#MAGFAB: Malika-el-Maslouhi in Montmartre Lensed by Malick Bodian for Vogue France October
Photographer Malick Bodian [IG] turns his lens to top model Malika-el-Maslouhi in a fashion story ‘Un Automne à Montmartre’. El-Maslouhi and colleagues Hiba Aboufaraj and Ikram Abdi are styled by Ibrahim Kamara for Vogue France [IG] October 2023./ Hair by Jawara; makeup by Thom Walker
On a private note, model and photographer Malick Bodian has an exceptionally beautiful and inspiring getaway south of Dakar called Villa Aram. We will be writing about its creation, once we understand more about the materials used and its environment-aware design.
#RHOA: Nene Leakes Accused of Ignoring Lawsuit Regarding Unsettled Rent, Landlord Seeks $22,000
NeNe Leakes is accused of ignoring a lawsuit despite being served with the legal documents.
Based on court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Leakes’ former landlord is seeking a default judgment against her after she failed to pay rent on her Swagg Boutique, which has since been closed.
As per court documents, MPG-Sugarloaf claims Leakes extended her lease in 2021 but left the property in January 2022 without paying the $22,900 rent owed.
Despite multiple notifications from the landlord, Leakes didn’t pay the overdue rent. Many of her Swagg Boutique locations had closed due to the pandemic, and on August 16, Legal papers were served to her personally outside her Atlanta condo.
Following the lawsuit, NeNe Leakes claimed that her husband, Gregg, had signed the lease.
“Gregg signed the lease, not me! He ain’t here,” she explained on social media.
As previously reported, her husband Gregg Leakes died in September after losing his battle with cancer.
However, the landlord stated that Leakes failed to respond to the lawsuit by the September 18 deadline. Consequently, the company seeks a default judgment for $22,900.75, with attorney fees of $2,315 and additional court costs of $416.
According to reports, the landlord is also looking to add interest to the lawsuit.
#MusicNews: Mary J Blige re-releases Mary J. Blige Releases ‘A Mary Christmas (Anniversary Edition)’
For the holidays The Queen of Hip Hop Soul has re-released her Christmas album. The multi-Grammy Award winning singer and Oscar nominated actress, Mary J. Blige, is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of her A Mary Christmas album. Produced by the incomparable David Foster and featuring duets with Barbara Streisand, Chris Botti, The Clark Sisters, Jesse J and Marc Anthony, this special anniversary edition will include 2 previously unreleased tracks. To celebrate the album, it will be released for the first time ever on vinyl.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Little Drummer Boy
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. My Favorite Things
4. This Christmas
Side B
1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire)
2. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. When You Wish Upon A Star (duet with Barbra Streisand and featuring Chris Botti)
4. Mary, Did You Know
Side C
1. Do You Hear What I Hear (duet with Jesse J)
2. Petit Papa Noel
3. The First Noel (duet with The Clark Sisters)
4. Noche De Paz (Silent Night) (duet with Marc Anthony)
Side D
1. Winter Wonderland
2. Silent Night
3. O Holy Night
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Solo Version
In stores and online Oct 14!
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar Wins 4 Awards at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
Kendrick Lamar was the big winner at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, winning in four categories – hip hop artist of the year, best live performer, lyricist of the year and, with his creative partner Dave Free, video director of the year.
Lamar made history with all four of these wins. He is the first artist to win hip hop artist of the year three times. He won best live performer for the fourth time, tying Kanye West and Jay-Z for the most wins in the category. He won lyricist of the year for the ninth time, extending his lead for the most wins in the category. Lamar and Free won best video director of the year for the second year in a row, becoming the first directors to win back-to-back awards in that category since Hype Williams won four years running from 2009-12.
The BET Hip Hop Awards were taped last week at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta and aired on BET on Tuesday (Oct. 10). There will be an encore airing Tuesday at midnight ET on BET.
Lamar wasn’t the only big winner at the show. Two successful collaborations, Drake & 21 Savage and Lil Durk featuring J. Cole, each won two awards, as did Lil Uzi Vert and Metro Boomin.
Her Loss by Drake & 21 Savage, which topped the Billboard 200 in November 2022, won hip hop album of the year. It’s the third collaboration to win in that category, following Jay-Z & Kanye West’s Watch the Throne (2012) and Beyoncé & Jay-Z’s Everything Is Love (2018). Drake & 21 Savage also won best duo or group.
Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock,” which reached No. 10 on the Hot 100, won song of the year, beating a pair of songs that were notably bigger crossover hits – “All My Life” by Lil Durk featuring J. Cole and “Rich Flex” by Drake & 21 Savage, both of which reached No. 2. “Just Wanna Rock” also won best hip hop video.
But “All My Life” won two other awards — best collaboration and impact track, which is presented to a “song that moves our culture forward with social commentary, political discourse or other thought-provoking lyrics.” This was J. Cole’s record fourth win for impact track. He previously won for “Crooked Smile” featuring TLC, “Love Yours” and Middle Child.”
Metro Boomin became the first producer to win producer of the year three times. He previously won in 2015 and 2017. Kanye West, DJ Mustard and Hit-Boy have each won twice in the category.
Ice Spice won best breakthrough hip hop artist. GloRilla won in the category last year. This marks the first time that women have won back-to-back awards in this category.
Ice Spice is expected to receive a Grammy nomination for best new artist when the nominations for the 66th annual Grammy Awards are announced on Nov. 10. Four former winners of the BET breakthrough award (it has gone by various names over the years) have received Grammy nods for best new artist – Drake, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and Chance the Rapper (who went on to win the Grammy).
DC Defends Jason Momoa Against Amber Heard's Allegations He Was Drunk On 'Aquaman 2' Set
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" set was full of drama, no thanks to Amber Heard's own legal problem and her alleged hostile relationship with her co-star. While Jason Momoa never publicly painted her in a bad light during her defamation trial against Johnny Depp, she reportedly accused him of being drunk on the set of their movie.
Variety reports that Depp fans paid the court fees for the release of documents from Heard's therapist Dr. Dawn Hughes, which surfaced on Reddit. In the raw notes, scribbled on a legal pad, it was alleged that intoxicated Momoa dressed like Depp and pushed to have Heard booted from the role of Mera.
"Jason said he wanted me fired," Heard allegedly said as described on the notes. "Jason drunk - late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too."
A rep for Momoa declined to comment, but a DC spokesperson has denied the allegations by Heard. The spokesperson told Variety on Tuesday, October 10, "Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom'."
Echoing the sentiment, an insider who was on the London set in 2021 told the outlet, "Jason works his a** off, likes to have a beer once in a while like everyone, but doesn't show up drunk to set." Noting that Momoa and Heard got along and were seen joking together, the source added, "And he isn't dressing like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style."
The therapy notes also described Heard feeling unsupported by the film's director James Wan and treated like a pariah because of her high-profile legal battle with Depp. "He raised his voice @ me - 'I can't even post about Aquaman' - made it like it was my fault - I said 'I'm sorry,' " the notes said in reference to Wan. "Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout."
Wan declined to comment, but the DC spokesperson insisted, "James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set - the 'Aquaman' films were no exception."
Sources additionally told Variety that following the release of the first film, Warner Bros. sent a letter to Heard's attorney in 2018 (prior to Heard and Depp's lawsuit) notifying them of their decision to drop the actress from the sequel. However, the company did not go forward with the move after Elon Musk, who dated Heard in 2017, stepped in.
The X (formerly Twitter) owner reportedly sent "a scorched-earth letter to Warner Bros. threatening to burn the house down" if the actress wasn't brought back for a sequel. Musk didn't respond to a request for a comment on the matter. Heard is eventually still set to return for the sequel, but her role is significantly reduced in "Lost Kingdom", according to the outlet.
At least two of her scenes were cut from "Aquaman 2". One was an action sequence that found Mera fighting Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), while the other was a love scene with Momoa.
As the outlet pointed out, there's a hidden evidence of friction between the two stars. Momoa unfollowed Heard on Instagram this summer, with one source saying that he even blocked her from following him.
The turmoil aside, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" is scheduled to set sail for release in U.S. theaters on December 20.
Tori Kelly Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Health Scare In First TV Interview Since Hospitalization
Tori Kelly feels "great" after overcoming her health scare. The 30-year-old singer suffered from blood clots earlier this year, but Tori insists she's now on the road to making a full recovery.
"It's been a crazy few months - a crazy year," Tori shared during an appearance on "The Jennifer Hudson Show". Jennifer, 42, then replied, "You were in the hospital this past summer - you scared us, girl."
Tori subsequently revealed the extent of her health troubles. The music star also admitted to feeling "confused" by what she'd been through. She said, "I actually ended up collapsing one night and they found out that I had blood clots. It was really crazy and scary."
"My family was definitely there for me. I had a peace throughout most of it, but I was just kinda confused and wondering what was going on. I thankfully had some amazing doctors who were able to just take care of everything and get me healthy."
Tori remains under medical supervision, but the singer reassured fans that she's now on the mend. She explained, "It seems like it's a manageable thing now, I feel amazing. They're still monitoring me, but yeah I feel great. I'm back to singing and back to doing my thing. I feel really good, I'm really grateful."
Earlier this year, Tori took to social media to thank the doctors and nurses who looked after her. The "Nobody Love" hitmaker wrote, "I'm so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses who have been looking after me.
The singer also thanked her fans for their support amid her health scare. She said, "It's been a scary few days but I can feel your prayers and can't stop thinking about you."
Rep. George Santos faces 10 new federal charges, including allegations of stealing donors’ identities, running up fraudulent credit card charges
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday accused Rep. George Santos of stealing donors’ identities and running up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges on their credit cards.
The 10 new charges against Santos also include allegations that the New York Republican embezzled cash from his company and conspired with his former campaign treasurer to falsify donation totals in order to hit fundraising targets set by national Republicans, among other offenses.
The new indictment is another blow to Republicans on Capitol Hill, who are already in disarray after a small group of their own members led the way in ousting Kevin McCarthy as speaker last week. Santos was part of a class of newly elected New York Republicans who helped the party win a narrow House majority in the 2022 midterms and whose fate will be key to holding that majority in 2024.
Pressed Tuesday on whether he would resign, Santos said: “No, I will not.”
This fresh round of charges against Santos, called a superseding indictment, brings the total number of counts against him to 23. This indictment is wider in scope and provides new and damaging details about Santos’ alleged efforts to personally profit through his campaign.
It comes days after Nancy Marks, who worked as his treasurer during the 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by committing one or more federal offenses.
“I filed a first quarter 2022 report stating that $500,000 was loaned to the campaign by co-conspirator #1 and the money was not received at the time,” Marks said during her allocution – a defendant’s formal address to the court. “As campaign treasurer, I knew that the loan had not been made at the time.”
In Tuesday’s filing, prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York provide messages between Santos and Marks discussing their efforts to effectively deceive the GOP into providing Santos with additional support by ginning up their fundraising totals.
In May, Santos, 35, pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges. Those initial charges included seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the US House of Representatives.
When asked about the indictment on Tuesday when leaving a GOP conference meeting, Santos told CNN’s Manu Raju, “I did not have access to my phone. I have no clue what you guys are talking about.”
Following his arraignment earlier this year, the congressman said that he has been “compliant throughout this entire process,” blasting the indictment at the time as a “witch hunt,” and said he would “fight my battle.”
Elected last year to represent a district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens, Santos has been under investigation in multiple jurisdictions and by the House Ethics Committee. The congressman has admitted to making some misleading claims about his education and financial status but continues to deny the more serious allegations. He has not admitted any crimes.
He announced in April that he will seek reelection in 2024 to represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which will likely be competitive turf next year. President Joe Biden would have won the district by about 8 points in 2020 under redrawn lines.
Democratic former Rep. Tom Suozzi, who left Congress for an unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial bid, announced earlier Tuesday that he’s running for his old seat.
“The madness in Washington, DC, and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone,” he said in statement on social media.
Britney Spears Busted For Driving With No License Or Insurance
Britney Spears is in trouble with the law for driving yet again, and this time it's after being pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.
The 41-year-old Princess of Pop had previously been busted by highway patrol for driving at “unsafe speed” last year. Just over a year later, the “Oops!... I Did It Again” singer was just pulled over and ticketed for driving without a license or proof of insurance in her car.
According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the “Toxic” singer was caught by CHP and pulled over for driving without a license or insurance in her car on September 10, 2023.
It is unclear why the pop star was initially pulled over, but according to police, she was driving with no valid license in her possession and was cited for a “failure to provide a peace officer evidence of financial responsibility.”
Of course, these are not arrestable offenses -- and she was just cited for a $1,140 fine by California Highway Patrol and must pay up by October 24, 2023, which is also the date of her court appearance.
Ironically, that date, two weeks from today, is also the day her highly anticipated memoir, “The Woman In Me” is scheduled for release. Fortunately, the pop star won’t actually have to physically appear in court that day.
We are guessing Britney's driver's license IS valid, she just didn't have it in the vehicle. Plus, the singer definitely has insurance, but it must be inside the car while she is driving. Her lawyers will need to bring proof of both to the court hearing.
This Isn’t The First Time Britney Has Been Pulled Over
As The Blast previously reported in April 2022, the “Baby One More Time” singer was caught driving at an “unsafe speed for prevailing conditions.” She was ticketed on March 10, 2022, and had to show up in a courtroom to face the charges on May 3. The documents did not say how fast she was driving or where she was pulled over.
However, it was noted that she has been ticketed for speeding several times over the past few years. In June 2019, for example, she was also busted by the Venture County Sheriff’s Department for driving at an “unsafe speed” yet again. Although her driving privileges were revoked during her conservatorship, which lasted from February 2008 to November 2021, it seems that Britney is happy to be on the road again, despite the charges she might face.
Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Hughes Van Ellis passes away at 102
Photographer Malick Bodian [IG] turns his lens to top model Malika-el-Maslouhi in a fashion story ‘Un Automne à Montmartre’. El-Maslouhi and colleagues Hiba Aboufaraj and Ikram Abdi are styled by Ibrahim Kamara for Vogue France [IG] October 2023./ Hair by Jawara; makeup by Thom Walker
#RHOA: Nene Leakes Accused of Ignoring Lawsuit Regarding Unsettled Rent, Landlord Seeks $22,000
Based on court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Leakes’ former landlord is seeking a default judgment against her after she failed to pay rent on her Swagg Boutique, which has since been closed.
As per court documents, MPG-Sugarloaf claims Leakes extended her lease in 2021 but left the property in January 2022 without paying the $22,900 rent owed.
Despite multiple notifications from the landlord, Leakes didn’t pay the overdue rent. Many of her Swagg Boutique locations had closed due to the pandemic, and on August 16, Legal papers were served to her personally outside her Atlanta condo.
Following the lawsuit, NeNe Leakes claimed that her husband, Gregg, had signed the lease.
“Gregg signed the lease, not me! He ain’t here,” she explained on social media.
As previously reported, her husband Gregg Leakes died in September after losing his battle with cancer.
However, the landlord stated that Leakes failed to respond to the lawsuit by the September 18 deadline. Consequently, the company seeks a default judgment for $22,900.75, with attorney fees of $2,315 and additional court costs of $416.
According to reports, the landlord is also looking to add interest to the lawsuit.
#MusicNews: Mary J Blige re-releases Mary J. Blige Releases ‘A Mary Christmas (Anniversary Edition)’
For the holidays The Queen of Hip Hop Soul has re-released her Christmas album. The multi-Grammy Award winning singer and Oscar nominated actress, Mary J. Blige, is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of her A Mary Christmas album. Produced by the incomparable David Foster and featuring duets with Barbara Streisand, Chris Botti, The Clark Sisters, Jesse J and Marc Anthony, this special anniversary edition will include 2 previously unreleased tracks. To celebrate the album, it will be released for the first time ever on vinyl.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Little Drummer Boy
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. My Favorite Things
4. This Christmas
Side B
1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire)
2. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. When You Wish Upon A Star (duet with Barbra Streisand and featuring Chris Botti)
4. Mary, Did You Know
Side C
1. Do You Hear What I Hear (duet with Jesse J)
2. Petit Papa Noel
3. The First Noel (duet with The Clark Sisters)
4. Noche De Paz (Silent Night) (duet with Marc Anthony)
Side D
1. Winter Wonderland
2. Silent Night
3. O Holy Night
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Solo Version
In stores and online Oct 14!
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar Wins 4 Awards at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
Lamar made history with all four of these wins. He is the first artist to win hip hop artist of the year three times. He won best live performer for the fourth time, tying Kanye West and Jay-Z for the most wins in the category. He won lyricist of the year for the ninth time, extending his lead for the most wins in the category. Lamar and Free won best video director of the year for the second year in a row, becoming the first directors to win back-to-back awards in that category since Hype Williams won four years running from 2009-12.
The BET Hip Hop Awards were taped last week at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta and aired on BET on Tuesday (Oct. 10). There will be an encore airing Tuesday at midnight ET on BET.
Lamar wasn’t the only big winner at the show. Two successful collaborations, Drake & 21 Savage and Lil Durk featuring J. Cole, each won two awards, as did Lil Uzi Vert and Metro Boomin.
Her Loss by Drake & 21 Savage, which topped the Billboard 200 in November 2022, won hip hop album of the year. It’s the third collaboration to win in that category, following Jay-Z & Kanye West’s Watch the Throne (2012) and Beyoncé & Jay-Z’s Everything Is Love (2018). Drake & 21 Savage also won best duo or group.
Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock,” which reached No. 10 on the Hot 100, won song of the year, beating a pair of songs that were notably bigger crossover hits – “All My Life” by Lil Durk featuring J. Cole and “Rich Flex” by Drake & 21 Savage, both of which reached No. 2. “Just Wanna Rock” also won best hip hop video.
But “All My Life” won two other awards — best collaboration and impact track, which is presented to a “song that moves our culture forward with social commentary, political discourse or other thought-provoking lyrics.” This was J. Cole’s record fourth win for impact track. He previously won for “Crooked Smile” featuring TLC, “Love Yours” and Middle Child.”
Metro Boomin became the first producer to win producer of the year three times. He previously won in 2015 and 2017. Kanye West, DJ Mustard and Hit-Boy have each won twice in the category.
Ice Spice won best breakthrough hip hop artist. GloRilla won in the category last year. This marks the first time that women have won back-to-back awards in this category.
Ice Spice is expected to receive a Grammy nomination for best new artist when the nominations for the 66th annual Grammy Awards are announced on Nov. 10. Four former winners of the BET breakthrough award (it has gone by various names over the years) have received Grammy nods for best new artist – Drake, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and Chance the Rapper (who went on to win the Grammy).
Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals She and Will Smith Have Been Secretly Separated for 7 Years
Jada Pinkett Smith is revealing where her marriage to Will Smith really stands.
In new interviews, the Girls Trip star said she has been separated from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum for seven years.
While fans are just learning the news now, Jada confirmed to Today that she and Will have been apart since 2016. As for the reason they kept things quiet?
"I think just not being ready yet, still trying to figure out between the two of us how to be in partnership and in regards to how do we present that to people," Jada told Hoda Kotb in an interview released Oct. 11. "And we hadn't figure that out."
She also shed some light on what led them to part ways.
"Why it fractured, that's a lot of things," the actress added. "I think by the time we got to 2016, we were just exhausted with trying. I think we were both stuck in our fantasy of what we thought the other person should be."
And while Jada said she considered divorce, she ultimately decided not to file.
"I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce," she said. "We will work through whatever, and I just haven't been able to break that promise."
Indeed, Jada indicated that they're still navigating their relationship.
"We're still figuring it out," the 52-year-old also told People in a profile published Oct. 11. "We've been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us."
Jada and Will had already been separated for six years the night of the 2022 Oscars, where he won the Best Actor trophy for his lead role in King Richard and slapped Chris Rock onstage after the comedian made a joke about her shaved head.
"I thought, 'This is a skit,'" Jada, who lives with alopecia, recalled to the magazine. "I was like, 'There's no way that Will hit him.' It wasn't until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn't a skit."
Jada remembers asking her husband if he was OK after they were finally alone after the show, and she suggested he's still on his own journey.
"I'm going to be by his side," she added, "but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself."
After the slap, Will resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and was banned from its events for 10 years. He also apologized to Chris—calling the slap "unacceptable" and noting "there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment." And Will made it clear that Jada "had nothing to do" with his actions.
As for Chris, he spoke about the slap during his 2023 Netflix comedy special Chris Rock: Selective Outrage and said that "nobody was pickin' on" Jada. And while the Red Table Talk host has stayed relatively quiet on the incident, she previously expressed her hope "that these two intelligent capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out, and reconcile."
Jada and Will tied the knot in 1997 following his divorce from Sheree Zampino, with whom he shares 30-year-old son Trey Smith.
"Will called me up one day and said, 'Hit me when you get to L.A.' and then ... click. And I was like, 'Whoa. Okay,'" Jada told People. "And so when I got to L.A., I called him. I haven't been able to get rid of him since."
Over the years, the couple—who share kids Jaden Smith, 25, and Willow Smith, 22—have made headlines as they've gone through ups and downs in their relationship, including what Jada called in 2020 her "entanglement" with August Alsina.
In addition to opening up to Today and People—with her also talking about her mental health journey and past suicidal ideations in the interview with the magazine—she's telling her story in her upcoming book Worthy, which debuts Oct. 17.
"At the heart of this powerful book are two unexpected love stories," a press release for the book previously obtained by People stated, "one being Jada's complicated marriage to Will Smith, the other being the one with herself."
In new interviews, the Girls Trip star said she has been separated from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum for seven years.
While fans are just learning the news now, Jada confirmed to Today that she and Will have been apart since 2016. As for the reason they kept things quiet?
"I think just not being ready yet, still trying to figure out between the two of us how to be in partnership and in regards to how do we present that to people," Jada told Hoda Kotb in an interview released Oct. 11. "And we hadn't figure that out."
She also shed some light on what led them to part ways.
"Why it fractured, that's a lot of things," the actress added. "I think by the time we got to 2016, we were just exhausted with trying. I think we were both stuck in our fantasy of what we thought the other person should be."
And while Jada said she considered divorce, she ultimately decided not to file.
"I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce," she said. "We will work through whatever, and I just haven't been able to break that promise."
Indeed, Jada indicated that they're still navigating their relationship.
"We're still figuring it out," the 52-year-old also told People in a profile published Oct. 11. "We've been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us."
Jada and Will had already been separated for six years the night of the 2022 Oscars, where he won the Best Actor trophy for his lead role in King Richard and slapped Chris Rock onstage after the comedian made a joke about her shaved head.
"I thought, 'This is a skit,'" Jada, who lives with alopecia, recalled to the magazine. "I was like, 'There's no way that Will hit him.' It wasn't until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn't a skit."
Jada remembers asking her husband if he was OK after they were finally alone after the show, and she suggested he's still on his own journey.
"I'm going to be by his side," she added, "but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself."
After the slap, Will resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and was banned from its events for 10 years. He also apologized to Chris—calling the slap "unacceptable" and noting "there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment." And Will made it clear that Jada "had nothing to do" with his actions.
As for Chris, he spoke about the slap during his 2023 Netflix comedy special Chris Rock: Selective Outrage and said that "nobody was pickin' on" Jada. And while the Red Table Talk host has stayed relatively quiet on the incident, she previously expressed her hope "that these two intelligent capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out, and reconcile."
Jada and Will tied the knot in 1997 following his divorce from Sheree Zampino, with whom he shares 30-year-old son Trey Smith.
"Will called me up one day and said, 'Hit me when you get to L.A.' and then ... click. And I was like, 'Whoa. Okay,'" Jada told People. "And so when I got to L.A., I called him. I haven't been able to get rid of him since."
Over the years, the couple—who share kids Jaden Smith, 25, and Willow Smith, 22—have made headlines as they've gone through ups and downs in their relationship, including what Jada called in 2020 her "entanglement" with August Alsina.
In addition to opening up to Today and People—with her also talking about her mental health journey and past suicidal ideations in the interview with the magazine—she's telling her story in her upcoming book Worthy, which debuts Oct. 17.
"At the heart of this powerful book are two unexpected love stories," a press release for the book previously obtained by People stated, "one being Jada's complicated marriage to Will Smith, the other being the one with herself."
DC Defends Jason Momoa Against Amber Heard's Allegations He Was Drunk On 'Aquaman 2' Set
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" set was full of drama, no thanks to Amber Heard's own legal problem and her alleged hostile relationship with her co-star. While Jason Momoa never publicly painted her in a bad light during her defamation trial against Johnny Depp, she reportedly accused him of being drunk on the set of their movie.
Variety reports that Depp fans paid the court fees for the release of documents from Heard's therapist Dr. Dawn Hughes, which surfaced on Reddit. In the raw notes, scribbled on a legal pad, it was alleged that intoxicated Momoa dressed like Depp and pushed to have Heard booted from the role of Mera.
"Jason said he wanted me fired," Heard allegedly said as described on the notes. "Jason drunk - late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too."
A rep for Momoa declined to comment, but a DC spokesperson has denied the allegations by Heard. The spokesperson told Variety on Tuesday, October 10, "Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom'."
Echoing the sentiment, an insider who was on the London set in 2021 told the outlet, "Jason works his a** off, likes to have a beer once in a while like everyone, but doesn't show up drunk to set." Noting that Momoa and Heard got along and were seen joking together, the source added, "And he isn't dressing like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style."
The therapy notes also described Heard feeling unsupported by the film's director James Wan and treated like a pariah because of her high-profile legal battle with Depp. "He raised his voice @ me - 'I can't even post about Aquaman' - made it like it was my fault - I said 'I'm sorry,' " the notes said in reference to Wan. "Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout."
Wan declined to comment, but the DC spokesperson insisted, "James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set - the 'Aquaman' films were no exception."
Sources additionally told Variety that following the release of the first film, Warner Bros. sent a letter to Heard's attorney in 2018 (prior to Heard and Depp's lawsuit) notifying them of their decision to drop the actress from the sequel. However, the company did not go forward with the move after Elon Musk, who dated Heard in 2017, stepped in.
The X (formerly Twitter) owner reportedly sent "a scorched-earth letter to Warner Bros. threatening to burn the house down" if the actress wasn't brought back for a sequel. Musk didn't respond to a request for a comment on the matter. Heard is eventually still set to return for the sequel, but her role is significantly reduced in "Lost Kingdom", according to the outlet.
At least two of her scenes were cut from "Aquaman 2". One was an action sequence that found Mera fighting Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), while the other was a love scene with Momoa.
As the outlet pointed out, there's a hidden evidence of friction between the two stars. Momoa unfollowed Heard on Instagram this summer, with one source saying that he even blocked her from following him.
The turmoil aside, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" is scheduled to set sail for release in U.S. theaters on December 20.
Tori Kelly Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Health Scare In First TV Interview Since Hospitalization
"It's been a crazy few months - a crazy year," Tori shared during an appearance on "The Jennifer Hudson Show". Jennifer, 42, then replied, "You were in the hospital this past summer - you scared us, girl."
Tori subsequently revealed the extent of her health troubles. The music star also admitted to feeling "confused" by what she'd been through. She said, "I actually ended up collapsing one night and they found out that I had blood clots. It was really crazy and scary."
"My family was definitely there for me. I had a peace throughout most of it, but I was just kinda confused and wondering what was going on. I thankfully had some amazing doctors who were able to just take care of everything and get me healthy."
Tori remains under medical supervision, but the singer reassured fans that she's now on the mend. She explained, "It seems like it's a manageable thing now, I feel amazing. They're still monitoring me, but yeah I feel great. I'm back to singing and back to doing my thing. I feel really good, I'm really grateful."
Earlier this year, Tori took to social media to thank the doctors and nurses who looked after her. The "Nobody Love" hitmaker wrote, "I'm so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses who have been looking after me.
The singer also thanked her fans for their support amid her health scare. She said, "It's been a scary few days but I can feel your prayers and can't stop thinking about you."
Rep. George Santos faces 10 new federal charges, including allegations of stealing donors’ identities, running up fraudulent credit card charges
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday accused Rep. George Santos of stealing donors’ identities and running up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges on their credit cards.
The 10 new charges against Santos also include allegations that the New York Republican embezzled cash from his company and conspired with his former campaign treasurer to falsify donation totals in order to hit fundraising targets set by national Republicans, among other offenses.
The new indictment is another blow to Republicans on Capitol Hill, who are already in disarray after a small group of their own members led the way in ousting Kevin McCarthy as speaker last week. Santos was part of a class of newly elected New York Republicans who helped the party win a narrow House majority in the 2022 midterms and whose fate will be key to holding that majority in 2024.
Pressed Tuesday on whether he would resign, Santos said: “No, I will not.”
This fresh round of charges against Santos, called a superseding indictment, brings the total number of counts against him to 23. This indictment is wider in scope and provides new and damaging details about Santos’ alleged efforts to personally profit through his campaign.
It comes days after Nancy Marks, who worked as his treasurer during the 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by committing one or more federal offenses.
“I filed a first quarter 2022 report stating that $500,000 was loaned to the campaign by co-conspirator #1 and the money was not received at the time,” Marks said during her allocution – a defendant’s formal address to the court. “As campaign treasurer, I knew that the loan had not been made at the time.”
In Tuesday’s filing, prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York provide messages between Santos and Marks discussing their efforts to effectively deceive the GOP into providing Santos with additional support by ginning up their fundraising totals.
In May, Santos, 35, pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges. Those initial charges included seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the US House of Representatives.
When asked about the indictment on Tuesday when leaving a GOP conference meeting, Santos told CNN’s Manu Raju, “I did not have access to my phone. I have no clue what you guys are talking about.”
Following his arraignment earlier this year, the congressman said that he has been “compliant throughout this entire process,” blasting the indictment at the time as a “witch hunt,” and said he would “fight my battle.”
Elected last year to represent a district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens, Santos has been under investigation in multiple jurisdictions and by the House Ethics Committee. The congressman has admitted to making some misleading claims about his education and financial status but continues to deny the more serious allegations. He has not admitted any crimes.
He announced in April that he will seek reelection in 2024 to represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which will likely be competitive turf next year. President Joe Biden would have won the district by about 8 points in 2020 under redrawn lines.
Democratic former Rep. Tom Suozzi, who left Congress for an unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial bid, announced earlier Tuesday that he’s running for his old seat.
“The madness in Washington, DC, and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone,” he said in statement on social media.
Britney Spears Busted For Driving With No License Or Insurance
The 41-year-old Princess of Pop had previously been busted by highway patrol for driving at “unsafe speed” last year. Just over a year later, the “Oops!... I Did It Again” singer was just pulled over and ticketed for driving without a license or proof of insurance in her car.
According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the “Toxic” singer was caught by CHP and pulled over for driving without a license or insurance in her car on September 10, 2023.
It is unclear why the pop star was initially pulled over, but according to police, she was driving with no valid license in her possession and was cited for a “failure to provide a peace officer evidence of financial responsibility.”
Of course, these are not arrestable offenses -- and she was just cited for a $1,140 fine by California Highway Patrol and must pay up by October 24, 2023, which is also the date of her court appearance.
Ironically, that date, two weeks from today, is also the day her highly anticipated memoir, “The Woman In Me” is scheduled for release. Fortunately, the pop star won’t actually have to physically appear in court that day.
We are guessing Britney's driver's license IS valid, she just didn't have it in the vehicle. Plus, the singer definitely has insurance, but it must be inside the car while she is driving. Her lawyers will need to bring proof of both to the court hearing.
This Isn’t The First Time Britney Has Been Pulled Over
As The Blast previously reported in April 2022, the “Baby One More Time” singer was caught driving at an “unsafe speed for prevailing conditions.” She was ticketed on March 10, 2022, and had to show up in a courtroom to face the charges on May 3. The documents did not say how fast she was driving or where she was pulled over.
However, it was noted that she has been ticketed for speeding several times over the past few years. In June 2019, for example, she was also busted by the Venture County Sheriff’s Department for driving at an “unsafe speed” yet again. Although her driving privileges were revoked during her conservatorship, which lasted from February 2008 to November 2021, it seems that Britney is happy to be on the road again, despite the charges she might face.
Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Hughes Van Ellis passes away at 102
On Monday (Oct. 9) morning, one of the three known Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, Hughes Van Ellis, died in Denver, Colorado at the age of 102, according to 2 News Oklahoma.
“Mr. Hughes Van Ellis, 102, passed [on] Monday at 11:30 a.m. in Denver, Colorado. A loving family man, he was known as ‘Uncle Redd.’ He was among the three last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most horrific acts of racist terrorism on American soil,” a statement from a representative sent on his family’s behalf began.
“A WWII veteran, Mr. Ellis, bravely served America, even as he spent a lifetime awaiting atonement related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. Mr. Ellis was aware, survivors, his sister Mrs. Viola Ford Fletcher, 109, Mrs. Lessie Benningfield Randle, 108, and family descendants were recently at our state capitol interim study focused on 2001 state-commissioned reparation recommendations,” it continued. “Two days ago, Mr. Ellis urged us to keep fighting for justice. In the midst of his death, there remains an undying sense of right and wrong. Mr. Ellis was assured we would remain steadfast and we repeated to him, his own words, ‘We are one’ and we lastly expressed our love.”
Hughes Van Ellis, who fought in the WWII alongside the British, was barely a year old when the Tulsa Race Massacre took place. “My sister Viola told me, she said it was thought guns were going off,” Van Ellis told the news station back in 2021. “Dad looked outside to see people getting gunshot, houses getting burned. So, there’s only six little kids. I was a baby. So, my father just managed to barely get out, just with the clothes on our backs. We didn’t have time to get nothing else together.”
He added that after they escaped, life was tough for him and his siblings because they lost everything. They had to pick cotton to survive. President Joe Biden submitted a proclamation to recognize May 31, 2021 as a Day of Remembrance: 100 Years After The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Eddie Murphy is On a Mission to Save Christmas in 'Candy Cane Lane' First Look Photos!
Here’s the movie’s synopsis: “Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.”
The movie also stars Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, and Stephen Tobolowsky.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger, Candy Cane Lane will be released on Prime Video on Dec. 1.
Mary Lou Retton Is 'Fighting For Her Life,' Daughter Says While Asking for Help
The 55-year-old former Olympic gymnast is currently battling a “very rare form of pneumonia” and her daughter McKenna has taken to social media asking for help.
McKenna says that her mom is not insured and she’s seeking assistance with the hospital bills.
“On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured,” she wrote in a SpotFund page.
She continued, “We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”
The fundraiser has a $50,000 goal and it has already reached $29,000 as of 7pm ET on Tuesday (October 10).
‘Barbie’ stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling will ‘do right’ in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ prequel, producer says
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party… in Monte Carlo? Following the staggering success of the “Barbie” movie, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are gearing up to return to the big screen for their next joint endeavor as the stars of the upcoming “Ocean’s Eleven” prequel.
The new film’s producer Josey McNamara told GamesRadar in an interview published Tuesday that he’s confident Robbie and Gosling will “do right by the franchise.”
“I’m excited for people to experience it when it’s ready,” he said, later adding, “They’re wonderful together. The more projects even outside of that we can have them do would be amazing.”
The untitled prequel is being produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap Entertainment and is being directed by “Austin Powers” and “Bombshell” director Jay Roach, who has previously only revealed that the movie is set in 1960s Monte Carlo.
“Ocean’s Eleven” first premiered in 2001 and starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts, and spawned 3 sequels – including the female-driven spinoff “Ocean’s Eight” starring Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, and others.
The original “Ocean’s Eleven” – itself a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack-led movie of the same name that starred Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin – follows Danny Ocean (Clooney) and 10 of his cohorts as they attempt an elaborate heist on a Las Vegas casino run by Andy Garcia’s Terry Benedict. Roach’s prequel will be the first “Ocean’s” franchise film to come out since “Ocean’s Eight” premiered in 2018.
The on-screen magic between Robbie and Gosling in “Barbie” was undeniable, and their performances were widely celebrated by moviegoers and critics alike. (“Barbie” was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)
“Barbie” saw massive box office success, with the Greta Gerwig-directed film about the iconic Mattel doll grossing over $1 billion. So far, it’s the highest-grossing movie of 2023.
Patti LaBelle Brings Brooklyn Chop House’s Famous Dumplings to Walmart
*Patti LaBelle and has teamed with restauranteur Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins for an exclusive partnership with Walmart.
Cummins is the owner of the popular Brooklyn Chop House restaurant and he’s bringing his savory dumplings to the retail giant, Vibe reports. The partnership was facilitated by the former music executive and LaBelle’s company ZPAC.
“Launching the dumplings with Patti LaBelle is a milestone moment,” said Cummins in a statement. “They are a testament to the culinary creativity and passion that drives Brooklyn Chop House. Crafted with precision, these dumplings have become a beacon of excitement at my fine dining locations and franchised Brooklyn Dumpling shops. They represent a fusion of flavors that transcends boundaries, and now I am inviting everyone nationally to try our creative dumplings in the comfort of their homes.”
BCH Grocer Frozen Dumplings will be available at over 1,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. As Vibe reports, they come in an array of flavors, including “classic pork, mac and cheese, Korean BBQ-inspired beef cheese and bacon, and chocolate cake,” the outlet writes.
“We have already sold out in some locations,” BCH shared in a press release.
“These dumplings are a testament to our commitment to excellence in the culinary world,” the statement continued.
“We are overwhelmed with the response from so many friends, loyal customers, and those who have always wanted to experience Brooklyn Chop House menu items but have yet to be able to get to our NYC locations; what a feeling, what an unpredicted response!”
In a video post shared on Instagram last month, Cummings wrote, “I pulled up to Walmart today. I was finally able to see them in the stores myself in Long Island NY Woooowww!!! To all my people out there that’s been hitting me up and has already bought them thank you!!!!! please stop by any Walmart in America and pick up a few and send me a pic or video when you go there.”
Cummings noted in the Sept. 1st post that “most of the Walmarts have them but you may have to ask them because as you can see some stores are still loading them in the designated freezer spaces over the next week and some stores sold out already.”
California’s New “Ebony Alert” Aims to Raise Awareness For Missing Black Youth
California Governor Gavin Newsom has greenlit a new tool similar to the Amber Alert. However, it will be geared at alerting the public to missing youth of color. Families of missing Black children and young people often say they do not get the same resources as white children who disappear. This can be seen in many of the cases highlighted on Our Black Girls. Organizations such as Black and Missing have also fought for years to bring coverage to neglected missing Black and brown people. Now, with Newsom’s new initiative, a sense of urgency will go into these instances.
Senate Bill 673, also known as Ebony Alert, is a specialized version of Amber Alert, which applies to children aged 17 and younger. Ebony Alerts will be sent out for adolescents ages 12 to 25. Young minorities who disappear will qualify for the notification if they are considered at-risk or have any physical and or mental disadvantages. These are the types of victims who are most vulnerable to human trafficking. Ebony Alerts will be displayed on roadside signs and mobile device notifications.
California residents can expect to begin seeing these signals starting January 1st, 2024. However, in order for them to be activated, law enforcement working on missing person cases must initiate them. Though a step in the right direction, some remain skeptical that the Ebony Alert will be effective in locating missing Black people.
“Something’s better than nothing. Whether the Amber Alert or an Ebony Alert is going to be 100% effective, we don’t go with that false illusion or belief. But it’s better than not doing anything at all,” Timothy Griffin, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Nevada, Reno, told NBC News.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Cooooookieeeeeees!
I like the outfit though
I like the outfit though
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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