#MAGFAB: Anok Yai For Elle, August 2024
Nice!
#RHOA: Kenya Moore’s Ex-Husband Marc Daly Calls Andy Cohen a ‘Snake-In-Chief’
Although the divorce between Kenya Moore and Marc Daly has finally been settled, Marc still has his mind on his ex. During a recent Instagram Live, he took a few minutes to tell his followers about his experience on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and he had absolutely nothing positive to say about Andy Cohen.
It’s quite ironic to hear Marc commenting on RHOA since he avoided the cameras when he and Kenya were together. She had to fight tooth and nail to get him to allow their daughter to appear on the show. Now, suddenly he’s an expert and ready to drag the show’s creator.
Marc Daly has words for Andy Cohen
Marc let it rip on Andy and the RHOA team when a fan asked him to describe his experience with RHOA. Overall, Marc had a positive opinion of the production. His main issue was with Andy.
“Everyone I met through that experience was great, except for you know who. The producers and Mr. Cohen. The snake-in-chief,” Marc said.
He continued, “You guys know that, right? You see how they did Kenya dirty?”
Of course, Kenya exited the show under suspicious circumstances. Allegedly, she displayed an NSFW image of one of her co-stars, prompting a suspension from the production. Kenya later quit the show with insiders claiming she was frustrated with how the network handled the situation. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but either way, Marc made his stance very clear. He’s siding with his ex-wife.
According to Marc, had he still been in the picture, this revenge porn saga would have never unfolded the way it did. Somehow, he and his nose ring would have prevented Kenya from walking away from the show. He told his IG followers that Kenya “still would have got a check” if he were in the picture.
Unfortunately, all of this energy from Marc is just a little too late. Bravo replaced Kenya with Phaedra Parks. The network has moved on.
Real Housewives of Atlanta can be streamed on Peacock.
It’s quite ironic to hear Marc commenting on RHOA since he avoided the cameras when he and Kenya were together. She had to fight tooth and nail to get him to allow their daughter to appear on the show. Now, suddenly he’s an expert and ready to drag the show’s creator.
Marc Daly has words for Andy Cohen
Marc let it rip on Andy and the RHOA team when a fan asked him to describe his experience with RHOA. Overall, Marc had a positive opinion of the production. His main issue was with Andy.
“Everyone I met through that experience was great, except for you know who. The producers and Mr. Cohen. The snake-in-chief,” Marc said.
He continued, “You guys know that, right? You see how they did Kenya dirty?”
Of course, Kenya exited the show under suspicious circumstances. Allegedly, she displayed an NSFW image of one of her co-stars, prompting a suspension from the production. Kenya later quit the show with insiders claiming she was frustrated with how the network handled the situation. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but either way, Marc made his stance very clear. He’s siding with his ex-wife.
According to Marc, had he still been in the picture, this revenge porn saga would have never unfolded the way it did. Somehow, he and his nose ring would have prevented Kenya from walking away from the show. He told his IG followers that Kenya “still would have got a check” if he were in the picture.
Unfortunately, all of this energy from Marc is just a little too late. Bravo replaced Kenya with Phaedra Parks. The network has moved on.
Real Housewives of Atlanta can be streamed on Peacock.
#NewMusic from Koffee Brown featuring Vin Rock (of Naughty By Nature) “About It”
Early 00’s R&B group Koffee Brown have recently re-emerged, and they’ve now just released their official single “About It” featuring Vin Rock (of Naughty By Nature).
The group made a comeback earlier this year with the release of a cover of Keith Sweat’s “Make It Last Forever”. Koffee Brown now includes original member Vernell “Vee” Sales, along with Ryan Lane, who replaces Falonte “Fonz” Moore.
Early 00’s R&B group Koffee Brown have recently re-emerged, and they’ve now just released their official single “About It” featuring Vin Rock (of Naughty By Nature).
The group made a comeback earlier this year with the release of a cover of Keith Sweat’s “Make It Last Forever”. Koffee Brown now includes original member Vernell “Vee” Sales, along with Ryan Lane, who replaces Falonte “Fonz” Moore.
LISTEN HERE
The new single was produced by Kay Gee (of Naughty by Nature), who originally discovered and signed the group to his Divine Mill label in the late 90’s.
The new single was produced by Kay Gee (of Naughty by Nature), who originally discovered and signed the group to his Divine Mill label in the late 90’s.
#HipHopNews: Missy Elliott Brings Out Lil Kim As Surprise Guest During Brooklyn Tour Stop
The trek, which also features Ciara,Busta Rhymes and Timbaland, hit Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Monday (August 12).
During Missy’s headlining set, she brought Kim out to roaring screams, and together the pair performed Kim’s 2003 hit “The Jumpoff,” as well as their 1997 collab, “Not Tonight (Ladies Night).”
Earlier that night, Busta Rhymes and LL COOL J finally teamed up to perform “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” together for the very first time.
The rap legends famously joined forces on Craig Mack’s 1994 posse cut alongside the late Biggie and Rampage, but it wasn’t until Monday night at the Barclays Center that they brought their classic verses to life on stage.
Bus-a-Bus posted a video of the special moment on Instagram and described it as “a dream come true.”
“FIRST AND FOREMOST RIP TO #CRAIGMACK AND #THENOTORIOUSBIG!! WHEN I TELL YOU THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, WE DON’T STOP THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF EXACTLY THAT!!!” he captioned the footage. “FIRST TIME EVER PERFORMING ‘FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR RMX’ WITH THE THE GOAT @llcoolj AND THE DRAGON @bustarhymes.
“SINCE 1995 WHEN THE RMX CAME OUT TONIGHT IN BROOKLYN AT THE @barclayscenter TONIGHT 29YRS IN THE MAKING!! IF YOU MISSED THIS YOU PLAYED YOURSELF!!”
He added: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!! A DREAM COME TRUE MOMENT ROCKIN’ OUT WITH MY FAVORITE MC EVER @llcoolj THANK YOU KING FOR BEING ONE OF MY HERO’S AND FOR BEING ONE OF THE ILLEST MC’S TO THIS DAY KING!!!! BRAND NEW @llcoolj ALBUM #THEFORCE DROPPING ANY DAY NOW AND I’M ON IT!! #STAYTUNED!!”
