#MAGFAB: REACHER Actor Alan Ritchson for MEN’S HEALTH Magazine
He’s always had the look, but for actor Alan Ritchson, the celebrity is new. Hollywood told him actors don’t break past 30. But he kept working, and at 41, after decades of near misses and tiny roles, the Reacher star is busting out. This month, Ritchson stars opposite Hilary Swank in Ordinary Angels, and he has a role in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, out in April. Ritchson proves there’s power in patience.
Now on the cover of MEN’S HEALTH’s March/April issue, the Fit At Any Age issue, Ritchson opens up about his decades-long road to Reacher-dom, making a move into the dramatic realm, the challenges of bipolar disorder, and more. Plus, in Men’s Health “Gym & Fridge” cover video, Ritchson gives a peek at his home gym and fridge, from his wife’s homemade meatloaf and his obsession with cookie dough to the secrets of how he stays jacked for his role as Jack Reacher.
On being bullied as a late-blooming teenager in Florida, especially once a tumor began pushing his chin bone out: “When you haven’t hit puberty and you’re 17 and you’ve got a face growing out of your face, it fortifies a sense of kindness that I’m grateful for.”
On meeting his wife, Catherine, in a ballet class while in high school—finally speaking to his crush after recruiting a friend to find out whether she had any interests that might serve as an in: “After the millionth time of us sitting next to each other, inches away, tying our shoes—so now it’s super awkward—I was like, ‘So I heard you ice-skate.’ She was like the sweetest thing in the world.”
On a long cycle of high expectations and profound disappointments, thinking he’d made it after landing a multi-season run as bombastic football captain Thad Castle on the Spike TV sitcom Blue Mountain State: “I just sort of expected that there would be a cornucopia of comedies for me to choose from, and nobody really wanted to see me for anything.”
On fumbling his audition for 2011’s Thor, a role had been his to lose: “I didn’t take it seriously. I was like, ‘They’ll throw me the part if I look like the guy; nobody really cares about acting.’”
On when Hollywood finally took notice: “I had about 50 offers the weekend after season 1 of Reacher opened [in 2022]. I knew my life had changed.”
On testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), which he tried at the suggestion of his doctor: “People can think what they want, but I work out very hard.”
On the stigma around supplemental testosterone: “I didn’t even know that it was considered an anabolic steroid to some people. It was just: There was a hormone that was missing for me, and I needed it.”
On moving into the dramatic realm, deciding to play beleaguered father Ed Schmitt in Ordinary Angels, “I needed a stark juxtaposition.”
On the precariousness of Hollywood: “The industry’s funny. It can’t be relied on. You have to be very patient with it.”
On how his manic episodes manifest in relatively harmless ways at home: “It’s this thing like I gotta find a perfectly white pair of shoes that look like a tennis shoe but aren’t. Three days later, eight pairs of shoes show up that are all identical. And I’m like, ‘Oh, shit, I’m manic right now.’”
On how his bipolar disorder symptoms can manifest on set: “When I’m feeling depressed, it doesn’t really matter, because I am so focused at work. I could go weeks without people even knowing I feel a certain way. When I’m manic and I feel like something isn’t living up to its best potential, it usually comes out in a very—not in a mean way—but in a ‘this has to be better’ way. Like a very, almost obsessive ‘this has to be better.’ ”
On racing his Ducati V 4R along the winding mountain roads in Georgia, a pastime he considers meditative rather than terrifying: “It’s like a mental bath.”
On how much he can bench: “I’ve actually been asked this question a million times and I’d never tested myself until a week ago. I threw up 355. I did it six times, so that was not my max. I didn’t feel safe doing more, because I was alone.”
On the best cheat meal: “Mac and cheese. For sure. Love mac and cheese.”
The March/April “Fit At Any Age” issue of Men’s Health hits newsstands nationwide on March 5.
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Requests Simon Guobadia Not 'Destroy' Financial Records and Prenup Is Enforced After She Filed for Divorce!
Porsha Williams issued a formal request of her husband, Simon Guobadia, after she filed for divorce.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 42, filed a legal complaint against Guobadia on Feb. 22 as she requested that the Nigerian-born businessman not “destroy, conceal or alter” any financial documents relevant to their ongoing separation, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.
In the filing, Guobadia was officially notified of the requirement under Georgia law for him to “exercise reasonable care to protect and preserve evidence relevant” to the case, which includes financial records, income records, tax records and expense records, as well as any documents “reflecting relevant conduct” by him or Williams.
Williams also requested that her prenup with Guobadia be “enforced” by the court, per the filing. The agreement was signed on November 17, 2022, per the documents, just days before the pair wed in a traditional Nigerian native law and custom ceremony, which they followed up with an American ceremony.
"The weddings were a dream come true," she told PEOPLE at the time. "It was all of me and all of Simon represented that day. And all the people who love us and support us were there for us."
In the filing, the Bravo star cited the marriage being “irretrievably broken” as her reason for the divorce, while also requesting that Guobadia be held financially responsible for her legal fees associated with the case.
However, a source told PEOPLE the divorce is "unrelated to recent allegations involving Simon's past," but, rather, the cause of their split is an "ongoing matter.”
On Monday, Williams shared her appreciation for her fans and followers amid the divorce news.
“Thank you for your prayers & support. -PW,” she wrote over a black screen in a post on her Instagram Story.
Later that same day, Andy Cohen weighed in on the split as he revealed that he and the other RHOA producers were in the dark about Williams’ marital issues prior to the filing.
“Wanted to talk a little Housewives news,” Cohen, 55, said on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. “First of all, Porsha announced last week that she is leaving Simon and I gotta tell you something, I was saying to the other producers of Atlanta, when the news started breaking about Simon and some of his immigration issues, I was like, ‘This is not…’ I was so surprised.”
Cohen denied that the 42-year-old reality star’s relationship status was a factor in her upcoming return to RHOA, which was announced earlier this month.
