#MAGFAB: Mary J Blige for People Magazine Feb 6, 2023
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J Blige covers People Magazine for Feb 6. Muva looks good!
The article is HERE!
5 Memphis cops ‘all responsible’ for Tyre Nichols’ death says Memphis DA!
Five fired Memphis police officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes in the killing of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told a news conference that although the officers each played different roles in the killing, “they are all responsible.”
The officers, who are all Black, each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
Video of the Jan. 7 traffic stop will be released to the public sometime Friday evening, Mulroy said. Nichols’ family and their lawyers said the footage shows officers savagely beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes in an assault that the legal team likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King. His family urged supporters to protest peacefully.
Asked about the kidnapping charges, the district attorney said: “If it was a legal detention to begin with, it certainly became illegal at a certain point and was an unlawful detention.”
David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, said he saw the video and found it “absolutely appalling.”
“Let me be clear: What happened here does not at all reflect proper policing. This was wrong. This was criminal,” Rausch said during the news conference.
Court records showed that all five former officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were taken into custody.
Martin’s lawyer, William Massey, confirmed that his client had turned himself in. He and Mills’ lawyer, Blake Ballin, said their clients would plead not guilty. Lawyers for Smith, Bean and Haley could not be reached.
“No one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die,” Massey said.
Both lawyers said they had not seen the video.
“We are in the dark about many things, just like the general public is,” Ballin said.
Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison under Tennessee law.
Later Thursday, Nichols’ mother and stepfather were joined by several dozen supporters on a cold night for a candlelight vigil and prayer service at a Memphis skate park. Nichols, who had a 4-year-old son, was an avid skateboarder.
RowVaughn Wells thanked those who attended, then added that her family is “grief stricken.”
She warned supporters of the “horrific” nature of the video set to be released Friday, but she pleaded with supporters to “protest in peace.”
“I don’t want us burning up our city, tearing up the streets, because that’s not what my son stood for,” she said. “If you guys are here for me and Tyre, then you will protest peacefully. You can get your point across but we don’t need to tear up our cities, people, because we do have to live in them.”
Activists and clergy led the group in prayer and a drummer played a steady rhythm to lead into the spoken part of the vigil. Afterwards, skaters rode their boards as Wells and her husband watched.
The attorneys for Nichols’ family, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, issued a statement saying that Nichols “lost his life in a particularly disgusting manner that points to the desperate need for change and reform to ensure this violence stops occurring during low-threat procedures, like in this case, a traffic stop.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who runs the National Action Network and will deliver the eulogy at Nichols’ funeral service next week, called the charges “a necessary step in delivering justice” for Nichols.
“There is no point to putting a body camera on a cop if you aren’t going to hold them accountable when the footage shows them relentlessly beating a man to death,” Sharpton said. “Firings are not enough. Indictments and arrests are not convictions. As we’ve done in the past ... we will stand by this family until justice is done.”
At the White House, President Joe Biden said the Nichols family and the city of Memphis deserve “a swift, full and transparent investigation.”
“Public trust is the foundation of public safety, and there are still too many places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken,” Biden said in a statement.
The Memphis police chief has called the officers’ actions that night “heinous, reckless and inhumane.”
“This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said in a video statement released late Wednesday on social media.
Davis said the five officers found to be “directly responsible for the physical abuse of Mr. Nichols,” were fired last week, but other officers are still being investigated for violating department policy. In addition, she said “a complete and independent review” will be conducted of the department’s specialized units, without providing further details.
Two fire department workers were also removed from duty over the Nichols’ arrest.
As state and federal investigations continue, Davis promised the police department’s “full and complete cooperation” to determine what contributed to Nichols’ Jan. 10 death.
Mulroy told The Associated Press on Tuesday that local and state investigators wanted to complete as many interviews as possible before releasing the video. The timetable has rankled some activists who expected the video to be released after Nichols’ family and the family’s lawyers viewed it Monday.
Crump said the video showed that Nichols was shocked, pepper-sprayed and restrained when he was pulled over near his home. He was returning home from a suburban park where he had taken photos of the sunset.
Police have said Nichols was stopped for reckless driving and at some point fled from the scene.
Relatives have accused the police of causing Nichols to have a heart attack and kidney failure. Authorities have only said Nichols experienced a medical emergency.
When video of the arrest is publicly released, Davis said she expects people in the community to react, but she urged them to do so peacefully.
“None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens,” she said.
One of the officers, Haley, was accused previously of using excessive force. He was named as a defendant in a 2016 federal civil rights lawsuit while employed by the Shelby County Division of Corrections.
The plaintiff, Cordarlrius Sledge, stated that he was an inmate in 2015 when Haley and another corrections officer accused him of flushing contraband. The two officers “hit me in the face with punches,” according to the complaint.
A third officer then slammed his head to the ground, Sledge said. He lost consciousness and woke up in the facility’s medical center.
The claims were ultimately dismissed after a judge ruled that Sledge had failed to file a grievance against the officers within 30 days of the incident.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Shares Updates on Her Restaurant Staffs and Working with Todd
Just a few weeks after announcing that she was starting her Kandi Koated Live podcast, Kandi Burruss has marked an incredible milestone for the series: a billboard in Times Square.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member (whose husband, Todd Tucker, is an executive producer of the podcast) posted a photo of the New York City billboard on her Instagram feed.
