#MAGFAB: Adut Akech for Vogue Italia - June 2022:
Adut Akech covers the June 2022 issue of Vogue Italia, styled by Imruh Asha. Photographer Vito Fernicola [IG] styles Adut in what is a joint Vogues Italy, France and Spain summer 2022 Mediterranean life and fashion production. The issues hit newsstands June 3. / Hair by Ramona Eschbach; makeup by Patrick Glatthaar.
FAB!
#RHOA: Sheree Whitfield Says Drew Sidora Only Got A Second Season Because Porsha Williams And Cynthia Bailey Exited!
Sheree Whitfield made her triumphant return for Season 14 of Real Housewives of Atlanta. The famous bone collector is ready to do her thing, and I am here for it. Kandi Burruss even stated that Sheree is “the queen of this season, I think.”
Returning RHOA sophomore Drew Sidora is going after Sheree’s crown. Sheree slammed Drew for coming for her. “Like, girl, you can’t [go after me]. You can’t do this honey,” Sheree remarked. “It kind of kept on [going] throughout the season. And finally, you know, we got to a place [of conflict].”
Drew has serious issues in her marriage to Ralph Pittman. And we still don’t know what happened last season in Tampa. Ralph had some questionable texts from his assistant, and that sent their marriage into a spiral. The couple is trying therapy to save their relationship. Watching Ralph gaslight Drew is awful.
There is plenty of tension between Drew and Sheree because they share a shifty assistant. Drew was spreading the rumor that Sheree didn’t pay her assistant. Sheree and Drew got into it, and someone told Drew that her assistant is telling everyone that Ralph is allegedly gay. Sheree also suggested that Drew get a marriage counselor rather than pay multiple assistants. Burn!
Now Sheree is claiming that Drew is only on RHOA because Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams turned in their peaches. Drew did an interview with Dish Nation, and it was shared by The Peach Report on Twitter. In the clip, Drew referenced her argument with Sheree. Drew said, “I don’t regret [nothing]. Like you said, that is my husband. What I’m not gonna do is ever stand for someone to talk about my husband, okay, or my children, or my money.”
She continued, “You know, like that’s what you’re not going to do. And yes, I’m from Chicago so we talk with our hands. I am expressive. But that never gives you a right to disrespect my family.”
One of the hosts of Dish Nation asked Drew, “Is Sheree the most annoying Atlanta Housewife in your opinion?” Drew responded, “I mean I just feel like Sheree comes and she goes, and she needs to be worrying about if she’s coming back next season. That’s what she needs to be worrying about. But she has She by Sheree.” Drew added, “She really needs to focus on She by Sheree because I haven’t seen sh*t by Sheree.” Fair enough.
Host Da Brat asked Drew, “Everyone knows the Real Housewives of Atlanta is famous for its reads. Who do you think on the show gives the best shade?”
“I would say my girl, Kandi. Kandi gives those reads where you’ll be like ‘did she just read?'” Drew remarked. “You don’t even know that she just read you. Then you’re faced with it and you’re like ‘what just happened?'”
Sheree retweeted the interview and responded to Drew’s shady comments. Sheree tweeted, “Girl bye! Not worried about that at ALLLLL!” Sheree continued, “Don’t get too ahead of urself newbie…”Everybody knows” (Phaedra [Parks] voice) the ONLY reason u got a 2nd chance was bc of the loss of 2 long term (peach emoji) #charitypeach turned #rottenpeach #putsomerespeckonmyname.” Damn!
Well, it looks like this feud will be going on all season.
#NewMusic from Calvin Harris With Dua Lipa And Young Thug ‘Potion’
Calvin Harris is bringing the funk once again. Just in time for summer, the certified hitmaker teams up with Dua Lipa and Young Thug on “Potion,” the first single off the upcoming sequel to his 2017 album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. With its synth-heavy groove, the undeniable bop has song of the summer written all over it.
“Late night conversations / Electric emotions / Sprinkled with a little bit of sex / And it’s a potion, yeah,” sings Dua, while Thug brings his own electric vibes.
LISTEN HERE
The first Funk Wav Bounces was released in June 2017 and spawned the hit “Slide” with Frank Ocean and Migos, plus appearances from Future, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Pharrell, Ariana Grande, and more. Vol. 2 is set to arrive this summer.
“I wanted to just make this again and really go for it and know that I can get these amazing artists on this music that no one else is going to give them,” Harris told Apple Music, while also teasing his next single with two legends. “I do not know how I pulled it off, or how we pulled it off… Not only has it got someone that, someone in a song where they shouldn’t be in this song, but they sound perfect for it.”
#HipHopNews: The Game Claims 50 Cent Paid Him $1 Million To Stop Saying ‘G-UNOT’
50 Cent’s beef with The Game ended up costing him big time. The former G-Unit members have been feuding for years and there appears to be no end in sight. Now Game is making a shocking new revelation about their nearly two-decade-old beef.
In an interview with the “All the Smoke” podcast, Game claimed that 50 and former Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine paid him $1 million to stop using his “G-Unot” catchphrase.
“50 and Jimmy Iovine, they gave me a million dollars to stop saying G-Unot,” Game said. “They wrote me a check, they bought it. I had to trademark the G-Unot. And you remember when I was going around with the rat and doing all that sh*t, that sh*t hurt—killed G-Unit.”
