3/10/24

The Daily Buzz For Mar 11 ☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Carol Burnett is HARPER’S BAZAAR’s March 2024 Digital Cover Story
PALM ROYALE star Carol Burnett is HARPER’S BAZAAR’s March 2024 digital cover story photographed by Yelena Yemchuk and styled by Deborah Afshani.

On taking the time to enjoy life: “I want to have fun,” she says with a shrug, sitting next to me on a cream couch and looking and sounding well rested, clear voiced, even peppy. “It’s not like I have to be busy all the time!”

On signing onto the Apple TV series, Palm Royale, starring Kristien Wiig, Allison Janney, and Laura Dern: “I said yes before I knew what I was going to do,” Burnett says.

On her perpetual energy: Burnett waves off questions about “having the energy.” “I was always very active, even as a kid,” she says. She tells a story about how she and her childhood friends used to climb the original Hollywood Sign. “The Os were my favorite,” Burnett remembers.

On whether she thinks being funny requires one to have endured past trauma: She was not funny because she was traumatized; she was funny because she loved the movies. “I think it was the fact that I went to the movies so much that. I always had a Mickey and Judy idea of ‘Everything’s going to work out.’ You’re going to put on a show in the barn, and then it’ll go to Broadway.”

On never having imposter syndrome: “It never occurred to me,” she says. “I always felt I was going to be able to do something.”

On opening her long-running variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, with a Q&A in lieu of a traditional monologue: “It was my producer’s idea,” Burnett recalls. “I balked at first. I said, ‘What if they don’t ask anything? Or what if they do and I can’t answer it?’ And he said, ‘Well, we’ll put some plants in the audience.’ And then I thought about it, and I said, ‘No, it’s got to be real.’”
“I started to get comfortable,” she says, “and it turned out to be one of my favorite things that we ever did.”

 Actor Kristen Wiig on Burnett’s influence on her and endearing personality: “She influenced me so much when I was younger, with her show and her characters. It always looked like she was having fun, and I always remembered that.”
“She is warm and kind, and everyone on our show—cast, crew, everyone! — fell in love with her.”

Palm Royale creator Abe Sylvia, on his nervousness to approach Burnett to talk about the role: “I remember psyching myself up for the call,” he says. “I didn’t want her ferreting out my impostor syndrome. When she jumped on the line, greeting me with a ‘Hi there, it’s Carol’ in that unmistakable singsong, I was put immediately at ease, as if we had known each other for years. I was struck by the generosity of this.”


#RHOA: Peter Thomas Ordered To Pay $9 Million Over Flopped Restaurant
Peter Thomas, ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey, is in a messy financial situation over 1 Society, a Miami restaurant he failed to open.
According to Radar Online, Thomas was hit with a colossal 7-figure judgment in favor of DTS DT Retail, the landlord for 1 Society.
Here’s more from Radar Online: “Thomas ran Bar One from 2019 until late last year when the business was evicted over unpaid rent. Before the eviction, Thomas had plans to open a separate “upscale supper club” named 1 Society. He planned to spend $3 million on the project. The project never took off and the company formed for 1 Society was dissolved.”

As previously reported, 1 Society isn’t Thomas’ only Miami establishment that couldn’t stand on business. Thomas also faced eviction over nearly half a million dollars in unpaid rent for Bar One Miami Beach. At least the former RHOA star got to open Bar One before his landlord served him eviction papers, unlike 1 Society.

DTS DT Retail sued Thomas in January ’23, claiming he breached a 120-month lease for 1 Society. The company claimed Thomas didn’t pay rent between October 2022 and January 2023, and owed $61k in back rent.
In addition, the landlord said Thomas failed to uphold his end of an agreement to produce the tenant plans within 30 days of establishing a lease. Thomas is also accused of refusing to turn over the keys despite his breaches of contract.

DTS DT won a judgment of $9.1 million plus attorney fees from Thomas and 1 Society in February. However, Thomas denies allegations of wrongdoing. He claims DTS DT breached the lease by not providing him access to the premises.
But bar-none-the-less, Thomas says he plans to appeal and that “they’ll never see a dime.” That might be one of the few promises you can count on Peter Thomas to keep.


#MusicNews: New Edition extends residency after sold-out shows at Wynn Las Vegas

Following their highly-anticipated, sold-out residency debut, world-renowned and award-winning R&B group, New Edition, announced today they will extend their residency – New Edition: Las Vegas – at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with six additional shows in July 2024. Fans can experience the group in an intimate setting like never before on July 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, & 13, 2024. Tickets for all performances go on sale to the public on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT.

New Edition launched their first-ever Las Vegas residency on February 28, 2024, to fan and media acclaim, performing their iconic group and solo hits and dance moves to four energetic sold-out crowds. Last night, the group teased their additional dates in front of the crowded showroom as fans shared cheers of excitement. During the announcement, New Edition member Michael Bivins stated: “We're coming back in July, y'all! Tell your family, tell your friends...New Edition is just getting started on the Strip!”

The group returns to the stage this week for two additional sold-out performances on Friday, March 8, 2024, and Saturday, March 9, 2024.

How to Get Tickets
Performance Dates: July 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13, 2024; all shows at 8 p.m. 
Public On-Sale: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT 
Price: Tickets starting at $79.95 plus applicable fees
Point of Purchase: Ticketmaster.com


#HipHopNews: Future And Metro Boomin Announce Two New Albums Out March 22 And April 12
Legendary rapper/producer duo Future and Metro Boomin have finally announced their first commercial full-length collaborative album, We Don’t Trust You, out on March 22. This project has been in the eyes and hearts of many due to their incredible résumé on collaborative tracks.

While the Diamond-certified hitmakers have people excited about their new offering, they have doubled down by unveiling a second LP that will be released on April 12. The cinematic trailer shows the dynamic Atlanta-based duo meeting up in a desert with two all-white Rolls Royce trucks asserting their dominance in the rap game.

Their relationship goes back to when Metro Boomin was only 17, creating music for various artists in Atlanta. To this day, the “Jumpman” collaborators have given fans dozens of memorable tracks that have served as the sound bed for some of the most exciting moments in the last decade of Hip Hop.

Most recently, the two connected on Metro’s 2022 album, Heroes & Villains, a surefire LP that flaunted both Metro’s imagination and instinctive flair for the theatrical. They connected on multiple tracks like “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” and “Too Many Nights” with Don Toliver, each song allowing them another chance to showcase their star power.

One fan commented, “I’m holding back tears right now,” while another commenter explained, “[I] used to pray for times like this.” Metro Boomin made it clear in a new tweet that his wearing a bandana was an ode to fallen rap star Prodigy, saying, “We don’t trust you n**gas. Long live Prodigy, the bandana is back!”
Future and Metro Boomin’s latest collaborations are a continuation of a musical legacy that dates back to “Karate Chop,” an electric 2013 single that birthed the most dynamic Hip Hop duo of the 2010s. They’d fortify their connection with tracks like 2015’s “Jumpman” with Drake and 2017’s “Mask Off,” singles that have combined to be certified 14-times Platinum by the RIAA. As part of their partnership, Metro even turned a Future bar into an unmistakable producer tag: “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you.”

The Oscars 2024 -Here’s the Complete Winners List Revealed!

The 2024 Academy Awards ceremony just came to an end! The event aired on Sunday night (March 10) on ABC, and was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who previously led the awards show in 2017, 2018 and 2023.
Oppenheimer led the pack with 13 nominations, and certainly had a good night! The film took home Best Picture, among wins in several other categories.

2024 Oscar Nominations & Winners:

Best Picture
Barbie
Maestro
Past Lives
Poor Things
Oppenheimer - WINNER
The Holdovers
American Fiction
Anatomy of a Fall
The Zone of Interest
Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Actress
Emma Stone, ‘Poor Things’ - WINNER
Carey Mulligan, ‘Maestro’
Lily Gladstone, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Annette Bening, ‘Nyad’
Sandra Huller, ‘Anatomy of a Fall’

Best Actor
Cillian Murphy, ‘Oppenheimer’ - WINNER
Paul Giamatti, ‘The Holdovers’
Bradley Cooper, ‘Maestro’
Colman Domingo, ‘Rustin’
Jeffrey Wright, ‘American Fiction’

