#FASHIONFILES: Hot or Not? Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel Couture
Lupita Nyong’o is making the rounds promoting a movie. The star of A Quiet Place: Day One struck a pose under the Eiffel Tower with her chic little kitty friend, but unlike last time, we have no problem with it.
We’re impressed by the outfit, because that’s the best-looking Chanel we’ve seen in ages. She looks really cute, serving just the right amount of ooh-la-la for the setting.
Style Credits:
– Chanel Ensemble from the Spring 2023 Couture Collection
– De Beers Jewelry
– Judith Leiber Couture ‘Cat Emily’ Bag
Styled by Micaela Erlanger | Hair by Vernon François | Makeup by Nick Barose
#RHOP: Keiarna Stewart To Be Upgraded to Full-Time For Season 9
Bravo is looking to fill some holes in the RHOP season 9 cast amid Candiace Dillard and Robyn Dixon’s departures from the series.
And it seems that casting doesn’t have to look too far to fill one of those spots.
RHOP friend of Keiarna Stewart is reportedly set to be upgraded to a full-time cast member for season 9.
“The viewer reaction has been very positive for Keiarna since being on the show and she is in the box seat to be casted full time next season,” a source said per The Zone on Instagram. “It makes sense to upgrade her after Season 8.”
If you recall, Keiarna got into an ugly physical altercation with Ashley Darby’s friend Deborah Williams at Zebbie’s Garden in Washington, D.C., in July 2023 while filming season 8. The knockout, drag-out drama played out in the Real Housewives of Potomac season 8 finale.
If this news is true, Bravo will still need to fill the Louboutins of two more Potomac Housewives for season 9 as TheJasmineBRAND reports that Nneka Ihim has also been let go from the hit Bravo show amid a rumored cast shake-up.
Nneka recently played coy about her future on the Potomac Housewives franchise but encouraged fans to follow her on social media and watch that space for forthcoming details.
Robyn Dixon recently confirmed that she was fired from the franchise after 8 seasons, while Candiace Dillard announced her exit from the franchise in late March after becoming pregnant with her first child.
With Robyn, Candiace, and possibly Nneka gone for season 9, the remaining RHOP cast would consist of Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Mia Thornton, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and some new, fresh faces.
The Real Housewives of Potomac is expected to return for season 9 in early 2025.
#NewMusic from Brownstone Releases “Stand By Me”
A couple of years back, 90’s R&B group Brownstone broke their 25 year musical hiatus with the release of a new single. They now return once again with the new song “Stand By Me”.
Listen HERE:
Thoughts?
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar's New Drake Diss Spawns #NotLikeUsChallenge
While Kendrick Lamar is known for his lyrical prowess, he is no stranger to hit records. With fun tracks like “family ties,” “New Freezer” and “Alright” in his catalog, he’s a proven hitmaker.
Coming off his game-changing verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s standout track, “Like That,” Lamar has been showing his more boom-bap, backpacker side. That all changed late Saturday (May 4) night when the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers creator dropped his newest Drake diss, “Not Like Us.”
The Mustard-produced smash is filled with bars for Drake and OVO, but this time, it has a radio/club-ready beat behind it. The West Coast-inspired track has been drawing comparisons to BlueBucksClan, Drakeo The Ruler and many more.
The high BPM and infectious hook have spawned a new dance challenge called the #NotLikeUsChallenge. Following its release, known TDE collaborator Daylyt wrote, “Naw, this song low high key United the City!! Just had a phone call with a grape, a Bounty [hunter], a 60, a hoova, a south side, and fruit town. And all was on FaceTime dancing. [What the f**k] is [happening] man! On the ancestors, wake city boys up 1,000 points!”
The track’s producer tweeted, “plot twist,” before saying, “I’ll never turn my back on my city… and I’m fully loaded.” In a since-deleted tweet, multi-platinum recording artist Roddy Ricch exclaimed, “Compton Up Crodie!” with a pregnant man emoji. He then liked a post from a fan stating that he washed Drake on their unreleased track, “In The Cut.”
He commented on DJ Akademiks’ repost asserting, “IT’S COMPTON VS ANYBODY.” Esteemed producer Terrace Martin took to Twitter to say, “Y’all in trouble. To my OVO folks living in LA, your summer just got hotter. Stay home with air on, or move back to the 6 🦮 . With love, Terrace.”
Beyonce Under Fire For Rocking 'Tacky' Outfit In New Photos
Beyonce Knowles has landed in hot water due to her choice of clothes. The "Texas Hold 'Em" hitmaker was blasted by many social media users for rocking a "tacky" outfit as seen in her new photos.
On Sunday night, May 5, the 42-year-old superstar offered her followers a look at her stylish ensemble. Making use of her Instagram page, she uploaded a series of her never-before-seen photos highlighting the all-gray get-up, including a thong bodysuit that allowed her to flaunt her butt cheeks.
The one-piece came with a skin-tight design and two long sleeves. Queen Bey completed the look with a pair of pants that featured a cut-out on the wearer's private area and lower back. She also rocked a fur coat, cowgirl hat and a pair of black sunglasses.
Beyonce, who looked bold with her bright red lipstick, accessorized herself with a pair of huge silver earrings and several rings. In addition, her long blonde hair was styled in a sleek low bun and parted in the middle.
In the pictures, the "Break My Soul" hitmaker could be seen striking a number of poses in front of a reflective black backdrop. At one point, she turned around to face the backdrop and flaunted her backside. Furthermore, she left the caption of the post blank.
After sharing the photos, Beyonce received many unpleasant responses from Instagram users. In the comments section, several users called her out for wearing the "tacky" outfit, including one writing, "This is tacky for anyone." Meanwhile, another suggested, "She is going through a mid life crisis. This woman is over 40 with a teenage daughter seeking attention on the internet?"
Similarly, a third asked, "Is she going thru a midlife crisis? she's always been a classy sexy but seems like she tryna keep up w/the ratchets." In contrast, a fourth came to Beyonce's defense, "The ageism is so weird in these comments. Beautiful is beautiful at any age. And just so you know, when your azzes are 43 you're going to feel differently about what old is. Y'all don't do this to men. It's really sad."
Ben Affleck Sparks Plastic Surgery Rumors Following Appearance At Tom Brady Roast
Ben Affleck, known for his dynamic roles and Oscar-winning performances, recently found himself at the center of speculation and controversy - and not for his cinematic achievements. Affleck's surprise appearance at the live roast of NFL icon Tom Brady on Netflix quickly turned heads, but not for reasons one might expect.
