7/7/24

The Daily Buzz For Jul 8 ☕📰☕

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#FASHIONFAB: Model Abény Nhial wears Missoni for 'Island Hues' by Stef Galea in CAP 74024 10th Anniversary Issue!

Missoni celebrates the 10th anniversary of CAP 74024 [IG] with a summer fashion story ‘Island Hues’, styled by Christopher Maul. Model Abény Nhial, with South Sudanese and Australian heritage, is lensed by London-based, Maltese fashion photographer and visual artist Stef Galea [IG]. Makeup by Ludiano Chiarello
Nice!
 

#RHOA: NeNe Leakes’ Son Bryson Bryant Sentenced in Felony Fentanyl Possession Case
Real Housewives of Atlanta alum NeNe Leakes’ oldest son, Bryson Bryant, avoided being thrown in jail over his arrest for possession of fentanyl, In Touch can exclusively report.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Bryson, 34, reached a plea deal with prosecutors.
Per their agreement, the prosecutors agreed to dismiss the Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Bryson agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Giving False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer. The court sentenced Bryson to 12 months probation and ordered him to pay a $500 fine.

The judge noted Bryson will have to follow a series of rules while on probation. If he breaks any rule, the court said he risks being thrown behind bars.
Per his sentence, Bryson will have to complete 40 hours of community service which needs to be completed within 6 months of being on probation. In addition, Bryson will be subjected to random drug tests ordered by his probation officer. “The Defendant shall provide a release which allows the Community Supervision Office to have access to all medical, clinical, treatment, attendance or work records, and for driving and criminal history,” the order added.

The court ordered Bryson to undergo an evaluation and/or treatment for substance abuse. Bryson was ordered to not consume alcoholic beverages and not use narcotics or dangerous drugs unless lawfully prescribed. Bryson was arrested on July 3, 2023, in Georgia.
Law enforcement said they encountered NeNe’s son outside a home in the city of Lawrenceville around 1 a.m. Police said Bryson claimed he knew the people who lived there “which was false.” While being questioned, police said Bryson told them his name was Brentt Leakes — NeNe’s younger son.

Bryson and Brentt do not have the same father. After he was booked into jail, officers discovered he had given the wrong name during questioning.
Bryson was hit with an additional charge for giving a false name to officers. Bryson’s arrest triggered a probation violation in a separate case — which led to him being held behind bars until October 2023.

Prosecutors filed charges over the July 2023 arrest in January. Bryson plead not guilty to the charges in court. He appeared ready to fight the case.
His lawyer demanded prosecutors turn over files from the police.

In February, his lawyer wrote “Defendant in the above-styled case demands any relevant written or recorded statements made by Defendant within the possession, custody, or control of the state as well as that portion of any written record containing the substance of any relevant oral statement made by Defendant, whether before or after arrest, in response to interrogation by any person then known to the Defendant to be a law enforcement officer or member of the prosecuting attorney's staff,” the motion read.

“In addition, Defendant demands any other relevant written or oral statement made by Defendant, before or after arrest, whether or not made in response to interrogation,” the motion added. The matter is moot given the recent plea deal.

NeNe, 56, spoke out about Bryson after his arrest.
"He needs a lot of counseling. Like many families out there, I have family members that are struggling with drugs and certain addictions. He has an addiction," she said. "He's been in rehab for a couple of times and he still has come back out and relapsed." "I’ve spent so much money on trying to get Bryson where he needs to be," she added.

"But every time I've sent him off is because I said, ‘You are getting your ass up, and we are sending you off.’ But I learned through counseling myself that he has to say, ‘I’m ready to go,’ not me making him go. So until Bryson is ready to make a change, it's nothing I [can] do,” she added.

 
#MusicNews: Durand Bernarr Reflects on His 20-Year Musical Journey and Usher's Influence

Durand Bernarr’s journey with music started at 16 when he joined his father, an audio engineer, on tour for Earth, Wind & Fire as a production assistant. His interest in music was further nurtured by the gospel music he heard at church, where his mother was a music director.

“My career has been pulling me in every direction. Like the demand is demanding and it's been almost 20 years. As a matter of fact, when Rihanna came out is when I started on the road. So, next year we will have had 20 years of ‘Pon De Replay’ as well as me getting my start,” the Cleveland-born singer tells BET.

In 2010, Bernarr released his second EP, 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu, a compilation of Badu covers and medleys. Shortly after, Badu messaged him on Twitter, and a year later, she hired him on tour as a background vocalist for her band Nedda Stella. Bernarr says that he learned a lot from the “Tyrone” hitmaker.

He adds, “I was making a lot of mental notes about what I would like for my show, what I would like to do, how I would like to conduct myself, you know? Making sure that, we all know our stuff so we can have fun on stage, you know? 'Cause when you're enjoying yourself, the audience will enjoy themselves. Yeah. And so that's something that has been kind of just implemented into how I move.”

In May of 2024, Bernarr released a visual EP titled En Route. It is a genre-bending compilation of his musical influences and is a transitional bridge between his second studio album, Wanderlust, and forthcoming solo and collaborative releases. He describes the eight-track project as an open road of adventure.
“I just wanted to, first and foremost, do some more upbeat records. I wanted to just see how quickly I could piece together a story about a road trip. And the road trip was from the last project, which was Wanderlust to the next body of work and bringing friends along, telling stories, seeing what that looks like, what that sounds like. And I really have fun doing it,” he says. “To be able to pull that together within a week with the right people around, I could only imagine what I could put together in like a few months.”

Last year, the singer went viral for his Tiny Desk performance, in which he and his band paid homage to Disney Channel's beloved TV show, “The Proud Family.”
“I feel like my creative director had some foresight with that because I was gonna do Popeye and I was gonna do Uncle Bobby in Atlanta the next day. And she was like, ‘We need to do Proud Family, and really do it because this is gonna be documented forever.’ Also, the ‘Proud family’ had a reboot, you know, so it just made perfect sense. And, I'm Uncle Bobby all day. Anytime they even mention a live action ‘Proud Family,’ I better be in that number,” Bernarr says.

Most people would label him as an R&B singer, but Bernarr wants to be viewed as more than just R&B. “I've never labeled myself an R&B artist. Okay, I'm fluent in R&B, I'm a lover of it and all its nuances and evolutions,” he says. “But to say that's the only genre that I am or that label takes away from all the other possibilities and influences that I have. 

He continues, “My tiny desk specifically was to show people, yes, I am fluent in this, but I can also give you opera, I can give you rock, I can give you country. If you think that I'm going to just do this one thing, you're gonna be disappointed.”
The 35-year-old also speaks on the impact Usher, who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, has made with the music industry. “He has had multiple primes, which is so fascinating to see,” Bernarr says of the R&B legend. “And also, I don't wanna put any emphasis on the fact that he's in his mid 40s and he's still doing handstands. But babes, if you've been doing that, then you're gonna be able to do it regardless of age,” he says. “He is more than deserving of this award cause he has been putting in the work and still is.”

Bernarr, who identifies as queer, says LGBTQ representation when he began his career made him feel like he had a noose around his neck from other people's ideas or perspectives on how he should live his life. “Because I'm not, as we say ‘unclockable,’ there was resistance or pushback when I first was kind of gearing up and trying to figure out what my direction was, or what my sound was,” he began. “Some people weren't comfortable associating themselves with me for whatever reason. Or always inquiring about, well what does he look like, what does he do? And I just sang my face off. So, was that not enough?

He adds, “I came in right around the time when there was a shift taking place and I feel like I was on the tail end of the ‘oh, it's not cool to do that, or you need to not showcase that.’ We were at the frontline targets on our heads just for being ourselves. But now it's cool to dress how you want. You know, you have the rappers painting their nails and wearing kilts, you know? But clothes are just clothes now and that’s fine.”


#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Shares Passionate Post After Headlining Rolling Loud Austria
Nicki Minaj is riding high on her “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” run. Saturday morning (July 6), she shared a lengthy post explaining how she felt following a headlining performance at Rolling Loud Austria.
“GagCityVIENNA ~ AUSTRIA 🇦🇹 over 60K people. I can’t even believe this is my life sometimes. To have people feel happy about songs you used to wish you had never even recorded is such a precious moment. I love you guys, and I am so grateful to have been able to experience your energy life in FULL EFFECT. Wishing you all the best. Until next time, Austria,” her new post exclaimed.

