#MAGFAB: Alicia Keys for Fast Company, Magazine
How Alicia Keys is expanding her brand mindfully. Growing up in the music business, Alicia Keys was used to working late into the night. Today, she’s as busy as ever—but also focused on being well.
You don’t garner 15 Grammys across a two-decade-long career without a strong work ethic. Alicia Keys, the artist with the dynamic voice and extraordinary songwriting and producing talent, developed hers at an early age.
Her role model was her mother, who raised Keys on her own in New York City, sometimes working multiple jobs. “She had to work these long hours,” Keys tells me over Zoom on a bright March afternoon. “And so I saw her and I said, ‘Okay, that’s what you do. You work hard.’ Because if you don’t work or don’t go for what you want, you won’t get it.”
The approach certainly produced results. But success came at the expense of Keys’s mental well-being. Keys was barely out of her teens when she first reached superstardom, and she has spoken publicly of experiencing episodes of exhaustion and depression amid the pressures of fame at a young age. Since then, she’s developed a new understanding of what it means to commit to work while tending to her mind and body. “I do believe you can care deeply about yourself, which we don’t often allow ourselves,” she says.
Keys is now channeling her interest in mindfulness into an expanding portfolio of projects in the wellness space. In September 2020, she launched her Keys Soulcare skincare brand with E.L.F. Beauty. And in March, she debuted an athletic-wear collection with Athleta, part of an ongoing partnership with the brand that has her designing clothes and helping to spread its long-standing message of empowerment.
As she juggles these new business interests with the demands of her music career—she’s going on a world tour this summer—Keys has discovered she must reimagine the way she works once again. The habits of a performer, which include long hours in the studio in the single-minded pursuit of an artistic vision, don’t always lend themselves to being a good business partner and collaborator.
“Coming from the music [industry], it’s kind of expected that you start early, and you’ll end late, and you’re never going to have weekends off,” she says. “I have to work extra hard to create the proper culture.” In the midst of the pandemic, Keys is expanding her purview. But she’s also ensuring that work-life balance remains a priority for everyone involved, herself included.
“With the businesses that I’m building, there really is a theme about empowerment and diversity, and finding ways to be yourself,” Keys says. Fresh-faced and wearing a sweatshirt, she explains that she wants her E.L.F. and Athleta partnerships—and any others in the future—to prompt larger conversations.
Keys’s first collection with Athleta, which comes in sizes XXS to 3X, dropped in early March, on International Women’s Day. Athleta CEO Mary Beth Laughton says this initial line—the first of several to be designed with Keys—is intended to help introduce the brand to new consumers. “Alicia is such a great fit for us because throughout her 20-year career, she’s been vocal about her own well-being journey,” says Laughton.
Get more at Fast Company Magazine!
#RHOA: They’re Already at it Marlo Hampton calls Kenya Moore a ‘has-been’
Marlo Hampton slammed Kenya Moore as a “has-been” on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 14 premiere on Sunday.
“No matter what she says bad about me, I know you are a has-been [with] your new money,” Hampton said of Moore behind her back.
Hampton hosted a ball, so her fellow castmates could get a better understanding of her fashion showroom company Le’ Archive, but many of the ladies shaded her “dreadful” event.
“Honey you rented out a ballroom with no ball, how dreadful,” Moore, 51, said in a confessional, adding that Hampton, 46, “missed the mark” by showing off her designer clothes on mannequins instead of with a fashion show.
During the event itself, the rest of the ladies also gave their two cents on the event.
Newbie Sanya Richards-Ross chimed in that her company name should be spelled “L’Archive” instead of “Le’Archive,” and Sheree Whitfield compared one of Hampton’s dresses to a strawberry “church candy.”
The same two ladies then told Hampton that the rest of the ladies are “complaining” about the event.
“You know Kenya, I love her to death, but she’s not gonna be nice, she’s not gonna support, and nothing I do is she ever gonna compliment,” Hampton told Whitfield and Richards-Ross, adding that Moore “needs some attention.”
Hampton stormed off and confronted the “Housewives” – especially Moore – about why they’re talking negatively about her ball.
“I don’t know what the f–k you f–king said that I am,” Hampton screamed before Moore cut her off and asked why she’s swearing.
“Because I’m pissed, and I’m disappointed, and I’m hurt,” Hampton replied. “Every time I have a f–king event, you are the one to talk about it!”
Hampton got upset after she found out Moore and some of the other ladies were talking poorly about the event.
Some of the other ladies, including Kandi Burruss, asked more questions about the purpose of the event, but Hampton didn’t enjoy the interrogation.
“Continue to sit here, and relax, and hate, and do what y’all do ladies,” Hampton said while storming off.
