#FASHIONFILES: Kendall Jenner Fronts Jimmy Choo Spring 2023 Campaign
Top model Kendall Jenner poses in Manhattan for the Jimmy Choo Spring 2023 campaign, lensed by the talented Carlijn Jacobs
#RHOA: NeNe’s Son Brentt Leakes Comes Out As Gay
Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She's a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word
NeNe Leakes son Brentt Leakes appears to have come out as a member of the LGBTQ tribe. He’s gay and proud of it.
Brentt Leakes, 23, made the announcement over the weekend on social media app, TikTok and received a ton of support from his following.
In recent years, Brentt has faced tough challenges. In 2021, he lost his father, Gregg Leakes, who passed away from cancer. Then in 2022, Brentt suffered a stroke and a heart attack. He’s now the subject of rumors concerning his sexuality.
On Saturday, Brentt posted the following TikTok video, which is a viral trend on the social media app where a person plays this game as a method to confirm something. This was Brentt’s way of coming out the closet and confirming his sexuality.
Brentt’s followers were quick to respond to his controversial post.
One person wrote, “Brent came out congratulations.” Another commented, “Live your truth!”
A third person showed support, “be who you areeee 🌈”
Someone else commented, “Yasssssssss proud of you!!”
Another person noted, “Make sense now…way to come out.”
“As a fan of your mother…I’m just happy u are healthy.” A concerned fan wrote.
Not everyone was surprised by Brentt’s announcement, “Oh baby boy we already figured but happy coming out publicly day,” another person responded.
Someone else noted, “Well good for him. That closet ain’t good for your mental health.”
Brentt’s mother, NeNe Leakes, supported her son’s decision to reveal his sexuality while responding to a post by the Neighborhood Talk on Instagram. The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star replied with clapping emojis.
Many of NeNe’s fans responded with words of encouragement for accepting her son’s sexuality. One person commented, “I’m proud of Nene for being an accepting and loving parent, if your son is gay he’s gonna need your love now more than ever cuz his life is gonna end up being way more difficult, he’s gonna need mama by his side.”
Another shared, “This be explaining why kids sometimes struggle with behavioral issues. Gotta be free!”
Someone else pointed out, “That’s right! As long as my mom loved and accepts me I wouldn’t give one F*CK about anyone else!”
Brentt has undergone significant life changes after suffering a stroke in 2022 that left the 23-year-old hospitalized in a coma for months. Since suffering a stroke and congested heart failure, Brentt has been focused on improving his health.
The 23-year-old son of the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum showed off a stunning 100-pound weight loss on Instagram in early 2023, posting a series of photos of his slimmer physique.
“Focus on you until The focus is you. # 100poundsdown,” Brentt wrote alongside a side-by-side snap, revealing his jaw-dropping weight loss.
In November, NeNe posted a series of happy photos and a video of her son after he was discharged from the hospital. The former reality star thanked God for her son’s progress, after Brentt’s two-month hospital stay.
“Yay! You’re walking out,” NeNe announced. “Two months later, Brentt is walking out. Hallelujah.”
The Glee alum took to her Instagram Story to show Brentt walking through the hospital and showing love to the staff. Brentt waved to the nurses and even gave one a hug as he made his exit.
#MusicNews: Keke Wyatt Signs with Shanachie Entertainment To Release Upcoming Album
Veteran singer/songwriter Keke Wyatt has just announced that she’s signed with record label Shanachie Entertainment to release a new album, her first in six years.
She shares about the signing:
“I really feel good about signing with Shanachie! I’m excited and finally ready. I feel like this time we will create magic together and make HISTORY!”
Shanachie General Manager Randall also adds:
“At a time when great singers are in short supply, Keke continually displays what real singing is all about. Her range, power and intensely felt vocals connect with her audiences on the deepest level. We loved working with her before and are very excited to work with her now to make an epic new album.”
Most recently, Keke appeared in the 2021 BET+ original movie Favorite Son and she also had a role as a minister’s wife in the TV show Saints & Sinners. Amid a busy career and schedule, Keke still manages to be a devoted and loving mother to eleven children.
Her most recent release was the project “Keke Covers” in 2017. She also adds about the upcoming project:
“Fans can expect some good ole Sanging honey!! I want to give my fans the gift of love, hope and trust with my new music. However, don’t get it twisted because I’m singing about it all. I think everyone will be able to relate to this album.”
#HipHopNews: Kid Cudi Celebrates His Birthday With Jaden Smith
Kid Cudi has celebrated another turn around the sun, enlisting friends like Jaden Smith to mark the special day.
On Sunday (January 29), a day ahead of his 39th birthday, video footage appeared on social media that saw the rapper receiving a birthday song serenade from a group of partygoers, including Smith.
Pairing a red and blue varsity jacket from his clothing line, Members of the Rage [MOTR], with a hoodie, the “Pursuit of Happiness” recording artist was all smiles as he stood swaying back and forth, in front of a birthday cake decked out in candles.
Earlier this month, Cudi made his way to Paris Fashion Week where he debuted his MOTR collection. The line, which boasts a vivid color palette, consists of a series of distressed polo shirts, roomy pants, celestial prints, and color-block jackets. According to the clothing line’s Instagram, the brand was crafted with a “90s grunge with the soul of hip hop and elements from a distant future,” in mind.
