#MAGFAB: Chris Pine Covers ESQUIRE MAGAZINE
Chris Pine, ESQUIRE’s March cover star. Pine has a lot to say. Hollywood tried to turn him into a heartthrob, but while everyone was taking him for granted as the likable dude with the thousand-watt smile in franchise fare, Chris Pine was figuring out just what kind of actor—and man—he really wanted to be. Twenty years into his career, at his home, high up in the hills of Los Angeles, Pine ponders the next twenty.
On whether there was drama on the set of Don’t Worry Darling: “I absolutely didn’t know about it, nor really would I have cared. If I feel badly, it’s because the vitriol that the movie got was absolutely out of proportion with what was onscreen. Venice was normal things getting swept up in a narrative that people wanted to make, compounded by the metastasizing that can happen in the Twittersphere. It was ridiculous.”
On the memes of his face people created after the Venice press conference for Don’t Worry Darling: “All the memes I saw about my face in Venice made me f*cking laugh…Sometimes the question’s not that interesting, and you just f*cking zone out, and you’re looking at a ceiling because it’s really pretty.”
On how he thinks the industry perceives him: “We’re in a business of perception, and I’m reminded often that the way that I know and experience myself and perceive myself is oftentimes wholly different than how the industry does, or artists and creators that I’m interested in working with. They think my interestingness only goes so far, I guess.”
On being the comic relief: “I’m willfully emasculating myself, because I just don’t give a sh*t. If it makes me laugh, it makes me laugh. I love looking like a fool. Kirk’s like that, too. In [Star Trek], he’s James Dean, and then he walks in to meet Bones and he hits his head. I want to be able to show that you can be cool and masculine without having it be a p*ssing contest all the time. And if you’re p*ssing, sometimes you p*ss on your foot and you can look like a f*cking idiot.”
On his long-bearded phase circa March 2022: “That guy. Gregg Allman meets someone that just came from a Bob Evans late-night slumber party. I was definitely feeling myself there.”
On whether there will be another Star Trek movie: “I don’t know anything. In Star Trek land, the actors are usually the last people to find out anything. I know costume designers that have read scripts before the actors…I would say it’s frustrating. It doesn’t really foster the greatest sense of partnership, but it’s how it’s always been. I love the character. I love the people. I love the franchise. But to try to change the system in which things are created—I just can’t do it. I don’t have the energy.”
On embodying the “earnest hero” persona: “It’s been mapped onto me since I was twenty-one, twenty-two years old. For a long time, you just embody it, until you’ve been in the business long enough and things start to shift. For a long time, I felt like the clothes were wearing me, but I was a good enough mimic to pull it off. Then you start kind of molding these characters to you, and people start seeing what you’re doing, and maybe even shifting the archetypes to really fit who you are.”
“The Natural” by Alex Pappademas is on Esquire.com now and in the new March issue, available
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Just Revealed Her Next Big “Project” and It Involves Nick Cannon
There’s no doubt that The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kandi Burruss stays booked and busy. Not only is she currently on SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B, but she’s also a singer, Grammy Award–winning songwriter, actress, producer, restaurateur, wife, and loving mother of three plus a proud stepmom. Sure, Kandi juggles many roles, but she’s never afraid to take on a new business opportunity.
In fact, Kandi is putting her music-industry experience to the test with her newest “project.” Taking to her Instagram on March 19, Kandi announced that she and Nick Cannon are joining forces to develop the new girl group, Psiryn. Kandi’s post consisted of the trio in harmony singing “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker.
“Y’all know I’m from an era where girl groups were winning!” Kandi captioned the video. “Let me introduce to you, [Psiryn]! They’ve got next! [Nick Cannon] [and] I are coming together to do this project along with the dynamic artist development team at [AGI Entertainment].” Kandi concluded the post with “These girls can sing!!!!!”
Kandi’s post garnered lots of love from fans, an XSCAPE member, and even a Bravoleb. Tamika Scott and The Real Housewives of Dubai’s Lesa Milan showed love to the upcoming girl group by commenting with flame emojis.
As fans know, Kandi is no stranger to girl groups as she’s one of the founding members of 90s popular R&B group XSCAPE, who you can catch on the Bravo series SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B.
Developing a new girl group isn’t the only exciting career update that Kandi has shared. Last year, Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, became producers for the Broadway Revival of The Piano Lesson. And in January 2023, Broadway World reported the revival had become the “highest-grossing August Wilson play” in history.
The multi-hyphenate reacted to the amazing news on her Instagram, captioning the post,” Another dream coming true!” She continued, “Thankful to be a producer on [The Piano Lesson] which is now the highest-grossing [August Wilson] play in Broadway history… Great way to start 2023!”
Watch SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B on Bravo Sundays at 8/7c and the next day on Peacock. Catch up on the Bravo app.
#NewMusic from K. Michelle Releases New Single “You”
R&B superstar K. Michelle has just released her latest single “YOU”. The song was produced by Hero and showcases her signature soulful sound, coupled with her ability to craft honest and introspective lyrics that speak to her fans’ true emotions.
The accompanying video was directed by Sam Green.
WATCH
This is the follow up to her previously released #1 hit single “Scooch”, which also featured prominently on our list of the Top 100 R&B Songs of 2022.
Both of the songs will be featured on “I’m The Problem”, which will be the final album from K. Michelle. She adds:
“I’m excited to share ‘YOU’ with my fans. It’s a very personal song that speaks to the heart of what I do as an artist – creating music that connects with people on a deep level. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it and the rest of the album.”
K. Michelle is currently on the “I’m The Problem Tour”.
#HipHopNews: Davido Announces New Album 'Timeless'
It’s been over two years, but Davido is readying his return to music. The Nigerian superstar has announced that his fourth studio album Timeless will arrive March 31 via Columbia Records.
The 17-track album is now available for pre-order and includes “Champion Sound,” his 2021 collaboration with Focalistic.
In addition to revealing the cover art, he shared a trailer in which he reflects on his journey and looks back on the past 11 years of his career.
“There is a time for everything. A time to grieve and
a time to heal,” said Davido, who lost his 3-year-old son in a tragic accident last year. “A time to laugh and a time to dance. A time to speak and a time for silence. We all have the choice to do this in our own time, but thank God I am grounded by your love, which is
timeless.”
Timeless marks Davido’s first album since 2020’s A Better Time, which spawned collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Nas, Young Thug, Chris Brown, Lil Baby, and more.
In the meantime, he has collaborated with CKay (“WATAWI”) and Pheelz (“Electricity”), and also contributed “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” for the FIFI 2022 World Cup Soundtrack.
Wendy Williams Drinking Alcohol Again Just To 'Celebrate' Her 'New Lease On Life'
Wendy Williams is apparently doing just fine despite recently spotted bar-hopping months after her rehab stint. According to her representative Shawn Zanotti, the former daytime TV queen is drinking alcohol again just to "celebrate" her "new lease on life."
"Wendy has spent most of her life in the public eye, and when is out she likes to acknowledge her fans," Shawn told Page Six on Tuesday, March 21 about the 58-year-old media mogul's boozy night out in New York City last Friday. The rep then confirmed that the former daytime talk show host was out "celebrating the new things in her life," which include several projects such as a podcast and a potential new series.
"She is happy and wanted to celebrate as she has a new lease on life," Shawn continued, adding that Wendy loved stopping by Midtown gay bar The Townhouse because she "loves her fans and fully supports the LGBTQ community, which is a big part of her fan base."
According to alleged eyewitnesses, Wendy drank her way from Fresco by Scotto in New York City all the way to gay bar The Townhouse. "Naughty But Nice" podcast host Rob Shuter also confirmed that Wendy looked "lonely" sitting by herself but then "lit up like a Christmas tree to see someone she knew."
Rob discussed their run-in in the latest episode of his podcast, saying the former "The Wendy Williams Show" host invited everyone over to her table. "We had a bite, we had some drinks, but then when we were getting ready to say goodbye, Wendy didn't really want us to leave," the journalist shared, adding that was when Wendy pitched the idea of going to a bar.
