#MAGFAB: The First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden Covers HARPER’S BAZAAR’s June/July ‘Freedom’ Issue
In its 155-year history, Harper’s Bazaar has never had a first lady on its cover. That changes with this issue, about the subject of freedom, featuring Dr. Jill Biden. We wanted to do this cover with Dr. Biden not as an expression of allegiance to a particular political party but to celebrate a woman who understands the gifts and responsibilities of freedom and who has made it her mission to be there for all Americans and help heal our divided nation.
As Dr. Biden tells Mattie Kahn, who profiled her for this issue, “Showing up matters.” Through her work on behalf of military families and her push for education, Dr. Biden has shown up for the people in her life and of this country in innumerable ways.
She still teaches at Northern Virginia Community College, making her the first FLOTUS to choose to continue her independent career while in the White House. For our cover story, the first lady left the well-documented confines of the White House for Philadelphia, where Cass Bird photographed her in her old stomping grounds. As we changed locations, Dr. Biden walked the cobblestone streets barefoot. When a group of high school students on a field trip to the Museum of the American Revolution spotted her, she went over to greet them, asked about their college aspirations, and offered advice.
On her mantra for balancing a whirlwind schedule where she still teaches three classes a week: “Even as a Senate spouse, I was working, going to grad school, doing campaign events, raising kids,” she remembers. The pace is intense but not new. “Showing up matters,” she explains. “That’s the feeling I get. You’re exhausted. You just do it.”
On her morning routine: At the White House, she will set her alarm for sunrise just to steal back a few minutes of alone time. “The first thing I do is open the blinds and look out,” she says.
On the learnings from her divorce: “I knew I would never, ever put myself in that position again—where I didn’t feel like I had the finances to be on my own, that I had to get the money through a divorce settlement,” Dr. Biden says. “I drummed that into [my daughter], Ashley: Be independent, be independent. And my granddaughters—you have to be able to stand on your own two feet.”
On how work allows her to have her own safety net and personal freedom: “I understand a woman’s need to have something for herself,” she says.
On her ongoing mission to bring attention to the childcare crisis: “I will keep talking about childcare and pushing childcare and hoping that we get it,” she says. “Families need it—not just women. I hear that all across America.”
Sheila Casey, a friend who met the Bidens when her husband, General George Casey Jr. was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Dr. Biden’s focus: “She did not come into the White House and say, ‘Okay, now I can do X,’ ” Casey says. “Her focus on the military, education, community college, health, wellness—she’s been doing that for years.”
On her sharpened instincts of recognizing suffering since the loss of Beau: “I can spot it so quickly,” she says. “Just in their line of sight, their body language.
On remaining her husband’s fiercest supporter: “I try to be a support for Joe, because I don’t know how many people are saying to him, ‘That was great. That was brilliant.’ I try to be that person for him,” she says. “Some days, I see Joe and I’m just like, ‘I don’t know how you’re doing it.’ It’s the pandemic and then it’s the war and then it’s the economy and then it’s the gas prices. You feel like you’re being slammed.”
On how she delivers earnest feedback to the president: During the Obama years, they took to hashing out their occasional spats over text to avoid fighting in front of the Secret Service. (They christened it “fexting.”) Not so long ago, she tapped out a message to him in a fit of pique. “Joe said, ‘You realize that’s going to go down in history. There will be a record of that.’” She grins. “I won’t tell you what I called him that time.”
On her sisters’ reaction to getting asked about their famous sibling: Sometimes people will ask them what it’s like to have Jill Biden as a sister, a question as obvious as it is hilarious. She’s their older sister—teased, beloved, admired, revered. Dr. Biden mimics their faux horror: Please! “She’s just Jill.”
#RHOA: Porsha Williams’ Fiancé, Simon Guobadia, Opens Up About Co-Parenting with His Exes
The RHOA alum’s fiancé also shared what “future wife” Porsha’s relationship is like with his kids.
It’s been a little more than a year since Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia became engaged, and as they plan their wedding, they’ve already got at least one thing on lock when it comes to their new life together: blending their families.
After getting to a good place with Dennis McKinley on The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Porsha's Family Matters, Simon has been a doting stepdad to Pilar Jhena McKinley, 3. And Porsha has also been there for Simon’s children in a major way.
Simon and Porsha recently celebrated the end of the school year and his kids graduating to the next grade in a joy-filled celebration at home. “Congratulations Homeschool graduates - Christian (12), Benjamin (11) and Ximena (10),” Simon gushed about his children in a May 29 Instagram post. “All graduated with Honors, and elevating to various grade levels.”
He went on to show his gratitude for being able to successfully “co-parent these exceptionally gifted children” with his exes. “Learning to put our children first has not only been good for our children, but has been good for us individually,” Simon continued. “Co-parenting is not easy because we have to navigate our personal issues to get to a place that allow for our kids to become priority.”
Simon also applauded Porsha for not only being there for her daughter, PJ, but also for Christian, Benjamin, and Ximena. “Finally, I am blessed with a future wife in [Porsha] that loves and supports our village, by being present in every child’s life including her very own adorable Pilar (3). My prayer this Sunday is that other parents get to experience this same blessing as well - that of co-parenting effectively,” Simon ended his post. “Now, let’s go celebrate this family.”
