#MAGFAB: Jodie Turner-Smith for Fashion - March 2023
From her epic red-carpet reveals to her hearty laughter, Jodie Turner-Smith proves she’s no wallflower. Meet Hollywood's newest fashion icon. When Jodie Turner-Smith pops onto my screen in January, she’s running down the stairs of her London, England, home, trying to escape the clutches of her almost three-year-old daughter. Off in the distance, I hear muffled cries followed by the soothing voice of her husband, Dawson’s Creek alum Joshua Jackson. “Is she OK?” I ask, aware that I’ve caught the model turned actor in mom mode. “She’s OK,” laughs Turner-Smith, and it’s a great laugh: joyfully loud, infectiously warm and, as I will discover later, a constant in our hour-long conversation — and in her work during the past 12 months.
Turner-Smith is having a year of comedy. She first burst onto our screens in 2019’s Queen & Slim before making headlines for her controversial casting in the titular role in the 2021 Anne Boleyn miniseries. But in 2022, Turner-Smith wanted to start the year laughing, so she did. Enter White Noise, a dark comedy by Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story) about a family trying to escape a chemical outbreak in the ’80s, and Bad Monkey, Vince Vaughn’s detective series for Apple TV+, scheduled to premiere in 2023. However, based on how Turner-Smith lights up when we talk about it, nothing made her giggle like her new film, Murder Mystery 2, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, coming to Netflix on March 31.
“It was difficult to keep a straight face, but I had the absolute best time with those two,” she beams. “I hope they continue the ‘Aniston-Sandler Cinematic Universe’ until they’re hobbling with walkers!” That’s the great thing about Turner-Smith: She’s not afraid to be enthusiastic. Where some celebrities often feel the need to prove they are too cool to care, Turner-Smith is delightfully and refreshingly the opposite. She speaks without trepidation and pronounces her opinions, both good and bad, fearlessly. When we video chat, her hair is berry blue and she’s wearing gigantic goldrimmed glasses that she dramatically puts on and takes off when trying to emphasize a point. She calls me “babe” repeatedly, laughing both with me and at me at different times, and I have to strongly resist the urge to ask her to be my new best friend. Get more at Fashion Magazine!
#RHOA: Falynn Pina, fiancé Jaylan Banks break up after miscarriage
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Falynn Pina has suffered yet another loss less than a month after her miscarriage.
The former reality star, 33, and her fiancé, Jaylan Banks, announced on Instagram Thursday that they broke up.
“It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we have decided to end our journey as a couple,” the former couple said in a joint statement posted on their respective profiles.
“Though we love each other very much, we feel it is best to part ways. Our bond as family and friends will never be broken,” they concluded. “We ask for privacy at this time.”
While Pina and Banks did not provide a reason for the split, the pair have had their fair share of hardship recently.
Pina shared on Jan. 11 that her home was “filled with tears” and “broken hearts” over the death of their baby.
The now-exes also share a daughter, Emma Sang, whom they welcomed on Nov. 26, 2021.
A month prior to the birth of their first child together, Pina announced that she was engaged to Banks.
“I said YES!!!” the former Bravolebrity shared on social media in October 2021. “I have no clue how @itsjaylanbanks pulled this big surprise off but I have not stopped balling [sic] my eyes out. I love you baby❤️ #PerfectlyPina.”
Pina’s romance with Banks had begun earlier that year amid her divorce from Simon Guobadia, her now-ex-husband with whom she appeared on “RHOA.”
Guobadia, 58, accused Pina of cheating on him with Banks, writing in a scathing post on Instagram at the time, “Let’s start with why I filed for divorce. Let’s start with who she cheated with and currently pregnant for and living in a home I paid for — post divorce.”
Pina then also alluded to infidelity on Guobadia’s part, saying in a tearful interview at the time, “Simon doesn’t get caught unless he wants to be caught. I meant what I said when I took my vows. It hurts; it hurts like hell.”
The Nigerian-American businessman denied being unfaithful and offered $50,000 in cash to anyone with receipts of his alleged cheating.