Meanwhile, another diner said, "[Wendy] kept saying she wanted to get drunk tonight," noting that Wendy was overheard saying she is looking to move to Los Angeles in three weeks. "She wasn't hiding [her drinking]," the source added.
At one point, former "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Kim DePaola approached Wendy to say she's a fan before the shock jock greeted other restaurant-goers. "She told this table that she was looking for love, and like in 'Sex and the City'. she's willing to f**k," the insider added.
Following dinner at the Midtown power spot, the group made their way to the gay cocktail lounge, where Wendy asked the doorman, "Do you watch 'The Wendy Williams Show'? I'm Wendy Williams." Another source chimed in, "It was so odd because obviously people know who she is."
The sighting came after Wendy's rep declared in October last year that she's "better than ever" after nearly two months in rehab. "We are happy to report that Wendy Williams is home and healing after being in a wellness facility since August," her publicist, Shawn, said in a statement at the time. "Wendy is excited about the road ahead and looking forward to releasing her many projects."
Gwyneth Paltrow Mocked Over Her 'Serial Killer' Look At Trial For Ski Accident
Gwyneth Paltrow has been roasted over her style following her appearance at a trial for a 2016 ski accident. The Oscar-winning actress got compared to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer after wearing aviator-style reading glasses when attending the opening of the trial on Tuesday, March 21.
The 50-year-old star, who appeared to be wearing minimum makeup, stepped out in a cream-colored knit sweater and tweed harem pants. Social media users were immediately distracted by her glasses, which are similar to the ones sported by convicted murderer and sex offender Dahmer.
"I like her serial killer vibe," one person sarcastically commented on a post about the trial. Another pointed out, "Those glasses are giving off Jeffrey Dahmer vibes." An unamused individual weighed in, "Gwyneth Paltrow is literally going for the #Dahmer look at this ski accident trail...wtf? Not very on brand for @goop."
Another mocked her, "Gwyneth Paltrow showed up for court wearing the most 'I'm an evil rich c-word' glasses you're going to see." Someone else added, "They're broadcasting the Gwyneth trial??!!! How did I not know this!! Those glasses."
Paltrow faces accusation that she has a "conscious disregard for people" that led her to hit a retired optometrist on ski slopes. After she allegedly struck Dr. Terry Sanderson from behind at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, she reportedly fled, leaving him with permanent brain damage.
Paltrow has countersued and insisted Dr. Sanderson was the one who ran into her and that she stayed at the scene, and is asking the court to force the former army optometrist to pay her legal fees and a token $1 in damages.
Paltrow was skiing down a green hill with her two children, her future husband Brad Falchuk and four instructors when she slammed into Dr. Sanderson from behind. She was rumored to have been distracted on the slopes by one of her children yelling, "Mommy, Mommy watch me ski," before the crash.
The Goop founder, her husband and her two children, Apple, 18, and Moses, 16, are all expected to testify in the trial in Park City, Utah.
Maren Morris Unapologetically Introduces Son To Drag Queens At LGBTQ+ Benefit Show
Maren Morris continues to champion the LGBTQ+ rights. The country music star has performed at Nashville's "Love Rising" benefit in Tennessee amid the state's recent anti-drag legislation and she took the chance to introduce her young son to the community.
While taking the stage at the show which took place at Bridgestone Arena on Monday night, March 20, the mother of one said, "I brought my son here earlier today for soundcheck, and he's turning 3 this week, and we got to go in the room where all the queens were getting ready and doing their makeup. And he freaked out when he went in there because it's just magic what drag queens do. There's wigs everywhere, and the smell of hairspray and wig glue; there's glitter; everyone's in a good mood. It's just like a room of love."
"And we went back to my dressing room and my son is like, 'I need the queens!' I'm like, uh, you're looking at her?" Maren quipped. "And yes," she added, "I introduced my son to some drag queens today, so Tennessee, f**king arrest me."
The 32-year-old songbird took to Instagram on Tuesday to share photos and video from her appearance at the benefit shot that night. "Love rose up," she wrote in the caption. "Thank you Nashville, the gorgeous Queens and the LGBTQ+ community for showing up last night."