“Wow! Just found that I have a billboard in [Times Square] for [Kandi Koated Live]!!! Awww! I’m excited,” Kandi wrote in the caption of her post. “Producing this show with [Todd and] our team has been a lot of fun. January has been awesome!! So many great things happening [and] more to come!”
Todd shared the same photo on his own page and said he was “blessed” to get to work with his wife on the podcast. He also had a supportive message for the Xscape singer.
“[You’re] doing big things babe!” he wrote. “Keep up the good work.”
Earlier in January, the powerhouse couple celebrated yet another accomplishment, which could be why Kandi referred to the month as “awesome.”
The Broadway play they co-produced, The Piano Lesson, became the “highest grossing August Wilson play” in history. Kandi referred to the benchmark as a “dream coming true.”
The spouses of nearly nine years are thriving professionally, and the same seems to be true for the staff members at their Atlanta restaurants, Blaze Steak & Seafood and Old Lady Gang (OLG).
Back in December 2022, Kandi posted a video of a group of employees from both establishments dancing along to Beyoncé’s “CUFF IT.”
The multi-hyphenate shared how grateful she was for her employees in the caption of her post.
“I’m so thankful for our [Old Lady Gang and Blaze Steak & Seafood] family! There are only a few of them in this video but they are the heart of the business,” she shared. “They keep us goin!”
What will Kandi and Todd do next? Fans will have to stay tuned to find out.
#MusicNews: Chlöe Bailey Announces Debut Album 'In Pieces'
Chlöe Bailey is ready for her debut. After much anticipation, the R&B singer has announced that her debut solo album In Pieces will arrive this March.
On Tuesday, the 24-year-old cleared out her Instagram and shared a trailer, which finds her dressed in a red latex gown while holding two scales in her hands. The clip was accompanied by a new song.
Anticipation for the album has been building. Chlöe has released a series of singles throughout the past year including “For the Night” with Latto, “Surprise,” “Treat Me,” and her Murda Beatz-produced debut “Have Mercy.”
“I am just so eager for the fans to hear the songs and the music, and I hope they love it when it finally comes out into the world,” she told Uproxx.
Fans can also expect some surprise collaborations. “There are a lot of exciting features and collaborations to look forward to. I cannot wait to say more and put it into the world,” she said during a recent interview with Complex.
Chlöe, who is signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment label, got her start as one half of the Grammy-nominated sister duo Chloe x Halle.
The “Grown-ish” star has also been making moves on the acting front. She appears alongside Russell Crowe in the upcoming horror thriller The Georgetown Project and has joined the cast of Will Packer’s choir comedy Praise This.
#HipHopNews: Juicy J Is Supposedly Making A J Dilla-Type Album Executive Produced By Logic
Juicy J‘s next album will reportedly veer from his usual party anthems and be more in line with a J Dilla and Alchemist kind of sound – with Logic set to executive produce it.
Logic revealed the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday (January 25) while goofing around with Juicy in a fake interview.
“For those of you who don’t know, I, Logic, am actually executive producing one of Juicy J’s next albums,” he said. “It’s the most Dilla, Hip Hop, Alchemist, gangsta, Madlib dopest shit ever.”
When he asked Juicy how he felt about it, the Memphis native added, “It’s some real shit.”
Logic has been working closely with the Dilla sound as of late, recently revealing he’d scrapped an entire album where he rapped exclusively over unreleased beats from the late producer.
“I did a whole J Dilla album but that’s another story for another time,” Logic said in a YouTube livestream earlier this month. “And it wasn’t nothing with the estate… everything was fine, It’s just… I was like, ‘I’m straight.’ Like, I recorded this whole J Dilla album with all unreleased beats and shit and I was like, ‘I’m okay.’”
Instead, the Maryland native would rather see the production fall into the hands of Boldy James, who last year announced his own project over unreleased Dilla beats.
“I’d rather see Boldy do it. He’s gonna fuckin’ kill it,” Logic added. “The fact that I could even rap on it was really good. And who knows, maybe it’ll see the light of day one time. But, we’ll see.”
Juicy J released three collaborative albums last year alone and judging by the latest news, his hustle isn’t slowing down any time soon.
After teaming up with his Taylor Gang labelmate Wiz Khalifa for February 2022’s Stoner’s Night, he also released Space Age Pimpin with producer Pi’erre Bourne in June and Crypto Business with Lex Luger and the Trap-A-Holics this past November.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time … and I’m gonna keep going,” Juicy told MTV News in 2020. “My kids’ kids will be listening to Juicy J. I’m gonna be like Tony Bennett around here: 80 years old and still getting Grammys and shit. This is what I love to do and I’m a genius at it — so give me my flowers, man.”
Britney Spears deleted her IG account again and fans get on red alert, sending police to her home
The Princess of Pop, Britney Spears, had the idea of deleting her Instagram account and immediately her millions of fans were alarmed, began to concoct all kinds of theories and worried about her safety, so much so that they ended up calling the police to come to her house to see if she was okay.
It's not the first time she deleted her IG account
Spears' erratic behavior in recent months, which escalated a few days ago when she staged a scandal at a Los Angeles restaurant, has led her millions of fans to believe that the Toxic performer is in a bad mental state.
While this is not the first time Britney deleted her Instagram account, this time she set off alarms among her fans because they believe she may be in danger of hurting herself. That's why they called the police to check if she was okay.
