#MAGFAB: Willow Smith for Allure Magazine May 2024!
In her cover story with ALLURE, Willow discusses her new album, empathogen, and discovering something new in her voice after being in the spotlight since she was nine years old. She also shares her thoughts on being perceived as difficult, being considered a nepo baby, and why she doesn’t necessarily fit the nepo baby mold as a Black woman in America.
On being perceived as difficult: “I’ve always been afraid of being perceived as difficult. In this society, a woman who knows what she wants is always perceived as being ‘difficult.’ I’m not being difficult, I just know what I want. And I’m willing to sacrifice the chillness of the moment for trying to get to that goal.”
In her cover story with ALLURE, Willow discusses her new album, empathogen, and discovering something new in her voice after being in the spotlight since she was nine years old. She also shares her thoughts on being perceived as difficult, being considered a nepo baby, and why she doesn’t necessarily fit the nepo baby mold as a Black woman in America.
On being perceived as difficult: “I’ve always been afraid of being perceived as difficult. In this society, a woman who knows what she wants is always perceived as being ‘difficult.’ I’m not being difficult, I just know what I want. And I’m willing to sacrifice the chillness of the moment for trying to get to that goal.”
On being considered a ‘nepo baby’: “I truly believe that my spirit is a strong spirit and that, even if my parents weren’t who they were, I would still be a weirdo and a crazy thinker. I definitely think that a little bit of insecurity has driven me harder because people do think that the only reason I’m successful is because of my parents. That has driven me to work really hard to try to prove them wrong. But nowadays, I don’t need to prove shit to anybody.’”
On why she doesn’t fit the ‘nepo baby’ mold as a Black woman in America: “Being Black in America, even with privilege, which I’m never going to deny that I have, you’re still Black. And I love being Black. People would look at me and [say], ‘Okay, well, her parents are this and this and that, but she still is like me. She still has brown skin.’ And we all know that that doesn’t exempt you from anything, and that’s a place of connection.”
On being “scarred” by the refrain “I whip my hair back and forth” from her debut single “Whip My Hair:” “I was totally scarred. But so many Black girls and women were inspired by that. It’s about people relating to you and you being someone that they can look at and be like, ‘I see you. We are inspiring each other.’ When I look at women from all different walks of life, all different skin tones who are authentic to themselves and they see their beauty, that inspires me. And I’m inspiring them because I’m paying attention to them.”
Writer: Jessica Cruel
Photographer: Zhong Lin
Stylist: Shiona Turini
Hair: Vernon François
Makeup: Raoul Alejandre
Manicure: Emi Kudo
FAB!
#RHOA: Is Falynn Pina, joining RHOA?
Falynn Pina, the former wife of Simon Guobadia (Porsha Williams’ now-estranged husband), is sparking speculation about joining ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’ This buzz intensified after a cryptic live session where Falynn hinted at having some juicy details to share, and keen-eyed followers noticed ‘#RHOA’ in her Instagram bio. Although it’s unclear how long the tag has been there, especially since she appeared in the show’s 13th season during her marriage to Simon, Falynn teased, “I’ve got tea coming for y’all.”
In her controversial clip, Falynn joked about not wanting any messiness but hinted at big news to come. She mentioned meeting new “business partners” for dinner and promised updates within 48 hours, adding that this venture is something she previously swore she “would never do.” Fans speculate that she’s hinting at a role on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
The possibility of Falynn’s return to the show has fans anticipating drama, especially given her history with Porsha Williams. Their feud became public when Porsha got engaged to Simon soon after his divorce from Falynn. While Falynn was introduced as Williams’ friend on the show, Porsha has denied a genuine friendship outside of the reality TV realm.
The recent developments with Porsha and Simon’s divorce and legal battles have kept fans on their toes. Simon even sent a cease-and-desist to ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ recently. With Falynn’s potential return and Porsha’s comeback for season 16, viewers are expecting fireworks on the show. Social media is buzzing with excitement and speculation about what’s to come in the upcoming season.
#NewMusic from Hil St Soul ‘Back in The Day’
Hil St. Soul’s Hilary Mwela is back after a hiatus with her new single ‘back in The Day’. Hil links up with producer Regi Myrix, who worked extensively on Back In Love, on “Back In Tha Day.” Together they craft a feel-good R&B number that incorporates a lot of soul and a touch of jazz. Over a sound bed showcasing bass, organ and percussion, the songstress reminisces about the good old days and waxes nostalgic throughout the two-step-worthy groove.
Take a listen and lets ll go back in the day! LISTEN BELOW:
#HipHopNews: Fans React To Kendrick Lamar's "Meet The Grahams"
Kendrick Lamar unloaded one of the quickest responses in diss track history with his latest song, “meet the grahams.”
The Drake-targeted record is Lamar’s fourth song in the last few weeks dedicated to sending a targeted verbal assault at the Toronto-raised recording artist. The layered diss track is much more sinister and stern than “Like That,” “euphoria” or “6:16 in LA.”
Lamar released the song approximately 55 minutes after Drake unveiled his newest diss song, “Family Matters.” He began the record with an open letter to Adonis Graham, Drake’s son, saying, “Dear Adonis, I’m sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest/ It takes a man to be a man, your dad is not responsive/ I look at him and wish your grandpa woulda’ wore a condom/ I’m sorry that you gotta grow up and then stand behind him.”
The shots continued with a second verse dedicated to the For All The Dogs emcee’s mother. He rapped, “Sandra, sit down, what I’m about to say is heavy, now listen/ Mm-mm, your son’s a sick man with sick thoughts, I think n**gas like him should die/ Him and Weinstein should get f**ked up in a cell for the rest they life/ He hates Black women, hypersexualizes ’em with kinks of a nympho fetish.”
Then, the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers recording artist used the following two verses to unveil that Drake allegedly has an 11-year-old daughter that no one knows about. One esteemed journalist explained, “‘meet the grahams’ [is] so heavy [I don’t know] if I even need to hear it again. That was a lot much. Got d**n.”
Someone else chimed, “‘Family Matters’ being followed up by ‘meet the grahams’ is so thematically crazy.” While another user stated, “Nahhhhhhh, ‘meet the grahams’ is a BODY. This is over. Holy s**t.” Other social media users are looking for Pusha T to comment on the recent developments. Many are saying Lamar drew from his playbook for how to attack from the beloved music icon.
Lovers & Friends Fest 2024 Cancelled Hours Before The Event
"Mannn…I'm just as disappointed as you are," Usher tweeted. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but with Lovers & Friends Fest, this wasn’t necessarily the case. After going on without a (subjective) hitch for two years, the production team behind the nostalgic experience cancelled this year’s show less than 24 hours before its kickoff.
Lovers & Friends Fest 2023 Was Great In Theory, But Faulty In Execution
In a statement shared across its official platforms, organizers explained the cancellation was due to the National Weather Service‘s “High Wind Warning” and how it was the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff. The wind advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. PT on Saturday (May 4) until 5 p.m. PT Sunday (May 5). It could’ve led to power outages, limited visibility, and other hazardous conditions.
The Lovers & Friends Fest team added, “This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months. We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are.”
According to the National Weather Service, the advisory came in around 11 a.m. PT on Friday, May 3, but the cancellation notice went out around 9:45 p.m. PT.
Nonetheless, Usher, other artists, and inconvenienced attendees reacted to the news.
“Mannn…I’m just as disappointed as you are,” the singer wrote on social media. “We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today, but know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who continue to support me. I’ll see you soon.”
He is still scheduled to go on tour later this year, but there’s no word on whether he will reschedule the special performance he had planned to celebrate Confessions 20th anniversary.
JoJo tweeted, “Big bear hug to anyone who flew in for the show & were planning 2 see me as part of your festival sched. We make plans and God is like hold onnn just one second there buddy. I believe things happen 4 a reason. New things to share with you soon. I love you. I miss you.” She was part of the stacked lineup that included Janet Jackson, TLC, Ashanti, Backstreet Boys, Nelly, Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige, and more.
Attendees are calling those behind the festival “irresponsible” for giving them such short notice on the cancellation, but festival organizers have reiterated that the decision was beyond their control.
The Queen of Pop Madonna Performs to 1.5 Million People at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
The post Madonna Performs to 1.5 Million People at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro appeared first on Consequence.
Madonna brought her “Celebration Tour” to a close with the biggest show of her career.
The pop icon held a free concert on Saturday, May 4th, at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, drawing upwards an estimated 1.5 million attendees. Check out the performance footage below.
Madonna’s performance spanned 26 songs and included guest appearances from Brazilian pop stars Anitta (who joined for “Vogue”) and Pabllo Vittar (who took part in the tour debut of “Music”).
Previously, Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach massive concerts from The Rolling Stones, who played to a crowd of 1.5 million in 2006, and Rod Stewart, who broke the world record for most-attended concert of all time with an audience of 4.2 million people in 1994.
Beyond being a big night in live music history, Madonna’s performance also closed out her “Celebration Tour,” which saw her honor her long, multi-faceted career with “reverence and joy,” as Consequence’s Paolo Ragusa explained in his review. Originally delayed after Madonna was hospitalized and put into an induced coma in June 2023, the tour kicked off last fall, and brought her to cities around the world, from Europe to the US, Mexico, and more.
Raven-Symoné Demands That “Death Threats” To Her Wife Stop Over ‘That’s So Raven’ Comments
Raven-Symoné has had enough of people coming for her wife Miranda Maday after she confessed that she didn’t grow up watching That’s So Raven. The 38-year-old former Disney star took to TikTok to address “death threats” that Maday has been receiving lately.
“I’m here with Miranda, my wife, to tell you to stop it in the comments and stop with the death threats in her DMs,” Raven said while sitting next to her. “It is disrespectful to her and in turn disrespectful to me. Stop it.”
Maday added, “I’m receiving so much hate for something that is really just a spiral of misinformation.”
Once again explaining her stance on why she didn’t watch one of the very shows that catapulted Symoné’s career, she reiterated, “I never have once said that I did not know who Raven was. I only have ever said that I did not grow up watching That’s So Raven. I did not watch her as a child. But since getting married and meeting her in 2015, I have seen the majority of her work.”
For all the “blue check trolls” out there, the now 38-year-old Cosby Show star suggested that they “sit down.”
The couple first received backlash when they appeared on the Bottoms Up With Fannita podcast last month.
Speaking on their relationship and how they met, Maday revealed, “I’m married to her and the fact that I didn’t watch the show was something that Raven appreciated.” When asked why she wasn’t aware of the show, she chalked it up to being “too old” as it first aired in 2003.
“I think I was a little too old,” Maday said at the time. “My sister who is five years younger than me watched That’s So Raven, loved That’s So Raven, and now that I’ve seen all of it, I love That’s So Raven.”
During an episode of the couple’s own show last year, The Best Podcast Ever, Symoné admitted that sometimes she stops and stares into space, like her character did in the longstanding Disney series, where she has “visions.”
“I do have moments where I really will just stare and I will see a scene that is happening to me, or that is going to happen to me in another dimension, and I feel it in my body, and I’m like, ‘Yo, this is weird,’” she admitted. “There will be times when I’m walking and I’ll trip over nothing, but I’ll feel in my body that I’ve been running. And I always tell babes, like, ‘I’m a runner.’”
Adding that she does believe in psychics, Symoné said, “I believe actually humans have the ability in their brain to tap into energy fields that allow for truth to connect when you know how to translate it correctly.”
Here’s a sneak peek at Damon Wayans 'Poppa's House' Trailer
The Wayans are keeping it in the family in Poppa's House, a new comedy series coming to CBS this fall. Damon Wayans plays Poppa in the sitcom, while his son, Damon Wayans Jr., plays Damon, a fictional character. The comedy series will see the father-son duo entertain with their comedic chops when the show debuts on Mondays after The Neighborhood come fall. The series' official logline (below) teases an atypical situation when father and son's worldviews collide.
Poppa's House , starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., features Wayans as legendary talk radio host and happily divorced “Poppa” who has his point of view challenged at work when a new female co-host is hired, and at home where he finds himself still parenting his adult son, a brilliant dreamer who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband.
CBS released a teaser trailer that tees up the hilarious dynamic of father and son. The multi-camera series sees the return of the laugh track sitcom subgenre that CBS plans to use for George and Mandy's First Marriage, a Young Sheldon spinoff. "At CBS, is it just me, or does it feel like one big family?" asks Damon, to which Poppa replies, "That's definitely on brand for us." "Yeah, Daddy," Damon replies, injecting some physical comedy into it. "Don't call me daddy," Poppa awkwardly says. "Father," Damon corrects himself.
WATCH
Poppa's House also stars Essence Atkins as Ivy and Tetona Jackson as Nina. The Wayans and Dean Lorey serve as executive producers. Andy Ackerman directed the pilot from a script by Kevin Hench and Wayans. Damon Wayans is known for numerous sitcoms he's created and starred in since the 1980s. His most popular TV shows include My Wife and Kids and Lethal Weapon. Wayans Jr is known for his recurring comedic work in sitcoms like Happy Endings and New Girl. Poppa's House marks his return to CBS after Happy Together, which he starred in, was canceled.
Poppa's House joins CBS' robust roster of comedies. Mondays will be The Neighborhood and Poppa's House night back-to-back before NCIS Season 22 returns to lead in NCIS: Origins, a new spinoff from the NCIS universe. Comedy night resumes on Thursday when the new Georgie and Mandy series premieres, airing at 8 PM, followed by Ghosts at 8:30 PM. Kathy Bates' new legal dramedy series, Matlock, joins the schedule, and the night ends with Elsbeth, another dramedy led by Carrie Preston, which has been renewed for Season 2.
Watch Poppa's House on Mondays on CBS when it premieres this fall.
Kevin Spacey Battles New Sexual Assault Allegations, Admits He's Used To Be 'Promiscuous'
In anticipation of the Channel 4 documentary "Spacey Unmasked," Kevin Spacey finds himself once again at the heart of attention - not for his acclaimed performances, but for allegations that threaten to overshadow his artistic achievements.
The documentary, which is set to air in the U.K. and later reach U.S. audiences, has propelled Spacey to speak out in an intricate interview with Dan Wootton on X, formerly known as Twitter. The discussion, which lasted over two hours, touches on a wide range of aspects regarding Spacey's tumultuous career and personal tribulations.
Spacey's response to the accusations presented in "Spacey Unmasked" reveals a man who is at once defiant and reflective. He acknowledges past behavior that may have crossed lines, admitting to instances that fit into patterns of being "promiscuous," "flirty," "persistent," and "annoying at times
However, he vehemently denies engaging in any illegal activities or blocking anyone's exit as a means to exert pressure or control. One particular account from the documentary involving an intern during the filming of "The Big Kahuna" strikes a chord with Spacey, leading him to admit the plausibility of such behavior having occurred.
Family desperate to save newborn twins after insurance denial
A Missouri couple is fighting to save their newborn twins after the family’s insurance said it won’t cover a potentially life-saving treatment.
The two boys were diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called “spinal muscular atrophy” just days after they were born, the family said in a Facebook post.
“Their life expectancy is one to two years without treatment,” the twins’ mother, Amanda Reed, told KCTV5. “It’s just been a nightmare, an absolute nightmare.
Maternal deaths have fallen to pre-pandemic levels, new US data says
The disease causes muscles to waste away, and without treatment, individuals can have trouble breathing and swallowing.
It’s a nightmare made worse by a recent change to the family’s insurance coverage, which Reed has through her work, Mosaic Life Care.
Each boy needs a one-time gene therapy treatment called Zolgensma, but the couple said their insurance stopped covering the therapy exactly one day after the boys were born.
Earlier breast cancer screening could save ‘20% more lives’
Known as the world’s most expensive drug, Zolgensma will cost the family between $1 million and $2.5 million out-of-pocket per child, according to a GoFundMe set up to help the twins.
Infants who receive the one-time infusion before their symptoms begin often go on to live normal lives, Reed told the local news outlet. That means the family is in a race against time to get the boys the help they need.
Mosaic CEO Mike Poore pointed the blame at pharmaceutical companies and said they have made it impossible for employers to “bear the financial burden of these exorbitant drug prices” in a statement to KCTV5.
Poore said Mosaic’s Health Care Trustees made the “gut-wrenching decision” not to cover expensive gene therapy back in January because it could “cripple the financial viability” of the health system, adding that they’re trying to find financial resources to help “in this case.”
Ricky Martin Goes Shirtless in Nearly Nude Bathroom Thirst Trap While Enjoying Alone Time
Ricky Martin is heating up our evening with a new video of himself posing wearing only a small pair of shorts.
On Saturday (May 4), the 52-year-old hitmaker hopped on social media to share a new thirst trap that is already exciting his fans.
On Instagram, Ricky posted a video of himself in his bathroom. In it, he’s wearing sky-blue short shorts. He’s shirtless but holding a long-sleeved white shirt in front of his stomach.
WATCH
He even holds the shirt in his mouth in some clips while dancing and posing for the camera.
Ricky soundtracked the thirst trap with James Blake‘s song “Retrograde.”
“Alone now,” he captioned the cheeky video.
His fans rushed to the comments section to respond to the star.
“Alone time looks good on you,” one fan simply wrote. We could not agree more!
Did you see that Ricky recently described himself as a lover and weighed in on if size matters. He also spoke candidly about one of his fetishes.
His new thirst trap comes after Ricky had a steamy moment onstage at a concert last month.
Rihanna Debuts Hot Pink Hair Days Before Met Gala 2024!
Rihanna just made a huge change to her appearance a few days before she’s set to walk the red carpet at the 2024 Met Gala!
The 36-year-old stepped out on Saturday (May 4) in New York City rocking long, hot pink hair.
Fans on social media obtained photos of Rihanna walking around the city and showing off her vibrant look.
In the photos, she paired her bubblegum hair with wrap-around dark sunglasses and an all-black outfit. It looks like her manicure might match her new hair color.
Of course, Rihanna is no stranger to making dramatic changes to her appearances. She’s rocked colorful hair in the past, including a cool shade of blue and vibrant shades of red.
Is this a hint about her Met Gala look? We cannot wait to find out now.
Just last week, Rihanna confirmed that she would be attending the biggest night in fashion this year. She has since teased her outfit for the event, saying that it will be different from her past looks.
‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ Producers Say They Were “Worried” About Her Care Under Her Guardianship
Where Is Wendy Williams? executive producers Mark Ford and Erica Hanson opened up about their concerns for Wendy Williams’ health while they were filming the Lifetime documentary.
During an awards consideration panel in Los Angeles, Ford and Hanson said they were “worried” about Williams’ circumstances during production, via People. They noticed that she had been living alone, without food in her refrigerator, and tried to get in touch with her family.
“The deeper we got into it, we didn’t want to let go of Wendy until we got her back in touch with her family,” Ford said. “Because we felt that at a certain point that’s who’s going to be there for her to care for her.”
Toward the end of production on the doc, Ford recalled the producers were getting “very, very worried” and telling her manager, who was the only other person coming into her apartment, that something needed to be done to help her.
“This is getting very dire and scary,” he added. “And because she was under a guardianship, her family couldn’t just fly up and hang out and decide to get involved in her medical care. They were removed from that process by the courts so they could face legal ramifications if they tried to get too involved.”
Sabrina Morrissey became Williams’ court-appointed guardian in 2022 after Wells Fargo claimed that she was an “incapacitated person” and a “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.” At the time, the former talk show host contested the guardian appointment, noting that her health had improved and she was “absolutely” of sound mind following treatment for Graves’ disease and thyroid issues. Later, it was revealed that her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., was responsible for the financial exploitation.
During the panel conversation, Ford said that’s when the documentary began taking a turn and trying to “expose what these guardianships are like” when the family is not involved. Hanson added that it felt “incomprehensible” that her son didn’t know where she was and couldn’t call her, even though he had previously tried helping “his mother with all of her addiction issues.”
“I just think, in the end, you really see what happens when a guardian has complete control and the family is cut out and they don’t know how she’s being treated medically,” Hanson explained. “And they don’t know what’s happened with her finances.”
Ford said, “It’s a very complicated process for [her family]. But I think you could see in the film, they’re a lovely group of people who care about their sister, daughter, mother, and want the best for her, and who better to be involved in her care than those people, not a stranger.”
Morrissey tried to keep the documentary from airing by filing a lawsuit against Lifetime‘s parent company A+E Networks, citing that the contract brokered to shoot the project wasn’t valid because Williams had neither the legal nor mental capacity to authorize her participation. However, the former Wendy Williams Show host was an executive producer on the project alongside Hunter Jr. and her jeweler-turned-manager, William Selby.
The guardian’s complaint claimed that the four-and-a-half-hour documentary was a “blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community.” Morrissey’s temporary restraining order was granted before being reversed by a higher court for violating the network’s First Amendment rights.
When the court records were unsealed in March, they indicated that Williams’ guardian, who allegedly would not return the producers’ calls throughout production, only fought to keep the documentary from airing after she saw the trailer for the film on Feb. 2. The nearly four-minute look at Where Is Wendy Williams? made it clear Morrissey would not be portrayed positively.
“Only after seeing the documentary’s trailer and realizing her role in Ms. [Williams’] life may be criticized did Ms. Morrissey enlist the courts to unconstitutionally silence that criticism,” A+E Networks attorney Rachel Strom wrote at the time.
Days before the project aired, news broke that Williams had been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, in addition to her Graves’ disease and lymphedema, which is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter following the doc’s release, Ford said that “if we had known that Wendy had dementia going into it, no one would’ve rolled a camera,” adding that “it got to a point where we were more worried about what would happen to Wendy if we stopped filming than if we continued.”
“Drag Race” queens clash with teen accusing them of joining 'religious cult' on “We're Here”
Poppa's House joins CBS' robust roster of comedies. Mondays will be The Neighborhood and Poppa's House night back-to-back before NCIS Season 22 returns to lead in NCIS: Origins, a new spinoff from the NCIS universe. Comedy night resumes on Thursday when the new Georgie and Mandy series premieres, airing at 8 PM, followed by Ghosts at 8:30 PM. Kathy Bates' new legal dramedy series, Matlock, joins the schedule, and the night ends with Elsbeth, another dramedy led by Carrie Preston, which has been renewed for Season 2.
Watch Poppa's House on Mondays on CBS when it premieres this fall.
Kevin Spacey Battles New Sexual Assault Allegations, Admits He's Used To Be 'Promiscuous'
In anticipation of the Channel 4 documentary "Spacey Unmasked," Kevin Spacey finds himself once again at the heart of attention - not for his acclaimed performances, but for allegations that threaten to overshadow his artistic achievements.
The documentary, which is set to air in the U.K. and later reach U.S. audiences, has propelled Spacey to speak out in an intricate interview with Dan Wootton on X, formerly known as Twitter. The discussion, which lasted over two hours, touches on a wide range of aspects regarding Spacey's tumultuous career and personal tribulations.
Spacey's response to the accusations presented in "Spacey Unmasked" reveals a man who is at once defiant and reflective. He acknowledges past behavior that may have crossed lines, admitting to instances that fit into patterns of being "promiscuous," "flirty," "persistent," and "annoying at times
However, he vehemently denies engaging in any illegal activities or blocking anyone's exit as a means to exert pressure or control. One particular account from the documentary involving an intern during the filming of "The Big Kahuna" strikes a chord with Spacey, leading him to admit the plausibility of such behavior having occurred.
Family desperate to save newborn twins after insurance denial
A Missouri couple is fighting to save their newborn twins after the family’s insurance said it won’t cover a potentially life-saving treatment.
The two boys were diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called “spinal muscular atrophy” just days after they were born, the family said in a Facebook post.
“Their life expectancy is one to two years without treatment,” the twins’ mother, Amanda Reed, told KCTV5. “It’s just been a nightmare, an absolute nightmare.
Maternal deaths have fallen to pre-pandemic levels, new US data says
The disease causes muscles to waste away, and without treatment, individuals can have trouble breathing and swallowing.
It’s a nightmare made worse by a recent change to the family’s insurance coverage, which Reed has through her work, Mosaic Life Care.
Each boy needs a one-time gene therapy treatment called Zolgensma, but the couple said their insurance stopped covering the therapy exactly one day after the boys were born.
Earlier breast cancer screening could save ‘20% more lives’
Known as the world’s most expensive drug, Zolgensma will cost the family between $1 million and $2.5 million out-of-pocket per child, according to a GoFundMe set up to help the twins.
Infants who receive the one-time infusion before their symptoms begin often go on to live normal lives, Reed told the local news outlet. That means the family is in a race against time to get the boys the help they need.
Mosaic CEO Mike Poore pointed the blame at pharmaceutical companies and said they have made it impossible for employers to “bear the financial burden of these exorbitant drug prices” in a statement to KCTV5.
Poore said Mosaic’s Health Care Trustees made the “gut-wrenching decision” not to cover expensive gene therapy back in January because it could “cripple the financial viability” of the health system, adding that they’re trying to find financial resources to help “in this case.”
Ricky Martin Goes Shirtless in Nearly Nude Bathroom Thirst Trap While Enjoying Alone Time
Ricky Martin is heating up our evening with a new video of himself posing wearing only a small pair of shorts.
On Saturday (May 4), the 52-year-old hitmaker hopped on social media to share a new thirst trap that is already exciting his fans.
On Instagram, Ricky posted a video of himself in his bathroom. In it, he’s wearing sky-blue short shorts. He’s shirtless but holding a long-sleeved white shirt in front of his stomach.
WATCH
He even holds the shirt in his mouth in some clips while dancing and posing for the camera.
Ricky soundtracked the thirst trap with James Blake‘s song “Retrograde.”
“Alone now,” he captioned the cheeky video.
His fans rushed to the comments section to respond to the star.
“Alone time looks good on you,” one fan simply wrote. We could not agree more!
Did you see that Ricky recently described himself as a lover and weighed in on if size matters. He also spoke candidly about one of his fetishes.
His new thirst trap comes after Ricky had a steamy moment onstage at a concert last month.
Rihanna Debuts Hot Pink Hair Days Before Met Gala 2024!
Rihanna just made a huge change to her appearance a few days before she’s set to walk the red carpet at the 2024 Met Gala!
The 36-year-old stepped out on Saturday (May 4) in New York City rocking long, hot pink hair.
Fans on social media obtained photos of Rihanna walking around the city and showing off her vibrant look.
In the photos, she paired her bubblegum hair with wrap-around dark sunglasses and an all-black outfit. It looks like her manicure might match her new hair color.
Of course, Rihanna is no stranger to making dramatic changes to her appearances. She’s rocked colorful hair in the past, including a cool shade of blue and vibrant shades of red.
Is this a hint about her Met Gala look? We cannot wait to find out now.
Just last week, Rihanna confirmed that she would be attending the biggest night in fashion this year. She has since teased her outfit for the event, saying that it will be different from her past looks.
‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ Producers Say They Were “Worried” About Her Care Under Her Guardianship
Where Is Wendy Williams? executive producers Mark Ford and Erica Hanson opened up about their concerns for Wendy Williams’ health while they were filming the Lifetime documentary.
During an awards consideration panel in Los Angeles, Ford and Hanson said they were “worried” about Williams’ circumstances during production, via People. They noticed that she had been living alone, without food in her refrigerator, and tried to get in touch with her family.
“The deeper we got into it, we didn’t want to let go of Wendy until we got her back in touch with her family,” Ford said. “Because we felt that at a certain point that’s who’s going to be there for her to care for her.”
Toward the end of production on the doc, Ford recalled the producers were getting “very, very worried” and telling her manager, who was the only other person coming into her apartment, that something needed to be done to help her.
“This is getting very dire and scary,” he added. “And because she was under a guardianship, her family couldn’t just fly up and hang out and decide to get involved in her medical care. They were removed from that process by the courts so they could face legal ramifications if they tried to get too involved.”
Sabrina Morrissey became Williams’ court-appointed guardian in 2022 after Wells Fargo claimed that she was an “incapacitated person” and a “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.” At the time, the former talk show host contested the guardian appointment, noting that her health had improved and she was “absolutely” of sound mind following treatment for Graves’ disease and thyroid issues. Later, it was revealed that her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., was responsible for the financial exploitation.
During the panel conversation, Ford said that’s when the documentary began taking a turn and trying to “expose what these guardianships are like” when the family is not involved. Hanson added that it felt “incomprehensible” that her son didn’t know where she was and couldn’t call her, even though he had previously tried helping “his mother with all of her addiction issues.”
“I just think, in the end, you really see what happens when a guardian has complete control and the family is cut out and they don’t know how she’s being treated medically,” Hanson explained. “And they don’t know what’s happened with her finances.”
Ford said, “It’s a very complicated process for [her family]. But I think you could see in the film, they’re a lovely group of people who care about their sister, daughter, mother, and want the best for her, and who better to be involved in her care than those people, not a stranger.”
Morrissey tried to keep the documentary from airing by filing a lawsuit against Lifetime‘s parent company A+E Networks, citing that the contract brokered to shoot the project wasn’t valid because Williams had neither the legal nor mental capacity to authorize her participation. However, the former Wendy Williams Show host was an executive producer on the project alongside Hunter Jr. and her jeweler-turned-manager, William Selby.
The guardian’s complaint claimed that the four-and-a-half-hour documentary was a “blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community.” Morrissey’s temporary restraining order was granted before being reversed by a higher court for violating the network’s First Amendment rights.
When the court records were unsealed in March, they indicated that Williams’ guardian, who allegedly would not return the producers’ calls throughout production, only fought to keep the documentary from airing after she saw the trailer for the film on Feb. 2. The nearly four-minute look at Where Is Wendy Williams? made it clear Morrissey would not be portrayed positively.
“Only after seeing the documentary’s trailer and realizing her role in Ms. [Williams’] life may be criticized did Ms. Morrissey enlist the courts to unconstitutionally silence that criticism,” A+E Networks attorney Rachel Strom wrote at the time.
Days before the project aired, news broke that Williams had been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, in addition to her Graves’ disease and lymphedema, which is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter following the doc’s release, Ford said that “if we had known that Wendy had dementia going into it, no one would’ve rolled a camera,” adding that “it got to a point where we were more worried about what would happen to Wendy if we stopped filming than if we continued.”
“Drag Race” queens clash with teen accusing them of joining 'religious cult' on “We're Here”
Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Jaida Essence Hall attended a town hall meeting where a 16-year-old spoke a homophobic rant to the local government.
Season 4 of HBO's We're Here amps up the drag makeover series' colorful take on political action that came to a head on Friday night's episode.
Season 4 of HBO's We're Here amps up the drag makeover series' colorful take on political action that came to a head on Friday night's episode.
The installment chronicled RuPaul's Drag Race franchise winners Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Jaida Essence Hall as they prepared for an all-ages, family-friendly drag show in Murfreesboro, Tenn., where drag artists and trans individuals had recently come under fire via the city's new "indecency" ordinance. After attempting to get a permit to hold the show at City Hall, where a door was slammed in their faces, the queens sat in on a town hall meeting in full drag — and came face-to-face with a 16-year-old anti-LGBTQIA+ speaker and her father.
While the queens sat and watched the meeting from a corner of the room, the teen approached the microphone to speak to local officials about what she called "sexually explicit content” and “sexual acts” in front of children at the hands of drag entertainers. She later said that those who participated in the LGBTQIA+ "rainbow movement" were in a "religious cult," which prompted Velour to visibly recoil.
“They worship their own bodies, they worship their hedonism, they bow to the god of relativism,” the girl said. “They worship their sin and sexual immorality."
She also called the queer community "an insult to the Civil Rights movement," and stressed that people are "not born gay, lesbian, or transgender," and that "sexual morality is a choice." Velour, clearly fed up, shouted, "You are lying," when the girl finished, prompting her father to taunt them by clapping at them from across the room.
The episode ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, as Jaida, Sasha, and Priyanka gathered in the building's lobby and fielded a request from the girl and her father, who wanted to talk with them.
Viewers initially got a preview of the tension from this moment in the We're Here season 4 trailer, which showed the girl confronting the queens while referring to "people in the LGBTQ religion," to which Sasha quickly replied, "It's definitely not a religion."
Earlier in the episode, Sasha calls the town's police chief to inquire about the legality of performing a drag show in the area. The man who answers the phone gives the queens an ambiguous answer, though Sasha explains in a confessional why it's important for them to fight for queer rights.
“We need to have all-ages drag shows. People of all ages begin to realize that they are queer themselves," she explains. "I was desperate to see drag when I was a teenager. To see that queer adults had a future and place where they belong. It changed my life."
We're Here season 4 switches up the format of the Emmy-winning docuseries from past episodes, focusing more on the queens' fight to combat anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment in two set locations: Tennessee and Oklahoma, instead of traveling to multiple locales across the country.
Michael Irvin Parts Ways with NFL Network Amid Significant Shifts
After nearly two decades, the NFL Network‘s beloved show “NFL Total Access” is bidding farewell, marking the end of an era for Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
The New York Post confirmed that the long-running show, known for recapping the latest news in the NFL, will be canceled after its final broadcast on May 17. In its place, “Insiders,” a program featuring notable reporters Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero, will take over.
The network recently underwent significant layoffs, with Irvin among those on-air personalities let go. Irvin, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys and a Hall of Famer since 2007, had been with the network for 15 years and was a prominent figure on shows like “GameDay Morning.”
Despite facing controversy and accusations of sexual misconduct in the past, Irvin returned to air at the start of the 2023 season and can now be seen on FS1’s “Undisputed.”
Meanwhile, the NFL Network’s morning show “Good Morning Football” is undergoing a shift, relocating from New York to Los Angeles and currently on hiatus until August.
As the network evolves and bids farewell to a staple show, fans await to see where their favorite hosts like Irvin will end up next.
Quavo’s New Restaurant & Sports Bar V12
Vincent Watson, Kelan Watson, and Quavo at V12 Restaurant & Sports Bar will offer an elevated service experience that exceeds expectations. Located at 610 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
*Local restaurateurs Kelan and Vinny Watson, have partnered with award-winning Migos rapper, Quavo, to open Atlanta’s newest experience, V12 Restaurant and Sports Bar.
The musician told us he likes to order the crispy buttermilk popcorn shrimp ($18), pomegranate lamb chops ($44), with baked macaroni and cheese ($15).
Located at 610 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, across from the historic landmark ‘Varsity’ in downtown Atlanta, V12 will offer an elevated service experience that exceeds expectations, in an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and inviting.
Guests will indulge in a chef-inspired menu that combines the best of classic and contemporary cuisine, crafted with the finest ingredients.
“We are finally here. We are finally here,” Quavo expressed in an Instagram story. “The top secret project is almost finished. Yeah, V12. We live.”
“V12 will create moments in Atlanta’s history where the world of spectators and epicureans collide. Come, join us for the V12 experience,” declared co-owner, Kelan.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to create something on this scale, and I feel incredibly blessed to watch the vision come to life. My team and I have been obsessing over every single detail – from the chandeliers to the lighting, to the sound, to the presentation. I am certain our guests will create unforgettable memories at V12. It is going to be epic,” shared co-founder, Vinny.
V12’s 7,500-square-foot venue features two private rooms, named ‘The Kelan’ and ‘The Vinny’, that both seat up to 30 people and provide VIP service.
Furniture from the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy fills the space, which is adorned with sleek metals, local art, and a retractable roof.
A makeshift Lamborghini – from a performance of ‘Lamb Talk’ by Quavo on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show – serves as an epic centerpiece. The space is also equipped with over 20 TVs for optimal sports-watching, which supports V12’s aim of creating an inclusive, communal and entertaining atmosphere. Valet service, as well as self-parking, will be available for guests.
Brian McKnight’s Detroit Concert Canceled Due to ‘Product of Sin’ Remarks
Fans in Detroit have taken a strong stance against Brian McKnight following disparaging remarks he made about his biological children. The artist’s concert, scheduled for June 9 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, was canceled on May 3. The decision came in response to McKnight’s controversial statements, where he referred to his children from previous relationships as a “product of sin” and “evil.”
The New York Post confirmed that the long-running show, known for recapping the latest news in the NFL, will be canceled after its final broadcast on May 17. In its place, “Insiders,” a program featuring notable reporters Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero, will take over.
The network recently underwent significant layoffs, with Irvin among those on-air personalities let go. Irvin, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys and a Hall of Famer since 2007, had been with the network for 15 years and was a prominent figure on shows like “GameDay Morning.”
Despite facing controversy and accusations of sexual misconduct in the past, Irvin returned to air at the start of the 2023 season and can now be seen on FS1’s “Undisputed.”
Meanwhile, the NFL Network’s morning show “Good Morning Football” is undergoing a shift, relocating from New York to Los Angeles and currently on hiatus until August.
As the network evolves and bids farewell to a staple show, fans await to see where their favorite hosts like Irvin will end up next.
Quavo’s New Restaurant & Sports Bar V12
Vincent Watson, Kelan Watson, and Quavo at V12 Restaurant & Sports Bar will offer an elevated service experience that exceeds expectations. Located at 610 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
*Local restaurateurs Kelan and Vinny Watson, have partnered with award-winning Migos rapper, Quavo, to open Atlanta’s newest experience, V12 Restaurant and Sports Bar.
The musician told us he likes to order the crispy buttermilk popcorn shrimp ($18), pomegranate lamb chops ($44), with baked macaroni and cheese ($15).
Located at 610 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, across from the historic landmark ‘Varsity’ in downtown Atlanta, V12 will offer an elevated service experience that exceeds expectations, in an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and inviting.
Guests will indulge in a chef-inspired menu that combines the best of classic and contemporary cuisine, crafted with the finest ingredients.
“We are finally here. We are finally here,” Quavo expressed in an Instagram story. “The top secret project is almost finished. Yeah, V12. We live.”
“V12 will create moments in Atlanta’s history where the world of spectators and epicureans collide. Come, join us for the V12 experience,” declared co-owner, Kelan.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to create something on this scale, and I feel incredibly blessed to watch the vision come to life. My team and I have been obsessing over every single detail – from the chandeliers to the lighting, to the sound, to the presentation. I am certain our guests will create unforgettable memories at V12. It is going to be epic,” shared co-founder, Vinny.
V12’s 7,500-square-foot venue features two private rooms, named ‘The Kelan’ and ‘The Vinny’, that both seat up to 30 people and provide VIP service.
Furniture from the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy fills the space, which is adorned with sleek metals, local art, and a retractable roof.
A makeshift Lamborghini – from a performance of ‘Lamb Talk’ by Quavo on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show – serves as an epic centerpiece. The space is also equipped with over 20 TVs for optimal sports-watching, which supports V12’s aim of creating an inclusive, communal and entertaining atmosphere. Valet service, as well as self-parking, will be available for guests.
Brian McKnight’s Detroit Concert Canceled Due to ‘Product of Sin’ Remarks
Fans in Detroit have taken a strong stance against Brian McKnight following disparaging remarks he made about his biological children. The artist’s concert, scheduled for June 9 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, was canceled on May 3. The decision came in response to McKnight’s controversial statements, where he referred to his children from previous relationships as a “product of sin” and “evil.”
The backlash began when McKnight, who is part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, made these remarks during a live social media session with fans. He specifically did not acknowledge his biological daughter Briana, calling her “illegitimate.”
In a separate post, McKnight praised his stepdaughter Julia for graduating, referring to her as his “one and only daughter.” This drew criticism since McKnight has several children, including Brian Jr. and Niko from his first marriage to Julie McKnight, Briana from a previous relationship, and two stepchildren, Julia and Jack. He also has a toddler, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr., from his current marriage. McKnight defended Julia, saying she “understands the scriptures” and quoting Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother.”
When the Detroit venue promoted McKnight’s show on Facebook, fans expressed their disapproval. Comments ranged from “Wouldn’t even go for free” to “Sir, absolutely not.” Some suggested McKnight should make amends with his children before they would consider attending, while others mocked the timing, questioning if the show was scheduled for Father’s Day weekend.
Many fans felt McKnight canceled himself by mistreating his children.
Former NBA Player Darius Morris Passes Away at 33
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Darius Morris has passed away, TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was only 33 years old.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the former NBA player’s family said in a statement on Saturday morning. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
Details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed, although his body was found on Thursday in the Los Angeles area.
Morris had a stellar high school basketball career in Los Angeles and went on to play at the University of Michigan. During his sophomore season, he earned third-team all-Big Ten honors and set the Wolverines’ single-season assists record with 235, which was later broken by Trey Burke.
Morris was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Lakers in 2011 and played the first two seasons of his four-year career alongside the late Kobe Bryant. He also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, L.A. Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 3.3 points, 1 rebound, and 1.4 assists in 132 games.
After his NBA career, Morris played internationally in China, Russia, and France. Morris was 33 years old.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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