During this time, Guobadia began dating “RHOA” alum Porsha Williams, and his divorce from Pina was officially finalized in July 2021.
Guobadia and Williams, 41, then tied the knot in November 2022 with two star-studded weddings.
#NewMusic from Angie Stone “Kiss You”
Angie Stone returns with the brand new single called “Kiss You”, via the Conjunction Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group label imprint.
The song was written by Walter W. Millsap III, Xavier Gordon, Balewa Muhammad, Candice C. Nelson, Kiara White, and produced by Walter W. Millsap III for Conjunction Entertainment Inc. & Xavier Gordon for xmanproductions.
LISTEN HERE
You might even notice an interpolation of ‘I Miss You’ performed by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. “Kiss You” was inspired by newlywed Angie Stone’s semi-addiction to her husband’s loving kiss. She adds:
“This song is a nod to all the lovers in the world, whether you’re sitting at your local sports game on the Kiss Cam or cuddled up at home kissing that special someone from head to toe, kissing is pretty much everyone’s preferred display of affection.”
#HipHopNews: Ice Cube Slams Billboard Over Greatest Rappers List
Today was not a good day for Ice Cube. The rap icon is not happy with Billboard over his placement on its list of the greatest rappers of all time. The N.W.A legend was ranked 18 out of the top 50, and he made his feelings known.
“I don’t f**k with Billboard or the editor,” he told TMZ while at LAX this week.
According to Cube, the outlet knows nothing about hip-hop and therefore has no authority. “Billboard ain’t hip-hop so their opinion don’t matter. Who gives a fu**k?” he said.
While his fellow Mount Westmore groupmates Snoop Dogg (No. 9) and E-40 (No. 41) made the cut, Too $hort was missing entirely. “It’s an irrelevant list. It’s like assholes, everybody got one and they all stink,” added Cube.
In its write-up, Billboard praised O’Shea Jackson for his ability to balance “tongue-in-cheek insights with feel-good storytelling,” calling his albums AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate among “rap’s most provocative works.”
Cube was ranked above his fellow N.W.A member Dr. Dre (No. 40), but below rappers like 50 Cent, J. Cole, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Drake. JAY-Z took top honors, while the top 5 included Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem.
Michael Irvin files $100M defamation suit against Marriott, staffer who accused him of misconduct
Michael Irvin has filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Marriott International and a female employee who accused him of misconduct.
NFL Network pulled Irvin from its Super Bowl coverage this week after the allegation surfaced. The Hall of Fame former Dallas Cowboys receiver told the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday that he had a brief interaction with his accuser in the lobby of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel where he was staying Sunday.
Per the lawsuit that was obtained by the News, Irvin accuses Marriott of trying to have him “canceled.” Irvin seeks damages for defamation and wrongfully interfering with a business relationship.
Irvin denied any wrongdoing in the interaction and told the News on Wednesday that he’s “baffled” by the accusation. Irvin’s accuser has not been identified and goes by “Jane Doe” in the lawsuit filed by Irvin on Thursday.
The nature of the the allegation is unclear. Phoenix police told the News on Wednesday that there has been no criminal complaint filed against Irvin.
Irvin’s lawsuit lists witnesses who support his claim that no wrongdoing took place during an interaction with his accuser. Irvin told the News that a conversation with his accuser took 45 seconds and included a handshake. Three of Irvin’s witnesses spoke with the News. Marriott has not publicly addressed the lawsuit, and a spokesperson didn’t reply to a request for comment from the News Friday morning.
“Plaintiff’s representatives have reached out to the hotel and even met in person to obtain clarity about this situation and provide witnesses and resolve this matter before Plaintiff’s reputation could be damaged any further — but to no avail,” the lawsuit states.
Per the News’ account of the lawsuit, Irvin states that he was “shockingly woken up by a crew of security” from his hotel room and removed from the property “without any explanation or questions.” Per the lawsuit, Irvin has been banned from all Marriott properties.