“None of us knew any of this was on the horizon and this was really meant to be Porsha's happily ever after kind of victory lap season,” he shared. “So it's just, I was so surprised and taken aback and listen, we wanted Porsha on the show for Porsha.”
The Watch What Happens Live host continued, “We would take Porsha married, single, picking up the pieces of her life, on high, on low, however she wants, you know, however she's gonna be, but we didn't know, and this is really a big right turn from the story that I think all of us thought we would be telling, so sending love to Porsha.”
#MusicNews: Normani Teases Sultry New Song Off Upcoming Debut Album!
Normani is coming in strong for her upcoming debut album, and she took to social media to tease one of the project’s sultry tracks.
In a clip shared by a fan account on Instagram, the 27-year-old star is seen lip-syncing along to a smooth R&B melody, featuring the lyrics: “When I get you alone / Boy, what you going to do with this? / Don’t talk too much / Just do this s—.”
Normani announced last week she’ll be releasing her debut album, Dopamine, this year. She posted the album artwork on Instagram, which features the black-leather bikini-clad singer riding on top of a black rocket. “cryingg typing this rn. DOPAMINE THE ALBUM,” she captioned the post. The announcement of her long-awaited first full-length project arrives after fans noticed the ex-Fifth Harmony member had cleared her Instagram.
Normani has yet to reveal Dopamine‘s release date, but according to the rapidly changing date counter on the aforementioned website, it will be released in 2024. In addition to her elated fanbase, the announcement also drew positive comments from the artist’s former Fifth Harmony members Camila Cabello, Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui and Dinah Jane.
“Let’s gooooo🔥,” Jauregui wrote, while Cabello added a series of rocket emojis. “there she is 🥹🔥🔥,” Jane added. And Brooke shared several sparkling heart emojis and clapping hand.
#HipHopNews: Latto To Headline The NCAA's Super Saturday Concert Ahead Of Women’s Final Four Game!
On being bullied as a late-blooming teenager in Florida, especially once a tumor began pushing his chin bone out: “When you haven’t hit puberty and you’re 17 and you’ve got a face growing out of your face, it fortifies a sense of kindness that I’m grateful for.”
On a long cycle of high expectations and profound disappointments, thinking he’d made it after landing a multi-season run as bombastic football captain Thad Castle on the Spike TV sitcom Blue Mountain State: “I just sort of expected that there would be a cornucopia of comedies for me to choose from, and nobody really wanted to see me for anything.”
On fumbling his audition for 2011’s Thor, a role had been his to lose: “I didn’t take it seriously. I was like, ‘They’ll throw me the part if I look like the guy; nobody really cares about acting.’”
On when Hollywood finally took notice: “I had about 50 offers the weekend after season 1 of Reacher opened [in 2022]. I knew my life had changed.”
On testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), which he tried at the suggestion of his doctor: “People can think what they want, but I work out very hard.”
On the stigma around supplemental testosterone: “I didn’t even know that it was considered an anabolic steroid to some people. It was just: There was a hormone that was missing for me, and I needed it.”
On moving into the dramatic realm, deciding to play beleaguered father Ed Schmitt in Ordinary Angels, “I needed a stark juxtaposition.”
On the precariousness of Hollywood: “The industry’s funny. It can’t be relied on. You have to be very patient with it.”
On how his manic episodes manifest in relatively harmless ways at home: “It’s this thing like I gotta find a perfectly white pair of shoes that look like a tennis shoe but aren’t. Three days later, eight pairs of shoes show up that are all identical. And I’m like, ‘Oh, shit, I’m manic right now.’”
On how his bipolar disorder symptoms can manifest on set: “When I’m feeling depressed, it doesn’t really matter, because I am so focused at work. I could go weeks without people even knowing I feel a certain way. When I’m manic and I feel like something isn’t living up to its best potential, it usually comes out in a very—not in a mean way—but in a ‘this has to be better’ way. Like a very, almost obsessive ‘this has to be better.’ ”
On racing his Ducati V 4R along the winding mountain roads in Georgia, a pastime he considers meditative rather than terrifying: “It’s like a mental bath.”
On how much he can bench: “I’ve actually been asked this question a million times and I’d never tested myself until a week ago. I threw up 355. I did it six times, so that was not my max. I didn’t feel safe doing more, because I was alone.”
On the best cheat meal: “Mac and cheese. For sure. Love mac and cheese.”
The March/April “Fit At Any Age” issue of Men’s Health hits newsstands nationwide on March 5.
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Requests Simon Guobadia Not 'Destroy' Financial Records and Prenup Is Enforced After She Filed for Divorce!
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 42, filed a legal complaint against Guobadia on Feb. 22 as she requested that the Nigerian-born businessman not “destroy, conceal or alter” any financial documents relevant to their ongoing separation, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.
In the filing, Guobadia was officially notified of the requirement under Georgia law for him to “exercise reasonable care to protect and preserve evidence relevant” to the case, which includes financial records, income records, tax records and expense records, as well as any documents “reflecting relevant conduct” by him or Williams.
Williams also requested that her prenup with Guobadia be “enforced” by the court, per the filing. The agreement was signed on November 17, 2022, per the documents, just days before the pair wed in a traditional Nigerian native law and custom ceremony, which they followed up with an American ceremony.
"The weddings were a dream come true," she told PEOPLE at the time. "It was all of me and all of Simon represented that day. And all the people who love us and support us were there for us."
In the filing, the Bravo star cited the marriage being “irretrievably broken” as her reason for the divorce, while also requesting that Guobadia be held financially responsible for her legal fees associated with the case.
However, a source told PEOPLE the divorce is "unrelated to recent allegations involving Simon's past," but, rather, the cause of their split is an "ongoing matter.”
On Monday, Williams shared her appreciation for her fans and followers amid the divorce news.
“Thank you for your prayers & support. -PW,” she wrote over a black screen in a post on her Instagram Story.
Later that same day, Andy Cohen weighed in on the split as he revealed that he and the other RHOA producers were in the dark about Williams’ marital issues prior to the filing.
