#MAGFAB: Rihanna with ASAP Rocky and their new son for British Vogue!
A beautiful family. Rihanna and ASAP Rocky are showing off their baby boy in style.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky: A Complete Timeline of Their Relationship
The couple and their little one, who was born in May 2022, graced the cover of British Vogue’s March issue, which was published online Wednesday, February 15. The trio looked breathtaking in all-black ensembles as they walked the beach in the dreamy opening photo. The “Umbrella” singer, 34, dazzled in an embroidered halter dress as the “Peso” rapper, 34, looked edgy in a leather vest and coordinating black pants. Their son was as precious as ever in tiny black bloomers.
Rocky was photographed kissing the little bundle of joy as Rihanna held her beau’s hand and walked ahead. The Barbados native stunned with smoky eye makeup and had her hair styled in a distressed mullet.
Inside the issue, Rihanna was captured cradling her son, looking glamorous in a velvet ensemble and sheer gloves. Elsewhere in the spread, the musicians were seen sharing an intimate embrace. For that shot, Rihanna rocked a one-shoulder gown by Valentino.
In the interview — which comes just days after the “Man Down” songstress revealed she and Rocky are expecting their second child — Rihanna opened up about motherhood and how welcoming a child has changed her life.
“It’s legendary,” the Grammy winner said of being a parent. “It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever … You literally try to remember it — and there are photos of my life before — but the feeling, the desires, the things that you enjoy, everything, you just don’t identify with it because you don’t even allow yourself to get that far because … it doesn’t matter.”
Rihanna told Vogue her son’s birth was “beautiful,” gushing that she still “cannot believe it.”
“Essentially, from one person I became two. You walk into the hospital as a couple and leave as a family of three. It’s nuts,” she raved.
The “Rude Boy” artist later admitted to struggling with her post-pregnancy style. “Dressing for pregnancy was such a piece of cake,” she said. “But dressing in postpartum, what the f—k do you do? The week I came home from the hospital — that was nothing but sweats and hoodies.”
She continued: “But the weeks after that, you don’t know what to put on. Everything is too small or too big.”
Rihanna unveiled her second pregnancy to the world during her highly anticipated Super Bowl LVII halftime performance on Sunday, February 12.
#RHOP: Gizelle Bryant Had a Lavish Valentine's Dinner, and Here’s her Her Date
Gizelle Bryant just had a very special Valentine's Day celebration.
On February 14, The Real Housewives of Potomac cast member shared an Instagram Story video from her dinner, which included tuna tartare, oysters, and French fries. The chairs across the table from her were empty, but the voice heard in the background of the clip indicated that she had some special company next to her. Although she didn't show her companion for the evening, the person talking off camera certainly sounded a lot like Winter House's Jason Cameron, who Gizelle has been dating in recent months.
Jason and Gizelle made their Instagram debut on February 13 in a photo posted to Bravo's account. The duo attended the premiere party for Summer House Season 7 and posed for a sweet photo wearing coordinated black outfits. The post clearly excited Gizelle's RHOP castmate Ashley Darby, who commented, "Yasssss!!!” In January, Gizelle revealed to TODAY that Ashley set her up with Jason when Ashley was dating his Winter House castmate Luke Gulbranson. “He’s a great guy," Gizelle said at the time. "We have a lot of fun.”
Two days later, Gizelle opened up more about Jason on the January 13 episode of Page Six’s Reali-Tea podcast. “He’s an awesome guy. I have nothing bad to say about him at all," she said. "Anytime we’re together, we just have a ball.”
“I’m all about the fun,” she continued, “and he brings the fun.”
Gizelle revealed that Jason has been introduced to her three daughters, Grace, Angel, and Adore. Although she didn't share more details about the meeting, we know from the video above that the teenagers have strong thoughts when it comes to their mom's dating life. Press play on the clip to hear them share their honest feelings about the people Gizelle tends to date.
As the trailer below shows, Gizelle will discuss more about her relationship with Jason during the RHOP Season 7 reunion. In the clip, Andy Cohen says to Gizelle, "You start dating hot stuff from Winter House," before Robyn Dixon chimes in to ask, "What's the age difference again?" to which Gizelle quips, "I'm not a mathematician."
#NewMusic from Tyrese Has a New Single “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me”
Tyrese has got something to get off his chest. The singer bares his soul on the brand new single “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me”.
During the piano laden slow burner, Tyrese ponders if his lover ever really cared for him deeply now that she’s gone.
The somber tune appears to be at least somewhat loosely inspired by the singer’s personal life, which he graciously shares on social media.
LISTEN HERE
Tyrese famously retired from music following the release of his 2015 album “Black Rose”. However, we knew he wouldn’t be gone for good.
He did announce a joint EP with Joe back in 2020 which we are still waiting for. We’ll also just have to wait and see if “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me” leads to a new solo project as well.
#HipHopNews: Drake Won't Be Deposed In XXXTentacion Murder Trial After Judge Denies Motion
A judge has granted Drake’s motion to avoid a deposition after a previous court order called for him to sit and answer questions about his 2017 beef with the late rapper.
Mauricio Padilla, the defense attorney for suspect Dedrick Williams, persuaded the judge that it was necessary for Drake to be deposed, arguing that he may have had a motive for killing X.
“Before X died, he said, ‘If anybody kills me, it’s Drake,'” Padilla told jurors during opening statements of the trial. “Do you think sitting here years later, any detective has ever asked Drake or anybody like that? No.”
XXXTentacion once said on Instagram that if he ever ended up dead, Drake was the reason. He later deleted the post and said he had been hacked.
“IF ANYBODY TRIES TO KILL ME IT WAS @champagnepapi IM SNITCHING RN,” X wrote in an Instagram Story.
Drake was scheduled to be deposed via Zoom on Feb. 24. According to TMZ, his attorney, Bradford Cohen, told the court that Drake has no relevant information to add to the case and the judge ultimately agreed.
Prosecutors say the shooting was the result of a robbery gone wrong, and there is no evidence linking Drake to X’s murder. However, it’s still possible that Padilla could convince a judge that there’s another reason Drake should be deposed.
XXXTentacion was killed after leaving Riva Motorsports in Fort Lauderdale on June 18, 2018. Williams, along with Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome, are facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the deadly shooting. If convicted, all three men face life in prison.
One of 12 boys rescued from the Thai cave dies at a British school
BANGKOK — One of the 12 boys rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018 after being trapped for more than two weeks has died in England, where he was attending a sports academy, the foundation sponsoring his studies said Wednesday.
Duangphet "Dom" Phromthep, 17, was found unconscious in his room on Sunday at the Brooke House College Football Academy in Leicestershire and was taken to a hospital, where he died Tuesday, Thailand's Zico Foundation said. The school also confirmed his death.
"This event has left our college community deeply saddened and shaken," school principal Ian Smith said in a statement. "We unite in grief with all of Dom's family, friends, former teammates and those involved in all parts of his life, as well as everyone affected in any way by this loss in Thailand and throughout the college's global family."
The head of the Zico Foundation, former Thai national team captain and coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, said in an online news conference that he did not know the cause of death and that Dom had apparently been in good health.
Dom was the captain of the Wild Boars, a youth soccer team in the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai. Twelve members of the team aged 11 to 16 and their coach were exploring the Tham Luang cave complex in June 2018 when they were trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. A massive search and rescue operation was launched that involved international divers.
The boys spent nine nights lost in the cave, living on very little food and water, before a diver spotted them deep in the twisting cave complex huddled on a patch of dirt above the rising water line. The moment was captured on video and soon broadcast to the world.
Documentary follows the divers who risked it all in the Thailand cave rescue
It was another eight days before all were safely rescued. A team of expert divers guided each of the boys out of the cave on special stretchers after anesthetizing them to keep them calm enough to transport. The operation required placing oxygen canisters along the path where the divers maneuvered through dark, tight and twisting passageways filled with muddy water and strong currents.
Dom's mother, who joined the online news conference, said she hoped a Buddhist monk in England could conduct rites for Dom so his spirit would not be trapped where he died according to Buddhist beliefs.
The story of the Wild Boars, which was covered intensely by international media, has been retold in several movies, including Ron Howard's 2022 feature film "Thirteen Lives" and the 2021 documentary "The Rescue."
Tyler Perry Is Helping Low-Income Seniors In Atl ...So They Don't Have To Move
Tyler Perry's helping to solve a problem created by his super successful movie studio in Atlanta ... seniors are seeing their property taxes jump, and he's ponying up the difference so they can stay in their homes.
Sources close to Tyler tell TMZ ... the TV/film mogul is donating $750,000 this year so Atlanta's low-income seniors aren't forced out of their homes due to rising property taxes.
There's a lot of folks who live in the area around Tyler Perry Studios ... and the value of the land is increasing, and in turn, driving up property taxes. We're told it's a leading factor in longtime residents living on a fixed income being displaced and having their lives upended.
Our sources say Tyler, who came in at No. 3 on the Forbes list of the Top 10 highest-paid entertainers of 2022 -- raking in $175M last year -- recently reached out to Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens to help keep these residents in their homes.
We're told Tyler's $750k donation will do a number of good things in the community ... including paying off all back property taxes for every low-income senior in Atlanta, which covers nearly 300 homes.
The money will cover taxes imposed by the city, county and schools.
Our sources say Tyler's money will also effectively freeze property taxes for 100 low-income seniors for 20 years ... with the money going to pay the difference between current property taxes and property tax increases over the next two decades.
In addition to Tyler's $750k earmarked for 2023, we're told he will also donate about $500k every year for the next 4 years ... which works out to about $2.75 million total. We're told the funds will be handled by Invest Atlanta Partnership, the nonprofit wing of Atlanta's economic development authority.
Tyler's the only Black man in the Forbes Top 10 highest-paid entertainers ... and we're told his priority is to give back to the community that's meant so much to him.
Buffalo Mass Shooter Payton Gendron Almost Attacked In Court Before Being Sentenced To Life In Prison Without Parole
Payton Gendron will be spending the rest of his life behind bars for his atrocious actions.
During a court hearing on Wednesday (Feb. 15) Payton Gendron, 19, was sentenced to life in prison without parole after he was found guilty of killing 10 people in a racist mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood last May. Payton Gendron reportedly released tears as he apologized to the victims and their families during his sentencing. He said:
“I’m very sorry for all the pain I forced the victims and their families to suffer through. I’m very sorry for stealing the lives of your loved ones. I cannot express how much I regret all the decisions I made leading up to my actions on May 14.”
The mass shooter, who was wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles, added:
“I did a terrible thing that day. I shot and killed people because they were Black. Looking back now, I can’t believe I actually did it. I believed what I read online and acted out of hate. I know I can’t take it back, but I wish I could, and I don’t want anyone to be inspired by me and what I did.”
Prior to his sentencing, the tense energy in the already emotional courtroom grew after Barbara Massey, who lost her sister Katherine during the attack, directly addressed Gendron inside the Erie County Courthouse. She exclaimed:
“My sister Katherine Massey was a great person, Kat didn’t hurt anybody … You don’t know a damn thing about Black people, we’re human, we like our kids to go to good schools, we love our kids. We never go in neighborhoods and take people out.”
During Massey’s statement, a man inside the courtroom reportedly lunged at Gendron. The man was restrained by several officers.
WATCH
Once things calmed down, the judge offered a stern rebuke of the murderer and said:
“There is no place for you or your ignorant, hateful and evil ideologies in a civilized society. There can be no mercy for you, no understanding, no second chances. The damage you have caused is too great, and the people you have hurt are too valuable to this community. You will never see the light of day as a free man ever again.”
As previously reported, Gendron drove at least 200 miles to live stream himself opening fire and killing at least 10 people inside a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York last May. The incident has since been identified as a racist attack due to Gendron previously claiming that he chose the supermarket as his target because it’s located in the 14208 ZIP code in Buffalo, which has the highest percentage of Black people closet to where he lived in Conklin, New York.
Gendron ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate, 10 counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and a weapons possession charge for the mass shooting.
Producer Offers Update on ‘I Am Legend’ Sequel Starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan
I Am Legend 2 will be taking a bit of a departure from how the original movie ended.
Filmmaker Akiva Goldsman revealed that detail during a conversation with Deadline, saying that the sequel will take on the “alternate ending” rather than the “released ending,” which means Will Smith’s character will be brought back to life. The sequel will also take place years after the original.
“This will start a few decades later than the first,” Goldsman said. “That will be especially visual in New York. … I don’t know if they’ll climb up to the Empire State building, but the possibilities are endless.”
Goldsman also described the sequel as sticking closer to Richard Matheson’s 1954 novella. “We trace back to the original Matheson book, and the alternate ending as opposed to the released ending in the original film,” he added. “What Matheson was talking about was that man’s time on the planet as the dominant species had come to an end. That’s a really interesting thing we’re going to get to explore. There will be a little more fidelity to the original text.”
The released version of the film saw Smith’s character die in order to protect two survivors, as well as a promising cure for the virus that plagued the world and turned people into Darkseekers. However, the DVD release showcased the alternate ending, where Smith doesn’t die, came to respect the Darkseekers, and escaped to freedom.
News of the sequel being in development arrived last March, which highlighted Smith and Michael B. Jordan’s involvement as producers, as well as Goldsman as the screenwriter.
The 2007 film became the seventh-highest-earning film of that year, bringing in $585 million in the global box office and, at that point, ranked as the biggest-ever box office opening for a non-Christmas film released in December.
Goldsman also confirmed a Constantine sequel with Keanu Reeves back in the lead role.
Black Vietnam veteran to be awarded Medal of Honor after decades long wait
Col. Paris Davis has been waiting to receive his Medal of Honor since 1965 and believes his race played a factor in the massive delay.
Col. Paris Davis’ story first gained national attention after the Black retired Vietnam War hero gave his only televised interview with “CBS Mornings” two years ago. During the program, he revealed that when it was time for him to receive the Medal of Honor, his paperwork mysteriously disappeared in 1965.
Doug Sterner, a military historian who was also on active duty in Vietnam, told the network, “This is a veteran, a war hero, who was submitted for our nation’s highest honor, and the paperwork for that award was actually lost. The military is redundant in paperwork if nothing else. And so it’s very rare for that to occur.” Some believe Davis’ race played a key role in him not being bestowed the recognition. In June 1965, he was one of the first Black Army captains in the Green Berets and led a nearly 19-hour raid northeast of Saigon. Billy Waugh, who fought alongside Davis, told CBS the hero came to his rescue after he’d been wounded in battle: “We ended up in an open area together. He grabbed me, and he (dragged) me.”
“I know race was a factor,” Davis expressed to the network. He remembered telling troops, “You can call me Capt. Davis… but you can’t call me a n**ger,” although he said, “It did happen.” Now, at 83 years old, the veteran will finally receive what he earned. According to a statement from the White House, on Monday (Feb. 13), President Joe Biden personally told the retired captain he will receive the Medal of Honor “for his remarkable heroism during the Vietnam War.” Davis released a message following the special phone call. “The call today from President Biden prompted a wave of memories of the men and women I served with in Vietnam — from the members of 5th Special Forces Group and other U.S. military units to the doctors and nurses who cared for our wounded,” he shared.
Davis added, “I am so very grateful for my family and friends within the military and elsewhere who kept alive the story of A-team, A-321 at Camp Bong Son. I think often of those fateful 19 hours on June 18, 1965 and what our team did to make sure we left no man behind on that battlefield.”
Charlottesville far-right extremist Von Nukem kills himself after skipping fentanyl-trafficking trial
Von Nukem, a far-right extremist at the center of the 2017 Charlottesville hate speech rally, died by suicide just days before he was to face a federal trial.
Nukem, 35, was supposed to stand trial for smuggling fentanyl across the southern border. However, according to court documents, he failed to appear for his first day in court. As a result, the federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest. But, what wasn’t known at the time was that Nukem was still at his home in Missouri. Nukem reportedly walked outside into the snow, behind a hay shed, and shot himself.
“Suicide notes were found at the scene, left for law enforcement and his children, however, handwriting was somewhat inconsistent,” the coroner’s report states.
Nukem, born Teddy Landrum, became known around the country after attending a rally on Aug. 12, 2017. He was one of many that led the torch march through the University of Virginia campus, glorifying violence.
Nukem and Neo-Nazis yelled and raged against immigrants and minorities whom racists felt were harming the country. The rally promptly revived a nativist movement in the United States.
A month prior, Nukem was arrested as he returned to the States from Mexico. As he made his way into Arizona, Customs and Border Protection agents found 15 kilograms of fentanyl pills stowed behind the seats and floor compartments of his 2019 Nissan Pathfinder.
Per police records, he admitted to paying nearly $215 to smuggle the pills into the country. Nukem was released pending trial and was scheduled to return to Tucson to appear in court last month.
Nukem was also identified as one of the men who attacked Deandre Harris, according to Molly Conger, an independent journalist in Charlottesville. Harris, a Black man, was assaulted by six white men in a parking garage next to police headquarters during the “Unite the Right” rally. Conger reportedly gathered information that showed Nukem boasted about the attack in text messages with another white supremacist rally organizer.
Many spent months attempting to carefully analyze photos and video from the incident to hold them accountable. Nukem was identified by former classmates in his hometown, with one speaking with the local Springfield News-Leader and describing him as a “token goth kid.” He was also reported to have “an unsettling interest in Nazi Germany.”
During that time, Nukem informed the newspaper that he adopted the white supremacist worldview and supported Donald Trump. “I don’t mind showing solidarity with them,” Nukem told the newspaper. “You have to pick your side. You have to throw your support behind the army that is fighting for you.”
In his obituary, Nukem left behind a wife and five children under 9.
Sam Smith Gets Called 'Demonic' In Public Following Their Hell-Themed Grammy Awards Performance
Sam Smith continues to receive backlash over their "Unholy" performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards earlier this month. A new video shows the pop star getting called "demonic" in public by an elderly woman.
The video which emerged online on Wednesday, February 15 saw the English songwriter walking casually in the streets of New York. Then suddenly, an elderly woman began shouting at them, "You belong in hell! Sam Smith belongs in hell! You demonic, twisted sick bastard! Sam Smith is a pedophile! You sick motherf**ker Sam Smith!"
This apparently the first time Sam was literally called out in public following their hell-themed Grammys performance featuring their "Unholy" collaborator Kim Petras. Some viewers likened the extravagant performance to "devil worshipping," while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz denounced the production as "evil."
Joining the debate, magister David Harris from the Church of Satan said that the stage act was "nothing special." David told TMZ that he was "underwhelmed" by the performance as well as the singers who were "nothing particularly special." The senior Church of Satan figure also thought that the stereotypical imagery used by the musicians was just "alright."
David later said that Lil Nas X's "Montero" is more in line with the philosophies of the organization. In the music video the rapper himself descends into hell, after murdering Satan and taking the devil's crown for himself.
Sam, however, is not letting the controversy over their Grammys performance bother them. The "Stay With Me" hitmaker was spotted supporting their rumored boyfriend Christian Cowan's runway show during New York Fashion Week on Valentine's Day.
Sam attended the fashion show in a red-hot jumpsuit accessorized with matching gloves and platform heels and layered beneath a sparkling silver coat. Their outfit was all designed by Christian.
The public display of support arrived after Sam and Christian were spotted cozying up together ahead of the musician's "Saturday Night Live" performance in January. While it is unclear when they first met, the two were photographed together with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in December for the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act.
Kanye West And Wife Bianca Censori Go On Movie Date With Russell Simmons On Valentine's Day
Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori celebrated Valentine's Day together. The couple was seen going to a movie date while being joined by none other than music producer Russell Simmons.
In some photos obtained by Page Six, the threesome were pictured leaving an AMC Theatre in Hollywood after watching the new movie "Infinity Pool" on Tuesday, February 14. Producer 88-Keys was also with the trio.
The group appeared to enjoy the sci-fi horror flick as they exited the theater in great spirits. They were photographed laughing together. Ye was also snapped chatting with a woman who approached the group.
The foursome looked casual during the outing. The Yeezy designer donned baggy pants, a thick leather jacket with a white T-shirt underneath. His wife, meanwhile, dressed up in an all-black outfit that included a long-sleeve sheer turtleneck, leggings and leather thigh-high boots. Completing her look, Bianca brought a black leather bag with her.
As for Russell, he wore a black Equinox hoodie, khaki sweatpants, Adidas sneakers and a navy New York Yankees baseball cap. 88-Keys was the only one bringing a pop color to his outfit as he sported a yellow puff jacket, colorful T-shirt and a pair of camouflage pants.
They, however, didn't stay for too long as the couple and the two producers went into the basement garage to find their cars.
This year's Valentine's Day was the first for Ye and Bianca, who held a non-legal marriage ceremony in January. The movie date was pretty simple compared to what Ye did for Kim Kardashian, with whom he shares four children together, on Valentine's Day last year.
At the time, the "Donda" artist sent his then-wife a truckload of red flowers amid his several attempts to win her back. "MY VISION IS KRYSTAL KLEAR," so he wrote in a caption in one of his Instagram posts.
Damson Idris & Lori Harvey Make Their Red Carpet Debut at 'Snowfall' Final Season Premiere
Damson Idris gives a sweet forehead kiss to Lori Harvey at the premiere event for Snowfall, held at the Ted Mann Theater on Wednesday night (February 15) in Los Angeles.
This marks the couple’s first ever red carpet event, after sparking dating rumors at the end of 2022. Damson and Lori confirmed their relationship by holding hands on a date night just last month.
The couple were joined at the event by many of Damson‘s co-stars, including a pregnant Angela Lewis, Alejandro Edda, Gail Bean, Amin Joseph, Michael Hyatt, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Carter Hudson, Tiffany Lonsdale, Christina Horn, and Isaiah John.
The final season of Snowfall is set in October 1986, where a civil war threatens to destroy the Saint family. Franklin (Idris) is desperate, forced to rob his Aunt Louie (Lewis) and Uncle Jerome (Joseph) after being wiped out by former CIA officer Teddy McDonald (Hudson).
Franklin is now faced with losing everyone he loves and everything he’s built, and coming through it all will mean out-maneuvering the KGB, the DEA and the CIA, as well as avoiding the LAPD’s fully militarized, fully corrupt, C.R.A.S.H units.
Snowfall‘s final season will premiere on Wednesday, February 22 on FX.
Michael Jordan Makes $10 Million Donation To Make-A-Wish Foundation To Celebrate His 60th Birthday
The GOAT and His Airness. Michael Jordan has hit 60 years old. In celebration of MJ’s birthday, he is making a $10 million donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
According to ESPN, the $10 million donation is the largest ever received from a single individual in the history of the organization. Jordan hopes his actions will inspire more to give.
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” Jordan said in a statement. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
Jordan has long supported Make-A-Wish, first making a donation in 1989.
“I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true,” Jordan said.
Chris Cuomo on working through 'the hurt and embarrassment' of CNN firing in therapy
The TV news anchor, who now hosts the NewsNation show Cuomo, appeared on Anthony Scaramucci's podcast Open Book and discussed his headline-making axing after it was discovered the extent to which he advised his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, amid his sexual misconduct scandal. The younger Cuomo credited therapy for helping him work through it, and said he'll be seeing through his $125 million arbitration demand from CNN.
"This is really knocked me sideways," he admitted. "One of the things I like to say — maybe too much — is how damaging this was to me personally. And I know that a lot of people don't give a s***. That's OK. I'm not saying it because I care what you think. I'm saying it because it's true."
He said he had to sort through "the pain and the hurt and the embarrassment and the shame and the fear" with his therapist.
Cuomo admitted, "I make a lot of mistakes. Sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for bad reason. I'm very flawed. There's damage. There's damage that's relatable to people. There's damage that's unrelatable to people that I have to deal with. That I try to deal with. That I do the work on. I still fail. And I have learned to accept it. I had to accept because I was gonna kill everybody, including myself. Things can consume you... I really had to fight against that because ... I got too many people counting on me."
The father of three referred to his firing from the network, after an initial suspension, as being "s***-canned" during the interview. He said what he's learned is that, "When things are good, stop and smell the roses [because eventually] you will step in s***. You will." He said "bad things are going to come [up] and it's up to you how you handle them."
He added, "If you want to be in [the] public [eye and] want to take swings, you got to be ready to deal with how it is when you get hit."
Cuomo also talked about how he predicted his brother's fall from grace. The governor resigned in August 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations. He recalled telling him — as his star rose amid the COVID pandemic only for it to cosmically burst amid scandal — what goes up must come down.
"It was always a clock ticking," he said. "I saw what was gonna happening and I was worried about him personally."
He added, "The media builds up and tears down... It is great to see a big name go down."
Cuomo talked about the audience of his new NewsNation show being "small" and how that differs from having the No. 1 CNN show. He called it "kind of embarrassing."
He also spoke about his arbitration filing against CNN for $125 million over his "unlawful termination."
"I believe that [my CNN job] was taken. I believe wrongly," he said. "I will litigate that. I am not going to bitch about it in the press. I'm not going to badmouth CNN because I love the people there and I wish 'em well and it's, I believe, the best news organization in the world. But I don't like how I was fired. I'll litigate that. That's arbitration and I'm seeing that through."
He also talked about how he's suing over the book he was writing, Deep Denial, being scrapped by William Morrow imprint Custom House amid his CNN firing.
"My publisher went sideways with me because I got fired [from CNN] and now I'm in litigation there trying to figure this out because it's unacceptable," he said.
Damar Hamlin didn't mean to 'disrespect anyone' with jacket depicting Jesus: 'Is abstract art to me'
Hamlin came under fire for the jacket from ex-NFL running back Adrian Peterson.
Damar Hamlin honored alongside heroic first responders during pregame of Super Bowl LVIIScroll back up to restore default view.
Damar Hamlin wrote Wednesday on Twitter that he didn't intend any disrespect by wearing a jacket with a depiction of Jesus while attending Sunday's Super Bowl.
The Buffalo Bills safety addressed the issue after he received criticism for the jacket, including from former NFL running back Adrian Peterson. Hamlin wrote that the image on his jacket "is abstract art to me" and that "I am Eternally thankful to my Savior!"
Hamlin was honored during a pregame ceremony at Sunday's Super Bowl alongside the first responders and medical personnel who saved his life and oversaw his recovery. He suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Medical personnel revived him at the scene, and he was transported to a Cincinnati hospital. He was released from the hospital nine days later and has since made appearances at Bills games in addition to Sunday's Super Bowl.
On Sunday, he wore a jacket with a depiction of Jesus on the back that Peterson derided as "blasphemy."
The front of the jacket included the written message: “Without end or beginning there is no day and no night."
"You should be thanking God son!" Peterson reportedly wrote in a since-edited Instagram post. "This is Blasphemy!! We all fall short but c'mon man! I find this disrespectful."
Peterson later edited the post to announce that he'd spoken to Hamlin and that "we were able to discuss our thoughts as men."
"However, I do feel as if the jacket was disrespectful and it was something that I needed to share," Peterson added.
Hamlin was honored last week with the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award at the annual NFL Honors ceremony. The award "recognizes one player who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his team city and/or hometown."
"Every day I was amazed that my experience could encourage so many others, across the country and even across the world," Hamlin said during his acceptance speech. "Encouraged to pray, encouraged to spread love and encouraged to keep fighting no matter the circumstances. ...
"My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope. Now with a new set of circumstances, I can only say He is doing what He has always done. I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones. It’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose."
Pepsi & Peeps Return For Nationwide Collab After Contest Debut Two Years Ago
Two years after its initial sneak peek, Pepsi has debuted its Peeps-flavored soda in retailers across the country.
The marshmallow-inspired cola was introduced in March 2021 in three-can mini packs. Unfortunately, despite fans’ excitement, the drink was not available for sale. The only way to score a batch was to enter Pepsi’s online contest. Participants could try their luck by posting photos of themselves enjoying their favorite Springtime pastimes and using the hashtag “#HangingWithMyPEEPS.” The sweepstakes handed out a few thousand cans before resellers began peddling them online for hundreds of dollars. Now, the company is making them available for all to enjoy.
If you thought Pepsi was sugary enough, adding Peeps to the mix only further sweetens the deal. The sizzling robust feel now incorporates the special candy commonly associated with Easter, adding a soft foaming taste.
Pepsi has been experimenting with flavors for quite some time now. Mango and wild cherry are both popular choices among consumers. However, the Peeps version will likely only be available until the end of the Spring season. Walmart and Kroger are among the retailers carrying the Pepsi x Peeps. To determine if stores in your area have them in stock, you can check the Pepsi locator feature, available at Pepsico.com.
Adidas Lost Over $1Billion in Sales After Dropping Kanye West
*Adidas could see a loss of nearly $750 million this year after cutting ties with Ye (formally known as Kanye West).
The German company cut ties with the rapper late last year over his antisemitic remarks. As NPR reports, Adidas stopped production of Yeezy products as well as payments to the hip-hop star back in October.
Several companies severed ties with Ye following backlash over his anti-Jewish supremacy rants, including Balenciaga, Gap, and Footlocker. As Insider reports, citing the Financial Times, Adidas initially planned to sell the Yeezy merchandise under its own brand.
Adidas has collaborated with Ye since 2013. Per Moguldom, Yeezy products “generated an estimated 4-to-8 percent of the company’s sales, according to investment bank Cowen,” the outlet writes, adding “Shares of Adidas sank by 11 percent the morning of Feb. 10 after the company warned that if it can’t unload its Yeezy shoes and clothes, sales revenues could decline at a high single-digit rate in 2023.”
After dissolving its deal with Ye, “This would lower revenues by around € 1.2 billion and operating profit by around € 500 million this year,” the company said in a profit warning issued on Thursday.
Per the company’s news release: “Should the company irrevocably decide not to repurpose any of the existing Yeezy product going forward, this would result in the write-off of the existing Yeezy inventory and would lower the company’s operating profit by an additional € 500 million this year. In addition, adidas expects one-off costs of up to € 200 million in 2023. These costs are part of a strategic review the company is currently conducting aimed at reigniting profitable growth as of 2024.”
“The numbers speak for themselves. We are currently not performing the way we should”, said CEO Bjørn Gulden.
“2023 will be a year of transition to set the base to again be a growing and profitable company. We will put full focus on the consumer, our athletes, our retail partners and our adidas employees,” Gulden added.
“Together we will work on creating brand heat, improve our product engine, better serve our distribution and assure that adidas is a great and fun place to work. adidas has all the ingredients to be successful: A great brand, great people, fantastic partners and a global infrastructure second to none. We need to put the pieces back together again, but I am convinced that over time we will make adidas shine again. But we need some time,” Gulden continued.
Miami Preschool Accused of Putting Children in Blackface
A Miami preschool is catching heat after children were photographed in what appeared to be blackface.
According to CNN, the incident took place in the first week of Black History Month at Studio Kids Little River, a daycare owned and operated by Patricia Vitale. On Feb. 3, a teacher shared several pictures on the school’s messaging app along with a caption that read: “Black history month.” One of the photos showed a young kid dressed as a police officer and another as a construction worker with brown paint on their face. Parents who saw the images immediately expressed outrage, and accused the school of putting children in a blackface—a wildly offensive practice in which a non-Black person puts on dark makeup to act out racist stereotypes.
“You’re a certified, established institutions, you should know better,” said Courtney Politis, whose one-year-old daughter attended the daycare. “I mean, ignorance on — about racism in 2023 is no longer ignorant, in my opinion.”
Politis said she reached out to Vitale to express her concern and flat out called the photographs racist. Vitale allegedly asked the mother to further explain her accusations. The mother decided to pull her kids out of the school.
“The bottom line is we can’t trust them with our children all apologies aside,” she continued. “I thought we would have more time before these sorts of things or racism or microaggressions would have to be experienced by our children. So the fact that you can’t, I feel like I can’t protect my children from what’s happening is probably the most disappointing and upsetting of all of this.”
Vitale has since issued an apology to parents in a private message. She insisted the school didn’t intend “to offend anyone” and they were “sorry about any inconvenience.”
Just several days later the preschool director told parents that the day care staff would receive additional training in response to the controversy.
“We wanted to let all the parents know that we met on Friday afternoon with all the teachers and staff,” the second message read. “We went over several ethical and multicultural education points. I will teach the team a class covering all the necessary topics regarding US history and multicultural education … you may rest assured this will never happen again.”
Former Ohio State Football Players Found Not Guilty Of Raping And Kidnapping 19-Year-Old Woman
Former Ohio State football players Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint were acquitted of rape and kidnapping charges pertaining to an alleged sexual encounter they had with another woman. The ruling was made last week, with both Wint and Riep breaking down in tears as the jury verdict was read out to them.
The pair was arrested back in February 2020 and charged with two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping after being accused of raping a 19-year-old at their apartment earlier that month.
During their trial, it was contended by their attorneys that the woman accusing them of rape had consented to have sex with both men but later “regretted” it, while also blaming the woman’s dad for allegedly pushing his daughter into filing criminal charges against the football players, who were dismissed from OSU the day after their arrest, despite maintaining their innocence throughout the case.
What appeared to have tremendously helped the pair during the three-day trial was the video evidence Riep had of himself asking the woman whether she would engage in consensual sex with them.
Riep was later questioned in court why he decided to record the accuser when he asked her for consent, to which he responded, saying his team’s staff had always instructed players to get consent on the record. The woman said she only consented because she was scared she wouldn’t be allowed to go home if she didn’t abide.
According to the Dispatch, Wint had completed his studies in human development and family science back in 2020, but his degree had been withheld from Ohio State until they knew of the case’s outcome. Wint will now be able to obtain his degree as he puts this chapter of his life to rest once and for all.
Following the verdict, Wint said, “I’m going to get my life back on track, get my degree and keep on being a law-abiding citizen,” with Riep adding, “I’m grateful and you grow through what you go through.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘BARNEY’S ADVENTURES?’
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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