A hotel manager then contacted the NFL and informed the league that Irvin had been accused of improper behavior, according to the lawsuit. An NFL Network spokesman told the News on Wednesday that Irvin “will not be a part of NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage.” Irvin was subsequently removed from a scheduled Friday morning appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” where he is a regular guest.
Three witnesses named Bryn Davis, Joe Manuele and Phil Watkins told the News that they saw Irvin Sunday in the Marriott’s lounge speaking with fans. The men are business associates and aren’t Cowboys fans, according to the News.
The men told the News that that they offered to buy Irvin a drink, then took a photo with him outside the hotel. After returning to the lobby, the men say they saw the female staffer approach Irvin for a conversation.
“It was very distinct,” Davis told the News. “I remember where his hands were because I remember thinking he was in good shape for an almost 60-year-old guy. He leaned over, shook her hand, and I am telling you right now: That conversation was [about] 30 seconds. If it was a minute, I would be shocked. I think 30 seconds.
“Just a normal back-and-forth. … Michael walks toward the elevator. She goes back into the restaurant, and everything is as normal as could possibly be. And that’s it.”
Manuele and Watkins concurred that there was no observation of inappropriate behavior during the interaction. Irvin’s accuser has not addressed the allegations publicly.
Irvin played 12 seasons for the Cowboys from 1988 to '99, winning three Super Bowls. He has worked as an analyst at NFL Network since 2009.
Angela Bassett Said Her Agents Wanted Her to Turn Down ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream’
While she is currently nominated for an Oscar for playing mother to a different kind of dynasty, one of the roles that made Angela Bassett a screen icon was matriarch Katherine Jackson in the 1992 miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” a job she said she was advised not to take.
During an appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9 to accept the 38th annual Montecito Award, the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” actress sat down for a career-spanning conversation with the festival’s executive director Roger Durling and revealed that she was in the middle of auditioning for the ABC TV event about the musical family when her agents said, “You know what, there’s a lot of allegations about Michael [Jackson] in the press, and we don’t think you should do this project.”
The situation was a blow to Bassett, as someone who had been a lifelong fan of the Jacksons. “They were the first concert I ever went to as a little girl. I had posters on my wall,” she said. “Here’s one of them in the room, auditioning me to portray his mom. This was a crazy trip for me.”
Angela Bassett Had to Shoot Difficult 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' Scenes 'Over and Over Again'
Bassett said, “I remember telling my agents ‘No, no, no, I’m not going out for the role of Michael, I’m going out for the role of their mother. And no matter what, whatever the allegations, or whoever, whatever we think — one thing is true, that I believe, that I can see, is that they adore their mother. They revere their mother. And that, a reverence for motherhood, for mothers, that’s what I want to put out into the world.”
Katherine Jackson became one of Bassett’s most memorable, most popular performances, even serving as the basis for her “Akeelah and the Bee” co-star Keke Palmer’s viral impression of her last year. “It went on to have like 40 million viewers,” said the actress. “We don’t get those kinds of eyeballs on the show today.”
Bringing things a bit full circle, current Best Supporting Actress frontrunner Bassett also credited her experience making “The Jacksons: An American Dream” as an inspiration for the performance that earned her very first Oscar nomination in 1994: Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”
“Those kids were phenomenal. I think there were five sets because they had to grow from little kids to grown adults. And they were magnificent. They really were my teachers in what I had to do later because Tina came after that,” she said. “They sang, they danced, they acted, and they had to go to school. I didn’t at least have to go to school. And that was enough for me.”
Kanye West's New Wife Bianca Takes Control Of His Business Affairs
Kanye West's new wife has allegedly controlled his business affairs. Bianca Censori, 28, the Yeezy architectural designer, who married Kanye in a surprise ceremony last month, is rumored to handle all of Kanye's "daily logistics" and has been helping him to manage his business affairs.
"Bianca runs the show. She has been around Ye for about three years, things got serious really fast in mid-November. Bianca handles Ye's daily logistics from Yeezy clothing management to construction of the new Yeezy headquarters/ Donda Academy," a source told The Sun.