“Wanted to talk a little Housewives news,” Cohen, 55, said on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. “First of all, Porsha announced last week that she is leaving Simon and I gotta tell you something, I was saying to the other producers of Atlanta, when the news started breaking about Simon and some of his immigration issues, I was like, ‘This is not…’ I was so surprised.”
Cohen denied that the 42-year-old reality star’s relationship status was a factor in her upcoming return to RHOA, which was announced earlier this month.
“None of us knew any of this was on the horizon and this was really meant to be Porsha's happily ever after kind of victory lap season,” he shared. “So it's just, I was so surprised and taken aback and listen, we wanted Porsha on the show for Porsha.”
The Watch What Happens Live host continued, “We would take Porsha married, single, picking up the pieces of her life, on high, on low, however she wants, you know, however she's gonna be, but we didn't know, and this is really a big right turn from the story that I think all of us thought we would be telling, so sending love to Porsha.”
#MusicNews: Normani Teases Sultry New Song Off Upcoming Debut Album!
Normani is coming in strong for her upcoming debut album, and she took to social media to tease one of the project’s sultry tracks.
In a clip shared by a fan account on Instagram, the 27-year-old star is seen lip-syncing along to a smooth R&B melody, featuring the lyrics: “When I get you alone / Boy, what you going to do with this? / Don’t talk too much / Just do this s—.”
Normani announced last week she’ll be releasing her debut album, Dopamine, this year. She posted the album artwork on Instagram, which features the black-leather bikini-clad singer riding on top of a black rocket. “cryingg typing this rn. DOPAMINE THE ALBUM,” she captioned the post. The announcement of her long-awaited first full-length project arrives after fans noticed the ex-Fifth Harmony member had cleared her Instagram.
Normani has yet to reveal Dopamine‘s release date, but according to the rapidly changing date counter on the aforementioned website, it will be released in 2024. In addition to her elated fanbase, the announcement also drew positive comments from the artist’s former Fifth Harmony members Camila Cabello, Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui and Dinah Jane.
“Let’s gooooo🔥,” Jauregui wrote, while Cabello added a series of rocket emojis. “there she is 🥹🔥🔥,” Jane added. And Brooke shared several sparkling heart emojis and clapping hand.
#HipHopNews: Latto To Headline The NCAA's Super Saturday Concert Ahead Of Women’s Final Four Game!
“I am excited to bring the energy to Cleveland and perform at the NCAA Super Saturday Concert Presented by AT&T,” Latto expressed. “I’m looking forward to supporting the growth of women’s basketball and [continuing] to empower the entire female community.”
Despite only being two months in, 2024 is shaping up to be a busy year for Latto. In January, she was revealed to be one of the judges for season two of Netflix’s Hip Hop competition show “Rhythm + Flow.” She’ll be joined by DJ Khaled and Ludacris.
Earlier this year, the Queen of Da Souf artist debuted “Sunday Service,” which sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and rappers alike. Latto heightened anticipation for its release with cover art featuring Ice Spice, Missy Elliott, Coi Leray, Lil’ Kim, KARRAHBOOO, and Sexxy Red on it. Many assumed that she’d be taking aim at her rumored rivals due to the announcement timing.
However, when the record eventually came out, fans accused her of doing a bait-and-switch. The musician responded via Instagram Live, where she said a video of her calling the track an “homage” to her female contemporaries was taken out of context.
“Clips got chopped up, so what I am gonna do is speak on it. When [have] y’all ever known me to duck smoke? B**ch, I’m never ducking smoke,” the “Big Energy” hitmaker explained. “I’m sorry y’all [have] never been in a Sprinter before, [but] music videos be on shuffle. [That] s**t don’t be that deep. I ain’t see that s**t. My mama can drop dead right now if I’m f**king lying. F**k I need to lie for? I already said I ain’t ducking smoke.”
Nonetheless, excitement is still brewing for Latto’s third studio album. It could contain her 2023 smash hit “Put It On Da Floor” or the subsequent remix featuring Cardi B.
Gabourey Sidibe Is Pregnant With Twins!
Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe is growing her “Empire”! “I’m pregnant!” Sidibe, 40, captioned an Instagram on Feb. 27. “We thought it was time to give our cats some responsibility so we’re giving them each a baby to take care of!
"Double the babies, double the cats, double the fun!!" she continued. "Twin Delivery coming soon! Twinty Twinty Four!"
Sidibe, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2009 drama “Precious,” included a series of photos to mark the occasion. In two pictures, the actor’s husband, Brandon Frankel, sweetly cradles Sidibe’s bump. They also next to double strollers.
The couple tied the knot in 2021 after meeting on the dating app Raya in 2019. During a joint interview with Brides magazine in 2022, Frankel revealed that their first date lasted “more than seven hours.”
Sidibe confessed that before Frankel came along, she wasn't sure that marriage was in the cards for her.
“I couldn’t imagine dating someone I actually liked. Turns out, totally possible! So, I’m really happy to have been wrong about where I saw my life going, partnership-wise," she shared with Brides. [Brandon] is an incredible, incredible partner."
Sidibe announced her engagement on Instagram in 2020.
“My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever,” she wrote at the time. “The funniest man I’ve ever met. The sweetest human to exist. @brandontour made up a song for when I put my bonnet on at night. The second I look a bit stressed and overwhelmed, he jumps into action to take over what he can for me. Every moment with him is a joy. He is the partner i thought I was too independent to need.”
Frankel, who has a tattoo of his wife's name on his thigh, is just as smitten.
"I hope you all get to meet the love of your life that rocks your entire world and changes the way you view everything," he wrote on Instagram in 2023.
Kanye West Alleges Adidas Is Selling ‘Fake’ Yeezy Designs, Claims Company Is Suing Him For $250M
During Super Bowl LVIII weekend, the rapper posted a picture of himself alongside Adidas CEO, Bjørn Gulden.
It’s no secret Adidas has been hurting financially after parting ways with Kanye over his antisemitic rhetoric, so it seemed as though he and the brand were back on better terms and possibly planning to reunite.