Best Supporting Actress
Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
America Ferrera, Barbie
Jodie Foster, Nyad
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers - WINNER

Best Supporting Actor
Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction
Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon
Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer - WINNER
Ryan Gosling, Barbie
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things

Best Director
Christopher Nolan — “Oppenheimer” - WINNER
Jonathan Glazer — “The Zone of Interest”
Justine Triet — “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese — “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Yorgos Lanthimos — “Poor Things”

Best Original Screenplay
Anatomy of a Fall - WINNER
The Holdovers
Maestro
May December
Past Lives

Best Adapted Screenplay
American Fiction - WINNER
Barbie
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
The Zone of Interest

Best Cinematography
El Conde
Killers of the Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer - WINNER
Poor Things

Best Original Score
Oppenheimer - WINNER
American Fiction
Killers of the Flower Moon
Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
Poor Things

Best Original Song
“What Was I Made For?”, Barbie - WINNER
“I’m Just Ken”, Barbie
“The Fire Inside”, Flamin’ Hot
“It Never Went Away”, American Symphony
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People), Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Editing
Oppenheimer - WINNER
Killers of The Flower Moon
The Holdovers
Poor Things
Anatomy of a Fall

Best Production Design
Barbie
Poor Things - WINNER
Killers of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Napoleon

Best Costume Design
Barbie
Killers of the Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things - WINNER

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Golda
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Poor Things - WINNER
Society of the Snow

Best Sound
Oppenheimer
Maestro
The Zone of Interest – WINNER
The Creator
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One

Best Visual Effects
The Creator
Godzilla Minus One - WINNER
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon

Best International Feature
Io Capitano (Italy)
Perfect Days (Japan)
Society Of The Snow (Spain)
The Teacher’s Lounge (Germany)
The Zone Of Interest (UK) - WINNER

Best Animated Feature
Nimona
Elemental
The Boy and The Heron - WINNER
Robot Dreams
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Live-Action Short
The Actor
Invincible
Knight of Fortune
Red, White and Blue
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - WINNER

Best Animated Short
Letter to a Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Our Uniform
Pachyderme
War Is Over! - WINNER

Best Documentary Feature
Bobi Wine: The People’s President
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
To Kill A Tiger
20 Days In Mariupol – WINNER

Best Documentary Short
Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó
The ABCs of Book Banning
The Barber of Little Rock
Island In Between
The Last Repair Shop – WINNER

Congrats to all the winners!


'9-1-1' Star Rockmond Dunbar's Lawsuit Against the Production Company Goes to Trial

A US court has ruled that 20th Century Fox will face a religious discrimination trial after former 9-1-1 cast member Rockmond Dunbar sued over being fired from the hit show, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed. Dunbar's character was abruptly written off in the ninth episode of Season 5 after Disney declined to give the actor a vaccination exemption. Dunbar, a member of the Church of Universal Wisdom, claimed that the studio discriminated against him on religious grounds. Disney alleged that he did not hold the beliefs of the church he was a member of. The trial is set to determine whether he holds sincere beliefs in the church, and if Disney could have made efforts to allow him to work without compromising his beliefs or his employer incurring undue hardships.

In the lawsuit, Disney denied Dunbar's exception on medical and religious grounds. Disney claimed that he had acted against core tenets of the church in the past by partaking in certain medical procedures a few months prior. Dunbar answered by claiming that he communed with God, who allegedly made exceptions and “permitted [him] to act differently,” he attested to the court. According to the actor, he was also told “that the COVID-19 vaccine was made from evil and that it will compromise [his] spirit and that it was not for [him].”

US District Judge Dolly Gee stated that the court didn't accept that communing with God gave Dunbar a “blanket privilege that undermines our system of ordered liberty.” She also noted that Dunbar's original claim was under unspecified medical grounds and not religious. But since there was still the issue of the sincerity of Dunbar's religious belief, the judge noted that "determination of what is a religious belief is more often than not a difficult and delicate task," adding

“And so it is here, defendants identify evidence that seems to undermine the sincerity of Dunbar’s religious beliefs, but Dunbar has also presented evidence that suggests -- under a lower than preponderance burden -- that his beliefs are strongly held and genuine nonetheless.”
After the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Hollywood studios and guilds accepted that vaccination was necessary to return to work. Exceptions could be made, but in cases where there were minors under 12 years of age, unvaccinated workers couldn't work with them. At the time of Dunbar's departure, there were three actors under 12 years old, one who played Michael's child, whom he interacted with regularly. The court dismissed the rest of Dunbar's claims, including race discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract.

