#RHOA: Fans Call Out Bravo for Trying Erase NeNe Leakes From the History of RHOA; NeNe Responds
Let’s face it, the Real Housewives of Atlanta will ALWAYS be the house built by NeNe Leakes, but after last night’s episode, it seems her time with the network is officially over.
NeNe, who starred on the Bravo show from 2008 to 2020, was undoubtedly the breakout star. With one-liners like no other, energetic and over-the-top scenes, and a growing resume to match, NeNe was plastered as THAT GIRL by NBC executives, including Andy Cohen.
Despite the love she received, things took a turn for the worse when Leakes sued Bravo for discrimination in 2022. The suit would name NBCUniversal, production companies True Entertainment and Truly Original, and Andy as defendants.
“NBC, Bravo, and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not encouraged,” the suit claimed. Eventually, the lawsuit was dismissed and seemingly settled out of court and offline. The specifics of what went down are still unclear, but since NeNe has begged the network to leave her name out of their mouths, she finally got her wish.
RHOA’s latest episode started with a flashback of Season 4. The editors used the ladies’ opening intro from 2012, and viewers were quick to notice NeNe was cut out completely.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure with Bravo for taking extra steps to keep NeNe’s likeness off the show. “This was disrespectful,” one user wrote on Twitter. “NeNe was part of putting #RHOA [on] the map! Not this erasure!”
And other users chimed in, stating NeNe’s impact on the Real Housewives zeitgeist can’t be undone.
“No matter how much editing they do, they can’t erase NeNe, and everyone knows it,” they shared on Twitter. “She’s the most iconic housewife (any franchise).”
After hearing and reading the fan comments, NeNe responded to Bravo’s shade with her own statement.
“Thank you tweetie pies for all of your DM’s and comments,” she tweeted. “I see everything you are sending to me! It’s really just a shame people can do these things and get away [with] it. If only you really knew! If only you knew.”
It’s safe to assume Leakes could be talking about Andy since she has been very vocal about her disdain for him since departing the show. She’s claimed he’s a racist that’s blacklisted and stopped her from getting other work.
We’re unsure when NeNe will return to TV, but for all of our sakes, we hope it’s sooner rather than later.
Real Housewives of Atlanta continues Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Anita Baker Drops Babyface From Songstress Tour After Claims Of Cyberbullying From Fans
After a week of answering criticism on social media following the singer-songwriter-super producer’s absence from the stage during a May tour stop, Anita Baker has dropped him from the remainder of her The Songstress tour.
In a series of comma- and emoji-laden posts on Twitter, Baker blamed cyberbullying from Babyface’s fans for the decision shared Tuesday; and said she feared for her safety. On Monday she’d dubbed those fans Kenny's Crazies, said they had been threatening her and called for Babyface – born Kenneth Edmonds – to speak up on her behalf.
“After silently enduring cyber bullying, verbal abuse and threats of violence from the fan base of our special guest/support act…in the interest of personal safety, I will continue The Songstress Tour alone,” she said. “Appropriate refunds will be made.”
Babyface on Tuesday said he was saddened about being removed from the tour.
“It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media,” he posted to his social media accounts. “While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love and respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.”
Baker, 65, had called on Indy native Babyface to discourage his supporters from dragging her and to clarify the cause of the delay of a May 10 concert in Newark, New Jersey, that left Babyface out of the show – a malfunctioning video wall that was part of his stage production.
Baker alluded to providing $200,000 for Babyface's production "and, still, they complain and hold up the show."
The 15-date tour that started in February had already completed six shows, including the Newark show that began more than two hours after its scheduled 7 p.m. start.
When Babyface told followers on his social media platforms that night that he was asked to not perform so that Baker could perform her full set, many fans and celebs concluded that Baker had cut his set and derided the quiet storm format queen.
Posts brought up reported conflicts with other entertainers, spanning from a 1988 co-headlining tour with Luther Vandross to a 2018 encounter with Disney Channel child star China Anne McClain’s mom.
Folks were leaving negative reviews of the May 10 show on the Ticketmaster site into June.
On May 11, Babyface explained to media that production crews were unable to get a video screen running in time for his performance.
"I am incredibly sorry to the fans and have nothing but love and respect for Anita," he said at the time.
Outside of that statement and a post thanking her at a subsequent concert stop, Babyface had not commented on the canceled set, weighed in on Baker’s social media activity or responded to those who have been critical of her regarding the incident before Tuesday.
It's not the first tiff between the two over working together. Babyface in 2006 filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Baker, claiming she owed him for producing her 2004 song “Like You Used to Do,” which he co-wrote as well performed on; and that she broke an agreement to play four concerts with him, canceling two of those dates.
Baker last week said on Twitter that she prevailed in the lawsuit and there were no hard feelings between the two performers.
Many mistakenly thought that Babyface, among R&B’s most decorated artists, was a co-headliner on the tour, which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the release Baker’s first solo album, “The Songstress.”
Baker has eight Grammy Awards and multi-platinum albums.
And Babyface, 64, isn’t exactly a slouch at entertainment.
This year marks a milestone anniversary for him, as well, marking 40 years since his arrival on music charts with the 1983 debut album of his group The Deele (“Body Talk”) and the release of Midnight Star’s “Slow Jam,” which he co-wrote.
The North Central High School grad has 12 Grammys and 50 nominations, including wins for Producer of the Year each year from 1996 through 1998; and has produced or written hits for the likes of Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Fall Out Boy, Whitney Houston and Madonna. His LaFace Records label (co-founded with L.A. Reid) launched the recording careers of Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Pink and Outkast.
The internet is still sending accolades to him for the NRP Tiny Desk concert dropped on Friday.
The next date on Baker's The Songstress tour is June 30 with a stop in Chicago and then July 2 with a Detroit show. Seven other shows, none in Indianapolis, are slated for November and December.
#HipHopNews: Jack Harlow Accused Of Cultural Appropriation After Wearing A Bonnet
Over the weekend, Jack Harlow found himself at the heart of a growing controversy. Social media erupted following photographs of him wearing a black silk bonnet that were posted. The images were captured during his recent appearance at the Louisville City Football Club event held on Sunday (June 11).
A native of Kentucky, the “WHATS POPPIN” artist spent his time interacting with younger fans at the event. However, a significant portion of the rapper’s audience expressed their disapproval about his decision to wear a bonnet — a protective cloth predominantly worn by Black women. Ultimately, this event has intensified the ongoing online debate about the appropriateness of wearing bonnets in public.
Harlow’s decision to wear one outside, something that’s often criticized when done by Black people, has left his audience feeling a mix of amusement, annoyance, and confusion.
Despite previous accusations of cultural appropriation, the artist regularly acknowledges his privileged position within Hip Hop. In the past, he’s openly stated that Black culture has been instrumental in his own rise to fame. “Now THIS is what Monique should’ve been talking about when she mentioned bonnets in public,” one user wrote, highlighting a time the actress faced backlash after broaching the topic.
In the era of digital connectivity, aspects of Black culture that were often overlooked by mainstream society are now gaining widespread attention. The increased visibility has caused tension, blurring the lines between authentic appreciation of Black culture and outright appropriation.
Attempts by certain white artists to adopt this trend have elicited mixed reactions. For example, Madonna’s reference to “durag activity,” a song by Baby Keem and Travis Scott, was met with ambivalence.
Last month, Harlow dropped off his third studio album Jackman. Composed of 10 songs, the rapper announced the project just 48 hours ahead of its release, seemingly taking cues from J. Cole’s tendency to drop surprise releases. Among hit songs like “They Don’t Love It” and “Common Ground,” it includes production from the likes of Boi-1da, DJ Dahi, and Hollywood Cole.
Vegas Golden Knights win first Stanley Cup in young franchise’s history after defeating Florida Panthers
The Vegas Golden Knights, in just their sixth NHL season, defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 Tuesday night in Las Vegas to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in five games.
Vegas captain Mark Stone had a goal in each period to lead the Golden Knights, who joined the NHL before the 2017-2018 season.After the game, each player took a turn, as is tradition, in hoisting the famed trophy.
“Unbelievable,” Stone told TNT of the experience. “I just looked at my teammates’ eyes … One of the craziest feelings I’ve ever had. Just to know that I did it with my 25, 30 best friends makes it that much more special.”Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill let in two goals but continued to thwart the Panthers with several fine saves in the third.
Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the best player in the postseason. But he deflected credit for the championship.Ivan Barbashev #49 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates a goal with teammates during the third period.
an empty net goal as Florida played with six skaters to make it 8-3. Then with just over a minute left in the season, Nicolas Roy made the final score 9-3.Garth Brooks Praised For Standing By Decision To Sell Bud Light Despite Conservatives' Backlash
Garth Brooks has earned more respect from fans after doubling down on his decision to sell Bud Light. The country music star has received praises from social media users for not bowing to anti-LGBTQ trolls who criticized his decision to serve the beer at his new bar Friends In Low Places following the brand's partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
"You've got a new fan here Garth. Well said and so true!" one person tweeted, while another said, "Wow Garth Brooks just won me over. I mean, yes, I did have his CD back in the day (one of the very few I had) but I respect him so much now." A third added, "You always win when you stand up for what's right. Thank you @garthbrooks."
The positive comments were flowing in after Garth defended his decision to sell Bud Light at his bar despite backlash from conservatives for refusing to boycott the brand. "Inclusiveness, that's me. It's always been me," he addressed the controversy on his "Inside Studio G" livestream on Monday, June 12.
"I get it, everybody's got their opinions but inclusiveness is always going to be me," the singer/songwriter stressed. "I think diversity is the answer to the problems that are here and the answer to the problems that are coming."
The Grammy winner added, "So, I love diversity, all included. So, all are welcome." He acknowledged that his opinion may not align with the opinions of others and that is "okay." He insisted, "They have their opinions. They have their beliefs. I have mine."
The 61-year-old went on encouraging his fans to come to his bar with "love" and "tolerance." He explained, "Here's the deal. If you want to come to Friends in Low Places, come in. Come in with love. Come in with tolerance, patience. Come in with an open mind, and it's cool. And if you're one of those people that just can't do that, I get it. If you ever are one of those people that want to try, come."
Garth told Billboard last week that his bar will "serve every brand of beer." He stated, "I want it to be a place you feel safe in, I want it to be a place where you feel like there are manners and people like one another. And yes, we're going to serve every brand of beer."
The husband of Trisha Yearwood continued, "We just are. It's not our decision to make. Our thing is this, if you [are let] into this house, love one another. If you're an a**hole, there are plenty of other places on lower Broadway."
A number of artist-owned bars on Lower Broadway, including John Rich's Redneck Riviera and Kid Rock's bar, quit serving Bud Light after the brand partnered with transgender influencer Dylan earlier this year.
Garcelle Beauvais 'Not Playing' With Ozempic Amid Rumors She Uses Weight Loss Drug
Garcelle Beauvais has broken silence on speculations she is using Ozempic to lose weight. When her recent photo led to a question whether the type 2 diabetes medication was the reason behind her slimmer figure, the series regular on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" stressed that she is "not playing" with it.
On Monday, June 12, the 56-year-old TV personality set the record straight in the replies section of a June 11 tweet by Bravo. "Don't even start with that ozempic thing," she warned a user who was curious about the reason behind her weight loss. She went on to emphasize, "I'm not playing with that!!!"
One day prior, Bravo shared a photo of Garcelle alongside Sutton Stracke on its Twitter and Instagram accounts. The picture, which displayed the co-stars sitting side by side on an open car, was taken when the two were out and about to celebrate Pride Month on Sunday, June 11. Its caption read, "(P)ride or dies."
In response to the tweet, one particular Twitter user focused on Gracelle's appearance. Noticing the TV star's slim look, the user questioned if she consumed the type 2 diabetes medication by asking, "Gracelle has slimmed down quite a bit. Ozempic?? Or healthy eating?"
Garcelle's response to the Ozempic rumors quickly gathered supports from her co-star Sutton. Defending the "Coming 2 America" actress, the 51-year-old socialite simply replied, "Gettem!" She also added a slew of kissing cat face emojis.
Sutton Stracke defended Garcelle Beauvais amid Ozempic rumors.
Garcelle was not the first "Real Housewives" star who has denied rumors about them using Ozempic. Back in May, her other co-star Kyle Richards voiced her thoughts on the trend of the drug use in losing weight. "I can say that I have never tried it and I have never taken it," she told Page Six.
"I'm not on any weight loss drug. If you know me, you know I have terrible anxiety so that would scare me to death. I have never, ever ever taken it," Kyle further reasoned. Months prior, she also cleared the air on similar speculations. In an Instagram comment, she wrote, "I am NOT on ozempic. Never have been."
‘Disney Junior’s Ariel,’ Inspired By ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Film, Set To Debut In 2024
The success of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey has set the stage for a new Disney Junior series.