Despite the cordial photo, however, things are apparently tense between West and Adidas again over the Yeezy brand.
On Monday, several sneaker leakers sounded the alarm that Adidas would release new Yeezys soon and the New York Daily News reported that the sneaker brand did just that. Reps for Adidas told the publication that they’ve been working to “unload” about $1.3 billion worth of Yeezys since cutting ties with the rapper in October 2022.
With that in mind, they’ll be releasing the inventory over the course of this year in a manner that helps “ensure a fair and premium experience for consumers.”
Adidas plans to sell products from 2022 like some of the brand’s “most popular designs” and will donate some of the proceeds to groups fighting hate including antisemitism.
According to Kanye however, the new colorways released by the brand weren’t approved by him, and he’s accusing Adidas of “creative rape” while calling the sneakers “fake.”
“Anybody who loves Ye would not buy these fake Yeezys,” wrote Kanye on Instagram.” I never made these color ways, I’m not getting paid off of them and adidas is suing me. All these celebrities and the public will stand against a T-shirt or the color of my hat but when y’all see me have my children hidden from me or see an actual Fortune 500 company r*pe one of your heroes in real life don’t nobody say nothing or do nothin. As far as the system goes. What y’all gone do now take my album down again? Freeze my accounts again? Threaten people to not work with me again? All the new non approved 350’s are cooorny.”
Kanye was apparently so befuddled by the audacity of Adidas that he even uploaded a video so people could hear it from his mouth. In the video, he expanded on the brand reportedly suing him for $250 million and alleged that he’s not being paid for the new releases.
Love or hate Kanye West, we all can admit he is right about the 350 sneakers being outdated, and Adidas selling products not approved by him defeats the purpose of releasing them. Some fans are even alleging that Adidas lied about cutting ties with Kanye over his antisemitic remarks and think they were just cutting him out of the business.
Adele Receives Support After Forced To Postpone 'Weekends With Adele' Concerts
Adele has received heartwarming responses from her fans despite putting her "Weekends With Adele" concerts on hold. The "Easy On Me" songstress was supported by her devotees after announcing that she had to postpone her Las Vegas residency shows
On Tuesday, February 27, the 35-year-old singer made use of Instagram to share the unexpected announcement. She uploaded a photo of a message that read, "Sadly I have to take a beat and pause my Vegas residency."
On the reason why, Adele explained, "I was sick at the end of the last leg and all the way through my break. I hadn't quite gotten the chance to get back to full health before shows resumed and now I'm sick again, and unfortunately it's all taken a toll on my voice."
"And so on Doctors orders I have no choice but to rest thoroughly," the singer went on to write. Though so, she assured, "The remaining 5 weekends of this leg are being postponed to a later date. We are already working out the details and you will be sent the information asap."
Adele concluded, "The postponed dates are: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30 March." Along with the announcement, she issued an apology to her devotees in the caption of the post, "I love you, I'll miss you like mad and I'm sorry for the inconvenience x."
While Adele made many of the fans disappointed, others showed their support for the singer. In the comments section of the post, one in particular wrote, "After 80 shows you already deserve a rest." Another joined in, "That angel voice has to be recovered, take care of yourself," adding a red heart emoji.
Prior to the announcement, Adele shared that she was put on voice rest after struggling to hit certain notes during her shows. Speaking to concertgoers at one of her gigs at Caesars Palace, she said, "I'm sure you can hear it in my talking voice and my singing voice. Your girl was tired. I didn't sleep very well."
"And Ursula from the ocean has come from my chest tonight. I can't hit my headnotes properly. I didn't sleep very well and my chest is on fire. Straight after this show I am going on voice rest," the "Someone Like You" songstress further elaborated.
Donna Summer's Estate Files Lawsuit Against Kanye West And Ty Dolla $Ign For Stealing Her Song
Obtained by TMZ, the filing states that "permission was explicitly denied" over the use of the singer's 1977 song. It continues, "Despite this denial, Defendants shamelessly used instantly recognizable portions of Summer's hit song."
In the lawsuit, the estate accuses the two musicians of "arrogantly and unilaterally" deciding "they would simply steal" the song for their collaborative album "Vultures 1" after their request was denied. As for the reason why they turned down the request, the estate explains it was because they "wanted no association with West's controversial history."
Donna's estate, who is also suing Ye's label, is seeking major damages and an injunction blocking further distribution of the song.
Following the controversy, "Good (Don't Die)" has been removed from several streaming services. The track, however, is still available in physical copies of the album.
This isn't the only clearance dispute surrounding Ye's "Vultures 1". Prior to this, Ozzy Osbourne slammed the Chicago rapper for sampling Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" on the song "Vultures" even after he refused to give Ye a permission.
"@kanyewest ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF 'IRON MAN' FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY," the rocker tweeted earlier this month. "HE WENT AHEAD AND USED THE SAMPLE ANYWAY AT HIS ALBUM LISTENING PARTY LAST NIGHT. I WANT NO ASSOCIATION WITH THIS MAN!"
Ozzy's wife Sharon Osbourne also criticized Ye, calling him a "disrespectful antisemite" who "represents hate." She added, "The motherf***er's a pig." The former "The Talk" co-host, who was raised Jewish, also noted, "Kanye f**ked with the wrong Jew this time."
Two Men Found Guilty In Murder Of Run-D.M.C. DJ Jam Master Jay
An ongoing murder case in the Hip-Hop world has finally come to an end. On Tuesday (Feb. 27), two men were found guilty of killing Jam Master Jay. The pioneering DJ of the legendary Run-D.M.C. group was slain in 2002.
After reportedly deliberating for about 10 hours, a Brooklyn jury decided two men who were close to Jay were guilty for the crime: Ronald Washington, Jay’s childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., Jay’s godson.
“Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here,” Washington said in the courtroom per CNN after the verdict. Jordan looked at his supporters and said, “I love y’all.”
