8/9/23

The Daily Buzz For Aug 10 ☕📰☕

#FASHIONFAB: Louis Vuitton Mens FW 2023 Campaign Images | White Americans in Paris 1923!
Louis Vuitton Mens FW 2023 Campaign Images | White Americans in Paris 1923 AOC Fashion
Louis Vuitton Men’s has released images from the FW 2023 collection, co-created by Colm Dillane [IG], aka Kid Super, and the Louis Vuitton Men’s studio design team.

Models include Abas Abdirazaq, Ahmadou Gueye, Dara Gueye, Indiana Van’t Slot, Mathieu Simoneau and Walid Fiher.
Marq Rise styled the shoot with images by Paul Kooiker

Apple News just shared one of those “on this day 100 years ago” articles from yesterday. It makes for such preposterous reading, that no further comment is necessary — only sharing the words.

French Reaction to Prejudice
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued the following statement for publication, published on August 2, 1923:
“Some foreign tourists, forgetting that they are our guests and that they, therefore, owe respect to our customs and our laws, have lately, on several occasions, violently shown their disapproval when they have found men of colour from French colonies sitting near them in public places. They have even gone so far as to demand their expulsion in insulting terms. If similar incidents recur measures of redress will be taken.”

The Racists in Paris Were White American Tourists
The foreign tourists not respecting French customs and laws were Americans. Follow the link at top of post to the entire story of the ugly [and presumably rich] Americans in Paris.


#RHOA: Andy Cohen Says the “Shadiest” Receipt in Real Housewives History Came Out During the RHOA Reunion!
The countdown is on for The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 15 reunion, and Andy Cohen just revealed some information that proves it will be worth the wait.

Keep reading to hear the tidbit he shared on the August 6 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Speaking to WWHL guest Marlo Hampton, Andy referenced a comment he made in an Instagram Story on July 27, the day of the RHOA reunion taping. Said comment? “We have a receipt that has been entered into the reunion lexicon. I’m not gonna say who brought it, but I’m gonna say it is quite possibly the shadiest receipt in the history of the Housewives. That’s all I’m saying. I don’t wanna overpromise, but this one is f-cking shady as sh-t.”

Following up on the remark during WWHL, Andy asked Marlo, “I said on my Instagram Stories that I think that a piece of evidence was brought out at the reunion that might be the shadiest thing that’s ever been brought out — do you agree with that?"

Responded Marlo: ”Absolutely.”
When it comes to the RHOA Season 15 reunion seating chart, Andy is in the middle, and directly to his left is Drew Sidora, who’s followed by Kenya Moore and then Kandi Burruss. Sitting directly on Andy’s right is Shereé Whitfield, followed by Marlo and Sanya Richards-Ross. Though they’re not pictured, Season 15 friends Monyetta Shaw-Carter and Courtney R. Rhodes will also take the reunion stage at one point.

In conversation with The Daily Dish, Drew revealed what she was hoping to accomplish once it came time to reunite with her RHOA castmates. “I just want an apology from Marlo,” Drew said of her reunion goals. “That’s all I’m looking for.”

As for the other RHOA ladies, Drew said she “addressed everyone this season in the moment, in real time.”
So, all in all, “I didn’t really carry too much,” Drew added. “I said what I said. And I think Marlo owes me an apology, and I think I’m waiting for that on reunion day.”

Kenya, meanwhile, shared which RHOA cast members she’s closest with ahead of the reunion. “I am so close to Kandi. She’s one of my best friends on the show,” Kenya said. “I’m close to Shereé. There’s Monyetta. I’m close to most of the girls.”

Kenya went on to reveal how she deals with squabbles among her cast members, which is something she’ll surely have to do at the reunion. “You can’t choose a side, you just have to be neutral,” she said. “Sometimes people try [to be neutral] and they fail, but I think I really… encourage them to come back together. But it’s difficult.”


#MusicNews: Usher Releases New Single “Good Good” Featuring Summer Walker & 21 Savage

R&B legend Usher has just released his brand new single called “Good Good” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage.
The song is set to be included on his long awaited, currently untitled, ninth studio album set to release this Fall. “Good Good” is the follow up single to “GLU” which released earlier this year and recently became Usher’s seventh #1 record on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart.

LISTEN HERE

“Good Good” was written by Usher, Tauren Stovall, Paul “Ghost” Dawson and more, with production by Grammy Award nominated duo Mel & Mus.

In conjunction with new music coming, Usher My Way: The Las Vegas Residency kicked off its second sold-out year, birthing numerous viral moments with shows through October. Usher: Rendez-vous à Paris, the sold out European residency at La Seine Musicale, will kick off on September 24 until October 5.