“There is no credible dispute that Defendants offered a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for finding Dunbar in breach of the Agreement and terminating him -- his non-compliance with the mandatory vaccine policy is a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason."
Dunbar played Michael Grant, Athena Grant's (Angela Bassett) ex-husband whose hidden sexuality led to the breakdown of their marriage. After Michael came out as gay, he and his ex-wife remained on good terms co-parenting together as Michael pursued relationships with people he was attracted to. Michael left with his boyfriend, Dr. Hale, to help in relief efforts after a massive hurricane hit Haiti. The show left the door open for Dunbar to return if his situation changed.

9-1-1 Season 7 premieres on March 14 on ABC. Past seasons are available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.


Deiondra Sanders And Jacquees Expecting, Dad Deion Sanders Reacts To Pregnancy

Deiondra Sanders will soon be a first-time mother, as the beauty announced her pregnancy via Instagram Friday (March 8). Sanders is expecting her babEEeee with R&B singer, Jacquees.
The news comes weeks after the “B.E.D.” crooner admitted to messaging his ex, rapper Dreezy, while with Sanders following the two ladies going back-and-forth on social media. Sanders and Jacquees have seemingly moved forward following the online spat.

Sanders was also sure to emphasize that her decision to move forward with the pregnancy isn’t about “keeping a man,” but rather because she was told for years that she would likely never be able to conceive and/or carry a pregnancy to full-term.

“I never thought I’d be here but here we are,” she began. “I know a lot has transpired over the last month but what hasn’t happened is me being able to tell my own truth myself! So here it is. Even though this was not planned nor expected, this is still something God allowed to happen. I’m not having my baby to keep a man. I am having my baby for all the times I was told I wouldn’t be able to.”

She went on, “I’m having my baby for the 4 myomectomy surgeries I have had. I am having my baby for all the years I stayed on birth control even though it gave me breast tumors. I’m having my baby for all the Doctors that told me I wouldn’t make it out the first trimester. I’m having a baby for the 7 current fibroids that surrounds my uterus to this day. I’m having a baby for all the high risk moms that was scared everyday thinking they would miscarry.”

“No matter what Doctor’s say, GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!”
Jacquees supported the soon-to-be-mom within the comment section, writing, “I love you and I got you. BLESSINGS OTW ??❤️ THANK YOU JESUSSSS.”

Father Deion Sanders also chimed in, congratulating his daughter and reminding the world that she’ll always have a man in her life, regardless who she dates or ends up marrying.

“PREACH BABY PREACH, and u having this baby to make me a darn GRANDDADDY even though I’m YOUNG,” the collegiate coach wrote within his daughter’s comment section. “I Love u baby and I’m glad u said u ain’t having a baby to keep a man. You’ve always had a MAN in your life that u call DADDY & ain’t gon ever ever let u DOWN especially when I’m UP.”


Chris Brown Blasts 'Fake Celebrities', Rejects Mainstream Acceptance After NBA All-Star Game Snub
Chris Brown has declared his disinterest in mainstream recognition, announcing that the deluxe version of his album "11:11" will feature 13 additional tracks.

In a series of Instagram Story posts on Friday, Brown wrote, "11:11 deluxe album will contain 13 new songs. So all together 35 songs. Drops 4/11. I'm 35 this year."
Along with the album update, Brown also expressed his disdain for mainstream media and celebrities. He wrote, "I DONT WANT TO BE ACCEPTED FROM NONE OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA AND FAKE CELEBRITIES. I AM KING IN MY OWN LANE. YOUR FAVE AINT GOT SH*T ON ME AND THEY KNOW IT. AINT FINNA TAP DANCE FOR APPROVAL. YOU WILL BEG FORGIVENESS OF ME THAT I DO KNOW."