American hip hop group Run-DMC (American rapper Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons, American musician and DJ Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell (1965-2002), and American rapper Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels) attend the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
The jury’s decision came after a witness who was at the recording studio that night, Uriel Rincon, testified that Washington and Jordan came in armed. He alleged Jordan shot Jay in the head said him being “confused and scared” made him keep the attackers’ identities secret, according to WABC.
“It’s about greed. It’s about money. It’s about jealousy,” Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell said in the prosecution’s closing arguments. “And it’s about the actions of two men, Karl Jordan, Jr., and Ronald Washington, that the evidence proves are killers.”
However, defense attorneys were adamant that the real killer was a third defendant, Jay Bryant. Bryant was charged in May 2023 with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. His trial is set for 2026 and he has pleaded not guilty. In closing arguments, the defense attorneys mentioned that a hat found next to Jam Master Jay’s body contained only Bryant’s DNA, and Bryant was the only defendant seen on a security camera.
“Jay Bryant is literally reasonable doubt in this case,” said Michael Hueston, Jordan’s attorney.
Jeremiah Brent joins "Queer Eye" cast for season nine after Bobby Berk exit
"We thought we were done," he said. Brent will join the crew alongside Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France. The new season is reportedly headed to production in Las Vegas this spring to help everyday people find their confidence and makeover their lives for them, Variety reported. Moreover, Brent is the founder of Jeremiah Brent Design and lifestyle brand Atrio. He rose to fame in 2011 when he worked as Rachel Zoe’s styling associate on “The Rachel Zoe Project." Alongside his husband, Berkus, the pair have collaborated on their line Living Spaces and co-host their shows “Nate & Jeremiah By Design,” “Nate & Jeremiah: Save My House” and “The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project.”
Jennifer Lopez gets honest about past abusive relationships, her biggest fear and forgiving Ben Affleck in new doc
Jennifer Lopez is ready to tell "the truth about my personal life. Lopez's new documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, is about the making of the singer's latest album (This Is Me...Now) and corresponding film (This Is Me...Now: A Love Story), both of which take heavy inspiration from her romance with Ben Affleck and her many high-profile relationships in between.
"I've been married four times now. I'm sure people watching from the outside were like, 'What is this f***ing girl's problem?'" Lopez says to open the documentary. "What I portrayed to the world was, 'Oh, this didn't work out, and it's fine, and I'm good, and they're good, and they were great, and I was great' and all of that was kind of bulls***."
Naturally, Affleck is a big part of the documentary, much to his reluctance at times, but his presence is key in helping Lopez show off a vulnerable side fans have never seen before.
Here are some of the biggest moments in her new documentary.
Affleck is uncomfortable being Lopez's 'muse' — but when they got back together, he had to 'compromise'
The documentary is named after a book of love letters Affleck made for Lopez. On their first Christmas back together, Affleck gifted Lopez a book of "every letter and every email" they ever wrote to each other. It’s titled The Greatest Love Story Never Told. It includes material from 2001 and 2021 "and counting."
Lopez explains, "There's the personal story of Ben and I that has never been told. I don't think he's very comfortable with me doing all of this. But he loves me, he knows I'm an artist, he's going to support me in every way he can because he knows he can't stop me from making the music I made and writing the words I wrote."
While Affleck "doesn't want" to stop her, Lopez says, "that doesn't mean he's kind of comfortable being the muse."
Lopez let songwriters read the personal letters as inspiration for her album This is Me…Now, which came as a surprise to Affleck.
"Jen was really inspired by this experience, which is how artists do their work," Affleck shares. "As a writer, director I certainly do the same things. But things that are private I had always felt are sacred and special because, in part, they're private. So this was something of an adjustment for me."
When they rekindled their romance after two decades apart, Affleck initially told Lopez to keep their private life private.
"The catalyst for [our breakup] was this massive scrutiny for our private life," he explains. "I had a very firm sense of boundaries initially around the press. While Jen I don't think objected to it in the way I did, I very much did object to it. Getting back together, I said, 'Listen, one of the things I don't want is a relationship on social media.' Then I sort of realized it's not a fair thing to ask."
Affleck compared wanting that to someone who wants to date a boat captain, but doesn't like water. "We're just two people with different approaches trying to learn to compromise," he states.
Lopez opens up about past abuse
One of the most talked-about scenes in This Is Me...Now: A Love Story is "the glass house," which depicts the singer in an abusive relationship as she sings "Rebound." In the documentary, Lopez explains that's rooted in her own truth.
"There were people in my life who said 'I love you' and then didn't do things that were kind of in line with the word 'love,'" she reveals.
"You have to hit rock bottom where you're in situations so uncomfortable and so painful that you finally go: I don't want this anymore. A therapist said to me, 'What if this was your daughter? What would you do?' And it was so clear. I'd tell her get the f*** out of here and never look back. But for me, it was so clouded and complicated," Lopez explains. "It was like looking through fog."
Director Dave Meyers previously told Yahoo Entertainment that filming "Rebound" was one of the toughest days on set, given the subject matter. It's clear that day took a toll on Lopez, too.
"Being thrown around and manhandled like that is not fun. I mean, I was never in a relationship where I got beat up, thank God, but I've definitely been manhandled and a couple of other unsavory things," she says. "Rough. Disrespectful."
In her 2014 memoir, Lopez wrote she was "mentally, emotionally, verbally" abused but didn't name names.
Lopez brushed off fear of how media may interpret "Rebound"
Actor Anthony Ramos wouldn't film "the glass house" scene because of his friendship with Marc Anthony.
"[Anthony] was going to do the 'Rebound' number with me," Lopez says in the doc. "And he was like, 'Ah, I'm friends with Marc."
Lopez quickly married Anthony after she and Affleck first split in 2004. They were together for more than seven years and share 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
Lopez is then shown on the phone trying to persuade the In the Heights star to do the project.
