#MAGFAB: Dave Bautista For GQ Hype
After hanging up his wrestling tights, Dave Bautista could’ve made an easy living cranking out one brainless, explosion-happy blockbuster after another. Instead, he’s improbably emerged as a serious thespian trapped in an action hero’s body, and the who’s-who of Hollywood auteurs—from Glass Onion's Rian Johnson to Dune's Denis Villeneuve—keep lining up to work with him.
GQ Hype: It's the big story of right now.
It’s a sleepy, steamy Thursday night in Tampa, and it’s even sleepier inside the intimate, upscale-ish eatery where I’m currently sitting alone at the bar. The tables around me are sparsely populated by a few families, a first date or two, and a smattering of well-sunned retirees. If a celebrity were to suddenly stroll through the door—like, say, an actor who appeared in the highest-grossing film of all time, or a pro wrestler who once headlined WrestleMania—you might reasonably expect all of the energy in the room to swiftly shift in that direction.
Only, when the wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista does amble in, nobody really looks up from their plates. Even the host at this establishment, where Bautista dines often, takes a beat to recognize his most famous client. (“Surprised you’re not at the Maiden show tonight!” he tells Bautista after they shake hands.) It is not for lack of movie star style on Bautista’s part—he’s squeezed his hulking frame into a flattering rollneck sweater and faded red jeans—but perhaps a purposeful lack of movie star aura. At 53, he still possesses the physique of an adult grizzly bear with a CrossFit habit, but in public he seems to shrink himself a little, treading as unassumingly as possible. (We are, after all, in Tampa—not LA, or even Miami.)
Once we’re seated at a corner table in an empty adjoining room, away from any potential prying eyes, Bautista finally pulls off his newsboy cap and sunglasses and plops them on the table close by, as though he might need to yank them on again at a moment’s notice. “This is my pacifier,” he says, pointing to his shades. His disarming baritone is soft enough that I self-consciously nudge my recorder a little closer to him. “Like this”—bare-faced, he means—“I feel exposed. But if I put on glasses and a hat, that’s my security blanket. I want to cover up and have some protection.”
That…is not what Dave Bautista will be receiving any time soon. Because 2023 is shaping up to be the biggest year of Bautista’s improbably exciting career. He’s currently all over Netflix, stealing scenes as blowhard YouTuber Duke Cody in Glass Onion, the widely celebrated Knives Out sequel. Next month, he stars in the M. Night Shyalaman thriller A Knock at the Cabin. May brings his farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and he’ll cap the year off in November with a vastly expanded role in Dune: Part Two. The sunglasses are going to come in handy.
That run of projects obscures the fact that it would’ve been easy for someone with Bautista’s biceps and resumé to settle into a string of mindless but lucrative action flicks. Instead, he’s spent the last decade carving out the weirdest, most artful filmography of any WWE alumnus, working with a murderer’s row of Letterboxd-approved directors: Denis Villeneuve, Rian Johnson, Sam Mendes, James Gunn. “I never wanted to be the next Rock,” he puts it plainly. “I just want to be a good fucking actor. A respected actor.”
He is that now—not just not the next Rock, but a wholly new sort of action star. He’s gotten there against incalculable odds—brawling through financial ruin, familial woes, prejudices against his former career, skepticism about his abilities, and, of course, his own self-doubt. And he's done it by taking off his cap and sunglasses and staring straight into the spotlight. Not that that's gotten any easier.
“I’m afraid of things,” Bautista says. “I’m nervous about things. But I can force myself to do things that make me uncomfortable, because I know I’m not gonna get anywhere if I don’t. I may cringe after the fact, but I’m not going to let that fear hold me back.”
The first time Bautista did something uncomfortable that paid off enormously, he was 30 years old. He’d been bouncing at clubs in D.C., where he grew up, ever since he dropped out of high school at 17. The job had its risks, of course—Bautista recalls shots being fired and bottles getting smashed over heads, and he was once arrested after a fistfight with two patrons. But mostly, the gig allowed him to drift into a complacent routine. “I bounced all night, I worked out, I went to sleep,” he says. “That’s what I did for ten-plus years.”
And then, one fateful Christmas in the late ‘90s, Bautista discovered he couldn’t afford presents for his two daughters. “I had to go to a guy I worked for at a club and ask him if I could borrow money,” he remembers. “I was so ashamed of myself that I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I gotta find something.’ I didn't know what the fuck to do. I had no education. I had nothing to fall back on. And I was fucking desperate.”
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#RHOA: Kandi is one of the hardest working Real Housewives out there!
Kandi Burruss is adding yet another achievement to her already impressive résumé.
