#MAGFAB: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is Men’s Health December Cover Star!
Fresh off the buzz surrounding Black Adam, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is stronger and more vulnerable than ever. He prides himself on being the hardest worker in any room he’s in, an ethic that’s kept him at the head of the Hollywood pack for more than two decades now. And as he enters his 50s, Johnson’s not letting up. For Men’s Health’s December issue cover story, Johnson reveals how he got in the best shape of his life and shares his tactics for maintaining happiness, muscle, and balance. Plus, in his Men’s Health “Eat Like” video, Johnson breaks down his “boring” yet highly effective diet, his favorite cheat day snacks and more.
On getting in the best shape of his life for Black Adam: “That was our goal, for me to bring in the best physique possible. So the challenge with that is not only do you set the bar high—which is fine . . . bring it on!—but then you realize you have to maintain that for months.”
On what excited him about the Black Adam role: “What excited me about it was delivering a character in the superhero genre that had never been seen before. No actors had played Black Adam. In addition, but more important, is the opportunity to disrupt the superhero genre. You have a character like Black Adam, who is, depending on how you interpret his philosophies—is he a superhero, an antihero, or just a bad dude? Now, the difference is in Superman there’s a code of ethics that Superman abides by, which is why he is the greatest superhero. Superman won’t kill anyone. Black Adam, on the other hand, you can’t finish your sentence if you mean harm to him or his family.”
On identifying with Black Adam and playing against public perception: “I’ve identified so deeply with Black Adam. . . . Yes, he lives in a gray area, but his philosophy is black-and-white. If you hurt the ones I love or my country, you’re going to pay. And there are no questions asked. There’s no bringing you to justice. There’s no apprehending you. You die. What also was very appealing to me, and I think will appeal to a lot of people, is that you can’t put him in a box and you can’t say, ‘You have to be like this. You can’t do this. You have to do that.’ I felt like I experienced that throughout my career when I first got to Hollywood 20 years ago: ‘You can’t call yourself the Rock. You can’t talk about pro wrestling. You can’t be this big. You can’t work out as much. Change your diet. Lose weight. If you want to be like Will Smith, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, who were the stars at that time, this is how you have to be.’ Well, I tried that on for a few years, and then finally I said, “Man, f*ck this. I can’t be like that. I’m not those guys. I could never be those guys. I’m not in a box. Don’t tell me how to be. I’m going to be myself.’”
On training for Black Adam, and the challenge to maintain that [physique] for months: “What’s interesting is we could have said, ‘F*ck this—put the muscle pads in the suit,’ as they normally do. And it’s not a knock to my friends at all, but I felt like, ‘Let’s be disruptive and let’s do it differently.’ Let’s take all the muscle pads out, which we did, from Black Adam. When you have that suit on, every detail shows. Man, it was constant work, constant tweaking, tweaking, tweaking for months.”
On turning 50: “At 40, I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to spend the next decade training as smart as I can, balancing out training and family and work, being an open sponge, learning every day but also not worrying about ego training, not worrying about the weight that I’m putting on the bar, pushing myself so hopefully, by the time I hit the fifth level, my joints are feeling great and I’m still able to not only maintain but add real muscle and some really dense muscle.’ That’s a long answer to tell you I’m feeling pretty good.”
On being a creature of habit: “I am a real creature of habit. I usually eat the same thing every day for days and weeks and months. It’s very consistent. It’s very boring. It’s also extremely disciplined. That’s something I picked up from my old man, who was a hardcore gym fanatic. He taught me very early on not to eat to please the tongue but to eat to nourish the body. He taught me that when I was five. That’s probably why I need therapy.”
On the “psychological nourishment” that comes from training: “I really feel that there are fundamental skills that you learn in the gym in terms of discipline, working through your fatigue, pushing past what you perceive as a limit. ’Cause there’s greatness on the other side.”
On how training helps him to manage depression: “During those times when I fell into and was challenged by depression, the gym became my best friend—and I know it’s like that for a lot of people. You’re able to go to the gym to sweat out toxins and get a little bit more clarity when you walk out the door. It doesn’t fix the problem, but it helps.”
The December 2022 issue of Men’s Health featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hits newsstands nationwide on November 22.
#RHOA: Shamea Morton and Her Husband Gerald Are Expecting Their Second Child
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Shamea Morton and her husband Gerald Mwangi are expecting their second child!
Shamea announced the news on Instagram Wednesday, November 16 by sharing two photos of her and Gerald posing alongside a sonogram photo and a sign that reads "Baby Mwangi due 2023."
"We’re having a baby via surrogacy!" Shamea captioned the post. "It’s been such a long journey! 7 rounds of IVF, failed transfers…etc. I wanted to carry but God had other plans. He always knows best! I’m so grateful. I’m having a baby!"
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Shya Nyambura Mwangi, in November 2018. Upon announcing her birth on Instagram, Shamea wrote, "I’m officially a MOM! I have a whole new respect for women and our bodies. Child birth is nothing short of a miracle. I feel so blessed to have had this experience."