Hampton previously told Page Six that the she didn’t think Moore was thrilled when Bravo announced Hampton was promoted from a 10-year “friend” to a full-time “Housewife.”
“I don’t feel Kenya was that happy at all,” Hampton recently told us. “I feel deep inside that she didn’t feel that I should have [a peach]. She didn’t want me to be her equal or sitting on the couch next to her.
“I’ve been there, but she’s always been able to feel like she had one on top of me, saying she was a peach holder. But I don’t think she was genuine at all in being excited for me.”
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
#NewMusic from Justin Bieber And Don Toliver ‘Honest’
Justin Bieber reconnects with Don Toliver on their latest collaboration “Honest.”
The song arrives alongside an action-packed video, directed by Cole Bennett, which finds the duo racing through the woods on snowmobiles while shooting at an opponent.
This marks their second collaboration. They previously worked together on Skrillex’s single “Don’t Go” last year.
He’s got such a unique, I mean, the best way to say it is his swag,” Bieber told Apple Music of his collaborator. “He just has this like little bop about him and he’s very unique, he’s very Houston.”
LISTEN HERE
Earlier in the week, Bieber teased the collaboration with his freestyle rap “I Feel Funny.”
Bieber is currently on his “Justice World Tour,” while Don can be heard on Pusha T’s new album It’s Almost Dry.
#HipHopNews: Pusha T Scores First No. 1 Album With ‘It’s Almost Dry’
King Push reigns over the charts. Pusha T scores the first No. 1 album of his 20-year career as It’s Almost Dry debuts on the Billboard 200 with 55,000 equivalent album units. Of the album’s first-week unit total, streaming activity comprised 83 percent (45,500), while 9,000 were from album sales.
It’s Almost Dry is Pusha T’s fourth studio album and his third top 10 on the Billboard 200. He previously peaked at No. 3 with 2018’s Daytona (77,000), while 2013’s My Name Is My Name debuted at No. 4 (74,000).
Push celebrated the milestone by thanking his supporters. “We all can’t be number 1 at the same time, this week it’s mine…😎 Thank you to all,” he tweeted.
It’s Almost Dry features 12 tracks, including appearances from Kanye West, Pharrell, JAY-Z, and Kid Cudi. The last rap album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 12 tracks or less was J. Cole’s The Off-Season, which debuted at No. 1 in May 2021 with 282,000 equivalent album units.
Elsewhere, Lil Durk’s 7220 holds at No. 3 (39,000), Doja Cat’s Planet Her rises 7-6 (30,000), and Drake’s Certified Lover Boy falls 6-7 (30,000). Gunna’s DS4EVER (23,000) and Lil Baby’s My Turn (22,000) round out the top 10.
BILLBOARD 200 TOP 10
1. Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry – 55,000
2. Morgan Wallen – Dangerous: The Double Album – 51,000
3. Lil Durk – 7220 – 39,000
4. Olivia Rodrigo – Sour – 36,000
5. Encanto Soundtrack – 35,000
6. Doja Cat – Planet Her – 30,000
7. Drake – Certified Lover Boy – 30,000
8. Jason Aldean – Georgia – 26,000
9. Gunna – DS4EVER – 23,000
10. Lil Baby – My Turn – 22,000
#BLOOP! The Kardashians Win the Defamation Lawsuit against Blac Chyna
Not so good news for Blac Chyna. Today (May 2) the jury awarded her no damages.
Blac Chyna's Lawyer Hints She May Be Suing Kardashian Family For 'Millions of Dollars'
Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner
The reality star and model accused Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner of defamation and contract interference.
Prior to today’s verdict, the judge found Kim Kardashian not liable.
As previously reported, Chyna first filed a lawsuit against her ex Rob Kardashian’s family.
She claimed that the Kardashian-Jenner family was involved in the cancellation of the reality show that she had with Rob, whom she shares 5-year-old daughter Dream Kardashian with. She also sued Rob, simultaneously for assault, battery and harassment.
No additional details about the verdict have been released.
Rod Wave Booked for Felony Battery by Strangulation
Florida rapper and singer Rod Wave was arrested last night (May 1) on a felony charge of battery by strangulation, according to documents viewed by Pitchfork. Wave’s 2021 Dodge Durango was pulled over “after a traffic infraction occurred,” and he was subsequently arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department at 10:34 p.m. on an out-of-county warrant issued by Osceola County, Florida.
A series of videos posted to Rod Wave's Instagram stories depict him driving in St. Petersburg and listening to music; the last showed him outside, his face illuminated by the lights of a police car. He is currently in custody at Pinellas County Jail. A representative for Rod Wave offered no comment when reached by Pitchfork.
