3/31/24

The Daily Buzz For April 1☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Beyonce For W Magazine Digital Edition April 2024

W MAGAZINE launched its first-ever digital cover featuring none other than the one and only Beyoncé tied to the release of her eighth album, COWBOY CARTER.
Nice!


#RHOA: Porsha Williams’ Estranged Husband Simon Guobadia Threatens Legal Action if RHOA Is Filmed in His Home
Just a few weeks ago, we all celebrated the news that Porsha Williams was finally returning to Real Housewives of Atlanta. Now, her estranged husband Simon Guobadia is trying to put it all in jeopardy. Things change so quickly.
In new court documents reviewed by Page Six, Simon threatened Truly Original, the production company behind RHOA. He sent them a cease-and-desist letter demanding they stop filming at his house. He said if they don’t, he’ll have to pursue further legal action.

Simon wants to distance himself from RHOA. Over the last few weeks, Porsha and Simon have been battling over their home. According to their prenuptial agreement, Simon was supposed to vacate the premises within 30 days of the divorce. That hasn’t happened, and Porsha has asked the courts to force him out. She claimed he ran away to Dubai and changed the locks on her.

In Simon’s letter, he said he doesn’t want any RHOA footage captured on the property. He sent the production company a copy of the deed to the house just to prove that Porsha doesn’t have ownership over the property. In the letter, he told the company that “failure to comply” with his requests would result in him “taking legal action accordingly.”
Meanwhile, it’s not even clear if production on RHOA Season 16 has even started. A source close to the production said nothing had even been filmed at the house. If anything, Porsha could always rent an Airbnb to film Season 16. It wouldn’t be the first time a Housewife spent a season in a rental.

In addition to Simon’s cease and desist, he has also requested a judge issue a restraining order against Porsha. He claimed she’s been exhibiting “erratic behavior,” including showing up at their house with a gunman. With all of this drama, it’s safe to say this divorce won’t be settled anytime soon.


#MusicNews: SiR Releases New Album ‘Heavy’

Grammy-nominated singer SiR has returned with Heavy, his first album in nearly five years, via Top Dawg Entertainment
The 16-track offering includes the previously shared songs “Satisfaction,” “Life Is Good” featuring Scribz Riley, “Nothing Even Matters,” “No Evil” and “Karma” featuring Isaiah Rashad. The project features additional appearances from Anderson .Paak, Ty Dolla $ign and Ab-Soul.

As the album’s title suggests, Heavy explores weighty topics like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship woes. While SiR unpacks some of his most vulnerable experiences over the last few years, he lightens the mood with songs like standout “Poetry In Motion” featuring Anderson .Paak, the previously mentioned “Life Is Good” and the closing track “Brighter.”

Stream SiR’s new album Heavy HERE


#HipHopNews: Lil Baby Denies Speculation About Him Wearing Nail Polish, Calls Out DJ Akademiks
Lil Baby teased new music across his social media accounts. While the reactions primarily consisted of praise and fans arguing that the snippet sounded like his old tones, one particular person prompted the rapper to respond.

Taking to Twitter, DJ Akademiks claimed that Baby was wearing nail polish in the accompanying preview clip. He wrote, “[This] n**ga ain’t been the same since [them] Michael Rubin parties… I know his nails [are] not painted… Man, [what’s] going on in rap?”

The “Emotionally Scarred” hitmaker denied the speculation via his Instagram Story. His post read, “Y’all blogs gotta stop posting just anything! I ain’t painting my [motherf**king] nails! At this point, y’all gotta see n**gas like [Akademiks] got an agenda! Miss me with that weird s**t!” Baby further emphasized that he was serious by writing, “No LOL” — short for “laughing out loud.”

Several Hip Hop artists have been spotted wearing nail polish over the years, including YoungBoy Never Broke Again, ASAP Rocky, Trippie Red and Tyler, the Creator. Notably, Lil Yachty launched his own nail paint line, Crete, in 2021. Additionally, Drake defended himself against “homophobic” remarks after rocking pink nails in July 2023.

Baby and Akademiks previously traded shots at each other in 2022. “Akademiks know he ain’t as rich as me,” the Grammy Award winner spat on the track “From Now On” from It’s Only Me. He also dissed the internet personality on “Top Priority” with lyrics like, “Akademiks n**gas think they can’t get touched/ I don’t be on computers much.”
On the music side, Baby debuted “350” and “Crazy” in December 2023. He also announced that he’s working on his next studio album. The rapper’s latest LP, It’s Only Me, landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon release. It contained fan favorites such as “Forever” with Fridayy and “In A Minute.”


Lizzo Says "I Quit" In Regards To Music In New Instagram Post

Lizzo appears to be retiring from music. In a shocking social media post on Friday (March 29), the multi-platinum pop superstar asserted, “I Quit,” after telling fans about her recent experiences.
Lizzo started the post by saying, “I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet. All I want is to make music, make people happy, and help the world be a little better than how I found it.”

She continued, “But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it. I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout and views. Being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look… my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.”

“I didn’t sign up for this s**t,” she concluded. “I QUIT.”
One fan commented, “Don’t quit, G. We love you! I LOVE YOU! I’m super inspired by you, babe.” Another fan who seemingly did not believe her stated, “When does ‘I Quit’ come out on Spotify?”

Lizzo has had a tough year following a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, that accused the singer of creating a hostile work environment and sexually harassing three former dancers. Notably, one dancer claimed that the singer called attention to her weight gain and later terminated her after she recorded a meeting due to a health issue.
As reported by NBC, the court documents also contained an allegation of Lizzo pressuring her team members to interact with a nude performer at an Amsterdam club. Outside of the lawsuit, the “About D**n Time” songstress has been vocal about her criticism from fans.

When asked what people think about her target audience, she said, “I am not making music for white people. I am a Black woman, I am making music from my Black experience, for me to heal myself [from] the experience we call life.”


Gypsy Rose Blanchard Splits From Husband Ryan Scott Anderson 3 Months After Prison Release
Gypsy Rose Blanchard took to social media to announce she has split from her husband Ryan Scott Anderson.
The news comes three months after Gypsy was released from prison, where she served more than eight years for plotting the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas “Nick” Godejohn.
Gypsy had a jailhouse romance with Ryan, a Louisiana middle school special education teacher, and the two tied the knot in July 2022.

In a statement, written on her private Facebook account, Gypsy Rose offered this update:
People have been asking what is going on in my life.
Unfortunately, my husband and I are going through a separation and I moved in with my parents home down the bayou.
I have the support of my family and friends to help guide me through this.
I am learning to listen to my heart.
Right now I need time to let myself find… who I am.

Now, it wasn’t that long ago that Gypsy Rose Blanchard was in the streets of social media bragging about how Ryan Scott Anderson’s “D was fire.”


Jerrod Carmichael Reveals He Fell In Love With Tyler The Creator

In the premiere episode of “The Jerrod Carmichael Show” the comedian and actor revealed he fell in love with his bestie, Tyler The Creator.

Jerrod said in the opening scene: I fell in love with my best friend. One out of 10 – don’t recommend. I knew I had to tell him.
Things started getting kind of weird between us. I had these feelings.
So, I texted him…I remember saying, ‘I know you didn’t ask for this, but somewhere down the line I developed feelings for you and I don’t know what to do with that.’

And then I immediately turned my phone off and went into therapy.
Jerrod Carmichael revealed Tyler sent him a voice note that said, “Ha ha ha, you stupid b—!“
As the episode progressed, things only got more awkward as Jerrod Carmichael had a sit down with Tyler The Creator to address his feelings for him and the weirdness it introduced to their friendship.

Tyler, who clearly didn’t know how to deal with the situation, was totally out of his comfort zone and he ultimately re-friend zoned Jerrod by telling him he’s a brother/family to him.
As you can imagine, Jerrod Carmichael’s revelation about falling in love with Tyler The Creator and watching the awkwardness of it all play out on scene had the streets of Twitter buzzing.


Cardi B Left Red-Faced After Embarrassing Encounter With Rihanna And Paris Hilton
Cardi B recently met with Rihanna and Paris Hilton at Jason Lee's Hollywood party. During a live stream with fans afterward, Cardi shared an embarrassing incident that occurred during her interactions with the celebrities.
"I'm talking to Paris Hilton. I'm talking to Rihanna and everything. I'm smiling because you know when I smile like I get nervous," she recalled. "I'm all up in Paris Hilton's face and everything because we're sitting like right across, like right next to each other."

