#MAGFAB: Jennifer Coolidge for Harper's Bazaar Australia June/July 2023
Nice! The article is HERE!
#RHOA: Porsha Williams & NeNe Leakes Reunite In Miami After Both Exiting ‘RHOA’
Three years after they last appeared on ‘RHOA’ together, NeNe Leakes and Porsha Williams spent the weekend together in Miami and looked like they had a blast.
Porsha Williams celebrated her husband, Simon Guobadia’s, birthday in Miami over the weekend of June 3, and she was joined by her former Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star, NeNe Leakes, for the celebration. Porsha took to Instagram to share photos from the bday trip, including several shots with NeNe. The first shot in the gallery of images shows the ladies looking fierce while posing next to each other at the dinner table. Another shot revealed them next to one another while posing with friends.
“Miami doesn’t owe a thing!!” Porsha captioned the set of photos. Big sis & lil sis reunite and celebrate my love! Thank you to all our friends who made this weekend special.” NeNe commented on the post, as well, adding, “Lil sis. Fun times.” For the night out, Porsha stunned in a leopard print dress with side cutouts and a high leg slit, while NeNe rocked a grey jumpsuit and heels.
NeNe and Porsha were both previously castmates on RHOA. They were both on the show for seasons 5 through 8 and then 9 through 12. NeNe left the show after season 12, which ended in the spring of 2020. “I have been on an extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation,” she admitted in 2020. “There has been a lot of emotion flying on both sides.” She also added, “It wasn’t an easy decision for me. It was hard.”
Porsha followed suit, lasting one more season before exiting after the 13th season in 2021. “After ten life-changing, gratifying, incredible years, it’s finally time to begin my next chapter,” she said in Sept. 2021. RHOA just premiered its 15th season in early May 2023.
Since leaving the show, NeNe and Porsha have both gone through a lot in their personal lives. NeNe’s husband, Gregg Leakes, lost his battle with cancer and died in Sept. 2021. Her son then suffered a heart attack and stroke in October 2022, but luckily, he recovered. At the end of 2021, NeNe began dating Nyonisela Sioh, but they have mostly kept their relationship out of the public eye.
Meanwhile, Porsha ended things with her fiance, Dennis McKinley, who is also the father of her daughter, in the fall of 2020. Although the two tried to make it work after Dennis admitted to cheating on Porsha, they ultimately called it quits. In May 2021, she shocked fans when she revealed that she was engaged to Simon. They tied the knot in Nov. 2022. Porsha also starred on her own Bravo show, Porsha’s Family Matters, in 2021, and was a cast member on season 3 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in 2023.
#MusicNews: Usher and Jazmine Sullivan grace the 2023 Roots Picnic stage together and leave fans wanting a collaboration
This past weekend, artists spoiled fans as several music performances took place in different states.
(June 5), festivalgoers continued to witness stars hit the 2023 Roots Picnic stage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Usher added to his legacy as an R&B superstar by headlining the last day of the annual event. The Georgia-raised performer entertained fans with a performance of multiple hit singles, including “Burn,” “Yeah,” and “U Don’t Have to Call.”
However, one of the most memorable moments of his show was his set with Philly native Jazmine Sullivan. The Grammy Award winners shared the stage as Black Thought rapped over a live take of Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna…” The encounter captured Twitter’s attention, leaving one user asking for a song featuring the two singers.
Although Usher and Sullivan have thrived in the music industry for over two decades, they have yet to join forces to gift R&B fans with a much-desired song. Another user echoed the collaboration request as the person tweeted, “The chemistry is there!”
A third handle spoke about how great the “Confessions” songwriter’s entire show was. “Usher brought out The Roots during his set to play and they did ‘You Got Me,'” the user wrote. “He then brought out Jazmine Sullivan to sing the hook, and Eve came out and did the verse for like the first time ever anywhere. Usher’s band was crazy too. Very dope.”
