#RHOA: Stunning Bravolebrity Glow Ups Kenya Moore
When the Real Housewives franchise first started in 2006, we had the best of both worlds, as Hannah Montana would say. There was the unreal drama, which was equaled by the 2000s fashion and makeup. The Y2K aesthetic feels like it happened only yesterday, but the decade made a statement between the teeny tiny handbags, strappy kitten heels, and ultra-low-rise jeans. Naturally, any Bravolebrity worth a dime made sure to have the hottest trends, but sadly, not everyone hit the mark. Thankfully, a few of the network’s stars got a glam squad and gave themselves a major glow-up.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore’s fashion has changed drastically over the years. And even though she should have been miles ahead of the competition thanks to her beauty pageant background, there were times she made some pretty awful choices. In 1993, Kenya was all about the big hair, red lips, and ghost-like makeup. During the early 2000s, Kenya embraced the jeans and heels look, and she often sported a ripped Ed Hardy crop top with it.
But like a fine wine, Kenya aged well, and so did her fashion. Kenya started to wear more flattering dresses and toned down her makeup for a more natural look. The “Gone with the Wind Fabulous,” Kenya never let anyone dictate what she wore and rocked her style with complete confidence. Not one to miss out on making a statement or wearing a statement necklace, Kenya made sure to bring the glam from day one.
#NewMusic from Alicia Keys “Kaleidoscope” From Her Broadway Musical “Hell’s Kitchen”
Check out the new song from Alicia Keys called “Kaleidoscope” which was written for her new musical “Hell’s Kitchen”. The song was produced by Breyan Isaac and Keys, and co-produced by Adam Blackstone. It also features vocals by Maleah Joi Moon and the show.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore’s fashion has changed drastically over the years. And even though she should have been miles ahead of the competition thanks to her beauty pageant background, there were times she made some pretty awful choices. In 1993, Kenya was all about the big hair, red lips, and ghost-like makeup. During the early 2000s, Kenya embraced the jeans and heels look, and she often sported a ripped Ed Hardy crop top with it.
But like a fine wine, Kenya aged well, and so did her fashion. Kenya started to wear more flattering dresses and toned down her makeup for a more natural look. The “Gone with the Wind Fabulous,” Kenya never let anyone dictate what she wore and rocked her style with complete confidence. Not one to miss out on making a statement or wearing a statement necklace, Kenya made sure to bring the glam from day one.
#NewMusic from Alicia Keys “Kaleidoscope” From Her Broadway Musical “Hell’s Kitchen”
Check out the new song from Alicia Keys called “Kaleidoscope” which was written for her new musical “Hell’s Kitchen”. The song was produced by Breyan Isaac and Keys, and co-produced by Adam Blackstone. It also features vocals by Maleah Joi Moon and the show.
LISTEN HERE
“Hell’s Kitchen” was conceived by the innovative mind of Alicia Keys, with music and lyrics by Keys, book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, music supervision by Emmy and Grammy Award winner Adam Blackstone, music consulting by two-time Tony and Emmy winner Tom Kitt, choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
The show will begin performances on Thursday, March 28, 2024 with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street.).
#HipHopNews; Chance The Rapper And Kirsten Corley Announce Divorce, Social Media Reacts
Chance the Rapper and Kirsten Corley have announced their decision to divorce after five years of marriage. The couple shared a joint statement on their Instagram Stories today (April 3), revealing they underwent a period of separation before the final decree.
“We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together,” the post read. “God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition. Thank you.”
Chance and Corley have a long history together. The pair reportedly met when the “Cocoa Butter Kisses” artist was just 9 years old. They began dating in 2013 and married in March 2019 at Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, CA. Their relationship also inspired The Big Day.
Reacting to the news online, social media had varied reactions. Some users shared excitement about the possibility of new music, while others attempted to pinpoint the reason for Chance and Corley’s divorce.
“Chance the Rapper went to Jamaica for [a] carnival, and his marriage never recovered,” stated one person. Another said, “Damn, Chance the Rapper and his wife split up right before [this year’s] Jamaica Carnival. That boy ’bout to have the time of his life.”
Most of the internet appeared to be referring to Chance’s 30th birthday party in Jamaica in April 2023, where he was seen dancing with another woman. Corley seemingly responded to the viral clip by sharing a quote from Maya Angelou’s “Letter to My Daughter.”
“Most people don’t grow up. It’s too damn difficult. What happens is most people get older. That’s the truth of it,” the highlighted text on her Instagram Story read. “They honor their credit cards, they find parking spaces, they have the nerve to have children, but they don’t grow up. Not really. They get older.”
Colman Domingo Says He’ll Play Nat King Cole in New Self-Directed Musical Biopic
Colman Domingo has said he is going to portray legendary crooner and pianist Nat King Cole in a forthcoming biopic, Variety reports. The musical film, which Domingo co-wrote, will also serve as the actor’s directorial debut. Domingo shared the news, noting that he’s been “working on it quietly for a few years,” during an episode of the Variety Awards Circuit podcast. Find the full episode below.
Domingo and Patricia McGregor co-wrote the play Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole. It premiered at the Geffen Playhouse in 2019. The production imagined the inner thoughts of Cole during his historic 1957 Christmas special—the first network program hosted by an African American.
The Nat King Cole news coincides with the announcement that Domingo will play Joe Jackson—the controversial father and manager of Michael Jackson—in a forthcoming biopic about the late pop artist. Domingo is up for Best Actor at the 2024 Academy Awards for his role as civil rights leader Bayard Rustin—a co-organizer of the 1963 March on Washington—in Rustin.