She thought everything went well until the party was over. "You know when I f**king went home, you know what I noticed? That I have something black right here," she pointed at her teeth. "I noticed I had something black in my f**king teeth the whole f**king time."
Cardi previously commented on the possibility of collaborating with Rihanna in the future. However, she expressed reservations, saying, "I love Rihanna's music, but I don't make music like that."

"I sound kinda stupid trying to sing like that. I sound stupid trying to make music like that. So, if I ever get that perfect record, I can not wait until I feel like, 'This song…I know she's going to like it.' I don't want to send her nothing like, 'Ho, what the f**k is this s**t? Take this thing out of my face.'


Nickelodeon Star Matthew Underwood Reveals He's Sexually Abused By His Agent

In the wake of the release of Investigation Discovery's "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," former child actor Matthew Underwood has spoken out about his own experiences of abuse as a kid while he was still in the industry.
Underwood, known for his role in Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101," revealed on Instagram that he had been mistreated by multiple people while working as a teen actor. He shared that he had lost close friends after being molested by their stepfather at the age of 12 and his agent had crushed his self-esteem with sexual assault at 19, leading him to leave Los Angeles and give up acting.

While he acknowledged that many were expecting him to respond to the "Quiet on Set" docu-series, Underwood stated that he had "nothing to add to the conversation" because he "never had a bad experience on set of a Nickelodeon show" and "never had a bad experience" with producer Dan Schneider.
He emphasized that his decision to remain silent had been personal and for good reasons, "Just because a person doesn't shout from the rooftops that pedophiles are bad or that people can suck - that does not mean they don't have their own reasons for staying silent."

Underwood stated that he had no desire or expectation to work with Dan Schneider again. His goal was to encourage others to believe in the possibility of redemption and to support those who were being harassed for their silence.
"Please stop wishing death upon my family and please reconsider harassing other actors who wish to maintain their privacy - you never know who has already been a victim of the hell you’re wishing upon them," he pleaded.


Chance Perdomo, ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Gen V’ Star, Dies at 27
Chance Perdomo, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Gen V star, has died. He was 27.
The actor died as a result of a motorcycle accident, his representatives told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. Nobody else was involved in the accident.

“His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest,” a statement from his reps said. “We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”

Most recently, Perdomo starred in Prime Video’s The Boys spinoff, Gen V, which saw him take on the role of Andre Anderson, a popular student at Godolkin University who is capable of magnetically manipulating things.
“We can’t quite wrap our heads around this,” the producers of the series shared in a statement. “For those of us who knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, lovely person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the loss of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”

In their own statement, Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television, which also produces Gen V, wrote, “The entire Gen V family is devastated by the sudden passing of Chance Perdomo. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chance’s family and all who loved him at this difficult time.”
Gen V arrived in late September amid the actors strike and went on to be a hit with critics, quickly earning a season two renewal weeks after it debuted. However, Amazon said it would be pushing the production start date of the second installment, which had been expected to begin filming this April.

Prior to the Prime Video series, the actor portrayed the lovable Ambrose Spellman, Sabrina’s (Kiernan Shipka) cousin, in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. His character often acted as Sabrina’s conscience as well as her accomplice, often keeping secrets for her, despite being worried her practices may put her at risk.
Chance Perdomo was born on Oct. 19, 1996, in Los Angeles but raised in Southampton, England, after moving there with his mother. He originally intended to study law after graduating from college but decided to pursue acting instead. He moved to London, where he joined the National Youth Theatre and later trained at the Identity School of Acting.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina marked the actor’s first major role. He previously told THR that one of his first auditions was for the part of Jughead Jones in Riverdale, which eventually went to Cole Sprouse. However, Perdomo stood out to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who created both Sabrina and Riverdale, and he cast him as Ambrose.
“[I] did some self-tapes, and I got quite a few rounds and I had no idea how close I got,” the actor said. “They kept me in mind, and I had no idea until later Roberto was like, ‘Brother, do you know how close you got? … It was almost you.'”

Despite losing out on the role, Perdomo shared he had no hard feelings toward Sprouse. “I’m not even mad,” he said. “I grew up watching Cole Sprouse and his brother [Dylan Sprouse], and to have come close and lose it to one of the people I used to watch, it’s good.”
In addition to his major TV roles, the Gen V star had a recurring part in the After film series, portraying Landon Gibson. He also made appearances in Midsomer Murders, Killed by My Debt, for which he received a BAFTA nom, Hetty Feather and Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo's untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident," his family and reps said in a joint statement to E! News March 30. "Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved."
The statement continued, "His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the family's wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother."

The actor, who also appeared on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, had shared a photo of a motorcycle on his Instagram two weeks before his death. He captioned his March 17 post, "Day 77. Final calm before storm. #backontheroad."
Perdomo was born in Los Angeles and raised in England. He began his onscreen acting career almost a decade ago.

After appearing in the 2018 BBC film Killed by My Debt, which earned him a BAFTA nomination, he went on to play Ambrose Spellman, Sabrina Spellman's British warlock cousin, on the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
After the show ended its four-season run in 2020, he played Landon in the last three films of After romantic drama movie series, most recently After Everything, released in 2023. Gen V debuted in September of that year, with him playing Andre Anderson, a "supe" college student with magnetic manipulation powers.

This year, Perdomo finished filming the action-comedy movie Bad Man with Seann William Scott and Rob Riggle and also began preparing for production on season two of Gen V.
"We can't quite wrap our heads around this," the producers of the series shared in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. "For those of us who knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, lovely person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn't make sense."

They added, "We are so sorry for Chance's family, and we are grieving the loss of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight."


American YouTuber reportedly kidnapped by gang in Haiti

An American YouTube personally has apparently found himself in a perilous situation after traveling to Haiti. Addison Pierre Maalouf, widely recognized as YourFellowArab, went to the country to interview Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier, the infamous leader of G9 Family and Allies. Within 24 hours of arriving, Maalouf and his Haitian colleague were abducted by members of the 400 Mawozo gang on March 14. Held for a staggering $600,000 ransom, Maalouf's captors have already received $40,000, but persist in demanding a substantial sum for his release.

“Tried keeping it private for two weeks, but it’s getting out everywhere now," wrote streamer Lalem on social media on Thursday (March 28). "Yes, Arab has been kidnapped in Haiti and we’re working on getting him out. Love y'all, he’ll be out soon." Lalem also shared Maalouf's last video, wherein he cautioned viewers about gang dominance in the area. "This is the last video he recorded before he got kidnapped. If you have his number, please don’t text him while he’s in there for safety reasons," he added.

Another YouTuber, Miles "Lord Miles" Routledge, also chimed in on the crisis and stated that he had direct communication with Maalouf via a captor’s phone. "Arab went in with Sean Roubens Jean Sacra, a fixer in Haiti, who Arab met up [with] in the Dominican Republic." He tweeted in a lengthy thread. "Sean has also been kidnapped. Sean was the fixer for the excellent YouTuber ChrisMustList and many others. Arab entered the country 10 days ago to film the riots." He then claimed that Maalouf is being kept “in a cage in a place on the eastern outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince.”

Routledge continued, "Some of Arab’s friends have privately, and now publicly, said some negative things about him going to Haiti. I don't appreciate this one bit. I'm nowhere close to Arab but he was trying to bring good content about a collapsing part of the world. He does not need this right now."


Will Smith addresses the public’s misjudgment of his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith
Will Smith has more to say about his and Jada Pinkett Smith’s enduring relationship. For some, that may be hard to believe given the onslaught of headlines the famous couple sparked after the actress revealed she and the Hollywood A-lister had been separated since 2016 — before his controversial night at the Oscars in 2022.

From the infamous entanglement to them living their lives separately but still together as life partners, the duo of almost 27 years both gave their accounts of life’s tribulations in their respective memoirs, “Will” and Jada’s “Worthy,” yet there is more to be unveiled. And despite matters of the heart being deeply personal, the actor would not have it any other way than carefully sharing it with the masses. He said just that in his new interview for “360 with Speedy.”

