#MAGFAB: Chaka Khan for Harper's Bazaar 2024 Icons Issue
Though she is best known as the Queen of Funk, Khan has never been comfortable with the nickname. “I sort of resented being called that,” she says, noting that funk music is just one of her many creative talents. “I was multicolored all the way. I was a multi person. I was not ever fixed.”
When you think back, she’s got a point. Evolution and variety have always been Khan’s MO. To put a voice so singular into a box seems an underestimation of someone who has always surpassed the boxes she’s been put in. Khan’s is a voice that crescendos from a sexy growl to a full-blown mezzo-soprano, that feels comfortable crooning sweet rhythm and blues, riffing rock and roll, harmonizing over a scatty jazz melody, and even performing pop with Sia. (A collaborative album is coming in 2025.)
It’s no wonder Khan’s celebrating 50 years in the music industry and in 2023 celebrated a well-deserved (and long overdue) induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—although she would rather not look back and instead wants to forge forward. “I’m not nostalgic at all. I’m just busy with my life, and suddenly I’ve been doing it for 50 years,” she says. “I’m not counting. I’m just living every day like everybody else, so I’m surprised when birthdays come up. I’m like, ‘Oh, wow, tempus fugit,’ and I keep it moving.” Khan says, laughing. “I’m really a next person.”
Indeed, Khan is just as busy as ever. For this piece, she spoke to Bazaar on a tour stop in Norway, and in June she served as the curator of the annual Meltdown festival in London’s Southbank Centre. (Previous curators include Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, Yoko Ono, and Patti Smith.) The festival spotlighted artists chosen by Khan for a dazzling 10 days of performances. “I knew the festival was great and that incredible people had participated in it in the past,” she says. “I asked around about what artists were really loved by the community that we were serving, and we made the whole thing about community and young people.”
In June, there was also her viral Tiny Desk Concert on NPR, a 34-minute journey through some of her biggest hits that, despite being written in the ’70s and ’80s, were furiously plastered over 2024’s TikTok. “The beautiful thing is throughout my career, I’ve always had a lot of love. That has been maybe the high point of what I do: the love that I receive from people,” says Khan. “To see now how the daughters and the granddaughters and the grandsons of people who grew up with me are now into me, that’s really special to me. It’s always been a lovefest with my audience and myself, and it still is.”
Of her larger legacy, Khan says, “I can only pray or hope that it will be a good and loving, positive one, one that has brought joy and some enrichment to somebody’s life, that has been of some help to someone in some way, in a good way. That’s all I can ask. I can just pray that when it’s over, I’ve done good by as many people as possible.”
Nice!
#RHOA: Phaedra Parks says she would ‘love’ to bring Real Housewives of Atlanta ‘back to its heyday’
The reality star, who announced in July that she will return to the hit Bravo series, told PEOPLE in a recent interview that filming the 16th season of “RHOA” has been ”a real welcome home feeling.”
“They called and I answered,” Parks said during a conversation about her new IT Cosmetics “Keep It Real” campaign. “We were the No. 1 franchise of ‘Housewives’ and I was a part of making that franchise a successful franchise. And I would love to bring the franchise back to its heyday.”
Phaedra Parks attends a special Atlanta screening of “PAW Patrol: The Movie” hosted by Phaedra Parks at Regal Atlantic Station on Aug. 15, 2021, in Atlanta. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Parks spoke about her co-star and friend Porsha Williams, who is also making a return this season after departing the series in 2021, months before marrying her now-estranged husband Simon Guobadia.
“Of course, I love Porsha,” Parks said about Williams. “We are the original Frick and Frack.”
Teasing the upcoming season, Parks added that it “will definitely be reminiscent to the Housewives you love originally.”
“I will say this, it’s going to be an amazing season,” Parks shared.
Parks’ return to “RHOA” was announced shortly after Kenya Moore revealed that she is exiting the series. Moore announced her departure in June after a reported suspension for allegedly sharing explicit photos of former castmate Brittany Eady. Moore defended herself against the claims at the time, saying on X that she would “never engage in revenge porn.” While PEOPLE reported in June that Bravo decided to remove Moore from the cast, TMZ claimed the decision was mutual.
Parks first joined “RHOA” in season 3 and departed the series in season 9 after falling out with former castmate Kandi Burruss. Parks has since appeared on “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition” and as a cast member on Peacock’s “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip – Ex-Wives Club.” She joined the cast of another Bravo reality series, “Married to Medicine,” in season 10 and is expected to appear in the upcoming 11th season.
#MusicNews: WATCH! Maxwell's NPR's Tiny Desk Concert
R&B soul legend Maxwell just graced the Tiny Desk! The Brooklyn-born singer, songwriter, and producer—known for his soulful hits like ‘Ascension’ and ‘Sumthin’ Sumthin’—brought his smooth, signature sound to NPR Music’s iconic office stage. On Friday, Maxwell delivered an intimate set, revisiting his timeless classics.
Maxwell, one of the defining voices of soul in the late ’90s, treated us to a few favorites like ‘Lifetime,’ ‘Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),’ ‘Pretty Wings,’ and even a cover of Al Green’s ‘Simply Beautiful.’
WATCH HERE Maxwell: Tiny Desk ConcertMaxwell: Tiny Desk Concert:
Enjoy!
#HipHopNews: OutKast has sued EDM duo ATLiens for trademark infringement over their name ATLiens
According to a report from Billboard, Big Boi and André 3000 filed the suit in Georgia federal court on Tuesday (August 20).