“I want people to feel like they’re walking on stage when they’re wearing this brand,” he told Vogue of the vision behind MOTR.
The launch comes shortly after the multifaceted artist received praise from his House Party co-stars, Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole. Speaking to HipHopDX, the duo explained that despite some nerves, the Cleveland rapper — who appears in the reboot of the 199o classic as himself — didn’t miss a beat, noting his “impeccable” comedic timing.
“Cudi was incredible,” said Jacob Latimore. ” We made him feel more comfortable too. It was a little nerve racking for him, but when you get those laughs after your lines you start feeling good about what you’re doing. Literally the first time we started filming we were just dying laughing.”
“He was so much fun to work with,” Tosin Cole added. “He took it so serious but he was fun to work with. He made great choices, his comic timing was impeccable. I don’t think people have seen him in this light. There was time he was doing his takes and I’d be like ‘That boy good.’”
Kid Cudi landed his first major acting role as one of the main cast members on HBO’s short lived series How To Make It In America in 2010. After appearing in a handful of independent films, Cudi made his feature film debut in 2014’s Need For Speed. In all, he has appeared in a total of 35 scripted productions, not including eight cameos as himself.
The Cleveland artist most recently starred in his own Netflix animated series Entergalactic as the voice of main character Jabari. He co-created and co-executive produced the show with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris.
In December, he was honored with the Groundbreaker Award for his performance in the project at the fifth annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television award show in Los Angeles.
Cudi’s success on screen may not bode well for fans of his music, however. While speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in September, Cudi suggested the Entergalactic album would be his last.
Super Bowl LVII matchup set: Philadelphia Eagles to face Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium
Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale will be a showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia was the first team to punch its ticket to the Super Bowl with a 31-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Both teams have two weeks to prepare for the big game on Feb. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
The Eagles are NFC champions for the fourth time in the Super Bowl era, as they won their first Lombardi Trophy in 2017 against the New England Patriots. They were the top seed in the NFC this year at 14-3 and defeated the New York Giants along with the 49ers en route to Glendale.
“Obviously this is something you dream about as a kid. All these guys on the team have dreamt about this their entire lives, too,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after Sunday’s win. “Just to be able to do this together with a bunch of men that love each other, that are connected to each other, that will do anything for each other is pretty sweet.”
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had one of Philadelphia’s four rushing touchdowns in the game and Miles Sanders ran for two.
The Eagles broke the game open in the final two minutes of the first half.
Sanders broke free for a 13-yard run for a 14-7 lead, concluding a 14-play, 75-yard drive extended by three 49ers penalties.
49ers backup QB Josh Johnson — in for Brock Purdy who suffered an elbow injury — fumbled a snap on the next drive, and edge rusher Haason Reddick recovered which led to another touchdown.
Philadelphia shut out the 49ers in the second half.
The Chiefs are headed to their third Super Bowl in four seasons.
They ended a 50-year championship drought when they rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, then lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following year.
The Chiefs ended the regular season as the top seed in the AFC at 14-3.
Kansas City led Cincinnati 13-3 in the first half, but the Bengals roared back to tie the game at 13 and again at 20.
The Bengals got the ball with 2:30 on the game clock in a tied contest, but Kansas City’s defense stepped up to force a punt with 41 seconds remaining.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled for a first down on his badly sprained right ankle then was shoved late out of bounds by Bengals DE Joseph Ossai, giving Kansas City 15 yards and a chance to kick a 45-yard field goal with eight seconds left. Harrison Butker nailed it for the win.
Mahomes, who hurt his ankle against Jacksonville in the divisional round, threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns.
“I’ve watched them all year long, great quarterback, great entire team,” Mahomes said of the Eagles. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but I’m going to celebrate this one first.”
Rickey Smiley’s Son Brandon Smiley Has Passed Away at 32
Rickey Smiley is mourning the loss of his eldest child, Brandon Smiley. The radio personality announced on social media Jan. 29 that his son has passed away.
Rickey Smiley is mourning the loss of his eldest child, comedian Brandon Smiley.
Speaking on his way to his hometown of Birmingham, Ala., the Rickey Smiley Morning Show host announced on Instagram Jan. 29 that his son had passed away. Brandon was 32 years old.
"I just had bad news this morning. I'm on the way to the airport to get to Birmingham. I just want everybody to pray for me, pray for our family," Rickey said in a video. "My son, Brandon Smiley, has passed away this morning."
The cause of Brandon's death was not made public. In addition to the radio personality, he is also survived by his daughter, Storm, 3, his mom Brenda, brother Malik, 21, and sisters D'Essence, 25, Taylor, 22, and Aaryn, 21.
"I'm OK," Rickey said in his video. "Pray for my son's mother and my son's siblings."
He continued, "Now I see what my granddaddy went through and why he felt the way he felt. My granddaddy went through this s--t with my dad and somehow, here I am going through the same thing my grandparents went through. So just pray for our family."
Rickey received many messages of condolences in response to his post, including from musician Al B. Sure!, who wrote, "Sorry to hear this news Brother Rickey."
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss commented, "Oh no! I'm so sorry for your loss. I love you & Im praying for you!"
Basketball Wives' Evelyn Lozada added, "My deepest condolences. Prayers [to] you and your family." Niecy Nash also expressed her sympathy, writing, "I'm so sorry Rickey," while Tamar Braxton commented, "I'm so sorry friend."
Madonna Biopic Allegedly Scrapped Due To Her Bizarre 'Circus Antics' On Social Media
More possible details behind Universal Pictures execs' decision to indefinitely hold Madonna's biopic have emerged. If a new report is to be believed, the project was scrapped due to her "circus antics" on social media.
The Sun reported that the biopic, which was green-lit in 2020, was shelved due in part to her insistence on having "near-total" control of the process on top of her bizarre behavior on the Internet. A source told the news site that the 64-year-old Queen of Pop's controversial and bizarre posts on social media left studio executives "scratching their heads."
"Madonna did herself no favors by acting weird on social media during this entire process," the source continued. "She signed a contract to make this film and that should have been the signal to her to stop the circus antics, stop chasing likes, and just buckle down and get this movie into shape."
While her social media posts often play well with her die-hard fans, they were reportedly off-putting to the bosses at Universal. "The studio bosses were watching what Madonna posted over these months where she was supposed to be writing and were left scratching their heads," the so-called source explained.
Madge's social media controversies have included a racy video of herself in lingerie alongside a wholesome pic of her four youngest on Christmas Day, which some commenters found to be "uncomfortable." The "Vogue" singer also left many people confused with a post in October last year where she appeared to come out as gay before making a "confession" that she has never been circumcised.
Prior to this, it's reported that the biopic was no longer in development as she's focusing on her upcoming "Celebration Tour". The project got paused despite years of hard work. It's been said that Julia Garner endured a grueling audition process to land the role over competition that reportedly included "Euphoria" actress Sydney Sweeney and "Don't Worry Darling" star Florence Pugh among others.
The casting process has been described as a boot camp where actresses were drilled with grueling 11-hour choreography sessions and readings directed by Madonna, as well as further auditions where they had to sing in front of her.
Jennifer Lopez And Kim Kardashian Link Up At Oprah Winfrey's Star-Studded Birthday Party
What's bigger than Oprah Winfrey's birthday celebration was the guests attending the event. In an epic get-together, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian linked up and even took a group selfie with the birthday girl during the star-studded soiree.
Both J.Lo and Kim were among guests invited to a candlelight dinner to celebrate the TV mogul's 69th birthday on Sunday, January 29. Not forgetting to document the moments, the singer/actress shared on her Instagram page several photos taken at the private bash.
In one of the snaps, the "Shotgun Wedding" star and the SKIMS founder goofed around and puckered up as they sandwiched Oprah. They also appeared to exchange a few words behind Oprah's back as they were seated next to the former daytime talk show queen.
The party also doubled as a celebration for the 25th anniversary of Anastasia Soare's famed beauty brand, Anastasia Beverly Hills. "Lovely dinner last night celebrating Anastasia's 25th anniversary," J.Lo captioned the snaps, which also included her photo with Sofia Vergara.
Kim, meanwhile, took to her Instagram Stories to share a look at the star-studded bash. She dedicated two Stories to Oprah, posting a photo of the TV host sitting next to a birthday cake. "Happy Birthday @oprah," she wrote along with her selfie with Oprah. "[Sharon Stone] said it best last night toasting you that you mean the world to the world! Happy birthday!"
Sofia also shared photos which she took with other celebrities at the party, such as Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum, Sharon and Rita Wilson. "We love you @anastasiasoare happy aniversary!!!" the "Modern Family" alum wrote along with the images.
Oprah herself marked her birthday by sharing a reflective message. "Today, as many of you know, is my 69th birthday. For me, it is such a reward to be turning 69 and to be strong and healthy. This time last year, I was getting over a double knee operation, and now I have never felt better," she wrote in a post on her website.
She continued, "As I turn 69, I choose not to focus on the number. For me, the number has always just been a marker. Instead, I choose to celebrate the time I've spent living, taking note of all the shifts, the wins, the accomplishments, how much I've grown over the past year and I look forward to all that is to come."
"Next year I'm going be turning 70. Where do I want to be by the time I hit 70? What do I want to accomplish this year? How do I want to feel? May I suggest you think about these things, too?" the OWN founder added. "And as I've said, with each birthday, you get to decide whether to mark it as the end of your greatest days or the beginning of your finest hours. I choose the latter and hope that you do too because each trip around the sun gifts us with a new beginning."
Grizzlies coach says team and Memphis are hurting after the "senseless" death of Tyre Nichols
The Memphis Grizzlies feel the weight of grief as their city copes with the unfathomable death of Tyre Nichols.
“We are distraught to find ourselves dealing with a needless loss of life due to police brutality, and this time it was one of Memphis’ own,” said the team in a statement. Along with sending their condolences and deepest sympathies to Nichols’ family, the Grizzlies implored Memphians to support one another as they journeyed along the road of healing.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins spoke in detail about the impact the Bay Area native’s death has had on the team. “The senseless loss of life of Tyre Nichols really hit us hard, and it’s been tough being on the road [and] not being home,” Jenkins told sportscaster Pete Pranica ahead of Friday’s (Jan. 27) matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He said that hearing RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, speak about her son “with so much strength and positivity and so much love was powerful” and stirred up a lot of emotions. “I cried,” admitted Jenkins.