The authorities said there was no reason to believe Spears was in danger, although they did not clarify if they spoke to Britney directly or if someone else assured them she was fine.
Restaurant episode set off alarm bells
Less than two weeks ago, Britney went to a restaurant in LA with her husband, Sam Asghari, and out of nowhere she had a manic attack, starting to speak gibberish and becoming aggressive.
A few days ago, she also shocked by changing her name on Instagram to River Red: "I changed my name to River Red. Don't underestimate the power of purity."
The site TMZ published that the police went to perform the wellness check at the house where Spears has lived for years in Thousand Oaks, reporting that it took place around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, when they began receiving hundreds of calls asking them to go check if she was okay.
So far, it is unknown if Britney was at home, if she spoke to authorities and if she is okay.
ABC Sets Mediation Session For 'GMA' Host Amy Robach And T.J. Holmes As They Flee NYC
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are set to go through mediation as ABC reportedly doesn't want the "Good Morning America" couple to work on the same set following their affair scandal. If a new report is to be believed, the pair will be having a mediation session on Thursday, January 26.
TMZ claims that while the network has yet to play its hand to decide whether they want one or both of them gone entirely, it stresses that they want the couple to work separately. When Amy and T.J.'s lawyers suggest a mediation, ABC agrees.
The source goes on to say that the two will be coming to the mediation as a united front. The couple reportedly will appear on Zoom during the mediation alongside their lawyers.
According to report, Amy will not accept if T.J. is given a harsher punishment than her own. It is additionally said that race "will become an issue" if T.J. is disciplined or fired, especially if white employees with similar scandal are never given the same punishment.
In other news related Amy and T.J., it was reported that the two escaped New York as Amy was spotted at JFK Airport on Tuesday. "They are on leave, so they may as well spend the time wisely - and away from the spotlight," an insider close to the couple tells Page Six. It's currently unknown where they headed.
Another source adds that "they want to lay low," noting that "few people know they're together." The source points out, "[The nonstop coverage of the scandal] is becoming exhausting. They underestimated that when something like this happens, other skeletons come out. And they're still married."
Prior to this, it was said that Amy and T.J. felt like they were "literally being stalked" by cameras after their affair was exposed last November. They allegedly felt that it was "really extreme and s**tty."
"They're journalists, so they get it, but they're entitled to a private life. The whole concept of being 'stalked,' it's really s**tty," a third source said. The couple allegedly was "appalled" by being followed and photographed.
Bad Bunny, Lizzo And Sam Smith Among 2023 Grammy Awards Performers
The first round of performers for the 65th annual Grammy Awards have been announced. Among those who will take the Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles stage on February 5 are Bad Bunny, Lizzo and Sam Smith.
On Wednesday, January 25, it's also announced that Sam's "Unholy" collaborator Kim Petras, Brandi Carlile, Mary J. Blige, Luke Combs and Steve Lacy will perform. While additional performers will be announced in the coming days, it's reported that Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, Adele and Harry Styles will also take the stage
The show will be broadcast live on CBS on February 5 at 8 P.M. ET/ 5 P.M. PT from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and hosted by Trevor Noah. Prior to the telecast, the Grammy Premiere Ceremony will be broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com.
All of these artists are nominated in Big Four categories at the Grammys except for Luke, Sam and Kim. Two-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny is up for three nominations, Album of the Year (for "Un Verano Sin Ti"), Best Pop Solo Performance ("Moscow Mule") and Best Musica Urbana Album ("Un Verano Sin Ti").
Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. is nominated for six awards, including Record of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Good Morning Gorgeous", Album of the Year and Best R&B Album ("Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe)), Best R&B Performance ("Here With Me") and Best R&B Album ("Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe)).
Meanwhile, six-time Grammy winner Brandi is nominated for seven awards this year, including Record of the Year, Best Americana Performance and Best American Roots Song for "You and Me on the Rock", Album of the Year ("In These Silent Days"), Best Rock Performance ("Broken Horses"), Best Rock Song ("Broken Horses") and Best Americana Album ("In These Silent Days").
As for Luke, he's up for three nominations, Best Country Duo/Group Performance ("Outrunnin' Your Memory"), Best Country Song ("Doin' This") and Best Country Album ("Growin' Up"). Steve is up for four nominations, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Bad Habit" and Best Progressive R&B Album ("Gemini Rights").
Three-time Grammy winner Lizzo is nominated for five awards, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for "About Damn Time") as well as Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for "Special". Four-time winner Sam and first-time nominee Kim are up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their duet "Unholy".
Beyonce Knowles leads the 2023 Grammy nominees with nine nods. Kendrick Lamar is close behind with eight and Adele and Carlile are tied with seven. Four contenders enter the race with six nominations apiece, Future, Harry, Mary J., DJ Khaled and Randy Merrill. Less expectedly, Mary J. and ABBA are both up for Record of the Year and Album of the Year.
Doja Cat Wears Fake Eyelashes All Over Face At Paris Fashion Week
Doja Cat has turned criticism into another bizarre style. The Grammy Award-winning artist has made headlines again with her eccentric look by sporting fake eyelashes all over her face at Paris Fashion Week.
On Wednesday, January 25, the 27-year-old, who shaved off her own hair and eyebrows last year, attended the Viktor & Rolf runway show. She wore the faux facial hair as stand-in for eyebrows, a mustache and a goatee.