Rod Wave released his latest album, SoulFly, in March 2021. It debuted atop the Billboard 200 albums chart. He recently gave away $25,000 worth of gasoline in his native St. Petersburg.
The US Supreme Court Leak Shows Justices Preparing To Overturn Roe, Politico Reports
The Supreme Court is poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision codifying Americans’ access to abortion, according to a draft majority opinion leaked and published by Politico on Monday.
The draft opinion, authored by Justice Samuel Alito, excoriates the Roe decision and a subsequent ruling by the court in the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,” Alito writes in the document, according to Politico. “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled … It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”
The justice went on to say the issue of abortion had remained a divisive political issue for decades, adding that the court could “only do our job, which is to interpret the law … and decide this case accordingly.”
“Roe certainly did not succeed in ending division on the issue of abortion,” he wrote. “On the contrary, Roe ‘inflamed’ a national issue that has remained bitterly divisive for the past half-century. ...This Court’s inability to end debate on the issue should not have been surprising.”
The court’s official ruling on the matter will only be final when it is published, and justices can change their votes up until that point, meaning nothing is decided.
Patricia McCabe, the court’s public information officer, said the Supreme Court had “no comment” on the leak.
The decision to overturn Roe would eradicate abortion access in much of the country. More than 20 states have laws or constitutional amendments in place designed to ban abortion as quickly as possible in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned.
It is extremely rare for draft decisions to leak from the Supreme Court before they’re published.
Politico’s editors emailed staff shortly after the piece was published saying it conducted an “extensive review process” that led them to believe the draft was authentic.
“This unprecedented view into the justices’ deliberations is plainly news of great public interest,” Executive Editor Dafna Linzer and Editor-in-Chief Matt Kaminski wrote. “Our obligation, as protected by the First Amendment, is to report the news and inform our audience.”
SCOTUSblog, which closely monitors the Supreme Court, said the draft document was “almost certainly authentic” but doesn’t reflect the comments or thoughts of other justices on the bench. The site added that the leak would cause an “earthquake” inside the court.
“It’s impossible to overstate the earthquake this will cause inside the Court, in terms of the destruction of trust among the Justices and staff,” the site tweeted. “This leak is the gravest, most unforgivable sin.”
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case currently threatening Roe, centers on a 2018 Mississippi law that bans abortion at 15 weeks. The law — debated in front of the Supreme Court in December — directly contradicts Roe, which established a constitutional right to access abortion until a fetus becomes viable at around 24 weeks. The Mississippi law cuts the gestational limit almost in half.
There are several possible outcomes in the case. The Supreme Court could strike down the law, which means Roe would remain intact. But advocates and experts agreed after oral arguments in December that the court’s conservative majority signaled it would likely uphold the law by either banning abortion outright or tinkering with the viability line.
Either of those options would effectively overturn Roe — setting off a nationwide battle in which some states outlaw abortion and others would go to great lengths to protect it.
The report prompted immediate fury from abortion rights groups, some of whom said the court had time to change tack after the leak.
“We all have shit drafts. They have a chance to fix it,” Renee Bracey Sherman, the founder and executive director of We Testify, an abortion storytelling organization, told HuffPost.
Don Lemon Assault Case Dropped By Accuser After He suffers Amnesia!
Almost three years after CNN anchor Don Lemon was accused of assaulting a man in a Sag Harbor, NY, bar in 2018, the incendiary lawsuit has ended in a whimper.
“After a lot of inner reflection and a deep dive into my memory, I have come to realize that my recollection of the events that occurred on the night in question when I first met CNN anchor Don Lemon were not what I thought they were when I filed this lawsuit,” said Dustin Hice in a full on retreat from his allegations of the assault and subsequent emotional distress against the CNN anchor in court and on conservative media. “As a result, I am dropping the case,” the short statement sent out by attorney Robert Barnes for Hice concluded.
Memory can be a tricky thing as many a judge, cop and lawyer will tell you. Being told by a federal judge in March that you have to pay $77,000 in sanctions to the man you are accusing because you have destroyed or at least tampered with evidence and tried to bribe witnesses is probably hard to forget when considering if you want to continue your lawsuit. And yes, that is what U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Locke did to Hice to on March 23 for a pattern of court conduct violations.
In his pretty explicit filing of August 11 2019, Hice had originally alleged Lemon displayed a pattern of “aggression and hostility.”
With whispers of a $1.5 million shakedown floating around, CNN came out strong for their colleague. “The plaintiff in this lawsuit has previously displayed a pattern of contempt for CNN on his social media accounts,” a spokesperson for the then Jeff Zucker-run cable newser said at the time. “This claim follows his unsuccessful threats and demands for an exorbitant amount of money from Don Lemon,” the exec from the now Warner Bros Discovery-owned outlet back in 2019. “Don categorically denies these claims and this matter does not merit any further comment at this time.”