Domingo has starred in films like Lincoln, Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Candyman, as well as HBO’s wildly popular teen drama Euphoria.
Cassie Reportedly Cooperating With Federal Agents In Diddy Investigation
Casandra Ventura-Fine, a.k.a Cassie, is reportedly cooperating with the federal agents investigating Sean “Diddy” Combs following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes.
According to TMZ, the “Me & U” singer is among the witnesses who have been communicating with the authorities. It’s reported that Venutura-Fine may have been working with them for “several weeks.”
The outlet believes Cassie may have provided testimony to give investigators probable cause to=
Cassie started the domino effect on Diddy’s fall from grace back in November 2023 when she filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, battery, and more.
“After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” the singer said in a statement.
After meeting in 2005, Cassie said Diddy’s “pattern of control and abuse” began almost immediately. He allegedly manipulated her and used drugs like ecstasy and ketamine to assault her and force her to sleep with several male prostitutes as he reportedly watched, masturbated, and recorded the encounters. Their relationship ended in 2018 after he allegedly forcibly entered her and sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit was settled after one day.
A source reportedly close to Cassie told US Weekly that she “finally feels like she isn’t alone,” adding, “Cassie has seen the worst of Diddy and he has put her through the most traumatic abuse. She isn’t able to speak about the things she has seen during their relationship, but it was very dark.”
Initially, Cassie wasn’t the only alleged witness set to testify against Diddy. Ethiopia Habtemariam, former CEO of Motown, was also named, but she’s since refuted the claim.
In a statement, Habtemariam explained, “I have no personal knowledge of any alleged wrongdoing by Mr. Combs, and there is nothing I could testify to that would be against his interest… In short, there is no basis for any of the claims asserted against me, and I should never have been named a defendant in this lawsuit.” Habtemariam, along with Justin Combs and others, was name-dropped by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones in the latest lawsuit against Diddy.
Mario Van Peebles Set To Direct Drama Detailing Birth Of Rock n’ Roll
Mario Van Peebles is set to direct a brand new film about the rise of rock’ n’ roll. Variety reports that Peebles will lend his vision to That’ll Be the Day, which chronicles how Buddy Holly and other peers from the 1950s pushed rock’ n’ roll into the white American zeitgeist.
The movie is said to discuss how rock’ n’ roll impacted American society and culture and deeply affected moments like the civil rights movement. “America’s tumultuous cultural melting pot has produced transcendent musical talent, including Buddy Holly, who was our first bada** rock’ n’ roll nerd,” Van Peebles said in a statement.
That’ll Be the Day will be produced by Rick French for Prix Productions and Stuart Benjamin of Stuart Benjamin Productions. Patrick Shanahan and Matthew Benjamin serve as the movie’s scribes, with Van Peebles writing “additional materials” for the film. The outlet reports that the script is based on a story by French and Stephen Easley in “general counsel” with the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. The outlet also reports that BMG, the company that manages and controls the Buddy Holly estate, has also supplied funding for the project.
David Hirshland, Peter Bradley, Jr. of the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, and Stephen Easley, who has a deep understanding of Buddy Holly’s legacy, are the film’s executive producers. Maria Elena Holly, the widow of Buddy Holly, is also an associate producer, ensuring that the film stays true to Buddy Holly’s spirit and story.
No other information regarding the film has been released at the time of this article’s publishing.
Buddy Holly was a pioneer, not the founder, of rock n’ roll. The legendary act was an American singer and songwriter and central piece to bringing a version of the genre to the American zeitgeist. His lead and rhythm guitar was influential in the early days of the genre, with songs like “Peggy Sue,” “Don’t Fade Away,” and, of course, “That’ll Be The Day.” But his iconic status ended abruptly after Holly’s life was cut short.
In February 1959, Buddy Holly died in an accidental plane crash in Iowa. The crash also claimed the lives of rock n’ roll pioneers Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Maria Elena Holly would suffer from a miscarriage the next day, preventing her from attending her husband’s funeral. The date has since been nicknamed “The Day The Music Died.”
'RHOBH' Alum Annemarie Wiley Calls Transphobia Accusations 'Disgusting And Damaging'
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Annemarie Wiley set the record straight after being labeled transphobic. The former Bravo personality addressed transphobic claims when she appeared on "Reality with the King" podcast.
Shutting down allegations, Annemarie told host Carlos King, "I am so happy to address that." The star, who was fired from the series alongside husband Marcellus Wiley, added, "Calling someone transphobic is very hurtful, disgusting and damaging."
Annemarie insisted that "no one is transphobic" because she supports the trans community, trans rights and women's sports. However, she admitted that she didn't think it's fair for transgender women to play against cisgender women in sports because of their physical differences.
"My husband's stance on it is that he is not in support of it, and he's in support of there being safe spaces for everybody, and I agree with that," the nurse anesthesiologist clarified. She further recalled being "badgered" and "attacked" by her "RHOBH" castmates due to their political views.
Annemarie and Marcellus landed in hot water after he wrote on social media that he has "an issue with athletes who are transgender women trying to compete against biological women." At the time, the former NFL player said, "Why can't the dudes who transition to women actually empower women by competing against men?"
The couple received massive backlash over the matter as they were called transphobic. The controversy eventually affected her gig on "The Real Housewives to Beverly Hills" as she was let go shortly after. Confirming the firing, Annemarie wrote on Instagram at the time, "I just got word today that I will not be returning to 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement."
Admitting to making a "rookie mistake" by following what was "instructed" to her, the mom of four also added that she's "disappointed" viewers "never got to see the real me or even a glimpse of my unique life story."