For the event, Maren rocked a black, long-tail suit jacket paired with a white shirt, black tie and black miniskirt. Following the show, she explained the meaning behind her look. "I asked [stylist] @danixmichelle to put me in a suit to demonstrate the subjectivity of drag and gender expression," she wrote on her Story.
Maren Morris explained the meaning behind her outfit at the 'Love Rising' benefit.
Maren wasn't the only Nashville-based star who joined the benefit concert. Paramore's Hayley Williams, Yola, Sheryl Crow and Jason Isbell as well as Irishman Hozier took part in the event which aimed to protest recent state legislation aimed at cross-dressing performers, trans youth and same-sex marriage.
Magic Johnson reportedly joins Josh Harris' bid to buy Commanders
Billionaire Josh Harris is reportedly trying to buy the Washington Commanders, and his bid may have just gotten some Magic. Literally.
According to Sportico, NBA legend and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is joining the group Harris has assembled to bid on the Commanders. It's not known how much money he's investing, though the group already has a ton of financial backing. Beyond Harris, who is worth over $7 billion as co-founder and managing partner at Apollo Global Management, the group also reportedly includes American businessman Michell Rales, who is worth over $6.5 billion.
Both Harris and Magic have significant experience when it comes to either buying teams or being part of an ownership group. Magic is part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and owns stakes in the Los Angeles Sparks and Los Angeles FC, and was reportedly considering buying into the Las Vegas Raiders last year. Harris Owns the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils and is a shareholder in Crystal Palace FC.
This is not the first time Harris and Magic have joined forces. They were both part of the ownership group that failed to buy the Denver Broncos in 2022. That franchise eventually sold to the Walton family for $4.65 billion, which is currently the U.S. record for most expensive sports team purchase.
However, the sale of the Commanders is expected to top that by possibly $500 million or more. Forbes placed a $5.6 billion valuation on the team, which is nearly $1 billion more than the Broncos' sale price. While the Commanders are likely using their own valuation figures, the unofficial valuation does one thing: set the expectation that when the Commanders sell, it'll be for more money than anyone has ever paid to own an American sports team.
Doja Cat Gives Update On Breast Reduction And Liposuction: “I’m Healing Really Fast”
Doja Cat has given an update on her breast augmentation since mentioning that she was going under the knife back in November. On Monday (March 20), the Planet Her artist shared that she’s currently “healing” from her procedures on her Instagram.
“4 days into recovery rn [right now],” she revealed of having surgery on her breasts. She then gave fans the update that she, “feels ok” before adding, “I got lipo so my thighs hurt a lot if i move too much. but I’m healing really fast.”
As fans assumed that the singer/rapper enlarged her breast, she made it clear that she actually got a reduction.
“Ohh her body bout to eat, I just know her boobs bigger,” the Twitter user said as Doja responded with, “nope. smaller.” She then exposed her new breast size to be a 32C. See tweets below.
“I’m literally about to get surgery this winter lmao,” the 27-year-old tweeted out late last year. “I just want my ti**ies pulled up cuz some of my tops don’t fit the way i want them to.”
One supporter disapproved Doja’s plans of surgery and threatened to stop being a fan if she did indeed get cosmetic procedures. “I don’t give a f**k,” Doja responded.
In 2020, the Los Angeles-born entertainer shared with VladTV that she wouldn’t want bigger breasts and discussed an old photo that garnered negative feedback
“I just got a lot of like, ‘Saggy, saggy, saggy, saggy, saggy,’ all over the place. And it hurt my feelings of course, but I don’t give a f**k,” she said. “For me to put that out, obviously I don’t give a damn what people are saying.”
She continued by comparing small breasts and larger ones. “Big boobs don’t [sit up]. So okay, about small boobs, small boobs don’t sag because they’re too small, there’s not enough skin and fat and boob there to sag,” she explained. “But with big boobs, there’s these boobs out here that are two basketballs and they don’t make sense. They defy gravity, they defy science, it’s unexplainable. I don’t get it, I don’t get fake boobs.”
The Weeknd Captures Guinness World Records, Is Officially The World's Most Popular Artist
After a sweeping win at the 2023 Juno Opening Night Awards recently, The Weeknd has set two new Guinness World Records this week.
According to the website, Abel Tesfaye—more commonly known as The Weeknd—is now statistically the most popular musician on the planet.
The 33-year-old Canadian singer now has the most number of monthly listeners on Spotify and is also the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners.
While second-place Miley Cyrus has 82.4 million monthly listeners, the Weeknd has a whopping 111.4 million monthly listeners—at least 30 million more, according to the last data from March 20, 2023.
Not long ago, the Canadian musician also had Spotify's most-played song of all time, Blinding Lights, which has been played a staggering 3.4 billion times.
'I'm so happy': Fans react
Born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrants, Abel Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, began his career in 2009 by anonymously releasing his songs on YouTube, showcasing his dark lyricism, versatility in his R&B music. Two years later, he. co-founded theXO record label and released his mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence.
His accolades include four Grammy Awards, twenty Billboard Music Awards, twenty-two Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and several nominations for an Academy Award.
Recently, The Weeknd won four Juno Awards including artist of the year (for a 4th time); songwriter of the year; single of the year for a record-tying third time for "Sacrifice"; and pop album of the year for Dawn FM.
“Blinding Lights” from The Weeknd’s fourth album, After Hours, remains the most streamed track on Spotify, with over 3.4 billion streams as of February 2023. The song ousted Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” which had held the top spot since September 2017.
HBCU grad becomes first Black female neurosurgeon resident at Vanderbilt
Tamia Potter is currently going viral on social media for a groundbreaking reason. The 2018 Florida A&M University graduate just became the first Black woman to ever become a neurosurgeon resident at Vanderbilt University.
On Friday (March 17), Potter shared the news on Twitter. “My first job was a certified nursing assistant at 17 years old in 2014. Today, on March 17, 2023, I was blessed to be selected as the first African American female neurosurgery resident to train at [Vanderbilt University Medical Center for neurosurgery].” Since the Friday upload, her post has received over 11,000 likes, and she’s received countless messages of support.
“Tamia Potter has made HISTORY as the FIRST African American woman to train at Vanderbilt for neurosurgery. I am so proud and more importantly, I am INSPIRED!! Keep making history, Tamia! Little Black girls, like myself, are watching you,” one person wrote. Another said, “Congrats! Be careful stepping on all that glass around you from the broken ceiling!” Potter shared a series of photos and videos from the historic day. In one, she stood anxiously awaiting as a loved one opened a sealed envelope. After being told she was accepted into the program, Potter and others in the group screamed with excitement.
Another clip showed Potter graciously choked up after an individual on a phone call confirmed she was the first Black woman to train at Vanderbilt’s neurosurgery department. The reveal came on “National Match Day” when medical students throughout the United States are matched to a specialty and residency for training. After receiving her bachelor’s in chemistry at FAMU, Potter received a full scholarship for Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine in Ohio. Only two other individuals were also selected for the Nashville, Tennessee program for this year, Alan Tang and Freddy Vallejo.
The Goldbergs' Wendi McLendon-Covey Says Jeff Garlin's Exit From The Show Was Long Overdue
Wendi McLendon-Covey is speaking out about Jeff Garlin‘s from The Goldbergs.
The 53-year-old actress, who portrays matriarch Beverly on the ABC series, spoke to Andy Cohen about Jeff‘s exit, which happened last year after a series of complaints and outburst about the series during a stand up routine.
When asked about Jeff leaving the show, Wendi admitted that it “was a long time coming…it was like, ‘OK, OK, someone’s finally listening to us.’”
Wendi added that Jeff‘s exit came just after the cast and audience went through a mourning period of losing George Segel.
“That was kind of hard though because we had lost George Segel in real life and then to have to go through another loss on a sitcom,” she shared. “You can’t keep asking your audience to mourn people .”
When Andy brought up the accusations against Jeff from the set, Wendi tried to avoid and move on from the subject.
“[I've] exhausted by that topic and the PTSD of it all… I just feel like the less people know about that, the better. No one benefits from knowing anything.”
This is not the first time Wendi has spoken about his exit.
Jeff‘s exit was the result of his stand up routine, as well as the complaints.
