#RHOA: Lets Have a Recap: Gucci Grievances
As Shereé’s Gucci event evolved into another rehashing of Marlo’s delusions, my mind drifted to anything but the nonsense being presented to me. With the ladies not giving much to focus my brain on, I started thinking about how drab, as many fans have pointed out, the experience of watching the show has become. It reminded me of a study published by the Science Museum in 2020; according to data collected from the many photographs of household items in the museum’s collection, things in our everyday life are becoming increasingly grayer over time as the years pass.
From the modern decor in the casts’ homes to their trendy wardrobes dominated by neutrals to even their surroundings at dinners and on trips, visually, the show, like the rest of the world, has lost some color. But the tone has also gotten darker this particular season. For most of the episodes, we have dealt with heavy topics like gun violence and the premature deaths of very real people. And the cast is filled with women with deep resentments toward one another, creating a massive gray rain cloud looming over the show. And by “people,” I’m mainly referring to Marlo. Marlo’s obsession with Kandi and Kenya, that’s most likely a result of a culmination of years of feeling like she’s not good enough for a peach combined with years of them actually having said peach, has created fissures in the cast so deep that it’s near impossible to have productive group events.
After the failed escape room, Shereé knows that the group is fractured, so during a cryotherapy session together, she presents her idea to get everyone back on the same page to Sanya. She comes up with a “let’s make sure we’re Gucci,” Gucci-themed brunch. It’s her version of the season 10 Elephant Room: get the woman together to air out the major issues so they can move on as a group. I would’ve preferred for Mbele and her chaotic presence to return, but Shereé supplied some silliness amongst the misery with her rap invitation (and if you want another giggle, here’s the song Shereé recorded that Kandi was talking about).
I’m a lover of the Alessandro Michele era of Gucci, so when Shereé came up with the Gucci brunch, I was sure we’d see some fabulous colors and fashions, as Dwight would say. When Michele was creative director, Gucci became known for its maximalist, over-the-top aesthetic. Once Michele stepped down, Gucci pivoted, embracing the current era of fashion and design that prefers minimalism over flamboyance. The women’s choices for the brunch were more reflective of this toned-down, classic Gucci, each showing up in a wave of neutral colors with splashes of Gucci’s signature red. These dark and boring looks were uncannily representative of how dark and dull the brunch became.
The aesthetic of the Gucci brunch was muted and subdued (outside of Marlo’s glasses), so much so that you would think that Shereé requested everyone to wear business casual attire. Marlo’s comment that Shereé looked ready to give a deposition was the only thing that came out of her mouth this episode that made me smile. During the brunch, and for most of her scenes in the seasons, Marlo continues to drag out this hackneyed storyline with her sights set on tearing Kandi down. But this time, she has an audience that includes not only Kandi but her enablers by her side. I refuse to believe that Shereé or Sanya truly believes the bullshit Marlo is parading as a storyline — they know damn well Kandi didn’t snub her — but they still support her on camera, giving credence to the lies.
At cryotherapy, Sanya and Shereé both agree that the way the information was carried to Kandi by Drew and Kenya was the issue, not the actual content of the message. Shereé’s motive is most likely getting any bit of revenge after feeling slighted by Kandi’s comments about She by Shereé, while Sanya appears to be scared of being on Marlo’s bad side. Sanya, in her sophomore season as a Housewife, is still struggling to navigate having a friendship with two feuding castmates. In this egregious instance of wrongdoing, it’s unfortunate that she remains a fence sitter by trying to remain neutral, thus losing some of Kandi’s trust in the process.
From the modern decor in the casts’ homes to their trendy wardrobes dominated by neutrals to even their surroundings at dinners and on trips, visually, the show, like the rest of the world, has lost some color. But the tone has also gotten darker this particular season. For most of the episodes, we have dealt with heavy topics like gun violence and the premature deaths of very real people. And the cast is filled with women with deep resentments toward one another, creating a massive gray rain cloud looming over the show. And by “people,” I’m mainly referring to Marlo. Marlo’s obsession with Kandi and Kenya, that’s most likely a result of a culmination of years of feeling like she’s not good enough for a peach combined with years of them actually having said peach, has created fissures in the cast so deep that it’s near impossible to have productive group events.
