
Jesse Williams Talks ‘Take Me Out’ Nude Leak: “Theater Is A Sacred Space”
Jesse Williams has spoken out regarding the leak of a nude scene from his Broadway revival of Take Me Out, saying that he’s “not down” about it.
“Our job is to go out there every night, no matter what…I’m not really worrying about it. I can’t sweat that,” Williams told The Associated Press on Thursday at their event, Tony Awards: Meet The Nominees.
Actors' Equity Blasts Audience Member Who Videoed Jesse Williams' Nude Scene In 'Take Me Out' & Tweeted It
The actor added that actors “do need to keep advocating” for themselves, and that it’s been “wonderful” to see his community “push back” and be clear about the kinds of behavior it won’t stand for. “Consent is important, I thought,” he said. “So, let’s keep that in mind universally.”
Williams added that while “theater is a sacred space,” not everyone understands that. “Everybody doesn’t necessarily respect or regard that in a way that maybe they should, or we’d like,” he continued.
In the play by Richard Greenberg, Williams plays Darren Lemming, a pro baseball player who struggles after coming out as gay. His performance recently netted him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play, alongside co-stars Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Michael Oberholtzer, with the production also landing a nom for Best Revival.
When video and photos of Williams’ Take Me Out nude scene were leaked online, the show’s venue, Second Stage Theater, responded by calling the move “highly objectionable” and noting that it could lead to “severe legal consequences,” also sharing that it will be bringing in “additional staff” to ensure that a such a breach never happens again. (The theater already had a means in place of locking up phones during shows, which the leaker managed to circumnavigate.)
Also responding to the leak was the the President of the Actors’ Equity Association, Kate Shindle, who called it “both sexual harassment and an appalling breach of consent.”
Ukraine Wins Eurovision Song Contest, U.K. Places Second
Ukraine won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy on Saturday night. The country was represented by hip-hop act Kalush Orchestra with the song “Stefania,” a tribute to lead singer Oleh Psiuk’s mother Stefania, which merges Ukrainian folklore with rap.
The U.K. came in second thanks to Sam Ryder, already a viral sensation with 12.5 million TikTok fans, who performed the track “Space Man.”
The event was held in Turin, Italy, following the country’s win in 2021 by Italian band Maneskin.
Both Ukraine, which is currently under siege from its neighbor Russia, and the U.K. were hotly tipped to make an appearance in the top three. 25 countries competed in total in the contest, which was hosted in the Italian city of Turin.
Ukraine last won in 2016 and hosted the contest the following year in capital city Kyiv.
Votes are cast by 40 countries competing in the contest, all of whom are members (or, in the case of Australia, associate members) of the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the competition.
Each country’s final score is a combination of a jury vote (with each country awarded 1 to twelve points) and a phone-in from the public. Both the jury and public are forbidden from voting for their own country.
Although ostensibly about the music, the voting is often understood to have political overtones, with many countries often voting for their closest geographical neighbors.
While Ukraine scored moderately in the jury vote, with a total of 192 points, the country was pushed into No. 1 position with an unprecedented 439 points from the public. It is believed to be the highest number of points ever awarded by the public vote and is symbolic of the support the country has from the rest of Europe in its war with Russia.
The victory certainly garnered widespread praise, with U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulating the country on Twitter. “It is a clear reflection of not just your talent, but of the unwavering support for your fight for freedom,” Johnson tweeted.
And while the band said backstage that they had not yet had an opportunity to speak to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader took to Instagram to congratulate them, writing: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe — not the last. We will do our best to one day host the participants and guests of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful, rebuilt! Thank you for winning @Kalush.official and everyone who voted for us! I am sure that our victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is not far off. Glory to Ukraine!”
The U.K. scored 466 points, a sum that included the top mark of 12 points from the Ukranian, German and French jury votes. Despite not winning the contest, it was viewed as a huge improvement on the previous year’s entry, when the U.K. came last out of 26 countries with zero points.
Ukraine’s victory was all the more moving because, the band revealed, they had not had the opportunity to rehearse in person until they arrived in Italy two weeks ago. “It’s been quite stressful to be honest,” said Kalush Orchestra lead singer Oleh Psiuk, who was wearing his trademark pink bucket hat, in a press conference backstage after the show.
During the press conference Psiuk also took the opportunity to voice his thanks towards all those who voted for him. “I want to thank everybody, every Ukrainian, [the] Ukrainian diaspora, and everyone around the world who voted for Ukraine and helped us bring this victory to Ukraine,” he said. “The victory is very important for Ukraine especially this year. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Glory to Ukraine.”