Missy’s first-ever headlining tour, the 24-city Out Of This World Tour kicked off on July 4 in Vancouver. The trek continues Wednesday (August 14) in Cleveland and will hit Detroit and multiple cities in Canada before wrapping on August 22 in Rosemont, Illinois.
Janet Jackson Reveals Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, And Another Famous “Jackson” Are Her Cousins
Janet Jackson may not like interviews, but her latest with the BBC is certainly grabbing attention, as she revealed three fellow celebrities to be her biological cousins.
The BBC Radio 2 Q&A found the host asking if a longstanding rumor of the Jacksons being related to Stevie Wonder was true, with the Rhythm Nation legend confirming its validity before revealing two other stars as also being blood relatives.
“He’s our cousin,” she said of the Songs In The Key Of Life artist. “Not a lot of people know that, he’s our cousin on our mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman…. so is Samuel L. Jackson,” she added, shocking the host who was left in disbelief.
The reveal follows reports of the songstress gearing up for a Las Vegas residency, with sources claiming that she is in “the final stages” of signing a deal with Resorts World. The tentative plan is for the residency to begin in December, as Janet reportedly has plans to “ring in the New Year with a special [New Year’s Eve] performance.
If confirmed, it would be her first Sin City residency since 2019 when she performed at the Park MGM from May through August. The run grossed the star $13 million.
“Fans will follow her path to self-love, empowerment, motherhood and activism, amidst the challenges faced along her personal journey,” read the show’s description. “She encourages her audiences to find their own light within themselves through her Metamorphosis.”
She recently wrapped up the North American leg of her second Together Again tour, opened by Nelly. The first time around, Ludacris filled the spot as Jackson’s opening act. The European leg of the tour with begin Sept. 25 in Paris, wrapping up in the U.K. on Oct. 13.
Janet Jackson may not like interviews, but her latest with the BBC is certainly grabbing attention, as she revealed three fellow celebrities to be her biological cousins.
The BBC Radio 2 Q&A found the host asking if a longstanding rumor of the Jacksons being related to Stevie Wonder was true, with the Rhythm Nation legend confirming its validity before revealing two other stars as also being blood relatives.
“He’s our cousin,” she said of the Songs In The Key Of Life artist. “Not a lot of people know that, he’s our cousin on our mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman…. so is Samuel L. Jackson,” she added, shocking the host who was left in disbelief.
The reveal follows reports of the songstress gearing up for a Las Vegas residency, with sources claiming that she is in “the final stages” of signing a deal with Resorts World. The tentative plan is for the residency to begin in December, as Janet reportedly has plans to “ring in the New Year with a special [New Year’s Eve] performance.
If confirmed, it would be her first Sin City residency since 2019 when she performed at the Park MGM from May through August. The run grossed the star $13 million.
“Fans will follow her path to self-love, empowerment, motherhood and activism, amidst the challenges faced along her personal journey,” read the show’s description. “She encourages her audiences to find their own light within themselves through her Metamorphosis.”
She recently wrapped up the North American leg of her second Together Again tour, opened by Nelly. The first time around, Ludacris filled the spot as Jackson’s opening act. The European leg of the tour with begin Sept. 25 in Paris, wrapping up in the U.K. on Oct. 13.
Pras Aims At Lauryn Hill With “Bar Mitzfa” Diss Track: “She Made The Mess”
Pras is unleashing more of his grievances about Lauryn Hill, and this time, he put it on wax. The Brooklyn rapper released a diss track where he mentions the “To Zion” singer, seemingly placing the blame of the recent cancellation of The Fugees’ reunion tour on her.
“Don’t blame me, blame her, she made the mess/ Not another f**king penny, is what I told ‘Clef/ Trotting the globe with the bros, playing dominoes,” he raps on the record, obtained by TMZ.
He also touched on his guilty verdict in his fraud trial last year, spitting, “Obama’s name in the discoveries had to plead the fifth… DOJ was a walk in the park compared to this.” Listen to the track here.
Last week, fans of Lauryn Hill and The Fugees received disappointing news that the upcoming 2024 US tour was officially cancelled. On Friday (Aug. 9), Pras said there’s more context behind everything that’s unfolding, telling TMZ Hip Hop, “I saved her reputation for 20 years by not telling my side of the story.” He then addressed the reaction to the announcement, adding, “But oops… cat’s out the bag.”
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill creator has had a track record over the last decade of cancelling shows or showing up to them very late. She said the reunion tour was cancelled because “some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.” However, fans have speculated that the run was cancelled due to low ticket sales.
US ticketholders were notified that their upcoming concert was no longer happening via emails that read, “Your event has been canceled. A refund will be on its way to your account soon.” As of publication, however, all European dates are still “moving forward as planned.”
“Don’t blame me, blame her, she made the mess/ Not another f**king penny, is what I told ‘Clef/ Trotting the globe with the bros, playing dominoes,” he raps on the record, obtained by TMZ.
He also touched on his guilty verdict in his fraud trial last year, spitting, “Obama’s name in the discoveries had to plead the fifth… DOJ was a walk in the park compared to this.” Listen to the track here.
Last week, fans of Lauryn Hill and The Fugees received disappointing news that the upcoming 2024 US tour was officially cancelled. On Friday (Aug. 9), Pras said there’s more context behind everything that’s unfolding, telling TMZ Hip Hop, “I saved her reputation for 20 years by not telling my side of the story.” He then addressed the reaction to the announcement, adding, “But oops… cat’s out the bag.”
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill creator has had a track record over the last decade of cancelling shows or showing up to them very late. She said the reunion tour was cancelled because “some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.” However, fans have speculated that the run was cancelled due to low ticket sales.
US ticketholders were notified that their upcoming concert was no longer happening via emails that read, “Your event has been canceled. A refund will be on its way to your account soon.” As of publication, however, all European dates are still “moving forward as planned.”
Lala Anthony And Kim Kardashian To Collab On New Series Produced by Kenya Barris
After a stint on season 12 of FX’s American Horror Story, Kim Kardashian’s new show All’s Fair is coming to Hulu. All’s Fair is the first in a multi-year pact that’s being offered under Group Chat—a production company headed by Kim Kardashian.
All’s Fair is based off Lala Anthony’s bestseller The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness. Anthony is set to headline the dramedy which Kenya Barris of Black-ish fame has created and written.
“I’m incredibly interested in telling stories that are personal, complicated, relevant, from my own experiences and those familiar to me,” Kardashian said. “I had a front row seat to working with the exceptional team at 20th Television during American Horror Story: Delicate, and I’m so excited to dive into developing my first wave of television projects with the team led by Karey Burke and Eric Schrier, and to continue working alongside Craig Erwich and his entire group at Hulu and Disney.”
Anthony and Kardashian have been friends for several years and have shared commonalities including their interest in social justice and prison reform. Anthony’s nonprofit, Lala Land has ThreeSixty, a program based on “Rikers Island, providing mentorship and life coaching, legal services, and re-entry tools, to young men ages 18–21 years old who are incarcerated, specifically in the Robert N. Davoren (RNDC) Complex,” according to their website.
Kardashian’s legal drama could potentially feature social justice issues currently trending in the media—issues that the reality TV star is personally interested in.
“Kim is a multi-hyphenate in every sense of the word, who has her finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist while simultaneously helping to define it. Her success in television with our teams – from The Kardashians to American Horror Story: Delicate – coupled with her ability to capture the imaginations of millions, puts her in the unique position to develop and produce stories that will undoubtedly pierce the culture,” said Karey Burke, President of 20th Television, and Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, in a joint statement.
Anthony’s first book, the 2014 The Love Playbook, is a follow up to The Power Playbook which was released the next year. Kardashia and Anthony are executive producing this series.
After a stint on season 12 of FX’s American Horror Story, Kim Kardashian’s new show All’s Fair is coming to Hulu. All’s Fair is the first in a multi-year pact that’s being offered under Group Chat—a production company headed by Kim Kardashian.
All’s Fair is based off Lala Anthony’s bestseller The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness. Anthony is set to headline the dramedy which Kenya Barris of Black-ish fame has created and written.
“I’m incredibly interested in telling stories that are personal, complicated, relevant, from my own experiences and those familiar to me,” Kardashian said. “I had a front row seat to working with the exceptional team at 20th Television during American Horror Story: Delicate, and I’m so excited to dive into developing my first wave of television projects with the team led by Karey Burke and Eric Schrier, and to continue working alongside Craig Erwich and his entire group at Hulu and Disney.”
Anthony and Kardashian have been friends for several years and have shared commonalities including their interest in social justice and prison reform. Anthony’s nonprofit, Lala Land has ThreeSixty, a program based on “Rikers Island, providing mentorship and life coaching, legal services, and re-entry tools, to young men ages 18–21 years old who are incarcerated, specifically in the Robert N. Davoren (RNDC) Complex,” according to their website.
Kardashian’s legal drama could potentially feature social justice issues currently trending in the media—issues that the reality TV star is personally interested in.
“Kim is a multi-hyphenate in every sense of the word, who has her finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist while simultaneously helping to define it. Her success in television with our teams – from The Kardashians to American Horror Story: Delicate – coupled with her ability to capture the imaginations of millions, puts her in the unique position to develop and produce stories that will undoubtedly pierce the culture,” said Karey Burke, President of 20th Television, and Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, in a joint statement.
Anthony’s first book, the 2014 The Love Playbook, is a follow up to The Power Playbook which was released the next year. Kardashia and Anthony are executive producing this series.
KeKe Palmer and Darius Jackson Make Peace
Three months ago actress KeKe Palmer quietly dropped her request for a restraining order against her son's father, Darius Jackson, after accusing him of abuse
Darius and KeKe have worked things out...
This week Darius and KeKe shared pictures from their family vacation online, though Darius is not visible in KeKe's posts
Darius and KeKe have worked things out...
This week Darius and KeKe shared pictures from their family vacation online, though Darius is not visible in KeKe's posts
Usher Showered With Support After Postponing Opening Tour Stop In Atlanta To 'Rest And Heal'
Usher has postponed his first tour stop in Atlanta to "rest and heal." However, instead of getting backlash for announcing the delay last minute, the "Yeah!" hitmaker was showered with support from fans.
The 45-year-old shared the announcement via Instagram and X, formerly Twitter. "For my 30-plus year career, 100% of my blood, sweat and tears has gone into putting on the best performance and creating a memorable experience for my fans," he penned in the Wednesday, August 14 post.
"I have every intention of doing that for this tour as well which is why I have to postpone tonight's show and reschedule it for a later date to give my body a second to rest and heal," he added. "You're still going to get a bit of the past, some of the present and a unique look into the future on the rescheduled date but you’ll also be getting 100% of me."
"The last thing I want to ever do is disappoint you, the fans who have been eagerly waiting for this tour to start. However, I wouldn't be the entertainer that I am if I can't physically give you my best," the R&B star further noted. "My team will be sharing news of the rescheduled date soon. I can't wait to celebrate this legacy with you."
Although many people were disappointed upon hearing the news, others sent love and support to Usher. "Get well soon @usher. Health always comes first!" one person wrote, while another commented, "You've been on goooooo take ur rest." A third chimed in, "I hope you're doing okay! Love that you're putting your health first."
Usher announced the "Past Present Future" tour in February, days before releasing his "Coming Home" album. He was slated to hold 24 concerts in 15 different states, including New York, California and Florida, in North America.
The 45-year-old shared the announcement via Instagram and X, formerly Twitter. "For my 30-plus year career, 100% of my blood, sweat and tears has gone into putting on the best performance and creating a memorable experience for my fans," he penned in the Wednesday, August 14 post.
"I have every intention of doing that for this tour as well which is why I have to postpone tonight's show and reschedule it for a later date to give my body a second to rest and heal," he added. "You're still going to get a bit of the past, some of the present and a unique look into the future on the rescheduled date but you’ll also be getting 100% of me."
"The last thing I want to ever do is disappoint you, the fans who have been eagerly waiting for this tour to start. However, I wouldn't be the entertainer that I am if I can't physically give you my best," the R&B star further noted. "My team will be sharing news of the rescheduled date soon. I can't wait to celebrate this legacy with you."
Although many people were disappointed upon hearing the news, others sent love and support to Usher. "Get well soon @usher. Health always comes first!" one person wrote, while another commented, "You've been on goooooo take ur rest." A third chimed in, "I hope you're doing okay! Love that you're putting your health first."
Usher announced the "Past Present Future" tour in February, days before releasing his "Coming Home" album. He was slated to hold 24 concerts in 15 different states, including New York, California and Florida, in North America.
Madonna Appears To Confirm Akeem Morris Romance With PDA-Filled Getaway In Italy
Madonna appeared to have confirmed her relationship with Akeem Morris. Before celebrating her 66th birthday, the "Material Girl" hitmaker put on a loved-up display with her new boyfriend.
In a series of pictures and a video that made their rounds online on Tuesday, August 13, it could be seen that the 65-year-old Queen of Pop enjoyed her romantic getaway with Akeem in Italy. The two were out and about in Portofino as they were joined by their entourage.
Madonna and Akeem, who is much younger than her, strolled around the streets in the town that clustered around its small harbor. Throughout the walk, the pair were not shy to show their affection towards each other. While walking next to the 28-year-old former soccer player, she placed one of her hands on his arm.
One of the photos captured Madonna and Akeem looking smitten with one another. She was pictured looking at him as they chatted. At that time, they kept their hands to themselves while she was holding a stylish white umbrella. They looked in good spirits during the walk, flashing their radiant big smiles in another snap.
At one point, the "Vogue" songstress and the former athlete, who sported a beige-and-black ensemble, stopped by an outdoor restaurant to grab lunch together. The two, who sat side-by-side at a table, appeared to have been joined by their friends.
For the outing on the sunny day, Madonna opted to wear a black lace dress that was long enough to reach her ankles. She also donned a pair of matching flats, shades and lace gloves. To accessorize herself, she put on layers of silver necklaces, including one that came with a cross pendant on its end, gold bracelets and rings. In addition, she styled her long blonde tresses in waves, let them loose and parted them in the middle.
One month prior, Madonna's son David Banda confirmed that his mother is "dating a guy." The revelation came a few weeks after she shared a photo of her and Akeem getting steamy during a 4th of July celebration in New York City. On August 2, she once again posted an intimate picture of her and her beau.
In a series of pictures and a video that made their rounds online on Tuesday, August 13, it could be seen that the 65-year-old Queen of Pop enjoyed her romantic getaway with Akeem in Italy. The two were out and about in Portofino as they were joined by their entourage.
Madonna and Akeem, who is much younger than her, strolled around the streets in the town that clustered around its small harbor. Throughout the walk, the pair were not shy to show their affection towards each other. While walking next to the 28-year-old former soccer player, she placed one of her hands on his arm.
One of the photos captured Madonna and Akeem looking smitten with one another. She was pictured looking at him as they chatted. At that time, they kept their hands to themselves while she was holding a stylish white umbrella. They looked in good spirits during the walk, flashing their radiant big smiles in another snap.
At one point, the "Vogue" songstress and the former athlete, who sported a beige-and-black ensemble, stopped by an outdoor restaurant to grab lunch together. The two, who sat side-by-side at a table, appeared to have been joined by their friends.
For the outing on the sunny day, Madonna opted to wear a black lace dress that was long enough to reach her ankles. She also donned a pair of matching flats, shades and lace gloves. To accessorize herself, she put on layers of silver necklaces, including one that came with a cross pendant on its end, gold bracelets and rings. In addition, she styled her long blonde tresses in waves, let them loose and parted them in the middle.
One month prior, Madonna's son David Banda confirmed that his mother is "dating a guy." The revelation came a few weeks after she shared a photo of her and Akeem getting steamy during a 4th of July celebration in New York City. On August 2, she once again posted an intimate picture of her and her beau.
Mary J. Blige embraces self-love and wellness at 53
At 53, Blige radiates positivity and strength, attributing her glow to a commitment to self-care. By focusing on her spiritual and mental health, she has cultivated a lifestyle that keeps her grounded and grateful.
The power of prayer and meditation
Blige starts her day with prayer and meditation, practices that she believes are essential for maintaining a healthy spirit. She describes prayer as an act of gratitude, acknowledging the blessings in her life. This spiritual foundation is crucial for her overall well-being, allowing her to thrive both on and off the stage.
Staying fit and indulging in treats
Despite her love for sweets, including Ghirardelli’s chocolate caramel squares, Blige has mastered the art of balance. She emphasizes the importance of staying active, drinking plenty of water and being kind to herself.
Wisdom for women
Blige offers sage advice for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. She encourages women to be a little selfish, emphasizing that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
Overcoming past struggles
Reflecting on her past, Blige acknowledges the challenges of being selfless to a fault. She encourages women to recognize their worth and to take charge of their lives. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-love and resilience.
Mary J. Blige’s story is one of empowerment, self-discovery and sweetness. As she continues to inspire others, she reminds us that prioritizing ourselves is the key to a fulfilling life. With her vibrant spirit and unwavering determination, Blige proves that life can indeed be sweet at any age.
At 53, Blige radiates positivity and strength, attributing her glow to a commitment to self-care. By focusing on her spiritual and mental health, she has cultivated a lifestyle that keeps her grounded and grateful.
The power of prayer and meditation
Blige starts her day with prayer and meditation, practices that she believes are essential for maintaining a healthy spirit. She describes prayer as an act of gratitude, acknowledging the blessings in her life. This spiritual foundation is crucial for her overall well-being, allowing her to thrive both on and off the stage.
Staying fit and indulging in treats
Despite her love for sweets, including Ghirardelli’s chocolate caramel squares, Blige has mastered the art of balance. She emphasizes the importance of staying active, drinking plenty of water and being kind to herself.
Wisdom for women
Blige offers sage advice for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. She encourages women to be a little selfish, emphasizing that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
Overcoming past struggles
Reflecting on her past, Blige acknowledges the challenges of being selfless to a fault. She encourages women to recognize their worth and to take charge of their lives. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-love and resilience.
Mary J. Blige’s story is one of empowerment, self-discovery and sweetness. As she continues to inspire others, she reminds us that prioritizing ourselves is the key to a fulfilling life. With her vibrant spirit and unwavering determination, Blige proves that life can indeed be sweet at any age.
Simone Biles’ mother begs for forgiveness for giving her up for adoption
The mother, Shanon Biles, explained in an interview with the Daily Mail that she had to give her five children up for adoption, including Simone, due to rampant drug and alcohol abuse that rendered her unable to care for them.
When her life spiraled out of control, Shanon initially lost her children to foster care. Then Shanon’s father, Ronald, and his wife, Nellie, stepped in to legally adopt three of them, including Simone.
The Daily Mail reports that Shanon’s two elder children, a daughter, Ashley, and a son, Tevin, were taken in by Ronald’s sister.
“It took me six years before I saw my children again. I was respecting my dad to let the kids transition. He felt that was the best thing for them,” the 52-year-old told the newspaper.
“It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do. I wasn’t able to care for them. I was still using, and [my father Ronald Biles] didn’t want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn’t right.”
Because she has little to no contact with Simone, Shanon was unable to be a part of the major moments in her daughter’s life. This includes Simone’s wedding and participation in the Paris Olympics, where she won another gold medal and became the most decorated gymnast ever.
Shanon said she has recovered and has remained clean since 2022. She generates income by working as a clerk at a local Save-A-Lot. Though she is on the other side of that nightmarish addiction life, the mother said she is not delusional in thinking that she has conquered her demons forever.
“I am a recovering addict and will always be an addict. But there’s a way [to recovery],” said Shanon. “You have to learn to stay away from people, places and things. Change your routine and live your life. Live your best life.”
Shanon insisted that she is “not the person [she] used to be” and wants her children to see it in person.
Even though Shanon has Simone’s telephone number, she said she won’t call her daughter. She chooses to remain patient and hopes the famous gymnast will one day give her a ring.
“I want her to reach out to me. She’s 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her,” Shanon said. “You can’t push anybody. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on her.”
When her life spiraled out of control, Shanon initially lost her children to foster care. Then Shanon’s father, Ronald, and his wife, Nellie, stepped in to legally adopt three of them, including Simone.
The Daily Mail reports that Shanon’s two elder children, a daughter, Ashley, and a son, Tevin, were taken in by Ronald’s sister.
“It took me six years before I saw my children again. I was respecting my dad to let the kids transition. He felt that was the best thing for them,” the 52-year-old told the newspaper.
“It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do. I wasn’t able to care for them. I was still using, and [my father Ronald Biles] didn’t want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn’t right.”
Because she has little to no contact with Simone, Shanon was unable to be a part of the major moments in her daughter’s life. This includes Simone’s wedding and participation in the Paris Olympics, where she won another gold medal and became the most decorated gymnast ever.
Shanon said she has recovered and has remained clean since 2022. She generates income by working as a clerk at a local Save-A-Lot. Though she is on the other side of that nightmarish addiction life, the mother said she is not delusional in thinking that she has conquered her demons forever.
“I am a recovering addict and will always be an addict. But there’s a way [to recovery],” said Shanon. “You have to learn to stay away from people, places and things. Change your routine and live your life. Live your best life.”
Shanon insisted that she is “not the person [she] used to be” and wants her children to see it in person.
Even though Shanon has Simone’s telephone number, she said she won’t call her daughter. She chooses to remain patient and hopes the famous gymnast will one day give her a ring.
“I want her to reach out to me. She’s 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her,” Shanon said. “You can’t push anybody. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on her.”
‘Supacell’ Renewed For Season 2 At Netflix
Get ready for more super-powered action! Netflix has officially renewed “Supacell“ for a second season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Created by Rapman, known for Blue Story, the series dives into the lives of five ordinary Black individuals in modern-day South London who suddenly gain extraordinary abilities.
These powers, however, come with a twist—each of them is connected through a shared family history of sickle cell disease.
The first season of “Supacell” quickly became one of Netflix’s most successful UK releases, dominating top 10 lists globally for weeks.
Even now, the show remains a popular choice for viewers around the world.
Directed by Sebastian Thiel, the series features a talented ensemble cast including Tosin Cole (Bob Marley: One Love) as “Michael,” Nadine Mills as “Sabrina,” Eric Kofi Abrefa (The Book of Clarence, ‘BMF’) as “Andre,” Calvin Demba as “Rodney,” Josh Tedeku as “Tazer,” Adelayo Adedayo as “Dionne,” Rayxia Ojo as “Sharleen,” and Giacomo Mancini as “Spud.”
The show’s success is backed by a strong production team, with Rapman serving as executive producer alongside Anna Ferguson and Steve Searle from Netflix, and Mouktar Mohammed from New Wave.
With the announcement of its second season on X, “Supacell” is set to continue its electrifying journey.
Get ready for more super-powered action! Netflix has officially renewed “Supacell“ for a second season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Created by Rapman, known for Blue Story, the series dives into the lives of five ordinary Black individuals in modern-day South London who suddenly gain extraordinary abilities.
These powers, however, come with a twist—each of them is connected through a shared family history of sickle cell disease.
The first season of “Supacell” quickly became one of Netflix’s most successful UK releases, dominating top 10 lists globally for weeks.
Even now, the show remains a popular choice for viewers around the world.
Directed by Sebastian Thiel, the series features a talented ensemble cast including Tosin Cole (Bob Marley: One Love) as “Michael,” Nadine Mills as “Sabrina,” Eric Kofi Abrefa (The Book of Clarence, ‘BMF’) as “Andre,” Calvin Demba as “Rodney,” Josh Tedeku as “Tazer,” Adelayo Adedayo as “Dionne,” Rayxia Ojo as “Sharleen,” and Giacomo Mancini as “Spud.”
The show’s success is backed by a strong production team, with Rapman serving as executive producer alongside Anna Ferguson and Steve Searle from Netflix, and Mouktar Mohammed from New Wave.
With the announcement of its second season on X, “Supacell” is set to continue its electrifying journey.
Rep. Ilhan Omar Wins Democratic Primary
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., beat back a primary challenger Tuesday in a closely watched race after two of her progressive colleagues lost their own primary bids earlier this year in the face of massive spending from pro-Israel groups.
The Minnesota lawmaker’s victory came after Reps. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Cori Bush, D-Mo., all members of the informal group of House lawmakers known as the “Squad,” were booted by more moderate Democrats.
Each have been vocal critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on, but Omar still entered Tuesday’s race on firmer footing than her fellow lawmakers.
The Minnesota lawmaker’s victory came after Reps. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Cori Bush, D-Mo., all members of the informal group of House lawmakers known as the “Squad,” were booted by more moderate Democrats.
Each have been vocal critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on, but Omar still entered Tuesday’s race on firmer footing than her fellow lawmakers.
Barack Obama shares 2024 summer playlist with Saweetie, 2Pac, and more
Barack Obama shared his summer music playlist for 2024, and -- like previous years -- the reveal contains some notable surprises. As could be seen on his social media accounts, the former president has been vibing to songs like Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Tommy Richman's "MILLION DOLLAR BABY," Jill Scott's "Golden," and Beyoncé's "TEXAS HOLD 'EM." Others, including Moneybagg Yo, GloRilla, Common, and Saweetie, also scored placements on the highly coveted list.
As expected, many have taken to the internet to share their takes on Obama's musical tastes. For example, Danny Brown found humor in the fact that the two-term head of state enjoys "How Do U Want It," 2Pac's All Eyez On Me collaboration with K-Ci & JoJo. "Imagining Obama singing the 'How Do U Want It' hook got me dying right now," the Detroit rapper wrote. Meanwhile, Twitter user Gabeisadumb**s expressed doubts about another entry. "Barack Obama's summer playlists have always been rather eclectic, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a 63-year-old man of the world has a varied taste in music," he began. "But I am telling you right now: Barack Obama has NOT been listening to ‘365’ by Charli XCX.”
For the most part, Obama has been providing his many followers with official summer playlists since 2015, while he was still in the White House. In 2018, his wife, Michelle Obama, joined it by gifting him with a heartfelt Valentine's Day playlist.
In an interview with Hasan Minhaj, Barack acknowledged those who don't think he's really listening to the music in question. “People believe the books and the movies, but the playlists... Somehow y’all think you invented rock and roll. You invented Hip Hop," he said. "So, the fact that my lists are, you know, pretty incredible, people seem to think, 'Well he must have had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut.' No, man, it’s on my iPad right now."
Barack Obama shared his summer music playlist for 2024, and -- like previous years -- the reveal contains some notable surprises. As could be seen on his social media accounts, the former president has been vibing to songs like Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Tommy Richman's "MILLION DOLLAR BABY," Jill Scott's "Golden," and Beyoncé's "TEXAS HOLD 'EM." Others, including Moneybagg Yo, GloRilla, Common, and Saweetie, also scored placements on the highly coveted list.
As expected, many have taken to the internet to share their takes on Obama's musical tastes. For example, Danny Brown found humor in the fact that the two-term head of state enjoys "How Do U Want It," 2Pac's All Eyez On Me collaboration with K-Ci & JoJo. "Imagining Obama singing the 'How Do U Want It' hook got me dying right now," the Detroit rapper wrote. Meanwhile, Twitter user Gabeisadumb**s expressed doubts about another entry. "Barack Obama's summer playlists have always been rather eclectic, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a 63-year-old man of the world has a varied taste in music," he began. "But I am telling you right now: Barack Obama has NOT been listening to ‘365’ by Charli XCX.”
For the most part, Obama has been providing his many followers with official summer playlists since 2015, while he was still in the White House. In 2018, his wife, Michelle Obama, joined it by gifting him with a heartfelt Valentine's Day playlist.
In an interview with Hasan Minhaj, Barack acknowledged those who don't think he's really listening to the music in question. “People believe the books and the movies, but the playlists... Somehow y’all think you invented rock and roll. You invented Hip Hop," he said. "So, the fact that my lists are, you know, pretty incredible, people seem to think, 'Well he must have had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut.' No, man, it’s on my iPad right now."
Matt Bomer's New Show 'Mid-Century Modern' Gets Picked Up by Hulu, Talks Comparisons to 'Golden Girls'
Matt Bomer‘s new show is heading to Hulu! The streaming service officially picked up the new multi-cam comedy series Mid-Century Modern, executive produced by Ryan Murphy and created by Will & Grace’s Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.
Matt, 46, will be starring as Jerry Frank, who left the Mormon Church and his marriage in his early 20s after his wife informed him — and the rest of the congregation — that he was gay.
“The series follows three best friends — gay gentlemen of a certain age — who, after an unexpected death, decide to spend their golden years living together in Palm Springs where the wealthiest one lives with his mother,” according to the synopsis. “As a chosen family, they prove that no matter how hard things get, there’s always someone around to remind you it would be better if you got your neck done.”
The series also stars Nathan Lane, Nathan Lee Graham, and Linda Lavin.
In a new interview, Matt called Mid-Century Modern the “spiritual cousin” to The Golden Girls.
“Some of the circumstances are similar with this group of people, who have decided for a certain chapter in their life, they’re going to live together,” Matt told People. “There are some nods to not only Golden Girls, but some other characters from past shows which I grew up loving. So it’s sort of a hybrid, but I would definitely say it’s a spiritual cousin.”
After starring in a lot of serious roles lately, Matt found taking on Mid-Century Modern to be a nice change of pace.
“I remember finishing Fellow Travelers — and I’d come off of Boys in the Band, Fellow Travelers, Maestro, even Doom Patrol — to an extent where I was playing these very repressed characters,” Matt explained. “It was all darker, heavier material, and I just thought, I’ve got to [do] a comedy.”
He also talked about working with James Burrows, who directed the pilot.
“Jimmy Burrows typically only does one take — maybe two — and then they change a lot of your lines,” Matt said. “Then you do one more take, and then sometimes that’s it. It’s fast and furious, and you really have to let go. You have to let go of the controls and just let it all come through you.”
He continued, “So there’s something really thrilling and exciting, and there’s kind of a high you get from it, just from the adrenaline rush of it all, that’s incomparable to really anything else.”
As of right now, Hulu has not announced a premiere date for Mid-Century Modern.
Matt, 46, will be starring as Jerry Frank, who left the Mormon Church and his marriage in his early 20s after his wife informed him — and the rest of the congregation — that he was gay.
“The series follows three best friends — gay gentlemen of a certain age — who, after an unexpected death, decide to spend their golden years living together in Palm Springs where the wealthiest one lives with his mother,” according to the synopsis. “As a chosen family, they prove that no matter how hard things get, there’s always someone around to remind you it would be better if you got your neck done.”
The series also stars Nathan Lane, Nathan Lee Graham, and Linda Lavin.
In a new interview, Matt called Mid-Century Modern the “spiritual cousin” to The Golden Girls.
“Some of the circumstances are similar with this group of people, who have decided for a certain chapter in their life, they’re going to live together,” Matt told People. “There are some nods to not only Golden Girls, but some other characters from past shows which I grew up loving. So it’s sort of a hybrid, but I would definitely say it’s a spiritual cousin.”
After starring in a lot of serious roles lately, Matt found taking on Mid-Century Modern to be a nice change of pace.
“I remember finishing Fellow Travelers — and I’d come off of Boys in the Band, Fellow Travelers, Maestro, even Doom Patrol — to an extent where I was playing these very repressed characters,” Matt explained. “It was all darker, heavier material, and I just thought, I’ve got to [do] a comedy.”
He also talked about working with James Burrows, who directed the pilot.
“Jimmy Burrows typically only does one take — maybe two — and then they change a lot of your lines,” Matt said. “Then you do one more take, and then sometimes that’s it. It’s fast and furious, and you really have to let go. You have to let go of the controls and just let it all come through you.”
He continued, “So there’s something really thrilling and exciting, and there’s kind of a high you get from it, just from the adrenaline rush of it all, that’s incomparable to really anything else.”
As of right now, Hulu has not announced a premiere date for Mid-Century Modern.
‘Frozen 3’ Sets Thanksgiving 2027 Release Date
Disney has added the third Arendelle-set animated adventure to the film release calendar on Nov. 24, 2027. Both of the first two “Frozen” movies were also released around Turkey Day, on their way to becoming back-to-back $1 billion blockbusters.
The studio also planted a new Pixar movie, “Hoppers,” on the schedule for March 6, 2026. Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan will lead the voice cast of “Hoppers,” a body-swap comedy about a young girl who uses technology to understand the inner thoughts of animals.
The original “Frozen” became a massive sensation in 2013, generating nearly $1.3 billion worldwide and winning a slew of awards, including two Oscars. The 2019 sequel was even more commercially successful with $1.45 billion and, until recently, stood as the highest-grossing animated film in history. The movies about the adventures of royal sisters Anna and Elsa (voiced by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel) produced inescapably popular songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” as well as a Broadway musical.
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger revealed in 2023 that the studio is already working on a a fourth “Frozen” installment. Veteran songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez will be back to pen new tunes for the two follow-up films.
“‘Frozen 3’ is in the works, and there might be a ‘Frozen 4’ in the works too,” he said last year. “But I don’t have much to say about those films right now. [Director] Jenn Lee, who created the original ‘Frozen’ and ‘Frozen 2,’ is hard at work with her team at Disney animation on not one but actually two stories.”
Disney has added the third Arendelle-set animated adventure to the film release calendar on Nov. 24, 2027. Both of the first two “Frozen” movies were also released around Turkey Day, on their way to becoming back-to-back $1 billion blockbusters.
The studio also planted a new Pixar movie, “Hoppers,” on the schedule for March 6, 2026. Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan will lead the voice cast of “Hoppers,” a body-swap comedy about a young girl who uses technology to understand the inner thoughts of animals.
The original “Frozen” became a massive sensation in 2013, generating nearly $1.3 billion worldwide and winning a slew of awards, including two Oscars. The 2019 sequel was even more commercially successful with $1.45 billion and, until recently, stood as the highest-grossing animated film in history. The movies about the adventures of royal sisters Anna and Elsa (voiced by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel) produced inescapably popular songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” as well as a Broadway musical.
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger revealed in 2023 that the studio is already working on a a fourth “Frozen” installment. Veteran songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez will be back to pen new tunes for the two follow-up films.
“‘Frozen 3’ is in the works, and there might be a ‘Frozen 4’ in the works too,” he said last year. “But I don’t have much to say about those films right now. [Director] Jenn Lee, who created the original ‘Frozen’ and ‘Frozen 2,’ is hard at work with her team at Disney animation on not one but actually two stories.”
Tyler Perry’s ‘Divorce in the Black’ Achieves Record Viewership and Boosts Prime Video Subscriptions
*Tyler Perry’s new film “Divorce in the Black” has achieved impressive viewership, accumulating over 498 million minutes watched in its first four days on Amazon Prime Video.
The drama has also driven a significant number of new Prime Video subscriptions, surpassing other Amazon MGM Studios films, Variety reports. The film debuted at No. 3 on Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming chart for July 8-14 and is estimated to have garnered around 3.5 million views. Additionally, it ranked highly on Luminate’s movies chart, with 93.2 million minutes watched in its third week.
“Divorce In The Black” centers on Ava (Meagan Good), a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas (Cory Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate.
As we reported earlier, the film has been panned by critics and received a rare 0%” on Rotten Tomatoes.
On a recent episode of Keke Palmer’s podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” Perry explained why he ignores negative remarks about his work. He emphasized that he values the positive impact his films have on people’s lives more than any criticism.
“You got to drown all of that out because if you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in hell,” said Perry, Complex reports.
“I know for a fact that what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing because for everyone who is a critic, I have thousands of emails from people saying ‘This changed my life.’ ‘Oh my God, you know me.’ ‘Oh my God, you saw me, how did you know this about my life, my family?’ So that is what is important to me.”
Perry continued, “We’re talking a large portion of my fans who are disenfranchised who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend. So you got this highbrow Negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything, and then you got people like where I come from and me who are grinders who really know what it’s like whose mothers were caregivers for white kids and were maids and housekeepers and all of these beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say that their story don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important or should be told. Get out of here with that bullsh*t.”
The drama has also driven a significant number of new Prime Video subscriptions, surpassing other Amazon MGM Studios films, Variety reports. The film debuted at No. 3 on Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming chart for July 8-14 and is estimated to have garnered around 3.5 million views. Additionally, it ranked highly on Luminate’s movies chart, with 93.2 million minutes watched in its third week.
“Divorce In The Black” centers on Ava (Meagan Good), a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas (Cory Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate.
As we reported earlier, the film has been panned by critics and received a rare 0%” on Rotten Tomatoes.
On a recent episode of Keke Palmer’s podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” Perry explained why he ignores negative remarks about his work. He emphasized that he values the positive impact his films have on people’s lives more than any criticism.
“You got to drown all of that out because if you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in hell,” said Perry, Complex reports.
“I know for a fact that what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing because for everyone who is a critic, I have thousands of emails from people saying ‘This changed my life.’ ‘Oh my God, you know me.’ ‘Oh my God, you saw me, how did you know this about my life, my family?’ So that is what is important to me.”
Perry continued, “We’re talking a large portion of my fans who are disenfranchised who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend. So you got this highbrow Negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything, and then you got people like where I come from and me who are grinders who really know what it’s like whose mothers were caregivers for white kids and were maids and housekeepers and all of these beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say that their story don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important or should be told. Get out of here with that bullsh*t.”
Ohio Cop Who Fatally Shot Pregnant 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young Charged with Murder
A police officer in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted by a grand jury on murder charges Tuesday in last year’s killing of a pregnant woman who was suspected of shoplifting, according to the Montgomery County prosecutor’s office.
Ta’Kiya Young, 21, was fatally shot inside her vehicle by an officer in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store in Blendon Township on August 24, 2023. Her unborn child did not survive.
Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb faces four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and two counts of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a grand jury indictment, according to a statement from the office of Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Jr.
“While it is concerning that an officer sworn to uphold the law has been indicted for homicide charges, no one is above the law,” the prosecuting attorney said.
Redacted body-camera footage and surveillance video of the shooting released in the weeks afterward showed that two officers had confronted her in her vehicle about accusations of shoplifting. When the car began to move in the direction of one officer, who was standing in front of the vehicle, he fired a single shot into her windshield, killing her, the video shows.
Young family attorney Sean Walton praised the indictment in a statement and said August 1 would have been Young’s 22nd birthday.
“Today marks a solemn victory in the pursuit of justice for Ta’Kiya Young and her unborn daughter, whose lives were tragically and unjustly taken at the hands of Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb,” Walton said in a statement.
“The actions that led to the death of Ta’Kiya — the unnecessary aggression, the chilling commands that amounted to ‘comply or die’ — were there for us all to witness in dreadful clarity. Ta’Kiya’s life and that of her daughter were extinguished in an act of brutality, becoming yet another symbol of the urgent need for reform in police conduct and accountability.”
The charges come amid a heightened scrutiny of police violence against Black people in the US. In general, officers are rarely charged in such cases, and convictions are rarer still.
Shortly after the shooting, police described the two officers as victims of assault and so withheld their identities and blurred their faces on the video. In a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford said the department is now required by law to take disciplinary steps against Grubb.
“I want to be very clear: We’re not passing any judgement on whether Officer Grubb acted properly. We haven’t seen the evidence,” he said. “However, since people who have been indicted may not legally possess a firearm, the indictment against him leaves us with no choice but to legally begin the disciplinary process.”
Brian Steel, executive vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, the local police union, said in a statement Tuesday he was “deeply disappointed” in the decision to indict Grubb.
“Like all law enforcement officers, Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision, a reality all too familiar for those who serve to protect our communities,” Steel said. “These decisions are made under extreme pressure and often in life-threatening situations, with the primary goal of safeguarding the general public’s and their own lives.”
Ta’Kiya Young, 21, was fatally shot inside her vehicle by an officer in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store in Blendon Township on August 24, 2023. Her unborn child did not survive.
Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb faces four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and two counts of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a grand jury indictment, according to a statement from the office of Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Jr.
“While it is concerning that an officer sworn to uphold the law has been indicted for homicide charges, no one is above the law,” the prosecuting attorney said.
Redacted body-camera footage and surveillance video of the shooting released in the weeks afterward showed that two officers had confronted her in her vehicle about accusations of shoplifting. When the car began to move in the direction of one officer, who was standing in front of the vehicle, he fired a single shot into her windshield, killing her, the video shows.
Young family attorney Sean Walton praised the indictment in a statement and said August 1 would have been Young’s 22nd birthday.
“Today marks a solemn victory in the pursuit of justice for Ta’Kiya Young and her unborn daughter, whose lives were tragically and unjustly taken at the hands of Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb,” Walton said in a statement.
“The actions that led to the death of Ta’Kiya — the unnecessary aggression, the chilling commands that amounted to ‘comply or die’ — were there for us all to witness in dreadful clarity. Ta’Kiya’s life and that of her daughter were extinguished in an act of brutality, becoming yet another symbol of the urgent need for reform in police conduct and accountability.”
The charges come amid a heightened scrutiny of police violence against Black people in the US. In general, officers are rarely charged in such cases, and convictions are rarer still.
Shortly after the shooting, police described the two officers as victims of assault and so withheld their identities and blurred their faces on the video. In a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford said the department is now required by law to take disciplinary steps against Grubb.
“I want to be very clear: We’re not passing any judgement on whether Officer Grubb acted properly. We haven’t seen the evidence,” he said. “However, since people who have been indicted may not legally possess a firearm, the indictment against him leaves us with no choice but to legally begin the disciplinary process.”
Brian Steel, executive vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, the local police union, said in a statement Tuesday he was “deeply disappointed” in the decision to indict Grubb.
“Like all law enforcement officers, Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision, a reality all too familiar for those who serve to protect our communities,” Steel said. “These decisions are made under extreme pressure and often in life-threatening situations, with the primary goal of safeguarding the general public’s and their own lives.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
At Least He Doesn’t Play With Guns
Oh My!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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