#HipHopNews: Tory Lanez Sentenced To 10 Years For Megan Thee Stallion Shooting
Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. It concluded a contentious three-year journey that saw the case unfold across social media and in court.

The incident dates back to July 12, 2020, following a pool party at Kylie Jenner’s mansion. According to reports, an argument erupted in a Black SUV carrying Thee Stallion, Kelsey Harris, Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson), and his security. After the Texas rapper exited the vehicle in the Hollywood Hills, the Canadian artist reportedly fired a gun and wounded her feet with bullet fragments.

Prosecutors initially sought a 13-year prison sentence for Lanez. They previously condemned his purported post-shooting “misinformation campaign,” which aimed to damage Thee Stallion’s reputation. On the flip side, the “Jerry Sprunger” musician’s defense solicited probation and residential drug treatment earlier this month. They cited his battle with alcoholism tied to childhood trauma.

Notably, Lanez maintained his innocence throughout, with his father even suggesting Thee Stallion’s Roc Nation management sought to frame him. The latter has consistently rebuffed Lanez’s claims, including the idea of a romantic relationship between the two. In a heartfelt testimony, she conveyed her initial reluctance to come forward due to fear and embarrassment.

In December 2022, the jury found Lanez guilty on three counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm.

The rapper was initially intended to be sentenced on Jan. 2. However, the date was pushed back to Feb. 28 due to a change in his legal representation. The pronouncement was delayed once more after Lanez sought a motion for a new trial.

In an interview with ELLE, Megan Thee Stallion shared, “I view myself as a survivor because I have truly survived the unimaginable. Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to see.”


Ciara Announced That She's Expecting Her Third Child With Russell Wilson

Ciara took to Instagram to announce some welcoming family news. In a black-and-white video, the R&B staple’s silhouette revealed her baby bump in a high-neck swimsuit.

“You look at me like that again, we make another kid … You my heart, I’m your rib,” Ciara captioned the clip, referencing lyrics from her new single, “How We Roll.”

This marks the Grammy winner’s third pregnancy with Russell Wilson. The Denver Broncos quarterback is the father to her two youngest children. The couple’s family already includes 3-year-old Win and Sienna Princess, 6. Moreover, Ciara is the mother to Future Zahir from her past relationship with rapper Future.

After posting her announcement video, support from celebrities and fans poured in. Ella Mai commented, “Congrats, mama,” and City Girls’ JT stated, “Congratulations, baby.” Elsewhere, Chlöe Bailey, Baby Tate, Winnie Harlow, and more praised the artist.

Behind the scenes, Ciara is reportedly not letting her pregnancy slow her professional hustle. A source told People, “Ciara has been working and traveling all through her pregnancy. She shot the ‘How We Roll’ video while pregnant. She was dancing on set all day long for a full day’s shoot. It’s astonishing how much energy she has when she’s pregnant.”

Dropping tracks while expecting isn’t new for the musician. During the singer’s pregnancy with her son Win, she shot the music video for “Rooted” in her ninth month. The insider added, “She’s one of those mothers who has energy throughout her whole pregnancy. She always calls her life organized chaos — but it’s organized chaos taking it up another notch.”
Released in collaboration with Chris Brown, “How We Roll” debuted last Friday (Aug. 4). It served as the lead single from Ciara’s forthcoming EP, CiCi, which is set to release on Aug. 18.


2023 MTV VMA nominations: See the full list
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards nominations are in! Taylor Swift leads this year's nominations with eight nods in categories including artist of the year, video of the year and song of the year for her hit, "Anti-Hero," among others. SZA follows closely behind with six nominations.

Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith all garnered five nods each, while BLACKPINK, Diddy and Shakira are each up for four nominations.

Petras, Rema, GloRilla and Ice Spice are among the 35 first-time nominees.

The 2023 MTV VMAs will take place Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET and air live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Check out the full list of nominations below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Doja Cat -- "Attention"
Miley Cyrus -- "Flowers"
Nicki Minaj -- "Super Freaky Girl"
Olivia Rodrigo -- "vampire"
Sam Smith, Kim Petras -- "Unholy"
SZA -- "Kill Bill"
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero"

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé
Doja Cat
KAROL G
Nicki Minaj
Shakira
Taylor Swift

SONG OF THE YEAR
Miley Cyrus -- "Flowers"
Olivia Rodrigo -- "vampire"
Rema & Selena Gomez -- "Calm Down"
Sam Smith, Kim Petras -- "Unholy"
Steve Lacy -- "Bad Habit"
SZA -- "Kill Bill"
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero"

