#MAGFAB: NeNe Leakes Graces The Cover Of 'Hello Beautiful'
NeNe Leakes is the latest celeb to grace the cover of Hello Beautiful — and the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star had a lot to say about her time on the series and her reality TV titan status.
Leakes, 56, became an integral member of the #RHOA franchise when she starred on the hit show from Season 1 to 7 and Seasons 10 to 12 following a brief hiatus. Known for her witty clapbacks, sassy demeanor and unwavering confidence, the Athens, Georgia, bred celeb quickly became a hit among viewers for her ability to stir up entertaining drama on the popular Bravo series.
During an interview with Danielle Young for Hello Beautiful, Leakes called herself “the OG” of RHOA but said she doesn’t think she should be called the “queen” of reality TV.
“I know all the things that I did [on Housewives]. And I know all of the memes that are out there,” the Bravo alum said
“I know when Real Housewives started, I was the OG. I was the one that was there pushing and making every scene, as much as I could, a great scene. I know the work that was put in behind the scenes that the people who are viewing the show, just don’t know. I can’t call myself a queen [of the housewives and reality tv] but I see why people call me that and I received it.”
Elsewhere in the cover story, NeNe opened up about advocating for Black women, much like she did on Bravo.
“I definitely have spoken up for Black women,” said NeNe who fought alongside Kandi Burrus for Porsha Williams to stay on #RHOA when producers wanted to cut her in season six.
Young writes, “At the beginning of RHOA, cast salaries were much lower than one might expect, with reports claiming they took home just $10,000. But NeNe personally advocated for better compensation, eventually leading the stars to get six figures. Now, the salaries can range anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million, with Black women reportedly often getting the short end of the stick.”
She also said she agrees with Taraji P. Henson’s recent comments calling out the pay disparity she experienced on the set of the film The Color Purple.
“I agree with Taraji P. Henson. I agree,” NeNe said.
“People are out here cheering for those they actually should not be cheering for, but you don’t know that because you’re watching people. You become a fan of theirs, but there are a lot of people that we cheer for that we shouldn’t be cheering for. They’re out here doing a lot of bad things behind the scenes that people just don’t get to see. So, unfortunately, I think there’s always been a difference in pay with Hollywood. And it’s always been the Black woman [who] has always been the lowest paid.” But not on NeNe’s watch!”
NeNe Spoke On The Pressure Of Keeping Up With Reality TV’s Demanding Beauty Standards
During her candid sit-down with Young, Leakes revealed that she sometimes felt “pressure” to “look beautiful” at the height of her career in reality TV.
The mother and entrepreneur underwent a “professional mini BBL” to help her maintain her sexy and fine figure. She also uses Mounjaro, a popular weight loss drug, to keep her waist snatched.
“Being in the industry and being a public figure, it’s definitely pressure there to look beautiful, look your best, stay small, look healthy, all of those things and keep up with the latest trends. I felt that pressure myself,” she admitted. “You do have to keep up. You do have to keep yourself looking great. Now, I don’t have a problem doing that because I’m one of those girls who I will be fighting to the end, honey!”
On Plastic Surgery Being A “Form Of Self-Love”
Plastic surgery isn’t a bad thing, according to the Queens, New York, native. In fact, Leakes believes going under the knife can be a form of self-love for some.
#RHOA: HOT or NOT? Kenya Moore Celebrated Her Birthday at Paris Fashion Week in a Body-Hugging Blue Dress
Leakes, 56, became an integral member of the #RHOA franchise when she starred on the hit show from Season 1 to 7 and Seasons 10 to 12 following a brief hiatus. Known for her witty clapbacks, sassy demeanor and unwavering confidence, the Athens, Georgia, bred celeb quickly became a hit among viewers for her ability to stir up entertaining drama on the popular Bravo series.
During an interview with Danielle Young for Hello Beautiful, Leakes called herself “the OG” of RHOA but said she doesn’t think she should be called the “queen” of reality TV.