This announcement comes after Brown claimed he was uninvited from the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game due to requests from sponsors. "I was asked by the NBA to play in the all star game this year! Only for them to call later and say they couldn’t do IT because of their sponsors, like RUFFLES," Brown posted on Instagram.

Despite the alleged snub, Brown released "11:11" as his eleventh studio album in November 2023, featuring collaborations with Maeta, Byron Messia, Future, Fridayy, Davido, and Lojay. The deluxe version of the album, set for release on April 11, will bring the total track count to 35 songs.


Bad Bunny Files Lawsuit Against Fan Who Posted Unauthorized Concert Footage On YouTube
Bad Bunny has launched legal action against a fan who posted unauthorized concert footage on a YouTube account. The "Bullet Train" actor is reportedly suing a man named Eric Guillermo Madronal Garrone for the matter.
According to a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ, the plaintiff allegedly uploaded full song performances on his YouTube channel, MADforliveMUSIC. The emcee accused the man of using his name and music to grow his YouTube channel by taking views and ad revenue away from the musician's own official YouTube page.

Bunny claimed Eric went to his concert in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 21. That's when Eric allegedly recorded several videos of his live performance before uploading the footage to his YouTube channel.
Bunny took issue with it because he claimed he owned the rights to the live performance music. Eric, meanwhile, did not have his authorization or consent to record and post them online for people to watch for free.

In the complaints, Bunny said he tried to issue standard takedown notices under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, also known as DMCA. He urged YouTube to delete Eric's videos.


Will Smith and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ”Costar Janet Hubert Embrace at Book Event After Reconciliation

The actor called his former costar — who played the original Aunt Viv — a "dear friend" in a post shared on Instagram
Will Smith and Janet Hubert continue to be on great terms following their 2020 reconciliation.

The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costars embraced in a new video posted on Instagram Thursday, as Smith, 55, supported Hubert, 68, at a book event for her project JG and the BC Kids, which champions book smart and street smart children.
“WOW!! Thank U to my dear friend @janethubertformyfanspage for inviting me to help you bring your amazing project JG and the BC Kids to the world!” Smith captioned the video, which was shared by the pair.

“It was a blast and a pleasure to be able to show 200 students from @embracegirlpower a taste of your genius, Janet!! OK — who we showing the project to next?? #embracegirlpower #jgbckids," he added.

Smith and Hubert reunited for a project launch in an Instagram video posted Friday
In the clip, Smith and Hubert could be seen hugging and catching up with one another.

“Oh my God! Thank you for coming, baby!” Hubert told Smith. “Oh man, this is beautiful. This is beautiful,” he replied.
“You haven’t changed a bit,” Hubert then added, touching Smith’s cheek. “Oh, this ain’t nothing but the finest nuts and berries,” the actor joked in response while stroking his head and face.

The project founder later introduced the Bad Boys star onstage in front of a hall filled with young school students, who screamed in excitement at the sight of Smith. The actor then proceeded to get the children to join in on a chorus of chants as he gave a shout-out to Hubert. He also recited a quote from a JG and BC Kids book as he stood beside his former costar onstage.

In a speech to the students, Smith said, “At different times in our childhood, even when we were your age, you know, we had struggles with feeling like we were different and we had something inside us we wanted to share with the worl
The video ended with the actor performing another inspiring chant with the students.

Hubert previously shared that she is in a peaceful place with Smith after the duo took part in an emotional reconciliation on the HBO Max special celebrating 30 years of The Fresh Prince in November 2020.
The pair sat down for the first time in decades on the special as they aired out a years-long feud sparked between each other during and after Hubert’s time on the hit show, following her exit in 1993.

The original Aunt Viv added that she and Smith now have a “very good relationship” since the special.

"We text each other back and forth all the time," Hubert explained. "I meant it with all my heart when I hugged him, because I saw that little boy, that little 21-year-old boy. Had we had an opportunity to talk back then, I think this would have never happened."
 

