8/15/23

The Daily Buzz For Aug 16 ☕πŸ“°☕

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#FASHIONFAB: HOT or NOT? Kim Kardashian for Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2023 Ad Campaign!
Kim Kardashian fronts Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2023 Ad Campaign photographed by Tyrone Lebon. Looks nice. Is she HOT or NOT?


#RHOA: Drew Sidora Admits She Was “Embarrassed” by Ralph Pittman for This Reason!
Amid her divorce from Ralph Pittman, Drew Sidora is opening up about that moment from The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 15 Episode 14.

ICYMI, the August 13 episode saw Drew host a mental health retreat as a show of support for her sister Allison. Ralph showed up, but as a producer pointed out to Drew on The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show, “The event start[ed] on a strange note because Ralph hug[ged] every woman in the room before he [got] to you.”

Read on to hear what Drew and a few of the other Atlanta ladies had to say about the moment, as well as Drew’s response to Ralph quitting marriage counseling.

Looking back, Drew said the mental health retreat came at “an interesting time” for her and Ralph. Regardless, “Of course when you see your husband, you want him to greet you,” she said on the RHOA After Show. “I was really excited about [the event]. I thought we did an amazing job pulling it together [and] it was a lot of work. So I was just excited to see him, like, ‘You’re here!’ and when he did it, I was just like, ‘Oh, OK.’ A little awkward, a little embarrassed, just not really understanding why.”

“But we were a little off that day,” Drew added. “I’m not gonna lie, it was an off day.”

She didn’t go into detail, but she did note that the two “just weren’t communicating effectively” and they “weren't agreeing on a lot of things.
Drew Sidora’s Thoughts on Ralph Pittman Quitting Marriage Counseling

The latest episode of RHOA also saw Ralph decide to give up on the marriage counseling sessions he and Drew had been attending. Reacting to the decision on the RHOA After Show, Drew said, “It was devastating because it was like, as long as we’re both working on the marriage, I felt like we could overcome anything. As long as we’re both here to talk and work and grow, I’m like, we’re good. So when he stopped coming to counseling, I was worried.”

Drew explained that she was particularly concerned because she and Ralph “would get in conversations sometimes, [and] it would go completely left.”

What’s more, “I definitely saw the red flags, like we’re not actually really truly in a better place,” she added. “And we just kinda never really dealt with it and so at this point, he no longer wanted to go to counseling.”

But the same couldn’t be said for Drew, so she continued to see her and Ralph’s therapist “just to help with my own mental health and stay focused on what’s important for me even though he wasn’t in counseling.”

“I was just really trying to get to a stronger place for myself,” Drew concluded. “Because [there were] so many issues that were going on with our marriage — some that y’all know about, some that y’all don’t know about.”


#MusicNews: Kelly Rowland to headline Artscape Baltimore in September

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Maryland’s BeyoncΓ© Day is over. Baltimore City officials say it’s time to get excited about another Destiny’s Child singer coming to the state.

With much fanfare and a sleek 30-second teaser video, leaders on Monday revealed Kelly Rowland will headline Artscape in September.

The Grammy Award-winning songstress will perform Friday evening on one of the four outdoor stages while the main act on Saturday night will be Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, performing with his band Dr. Madd Vibe. Nile Rodgers & Chic will perform on Saturday afternoon, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will headline Sunday, WJZ reported Monday afternoon.

Festival organizers said they received more than 1,000 applications from artists, vendors and organizations looking to have a presence at the event.

“Artscape is one of Baltimore’s most iconic events, and its return this year is a marker of how our city is bouncing back after the pandemic,” said Mayor Brandon Scott in a news release. “Baltimore is a town full to the brim with incredible artists and a rich history supporting our arts community. There is simply no better way to showcase their talent and their importance to our city than through Artscape. I cannot wait to welcome the incredible lineup of artists, performers, and vendors and the thousands of Baltimoreans and visitors who will get to enjoy this experience.”

Scott teased the announcement on social media with a polished trailer in which AndrΓ© De Shields declared “Artscape is back,” punctuating each word. The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, the city agency behind Artscape, had earlier tried to book rapper Ja Rule for a high-profile performance but balked at some of his contract stipulations.

The headliner announcement comes at a crucial moment for city leaders and event organizers, who have struggled to come together to plan Baltimore’s multiday arts festival.

Artscape has not been held since 2019. The pandemic shuttered the massive event in 2020 and 2021, and the festival was not held in 2022 — one in a string of cancellations from BOPA that year. City Council members later voted to withhold funding from the agency.

Earlier this year, BOPA’s former CEO Donna Drew Sawyer resigned after pressure from Scott, who faulted the nonprofit for failing to produce the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. Then the Baltimore City law department successfully blocked the agency from trademarking the annual Artscape festival.

Organizers also bungled the schedule for Artscape, which usually takes place in July but was moved to September this year and originally conflicted with the Jewish high holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Officials have since changed the dates to Sept. 22 to 24, though Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, begins at sundown that Sunday.

Major cultural institutions including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Lyric Baltimore, the Maryland Institute College of Art and the University of Baltimore have also raised concerns about Artscape. They wrote to the Scott administration in July about what they described as a lack of preparation and the possibility the festival could encroach on their plans: The September dates overlap with BSO’s annual gala, MICA’s parents’ weekend, classes scheduled at UB and several shows planned at The Lyric.

The four institutions, which are based in Midtown-Belvedere and Bolton Hill, where the festival traditionally has a large footprint, noted that BOPA staffers said Artscape’s expansion throughout more neighborhoods this year would create “potentially crippling immediate and long-term impacts of a less than successful outcome on the City, the festival attendants, the neighborhood, and our respective institutions.”

The institutions also noted that they are unable to accommodate BOPA’s “request of complimentary usage of their respective facilities.”

But another memorable facility will be making its return for Artscape: The historic Parkway Theatre will reopen just for that weekend, and will show the Maryland Film Festival shorts festival.

City leaders on Monday said Artscape’s footprint will expand from the usual place in the Bolton Hill and Mount Royal neighborhoods to include areas across North Avenue into the Station North Arts and Entertainment District. Festivalgoers will be able to explore the areas along North Avenue between Charles Street and Maryland Avenue, as well as Charles Street up to West 20th Street, according to a news release.


#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Teases New Song Ahead Of 'Pink Friday 2' Release Date
While fans eagerly await the Nov. 13 release of Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj seemingly gave a hint at what to expect on the album. During an livestream on Sunday (Aug. 13) night, the rapper teased new music and answered a few questions from listeners.
the musician shared a clip on her Instagram with the aforementioned song playing in the background. Produced by ATL Jacob, the track is speculatively titled “Dream About You.”

In the comments, Sexyy Red, City Girls’ JT, Winnie Harlow, Maliibu Miitch, and Cuban Doll showered the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” hitmaker with love. Young Money artist Mellow Rackz commented, “I’m too excited. That body and that face [are] timeless perfection. I love [you], QUEEN.”

Minaj also uploaded lyrics from the record via X (formerly known as Twitter). It read, “Begging me to stay, and then you walk away. There’s something that you wanted to say. I was in a rush, and you said you were crushed. But I said I’d be back; it’s OK.”

The post continued, “I wish I’d hugged you tighter the last time that I saw you. I wish l didn’t waste precious time that night when I called you. I wish I remembered to say I’d do anything for you. Maybe I pushed you away because I thought that I’d bore you.”
Last week, the rapper also teased fans with another single that may appear on Pink Friday 2. “The greatest song I’ve ever written,” Minaj wrote on Aug. 10. “My goodness. [I] opened the vault and played it last night, and the reaction. >>> My babies have to have this. The world needs this. Trees will grow. Y’all, I’m in love. I’m not kidding y’all.”

Though the song remains untitled and the album’s tracklist is still undisclosed, Minaj assured her fans that they’d be delighted with the highly anticipated record.


Madonna Has Resumed Rehearsals For Delayed 'Celebration Tour'

Madonna has reportedly restarted rehearsals for her postponed "Celebration Tour". The Queen of Pop has been recovering at her New York home after she was hospitalized on 24 June with a "serious bacterial infection" that forced her to cancel her much-hyped greatest hits shows.

But The Sun has reported she has once again "set up camp" at the Nassau Coliseum in New York and booked out the venue for two months for her rehearsals. Music insiders added she has hired a "top-secret UK venue" to rehearse in ahead of her first night at the O2 Arena in London on 14 October.

A source told the newspaper, "She is very much still in recovery but Madonna has been chomping at the bit to get back to rehearsals. Not only has she hired the Coliseum in New York but she's also hired out a second venue in London for the final week of dress rehearsals. Normally she would like to have the final week in the same venue she kicks off in. But due to Blink-182's comeback gigs at the O2, her team won't be able to get access until the day before."
The Sun said the schedule conflict means perfectionist Madonna will have less than two days before lights down to perfect the show. Madonna told fans in July – a month after she was hospitalised with a “serious bacterial infection – she was "lucky to be alive".

The 64-year-old star said in an Instagram post alongside three photos, including one of her holding a present from her manager Guy Oseary of a framed polaroid taken by Andy Warhol of artist Keith Haring, "Love from family and friends is the best Medicine. One month out of the hospital and I can reflect. As a Mother you can really get caught up In the needs Of your children and the seemingly endless giving……….. But when the chips were down my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before. It made all the difference. So did the love and support from my friends. If you zoom into this Picture I am holding You will see A Polaroid taken by Andy Warhol of Keith Haring wearing a jacket with Michael Jackson’s face painted on it. A perfect triangle of Brilliance. Artist who touched so many lives including my own. I sobbed when I opened this gift because I realized how lucky I am to be alive. And how fortunate I am to have known these people and so many others who are also gone. Thank you @guyoseary for this gift! And Thank you to all my angels who protected me and let me Stay to finish doing my work! (red heart emoji)."

Mum-of-six Madonna was rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive in her New York home. It was later rumoured she had "exhausted" herself while training for her "Celebration Tour".


Timbaland Breaks Silence On Longtime Collaborator Magoo's Death
Timbaland is mourning the death of his longtime collaborator Magoo. Breaking his silence on the devastating news, the rapper/singer took to social media to pay tribute to his Timbaland & Magoo running mate.

On Monday, August 14, the veteran hitmaker posted on Instagram a throwback video of them performing together. "This one hits different long live Melvin aka magoo !!! Tim and Magoo forever rest easy my king," he captioned it with several broken heart and dove emojis.

In the comments section, fellow musicians expressed their sympathy. Justin Timberlake, who has teamed up with Timbaland on several songs, including his hit "Cry Me a River", left three heart emojis. Swizz Beatz chimed in, "Sending my condolences to you and his family King."

Timbaland's frequent collaborator Keri Hilson wrote, "Sending love Tim. You guys were a force together. Long live his legacy." Ludacris commented with praying hands emojis, while Diplo said, "sorry brother ….."

Timbaland followed up the post with more recent footage of them performing their 1997 hit "Up Jumps da Boogie" featuring Missy Elliott and the late Aaliyah. "So many memories," he captioned the clip along with several dove, broken heart and crying face emojis. In another post, he penned, "Mannn long live SBI."


Former NFL Player Michael Oher of ‘The Blind Side,’ says he was duped, never adopted and sues to end Tuohys’ conservatorship

Michael Oher, the former NFL tackle known for being the inspiration for the movie “The Blind Side,” filed a petition Monday in a Tennessee probate court accusing Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy of lying to him by having him sign papers making them his conservators rather than his adoptive parents nearly two decades ago.

In the petition filed Monday in Shelby County Probate Court, Oher asks for the conservatorship to be terminated along with asking for a full accounting of the money earned off the use of his name and story. He also asks to be paid what he is due along with interest.

He accuses the Tuohys of enriching themselves at his expense by continuing to “falsely and publicly” represent themselves as his adoptive parents “to the date of the filing of this petition.”

“Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys,” according to the petition.

Oher, who has never been a fan of the movie about his life, also asks in the petition that the Tuohys be sanctioned and required to pay both compensatory and punitive damages determined by the court.

Steve Farese, a lawyer for the Tuohys, told The Associated Press they will file an answer to the allegations in court but declined to comment further. He was among three attorneys served on behalf of the Tuohys on Monday.

Leigh Anne Tuohy did not immediately respond to an email sent via her personal website.Her husband told The Daily Memphian the conservatorship was done to satisfy the NCAA as Oher considered Tuohy’s alma mater Mississippi for college.

Sean Tuohy said he and his wife would end the conservatorship if that’s what Oher wants.
“We’re devastated,” Tuohy said. “It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children. But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16.”

The movie was nominated for an Oscar, and Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.
Oher accuses the Tuohys of never taking legal action to assume custody from the Tennessee Department of Human Services before he turned 18. The conservatorship paperwork was filed months after Oher turned 18 in May 2004.

He moved in with the Tuohys just before his senior year of high school and says he was told to call them “Mom” and “Dad.” Oher says in the petition he was encouraged to call the attorney who filed the conservatorship paperwork “Aunt Debbie” Branan.
Oher also alleges the Tuohys had him sign paperwork almost immediately after he moved in as part of the adoption process. Oher says he was “falsely advised” that it would be called a conservatorship because he was already 18 but the intent was adoption.

“At no point did the Tuohys inform Michael that they would have ultimate control of all his contracts, and as a result Michael did not understand that if the Conservatorship was granted, he was signing away his right to contract for himself,” according to the petition.

A book based on Oher’s life was released in September 2006. The author, Michael Lewis, was described in the petition as a childhood friend of Sean Tuohy’s. The petition alleges Oher’s conservators began contract negotiations for movie rights.

The petition alleges a deal was reached to pay the Tuohys, plus children Sean Jr. and Collins, $225,000 plus 2.5% of future defined net proceeds hinging on Oher’s signature. A contract titled “Life Story Rights Agreement” was “purportedly signed by Michael Oher” and dated April 20, 2007, according to the petition.

The petition says Oher believes the signature is similar to his own but that he “at no time ever willingly or knowingly signed this document and that nobody ever presented this contract to him with any explanation that he was signing such a document.”

In the petition, Oher asks for a full accounting of his assets and how they were used considering his life story produced millions of dollars and he received nothing for the rights to something that would not have existed without him.
as the 23rd overall pick in the 2009 draft out of Mississippi, and he spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He wound up playing eight NFL seasons, including 2014 when he started 11 games for the Tennessee Titans. Oher finished his career with two years in Carolina.

He started 110 games and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens. He also finished second in the voting to Percy Harvin of Minnesota for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after starting all 16 games his first season at right tackle.
Oher, who turned 37 in May, last played in 2016. He was released in 2017 by Carolina.

Nearly two years ago, supporters cheered when Britney Spears was freed from her conservatorship. The ruling came after Spears publicly demanded the end of the arrangement, which had prevented her from making her own medical, financial and personal decisions since 2008.
Spears’ high-profile battle put a spotlight on efforts that advocates across the United States have launched raising questions that such strict controls result in more harm than protection.


Maui Officials Clarify Reports Of Oprah Winfrey & CBS News Crew Being Denied Entry To Shelter Of Wildfire Survivors
Oprah Winfrey had been reportedly turned away from visiting a shelter for survivors of the wildfires in Hawaii and Maui officials are clearing up the situation.

“To clarify, Oprah was able to visit our shelter and we thank her for instructing media journalists and camera crews to remain outside,” reads a statement shared on Facebook from the County of Maui. “We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster.”

The statement continued, “Her visit inside of the shelter today was truly heartwarming and we appreciate her understanding of our policy of having no camera crews or reporters accompanying dignitaries and celebrities in our emergency shelters. Mahalo.”

It was reported that the media mogul had arrived with a CBS News crew at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku but was denied entry. However, after Winfrey instructed cameras to wait outside, she was able to spend time with survivors.

“Out of respect for those who have come to seek safety and shelter at emergency shelters, our policy remains that no media are given access,” read the statement after Winfrey and the camera crew were not given access to go inside the facility. “We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster and appreciate her understanding of our policy of no camera crews or reporters in our emergency shelters. Mahalo.”

Winfrey is a part-time resident of Maui and had visited the shelter days before to visit the survivors of the wildfires asking them what they needed.


Legendary music executive and 
The Black Godfather  Clarence Avant dies at the age of 92

Beloved recording industry executive Clarence Avant, who is known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” has died at the age of 92.
Clarence died on Sunday (Aug. 13) at his home in Los Angeles, according to his children, Nicole and Alexander Avant, and son-in-law Ted Sarandos. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” his family said in a statement. “Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss. Clarence passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. He was 92.”

Clarence, who managed so many musical talents, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Lionel Richie in 2021 and was honored with the 2019 Grammy Salute To Industry Icons Award during the annual pre-Grammys party. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JAY-Z, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg, Reginald Hudlin, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance,” the statement continued.

This news comes nearly a year and a half after his wife, Jacqueline Avant, was killed during a home invasion. As previously reported by REVOLT, the philanthropist was gunned down by an intruder who entered the couple’s Beverly Hills home on Dec. 1, 2021. Jacqueline, who was Clarence’s wife of 54 years, was 81 years old. Aariel Maynor was arrested one day after the shooting, thanks to security footage. He later pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, and was sentenced to a minimum of 150 years in prison in 2022.


Beyonce's Mom Tina Addresses Rumor Singer Brings a Toilet Seat on Tour, Talks Taylor Swift Comparisons
Beyonce‘s mom Tina Knowles is clearing the air about her daughter and her bathroom habits while on the road.
By now, you might have seen a rumor floating around online that the “Dangerously in Love” icon travels with her own toilet seat for her Renaissance World Tour. There’s even been a photo of a black box with Bey‘s name and “Toilet Seats” emblazoned across it to back it up.

Tina revealed if there was any truth to the rumor during a recent outing. She also addressed anyone out there who is comparing her daughter to Taylor Swift.

Speaking to TMZ, Tina deemed the toilet seat rumor “so ridiculous.”
What about the box with “Toilet Seats” written across it? Bey‘s mom explained that it holds “stands that you put fans on.” That is apparently what the stands are called on the road.

When asked about comparisons between Taylor and Bey, she said that “they both should be celebrated” and that they were “absolutely” amazing.


CNN Overhauls Lineup: Abby Phillip Takes 10 p.m., Laura Coates to Host 11 p.m., New Morning Show Hosts and Weekend Programs

In a dramatic overhaul of its programming schedule, CNN has announced new programs and anchors spanning weekday mornings, dayside and primetime, as well as new weekend programs led by veterans of the channel.
The new lineup will see CNN hand the 10 p.m. hour over to political correspondent and anchor Abby Phillip, with 11 p.m. being hosted by legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates.

In the mornings, Kasie Hunt will anchor Early Start, while chief White House correspondent Phil Mattingly joins Poppy Harlow as the co-anchor of CNN This Morning. Chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown will anchor a new dayside show out of the nation’s capital.

On the weekends, Victor Blackwell, Christiane Amanpour, Manu Raju and Chris Wallace will all host new programs, with Blackwell based in Atlanta, and Raju taking over the Sunday’s Inside Politics while continuing to cover Capitol Hill.

Wallace will host a panel show (in addition to his weekly interview program), while Amanpour brings her global coverage to CNN’s weekend lineup.

As part of the changes, Alisyn Camerota will shift to a new role doing longform reporting, mostly for the Sunday series The Whole Story With Anderson Cooper.
“One of CNN’s key differentiators is our deep roster of experienced journalists, reporters and storytellers. Many joined CNN early in their careers and have grown with the network throughout the years. They are extraordinarily talented and share the same CNN sensibility: versatility, determination and an inquisitive and empathetic approach to reporting the news,” said CNN worldwide’s leadership team of Amy Entelis, David Leavy, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling in a joint statement. “By expanding the range and depth of our programming lineup across multiple dayparts, we are strengthening our reporting excellence throughout the schedule, elevating our ability to tell great stories across platforms, and doubling down on CNN’s position as the most trusted name in news.”

The changes come after a tumultuous year for CNN, a year which saw declining ratings and the sudden departure of its CEO, Chris Licht. The company continues to look both externally and internally for possible successors.

The new interim leadership team has clearly been empowered to make changes, as the programming overhaul underscores. They have also added significant new hires, including Kayla Tausche as its senior White House correspondent.

At the same time, some of Licht’s signature moves remain on track. Kaitlan Collins will remain the 9 p.m. host after moving from the mornings to primetime in May, and the Gayle King-Charles Barkley program King Charles will launch as a limited series in the 9 p.m. slot later this fall.

The new primetime lineup is also significantly younger and more diverse than it had been, and than its primetime competitors, while CNN has opted to lean into some of its veteran marquee talent to anchor weekend programs that lean into their skill sets (Amanpour, despite being one of CNN’s best-known anchors, did not have a program on CNN’s lineup).
 

‘Barbie’s’ Big Payday: Margot Robbie Will Earn $50 Million in Salary and Box Office Bonuses
Margot Robbie is being richly rewarded for her key role in bringing “Barbie” to the big screen. The star and producer behind the summer’s biggest hit stands to make roughly $50 million in salary and box office bonuses, according to three individuals with knowledge of her deal.

“Barbie” director and co-writer Greta Gerwig will also likely receive bonuses because of the film’s outsized success. “Barbie” has earned an astonishing $526.3 million at the domestic box office since it opened a month ago, as well as $657.6 million at the international box office. That comes out to $1.18 billion globally — and that figure should keep climbing given that “Barbie” is still topping box office charts. The film is now the second highest-grossing release in the history of Warner Bros., behind “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.” It’s also the highest-grossing film ever from a female director, overtaking the previous record holder, “Frozen II,” which was co-directed by Jennifer Lee.

In addition to bringing the popular children’s toy to glittering life, Robbie produced the film through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which she founded in 2014 with her now-husband, Tom Ackerley, and friends Josey McNamara and Sophia Kerr. The goal of the company was to tell women’s stories on screen and support women creators behind the scenes. Its slate of projects includes the Oscar-nominated “Promising Young Woman,” the superhero sequel “Birds of Prey” and the Netflix series “Maid.”

Robbie has been nominated for two Academy Awards for her performances in “I, Tonya” and “Bombshell.” She first came to prominence in Martin Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street” and scored commercial hits with “Suicide Squad” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” But none of those films has come close to achieving the lofty box office heights of “Barbie,” which is shaping up to be one of the bigger blockbusters in movie history.

Warner Bros. declined to comment and a representative for Robbie had no comment.


Over $200K Raised on GoFundMe for Black Man Who Used Folding Chair in Riverboat Brawl

*A GoFundMe campaign for Reggie Ray, the Black man captured on camera using a folding chair as a weapon during the riverboat brawl in Montgomery, Alabama, has raised over $200,000 for his legal fees.
More than $250,000 in donations has been collected for Ray, 42, after he turned himself in to the Montgomery Police Department on Friday. He is charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, Newsweek reports.

Ray is accused of using a folding chair to hit people during the infamous brawl in Montgomery, Alabama on August 5.
His arrest came after four white boaters were arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault against Dameion Pickett, the Black co-captain of a riverboat on the waterfront.

As Newsweek reports, the fundraiser’s total was more than $260,000 early on Monday.
“Funds raised here will be used to offset the cost of certain damages incurred by my clients and others involved in responding to the chaos at the riverfront,” a post on the page says. “These damages include but are not limited to medical bills, lost wages/earnings, professional services, travel, lodging and expenses.”
We reported previously that the fracas began on the Montgomery Riverfront when a group of white people refused a Black dock worker’s request to move their pontoon boat from a space reserved for the city’s riverboat, which was carrying 227 passengers.

videos show a confrontation between Kittrell’s deckhand, Damien Pickett, and pontoon boaters. Pickett attempts to reason with the intoxicated group and video shows him attempting to push the pontoon boat a few feet to make room for the riverboat. Bystander video shows a white man rushing Pickett and punching him in the face.
Several others join in on the assault and reportedly hurled racial slurs at the Pickett. Many Black bystanders were quick to rush in to help Pickett, including a “heroic” young man named Aaren, who swam across a river.
Social media users have called for charges against Ray to be dropped.

According to police, the FBI determined what happened on the riverfront did not qualify as a hate crime, Newsweek reports. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, the city’s first Black mayor, said his “perspective as a Black man in Montgomery differs from my perspective as mayor”.

He added: “From what we’ve seen from the history of our city – a place tied to both the pain and the progress of this nation – it seems to meet the moral definition of a crime fuelled by hate, and this kind of violence cannot go unchecked.
“It is a threat to the durability of our democracy, and we are grateful to our law enforcement professionals, partner organizations and the greater community for helping us ensure justice will prevail.”


James Harden Blasts 76ers President Daryl Morey: ‘Morey Is A Liar’

Over the weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers called off all trade talks involving James Harden and stated they would expect Harden to be at training camp. Early Monday morning, NBA Insider Shams Charania shared a video from Harden’s China tour for Adidas in which he blasts 76ers president Daryl Morey. Morey and Harden have a relationship dating back to the Houston Rockets.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden told those gathered. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
On Saturday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski ended trade talks for Harden, who has a preferred destination of the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option but the Sixers’ request for Harden was too high for most bidders.

 
Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony’s Street Sign Reportedly Stolen Just Days After It Was Unveiled

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony experienced a significant setback when their honorary street sign was apparently stolen just days after they received the special recognition.

The “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Way” street sign, situated at the crossing of East 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue in their hometown of Cleveland, was reported as stolen on Sunday, August 13th. The disheartening announcement sparked responses from various members of the iconic band, with Layzie Bone responding, “N*ggaz ain’t sh*t.”

Additionally, Bizzy Bone chimed into the conversation to add, “Everybody relax it the sign in the middle of the street on the darkest part. People going overboard with extra disappointment STOOOOOP!!!!”

In June, it was disclosed that the renowned musical group would be honored with a distinctive gesture. This special recognition was the outcome of a petition initiated by a devoted fan named Felicia C. Haney, who is also the owner of Beach Street Publicity.

The culmination of this effort occurred during a ceremony on Friday, where the sign was unveiled publicly. Bizzy Bone and Krayzie Bone were in attendance at the event, along with a significant number of fans. This accomplishment was the result of determined dedication that managed to gather 70 percent of the necessary signatures. These signatures were subsequently presented to the Cleveland City Council, receiving an endorsement from Council Member Kevin Conwell and other supporters. As a result, the council passed the required legislation to bring the fans’ envisioned tribute to life.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
'Ballet Moth'
Where's the Tutu?

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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