Since then, it’s been announced that Jeff had booked a brand new role, and that The Goldbergs would be ending with season 10.
Wendi has also booked a new role on NBC’s comedy pilot, St. Denis Medical.
St. Denis Medical is a “mockumentary about an underfunded, understaffed Oregon hospital where the dedicated doctors and nurses try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity”, according to Deadline.
Joe Biden honors Bruce Springsteen, Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight with delayed National Medal of Arts
President Joe Biden doled out medals – and some jokes – to the delayed recipients of the 2021 National Humanities Medal and National Medal of Arts.
The White House hosted a livestreamed East Room ceremony Tuesday for the recipients, who included Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen and fashion designer Vera Wang.
The honorees received their awards about two years late due to a backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
First lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the ceremony, which Biden opened with a speech filled with quips about the honorees. The president greeted Louis-Dreyfus as his "friend," and asked the "Veep" star, in which she plays a politician in the White House, whether she "liked being president or VP better" on the show.
Biden told Knight she's "one of the best things to ever happen to music" and told Springsteen, "Some people are just born to run, man," a reference to the singer's 1975 hit.
The recipients of the National Medals of Arts – the highest honor from the United States government for advancing the country's arts – include actors, comedians and singers. Other recipients were artist-activist Judith Francisca Baca, philanthropist Fred Eychaner, Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano, Puerto Rican painter Antonio Martorell-Cardona and film producer Joan Shigekawa.
The Billie Holiday Theatre and The International Association of Blacks in Dance also received medals.
The National Humanities Medal honors those who have improved Americans' understanding and engagement with history, literature, philosophy and more humanities subjects. The 2021 recipients are poet Richard Blanco, anthropologist Johnnetta Betsch Cole, author Walter Isaacson, social historian Earl Lewis, Native American studies academic Henrietta Mann, novelist Ann Patchett, activist Bryan Stevenson, novelist Amy Tan, memoirist Tara Westover and novelist Colson Whitehead, as well as the organization Native America Calling.
Elton John blown away playing concert on White House lawn: 'This is probably the icing on the cake'
In September 2022, Biden awarded British singer Elton John the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to music and fighting AIDS, a disease caused by HIV that attacks the body’s immune system.
John stopped at the South Lawn for a show called "A Night When Hope and History Rhyme," a reference to a poem by Irish Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney. At the end of the show, Biden presented John with the medal.
The musician admitted to feeling blown away by the evening and honor, saying, "I will treasure this so much."
One Isley Brother is suing another Isley Brother over being The Isley Brothers
Rudolph Isley, one of the members of the legendary Isley Brothers, is suing his brother Ronald for filing a trademark registration for the Isley Brothers solely under his name.
In legal documents obtained by EW, Rudolph's legal team is seeking a judicial declaration that states "The Isley Brothers" trademark is "jointly owned" by both him and Ronald "equally" and asks the judge to require Ronald to pay him his "share of all proceeds" earned from it.
Alongside their older brother O'Kelly Isley, Rudolph and Ronald formed the Isley Brothers in 1954. Throughout the years, Rudolph claimed that the band operated as an "equal partnership under the sole ownership, direction, and control of its founding members," with the three brothers splitting all expenses, profits, and control of the business even as their lineup grew. Following the death of O'Kelly in 1986, the singer's interests were passed onto Rudolph and Ronald, leaving them both "with a 50% share of ownership in the Group and the Mark," according to the complaint.
However, Rudolph alleges that Ronald "filed an application to register exclusive rights in the Mark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in his own personal name" in November 2021 without Rudolph's "knowledge or approval." The suit claims that Ronald has "offered goods and services in commerce to the public" over the last year without his knowledge and "has failed to account to or make payment to [him] in connection with such exploitation of the Mark."
"Rudolph is unaware of the degree to which Ronald exploited the Mark, the licenses and/or other transactions that Ronald entered into for the use of the Mark, or the revenue Ronald garnered through such exploitation," the suit stated. As a result, Rudolph is asking that his brother "account for and pay over" his "rightful 50 percent share of all results and proceeds of the past exploitation of the Mark."
In a January letter attached to the complaint, Ronald's lawyer, Navarro Gray, countered by saying his client "did not set up a separate entity to receive Isley Brothers related revenue," but rather "set up his own corporate entity to do business solely related to his own musical/entertainment career." He added, "Ronald is only selling merch pertaining to Ronald Isley and Ernie Isley."
"The owner of a trademark is the person who applies the mark to the services that they perform, and who is actually and actively using the mark in commerce during or near the time of registration," it stated. "Our research shows that Rudolph Isley has not used the mark or been part of The Isley Brothers brand since 1986 and has not performed with The Isley Brothers since the death of their brother O'Kelly Isley."
"Ronald has no problem jointly deciding and incorporating Rudolph in Isley Brothers business. However, it would be only for the years that Rudolph was a working member of the Isley Brother's group," it continued. "Rudolph retired in 1986, has had no involvement in any of the compositions/body of works done after he retired, and has not performed with The Isley Brothers since the death of O'Kelly Isley."
In a statement to EW, Ronald said, "This is an unfortunate family matter that will get resolved in litigation."
The Isley Brothers, known for their hits including "Shout" and "This Old Heart of Mine," were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. They received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame last June.
Bad Bunny Hit With $40 Million Lawsuit Over Use of Ex-Girlfriend’s Voice
Bad Bunny is facing a sizable lawsuit from Carliz De La Cruz Hernández, an ex-girlfriend whose voice can be heard on a pair of the Grammy-winner’s songs.
The $40 million suit claims De La Cruz Hernández’s “indistinguishable” contributions to “Pa Ti” and “Dos Mil 16”—where she memorably says “Bad Bunny, baby”—have been used without legal permission.
Per the Associated Press, which cites Puerto Rico’s NotiCel, the recording has also been put to use in “promotions, worldwide concerts, television, radio and social and musical platforms.”
De La Cruz Hernández’s lawsuit, filed in March in a Puerto Rican court, declares, “Since then, thousands of people have commented directly on Carliz’s social media networks, as well as every time she goes to a public place, about the ‘Bad Bunny, baby.’ This has caused, and currently causes, that De La Cruz Hernández feels worried, anguished, intimidated, overwhelmed and anxious.”
“Pa Ti” and “Dos Mil 16” are nearing 1 billion combined streams on YouTube and Spotify. Bad Bunny’s manager Noah Kamil Assad Byrne is also listed in the suit, as is record label Rimas Entertainment.
De La Cruz Hernández and Bunny—real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—got together in 2011 and ultimately called it quits in 2017. Carliz claims the superstar’s rep contacted her in May 2022 to offer $2,000 for the rights to her “Bad Bunny, baby” vocal, audible at the 0:04 mark below.
Stephen A. Smith Goes Sneaker Shopping With Complex
She declined, the AP writes, then “spoke with someone at Rimas Entertainment who also offered to buy it, saying the recording would be used in the upcoming album, Un Verano Sin Ti.”
No deal was reached, but “Dos Mil 16” made the LP, which landed the same month and just nabbed the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album in February. (Bad Bunny has three wins and nine nominations altogether.)
The filing explains that Carliz recorded the phrase in a friend’s bathroom at Bunny’s request. It also alleges, per the AP, that early in their relationship and time together at the University of Puerto Rico, Bunny “was constantly creating songs and rhythms and would seek opinions from [De La Cruz Hernández], who also was in charge of scheduling his parties and handling invoices and contracts.”
For all things related to Bad Bunny’s current rumored relationship—with an up-and-comer by the name of Kendall Jenner—check out this rundown by Complex’s Dayna Haffenden.
New York Knicks Legend Willis Reed Has Died – He was 80
*He was a great one. But sadly Willis Reed is no more. Reed, who won two NBA championships during his legendary career with the New York Knicks, has died. His death was announced today (03-21-23) by the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Reed was 80.
Reed only played for one NBA team and that was New York Knicks for 10 seasons from 1964-74. He was named to the All-NBA team five times, made seven All-Star teams, and won MVP in the 1969-70 season.
He also served as coach and general manager for the Knicks after his playing career ended in 1974. He also coached and was an executive with the Nets when they played their games in New Jersey and was an executive with the New Orleans Hornets from 2004-07.
Reed who played at the center position averaged nearly 19 points and 13 rebounds during his Hall of Fame career which was quite an accomplishment for an undersized player at that position.
From a historical standpoint, Reed is probably most known for what happened during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. After a thigh injury had sidelined him in the previous game, Reed shocked the Madison Square Garden crowd by walking onto the court during warmups.
He scored the Knicks’ first two field goals and went on to win Finals MVP as the Knicks won the franchise’s first championship. Reed was again named Finals MVP two seasons later after New York’s second title.
Reed’s No. 19 was retired by the Knicks in 1976 and he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. He was also named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game.
Willis Reed was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, and as of last season, the winner of the NBA’s Southwest Division is awarded the Willis Reed trophy.
Virginia Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old Student Speaks For The First Time: “I Remember The Look On His Face”
In an interview with NBC’s ‘Today,’ Zwerner revealed that the bullet is still lodged in her chest from the shooting and said she was traumatized by seeing the open wound in her body. She underwent another procedure on her left hand to repair damage caused by the bullet after it pierced the middle bone and believes the bullet didn’t kill her because it went through her hand before entering her chest.
“I remember him pointing the gun at me; I remember the look on his face; I remember the gun going off. It’s changed me. It’s changed my life,” she recalled. Zwerner added that she’s taking legal action against the school district and felt the school’s administration should’ve done more to prevent the incident.
Her attorney, Diane Toscano, said multiple people are responsible for “those failures,” but Zwerner remains positive despite everything she’s endured after the shooting. Additionally, she thanked the public for supporting her after they learned she saved her students by placing them in another classroom before asking for help.
“My initial reaction was – your children need to get out of here. This is not a safe classroom anymore. You need to get them out of here, and then you need to go find help for yourself. just wanted to get my babies out of there. I didn’t know at the time that my lung had collapsed, but I started not being able to breathe, very raspy breaths, and my vision started going out. I remember I went to the office and I just passed out. I thought I had died.”
Zwerner said she’s been going through some obstacles during her recovery, but her mother and twin sister have been supportive.
“I’ve been doing okay. You know, it’s been challenging. I’ve gone through a lot of obstacles and challenges. Some days are not so good days, where I can’t get up out of bed. Some days are better than others, where I’m able to get out of bed and make it to my appointments. But, you know, for going through what I’ve gone through, I try to stay positive. You know, try to have a positive outlook on what’s happened and where my future’s heading.”
Foot Locker To Close Nearly 400 Mall Stores By 2026
Today’s sneaker culture has taken on a drastic change, with the increasing popularity of sneaker resellers and online stores causing sneaker store staples to close their doors indefinitely. After Eastbay closed down last year, the sneaker chain Foot Locker is downsizing its stores in order to remain in business.
Reports have confirmed that the sneaker giant will be shutting down almost 400 of its stores in malls in order to reform its approach to increase sales at their standalone locations. The company’s new “Lace Up” plan is expected to expand sneaker selections, reset the company’s loyalty program and step up the online shopping experience.
Justin Timberlake Stars in Louis Vuitton In New Campaign
Justin Timberlake has made his campaign debut with Louis Vuitton, officially.
The Sexy Back singer and his actress wife, Jessica Biel, attended their first Louis Vuitton show in October 2019, and now he’s in his first luxury fashion ad for the house name.
In addition to Timberlake, Naomi Osaka, Cate Blanchett, Hoyeong Jung, Léa Seydoux, and Zhou Dongyu are in the campaign for the collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Timberlake models in photos for the upcoming collaboration showing off the handbag. The singer isn’t an ambassador for the brand but a “friend of the house,” according to a spokesperson with Louis Vuitton.
With flowers being the main focus and a pumpkin patch painted on Timberlake’s arm, check out the WWD gallery of celebrities and their Louis Vuitton handbags.
The collaboration will be available on March 31.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Baby Grandpa
Look at those bananas
'EG' NATION: Meet Willker
Meet Wilker! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember to exercise CAUTION AT WORK!
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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