“I actually did intend for them to be that way. I want my life to be helpful,” said the seasoned entertainer after being asked about the dizzying frenzy he and his wife faced last year. Admittedly so, Will added, “the only misjudgment I felt of that is that the world wouldn’t be gentle.”

He continued, “I want my life to be examined, and if I can learn something that will help you, if I can say something in this interview that when you leave, you’re like, ‘D**n, that was great,’ Will got bitten down, you know, that road; now Speedy don’t have to go down that one, right. So, there certainly can be more artistry in the delivery of the gift, but I want to be able to talk about the things I’ve done right [and] the things I’ve done wrong and be able to deliver them for people to look at, you know. To me, an unexamined life is almost worthless, you know.”

The Bad Boys: Ride or Die star then teased that 2024 will more than likely follow-up on the intimate revelations of his and Jada’s shared lives. “I’m gonna do it more artfully this year… I’m certainly going to be a little more delicate with it, but to me, the process of evolving and elevating and learning how to love, and learning how to share, and learning how to interact — that’s what we’re all doing, you know,” said the Academy Award winner.

Moreover, he is confident that his business being blasted in front of the world does not give others a leg up. He noted, “Even though a lot of my stuff may be public, it’s like ain’t nobody doing better than me. It’s like people just don’t know your stuff. So, to me, I’m built for it, I’m built for it. My goal is for my life and my experience to be firewood on… everybody’s dreams… use it to learn and grow… and evolve and I ain’t taking it with me anyway.”

Catch the full interview HERE


Ramy Youssef Calls for the End of Israel & Palestine's Conflict During 'SNL' Opening Monologue

Ramy Youssef called for an end in the conflict between Israel and Palestine during his opening monologue on the March 30 episode of Saturday Night Live.

The comedian and Poor Things actor is hosting the latest episode of the popular late-night show, which features musical guest Travis Scott.
During his monologue, Ramy addressed the conflict and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

After joking about the upcoming presidential election, Ramy reflected on the power of prayer.
“All I have is prayers. That’s all I can do right now. In my friend group, I’m one of the only guys who prays. I’m friends with a lot of sinners,” he joked. He added that his friends call to ask for prayers.
For instance, one friend called to ask for support while he was in a custody battle over his dog. Another called to discuss a more serious subject.

“His whole family’s in Gaza. He goes, ‘Ramy, they’re suffering. I don’t know where half of them are. I don’t know what to do. Please, pray for them. It’s the only thing we can do,’” he recalled.
Ramy reflected on his prayers that night: “Please free the people of Palestine, please,” he said. “And please free the hostages. All the hostages.”

He continued, saying, “And while you’re it, free Mr. Bojangles. He’s a beautiful dog. I’m praying for that dog.
Ramy was one of many stars to call for a ceasefire in a meaningful way while attending the 2024 Oscars this month.


Daphne Joy Accuses Ex 50 Cent of 'Raping' and 'Physically Abusing' Her: 'You Are No Longer My Oppressor'
"The most recent false and baseless accusations by Daphne Joy are clearly in response to my decision to seek sole custody of my son," a representative for the rapper shared with PEOPLE
Daphne Joy has accused her ex, 50 Cent, of physically and sexually assaulting her.

In an Instagram posted Thursday, Joy, 37 directly addressed her ex 50 Cent, 48, by putting his full legal name — Curtis James Jackson — at the top of the post. They share a 12-year-old son, Sire, together.
"Let's put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me. You are no longer my oppressor and my God will handle you from this point on," she wrote. Jackson has denied the claims.

"You have permanently damaged the last hope I had for you as a father to preserve our family with these last and final false claims made against me. You have broken our hearts for the last and final time."
Joy’s claims have come following 50 Cent's decision to pursue sole custody of their son, Sire. According to the rapper's representative, 50 Cent is doing so because of the allegations in Rodney Jones’ lawsuit against Diddy that Joy worked as a sex worker.

A representative for the rapper shared the below statement:
"The disturbing allegations in the sworn pleadings recently filed in a court case related to Daphne Joy, the mother of my twelve year old child, has required me to take all necessary legal actions to protect my son Sire. The most recent false and baseless accusations by Daphne Joy are clearly in response to my decision to seek sole custody of my son. My son Sire is my main priority and keeping him in a safe environment is my only focus at this time."

In response, Joy posted on Instagram, "Family court, great!"

"He lacks a father figure in his life and needs male guidance. You're finally catching on," she added.
In addition to accusing 50 Cent of rape and abuse, Joy also called out her ex for his jokes about the ongoing allegations of rape and sex trafficking against Diddy.

"Everything is a joke to you until our safety is compromised, which is happening now. You are wreaking real havoc, frenzy, and chaos onto people's lives. How would u feel if Sire was the one in handcuffs? For nothing," she wrote.
The actress continued to discuss the rapper's relationship with their son, Sire. "We moved to New York to give you the opportunity to be a father to your son and you saw him 10 times out of the 2 years that we lived 1 mile away from you," alleged Joy. "I am tired of upholding and protecting an image to our son that you have never even earned."

Back in 2013, 50 Cent was charged with domestic violence against Joy and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor vandalism stemming from an incident where he allegedly kicked Joy in the stomach and destroyed her property during an argument. The rapper struck a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors for three years' probation and 30 days of community service.

In a separate Instagram post on Thursday, Joy refuted allegations made by producer Rodney Jones' in a sex trafficking lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs that she a sex worker.
"I am deeply hurt by the lies in Rodney Jones' lawsuit. The claim that I am sex worker is 100% false and character assassination," she wrote. "I am retaining an attorney to explore all legal remedies against both Rodney and his attorney."

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.


LSU’s Angel Reese: UCLA Coach Caused Chaos – Kim Mulkey Torches LA Times for ‘Good vs Evil Piece’

*LSU star Angel Reese revealed the ruckus during the handshake exchange following the Tigers’ 78-69 triumph over UCLA in the Sweet 16 game on Saturday sprouted from an assistant coach “getting a little too animated” and “talking a little crazy.”
The broadcast of the women’s basketball NCAA Tournament game seized the tense instance when Reese seemed to engage in dialogue with a member of the UCLA contingent.

Initial conjecture proposed Reese had a verbal altercation with Bruins’ head coach Cori Close, who seemed displeased with something Reese uttered toward the UCLA bench upon her exit from the game with only 30 seconds on the clock due to fouls. Nonetheless, Reese clarified that her remarks were aimed at an assistant coach.

“Oh no, she told me ‘good game,’” Reese elucidated when questioned about the incident during LSU’s postgame press conference. “It was another coach getting a little too animated.”

“It was another coach talking a little crazy.” When probed to expound further, Reese retorted with “Next question.”
The turmoil appeared to commence when Reese fouled out in the game’s waning moments. As she made her way to the bench, she glanced back and appeared to exchange words toward the UCLA bench.
An impassioned Close approached an official about the matter and reportedly expressed displeasure that a technical foul wasn’t called.

“That’s just not who we are,” Close remarked regarding Reese’s allegations after the game. “I don’t want to say anything about Angel. I will only speak to what the Bruins are, and the Bruins are classy, speaking life into each other. And we are not gonna give that any – we would never do that, and especially, it would never come from one of my coaches … absolutely not.”

In the game, Flau’jae Johnson tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Reese notched her 26th double-double of the season, propelling LSU closer to a second consecutive title.

In the meantime, let’s delve into LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s response to the Los Angeles Times. After the defending national champions rallied to defeat UCLA and progress to the Elite Eight in the women’s basketball NCAA Tournament, Mulkey fired back at the Times for what she deemed a “sexist” commentary by writer Ben Bolch. The column depicted the Sweet 16 showdown as “good versus evil. Right versus wrong. Inclusive versus divisive.”

One paragraph that particularly irked Mulkey reads, “Do you prefer America’s sweethearts or its dirty debutantes? Milk and cookies or Louisiana hot sauce.”
“The one thing I’m not going to let you do, I’m not going to let you attack young people, and there were some things in this commentary, guys, that you should be offended by as women. It was so sexist, and they don’t even know it,” Mulkey voiced.