As fans already know, in addition to being a cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi is a singer, Grammy Award–winning songwriter, producer, actress, restaurateur, wife, and mom of three.
In the spring of 2022, Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, became producers for the Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson. Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks led the revival, and Broadway World reported on January 3 that it had become the “highest grossing August Wilson play” in history.
Kandi posted the exciting news on her Instagram feed a day later.
“Another dream coming true! Thankful to be a producer on [The Piano Lesson] which is now the highest grossing [August Wilson] play in Broadway history,” Kandi captioned the post, noting that the show was running until the end of January. “Great way to start 2023!”
Later that day, Kandi went live on the app to thank fans for supporting the play and to share that she “was super excited” about the honor.
In addition to Kandi’s Broadway news, the multi-hyphenate is keeping herself booked and busy in 2023 with several other projects in the works.
Her podcast, Kandi Koated Live, is set to launch on January 9, and she noted during her Instagram Live that she was producing a movie with her husband.
While Kandi’s professional life never slows down, she still makes time for her loved ones. On the same day she shared her exciting play milestone and her podcast reveal, she stepped out for a dinner that was “so much fun” with RHOA’s Shamea Morton and Cynthia Bailey.
#MusicNews: SZA Denies Beef With Taylor Swift Amid Chart Battle
SZA has nothing but love for Taylor Swift. The singer’s album SOS is vying for a fourth week atop the Billboard 200, but she faces competition from Swift’s Midnights, which currently sits at No. 2. Fans took the chart battle as an opportunity to pit the two singers against each other, suggesting there may be a rivalry.
However, SZA was quick to put the beef rumors to rest. “Uhh I feel silly that I even have to say this but i see supporters arguing and I hate that,” she tweeted on Friday.
She also praised Swift’s songwriting. “I don’t have beef w ANYONE especially not Taylor lmao I genuinely loved her album and the writing!”
“Everyone’s jus tryna do their BEST as we all should. LOVE TO EVERYONE,” added SZA before thanking her fans for supporting the album. “Thank you CAMP for always DOING YOUR BIG ONE 🫡 LOVE TO EVERYONE.”
After much anticipation, SOS arrived in December and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It remains atop the chart for a third consecutive week, becoming the first R&B album by a woman to spend three weeks at No. 1 since Beyoncé’s self-titled album in 2013.
Next up, SZA plans to drop a video for “Kill Bill” and release a deluxe edition of SOS. Starting in February, she will hit the road on her first arena tour.
#HipHopNews: French Montana Breaks Silence On Shooting In Miami Gardens That Left 10 People Injured
French Montana has broken his silence on a shooting in Miami Gardens that left multiple people injured. While he escaped the incident unscathed, he admitted that he was "at the wrong place, at the wrong time" when the incident happened.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 6, the 38-year-old clarified that he was actually at the restaurant to celebrate the release of "Coke Boys 6", a collaborative Gansta Grillz mixtape that features hot and rising rappers EST Gee, Benny The Butcher, Kodak Black and BIG30, and not shooting a music video.
"Last night, I was in Miami celebrating the release of my CB6 mixtape w/ friends at a local restaurant," he said in the statement posted on Twitter. "We unfortunately were at the wrong place, at the wrong time when an incident took place that left people hurt. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & families at this time."
It's unclear though if any of his "CB6" collaborators was with French at the celebration. He also didn't address the reports which said that his bodyguard and New Orleans rapper Rob49 were among those injured in the incident, but TMZ says that those hit by gunfire are all expected to pull through.
Initial reports said that French and Rob49 were filming a music video outside The Licking restaurant on Thursday night in Miami Gardens when the shooting happened. WSVN reported that Miami Gardens Police responded to reports of a shooting just before 8 P.M.
An eyewitness said it all happened after a robbery took place. A man named Ced Mogul told WSVN that a fan of French, who came to watch the star, was allegedly robbed of their watch and wallet, and then somebody started shooting.
"It was like at least 13, 14, 15 gunshots. It was very rapid, it sounded like an assault rifle. I took off running, and I was looking back, but I was like, 'You know what? Let me just duck first.' And then people started asking me, you know, 'Can you help me?' When I realized people were asking for help, there was nothing you could do about it when you got shot," he recalled.
No arrest has been made, but a source spills that investigators believe the gunman opened fire with an assault-style rifle and got off a volley of rounds.
Damar Hamlin Sends Sweet Message To His Teammates As He's Able To Talk After Cardiac Arrest
The Buffalo Bills have given another positive update on Damar Hamlin's medical condition. According to the team, the athlete is now breathing on his own and able to talk. He even sent a sweet message to his teammates.
