7/1/24

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#MAGFAB: RuPaul’s Drag Race Performer Nymphia Wind Covers Vogue Taiwan July 2024

Drag Performer Nymphia Wind Covers Vogue Taiwan July 2024 by Mambo Key AOC Fashion
Nymphia Wind, a Taiwanese-American drag performer and dressmaker, covers the July 2024 issue of Vogue Taiwan [IG], looking every part the fashion drama queen. In 2024, Wind was crowned the winner of season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race, becoming the first East Asian winner.
Photographer Mambo Key [IG] captures Nymphia Wind, styled by Joey Lin in bold, high-volume, joyous fashion looks from Balenciaga and Weisheng Paris.

Nymphia Wind is the stage name of Leo Tsao, a Taiwanese-American drag performer and dressmaker. The Internet “went crazy” on April 20, 2024, when Nifeiya broke the Asian curse and became the second Asian champion of RuPaul's Drag Race in 13 years.

Vogue Taiwan presents a most interesting interview about the talent Nymphia Wind, anchored in an enchanting, descriptive portrait written by Nicole Lee.


#RHOA: Sheree Whitfield weighs in on Kenya Moore's exit from the show. Says the show is ‘sinking’
Sheree Whitfield recently spilled details about Real Housewives of Atlanta following Kenya Moore's exit.
The 54-year-old RHOA alum, who bid farewell to the Bravo series for the third time, reacted to the news of Moore's exit from the show.

Speaking exclusively to TMZ, Whitfield said: "I hate to see my girl Kenya go out like that."
Sheree, who served as a full-time cast member during seasons 1-4, 9-10 and 14-15, continued: "As an OG, it's kind of hard to sit back and watch the show kind of slowly sink the way it is, so I'm not happy. I don't like it."

Bravo decided to part ways with Moore after she was caught sharing photos of newcomer Brittany Eady making out on camera.
According to Page Six, a source told the outlet that Moore's actions came in response to Brittany's "gun" threats.
The insider claimed that such strong words made all the cast members feel "uncomfortable."
However, Eady previously took to her Instagram to dispel the rumours.
Meanwhile, Moore confirmed that she didn't attempt to take revenge on Eady after the said incident and that she is "innocent."


#NewMusic from Keke Wyatt Releases New Album “Certified”

R&B star Keke Wyatt has just released her much anticipated new album “Certified”. This is her first new project in 7 years, and releases via Shanachie Entertainment.
This is Keke’s fifth album overall, and it was produced by Blac Elvis and Executive Produced by Randall Grass, Andrae Crenshaw, Blac Elvis and Keke Wyatt. The long awaited release offers a big dose of pure Keke, as she serves us her take on relationships and faith, featuring nine captivating originals and one sterling cover.

STREAM HERE 

Included on the album is the first single which is the title track.


#HipHopNews: Rick Ross Gets Into Altercation After Playing Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" In Canada
After Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That,” Rick Ross and Drake began trading taunts. While the rappers have mostly thrown playful jabs on social media, the Maybach Music Group founder got into a scuffle in Canada on Sunday (June 30).

During his performance at the Ignite Music Festival in Vancouver, Ross’ DJ, Sam Sneak, played Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” However, the situation snowballed into a physical altercation after the pair exited the stage.
Video footage captured several people confronting Ross, seemingly upset by the song choice. At one point, a man punched the “Diced Pineapples” hitmaker in the face, which sparked a brawl involving various parties. The fray persisted for minutes, and one of the rapper’s associates was left unconscious and required assistance to exit the area.

The ordeal quickly made its way online, with Drake liking an Instagram post containing the clip. “Ross [needs] to get a new set of bodyguards,” wrote one social media user. “They should’ve never let that dude get that close!” Another person claimed, “Welp! Looks like Drake isn’t safe in [Atlanta] or [Florida].”