“It was good versus evil in that game today. Evil? Called us dirty debutants? Take your phone out right now and Google dirty debutants and tell me what it says. Dirty debutantes? Are you kidding me? I’m not going to let you talk about 18-to-21-year-old kids in that tone.”


Brandy Reveals That She Is Open To Doing A Reunion Special With Her “Moesha” Co-Stars: “I Would Actually Love That”
Brandy is all in for a “Moesha” cast reunion! At her Stella Rosa Brandy tasting in Houston on Wednesday, Brandy caught up with Page Six, sharing her enthusiasm for a potential reunion with her “Moesha” co-stars, despite not having seen them in quite some time.

“I would actually love that,” the actress and singer expressed. “I haven’t seen the cast in a long time, and I would love to catch up with everyone and see what they’re up to.”
Brandy also admitted that she hasn’t kept in touch with her former cast members but continues to be “very supportive” of them from afar.

Best known for her role as Moesha Mitchell, Brandy starred in the beloved series from 1996 to 2001, alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph, Shar Jackson, William Allen Young, Countess Vaughn, Marcus T. Paulk, Fredro Starr, and the late Lamont Bentley and Yvette Wilson.
At the event, Brandy, who has recently become the face of Stella Rosa’s brandy line, revealed her daughter has tried all three new flavors: Smooth Black, Honey Peach, and Tropical Passion.

“She came to a Stella Rosa event a few months back. Her favorite is Honey Peach, which she loves,” Brandy shared. “Though I don’t want her to love it too much, since I’m still the mom!”
Brandy explained her partnership with Stella Rosa was a natural fit, aligning with her family values and the belief that drinks can bring people together.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Confusing AF

A muscular woman or a girl like man?


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM

3/28/24

The Daily Buzz For Mar 29☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Iman for Harper's Bazaar Arabia March 2024!

Here at the The Chronicles, we do love whenever our fave fashion glossies hear our pleas for supermodel covers. Hearing those pleas loud and clear this month is Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Back in January, the Arabian fashion title shockingly published Adriana Lima looking unrecognizable as their cover star but redeems themselves immensely with the unveiling of their March 2024 installment. Olivia Phillips welcomes none other than the icon, the living legend and modeling royalty that is Iman as Bazaar Arabia’s latest cover star. Photographic duo AB+DM and stylist Ayumi Perry team up to profile the trailblazing Somali-American beauty, who wears an embroidered look from Sabato De Sarno’s debut Spring 2024 Gucci collection in the striking portrait cover photograph.
“Aaaaahh yes!! Long live the queen!” heralded oaklee91.
“This is so beautiful. This magazine is so much better than Vogue Arabia,” caioherrero chimed in.
Blueorchid commented: “Iman looks better here than she did on her British Vogue cover last year. Recognizable, at least!”

“My sentiments exactly,” vogue28 replied in total agreement. ” A million times more flattering than Iman’s British Vogue cover appearance, and better executed too. Here, the makeup is far more complimentary, especially the eye makeup which I thought was horrendous for British Vogue. All of this just feels so tasteful.”

TerraVera raved: “Oh my goodness, this is beautiful! Gorgeous! Stunning! Iman is regal here. Great job Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. You knocked it out of the park!”
“Gorgeous,” was the word tFS forum member miyawaki used to describe the outcome, and we couldn’t possibly agree more.
See more of Iman as Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s March 2024 cover star, here.


Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar-winning actor from 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., who became the first Black man to win the Oscar for best supporting actor for playing a no-nonsense drill sergeant in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982), has died, his family said Friday.

He was 87
"It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning," the actor's family said in a statement. "We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."

In an acting career that spanned six decades, Gossett appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, including the film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) and big-screen spectacles like “The Deep” (1977).
He won an Emmy for playing the old slave Fiddler in the seminal ABC miniseries “Roots” (1977), acting in three of the program’s eight episodes. He delivered a memorable late-career turn in HBO’s “Watchmen” (2019), playing a former vigilante known as Hooded Justice.

But his portrayal of the tough-as-nails Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” a romantic drama co-starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, cemented him deepest in the public consciousness.
“There’s a love-hate relationship between the sergeant and his trainees,” Roger Ebert wrote in his review. “Lou Gossett Jr. does such a fine job of fine-tuning the line between his professional standards and his personal emotions that the performance deserves its Academy Award.”

Gossett’s triumph at the 55th Academy Awards in 1983 made him only the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, 19 years after Sidney Poitier won for his leading role in “Lilies of the Field.”
Louis Gossett Jr. was born May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. He was drawn to athletics as a kid, especially basketball, but an injury kept him from playing for a time and led him to another pursuit: stage acting.

When he was in high school, a teacher encouraged him to try out for a play — and that audition resulted in his Broadway debut in the 1953 production of “Take a Giant Step,” a coming-of-age tale about a Black teenager growing up in a predominantly white community.

He graduated from high school a year later and then enrolled at New York University. He continued to pick up acting gigs along the way, including a role in the Broadway version of “The Desk Set,” as well as small parts on television shows.
Gossett’s most notable stage credit was in the original cast of “A Raisin in the Sun,” a classic play about a Black family searching for a better life. Gossett portrayed the wealthy and pretentious George Murchison, a role he reprised in the 1961 movie version directed by Daniel Petrie.

He continued to act in Broadway and off-Broadway productions during the 1960s. He made his second major film appearance in Hal Ashby’s dark comedy “The Landlord,” released in 1970. The same year, he co-starred on the short-lived TV series “The Young Rebels.”
Gossett landed roles in several lesser-known movies during the early ‘70s, including “Skin Game” (1971), George Cukor’s “Travels With My Aunt” (1972) and “The Laughing Policeman” (1973). He played a drug kingpin in “The Deep,” adapted from a novel by “Jaws” author Peter Benchley.

“Roots,” a sweeping chronicle of the evils of slavery, raised Gossett’s profile, landing him an Emmy in September 1977. Gossett’s fellow nominees in his category were all members of the “Roots” ensemble: John Amos, LeVar Burton and Ben Vereen. (The series itself claimed six awards, including best limited series.)

Gossett reprised the role of Fiddler in the 1988 television movie “Roots: The Gift.”
“An Officer and a Gentleman” propelled Gossett to national acclaim. He underwent rigorous training for the role, spending 10 days at a school for drill instructors at Camp Pendleton in California, where he marched, ran and practiced karate from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

He was thrilled to receive an Oscar nomination, but he was convinced the supporting actor prize would go to industry veterans Robert Preston (“Victor/Victoria”) or James Mason (“The Verdict”).
When presenters Christopher Reeve and Susan Sarandon called his name from the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Gossett’s agent jabbed him in the chest, the actor recalled in 2018. “They said your name,” the agent said.

“I got up as smooth as I possibly could, trying to figure out what I was going to say,” Gossett recalled in an interview with the Television Academy.
Gossett was disappointed that bigger film parts did not follow his Oscar victory.

“I was left with a lot of time on my hands” after the Academy Award, Gossett told The New York Times in 1989. “I thought I’d get a lot of offers — and they didn’t come.”
“I let myself become bitter, resentful,” he added. “I was my own worst enemy. I said to myself, ‘What more can I do? Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?’ I started to self-destruct.”

He started to abuse alcohol, cocaine and marijuana. “I had an Oscar, an Emmy, and yet I had this big hole in my soul,” Gossett told the Times.
Eventually, Gossett entered a residential drug-treatment program in Los Angeles and stopped using drugs, according to the profile in the Times. The path to sobriety was “very humbling and necessary, a very positive time,” he said.

Gossett was a ubiquitous and dependable presence on the big and small screens for decades to come — quietly commanding, sometimes intimidating, sometimes soulful.
He acted in genre-spanning films such as “Jaws 3-D” (1983), “Enemy Mine” (1985), “The Principal” (1987), “The Punisher” (1989), “Toy Soldiers” (1991), “Diggstown” (1992), “Blue Chips” (1994) and a string of under-the-radar indie movies from 2000-2010.

He frequently cropped up on television, guest-starring on episodes of “Touched by an Angel,” “ER,” “Psych,” “Boardwalk Empire.” He recently played a small but pivotal role as a legendary attorney accused of sexual misconduct on the Paramount+ series “The Good Fight.”
“Watchmen,” Damon Lindelof’s celebrated limited series based on the landmark DC Comics series of the same name, gave Gossett one of his most distinctive late-period roles. He was the enigmatic Will Reeves, grandfather of the show’s hero, Angela Abar, played by Regina King.

