2/23/23

The Daily Buzz For Feb 24 ☕πŸ“°☕

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#MAGFAB: Jonathan Majors for The Cut
Jonathan Majors has an idea. We’re at the Whitney Museum to view the Edward Hopper exhibit, and he really thinks we should bring in our drinks. I am sure this isn’t allowed, but then again, this is the perfect setup for a rom-com-style first date. And have you seen Majors? The 33-year-old actor is irresistible: He’s tall and muscular (which means he’s a great hugger), he’s fine (a chiseled jawline; a striking nose; and full, pillowy lips), he’s a dog lover (he has four: Hero, Magi, Poet, and Captain), and he has a goofy personality that seems to make him unaware of his effect on you. How could I say “no”?
It’s settled: We will attempt to smuggle our coffees into the exhibition. I’m hiding my chai latte behind my purse. He’s obscuring his decaf Americano, which he poured into a tiny ceramic cup he brought with him, so that the staff member at the elevator won’t see it. We make it up to the fifth floor, and the coast is clear. Majors is the ideal co-conspirator, both cautious (he’s on the lookout for anyone who might be coming our way to inquire about our contraband) and motivating (“Are you even drinking yours?” he asks, to which I answer with a chug). He’s committed to our game plan: not being caught or at least finishing our drinks before we are.
Majors is someone who fully commits. The Yale-trained actor seems to live inside of his characters, whether he’s playing a peculiar young playwright, as he did in the 2019 film The Last Black Man in San Francisco, or an amateur bodybuilder fueled by rage and ambition in the recent Magazine Dreams. For that role, he ate 6,100 calories and worked out three times per day, refusing to use fake weights during workout scenes. In February, he enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe as time-traveling supervillain Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Later, he’ll star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Creed III as antagonist Damian Anderson. To prepare for that, he worked with a professional-boxing and MMA trainer for three months. “There’s a version of not going all the way there, you know what I mean? And that to me is just acting. That’s pretending,” he says.
Nice! Get more is HERE!
 
 
#RHOA: Marlo Hampton's Birthday Celebrations Continue with Multiple Lavish Meals in Los Angeles
Marlo Hampton doesn't exactly keep things casual when celebrating her birthdays. Year after year, The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member rings in her special day with lavish cakes, jaw-dropping fashion, and memorable parties. However, her 2023 birthday fΓͺte took things to a new level as she had a weeks-long bi-coastal celebration.
 
On February 7, Marlo hosted a private event at MCK Restaurant and Bar in Atlanta and rocked a Roberto Cavalli cheetah-print bodysuit for the occasion. Days later, Marlo kept the party going with another incredible celebration at Continent Atlanta. For that bash, Marlo sizzled in a silver Mugler catsuit with the designer's signature sheer mesh paneling.
Even with two major parties, Marlo wasn't done celebrating just yet. On February 21, she documented a vacation to Los Angeles, writing in an Instagram Story, "The birthday continued." Although it appeared to be a quick trip, Marlo managed to fit in several mouthwatering meals. Just some of her incredible eats included crab at Crustacean Beverly Hills, a stop at Toast Bakery Cafe, Sunday brunch at The Ivy (where Marlo was treated to dessert with a sparkler), and her "last meal" of the trip at The Lobster in Santa Monica.
 
Although Marlo seemed to spend the majority of her getaway at restaurants (when she wasn't shopping, of course), she shared in Instagram Stories that she "missed reservations [two] nights in a row." Still, she "had a feast" each time after ordering takeout from Steak 48 and Tao.
 
Birthdays in Marlo's house are clearly very big events, so when her nephew William turned 14 in December 2022, she made sure he had a homemade "breakfast for a king" to start his special day. While showing a bowl of fruit made to look like a smiley face, eggs, bacon, waffles, and a lemon pound cake in an Instagram Story video, Marlo joked to the birthday boy, “Your brother picked the lemons from the garden and squeezed the juice.”
 
“Have a seat,” Marlo told William, who was smiling at the setup, “so we can cater to you today.”
 
 
#MusicNews: Samara Joy Gives Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ A Jazzy New Life For Spotify Singles
Samara Joy is floating high on life right now. The 23-year-old is solidified as one of the premiere jazz singers of the moment. Samara is a part of the Spotify Singles campaign. For her contribution, she offers a new version of “Guess Who I Saw Today” and an inventive cover of Adele’s award-winning song “Someone Like You.”
 
“Guess Who I Saw Today” has been a jazz standard since the 1950s, with perhaps the best-known version being Nancy Wilson’s take from her 1960 album Something Wonderful. Samara recorded her own rendition for her GRAMMY-nominated album Linger A while, and she brings new life to it again here. The piano serves as the main instrument to accompany her velvet-smooth vocals and the song’s melodramatic lyrics. She adds an unexpected twist to the proceedings at the end with an upbeat tempo change that allows her to riff, run and scat as the song comes to a close.
 
Her version of “Someone Like You” is transformative. With her vocal evoking the likes of Anita Baker and Sarah Vaughn, she delves into the heartbreak of the lyrics while an organ turns it all into an almost religious experience. The song also gives her many chances to flex the full-bodied power of her chops, especially at the end of the song. There she gives us controlled wails and runs, with each note and phrase as clear as a bell and full of the pain the lyrics evoke.
 
Take a listen to her contributions to the Spotify Singles series HERE and Enjoy!


#HipHopNews: Future Announces 'One Big Party Tour' With Don Toliver
The party continues. Future has announced another leg of his “One Big Party Tour” with special guest Don Toliver. The month-long arena trek, which also features G Herbo, Mariah the Scientist, and Dess Dior in select cities, kicks off March 9 at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center.
 
Future and friends will travel across the country, with stops in Dallas, Philadelphia, Oakland, and Indianapolis, wrapping April 8 in Minneapolis.

The first leg with just Future kicked off in early January and hit cities including Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston.
The tour announcement comes as Don Toliver readies his new album Love Sick for release this Friday. The project features Wizkid and Kali Uchis, who appears on the single “4 U.”
 
Love Sick arrives alongside a self-written short film, which will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting Friday. Fans can also tune in to Love Sick Radio on Amazon’s Amp app on Friday for a live conversation with Don during the film’s premiere.

Future is also back in the studio working on a new album. Earlier this month, he told fans that he was in “album mode.”

Tickets are on sale now. See dates below.
 
One Big Party Tour Dates
March 9 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
March 12 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
March 17 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – FLA Live Arena
March 19 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Arena
March 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Arena
March 25 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
March 26 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
April 1 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
April 6 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
April 7 – Kansas City, MO – T–Mobile Center
April 8 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center


Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 16 Years After Rape Conviction, Putting Former Movie Mogul Behind Bars for Life
Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 16 years, effectively ensuring the former Hollywood mogul and convicted rapist will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Weinstein’s sentencing was held in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday morning, nearly two months after his Los Angeles trial concluded with a jury convicting him on three counts of rape and sexual assault.
Weinstein is already serving a 23-year sentence in New York, after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in that jurisdiction in his 2020 criminal trial. On Thursday, the judge ordered Weinstein to serve his L.A. sentence consecutively after New York.

Before he was sentenced, Weinstein addressed the court, making one final plea to Judge Lisa B. Lench. “I maintain that I’m innocent,” Weinstein said.
“This is about money and coming after me,” Weinstein said. “Please don’t sentence me to life in prison. I don’t deserve it… There are so many things wrong with this case. There is no evidence… This is a setup… I beg your mercy.”

Weinstein’s defense, led by Mark Werksman and Alan Jackson, asked the judge to sentence him to three years per charge, urging her to look to the man he was “before he became accused as a sexual predator,” and saying that he has “become a caricature because of the #MeToo movement.” His attorney noted that Weinstein has medical issues and is a father. “He’s a 70-year-old man in bad health,” Werksman said. “He lived a full, rich and productive life that included being a father five children… He has become to his children the disembodied voice on the telephone.”

Werksman hailed Weinstein’s work in the entertainment industry, urging the judge to recognize his accomplishments. “Mr. Weinstein did a lot of good for a lot of people in a 50-year career,” Werksman said. “He produced hundreds of films that were a joy to millions of people… He was a man that many famous movie stars would thank in their Oscar speeches… He gave generously to charities and political causes.”

After Weinstein and his attorneys spoke, the judge sentenced Weinstein to 16 years for the three charges on which the jury found him guilty. “These are not easy decisions to make, but this is my decision,” Lench said.

All three charges on which Weinstein were convicted were based on the counts relating to Jane Doe #1, a European model who testified she was raped by Weinstein at Mr. C Hotel after the L.A. Italia Film Festival in 2013.

Joe Doe #1 appeared in court, alongside her daughter, to deliver an emotional victim impact statement, crying throughout as she spoke at a podium. She urged the judge to put Weinstein behind bars for life. “There is no prison sentence long enough to erase the damage,” she said. “I hope you give him the maximum sentence allowed.”

“It is extremely difficult for me to stand here, ten years later, as the effects of this rape are still raw, and difficult to discuss. I have been carrying this weight, this trauma, this irrational belief that it was my fault for years,” she said, addressing the judge. “His selfish, disgusting actions have greatly impacted me and my life. What he did to me was horrible.”

When Weinstein spoke, Jane Doe #1 was audibly crying, and her tears were heard over his statement. Weinstein told the judge that Jane Doe #1 lied about the entire rape and maintained that he never sexually assaulted her, or even came in contact with her. “The fact is I don’t know this woman and she doesn’t know me,” Weinstein said. “This is a made up story. With all due respect, Jane Doe #1 is an actress and can turn on the tears… This isn’t true.”

Weinstein’s team has focused intently on Jane Doe #1, using her as their argument to request a new trial with a new jury, which the judge shot down on Thursday morning, ahead of the sentencing. Jane Doe #1 will likely be the focal point of their appeal.

Weinstein’s attorneys have argued that the court wrongly precluded them from introducing relevant evidence and argument, particularly centering around Jane Doe #1. Before the sentencing, Jackson delivered a lengthy argument as to why Weinstein should be granted a new trial, alleging that the judge “allowed perjury on the stand” from Jane Doe #1. He said the defense was “sandbagged by a lie told on the stand,” and claimed the jury “got sucked into the lies of Jane Doe #1.”

Two jurors were seated in the gallery on Thursday, which Weinstein referenced to the judge as support for him. Weinstein’s attorneys said the jury “would never have voted to convict if they knew the truth.” Lead prosecutor, deputy D.A. Paul Thompson, jabbed back at Weinstein’s attorneys, exclaiming, “It is certainly not the defense’s job to go hunt down jurors.”

Before denying Weinstein’s motion for a new trial, the judge said that speculating on whether jurors might have changed their verdict, based on evidence that wasn’t submitted into the case was “speculative” and not “appropriate.”

Shortly after court was dismissed on Thursday afternoon, the two jurors present spoke to reporters in the hallway. They said they had been in communication with the defense, and were interested in coming to Weinstein’s sentencing to gather more information. “I was never here to advocate,” a juror named Michael told Variety. “There is so much we don’t know in this case. The more info, the better because it helps flesh it out.” A juror named Jay said, “We weren’t on anybody’s side,” and expressed that even with more evidence, he’s unsure whether he would have changed his conviction. “I don’t know if he would have been acquitted. I don’t even know if it’s true that she lied,” Jay said. “I don’t feel bad,” he said of Weinstein. “We knew he was going to get sentenced.”

Thursday’s sentencing all but ensures that Weinstein, who will turn 71 years old next month, will spend the remainder of his life in prison, marking a stunning downfall for the the Oscar winner who reigned over Hollywood and was once one of the most powerful individuals in the entertainment industry.

His team, however, is still fighting for Weinstein’s freedom. Werksman and Jackson said on Thursday that they will be appealing the Los Angeles conviction. In New York, the Court of Appeals, which is the highest court in the state, agreed to hear Weinstein’s appeal of his 2020 sex crimes conviction.

In his L.A. trial, which ran from October through December 2022, prosecutors argued that Weinstein was a predator who used his power to lure and attack women in hotel rooms under the guise of a business meeting or audition, while his defense argued that the women willingly engaged in “transactional sex” because Weinstein was so influential in the entertainment industry.

Weinstein initially faced 11 charges in L.A., but four charges, all relating to Jane Doe #5, were dismissed in the midst of the trial. The jury delivered a split verdict, convicting him on the three counts relating to Jane Doe #1 but acquitting him of the sexual battery of a massage therapist, identified as Jane Doe #3. They could not reach a unanimous verdict on the charges involving two other accusers, aspiring actor and screenwriter Lauren Young, known as Jane Doe #2 in the case, and the First Partner of California, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who was Jane Doe #4. The judge declared a mistrial on those three charges.

Weinstein has been accused by more than 100 women who have publicly come forward with allegations of sexual assault, abuse and harassment that have spanned decades. His monumental fall was the fuse the ignited #MeToo in 2017, and the story of his survivors coming forward even inspired a major studio film, “She Said,” which was released in theaters last year. Weinstein has consistently maintained his innocence, denying any accusations of rape or assault, and his legal team has repeatedly stated that their client has unfairly been painted as the poster boy of the #MeToo movement.


R. Kelly avoids lengthy add-on to 30-year prison sentence
A federal judge on Thursday rejected a call from prosecutors to keep R. Kelly behind bars until he is 100, instead telling the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer he would serve all but one of his 20 years on child sex convictions simultaneously with a previous sentence.

Handed down in a courtroom in Kelly's hometown of Chicago, the sentence means Kelly could make it out of prison alive, when he is about 80. Prosecutors had asked Judge Harry Leinenweber to sentence him to 25 years — and to not let him begin serving those until after he completed the first 30-year sentence, imposed on him last year in New York for federal racketeering and sex trafficking convictions.

“The nature of this offense is … horrific,” Leinenweber said in explaining the 20-year sentence. He noted that Kelly's sexual abuse victims would suffer from his crimes for the rest of their lives.

At the same time, he accepted defense arguments that Kelly might not even make it to 80, so handing him a consecutive lengthy sentence, rather than allowing him to serve all but one year of it simultaneously, didn't make much sense.

“He has a life expectancy of not a hell of a lot more,” the judge said. “He is 56 years of age.”

Kelly's defense lawyer celebrated the ruling as a victory, and some of the singer's fans could be heard cheering outside the courtroom.
Kelly remained still, his eyes downcast, as Leinenweber explained what was at times a hard-to-follow sentence. He did seem to show some emotion when a representative read a statement written by “Jane,” one of his accusers and a key prosecution witness.

“I was brainwashed by Robert and a sex slave,” Jane’s statement said. “It almost killed me.”
Kelly did not make a statement in court prior to the sentencing decision, heeding the advice of his lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, to stay quiet while they appeal both his Chicago and New York convictions.
“It’s the right outcome,” Bonjean said of the sentence after the hearing ended. "The judge was reasonable. He, I think, took into account both sides and ultimately was fair.”

The U.S. Attorney in Chicago, John Lausch, conceded that prosecutors were disappointed Kelly didn’t receive more consecutive prison time. But he added, “Twenty years is a significant sentence, and we are happy that that was imposed in this case."

The judge said at the outset of Thursday's hearing that he did not accept the government’s contention that Kelly used fear to woo underage girls for sex, a determination that was important in deciding whether to extend Kelly's current term significantly.
“The (government’s) whole theory of grooming, was sort of the opposite of fear of bodily harm,” the judge told the court. “It was the fear of lost love, lost affections (from Kelly)'. … It just doesn’t seem to me that it rises to the fear of bodily harm.”

Two of Kelly's accusers asked the judge Thursday to punish him harshly.

“When your virginity is taken by a pedophile at 14 … your life is never your own,” Jane’s statement read.
Another accuser, who used the pseudonym “Nia,” addressed Kelly directly in court. Speaking forcefully as her voice quivered, Nia said Kelly would repeatedly point out her alleged faults while he abused her.

“Now you are here … because there is something wrong with you,” she said. “No longer will you be able to harm children.”
Jurors in Chicago convicted Kelly last year on six of 13 counts: three of producing child porn and three of enticement of minors for sex. Prosecutors did not get a conviction on the marquee charge: that Kelly and his then-business manager successfully rigged his state child pornography trial in 2008.

Kelly rose from poverty in Chicago to become one of the world’s biggest R&B stars. Known for his smash hit “I Believe I Can Fly” and for sex-infused songs such as “Bump n’ Grind,” he sold millions of albums even after allegations about his abuse of girls began circulating publicly in the 1990s.

Prosecutors had previously described Kelly as “a serial sexual predator” who used his fame and wealth to reel in, sexually abuse and then discard star-struck fans.

At Thursday's hearing, U.S. Assistant Attorney Jeannice Appenteng urged the judge to keep Kelly in prison “for the rest of his life.”
Kelly’s abuse of children was especially appalling, she said, because he “memorialized” his abuse by filming victims, including Jane. Appenteng told the court Kelly “used Jane as a sex prop, a thing” for producing pornographic videos.

Bonjean has said repeatedly that the government singled out her client because he is a superstar and she previously accused prosecutors of offering an “embellished narrative” to get the judge to join what she called the government’s “bloodthirsty campaign to make Kelly a symbol of the #MeToo movement.”

She echoed that theme Thursday in calling the request for a 25-year consecutive sentence “overkill.”

The singer has suffered enough, including financially, Bonjean said. She said his worth once approached $1 billion, but that he “is now destitute.”
Just before Kelly was taken back to detention Thursday, Bonjean requested that he not be placed on suicide watch because constant checks by guards “is in and of itself cruel” and “creates mental health issues."

“He was expecting this,” she told the judge. “Mr. Kelly … is not suicidal.”

 
Nipsey Hussle's Killer Sentenced To 60 Years To Life In Prison
The man convicted of killing Nipsey Hussle has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison.
On Wednesday, a Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke sentenced Eric Holder Jr. to 25 years to life in state prison for murdering Hussle and an additional 25 years to life based on a sentencing enhancement because he used a gun, reports the Los Angeles Times.
 
Additionally, Holder must serve 10 years in prison on assault convictions for shooting two other men who were with Hussle on the day of the deadly shooting.
Holder was convicted of first-degree murder in July for killing the beloved rapper, whose legal name was Ermias Asghedom, in a parking lot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.
 
Hussle and Holder were both members of the same Crips street gang, the Rollin’ 60s. During the month-long trial, prosecutors said that Holder had a conversation with Hussle and became angered over accusations he was a snitch. He returned to the store with two handguns and opened fire. Hussle was shot 11 times. Two other men were also shot and survived.
 
The judge handed down the sentence after hearing from Herman “Cowboy” Douglas, a close friend of the late rapper who was with him when he was killed.
 
“Nipsey was my friend, he was like a son, he was like a dad,” Douglas said. “Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for. One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community.”
 
On Wednesday, Holder’s lawyer argued that he suffered from mental illness, reading a letter from Holder’s father that claimed he had been diagnosed with auditory schizophrenia at 19. Jansen did not raise a mental health defense during the trial, and the judge stopped Holder’s psychologist from taking the stand during the sentencing hearing.
 
Holder, dressed in orange jail attire, stared straight ahead throughout the proceedings and did not react when the sentence was read, according to The Associated Press.
 
Douglas started singing “hit the road, Jack” as Holder was taken away, leading the judge and deputies to admonish him and order him out of the room.
Hussle, who was also a father of two, was mourned during a star-studded tribute at L.A.’s Staples Center in April 2019. Last year, on what would have been his 37th birthday, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
 
 
Reporter, 9-year-old dead; 2 others hurt in Orlando shooting, sheriff says
A suspect was taken into custody after an Orlando journalist and a 9-year-old child were killed and two others were shot in Pine Hills Wednesday afternoon.
 
According to Orange County Sheriff John Mina, deputies got reports of two shootings around 4:05 p.m.
One of the shootings happened on Hialeah Street where deputies had been investigating a separate homicide earlier in the day. A woman in her 20s was shot and killed there at about 11 a.m.
 
At that scene, deputies found two Spectrum News 13 employees shot. One of them died and the other is in critical condition. The deceased reporter has been identified as Dylan Lyons.
"It is unclear if [the suspect] knew if they were news media or not," Mina said. "We're still trying to work all of that out. That vehicle was almost exactly in the same spot as the vehicle from the homicide this morning. So it's unclear why exactly they were targeted."
 
Deputies say after shooting the news crew, the suspect then went to a nearby home on Harrington Street and shot a 9-year-old girl who later died. Her mother was also shot and she is in critical condition.
 
Sheriff Mina says the suspect was an acquaintance of the woman who was killed this morning. But as far as they know, he had no connection to the mother or the 9-year-old.
'Stunned and heartbroken': Officials react after journalist and 9-year-old killed in Orlando shooting

Keith Moses, 19, is believed to have been the gunman involved in all of the shootings, including the killing from earlier in the day.
 
Mina said Moses has a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated battery, assault and grand theft.
WESH 2 took a deeper look at his criminal past, but only found misdemeanor drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia charges from November of 2021. Those charges were later dropped.
 
It appears the more serious crimes occurred when he was a juvenile, and the records are not publicly available online.
Moses is formally charged in the murder of the woman found dead in Pine Hills Wednesday morning.
 
And because he is also the suspect in four additional shootings, two of which resulted in the deaths of a news journalist and 9-year-old, law enforcement expects additional charges at any moment.
It’s unclear why he shot at any of the victims.
"I want to acknowledge what a horrible day this has been for our community and media partners,” Mina said.
 
WESH 2 reporter Senait Gebregiorgis says she and her photographer left moments before the shooting, saying "we got a gut feeling," and decided to leave for their safety.
WESH 2 spoke to an Orlando faith leader who has been serving the Pine Hills community for more than a decade.
 
Bishop Kelvin L. Cobaris says the number one thing that happens after violence is fear increases.
"Protect your families, by any means necessary. Keep yourself safe, watch your surroundings. And when you know about things that have happened in this community. This should be enough to let you know that you need to say something about what you see," Cobaris said.
 
He adds it's going to take all of us to minimize the violence and reduce crime in our community.
 
WESH 2 reporters react to Orlando shooting that killed journalist, 9-year-old
Luana Munoz became emotional as she recalled being with Lyons' loved ones at the hospital:
Charter Communications, parent company of Spectrum News, released the following statement:
 
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and the other lives senselessly taken today. Our thoughts are with our employee's family, friends and co-workers during this very difficult time. We remain hopeful that our other colleague who was injured makes a full recovery. This is a terrible tragedy for the Orlando community."
 
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is meeting with members of the African-American Council of Christian Clergy and other community leaders to discuss gun violence Thursday at 11 a.m. following Wednesday's tragedy.
 
 
Wendy Williams Reveals Weight Loss Amid Health Woes: “I Weigh 138!”
Wendy Williams has opened up about her weight loss. Spotted on a night out in New York City by TMZ, the famed broadcaster shared details on her current weight. Entering the restaurant Fresco by Scotto for dinner, the 58-year-old revealed she is 138 lbs.
 
As the paparazzi calls for Williams’ attention, the talk show host faced the camera wearing a Louis Vuitton fur jacket, LV shorts, and Fendi monogrammed tights.
“I just went to the doctor, and got on the scale,” announced Williams. “I weigh 138! Pretty right?”
In October 2022, the television personality was able to return home after an extended stay in a wellness facility for “overall health issues.”
 
“Thank you to my fans for your love, support, and many prayers,” Williams expressed at the time in a statement. “I am back and better than ever.”
 
By December of the same year, Williams began promoting her podcast The Wendy Experience with new merchandise after the June 2022 cancelation of her namesake daytime talk show.
In 2018 the media talent revealed her diagnosis of Graves’ disease on The Wendy Williams Show, months after she fainted on live television.
 
“What the hell is going on with Wendy,” she exclaimed. “Okay, now you know I have thyroid disease. My thyroid, my hyperthyroid, is attached also to Graves’ disease. Graves’ Disease squeezes the muscled behind your eyeballs. I feel like there are birds swimming around my head. You know, like a cartoon.”
 
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to make more thyroid hormones than the body needs. As a result, many body functions speed up.
 
Graves disease is more common in women, people older than 30, people with a family history of Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease, people with other autoimmune conditions, and people who use nicotine.
 
 
Netflix Releases Promo For New Mo’Nique Stand-Up Special
Netflix announced Grammy-nominated, Oscar and Golden Globe award-winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique is back with a new stand-up special titled My Name is Mo’Nique, which will hit the digital streaming platform in April.
 
This highly anticipated special was filmed last October at Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta. “My sweet babies thanks to everyone that came out and celebrated this moment with us,” Mo’Nique wrote. “MY NAME IS MO’NIQUE LIVE COMEDY TAPING COMING ON NETFLIX!,” she typed in an Instagram caption November 1. “WHAT A MOMENT!! I LOVE US 4REAL.”
 
In My Name is Mo’Nique, viewers will see the comedy legend deliver a career defining performance in her unprecedented to the stage. Filled with plenty of hilarious stories, people will soon understand why she is the way she is, and how the city of Baltimore molded her into the woman she grew to become. With her unique brand of humor, Mo’Nique will open up like never before, and give her perspective on the sometimes-harsh realities that come with life.
The news of her new stand-up special came after the announcement that Mo’Nique was tapped to star in the Lee Daniels-directed film, The Deliverance, which is also set for a Netflix release in the near future. At the time, this collaboration came as a surprise to many, due to the longstanding feud between her and Daniels due to the events that transpired on the promotional run for the critically acclaimed film, Precious.
 
Directed by L. Frazier, Mo’Nique will serve as executive producer for the upcoming stand-up special alongside her husband Sidney Hicks
 
My Name is Monique will premiere globally on Netflix April 4.
 
 
Lizzo Plays a ‘Sesame Street’ Flute Made Out of Cookies for Elmo … Before You Know Who Eats It
Lizzo makes music that’s so sweet, everyone wants to take a bite — especially Cookie Monster, especially if there’s an oven-baked instrument involved. In an adorable collaboration with a couple of Sesame Street‘s famous fuzzy friends, the 34-year-old pop star played delicious music on a flute made of chocolate chips and brown sugar before a certain blue monster gobbled it up.
 
In a video posted to Sesame Street‘s official Twitter account, Elmo offers up his neighborhood’s “famous cookie flute” for Lizzo to try. “I’ve played a lot of instruments, but I’ve never played a cookie before!” she exclaims. “May I?”
 
After playing a few bars of a majestic melody, Cookie Monster saunters in. “Oh boy, oh boy. Can me try?”
 
“Of course,” the singer-flautist replies. “I didn’t know you played the flute, Cookie Monster.”
 “Me don’t,” Cookie Monster says before devouring the baked goodie in front of her.
 
Elmo retweeted the video onto his individual official account, writing, “One day, Elmo wants to play the flute just like Ms. Lizzo! Elmo loves you, @lizzo. ️”
 
The “Truth Hurts” singer also filmed a video of her own with Elmo, referencing a viral moment from the time Elmo appeared on The Tonight Show for a cooking segment with Jimmy Fallon. In the clip, Elmo tells the late-night comedian to flavor the recipe with “balsamic vinegar — that’s a big word for Elmo,” a soundbite that trended on TikTok after users started lip-synching to it.
 
“I know this has been a big word for you, so I wanna see if you finally know how to say it,” Lizzo says in her video, gifting Elmo with a bottle of BV.
 
 
Jennifer McClellan becomes first Black woman elected to Congress in Virginia
On Tuesday (Feb. 21), Democrat Jennifer McClellan made history after NBC News projected she would represent Virginia in Congress. McClellan became the first Black woman to enter the governing body from the state after she defeated Republican Leon Benjamin in Tuesday’s special election in the 4th Congressional District.
 
“It still blows my mind that we’re having firsts in 2023,” McClellan said in an interview with the outlet. “My ancestors fought really hard to have a seat at that table, and now not only will I have a seat at the table in Congress… I’ll be able to bring that policymaking table into communities that never really had a voice before.”
 
She will fill the seat of Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin, who died from cancer shortly after he won reelection in November 2022. According to the news outlet, she was favored to win the well-known blue district, which covers Richmond, Virginia.
 
McClellan will be among 29 other Black women once she officially joins the House. “I feel a responsibility to ensure I’m not the last,” she continued. As it stands, there are currently no Black women in the Senate.
 
During the special election, McClellan received a call from President Joe Biden “as she was headed to her historic win,” the White House revealed. The president “looks forward to working with the Congresswoman-elect,” they added.
 
Before being elected to Congress, McClellan served over a decade in the House of Delegates. She has also been a member of the state Senate since 2017. In 2021, McClellan ran for Virginia governor but lost in a five-person primary to Terry McAuliffe.
 
With her recent election, McClellan’s campaign highlighted her efforts to protect voting rights and domestic workers, which is of a personal note to the Congress member.
 
She revealed that her commitment to voting rights stems partly from family members’ challenges in their efforts to vote. McClellan said she sees her win as a continuation of that fight.
 
“I realize that in a lot of ways, I am fighting the same fight that my mom and my grandmother and my great-grandmother fought, and rather than getting despondent over that or giving up, I dig deeper,” she said. “I’ve got to keep fighting those fights, so my daughter doesn’t have to.”
 
 
Jennifer Coolidge Joins Anthony Mackie, Jahi Winston, & David Harbour at 'We Have A Ghost' Premiere
The stars are stepping out for the premiere of We Have A Ghost! Jennifer Coolidge, Anthony Mackie, Jahi Winston, and David Harbour posed together on the red carpet at the premiere of Netflix’s new comedy movie held on Wednesday evening (February 22) at the Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles.
 
Fellow cast members in attendance included Tig Notaro, Niles Fitch, Isabella Russo, and Erica Ash along with director/writer Christopher Landon.
Here’s a synopsis: Finding a ghost named Ernest (Harbour) haunting their new home turns Kevin’s (Winston) family into overnight social media sensations. But when Kevin and Ernest go rogue to investigate the mystery of Ernest’s past, they become a target of the CIA.
 
We Have a Ghost will be released on Friday, February 24
 
 
David Bowie Archive Acquired by V&A Museum in London
The V&A Museum in London has acquired a massive, 80,000-piece archive of material from the estate of David Bowie, it confirmed today.
The archive contains items including handwritten notebooks, letters, costumes, instruments, awards, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs and more — many of which were exhibited during the “David Bowie Is” traveling museum exhibit that was viewed by more than 2 million people between 2013 and 2018. According to the announcement, “It also includes more intimate writings, thought processes and unrealised projects, the majority of which have never been seen in public before.” The items are set to go on display in 2025 at The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts in Stratford, which was also unveiled today.
 
“The archive traces Bowie’s creative processes as a musical innovator, cultural icon, and advocate for self-expression and reinvention from his early career in the 1960s to his death in 2016. Alongside the creation of the new Centre, the gift will support the ongoing conservation, research, and study of the archive,” the announcement continues. In its way, the Bowie Centre will be a continuation and expansion of the ambitious reissue campaign the estate has undertaken with Warner Music, which releases several lavish archival albums every year.
 
The museum’s new Stratford outpost, called the V&A East Storehouse, is set to be a “new type” of experience which will store over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books and 1,000 archives in conservation labs, research and reading rooms, galleries and creative spaces throughout the building.
 
The total figure paid for the archive was not disclosed, but the museum said it had been made possible with a donation from a £10 million ($12 million) donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group. A source clarified to Variety that the Blavatnik/ Warner donation was intended to go toward the museum’s infrastructure and upkeep rather than the acquisition of the archive.
 
However, for context, a similar archive from Bob Dylan consisting of 6,000 items was reported to have sold for between $15-$20 million in 2016.
 
Last year Variety exclusively revealed the estate had sold Bowie’s publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell for upwards of $250 million.
 
“David Bowie was one of the greatest musicians and performers of all time,” said Dr Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A. “The V&A is thrilled to become custodians of his incredible archive, and to be able to open it up for the public. Bowie’s radical innovations across music, theatre, film, fashion, and style – from Berlin to Tokyo to London – continue to influence design and visual culture and inspire creatives from Janelle MonΓ‘e to Lady Gaga to Tilda Swinton and Raf Simons. My deepest thanks go to the David Bowie Estate, Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group for helping make this a reality and for providing a new sourcebook for the Bowies of tomorrow.”
 
A spokesperson from the Bowie estate said, “With David’s life’s work becoming part of the UK’s national collections, he takes his rightful place amongst many other cultural icons and artistic geniuses. The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performance – and the behind the scenes access that V&A East Storehouse offers – will mean David’s work can be shared with the public in ways that haven’t been possible before, and we’re so pleased to be working closely with the V&A to continue to commemorate David’s enduring cultural influence.” Len Blavatnik added, “We are very proud to support the V&A and allow for the creation of this irreplaceable archive to preserve and showcase David Bowie’s iconic career. His influence on music and popular culture throughout the world cannot be overstated.”
 
Tilda Swinton, one of David Bowie’s friends and collaborators, said: “In 2013, the V&A’s ‘David Bowie Is…’ exhibition gave us unquestionable evidence that Bowie is a spectacular example of an artist, who not only made unique and phenomenal work, but who has an influence and inspiration far beyond that work itself. Ten years later, the continuing regenerative nature of his spirit grows ever further in popular resonance and cultural reach down through younger generations. In acquiring his archive for posterity, the V&A will now be able to offer access to David Bowie’s history – and the portal it represents – not only to practicing artists from all fields, but to every last one of us, and for the foreseeable future. This is a truly great piece of news, which deserves the sincerest gratitude and congratulations to all those involved who have made it possible.”
 
 
Ben Platt Speaks Out After First Broadway Performance of Parade Was Met with Antisemitic Protesters
At the first performance of the Broadway revival of Parade — a musical about the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was lynched in 1915 — antisemitic protesters gathered outside of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City.
 
In a Twitter video shared by Jake Wasserman, who is the engagement editor for Jewish publication The Forward, one protester asked patrons standing outside the theater on Tuesday, "You want the truth about who you're going to see tonight? You're paying $300 to go f------ worship a pedophile, you might as well know what you're talking about."
 
Another is heard saying, "Romanticizing pedophiles, wow, Leo Frank," referencing the musical's main character, who is played by Tony Award winner Ben Platt.
 
The musical dramatizes the story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent in Atlanta, Georgia, who was convicted of the 1913 rape and murder of Mary Phagan, his 13-year-old employee. His death sentence was commuted to life in prison two years later by Georgia Governor John M. Slaton. This came after a review of the trial exposed discrepancies in testimonies that appeared to uphold Frank's insistence on his innocence. In 1915, a group of men broke into the Milledgeville, Georgia, prison, kidnapped Frank, and lynched him.
 
Platt, 29, addressed the scene outside the Jacobs shortly after midnight on Wednesday following the production's first preview performance.
 
Reflecting on his first show back on Broadway in an Instagram video, Platt said the evening was "so wonderful and special" and acknowledged his costars and the creative team involved in the production.
 
He then addressed the protests that happened before the show, saying, "Then I got offstage and was looking at social media, and naturally the news of the fact that there were some protesters at our show has spread a lot, and that has kind of [been] the stamp on the evening, in terms of the public perception of the evening."
 
He added, "For those who don't know, there were a few neo-Nazi protesters from a really disgusting group outside of the theater, bothering some of our patrons on their way in and saying antisemitic things about Leo Frank, who the show is about, and just spreading antisemitic rhetoric that led to this whole story in the first place. If you don't know about it, I encourage you to look up the story and most importantly encourage you to come see the show, and it was definitely very ugly and scary but a wonderful reminder of why we're telling this particular story and how special and powerful art and, particularly, theater can be. And just made me feel extra, extra grateful to be the one who gets to tell this particular story and to carry on this legacy of Leo."
 
Platt thanked those working at the theater who kept audiences and show members "super safe and secure," adding: "Now is really the moment for this particular piece."
 
Producers of the Broadway revival also issued a statement to PEOPLE, saying, "If there is any remaining doubt out there about the urgency of telling this story in this moment in history, the vileness on display tonight should put it to rest."
 
Wasserman later posted an image of the flier protesters were attempting to hand out, which references neo-Nazi and antisemitic hate groups.
 
According to Broadway World, protesters chanted, "[Leo Frank is] a Jewish pedophile."
Following a sold-out run last fall at New York City Center starring Platt and costar Micaela Diamond, Parade returned to Broadway Tuesday night to a sold-out house. Following preview performances, Parade will officially open March 16 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
 
According to the production, Leo and Lucille Frank "are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another."
 
Leo Frank's trial, conviction and murder attracted national attention to the antisemitism emerging in the south, which led to the birth of the Anti-Defamation League and the revival of the then-defunct Ku Klux Klan.
 
Parade, which premiered on Broadway in December 1998, features a book by Tony, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winner Alfred Uhry, with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown. It was co-conceived by late theater legend Harold Prince, who directed its Broadway premiere.
 
Two-time Tony-nominated director Michael Arden directs the revival. Choreography is by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant.
 
Tickets for Parade are now on sale. Visit www.ParadeBroadway.com
 
 
Adele And Ed Sheeran Reject Offer To Perform At King Charles' Coronation
Adele and Ed Sheeran have declined offer to perform at King Charles' coronation concert. The "Hello" hitmaker, 34, rejected the invitation while "The A-Team" singer Ed, 32, found it "difficult" for him to perform at the May 7 show at Windsor Castle due to his gig in America.
 
The Sun reported on Sunday, February 19 that Adele has nothing publicly scheduled for May 7 or after March 25 when her Las Vegas residency is set to end, but she is apparently "locked in to other commitments that will prevent her from attending."
 
The Mail on Sunday said sources close to Ed say organisers of the show have been told he is busy and unable to play at the Windsor Castle event on May 7 - the day after the King will be crowned at Westminster Abbey.
 
A source the publication said was involved with planning the show said, "The King has suggested a number of people he would like to perform and Adele and Ed were on that list. He was very keen that they were part of the concert."
 
"There is a team set up to get the talent signed up but they were unavailable, which was a massive disappointment. They are titans of the showbiz industry and are quintessentially British but also known across the globe. It's such a shame."
 
Ed is scheduled to appear at a show in Texas the day before the coronation show, and insiders told the Mail on Sunday that even though it would make it "difficult for him to get to the Windsor show" he could still "make the nine-hour journey in time by private jet."
 
The singer closed the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June 2022 with his hit "Perfect", chosen as a tribute to the then monarch and her late husband Prince Philip.
 
King Charles, 74, is said to want Harry Styles, 29, to play the show while Lionel Richie, 73, is said to be close to agreeing, as are the Spice Girls.
 
 
Stephanie Mills Catches Heat After Saying Beyonce Isn't Comparable To Diana Ross
Stephanie Mills has found herself at the receiving end of Beyhive's rage. The iconic R&B singer has upset fans of Beyonce Knowles for saying that the former Destiny's Child star isn't comparable to her predecessor Diana Ross.
 
In an interview with VladTV, the interviewer said, "[Diana Ross] was Beyonce before Beyonce." Interjecting, Stephanie said, "Oh, she - I don't think you can compare. I don't think you can compare Beyonce to Diana Ross."
 
"Just in terms of stardom?" the interviewer asked. Stephanie added, "In terms of stardom … it's still different. I mean, Diana is glamor, and you know ... Beyonce is glamor ... it's just different ... it's Hip-Hop."
 
Stephanie continued, "I consider Beyonce Hip-Hop. And I consider Diana, R&B and Pop, and just ... I consider her royalty. I've always wanted to be like Diana. And when I saw, 'Lady Sings The Blues' ... I would go to her shows in Vegas ... they were always so wonderful and classy, and everything. Diana Ross is epitome of beauty and class to me."
 
When the interviewer said he did not necessarily agree with Stephanie on her outlook on Bey being viewed as "hip-hop," she doubled down on her comments, "Really? I see [Beyonce] more like hip-hop than anything. And I still think she's wonderful don't get me wrong. But, it's two different generations. It's just totally different … to me."
 
Needless to say, Stephanie's comments have earned her some backlash on social media. One Twitter user wrote, "I get Stephanie Mills being from a different generation and having a different perspective about Diana vs Bey but tbh how can you box Beyonce into the category of being 'hip hop' when she's done so much in so many different genres of music?"
 
Another similarly reacted, "I understand the generation divide - I really do. And Beyonce is an honorary Hip-Hop Honey but she is an R&B/Pop diva at her core. Just an evolution of what Diana Ross was in the 1970s. Lastly, Stephanie should NOT be on VladTV."
 
When someone tried to dismiss the criticism, saying, "Why is this even a discussion?!?! Both are AMAZING in so many ways!!!!!" one person responded, "I love Stephanie Mills. She's a legend. But. Beyonce is every bit of POP ICON & LEGEND that Diana Ross is. It's time we stop pushing that bar further away when it comes to Beyonce. Beyonce works hera&& off just like the Motown legend did. Diana herself has said this about."
 
Another explained where the anger came from, "Because Stephanie Mills reduced Beyonce to being ghetto while saying Diana Ross is the epitome of grace. Both are amazing. You're absolutely correct, but yall only say that when Beyonce is being disrespected, like Beyonce ain't worked hard to be the echelon of the industry."
 
Some others defended Stephanie though. One of them said, "She's getting a bunch of hate for this but y'all need to realize there would be no Beyonce without Diana Ross. She paved the way for so many Black female artists and her impact in the music industry is still very apparent. Stephanie Mills said nothing wrong."
 
"Stephanie Mills is speaking the truth," another claimed. "Diana broke all types of barriers. Diana created a new mold as a star. Beyonce is great but she follows the mold, she didn't create it. Stop acting like Stephanie said anything that wasn't comment sense."
 
Blasting Beyhive, someone penned, "Beyhive is fake raging and Stephanie wasn't weong [sic] this is two different generations Beyonce is NOT Diana Ross and Diana Ross is NOT Beyonce. Bey uses hiphop elements as Diana was strictly pop and rhythm & blues and Motown artists were trained to dress and look very ELEGANT."
 
 
Jody Watley Celebrates Getting a New Show on SiriusXM
*Check out Jody Watley! She is out here making boss moves. For instance, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the musical icon will host a new monthly 2-hour show exclusively on SiriusXM’s The Groove.
 
“The Jody Watley Show – Wattage Vibes Rooted in the Music,” will kick off with Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as the first guest, Sunday, March 12, at 6 PM (EST) / 3 PM (EST) on The Groove channel 50 and on the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online.
 
“I am so excited to be coming to SiriusXM,” said Jody Watley. “I look forward to bringing the Wattage and my own style to listeners, fully packed with the best of classic to contemporary R&B music and engaging conversations with surprise guests on The Jody Watley Show.”
 
Watley is a celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, businesswoman, and one of the architects of 21st-century pop affectionately referred to as “The Queen of Cool.’
 
Renowned as one of the defining artists of the 80s with an influence on style, music, and pop culture, Jody Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.
 
From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1989’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim pairing that is the first to crossover R&B/Hip-Hop, Pop and Dance into the Billboard Top 10 “Friends,” to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion, and music in the ‘80s long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre.
 
Get your groove on with Old School R&B on SiriusXM’s The Groove channel 50. Hear the important artists from the ’70s and ’80s including Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Isley Brothers, the Gap Band, along with host Jody Watley, and more.
 
In case you didn’t know, SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their cars, on their phones and connected devices at home with the SXM App. Streaming access is included with all of our trials and most popular plans.
 
 
50 Cent Reaches Settlement With the Shade Room in Case Over Allegedly False Penis Enhancement
A settlement has been reached between 50 Cent and the Shade Room in connection with a lawsuit focused on allegedly false penis enlargement claims.
 
As previously reported, 50 addressed the suit in question back in November when it was revealed that a July start date had been set for a trial in the case. “Yeah my d*ck is a BIG DEAL,” 50 said at the time.
 
Fans will recall that the crux of the case is a photo of 50 that was allegedly used by plastic surgeon Angela Kogan and her company. Shortly after news of a trial start date started making the rounds, it was further reported that Kogan’s legal team had attempted to instead blame the Shade Room for having shared the photo, all while 50 argued this was a matter of right of publicity.
 
Now, as first reported by Los Angeles Magazine reporter Meghann Cuniff, the Shade Room aspect of the case has been settled. In court documents, it’s noted that 50 “has reached an agreement to settle” with the Shade Room. This development, notably, does not have any immediate impact on other defendants named in the case.
 
Complex has reached out to 50 Cent’s publicist and legal rep for comment. This story may be updated.
Last week, 50 was in celebration mode in response to the signing of a new multi-year broadcast deal with Fox.
 
“I don’t miss,” 50 told fans of the deal, which (among other projects) will include the development of scripted series.
 
 
Malcolm X Family Suing NYPD, CIA & More Over Failing To Disclose Evidence In His Murder
The family of Malcolm X is filing a new $100 million lawsuit against the New York City Police Department for their role in covering up evidence related to his assassination.
 
On Tuesday, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Malcolm X’s daughters, Qubilah Shabazz and Ilyasah Shabazz, held a news conference in Manhattan. In addition to the NYPD, they announced their plans to go after New York City, New York state, the district attorney’s office, the FBI, and the CIA. The wrongful death suit alleges that the government agencies purposefully withheld evidence from the men who were wrongfully convicted of the February 1965 murder. Muhammad A. Aziz and Khalil Islam spent over two decades behind bars for the slaying before being exonerated in 2021. A third man, Mujahid Abdul Halim, was also found guilty. He confessed to the murder during his trial but has long maintained that the other two men did not participate in X’s death.
 
Islam passed away in 2009, but Aziz, now 84, was awarded $36 million for the wrongful conviction. The family of X believes that since law enforcement dropped the ball with bringing X’s actual killers to justice, they should also be compensated. Crump says the lawsuit is about those who “conspired with the triggermen” to carry out the slaying.
 
It’s unclear exactly what evidence the government suppressed in X’s case, but his family has fought for justice for years. The government has long been believed to have covered critical facts in the case. Some even argue that the government aided the assassins in carrying out the murder plot. So far, none of the agencies have commented publicly on the lawsuit.
 
 
Ex-Police Officer Now Charged With Murdering Missing Teenager Reported Missing In 2022
An ex-Georgia police officer who was previously charged in connection to a missing teen has now had his charges upgraded to murder.
Former Doraville Police officer Miles Bryant has been under investigation for at least a week after the skeletal remains of 16-year-old Susana Morales were found in a wooded area between Drowning Creek and Barrow County. Shortly after Morales’ remains were located on February 6th, Bryant was charged with concealing a death and filing a false report. Now, authorities believe Bryant is the person who killed her.
 
Morales had been missing since July 26th, 2022, when she left her home in Norcross at around 6:00 p.m. She walked to the Sterling Glen Apartments to visit a friend, hanging out for about four hours. Around 10:00 p.m., she set out on the short walk back home. Investigators think it was on this walk home that Morales’ had an interaction with Bryant, who also lived in the Sterling Glen Apartments. Bryant killed her sometime between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on July 27th. Later that day, Bryant reported that his personal gun had been stolen. That weapon was later found near Morales’ remains.
 
Morales’ death may have been prevented had Doraville Police taken the complaints from another young woman seriously. Elesha Bates previously reported Bryant for stalking her. The man was even captured on a neighbor’s Ring camera lurking around her apartment and trying to open her front door. On one occasion, he broke into her home while she was away. The 21-year-old filed a report against him with his former employer. However, they only talked to Bryant without taking any further action.
 
As of now, a cause of death has not been determined, but Gwinnett County Police Chief James McClure is not ruling out the possibility that the murder was sexually motivated, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
USA NUMBAWAN!


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM

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