Game says that his attacks on G-Unit were bad for business. “You stopped seeing the candy cane tank tops and all that sh*t,” he said. “The whole G-Unit/Mark Ecko, the shoes, all that sh*t died. That sh*t was a hot commodity at once, G-Unit clothing. Ni**as was wearing the sweats, headbands, the masks, everything.”
According to Game, the only way to make him stop was to buy the “G-Unot” trademark. “So they had to pay me. I should have asked for more but them ni**as gave me a million. But I’m a hood ni**a, a million dollars just to stop saying this word? Where’s the check? They wrote the check and I stopped saying it.”
Back in March, Game claimed that he ended 50’s rap career. “@50cent Last time you did this with me, G-Unit clothing got put in a casket wit the entire group & you went into television,” he told the “Power” producer.
Game, whose new album Drillmatic drops June 10, also continues his one-sided beef with Eminem. During the same interview, he once again proclaimed that he can outrap the “Rap God.”
“I don’t hear Eminem in the streets,” he said. “I’m not saying he can’t rap. The skillset is there. I’m just the better rapper. I just haven’t been given the light that he’s been given.
Kanye’s Divorce Attorney Withdraws From Case Against Kim Kardashian, Due To “An Irreconcilable Breakdown in the Attorney-Client Relationship”
Additional details have surfaced concerning Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s split. This is the fourth attorney to step down from Kanye West’s divorce case with “Skims” founder Kim Kardashian.
According to The Blast, Samantha Spector, filed documents to be removed as Kanye West’s representation. It was listed in documentation that the cause of Spector stepping down from the case was because of
“an irreconcilable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.”
Kim Kardashian, 41, filed for divorce from the Yeezy fashion designer in February 2021. Together the ex-couple share four children: North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, Psalm, 3.
West, 44, hired Samantha Spector after alleging Kardashian, who has moved on with comedian Pete Davidson, was keeping him from seeing his children.
In February, the ex-couple responded to each other on Instagram after West announced he did not want his eldest daughter, North, on TikTok.
Kardashian accused West of constantly attacking her since they split:
“As the parent who is the main provider and caregiver for our children, I am doing my best to protect our daughter while also allowing her to express her creativity in the medium that she wishes with adult supervision, because it brings her happiness.”
She continues: “Divorce is difficult enough on our children and Kanye’s obsession with trying to control and manipulate our situation so negatively and publicly is only causing further pain for all.”
In a since-deleted Instagram post West replied to Kardashian:
“What do you mean by the main provider? America saw you try to kidnap my daughter on her birthday by not providing the address. You put security on me inside of the house to play with my son then accused me of stealing. I had to take a drug test after Chicago’s party cause you accused me of being on drugs Tracy Romulus stop manipulating Kim to be this way…”
Kim’s side of the family was also concerned about North’s safety on social media. Kim revealed in an Instagram post of a text from Mason Disick, the eldest of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick’s children, advising her to supervise North while on TikTok livestreams based on his own history of unapproved livestreams.
Mason Disick says: “Hi I don’t wanna disrespect north but I don’t think she should do the lives unless someone is with her because people are always screen recording and she might tell information that isn’t correct and stuff like that, that she will regret I did the exact same thing as she did I would do the lives and now I regret saying one of the things that I said. Just in case for safety”
Kim replied “I appreciate you looking out Mason and I agree. She felt bad and I don’t think she will do it again but it could be good if you talk to her about it.”
For now, Kardashian and West are co-parenting to the best of their ability and the case will be taken over by one of West’s other attorneys who doesn’t specialize in divorce and is located in Pennsylvania.
Shaunie O'Neal Is Married! Basketball Wives Star Weds Pastor Keion Henderson in Anguilla Ceremony
Shaunie O’Neal officially tied the knot with her pastor fiancé in a tropical island ceremony on Saturday according to PEOPLE
Nearly 200 guests were in attendance at the Anguilla wedding, which was held at the Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club. The romantic outdoor ceremony took place on the golf course's 10th hole, with the bride entering as singer Yolanda Adams performed. The bride's three sons walked her down the aisle to meet her now-husband.
"I just lost my dad in February," O'Neal says. "So, I really struggled with how I was going to get down the aisle. Losing my dad in the midst of planning this wedding was a lot, so my sons handed me off."
Having her five children (with ex Shaquille O'Neal) there to support her was "everything" to the happy mom, who describes her family as "package deal" when it comes to relationships.
O'Neal wore a sparkling gown by Jean Louis Sabajai in partnership with fashion stylist Eric Archibald, paired with a dreamy veil also from the designer. She accessorized with David Yurman jewelry and shoes by Jimmy Choo. The glowing bride's updo was perfected by Diamond Johnson, with her makeup look created by Alaina Saulsberry.
Henderson wore a cream tux by Dolce and Gabbana, while the groomsmen were clad in Atelier Houston.
Bishop TD Jakes officiated the nuptials, which were planned by The Happy Couple with The Britto Agency/Global Brand Strategist and captured by photographer Manolo Doreste and videographer Michael Tamzil. The couple exchanged wedding bands from Jason of Beverly Hills.