Gossett's final run of roles included Ol' Mister Johnson in the 2023 film musical version of "The Color Purple" and a voice part in the John Krasinski-directed fantasy "IF," scheduled for release in May.



#RHOA: Porsha Williams Reveals Reasons for Simon Guobadia Divorce: ‘Criminal History, Questionable Immigration’
The divorce between Porsha Williams and her estranged husband, Simon Guobadia, is getting messier by the day. Porsha reclaimed her peach for the upcoming Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. But she filed for divorce after just 15 months of marriage. Initially, a source claimed that Porsha’s decision wasn’t related to shocking allegations about Simon’s past.

Simon was reportedly involved in several financial crimes. He is also weathering a complex immigration case that could result in his deportation. And the relationship between Porsha and Simon has continued to worsen.

Porsha’s estranged husband requested a restraining order against her. Simon claimed that Porsha brought a gunman into their home. In turn, Porsha accused Simon of having the locks changed on their house while he was in Dubai.

Porsha reveals the reason that she and Simon split
Radar Online obtained legal papers in which Porsha requested that the judge deny Simon’s appeal for access to their mansion. According to Porsha, their prenup stipulated that Simon would leave the residence within 30 days of a divorce filing. He wasn’t cooperative.

In her newest filing, Porsha protested Simon’s request to have exclusive use of the residence. And despite what sources previously said, Simon’s past did play a role in the end of their marriage.
Porsha’s filing read in part, “The media frenzy that ensued was solely a result of Husband’s actions, which included revelations about Husband’s criminal history, questionable immigration, and allegations of fraud. Wife shows that the news reports of Husband’s alleged immigration fraud, and what appeared to be an imminent threat of deportation, were shocking and affected Wife’s mental and emotional wellbeing,” the documents read. Porsha also alleged that she previously asked Simon about his criminal history and immigration status, but he never shared any of these details.

In the legal documents, Porsha’s lawyer wrote, “Since learning of Husband’s checkered immigration history and status, Wife began to question everything that she initially believed to be true as it relates to her Husband’s character, immigration, business dealings, etc, and began to uncover additional information that Husband failed to disclose to Wife.”


#MusicNews: SZA Is Reportedly Starting 'LANA' "From Scratch" Due To Leaks!

It appears that SZA’s forthcoming project, LANA, will be out on a much later date than expected.
In a now-deleted tweet on Monday (March 25) night, the artist wrote, “So, we’ll make this really simple. Y’all leaked three songs from the deluxe. At this point, y’all can keep the throwaways and leaks. I’ll be starting LANA from scratch. Do not ask me about it again. Thank you.”
Luckily, SZA revealed that she won’t be leaving fans without music altogether. “I’ll round up the leaks y’all already got, and [you all] can have those. Seems like a fair deal. ENJOY,” the artist added.

In January, the TDE songstress expressed frustration over her music being shared online illegally. She also threatened to take legal action against the person responsible for distributing her unauthorized songs.

“LEAKING MY MUSIC IS STEALING. THIS IS MY JOB. THIS IS MY LIFE AND MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY,” she shared on Twitter. “YOU ARE A F**KING THIEF, AND I PROMISE TO PUT MAXIMUM ENERGY INTO HOLDING EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. I AM TIRED.”
The singer’s manager, Punch, subsequently weighed in. His post read, “When music leaks, it often [leads] to delays and/or canceling whole projects.”

LANA was initially intended to include seven to 10 new records. However, with parts of the project being illegally uploaded and SZA redoing the LP, the number of songs may change.

In 2022, SZA released her chart-topping album, SOS. It contained standout cuts like “Snooze,” “Nobody Gets Me,” and “Open Arms.” Meanwhile, Travis Scott, the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Don Toliver also made guest appearances. “Ghost In The Machine” with Phoebe Bridgers won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, while “Snooze” took home Best R&B Song.

To celebrate the LP’s one-year anniversary, SZA shared six possible covers for LANA on her Instagram.


#HipHopNews: Metro Boomin Addresses Speculation About Drake And Future's Alleged Beef: "Stop Making Stuff Up"
Metro Boomin responded to rumors of a rift between Drake and Future, specifically a theory that their supposed conflict involved a woman, whom many also credited for inspiring the Atlanta rapper’s “Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana).”

Taking to Twitter, Metro urged, “Y’all n**gas [need to] stop making stuff up for engagement and enjoy the music,” without clarifying whether he was refuting the presumed beef itself or its alleged cause.

Speculation about Future and Drake’s relationship escalated following the release of WE DON’T TRUST YOU last Friday (March 22). The album featured pointed lyrics from Kendrick Lamar targeting the Toronto native and J. Cole.
Additionally, the “Mask On” hitmaker seemingly took shots at Drake on the LP’s title track. In “We Don’t Trust You,” Future rapped, “You a n**ga No. 1 fan, dog/ Sneak dissin’, I don’t understand, dog/ Pillow talkin’, actin’ like a fed, dog/ I don’t need another fake friend, dog/ Can’t be ’bout a h**, ’cause we sharin’, dog/ In your feelings, n**ga, why you playin’, dog?”

Despite the interpretations, Drake and Future have worked together a lot since their first collaboration, 2011’s “Tony Montana.” They released their joint mixtape, What a Time To Be Alive, in 2015. The project spawned hits like “Diamonds Dancing,” “Jumpman,” and “Digital Dash.” Additionally, the pair teamed up on hits like “Used to This,” “Life Is Good,” and “WAIT FOR U.”

On the other hand, Metro and Drake appeared to trade shots with one another in December 2023. The beatmaker accused Her Loss of winning over HEROES & VILLAINS at award shows due to industry politics in a now-deleted Twitter post. The self-proclaimed 6 God subsequently took a jab at “tweet and deleters” during a Kick livestream that same month.
“To the rest of you — the non-believers, the underachievers, the tweet and deleters — you guys make me sick to my stomach, fam,” Drake stated. “Look at my eyes. You guys wanna do something? That’s what I thought.”


Beyonce May Feature Cover Of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' In 'Cowboy Carter'

On Wednesday, March 27, the 42-year-old superstar made use of her Instagram account to upload a photo, which seemingly featured the tracklist of "Cowboy Carter". The snap apparently showed titles of songs, which she may include in the forthcoming set, and messages that read, "Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit" and "Brought to you by KNTRY Radio Texas."

In the poster, Queen Bey included "Jolene", sparking speculations that she is set to feature a cover of the track. The colorful graphic also featured "The Linda Martell Show", which is believed by many to be a collaborative song with Linda Martell.
Aside from "Jolene" and "The Linda Martell Show", the poster featured her previously released singles "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em". It also mentioned other potential song titles, including "American Requiem", "Blackbird", "Protector", "My Rose", "Smoke Hour", "Bodyguard", "Dolly P", "Daughter", "Spaghetti" and "Alligator Tears".

Beyonce is slated to release "Cowboy Carter" on March 29. Before dropping the country album, Queen Bey unleashed "Texas Hold 'Em", which made her the first black woman to ever reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart. The track later arrived atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 19.2 million official streams and 39,000 in sales in the U.S. through February 15.

The "Halo" songstress also has launched "16 Carriages", which entered Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart and landed at No. 9 on the tally dated February 24. The track had 10.3 million streams, 90,000 in radio reach and 14,000 in sales. She dropped "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" simultaneously during the Super Bowl on February 11.


Former Diddy Dancer Claims She Avoids Rapper 'At All Costs' After 'Horrific' Experience
More people have come out with damning stories about their experiences with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Following raids on the rapper's two homes, his former dancer Tanika Ray has claimed that she avoids him "at all costs" for years following a "horrific" incident with him.

Tanika, who was a backup dancer for Diddy in the '90s, said in a video on Wednesday, March 27, "Oh yeah, you know we all have stories... Seriously we all have stories. Mine is horrific and only five people know it, and I probably will never tell it. But since then, I've been like, 'Yup.' "
"Oh yeah women hold a lot in order to function everyday in a man's world," the former "Extra" host added. "Unfortch we can compartmentalization out pain and carry on. We utilize the experience as a lesson and move differently. If I told my story in 1996 then What??"

