#MAGFAB: Doja Cat Covers L'Officiel Spring 2023 Global Art Issue
Doja Cat covers L’Officiel Art’s Spring 2023 global issue, with the interview and fashion cover story published in L'Officiel Paris, Italia and USA. You can find it on newsstands now in all three countries.
Photographer Greg Lotus [IG] brings an extra dose of image artistry to photographs that are in alignment not only with an excellent, beneath-the-surface interview by Marisa Meltzer of the uber-talent Doja Cat.
They should make a good team — Doja Cat and Greg Lotus — because both creative spirits mix classical influences in finished works that are definitively modern. Lotus employs a technique or two AOC hasn’t seen in current fashion photography and I hope it’s not a one off. Wrong! Lotus did an entire story in ‘Double Vision’ Vogue Japan 2016.
The contrast of ‘rustic’ animals with high fashion glamour is a known Greg Lotus technique.
Presumably, they are peeling Harris Reed off the ceiling, after including his superb creations that are perfect for Doja Cat, who says:
I’m one person who will not exist again. There’s not more than one of me. So whatever I do, it’s going to be original . . . but admires greatly the simple, fashion elegance of Angelina Jolie.
As numerous press reports note, the talent’s effort to pull off that Schiaparelli happening during Paris Fashion Week warants an endurance under fire trophy. The particulars of her being very ill while being covered with red sequins are detailed in AOC’s overview.
Doja Cat’s tastes in music tell us much about her personality. “I listen to a lot of music, but I listen to music that I don’t make. I listen to some Japanese House. Dead Can Dance. Drop Nineteens. I was listening to a lot of Cocteau Twins.” She explains that Cocteau Twins won’t influence her.
#RHOA: Porsha, Simon, and Dennis Step Out to Support PJ at Her Ballet Recital
She’s an author, radio host, TV personality, and business owner. But above all, Porsha Williams is a proud mom.
On Friday (April 21), The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s first-ever ballet recital. Porsha highlighted the event with a video montage, which showed Pilar Jhena “PJ” McKinley in a pink tutu receiving flowers, dancing on stage, and taking photos with her blended family. This included Porsha’s mother, Diane T. Williams; her half-sister, Lauren Williams; her husband, Simon Guobadia; as well as her ex-fiancé and PJ's father, Dennis McKinley.
“It’s [Pilar Jhena’s] 1st Ballet recital,” Porsha wrote in the caption, adding that her 4-year-old daughter had butterflies ahead of the performance. “We are so proud of our baby!!! I can report that although she was nervous your insa-neice killed it!!”
RHOA cast members Kandi Burruss and Drew Sidora reacted similarly to the adorable post, commenting “Too cute!”
The event was also shared on PJ’s Instagram account (managed by Porsha), where fans could scroll through another batch of family photos.
Porsha and Dennis welcomed PJ in March 2019 and announced their separation more than a year later. Though the former couple has experienced many ups and downs, they've since established a cordial co-parenting relationship. This was demonstrated around Father’s Day 2021, when Porsha shared heartwarming photos of Dennis and their then-2-year-old daughter.
“Your relationship with pooh bear is so beautiful!” she wrote. “Pilar is a true daddy’s girl and I love it!”
PJ’s recital comes weeks after her family traveled to Costa Rica to celebrate her birthday. The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip alum documented the festivities on social media, posting clips and photos of a fireworks display, an inflatable obstacle course, and her daughter’s Minnie Mouse birthday cake. The days-long celebration took place at Porsha and Simon’s beautiful vacation home, where they hosted members of Simon's family.
”A Costa Rica Birthday Fit for a Princess [PJ],” Porsha captioned an Instagram. “The Guobadias know how to have a good time! Fireworks at the house, family obstacle course, cookout, and lots of love. We love you so much whittle munchkin!”
Watch The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Peacock and the Bravo app.
#MusicNews: Usher Wants To Headline Super Bowl Halftime Show
Usher still has the Super Bowl on his bucket list. Despite his legendary career, the R&B icon has never headlined a halftime show, but he’s ready when the opportunity comes. During an interview with “Access Hollywood’s” Scott Evans, he was asked if he would say yes to performing at the Super Bowl.
“I’d be a fool to say no,” he said. “If things line up the way we would all hope, one day that moment would happen. I’ve had the opportunity to graze the stage before in support of ‘OMG’ with will.i.am, but that was one moment.”
Usher has hit the Super Bowl stage once before when he joined the Black Eyed Peas to perform “OMG” during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 2011.
“I think I have a catalog that obviously speaks for itself, so to be able to celebrate on that day, it’s obviously about football, but everybody really anticipates the performance,” he added. “Seeing Michael Jackson perform and recently seeing Snoop [Dogg] and [Dr.] Dre and all them perform, seeing so many incredible performances like Prince. It has always been kind of a bucket list.”
Usher said he’s not sure how to make it happen, to which Evans said he was manifesting it by putting it out there.
It’s unclear if and when an Usher Super Bowl will happen. He retweeted a headline and wrote, “I’m willing to wait for it” alongside the winking emoji.
Until then, you can catch Usher live at his Las Vegas “My Way” residency, which runs through October. He will also headline the Lovers & Friends festival next month.
Rihanna headlined this year’s highly-anticipated halftime show, which was the second-most watched of all time. The NFL typically announces next year’s performer in the fall.
#HipHopNews: Drake Sued For $10 Million After Using Another Rapper’s Voice Sample On Honestly, Nevermind Track
Drake is being sued by a Ghanian artist who claims the rap megastar used a sample of his voice without permission.
On Tuesday (April 18), rapper Obrafour filed a lawsuit against Drake for copyright infringement, according to court documents obtained by XXL on Friday (April 21). Obrafour is claiming the Canadian MC's 2022 dance album Honestly, Nevermind track "Calling My Name" swiped the vocals from Obrafour's song "Oye Ohene." In the suit, Obrafour claims a woman from Drake's camp named Deborah Mannis-Garnder reached out to him via email about clearing the sample last June. Obrafour did not respond to the email, nor did he reply to another follow-up email sent by Mannis-Garnder on June 13, 2022.
However, on June 17, 2022, Drake released his Honestly, Nevermind album, which contains a vocal sample of Obrafour saying "Killer cut, blood, killer cut" on the song "Calling My Name."
"This lack of alteration to the audio of the sampled phrase heard in the infringing work is notable to the extent that is generally atypical for a song to sample another without at least some audible manipulation, processing or other alteration to the basic character speed and/or pitch of the sample audio," the lawsuit reads.
Obrafour, real name Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko, was not given a writing credit on the track. Now, he is seeking upward of $10 million from Drake for damages including all profits made from the song. Obrafour is seeking a jury trial.
#RIP:‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judge Len Goodman Dies at 78
Long-time “Dancing With the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge Len Goodman has died. He was 78.
Goodman’s manager confirmed his death to the BBC on Monday. The British ballroom dancer and judge, who had been diagnosed with bone cancer, died on April 22 at a hospice in Kent, surrounded by his family.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” said Goodman’s agent Jackie Gill in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Goodman was a mainstay as head judge on the popular BBC dance competition “Strictly Come Dancing” from its 2004 launch right up until 2016. He also served as a judge on the U.S. adaptation, “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC, from its launch in 2005 through to 2022.
Last year, Goodman revealed that Season 31 of “Dancing With the Stars,” which premiered last fall on its new home on streamer Disney+, was going to be his final season after 17 years with the program.
“I got the call to be a judge three days before the first show,” said Goodman at the time, reflecting on his long tenure on the show. “Little Len! Who am I? I’m just a dance teacher from Dartford. Suddenly, I’m thrust into Hollywood. I got the reputation for being the tough judge, because what I see is what I say.”
Indeed, Goodman was respected on both shows for his straightforward critique and analysis of contestants. He didn’t mince words in relaying feedback, but was also kind and complimentary of star performers.
The BBC released a statement just minutes after Goodman’s death was first announced by the public broadcaster, with director general Tim Davie calling him a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions.”
“He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family,” said Davie. “Len was at the very heart of ‘Strictly’s’ success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”
Born as Leonard Gordon Goodman in London in 1944, Goodman relocated with his family to Blackfen at a young age. One of his early jobs was as an apprentice welder. Upon sustaining a foot injury, a doctor recommended dance as a form of therapy, and Goodman began dancing at 19.
As a professional, Goodman won a number of competitions and ultimately retired in his late 20s. He appeared as head judge on “Strictly” from its inception, serving on a panel with Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, whom he’d later work with on “Dancing With the Stars.” He stepped down from the show in 2016.
Goodman became a household name in America upon the launch of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2005, where he judged alongside Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba through to the most recent season. (Season 32 is scheduled to return on Disney+ this fall.)
Outside of his judging duties, Goodman presented various programs, including “Partners in Rhyme,” “Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman” and “Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance.”
Goodman was treated for prostate cancer in 2009, and in 2020, revealed via the U.K.’s Melanoma Fund that he had undergone surgery for a facial melanoma.
He is survived by his wife Sue Barrett and a son from a previous relationship, James William Goodman.
Tucker Carlson is OUT at Fox News
FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.
Mr. Carlson’s last program was Friday April 21st. Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named.
Carlson’s exit comes in the wake of Fox News Channel reaching a settlement in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems, just as their much-publicized trial was about to get underway. Dominion claimed it was owed damages resulting from Fox News’ airing of false claims about its role in the 2020 election. In the past few months, emails and texts gathered for the trial from Fox executives and anchors — Carlson and Sean Hannity included — hinted that people working at the company knowingly put forth false information about the election and Dominion’s involvement in it.
Justin Nelson, an attorney representing Dominion, said the case was settled for $787.5 million.
In a statement released after the settlement was reached, Fox said: “We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems. We acknowledge the Court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false. This settlement reflects Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards. We are hopeful that our decision to resolve this dispute with Dominion amicably, instead of the acrimony of a divisive trial, allows the country to move forward from these issues.”
Carlson began his Fox News tenure as a political analyst in 2009, appearing on various programs before the launch of Tucker Carlson Tonight in 2016. Prior to that, he worked at CNN from 2000 to 2005, where he served as cohost of the debate-style program Crossfire, before making the leap to MSNBC, where he hosted the primetime program Tucker from 2005 to 2008.
Don Lemon says he has been fired from CNN
Don Lemon was terminated from his anchor role at CNN, he announced Monday.
The news comes after Variety published a story earlier this month on allegations that he mistreated his female colleagues over the course of his career there. And earlier this year, he faced backlash over widely criticized comments he made on-air.
Lemon announced the news on Twitter, saying he was informed by his agent that he was being terminated.
"I am stunned," Lemon wrote. "After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly."
CNN CEO Chris Licht said that the network and Lemon have "parted ways," according to a memo provided to NBC News Monday.
"Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years," the statement said. "We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors."
Lemon has been with CNN since 2006, joining the network after anchoring at NBC Chicago and working as a correspondent for NBC News, the "TODAY" show and "NBC Nightly News."
Lemon first came under fire in February during a segment on “CNN This Morning” in which he remarked that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, was no longer in her “prime.” The comment was made while discussing a suggestion by Haley that candidates over the age of 75 should be subjected to mental competency exams.
“Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” Lemon said. “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”
When pushed by co-anchor Poppy Harlow, Lemon told her not to “shoot the messenger.”
Licht told employees that Lemon agreed to partake in training following public backlash to his comments. He also told Semafor earlier this month that both CNN and Lemon have "moved on" from the issue.
“Don Lemon is a lightning rod because he really came to prominence during an era where that was celebrated and encouraged in prime time," Licht said.
But a Variety report published April 5 alleged that Lemon has a long history of questionable behavior toward women.
The report was based on more than a dozen former and current colleagues, Variety said, who described Lemon as openly hostile to women at the network. Most of the sources spoke anonymously to the outlet. NBC News has not independently verified the allegations.
A spokesperson for Lemon said in a statement to NBC News following the report that it was “amazing and disappointing that Variety would be so reckless.”
“The story, which is riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence, is entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip,” the statement said.
Responding to an NBC News request for comment, CNN referred to statements it made to Variety that Lemon denied the allegations and that the network — regarding a specific allegation from 2008 — was unable to “corroborate the alleged events from 15 years ago.”
Lemon’s termination comes less than two years after former anchor Chris Cuomo was fired from the network. Cuomo, who anchored his own primetime show for CNN, was fired in December 2021 after an attorney general investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against his brother, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The investigation revealed the depth of Cuomo’s role in helping his brother fight the allegations. He had previously disclosed some conversations with his brother but the attorney general report revealed a “greater level of involvement” than CNN was aware of, the network said at the time.
Cuomo filed legal action against CNN seeking $125 million for wrongful termination last year, which is still pending
Gervonta Davis knocks out Ryan Garcia in Round 7 with ferocious body shot
The book on Gervonta Davis going into his fight Saturday with Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was that he was one of the sport’s hardest hitters. And so, not surprisingly to many, Davis knocked Garcia out with a shot to the ribcage 1:44 into the seventh round.
It wasn’t, however, power that led Davis to this victory. It was his boxing skill, his ring IQ and his ability to capitalize on Garcia’s mistakes that carried him to the dramatic victory in their heavily hyped 136-pound fight.
Garcia overextended in the second, throwing a right at Davis, at a point when things seemed to be going in Garcia’s favor. Davis slipped the punch and threw a perfectly placed counter left hook that landed in the middle of Garcia’s face and put him down.
Davis, who did next-to-nothing in the first as he just took the measure of Garcia, took over the fight after that. He closed the distance expertly, fought at angles where he was able to land his shots and neutralize Garcia’s vaunted left hook and just score more.
He has tremendous power, but this guy is not simply a knockout artist. He’s clearly an elite boxer.
He predicted a seventh round finish and then delivered, upsetting those who bet the over in the process. The over-under was 7.5 rounds and the bout ended just short of that mark.
There was no magic to the seventh-round prediction, Davis admitted, but there was plenty of magic to his work in the ring.
“It was me just trying to get into his head, you know,” Davis said. “I really don’t know. But once I got in there with him, I felt skill-wise, it would be all me.”
And largely, it was. Judges had Davis up by scores of 58-56, 59-56 and 59-55, while Yahoo Sports had it 57-56 for Davis.
Davis ended it with a shot that not many saw. He dug under Garcia’s right arm and landed a left to the ribcage. Garcia backed up toward the corner but did not go down initially. But after another step back, he took a knee. Garcia seemed clear-headed as he took the count from referee Thomas Taylor, but he didn’t attempt to rise until Taylor had counted 10.
“He caught me with a good shot,” Garcia said. “[I will make] no excuses in here. I just couldn’t recover. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. He caught me with a good body shot.”
Asked if he was struggling to breathe, Garcia delivered a confusing answer.
“I’m not saying nothing but yeah, I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I was going to get back up but yeah, I couldn’t get back up.”
Thus ended the biggest fight so far of 2023. It established Davis as one of boxing’s top stars and showed that while Garcia is an extraordinary talent, he needs to fight more often to become a fully finished product.
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Dominates Again as ‘Evil Dead Rise’ Scares Up $23.5 Million Debut
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” achieved the high score at the domestic box office, earning a massive $58.23 million in its third weekend of release. The animated family film easily fended off this weekend’s new releases, including a promising start for supernatural horror sequel “Evil Dead Rise” and tepid debuts for action-war thriller “Guy Ritchie’s the Covenant” and A24’s anxiety-inducer “Beau Is Afraid.”
After three weeks on the big screen, “Mario” has grossed $434.33 million in North America and $871 million globally to stand even higher as the biggest movie of the year. Those ticket sales, down just 37% from the weekend prior, rank as the highest third weekend ever for an animated film domestically (surpassing 2018’s “Incredibles 2” with $46.4 million in its third weekend of release) and the seventh-biggest third weekend of all time (overtaking 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home” with $56 million in its third weekend of release).
Though “Super Mario Bros. Movie” steamrolled the competition, the R-rated “Evil Dead Rise” managed to collect a solid $23.5 million from 3,402 North American theaters in its debut. The film added $16.8 million at the international box office, bringing its global tally to $40.3 million. The blood-soaked thriller, from Warner Bros. and New Line, cost $15 million to produce and was originally intended to release on HBO Max before getting a traditional theatrical release.
“Evil Dead Rise,” a gory story about two estranged sisters who attempt to save their family from demonic creatures, has generated pretty good reviews and landed a so-so “B” CinemaScore from audiences. It’s the fifth entry in the long-running film series, which began with Sam Raimi’s 1981 low-budget thriller “The Evil Dead.” The latest installment is the first new entry in the series in 10 years, following 2013’s “Evil Dead” reboot, which grossed $97.5 million on its $17 million budget.
In third place, “Guy Ritchie’s the Covenant” opened in line with (albeit disappointing) expectations, bringing in a paltry $6.28 million from 2,611 theaters. The war thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a soldier returning to Afghanistan to save his interpreter, has stellar reviews and an “A” CinemaScore to match, but it’s a tough box office environment for dramas aimed at adult audiences — and “The Covenant” wasn’t able to become an exception to the trend. Among opening weekend ticket buyers for the war thriller were 58% male and nearly 30% were over the age of 55.
“Reviews are very good and foreign business should be solid, but we’re coming off a strong run of sharply defined, high-concept releases,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “That’s leaving less room for a title like this to find its place.”
Elsewhere, the Joaquin Phoenix-led “Beau Is Afraid” stumbled as it expanded its theater count, landing in ninth place with $2.7 million from 965 venues. After a solid start in limited release, the head-trip from director Ari Aster has generated $3.1 million to date. It cost $35 million, so it’ll need to sustain momentum — and then some — in the coming weeks to justify that budget.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” and Ben Affleck’s sports drama “Air” rounded out the top five.
The fourth “John Wick” movie added $5.75 million from 2,685 venues in its fifth weekend of release, bringing its domestic tally to $168.88 million. It’s overtaken the global total for 2019’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” ($328 million) to become the highest earner of the Keanu Reeves-led action franchise.
“Air” took fifth place with $5.5 million from 2,823 theaters. To date, the Amazon film has earned $41.2 million at the domestic box office and $54 million worldwide. Those are decent ticket sales for a comedic drama aimed at older audiences. But “Air” was expensive, costing $130 million to make and market, so it’ll struggle to turn a profit in theaters. However, the movie is landing on Prime Video with more buzz than it would have gotten without a theatrical run. For Amazon, that kind of promotion may be enough to count as a win.
Wendy Williams Brother Calls Out Her Manager: ‘I Just Know He’s Not A Man, He’s Soft’
Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams’ brother Tommy went live on YouTube and stated his dissatisfaction towards some of the people around his sister during Easter.
After expressing his disappointment in Wendy bringing camera’s home for the holidays, then leaving shortly after her brother is fed up with people taking advantage. Tommy is naming Wendy’s manager Will Selby as the unsavory character he doesn’t trust.
The Sun reports:
In an on-camera interview, Tommy Williams exclusively revealed to The U.S. Sun what he thinks about Wendy’s mental state, and how he feels about his famous sister’s associates after some escorted the star on a trip to Florida earlier this month.
“She’s so caught up with who she was and not who she’s become, and apparently she’d like to get back to who she was because she can’t stop talking about that person,” her 54-year-old brother said.
“So let’s all help you get back to that person, but we haven’t been able to help because she’s up in New York around people and we, the family, can’t get our hooks in her properly to reel her into the shore.
“So she’s staying out there with the sharks,” Wendy’s frustrated brother added.
Tommy then zeroed in on Wendy’s manager Will Selby, who was along with the star in Flordia to film her reality show.
“I don’t trust Will. I finally could say what I saw, I don’t trust.
“He wasn’t a man of very many words,” Wendy’s brother said, adding that the manager never introduced himself to either him or their elderly father, Thomas Williams Sr, while filming.
“And if you’re coming around our father and you’re putting this big piece together, and Wendy’s been away all this time and your name is synonymous with Wendy then speak the f*** up.
“Speak up, say something! Who are you!?”
“I’m just trying to keep my family safe because as my father climbs in age, I’m in the position to do what needs to be done for my family.
“So Will, you don’t have to talk to my father. And it was obvious you didn’t have the balls to talk to me and say anything to me.”
Tommy, who also claimed that Wendy is not well enough to be filming a reality show, also said of Will: “He seemed a little bit timid and out of sorts, and I guess if you’re doing the wrong thing, you’re not going to feel right.”
“I just know that he’s not a man. He’s soft. And he plays the backdrop. And that he’s using Wendy,” the star’s protective brother concluded.
Sofia Richie marries Elliot Grainge in star-studded wedding in France
Sofia Richie marries Elliot Grainge in star-studded wedding in France. The 24-year-old model and British music executive, 30, said “I do” at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes in front of family and friends, including Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton.
For the ceremony, the bride wore a custom Chanel wedding dress that featured an embellished train with white and iridescent beads. It also had her “something blue” sewn into it —an “S&E” with the date underneath.
The bride wore a custom Chanel gown for her ceremony. Her father, legendary singer Lionel Richie, walked her down the aisle. Meanwhile, the groom looked dapper in a tux with his parents by his side.
Earlier on Saturday, Sofia got together with a small group of about 10 people for an intimate breakfast party held at an outdoor patio.
The socialite appeared relaxed and care-free in a comfortable sweatshirt and pajama pants, just before getting glammed for her big day.
Leading up to the nuptials, Sofia and Grainge looked madly in love as they walked into their rehearsal dinner holding hands on Friday.
Earlier in the week, they again appeared in good spirits as they seemed completely smitten with each other during a beach day in the South of France.
Sofia teased her excitement for their wedding. She posted a photo from the plane as she landed in France just before the big day.
“Here we go,” she wrote on her Instagram Story along with bride and groom emojis.
She also shared several photos on her Instagram on Wednesday where she was seen looking bridal in an all-white skirt set by Posse.
Earlier in the month, Sofia revealed that she converted to Judaism ahead of her wedding to Grainge, who was raised Jewish.
“What a magical day,” she wrote on her Instagram Story at the time. “It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Today was that day!!!”
Richie’s husband is the son of Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.
Grainge, a music executive, proposed to Sofia in April 2022.
Cardi B Is Preparing To Seize Tasha K’s Property To Satisfy $4M Judgment Won In Defamation Suit
The saga between Bronx-bred recording artist Cardi B and vlogger Tasha K has reached the next stage.
According to AllHipHop, the next step for Cardi B to obtain the money won in a defamation lawsuit against Tasha K has been taken. The media outlet obtained legal documents that show that the Bodak Yellow rapper has been given the right to start seizing property owned by the woman who defamed her.
Attorneys for the former Love & Hip Hop: New York reality TV star filed a writ of execution against Tasha K and Kebe Studios LLC in Georgia on Thursday. She can now legally seek ways to collect on the judgment awarded her when she won the defamation lawsuit she filed.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper was awarded nearly $3 million in punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. The jury found Tasha K, real name Latasha Kebe, liable for defamation, invasion of privacy, and infliction of emotional distress. Variety also reported that the $3 million comes on top of the $1.25 million she was initially awarded, totaling $4.25 million for the rapper.
The lawsuit was filed in 2019 over Tasha K’s slanderous YouTube videos. With over one million subscribers, Tasha K told her viewers that Cardi B had herpes, previously worked as a prostitute, cheated on her husband, Offset (formerly of Migos), and used hard drugs, among a slew of other claims.
Tasha K avoided paying the rapper and then filed an appeal. Billboard reported a judge upheld the $4 million defamation verdict. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected an appeal after the blogger claimed the verdict resulted from a “lopsided presentation of evidence to the jury.”
The court said Kebe failed to properly make that argument to the trial judge, meaning she gave up her right to do so before an appeals court. “Defendant Latasha Kebe asks for a new trial, saying that there was insufficient evidence for the jury verdict against her,” the appeals court wrote. “But as she all but admits, she didn’t make either of the required post-verdict motions in the district court.”
Last month, Tasha K took to Instagram to give Cardi B an apology.
“Talk about a check my mouth can’t cash,” the YouTuber talked about learning her lesson. “Today, we throw in the white flag. What happened will never happen again,” she wrote. “To Cardi & her team, I apologize sincerely. We Live & Learn…”
Koko Da Doll, Star of Trans Doc ‘Kokomo City,’ Dead at 35: Sundance Breakout Found Shot in Atlanta
“Kokomo City” star Koko Da Doll, age 35, has been shot and killed. Koko, also known as Rasheeda Williams, was a Black trans sex worker whose story was captured in the 2023 Sundance documentary, helmed by Grammy-nominated D. Smith. She was found with a gunshot wound in southwest Atlanta April 18 and pronounced dead at the scene.
“On Tuesday night, Rasheeda Williams was shot and killed in Atlanta. Rasheeda, aka Koko Da Doll, was the latest victim of violence against Black transgender women,” Smith said in a statement (via Variety). “I created ‘Kokomo City’ because I wanted to show the fun, humanized, natural side of Black trans women. I wanted to create images that didn’t show the trauma or the statistics of murder of Transgender lives. I wanted to create something fresh and inspiring. I did that. We did that! But here we are again.”
Smith continued, “It’s extremely difficult to process Koko’s passing, but as a team we are more encouraged now than ever to inspire the world with her story. To show how beautiful and full of life she was. She will inspire generations to come and will never be forgotten.”
“Kokomo City” follows four Black trans sex workers living in Atlanta and New York City as they confront the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves, as well as the persistent threat of violence they face each day, per the official synopsis. The documentary debuted at Sundance in January and is executive produced by Lena Waithe. The film was acquired by Magnolia Pictures and is set for a theatrical release in late 2023.
The Sundance Film Festival shared a social media tribute to Williams, writing, “We are saddened to hear about the death of Rasheeda Williams aka Koko Da Doll. We were honored to have her at the festival this year with ‘Kokomo City,’ where she reminded Black trans women, ‘We can do anything, we can be whatever we want to be.’ It is a tragic loss.”
The Atlanta Police Department shared in a statement that they are “investigating three violent crimes involving transgender women this year. While these individual incidents are unrelated, we are very aware of the epidemic-level violence against Black and brown transgender women in America.”
Williams’ “Kokomo City” co-star Daniella Carter captioned an Instagram video to remember Williams.
“Never thought I’d lose you, but here I am standing alone without you by my side,” Carter wrote. “We’re sisters for life we promised, but now you’re gone I don’t know what to do without you. I’m going crazy, I’m trying to hold on to keep strong, but it just doesn’t feel right I’m waiting here my arms wide open, tears running down my face, ready for you to return even if it takes forever my sister. I will truly miss you sis.”
Fellow star Dominique Silver added, “My sister you are gone but you will never be forgotten! I am struggling right now to grasp the fact that we just spoke and now you aren’t here by my side! We will get justice for you and please protect Black trans women at all cost!”
“Kokomo City” star Liyah Mitchell also shared, “I’m still in disbelief. U deserved more. I’m sry u were born in a hateful world that didn’t understand you. #Justice4Koko.”
Keke Palmer Talks Sexuality and Gender, Says She’s a ‘Little Bit of Everything’
Keke Palmer opened up about sexuality and gender while being honored Saturday by the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
“I’m so grateful to be here today to be embraced by a community that I’ve always felt accepted by and a part of,” the “Nope” star said. “I’ve always been my own person. Sexuality and identity for me has always been confusion. You know, it’s, ‘I never felt straight enough. I never felt gay enough. And I never felt woman enough. I never felt man enough.’ You know, I always felt like I was a little bit of everything.”
Palmer was presented with a Vanguard Award from Karamo Brown during the center’s annual gala, which took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel.
“So often, I lead with masculinity. And as a woman, I’ve always been met with so much disdain, you know what I mean?” Palmer said. “I think so much of that came from who I thought I had to be to get respect, admiration and love. And I’ve always really wanted to be like my father…to want to be taken seriously and not diminish because I was a woman. You know, that’s always been a source of — I guess you would say — pain and resentment.”
Palmer choked back tears as she continued. “Why did my gender have to define the power I have in the world? And why does my gender get to decide my sexuality?” she asked. “You know, since I was younger, I always questioned the boxes I was forced to be in and it starts with who you’re supposed to be as a child. You’re supposed to be as a black person or whatever the background you are from… Then those walls just try to cave you in from every damn angle, who you are as a creative, who you are as a friend.”
She added, “I’m truly so grateful to be seen in this room because I know I’m surrounded by people who know without a doubt what it’s like to decide to be who you are in a world that tells you to be everything but yourself.”
Pamela Anderson also received a Vanguard Award. Del Shores and Mayim Bialik delivered a tribute to the late Leslie Jordan. Ts Madison (“Bros”) hosted the gala, which raised more than $1 million for the center.
The evening’s guest list included Orville Peck, “Fire Island” star Zane Phillips, Trixie Mattel, Symone, Sarah Hyland, Isis King, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and Gigi Goode.
Adam Lambert introduced a performance by Durand Bernarr.
Jeff Shell Ousted at NBCUniversal for ‘Inappropriate Relationship’
Jeff Shell is stepping down as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation, which found he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman in the company.
Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, and Shell announced the news in a joint statement, saying they have mutually agreed that Shell will depart effective immediately following a third-party investigation into a complaint of inappropriate conduct.
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“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell wrote in a memo to staff. “I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret. I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 19 years has been a privilege.”
A successor to Shell has not been named. Shell’s senior team will now report directly to Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation. Cavanagh and Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts announced the change in a statement. A source close to the situation said Comcast is in no rush to find a successor to Shell, nor is the company likely to appoint an interim CEO.
“We are disappointed to share this news with you. We built this company on a culture of integrity. Nothing is more important than how we treat each other,” Roberts and Cavanagh said in a memo. “You should count on your leaders to create a safe and respectful workplace. When our principles and policies are violated, we will always move quickly to take appropriate action, as we have done here.”
The news, which sent shockwaves through the Burbank-based company, is unfolding days ahead of Comcast reporting its first quarter results on Thursday, including a conference call with Wall Street analysts. It’s also shaking out weeks before the TV industry’s annual upfront ad sales season, which could raise eyebrows and questions from advertisers.
Roberts and Cavanagh added, “Please know that NBCUniversal is performing extremely well operationally and financially, and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about our position and prospects going forward. We are fortunate to have an experienced, world-class group of executives leading this incredible company.”
Succeeding Steve Burke, Shell assumed the role of CEO on Jan. 1, 2020, shortly before the pandemic upended almost every aspect of the company. He reported directly to Comcast CEO Roberts and was responsible for overseeing everything from news and entertainment TV networks, to the film studio, theme parks and other divisions. As NBCUniversal CEO, Shell was also charged with moving the company more heavily into streaming. In recent months, NBCU has gotten more aggressive with Peacock by pushing new sports and news concepts, as well as pricing initiatives on the service.
“Jeff Shell is the ideal executive to take the helm at NBCUniversal,” Roberts said at the time of Shell’s hiring as CEO. “I have worked closely with Jeff for many years and he is an extraordinary leader who inspires loyalty, delivers strong results and cares deeply about our company, its employees and partners. I could not be more confident in his ability to lead NBCUniversal into the future.”
A Comcast veteran, Shell joined the company in 2004 to oversee cable channels from Fox Cable Networks Group. Shell previously spearheaded international operations out of London from 2011 to 2013 before segueing to oversee the Universal Pictures as chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment.
Shell’s abrupt ouster is another sign that the standards for corporate office behavior have changed over the past six years since the #MeToo reckoning began. His sudden exit from Universal City recalls Jeff Zucker’s sudden fall from the top job at CNN last year after the disclosure of his relationship with a longtime subordinate executive.
Cavanagh, meanwhile, joined Comcast as chief financial officer in 2015, after more than 20 years in the financial services industry, including a long stint as a senior exeutive at JPMorgan Chase. Cavanagh, who was promoted to president of Comcast last fall, has been seen as being positioned to take on more of Roberts’ duties over time. In recent earnings calls, Cavanagh has sounded enmeshed in the nitty gritty of Comcast’s operations.
On Sunday, as the shock of Shell’s resignation reverberated around NBCU and the industry at large, Cavanagh was said to have been on the phone quickly talking to key clients and associates of NBCU. One source said Cavanagh has sought to reassure contacts that he has been involved in the operations of NBCUniversal for some time.
Rihanna Shows Off Son’s Drip In New Photo, Fans Say the Infant Is Already a ‘Style Icon’
Rihanna’s reign as a fashion icon might be overthrown by her own flesh and blood.
The bad gyal recently shared a photo of her 11-month-old son with his frontside facing away from her.
Though fans were unable to see his adorable face, they could see that the baby was dripped out wearing a green velvet Fendi jacket with the word, “TROUBLE” written at the bottom.
Rihanna’s son is deemed a ‘stylish icon’ after new photos drop. (Pictured: @badgalriri/Instagram)
Riri had no caption for the picture, but several fans had plenty to write via comments noting how stylish the infant already appears to be.
“Already Stepping on necks mannn”
“A style icon is here”
“not him rocking fendi like that!!! the flyest baby ever”
“Haha. The jacket says it all”
“Not ready for how this baby about to s–t on us”
His father, A$AP Rocky, also joined in on the comments, writing, “BIG TROUBLE” under his girlfriend’s photo.
It can be inferred that the photo of the soon-to-be 1-year-old was taken in Paris, France, as Rihanna and her son were recently photographed leaving a restaurant in the City of Love where the ambiance was identical to the Barbados native’s photo.
In the video uploaded on the @gabgonebad Twitter account, the baby boy, whose name has yet to be disclosed, can be seen smiling from ear to ear as he rocks the same luxury jacket as the one in his mother’s post.
According to Vogue France, the “What’s My Name” songstress took a trip to France to witness Jay-Z’s concert at the Louis Vuitton Foundation.
She and A$AP reportedly were spotted a few times walking the streets of the French capital. To no surprise, the Grammy winner can be seen wearing several designer pieces that consisted of Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, JW Anderson, John Galliano and Louis Vuitton.
Rihanna’s trendy looks adorably highlighted her poking belly; the star revealed while performing at Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023 that she and A$AP were expecting their second child together.
While the gender has not yet been revealed, several fans are already speculating that the growing child is going to be a girl.
Exes Ashanti and Nelly Fuel Romance Rumors After Holding Hands at Davis-Garcia Fight in Vegas
The pair has been linked on and off since 2003, but have stayed notoriously tight-lipped regarding the details of their relationship
Fans of Ashanti and Nelly were no doubt thrilled to see video circulate on social media over the weekend, suggesting that the longtime on-again, off-again couple might have been spotted out on a date.
The two musicians showed up in Las Vegas on Saturday night to watch the sold-out Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match at T-Mobile Arena and looked cozy seated ringside next to each other. And later, Nelly, 48, and Ashanti, 42, were seen holding hands in video footage captured after the fight.
Ashanti and Nelly's romance has long been something of a mystery, as well as a source of gossip for fans, as both have played coy in the press over the years whether they are actually together or just friends.
Ashanti confirmed to PEOPLE in 2005 that they "went out," but said they were "not boyfriend and girlfriend" — though three years later, she teased that an engagement was "definitely in the future."
In 2013, she laughed off questions about the rapper in a Hot 97 interview, jokingly asking, "Who said we had a relationship?"
In 2014, Ashanti admitted that Nelly was her first real love in an interview with Sway in the Morning, and later told Hot 97 that there was "no beef" between the two.
As recently as December, Ashanti joined the "Ride Wit Me" rapper on stage during Power 98.3 and 96.1's Under the Mistletoe concert in Arizona, and their chemistry was evident as they danced and grinded to their 2008 hit "Body on Me."
The "Foolish" singer stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen shortly after, and said she was shocked by the number of fans who responded to the performance with a plea for them to get back together.
"My reaction was wow. It was a lot of comments and a lot of people wanting that," she said. "What I will say is we're in a better place."
When asked by Cohen whether that meant they wouldn't be getting back together, Ashanti struggled for words, telling the host, "I mean, I don't…" before making a series of exasperated sounds.
Desiigner Says He Is Checking Into Mental Health Treatment Facility After Allegedly Exposing Himself On Plane
Following a bizarre incident that occurred on a flight this week in which he allegedly exposed himself, hip-hop artist Desiigner says that he is taking some time to focus on his mental health and will be checking into a mental health treatment facility.
While details are still fuzzy, it appears that the “Panda” artist exposed himself on an international flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis and seemed to have been reprimanded by a flight attendant on the plane who alerted authorities in Minneapolis. Police were waiting for the artist when his plane landed and it appears that he was released without being held.
However, he did post to Instagram on Thursday. In the post, he appeared to acknowledge his struggle with mental health as well as noting that a medication prescribed to him in Asia may have caused a chemical imbalance. He wrote:
“For the past few months I have not been ok, and I have been struggling to come to terms with what is going on,” the statement begins. “While overseas for a concert I performed at, I had to be admitted in to a hospital, I was not thinking clearly. They gave me meds, and I had to hop on a plane home. I am ashamed of my actions that happened on that plane. I landed back to the states, and am admitting my self in a facility to help me. I will be cancelling all of my shows and my obligations until further notice. Mental health is real guys, please pray for me. If [you’re] not feeling like yourself, please get help.”
Desiigner had originally been in Thailand as part of the Rolling Loud event series in the country that was held last weekend where he joined Cardi B, Travis Scott, and others. He also had reportedly performed at a venue in Tokyo.
No further updates have been provided on any of his social media accounts as of Friday.
Former Louisville Officer Myles Cosgrove Responsible For Fatally Shooting Breonna Taylor Returns To The Police Force
The law enforcement officer who fired the bullet that led to the death of Breonna Taylor in March 2020 has returned to work in the police force.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Miller, Myles Cosgrove, who was dismissed from the Louisville Metro Police Department in January 2021, has been recruited by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. During the raid on Taylor’s apartment on March 13, 2020, Cosgrove was among three officers who discharged their firearms. Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were sleeping when the officers from LMPD attempted to execute a search warrant as part of a drug-related investigation. In response to the perceived intrusion, Walker fired a single shot that struck an officer. The officers responded by firing back, and Cosgrove was responsible for the shot that proved fatal.
In January 2021, Cosgrove was terminated from his position for breaching use-of-force protocols and neglecting to wear a body camera during the raid. Although he filed a lawsuit contesting his dismissal, a judge ruled earlier this year in favor of the department’s decision.
Cosgrove has not been subjected to any criminal charges regarding the shooting, despite being dismissed from his job. According to Attorney General Cameron’s inquiry, Cosgrove’s response of returning gunfire was deemed reasonable after he and the other officers were targeted by Walker’s bullets.
Nevertheless, Carroll County’s Chief Deputy Miller stated that the sheriff’s office conducted a background investigation on Cosgrove, which he successfully cleared. Furthermore, he affirmed that the state and federal investigations did not lead to any allegations against Cosgrove, who boasts almost twenty years of police service.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Not so Slender Man
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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