The location was an easy choice for the newlyweds, who "immediately fell in love with it" on a past trip.
"I think after that first visit, we knew this was the place we wanted to get married," O'Neal, 47. For Henderson, 41, Anguilla's rich history and welcoming residents made them "proud to connect to" the island and "start their journey" there.
During the reception, the couple's friends and family dined on Anguillian-inspired dishes including local fish and crayfish, all among blush rose florals created by Black Orchid.
Guests spent the evening dancing to music from the Isley Brothers and Jukebox in a custom tent at the resort's clubhouse and D Richards Restaurant, before Spinderella took over DJ duties in the late-night hours for the afterparty.
Thoughtful details were incorporated throughout the ceremony and reception, including an Eleven/11 (a meaningful symbol to the newlyweds) toast with McBride Sisters Brut Prosecco.
While extravagant, and certainly larger than they had initially anticipated — Shaunie tells PEOPLE that their original number of guests was only 50 — the evening was special and intimate. "We wanted our guests to have a weekend of enjoyment," O'Neal says. "We just like to have fun and love on each other and we wanted to do that with our friends and family."
The couple dated for two years before announcing their engagement last November. For both O'Neal and Henderson, the connection was undeniable from their first date, a six-hour rendezvous inside a hotel lobby.
"I was in California getting ready to preach. ... She finally agreed to meet me. O'Neal had been out to dinner with a friend earlier that evening and told her future husband she'd go out with him "if she had time after eating."
So for the next six hours, they connected over family and faith. "But then I walk her to her car, give her a sideways hug, and I let her get in the car and drive off," the groom says.
"He didn't even try to kiss me!" his bride interjects.
Henderson says she gave him "complete pandemonium" for weeks after he fumbled that first smooch. He made up for it at the perfect time, though: "I showed her the kiss I would have given her the day I met her," Henderson says of their first kiss as husband and wife on Saturday.
Henderson fit right in with her family long before the "I dos," his bride says. "He's been amazing to just step into our lives and fill a void that's been there for a minute in a space of just being here with me, cause I haven't had somebody," she says. "They love him which makes me love him even more."
The feeling is mutual for the groom. "She's amazing. She's just the most laid-back, hilarious, fun-loving person. She's a woman of faith," Henderson gushes. "She can cook, she can dress, and she can sing!"
As for what's next for the Hendersons, "we want to build a legacy together," O'Neal says. The next chapter for her is about "growing, evolving, and becoming," she says.
Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute found not guilty in death of Blacksburg man
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. -- Former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty of all charges Friday in the beating death of a Blacksburg resident following an online catfishing scheme.
Etute, a Virginia Tech freshman linebacker at the time of the incident in May 2021, had been charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of five to 40 years, and the jury could have convicted him on the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Instead, the jury believed a self-defense argument that Etute feared for his life after seeing the victim "make a reach" toward his bed where a knife was later found.
Etute collapsed in tears as the verdict was read, with cheers erupting from a contingent of about 30 family members, supporters and former teammates.
After the verdict, Etute's lawyer, James Turk, said his client deserved a second chance at a football career following the jury's decision.
"I think he's earned the right to go back to school and further his academic and sports career," Turk said. "I think the school that ends up taking him is going to get probably a lot wiser and a much smarter and an exceptional athlete."
Etute was arrested June 2, 2021, and charged with the May 31 murder of Jerry Smith, a local Blacksburg man who had posed as a woman online to meet straight, college-aged men.
According to testimony, Etute first connected with Smith in April 2021 on the dating app Tinder, with Smith posing as a woman going by the name "Angie Renee." Along with teammate Da'Shawn Elder, Etute went to Smith's Blacksburg apartment on April 10 under the assumption that he was meeting a woman. Elder testified that he was disturbed by the circumstances of the meeting, in which Smith hid his face and kept his apartment nearly pitch dark. Both players initially left, but Etute returned to the apartment, and testified that he received oral sex and a $50 gift from Smith.
Etute testified that he left the April 10 encounter still believing Smith was a woman, but teammates later began teasing him that his sexual partner could have been a man.
On May 31, another Virginia Tech player, Jalen Hampton, also connected with "Angie Renee" on Tinder. He, too, went to the apartment expecting a sexual encounter with a woman, but decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable. Hampton and Smith then both made contact with Etute, with Smith encouraging Etute to "put in a good word" with his teammate.
Etute and Hampton, along with a third teammate, Jordan Brunson, decided to return to Smith's apartment to determine Smith's gender. Etute testified that if he determined Smith was a woman, another sexual encounter might have occurred, but that if he determined Smith was a man, he planned to flee the apartment.
During testimony Thursday, Etute said he entered Smith's apartment alone -- both teammates waited outside and were not charged with a crime -- and engaged with Smith on a bed. Etute said he "felt around" and used his cell phone's flashlight to determine Smith was not a woman. Upon confronting Smith, Etute testified that Smith grabbed at Etute's genitals, causing Etute to strike Smith in the face with the back of his hand. Etute testified that he then believed Smith reached for a weapon under his bed, causing Etute to strike Smith with a fist several more times.
