#MAGFAB: Rita Ora & Taika Waititi for Vogue Australia - June 2023
NICE! And the article is HERE!
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Is Rushed to the Hospital After Dizziness, Arm Numbness and a 'Hard Time Breathing'
Kenya Moore faced a scary ordeal during the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Kenya, 52, suffered dizziness, disorientation and “numbness in her left arm” on Sunday's episode, which centered on the ladies’ trip to Birmingham, Alabama, for Kenya's halftime performance at the Magic City Classic football game between two HBCUs.
“I don’t know where I am,” Kenya said around 9 a.m. on the day she was supposed to dance on the 50-yard line. She then told production: “I need an ambulance please ... I’m dizzy, and I’m having a hard time breathing.”
Not long before she was rushed away in an ambulance, Kenya had informed production at 9 a.m. that she would not be able to film that day.
“I woke up feeling the weight of everything that I had been through in the last few weeks,” she explained in a confessional interview.
Speaking on the phone to 911, she said, “I’ve just recovered from COVID, and I don’t know what it could be now.”
Shereé Whitfield was a firsthand witness to the EMTs removing Kenya from the hotel. Later, she filled in castmates Marlo Hampton, Monyetta Shaw and Courtney Rhodes.
“I woke up this morning hearing a lot of commotion outside my door," said the 53-year-old She by Shereé founder. "I opened the door, and this EMT [is] outside." She then told the ladies "Kenya, she’s at the hospital right now.”
"What?” asked Marlo, 47. Monyetta, 43, then added, “She was going to get a chest X-ray. Like, it’s serious.”
“She was having trouble breathing,” Shereé added. She then FaceTimed Kenya, who shared from her hospital bed: “I had a fever of 102, and I’m waiting for the other tests to come back. They couldn’t get my vein, so I couldn’t get the IV push.” (Though the women offered, Kenya declined their offer to come visit her in the hospital.)
The moment was too much for Monyetta, who broke down in tears because it resurfaced the pain of losing her mother just a few months before in July.
Following their FaceTime call with Kenya, Marlo — who had been fighting the night before with Kenya and had attempted to kick her door down — led the ladies in prayer.
Afterward, she said, "Golly, that hurt my heart. Like, we argue, we’re fussin’ and we’re fightin’ about stupid s--- , and this is real stuff — in the hospital.”
Kenya Moore Says She'd Rather Do Military Drills Than Embark on Another 'RHOA' Trip: 'It's Torture'
Later, Marlo said she tried to send flowers to Kenya — but the former Miss USA had already checked out of the hospital.
“Bitch, I said, ‘Get well soon’ — not immediately,” Marlo joked in a confessional. ”Kenya was discharged in 30.4 seconds. That s--- was faster than Sanya [Richards-Ross] ran the races she won, Lord Jesus.”
Still, Kenya was recuperating later when Shereé visited her at Moore Manor to drop off a care package.
“They did the chest X-ray, they couldn’t find anything abnormal," she said. "And then they came back and said I had the flu. They gave me some prescriptions. All this back-to-back sickness, it’s just something is not right.”
She expressed disappointment about having to end her trip early in a confessional. “Missing out on the performance at Magic City Classic was a big blow to my brand," she said. "I mean, I didn’t attend an HBCU. I have always, like, kind of longed to be there in the middle of all that and to feel that love. As a business that’s owned and operated by a Black woman, to be able to perform on that huge stage rooted in so much Black history, for me was very important to be a part of that. So, a little heartbreaking.”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Charlie Wilson Hits NPR’s Tiny Desk For Black Music Month
Charlie Wilson took over NPR’s Tiny Desk concert to kick off the celebration of Black Music Month. On Monday (June 5), Uncle Charlie took fans to church with a 30-minute medley of his most well-known songs and even led the room in prayer.
The Oklahoma native ran through his hit songs spanning 50 years in the music industry. Charlie jumped from modern favorites “Sweet Yamz” and “There Goes My Baby” to the timeless compositions of “Outstanding” and “Computer Love.” The GRAMMY award-winner also shared insight into his life’s journey. Wilson, 70, spoke about his battle with addiction and how his relationship with God helped him through it.
“I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homeless,” he told the crowd, on the verge of tears. “Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I’m 28 years clean and sober!”
NPR is set to continue its celebration of Black music all June 2023, with a slate of performers. The company took to Instagram on Friday (June 2) to announce its lineup of artists, with Tank assisting in the reveal. Tank comically ran through the list of artists, name-dropping Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger, and special guests who are set to bring additional special guests.
Last year’s Black Music Month celebration saw the media company tap Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June. During the commemoration, Usher’s “watch this” meme was born, as he launched into “Confessions Part II.”
Watch Charlie Wilson’s Tiny Desk performance below!
#HipHopNews: Lil Durk's 'Almost Healed' Debuts At No. 3 On The Billboard 200
On Sunday (June 4), Billboard announced that Lil Durk’s eighth studio LP, Almost Healed, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, his sixth top 10 on that chart thus far. The project collected 125,000 album-equivalent units during its first week, making it his highest amount achieved as a solo artist (2021’s The Voice of the Heroes, Durk’s joint effort with Lil Baby, scored 150,000 units in the same time frame). Ahead of the Chicago rapper’s latest was Taylor Swift’s double reissue of Midnights and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time. Interestingly enough, Wallen contributed to Durk’s album on “Stand By Me.”
Almost Healed boasts 21 hard-hitting cuts and — in addition to Wallen — notable assists from Alicia Keys, J. Cole, Chief Wuk, Future, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, and Juice WRLD. In an Instagram post, Durk explained the meaning behind the emotionally charged body of work.
“As The Voice, I’m speaking for us all and what we go through that everyone may not realize,” the message read. “Many young men like myself have faced some sort of trauma in their lives. This album is a representation of what transpires through difficult situations and the processes we go through while healing.”
Said post also brings to light the “All My Life” rapper’s many losses, which includes an incarcerated father, his late brother DThang, and King Von, a longtime friend and collaborator that lost his life in 2020.
In 2022, Durk blessed the masses with 7220 and 7220 (Deluxe), complete with collaborations alongside the likes of Summer Walker, Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, Ella Mai, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. In that same year, he connected with his Only The Family collective for Loyal Bros 2. Doodie Lo, Booka600, BIG30, Lil Zay Osama, Kodak Black, Trippie Redd, and more made appearances on the 23-song compilation.
Chris Rock Calls Cops After Trespasser Is Caught On His NYC Apartment's Fire Escape
Chris Rock has had an intruder scare. The "Dolemite Is My Name" actor has just been reported to have called the police for catching an unidentified trespasser on the fire escape of his New York City apartment.
A source from the law enforcement told Fox News Digital that the 58-year-old comedian made the police report at around 8 P.M. on Sunday, June 4. He was said to inform the cops that "an unknown person went on to his fire escape."
It was still unclear what motive the intruder had, but the source claimed the unidentified man was believed to be in his 20s and "didn't attempt to gain entry, but Rock said he saw him filming." The source further revealed that the trespasser "fled in a white Mercedes."
In its report, New York City Police Department, per Fox News Digital, detailed, "The victim states he observed through his window an individual outside on the fire escape." They continued, "The man appeared to be filming. When officers arrived, the individual had fled the scene."
As of June 5, no arrests have been made yet, and the incident is still being investigated.
Chris' incident with the trespasser happened nearly two months after he joked about Donald Trump's potential arrest. At the Mark Twain Prize ceremony held at the Kennedy Center on March 19, he asked the audience, "Are you guys really going to arrest Trump? Do you know that this is only going to make him more popular?"
"It is like arresting [Tupac Shakur]. He's just going to sell more records," the "Saturday Night Live" alum continued. "Are you stupid? He slept with a porn star and paid off someone so his wife wouldn't find out. That's romantic."
At the event, Chris also poked fun at him being slapped by Will Smith at 2022 Oscars. Comparing his incident to that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband who suffered a vicious assault by a stranger in his residence in 2022, he quipped, "Paul Pelosi, the only guy who knows how I felt...just you and me Paul."
Oh? Is there a A New Feud Brewing On The ‘Fast And Furious’ Set: Vin Diesel Vs. Jason Momoa
Fast X isn’t the best Fast and Furious movie. It’s also not the worst. It’s somewhere in the middle, but it does feature one of the franchise’s greatest villain performances with Jason Momoa’s flamboyant turn as Dante Reyes.
The actor and liquor connoisseur was commended as the MVP of the film by numerous critics, including The Wrap‘s William Bibbiani, who wrote, “He’s the polar opposite of Dominic Toretto, wild instead of taciturn, colorful instead of monochrome, femme instead of masc. More, please, I beg of you.”
We agree — but Vin Diesel doesn’t. Radar reports that Diesel is “blaming his new co-star Jason Momoa’s performance in the new Fast & Furious for causing the film to be trashed by critics… Sources revealed desperate Diesel is unwilling to accept that he might have played a role in the poor reviews and is throwing Momoa under the bus — even though Jason is one of a few aspects of the film that critics praised!”
A source told Radar, “Vin is embarrassed Jason is being branded the only bright spot in the film and stealing his thunder in the franchise he built himself.” Diesel is allegedly telling those in his circle that Momoa “overacting” and “scene-stealing” undermined the artistic integrity of Fast X, a movie where someone tries to blow up the Vatican.
Is the rumor playing fast and furious with the facts? Maybe. But it’s not like this would be the first time Diesel has objected to a co-star upstaging him…
Jennifer Hudson And David Otunga Celebrate Son David’s Middle School Graduation
It’s the season of transition as students are leveling up to the next grade. From elementary school, secondary and high school, family and friends nationwide are gathering to celebrate their beloved graduates.
Jennifer Hudson, 41, is joining proud parents everywhere in celebrating her son David Daniel Otunga Jr.’s graduation.
Hudson shares her son — affectionately called DOJ — with her ex-fiancé, former WWE star David Otunga, People reported. On Sunday, Hudson proudly posted three separate posts to honor their son’s accomplishment. The first post showcased a sweet mother-and-son moment as she assisted him with his gown and gold medal.
“My baby Graduated, Yal !!!!!! DOJ!!!!!!! #classof2023#proudmom,” her caption read.
The second heartfelt post was an Instagram carousel of several photos. The first slide showcased a smiling DOJ in his gray suit and royal blue graduating gown. The second and third photos showed Mama and her soon-to-be high schooler smiling and posing post-grad ceremony. In contrast, other images featured Otunga and his family, friends and a congratulatory aerial banner.
“It’s official !!! My baby is a high schooler now,” Hudson wrote. “We had such a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends. I am sooo proud of you, DOJ! Team Jhud can yal help give DOJ a huge congratulations?” she captioned her post.
The last post-graduate picture featured DOJ and Hudson in a photo booth posing, a group family pic with another graduate in her family, DOJ posing in his celebratory fit, and a throwback photo of DOJ as a younger child.
“And the celebration is still going !!! So proud of my kid Doj and all of our 2023 graduates !!!” the last post read.
Otunga also shared a carousel post of his son with his side of the family, DOJ in his cap and gown, and a solo shot of a smiling DOJ. Otunga wrote in his caption he is proud of his son’s achievement but said he’s even more proud of the young man DOJ is becoming.
“Can you believe he’s going to be a freshman?! Where does the time go?! Son, I’m so proud of your scholastic achievements, but I’m even more proud of the wonderful man you are becoming. Congratulations! #DOJGraduation,” he wrote.
Congratulations to DOJ on graduating from the eighth grade and moving on to new ground.
Texas Cheerleader Who Was Shot After Friend Got Into The Wrong Car Speaks Out For The First Time
Payton Washington, one of two Texas cheerleaders shot in April after her friend accidentally opened the door of the wrong car, is speaking out for the first time went into detail about the devastating situation that changed her life.
“My spleen was shattered. My stomach had two holes in it. And my diaphragm had two holes in it. And then they had to remove a lobe from my pancreas. I had 32 staples,” Washington said in an exclusive interview with Good Morning America’s co-anchor Michael Strahan. “I was actually texting and [eating] Twizzlers,” Washington recalled of the moments before someone opened the door of her teammate’s car. She said she could hear gunfire but didn’t know where it was coming from, but her “ears were ringing so loud” she knew the shots had to be close.
When the cheerleaders were driving away trying to get to safety Washington said that’s when she realized she was hit by bullets. “We were tryin’ to get away. I really was just telling myself to breathe. It was hard to breathe because of my diaphragm,” she said. “I was trying to stay as calm as possible for the other people in the car. I could tell how sad and scared they were. I saw blood on [my passenger] seat. So I knew somewhere I was bleeding. But I had so much adrenaline, I didn’t really know where,” said Washington. “And then whenever we pulled over and opened the door, I was like, ‘Oh, gotta throw up.’ And that’s when I was throwing up blood.”
Before the shooting took place Washington just got accepted into Baylor university, but after getting hit three times in the shooting she explained how hard it is for her to do simple things like getting out of the bed.
“It was hard … hurting to walk or stand is really weird when, a week before, you were doing a bunch of flips, running the track, and doing long jump, and all this stuff,” said Washington.
The young woman knows it is a terrible situation that happened to her but she still finds pride in being alive and not dwelling on the past. “He did what he did, and I’m just gonna try and get through it. There’s no point in me really thinking about what he did,” she said.
“You can literally do anything if you push and you persevere,” she said. “Don’t doubt yourself ever because you can do anything as long as you’re putting your 120% into it.”
Drew Barrymore Slams Tabloids For Claiming She Wishes Her Mother Was Dead: 'That Is Sick'
Drew Barrymore has released a new video in which she addressed tabloid claims that she wishes her mother Jaid Barrymore was dead.
The 48-year-old actress and talk show host opened up about her complicated relationship with her mom in a new interview for New York Magazine.
“All their moms are gone, and my mom’s not,” Drew said in the interview while speaking about her neighbors. “And I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t have that luxury.’ But I cannot wait. I don’t want to live in a state where I wish someone to be gone sooner than they’re meant to be so I can grow. I actually want her to be happy and thrive and be healthy. But I have to fucking grow in spite of her being on this planet.”
The interview noted that Drew expressed regret for the comments right after saying them. She added, “I dared to say it, and I didn’t feel good. I do care. I’ll never not care. I don’t know if I’ve ever known how to fully guard, close off, not feel, build the wall up.”
Now, Drew is slamming tabloids who were running with headlines like “Drew Barrymore admits she wishes her mother Jaid was dead.”
“You know what? To all you tabloids out there, you have been f–king with my life since I was 13 years old. I have never said that I wish my mother was dead. How dare you put those words in my mouth. I have been vulnerable and tried to figure out a very difficult, painful relationship while admitting it’s difficult to do while a parent is alive. For those of us who have to figure that out in real time, cannot wait as in they cannot wait for the time. Not that the parent is dead,” Drew said.
She added, “Don’t twist my words around or ever say that I wish my mother was dead. I have never said that. I never would and in fact, I go on to say that I wish that I never have to live in existence where I would wish that on someone because that is sick.”
Make sure to read all the highlights from the new interview.
For those who don’t know, Jaid, 77, is a former actress who has had small roles in movies like 1982′s Night Shift and 1998′s Enchanted.
Disney Says 'Hocus Pocus 3' Officially in Development
Disney is hoping to strike magic again with another Hocus Pocus installment.
The studio is officially developing Hocus Pocus 3, Sean Bailey — president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production — confirmed while discussing upcoming live-action projects in a profile published by The New York Times on Sunday.
Fans will certainly be thrilled by the news, which comes after Hocus Pocus 2 broke streaming records when it debuted on Disney+ last September. The sequel came nearly 30 years after the original film, which was released in 1993.
No other information was given about the potential third film, including a release date or casting. But stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker have all said that they'd be open to making another movie.
The trio play the Sanderson Sisters, the three cursed witches who return from the dead to Salem, Massachusetts decades after their banishment in search for some youthful souls to devour.
"I've always been envious of people who get to do their favorite character more than once," Midler told Entertainment Weekly in September. "I'd love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing."
The 77-year-old Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner added to that if there was a third Hocus Pocus, she couldn't figure out yet what the storyline would be. "I can't imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary and our relationship," Midler said. "It's good for women. We stick together through hell and high water, but we do cause mayhem, and not many women cause that much mayhem!"
Najimy, 66, initially turned down the concept of a third movie when discussing with EW. "We've pulled every story you could pull out of this," she said, before admitting, "I guess, never say never. ... I don't know that there are plans for a third one, but I know fans are dedicated to this film. I'm just happy we can bring this to them."
Parker, 58, was equally onboard. "Of course I'd be happy to have a conversation," she told EW, "it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!"
Meanwhile, three stars from the original film who did not appear in the 2022 sequel might pop up in the third installment.
Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani) and Vinessa Shaw (Allison) all helped take down the Sanderson Sisters in the first movie. And they've all been vocal about their desire to reprise their roles again.
“We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other," Hocus Pocus 2 screenwriter Jen D’Angelo told Variety. “But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.”
Dani, presumably, too — as she was supposed to play a schoolteacher in the second movie.
"There were three options we had for how to bring Dani back, all of which I was excited by," Birch told EW. "By the time they got around to filming, I was already on something else."
Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 are now streaming on Disney+.
Apple Unveils Vision Pro Headset Set to Hit Shelves for $3,500 Next Year.
Apple is gearing up for the release of its Vision Pro headset.
CEO Tim Cook announced the device on Monday at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. The augmented-reality goggles will go into production in October, and be available early next year for a whopping $3,499.
Cook believes Vision Pro will introduce the world to "spatial computing," just as Apple's Mac pioneered personal computing and the iPhone spearheaded mobile computing.
“I believe that augmented reality is a profound technology," Cook said. "Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before—with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.”
Vision Pro marks the first entirely new product Apple has launched since the Apple Watch in 2015. Last month, Bloomberg reported Apple expects to sell nearly 1 million VR headsets in its first year.
“Creating our first spatial computer required invention across nearly every facet of the system,” Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Technology Development Group, said on Monday. “Through a tight integration of hardware and software, we designed a standalone spatial computer in a compact wearable form factor that is the most advanced personal electronics device ever.”
Alongside Vision Pro, Apple announced iOS 17, the next generation of its iPhone operating system, as well as a new line of Macs that includes a MacBook Air laptop featuring a 15.3-inch screen (starting at $1,299), a Mac Studio (from $1,999), and Mac Pro ($6,999).
Cornel West announces 2024 presidential bid with the People’s Party
Philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West has decided to run for presidency in the United States in 2024. The big news was announced today (June 5) via social media, and he will carry out his campaign as a third-party candidate.
“I am running for truth and justice as a presidential candidate for the People’s Party to reintroduce America to the best of itself — fighting to end poverty, mass incarceration, ending wars and ecological collapse, guaranteeing housing, health care, education and living wages for all! Join the movement at CornelWest24.com!” the 70-year-old tweeted. His message contained a video just over two minutes long, detailing his plans for presidency.
“In these bleak times, I have decided to run for truth and justice — which takes the form of running for president of the United States as a candidate for the People’s Party,” West began in the clip. “I come from a tradition where I care about you. I care about the quality of your life. I care about whether you have access to a job with a living wage, decent housing, women having control over their bodies, healthcare for all, de-escalating the destruction of the planet, the destruction of American democracy,” the “Democracy Matters” author continued.
Without hesitation, his supporters were on board. “Maybe this is the catalyst for integrity in politics. I hope so,” one person said. Another tweeted, “This is my candidate. There are very few people in this world I love and respect more than Cornel West.” One enthusiastic ally added, “I WANT A JOB ON YOUR CAMPAIGN! [I] VOLUNTEER IT OTHERWISE.” The renowned Tulsa, Oklahoma native has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard, master’s and Ph.D. from Princeton and has also taught as a professor at Harvard University’s Divinity School. In 2021, he parted ways with the prestigious institution claiming the “shadow of Jim Crow was cast in its new glittering form expressed in the language of superficial diversity.”
Spotify To Layoff 200 Employees From Its Podcast Division
On Monday, Spotify announced it was laying off 200 of its employees in its podcast division.
In the past three years, Spotify has made significant investments to grow its podcast division. According to an SEC filing, Spotify has spent $526 million on four major podcast acquisitions since 2020.
“We are expanding our partnership efforts with leading podcasters from across the globe with a tailored approach optimized for each show and creator,” Spotify said.
In January, the company announced plans to lay off 6% of its workforce and take a charge of up to $50 million.
Vice President of Spotify Sahar Elhabashi informed employees of the cuts in a memo. He said the affected parties will receive “generous severance packages.”
Elhabashi said the “fundamental pivot from a more uniform proposition will allow us to support the creator community better.”
Young Thug's brother Unfoonk sentenced to prison in connection with YSL case
The brother of Atlanta rapper Young Thug, arrested last month on gun charges, has been sentenced to 9½ years in prison, Atlanta's WSB-TV and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Monday.
Quantavious Grier, who raps under the name Unfoonk, was arrested May 4 in Atlanta on suspicion of crimes including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to WSB-TV, investigators determined that Grier violated the terms of his probation as part of a plea deal he struck last year.
Grier, 34, pleaded guilty in December to theft and to violating Georgia's RICO act. He was among 28 people — including Young Thug — arrested on charges of participating in gang activity and violating the state's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, stands accused of co-founding Young Slime Life (YSL), a local gang established in 2012 that claims affiliation with the national Bloods gang.
The terms of Grier's 10-year probation prohibited the "Running Out of Patience" artist from contacting other defendants in the case (including his brother), required him to perform 750 hours of community service, placed him under a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and prevented him from possessing a gun, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Now he will serve the remainder of his probation sentence in prison.
In early May, an Atlanta police officer discovered a loaded 9 mm Glock handgun inside Grier's Mercedes after approaching him for an alleged window tint violation, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The report noted that Grier informed the police that the weapon was registered without mentioning the terms of his probation.
"All you had to do was complete your probation and do what you were supposed to do," Fulton County judge Ural Glanville told Grier on Monday, according to the Journal-Constitution.
"Instead, you were out riding around with a gun in your car."
Grier's attorney, Nicole Moorman, asked Glanville to sentence the "My Struggle" musician to two years in prison, arguing that the YSL case marked her client's first felony conviction.
When prosecutors tried to paint the BP gas station where Grier was arrested as a "YSL stronghold," Moorman countered, "This is Mr. Grier's community. This is all he knows."
"He's never had anybody leading him, he's never had anybody guiding him," Moorman told the judge, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Jury selection for the YSL trial began in January.
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