The "Need to Know" songstress paired the surreal look with a camel-colored pinstriped coat and pant combo layered over a green striped shirt with a starched collar. She completed her look with sunglasses and white pointed toe shoes.
Doja Cat wore fake eyelashes all over her face at the Viktor & Rolf runway show.
Doja rocked the fake eyelashes in response to criticism of her bedazzled look at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show. She told Nylon that she heard some fans were "disappointed" that she didn't have lashes on top of the crystals, quipping, "So today I gave them lashes. I hope they're happy. And I just want to make people happy."
Prior to her appearance at the Viktor & Rolf show, Doja also teased her latest bizarre style via Instagram Story. "If lashes are what you all what, then lashes are what you'll get," she wrote earlier on Wednesday. "See you at Viktor and Rolf."
Friends and fans were loving Doja's latest high-fashion look, with British designer Hayden Williams commenting on her Instagram post, "It's camp!! Doja is committed to a look and will wear it with conviction for sure." Heidi Klum simply wrote, "I love you," while another follower joked, "About to be the New 2023 brows."
Prior to this, Doja turned heads as she covered her body in red paint and over 30,000 blood-red Swarovski crystals for the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show. She amped up the effect by wearing a red strapless Schiaparelli Haute Couture dress with a beaded skirt, which she paired with knee-high boots. She also accessorized with a dramatic wrap and giant gem earrings in the same scarlet shade.
Celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath spent nearly five hours to create the look called "Doja's Inferno", which was partly inspired by the first part of Dante's "Inferno", according to a press release. He gushed on Instagram, "Such a pleasure working with the gorgeous @DojaCat and the amazing @DanielRoseberry on the 'Doja's Inferno' look for @Schiaparelli's FW23 Haute Couture collection. Doja's sublime patience during the 4 hours and 58 minutes it took to create the look with #TeamPatMcGrath, which was covered in over 30,000 hand-applied @swarovski Crystals, was inspiring. The final product was a magical, mesmerising masterpiece of sparkling brilliance. Xx."
Lady Gaga Speaks Out After Being Nominated at Oscars 2023 & Confirms She's Filming Now for 'Joker' Sequel!
Lady Gaga is feeling grateful! The 36-year-old Chromatica superstar shared an update following the happy news of her nomination at the 2023 Academy Awards, where she is nominated for Best Original Song for “Hold My Hand” from the Top Gun: Maverick soun
“Thank you so much to the Academy for nominating my song ‘Hold My Hand’ for an Oscar this year!” she captioned a photo of herself holding flowers.
“Writing this song for the film Top Gun: Maverick was a deep and powerful experience that I will never forget. So grateful for the magic of music and cinema. Love you my co-writer @bloodpop,” she continued.
Brittney Griner’s WNBA Return Could Affect Entire League’s Travel Policies
Brittney Griner is preparing for her much-anticipated return to the WNBA after being detained in Russia for over 10 months. However, there is a belief among many that it won’t be an entirely smooth process and her presence could affect the entire league’s policies, though that could be for the better in the long run.
Mirror reported that security risks render the 32-year-old unable to fly on commercial flights, despite that being a league-wide requirement. WNBA teams are not allowed to take private flights as the “cost is prohibitive for many franchises,” but the Phoenix Mercury star will require special accommodations, which could make the playing field imbalanced if her entire time is allowed to travel with her. ESPN‘s Ramona Shelbourne reported that Griner has yet to request any special accommodations.
Mirror added that it would cost an estimated $30 million per season for each team to charter private planes, and the New York Liberty was already fined $500,000 for doing so during the 2022 WNBA season.
Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart tweeted on Sunday (Jan. 22) about her willingness to participate in a deal that can help subsidize chartered travel for the entire league, especially with Griner’s predicament being a hot topic. “I would contribute my NIL, posts + productions hrs to ensure we all travel in a way that prioritizes player health + safety, which ultimately results in a better product. Who’s with me?”
Stewart, a former WNBA MVP, is making the issue of private travel a key factor in her free agency decision. Notably, she was also Griner’s teammate on their United States national olympic teams and a heavy advocate for her while she was incarcerated.
Brittney Griner was arrested at a Russian airport in February 2022 after authorities found hash oil in her luggage. She was facing 9 years in prison after pleading guilty and was later transferred to a female penal colony in Mordovia before her release.
Colin Kaepernick To Executive Produce Hulu Docuseries ‘Killing County’
Colin Kaepernick attends the Premiere of Netflix's "Colin In Black And White" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Colin Kaepernick has partnered with ABC for Killing County, a forthcoming docuseries detailing the circumstances surrounding the 2013 death of a man shot and killed by police in California. The former NFL star will serve as executive producer of the project, which will consist of three episodes and will premiere on Friday, Feb. 3 on Hulu. Actor André Holland, previously seen in Selma and Moonlight, will narrate the docuseries.
According to its synopsis, Killing County “takes a look at Bakersfield, a big city with the soul of a small town deep in California’s heartland, where things are not always what they seem. A deadly hotel shooting makes the Ramirez family question everything they know about their town. Desperate to find out what really happened to their loved one, they soon learn they are not alone in their tragedy and fight for the truth.”