BEST NEW ARTIST
GloRill
Ice Spice
Kaliii
Peso Pluma
PinkPantheress
Reneé Rapp

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
August 2022: Saucy Santana -- "Booty"
September 2022: Stephen Sanchez -- "Until I Found You"
October 2022: JVKE -- "golden hour"
November 2022: Flo Milli -- "Conceited"
December 2022: Reneé Rapp -- "Colorado"
January 2023: Sam Ryder -- "All The Way Over"
February 2023: Armani White -- "GOATED"
March 2023: FLETCHER -- "Becky's So Hot"
April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER -- "Sugar Rush Ride"
May 2023: Ice Spice -- "Princess Diana"
June 2023: FLO -- "Losing You"
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith -- "That Part"

BEST COLLABORATION
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha -- "I'm Good (Blue)"
Post Malone, Doja Cat -- "I Like You (A Happier Song)"
Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami -- "Gotta Move On"
KAROL G, Shakira -- "TQG"
Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy -- "Creepin' (Remix)"
Rema & Selena Gomez -- "Calm Down"

BEST POP
Demi Lovato -- "Swine"
Dua Lipa -- "Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)"
Ed Sheeran -- "Eyes Closed"
Miley Cyrus -- "Flowers"
Olivia Rodrigo -- "vampire"
P!NK -- "TRUSTFALL"
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero"

BEST HIP-HOP
Diddy ft. Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, Yung Miami -- "Gotta Move On"
DJ Khaled ft. Drake & Lil Baby -- "STAYING ALIVE"
GloRilla & Cardi B -- "Tomorrow 2"
Lil Uzi Vert -- "Just Wanna Rock"
Lil Wayne ft. Swizz Beatz & DMX -- "Kant Nobody"
Metro Boomin ft Future -- "Superhero (Heroes and Villains)"
Nicki Minaj -- "Super Freaky Girl"

BEST R&B
Alicia Keys ft. Lucky Daye -- "Stay"
Chlöe ft. Chris Brown -- "How Does It Feel"
Metro Boomin with The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and Diddy -- "Creepin' (Remix)"
SZA -- "Shirt"
Toosii -- "Favorite Song"
Yung Bleu & Nicki Minaj -- "Love In The Way"

BEST ALTERNATIVE
blink-182 -- "EDGING"
boygenius -- "the film"
Fall Out Boy -- "Hold Me Like A Grudge"
Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste -- "Candy Necklace"
Paramore -- "This Is Why"
Thirty Seconds To Mars -- "Stuck"

BEST ROCK
Foo Fighters -- "The Teacher"
Linkin Park -- "Lost (Original Version)"
Red Hot Chili Peppers -- "Tippa My Tongue"
Måneskin -- "THE LONELIEST"
Metallica -- "Lux Æterna"
Muse -- "You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween"

BEST LATIN
Anitta -- "Funk Rave"
Bad Bunny -- "WHERE SHE GOES"
Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma -- "Ella Baila Sola"
Bad Bunny -- "un x100to"
KAROL G, Shakira -- "TQG"
ROSALÍA -- "DESPECHÁ"
Shakira -- "Acróstico"

BEST K-POP
aespa -- "Girls"
BLACKPINK -- "Pink Venom"
FIFTY FIFTY -- "Cupid"
SEVENTEEN -- "Super"
Stray Kids -- "S-Class"
TOMORROW X TOGETHER -- "Sugar Rush Ride"

BEST AFROBEATS
Ayra Starr -- "Rush"
Burna Boy -- "It's Plenty"
Davido ft. Musa Keys -- "UNAVAILABLE"
Fireboy DML & Asake -- "Bandana"
Libianca -- "People"
Rema & Selena Gomez -- "Calm Down"
Wizkid ft Ayra Starr-- "2 Sugar"

VIDEO FOR GOOD
Alicia Keys -- "If I Ain't Got You" (Orchestral)
Bad Bunny -- "El Apagón - Aquí Vive Gente"
Demi Lovato -- "Swine"
Dove Cameron -- "Breakfast"
Imagine Dragons -- "Crushed"
Maluma -- "La Reina"

BEST DIRECTION
Doja Cat - "Attention" - Directed by Tanu Muiño
Drake -- "Falling Back" - Director X (Julien Christian Lutz)
Kendrick Lamar -- "Count Me Out" - Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion -- "Her" - Directed by Colin Tilley
Sam Smith, Kim Petras -- "Unholy" - Directed by Floria Sigismondi
SZA -- "Kill Bill" - Directed by Christian Breslauer
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero" - Directed by Taylor Swift