Porsha previously shared photos of the celebration on her Instagram last week, applauding the graduates for all they accomplished over the past year, as well as praising their parents for raising exceptional children. “Congratulations [to] these [superstars] (Ximena, Christian, Benjamin)!!! Simon and their mothers have done an amazing job rearing them in the right direction with love and care as well as making their education a priority!” Porsha wrote on Instagram on May 26. “They are compassionate, kind [and] full of intelligence!! Hats off to you all for all of your hard work this year!”
Porsha also thanked their teacher and the family’s home staff “for all that you do,” ending her post with one last wish for Christian, Benjamin, and Ximena: “Love you [all,] the best is yet to come!”
Earlier this spring, Porsha and Simon gave a glimpse at all of their kids during their Easter celebration as one big happy family.
In fact, Simon, who also has an adult son named Quentin, always takes the opportunity to show on social media how proud he is of his kids, including this recent like-father-like-daughter moment he posted with Ximena on May 20.
Of course, he also sneaks in candid shots of Porsha and PJ at home, whether it’s getting some work done in the office or having a “mommy and daughter day” at the pool.
Watch new episodes of RHOA Sundays at 8/7c and streaming on Peacock. Plus, catch up with the Bravo app.
#MusicNews: Justin Timberlake Sells Entire Music Catalog In A Deal Worth Millions
Timberlake joins the ranks of other entertainers who have recently sold the rights to their music.
It looks like Justin Timberlake won’t be hanging on to his music catalog “Until the End of Time.”
Timberlake recently sold the entire music catalog from his 20-year career to London-based firm Hipgnosis Song Management, per a company announcement Thursday.
The purchase includes all copyrights on tracks Timberlake has written or co-written. The deal also encompasses any music the “Suit & Tie” singer released in association with movies, television, streaming, cover music or performances.
The agreement, which includes the rights to around 200 songs, is worth $100 million, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The acquisition was made on behalf of Hipgnosis Songs Capital, a partnership between Hipgnosis Song Management and funds managed by private equity firm Blackstone.
The management company now holds the reins of the pop star’s Billboard chart-topping hits like “Cry Me a River,” “SexyBack” and “Mirrors.”
“I am excited to be partnering with [Hipgnosis founder and CEO Merck Mercuriadis],” Timberlake said in a statement. “He values artists and their creative work and has always been a strong supporter of songwriters and storytelling. I look forward to entering this next chapter.”
Timberlake now joins the ranks of other entertainers like Bob Dylan, Shakira and Neil Young, who have all recently sold the rights to their music.
#HipHopNews: Lil Baby Previews Chris Brown Collaboration
Lil Baby and Chris Brown got one. Before they hit the road together this summer, Lil Baby is giving fans a sneak peek at their new collaboration. On Instagram Stories, he shared a clip of the untitled track, which finds them catering to the ladies.
“She pretty wit it, got a few problems, but it’s alright ’cause she been dealing with ’em,” raps Baby, while Breezy adds his seductive touch.
It’s unclear where the song will appear, but both artists have new albums on the way. Chris is gearing up to drop his long-awaited album Breezy on June 24. He recently revealed the features including Lil Wayne, Jack Harlow, Anderson .Paak, Tory Lanez, Wizkid, H.E.R., Ella Mai, and more.
Lil Baby has also been teasing a new album. In April, he dropped a pair of singles, “Right On” and “In a Minute.”
You can catch the duo live when their “One of Them Ones” tour kicks off July 15 in Raleigh, North Carolina before making stops at arenas in New York, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles, wrapping Aug. 27 in Las Vegas.
‘Star Wars’ calls out racism after attacks on Moses Ingram
The “Star Wars” franchise is sticking up for actor Moses Ingram after she revealed she had received hundreds of racist messages and comments on social media.
The franchise tweeted that it was “proud to welcome” Ingram, who just made her debut as Reva in the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
“If anyone intends to make her feel in any way unwelcome, we have only one thing to say: we resist,” the “Star Wars” account tweeted. “There are more than 20 million sentient species in the Star Wars galaxy, don’t choose to be a racist.”
Ingram posted multiple examples of racist messages and comments on Instagram, noting that she has received hundreds of messages, some of which included the N-word.
“There’s nothing anybody can do about this. There’s nothing anybody can do to stop this hate,” she said, in a video posted to her Instagram stories.
“The thing that bothers me is … this feeling of like, I just gotta shut up and take it, I just have to grin and bear it. And I’m not built like that,” she continued. “Thank you to the people who show up for me in the comments and in the places that I’m not going to put myself. And to the rest of y’all, y’all weird.”
Ingram’s experiences following her “Star Wars” debut have become a trend – actors John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran have also been vocal about the racist hate they received after appearing in the “Star Wars” movies.
Tran, the first woman of color to have a major role in a “Star Wars” film, wrote an op-ed in the New York Times about the harassment she received after starring in 2017’s “The Last Jedi.” The hate become so intense that Tran left social media and spent time in therapy.
Even earlier, in 2014, Boyega’s appearance in the trailer for “The Force Awakens” began a whole social media movement of #BlackStormtrooper, after many reacted to his casting with suspicion and racist remarks.
R. Kelly Attempts To Avoid A Life Sentence By Denying He Used Aaliyah In A Bribery & Claims A “Sophisticated” 16-Year-Old Lied About Her Age
R.Kelly and his legal team are trying to avoid a life sentence. With R.Kelly’s August trial date quickly approaching, the R&B singer and his legal time are trying to convince a judge to not give him a life sentence. Prosecutors believe R. Kelly (born Robert Sylvester Kelly) should be locked up for life after being convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, racketeering, bribery, and sex trafficking in September of 2021. However, his defense team believes the “Ignition” singer deserves a much lighter sentence under Federal guidelines.
R. Kelly’s lawyer Jennifer Bonjean is asking a judge to sentence the singer to anywhere between 14 years and 17.5 years in prison instead of a life sentence. According to court documents, Bojean also denied the allegations that Aaliyah was used in a bribery.
As you may already know, R. Kelly infamously married Aaliyah in 1994 when she was only 15 years old and he was 27. Allegedly, R. Kelly had Aaliyah’s age altered to state she was 18 on the marriage certificate. Aaliyah’s parents reportedly had the illegal marriage annulled in February 1995.
Now, R. Kelly’s lawyer is claiming that the singer was unaware that his associate–Demetrius Smith– bribed a government worker so he could marry late singer Aaliyah. According to legal documents, attorney Jennifer Bonjean said,
“The government’s evidence failed to show that Defendant knew that Demetrius Smith paid money to influence a public aid officer to produce an identification card for Aaliyah. The record is also devoid of any evidence that Defendant used Aaliyah in connection with the bribery. Of course, the bribery committed by Smith produced a fraudulent public aid card for Aaliyah. But it does not follow that Defendant used Aaliyah in the bribery.”
Jennifer Bonjean reportedly filed a motion looking to dismiss a number of pending charges against the singer. She also argued that the singer claimed a 16-year-old named Jerhonda tricked him into believing she was over the age of 18 and that he should not be punished for engaging with her. Bonjean explained,
“Jerhonda, a sophisticated 16-year-old, took great pains to get close to Defendant, including by misrepresenting her age. Defendant did nothing to seek out Jerhonda…Jerhonda admits that she falsely told R. Kelly that she was 19 years of age when they engaged in sexual conduct. It is true that Jerhonda claims that she promptly confessed her real age of 16 to R. Kelly immediately after their first sexual encounter; however, even if this is true, Jerhonda’s testimony does not reveal that R. Kelly used any influence, undue or otherwise, to engage in sexual activity with her.”
Jennifer Bonjean previously made a name for herself after helping to free Bill Cosby from prison after the actor was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault.
According to reports, R. Kelly is guaranteed to serve time in jail. It appears his lawyers’ main goal is to assure that he does not receive a life sentence.
In August, R. Kelly will face a jury in Cook County, Illinois, where he is charged with possession of child pornography and obstruction of justice. The “I Believe I Can Fly”singer also has a trial pending in Minnesota for allegedly engaging in prostitution with a minor.
Teacher Did Not Leave Door Open During Uvalde Elementary School Shooting, Texas DPS Now Says
The Texas Department of Public Safety are walking back initial claims that a teacher propped a door open Robb Elementary School which later allowed the gunman to enter the school.
The TDPS now says the teacher actually closed the door.
via People:
The Texas Department of Public Safety has now determined the unnamed Uvalde teacher had initially propped open the door with a rock, but removed it and closed the door after realizing a gunman was on campus, Travis Considine, chief communications officer for the Texas DPS, said via the Associated Press.
“We did verify she closed the door. The door did not lock. We know that much and now investigators are looking into why it did not lock,” Considine told the outlet.
“She came back out while on her phone, she heard someone yell, ‘He has a gun!’, she saw him jump the fence and that he had a gun, so she ran back inside,” Considine added.
Steven McCraw, director of the Texas DPS, had originally said Friday that the gunman entered the school through a backdoor that had been propped open minutes before the massacre, per The Texas Tribune.
However, after reviewing additional video footage, investigators confirmed the teacher did in fact shut the door, per AP.
“She saw the wreck,” Don Flanary, an attorney representing the unnamed teacher, told San Antonio Express-News of the initial car accident outside the school involving the shooter.
“She ran back inside to get her phone to report the accident. She came back out while on the phone with 911. The men at the funeral home yelled, ‘He has a gun!’ She saw him jump the fence, and he had a gun, so she ran back inside,” Flanary continued.
“She kicked the rock away when she went back in,” he added. “She remembers pulling the door closed while telling 911 that he was shooting. She thought the door would lock because that door is always supposed to be locked.”
All the police have done in this situation is lie and misrepresent what actually happened to make themselves look better. It’s disrespectful to the families who lost loved ones due, in part, to their incompetence.
Owen Wilson Has Rims and Tires Stolen off His Tesla Outside Santa Monica Home
Hollywood actor Owen Wilson was the victim of a grand theft auto robbery that occurred on Sunday.
Owen Wilson had the tires stolen off of his Tesla — while it was parked right outside his Santa Monica, California, home.
The beloved rom-com actor walked out of his house Sunday to find the wheels and rims missing from his pricey whip, according to TMZ.
Police sources told the outlet that the estimated cost to replace everything would be around $4,000.
Cops are checking surveillance footage for a glimpse of the suspected thief or thieves, the report said.
Page Six has reached out to local law enforcement. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday.
This sort of crime is becoming more common in the beachfront city, sources told TMZ.
Wilson has a role in an upcoming Disney movie, “Haunted Mansion.”
Crime has spiked in Los Angeles. In 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported a total of 39,894 stolen vehicles compared to 34,003 in 2020- a staggering 17 percent surge.
Matthew Morrison's 'So You Think You Can Dance' Firing - Reason Revealed (Report)
According to People, a source close to the reality show said the Glee alum was let go “after he had an inappropriate relationship with a female contestant.”
“They didn’t have sex, but he reached out to her through flirty direct messages on social media. She felt uncomfortable with his line of comments and went to producers, who then got Fox involved. He was fired after they did their own investigation,” the source told the outlet, adding that the two “never met up off-set.”
“It was just messages that crossed the line,” the source added.
Matthew and Fox have not yet responded to requests for comment.
'Stranger Things' Season Four Is Breaking Ratings Records Just Three Days After Its Premiere!
The brand new season of Stranger Things just debuted over the weekend on Netflix, and is already breaking records!
The new season dropped last week on the streaming service and is quickly catching up to Bridgerton‘s second season in taking over the title of Netflix’s most watched English-language series of all time.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Netflix has shared that Stranger Things season four already has 286.79 million hours of viewing time worldwide, which was just from over three days – May 25 to the 27.
That number overtakes season two of Bridgerton, which had 193 million hours of watch time over its opening weekend in March.
While Bridgerton is still currently the titleholder of Netflix’s most watched English-language series of all time, which was achieved in its first 28 days of release, with 656.26 million hours of viewing across the globe.
However, Stranger Things‘ season four is almost 44 percent of the way to that tally.
Two more episodes of the season are expected to be released in July, and will add to that latter tally.
Lil Nas X and M&M's will use the power of music to bring people together in new partnership
The renowned M&M’s brand is joining forces with Lil Nas X to provide fans with an exciting new way to connect through music.
Over the past 80 years, the iconic Mars candy brand has become a staple in households across the globe. Now, as the brand continues to evolve and soar to new heights, they’ve tapped one of the most creative, groundbreaking artists of this generation to lead various music-centric initiatives. The goal is to connect fans in ways that have never been done.
“In the world Mars wants tomorrow, society is inclusive. And through the M&M’s brand we’re committed to inspiring moments of connection and fun by encouraging a deeper sense of belonging,” said Allison Miazga-Bedrick, Mars Wrigley Senior Brand Director in an official statement. “Music is one of the most powerful tools to bring people together. Like our iconic M&M’s brand, music sparks nostalgia, memories, and fun and we are thrilled to be able to partner with one of the most trailblazing artists in the world, Lil Nas X, to help us further cement M&M’s role within entertainment.”
Together, Lil Nas X and M&M’s will use the power of music to build a new platform centered toward helping people build meaningful connections.
“M&M’s is iconic and I’m a huge fan of the brand,” said Lil Nas X. “I’m excited to work with them on some really cool projects this year that are as colorful as they are.”
The news comes on the heels of the Atlanta native’s announcement of his first-ever headlining world tour that was previously reported by REVOLT. The “Long Live Montero Tour” kicks off on Sept. 6 in Detroit and will end on Nov. 17 in Spain.
J. Cole's Dreamville Festival rakes in over $6 million and boosts local economy
J. Cole has people in Raleigh, North Carolina singing his songs and his praises after the Grammy-winning artist boosted their economy by over $6 million with last month’s Dreamville Festival.
The numbers are in, and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau has calculated that the 80,000 people who came out for the two-day annual event brought in over $6.7 million dollars in revenue. The insanely substantial profit helps the Raleigh and Wake County communities.
The 2022 Dreamville Festival happened on April 2 and 3 and featured a lineup from top performers like J.I.D, Ari Lennox, EarthGang, WizKid, Kehlani, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Baby, Wale, and T-Pain, along with J. Cole himself and more. The event was held at Dorothea Dix Park.
A press release stated that tickets for the popular show were not only sold in America (including Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands), but in 20 other countries as well.
Dreamville Partner and Festival President Adam Roy said, “My team and I continue to be awed by the overwhelming support we’ve received since closing out the second Dreamville Festival this April.” He continued, “But to now fully realize the festival’s positive impact on the local economy and tourism, it truly is unbelievable.”
Roy added, “We are grateful for our fans who traveled across the U.S. and internationally to attend the fest, as well as for those from the City of Raleigh and Wake County who helped bring this event together. Our Dreamville team looks forward to furthering its investments in the community for years to come, especially as we plan for the festival’s return in spring 2023.”
With a record-breaking economic boost like this for just two days of shows, one can only assume that Raleigh and Wake County will welcome next year’s event with open arms.
Shonda Rhimes Launches Two New DEI Initiatives With Netflix
With Netflix’s help, Shonda Rhimes is committed to both broadening and deepening her focus on inclusivity.
In fact, the Bridgerton producer baked in a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access initiatives and opportunities in the nine-figure deal she inked with the streaming service last summer. And now, roughly a year later, Shondaland and Netflix are rolling out The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder — two new, paid programs with an eye toward expanding the pipeline for below-the-line talent.
Both programs are supported in part by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, which was set up in 2021 to create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities across film and TV. Per a company post from February, the Fund has already committed $14.5 million toward programs that help identify, train and provide work placements around the world. The latest pair of initiatives, in concert with Rhimes, suggests that Netflix’s commitment to inclusion will continue even as other parts of the hard-hit company scale back.
The Producers Inclusion Initiative is specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train indie producers, unit production managers, supervisors and first assistant directors, who come from those historically underrepresented communities. The program’s participants will learn from executives and key production department heads from Netflix, Shondaland and elsewhere in the industry with the express goal of minting qualified line producers for the studio system. In addition to monthly stipends while in the program, graduates will connect with folks at the two companies and others about potential gigs or other career development opportunities.
The Ladder, for its part, is set up to provide opportunities for people from marginalized groups who are looking to gain the kind of on-set experience and training that’s key to success in the film and TV business. It will kick off in the U.K. with Shondaland’s current productions, with trainees getting on-the-job training with roles in departments such as production, locations, assistant directors, costume, sound and stunts on Shondaland shows. Like the Inclusion Initiative, the Ladder participants will be paid during their time in the program, which will also transport those taking part from central points around London. Upon completion, program grads will be eligible for job consideration on Shondaland and other Netflix productions.
To be sure, the Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder mirror other initiatives that have launched throughout the industry, but they’re nevertheless noteworthy because they have the backing of Rhimes, who’s arguably the most high-profile and most commercially successful showrunner on Netflix’s payroll. She also happens to be a woman of color, and has long made a quiet, if celebrated, habit of weaving characters of all backgrounds and orientations into both her programming and her writers rooms.
“At our core, Shondaland is a company dedicated to championing opportunities for underrepresented communities both on and off the screen. We have made incredible strides with ensuring women are represented in our productions and I’m excited to expand our efforts and see real results with all marginalized groups,” noted Sara Fischer, Shondaland’s head of production, in a statement. “Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two new incredible programs that have already led to palpable changes in our industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of history as we look forward to greater representation on set.”
Added Noelle Green, Netflix’s director of production management, in a statement of her own: “At Netflix, we are passionate about highlighting a variety of stories from different backgrounds and perspectives. From ideation to inception, we are thrilled to bring these two initiatives to life with Shondaland — a partner that has the same commitment and desire to impart change within the entertainment industry.”
Legal victory for Johnny Depp after he and Amber Heard found liable for defamation
A jury has found both Amber Heard and Johnny Depp liable for defamation in their lawsuits against each other. The jury awarded significantly more damages to Depp, a legal win for the actor.
Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for defamation over a 2018 op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in which she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” Though Depp was not named in the article, he claims it cost him lucrative acting roles. Heard countersued her ex-husband for defamation over statements Depp’s attorney made about her abuse claims.
The jury found that Heard defamed Depp in three separate statements in The Washington Post piece, and that Depp defamed Heard with one statement his attorney made.
The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million dollars in punitive damages. The jury awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages and no money for punitive damages.
Depp sought $50 million in damages and Heard sought $100 million. Punitive damages in the state of Virginia are capped at $350,000, so the judge reduced the punitive damages award to that amount.
The verdict is a “tremendous” legal win for Depp and a repudiation for Heard, according to CNN Legal Analyst Joey Jackson.
“It’s a tremendous victory,” Jackson said. “What he had to overcome was a First Amendment issue which is that we all have the right to express our thoughts and opinions. What they (the jurors) said was that, yeah, you do have a First Amendment right unless you say something that is false that injures someone’s reputation and causes damages to them in their industry.”
Depp and Heard react to the verdict
Heard kept her eyes down as the verdict was read. Depp was not present in court, but released a statement that said, in part, “the jury gave me my life back.”
“From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me,” he said. “I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.”
Depp’s attorneys thanked the jury and the court after the verdict was announced. Wednesday, adding that “it’s time to turn the page and look to the future.”
“We are grateful, so grateful, to the jury for their careful deliberation, to the judge and the court staff who have devoted an enormous amount of time and resources towards this case,” attorney Camille Vasquez told reporters outside court.
Heard said in a statement she is “heartbroken” over the verdict.
“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband,” Heard said.
Depp and Heard met in 2009 on the set of their film “The Rum Diary” and were married from 2015-2016 before divorcing.
The trial
In her testimony, Heard said that Depp was verbally and physically abusive during their relationship. She also accused Depp of sexual violence.
Depp claimed multiple times on the stand that he has never struck a woman, denied Heard’s allegation of sexual battery and called himself a victim of domestic abuse by Heard, which she denies.