"[Marc's] the father of my kids, obviously. I'm never gonna do anything that's going to really like pinpoint him out, but it is very meta," Lopez tells Ramos. "It is about the 20-year journey between that last album [This Is Me...Then] and this album, and a lot of things happened, and there was a lot of relationships that I was in. That thing that you're playing in it is representative of many relationships, not one specific relationship."
Lopez later tells friend and collaborator Shawn "Beezy" Barton, "If we only did our art thinking about what the media's gonna say ... what the f*** are we doing?"
Affleck and Lopez share lighthearted moments
The documentary is a personal, and oftentimes serious, deep dive into Lopez's life. However, it's peppered with some gleeful moments that give a glimpse of Affleck and Lopez's marriage. At one point, the Oscar-winning director is reading the script for Lopez's film in which a scene describes Lopez as a 28-year-old woman.
"I love that you want to play younger, even in autobiographical," Affleck says.
"This is not my autobiographical! This is meta! This is me using some of my story," Lopez replies.
"It's your story but younger," Affleck laughs, before nuzzling into his wife.
Lopez's childhood pain fueled relationship issues, insecurity
"Jen felt emotionally neglected as a child," Affleck says. Although it's hard to imagine Lopez — someone whose "professional life" is "wildly successful and who, on Instagram looks, like they're living the happiest life in the world" — struggles, she does.
"In Jennifer's case, I don't think there's enough followers, or movies, or records or any of that stuff to still that part of you that still feels that longing and pain," he tells the camera. "Ultimately, that's the work that you've got to do on your own."
Lopez believes her relationship with her parents set her up for some of her romantic failures.
"I felt very ignored by my dad because he was always working nights and then all day he would sleep and I didn't feel like I had enough of a connection with him. My mom was a narcissist, center of attention, life of the party-type person," she says. "The combination of the two of those things set me on a course to be with those types of people. What I started to realize was I'm comfortable with this, but I don't like this. I want something different, I want something better."
Insecurity also trickles over to Lopez's professional life as she feels like she's "not good enough."
"You know that feeling you're just letting everyone down all the time and you're never really doing anything right?" she says through tears, explaining she fights feeling "not good enough" in "the movie, as a partner, as a mother, as all of the things and all you want to do is be the best at all those things."
Lopez says her "biggest fear" is failing at "being a parent."
Bennifer initially broke up 3 days before 2004 wedding
"We had a big wedding planned, 14 ushers and bridesmaids, and three days before, we just crumbled under the pressure," Lopez reveals. "For all those years, it was really hard 'cause I didn't just feel like I lost the love of my life, I felt like I lost the best friend I ever had. And I couldn't talk for so many years and that was the hardest part."
Affleck seems somewhat surprised by the devastation that ensued after they called off their engagement.
"When I first read the script, it looked like the inciting incident that causes all this pain down the road is our breakup. I thought, 'Wow.' Nobody did anything wrong, it was mutual ... we have to kind of forget it, forgive each other," he tells her. "Do you forgive me?"
It's not until the end of the film that viewers get Lopez's answer to that question.
"Yeah, I think I've forgiven you all the way," she replies. "I think I need to forgive myself [for] some things."
The Greatest Love Story Never Told streams on Prime Video Feb. 27.
R&B Artist Eric Benét to Headline Florida AIDS Walk
YouTube sensation Todrick Hall and international DJ/producer DJ Citizen Jane also will perform
Benét signed his first record deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1994 and released his first studio album, True to Myself, in 1996. His sophomore album, A Day in the Life, featured the hit single “Spend My Life with You.” Benét’s acting career began when he guest starred on the sitcom For Your Love in 1999, and he appeared in the film Glitter in 2001. He released his third studio album, Hurricane, that same year under a new deal with Reprise Records. In 2005, he portrayed Reece Wilcox on the series Half & Half, and in 2007, he had a recurring role on the MTV scripted show Kaya. Other albums include Love & Life, Lost in Time, The One, and the self-titled Eric Benét. Benét has received four Grammy Award nominations. In 2000, he was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song for his performance of “Spend My Life with You.” Benét and his business partner, music industry veteran Alison Ball, recently formed JBR Entertainment Group.
REGISTRATION: FloridaAidsWalk.org
WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 2024
TIME: 8:00 a.m.
WHERE: Fort Lauderdale Beach
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Benét performed the song “Heart of America” with Wynonna Judd, Terry Dexter, and Michael McDonald to raise money for hurricane victims. He also co-founded Mission Save Her, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking, slavery, and sexual abuse of women and girls around the world.
“We are honored to have Eric Benét join the Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival as a headlining artist,” said Tracy Jones, AHF Southern Bureau Chief. “This annual event raises critical funds for local HIV and AIDS nonprofit service organizations, and having Eric lend his voice and star power to the day’s festivities is a true gift.”
Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival also features informational booths on health and wellness services, children’s games, food trucks, and other family-focused activities.
Angel Reese Debuts Reebok’s ‘Not Made To Be Subtle’ Apparel Collection For Women
Reebok takes a bold step forward today with the launch of its latest women’s apparel line, the “Not Made to Be Subtle” collection. This innovative range, designed to cater to both performance and lifestyle needs, celebrates individuality and self-expression without reservation.
At the forefront of the collection’s global campaign stands Angel Reese, Reebok partner, college basketball champion, and fashion icon. Known for her fierce spirit and boundless energy, Reese embodies the ethos of the Not Made to Be Subtle collection – encouraging women to embrace movement and style with confidence.
“I love using fashion as a vehicle for creativity and expression in everything I do,” said Angel Reese. “The Not Made to Be Subtle collection lets me do just that – with bright, bold colors and unique designs I can express myself, tackle an intense workout, and show up with style every day in confidence.”
The Lux Contour line is central to the collection’s offerings, featuring innovative pieces like the Lux Contour Crop Top ($45) and Lux Contour Leggings ($75). These garments are engineered with precision to provide unparalleled support and comfort during workouts, featuring contour panels and elongated lines to enhance the wearer’s silhouette while utilizing Reebok’s RBK-DRY moisture-wicking fabric technology.
Expanding beyond performance wear, the Not Made to Be Subtle collection offers a curated selection of lifestyle pieces, including the Studio Editorial Jacket ($120), Classics Volume Pants ($60), and Classics Jumpsuit ($95), designed for seamless transition from workout to everyday wear.
Expanding beyond performance wear, the Not Made to Be Subtle collection offers a curated selection of lifestyle pieces, including the Studio Editorial Jacket ($120), Classics Volume Pants ($60), and Classics Jumpsuit ($95), designed for seamless transition from workout to everyday wear.
“As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to introduce the Not Made to Be Subtle collection designed to honor and empower all things femininity,” says Portia Blunt, VP of Apparel at Reebok. “Clothing is such a powerful tool of self-expression, and this new collection is built to give her the confidence to move freely and boldly.”
The Not Made to Be Subtle collection will hit Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide on March 8th, empowering women everywhere to embrace their unique style and strength.
Brooklyn Preacher on Trial for Fraud Charges That Funded His Luxurious Lifestyle
“As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to introduce the Not Made to Be Subtle collection designed to honor and empower all things femininity,” says Portia Blunt, VP of Apparel at Reebok. “Clothing is such a powerful tool of self-expression, and this new collection is built to give her the confidence to move freely and boldly.”
The Not Made to Be Subtle collection will hit Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide on March 8th, empowering women everywhere to embrace their unique style and strength.
Brooklyn Preacher on Trial for Fraud Charges That Funded His Luxurious Lifestyle
Bishop Lamor Miller-Whitehead is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday, where he will face charges of embezzling a parishioner’s retirement funds and attempting extortion to fund his opulent lifestyle. Known for his penchant for Rolls Royce’, Miller-Whitehead will undergo jury selection nearly two years after being indicted for wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements.
Prosecutors allege that Miller-Whitehead exploited a parishioner’s trust by misappropriating their savings and deceived a businessman with fraudulent promises of leveraging his connections with New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, to secure millions of dollars.
Despite the serious accusations, Miller-Whitehead has consistently maintained his innocence.
Since his arrest, Miller-Whitehead has been free on $500,000 bail. Interestingly, he was previously the victim of a robbery during a church service, where he lost $1 million worth of jewelry.
Dawn Florio, Miller-Whitehead’s attorney, asserts that the bishop has pleaded not guilty and eagerly awaits his trial to contest the charges against him.
The prosecution’s documents do not explicitly link Miller-Whitehead’s alleged crimes to his relationship with Mayor Adams during his tenure in Brooklyn. However, an evidentiary request hints that this association may be scrutinized during the trial.
The prosecution seeks testimony from a New Yorker journalist regarding the article “The Mayor and the Con Man,” published last month. Rachel Strom, representing journalist Eric Lach, argues that this subpoena could compromise journalistic integrity and potentially endanger confidential sources.
Mayor Adams has responded to inquiries about the legal proceedings, emphasizing that there was no authorized connection between his office and Miller-Whitehead’s alleged criminal activities.
The court has decided to omit references to Miller-Whitehead’s previous convictions for identity theft and grand larceny in the pretrial phase, although these details may be introduced if he opts to testify.
In the upcoming trial, Miller-Whitehead is accused of misleading a parishioner into investing $90,000, which was then allegedly used for personal luxuries, and of convincing a businessman to provide a $500,000 loan under the guise of securing preferential treatment in real estate ventures through his purported city official connections.
The arrest followed a six-month investigation in 2022, initiated by Brandon Belmonte’s complaint. The trial is expected to feature crucial evidence from covert audio recordings of conversations between Belmonte and Miller-Whitehead.
Chanel Iman Marries Davon Godchaux 5 Months After Welcoming Baby No. 3
Chanel Iman married New England Patriots football player Davon Godchaux five months after the couple welcomed their daughter, Capri Summer Godchaux.
Chanel Iman went from supermodel to super-bride. The Victoria's Secret Angel tied the knot with New England Patriots player Davon Godchaux on Feb. 24, less than a year after announcing their engagement and five months after welcoming their daughter, Capri Summer Godchaux.
"We had always dreamed of this moment," Chanel told Vogue in an interview published Feb. 27, "talking about marriage and our future together."
The 33-year-old—who also shares daughters Cali Clay Shephard, 5, and Cassie Snow Shephard, 4, with ex-husband Sterling Shephard—explained that the couple eloped on a yacht called the Parillion in the Caribbean Sea before docking in Anguilla for the reception, because they "couldn't wait for football season to be over so we can complete our union."
"We planned the wedding the way we desired—doing something together that we love with our kids and our blended family," Chanel explained. "This was our ideal, dream day."
And while most of the couple's loved ones attended, one important member of the family wasn't able to witness the happy moment at the last minute: the NFL player's son Davon Godchaux II, 7, from a previous relationship.
"It was very heartbreaking to find out that we would have to proceed without one of our four," Chanel noted. "We look forward to celebrating our union with him all together at a later date this year."
For the big day, Chanel wore a white Zuhair Murad dress that featured an embellished bodice and off-the-shoulder straps, pairing the look with a cascading tulle veil to match the gown's full tulle skirt. As for Davon, the 29-year-old rocked a custom black-and-white suit for the special occasion.
And the nuptials certainly went off without a hitch. In fact, Chanel—who confirmed her romance with Davon in April 2022 after calling it quits with Sterling three months earlier—said the newlyweds now want to make take a trip to Anguilla annually.
"We laughed, we cried, we danced," she gushed, "and made incredible memories together."
Donald Trump Says Prince Harry Will Face Deportation if He’s Re-elected
*Donald Trump is still bitter about Prince Harry marrying a Black woman.
In a new interview, Trump suggested that he would deport the prince if he were elected president again.
“I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That is unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me,” Trump told the Daily Express.
“I think they have been too gracious to him after what he has done,” said Trump, referring to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Last year, Trump said he wanted to debate Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, to address “the way she dealt with the Queen,” the former president told radio host Hugh Hewitt.
“Let’s set it up. Let’s go do something. I’d love to debate her. I would love it,” Trump told Hewitt, The Daily Mail reported.
“I didn’t like the way she dealt with the Queen. I became very friendly with the Queen. She was an incredible woman,” Trump said. “I think it’s not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didn’t know that they don’t like me. Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldn’t be the only ones.”
Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Meghan and Harry recently launched a new Sussex.com website offering the latest news about the royal couple’s philanthropic endeavors. The updated site also links their Archewell Foundation non-profit and Archewell Productions.
The new site’s homepage features a photo of Harry and Meghan and text that reads: “The office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Page Six reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are catching heat online for using their royal titles and the coat of arms on the new website. The couple resigned from their duties four years ago. This is likely the reason Trump believes Harry “betrayed” the late Queen Elizabeth — because he chose his black wife over royal life in the UK.
Prosecutors allege that Miller-Whitehead exploited a parishioner’s trust by misappropriating their savings and deceived a businessman with fraudulent promises of leveraging his connections with New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, to secure millions of dollars.
Despite the serious accusations, Miller-Whitehead has consistently maintained his innocence.
Since his arrest, Miller-Whitehead has been free on $500,000 bail. Interestingly, he was previously the victim of a robbery during a church service, where he lost $1 million worth of jewelry.
Dawn Florio, Miller-Whitehead’s attorney, asserts that the bishop has pleaded not guilty and eagerly awaits his trial to contest the charges against him.
The prosecution’s documents do not explicitly link Miller-Whitehead’s alleged crimes to his relationship with Mayor Adams during his tenure in Brooklyn. However, an evidentiary request hints that this association may be scrutinized during the trial.
The prosecution seeks testimony from a New Yorker journalist regarding the article “The Mayor and the Con Man,” published last month. Rachel Strom, representing journalist Eric Lach, argues that this subpoena could compromise journalistic integrity and potentially endanger confidential sources.
Mayor Adams has responded to inquiries about the legal proceedings, emphasizing that there was no authorized connection between his office and Miller-Whitehead’s alleged criminal activities.
The court has decided to omit references to Miller-Whitehead’s previous convictions for identity theft and grand larceny in the pretrial phase, although these details may be introduced if he opts to testify.
In the upcoming trial, Miller-Whitehead is accused of misleading a parishioner into investing $90,000, which was then allegedly used for personal luxuries, and of convincing a businessman to provide a $500,000 loan under the guise of securing preferential treatment in real estate ventures through his purported city official connections.
The arrest followed a six-month investigation in 2022, initiated by Brandon Belmonte’s complaint. The trial is expected to feature crucial evidence from covert audio recordings of conversations between Belmonte and Miller-Whitehead.
Chanel Iman Marries Davon Godchaux 5 Months After Welcoming Baby No. 3
Chanel Iman married New England Patriots football player Davon Godchaux five months after the couple welcomed their daughter, Capri Summer Godchaux.
Chanel Iman went from supermodel to super-bride. The Victoria's Secret Angel tied the knot with New England Patriots player Davon Godchaux on Feb. 24, less than a year after announcing their engagement and five months after welcoming their daughter, Capri Summer Godchaux.
"We had always dreamed of this moment," Chanel told Vogue in an interview published Feb. 27, "talking about marriage and our future together."
The 33-year-old—who also shares daughters Cali Clay Shephard, 5, and Cassie Snow Shephard, 4, with ex-husband Sterling Shephard—explained that the couple eloped on a yacht called the Parillion in the Caribbean Sea before docking in Anguilla for the reception, because they "couldn't wait for football season to be over so we can complete our union."
"We planned the wedding the way we desired—doing something together that we love with our kids and our blended family," Chanel explained. "This was our ideal, dream day."
And while most of the couple's loved ones attended, one important member of the family wasn't able to witness the happy moment at the last minute: the NFL player's son Davon Godchaux II, 7, from a previous relationship.
"It was very heartbreaking to find out that we would have to proceed without one of our four," Chanel noted. "We look forward to celebrating our union with him all together at a later date this year."
For the big day, Chanel wore a white Zuhair Murad dress that featured an embellished bodice and off-the-shoulder straps, pairing the look with a cascading tulle veil to match the gown's full tulle skirt. As for Davon, the 29-year-old rocked a custom black-and-white suit for the special occasion.
And the nuptials certainly went off without a hitch. In fact, Chanel—who confirmed her romance with Davon in April 2022 after calling it quits with Sterling three months earlier—said the newlyweds now want to make take a trip to Anguilla annually.
"We laughed, we cried, we danced," she gushed, "and made incredible memories together."
Donald Trump Says Prince Harry Will Face Deportation if He’s Re-elected
*Donald Trump is still bitter about Prince Harry marrying a Black woman.
In a new interview, Trump suggested that he would deport the prince if he were elected president again.
“I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That is unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me,” Trump told the Daily Express.
“I think they have been too gracious to him after what he has done,” said Trump, referring to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Last year, Trump said he wanted to debate Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, to address “the way she dealt with the Queen,” the former president told radio host Hugh Hewitt.
“Let’s set it up. Let’s go do something. I’d love to debate her. I would love it,” Trump told Hewitt, The Daily Mail reported.
“I didn’t like the way she dealt with the Queen. I became very friendly with the Queen. She was an incredible woman,” Trump said. “I think it’s not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didn’t know that they don’t like me. Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldn’t be the only ones.”
Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Meghan and Harry recently launched a new Sussex.com website offering the latest news about the royal couple’s philanthropic endeavors. The updated site also links their Archewell Foundation non-profit and Archewell Productions.
The new site’s homepage features a photo of Harry and Meghan and text that reads: “The office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Page Six reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are catching heat online for using their royal titles and the coat of arms on the new website. The couple resigned from their duties four years ago. This is likely the reason Trump believes Harry “betrayed” the late Queen Elizabeth — because he chose his black wife over royal life in the UK.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
So Handsome!
Hide your daughters!
Hide your daughters!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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