#FASHIONFILES: Kingsley Ben-Adir Fronts Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer Ad
British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir stars in the new Gucci advertisement for the reinvented Horsebit 1953 loafer. The campaign offers a touch of minimalist grace and the quiet confidence of modern style.
Fresh off his remarkable portrayal as Bob Marley in Bob Marley: One Love, Ben-Adir’s natural synergy with the arts seamlessly translates into fashion.
With an effortless charm, he carries the legacy of the Horsebit loafer, reminiscent of his standout moment at the 2024 BRIT Awards, where he donned a chic leather shirt by Gucci—a subtle nod to the campaign’s fusion of classic and contemporary sensibilities.
Through the artful lens of photographer Heji Shin, the campaign images engage in a visual dialogue between history and innovation. Each frame showcases the loafer’s enduring appeal, from its equestrian-inspired double ring and bar motif to its 1953 inception, now masterfully reimagined for today’s stylish men.
Under Sabato De Sarno’s creative direction, the revival of the Horsebit loafer weaves a rich narrative with the spirit of leisure and sophistication, emphasizing casual elegance and artisanal craftsmanship.
As Ben-Adir channels his inner model, each styled look encapsulates the campaign’s essence—a reflection of Gucci’s journey from past to present, redefining the notion of luxury footwear. The Horsebit 1953 loafer is reinvented yet respectful of its lineage, encouraging a fresh interpretation of walking in elegance.
The accompanying campaign video, directed by the talented Emanuele Cantò, further brings the Horsebit 1953 loafer to life. Set against the pulsating beats of Channel Tres’ Walked in the Room, the video captures Ben-Adir’s magnetic presence.
The dynamic visuals, complemented by Alastair McKimm’s styling, create a sensory experience that communicates an understated sophistication, positioning the Horsebit loafer as a piece of history reborn.
In the company of Kingsley Ben-Adir, each image becomes a chapter of Gucci’s renewed legacy, an invitation to step into a world where tradition and trend merge to create the ultimate expression of style.
#RHOP: Real Housewives of Potomac Season 8 Reunion Looks Revealed
The upcoming looks for The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 8 reunion have arrived. Bravo reporter Cynthia Robinson described the looks as “an array of stunning black styles,” with every cast member wearing a floor-length black gown. See all the glamorous looks below.
Dr. Wendy Osefo
The doctor is in, with Wendy Osefo telling Bravo, “We are giving art gallery, we are giving art museum, we are giving chic, we are giving very classic.” Indeed, her dress screamed classic with a black velvet look, matching gloves, a long white wrap around her arms, and stunning silver jewelry. “The professor has arrived!” she said.
Robyn Dixon
Second, Robyn Dixon wore an asymmetrical black gown with black spandex boots covering her legs, visible before the draped fabric hanging off her waist. “My look [has] a little edge, it’s a little different,” she shared. “I was just trying to find something to not make black basic and boring [but] edgy.” She’s not like other girls.
Nneka Ihim
Season 8’s newcomer, Nneka Ihim, said “I’m so excited for everyone to see it,” referring to her glittering black dress. The look covered her right hand with lace and the glittering fabric up to her shoulder. Her left arm, meanwhile, was exposed. Notably, her dress was custom-made by Nigerian designer Xtrabridelagos.
Mia Thornton
Fourth up, the inspiration/vibe of Mia Thornton’s dress was described in one word as “Vogue.” The shoulderless gown showed off Mia’s midriff with sheer material and left her legs bare, save the long train that followed her legs.
Karen Huger
Karen Huger also sported a shoulderless gown, with a vibe/inspiration described as “Powerfully, elegant, modern woman.” Karen’s look was unique for sporting a gray chest piece that turned into a drape/train past her waist.
Gizelle Bryant
Sixth, Gizelle Bryant kept things rather simple with a dress that she said was “mob wife-inspired,” not the first Housewife to take on such a theme. “I just thought I might move into my inner Jersey girl and become a mob wife.” The gold in her heels, jewelry, and right shoulder strap sold the inspiration.
Candiace Dillard Bassett
Candiace Dillard Basset was definitely going for a vintage performer look, holding a microphone in her photo. Her sheer lacey gloves made their way up to her deep neckline. The look was also notable for the draped, see-through fabric past her legs, forming a slit for her left leg.
Ashley Darby
And last but not least was Ashley Darby, sporting an audacious sparkling dress with sheer gloves of her own. “This dress was inspired by the famous yet controversial painting ‘Madame X’ by John Singer Sargent,” she told Bravo, reading a statement from designer Riley Knoxx. Additionally, “It took over 300 hours and is completely hand-made and adorned with over 1,000 black diamond Swarovski crystals.”
As for Ashley’s own words, she further told the network, “I’m in a league of my own – I think the other ladies feel the same.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac continues Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Beyoncé's new album is inspired by backlash to her entering the country music genre
The Queen Bey has entered the country music genre but make no mistake, this is no random sliding into the charts.
With less than 10 days left until the release of her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is reflecting on making the upcoming album — as she explained to fans the inspiration behind it and how exactly the piece of art came to life.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the singer-songwriter shared a new photo of herself wearing a red, white and blue outfit sitting on a horse while holding up an American flag.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the supporters of TEXAS HOLD 'EM and 16 CARRIAGES. I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart," Beyoncé wrote.