In response to a question from the press corps about whether Psiuk was planning to return to fight in Ukraine following his band’s victory, the rapper explained the band had been given temporary authorization to attend Eurovision since men of military age are currently forbidden from leaving Ukraine. (Ukrainian commentator Timur Miroshnychenko was unable to join the other European commentators at the stadium in Turin, instead broadcasting from a bomb shelter in his home country).
Psiuk said the temporary authorization expired would expire on May 16 when the band would return to Ukraine. “It’s hard to say what exactly I’m going to do because this is the first time I won the Eurovision Song Contest but anyway, like every Ukrainian we’re ready to fight as much as we can and to go on till the end.”
R. Kelly and Accused Subway Shooter Frank James Reportedly Befriend Each Other in Brooklyn Jail
Frank James, the alleged New York City subway shooter has evidently formed a friendship with disgraced R&B superstar R. Kelly.
Three sources told the Daily News about the pair’s friendship behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park.
Kelly is there awaiting his sentencing for his sex trafficking conviction and James is awaiting his trial for the April 12 mass shooting on the N train.
“Both do get along. They actually sit together and eat together,” said one jailhouse source.
“They talk about TV shows. They go out to rec together. They’re buds,” said another.
The two men are housed at the center that also houses government cooperators because they are both considered high-risk inmates, sources confirmed.
However, James has a bunkmate, but Kelly has his own room, a source said.
Both are facing life in prison.
James has not been behind bars that long but reportedly he does not complain a lot and drinks copious amounts of coffee, said one of the sources.
Kelly, on the other hand, uses his music to lift spirits, several sources claimed.
“Mr. Kelly is not in control of who he is housed with,” said Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s lawyer. “A friend is someone you voluntarily hang out with.”
James, who is indicted on federal terrorism charges is not the first high-profile friend that Kelly has made.
The News exclusively reported that Kelly had formed a bond with his one-time cellmate Brendan Hunt, a Queens man who was found guilty of threatening to kill congress members.
Tika Sumpter And Nicholas James Are Married
Congratulations to Tika Sumpter and Nicholas James! According to reports, the pair married over the weekend in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The actors first met on the set of their show The Haves and the Have Nots
They share a five-year-old daughter, Ella.
As for what’s changed now that they’re officially husband and wife, Tika says.
“I don’t know how much is going to change with the newlywed stamp. It’s going to be fun to call Nick my husband and hear him call me his wife. I think we just cemented what we already are, and all of our friends were witnesses to that. It’s a continuation of the journey, but I’m looking forward to doing what we’ve been doing, which is making sure that we have a solid foundation. Making sure we’re strong. It’s not a sprint, this journey, it’s definitely not a sprint.”
Congrats to them!
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ Breaks Apple Music Record
Congrats to Kendrick Lamar! His latest studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, is making history with Apple Music.
According to the music streaming service, the album broke the streaming service’s worldwide record for the highest first-day streams for an album released in 2022, as well previously occupied the top 14 spots on the Apple Music Songs Chart. The the exact numbers have not been released.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was released on May 13, 2022, by PGLang, Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The double album serves as his final project with Top Dawg.
The album features narration by his fiancee Whitney Alford and Eckhart Tolle, and guest appearances from Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Baby Keem, Kodak Black, Sam Dew, Tanna Leone, and Beth Gibbons of Portishead. Lamar reunited with frequent collaborators Sounwave, J.LBS, DJ Dahi, and Bekon for the majority of the album’s production.
Netflix Updated Its Culture Guidelines And If You Don’t Like Their Content, You Can Quit
Netflix updated its company culture guidelines, and now they are making the rounds on social media thanks to the content in the “Artistic Expression” section.
“Not everyone will like—or agree with—everything on our service,” the guidelines read. “While every title is different, we approach them based on the same set of principles: we support the artistic expression of the creators we choose to work with; we program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices.”
It continues, saying, “as employees, we support the principle that Netflix offers a diversity of stories, even if we find some titles counter to our own personal values.” And depending on your position with Netflix, you could be assigned to work on titles you find “to be harmful.”
If you disagree? Well, then Netflix says you are welcome to leave. The memo refers to employees as the “dream team.” It also likens working for the company to playing on a professional sports team and says it does not promote the feeling of being family.
“Dream teams are not right for everyone,” according to the guidelines.
The guidelines were updated for the first time since 2017 and in the wake of the backlash received following Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special titled The Closer. The comedian made several remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, sparking outrage. The streaming giant saw some of its employees staging a walkout in protest. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos stood by Chappelle throughout the uproar and refused to remove the special.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
BABY FATS
Apparently he ate all the goods that were supposed to be delivered at Walmart.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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