Colin Kaepernick attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The project revolves around the murder of Jorge Ramirez Jr., who was slain in September 2013 outside of a Four Points Sheraton hotel. Ramirez had reportedly been working with Bakersfield detectives as a confidential informant before his death. However, none of the officers involved in the shooting have been charged according to ABC 23.
In 2021, Kaepernick released his Netflix docuseries Colin in Black & White, a fictionalized account of his teenage years and the experiences that led him to become an activist. The six-episode series received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Peabody Award in 2022.
Todrick Hall says The ‘Ellen’ scandal put pressure on Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss
Todrick Hall says his friend Stephen “tWitch” Boss — the DJ for the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” who died by suicide last month — was under a lot of pressure because of his boss’s “toxic workplace” scandal.
In 2020, DeGeneres was anonymously accused of allowing an on-set culture of “racism, fear and intimidation” by several former employees. The shock news created a wave of online criticism — including some directed at Boss, who stood by the talk show host.
“People were looking at him like, ‘Why are you still supporting this woman’,” the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” judge told Page Six, “and I think he was under a lot of pressure.”
Hall speculated that the digital back lash may have contributed to Boss’ state of mind in the months before his death.
“I don’t know what was going on in his life that may [have led] him to make that decision but I do understand. Right now when I get online some days like right now, if I was in the wrong position of where this abuse would keep happening for years and years and years, there’s only so much a human being can take.”
“He was just somebody who always supported me. He was also kind and down to earth. He came over my house a couple of times and we shot TikTok videos together,” Hall said of his late pal.
The “So You Think You Can Dance” judge died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found in a LA hotel room on December 13. He was 40 years old.
He became the DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2014 was made an co-executive producer on the show in 2020.
DeGeneres announced in spring 2022 that she was ending her talk show after 19 years, saying that she’d decided before the scandal broke that she would be leaving the show. She filmed her final episode on April 28.
Boss leaves behind his wife Allison Holker, 34, and two children, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3. He had also adopted Holker’s daughter Weslie, 14, from a previous relationship.
“Everyone is in pain and trying to make sense of it — we will never make sense of it. And the holidays are hard, I think, anyway, but I think the best thing we can do to honor tWitch is to laugh, and hug each other and to play games and dance and sing,” she said, “That’s the way we honor him … We do the things he loved to do.”
Hall’s new reality show “The Real Friends of WeHo” airs Fridays at 9 on MTV. The series also stars Dorión Renaud, Curtis Hamilton, Brad Goreski, Joey Zauzig and James Vaughn.
Chris Brown builds a department store outside of his house
Chris Brown is no stranger to the fashion industry. He’s already developed a clothing line, Black Pyramid. Now, he’s decided to sell some more swag. Yesterday (Jan. 24), the Grammy-winning artist went on his Instagram Story to inform his followers that he’s built a department store near the comfort of his home.
In the video, where he is presumably walking through one of the aisle, he said, “I just built a department store outside of my house, let me show y’all.” He then, turned the camera around to give fans a view of the preliminary stages of the store, and the enormous amount of clothes that he’s offering up.
He even suggested people shop with him. “All that fake capping like y’all got drip, man, come see me,” he said at the end of the video.
It’s uncertain if the R&B superstar is serious about his upper-echelon thrift-style department store, but he is already in the retail business.
Brown launched Black Pyramid in 2012, which is an American streetwear brand that’s inspired by hip hop, and sells jerseys, jackets, T-shirts, pants, polos, and much more.
According to the company’s website, the brand’s name “comes from the unknown wonders of ancient Egypt, which Chris Brown compares with his work.” Along with his clothing line selling in the U.S., Black Pyramid is also international. The “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” singer also opened pop-up stores in Amsterdam, Milan, London, and Tokyo.
Assistant Principal Resigns From Virginia School Where Boy,6, Shot Teacher
The assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School has resigned weeks after the shooting of first grade teacher Abigail Zwerner.
Dr. Ebony Parker resigned from her position at the school amid the allegations that school administrators ignored the concerns of Zwerner and other teachers regarding the six-year-old boy’s troubling behavior. According to the New York Post, Dr. Parker’s resignation was confirmed by district spokesperson Michelle Price and Zwerner’s lawyer Diana Toscano said in a statement that her client is filing a lawsuit against the school district.
As previously reported, several teachers including Zwerner expressed concerns about the boy’s disruptive and violent behavior in the classroom months prior to the shooting. In a group message, the teachers expressed how administration reportedly ignored those concerns despite the boy expressing sentiments of wanting to harm his teacher and preventing his classmates from leaving their classroom at one point.
It is unclear whether Dr. Parker was one of those administrators who turned down the teacher’s concerns and an anonymous administrator spoke with the outlet quesioning her resignation. “However, the forced resignation of one of the administrators from Richneck does not resolve the failure of the district as a whole to put procedures in place to prevent this from happening again,” they said in a statement.
The boy’s parents released a statement about the shooting two weeks ago and sent their well wishes to Zwerner while she was recovering from the gunshot wounds at a local hospital.
“Our heart goes out to our son’s teacher, and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school. She has worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son,”
Families also called for the termination of Superintendent Dr. George Parker III after a voting during a meeting with the Newport News school district and he will be relieved from his duties on February 1 said School Board Chairwoman Dr. Lisa Surles-Law.
“Effective Feb. 1, Dr. Parker will be relieved of his duties as superintendent of Newport News Public Schools. It is important that we state that this decision was made without cause, cause being defined in his previous contract, as Dr. Parker is a capable division leader who served Newport News for nearly five years through some extremely challenging circumstances.
“This decision is based on the future trajectory and needs of our school division. In addition, I must relate, we do appreciate the progress for the division under Dr. Parker’s leadership in developing a long-range facility improvement plan and expanded student programs through a focus on mentorship and student leadership. The Newport News School Board thanks him for his service and wishes him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Kanye West Takes ‘Wife’ Bianca Censori and Daughter North West Out to Dinner
A family get-together! Kanye West had dinner with his "new wife," Bianca Censori, and daughter North West over the weekend.
On Sunday, January 22, the rapper, 45, went to dinner in Malibu, California, with the Yeezy designer, 27, and West’s 9-year-old daughter — whom he shares with ex Kim Kardashian — per photos obtained by Daily Mail. In the pics, West donned a gold ring.
Earlier this month, the “Stronger” rapper and Censori sparked rumors of a romance after they were seen holding hands in Beverly Hills. A few days later, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that West and the Australia native held what appeared to be a wedding ceremony. “Kanye and Bianca did have a small marriage ceremony, friends don’t know if it’s legal, but it’s very real to them,” the insider shared earlier this year.
The Yeezy founder and Censori’s nuptials came to light nearly two months after his divorce from the Kardashians star, 42, was finalized following six years of marriage. After news of West’s new relationship broke, Kardashian shared a series of cryptic quotes via her Instagram Story.
“I’m in my quiet girl era, I don’t have much to say. Just much to do,” a since-deleted quote posted by Kardashian read.
West and Kardashian wed in 2014, one year after they welcomed North. The pair also share Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3. The twosome split in February 2021. The reality star and the Chicago native agreed that they would coparent their four children following their separation — but it hasn’t been easy.
“Kim wants her children to have a relationship with Kanye and wants Kanye in their lives as their father,” a second insider exclusively told Us last month. “Even though he and Kim are not seeing eye to eye, Kim would never want to try and stop Kanye from seeing his kids.”
Following the split, West has taken to social media to publicly bash his former wife over some of her parenting decisions, including letting North have her own TikTok account, which the “Heartless” artist did not approve of.
“Kanye’s constant attacks on me in interviews and on social media is actually more hurtful than any TikTok North might create,” the Keeping Up With Kardashians alum wrote via Instagram in February 2022. “As the parent who is the main provider and caregiver for our children, I am doing my best to protect our daughter while also allowing her to express her creativity in the medium that she wishes with adult supervision — because it brings her happiness. Divorce is difficult enough on our children and Kanye’s obsession with trying to control and manipulate our situation so negatively and publicly is only causing further pain for all.”
Meagan Good Credits Whoopi Goldberg For Helping Her Through Divorce From DeVon Franklin
Meagan Good is opening up about her divorce from DeVon Franklin. Back in December 2021, the 41-year-old Think Like A Man actress and the 44-year-old Heaven Is for Real actor announced that they were divorcing after nine years of marriage.
While appearing on The View on Tuesday (January 24), Meagan credited her Harlem co-star Whoopi Goldberg for helping her get through her painful divorce.
“I have to give you your flowers. You’re so nurturing and amazing and kind and [she] covers you,” Meagan said of Whoopi. “[She] looks out for me and the other girls on set. It’s been a joy. I feel very, very privileged.”
She continued, “I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve rediscovered myself in a lot of ways. I’ve gotta say again, Whoopi was very instrumental in that because we had some really good conversations I needed to have that were illuminating for me and eye-opening for me. I think in this season, I’m just really excited for what’s next.”
Meagan later shared her optimistic outlook on life after her divorce.
“It’s exciting for me, low-key. I feel like I get to start my life over in some ways and have a second chance at whatever’s supposed to be next,” Meagan shared. “I’m really embracing that, excited about it. I don’t know what to expect, and that’s kind of amazing.”
Eddie Murphy Reveals What His Next Stand-up Special Will Be Like
Eddie Murphy wants to incorporate music in his eventual return to stand-up. In an interview with Complex about his upcoming film You People, Murphy laid out his plans for his return to the stage. “There are two other films that I’m supposed to do,” the actor said. “And then I’m going to try to get some new material in and see if I could still do stand-up.”
Since Murphy returned to the spotlight with Netflix’s Dolemite is my Name in 2019, his plan was always to get on the road again with a new comedy special. He had tour dates set and in place—and then COVID happened. He told Complex that while he still wants to do stand-up, he needs new material since so much time has elapsed since. “[It’s a] whole different world since the pandemic,” he said. “But my show won’t just be stand-up; my show will be music and stand-up.”
Murphy had a shortlived yet successful music career, releasing three studio albums and a hit single “Party All the Time,” which peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1985. A return to music seems fitting for the comedian who loved to incorporate singing in his early comedy specials.
Another benefit of Hollywood adjusting to the pandemic is Murphy’s ability to launch his third act. He has a string of movies set to be released including his latest project with Netflix, You People. The Kenya Barris-directed film is Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with a modern-day, sneakerhead twist. A Jewish man, Ezra (Jonah Hill) falls in love with Amira (Lauren London), a Black woman whose family is Muslim. Their love is strong but so are the cultural, societal, and generational differences between them and their families. Murphy stars as Amira’s father Akbar, who does just about everything to make it difficult for the two lovebirds to make it down the aisle.
“Most romantic comedies don’t have an edge to them,” said Murphy. “This had this edge because of this racial conversation. And I thought that made it unique.”
You People is Barris’ feature directorial debut and even though he’s worked with the comedian before on Coming to America 2, Barris says that working with Murphy is still intimidating. “Honestly, I’m scared of him, but at the same time, making Eddie Murphy laugh is like Kobe being like, ‘Not a bad shot,’” Barris told Complex. Barris also complimented Murphy’s “surgical” acting skills, saying, “The way that he knows his lines, knows everyone else’s lines, knows the scene. I understand why he was at one time the biggest movie star in the world.”
You can watch Murphy alongside Hill, London, and Nia Long, in You People, streaming on Netflix on Friday, Jan. 27. Read our brief chat with him below.
You described You People as a gift that fell from the sky because you weren’t planning on it. Was there a particular scene in the script that made you especially want to take on this role?
No scene in particular, just the overall situation. [I thought] “Hey, this could be fun.” Most romantic comedies don’t have an edge to them. This had this edge because of this racial conversation. And I thought that made it unique.
One of the great scenes in You People was when Jonah Hill’s character brought up the GOAT, which he named as Malcolm X. Over the years you have named some of your GOATs, obviously Richard Pryor, Muhammad Ali, and Marlon Brando. Out of those names, if one’s got to go. Which one are you getting rid of?If I had to lose one GOAT?
Yeah. Richard Pryor, Muhammad Ali, or Marlon Brando?
Yeah, Brando would go first. Yeah.
Why?
I’m Richard’s offspring. I’m Richard’s creative offspring. I don’t exist without Richard. And I don’t achieve the heights without Muhammad Ali. No one inspired me more in life. Muhammad Ali is my hero. He’s my hero. And I think he’s the greatest African American that was ever. So those two have… Sorry, Marlon.
Sorry, Marlon.
Marlon is just the best actor ever. Those other guys, they’re in my DNA.
You’ve mentioned that you had about two to three hours of loose material in your phone memos. Is that something that you’re going to revisit now that the world is operating more normally? And how much more phone memo material would you say you have since then?
I do want to do stand-up again. A lot of the stuff that was in my phone, it’s a whole different world since the pandemic and we got a new president, it’s just a different world. So it was a lot of stuff that was in my phone, that it’s old stuff now.
So the plan is, I’m doing a movie now. And there are two other films that I’m supposed to do. Then I’m going to try to get some new material in and see if I could still do stand-up. But my show won’t just be a stand-up show; my show will be music and stand-up. Because I can’t just get on the stage and just do jokes because I have all this other stuff now. I’m thinking about how to put together a live show that has everything.
You People hits Netflix on Friday, Jan. 27.
Nike Sues Bape, Says Company Copied Its Sneaker Designs
For years, many have speculated about why Nike hadn’t taken aggressive legal action against Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, BAPE, after it had released several sneakers that appeared to be clear derivatives of its own designs. The question regained momentum over the past few years, as Nike targeted independent sneaker companies that sold an ‘inspired’ Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, or Dunk-like model. Most recently, Kool Kiy and Omi were on the other end of a Nike infringement lawsuit over their look-alike designs. Now, the question about Nike’s apparent reluctance to after BAPE is no more, as the two are finally heading toward a courtroom showdown.
On Wednesday, Nike filed a lawsuit against Bape in a Manhattan federal court, accusing the brand of outright copying its sneaker designs. A graphic chart in the lawsuit submitted by Nike compares Bape’s Bape Sta to the Air Force 1, Bape Sta Mid to the Air Force 1 Mid, Sk8 Sta to the Dunk, Court Sta High to the Air Jordan 1, and Court Sta to the Air Jordan 1 Low. Originally released in 2000, the Bape Sta is Bape’s flagship sneaker. Taking cues from Japanese streetwear culture, the shoes were generally styled in vibrant colors and often featured patent leather builds. While resembling the Air Force 1, the Bape Sta (and other Bape sneakers) is marked by the company’s ‘STA’ logo.
Addressing why it waited as long as it did to take legal action against BAPE, Nike says that’s not exactly the case. According to the lawsuit, Nike met with BAPE in 2009 to discuss the designs, resulting in the company diminishing its U.S. activities and closing most of its stores in the country. BAPE re-designed the Bape Sta in 2016 to less resemble the Air Force 1, but reintroduced its original version of the silhouette in 2021. That’s when Nike says BAPE “drastically increased the volume and scope of its infringement.” BAPE also allegedly refused to stop selling the infringing shoes when asks.
Nike, citing BAPE shoes that have been referred to as Air Force 1s or Dunks by second-market sellers, has asked the court to order BAPE to stop selling the shoes. Additionally, it’s requesting an unspecified amount of money for damages.
Randy Gonzalez, Father in Popular TikTok Duo Enkyboys, Dead at 35
Randy Gonzalez passed away on Wednesday. According to TMZ, the father in popular TikTok duo Enkyboys died while in hospice care. Gonzalez revealed in April that he had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer six months prior, and was given two to three years to live. “The doctor said I had two, three years to live, and he said with chemo, I have five years to live,” he said. “And you know, I didn’t know how to take it. It was devastating.”