"She takes all his calls, and all business affairs go through her. It seems to be working out well so far. Friends feared Julianna [his ex] was just dating him for clout, so that ended and then things progressed with Bianca."
Kanye's ex Kim Kardashian, 42, filed for divorce in February 2021 and he reportedly wed Bianca just two months after the marriage was dissolved. Kim and Kanye, 45, share daughters North, eight; and Chicago, four; and sons Saint, six, and Psalm, two, but Kim was reportedly in the dark about his wedding.
The source added, "It was completely private and a surprise to the world, there is no way Kim knew. And Bianca's family found out when the rest of the world did. But Ye had talked about having a wife again for months, living a Christian life, and cleaning up his wrongdoings. They snuck off, Ye cut his phone off and they made it happen and resurfaced married."
John Cena Drives Fans Wild After He's Seen Wearing Short Skirt And Heels On Set Of 'Ricky Stanick'
John Cena has set the Internet into a frenzy with his look on the set of "Ricky Stanicky". Many social users couldn't help offering their two cents after pictures of the former WWE star wearing short skirt and heels made their way online.
In the said photos, the 45-year-old was captured rocking a black T-shirt; a short, black-and-white plaid skirt as well as thigh-high stockings while filming the new movie in Melbourne, Australia. He paired his style with lace-up black leather heels.
Upon seeing the images, one Instagram user gushed, "So cute Cena!" adding several crying laughing emojis. Another shared a similar sentiment, "Oh so very cute in his outfit."
A third, meanwhile, wondered, "Where did they find stockings that fit over his quads." One excited fan then chimed in, "At this point I can't wait to see the movie since it's going to be hilarious."
Cena joins the likes of Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler and William H. Macy in starring "Ricky Stanicky". The film itself is "about three friends who create a fictional character named Ricky Stanicky, which they use as an alibi to get out of bad situations," according to IMDB.
Cena previously expressed his excitement for working on the project. "Beyond excited to help bring these characters to life (both on and off screen) with an incredible cast, our director and producers and partners at @AmazonStudios @primevideo. #RickyStanicky is a best friend to all - can't wait for you to meet him!" he declared on Twitter.
Nia Long Calls Out Celtics, Accuses Them Of Making Her Family Business Public
Nia Long has given her opinion on how the Celtics handled her ex-fiancé’s affair with a team employee, saying the team chose to make the situation public.
“The Celtics made a choice to make my family business public, and I don’t understand why,” she told writer Clover Hope. “It could’ve all been handled internally. I do understand why, but I can’t talk about it. Maybe one day I will. You know, fear drives stupidity, and I’ll leave that right there. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was.”
In a cover story for The Cut, the actress spoke about herself and her son, whom she shares with her ex Ime Udoka. “I’m sure I have some things that I’m suppressing, but I have to do that to take care of him first,” she said.
Udoka’s affair with a coworker was revealed this past September. A move Long said was made public by the organization. “The Celtics made a choice to make my family business public, and I don’t understand why,” she told writer Clover Hope. “It could’ve all been handled internally. I do understand why, but I can’t talk about it. Maybe one day I will. You know, fear drives stupidity, and I’ll leave that right there. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was.”
Long and Udoka ended their 13-year relationship shortly after. Udoka was suspended for the entire 2022-23 NBA season following the investigation into the affair, which was later found consensual but improper.
Long went on to address her newfound single life. “Oh God, I’m not ready for a serious relationship,” she said. “My mind is not even there at all. I want to go out and have amazing, important, deep, thoughtful conversations. I want to travel. I want to laugh. I want to cook with my kids and listen to music. I want a good glass of wine. I want a good goodnight kiss. Everything else will have to show itself as being that. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
However, she did reveal on the Drew Barrymore Show last month that she does have her eye on someone but wouldn’t say who.
Elon Musk Says Twitter’s Legacy Verified Accounts Will Lose Blue Checkmarks Soon
In a tweet shared on Friday, Elon Musk confirmed his plans to get rid of blue checkmarks for “legacy verified” accounts.
When a Twitter user tweeted at Musk to suggest that the verification checkmarks on the platform have “become a joke” now that anyone can get them by subscribing to Twitter Blue, Musk responded and made his plans clear. “Legacy blue checks will be removed soon,” he wrote. “Those are the ones that are truly corrupt.”
Legacy verified accounts refer to users who had their identity verified prior to Musk’s tumultuous takeover of Twitter last year. Many of the legacy verified users include politicians, celebrities, and other public figures of note. It’s unclear what Musk means in referring to these accounts as “corrupt,” but he could just be trying to increase the value of Twitter Blue to existing subscribers.
He initially announced his plans to remove the legacy checkmarks back in December. “In a few months, we will remove all legacy blue checks,” he wrote. “The way in which they were given out was corrupt and nonsensical.” Upon the launch of Twitter Blue, however, many users subscribed so they could pose as notable figures and share misinformation.
Uncoupled Picked Up for Season 2 at Showtime After Netflix Cancellation
Uncoupled isn’t done just yet. The comedy starring Neil Patrick Harris has been picked up for Season 2 at Showtime, our sister site Deadline reports. Netflix previously cancelled the series after one season in January.
According to the trade, Uncoupled Season 2 is expected to be “edgier” and “racier” than its freshman run at Netflix.
The show centers on NPH as New York City real estate agent Michael Lawson, who suddenly found himself single after being unceremoniously dumped by longtime boyfriend Colin McKenna (played by Tuc Watkins). The eight-episode first season ended with Colin returning to their apartment and telling Michael that he made a huge “mistake.”
“We enjoy painting ourselves into a corner,” executive producer Jeffrey Richman previously told TVLine of the open-ended encounter in the finale.
Other twists in the season-ender included Michael’s colleague Suzanne meeting with her son’s father for the first time since college, Michael’s BFF Stanley revealing his breast cancer diagnosis, and Billy, the “fun one” of friend group, deciding to get serious about love and life.
Uncoupled also stars Tisha Campbell as Suzanne, Brooks Ashmanskas as Stanley, Emerson Brooks as Billy and Marcia Gay Harden as Claire.
Series creators Jeffrey Richman and Darren Star executive-produce alongside NPH and Lilly Burns. Star also produces Emily in Paris for Netflix, which has been renewed for a fourth season.
Idris Elba Refuses To Be Labeled “A Black Actor,” Believes It Puts Him “In A Box”
Idris Elba attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" at Dolby Theatre on July 13, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Idris Elba doesn’t want to be placed in a box, and he’s shedding his “Black actor” identifier to make the change.
During an interview with Esquire UK, Elba spoke about his career and how much the “Black actor” label began to restrict his growth as an entertainer. He began by speaking to humankind’s “obsession” with race and declaring that racism is only “as powerful as you allow it to be.”
“As humans, we are obsessed with race,” the Luther actor expressed. “And that obsession can hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth. Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realised it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin.
“Of course, I’m a member of the Black community,” Elba went on. “You say a prominent one. But when I go to America, I’m a prominent member of the British community. ‘Oh, U.K.’s in the house!’ If we spent half the time not talking about the differences but the similarities between us, the entire planet would have a shift in the way we deal with each other.”
As the conversation continued, Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE, 50, discussed his disinterest in being the “first Black.” Elba doubled down, stating he much rather be “the first Idris.”
“I didn’t become an actor because I didn’t see Black people doing it, and I wanted to change that. I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it. As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first Black. I’m the first Idris.
Elba is set to return to our screens in Luther, as the film launches in select theaters on Feb. 24 and on Netflix Mar. 10. Luther originally ran as a tv series for five seasons from 2010 to 2019, sending the UK actor’s career into global stardom. As a result, Luther earned the acclaimed actor a Golden Globe.
Trey Songz Responds To $25 Million Rape Lawsuit
Trey Songz is facing a $25 million lawsuit over a 2016 sexual assault accusation.
The suit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles and obtained by Rolling Stone, is connected to a previously-dismissed sexual battery lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe in February 2022 in which the woman claims the singer raped her.