He grappled with finding the right words to fully express how “senseless” Nichols’ death was. As previously reported, the 29-year-old succumbed to critical injuries days after he was pummeled by five Memphis police officers. The men have since been terminated and face multiple charges, including felony second-degree murder. “I’m learning about the impact he made on so many people’s lives,” he said. “We’re here again, sadly. You know, with a loss of life to police brutality, [it’s] something you can’t fathom.”
The NBA coach said that moving forward, he hopes the players will gain a greater understanding of their influence in their community. “Beyond basketball, this is [a] stark reminder of what position we’re in to unify our city. Our city has great soul, [and] our city has great love for each other. This is obviously a tough moment for our city to manage and deal with [and] to cope with and [to] recover from, but we will get through it… We’re going to do this with a heavy heart but also remembering a beautiful life that was lost, and hopefully, we can celebrate that life and remember that life of Tyre Nichols proudly, representing our city proudly.”
Keke Palmer Got Down to Beyoncé at Her Extravagant Baby Shower
Keke Palmer is always the life of the party—and that was doubly true at her very own baby shower.
Over the weekend, Palmer threw an extravagant “Once Upon A Baby” soirée complete with party games, a personalized storybook, incredible BaubleBar goody bags, and installations devoted to Toy Story, Lion King, and more childhood favorites. In various videos from the event, Palmer was seen having the time of her life in a sparkling tiara and ribbed tan maxi dress that beautifully accentuated her growing baby bump, taking her maternity style to the next level yet again.
The Nope star also posted new portraits with her boyfriend Darius Jackson, writing her own fairytale in the Instagram caption: “A long time ago, in a land not so far…The King and Queen got together to play. The play turned to love as many sunsets passed by. Now there’s a prince, who’s soon to arrive!”
Palmer and her guests shared plenty more videos from the evening to Instagram Stories, which friends and fans reposted for posterity, including clips of Palmer getting down on the dance floor. “IT'S THE SQUAT FOR MEEE,” singer and dancer DaniLeigh captioned one video of Palmer. Another friend wrote, “The most lit baby shower ever!!”
“From the games to the food by [Melba's Restaraunt], to the music by [DJ MADOUT] and [John Youngs] that kept us jamming all night,” Plamer wrote alongside a video from the event, which was sponsored by baby care brand Coterie. “It was a Chicago, Jersey and Cali connection, a night I’ll never forget. I’m really just so so happy for my family and my baby shower for me and @dvulton more than anything was about celebrating the people we love that have carried us this far!!! We know they will be so good to our baby boy. 🥰😍🥹😅.”
Keke Palmer announced her pregnancy during her first hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in December 2022. “Honestly, this has been the biggest blessing, and I am so excited,” she said at the time. “Guys, I'm going to be a mom! Even though some people feel a little weird about me having a baby because I was a child actor, I just want to say: Look, I'm 29. I'm grown. I have sex. I own a home. I stormed the Capitol on January 6. You know, things adults do! I'm kidding."
She continued, "You all know I'm the same person I've always been, and I'm proud of that. As a matter of fact, when I first got into comedy and I dreamed of standing on this stage, I asked myself: Keke, who will you be? Will you be like a Maya Rudolph? Eddie Murphy? A Kristen Wiig type? And now that I'm here, I can tell you exactly who I am. Baby, I'm Keke Palmer.”
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett Has Been Arrested on Public Intoxication Charge
Less than a month after leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, quarterback Stetson Bennett was arrested on a misdemeanor public intoxication charge in Dallas on Sunday morning.
ESPN reports Bennett was taken into police custody around 6 a.m. CT on Sunday morning, after officers received a call about a man banging on doors in the 1600 block of Tribeca Way in Dallas. Bennett was transported to the City Detention Center and charged with public intoxication.
“The preliminary investigation found when officers arrived, they located the man, Stetson Bennett, 25, and determined he was intoxicated,” police said in a statement to ESPN. “Bennett was taken into custody, transported to the City Detention Center and charged with public intoxication.”
After leading the Bulldogs in 2021 to Georgia’s first national championship since 1980, Bennett helped Georgia finish the 2022 season with a 15-0 record and SEC championship. He passed for 4,127 yards with 27 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Bennett capped off his Georgia career by winning a second straight national championship with a dominant win over TCU.
ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper believes Bennett could go as early as the third round of April’s draft.
The news continues a rough offseason for the defending national champions. Earlier this month, offensive lineman Devin Willock and Bulldogs recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy passed away in a single-car crash.
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Willock was a passenger in an SUV that crashed in Athens around 2:45 a.m. local time on Jan. 15. The vehicle, which was being driven by LeCroy, was traveling in the outside lane of the road when it left the roadway and struck two power poles and several trees.
Willock, a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore, was pronounced dead at the scene. LeCroy, 24, was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Julia Roberts & Jennifer Aniston Will Team Up for Body Swap Comedy Movie!
Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston are teaming up for a new movie!
The two fan-favorite actresses will star in a “body swap comedy” that is being made at Amazon Studios.
Deadline reports that the studio won the project after a “heated auction” that included four other studios and streamers.
Max Barbakow, who directed Andy Samberg‘s Hulu movie Palm Springs, will write and direct the upcoming movie, which is based on an original pitch that he created. Not much is known about the plot of the film as of this time.
It has been noted that there is demand for beloved stars teaming up on the big screen following the success of Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum‘s The Lost City and Julia‘s own movie with George Clooney, Ticket to Paradise. Both films grossed more than $160 million each at the worldwide box office
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Seen Embracing in Los Angeles Hours After ABC Exit
Hours after ABC announced it had parted ways with the GMA3 co-anchors on Friday, the couple was seen smiling and embracing on a Los Angeles sidewalk.
The pair was quite affectionate during the casual outing, holding hands and hugging, and at one point, Robach, 49, jumped into Holmes' arms and wrapped her legs around his waist.
Following an investigation into their relationship, ABC announced Holmes, 45, and Robach would not return to their positions after "we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News."
"We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions," the spokesperson added. "A decision for new co-hosts [of GMA3 and 20/20] will come later."
A source previously told PEOPLE that the couple is "devastated" and "can't believe this is happening to them."
"They're very, very much together in every way. They're proceeding with their divorces as they were going to anyway, and they're in mediation with ABC about what the future holds," the insider said. "But nobody feels like they could possibly be put back on air after the way this has been handled."
Robach and Holmes were taken off the air on Dec. 5 after rumors of their relationship broke in November when they were photographed holding hands on a trip to upstate New York before they were seen cozying up together at a bar in N.Y.C.
A source told PEOPLE at the time that there were "rumors they were having an affair about a year ago," and another insider said that the couple only got into a relationship after Robach separated with ex-husband Andrew Shue last year, and Holmes and wife Marilee Fiebig had filed for divorce.
"This was two consenting adults who were each separated. They both broke up with their spouses in August within weeks of each other," the insider added. "The relationship didn't start until after that."
"She's got nothing to hide. They were both separated, so they felt very comfortable dating in the open after that. Their spouses had moved out, even! So they were not hiding anything," added the source.
Taylor Swift's 'Lavender Haze' love interest is a trans man with a message: 'The more we're seen, the more we're seen as human'
Transgender male model Laith Ashley is breaking ground as Taylor Swift's love interest in the singer's music video for her new single “Lavender Haze.” (YouTube / Getty)
Swifties are here for their hero's groundbreaking new music video.
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated clip for “Lavender Haze,” the latest single off her album Midnights, premiered at midnight Friday. Since then, fans from around the globe have praised the singer for elevating representation by starring trans model and activist Laith Ashley, who says it was one of the most "affirming" experiences in his life.
"I'm so happy and grateful," Ashley, 33, tells Yahoo Entertainment, noting that he "had no idea what to expect" when arriving on set. In fact, no one knew which song from the album they were shooting except for Swift herself, he reveals, which only she could hear via an earpiece.
"It was definitely top secret," he says with a chuckle. "When I walked in on set, she was already in the T-shirt that you see in the first scene on the bed. It was so beautiful. I was like, 'Hello, nice to meet you.' I was just like, Oh my god, that's Taylor Swift!"
Ashley, one of the most sought after trans male models in the fashion industry, plays Swift’s love interest in the video. At various points, the duo is seen lying in bed together as Swift, who also directed the video, caresses his bare back, and later, sitting and dancing at a party as they wrap their arms around each other in a loving embrace.
Swift, an outspoken LGBTQ rights activist, announced the video’s premiere in a tweet in which she said she “absolutely adored working with” Ashley.
Ashley echoed those sentiments on his own Instagram account, where he thanked Swift for “allowing me to play a small part in your story.”
“You are brilliant and this is an experience I will never forget. It was truly magical,” he wrote alongside snippets of the music video. “Your storytelling abilities through your music and visuals continues to leave me in awe, inspired, and hopeful. Thank you for being an ally and for continuously using your platform for good. Representation matters. AND LOVE WILL ALWAYS WIN!"
Ashley, who worked with LGBTQ homeless youth as a patient navigator before breaking into the fashion industry, says that Swift's aim to elevate trans visibility during a time when the community is under attack (more than 100 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced this year alone) allows other trans people to "feel seen."
"Violence against the LGBT community is at an all time high," he says. "We have anti-trans politicians, in the media and on the news, saying very nasty, negative things that are untrue about trans people, without any consequence — not knowing that the language being used [encourages] people to commit violent acts."
Visibility is extremely important right now, Ashley says, especially when there are people who seem to want to make trans people "disappear."
"Anti-trans politicians are saying, 'It's about protecting the children.' It's not about the children. It's about making us disappear," he says. "We deserve to have access to health care like everyone else, access to housing, access to employment, and the ability to live openly and freely like anyone else."
Since the music video debuted, Ashley has been inundated with positive messages from around the world, something he wouldn't have expected two years ago — when "fear" and "anger" about the rising toll of anti-trans violence took him to a "pretty dark place" that was hard to escape from.
"I was in that space for a while," he says, noting that filming Swift's video inspired him to "be more open and share my story because the more we're seen, the more we're seen as human."
He also hopes that message resonates with others.
"You're worthy of love," he advises to any LGBTQ person who has felt invisible. "We are no different than anyone else who deserve to exist, and to take up space and live fully in society. We will get the opportunity to do that. And we will continue to get the opportunity to do that."
Needless to say, since the video premiered, many LGBTQ fans continue to praise Ashley's casting, calling it a major milestone:
Gucci Names Valentino Fashion Designer Sabato De Sarno as New Creative Director
Gucci appointed Sabato De Sarno, a senior fashion designer at Valentino, as the Italian brand’s new creative director. De Sarno will succeed Alessandro Michele, who left Gucci in November after seven years as creative director.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci,” De Sarno said in an official statement. “I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage, that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”
Prior to joining the Valentino back in 2009, De Sarno spent time at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.
“I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the House’s new Creative Director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury industry,” Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri added. “Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience. I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reinforcing the House’s fashion authority while capitalizing on its rich heritage.”
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering, the French luxury goods group which owns Gucci said: “One hundred and two years after Guccio Gucci opened his first store in Florence, Gucci remains one of the most iconic, prominent and influential luxury houses in the world. With Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm, we are confident that the House will continue both to influence fashion and culture through highly desirable products and collections, and to bring a singular and contemporary perspective to modern luxury.”
De Sarno will make his runway debut at Milan Fashion Week in September.
Organizers Announce The END of Afrochella Music Festival in Ghana
Many fest-goers have been taken aback following the announcement that there will be no more Afrochella festival in Ghana. Yes, if you haven’t heard, according to the BBC, the announcement came at the end of the 2022 Afrochella festival that lasted for two days.
Abdul Abdullah, the co-founder of the annual festival, informed the revelers at the El-Wak stadium in Accra that the 2022 festival they were attending was the last.
“This is the last Afrochella,” he told them. He hasn’t provided more information or clarification on the same, but this hasn’t stopped the disappointed lot from airing their displeasure.
“I couldn’t believe it when they said Afrochella is over,” said a woman to BBC.
another person lamented, “There was something special about Afrochella that meant so much to African Americans like me […] I think it’s gonna be hard to fill the void that they’ll leave.”
While it is unclear what could have led to the ending of what has been a huge international festival for Black travelers, Afrochella organizers and their Coachella counterparts have been involved in a legal tussle. Coachella sued Afrochella for alleged copyright infringement in 2022.
The lawsuit filed by The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival organizers, Goldenvoice, against Ghana’s Afrochella claimed that the similarity in the names of the festivals will confuse people.
Ever since it was launched in 2017, the Afrochella festival had continued to grow bigger and better, attracting more and more travelers to Ghana. It was now widely recognized as a celebration of Black culture, art, music, and food across the world. There are other events, such as Afronation during the Christmas and New Year seasons, but Afrochella had overtaken all of them, so it will be challenging to get its replacement.
#RIP: Barrett Strong, Motown trailblazer with the Temptations and Marvin Gaye, dies at 81
Barrett Strong, an artist and songwriter who was present for the birth of Motown and had a key role in classic hits for the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Edwin Starr and others, has died. He was 81.
Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a Sunday statement: “Barrett was not only a great singer and piano player, but he, along with his writing partner Norman Whitfield, created an incredible body of work, primarily with the Temptations. Their hit songs were revolutionary in sound and captured the spirit of the times like “Cloud Nine” and the still relevant “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today).”
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Barrett is an original member of the Motown family and will be missed by all of us.”
'Pray for our family': Comedian Rickey Smiley shares death of son Brandon Smiley
Temptations founder Otis Williams paid tribute to Strong, citing a 60-plus-year relationship going back to their days on Detroit’s north end, where they lived across the street from one another.
“Barrett has left his indelible stamp not only on Motown and the Temptations, but on music history in general,” Williams said in a statement. “His distinguished legacy of chart hits epitomizes the golden age of Motown. Our Motown family has lost a beloved brother and extraordinary songwriter. My thoughts and prayers go out to Barrett’s son and loved ones.”
Strong was tinkering with a Ray Charles song on piano in 1959 when he stumbled onto the lick that would blossom into Motown’s first big hit. “Money (That’s What I Want),” with Strong on strapping, raspy lead vocals, went on to sell a million copies and helped ignite the company’s fortunes.
Strong eventually went behind the scenes as a songwriter, teaming with producer Norman Whitfield in the mid-1960s to cowrite smashes for Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips (“I Heard it Through the Grapevine”), Edwin Starr (“War”) and the Undisputed Truth (“Smiling Faces Sometimes”).
But it was with the Temptations that Strong and Whitfield had their most prolific success, scoring a run of hits in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s with musically adventurous, topically relevant songs such as “Cloud Nine,” “I Wish it Would Rain,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Psychedelic Shack,” “Ball of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”
A serious soul with a poetic, contemplative side, Strong remained proud of his work. In 2019, he resided in an upscale assisted-living facility in the L.A. area, where the amenities included a jukebox for residents. Strong, getting around the facility in a wheelchair, would often hear his own music resonating across the recreational area.
Sitting with the Detroit Free Press (part of the USA TODAY network) at the home that year, he reflected on his legacy.
“I feel good about it,” he said. “I did something. I did my part, what I was put on this earth to do. I made people smile. I made people have babies. I made people do a lot of things. So I contributed something to my being here.”
“Money,” which went on to be covered by the Beatles and others, was the first song recorded at Gordy’s just-purchased home studio on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard — before the company had a name or the house had its iconic “Hitsville, U.S.A.” sign out front.
Tracked live on a primitive tape machine, the song “took a hundred takes” to perfect, Strong later said.
A Mississippi native who moved to Detroit at age 4, Strong was a self-taught musician who played by ear on his father’s old upright piano. He attended Hutchins Middle School, with classmates including Aretha Franklin and future Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier, when he wowed kids at a school talent show and saw his future.
“I thought I was really a star then,” he told the Free Press in 2019.
Strong cut his teeth at amateur shows around the city, performing alongside acts such as the Falcons and the group that became the Four Tops. He was still in his teens when he met songwriter and fledgling entrepreneur Gordy.
Despite the success of “Money,” life as a front man and traveling artist didn’t suit Strong, he told the Detroit Free Press in 2019.
“I didn’t like the touring. I got so skinny, my mother said, ‘You look terrible!’” he said. “I decided I wasn’t going to do this anymore.”
Strong briefly took a job with Chrysler to take care of his young family. But he retained the music itch and soon returned to the record business to work with companies outside Motown, helping cut singles by the Reflections, Chubby Checker, Mary Wells and others.
He was back in the Motown fold in 1966, teaming up with his childhood friend Whitfield. Strong and Whitfield were inspired by the 1967 success of “Respect” by Strong’s former schoolmate Aretha Franklin — grittier and more soul-steeped than much of Motown’s output at the time — along with the rising psychedelic movement in rock and R&B.
The Whitfield-Strong working process was versatile, but Strong typically conceived lyrics along with the basslines that were then interpreted by Motown studio bassist James Jamerson.
Decades later, he recounted the origin of one game-changing 1968 hit.
“I started playing some grooves on the piano. Norman said, ‘Man, that’s funky. Let’s do it.’ We called it ‘Cloud Nine,’” Strong recalled. “Berry thought we were talking about drugs. But we were just talking about feeling fine, doing good.”
That single, recorded with the Temptations, went on to earn Motown its first Grammy Award. Strong, Whitfield and the Tempts would land another win in 1973 with “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”
Strong tapped many sources for his musical ideas: The Temptations’ “Psychedelic Shack” was inspired by the basement of his home on Detroit’s Monte Vista Street, which was adorned with groovy paintings and blacklights. He said “Just My Imagination” emerged after an early listen to “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” an ad jingle cowritten by onetime Gordy associate Billy Davis.
Strong remained in Detroit when Motown packed up for the West Coast in the early ‘70s (“it’s not so funky out there,” he’d later say of Los Angeles), continuing to write and record, including a pair of albums for Capitol Records, where he hoped to become the label’s Barry White.
“It just wasn’t the right time,” he said. “Music was going in another direction.”
Strong was cynical about the music industry in general, and said he wished he had been more savvy as a teenager venturing into the business. His bones of contention included his first hit: Strong was initially listed on the songwriting credits for “Money” alongside Gordy and Janie Bradford, but his name was removed several years later. Gordy’s attorneys would later say its original inclusion had been a paperwork error.
Despite the title of that first hit — an irony he recognized — Strong said he he had never been financially driven.
“I never liked the business side,” he said in 2019. “I loved the art. But I didn’t know anything back then.”
Carving out a life as a creator “means more than money,” Strong said. “Money has its place. But you’ve got to do more than just have money. When you go to bed at night, you’ve got to live with yourself.”
Strong was still teeming with artistic energy when he launched a Detroit-area recording studio in 2001 at age 60, working with young artists such as Eliza Neals.
"I love music, the creative process," he said at the time. "I dreamed of building a studio and making it work. But you can't sit at home and dream about it — you've got to get in the trenches."
Strong eventually gave in to L.A., moving to the area in the mid-2010s to be close to family members amid failing health. He remained interested in current music, even hoping in recent years to oversee a project blending hip-hop with classical music.
Strong was eager to keep making a mark. He said in 2019: “I still say to this day: I haven’t written my best song yet.”
#RIP: Lisa Loring, who played Wednesday Addams in "The Addams Family," dies at 64
Lisa Loring, who played Wednesday on the original "The Addams Family" -- the classic 1960s sitcom -- died Saturday. She was 64.
Loring's agent, Chris Carbaugh of C and V Promotions, confirmed to CBS News in a statement that Loring died on Saturday "surrounded by her family. Lisa was a very loving mother, grandmother and friend with a lifetime of amazing stories and experiences.
"She brought to life one of the most iconic characters in Hollywood history that is still celebrated today. Lisa loved sharing her memories and meeting all her fans across the world. She will be missed dearly."
Loring played a young Wednesday Addams from 1964 to 1966 and also appeared in "As the World Turns."
The publication says she was six years old when she started in the sitcom.
It also says Loring died in a Burbank, Calif. hospital of "complications from a stroke caused by high blood pressure," citing her daughter, Vanessa Foumberg.
Loring reprised the role in the 1977 television movie "Halloween with the New Addams Family," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Wednesday Addams is the subject of the runaway Netflix hit, "Wednesday."
King Charles Reportedly Negotiating To Have Prince Harry And Meghan Markle At Coronation Despite Ongoing Family Feud
Despite the very public and ongoing family feud, it’s being reported that King Charles would like to have Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, attend his Coronation celebration. According to the Daily Mail, despite Prince William’s objections, the king has enlisted the help of the Archbishop of Canterbury to help broker peace.
Charles, 74, has asked Justin Welby, who is set to officiate the Coronation in May, to help mediate the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry, senior sources told the outlet. The Prince of Wales, 40, is reportedly worried that the drama with Harry, 38, and Meghan, especially following the release of Harry’s memoir, Spare, could overshadow the monarch’s big day.