Gonzalez launched a GoFundMe in an effort to cover the cost of his chemotherapy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center after his insurance wasn’t accepted. In November, he provided an update on his condition, saying, “I wanna be a testimonial of this, in another year or so, when I’m still alive and when I beat it.”
Barbie Honors Black Aviation Pioneer Bessie Coleman with ‘Inspiring Women’ Series Doll
Barbie officially announced the launch of the Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll, recognizing the first Black and Native American female pilot with a doll made in her likeness, in advance of her birthday tomorrow, January 26, and in celebration of Black History Month.
To ensure Bessie’s legacy is truly represented, Barbie teamed up with Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s great-niece and President of The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, to celebrate this Inspiring Women Doll.
“As someone who has dedicated much of my life to encouraging the youth of all backgrounds to explore careers in aviation, my family and I commend Barbie for expanding my great aunt’s legacy in such an overwhelming tribute, with a Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll. Keeping Bessie’s legacy alive has always been a labor of love for my family, and we are proud to recognize her determination and accomplishments for Black women in aviation and continue to share my great aunt’s pioneering spirit with fans of all ages.
Coleman added: “We hope through this doll more people will discover Bessie’s story and be inspired. Stories have power, I grew up on anecdotes of my great-aunt’s courage and look forward to sharing them in my upcoming book.” says Gigi Coleman, Great Niece of Bessie Coleman, Author, and President of The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, committed to expanding opportunities in aviation for disadvantaged youth.
As part of the celebration of Bessie Coleman’s legacy, Barbie is also: Partnering with Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, a not-for-profit organization founded by Bessie’s great-niece, Gigi Coleman, that promotes the legacy of Bessie through STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programming, educates students in the fundamentals of aeronautics, introduces students to various careers in aviation and explores historical and cultural aviation figures.
Partnering with Girls Write Now, a non-profit organization that has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders for the past 25 years. Through a Barbie Dream Gap Project donation, Barbie will help supply high school girls and gender-expansive young adults with writing and publishing programs and introduce role models to inspire the next generation of writers and leaders.
The special programming includes a Barbie Branded Virtual Salon event with Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman’s great-niece on Friday, February 3rd, from 6-7:15pm ET.
After a month of planning, Barbie is teaming up with American Airlines – the first commercial airline to hire a Black pilot – on a surprise and delight moment for passengers on a (one) flight operated by an all-Black female flight crew on January 26, 2023, Bessie’s birthday. This moment follows American Airlines’ Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars tour that took flight with an all-Black female crew in August 2022.
About The Inspiring Women Series: Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. Last year, the series paid tribute to Ida B. Wells, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Madam C.J. Walker for their crucial impact on civil rights, conservation, and female entrepreneurship, respectively.
Adult Swim and Hulu Cuts Ties With ‘Rick and Morty’ Creator Justin Roiland Following Domestic Abuse Charges
On Tuesday, Adult Swim cut ties with Justin Roiland, creator of Rick and Morty.
Roiland is the co-creator of the very popular cartoon show Rick and Morty and voices Hulu’s Solar Opposites. Less than a day after Adult Swim decided to sever ties with the alleged domestic violent producer, Hulu followed suit by distancing itself from the creator.
Roiland is the voice actor of both characters, Rick and Morty, and will be recast.
A rep for Adult Swim told Yahoo Entertainment, “Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland.”
Rick and Morty’s Twitter also posted about the decision.
Hulu announced on Tuesday, “We have ended our association with Justin Roiland.” Roiland also voices Koala Man, which will also be recast.
Roiland was charged with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud, and/or deceit by the Orange County District Attorney’s office.
The incident was against an alleged Jane Doe in January 2020, according to the complaint filed in May 2020. Roiland pled guilty in October 2020. However, the case managed to stay out of the public eye until the hearing on January 2.
Roiland’s lawyer released a comment:
“It is hard to overstate how inaccurate the recent media coverage of this situation has been. To be clear, not only is Justin innocent, but we also have every expectation that this matter is on course to be dismissed once the district attorney’s office has completed its methodical review of the evidence. We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible.”
Trump’s Facebook and Instagram Accounts Will Be Restored in the Coming Weeks
Wednesday, Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, announced that former president Donald Trump‘s accounts on the social media platforms would soon be reinstated.
Trump was suspended from the platforms more than two years ago indefinitely over incendiary posts on the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.
“Our determination is that the risk [to public safety] has sufficiently receded,” Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said in a blog post. “As such, we will be reinstating Mr. Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in the coming weeks. However, we are doing so with new guardrails in place to deter repeat offenses.”
Still, according to Clegg, Trump would be subject to “heightened penalties for repeat offenses,” and if he violates Meta’s community guidelines again, the violating posts will be removed, and he’ll be suspended anywhere from a month to two years.
The decision comes on the heels of Trump’s Twitter account being restored following Elon Musk’s takeover. While Trump has yet to tweet, opting instead to remain on his own social media platform, Truth Social, chances are that he’s likely to return to Facebook and Instagram.
Earlier this month, Trump’s campaign sent a letter to Meta petitioning the company to unblock his Facebook.
“We believe that the ban on President Trump’s account on Facebook has dramatically distorted and inhibited the public discourse,” Trump’s campaign wrote in its Jan. 17 letter to Meta, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by NBC News.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘Too Much Tan’
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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