"I don’t take my life nor my child’s life for granted," she continued. "A 'Birthday' has a whole new meaning to me now. Whew!"
In the years since becoming a mom, Shamea has continued to document Shya's many precious moments and milestones on social media — including her playdates with Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams' little ones.
Just last year, Kandi's 2-year-old daughter Blaze Tucker and Porsha's 3-year-old daughter Pilar Jhena "PJ" McKinley attended Shya's princess-themed birthday party. Shamea shared a photo with the RHOA ladies and their little ones, writing, "So many of my friends showed up for my [Princess Shya’s] 3rd birthday party. I’m forever grateful and I’ll never forget it. I love all of y’all."
#MusicNews: Diana Ross Earns Her First Grammy Nomination in 40 Years
The 2023 Grammy nominations were announced on Tuesday (Nov. 15) afternoon. Among the lengthy list of nominees, across 91 categories, was Diana Ross.
Thank You, the music icon’s 25th album, received a nod for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The award is for albums containing greater than 50% playing time of new traditional pop recordings, according to the Recording Academy.
Ross’ latest album is up against Michael Bublé’s Higher, Kelly Clarkson’s When Christmas Comes Around…, Norah Jones’ I Dream Of Christmas (Extended) and Pentatonix’s Evergreen.
It marks Ross’ first nomination in 40 years. She last received a Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nomination at the 25th Grammy Awards for “Muscles.”
The sensual tune, written and produced by Michael Jackson, was the lead single from Ross’ 1982 album, Silk Electric. Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” ended up taking home the Grammy trophy.
Even in the sixth decade of her career, Ross is still achieving milestones. Thank You is her first album ever to score a Grammy nomination.
Ross has 13 Grammy nominations in total, including two with The Supremes. Her first nomination was at the 7th Grammy Awards, held in 1965, for The Supremes’ classic “Baby Love.” The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964 and spent four weeks in the top position.
All eyes are on Ross at the 2023 Grammy Awards. If she wins for Best Traditional Pop Album, it will mark her first Grammy win in her career. That’s right, Ross has never won a Grammy. (She did receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. However, that is a special award and not for a recording.)
The 65th Grammy Awards will air live Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS. It will also be streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+.
#HipHopNews: Biggie To Be Resurrected As 'Hyperrealistic' Avatar For Virtual Reality Concert
The Notorious B.I.G. will be resurrected as a “true-to-life, hyperrealistic” avatar as part of a virtual-reality concert to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death.
“The Notorious B.I.G. Sky’s The Limit: A VR Concert Experience” will be streamed exclusively on Meta’s VR and Facebook platforms on December 16, and will be done in coordination with the Notorious B.I.G. Estate.
The VR experience will additionally include a narrated day in the life of the late Brooklyn legend prior to the show, with fans able to follow Biggie Small’s early days in his Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. The show will also include guest appearances from Diddy, The Lox, Nardo Wick and Lil’ Cease, as well as a DJ set from DJ Clark Kent.
“Having the ability to create a variance of new opportunity to showcase my son Christopher’s music through the advancement of technology is hard for me to grasp at times,” Voletta Wallace, Biggies mother, said in a statement. “However, I’ve found so much excitement in the process of developing his avatar, understanding the value added for fans to experience him in ways unattainable until now. Thank you to all who have contributed to bringing this project to fruition.”
Mark Pitts, Biggie’s manager and president of RCA Records, added, “It’s amazing to create new content for B.I.G. The world was robbed of an opportunity to watch Biggie grow and evolve as an artist. The wonder of Web3 is that it gives us an opportunity to celebrate his music with visuals that Biggie never got to make.”
This isn’t the first time Biggie has appeared in digital form. Over the summer, An eerily realistic hologram of The Notorious B.I.G. debuted at Brooklyn Chop House to celebrate the rap legend’s 50th birthday. New York City also paid homage to Biggie by lighting Empire State Building in red and white with a crown spinning on its mast to celebrate the icon’s multi-platinum debut Ready To Die.
Bedford-Stuyvesant also joined in the celebrations, and the MTA rolled out special edition MetroCard’s for the three subway terminals nearest his home. Brooklyn’s Barclays Center also conducted a massive broadcast above their entrance that included a montage of Biggie’s most impactful records, and The Lincoln Center hosted an orchestral tribute to Biggie, followed by the release of a limited edition vinyl of his Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified sophomore record Life After Death.
This is not the first time rap music in general has dabbled in holo projections. During 2012’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Dr. Dre brought with him a hologram of 2Pac Shakur, who gave a full performance and dazzled the crowd. It was so realistic it even featured the late legend’s signature tattoos.
In 2013 a virtual image of the late Eazy-E appeared on stage at Rock The Bells during a set by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and a posthumous ODB hologram “performed” with his Wu-Tang Clan brothers at the same show.
Ciara Addresses Blogs Regarding Future Misquote and she’s not happy!
Ciara took to social media to respond to media outlets who “misquoted” her.
Ciara is known for her light, positive energy. It’s rare for the singer to share her thoughts on the Internet. On Tuesday, Ciara spoke about her growth over the years and briefly mentioned her 2014 split from Future. Shortly after, Ciara took to social media to respond to media outlets who “misquoted” her.
“You be trying to walk this way,” the “Better Thangs” star shared via her Instagram story. “But sometimes social media betraying to have you walk that way. Nothing worse than being misquoted. But that’s life. Click bait I tell ya.”
In the original interview with Women’s Health, Ciara dished on what helped her become the wife and mom that she is today. “I told myself I’ve got to figure out how to navigate in the next chapter of my life,” she told the magazine. The 37-year-old star says she was ready for a drastic change in her life.
“All the things I was aspiring to have at that time, even thinking about love… I was like, It’s going to happen when it’s supposed to. But I can’t love anybody to the best of my ability if I’m not loving on myself. I can’t be the best mom if I’m not loving on myself. So I put more focus on me, taking care of me; it was the best thing I could have done.”
Since splitting from Future in 2014, Ciara has gone on to “Level Up” in several different ways. She shared how self-care played a role in her now-upgraded life. “It’s knowing what gives you a release, knowing what gives you joy. Go to that.”
As for Future, the “Wait For You” rapper still has his fair share of relationship issues. He is currently he’s being sued by his ex, Brittni Mealy, over a child support dispute. But that hasn’t stopped the Atlanta rapper from owning his self-proclaimed “Toxic King” title.
Candace Cameron Bure Speaks Out Amid Backlash Over 'Traditional Marriage' Comment
Candace Cameron has finally addressed her "traditional marriage" controversy. Having received backlash over her comment, the former "Fuller House" star issued a statement to the press in which she clarified her previous remark.
"I would like to address my comments on Great American Family's programming as reported in the Wall Street Journal. All of you who know me, know beyond question that I have great love and affection for all people," the 46-year-old began. "It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I intentionally would want to offend and hurt anyone."
"It saddens me that the media is often seeking to divide us, even around a subject as comforting and merry as Christmas movies. But, given the toxic climate in our culture right now, I shouldn't be surprised," she added. "We need Christmas more than ever. I am a devoted Christian. Which means that I believe that every human being bears the image of God. Because of that, I am called to love all people, and I do."
Candance went on to note, "If you know me, you know that I am a person who loves fiercely and indiscriminately. My heart yearns to build bridges and bring people one step closer to God, to love others well, and to simply be a reflection of God's huge love for all of us." She also criticized the media "for using this opportunity to fan flames of conflict and hate," though she said she still loves them.
"I had also expressed in my interview, which was not included, that people of all ethnicities and identities have and will continue to contribute to the network in great ways both in front of and behind the camera, which I encourage and fully support," the actress further elaborated. "I've never been interested in proselytizing through my storytelling, but in celebrating God's greatness in our lives through the stories I tell."
Candace came under fire after her interview with The Wall Street Journal was published on Monday, November 14. Asked if the Great American Family (GAF), which she serves as the chief creative officer, will feature same-sex couples in its Christmas movies, she replied, "I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core."
The statement didn't sit well with Hilarie Burton, who argued in a tweet, "Bigot. I don't remember Jesus liking hypocrites like Candy. But sure. Make your money, honey. You ride that prejudice wave all the way to the bank." JoJo Siwa, who previously called Candace the "rudest celebrity," also came against her.
Wendy Williams Reportedly Hasn't Spoken To 'Heartbroken' Son Since Leaving Rehab
Is Wendy Williams keeping distance from her own son? If a new report is to be believed, the former "The Wendy Williams Show" host hasn't spoken to Kevin Hunter Jr. since she left rehab last month.
The Sun reported on Tuesday, November 15 that Kevin has yet to hear from his mom since she left a treatment facility in Malibu last month. "Wendy has not reached out to her son since she left the rehab," a source close to the family spilled to the outlet. "While she was in treatment, they were talking but the minute she got out the communication stopped."
"Kevin has been through hell this year with everything going on with his mom," the so-called insider continued. "It breaks his heart that things seemed to be going well while she was in rehab, but as soon as she got her freedom, she hasn't reached out to him since."
The source further claimed that 22-year-old Kevin is trying to deal with his fractured relationship with the former talk show queen. "Kevin has been trying to stay focused and finish up his last year of school, but it's been challenging having to deal with everything going on with his mother," they said.
Kevin Jr. has been by his mother's side throughout her health troubles. The issues started to surface in 2021 when Wendy missed out on her talk show season premiere. She was then hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation and skipped out on the rest of her season.
Kevin Jr. was seen by Wendy's side as she struggled to regain her health. In a video posted on Wendy's Instagram after the hospitalization, the mother-son duo was seen laughing while walking on the beach.
Amid Wendy's struggles, Kevin Jr. reportedly gave his mother an ultimatum to get better or he would be gone. The insider added, "Wendy's relationship with Kevin Jr. has been strained. He gave her an ultimatum. He told her he won't be in her life unless she fixes herself."
As for Wendy, she checked into rehab for alcohol in August. Then on October 18, her publicist Shawn Zanotti announced that she had returned home. "We are happy to report that Wendy Williams is home and healing after being in a wellness facility since August," said Shawn. "She wants to say, 'thank you to my fans for your love, support and many prayers.' "
Currently, Wendy is preparing the release of the first episode of her podcast "The Wendy Experience". In the latest promotional post on the podcast's Instagram account, the former daytime queen could be seen looking healthy as she posed with white orchid.
Aaron Carter Cremated By Family, Ashes Will Be Given To Twin Sister Angel
Aaron Carter's family has cremated the singer. The "I Want Candy" singer passed away at his home in Lancaster, California, on November 5, aged 34, and his death certificate, which has been obtained by TMZ, stated his ashes would be held by his twin sister, Angel Carter.
Aaron's mother, Jane Schneck, was the first person to be informed that her son had passed away, the document also revealed. While an official cause of death has yet to be determined, police allegedly found multiple cans of compressed air and bottles of prescription pills at the scene.
The public release of the document comes shortly after Angel and her brother, Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, launched a new mental health initiative for children in memory of his their late sibling, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and publicly battled with his mental health.
Nick, 42, and Angel, 34, who were somewhat estranged from Aaron, are raising funds for the organisation On Our Sleeves, which aims to end stigmas around children's mental health.
On his Instagram Story, Nick announced, "Very grateful for the outpour(ing) of love and support for my brother. In his memory, a donation fund has been started to benefit @onoursleevesofficial, an important children's mental health helping families across America."
"Thank you for choosing to celebrate the impact of the life of Aaron Carter with a gift of hope. By honouring Aaron, you help Nick, Angel, and their family's commitment to helping others (sic)."
Nick paid a moving tribute to Aaron - who he affectionately nicknamed Chizz - the day after his death. He wrote on Instagram alongside a series of throwback and childhood images of him and his sibling, "My heart has been broken today. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded."
"I have always held onto the hope, that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed. Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss. But the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here."
"I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you get a chance to finally have some peace you could never find here on earth. God, please take care of my baby brother."
Karen Bass elected as LA's First Female Mayor
U.S. Rep. Karen Bass has defeated developer Rick Caruso to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, making her the first woman to lead the city, ABC News projected Wednesday.
With more than 70% of the vote tallied, Bass had amassed an insurmountable lead of nearly 47,000 votes. She had 53.1%, with Caruso notching 46.9%.
Bass, who is the second Black person to be elected as mayor of the city, was working in her congressional office in Los Angeles when she was informed by an aide she had won the race. Caruso's campaign said he was calling the mayor-elect to offer his congratulations.
Caruso said in a statement that "the voters have spoken," adding that he was proud of his campaign.
"There will be more to come from the movement we built, but for now, as a city we need to unite around Mayor-elect Bass and give her the support she needs to tackle the many issues we face. Congratulations, Karen, and God-speed," the statement said in part.
Bass - a Democrat who was on President-elect Joe Biden's short list for vice president - overcame more than $100 million in spending by the billionaire Caruso's campaign while arguing that she would be a coalition builder who could heal a troubled city of nearly 4 million.
The election tested whether voters in the heavily Democratic city were willing to turn away from their liberal tendencies and embrace an approach that would place a strong emphasis on public safety.
Caruso, a former Republican who became a Democrat shortly before entering the race, had represented a turn to the political right. He argued that Bass and other longtime politicians were part of the problem who led L.A. into multiple crises. He promised to expand the police department to deal with rising crime rates and quickly get ubiquitous homeless encampments off the streets.
Bass, a former state Assembly leader, had the advantage of being a lifelong Democrat in a city where Republicans are almost invisible. She was backed by Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic establishment.
The election had historical dimensions, as Bass will become the first woman and second Black person to hold the job, after former Mayor Tom Bradley, who held the post from 1973 to 1993.
She takes office next month as the city contends with an out-of-control homeless crisis and City Council faces a racism scandal that led to the resignation of its former president and calls for the resignation of two more members.
Bass will replace Eric Garcetti, who will conclude two terms as mayor.
FBI identifies individual responsible for HBCU bomb threats
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced a suspect in a series of bomb threats against HBCUs has been identified. The threats against multiple historically Black colleges and universities began earlier this year and have been under investigation since.
According to Wray, a single juvenile suspect has been named, but due to their age, the person’s identity has been withheld. On Jan. 5, Howard University in Washington D.C. and seven other HBCUs were targeted. In August, CNN reported that Howard received two bomb threats in just one week — after already receiving multiple others during the previous school year. At the time, the university’s President Wayne A.I. Frederick sent a message to students and faculty addressing the situation. “I want to be clear about the university’s position on the narrative of these threats. This isn’t about resilience and grit. We require extra resources from all law enforcement agencies directed towards solving this ongoing threat and bringing those who perpetrate its negative effects to full justice under the law,” Frederick wrote.
By February, 17 HBCUs received threats, as reported by The Hill. While one suspect has been identified, authorities are investigating whether or not anyone else may have been involved. “We’ve recently — with respect to the first big tranche of the threats — the investigation has identified an underage, a juvenile subject. And because of the federal limitations on charging juveniles with federal crimes, we have worked with state prosecutors to ensure that that individual is charged under various other state offenses, which will ensure some level of restrictions and monitoring and disruption of his criminal behavior,” Wray said before lawmakers at the House Homeland Security Committee.
The threats to the HBCUs reportedly happened between Jan. 4 and Feb. 16. “The bomb threats have been made in phone calls, email, instant messages and anonymous online posts. FBI agents from multiple field offices are conducting hundreds of interviews and gathering a variety of electronic evidence for analysis,” the FBI shared in February.
University of Virginia cancels final football home game following school shooting
As previously reported, on Sunday (Nov. 13) evening, a University of Virginia football player allegedly shot and killed three of his teammates. The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., who is now in custody. Sources say the tragedy occurred as the team was returning to the campus on a school bus from a field trip.
Today (Nov. 16), the school announced that in light of the recent events, the team’s upcoming game against Coastal Carolina will be canceled this weekend. “The Virginia athletics department announced today the Cavaliers’ home football game vs. Coastal Carolina scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 19) has been canceled,” a statement from the university began. “The decision was made following the shooting of five students on grounds Sunday night. The incident resulted in the deaths of three members of the UVA team — Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry,” it continued.
According to Fox News, the Cavaliers are currently scheduled to take on Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, but it is unknown if that game will still take place. Reports say practice for the football team has been canceled for the past two days. In addition to the three players who were fatally shot, two others were injured. One of the survivors, Michael Hollins Jr., was initially listed in critical condition but is doing well after surgery as of yesterday (Nov. 15). Jones Jr. was charged with three counts of second-degree murder in connection to the deaths of his teammates. He was also charged with three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony.
On Monday (Nov. 14), the suspect’s father spoke with Richmond, Virginia news station NBC 12 about his disbelief regarding the situation. “I can’t believe it was him. I still can’t believe it now,” Jones Sr. said while speaking to a reporter. The father said his son recently came to the family’s home to do his laundry and seemed to be doing fine. “When we finally had a chance to talk, he said there were some people there who were giving him a hard time, but he still was upbeat, and he was positive… Why did it have to get this far? He could’ve called me,” Jones Sr. added.
Disney’s 'Strange World' introduces the first out gay teenager in an animated film
Walt Disney's latest animated feature, Strange World, isn't just a rollicking Jules Verne-inspired sci-fi adventure. Due in theaters on Nov. 23, the movie also demonstrates the Mouse House's renewed commitment to LGBTQ representation by showcasing the first out gay teenager in a Disney cartoon feature. That character is Ethan Clade, and he's voiced by out gay comedian and actor Jaboukie Young-White.
"I thought that was pretty cool," Young-White tells Yahoo Entertainment about playing the barrier-shattering role. "It was a beautiful thing to be a part of, and something I wish I could have seen when I was that age."
In Strange World, Ethan is the youngest member of the illustrious Clade family — a clan that boasts famous explorers like his grandfather, Jaeger (voiced by Dennis Quaid), famous pilots like his mom, Meridian (Gabrielle Union), and even famous farmers like his dad, Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal), who discovered and cultivated the energy-producing crop that powers all of this world's devices. Meanwhile, Ethan is trying to find his own place in the world, a personal journey that includes a flirtation with a handsome school pal that he hopes will flower into love.
All three of Ethan's elders are accepting and encouraging of his choice of partner, which Young-White says is one of the things he most appreciated about the script, which was written by Raya and the Last Dragon's Qui Nguyen, who co-directed the movie with Moana helmer Don Hall. "This isn't a coming out story, and it's not him looking for acceptance of his identity," the former Daily Show correspondent says. "That's just who he is, and it's not underlined or made to be a big deal. It's an aspect of Ethan and one of the many things that makes him who he is. I thought that was amazing."
"It was always part of the DNA of the film and one part of who Ethan was," echoes Hall. "The fact that he's bold and a little impulsive at times, and unflinchingly empathetic when it comes to every little thing, is why he becomes the environmental conscience of the movie. The film's environmental message kind of flows through Ethan."
Not surprisingly, Gyllenhaal and Union are equally proud of their fictional son, and the fact that Strange World puts an interracial family front and center. "It's so beautiful to see such a diverse cast, and have these ideas be normalized in the world," observes Gyllenhaal. "And what's so beautiful about the movie is that the only way this family can save the world they love so much is if they start to understand each other and listen."
For her part, Union notes that her recent remake of Cheaper by the Dozen — which premiered on Disney+ in March — featured one of Disney's first live action gay teens (played by Caylee Blosensk), but says much of that storyline was downplayed in the finished film. "In this one, it's very clear," says the Bring It On star, who is raising a trans teenager Zaya with her husband Dwayne Wade. "I just love that we have created a space where you can show a loving, affectionate family that creates enough loving space for everyone to chart their own course in life. I'm absolutely honored to be a part of telling that story."
Even as Disney has made a point of being more LGBTQ-inclusive in its films and TV shows, that approach has had real-world consequences for the studio. Both the 2020 animated feature, Onward, which featured Disney's first self-identified lesbian character, and 2022's Lightyear, which featured the studio's first same-sex kiss, were banned in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations where homosexual conduct is still illegal. (Several live-action Disney movies, including West Side Story and Eternals, met similar fates for featuring LGBTQ characters and themes.)
Asked whether she'll be sad if Strange World is banned in the same Gulf nations that cancelled the releases of Onward and Lightyear, Union doesn't hesitate. "I'll absolutely be sad, because all you're doing is denying people information that we exist. You're just denying reality." As for her onscreen son, Young-White says that he'd rather keep his attention focused on the audiences that will be able to see the film over the Thanksgiving holidays. "For what this film will do for the people that it reaches would overshadow any of the other stuff that might be more of a downer. I think I'm more excited to see how the people who need this interact with it."
Not for nothing, but Union has her own semi-joking suggestion for those viewers whose governments might otherwise prevent them from taking a trip to Strange World. "What I've learned about the internet is that once it's out there, it's out there," she says, with a laugh. "I don't ever want to encourage piracy, but I understand how these things work! People who want to see it will find a way. The more that certain countries work to deny their citizens the opportunity to see things, the more they'll find a way."
Strange World premieres Nov. 23 in theaters
Cailee Spaeny Circling New ‘Alien’ Movie At 20th Century And Scott Free
Momentum is revving up on 20th Century Studios new Alien movie as sources tell Deadline Cailee Spaeny is in talks to star. Fede Alvarez is directing with Scott Free producing.
20th Century had no comment. Not much is known about the pic other than the iconic ferocious race of alien beings called Xenomorphs will be front and center, again reigning terror against the humans that cross their paths. 20th Century and Scott Free made this a top priority after hearing Alvarez’s pitch, and after a recent script was delivered, things only gained speed in getting this film in front of cameras by early 2023.
While execs are going through their process on other cast members, Spaeny has been the top choice for the lead role for some time, after several meetings with producers and Alvarez.
Spaeny is set to play Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla opposite Jacob Elordi as Elvis. She also has the Alex Garland pic Civil War and was recently seen in How It Ends. She is repped by WME and Sugar23.
Congress to Codify Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples
Acceptance of same-sex marriage has come a long way in the seven years since the U.S. Supreme Court made marriage equality a federal constitutional right in Obergefell v. Hodges. On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate reached a filibusterproof majority in a test vote for legislation codifying Obergefell in case the Supreme Court changes its mind:
In the final vote, two more Republicans, Joni Ernst and Todd Young, voted to advance the legislation, making the final count 62-37, which means the bill cannot successfully be filibustered. The Respect for Marriage Act already passed the House, so soon it will be on its way to President Biden for signature, giving him an early accomplishment in the 2022 lame-duck session.
Was this legislative step necessary? Nobody really knows for sure, so it definitely doesn’t hurt. Three of the dissenters in Obergefell (Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Chief Justice John Roberts) are still on the Supreme Court, along with three more recently confirmed conservatives whose precise views on the issue aren’t known (Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett). And indeed, Thomas, in a concurring opinion in the Court’s shocking Dobbs decision overturning 49 years of precedent on abortion, suggested Obergefell might soon fall as well.
But no one joined Thomas, and as Jay Michaelson explained in New York, the very precise test for overruling big precedents set out by Alito in the Dobbs majority decision seemed to protect Obergefell.
Still, it’s quite appropriate to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to this Court. The Respect for Marriage Act will keep states from banning same-sex marriage in the event that Obergefell is reversed. Beyond that, the House and Senate votes on the law provided a good indicator of how many Republicans were ready to move on from a losing culture-war issue by accepting marriage equality. Forty-seven House Republicans joined all 220 Democrats in voting for the legislation, as did 12 Senate Republicans (joining all 50 Democrats). This shift in what used to be solid GOP support for bans on same-sex marriage reflects a similar shift in public opinion. Just this week, the Pew Research Center published findings that 61 percent of Americans believe the legalization of same-sex marriage has been “good for society,” with just 37 percent disagreeing. Certainly many conservative religious leaders disagree, along with the Republican politicians who salute and take their orders on cultural issues (e.g., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and multiple potential presidential candidates voted “no”). Still, however slowly, the country is moving on.
Kevin Spacey Faces 7 More Sexual Assault Charges
Kevin Spacey is facing more legal troubles. The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that there are seven alleged offenses took place against the same “adult male” in a statement on Wednesday (November 16).
“The CPS has authorized additional criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 63, for a number of sexual assaults against one man between 2001 and 2004,” they said, via People.
“The CPS has also authorized one charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The authority to charge follows a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation.”
The charges follow a CPS announcement in May that he would face four counts of sexual assault in the U.K. brought on from three men. He pled “not guilty” during a July hearing. He also pled “not guilty” to a further charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, via the BBC.
A three to four-week trial has been set to begin on June 6, 2023.
The news comes following the result of Anthony Rapp‘s trial, in which he accused the actor of sexual misconduct when he was a teen.
CNN Reporters No Longer Allowed to Drink During New Year’s Eve Coverage
Hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper can still drink, though
Watching reporters get drunk on New Year’s Eve is easily the best part about television coverage of the holiday, but you probably can’t look forward to an inebriated rant from Don Lemon this year. As Variety reports, CNN has ordered its correspondents to lay off the drinking while they work on this year’s New Year’s Eve.
Besides Lemon — who got his ear pierced during his post-12:30 a.m. block of the show in 2016 and assured viewers last year that he was a “grown ass man” who didn’t care about his haters — Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen take the cake for the network’s Most Likely to Go Viral employees. Cooper and Cohen have hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage since 2002 and 2018 respectively, and the dynamic between their friendship tends to be exacerbated by alcohol, from Cohen ranting about Mayor de Blasio while Cooper awkwardly looks on to the Bravo host talking his more restrained buddy into doing shots.
Interestingly, the duo will still be able to drink under CNN’s new policy since they serve only as “hosts” and not “reporters,” while CNN’s other employees (like Lemon, who recently switched from primetime to a new gig hosting CNN This Morning) won’t be allowed to join in on the fun. The rule comes from the network’s new CEO Chris Licht, who told employees during a town hall meeting that drinking on camera hurts CNN’s credibility and damages its reporters’ “respectability.” Never mind that their New Year’s antics are probably the most relatable they ever get to the average viewer (to say nothing about the uptake in viewers it certainly provides).
Cooper and Cohen will return to host CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage this year, but the network hasn’t announced what reporters will be forced to work sober on the biggest party night of the year. Pour one out for those poor souls.
GAP and Dapper Dan Reconnect on Holiday Hoodie Collection
Gap and Dapper Dan have reunited for the holiday season.
Months after launching their inaugural collaboration, the retail giant and Harlem designer return with another batch of their wildly popular “DAP” hoodies. But this time, they’ve added a hefty dose of festive flare.
The limited edition drop offers a handful of hoodies presented in four different colorways: there’s three plaid-patterned hoodies available in red, yellow, and forest green, as well as a houndstooth-patterned design in brown and camel. Each piece features a “DAP” gold applique across the chest with “Harlem” embroidered underneath. The pullovers also have the standard kangaroo pockets, drawstrings at the hood, as well as ribbed cuffs and hems.
“Gap is like pizza, everybody eats pizza. And everybody at some point or another is going to bring a pie home,” Dapper Dan told Complex earlier this year. “That’s what Gap represents. It represents that part of food that we all relate to. Gap speaks to all of us, but it’s a part of who I am and who we all are. So I love that.”
The “DAP” holiday hoodies will drop Nov. 29 at Harlem’s Gap store and hit the brand’s online shop at noon ET on Nov. 30. Each of the hoodies will retail for $128. You can get a closer look at the pieces above and below.
In celebration of the release, Dapper Dan will make an appearance at Gap’s Harlem location at 9 a.m. ET on the day of the launch. Immediately after the event, Dan and Gap will kick off “Gap House Sessions”—a series in which the former will lead inspirational discussions with Harlem youth. The event will be presented in collaboration with the Brotherhood Sister Sol, a nonprofit organization that focuses on social justice and youth development. Gap has also pledged to donate $100,000 to BroSis to assist its mission.
Tom Ford to Be Acquired by Estée Lauder in $2.8 Billion Deal
The Tom Ford brand will be acquired by Estée Lauder Companies Inc. in a newly announced $2.8 billion deal.
Per a press release, the company has inked what’s been billed as a “transformational deal” under which Estée Lauder will become the sole owner of Tom Ford and related intellectual property. Ford called Estée Lauder the “ideal home” for his namesake brand, noting their presence for some time now as an “extraordinary partner” in his creative work.
Estée Lauder Companies chairman William P. Lauder echoed Ford’s comments in his own statement regarding the deal, which sees the brand valued at $2.8 billion.
“We are honored that Tom Ford has been part of our ELC family for more than fifteen years, from our first collaboration with the Estée Lauder brand to the launch of Tom Ford Beauty and through its most recent successes,” Lauder said Tuesday.
Prior to this week’s confirmation of the Estée Lauder deal, there had been speculation about interest from Gucci parent company Kering. At one point, at least according to a Wall Street Journal report at the top of this month, Kering was in the “advanced talks” stage of the would-be process.
Among the highlights of the Estée Lauder deal are that the Ford brand’s existing relationships with Zegna and Marcolin will both be extended, with the former also being expanded to now include a long-term licensing agreement for men’s and women’s fashion pieces including accessories.
In August, the Tom Ford brand rolled out its new eco-friendly N.004 Timepiece, which came together with the help of similarly sustainability-minded suppliers.
#RIP:Virginia McLaurin, Woman Who Became Famous After Dancing with Obamas, Dies at 113
Virginia McLaurin, who garnered national fame for her dance with then-President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in 2016, has died. She was 113.
Her death was confirmed by her son Felipe Cardoso, who told CNN she died Monday morning. A post on McLaurin’s official Facebook page also said she “had been under hospice care for a few days.”
“People always asked what was her secret to life. She didn’t really put emphasis on the bad stuff and she didn’t let stuff worry her,” Cardoso told CNN on Wednesday. “She loved the kids and she was just happy to see the first African American president. She was definitely a happy woman, she wasn’t sad or angry. Up until her last day she knew everything … she still had her wit.”
Born in Cheraw, South Carolina, in 1909, the centenarian moved to Washington, DC, in 1941 where she spent decades volunteering in classrooms and served as a foster grandparent. McLaurin lived through 20 presidents.
Charlamagne Tha God And His Wife Jessica To Open Six Krystal Restaurants In South Carolina
Charlamagne Tha God and his wife Jessica are now owners of six fast-food restaurants. Speaking with TMZ Hip-Hop, Uncle Charla revealed he received advice on owning six Krystal franchises from 2 Chainz.
The new restaurants will be available in the greater Charleston, South Carolina area beginning in early 2023. One location will be in The Breakfast club’s hometown of Moncks Corner.
TMZ notes, Charlamagne’s wife, Jessica, will design the interior of their franchises with the aim of being “South Carolina-centric.”
“The Krystal restaurant brand is known for bringing quality ingredients and creativity to customers and we are proud to be franchise owners and even prouder to be providing jobs for our folks by investing in our home state,” said Charlamagne Tha God and Jessica Gadsden-McKelvey.
“Authenticity and sense of community are important characteristics that we look for in our partnerships. Both Charlamagne and Jessica embody these qualities & we’re ecstatic to bring Krystal to the greater Charleston area and expand our footprint nationally. We want the Krystal brand to continue to be part of the culture and fabric of the communities we serve and we look forward to doing so in our own unique Southern style with a little bit of swag. ” said Jonathan Childs, Managing Partner, Krystal Restaurants.
Earlier this year, Krystal named 2 Chainz Head of Creative Marketing for the brand. 2 Chainz and his team will be leading the creation of multiple new platforms and partnerships, including menus, merchandising, and co-branded restaurants in the brand’s hometown of Atlanta.
“As someone who grew up in the South and understands Krystal’s place in culture and community, 2 Chainz is a perfect partner for adding to and amplifying our brand message,” said Thomas Stager, President of Krystal Restaurants LLC. “There is an authenticity in this relationship that reflects our own deep pride in and commitment to the brand and our communities, and we know 2 Chainz has his own equally deep personal connections to Krystal. Together, we will bring the feeling and flavor of Krystal to as many new fans as possible.”
“I can remember Krystal being a part of so many pivotal moments of my childhood and teen years. Some of my best moments were made better by going to Krystal, and I’m a fan for life,” added 2 Chainz about his own goals for the partnership. “I want everyone to feel that, too, and can’t wait to put Krystal in the spotlight it deserves.”
Louis Vuitton Opening its First Luxury Hotel in Paris
Louis Vuitton is transforming its Paris headquarters into a luxury hotel.
The massive 400,000 square foot complex is undergoing several major renovations beginning this week, with the first-ever Louis Vuitton hotel high on the priority list. In a recent interview conducted by WWD, Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO Michael Burke said the space “has all the hallmarks of an ideal lodging venue.”
Not many details of the LV hotel have been made public, but the fashion house recently opened its Cheval Blanc hotel last September. What will set the structures apart is that the Louis Vuitton lodging will be on the complex, while the Cheval Burke is situated nearby. However, Burke maintains that neither of these lavish hotels will interfere with one another.
“It would be its own identity, and own segment and own service, a completely different experience,” Burke shared.
In addition to the hotel, the compound has opened a temporary pop-up known as “LV Dream.” Taking up 20,000 square feet and nine rooms, this exhibit showcases previous artist partnerships, a chocolate shop, and a gift shop. Visits must be scheduled in advance on the Vuitton website and are free during the display’s year-long set-up. There is no need to make a reservation in order to visit the café or gift shop. Once LV Dream is removed, the world’s largest Louis Vuitton store will likely take its place.
The Cheval Blanc currently is priced at around USD 1,900 per night, so one can only imagine that the forthcoming LV hotel will be in a similar ballpark, if not pricier.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
I feel like every home economics teacher should look like this. I would have learned so much more. What does starching your clothes even mean?
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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