In April, Ross took direct shots at Drake in “Champagne Moments”: “Flow is copy-and-paste, Weezy gave you the juice / Another white boy at the park wanna hang with the crew.” He later insinuated the Toronto native had cosmetic surgery in the record’s outro.
Drake previously poked fun at Ross on “Push Ups,” which leaked online earlier that month. He spat, “I might take your latest girl and cuff her like I’m Ricky / Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this n**ga turnin’ 50 / Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy / Spend that lil’ check you got and stay up out my business.” Released in May, “Family Matters” also contained jabs at the Grammy Award-winner’s former collaborator.


The 2024 BET Awards Winners List!

The BET Awards kicked off on Sunday night with an electric performance by the one and only Megan Thee Stallion.
The event, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, celebrates the best in Black entertainment, across music, film, television and sports.

Drake led with seven nominations, including album of the year for “For All The Dogs (Scary Hours Edition),” best male R&B/pop artist, best male hip-hop artist and two for video of the year for “First Person Shooter” with J. Cole and “Rich Baby Daddy” with Sexyy Red and SZA.

Nicki Minaj followed closely with six nods, including album of the year for “Pink Friday 2,” best female hip-hop artist two best collaboration nominations, one with Lil Uzi Vert on “Everybody” and another for “Barbie World” with Ice Spice and Aqua.
Will Smith and Lauryn Hill were among the performers who took the stage. After a showstopping performance in his honor from Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer and Coco Jones, among others, Usher received the lifetime achievement award. The “Yeah!” hitmaker also took home the trophy for best male R&B/pop artist.

The following is a complete list of nominees, with winners denoted in bold:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
11:11 - Chris Brown
A Gift & a Curse - Gunna
American Dream - 21 Savage
Coming Home - Usher
For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition) - Drake
Jaguar II - Victoria Monét
Michael - Killer Mike *WINNER
Pink Friday 2 - Nicki Minaj

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Beyoncé
Coco Jones
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Muni Long
SZA *WINNER
Tyla
Victoria Monét

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Brent Faiyaz
Bryson Tiller
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
October London
Usher *WINNER

BEST GROUP
¥$ (Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign)
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41
Blxst and Bino Rideaux
City Girls
FLO
Maverick City Music
WanMor

BEST COLLABORATION
“All My Life” - Lil Durk featuring J. Cole
“America Has a Problem (Remix)” - BeyoncĂ© featuring Kendrick Lamar
“Barbie World” - Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice with Aqua
“Bongos” - Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
“Carnival” - ¥$ (Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign) featuring Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti
“Don’t Play with It (Remix)” - Lola Brooke featuring Latto and Yung Miami
“Everybody” - Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Uzi Vert
“Good Good” - Usher, Summer Walker and 21 Savage
“Rich Baby Daddy” - Drake featuring Sexyy Red and SZA

BEST FEMALE HIP-HOP ARTIST
Cardi B
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Sexyy Red

BEST MALE HIP-HOP ARTIST
21 Savage
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
Gunna
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Wayne

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Agora Hills” - Doja Cat
“All My Life” – Lil Durk featuring J. Cole
“Barbie World” – Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice with Aqua
“Bongos” – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
“First Person Shooter” – Drake featuring J. Cole
“Good Good” – Usher, Summer Walker and 21 Savage
“On My Mama” – Victoria MonĂ©t *WINNER
“Rich Baby Daddy” – Drake featuring Sexyy Red and SZA

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Benny Boom
Child.
Cole Bennett
Dave Meyers
Janelle MonĂĄe and Alan Ferguson
Offset
Tems
Tyler, the Creator

BEST NEW ARTIST
41
4Batz
Ayra Starr
Bossman Dlow
Fridayy
October London
Sexyy Red
Tyla *WINNER

DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
“Award All of the Glory” - Shirley Caesar
“All Things” - Kirk Franklin
“Angel” - Halle Bailey
“Come Jesus Come” - CeCe Winans
“Do You Believe in Love?” - Erica Campbell
“God Problems” - Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore
“Me & U” – Tems WINNER
“Try Love” - Kirk Franklin

VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
“Agora Hills” - Doja Cat
“All My Life” - Lil Durk featuring J. Cole
“F–umean” - Gunna
“Lovin on Me” - Jack Harlow
“Made for Me” - Muni Long
“On My Mama” - Victoria MonĂ©t
“Rich Baby Daddy” - Drake featuring Sexyy Red and SZA
“Sensational” - Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay
“Texas Hold ‘Em” - BeyoncĂ©
“Water” - Tyla

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Asake (Africa)
Aya Nakamura (France)
Ayra Starr (Africa)
BK’ (Brazil)
Cleo Sol (UK)
Focalistic (Africa)
Karol ConkĂĄ (Brazil)
RAYE (UK)
Tiakola (France)
Tyla (Africa) *WINNER

VIEWERS’ CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
Bellah (UK)
Cristale (UK)
Duquesa (Brazil)
Holly G (France)
Jungeli (France)
Makhadzi (Africa)
Oruam (Brazil)
Seyi Vibez (Africa)
Tyler ICU (Africa)

BET HER
“16 Carriages” - BeyoncĂ©
“Blessings” - Nicki Minaj featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“Commas” - Ayra Starr
“Fly Girl” - FLO featuring Missy Elliott
“Hiss” - Megan Thee Stallion
“On My Mama” - Victoria MonĂ©t *WINNER
“Saturn” - SZA
“Yeah Glo!” - GloRilla

BEST MOVIE
“American Fiction”
“Bob Marley: One Love”
“Renaissance: A Film by BeyoncĂ©”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
“The Book of Clarence”
“The Color Purple”
“The Equalizer 3”
“The Little Mermaid”

BEST ACTOR
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Damson Idris
Denzel Washington
Donald Glover
Idris Elba
Jeffrey Wright
Lakeith Stanfield

BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett
Ayo Edebiri
Coco Jones
Danielle Brooks
Fantasia
Halle Bailey
Issa Rae
Regina King *WINNER

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Demi Singleton
Heiress Diana Harris
JaBria McCullum
Jalyn Hall
Leah Jeffries
Van Van

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
A’ja Wilson
Angel Reese *WINNER
Coco Gauff
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Naomi Osaka
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Anthony Edwards
Gervonta Davis
Jalen Brunson *WINNER
Jalen Hurts
Kyrie Irving
LeBron James
Patrick Mahomes
Stephen Curry


Congrats to all the winners!


#BoxOfficeNews: Inside Out is #1 and makes a Billion dollars while “ A Quiet Place: Day One ” is making noise as #2
“ A Quiet Place: Day One ” is making noise at the box office. The prequel earned an estimated $53 million in its first weekend in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.

It’s both a franchise best and significantly more than expected. Going into the weekend, prerelease tracking had “Day One” pegged for a $40 million debut, but audiences were clearly more enthusiastic to see the action-horror starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn and released by Paramount. The same could not be said for Kevin Costner’s “ Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1,” which opened to $11 million.

The ”Quiet Place” victory wasn’t quite enough to snag the coveted first place spot on the charts, though. That honor again went to Disney and Pixar’s juggernaut “ Inside Out 2,” which added an estimated $57.4 million in its third weekend in theaters, and crossed $1 billion globally.

There’s a distant possibility that the places will shift when actuals are released Monday. But either way it’s good news for movie theaters in a summer season that’s finally heating up but still running far behind last year (down 19%) and pre-pandemic norms (down 36% from 2019).

“Inside Out 2” continues to be a box office phenomenon, the likes of which the industry hasn’t seen since “Barbie” almost a year ago. In just three weeks of release, it’s earned nearly $470 million in North America and $545.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to $1.01 billion. The sequel is the only 2024 release to cross the billion dollar mark and it did it in just 19 days, a record for an animated film.
“The film’s stunning global success once again illustrates that audiences the world over will respond to compelling, entertaining movies, and that they want to enjoy them on the big screen,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, in a statement.

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed by Michael Sarnoski and rated PG-13, is also fast approaching an important threshold out of the gates. Including the $45.5 million from international showings in 59 markets, the $67 million production has already made $98.5 million.

“There’s a lot of love for the ‘A Quiet Place’ franchise,” said Chris Aronson, the head of domestic distribution for Paramount. “We listened to the fans who wanted to expand the universe.”
In a rare feat for a third film, it opened higher than both “A Quiet Place” ($50.2 million opening in April 2018) and “ A Quiet Place: Part II ” ($47.5 million opening in May 2021). John Krasinski, who wrote and directed the first two, continued serving as a producer.

“It’s one of those rare horror franchises that has generated incredible goodwill with audiences and critics alike,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.
At the premiere of prequel “A Quiet Place: Day One” in New York, actor Lupita Nyong’o reflects on the success of the alien invasion franchise. (June 27)

Playing on 3,708 screens in the U.S. and Canada, nearly 40% of its domestic earnings came from “premium screens” including IMAX and other large formats. It entered the marketplace with mostly positive reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes); Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore and four out of five stars on PostTrak.
“We put together a compelling package but also I think it shows people want to go to the movies,” Aronson said. “The marketplace really works when there are choices and there’s something for everybody.”

The start for “Horizon,” meanwhile, was sluggish. Though older audiences, the ones most likely to support a Western epic, don’t typically rush out to see films on opening weekend the way people often do for horrors and superheroes, the road ahead will not be easy: Reviews have not been great and it got an underwhelming B- CinemaScore.
The stakes are also a little different for “Horizon,” a $100 million production that Costner financed on his own and partnered with Warner Bros. to distribute. It opened in 3,334 locations. A decades-old passion project, he mortgaged property in Santa Barbara, Calif. to finance it and exited “Yellowstone” to see it through. In a bold, unconventional strategy, “Chapter 2” arrives in theaters later this summer, on Aug. 16. He also has plans for two more movies.

“The western genre is one of those that is very specific,” Dergarabedian said. “It’s going to be about the long game.”
A quick glance at the top 10 shows that audiences are largely favoring franchises and “known commodities” over originals. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” was right behind “Horizon” on the charts, and it’s been in theaters for four weeks already.

“Audiences in the summer want the tried and true, they want the familiar,” Dergarabedian said.
He was also struck by the diversity of genres in the top 10, including two Indian films: The Telugu language sci-fi “Kalki 2898 AD” in fifth place with $5.4 million and the Punjabi language “Jatt & Juliet 3” in ninth place with $1.5 million.

“If you can’t find something that appeals to you at the multiplex right now, you’re not looking hard enough,” Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Inside Out 2,” $57.4 million.
2. “A Quiet Place: Day One,” $53 million.
3. “Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1,” $11 million.
4. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $10.3 million.
5. “Kalki 2898 AD,” $5.4 million.
6. “The Bikeriders,” $3.3 million.
7. “The Garfield Movie,” $2 million.
8. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” $1 million.
9. “Jatt & Juliet 3,” $1.5 million.
10. “Kinds of Kindness,” $1.5 million.



PartyNextDoor Clarifies Rant After Chris Brown Checks Him And Demands Public Apology

PND was furious his ex-girlfriend appeared in Brown, Bryson Tiller and Jeremih's new music video.
Apparently, there won’t be another on-wax beef added to the list of feuds that have taken place since the top of the year — at least not yet.
On Sunday (June 30), PartyNextDoor took to X to sound off on Jeremih, Bryson Tiller and Chris Brown for using his ex-girlfriend in their new music video for “Wait On It.”

Immediately after his rant about the R&B trio — whom he said he would make “cry” — Brown took to his X account to not only check the “Persian Rugs” singer, but also demand that he apologize just as publicly as he disrespected him.  
“Ni**as speak without thinking sometimes… then call around to my people trying to retract sh*t,” Breezy wrote on X. “NAW NI**A, go on your socials and apologize or keep that same energy when you see me.”

Jeremih also responded with a more vague post on Instagram where he mocked Party and promoted the new single.
“Mih fault if I double tapp…. [shoulder shrug emoji] #boohoo #WaitOnIt,” he captioned a screenshot of PND’s post.
Catching wind of Brown’s and possibly Jeremih’s responses, the OVO artist took to social media to clear up his statement
“To be clear, I got nothing but love n respect for those guys,” he apologetically wrote before adding, “sh*t happens.”
PND came out of nowhere with his furious X post about CB, Tiller and Jeremih — insinuating that the singers maliciously included his ex-girlfriend, Desma, in their sultry music video.
“I’m finna make these ni**as cry…” he wrote in his first post following the video’s premiere. “Bryson Chris; and Jeremih… enjoy, the nights, of your life.” In another he said, “I know 5 rnb singers who broke. Today’s the date.”

He also sent shots to his ex, shaming her for appearing in a music video at her age. “Doing videos, at 34, that bi**h broke,” he wrote.
As of publication, Desma has not responded.


Jamie Foxx Finally Reveals What Led To His Mysterious Hospitalization
Jamie Foxx has finally revealed the reasoning for his sudden 2023 hospitalization. A video of the actor speaking to a group of restaurant patrons went viral on Monday (July 1), where Foxx claimed that it all started with someone giving him an Advil for a headache.

But he insisted that everything that happened after that was allegedly a blur, saying, “Look, April 11 last year, bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil [and] I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything. I’m in Atlanta, they told me—my sister and my daughter took me to the first doctor.”

“The next doctor said, ‘There’s something going on up there,'” he added, speaking to the crowd as he pointed to his head. “I won’t say it on camera… but it was.”
The incident in question first rocked the news cycle in April 2023, when his daughter, Corinne, broke the news. She took to Instagram in a now-deleted post with an update on her father’s status, one of which she described as a “medical complication.” While vague, Corinne insisted that “quick action and great care” essentially saved the actor from more dire consequences.

The acclaimed actor would then make his first public appearance later that year in December 2023. Jamie Foxx appeared at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television and vaguely addressed what happened to him.
“I couldn’t do that six months ago, I couldn’t actually walk to [the stage]. And I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people saying that I was cloned out there,” he joked at the time. “It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now, it’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went though on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel, too, I don’t know where I was going. ‘Sh*t, am I going to the right place?'”

Then, in May 2024, while accepting the Producers Award from the African American Film Critics Association, the 56-year-old multihyphenate expressed that he would talk in full detail about his health scare in a new comedy special.
“Everybody wants to know what happened, and I’m going to tell you what happened, but I gotta do it my way. I’m going to do it in a funny way. I’m going to be on stage. We’re going back to the stand-up sort of roots,” he told the audience.


Eddie Murphy Sparks Marriage Rumor After Calling Longtime Fiancee His Wife

Award-winning comedian Eddie Murphy has a lot of love for his fiancee, Paige Butcher. In a recent podcast interview, the 63-year-old repeatedly referred to Butcher as his wife, sparking speculation about the couple's marital status.
When talking about his favorite past time, the actor opened up, "I watch every night at six o'clock when I eat dinner, watch Steve Harvey and Family Feud and on Tuesdays I watch The Masked Singer. My wife and I, we watch all those shows with singing competitions and that kind of stuff."

Despite their mostly private relationship, Murphy has been vocal about his commitment to Butcher and their family. He previously told Vanity Fair, "My career, or what I am as an artist, that's not at the center of my life. At the center of my life is my family and my kids."

Butcher has also been a supportive partner, accompanying Murphy to movie premieres, award shows, and other public events. At the 2020 Golden Globes, she gushed about his romantic nature, saying, "He actually says that kind of stuff all the time. He's very, very sweet and romantic."

In the same podcast interview, Murphy revealed that he relies on Butcher for guidance in keeping up with the latest trends and entertainment. "I used to be so hip, I used to know who everybody was, and now there's just so much stuff. [I] ask my wife, 'Who's this person?' " Murphy said, adding that he doesn't "even know what's going on."

Murphy was previously married to Nicole Mitchell from 1993 to 2005 and shares five children with her. He also has three children with former partners Paulette McNeely, Tamara Hood, and Melanie Brown. Despite his past relationships, Murphy has stated that Butcher and their children are his priority.
"I love the Christmas season," Murphy said in a 2023 interview about celebrating the holidays with his family. "All the traditional things that everybody does, we do that. We have a lot of kids and have a lot of family. And it's just the buzz in the house - it's food, cooking and everybody."


Madonna Makes Surprise Appearance At NYC Pride As Vogue Ball Judge
Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has once again demonstrated her unwavering support for the LGBTQ community by making a surprise appearance at the New York City LadyLand Festival in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 29. As an unexpected highlight of the event, she served as a judge for the Vogue Ball House Battle, a celebrated ballroom competition. The iconic singer, donned in a studded white mini-dress, expressed her gratitude and shared heartfelt remarks with festival goers.

Taking to the stage, Madonna addressed the exuberant crowd, "Thank you all for coming out. Aside from my birthday, New York Pride is the most important day of the year. Thank you to all the houses who came to dance for us and perform. But most of all, thank you to my incredible judges." Her sentiments resonated deeply, affirming her close ties to the vibrant LGBTQ culture that reveres her influence.

The star-studded judging panel included prominent figures such as Arca, Bob the Drag Queen, Tokischa and Sevdaliza, all of whom received special acknowledgment from Madonna for their contributions. Adding a personal touch, Madonna's preteen daughter Estere also participated by DJing a set before the runway contest commenced.

In the lead-up to the event, rumors of Madonna's attendance swirled as festival organizer and nightlife producer Ladyfag teased her potential involvement on Instagram, stating, "We don't respond to ru-M-ors. But we are sooooo excited to add a moment to celebrate ballroom excellence with some very special guest judges." The pop icon herself further fueled anticipation by posting on Instagram, "NYC Pride Weekend coming up... Are you ready?!" 

WATCH

This appearance marked Madonna's first live stage event following the conclusion of her extensive "Celebration Tour", which spanned across 15 countries. The tour ended with a historic free concert at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach, entertaining a record-breaking audience of 1.6 million people.

Madonna's enduring legacy and her heartfelt engagement at this year's Pride festival underscore her role as a steadfast ally and icon for the LGBTQ community. Her words and presence at LadyLand Festival not only celebrated ballroom culture but also reinforced her status as a figure who empowers and unites diverse communities through music and advocacy.


Simone Biles confidently secured her place on the US Olympic team in Paris

Will the U.S. women’s gymnastics team continues their dominance at the Paris Olympics? Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic medalist, withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health. She has returned and is still the best in gymnastics. Biles finished the first day of the competition in first place in the all-around. Jordan Chiles finished second, and Minnesota’s Suni Lee third. Suni Lee’s remarkable comeback is genuinely inspiring, especially considering she was diagnosed with a kidney disease.

With a nearly sold-out crowd, day two of the women’s gymnastics was one for the books. The women competed fiercely in every event. But the beauty of watching these women compete was the support they had for one another and how they encouraged each other. Jordan Chiles captivating routines and vibrant personality entranced the audience, even during breaks, with her energetic and engaging dancing. Suni Lee’s bid for the Olympics is extraordinary because a year ago, she thought she would never be able to continue gymnastics after her diagnosis.

Simone emerged as the all-around champion of the competition, securing an impressive score of 117.225. Her spot on the team was automatic. The judges were tasked with selecting the other four spots and choosing two alternates. Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, and Jade Carey are ready to join forces with Biles to bring home a medal. Rivera is only 16 years old and was the junior all-around champion in 2023, so she will be surrounded by veterans. The alternates for the team will be Leanne Wong and Jocelyn Roberson.

Unfortunately, the trials were not without their share of unexpected setbacks. Two top contenders, Skye Blakely and Shilese Jones, were forced to withdraw due to untimely injuries. Blakely suffered an Achilles injury during podium training, while Jones sustained a knee injury on the first day of competition.


Justin Timberlake Cracks Onstage Joke Referencing His DWI Arrest at Boston Concert
Justin Timberlake jokingly referenced his arrest for allegedly driving while intoxicated at his tour stop in Boston.
On Saturday (June 29), the 43-year-old singer and actor cracked a one-liner about the incident during his concert at Boston’s TD Garden amid his Forget Tomorrow world tour.
“So, uh, is there anyone here tonight that is driving?” Timberlake asked the cheering crowd in a fan-captured clip posted on TikTok. “No, I’m just kidding,” he quickly added.

The comment drew a mix of gasps and laughter from the crowd. The “SexyBack” followed the wisecrack by asking the audience who’s attending for the first time and who’s seen him before, according to TMZ.
Timberlake was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Sag Harbor, N.Y. on June 17. He was arraigned on one count of “driving while intoxicated” the following day.

“It was ascertained that the defendant was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition in that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, he was unable to divide attention, he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot, and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests,” according to the police report filed by officer Michael Arkinson.

“I had one martini and I followed my friends home,” Arkinson also quoted the 10-time Grammy winner as saying in his report.
Last week, Timberlake broke his silence following the arrest during his show at Chicago’s United Center on June 21.

“It’s been a tough week,” the singer told concert-goers. “I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back.” He added, “We’ve been together through ups and downs and lefts and rights … but you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now.”
JT’s lawyer Edward Burke Jr. has stated that he will “vigorously” defend the star against the allegations. “He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time,” Burke said in a statement.

Timberlake’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 26, the same day he is scheduled to perform at Tauron Arena Krakow in Poland.


Karen Clark Sheard Defends Saying the N-word During Church Sermon | WATCH

A past church sermon delivered by Karen Clark Sheard is finding its way into present-day conversation, due to the gospel icon saying the Black-folk version of the N-word while preaching the Word. Clark-Sheard defended the controversial action during an interview with Baller Alert reporter Ty Cole.

As the chat progressed Cole confided in Clark-Sheard that her sermons resonated with him, his family, and many others. From there, the discussion touched on a viral video that captured Sheard expressing “something so passionately that it caught everyone’s attention.”

“You were saying a sermon, and then at some point,” Cole explained to Clark-Sheard, who didn’t know what viral moment he was speaking of. Going into more detail, Cole mentioned the part of the video where the N-word “fell out” of Clark-Sheard’s mouth, adding, “How do you feel about embracing moments like these that show your authentic human side… kind of breaking stereotypes without gospel figures are often perceived.”

The video, in question, which landed on YouTube in 2012, was taken from a sermon Clark-Sheard delivered more than a decade ago, titled “Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner,” according to Atlanta Blackstar
The start of the video found the gospel entertainer admitting that God has had to give her about “1,000” chances because of how imperfect she has been, according to the Atlanta Black Star News. Around the 12-minute mark of the sermon, Clark-Sheard starts talking about people being covered with anointing oil, asserting that those without it are bad news.

It was at this point that the Detroit native used “oil” to represent the covering of a pastor or leadership in the church.
“You have some folk that ain’t got no oil on them and you got a fool with them kind of folk, you know, you got a fool with n—gas, I mean people,” Clark-Sheard stated as she went on to clarify what she said.

“All along they’ll blame everything on the pastor and the first lady but won’t look at themselves.”
Since the clip was released, it has generated mixed opinions. Although some perceived Clark-Sheard’s N-word use as accidental, her actions in the video look to paint her as being well aware of using the expletive to get a response from the crowd.
Cole’s interview with Clark-Sheard gained more reaction after it was shared on social media.
Instagram users were not shy about how they felt, with support coming from a good bit of folk who voiced, “THERE WILL BE NO CLARK SISTERS SLANDER!!! Especially KCS!!!”

One person said, “Kirk Franklin can cuss his son out… Karen can say the N-word… next subject. They are human,” one person expressed, while another user came to Clark-Sheard’s defense.
“She didn’t say nothing wrong! Please don’t play with Auntie Karen,” the user said.
Clark-Sheard’s N-word controversy marks the latest in an ongoing debate surrounding the N-word and its use among Black people. While the power and history of the expletive still strikes a nerve for some, others have embraced the notion of it being a term of endearment and reversing its negative impact.
 

Denzel Washington in Gladiator 2: First Look at Sequel from Paramount Pictures

Okay, we had no idea Denzel Washington was starring in “Gladiator 2,” but Vanity Fair has unveiled new first-look photos, and now we’re hooked. The images feature Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington. “Gladiator 2” will be released from Paramount Pictures on November 22, 2024.

Check out a snapshot of the film’s characters in the film’s story that takes place well after the original Russell Crowe story:

Paul Mescal is Lucius, Maximums’ son from the first film, who hasn’t been seen in 15 years and is presumed dead. This likely leads into him becoming a gladiator where, like his father, no one knows who he was in his past life.
Pascal is a military commander turned gladiator as punishment.
Denzel is a former slave who is now a wealthy merchant who does not like the emperors.
Quinn is co-emperor Caracalla who is supposedly trying to portray a character differently from Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus.

Connie Nielsen appears to be the lone returning major cast member from the original, playing Lucius’ mother Lucilla.
Check this out. It’s uncertain if Phoenix or Crowe will appear in flashbacks or dream sequences since they both pretty much died, but the focus is primarily on the new cast and Mescal’s character, Lucius. Photos show Mescal fighting Pascal, suggesting either Pascal’s early demise or a climactic battle scene. Typically, one of the characters should be dead by the end of such a fight unless a thumbs-up from the emperor spares them.

As for Ridley Scott, who directed the original “Gladiator,” he has had a varied filmography in recent years. His last major film, “Napoleon,” received mixed reviews, and his press tour sparked debate over the importance of historical accuracy. However, Scott has also directed “The Last Duel,” “The Martian,” and episodes of “Raised by Wolves,” showing his versatility.

First, look at the images below.
“Gladiator 2” feels like a must-watch when it hits theaters on November 22.


Nicki Minaj Calls Out Deb Antney Over Lil Kim Relationship Repair Attempt
Nicki Minaj is publicly calling out Deb Antney for trying to mend fences with Lil Kim on her behalf without her knowledge.
Deb, now back working with Nicki, shared on “Juicy Pop TV,” her willingness to help Nicki reconcile with other female artists in the industry.

However, Nicki didn’t appreciate the reconciliation attempts “I didn’t ask you to do a thing,” she wrote on X.
”You told me AFTER THE FACT & I SCREAMED ON YOU & told you if you reach out to ppl now that you’re being seen around me, they will THINK it’s coming FROM ME so to NEVER do that again w/o discussing it with me FIRST. I said I’d never want that & that now she’d think that message came from me which is not cool.”

So far, Deb has not responded to Nicki’s comments.


The US Supreme Court Rules Donald Trump is Entitled to Immunity

The Supreme Court rules that former U.S. President Donald Trump is entitled to immunity from federal prosecution for official actions taken while in office...
From CBS News: The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that former President Donald Trump is entitled to immunity from federal prosecution for official actions he took while in office, a landmark decision in the height of an election season that could further delay the start of his criminal trial in Washington, D.C.

The 6-3 decision tosses out a ruling from the federal appeals court in Washington that concluded Trump is not entitled to broad immunity from criminal charges stemming from an alleged scheme to hold on to power after the 2020 election.
The ruling from the nation's highest court is an expansion of presidential power, since it extends immunity to criminal prosecutions of former presidents for their official conduct. Never before had the Supreme Court considered whether a former commander in chief could face criminal charges as a result of conduct that occurred while in the Oval Office.

Trump is the first to have held the presidency and faced prosecution. He has pleaded not guilty to four charges stemming from an alleged effort to subvert the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Well, That’s An Interesting Way To Take Action

Now here’s a guy who knows exactly what he wants, and was not willing to wait any longer for dating apps, which are whatever young people are doing these days.


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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