#MAGFAB: Quinta Brunson is the Cover Girl for COSMOPOLITAN’s Party Issue!
The hustle never stops for the Quinta Brunson, the multi-multi-multi-hyphenate behind “Abbott Elementary.” For Cosmopolitan’s final issue of the year — the Party Issue — the 32-year-old opens up about her meteoric rise, explaining what it takes to succeed in television, why her team calls her the best boss ever, and how she plans to spend her much-deserved winter hiatus. Plus, watch her Cosmo cover video — “Expensive Taste Test” — to see how Quinta does when we put her to the test on blasts from the past, including fruit roll-ups, slap bracelets, and chocolate milk.
On how deeply Abbott Elementary resonates across all different audiences: “I can feel a chord that’s connected to everybody else, where I can feel what people would like to see right now or what would make people feel better. I think that’s why Abbott hits the way that it does. Even if we’re telling a really specific joke about Jill Scott or Lil Uzi Vert, there’s a way to craft it so that it will still make a white grandma in Wichita laugh, even if she doesn’t know the reference.”
On whether she’s taken time to celebrate her wins: “I’m just not sure that certain things have been processing the way they should. I’m finding my ways to celebrate, but it’s been a consistent grind. My focus is to make more Abbott and make it well. So while I’m grateful and appreciative for the wins, I just feel like I’m going through the motions…”
“I was recently telling someone older and way more successful than me that this period feels a little bit like a blur. But the person said that watching my wins has allowed her to remember her own wins and have this celebration she never gave herself. I was like, ‘Wow, that’s powerful.’ I look forward to the day when I can look back and remember, Ah, yeah. That was cool.”
On TikTok: “I got one just to have it in case I ever need to post Abbott stuff on there. As for other stuff, I was like, Ah, I could learn…mmm…no. I have no interest whatsoever. Even if I wanted to make a TikTok, I feel like there’s a high expectation and I’m like, Nope, not seeking any validation of any sort. So many people are doing incredible things on TikTok, like Tabitha Brown. But I’ve had my fill of creating content for the internet with the intention of making something that people would enjoy and that would go viral. I don’t really tweet my thoughts anymore. I just feel like I’ve moved to a different process of communicating with the world. Now I just wanna do nothing on the internet.
On the trouble with making extremely difficult and wonderful acts look so natural: “I think about that quite often. How do I try to word this without sounding like an *sshole? I don’t think that Abbott is easy to do. Similarly, I don’t think Insecure was easy to do. I don’t think anybody can do that. That was unique to Issa and her version of storytelling. It’s just funny because often with men, it’s like, ‘Whoa, they’re revolutionary!’”
On connecting with Issa Rae: “Issa and I chat. The last time we talked, four hours passed before we knew it. I just felt lighter. It’s like, Okay, someone understands these specific Black things that you go through as a woman running and producing a show, as someone who feels so connected to your stories. It’s hard because as Black woman creators, we still feel the responsibility of representation. But as artists, you want the freedom sometimes to not have to deal with that.”
COSMOPOLITAN’s Issue 8: The Party Issue hits newsstands nationwide on December 13.
#RHOP: Mia Thornton Reveals Whether She Is Leaving The Real Housewives Of Potomac
favorite DMV ladies have delivered, but this season… is something different. The shifting dynamics between Candiace Dillard-Bassett and Gizelle Bryant and the continuing feud between Mia Thornton and Dr. Wendy Osefo have just made for such great content I can’t stop stanning these ladies.
Drink throwing is somewhat of a classic staple on the Real Housewives, but I have to admit, every time a Housewife does throw a drink, my mouth drops. So you can only imagine my reaction when Mia threw a drink at Wendy after their argument over Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Peter Thomas.
Yes, THAT Peter. The one the legendary NeNe Leakes told to “stay out of women’s business.” Yep, he somehow did the Wendy slither over to the RHOP ladies and is now somewhat crucial to one of this season’s storylines. Either way, Peter has two ties to the group through both Wendy and Mia. Apparently, he’s known Mia for years so their bond runs sort of deep. That’s what led Miss Mia to have one of the biggest blowups ever with the professor while on vacation in South Beach.
And when I say blowup… I don’t just mean a slight argument. Mia had to be held back by security as she attempted to hit Wendy with her purse. Whew. It was a lot going on and there’s way too much physicality happening this season. This is the second time a cast member has had to be restrained from getting too close to someone else (cough, cough Robyn Dixon).
After Mia’s shocking behavior was aired for the world to see, she posted a series of cryptic messages to her social media accounts and even deleted her Twitter. This move, done by many Housewives in an attempt to remain “the moment.” led fans to believe she was seemingly announcing her departure from the show. And now, she’s cleared all that up for us.
Hollywood Life interviewed Mia on their podcast, Pay Attention Puh-Lease!, and there, Mia spilled all the tea about her current Housewife status.
“I, by all means, wouldn’t go to social media to announce that I’m leaving the show, right?” Mia stated. “But I was making an announcement that I just don’t have time to feed into everyone’s comment and opinions because I have to do what’s best my businesses, my partners, my investors, my kids, my family, my friends who are all heavily affected.” she added.
Mia’s attack on Wendy came after Mia perceived something Wendy said as offensive toward her husband. “You know, just because I can accept public scrutiny –I signed up for it, right?– doesn’t necessarily make it fair for people to go out and attack my partner,” Mia said. “I have to do what’s best for them because that’s just the type of person that I am, and I just don’t think it’s fair.”
As far as whether or not Mia plans on leaving The Real Housewives of Potomac any time soon, she told Hollywood Life, “[Bravo’s] going to have to fire me [for me to leave the show].”
And that’s just that on that. Thanks for the inside scoop, Mia. I’m always here for the behind-the-scenes exclusives. And yours are the gift that keeps on giving. I sure hope you bring this same energy, well, the non-violent energy, to the reunion.