"That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from each and every one of you. My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist's race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant," she added.
Beyoncé wrote in her long caption that she'd been working on Cowboy Carter for five years, a project that was "born out of an experience" that she had years ago where she "did not feel welcomed and it was very clear that I wasn't," she added.
While the 42-year-old did not go into detail about what experience made her feel unwelcomed, fans speculate the singer was referencing her 2016 appearance at the CMA Awards, when she performed her country pop song "Daddy Lessons" off her Lemonade album alongside The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks).
Beyoncé's 'Texas Hold 'Em' adds to a long legacy of Black women in country music
While the crowd reacted positively to the performance, Beyoncé herself received racist backlash from some country fans who criticized the CMA's decision to let her perform, HuffPost reported.
"This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé album"
"But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive," the singer said, adding how music can play an important role in the world.
"This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé album," she concluded.
Act II: Cowboy Carter is the 32-time Grammy award-winner's second installment of her three-act project following her 2022 dance album Act I: Renaissance.
Her single, "Texas Hold 'Em" — which was released alongside "16 Carriages" on Feb. 11 during the Super Bowl — debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, the publication said.
A radio station is now playing Beyoncé's country song after an outcry from fans
Beyoncé became the only other solo woman alongside Taylor Swift to achieve the feat with no accompanying artists, according to Billboard. Additionally, "16 Carriages," debuted at No. 9 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 38 on the Hot 100 chart.
Cowboy Carter is set to be released on (Good) Friday, March 29.
#HipHopNews: Ye Says Ice Spice's Team Won't Let Him Use Her "New Body" Verse
Ye’s “New Body” was initially intended to be released on VULTURES 1 with a guest appearance from Nicki Minaj. However, after the Trinidadian rap star refused to clear her verse, the Grammy-winning artist turned to Ice Spice.
Ye shared that the “Deli” hitmaker recorded a few bars for the track, but her management refused to greenlight it. On the musician’s Instagram Story, he wrote, “Ice Spice sent a verse in for ‘New Body.’ Now her team is saying we can’t use it.”
At the time of reporting, Ice has yet to respond to Ye’s comments.
Rumors that she was going to be on “New Body” surfaced earlier this week. On Monday (March 18), YesJulz leaked text messages revealing that she sent the song to Ice and Doja Cat. She stated, “Let’s see who sounds best.”
Fresh off his remarkable portrayal as Bob Marley in Bob Marley: One Love, Ben-Adir’s natural synergy with the arts seamlessly translates into fashion.
With an effortless charm, he carries the legacy of the Horsebit loafer, reminiscent of his standout moment at the 2024 BRIT Awards, where he donned a chic leather shirt by Gucci—a subtle nod to the campaign’s fusion of classic and contemporary sensibilities.
Through the artful lens of photographer Heji Shin, the campaign images engage in a visual dialogue between history and innovation. Each frame showcases the loafer’s enduring appeal, from its equestrian-inspired double ring and bar motif to its 1953 inception, now masterfully reimagined for today’s stylish men.
Under Sabato De Sarno’s creative direction, the revival of the Horsebit loafer weaves a rich narrative with the spirit of leisure and sophistication, emphasizing casual elegance and artisanal craftsmanship.
As Ben-Adir channels his inner model, each styled look encapsulates the campaign’s essence—a reflection of Gucci’s journey from past to present, redefining the notion of luxury footwear. The Horsebit 1953 loafer is reinvented yet respectful of its lineage, encouraging a fresh interpretation of walking in elegance.
The accompanying campaign video, directed by the talented Emanuele Cantò, further brings the Horsebit 1953 loafer to life. Set against the pulsating beats of Channel Tres’ Walked in the Room, the video captures Ben-Adir’s magnetic presence.
The dynamic visuals, complemented by Alastair McKimm’s styling, create a sensory experience that communicates an understated sophistication, positioning the Horsebit loafer as a piece of history reborn.
#RHOP: Real Housewives of Potomac Season 8 Reunion Looks Revealed
Dr. Wendy Osefo
The doctor is in, with Wendy Osefo telling Bravo, “We are giving art gallery, we are giving art museum, we are giving chic, we are giving very classic.” Indeed, her dress screamed classic with a black velvet look, matching gloves, a long white wrap around her arms, and stunning silver jewelry. “The professor has arrived!” she said.
Robyn Dixon
Second, Robyn Dixon wore an asymmetrical black gown with black spandex boots covering her legs, visible before the draped fabric hanging off her waist. “My look [has] a little edge, it’s a little different,” she shared. “I was just trying to find something to not make black basic and boring [but] edgy.” She’s not like other girls.
Nneka Ihim
Season 8’s newcomer, Nneka Ihim, said “I’m so excited for everyone to see it,” referring to her glittering black dress. The look covered her right hand with lace and the glittering fabric up to her shoulder. Her left arm, meanwhile, was exposed. Notably, her dress was custom-made by Nigerian designer Xtrabridelagos.
Mia Thornton
Fourth up, the inspiration/vibe of Mia Thornton’s dress was described in one word as “Vogue.” The shoulderless gown showed off Mia’s midriff with sheer material and left her legs bare, save the long train that followed her legs.