She added, "I just knew to avoid him at all costs. Yes I danced for him and kept my space. I was on the Vote or die airplane and kept my space. I interviewed him for his projects and kept my space. Nothing that is happening is surprising."
"Shame on me maybe for prioritizing my mental health some would say," she admitted. "But after working in a place that snatches souls... mine is in tact and of the light. I saved myself. Now if someone needs me to pile on my story, give me a call. But I think Cassie got it!!"

Tanika spoke up after The Grio's creative director and former MSNBC host Toure recalled asking for help from Diddy for his relative. "I know this man well enough to call him and say, 'Hey, I need a favor,' " he said in an interview with Joy Reid on Tuesday night.
He added, "This might have been 10 or 12 years ago that I called him and said, 'Hey, I have a family member, who I want you to hire them as an intern.' And he said, 'Yes.' " However, his relative's internship with Diddy "stopped abruptly like three or four months into it."

"I spoke to my family member, like, 'What happened?' " Toure said. "And they wouldn't say... and years later, they finally came out - and this is a male - and said that Puff had said, 'Come home. Stay the night with me or the internship is over.' " Toure added of his relative's response to Diddy's offer, " 'Absolutely not.' And the internship ended."


Kenan Thompson Breaks Silence About 'Quiet On Set', Urges To 'Investigate More'

Kenan Thompson has spoken out about "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV". The "All That" alum shared about his time working with Dan Schneider on Nickelodeon during his appearance on "Tamron Hall Show".
"It's tough. It's a tough subject, you know?" Kenan told host Tamron Hall. "It's tough for me because I can't really speak on things that I never witnessed, you know what I'm saying? Because all these things happened after I left, basically."

Distancing himself from Dan, the "Saturday Night Live" alum explained, "Dan wasn't really on 'Kenan & Kel' like that. I mean, he got a 'created by' credit, but it was a different showrunner, so our worlds wasn't really overly overlapping like that outside of 'All That', necessarily."

He added, "And then all of that negativity kinda started happening outside of our tenure there, you know what I mean? So I wasn't really aware of a lot of it."
The comedian applauded the docuseries, noting that it's important for the victims of the alleged abuse. "I think it's a good thing that the doc is out and is putting things on display that need to be - stories that need to be told for accountability sake but it's definitely tough to watch because I have fond memories of that place," he shared.

"And I have fond memories of my co-stars and stuff like that, so, to hear that they've gone through terrible things like that, it's just, it's really tough," he said.

When Tamron said that the production company investigated all of the allegations, Kenan responded, "Well, investigate more! I mean because it's like, it's supposed to be a safe place you know? It's supposed to be a safe place for kids and to hear all about that it's just like, 'How dare you?' "

Yesterday, it was revealed that "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" will air a surprise fifth episode featuring a new interview with Drake Bell. Titled "Breaking the Silence", the bonus episode will delve "deeper into the toxic and dangerous culture" of some of the most iconic children's television shows in the 1990s and 2000s.

In addition to Drake, the episode will feature other former child actors from some of Nickelodeon's hit shows from the early 2000s. It will also build off "the revelations explored in the first four episodes" and include discussions with journalist Soledad O'Brien.
"Breaking the Silence" will air on April 7 on Investigation Discovery (ID) and then stream on Max.


Will Smith And Jada Pinkett’s Charity Is Reportedly Closing After The Infamous Oscars Slap
Will Smith’s infamous slap at the 2022 Academy Awards is still affecting his life. Variety broke the news Wednesday that the charity he opened with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, is allegedly closing.

The Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation was founded in 1996 to make the world “better because we touched it,” according to the website. The nonprofit focused on arts and education, empowerment, health and wellness, and sustainability.
While the charity experienced decades of success, according to Variety’s reviewed tax filings, after Will slapped Chris Rock, high-profile contributors to the foundation stopped.

The outlet reviewed tax records (via ProPublica) showing the foundation’s revenue dropped from $1,760,000 in 2020 and $2,138,660 in 2021 to $365,870 in 2022 - an 83% drop, including the withdrawal of donors like American Airlines, which donated $76,160 in 2021, and CAA, which contributed $100,000 in 2021.

As noted by the outlet, the Instagram for the foundation hasn’t shared anything since December 19, 2022.
A source close to the foundation told the outlet the couple was already winding down the foundation before the incident and has been focusing on privately giving the same amount to charitable causes. They note that in 2022, the foundation gave $100,000 to the American Film Institute and $2,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The foundation also donated money to Rebecoming and World Rebirth Foundation.

Their research also found expenditures such as office equipment and computers and $3,304 in “bank overdrawn” fees in 2022. An insider for the organization “cited a decline in staffing as evidence of the family moving away from the organization.” Variety notes that in 2021, they lowered the payment of their two staffers, and as of 2022, no paid staff worked at the organization.

But just because the foundation isn’t doing well, doesn’t mean the Smiths are worrying about money. Per a 2023 Variety report, Will is making his $25 million quote on both “Bad Boys 4” and Netflix’s “Fast and Loose.” The actor is however, still banned for from the prestigious awards ceremony.


Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling had 'a non-verbal agreement' she would stop acting to raise their kids: 'No-brainer'

Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling had 'a non-verbal agreement' she would stop acting to raise their kids: 'No-brainer'
Eva Mendes is giving some insight into her recent break from Hollywood.

During a recent appearance on "The Today Show," the actress, model and businesswoman let fans in on her relationship with her partner, Academy Award-nominated actor Ryan Gosling. Mendes admitted she "pretty much stopped acting after" starring in "The Place Beyond the Pines" in 2012, choosing to become a full-time mom instead.

"It was like a no-brainer. I'm so lucky, and I was like, if I can have this time with my children... and I still worked, I just didn't act because acting takes you on locations, it takes you away," she said on the show. "It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, 'Okay he's going to work and I'm going to work, I'm just going to work here.'"

Gosling and Mendes met while filming "Place Beyond the Pines," in which they played a couple with an infant son. Their on-screen chemistry soon translated into a real relationship off-camera, and they welcomed their first daughter, Esmeralda, in 2014, and their second daughter, Amada, in 2016.
Eva Mendes revealed she and Ryan Gosling had a "non-verbal agreement" that she would stay home with the kids.

The couple is notoriously private about their life as a family, but they have made it clear their two daughters are what is most important to them. A source recently told People magazine that the "Barbie" star and Mendes moved "a bit further north" away from Hollywood, in order to do what's best for their children.
"For them, the most important job is their girls. Everything else comes second," the source told the outlet. "And their girls are thriving. They left L.A. to live a bit further north, away from Hollywood. They didn't want the girls to grow up around other celebrity kids."

The source also shared, "Eva and Ryan love their life," adding that they have managed to find a way to "create balance and boundaries" in order to make their relationship work. They explained the two actors "care so much about their marriage and just want their girls to live a happy life." It's unclear, however, if the two are actually legally married.
Mendes praised Gosling's performance of "I'm Just Ken" at the Academy Awards earlier this month, posting a photo of herself on Instagram wearing the actor's bedazzled pink jacket, writing, "You took Ken all the way to the Oscar’s, RG. Now come home, we need to put the kids to bed."

Ryan Gosling performing at the Academy Awards in a pink suit.
Mendes praised Gosling's performance of "I'm Just Ken" at this year's Oscars.

"He went and he did his job. He just happens to be really good at his job, and he did it and he came home," she said on "The Today Show," before referencing her Instagram post, adding, "Because that's what it's about. You go, you do your job the best you can and then you come home."
When it comes to Gosling being good at his job, Mendes also discussed what it was like working with him on "Place Beyond the Pines," telling "The Today Show" that she's "never experienced anything like" Gosling's work ethic and adding, "Unfortunately — or fortunately — there is only one Ryan!"

Upon accepting the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January, Gosling looked back on his career, paying tribute to both Mendes and their children while reflecting on his life as a movie star.
"I got to meet the girl of my dreams, Eva Mendes," Ryan told the crowd at the event, E! News reported. "I have two dream children. I dreamed of one day making movies and now movies have made my life a dream."
Ryan Gosling at the Santa Barbara Film Festival wearing a black suit.