The event, lined with stars and sharp witticisms, saw Affleck delivering a speech that many found bewildering, prompting discussions about his appearance and stirring rumors of plastic surgery
The "Roast of Tom Brady," which aired on Netflix, became a platform for Affleck to address online critics and delve into the pressures public figures face. However, it was Affleck's physical appearance that sparked a frenzy on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Several viewers speculated that the 51-year-old actor had undergone plastic surgery, pointing to a noticeable difference in his appearance. Comments ranged from the humorous to the critical, with some suggesting Affleck looked "melty looking" and others implying he had a "face lift." The discussion extended to Affleck's personal life, with some questioning the impact of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez on his appearance decisions.
Affleck's speech, described by some as "unhinged," saw the actor passionately defending Brady while criticizing the toxic nature of online fandom. Despite the serious undertone of his message, the reaction on social media was overwhelmingly negative, with viewers calling the performance a "car crash" and questioning Affleck's suitability for such a public roast.
Apart from stirring up plastic surgery rumors, the event allowed Affleck to reflect on his long-standing friendship with Brady. The actor has been an avid supporter of the quarterback, even expressing disappointment when Brady switched NFL teams. Their friendship was also highlighted earlier this year in a Dunkin' Donuts Super Bowl ad, featuring cameos from Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez.
The roast, intended as a humorous tribute to one of football's greatest players, inadvertently shifted the spotlight onto Affleck, sparking debates over celebrity culture, public scrutiny, and the quest for aesthetic perfection. As discussions about Affleck's appearance continue to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the relentless pressures and speculative commentary public figures face in the digital age.
Kevin Hart Mocks Tom Brady After Gisele Bundchen Moves On With Jiu-Jitsu Trainer At 'The Roast'
Kevin Hart delivered some savage jokes about Tom Brady at "The Roast of Tom Brady". During the Netflix special on Sunday, May 5, the host took aim at the former NFL star's relationship with ex Gisele Bundchen, who is now dating her jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente.
The "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" actor first poked fun at Tom's decision to leave New England Patriots and its coach Bill Belichick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "You f**ked him. You f**ked him good," Kevin said during the two-and-half-hour comedy special.
"You did, Tom, you f**ked your coach, but let me tell you something people … that's what you've got to do to maintain your happiness," Kevin added. "You sometimes got to f**k your coach. You know who else f**ked their coach? Gisele. She f**ked that karate man," the comedian continued, referring to Gisele's romance with Joaquim.
The crowd burst into laughter over the comments. When the camera panned to Tom, the retired athlete was seen smiling though he looked a little bit uncomfortable by the jokes.
That, however, didn't stop Kevin. The "Ride Along" star further joked, "I mean Jesus Christ, Tom. One of the smartest quarterbacks ever played a game. How did you not see this coming? Eight f**king karate classes a day. … Eight karate classes a day and she's still a white belt. F**k Tom. The only bruises she had were on her a**. Everybody should have known it."
Sharing two kids together, Tom and Gisele split in 2022 after 13 years of marriage. The Brazilian beauty first denied her romance with Joaquim but eventually went public with their relationship in early 2024.
As for Tom, she was romantically linked with several women following the split. The seven-time Super Bowl champion was rumored to be dating Irina Shayk and Kim Kardashian, who was also present at the comedy special to roast him.
Tamar Braxton Sparks Debate After Choosing Mariah Carey Over Whitney Houston
Tamar Braxton is more of a Mariah Carey girl than a Whitney Houston one. The former sparked online chatter after she said that she prefers the "Reflection" singer over the "When You Believe" hitmaker in a resurfaced clip.
In the clip, which was from a live taping in 2022 for the "State of Black Music" Podcast at the National Museum of African American Music, Tamar said that she's "never been a huge Whitney fan." Tamar, however, added, "I don't want you guys to take it out of context."
"I'm not saying that I don't like her music. I'm not saying that she wasn't a phenomenal singer. I'm not saying her songs weren't amazing," she further explained. "But for me, because you asked me a personal question, my personal preference would always be Mariah Carey. Period."
After watching the video, Internet users showed mixed responses. Some fans defended Tamar with one saying, "If you know Tamar she always LOVED Mariah Carey." Sharing the same music taste, one other wrote, "Both are great singers but I'll for sure play a Mariah record before Whitney. Especially on a road trip."
"She's not saying anything wrong about her preference. It's ok people... you can relax. You prefer one over the other as well. It's ok to choose. People want Tamar to be the bad person all the time," a user added. One fan noted,"Some of y'all in these comments wanna turn this into something negative my fav didn't take nothing away from Whitney Mariah is her goat and her idol it's always gonna be Mariah when anyone gets brought up with Tamar."
Some others, meanwhile, left some shady comments. "We prefer Toni over her so what's the issue," one penned, referring Tamar's sister Toni Braxton. "Likeeeeeee I prefer Tamar over Toni! I like all the high notes Tamar singing on ATWH, L&W, IIDHY, while someone else might prefer Toni's lower tone," another echoed the sentiment. Someone else similar commented, "Like we prefer Toni over you."
Aspiring Doctor Left Brain Dead After Being Pushed Into Lake by 'Friends' Who Watched Him Drown
An aspiring medical student was left brain dead and fighting for his life when his so-called friends pushed him into a Louisiana lake despite knowing that he could not swim. The friends then kept looking on as he was drowning and did nothing to save him.
A video shows the group peering into the water a few moments after they shoved Christopher Gilbert off the dock at Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville on April 14.
A report by the New York Post said that one woman entered the water before abandoning the rescue mission. It took another 10 minutes before a patron at a nearby restaurant jumped in to bring Gilbert back to land – saving his life.
Gilbert’s mother Yolanda George told local news broadcaster KSLA that the 26-year-old was brain dead and the rest of his organs were starting to fail when they brought him to the hospital
“I was devastated. I felt like my life had ended at that moment. My son is aspiring to be a medical doctor, my son is going to be a medical doctor. He got his masters last year in biological science. He’s preparing for medical school so for this to have happened to him … I was just devastated," Yolanda was quoted as saying by KSLA.
The aspiring medical student spent 72 hours on a ventilator and an ECMO machine
Cops that his so-called friends tried to pass off the near-death incident as “horse-play".
They even lied to his mother and said Gilbert had ‘fallen into the lake’.
Later, a white woman around the same age as Gilbert admitted to pushing him into the lake.
His friends admitted that they did not know that he could swim but Gilbert’s family dismissed the claim.
“To add insult to injury, after pushing him, no one from the ‘friend group’ attempted to go in after him. Instead, two brave bystanders, who have no relationship to Chris, heard commotion and retrieved his body from the lake," personal injury attorney Claudia Payne, representing George, was quoted as saying by the Lincoln Parish Journal.
Whoopi Goldberg Opens Up About Former Cocaine Addiction And Grief In New Memoir
Whoopi Goldberg‘s new memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, is her most personal undertaking thus far. The book details how she’s grieved the deaths of her mother and brother as well as personal struggles she’s endured over the years, like a former cocaine addition.
“I had stayed pretty far away from drugs, except for pot, after getting cleaned up in the early 70s,” said the now 68-year-old. She recounted being at lavish Hollywood parties where “lines of cocaine were laid across tables and bathroom counters for the taking.”
Admittedly, Goldberg felt she could “handle” cocaine because it didn’t seem “dangerous” and was easily accessible. However, after about a year, she began hallucinating. It even caused her to be unable to leave her bed for 24 hours. Her “slap in the face moment” came when she was caught snorting in a high-end Manhattan hotel room closet by a housekeeper.
The EGOT winner saw her reflection with her face “smeared with cocaine” and quit. Going cold turkey wasn’t an easy transition, but she knew it was a necessary one because “I didn’t want to die.”
The Sister Act star also appeared on The View to discuss the book.
She explained to her co-hosts that she had to write Bits And Pieces for a multitude of reasons—one being her memory. It’s been over a decade since she lost her mother, Emma Harris and brother Clyde K. Johnson. “I was just starting to forget a lot of stuff,” said Goldberg. “Everyone’s gone, so I have memories of things that happened [minus specificity].”
She joked, “I should’ve started the book, ‘This may or may not have happened exactly the way I said it happened’ […] but it’s all true.”
#OMG! Video Captures Moment A Man Attempted To Shoot Pastor Glenn Germany During His Service
A quiet Sunday at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, turned into a terrifying ordeal when a 26-year-old man named Bernard Polite entered the church and attempted to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany during his sermon.
The incident, which occurred just after 1 p.m., was captured on video by the church’s deacon and later shared online by Pastor Germany himself.
In the video, Pastor Germany can be seen facing the barrel of a gun, a moment he described as surreal.
WATCH:
Lupita Nyong’o is making the rounds promoting a movie. The star of A Quiet Place: Day One struck a pose under the Eiffel Tower with her chic little kitty friend, but unlike last time, we have no problem with it.
We’re impressed by the outfit, because that’s the best-looking Chanel we’ve seen in ages. She looks really cute, serving just the right amount of ooh-la-la for the setting.
– Chanel Ensemble from the Spring 2023 Couture Collection
– De Beers Jewelry
– Judith Leiber Couture ‘Cat Emily’ Bag
Styled by Micaela Erlanger | Hair by Vernon François | Makeup by Nick Barose
#RHOP: Keiarna Stewart To Be Upgraded to Full-Time For Season 9
And it seems that casting doesn’t have to look too far to fill one of those spots.
RHOP friend of Keiarna Stewart is reportedly set to be upgraded to a full-time cast member for season 9.
“The viewer reaction has been very positive for Keiarna since being on the show and she is in the box seat to be casted full time next season,” a source said per The Zone on Instagram. “It makes sense to upgrade her after Season 8.”
If you recall, Keiarna got into an ugly physical altercation with Ashley Darby’s friend Deborah Williams at Zebbie’s Garden in Washington, D.C., in July 2023 while filming season 8. The knockout, drag-out drama played out in the Real Housewives of Potomac season 8 finale.
If this news is true, Bravo will still need to fill the Louboutins of two more Potomac Housewives for season 9 as TheJasmineBRAND reports that Nneka Ihim has also been let go from the hit Bravo show amid a rumored cast shake-up.
Nneka recently played coy about her future on the Potomac Housewives franchise but encouraged fans to follow her on social media and watch that space for forthcoming details.
Robyn Dixon recently confirmed that she was fired from the franchise after 8 seasons, while Candiace Dillard announced her exit from the franchise in late March after becoming pregnant with her first child.
With Robyn, Candiace, and possibly Nneka gone for season 9, the remaining RHOP cast would consist of Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Mia Thornton, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and some new, fresh faces.
The Real Housewives of Potomac is expected to return for season 9 in early 2025.
#NewMusic from Brownstone Releases “Stand By Me”
A couple of years back, 90’s R&B group Brownstone broke their 25 year musical hiatus with the release of a new single. They now return once again with the new song “Stand By Me”.
Listen HERE:
Thoughts?
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar's New Drake Diss Spawns #NotLikeUsChallenge
Coming off his game-changing verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s standout track, “Like That,” Lamar has been showing his more boom-bap, backpacker side. That all changed late Saturday (May 4) night when the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers creator dropped his newest Drake diss, “Not Like Us.”
The Mustard-produced smash is filled with bars for Drake and OVO, but this time, it has a radio/club-ready beat behind it. The West Coast-inspired track has been drawing comparisons to BlueBucksClan, Drakeo The Ruler and many more.
The high BPM and infectious hook have spawned a new dance challenge called the #NotLikeUsChallenge. Following its release, known TDE collaborator Daylyt wrote, “Naw, this song low high key United the City!! Just had a phone call with a grape, a Bounty [hunter], a 60, a hoova, a south side, and fruit town. And all was on FaceTime dancing. [What the f**k] is [happening] man! On the ancestors, wake city boys up 1,000 points!”
The track’s producer tweeted, “plot twist,” before saying, “I’ll never turn my back on my city… and I’m fully loaded.” In a since-deleted tweet, multi-platinum recording artist Roddy Ricch exclaimed, “Compton Up Crodie!” with a pregnant man emoji. He then liked a post from a fan stating that he washed Drake on their unreleased track, “In The Cut.”
He commented on DJ Akademiks’ repost asserting, “IT’S COMPTON VS ANYBODY.” Esteemed producer Terrace Martin took to Twitter to say, “Y’all in trouble. To my OVO folks living in LA, your summer just got hotter. Stay home with air on, or move back to the 6 🦮 . With love, Terrace.”
Beyonce Under Fire For Rocking 'Tacky' Outfit In New Photos
Beyonce Knowles has landed in hot water due to her choice of clothes. The "Texas Hold 'Em" hitmaker was blasted by many social media users for rocking a "tacky" outfit as seen in her new photos.
On Sunday night, May 5, the 42-year-old superstar offered her followers a look at her stylish ensemble. Making use of her Instagram page, she uploaded a series of her never-before-seen photos highlighting the all-gray get-up, including a thong bodysuit that allowed her to flaunt her butt cheeks.
The one-piece came with a skin-tight design and two long sleeves. Queen Bey completed the look with a pair of pants that featured a cut-out on the wearer's private area and lower back. She also rocked a fur coat, cowgirl hat and a pair of black sunglasses.
Beyonce, who looked bold with her bright red lipstick, accessorized herself with a pair of huge silver earrings and several rings. In addition, her long blonde hair was styled in a sleek low bun and parted in the middle.
In the pictures, the "Break My Soul" hitmaker could be seen striking a number of poses in front of a reflective black backdrop. At one point, she turned around to face the backdrop and flaunted her backside. Furthermore, she left the caption of the post blank.
After sharing the photos, Beyonce received many unpleasant responses from Instagram users. In the comments section, several users called her out for wearing the "tacky" outfit, including one writing, "This is tacky for anyone." Meanwhile, another suggested, "She is going through a mid life crisis. This woman is over 40 with a teenage daughter seeking attention on the internet?"
Similarly, a third asked, "Is she going thru a midlife crisis? she's always been a classy sexy but seems like she tryna keep up w/the ratchets." In contrast, a fourth came to Beyonce's defense, "The ageism is so weird in these comments. Beautiful is beautiful at any age. And just so you know, when your azzes are 43 you're going to feel differently about what old is. Y'all don't do this to men. It's really sad."
Ben Affleck Sparks Plastic Surgery Rumors Following Appearance At Tom Brady Roast
The event, lined with stars and sharp witticisms, saw Affleck delivering a speech that many found bewildering, prompting discussions about his appearance and stirring rumors of plastic surgery
The "Roast of Tom Brady," which aired on Netflix, became a platform for Affleck to address online critics and delve into the pressures public figures face. However, it was Affleck's physical appearance that sparked a frenzy on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Several viewers speculated that the 51-year-old actor had undergone plastic surgery, pointing to a noticeable difference in his appearance. Comments ranged from the humorous to the critical, with some suggesting Affleck looked "melty looking" and others implying he had a "face lift." The discussion extended to Affleck's personal life, with some questioning the impact of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez on his appearance decisions.
Affleck's speech, described by some as "unhinged," saw the actor passionately defending Brady while criticizing the toxic nature of online fandom. Despite the serious undertone of his message, the reaction on social media was overwhelmingly negative, with viewers calling the performance a "car crash" and questioning Affleck's suitability for such a public roast.
Apart from stirring up plastic surgery rumors, the event allowed Affleck to reflect on his long-standing friendship with Brady. The actor has been an avid supporter of the quarterback, even expressing disappointment when Brady switched NFL teams. Their friendship was also highlighted earlier this year in a Dunkin' Donuts Super Bowl ad, featuring cameos from Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez.
The roast, intended as a humorous tribute to one of football's greatest players, inadvertently shifted the spotlight onto Affleck, sparking debates over celebrity culture, public scrutiny, and the quest for aesthetic perfection. As discussions about Affleck's appearance continue to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the relentless pressures and speculative commentary public figures face in the digital age.
Kevin Hart Mocks Tom Brady After Gisele Bundchen Moves On With Jiu-Jitsu Trainer At 'The Roast'
Kevin Hart delivered some savage jokes about Tom Brady at "The Roast of Tom Brady". During the Netflix special on Sunday, May 5, the host took aim at the former NFL star's relationship with ex Gisele Bundchen, who is now dating her jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente.
The "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" actor first poked fun at Tom's decision to leave New England Patriots and its coach Bill Belichick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "You f**ked him. You f**ked him good," Kevin said during the two-and-half-hour comedy special.
"You did, Tom, you f**ked your coach, but let me tell you something people … that's what you've got to do to maintain your happiness," Kevin added. "You sometimes got to f**k your coach. You know who else f**ked their coach? Gisele. She f**ked that karate man," the comedian continued, referring to Gisele's romance with Joaquim.
The crowd burst into laughter over the comments. When the camera panned to Tom, the retired athlete was seen smiling though he looked a little bit uncomfortable by the jokes.
That, however, didn't stop Kevin. The "Ride Along" star further joked, "I mean Jesus Christ, Tom. One of the smartest quarterbacks ever played a game. How did you not see this coming? Eight f**king karate classes a day. … Eight karate classes a day and she's still a white belt. F**k Tom. The only bruises she had were on her a**. Everybody should have known it."
Sharing two kids together, Tom and Gisele split in 2022 after 13 years of marriage. The Brazilian beauty first denied her romance with Joaquim but eventually went public with their relationship in early 2024.
As for Tom, she was romantically linked with several women following the split. The seven-time Super Bowl champion was rumored to be dating Irina Shayk and Kim Kardashian, who was also present at the comedy special to roast him.
Tamar Braxton Sparks Debate After Choosing Mariah Carey Over Whitney Houston
In the clip, which was from a live taping in 2022 for the "State of Black Music" Podcast at the National Museum of African American Music, Tamar said that she's "never been a huge Whitney fan." Tamar, however, added, "I don't want you guys to take it out of context."
"I'm not saying that I don't like her music. I'm not saying that she wasn't a phenomenal singer. I'm not saying her songs weren't amazing," she further explained. "But for me, because you asked me a personal question, my personal preference would always be Mariah Carey. Period."
After watching the video, Internet users showed mixed responses. Some fans defended Tamar with one saying, "If you know Tamar she always LOVED Mariah Carey." Sharing the same music taste, one other wrote, "Both are great singers but I'll for sure play a Mariah record before Whitney. Especially on a road trip."
"She's not saying anything wrong about her preference. It's ok people... you can relax. You prefer one over the other as well. It's ok to choose. People want Tamar to be the bad person all the time," a user added. One fan noted,"Some of y'all in these comments wanna turn this into something negative my fav didn't take nothing away from Whitney Mariah is her goat and her idol it's always gonna be Mariah when anyone gets brought up with Tamar."
Some others, meanwhile, left some shady comments. "We prefer Toni over her so what's the issue," one penned, referring Tamar's sister Toni Braxton. "Likeeeeeee I prefer Tamar over Toni! I like all the high notes Tamar singing on ATWH, L&W, IIDHY, while someone else might prefer Toni's lower tone," another echoed the sentiment. Someone else similar commented, "Like we prefer Toni over you."
Aspiring Doctor Left Brain Dead After Being Pushed Into Lake by 'Friends' Who Watched Him Drown
An aspiring medical student was left brain dead and fighting for his life when his so-called friends pushed him into a Louisiana lake despite knowing that he could not swim. The friends then kept looking on as he was drowning and did nothing to save him.
A video shows the group peering into the water a few moments after they shoved Christopher Gilbert off the dock at Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville on April 14.
A report by the New York Post said that one woman entered the water before abandoning the rescue mission. It took another 10 minutes before a patron at a nearby restaurant jumped in to bring Gilbert back to land – saving his life.
Gilbert’s mother Yolanda George told local news broadcaster KSLA that the 26-year-old was brain dead and the rest of his organs were starting to fail when they brought him to the hospital
“I was devastated. I felt like my life had ended at that moment. My son is aspiring to be a medical doctor, my son is going to be a medical doctor. He got his masters last year in biological science. He’s preparing for medical school so for this to have happened to him … I was just devastated," Yolanda was quoted as saying by KSLA.
The aspiring medical student spent 72 hours on a ventilator and an ECMO machine
Cops that his so-called friends tried to pass off the near-death incident as “horse-play".
They even lied to his mother and said Gilbert had ‘fallen into the lake’.
Later, a white woman around the same age as Gilbert admitted to pushing him into the lake.
His friends admitted that they did not know that he could swim but Gilbert’s family dismissed the claim.
“To add insult to injury, after pushing him, no one from the ‘friend group’ attempted to go in after him. Instead, two brave bystanders, who have no relationship to Chris, heard commotion and retrieved his body from the lake," personal injury attorney Claudia Payne, representing George, was quoted as saying by the Lincoln Parish Journal.
Whoopi Goldberg Opens Up About Former Cocaine Addiction And Grief In New Memoir
“I had stayed pretty far away from drugs, except for pot, after getting cleaned up in the early 70s,” said the now 68-year-old. She recounted being at lavish Hollywood parties where “lines of cocaine were laid across tables and bathroom counters for the taking.”
Admittedly, Goldberg felt she could “handle” cocaine because it didn’t seem “dangerous” and was easily accessible. However, after about a year, she began hallucinating. It even caused her to be unable to leave her bed for 24 hours. Her “slap in the face moment” came when she was caught snorting in a high-end Manhattan hotel room closet by a housekeeper.
The EGOT winner saw her reflection with her face “smeared with cocaine” and quit. Going cold turkey wasn’t an easy transition, but she knew it was a necessary one because “I didn’t want to die.”
The Sister Act star also appeared on The View to discuss the book.
She explained to her co-hosts that she had to write Bits And Pieces for a multitude of reasons—one being her memory. It’s been over a decade since she lost her mother, Emma Harris and brother Clyde K. Johnson. “I was just starting to forget a lot of stuff,” said Goldberg. “Everyone’s gone, so I have memories of things that happened [minus specificity].”
She joked, “I should’ve started the book, ‘This may or may not have happened exactly the way I said it happened’ […] but it’s all true.”
#OMG! Video Captures Moment A Man Attempted To Shoot Pastor Glenn Germany During His Service
A quiet Sunday at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, turned into a terrifying ordeal when a 26-year-old man named Bernard Polite entered the church and attempted to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany during his sermon.
The incident, which occurred just after 1 p.m., was captured on video by the church’s deacon and later shared online by Pastor Germany himself.
In the video, Pastor Germany can be seen facing the barrel of a gun, a moment he described as surreal.
WATCH:
“I was like, this is not happening,” he said. However, thanks to what he believed was divine intervention, the gun malfunctioned, and no shots were fired. “I thank God because only God stopped and jammed this gun,” Germany expressed.
As Pastor Germany ducked out of harm’s way, Deacon Clarence McCallister bravely intervened, tackling Polite to the ground and preventing further harm.
McCallister’s quick actions earned him praise from Pastor Germany, who called him a hero.
Jaafar Jackson Embodies Uncle Michael Jackson, Climbs On Top of Car While Filming Upcoming Biopic
Jaafar Jackson looks just like his uncle while filming a scene for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic on Saturday (May 4) in Downtown Los Angeles.
The 27-year-old really embodied his late uncle as he climbed on top of a car during a fan frenzy scene.
Jaafar could be seen waving and displaying a peace sign as he portrayed Michael getting bombarded by adoring fans, as the street had many old cars to fit the time the scene is set in.
The look Jaafar was wearing for the scene looked nearly identical to one Michael wore in 1983 at a press conference.
Fans of Michael also know that he would regularly climb on top of cars as hundreds of thousands of fans surrounded him.
Earlier this year, Michael‘s son and Jaafar‘s cousin Prince was seen on set of the upcoming movie, which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua. If you missed it, find out the latest details about the biopic, including how much music will be in it!
Rihanna Rocks Bubblegum Pink Hair at Puma Pop Up Shop During Miami F1 Race Weekend
Rihanna is rocking the bubblegum pink look! The 36-year-old superstar supported longtime boyfriend A$AP Rocky at his A$AP Rocky X Puma pop-up hosted at the Fundimensions arcade on Saturday (May 4) during the Grand Prix F1 event in Miami, Fla.
The 35-year-old rapper’s new line is a motorsport-inspired collection of footwear, apparel and accessories.
Along with her bright pink hair, Rihanna wore a black satin dress and matching corset, as well as an “A” diamond necklace.
Guests had the opportunity to enjoy games, customization stations, BBQ and concession stands, as well as the opportunity to shop. The collection features a limited re-issue of the OG Inhale shoe from 2000 that Rocky hand-picked from Puma’s archive.
The pop-up was concepted and curated by A$AP Rocky, and featured the collection in a playful environment similar to his campaign shoot, which is “meant to remind people to never limit your imagination or lose sight of your dreams,” per the brand.
The collection is available on PUMA.com now, as well as retailers globally including Nubian, SSENSE, SLAMJAM, SNS, Foot Patrol, Shinzo and CNCPTS.
Vlad Trashed For Seemingly Threatening Black Princeton Professor’s Job
DJ Vlad, owner of VladTV, weighed in on the Drake/Kendrick Lamar beef and ended up in a beef with a Black Princeton professor.
Vlad was trending on social media because he threatened to get a Princeton University professor fired for comments she made on Twitter (X).
The interviewer and business man, real name Vladimir Lyubovny, issued a veiled threat to a Black Ivy League professor over her critique of his take on the Kendrick Lamar versus Drake feud.
It all started on Saturday (May 4) following Kendrick’s consecutive responses to Drake in their ongoing beef. Vlad, on the social media, remarked Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” needed a better mix. “It takes away from the song,” he said.
Morgan Jenkins, a New York Times bestselling author and member of the faculty at Princeton University, replied stating the Kendrick vs. Drake feud was “a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR.”
“Wait, so a professor at @Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip-Hop?” he said. “Is that how you interact with your students?”
Jerkins clarified, expressing that his input was unnecessary in a dialogue meant for Black voices.
Vlad then seemingly threatened Jenkins, hinting he would attempt to get her fired from her post at Princeton University. Vlad mentioned the notion of including the incident on her “permanent record.”
Social media has since erupted with commentary, with many condemning Vlad’s actions as an overstep.
Comedian Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, said, “Vlad is whack for a myriad of reasons, but in this you can tell he saw a Black woman and a predominantly white university and tried to use his whiteness against her. DISGUSTING.”
Similarl, activist Phil Moreland said, “Take your power back and unsubscribe, unfollow and unattach yourself from #VLADTV@adam22 and all the other POSERS who are NOT FROM THE CULTURE!!!! We Hunting VULTURES all Summer Hoe!!!”
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘The Fall Guy’ Box Office was #1 at a disappointment time at the Box Office
With ”The Fall Guy” (Universal), summer 2024 box office didn’t kick off; it just sort of happened. It opened to $28.5 million, a 52 percent drop from last year with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” Hopefully, that will be the last precipitous weekend drop (aside from the inevitable “Barbie”/”Oppenheimer” July weekend of $310 million).
This $76 million domestic weekend is bad, but “The Fall Guy” shortfall is worse. Estimates were broad, but worst-case scenarios predicted $30 million. The Ryan Gosling action rom-com had all the earmarks of audience appeal. Whatever its possible limitations — and a $130 million budget — that’s a terrible look to start the summer.
Despite good reviews, Gosling’s momentum, director David Leitch’s proven box office success, the usually lucrative playdate, and a decent A- Cinemascore, “The Fall Guy” opened to only a little more than $3 million above “Civil War” (A24), April’s best opener.
One underachieving release doesn’t certify similar results ahead, but it’s cause for major concern. It discourages future non-franchise projects, certainly at this level of expense. It doesn’t adjust the steep year-to-date drop, which now stands at 18 percent. It also elevates the high-performance demands for other major May openings: “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” next week, later “Furiosa,” and “The Garfield Move,” and another original, “IF.”
Each of those is expected to open better than “The Fall Guy,” some by quite a bit, but nothing is a given. We could be in for an even more difficult summer than expected.
Other than a fine showing for the 25th anniversary reissue of “The Phantom Menance” (Disney), which took second place with $8.1 million, little else impressed in the Top 10. “Challengers” (MGM Amazon) dropped 49 percent from an at-best adequate $15 million debut. Weekdays did better than expected compared to its opening.
“Tarot” (Sony), the other new wide release, sputtered with $6.5 million. Sadly, that was good enough for #4. The original horror film also received a horrific C- Cinemascore; at least it only cost $8 million.
“The Fall Guy” had a decent A- Cinemascore, but historically that doesn’t suggest an above-normal trajectory. At best, it projects to $100 million domestic. Worldwide (most territories now open, some in second weekend) added $37 million total. Given a total expense of over $200 million (including marketing), it will be a challenge to break into profit. That’s a big disappointment.
Speaking of Cinemascores, last week’s faith-based “Unsung Hero” (Lionsgate) got a top-of-the-line A+… and in its second weekend it dropped 61 percent. At $3 million, it fell to #7.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (Warner Bros.) and “Civil War” saw decent holds, but at this stage their runs will add only minor amounts to the total gross.
Three new platform openings saw positive initial reactions. A24’s “I Saw the TV Glow” did an impressive $116,000 in four New York/Los Angeles theaters, with slow expansion to come. Ethan Hawke’s Flannery O’Connor biopic “WIldcat,” bolstered by strong personal appearances, took in $58,000 in three similar locations.
Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist” (Sideshow/Janus), his first film since “Drive My Car,” grossed $45,000 in three theaters. That sleeper success debuted in 2021 in two theaters under $14,000 on its way to an unexpected $2.4 million.
The Top 10
1. The Fall Guy (Universal)
2. The Phantom Menace (Disney)
3. Challengers (Amazon MGM)
4. Tarot (Sony)
5. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros.)
6. Civil War (A24)
7. Unsung Hero (Lionsgate)
8. Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal)
9. Abigail (Universal)
10. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony)
Bernard Hill, ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ Actor, Dies at 79
Bernard Hill, known to audiences at Titanic’s Captain Edward Smith in James Cameron’s 1997 film and King Théoden in the Lord of the Rings, has died. He was 79.
Hill died in the early hours of Sunday morning, a statement from his family said. No cause was given. His fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel were at his side.
Hill’s breakout role occurred on the BBC miniseries Boys From the Blackstuff, in which he portrayed Yosser Hughes, a man struggling with unemployment in Liverpool whose “gizza job” catchphrase was known across England. The show aired in 1983 and won a BAFTA for best drama series that year.
Hill appeared consistently in television and film, with roles in 1976’s I, Claudius, 1982’s Gandhi, 1999’s Clint Eastwood film True Crime, 1999’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2002’s The Scorpion King and 2008’s Tom Cruise film Valkyrie.
In 1997, Hill gained fans as the soft-spoken Captain Smith in Titanic, which won 11 Oscars. And in 2002, he joined Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings franchise as King Théoden for the second film, The Two Towers, later returning for The Return of the King, which also picked up 11 Oscars. As such, Hill held roles in two of the three films with the most Academy Awards of all time (Ben-Hur ties the list).
In 2015, he played Duke of Norfolk, an uncle of Anne Boleyn and an enemy of Cardinal Wolsey, in the BBC drama series Wolf Hall, which won several BAFTAs and a Golden Globe.
Hill was born on Dec. 17, 1944, in Manchester. He was supposed to appear at a comic-book event in Liverpool on Saturday but canceled last minute per a statement from the convention.
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing,” the note read. “A great loss. Thinking of his family at this very sad time and wishing them a lot of strength.”
Most recently, Hill worked alongside Martin Freeman on the police drama The Responder, which will begin airing its second season on BBC One this weekend. Director Lindsay Salt paid tribute to him on Sunday, writing, “Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent.”
Actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles as Captain Smith in 'Titanic' and King Théoden in 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise, has died. He was 79.
As Pastor Germany ducked out of harm’s way, Deacon Clarence McCallister bravely intervened, tackling Polite to the ground and preventing further harm.
McCallister’s quick actions earned him praise from Pastor Germany, who called him a hero.
Jaafar Jackson Embodies Uncle Michael Jackson, Climbs On Top of Car While Filming Upcoming Biopic
The 27-year-old really embodied his late uncle as he climbed on top of a car during a fan frenzy scene.
Jaafar could be seen waving and displaying a peace sign as he portrayed Michael getting bombarded by adoring fans, as the street had many old cars to fit the time the scene is set in.
The look Jaafar was wearing for the scene looked nearly identical to one Michael wore in 1983 at a press conference.
Fans of Michael also know that he would regularly climb on top of cars as hundreds of thousands of fans surrounded him.
Earlier this year, Michael‘s son and Jaafar‘s cousin Prince was seen on set of the upcoming movie, which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua. If you missed it, find out the latest details about the biopic, including how much music will be in it!
Rihanna Rocks Bubblegum Pink Hair at Puma Pop Up Shop During Miami F1 Race Weekend
The 35-year-old rapper’s new line is a motorsport-inspired collection of footwear, apparel and accessories.
Along with her bright pink hair, Rihanna wore a black satin dress and matching corset, as well as an “A” diamond necklace.
Guests had the opportunity to enjoy games, customization stations, BBQ and concession stands, as well as the opportunity to shop. The collection features a limited re-issue of the OG Inhale shoe from 2000 that Rocky hand-picked from Puma’s archive.
The pop-up was concepted and curated by A$AP Rocky, and featured the collection in a playful environment similar to his campaign shoot, which is “meant to remind people to never limit your imagination or lose sight of your dreams,” per the brand.
The collection is available on PUMA.com now, as well as retailers globally including Nubian, SSENSE, SLAMJAM, SNS, Foot Patrol, Shinzo and CNCPTS.
Vlad Trashed For Seemingly Threatening Black Princeton Professor’s Job
Vlad was trending on social media because he threatened to get a Princeton University professor fired for comments she made on Twitter (X).
The interviewer and business man, real name Vladimir Lyubovny, issued a veiled threat to a Black Ivy League professor over her critique of his take on the Kendrick Lamar versus Drake feud.
It all started on Saturday (May 4) following Kendrick’s consecutive responses to Drake in their ongoing beef. Vlad, on the social media, remarked Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” needed a better mix. “It takes away from the song,” he said.
Morgan Jenkins, a New York Times bestselling author and member of the faculty at Princeton University, replied stating the Kendrick vs. Drake feud was “a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR.”
“Wait, so a professor at @Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip-Hop?” he said. “Is that how you interact with your students?”
Jerkins clarified, expressing that his input was unnecessary in a dialogue meant for Black voices.
Vlad then seemingly threatened Jenkins, hinting he would attempt to get her fired from her post at Princeton University. Vlad mentioned the notion of including the incident on her “permanent record.”
Social media has since erupted with commentary, with many condemning Vlad’s actions as an overstep.
Comedian Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, said, “Vlad is whack for a myriad of reasons, but in this you can tell he saw a Black woman and a predominantly white university and tried to use his whiteness against her. DISGUSTING.”
Similarl, activist Phil Moreland said, “Take your power back and unsubscribe, unfollow and unattach yourself from #VLADTV@adam22 and all the other POSERS who are NOT FROM THE CULTURE!!!! We Hunting VULTURES all Summer Hoe!!!”
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘The Fall Guy’ Box Office was #1 at a disappointment time at the Box Office
With ”The Fall Guy” (Universal), summer 2024 box office didn’t kick off; it just sort of happened. It opened to $28.5 million, a 52 percent drop from last year with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” Hopefully, that will be the last precipitous weekend drop (aside from the inevitable “Barbie”/”Oppenheimer” July weekend of $310 million).
This $76 million domestic weekend is bad, but “The Fall Guy” shortfall is worse. Estimates were broad, but worst-case scenarios predicted $30 million. The Ryan Gosling action rom-com had all the earmarks of audience appeal. Whatever its possible limitations — and a $130 million budget — that’s a terrible look to start the summer.
Despite good reviews, Gosling’s momentum, director David Leitch’s proven box office success, the usually lucrative playdate, and a decent A- Cinemascore, “The Fall Guy” opened to only a little more than $3 million above “Civil War” (A24), April’s best opener.
One underachieving release doesn’t certify similar results ahead, but it’s cause for major concern. It discourages future non-franchise projects, certainly at this level of expense. It doesn’t adjust the steep year-to-date drop, which now stands at 18 percent. It also elevates the high-performance demands for other major May openings: “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” next week, later “Furiosa,” and “The Garfield Move,” and another original, “IF.”
Each of those is expected to open better than “The Fall Guy,” some by quite a bit, but nothing is a given. We could be in for an even more difficult summer than expected.
Other than a fine showing for the 25th anniversary reissue of “The Phantom Menance” (Disney), which took second place with $8.1 million, little else impressed in the Top 10. “Challengers” (MGM Amazon) dropped 49 percent from an at-best adequate $15 million debut. Weekdays did better than expected compared to its opening.
“Tarot” (Sony), the other new wide release, sputtered with $6.5 million. Sadly, that was good enough for #4. The original horror film also received a horrific C- Cinemascore; at least it only cost $8 million.
“The Fall Guy” had a decent A- Cinemascore, but historically that doesn’t suggest an above-normal trajectory. At best, it projects to $100 million domestic. Worldwide (most territories now open, some in second weekend) added $37 million total. Given a total expense of over $200 million (including marketing), it will be a challenge to break into profit. That’s a big disappointment.
Speaking of Cinemascores, last week’s faith-based “Unsung Hero” (Lionsgate) got a top-of-the-line A+… and in its second weekend it dropped 61 percent. At $3 million, it fell to #7.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (Warner Bros.) and “Civil War” saw decent holds, but at this stage their runs will add only minor amounts to the total gross.
Three new platform openings saw positive initial reactions. A24’s “I Saw the TV Glow” did an impressive $116,000 in four New York/Los Angeles theaters, with slow expansion to come. Ethan Hawke’s Flannery O’Connor biopic “WIldcat,” bolstered by strong personal appearances, took in $58,000 in three similar locations.
Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist” (Sideshow/Janus), his first film since “Drive My Car,” grossed $45,000 in three theaters. That sleeper success debuted in 2021 in two theaters under $14,000 on its way to an unexpected $2.4 million.
The Top 10
1. The Fall Guy (Universal)
2. The Phantom Menace (Disney)
3. Challengers (Amazon MGM)
4. Tarot (Sony)
5. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros.)
6. Civil War (A24)
7. Unsung Hero (Lionsgate)
8. Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal)
9. Abigail (Universal)
10. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony)
Bernard Hill, ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ Actor, Dies at 79
Hill died in the early hours of Sunday morning, a statement from his family said. No cause was given. His fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel were at his side.
Hill’s breakout role occurred on the BBC miniseries Boys From the Blackstuff, in which he portrayed Yosser Hughes, a man struggling with unemployment in Liverpool whose “gizza job” catchphrase was known across England. The show aired in 1983 and won a BAFTA for best drama series that year.
Hill appeared consistently in television and film, with roles in 1976’s I, Claudius, 1982’s Gandhi, 1999’s Clint Eastwood film True Crime, 1999’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2002’s The Scorpion King and 2008’s Tom Cruise film Valkyrie.
In 1997, Hill gained fans as the soft-spoken Captain Smith in Titanic, which won 11 Oscars. And in 2002, he joined Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings franchise as King Théoden for the second film, The Two Towers, later returning for The Return of the King, which also picked up 11 Oscars. As such, Hill held roles in two of the three films with the most Academy Awards of all time (Ben-Hur ties the list).
In 2015, he played Duke of Norfolk, an uncle of Anne Boleyn and an enemy of Cardinal Wolsey, in the BBC drama series Wolf Hall, which won several BAFTAs and a Golden Globe.
Hill was born on Dec. 17, 1944, in Manchester. He was supposed to appear at a comic-book event in Liverpool on Saturday but canceled last minute per a statement from the convention.
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news of Bernard Hill’s passing,” the note read. “A great loss. Thinking of his family at this very sad time and wishing them a lot of strength.”
Most recently, Hill worked alongside Martin Freeman on the police drama The Responder, which will begin airing its second season on BBC One this weekend. Director Lindsay Salt paid tribute to him on Sunday, writing, “Bernard Hill blazed a trail across the screen, and his long-lasting career filled with iconic and remarkable roles is a testament to his incredible talent.”
Actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles as Captain Smith in 'Titanic' and King Théoden in 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise, has died. He was 79.
Kim Godwin Resigns As President of ABC News
Kim Godwin is out as the President of ABC News … stepping aside in a move sparked by an earlier corporate shake-up that had considerably diminished her power in the organization
In a missive brimming with somber resolve, shared with the ABC News family, Godwin announced:
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism. Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision. But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
Her departure stirs the air with questions, as the network has yet to unveil a successor to her throne—a seat she claimed back in the halcyon days of 2021.
The precursor to Godwin’s retirement – as we reported earlier – was a February maneuver that recalibrated the ABC News power dynamics, ushering in a new era under Debra OConnell’s stewardship. OConnell, a seasoned navigator of the Disney milieu, has now been installed as the overseer of the parent company’s news syndicate, her reputation preceding her as one who’s rigorously engaged with the media conglomerate’s many arms.
Godwin’s venture into ABC’s fertile yet fraught landscape came with a ledger of challenges; she transitioned from CBS to head a division with top-tier ratings but faced internal critiques of an overly competitive and hostile work environment.
As the Wall Street Journal notes, the news division was a ratings leader, many in the division said it was suffering from a cutthroat and toxic culture. Goodwin instead was viewed as a polarizing figure inside the network. Her detractors say she and her inner circle stifled discussion and dissent while failing to rise to challenges facing the unit—including a decline in ratings at “Good Morning America.”
Met Gala Dropped Diddy From Invite List
Sources confessed to RadarOnline that the Bad Boy Records founder/rapper, who was once on the must-invite list for the annual event, has been shunned by the fashion world. The blind eye stems from multiple sexual assault lawsuits Combs is facing amid a federal sex trafficking investigation. The “Hello Good Morning” entertainer has denied all accusations against him.
As a result of the situation, an insider claims the coveted invite will reportedly not be sent to him.
Considered to be the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event and social gathering, the Met Gala is an annual fundraising event that is held every year in New York City. Money raised from the benefit goes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. In addition to attracting news coverage, the Met Gala is a magnet for a who’s who of movers and shakers in the worlds of fashion, entertainment (film, television, music, theater), business, politics, sports, and social media. Prior to the sexual assault allegations and investigation, Combs was a fixture at the Met Gala with his Sean John clothing line and hitmaker status in the music industry, among others.
Citing the National Enquirer, LoveBScott mentioned a source who weighed in on the hip-hop mogul’s current struggle.
“Now he finds himself grappling not only with the preservation of his reputation but also with the loss of his standing within an industry that has unequivocally distanced itself from him,” a source noted.
The Met Gala’s snub of Combs marks the latest backlash against the “Let’s Get It” hitmaker “since details surrounding his ongoing legal drama became known.”
In February, Combs opted against attending the 2024 Grammy Awards amid reports his invitation was being evaluated and never sent, due to lawsuits from several women including ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. The singer, a former Bad Boy artist, accused her former boss of rape and assault. She ultimately dropped her suit one day after filing it, due to an out-of-court settlement reached by both parties.
Combs’ sexual lawsuit troubles have extended into his business relationships, with more than a dozen companies dropping him.
Jim Jones Involved in Airport Fight, Claims Self-Defense
Jim Jones found himself in the middle of a physical altercation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as seen in a new video obtained by TMZ. The incident, which escalated quickly at the bottom of an escalator, involved Jones and two other men.
In the footage, Jones is seen throwing punches, which accidentally strike an older man causing him evident pain as he falls to the floor. Amid the chaos, a woman manages to turn off the escalator, but the fight continues despite attempts by bystanders to intervene.
The confrontation was eventually broken up by law enforcement officers. Jones, caught in the heat of the moment, is heard defending his actions to the officers, stating, “It’s two of them against me,” before being escorted to sit down. One of the men involved in the altercation with Jones appeared particularly agitated, struggling to free himself from a sheriff deputy’s hold, although additional officers soon arrived to control the situation.
Jim Jones commented on the incident to TMZ Hip Hop, asserting, “I was minding my business and defended myself. They got what they were looking for.”
As of now, it remains unclear if any arrests have been made following the incident. Local police have been contacted for more information, but there has been no immediate response.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Naptime
Well, It's a relaxing place to sleep.
Well, It's a relaxing place to sleep.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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