‘The Challenge’ Star Nelson Thomas Gives Health Update After Shocking Foot Amputation
Nelson Thomas is on the road to recovery after receiving a below-the knee amputation of his right leg.
One year after a nearly-fatal car accident that left Thomas unable to walk for three months, The Challenge star posted a TikTok video giving fans an update on how he is doing after his transformative surgery.

“At least they let me keep my good foot, right?” Thomas joked.
“I’m home, thank God,” he said. “It was a hard three days. The first two days, I was in a lot of pain. Walking into that hospital, I was very scared, but I had my loved ones with me. I’m happy to be out the hospital, man. Being in that hospital really just… I just wasn’t me.”

In the TikTok video posted on Thursday, the Are You the One? alum shared with a big smile on his face that he is happy to be home. Although he admitted that he was scared walking into the hospital and the three days he spent there were hard, Thomas was surrounded by his friends and family. This included his mom, who is seen lying next to him in bed in the video.

“I have to elevate my leg for the next six weeks, and I have to take a couple pills,” the 35-year-old said. “I gotta make sure I’m moving it so it doesn’t get stiff. Trust me, it is weird. I still don’t know how I feel but right now, I know I’m home and I’m happy and that’s all that matters.”

“I’m just gonna take it day by day and we’ll see how things go,” he said, telling his followers, “Thank you for all the support.”
On March 5, 2023, Thomas was rescued by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn and three civilians from a fiery car crash in Austin, Texas. This car accident left the reality TV personality needing to get three plates and 22 screws in his foot throughout the course of six surgeries. He tried everything from stem cell therapy to electrical stimulation to physical therapy but still was in pain. When his doctor told him that he had a nonunion bone, which meant it wasn’t going to heal, he made the decision to amputate.

“I’m at peace with it,” he said in an interview with People in February. “I’ve prayed about it. I’ve wrote in my journal, I’ve read books. I’ve done all my research that I can do. I’ve done everything I can to try to save my foot. There’s a lot of people out there, even friends, they’re calling me: ‘Nelson, you have a chance to keep your foot and look normal and walk around.’ But then you have to ask yourself, ‘What kind of quality of life do I want to live?’”


Lil Nas X gets transparent about his youth on new song teaser

On Thursday (March 7), Lil Nas X hopped on social media to confirm the pending release of Nasarati 2, the sequel to his 2018 mixtape, Nasarati. The Georgia talent also shared a song teaser that sees him opening up about his sexuality as a youth.

"Cap and gown, I graduated and got out of town, went to college where I had no one around/ Grindr sessions, sexting with faceless accounts, bringing bodies in, then sneaking them out/ Back in middle school, I was fiending for d**k, seventh grade, sending my homies some pics/ Daddy never knew what I did as a kid, he would've crucified me/ But trust me, I get it, I get it, trust me..."

As previously reported, Lil Nas X spoke to Variety about being a voice for the LGBTQIA+ community. "I know in my lifetime, while I’m here, I’m going to do my best to make the ceiling unreachable to where we can go as Black queer people," he stated prior to the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere of his documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero. "I feel like we live in a generation where Black queer people really control culture, and they’re helping really take the world to the next level. And I think that’s going to have an effect on our youth watching us."


Mary J. Blige announces 2024 Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit
On Wednesday (March 6), Mary J. Blige announced the 2024 Strength of a Women Festival and Summit, which will officially move from last year's Atlanta location to New York City. In addition to headlining the event, the R&B legend will be joined by Jill Scott, Jadakiss, 50 Cent, Muni Long, Robert Glasper, Lola Brooke, and more. Spread out over three days, attendees will be able to enjoy a wealth of performances, a special brunch, and a comedy show. It all takes place from May 10 to May 12.

"I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to my hometown, New York City, a place that has always been a huge source of inspiration for me,” Blige said in a press release. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build within my community is the reason I created this festival. I’m so grateful for all the support from our performers, attendees, and of course, our partners Live Nation Urban and Pepsi. Nobody does it like New York, so get ready."

Blige held the first iteration of her Strength of a Woman celebration in 2022. As REVOLT previously reported, the Yonkers talent revealed how the idea for the festival came during "early listening sessions” of her 14th studio album, Good Morning Gorgeous, which involved "family, friends, and women in the industry.”

“Each time, the people in the room would share a story, oftentimes of heartbreak or pain, but they always ended with joy and love, and how their girlfriends, or mom, or sister helped them find their voice and strength,” she explained. “We felt like, after two years of being inside and having to endure so much, this was the type of experience that people, especially women, deserved.”


Barbie #2? Warner Bros. Head Alludes to Potential 'Barbie' Sequel?

Fans have been hoping for a Barbie sequel ever since the very pink blockbuster debuted in 2023, and we just got another hint that it’s a possibility.

The movie – starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera and more Hollywood favs – was the top-grossing picture of the year and is generating some major love during awards season. It’s up for Best Picture amongst other awards at the 2024 Oscars.
Ahead of the ceremony, Warner Bros. chief Pam Adby weighed in on the possibility of getting the gang together again for a return to Barbie World.

Pam, co-chair and CEO of Warner Bros Motion Picture Group, told Deadline that she would “love to make a sequel to the box office blockbuster Barbie.” She added that there are conversations with director Greta Gerwig are ongoing, though nothing is in the works at the moment by the sounds of it.

Despite Warner Bros. expressing interest in a sequel, another important key player hinted that they weren’t interested in expanding the Barbie-verse.


Ladies and Gentlemen, Scarlett Johansson plays Sen. Katie Britt in a satire of her SOTU rebuttal on ‘SNL’

“Saturday Night Live” started with a take on the State of the Union this weekend, along with a response from a surprise guest.
Scarlett Johansson – otherwise known as Mrs. Colin Jost – made a cameo appearance during the show’s cold open, playing Alabama Sen. Katie Britt in her much-talked about GOP rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday.

With one hand firmly raised, Johansson dressed as Britt called out Biden’s “performative” qualities (while fervently denying any performance of her own), delivering her remarks from her kitchen.
”You see, I’m not just a mother,” Johansson said. “I’m a wife, a mother, and the craziest b—h in the Target parking lot.”

The end of the skit saw a well-placed spoof of Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning racial satire “Get Out,” when Johansson took out a teacup and stirred it, causing Kenan Thompson to freeze with a tear falling down his face.

Ahead of Johansson’s sendup, Mikey Day reprised his role of Biden at the podium for his address, where he told Punkie Johnson – playing Vice President Kamala Harris – that he hoped she “didn’t skip leg day,” before she sat, then stood, sat, then stood throughout his address.
Michael Longfellow portrayed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, whom Day-as-Biden observed was shaking his head every time Biden mentioned his “predecessor” “like he just accidentally caught 30 seconds of the show ‘Euphoria’.”

The episode was hosted by “Dune: Part Two” star Josh Brolin – who got into an actual ice bath for a cold plunge during his monologue – and musical guest Ariana Grande.


Shannon Sharpe Made More From Katt Williams Interview Than Any NFL Season
Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay interview with Katt Williams netted him the biggest payday of his professional career, including his time in the NFL.

According to Sharpe, speculative estimates regarding the figure he earned from his viral conversation with Williams are a far cry from what he’s actually received, and exceeds his highest-paid football season.

“Everybody was talking ’bout, ‘well how much money [he] made doing the Katt Williams interview;’ I just got the check,” the former Undisputed cohost told Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson during an episode of their Nightcap podcast.
“Put it like this here, I made more money on Katt Williams alone than I made in any year I played in the NFL.”

While the 55-year-old chose not to reveal the dollar amount he’s earned from the sit-down, he alludes to the total being upwards of at least $6 million. “So whatever you think I made, 3x it. So if you think I made five hundred thou, 3x it. If you think a million, 3x it. If you think I made $2 million, 3x it.”

Sharpe’s claim would align with the interview grossing more than any individual football season, as he earned an NFL career-high of $5 million in 2000 during his first season with the Baltimore Ravens. As he and Johnson discussed his recent success, Sharpe showed off a green-faced “John Mayer” Rolex he had just purchased in celebration of his big windfall.

“My pockets is a wonderland,” he jokingly sang, altering the lyrics to Mayer’s 2001 hit “Your Body Is a Wonderland.” “A lot of times, that’s what they call it,” he said of a watch being named after a celebrity. “Because he wore it and it caught fire because they saw him have it on. So they dubbed it ‘The John Mayer.'”
The three-time Super Bowl champion also discussed how efforts to mock him have resulted in him receiving branding deals with the likes of Total Wines, as a recent clip of him outside of the retail chain inspired others to mimic the video, down to Sharpe’s outfit and speech.

“Guess what happened, Ocho? Man, Total Wines hit us up, they said, ‘Well, hold on, we want some of that.’ So thanks to y’all, I’m about to be in California, Texas, Florida,” he said, while laughing.

“Louisiana, Baltimore. So keep on doing it. I need y’all to keep on doing it. Don’t you stop now. Don’t y’all hating mofos stop. Take y’all raggedy a** right back in front of them Total Wines [locations] and do it all over again. ‘Cause thanks to y’all, your boy, ooh!”
Sharpe continued to express defiance in the face of his critics and detractors, insisting that the energy directed towards him has only benefited him. “They tried to be cute…they gonna retire old Shay before he want to retire,” he said of his trolls.

After wiping his hands clean, the media sensation vowed to keep focused on maximizing his opportunities, as well as his bank account, while embracing the hate. “I’m done with it,” he said of addressing his foils. “I’m done with it, Ocho! I’ma get this paper. I’m gonna get this paper!”


Draya Michele Reveals Pregnancy With 22-Year-Old NBA Star Jalen Green: “We Are Overjoyed”
Pregnancy rumors began swirling after Draya Michele showed up to her beau, Jalen Green’s, Houston Rocket’s game wearing baggy overalls in January.
The 39-year-old model, reality star, and entrepreneur has now confirmed that she and the 22-year-old NBA star are indeed expecting a baby girl, due in May of this year.

“As women, we navigate through so much, often leading us to question, ‘What is my purpose?'” she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post on International Women’s Day. “For me, the magic lies in motherhood and the awe-inspiring ability to bring life into this world over the span of two decades. It’s my superpower. And if anything can surpass the wonder of being a woman, it’s the privilege of bringing another woman into existence.”

She added, “We are overjoyed to share our love for you, little girl. I’m am excited to speak words to the daughter I never thought I’d have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time — this world can be tough. But know you are being brought into a space of love, security, and adornment. #28weeks #7months #comingMay2024 #girlmom.”

Draya’s announcement may have been met with less backlash if she and Green didn’t share a 17-year age gap. Her comment section immediately filled with opinions and scrutiny as some deemed her a “predator,” and claimed that she should “be in jail.”

“Yes officer, she’s right here,” one person commented as another called her “R. Shelly.” A third person said, “girl u need to be in jail, congrats tho,” as one more inquired, “Aren’t you tired of making broken homes?”
Draya and Green were first rumored to be dating last August when they were spotted out at a day party and then again near a Sugar Fish Sushi spot in LA.

Draya — who has been labeled negatively in the past for her alleged connections to athletes, rappers, and more — already has two sons. Her eldest, Kniko Howard, is currently pursuing his education at Georgia State University in Atlanta, and she has a younger son, Jru, with former NFL star, Orlando Scandrick.

“Well. It’s official. I’m a college mom,” she wrote upon her son’s first day. “I’m so proud of you son!!!!!! College whew. I mean I knew you’d make it here. I hope you grow, learn, make new friends here in ATL SHAWTY. I love you.”
She added, “Of all the things I’ve ever done wrong in this life you were there with me in the struggle always and you’re proof that I did ONE THING right (that’s you) love you. Gotta blast and cry. BRB. #GSU #panthers.
 

Carlee Russell Expected To Plead Guilty In Upcoming Hearing
Carlee Russell, the woman behind a kidnapping hoax, is expected to plead guilty at an upcoming hearing.
According to court documents, a plea hearing was set for Thursday, March 21 at 1 p.m. for Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell.
Circuit Judge David Carpenter will hear the case. Russell was previously scheduled to stand trial March 18, WBRC News reported.
Russell faces one count of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and one count of falsely reporting an incident.

Both charges are Class A misdemeanors.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Blue Family

We’ve got to give this family credit for their commitment to doing the entire thing together.


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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