Gosling paid tribute to Mendes and their kids while accepting an award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January.
He continued, "So the way I see it, there's no way I've contributed half as much to cinema as cinema has contributed to me. But the idea that I might've given something back to the thing that has given so much to me is too great an honor for me to express."


Ice Cube explains why he offered Caitlin Clark $5 million to join BIG3
Earlier TMZ revealed that Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league submitted a $5 million offer to Caitlin Clark to join as a player. According to the publication, the NCAA point guard would only need to play eight regular season games and, if applicable, two playoff games to be guaranteed the money. Not only would there be "substantial additional compensation" through merchandising and sponsorships, the deal wouldn't come with an exclusivity clause -- meaning that Clark could play in the WNBA.

Not long after the news hit the internet, Cube hopped on Twitter to both confirm and explain his company's decision.
"We intended [for] the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there. BIG3 made a historic offer," he wrote. "Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3."

The rap legend and mogul cited previous acquisitions and gave his take on the current state of women in professional sports. "The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men’s pro team and she won the championship in her first year. Then, Lisa Leslie won it all in year two," Cube stated. "With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes... [who] should not be forced to spend their offseason playing in often dismal and dubious foreign countries just to make ends meet."

He continued, "They should have more than just one professional option in the U.S. at a time when American pro sports leagues are being infiltrated by autocratic, anti-women regimes such as Qatar. Our pathbreaking offer to Caitlin Clark demonstrates that BIG3 now offers another choice for athletes."

Currently, Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes are preparing for a Sweet 16 matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday (March 30). As of this report, she hadn't responded to Cube's opportunity.


Marvel Hits Pause on ‘Blade’ Due to Writers Strike

The writers strike has taken a bite out of Blade. Marvel Studios is shutting down preproduction on its vampire thriller starring Mahershala Ali, which was set to begin filming next month in Atlanta. The feature project, which has been paused once before, becomes the first tentpole movie impacted by the strike.

Blade had recently hired True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto to work on the script, but, according to an insider, “time simply ran out.” The studio will restart the production once the strike is over.
Since the strike action began Tuesday, the biggest impact has been on late night talk shows and Saturday Night Live. One drama series, Showtime’s Billions, halted production Thursday due to picketing.

While some studios have one or two movies going into production, Marvel is seemingly propping up the industry by planning on having three movies shooting at the same time, not to mention two series. Even with the Blade shutdown, it is gearing up for one of the busiest times in the company’s history.

Captain America: New World Order is currently filming in Atlanta. TV show Agatha: Coven of Chaos is also shooting in Atlanta, while fellow series Wonder Man is filming in Los Angeles. Deadpool 3 is expected to go in front of cameras later this month in London, while Thunderbolts is to hit Atlanta in June. As of now, Thunderbolts is still on track.

Fantastic Four, which is in the midst of the most closely watched casting search since Marvel hired Tom Holland to play Spider-Man eight years ago, is eying a January 2024 start date in London. That could change, if the strike were to drag on and on for six months or more, though according to sources that is seen as unlikely.

Still, even if the strike lasts just one month or six weeks, there would likely be an impact, with more movies’ start dates being push among the repercussions.
“There’s a billion dollars net in production costs that are exposed because of the strike. That’s certainly a concern,” says one source involved with the Marvel’s current slate of projects regarding those in or about to go into production.

Most big-budget blockbusters are known for their scripts evolving during production. Marvel, however, has a more acute reputation for script pages flying off the typewriters during filming. And the strike will mark uncharted territory for the studio, which is used to having a writer on set to rework things on the fly.

On the $1.92 billion-grossing Spider-Man: No Way Home, stars Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s deals weren’t completed until around December 2020, more than a month into filming. Writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers spent Christmas reworking the third act to include the Spider-Man actors, who gave input on the script. On Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), uncredited screenwriter Patrick Burleigh (Eternals) hammered out 25 pages a day on set, with director Peyton Reed and Marvel execs, including Kevin Feige, sitting in a room to review his work every evening.

Studio execs may take comfort in the 2020 WGA agreement’s “(a) through (h)” clause, which gives some leeway for a producer or director to cut a script for time, “change technical or stage direction,” and most notably, make “casual minor adjustments in dialogue or narration made prior to or during the period of principal photography.”

As observers note: No, you can’t create a new third act that suddenly has two new Spider-Men in it. Yes, you could potentially make enough changes to keep a story on track — if you read that clause generously.
One pressing concern is Captain America, since it is currently shooting. One rival production executive theorized, “[Marvel] will shoot what they can, then wait for the reshoots,” which are, in the Marvel manner, already baked into the production process.

As for the films going into production soon, Deadpool 3 is up first.
Star Ryan Reynolds is known for working as a writer on the films he produces and stars in (either uncredited, or as in the case of Deadpool 2, credited). Under the current strike rules, while a non-writer director or producer can make small adjustments to the script under the (a) through (h) clause, a writer such as Reynolds would not be allowed to.

That’s certainly a change from the norm during his other times as Deadpool. Before he was a powerhouse writer and producer, Reynolds played Deadpool in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which was filmed during the last writers strike. “So we were in the middle of production, there were no writers, no anything,” Reynolds said of the Wolverine movie in 2016. “Every line I have in the movie I just wrote myself because in the script we had, it said, ‘Wade Wilson shows up, talks really fast.’ I was like, ‘What?! What am I supposed to do with that?’”
Thunderbolts hails from regular Marvel favorite Eric Pearson, known for penning Thor: Ragnarok and Black Widow. Like other Marvel writers, he finds some of his key moments during production. In 2020, Pearson recounted that a signature Black Widow dinner scene featuring the core characters — played by Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz — was made possible by rehearsals he had with his actors and rewrites he made on the fly. (Beef creator Lee Sung Jin is the current writer on Thunderbolts.)

And Sony’s Marvel feature Venom 3 is expected for a London shoot in the coming months, from first-time director Kelly Marcel, who penned the script from a story she developed with frequent collaborator and star Tom Hardy, who has a story by credit. Hardy is also known for coming up with ideas on the day (such as a notable scene in the first movie in which his character, Eddie Brock, gets into a lobster tank). “The lobster day was utter, utter chaos,” Marcel said during press for Venom 2. “You’ll find four or five of those in this movie. The movie clings to that feeling of joy and fun and madness.”

The last writers strike impacted multiple tentpoles, some for the worse. Star Trek (2009) writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman were on set thanks to their roles as executive producers, but under the rules at that time, they could not change the script. “All we could do was sort of, make funny eyes and faces at the actors whenever they had a problem with the line and sort of nod when they had something better,” Orci said in 2009.

Star Trek was a hit with critics and audiences. Other tentpoles of the era were not as lucky. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra are among those whose that creatives have spoken ill of. (“Look, I’ll be honest. I fucking hate that movie. I hate that movie,” star Channing Tatum once said.)
James Bond feature Quantum of Solace is perhaps the most famous casualty of the WGA strike. Considered the low point of Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007, it went into production without a completed script. “On Quantum, we were fucked,” Craig said in 2011. “We had the bare bones of a script and then there was a writers strike and there was nothing we could do. We couldn’t employ a writer to finish it. I say to myself, ‘Never again,’ but who knows? There was me trying to rewrite scenes — and a writer I am not.’”

As for Marvel, it enters a new phase in its relationships with writers during this time. The first Iron Man concluded filming in June 2007, five months before the strike. Now, Marvel must contend with not only script challenges, but potential picketers as well. On Thursday, one WGA member tweeted a call to action, asking people to join them in picketing a Marvel production filming in the heart of Hollywood. The tweet, which has been deleted, was aimed at Wonder Man, which stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. In a meta moment underscoring this historic and fraught time, the series gives a superhero’s perspective on the entertainment industry, centering on a Hollywood stuntman and actor trying to make it big in the movies.


Kim Kardashian Sued by Estate of Artist Donald Judd for Showcasing Alleged Knockoff Furniture

 The Judd Foundation filed a lawsuit against Kim Kardashian for claims made in a 2022 YouTube video of her SKKN by Kim office.
In the since-removed video, Kardashian highlighted what she called "Donald Judd tables," adding that the pieces "totally blend in with the seats."