More performers such as Ari Lennox, City Girls, Lucky Daye, and Saucy Santana took the event’s stage on June 4. For the first night, music legend Lauryn Hill headlined and surprised fans with a reunion of The Fugees. Other artists included on the day were GloRilla, Lil Uzi Vert, SYD, Coco Jones, and more.
#HipHopNews: Tory Lanez And DaBaby Allegedly Attempted To Crash Megan Thee Stallion's Performance
On Wednesday (June 7), journalist Meghann Cuniff published a memo from Los Angeles prosecutors that suggested a 13-year sentence for Tory Lanez, who was convicted for his role in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
Of the many concerns explained in the document, Lanez and DaBaby were accused of trying to crash Megan Thee Stallion‘s set at Rolling Loud 2021. “During the victim’s performance, the defendant went through security clearance and entered the green room,” the memo stated. “These areas were within 100 yards of the stage where the victim was performing, in violation of the protective order. It was also brought to the victim’s attention that the defendant and DaBaby attempted to rush the stage… In no way was the victim previously aware of nor did she consent to the defendant’s presence at the venue when she would be performing.”
It continued, “The victim was incredibly fearful upon discovering the defendant was at the venue and within the prohibited 100 yards. Media reports documenting the defendant’s reveal at [Rolling Loud] after the victim’s performance soon followed. Days later, upon being asked online, ‘Don’t you have a gag order,’ the defendant responded via his Twitter account, ‘I’m starting to not give a f**k.'”
As the memo further explained, it was after that Rolling Loud appearance that the judge who presided over the case raised Lanez‘s bail amount and ordered him not to appear at any subsequent events where Megan was a confirmed attendee.
Back in December 2022, Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion on three counts — assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence. As previously reported by Rap-Up, the Canadian artist wrote a letter to the district attorney claiming that he was “wrongly convicted.”
Former President Trump says he’s been indicted in classified documents investigation. Justice dept is MUM!
MIAMI— Donald Trump said Thursday he’s been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, igniting a federal prosecution that is arguably the most perilous of multiple legal threats against the former president as he seeks to reclaim the White House.
The Justice Department did not immediately publicly confirm the indictment. But two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it publicly said Trump’s team had been informed that he had been indicted on seven counts and that prosecutors had contacted lawyers to advise them of the indictment shortly before Trump announced it himself on his Truth Social platform.
“This is indeed a DARK DAY for the United States of America,” Trump posted. “We are a Country in serious and rapid Decline, but together we will Make America Great Again!”
Within 20 minutes of his announcement, Trump, who said he was due in court Tuesday afternoon in Miami, had begun fundraising off it for his 2024 presidential campaign.
The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been indicted in New York and faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges. As the prosecution moves forward, it will pit Trump’s claims of sweeping executive power against Attorney General Merrick Garland’s oft-stated mantra that no person, including a former commander in chief, should be regarded as above the law.
The indictment arises from a monthslong investigation by special counsel Jack Smith into whether Trump broke the law by holding onto hundreds of documents marked classified at his Palm Beach property, Mar-a-Lago, and whether Trump took steps to obstruct the government’s efforts to recover the records.
Prosecutors have said that Trump took roughly 300 classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, including some 100 that were seized by the FBI last August in a search of the home that underscored the gravity of the Justice Department’s investigation.
Trump and his team have long seen the special counsel investigation as far more perilous than the New York matter — both politically and legally. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump’s attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when.
But it remains unclear what the immediate and long-term political consequences will be for Trump. His first indictment spurred millions of dollars in contributions from angry supporters and didn’t damage Trump in the polls. No matter what, the indictment — and the legal fight that follows -- will throw Trump back into the spotlight, sucking attention away from the other candidates who are trying to build momentum in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump has insisted he was entitled to keep the classified documents when he left the White House, and has also claimed without evidence that he had declassified them.