“The word ATLiens was invented by OutKast. Before OutKast created it, it was not used in the cultural lexicon and did not exist,” the documents read. “Defendant’s use of the ATLiens mark is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive the public.”
OutKast first coined the term in 1996 with their sophomore album title. In their suit, they note the EDM duo didn’t begin using the name until 2012.
“The duo comprising defendant performs with masks on, thereby concealing their identities such that consumers will mistakenly believe that the members of Defendant are one and the same with – or at least somehow connected to – plaintiff,” the document also states.
The iconic Hip Hop duo allege they tried to “negotiate an amicable resolution,” but ATLiens were unresponsive.
In other news, André 3000 has admitted that he would like another OutKast album, but whether it will actually come to fruition remains to be seen.
In the extended version of his interview with CBS Mornings in December, 3 Stacks was asked about whether Big Boi has ever pushed him to get back together in the many years since their last effort, 2006’s Idlewild.
While revealing his longtime partner-in-rhyme has let him do his own thing, Dre still acknowledged his desire to challenge himself with rapping once again.
“No, to be honest,” he said in response to the Big Boi question. “But I think because he knows who I am and knows what gets me going, knows what inspires me, knows when I’m excited about something. So I think in that sense, he’s never pushed that issue.
“But I’m sure like, I want another OutKast album. Yeah, like in my mind — but see, that’s the thing. That’s the human side. I want an OutKast album a long time ago.”
He continued: “And honestly for me as an individual, it would be gratifying to me to put out a solo rap situation. But not for nobody else at this point.
“It’s for me because I actually like the challenge of, ‘How could I make this part of my life interesting and rhyme in words?’ Like, how can I do that? So yeah, it’s still a challenge. So I think hopefully with will and intent, something will happen.”
#BABYLOVE Justin And Hailey Welcome Their First Child, Jack Blues Bieber
Jack Blues Bieber has arrived. Justin and Hailey Bieber have given birth to their first child together as announced on the singer’s Instagram account on Friday. The caption, simplistic and singular, read “Welcome home Jack Blues Bieber.”
The post already has 15.6 million likes and over 500,000 comments. The singer posted a photo of the baby’s foot along with what can only be assumed to be Hailey’s finger.
Bieber’s mother Pattie Mallette is also excited about the arrival of her grandson. She too posted on Instagram, writing “Oh my heart.” Commenting on the photo her son posted, she wrote “Welcome baby Jack!! I love you so much! ?????????.”
Just a month after the pregnancy announcement, Mallette posted a Father’s Day tribute to her son, “You’ve always wanted to be a dad ever since I can remember,” Mallette added. “You have so much love to give. You’re gonna be the best daddy ever. You already are. LOVE YOU!!” ?”
News of the model/entrepreneur’s pregnancy was made in May. The couple had been famously private since their marriage. In an interview with W Magazine, Hailey said she’d been facing criticism over her marriage and was concerned about how her pregnancy would be received.
“People have made me feel so bad about my relationship since day one. ‘Oh, they’re falling apart. They hate each other. They’re getting divorced.’ It’s like people don’t want to believe that we’re happy,” she told the magazine.
Justin and Hailey were married in 2018 after a courthouse nuptial that was private—but the couple renewed their vows in a lavish family and friends ceremony in South Carolina in 2019.
Simone Biles’ Estranged Sister Defends Their Birth Mom Amid Criticism: “She’s Not A Bad Person”
The elder Biles is now being defended by another daughter, Micah, who believes Simone’s fans should show more empathy for their mother, who battled addiction for much of her life.
“I want to come to this internet and defend my mom,” Micah begins her TikTok, captured by TNT. “Because she might not be everything we expected her to be, but at the end of the day, she’s still a work in progress, and we give her that.”
“Simone chose not to have a relationship with my mom, and that’s fine, that was her choice,” she went on, adding that she, herself, did not develop a true relationship with their mother until the age of 17 due to her addiction. Still, this is nothing to shame Shanon for, according to her baby girl.
“I’m not going to let y’all get on this internet and bash my mom, or say anything bad, or anything of that sort because she’s not a bad person. She’s done nothing to Simone. Life happened to her.”
Shanon Biles spoke of wanting to reconnect with her superstar daughter, saying she has the 27-year-old’s number, but won”t use it because she wants Simone to reach out to her, if that’s what she truly wants.
“I want her to reach out to me. She’s 27 now. She’s married,” she stated. “I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her. You can’t push anybody. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on her.”
D.L. Hughley Says He’ll Never Go On Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ Podcast: “It Is Too Messy”
D.L. Hughley has spoken on the comedic phenomenon that kicked off earlier this year with Katt Williams after he went viral on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. Hughley expressed during a recent appearance on VladTV that he’d “never” join Sharpe on his show due to the assumption that the former NFL star wants another “Katt Williams moment.”
“I think that, like any other endeavor, there are jealousies, idiosyncrasies,” he began regarding the controversial tales often shared on Club Shay Shay. “I don’t think that’s indicative of the experiences that most of us have. After the Katt Williams interview, which was a phenomenon, he kept trying to replicate it. ‘Let me bring on somebody else to have a beef.’ Like, I can understand it was a phenomenon. But then, all of a sudden, you try to replicate it.”
“For me, as a matter of principle, it is too messy,” he continued. “Now, I think it’s morphed into something else because I think that brook has run dry. But for me, it’s just all of those people I saw on there were people who wanted to go on there because of what happened on Undisputed. The way Skip did him made me and a lot of other Black people go ‘F**k this, we’re going to make sure this brother’s okay.'”