Karen Huger
Karen Huger also sported a shoulderless gown, with a vibe/inspiration described as “Powerfully, elegant, modern woman.” Karen’s look was unique for sporting a gray chest piece that turned into a drape/train past her waist.
Gizelle Bryant
Sixth, Gizelle Bryant kept things rather simple with a dress that she said was “mob wife-inspired,” not the first Housewife to take on such a theme. “I just thought I might move into my inner Jersey girl and become a mob wife.” The gold in her heels, jewelry, and right shoulder strap sold the inspiration.
Candiace Dillard Bassett
Candiace Dillard Basset was definitely going for a vintage performer look, holding a microphone in her photo. Her sheer lacey gloves made their way up to her deep neckline. The look was also notable for the draped, see-through fabric past her legs, forming a slit for her left leg.
Ashley Darby
And last but not least was Ashley Darby, sporting an audacious sparkling dress with sheer gloves of her own. “This dress was inspired by the famous yet controversial painting ‘Madame X’ by John Singer Sargent,” she told Bravo, reading a statement from designer Riley Knoxx. Additionally, “It took over 300 hours and is completely hand-made and adorned with over 1,000 black diamond Swarovski crystals.”
As for Ashley’s own words, she further told the network, “I’m in a league of my own – I think the other ladies feel the same.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac continues Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Beyoncé's new album is inspired by backlash to her entering the country music genre
With less than 10 days left until the release of her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is reflecting on making the upcoming album — as she explained to fans the inspiration behind it and how exactly the piece of art came to life.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the singer-songwriter shared a new photo of herself wearing a red, white and blue outfit sitting on a horse while holding up an American flag.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the supporters of TEXAS HOLD 'EM and 16 CARRIAGES. I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart," Beyoncé wrote.
"That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from each and every one of you. My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist's race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant," she added.
Beyoncé wrote in her long caption that she'd been working on Cowboy Carter for five years, a project that was "born out of an experience" that she had years ago where she "did not feel welcomed and it was very clear that I wasn't," she added.
While the 42-year-old did not go into detail about what experience made her feel unwelcomed, fans speculate the singer was referencing her 2016 appearance at the CMA Awards, when she performed her country pop song "Daddy Lessons" off her Lemonade album alongside The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks).
Beyoncé's 'Texas Hold 'Em' adds to a long legacy of Black women in country music
While the crowd reacted positively to the performance, Beyoncé herself received racist backlash from some country fans who criticized the CMA's decision to let her perform, HuffPost reported.
"This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé album"
"But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive," the singer said, adding how music can play an important role in the world.
"This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé album," she concluded.
Act II: Cowboy Carter is the 32-time Grammy award-winner's second installment of her three-act project following her 2022 dance album Act I: Renaissance.
Her single, "Texas Hold 'Em" — which was released alongside "16 Carriages" on Feb. 11 during the Super Bowl — debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, the publication said.
A radio station is now playing Beyoncé's country song after an outcry from fans
Beyoncé became the only other solo woman alongside Taylor Swift to achieve the feat with no accompanying artists, according to Billboard. Additionally, "16 Carriages," debuted at No. 9 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 38 on the Hot 100 chart.
Cowboy Carter is set to be released on (Good) Friday, March 29.
#HipHopNews: Ye Says Ice Spice's Team Won't Let Him Use Her "New Body" Verse
Ye’s “New Body” was initially intended to be released on VULTURES 1 with a guest appearance from Nicki Minaj. However, after the Trinidadian rap star refused to clear her verse, the Grammy-winning artist turned to Ice Spice.
Ye shared that the “Deli” hitmaker recorded a few bars for the track, but her management refused to greenlight it. On the musician’s Instagram Story, he wrote, “Ice Spice sent a verse in for ‘New Body.’ Now her team is saying we can’t use it.”
At the time of reporting, Ice has yet to respond to Ye’s comments.
Rumors that she was going to be on “New Body” surfaced earlier this week. On Monday (March 18), YesJulz leaked text messages revealing that she sent the song to Ice and Doja Cat. She stated, “Let’s see who sounds best.”
In December 2023, Minaj explained why she turned down the track. “Now, regarding Kanye, that train has left the station, okay? No disrespect in any way. I just put out a brand-new album, [Pink Friday 2],” she explained on Instagram Live. “Why would I put out a song that’s been out for three years? Come on, guys.”
The previous year, Minaj told Hot 106, “The public adored ‘New Body.’ Like, ‘New Body’ is the biggest hit record that never came out. So, what I thought was interesting was that Kanye made me write my ‘New Body’ verse four times over… Then, I go on the internet a few months later to see him on ‘Drink Champs.’ Had ‘New Body’ been out when he was not in his gospel era, then it would’ve seen the light of day.”
VULTURES 1 came out in February with features from YG, India Love, Freddie Gibbs, Quavo, Playboi Carti, and Rich The Kid. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Quinta Brunson Is Already Eyeing Her Next Hit Series
Speaking to The New Yorker, the 34-year-old shared her desire to create a coming-of-age show about a teenage girl for a young adult audience.
“I have trouble seeing where it’ll be made,” she says of the potential series, described by the outlet as “funny, but with reality’s rough edges.”