The former president has long sought to use mounting legal troubles to his political advantage, complaining on social media and at public events that the cases are being driven by Democratic prosecutors out to hurt his 2024 election campaign. He is likely to rely on that playbook again, reviving his longstanding claims that the Justice Department — which, during his presidency, investigated whether his 2016 campaign had colluded with Russia — is somehow weaponized against him.
The case is a milestone for a Justice Department that had investigated Trump for years — as president and private citizen — but had never before charged him with a crime. Garland was appointed by President Joe Biden, who is seeking reelection in 2024.
Among the various state and federal investigations that Trump faces, legal experts — including Trump’s own former attorney general — had long seen the Mar-a-Lago probe as one of the most likely to result in indictment and the one where evidence seemed to favor the government. Court records unsealed last year showed federal investigators believed they had probable cause that multiple crimes had been committed, including the retention of national defense information, destruction of government records and obstruction of an investigation.
Since then, the Justice Department has amassed additional evidence and secured grand jury testimony from people close to Trump, including his own lawyers. The statutes governing the handling of classified records and obstruction are felonies that could carry years in prison in the event of a conviction.
Signs had mounted for weeks that an indictment was near, including a June 5 meeting between Trump’s lawyers and Justice Department officials. After that meeting, Trump said on social media that he anticipated he could be charged, even as he insisted he had done nothing wrong.
Though the bulk of the investigative work had been handled in Washington, with a grand jury meeting there for months, it recently emerged that prosecutors were presenting evidence before a separate panel in Florida, where many of the alleged acts of obstruction scrutinized by prosecutors — including efforts to move the boxes — took place.
Trump’s legal troubles extend beyond the New York indictment and classified documents case.
The special counsel has a separate probe underway focused on efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. And the district attorney in Georgia’s Fulton County is investigating Trump over alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election in that state.
Pat Robertson, televangelist charismatic, divisive leader of the religious right, dies at 93
For generations of conservative Christians, Pat Robertson was a familiar face on television, guiding them through domestic politics and international affairs on his long-running talk show, The 700 Club.
But the controversial televangelist was best known as an architect of the religious right who frequently made anti-gay remarks, as a pioneer in the Christian broadcasting industry that would elevate many Republican politicians, and briefly, as a politician in his own right with presidential aspirations.
In a statement Thursday, the Christian Broadcasting Network said Robertson died at home on June 8, surrounded by family.
From pastor to political force
The son of a powerful U.S. senator, Robertson grew up around politics. But his roots were in the white evangelical Christian church, as an ordained pastor. In 1960, he founded the Christian Broadcasting Network, or CBN, in Virginia, holding telethons to pay the bills. The network and its programs would eventually spread around the world.
CBN's success spurred Robertson to found a Christian college, now known as Regent University, in Virginia Beach in the late 1970s. A decade later, he set his sights higher, making a run for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination as both a social and fiscal conservative.
Though his campaign was unsuccessful, it elevated Robertson's profile among politically engaged white evangelicals. The following year, Robertson founded the Christian Coalition in an effort to mobilize those voters.
Ralph Reed, the former executive director of the Christian Coalition, said Robertson was very skillful at building up the political muscle of the Christian right and rallying voters around the issues he cared about.
"It is undeniable whatever one thinks of his politics — and I was fortunate and privileged to be at his side — that he transformed the Republican Party and with it American politics," Reed said.
At that time, another group with a similar mission was dissolving. The Moral Majority was founded in the 1970s by another politically conservative, Virginia-based minister, Jerry Falwell. His son, Jerry Falwell Jr., is the former president of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. In an interview with NPR in 2017, Falwell Jr. said Robertson was influential in coalescing the voting power of the Christian right.
"They had a huge impact," he said. "I guess their main impact was bringing Christians together as a political force, to work together."
A charismatic, divisive leader
Robertson's critics, such as Terry Heaton, also have remarked on his ability to command a following. Heaton was a TV producer for Robertson in the 1980s, eventually rising to the role of executive producer for The 700 Club.