The actor then made it clear why he wouldn’t sit across from Sharpe to give him another viral moment.
“For me, I would never do it. I was going to do it a long time ago. Honestly, before that happened, I had been slated to do it a couple of different times,” he revealed. “I just didn’t. I’m glad he’s making his money, I’m glad he’s doing what he’s doing. I’m not jealous or hateful. It’s just a personal thing I wouldn’t do. And people can say, ‘Why you do Vlad and not him?’ I f**k with you. [He] don’t need me anyway. And he was my favorite football player ever. He’s my favorite tight-end ever, ever.”
Hughley was referring to the interview where Williams called out Cedric The Entertainer, Steve Harvey, Faizon Love and others. To date, the Williams interview is Sharpe’s highest viewed episode of all time.
“Everybody was talking ’bout, ‘well how much money [he] made doing the Katt Williams interview;’ I just got the check,” the former Undisputed cohost told Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson during an episode of their Nightcap podcast. “Put it like this here, I made more money on Katt Williams alone than I made in any year I played in the NFL.”
The 55-year-old chose not to reveal the dollar amount he’s earned from the sit-down, but alluded to the total being around $6,000,000. “So whatever you think I made, 3x it. So if you think I made five hundred thou, 3x it. If you think a million, 3x it. If you think I made $2 million, 3x it.”
TLC concert at NYS Fair canceled; T-Boz diagnosed with abdominal blockage
Geddes, N.Y. — Friday’s TLC concert at the New York State Fair has been canceled.
Tionne Watkins, known as T-Boz, has food poisoning, state fair officials said in a statement.
The group was scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. at Suburban Park, but they never made it on stage for a sound check.
At 7:30 p.m., a message flashed on stage saying the concert was canceled.
“Unfortunately, tonight’s TLC performance has been canceled due to T-Boz experiencing severe illness. We wish her a quick recovery,” the message read.
TLC's New York State Fair concert at Suburban Park has been canceled on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Fair officials were notified of the cancellation just before 7 p.m., said Sean Farnsworth, a fair spokesperson.
Farnsworth said the fair hasn’t received word from TLC about a rescheduled performance, but with Suburban Park booked for the rest of the fair, it’s unlikely they would get an opportunity for one.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Farnsworth said. “We wish T-Boz a quick recovery.”
TLC performed Thursday night at the Promenade Pavilion in Toledo, Ohio. The group earlier this year in May canceled shows in New Brunswick and Ontario, Canada, after tour members caught the flu.
TLC was one of the most popular music groups of the 1990s, mixing pop, hip-hop and R&B.
Jaiyah Broom of Syracuse went through the main gate at 7:25 p.m. She was meeting her aunts, uncles and cousins outside Chevy Court for a quick bite before heading to Suburban Park to see TLC.
Friday’s TLC concert at the New York State Fair was canceled suddenly, leaving TLC fans disappointed.Charlie Miller
They were going to recreate the night at the Fair the last time TLC played in 2022. The group drew one of the 25 largest crowds in NYS Fair history in 2022 with 30,000 people at what was then called Chevy Park.
“We were so excited,” said Broom. “But then the guy at the gate said, ‘I hope you’re not here for the concert because they just canceled.’ And I about lost it.”
Her uncle, Frederick Greene, was first of their group to arrive. Yes, he was upset that the show didn’t happen, but they said they’d make the best of it.
“Sir, we are going to have a great night,” he said. “We are going to eat, we are going to check out other bands playing, and we are going to enjoy the family get-together. “
Ted Lasso' Key Members In Talks To Return For Season 4
In a significant move, Warner Bros. Television has picked up the options for three original cast members: Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Walton), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins). This is a major step towards securing the core cast and paving the way for a Season 4 greenlight.
Negotiations are underway with remaining cast members with SAG-AFTRA contracts, including Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso), Juno Temple (Keeley Jones), and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard). The studio is confident in bringing the full cast back, as they have all expressed their willingness to continue their roles.
Getting the cast back on board is crucial for the potential Season 4, which is expected to start production in early 2025. The process for a greenlight also requires budget approval and scheduling accommodations for actors who have since moved on to other projects.
The renewal of "Ted Lasso" hinges on Jason Sudeikis's involvement, who has always been the driving force behind the show. Having originally conceived it as a three-season story, Sudeikis has since been open to continuing the series if the right idea came along.
Fans can rejoice as it seems that Sudeikis has found that idea over a year after the Season 3 finale. The show's uplifting tone and optimistic lead character made it an instant hit at the height of the pandemic, becoming Apple's most-watched original series and earning 13 Emmy Awards.
With the core cast returning and production preparations underway, Ted Lasso fans can eagerly anticipate the long-awaited fourth season.
Getting the cast back on board is crucial for the potential Season 4, which is expected to start production in early 2025. The process for a greenlight also requires budget approval and scheduling accommodations for actors who have since moved on to other projects.
The renewal of "Ted Lasso" hinges on Jason Sudeikis's involvement, who has always been the driving force behind the show. Having originally conceived it as a three-season story, Sudeikis has since been open to continuing the series if the right idea came along.
Fans can rejoice as it seems that Sudeikis has found that idea over a year after the Season 3 finale. The show's uplifting tone and optimistic lead character made it an instant hit at the height of the pandemic, becoming Apple's most-watched original series and earning 13 Emmy Awards.
With the core cast returning and production preparations underway, Ted Lasso fans can eagerly anticipate the long-awaited fourth season.
Judge Rules Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend, Not the Police, Caused Her Death
More than four years after Kentucky police barged into Breonna Taylor’s home in the middle of the night and shot her to death, her family is still fighting for justice. And this week, a federal judge dealt them a major blow.
On Thursday, US District Judge Charles Simpson, a Ronald Reagan appointee, dismissed felony charges against two of the former Louisville officers involved in the police raid that led to Taylor’s death. Instead, the judge ruled that Taylor’s boyfriend was legally responsible for her death. The officers still face other charges.
Former Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sgt. Kyle Meany were not present at the raid on Taylor’s home in March 2020, but they allegedly lied to obtain a warrant for other officers to enter in search of drugs. Taylor, a Black 26-year-old medical worker, had fallen asleep watching the movie Freedom Writers when, a little after midnight, seven plainclothes police barged through her door. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, thinking the officers were intruders, fired a single shot, and the officers returned with a barrage of bullets that stuck Taylor. As she lay wounded, Walker called 911, still not realizing it was the police who had attacked them.
In 2022 the Justice Department filed civil rights charges against four current and former officers who were involved in her death, including Jaynes and Meany. Not long afterward I was writing a profile of Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, who told me that the family felt relieved about the prosecutions. “I was just so happy,” Austin said of the indictments. “I’m just grateful the DOJ decided to do their job, that somebody decided to step up and say, ‘This is not right.'”
Within a few weeks of the charges, one of the four officers, Kelly Goodlett, pleaded guilty. Goodlett said she and her colleagues lied to obtain the warrant by claiming to have evidence they didn’t have. More specifically, she said she did not stop Jaynes when he falsely claimed to have proof that a drug dealer was sending packages to Taylor’s apartment. According to prosecutors, the warrant application also stated that the dealer used Taylor’s address as his own, even though the detectives knew the dealer did not live there. No drugs were found on the premises.
The lies allegedly continued later. News of Taylor’s death sparked widespread outrage. Thousands protested. As public backlash grew, according to prosecutors, Goodlett and Jaynes met in Jaynes’ garage to scheme how they could cover up the false statements they had made. And according to prosecutors, Meany allegedly lied to the FBI.
The two cops who actually shot Taylor—Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove—were never charged. Prosecutors said they did not know their colleagues had lied to obtain the warrant. Instead, the Justice Department blamed the four other officers for Taylor’s death. But on Thursday, Judge Simpson disagreed. “While the indictment alleges that Jaynes and Meany set off a series of events that ended in Taylor’s death, it also alleges that [Taylor’s boyfriend, Walker] disrupted those events when he decided to open fire” on the police, Simpson wrote. Walker’s “decision to open fire,” he added, “is the legal cause of her death.”
The ruling effectively reduced some of the felony charges against Jaynes and Meany, which had carried a maximum sentence of life in prison, to misdemeanors. But officers are not totally off the hook: The judge refused to dismiss a charge against Jaynes for conspiracy and a charge against Meany for lying to the FBI. Goodlett, who pleaded guilty to federal charges, is expected to testify against them at their trials. A fourth former officer, Brett Hankison, also faces a retrial for federal charges in October.
Taylor’s family said prosecutors plan to appeal this week’s ruling. “Obviously we are devastated,” the family wrote in a statement to the Associated Press. “The only thing we can do at this point is continue to be patient…we will continue to fight until we get full justice for Breonna Taylor.”
On Friday, Aug. 23, the pop icon posted new photos from her 66th birthday celebrations in Italy with her family and rumored boyfriend Akeem Morris.
“Arrivederci Roma!!! A perfect ending to a Glorious Birthday Celebration with friends and family! 💃🎂🥂♥️🇮🇹,” Madonna — who turned another year older on Aug. 16 — wrote alongside the carousel post. “Ciao Italia!!!!”
Among the photos shared from the birthday trip included one of Madonna and Morris, 28, sitting together on a balcony as they took in the sights of Italy.
In another, the “Like a Virgin” singer was joined again by Morris as the pair posed for a photo together inside a chapel, with their arms around each other at an alter.
Madonna also posed for various solo shots on the same balcony and inside the chapel, walking along the corridor of what appeared to be a museum and posing in front of a statue in the same position outside the chapel.
Her twin daughters Stella and Estere, 11, also made a cameo in snapshots, where they could be seen sitting together inside of what appeared to be the same museum and inside the chapel.
Madonna's latest batch of photos were shared not long after she documented more from her birthday celebrations in Italy through an Instagram post on Aug. 19.
In a post captioned, “La Dolce Vita,” Madonna was snapped walking hand-in-hand with Morris as she wore a white gown with a black bodice underneath. Her beau, meanwhile, matched her in an all-white suit with a black corsage.
A following close-up shot showed the pair seated together at a lavish table setting for the singer’s birthday dinner, which was held at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii’s ancient theater.
Madonna and the Jamaican-born soccer player previously appeared together on a cover shoot for Paper Magazine in August 2022.
Morris then appeared in photos shared by the singer of the pair celebrating the Fourth of July together this year.
Will Smith Joins Rafael Nadal On Electric Race Boat Adventure At Lake Como
On Friday, August 23, Will Smith, the Oscar-winning actor, boarded the E1 Lake Como in Italy, joining Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal for a boat trip. Smith's all-red attire, featuring a polo and matching trousers, stood out against the serene waters of the upscale resort.
As they enjoyed the outing with friends, Smith and Nadal engaged in laughter and conversation. Smith also had a friendly chat with a young woman who seemed thrilled to meet him.
The event was part of the E1 electric race boat championship, which pits teams owned by celebrities against each other. Smith joined the E1 in May, while Nadal is a longtime team owner.
The E1 World Championship aims to promote sustainability in marine mobility and protect marine ecosystems. Both Smith and Nadal have expressed their support for these goals.
The event at Lake Como was a testament to the growing popularity of electric race boat racing, thanks in part to the involvement of high-profile team owners. Nadal's passion for boats and Smith's interest in competitive sports make them ideal ambassadors for the sport.
The E1 raceboat series will continue with races in Monaco, Hong Kong, and other locations throughout the season.
As they enjoyed the outing with friends, Smith and Nadal engaged in laughter and conversation. Smith also had a friendly chat with a young woman who seemed thrilled to meet him.
The event was part of the E1 electric race boat championship, which pits teams owned by celebrities against each other. Smith joined the E1 in May, while Nadal is a longtime team owner.
The E1 World Championship aims to promote sustainability in marine mobility and protect marine ecosystems. Both Smith and Nadal have expressed their support for these goals.
The event at Lake Como was a testament to the growing popularity of electric race boat racing, thanks in part to the involvement of high-profile team owners. Nadal's passion for boats and Smith's interest in competitive sports make them ideal ambassadors for the sport.
The E1 raceboat series will continue with races in Monaco, Hong Kong, and other locations throughout the season.
'Dance Moms' Stirs Up Controversy After Fans Are Disturbed by 'Insensitive' Routine Inspired by the Late JonBenét Ramsey
It may be a new era of Dance Moms, but the controversy is still the same.
The reboot of the popular reality show got a little bit too real for its fans in one of the new episodes, where a young dancer was assigned a routine centered around the murder of 6-year-old beauty pageant queen, JonBenét Ramsey.
Ashlan Scheide, 11, one of the stars of Dance Moms: A New Era, performed the dark number at one of the competitions filmed during the show. Not only was her makeup, costuming and blond hair styled to look like JonBenét's, but the routine even depicted the child being strangled, a concept that has proven to be too morbid for many viewers.
One user on Reddit called the dance "extremely disturbing," while suggesting, "They could’ve easily done a beauty pageant routine without exploiting Jonbenets murder."
"Yeah, this almost made me stop watching the show," someone else chimed in while also calling it "absolutely grotesque" to assign another child to research the case for a dance.
"The worst part to me was Ashlan’s mom sharing the entire story with her. It clearly upset her. I couldn’t believe how much Ashlan looked like Jon Benet," one user wrote.
Other users also pointed out a joke that the dance instructor, Gloria "Miss Glo" Hampton, made about Ashlan's makeup resembling JonBenét after she was brutally murdered.
"Did anyone find the JonBenét Ramsey dance insensitive and disrespectful?" another poster wrote. "Like the joke about her makeup and saying 'you look like how she looked after she was strangled' and all the moms laughed….. my jaw was literally on the floor. Seems extremely disrespectful to that poor little girl."
"Yeah that ‘joke’ was gross and sad. Like that was a real little girl that happened to..." someone else agreed.
JonBenét, daughter of pageant mom Patsy Ramsey and father John Ramsey, was found dead at her family's home in Boulder, Colo., in 1996. No one was ever arrested for the murder, and JonBenét's case has still never been solved.
It may be a new era of Dance Moms, but the controversy is still the same.
The reboot of the popular reality show got a little bit too real for its fans in one of the new episodes, where a young dancer was assigned a routine centered around the murder of 6-year-old beauty pageant queen, JonBenét Ramsey.
Ashlan Scheide, 11, one of the stars of Dance Moms: A New Era, performed the dark number at one of the competitions filmed during the show. Not only was her makeup, costuming and blond hair styled to look like JonBenét's, but the routine even depicted the child being strangled, a concept that has proven to be too morbid for many viewers.
One user on Reddit called the dance "extremely disturbing," while suggesting, "They could’ve easily done a beauty pageant routine without exploiting Jonbenets murder."
"Yeah, this almost made me stop watching the show," someone else chimed in while also calling it "absolutely grotesque" to assign another child to research the case for a dance.
"The worst part to me was Ashlan’s mom sharing the entire story with her. It clearly upset her. I couldn’t believe how much Ashlan looked like Jon Benet," one user wrote.
Other users also pointed out a joke that the dance instructor, Gloria "Miss Glo" Hampton, made about Ashlan's makeup resembling JonBenét after she was brutally murdered.
"Did anyone find the JonBenét Ramsey dance insensitive and disrespectful?" another poster wrote. "Like the joke about her makeup and saying 'you look like how she looked after she was strangled' and all the moms laughed….. my jaw was literally on the floor. Seems extremely disrespectful to that poor little girl."
"Yeah that ‘joke’ was gross and sad. Like that was a real little girl that happened to..." someone else agreed.
JonBenét, daughter of pageant mom Patsy Ramsey and father John Ramsey, was found dead at her family's home in Boulder, Colo., in 1996. No one was ever arrested for the murder, and JonBenét's case has still never been solved.
Jamie Foxx announces Atlanta dates for comedy shows after health scare
Jamie Foxx is finally ready to open up about the medical emergency he suffered in 2023. Fans and industry peers were shocked to learn that he had been hospitalized for days while shooting the Netflix film Back in Action in Atlanta last April.
Several weeks went by before he was spotted in Chicago amid reports that he was recovering at a rehabilitation facility that specialized in serious ailments. It wasn’t until that July that his supporters, who had been praying for his full recovery, heard him speak as he cryptically addressed his absence in a self-recorded video uploaded on Instagram.
At that time, he disclosed that he experienced a harrowing situation and that he was unsure if he would make it through. His diagnosis has remained closely guarded by the actor and his tight-knit circle, which includes his daughter Corinne Foxx, who announced his health scare, and his sister, Deidra Dixon, whom he has repeatedly thanked for being his protector through it all.
Now, in more recent posts, Foxx revealed his plans to return to Atlanta for intimate gatherings that will give people insight into what unfolded over a year ago. “They got peaches down in Georgia, and they have angels too. I’m gonna come talk about some of those angels,” he shared on Aug. 16.
The post would go on to reveal October 3,4, and 5 as dates for his “I Got A Story To Tell” experience. In the caption, he reiterated, “I have some people to thank in a big way. If you’re in Atlanta around that time and you’ve been rocking with me this whole time, let me thank you personally.”
In the comments, Foxx responded to followers' reactions, telling them his time on stage would be used to “share the peaks and valleys” of his experience and a message that “life is worth living,” mixed with jokes and tears. His gratitude spilled over into a follow-up post on Aug. 19, when he shared a video of him speaking with a group of older women he met in an Atlanta gym.
He told them, “Atlanta saved my life because I was here when it happened ... I needed every prayer.” According to the Ray star, if he’d been anywhere else, his story may have unfolded differently. “I’m going to find a room down here to tell some jokes. I’m gonna put these stories in so I can sorta tell it my way because I didn’t want anybody to see me” said the Academy Award winner.
“You wanna see me smiling, you wanna see me happy ... because I would’ve been a meme ‘cause some of the stuff I was doing, I’da been a meme,” he joked. A venue for the three nights in Atlanta has not been revealed. But the outpouring of support from his followers is proof that wherever Foxx will be, so will they.
Several weeks went by before he was spotted in Chicago amid reports that he was recovering at a rehabilitation facility that specialized in serious ailments. It wasn’t until that July that his supporters, who had been praying for his full recovery, heard him speak as he cryptically addressed his absence in a self-recorded video uploaded on Instagram.
At that time, he disclosed that he experienced a harrowing situation and that he was unsure if he would make it through. His diagnosis has remained closely guarded by the actor and his tight-knit circle, which includes his daughter Corinne Foxx, who announced his health scare, and his sister, Deidra Dixon, whom he has repeatedly thanked for being his protector through it all.
Now, in more recent posts, Foxx revealed his plans to return to Atlanta for intimate gatherings that will give people insight into what unfolded over a year ago. “They got peaches down in Georgia, and they have angels too. I’m gonna come talk about some of those angels,” he shared on Aug. 16.
The post would go on to reveal October 3,4, and 5 as dates for his “I Got A Story To Tell” experience. In the caption, he reiterated, “I have some people to thank in a big way. If you’re in Atlanta around that time and you’ve been rocking with me this whole time, let me thank you personally.”
In the comments, Foxx responded to followers' reactions, telling them his time on stage would be used to “share the peaks and valleys” of his experience and a message that “life is worth living,” mixed with jokes and tears. His gratitude spilled over into a follow-up post on Aug. 19, when he shared a video of him speaking with a group of older women he met in an Atlanta gym.
He told them, “Atlanta saved my life because I was here when it happened ... I needed every prayer.” According to the Ray star, if he’d been anywhere else, his story may have unfolded differently. “I’m going to find a room down here to tell some jokes. I’m gonna put these stories in so I can sorta tell it my way because I didn’t want anybody to see me” said the Academy Award winner.
“You wanna see me smiling, you wanna see me happy ... because I would’ve been a meme ‘cause some of the stuff I was doing, I’da been a meme,” he joked. A venue for the three nights in Atlanta has not been revealed. But the outpouring of support from his followers is proof that wherever Foxx will be, so will they.
Denzel Washington Hints At Retirement After Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’: “Very Few Films Left”
As Denzel Washington continues to flirt with onscreen retirement, an old friend recently got him to serve at least one more performance.
The Academy Award winner said he was “tremendously inspired” by director Ridley Scott‘s upcoming sequel Gladiator II, which premieres Nov. 22 in theaters, while hinting that he’s nearing the end of his acting career.
“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” he told Empire after last working with Scott on 2007’s American Gangster.
“We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” added Washington. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”
Scott said the long-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 movie is “the best thing I’ve ever made,” before clarifying, “One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ‘uns… it’s full-bore, brutal action.”
In Gladiator II, Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, who enters the Coliseum years after witnessing Maximus (played in the original by Russell Crowe) die at the hands of his uncle, Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
After making his onscreen debut more than 40 years ago, Washington has added directing and producing to his resumé with such titles as Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007), Fences (2016) and A Journal for Jordan (2021).
Washington previously hinted at his retirement from acting as he appeared at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, Florida in June.
“The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera,” said Washington. “I think there’s less and less time I’ll be spending in front of the camera.”
The Academy Award winner said he was “tremendously inspired” by director Ridley Scott‘s upcoming sequel Gladiator II, which premieres Nov. 22 in theaters, while hinting that he’s nearing the end of his acting career.
“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” he told Empire after last working with Scott on 2007’s American Gangster.
“We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” added Washington. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”
Scott said the long-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 movie is “the best thing I’ve ever made,” before clarifying, “One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ‘uns… it’s full-bore, brutal action.”
In Gladiator II, Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, who enters the Coliseum years after witnessing Maximus (played in the original by Russell Crowe) die at the hands of his uncle, Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
After making his onscreen debut more than 40 years ago, Washington has added directing and producing to his resumé with such titles as Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007), Fences (2016) and A Journal for Jordan (2021).
Washington previously hinted at his retirement from acting as he appeared at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, Florida in June.
“The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera,” said Washington. “I think there’s less and less time I’ll be spending in front of the camera.”
Judge Greg Mathis’ wife files for divorce after nearly 40 years of marriage
After nearly four decades of marriage, Judge Greg Mathis and his wife, Linda Reese Mathis, have decided to part ways. Linda filed for divorce on Aug. 22, 2024, at the Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences and noting that the couple has been separated since July 17, 2024.
Surprising turn of events
This news comes as a shock to fans, especially since just days after their separation, the couple was seen celebrating their granddaughter’s third birthday together. Prior to that, Greg Mathis shared a heartwarming photo of Linda on June 10, where they appeared joyful at a concert
Seeking spousal support
In her divorce filing, Linda Mathis is requesting spousal support but has asked that Greg be prohibited from receiving any support from her. The couple shares four adult children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr. and Amir, all in their 30s.
Fans react to the split
The announcement has left many fans heartbroken, with some taking to social media to express their desire for the couple to reconcile. Comments on Instagram reflect a deep emotional connection fans feel towards the couple, with pleas for them to work things out.
Life apart
Since their separation, there have been no significant signs indicating that their marriage was in trouble. Both Greg and Linda Mathis still have photos of each other on their social media accounts, and Linda continues to use the Mathis name online.
However, it is clear that they have been spending time apart. Greg Mathis recently attended a reunion in Detroit, while Linda enjoyed a trip to Mammoth Mountain in California with family.
Looking ahead
The details regarding their future living arrangements remain unclear, but it seems both are adapting to their new lives separately. As fans continue to hope for a reconciliation, the couple’s journey through this unexpected chapter unfolds.
After nearly four decades of marriage, Judge Greg Mathis and his wife, Linda Reese Mathis, have decided to part ways. Linda filed for divorce on Aug. 22, 2024, at the Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences and noting that the couple has been separated since July 17, 2024.
Surprising turn of events
This news comes as a shock to fans, especially since just days after their separation, the couple was seen celebrating their granddaughter’s third birthday together. Prior to that, Greg Mathis shared a heartwarming photo of Linda on June 10, where they appeared joyful at a concert
Seeking spousal support
In her divorce filing, Linda Mathis is requesting spousal support but has asked that Greg be prohibited from receiving any support from her. The couple shares four adult children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr. and Amir, all in their 30s.
Fans react to the split
The announcement has left many fans heartbroken, with some taking to social media to express their desire for the couple to reconcile. Comments on Instagram reflect a deep emotional connection fans feel towards the couple, with pleas for them to work things out.
Life apart
Since their separation, there have been no significant signs indicating that their marriage was in trouble. Both Greg and Linda Mathis still have photos of each other on their social media accounts, and Linda continues to use the Mathis name online.
However, it is clear that they have been spending time apart. Greg Mathis recently attended a reunion in Detroit, while Linda enjoyed a trip to Mammoth Mountain in California with family.
Looking ahead
The details regarding their future living arrangements remain unclear, but it seems both are adapting to their new lives separately. As fans continue to hope for a reconciliation, the couple’s journey through this unexpected chapter unfolds.
Fantasia’s Daughter Celebrates 60 Days of Sobriety
*Fantasia Barrino’s eldest child, Zion Quari Barrino, recently celebrated 60 days of sobriety.
The 23-year-old turned to the social media app Threads to describe reaching the milestone, acknowledging that it has been a difficult journey, MadameNoire reports.
“I was sick for 3 weeks, but I pressed through, with the grace of God,” she shared.
“I met some amazing people on this new journey and gained a community, love, and unbearable support from my family,” Zion added.
“Happy 60 days today to me [red heart emoji]. If you are struggling. I’m here to help and talk about my journey.”
In a follow-up post, she explained that she is still in recovery and would share more details about her sobriety at a later date.
“Still in recovery. It’s really hard. They say 30 days is the hardest. But being 2 months in has been the hardest But just for today. I’ll go easy on myself day by day,” Zion wrote.
Meanwhile, speaking of life journeys, earlier this year, while promoting “The Color Purple” musical, Fantasia highlighted the similarities between her character Celie and her own life.
“Celie and I have a lot in common when it comes to family situations, losing things, and feeling ugly and unseen…This feels like God’s promises, they’re finally coming to power,” Fanny told People. “I’m a fan of the Book of Job in the Bible. Job lost everything. And so did I.”
The 23-year-old turned to the social media app Threads to describe reaching the milestone, acknowledging that it has been a difficult journey, MadameNoire reports.
“I was sick for 3 weeks, but I pressed through, with the grace of God,” she shared.
“I met some amazing people on this new journey and gained a community, love, and unbearable support from my family,” Zion added.
“Happy 60 days today to me [red heart emoji]. If you are struggling. I’m here to help and talk about my journey.”
In a follow-up post, she explained that she is still in recovery and would share more details about her sobriety at a later date.
“Still in recovery. It’s really hard. They say 30 days is the hardest. But being 2 months in has been the hardest But just for today. I’ll go easy on myself day by day,” Zion wrote.
Meanwhile, speaking of life journeys, earlier this year, while promoting “The Color Purple” musical, Fantasia highlighted the similarities between her character Celie and her own life.
“Celie and I have a lot in common when it comes to family situations, losing things, and feeling ugly and unseen…This feels like God’s promises, they’re finally coming to power,” Fanny told People. “I’m a fan of the Book of Job in the Bible. Job lost everything. And so did I.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs Reportedly Helped Elon Musk Purchase Twitter, New Court Docs Prove
Newly unveiled court documents have revealed that Sean “Diddy” Combs played a crucial role in Elon Musk’s Twitter purchase.
In disclosures unveiled as part of a lawsuit against Musk and his app, it was revealed that Diddy was a shareholder. Under his Sean Combs Capital, LLC, Diddy invested an undisclosed amount into Musk’s $44 billion purchase of the company. Diddy’s corporation is among almost 100 groups that put up money to help the Tesla founder buy the app.
After a bumpy acquisition, Musk became the owner of Twitter in October 2022. Under his leadership, he quickly laid off a large portion of his workforce and rebranded the platform as X, though most users still refer to it as Twitter. Former employees have sued Musk, accusing him of violating their arbitration agreements by refusing to compensate them certain fees after he purchased the site. It was during recent proceedings of this lawsuit that Diddy’s involvement came to light.
Since the producer’s sexual assault scandal began in November 2023 with a lawsuit from Cassie, many of his business dealings have crumbled. Numerous companies have distanced themselves from the disgraced Bad Boy mogul. However, it’s unclear if Diddy still owns his stake in Musk’s site.
Other stakeholders include billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, and even Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.
Musk has not spoken publicly about his current relationship with Diddy.
Newly unveiled court documents have revealed that Sean “Diddy” Combs played a crucial role in Elon Musk’s Twitter purchase.
In disclosures unveiled as part of a lawsuit against Musk and his app, it was revealed that Diddy was a shareholder. Under his Sean Combs Capital, LLC, Diddy invested an undisclosed amount into Musk’s $44 billion purchase of the company. Diddy’s corporation is among almost 100 groups that put up money to help the Tesla founder buy the app.
After a bumpy acquisition, Musk became the owner of Twitter in October 2022. Under his leadership, he quickly laid off a large portion of his workforce and rebranded the platform as X, though most users still refer to it as Twitter. Former employees have sued Musk, accusing him of violating their arbitration agreements by refusing to compensate them certain fees after he purchased the site. It was during recent proceedings of this lawsuit that Diddy’s involvement came to light.
Since the producer’s sexual assault scandal began in November 2023 with a lawsuit from Cassie, many of his business dealings have crumbled. Numerous companies have distanced themselves from the disgraced Bad Boy mogul. However, it’s unclear if Diddy still owns his stake in Musk’s site.
Other stakeholders include billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, and even Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.
Musk has not spoken publicly about his current relationship with Diddy.
Megan Thee Stallion To Host 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
In an exciting announcement, GRAMMY-winning superstar Megan Thee Stallion is set to host the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. This marks a significant milestone in Megan’s career, as she becomes only the second person to ascend from performer to host of the main event.
This year has been a record-shattering year for Megan, highlighted by the release of her new album, MEGAN, and her “Hot Girl Summer Tour.” The album, which includes high-profile collaborations with Victoria Monet, GloRilla, UGK, Big K.R.I.T., Kyle Richh, and Yuki Chiba, has solidified the Houston native’s status as a force in the music industry. Her latest single, “MAMUSHI,” has racked up over 150 million streams and topping Spotify’s Global Viral chart in Japan.
Megan’s momentum this year includes earning her third Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “HISS,” a groundbreaking achievement as the first solo female rap song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. At the 2024 VMAs, Megan is up for five nominations, including “Best Collaboration” with tourmate GloRilla and “Best Hip Hop,” a category she previously won in 2020 for her hit “Savage (Remix)” featuring Beyoncé.
Though this will be her first time hosting an awards show, Megan is no stranger to hosting duties. She previously hosted Saturday Night Live and co-hosted The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, showcasing her versatility beyond music.
The VMAs, executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, promise an unforgettable evening with Tina Snow leading the charge. Recently, Megan made headlines with her passionate performance at a rally for presidential candidate Kamala Harris, where she expressed her enthusiasm for making history with the first Black female president. Megan’s hosting debut at the VMAs is set to be another historic moment in her already illustrious career.
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Wednesday, September 11, at 8pm EST from the UBS Arena in New York. Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories by visiting here through Friday, August 30.
This year has been a record-shattering year for Megan, highlighted by the release of her new album, MEGAN, and her “Hot Girl Summer Tour.” The album, which includes high-profile collaborations with Victoria Monet, GloRilla, UGK, Big K.R.I.T., Kyle Richh, and Yuki Chiba, has solidified the Houston native’s status as a force in the music industry. Her latest single, “MAMUSHI,” has racked up over 150 million streams and topping Spotify’s Global Viral chart in Japan.
Megan’s momentum this year includes earning her third Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “HISS,” a groundbreaking achievement as the first solo female rap song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. At the 2024 VMAs, Megan is up for five nominations, including “Best Collaboration” with tourmate GloRilla and “Best Hip Hop,” a category she previously won in 2020 for her hit “Savage (Remix)” featuring Beyoncé.
Though this will be her first time hosting an awards show, Megan is no stranger to hosting duties. She previously hosted Saturday Night Live and co-hosted The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, showcasing her versatility beyond music.
The VMAs, executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, promise an unforgettable evening with Tina Snow leading the charge. Recently, Megan made headlines with her passionate performance at a rally for presidential candidate Kamala Harris, where she expressed her enthusiasm for making history with the first Black female president. Megan’s hosting debut at the VMAs is set to be another historic moment in her already illustrious career.
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Wednesday, September 11, at 8pm EST from the UBS Arena in New York. Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories by visiting here through Friday, August 30.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
I’m trying to figure out who this is
Who????
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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