#MusicNews: BeyoncĂ©’s ‘Break My Soul’ Is Now Platinum
BeyoncĂ©’s “Break My Soul,” the lead single from her album Renaissance, has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); it has sold one million equivalent units since its summer release.
It’s the first track from BeyoncĂ©’s seventh album to obtain an RIAA award.
“Break My Soul” was initially certified gold in August for amassing over 500,000 equivalent units since its summer release.
BeyoncĂ© celebrated her latest RIAA certification by releasing an appreciation visual aptly dubbed “Hive Certified,” featuring fans of all ages dancing and sharing reactions to the song.
“Thank you so much for all the love and for releasing the wiggle,” wrote in the video’s description on YouTube.
Released June 20, “Break My Soul” served as the first taste of Renaissance. She co-wrote and co-produced the liberating anthem with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart.
Shortly after Renaissance dropped on July 29, BeyoncĂ© shared several alternative versions of “Break My Soul,” one of which was remixed by Chicago house DJ Terry Hunter; that variation has been nominated for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 65th Grammy Awards.
“I was obviously honored to get the chance to remix #BreakMySoul. The love and support that’s been shown so far is overwhelming. I cant thank @Beyonce and her team enough for trusting me with this project. I look forward to seeing everyone on the dance floor,” Hunter wrote on Instagram.
Beyoncé also shared a final version titled The Queens Remix. Global icon Madonna guests.
Afterward, “Break My Soul” peaked at No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 and Adult R&B Airplay charts. It became her eighth leader on the main singles chart and second on the latter list.
“Break My Soul” won Song of the Year at the 2022 Soul Train Awards. It was nominated for Favorite R&B Song at the 2022 American Music Awards and Song of the Summer at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
More awards could be on the horizon for “Break My Soul.” It’s up for the following three awards at the 2023 Grammys: Record of the Year; Song of the Year; and Best Dance/Electronic Recording.
Beyoncé is nominated for six other trophies, including Album of the Year and Best Dance/Electronic Album for Renaissance. She ties with JAY-Z as the most-nominated artist in Grammy history, with 88 each.
BeyoncĂ© has airwaves in a chokehold with another Renaissance track, “Cuff It.” It is now No. 1 across multiple formats, including R&B, urban and rhythmic.
#HipHopNews: Future Announces 'One Big Party' Tour
Future is bringing the party to a city near you in 2023. The rapper has announced dates for his “One Big Party” tour. The six-date arena trek kicks off Jan. 7 at Houston’s Toyota Center before making its way across the U.S., with stops in Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and D.C., wrapping Jan. 27 at Boston’s TD Garden.
“ShowTime. I’m ready To bring ONE BIG PARTY too your city!” tweeted Pluto.
Fans can expect surprises along the way as Future will be joined by some of his famous friends during the month-long trek.
But first, he will close out the year with a performance at “The Ball Drops in Brooklyn” concert on Dec. 30 featuring Lil Uzi Vert, King Combs, and Chinese Kitty. West Coast fans can also catch him live at Rolling Loud California in March.
It’s been a big year for the Atlanta rapper, whose platinum-certified album I Never Liked You dropped in April featuring the chart-topping hit “Wait for U” with Drake and Tems. He was nominated for seven Grammys, more than his entire career combined, and took home an American Music Award for Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Wait for U.”
Future recently joined DJ Khaled on stage during the Soundstorm Festival in Saudi Arabia. He can also be heard on Metro Boomin’s new album Heroes & Villains.
Tickets are on sale now. See dates below.
One Big Party Tour Dates
Jan. 7 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Jan. 13 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Jan. 14 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Jan. 20 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Jan. 22 – Washington, D.C. – Capital Arena
Jan. 27 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeats Republican Herschel Walker in Georgia runoff
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has won a full term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican football legend Herschel Walker in a campaign that tested Georgia's position as a purple state and spurred debates about race, celebrity and partisan politics.
Warnock's victory gives Democrats a 51-49 Senate majority, ending their reliance on the vice president to break ties in an evenly divided chamber and improving the party's prospects for holding its majority in 2024.
"After a hard-fought campaign, or should I say campaigns, it is my honor to utter the four most powerful words ever spoken in a democracy: the people have spoken," Warnock told supporters gathered in a hotel ballroom lit in the campaign's signature gold and blue.
More than 3.5 million voters cast ballots in the runoff, down from about 3.9 million in November.
In an election that hinged as much on the personalities of the two candidates as the policies they promoted, Warnock embraced his identity as a pastor to draw contrasts with his opponent, whose candidacy was dogged by controversy.
Throughout the campaign, Walker stumbled to respond to allegations of domestic violence and claims that he paid for ex-girlfriends' abortions, despite expressing support for a nationwide ban on the procedure. He was also prone to gaffes and false claims, exaggerating his record in academics and business and displaying a loose grasp of policy.
This is Warnock's second runoff win in less than two years. In January 2021, he won another runoff contest to fill out the term of a retiring Republican, flipping the seat blue for the first time in years and clinching Democratic control of the Senate.
Warnock is the first Black U.S. senator from Georgia. The campaign between Walker and Warnock made history as the first time two African Americans ran as the major party's nominees for U.S. Senate from Georgia.
Tuesday's runoff was the latest barometer of whether Democrats' electoral victories in Georgia last cycle signaled a new era in the state's politics. The race also reflected the extent of Donald Trump's influence post-presidency. Walker, who Trump urged to run, was the only Georgia Republican not to win outright in November.
Neither Walker nor Warnock topped 50% in the general election, resulting in a runoff.
On the campaign trail, Warnock touted his bipartisan bonafides in Washington, even as Walker sought to tie him to President Biden, whose approval ratings are underwater in Georgia. Especially in the final weeks of the campaign, Warnock explicitly appealed to independents and Republican-leaning voters hesitant about Walker to support him instead.
"This is not about right and left," Warnock told voters before a rally with former President Barack Obama last week in Atlanta. "This is about the difference between right and wrong."
In November, Walker won about 200,000 fewer votes than Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. The gap was most pronounced in Atlanta's northern suburbs, once Republican strongholds that have trended toward Democrats in recent years.
"My vote isn't bound by party alone," says Cameron Lewellen, who voted for Kemp in November and for Warnock both times. "It does actually matter what you say because I'm an American first and a Republican second."
While Walker's campaign tried to focus on the economy, his stump speech catered largely to the state's most conservative voters, devoting as much time to criticizing transgender people in sports and the military as talking about inflation.
His speeches were often light on policy and leaned heavily into his personal story and humorous anecdotes, including one now-infamous aside about werewolves and vampires.
"We need leaders in Washington who say if you don't like the rules of the United States of America you can leave," Walker recently told a crowd gathered inside a community gymnasium in Dalton. "That's what we need right now."
The campaigns and outside groups spent roughly $80 million in television advertising for the four-week runoff.
More than 1.8 million Georgians cast ballots by the end of early voting last week. Multiple days broke records for daily, in-person voting, reflecting both enthusiasm and a Republican-backed election law that condensed the runoff window from nine weeks to four. At some early vote locations, voters waited in lines for more than two hours to cast their ballots.
Born 115 miles and seven years apart, Walker and Warnock followed diverging paths to the heights of two of the most important institutions in the South — the church and college football.
Decades after he played for the University of Georgia and later the NFL, Walker remains a celebrated figure in Georgia. At campaign stops, supporters lined up carrying hats, jerseys and footballs for the former football star to autograph.
Warnock is the senior pastor at the church once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and on the trail often channeled his hero's emphasis on the overlap between activism and faith.
And so it was fitting that on the final weekend of campaigning, Warnock carved out his Sunday morning to preach from his pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Across town, Walker snapped photos with fans tailgating outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, where his University of Georgia Bulldogs secured the SEC championship title.
YESSSSS! Aaron Judge cashes in with 9-year, $360M Yankees deal!
Buster Olney: The Yankees 'completely surrendered' to Aaron JudgeBuster Olney says the Yankees needed to give Aaron Judge exactly what he wanted, with a nine-year, $360 million contract, to ensure he'd return to New York.
Aaron Judge's bet on himself paid off in a big way.
Judge has agreed to return to the New York Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN early Wednesday morning, giving the slugger nearly $150 million more than what the team had offered him in the spring.
He decided to remain with the Yankees after flirtations with the San Francisco Giants, the team located about 100 miles from where Judge grew up in California, and the San Diego Padres, who have made it clear they are open to making big moves this winter.
The looming specter of Judge leaving for San Francisco or San Diego gave him the last bit of leverage he needed to land the highest average annual salary ($40 million) for any position player in history, surpassing Mike Trout's $36 million per year. But Judge had already done the bulk of the work in improving his bargaining position with his incredible 2022 season.
The Yankees had pitched a seven-year, $213.5 million deal at the end of spring training, and when Judge rejected that offer without countering, general manager Brian Cashman revealed the team's offer in a news conference. Cashman's rationale for that decision was that the offer would be reported anyway and wanted transparency.
Judge felt differently, telling Time Magazine in an interview published Tuesday that he felt the Yankees' disclosure of the offer was meant to turn the fans and media against him as he moved closer to free agency.
But Judge never expressed those feelings during the season. Rather, he focused on performance and the team. Following a slow start that generated some boos at Yankee Stadium, Judge exploded. After going more than 50 plate appearances before hitting his first home run of the season, Judge clubbed 12 homers in May and 11 in June -- and then he got really hot. In the second half of the season, Judge hit .349 with a .502 on-base percentage and .785 slugging percentage.
As Judge continued to produce after the All-Star break, he all but single-handedly saved the Yankees from one of baseball's greatest collapses. As the Yankees' big lead in the American League East nearly evaporated, Judge propped up the offense with seemingly daily heroics. In one series against the Toronto Blue Jays, he scored every run.
Judge hit his 60th homer of the season on Sept. 20, tying Babe Ruth's 1927 mark, then matched Roger Maris' AL record with his 61st on Sept. 28 in Toronto. On Oct. 4, Judge passed Maris with a first-inning homer off the Texas Rangers' Jesus Tinoco.
Last month, Judge was named AL MVP for a season in which he hit .311 with 133 runs and 131 RBIs.
The Yankees have a long history of holding the line in contract talks, even with their own superstars, from Ruth to Joe DiMaggio to Reggie Jackson to Derek Jeter. But the pressure on owner Hal Steinbrenner to sign Judge was perhaps unlike anything he had faced before, because of Judge's production and popularity among Yankees fans.
Steinbrenner spoke with Judge repeatedly after the Yankees were eliminated in the AL Championship Series by the Houston Astros and, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, made an offer of about $300 million over eight years early in the offseason.
The Yankees' uncertainty about Judge's intentions only grew. In past negotiations, including those in the spring, Judge's side would respond with a simple "no" rather than providing a counteroffer. As Judge met with the Giants and Padres, the Yankees weren't sure what he would do. Nervousness grew within the organization to the degree that the front office prepared possible Plan B's, such as a pursuit of a shortstop, maybe Xander Bogaerts.
Judge flew to San Diego on Monday, according to Passan, to meet with the Padres, who had previously made a record-high but unsuccessful offer to Trea Turner. Steinbrenner pushed his offer to $360 million -- nearly 70% higher than what the Yankees offered just eight months ago, a reflection of Judge's value to the franchise and to the spiking free agent market.
Moving forward, the Yankees might have hard choices shaped by the contractual obligations on their books. They already owe about $105 million annually to Judge, pitcher Gerrit Cole and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, along with long-term deals for DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Hicks. They need to identify a shortstop, another starting pitcher and bullpen help.
But all that might feel a little easier now that they have retained their franchise anchor and clubhouse leader in Judge, who appears to be the heir apparent to Jeter as the team's next captain.
MLB Network first reported that Judge would re-sign with the Yankees, while The Athletic first reported the terms of the agreement.
#SADNESS: Ballroom Competition show ‘Legendary’ Canceled at HBO Max After Three Seasons
Reality competition series “Legendary” has been canceled at HBO Max after three seasons.
The news comes just one day after Variety exclusively reported the cancellation of “FBoy Island,” another fan-favorite unscripted project at the streamer.
The series took place within the New York City ballroom scene, following different houses of vogue dancers as they competed in balls and showcased their fashion in order to achieve “legendary” status. Among the cast were MC Dashaun Wesley and DJ MikeQ as well as celebrity judges Law Roach, Jameela Jamil, Leiomy Maldonado and Megan Thee Stallion. Season 1 premiered in 2020, while Season 2 came in 2021 and Season 3 debuted in May of this year.
Like with “FBoy Island,” the end of “Legendary” points to a larger story within the continued impact of the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which closed in April. CEO David Zaslav brought with him not just a stacked unscripted slate from across the Discovery brands, but also a rather brutal cost-cutting spirit. After Zaslav set a goal to find $3 billion in synergy savings over the next three years, redundancies created by HBO Max’s unscripted division became an easy target, with more cancellations looking likely and layoffs already carried out.
Read Variety‘s July analysis of the dilemma of unscripted TV at HBO Max, including anonymous insight from WBD insiders, here.
“Legendary” hailed from Scout Productions with David Collins, Rob Eric and Michael Williams serving as executive producers alongside Jane Mun and Josh Greenberg, who also served as showrunners.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s Daughter OK After Rushed to Hospital, Rep Says
Authorities were called to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’s Texas home late Tuesday over reports that a teen had self-inflicted stab wounds, police told ABC affiliate KTRK.
Cruz has two daughters, ages 11 and 14.
The outlet reported that Houston police responded to called that a 14-year-old had stab wounds on their arms in the River Oaks neighborhood. The teen’s identity was not disclosed.
The teen was rushed to the hospital.
“This is a family matter, and thankfully their daughter is OK,” a representative for Cruz told the Daily Beast. They added that there “were no serious injuries.”
“The family requests that the media respect their daughter’s privacy at this time.”
Cruz’s eldest daughter shared on TikTok early this year that she was bisexual.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities.
The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860.
Kehlani Grinds On Letitia Wright While Partying In London Nightclub
Kehlani has sent the Internet into a frenzy after being spotted getting steamy with Letitia Wright. In videos surfacing online, the singer could be seen grinding on the "Black Panther" actress while partying in a London nightclub.
Kehlani looked like they were having fun giving Letitia a lap dance on the second floor of the Fabric London nightclub. The Guyanese-British star was seen backing the musician up as the songstress flaunted their dance moves.
It remains unclear whether the pair arrived at the nightclub together or whether they are dating. However, fans were quick to ship the two on Twitter, with one writing, "Kehlani and Letitia >>>>."
Another user penned, "Kehlani grinding on letitia wright from black panther at the after party in london is not something i thought i would ever see but i'm not complaining." A third wrote, "I need someone to get me a better angle of that clip of Kehlani and Letitia."
Kehlani confirmed their breakup from 070 Shake around two months prior. During their performance at a club, a DJ asked if there were any newly single people in the venue. Much to everyone's surprise, the "Gangsta" hitmaker raised their hand even though they looked apprehensive before putting their hand in the air. Fans were screaming when they did.
A Twitter user shared a video from the moment. In the caption, the user wrote, "Baybeeee Kehlani confirmed that break up so we can stop playing detective lmao."
Kehlani and Shake confirmed their romance back in May. Prior to this, the "Altar" singer was romantically linked to Kyrie Irving, PARTYNEXTDOOR as well as YG. The songstress, whose pronouns are "she/they", came out as a lesbian in April 2021.
Kirstie Alley Died Of Colon Cancer, Her Rep Confirms
New detail of Kirstie Alley's mystery illness that led to her untimely passing has been revealed. Hours after the actress' death was announced by her family, her representative confirmed that the "Cheers" star was diagnosed with colon cancer.
According to Daily Mail, Kirstie will be cremated instead of buried. A memorial service will be held in honor of the "Veronica's Closet" alum at the Church of Scientology's Clearwater, Florida, headquarters.
Kirstie's family broke the sad news of her death on Monday, December 5. In a statement posted on her social media accounts, her children True, 30, and Lillie, 28, "To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered."
They continued, "She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother."
"We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care," Kirstie's children added. Remembering her, they said, "Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time," they concluded. Kirstie was 71 years old.
Kirstie shared her two children with her ex-husband Parker Stevenson, who has broken his silence in the wake of her death. "Dear Kirstie," he wrote on Instagram alongside a throwback photo of the two, "I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have." The "Baywatch" alum concluded, "You will be missed. With love, Parker."
Kirstie's pals and former co-stars have also paid tribute to her. John Travolta posted on Instagram along with a throwback photo of the late actress with him, "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again."
Jamie Lee Curtis remembered her "Scream Queens" co-star, "She was a great comic foil in @tvscreamqueens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas. We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news."
Tim Allen, who co-starred with Kirstin in "For Richer or Poorer", tweeted, "A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family." Kirstie's "Cheers" co-star Kelsey Grammer said in a statement to Variety, "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her."
Time's 2022 Person of the Year Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Time magazine has announced their 2022 Person of the Year is the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The 44-year-old politician has been lauded by many for his leadership amid Russia’s unprovoked attacks on his homeland.
Time spoke of their decision to choose the President of the Ukraine as their 2022 choice, saying, “Zelenskyy’s success as a wartime leader has relied on the fact that courage is contagious. It spread through Ukraine’s political leadership in the first days of the invasion, as everyone realized the President had stuck around.”
“Whether one looks at this story of Ukraine with a sense of hope or a sense of fear, and the story is, of course, not fully written yet … Zelenskyy has really galvanized the world in a way we haven’t seen in decades,” Time‘s Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal said of the choice on the Today show.
Avatar: The Way of Water world premiere takes place in London
Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to the highest-grossing movie of all time, has held its world premiere in London.
Its much-delayed launch comes 13 years after the original sci-fi film, which was released in 2009.
Director James Cameron was joined on the blue carpet in Leicester Square by stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver and Kate Winslet.
The Avatar series is set on the lush planet of Pandora where the existence of the Na'vi people is under threat.
Speaking at the premiere, Weaver said the film has the "family" as the central theme over the environment as it is more "universal and relatable".
"It was a joy to be part of that family, we were at each other's throats sometimes, Jim [Cameron] wanted that... for us to kind of get at each other, still have fun and it's very much a real family," she said.
Nice
NAACP & BET Announce “54TH NAACP Image Awards” To Air Live
The NAACP and BET announced that the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, February 25, 2023at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years. Nominees will be announced and online international voting opens on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Voting closes on Friday, February 10.
Leading up to the Image Awards, NAACP will be hosting a range of week-long activities in Los Angeles to further celebrate and honor outstanding people of color in film, television, music, and literature. Media credential application for these activities and the show will be released at a later date.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows for people of color, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose. The “54th NAACP Image Awards” will also include three new submissions within the motion picture, television + streaming categories. New submission categories include:
● Outstanding Hairstyling
● Outstanding Make-up
● Outstanding Costume Design
“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Black voices are necessary to continually inspire audiences around the world. We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.”
“BET is extremely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP and magnify their endeavors to honor the incredible contributions made by the Black community,” said BET President and CEO Scott Mills. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Black excellence at next year’s Image Awards on all of our platforms, honoring those who help tell our diverse stories in powerful ways.”
Only submitted work will be reviewed for consideration. All valid entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five in each category by members of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others) NAACP Board members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff, partners and others. As of November 18, nominee submissions are now closed.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Lizzo, BeyoncĂ©, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, RegĂ©-Jean Page, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.
Keke Palmer sends message to people commenting on her appearance without makeup
Keke Palmer has a message for anyone making rude statements about her appearance.
In a series of tweets, the entertainer revealed that she hopes others can find the self confidence that they lack. “I just saw a few comments of [people] saying I was ugly ’cause I wasn’t wearing any makeup,” Palmer wrote on Tuesday (Dec. 6). “And I really want y’all to get the help y’all need because makeup isn’t real. I’m beautiful in real life because of who I am, not what I look like.”
Furthermore, Palmer says she wish she could package self love to sell to a couple of people who may need it. “I wish I could bottle how I feel about myself and sell it. Because some people take comments to heart and these [people] just say anything,” she continued. “I mean truly, it’s insane to say anyone is ugly, but especially me.”
Recently, the Nope star sent social media into a frenzy after revealing that she is expecting her first child during the opening monologue as guest host of “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend. “There’s some rumors going around,” said Palmer during the show. “People have been in my comments saying, ‘Keke’s having a baby, Keke’s pregnant,’ and I wanna set the record straight — I am.” From then, she unbuttoned the trench coat jacket she was wearing and showed the audience her growing baby bump.
As previously, as someone whose rise to stardom began during her childhood, Palmer told us that she aims to do more work behind the camera in the near future. “I think a goal for me would be doing a lot more behind-the-scenes [work] like producing, writing and directing,” she shared. “I’ve always loved to perform and be in front of the camera, but I definitely look forward to doing stuff behind the camera.”
‘Abbott Elementary’ Leads the TV Contenders for the 28th Critics Choice Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced the TV category nominees for the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed at the star-studded Critics Choice Awards gala, which will broadcast LIVE on The CW from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 15, 2023 (7:00 – 10:00 pm ET, delayed PT – check local listings).
ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” leads the TV contenders for the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards with six nominations. In addition to Best Comedy Series, the show earned several acting nominations including Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Quinta Brunson. Chris Perfetti and Tyler James Williams were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, while Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph both earned nods for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
“Better Call Saul” (AMC) followed with an impressive five nominations overall, including Best Drama Series. Bob Odenkirk is nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and Giancarlo Esposito garnered a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. Carol Burnett and Rhea Seehorn will vye for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
“Gaslit” (Starz), “Reservation Dogs” (FX), and “The Good Fight” (Paramount+) tied with four nominations each.
As we embark on holding the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards, we are amazed by the wealth of remarkable television programs that were considered to become this year’s nominees,” said Critics Choice Association TV Branch co-president Ed Martin. “Clearly, the industry has rebounded in a big way. We look forward to honoring the year’s finest shows and performances at the upcoming awards ceremony.”
Nominations for the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards film categories will be announced on December 14 at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET.
The Critics Choice Awards are bestowed annually by the Critics Choice Association to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most accurate predictor of Academy Award® nominations.
The 28th annual Critics Choice Awards show will be executive-produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.
Follow the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. Join the conversation using #CriticsChoiceAwards.
The People's Choice Awards 2022 Winners: The Complete List
The pop culture event of the year was a night to remember. The 2022 People's Choice Awards ceremony went off with a bang and fans have made their voices heard by voting for their favorites in movies, TV, music and more.
Three major winners were announced prior to the Dec. 6 telecast: Ryan Reynolds was honored with The People's Icon Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry over the past three decades.
Additionally, five-time nominee Lizzo accepted The People's Champion Award for her impact on music and TV, as well as her commitment to championing diversity and inclusion. Meanwhile, Shania Twain took home The Music Icon trophy and performed a medley of her most iconic hits.
This year's PCAs was once again hosted by Kenan Thompson, who was also a nominee for his work on Saturday Night Live, and aired live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Scroll down to see every winner from the 2022 PCAs.
People's Champion Award
WINNER: Lizzo
Gwen Stefani, 2019 Peoples Choice Awards Red Carpet
Music Icon Award
WINNER: Shania Twain
People's Icon Award
WINNER: Ryan Reynolds
The Movie of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
MOVIES
THE MOVIE OF 2022
Bullet Train
WINNER: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Elvis
Jurassic World Dominion
Nope
The Batman
Thor: Love and Thunder
Top Gun: Maverick
The Comedy Movie of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE COMEDY MOVIE OF 2022
Fire Island
Hustle
Hocus Pocus 2
Marry Me
Senior Year
WINNER: The Adam Project
The Lost City
Ticket To Paradise
The Action Movie of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE ACTION MOVIE OF 2022
Black Adam
Bullet Train
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Jurassic World Dominion
The Batman
The Woman King
Thor: Love and Thunder
WINNER: Top Gun: Maverick
The Drama Movie of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE DRAMA MOVIE OF 2022
Nope
Death on the Nile
WINNER: Don't Worry Darling
Elvis
Halloween Ends
Luckiest Girl Alive
Scream
Where the Crawdads Sing
The Male Movie Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE MALE MOVIE STAR OF 2022
Brad Pitt, Bullet Train
WINNER: Chris Hemsworth, Thor: Love and Thunder
Chris Pratt, Jurassic World Dominion
Daniel Kaluuya, Nope
Dwayne Johnson, Black Adam
Miles Teller, Top Gun: Maverick
Ryan Reynolds, The Adam Project
Tom Cruise, Top Gun: Maverick
The Female Movie Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE FEMALE MOVIE STAR OF 2022
WINNER: Elizabeth Olsen, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Gal Gadot, Death on the Nile
Jennifer Garner, The Adam Project
Jennifer Lopez, Marry Me
Joey King, Bullet Train
Keke Palmer, Nope
Queen Latifah, Hustle
Viola Davis, The Woman King
The Drama Movie Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE DRAMA MOVIE STAR OF 2022
WINNER: Austin Butler, Elvis
Daniel Kaluuya, Nope
Florence Pugh, Don't Worry Darling
Gal Gadot, Death on the Nile
Harry Styles, Don't Worry Darling
Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Ends
Keke Palmer, Nope
Mila Kunis, Luckiest Girl Alive
The Comedy Movie Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE COMEDY MOVIE STAR OF 2022
WINNER: Adam Sandler, Hustle
Channing Tatum, The Lost City
Jennifer Garner, The Adam Project
Jennifer Lopez, Marry Me
Julia Roberts, Ticket To Paradise
Queen Latifah, Hustle
Ryan Reynolds, The Adam Project
Sandra Bullock, The Lost City
The Action Movie Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE ACTION MOVIE STAR OF 2022
Chris Hemsworth, Thor: Love and Thunder
Chris Pratt, Jurassic World Dominion
Dwayne Johnson, Black Adam
WINNER: Elizabeth Olsen, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Joey King, Bullet Train
Viola Davis, The Woman King
Tom Cruise, Top Gun: Maverick
Zöe Kravitz, The Batman
THE SHOW OF 2022
Abbott Elementary
Better Call Saul
Grey's Anatomy
House of the Dragon
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Saturday Night Live
WINNER: Stranger Things
This Is Us
The Drama Show of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE DRAMA SHOW OF 2022
Better Call Saul
Cobra Kai
Euphoria
WINNER: Grey's Anatomy
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Ozark
The Walking Dead
This Is Us
The Comedy Show of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE COMEDY SHOW OF 2022
Abbott Elementary
Black-ish
Only Murders in the Building
WINNER: Never Have I Ever
Saturday Night Live
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
Young Rock
Young Sheldon
The Reality Show of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE REALITY SHOW OF 2022
90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
WINNER: The Kardashians
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Selling Sunset
THE COMPETITION SHOW OF 2022
America's Got Talent
American Idol
Dancing With the Stars
RuPaul's Drag Race
The Bachelorette
The Masked Singer
Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
WINNER: The Voice
The Male TV Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE MALE TV STAR OF 2022
Dwayne Johnson, Young Rock
Ewan McGregor, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ice-T, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Jason Bateman, Ozark
WINNER: Noah Schnapp, Stranger Things
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Oscar Isaac, Moon Knight
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
The Female TV Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE FEMALE TV STAR OF 2022
Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
WINNER: Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy
Kristen Bell, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the
Window
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Never Have I Ever
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building
The Drama TV Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE DRAMA TV STAR OF 2022
Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy
Jason Bateman, Ozark
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
WINNER: Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Sydney Sweeney, Euphoria
Zendaya, Euphoria
THE COMEDY TV STAR OF 2022
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live
Dwayne Johnson, Young Rock
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Kristen Bell, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the
Window
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Never Have I Ever
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
WINNER: Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish
The Comedy TV Star of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE DAYTIME TALK SHOW OF 2022
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Good Morning America
Live With Kelly and Ryan
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Jennifer Hudson Show
WINNER: The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
Today With Hoda and Jenna
THE NIGHTTIME TALK SHOW OF 2022
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Late Night With Seth Meyers
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
The Late Late Show With James Corden
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
WINNER: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen
THE COMPETITION CONTESTANT OF 2022
Charli D'Amelio, Dancing With the Stars
Chris Constantino/Bosco, RuPaul's Drag Race
Gabby Windey, The Bachelorette
Mayyas, America's Got Talent
Noah Thompson, American Idol
WINNER: Selma Blair, Dancing With the Stars
Teyana Taylor, The Masked Singer
Willow Patterson/Willow Pill, RuPaul's Drag Race
THE REALITY TV STAR OF 2022
Chrishell Stause, Selling Sunset
Garcelle Beauvais, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Kandi Burruss, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Kenya Moore, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
WINNER: Khloé Kardashian, The Kardashians
Kim Kardashian, The Kardashians
Kyle Richards, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
THE BINGEWORTHY SHOW OF 2022
Bridgerton
Bel-Air
WINNER: Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Inventing Anna
Severance
The Bear
The Boys
The Thing About Pam
THE SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW OF 2022
House of The Dragon
La Brea
Moon Knight
Obi-Wan Kenobi
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
WINNER: Stranger Things
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Umbrella Academy
The Male Artist of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE MALE ARTIST OF 2022
Bad Bunny
Charlie Puth
Drake
WINNER: Harry Styles
Jack Harlow
Kendrick Lamar
Luke Combs
The Weeknd
The Female Artist of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2022
Beyoncé
Camila Cabello
Doja Cat
Lady Gaga
Lizzo
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
WINNER: Taylor Swift
The Group of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE GROUP OF 2022
WINNER: BTS
5 Seconds of Summer
BLACKPINK
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
MĂ„neskin
OneRepublic
Panic! At The Disco
The Song of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE SONG OF 2022
WINNER: "About Damn Time," Lizzo
"As It Was," Harry Styles
"Break My Soul," Beyoncé
"First Class," Jack Harlow
"Hold My Hand," Lady Gaga
"Me Porto Bonito," Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
"Super Freaky Girl," Nicki Minaj
"Wait For U," Future Featuring Drake & Tems
THE ALBUM OF 2022
Dawn FM, The Weeknd
Growin' Up, Luke Combs
Harry's House, Harry Styles
WINNER: Midnights, Taylor Swift
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar
Renaissance, Beyoncé
Special, Lizzo
Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny
THE COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2022
WINNER: Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Morgan Wallen
Thomas Rhett
The Latin Artist of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE LATIN ARTIST OF 2022
Anitta
Bad Bunny
WINNER: Becky G
Shakira
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro
RosalĂa
SebastiĂĄn Yatra
THE NEW ARTIST OF 2022
Chlöe
Dove Cameron
GAYLE
WINNER: Latto
Lauren Spencer-Smith
Muni Long
Saucy Santana
Steve Lacy
The Music Video of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2022
WINNER: "Anti-Hero," Taylor Swift
"As It Was," Harry Styles
"Left And Right" (feat. Jung Kook of BTS), Charlie Puth
"Let Somebody Go," Coldplay X Selena Gomez
"Oh My God," Adele
"Pink Venom," BLACKPINK
"PROVENZA," KAROL G
"Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)," BTS
The Collaboration of 2022, 2022 People's Choice Awards, PCAs, Winners
THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2022
WINNER: "Left And Right," Charlie Puth Featuring Jung Kook
"Bam Bam," Camila Cabello Featuring Ed Sheeran
"Do We Have A Problem?" Nicki Minaj X Lil Baby
"Freaky Deaky," Tyga X Doja Cat
"Hold Me Closer," Elton John & Britney Spears
"Jimmy Cooks," Drake Featuring 21 Savage
"Party," Bad Bunny & Rauw Alejandro
"Sweetest Pie," Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa
THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2022
WINNER: BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE
Bad Bunny: World's Hottest Tour
Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever, The World Tour
Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia Tour
Ed Sheeran Tour
Harry Styles Love On Tour
LADY GAGA: The Chromatica Ball
Luke Combs: The Middle of Somewhere Tour
THE SOCIAL CELEBRITY OF 2022
Bad Bunny
Charlie Puth
Doja Cat
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Reese Witherspoon
WINNER: Selena Gomez
Snoop Dogg
Congrats to all the winners!
Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun loses consciousness during live broadcast
(Dec. 5), viewers watched in horror as Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun suffered a medical emergency during a live broadcast. The 68-year-old was sitting with commentator Dominique Wilkins when he began convulsing and lost consciousness.
As the two spoke, Wilkins appeared unaware of what was unfolding right beside him. After a few seconds of Rathbun shaking uncontrollably and slumping into his chair, his co-host turned to face him, then the cameras cut to a wide shot of the arena. Reps for the Hawks later released a statement regarding the incident. “Prior to tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court,” the message began. “Emergency medical professionals on-site quickly treated Rathbun for dehydration. He is stable, responsive and heading to Emory Midtown for further evaluation,” it continued.
Those who were present or saw the incident on television shared their thoughts on social media. “Bob Rathbun looked like he just had a major health collapse and I am traumatized,” a user tweeted. He added, “That was disturbing to witness live like that.” Another person wrote, “Yo, WTF. I just saw some s**t happen to Bob Rathbun on television. Holy s**t. I am hoping he is OK.” Others called out those who shared the footage online. “Anyone out there that still has the video up from Atlanta last night of the frightening incident involving Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun, please delete it IMMEDIATELY! It is too terrifying and graphic for people to see! Why do you need the video up? Text explanation — all you need!” one post read.
“Prayers up for Bob Rathbun, man. I didn’t see it and I don’t want to, just glad to hear he’s conscious and in good hands,” a fan posted. The latest update on the announcer is that he is stable, but no other information has been released at this time. After the on-air scare, Lauren Jbara filled in for Rathbun as the Hawks fell to the Thunder.
‘DWTS’ Producers Could Replace Tyra Banks as Host After Complaints from Fans
*Tyra Banks could soon be out as co-host of “Dancing with the Stars”.
There have long been rumors that the show’s producers want to give the former supermodel the boot due to her diva-like antics, such as not promoting the show, not warming up colleagues and contestants, and not showing up at times to perform her duties as host an executive producer of the series.
One Hollywood insider claims Banks hates hosting the show and is fully aware that the network wants her gone, but she is going to continue to do things her way and make them pay her entire salary.
According to The Sun, DWTS producers may replace Banks as they feel “[she] has had struggles warming up to the team, contestants and certainly the audience.”
“There seems to be a disconnect again with viewers which always raises concerns,” the show insider revealed. “We still get emails and comments about her performance and it is upsetting.”
“The team works extraordinarily hard to deliver the best series every year, but the main focus of fans’ upset is the host,” the source continued.
“There are also concerns that she has not been out and about promoting the show as much as we’d like,” the source said. “Other hosts do a wealth of interviews and promotion for their shows, but she has not been out at all in the public eye.”
The insider noted, “If she did not have her executive producer role, some of us believe she would have already departed.”
Over the summer, Alfonso Ribeiro returned to “Dancing with the Stars” to serve as co-host alongside Banks.
At the time, we reported on the rumors that producers are slowly pushing Banks out and paving the way for Ribeiro (or someone else) to take over Tyra’s role. Ribeiro’s return to DWTS comes eight years after he won the Mirrorball Trophy on the celebrity dance competition series.
“Dancing with the Stars has been such an important part of my life for so many years, and I am ecstatic to officially re-join this tight-knit family as co-host,” Ribeiro said in a statement at the time. “Tyra and I have a longstanding friendship that I hope will resonate with all of the fans at home as we kick off this new season on Disney+.”
Banks added, “Having such a fun-loving, longtime friend as co-host warms my heart. Plus, he’s won the competition before, so he knows exactly what the stars are going through. Bantering back and forth with him live is going to be so much fun!”
Wendy Williams' Son Kevin Evicted from $2 Million Miami Apartment Due to Wendy Being 'Cut Off' from Her Finances
Wendy Williams’ 22-year-old son Kevin was evicted from his $2 million Miami apartment after Wendy “was cut off from her fortune and can’t pay his rent,” according to court filings.
Kevin was hit with a lawsuit seeking $70,000 in back rent for non-payment starting in February of this year.
The eviction suit, which was filed in August, includes a copy of Kevin Jr.’s lease, which shows Wendy paid for a full year in advance, as well as a security deposit and other fees.
Wendy dropped over $100,000 on the apartment for her 22-year-old son for the first year of the lease – which started in March of 2021 and ended in February, with Kevin agreeing to continue to rent the apartment on a monthly basis after the lease term had passed.
The U.S. Sun previously exclusively reported that Wendy’s Wells Fargo accounts were frozen in January of this year, which lines up with when the overdue rent began to pile up, as mentioned in Kevin’s eviction lawsuit.
In his response to the lawsuit, Kevin told the court that his famous mother rented the apartment for him.
He said that as the lease approached the end “my mom went through some health issues that put the court in control of her finances,” and that “all of the financial support that she always gave stopped,” including his housing.
Kevin added that he is currently in school full-time but had to take a full year off due to COVID and taking care of Wendy.
Wendy’s son added, “for medical and legal reasons, she has not been able to pay the rent for the past months since the 1-year lease ended and the court controlled her finances.”
The 22-year-old added “Everything happened very quickly and unexpectedly and I had no idea things would end up like this,” before adding that he would be moving out on September 7th.
Kevin Jr. is not the only person whose living conditions have been impacted by Wendy being placed under financial guardianship.
As The U.S. Sun reported last week, Wendy’s ex, Kevin Hunter Sr, claimed he could face foreclosure if his alimony payments don’t resume.
Todd & Julie Chrisley's Daughter Lindsie Breaks Silence After Their Prison Sentencing
Lindsie Chrisley is speaking out for the first time after her parents Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley were sentenced to prison time.
The reality stars were sentenced to multiple years in federal prison, as well as months of probation, after being found guilty of tax evasion and bank fraud.
Todd is going to prison for 12 years and Julie will be in prison for seven years. They also received 16 months of probation.
Lindsie is sharing her statement in the upcoming episode of her Coffee Convos podcast.
“I wanted to take a minute and first of all, say thank you to all of our listeners that have reached out to me the past few weeks regarding my family. I wanted to take a step back and begin to process everything before speaking and making any statements. The past few months have been extremely hard for me and my family, and I am heartbroken over the updates in my parents’ case that occurred late last month,” Lindsie said (via HollywoodLife).
The statement continued, “I know some of the media has tried to twist my response to this and make it something it’s not, but at the end of the day, there is no tea here. I am heartbroken and navigating this process the best way I know how. At the end of the day, this is a real family, and these are real and raw emotions. With that being said, thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. It really means the world to my family and me.”
Indonesia Moves to Ban Premarital Sex & Cohabitation Among Both Residents & Tourists
On Tuesday, Indonesian lawmakers unanimously passed a new law that makes having sex outside of marriage a crime. The newly introduced criminal code prohibits sex before marriage among monogamous couples and extramarital affairs.
While this new ruling may not surprise natives of the conservative nation, this new set of regulations poses significant challenges to the tourist industry. According to the Indonesian government, the law also applies to foreign residents and visitors. Human rights activists are concerned that the country will impede the personal freedoms of those traveling to the country and living there.
Under the latest version of this criminal code that has been in the works for years, anyone who engages in sex outside of wedlock may be sentenced to one year behind bars. Parents may report their children if they suspect sexual relations or cohabitating before marriage. Currently, millions of couples live together without a marriage license in Indonesia, all of which are now at risk of being arrested if reported.
“Should we ask overseas unmarried couples if they are married or not? Do tourist couples have to prove that they are married?” asked Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies in Bali, according to CNN.
While the act of cheating or premarital sex can be reported, proving it actually occurred may be difficult, especially among travelers. Human Rights Watch Indonesia Researcher Andreas Harsono believes that the broad law could result in “selective enforcement.”
If you were thinking of taking your trusty side piece or even your main boo to Indonesia for a romantic getaway anytime soon, you might want to rethink this destination if you don’t have a marriage certificate to back it up.
A Rise in Shoplifting at Walmart Could Lead to Increased Price Jumps and Store Closures, Says CEO
A recent uptick in Walmart thefts will only be affecting paying customers soon. The rise of shoplifting has left the company with two choices, increasing prices and closing down stores.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said it’s becoming a serious problem, “Theft is an issue. It’s higher than what it has historically been.”
“We’ve got safety measures, security measures that we’ve put in place by store location. I think local law enforcement being staffed and being a good partner is part of that equation, and that’s normally how we approach it.”
Target has also seen an increase in thefts. The CEO reported that shoplifting jumped to 50% in the past year, costing $400 million in losses.
Most of the shoplifting has been with organized retail theft, like the trend of raiding luxury stores last year.
“If that’s not corrected over time, prices will be higher, and/or stores will close,” McMillon continued.
“It’s really city by city, location by location. It’s store managers working with local law enforcement and we’ve got great relationships there for the most part.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘NOODLE MAN’
Noodle woman?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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