Cardi B Involved In Back-And-Forth With TikToker Calling Her 'Very Ghetto'
Cardi B's numerous achievements don't make people stop shaming her. The "Bodak Yellow" hitmaker was involved in a back-and-forth with a content creator named Raymonte who called the raptress "very, very ghetto" in a TikTok video.
On Wednesday, April 3, the Grammy winner wrote on X, "It's crazy because when I became famous people said I'm ghetto, talked s**t about my accent, call[ed] me dumb because the way I speak, say I've] got no couth." She added that people would "talk about my teeth , my braids, my two buns… and to this day no matter what I accomplished I still get called a stripper all because I'm from the ghetto."
"People misinterpret me because apparently I'm LOUD AND GHETTO TILL THIS DAY [they] call me a hood rat and all… When I sat down with Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden they called me a ghetto stripper. Why is it that y'all gotta use me to make y'all comparisons cause y'all only see the glory but not when I get drag 24/7? LEAVE ME TF ALONE AND OUT OF YALL BULLS**T," she said.
Raymonte caught wind of Cardi's tweet and insisted that he didn't attack Cardi, but saying that she's successful instead. To that, Cardi responded, "That's not what you said. You said nobody called me ghetto and now you moving the goal post… You know why I'm at where I'm at right now? Because I took all those no's and recognized what I had to CHANGE. I had to change the way I talk, the way I act and the way I respond and how I present myself… you ignoring all of that and playing the color card because you don't like me and it's f**ked up."
She continued, "You using all these other women… Sexyy Red is making bangers and on tour with Drake and I bet money she's gonna win female rapper of the year because she's grinding and working HARD and not letting people call her ghetto distract her from the top!! So miss me with that."
In another tweet, Cardi wrote, "Here's my advice to you Raymonte… IT TAKES TIME!!! Right now I get brand deals for over $5 million for a campaign… I got social media famous in 2014…my first brand deal from Fashion Nova was in 2016 and $200 a post. You could reach any height no matter how ghetto or where you come from. Just remember the key is to be patient and be humble. Blessings."
The feud started after the influencer refused to be called ghetto like Cardi in a TikTok video. "She's way ghettoer than me, she's way hooder, gangster, greasy [than] me," the TikToker said. "She was outside with the damn Bloods, and y'all don't say that this lady is ghetto. Y'all don't say that she isn't marketable."
"It feels like everyone can be ghetto and black besides ghetto and black people. And again, no shade to you, Cardi B, I'm just doing a comparison," he continued.
Angel Reese declares for The WNBA Draft
Angel Reese announced on Wednesday that she is headed to the WNBA, via a profile in Vogue.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I'm ready.”
The 21-year-old Reese and the LSU Tigers saw their back-to-back NCAA title dreams dashed on Monday following their Elite Eight loss to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, whom they defeated in last year's national championship game.
WNBA rules state that players entering the draft must declare by April 1. College players competing in the Elite Eight or later have 48 hours after their final game to renounce their NCAA eligibility and declare for the draft.
Reese had until Wednesday night to announce her future plans. She had the option to remain at LSU for one more season under the COVID-19 waiver, but she will now take her talents to the WNBA.
The 2024 WNBA Draft will be held on April 15.
The 6-foot-3 Reese has dominated college basketball since transferring to LSU from Maryland in 2022. The forward's first year in Baton Rouge saw her win a national title and be named a first-team All-American, as well as the 2023 NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player, averaging 23 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
This past season, Reese averaged 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game while recording 20 double-doubles in 33 regular-season games for the Tigers. She added to that total with seven more double-doubles in the NCAA tournament, including a 17-point, 20-rebound performance in the loss to Iowa.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said in March that whatever Reese decided, she had "left her mark" on the Tigers' program.
“What Angel Reese has done at LSU in two years, we really need to step back and go, ‘Wow,'” Mulkey said. “She won a national championship last year, she’s a celebrity now. And then, to come back this year and get Player of the Year – she was an All-Defensive player, as well – she’s left her mark.
“Whether she comes back next year or not, that young lady has left her mark on LSU women’s basketball.”
The 2024 WNBA Draft will feature plenty of talent with Clark, Stanford's Cameron Brink, South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso, Tennessee's Rickea Jackson, and Connecticut's Aaliyah Edwards expected to be among the top picks.
Where will Reese go? That's up for debate.
While Reese had success in college, the transition to the pro game might come with some struggles.
Reese is an elite rebounder with a nose for the ball and a strong work ethic to get it. That alone might help her stick on a roster, as will her defense. But she hasn’t developed other parts of her game. Reese isn’t a strong shooter outside of the paint and certainly not from the perimeter. She was forced to take those shots in this NCAA tournament and didn't look comfortable.
That’s the biggest question mark and teams will have to be patient, which is a luxury few are afforded in the WNBA. Even if Reese sticks on a roster, she won’t dominate the way she did in college.
The Indiana Fever hold the first pick in the WNBA draft with the Los Angeles Sparks (Nos. 2 and 4), Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings rounding out the top five selections.
Patrick Mahomes Sr. Charged with Felony DWI Stemming from February Arrest
Patrick Mahomes Sr., who is the father of star Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated for a third time or more on Thursday, per TMZ Sports.
He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Mahomes was arrested in Texas on Feb. 3 after he showed signs of impairment during a routine traffic stop. TMZ noted he said he drank multiple beers before driving and had an open alcoholic beverage in the car.
The arrest happened approximately one week before the younger Mahomes led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The quarterback's father still traveled to Las Vegas for the game.
The younger Mahomes was asked about his father at Super Bowl Opening Night and told reporters, "Yeah, he's doing good. I haven't—I don't want to really get into it too much, but he's doing good for whatever the situation is.
"It's a family matter so I'll just keep it to the family and that's all I really have to say at this point."
The older Mahomes was also a professional athlete in Major League Baseball and pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1992 to 2003.
Jonathan Majors' motion to set aside conviction denied ahead of sentencing
A Manhattan criminal court judge has denied Jonathan Majors' motion to set aside his conviction in his domestic violence case.
The actor's sentencing will move forward Monday as scheduled. A jury found Majors, 34, guilty of assaulting and harassing his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
He was convicted of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment, but acquitted of two other counts of assault and aggravated harassment in a split verdict following a trial in December 2023.
Majors faces up to a year in jail on the two counts.
The charges stemmed from a March 2023 altercation with Jabbari in a for-hire SUV in New York City that began after Jabbari saw a text message from another woman on Majors' phone, according to testimony from the trial. Jabbari testified that she tried to grab his phone after seeing a message pop up saying, "I wish I was kissing you."
She described in court Majors pulling her right hand behind her back while holding the phone in her left.
"It just felt like he was twisting my arm and my hand and trying to make me feel pain," she said in
encounter with Jabbari in the backseat of an SUV.
The judge said reckless assault was an "alternate theory" to the original charge of intentional assault.
Jabbari said Majors tried to pry his phone out of her hands after she grabbed it because he received a text message from another woman. She said he yanked and twisted her arm and struck the side of her head, causing her to suffer a broken finger and a lacerated ear.
"Thus, the jury reasonably could have concluded that Defendant recklessly caused physical injury to Ms. Jabbari during this 'rapidly unfolding' struggle over the phone," Gaffey wrote.
The judge also said the evidence was sufficient to establish Majors' guilt of harassment, pointing to surveillance video that showed Majors tossing Jabbari back into the SUV before he ran off.
"Such evidence clearly established that Defendant subjected Ms. Jabbari to physical contact, and the jury reasonably could have inferred his intent from the conduct and surrounding circumstances," the judge wrote.
Majors' attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said in a statement to ABC News following the judge's decision Wednesday that "Jonathan feels disappointed by the outcome of the motion, yet he upholds respect for the process."
"He continues to draw strength from his friends, fans, family, and dogs, harnessing his art and creativity. As he eagerly anticipates closing this chapter, he looks forward to redirecting his time and energy fully toward his family and his art," Chaudhry said.
Majors declined to testify in his defense during the trial. In a sit-down interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis in January, his first following his conviction, he said he was "shocked and afraid" upon hearing the verdict.
"I'm standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, 'How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution's evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?'" the actor said.
Prosecutors said Jabbari fractured her finger and showed jurors photos taken by police of her injuries, including a cut to her ear and a bruised and swollen finger.
Majors denied twisting her arm and causing those injuries in his interview with Davis.
"She went to grab the phone. I held the phone. I pulled the phone back. She came on top of me, squeezed my face, slapped me. That's all I remember," he said.
Jabbari sued the actor for defamation and other alleged injuries last month, according to the civil complaint.
She is seeking damages for physical injuries she said she suffered as a result of the incident. She also claimed Majors committed "intentional infliction of emotional distress" against her and "made knowingly false statements" about her during the interview with Davis, according to the civil complaint.
Chaudhry said in a statement to ABC News following the filing that he is preparing counterclaims against Jabbari.
Majors played the role of Kang in several Marvel films and TV shows, including the Disney+ series "Loki," and was set to return to the role in "Avengers: Kang Dynasty," slated for a 2026 release date.
Marvel dropped Majors from future productions as the Marvel villain in December following the verdict.
Earthquake in Taiwan leaves several dead and many more missing
Taiwan experienced its most significant earthquake in at least 25 years, claiming nine lives and injuring over 900 individuals. According to Reuters, the 7.2-magnitude quake struck offshore near Hualien, causing widespread damage in the entire region. Tilted buildings and massive landslides could be seen in the aftermath. Weather officials categorized it as "Upper 6" on an intensity scale that ranges from one to seven.
Residents described the quake as exceptionally intense, with some comparing it to the sensation of an imminent collapse. The impact caused disruptions in the area’s transportation systems, including the closure of Taipei's subway. The quake also triggered a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines before both were lifted.
Efforts to save trapped individuals were hampered by the loss of contact with 50 workers who were said to have been en route to a hotel. Another 80 people were found trapped in a mining area, though it was not made clear if they were inside an actual mine. While inspecting a collapsed building, Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te called the ongoing rescue efforts “a top priority.”
While Taiwan's air force reported minor damages to fighter jets, critical infrastructure like power plants and high-speed rail services remained largely unaffected. However, several fabrication plants, including those of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), shut down operations out of an abundance of caution. "To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure," the semiconductor giant said in a statement to Reuters before confirming that employees were eventually able to return to work.
The earthquake's magnitude ranked it as one of the most intense in Taiwan's recent memory, reminiscent of a devastating quake that hit the city of Jiji in 1999. That natural disaster killed about 2,400 people and damaged or destroyed 50,000 buildings. Prior to that, the 1935 Shinchiku-Taichū earthquake -- which was centered in what is now Taichung -- claimed 3,276 lives and injured more than 12,000 residents.
Jennifer Lopez Quietly Rebrands Tour as Greatest Hits Show Amid Weak Ticket Sales
After canceling seven dates of her first North American tour in five years amid weak ticket sales, Jennifer Lopez has renamed it to apparently broaden its scope, changing it from “This Is Me… Now” to “This Is Me… Live | The Greatest Hits.”
Lopez initially announced the trek in February to coincide with the release of her latest album “This Is Me… Now” and its accompanying two films. But she quietly canceled some of its dates last month in cities like Cleveland and Nashville, likely due to poor sales. The latest rebrand suggests a pivot from a tour focusing on the new album’s songs to one spanning her discography, a move that may entice listeners who didn’t connect with her latest material.
Requests for comment from Lopez’s reps and Live Nation, which is producing the tour, went unanswered. Live Nation’s site hasn’t been updated to reflect the tour’s name change, but it does have conflicting titles on Lopez’s listings, including “This Is Me… Live” and “This Is Me… Now The Tour.” While some venues hosting Lopez’s performances haven’t changed the original listings on their respective sites, there are a few instances confirming the rebrand, for shows at Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena and Inglewood’s The Forum. A sponsored Facebook ad from Lopez also features a graphic with the new title.
Upon release in February, “This Is Me… Now” struggled to find an audience, selling 14,000 copies in its first week. While the album did debut atop the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart due to 11,000 in physical sales, it arrived at No. 38 on the Billboard 200, becoming the second of her nine studio albums to bow outside the top 10.
The album was one part of a self-financed $20 million multimedia project including the tour and the two films, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” and a documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.” Variety described the endeavor as an examination of “Lopez’s life as a serial romantic” following her romantic rekindling with actor Ben Affleck, who she married in 2022 after nearly two decades apart.
Amanda Seales Sounds Off On Op-Eds About Her: ‘You Can’t Break Me’
Amanda Seales has had enough! The multi-hyphenate took to the streets of Instagram to sound off after The Grio published an opinion article about her.
The article’s title is “Amanda Seales Is Not A Victim Of Anything But Her Own Hubris.”
For those looking confused, hubris means “exaggerated pride or self-confidence.”
The articles written about Amanda stem from her speaking out last month about not being recognized in Black spaces.
The outspoken comedian and actress told her followers, “If it wasn’t for y’all…I would really think that I ain’t doing s—!”
Amanda went on to run down the CarFax Report of Black spaces she has been excluded from including Essence Women In Hollywood, NAACP Image Awards, Black Girls Rock, and the BET Awards.
The movie is said to discuss how rock’ n’ roll impacted American society and culture and deeply affected moments like the civil rights movement. “America’s tumultuous cultural melting pot has produced transcendent musical talent, including Buddy Holly, who was our first bada** rock’ n’ roll nerd,” Van Peebles said in a statement.
That’ll Be the Day will be produced by Rick French for Prix Productions and Stuart Benjamin of Stuart Benjamin Productions. Patrick Shanahan and Matthew Benjamin serve as the movie’s scribes, with Van Peebles writing “additional materials” for the film. The outlet reports that the script is based on a story by French and Stephen Easley in “general counsel” with the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. The outlet also reports that BMG, the company that manages and controls the Buddy Holly estate, has also supplied funding for the project.
David Hirshland, Peter Bradley, Jr. of the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, and Stephen Easley, who has a deep understanding of Buddy Holly’s legacy, are the film’s executive producers. Maria Elena Holly, the widow of Buddy Holly, is also an associate producer, ensuring that the film stays true to Buddy Holly’s spirit and story.
No other information regarding the film has been released at the time of this article’s publishing.
Buddy Holly was a pioneer, not the founder, of rock n’ roll. The legendary act was an American singer and songwriter and central piece to bringing a version of the genre to the American zeitgeist. His lead and rhythm guitar was influential in the early days of the genre, with songs like “Peggy Sue,” “Don’t Fade Away,” and, of course, “That’ll Be The Day.” But his iconic status ended abruptly after Holly’s life was cut short.
In February 1959, Buddy Holly died in an accidental plane crash in Iowa. The crash also claimed the lives of rock n’ roll pioneers Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Maria Elena Holly would suffer from a miscarriage the next day, preventing her from attending her husband’s funeral. The date has since been nicknamed “The Day The Music Died.”
'RHOBH' Alum Annemarie Wiley Calls Transphobia Accusations 'Disgusting And Damaging'
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Annemarie Wiley set the record straight after being labeled transphobic. The former Bravo personality addressed transphobic claims when she appeared on "Reality with the King" podcast.
Shutting down allegations, Annemarie told host Carlos King, "I am so happy to address that." The star, who was fired from the series alongside husband Marcellus Wiley, added, "Calling someone transphobic is very hurtful, disgusting and damaging."
Annemarie insisted that "no one is transphobic" because she supports the trans community, trans rights and women's sports. However, she admitted that she didn't think it's fair for transgender women to play against cisgender women in sports because of their physical differences.
"My husband's stance on it is that he is not in support of it, and he's in support of there being safe spaces for everybody, and I agree with that," the nurse anesthesiologist clarified. She further recalled being "badgered" and "attacked" by her "RHOBH" castmates due to their political views.
Annemarie and Marcellus landed in hot water after he wrote on social media that he has "an issue with athletes who are transgender women trying to compete against biological women." At the time, the former NFL player said, "Why can't the dudes who transition to women actually empower women by competing against men?"
The couple received massive backlash over the matter as they were called transphobic. The controversy eventually affected her gig on "The Real Housewives to Beverly Hills" as she was let go shortly after. Confirming the firing, Annemarie wrote on Instagram at the time, "I just got word today that I will not be returning to 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement."
Admitting to making a "rookie mistake" by following what was "instructed" to her, the mom of four also added that she's "disappointed" viewers "never got to see the real me or even a glimpse of my unique life story."
Cardi B Involved In Back-And-Forth With TikToker Calling Her 'Very Ghetto'
Cardi B's numerous achievements don't make people stop shaming her. The "Bodak Yellow" hitmaker was involved in a back-and-forth with a content creator named Raymonte who called the raptress "very, very ghetto" in a TikTok video.
On Wednesday, April 3, the Grammy winner wrote on X, "It's crazy because when I became famous people said I'm ghetto, talked s**t about my accent, call[ed] me dumb because the way I speak, say I've] got no couth." She added that people would "talk about my teeth , my braids, my two buns… and to this day no matter what I accomplished I still get called a stripper all because I'm from the ghetto."
"People misinterpret me because apparently I'm LOUD AND GHETTO TILL THIS DAY [they] call me a hood rat and all… When I sat down with Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden they called me a ghetto stripper. Why is it that y'all gotta use me to make y'all comparisons cause y'all only see the glory but not when I get drag 24/7? LEAVE ME TF ALONE AND OUT OF YALL BULLS**T," she said.
Raymonte caught wind of Cardi's tweet and insisted that he didn't attack Cardi, but saying that she's successful instead. To that, Cardi responded, "That's not what you said. You said nobody called me ghetto and now you moving the goal post… You know why I'm at where I'm at right now? Because I took all those no's and recognized what I had to CHANGE. I had to change the way I talk, the way I act and the way I respond and how I present myself… you ignoring all of that and playing the color card because you don't like me and it's f**ked up."
She continued, "You using all these other women… Sexyy Red is making bangers and on tour with Drake and I bet money she's gonna win female rapper of the year because she's grinding and working HARD and not letting people call her ghetto distract her from the top!! So miss me with that."
In another tweet, Cardi wrote, "Here's my advice to you Raymonte… IT TAKES TIME!!! Right now I get brand deals for over $5 million for a campaign… I got social media famous in 2014…my first brand deal from Fashion Nova was in 2016 and $200 a post. You could reach any height no matter how ghetto or where you come from. Just remember the key is to be patient and be humble. Blessings."
The feud started after the influencer refused to be called ghetto like Cardi in a TikTok video. "She's way ghettoer than me, she's way hooder, gangster, greasy [than] me," the TikToker said. "She was outside with the damn Bloods, and y'all don't say that this lady is ghetto. Y'all don't say that she isn't marketable."
"It feels like everyone can be ghetto and black besides ghetto and black people. And again, no shade to you, Cardi B, I'm just doing a comparison," he continued.
Angel Reese declares for The WNBA Draft
Angel Reese announced on Wednesday that she is headed to the WNBA, via a profile in Vogue.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I'm ready.”
The 21-year-old Reese and the LSU Tigers saw their back-to-back NCAA title dreams dashed on Monday following their Elite Eight loss to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, whom they defeated in last year's national championship game.
WNBA rules state that players entering the draft must declare by April 1. College players competing in the Elite Eight or later have 48 hours after their final game to renounce their NCAA eligibility and declare for the draft.
Reese had until Wednesday night to announce her future plans. She had the option to remain at LSU for one more season under the COVID-19 waiver, but she will now take her talents to the WNBA.
The 2024 WNBA Draft will be held on April 15.
The 6-foot-3 Reese has dominated college basketball since transferring to LSU from Maryland in 2022. The forward's first year in Baton Rouge saw her win a national title and be named a first-team All-American, as well as the 2023 NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player, averaging 23 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
This past season, Reese averaged 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game while recording 20 double-doubles in 33 regular-season games for the Tigers. She added to that total with seven more double-doubles in the NCAA tournament, including a 17-point, 20-rebound performance in the loss to Iowa.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said in March that whatever Reese decided, she had "left her mark" on the Tigers' program.
“What Angel Reese has done at LSU in two years, we really need to step back and go, ‘Wow,'” Mulkey said. “She won a national championship last year, she’s a celebrity now. And then, to come back this year and get Player of the Year – she was an All-Defensive player, as well – she’s left her mark.
“Whether she comes back next year or not, that young lady has left her mark on LSU women’s basketball.”
The 2024 WNBA Draft will feature plenty of talent with Clark, Stanford's Cameron Brink, South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso, Tennessee's Rickea Jackson, and Connecticut's Aaliyah Edwards expected to be among the top picks.
Where will Reese go? That's up for debate.
While Reese had success in college, the transition to the pro game might come with some struggles.
Reese is an elite rebounder with a nose for the ball and a strong work ethic to get it. That alone might help her stick on a roster, as will her defense. But she hasn’t developed other parts of her game. Reese isn’t a strong shooter outside of the paint and certainly not from the perimeter. She was forced to take those shots in this NCAA tournament and didn't look comfortable.
That’s the biggest question mark and teams will have to be patient, which is a luxury few are afforded in the WNBA. Even if Reese sticks on a roster, she won’t dominate the way she did in college.
The Indiana Fever hold the first pick in the WNBA draft with the Los Angeles Sparks (Nos. 2 and 4), Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings rounding out the top five selections.
Patrick Mahomes Sr. Charged with Felony DWI Stemming from February Arrest
Patrick Mahomes Sr., who is the father of star Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated for a third time or more on Thursday, per TMZ Sports.
He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Mahomes was arrested in Texas on Feb. 3 after he showed signs of impairment during a routine traffic stop. TMZ noted he said he drank multiple beers before driving and had an open alcoholic beverage in the car.
The arrest happened approximately one week before the younger Mahomes led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The quarterback's father still traveled to Las Vegas for the game.
The younger Mahomes was asked about his father at Super Bowl Opening Night and told reporters, "Yeah, he's doing good. I haven't—I don't want to really get into it too much, but he's doing good for whatever the situation is.
"It's a family matter so I'll just keep it to the family and that's all I really have to say at this point."
The older Mahomes was also a professional athlete in Major League Baseball and pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1992 to 2003.
Jonathan Majors' motion to set aside conviction denied ahead of sentencing
A Manhattan criminal court judge has denied Jonathan Majors' motion to set aside his conviction in his domestic violence case.
The actor's sentencing will move forward Monday as scheduled. A jury found Majors, 34, guilty of assaulting and harassing his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
He was convicted of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment, but acquitted of two other counts of assault and aggravated harassment in a split verdict following a trial in December 2023.
Majors faces up to a year in jail on the two counts.
The charges stemmed from a March 2023 altercation with Jabbari in a for-hire SUV in New York City that began after Jabbari saw a text message from another woman on Majors' phone, according to testimony from the trial. Jabbari testified that she tried to grab his phone after seeing a message pop up saying, "I wish I was kissing you."
She described in court Majors pulling her right hand behind her back while holding the phone in her left.
"It just felt like he was twisting my arm and my hand and trying to make me feel pain," she said in
encounter with Jabbari in the backseat of an SUV.
The judge said reckless assault was an "alternate theory" to the original charge of intentional assault.
Jabbari said Majors tried to pry his phone out of her hands after she grabbed it because he received a text message from another woman. She said he yanked and twisted her arm and struck the side of her head, causing her to suffer a broken finger and a lacerated ear.
"Thus, the jury reasonably could have concluded that Defendant recklessly caused physical injury to Ms. Jabbari during this 'rapidly unfolding' struggle over the phone," Gaffey wrote.
The judge also said the evidence was sufficient to establish Majors' guilt of harassment, pointing to surveillance video that showed Majors tossing Jabbari back into the SUV before he ran off.
"Such evidence clearly established that Defendant subjected Ms. Jabbari to physical contact, and the jury reasonably could have inferred his intent from the conduct and surrounding circumstances," the judge wrote.
Majors' attorney, Priya Chaudhry, said in a statement to ABC News following the judge's decision Wednesday that "Jonathan feels disappointed by the outcome of the motion, yet he upholds respect for the process."
"He continues to draw strength from his friends, fans, family, and dogs, harnessing his art and creativity. As he eagerly anticipates closing this chapter, he looks forward to redirecting his time and energy fully toward his family and his art," Chaudhry said.
Majors declined to testify in his defense during the trial. In a sit-down interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis in January, his first following his conviction, he said he was "shocked and afraid" upon hearing the verdict.
"I'm standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, 'How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution's evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?'" the actor said.
Prosecutors said Jabbari fractured her finger and showed jurors photos taken by police of her injuries, including a cut to her ear and a bruised and swollen finger.
Majors denied twisting her arm and causing those injuries in his interview with Davis.
"She went to grab the phone. I held the phone. I pulled the phone back. She came on top of me, squeezed my face, slapped me. That's all I remember," he said.
Jabbari sued the actor for defamation and other alleged injuries last month, according to the civil complaint.
She is seeking damages for physical injuries she said she suffered as a result of the incident. She also claimed Majors committed "intentional infliction of emotional distress" against her and "made knowingly false statements" about her during the interview with Davis, according to the civil complaint.
Chaudhry said in a statement to ABC News following the filing that he is preparing counterclaims against Jabbari.
Majors played the role of Kang in several Marvel films and TV shows, including the Disney+ series "Loki," and was set to return to the role in "Avengers: Kang Dynasty," slated for a 2026 release date.
Marvel dropped Majors from future productions as the Marvel villain in December following the verdict.
Earthquake in Taiwan leaves several dead and many more missing
Taiwan experienced its most significant earthquake in at least 25 years, claiming nine lives and injuring over 900 individuals. According to Reuters, the 7.2-magnitude quake struck offshore near Hualien, causing widespread damage in the entire region. Tilted buildings and massive landslides could be seen in the aftermath. Weather officials categorized it as "Upper 6" on an intensity scale that ranges from one to seven.
Residents described the quake as exceptionally intense, with some comparing it to the sensation of an imminent collapse. The impact caused disruptions in the area’s transportation systems, including the closure of Taipei's subway. The quake also triggered a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines before both were lifted.
Efforts to save trapped individuals were hampered by the loss of contact with 50 workers who were said to have been en route to a hotel. Another 80 people were found trapped in a mining area, though it was not made clear if they were inside an actual mine. While inspecting a collapsed building, Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te called the ongoing rescue efforts “a top priority.”
While Taiwan's air force reported minor damages to fighter jets, critical infrastructure like power plants and high-speed rail services remained largely unaffected. However, several fabrication plants, including those of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), shut down operations out of an abundance of caution. "To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure," the semiconductor giant said in a statement to Reuters before confirming that employees were eventually able to return to work.
The earthquake's magnitude ranked it as one of the most intense in Taiwan's recent memory, reminiscent of a devastating quake that hit the city of Jiji in 1999. That natural disaster killed about 2,400 people and damaged or destroyed 50,000 buildings. Prior to that, the 1935 Shinchiku-Taichū earthquake -- which was centered in what is now Taichung -- claimed 3,276 lives and injured more than 12,000 residents.
Jennifer Lopez Quietly Rebrands Tour as Greatest Hits Show Amid Weak Ticket Sales
After canceling seven dates of her first North American tour in five years amid weak ticket sales, Jennifer Lopez has renamed it to apparently broaden its scope, changing it from “This Is Me… Now” to “This Is Me… Live | The Greatest Hits.”
Lopez initially announced the trek in February to coincide with the release of her latest album “This Is Me… Now” and its accompanying two films. But she quietly canceled some of its dates last month in cities like Cleveland and Nashville, likely due to poor sales. The latest rebrand suggests a pivot from a tour focusing on the new album’s songs to one spanning her discography, a move that may entice listeners who didn’t connect with her latest material.
Requests for comment from Lopez’s reps and Live Nation, which is producing the tour, went unanswered. Live Nation’s site hasn’t been updated to reflect the tour’s name change, but it does have conflicting titles on Lopez’s listings, including “This Is Me… Live” and “This Is Me… Now The Tour.” While some venues hosting Lopez’s performances haven’t changed the original listings on their respective sites, there are a few instances confirming the rebrand, for shows at Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena and Inglewood’s The Forum. A sponsored Facebook ad from Lopez also features a graphic with the new title.
Upon release in February, “This Is Me… Now” struggled to find an audience, selling 14,000 copies in its first week. While the album did debut atop the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart due to 11,000 in physical sales, it arrived at No. 38 on the Billboard 200, becoming the second of her nine studio albums to bow outside the top 10.
The album was one part of a self-financed $20 million multimedia project including the tour and the two films, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” and a documentary, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.” Variety described the endeavor as an examination of “Lopez’s life as a serial romantic” following her romantic rekindling with actor Ben Affleck, who she married in 2022 after nearly two decades apart.
Amanda Seales Sounds Off On Op-Eds About Her: ‘You Can’t Break Me’
Amanda Seales has had enough! The multi-hyphenate took to the streets of Instagram to sound off after The Grio published an opinion article about her.
The article’s title is “Amanda Seales Is Not A Victim Of Anything But Her Own Hubris.”
For those looking confused, hubris means “exaggerated pride or self-confidence.”
The articles written about Amanda stem from her speaking out last month about not being recognized in Black spaces.
The outspoken comedian and actress told her followers, “If it wasn’t for y’all…I would really think that I ain’t doing s—!”
Amanda went on to run down the CarFax Report of Black spaces she has been excluded from including Essence Women In Hollywood, NAACP Image Awards, Black Girls Rock, and the BET Awards.
In a fit of frustration, Amanda Seales unleashed on everyone and the publications she says have tried to break her.
You people, who are continuing to attempt to break me down – you will not break me!
You cannot break me! I am loved. I am anointed. I am touchedI am working through the blood of our ancestors.
You will not break me!
Rod Wave Arrested for Possession of Firearm, Attorneys Argue He's Not a Convicted Felon
Wave's attorneys, Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin, said their client is "not a convicted felon and has never been a convicted felon."
Rod Wave was taken into police custody in Pinellas County for carrying a firearm, Rap-Up reports. Per the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, he was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
"The officers that made the arrest are incorrect," Wave's attorneys, Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin, told TMZ. "He is not a convicted felon and has never been a convicted felon. We would have hoped additional research would have been done prior to them filing these charges."
According to the attorneys, they "hold those parties that made the error accountable for their actions."
In 2022, Wave was arrested in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, and charged with felony battery for allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend. According to the affidavit, the arrest took place in April of that year while they were at the woman's home with their two children.
The victim, who had a scratch "near the left center of her neck" allegedly inflicted during the incident, claimed that she was asleep when Wave entered the bedroom and choked her until she couldn't breathe.
The woman accused Wave of starting the attack, as she was under the impression that she was talking to other men. Wave allegedly left the home in his sport utility vehicle before returning to accuse the woman of taking his cellphone. One week later, Wave was arrested during a traffic stop in the city before being released on $5,000 bail.
Wave pleaded not guilty and prosecutors dropped the battery charges against him.
Giancarlo Esposito Recalls Madonna Calling Him Late at Night: 'Yeah, She Hollered'
Madonna almost had Giancarlo Esposito caught up early in his former marriage.
The actor was a recent guest on SiriusXM’s The Clay Cane Show, where he told a funny story about the "Material Girl" once peeking into his side of their shared trailer while the two were filming Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985. In the comedy-drama, Madonna played the titular character and Esposito played a small role as a street vendor. Simultaneously, Esposito was newly married to his ex-wife, Joy McManigal, with whom he shares four children.
"Oh man. Yeah, she hollered. She hollered. I mean, yeah,” Esposito jokingly admitted at the 4:40-minute mark of the video below. “I had given her my number, and I remember I got a phone call really late at night. And I was like, ‘Uh, who is this?’ And she's like, ‘It's me, it's Madonna.’ I adore her to this day, but I had gotten married and I got off the phone, and I think the woman I was dating who became my wife was like, ‘Who is that?’ And I was like, ‘Louise.’"
He added, "‘Louise who?’ I was like, ‘Madonna.’ She was like, ‘What? You know what time it is?’" he added. "You know, I feel honored and blessed that I would be hollering for her because Madonna just has - and still has it. You see the way she looks. She's a beautiful, incredibly graceful woman to this day...”
Although Esposito and McManigal eventually divorced in 2015 after over two decades of marriage, it appears that he didn't double back for Madonna, instead remaining a bachelor while Madonna was formerly married to Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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