In a statement shared on Friday, January 6, the Bills wrote, "Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches." They added, "What he said to the team: 'Love you boys.' "
Damar woke up on Wednesday night. Dr. Timothy Pritts and Dr. William Knight of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center stated, "We had significant concern about him after the injury and after the event on the field and he is making substantial progress. As of this morning, he is beginning to awaken and it appears that his neurological conditional and function is intact."
As for Damar, he reportedly asked in writing if the Bills had won the game. The medics told him, "The answer is yes, Demar, you won. You've won the game of life." And they said the fact he asked the question showed, "It's not only the that lights are on - he's home."
Damar collapsed shortly after he collided with Bengals' Tee Higgins and the wide receiver said he is "in a good place right now" after hearing his opponent is doing better. He said, "It's been hard, just because I had something to do with the play and whatnot."
"But everybody has been making me feel whole again. I talked to his mom and notice everything is OK. He's doing good," he added. The game was suspended following the incident and the NFL has now confirmed it "will not be resumed."
UK palace allies push back against Prince Harry’s claims
Allies of Britain’s royal family pushed back Saturday against claims made by Prince Harry in his new memoir, which paints the monarchy as a cold and callous institution that failed to nurture or support him.
Buckingham Palace hasn’t officially commented on the book. But British newspapers and websites brimmed with quotes from unnamed “royal insiders,” rebutting Harry’s accusations. One said his public attacks on the royal family took a “toll” on the health of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September.
Veteran journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, a biographer and friend of King Charles III, said Harry’s revelations were the type “that you’d expect … from a sort of B-list celebrity,” and that the king would be pained and frustrated by them.
“His concern … is to act as head of state for a nation which we all know is in pretty troubled condition,” Dimbleby told the BBC. “I think he will think this gets in the way.“
Harry’s book, “Spare,” is the latest in a string of very public pronouncements by the prince and his wife Meghan since they quit royal life and moved to California in 2020, citing what they saw as the media’s racist treatment of Meghan, who is biracial, and a lack of support from the palace. It follows an interview with Oprah Winfrey and a six-part Netflix documentary released last month.
Harry is not the first British royal to air family secrets — both his parents used the media as their marriage fell apart. Charles cooperated on Dimbleby’s 1994 book and accompanying television documentary, which revealed that the then heir to the throne had had an affair during his marriage to Princess Diana.
Diana gave her side of the story in a BBC interview the following year, famously saying “there were three of us in this marriage” in reference to Charles’ relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
But “Spare” goes into far more detail about private conversations and personal grievances than any previous royal revelation.
In the ghostwritten memoir, Harry discusses his grief at the death of his mother in 1997 and his long-simmering resentment at the role of royal “spare,” overshadowed by the “heir” — older brother Prince William. He recounts arguments and a physical altercation with William, reveals how he lost his virginity (in a field) and describes using cocaine and cannabis.
He also says he killed 25 Taliban fighters while serving as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan — a claim criticized by both the Taliban and British military veterans.
“Spare” is due to be published around the world on Tuesday. The Associated Press obtained an early Spanish-language copy.
Harry has said he expects counterattacks from the palace. He has long complained of “leaks” and “plants” of stories to the media by members of the royal household.
In an interview due to be broadcast on ITV on Sunday — one of several he has recorded to promote the book — Harry says people who accuse him of invading his family’s privacy “don’t understand or don’t want to believe that my family have been briefing the press.”
“I don’t know how staying silent is ever going to make things better,” he said.
Sheryl Lee Ralph On Not Being Included In 'Dreamgirls' Movie: 'It Hurt My Feelings'
Sheryl Lee sat down with Jackee and reflected back on Ralph’s first major role as Deena Jones in the original 1981 musical production of ‘Dreamgirls’ on Broadway alongside Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Devine. The musical was adapted into a movie in 2006 starring Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson, whose portrayal of Effie earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Yet despite the ties between the film and the Broadway musical, the theater cast as a whole wasn’t involved in the movie.
“I first remember you from Dreamgirls, like everybody does; the original Deena Jones,” Harry stated. “But I must say, I felt that you guys didn’t get your due from the play to the movie. I know that’s quite a broad statement, but you never got your flowers.”
Agreeing with that sentiment, Ralph replied, “You know something, Jackée? You and I have been around long enough to realize that everything comes around the way it is supposed to come around. Yes, they ignored us when they made the movie. Whatever that choice was, it hurt my feelings, because we literally created Dreamgirls. Tom Eyen handpicked us, put us all together—and we improvised and put those moments together that became that groundbreaking musical. And when they chose to go to Hollywood and make the movie, to act like we weren’t a part of it—there were so many things they could have done. They could have added us, but the choice was made not to. And God and Goddess know why.”
Ralph, forever taking the high road, added, “It’s okay. Because we are moving forward,” which prompted Harry to offer this insight: “It’s show business. You can’t live in the past. But don’t get amnesia. That’s what I say. “
Slick Rick To Receive 2023 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
The Recording Academy announced that legendary rapper Slick Rick will be honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Special Merit Awards will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angles on February 4, a day before the airing of the Grammy awards.
The British-born, Bronx-raised MC took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the illustrious recognition.
“To be receiving this honor is incredible,” Rick's tweet read. “And to be in marvelous company with my fellow inductees is humbling. God is good. All the time!”
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy also shared his excitement about the upcoming ceremony.
“The Academy is proud to celebrate this diverse slate of influential music people spanning numerous genres and crafts as our 2023 Special Merit Awards honorees,” Mason said. “Each creator on this list has made an impact on our industry — from technical to creative achievements — representing the breadth of music’s diverse community. We’re excited to celebrate this group of legends next month that continues to inspire and shape the music world.”
Regarded as Hip Hop’s greatest storyteller and its most sampled artist, Slick Rick rose to prominence with Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew in the mid-1980s with their classic songs "The Show" and "La Di Da Di.”
In 1986, he became the third artist signed to Def Jam Records and released his critically acclaimed debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988), followed by The Ruler's Back (1991), Behind Bars (1994), and The Art of Storytelling (1999).
On October 6, 2008, Rick was honored on the VH1 Hip Hop Honors show and was added to the Bronx Walk of Fame.
With his signature gold chains, British accent, and love of fine clothing, Rick is one of the most influential artists in Hip Hop history.
Along with Rick, other recipients include Bobby McFerrin, Nile Rodgers, The Supremes, Nancy Wilson, and Ma Rainey.
D.L. Hughley Says White Privilege Has Shielded UFC’s Dana White from Facing Mounting Scrutiny for Slapping His Wife;
Says Chris Brown and Antonio Brown Faced ‘Drastically Different Coverage’
D.L. Hughley has called out the media for exercising double standards in its coverage of UFC president Dana White’s slap controversy compared to Black male public figures involved in similar incidents. The comedian believes white privilege is at play and that there is no denying it when White’s headlines, or lack thereof, are compared to those relating to Chris Brown, Antonio Brown and Bobby Brown.
Just days into the new year, footage surfaced of Dana and his wife Anne White as they celebrated at a club in Cabo San Lucas. In the video, Dana White is seen leaning in and saying something to Anne White, to which she responds by slapping him. Without delay, Dana White returns the slap before they are quickly separated by friends.
Dana White spoke exclusively with TMZ, telling the outlet that there is no excuse for his actions, but that he and Anne had a booze-filled night that got out of hand. “It’s never happened before… People are going to say what they’re going to say … It is what it is. And whatever people do say, it’s deserved. I deserve it,” said the Power Slap League founder. Despite the widespread social reactions to the ordeal, the public, as Hughley pointed out, has not been inundated with headlines about the issue; nor has the story been run into the ground by news outlets.
Hughley tweeted, “If one of #DanaWhites fighters had beat his wife like that, he’d already have been arrested! #TeamDl.” In a second tweet, he added, “If #ChrisBrown, #BobbyBrown or #AntonioBrown did what #DanaWhite did, the media wouldn’t stop talking about it!! What can Brown do for you?…Be White!! #TeamDl.”
The “Kings of Comedy” headliner reiterated his frustrations on Instagram, where he laid out exactly how coverage of a Black man committing the same act would have resulted in drastically different coverage. Hughley wrote, “What can BROWN do for you?” Apparently not a d**n thing! If that had been a brotha, it’d be NONSTOP coverage, dredging up a playground fight from the 3rd grade, scouring old tweets, you name it. #DanaWhite ‘s ENTIRE LIFE is immersed in brutal , physical violence, he’s amassed a fortune from it. Where are the salacious headlines?? Where’s the pressure?? Ohhhhh, he apologized #WhitePrivilege (PUN INTENDED) scores a 1st round knockout yet again. #TeamDl.”
Chris Brown was famously canceled years before the “cancel culture” movement was ever imagined, for his assault on Rihanna in 2009. He faced charges and a slew of legal troubles for well over a decade. The singer has battled his way back into the realm of respectability with fans but has struggled to escape damning headlines and efforts to be recognized at music award shows.
Bobby Brown’s name was constantly in the media for years because of his and ex-wife Whitney Houston’s turbulent relationship. The King of R&B was accused of hitting Houston on more than one occasion. In 2003, he was charged in Fulton County, Georgia, for striking the legendary vocalist. He opened up about the low point in his 2020 memoir, “Every Little Step.”