She alleges that Trey invited her to a house party in L.A. on March 24, 2016, when he took her upstairs for what she believed would be consensual sex. That’s when she claims Trey threw her to the ground and anally raped her. She screamed in pain and tried fighting him off, but was overpowered.
After the alleged assault, she claims that her concerned Lyft driver noticed she was in distress and took her to a hospital, where a sexual assault exam was performed and the police were called.
Doe’s new suit also names Atlantic Records, Trey’s manager Kevin Liles, and his label 300 Entertainment as defendants, claiming the parties “are responsible in some manner” for the singer’s actions.
Amid the renewed accusations, Trey has seemingly responded. On Thursday, he shared an Instagram Story in which he called out the “lies.”
“Lies will never be the truth. No matter who chooses to believe such,” he wrote.
Doe originally sued Trey for $20 million, but the case was dismissed last November after Trey’s team argued her claim was past the statute of limitations.
The 38-year-old singer has faced numerous assault allegations in recent years. In August, authorities dropped a sexual assault investigation following an alleged incident that occurred at a Las Vegas hotel in November 2021. Most recently, he surrendered to NYPD after he was accused of punching two people at a bowling alley last year.
Signed Kobe Bryant jersey sells for over $5.8 million
Famed art company Sotheby’s just made a historic sale. Yesterday (Feb. 9), they announced that a signed Kobe Bryant jersey that the late legend once wore sold for nearly $6 million.
“Another record smashed at #SothebysNewYork! Kobe Bryant’s game-worn Los Angeles Lakers Jersey from his only MVP season scored $5.8 million today, becoming the most valuable Bryant item ever sold at auction and second most valuable basketball jersey ever sold,” a tweet from the brand read. In an article published today (Feb. 10), ESPN noted that the actual selling price was listed as $5,849,700 and the Black Mamba wore the purple and yellow “24” from 2007 to 2008. As previously reported by REVOLT, the famed athlete died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with his daughter, Gianna Bryant, and several passengers on Jan. 26, 2020.
Following the record-breaking transaction, Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles, shared a statement. “This jersey is iconic in a way we seldom see in sports artifacts,” he said. “The image of Kobe wearing this particular jersey during the NBA Playoffs has permeated in popular culture, reprinted on murals, books, newspapers [and] has become a symbol of his fierce determination and passion that has resonated with audiences across the world.”
In May 2021, a signed jersey that Kobe wore during his rookie season with the Lakers sold for $3.69 million. Although two of the Philadelphia native’s uniforms sold for hefty amounts, those totals combined are still less than the record-holder. In September 2022, Sotheby’s sold the jersey Michael Jordan wore in Game 1 of the 1998 “Last Dance” NBA Finals for a whopping $10.091 million. It remains the highest-selling basketball jersey of all time. Kobe is an 18-time All-Star, who has won five championships, four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVPs and two Olympic gold medals.
Days of Our Lives Actor Cody Longo Dead at 34
Cody Longo, who played Nicholas Alamain on Days of Our Lives in 2011, was found dead Feb. 8 at his home in Austin, Texas, his rep told CNN. He was 34.
The actor is survived by his wife, Stephanie Longo, and three children—Lyla, 7, Elijah, 5, and Noah, 18 months.
"Cody was our whole world," Stephanie said in a statement. "The kids and I are shattered and beyond devastated. He was the best dad and best father. We will always and forever miss you and love you."
In addition to his work on Days of Our Lives, Cody was known for roles on shows such as Nickelodeon drama Hollywood Heights, Freeform's gymnastics series Make It or Break It and ABC's Nashville. The actor also starred in movies such as Balls Don't Lie and the 2009 reboot of the movie Fame. At the time of his death, he was working on director David Moreton's independent film Do You Want to Die in Indio?
Cody also worked as a musician, going by the stage name Cody Anthony—his first and middle name.