But the foundation that oversees the estate of the late minimalist visual artist claims that the dining set is inauthentic. In the lawsuit, West Hollywood interior design firm Clements Design is named. According to the New York Times, Clements is being sued by the Judd Foundation for trademark and copyright infringement.
“Consumers are likely to believe Judd Foundation and the Donald Judd brand are connected or affiliated with, or otherwise sponsored or endorsed Ms. Kardashian,” reads the suit. “Judd Foundation categorically prohibits customers from using purchased Donald Judd furniture for marketing and promotional purposes.”

Hi Guys! Join me for an exclusive tour inside my @skkn headquarters. You’ve been asking for this video for a long time and I am so excited to finally be able to share with you where my team and I work from. Watch the full video on my YouTube channel now.
Pointing out "obvious key differences" between their table and a Judd original, Clements wrote in a statement that they were "blindsided" by the filing and sought a resolution with the foundation. However, the company says that the foundation "was unwilling to settle on reasonable terms."

The Judd Foundation reportedly contacted Kardashian three days after the YouTube video was posted and a spokesperson for the businesswoman responded with an apology for "any inconvenience" and offered to "update the video caption with a retraction."
The response was unsatisfactory for the foundation, which asked that the video be removed altogether and the furniture be "recycled." Kim's team came back with another offer, this time to promote the foundation in a social media post. Despite the attempts of Kardashian's team, the Judd Foundation seems to want no association with her brand.

"It is lower quality than Donald Judd’s furniture,” Megan Bannigan, a lawyer for the foundation, told the NYT. "We don’t want to be mixed up with Kim Kardashian. We respect what she does, but we don’t want to be involved with this."
 

Louis Vuitton’s 2024 High Watchmaking Lineup
Louis Vuitton’s High Watchmaking roster for 2024 is here..First on the lineup is a trio of Escale Cabinet of Wonders models, each said to carry a design inspired by the late Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s own collection. Meanwhile, a Frank Gehry collaboration is at the heart of the new Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Sapphire.

‌Also among this year’s novelties are ‌a pair of Tambour Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours timepieces and the Voyager Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève Plique-à-Jour model.
In 2023, Complex named Louis Vuitton as one of the best brands of the year. In February of that year, Pharrell was appointed by the French luxury house to the position of men’s creative director.

More recently, LV launched a new capsule collection designed by Tyler, the Creator. Shortly after the first full look at the collection was unveiled in February, Complex shared first impressions while touching on the pre-LV history that led up to Tyler's big moment.


Michelle Buteau Becomes First Woman to Tape Comedy Special at Radio City Music Hall
*Comedian Michelle Buteau is set to become the first woman to tape a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall.
“I have another special coming out. We’re going to be filling it at Radio City Music Hall [on] June 6,” she said at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards about her untitled project that will begin filming this summer, Vibe reports.

“I will be the first woman and woman of color to be taping a special there, so that’s why I’m saying these things [representation] matters,” Buteau added. “You got to lay the groundwork for other people to come and think they can do it and know that they can do it.”
In related news, Buteau recently teased what fans can expect from her character, Mavis Beaumont—in season two of Netflix’s “Survival Of The Thickest.”

“It’s bigger, Blacker, bustier, bi**hier than before. All the B-words. It’s adulting next level,” she said at a pre-NAACP Image Awards event, per Vibe. “So, I feel like whatever you connected to, I just can’t wait for you to see what has happened.”
As we reported… “Survival of the Thickest” centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size, and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss

The scripted comedy is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.
The series also stars Tone Bell, Christine Horn, and Tasha Smith. The first season featured guest stars: Annisa Felix, Allan K. Washington, Ambre Anderson, Anna George, Anthony Michael Lopez, Becca Blackwell, Christine Jones, Garcelle Beauvais, Hugh Moore, J. Riley Jr., Mark McKinnon, and Marouane Zotti.

The premiere date for Season 2 has not been announced, but you can catch up on the first season on Netflix.


Trump’s Latest Grift: Selling $60 Bibles – ‘We Must Make America Pray Again’

*In case you haven’t heard, Donald Trump launched his latest grift, a venture to promote a line of premium Bibles in collaboration with country music luminary Lee Greenwood, whose anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.” resonates deeply within Trump’s political sphere.
In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump enthusiastically endorsed the endeavor, asserting …

“All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It’s my favorite book. It’s a lot of people’s favorite book. We must make America pray again,” Trump added and emphasized the significance of religion and Christianity, lamenting their absence in the nation and attributing it to societal discord.
While the Bible remains a widely accessible text, freely distributed by churches and available on numerous platforms, the “God Bless the U.S.A. Bible” carries a hefty price tag of $59.99, excluding additional charges.

This special edition, bearing the Trump-Greenwood seal, boasts unique features, including a King James translation with a handwritten chorus from Greenwood’s iconic song. Notably, it incorporates the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marketed as the sole Bible endorsed by Trump and Greenwood, it claims inspiration from the patriotic anthem. The text is adorned with a large font, with Jesus’s words highlighted in red.

Details regarding the financial gains for Trump and Greenwood remain undisclosed, arriving amidst a tumultuous period for Trump’s finances.
Despite a significant increase in net worth attributed to a media company merger, Trump faces immediate financial pressures, including a substantial civil fraud judgment in New York and defamation lawsuits. Moreover, his political fundraising efforts lag behind those of his Democratic counterpart, President Joe Biden.

The website selling the Trump-endorsed Bibles clarifies its non-political stance, asserting independence from Trump’s enterprises while licensed to utilize his name and likeness. Trump’s financial records reveal substantial earnings from speaking engagements through CIC Ventures, a significant contributor to his income.


“Selling Sunset” Star Chelsea Lazkani Files For Divorce From Husband Jeff After Seven Years
“Selling Sunset” star Chelsea Lazkani is back on the market after filing for divorce from her husband of seven years.
After seven years of marriage, the luxury real estate agent recently moved to split from her husband, Jeff Lazkani. The pair met on Tinder in 2015, shortly after she relocated to Los Angeles and tied the knot in 2017. They have since welcomed two children, three-year-old Melia and five-year-old Maddox. Sadly, Chelsea is ready to be free of her husband. It’s unknown what broke down their relationship, though she cited irreconcilable differences in her filing.

Chelsea is hoping to retain joint physical and legal custody of their children. She is also seeking spousal support but is leaving the door open for Jeff to request alimony. Chelsea, a real estate agent at the prestigious Oppenheim Group, has been a part of the Netflix series “Selling Sunset” since season five. She has a reported net worth of roughly $500,000, according to Express. Jeff, who is Managing Partner for Icon Media Direct, also has a reported net worth of around $500,000. There does not appear to be a prenuptial agreement in place, and Chelsea asked a court to help the pair divide their assets.
Jeff has been featured on the hit real estate show alongside his wife. However, he is not an official cast member. Chelsea frequently shared glimpses of her husband and family online. However, a quick glance at her Instagram shows that nearly all remnants of Jeff have been erased.


Baltimore is Selling Vacant Homes for $1

The city of Baltimore is launching a new initiative to revitalize struggling neighborhoods by selling boarded-up homes for just one dollar each.
According to reports, Mayor Brandon Scott is leading the effort to combat crime and urban decay through this groundbreaking plan.
Residents have a unique chance to acquire over 200 city-owned vacant properties and restore them to their former condition, presenting a rare opportunity for those ready to put in the effort.

Despite the opportunity, Baltimore still faces a significant challenge with approximately 15,000 abandoned properties as of 2022, indicating a lengthy and challenging path toward urban renewal.
Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, with a 1 in 21 chance of experiencing either violent or property-related crimes.

The recent approval of the $1 initiative by a city board mirrors Baltimore’s historic “dollar house” program from the 1970s, embodying a spirit of community revitalization through individual efforts.
Individual buyers are the main focus of the $1 initiative this time around, while developers looking to purchase a home must pay $3,000.

Those who participate in the program must commit to renovating their purchased property, have a minimum of $90,000 for rehabilitation, move in within one year, and reside in the home for five years.
According to Governing.com, recipients of the initiative can receive generous grants of $50,000 to aid in renovations, contingent upon obtaining pre-approval for construction loans.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Easter Bunny

He’s Not Peter Cotton Tail


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM