#FASHIONFILES: Lacoste unveils its Play Big advertisement featuring tennis icon Novak Djokovic and Others!
Lacoste’s “Play Big” campaign features a diverse group of global icons who embody the brand’s commitment to progress and individuality. Tennis star Novak Djokovic, known for his athletic excellence, leads the advertisement alongside French actor Pierre Niney, whose artistic flair complements Lacoste’s innovative spirit.
South Korean actor Ahn Hyo-seop brings his vibrant style, while Chinese actor and dancer Wang Yibo adds youthfulness and sophistication to the mix.
The Lacoste campaign combines art and performance, with each subject’s unique story reflecting the “Play Big” slogan. Artists Imruh Asha and Ibby Njoya bring the crocodile sculpture to life through their creative use of color and texture.
Photographer Willy Vanderperre captures these moments, highlighting the brand’s bold style, while Antonio Sánchez’s compositions, reminiscent of his work on the Birdman soundtrack, set the rhythm.
Lacoste’s latest advertisement centers around an atmosphere where the mammoth crocodile symbolizes Lacoste’s ingenuity and artistry. In the visuals, Djokovic exudes strength against the crocodile’s formidable jaws, embodying an unyielding spirit
Lacoste’s “Play Big” campaign features a diverse group of global icons who embody the brand’s commitment to progress and individuality. Tennis star Novak Djokovic, known for his athletic excellence, leads the advertisement alongside French actor Pierre Niney, whose artistic flair complements Lacoste’s innovative spirit.
South Korean actor Ahn Hyo-seop brings his vibrant style, while Chinese actor and dancer Wang Yibo adds youthfulness and sophistication to the mix.
The Lacoste campaign combines art and performance, with each subject’s unique story reflecting the “Play Big” slogan. Artists Imruh Asha and Ibby Njoya bring the crocodile sculpture to life through their creative use of color and texture.
Photographer Willy Vanderperre captures these moments, highlighting the brand’s bold style, while Antonio Sánchez’s compositions, reminiscent of his work on the Birdman soundtrack, set the rhythm.
Lacoste’s latest advertisement centers around an atmosphere where the mammoth crocodile symbolizes Lacoste’s ingenuity and artistry. In the visuals, Djokovic exudes strength against the crocodile’s formidable jaws, embodying an unyielding spirit
Niney brings nonchalant grace, playfully interacting with the art piece. Ahn Hyo-seop, dressed in a striking red polo shirt, represents fearless ambition, mirroring his rise in the acting world.
Wang Yibo’s athletic poise symbolizes the balance and agility essential to both his artistic endeavors and the Lacoste ethos.
Lacoste boldly moves into a future where fashion, sports, and contemporary culture intersect by embracing diverse talents. With their distinct path, each ambassador parallels the crocodile’s journey—forward, fearless, and undeterred.
#RHOA: Phaedra Parks is 'single & satisfied' following divorce
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the West Hollywood, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star expressed relief following her divorce from the internet personality.
She further revealed that the television personality was on good terms with Nida even though the former couple had decided to go separate ways.
Parks admitted that she has started dating again, noting: "I'm dating. The thing is I'm single and satisfied. I'm not one of those women that thinks their life depends on a man.”
Parks, who tied the knot with Apollo Nida in 2009, rose to fame in 2011 after she joined the cast of TRHOA (season 3) as a housewife.
Previously, Parks talked about putting her marriage and The Real Housewives of Atlanta behind her, telling the outlet that "I think you can be aged by your surroundings. Being on terrible shows with terrible women, being in terrible marriages that will age you.
"So once I got off a terrible show and got out of a terrible marriage and had my wonderful children - I could focus on myself and not on all the bulls***."
Referring to the pair’s divorce in 2014, Nida was reportedly involved in identity theft, mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud in 2014.
For the unversed, the reality TV star filed for divorce from Nida in 2015, a year after he was proven guilty on all charges.
#MusicNews: Come watch Ne-Yo’s NPR’s “Tiny Desk” performance
NPR unveiled the latest episode of their "Tiny Desk Concert" series with none other than Ne-Yo, who quickly proved that he wasn't coming to play around. During the 23-minute set, the Grammy Award winner blessed the masses with smooth renditions of "So Sick," "Because Of You," and more. He also performed cuts that he wrote for his peers, including Rihanna’s “Take A Bow” and Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable."
In addition to the classics, Ne-Yo premiered a new track titled "Two Million Secrets." “This song took a little bit of growth on my part to even write, and even more to sing. This song is basically about owning your s**t," he explained about the soulful offering. "Nobody is above mistakes. Nobody is above redemption. You do better and you keep pushing. This song is not a song, this song is a confession."
Back in 2022, the Las Vegas-based talent unveiled his ninth studio LP, Self Explanatory. That project consisted of 13 songs and collaborations alongside Jeremih, Trippie Redd, Yung Bleu, and Zae France.
“I started this album process back in 2018 and then COVID happened, throwing a monkey wrench in everything and everyone’s situation — including mine," he revealed. "During the course of that time, there was a moment where I did get a little lost, and I had to figure out where I fit in this new sound, look, and industry... I have two whole generations coming up behind me, so it was a moment where I was wondering if Ne-Yo even still fits in the industry."
Ne-Yo continued, "I had to realize that I am not in the business of selling records as that is a record label’s job. My job as a performer and a singer is to sing my heart out, make sure my art is genuine and real, and deliver it to the world, [and] let the world figure out what they want to do with it."
Check out the veteran singer's "Tiny Desk" takeover HERE
#HipHopNews: Fat Joe Questions Growing ‘Femininity’ In Hip Hop: ‘In My Era We Wouldn’t Have Seen That’
During an Instagram Live stream on Friday (April 26), Joey Crack made it clear that his criticism does not pertain to people who are actually gay, but those who identify as straight but still paint their nails and wear dresses.
“Listen, guys, don’t misplace my words for the LBGT,” he began. “If you’re gay and you love to be gay, that’s your shit. That don’t got nothing to do with me. I got a best friend, a brother who’s gay. I don’t give a fuck. But this femininity — this thing that’s going on in boxing — you know the shit we see and he’s saying he’s a girl. Come on man. You fucking around!
“I just wonder, right, because we’ve come a long way accepting everybody for who they are, and everybody should be accepted for who they are or what they wanna be in life. That’s not our business … but I wonder if in the 90s — the golden era — where we had real, hardcore crews … It seems like a trend.
“I mean being gay has been around since before Christ. It’s always been there. People are born like that. Cool. I don’t have a problem with that, but it seems like a trend, like a style. So you got guys who I don’t think they’re gay but they’re painting their nails or they walking with Birkin bags. Unfortunately, it’s sad to have originators and then you have a lot of running with the swag or running with the style.”
Before acknowledging that Prince did it (thought he wasn’t a rapper), the 53-year-old said: “It feels like it’s been a new trend, new swag, a new style. Paint your nails, use a bag, wear a dress. I wonder if in my era, if it would be accepted like that if it was a trend. It would blow my mind to see what rapper would do that. I’m just saying, in my era, I don’t think we would have seen that.”
Houston Texans’ Tank Dell Shot In Florida Mass Shooting
Houston Texans’ Tank Dell was shot during a mass shooting in Florida. Associated Press reported that a 16-year-old gunman opened fire shortly after midnight at Cabana Live. The entertainment venue was booked for a private affair.
AP reports that a fight broke out at the event. Suddenly, someone who wasn’t involved in the fight then brandished a firearm and began shooting into the crowd. He shot and wounded 10 people, with one of them being Dell. A security guard tackled and disarmed the shooter before he was taken away in handcuffs. None of the wounded people suffered life-threatening injuries from the mass shooting.
The Houston Texans hit X/Twitter to update fans on Tank’s health. They reported that he is in “good spirits” and only “sustained minor” injuries. The AFC South organization also reassured them that he had been released from the hospital.
“We have been made aware that Tank Dell was a victim of a shooting in Sanford, Fla. last night. He sustained a minor wound but has been released from the hospital, and he is in good spirits,” the statement read. “We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate but we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident.”
The 16-year-old suspect was taken into a juvenile detention center on Sunday (April 28). He was identified as Christopher Bouie Jr. by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, according to Click Orlando. The publication reports that Bouie is being charged with attempted homicide, operating a firearm during a felony, illegal possession of a firearm by a minor, and firing a weapon in a public place.
A judge ruled on Monday (April 29) that Bouie will remain in custody and will be arraigned on May 13.
Houston selected WR Tank Dell in the third round, 62nd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Then-rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud worked flawlessly with Dell as the NFL team became one of the 2023/2024 season breakout stories.
However, he was injured and placed on the Reserve/Injured list in December 2023. Dell finished the season with 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Mike Tyson Vs Jake Paul Is Now An Official Professional Match
“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” detailed Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian in a statement to ESPN.
“Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson, and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”
Announced last month, the matchup is scheduled for July 20 at The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tx., home of the Dallas Cowboys. A live stream of the fight between the 57-year-old former undisputed world heavyweight champion and the YouTuber turned professional athlete will air on Netflix.
“I take it serious!” detailed Tyson earlier this month, explaining his rigorous gym routine and determination to win the match.
Paul has also expressed genuine seriousness about the event.
“My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet, and the most dangerous boxer of all time,” shared the 27-year-old.
Aoki Lee Simmons Claps Back At Speculation She's On Drugs
Aoki Lee Simmons is setting things straight about her giddy behavior that led to speculation she's using drugs. The daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons has clapped back at the claim during her livestream.
The young model turned on the live while she was in a moving car with her friend. Initially planning to make it fun by showing off her brand new Kindle Scribe, she read one of the comments from a follower who accused her of doing drugs.
"I'm not on drugs. I don't do coke, I just like sugar," Aoki said, as her friend laughed at the claim behind her. The catwalk beauty admitted, "And I'm a nerd. Like I don't think any of you guys have friends who are actual nerds. Like you have any friends who've played 'Dungeons & Dragons' like one time. I'm just a nerd. That's all it is."
She then stumbled upon another insulting comment that read, "Used to be a genuinely intelligent girl, now give cocaine." Firing back, the 21-year-old said, "I'm still really smart. I have a higher IQ than you by a lot. I went to a school. I'm a lot smarter than you. Cool."
Aoki's friend then advised her to ignore the trolls, saying, "Don't give them attention." Moving on with her initial plan, the Harvard graduate then said, "Screw them."
Aoki recently made headlines with her relationship with restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, who is 44 years her senior. Their relationship was revealed after they were caught kissing during their romantic getaway in St. Barts in April.
However, shortly after returning from their tropical vacation, Aoki ended their fling. "It's 100% done. They're absolutely not dating," a source, allegedly close to Aoki, told Page Six. The source said Aoki told her friend, "Of course, I'm not with him. I was never with him." The source went on insisting, "They are not dating."
A few days later, Aoki confirmed her parents' concerns following her relationship with the 65-year-old restaurateur. She posted a quote from an interview with actress Chloe Sevigny, who described her parents' fear and protectiveness during her own teenage years.
The quote read, "That was my big year of going out... I do know for my mom it was very terrifying, but I checked in a lot, and my dad would always remind her that there was more good in the world than bad."
Aoki also highlighted Chloe's remarks about her parents' concerns about drugs, "They were pretty worried about drugs, but I just never liked doing them. I've never even done cocaine. I partook in other things: acid, ecstasy, candyflipping." Aoki captioned the post, "Her words [are] also mine [at this point]."
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Short Pink Hair After Going Icy Blonde
In the snaps, the 43-year-old cut her usually long tresses into a chin-length bob. She additionally traded her recently-debuted blonde locks for millennial pink in a gritty photo shoot for Balenciaga.
The SKIMS founder paired her new, avant-garde hair with a skin tight turtleneck top and shiny micro shorts. She additionally rocked over-the-knee boots with knee pads and biker jacket-inspired details from the French brand. The mom of four simply left a red heart emoji in the caption.
Kim made headlines after debuting her stunning ice blonde hair at the JW Marriott in LA Live for the Homeboy Industries' Lo Maximo Awards on Saturday. For the event, the "American Horror Story: Delicate" actress oozed old-fashioned showbiz glamor in a sumptuous black fur coat while her hair was elegantly tied up
The mom of four was recognized for her years of activism to aid convicts' release from prison. Notably, her advocacy efforts, including lobbying for the FIRST STEP Act at the Trump White House, have contributed to tangible changes, securing the early release of thousands of inmates.
Her hairstylist, Chris Appleton, also shared pics of Kim posing with her new look. "Ice kimmy," he wrote on Instagram. "We wanted to keep a short root & the blonde cool & creamy. I colored it in a couple of sessions to keep the integrity of the hair nice and juicy."
Just two days earlier, Kim sported her signature black tresses while meeting Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House in Washington, DC for a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. The former wife of Kanye West opted for an all-black look for the formal outing.
Rolling Stones Set List Revealed for 2024 Hackney Diamonds Tour After First Show
The Rolling Stones are back on the road after a two-year break from touring and the setlist has been revealed for their Hackney Diamonds Tour.
The tour is celebrating the band’s 2023 album of the same name, which was their first album of original material in nearly 18 years.
You can expect the band to perform a bunch of their greatest hits and some of the new songs too. If you haven’t listened to the new album yet, don’t worry as the band is only performing three new songs and the rest are classics!
**This set list is representative of previous shows on the tour and might not be completely accurate for every show.
1. Start Me Up
2. Get Off of My Cloud
3. Rocks Off
4. Out of Time
5. Angry
6. Beast of Burden
7. Mess It Up
8. Tumbling Dice
9. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
10. Little T&A
11. Sympathy for the Devil
12. Gimme Shelter
13. Honky Tonk Women
14. Miss You
15. Paint it Black
16. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
17. ENCORE: Sweet Sounds of Heaven
18. ENCORE: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Get your tickets now on Ticketmaster.
TheGrio Lays Off Video, Pod Team, Managing Editor Over ‘Strategic Changes’
“The axe is falling at TheGrio,” an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. Members of the podcast and video team have also been laid off along with managing editor Christy Oglesby, the individual said.
“Allen Media Group is making strategic changes to better position the company for growth that will result in expense and workforce reductions across all divisions,” the company said in a statement to TheWrap. The spokesperson declined the specific layoffs.
The company’s brands “continue to perform well and in many areas our revenue growth has greatly outpaced the market. We are aligning these changes to drive future business opportunities and support our growth strategies in our rapidly evolving industry,” Allen Media Group said.
TheGrio was acquired by Allen Media Group in 2016, which also owns 27 network affiliate broadcast television stations in 21 U.S. markets.
The outlet prides itself on being the largest Black newsroom in the country, reporting on the latest news in politics, entertainment and lifestyle content. Alongside a website, TheGrio features live events, a cable network and a podcast network.
In March, Allen Media Group reached a new multi-year agreement with Charter Communications that will allow the Spectrum owner to continue to carry the group’s offerings, including TheGrio.
50 Cent reacts after fans claim rapper Quavo's empty concert was caused by Chris Brown pulling off pettiest move of all time
50 Cent has reacted after the sight of a small crowd at rapper Quavo's gig caused some fans to claim Chris Brown had pulled off a seriously petty stunt.
If you felt like the rapper rumor mill had been quiet recently, Chris Brown and Quavo have got you covered.
The latest speculation began after videos emerged over the weekend from Quavo's gig at the Hartford Healthcare Ampitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where the rapper performed to a largely empty space.
Considering the former Migos member has millions of followers on Instagram, it's hard to understand why no one would show up for his gig. So without an official explanation from the rapper, fans began to come up with their own theories.
Fans have speculated that Chris Brown is actually to blame for the empty gig; a theory fuelled by one viral video in which the person behind the camera addresses the 'Forever' singer.
“Yo Chris Brown,” they say. “Are you serious bro? I know you’ve got something to do with this. Ain’t nobody at my man Quavo’s show today? Chris Brown, come on bro."
The theory suggests that Brown bought all the tickets for Quavo's show due to alleged beef between the pair.
Sharing the theory, one X user posted: “Chris Brown evil for this, apparently he bought all the tickets at the Quavo concert just so the crowd is empty."
Now Brown has been accused of taking things to a new level, 50 Cent took it upon himself to get involved and share his comments on Quavo's empty gig.
The rapper took to Instagram to share a photo allegedly taken at the Hartford Healthcare Ampitheater, and added the caption: "Oh this s**t getting different.
"I know [ninja emoji]’s tight. LOL."
If you're a fan of 50 Cent, you'll know that he's no stranger to a petty move.
In fact, 50 Cent performed a move just like the one Brown has been accused of when he purchased 200 tickets to see Ja Rule live - only to leave the seats completely empty.
Fans have called attention to this particular aspect of 50's history as they accused him of 'setting the example' for Brown.
The reason fans are pinning the empty gig on Brown in particular is due to a history between Brown and Quavo, which has been highlighted in diss tracks between the pair.
Brown is thought to have hit out at Quavo on 'Freak' and 'Weakest Link', while Quavo responded on songs like 'Tender'.
Mary J. Blige Says She’s Going to Retire from Music in '5 or 6 Years'
“Right now, I’m definitely gonna do some more acting and I’m definitely gonna retire in, like, five or six years,” Blige, who has had roles in The Umbrella Academy and Scream: Resurrection, told Extra. “Right now, I’m still doing what I’m doing but not as often as I was doing it because I don’t have to now.”
When it comes to the music she is currently making, Blige said she is “singing about life ... love … being stable and understanding you can have things like love. You can have a good life.”
“Mostly the love I have for myself,” she told Extra. “... My real love is me and I found it.”
But while the singer may be looking to the end of her hugely successful music career, which has spanned over three decades, her achievements have still been coming thick and fast, including her induction into the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Blige was announced as an inductee, along with Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest, on American Idol on April 21.
Sharing her reaction to the news, Blige said she is “still trying to process everything.”
The “Just Fine” singer added to Extra that being honored this way is “the most amazing thing … it is in a class by itself.” Blige will also perform at the ceremony, which is set to take place on Oct. 19 in Cleveland.
Earlier this month, Blige spoke to PEOPLE about her third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, which will be held in her hometown of New York City from May 10-12 for Mother’s Day weekend.
The three-day festival is the only one presented by an all-Black team of women and will see a host of celebrities making appearances at various events — including the Strength of a Woman Summit at The Glasshouse and other uplifting workshops and programming.
“It's been amazing and exciting and just so fulfilling to do what I always wanted to do, continue to give people a piece of me, uplift us, inspire us and elevate us — the same way I've been doing through my music, I'm doing it through my festival now — and of course, entertain us as well," Blige told PEOPLE. "It feels really good ... It means so much to bring it home.”
During the interview, Blige also teased that the album she is currently working could be her last.
"I love it, I enjoy it, and it might be the last studio album. It might be," she told PEOPLE.
Aubrey O’Day Accuses Diddy Of Trying To Buy Her Silence With Ridiculously Low Publishing Payout
Danity Kane’s Aubrey O’Day is, once again, spilling the tea on former boss, Diddy. In an explosive new documentary from TMZ, O’Day claims that the Bad Boy Records founder tried to buy her silence when he offered to give his former artists their publishing rights.
“I received the publishing deal. I know what it says. I know how much money it was giving me,” said O’Day in TMZ Presents: The Downfall of Diddy. Though she did not sign the deal, she alleged that it offered her only $300.30 for “a full release against all claims against Diddy and many other players.”
She noted, “I think you would probably be making moves to keep as many people quiet as possible. When looking at the publishing deal, it said anything but that it would make me whole financially. In fact, it asked me to not have access to my experience and my story anymore […] Then, I realized something really bad is coming.”
In regards to why some are questioning how O’Day is even able to speak on the matter, a source told Page Six, “Aubrey O’Day got her big break because Diddy and Bad Boy cast her in their show with her group, Danity Kane. Last year, when he reassigned his portion of the publishing to Bad Boy artists, an unprecedented move within the industry and which he did not have to do, not all artists signed an NDA.”
When discussing his decision to reverse the publishing rights, Diddy told Variety, “It’s just doing the right thing. I think that we as an industry, and as a people, have to look in the mirror and make a shift forward. It’s about evolving, leading by example and reforming an industry that needs it, in a world that needs reform.”
Even back then, O’Day felt that the deal was an attempt to buy her silence prior to Cassie’s lawsuit and the subsequent domino effect.
“I have to release him for any claims or wrongdoings or actions prior to the date of the release,” detailed O’Day when speaking on the deal in a September 2023 interview. “I have to sign an NDA that I will never disparage Puff, Bad Boy, Janice Combs, Justin Combs Music, EMI, or Sony ever in public.”
She also revealed that only two out of the five Danity Kane members didn’t sign.
“At the end of the day, we’re all just willing to turn a blind eye,” O’Day continued. “Diddy is just literally known as a guy that doesn’t pay his artists, and it’s funny and then you move on and you like something that he did on TikTok ’cause he’s funny. But for people that worked for six years of their life and entered an industry where somebody made, what, 48 million dollars and we didn’t even see a penny of that? We were in thongs and five-inch heels for years of our lives on stage, and not any of it did we see.”
The Downfall of Diddy is currently streaming on Tubi.
Gérard Depardieu to Stand Trial Over Sexual Assault Allegations
French actor Gérard Depardieu will stand trial in October on charges of sexual assault brought by two women who claim the Green Card and Cyrano de Bergerac star assaulted them on set of the film The Green Shutters in 2021, the Paris Public Prosecutor said on Monday.
French police briefly detained Depardieu for questioning on Monday morning. In a note following Depardieu’s release, the prosecutor’s office said the actor was given a summons to appear before the criminal court “for sexual assaults likely to have been committed in September 2021 against two victims, on the set of the film The Green Shutters.”
Multiple media sources, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and BFM-TV, reported that the 75-year-old actor has been accused by two separate women of sexual assault. The alleged incidents reported occurred in 2021 — when Depardieu was shooting French film Les Violets vertes (The Green Shutters) — and in 2014 during the making of TV movie Le Magicien et les Siamois (The Magician and the Siamese).
The Paris Public Prosecutor made no mention of allegations related to the 2014 film shoot.
Another assault case against Depardieu, involving allegations of two acts of rape dating back to 2018 brought by actress Charlotte Arnould, is still making its way through the French courts. French prosecutors dismissed a different complaint, filed by French actress Hélène Darras, in January, citing the statute of limitations for the alleged crime, which Darras said occurred on the set of Fabien Onteniente’s film Disco in 2007.
Last April, in an in-depth report published by French investigative news website Médiapart, 13 women accused Depardieu of sexually inappropriate behavior. He is also the target of a complaint from Spain, where journalist and writer Ruth Baza has accused him of having raped her in 1995.
The actor has denied all allegations against him, going as far as to publish an open letter in the French newspaper Le Figaro last October denouncing what he termed a “lynching” carried out by a “court of the media.”
Despite the allegations, Depardieu still has his defenders. After a documentary expose on the French star, called The Fall of the Ogre aired on French TV last December, sparking widespread outrage, French President Emmanuel Macron said he was a “big admirer” of the actor and that Depardieu “makes France proud.
Updated that Depardieu has been released from custody.
12:20 p.m. Updated that Depardieu will stand trial in October.
Ciara Teases Weight Loss Progress with New Photos After Revealing She’s 'Trying to Lose 70 Lbs.'
On April 25, the 38-year-old singer posted a series of photos on Instagram teasing the progress she’s been making after revealing she’s trying to lose her baby weight.
“Lil Dump … the last slide is life🫶🏽🍓,” she captioned the post.
Alongside a selfie of herself, the slideshow featured a photo of her scale reading 181 lbs. and her holding a thumbs up next to the viral motivational gallon water bottle. Ciara also included photos of pickleball equipment and a dance studio.
The life update comes just two weeks after the “And I” singer announced that she’s gearing up to hit the stage again, preparing for her first tour since welcoming her daughter Amora Princess with husband Russell Wilson in December.
Ciara posted an Instagram photo of herself at the gym on April 13, writing that she is “trying to lose 70 lbs. post baby, prepare for a show and tour while breastfeeding, and running my businesses.”
"Shout out to all my mammas out there gettin in, I see you!” she added. “ToughSh$t. #MambaMentality🐍.”
Ciara shared images of her scale (left) and water bottle on Instagram
The star received tons of supportive messages from fellow stars in the comments section, including Gabrielle Union, Gwen Stefani and Lisa Leslie.
“Just toured whilst breastfeeding 🫶🏽 it’s challenging but you got this ❤️” Leona Lewis wrote while Peloton’s Ally Love commented, “Sis you’ve done it before, and you can do it again. I’m betting on YOU! 🫶🏽”
“You got this Ci! 💪🏾❤️” LeToya Luckett added.
Earlier this month, Ciara announced that she — along with rappers Busta Rhymes and Timbaland — would be joining Missy Elliott on tour this summer for The Missy Elliott Experience.
“So excited to hit the road with Missy, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland for OUT OF THIS WORLD Tour!!!” Ciara shared in an Instagram post. “Let’s go!”
Kicking off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, the tour is set to hit 24 cities throughout North America, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York City and more before wrapping on Aug. 22 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Method Man Reacts to Cancellation of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’
*Method Man was performing on Tom Joyner’s 2024 Fantastic Voyage cruise when he reacted to the cancellation of “Power Book II: Ghost.”
“It sucks that the s— got canceled, but all good things must come to an end,” the rapper said. The Hip Hop icon stars as Davis MacLean in the series. The fourth and final season premieres June 7 on Starz.
“The only reason why we got that far was because of most of y’all watching the show,” he told the crowd. Watch the Instagram clip below.
The network’s news release states that the final season “promises to be explosive, with high-adrenaline twists and turns as everyone hunts for revenge.”
Recently, Starz revealed first-look images of the final season. Check them out here.
The season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” cast includes Mary J. Bligeas “Monet Tejada,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” and LightSkinKeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael.”
The final season debuts on Friday, June 7, at midnight ET on the STARZ app, coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of Power’s debut on STARZ. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada.
Part two premieres on Friday, September 6, at midnight ET on the STARZ app and on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada on linear.
H.E.R. and Oprah Are Teaming Up to Create a New HBCU-Inspired Film
The superstar, who made her acting debut as “Squeak” in “The Color Purple” last year, will be involved in developing, producing, and starring in this new film.
The story follows a ballet dancer from Los Angeles who puts her dance career on hold to attend college, defying her parents’ wishes. Joining her struggling HBCU majorette team, she faces culture shock and rivalry as she aims to bring the team back to success.
Inspired by the influence of majorettes on Black culture, H.E.R. pitched the idea to Winfrey and Sanders after they collaborated on “The Color Purple.”
Lauren Ashley Smith, known for her work on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” will write the screenplay for this exciting dance film set at a fictional HBCU in Atlanta.
The project involves H.E.R., Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Sanders’ Scott Sanders Productions. Carla Gardini and Mara Jacobs are also producing alongside H.E.R., Winfrey, and Sanders.
According to reports, the aim is to create a fun, celebratory portrayal of authentic HBCU life through the eyes of a majorette discovering herself. Majorette traditions, combining marching band, dance, and gymnastics, have become a significant part of college and Black culture.
H.E.R. has gained recognition as a singer-songwriter, earning Grammy nominations and wins. Her song “Fight for You” won an Oscar and a Grammy for its appearance in “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
The singer and songwriter role as Mary “Squeak” Agnes contributed to The Color Purple’s success and earned her multiple award nominations.
Bernie Sanders Launches Senate Investigation into ‘Outrageously High’ Pricing of Ozempic, Wegovy
“The scientists at Novo Nordisk deserve great credit for developing these drugs that have the potential to be a game changer for millions of Americans struggling with type 2 diabetes and obesity. As important as these drugs are, they will not do any good for the millions of patients who cannot afford them,” Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, wrote Wednesday in a letter to the drugmaker’s CEO. “Further, if the prices for these products are not substantially reduced, they also have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and our entire health care system.”
Sanders is asking Novo Nordisk to answer whether it will “substantially reduce” the prices of the medications as well as to provide information on how much it makes from selling the drugs, how much it spent on research and development and how it determined the prices.
Ozempic is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetes and Wegovy to help certain people lose weight or lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. Both are injectable drugs that use the active ingredient semaglutide, one of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Novo Nordisk increased the list price for Ozempic by 3.5% this year to $969 for a four-week supply but kept the price of Wegovy unchanged at $1,349. The drugmaker told CNN in February that it increases the list prices of some medications each year based on changes in the healthcare system, inflation, and market conditions.
Sanders’ letter notes that researchers at Yale University recently found that these medications “can be profitably manufactured for less than $5 a month.” Also, Ozempic costs only $155 in Canada and $59 in Germany, while Wegovy can be purchased for $140 in Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom, the senator pointed out.
Novo Nordisk agrees with Sanders that access to the medications is important for patients, the company said in a statement. It said it remains committed to working with policymakers on ways to support access and affordability.
“It’s easy to oversimplify the science that goes into understanding disease and developing and producing new treatments, as well as the intricacies of U.S. and global healthcare systems,” Novo Nordisk said. “However, the public debate doesn’t always take into account this extremely complex reality.”
For most Americans, the price they pay for medications depends on their health insurance policies, not drugmakers’ list prices. However, they may have to pay the list price if they are uninsured or have not yet hit their annual deductible. In addition, many drug manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk, offer savings cards and patient assistance programs that can reduce certain people’s out-of-pocket costs.
Ozempic is also proving costly for the federal government, while Wegovy’s recent approval to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes is expected to add to the tab.
Medicare is not allowed by law to cover drugs for weight loss but will cover Ozempic for enrollees with diabetes and Wegovy for those with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese. It spent $4.6 billion on Ozempic in 2022, compared with $2.6 billion the year before, according to KFF.
Another KFF analysis found that Wegovy could cost Medicare nearly $3 billion a year. Neither analysis took into account rebates, information on which is not publicly available.
The spike in spending on these drugs will probably contribute to higher Part D premiums for all beneficiaries.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Riding Off Into The Sunset of Self Checkout
And off they rode, riding off into the sunset of self checkout.
And off they rode, riding off into the sunset of self checkout.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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