Attorneys for both Heard and Depp presented during the trial photographs and audio and video recordings to make their cases. One expert, Laurel Anderson, a clinical psychologist who worked with Depp and Heard in 2015 as their marriage counselor, said in testimony played on April 14 that the pair’s relationship had what she characterized as “mutual abuse.”
During the trial, Depp’s team presented witnesses that included model Kate Moss, with whom he had a relationship previously, and Walter Hamada, the head of DC Films.
Actress Ellen Barkin and a number of former Depp associates testified on Heard’s behalf.
Heard had notably fewer vocal supporters than Depp in the entertainment business and in and around the courthouse.
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Reportedly Facing His 23rd Active Civil Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct
Looks like another woman has filed a lawsuit against Deshaun Watson, which has now become his 23rd civil case to accuse the Cleveland Browns quarterback of sexual misconduct during massage parlor sessions.
According to a new filing by attorney Tony Buzbee, his client Nia Smith, who is a professionally licensed Houston cosmetologist alleges that Watson contacted her for a professional massage through social media. The suit states that she had three sessions with Watson and saw his personality allegedly become more aggressive with each meeting ending in sexual advances and unwanted sexual contact.
It goes on to claim that Watson’s defense team contacted Smith for a meeting when women started filing civil suits against the quarterback back in March of 2021 — a proposal that Smith took as an attempt to influence her from pursuing action against Watson. In that allegation, Smith accused one of Watson’s attorneys of indicating that “us black women must stick together.”
In a statement Tuesday, Buzbee added: “Other cases may come. The Watson defense team has vilified these women and this cause. Shame on them! We look forward to trying this case in court.”
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, responded with a direct statement, once again phrasing the aftermath as an attempt to attain “publicity” for Buzbee and a “payday” for his clients.
“Deshaun Watson vehemently denies the allegations, just as he has since she first discussed them with members of our firm in March of last year,” Hardin said. “She repeated the allegations on social media in August and he denied them then. The only thing new about her contentions is the embellishment making them more extreme than prior versions. Deshaun’s denial remains the same.
“The two highly respected lawyers from our firm, Letitia Quinones and Rachel Lewis, also vehemently deny there was any coercion or intimidation involved in the very cordial meeting at Vic and Anthony’s (Mr. Buzbee and the plaintiff are not even right about where the meeting was, much less what was said). They met her to see if she was one of Mr. Buzbee’s then still anonymous plaintiffs. At that time Mr. Buzbee refused to identify his clients. The suggestion that either of these two accomplished lawyers would have said ‘us black women must stick together’ is absurd. The interview was so congenial, she joined the lawyers for dinner afterwards.
Deshaun Watson's Girlfriend Is Still Riding With The QB Amid 22+ Sexual Assault Accusations
“We are aware that more than a year ago she had other lawyers representing her and they ultimately terminated the representation. This plaintiff has long had a vendetta against Deshaun since she jealously and angrily published Deshaun’s personal data on social media in November 2020. In filing her lawsuit now she was obviously not influenced by recent developments. We are not surprised Mr. Buzbee was willing to say just about anything to get more publicity. He knows the NFL continues to investigate these cases, and this is a transparent attempt to further punish the man he sees as a potential payday.”
Omari Hardwick Says He Made $150K Per ‘Power’ Episode Plus Borrowed Money From 50 Cent
Omari Hardwick broke down the amount of money he was making while starring in “Power” for six seasons. The actor also said he borrowed money from 50 Cent twice.
During an interview on the podcast, “The Pivot”, Hardwick was asked by co-host Channing Crowder about being financially stable and working on the popular Starz series. Hardwick says he should’ve made more money before “Power” despite appearing in several films and shows such as “Being Mary Jane”, “Gridiron Gang”, and “Next Day Air.” “I still haven’t made what I should have made. I still never made the money, no, the money, I never made what I should have made. Never,” he explained. Hardwick added that 50 Cent helped him out financially by lending him money between seasons one and three as reported by Atlanta Black Star.
“I think he forever just really, really respects the s—t out of me for that. We just not taught that in our community. For me to give it back to 50 with interest, I was just so proud to be able to do that, and it was early. He felt like, ‘D—n O, you can’t be messed up. You need money. It was the summer after season 1 and then it was the summer after season 2. He gave me $20,000 and then the next summer he gave me $23,000.”
“He adores J and the kids, he might like them more than me. It was absolutely given in a way you know, ‘Take care of the family, bro,'” Hardwick continued. The outlet also noted how Hardwick compared his pay rate to Angela Bassett who is currently starring in Fox’s “9-1-1” series and making $450,000 per episode. He claims he should’ve been paid more since he was the face of Starz Network at the time.
“You got it right. First time I’ve ever disclosed it, but I was also the face of the network. Angela’s not the face of that network. She’s one of the greatest actresses that will face the planet, but she’s not the face of that network,”
However, the actor says he’s very humble about the opportunity by everyone was aware that he didn’t make enough money. “50 and Courtney, I’ll thank you forever, but all of them know, ‘He didn’t really make no money.’ They know it before I know it,” he said.
Did You Know ESPN Paid Jemele Hill ‘$200k LESS’ Than Co-Host Michael Smith?
*Jemele Hill revealed during a recent appearance on Revolt TV’s Assets Over Liabilities that while working at ESPN she was paid $200,000 less than co-host Michael Smith, “though we were doing the same job,” she said.
“It’s not so much about what you’re worth, it’s about what you will negotiate. I started at ESPN at such a low salary to begin with. One of those, ‘We’ll see how it works kind of contracts. A 2-and-2 contract: two-year deal with a two-year option, one of the worst contracts I ever signed,” she explained, as reported by MadameNoire.
“My first year was $120,000, but that’s as an independent contractor, so that means I had to pay my own taxes and no health insurance. The lesson that I learned, you can’t sell out for a name,” she added.
Hill joined ESPN in 2006 as a columnist and ultimately landed appearances on “Outside the Lines,” “First Take” and “SportsCenter,” where she became a co-anchor alongside Smith in February 2017.
“It wasn’t until I got to ESPN that I really got serious about the business side of journalism because I got to see what people made. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s possible?!’ ESPN forced me to really grow up because it’s a different game being played at that level than it is at the previous places I had been,” Hill explained to the show’s hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. “This is the first time I had an agent and the first time I really had to learn how to manage my money.”
Hill’s first news job with the Detroit Free Press answering phones for the sports department.
“Journalism is very much a ‘working class’ profession, especially on a local level,” she said. “I thought I would be winning the game if I made $50,000. ‘If I made 50 grand, I’m out here ballin!’” she said about her early career.
During her tenure with ESPN, Hill was often criticized for speaking about her political and social opinions. In 2018, she left the network and her role at “SportsCenter.”
MY GUEST ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF @JHILLUNBOTHERED IS @BERNICEKING. WE DISCUSS HOW NON-VIOLENCE IS KEY IN MOVEMENT BUILDING, WHAT TODAY’S CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT LACKS, AND WHY IT TOOK HER SOME TIME TO TRULY EMBRACE THE KING FAMILY LEGACY. TO LISTEN —> HTTPS://T.CO/IP5WN3SQMB PIC.TWITTER.COM/JRYOYGMMJG
— JEMELE HILL (@JEMELEHILL) MAY 31, 2022
“The thing about ‘SportsCenter,’ [it] was never my dream job, so it was easy to walk away. That’s because I was unhappy. I didn’t like the job,” she recalls. “I didn’t like some of the things they were doing to our show, I didn’t like the leadership that was in charge of our show so I was like, ‘Let me find something else within the company to do.’”
After parting ways with ESPN, Hill landed her dream job at The Atlantic and she “linked up with Spotify to build a podcast network for Black women and that is Black woman-run,” she said.
“I can hit the speaking engagement circuit in a real way. So, essentially I traded in one job for seven different jobs,” Hill laughed, before adding: “In a way, it opened me up to more streams of income … every job that I have now is a job that I want and not a job that I need.”
Madonna Spotted with Tory Lanez at Gervonta Davis Fight
*Tory Lanez and Madonna were spotted watching the Gervonta Davis fight together on Saturday, May 28.
Their ringside conversation shocked fans because the pop star previously slammed the rapper for “illegal usage” of one of her original classic songs. Back in December, Madonna hit up the comments section of Tory’s Instagram, accusing him of using her hit 1985 song “Into the Groove” on the track “Pluto’s Last Comet” from his new 80s-inspired album, “Alone at Prom.”
“Read your messages [for] illegal usage of my song get into the groove!” she wrote
Madonna’s allegations came amid Lanez’s ongoing legal case with rapper Megan Thee Stallion. He is accused of shooting the hip-hop star in the foot after a party in the summer of 2020.
Lanez allegedly told Megan to “dance, b*tch” before firing four shots at her during their wild night out together last July. He then offered her hush money to cover it up.
Tory’s facing one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in a manner that caused great bodily injury, and one count of carrying a concealed, unregistered weapon.
If convicted on all charges, the hip-hop star faces a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in state prison.
Meanwhile, George Michael’s estate has also accused Tory of plagiarism. The late singer’s estate accused the hip-hop star of illegally using his 1985 hit “Careless Whisper” for the rapper’s song “Enchanted Waterfall”.
Snoop Dogg’s Australian Tour Dates Postponed To 2023
All Snoop Dogg fans in Australia, the Doggfather will have to reschedule your tour date. Snoop’s Australian arena tour has been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances, family obligations, and filming commitments.”
According to a statement by TEG MJR, the rescheduled dates will be targeted for February 2023.
“While we understand the disappointment with these shows moving back to 2023,” the statement continues, “we also respect Snoop’s decision and can’t wait to have the God Father of Rap finally back on Australian shores.”
Snoop Dogg has already taken us Bacc on Death Row, now he is getting us ready for A Death Row Summer. The Doggfather revealed that he will be releasing that album this summer and has dropped the single “Touch Away.”
“About to drop this Death Row summer album,” Snoop said online. “A Death Row Summer. New single just dropped last night. Check it out. We’ve been in the metaverse, now we back in the universe.”