"Cody was a dear friend, going back many years, before he was a client," his rep said in a statement to E! News. "My heart breaks for his amazing wife and kids. He had taken some time away from acting to pursue his music career and spend more time with his family in Nashville, but we had kept in touch regularly and he was excited to get back into acting this year. Cody was such a loyal, loving and talented person and he will be greatly missed."
In the decade prior to his death, Cody faced personal and legal turmoil. In 2013, he was arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles and was ordered to take alcohol education classes as part of a plea deal.
In January 2020, he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl during a 2019 trip to Colorado. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from the incident, while the felony sexual assault charge was dismissed, Clarksville Now reported, adding that sentencing was delayed for more than a year.
In November 2020, Cody was arrested in Clarksville, Tenn. on suspicion of domestic assault of his wife after a confrontation at their home in the city, Clarksville Now reported. No charges were filed. Later that month, Stephanie filed for divorce. In 2022, the case was disposed, court records show.
The cause of Cody's death has not been released.
Damar Hamlin Spotted at ‘Masked Singer’ Taping
*He’s getting around. Damar Hamlin appeared at a taping for “The Masked Singer” last week. This marked one of his first appearances since his medical emergency in December.
Pictures from the set of the taping show the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety holding a football and smiling on stage. He is with the host Nick Cannon. Hamlin’s name is in big red letters on the screen behind him.
Hamlin attended the taping with his young brother, Damir, himself a big fan of the show.
After the medical emergency, Hamlin was first seen in public on January 22 at the Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals game, where he turned up to support his team. However, he never spoke to the media.
That doesn’t mean he has never spoken to his fans since he was hospitalized. After the incident, he posted videos on social media thanking his supporters. He also announced he was kickstarting a CPR challenge campaign with the American Heart Association.
Danielle Deadwyler cites racism, misogynoir in Oscar snub
Danielle Deadwyler says racism and misogynoir played a role in this year's Academy Awards nominations, where she and Viola Davis were overlooked in the best actress category.
Going into Oscar nominations last month, Deadwyler was widely seen as a likely nominee for her lauded performance as Mamie Till-Mobley in “Till.” But the best actress field, perhaps the most competitive category this year, didn't shake out as expected: Both Deadwyler and Davis were left out.
Davis, a four-time Oscar nominee and one-time winner for her performance in “Fences,” had been celebrated for the historical epic “The Woman King.” Deadwyler had been nominated by the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the BAFTAs in the run-up to Oscar nominations, and won best lead performance at the Gotham Awards.
That two prominent Black actors were among the most striking snubs has been seen by some as a reflection of racial bias in the film industry. The day after the Oscar nominations, “Till” director Chinonye Chukwu posted on Instagram: “We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women.”
Asked for her reaction to that comment on an episode of the “Kermode & Mayo's Take” podcast posted on Friday, Deadwyler strongly agreed with Chukwu.
“We’re talking about people who perhaps chose not to see the film — we’re talking about misogynoir — like it comes in all kinds of ways, whether it’s direct or indirect," said Deadwyler. “It impacts who we are.”
Misogynoir, a term coined by the Black feminist author and activist Moya Bailey, refers to misogyny and prejudice directed at Black women.
“I think the question is more on people who are living in whiteness, white people’s assessment of the spaces they are privileged by,” added Deadwyler. “We’ve seen it exist in a governmental capacity — it can exist on a societal capacity, be it global or national.”
That Deadwyler and Davis were edged out of an Oscar nomination is part of what fueled the initial backlash to the star-studded grassroots campaign for actress Andrea Riseborough. After a string of celebrity-hosted screenings (a regular feature of Hollywood's awards season), Riseborough unexpectedly landed a nomination for her performance in the indie drama “To Leslie,” alongside Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once"), Cate Blanchett ("Tár"), Ana de Armas ("Blonde") and Michelle Williams ("The Fabelmans").
After the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced an inquiry into the Riseborough campaign, it found no reason to rescind her nomination or take any other action — though Bill Kramer, academy president, said some social media and outreach campaigning tactics “caused concern."
But conversation has continued on how money, race, status and connections can influence awards campaigns. “The Woman King” director Gina Prince-Bythewood said earlier this week that she questioned how people in the film industry are using their social capital.
“People like to say, ‘Well, Viola and Danielle had studios behind them.’ But we just very clearly saw that social capital is more valuable than that,” Prince-Bythewood told The Hollywood Reporter. “That type of power is exercised in more casual ways in social circles, where folks are your friends or your acquaintances. There may be diversity on your sets but not in your lives. And Black women in this industry, we don’t have that power.”
Deadwyler, whom The Associated Press named one of the breakthrough performers of last year, said on the podcast it was everyone's responsibility to ensure an equitable playing field.
“Nobody is absolved of not participating in racism and not knowing that there is a possibility of its lingering effect on the spaces and the institution,” she said.
Cher & Boyfriend Alexander 'A.E.' Edwards Hold Hands While Arriving at Drake's Super Bowl Pre-Party
Cher and and Alexander “A.E.” Edwards are stepping out for the night!
The 76-year-old “Believe” singer and the 37-year-old music exec held hands while arriving at Drake‘s Super Bowl pre-party on Friday night (February 10) at Hanger 1 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For their night out, Cher wore an off the shoulder leather jacket, black pants, and boots while A.E. wore a lime green jacket, shiny black pants, and snakeskin-print boots.
The two even recently sparked engagement rumors after A.E. gave Cher a huge diamond ring around Christmastime.
Watch it! The First Trailer For 'Fast X' Starring Vin Diesel, Ludacris, And Jason Momoa
After much anticipation, the first trailer for Fast X was released on Friday. The 10th installment in the blockbuster action franchise features returning stars including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Jason Statham, Helen Mirren, and Charlize Theron, as well as new cast members Brie Larson and Rita Moreno. The late Paul Walker also appears in flashback scenes from Fast Five.
Jason Momoa is introduced as the new villain Dante, son of Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes, who seeks revenge after feeling wronged by Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel).
“You will never be able to break my family,” Dom tells Dante during one action-packed scene.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X marks the first of the final two films in the franchise, which began 22 years ago.
WATCH HERE
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Leterrier revealed that Fast X will touch on every Fast film in some way.
“It’s been a quarter of a century — Dom has been fighting for justice for a quarter of century, and this little snowball picked up speed and became an avalanche,” he said. “And now it’s tumbling down towards him and you’re going to see that. We can only finish this franchise looking back in the rear-view mirror, looking forward but also seeing what’s chasing us.”
The trailer is soundtracked by a new song from YG and Ty Dolla $ign called “Let’s Ride,” which samples The Notorious B.I.G. and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s classic “Notorious Thugs.”
Fast X opens in theaters on May 19.
White House Confirms ‘High-Altitude Object’ Over Alaska Airspace Shot Down
Less than a week after the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, the White House has confirmed a “high-altitude object” flying over Alaska airspace has been shot down, NBC News reports.
During a briefing at the White House on Friday, National Security Council official John Kirby announced the object was shot down. "The object was flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight," said Kirby. "Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of the Pentagon, President Biden ordered the military to down the object and they did and it came inside our territorial waters and those waters right now are frozen."
Kirby added that the Pentagon will address the situation as more information is made available. The U.S. military currently does not know where the object came from, or who it belongs to. Kirby said that it doesn’t appear to be a balloon, and it’s being referred to as an object “because that’s the best description we have right now.” He said it’s unclear whether it’s state-owned, corporate-owned, or privately-owned. “We just don’t know,” he said.
"A recovery effort will be made and we're hopeful that it'll be successful and then we can learn a little bit more about it," he said. The object was shot down by pilots in fighter just off the northeast of Alaska, by the Canadian border and over the Arctic Sea. The size of the object has been described as “roughly the size of a small car.” Kirby said that it doesn’t appear as though the object could move independently like the balloon shot down last week.
The Biden administration ordered a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Atlantic Ocean coast outside South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 4. Shortly before the balloon was shot down, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop order for airports in the area “to support the Department of Defense in a national security effort.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘BUT WHY THO?’
Seriously, Why?
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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