“This tour has made us Barbz so happy, you have no idea 🥹 It’s such a special moment to see the woman we have admired for so long. We love you beyond imagination, and I speak for the entire fanbase,” a fan responded.
“It’s never been done like this before. I pray you’re resting as much as you can,” another user said. “You must be absolutely exhausted, but you still keep going and giving us Barbz what we want. The dedication really shows that we really appreciate it. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for you, Onika,” yet another fan glowed.

Minaj recently responded to everyone who believed she was getting a divorce after some questionable tweets. In the post, she seemingly addressed speculation surrounding her marriage to Kenneth Petty by posting an Instagram video showing her family together. On Wednesday (June 12), she shared a clip of Papa Bear boarding a private jet alone.

The rapper’s followers offered support in the comment sections. “Oh, she stopped them allegations and FAST!!!” one user stated. “Haters often carry rumors. Nicki said, ‘Well, not on my watch and family name,’” another user noted.
Earlier in the week, Minaj raised eyebrows after sharing, “Yes. Single…” on Twitter. Many were puzzled whether she was announcing a new phase in her personal life or teasing forthcoming music. “She definitely divorced him,” someone speculated.
 

Marlon Wayans insists he’s fine after home burglary

Marlon Wayans wants everyone to know he’s doing just fine despite his recent brush with burglars. The 51-year-old comedian and Requiem for a Dream actor took to Instagram to reassure fans that he’s still “grateful” for life’s blessings, while cheekily warning potential criminals that he’s the “wrong” person to rob.

Marlon said in the update for fans the thieves didn’t “get much as “I don’t own s***” and is “not flashy” – while adding he doesn’t have cash or bling in his home.
“God is so good. Everyone is fine. I’m grateful.

“Dear ROBBERS and OTHERS, I am the WRONG N**** to ROB. Save your energy. I don’t have anything valuable in my house except MY HOUSE. Sorry, I live a simple life with two cats and one of them is a 1994 Range Rover, you will need a jumpstart if you steal it cuz the battery is dead.

“Robbers don’t waste your energy or your life doing home invasions, s*** is too heavy!!! You want to carry all that bulls***? Throw your back out, and for what?! I repeat I don’t own s*** valuable. I don’t have a bunch of cash or jewelery. Please pick a better [target] thank you and love you… still,” Marlon added in a caption alongside the clip.

Marlon was seen in the clip in which he told his followers he had been robbed wearing a collared shirt and a baseball cap that said G.O.A.T. He said after thanking everyone who “checked on me”, he reiterated his point his home was not full of valuables.
“I want you to know that they didn’t really get much, ’cause I don’t own s***. The most valuable thing in my house is my house. So unless you were gonna put that s*** on a truck and drag it away, then you did well.

“But I don’t own s*** – I use cards… I don’t have cash… I’m the wrong n**** to rob – go down the block… there’s a lot of flashy n***** out there.” Marlon said.
According to TMZ, the burglary occurred in the early hours of June 29. Interestingly, Marlon’s brother Keenen, 66, was home during the incident but reportedly thought the noise outside was “nothing” and slept through the entire raid. One of Wayans’ workers later discovered the break-in.
Despite Wayans’ claims of not being “flashy” and not keeping cash at home, TMZ reported that several thousand dollars in cash and a safe were taken during the burglary.


Colman Domingo sheds light on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic
Colman Domingo, known for his dynamic acting prowess, recently shared insights into the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic titled Michael. Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, emphasized that the film will present a new perspective on the legendary King of Pop.

The biopic aims to balance Michael Jackson’s public triumphs with his personal struggles, portraying his life on a grand cinematic scale. Domingo highlighted, “Michael Jackson is undeniably one of the most prolific artists ever, and this film will explore his complexities in a way that has not been done before.”

Introducing the cast
Joining Domingo in the film is Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who will portray the iconic singer. Domingo praised Jaafar’s performance, suggesting that audiences will be deeply impressed by his portrayal and the spiritual connection he shares with his late uncle.

The cast also includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, the family matriarch, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Michael Jackson’s lawyer and manager. The film will also feature Juliano Krue Valdi as a young Michael, providing a glimpse into the early years of the music legend.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film also delves into the complex figure of Joe Jackson, exploring his role as a manager who drove the Jackson 5 to stardom while facing criticism for his harsh parenting methods. Fuqua praised Domingo’s ability to capture the multifaceted nature of Joe Jackson, from his drive for success to his role as a father and husband.
The biopic Michael is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, and promises to offer an epic narrative that honors Michael Jackson‘s legacy while providing new insights into his life and family.


Will Smith And Jada Pinkett Reportedly Expecting Their Third Child Together

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are seemingly open to a new challenge after repairing their fractured marriage. The Hollywood couple, who is already parents to Jaden Smith and Willow Smith, is reportedly expecting their third child together.
Media Take Out, which was the first to report the news on Friday, July 5, claimed it received the surprising update from one of the Oscar winner's co-workers on his latest film "Bad Boys: Ride or Die". According to the said informant, the 55-year-old actor was beaming from ear to ear at the premiere of the movie, in which he stars alongside Martin Lawrence, about his "new baby."

Jada, who posed with her husband on the red carpet, did not show any sign of baby bump at the event. That's because "Will and Jada are having another baby via surrogate," according to the source.
The alleged third baby will likely help strengthen the bond between Will and Jada, who revealed that they had separated in 2016 but never intended to divorce. The source says the pair's marriage is "in a better place" now.

However, it's noted that Will and Jada are not officially reconciled either. The so-called insider adds, "It's kind of a wired thing, because [Will and Jada] are not even back together completely."
In November 2023, following the shocking revelation about their marital woes, Jada declared that she and Will are "staying together forever." She further stressed that she had no desire to divorce her husband despite their rocky relationship in a December 2023 interview.

"We are both getting older. And besides, we've been together 30 years so, even if someone new came along, neither of us is going anywhere. We are a family that needs to look out for one another and always will be. Sometimes it takes a crisis for you to see that," she said to The Mail On Sunday's You Magazine.

The twosome has since put on a united front on many occasions, including the premiere of "Bad Boy 4". At a screening for the movie in May, he declared, "Jada is one of the most gangsta ride-or-die's I've ever had."
 

'Drag Race' Star Amethyst Begins Gender Transition, Launches GoFundMe For Surgery
The "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 15 star, Amethyst, recently shared an emotional and candid post on Instagram, announcing her transition to fans and followers. Through a handwritten note posted on July 6, the 29-year-old Connecticut native chronicled her struggles with gender dysphoria and the significant steps she's taken towards embracing her true identity.
"I've been struggling severely with my gender dysphoria more than ever in recent months," Amethyst wrote. "It's something that I've always concealed in the back of my mind, and through the years has slowly crept its way to the front."

Amethyst explained that the realization of her gender identity intensified last year, leading to what she described as mental warfare. "Last year was when things really started to hit me hard, and this mental warfare has really just escalated since then," she continued, mentioning that suppressing her feelings had been "eating away" at her and impacting her sense of self.
To her fans' admiration, Amethyst revealed that she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) just over a month ago. "Even in this short amount of time, the comparison to how I felt just a few months ago is night and day. It's a different sense of happiness that is slowly but surely bringing back my self-assurance, and every day it gets easier to look in the mirror," she expressed.

In her note, she stated that she's currently going by the name Amy when out of drag, a name suggested by her "Drag Race" sister, Malaysia Babydoll Foxx. "I feel a lot of pressure to pick the perfect name, but in the meantime, this is a comfy placeholder for me," she wrote.
However, Amy's journey is far from over, as she disclosed the financial challenges she faces for essential procedures like facial feminization surgery (FFS). She has set up a fundraiser with a goal to raise $10,000 to help cover these costs. "So, I'm going to start raising funds for my FFS, if anyone would like to help make this affordable to me," she mentioned.

Following her heartfelt disclosure, Amethyst has received overwhelming support from fans and "Drag Race" alumni. Responses from fellow queens like Malaysia Babydoll Foxx, Aja, Sasha Colby, and Luxx Noir London flooded the comments with love and encouragement.
Amy's message is one of bravery, authenticity, and the importance of self-love. Her upcoming album, aptly named "Amy," echoes her journey and features collaborations with other talented queens like Loosey LaDuca and Aja. This step in her career and personal life is indicative of her resilience and the boundless support from the "Drag Race" community.