Flash forward to today in 2022 and, needless to say, after Lemon likely spending a small fortune to defend himself in court and having the amplified fervor of the MAGA morons outside court, the UTA-repped CNNer’s lawyer Caroline Polisi offered a more extensive take after Hice’s put his recollection statement out today:
Thankfully Mr. Hice was finally able to access his memory and recollect the correct version of events on the night when he approached Don Lemon.
This has been a long and difficult journey for Don. Out of respect for the judicial process and my advice, he has had to remain silent in the face of a malicious and vulgar attack on his character. Unfortunately, being a gay Black man in the media, he has had to deal with these sorts of attacks for quite some time.
The Court’s ruling fully vindicates Mr. Lemon and brings an end to this abusive lawsuit. This case was a crass money grab from its inception. Mr. Lemon has never paid the plaintiff a dime over the course of this unfortunate spectacle, and he is looking forward to moving on with his life.
I hope that many in the media have learned their lesson on misreporting the facts and jumping to conclusions. The reporting on this story from many outlets has been a case study in unethical and uninformed reporting.
Now the matter won’t be heading to trial next month, but Hice still has to come up with that $77,000.
Jerry VerDorn Dies: ‘Guiding Light’, ‘One Life To Live’ Actor Was 72
Jerry VerDorn, an actor known for his work in long-running daytime dramas Guiding Light and One Life to Live, died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. He was 72. His family shared the news of the actor’s passing.
Born on November, 23 1949, in South Dakota, verDorn graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He initially sought to be an English instructor but began his acting career with major roles in stage productions, including one at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C., which led him to New York.
In March 1979, he joined the CBS soap opera Guiding Light as Ross Marler and went on to appear in more than 500 episodes opposite stars Kim Zimmer, Beth Chamberline and Maureen Garrett. In 1990, the actor scored his first Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He later was nominated for the same category six additional times, winning back-to-back in 1995 and 1996. verDorn also reprised his role for the 1983 television movie The Cradle Will Fall.
In 2005, verDorn joined ABC’s One Life to Live as Clint Buchanan, acting alongside Erika Slezak, Michael Easton, Mristen Alderson, Kassie Wesley DePaiva and more. He remained in the cast until One Life to Live wrapped in 2013, spanning nearly 800 episodes.
During and after his acting career, verDorn co-hosted the annual Stars and Strikes bowling benefit that raised funds for the American Cancer Society and Autism Speaks.
verDorn is survived by his wife, Beth; sons Jake and Peter; a sister, Bonnie Simpfender; brothers Jim and Dan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren. A private memorial will take place later in the summer.
IT’S BACK! “Yo! MTV Raps” Sets Return Date on Paramount+
The return of “Yo! MTV Raps” now has a premiere date. The reimagined global iteration of the MTV hip-hop series will premiere on Paramount+ on Tuesday, May 24, the streamer announced Monday. In addition, Paramount+ released the official trailer, key art and lineup of featured guests.
Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, “Yo! MTV Raps” is a comprehensive deep dive into the current state of hip hop. “Yo! MTV Raps” was created by Peter Dougherty and Ted Demme, and launched in 1988 — originally hosted by Fab 5 Freddy, and later by Doctor Dre and Ed Lover. The series ran until 1995.
The new iteration of the show will feature hosted segments from Conceited and DJ Diamond Kuts, live performances, cyphers and lifestyle content. Featured guests include Freddie Gibbs on May 24, Latto on May 31, Saba on June 7, JID on June 14, Shenseea on June 21, Tee Grizzley on June 28, IDK on July 5 and Trina on July 12.
Fans will also be able to stream 50 archival episodes from the original show beginning Thursday, May 5 on Paramount+.
Kurt Williamson, Warren Oliver and Michelle Kenner of HollandWest Productions serve as executive producers on the series alongside Bruce Gillmer and Jennifer Demme for MTV. Kim Velona is head of production. Watch the full trailer HERE
Patti LaBelle Joins ‘The Neighborhood’ as Cedric the Entertainer’s Mom
*Patti LaBelle is set to job the hit CBS comedy “The Neighborhood” as the mother of Cedrick the Entertainer’s character.
Per TVLine, LaBelle is set to portray, Marilyn who is described as “the oft-mentioned but never-before-seen mother of Cedric the Entertainer’s Calvin,” the outlet writes.
Here’s more from the report:
In “Welcome to the Mama Drama,” Marilyn comes to town when Calvin is honored by the Chamber of Commerce for all the ways Calvin’s Pit Stop has given back to the community. Of course, as any longtime fan of The Neighborhood can tell you, Marilyn favors her younger son, lottery winner Curtis (recently played by Tracy Morgan), much to Calvin’s chagrin. And in the May 9 episode, her eldest boy tries his darndest to gain her approval.
Check out a first-look image of the R&B diva via the Twitter embed below and watch a sneak peek of the episode here.
As we previously reported, “The Neighborhood“ is a comedy starring black TV royalty Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold as Calvin and Tina Butler. The Butlers live in a predominately black neighborhood where the beginnings of gentrification are creeping in. The first sign of impending doom is the overly friendly white neighbors, The Johnsons.
Created by Jim Reynolds “The Neighborhood“ is loosely based on his own experiences after moving to a new neighborhood in L.A. recently. The show tackles timely social issues and conversations around race but is not “preachy”.
“The Neighborhood” airs Mondays at 8/7c and wraps Season 4 on May 23. The series has been renewed for a fifth season.
Pete Davidson Gets Tattoo on His Neck of Kanye’s Kids’ Initials
*Pete Davidson is learning from his alleged girlfriend Kim Kardashian that if he wants to stay relevant then it’s best if keeps a Black man’s name in his mouth. In this case… that Black man would be Kanye West.
Davidson took aim at West during his set at the Netflix is a Joke festival in Los Angeles, during which he responded directly to the rapper’s reported suggestion that Davidson has AIDS. The SNL star told his audience that he “had an AIDS scare this year,” so he went to the doctor for a check-up since Ye is a “genius” he said, per Variety.
Davidson also reacted to Ye sparring with his ex-wife Kim on social media.
“Am I the only one who secretly hopes Kanye will go full Mrs. Doubtfire?” Davidson joked, referring to the 1993 film starring the late Robin Williams who dresses up as a housekeeper to spend more time with his children.
Kanye has been quiet for weeks on social media amid Kim and Pete’s ongoing antics that seem to be aimed at emotionally manipulating the artist for all the world to see. Pete upped the pettiness by allegedly getting the names of the four kids Kanye shares with Kim tattooed on his neck.
Beyonce And Rihanna Investing In French Fashion Brand Destree
Rihanna and Beyonce are the latest string of stars who are joining forces and investing in French ready-to-wear clothing and accessories firm Destree. According to Billboard, the R&B superstars are officially investors of the company, which has already seen the likes of Jessica Alba, Gisele Bündchen, and Reese Witherspoon join as shareholders in its series A funding round.
The brand was founded in 2016 by Géraldine Guyot and Laetitia Lumbroso, with current plans to double the size of its team and “open its first freestanding stores and reach deeper into several markets,” the publication quotes. The current funding period will help develop Destree’s presence in other countries, such as China, while boosting its digital visibility and increasing wholesale.
“Destree tells the story of a colorful and singular passion, of a Parisian yet different style, drawing its beauty from the visual dissonances it evokes and which it translates through a graphic and structured aesthetic,” the official website reads. Destree claims to offer prices that are unique and essential to the everyday person with simplistic and clean patterned graphics as a homage to contemporary art.
This latest business venture for Beyonce and Rihanna is just one of many companies they have either invested in or launched in recent years. In 2019, Bey’s Ivy Park teamed up with Adidas for a multi-year partnership to sell a collection of clothes and shoes after cutting ties with former business partner Philip Green, while Rihanna has built a billion-dollar brand thanks to her Fenty empire.
From Fenty Skin to Fenty Beauty, her makeup brand alone is worth a billion dollars. At the same time, Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty linger line has been estimated to be worth a whopping $3 billion, making the Umbrella singer one of Hollywood’s wealthiest musicians and businesswomen.
Meanwhile, in her interview with Vogue US last month, Rihanna gushed about her love for her beau A$AP Rocky as the two prepare for the birth of their first child. The two have dated on and off for the past 10 years, but their most recent reconciliation appears to have solidified their relationship once and for all.
“People don’t get out of the friend zone very easily with me,” the 34-year-old Bajan beauty said. “And I certainly took a while to get over how much I know him and how much he knows me, because we also know how much trouble we can land each other in.”
She also recalled taking a tour bus with A$AP from Los Angeles to New York during the summer of 2020 — a trip which had left quite the impression on Rih-Rih. “I love the simple things but also the grand adventures,’ she continued, recalling the time they spent together on the road. ‘There’s no pretentious my-brand-your-brand bulls**t, it’s just us living. I just feel like I can do any part of life by his side,” she added.
“What I love the most about us? Transparency with everything: how we’re feeling, what our goals are, what our fears and insecurities are. The vulnerability to be able to say what you feel about each other.”
James Corden Reportedly Turned Down $50 Million To Continue Hosting ‘The Late Late Show’
James Corden is officially stepping away from CBS’ ‘The Late Late Show’ next year, after eight years of fronting the chat show. And now it’s being claimed that the 43-year-old Brit was offered close to $50 million to stay with the network, which he was said to have declined as he plans to relocate back to the UK to be closer to his family.
Sources for Daily Mail uncovered that while James was given a name-your-price multi-year deal, with a proposed offer of nearly $50 million, he couldn’t be persuaded to stay on the show and, in the end, decided to walk away from negotiations entirely before announcing his departure last week.
“James wants to write, make films and he loves the theatre. He is only in his early forties. There is a lot more out there,” an insider expressed. During Thursday’s episode, James became teary-eyed as he broke the news to his live studio audience and viewers at home — but he does plan to leave the show with a bang.
“There is going to be Carpools, and Crosswalks, and sketches and other surprises… And there will be tears. There will be so many tears. Cause this has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, it really has,” he shared. “I’ve never taken this job for granted. Ever. Not once. And … the fact that you watch us at home. Or you watch us online. Wherever you are, all over the world.”
James described his move to Los Angeles in 2015 as life-changing during his monologue, having found success on CBS right from the first season. In fact, he’s become the go-to talk show host for many celebrities, including the Kardashians and Harry Styles, just to name a few.
Speaking of his journey after leaving the UK, he continued,” Seven and half years ago I started hosting this show and there’s no other way to put it, it has changed my life. I love it, I love all the people that work here, I am so proud of what we’ve achieved, it’s been beyond my wildest, wildest dreams.”
“When I started this journey it was always going to be just that, a journey, an adventure. I never saw as it as my final destination, and I never want this show to overstay its welcome, I love making it and I really think in a year from now that will be a good time to move on and see what’s out there.”
Aside from being closer to his family across the pond, James also wants to pursue more projects on the big screen, having amassed quite an impressive list of credentials as a movie star. He’s previously starred in films such as Cinderella, Trolls 2, Cats, and The Emoji Movie.
But before he says his final goodbye, trust and believe there’ll be plenty of more Carpool Karaokes coming in the next 12 months.
Tory Lanez Detained In Las Vegas Airport After Carrying A Large Amount Of Marijuana
Tory Lanez was detained as he attempted to leave Las Vegas. TMZ reports the controversial rap star was stopped at Las Vegas airport as he attempted to leave the city. Law enforcement stated Lanez had a “large amount” of marijuana in his bags.
After being briefly detained, Lanez was allowed to leave the TSA agents. However, his weed was confiscated. Tory Lanez would remain in Vegas and appears to have had a great night in Las Vegas, hitting up Drai’s Nightclub and was even seen partying with Rick Ross
Last week, Tory’s name didn’t leave headlines as Megan Thee Stallion provided more details into the 2020 shooting incident, which involved both stars.
One of the biggest pieces revealed during Thee Stallion’s conversation with Gayle King was Tory Lanez attempting to bribe the rapper with $1 million to not speak on the shooting.
After Lanez allegedly shot Megan, he is said to have offered the money. “I’ll give y’all a million dollars if y’all don’t say nothing,” Megan quoted Tory.
In the conversation, Thee Stallion revealed there are still pieces of bullet fragments in her feet and stated that Lanez yelled “Dance B*tch” at her before firing. You can hear it from Megan Thee Stallion
Johnny Depp Lost $22.5 million for 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' from Disney After the 'catastrophic' Amber Heard allegations
Johnny Depp lined up a massive payday for a sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie before an op-ed from Amber Heard describing herself as a victim of domestic violence led Disney to ax the project, Depp's talent manager testified Monday.
The manager, Jack Whigham, said in Depp's defamation trial against his ex-wife that Disney's movie chief Sean Bailey and "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer Jerry Bruckheimer verbally sealed a deal in around 2016 to pay Depp $22.5 million for the sixth movie in the series.
But Depp never got to see those million. The sixth "Pirates" movie was never filmed, and Depp never got to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Depp sued Heard in Fairfax County court in Virginia, where Whigham testified remotely on Monday. Depp alleged that Heard's op-ed, published in December 2018, defamed him. Heard didn't use Depp's name in the op-ed, which was written with ACLU lawyers, but Depp said it was a clear reference to their 2016 divorce amid Heard's allegations of domestic abuse, which Depp has denied.
Whigham said the op-ed had a "catastrophic" effect on Depp's career.
"With respect to Johnny, it was catastrophic, because it was a first-person account," Whigham said. "It was not from a journalist, it was not from an observer, it was from someone saying, 'This happened to me.'"