Among the scores of headlines surrounding former NFL pro Antonio Brown — there are several, ranging from his questionable business dealings with Kanye “Ye” West to his controversial exit from the game in 2021 — are two separate accounts of a domestic incident with the mother of his children. The latest incident in December 2022 resulted in charges that were later dropped.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Split Again After Spending the Holidays Apart: They’ll ‘Always Remain 3
It’s over, again. Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott split after rekindling their romance in February 2020, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.
“Kylie and Travis are off again, they were supposed to spend the holidays together, but she went to Aspen to be with her family and friends up there,” the insider says of the former couple. “This has happened so many times before, they’re known to be on again off again, but always remain friends and great coparents.”
News that the duo called it quits comes after Jenner, 25, took her and Scott’s 4-year-old daughter Stormi on a New Year’s getaway to Aspen, Colorado, with her friends Hailey Bieber, Justin Bieber and Stassie Karanikolaou. The Kylie Cosmetics founder shared a clip of herself and her little one sledding via her TikTok on Sunday, January 1. In the video, the California native can be heard saying, “We’re on a serious adventure right now.”
Before going their separate ways, Jenner supported the rapper, 31, during his December 2022 performance in Miami alongside 50 Cent for Wayne and Cynthia Boich’s gathering. At the time, the Kardashians star packed on the PDA with Scott before he took the stage.
The on-and-off-again couple welcomed their first child secretly in February 2018. The twosome publicly confirmed their romance less than a year prior, just a few weeks after Jenner and her ex, Tyga called it quits for good.
After two years together, Us confirmed that the reality star and the “Sicko Mode” performer were taking their first official break but would remain friends so they could amicably coparent Stormi.
Kardashian-Jenner Family: A Guide to the Fathers of Their Kids
“Kylie and Travis have been on and off at various times throughout their relationship,” a source explained in October 2019. “Kylie still loves Travis and this isn’t considered a full breakup to either of them.”
Speculation that the duo might have reconciled sparked in May 2021 when Jenner was seen at one of Scott’s concerts. Three months later, Us confirmed that the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum was expecting her second child with the “Highest in the Room” artist.
“Travis and Kylie have never been closer,” a source exclusively told Us the following month. “The baby has absolutely brought them even closer together. She is so happy for her family. Travis is beyond thrilled. They both have wanted this for a long time.”
Everything the Kardashian-Jenner Siblings Have Said About Coparenting
In February 2022, the parents welcomed their second child, a baby boy, whom they initially named Wolf. However, Jenner clarified they changed their child’s name and have yet to reveal the little one’s official moniker.
“We just really didn’t feel like it was him. Just wanted to share because I keep seeing Wolf everywhere,” the TV personality wrote via her Instagram Story at the time.
LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba found dead inside metal box on Kenyan road
Police in Kenya announced Edwin Chiloba’s body was discovered on Wednesday (Jan. 4). He was known as a prominent LGBTQ activist. In an article from (Jan. 6), CBS News shared that his remains were “found stuffed in a metal box” on a road in Uasin Gishu County, west of the country.
Kenyan nonprofit and human rights organization The Commission shared an Instagram post confirming the heartbreaking news. “Yesterday, Jan. 5, 2023, in the Kapsaret area of Uasin Gishu, the body of Edwin Chiloba, a well-known and celebrated fashion designer and model, was found discarded in a box and decomposing by the side of the road,” the message began. “Edwin was a loved and valued member of his community who used the platforms available to him to fight for what was right! This loathsome act comes as a blow to the LGBTIQ+ community and leaves us all reeling from shock!”
The post added that the hurt from his passing rivaled the manner in which it happened: “The murder itself was terrible, but the callous way his body was discarded makes the situation all the more mortifying! Edwin’s death reminds us that queer bodies continue to be under attack all over the country. NGLHRC grieves with the LGBTIQ+ community and joins the voices of all those agitating for fast and concrete action!” A taxi driver reportedly witnessed the box containing Chiloba’s body being dumped and alerted nearby police officers. The witness said the suspect’s vehicle did not have a license plate.
Chiloba’s remains were taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital where medical staff will work to determine a cause of death. Police spokesperson Resila Onyango said they do not have a motive for the crime. “We don’t know for now why he was killed that way. Experts are handling the matter,” she shared.
Tristan Thompson's mother passes away in Toronto
it is being reported that Tristan Thompson’s mother, Andrea Thompson, passed away in Toronto. According to TMZ, she suffered from a heart attack and was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where she succumbed to her condition. Another source, “Entertainment Tonight,” stated that Tristan, along with ex-girlfriend and mother of two of his children, Khloe Kardashian, departed from Los Angeles to unite with family in Canada.
Andrea and Trevor Thompson gave birth Tristan in 1991. The NBA veteran also has three younger brothers, Dishawn, Daniel and Amari, the last of whom lives with epilepsy and inspired the launch of a fundraising campaign in his honor. During a past interview with former team the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tristan opened up about his relationship with Andrea:
“Even though I don’t live at home and I’m four hours away from home, I talk to my mom every day — ask how the kids are doing, ask how she’s doing, too. Everyone knows that my mom, she’s very dedicated in taking care of her sons – especially Amari. But at the same time, you need to make sure that she’s okay.”
He continued: “It’s asking a lot for one parent to do, so I always try to make sure that she’s doing well, too. Whether she’s getting a massage or just get out of the house and have a babysitter watch for a couple hours, that’s crucial.”
Following Tristan‘s inclusion into the NBA via the 2011 draft, Andrea penned an editorial piece about her son, reflecting on his determination to succeed as an athlete:
“Tristan is the type of kid where he only needs the door to open a crack and he’s in. When he was young, people kept telling me, ‘Your son is special. He’s a basketball player. He’s coachable. He’s a leader.’ So I just support my son.”
Our condolences go out to Tristan Thompson, his family, friends, and fans.
Venus Williams Forced to Withdraw from Australian Open 2023
Sad news for Venus Williams fans. On Saturday morning (January 7), the organizers of the 2023 Australian Open announced that the 42-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner was forced to withdraw from the tennis tournament
Venus had to drop out of the tournament due to an injury.
“Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand,” organizers of the Australian Open tweeted.
The organization also announced that Australian player Kim Birrell will be taking Venus‘ wildcard spot in the tournament.
Venus first made her debut in the Australian Open back in 1998 and has competed in the tournament 21 times.
The 2023 Australian Open kicks off on Monday, January 16 at Melbourne Park, and runs through Sunday, January 29.
Ariana Grande pulls off the best 'RuPaul's Drag Race' prank
There’s a time-honored tradition on RuPaul’s Drag Race season premieres, when a very special guest pop queen surprises the drag queens — and it’s the gag of the season. There was that time when Lady Gaga pretended to be Ronnie, “New Jersey’s No. 1 Lady Gaga impersonator”; that time when Miley Cyrus went undercover in boy drag as bearded film crew member “Barry Johnson,” aka “BJ”; and that inside-jokey stunt when Christina Aguilera masqueraded as Season 9 contestant Farrah Moan, a reference to a hilarious incident when a fashion blogger mistook a photo of Farrah at DragCon 2017 for a paparazzi snap of Aguilera at the Met Gala.
But for Friday's two-part Drag Race Season 15 premiere on new network MTV, the queen of pop and ponytails, Ariana Grande, pulled off the most epic and inside-jokey ambush yet… involving the triumphant return, or Ru-turn, of Ornacia!
Who’s Ornacia, you ask? Allow me to give you a primer, going all the way back to 2014, to illustrate just how well thought-out this particular Ru-veal was…
So, in Season 6, a contestant named Vivacious only placed 12th — but she secured a permanent place in Drag Race herstory, with what is considered to be one of the most iconic Werk Room entrances of all time. A ‘90s New York club kid who described her style of drag as “living art,” Vivacious experienced a minor wardrobe malfunction, resulting in her screentime being dominated by her nuclear-wasted-eyed, conjoined-twinning, mannequin-headed sidekick. That Styrofoam dome was named Ornacia, after a lyric from RuPaul's 1993 single “Back to My Roots,” and Ornacia subsequently became more famous than Vivacious herself (and more famous than several other Season 6 contestants, actually).
“Mother has arrived!” was Vivacious’s delayed declaration, once she got her zipper unstuck — and a classic RPDR catchphrase was born. That moment is below, complete with snarky Ru-cap commentary from that season’s winner and current "The Pit Stop" hostess, Bianca Del Rio:
Got all that? OK, then you’ll fully appreciate this mother of all Drag Race pranks, when Vivacious (and Ornacia, of course) seemingly sashayed back onto the Season 15 set this week. But then — bang bang, into the Werk Room — it turned out to be Ariana Grande inside that club-kid costume. And it looked like Ornacia had undergone quite the glow-up since 2014.
The eight contestants who witnessed this Ru-veal — especially the Brady Bunch-inspired Marcia Marcia Marcia, who’d just cited Grande as her favorite pop star and “life icon” — were understandably thrilled, as Grande, who’d been a guest judge before on Season 7, told them: “I think drag is the most infectious and joyous art form that there is. Thank you guys for bringing so much joy to the lives of the Drag Race fans and to everyone." Grande also told RuPaul, “My p***y’s on fire” — but how was her head? I assume there were no complaints. (That’s another Drag Race in-joke; look it up.)
And then, just when things couldn’t get any more meta, when the next batch of eight queens entered the Werk Room, they were surprised by… the actual Vivacious and Ornacia! Mother really had arrived. Surely this was all a genius setup for when Ornacia ultimately competes on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 later this year, right? But in the meantime, Vivacious is probably about to enjoy a big spike in merchandise sales, because according to EW, she sells limited-edition themed Ornacias for special occasions like Pride ("Pridenacia"), Valentine's Day ("Valentinacia"), and Halloween ("Hallonacia").
"I've been holding onto this secret since the summer. I am always in good company. Thank you @arianagrande for making this the moment of my life," Vivacious posted on Instagram after the premiere aired. "I have always been referenced every season since s6. Thank you @rupaulsdragrace and family. For always looking out for me. Now heaven above get me to ALL Stars. Check out my Pride single releasing later tonight at 9 PM."
There's a Cool New 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Poster
There’s a cool new movie post for the highly anticipated animated film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
The upcoming movie is a sequel to 2018′s Into the Spider-Verse, starring Miles Morales (Shameik Moore).
Here’s the synopsis of the movie: Miles Morales (Moore) returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
The movie also stars Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy and Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker.
Jordan Brand collaborated with Marvel for the the first movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and released a special Air Jordan 1 High OG. Another Air Jordan 1 will be released on the same day the movie is released in theaters.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is scheduled to be released in theaters and IMAX on June 2, 2023. A third film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is scheduled for release on March 29, 2024
In December, the first official trailer for the movie was released.
Iran Executes Karate Champion And Volunteer Children’s Coach Amid Protests For Human Rights
Iran has executed more protesters amidst unrest as the people fight for basic human rights for women and men brought on by the regime.
As we reported, Nationwide protests broke out following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16, since then hundreds of Iranian protesters have been killed and detained.
The latest are two men identified as 22-year-old Mehdi Karami, a karate champion, and 39-year-old Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, a volunteer kids coach, who were amongst 16 protesters accused of allegedly causing the death of a member of the Basij paramilitary force during a protest. All of the accused denied the allegations, adding that they were being targeted for protesting against the regime.
“Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, principle perpetrators of the crime that led to the unjust martyrdom of Ruhollah Ajamian were hanged this morning,” the Iranian court said in a statement shared by the official IRNA news agency.
Many protesters have not been receiving due process, with trials being rushed with no adequate defense or evidence.
Mehdi’s father, Mashallah Karami, had previously said that he had tried to reach the court appointed lawyer for a week since his son’s death sentence was first handed down, but his calls were ignored.
They were also not allowed to have their own lawyer, “We were told before that we can appoint a lawyer, but they finally did not allow it. I called Mr. Aghasi and he himself came to Karaj. After that, he was informed he was not allowed to access the file. Mr.[…], who is our son’s lawyer, told us that we can have a lawyer of our choice, but we were never allowed.”
Lawyer Mohammad Hossein Aghasi told Iran Wire back in December that he attempted to go to court at the family’s request, and he was denied access. Mehdi was also denied his right to speak to gis family prior to his execution. Both men were murdered by the regime early Saturday morning.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the European Union (EU) have told Iran to stop all executions following the hangings.
“We deplore the execution of two more protesters, #MohammadMehdiKarami & #MohammadHosseini, following unfair trials based on forced confessions,” the OHCHR said in a tweet.
Over 500 people have been killed during the protests, with many more missing and arrested.
Teacher Who Was Shot By Six-Year-Old Boy Identified, Told Other Students To Run Away To Safety
The Newport News teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old boy has been identified and called a hero for telling her students to run out of the classroom to a safer location.
Abby Zwerner, 25, was identified as the teacher who was critically injured after being shot in the chest at Richneck Elementary School on Friday. She was rushed to Riverside Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, according to the New York Post. Zwerner was hailed a hero after telling her students to flee the classroom immediately following the shooting. As per new information, the boy shot Zwerner on purpose following an alleged argument between the two.
A parent told Fox 3 Now that Zwerner cares about her students and that they hope she recovers quickly. “She is a great teacher who works hard. My son loves her very much, and we’re all very sad about what happened. We’re all thinking about her and hoping she gets better soon,” Sebastian Gonzalez-Hernandez told the outlet.
The elementary school released a statement confirming the shooting and said the children were escorted to the gym for safety.
There has been a shooting incident at Richneck Elementary School. A teacher was injured and transported to a local hospital. All of the students are safe. The perpetrator is in police custody. The Police Department and school division leaders are onsite and actively investigating. Parent and student reunification is taking place at the Richneck gym door. Parents and guardians must present a picture ID to pick up their child.
After Zwerner’s identity was confirmed, there was an outpouring of prayers for the beloved teacher to recover from her injuries.
50 Cent reveals he and Eminem are developing an 8 Mile TV series: 'We're in motion'
It sounds like The Shelter may open its doors for rap battles once again.
50 Cent revealed that he and Eminem are in the process of adapting the "Not Afraid" rapper's semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile for television.
"We're in motion," 50 cent said about the project in an interview with BigBoyTV on Friday. "It's gonna be big… You know, I ain't got no duds.""
The multi-hyphenate (real name: Curtis Jackson) explained that it didn't take any convincing to get Eminem interested in transforming the 2002 movie into a series. "I think it should be there for his legacy, because if you don't see… it's important to me that they understand it," the rapper said.
That doesn't mean, however, that elements in the forthcoming show will play out exactly how they did in the original film. "It's a modern version," 50 Cent noted, comparing it to the 2022 drama Bel-Air, Peacock's reimagining of the beloved NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
"I wanna be able to show and offer a lot more details — things that you would say in an interview or different things that you've already used that you put out there and stuff like that," he said. "You'll see those things kind of surface in the temperament of the characters."
Representatives for 50 Cent and Eminem did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.
Directed by Curtis Hanson, the original 8 Mile follows Jimmy (Eminem), an aspiring young rapper living in Detroit, as he attempts to jump-start his career in the local hip-hop scene. Upon release, the film — which also stars Kim Basinger, Michael Shannon, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, and Anthony Mackie — became an instant box-office hit, and soon after, its soundtrack dominated the Billboard album charts.
"8 Mile is a hip-hop fable built around bits and pieces of Eminem's life and mythology, but it has an unruly immediacy all its own," former EW critic Owen Gleiberman wrote in his 2002 review. "Even when the script is only adequate, Hanson's staging is joltingly alive."
Hillary Clinton Will Be Joining Columbia University As A Global Affairs Professor
Columbia University announces Hillary Clinton will be joining the school as a new professor.
On Thursday, Columbia shared some interesting news about the future of the university and the former Secretary of State.
Starting this fall, Clinton will be serving as a professor of practice at the School of International and Public Affairs as well as a presidential fellow at Columbia World Projects.
Columbia president Lee Bollinger gave a speech about the newest staff member and noted her experience in public service.
“Given her extraordinary talents and capacities together with her singular life experiences, Hillary Clinton is unique, and, most importantly, exceptional in what she can bring to the University’s missions of research and teaching, along with public service and engagement for the public good,” Bollinger says.
Clinton’s fellow work will include her striving to renew democracy and to engage women and the youth. In a statement, Clinton said she’s excited to work with Columbia to educate the “next generation of U.S. and global policy leaders” and help shed a light at the university on global issues.
Mega Millions Raised To More Than $1B After No One Wins Friday’s Draw
You still have a chance to become rich. The Mega Millions jackpot winnings raised to more than $1 billion after no one won Friday’s drawings.
The now $1 billion-plus jackpot is the fourth time in the game’s history to reach the billions, CNN reported.
The jackpot is estimated to be $1.1 billion ($568.7 million cash), according to officials of the Mega Millions. A lucky winner who wins would take home the third largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, it added.
The next drawing will be on Tuesday, January 10.
Although no one took home the big prize, there were more than 4 million winning tickets Friday at other prize levels, ranging from $2 to $1 million, the lottery said.
Five tickets in New York, Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey won the $1 million prize after matching all five white balls.
Mother Of Uvlade Shooter Jailed For Threatening To Kill A Man She Was Living With
Adriana Martinez Reyes, the mother of the Uvalde School shooter, has been arrested for threatening to kill a man.
Reyes, 40, was taken into custody by Oklahoma City Wednesday after being called to the home twice in one day.
Reyes lives in Oklahoma. A man at the home told authorities he had an altercation with Reyes. The man said he was disabled, and even though he loved her, he was now afraid of her, PEOPLE reported. At some point during the falling out, Reyes threatened to kill him.
News9 reported that the man was her boyfriend.
At the time of the arrest, she told police officers she was the mother of “the one that killed all of the children in the Uvalde Texas shooting,” according to court records from The New York Times.
Her son, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, fatally shot 19 children and two teachers on May 24 at Robb Elementary School. He also died.
Before the tragedy, Ramos shot his grandmother in the face. However, she survived.
The mother has been charged with threatening to perform an act of violence and assault and battery, according to NBC News.
Reyes was released from the Oklahoma County Detention Center on Friday afternoon. Her bond was set at $1,000
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘MAYBE THOSE ARE A NEW TREND
HAVE A GREAT WEEK ALL!!!
EFREM
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