Quinta Brunson attends the 55th Annual NAACP Awards at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
In the same conversation, the Abbott Elementary star and creator detailed the one film from the past she would choose to revamp if she ever entered that territory.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes [1953] is the only thing I’d ever want to remake,” declared the acclaimed talent. She continued after praising star Marilyn Monroe’s natural skills that she could also imagine adapting Emma Cline’s novel The Guest [2023] if creating a project from a book.
“Would they let a Black person—me—spearhead a movie where the lead is not Black, and the story is not Black?” she questioned, adding, “Shonda Rhimes did it.
Earlier this year, the former viral creator made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Comedic Actress Emmy in four decades for Abbott Elementary. This is her second consecutive time being nominated in the category, and with the nomination, she is the seventh Black woman to be highlighted as a lead comedy actress since the category was created in 1966.
“I don’t even know why I’m so emotional. I think, like, the Carol Burnett of it all,” shared Brunson in her acceptance speech. “Thank you so much. I love making Abbott Elementary so much, and I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy. I say that every time. I just love comedy so much. I’m so happy to be able to get this.”
Jessica Pettway, Beauty Influencer, Dead At 36 From Cervical Cancer After Being Misdiagnosed
Jessica Pettway, beauty and fashion influencer, has died at 36 after a battle with cervical cancer — which was initially misdiagnosed as fibroids.
The news first made headlines after Pettway’s sister posted a message on Instagram remembering her sibling’s life. “It’s my birthday today, and the only thing I could ever wish for is for God to bring you back on this earth,” she wrote on Friday (Mar. 15). “I lost my beautiful big sister 2 days ago and my heart has never felt pain like this. Life will never be the same without her crazy laugh, pranks, or jokes. Loosing [sic] a sibling feels like a connection between us was destroyed. I love you with all my heart.”
The wife and girl-mom of two — who also made a name for herself in the beauty and fashion space years ago — began documenting her health journey in 2022 after taking a social media break. A year later, Pettway revealed to her cumulative millions of followers that she had been diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer after a misdiagnosis of fibroids.
Last July she wrote in part on Instagram, “It turns out, it was not a fibroid, but cancer. I was misdiagnosed all this time. I remember hearing that and immediately saying to myself, ‘I refuse to make an agreement with that diagnosis.’ And so I didn’t. Being told I have cancer didn’t [devastate] me. It was the reaction of those close to me.”
She went on explaining her initial symptoms before being diagnosed with cancer. Pettway shared that she had symptoms of “intense vaginal bleeding” that made her “literally bleed out.” She also was experiencing “extreme fatigue, weakness and just not feeling like myself.” However, she did admit that she accepted it as “normal” after speaking with women who said they experienced the same.
Pettway further explained that in July 2022, her husband found her in their bathroom “unresponsive and not breathing.” She was rushed to a hospital, where they told her that her extreme blood loss was due to “fibroids,” although she was passing clots “the size of a placenta.” After a few more episodes of extreme bleeding and 10 blood transfusions, she was then recommended to get a biopsy where she finally got her correct diagnosis.
Pettway remained transparent with her audience about her battle with cervical cancer until she gained her wings. One of her last posts was dedicated to her family where she opened up about the “strain” her illness had on her family financially and emotionally. She also shared how their “unconditional love” conquered it all.
“This was the toughest storm I have ever been through,” she wrote last year. “Yet we made a commitment that we would get through this together. My husband would carry me up the stairs, carry me to the bathroom, lift me out the tub. It was hard for him to see me in that state. And I was so embarrassed to have him see me in my new body. The weight loss just made me feel like a shell of myself. I didn’t want to be seen.”
She added, “But we held on to our vows and the word. We moved forward and did our best not to allow current circumstances to overtake us. It was definitely not easy, but we made it this far! I no longer need assistance to do those things I needed help with before. Prayer works. Unconditional love goes a long way. This photo makes me smile, because I can see the individual happiness on each of our faces. So many new changes are happening in my life, and it’s kind of scary. But I prayed for it and as long as I follow God and hold on to my family, the blessing we’ve been waiting for, will blow our minds!”
Oprah Winfrey honors her brother, who died of AIDS at 29, at the GLAAD Media Awards
Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to her late brother, Jeffrey Lee, while accepting the 2024 Vanguard Award at the 35th GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday.
"Many people don't know this, but 35 years ago, my brother, Jeffrey Lee, passed away when he was just 29 years old from AIDS,” the television icon said during her speech. “Growing up at the time we did, in the community that we did, we didn't have the language to understand or speak about sexuality and gender in the way that we do now.”
Winfrey became choked up as she confessed, “At the time, I didn't know how deeply my brother internalized the shame he felt about being gay. I wish he could have lived to witness these liberated times and be here with me tonight.”
She explained that the entire purpose of her eponymous hit talk show, which aired from 1986 until 2011, was to share “stories that actually helped people be more of their authentic selves.”
“I know that that is the truest form of what it means to be free," she said. "To have personal freedom. To be able to fully be who you are. To have the truest expression of yourself as a human being."
Winfrey received the award for “championing allyship and making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues," GLAAD stated in a press release. During her speech, Winfrey reflected on several episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, including when it celebrated National Coming Out Day in 1988 and spoke with AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent in 1996.
“My intention at the time was to make it clear that every single person who comes to this planet deserves the right to love the person they want to love and be the person they most fully want to be,” she said
These days, Winfrey said she is “proud to support and produce projects centering on LGBTQ storylines” through the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and her production company Harpo.
“I will continue to hire queer and trans filmmakers to bring authentic characters to the screen, like nominees here tonight Trace Lysette and our fantastic Hulu series Black Cake," said Winfrey. "And I'm so grateful to be able to work with GLAAD to make sure we get it right along the way. Because this is what I know: I know, I know for sure, and that is when we can see one another — truly see one another — when we are open to supporting the truth of a fellow human, it makes for a full, rich, vibrant life for us all.”
She concluded, “And that’s what I wish my brother Jeffrey could’ve experienced: a world that could see him for who he was, and appreciate him for what he brought to this world.”
Marlon Wayans Sued By Alleged Baby Mama Over Secret Love Child
Marlon Wayans has been dragged to court over his alleged secret love child. The actor has been sued by his alleged baby mama Brittany Moreland, who wants to establish the paternity of her 1-year-old daughter Axl July Ivory Wayans.
In court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Brittany filed a petition to establish the 51-year-old star as the father of her daughter. She asked for primary physical and legal custody of the toddler and suggested that Marlon be awarded visitation rights.
In addition, Brittany asked that her legal fees and "reasonable expenses of pregnancy and birth" be paid by the actor. In the court documents, she claimed that Marlon earns $200,000 per month and can pay support.
Brittany, meanwhile, revealed her monthly expenses total $21,000. In a breakdown of her living and child care costs, she estimated she spends $5,000 per month on rent and $9,000 on child care, groceries and other necessities.
Marlon has not publicly responded to the petition by Brittany, but he has not always been that secretive about his family. In November 2023, during an appearance on "The Breakfast Club", he revealed that his son is a transgender, going from Amai Zackery Wayans to Kai Zackery Wayans.
The "Scary Movie" star opened up about his hopes to release a stand-up special titled "Rainbow Child" or "Skittles" about his "daughter [who] transitioned to a son." He shared, "My daughter Amai (Wayans) is now Kai and so I talk about the transition - now their transition - by my transition as a parent going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance."
"It was a very painful situation for me, but man it's one of the best funniest hours I probably could ever imagine," the screenwriter/producer confessed. "I told my daughter, I said, 'N***a you transitioning into your brother! You look just like him!' I can't tell the difference between her and Shawn. I swear to God."
Jonathan Majors Slapped With Defamation Lawsuit By Ex Grace Ahead Of His Assault Sentencing
Grace filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, March 19 in New York federal court. She accused the actor of subjecting her to a "pattern of pervasive domestic abuse that began in 2021 and extended through 2023," detailing several instances of alleged physical violence.
The defamation allegation came from Jonathan's apearrance on "Good Morning America" following his conviction. He claimed he "never laid [his] hands on a woman." Meanwhile, in the December trial, Jonathan's attorney Priya Chaudhry repeatedly characterized Grace as lying about the injuries she sustained in the March 2023 incident.
The suit also detailed one incident in Los Angeles in 2022. "Majors became angry with Grace. She became afraid and instinctively tried to calm him down. Majors began shouting in Grace's face and grabbed both her arms, pinning them to her body. He then shoved her into the shower door, causing the shower door to open," it read.
"He then threw her body into the shower wall, causing her head to hit the wall. When Grace tried to escape, things escalated," the suit further alleged. "In an effort to stop the abuse, Grace informed Majors that she was going to have to inform his team of what he had done to her, at which point, Majors began throwing candles and other objects in a frenzied state, denting the wall and leaving glass shattered on the floor."
During another incident in London in 2022, the lawsuit stated that "Majors pushed Grace so hard that it bruised her backside. When Grace got up, she attempted to leave the house. Majors picked Grace up in the air and threw her against the hood of her car." It then noted, "Grace began shouting for help. Majors then forcefully grabbed Grace, placing her in a headlock and put his hand over her mouth to prevent someone from hearing her cries for help."
"He brought Grace back into their house and held his hands around her neck, stating that he wanted to kill her, and that he was going to kill her," the complaint continued to read. "Majors then started hitting Grace's head against the marble floor while strangling her until she felt she could no longer breathe."
Jonathan is set to be sentenced in April for his December 2023 conviction. In the wake of his conviction, he was fired by Marvel and his bodybuilding movie, "Magazine Dreams", was removed from Searchlight's release calendar.
Ex-Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider apologizes after 'Quiet on Set' docuseries
Former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider apologized for his behavior and the on-set atmosphere of the preteen- and teen-focused shows he produced in the 2000s and 2010s.
Schneider, who parted ways with the network in 2018, spoke out in response to the Investigation Discovery series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which aired Sunday and Monday.
During a video conversation with actor Bobbie K. Bowman, also known as BooG!e, Schneider said viewing the docuseries was “difficult” and “embarrassing.”
“Facing my past behaviors — some of which are embarrassing and that I regret — and I definitely owe some people a pretty strong apology,” Schneider said.
He spoke to Bowman, who played T-Bo on “iCarly,” in a video uploaded to Schneider’s YouTube channel Tuesday. WATCH BELOW
Schneider produced some of Nickelodeon’s most successful shows, including “All That,” “The Amanda Show,” “Drake and Josh” and “iCarly.”
“Quiet on Set” featured several actors and former child stars who alleged abuse, inappropriate behavior and a toxic work environment while appearing on shows produced by Schneider.
“It was wrong that I ever put anybody in that position,” Schneider said when he was asked about massages that happened at work. “I apologize to anybody that I ever put in that situation.”
“There were lots of people there who witnessed it who also may have felt uncomfortable. So I owe them an apology, as well.”
Schneider said any questionable content or jokes in the shows should be cut from vaulted and rerun episodes.
“Every one of those jokes was written for a kid audience because kids thought they were funny,” Schneider said. “Now we have some adults looking back at them 20 years later through their lens. I have no problem with that. Let's cut those jokes out of the show.”
He also reiterated a statement he released earlier that said multiple network executives approved the content and look of his shows and that dozens of adults were on set and never raised concerns.
He also addressed an investigation that happened before he left the network and said it found no wrongdoing.
"All that was found is that he was a challenging, tough and demanding person to work for and with, nothing else," a spokesperson for Schneider has said.
In “Quiet on Set,” Drake Bell, who starred in the show “Drake and Josh,” comes forward with accusations against dialogue coach Brian Peck.
Peck — a close collaborator of Schneider’s on “All That” and “The Amanda Show,” the latter of which Bell appeared on regularly — was arrested in 2003 and charged with “lewd acts with a child,” according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department. The release said Peck had molested an unidentified minor he had worked with over a period of six months.
After he pleaded no contest, Peck was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a 14- or 15-year-old child and oral copulation with a minor under 16, according to a case summary from Los Angeles County Superior Court. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
A representative for Peck did not respond to a request for comment.
Schneider got emotional about the case and said he did not hire Peck.
He said he has tried to be there for actors, helping Bell's mother when Bell was dealing with legal issues.
Bell was sentenced to two years of probation for child endangerment after he was accused of “grooming” a female victim when she was 12. He pleaded guilty to felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge for disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
Schneider said television shows that feature child actors should have therapists on set who have power to determine whether a juvenile really wants to be working.
“If a kid doesn’t want to be on a TV show, they can opt out,” he said.
Nickelodeon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Schneider's apology video. A network spokesperson, responding to the docuseries, previously said the following:
"Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct. Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.”
Alexa Nikolas, who played Nicole Bristow on the Schneider-created “Zoey 101” on Nickelodeon, in a livestream on her YouTube channel Tuesday called for more safeguards for young actors, including having third-party advocates and ending nondisclosure agreements for children.
“I don’t feel bad for you, Dan Schneider, because it’s sad that it took you this long to apologize to us,” she said outside Nickelodeon’s Burbank, California, offices Tuesday.
“Not only did you bully me, you actually put me in a situation where creeps are going to look at me in a certain way as a child,” she said. "You’re embarrassed? That’s a joke.”
Schneider said in the YouTube video that he was inexperienced when he ran some of a cable network’s most valuable franchises and acknowledged that sometimes, he was “straight-up rude.”
“I could be cocky and definitely overambitious,” he said.
“If I could go back I would get it done in different ways,” Schneider said. “I would be nicer.”
Ariana Grande To Make $1.25M Payment To Dalton Gomez In Divorce Settlement
A Los Angeles Superior Court judgment finalized the dissolution of the 30-year-old singer’s marriage to the 28-year-old real estate broker on Tuesday (March 19).
Ariana and Dalton separated over a year ago and the fact that they had a prenuptial agreement, no children, and no significant legal disputes allowed the divorce to move pretty quickly through the court system.
Under their divorce agreement, Ariana Grande will make a one-time payment of $1,250,000 to Dalton Gomez with no future alimony payments.
She will also give him half of the proceeds from the sale of their marital home and she will pay up to $25,000 of his attorney’s fees.
Ariana and Dalton began dating in January 2020 and they quarantined together during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They quietly tied the knot 16 months later on May 15, 2021, in a private ceremony at her home in Montecito, California.
But, like Jazmine Sullivan said…forever don’t last always.
Ariana Grande filed for divorce on September 18, 2023, citing irreconcilable differences for the demise of their union.
The divorce was finalized in October 2023 and after Dalton Gomez secures his bag…he can go on about his business.
You know Ariana doesn’t let any dust settle around her feet when it comes to romance.
She began dating her “Wicked” costar Ethan Slater in November 2023 – four months after he filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay.
Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album, eternal sunshine, on March 8.
She is also set to star in the film adaptation of “Wicked” alongside Cynthia Erivo, which is scheduled to be released in November.
Mississippi ex-deputy receives 20-year sentence for horrific torture of two Black men
The Associated Press confirmed that former Mississippi Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Elward was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for his involvement in torturing two Black men and participating in a separate incident of sexual assault against a white man. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee handed down a 241-month sentence and emphasized the severity of Elward’s actions, which he deemed "egregious and despicable."
The crimes unfolded in January 2023 when Elward and five other law enforcement officers, including Deputy Brett McAlpin and Deputy Christian Dedmon, responded to a racist call alleging that two Black men were staying with a white woman in a Rankin County home. The group, self-dubbed "The Goon Squad," assaulted Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker using stun guns, a sex toy, and other objects. Elward even staged a mock execution, inadvertently shooting Jenkins in the mouth.
The incident, described as a "racist call for extrajudicial violence," culminated in false charges against the victims and left Jenkins with severe injuries, including a lacerated tongue and broken jaw. As previously reported, those deputies were also linked to previous violent encounters with Black men, further highlighting systemic issues within the town’s law enforcement division.
During sentencing, Jenkins and Parker called for the harshest penalties. Jenkins, a musician, expressed his ongoing suffering and sense of violation. Elward acknowledged his wrongdoing and apologized to the victims, but cited a culture of corruption within the sheriff's office as a contributing factor.
Elward was also sentenced for his involvement in a prior assault on Alan Schmidt. The officers involved, including Elward, McAlpin, Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield, have pleaded guilty to federal and state charges.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, initially silent on the matter, pledged reform after the officers' guilty pleas. However, Jenkins and Parker demanded his resignation and have initiated a civil lawsuit against the department. The two are seeking $400 million in damages.
ESPN Reporter Hannah Storm Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
While appearing on Good Morning America on Tuesday (March 19), the 61-year-old co-anchor of ESPN’s SportsCenter said that she received her diagnosis in January after she went for her yearly mammogram in November 2023.
“I kind of didn’t hear anything at first, and I thought that was a little odd,” Hannah recalled. “Usually, you hear right away, ‘Everything’s fine.’”
After getting in contact with the place where she had her mammogram done, Hannah was told that she needed to get an ultrasound because she had “dense breasts.” She was already familiar with the imaging test because she’d done it before.
“[I] have my ultrasound in early January and they come back right away this time and they say, ‘You know, we’re seeing something. We don’t think it’s anything. It’s probably nothing at all, but we’d like you to have a biopsy,’” Hannah explained. “So I’m back a week later for a biopsy, and [the] call came less than 24 hours later. The doctor said, ‘I’m so surprised, but you have ductal carcinoma in situ. You have DCIS, the earliest form of breast cancer.’”
Hannah said she was “shocked” by the diagnosis since she had gone regularly for mammograms.
“I had no risk factors. I have no breast cancer in my family. I did not have a lump. I did not have pain. I don’t have any genetic predisposition to breast cancer,” Hannah said. “And what I came to learn is the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, don’t have risk factors, and so, I gotta say, I was shocked, scared.”
Since her cancer was still in the early stages, Hannah was able to have a lumpectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes the cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast.
“The surgery was successful. I was able to go back to work, cover the Super Bowl, which was a real blessing,” Hannah said, adding that because of new tests, she didn’t have to undergo radiation.
“I’m also taking a drug called tamoxifen that blocks all the estrogen and progesterone, which apparently, my cells feed off of that,” Hannah said. “I’m taking this for the next three years.”
Hannah, who is now cancer-free, said that she decided to publicly tell her story to encourage women to get their yearly mammograms.
“This is how you find it. You find it through getting your yearly mammograms. This is how you find out that you have breast cancer,” Hannah emphasized. “And if you find out that you have it in the earliest form, it’s so treatable. There’s so much that you can do about it.”
News of Hannah‘s breast cancer diagnosis comes less than a week after Olivia Munn revealed her own diagnosis.
Manager and Son of Wendy Williams Allegedly Earned Substantial Profits from Docuseries
*Wendy Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr., and her former manager, Will Selby, reportedly made significant earnings from the new Lifetime docuseries.
NewsNation writes, “While there are no specifics about exactly how much Selby and Hunter Jr. got paid, sources told me it was likely “seven figures.” This would explain why Selby insisted on shooting – even after it was clear they wouldn’t be filming a “comeback” show as initially promised to Williams.”
According to the outlet, sources claim Selby became upset when Williams was unfit for filming
“She was afraid of her manager, her management at the time,” Williams’ publicist Shawn Zanotti told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas.
Williams grapples with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that affect both her behavior and cognitive abilities. We reported earlier that Sabrina Morrissey, the court-appointed guardian of Wendy, alleges that the former talk show host was not in a fit mental state when she signed a contract to participate in the controversial new Lifetime docuseries “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
In certain scenes, Selby offers Williams partially empty bottles of vodka.
Allegedly, Selby is said to have been the one who convinced Williams to reveal her lymphedema-affected feet to TMZ. “She should never have been put in that position,” an insider told NewsNation. “It’s all very disturbing.”
Lfetime’s “Where Is Wendy Williams?” premiered Feb. 24, and the second installment aired the next day. Morrissey filed a lawsuit days before the series debut to stop it from airing. She accuses the network of “unconscionably” exploiting Williams for “entertainment value.”
“This blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of African American community is disgusting, and it cannot be allowed,” the document reads.
Irish Gas Station Dedicated to Barack Obama Gains Viral Attention
It features bronze statues of the former President and First Lady Michelle Obama and offers souvenir coins, magnets, mugs, and cardboard cutouts of Obama, Indy100 reports.
The gas station opened in 2014, as a tribute to Obama’s visit to the nearby town of Moneygall, where his great-great-great-grandfather was born.
The service station’s presence was widely uncovered thanks to Emily Howard, whose TikTok post has since gone viral.
Speaking to The Daily Dot, Howard said: “I thought [visiting the Barack Obama Plaza] would be a hilarious surprise for my fiancé, and it was made better that he fell asleep in the passenger seat, and when he woke up, he was greeted by the statues of the Obamas in front of the Plaza.”
@artdazenc Bringing back the Irish Obama song just in time for St. Paddy’s because this gas station is just so funny #ireland #moneygall #barackobamaplaza #obama #roadtrip #tipperary ♬ There’s No One As Irish As Barack Obama – Live – Na Fianna
Barack Obama Plaza also boasts an air pump in honor of Conan O’Brien.
Indy100 reports that O’Brien called the pump “a big honour” and said the gas station “is the greatest tribute to any American president.”
“In the comments of the TikTok clip, one user wrote, “We accidentally stopped here when we were there and we were SO confused but it truly is amazing.”
Another person added, “my dads weirdest obsession is the barack obama travel plaza.”
A third commented, “I already wanted to go to Ireland. No need to make it more appealing than it already is.”
One TikTker noted, “We also have an Obama themed gas station in Columbia, South Carolina.” The station owner reportedly spent $4,000 to change the name to honor the 44th president.
Jodeci’s ‘The Show, The After Party’ Vegas Residency Sells Out Opening Weekend
The iconic R&B quartet Jodeci has returned to the stage with a sold-out opening weekend at the House of Blues for their Las Vegas Residency, The Show The After Party.
Fans gathered to witness the legendary group deliver a sultry performance that took everyone back to the 90s. Kicking off the night with timeless favorites like “Forever My Lady” and “Come & Talk to Me,” it was evident that Jodeci had lost none of their magic.
New tracks like “Every Moment” and “Checkin’ For You” seamlessly integrate with their classic hits, allowing fans to see their evolution as artists.
The intimate setting of the House of Blues only enhanced the experience, allowing fans to sing along to every song and feel part of something extraordinary.
As the curtains closed on the opening night of The Show The After Party, it was clear that Jodeci’s Las Vegas residency was destined to be a resounding success, leading to all shows being sold out for the entire opening weekend.
The Las Vegas residency will continue until March 24 and return for extended dates from July 5th through July 13th.
Federal Government Investigating Meta For Role In Alleged Drug Sales
The Department of Justice has requested that all records showing any drug content on Meta’s platforms that may have violated federal law, specifically focusing on the illicit sale of drugs. Authorities are concerned about the victims of illicit drug sales coupled with the promotion of opioid use through online advertising.
Meta released a statement saying that the sale of illicit drugs is against its policies, and it is working to remove such content from its services. The company also stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement officials to combat illicit drug sales, emphasizing the need for everyone to play a part in addressing this issue.
Dr. Dre Receives Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame
Dr. Dre was honored Tuesday at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
The rapper and producer’s star is next to Snoop Dogg’s star, who also attended the star-revealing ceremony. Snoop spoke fondly about Dre, whom he called his “brother from another mother.”
Snoop Dogg also thanked Dr. Dre for their partnership, his perfectionism, and for collaborating with him on music projects in the studio.
“I want to thank me. I want to thank me for taking the call from Warren and Dr. Dre in 1991,” Snoop Dogg said.
“I want to thank me for listening to Dre over the years and letting him be my teacher, mentor, brother, guardian, protector and most importantly a good friend.”
Dre, legally known as Andre Young and a nine-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, received his star in the Recording category, CBS News reported.
“Growing up in Compton, I never imagined that I would one day be represented here among some of my childhood heroes,” Dr. Dre said at the ceremony.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, Dr. Dre said he just focused on his passion for hip hop, and the rest followed.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living doing exactly what I love to do,” Dr. Dre said.
Paris 2024 Olympics Lift Intimacy Ban, Plan to Distribute 300,000 Condoms to Athletes
Laurent Michaud, the Olympic Village director, announced that the 2024 Paris Games will reintroduce a tradition by providing 300,000 condoms for the 14,250 athletes residing in the village.
“It is very important that the conviviality here is something big,” said Michaud.
Earlier reports stated that at the 2020 Olympics, condoms were provided, but intimacy among athletes was banned due to COVID. Athletes were instructed to restrict physical contact, including sexual activity, and maintain a distance of six and a half feet to curb the spread of the disease.
According to CBS Sports, condom distribution has been an Olympic tradition since the 1988 Seoul Games, aimed at raising HIV and AIDS awareness.
“Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable,” Michaud told Sky News.
Despite intimacy being back on at the Olympics, athletes will not be able to indulge in champagne.
“No champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris,” said Michaud. “We will have more than 350 meters of buffet with the world food… and I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”
The Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News that Paris hopes to bring back normalcy after Tokyo’s pandemic delay.
“It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration. We’ve had many challenges in the past,” Dubi told the outlet. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex. But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone — starting with the organizers, but also as far as the Olympic community is concerned — meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.”
“What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. This is how this creative family works together,” he continued. “Any challenge? We will win.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
A wild Kroger appeared
The guy from Simpsons?
The guy from Simpsons?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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