Insiders say that the king fears the couple’s absence will only add more fuel to the fire. In exchange for their presence, King Charles is allegedly offering Harry and Meghan prime seating in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation or an informal assurance that they won’t be stripped of their titles.
“The family is split, and all the indications are that Harry is being advised to agree to nothing at this stage and ‘play it long’ right up to the last minute, which is making negotiations with him very difficult,” an anonymous source told the Mail.
“Harry’s camp made clear that the idea that he would just attend the Coronation and behave himself but then be stripped of his titles was a total non-starter,” the insider added. Additionally, the insider says that Harry “resents being lumped together with Andrew in the public mind as the two ‘problem Princes.’” He feels their circumstances are not comparable.
The Daily Mail reached out to Lambeth and Buckingham Palace for comment, but both declined. An insider close to Prince William said they are unaware of negotiations regarding the Coronation.
Neither the Duke of Duchess of Sussex have commented publicly on whether or not they would be attending the king’s celebration. Even if they did, insiders say King Charles has not included Harry in the ceremony, and their attendance would strictly be in a guest capacity.
'24,' 'Runaways' actor Annie Wersching has died at 45
Actor Annie Wersching, best known for playing FBI agent Renee Walker in the series “24" and providing the voice for Tess in the video game “The Last of Us,” has died. She was 45.
Wersching passed away Sunday morning in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer, her publicist told The Associated Press. The type of cancer was not specified.
Neil Druckmann, who created “The Last of Us," wrote on Twitter that “We just lost a beautiful artist and human being. My heart is shattered. Thoughts are with her loved ones.”
Actor Abigail Spencer, who appeared with Wersching on the sci-fi series “Timeless,” tweeted, “We love you Annie Wersching. You will be deeply missed.”
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Wersching appeared on dozens of television shows over the course of her two-decade career.
Her first credit was in “Star Trek: Enterprise,” and she would go on to have recurring roles in the seventh and eighth seasons of “24,” “Bosch," “The Vampire Diaries,” Marvel's “Runaways,” “The Rookie” and, most recently, the second season of “Star Trek: Picard” as the Borg Queen.
She also provided the voice and motion capture performance for Tess for the popular video game “The Last of Us.”
Wershing was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, according to Deadline, and continued working. She's survived by her husband, actor Stephen Full, and three sons. A GoFundMe page was set up Sunday to support the family.
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EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Bubba
Meet Bubba! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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King Charles Reportedly Negotiating To Have Prince Harry And Meghan Markle At Coronation Despite Ongoing Family Feud
Despite the very public and ongoing family feud, it’s being reported that King Charles would like to have Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, attend his Coronation celebration. According to the Daily Mail, despite Prince William’s objections, the king has enlisted the help of the Archbishop of Canterbury to help broker peace.
Charles, 74, has asked Justin Welby, who is set to officiate the Coronation in May, to help mediate the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry, senior sources told the outlet. The Prince of Wales, 40, is reportedly worried that the drama with Harry, 38, and Meghan, especially following the release of Harry’s memoir, Spare, could overshadow the monarch’s big day.
Insiders say that the king fears the couple’s absence will only add more fuel to the fire. In exchange for their presence, King Charles is allegedly offering Harry and Meghan prime seating in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation or an informal assurance that they won’t be stripped of their titles.
“The family is split, and all the indications are that Harry is being advised to agree to nothing at this stage and ‘play it long’ right up to the last minute, which is making negotiations with him very difficult,” an anonymous source told the Mail.
“Harry’s camp made clear that the idea that he would just attend the Coronation and behave himself but then be stripped of his titles was a total non-starter,” the insider added. Additionally, the insider says that Harry “resents being lumped together with Andrew in the public mind as the two ‘problem Princes.’” He feels their circumstances are not comparable.
The Daily Mail reached out to Lambeth and Buckingham Palace for comment, but both declined. An insider close to Prince William said they are unaware of negotiations regarding the Coronation.
Neither the Duke of Duchess of Sussex have commented publicly on whether or not they would be attending the king’s celebration. Even if they did, insiders say King Charles has not included Harry in the ceremony, and their attendance would strictly be in a guest capacity.
'24,' 'Runaways' actor Annie Wersching has died at 45
Actor Annie Wersching, best known for playing FBI agent Renee Walker in the series “24" and providing the voice for Tess in the video game “The Last of Us,” has died. She was 45.
Wersching passed away Sunday morning in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer, her publicist told The Associated Press. The type of cancer was not specified.
Neil Druckmann, who created “The Last of Us," wrote on Twitter that “We just lost a beautiful artist and human being. My heart is shattered. Thoughts are with her loved ones.”
Actor Abigail Spencer, who appeared with Wersching on the sci-fi series “Timeless,” tweeted, “We love you Annie Wersching. You will be deeply missed.”
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Wersching appeared on dozens of television shows over the course of her two-decade career.
Her first credit was in “Star Trek: Enterprise,” and she would go on to have recurring roles in the seventh and eighth seasons of “24,” “Bosch," “The Vampire Diaries,” Marvel's “Runaways,” “The Rookie” and, most recently, the second season of “Star Trek: Picard” as the Borg Queen.
She also provided the voice and motion capture performance for Tess for the popular video game “The Last of Us.”
Wershing was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, according to Deadline, and continued working. She's survived by her husband, actor Stephen Full, and three sons. A GoFundMe page was set up Sunday to support the family.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
New Style?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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