During a police search of the apartment, a knife was found between Smith's mattress and box spring, but Etute testified he never saw the knife, and he did not mention any concerns for his own safety during his initial police interview on June 2, 2021.
On July 1, 2021 -- just more than a month after Smith's death -- Virginia passed a bill restricting the use of the so-called gay panic defense, in which a defendant accused of homicide could receive a lesser sentence by saying they panicked after finding out the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. The judge in Etute's case ruled that the new legislation did not apply to this case, as it was enacted after the incident took place, though Turk argued it likely would not have altered the outcome of the trial.
Etute testified that he stomped on Smith's face as he departed the apartment, leaving a bloody shoe print on Smith's cheek in the process. Security camera footage in the apartment showed all three players leaving quickly, with Etute having spent only three minutes inside Smith's apartment. Etute testified that Smith was still breathing when he left, and the state's forensic detective testified the entire attack likely took only a few seconds.
An autopsy report by the medical examiner showed nearly all the bones in Smith's face were broken, he suffered bleeding of the brain, and had teeth fragments missing.
In closing arguments Friday, the prosecution said Etute's recollection of events did not include a reach toward the area where the knife was hidden until after he'd been charged with murder.
Turk, Etute's lawyer, made arguments that Etute could not be convicted of second-degree murder because there was no malice in his actions and that he should be found not guilty by reason of self-defense, based on his fear that Smith had hidden a weapon.
Turk ended his arguments in tears, calling Etute "one of the finest young men I've ever had the experience of meeting" and noting that the entire situation came about only because of Smith's "deliberate, wicked sexual ruse."
Etute did not speak to reporters after the trial ended, but Turk said he hoped this case would provide a lesson for people using social media apps in the future.
"It should be an eye-opener not just for college athletes, but any young people using these social media platforms," Turk said. "They can be extremely useful, but they can be extremely dangerous."
Kamala Harris Attends Buffalo Shooting Victim’s Funeral, Community Struggles To Move Forward
Vice President Kamala Harris will reportedly be in Buffalo this weekend to visit with the families affected by the mass shooting that took place at Tops Friendly Market and killed 10 people.
According to WIVB, Harris is expected to attend the funeral of Ruth Whitfield, which will be presided over by Rev. Al Sharpton. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will also be in attendance on the trip, according to the news station.
Harris’ visit follows President Biden’s trip to the Queen City last Tuesday (May 24), which was the first visit by a sitting president since 2013. He spent the time at the shooting’s memorial outside of Tops on Jefferson Avenue and met with families at the Delavan-Grider Community Center.
Amid Harris’ trip to Buffalo, the city’s East Side is still trying to cope with the tragedy. While still grieving, the community is also trying to figure out how to rebuild.
“This isn’t one of those situations where we can just go on with our daily lives,” said Jillian Hanesworth, Buffalo’s first poet laureate and a social justice activist working for the organization Open Buffalo, according to NBC News.
Buffalo’s East Side is 85 percent African American, and with the closing of Tops, the community is struggling to provide itself food, as the closed grocery store is the only one in the area. Hanesworth said Open Buffalo is working to meet people’s immediate needs, “but at this point, it’s life or death for this community. Much has to happen on the other side of this.”
Thomas Beauford, president of the Buffalo Urban League, says the closing of Tops due to the ongoing police investigation of the shooting highlights the food desert East Buffalo has become. He also notes that the Tops on Jefferson “didn’t have the same level of investment” as other stores in Buffalo’s white neighborhoods.
“It was already inferior, but it’s all we had,” Beauford added.
According to the Buffalo Police Department, 18-year-old Payton Gendron, the accused shooter, entered the grocery store on May 14 with a military-style assault rifle and opened fire. Investigators believe it was a racially motivated attack, the Associated Press reports.
Gendron allegedly researched the local demographics and chose that supermarket to kill as many Black people as possible. Gendron shot 11 Black people and two white people during the shooting.
Gendron, whose lawyer entered a not guilty plea for him at an earlier court appearance, didn’t speak. His attorneys later declined to comment. He is being held without bail and is due back in court June 9.
Security guard info: Aaron W. Salter Jr., 55, was a retired Buffalo police officer who was working as a security guard at the supermarket. He died in a gunfire exchange with Gendron. “Today is a shock. I’m pretty sure he saved some lives today. He’s a hero,” his son, Aaron Salter III, told The Daily Beast.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of hate crime and terrorism charges against Gendron, who apparently detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivation in hundreds of pages of writings he posted online shortly before the shooting.
“We need to hold all that have aided and abetted the hate in this country accountable,” Sharpton said at the news conference outside Buffalo’s Antioch Baptist Church. His National Action Network plans to cover funeral expenses for those killed, according to the The AP.
'Little Women: Atlanta' Star Ms. Juicy Shares Health Update After Suffering Stroke
Ms. Juicy Baby is back home. On Friday (May 27), the 50-year-old Little Women: Atlanta star, whose real name is Shirlene Pearson, took to social media to share that she has been released from the hospital a month after suffering a stroke.
“I just wanted to let you guys know that I am back,” Ms. Juicy shared in a video posted to Instagram.
