#MAGFAB: The Beautiful Serena Williams for Harper's Bazaar UK
The seven-time Grand Slam winner, widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, was shocked when she was diagnosed with a debilitating illness. She tells Harper’s Bazaar UK how she changed her pace.
Venus Williams is telling me about the time she and her sister Serena escaped from a vegan wellness retreat in search of steak. "We went to the opening lecture, looked at each other and decided we should go out to a restaurant," laughs the seven-time tennis Grand Slam champion. "We had steak and chocolate cake – I don’t even eat dessert! We were staying for three weeks, so we knew this was it!"She confesses this to me from her hotel room at Claridge's, where she’s wrapped in a white robe having her hair braided before flying home to the US later the same day. She’s only in London for 48 hours for meetings and to be photographed for Bazaar’s cover; but, despite the jet-lag, she’s in fine spirits and a thoughtful mood.
In person, she has extraordinary presence: she’s tall at 6’1” and self-assured, yet what surprises me is how quietly spoken she is. Once we get chatting, she is funny and animated, smiling and cracking jokes, though she knows exactly what and how much she wants to say, after years of experience being in the public eye.
And though she may jest about the steak, the wellness retreat in question was a transformative moment in Venus’ life. In 2011 she was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease whose symptoms include pain, numbness and fatigue. Seeing her struggle with the diagnosis, Serena suggested they attend the retreat to see if making some changes could help manage the condition. It had a huge impact, with Venus becoming vegetarian and completely rethinking her attitude to her body; she now follows a plant-based and sugar-free diet to help alleviate the symptoms of exhaustion, and says her condition is manageable.
Her interest in wellness since then has prompted her to write a book, Strive, an eight-step programme for physical and mental wellbeing released this month. "I want to help people have fun being healthy," she says. "It shouldn’t be hard, or a horrible journey."
Of course, as a five-time Wimbledon champion with four Olympic gold medals to her name, Venus knows how to overcome physical challenges. Even so, she says that Sjögren’s syndrome tested her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. It was the extreme fatigue that affected her the most. "I had all kinds of symptoms, but that was very challenging as an athlete. When you crash, you go so hard that you can’t get up, literally," she says. "But I still got up, because I had to. Lying in bed is not fun. There is no substitute for being well. I had to change my pace."
For the first time in her career, she couldn’t just power through the situation. "It took seven years before I was diagnosed," she says. "It was a head-trip. I wasn’t reaching my full potential and I didn’t know why. Was I working too hard? What was I doing wrong? That takes its toll and it’s not easy to walk out there when you don’t have much to give." In her book, she reveals that, in the past, there has been the misconception that she is ‘superhuman’. So, when she was finally diagnosed, it was a relief. "Like, 'Oh, I’m not crazy'."
"I hadn’t felt myself for a while," she admits. "But at the same time, it was hard to accept. I’m used to doing whatever I want, working hard and staying fit. To realise that it’s not something you can work through, that this is your life now... that was hard." She relied on the mental strength she had developed in years of competitive tennis to keep going. "Being mentally strong is so important," she says. "Not just for sport, but for life. You’ve got to make it out here, nobody is going to make it for you."
"Sport teaches you how to cope with everything you’re going to have to deal with in life"
It’s evident to see in person – she’s incredibly calm, contained, and sure of her abilities. "I can deal with a tonne of pressure," she continues. "Sport teaches you how to cope with everything you’re going to have to deal with in life – stress, lack of confidence, figuring out how to perform, how to come back if you fail... Athletes do make better choices [in those moments]."
Of course, as a five-time Wimbledon champion with four Olympic gold medals to her name, Venus knows how to overcome physical challenges. Even so, she says that Sjögren’s syndrome tested her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. It was the extreme fatigue that affected her the most. "I had all kinds of symptoms, but that was very challenging as an athlete. When you crash, you go so hard that you can’t get up, literally," she says. "But I still got up, because I had to. Lying in bed is not fun. There is no substitute for being well. I had to change my pace."
For the first time in her career, she couldn’t just power through the situation. "It took seven years before I was diagnosed," she says. "It was a head-trip. I wasn’t reaching my full potential and I didn’t know why. Was I working too hard? What was I doing wrong? That takes its toll and it’s not easy to walk out there when you don’t have much to give." In her book, she reveals that, in the past, there has been the misconception that she is ‘superhuman’. So, when she was finally diagnosed, it was a relief. "Like, 'Oh, I’m not crazy'."
"Sport teaches you how to cope with everything you’re going to have to deal with in life"
It’s evident to see in person – she’s incredibly calm, contained, and sure of her abilities. "I can deal with a tonne of pressure," she continues. "Sport teaches you how to cope with everything you’re going to have to deal with in life – stress, lack of confidence, figuring out how to perform, how to come back if you fail... Athletes do make better choices [in those moments]."
Get more at Harper's Bazaar UK!
#RHOA:Phaedra Parks Wants Kim Zolciak Back on Real Housewives of Atlanta
It’s no secret that Real Housewives of Atlanta is on life support. They’re about one bad season away from getting put out to the pasture, but Phaedra Parks thinks she knows what it needs. She wants Kim Zolciak to return to the franchise.
Phaedra made the questionable suggestion when she was en route to rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars. TMZ caught up with her and asked about Season 16 and the possibility of a future return from Kim.
“I love Kim. She is TV gold,” Phaedra claimed. “I owe her a call. Kim, come back and play with the girls. We love you.” Who is “we” though?
Meanwhile, Kim has threatened that she would “seriously consider” a return to the show. Apparently, she felt motivated when she heard that Phaedra would be returning along with Porsha Wiliams. The fact that Kenya Moore is out of the picture probably also helps.
“I’ve been saying I would never return but, as I’m talking right now, I might think about it,” Kim said earlier this year. “Porsha and Phaedra might do it for me. We’ll see.”
If Kim were to return to RHOA, she would have no shortage of drama for the cameras to capture. Currently, she’s in a battle with her estranged husband as they face a myriad of financial issues. Their house has been at risk of foreclosure for months. It could make riveting TV, and Phaedra has been saying it for a while.
Earlier this year, Phaedra made the exact same comment, claiming that Kim is “TV gold.” Ultimately, Phaedra said she just wants the show to return to its glory days. That’s something we can all agree on.
“We were the No. 1 franchise of Housewives and I was a part of making that franchise a successful franchise,” Phaedra explained. “And I would love to bring the franchise back to its heyday.”
Phaedra made the questionable suggestion when she was en route to rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars. TMZ caught up with her and asked about Season 16 and the possibility of a future return from Kim.
“I love Kim. She is TV gold,” Phaedra claimed. “I owe her a call. Kim, come back and play with the girls. We love you.” Who is “we” though?
Meanwhile, Kim has threatened that she would “seriously consider” a return to the show. Apparently, she felt motivated when she heard that Phaedra would be returning along with Porsha Wiliams. The fact that Kenya Moore is out of the picture probably also helps.
“I’ve been saying I would never return but, as I’m talking right now, I might think about it,” Kim said earlier this year. “Porsha and Phaedra might do it for me. We’ll see.”
If Kim were to return to RHOA, she would have no shortage of drama for the cameras to capture. Currently, she’s in a battle with her estranged husband as they face a myriad of financial issues. Their house has been at risk of foreclosure for months. It could make riveting TV, and Phaedra has been saying it for a while.
Earlier this year, Phaedra made the exact same comment, claiming that Kim is “TV gold.” Ultimately, Phaedra said she just wants the show to return to its glory days. That’s something we can all agree on.
