#MAGFAB: Laura Harrier for Cosmopolitan - The Mental Health 2022
Newly engaged and acting in so many projects, actor Laura Harrier has a lot to reflect on. She’s equally driven to be honest about the issues she and all of us face, especially in light of her platform and the responsibilities that attend it. (“I have always been ambitious and driven.”) In conversation with journalist Lola Ogunnaike for Cosmopolitan’s Mental Health issue (Issue 6) cover story, Laura goes deep, opening up about her fiancé, mental health, reality TV as self-care, her rage about Roe and more. Plus, in an episode of Cosmopolitan’s “The Breakdown Breakdown” video series, Laura relived the biggest highlights of her career, from spilling the tea on everything from her first movie—which just so happened to be the major marvel hit Spider-Man: Homecoming—to starring in the award-winning film BlacKkKlansman, and everything in between.
On whether colorism is still an issue in Hollywood: “Some of the most successful actresses of color tend to be on the lighter side and that’s definitely not okay. There are so many facets to the Black experience. There are so many ways that Black people look, and only having one narrow view is something that I think is ultimately putting everybody at a disadvantage—we’re only shortchanging ourselves when we don’t show a diverse range of stories and a diverse range of people onscreen. I do think it’s something that’s slowly starting to change, but even when we were doing Spider-Man, I would get called ‘Zendaya’ all the time. People wouldn’t even take the time to differentiate us…. It got to the point where we would joke about it a lot. What else are you going to do but laugh because it’s so completely ridiculous.
On how she balances staying informed with knowing when to turn it all off and mentally escape: “It’s so important to know what’s happening in the world and to be active and to use your voice for the greater good and for causes that you believe in. But sometimes doing that can really take a toll. Sometimes I have to not read the news, not check my New York Times app, turn off Instagram because these are really tough times that we’re living in. And it’s easy to get so caught up in the collective anxiety of the world that you can forget that you also need to protect yourself and protect your own wellness. I don’t think that you can make a change and help other people if you’re not taking care of yourself.”
On the strategies she turns to for taking care of herself: “I’ve learned tools through therapy. I really am a big advocate for therapy and for mental health care, especially in the Black community. That’s something that’s really improved my life and really helped me in significant ways, especially with dealing with my anxiety and panic attacks.”
On the notion historically that Black people don’t go to therapy, and whether she is noticing a shift in the Black community when it comes to taking care of one’s mental health as you would your physical health: “I love that you said that. I definitely believe that mental health care should be prioritized just as much as physical health. There’s been such a long history of ignoring mental health problems, of saying, ‘Oh, just suck it up” or “I’m a strong Black woman. That doesn’t happen to me.’ All of these tropes that we’ve been taught over generations, when actually, I think given generational trauma, of course there are a lot of mental health issues within the Black community.”
On what self-care remedies are in her own mental health tool kit: “I try to meditate. I can’t say that I’m the best with my track record of doing it every day, but I try to at least do some deep breathing. I noticed I literally forget to breathe, which sounds wild, but sometimes I’m like, ‘Wait, I haven’t taken a real breath all day,’ and just taking 30 seconds to sit and do deep belly breathing is a game changer. Also, I think it’s so common to talk only about self-care as meditation, yoga, and working out, which are all important, but sometimes self-care is having a glass of wine with your best friend and laughing and watching sh*tty reality TV. Watching The Bachelor and drinking wine with my girls is awesome. Sometimes that’s the self-care that you need.”
On whether she worries about backlash for speaking candidly about hot-button issues: “I would say that I’m not coming at these topics as an actress. I’m coming at these topics as Laura, as a woman of reproductive age who’s affected by Roe v. Wade. I’m affected by Black Lives Matter issues because I’m a Black person in America, because that’s my family, because that’s my little brother walking down the street that I worry about. It’s not because of my job that I care about these issues. It’s because of my humanity that I do. To people who would say that, I would encourage them to look at their own humanity and ask themselves, ‘Why do I not care more?’ I don’t really worry about backlash because if I don’t get a job because I believe that women should have access to abortion, then that’s not a job that I want.”
Cosmopolitan’s Issue 6: The Mental Health Issue hits newsstands nationwide on October 4.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Shares Why She Has Doubts About Sheree Whitfield's Relationship With Martell Holt
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burrus is shocking many with her commentary on her co-stars. She typically takes the high road, but after being the subject of shade from Marlo Hampton and Sheree Whitfield this season, she’s no longer holding back. Whitfield’s love life is not off limits and Burruss has some questions about the legitimacy of Whitfield’s romance with Love & Marriage: Huntsville star Martell Holt.
Burruss says why she thinks Sheree Whitfield's new relationship is fake
Burruss previously revealed during a radio interview that she was skeptical of Whitfield’s relationship with Holt because he dated a friend of her’s not too long ago. She says Holt’s intentions seem to be for fame as he allegedly had paparazzi show up to take photos of him with the friend in question while they dined at her Atlanta steakhouse.
In her interview with Haus of Aaron, the host noted that Whitfield and Holt's relationship seems to be for the cameras as they have random paparazzi snaps of them whenever they are out.
“I was wondering the same thing. But I wasn’t going to say anything. You said it. Not me. I was like this is giving the same energy cause how we just gon be at a random park and the paparazzi’s there…like? Are they following you guys around? How did they know you’d be there?" Burruss asked.
Whitfield says she and Holt were introduced by a mutual friend, and they’ve been dating for several months. For many fans and insiders, the jury is still out on if the budding relationship is genuine.
#NewMusic from Robin Thicke Returns With New Single “Brown Liquor”
Robin Thicke is back with his new single “Brown Liquor”. The Yo Gotti assisted record is a contrast to the super soulful sound that we heard on Robin’s latest album “On Earth, and in Heaven” as he touches on more Hip Hop elements here, but it’s always a good thing for R&B when he releases new music.
LISTEN HERE
No word on if a new project is on the way, but what we do know is that Robin will be all over TV as “The Masked Singer” is back for another season. He has been very successful as one of the judge’s for the hit TV show.
#HipHopNews: Trina To Receive 'I Am Hip-Hop' Award At BET Hip-Hop Awards
Trina is finally getting her flowers. The Miami rap icon will be honored with the “I Am Hip-Hop” award at the 2022 BET Hip-Hop Awards next month.
“I am honored to receive and accept the 2022 I Am Hip Hop Award presented by BET,” Trina said in a statement. “As a legend with over 20 years in the music industry, consistency and unity have contributed to my Rockstarr power as a femcee. I believe when one woman wins, whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, we all WIN. Let’s keep winning!”
Trina rose to fame in 1998 with her feature on Trick Daddy’s “Nann Ni**a” and has paved the way for female rappers today. Throughout her 22-year career, she has released albums including her 2000 debut Da Baddest Bitch and her most recent, 2019’s The One.
She joins an illustrious list of legends who have previously received the “I Am Hip Hop” award including LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Lil’ Kim, Master P, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and last year’s recipient, Nelly.
Trina received props from her friend and collaborator Missy Elliott, who tweeted, “Most definitely deserved!! 💯 no debates @TRINArockstarr.”
Rihanna Confirmed for Super Bowl Halftime Show
Rihanna has slyly affirmed that she will be performing at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in Feb. 2023. Roc Nation also officially confirmed the singer’s participation through a statement released on Sunday.
The singer shared a picture of an NFL-branded football on her Instagram. The post came amid reports that the singer was “in talks” to headline the next Halftime Show.
The game, which typically draws one of the biggest single TV audiences of the year, is scheduled to be played at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 12.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” said Jay-Z in the official announcement. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
Although having Rihanna as a Halftime headliner is a logical conclusion on the Roc Nation front, the singer has not released an album since 2016. She has commented vaguely about two different albums in the years since (and been photographed coming in and out of recording studios), with one being described as a dancehall album. However, details remain scarce.
Regardless, the announcement was enough to rile up fans of the R&B singer, who hope her primetime appearance means a new album is finally on the way. Rihanna was also offered to headline the 2019 Halftime show but turned down the offer in a decision to show solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage. Rihanna is a once-in-a-generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career,” Seth Dudowsky, NFL’s head of music, said in a statement. “We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show will be telecast and produced by DPS. Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serve as executive producers and Hamish Hamilton serves as director. Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisors of the live performance.
“Rihanna is an incredible recording artist who is a favorite for many millions of Apple Music customers around the world,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation and the NFL to bring music and sports fans a momentous show — what an incredible artist for the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
This is the first year that Apple Music will serve as a sponsor for the halftime show, replacing the NFL’s longtime partner Pepsi. The NFL announced the move last week at midnight, which had fans hypothesizing that Taylor Swift would be a potential headliner due to Swift’s connection to the hour (Her forthcoming album is called “Midnights”). That was later disproved by sources close to Swift, who spoke to both People and TMZ and alleged that, although she had been approached by the NFL in the past, the pop phenom had turned down the offer.
In May, Pepsi officially renounced its title as a halftime show sponsor, choosing to walk away from a decade-long association that transformed the event from a lineup of primarily rock musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in favor of a new group of artists aiming at the younger generations that advertisers and the NFL seek to court. The NFL was said to be seeking significantly higher annual payments for the sponsorship rights. According to a press release issued by the league, the contract with the software company is a multi-year deal.
Apple has in recent months shown a greater interest in sports. Its streaming platform has started new deals with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer to show games to subscribers. Sports rights have long been the province of traditional media companies like Fox, Disney, Paramount Global and NBCUniversal, but technology companies like Apple and Amazon have made a bigger play for those rights as they seek to bring in consumers to their broadband subscription-video services. Amazon, for its part, is now a major NFL partner thanks to its control of rights to “Thursday Night Football.”
Earlier this year, the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show assembled a star-studded crew of artists including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. The performance achieved five Creative Arts Emmy nominations and won three Creative Arts Emmys, including outstanding live variety special — a first-ever for the Halftime show.
Past Super Bowl Halftime Show performances include the Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Prince, Madonna and more.
Apple Music will be offering sneak peeks of its Halftime ideas via its social handle on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
#OOOPS: The Blogger Nosey Heaux Apologizes For Making Comments About Nicki Minaj’s Son Amid Defamation Lawsuit
It looks like the drama between Nicki Minaj and celebrity blogger Nosey Heaux (real name Marley Green) is far from over.
While the two women are currently embroiled in a legal battle over defamation claims against Nicki Minaj (real name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty), the blogger has since issued an apology for seemingly inappropriate comments she made against the “Seeing Green” rapper.
In a tweet, Marley Green said,
“During a few of my live shows I made a comment about Nicki Minaj’s son. I was under a lot of stress and pressure at the time. But I apologize for those comments. No excuses. I will continue to fight to clear my name with the help of my team and lawyer. @bobbysamini.”
As previously reported, Nicki Minaj made it clear that she was going to take it to court with Marley Green for making some outlandish comments about her in a video she posted on Monday (Sept. 12).
In the video, Green reportedly said,
“[Minaj is] shoving all this cocaine, shoving in all this cocaine up her nose. Allegedly. Thank you. Allegedly. But we all know it’s true. F***-listen, I can’t even say allegedly with that ’cause I, we all know it’s true. I’m not saying allegedly on that. Nicki Minaj is a cokehead.”
Nicki also alleges that Green made “vile” comments about her one-year-old son, saying,
“Your baby is going to be a rapist, too.”
The remarks about her son (who goes by Papa Bear) were seemingly in reference to his father and Nicki‘s husband Kenneth Petty. Kenneth Petty was convicted in 1995 for the attempted rape of a woman named Jennifer Hough.
Judd Burstein, Nicki‘s lawyer, claims that the “cokehead” video on Twitter had more than 2,000 likes and more than 250 retweets at the time the lawsuit was filed. The rapper is now suing for defamation — claiming she has never been a cocaine user — and no less than $75,000 . In the event that Green loses the case and is unable to pay Nicki, the rapper is asking the court to hand over the blogger’s trademark.
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland Reach Settlement With Triller in Lawsuit Over Verzuz Payments
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have settled their lawsuit with Triller, after suing the service last month for $28 million, an amount they contended was owed after their sale of Verzuz to the service in March 2021.
Specific terms of the settlement were not revealed in the late Thursday announcement, beyond a promise that “the settlement will increase the ownership stake given to the artists that Timbaland and Swizz Beatz brought to Triller as part of the original deal.”
“Verzuz has always been a platform that is by the artists, for the artists and with the people,” Swizz Beatz and Timbaland said in a statement. “We’re glad to come to an amicable agreement with Triller and continue giving fans the music and community that they’ve come to know and love from the brand.”
“Verzuz and Triller will always be a safe place and outlet for creators and their art. Nothing will change that,” said Bobby Sarnevesht, Triller’s executive chairman and co-founder. “Nothing will change that. Creators started this and will continue building it. This is a victorious moment in the Triller and Verzuz relationship as we march together toward the public markets. Stay tuned.”
The lawsuit was filed in August by the two producers, who founded the popular Verzuz virtual battle series in March 2020 on Instagram Live, then sold it to Triller for undisclosed terms about a year later. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland (legal names: Kasseem Daoud Dean and Timothy Mosley) both received equity in the sale, along with 43 artists who had participated in the program. Their lawsuit alleged that Triller had failed to make a significant payment to the duo in January of this year, and that the service had agreed in a settlement to pay them a total of $18 million in March, followed by $1 million a month for the following 10 months — but that none of those promised payments had been forthcoming this year.
At the time of the August lawsuit, a Triller spokesperson responded with the claim that the company had already paid “over $50 million” in cash and stock to the pair so far, and that the pair had not met the threshold to receive any additional earn-out payments, which Triller said was at the heart of the dispute.
Said the Triller spokesperson in August, “It is unfortunate they elected to elevate this to the press as a ‘legal shakedown’ and it ignores the fact that they have deliverables which include, but are not limited to, delivery of a set number of Verzuz for 2022. We hope this was just overzealous lawyers jumping the gun… If this does proceed in court we look forward to a judgment that weighs all the facts.“
Six Verzuz challenges have aired so far in 2022, with the most recent being more than two months ago, when Luny Tunes and DJ Nelson competed on July 17.
The joint announcement Thursday said, “Swizz Beatz and Timbaland remain proud of the platform that they created with Verzuz and its acquisition by Triller due to the company’s willingness to celebrate and showcase artists.”
SZA Rents Out A Theater For Fans To See ‘The Woman King’ In New Jersey
The Woman King is proving to be one of the buzziest films of the year, as well as one of the most critically acclaimed. One of the film’s biggest supporters is SZA, who took to Twitter today to share that she rented out a theater in New Jersey.
“PLEASE GO SEEE ITTTT !,” she said in a tweet.
SZA herself won’t be at the theater, as she is performing at the Global Citizen Festival in Ghana. But no matter where she is, she is always looking to give back to New Jersey. Last year, she partnered with TAZO and American Forests to plant trees in neighborhoods affected by environmental racism.
“My grandma lives in Newark, N.J., and there are no trees anywhere,” SZA said in an interview with Elle last year. “Growing up around that area was definitely a downer.”
Viola Davis first discussed The Woman King earlier this year, during an interview with Oprah, which premiered on Netflix this April/
“Looking at all these young women who are a part of this story, I’m telling you, I see the future in a lot of these young girls,” she said. “The confidence they have, the work ethic they have, it made me feel so proud just looking at how they showed up every day for work, how they understood the assignment.”
Elijah McClain's death caused by ketamine injection, amended autopsy report says
AURORA, Colo (NBC). — An amended autopsy report released Friday revealed Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who died after a confrontation with police officers, died because he was injected with ketamine by paramedics after being forcibly restrained.
"I believe this tragic fatality is most likely the result of ketamine toxicity," the report said, adding McClain received a higher dosage of the sedative than he should have. "Simply put, this dosage of ketamine was too much for this individual and it resulted in an overdose."
The manner of McClain's death is undetermined, according to the amended report.
The original autopsy report, signed Nov. 7, 2019, said McClain's cause of death could not be determined, but new information that emerged during a grand jury investigation prompted the state attorney general's office to order a second autopsy.
"The opinions rendered were based on information available at that time. Since then, this office has received additional material for review including extensive body camera footage, witness statements, and additional records," the report said. "It is worth noting that these materials had been requested prior to release of the initial autopsy but the material was either not provided to us or not provided to us in their entirety."
The amended report comes one month after Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced that two police officers, one former officer and two paramedics in the Denver suburb of Aurora had been indicted and would be charged with one count each of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, among other allegations in the 32-count indictment.
Officers responding to a call about a suspicious person put McClain, a massage therapist, in a chokehold and paramedics later injected him with ketamine, a powerful sedative, on the night of Aug. 24, 2019, after McClain had bought iced tea at a corner store, authorities said. He died about a week later.
Although not unheard of, changing an official cause of death is rare, said Ian Farrell, an associate law professor at the University of Denver.
“In order for there to be a second autopsy, you have to have some reason to think that there was a problem with the first one,” he said.
The five named in the indictment will be arraigned Nov. 4 in Adams County District Court, state officials said. They are Aurora Police Officers Nathan Woodyard and Randy Roedema; former Aurora officer Jason Rosenblatt; and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec.
Weiser’s office declined to comment, and attorneys for the defendants could not be reached.
The new autopsy report was released to the public after Colorado Public Radio filed a lawsuit against the Adams County Coroner's Office for denying the news organization's request for a copy of the amended report.
Colorado-based media and First Amendment attorney Steve Zansberg, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Colorado Public Radio, said the new report could play a key role should the McClain case go to trial.
“The prosecution team will argue in court that the coroner’s office initially reached a conclusion that wasn’t initially well-informed,” he said. “The defendants will argue that the attorney general’s office persuaded or twisted the arm,” of the coroner’s office and that the original autopsy was accurate.
The original autopsy would not have made it impossible to get a conviction, but it presented a hurdle, said Farrell, who is not involved in the McClain case.
“I don’t think anyone can plausibly argue that if Mr. McClain had just been allowed to walk home that night, he would have died," he said. “So, at least in some sense, they (the defendants) caused his death by the things they did from a legal point of view.”
McClain had just come out of the store where he had bought iced tea when he was stopped by police responding to a call of a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms.
McClain usually wore a ski mask because of a blood condition that made him feel cold, according to his family.
The officers questioned him and then grabbed him when one of the officers thought McClain was reaching for a holstered gun.
Authorities said officers applied a carotid control hold on McClain, a type of chokehold meant to restrict blood to the brain to render a person unconscious.
Paramedics called to the scene injected McClain with ketamine to sedate him. Inside an ambulance about seven minutes later, McClain did not have a pulse and went into cardiac arrest, according to a report released later that year by then-District Attorney Dave Young. Medics were able to revive McClain, but he was declared brain dead and taken off life support less than a week later.
James Earl Jones retires as the voice of Darth Vader after nearly four decades
The legendary actor James Earl Jones’ voice will forever live on with the use of AI technology. In a new report published Friday (Sept. 23), Vanity Fair says Jones agreed to have his voice archived for future use in Star Wars projects.
He has voiced Darth Vader for nearly four decades. However, actor David Prowse played the Sith Lord in the original films. Jones first lent his voice to the franchise in 1977. Since then, his smooth vocals have been heard in several of the franchise’s other films and series. But now, he may finally be tipping his hat and preparing for retirement.
Matthew Wood of Lucasfilm told the publication that Jones, 91, wanted to “keep Vader alive.” Wood continued, “He had mentioned he was looking into winding down this particular character. So how do we move forward?” The use of AI was most recently used to recreate Jones’ voice in the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Throughout the years, he narrated commercials and documentaries. He also famously voiced Mufasa in 1997’s The Lion King and the live-action remake in 2019. The film also starred Beyoncé as Nala, and Donald Glover as Simba.
Jones has enjoyed a storied career of success in film and on the theater stage. In 2011, the Coming to America actor was awarded an honorary Oscar. The gold statuette thrust him into the elite group of entertainers known as EGOT winners.
The newest addition to the club is Jennifer Hudson. At this year’s Tony Awards ceremony, she completed her collection of coveted trophies when the stage play “A Strange Loop” won Best Musical. “I’m still processing it. To be able to know fully what that means, the company that I’m in … because it came as a surprise. I did not fully see it coming,” she told “CBS Morning” co-anchor Gayle King on Sept. 9. Hudson is the second Black female EGOT. Of the 17 EGOT winners, only five are Black.
Nia Long breaks her silence amid Ime Udoka's cheating scandal
As the story continues to unfold around the Nia Long and Ime Udoka controversy, the actress has broken her silence. In an exclusive with People, Long described the situation as a “difficult time.”
“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” Long said in a statement to the outlet today (Sept. 23). She added, “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”
Udoka also issued a statement yesterday (Sept. 22) asking for privacy during this time. “I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment,” he said.
As previously reported that the Boston Celtics coach was recently outed for having a workplace affair with a female staffer. The news broke on Wednesday (Sept. 21). Since then, there has been a ton of support for Long. Fans on Twitter were furious with Udoka, noting that Long has “never been in the news for anything but her work,” but is now tied to a messy cheating scandal.
Long and Udoka have been together since 2010. The following year, they welcomed their son Kez Sunday Udoka into the world. She also has a 21-year-old son named Massai Dorsey II from a previous relationship. According to TMZ, Long was left in the dark about the affair.
Rihanna Rocks Thigh-High Leather Boots for Night Out in NYC
Rihanna is heading out for the night! The 34-year-old singer, designer, and makeup mogul made her way out to her waiting ride on Saturday night (September 24) in New York City.
For her night out, Rihanna rocked a gray, black, and tan jacket over a gray dress paired black, thigh-high leather boots.
Last week, Rihanna and boyfriend A$AP Rocky were spotted hitting up a studio three nights in a row while in Los Angeles.
John Cena sets Guinness World Record for most Make-A-Wish wishes granted
Actor, wrestler, and part-time genie John Cena has just set a new Guinness World Record, the organization revealed today: Most Make-A-Wish wishes granted, at a massive 650.
And, let’s be clear: This particular competition isn’t even close. As far as we can tell, Cena is smashing his own record here; when he passed 500 wishes made back in 2015, that was also reported as the most that a celebrity had ever granted to kids. If you do the math, the additional 150 wishes granted in the last 7 years averages out to 21 wishes (or 0.7 deciLamps) per year, significantly more than any particular wish-granting well or magical fish you might hope to name.
Back when he crossed the 500 mark, Cena noted that visiting kids as part of the Make-A-Wish program is pretty much his favorite thing to do: “I just drop everything,” Cena said. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.” Descriptions of a typical Cena wish granting include high fives, championship belts, and wrestling tickets.
Per THR, Cena remains the organization’s most-requested celebrity, which isn’t wholly surprising, given what a huge swathe of culture his career has touched over the last few decades, from his continuing fame as a wrestler through his increasingly prominent work as an actor. (Not that we think a lot of Make-A-Wish kids are tuning in to Peacemaker, but the guy’s still one of the most famous people on the planet at this point.)
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Cena, talking about the families he meets, back in 2015: “I want them to have an experience that will stay with them to forever. I don’t ever want the children or their families to be treated in a way where they feel as if they’re up against anything at all.”
Over 70 Lawsuits Have Reportedly Been Filed Against Social Media Companies By Concerned Parents Who Claim Apps Are Leading Their Kids To Commit Suicide
A Bloomberg report claims that over 70 lawsuits have been filed against social media firms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta, claiming that their algorithms are designed to “hook” their children onto their platform, and it’s causing real-world harm to them. The publication notes how a nine-year-old boy had binge-watched YouTube videos for several days of the week before he’d spend the rest of his evening scrolling on TikTok and Snapchat, where he ended up sharing a nude photo with a stranger that circulated the photo to others.
Of the dozens of lawsuits, one parent claimed their 16-year-old daughter from Utah became so conscious of her looks that she developed bulimia because she wanted to look like the women she follows on Instagram, while an 11-year-old girl from Connecticut committed suicide after developing severe sleep deprivation from her addiction to Instagram and Snapchat.
At least seven of the legal disputes derive from distraught parents whose children died by suicide due to these apps, including Google, ByteDance, and Facebook, which the plaintiffs say are not being regulated properly and continue to wreck harm to minors. In a court filing to contend the death of the Connecticut child, however, Snapchat said, “All sorts of services may be ‘addictive’ in the habit-forming sense—from television to video games to shopping for clothes—but the law does not impose liability simply for creating an activity which some may do too much, even where, as here, it allegedly results in tragedy.”
The lawsuits are mainly focused on bringing a change to how the algorithms accumulate content for the intended consumer under Section 230. And while Jen King, who is a research fellow at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, believes there have been very few studies performed to fully understand the effects of social media addiction, the legalities surrounding this case could potentially see a judge rule in the plaintiff’s favor.
Janet Majewski, the mother of 14-year-old Emily, who also committed suicide, says that parents are not always seeing what their children come across on social media. She added that the goal of these firms “is to get as much time from these kids on their product, but there’s no safeguards. They need to change what they’re feeding these children—change the algorithm so it doesn’t take them into these dark places.”
WNBA Players Boycott Playing In Russia Amid Brittney Griner’s Imprisonment
WNBA players are boycotting playing for Russia amid Brittney Griner’s imprisonment after her sentencing.
The league’s top players, Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones, have opposed playing for Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg team this winter. Although the earnings equal millions of dollars from playing in the country’s league, the players decided to stand in solidarity with Griner and won’t play until she’s freed. Stewart said she’s decided to play for Turkey with Jones while Vandersloot will play in Hungary for the offseason.
“Honestly, my time in Russia has been wonderful, but especially with BG still wrongfully detained there, nobody’s going to go there until she’s home. I think that you know, now, people want to go overseas, and if the money is not much different, they want to be in a better place,” she said to Associated Press.
Vandersloot said Griner’s situation has made it unsafe for other players to play for the country.
“I am Hungarian. I thought it would be special since I haven’t played there since I got the citizenship. The thing about it is, we were treated so well by our club and made such strong relationships with those people, I would never close the door on that. The whole situation with BG makes it really hard to think that it’s safe for anyone to go back there right now.”
This year’s Rookie of the Year, Rhyne Howard, decided to play in Italy after carefully deciding on her first overseas career debut. However, the WNBA has attempted to encourage its players to stay home during the offseason, but the promises of making millions overseas override the suggestion for most players.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the top players could make about $700,000 this year with base salary, marketing agreements, and award bonuses.
Britney Griner was waiting for her appeal and was reportedly experiencing stress.
Griner is waiting for her appeal to be approved by a judge after filing for it amid her nine-year sentencing. Even if the appeal gets approved, her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, said it could take months for the legal process, and she wouldn’t be released this year.
“We need to use every legal opportunity that we have, and appeal is one of these opportunities,”
Constance Wu Says She Was Sexually Harassed by ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ Producer
Constance Wu has come forward with sexual misconduct allegations.
According to the New York Times, the 40-year-old actress detailed the incidents in her upcoming memoir, Making a Scene. Wu said the sexual harassment began during the inaugural season of Fresh Off the Boat, the now-defunct sitcom in which she played fan-favorite matriarch Jessica Huang. Wu declined to reveal the perpetrator’s name, but said he was a senior member of the show’s production team.
Wu said the harassment started years before the #MeToo movement shook Hollywood. She claimed the producer had tried to control various aspects of her life, including how she dressed and what business ventures she pursued. Wu admitted she tried to see the producer as a “friend and protector,” as she was too afraid to push back on his demands.
“‘Fresh Off the Boat’ was my first-ever TV show,” she wrote. “I was thrown into this world. I don’t have parents in the industry. And because I was 30, people thought I knew what I was doing. It made me paranoid and embarrassed.”
Wu claimed that during a sporting event in 2015, the producer placed his hand on her thigh and grazed her crotch.
“Aside from that basketball game, he never touched me inappropriately,” Wu wrote. “To be honest, it didn’t feel like a big deal at the time. I was fine. Happy, even! I was genuinely grateful for his support, and it made him feel good to protect me, too. It was a win-win situation where he was the helpful to my helpless. But to maintain that dynamic he needed me to be helpless. And for a while… I was.”
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Wu said once the second season began filming, she felt much more empowered to stand up for herself. She stopped speaking to the producer after they had an explosive argument about whether he would accompany her to a film festival.
“I kept my mouth shut for a really long time about a lot of sexual harassment and intimidation that I received the first two seasons of the show,” Wu said Friday during a Friday appearance at the Atlantic Festival. “Because, after the first two seasons, once it was a success, once I was no longer scared of losing my job, that’s when I was able to start saying ‘no’ to the harassment, ‘no’ to the intimidation, from this particular producer. And, so I thought: ‘You know what? I handled it. Nobody has to know. I don’t have to stain this Asian American producer’s reputation. I don’t have to stain the reputation of the show.’”
ABC declined to comment on the allegations.
Elsewhere in the book, Wu addresses the backlash she received over a 2019 tweetstorm.
“Fucking hell [...] So upset right now that I’m literally crying. Ugh. Fuck,” she wrote, after Fresh Off the Boat was renewed for a sixth season.
Fans immediately criticized Wu for her reaction, accusing her of being selfish and ungrateful. Wu admitted her comments were “careless,” but the backlash was so severe she attempted suicide.
“I had a public image that was not very much like myself. I’m not really that wholesome of a person,” Wu said. “I try not to make myself out to be a hero. I try to make myself out to be a pretty normal person who has flaws like everybody else. I’m not really into the actor memoir where it’s like, ‘I overcame the odds, and I’m this person who was humble and just kept working. I was the victim.’ It’s less black and white than simply victim and perpetrator.”
Making a Scene will drop Oct. 4.
#RIP: Jazz Musician Pharoah Sanders Has Died at Age 81
*(CNN) — Jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders has died at the age of 81, according to an announcement Saturday by record label Luaka Bop and a statement from his representative.
“We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away,” Luaka Bop wrote on Twitter. “He died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends in Los Angeles earlier this morning. Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace.”
In an email to CNN, Sanders’ representative, Anna Sala, confirmed the musician’s death and called it “a huge loss for the music world.”
“His work influenced many generations of artists,” Sala said.
Inmate’s Family Hires Attorney After Photos Of His ‘Deteriorating Health’ In Alabama Prison Go Viral
The sister of an Alabama inmate shared pictures of her brother languishing in a prison cell in order to bring attention to his rapidly declining health.
Kassie Vaughn shared the disturbing images of Kastellio Vaughn while incarcerated at the Elmore Correctional Facility. The pictures show a before and after of Kastellio, with the first photo of him appearing healthy and sitting on a bed and his most recent condition. In the newer images, Kastellio appears severely malnourished, with his ribs showing and stomach distended.
In one of the photos, Kastellio appears barely conscious and slumped over against a wall. Kassie says that he is weak and cannot walk or stand.
Kastellio’s condition was brought to light when Kassie said she received the pictures with a note that said, “get help.” Before that, she last saw her almost 32-year-old brother back in July, when he appeared healthy and in “good condition.”
In follow-up posts, Kassie revealed that the family hired civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, and the family learned Kastellio had been transferred to Stranton Correctional Facility in Montgomery.
Kastellio underwent surgery in August to remove a portion of his intestine due to gunshot injuries he sustained before going to prison. A homeowner shot him during a robbery. He spent a week in the hospital before being indicted on first-degree robbery. He is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.
It’s believed that Kastellio was discharged from the hospital the same day of his surgery last month. He was immediately placed back into the general population at Elmore.
“Due to inadequate facilities, abuse, and medical neglect, Vaughan’s medical condition rapidly deteriorated,” Merritt said in a statement. “Vaughan is believed to have lost 75 pounds in less than a month.”
Kastellio’s surgical scars were left exposed to unsanitary conditions and maybe infected, according to the statement.
“Alabama state prisons have a duty to provide the appropriate medical care for Mr. Vaughan while he remains in their custody,” Merritt said. “Prisoners are entitled to the same basic human decency as all other citizens in our country.”
On Thursday, the Alabama Department of Corrections said in an emailed statement to AL.com that they are aware of the concern for Kastellio and he is receiving care.
“He is assigned to Elmore Correctional Facility (CF) but is currently housed at Staton Medical Observation Unit. ADOC’s Office of Health Services has fully investigated his situation from a clinical perspective, and he has been offered all necessary treatment for his condition,” it read. “Also, he has been in touch with his family to update them on his situation.”
Since Kastellio’s story has gone viral, several celebrities have taken to social media to share their reaction to the disturbing images.
DL Hughley shared a post by Shaun King with the hashtag #thisisamerica. Shaun King vowed to join the case while encouraging others to donate to the family’s GoFundMe.
Florida Under State Of Emergency As Tropical Storm Ian Nears
Forecasters have warned Tropical Storm Ian could threaten the state of Florida as a major hurricane early next week.
The update came late Saturday afternoon from the National Hurricane Center. However, it appears to keep Palm Beach County out of the “cone” of potential impacts, with weather teams predicting a landfall north of Tampa early Thursday morning.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday expanded a “state of emergency” to all 67 counties in the state in preparation for Ian, which is predicted to become Hurricane Ian within the coming days, the Palm Beach Daily News reported.
“The threat posed by Tropical Storm Ian requires that timely precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of Florida,” the governor wrote in his amended executive order on Saturday afternoon.
“Tropical Storm Ian is forecasted to become a major hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s west coast,” he continued.
There has since been a mix of reaction and precaution measures among state residents.
National Weather Service meteorologist Sammy Hadi noted that the storm, about 250 miles southeast of Jamaica at 5 p.m., was gaining strength. The storm was moving west at 16 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
In addition to the state of emergency, DeSantis requested a pre-landfall Emergency Declaration from the federal government that will allow for resources to protect and support local efforts against Ian.
With the declaration of a state of emergency, the Florida National Guard has been activated and is awaiting orders.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘MAXINE NIGHTINGALE’?
What a Teddy
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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