If you wish to contribute to Amy's journey, her GoFundMe page titled "Amy's Transition Fund" is collecting donations for her transition procedures. Amy's courage and transparency serve as an inspirational reminder for all to live their truth, no matter how challenging the path may be.


'90 Day Fiance' Star Annie Suwan And Her Husband Expecting First Child After Infertility Struggle

Annie Suwan and David Toborowsky, beloved stars from the hit reality TV series "90 Day Fiance", have shared the happy news that they are expecting their first child together. The announcement was made in a heartwarming Instagram video posted on Friday, July 5, where the couple expressed their immense joy and gratitude.
The video features an overjoyed Annie, 31, and her husband David, 55, with Annie eagerly sharing, "The test results said I'm pregnant!!!!" David, clearly ecstatic, added, "We got a phone call - Annie is pregnant," before kissing his wife on the cheek. In the clip, Annie thanked their fans for the overwhelming support and asked for continued prayers, adding, "I'm so excited."

This joyous milestone comes after the couple's openness about their journey with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and their struggles along the way. In a video posted on June 26, Annie shared the success of her embryo transfer procedure, and the results have been nothing short of a dream come true for the couple.
David expressed their collective gratitude, "Thank you all for the prayers and your support has been overwhelming," and Annie echoed his sentiments with heartfelt thanks to their medical team and supporters.

David and Annie's journey on "90 Day Fiance" has been marked by significant challenges and triumphs. The couple first met in Thailand, and their engagement and subsequent struggles, including financial hardships and David's vasectomy, were extensively documented on the show. Despite these obstacles, they married in 2017 and have since been fan favorites, even earning their own spin-off series, "David & Annie: After the 90 Days".
The couple's desire to have a child was reignited after Annie considered adopting her brother and cousin from Thailand. Despite David already having adult children from a previous relationship, the couple decided to pursue IVF. Annie, who also suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), took medication for her condition, and David successfully had his sperm extracted earlier this year.

Their IVF journey reached a pivotal moment last month when they traveled to Los Angeles for an embryo transfer. David optimistically wrote on Instagram, "2 of us flew to LA and now we are heading back to Arizona with a plus 1 hopefully all goes well and we will know in 10 days to 2 weeks. This seems so surreal."
Fans of "90 Day Fiance" and the couple alike have been showering them with love and congratulations on their exciting news. Annie and David have continually shown resilience and genuine affection for one another, making this pregnancy announcement a heartwarming chapter in their ongoing story.


Megan Thee Stallion Loses Millions Of Streams For New Album Due To Suspected Botting
Late last month, Megan Thee Stallion released her highly anticipated album "Megan." However, the album's success has been marred by reports that Spotify has removed 30 million streams suspected to be "bot-like." The reason for the removal remains unconfirmed.
The allegations have sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many are defending Megan, suggesting that she is not responsible for the alleged botting. However, others have recalled her "Hiss" lyrics about having bots instead of fans, which has led to criticism from Nicki Minaj and Tory Lanez supporters.

Megan has not yet publicly addressed the botting allegations. Despite the controversy, she has continued to promote her album and related projects. She recently announced the European leg of her "Hot Girl Summer" tour and teased upcoming ventures such as a twerk-out video and her own tequila brand.

Additionally, Megan has been active in other areas. She appeared on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast, celebrated her album release with a star-studded party, and continues to engage with her fans on social media.
While the botting allegations cast a shadow over "Megan's" release, the album has still garnered positive reviews from her fanbase. It features collaborations with GloRilla and Victoria Monet. Despite the setbacks, Megan Thee Stallion remains a prominent figure in the music industry, and fans eagerly await further developments in this story.
 

31-year-old Deundray Cottrell who vanished Fourth of July found dead in east Birmingham His Partner is missing also.

An Atlanta doctorate student missing in Birmingham since the Fourth of July was found dead Saturday.
The body of Deundray Cottrell, 31, was discovered at 78th Street and Fifth Avenue South. Police said they could not release more information because of the ongoing investigation.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said Cottrell’s death is unclassified at this point, which means it was not immediately clear how he died and if foul play was involved.
Investigators are searching for Cottrell’s partner of three years, who was last seen Friday morning.

Cottrell was last seen about 10 p.m. Thursday in the 7000 block of Fourth Avenue South.
His sister, Angelica Harris, said Cottrell and his partner got to Birmingham about 6 p.m. Thursday to celebrate the holiday. It was her brother’s first time seeing the new home she shares with her husband and children.

Cottrell lives in Atlanta where he worked in marketing and was working toward his doctorate degree.
About 10 p.m., Cottrell said he was going upstairs to check on his dog, because of the fireworks.
“He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’’ Harris said.

The family was then told by his partner, Julian Morris, that he had left and took off running through the back yard, and they did find some of his belongings there, including one of his shoes and his cell phone.
Morris, family said, was acting eratically and not like they’ve known him to act for the past three years.
The family immediately began a search and eventually called police to file a missing person’s report.
Harris said they later learned he wasn’t actually entered into the system as missing until Friday morning.

Cottrell’s family searched for him throughout the day and night, but to no avail. They did track down Ring camera footage at several homes that showed Cottrell running through yards, and even jumping over a gate.
“It looked like he was looking for refuge,’’ Harris said. “He was running for his life.”
Morris then possibly went missing on Friday. Cottrell’s family saw Morris Friday morning, but did not see him after that.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said officers found some clothing items Friday, and a resident provided security footage of who they believed to be Cottrell.
The family launched another search Saturday, as did Birmingham police.
Just before 3 p.m., officers found Cottrell dead.

Search continues for missing Atlanta man who disappeared from east Birmingham: ‘A lot of people are hurting’Jul. 5, 2024, 2:15 p.m.
Man fatally shot by Birmingham police ‘presented a knife,’ ALEA saysJun. 25, 2024, 4:52 p.m.
“The events leading up to his disappearance are, in fact, suspicious,’' Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald said police are now looking for Morris for questioning since he was the last person to see Cottrell alive.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
 

NFL Rookie Khyree Jackson Passes Away In Tragic Car Crash At 24

Khyree Jackson, a promising NFL draftee, has tragically died at the age of 24.
The young athlete, who was set to make his NFL debut this fall as the Minnesota Vikings‘ rookie cornerback, perished in a “triple fatal car crash” in his home state of Maryland early on Saturday, July 6, according to a press release from the Maryland State Police.

Jackson wasn’t alone in the vehicle during the crash.
Two of his former teammates from Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School — Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24 — also died in the Prince George’s County accident.
Hazel was driving the Dodge Charger with Jackson as the passenger and Lytton in the back seat.

The collision involved three vehicles: the Dodge Charger, a Chevrolet Impala, and a silver Infiniti driven by Cori Clingman.
Authorities reported, “Investigators believe Clingman attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then struck the Chevrolet Impala.

The Charger subsequently traveled off the roadway’s right side and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest.”
Clingman and her two passengers, along with the Impala driver, escaped uninjured.

However, investigators suspect alcohol played a role in the tragic incident.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the athletic department of Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School expressed their condolences on Twitter.
The Minnesota Vikings also mourned Jackson’s death in an official statement: “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Several members of the Vikings’ staff shared their grief. “Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player,” owners Mark and Zygi Wilf wrote, adding that “it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed his heartbreak, saying, “As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”

Khyree Jackson’s journey to the NFL was inspiring.
The Vikings selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 draft in April.
Born and raised in Maryland, Jackson had initially given up on football due to insufficient grades for Division 1 college play.

He worked at a local grocery store before rekindling his football ambitions in 2019.
“At one point I wasn’t really thinking about football much,” Jackson said in a video shared by the Vikings. “I had just won employee of the month at the grocery store.”

Returning to the sport, Jackson played for the Alabama Crimson Tide for two seasons before transferring to Oregon, where he caught the Vikings’ attention.
After being drafted, Jackson shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his anticipation for the future: “I guess the saying ‘life is what you make it’ really means exactly what it reads. I got up off my ass and took what I deserved.”

Khyree Jackson’s life was a testament to perseverance and hard work, and his untimely death is a profound loss to his family, friends, and the football community.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to all of the families impacted by this tragedy.
 

Beyonce fans disappointed with her latest wax statue in Paris museum!
Beyonce fans are finding her new wax statue unrecognizable. While the Texas Hold Em singer isn't new to criticism for altering her appearance to match Eurocentric beauty standards, fans on Instagram are concerned with Musée Grévin, the Madame Tussauds of Paris, for taking a similar approach with whitewashing.
“??????? WHY IS SHE WHITE” one fan exclaimed while another wrote, “How do I say horrible job and start over in French?”

The criticism didn't stop there as another user pointed out her unrecognizable features, writing, "Nope nope not Beyoncé."
A third user also joined in, saying. "Beyonce is not white. That is not Beyonce. Do better @grevin_paris”
This isn't the first time Beyoncé's wax statue has been made to look unrecognized as fans raised similar concerns over face hair and too light skin tone in 2017 when her wax statue was unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York.

The museum released a statement to Page Six to defend their artistic process.
“At Madame Tussauds, our talented team of sculptors take every effort to ensure we accurately color match all of our wax figures to the celebrity being depicted.

“Lighting within the attraction combined with flash photography may distort and misrepresent the color of our wax figures which is something our sculptors are unable to account for at the production stage.”


Aoki Lee Simmons ditches “dark AF’” modeling career to repair her mental health
Aoki Lee Simmons is stepping away from the immense pressures of the fashion world. In a series of raw and vulnerable Instagram Story posts published on Friday (July 5) morning, the soon-to-be 22-year-old revealed she will be absent from runways, at least for the time being.

“Hate to say it [and] I hope I don’t sound ridiculous, but I will not be going back to any kind of fashion week unless I’m mentally prepared for it and feel loved and supported. The last one ruined my mental health,” she wrote in the first post shared on Friday (July 5).
Simmons detailed her decision in subsequent posts. “I know lots, in fact, most models go through so much more including my own mama, but it’s not for me. I’m a personal person, I take things personally. I’m honest and open and take things hard when I feel I was kind and received genuine cruelty (I don’t just mean not booking a job cause that’s life!) but interpersonal cruelty. It was dark AF. And then from this dark, virtually starving place, I made a bad decision after being coerced for years and the entire internet (24 million hits if I recall correctly) dragged me through the mud for it. I was doing my best,” Aoki wrote.

Though the posts were certainly revealing, Aoki remains guarded about what she endured while launching her modeling career. “I didn’t tell the full story of this time, the good and the very bad because I’m not ready and am not sure I’m ready to quit, but there’s certainly more to it! The stuff that had me crying went beyond normal modeling stresses [that] my mom prepared me for those and told me to expect it…There was other worse, darker stuff that was happening I’ll get into one day,” she explained.

After graduating from Harvard University in the spring of 2023, Simmons ripped the runway as a model for Sergio Hudson during New York Fashion Week. She would go on to secure more gigs, including two shows in Europe.
Not long after her presumably final runway appearance, the daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons faced a barrage of headlines in Spring 2024 amid speculation that she was dating a prominent restauranteur who is significantly older. The Baby Phat founder and her daughter swatted at the hearsay, suggesting there was no validity to the relationship claims.

The Ivy League alumna says that she is rebuilding her mental health and recovering from “disordered eating,” noting she has already gained 30 pounds since her Milan Fashion Week appearance last February.


‘Top Chef’ And ‘Food Network’ Daytime Emmy-Winning Chef Justin Sutherland Loses Deals In Aftermath Of Arrest

The fallout continues for celebrity chef Justin Sutherland, who was arrested June 28 in Minnesota for threatening to kill his girlfriend.
A nonprofit in St. Paul said Friday that it’s canceling its partnership with Sutherland to develop a new concept for Golden Thyme Coffee and Café, which the nonprofit’s trust bought when the cafe’s owners retired.

Earlier, a partnership between Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and Sutherland was ended. The two collaborated since 2018 on an annual barbecue festival called “Smoke Out.”
Sutherland’s credits include judging on the TV shows “Top Chef” and “Chopped,” and competing on “Iron Chef America,” “Tournament of Champions,” and hosting the series “Fast Foodies” and “Taste the Culture with Justin Sutherland.”

Sutherland was arrested and charged with one felony count of threats of violence with reckless disregard, according to court documents. Police responded to a 911 call that suggested a man was holding a woman at gunpoint.
Police arrived and found Sutherland exiting the address. When asked to turn around and put his hands behind his head, Sutherland allegedly screamed, “I called 911 and [you’re] trying to f—ing arrest me?” and “You should just f—ing kill me.”

Sutherland’s girlfriend told police the incident started when they argued over attending a music festival. The girlfriend claimed she phoned her sister, and while speaking to her, Sutherland “placed both hands around her neck, and applied pressure while telling her, ‘I want you dead.’” She said she was able to breathe, and the exchange only lasted seconds.

The chef allegedly took her phone and damaged it. She then went to the neighbors for a phone, but Sutherland brandished a black handgun. He allegedly said, “Don’t come back here, or I am going to shoot you.”
He allegedly pointed his gun at her before hitting her in the chest with the weapon.
After his arrest, Sutherland issued a statement apologizing for the situation, but claiming innocence. “Over the weekend, I found myself in a situation where I was taken into custody and accused of a crime. I deeply regret putting myself in that position and the pain and distress caused to those around me. I sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and fans,” he said.

“I am innocent of these charges and look forward to using the judicial system to prove my innocence. Notwithstanding, this incident has made me realize the urgent need to seek professional help and make significant changes in my life.”
“I am committed to making amends and seeking treatment. Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies to everyone affected by my behavior. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time while we wait for the truth to come forward and further prove my innocence.”

Sutherland was released on his own recognizance without bail. He reportedly is entering into a treatment center.
Last year, Sutherland won the Daytime Emmy Award for Culinary Host for his work on “Taste the Culture.” He beat out Guy Fieri, Ina Garten, and Emeril Lagasse.


Prince Estate Battle Rages On as Judge Declines to Dismiss Lawsuit Against Heirs!
Over eight years after the death of Prince, and nearly two years after the lengthy legal battle over his estate appeared to come to an end, a lawsuit over control of half of his estate is heading to court.

In January, amid an 18-month litigation-free period for the estate, one-time Prince attorney L. Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer Jr., who together represented three of the singer’s six sibling heirs, filed a lawsuit against four members of Prince’s family — including half-sister Sharon Nelson, who they previously represented in the estate battle — over control of an LLC that was established in 2022 to handle the 50 percent stake it owned in Prince’s estate.
On Friday, a judge in Delaware — where the McMillan and Spicer lawsuit was filed — refused the heirs’ efforts to dismiss the lawsuit, presaging yet another legal battle over Prince’s estate; Prince died in April 2016 without a will, and his estate was divided up equally among his six siblings and half-siblings, two of whom have died over the course of the seemingly never-ending legal fight.

In the lawsuit, McMillan and Spicer argued that Sharon Nelson attempted to oust the pair from their managerial duties in Prince Legacy LLC, which was formed in 2022 after the IRS came to a $156 million valuation on Prince’e estate, a ruling that was anticipated to finally end the courtroom drama. “It has been a long six years,” McMillan said at the time of the 2022 decision.

However, the lawsuit claims that Sharon Nelson regretted the terms and tried to seize hold of the LLC by amending the agreement to remove McMillan and Spicer as its managers. In Friday’s decision, the judge also sided with the plaintiffs on that allegation, saying Sharon Nelson did not have the authority to amend the LLC without authorization, the Associated Press reports.
The other defendants in the McMillan and Spicer lawsuit include half-sister Norrine Nelson, Prince’s niece Breanna Nelson and his nephew Allen Nelson. The lawsuit also detailed Sharon Nelson’s efforts to assert her authority over Prince’s Paisley Park residence-turned-museum, where she “sought (unsuccessfully) to replace the entire staff of Paisley Park with individuals of her choosing and take charge of Paisley Park.”

The lawsuit only applies to a roughly 50 percent share in the Prince estate, as three of the heirs sold their stakes to music management group Primary Wave soon after Prince’s death. Primary Wave’s portion of the estate is not involved in the latest round of litigation.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Blue Family

We’ve got to give this family credit for their commitment to doing the entire thing together. The family decided that that day they were going to dress up and get all painted in blue, resembling a Smurf family.


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM

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