After the failed escape room, Shereé knows that the group is fractured, so during a cryotherapy session together, she presents her idea to get everyone back on the same page to Sanya. She comes up with a “let’s make sure we’re Gucci,” Gucci-themed brunch. It’s her version of the season 10 Elephant Room: get the woman together to air out the major issues so they can move on as a group. I would’ve preferred for Mbele and her chaotic presence to return, but Shereé supplied some silliness amongst the misery with her rap invitation (and if you want another giggle, here’s the song Shereé recorded that Kandi was talking about).
I’m a lover of the Alessandro Michele era of Gucci, so when Shereé came up with the Gucci brunch, I was sure we’d see some fabulous colors and fashions, as Dwight would say. When Michele was creative director, Gucci became known for its maximalist, over-the-top aesthetic. Once Michele stepped down, Gucci pivoted, embracing the current era of fashion and design that prefers minimalism over flamboyance. The women’s choices for the brunch were more reflective of this toned-down, classic Gucci, each showing up in a wave of neutral colors with splashes of Gucci’s signature red. These dark and boring looks were uncannily representative of how dark and dull the brunch became.
The aesthetic of the Gucci brunch was muted and subdued (outside of Marlo’s glasses), so much so that you would think that Shereé requested everyone to wear business casual attire. Marlo’s comment that Shereé looked ready to give a deposition was the only thing that came out of her mouth this episode that made me smile. During the brunch, and for most of her scenes in the seasons, Marlo continues to drag out this hackneyed storyline with her sights set on tearing Kandi down. But this time, she has an audience that includes not only Kandi but her enablers by her side. I refuse to believe that Shereé or Sanya truly believes the bullshit Marlo is parading as a storyline — they know damn well Kandi didn’t snub her — but they still support her on camera, giving credence to the lies.
At cryotherapy, Sanya and Shereé both agree that the way the information was carried to Kandi by Drew and Kenya was the issue, not the actual content of the message. Shereé’s motive is most likely getting any bit of revenge after feeling slighted by Kandi’s comments about She by Shereé, while Sanya appears to be scared of being on Marlo’s bad side. Sanya, in her sophomore season as a Housewife, is still struggling to navigate having a friendship with two feuding castmates. In this egregious instance of wrongdoing, it’s unfortunate that she remains a fence sitter by trying to remain neutral, thus losing some of Kandi’s trust in the process.
Before the brunch, Kandi and Sanya have a one-on-one and discuss the mess that occurred at the escape room, and Kandi is frank about her feelings that Sanya is playing both sides. Sanya explicitly says she doesn’t want to be burned by Marlo and minimizes the situation, making it seem like Marlo’s statements about Kandi aren’t out of control but merely a misunderstanding. She tries to play peacemaker in a situation that’s beyond peace. Kandi opens up about her late brother once more, choking up about how the accident hardened her, turning her into someone less inclined to get swept up in emotion. But that doesn’t mean she’s a bad friend; she points out how she shows her love in other ways, like by being motivational or being a provider. Sanya witnesses this rare moment of vulnerability from Kandi but still sits firmly on her fence when things boil over at brunch.
Everyone arrives Gucci’ed down to Toast on Lenox (which is Black woman-owned if anyone wants to support!), ready to get some use out of those blazers by getting straight to business. A teary-eyed Shereé invites everyone to put their issues on the tables with the hopes of co-existence. I’m unsure why she was crying, but we’ll roll with it. Kandi and Courtney officially bury their beef while Sanya and Kenya go back and forth about a statement Sanya made on WWHL about whether or not Kenya’s butt is real. With the baby elephants out of the way, it’s time to talk about the giant elephant in the room now that Marlo and Kandi are literally sitting across from each other.
Lacking any semblance of self-awareness, Marlo proclaims that she’s “in a great place,” and whenever she’s around the women, she can “definitely respect them and get along, it’s not that serious.” She was merely “sharing” with Drew that she wanted a “different reaction” from Kandi. Earlier in the episode, she answers the question we’ve all been wondering and states, with a straight face somehow, that the reason she hasn’t brought any of these feelings up with Kandi before now is that she hasn’t seen her — as if we haven’t been watching year’s worth of footage of them interacting. Shereé chalks it up as a “miscommunication,” and Kenya starts hilariously pretending to choke on all the bullshit around her while Shereé pretends to give her the Heimlich before quickly backpedaling to her neutral position faster than the tears dried on her face earlier.
Kandi finally has a chance to stand up for herself in a civilized setting without yelling and pointing fingers, and says that she doesn’t think Marlo is being genuine and that no one would want their name to be attached to a murder. Marlo slips into her worn-out victim role, saying Drew triggered her. Then, after episodes of going on and on about all these issues with Kandi and gun violence, Marlo says it was simply about the funeral flowers and Kandi not being a good friend. Marlo can’t take the heat (or Kenya’s peanut gallery insults) and storms out of the restaurant into the rainy weather that’s equally as gloomy as what’s happening inside.
Shereé is able to wrangle Marlo back into the brunch after promising to keep Kenya quiet. When she returns, she agrees that Kandi had nothing to do with Quentin’s death but doubles down on her belief that Kandi could’ve done more. She says if Kandi’s nephew had been shot and killed, she would’ve been at her door. Sanya tries to speak on behalf of Marlo, but Kandi isn’t having it and responds definitively: “Fuck her flowers.”
Peach Tea To-Go
• Not to sound too much like Drew, but it’s getting uncomfortable to keep using the word “shooting” in every other paragraph and writing about a young man who lost his life too soon in a violent way. Hearing Marlo talk about Kandi’s nephew getting hypothetically shot was jarring. I need this storyline to come to an end.
• Shereé’s excitement about the Rihanna shout-out tickled me because sometimes I wonder to what extent Shereé knows that we’re laughing at how silly the lore is behind her brand and how watchable she was in past seasons, not praising her actual design skills. Either way, I love that she has a sense of humor about it, even if it feeds her ego. A RiRi shout-out is major!
• Every week, Marlo says Kandi should’ve done one more thing when her nephew died. First, it was the flowers, then it was catering, and now Kandi should’ve gotten Quentin’s mother’s phone number. Then, of course, Kandi should’ve gotten her record expunged. Next week Marlo will say Kandi should’ve paid her rent and adopted Michael and William while she grieved. It’s too much.
#MusicNews: Normani Shares Preview Of Upcoming Single "Candy Paint"
It’s been a while since Normani released new music, but fortunately, that’s about to change. The singer previewed her next single, “Candy Paint,” in a new ad for Bose that details her creative process in the recording studio.
“I’m really excited to partner with Bose, especially going into this new chapter,” Normani told Billboard. “In terms of my career and my music, I know the wait has been extensive but it’s definitely going to be worth it, and I just feel like the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time.
WATCH
When it comes to the single, which she teased in the commercial, she said, “I really wanted to create a record that allowed me to show my personality. I feel like there’s a misconception; it probably has everything to do with my social media. I think that people think I’m so serious, which is the complete opposite [of me]. Anybody that really knows me knows that I’m really funny. I’m a goofball! I love to twerk. I’m just regular. I really wanted to create a record that encompassed that and allowed my personality to shine. It’s a performance record first, which I know my fans have been waiting for, for a very long time. It’s fun, energetic, bossy. It’s bold. It’s sassy but assertive, and yeah, I’m really excited to shoot the music video.
#HipHopNews: Azealia Banks Shades Doja Cat And Kendrick Lamar On Instagram
The “212” rapper has become more known for her social media antics than her music as of late. She will not hold her tongue when it comes to any topic. A-list acts like Dave Chappelle, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Joe Budden, and many more have all been the target of some of her social media rants. While dissing Doja Cat, she even started throwing shade at Kendrick Lamar and West Coast rap.
Azealia Banks expressed that “California rap culture is simply not as dynamic/impactful/swagged out as East Coast/southern rap culture” during her rant. While everyone is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop, it seems that Banks is not impressed by Doja’s new ode to the genre.
She even went on to dive deeper into her stance on Kendrick Lamar. Banks said, “To be fair, Kendrick got some cool hooks and verse, but he’s MAD overrated and extremely complacent.” While going further, she mentioned that he should not compare himself to Drake or JAY-Z.
In the long post, she oddly defended Nicki Minaj, who has been the target of some of her wrath in the past. There’s no telling what is genuinely on the mind of Azealia Banks. We have to wait patiently to see if she will garner a response from any of the West Coast rappers she sent shots toward.
Madonna Grateful Her Dad Silvio Ciccone Didn't Spoil Her
She wrote on Instagram, "Happy Father's Day to. All the Dad's out there!!! She's, He's, Them's and They's !! But Most of All to my Father -Silvio-who once told me he was gonna go until the wheels fall off!! S.A. M. E."
"Thanks for your unrelenting work ethic and Love and for refusing to spoil me in any wAy. You taught me how to be a Survivor! [black heart emoji] Forever Grateful. But also really tired…… xxxxxxxx," Madonna, who lost her mother whom she was named after, in 1963 when she died after battle with breast cancer, added.
The "Like a Virgin" hitmaker admitted during her heyday in the 1980s that she "didn't want to lose" her father when he remarried after the death of her mother and explained that upon his wedding to Joan, 80, - who he has Jennifer, 54, and Mario, 53, - in 1966 that was the first time she had been heartbroken.
The 64-year-old told the Chicago Tribune, "Like all young girls, I was in love with my father and I didn't want to lose him. I lost my mother, but then I was the mother; my father was mine. Then he got taken away from me when he married my stepmother. It was then that I said, Okay, I don't need anybody. No one's going to break my heart again. I'm not going to need anybody."
But in the years that followed, Madonna and her father appeared to have mended their relationship and for his 90th birthday in 2021, the "Material Girl" songstress thanked Silvio for "all the blessings" he had given her in life. She wrote, "Thank you for giving me life ... And all other Blessings you've bestowed upon me. Happy 90th Birthday! You are the O.G."
Netflix Introduces Additional Cast For 'Squid Game' Season 2
"Squid Game" is set to return for season 2 with some new faces. On Saturday, June 17, Netflix unveiled new and returning cast members for the sophomore season of its most-watched series ever.
The news was shared in a video screened at this year's TUDUM event in Brazil. It was revealed that Lee Jung-Jae (Seong Gi-Huh), Lee Byung-Hun (Front Man), Wi Ha-Jun (Hwang Jun-Ho) and Gong Yoo (Recruiter) will all return for the new season.
WATCH HERE
Meanwhile, the newcomers included former K-Pop group ZE:A member Im Siwan, who is known for his roles in "The Attorney" and "Emergency Declaration". He's joined by Kang Ha Neul ("Midnight Runners", "When the Camellia Blooms"), Netflix's Korean hit "The Glory" actor Park Sung Hoon and Disney+'s popular K-Drama "Connect" star Yang Dong Geun. There's no word on what characters they will play.
At the event, Netflix also confirmed that Hwang Dong-Hyuk would return to direct and executive produce the entire season. The new season is scheduled to begin its production later in 2023 as it eyes 2024 premiere.
"Squid Game" debuted on Netflix on September 17, 2021. The series quickly became a global sensation, racking up 1.65 billion viewing hours in 28 days. It eventually reached 111 million Netflix accounts, making the show the streamer's most-watched series ever.
It subsequently scored 14 nominations and 6 wins at the 2022 Emmy Awards. Lee Jung-jae even took home the best actor trophy, making him the first Asian actor ever to win in the category.
While fans have to wait for the new season of "Squid Game", the show's reality show spin-off "Squid Game: The Challenge" will arrive soon. At the Brazil event, the streaming giant revealed that the show will premiere in November.
Offset And Quavo Squash Beef As They Hang Out At Takeoff's Birthday Party
Offset and Quavo have apparently squashed their beef for the sake of their late bandmate Takeoff's birthday. On what would have been Takeoff's 28th birthday, the surviving members of Migos were seen reuniting at his posthumous birthday celebration.
At the event, Netflix also confirmed that Hwang Dong-Hyuk would return to direct and executive produce the entire season. The new season is scheduled to begin its production later in 2023 as it eyes 2024 premiere.
"Squid Game" debuted on Netflix on September 17, 2021. The series quickly became a global sensation, racking up 1.65 billion viewing hours in 28 days. It eventually reached 111 million Netflix accounts, making the show the streamer's most-watched series ever.
It subsequently scored 14 nominations and 6 wins at the 2022 Emmy Awards. Lee Jung-jae even took home the best actor trophy, making him the first Asian actor ever to win in the category.
While fans have to wait for the new season of "Squid Game", the show's reality show spin-off "Squid Game: The Challenge" will arrive soon. At the Brazil event, the streaming giant revealed that the show will premiere in November.
Offset And Quavo Squash Beef As They Hang Out At Takeoff's Birthday Party
On Sunday, June 18, family and friends of Takeoff gathered at what looks like a park to light up some paper lanterns and send them up. Among the crowd were Offset and Quavo, who were photographed chilling out as they appeared to have a conversation.
Both of them also wore white T-shirts with a picture of Takeoff. Sporting matching styles, they also had multi-layered chains on their necks and put on sunglasses.
The two rap stars' interaction aside, the guests were seen releasing sky lanterns with a poignant message for Takeoff into the sky. "To those whose flame has been extinguished, let this light represent our love and compassion. We will never forget you," it read.
Offset and Quavo were rumored to have clashed since before Takeoff's death. It culminated at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where they reportedly fought backstage during the on February 5 ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
TMZ reported at the time, "There's clearly still serious bad blood between Migos rappers Quavo and Offset following the death of Takeoff... and those emotions boiled over backstage at the Grammys into a physical fight. Sources at the show tell us just before Quavo took the stage to perform his song 'Without You' as a tribute to Takeoff during the 'In Memoriam' segment of the show, he and Offset got into a physical fight and had to be pulled apart."
"As for what led to it - we're told The Grammys had asked Offset to be a part of the tribute, but Quavo refused to let him take part. We're told Quavo blocked Offset from joining him on stage... leading to the melee. Our Offset sources say it was Quavo who started the fight," the site went on claiming.
Denying the fight rumors, Offset tweeted, "What tf look like fighting my brother [y'all] n***as is crazy."
Besides celebrating Takeoff' birthday at the party, Offset and Quavo have also honored their fallen bandmate via social media. The husband of Cardi B posted on Instagram, "Happy birthday rocket man. the greatest to touch a mic!! best spirit ever!! purest man I know your heart was golden bring me peace bra we celebrate your life because you still right here I love you gang."
Quavo also penned along with a throwback footage, "Happy Birthday @yrntakeoff can't wait for days like this again!!! BEST believe we goin up all week the Rocket way GEEKD u 29 n***a."
University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders might have to have his left foot amputated
Deion Sanders might lose his left foot as a result of circulation issues that forced him to have two toes amputated in 2021.
Sanders allowed camera crews with " Thee Pregame Show " to film a meeting with his medical team at the University of Colorado, where he’s preparing for his first season as head football coach.
In at 11-minute segment released Friday on YouTube, Sanders met with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ken Hunt, vascular surgeons Dr. Donald Jacobs and Dr. Max Wohlauer and athletic trainer Lauren Askevold to discuss his daily pain levels and possible next steps.
“You just have to understand what the risks are. Things can cascade,” Jacobs said, adding that Sanders might not just lose another toe but "he could lose the foot.”
“Well, I know what risks are," Sanders replied. “I only have eight toes. So, I’m pretty sure I understand.”