“We were the No. 1 franchise of Housewives and I was a part of making that franchise a successful franchise,” Phaedra explained. “And I would love to bring the franchise back to its heyday.”
#NewMusicVideo from Halle Bailey ‘Because I Love You’
We see you, Halle! For a moment, it seemed that the singer-songwriter best known as half of sister duo Chloe x Halle would be trading in her microphone for the big screen after landing several high-profile roles. Then she stepped onto the scene last year with her singles “Angel” (which was subsequently nominated for a GRAMMY) and “In Your Hands.” Now she’s turning up the heat with the release of her latest song, “Because I Love You.”
Where “Angel” and “In Your Hands” were sweeping ballads, “Because I Love You” is a bit grittier. That's thanks in part to a hard-hitting beat provided by producer Dem Jointz, who mixes knocking drums and synth with keys to add some fire to the proceedings. It”s Halle, however, who brings the fire.
Her lyrics tell the tale of a woman who might be a little tipsy and is letting the alcohol do the talking. The first verse finds her getting handsy and acting up after getting lit at a birthday party. The second verse shows that her antics have made it so they have to call it a night much earlier than planned. However, she makes it a point to demonstrate that, though she might be out of pocket, her man still holds her down. His willingness has her giving him nothing but love, with her singing on the chorus, “All because I love you, babe / Love you, babe, love you, babe / I love you, babe / Love you, babe / I motherf**king love you, babe.”
The video takes a different approach. It opens with a smitten Halle making eyes at herself in the mirror as multiple reflections of her are seen. Things then shift to her and her guy (played by actor RJ Cyler). As Halle and RJ sit in a club, a seductive woman dancing on stage catches his eye. That other woman just so happens to be Halle as well, which adds insult to injury when he starts creeping with her. Halle doesn’t let this happen, though, as she follows and then eventually confronts him by hopping on the hood of his car. This prompts a legion of Halles to come out from the shadows as all of them, including the initial doppelganger, to stare at him obsessively before the clip fades to black.
We see you, Halle! For a moment, it seemed that the singer-songwriter best known as half of sister duo Chloe x Halle would be trading in her microphone for the big screen after landing several high-profile roles. Then she stepped onto the scene last year with her singles “Angel” (which was subsequently nominated for a GRAMMY) and “In Your Hands.” Now she’s turning up the heat with the release of her latest song, “Because I Love You.”
Where “Angel” and “In Your Hands” were sweeping ballads, “Because I Love You” is a bit grittier. That's thanks in part to a hard-hitting beat provided by producer Dem Jointz, who mixes knocking drums and synth with keys to add some fire to the proceedings. It”s Halle, however, who brings the fire.
Her lyrics tell the tale of a woman who might be a little tipsy and is letting the alcohol do the talking. The first verse finds her getting handsy and acting up after getting lit at a birthday party. The second verse shows that her antics have made it so they have to call it a night much earlier than planned. However, she makes it a point to demonstrate that, though she might be out of pocket, her man still holds her down. His willingness has her giving him nothing but love, with her singing on the chorus, “All because I love you, babe / Love you, babe, love you, babe / I love you, babe / Love you, babe / I motherf**king love you, babe.”
The video takes a different approach. It opens with a smitten Halle making eyes at herself in the mirror as multiple reflections of her are seen. Things then shift to her and her guy (played by actor RJ Cyler). As Halle and RJ sit in a club, a seductive woman dancing on stage catches his eye. That other woman just so happens to be Halle as well, which adds insult to injury when he starts creeping with her. Halle doesn’t let this happen, though, as she follows and then eventually confronts him by hopping on the hood of his car. This prompts a legion of Halles to come out from the shadows as all of them, including the initial doppelganger, to stare at him obsessively before the clip fades to black.
WATCH HERE: Halle - Because I Love You (Official Video)
Halle is definitely gearing up for a fruitful solo career, and “Because I Love You” demonstrates she has more than just ballads in her arsenal. Here’s looking forward to what else is to come.
#HipHopNews: Jay Electronica Jumps To Jay-Z’s Defense Over Super Bowl Backlash
Jay Electronica has come to JAY-Z‘s defense amid the intense commentary surrounding Lil Wayne not being chosen as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performer.
The announcement that Kendrick Lamar will perform at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans next February has been met with with outrage among many Lil Wayne fans (and even peers), who feel that Weezy should’ve been given the gig considering the Big Game takes place in his hometown.
Taking to X on Wednesday (September 11), Jay noted he has no respect for people are coming for Hov but not for major music executives. He also seemed to take a jab at Birdman and the Cash Money crew over their treatment of Hot Boyz member Turk, but then said he’d still go to war in defense of his fellow New Orleans natives.
“N-ggas got all this smoke for Hov but they ain’t got no smoke for David Geffen and jimmy iovine and lucían grange and lyor cohen etcetera etcetera,” he began. “I DO NOT RESPECT YOUR GANGSTER. You pussy. And let’s be real. @50cent just opened an entire industry in shreveport and these pussy ass nights slave cooning over a football game. If you don’t get the fuck outta my face.”
He continued: “And how you niggas did Turk was dirty and lame. ESPECIALLY since he REALLY MAGNOLIA and yall not. Get it how you live. I’m sawry potnaaaaa.
“And how yall so quick to let yall gun bust at your brother over nothing. If yall would put 10 percent of this negative energy over a FOOTBALL game into unifying for one common cause, our ppl would be free overnight.
“And finally, I will die in the war with the common enemy on the spot for Birdman and BG and Wayne and whoever else the same way I would Hov. We all we got. But who is man enough to say enough is enough.”
Jay Electronica is not the only one coming to JAY-Z’s defense, however. As Fat Joe argued on Instagram Live on Tuesday (September 10), the Marcy Projects mogul has given Hip Hop a deservedly bigger platform at the Super Bowl since he partnered with the NFL in 2019.
“Years ago, the beef with the NFL was that Black people weren’t represented and they were doing us wrong, even though we were the talent and whatever the case,” he said. “But then they brought in JAY-Z and Roc Nation to do the shows and they brought out Dr. Dre, Eminem, Rihanna, number one ratings — they killing it.”
Joey Crack also pointed out that the halftime show performer isn’t JAY-Z’s decision alone so it’s unfair to solely blame him for any perceived snub.
“Yeah, JAY-Z’s a big voice but, you know, he gotta go through the NFL ranks, the Roger Goodells and everything like that, so they can come up with who’s performing at halftime,” he continued. “It ain’t just one man’s decision — that I know of. So to just blame one man…”
The Terror Squad don ended his argument by joking: “If he wasn’t doing the halftime [with] Roc Nation, there’d be no Hip Hop! ‘Cause there never was Hip Hop [before 2022]. You’d be listening to, ‘Don’t go messin’ with a cotton-eyed boy/ Cotton-eyed Joe/ Cotton-eyed Joe.’ You’d be listening to that shit at halftime.”
Fellow New Yorker Fabolous echoed some of Fat Joe’s sentiments while discussing the controversy during his own Instagram Live broadcast earlier this week.
“I do see people blaming it solely on JAY-Z when I don’t think that’s the truth,” he said. “I think it’s a committee, it’s a board, it’s different people who come in to play when decisions like that are made.”
Fab, who has worked with both JAY-Z and Lil Wayne, acknowledged that a Weezy Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans would’ve been special, but he suspects that Kendrick Lamar’s resounding victory over Drake in their high-profile feud sealed the deal.
The announcement that Kendrick Lamar will perform at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans next February has been met with with outrage among many Lil Wayne fans (and even peers), who feel that Weezy should’ve been given the gig considering the Big Game takes place in his hometown.
Taking to X on Wednesday (September 11), Jay noted he has no respect for people are coming for Hov but not for major music executives. He also seemed to take a jab at Birdman and the Cash Money crew over their treatment of Hot Boyz member Turk, but then said he’d still go to war in defense of his fellow New Orleans natives.
“N-ggas got all this smoke for Hov but they ain’t got no smoke for David Geffen and jimmy iovine and lucían grange and lyor cohen etcetera etcetera,” he began. “I DO NOT RESPECT YOUR GANGSTER. You pussy. And let’s be real. @50cent just opened an entire industry in shreveport and these pussy ass nights slave cooning over a football game. If you don’t get the fuck outta my face.”
He continued: “And how you niggas did Turk was dirty and lame. ESPECIALLY since he REALLY MAGNOLIA and yall not. Get it how you live. I’m sawry potnaaaaa.
“And how yall so quick to let yall gun bust at your brother over nothing. If yall would put 10 percent of this negative energy over a FOOTBALL game into unifying for one common cause, our ppl would be free overnight.
“And finally, I will die in the war with the common enemy on the spot for Birdman and BG and Wayne and whoever else the same way I would Hov. We all we got. But who is man enough to say enough is enough.”
Jay Electronica is not the only one coming to JAY-Z’s defense, however. As Fat Joe argued on Instagram Live on Tuesday (September 10), the Marcy Projects mogul has given Hip Hop a deservedly bigger platform at the Super Bowl since he partnered with the NFL in 2019.
“Years ago, the beef with the NFL was that Black people weren’t represented and they were doing us wrong, even though we were the talent and whatever the case,” he said. “But then they brought in JAY-Z and Roc Nation to do the shows and they brought out Dr. Dre, Eminem, Rihanna, number one ratings — they killing it.”
Joey Crack also pointed out that the halftime show performer isn’t JAY-Z’s decision alone so it’s unfair to solely blame him for any perceived snub.
“Yeah, JAY-Z’s a big voice but, you know, he gotta go through the NFL ranks, the Roger Goodells and everything like that, so they can come up with who’s performing at halftime,” he continued. “It ain’t just one man’s decision — that I know of. So to just blame one man…”
The Terror Squad don ended his argument by joking: “If he wasn’t doing the halftime [with] Roc Nation, there’d be no Hip Hop! ‘Cause there never was Hip Hop [before 2022]. You’d be listening to, ‘Don’t go messin’ with a cotton-eyed boy/ Cotton-eyed Joe/ Cotton-eyed Joe.’ You’d be listening to that shit at halftime.”
Fellow New Yorker Fabolous echoed some of Fat Joe’s sentiments while discussing the controversy during his own Instagram Live broadcast earlier this week.
“I do see people blaming it solely on JAY-Z when I don’t think that’s the truth,” he said. “I think it’s a committee, it’s a board, it’s different people who come in to play when decisions like that are made.”
Fab, who has worked with both JAY-Z and Lil Wayne, acknowledged that a Weezy Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans would’ve been special, but he suspects that Kendrick Lamar’s resounding victory over Drake in their high-profile feud sealed the deal.
Shannon Sharpe Seemingly Shares Sex Session On Instagram Live, Later Claims Account Was Hacked
Shannon Sharpe is known for getting gossip out of celebrities on his Club Shay Shay podcast, but it seems he’s the subject of a controversial topic today (Sept. 11), as the NFL alum appeared to post himself having sex on Instagram, only to later claim his account was hacked.
“Beware my @shannonsharpe84 Instagram was hacked this morning, my team and I are working vigorously to figure this out,” he posted and deleted on his Instagram Stories Wednesday.
Clarification from the athlete followed Sharpe’s account going live Wednesday. While Sharpe was not on camera, a woman can be heard moaning and repeatedly saying, “It’s yours, Shannon” while the camera focuses on a wooden floor or bedpost. Smacking sounds can also be heard in the clip, and many claim the man sounds eerily similar to Sharpe for it not to be him. The clip has been re-shared to X/Twitter.
Fans of the sports talking head couldn’t help but react to the clip, including Sexyy Red, who posted a meme of Sharpe making light of the moment. Other observers also had something to say, many unconvinced that his account was hacked.
“Shannon sharpe was on YouTube getting on Chad ochocinco for not being professional just to be on Instagram live during the day getting it in with some 25 year old,” wrote one critic, with another adding, “What does somebody have to gain using an AI version of Shannon Sharpe voice and smashing another woman and hacking his IG live his old a** don’t know how to work tech and thought he was making a movie.”
The move follows Marlon Wayans’ appearance on Club Shay Shay, another successful interview for the podcaster, as Wayans felt the need to brag about his impressive YouTube numbers to DJ Vlad of Vlad TV after their social media rift.
Usher Calls Voting “An Individual Choice” Following Presidential Debate
The clip in question is from the singer’s recent appearance on The View, where he discussed his four-night stint at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, his music film hitting theaters this weekend, and of course, politics. In the 55-second snippet, Joy Behar praised Taylor Swift‘s endorsement of Harris and running mate, Tim Walz. In response, Usher stated, “I don’t get too deep into politics. I didn’t get a chance to watch the debate last night […] I think voting is an individual choice.”
However, seconds before this sentiment, Usher confirmed that he’s backing Harris and Walz in the upcoming election.
When later speaking on political endorsements as a public figure, the 45-year-old added, “Who you highlight and how you choose to highlight it on whatever platform you have is your prerogative.”
In regards to voting overall, Usher also mentioned, “You have to look at the reality of the country that we are and the country that we want to be and find the candidate that you feel fits the category of what you wanna be and that’s it. That’s what you vote based off of.”
In addition to Usher and Swift, Questlove, Cardi B, Maxine Waters, Tina Knowles, Stacey Abrams, Barack and Michelle Obama have all endorsed Harris for President.
The presidential debate between Trump and Harris sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Per CNN, Harris was extensively prepared while Trump appeared to be winging it. Yet, both candidates declared victory following their verbal sparring.
Former Danity Kane Singer Dawn Richard Sues Diddy, Alleging Years Of Sexual & Physical Abuse
Diddy is facing yet another lawsuit, this time from a former bandmate who has accused the hip-hop mogul of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, has come forward with disturbing allegations, claiming that Diddy not only mistreated her but also subjected his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, to violent abuse.
According to the legal documents obtained by TMZ, Richard first crossed paths with Diddy in 2004 while competing on his MTV show “Making the Band.”
She says he manipulated her with promises of fame, but those came with twisted demands.
Richard alleges that during the auditions, Diddy often demeaned the female contestants, calling them “fat,” “ugly,” and worse.
She believes he targeted her because of her youth and eagerness to work with a powerful figure in the music industry.
One of the most troubling parts of her lawsuit details a 2005 incident where Richard witnessed Kim Porter, another of Diddy’s ex-girlfriends, leaving a recording studio visibly bruised and in tears.
This encounter, she says, made her realize the level of violence Diddy was capable of.
The situation worsened in 2006, when Richard claims she was present when Diddy first met Cassie.
Richard says he fixated on Cassie in a disturbing, predatory way.
Years later, in 2009, Richard alleges that she witnessed Diddy high on drugs, brutally assaulting Cassie at his Los Angeles home.
According to the lawsuit, Diddy threw Cassie against a wall, choked her, and dragged her up a flight of stairs.
Another shocking moment described in the documents recounts Diddy throwing a scalding pan of eggs at Cassie, screaming at her in a fit of rage.
Richard also detailed other instances of violence against Cassie, including times when Diddy allegedly punched her in the face and attempted to strangle her.
She says that she, along with her Diddy-Dirty Money bandmate Kalenna Harper, tried to intervene and support Cassie, urging her to leave Diddy.
However, Diddy allegedly found out and threatened them, saying, “Y’all b**ches don’t get in my relationship” and warning them about the consequences of crossing him.
Richard claims that she, too, became a victim of Diddy’s controlling behavior.
He allegedly forced her to endure grueling 48-hour rehearsals without rest, which left her dehydrated, fatigued, and suffering from severe rashes.
In one incident, Diddy reportedly summoned her to his Miami home, answering the door in nothing but his underwear.
When she asked him to put on clothes, he refused and shouted, “This is my f**king house!”
The abuse escalated between 2009 and 2011, according to Richard.
She accuses Diddy of barging into her dressing room while she was naked and touching her inappropriately.
In another harrowing event, Richard claims Diddy locked her in a car with tinted windows for two hours while she screamed for help, eventually calling her father in desperation.
Richard’s father allegedly traveled from Baltimore to confront Diddy, but the music mogul warned him, “Think about your daughter” and her career, seemingly implying that there would be consequences if they went to the authorities.
These new allegations add to the growing number of legal battles Diddy faces, raising serious questions about the pattern of behavior outlined by his accusers.
In a statement released by Erica Wolff, Diddy’s attorney, the hip-hop mogul expressed shock and disappointment over the lawsuit. Wolff’s full statement reads:
Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour.
If Ms. Richard had such a negative experience with Making the Band and Danity Kane, she would not have chosen to continue working directly with Mr. Combs for Dirty Money, nor would she have returned for the Making the Band reboot in 2020 or agreed to be featured on The Love Album last year.
It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.
Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to traffic offense in DWI case
Details of the Plea Deal
Timberlake’s legal team reached an arrangement with prosecutors that resulted in the DWI charge being downgraded to a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) offense. This distinction is significant, as it carries less severe penalties than a full DWI conviction. According to sources familiar with the case, Timberlake will face a fine ranging from $300 to $500, with the exact amount to be determined in a hearing scheduled for Sept. 13.
Background of the Case
The incident that led to Timberlake’s arrest occurred on June 18, 2024, in Sag Harbor, New York. Reports indicate that police pulled him over after allegedly driving under the influence. During the traffic stop, Timberlake reportedly claimed, “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.”
However, the arresting officers noted several signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and unsteady movements.
Consequences of the Plea
As part of the plea deal, Timberlake’s driver’s license will remain suspended in New York for one year. This suspension is standard procedure for individuals who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test, which Timberlake did during his arrest. Refusing the test often results in automatic penalties, including license suspension.
Public Reaction and Implications
The outcome of Timberlake’s case has sparked discussions among fans and the public regarding the perceived leniency of the plea deal. Many question whether the pop star received preferential treatment due to celebrity status. This sentiment is not uncommon in cases involving high-profile individuals, where public scrutiny often leads to debates about fairness in the legal system.
What are your thoughts on Timberlake’s plea deal? Do you think he got off easy
Beyoncé compares fame to being in prison
Beyoncé has compared fame to being in prison.The pop superstar — who has three children with her rapper husband Jay Z — works hard to protect her family’s privacy and confessed she disappears from the spotlight whenever she doesn’t have a work project to promote because she won’t sacrifice her “peace” for any amount of money.
“One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand,” she told GQ. “It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family. No amount of money is worth my peace.”
She went on to add she finds solace in making music and launching her SirDavis Whisky brand, but being famous is tough to deal with.
“Working on the music for [album] Cowboy Carter and launching this exciting new [drinks] project feel nothing like prison, nor a burden. In fact, I only work on what liberates me. It is fame that can at times feel like prison. So, when you don’t see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that’s why,” Beyoncé explained.
The “II Hand II Heaven” singer also insisted she builds her work schedule around her kids — Blue Ivy and twins, Rumi and Sir — to make sure she spends as much time with them as possible.
“I build my work schedule around my family. I try to only tour when my kids are out of school,” she continued in the interview. “I always dreamt of a life where I could see the world with my family and expose them to different languages, architecture and lifestyles,” stated Beyoncé.
“Raising three kids isn’t easy. The older they get, the more they become their own individuals with unique needs, hobbies and social lives. My twins are God-sent,” she gushed. “Parenting constantly teaches you about yourself. It takes a lot of prayer and patience. I love it. It’s grounding and fulfilling.”
“My kids come with me everywhere I go. They come to my office after school, and they are in the studio with me. They are in dance rehearsals … ” Beyoncé said.
Jon Bon Jovi Intervenes To Save A Woman's Life On Nashville Bridge
Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi highlighted the true essence of heroism Tuesday night, September 20 in Nashville, merging his renowned musical persona with genuine humanity. While on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge filming a music video, Bon Jovi and his team faced an unexpected crisis, a woman standing on the ledge, appearing ready to jump into the Cumberland River.The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, which later praised Bon Jovi's intervention on social media, shared, "Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety." The singer calmly approached the woman with a colleague, leveraging his extensive crisis intervention training from his JBJ Soul Foundation to engage in a life-saving conversation.
Video footage from security cameras on the bridge showed Bon Jovi and his production assistant approaching the distressed woman, maintaining a respectful distance while initiating communication. The anxiety-filled moments culminated when they gently pulled her over the railing back to safety. The heartwarming rescue ended with an emotional hug between Bon Jovi and the woman.
"It takes all of us to help keep each other safe," emphasized Nashville Police Chief John Drake, acknowledging Bon Jovi's actions. The video, initially shared on social platforms, was later removed, preserving the privacy of the rescued individual.
The timing of the incident added another layer of poignancy. The bridge where the scene unfolded was named for John Seigenthaler, a journalist known for a similar heroic act in the 1950s. Adding to the surreal sequence of events, Bon Jovi, fresh from a performance at his eponymous bar in Nashville and behind the bar serving drinks, seamlessly transitioned from rock star to real-life hero.
Bon Jovi's work with the JBJ Soul Foundation since 2006, addressing issues like homelessness and hunger, has evidently bestowed him with empathy and effective crisis communication skills. This background and training were instrumental in handling the delicate situation, showcasing that being a hero transcends celebrity status.
For those who find themselves in emotional distress, resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 provide free, confidential support 24/7. Jon Bon Jovi's actions remind us all of the impact one individual can have and the importance of reaching out to those in need.
Nicki Minaj Accuses Jay-Z Of Not Paying Her For Tidal Ownership Deal
Nicki Minaj is well-known for her unapologetic attitude and a propensity for beef with other rappers when she's not topping music charts. Her simmering conflict with Jay-Z has come to a boil following the announcement that Kendrick Lamar, not Lil Wayne, would headline the 2025 Halftime Show in New Orleans. Minaj took to Twitter on September 9 to question Jay-Z's allegiances, hurling some scathing remarks at the hip-hop mogul. But that was just the beginning.
Just a day after her initial Twitter tirade, Minaj decided to vent more frustrations in a TikTok post by DJ Akademiks, who was covering both the Halftime Show fallout and the rumored tensions between Jay-Z and Drake. In the comment section, Minaj made some bold accusations about Jay-Z's former streaming service, Tidal. Launched with much fanfare in 2015, Tidal promised to revolutionize the streaming industry by offering a better deal for artists, and Minaj was one of many stars who signed onto the platform, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with big names like Rihanna and Madonna.
However, Minaj claimed that she never received any compensation for her involvement with Tidal. "I didn't even get one red penny," she wrote, expressing her frustration. She also took issue with the promotional efforts she had made for Tidal, arguing that she had dedicated as much time and energy as Ja
Just a day after her initial Twitter tirade, Minaj decided to vent more frustrations in a TikTok post by DJ Akademiks, who was covering both the Halftime Show fallout and the rumored tensions between Jay-Z and Drake. In the comment section, Minaj made some bold accusations about Jay-Z's former streaming service, Tidal. Launched with much fanfare in 2015, Tidal promised to revolutionize the streaming industry by offering a better deal for artists, and Minaj was one of many stars who signed onto the platform, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with big names like Rihanna and Madonna.
However, Minaj claimed that she never received any compensation for her involvement with Tidal. "I didn't even get one red penny," she wrote, expressing her frustration. She also took issue with the promotional efforts she had made for Tidal, arguing that she had dedicated as much time and energy as Ja
Here’s the Full List of 2024 MTV VMAs Winners
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards are a wrap! It all went down Wednesday night (Sept. 11) at New York’s UBS Arena, and Billboard was on the red carpet and inside following along with all the performances, major moments and winners.
Speaking of winners, going into the night, Taylor Swift led all nominees with 12 nods followed by her “Fortnight” collaborator Post Malone with 11 — and they left as the top two as well. Swift scored seven wins and Post had five, including their top win of the night when “Fortnight” was named video of the year.
But who else won big? Find Billboard‘s full 2024 MTV VMAs winners list below.
Video of the year
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records
Billie Eilish – “Lunch” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Doja Cat – “Paint the Town Red” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
SZA – “Snooze” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
WINNER: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Artist of the year
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Bad Bunny – Rimas Entertainment
Eminem – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
SZA – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
WINNER: Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Song of the year
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Jack Harlow – “Lovin on Me” – Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” – pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Island
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” – Warner Records
Best new artist
WINNER: Chappell Roan – Island
Gracie Abrams – Interscope Records
Tyla – Epic Records
Best collaboration
Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “ – OVO / Republic Records
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be” – CMG / Interscope Records
Jessie Murph feat. Jelly Roll – “Wild Ones” – Columbia Records
Jung Kook feat. Latto – “Seven” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Geffen Records
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help” – Mercury / Republic / Big Loud
WINNER: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Best pop
Camila Cabello – Geffen / Interscope Records
Dua Lipa – Warner Records
Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
Tate McRae – RCA Records
WINNER: Taylor Swift – Republic Records
Best hip-hop
Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “ – OVO / Republic Records
WINNER: Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!” – CMG / Interscope Records
Gunna – “fukumean” – Young Stoner Life Records / 300 Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions
Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti – “FE!N” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records
Best R&B
Alicia Keys – “Lifeline” – AK Records, under exclusive license to gamma.
Muni Long – “Made for Me” – Def Jam
WINNER: SZA – “Snooze” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” – mega / gamma.
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” – Lovett Music / RCA Records
Best alternative
WINNER: Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Dirty Hit
Hozier – “Too Sweet” – Columbia Records
Imagine Dragons – “Eyes Closed” – KIDinaKorner / Interscope Records
Linkin Park – “Friendly Fire” – This Compilation / Warner Records
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control (Live)” – Warner Records
Best rock
Bon Jovi – “Legendary” – Island
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Atlantic Records
Green Day – “Dilemma” – Reprise Records / Warner Records
Kings of Leon – “Mustang” – Capitol Records
WINNER: Lenny Kravitz – “Human” – ℗© 2024 Roxie Records Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management GmbH
U2 – “Atomic City” – Interscope Records
Best Latin
WINNER: Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Floresta Records / Republic Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Bad Bunny – “Monaco” – Rimas Entertainment
Karol G – “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” – Bichota / Interscope Records
Myke Towers – “LaLa” – Warner Music Latina
Peso Pluma & Anitta – “Bellakeo” – Double P Records
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment
Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería” – Sony Music US Latin
Best Afrobeats
Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song” – Mavin / Republic
Burna Boy – “City Boys” – Spaceship / Bad Habit / Atlantic Records
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational” – Chris Brown Entertainment / RCA Records
Tems – “Love Me JeJe” – Since ’93 / RCA Records
WINNER: Tyla – “Water” – FAX Records / Epic Records
Usher, Pheelz – “Ruin” – mega / gamma.
Best K-pop
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven” – BIGHIT MUSIC / Geffen Records
WINNER: LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records
NCT Dream – “Smoothie” – SM Entertainment / Virgin Music Group
NewJeans – “Super Shy” – ADOR / Geffen Records
Stray Kids – “LALALALA” – JYP Entertainment / Imperial / Republic Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Deja vu” – BIGHIT MUSIC / IMPERIAL / Republic Records
Video for good
Alexander Stewart – “if you only knew” – FAE grp
WINNER: Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From Barbie)” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Atlantic Records
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – “Best for Me” – Twenty Nine Music Group
RAYE – “Genesis.” – Human Re Sources
Tyler Childers – “In Your Love” – Hickman Holler Records / RCA Records
MTV push performance of the year
August 2023: Kaliii – “Area Codes” – Atlantic Records
September 2023: GloRilla – “Lick or Sum” – CMG / Interscope Records
October 2023: Benson Boone – “In The Stars” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
November 2023: Coco Jones – “ICU” – Def Jam
December 2023: Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” – Lovett Music / RCA Records
January 2024: Jessie Murph – “Wild Ones” – Columbia Records
February 2024: Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” – Warner Records
March 2024: Chappell Roan – “Red Wine Supernova” – Island
April 2024: Flyana Boss – “yeaaa” – vnclm_/ Atlantic Records
May 2024: Laufey – “Goddess” – Laufey / AWAL
June 2024: LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” – SOURCE MUSIC / Geffen Records
July 2024: The Warning – “Automatic Sun” – Lava / Republic Records
VMAs Most Iconic Performance
Beyoncé – “Love on Top” (2011)
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Missy Elliott – “Like a Virgin” & “Hollywood” (2003)
Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady” & “The Way I Am” (2000)
WINNER: Katy Perry – “Roar” (2013)
Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” (2009)
Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)
Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me” (2009)
Best Trending Video
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti – “I Luv It” – Geffen / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Hot to Go!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX – “Apple” – Atlantic Records
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba – “Mamushi” – Hot Girl Productions
Tinashe – “Nasty” – Nice Life Recording Company
Best Group
*NSYNC – RCA Records
Coldplay – Atlantic Records
Imagine Dragons – KIDinaKorner / Interscope Records
NCT Dream – SM Entertainment / Virgin Music Group
NewJeans – ADOR / Geffen Records
SEVENTEEN – PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – BIGHIT MUSIC / IMPERIAL / Republic Records
Twenty One Pilots – Fueled By Ramen
Song of Summer
Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Republic Records
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” – Night Street Records, Inc. / Warner Records
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!” – Amusement Records / Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – “Guess featuring Billie Eilish” – Atlantic Records
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – “Like That” – Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati / Epic / Republic
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be” – CMG / Interscope Records
Hozier – “Too Sweet” – Columbia Records
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” – pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help” – Mercury / Republic / Big Loud
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – American Dogwood / EMPIRE
SZA – “Saturn” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
WINNER: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records
Tommy Richman – “Million Dollar Baby” – ISO Supremacy / PULSE Records / Concord
Technical awards
Best direction
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; directed by Christian Breslauer
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Dirty Hit; directed by Alex Lockett & Margaret Qualley
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; directed by Rich Lee
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island; directed by Barbia Zeinali
WINNER: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; directed by Taylor Swift
Best cinematography
WINNER: Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; cinematography by Anatol Trofimov
Charli XCX – “Von dutch” – Atlantic Records; cinematography by Jeff Bierman
Dua Lipa – “Illusion” – Warner Records; cinematography by Nikita Nuzmenko
Olivia Rodrigo – “obsessed” – Geffen Records; cinematography by Marz Miller
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment; cinematography by Camilo Monsalve
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
Best editing
Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Floresta Records / Republic Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment; editing by Nick Yumul
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Republic Records; editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert
Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; editing by David Checel
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records; editing by Nik Kohler
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Island; editing by Jai Shukla
WINNER: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; editing by Chancler Haynes
Best choreography
Bleachers – Tiny Moves – Dirty Hit; choreography by Margaret Qualley
WINNER: Dua Lipa – “Houdini” – Warner Records; choreography by Charm La’Donna
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloud Co. / RCA Records; choreography by Sean Bankhead
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Sony Music Latin / Duars Entertainment – Choreography by Felix ‘Fefe’ Burgos
Tate McRae – “Greedy” – RCA Records; choreography by Sean Bankhead
Troye Sivan – “Rush” – Capitol Records; choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkof
Best visual effect
Ariana Grande – “the boy is mine” – Republic Records; visual effects by Digital Axis
WINNER: Eminem – “Houdini” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records; visual effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post
Justin Timberlake – “Selfish” – RCA Records; visual effects by Candice Dragonas
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; visual effects by Mathematic
Olivia Rodrigo – “get him back!” – Geffen Records; visual effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; visual effects by Parliament
Best art direction
Charli XCX – “360” – Atlantic Records; art direction by Grace Surnow
LISA – “Rockstar” – Lloyd Co. / RCA Records; art direction byPongsan Thawatwichian
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Hot Girl Productions; art direction by Brittany Porter
Olivia Rodrigo – “bad idea right?” – Geffen Records; art direction by Nichaolas des Jardins
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Island; art direction by Nicholas des Jardins
Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Republic Records; art direction by Ethan Tobman
Congrats to all the winners!
Sistas Season 8 Sets October Premiere Date on BET
Who stabbed Gary and left him for dead on his wedding day? That mystery will unfold when Tyler Perry’s Sistas returns to BET for Season 8 on Wednesday, Oct. 16 (9/8c), TVLine has learned exclusively.
We can also confirm, by way of the trailer above, that Gary is not dead. The 30-second sneak peek includes a shot of Zac’s handmade murder board, which shows “Who Killed Gary?” crossed out and replaced by “Who Tried to Kill Gary?” As if something as simple as a stab wound could keep him down.
As you may recall, Gary presented Andi with a lose-lose ultimatum last season: marry him, or he would destroy Jordan’s career. Scared and desperate, she chose to put a ring on it, a move that both broke Jordan’s heart and further fractured the Sista-hood. At this point, she’s the only person we know for sure didn’t stab Gary — and that’s only because we saw her discover his body.
Elsewhere in the Aug. 7 finale, Andi was promoted to partner at her law firm, Hayden figured out that Gary and Tamara have been sleeping together behind his back, Zac flipped out after one of Gary’s goons got physical with Fatima, Rich insisted that his love for Sabrina outweighs his lack of a desire for children, and Danni battled doubts about her relationship with Tony.
Sistas stars KJ Smith as Andi, Ebony Obsidian as Karen, Mignon as Danni, Novi Brown as Sabrina, Chido Nwokocha as Gary, DeVale Ellis as Zac, Brian Jordan Jr. as Maurice, Crystal Renee Hayslett as Fatima, Chris Warren as Hayden, Angela Beyincé as Pam, Branden Wellington as Tony, Monti Washington as Rich, Devin Way as Jordan, Joi Symone as Tamara, Tonya Pinkins as Marie and David Lami Friebe as Trey.
We can also confirm, by way of the trailer above, that Gary is not dead. The 30-second sneak peek includes a shot of Zac’s handmade murder board, which shows “Who Killed Gary?” crossed out and replaced by “Who Tried to Kill Gary?” As if something as simple as a stab wound could keep him down.
As you may recall, Gary presented Andi with a lose-lose ultimatum last season: marry him, or he would destroy Jordan’s career. Scared and desperate, she chose to put a ring on it, a move that both broke Jordan’s heart and further fractured the Sista-hood. At this point, she’s the only person we know for sure didn’t stab Gary — and that’s only because we saw her discover his body.
Elsewhere in the Aug. 7 finale, Andi was promoted to partner at her law firm, Hayden figured out that Gary and Tamara have been sleeping together behind his back, Zac flipped out after one of Gary’s goons got physical with Fatima, Rich insisted that his love for Sabrina outweighs his lack of a desire for children, and Danni battled doubts about her relationship with Tony.
Sistas stars KJ Smith as Andi, Ebony Obsidian as Karen, Mignon as Danni, Novi Brown as Sabrina, Chido Nwokocha as Gary, DeVale Ellis as Zac, Brian Jordan Jr. as Maurice, Crystal Renee Hayslett as Fatima, Chris Warren as Hayden, Angela Beyincé as Pam, Branden Wellington as Tony, Monti Washington as Rich, Devin Way as Jordan, Joi Symone as Tamara, Tonya Pinkins as Marie and David Lami Friebe as Trey.
Uber driver admits to raping, killing Indy woman before dumping her body
Police say an Uber driver recently arrested in the death of Chanti Dixon admitted he raped, shot and killed the woman after picking her up from work Sunday morning.Francisco Valadez, 29, was arrested Tuesday morning by IMPD homicide detectives and preliminarily charged with murder.
Valadez reportedly admitted to police that he shot and killed the 30-year-old Dixon in a fit of rage after picking her up as an Uber driver and attempting to rape her in the back of his car. He then said he dumped her body in an alleyway in a wooded area near the victim’s home.
“This is just disgusting all around and it did not have to happen,” said IMPD chief Chris Bailey.
Dixon’s death
Court documents filed Tuesday in Marion County Court detail how officers were called around 1 p.m. Monday to the 1800 block of Wagner Lane after a woman’s body was found in a nearby wooded area. IMPD arrived to find a woman naked, unresponsive and lying on her stomach.
The victim’s family said they tracked her phone to the woods behind her home where they found her body and called police.
The woman – later identified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office as Dixon – was pronounced dead on scene. After the crime scene was processed for evidence, it was discovered that Dixon had suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of her head.
A woman near the scene told police that the dead woman was her daughter who had been missing since early Sunday morning. The woman told officers her daughter had gotten off work around 3:30 a.m. and ordered an Uber to get home. No one had talked to her since.
IMPD crews reportedly found two cell phones in the wooded area near Dixon’s body. Both phones were identified as belonging to Dixon. The victim’s mother gave police the passcodes for both phones, which would eventually lead them to Valadez.
Investigation into Valadez
Once back at the homicide office, detectives found that Dixon had ordered an Uber at 3:34 a.m. from the 2300 block of W. 16th Street. She reportedly made one stop along Washington Street in the Uber before being taken in the same car to her home address on Earhart Street.
According to data stored in the Uber app, Dixon’s driver drove a BMW with an Indiana license plate. Detectives searched further into the driver and identified him as Valadez, coming up with an address on Aristocrat Circle.
Detectives then went to Valadez’s home and began questioning him about Dixon. He told police that he did pick up Dixon on Sunday but then began to tell a story of how an armed Black man came up to his car and tried to rob Dixon.
“[Valadez] added that the suspect shot [Dixon] in the thigh and that she kicked herself out of his car and he fled the scene,” police wrote. “He also said that he had cleaned the blood out of his car.”
Police also reportedly spoke with Valadez’s mother, who told them that her son owned a gun that he regularly carries. She added that he had recently cleaned out his car and that the items were still inside. After seizing the items for evidence, police took Valadez in for interrogation.
Admission and arrest
Detectives took Valadez to the IMPD homicide office where he was reportedly read his Miranda Rights and signed a waiver agreeing to speak with police.
After telling several stories about what happened to Dixon, Valadez reportedly admitted what actually happened.
“Mr. Valadez told two different stories as to what happened with Ms. Dixon,” police wrote.
Detectives said Valadez admitted to raping the woman in the back of his car. While raping the woman, Valadez said she insulted his body. This reportedly caused him to become enraged and shoot Dixon in the head.
Valadez told police that after the shooting, he drug Dixon out of his car and placed her lifeless body behind a concrete barrier at the dead end of Wagner Lane. The Uber driver also admitted to trying to have sex with Dixon’s dead body, police said.
The dead end of Wagner Lane where Dixon was found (via IMPD)
Valadez was then taken into custody by IMPD and later booked into the Marion County Jail on a felony murder charge. IMPD officials said Tuesday that more charges can be expected in the case. An initial court hearing has not yet been scheduled in his case.
Valadez reportedly admitted to police that he shot and killed the 30-year-old Dixon in a fit of rage after picking her up as an Uber driver and attempting to rape her in the back of his car. He then said he dumped her body in an alleyway in a wooded area near the victim’s home.
“This is just disgusting all around and it did not have to happen,” said IMPD chief Chris Bailey.
Dixon’s death
Court documents filed Tuesday in Marion County Court detail how officers were called around 1 p.m. Monday to the 1800 block of Wagner Lane after a woman’s body was found in a nearby wooded area. IMPD arrived to find a woman naked, unresponsive and lying on her stomach.
The victim’s family said they tracked her phone to the woods behind her home where they found her body and called police.
The woman – later identified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office as Dixon – was pronounced dead on scene. After the crime scene was processed for evidence, it was discovered that Dixon had suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of her head.
A woman near the scene told police that the dead woman was her daughter who had been missing since early Sunday morning. The woman told officers her daughter had gotten off work around 3:30 a.m. and ordered an Uber to get home. No one had talked to her since.
IMPD crews reportedly found two cell phones in the wooded area near Dixon’s body. Both phones were identified as belonging to Dixon. The victim’s mother gave police the passcodes for both phones, which would eventually lead them to Valadez.
Investigation into Valadez
Once back at the homicide office, detectives found that Dixon had ordered an Uber at 3:34 a.m. from the 2300 block of W. 16th Street. She reportedly made one stop along Washington Street in the Uber before being taken in the same car to her home address on Earhart Street.
According to data stored in the Uber app, Dixon’s driver drove a BMW with an Indiana license plate. Detectives searched further into the driver and identified him as Valadez, coming up with an address on Aristocrat Circle.
Detectives then went to Valadez’s home and began questioning him about Dixon. He told police that he did pick up Dixon on Sunday but then began to tell a story of how an armed Black man came up to his car and tried to rob Dixon.
“[Valadez] added that the suspect shot [Dixon] in the thigh and that she kicked herself out of his car and he fled the scene,” police wrote. “He also said that he had cleaned the blood out of his car.”
Police also reportedly spoke with Valadez’s mother, who told them that her son owned a gun that he regularly carries. She added that he had recently cleaned out his car and that the items were still inside. After seizing the items for evidence, police took Valadez in for interrogation.
Admission and arrest
Detectives took Valadez to the IMPD homicide office where he was reportedly read his Miranda Rights and signed a waiver agreeing to speak with police.
After telling several stories about what happened to Dixon, Valadez reportedly admitted what actually happened.
“Mr. Valadez told two different stories as to what happened with Ms. Dixon,” police wrote.
Detectives said Valadez admitted to raping the woman in the back of his car. While raping the woman, Valadez said she insulted his body. This reportedly caused him to become enraged and shoot Dixon in the head.
Valadez told police that after the shooting, he drug Dixon out of his car and placed her lifeless body behind a concrete barrier at the dead end of Wagner Lane. The Uber driver also admitted to trying to have sex with Dixon’s dead body, police said.
The dead end of Wagner Lane where Dixon was found (via IMPD)
Valadez was then taken into custody by IMPD and later booked into the Marion County Jail on a felony murder charge. IMPD officials said Tuesday that more charges can be expected in the case. An initial court hearing has not yet been scheduled in his case.
‘Disgusting, disturbing’: IMPD reaction
Indianapolis police officials held a news conference Tuesday afternoon discussing Dixon’s murder and the arrest of Valadez.
“This is disgusting, it’s disturbing,” IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said during the conference. “No one deserves to be treated this way in our community and I am so sorry to her family that we’re here today.”
Bailey then touched on the effect this has on the victim’s family.
“This is a family that’s been ripped apart,” he said. “This woman is gone from the world unnecessarily by an evil act, and I’m glad that we were able to find this individual as quickly as we did so that he didn’t have an opportunity to perpetuate violence further in our community.”
IMPD’s social media accounts posted a photo of a gun seized in relation to the case, shown below.
Bailey indicated that more charges were forthcoming in the case and stressed that the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office would make the final charging decision.
“Women, girls, mothers…they have a right to exist freely in our community without fear of something heinous happening to them,” said IMPD Assistant Chief Catherine Cummings. “They have a right to walk, bike, order a rideshare without fearing something bad will happen to them.”
While they insist the murder is an isolated incident, IMPD said ride-share users can always share their location with friends and family and that women should trust their instincts if things feel dangerous.
“Rideshares continue to be an excellent and safe option to use when you’re out in our community,” said Cummings. “This is a family’s worst nightmare. We’re disgusted by these allegations.”
Bailey said IMPD wants to know if Indy residents have had other suspicious interactions with Valadez as a rideshare driver or in any other capacity. He urged people to contact the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.
Uber’s response
In a statement on Tuesday, an Uber spokesperson confirmed that Valadez has been banned as a driver from the Uber platform.
“Our hearts break for Ms. Dixon’s family and loved ones in the midst of this tragedy,” Uber said. “The details of this act of violence are atrocious and we will assist Indianapolis police however we can as they continue to investigate.”
Uber went on to say that the company is deeply committed to safety and has invested heavily in making its platform safer for customers. These safety measures include hiring teams of law enforcement pros around the globe and adding an emergency button for in-app users, Uber said.
In addition to adding the emergency button feature, Uber also said that users have the option to record audio during their trip to ensure safety, can share their trip information with family or friends and can seek “live help” from a safety agent in the app.
Malia Obama Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance Wearing Plaid Corset and ‘Alluring’ Accent
*Malia Obama attended the 50th Annual Deauville American Film Festival in Deauville, France to promote her short film project, “The Heart,” and her plaid Vivienne Westwood ensemble – as well as her strange accent – sparked debate on social media.
“I don’t know as much about fashion, but I’m happy to be wearing it,” Malia told reporters on the red carpet. This rare interview moment left social media users questioning her “alluring” accent, with one X person writing, “Did she go to the same accent school as Kamala Harris.”
Several users are convinced Malia was “stoned” on the red carpet, as one person wrote, “She sounds drunk and high …. wearing that picnic table pattern.”
We reported earlier that Malia’s short film “The Heart” is a comedy-drama that “follows a lonely man named Josh, portrayed by Tunde Adebimpe, as he grapples with the sudden loss of his mother, Anita, played by LaTonya Borsay. The plot takes an unexpected turn with Anita’s peculiar request in her will for her son to preserve her heart organ and care for it after her passing,” per blexmedia.com.
During a Q&A session at Sundance earlier this year, Malia described the project as an “allegorical little poem story.”
“The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret. But I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things,” she said in a Meet the Artist video during Sundance.
Donald Glover’s production company produced “The Heart.” In a 2023 interview with GQ, he said he told the daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, “She will only get to do this once,” adding, “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
‘James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy’ Special Set for BET
BET News and Entertainment Tonight honored the late James Earl Jones with a special tribute, BET News & ET Present James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy, premiering Thursday, Sept. 12, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET+. The special will celebrate the life and career of the EGOT-winning actor, featuring archival footage and never-before-seen interviews from various stages of his remarkable journey.
Entertainment Tonight was present on the set of many of Jones’ most significant projects and captured unique moments that will be showcased in the special. Deadline reveals, highlights include his unforgettable voice work as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. The tribute will also reflect on his profound impact on Broadway and Hollywood, featuring new interviews with colleagues and friends who were part of his storied career.
An encore presentation of James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy will air on Sunday, Sept. 15, at noon ET/PT on BET
Entertainment Tonight was present on the set of many of Jones’ most significant projects and captured unique moments that will be showcased in the special. Deadline reveals, highlights include his unforgettable voice work as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. The tribute will also reflect on his profound impact on Broadway and Hollywood, featuring new interviews with colleagues and friends who were part of his storied career.
An encore presentation of James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy will air on Sunday, Sept. 15, at noon ET/PT on BET
Meagan Good Reportedly Fronting the Bill for Jonathan Majors Life
Meagan Good is reportedly holding down her man. According to The Jasmine Brand, she is stepping in to assist her bae, Jonathan Majors, with his life expenses following his legal issues.
An insider says Good supported Majors after his court case for allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
“Meagan pays for everything,” a source said. “They really wanted this dog, and she got stuck paying the $75,000 training bill. Like, that’s crazy!” The source added, “No one knows what Meagan sees in this guy. If things keep up this way, she may not be able to pay her mortgage.”
Jonathan Majors is ready to marry Meagan Good. While strolling in California, he was shocked when asked about his plans before answering, “Hell yes.”
Majors revealed additional possibilities for their union, including family support and the possibility of a movie with Good. You can see the moment below.
Earlier this summer, Meagan Good discussed her new film “Divorce in the Black,” during Tuesday’s episode of “Hoda and Jenna.” The conversation got good, pun intended. She opened up about her relationship with Jonathan Majors. She highlighted the “support” they provide each other and addressed the controversy surrounding their relationship. See, isn’t that what it’s supposed to be about? Support.
“The support that we’ve been able to give each other, the pouring into each other, the honest conversations, the love, the respect, just the care and the thoughtfulness—it’s just been really wonderful,” Good shared during the interview.
Good revealed that many advised her to delay publicizing their relationship due to Majors’ legal issues. Despite considering their advice, she ultimately decided to follow her judgment:
“One thing I know is that I can always look in the mirror when I trust my spirit, when I trust God, when I ask God, and when I move to the beat of my own drum… I can always look and say, ‘Okay, I’m proud of that.’”
Good further emphasized her sense of peace and harmony when following her own path. “No matter whatever happens, I have peace in my heart and have harmony in my heart. And it’s only when I do something based on someone else saying ‘well I think you should do this… I take everyone I love’s opinion into account, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to live my life.”
Here’s how Good wrapped it up, “I want to be responsible for the choices I make and want to live the life that I want to live.”
Meagan Good is reportedly holding down her man. According to The Jasmine Brand, she is stepping in to assist her bae, Jonathan Majors, with his life expenses following his legal issues.
An insider says Good supported Majors after his court case for allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
“Meagan pays for everything,” a source said. “They really wanted this dog, and she got stuck paying the $75,000 training bill. Like, that’s crazy!” The source added, “No one knows what Meagan sees in this guy. If things keep up this way, she may not be able to pay her mortgage.”
Jonathan Majors is ready to marry Meagan Good. While strolling in California, he was shocked when asked about his plans before answering, “Hell yes.”
Majors revealed additional possibilities for their union, including family support and the possibility of a movie with Good. You can see the moment below.
Earlier this summer, Meagan Good discussed her new film “Divorce in the Black,” during Tuesday’s episode of “Hoda and Jenna.” The conversation got good, pun intended. She opened up about her relationship with Jonathan Majors. She highlighted the “support” they provide each other and addressed the controversy surrounding their relationship. See, isn’t that what it’s supposed to be about? Support.
“The support that we’ve been able to give each other, the pouring into each other, the honest conversations, the love, the respect, just the care and the thoughtfulness—it’s just been really wonderful,” Good shared during the interview.
Good revealed that many advised her to delay publicizing their relationship due to Majors’ legal issues. Despite considering their advice, she ultimately decided to follow her judgment:
“One thing I know is that I can always look in the mirror when I trust my spirit, when I trust God, when I ask God, and when I move to the beat of my own drum… I can always look and say, ‘Okay, I’m proud of that.’”
Good further emphasized her sense of peace and harmony when following her own path. “No matter whatever happens, I have peace in my heart and have harmony in my heart. And it’s only when I do something based on someone else saying ‘well I think you should do this… I take everyone I love’s opinion into account, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to live my life.”
Here’s how Good wrapped it up, “I want to be responsible for the choices I make and want to live the life that I want to live.”
Pharrell Williams Responds to Kelis’ Outrage Over ‘Milkshake’ Sample on Beyoncé’s ‘Energy’: “I Wish Her the Best, But I Wrote This Song”
To refresh your memory, Kelis publicly blasted Bey for using an interpolation of the 2003 megahit on her “Renaissance” album, particularly on the track “Energy.” After the record was released in July 2022, Kelis took to social media to call out the Houston singer and her former producer, Williams.
“The reality is that it’s frustrating. I have the right to be frustrated. Why did no one have the human decency to call and be like, ‘Yo, hey, [we] would like to use your record,’” she shared in an Instagram video.
After catching wind of the drama, Bey removed the portion of the song that mixed Kelis’ track. However, Williams does not believe there was any wrongdoing. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the musician was asked if he spoke with Kelis after she called out him and Bey, to which he replied no. In fact, Williams revealed he had not spoken with the singer at all in any capacity. Regarding “Milkshake,” the designer explained that he was not required to get approval from Kelis since he and his partner, Chad Hugo, penned the single.
“I wish her the absolute best. But I wrote this song,” he firmly stated. “It was me and Chad [who] produced it.”
Kelis has long called out Williams and Hugo, collectively known as The Neptunes, for stealing her music profits. However, after hearing “Energy,” Kelis felt that Bey should have also did her due diligence to make sure she was adequately compensated.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
El Valentino
Looking for a good place to hang
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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