#MAGFAB: Zoe Saldana for Harper’s Bazaar Germany - October 2023
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#RHOA: What to Know About Phaedra Parks Before She Arrives on Married to Medicine Season 10
#RHOA: What to Know About Phaedra Parks Before She Arrives on Married to Medicine Season 10
A southern belle is coming to Married to Medicine Season 10 — and Phaedra Parks is no stranger to reality television.
Best known for appearing on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta for six seasons, she is also a gifted social media savant and has gone down in the Bravo reality television hall of fame. But she wasn't always in the reality TV game. Before she became a reality star, she was an experienced lawyer who had taken on several high-profile cases, including representing R&B singer Bobby Brown under her legal firm, The Parks Group.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about Phaedra Parks ahead of the Married to Medicine Season 10 premiere.
Parks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan College, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia as well as a degree in mortuary sciences from Jefferson State College. After graduating from law school, Parks worked as an attorney in Atlanta where she specialized in family law and criminal defense.
Phaedra Parks wearing sunglasses and a black pleather trench filming season 10 of MTM.
Phaedra parks filming season 10 of Married To Medicine Atlanta. Photo: Bravo
In 2010, Parks joined the third season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her witty one-liners and her glamorous lifestyle. She remained on the show for six seasons before departing in 2017.
During her time on the show, Phaedra was always leaning into various business ventures, including showcasing her legal career when she represented fellow housewife Sheree Whitfield regarding child support issues. She even ventured into the funeral business, with a serious passion and dedication to becoming a mortician, which gave viewers insight into her unique personality.
The biggest story was when she couldn’t nail down the right dates on when she was due with her first child. The stories fluctuated and no one could figure out why she would lie unless it was because she got pregnant before she tied the knot to her now-ex-husband, Apollo Nida. She feuded with Kenya over being friends with Apollo, and over fitness videos. Her journey on the show came to an abrupt end when castmate Kandi Burruss was upset about Parks spreading rumors that Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, wanted to allegedly drug Porsha Williams and take her to a sex dungeon. Once it was determined that Phaedra started the rumor, she left The Real Housewives of Atlanta behind. (But that wasn’t the end of Phaedra’s time with The Real Housewives series. She appeared on shows like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and The Real Housewives of Dubai.)
Around the same time, Phaedra went through a very public divorce with Apollo in 2017 after he was sentenced to 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of probation in 2014. He was released in 2019 and has since remarried. Parks and Apollo share two sons, Ayden and Dylan.
Since leaving RHOA, Parks has continued to pursue her career in television. She has appeared on several reality shows, including Marriage Boot Camp with her now ex-boyfriend Medina Islam and she still joins Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. She has also written two books, Phaedra Parks: The Phaedra Parks Guide to the Real Housewives and Secrets of the Southern Belle.
As a motivational speaker, Parks regularly travels around the country speaking to different groups about subjects ranging from business and law to personal growth and achieving success.
Parks has been rumored to be dating a doctor and will be the first former Real Housewives of Atlanta star to join the Married to Medicine cast. Her arrival is sure to shake things up in the Atlanta medical community.
Married to Medicine Season 10 premieres on Sunday, November 5 at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Goapele Releases New Single “Purple”
Here’s a look at what you need to know about Phaedra Parks ahead of the Married to Medicine Season 10 premiere.
Parks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan College, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia as well as a degree in mortuary sciences from Jefferson State College. After graduating from law school, Parks worked as an attorney in Atlanta where she specialized in family law and criminal defense.
Phaedra Parks wearing sunglasses and a black pleather trench filming season 10 of MTM.
Phaedra parks filming season 10 of Married To Medicine Atlanta. Photo: Bravo
In 2010, Parks joined the third season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her witty one-liners and her glamorous lifestyle. She remained on the show for six seasons before departing in 2017.
During her time on the show, Phaedra was always leaning into various business ventures, including showcasing her legal career when she represented fellow housewife Sheree Whitfield regarding child support issues. She even ventured into the funeral business, with a serious passion and dedication to becoming a mortician, which gave viewers insight into her unique personality.
The biggest story was when she couldn’t nail down the right dates on when she was due with her first child. The stories fluctuated and no one could figure out why she would lie unless it was because she got pregnant before she tied the knot to her now-ex-husband, Apollo Nida. She feuded with Kenya over being friends with Apollo, and over fitness videos. Her journey on the show came to an abrupt end when castmate Kandi Burruss was upset about Parks spreading rumors that Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, wanted to allegedly drug Porsha Williams and take her to a sex dungeon. Once it was determined that Phaedra started the rumor, she left The Real Housewives of Atlanta behind. (But that wasn’t the end of Phaedra’s time with The Real Housewives series. She appeared on shows like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and The Real Housewives of Dubai.)
Around the same time, Phaedra went through a very public divorce with Apollo in 2017 after he was sentenced to 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of probation in 2014. He was released in 2019 and has since remarried. Parks and Apollo share two sons, Ayden and Dylan.
Since leaving RHOA, Parks has continued to pursue her career in television. She has appeared on several reality shows, including Marriage Boot Camp with her now ex-boyfriend Medina Islam and she still joins Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. She has also written two books, Phaedra Parks: The Phaedra Parks Guide to the Real Housewives and Secrets of the Southern Belle.
As a motivational speaker, Parks regularly travels around the country speaking to different groups about subjects ranging from business and law to personal growth and achieving success.
Parks has been rumored to be dating a doctor and will be the first former Real Housewives of Atlanta star to join the Married to Medicine cast. Her arrival is sure to shake things up in the Atlanta medical community.
Married to Medicine Season 10 premieres on Sunday, November 5 at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Goapele Releases New Single “Purple”
Veteran R&B singer Goapele has just released her latest single “Purple”.
The song showcases Goapele’s signature style while also giving listeners a look at her artistic evolution.
LISTEN HERE
This is the follow up to her previously released single “Time Heals”. Both of the songs are expected to be included on her upcoming album “Colours” which will release this Fall.
This project promises to be a kaleidoscope of musical experiences, showcasing Goapele’s versatility and innovative spirit.
#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion Offers An Update On New Music: "I'm Starting With A Blank Slate"
Megan Thee Stallion opened up about upcoming music and more in a recent interview with Billboard. She spoke with the outlet about her evolved sound and new ventures on the horizon.
“I’m really excited about this chapter of my life because I feel like I’m finally closing all the old chapters, and now I’m starting with a blank slate. Very fresh, very new,” she told the publication. Reflecting on a tumultuous period marked by personal upheavals and professional trials, the artist shared a sense of renewal as she moved forward.
Elsewhere, Megan added, “The tea is… Everything about the music is tea! Just expect the unexpected. Expect a lot of rawness, a lot of realness, [and] a lot of s**t talking. Just know I’m coming and I hope everybody ready.”
Music-wise, fans were given a taste of what’s next with the release of “Bongos.” It arrived in collaboration with Cardi B and served as Megan’s first single of the year.
Following the track’s launch, the duo delivered a standout performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Prior to that, they also debuted a well-received music video choreographed by Sean Bankhead
Speaking on working with Cardi, the Houston Hottie revealed, “I love the creative freedom that she gives me. She’s always open to whatever I’m saying or any suggestion, so I love that about her. She not scared to try nothing, and her ego ain’t big. She’s not a woman that’s scared to say, ‘You’re right.’ So, I really love that about her work-wise.”
Megan continued, “Friendship-wise, she’s just so real. When I first met her, she was so shy! Anybody’ll probably see her online and they think her personality gonna be one way. No, it’s so opposite. But like as we got more [close as] friends. You know people start off shy, and then they get like, ‘Oh, yeah, this the real you?’ I feel like I definitely get to see the real her.”
Beyond the recording studio, the three-time Grammy winner announced her latest partnership with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos this morning. Named Flamin’ Hot University, the project presented an online curriculum centering around food, fashion, and lifestyle. Notably, it featured Meg in the role of the Official Hot Girl Dean of Admission.
Rihanna And ASAP Rocky Share First Photos Of Their Second Son Riot
Just over a month after welcoming their second child, Riot Rose Mayers, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky introduced the newest member of their ménage in a photoshoot
In the series of pictures, the family of four shared tender moments with both parents taking turns cradling their sons. The “Diamonds” singer wore a denim jacket paired with a navy ensemble, while Rocky opted for a green plaid shirt and jeans.
Their firstborn, RZA, stole the show with a leather jacket and jeans. Meanwhile, baby Riot won hearts over in a pink ensemble featuring a matching hat and light-brown boots.
Being together publicly for three years, the couple always envisioned growing their family. “Listen, I’m down for whatever,” RiRi shared in an interview with British Vogue published in February 2022. “My wish would be I would like to have more kids, but whatever God wants for me, I’m here.”
Regarding Rocky, Rihanna also told the publication, “We’re best friends with a baby. We have to be on the same page, but we’ve always kind of had that in our relationship. Everything changes when you have a baby, but I wouldn’t say it’s done anything but made us closer.”
Detailing the bond between the New York rapper and RZA, she also described the deep connection between them as something truly special. “Their connection is undeniable. The second Rocky makes eye contact with him. He is on fire. I realized that the validation that you really need as a boy is from your father,” the musician explained.
Notably, the name choice of their latest addition has a deeper resonance. Rocky released a single titled “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” in July, which was featured in a Beats Studio Pro advertisement. In the campaign, RiRi called Rocky while he was in his home studio to tell him they ran out of diapers.
Christina Milian Insists She's Not Feuding With Jennifer Lopez Over 'Play' Credits
Christina Milian has made it clear that things are all good between her and Jennifer Lopez. The "Love Don't Cost a Thing" actress was rumored to be feuding with J.Lo over the song "Play", but the former insisted that there was no beef between the two.
When speaking to Page Six, the 41-year-old even praised J.Lo for having the song. "Hands down, she killed it. She's so good. I love that song," she said. "And I couldn't believe at 19 years old I wrote a song for J.Lo."
Christina went on to note that she wrote "Play" the same week she penned her debut single, "AM to PM" at camps at a songwriting camp in Sweden with Bloodshy & Avant, Anders Bagge and some other early 2000s songwriting aces. She remembered writing the song around 15 minutes after a late night of partying.
"I went to bed late that night, woke up the next morning and had to go to the studio. I had the track and I didn't write anything [to it]," she recalled. "So I sat down in the bed, I had this track, I was really tired and I played the track and I was like."
"And I was like, 'This just sounds too easy.' It was just too easy to write at that moment," the singer/actress continued. "I wrote the song in, like, 15 minutes and it was a joke to me because I had just started to become a writer."
Although she liked both "Play" and "AM to PM", Christina acknowledged that her then-label, Def Soul, wouldn't want two party songs on her 2002 self-titled debut. After former Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Tommy Mottola heard "Play", he claimed it for J.Lo, who was signed to his label Epic Records at the time.
Vanna White to stay on 'Wheel of Fortune' All your news as the "Wheel" turns.
It's official: Vanna White will continue to co-host Wheel of Fortune even after Pat Sajak leaves at the end of the latest season, which kicked off this week.
White has "extended her contract for an additional two years, keeping her revealing letters at the iconic puzzleboard through the 2025-2026 season," representatives for the show said Tuesday in a statement.
Just two months ago, TMZ had reported that negotiations between White and the show were on hold, because of the writers strike. The outlook wasn't good, though, as White was reportedly seeking a higher salary after Puck reported in June that she hadn't received a raise in 18 years and was being paid a fraction of what Sajak earned. Nevertheless, in July, the two sides came to an agreement for her to stay on the celebrity edition of Wheel but her longer-term future on the syndicated daily program was still in the air.
While White had stepped in as host for Sajak before, it was Ryan Seacrest who was named Sajak's heir in June. The American Idol host said when the news was announced that he couldn't wait to continue the traditions of "spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."
He also said that he looked forward to learning everything that he could from Sajak during the transition.
On Tuesday, Seacrest revealed the advice he has recieved so far from Sajak, whom Seacrest noted is "so good at that job."
"He just said, 'You're going to have a great time. It's so much fun. What's better than giving away money and doing that every single night?'" Seacrest told Entertainment Tonight. "I can't wait to meet the contestants and do it."
Before they get in deep on the lessons, though, Seacrest plans to let Sajak savor his final episodes.
"He's enjoying his last season," Seacrest said. "I start next year."
Seacrest, who raved about the "legend," acknowledged that Sajak will be a consultant for Wheel of Fortune for three years after he leaves as host.
"So, yeah, he'll be bossing me around," he joked. "Why not? I think he deserves that, yeah."
Bijou Phillips files for divorce from Danny Masterson
Bijou Phillips has filed for divorce from embattled actor Danny Masterson, according to public records.
Phillips filed a petition for divorce on Monday in Santa Barbara. The pair were married in 2011 and share one daughter together.
The filing comes less than two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his conviction on two rape counts.
“Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter,” Peter Lauzon, Phillips’ attorney, told CNN in a statement on Tuesday, adding, “this period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family.”
CNN has reached out to a legal representative for Masterson for comment.
Earlier this month, Phillips was present at Masterson’s sentencing where he received the maximum “aggregate” penalty of 30 years to life in prison for the crimes, CNN reported at the time.
Following his initial arrest in 2020, Masterson had pleaded not guilty to raping three women at his home in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. He was found guilty in late May on two of three counts of forcible rape. The jury was deadlocked on the third count.
Masterson has maintained his innocence and his lawyer Shawn Holley said in a statement following his sentencing that he plans to appeal his case.
Masterson’s trial put a renewed spotlight on his marriage to Phillips, who stood by him throughout his legal troubles but hadn’t publicly commented on it.
They reportedly met in 2005 during a celebrity poker match in Las Vegas before marrying in 2011. Their daughter Fianna was born in 2014.
Phillips, a model and an actress, is the daughter of The Mamas & The Papas musician John Phillips and actress and singer Geneviève Waïte. She’s starred in several movies including “Almost Famous” and “Bully,” as well as the TV series “Raising Hope.”
This project promises to be a kaleidoscope of musical experiences, showcasing Goapele’s versatility and innovative spirit.
#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion Offers An Update On New Music: "I'm Starting With A Blank Slate"
“I’m really excited about this chapter of my life because I feel like I’m finally closing all the old chapters, and now I’m starting with a blank slate. Very fresh, very new,” she told the publication. Reflecting on a tumultuous period marked by personal upheavals and professional trials, the artist shared a sense of renewal as she moved forward.
Elsewhere, Megan added, “The tea is… Everything about the music is tea! Just expect the unexpected. Expect a lot of rawness, a lot of realness, [and] a lot of s**t talking. Just know I’m coming and I hope everybody ready.”
Music-wise, fans were given a taste of what’s next with the release of “Bongos.” It arrived in collaboration with Cardi B and served as Megan’s first single of the year.
Following the track’s launch, the duo delivered a standout performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Prior to that, they also debuted a well-received music video choreographed by Sean Bankhead
Speaking on working with Cardi, the Houston Hottie revealed, “I love the creative freedom that she gives me. She’s always open to whatever I’m saying or any suggestion, so I love that about her. She not scared to try nothing, and her ego ain’t big. She’s not a woman that’s scared to say, ‘You’re right.’ So, I really love that about her work-wise.”
Megan continued, “Friendship-wise, she’s just so real. When I first met her, she was so shy! Anybody’ll probably see her online and they think her personality gonna be one way. No, it’s so opposite. But like as we got more [close as] friends. You know people start off shy, and then they get like, ‘Oh, yeah, this the real you?’ I feel like I definitely get to see the real her.”
Beyond the recording studio, the three-time Grammy winner announced her latest partnership with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos this morning. Named Flamin’ Hot University, the project presented an online curriculum centering around food, fashion, and lifestyle. Notably, it featured Meg in the role of the Official Hot Girl Dean of Admission.
Rihanna And ASAP Rocky Share First Photos Of Their Second Son Riot
Just over a month after welcoming their second child, Riot Rose Mayers, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky introduced the newest member of their ménage in a photoshoot
In the series of pictures, the family of four shared tender moments with both parents taking turns cradling their sons. The “Diamonds” singer wore a denim jacket paired with a navy ensemble, while Rocky opted for a green plaid shirt and jeans.
Their firstborn, RZA, stole the show with a leather jacket and jeans. Meanwhile, baby Riot won hearts over in a pink ensemble featuring a matching hat and light-brown boots.
Being together publicly for three years, the couple always envisioned growing their family. “Listen, I’m down for whatever,” RiRi shared in an interview with British Vogue published in February 2022. “My wish would be I would like to have more kids, but whatever God wants for me, I’m here.”
Regarding Rocky, Rihanna also told the publication, “We’re best friends with a baby. We have to be on the same page, but we’ve always kind of had that in our relationship. Everything changes when you have a baby, but I wouldn’t say it’s done anything but made us closer.”
Detailing the bond between the New York rapper and RZA, she also described the deep connection between them as something truly special. “Their connection is undeniable. The second Rocky makes eye contact with him. He is on fire. I realized that the validation that you really need as a boy is from your father,” the musician explained.
Notably, the name choice of their latest addition has a deeper resonance. Rocky released a single titled “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” in July, which was featured in a Beats Studio Pro advertisement. In the campaign, RiRi called Rocky while he was in his home studio to tell him they ran out of diapers.
Christina Milian Insists She's Not Feuding With Jennifer Lopez Over 'Play' Credits
Christina Milian has made it clear that things are all good between her and Jennifer Lopez. The "Love Don't Cost a Thing" actress was rumored to be feuding with J.Lo over the song "Play", but the former insisted that there was no beef between the two.
When speaking to Page Six, the 41-year-old even praised J.Lo for having the song. "Hands down, she killed it. She's so good. I love that song," she said. "And I couldn't believe at 19 years old I wrote a song for J.Lo."
Christina went on to note that she wrote "Play" the same week she penned her debut single, "AM to PM" at camps at a songwriting camp in Sweden with Bloodshy & Avant, Anders Bagge and some other early 2000s songwriting aces. She remembered writing the song around 15 minutes after a late night of partying.
"I went to bed late that night, woke up the next morning and had to go to the studio. I had the track and I didn't write anything [to it]," she recalled. "So I sat down in the bed, I had this track, I was really tired and I played the track and I was like."
"And I was like, 'This just sounds too easy.' It was just too easy to write at that moment," the singer/actress continued. "I wrote the song in, like, 15 minutes and it was a joke to me because I had just started to become a writer."
Although she liked both "Play" and "AM to PM", Christina acknowledged that her then-label, Def Soul, wouldn't want two party songs on her 2002 self-titled debut. After former Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Tommy Mottola heard "Play", he claimed it for J.Lo, who was signed to his label Epic Records at the time.
Vanna White to stay on 'Wheel of Fortune' All your news as the "Wheel" turns.
White has "extended her contract for an additional two years, keeping her revealing letters at the iconic puzzleboard through the 2025-2026 season," representatives for the show said Tuesday in a statement.
Just two months ago, TMZ had reported that negotiations between White and the show were on hold, because of the writers strike. The outlook wasn't good, though, as White was reportedly seeking a higher salary after Puck reported in June that she hadn't received a raise in 18 years and was being paid a fraction of what Sajak earned. Nevertheless, in July, the two sides came to an agreement for her to stay on the celebrity edition of Wheel but her longer-term future on the syndicated daily program was still in the air.
While White had stepped in as host for Sajak before, it was Ryan Seacrest who was named Sajak's heir in June. The American Idol host said when the news was announced that he couldn't wait to continue the traditions of "spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."
He also said that he looked forward to learning everything that he could from Sajak during the transition.
On Tuesday, Seacrest revealed the advice he has recieved so far from Sajak, whom Seacrest noted is "so good at that job."
"He just said, 'You're going to have a great time. It's so much fun. What's better than giving away money and doing that every single night?'" Seacrest told Entertainment Tonight. "I can't wait to meet the contestants and do it."
Before they get in deep on the lessons, though, Seacrest plans to let Sajak savor his final episodes.
"He's enjoying his last season," Seacrest said. "I start next year."
Seacrest, who raved about the "legend," acknowledged that Sajak will be a consultant for Wheel of Fortune for three years after he leaves as host.
"So, yeah, he'll be bossing me around," he joked. "Why not? I think he deserves that, yeah."
Bijou Phillips files for divorce from Danny Masterson
Bijou Phillips has filed for divorce from embattled actor Danny Masterson, according to public records.
Phillips filed a petition for divorce on Monday in Santa Barbara. The pair were married in 2011 and share one daughter together.
The filing comes less than two weeks after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his conviction on two rape counts.
“Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time. Her priority remains with her daughter,” Peter Lauzon, Phillips’ attorney, told CNN in a statement on Tuesday, adding, “this period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family.”
CNN has reached out to a legal representative for Masterson for comment.
Earlier this month, Phillips was present at Masterson’s sentencing where he received the maximum “aggregate” penalty of 30 years to life in prison for the crimes, CNN reported at the time.
Following his initial arrest in 2020, Masterson had pleaded not guilty to raping three women at his home in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. He was found guilty in late May on two of three counts of forcible rape. The jury was deadlocked on the third count.
Masterson has maintained his innocence and his lawyer Shawn Holley said in a statement following his sentencing that he plans to appeal his case.
Masterson’s trial put a renewed spotlight on his marriage to Phillips, who stood by him throughout his legal troubles but hadn’t publicly commented on it.
They reportedly met in 2005 during a celebrity poker match in Las Vegas before marrying in 2011. Their daughter Fianna was born in 2014.
Phillips, a model and an actress, is the daughter of The Mamas & The Papas musician John Phillips and actress and singer Geneviève Waïte. She’s starred in several movies including “Almost Famous” and “Bully,” as well as the TV series “Raising Hope.”
Angelica Ross claims Ryan Murphy ghosted her after accepting "American Horror Story" pitch featuring all-Black female cast
Ross claimed that Murphy approached her on July 3, 2020 via email about actresses she might recommend for an “AHS” season starring Black women. In a posted email, Murphy purportedly wrote, “Remember your idea about a ‘Horror’ season starring Black women? Well, I’m doing it. Not sure of the story yet, but we will start a writers’ room in the fall. Along with you, who are the four women I should get? I think you, Keke Palmer, Gabby… not sure of the fourth?” Ross responded with several high-profile names, including “AHS” veteran Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis and Lupita Nyong’o.
Alongside the screenshots, the actress tweeted, “After not hearing back. After sending flowers and no response, I sent one last email in February 2022 (it took about a year to film season 10 due to COVID) while still contractually in first position with the show. Mind you, Marvel had called twice now. I haven’t heard from him since. #SAGAFTRAStrike.”
She also stated in a later tweet: “One white director was MOPING on set saying he doesn’t think he’s coming back next season because there’s been a ‘change in direction.’ I just smiled knowing what it was, but trust, some folks weren’t thrilled [’cause] they knew I’d press for Black directors, writers… AS PER MY EMAIL.”
Ross further explained, “It’s not JUST that the idea changed. Things change all the time. It’s that I called business affairs for MONTHS trying to get clarity if they were picking up my contract option or if I was OK to tell Marvel that I was available for whatever they were calling me for. I had been auditioning for THREE YEARS for Marvel. It’s that I was HELD in first position the whole time.”
An insider reportedly told TheWrap that Murphy often considers ideas from different sources and then changes direction at the last minute without warning. Some people criticized Ross for posting about this matter two days before the Wednesday (Sept. 20) premiere of “American Horror Story: Delicate.” They wondered if she hoped her story might undermine viewership.
However, Ross was not fazed. “Will also tell you about the transphobic remarks my co-star said to my face, and the racism I complained about on set that they said was ‘free speech.’ We on strike, so you know I got time this week,” she added.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Keeping Plans to Premiere Next Week Despite Blowback From WGA
Amid calls from the Writers Guild of America to push back its premiere during the ongoing writers strike, ABC and Disney+ are staying on track with plans to premiere a new season of “Dancing With the Stars” next week, Variety has learned.
Sources close to production tell Variety that the show will be working in compliance with SAG-AFTRA rules, and a key focus is not to put talent in a tough spot, given that many Season 32 cast members are part of the actors’ guild. Another major key consideration was ensuring that the large staff would not be out of work, insiders added. ABC declined to comment.
“Everyone’s focus is to keep 500 people employed,” a production source tells Variety. This individual says that the WGA writer will be back at work as soon as the strike comes to an end.
The WGA writer on “Dancing With the Stars” works with the hosts. The show is otherwise largely unscripted, given the live nature of the dance competition.
During the last strike in 2007-2008, “Dancing With the Stars” remained in production, and similarly re-hired its writer once the strike was over.
SAG-AFTRA rules mean that talent are still allowed to appear, as “Dancing with the Stars” participation falls under the Network Code agreement that isn’t a part of the current strike. The Season 32 cast includes multiple members of SAG-AFTRA, including Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, Matt Walsh, Mira Sorvino, Ariana Madix and Xochitl Gomez.
“Dancing With the Stars” typically features video packages within episodes that showcase cast member’s past TV and film projects. Under current strike rules, former SAG-AFTRA projects cannot be promoted or discussed, which could make “DWTS” packages tricky — but a source confirms that this season will not include any footage from past shows or movies, in order to comply with union rules. (For instance, don’t expect to see “Brady Bunch” flashbacks when introducing Williams for his rumba, and Hannigan won’t discuss her time slaying vampires on “Buffy,” while slaying on the dance floor.)
“Dancing With the Stars” has recently become subject to online chatter among WGA members on social media. Over the weekend — as news broke that the “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Talk” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” backtracked on plans to return during the strike — WGA members called out “Dancing With the Stars,” noting that it is a WGA-covered show, meaning a WGA-represented writer is on staff. WGA member David Slack’s tweet went viral, noting that “‘Dancing with the Stars’ is a WGA-covered show. Its writers are on strike, and they can’t make the show without scab writing.” Other writers called the show variations of “Dancing With the Scabs” or “Scabbing With the Stars.”
On Monday morning, former series pro Cheryl Burke told Variety that she felt “Dancing With the Stars” should pause until the strikes finished. “At the end of the day, we have to stick together because that’s the only way to ever make any significant change,” she said. “I don’t think it’s gonna be good for the show, to be quite honest, in the long run. I understand what they’re thinking and I get it. It’s a business, but there is no business without the rest of the business… I think they should hold tight. I think we need to stand as one. We need to unite for real and not just say we’re united.”
After a month of stalled negotiations, the WGA will meet with the AMPTP on Wednesday, which will mark day 140 of the strike.
“Dancing With the Stars” is set to debut with a two-and-a-half-hour premiere on Sept. 28 on ABC and simulcast on Disney+. The season reps a return to ABC for “DWTS,” which had moved exclusively to Disney+ last season, and also a shift to Tuesdays after a lengthy run on Monday nights.
Variety has reached out to a WGA spokesperson for comment.
Mo’Nique Calls Out CBS Once Again Over Alleged Outstanding Earnings from “The Parkers”
On Tuesday, the “Queens of Comedy” jokester addressed her fans about the very serious matter. Sitting alongside her husband and manager, Sidney Hicks, she spoke directly to the network about the lack of payment she and her co-star received for the hit series, which ran from 1999 to 2004.
“They’re trying to convince us that, through our ownership of the show, that we made absolutely no money,” Mo’Nique stated. Hicks followed up, explaining that when speaking with executive producers of the sitcom, he learned that the show made millions in its five years in production and in the years of reruns that followed. He also saw documents to back the money that the series brought in.
In April, the 55-year-old actress filed a lawsuit against Paramount and CBS over the millions owed to her in profit participation. Ironically, “The Parkers” creators Ralph Farquhar, Sara Finney-Johnson, and Vida Spears made similar claims against Paramount and CBS in June 2022. They all believe CBS used questionable practices to “inflate expenses and suppress profit payments,” Variety reports.
During this week’s call-to-action, Mo’Nique pointed to Dave Chappelle’s past deal with CBS for his famed Comedy Central sketch show. Chappelle previously slammed ViacomCBS for failing to pay him properly for the early 2000s series. In early 2021, the standup comic revealed that CBS has forked over millions to rectify the situation, something Mo’Nique hopes to happen for her and Vaughn.
“So what we’re asking you, CBS, is, can you please treat these two Black women fairly?” Mo’Nique asked directly.
Vaughn reposted Mo’Nique and Hicks’ video to her Instagram Story, standing in solidarity with her fellow entertainer.
CBS has not publicly responded.
Black Texas Student Receives Over Two Weeks of In-School Suspension Due To His Locs; School Says He Should “Sacrifice” Hair
A Black Texas student is being punished by his school for refusing to cut his dreadlocks.
Darryl George, who attends Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, was suspended for two weeks due to his hairstyle. The junior usually wears his locs in a twisted style, going back into a bun. Despite being neat and well-maintained, the school has contended that George’s hair is too long, falling past his ear lobes, thus violating its hygiene policy. Unfortunately, when he returned to school on Monday with the same hairstyle, George was suspended once again, AP News confirmed.
He was initially removed from the general student population on August 31st after school officials caught wind of George’s hair. After returning to school, George and his family thought that Barbers Hill may have had a change of heart. The decision to keep him away from the school left the 17-year-old in tears. His mother, Darresha, says due to his suspension, her son is forced to sit in one spot for eight hours a day, which is leading to back pains and his grades slipping.
The teen was booted from his school just one day before Texas’ CROWN Act went into effect on September 1st. The law is meant to protect those with natural hair from being discriminated against in the workplace and schools. Still, Barbers Hill Independent School District does not allow males to have hair beyond their eyebrows. Superintendent Greg Poole says students should sacrifice personal effects such as hair for the “betterment of the whole.”
“We need more teaching of sacrifice,” he said in response to the George family.
Barbers Hill Independent School District now plans to place Geroge in an alternative school since he refuses to cut his hair.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
I felt the pain
Crows Feet?
Crows Feet?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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