Disney Branded Television announced Tuesday that Disney Junior’s Ariel is currently in production and will debut on Disney platforms in 2024. The series follows an eight-year-old Ariel going on adventures in her Caribbean-inspired world. According to the official description:
It follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. The series features fan-favorite characters, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian and Flounder, as well as exciting new additions like Ariel’s two best friends, mer-children Lucia and Fernie, and lots of other adorable sea creatures.
The series is executive produced by Lynne Southerland and produced by Ezra Edmond. The supervising director is Kuni Tomita Bowen with Chrystin Garland as art director. Norma P. Sepulveda and Keith Wagner serve as story editors. Wild Canary produces in association with Disney Junior.
In a recent interview with Shadow and Act, Bailey described playing Ariel in the live-action film as a “transformative experience.”
“I’ve just had such gratitude to be a part of a project like this with such talented people like [co-star] Jonah [Hauer-King],” she said. “[B]eing a part of this film meant the world to me because not only do I get to take on a role that I’ve known and loved since I was a little girl, which is honestly healing to the inner child within me, but I get to reinvent this version of the Ariel that we all know to show these children, particularly these brown and Black children that they deserve to be in these spaces and they deserve to see themselves on screen.”
Kesha Earns Pre-Trial Win in Dr. Luke Defamation Case: Producer Will Be Considered ‘Public Figure’
Dr. Luke is a “limited public figure,” the New York Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. The new update comes about a month before the trial between the producer (real name Lukasz Gottwald) and Kesha is set to begin. As a public figure, Luke will be subject to a higher burden of proof in court.
“By 2014, when Gottwald initiated this defamation action, he was, by his own account, a celebrity — an acclaimed music producer who had achieved enormous success in a high-profile career,” Judge Michael Garcia wrote on Tuesday, per Reuters. As a limited public figure, he must “prove by clear and convincing evidence that [Kesha] acted with actual malice.”
The ruling also found that Kesha should have been allowed by a state judge to file counterclaims against Luke for emotional distress and punitive damages, Reuters reports. Luke’s attorney Christine Lepera tells Rolling Stone they are “confident” Kesha’s “limited counterclaim will fail and be rejected in all events, just as we are fully confident that Mr. Gottwald will prevail at trial on his defamation claims.”
“We are pleased that the Court of Appeals agreed with Dr. Luke that the vast majority of Ms. Sebert’s statements are properly the subject of his defamation claim,” Lepera says. “While the Court of Appeals is permitting Ms. Sebert to assert a counterclaim, it has been substantially narrowed.”
Lepera did not respond to a request for comment specifically on the “public figure” designation of the producer. An attorney and a rep for Kesha did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment.
Kesha first filed suit against her producer and label owner in 2014, alleging an extended period of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and attempting to extricate herself from her contract. Luke countersued that same year, vehemently denying all her allegations and claiming that the singer had defamed him.
A judge dismissed Kesha’s claims in 2016, largely on the grounds that they were too old, but Luke’s defamation case is set to go to trial in July.
“I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now,” Kesha told Rolling Stone in late April. “With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.”
At Least 9 Injured In Mass Shooting Following Denver Nuggets NBA Finals Win
“Three victims are in critical condition,” according to the Denver Police Department.
As previously reported, last night (June 12) was cause for celebration because the Denver Nuggets earned their first-ever NBA Championship. The major victory even garnered a response from Former President of the United States Barack Obama.
“Congrats to the Denver Nuggets and the remarkable Finals MVP Nikola JokiΔ for bringing home the franchise’s first NBA Championship!” Obama tweeted following the match against the Miami Heat at the Ball Arena. Fans who flocked to the streets full of joy after the historic win were unfortunately interrupted by tragedy as the evening ended with multiple individuals taken to local hospitals due to gunshot wounds.
According to CNN, supporters were gathered downtown when the crime occurred. “Congratulations, Nuggets! Let’s celebrate safely, Denver!” the city’s police department tweeted last night. Some residents may have missed the memo because a few hours later, during the early morning hours of today (June 13), another message was sent out: “Nine total gunshot victims have been identified from the shooting in the 2000 block of Market St, plus a suspect who also sustained a gunshot wound. [Three] victims are in critical condition, the other victims [and] the suspect are believed to have non-life-threatening injuries.”
Several updates were shared via the Denver Police Department, including, “This is a complex, ongoing investigation in its early stages. Preliminary info indicates multiple shots were fired during an altercation involving several individuals. Updates will be provided as they become available.” Due to the number of individuals wounded, the incident is considered a mass shooting. CNN noted that last night’s melee “is among at least 291 mass shootings in the [United States] so far this year.” As authorities have not connected the violence to the NBA champs, the team continued to celebrate — tweeting videos of the players overcome with happiness for their hard work. A parade in their honor will be held this Thursday (June 15).
Keke Palmer Claims Breast Milk Discrimination On Twitter As She Tweets About An Incident In A Houston Airport
Keke Palmer is claiming breast milk discrimination at a Texas airport as she briefly spoke out online about the incident.
On Monday (June 12), the multitalented businesswoman tweeted to her fans about a situation she said occurred while at an airport in Houston. Although the 29-year-old actress didn’t specify which of the city’s airfield buildings was involved, Palmer admitted the event altered her mood.
“Breast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood,” she tweeted. “I should’ve popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16oz [of] my baby’s food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime? I’m a mother, for crying out loud.”
"You've got a new fan here Garth. Well said and so true!" one person tweeted, while another said, "Wow Garth Brooks just won me over. I mean, yes, I did have his CD back in the day (one of the very few I had) but I respect him so much now." A third added, "You always win when you stand up for what's right. Thank you @garthbrooks."
The positive comments were flowing in after Garth defended his decision to sell Bud Light at his bar despite backlash from conservatives for refusing to boycott the brand. "Inclusiveness, that's me. It's always been me," he addressed the controversy on his "Inside Studio G" livestream on Monday, June 12.
"I get it, everybody's got their opinions but inclusiveness is always going to be me," the singer/songwriter stressed. "I think diversity is the answer to the problems that are here and the answer to the problems that are coming."
The Grammy winner added, "So, I love diversity, all included. So, all are welcome." He acknowledged that his opinion may not align with the opinions of others and that is "okay." He insisted, "They have their opinions. They have their beliefs. I have mine."
The 61-year-old went on encouraging his fans to come to his bar with "love" and "tolerance." He explained, "Here's the deal. If you want to come to Friends in Low Places, come in. Come in with love. Come in with tolerance, patience. Come in with an open mind, and it's cool. And if you're one of those people that just can't do that, I get it. If you ever are one of those people that want to try, come."
Garth told Billboard last week that his bar will "serve every brand of beer." He stated, "I want it to be a place you feel safe in, I want it to be a place where you feel like there are manners and people like one another. And yes, we're going to serve every brand of beer."
The husband of Trisha Yearwood continued, "We just are. It's not our decision to make. Our thing is this, if you [are let] into this house, love one another. If you're an a**hole, there are plenty of other places on lower Broadway."
A number of artist-owned bars on Lower Broadway, including John Rich's Redneck Riviera and Kid Rock's bar, quit serving Bud Light after the brand partnered with transgender influencer Dylan earlier this year.
Garcelle Beauvais 'Not Playing' With Ozempic Amid Rumors She Uses Weight Loss Drug
Garcelle Beauvais has broken silence on speculations she is using Ozempic to lose weight. When her recent photo led to a question whether the type 2 diabetes medication was the reason behind her slimmer figure, the series regular on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" stressed that she is "not playing" with it.
On Monday, June 12, the 56-year-old TV personality set the record straight in the replies section of a June 11 tweet by Bravo. "Don't even start with that ozempic thing," she warned a user who was curious about the reason behind her weight loss. She went on to emphasize, "I'm not playing with that!!!"
One day prior, Bravo shared a photo of Garcelle alongside Sutton Stracke on its Twitter and Instagram accounts. The picture, which displayed the co-stars sitting side by side on an open car, was taken when the two were out and about to celebrate Pride Month on Sunday, June 11. Its caption read, "(P)ride or dies."
In response to the tweet, one particular Twitter user focused on Gracelle's appearance. Noticing the TV star's slim look, the user questioned if she consumed the type 2 diabetes medication by asking, "Gracelle has slimmed down quite a bit. Ozempic?? Or healthy eating?"
Garcelle's response to the Ozempic rumors quickly gathered supports from her co-star Sutton. Defending the "Coming 2 America" actress, the 51-year-old socialite simply replied, "Gettem!" She also added a slew of kissing cat face emojis.
Sutton Stracke defended Garcelle Beauvais amid Ozempic rumors.
Garcelle was not the first "Real Housewives" star who has denied rumors about them using Ozempic. Back in May, her other co-star Kyle Richards voiced her thoughts on the trend of the drug use in losing weight. "I can say that I have never tried it and I have never taken it," she told Page Six.
"I'm not on any weight loss drug. If you know me, you know I have terrible anxiety so that would scare me to death. I have never, ever ever taken it," Kyle further reasoned. Months prior, she also cleared the air on similar speculations. In an Instagram comment, she wrote, "I am NOT on ozempic. Never have been."
‘Disney Junior’s Ariel,’ Inspired By ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Film, Set To Debut In 2024
The success of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey has set the stage for a new Disney Junior series.
Disney Branded Television announced Tuesday that Disney Junior’s Ariel is currently in production and will debut on Disney platforms in 2024. The series follows an eight-year-old Ariel going on adventures in her Caribbean-inspired world. According to the official description:
It follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. The series features fan-favorite characters, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian and Flounder, as well as exciting new additions like Ariel’s two best friends, mer-children Lucia and Fernie, and lots of other adorable sea creatures.
The series is executive produced by Lynne Southerland and produced by Ezra Edmond. The supervising director is Kuni Tomita Bowen with Chrystin Garland as art director. Norma P. Sepulveda and Keith Wagner serve as story editors. Wild Canary produces in association with Disney Junior.
In a recent interview with Shadow and Act, Bailey described playing Ariel in the live-action film as a “transformative experience.”
“I’ve just had such gratitude to be a part of a project like this with such talented people like [co-star] Jonah [Hauer-King],” she said. “[B]eing a part of this film meant the world to me because not only do I get to take on a role that I’ve known and loved since I was a little girl, which is honestly healing to the inner child within me, but I get to reinvent this version of the Ariel that we all know to show these children, particularly these brown and Black children that they deserve to be in these spaces and they deserve to see themselves on screen.”
Kesha Earns Pre-Trial Win in Dr. Luke Defamation Case: Producer Will Be Considered ‘Public Figure’
Dr. Luke is a “limited public figure,” the New York Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. The new update comes about a month before the trial between the producer (real name Lukasz Gottwald) and Kesha is set to begin. As a public figure, Luke will be subject to a higher burden of proof in court.
“By 2014, when Gottwald initiated this defamation action, he was, by his own account, a celebrity — an acclaimed music producer who had achieved enormous success in a high-profile career,” Judge Michael Garcia wrote on Tuesday, per Reuters. As a limited public figure, he must “prove by clear and convincing evidence that [Kesha] acted with actual malice.”
The ruling also found that Kesha should have been allowed by a state judge to file counterclaims against Luke for emotional distress and punitive damages, Reuters reports. Luke’s attorney Christine Lepera tells Rolling Stone they are “confident” Kesha’s “limited counterclaim will fail and be rejected in all events, just as we are fully confident that Mr. Gottwald will prevail at trial on his defamation claims.”
“We are pleased that the Court of Appeals agreed with Dr. Luke that the vast majority of Ms. Sebert’s statements are properly the subject of his defamation claim,” Lepera says. “While the Court of Appeals is permitting Ms. Sebert to assert a counterclaim, it has been substantially narrowed.”
Lepera did not respond to a request for comment specifically on the “public figure” designation of the producer. An attorney and a rep for Kesha did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment.
Kesha first filed suit against her producer and label owner in 2014, alleging an extended period of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and attempting to extricate herself from her contract. Luke countersued that same year, vehemently denying all her allegations and claiming that the singer had defamed him.
A judge dismissed Kesha’s claims in 2016, largely on the grounds that they were too old, but Luke’s defamation case is set to go to trial in July.
“I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now,” Kesha told Rolling Stone in late April. “With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.”
At Least 9 Injured In Mass Shooting Following Denver Nuggets NBA Finals Win
“Three victims are in critical condition,” according to the Denver Police Department.
As previously reported, last night (June 12) was cause for celebration because the Denver Nuggets earned their first-ever NBA Championship. The major victory even garnered a response from Former President of the United States Barack Obama.
“Congrats to the Denver Nuggets and the remarkable Finals MVP Nikola JokiΔ for bringing home the franchise’s first NBA Championship!” Obama tweeted following the match against the Miami Heat at the Ball Arena. Fans who flocked to the streets full of joy after the historic win were unfortunately interrupted by tragedy as the evening ended with multiple individuals taken to local hospitals due to gunshot wounds.
According to CNN, supporters were gathered downtown when the crime occurred. “Congratulations, Nuggets! Let’s celebrate safely, Denver!” the city’s police department tweeted last night. Some residents may have missed the memo because a few hours later, during the early morning hours of today (June 13), another message was sent out: “Nine total gunshot victims have been identified from the shooting in the 2000 block of Market St, plus a suspect who also sustained a gunshot wound. [Three] victims are in critical condition, the other victims [and] the suspect are believed to have non-life-threatening injuries.”
Several updates were shared via the Denver Police Department, including, “This is a complex, ongoing investigation in its early stages. Preliminary info indicates multiple shots were fired during an altercation involving several individuals. Updates will be provided as they become available.” Due to the number of individuals wounded, the incident is considered a mass shooting. CNN noted that last night’s melee “is among at least 291 mass shootings in the [United States] so far this year.” As authorities have not connected the violence to the NBA champs, the team continued to celebrate — tweeting videos of the players overcome with happiness for their hard work. A parade in their honor will be held this Thursday (June 15).
Keke Palmer Claims Breast Milk Discrimination On Twitter As She Tweets About An Incident In A Houston Airport
Keke Palmer is claiming breast milk discrimination at a Texas airport as she briefly spoke out online about the incident.
On Monday (June 12), the multitalented businesswoman tweeted to her fans about a situation she said occurred while at an airport in Houston. Although the 29-year-old actress didn’t specify which of the city’s airfield buildings was involved, Palmer admitted the event altered her mood.
“Breast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood,” she tweeted. “I should’ve popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16oz [of] my baby’s food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime? I’m a mother, for crying out loud.”
Moms in Palmer’s comment section extended their support to the talented singer as they shared their airport experiences. One follower wrote, “I’ve had this issue in so many airports. TSA really needs to get it together.”
Another fan shared that they previously worked for an airline as she answered Palmer’s question on whether threats to throw away breast milk was illegal. “I used to work for a major airline, and I’m a mom of three,” the person tweeted. “It’s very illegal for them to handle or throw out breast milk (including ice packs to keep it preserved). Baby food and formula may exceed standard ounce restrictions. TSA and the airlines know better.”
Earlier this year, Palmer welcomed her first child, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, with her partner Darius Jackson. A month after giving birth, the Illinois native spoke about her experience thus far as a first-time mom.
Amber Heard Pays Johnny Depp $1 Million Settlement 1 Year After Trial, Depp to Donate It to 5 Charities
A source says Johnny Depp will give the money to five charities: Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society, and Amazonia Fund Alliance
Amber Heard's $1 million settlement money has been issued to Johnny Depp, closing out their Virginia defamation case a year later.
A source close to Depp says the actor, 60, will divvy up the payment to five charities of his choosing, with $200,000 going to each. The organizations are: Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society, and Amazonia Fund Alliance.
A rep for Heard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
After both Depp and Heard made appeals following the June 1, 2022 verdict, they decided to drop them and reached a settlement that was announced in December.
In a statement at the time, Heard, 37, said the "very difficult decision" to settle was "not an act of concession."
"It's important for me to say that I never chose this," Heard wrote. "I defended my truth, in doing so my life as I knew it was destroyed. The vilification I have faced on social media is an amplified version of the ways women are re-victimized when they come forward."
"Now I finally have an opportunity to emancipate myself from something I attempted to leave over six years ago and on terms I can agree to," she continued. "I have made no admission. This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward."
Heard said she was "exposed to a type of humiliation that I simply cannot re-live" during the live-televised trial and she "simply cannot go through that for a third time."
She added at the time, "I cannot afford to risk an impossible bill — one that is not just financial, but also psychological, physical and emotional. Women shouldn't have to face abuse or bankruptcy for speaking her truth, but unfortunately it is not uncommon."
"... I will not be threatened, disheartened or dissuaded by what happened from speaking the truth. No one can and no one will take that from me. My voice forever remains the most valuable asset I have," Heard said.
Also in December, Depp's attorneys Benjamin Chew and Camille Vazquez issued a statement about the settlement.
"The jury's unanimous decision and the resulting judgement in Mr. Depp's favor against Ms. Heard remain fully in place," they said. "The payment of $1 million — which Mr. Depp is pledging and will (actually) donate to charities — reinforces Ms. Heard's acknowledgement of the conclusion of the legal system's rigorous pursuit for justice."
Depp recently made a public appearance at opening day of the Cannes Film Festival last month. Meanwhile, Heard, who now lives in Spain with her daughter, will attend Italy's 69th Taormina Film Festival for the world premiere of her movie In the Fire on June 24.
‘Black Panther’ Star Tenoch Huerta Claps Back at Ex’s ‘Sexual Predator’ Allegations
*“Black Panther” star Tenoch Huerta is accused of being an “abuser and manipulator” by saxophonist and activist MarΓa Elena RΓos.
RΓos and Huerta dated for several months and on Sunday she blasted him for being a sexual predator, The Huffington Post reports.
“It is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and the abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved around the world for playing a character in a movie such as @TenochHuerta,” she tweeted in Spanish, per Page Six.
“They say those who live in a macho country, where justice is unattainable where they almost kill you and still they don’t believe you or justice comes,” she wrote. “And no, I don’t want to be famous. And no, I don’t want money because I know how to work.”
“Why am I late in talking about it?” RΓos wrote in a follow-up tweet. “Because I have a process. Why didn’t I report? Because I was afraid that this would happen: people who refuse to believe that a SUPER HERO is an abuser, a manipulator and sexual predator.”
“Yes, you @TenochHuerta abuse because you know you have power,” she concluded.
On Monday, Huerta turned to his Instagram story to slam RΓos for her “false and offensive” remarks.
“A false and completely unsubstantiated accusation about me has spread like wildfire — and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer,” he wrote.
Huerta claims their relationship was “entirely consensual at all times” and was “loving, warm and mutually supportive.”
He claims RΓos went on to “misrepresent our interactions,” so he “engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations.”
Cardi B Wins Big In Lawsuit: Man Who Sued Her Over Mixtape Cover Tattoo Ordered to Pay Her $350K
When it comes to legal battles, Cardi B doesn’t seem to lose. The man who accused her of using his likeliness and back tattoo without his permission has agreed to pay her $350,000 legal bill.
Kevin Brophy Jr., a body art model, failed to convince a jury to side with him. In his lawsuit, he claimed the female emcee used his back tattoo and likeness on the cover of her 2016 mixtape Gangsta B**** Vol. 1.
He originally sued Cardi for $5 million but lost that legal battle as well. Brophy then filed to overturn the verdict, but on December 28, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney said his request was untimely and lacked merit.
Still, Brophy didn’t give up and went on to file for a new trial, according to legal documents. He was, again, eager to convince a jury to side with his argument that Cardi B “humiliated” him with the cover. He alleged the Bronx star committed “misconduct” during her time on the witness stand after going back and forth with Brophy’s legal representation, A. Barry Cappello.
“Almanzar repeatedly engaged in theatrics, refused to answer basic questions, impermissibly disclosed privileged and confidential settlement communications, and generally acted with total disregard and disrespect for the jury’s time and formal nature of court proceedings,” Brophy’s lawyers claimed in their formal request.
District Judge Carney did not sway. He ruled that Brophy pay Cardi’s legal fees. On Monday, Brophy’s attorneys agreed that Cardi’s fees would be reimbursed, and their client would end his pursuit of going after her.
NYC Firefighter Drowns After Attempting To Save Daughter Caught in Rough New Jersey Beach Currents
A New York City firefighter tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue his teenage daughter, who was caught in turbulent waves.
On Friday morning, Mark Batista tried to save his daughter’s life as she fought for her life on the Jersey Shore. At approximately 8:38 a.m., multiple units were dispatched to Sylvania Avenue Beach following reports from witnesses regarding two swimmers in a state of distress.
Approximately 10 minutes later, rescue swimmers located the girl and promptly transported her to a hospital for necessary medical care. However, Batista was discovered submerged in water. Despite lifesaving attempts, he, unfortunately, passed away upon arrival at the hospital.
Following the incident, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office issued a cautionary advisory. The warning advised swimmers against entering the water in the absence of lifeguards on duty. At the time of Batista’s drowning, there were no lifeguards on duty. As of now, they are not returning to work until the upcoming Saturday.
FDNY spokesperson Jim Long stated that the department was deeply “heartbroken” by the incident.
“Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent 15 years serving in the FDNY. As both an EMT and a firefighter,” Long said. “We join his family in mourning his tragic passing.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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