Shortly after the op-ed's publication, Bailey told the Hollywood Reporter that Disney would not move forward with Depp in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Warner Bros. also recast him in the "Harry Potter" spinoff movie franchise, "Fantastic Beasts," replacing him with Mads Mikkelsen.
Whigham testified that, since the fall of 2018, Depp has been relegated to roles in lower-paying independent movies and hasn't filmed a movie since 2020.
It's not clear if Depp was also set to receive back-end payment from a sixth "Pirates" movie, which would have given him additional money based on its box office success. Depp has reportedly made more than $300 million from the first five movies in the series, mostly due to back-end money.
On cross-examination with one of Heard's lawyers on Monday, Whigham said that the $22.5 million fee he says he secured for Depp was only a verbal agreement with Disney and Bruckheimer, but was not written out in a contract. He also said that, by the fall of 2018, before Heard's op-ed was published, Bailey was "noncommittal" about developing a sixth "Pirates" movie with Depp.
"It was trending badly in the late fall on behalf of Disney, but Jerry Bruckheimer and I were lobbying to make it happen. So we had hope," Whigham said. "And it became very clear in early 2019 that it was over."
Whigham said he was ultimately unable to revive the project.
Depp testified earlier in the trial that he was frustrated he was not able to give the characters a "proper goodbye," and that he was personally intimately involved in developing the Jack Sparrow character.
He also testified that he no longer plans to return to the "Pirates" franchise. In 2020, Disney announced it planned to launch a spinoff movie starring Margot Robbie.
Depp is asking for $50 million in damages in his defamation suit against Heard, saying the op-ed ruined his career.
Heard has countersued, alleging Depp did physically abuse her on numerous occasions before and during their marriage, and is asking for $100 million in damages.
Megan Thee Stallion honored by her hometown of Houston for philanthropic work
Megan Thee Stallion will try her best to not disappoint people from Houston. Having been honored with a key to the city and her own day, the "WAP" hitmaker vowed to keep giving back to her community.
Making use of Instagram on Sunday, May 1, the 27-year-old shared some pictures from the ceremony. "Came home real quick to get THEE KEY TO THEE CITY and in honor of my mother and grandmother's birthday MAY 2ND is officially MEGAN THEE STALLION DAY IN HOUSTON TX," she began her caption.
Megan went on to express her gratitude Mayor Sylvester Turner. "thank you Mayor @sylvesterturner for honoring me today and I will continue to give back to the city that made me who I am today #htown," she pointed out.
During the ceremony, the mayor said, "Megan Thee Stallion has an extraordinary entertainment career, but we wanted to honor her for what she does offstage to lift people's lives in underserved communities."
"She assisted people after the 2021 winter storm, during the pandemic, and helped those struggling with homelessness," he further explained. "I look forward to watching her grow as an artist and humanitarian."
Back in December 2021, Megan was awarded with the 18th Congressional District Humanitarian Award in Texas. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who gave the award, said in a ceremony, "This award has not been given out often, or to many... That is why it remains a special part in our congressional district."
"The district has almost 1 million people. When this award is given, it has that special promise and special history," Sheila added. She also noted that the award aims to recognize outstanding public achievements by the people who live in the 18th Congressional district.
In her acceptance speech, Megan gushed, "Thank you so much. I'm so honored." She went on to rave, "It's my responsibility to take care of the city that took care of me. My grandma always taught me to be kind and giving. I learned that from her."
Shacare Terry: Indy Mom Dies Following BBL & Tummy Tuck In Dominican Republic
Shacare Terry has passed away after undergoing cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic by a doctor with a notorious reputation.
The Indianapolis mother and owner of the Minnie Blessings in Paradise daycare traveled to the D.R. with her childhood friend, Carlisha Williams, on April 11.
It’s important to note that two months prior, in February Shacare traveled to Mexico and underwent surgery for a gastric sleeve.
Dr. Jose Desena performed a Brazilian Butt Lift and a Tummy Tuck on both women at the Instituto Medico San Lucas.
The day after surgery, Carlisha said she was in pain, but Shacare was struggling much more than she was.
I was moving around a lot more and Shacare wasn’t really moving around, she wasn’t doing anything.
She would lay in bed. I would try to get her to go downstairs and eat with me and she just wasn’t responding well.
The following day, Shacare Terry was admitted into the Centro Medico Escanno SRL clinic in Santiago.
Carlisha Williams was taken aback when she saw her friend.
When we go in there and I see her, I almost fell out.
She was on all these machines. She was unresponsive, she wasn’t talking, eyes closed.
The doctor told Carlisha that Shacare was fine, that her kidneys were okay, and Dr. Desena said her body simply needed to rest.
The following day, another doctor was caring for Shacare and told Carlisha that her friend was having trouble breathing on her own.
Dr. Desena returned and said Sharcare was doing better and just needed to be placed on dialysis.
That’s when Carlisha Williams contacted Shacare’s mother.
I’m reaching out to the mother to get down here.
I’m telling them what’s going on, but I’m trying not to scare them, but I want to scream ‘get down here!’
Sharcare’s mother arrived about a week after the surgery and Dr. Desena stuck to his story saying Shacare just needed rest and he told them to leave.
Carlisha said Shacare’s mother didn’t believe her daughter was alive.
Her mother basically tells me that ‘I don’t believe that my daughter is alive, I know my daughter isn’t alive, why won’t they tell me.
Carlisha Williams traveled back to the U.S. on April 21 and learned Shacare had passed away.
[Shacare’s] mom said ‘Carlesha, I went back to my room for an hour, and they called me and told me that her heart stopped that quick.
She hurries up and goes right back to the clinic and they said her daughter was already in a body bag.
A spokesperson for the United States Department of State sent the following statement:
We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in the Dominican Republic. We are providing all appropriate assistance to the family. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.
Dr. Jose Desena has not responded to any requests for comments.
Shacare leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, her mother, and a twin sister.
Dr. Jose Desena has a horrific reputation and I suggest you do a few Google and YouTube searches to see what I am talking about.
Please reconsider cosmetic surgery if it isn’t absolutely necessary.
Warrant Issued for Female Corrections Officer That Went Missing With Inmate Accused of Murder
Police officers continued to investigate in Florence, Alabama after an escaped murder suspect and corrections officer went missing.
Since Friday, the two have been missing, and the warrant was issued to a corrections officer, Vicky White of Lauderdale County.
ABC NEWS reports that Vicky White “participated” in the escape plan of Casey White. The two are unrelated. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton says that he is unsure if Vicky went along with the plan but “They will be brought back to justice.”
Casey White is charged with two counts of capital murder and could get the death penalty if he is convicted.
ABC NEWS reports that Vicky White allegedly told her colleagues on Friday that she was taking 38-year-old Casey White to the Lauderdale County Courthouse for a ‘mental health evaluation,’ even though no court appearance was scheduled for the inmate, Singleton said. The sheriff said that Vicky White violated sheriff’s office policy by escorting Casey White alone.
Vicky told colleagues that she would seek medical attention because she wasn’t feeling well after dropping Casey off at the courthouse.
She wanted to retire for a while and turned in the paperwork. The day she went missing was her last day at the place. She was considered an “exemplary employee.” She spent 17 years working at the jail.
Casey White is 6 feet 9 inches tall. Anyone that sees him is urged to call 911 immediately. Marty Keely, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Alabama, called this a “major case for the United States Marshal Service.”
The U.S. Marshalls Service is also offering a 10,000 reward for any information regarding Casey White. And $5,000 for any information on Vicky White.
Idaho State Lawmaker Found Guilty of Raping Legislative Intern
Former Idaho state lawmaker Aaron von Ehlinger was convicted on Friday of raping a state legislative intern last year.
Ehlinger, 39, was found guilty in an Ada County court on the rape charge and was acquitted of a charge of forcible penetration by use of a foreign object, court documents show.
The victim, who was 19-years-old at the time, was interning for a different lawmaker. The victim accused Ehlinger, who was a 38-year-old Republican state representative at the time, of engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with her in March 2021 after he took her to dinner, CNN reported.
The representatives resigned after a state House committee listened to the intern’s allegations and unanimously recommended that von Ehlinger be censured and stripped of his duties.
He was also charged in the case in late 2021.
The victim was on the witness stand during von Ehlinger’s trial, but she left the courtroom while giving details about the assault.
“It was a human reaction, I think, when she ran from the room,” Katelyn Farley, Ada County’s deputy prosecuting attorney, said during a news conference on Friday. “I don’t think anybody could not have had a human reaction.”
Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said von Ehlinger’s conviction helps to send a message that “victims can be believed and that it’s important to reduce barriers for victims in coming forward.”
Von Ehlinger claims the sexual encounter was consensual. Jon Cox, who was an attorney for von Ehlinger, did not comment on the case.
A sentencing hearing for von Ehlinger is scheduled for July 28, and he faces a maximum of life in prison for rape under Idaho state law.
Von Ehlinger first took office in June 2020 after being appointed by Idaho’s governor.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Mom Doesn’t Know When to Stop
We don’t know if it was her kids or her husband that had enough, but this woman definitely got on somebody’s nerves.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment