5/12/24

The Daily Buzz For May 13☕πŸ“°☕

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#MAGFAB: Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa for The Style Sunday Times
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#RHOA: Fans Mistake Kelly Osbourne for ‘RHOA’ Alum Kim Zolciak in New Instagram Pic
Kelly Osbourne had fans confused in a recent photo shared, and people were shocked at how much she looked like Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak.

Celebrity hairdresser Laura Rugetti shared a snap of Kelly, 39, on Instagram on Wednesday, May 8. In the photo, the former Osbournes star was sporting long, blonde locks and a plumped up pout. Several people tagged Kim, 45, in the comments, and one fan wrote, “I was gonna say Kim Zolciak is doing too much.”

Other people raved about Kelly’s switch from her purple hair to the new blonde look.
“This is her color, always has been. Absolutely jaw dropping. Stunning that face, skin tone with that blonde. Wow,” wrote one Instagram user, while another added, “Kelly, you look beautiful in every color.”

An additional fan praised Kelly for taking care of herself as a new mom, writing, “I love the self care!! For someone who just had a baby and I am going through the same and about to do it again, it's so inspiring! Reminder that moms deserve to take care of their selves. Love watching this family thrive. Big fan of what each one of you have this season in life.”

Kelly’s looks received plenty of media attention when she debuted her 85-pound weight loss after she gave birth to her son in 2022. Rumors swirled that the former Fashion Police star had undergone plastic surgery to achieve her new appearance, but Kelly slammed the speculation about her body.

“I’ve done Botox, that’s it,” Kelly told The Daily Mail in an article published on September 5, 2023. “It’s weird because now that I’ve lost weight, everybody is criticizing and trying to figure out what it is that I’ve done, and I really just lost weight. It’s just the shape of my face.”

However, Kelly has been open about her decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery in 2018.
“I had surgery. I don’t give a f--k what anyone has to say,” the former Dancing With the Stars contestant said when she appeared on the “Hollywood Raw” podcast in August 2021. “I did it, I’m proud of it, they can suck s--t. I did the gastric sleeve. All it does is change the shape of your stomach. I got that almost two years ago. I will never ever ever lie about it ever. It is the best thing I have ever done.”

She added that people who have the surgery have to ultimately change their lifestyle in order to achieve the weight loss results and said that the surgery simply “moves you in the right direction.”


#NewMusic from Erykah Badu and Rapsody Her New Single “3:AM”

Rapper Rapsody taps R&B legend Erykah Badu for an appearance on her new single “3:AM”.
The stripped-back new single includes vulnerable spoken word verses with Erykah Badu’s honeyed runs as Rap deconstructs an unconditional love.

“3:AM” is a deep dive into Rapsody’s personal life. Her deadpan delivery passes over the soulful arrangement, lighting the way for an undeniable bassline pattern to envelope listeners.

The supporting visual depicts Rap and Badu gearing up for a live performance of their groundbreaking collaboration. Spliced with candid footage from Erykah Badu’s annual birthday bash concert, the video showcases the consummate artists playing “3:AM” together for the first time in front of a live audience.

LISTEN HERE 


The song is the third single from Rapsody’s highly-anticipated new album, “Please Don’t Cry”, set to release May 17th.


#HipHopNews: Quavo Teases Unlikely New Collaboration With Lana Del Rey
Quavo has a new song with Lana Del Rey on the way – which could speak to why the unlikely twosome were spotted attending a Grammys party together earlier this year.

The pair shared a snippet of the unnamed song in a joint Instagram post on Thursday (May 9), along with a photo of Lana and Quavo on a front porch with the caption, “If u come from where u come then u were born….Tough!”
“If you come to the North, I’ll show you around,” Quavo says on the intro. “Come take a ride with me. Whenever you ready, call on me.”

No release date or title has been revealed as of this writing.
Quavo and Lana Del Rey‘s aforementioned joint appearance at a pre-Grammys party ignited dating speculation earlier this year.
In February, the “Candy Necklace” singer and “Bad and Boujee” rapper were seen cozying up together in the back of car while arriving to a get-together at The Fleur Room in West Hollywood, California.

While they weren’t seen holding hands, the duo seemed to enjoy each other’s company as they both sported beaming smiles. After getting out of their ride, Quavo took the lead with Lana following just a few steps behind.
Since then, Quavo has been embroiled in a battle with Chris Brown after the latter dissed him for allegedly dating Karrueche Tran.
After exchanging multiple songs back and forth, Karrueche herself weighed in on the matter – and she wants to stay out of the middle of their mess.
“I don’t feel. It is what it is. I’m living my life,” she said, in response to the question of how she felt about the diss tracks. “Working, paying my bills, taking time for myself and that’s all that matters. Whatever else is going on, I ain’t got nothing to do with it. I’m living a peaceful life. That’s all I want.”

She continued: “I just don’t want any parts, I just want peace and happiness. I want to work and thrive.”


Anita Baker’s Atlanta Mother’s Day Concert Canceled at Last Minute!

Those ready to groove to Anita Baker’s soulful ballads had their plans dashed this Saturday, as the R&B legend’s concert at State Farm Arena was abruptly canceled just moments before it was scheduled to begin.
The cancellation was announced under mysterious circumstances. “Due to late, unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s ‘An Evening with Anita Baker,’ featuring the eight-time Grammy Award-winning superstar, has been canceled,” stated an email from the venue sent out Saturday evening. The venue assured ticket holders that refunds would be issued at the point of purchase.

Details on why the concert was canceled were not forthcoming. A spokesperson for State Farm, contacted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, admitted to having no additional information beyond the venue’s initial statement
The concert, which was supposed to start at 7 p.m. with doors opening an hour earlier, had fans learning of the cancellation at 6:54 p.m. from both State Farm and Live Nation. This isn’t the first time Baker has been at the center of concert controversies. In her 2023 Songstress Tour, she notably removed Babyface as her opening act after a public disagreement with his fans over a show in New Jersey that required adjustments due to technical issues.

Scheduled as a special event for Mother’s Day and announced back in March, the cancellation left many fans expressing their frustration online, while others showed concern for Baker herself.


Diddy Demands Sexual Assault Lawsuit Be Dismissed Because It Was Filed Too Late
Diddy has filed a motion for dismissal of a sexual assault lawsuit filed by an anonymous accuser, claiming that she filed the suit past the required timeline.
According to court documents obtained by HipHopDX, the embattled Bad Boy mogul, who “categorically den[ies]” the charges, argued that the “claim-revival” provision of the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGM), a New York City law, is preempted by the Adult Survivors Act and Child Victim’s Act, a state law. Because of that, the claim is that the accuser should have filed suit by August of 2021, according to analysis by the Associated Press.

In lieu of an official statement, Diddy’s publicist pointed to the paragraph in the lawsuit that directly addresses the matter.
“At the top of Plaintiff’s pleading is a bolded, legally irrelevant ‘trigger warning’ calculated to focus attention on its salacious and depraved allegations,” it reads. “This stunt is intended to prominently showcase a baseless and time-barred claim, which was designed to cause the Combs Defendants unwanted publicity, embarrassment, and financial costs, so Plaintiff could extract an undeserved financial recovery from them.”

The statement continues: “Mr. Combs and his companies categorically deny Plaintiff’s decades-old tale against them, which has already caused incalculable damage to the reputations and business standing of the Combs Defendants, even before any evidence has been presented. Plaintiff cannot allege what day or time of year the alleged incident occurred, yet purports to miraculously recall the most prurient details with specificity… This case should be dismissed now, with prejudice, to protect the Combs Defendants from further reputational injury and before more party and judicial resources are squandered.”

In her suit, originally filed in late 2023, the woman claims that Diddy, then-Bad Boy president Harve Pierre, and a third man raped her after she was plied with drugs and alcohol. The alleged incident, she says, took place in 2003 when she was still in high school.

One of the woman’s attorneys responded to Diddy’s filing by saying, “At this point, no one should take anything ‘diddy’ or his lawyers say seriously. Today’s motion is just a desperate attempt by Combs to avoid accountability for Ms. Doe’s allegations of gang rape and sexual assault. It won’t work.”

Last month, Diddy argued that a different lawsuit against him should be dismissed because he couldn’t be sued for breaking laws that didn’t exist at the time.
More specifically, the motion stated that at the time of the alleged attack on Joi Dickerson-Neal in 1991, some statutes that she cites in her suit, including those around revenge porn and human trafficking, weren’t yet on the books.

Dickerson-Neal claims that the rapper and producer drugged and raped her in the early ’90s, while also filming the act.
He denied these allegations, saying through his spokesperson: “This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law [New York State’s Adult Survivors Act] can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson’s 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more.”

In February, a producer named Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones accused the New York City native (real name Sean Combs) of sexual harassment as well as drugging and threatening him over the course of a year.


Shaquille O’Neal Drops Diss Track For Shannon Sharpe Following NBA MVP Exchange

Shaquille O’Neal got in his Shaq Diesel bag as he dropped his “The Big Man” diss track to Shannon Sharpe this week, following their heated debate over who should take this year’s NBA MVP trophy.
O’Neal voiced his opinion that Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander “deserved” to win the title over Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who’s now won three times. In response to the retired NBA champ’s take, the NFL Hall-of-Famer criticized Shaq on his Nightcap podcast, calling him “jealous.”

“Shaq should have five MVP’s,” Sharpe said. “He sees a guy like Nikola Jokic that’s not as dominant as him and gets three in four years. When you historically great, they talk about you as a great basketball player, the GOAT, and Shaq is never brought up. I think a part of him is envious of that… It’s hard for me to put someone in the GOAT conversation with one MVP. If Shaq would have had my work ethic, he would have had 40,000 points.”

Shaq fired back at Sharpe through a series of Instagram posts, but dropped a bomb when he released a full diss track rapping about the viral podcaster.
“Oh, no Shannon Sharpe you’re way beneath me/ Your whole demeanor is faker than new rapper beef be/ You’re soft, before you get fly you’d rather tweet me/ I was in three different cars when you was in 3 […],” he raps.

Listen to the full diss HERE.

In another Instagram post, the 52-year-old went off in a lengthy post to Sharpe calling him out for wanting “click bait,” and wrongfully calling him envious.
“You took me sticking up for @shai as jealousy?? shows how smart you are and how you say anything to get clicks. so here’s some click bait for you. if you ain’t ranked in the top ten in your profession , then you can’t speak on Me,” the former Lakers star fired back with some stats of his own. “don’t forget i know what you did to get where you at. me jealous lol sounds like you jealous. i kno you tryna stay relevant by gossiping on your podcast. we don’t believe you. you need more people and in case you forgot. 4 rings three finals Mvp top 50 and top 75. google me.”

He continued, “And to b quite frank all this new success you got, you still under me. u don’t kno my work ethic. but according [to you] i work less than you but im worth more than you. make it make sense. love you too. if you need help making money it’s better ways than gossiping. i’m too old for this sh*t. love always, the most dominant big man ever who never took it serious.

“remember i don’t know you,” he added. “and in the words of @skipbayless im better than you. #g14classification i have it, you don’t, not in my profession. and your goat debate , never wanted to be the goat i wanted to be who you should [be] greet me as THE MOST DOMINANT EVER. #theapexpredator”

Upon dropping the cover art and snippet of his diss track to Sharpe, Shaq tagged everyone from 50 Cent, Rick Ross, D.L. Hughley, Ghostface Killah, Arsonal, and Akademiks to Stephen A. Smith, Ochocinco and more.


Kimora Lee Admits Being Embarrassed Over Daughter Aoki Dating “Toad” Vittorio Assaf
Kimora Lee has broken her silence on her daughter Aoki Lee Simmons dating 65-year-old restaurateur, Vittorio Assaf. 
TMZ caught up with the fashion icon on Thursday (May 9) and was asked about her thoughts regarding her 21-year-old’s PDA with Assaf while on a romantic getaway. Lee not only said that she was “a little embarrassed” by the situation, but also downplayed the fling between her daughter and the “toad.”

“I don’t think she had an ‘anything,'” she began. “She’s a young, pretty girl, you know? I think that we don’t think that the toads we may kiss are gonna be broadcasted. And I personally feel like she was set up, which is why I try and teach the girls.”
Further expounding on why she feels that way, she added, “There’s definitely an age dynamic there. I probably was a little embarrassed by it but you know me, I’m definitely like, ‘It is what it is honey. Come on home, let’s go. Mama’s got your back and he ain’t coming.'”

When asked if she or Russell Simmons have upped Aoki’s allowance since the public scandal, the Baby Phat aficionado responded, “Dad is nonexistent.”
However, Hip-Hop music mogul Russell Simmons also gave his two cents on Aoki’s relationship with Assaf while speaking with TMZ in April.

“I’m not gonna kick and scream about her choices,” the Def Jam Records co-founder told the outlet. “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

People confirmed Lee Simmons and the co-founder of popular Italian chain Serafina’s were seeing each other romantically, following Page Six sharing paparazzi pics of the pair kissing in St. Barts.
The images showed Simmons in a tribal print green bikini and Assaf rocking light blue swim trunks on the beach as they shared much PDA. Vittorio was also seen getting Simmons’ angles on camera as she posed.

“Aoki and Vittorio are spending time together and enjoying each others’ company,” a source close to Aoki told People.
However, they called it quits just days after they were outed.
A source reportedly told the outlet, “Not only is it ‘over,’ it was never a thing. Aoki is learning to navigate her private life in a public sphere. And that can be difficult. However, Kimora was concerned to see her daughter in that kind of relationship due to what she herself went through.”


Zendaya Refuses To Wear These Huge Fashion Labels Due To Their Initial Rejections

In an illuminating reveal on "The Cutting Room Floor" podcast, Zendaya Coleman's stylist Law Roach shared a compelling story of rejection, resilience, and ultimate triumph in the world of high fashion that encapsulates his journey with his superstar client.
Despite becoming one of the most notable names in the entertainment and fashion industry, there was a time when designers from the "big five" fashion houses - Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Dior - turned their backs on Zendaya, labeling her as "too green" for their esteemed garments.

Roach, who has been a constant beacon of support and creativity beside Zendaya since she was 14, vividly recalled how their requests for high-fashion outfits were consistently met with refusals. This shared experience only fueled their mutual determination and forged an unbreakable bond between the pair.

"I still have the receipts," Roach declared, highlighting the lengths to which they went to establish Zendaya in the highly competitive fashion arena. The stylist also hinted that the "Euphoria" actress won't be wearing those designers' dresses anytime soon, "When I said, 'If you say no, it'll be a no forever,' that rang true for a long, long time."

Remarkably, Roach and Zendaya's response to this early career setback was not one of defeat but of strategic perseverance. Zendaya, under Roach's stylistic direction, never donned any creations from the "big five" on the red carpet, reserving their collaboration for editorial shoots only. "The first time she wore Valentino in public is when she had a contract," Roach explained, depicting their principled stance against the initial rejection.

Zendaya's and Roach's tale is not just one of navigating through the superficial layers of the fashion world but also highlights the importance of advocacy and mutual respect in professional relationships. Roach recounted instances where Zendaya, even at a young age, stood up for him in boardrooms filled with industry heavyweights, ensuring his voice was heard and his presence acknowledged.

Their journey culminates at the 2024 Met Gala, where Zendaya, styled by Roach in an archival John Galliano piece, dazzled as one of the event's co-chairs. This moment symbolized their full-circle journey from rejection to acceptance and highlighted their influence on the fashion world.

Zendaya and Law Roach's journey is more than a fashion story; it's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of standing by one's values, and the remarkable things that can be achieved when talents unite against adversity. This dynamic duo's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for young people everywhere, proving that with tenacity and mutual support, no door remains closed forever.


Stevie Wonder Weighs In On Drake And Kendrick Lamar Feud
In the bustling world of hip-hop, where rap battles and lyrical feuds are often seen as badges of honor, the recent spat between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has certainly grabbed headlines. However, amid the flurry of diss tracks and fan debates, legendary musician Stevie Wonder has offered a perspective that cuts through the noise, prompting us to reevaluate our priorities.

While speaking to TMZ at an airport, Wonder criticized the feud, highlighting the myriad of global issues that warrant more attention. "Any kind of was is bad for the world," Stevie Wonder expressed, emphasizing the distraction such rivalries create from pressing world issues like conflicts and homelessness

This sentiment was echoed when approached by TMZ Hip Hop, as he implored listeners to shift their focus from the entertainment of rap battles to the real challenges facing humanity today. Wonder's concern over feuds overshadowing significant global concerns serves as a vital reminder for us all, especially the youth, to maintain perspective on what truly matters.

In an age where social media and sensational headlines often dictate public attention, Wonder's call for unity and attention to more pressing matters is both timely and timeless. It underlines an often-overlooked aspect of entertainment-induced distractions and their impact on societal engagement with critical issues.

Adding another layer to the conversation, Macklemore's new single "Hind's Hall" leverages the spotlight to advocate for global peace, particularly focusing on the plight of Gaza. Through powerful lyrics, he challenges the music industry and its artists to take a stand on international issues, implicitly critiquing those who have been silent on issue yet making a ruckus on the Drake and Kendrick feud.

As Stevie Wonder and others highlight the need to prioritize humanitarian issues over entertainment feuds, their voices serve as a beacon for the younger generation. They urge us to look beyond the ephemeral drama of celebrity conflicts and to channel our collective energy towards creating a more unified, compassionate world.
Amidst the high-octane beats and captivating wordplay of hip-hop, the message is clear: it's time to refocus our attention on the narrative that truly deserves the spotlight - humanity's quest for peace, unity, and understanding.


Oprah Winfrey apologizes for her ‘major’ role in ‘diet culture’: ‘I own what I’ve done’

The TV host has been candid about her health and weight throughout her career.
Oprah Winfrey addressed the role she played in perpetuating diet culture over the years in a recent livestream.

Winfrey spoke to the in-person and virtual audience at the WeightWatchers “Making The Shift: A New Way to Think About Weight” livestream on Thursday, May 9 about reaching a “pivotal moment in the way we talk about and the way we think about our bodies.”
At the start of the livestream, Winfrey took a moment to speak about her own role in “diet culture” over the years.

“I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years,” Winfrey said.

She continued, adding, “I’ve been a major contributor to it. I cannot tell you how many weight loss shows and makeovers I have done and they have been a staple since I’ve been working in television.”
Winfrey addressed one specific moment from “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1988 when she rolled a wagon of fat onto the stage, calling it one of her “biggest regrets.”

“It sent a message that starving yourself with a liquid diet and set a standard for people watching that I, nor anybody else, could uphold,” she explained. “The very next day, I began to gain the weight back. Maya Angelou always said ‘When you know better, you do better,’ so these conversations for me are an effort to do better.”

She added, “I own what I’ve done, and now I want to do better.”
After serving as a board member for WW, formerly known as WeightWatchers, since 2015, she announced in February that she would be leaving the board of directors and would not stand for re-election at the next shareholder meeting in May.

Over the decades, Winfrey has remained candid about her health, including her experience with weight loss.
Here’s what Winfrey has said about her experience with weight loss and diets over the years.
Oprah Winfrey showed her WeightWatchers results on a magazine cover
Five months after announcing that she joined the WeightWatchers board, Winfrey showed off her 26-pound weight loss in the April 2016 issue of O, sharing the cover with nine other woman to celebrate their “best body.”

In the issue, Winfrey said, “It was my idea to share the cover with other women who are on the same journey that I am.”
“My own struggles with the scale are well known,” she added. “I’ve never believed in hiding them. What I do believe in: strength in numbers.”

Oprah Winfrey vowed to walk 10,000 steps per day
Less than a year after joining WeightWatchers and becoming a spokesperson, Winfrey continued to share details around her health and her lifestyle adjustments, including her commitment to walk 10,000 steps a day.
“Sky, mountains, creeks, trees, grass, wildflowers — I just can’t seem to get enough. So I made a vow this summer to log my 10,000 steps each day and get outdoors to do it,” Winfrey told O magazine in 2016. “I’m ready for the open road. New experiences. A new way of being in my body. Feeling fit and strong.”

Oprah Winfrey discussed her struggle with balancing body acceptance and her health
In an August 2017 interview with The New York Times Magazine, Winfrey spoke about her struggle to accept her body at its current state while also maintaining a weight that wouldn’t cause additional health issues.

She explained, “For your heart to pump, pump, pump, pump, it needs the least amount of weight possible to do that.”
“So all of the people who are saying, ‘Oh, I need to accept myself as I am’ — I can’t accept myself if I’m over 200 pounds, because it’s too much work on my heart,” she added. “It causes high blood pressure for me. It puts me at risk for diabetes, because I have diabetes in my family.”

Winfrey said that “this whole P.C. about accepting yourself as you are — you should, 100 percent,” noting that WeightWatchers helped her stay “on track” and provides “a level of consciousness and awareness” around her diet.
Oprah Winfrey shared that she began taking a weight loss drug

Winfrey is among the list of celebrities taking weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro.
In December 2023, Winfrey revealed in an interview with People that she had started taking a weight loss drug, though she didn’t confirm which medication.
At the time, she said she used it “as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing.”

“The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for,” she explained to the outlet.
Winfrey added, “I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself.”

In a March 2024 appearance on CNN’s “King Charles,” Winfrey opened up about what led her to start taking a weight loss drug.
“I couldn’t work out anymore,” Winfrey explained. “I can’t climb any faster or run any faster. I was down to eating one meal a day. There’s nothing else I can do.”

Winfrey said “there is now a sense of hope,” adding, “When I tell you how many times I have blamed myself because you think, ‘I’m smart enough to figure this out,’ and then to hear all along, it’s you fighting your brain.”
“The one thing I hope people come away with is knowing that (obesity is) a disease and it’s in the brain,” Winfrey added.


Whoopi Goldberg Liked Hosting ‘The View’ More When People Didn’t Think Everything You Say Comes From a ‘Nasty or Horrible’ Place
Whoopi Goldberg was the latest guest on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” on Max and was asked about what it’s been like co-hosting ABC’s “The View” for the last 17 years. The EGOT winner joined the daytime franchise in 2007. Asked by Wallace if she still likes hosting the program, Goldberg acknowledged that it was a better gig back in the day when people did not automatically weaponize everything she said.

“I liked it better before because there was not … people didn’t didn’t assume that you were starting out to be nasty or horrible or saying stuff,” Goldberg said. “You used to say something and somebody would say, ‘Well, actually, that’s not so.’ And you could make that adjustment. Or you could say, ‘Well, here’s what … this is why I thought about it this way.’ You can’t do that anymore. Nobody wants to hear what you were thinking. They’re only saying that’s what you said. And that must mean that your whole life is that. It’s like wow.”
“I feel like now you’re always having to hedge what you say because you don’t want to piss people off,” Goldberg added.
Asked by Wallace if there’s anything that’s pissing her off right now that she’d like to talk about, Goldberg concluded: “Yeah, but if I say, it’s only going to be a problem … only be a problem for you.”

While Goldberg did not bring up any specific examples, she did face enormous amounts of backlash in 2022 after she was temporarily suspended from “The View” for saying the Holocaust was “not about race” during a live episode. In an interview with The Sunday Times later that year, Goldberg courted controversy again for saying some Jewish people themselves are divided over whether they are a race or a religion. She also doubled down and said the Holocaust “wasn’t originally” about race.

Goldberg’s comments were widely condemned at the time, including by Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “Whoopi Goldberg’s comments about the Holocaust and race are deeply offensive and incredibly ignorant,” he posted on social media.
“When she made similar comments earlier this year, we explained how the Nazi regime was inherently racist,” he continued, “Whoopi’s comments show a complete lack of awareness of the multiethnic, multiracial makeup of the Jewish community. She needs to apologize immediately and actually commit to educating herself on the true nature of antisemitism.”

Goldberg eventually did issue an apology, in which she said: “I’m still learning a lot and believe me, I heard everything everyone said to me. I believe that the Holocaust was about race, and I am still as sorry now as I was then that I upset, hurt and angered people. My sincere apologies again, especially to everyone who thought this was a fresh rehash of the subject. I promise it was not. In this time of rising antisemitism, I want to be very clear when I say that I always stood with the Jewish people and always will. My support for them has not wavered and never will.”

Watch Goldberg’s full interview on the new episode of “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?,” now streaming on Max.


Eurovision 2024 Winner Revealed - Switzerland's Nemo Wins the Competition With 'The Code'

On Saturday (May 11), the 24-year-old musician swept the competition in Malmo, Sweden with their song “The Code,” which won 591 points.

They beat out a talented group of competitors!
Baby Lasagna from Croatia landed in second place with 547 points. Ukraine (453 points), France (445 points) and Israel (375 points) rounded out the top five, via Variety.
This marks Switzerland’s third win and the country’s first since 1988 when Celine Dion took home the prize for them with “Ne partez pas sans moi.” The country also won the first Eurovision contest back in 1956.

It is a safe bet that the 2025 contest will be hosted in Switzerland, as it is customary for the winning country to take over hosting duties the following year.
Nemo‘s win comes after Sweden’s Loreen took the 2023 competition with their song “Tattoo.” She made history as one of a few acts to win the contest more than once.

Congratulations to Nemo and the rest of the competitors!


The GLAAD Media Awards in N.Y. See the winners List!
After announcing half of its winners at a Los Angeles ceremony in March, the GLAAD Media Awards handed out the rest of its trophies at a New York event on Saturday.

Red, White & Royal Blue, The Last of Us, Rustin, Heartstopper and Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers’ Las Culturistas podcast were among the projects recognized at the 35th annual awards show, which honors media for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.

Hosted by Ross Mathews, the New York ceremony also presented special honors to Jennifer Hudson (who received the Excellence in Media Award) and Orville Peck (who received the Vito Russo Award, presented by Jennifer Lawrence). The night featured special performances from Loren Allred and Scott Hoying and presenters including Uma Thurman, Beanie Feldstein, Don Lemon and the cast of We’re Here.

A full list of winners announced at the New York ceremony follows.

Outstanding TV Journalism – Long-Form: Our America: Who I’m Meant to Be – Episode 3
Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode: The Jennifer Hudson Show, “Jennifer Hudson Surprises HIV Activist with $10,000”
Outstanding Broadway Production: Melissa Etheridge: My Window
Outstanding Reality Program: Family Karma
Queer Fan Favorite: Red, White & Royal Blue
Outstanding Podcast: Las Culturistas (iHeart)
Outstanding Film – Streaming Or TV: Rustin (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary: Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later (MTV Documentary Films), Kokomo City (Magnolia Pictures) and The Stroll (HBO | Max Documentary Films)
Outstanding New Series: The Last of Us (HBO)
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film – Live Action: Heartstopper (Netflix)
Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: “New York City Gay Bar Deaths Classified as Homicides” (NBC News Now)
Outstanding Live TV Journalism – Segment or Special: “Indiana Students Put on LGBTQ-Themed Play Themselves After it’s Canceled By the School” Yasmin Vossoughian Reports (MSNBC)
Outstanding Print Article: “As Drag Bans Proliferate, Maren Morris Goes Deep With Drag’s Biggest Stars on Why the Show Must Go On” by Stephen Daw (Billboard)
Outstanding Online Journalism Article: “The AP Interview: Pope Francis Says Homosexuality Not a Crime” by Nicole Winfield 
Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia: “7 Remarkable Trans Elders Share Lessons for the Next Generation” (them.us)
Outstanding Blog: Erin Reed – Erin in the Morning

Spanish Language – Outstanding Online Journalism Article: “Personas mayores LGBTQIA+ ‘tienen que regresar a un clΓ³set para poder buscar vivienda‘” por David Cordero Mercado y JoaquΓ­n A. Rosado LebrΓ³n (PeriodismoInvestigativo.com and ElNuevoDia.com)

Spanish Language – Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia: “Conoce a la primera diputada negra y trans de Brasil” por Natalia Barrera Francis, Joyce GarcΓ­a, David von Blohn, Paula Daibert y Claudia Escobar (Descoloniza – AJ+ EspaΓ±ol)

GLAAD previously announced Special Recognition awards for The Dads (Netflix), Love in Gravity, Relighting Candles (Hulu), Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce (AMC Theatres), The Tennessee Holler, Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story, Drag Latina (Revry / LATV), EnamorΓ‘ndonos (UniMΓ‘s), El sabor de la navidad (ViX) and Wendy, perdida pero famosa (ViX). GLAAD also previously announced that +Life Media received the Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media. 

Congrats to all the winners!


Sam Rubin, Longtime KTLA Entertainment Reporter and Anchor, Dies at 64

“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the channel wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time.”

Perry Sook — founder, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, the majority owner of the local station — also issued a statement. “Sam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry, and he was a beloved member of our Nexstar Nation,” he wrote.
Rubin’s manager, Jamie Gruttemeyer, shared her own note with THR: “Morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that losing Sam is like losing a close family friend. Someone who could always lift your spirits, someone who was welcome in your home and always showed up with a smile on his face. Sam will be forever missed.”

During a segment in which KTLA anchors shared the news and memories, weatherman Mark Kriski called in to talk about his colleague. “Everyone in Hollywood knows Sam Rubin … He was my friend. The wonderful thing about Sam is he always thought big and dreamt bigger.

“He was just so genuine, and the Sam you saw on TV was the Sam in our hearts and our lives. Goddamn it, no. It’s too early for him to go. The sun didn’t shine as bright this morning, and the stars won’t twinkle as bright tonight.”
Multiple celebrities called the station to pay tribute to him.

“I just read the news, and it’s the most horrible thing,” Henry Winkler said from an airport. “Two things I know: He made you feel special every single time, and I’m not the only person who felt that warmth every time they sat down at your desk.”
The Barry star continued: “Respectful was the very core of him. His warmth, it was like you were the only person he knew in the industry. When you were being interviewed by him, there was nobody after you, there was nobody before you in that desk. It was you in that seat, and that’s all that mattered. He made every human being feel so special and got them to open up like a flower. He was interested in you as a professional. He was interested in you as a human being, and my heart goes out to his family, to you and all his colleagues and his friends. He will be so missed. I’m overwhelmed that he’s no longer here. It’s still unthinkable.”

Former Dancing With the Stars pro and podcast host Cheryl Burke also called in. “I’m literally going through pictures in tears at the moment,” she said. “He was my podcast dad whether he liked it or not.” She described chatting with him as “being in my living room talking with a friend,” adding, “He was very present when I was being interviewed by him.”

Jerry O’Connell, who had just appeared on KTLA on Friday morning, rejoined the station to honor the late anchor. “There is an outpouring of emotion in this town right now. This is devastating news … It is a very emotional, sad day not only for the KTLA family but for the entertainment industry as a whole,” the actor said. “The man was a legend.
“The entertainment industry is a scary place. It’s an unfriendly place. It’s a competitive place. I’m going to say Sam was the kindest, warmest soul in this insane town. He greeted everyone with open arms and warmth. My first live interview was with Sam Rubin at KTLA in your old studio … He treated everyone with the same amount of love, respect, warmth … he was inspiring.”

For L.A. entertainment diehards, the San Diego native was a staple of the industry, one who reported from many a red carpet in addition to his role as the face of showbiz on Channel 5. He often hosted the station’s Live From the Academy Awards and had his own celebrity talk show, Hollywood Uncensored, for a spell. Rubin was beloved for his friendly demeanor and was not afraid to ask difficult questions on a beat that many network newscasts often treat as fluff.

In addition to multiple Emmys, Rubin received a Golden Mike Award for best entertainment reporter, a lifetime achievement honor from the Southern California Broadcasters Association and another best entertainment reporter prize from the Los Angeles Press Club. In 2013, he was honored by the National Hispanic Media Coalition with its Impact Award for integrity in broadcast journalism.

His work has been published around the world. He often appeared on BBC television and radio and was a regular contributor to Australia’s Triple M radio and Channel 9.
Not only was Rubin a long-standing anchor/reporter with KTLA, he also owned a television production company called SRE Inc. It produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programs, including several of his Live From red carpet shows and Hollywood Uncensored.

Rubin was one of the founding members of what was then called the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which has since merged with the Broadcast Television Association to form the Critics Choice Association, which is the largest critics organization in the U.S. and Canada, with more than 600 members.

The Critics Choice Association said it was “devastated by the sudden loss of our dear friend Sam Rubin, a longtime member of our board of directors and a guiding force throughout our 30-year history. Sam’s generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of Hollywood made him a legend in the entertainment business and a trusted friend to millions of viewers — and to hundreds of stars who relaxed in easy conversation with him on his set at KTLA and on countless red carpets.”

A 1982 graduate of Occidental College, Rubin co-wrote biographies about Jacqueline Onassis and Mia Farrow
Survivors include his wife, Leslie, and his four children: daughters Perry, Rory and Darcy and son Colby.


Dwyane Wade Poses for Family Pics with Daughter Zaya and Wife Gabrielle Union at Netflix Event
The trio stepped out for Netflix is a Joke Fest on Thursday, May 9
The retired NBA star, 42, was joined by his wife Gabrielle Union and daughter Zaya on Thursday, May 9, as the two attended the Netflix Is A Joke Festival 2024 in support of him.

The family stepped out for When We Gather, which was a night of stand-up curated by the basketball legend at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood, California.
"When we gather, it’s nothing but jokes on jokes on jokes," Wade, and Netflix's Strong Black Lead, captioned a joint post on Instagram on May 10, featuring photos of the Wade crew smiling together. "Dwyane Wade put together one hell of a show last night at #netflixisajoke."

Within the post, the Hall of Fame athlete posed with a Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, members of his family and comedian Lil Rel Howery, who hosted the event. Wade wore a white cardigan, wide brown pants and white sneakers as he posed next to both his wife and daughter, 16.

Union, 51, wore a red latex dress with a gold necklace, while Zaya opted for a white shirt-and-skirt combo, black leather jacket, black shades and some brown boots to tie it all in.

The former Heat player's mother, Jolinda Wade, was also in attendance, wearing a pink suit and white button-up underneath. As well as the snaps Wade posted on Instagram, the family was also photographed together on the red carpet and inside the event.
As Wade shared with Netflix ahead of the event, the outing marked his "first time" — along with his production company — venturing into the world of comedy.

“Laughter transcends differences and cultivates connection," he said of the event, which reportedly featured the likes of Chris Spencer and Janelle James. "When We Gather is all about bringing people together to connect through a shared love of comedy. I have great respect and love for these talented comedians who will bring us all together for one unforgettable night.”

And while not all the Wade kids were in attendance at their father's event, they all appear to be supportive of their parents. Union told PEOPLE during the Met Gala on Monday, May 6, that for her look this year — a mermaid-like gown — her 5-year-old daughter Kaavia actually served as the inspiration for it.
"This is inspired by her," Union said Kaavia. "She's a water baby — she loves the water. And she was like, 'Mommy, you look like a mermaid!'"

The Monday display of fashion marked Union and Wade's fifth time attending the Met Gala as a duo. To fit with this year's dress code of "The Garden of Time," Wade complimented his wife's high-neck Michael Kors dress with his own lilac Versace suit.


Florida HBCU backs away from dubious $237M donation

Florida A&M University is putting an announced $237 million donation from a Texas hemp farming executive “on hold,” as the media and school leaders raise questions about the value and source of the gift.
President Larry Robinson announced the decision at an emergency meeting Thursday of FAMU’s fundraising foundation. Board members expressed grave reservations about the donation, which drew national attention as one of the largest ever for one of the country’s historically Black colleges and universities.

The gift, which according to an agreement released by the school came in the form of millions of shares of stock, has already been transferred to FAMU, school officials said, so it’s unclear exactly how the university will move forward.
“With regards to the gift and the processing of it and so forth, in terms of future processing, we’ve already decided it’s in our best interest to put that on hold,” Robinson said during the meeting.

The alleged windfall donation to FAMU came from Batterson Farms Corporation’s Gregory Gerami and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust and would’ve almost tripled the school’s endowment, helping students and faculty for generations. But after the announcement was made — with major fanfare during a Saturday commencement ceremony — skepticism quickly quelled the celebration.

For one, Batterson Farms Corporation appears to be a relatively small outfit based in Texas selling hydroponic hemp farm products, leading some to question how its stocks could be worth millions. The doubts have been heightened by reports about Gerami’s past dealings, including a $95 million donation to Coastal Carolina University in 2020 that was terminated by school officials only weeks after it was publicly announced.
FAMU foundation members raised these points during Thursday’s emergency meeting, while venting frustrations about how school staff transacted a nine-figure donation without telling them or the board of trustees. Some board members claimed to have learned about the donation from the university’s press release or from friends after graduation. The board of trustees had already called a special meeting for next week to discuss the donation before Thursday’s shock announcement.

“How did we get this far without knowledge of the transaction or the donor?” asked Chekesha Kidd, a foundation member who is co-founder and CEO of Kinumi, a concierge service.

School leaders — including Robinson and Shawnta Friday-Stroud, FAMU’s vice president for university advancement — said they were barred from discussing the gift publicly due to a non-disclosure agreement. They defended accepting the donation from Batterson Farms Corporation, noting the potential upside should the company go public. Batterson Farms did not respond to a request for comment about the potential future value of its stock.
Still, the shares could be worth “$500 million or it could be zero,” Laurence A. Humphries, a member of the foundation’s board, noted at the meeting.
“Yes, there is clearly risk, and we are seeing that in everything that has shaken out,” Friday-Stroud said during the meeting. “But at the time that was the decision.”

FAMU did not reach out to Coastal Carolina University as they vetted Gerami’s gift, officials confirmed Thursday.
That failed donation was one of several red flags that should have been raised during the vetting of FAMU’s gift, according to finance experts.

The gift would have been paid out over the next decade, according to an agreement obtained through a records request Thursday by the Tallahassee Democrat. The agreement shows that Gerami “donated 14 million shares of stock of intrinsic value worth at least $239,000,000 and will donate an additional $61,000,000 over 10 years” — valuations that don’t match what the school announced only days ago.

The agreement, though, does not specifically name a company, and it’s unclear where and how the stocks were valued.
“Where does this valuation come from?” Rebel Cole, a professor of finance at Florida Atlantic University, said in an interview. “It raises more questions than it answers. If I were a dog, my hackles would be up.”


Montana Fishburne Gets 2-Years Probation Following 2022 Battery Arrest
*Montana Fishburne, the daughter of former “Black-ish” star Laurence Fishburne, is on the wrong side of the law again, two years after being arrested for battery on a police officer.

Us Weekly reports Montana was sentenced to 24 months of probation for her part in the incident. Police records in Florida detail the January 2022 arrest by Broward County sheriffs. The records reveal Montana called 911 about an ex-boyfriend allegedly stalking and threatening her. After arriving on the scene, police officers found no one home.

The police records further noted Montana allegedly yelling at authorities “that no one helped her” from the sidewalk near the reported address and approached them, with police telling her “multiple times to back up,” Us stated. The outlet referenced the police report on the incident, which mentioned how the 34-year-old adult film star slapped one of the deputies on the side of his head. As a result, the officer’s ear sustained swelling and redness.

Although Montana was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, she changed her first not-guilty plea to the felony charge to no contest on April 10.
Montana’s sentencing marks the latest in a series of legal situations for the porn star. In 2017, Montana was charged with three misdemeanors for a DUI. She was released the following day after posting a $2,500 bond.

Three years later, Montana was also arrested for driving under the influence in Florida in 2020. Like the previous incident released on bond.
Montana’s legal situation may be generating headlines, but her father, Laurence Fishburne, has remained silent, not publicly addressing his daughter’s plight nor career aspirations.

In 2010, Montana touted her professional path with a preference for doing porn over acting in mainstream films.
“I had a little passion inside me to do porn,” she told Us. “I didn’t really want to tell too many people about it because I was afraid of their reactions when I was younger. I started thinking about it … when I was 16.”

Weighing in on Montana’s sentencing, her attorney, Michael Grieco, released a statement to Us, saying, “There is no admission of guilt and no conviction and the case will be sealed and put in the rearview. And young Ms. Fishburne will be able to move on with her life.”
In addition, Grieco stated Montana’s probation period will end after she completes a 13-week anger management program.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Yeah, It’s a long shift today

When you come for work but you're also alcoholic.


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM

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