Kim Kardashian proves she tasted food in Beyond Meat ad after fans mocked her
Kim Kardashian wants people to know that she actually did taste the food in her now-viral Beyond Meat commercial.
After fans mercilessly mocked the “Kardashians” star for seemingly taking zero bites on camera – and appearing to “fake” chew in the 30-second ad – she posted a few behind-the-scenes snippets to her Instagram Story on Tuesday.
In the clips, the Skims founder, 41, could be seen sinking her teeth into various forms of the plant-based meat substitute.
“Guys, come on… 🍔,” she wrote atop the videos, one of which showed her removing the top bun from a vegan burger.
“Getting rid of some of the carbs,” she explained to someone on the set.
After chewing the small bite for a few seconds, Kardashian exclaimed, “So good.”
Another clip showed her trying a meatless chicken finger, which was followed by a slice of vegan sausage and a Beyond Meat taco.
The extended version of the scene showing the former “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star posing for a selfie with the product captured the fashionista biting and chewing the item in her hand.
It’s unclear why none of the shots showing the star actually consuming the food made the final ad, but the company could have saved itself – and its new “Chief Taste Consultant” – a lot of grief.
“You didn’t show her actually consuming the product… 🤷🏽♀️ Did she actually eat it?” one critic commented on the original post, arguing that the commercial made them not want to purchase Beyond Meat.
She was previously mocked for seemingly taking zero bites on camera and appearing to “fake” chew in the commercial.
The wisecracks were endless, as many chimed in with things like, “Fake eating… I see you 🤨,” “You didn’t even eat the food 😂😂😂😂,” and “This is beyoooond meat, so good you don’t even have to eat it 🙄.”
Former UPenn Swimmer Lia Thomas Says Trans Women are ‘Not a Threat to Women’s Sports’
Former Penn swimmer Lia Thomas, 23, says she has a goal to compete in the Olympics after transitioning to the women’s team after three years on the men’s team.
During her first televised interview with ABC’s Juju Chang, Thomas talked about her contentious season at the University of Pennsylvania. She became the first transgender woman to win a Division 1 national title.
“I knew there would be scrutiny against me if I competed as a woman. I was prepared for that, but I also don’t need anybody’s permission to be myself and do the sport I love,” she said.
Furthermore, Thomas addressed the concerns that she still had a physical advantage over other female swimmers despite undergoing a year of hormone therapy.
“There’s a lot of factors that go into a race and how well you do, and the biggest change for me is that I’m happy, and sophomore year when I had my best times competing with the men, I was miserable. So having that be lifted is incredibly relieving and allows me to put my all into training and racing,” Thomas said.
“Trans people don’t transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves. Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors into our decisions.”
Thomas noted that cisgender female athletes had varied physical body types as well and questioned whether they, too, should be disqualified for having the upper hand.
“I’m not a medical expert, but there’s a lot of variation among cis female athletes,” she said. “There are cis women who are very tall and very muscular and have more testosterone than another cis woman, and should that then also disqualify them?”
In March, Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win a Division I national title when she won the 500 free final by just over a second against Olympic medalist and Virginia standout Emma Weyant, setting a program record.
She also competed in two other events, placing fifth in the 200-meter freestyle and dead last in the 100-meter freestyle.
Members of the Penn women’s swimming team spoke out anonymously against Thomas’ involvement, claiming that it jeopardized the sport’s credibility, but they also expressed support for her choice to transition.
“You can’t go halfway and be, like, ‘I support trans women and trans people, but only to a certain point,'” Thomas said. “Where if you support trans women as women and they’ve met all the NCAA requirements, then I don’t know if you can really say something like that.”
She continued: “Trans women are not a threat to women’s sports.”
Thomas told Chang that she planned “to keep swimming,” and including in the Olympics. “It’s been a goal of mine to swim at Olympic trials for a very long time, and I would love to see that through.”
Shooting Outside of Louisiana High School Graduation Leaves Elderly Woman Dead, Two Men Wounded
An elderly woman was killed and two men were left wounded Tuesday after a shooting broke out following a high school graduation ceremony on Xavier University‘s campus.
The New Orleans Police Department says a fight broke out between two females as graduates and families were leaving the ceremony and that’s when shots were fired.
Police say all three victims were transported to a local hospital where the woman was pronounced dead. The two men’s injuries –one to the shoulder and the other to the leg– are not considered life-threatening.
At least three people were detained for questioning but no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon.
“I am outraged and saddened by the callousness shown today outside Xavier University,” NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. said. “The graduating seniors of Morris Jeff were there to share in their collective achievements and bask in the brightness of their futures – only to have their optimism ripped apart by gun violence. This has got to stop. We must come together as a community, as a country, and address the damage caused by access to guns and to get to the root of the anger and despair that compels individuals to even think of harming others. All our children have a right to be safe and we must do all we can in our power to protect that right. My heart breaks for the families of the victims, and I implore us all to rally around them in their time of need.”
The shooting took place in a parking lot outside Convocation Center, which many local high schools use to host their graduation ceremonies. Witnesses said at least anywhere from 5-12 gunshots rang out.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Hello There, Kitty
Hello Kitty Help
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment