#MAGFAB: Mariah Carey for W Magazine - Holiday Issue 2022
Cute! The article is HERE!
#RIP: Legendary Artist Christine McVie, singer-songwriter of Fleetwood Mac, dies aged 79
Christine McVie, who played with Fleetwood Mac and wrote some of their most famous songs, has died aged 79, her family has said.
The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don't Stop, Say You Love Me, and Songbird.
She died peacefully at a hospital in the company of her family, a statement said.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998 but returned in 2014.
The family's statement said "we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally".
Born Christine Perfect, McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and joined the group in 1971.
Fleetwood Mac was one of the world's best known rock bands in the 1970s and '80s.
Their 1977 album Rumours - inspired by the break-ups of the McVies and the band's other couple, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks - became one of the biggest selling of all time, with more than 40 million copies sold worldwide.
A statement by the band said of McVie: "We were so lucky to have a life with her.
"Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed."
#RHOA: Chris and Monique Samuels Share Why They Quit Love & Marriage DC After One Season
Former Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels and her husband, Chris Samuels, are exiting OWN’s Love and Marriage: DC ahead of its second season.
Monique confirmed the news while appearing on her radio show, which was captured by @RealityRunDown, and she said that the reasoning behind the decision to leave the series was “contract issues.” She said that they were planning on returning to the show for the second season, but they turned down the offer because it “didn’t make sense” for her. Monique also said that the divorce rumors surrounding the couple were “convenient,” adding that she doesn’t know who “leaked” the rumors.
“The main reason we didn’t start filming was because of contract issues. So, God works in mysterious ways,” Monique explained. “Because how convenient was it that this whole divorce narrative was put out there.”
“So, yes, it is true. Chris and I will not be returning.”
The offer must have been extremely insulting as Monique divulged that she and Chris are leaving the world of reality television altogether, stating that the couple is “done with reality TV, honestly.”
“I will never put myself in a position to be devalued again. The contract has to make sense to me,” the former RHOP star explained.
Rumors first began swirling of the couple leaving the show after OWN dropped not one but two promos for Love and Marriage: DC, and neither one of them featured Monique and Chris.
According to sources at TV Deets, Monique and Chris’ departure comes on the heels of rumors that the couple is going through a rough patch in their marriage and are separating. During BravoCon 2022, Monique was quick to shut down any rumors of a fallout very quickly.
On October 15, Monique took to her Instagram to deny the claims and flaunt her wedding ring, captioning the video, “No better source than the actual source. Y’all already know how I roll. I give my own damn exclusives.”
Love and Marriage: DC chronicled Monique and Chris’ reintroduction to the reality world after her ungracious exit from RHOP after physically assaulting her former co-star, Candiace Dillard-Bassett, during season five.
Monique, surprisingly, credited RHOP for “saving her marriage.”
“People always say that reality TV tears your marriage down. What people don’t realize is that Real Housewives of Potomac in some ways saved my marriage,” Monique confessed to Entertainment Tonight back in July. “Chris and I, before we started filming that show, we were in a really rough place.”
Insiders believe that Monique and Chris’ exit from the show may be making way for their return to RHOP, though no evidence has been given to confirm this theory. However, Monique wouldn’t be the first housewife to proclaim she’s done with the show, only to return later.
#MusicNews: The King of Pop Michael Jackson Hits Billboard Top 10
Michael Jackson re-enters the Artist 100 at No. 10, reaching the top 10 for the first time (since the chart started in 2014), thanks to a new 40th anniversary reissue of his classic LP Thriller. The album vaults 115-7 on the Billboard 200 (37,000 units, up 283%), returning to the top 10 for the first time since its initial chart run. The set tallied 37 weeks at No. 1 in 1983-84, the longest reign for an album by a single artist and second overall only to the West Side Story soundtrack (54 weeks in 1962-63).
The Artist 100 measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption, blending album and track sales, radio airplay and streaming to provide a weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist popularity.
#HipHopNews: LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Announces First-Ever Hip Hop Cruise With Trina, Trick Daddy & More
THE BAHAMAS - LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells has announced the inaugural Hip Hop Experience Cruise in celebration of the genre turning 50 years old next year.
The unique cruise experience will be brought to life in partnership with Sixthman, and the Norwegian Pearl sets sail from Miami to The Bahamas on November 13, 2023 for four nights through November 17, 2023.
There will be a full lineup of performers announced at a later date but guests will be welcomed to a kick-off party on the boat’s deck with a concert from Trina and Trick Daddy.
“It took 50 years, but it’s finally here! This Cruise is for Hip-Hop, because you deserve it,” LL COOL J wrote to Instagram. “The Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is setting sail in 2023. We’re dropping the line up at the top of the new year, but put $100 down to reserve your cabin today or sign up to be the first in line.”
Tickets for the cruise are currently on sale with prices ranging from $800 up to over $5,000 per person depending on the package customers desire. Those who buy tickets before the year ends will only have to put down a $100 minimum payment and earn a free three-month subscription to SiriusXM.
There will be plenty of fun activities throughout the day for vacationers on the voyage from Miami to The Bahamas which will include pool deck parties with Kid Capri, DJ battles, rap karaoke, interactive graffiti, podcasts, roller skating, open mic nights, movie screenings, art galleries, tattoos, basketball and Bun B’s Trill Mealz Food Court.
“At Rock The Bells, we believe classic and timeless Hip Hop deserves to be served on a silver platter and we can’t wait for Hip Hop lovers across the globe to be immersed in the culture for five days, on five stages,” said Rock The Bell’s President James Cuthbert. “We’re excited to partner with Sixthman, who bridges the gap between artists and fans, creating unforgettable guest experiences.”
LL COOL J founded Rock The Bells in 2018 with a focus on uplifting the culture and elements of Hip Hop. The brand uses content, commerce, merchandise and various experiences, such as the upcoming inaugural festival, to remind fans where Hip Hop came from.
The name of the brand comes from LL COOL J’s 1985 hit “Rock The Bells” and the rap icon had to take ownership back after another company had used the name for their own festival in the mid-2000s.
In July, LL Cool J took to social media to explain why he founded Rock The Bells. “I founded @RockTheBells because I believe Hiphop culture isn’t disposable,” he tweeted. “I also believe true art/artists don’t have an expiration date.”
Brooklyn’s Hakeem Jeffries elected first Black Democratic House Leader
Brooklyn Congress Member Hakeem Jeffries was formally elected House Democratic Leader Wednesday morning during a vote of the House Democratic Conference, making history as the first African American top Democrat in Washington’s lower chamber, The Washington Post reported.
It was clear that Jeffries would be the most likely replacement for outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), as soon as she announced she wouldn’t be seeking reelection as the chamber’s leading Democrat earlier this month. Jeffries is set to become the House Democratic Minority Leader for the 118th Congress at the start of the new year.
Pelosi’s decision followed the party losing its House majority during this year’s midterm elections, in large part due to the GOP flipping three districts and winning two open seats in the Empire State.
With Jeffries’ ascension to be the top Democrat in the House, Washington’s two Democratic Congressional leaders will both be from Brooklyn – as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lives less than a mile away from him.
Mayor Eric Adams said he’s looking forward to having a “good friend” and fellow Brooklyn native take the reins of the House Democratic Conference, during an unrelated press conference Tuesday.
“We spoke the other day and I’m just really excited about these two Brooklyn kids,” Adams said of himself and Jeffries. “One is running the largest city in America and the other is going to be leading his delegation in Washington. We both talked about this as a great moment for our city, and we look forward to this.”
The mayor added that having a representative from New York City in the top job could help the city with certain priorities, like securing relief funds for handling the migrant crisis.
U.S. Beats Iran, Advances To Second Round Of World Cup
The U.S. beat Iran 1-0 in a gutsy must-win game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, sending the team to the second round of the tournament where it will face The Netherlands in a knockout-stage game this weekend.
Christian Pulisic made the difference today with a charging goal in the 38th minute of a dominant first half for the Americans at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. It was the 22nd U.S. goal for the Chelsea striker, though he was injured during the play and was subbed out at halftime.
The U.S. needed a victory in the Group B match to advance. With the win, they will play Group A winner the Dutch to open the second-round knockout stage Saturday. That game will air on it the U.S. on Fox, Telemundo and Peacock at 10 a.m. ET.
The U.S. missed the World Cup in 2018 but has now reached the round of 16 for three consecutive World Cup appearances and in four of its past five overall. The win also snapped a five-game winless streak for Team USA that included a disappointing 1-1 tie in its World Cup opener against Wales, and a much stronger effort but a 0-0 tie against eventual Group B winner England.
That U.S.-England game on Black Friday drew 15.4 million viewers on Fox, while another 4.6M tuned in to the U.S. Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo, Peacock and digital platforms. That was up 33% for the U.S.’ opener against Wales.
England beat Wales 3-0 in the other final group game Tuesday and will play Senegal in the knockout round. Iran and Wales have been eliminated. Group play continues through Friday, with fates up in the air for pre-tournament favorites including Argentina, Spain, Germany and Belgium among others.
On Pulisic’s goal, Weston McKennie’s through ball found Sergiño Dest streaming into the right side of the penalty box. Dest headed it across the goal box to a charging Pulisic, who pushed the ball on one hop past reaching Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, but the two collided. Pulisic stayed down for several minutes.
Pulisic’s status for the rest of the team’s tournament run is unclear but Fox reported after the game that he was taken to the hospital with an abdominal injury. Pulisic, considered one of Team’s USA’s best players and scorers, later tweeted from his hospital bed that he’d be back for Saturday.
The U.S. dominated possession in the first half and had a 8-0 lead in shots, but the second half was more nervy as Iran pressed for the equalizer. The U.S. made more defensive subs late and sweated through 9-plus minutes of extra time, including central defender Walker Zimmerman, one of those subs, clearing away one ball off the goal line after it got past U.S. keeper Matt Turner in 98th minute to help the cause.
There was plenty of tension outside the soccer aspect in the U.S.-Iran matchup, a rematch of a 1998 World Cup meeting where Iran beat the U.S. 2-1. Qatari officials have been working to minimize protests surrounding Iran and its unrest at home stemming from the death in September of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.
The U.S. Soccer Federation omitted the Islamic Republic emblem from Iran’s flag in social media posts previewing today’s game. Iran made a formal protest to FIFA, the World Cup organizer, to kick Team USA out of the tournament for the slight.
The USSF later told CNN the symbolic move was made to “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.” The IR emblem was back on all flags after 24 hours.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West finally settle divorce, rapper will pay $200K a month in child support
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have finally settled their divorce, Yahoo Entertainment can confirm. The two sides reached an agreement on custody and property issues, a little less than two years after breaking up.
According to People and TMZ, both stars will get "equal access" to their four children: North, 9, Saint, who turns 7 next month, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3. Kardashian and West, who legally changed his name to Ye, had a prenup in place so assets were divided up accordingly. Neither party will get spousal support; however, Ye must pay $200,000 a month to his ex-wife in child support. He will also be responsible for half of the children's educational and security expenses.
Ye has publicly slammed Kardashian for her parenting, like how she won't send their kids to his now-shuttered Donda Academy. The settlement purportedly states that if there's ever a disagreement regarding the kids, both Ye and the reality star agree to participate in mediation. If one of them fails to show up, the other gets to make the decision.
Although Kardashian and Ye's divorce was drawn out, it wasn't for lack of trying on her part. The rapper went through a handful of lawyers and blew off depositions. After Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021 he tried to win her back to no avail. Kardashian asked the court to declare her legally single — which the Grammy winner opposed — as they worked through the divorce settlement. The Kardashians star claimed Ye was causing "emotional distress" by airing "misinformation regarding our private family matters and co-parenting on social media." A judge granted her request nine months ago.
Kardashian and Ye began dating in 2012 and married in 2014. They weathered many storms throughout their relationship, like her robbery in Paris and the rapper's hospitalization in 2016. Their marriage hit the ultimate rough patch in 2020 during his failed bid for presidency where he disclosed deeply personal information about their family. In a rare statement, Kardashian asked for "compassion" as she addressed his bipolar disorder. She filed for divorce seven months later.
In recent months, Kardashian and Ye have been spotted together at parenting functions; however, it's unclear how amicable the two are amid the rapper's headline-making behavior. Ye was dropped by numerous companies, including Adidas, after making antisemitic remarks. The rapper recently had dinner with former President Donald Trump and his new pal, white nationalist Nick Fuentes. He's enlisted alt-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos to helm his presidential campaign for 2024.
First Lady Jill Biden Unveils White House Christmas Decorations 2022
The holiday season is in full swing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
First lady Dr. Jill Biden just revealed this year’s Christmas decorations at the White House, sharing photos of the festive decor on Instagram.
“For this year’s holidays at the White House, we hope to capture the spirit embodied in the very idea of America: We the People,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
There are 77 Christmas trees throughout the White House in this year's decorations. (@flotus via Instagram)
“As our country gathers for the holidays, traditions may vary, but our shared American values — a belief in possibility, optimism, and unity — endure each season,” she continued. “Room by room, visitors will be reminded of what brings us together during the holidays, and throughout the year.”
Each decorated area of the White House offers a different take on the “We the People” theme.
The East Wing focuses on honor of remembrance and includes Christmas trees with gold stars engraved with the names of fallen service members.
The East Colonnade has a reflective, peaceful feel, lined with white winter trees and handmade animals that evoke “the feelings of peace and tranquility after the first snowfall,” the White House said in a release.
The Vermeil Room, meanwhile, explores the theme of “Kindness & Gratitude” and includes a tribute to the nonprofit organization Operation Gratitude, which delivers care packages to troops, first responders and military families.
The room also features illustrations of the Bidens’ cat, Willow, and their German Shepherd, Commander, “reminding us of the gift of unconditional love.”
As is customary, preparations for the White House Christmas decorations began in the spring. This year, there are 77 Christmas trees throughout the White House, and more than 83,615 holiday lights adorning the various trees, wreaths and displays.
“During your visit to the People’s House, through rooms full of history and holiday décor, in the mirrored ornaments and reflective lights, our hope is that you feel at home and find yourself in the great story of America,” the first lady wrote in an introductory letter to the 2022 White House Holiday Guide. “May the promise of We the People light our path forward into the New Year and bring us together always.”
Another traditional highlight is the Gingerbread White House, which this year includes a sugar cookie replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
The Gingerbread White House was made “with 20 sheets of cookie dough, 30 sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate and 40 pounds of royal icing,” according to the White House.
Earlier this month, Jill Biden received the White House Christmas tree, an 18.5-foot Concolor fir, which now stands in the Blue Room.
This year’s tree features handmade versions of the official bird of each U.S. state and territory, and the District of Columbia.
“The individual tree trimmings shine on their own,” the White House said in their release, “but woven together, this unified collection transforms a humble fir into a stunning symbol of We the People.”
Husband Of Xscape's LaTocha Scott Allegedly Expecting Baby From Extramarital Affair
LaTocha Scott's husband Rocky Bivens may have been unfaithful to her. The music manager has reportedly had an affair with an Instagram model, who has exposed his alleged infidelity on social media as she lamented their "complicated relationship."
Unykue Foucha, who sets her Instagram page private, took to the social media account to reveal her alleged affair with Rocky. It seems that they have been in a secret relationship for years, but she has become tired of hiding it from the public and has decided to come clean about it.
"The most f**ked up thing the universe can do to you is let you meet the right person at the wrong time," she wrote. "I'm just tired of living a lie all these years and ready to live in my truth freely and in peace unapologetically."
Unykue continued, "I have no beef with Latocha, never interfered with any of his dealings with Xscape, never made him choose. Me and Rocky had our own situation. I know this may be shocking news but this was a very complicated relationship that I couldn't speak on for obvious reasons."
Staying hopeful, the Instagram model concluded her message, "Life can be a b***h and ima make sure mines is beautiful either way. It is what it is."
She then insinuated that she's pregnant with Rocky's child as she shared a sonogram picture of her apparent unborn child. "Timeless Love Bivens," she captioned it.
Neither LaTocha nor Rocky has responded to Unykue's claims. The 49-year-old singer, who is a member of the multi-platinum selling R&B group Xscape, has been married to her husband since 1995. Their son Jamon was born in August 1997.
Meanwhile, social media users have slammed Unykue for being a side chick and then airing Rocky's alleged dirty laundry. "Basketball Wives" star Tami Roman commented, "Boy when you're going thru stuff the devil will simply try to break you in half! This is not cute. Since you allegedly been with her HUSBAND you got numbers, call her, not include us in the chat."
Musician Tiyon Christian weighed in, "Dayummm smh Not sis thinking she could interfere with Xscape's situation. Not this being her announcement that she's pregnant." Another user echoed the sentiment, "I mean you can't have beef with the wife , she's not the one messing around with your husband . S**t like this makes me upset ."
"The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" star Phaedra Parks, meanwhile, commented on the inappropriate name that Unykue gives to her unborn child, "Timeless Love I'm head on out…."
Samuel L. Jackson Pushes Back On Pal Quentin Tarantino's Marvel Criticism
Samuel L. Jackson may have worked together with Quentin Tarantino on a number of projects, but it doesn't mean that they're always on the same page about everything. The actor has fought back at the director's claims that Marvel actors are "not movie stars."
The Nick Fury depicter in Marvel Cinematic Universe responded to his pal's anti-Marvel comments when appearing in a Tuesday, November 29 episode of "The View". Pushing back on Quentin's criticism, he said, "It takes an actor to be those particular characters, and the sign of movie stardom has always been, what, asses in seats? What are we talking about?"
The 73-year-old added, "That's not a big controversy for me to know that apparently these actors are movie stars. Chadwick Boseman is Black Panther. You can't refute that, and he's a movie star."
Jackson has starred in three films which were directed by Tarantino, "Pulp Fiction" (1994), "Jackie Brown" (1997) and "Django Unchained" (2012). He made his debut as Fury in "Iron Man" (2008) and has subsequently appeared in other films like "Captain America: The First Avenger", "Avengers: Endgame" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home". He is set to reprise the role on the upcoming Disney+ series "Secret Invasion" and in "The Marvels", the sequel to "Captain Marvel".
Tarantino criticized the Marvelisation of Hollywood during his appearance on "2 Bears, 1 Cave" podcast. "You have all these actors who have become famous playing these characters," he said. "But they're not movie stars. Right? Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star. I mean, I'm not the first person to say that. I think that's been said a zillion times … but it's like, you know, it's these franchise characters that become a star."
While he said he doesn't hate Marvel, the 59-year-old dislikes their current ubiquity. "Look, I used to collect Marvel comics like crazy when I was a kid," he said. "There's an aspect that if these movies were coming out when I was in my twenties, I would totally be f**king happy and totally love them. I mean, they wouldn't be the only movies being made. They would be those movies amongst other movies. But, you know, I'm almost 60, so yeah. No, I'm not quite as excited about them."
Simu Liu, who has also joined MCU with his role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", was the first actor to respond to Tarantino's claims. Clapping back at the filmmaker as well as Martin Scorsese, who has previously expressed his dislike at superhero films, he tweeted on November 22, "If the only gatekeepers to movie stardom came from Tarantino and Scorsese, I would never have had the opportunity to lead a $400 million plus movie." The 33-year-old hunk noted, "I am in awe of their filmmaking genius. They are transcendent auteurs. But they don't get to point their nose at me or anyone."
The Canadian actor went on praising Marvel's diversity while calling out old Hollywood. "No movie studio is or ever will be perfect. But I'm proud to work with one that has made sustained efforts to improve diversity onscreen by creating heroes that empower and inspire people of all communities everywhere," he added in a separate tweet. "I loved the 'Golden Age' too.. but it was white as hell."
Wendy Williams Accused By Brother Tommy Of 'Abandoning' Elderly Dad: It's Her 'Loss'
Wendy Williams' brother Tommy Williams has opened up more about their family drama. In a new interview, Tommy accused the former daytime queen of "abandoning" their father Thomas Williams Sr.
In an article published by The Sun on Monday, November 28, Tommy claimed, "Wendy hasn't been in communication the way we anticipated. Everybody's able to kind of shrug it off, but it's painful when it comes to her father, it's painful." He wistfully noted, "I think it's necessary for her to see him and let him know what her status is, but she doesn't communicate with him."
The younger sibling then said of their father, "He's 92 in February, and he's in great shape, but she's really missing out." He continued, "It is more painful because this is the month of our mother's passing, and now she hasn't progressed with her relationship with her father. I can't understand it," before stressing, "It's really Wendy's loss."
"We'll see what the holidays bring," Tommy told the outlet, seemingly hoping that Wendy can fix her broken bond with the family. "If a sporadic trip to Florida pops up fantastic, but I imagine that it won't because if she was coming the normal behavior is to communicate…to let someone know you're coming down for the holidays," Tommy added.
Tommy went on to say that he tries not to bring his sister up in conversation with their father as it's become a painful subject. "I'm thinking about Wendy, and I know if I'm thinking about Wendy…he's thinking about Wendy, too. I don't want to bring in any depression. When I ask if he's heard from her and he says 'No,' I can see the pain in his eyes," he shared.
"This is the holidays…this is the point where I'm going to be on the attack and lambasting her behavior," Tommy explained, before reasoning, "Because the biggest gift my father could have is knowing his daughter is doing okay…or at least what the official status is of Wendy."
"I'm frustrated because as days go in, days go out," Tommy admitted. He further elaborated that "the absence is the big monster in the room and all Wendy has to do is show up. She wouldn't have to do anything, say anything, don't come bearing gifts…just be a family member."
Wendy was last photographed with her father celebrating his 91st birthday in Florida in February. In the pictures, the former "The Wendy Williams Show" host appeared to be in good spirits in the pictures, holding her father's hand while having a lighthearted conversation with him. Her dad also appeared to be delighted with her presence as he flashed a smile during the chat. "Daddy's 91st birthday! Enjoying it in the most relaxing way possible," read the caption of the post.
Earlier this month, Wendy's brother Tommy said he believes his sister is still surrounded by "evil-doers," noting that she's been out of touch with her family since completing her rehab stint. "I have no belief that Wendy is doing as well as she was doing when she was down here, in Florida," he said, "I know there are evil-doers lurking about."
"To be honest, I want to talk to Wendy and talk her off the ledge of whatever she is doing. I'm simple and I speak the truth," Tommy stated. He further explained his goodwill, "I'm hoping in my truthfulness on what she's doing, maybe she'll come back out, maybe she'll poke her head out. And if she does, I want to say to her, 'Let's get to work on this thing, let's stop wasting time.' "
Senate Passes Same-Sex & Interracial Marriage Bill In Bipartisan Vote
On Tuesday, the Senate passed legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. The Respect for Marriage Act was created to ensure that same-sex and interracial marriages would be engraved in federal law, providing a sense of relief for those who have married since the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage.
If the Supreme Court was to decide to overturn its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that lawfully legalized same-sex marriage, a state could legally ban same-sex marriages. But with the passing of The Respect for Marriage Act, the state would be forced to recognize same-sex marriages from other states.
With a 61 – 36 vote, the legislation gained support from 12 republicans and all of the members of the Democratic caucus.
The bill is now being sent back to the House before being sent to President Joe Bidden to be signed into law.
According to CNN, the house is expected to pass the bill before the end of 2022 and as soon as next week
#RIP: Clarence Gilyard Jr, 'Die Hard' and 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Star, Dead at 66
Clarence Gilyard Jr., the actor best known for playing computer hacker Theo in “Die Hard” and naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in “Top Gun,” has died at the age of 66.
The actor’s death was confirmed by the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, where he had been working as a film and theater professor at the UNLV College of Fine Arts.
“It is with profound sadness that I share this news,” Dean Nancy Uscher wrote in a post on Instagram. “His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”
Gilyard reportedly died of a “long illness,” though the details of his death are not yet clear.
Born in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard made his movie debut opposite Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” (1986), in which he portrayed an elite fighter pilot named Marcus “Sundown” Williams.
The actor would go on to play Theo, Hans Gruber’s eccentric computer hacker who commandeers the Nakatomi Plaza’s security codes, opposite Bruce Willis as detective John McClane in “Die Hard” (1988).
Gilyard reprised his role as Theo when he appeared with Willis in a 2020 Advance Auto Parts ad hyping the brand’s DieHard car batteries. The two-minute spot featured Theo taking McClane on an action-packed mission to get a replacement battery for his dead car.
His other film roles include parts in “The Karate Kid Part II” and “Left Behind” movies, while his sprawling list of featured TV roles include appearances on “CHiPS,” “The Facts of Life,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” “227” and “Simon & Simon.”
Along with his supporting work on the big and small screens, Gilyard had recurring roles in several hit TV shows, most notably starring as Conrad McMasters in “Matlock” and as James “Jimmy” Trivette in the Western drama “Walker, Texas Ranger.” In the latter, he played the right-hand man to Chuck Norris’ no-nonsense Sergeant Walker.
In 2006, Gilyard departed Hollywood to join the theater department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as an associate professor.
“I’m wired to teach. And I’m a professional, but the profession has to feed the classroom,” said Gilyard, reflecting on his career shift in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2017. “It’s what stimulates my characters, because I’m in touch with people’s lives in the 21st century.”
He added, “I work best as an artist when I’m in a fertile arena. That means creative and imaginative. Being with all those millennials — I don’t understand what they’re saying, but I’m siphoning off their energy.”
He continued to take roles when the challenge proved impossible to resist.
In 2016, Gilyard earned acclaim as Hoke Colburn in the University of New Mexico’s Popejoy Hall’s Neil Simon Festival production of the play “Driving Miss Daisy,” opposite his former “Walker, Texas Ranger” co-star Sheree J. Wilson.
In the 2018 edition of the football video game “Madden NFL,” Gilyard played high school coach Devin Wade in the “Longshot” section of the game.
Although he had decades of professional TV and film experience to his credit, it was his work as an educator that meant the most, according to his peers.
“Some may find it surprising to know that Clarence valued his appointment as a university professor as highly, maybe higher, than his illustrious career as a TV star,” said fellow UNLV theater professor Nate Bynum in a statement. “It was a major goal for him. He loved his UNLV family and, in particular, the students he instructed in his classroom. Gone too soon.”
The Washingtonian’s fans and admirers were crestfallen over his loss.
“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him,” UNLV film department chair Heather Addison said. “Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ ”
She added, “But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!”
“Clarence Gilyard has passed away,” tweeted fellow actor Chris Reed. “RIP to a legendary screen presence.”
Film critic Christopher Lawrence also paid homage: “This is going to make my annual Christmas viewing of ‘Die Hard’ — which is most definitely a Christmas movie — infinitely more sad.”
RIP.
Serena Williams Honors Virgil Abloh On The First Anniversary Of His Death
Serena Williams is honoring Virgil Abloh a year after his death. The fashion designer died on November 28, 2021, after a private battle with cancer. “It’s been a year and I still can’t put into words the sorrow that I feel,” the tennis professional wrote in the caption.
“Your touch on the world will live on forever and I couldn’t be more grateful to have witnessed it and had the chance to collaborate with you. I still miss you all the time. Forever and ever,” she concluded.
Williams and Abloh had a very special friendship. They first collaborated in 2018 when he designed a collection with Nike in honor of her. Since then, they remained close. In 2019 she wore a custom uniform from the Off-White designer at the French Open, but she later revealed that it wasn’t the outfit he wanted her to wear.
Following his death, she shared her regret for not always listening to him when it comes to her outfits. “He always pushed the envelope in terms of fashion, with bold and inspiring ideas. “I still kind of regret not doing what Virgil told me to do,” she said in Vogue’s tribute film to Abloh’s legacy.
“He wanted me to wear this long skirt with the crazy train, and then a cape with a train, and then just walk out on the court. And I’m thinking, ‘Virgil, I like fashion, and I like pushing the envelope, but this — I just don’t think I can do this.’”
When they met again, she admitted she wasn’t “brave enough.” “I just wasn’t brave enough to go out there in all the red clay, and just walk out in this train, of like, a Met Gala at the French Open,” she explained.
Williams went on to walk the late designer’s final Louis Vuitton show for his Fall 2020 collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Jim Parsons & Ben Aldridge Suit Up for 'Spoiler Alert' Premiere in NYC
The stars of Spoiler Alert are stepping out for the premiere of their new movie.
Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge posed together on the red carpet at the premiere of their new movie on Tuesday (November 29) at the Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
Fellow cast members Sally Field, Bill Irwin, Jeffery Self, and Nikki M. James also hit the red carpet along with director Michael Showalter.
Jim‘s husband Todd Spiewak also attended the premiere along with Michael Ausiello, who wrote the memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, which the movie is based on.
Spoiler Alert “follows Michael Ausiello (Parsons) as he unpacks the emotional maelstrom into which his relationship was plunged in the 11 months that took his partner, photographer Kit (Aldridge), from his diagnosis with terminal cancer to his passing. Interwoven in the narrative are glimpses of the roller-coaster ride that was the couple’s 14-year romance.”
Spoiler Alert will be released in theaters on Friday, December 2 – watch the trailer here!
Dwyane Wade Fires Back At Ex-Wife In New Legal Filing Over Their Daughter’s Name
Dwyane Wade is going after his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches-Wade’s decision to block their daughter’s name and gender change.
In new legal documents obtained by The Blast, the NBA star is claiming his ex-wife is not thinking about what’s in the best interest of their daughter Zaya Wade. He argues that “a court order affirming her identity will allow Zaya to live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life — from simple introductions and food orders to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.” He added in the docs, “This petition is about allowing Zaya to take on the milestones of being a young adult with confidence and joy.”
first filed documents in court earlier this month accusing Wade of exploiting their daughter for financial gain. She argued that legally changing Zaya’s name should be barred… alleging, among other things, that Dwyane “may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies.”
Following her allegations, the former athlete immediately hit back with a lengthy statement. He said,
Since this must be the new way of parenting, I guess I have to address these allegations here, which is a damn shame,” Wade said in the statement shared on his Instagram. “While I’m on a life-changing trip in our motherland, Africa, I’ve received a social media post about me forcing our 15-year-old child to be someone she’s not and to do something against her will. These are serious and harmful allegations that have hurt our children.” He continued,
“While none of us are surprised by Siohvaughn’s attempt to fight Zaya’s identity and her unwavering attempt to drag my name through the mud, I’m very disappointed that she continuously find ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children,” he added. “This report came out while Zaya was in class. This is a kid who has maintained a 4.0 GPA in honors classes while navigating all this unsolicited and harmful attention and debates about her gender and sexuality from those who are committed to not listening to her, much less even knowing her.”
Going into further detail, he went on to say, “Siohvaughn tried a similar attempt over a decade ago (with equally damaging lies and causing irreparable harm to her children) and 13 lawyers later, I was awarded sole custody of our two kids as an active NBA player,” Wade continued in his statement. “All I ever wanted was to have my parenting time uninterrupted, as I knew that it would be a very difficult time for our kids to navigate their new normal. So Instead of actually trying to co-parent over the years, she’s left her home to see more lawyers and has taken the time to talk to more lawyers since I filed for divorce, than she’s left her home to actually see or have truly spoken and LISTENED to Zaya over all these years.”
“I’ve given her the opportunity to reach out to Zaya’s teachers, doctors and therapist over the years and even meet her friends, so she could get her own understanding of our child’s needs for her LIFE,” Wade also said in his statement. “She won’t do it! She has not been to a school, recital, graduation, school dance, play date, practice, parent teacher conference etc and Zaya has given her every opportunity to try to get to know her. She won’t do it.”
Before concluding he said, “Zaya is not that same 3 year child anymore and she’s screaming that to the world but most importantly to her Mother! No one in our house would ever force Zaya or any of our children to do anything against their will, much less force an identity on them. This isn’t a game for my family and definitely not for Zaya. This is her life.”
Ashanti Recalls Going To Get A Bat To Defend Her Sister Shia From A Stalking Abusive Ex On ‘Red Table Talk’
Ashanti joined her younger sister, Kenashia “Shia” Douglas, and their mother, Tina Douglas, on “Red Table Talk” to open up about the domestic violence Shia went through with her abusive ex-fiancé, and how it affected their entire family. See their gut-wrenching interview inside…
WARNING: This post contains explicit violence, which could be triggering to survivors.
Last month, Ashanti took to social media during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to praise her younger sister, Shia Douglas, for getting out of an abusive relationship after years of enduring abuse. The post featured pictures of her sister’s bruised and bloody body parts, which were the same photos Shia shared herself in an extremely disturbing and vulnerable IG post about being horrifically abused at the hands of her ex-fiancé.
On her 32nd birthday in 2020, Shia revealed that she was involved in a violent relationship with her ex-fiancé, Slow Bucks. She put up an Instagram post with photos and videos of her battered face, sharing how her teeth were knocked out by a man she once fell madly in love with and clips of her reconstruction surgery on her mouth and jaw. Since then, Shia has been a domestic violence advocate, speaking out about how she’s on a journey to heal from her past and all of the trauma she has endured.
For a new episode of “Red Table Talk,” Grammy-winning artist Ashanti joined her sister Shia and their mother, Tina Douglas, to talk about how Shia’s domestic violence situation impacted their family, which they called the “darkest time of their lives.”
During the discussion, Shia bravely detailed the abuse, sharing how her abuser gave her black eyes and knocked her teeth out. Shia shared how her abuser would manipulate her family into thinking she was the one starting these toxic arguments when, in fact, he was the one wreaking havoc in their home. She explained why she shared a clip from a heated argument they had after he had strangled her, causing her mother to tear up.
The former couple met when Shia was a freshman in college, and they were together for 13 years. She said the physical abuse didn’t begin until almost a decade into their relationship, but she suffered mental, verbal, and emotional abuse from him up until then.
“Over time, it’s almost like someone is chipping away. You begin to question yourself and second-guess,” Shia said.
The stress and abuse led to her having a miscarriage at four months of pregnancy.
As the big sister, Ashanti wanted to take matters into her own hands to defend her sister after her sister’s abuser began stalking her. Even after he broke her teeth, he tried to continue to reach out.
“There were times after he broke my teeth that he did continue to try and reach out. He did continue to try to come around and come with gifts. He manipulated a lot of things between us as a family,” Shia said. ”There were times where he would show up if I were to post where I was to Instagram. There were times where I was on my best friend's bed sleeping and he was literally in the window taking pictures of me and sending pictures to my phone,” she described.
“I was like ‘Oh, nah,” Ashanti said. “I went into the garage, I got the bat. I pulled up in the truck. I had vaseline. I was ready. I was by myself, I had the adrenaline, you know what I mean?”
At the end, Ashanti also talked about the women who Shia’s abuser was also messing around with and how they “taunted” her online, posting pictures of themselves pointing to their teeth while smiling. There were also mutual friends who “were picking sides.”
”As a black women, when you’re kicking someone when she’s down, that’s the most disgraceful, disgusting thing," Ashanti said. "Whatever the situation was with these females and him…whatever. That kind of disrespect is so vile. It’s harmful even mentally. It’s triggering,” Ashanti said. “How can you laugh at someone or make fun of somebody that’s going through stuff like that?”
”I feel like as black women, we have to learn to support each other better,” Jada reacted.
Shia wanted to make it clear that she’s in a beautiful place, she’s not a victim or a survivor. She said in order to truly heal from the experience, she needed to detach herself from those labels. “This was an experience that taught me. This was an experience that I’ve now risen above. So, you’re taking your power back in that way,” Shia shared.
Whew. This was touching and powerful. Watch the full episode HERE:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free, confidential help 24/7. Call: 1-800-799*7233 / Chat: thehotline.org
Howard Stern Slams Oprah for ‘Showing Off’ Her Wealth on Social Media
*Howard Stern is accusing Oprah Winfrey of being braggadocio on social media by flaunting her wealth.
During a recent broadcast of his radio show, Stern stated that Winfrey is “not embarrassed by her wealth at all,” before claiming she “loves showing it off on Instagram.”
“It’s f—ing mind-blowing you when you follow her on Instagram, you see her estates, her gardens, the people who service her,” he continued, TooFab reports.
“She’s got servants and people cooking. It’s f—ing wild,” he said. “She knows how to be rich. But she kinda likes to show it off, which is something I’m not comfortable with. I don’t think that people should show off their wealth.”
Stern’s longtime co-host Robin Quivers suggested that Oprah is simply showing fans her life and that she’s not being a “show off”.
“Well you gotta be a little self-aware and know that there are people struggling out there, Robin,” Stern said. “You got to. You gotta kind of think about people who don’t have to eat. You know what I’m saying? I mean, come on. You gotta be a little bit aware of this s—.”
Stern added, “I make a good living, and I’m having trouble watching Oprah. I go, wow, look what’s going on over there. Her estate is unbelievable. When she goes shopping, she goes shopping in her backyard cause everything is growing back there. Like, there’s a farm back there.”
He went on to comment on Winfrey welcoming women from her South African school to her home to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“If I was those African girls, I’d refuse to leave that place,” Stern said. “The girls, they are so sweet. I think they believe Oprah’s God because let me tell you, she provides, she gives them an education. She gives them meals and they love her.”
NaS Immortalized As An Action Figure With Customizable Pieces
Toy designer, Steven Cartoccio, said he was honored to work with Hip Hop legend Nas as he unveiled the action figure on his social media today. “Nas. Truly honored to collaborate with the hip hop legend I regard as the greatest of all time,” Cartoccio wrote on Instagram. “Preorders open Thursday 12/1 at 11 am est on shop.massappeal.com Much love to @nas and everyone at @massappeal + @hiphop50 for making it happen.” The action figure features different accessories, along with a removable bandana and Nas’ iconic QB chain.
Cartoccio, a true hip-hop fan, has created similar action figures for Redman, Raekwon, The Notorious B.I.G., and Ghostface Killah. Cartoccio is also the recipient of the 2017 Designer Toy Awards for his creation of Darth Trump.
In other Nas-related news, King’s Disease III is out and the legend and Hit-Boy are running a victory lap on their trilogy. The new album will made a top 10 debut, behind 30,000 album equivalent units, according to Hits Daily Double.
The new album will make a debut at No. 9, just ahead of GloRilla’s debut EP, which 27,000 units will make a No. 10 debut. Earlier this month, Nas released the music video for “Michael & Quincy” from King’s Disease III.
Nas and Hit-Boy both appear in the Sarah McColgan-directed video for “Michael & Quincy.” Nas and Hit-Boy released this song and accompanying music video as a tribute to the two biggest homies in music, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, working without ego and pushing a notion as far as they could. It’s especially appropriate that this tribute appears on King’s Disease III, Nas and Hit-third Boy’s entry in the King’s Disease series, given Michael and Quincy collaborated on three famous albums.
Nas has announced his first-ever show at Madison Square Garden. The event is set for Friday, Feb. 24. Tickets for the show are currently available via Ticketmaster.
Earlier this month, Nas released his King’s Disease III album, completing a trilogy collaboration with Hit-Boy. Nas won his first-ever GRAMMY Award in 2020 for King’s Disease. He was nominated for both the first and second King’s Disease albums in the Best Rap Album category.
Irene Cara’s Team Issues A Statement Asking Fans Not To Spread Rumors About Her Death
In a heartfelt statement, Irene Cara’s publicist announced on Saturday that she had passed away suddenly at 63 in her Florida home.
As the tributes started pouring in for the “Fame,” “Flashdance” singer and “Sparkle” actress from everyone from Mariah Carey, Niecy Nash, and Viola Davis the rumors also started stirring on the reasons for her untimely passing. Fans begin speculating of the reasons why blaming her death on everything from the Covid-19 vaccine as well as bazaar theories like “sudden death Syndrome” all trying to answer the questions as to why a woman who is fairly healthy and young dies so suddenly. In a statement on their Twitter account, her team pleads with fans to not speculate but to wait for a complete autopsy to be done saying, “For Those who are blaming a vaccine for her death, please don’t. We don’t have medical answers yet and won’t until an autopsy is completed.
We continue to pray and send our condolences to her family and friends during this time. Ms. Cara’s legacy will live through her music and her body of work.
Survivor Of Virginia Walmart Mass Shooting Files $50M Lawsuit Against Company, Says She Reported Gunman’s “Disturbing and Threatening Behavior” Before Shooting
A female employee who works at the Virginia Walmart where a gunman shot and killed six people last week claims she previously reported his “disturbing and threatening behavior” to the store, but those reports fell on deaf ears.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Donya Prioleau, who has retained Morgan & Morgan law firm, alleges the gunman had been “disciplined on several occasions” and was also “demoted by management for his improper and disturbing interactions with others.” However, was later reinstated as a team lead.
The gunman “demonstrated a pattern of disturbing behavior leading up to the shooting, which Walmart knew, or should have known,” the lawsuit reads.
Prioleau submitted a formal complaint on September 10, 2022, to the giant retailer reporting that the gunman had “bizarrely and inappropriately commented on her age” and called her a “bitch” in passing.
The lawsuit went on to allege that “many” employees at the Chesapeake’s Walmart had “observed [the gunman] exhibit bizarre and threatening behavior leading up to the shooting.”
“Walmart’s management… had received numerous reports that Mr. Bing was bullying, threatening, and harassing other employees,” it continues.
Prioleau is seeking $50 million in compensatory damages and other costs. Because of the tragedy, she says she has experienced psychological harm, sleeplessness, severe anxiety, stomach pain, and arm and knee injuries.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
THE FASHION AT WALMART HAS NO LIMITS.
That’s not how you wear a mask sir.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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