“I’m not at 100 percent but I am still healing,” Ms. Juicy added. “This is a video to let all my fans, all my supporters, to let you guys know that I have been released from the hospital. I am at home.”
Ms. Juicy went on to explain that she was admitted to the hospital on April 28 after a stroke resulted in a brain bleed, which caused memory loss. “The way it affected me, I couldn’t remember anything,” she said.
“I couldn’t remember anything, not one thing. I can’t even drive right now. I have to learn how to do a lot of things all over again, even brushing my teeth, things that we take for granted, that we think just come natural,” Ms. Juicy continued. “I was about to have a fit when I was in the hospital because I couldn’t even drink my water.”
In another video, Ms. Juicy detailed her recovery in the ICU, which included being fed through a tube, as she also had to learn how to swallow again.
“I had to learn how to walk, learn how to talk, learn how to eat, learn how to swallow. A lot of things,” Ms. Juicy explained.
Ms. Juicy also said that she’s been in speech therapy since the incident. She concluded her message by thanking her family and fans for all the support during this difficult time.
We’re glad to hear that Ms. Juicy is doing better.
Britney Spears Reveals She Was Supposed to Attend Met Gala 2022, Explains Why She Didn't Go
Britney Spears was supposed to make her Met Gala debut this year! On Saturday (May 28), the 40-year-old popstar revealed that she was planning on attending the 2022 Met Gala earlier this month, but instead decided to skip it.
Britney took to her Instagram to share a video of herself in her living room posing in a red dress covered with black hearts.
In the caption, Britney explained why she didn’t go to the Met Gala, writing, “I was gonna go to Met Gala but instead I got in the tub with my dog and put pjs on 🐶 !!! I hate flying 🤷🏼♀️🌹 !!!”
If you missed it, Britney recently shared a sneak peek at her wedding dress as she and fiance Sam Asghari plan their upcoming nuptials!
The Jordan Brand will now sponsor Howard University athletes
In a new landmark moment for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic programs, Howard University has inked a deal with the Jordan Brand for its Bison athletic department, Boardroom reports.
The brand that has been built by the legendary Michael Jordan has been a cultural staple for years and this deal won’t be the first time that the company has teamed up with an HBCU to flaunt its gear. When Nike first began to land collegiate sponsorship deals back in 1997, the iconic Jumpman brand signed with North Carolina A&T, making it the first HBCU as one of the original three “Jordan schools.”
Currently, the school is under a deal with Under Armour that is set to expire toward the end of the summer. In the wake of the exciting deal, another partnership that the Bison golf team has with Golden State Warriors player Steph Curry will not be affected.
The Curry Brand currently equips golf athletes with resources, equipment, apparel, shoes and other gear.
Howard will join other Jordan Brand collegiate athletic departments which include the sports mogul’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina Tarheels.
Other departments engaged with the brand are made up of the UCLA Bruins, Michigan Wolverines, Georgetown Hoyas, Marquette Golden Eagles, San Diego State Aztecs, Houston Cougars, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Florida Gators. Atlanta’s Morehouse College currently suits up in Jordan Brand basketball uniforms during games.
It looks like the custom pair of Howard University Air Jordan IV’s that were gifted to Anthony Anderson following his graduation earlier this month was a teaser to the forthcoming collaboration between the HBCU and the Jordan Brand.
Along with the Jordan Brand, LeBron James’ Nike brand has been committed to supporting HBCUs. Just last year they announced a new deal with Florida A&M.
Per inside sources, fellow NBA player Chris Paul III played a role in encouraging Jordan representatives to tap in further with HBCUs. Over the past three seasons CP3 has rocked exclusive editions of his signature Jordan CP3.12 sneakers both on and off the court.
Yara Shahidi is officially a Harvard University graduate
Congratulations are in order for Yara Shahidi as she officially graduates from the esteemed institution, Harvard University. The Black-ish and Grown-ish star began her four-year undergraduate program at Harvard, studying in the school’s Social Studies and African American departments back in 2017.
“Yara (noun): a Harvard graduate 👩🏾🎓 #ITSOFFICIAL #CLASSOF2022,” she captions her celebratory Instagram post.
A newly published feature on Vogue provided additional details about Shahidi’s journey. “It’s surreal to have finally hit this major milestone,” Shahidi tells the publication. “I’ve known I wanted to go to college since I was four. By 17, I knew exactly what I wanted to study, so to see that come to fruition is a goal fulfilled.”
Shahidi completed a 136-page thesis paper titled “I Am a Man: The Emancipation of Humanness from Western Hegemony Through the Lens of Sylvia Wynter,” which explores the work of the Jamaican writer. “Writing my thesis pushed me as an academic, because the question I was asking was one I care about in my everyday life and in the world,” says Shahidi. “For example, ‘What could the future of equality and equity look like?’ My thesis was a moment to connect these past four years of education to something that connects to what I’m passionate about, and have ground myself in my entire life.”
Every detail was accounted for on Yara’s big day. For the attire, she sported a custom Dior two-piece suit, styled by Jason Boldenin, in crimson red to represent one of Harvard’s school colors.
The 22-year-old actor’s father, Afshin, celebrated the special moment by sharing a selfie of the two together with his new graduate wearing her black cap and gown. “Beautifully surreal moment seeing our delicate petal in full bloom,” he captioned his photo, tagging both his daughter and his wife, Keri.
Council Woman Lisa Lucas-Burke Goes Off On City Council Members Who Unjustly Voted To Oust Their City Manager
Tuesday night, council members voted 4-3 to remove Angel Jones from her position as city manager. Lisa Lucas-Burke was one of the council members was ‘pissed’ after finding out Jones was removed. Lucas- Burke also revealed Jones had something on certain members who were trying to oust her.
“She got a lot on this council, and that’s why they want to get rid of her. And I hope that y’all [are] seeing what’s happening, and I hope you make your decision when November comes,” Lucas-Burke said after the vote Tuesday night. “I’m pissed as a motherf***** yeah, I’ma say it. I’m mad as a motherf*****, I am. Because I know what’s been going on.”
Saturday, the councilwoman apologized for the language she used during the meeting, but she also apologized “for not saying it sooner.”
Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover was one of the four council members who voted in support of Jones. He shared with News 3 that the council is divided.
“Let me be clear – Angel Jones did not deserve this treatment. It is totally out of order for four members of council to unilaterally make a decision about the future of our city manager without conferring with the other three members,” Glover expressed to News 3 reporter Leondra Head.
WATCH THE FULL SESSION HERE
Wow!!!!
Bobby Brown says he was “Was Scared To Death” Before Marrying Whitney Houston
Bobby Brown recalls the moment he was experiencing pre-wedding jitters before marrying Whitney Houston. in 1992.
In a preview of his A&E documentary, “Biography: Bobby Brown”, the singer discussed his marriage to Whitney Houston and recalled how scared he was on the day of his wedding. His wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, who was Brown’s friend at the time, helped him calm down before the wedding as he locked himself in the bathroom. “My friend was talking to his fiancé and had mentioned that Bob didn’t want to come out of the bathroom,” Etheredge said.
Brown added that he was drinking and smoking while being “scared to death” in the bathroom. The singer said he was nervous because he was unsure if Whitney Houston love him or not.
Etheredge continued to say she talked Brown out of the bathroom and set him straight: “Bobby, it’s Alicia. Listen, you gotta get out of this bathroom now.” Brown later married Houston on July 18 of that year and remained together until their divorce in 2007. According to Insider, accusations of infidelity and drug use contributed to their divorce. During their marriage, Brown and Whitney had one child together, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993.
“I think we could have helped each other out. I think she would still be here if we hadn’t divorced. I wasn’t there. I beat myself about it because I wasn’t there. I wish I could have been there for her. We had made our beds and had to lie in them. We always felt that our love was strong enough to overcome any obstacle put in front of us. We would still be together if it wasn’t for drugs. Drugs got the best of us.”
Brown married Etheredge-Brown in 2021 after a decades-long friendship. They have three children together, Cassius, 13, Bodhi, 6, and Hendrix,5. The singer also has a Bobby Jr., who passed away in. November 2020 due to a deadly combination of “alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl.”
As previously reported, Bobby Brown also revealed that he was visiting Houston and Bobbi Kristina’s graves for the first time.
“I brought you guys some flowers. Sorry I have not come by. Sorry, this is my first time. But you guys know I don’t like cemeteries. I know you are looking down watching me, watching your siblings. I hope you are taking care of little Bobby I know you guys are frightened up there. I miss you guys so much. Y’all take care of each other okay,” he said in a preview of the documentary.
He also said he’s had dreams about Bobby Jr. and Bobby Kristina: They’re running away, but they’re laughing. And they’re always together. I didn’t have many dreams about Bobbi Kris before Bobby Jr. died. But then all of a sudden — floods of dreams.”
The documentary is set to premiere on May 30 on A&E in a two-part night special at 8 PM EST.
Shanna Moakler Auctions Off Engagement Ring from Travis Barker
Just two weeks after Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian tied the knot, the Blink 182 drummer’s ex-wife Shanna Moakler’s engagement ring is hitting the auction block.
TMZ reports Moakler, the former Miss USA winner who was married to Barker from 2004 and 2008, has joined forces with jewelry re-sale company Worthy to sell her 4-carat round cut solitaire diamond ring.
Bidding for Moakler’s ring, which began Friday and will run until Tuesday, starts at $51,000, but the former pageant queen thinks it should fetch more on the auction market.
“I’m hoping it sells for $120K. It was worth about $160K,” she told Us Weekly.
The 47-year-old added, “I think it is a beautiful piece and truly was my dream ring. However, that chapter of my life is over and even though wearing it at one time brought me great joy, I hope it will find a new home and continue to bring someone as much happiness as it once did to me. It’s truly an iconic ring!”
Barker and Moakler got married in 2004 and divorced four years later. The couple shares two children together, 18-year-old Landon and 16-year-old Alabama.
“With the activity we are seeing so far and the feedback we are getting from our exclusive network of professional buyers, we are confident that we will be able to reach Shanna’s reserve price,” Steven Schneider, CEO of Worthy, expressed to People.
T.I.’s Son King Gets Into Altercation With Waffle House Employees Over Messed Up Order
King Harris is catching heat over his recent altercation with Waffle House workers.
According to HipHopDX, the incident took place at an Atlanta area restaurant, where King—the child of T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris—began arguing with staffer after they allegedly messed up his order by including pickles in the meal. The 17-year-old captured the heated exchange via Instagram Live, where he was seen cussing out and threatening the workers.
“You can talk like that outside,” a person off camera is heard telling King.
“Hey, I can talk how the fuck I want to, wherever I’m at. I’m on live, shawty. Stop talking to me,” he said. “This ain’t your fuckin’ restaurant.”
King continued to disparage the employee, who identified herself as Jennifer, by suggesting she had a low income.
“Everything you make, I can pull out my pocket right now,” he said, before taking out a stack of cash. “I’m not tripping on you. I’m not talking to you.”
Seconds later, King turns his direction to another employee, and suggests they settle their issue “outside.”
“I’ll show you what I do. Come here, c’mon,” King said. “I’m outside, come out and say something … Get yo employees.”
The teen eventually goes back inside the restaurant to retrieve his food. As he leaves the joint, he threatens to pistol whip one of the workers. Though it’s unclear when the incident went down, King’s comments suggest it occurred earlier this month, as he’s heard telling one of the employees, ‘Tell your momma happy Mother’s Day.’”
You can check out the video HERE.
Social media users slammed King over the altercation, with some describing his behavior as out of line and privileged. His dad responded to the footage via Instagram this week, asking why the Waffle House dispute was even “newsworthy.”
“He graduated with honors … at 17,” Tip said. “I don’t understand what world we’re living in, when this is what we’d rather promote?”
The footage went viral just days after King graduated from high school. T.I. celebrated the milestone in an Instagram post: “Shocked the sh*t outta me🤯Celebration is definitely in order🎉Twin did it‼️ @the_next_king10 Graduates tomorrow… WITH HONORS👑 Say what you want about him… but can’t say he ain’t handle his business. #ProudPops🥲”
Colin Kaepernick is Training with the Las Vegas Raiders – NFL Comeback?
*(CNN) — Colin Kaepernick trained with the Las Vegas Raiders this week, signaling a potential comeback in the NFL, according to US media reports. Kaepernick worked out for the Raiders on Wednesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
The 34-year-old — who drew controversy for kneeling during the national anthem when he was a San Francisco 49er, protesting racial injustices and police brutality in the US — has not been involved in an NFL game in more than five years.
In March 2017, Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract and became a free agent. No NFL team signed him. In October 2017, he filed his grievance case against the NFL, alleging that teams were colluding to deny him a job.
The quarterback settled a collusion grievance case against the NFL, along with his former 49ers teammate Eric Reid, in 2019.
Raiders owner Mark Davis said he would welcome Kaepernick “with open arms” provided the team’s coaches and general manager were on board.
“He deserves every chance in the world to become a quarterback in the National Football League,” Davis told NBC Sports.
Kaepernick has expressed his desire to play in the NFL time and time again — even signaling he would sign with a team as a backup.
“Yeah. I know I have to find my way back in,” Kaepernick said in an interview on the “I AM ATHLETE” YouTube channel.
“So, yeah, if I have to come in as a backup that’s fine, but that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such. I just need that opportunity to walk through the door.”
CNN has contacted Kaepernick’s representation and the Raiders for comment.
Jodi Foster Tapped to Star in ‘True Detective’ Season 4 on HBO
Jodi Foster*We reported previously that HBO is reviving “True Detective” with Barry Jenkins attached to exec produce the anthology.
Now comes word that veteran actress Jodi Foster will lead the fourth season titled “True Detective: Night Country.”
Foster will play Detective Liz Danvers in the series, according to Deadline. She will also exec produce the project from director Issa López.
Season 4 of the hit crime drama is currently in development, according to THR. Per the report, Anonymous Content will once again produce the series with Jenkins serving as exec produce via his Pastel banner. The company’s Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak are also on board as EPs.
HBO and HBO Max boss Casey Bloys told THR in February that “we’ve been developing various ideas” for the franchise.
Here’s more from Deadline:
The series is centered around Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro who are looking to solve the case of six men that operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanishing without a trace, when the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska. The pair will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice.
Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, who starred together in season one, are expected to return as executive producers of the Emmy-winning show.
Nic Pizzolatto, who created the series, is stepping back for season 4 as Issa Lopez (Tigers Are Not Afraid, Secondary Effects) has been tapped to pen a script for a new season dubbed “True Detective: Night Country.” Per the report, Lopez will direct the pilot in addition to serving as an exec producer.
Pizzolatto is not expected to be involved in the fourth season but will likely be credited as an exec producer, per the report.
The series first aired in 2014 starring Harrelson and McConaughey, who would go on to EP the follow-up seasons.
Colin Ferrell led season 2 in 2015 and Mahershala Ali starred in the dynamic third season that aired in 2019.
Todd Chrisley’s ex-business partner: We had gay affair, paid off blackmailer
Todd Chrisley’s former business partner alleged the reality star cheated on his wife, Julie Chrisley, with him and that they paid off a blackmailer to keep the affair a secret.
Mark Braddock testified in the Chrisleys’ ongoing federal fraud trial in Atlanta Tuesday that he and Todd, 53, were intimate for about a year in the early 2000s, Business Insider reported.
After the alleged affair ended, Braddock said the two men continued a friendship until 2012 that he likened to a “brotherhood.”
During that time, Braddock worked for Todd’s foreclosure management company, Chrisley Asset Management, and he testified that they began to receive anonymous texts threatening to expose them for fraud and their alleged dalliance.
Braddock testified that one text read, “Pay cash and we’ll shut up,” according to the report.
He claimed he then withdrew four payments of $9,500, totaling $38,000, from his bank account, and gave it to Todd to pay off the blackmailer.
Chrisley’s attorney, Bruce Morris, alleged in his opening statement that Braddock was “obsessed” with Todd and wanted to be him — a sentiment that was reiterated during his cross-examination, per Business Insider.
Morris and reps for Todd did not immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment.
Todd has been married to Julie, 49, since 1996, and they share three children together: Chase, 25, Savannah, 24, and Grayson, 16. (Todd also has two kids with ex-wife Teresa Terry: Lindsie, 32, and Kyle, 30.)
The family has appeared on their popular reality show, “Chrisley Knows Best,” since 2014.
Since Todd has been thrust into the spotlight, there has been a lot of speculation about his sexual orientation.
However, the real estate entrepreneur previously brushed off rumors that he is gay and once even called them “flattering.”
“In order for it to disappoint me, it would mean that I don’t agree with someone being gay,” he said on “The Domenick Nati Show” in 2017.
“I don’t believe that’s a choice that you make. I believe that you are the way that God has made you.”
Todd added that he was “flattered that people think I can get laid on both ends” and joked, “My wife certainly is flattered that as many men want her husband as there are women. With that being said, I’m never going to have a drought.”
Todd and Julie are being sued on charges including bank fraud and tax evasion.
According to the indictment, prosecutors allege the reality TV couple submitted fake documents to banks when applying for loans and that Julie also submitted false credit reports and bank statements when trying to rent a house in California.
Matthew Morrison out as ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ judge
‘Glee’ star Matthew Morrison speaks out on Lea Michele’s alleged behavior
That didn’t last long. Matthew Morrison has been kicked off the judges’ panel on “So You Think You Can Dance” after less than a season on the show.
The reason, according to a statement Morrison released Friday, was his failure to “follow competition production protocols, preventing me from being able to judge the competition fairly,” he said.
The infraction committed by the actor was apparently a minor one, a source told US Weekly. Further details about the offending incident have not been made public.
The Tony Award-nominee added that he had already shot “the audition rounds for the show and completing the selection of the 12 finalists.”
Twitter users immediately offered opinions on the micro-scandal, with one arguing, “If Matthew Morrison’s infraction really was minor he should just say what it was and put to rest all the speculation that he did something really bad.”
As a case in point, another baselessly speculated that “Matthew Morrison definitely slept with someone on the show but who is the question 🤔.”
It was announced in April that the “Glee” alum, 43, would join “SYTYCD” as a judge beginning Season 17. Also coming on as new judges were YouTube superstar JoJo Siwa, 19, and dancer Stephen “tWitch’” Boss, 39, who launched his career through the show in 2008 after finishing as Season 4’s runner-up.
The trio replaced former “SYTYCD” judge appointees including the show’s co-creator Nigel Lythgoe, 72, ballroom dance champion Mary Murphy, 64, and choreographer Laurieann Gibson, 52.
Cat Deeley, 45, continues on the show as its host, though she will not be among the judges this season, EW reported. Deeley began on “SYTYCD” in 2006 for its second season.
Season 17 premiered on Fox just under two weeks ago, on May 18. Episodes featuring Morrison are expected to air through mid-June, according to EW.
Anonymous Donor Gives $175K To Cover Texas School Shooting Victims Funerals
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday that an anonymous donor would pay for the funerals of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting.
“An anonymous donor provided $175,000 to ensure that every cost of every family concerning anything about funeral services is going to be taken care of,” Abbott revealed during a press conference.
He added, “No family who is suffering from incalculable heartbreak at this time will have to worry about a single cost with regard to anything concerning this travesty.”
Nineteen students and two teachers were tragically gunned down by Salvador Ramos, 18, who also shot his grandmother in the face. Ramos was fatally shot by officers.
Southwest Passenger Receives 15 Months In Jail and A 3-Year “No Fly” Ban After Attacking A Flight Attendant
A Southwest passenger receives 15 months behind bars for attacking a flight attendant and knocking out her teeth.
On Tuesday, Vyvianna Quinonez was ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution and fines following the attack. In addition, she is also banned from flying for three years after her jail release.
May 2021, Quinonez boarded a Southwest flight and was asked to buckle her seat belt, stow her tray table, and put on her facemask properly.
Quinonez didn’t comply but instead began pushing, punching, and grabbing the attendant’s hair. Another passenger recorded the entire incident that left the attendant with several injuries.
The flight attendant suffered three chipped teeth, which required crowns. She also needed stitches for a cut under her eye. Quinonez pled guilty to interfering with the flight crew.
Due to the rise of altercations last month, the Federal Aviation Administration says its “zero-tolerance policy” will remain permanent.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
New Sexy?
They honestly think this is sexy?
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment