MAGFAB: Lakeith Stanfield For Ebony Magazine!
In the year of The Book of Clarence, this is LaKeith Stanfield’s time. However, according to him, this current moment does not solely belong to him. In this look into Stanfield’s mind, we gain perspective about working on the film, how he’s “standing on business” and walking through life without labels or confines.
You might not recall the first instance of LaKeith Stanfield entering your consciousness over the last decade or so. Nevertheless, for however long he’s captivated your attention, it’s impossible not to be entranced by his esoteric nature. He evokes a cool sense of familiarity that feels as if you might’ve already met him in real life. You likely haven’t; he just seems to leave that impression on those who view his work from afar. But once it clicks, the realization of “Ohhh, yeah, that’s ‘him‘” allows you to be enraptured by what is sure to be a spellbinding performance only he could convey.
It’s also safe to say that Stanfield is undoubtedly a man of many faces. This is relayed not simply through his contrasting roles over his career thus far, but through his online persona and our virtual sit-down conversation.
Over an early morning midweek Zoom call, it is clear that his energy is spent. The night before, he popped out in Atlanta for a screening event for The Book of Clarence, his latest cinematic undertaking. As part of the job, he is showing up even through exhaustion. However, for the duration of the 54-minute interaction, Stanfield transforms and reveals more of his core: his personality, his beliefs, his optimism in humanity.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, an ease comes over the dialogue. It feels as if we’re two old colleagues trading the most intellectual of gems in a literary salon operating under a Socratic seminar method. While he answers each query with brevity, what is most refreshing is how the responses piece together a larger story about where Stanfield comes from and decidedly where he is going. Additionally, he wants to bring us—our people—along for the journey, too. This finds its footing in all the small details: from the narrative his tattoos collectively weave and the musical vibes that spark his creativity to his goals as an actor.
You might not recall the first instance of LaKeith Stanfield entering your consciousness over the last decade or so. Nevertheless, for however long he’s captivated your attention, it’s impossible not to be entranced by his esoteric nature. He evokes a cool sense of familiarity that feels as if you might’ve already met him in real life. You likely haven’t; he just seems to leave that impression on those who view his work from afar. But once it clicks, the realization of “Ohhh, yeah, that’s ‘him‘” allows you to be enraptured by what is sure to be a spellbinding performance only he could convey.
It’s also safe to say that Stanfield is undoubtedly a man of many faces. This is relayed not simply through his contrasting roles over his career thus far, but through his online persona and our virtual sit-down conversation.
Over an early morning midweek Zoom call, it is clear that his energy is spent. The night before, he popped out in Atlanta for a screening event for The Book of Clarence, his latest cinematic undertaking. As part of the job, he is showing up even through exhaustion. However, for the duration of the 54-minute interaction, Stanfield transforms and reveals more of his core: his personality, his beliefs, his optimism in humanity.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, an ease comes over the dialogue. It feels as if we’re two old colleagues trading the most intellectual of gems in a literary salon operating under a Socratic seminar method. While he answers each query with brevity, what is most refreshing is how the responses piece together a larger story about where Stanfield comes from and decidedly where he is going. Additionally, he wants to bring us—our people—along for the journey, too. This finds its footing in all the small details: from the narrative his tattoos collectively weave and the musical vibes that spark his creativity to his goals as an actor.
Stanfield sheds his skin and becomes anew with every creative endeavor he takes on, a rebirth of sorts. A reimagined Renaissance man, Stanfield possesses an array of talents and passions that demonstrate in real time how his brain and originality tag-team in lockstep. No matter what you think about him, he’s in a category all his own—he likes it that way.
Under the shroud of (almost mischievous) mystery surrounding his persona, Stanfield is a deep thinker who takes time and intention before responding to the questions. It’s almost surreal to be in such proximity to an actor who has, in such a short time, stepped into exceptionally memorable characters across television and film.
Bursting onto TV sets on FX’s hit show Atlanta, he wholeheartedly personified the archetype of fan-favorite character Darius, an around-the-way dude with a mind of his own. While the show ended in its fourth season in 2022, Stanfield solidified himself as a rising sensation not to be overlooked as he racked up a fire mélange of leading parts: Cassius Green in Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You; the biographical portrayal of Bill O’Neal in Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah; lover boy journalist in Stella Meghie’s The Photograph and the unforgettable (and extremely meme-able) Andre Logan King in Jordan Peele’s Get Out. After watching any sequence of the work he’s done, what can be identified most vividly is how he brings his intrinsic authenticity to the role but leaves a piece of himself behind to ponder where the acting begins and ends.
Stanfield is no stranger to the layers required to take on lionhearted characters that represent the everyday man. While his EBONY cover shoot was shot before the SAG-AFTRA strike, what is most profound is the level of introspection and full-circle elements last year brought with it.
What does humanity truly mean in 2024? How do we show up for our fellow man and person in everyday life? What myths about societal purpose, collaboration and unity are we still perpetuating? And most importantly, how do we get on track to evade the “business as usual” machine?
Get more at Ebony Mag.
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Shares a New Look at Her Costa Rica Vacation House: "Home Sweet Home"!
"Brunch Besties with my love [PJ]! She’s trying all kinds of new tropical fruity but only after she sees me eat it first," The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum captioned the video in which she and PJ splashed around in the pool while PJ indeed snacked on some tropical fruits.
We were able to get a few peeks at Porsha and Simon's beautiful vacation home in those few Instagram videos from last April. More recently, however, we caught a few more looks at the seemingly stunning house as Porsha shared more photos and videos of her family enjoying some time away in the Central American country.
On January 20, Porsha took to her Instagram page to share an adorable photo (and then video) of her hubby, Simon, and daughter PJ dancing on what appeared to be the home's balcony/back porch area.
"Good Morning!! Costa Rica Home sweet home," Porsha captioned the post where we could see a stunning view and numerous palm trees.
We also saw how large the property is as Porsha and PJ wandered around pulling lemons off the trees in their backyard. "We had a beautiful day making homemade lemonade from our trees and enjoying the sun!" the Atlanta mom concluded in her caption, later cutting to her and her daughter squeezing those fresh lemons into a pitcher to make some delicious-looking lemonade.
You know what they say ... when life gives you lemons, get a vacation home in Costa Rica!
#NewMusic from Andra Day Announces New Album, Shares New Song “Where Do We Go”!
Andra Day has announced her third album, Cassandra. The Grammy and Golden Globe winner’s latest full-length is out at a yet unannounced date this spring via Warner. Listen to the lead single, “Where Do We Go,” HERE
Cassandra is the second proper album from Day following 2015’s Cheers From the Fall, which featured the ubiquitous single “Rise Up.” In 2021, she portrayed Billie Holliday in the film The United States vs. Billie Holliday. Her performance in the film netted her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama; she was nominated alongside Viola Davis, Frances McDormand, Carey Mulligan, and Vanessa Kirby. It was just announced that Day will perform “Lift Every Voice at Sing” at the Super Bowl in February.
#HipHopNews: Tierra Whack All Set To Release Debut Album: 'I Really Took My Time With This'!
Tierra Whack has announced that her debut album, WORLD WIDE WHACK, will finally drop this Spring.
On Monday (January 22), the Philadelphia native took to Instagram and shared an updated about the highly anticipated body of work. She wrote, “WORLD WIDE WHACK MY DEBUT ALBUM OUT ON 3/15 Brought to life by Alex Da Corte.”
She added: “I really took my time with this, so I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.”
Additionally, the 28-year-old also revealed that the project’s first single, “SHOWER SONG,” will be released on Friday (January 26).
The album will double as a visual art project made with Alex Da Corte, who previously directed the rapper’s “Dora” video. In the cinematic parallel, a character named WORLD WIDE WHACK will be at the centre of Tierra’s fictional universe.
Over the weekend, she kicked off her campaign in Philadelphia with “Pasting The Town Whack.” As part of the project, she enlisted her hometown neighbor and mural art curator Conrad Benner of Streets Dept to plaster her album artwork at eight different high-traffic locations throughout her city.
The cover art is a first looks at the WORLD WIDE WHACK character, with references to Pierrot (the original sad clown of 17th-century Italian theater), radical 1930s fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli and Donna Summer.
According to a press release, this personality is “an alter ego both untouchable and vulnerable, superhuman and painfully human, whose surprising story will unfold in images and video over the course of the album’s visual rollout.”
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Tierra Whack’s debut record since she released Whack World in 2018. That mixtape served as an introduction to her playful, innovative style, with each track clocking in at under a minute.
Though the MC has been quiet on the musical front, she did share a freestyle over SZA‘s “Smoking On My Ex Pack” in February of 2023. The song finds her making a handful of thinly-veiled references to her 2022 run-in with the law at Philadelphia International Airport.
“I don’t ever panic ‘cause I got a good lawyer,” she raps at one point, later adding: “Please don’t believe everything that the media feedin’ ya.”
Additionally, she was also the subject of a documentary that premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. The film, called Cypher, is director Chris Moukarbel’s “mockumentary” of the alt-rap performer, and the teaser promises that it will make viewers “question everything they see.”
IT’S OSCAR TIME! ‘Oppenheimer’ leads Oscars Race with 13 nominations
Nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were revealed on Tuesday.
As expected, the Christopher Nolan film “Oppenheimer” had a strong showing, leading Oscar contenders with 13 nominations. The fantasy film “Poor Things,” starring Emma Stone, followed with 11, while the Martin Scorsese drama “Killers of the Flower Moon” got 10 nominations.
The summer blockbuster “Barbie” earned eight nominations.
The Oscars will take place on March 10, hosted for a fourth time by Jimmy Kimmel.
See below for a full list of nominees.
Best picture
“American Fiction”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Barbie”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Past Lives”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best actor in a leading role
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Best actress in a leading role
Annette Bening, “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”
Emma Stone, “Poor Things”
Best actor in a supporting role
Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”
Best actress in a supporting role
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera, “Barbie”
Jodie Foster, “Nyad”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
Best director
Lily Gladstone and Martin Scorsese.
Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Best cinematography
“El Conde”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best international feature film
“The Teachers’ Lounge,” Germany
“Io Capitano,” Italy
“Perfect Days,” Japan
“Society of the Snow,” Spain
“The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom
Best adapted screenplay
“American Fiction”
“Barbie”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best original screenplay
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Maestro”
“May December”
“Past Lives”
Best live action short film
“The After”
“Invincible”
“Knight of Fortune”
“Red, White and Blue”
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”
Best animated short film
“Letter to a Pig”
“Ninety-Five Senses”
“Our Uniform”
“Pachyderme”
“War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”
Best animated feature film
“The Boy and the Heron”
“Elemental”
“Nimona”
“Robot Dreams”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Best documentary short
“The ABCs of Book Banning”
“The Barber of Little Rock”
“Island in Between”
“The Last Repair Shop”
“Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó”
Best documentary feature film
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“The Eternal Memory”
“Four Daughters”
“To Kill a Tiger”
“20 Days in Mariupol”
Best original song
Ryan Gosling in "Barbie"
Ryan Gosling in "Barbie."
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
“The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” “Killers of the Flower Moon”
“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
Best original score
“American Fiction”
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best makeup and hairstyling
“Golda”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“Society of the Snow”
Best costume design
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best editing
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best sound
“The Creator”
“Maestro”
“Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Oppenheimer”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best production design
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best visual effects
“The Creator”
“Godzilla Minus One”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Napoleon”
Nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were revealed on Tuesday.
As expected, the Christopher Nolan film “Oppenheimer” had a strong showing, leading Oscar contenders with 13 nominations. The fantasy film “Poor Things,” starring Emma Stone, followed with 11, while the Martin Scorsese drama “Killers of the Flower Moon” got 10 nominations.
The summer blockbuster “Barbie” earned eight nominations.
The Oscars will take place on March 10, hosted for a fourth time by Jimmy Kimmel.
See below for a full list of nominees.
Best picture
“American Fiction”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Barbie”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Past Lives”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best actor in a leading role
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Best actress in a leading role
Annette Bening, “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”
Emma Stone, “Poor Things”
Best actor in a supporting role
Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”
Best actress in a supporting role
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera, “Barbie”
Jodie Foster, “Nyad”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
Best director
Lily Gladstone and Martin Scorsese.
Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Best cinematography
“El Conde”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best international feature film
“The Teachers’ Lounge,” Germany
“Io Capitano,” Italy
“Perfect Days,” Japan
“Society of the Snow,” Spain
“The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom
Best adapted screenplay
“American Fiction”
“Barbie”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best original screenplay
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Maestro”
“May December”
“Past Lives”
Best live action short film
“The After”
“Invincible”
“Knight of Fortune”
“Red, White and Blue”
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”
Best animated short film
“Letter to a Pig”
“Ninety-Five Senses”
“Our Uniform”
“Pachyderme”
“War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”
Best animated feature film
“The Boy and the Heron”
“Elemental”
“Nimona”
“Robot Dreams”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Best documentary short
“The ABCs of Book Banning”
“The Barber of Little Rock”
“Island in Between”
“The Last Repair Shop”
“Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó”
Best documentary feature film
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“The Eternal Memory”
“Four Daughters”
“To Kill a Tiger”
“20 Days in Mariupol”
Best original song
Ryan Gosling in "Barbie"
Ryan Gosling in "Barbie."
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
“The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” “Killers of the Flower Moon”
“What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
Best original score
“American Fiction”
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best makeup and hairstyling
“Golda”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“Society of the Snow”
Best costume design
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best editing
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best sound
“The Creator”
“Maestro”
“Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Oppenheimer”
“The Zone of Interest”
Best production design
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
Best visual effects
“The Creator”
“Godzilla Minus One”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Napoleon”
Good Luck to all the Nominees
Valerie Bertinelli Shuts Down Claims She's Fired From 'Kids Baking Championship' For Being 'Greedy'
Valerie Bertinelli shared the behind-the-scenes drama following her exit from "Kids Baking Championship". Making use of her social media account, the "One Day at a Time" alum revealed that Food Network ghosted her before she was let go from her co-hosting role on the show.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Valerie set the record straight after it was reported that her team and the network "absolutely discussed" a new contract that didn't move forward because her team "decided they want more." She stressed, "There were never any talks, so no talks could be stalled. I got an inkling I might not be asked back when I saw I was not in the holiday specials. I got a text by a third party on Friday that told me I would not be back. LOL I was basically ghosted."
In a separate tweet, Valerie noted, "I have zero ill will toward anyone at FN. I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them, and they are all lovely, kind, hard-working people. And I understand business is business. But I won't tolerate lies. I am a lot of things, but I am not greedy, nor am I a liar."
Prior to that, Valerie addressed her exit in an Instagram video. "I've been avoiding facing what I got confirmation for last night," the 63-year-old actress and TV star said in the video. "It really hurt my feelings, and I know it's not supposed to. Logically, I know that it's business, budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings to know that I'm not gonna be asked back to be on 'Kids Baking Championship'. It really sucks."
Valerie, who co-hosted the show alongside Duff Goldman, went on saying, "The episodes that are airing right now I shot back in the summer of 2022, which was my apex year of hell. Like, I was going through it and pretending everything was just fine, because that's what you do. Without sounding like a drama queen, the show saved my life."
"Working with all of those really wonderful people and feeling productive and knowing I could spread some kindness and not just wallow in my hell and just try to keep my head above water, it helped me. It was like a floatation device," Valerie continued. "So it really hurts that I won't be able to go back and see everybody and say, 'Hey, I made it through, hi!' I think I'm just most sad that I won't be able to tell everybody what they mean to me."
Among those who were sad over the news was Khloe Kardashian. "The Kardashians" star wrote in the comments section, "Wait!!! What!!!!! I need to sign a petition. I looooove this show and watch it daily. I record it and all. I love you and Duff together, and it will be hard to imagine it without you. The way you are with the children is magical. Your understanding and advice to them is key. Duffs voice is important as well but I think they need you both… I’m so sorry! This does suck and I understand why your feelings are hurt."
Debbie Gibson also revealed how devastated she was over the firing. "Ohhh I understand this so completely. Not sure why these sorts of decisions are made, budgets and all," she said. "It's all too familiar in show biz so of course we all go to the place of the universe having something else in store but right this second or sucks and hurts so feel all the feels and know that all of your beautiful community members here are with you!
Malia Obama Makes Red Carpet Debut At Sundance Premiere For Her Short Film
Malia Obama is slowly making her way into Hollywood. The 25-year-old has made red carpet debut at the Sundance Film Festival to attend the premiere of her short film "The Heart", which she wrote and directed.
The eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama stepped out solo on Thursday night, January 18. She was all smiles while posing on the black carpet at the Prospector Square Theatre in Park City, Utah ahead of a screening of her new project.
Malia looked chic in a wool gray coat atop a loose button-down shirt in lighter color and a pair of jeans. She made sure to keep herself warm amid the chilly temperatures by adding a gray scarf and a pair of chunky platform boots.
Her long red hair was let loose and hang on her shoulders as it was styled in loose waves. She appeared to wear minimal makeup with a swipe of nude lipstick for a natural look.
"The Heart" will be screened as part of the short fiction films category at the annual festival. In a video for the film from Sundance, Malia describes it as "a fable about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will."
"The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in those things," she adds. "We hope you enjoy the film and it makes you feel a bit less lonely, or at least reminds you not to forget about the people who are."
"The Heart" was previously screened at Telluride, as well as the Chicago International Film Festival, where it was recognized in the best live action short category.
Malia previously worked as a writer on satirical comedy horror thriller miniseries "Swarm", which was co-created and produced by Donald Glover.
John Boyega Expected to Star in The Book of Eli Prequel Series
John Boyega is set to executive produce and star in a TV series prequel to The Book of Eli, according to a report by Deadline.
Deadline's sources have Boyega playing a younger version of Eli, the titular character originated by Denzel Washington. The series allegedly takes place 30 years prior to The Book of Eli film, roughly around the time of the nuclear apocalypse that triggers the much later events of The Book of Eli.Original Book of Eli writer and co-writer of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Gary Whitta is allegedly back on the project, alongside the Hughes brothers Albert and Allen Hughes as executive producers. Alcon Entertainment is also involved, though the project has yet to find a buyer.
Though the project's future isn't fully secured just yet, if picked up, it would represent another major role for Boyega, whose work in the most recent Star Wars trilogy earned him a BAFTA Rising Star Award and who has since received a Golden Globe for his role as Leroy Logan in Red, White and Blue. IGN has reached out to Boyega's representatives for comment.
The Book of Eli debuted in 2010 as a post-apocalyptic action film about a man named Eli delivering a mysterious book across a nuclear waste. We gave the film an 8/10 back in the day, calling it "a surprisingly moving film" where "the more philosophical subtext rises to the surface and elicits an actual emotion out of the audience."
New York Radio Host Miss Jones Tells Wendy Williams to Come Out of ‘Hiding,’ Claims Williams Moved to Florida to Rebound from Health and Sobriety Struggles
Wendy Williams is back in the spotlight without anyone ever batting an eye at her. For months, the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated television host has evaded paparazzi, hoping to score an exclusive update about her health and possible return to on-air work.
She was last seen around New York in February 2023. Her appearance was described as frail, leaving many to express concern about her well-being. Her whereabouts since those photos surfaced were unknown until radio personality Ms. Jones of the 94.7 The Block morning show uncovered new details about her friend.
While on the air on Jan. 4, Jones revealed that she attempted to pay Williams a visit after months of her colleagues beckoning for her to check in on the media maven. Jones claimed that upon entering the Manhattan apartment building, she told a doorman that she was there to visit Williams. He allegedly responded, “You’re a couple of months late. She moved.”
While sleuthing around the building for additional details, Jones claims she was told by others, “‘Well you know what happened, she was getting better, she was coming around, and then she started getting sick again.’”
Williams has long battled Graves’ disease and lymphedema, which were initially thought to be the reasons behind her sabbatical from her eponymous talk show in 2020. Speculation about her sobriety struggles, her tumultuous divorce from her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, and subsequent financial turmoil cropped up soon after she stepped away.
“And because her family’s in Florida and people were coming in her circle that they weren’t familiar with and they didn’t know, like, they couldn’t get access to her when they wanted, they moved her down to Florida,” said Jones. “So she is allegedly down in Florida with her son recuperating.”
The update was met with gratitude. “That’s amazing. She needs a strong person in her corner,” commented a fan on Instagram. “Thank you for checking on her regardless of how people feel, she is a living legend, and we must take care of our own,” another person wrote.
Jones threw in, “Wendy, if you listening, you won! Diddy going to jail for Easter—it was true, everything you said…And Kev can’t get your money neither. Wendy, the judge shut him down. You can stop now, Wendy. The jigs up.”
At one point in time, it was speculated that Williams’ financial adviser, Lori Schiller, was instrumental in preventing the entertainer from accessing her money amid a battle against Wells Fargo over frozen accounts. In 2021, the host was placed under financial guardianship.
The hold on Williams’s account led to her only child, Kevin Hunter Jr., being evicted from his $2 million apartment in Miami. The 23-year-old partially directed blame at his mom’s new inner circle for her troubles.
“I know there are all sorts of things happening that I know in her right mind she would never agree to,” he told The Sun in June 2023. “As hard as it is seeing her being taken advantage of, I know that if I’m making sure she, as a person, is OK, that is the important thing.”
Kevin Sr. has faced a slew of financial hardships, forcing him to sell the $1.25 million Florida mansion he lived in with the woman he fathered a child with while married to Williams and pony up more than $20,000 to cover a debt to UBS Bank USA, all after losing his battle to regain alimony from his ex.
He is currently in the midst of a legal battle after suing Debmar Mercury, the production company behind “The Wendy Williams Show,” for wrongful termination in a $10 million suit.
Known for her hot topics and hot “tea,” many fans have expressed that the media frenzy regarding Katt Williams‘ explosive interview calling out big players in comedy would have been the perfect time for her comeback.
She teased the launch of a podcast last year, but those plans fizzled. It is unknown if she is still planning a return to dishing on all things related to celebrities.
’Good Times’ Actor J.J. Walker Reunites with Co-Stars Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter to Celebrate the Hit Sitcom’s 50th Anniversary
Jimmie “JJ” Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis, and Ralph Carter, three of the stars of “Good Times,” reunited on the red carpet at the taping of a recent award show. The gathering marked a special celebration of the iconic 1970s sitcom created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte, and Norman Lear, as it reached its 50-year milestone.
The late Esther Rolle, a Spelman graduate, made significant contributions in her role as Florida Evans, the children’s mother, on the CBS television sitcom “Maude” for two seasons, which later led to the spin-off series “Good Times.” Rolle’s character initially held the central focus before audiences embraced the comedic antics of Walker’s character, James “JJ.” Evans Jr.
John Amos, who portrayed the father, James Evans, has been in the news recently due to conflicts among his children regarding his care.
“Good Times” made its debut in 1974. Faithful viewers tuned in for six seasons and 133 episodes depicting the life of a family in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project before the show concluded its run in 1979.
Walker, Stanis, and Carter were recently seen on the pink carpet, posing for the media before going into the venue for the 2024 Urban One Honors on Jan. 20.
Walker opted for a simple yet elegant look, donning a powder blue double-breasted suit paired with a modest white shirt, a black tie, and matching black shoes. Stanis, known for her role as Thelma, exuded style with honey-blond tresses flowing gracefully over her shoulders. She wore a charming little black dress featuring sheer arms and adorned with a jeweled necklace.
Carter, who portrayed the youngest brother, Michael, wore a red ensemble complemented by African beads and medallions. His locs, neatly styled under his red brim, were stylish and appropriate for the night as most fans remember his character on the show rocking an afro.
Michael Phelps & Wife Nicole Welcome Fourth Son
Michael Phelps is now a dad of four! On Monday (January 22), the 38-year-old Olympic swimmer and his wife Nicole shared a joint message on Instagram that they had welcomed their fourth son together earlier this month.
Michael and the 38-year-old former Miss California USA named their new baby boy Nico Michael.
“@mrs.nicolephelps and I wanna welcome Nico Michael Phelps to the world. Born on 1/16,” Michael wrote on Instagram. “We’re so blessed to be given a 4th child. We’re now a family of 6! 😁😁🤪😂”
Along with his message, Michael shared a photo of himself holding baby Nico while Nicole lovingly looks on.
Michael and Nicole, who have been married since 2016, are also parents to sons Boomer, 7, Beckett, 5, and Maverick, 4.
A few years ago, Michael addressed the possibility of swimming professionally again.
Congrats to the happy family!
Sarah Ferguson Reveals Skin Cancer Diagnosis Weeks After Announcing That She 'Beat' Breast Cancer
Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with skin cancer. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a representative for the Duchess of York, 64, says, “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.”
According to the spokesperson, the Duchess of York had several moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of the moles was identified as cancerous.
“The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was,” the representative adds. “She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
The Duchess is receiving treatment for her melanoma in London, and has taken time to recuperate at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” her rep explains. “Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”
A friend of Fergie echoes the same sentiment as her rep, telling PEOPLE that a second cancer diagnosis in “a matter of months has obviously been a shock and a blow.”
"[She] is very resilient and in good spirits,” the friend adds. “Her time in Austria helped her gather her strength, and her family is supporting her.”
Fergie’s eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, has a connection to her mom's latest cancer diagnosis, as she is a patron of the British Skin Foundation and has previously worked with skin cancer patients.
Last November, the Duchess told PEOPLE that both of her “wonderful daughters,” Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, supported her throughout her breast cancer journey, calling them her “wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions and my soulmates.”
“They have been as supportive as can be, as they always are,” she added.
Fergie was first diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer last June, a representative told PEOPLE at the time.
"Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery, which has taken place successfully,” the spokesperson said.
Fergie then revealed that she “beat breast cancer” in a New Year’s Eve message shared on social media.
After her successful single mastectomy, Fergie maintained her signature sense of humor, revealing on her Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah podcast that she had nicknamed her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”
She added that “he’s very important because he saved my life."
Also in the episode, the Duchess of York referenced her father, who had died of prostate cancer, and spoke about the importance of early detection.
“I don't mind if no one wants to hear from me. Because I'm telling you that I am doing this,” she said. “I am telling people out there because I want every single person that is listening to this podcast to go get checked, go get screened and go do it.”
Jury Selection Set To Begin In Trial Of Men Charged With Murder Of Jam Master Jay
Jury selection for the trial of two men accused of killing Jam Master Jay will get underway on Monday.
According to ABC News, 59-year-old Ronald Washington and 40-year-old Karl Jordan are facing charges for the October 2002 murder. Jay, born Jason Mizell, and others were at Jay’s 24/7 recording studio in Queens when the two men entered at 7:30 p.m. with guns.
Jordan is said to have fired two shots close range at Jam Master Jay, one hitting him in the head and killing him.
Jodan and Washington were believed to be engaged in cocaine trafficking. Jordan was arrested in 2020 for attempting to sell drugs to an undercover officer. Washington was already in prison when charged.
Sports Illustrated Significantly Downsizes Workforce Following License Revocation
Sports Illustrated is grappling with a "significant" cut in its workforce after its parent company's publishing license was revoked.
The crisis emerged as The Arena Group, which operates Sports Illustrated since acquiring publishing rights of the iconic sports magazine from The Authentic Brand Group in 2019, failed to meet its quarterly license fee.
Calls were made from the Sports Illustrated employee union for the ABG to ensure continuous publication of the magazine.
According to a report, the popular magazine was forced to lay off a greater number of its workers after its publishers were unable to meet their financial obligations towards its license fee payment.
Affected staff members reportedly got an email to that effect on Friday after the publication's license was revoked, casting a shadow over the future of the renowned brand.
"As a result of this license revocation, we will be laying off staff that work on the SI brand," Arena Group wrote in the email to staff.
The Lay Off Reportedly Didn't Affect Sports Illustrated's Entire Workforce
Amid the upheaval at Sports Illustrated, reports have it that the wave of layoffs did not uniformly affect the entire workforce.
While a large number of employees were laid off, a staffer named Pat Forde responded to the news on social media, stating that the "entire staff" did not receive termination notices. Forde, per his published bio, covers Sports Illustrated college sports, the Olympics, and horse racing sections.
"The entire staff was not laid off. There still is a website and a magazine. That said: Ugly, brutal day with many layoffs," Forde wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Forde also noted in his post, "To correct some erroneous reporting, Matt Lombardi of the Arena Group: 'We are going to continue to operate Sports Illustrated. ... Either Arena or someone else is going to have the license to operate Sports Illustrated.'"
Sports Illustrated Will Continue To See The Light Of Day
According to the news outlet, Authentic Brands Group also announced its commitment to ensuring the continuity of the revered sports publication. The ABG sold publishing rights for Sports Illustrated to the Arena Group in 2019 for at least ten years. However, that deal seems to be hanging in the balance following AG's inability to meet its financial obligations.
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital, ABG confirmed the revoking of Arena Group's marketing license, stating that it was a result of "failure to pay its quarterly license fee despite being given a notice of breach and an opportunity to cure the breach."
The statement continued, "Authentic is here to ensure that the brand of Sports Illustrated, which includes its editorial arm, continues to thrive as it has for the past nearly 70 years. We are confident that going forward, the brand will continue to evolve and grow in a way that serves sports news readers, sports fans, and consumers."
"We are committed to ensuring that the traditional ad-supported Sports Illustrated media pillar has best-in-class stewardship to preserve the complete integrity of the brand's legacy," they added.
Employee Union Reacts
The assurance from ABG should inject a glimmer of hope into the Sports Illustrated community and its employee union, who were notably shaken by the recent layoff announcements but vowed to "continue" the fight.
According to Fox Business, the iconic sports magazine's employee union acknowledged that a vast amount of the brand's workforce, and possibly all of the NewsGuild workers, might be affected.
"We have fought together as a union to maintain the standard of this storied publication that we love and to make sure our workers are treated fairly for the value they bring to this company. It is a fight we will continue," Mitch Goldich, NFL editor and unit chair, said in a statement.
The union also charged Authentic Brands Group to "ensure the continued publication of SI and allow it to serve our audience in the way it has for nearly 70 years."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Crack That
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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