"People don't realize how brilliant Pat Robertson really was at that time," Heaton said.
Heaton is the author of The Gospel of Self: How Jesus Joined the GOP, a book critical of the Christian right. Heaton told NPR in 2017 that Robertson wrote the playbook many others in conservative media would later follow.
"We guided people into Republican Party politics, because Pat Robertson frankly, [was] a politician who happened to be a televangelist," Heaton said.
Robertson's reach extended to the White House, where he interviewed presidents including Ronald Reagan. Decades later, like many leading figures on the Christian right, Robertson became a supporter of Donald Trump. While visiting Regent University during the 2016 campaign, Trump called Robertson a "great gentleman," adding, "the job he's done is incredible."
The Rev. Rob Schenck worked alongside Robertson and other evangelical leaders for years before breaking ranks with many of them. He says Robertson was a mentor and cited the charitable work that Robertson did through an organization called Operation Blessing, which deploys teams to help with emergencies such as natural disasters and COVID.
Schenck also says he believes Robertson bears a lot of responsibility for the politicization of his faith ... and that his impact on the culture was largely damaging.
"Pat very much was a force behind the very conservative politicization of American evangelicalism, and to me that has been very damaging," Schenck said. "Particularly his support for Donald Trump. In fact, it was at Pat's 80th birthday party that I first encountered Donald Trump, other than in the media, in person, when he was Pat's guest of honor for that festive occasion. And it shocked me because I thought Donald Trump stood for everything opposite for what a Christian should support."
In his later years, Robertson continued to host The 700 Club, where he continued to draw controversy for comments that were often seen as anti-gay, and racially insensitive.
In a 2017 interview with NPR, his son Gordon Robertson said the criticism of his father was politically motivated and driven by left-leaning websites.
"That drumbeat ... I think has really shaped the public perception of him in a way that I, frankly, think is unfair," the younger Robertson said. "It doesn't take into account all the things that he's done. And by any standard, he's done some incredible things."
WWE Legend The Iron Sheik Passes Away At 81
WWE legend The Iron Sheik has died at the age of 81. Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, Sheik, who was considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, although a cause of death is yet to be announced.
A statement posted to Twitter read, "Remembering the Iron Sheik. Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man."
The statement went on to note that Sheik, who is survived by his wife Caryl and their three children, "cherished" the love of his family, who offered him "unwavering encouragement" throughout his renowned career, which saw him inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
It added, "He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life. Their bind was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented. To his children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and son in law Eddie, he was not just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father... Tributes poured in for the star, with the WWE leading the way with a statement whilst his fellow ring stars were quick to follow suit as they mourned his passing."
WWE also paid tribute to Sheik, who was the only Iranian champion in WWE history, having won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983. Its statement read, "WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik, and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans."
WWE star Booker T said, "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of @the_ironsheik. He is one of the very best to ever to do it. God speed."
Wrester Ric Flair said, "My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: 'If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!' Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us!"(sic)
Tupac's Sister Pays Emotional Tribute At His Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony
Tupac Shakur's younger sister could not help but be emotional at his posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame induction. On Wednesday, June 7, the late rap icon was honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles and Sekyiwa Shakur delivered a speech on behalf of his family.
Holding back her tears at the induction ceremony, Sekyiwa told those present, "It fills my heart with honor to stand here today representing the Shakur family." She went on to share, "Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great."
The 47-year-old continued, "And as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold. From the first time he stepped foot on the stage of the Apollo Theater at 13 years old, before anyone recognized his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame."
"And now we gather here today to unveil Tupac's star - not only a tribute to his contribution in the music industry but also it speaks volumes to the lasting impact he's had on this world," the president-slash-CEO of Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation proudly reminded.
"Today we're not just honoring a star on the ground, but we're honoring the work and the passion that he's put into making his dreams come true. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today. Once again, he has made us all extremely proud," Sekyiwa said in conclusion. "We love you Tupac."