“I know all the things that I did [on Housewives]. And I know all of the memes that are out there,” the Bravo alum said
“I know when Real Housewives started, I was the OG. I was the one that was there pushing and making every scene, as much as I could, a great scene. I know the work that was put in behind the scenes that the people who are viewing the show, just don’t know. I can’t call myself a queen [of the housewives and reality tv] but I see why people call me that and I received it.”
Elsewhere in the cover story, NeNe opened up about advocating for Black women, much like she did on Bravo.
“I definitely have spoken up for Black women,” said NeNe who fought alongside Kandi Burrus for Porsha Williams to stay on #RHOA when producers wanted to cut her in season six.
Young writes, “At the beginning of RHOA, cast salaries were much lower than one might expect, with reports claiming they took home just $10,000. But NeNe personally advocated for better compensation, eventually leading the stars to get six figures. Now, the salaries can range anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million, with Black women reportedly often getting the short end of the stick.”
She also said she agrees with Taraji P. Henson’s recent comments calling out the pay disparity she experienced on the set of the film The Color Purple.
“I agree with Taraji P. Henson. I agree,” NeNe said.
“People are out here cheering for those they actually should not be cheering for, but you don’t know that because you’re watching people. You become a fan of theirs, but there are a lot of people that we cheer for that we shouldn’t be cheering for. They’re out here doing a lot of bad things behind the scenes that people just don’t get to see. So, unfortunately, I think there’s always been a difference in pay with Hollywood. And it’s always been the Black woman [who] has always been the lowest paid.” But not on NeNe’s watch!”
NeNe Spoke On The Pressure Of Keeping Up With Reality TV’s Demanding Beauty Standards
During her candid sit-down with Young, Leakes revealed that she sometimes felt “pressure” to “look beautiful” at the height of her career in reality TV.
The mother and entrepreneur underwent a “professional mini BBL” to help her maintain her sexy and fine figure. She also uses Mounjaro, a popular weight loss drug, to keep her waist snatched.
“Being in the industry and being a public figure, it’s definitely pressure there to look beautiful, look your best, stay small, look healthy, all of those things and keep up with the latest trends. I felt that pressure myself,” she admitted. “You do have to keep up. You do have to keep yourself looking great. Now, I don’t have a problem doing that because I’m one of those girls who I will be fighting to the end, honey!”
On Plastic Surgery Being A “Form Of Self-Love”
Plastic surgery isn’t a bad thing, according to the Queens, New York, native. In fact, Leakes believes going under the knife can be a form of self-love for some.
#RHOA: HOT or NOT? Kenya Moore Celebrated Her Birthday at Paris Fashion Week in a Body-Hugging Blue Dress
Earlier in December, The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member stunned at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment gala in a beautifully tailored white pantsuit that included a blazer and trousers. Kenya paired those sophisticated pieces with a sheer black top underneath that featured a dot pattern, accessorizing with a long necklace that featured pearl and black details.
More recently, the Atlanta mom made our stop in our scrolling tracks with a gorgeous look she rocked for Paris Fashion Week. Keep reading to get all the incredible details!
Kenya Moore stuns in a curve-hugging bright blue dress for her birthday and Paris Fashion Week
On January 24, Kenya hopped on her Instagram page to share a photo of herself and a friend, Hermès executive Michael Coste, at the Zuhair Murad show in Paris for Paris Fashion Week.
"Thank you [Michael Coste] and [Zuhair Murad] for the invitation to this amazing fashion show. I felt like a royal couple," Kenya joked in the caption before teasing her big day, which took place on January 24. "Birthday photos loading."
For several special occasions she attended, Kenya looked utterly gorgeous in an asymmetrical bright blue strapless dress from Alexander McQueen ($8,200). The sexy sheath featured a bustier-style bodice, a cinched waist, and a high-low hem. Kenya paired the statement-making dress with silver strappy platform heels and other silver accessories, wearing her long tresses sleek and straight.
"Happy birthday Kenya! you looking absolutely stunning!" RHOA alum Cynthia Bailey wrote in the comments section of Kenya's post while The Real Housewives of Miami's Alexia Nepola gushed, "Beautiful."
When she's not traveling the world and attending chic fashion events, Kenya stays busy as an entrepreneur, currently overseeing the Kenya Moore Hair Spa, which just had its first client in December
#MusicNews: Justin Timberlake Announces North American Dates for 2024 Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Just hours after teasing his return to the stage on Thursday night’s (Jan. 25) Tonight Show, Justin Timberlake rolled out the dates for his first tour in five years. The first leg of JT’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour will include 22 North American dates, kicking off on April 29 with a show at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
The Live Nation-produced arena outing will take Timberlake from coast-to-coast, hitting Seattle, San Jose, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Chicago, New York, Boston and Cleveland before winding down with a July 9 show at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.
The dates will support Timberlake’s upcoming sixth solo album, Everything I Thought It Was, which features his moody new R&B single, “Selfish.” The new album — Timberlake’s follow-up to his earthy 2018 Man of the Woods LP — is due out on March 15.
There is a Citi presale for the tour that kicks off in the U.s. beginning Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. local time until Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. local time here, with a Verizon presale slated through Verizon Up beginning Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. local time until Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. local time here. Tickets for the North American tour will be available beginning with a fan presale starting Jan. 29, with existing fan club members receiving a unique email code, followed by the general onsale kicking off on Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. local time here.
Check out the dates for Justin Timberlake’s 2024 North American leg of the Forget Tomorrow World Tour below.
April 29 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
May 2 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
May 6 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center at San Jose
May 10 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena*
May 14 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena San Diego*
May 17 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
May 21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
May 29 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
May 31 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
June 4 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
June 6 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
June 10 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
June 12 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
June 14 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
June 15 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center
June 21 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
June 25 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
June 29 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
July 3 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
July 4 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
July 7 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse*
July 9 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
*Verizon Up Presale Not Applicable
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Mentions Megan Thee Stallion's Deceased Mother In Instagram Rant
On Friday (Jan. 26), the Pink Friday 2 emcee reshared an old clip from the video shoot of their sole collaboration, “Hot Girl Summer.” She mentioned, “What a disgusting serpent!!!!! You all post Pardi songs under this. They paid to make it disappear. LET’S GOOOOOO! Lying on your dead mother is insane, too. But PARDI said it. #ItWasntMe.”
Fans speculated that “HISS” addressed Minaj when the Grammy Award-winning recording artist rapped, “These h**s don’t be mad at Megan/ these h**s mad at Megan’s Law/ I don’t really know what the problem is, but I guarantee y’all don’t want me to start.”
The law, as mentioned above, requires authorities to make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders. Notably, the Trinidadian star’s husband, Kenneth Petty, was convicted for attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl in 1995 and pleaded guilty for failing to register as a sex offender.
Minaj did not hold back any punches during the late-night Instagram Live session. Later in the video, she passionately expressed, “You will not disrespect Papa Bear, you dirty f**king, ran through, bird a**, bum a** b**ch. You broke b**ch; tell them the truth, b**ch.”
The “Anaconda” rapper blamed her popular alter ego, “Roman,” for her violent outburst. She mentioned that “Nicki may have morals and respect, but Roman does not.” Shortly after the track was released, Minaj teased a response to “HISS” on her Instagram Live with a snippet of a new song.
She appeared to reference the 2020 incident where Megan was shot in the foot by Lanez. The “Everybody” hitmaker rapped, “Bad b**ch, she like six foot, I call her Big Foot/ The b**ch fell off, I said get up on your good foot.”
Megan Thee Stallion has yet to respond to the harsh disses from her former collaborator.
Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead #NAACP Image Award Nominations
It’s been a big start to 2024 for Colman Domingo and Ayo Edebiri who — after earning their first Oscar nomination and Emmy win, respectively — lead the pack of film and TV nominees for the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
Domingo is nominated for three awards: outstanding actor in a motion picture for “Rustin,” outstanding supporting actor for “The Color Purple” and entertainer of the year, the ceremony’s top prize.
Edebiri is nominated for outstanding supporting actress for “The Bear” and guest actress for “Abbott Elementary.” Victoria Monét received the most nominations in the music recording categories, earning six nods including outstanding new artist. The “Jaguar II” hitmaker is followed closely by Usher, who earned five nominations including entertainer of the year.
Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer — three multihyphenate talents who happened to share the screen with Domingo and Usher this year — round out the nominees for that award.
Barrino has two nominations (the second for outstanding actress in a motion picture for “The Color Purple”), while Bailey has three nominations (actress for “The Little Mermaid” and supporting actress for “The Color Purple”) and Palmer has four nominations (character voiceover performance for “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” directing in a TV movie or special for “Big Boss” and arts and entertainment podcast “This Is Keke Palmer”).
In the motion picture categories, “The Color Purple” dominated with a leading 16 nods including outstanding motion picture. Rounding out that category are “They Cloned Tyrone” (with 9 nominations), “Rustin” (8 nominations), “American Fiction” (7 nominations) and “Origin” (4 nominations).
The cast of “The Color Purple” was nominated for the outstanding ensemble prize and each earned individual nominations, including for Barrino; Domingo and Corey Hawkins (supporting actor); Danielle Brooks, Bailey and Taraji P. Henson (supporting actress); and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (breakthrough performance). Plus, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — who plays Mama in the musical movie – was nominated for outstanding actress in a motion picture for “Origin.”
Other top film nominees include “A Thousand and One” (7 nominations, with star Teyana Taylor and filmmaker A.V. Rockwell earning two apiece), “Creed III” (7 nominations including an outstanding director nod for Michael B. Jordan), “The Blackening” (which earned a nod for its ensemble cast and breakthrough creative Dewayne Perkins), “The Burial” and “The Equalizer 3.”
On the TV side, “Abbott Elementary” leads with 9 nominations after winning top honors at the 2023 awards. Creator and star Quinta Brunson is again nominated for outstanding actress, while Tyler James Williams, William Stanford Davis, Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph earned supporting actor nods. Rounding out the comedy category are “Survival of the Thickest” (7 nominations),
“Unprisoned” (5 nominations), “Harlem” (4 nominations) and “The Neighborhood” (3 nominations).
The top drama series are Shonda Rhimes’ “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” and the final season of “Snowfall” (both with 6 nominations); “Bel-Air” (5 nominations); “Black Cake” and “Found” (with 2 nominations apiece).
“Swarm” leads the TV movie, limited series or dramatic special contenders with 5 nods, including for star Dominique Fishback and co-creators Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. Also nominated in the category are “Heist 88” (3 nominations); “First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story” (2 nominations); “Black Girl Missing”; and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Other top small screen programs include “Godfather of Harlem” (5 nominations) and “The Perfect Find” (3 nominations).
The winners will be revealed during the two–hour live TV special, airing Sat., March 16 at 8:00 PM ET/ PT on BET and CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories March 11-14, which will stream via naacpimageawards.net.
The full list of nominees can be found here: https://naacp.org/articles/nominees-announced-55th-naacp-image-awards
Good Luck to all the nominees!
Teyana Taylor Blasts TMZ Over Misleading Headlines About Her Divorce
The outlet reported on Teyana’s recent court filing asking the court to find Iman in contempt for not keeping up his responsibilities until their divorce is finalized.
The headline read, “Teyana Taylor Iman’s Leaving Me, Kids In The Cold!!! Says He Cut House Utilities.”
In a lengthy post on her Instagram Story, Teyana voiced her frustrations with trying to keep her divorce private to protect all parties involved, but it’s proving to be an impossible feat.
Teyana wrote:
I haven’t spoken to any blogs or anyone else for that matter!!!
My court documents aren’t clickbait to be used for your salacious headlines!!!
Y’all are taking info from my original court complaint (which, newsflash… has to be submitted giving your reason as to why you’re filing for divorce) as well as other court documents and creating stories.
If you Mothaf%ckas gone be in my business b%tch be in the whole thing, get accurate information and actually comprehend!
I can’t stand y’all ass3s!!!!
Teyana Taylor also confirmed Iman Shumpert did shut off the utilities, but she got them back on the very same day.
She wrote:
Also, let me add… ALL OF THE UTILITIES IN MY HOME WAS ON SAME DAY AFTER THAT SH*T WAS PULLED!!
Me and my kids are NEVER GOING TO BE SITTING DUCKS!!!
Jay Leno Files For Wife's Conservatorship As She Suffers From Alzheimer's
Jay Leno has taken a legal step to take care of his wife Mavis amid her battle with Alzheimer's. The former "Jay Leno's Garage" host reportedly filed for a conservatorship over his spouse following her diagnosis.
The 73-year-old submitted the legal docs on Friday, January 26. In the filing, obtained by TMZ, the comedian said that Mavis does not contest the establishment of a conservatorship and does not prefer another person to act as a conservator.
Jay also asked the judge that Mavis not attend the court hearing on the conservatorship as it would be "detrimental to her mental and physical health." The couple themselves were last spotted in public back in November 2023 at a comedy event in Los Angeles.
Jay and Mavis have been together for decades. They got married in 1980 after meeting in the 1970s at the famous Comedy Store in West Hollywood. The pair don't have any children.
The news arrived more than a year after Jay got into the motorbike accident. Of the bike crash, he detailed in an interview with the Las Vegas Review Journal, "That [the garage fire] was the first accident. OK? Then just last week, I got knocked off my motorcycle. So I've got a broken collarbone. I've got two broken ribs. I've got two cracked kneecaps ... But I'm OK. I'm OK, I'm working. I'm working this weekend."
"I turned down a side street and cut through a parking lot, and unbeknownst to me, some guy had a wire strung across the parking lot but with no flag hanging from it," he added. "So, you know, I didn't see it until it was too late. It just clothesline me and, boom, knocked me off the bike."
"The bike kept going, and you know how that works out," the funnyman joked. "You know, after getting burned up, you get that one for free. After that, you're Harrison Ford, crashing airplanes. You just want to keep your head down."
Trey Songz's Sexual Assault Lawsuit Over 2013 Incident Dismissed After Third Complaint
The woman first brought the allegation in 2022 through a demand letter, but it was not until the summer of 2023 that she officially sued the musician. She claimed that the singer grabbed and exposed her breast at a 2013 pool party after she merely tried to get a picture with him.
Jane Doe said the alleged assault happened in August at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut. In a video of the incident, the woman was excitedly filming herself and the 39-year-old crooner, who was standing next to her.
Trey was then seen grabbing the woman's bathing suit top, pulling it and exposing her breast. "In what appeared to be an attempt to further terrify and humiliate [the woman], [Trey Songz] followed the assault with a degrading chant, 'Titty in The Open … Titty in The Open,' " the lawsuit stated.
Aside from Trey, the woman listed his production company, record exec Kevin Liles and Atlantic Records as defendants because they were "negligent in their supervision of their client". She was demanding $10 million for sexual battery and assault.
Jane Doe amended her original complaint in July and again in September. Trey responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that the statute of limitations had expired.
The judge granted the motion but allowed the woman to amend her complaint. However, her renewed claims closely resembled the earlier ones, prompting Trey to file another motion to dismiss on December 29. The plaintiff, however, failed to respond to this motion, so the lawsuit got thrown out once again.
Taylor Swift’s name not searchable on X days after sexually explicit deepfakes go viral
Social media users may have noticed Saturday that they cannot search Taylor Swift’s name on X, days after nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes of the pop star went viral.
Whenever Swift’s name was typed into the search box on X, the message “Something went wrong. Try reloading” would appear.
we have reached out to X for comment.
This comes after deepfakes portraying Swift nude and in sexual scenarios were circulated on X Wednesday. The images can be created using artificial intelligence tools that develop new, fake images, or by taking a real photo and “undressing” it.
It’s not clear where the images originated, but they included a watermark that suggests they came from a website that is known for publishing fake nude images of celebrities. The website has a section dedicated to “AI deepfake.”
The photos were viewed more than 27 million times and had more than 260,000 likes in 19 hours before the account that posted them was suspended.
Many of Swift’s fans said the deepfakes were removed because of a mass-reporting campaign. X has been called out in the past for its failure to quickly address sexually explicit deepfakes that pop up on the site.
The singer’s fans flooded the hashtag “Taylor Swift AI” with positive messages about her, according to an analysis performed by Blackbird.AI, a firm that works to protect organizations from narrative-driven online attacks using AI technology. The hashtag “Protect Taylor Swift” also began to trend on X.
Some users celebrated Swift’s name being removed from X’s search function. One user wrote that it was the “first step done to safeguard her.”
“Now stop searching taylor swift ai photos. That AI creator will go to hell. We have got ur back Tay,” the user posted Saturday.
“You can’t search Taylor swift on Twitter anymore kinda happy and sad at the same time,” another posted
Vince McMahon resigns from WWE after allegations of sexual assault
The announcement was made Friday evening in a message to staff by Nick Khan, president of the WWE and a member of the board of directors for TKO, the global conglomerate that owns the wrestling giant.
"Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors," Kahn wrote in the message provided to CBS News. "He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE."
In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in Connecticut, a former employee, Janel Grant, accused the 78-year-old McMahon and another WWE employee of sexually assaulting her in the workplace.
The lawsuit also accused McMahon of sexual trafficking, alleging that he pressured Grant into having sex with him and another WWE employee in exchange for her job. In 2020, according to the lawsuit, McMahon allegedly pressured Grant into threesomes with other men, including McMahon's physical therapist and another WWE executive, John Laurinaitis, who is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
In a statement provided to CBS News on Friday following his resignation, McMahon said that "Grant's lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.
"However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately."
Thursday's lawsuit was the latest in a series of misconduct allegations against McMahon.
In 2022, McMahon stepped back as CEO of WWE while the company investigated him for alleged misconduct, with the probe centered on claims that he paid hush money to a worker with whom he allegedly had an affair. A 2022 report in the Wall Street Journal said that McMahon had agreed to pay more than $12 million to four women.
Comedian Earthquake Denies Katt Williams’ Claim That He’s Illiterate
Stand-up comic Nathaniel “Earthquake” Stroman has responded to claims made by Katt Williams during his viral Club Shay Shay interview that he is illiterate.
During a sit-down with The Breakfast Club, Stroman revealed that, to his knowledge, he and Williams were on good terms at the time of the interview, leaving him confused by the comic’s insulting statement.
“Personally speaking, me and him was cool, so I didn’t know where that came from. Certain things he said about me, half was true, half was a lie. But to each his own.”
“I don’t even get into that part of it because, see, I’m the type of person [where] if I have a problem with you, Charlamagne, I’ma call you. We’re either gonna talk it out, we’re gonna duke it out, but we’re gonna handle it man-to-man. I don’t talk behind people’s backs and that’s what social media is: if you go onto a platform and talk about a person without you addressing them yourself when you have opportunities to get in contact with them and let it be known.”
He then outright denied Williams’ claim that he can’t read, citing his history in radio as evidence.
“First of all, its a lie….I used to [do radio at WBLS]. Everybody in radio wants to be like y’all and be syndicated. But if you’re not syndicated and you just got one godd**ned station, [the] only way you get some money [is] off live reads!”
He added that he was also a member of Upward Bound, an educational program that allows for high school students to take college prep courses. This would obviously require one to have a decent grasp of language. Check out the clip below.
Williams’ original statement to Shannon Sharpe suggested otherwise, as he told the athlete-turned-podcaster, “Why Earthquake not in movies?’ Cuz he’s illiterate. He can’t read. And they found that out when they gave him a show and then put the cards in front of him.”
Katt did add, however, that Earthquake has likely “never been boo’d… I don’t think he’s ever given a bad performance in his life.”
The Pimp Chronicles comic also took shots at Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, Michael Blackson and several other stand-ups during the nearly 3-hour interview.
Mary J. Blige reveals that she will not be performing at 2024 Lovers & Friends festival
On Wednesday (Jan. 24), the official lineup for the 2024 Lovers & Friends festival was revealed on social media with a wealth of Hip Hop and R&B stars slated to perform. Unfortunately, at least two of the artists listed will not be taking to the stage in Las Vegas as expected.
Mary J. Blige hopped on her Instagram Stories to shut down any hopes of seeing her at the big event. “I am beyond humbled by the response from all of you about the announcement of me on Lovers & Friends festival. Unfortunately, my inclusion was an error, as I will be busy in preparation for my Strength of A Woman Summit just one week later!” she wrote. “I have the greatest fans in the world and can’t wait to see you in New York in a few short months!”
Blige wasn’t the only artist who appeared to put distance between themselves and the upcoming festival. In the comments section of Lovers & Friends’ Instagram announcement post, Mase asked to be taken off the flyer. No reason was given as to why the “It Is What It Is” co-host was confirmed in the first place.
Outside of Blige and Mase, Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Ludacris, Nelly, Ashanti and many more are expected to entertain the crowd when Lovers & Friends comes to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 4. Usher and Lil Wayne were also tapped to deliver performances of their classic LPs, Confessions and Tha Carter III, respectively.
As previously reported, Lovers & Friends was initially meant to take place near Los Angeles in 2020. Soon after the inaugural reveal, the production was met with some controversy after some artists claimed they weren’t involved, including Twista and Lil’ Kim. The event was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zoë Kravitz’s Directorial Debut ‘Pu**y Island’ Renamed to ‘Blink Twice’
*Zoë Kravitz’s upcoming directorial debut “Pu**y Island,” has undergone a title change.
Amazon MGM Studios is now calling the feature film “Blink Twice,” and it will debut in theaters on Aug. 23, People reports.
According to Deadline, the story centers on a young waitress who infiltrates a philanthropist and tech mogul’s private island, which has more to it than meets the eye. The logline, per THR, reads, “There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.”
Kravitz’s fiancee, Channing Tatum, portrays billionaire tech mogul Slater King, who invites friends to a mysterious private island.
“As a woman in general, and a woman in this industry, I’ve experienced some pretty wild behavior from the opposite sex,” Kravitz previously told Deadline about the project. “The title was kind of a joke at first, this place where people would go, bring women, party, and hang out. The story evolved into something else, but the title wound up having multiple meanings. And it alludes to this time and place we claim to not be in anymore, in terms of sexual politics.”
She added, “People are evolving and changing, but there is still a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths from past behavior,” Kravitz continued. “It’s a nod to that, but it’s also playful and a really playful film in a lot of ways. I like that the title leads with that and has some heavy meaning beneath it.”
We reported earlier that Kravitz co-wrote the script with E.T. Feigenbaum of “High Fidelity.”
As People reports, the film’s cast includes Naomi Ackie, Geena Davis, Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Christian Slater and Kyle MacLachlan.
Kravitz elaborated on the film’s original title in a 2022 interview with WSJ. Magazine.
“The title came from that world. The title is the seed of the story,” she said at the time. “It represents this time where it would be acceptable for a group of men to call a place that and the illusion that we’re out of that time now.”
LEGO to bring Pharrell Williams to life in upcoming animated biopic 'Piece By Piece'
In a press statement, Pharrell expressed his intent to avoid a conventional biopic format, opting for a dynamic narrative instead. He explained, “I’m honored to share this with the world and bring people into my universe. Building with LEGO bricks encourages us to follow our imagination… Who would’ve thought that playing with these toys as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life? It’s proof that anyone else can do it, too.”
Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski lauded the Louis Vuitton men’s creative director for his multifaceted influence across various creative industries, from music to fashion. “In partnering with the inimitable Morgan Neville and the limitless creativity of the LEGO brand, his visionary spirit comes to life in a wholly unique and uplifting way that will inspire everyone to dance, to sing, and to use their voice to build the world they want to see brick by brick, and piece by piece,” he said.
Neville also shared his enthusiasm for the project, which he joined five years ago at Pharrell’s request. He praised the creative team assembled for the unique film. “It was one of those rare moments where I knew in a second that this was a journey I wanted to go on,” the director said. “I’m grateful to our partners at Focus Features and at The LEGO Group for their belief in our crazy mission.” Audiences can anticipate a theatrical release on Oct. 11.
Harry Connick Sr., Longtime New Orleans District Attorney and Singer's Father, Dead at 97
Connick died peacefully at his home in New Orleans with his wife, Londa, and children — Suzanna and Harry Jr., 56 — by his side, according to an obituary shared by Harry Jr.'s publicist.
Harry Sr. served as the district attorney for the city of New Orleans from 1973-2003, winning reelection four times before retiring undefeated in 2003, per the AP.
In a statement provided to the AP, current New Orleans district attorney Jason Williams expressed his sympathies to the Connick family.
“Mr. Connick remains the longest-tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families. Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time,” he wrote.
Harry Sr. was born March 27, 1926, in Mobile, Ala., and moved to New Orleans when he was 2 years old. He served in the Navy in World War II and after he graduated from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he wed Anita Frances Livingston, with whom he shared Suzanna and Harry Jr, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune,
Harry Sr. owned and operated two record stores in New Orleans around the time his children were born, and per the Times-Picayune, he and Harry Jr were later among the founders of New Orleans musical organization, Krewe of Orpheus.
Like his son, Harry Sr. enjoyed music and was a regular performer at many French Quarter clubs, the AP reported.
His son made regular trips to visit his father, whom he called his "hero and inspiration."
"Hangin' with my dad - my FAVORITE thing in the world!," the singer captioned an Instagram post from October. "I come to see him about once a month in new orleans and it's still not enough! at 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration... i love you sooooo much, dad!!!"
After Livingston died from cancer in 1981, Connick wed Londa Jean Matherne in 1995.
A marriage to Barbara Bossetta was also reported by the Times-Picayune as ending in divorce, although the dates of the marriage were not provided.
According to the AP, during his tenure as district attorney Harry Sr. was at the helm of action to prevent prostitutes and shut down adult book shops in New Orleans in the '70s and '80s and in the '90s, pushed for the death penalty in first-degree murder cases, leading to backlash from anti-capital punishment organizations.
“He was driven by an incredible sense of justice,” defense lawyer Ralph Capitelli, who served as Harry Sr.'s deputy for several years, told the Times-Picayune.
Pat Fanning, who was an assistant to Harry Sr. before becoming a defense lawyer, also described the latter's approach to his work.
“He thought his job was to take people who victimize people off the street, not to rehabilitate them but to put them where they couldn’t hurt anybody else," Fanning said.
In 1990, per the AP, he was charged with racketeering and aiding a sports-betting operation, though he was acquitted and continued to serve as district attorney.
According to the APf, ollowing his retirement, Harry Sr. saw this reputation challenged over claims that his office had intentionally withheld evidence favoring defendants.
The outlets referred to a 2011 case, in which John Thompson had filed a case with the U.S. Supreme Court after serving 14 years in jail for a death he was not responsible for, following prosecution by Harry Sr.'s office. According to the Times-Picayune, a former prosecutor had later revealed that he had withheld evidence in the case, which ultimately led to Thompson's conviction being overturned.
In a ruling that garnered a sharp dissent from the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the New Orleans district attorney’s office and overturned a multi-million dollar payment that had been awarded to Thompson over his wrongful conviction.
According to multiple outlets, the Supreme Court ruling stated that the district attorney's office should not be penalized for not having specially trained its prosecutors that they were obligated to share evidence in which a defendant’s innocence may be proved.
A further case in 2014 led to the issue being raised again, however, though Harry Sr. did not comment at the time, per the AP, he did discuss his "reputation" in a 2012 interview with the Times-Picayune.
“My reputation is based on something other than a case, or two cases or five cases, or one interception or 20 interceptions,” he told the newspaper in 2012, per the two outlets. “Look at the rest of my record. ... Perfect? No. But I’ve done nothing to go to confession about in that office. At all.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Resemblance is Uncanny
Oodles of Noodles?
Oodles of Noodles?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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