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Adele -- "I Drink Wine" - Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
Ed Sheeran -- "Eyes Closed" - Cinematography by Natasha Braier
Janelle Monáe -- "Lipstick Lover" - Cinematography by Allison Anderson
Kendrick Lamar -- "Count Me Out" - Cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra
Miley Cyrus -- "Flowers" -- Columbia Records - Cinematography by Marcell Rév
Olivia Rodrigo -- "vampire" -- Geffen Records - Cinematography by Russ Fraser
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero" -- Republic Records - Cinematography by Rina Yang

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Fall Out Boy -- "Love From The Other Side" - Visual Effects by Thomas Bailey and Josh Shaffner
Harry Styles -- "Music For A Sushi Restaurant" - Visual Effects by Chelsea Delfino and Black Kite Studios
Melanie Martinez -- "VOID" - Visual Effects by Carbon
Nicki Minaj -- "Super Freaky Girl" - Visual Effects by Max Colt and Sergio Mashevskyi
Sam Smith, Kim Petras -- "Unholy" - Visual Effects by Max Colt / FRENDER
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero" - Visual Effects by Parliament

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
BLACKPINK -- "Pink Venom" - Choreography by Kiel Tutin, Sienna Lalau, Lee Jung (YGX), Taryn Cheng (YGX)
Dua Lipa -- "Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)" - Choreography by Charm La'Donna
Jonas Brothers -- "Waffle House" - Choreography by Jerry Reece
Megan Thee Stallion -- "Her" - Choreography by Sean Bankhead
Panic! At The Disco -- "Middle Of A Breakup" - Choreography by Monika Felice Smith
Sam Smith, Kim Petras -- "Unholy" - Choreography by (LA)HORDE - Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, Arthur Harel

BEST ART DIRECTION
boygenius -- "the film" - Art Direction by Jen Dunlap
BLACKPINK -- "Pink Venom" - Art Direction by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)
Doja Cat -- "Attention" - Art Direction by Spencer Graves
Lana Del Rey ft. Jon Batiste -- "Candy Necklace" - Art Direction by Brandon Mendez
Megan Thee Stallion -- "Her" - Art Direction by Niko Philipides
SZA -- "Shirt" - Art Direction by Kate Bunch

BEST EDITING
BLACKPINK -- "Pink Venom" - Editing by Seo Hyun Seung (GIGANT)
Kendrick Lamar -- "Rich Spirit" - Edited by Grason Caldwell
Miley Cyrus -- "River" - Edited by Brendan Walter
Olivia Rodrigo -- "vampire" - Edited by Sofia Kerpan and David Checel
SZA -- "Kill Bill" - Edited by Luis Caraza Peimbert
Taylor Swift -- "Anti-Hero" - Edited by Chancler Haynes

Good luck to all the winners!


Billy Porter Forced To Sell His House Due To Ongoing Hollywood Strikes

Billy Porter was forced to sell his house. The actor, who won the Primetime Emmy Award for his role on "Pose", revealed that he had to make the big decision to put his property on sale due to Hollywood strikes that are currently ongoing.

The 53-year-old star opened up about the matter in an interview published on Friday, August 4. Speaking to the Evening Standard, he stated, "I have to sell my house. Yeah! Because we're on strike." He went on to say, "And I don't know when we're gonna go back [to work]. The life of an artist, until you make f**k-you money - which I haven't made yet - is still cheque-to-cheque."

"I was supposed to be in a new movie, and on a new television show starting in September. None of that is happening," Billy further explained. "So to the person who said 'We're going to starve them out until they have to sell their apartments,' you've already starved me out."

The "Cinderella" actor was likely to be making a reference to an unnamed Hollywood executive who said, in an article published by Deadline, "The endgame is to allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses."

During the chat, Billy also talked about his struggles in building his career. "When I got into the business in the late Eighties, I was told that my queerness would be my liability," he recalled. "Not just in the music industry, but across the board. And it was a liability. They kicked me out of mainstream R&B."

"Made a name for myself, period," he continued. "Not just Broadway. I won an Emmy. I'm a fashion icon. Now they need me. Winners write their history, because I'm not supposed to be here looking like this." He then added, "I'm so grateful that I lived long enough as a gay man of a certain age. I lived through the Aids crisis, honey! I lost a whole generation of folks. [But I] know that I'm part of the generation who kicked the door down."

Elsewhere in the interview, Billy expressed his true feelings after calling it quits with his husband of six years, Adam Smith. "The whole world knows I'm getting a divorce! Y'all want to talk about my divorce and Ricky Martin's at the same time? It's bittersweet," he admitted.

"But relationships are hard. I will always love him. We made it as far as we could. But we learn, we grow and we live. And I'm looking forward to the next... adventure," the "Like a Boss" actor exclaimed. "She's back on the market! Looking for an English huzzzband! And you have to spell it just like that! Huzzzband!"


Amy Robach And T.J. Holmes Plan To Get Engaged After Moving On From Affair Scandal
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are seemingly ready to take their relationship to the next chapter after almost one year together. The pair reportedly plan to "move in together and get engaged" as they are moving on from their affair scandal.
A source told Us Weekly that months after going public with their relationship, Amy and T.J. are "in a good place." The so-called insider gushed, "They're moving on from all the negative around the affair and looking toward the future together."

The informant added that the pair "are very happy and laying low" in the last few months. "Now the plan is they do want to move in together and get engaged," the insider continued.

Amy and T.J.'s relationship was first exposed in November 2022 after photos of them getting cozy outside the office surfaced online. Their romance reportedly had started months before it was made known to public.
At the time, both Amy and T.J. were still legally married to Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig respectively, but were said to have split from their respective spouse in August 2022. Both of them were fired from ABC News as a result of their relationship.

The two have become inseparable ever since, though they're struggling to get back on TV. Earlier this year, it was reported that they had been shopping their own show to major networks including CBS, NBC and CNN. They were allegedly pitching an "up close and personal" show that will rival "Live! With Kelly and Mark".

In April, Us Weekly claimed that the pair "pitched a reality show, docuseries and daytime talk show, all of which they know will be popular and people will watch." A source added, "Amy has said whatever they do, this is about real love and they're in it together."

However, no deal has been signed as of now.


‘Hip-Hop is History,’ A Book Authored by Questlove, is Coming in Early 2024

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is filling up his AUWA Books slate. The Roots co-founding member has announced that his upcoming book, Hip-Hop Is History, will be released during the first quarter of 2024, per Variety.

The book will also be the second release on AUWA Books, following Sly Stone memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), due to be published on October 13. Thompson last co-authored a children's book, The Rhythm of Time, with S.A. Crosby. The 52-year-old has also published 2013 memoir Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove, 2018’s Creative Quest, and 2021’s Music Is History, among other titles.

Thompson has made dynamic efforts in the Hip-Hop 50 celebration, including The Fugees’ reunion at Roots Picnic last month, and the all-star hip-hop performance at The Grammys in March.

“Getting people to acknowledge beauty is a task,” Thompson told Variety. “Somedays we are the Blues Brothers on a mission from God, going to each person, hyping them up. But hip-hop is like soul food — making something tasty out of this trash that we have been getting. So, at first, I spoke to a handful of artists who were like ‘Man, ain’t nobody trying to hear that shit. I’m good, dog. I’m not doing all that just for eight bars. Pass.”

Thompson added that advice from DJ Jazzy Jeff made him soldier on through the performance curation, which was narrated by fellow The Roots member Black Thought and LL Cool J. “Celebrate this now, because no one is going to celebrate the 51st year,” Thompson recalled Jeff saying.

Thompson went on to share that chronicling hip-hop’s history is a privilege that he’s gladly taken on through his creative efforts.

“No one asked me to, but I’m carrying that burden. And for all those who are present and accounted for, there is something to celebrate with hip hop’s 50th,” he said. “There may be a lot of water under that bridge. Our disdain for looking in the rearview mirror is entrenched in pain and trauma. But as a child of legacy and nostalgia culture, I want to be the GPS for people to celebrate that thing called hip-hop.”


3 White Men In Pontoon Boat Charged In Montgomery Brawl

Arrest warrants have been issued for three men involved in the chaotic brawl at a riverfront dock in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday that was captured on video and involved an array of punches, a chair to the head and several people in the water.

The fight stemmed from a dispute over a dockside parking spot at Riverfront Park between the crew of a large riverboat and the owners of a small private boat, Montgomery Police Chief Darryl J. Albert said Tuesday at a press conference.

Richard Roberts, 48, was charged with two counts of third-degree assault, and Allen Todd, 23, and Zachary Shipman, 25, were each charged with one such count, Albert said. The chief described the three as White men who were connected to the private boat

One of those men has surrendered and is in custody, and the two others are expected to be in custody soon, Albert said. He did not specify who was in custody.

Third-degree assault is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama and is punishable by up to a year in prison.
The fight largely broke down along racial lines in a city with a fraught history of racial violence. Investigators looked into whether there was enough evidence to charge for a hate crime or inciting a riot, but the actions did not meet the criteria, Albert said.

The victims in the assaults were identified as Damien Pickett, the Black co-captain of the riverboat, and a 16-year-old White male.
Police also asked that a Black man who was seen in video swinging a folding chair contact them for further questioning.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the local office of the FBI were all consulted on the charges, according to Albert.
In all, 13 people were detained and questioned for several hours Saturday before being released, the chief said. The chief said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely.

“We want to ensure that the public understands that we put everything that we had into making sure that the right charges are presented and that these folks will face the appropriate charges and their day in court,” Albert told CNN after Tuesday’s news conference.

The chief’s press conference provided further details on the fight that has been widely shared on social media the past few days.
The incident began at about 7 p.m. Saturday when the Harriott II Riverboat, carrying 227 passengers, attempted to dock in its designated and reserved spot along the waterfront. But a private boat was docked in its space, and the boat’s owners responded to requests to move with obscene gestures, curse words and taunting, the chief said.

Pickett, the co-captain, was picked up from the riverboat by another vessel and brought to the dock to try to have a conversation with the boat owners and get them to move, Albert said. There, the boat owners confronted the captain in a “very hostile manner” and then attacked him, as the video shows, the chief said.

“As the co-captain approached the dock and attempted to peacefully move the boat over just enough so that the Harriott could park, the owners of the boat confronted him in a very hostile manner. There were words exchanged, and then it turned into a fist encounter… the co-captain was doing his job,” Albert said.

Alabama brawl turns spotlight on Montgomery's racial history
The fight was “brought on by reckless individuals who did not use good judgment and caused an event that certainly was avoidable,” Mayor Steven Reed said. “That said, the police department reacted very swiftly and very intentionally to address the matter, as did other citizens in the community.”

Lauren Spivey, a witness aboard the riverboat, told CNN they had been waiting about 30 to 45 minutes for the small boat’s owners to come and move it, “but nobody came forward.”

She said an employee eventually went over to the small boat and started untying the vessel, and a man who appeared to be White ran over. Video of the interaction shows the employee and a group of White men got into a heated discussion.

After several minutes, a shirtless White man charged and shoved the employee, who flung his hat into the air, the footage shows. The shirtless man then threw several more punches, and a group of several other White people knocked the worker to the ground and started hitting him, the footage shows. In addition, a young White male wearing a life jacket came over to the scene and was struck by one of the shirtless White men, the video shows.

Multiple people stand over and beat a security guard.
Montgomery police issue warrants after massive brawl on Alabama riverfront dock
The fight escalated further, with other groups of people entering the fray, and a person aboard the boat jumped into the water and swam toward the fight, the video shows.

After a short break in the action, there was a second round of fights between the White boaters and a group of Black boat workers, the footage shows.

At one point, a Black man attacked two others with a folding chair, as if competing in a professional wrestling match, before he was detained by police, the footage shows. Another person was knocked off the dock into the water, according to the video.

Montgomery Police said they were called to the scene and found “a large group of subjects engaged in a physical altercation,” according to a Monday news release.

Clayton Thomason, who has worked as a singer and entertainer on the riverboat for 12 years, said Saturday’s fight was disappointing.
“We kept asking them to move the boat. I even made up a song during those 30 to 45 minutes. ‘Move your boat,’” he said. “All they did was shooting birds, shouting profanity. It’s obvious that all they wanted to do was cause a ruckus.”


O’Shae Sibley, Philadanco dancer killed in NYC, gets a final farewell from mourners at The Met
At the Met on Tuesday morning, as Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s “Nobody But Jesus” echoed through the former opera house, Onederful Ancrum danced in memory of her friend O’Shae Sibley.

As she fought back tears, Ancrum glided gracefully across the floor, then darted forward powerfully, as if carried by gusts of wind in front of the indigo coffin that held the body of her friend.
One moment she drifted upward. The next, she tumbled to the ground. Then she clasped her hands together as she stood side by side with a banner emblazoned with the image of Sibley, both dancers in arabesque.

It was a farewell to Sibley, who loved dance more than anything. His grand finale.
At the Met on Tuesday morning, hundreds of friends and family of Sibley, 28, the Philadelphia native and former Philadanco student who was killed in New York City last month, gathered for a joyful celebration of his life, trading tears for dancing and song.

Sibley had moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance, eventually becoming a dancer and choreographer at Ailey Extension school at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Police say a 17-year-old fatally stabbed Sibley the night of July 29 while he and his friends were at a Brooklyn gas station blocks from where he lived. The teen, whom police did not identify, turned himself in Friday and was charged with second-degree murder, authorities said.

Representatives of the Kings County District Attorney’s Office who were at Tuesday’s celebration of life declined to comment, citing an ongoing grand jury investigation
“We were here to express our sympathies and support the family,” said Joseph Alexis, an assistant district attorney with the office.

Authorities say Sibley and his friends stopped at the gas station on their way home from New Jersey and started playing Beyoncé's “Renaissance” album as they filled up. The group began voguing, a dance created and primarily performed by Black and Latinx LGBTQ people that emulates fashion models and is an integral part of the ballroom scene.

A group of men approached Sibley and his friends and told them to stop dancing and said they didn’t want to see gay men dancing in their neighborhood, authorities said.
The men yelled homophobic and racist slurs at Sibley, who was gay, and his friends, police said. Bystanders tried to help and the group began to leave, except for the teen police say stabbed Sibley.

Video of the stabbing shows the teen stabbing Sibley in the chest, police told the New York Times. When officers arrived, they found Sibley with a stab wound to his torso and he was taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that night.

Police did not release a motive for the killing, but a hate crimes unit is involved in the investigation.
On Tuesday, speakers who gathered to remember Sibley chose to focus on his life, rather than the circumstances of his death.

They recalled the tall, graceful man who loved building and nurturing community wherever he went and who loved God and his friends. They spoke of Sibley’s unbridled love for dance, one that carried him through the Philadelphia school system, to Temple University, and eventually to New York City.

At Wakisha Charter School, Karen Still-Pendergrass would catch 14-year-old Sibley stealing glances at her dance class, always curious but hesitant to come in, she said. One day, she said, she gave the precocious young boy an ultimatu
“Listen. You got one more time to come past my door. Because then you’re coming in this room.”

The next time Sibley peered into her class, she said, she invited him in, and made him take off his shoes, roll his pant legs up, and start dancing. He excelled in her class and went on to earn a scholarship at Philadanco, she said.
“From there,” she said proudly, “he just flourished.”

Joined by some of Sibley’s friends, Otis Pena, wearing orange — Sibley’s favorite color — spoke of how his close friend was unapologetic about being himself and encouraged his friends and community to “stand out” and be themselves, even in times of darkness and fear.

Pena was with Sibley the night he was killed, and had pressed on his friend’s wound to stop the bleeding, the Times reported.
“O’Shae was a beacon of light for a lot of us in our community that was engulfed in darkness,” said Pena. “But O’Shae rejoiced. O’Shae was O’Shae.”

During her remarks, Still-Pendergrass announced that Philadanco had created a scholarship fund in Sibley’s name, news that drew rousing applause.

Joan Myers Brown, founder of Philadanco, said she decided to create the fund to encourage boys to pursue dance without having to consider the financial burden of paying for classes.
The fund will be called O’Shae Sibley’s Scholarship for Dance, she said.

“Boys get a hard time when they say let’s take ballet,” she said. “Especially in the Black community, they really don’t want guys to be ballet dancers. But so many of them really want to.”
Outside of the Met, family carried Sibley’s coffin, painted with an image of Sibley dancing, draped in red, into a hearse as they readied for the final procession.

Sibley’s father, Jake Kelly, remembered how much Sibley loved his friends and family, and how much they loved him back, evidenced by the hundreds of people who turned out to honor and remember him on Tuesday. As the line of cars formed to take Sibley’s coffin to Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne, his father said it was impossible not to love his son once you met him.

“Everybody really loved him,” his father said. “He was a loving child. He was always about family. He was a loving person. To know O’Shae is to love O’Shae.”


Ne-Yo Takes Back Apology & Stands With His First Comments About Gender Identity

Ne-Yo is unapologizing. Over the weekend, the 43-year-old musician made headlines after sharing his opinion about parents who allowed their children to identify as another gender before they were mature enough.

After his initial statement, Ne-Yo seemingly apologized for his comments.
However, the singer is speaking out once again, calling his “apology” not one that he made willingly.

In a new video posted to his Instagram page, Ne-Yo said that he wanted to clear any misconceptions about what was going on and that this statement was “from the horse’s mouth, not the publicist’s computer.”

“I was asked a question, and I answered the damn question,” he stated in the clip. “I have no beef with the LBGTQIA+ community whatsoever.”

Ne-Yo went on, saying that parents can “do what you want to do with your kids. However, somebody asked my opinion on this matter, and this is how I feel. I will never be okay with allowing a child to make a decision that is detrimental to their life.”
Alongside the video, he also wrote in the caption that if “one of my 7 kids were to decide that he or she wanted to be something other than what they were born as, once they’re old enough and mature enough to make that decision… so be it. Not gonna love em’ any less … But this isn’t even a discussion until they are mentally mature enough to have such a discussion.”


Sinead O'Connor's Funeral Photos Show Hundreds of Mourners Crowding Streets of Ireland
Sinead O’Connor has been laid to rest and hundreds of people lined the streets to say a final goodbye.
The “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer tragically passed away last month at the age of 56 and her funeral took place on Tuesday (August 8) in Ireland.

CNN reports that the funeral cortege drove past Sinead‘s old home and while her funeral procession was public, the actual burial was a private moment.

Sinead‘s coffin was draped in blue, pink, and purple flowers and her photo was at the end of the car, which could be seen out of the back window.

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets and some of the celebs that attended the funeral included Bob Geldof, U2‘s Bono and The Edge, and Ireland’s president Michael D. Higgins.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who led the funeral, said during the eulogy that Sinead “suffered more than her share of hardship and adversity, especially in her formative years, much of it from adults and institutions she revered, and yet she displayed an unflinching and resolute faith in the Divine. The more she sang and spoke about her own pain, as well as about the pervasive sins in society that she witnessed, the more her voice and her words resonated with listeners and touched their hearts.”


The Legendary Melba Moore To Receive Her Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Melba Moore is the latest prolific entertainer selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
“As I look back over my life in Harlem / Newark [New Jersey] , I am proud. Receiving a Hollywood Star made me reflect on the goodness of God. It took me a lifetime to get here. I am a late bloomer. I am still trying to find the words,” said the 77-year-old on Instagram of the coveted feat.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Katt Williams, and Freda Payne will share intimate anecdotes about Moore during the upcoming ceremony, which will be held on Aug. 10 at 11:30 a.m. PT at 1645 Vine Street, near Hollywood and Vine. Moore is being awarded in the category of Live Theatre/Live Performance.

“We are very proud to honor Melba Moore who has lent her beautiful five-octave voice to various genres of music. Not only is she an entertainer, she is an activist, a trailblazer, and so much more” said Walk of Fame Producer, Ana Martinez, in a statement. “We know that many of her long-time fans will be lining up the day of her ceremony to see this musical gem as she is honored with her well-deserved Walk of Fame star.”

Moore is a Tony Award winning actress and four-time Grammy nominee with a five-octave vocal range. Her career began on Broadway when she — a then untrained actress — replaced Diane Keaton in the cast of HAIR, and became the first Black woman to replace a white actress in a lead role. She later scored her first Tony as LuttieBelle GussieMae Jenkins in Purlie.

She later starred in Timbuktu alongside Eartha Kitt and became the first Black woman to play the lead role of Fantine in Les Miserables.

Her cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Lean On Me” garnered her first Grammy nomination, but it was her hit, “Read My Lips,” that made Moore the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy in a rock category. She also was the first solo artist to perform a non-operatic concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House, and received a slew of prestigious awards for her work over her five-decade career.

For those unable to attend in-person, the event will live streamed exclusively.


Krispy Kreme’s Fall Menu Is The Pumpkin Spiced Goodness You’ve Been Waiting For

Once you see the pumpkin spice pop up on Krispy Kreme menus everywhere, you know that fall is near.
The adored doughnut chain has officially unveiled its autumn menu, and it is definitely worth every penny. Locations nationwide began serving the goodies on Monday, and customers had a mouthwatering lineup to choose from. First up are the seasonal fan favorites: the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut, which blends the iconic Krispy Kreme glaze with pumpkin spice notes, and the Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut, which takes the chain’s crumbly cake and sprinkles a dash of pumpkin spice on it.

There are also two brand-new creations that fit right in with the cozy theme. Krispy Kreme has introduced the Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Swirl Doughnut, which is the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut topped with pumpkin buttercream and cream cheese icing, finished with cinnamon sugar. Last but certainly not least in the lineup is the Pumpkin Spice Maple Pecan Doughnut. Once again, the company has found a way to remix the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut with maple icing and candied pecan pieces.

“Year after year, we fall in love all over again with pumpkin spice-flavored treats, and this year pumpkin spice lovers will fall the hardest at Krispy Kreme,” Krispy Kreme’s Global Chief Brand Officer Dave Skena said in a statement.

Krispy Kreme has also reintroduced its Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Coffee to wash down its limited edition treats. Both of which can be made hot or with ice. There is no set end date for the many fall goodies, but typically, they last through the month of November.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Not All People At Walmart Are Weird

Then again……………

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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