Tupac was given the honor nearly twenty seven years after he passed away from drive-by shooting when he was just 25 years old. His star was the 2,758th handed out by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. It is located near Amoeba Music at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard.
The "California Love" rapper's induction ceremony was also attended by many notable people, including YG, Mike Epps and Naughty By Nature's lead rapper Treach. Radio host Big Boy, in the meantime, served as the MC for the special event.
In the wake of Tupac's induction, fans flooded social media to share their thoughts. One complained in the comments section of Hollywood Walk of Fame's official Instagram post, "This is sooo long overdue I am glad but am upset on the inside cause this was supposed to happen when the g was alive."
Another shared similar sentiment by asking, "But sorry why this late?? Pac had break this record for long. love u pac." Others, on the other hand, simply rejoiced with such comments that read, "All eyes on you Pac! Congrats. May your energies keep you in the highest of Heavens. Well Deserved," and, "YES!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOAT!! TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR!! It was a Beautiful day 2DAY. #2PACDAY."
Anita Baker Slams Critics Over Rumored Luther Vandross, Maxwell, And Babyface Beefs
Anita Baker has no problem defending herself, especially when being called out by fans over her alleged disrespectful behavior involving Babyface, Maxwell, and Luther Vandross.
After one Twitter user bashed the songstress over a rumored business dealing with Maxwell in a since-deleted tweet, Baker responded to the allegation with, “Dear Sir. My Companies, have No contract for Co-headling concerts. My Corps execute Percentage Agreements, with its Trademark as headliner. I have Never, worked with my friend Maxwell. Your statements, constitute Slander & create liability,” wrote the 65-year-old.
Once the tweet was deleted, she was seemingly offended that the person didn’t apologize for the slander. However, she wasn’t done addressing other claims, including the incident back in May where Babyface wasn’t allowed to perform during a concert in Newark, N.J. for an undisclosed reason.
The singer-songwriter released a statement on the matter at the time, writing, “I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at @PruCenter. I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety. My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.”
For those unaware, Babyface is the opener for Baker’s Songstress Tour.
Baker addressed the matter on Tuesday (June 5), tweeting, “Dear Sir, Live Nation, took Full responsibility. I Went on My Stage, at the appropriate time. Did my job without benefit of full production… I *Did, my Job/Lifelong Profession. Your public statements are false.”
Regarding a separate incident, she later added, “Another, Truth?… My company defended & Prevailed against the lawsuit filed, (Not by Babyface, but by his reps. at the time). Kenny, came to me YEARS ago, in the Spirit of Community & WE put It ALL, behind us. & came Together, in Love, Peace, Music & Community & 4giveness.”
When speaking on rumored wrongdoing during her time touring with Luther Vandross, Baker confessed that they had disagreements, but were “successful business partners.”
Her closing message read, “As Creators, in multi-billion dollar industries?… When, WE decide to put aside our differences. We can Invest our Energies/Light into Creating Jobs, Commerce & Community. Celebrate Each Other. Ok. Auntie, is done.”
Azealia Banks Facing Backlash Over Comments Regarding Jacky Oh’s Death
Azealia Banks is being labeled “an extremely talented devil” after unleashing a heinous message about the death of DC Young Fly’s partner, Jacky Oh.
On her newly-restored Instagram stories, the “212” rapper wrote, “Damn, DC Young Fly spent years disguising his own deeply rooted hatred of self as jokes pointed at women’s beauty, Projecting his own feelings about his own ugliness unto women perfectly secure in their own skin. Say what you want about my tears. They were pure tears of rage. And not at all a sign of weakness. Because in the end. I won. I’m happy I cried and moved on. That Jackie o girl must have been so deeply insecure about herself.”