Sanders said he has no feeling on the bottom of his left foot and said if a procedure is recommended he wants to get it done right away because once the season starts he'll too busy.
“I want to do it this summer because when we get rolling, I’m not going to have time to do it,” Sanders said. “This is the best downtime I have.”
Sanders missed three games at Jackson State in 2021 after having two toes amputated during the season.
Sanders took over the downtrodden Buffaloes program in December following Colorado's 1-11 season in 2022. His hiring has led to a resurgence of interest in the program that's had just two winning seasons since 2016, one of those was a 4-2 mark during the pandemic season of 2020.
The Buffs sold out their spring game in April and has sold out its season ticket allotment for the first time in nearly three decades. Colorado opens at TCU on Sept. 2 and hosts former Big 12 rival Nebraska a week later at Folsom Field.
Beyonce celebrates Juneteenth by wearing a bright red dress and other pieces from Black designers during concert tour stop in Amsterdam
The 41-year-old songstress shared a carousel of gorgeous photos of herself in a red hot dress dripping in rhinestones while performing at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
In her caption, she revealed that her entire wardrobe for her concert tour stop in the Netherlands was designed and created by Black designers in celebration of Juneteenth.
The 28-time Grammy winner wrote: 'In honor of Juneteenth, everything I wore for RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR tonight was created exclusively by Black designers.'
The I Am... Sasha Fierce hitmaker — who enthralled fans in multiple show-stopping looks for her concert at the same location the day before — has currently been busy with her ongoing ninth concert tour in support of her seventh studio album, Renaissance.
While giving an ethereal performance onstage, the businesswoman also showcased her jaw-dropping, hourglass figure in the tight-fitting dress.
The songwriter dazzled in the garment, reminiscent of Jessica Rabbit's iconic look, with a square neckline and a sexy thigh-high slit.
She sported two silver cuff bracelets on each of her wrists and matched with a pair of metallic sandal heels..
With added attention to detail, she also performed with a silver microphone and mic stand.
For an added iridescence, she donned a pair of subtle and pale fishnet tights.
She also rocked diamond stud earrings and also showcased a chrome manicure.
The Destiny's Child singer styled her blonde tresses in chic beach waves and left her hair down to billow in the wind.
For makeup, she looked glamorous in a smokey and silver eyeshadow look.
FAB!
Mass shooting leaves 1 dead and 19 others injured during Juneteenth celebration in Illinois
Twelve ambulances responded to the scene, where some victims suffered from minor graze wounds and others sustained serious injuries. According to CNN, at least two people have been listed in critical condition. Eric Swanson, deputy chief of DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, told the media, “The motive behind this incident is unclear … We transported numerous victims from the scene. Others just walked into area hospitals.”
The Gun Violence Archive reported that the overnight mass shooting is one of 310 that have taken place this year. “This shooting shows that even states with strong gun laws like Illinois are not immune from gun violence due to our incredibly weak federal laws and weak laws in neighboring states,” said Kris Brown, president of the national gun violence prevention organization Brady, in a statement obtained by CNN.
Witnesses who spoke with NBC 5, a Chicago news affiliate, recalled the horrific moments when their celebration turned into a deadly scene. “We were all just out, and next thing you know, shots just [started] going off. Everybody ran, and it was chaos,” said Craig Lottie. Witness Marqeisha Avery told the outlet, “As we were getting ready to go, we just started to hear shooting come from behind us. So we dropped down.”
Juneteenth became a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed a bill commemorating the end of slavery in America. It is observed on June 19. “Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments, they embrace them,” said Biden at the signing on June 17, 2021. It is the first federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
Pete Davidson charged with reckless driving after crashing car into a Beverly Hills home
Pete Davidson has been charged with reckless driving, stemming from an accident earlier this year, Yahoo Entertainment has confirmed. The Saturday Night Live alum was with girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders when he crashed a car into a Beverly Hills home; investigators believe he was speeding through the residential neighborhood.
"We believe that Mr. Davidson engaged in reckless driving, which ultimately resulted in his involvement in a serious collision into a home. Luckily, no one was seriously injured as a result of this collision," a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said on Friday. "We know that reckless driving can have devastating consequences. In 2022, traffic fatalities in Los Angeles have reached the highest levels seen in 20 years. This is an alarming trend that we cannot ignore. As a result, it's crucial that we take all allegations of reckless driving seriously and hold those responsible accountable."
The charge is a misdemeanor. A rep for Davidson, 29, did not immediately respond to Yahoo's request for comment.
In March, Davidson was driving a Mercedes-Benz through the ritzy neighborhood when he crashed into a house around 11 p.m. It's unclear how the actor lost control of the vehicle, but sources told TMZ he hopped the curb and took out a fire hydrant before hitting the side of the house. Drugs and alcohol were ruled out as factors, police sources said at the time.
The entertainer, who currently voices a key role in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, is set to be arraigned on July 27.
Brian McKnight’s Estranged Son Brian McKnight Jr. Refuses Dad’s Request to Change Name
McKnight and his current wife had a baby boy in January that he also named Brian. It’s the latest slight in the ongoing family drama. Last month, the children from McKnight’s first marriage accused him of abandonment in a series of social media posts. The singer denied the claims in an Instagram video and further stated that his estrangement from his eldest kids – Brian Jr., Briana, Niko and Jack – is “mutual.”
“I never abandoned anyone,” he said in the IG video. “Our estrangement was mutual. But those posts made any roads towards reconciliation and acknowledging them a dead issue. And I changed my will the next day.”
In a specific jab at McKnight Jr., the crooner further stated: “I’ve spent the last 30-plus years building a recognized, respectable name. And ironically, there are still people out there who are trying to smear my name while still carrying it, hoping to use it for their own benefit.”
McKnight’s current wife, Dr. Leilani Malia Mendoza, just gave birth in January to Brian Kanoa Makoa, despite the singer already having a Brian Jr.
In his Instagram video, McKnight said of having two juniors: “I make absolutely no apologies for naming my infant son Brian. I want him and the world to know that he is the one who is my true legacy. So I’ll be over here continuing to love and protect my wife, and our children, as we continue to love our life.”
In response, McKnight Jr. said in his Instagram story that he will not change his name, and doing so would send the wrong message to his own son, who is named Brian McKnight III.
Meanwhile, McKnight’s IG video came on the heels of a settled lawsuit brought by Briana, who claimed he “maliciously defamed” her on social media by lying about her having an affair with her own cousin.
According to Radar Online, Briana sued McKnight in 2020, accusing him of being motivated by “animosity” when he told his followers that “she had some years earlier, and while a minor, engaged in sexual relations with an older cousin.” Briana claimed the issue started in 2019 when she decided to share “aspects of her perceptions of growing up with an unnamed absent father on her personal Instagram page.”
Though she allegedly didn’t disclose the identity of her famous father, McKnight responded by “publicly stating that Briana was a promiscuous and incestuous minor, and thereby (he hoped) undermining Briana’s credibility regarding a post that did not even identify him,” Briana stated in her lawsuit.
His post continued: “And unfortunately along the way, a couple of years ago I caught wind that there was an older cousin who was above 18 who was quite possibly having sex with her.” He also reportedly alleged that Briana’s mother, who he’d had an affair with while married to Julie, “only had a child with” him “for money in the first place.”
Briana denied her father’s allegations in her lawsuit, which stated: “Briana had never engaged in any sexual contact of any kind with any relative of any age while a minor or otherwise.”
McKnight denied the allegations against him as well and demanded the entire case be dismissed. Instead, it went to trial, but documents show that both parties agreed to dismiss the lawsuit in February.
Allen Iverson to Get $32 Million Reebok Payout at Age 55
Allen Iverson already knows one gift he’ll receive for his 55th birthday. In seven years from now, Reebok will hand the 48-year-old retired NBA star a $32 million check as part of a deal signed in 2001. The sports apparel company and The Answer have been in business together since he was drafted in 1996, with a partnership that blended both basketball and fashion.
The relationship nearly skidded to a halt in 2001 when the Philadelphia 76ers phenom considered a $10 million competing offer from Nike. It was less money than Reebok was offering, and Iverson has his former Georgetown coach John Thompson to thank for nudging him toward the better deal.
“Coach Thompson was on the board of directors for Nike. They had a deal on the table, and Reebok had a deal on the table. Nike’s was like five years, $10 million. And Reebok’s was for $50 million,” Iverson told GQ. “When I told Coach Thompson, I was like, ‘Man, I’m telling you this because you on the board of directors.’ He was basically like, ‘Man, if you don’t get the f**k out my face with that stupid s**t. That’s a no-brainer, son. Get the hell out my office.’ I mean Reebok just always been loyal to me. It’s the most amazing relationship between a player and a brand that you could ever think of.”
According to thesportsrush.com, Iverson signed a lifetime contract with Reebok in 2001 that includes $800,000 a year, and a $32 million payout when he turns 55. It was a savvy move to ensure that he and his family are taken care of outside of professional basketball, and well into his retirement years.
Michael Jordan Sells Majority Ownership Of Charlotte Hornets For $3b, J. Cole Part Of Buyers Group
With the sale, Jordan will continue to oversee the team’s basketball operations through the NBA draft and the start of free agency on July 1. When Jordan first purchased the majority stake, he paid $275 million.
In 2019, Plotkin became a minority stakeholder in the Hornets and has since served as an alternate governor on the NBA Board of Governors. He is the founder and chief investment officer of Tallwoods Capital LLC. Meanwhile, Schnall, who has been with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC for 27 years, holds a co-president position. He has been a significant minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks and an alternate governor on the NBA Board of Governors since 2015. Currently, Schnall is in the process of finalizing the sale of his investment in the Hawks, which is anticipated to be completed within the coming weeks.
For a bit of Hip-Hop flare, The Buyer group includes J. Cole, who will be a part owner. Additional owners include Chris Shumway, Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, Dyal HomeCourt Partners, country music singer-songwriter Eric Church, and several local Charlotte investors, including Amy Levine Dawson and Damian Mills. Jordan will retain a minority ownership share.
Last season the Hornets finished 27-55 and now hold the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft.
Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Law That Shuts Down All State-funded Colleges, Universities’ Diversity, equity, and inclusion offices
The backlash is palpable. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has followed through with signing a bill that effectively shuts down diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at state-funded colleges and universities.
Considered the most significant ban on diversity offices in higher education across the country, the law’s passing is even acknowledged by a supporter of the legislation. This decision coincides with the anticipated ban by the U.S. Supreme Court on colleges and universities considering race during the admissions process, as reported by NBC News.
Governor Abbott signed the law on Wednesday. Under the new legislation, any public college or university that fails to declare compliance with the law’s guidelines will be unable to access state funds allocated to them.
Furthermore, the law stipulates that state officials must conduct studies every two years until 2029 to examine the impact of the law on students, with data disaggregated by race. These studies will assess application rates, acceptance rates, matriculation rates, retention rates, graduation rates, and grade point averages. However, lawmakers did not provide a rationale for conducting these studies
This law represents the latest move by Texas’ Republican lawmakers and the governor, amidst criticisms that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are divisive or anti-white. Conversely, proponents argue that these departments can facilitate collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“Texas is leading the nation in ensuring that our campuses return to focusing on the strength of diversity and promoting a merit-based approach where individuals are evaluated based on their qualifications, skills, and contributions,” stated state Senator Brandon Creighton, a Republican and one of the bill’s authors.
Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, expressed her disappointment in a statement, referring to the bill’s signing as a “sad occasion for all students at Texas’ public universities.”
Russell emphasized that dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and offices at these institutions demonstrates that Texas lawmakers prioritize a political agenda over the success of students. She stressed that a diverse student body benefits all students, regardless of race, and declared her organization’s commitment to continue working towards increased accessibility and inclusivity in Texas universities.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
That’s not so good
This hip hop wannabees ruining it for them.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment