#MAGFAB: Art by Rashid Al Khalifa and Flower Power Fashion Elegance in Vogue Arabia
What a gift Vogue Arabia has given to the world — this exquisitely beautiful fashion story in the March 2023 issue. My senses are in total overload and my heart is filled with gratitude to all the creative talent and energy assembled here.
The art collage of model Abuk Adier with Art Factory Studio [their website] posing with paintings by Rashid Al Khalifa [link] raises my pulse with expectations. The artist is interviewed on Vogue Arabia. Currently, he is the chairman of the National Council of the Arts and is honorary chairman of the Bahrain Arts Society.
Add the flowers . . . oh my goddess the flowers and the fashion prints, the backgrounds that are paintings and I am losing my mind. It’s as if the people of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley were jettisoned into the 21st century.
Fashion editor Natalie Westernoff works with stylist Amine Jreissati, and photographer Sam Rawadi [IG] brings all of this beauty to life in images. Sam Allison is producer on the project./ Hair and makeup by Ivana Osypyshyna
#BREAKING: Fames Actor and Star if the HBO Hit ‘The Wire’ Lance Reddick Has died At 60
Lance Reddick, famous for his work on HBO's "The Wire" and the "John Wick" movie franchise has died according to TMZ
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Lance's body was discovered at his Studio City home Friday morning around 9:30 AM. His cause of death is currently unclear, but our law enforcement sources say it appears to be natural.
Lance had been doing a press tour for the fourth installment of the 'John Wick' franchise -- he plays Charon in the movie -- and had a guest appearance scheduled for next week on Kelly Clarkson's show.
Lance posted a selfie video on social media Wednesday morning, appearing to be at home with his dogs instead of attending the 'Wick 4' premiere in New York City ... though he never mentioned why he wasn't going to the premiere.
Before his work on 'Wick,' Lance was best known for playing fictional Baltimore Police Department officer Cedrick Daniels on the hit HBO series "The Wire" ... with his character appearing in all five seasons.
Lance also had recurring roles on a bunch of popular TV shows ... including "Fringe," "Bosch," "Oz" and "Lost."
In addition to his success on TV, Lance also acted on the big screen outside the 'Wick' franchise ... with credits in films like "Angel Has Fallen" and "Godzilla Vs. Kong."
Lance has some unreleased projects in the works ... he plays the Greek god Zeus in the upcoming Disney+ series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."
Born and raised in Baltimore, Lance earned a music degree from the University of Rochester and he got his MFA from Yale.
Lance was 60.
RIP#RHOA: ‘Reciprocity’: Porsha Williams Dragged For Mispronouncing Word After Criticizing Tamron Hall
The internet rarely if ever has any chill. That’s especially true in cases where there’s an opportunity to attack someone being accused of attacking someone else, all in the apparent name of social media justice.
It’s in that context that what seems like a growing number of social media posts have galvanized around one single social media post drawing attention to reality TV star Porsha Williams’ inability to pronounce a particular word. It was an act of social media karma, apparently, as part of the ongoing shame being heaped upon Williams’ comments this week criticizing talk show host Tamron Hall’s style of interviewing.
The social media post going viral is a tweet from Thursday that showcased video footage of Williams co-hosting on The Breakfast Club radio show during which she had, um, problems pronouncing the word, “reciprocity.”
Williams wasn’t alone in her pronunciation struggles, as co-hosts Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy offered their help to no avail.
Watch the video HERE.
To Williams’ credit, she knew the definition of the word. She simply just could not bring herself to pronounce it correctly.
But on Al Gore’s internet and specifically on Elon Musk’s Twitter, the red meat had been thrown right into the mouths of the social media wolves, who ate up the video and spit it back out in the form of a good old fashioned social media dragging.
While a good number of the quote-tweets posted in response came to Williams’ defense by noting none of the men in the room knew how to say the word, either, others pointed out that she has a long history of such flubs.
“This is the same person that thought the Underground Railroad was a actual train,” one tweet accurately noted in a nod to the infamous Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) episode in which Williams admitted her confusion about how runaway slaves escaped bondage and terror.
Others suggested Williams’ inability to pronounce “reciprocity” was right on-brand for her and linked it to the RHOA episode in which she didn’t know how many days are in a typical calendar year.
“She had 265 whole days to learn these words,” one tweet mocked.
Other tweets wondered why Williams didn’t just try to pronounce the word phonetically, syllable-by-syllable while another just said what most of us were probably already thinking: “Embarrassing af.”
Williams’ social media dragging came days after she questioned the journalistic integrity of Hall and her eponymous talk show for an interview with former Breakfast Club host Angela Yee, whose comments about being “the lone woman” working on the popular morning radio show sparked controversy.
On Monday, as Charlamagne and Envy discussed Yee’s comments, Williams suggested that Hall didn’t ask the right follow-up questions to allow an opportunity for context.
“Instead of talking to Tamron, she would have been able to expound on that,” Williams, who is also an author, said. “But when you have someone like a Tamron talking to you and she’s giving you accolades and she’s raising you up to do nothing but set you up to say something that’s gonna be catchy and she can look like a journalist, then that’s where you find Angela in this place trending for the wrong thing.”
Williams called The Tamron Hall Show a “hidden mess” and used her own experience as a guest on the show to justify her criticism. Said she was “so excited” when she went on the show to promote her book but “did not necessarily feel supported on her show.”
“It turned from just her asking questions about the book to her kinda almost attacking me, almost attacking me like I had to justify anything that I had going on,” Williams said. “It just didn’t feel good.”
For perspective’s sake, here’s a brief clip from Hall interviewing Williams.
Supporters quickly defended Hall by reminding Williams that the award-winning veteran journalist has decades of experience on the job.
Days later, Williams is still being dragged across the hot coals of social media for criticizing Hall.
#MusicNews: Ciara Announces New Single ‘Da Girls’
Ciara is coming with the heat this month. The Grammy-winning superstar has announced that her new single “Da Girls” will release March 24.
She shared the news in a social media post of the official artwork. On the cover, Ciara, rocking super voluminous curls, squats wearing a tomboy tee cropped and gigantic orange sleeping-bag style trousers.
The initial teaser for “Da Girls” surfaced in February. It featured a casual Ciara pointing to herself in the mirror while reciting the affirming lyrics.
“Da Girls” will mark Ciara’s first song of the year. The song is set to appear on her much-anticipated eighth album, which will be released on Republic Republics and Uptown Records in partnership with her imprint Beauty Marks Entertainment.
About the forthcoming album, Ciara gave insight on its direction to Zane Lowe of Apple Music last October. “I got a super R&B, hardcore R&B in the center of this album,” said Ciara.
Ciara even said her impending album would put fans in the mind of her 2004 debut album, Goodies.
“Honestly, and I really mean this, my first album to me was my best album of my whole journey. I feel like this album has taken me right there where that album was — energy-wise, tonality…the R&B core that’s in this record,” Ciara affirmed.
Following Ciara’s Apple Music interview, she shared the Summer Walker-assisted “Better Thangs.” A GloRilla-assisted remix followed later in the fall.
“Better Thangs” and “Da Girls” are among the songs to appear on Ciara’s follow-up to 2019’s Beauty Marks. The song “Jump” is also scheduled to make the tracklist.
The Coast Contra-guested bop was released as the album’s lead single in July 2022. It arrived shortly after the announcement of Ciara’s new partnership deal.
“Jump” made strides on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 4 and No. 12 on its R&B Digital Song Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales charts, respectively.
Circling back to Ciara’s untitled eighth album, it’s one of many R&B albums Rated R&B anticipates being released this year. The album will mark her first record to be released under her imprint’s new partnership with Republic Records and Uptown Records.
“I am thrilled to partner with Uptown/Republic Records through my own label imprint Beauty Marks Entertainment,” Ciara said. “Wendy [Goldstein] and I have been in discussion to work together for some time and the enthusiasm that her and the entire team have expressed over this new project marks an exciting new chapter in my career. I am grateful to be able to continue my mission of making the world dance with a team I admire, who are at the forefront of empowering artists.”
#HipHopNews: Pharrell Announces Something In The Water Festival Lineup With Clipse, Lil Wayne, & Kid Cudi
Pharrell is bringing Something in the Water back to Virginia Beach. Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, and a reunited Clipse will headline the three-day festival when it returns to Virginia Beach for the first time in four years on April 28-30.
In addition to a special set from Pharrell and friends, this year’s star-studded lineup includes Grace Jones, Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Kehlani, Summer Walker, Lil Yachty, and Machine Gun Kelly.
Other performers include Jazmine Sullivan, Latto, Coi Leray, KAYTRANADA, NLE Choppa, Polo G, SWV, The Kid LAROI, Wale, Saucy Santana, and more.
If you can’t make it to Virginia Beach, YouTube will live-stream the festival all weekend.
This marks the first time Something in the Water will be held in Virginia Beach since 2019. After missing two years due to the pandemic, the festival relocated to Washington, D.C. last June with performances from Tyler, the Creator, Usher, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Ashanti, and Ja Rule.
Three-day passes are on sale now.
Shreveport rapper ‘Hurricane Chris’ found not guilty of second-degree murder
Closing arguments in the second-degree murder trial of Shreveport rapper Hurricane Chris took place on Tuesday and the jury found Dooley not guilty on all counts.
Christopher Dooley, ‘Hurricane Chris’ was indicted by the Caddo Parish Grand Jury on October 22, 2020, in connection with the June 19 murder of 32-year-old Danzeria Farris Jr.
During closing arguments, prosecutors stated that Farris was shot six times and three of those bullets stayed in the body, and three penetrated the body. The prosecution speculated that Dooley gunned down Farris because he was too close to the $10,000 he had in his car.
Released arrest affidavits at odds with story rapper accused of murder told police
Farris was shot several times at a Texaco station on Hearne Avenue near Hollywood Avenue. The trial began Monday, March 6 with jury selection, and completed the following day with a four-man, eight-woman jury.
Opening statements began on Wednesday, March 8 in Caddo Parish.
The state presented 11 witnesses, and the defense offered testimony from two witnesses, including the defendant.
Dooley was also charged with illegal possession of a stolen 2016 Mercedes sedan, which was one of the elements connected to the slaying.
The defense claimed Dooley was attempting to wound, and not kill, Farris, and asked that Dooley not be convicted because of his celebrity.
Both the prosecution and the defense rested late Tuesday afternoon, and the prosecution did not offer a rebuttal.
The jury finished deliberating on Tuesday night and delivered their verdict after 9:00 p.m. Christopher Dooley was found not guilty of all charges.
Zaya Wade, Speaks on being a 'microphone' for trans youth
From runway model to cover star, Zaya Wade is coming into her own. The daughter of Dwyane Wade and stepdaughter of Gabrielle Union appeared in her first magazine cover shoot for the Spring 2023 Issue of Dazed. At only 15 years old, she's become a role model to fellow trans youth.
"I’m a microphone. I am my own person and I have my own experiences, but for me, as a role model, I try to use my personal experience to broadcast the positives and also the negatives in life, because a lot of LGBTQ+ youth go unrecognized in every way," she said. " I think I am here to share those experiences: to voice them, but also to enhance them. So the world can know, ‘We are here, we are queer, we are here to stay, and we aren’t going anywhere.’"
In her interview, the model discussed her connection to clothes and how that helped with gender expression, the lessons about beauty standards she learned from Union and advice she would lend to trans youth to "protect" their piece.
Proud parents Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union sit front row at Zaya Wade's runway debut: See photos
Wade's early relationship with fashion was influenced by Dwyane and Union, she shared. "It started out as, 'Oh, my parents are super fashionable, and I want to dress up and be as fashionable as them,'" the model said. "But, as time has passed and I’ve become more integrated into the fashion world, it’s become a really important part of expressing myself and my identity."
"My first experience of magic was laying down my first wig, rocking out a good pump and saying, 'I’m here,'" Wade recalled. "I was able to see myself in a way I had always wanted to see myself."
Her interpretation of beauty has also changed, based on her stepmother's own evolution on the topic. "She tries to teach me that beauty standards are arbitrary and that they don’t mean anything. They don’t matter any more; what people thought was the standard is not," Wade recalled. "And just that being myself is the best technique out there."
Wade is now in a position where people look to her for advice, particularly on navigating being a trans child. "You’re not alone!" she stressed. "There are so many people out there. I wish I knew that as a kid because I felt so isolated, thinking there was no one else like me. And the percentage of trans adults versus trans children is such a wide difference."
Her No. 1 advice for others is to "protect your peace." Wade added, "Discovering that part of yourself and then having the courage to share it is stressful in itself. It’s a lot of stress, pressure and tension."
"(You should) recognize that you have gone through a life-changing experience and that you deserve peace. You deserve a moment – multiple moments – to step back and take some time to sit with yourself, and in any manner of way just escape negativity as much as you can," she advised.
Dwyane has championed Wade after she came out as transgender in 2020. The former Miami Heat player first revealed his daughter's announcement on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
"This is her life every day. This is no game to us," Wade said later on "Good Morning America." "We're all about protecting her heart, we're about protecting her joy and to do that, we have to support her."
Wade has a strong support system wrapped around her, but recognizes that isn't the reality for all trans youth. "There are people who don’t (have that), and that’s why I try to give a message of hope to let people know there are others out there who can really just help them protect their peace," she said.
As for what's next for the growing star, "I want to do more for my community."
S.C. Republicans propose bill that could subject women who have abortions to the death penalty
South Carolina Republicans are pushing legislation that would make a person who undergoes an abortion subject to the state's homicide laws, which include the death penalty.
The South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act would "ensure that an unborn child who is a victim of homicide is afforded equal protection under the homicide laws of the state." The bill would define a "person" as an "unborn child at every stage of development from fertilization until birth."
Under South Carolina law, people convicted of murder can face the death penalty or a minimum of 30 years in prison.
The bill provides some exceptions, including if the mother had an abortion "because she was compelled to do so by the threat of imminent death or great bodily injury." It also provides an exception if a licensed physician performs the abortion to prevent the death of a pregnant woman but "results in the accidental or unintentional injury or death of her unborn child when all reasonable alternatives to save the life of the unborn child were attempted or none were available."
The measure, whose lead sponsor is state Rep. Rob Harris, doesn't include any exceptions for rape or incest. Before serving in the Legislature, Harris worked as a registered nurse for nearly three decades, according to his campaign website.
Republicans in South Carolina's House introduced the legislation in January, and it was referred to the state's House Judiciary Committee, which hasn't considered it yet. More than a dozen Republican lawmakers are listed as sponsors of the bill.
The GOP holds the majority in South Carolina's House and Senate. A similar bill has not been introduced in the upper chamber. Republican Henry McMaster is as the state's governor.
While the South Carolina House hasn't yet acted on the measure, it has received significant attention as other states impose further restrictions related to abortions. A Texas judge is holding a hearing Wednesday in a lawsuit that challenges the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone, one of two medications that can be used to terminate a pregnancy.
7 Virginia deputies charged with a Black man's death during mental health facility intake
On Tuesday (March 14), seven central Virginia deputies were taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder for their roles in the death of Irvo Otieno, 28, during his transfer to a mental health facility, CNN reported. “The family is grief stricken after learning of the brutal nature of Ivor’s death and his inhumane treatment in the hours preceding his death,” Mark Krudys, Otieno’s family attorney, told the outlet. “The public, and experienced mental health professionals alike, will be deeply disturbed when the facts of this case are fully made known.”
The tragic incident occurred on March 6. However, authorities’ interaction with Otieno began on March 3. On March 10, via a news release, law enforcement stated on that morning, Henrico police responded to a call about a possible burglary and found Otieno. Under a Virginia law, which allows an individual to be put under an emergency custody order if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others due to mental illness, Otieno was placed into custody.
He was then taken to a nearby hospital to be evaluated. While there, authorities alleged Otieno became “physically assaultive toward officers.” As a result, he was held on three counts of assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct in a hospital, and vandalism before being transferred to the Henrico County Jail West. On March 6, Otieno was taken from the jail to Central State Hospital, a state-run mental health facility, around 4 p.m. During the intake process, police said that Otieno was reportedly “combative” and had to be “physically restrained.” He passed away shortly after. Otieno’s body was taken to the office of the chief medical examiner in Richmond for an autopsy. However, his cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Yesterday, the Henrico County deputies involved — Randy Boyer, Dwayne Bramble, Jermaine Branch, Bradley Disse, Tabitha Levere, Brandon Rodgers, and Kaiyell Sanders — all turned themselves in to state police and are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. “The events of March 6, at their core, represent a tragedy because Mr. Otieno’s life was lost,” Sheriff Alisa Gregory said. “This loss is felt by not only those close to him but our entire community.” According to court records, the officers involved are expected to appear before a grand jury on March 21.
Pregnant Rihanna Bares Baby Bump in a Crop Top While Shopping with A$AP Rocky
Rihanna is enjoying a day out with boyfriend A$AP Rocky! The 35-year-old pregnant singer bared her baby bump in a crop top while stepping out for a shopping trip at Maxfield on Wednesday afternoon (March 15) in West Hollywood, Calif.
Rihanna and Rocky were surrounded by a large security team while making their way in and out of the store.
After shopping, the couple grabbed a late lunch at Bottega Louie.
Earlier in the week, the couple was at the Oscars, where Rihanna was nominated for Best Original Song for her song “Lift Me Up” from the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Rocky posed for photos with Rihanna after she changed into her third look of the night.
Whoopi Goldberg apologizes for using Romani slur on 'The View': 'I'm really, really sorry'
Whoopi Goldberg issued an apology for using an offensive word on Wednesday's episode of The View. While discussing former president Donald Trump, the talk show host mentioned how his supporters feel he got "gypped" in the 2020 presidential election.
The View's official Twitter account posted an apology video from Goldberg shortly after the episode aired.
"You know, when you're a certain age, you use words that you know from when you're a kid or you remember saying, and that's what I did today and I shouldn't have," the 67-year-old actress explained. "I should have thought about it a little longer before I said it, but I didn't, and I should have said 'cheated' and I used another word. And I'm really, really sorry."
Multiple Twitter users commented how they were unaware that "gypped" was an offensive word. But here's why the term should be retired.
"Gypsy" is a word that's been used to describe the Romani people. Merriam-Webster defines being "gypped" as being cheated, defrauded or swindled, and notes, regarding its etymology, that it is "probably short for gypsy." For years, some have casually used the word to describe when they've received less than they paid for, or if they've gotten something stolen. Obviously, "gypped" doesn't have the best connotation.
"I encounter a lot of people who tell me that they never knew the word 'gypped' had anything to do with gypsies, or that it's offensive — especially when the word is heard not read," University of Texas at Austin professor Ian Hancock, who was born in Britain to Romani parents, explained to NPR in 2013. "My response to them is, 'That's okay. You didn't know but now you do. So stop using it. It may mean nothing to you, but when we hear it, it still hurts.'"
Ryan Reynolds’ Mint Mobile to Be Acquired by T-Mobile for Up to $1.35 Billion
Mint Mobile, the prepaid wireless brand in which Ryan Reynolds holds a minority ownership stake, has been acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion.
Under the pact, expected to close later this year, T-Mobile will acquire Ka’ena Corp. and its subsidiaries and brands: Mint Mobile, international wireless service Ultra Mobile and wholesaler Plum. T-Mobile said it will be able “to leverage Mint’s industry-leading digital [direct-to-consumer] marketing expertise as part of its broader portfolio to reach new customer segments and geographies.”
Following the deal’s close, Mint Mobile founders David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim will remain at T-Mobile to manage the brands, which will “generally” operate as a separate business unit.
Reynolds will continue in his creative role as a spokesman for Mint. The actor-entrepreneur owns a roughly 25% stake in Mint, according to Bloomberg, which previously reported on the company’s deal talks with T-Mobile.
“Mint Mobile is the best deal in wireless and today’s news only enhances our ability to deliver for our customers,” Reynolds said in a statement. “We are so happy T-Mobile beat out an aggressive last-minute bid from my mom, Tammy Reynolds, as we believe the excellence of their 5G network will provide a better strategic fit than my mom’s slightly-above-average mahjong skills. I am so proud of the entire Mint team and so excited for what’s to come.”
T-Mobile said it will maintain Mint Mobile’s current pricing plans, which start at $15 per month for unlimited talk and text and up to 4 GB of data/month.
T-Mobile will pay up to a maximum of $1.35 billion in a combination of 39% cash and 61% stock to acquire Ka’ena. The actual price to be paid by T-Mobile will be based on Ka’ena’s performance during certain periods before and after the closing and is also subject to working capital adjustments and other contractual reserves, the carrier said. T-Mobile said it does not currently expect the transaction to have any impact on the company’s 2023 financial guidance or its ongoing stock repurchase program.
“Mint has built an incredibly successful digital direct-to-consumer business that continues to deliver for customers on the Un-carrier’s leading 5G network and now we are excited to use our scale and owners’ economics to help supercharge it — and Ultra Mobile — into the future,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said in announcing the deal.
On social media, Reynolds shared a video (produced by his Maximum Effort advertising and production company) featuring Sievert. “Nice to have a new dad!” Reynolds exclaims at the end of the clip after he hugs the T-Mobile chief executive.
Anthony Rapp Says Baby Rai's Arrival Was the 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' Following Dark Times
Anthony Rapp was in his early 20s when he realized he wanted to become a father — but was convinced it would never happen.
"I thought it'd pass me by," he tells PEOPLE. But nearly 30 years later, the Star Trek: Discovery actor is at ease sitting beside his partner, leadership and life coach Ken Ithiphol, and their 3-month-old son Rai Larson Ithiphol, at their home in downtown New York City.
"He's making more noise lately, just cooing and chatting," Rapp says, noting that looking into his son's eyes feels like staring into the ocean. "You just get lost, right? That's what I feel."
Rai's birth in December came at a "profound" time for the actor. Less than two months earlier, Rapp, who rose to fame in the mid-1990s starring in the Broadway blockbuster Rent, lost his civil lawsuit against Kevin Spacey, whom he accused of making an unwanted sexual advance toward him when Rapp was 14. (Spacey claimed he did not remember the encounter.)
"To really close the chapter on that and to do so knowing that Rai was coming — to say this was a light at the end of the tunnel is an understatement," says Rapp, 51.
Now he's keeping his focus on the future, including his new one-man musical Without You and the upcoming final season of Star Trek: Discovery: "It's this era of light — and [the lawsuit] is a closed room."
The door for baby Rai's arrival began to open in December 2015, when Ithiphol, 37, saw Rapp in a touring production of the musical If/Then and messaged him on Facebook about the show.
"It started off as a very friendly, casual conversation," recalls Ithiphol. "Then once we met, it got a bit more flirtatious." They started dating that January and were engaged in November 2019. In early 2021 they began the surrogacy process.
The pandemic, Ithiphol says, "really launched us into taking that first step, which really helped us tap into that deeper longing to figure out how to make it happen."
When Rapp and Ithiphol found Nikki Nicolaisen, a nurse and married mother of three in New Hampshire, they "had a very strong response," says Ithiphol. (Nicolaisen says she developed a "lasting bond" with the couple, explaining that she was happy to give them a "one-of-a-kind gift that can't be replaced.")
Adds Rapp, whose mom, Mary Lee Baird, died in 1997: "Both of our late mothers were nurses. Like them, [Nicolaisen] has a kind of quiet strength."
Baird's death came roughly a year after the death of Rent creator Jonathan Larson, Rapp's close friend and the inspiration behind Rai's middle name.
Rapp honors both Larson and his mother in his one-man Off-Broadway show Without You — which is based on his 2006 memoir — and says that spending time with the memory of his mom has had an impact on his parenting.
"I'm very mindful that she's not going to get to meet him," Rapp says. "At the same time, I'm also channeling her. Her spirit is super present. Bittersweet is not quite a strong enough word."
Baby Rai will call Ithiphol Dad or Daddy, the couple explain, and Rapp will be called Papa. ("We practiced that with our pets first — seriously — just to get used to the vernacular of it," Rapp says.)
The couple have not ruled out expanding their family again, but for now they are savoring the sweet early days with their newborn.
Rapp is especially reveling in reading to his son. "I don't know how much he's processing yet, but I'm really looking forward to hearing from him about what he gets from books," says Rapp.
Adds Ithiphol with an adoring smile: "I hope he'll enjoy singing too."
Alec Baldwin scores another win in 'Rust' case as special prosecutor resigns
Alec Baldwin scored another win in the Rust case as special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, announced on Tuesday she's stepping down. The move comes one month after the actor's legal team filed a motion asking the judge to have her dismissed, claiming her status as a Republican lawmaker in the New Mexico House of Representatives is "unconstitutional." Baldwin, whose charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, has pleaded not guilty.
"After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the Rust case. My priority in this case — and in every case I've prosecuted in my 25-year career — has been justice for the victim," the office of New Mexico's First Judicial District Attorney tells Yahoo Entertainment. "However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins. I will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand."
Paperwork has been filed with the court and prosecutors are not commenting further at this time. Yahoo reached out to Baldwin's attorney, but did not immediately receive a response.
Hutchins was killed when a gun Baldwin was holding discharged during rehearsals. He's repeatedly said he did not pull the trigger. That will be a big point of contention at trial... assuming the case makes it there. The defense and prosecution publicly sparred last week after a hearing on Thursday. One of Baldwin's attorneys claimed in court the firearm in question "was destroyed by the state."
Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for the New Mexico First District Attorney, later refuted that to the media and said the gun is "in evidence and is available for the defense to review."
"The defense's unexpected statement in the status hearing today that the gun had been destroyed by the state may be a reference to a statement in the FBI's July 2022 firearms testing report that said damage was done to internal components of the gun during the FBI’s functionality testing. However, the gun still exists and can be used as evidence," Brewer added.
Last month, prosecutors downgraded one of the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin that included a firearm enhancement. It carried a maximum sentence of five years behind bars if convicted. It was the most serious outcome he faced.
Baldwin's lawyers argued that prosecutors committed "an unconstitutional and legal error" by charging the 30 Rock star "under a statute that did not exist under the state of the accident." The law in question took effect in March 2022, almost six months after Hutchins was killed. The same charge was also dropped against Rust armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Legal experts widely condemned the initial move by prosecutors.
"In order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the District Attorney and the special prosecutor have removed the firearm enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set," Brewer explained of the decision. "The prosecution's priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys."
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face one count of involuntary manslaughter, a fourth-degree felony that carries a sentence of 18 months in prison.
Rust will resume production this spring — but not in New Mexico. Rust Movie Productions announced the movie will shoot at Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Baldwin will return along with director Joel Souza, who was injured in the 2021 incident, plus a mix of old and new crew.
3-Year-Old Girl Kills 4-Year-Old Sister in Accidental Shooting
A tragic shooting in a Houston home has left a 4-year-old child dead. CBS News reports that the incident occurred on Sunday at around 8 p.m. local time when a 3-year-old girl shot her 4-year-old sister. Five adults, including both children’s parents, were present in the home, but somehow the girls were alone in the bedroom.
“It appears that one parent thought the other parent was maybe watching the other children, when in fact, the two toddlers were left basically unsupervised inside the bedroom,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said during a press conference.
While in the bedroom, the 3-year-old came upon a loaded semi-automatic pistol and fatally shot her sibling. The adults came running when they heard the gunshot and found the 4-year-old on the ground. The adults secured the gun and called 911. The 4-year-old passed away in the home.
Now, prosecutors will decide if any adults will be charged for the accidental shooting, with Gonzalez saying it’s “very likely.”
“It seems like another tragic story of a child getting access to a firearm and hurting someone else,” Gonzalez added, calling the incident “very preventable.” He continued, “Everyone’s impacted, a community’s impacted when a child loses their life in this way.”
“You’ve got to be sure you’re being a responsible gun owner, securing your weapons in a safe place,” he said. “It’s got to be more than just telling young kids not to touch the weapons. You know, we’ve got to do a little more. We see far too many tragic situations like this unfold.”
Evelyn Lozada, Tamar Braxton & Nivea Share Why They Are Looking For Love On TV
A new dating series, “Queens Court,” is coming to Peacock starring Tamar Braxton, Evelyn Lozada, and Nivea. Over ten episodes, the ladies will meet 21 vetted bachelors vying to be king to these three queens. Joining the ladies on the quest for love is a couple that understands the ups and downs of love and fame, Holly Robinson-Peete and Rodney Peete. Will Packer productions produce the series.
EUR talked exclusively with the queens about why they chose to look for love on reality TV and the friendship the three came away from the series with.
Lozada said she didn’t know what to expect coming in, “Tamar was someone I saw throughout the years; we did a photo shoot together years ago. Nivea, this was my first time meeting her, so I think naturally you are like, how will this be? Are we going to get along? But, as soon as I got to the house, it was all love. Lozada added that Tamar and Nivea made the experience of filming and meeting the new guys enjoyable.
Lozada explained, “they gave great advice. It really became a sisterhood. It was fun. I was a little nervous walking in, but they improved the process. We bonded. Tamar made me laugh so much. Then they made me cry. But everybody knows me as a crybaby on TV, but it’s a good cry.”
Nivea shared why she thought looking for love on reality TV was the right move at this moment.
I’m a bold person. This was a bold thing to do. I like to point out the fact that we all share in common bravery and courage, period. We’re just alpha females. And as beautiful as our love lives have been. We have had some problems. So we would be the women to do it. Like, okay, why not? You know, let’s try. We go after some sh*t. So this was just another expression of ourselves, showing that even in love with our past failures, we’re still willing to take risks.
All episodes of “Queens Court will be available on Peacock beginning March 16.
Al Roker Says He 'Couldn't Be Happier' To Be Expecting First Granchild
Al Roker is going to be a granfather soon. The "Today" show co-host announced that his daughter Courtney Roker is expecting her first baby with husband Wes Laga and he "couldn't be happier" for it.
On Wednesday, March 15, the 68-year-old reposted a compilation video shared by his daughter on Instagram. The clip featured Courtney having an ultrasound scan.
In the caption, Al gushed, "Could not be happier for these two. Now begins the revenge of the Dad." He then added, "Spoiling this kid rotten then handing the baby back. Hahahhahahahaha."
Al also shared the happy news in the Wednesday episode of the "Today" show. "My daughter Courtney and her husband, Wes [Laga], are expecting our first grandchild," he declared. "We're very excited."
When asked by his colleagues what kind of grandpa he plans to be, Al replied, "For this grandchild, I'm gonna be the best grandpa ever." He continued, "Because I'm gonna do whatever I can to spoil this kid and then hand her back."
Frank Ocean's 'New Look' Sends Internet Into Frenzy
Frank Ocean became trending on Twitter and Instagram after a fan shared a photo of his new look. Though it's unclear whether it was the real selfie or the edited one, fans couldn't help but make jokes and memes over his new appearance.
On Monday, March 13, a fan account blondedhomer shared a picture of the musician on Twitter. In the said snap, he could be seen sporting shoulder-length dreads and full-grown beard.
Many have since offered their two cents. "He kinda look like Kanye West," one person opined, while another replied, "It's giving Black Jesus." A third commented, "The Jesus look...quite unquestionably remarkable."
Someone else then shared similar sentiment, "When people talk about black Jesus…This is what I envisioned." A different individual echoed, "He look like black Jesus rn. I'm here for it."
Frank has been staying low-key after dropping his album "Blonde" in 2016. The last time he made headlines was back in August 2022 when he promoted his brand Homer's new penis ring with a nude pic.
At that time, the crooner unleashed a nude photo of someone wearing the sex toy, with their genitals blurred out, on his brand's account as well as his Instagram Story. It's not known if the individual in the picture is Frank himself.
Frank also promoted his new line by posting a picture of himself in a black wig and orange hoodie on his Instagram page. "Wigging w/ multiple fans blowing thru my hair + hoodie from tour that Covid cancelled back in 2020," he captioned the image. "Plus some sketches from my desk a couple months ago and a buss down Homer bday cake .. love u see u :D."
Bred 13s Worn By Michael Jordan In ’98 NBA Finals Expected To Fetch Up To $4 Million At Auction
A pair of Air Jordan 13s worn by Michael Jordan during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals may break the world record for most expensive sneakers ever auctioned.
The black and red shoes, nicknamed the “Bred 13s,” were on Jordan’s feet during his “Last Dance,” when his cherished Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz. That NBA Finals marked his last with the Bulls. Therefore, any memorabilia from that period is certain to go for thousands, if not millions, and the Bred 13s are no exception.
Sotheby’s has now obtained the rare find in addition to its Dynasty Collection. The exclusive line consists of six pairs of Air Jordans, all worn by the basketball icon during his six championships. The sneakers in this group are the “Infrared” Air Jordan 6, “Charcoal” Air Jordan 7, “Playoff” Air Jordan 8, “Bred” Air Jordan 11, “Playoff” Air Jordan 12, and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan 14. While the Bred 13s aren’t technically a part of the line-up, it could very well fetch more than any of its counterparts.
The auction house expects the autographed pair of sneakers to sell for anywhere between two and four million dollars after the bidding begins on April 3rd. They will likely exceed the total of Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1s, which sold for $1.8 million in 2021. Jordan’s Nike Air Ships, also sported on the court, sold for $1.472 million that same year.
Potential buyers may bid on Sothebys.com or in person at Sotheby’s New York. Bidding will conclude on April 11th.
Drew Barrymore 'Honored' To Be Chosen As Host Of 2023 MTV Movie And TV Awards
Drew Barrymore is set to host the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Elated by the new gig "The Drew Barrymore Show" host said she's so "honored to have been chosen."
On Wednesday, March 15, the 48-year-old shared a video of herself dressing up as the scary doll from "M3GAN". The character then broke the news to herself, who was not in costume. "I actually have news for you. You're hosting the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards! How exciting!" the doll exclaimed.
In response, Drew exclaimed, "Oh wow, I am so honored to have been chosen, especially this year, when the show is all about the fans." She then added, "I'm a fan, and you're a fan ... of scary movies right?"
Drew went on to tell Cocaine Bear and "Scream" 's Ghostface in the footage, "It is going to be an epic night. Big moments. Huge movie stars. Cocaine bear are you free on May 7? The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, we'll be there." She ended the clip by asking the audience, "Will you?"
Drew herself has been nominated nine times at the MTV Movie & TV Awards. Among those, she successfully took home three Golden Popcorns. She won first won Best Kiss for her film "The Wedding Singer" and Best On-Screen Duo for 2001's "Charlie's Angels" as well as 2004's "50 First Dates".
This year's event, which will be produced under Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios, the umbrella company for brands like MTV, Comedy Central, CMT, Paramount Network and TV Land, will air live on May 7 at 8 P.M. ET/PT on MTV. It will also be broadcasted on internationally in more than 150 countries.
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