She continued, insinuating that Jacky’s death was karmic. “And the nerve of DC to call such a gorgeous woman as Azealia Banks…ugly on National television while a bunch of black people laughed. And ironically, Dead at 32 exactly on my 32nd birthday, May 31st, 2023 in Miami, FL,” Banks added. “You n****s are going to learn to stop f**king with me.”
Twitter erupted as Banks’ comments began to circulate. One fan tweeted, “Azealia Banks is sick. speaking on someone’s deceased partner because you got your feelings hurt on a staged show 4 years ago is very low. using d*ath as a ‘ah-ha’ moment is nasty! i don’t care how y’all spin it.”
Another chimed in, “imma need the Wild n Out cast to roast Azealia Banks the way they did Spoken Reasons. i need them to REALLY make this woman cry because enough is enough.”
Jacky died on Wednesday (May 31). An exact cause of death has yet to be determined, but she was found unresponsive following a cosmetic procedure. DC later issued a statement to PEOPLE, that read, “We thank everyone for their well wishes and ask for privacy during this difficult time.” The couple share three children, Nova, 6, Nala, 2, and 10-month-old Prince’Nehemiah.
Barbra Streisand quoting Memphis Bleek to diss Donald Trump leaves social media shook
From sexual misconduct accusations, to the Capitol riots and becoming the first commander-in-chief to be impeached (twice), Former President Trump is no stranger to headlines. But what nobody may have seen coming was Barbra Streisand quoting Memphis Bleek to diss The Donald.
Somebody get Streisand a Roc-A-Fella chain. Yesterday (June 7), the 81-year-old became so fed up with politics that she dialed up “1-900-Hustler” and sent shots at “The Apprentice” reality star courtesy of the “Is That Your Chick” emcee. “Trump is going to be indicted for stealing classified documents. He is going crazy with his tweets urging his cult to ‘FIGHT.’ We remember what happened on Jan. 6. ‘The strong are quiet, the weak start riots’ – Rapper Memphis Bleek,” she wrote on Twitter. Her knowledge of rap quickly became a trending topic.
Social media users couldn’t believe the Funny Girl had such a healthy awareness of hip hop. One person wanted to know, “Am I hallucinating?” Another blamed the Canadian wildfires for pushing toxic smoke into New York (which happens to be the songstress’ and rapper’s home state). “Barbra Streisand quoting Memphis Bleek further lets me know this smog is the beginning of the apocalypse,” a fan concluded. “Barbra Streisand out here quoting Memphis Bleek. Happy [hashtag] Black Music Month, y’all, and don’t forget to throw up the Roc,” another added.
Others credited the “Woman in Love” for making Twitter relevant. “Barbra Streisand quoting Memphis Bleek is why I’ll never quit this website,” one wrote. A user with similar feelings on the matter posted, “Barbra Streisand quoting Memphis Bleek about [Donald J. Trump] is why I keep logging into this hell site.” The “Murda Murda” hitmaker kept it cool and responded to the attention by reposting just one of the responses and adding several emojis.
Jenna Ortega Gains Producer Credit, Teases Upcoming 'Wednesday' Season 2
Jenna Ortega is opening up about season two of Wednesday in a couple of new interviews!
The 20-year-old actress will not only be returning as the titular character in the next season of the Netflix hit, but she will also be signing on as a producer, a bump up from season one.
This news comes after it was revealed that Jenna would change up lines during filming on the first season because she didn’t agree that her character would say something.
“I feel really, really fortunate to be coming on as a producer this time around. I was going to piggyback off of what you [Ayo Edebiri] were saying — any of the best teams or environments that I’ve been on on set have been people who are very collaborative and wanted to hear different opinions because it’s very easy for people to get caught up in their own,” Jenna shared during a THR roundtable.
“I think a project is best when there’s as many voices and ideas thrown out as possible. And I’ve had experiences in TV where I felt my voice wasn’t heard, that I was meant to be a puppet,” she continued. “I’ve been told on sets, ‘You wouldn’t know because you’re not a writer,’ or, ‘Just shut up and do your job.’ From 12 years old, I’ve been hearing things like that. So, I went into Wednesday with hesitance. But I was fortunate to be working with someone like Tim Burton, who pulled me in his trailer one day and said that he wanted to be a soundboard for my voice. So, every day, me, him, the writers, we’d get together in the morning and go through sides.”
“I think that because I’m someone who is very opinionated or because I know what it’s like to be a people pleaser in this industry, and I know how unhappy or how frustrating it’s been in the past, when I went into Wednesday I really put my foot down and made it clear that everything that I had to say mattered and was heard,” Jenna added. “And as the show went on, we all got a better feel for one another and it’s become a really collaborative experience, and I feel really lucky to be able to be in the room early next season and be talking about scripts and giving notes.”
Signing on as a producer will give her more of an official say on the show going into the new season.
In another actor on actor interview, Jenna talked about being a producer now and teased what we can expect in season two of Wednesday, which has not yet started filming. She’s actually recently been working on the Beetlejuice sequel with Tim Burton.
“This is my first time [being a producer]. It was a natural progression. With a character like Wednesday, who is so beloved, I didn’t want to get her wrong. So I tried to have as many conversations as possible with the writers. We’d decide what works and what doesn’t,” she told Elle Fanning for Variety. “In preparation for a second season, we wanted to make sure that we could start the conversations earlier. I’m just so curious: I want to see the outfits, new characters, scripts.”
Of what she can share about season two, Jenna teased, “It’s still coming together, but we’ve decided we want to lean into the horror more. We’re ditching any romantic love interest, which is really great. We’re going to get bolder, more dark.”
Jay Johnston, actor from 'Bob's Burgers,' charged with storming US Capitol on Jan. 6
Jay Johnston, an actor known for his roles on "Bob's Burgers," "Arrested Development" and more comedies, has been arrested and charged with crimes in connection to the January 6th Capitol riot.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY, Johnston, 54, was arrested in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday and charged with civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings. He was expected to make his initial court appearance today.
USA TODAY was unable to locate contact information for Johnston for comment.
In a Statement of Facts document, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation provided still images from footage of the riot taken from public videos, closed circuit television and police body cameras. The document states that a man in the images who "pushed against police and aided other rioters" near the Capitol entrance has been identified by law enforcement as Johnston.
The agent also said the FBI has interviewed "three current and former associates" of Johnston, all of whom identified the actor as the individual in the photographs. One of the associates also provided the FBI a text message in which Johnston stated, "The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn't. (Though) it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed …," the document says. It also states United Airlines records show Johnston had a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. departing Jan. 4 and returning Jan. 7.
The document further accuses Johnston of participating in a "shield wall" in which several members of the crowd "joined together to push against police in a concerted movement."
While the mob attacked police in the tunnel with pepper spray and other weapons, Johnston helped other rioters near the tunnel pour water on their faces, the document says, adding that Johnston also held a stolen police shield over his head and passed it to other rioters.
Johnston voiced the character Jimmy Pesto on Fox's “Bob's Burgers." The Daily Beast reported in December 2021 that Johnston was “banned” from the animated show after the Jan. 6 riot.
According to his IMDb profile, Johnston has acted in several television comedies, lending his voice to other animated shows like "Momma Named Me Sheriff," "Mr. Pickles" and "Rick and Morty." He also acted in 10 episodes of "Arrested Development," 32 episodes of "The Sarah Silverman Program." and four episodes of "Love" and appeared in "Parks and Recreation," "Reno 911!," "Modern Family," "Malcolm in the Middle" and the movie "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."
Thousands of people stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 after attending then-President Donald Trump's “Stop the Steal” rally.
More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes for their conduct at the Capitol on Jan. 6. More than 500 of them have been sentenced, with over half getting terms of imprisonment ranging from seven days to 18 years, according to an Associated Press review of court records.
Marshawn Lynch Makes Acting Debut in Queer Comedy ‘Bottoms’
*Former NFLer Marshawn Lynch is making his Hollywood debut in the upcoming queer comedy “Bottoms.”
Directed by Emma Seligman, the film is described as “American Pie” meets “Fight Club and hails from the team behind “Pitch Perfect” and “Cocaine Bear.” The story centers on two female high schoolers who start a fight club in order to have sex before graduation. Lynch serves as the fight club instructor.
WATCH
Per Complex: “In Bottoms, PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) devise a plan to launch a fight club at their high school with the goal of it hopefully leading to them losing their virginities.”
“Their bizarre plan works,” according to an official synopsis, per PEOPLE. “The fight club gains traction and soon the most popular girls in school are beating each other up in the name of self-defense. But PJ and Josie find themselves in over their heads and in need of a way out before their plan is exposed.”
Yamiche Alcindor Welcomes First Baby After IVF Struggle
*NBC News correspondent Yamiche Alcindor and her husband, Nathaniel Cline, welcomed a baby boy on May 30.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Alcindor shared a close-up photo of her adorable son, whom they named Yrie Myles Alcindor Cline.
“His name is pronounced “i-ree” — similar to the Jamaican word “Irie,” and means “vibes are good and everything is well,” wrote Alcindor, PEOPLE reports.
The new parents revealed in a statement shared with Today.com that Yrie “is a very chill baby, who like many newborns loves eating and sleeping.”
“While the journey to get to this moment was tough, it was well worth it as our hearts are full with happiness and love,” they shared.
We reported previously that Alcindor penned a personal essay in TODAY back in April in which she announced her pregnancy after years of IVF treatments.
“It is the most incredible, exciting, life-affirming thing for me […] especially because it comes after years of disappointment, ugly crying, and carrying around a deep sense of shame that my body couldn’t do what everyone else’s body seemed to do so easily,” she wrote for TODAY.com.
“For the past four years, I have been feverishly chasing motherhood — hoping, and praying, and deeply wanting more than anything else in this world to be pregnant and to bring home a healthy baby. All this, while desperately willing my way through rounds and rounds of IVF and pressing forward through wild, rocky news cycles that required me to look and sound calm,” she explained.
Alcindor’s candid essay unpacks her four-year journey to conceive a child and the “shame” she felt having to turn to IVF.
“There was a deep shame that I had to use science to help my body have a baby,” she wrote.
“It helped that so many women have been transparent about their journeys and all the different ways people arrive at motherhood,” Alcindor continued. “But still, there were so many nights when I cried myself to sleep feeling a deep sense of resentment at my reality.”
In the essay, Alcindor said she is speaking directly to women “whose path to motherhood has hit speed bumps, potholes, roadblocks and detour signs that have forced you on a winding, painful journey.”
ABC To Air One-Hour TV Special on Aaliyah
ABC News announced that they would be airing a one-hour special in honor of the late Aaliyah.
The program, Superstar: Aaliyah is expected to air on June 14th at 10 p.m. ET and will stream on Hulu the following day.
The special will explore her life as a top-charting superstar. Additionally, the documentary will look at the circumstances surrounding her underage marriage to R. Kelly.
Superstar: Aaliyah is expected to feature several interviews with notable people in her life.
Damon “Dame” Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, who was dating Aaliyah at the time of her death, will appear on the show along with an exclusive interview from her manager and uncle, Barry Hankerson.
In addition to exclusive interviews, the special will include appearances by Justine Skye, Sevyn Streeter, and Will.i.am.
Fashion designers Karl Kani and Aleali May will also discuss Aaliyah’s personal style and fashion.
In August 2001, “The Princess of R&B” passed away from a plane crash in the Bahamas at the age of 21.
Before her death, Aaliyah released three chart-topping albums: 1994’s Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, 1996’s One in a Million, and 2001’s self-titled LP. In 2000, her single “Try Again” topped the Billboard Hot 100.
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