#MAGFAB: Simone Ashley for Glamour UK - Women Of The Year 2024
FAB! The article is HERE! https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/simone-ashley-interview-2024-glamour-women-of-the-year-awards
#RHOA:Kandi Burruss, 48, reveals weight loss supplement Hydroxycut she used to lose 31lbs
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss is crediting a controversial weight loss supplement for helping her shed 31 pounds.
The reality star, 48, claimed her recent physical transformation was partially a result of her partnering up with Hydroxycut, a brand of weight loss supplements that comes in various forms, such as pills, capsules, shakes, and gummies.
'Operation #UnBigMyBack was a success!' she captioned footage of herself showing off her impressive weight loss while rocking a yellow sports bra and matching biker shorts.
She mentioned on her Instagram on Wednesday, the mom-of-four raved that she 'lost 31lbs with Hydroxycut.'
'Nothing was working for me, so I decided to try Hydroxycut,' she explained. 'It gives you energy. I feel and look the best that I have in years. Get Hydroxycut today.'
Hydroxycut has marked their products for weight loss, body building, and 'fat burning' on their website.
The brand states on their website that their products work 'in conjunction with exercise and a reduced calorie diet.
Back in June, Burruss opened up about gaining weight after departing the hit Bravo series and trying Ozempic during an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com.
'I guess when I quit Housewives at the top of the year I was like, "I'm gonna live my best life!" So I've been eating good,' she said. 'I'm a dessert person, so I can have dessert with every meal.'
She also spoke about trying the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic, for a while, but says it did little to curb her cravings.
She eventually got a major wake-up call after a troll on social media pointed out that she'd gained weight.
The Xscape star, who is about to go on tour with her group and SWV, knew it was time to get her curves under control.
'I really need to get it together,' she confessed. 'You keep trying to stay motivated to stick to a diet, but sometimes you just need some extra help and motivation.'
Kandi has now teamed up with dietary supplement brand Hydroxycut, which has just launched a new range of products that claim to work as an alternative to semaglutides like Ozempic, and include weight loss-boosting ingredients like Glucose Control and Berberine.
'Hydroxycut is powered by a key weight loss driver (C. Canephora robusta),' the brand's website states. 'This ingredient has been studied in two separate scientific studies with significant results.'
The star said that the products have helped control her cravings and increased her energy.
This year, she has been focused on her Queens of R&B tour with Xscape and SWV.
Outside of music, Kandi is focused on her acting career and just landed a role in season two of Hulu's Reasonable Doubt.
'I'm playing Eboni and she's a recovering addict which allowed me to go really deep with this character,' she explained.
'I want people to know me for other things, not just reality TV, and this was the perfect opportunity to show people that your girl can act!'
The reality star, 48, claimed her recent physical transformation was partially a result of her partnering up with Hydroxycut, a brand of weight loss supplements that comes in various forms, such as pills, capsules, shakes, and gummies.
'Operation #UnBigMyBack was a success!' she captioned footage of herself showing off her impressive weight loss while rocking a yellow sports bra and matching biker shorts.
She mentioned on her Instagram on Wednesday, the mom-of-four raved that she 'lost 31lbs with Hydroxycut.'
'Nothing was working for me, so I decided to try Hydroxycut,' she explained. 'It gives you energy. I feel and look the best that I have in years. Get Hydroxycut today.'
Hydroxycut has marked their products for weight loss, body building, and 'fat burning' on their website.
The brand states on their website that their products work 'in conjunction with exercise and a reduced calorie diet.
Back in June, Burruss opened up about gaining weight after departing the hit Bravo series and trying Ozempic during an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com.
'I guess when I quit Housewives at the top of the year I was like, "I'm gonna live my best life!" So I've been eating good,' she said. 'I'm a dessert person, so I can have dessert with every meal.'
She also spoke about trying the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic, for a while, but says it did little to curb her cravings.
She eventually got a major wake-up call after a troll on social media pointed out that she'd gained weight.
The Xscape star, who is about to go on tour with her group and SWV, knew it was time to get her curves under control.
'I really need to get it together,' she confessed. 'You keep trying to stay motivated to stick to a diet, but sometimes you just need some extra help and motivation.'
Kandi has now teamed up with dietary supplement brand Hydroxycut, which has just launched a new range of products that claim to work as an alternative to semaglutides like Ozempic, and include weight loss-boosting ingredients like Glucose Control and Berberine.
'Hydroxycut is powered by a key weight loss driver (C. Canephora robusta),' the brand's website states. 'This ingredient has been studied in two separate scientific studies with significant results.'
The star said that the products have helped control her cravings and increased her energy.
This year, she has been focused on her Queens of R&B tour with Xscape and SWV.
Outside of music, Kandi is focused on her acting career and just landed a role in season two of Hulu's Reasonable Doubt.
'I'm playing Eboni and she's a recovering addict which allowed me to go really deep with this character,' she explained.
'I want people to know me for other things, not just reality TV, and this was the perfect opportunity to show people that your girl can act!'
Good for her!
#MusicNews: John Legend Announces Dates for ‘A John Legend Christmas Tour’
John Legend is gearing up to share holiday cheer. The EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award winner has unveiled the dates for A John Legend Christmas Tour.
The 11-date tour begins Dec. 2 at Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, California. From there, Legend will perform across the U.S., hitting cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Atlanta. The tour wraps up Dec. 21 at The Hall at Live! in Hanover, Maryland.
Tickets for A John Legend Christmas, including VIP packages, are on sale now.
Fans can choose between two VIP experiences.
The John Legend Christmas VIP Experience includes one premium reserved seat; a pre-show intimate Q&A with John Legend; access to a private pre-show bar with two drink tickets; a custom Christmas card; a John Legend Christmas ornament; exclusive VIP merchandise gift; merchandise shopping opportunity before doors open, and more.
The John Legend Meet & Greet Experience includes one premium reserved seat in the first 10 rows; a meet & greet and photo with John Legend; pre-show intimate Q&A with John Legend; access to a private pre-show bar with two drink tickets; a Christmas card autographed by John Legend; a Christmas ornament; exclusive VIP merchandise, and more.
Regarding his upcoming tour, Legend says, “I’m excited to get into the holiday spirit with you all this December and celebrate with evenings full of storytelling, holiday classics, and songs from A Legendary Christmas.”
As he indicated, Legend’s setlist will include material from his 2018 holiday album, A Legendary Christmas. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.
A Legendary Christmas included collaborations with Stevie Wonder (“What Christmas Means to Me”), Kelly Clarkson (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”), and Esperanza Spalding (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”).
In 2023, A Legendary Christmas was certified gold in the U.S. by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
In August, Legend released his family-friendly album, My Favorite Dream. He worked closely with multi-instrumentalist and artist Surfjan Stevens on the 15-track album.
Regarding the project’s inspiration, Legend shared, “I’m right in the thick of fatherhood. My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”
He added, “Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children’s album. I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children’s songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”
See John Legend’s upcoming tour dates below.
The 11-date tour begins Dec. 2 at Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, California. From there, Legend will perform across the U.S., hitting cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Atlanta. The tour wraps up Dec. 21 at The Hall at Live! in Hanover, Maryland.
Tickets for A John Legend Christmas, including VIP packages, are on sale now.
Fans can choose between two VIP experiences.
The John Legend Christmas VIP Experience includes one premium reserved seat; a pre-show intimate Q&A with John Legend; access to a private pre-show bar with two drink tickets; a custom Christmas card; a John Legend Christmas ornament; exclusive VIP merchandise gift; merchandise shopping opportunity before doors open, and more.
The John Legend Meet & Greet Experience includes one premium reserved seat in the first 10 rows; a meet & greet and photo with John Legend; pre-show intimate Q&A with John Legend; access to a private pre-show bar with two drink tickets; a Christmas card autographed by John Legend; a Christmas ornament; exclusive VIP merchandise, and more.
Regarding his upcoming tour, Legend says, “I’m excited to get into the holiday spirit with you all this December and celebrate with evenings full of storytelling, holiday classics, and songs from A Legendary Christmas.”
As he indicated, Legend’s setlist will include material from his 2018 holiday album, A Legendary Christmas. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.
A Legendary Christmas included collaborations with Stevie Wonder (“What Christmas Means to Me”), Kelly Clarkson (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”), and Esperanza Spalding (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”).
In 2023, A Legendary Christmas was certified gold in the U.S. by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
In August, Legend released his family-friendly album, My Favorite Dream. He worked closely with multi-instrumentalist and artist Surfjan Stevens on the 15-track album.
Regarding the project’s inspiration, Legend shared, “I’m right in the thick of fatherhood. My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”
He added, “Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children’s album. I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children’s songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”
See John Legend’s upcoming tour dates below.
John Legend’s A John Legend Christmas Tour 2024 Dates
Dec 2 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater
Dec 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater
Dec 5 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
Dec 6 – Stateline, NV @ Tahoe Blue Event Center
Dec 8 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
Dec 9 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
Dec 13 – Thackerville, OK @ Lucas Oil Live at Winstar Casino
Dec 17 – Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
Dec 19 – Allentown, PA @ PPL Center
Dec 20 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Hotel Casino
Dec 21 – Hanover, MD @ The Hall at Live!
#HipHopNews: Death Penalty on the Table for Three of Foolio’s Suspected Killers, But Not for Female Suspect
The State of Florida has announced intentions to seek the death penalty against three out of the five suspects charged in Foolio's murder. Curiously, the female suspect is not one of them.
On Monday (Oct. 7), Florida State Attorney Susan S. Lopez filed a motion in Hillsborough County criminal court announcing the State's intention to make the suspects pay the ultimate price if found guilty, according to court documents obtained by XXL on Wednesday (Oct. 9). The three suspects include Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright and Rashad Murphy, who are all in custody on charges including first-degree murder, murder conspiracy and attempted murder. A fourth suspect, Alicia Andrews, is not listed on the death penalty motion. A fifth suspect, Davion Murphy, remains at large.
There is speculation that Andrews, who police say helped monitor Foolio's whereabouts and did not participate in the shooting, may be cooperating with authorities in the case. However, that information has not been confirmed.
Jacksonville, Fla. rapper Foolio, born Charles Andrew Jones III, was shot and killed on June 23, 2024 while celebrating his 26th birthday in Tampa, Fla. Following a month-long investigation, police rounded up four of the suspects in Jacksonville. Authorities say the five suspects traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa with the intention of killing Foolio as part an ongoing gang feud.
Police believe Sean Gathright is tied to a previous attempt on Foolio's life. When police arrested Gathright for the Foolio murder in July, he reportedly had shell casings in his car that matched a shooting from October of 2023 where Foolio was injured.
Ethel Kennedy, human rights activist and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, has died at 96
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and a longtime human rights activist, died Thursday, her family said. She was 96.
Former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III announced the news of his grandmother’s passing on X. Ethel Kennedy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week.
“Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly,” the former congressman wrote in a post. “She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.”
Marrying into one of the United States’ most influential political families, Kennedy supported her husband through his successful Senate campaign and later through his 1968 presidential run, which ended with his assassination months into the campaign.
Her husband was tragically gunned down at a Los Angeles hotel just after winning California’s Democratic primary. The attack, which came five years after Robert F. Kennedy’s brother, former President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed, left five others wounded and rattled a nation that had already been shaken from multiple assassinations; civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. had been killed roughly two months before. Photographs of the shooting aftermath show Ethel Kennedy, leaning over her husband with her hands over his chest as he bled onto the floor. She was three months pregnant with her youngest daughter, Rory, at the time.
In the decades following her husband’s death, Ethel Kennedy emerged as an environmental and human rights activist in her own right, founding the nonprofit organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights to champion the causes her late husband pushed for.
Her activism took her across the country and around the world, from marching with Cesar Chavez in support of the Farm Workers movement to confronting Kenyan dictator Daniel Arap Moi with her daughter, Kerry, by her side in 1989. She received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Barack Obama in 2014. Her activism continued well into the last decades of her life. In 2018, Kennedy joined a hunger strike to protest the then-Trump administration’s separation of families at the US-Mexico border.
“Generations of Americans did not toil and sacrifice to build a country where children and their parents are placed in cages to advance a cynical political agenda,” she said in a statement at the time.
Most recently, Ethel Kennedy’s family was caught in political strife, when her second-eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ran for president in 2024, initially as a Democrat and later as an independent. Members of the staunchly Democratic family shunned his campaign, calling it “dangerous” and noting their frustration, sadness. RFK Jr. suspended his campaign in August and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Born to a large family in Chicago in 1928, Ethel Kennedy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. She met Robert F. Kennedy in 1945 through his sister, Jean Kennedy, on a ski trip. The couple married in 1950 and had 11 children.
Ethel Kennedy’s life, like that of many of her family members, was marked by a series of tragedies. Her father, George Skakel, a wealthy coal magnate, and mother, Ann Skakel, were killed in an airplane accident in 1955. Her brother died in a plane crash in 1966. Her son David died in 1984 from an accidental drug overdose, and another son Michael died in a skiing accident in 1997. Her granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy Hill died of an accidental overdose in 2019, and another granddaughter, Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean, drowned with her 8-year old son in a canoe accident in 2020.
In a statement, President Joe Biden called Kennedy an “American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service. Devoted to family and country, she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold that inspired millions of Americans, including me and Jill. We were blessed to call her a dear friend.”
The 2025 Met Gala: Everything to Know, from the Historic Theme to the Co-Chairs
Fall 2024 has only just started, but our plans for the first Monday next May are already set. On Oct. 9, the 2025 Met Gala theme and co-chairs were shared with fashion's elite at a press conference held within New York City's famed Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Never fear if you weren't in the room with Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and freshly announced co-chairs Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton, to hear all about "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"—which is set to be the first-ever museum exhibit exploring dandyism and the influence of Black men on style. Everything to know about the 2025 Met Gala is shared in detail ahead, from the theme to the co-chairs and dress code. With months until the May 5, 2025 event, there's plenty of time to study up and prepare for what will be a notably historic event in a long list of memorable Met Galas.
Met Gala 2025 co-chairs Lewis Hamilton and Pharrell Williams pose with Max Hollein, Monica Miller, and Andrew Bolton.
"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" is the 2025 Met Gala theme. The title and scope of the exhibit derive from Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, a book published by Monica L. Miller, a Barnard College professor of African-American and American literature, in 2009. The game-changing style of Black men will be the exhibit's sole focus, explored through the lens of "dandyism"—defined as a lifestyle cultivating refinement—from the 18th century to the here and now. Items included in the exhibit will span clothing, photographs, paintings, and more.
The 2025 Met Gala co-chairs list is a who's-who of leaders in style and sport. Pharrell Williams, musician and the creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear, fronts the co-chair list for what will be his sixth Met Gala. It's also his second time at the helm of the event: He also co-chaired the gala in honor of "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between" back in 2017.
Williams will be joined by Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and actor Colman Domingo as official co-chairs. Basketball legend LeBron James will also serve as honorary co-chair. Expect to see major 'fits from A$AP Rocky—who regularly takes over street style with his partner, Rihanna—and Colman Domingo, who's worn a range of experimental red carpet suits while on the awards circuit.
Lewis Hamilton is a particularly significant choice for the lineup. First, because he's widely considered the best-dressed driver in Formula 1 racing. Second, because Hamilton has big ambitions in fashion: His league recently inked a major advertising deal with LVMH, the conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton and Dior. And, in his April 2024 cover interview for GQ, he expressed ambitions to start his own luxury house with an emphasis on Black-owned brands. (To wit: Hamilton invited three emerging Black designers to his table for the 2021 Met Gala: Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert.)
And of course, Anna Wintour rounds out the list of co-chairs. Vogue co-hosts the annual gala and broadcasts its official red carpet livestream every year.
According to the exhibition's curator, Andrew Bolton, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" will be the first museum exhibit to explore Black dandyism. It's also the first time in decades that the Costume Institute has dedicated an exhibit exclusively to menswear.
What Is the 2025 Met Gala Dress Code?
Sorry, no word on what celebrities will wear to the 2025 Met Gala just yet. While the theme ("Superfine: Tailoring Black Style") was announced on Oct. 9, the co-chairs will keep the dress code under wraps until closer to the event.
With Louis Vuitton as the lead co-sponsor, observers can expect to see plentiful LV logos and tags on the eventual red carpet. Suiting in all forms will also have a role to play in interpreting the tailoring theme. The exhibit's focus on Black dandyism also invites guests to champion Black-owned brands with their designer selection.
Of course, celebrities have taken all sorts of circuitous routes to interpreting the themes of Met Galas past. (See: Kim Kardashian's controversial cardigan for the "Garden of Time" last year.) So there's no telling what they'll show up in even when we do get a dress code.
The 2025 Met Gala is scheduled for Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Historically, the Met Gala has been held on the first Monday in May.
Each year, the co-chairs and sponsors invite around 450 guests to take in the Costume Institute's new exhibition before it opens to the general public. (And, they take over the famed Met steps in an array of custom outfits.) The exact guest list is kept under lock and key until the night of—but you can expect to see megawatt stars from across fashion, entertainment, sports, and politics. For the 2024 edition, standout guests included Gigi Hadid in s glamorous Thom Browne gown, Taylor Russell in a wooden Loewe dress, and Doja Cat clad in nothing but a wet towel.
Wait, How Are the Costume Institute and the Met Gala Connected Again?
Technically, the biggest red carpet of the year is actually just a fundraiser with an over-the-top dress code. Tickets for the star-studded Met Gala raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Individual tickets can cost around $75,000 per guest. Typically, designer fashion houses will foot the bill and sponsor guests (while also dressing them for the red carpet).
On Monday (Oct. 7), Florida State Attorney Susan S. Lopez filed a motion in Hillsborough County criminal court announcing the State's intention to make the suspects pay the ultimate price if found guilty, according to court documents obtained by XXL on Wednesday (Oct. 9). The three suspects include Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright and Rashad Murphy, who are all in custody on charges including first-degree murder, murder conspiracy and attempted murder. A fourth suspect, Alicia Andrews, is not listed on the death penalty motion. A fifth suspect, Davion Murphy, remains at large.
There is speculation that Andrews, who police say helped monitor Foolio's whereabouts and did not participate in the shooting, may be cooperating with authorities in the case. However, that information has not been confirmed.
Jacksonville, Fla. rapper Foolio, born Charles Andrew Jones III, was shot and killed on June 23, 2024 while celebrating his 26th birthday in Tampa, Fla. Following a month-long investigation, police rounded up four of the suspects in Jacksonville. Authorities say the five suspects traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa with the intention of killing Foolio as part an ongoing gang feud.
Police believe Sean Gathright is tied to a previous attempt on Foolio's life. When police arrested Gathright for the Foolio murder in July, he reportedly had shell casings in his car that matched a shooting from October of 2023 where Foolio was injured.
Ethel Kennedy, human rights activist and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, has died at 96
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and a longtime human rights activist, died Thursday, her family said. She was 96.
Former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III announced the news of his grandmother’s passing on X. Ethel Kennedy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week.
“Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly,” the former congressman wrote in a post. “She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.”
Marrying into one of the United States’ most influential political families, Kennedy supported her husband through his successful Senate campaign and later through his 1968 presidential run, which ended with his assassination months into the campaign.
Her husband was tragically gunned down at a Los Angeles hotel just after winning California’s Democratic primary. The attack, which came five years after Robert F. Kennedy’s brother, former President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed, left five others wounded and rattled a nation that had already been shaken from multiple assassinations; civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. had been killed roughly two months before. Photographs of the shooting aftermath show Ethel Kennedy, leaning over her husband with her hands over his chest as he bled onto the floor. She was three months pregnant with her youngest daughter, Rory, at the time.
In the decades following her husband’s death, Ethel Kennedy emerged as an environmental and human rights activist in her own right, founding the nonprofit organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights to champion the causes her late husband pushed for.
Her activism took her across the country and around the world, from marching with Cesar Chavez in support of the Farm Workers movement to confronting Kenyan dictator Daniel Arap Moi with her daughter, Kerry, by her side in 1989. She received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Barack Obama in 2014. Her activism continued well into the last decades of her life. In 2018, Kennedy joined a hunger strike to protest the then-Trump administration’s separation of families at the US-Mexico border.
“Generations of Americans did not toil and sacrifice to build a country where children and their parents are placed in cages to advance a cynical political agenda,” she said in a statement at the time.
Most recently, Ethel Kennedy’s family was caught in political strife, when her second-eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ran for president in 2024, initially as a Democrat and later as an independent. Members of the staunchly Democratic family shunned his campaign, calling it “dangerous” and noting their frustration, sadness. RFK Jr. suspended his campaign in August and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Born to a large family in Chicago in 1928, Ethel Kennedy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. She met Robert F. Kennedy in 1945 through his sister, Jean Kennedy, on a ski trip. The couple married in 1950 and had 11 children.
Ethel Kennedy’s life, like that of many of her family members, was marked by a series of tragedies. Her father, George Skakel, a wealthy coal magnate, and mother, Ann Skakel, were killed in an airplane accident in 1955. Her brother died in a plane crash in 1966. Her son David died in 1984 from an accidental drug overdose, and another son Michael died in a skiing accident in 1997. Her granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy Hill died of an accidental overdose in 2019, and another granddaughter, Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean, drowned with her 8-year old son in a canoe accident in 2020.
In a statement, President Joe Biden called Kennedy an “American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service. Devoted to family and country, she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold that inspired millions of Americans, including me and Jill. We were blessed to call her a dear friend.”
The 2025 Met Gala: Everything to Know, from the Historic Theme to the Co-Chairs
Fall 2024 has only just started, but our plans for the first Monday next May are already set. On Oct. 9, the 2025 Met Gala theme and co-chairs were shared with fashion's elite at a press conference held within New York City's famed Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Never fear if you weren't in the room with Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and freshly announced co-chairs Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton, to hear all about "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"—which is set to be the first-ever museum exhibit exploring dandyism and the influence of Black men on style. Everything to know about the 2025 Met Gala is shared in detail ahead, from the theme to the co-chairs and dress code. With months until the May 5, 2025 event, there's plenty of time to study up and prepare for what will be a notably historic event in a long list of memorable Met Galas.
Met Gala 2025 co-chairs Lewis Hamilton and Pharrell Williams pose with Max Hollein, Monica Miller, and Andrew Bolton.
"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" is the 2025 Met Gala theme. The title and scope of the exhibit derive from Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, a book published by Monica L. Miller, a Barnard College professor of African-American and American literature, in 2009. The game-changing style of Black men will be the exhibit's sole focus, explored through the lens of "dandyism"—defined as a lifestyle cultivating refinement—from the 18th century to the here and now. Items included in the exhibit will span clothing, photographs, paintings, and more.
The 2025 Met Gala co-chairs list is a who's-who of leaders in style and sport. Pharrell Williams, musician and the creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear, fronts the co-chair list for what will be his sixth Met Gala. It's also his second time at the helm of the event: He also co-chaired the gala in honor of "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between" back in 2017.
Williams will be joined by Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and actor Colman Domingo as official co-chairs. Basketball legend LeBron James will also serve as honorary co-chair. Expect to see major 'fits from A$AP Rocky—who regularly takes over street style with his partner, Rihanna—and Colman Domingo, who's worn a range of experimental red carpet suits while on the awards circuit.
Lewis Hamilton is a particularly significant choice for the lineup. First, because he's widely considered the best-dressed driver in Formula 1 racing. Second, because Hamilton has big ambitions in fashion: His league recently inked a major advertising deal with LVMH, the conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton and Dior. And, in his April 2024 cover interview for GQ, he expressed ambitions to start his own luxury house with an emphasis on Black-owned brands. (To wit: Hamilton invited three emerging Black designers to his table for the 2021 Met Gala: Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert.)
And of course, Anna Wintour rounds out the list of co-chairs. Vogue co-hosts the annual gala and broadcasts its official red carpet livestream every year.
According to the exhibition's curator, Andrew Bolton, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" will be the first museum exhibit to explore Black dandyism. It's also the first time in decades that the Costume Institute has dedicated an exhibit exclusively to menswear.
What Is the 2025 Met Gala Dress Code?
Sorry, no word on what celebrities will wear to the 2025 Met Gala just yet. While the theme ("Superfine: Tailoring Black Style") was announced on Oct. 9, the co-chairs will keep the dress code under wraps until closer to the event.
With Louis Vuitton as the lead co-sponsor, observers can expect to see plentiful LV logos and tags on the eventual red carpet. Suiting in all forms will also have a role to play in interpreting the tailoring theme. The exhibit's focus on Black dandyism also invites guests to champion Black-owned brands with their designer selection.
Of course, celebrities have taken all sorts of circuitous routes to interpreting the themes of Met Galas past. (See: Kim Kardashian's controversial cardigan for the "Garden of Time" last year.) So there's no telling what they'll show up in even when we do get a dress code.
The 2025 Met Gala is scheduled for Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Historically, the Met Gala has been held on the first Monday in May.
Each year, the co-chairs and sponsors invite around 450 guests to take in the Costume Institute's new exhibition before it opens to the general public. (And, they take over the famed Met steps in an array of custom outfits.) The exact guest list is kept under lock and key until the night of—but you can expect to see megawatt stars from across fashion, entertainment, sports, and politics. For the 2024 edition, standout guests included Gigi Hadid in s glamorous Thom Browne gown, Taylor Russell in a wooden Loewe dress, and Doja Cat clad in nothing but a wet towel.
Wait, How Are the Costume Institute and the Met Gala Connected Again?
Technically, the biggest red carpet of the year is actually just a fundraiser with an over-the-top dress code. Tickets for the star-studded Met Gala raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Individual tickets can cost around $75,000 per guest. Typically, designer fashion houses will foot the bill and sponsor guests (while also dressing them for the red carpet).
Pastor Keion Henderson Faces Backlash For Discouraging Congregation From Giving To The Poor
Pastor Keion Henderson gave a sermon recently regarding spreading wealth to the poor and caught much backlash for his remarks.
On Tuesday (Oct. 8), a clip from Henderson’s preachings made rounds on social media as he claimed there is “no blessing connected” to giving to the the less fortunate, like the “multiplier” blessings you receive from “tithing” in church.
“Here’s the other problem with the church,” he began. “Anytime a person is in need ya’ll go to running and dropping money. But let me tell you something, the poor will be with you always and there is no blessing connected to blessing the poor, other than getting back what you gave to them — but no multiplication.”
He further explained that the only way to receive an abundance of “blessings” is to tithe — which is donating money to the church.
“Multiplication is segregated for tithes and offering,” he continued. “When you give to the poor, the only thing you do is help them but you don’t help yourself. So when you give a dollar to somebody on the street talking about ‘but I did my job,’ God like ‘thank you, but it ain’t gonna help you.’ Charity does not bring wealth, only the tithe does that.”
The controversial comments were met with gasps and grunts from the audience and much commentary on social media.
“What kinda [f**kery] this false prophet saying …..tithes goes to you sir…you not getting my money I will give to the poor.. I don’t give to get,” one person wrote in The Neighborhood Talk’s comment section. Another person simply called it a “[foolish] statement.”
The pastor, who’s currently married to Shaunie O’Neal — ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal — dealt with more backlash last month when he told a worshipping woman to “hush” in church. He later apologized to the emotional woman in front of the entire church and gave her a long hug — which led her to scream and cry even more.
While appearing on the Tamron Hall show following the viral moment, he explained his reasoning behind asking the lady to quiet down.
“As a pastor, I know the difference between disturbance and worship. What people have to understand is that every time you hear noise in church, it isn’t worship. And so, there has to be order.”
Additionally, Henderson made it clear he would “do it again” if needed.
On Tuesday (Oct. 8), a clip from Henderson’s preachings made rounds on social media as he claimed there is “no blessing connected” to giving to the the less fortunate, like the “multiplier” blessings you receive from “tithing” in church.
“Here’s the other problem with the church,” he began. “Anytime a person is in need ya’ll go to running and dropping money. But let me tell you something, the poor will be with you always and there is no blessing connected to blessing the poor, other than getting back what you gave to them — but no multiplication.”
He further explained that the only way to receive an abundance of “blessings” is to tithe — which is donating money to the church.
“Multiplication is segregated for tithes and offering,” he continued. “When you give to the poor, the only thing you do is help them but you don’t help yourself. So when you give a dollar to somebody on the street talking about ‘but I did my job,’ God like ‘thank you, but it ain’t gonna help you.’ Charity does not bring wealth, only the tithe does that.”
The controversial comments were met with gasps and grunts from the audience and much commentary on social media.
“What kinda [f**kery] this false prophet saying …..tithes goes to you sir…you not getting my money I will give to the poor.. I don’t give to get,” one person wrote in The Neighborhood Talk’s comment section. Another person simply called it a “[foolish] statement.”
The pastor, who’s currently married to Shaunie O’Neal — ex-wife of Shaquille O’Neal — dealt with more backlash last month when he told a worshipping woman to “hush” in church. He later apologized to the emotional woman in front of the entire church and gave her a long hug — which led her to scream and cry even more.
While appearing on the Tamron Hall show following the viral moment, he explained his reasoning behind asking the lady to quiet down.
“As a pastor, I know the difference between disturbance and worship. What people have to understand is that every time you hear noise in church, it isn’t worship. And so, there has to be order.”
Additionally, Henderson made it clear he would “do it again” if needed.
Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, And Naomi Ackie To Star In Boots Riley’s New ‘I Love Boosters’ Film
Boots Riley, writer-director of I’m A Virgo and Sorry To Bother You, has announced the cast of his next film, I Love Boosters.
In partnership with Neon, Riley confirmed via Deadline that Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, Naomi Ackie, and Demi Moore are set to star in the new movie and additional casting will be announced at a later date. This marks a reunion with Stanfield who starred alongside Tessa Thompson in his 2018 film debut, Sorry To Bother You.
I Love Boosters is focused on a “ring of enterprising boosters (a.k.a. shoplifters, equal opportunists) who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven.” Further plot details are being kept under wraps. Per the outlet, principal photography for the new movie will begin this fall.
Neon — who was behind the acclaimed horror film Longlegs that became the highest-grossing independent film of the year thus far — is financing I Love Boosters with Waypoint Entertainment and will handle the global rights.
Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett are producing the film on behalf of Ryder Picture Company (RPC) with Savage Rose Films’ production duo, Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read. They co-produced the Oscar winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once and recently inked a production and development partnership with Neon.
Palmer most recently starred in Jordan Peele’s Nope and has a new book coming next month. Ackie, most notably, starred in the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice. Stanfield starred in The Book of Clarence and narrated parts of the new documentary Ernest Cole: Lost and Found that premiered in Cannes.
Boots Riley, writer-director of I’m A Virgo and Sorry To Bother You, has announced the cast of his next film, I Love Boosters.
In partnership with Neon, Riley confirmed via Deadline that Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, Naomi Ackie, and Demi Moore are set to star in the new movie and additional casting will be announced at a later date. This marks a reunion with Stanfield who starred alongside Tessa Thompson in his 2018 film debut, Sorry To Bother You.
I Love Boosters is focused on a “ring of enterprising boosters (a.k.a. shoplifters, equal opportunists) who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven.” Further plot details are being kept under wraps. Per the outlet, principal photography for the new movie will begin this fall.
Neon — who was behind the acclaimed horror film Longlegs that became the highest-grossing independent film of the year thus far — is financing I Love Boosters with Waypoint Entertainment and will handle the global rights.
Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett are producing the film on behalf of Ryder Picture Company (RPC) with Savage Rose Films’ production duo, Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read. They co-produced the Oscar winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once and recently inked a production and development partnership with Neon.
Palmer most recently starred in Jordan Peele’s Nope and has a new book coming next month. Ackie, most notably, starred in the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice. Stanfield starred in The Book of Clarence and narrated parts of the new documentary Ernest Cole: Lost and Found that premiered in Cannes.
Ray J Addresses Diddy Allegations In Epic Rant During New Show Debut
In the wake of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ recent arrest on federal charges, Ray J has stepped into the conversation, expressing his thoughts on the situation during an epic rant.
On the most recent episode of his new show, The Reality Check News, the 43-year-old spoke out about the allegations surrounding Combs, who was arrested last month amid an indictment on racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges.
“Diddy was my friend,” Ray J said of his personal relationship with the disgraced mogul. “What do you do when you never seen all this sh*t that people are talking about? Do you believe it? Everybody’s innocent until proven guilty?”
From there, Ray J’s commentary became increasingly graphic, as he addressed allegations of Diddy engaging in homosexual behavior with other men against their will.
“Do you forgive somebody for taking somebody’s a**?” he asked, as a photo of Combs appeared on the stream. “There’s a lot of people out here taking from people. People are getting robbed of not only their money and their spirituality, they’re getting robbed of their womanhood and manhood. A**es are being taken in ways that nobody can explain.”
The singer would go on to reference Combs’ alleged massive supply of baby oil and lubricant, joking of his plans to introduce his own lubricant, dubbed “Ray-Y Jelly.” “I see a lot of jokes out there right now talking about baby oil,” he added. “Everybody got a joke about having about baby oil or lube. Is that okay? Is that the message?”
However, Ray J would allude to having knowledge of other powerful figures within the entertainment world having engaged in unsavory conduct, threatening to expose their wrongdoing due to their hypocrisy.
“I’m exhausted with the people in this industry that have power who are abusing the power,” Ray J said at one point during the episode. “I can say a lot of names… I won’t today but I will soon.”
Last month, Combs was taken into custody on federal racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges, leading to widespread media coverage and public speculation. The mogul has maintained his innocence behind all charges against him and is currently appealing the denial of his request for release on bond.
On the most recent episode of his new show, The Reality Check News, the 43-year-old spoke out about the allegations surrounding Combs, who was arrested last month amid an indictment on racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges.
“Diddy was my friend,” Ray J said of his personal relationship with the disgraced mogul. “What do you do when you never seen all this sh*t that people are talking about? Do you believe it? Everybody’s innocent until proven guilty?”
From there, Ray J’s commentary became increasingly graphic, as he addressed allegations of Diddy engaging in homosexual behavior with other men against their will.
“Do you forgive somebody for taking somebody’s a**?” he asked, as a photo of Combs appeared on the stream. “There’s a lot of people out here taking from people. People are getting robbed of not only their money and their spirituality, they’re getting robbed of their womanhood and manhood. A**es are being taken in ways that nobody can explain.”
The singer would go on to reference Combs’ alleged massive supply of baby oil and lubricant, joking of his plans to introduce his own lubricant, dubbed “Ray-Y Jelly.” “I see a lot of jokes out there right now talking about baby oil,” he added. “Everybody got a joke about having about baby oil or lube. Is that okay? Is that the message?”
However, Ray J would allude to having knowledge of other powerful figures within the entertainment world having engaged in unsavory conduct, threatening to expose their wrongdoing due to their hypocrisy.
“I’m exhausted with the people in this industry that have power who are abusing the power,” Ray J said at one point during the episode. “I can say a lot of names… I won’t today but I will soon.”
Last month, Combs was taken into custody on federal racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping charges, leading to widespread media coverage and public speculation. The mogul has maintained his innocence behind all charges against him and is currently appealing the denial of his request for release on bond.
The NY Mets Beats The Phillies and will advance to the NLCS
This National League Division Series ended at the intersection of joy and dread on Wednesday night.
The joy came from the New York Mets, taking their cue for months from their spritely second baseman and putting on a wild and rollicking run through the pennant chase and playoffs.
The dread came from the Philadelphia Phillies, the NL East champions who won 95 games but clenched up badly when faced with their division rivals in this NLDS.
And they were finally put out of their misery by one swing from Francisco Lindor.
His sixth-inning grand slam erased a one-run deficit and vaulted the Mets to a 4-1 victory and a 3-1 NLDS conquest of their rivals, putting a stunning spin on their season of seeming destiny.
Lindor's blast came with one out in the sixth off Phillies closer Carlos Estevez, whose presence that early in the game spoke to his team's desperation. Philly's disaster was seeded by set-up man Jeff Hoffman, who gave up a single, hit a batter, walked another and threw two wild pitches, prompting Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson to summon Estevez.
He recorded one bases-loaded out before Lindor clocked a 99-mph fastball into the right field seats, completing a trilogy of stunning late-inning Mets longballs that got them here.
The first was struck by Lindor, whose two-run ninth-inning home run in Game 161 against Atlanta got New York in the postseason derby to begin with.
The second came from Pete Alonso, whose one-out, three-run shot in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the NL wild card series erased a two-run Milwaukee lead and vaulted New York into the NLDS.
Lindor provided the coda, ending a frustrating few innings for the Mets, who twice loaded the bases against Phillies starter Ranger Suarez but came away with nothing.
The Mets advance to the NL Championship Series for the first time since 2015, where they will meet the winner of the San Diego Padres-Los Angeles Dodgers series in the NLCS.
Here's how Game 4 unfolded on Wednesday:
FINAL: Mets 4, Phillies 1
Edwin Diaz walked the first two batters of the ninth giving the Phillies three chances to tie the game – but the Mets embattled closer struck out Kody Clemens and got Brandon Marsh to fly out before whiffing Kyle Schwarber to end the game and send New York to the NLCS.
New York's magical 2024 run continues.
This National League Division Series ended at the intersection of joy and dread on Wednesday night.
The joy came from the New York Mets, taking their cue for months from their spritely second baseman and putting on a wild and rollicking run through the pennant chase and playoffs.
The dread came from the Philadelphia Phillies, the NL East champions who won 95 games but clenched up badly when faced with their division rivals in this NLDS.
And they were finally put out of their misery by one swing from Francisco Lindor.
His sixth-inning grand slam erased a one-run deficit and vaulted the Mets to a 4-1 victory and a 3-1 NLDS conquest of their rivals, putting a stunning spin on their season of seeming destiny.
Lindor's blast came with one out in the sixth off Phillies closer Carlos Estevez, whose presence that early in the game spoke to his team's desperation. Philly's disaster was seeded by set-up man Jeff Hoffman, who gave up a single, hit a batter, walked another and threw two wild pitches, prompting Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson to summon Estevez.
He recorded one bases-loaded out before Lindor clocked a 99-mph fastball into the right field seats, completing a trilogy of stunning late-inning Mets longballs that got them here.
The first was struck by Lindor, whose two-run ninth-inning home run in Game 161 against Atlanta got New York in the postseason derby to begin with.
The second came from Pete Alonso, whose one-out, three-run shot in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the NL wild card series erased a two-run Milwaukee lead and vaulted New York into the NLDS.
Lindor provided the coda, ending a frustrating few innings for the Mets, who twice loaded the bases against Phillies starter Ranger Suarez but came away with nothing.
The Mets advance to the NL Championship Series for the first time since 2015, where they will meet the winner of the San Diego Padres-Los Angeles Dodgers series in the NLCS.
Here's how Game 4 unfolded on Wednesday:
FINAL: Mets 4, Phillies 1
Edwin Diaz walked the first two batters of the ninth giving the Phillies three chances to tie the game – but the Mets embattled closer struck out Kody Clemens and got Brandon Marsh to fly out before whiffing Kyle Schwarber to end the game and send New York to the NLCS.
New York's magical 2024 run continues.
Aaron Pierre Cast As John Stewart In HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ Series, Based On DC Comic
English actor Aaron Pierre has landed the role of John Stewart for HBO’s forthcoming series Lanterns Variety recently confirmed.
Per the official logline, the eight-episode show, based on DC’s “Green Lantern” comic book franchise, will reportedly follow,
“new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
The role of Hal Jordan is still in the casting process but several reports note that Kyle Chandler is the frontrunner for the part. Aaron Pierre has recently gained notoriety for his starring role in the Netflix action hit Rebel Ridge, which has spent the last 3 weeks as the #1 movie on the streaming platform. He’s also set to voice Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ animated Lion King prequel for Disney.
Per the official logline, the eight-episode show, based on DC’s “Green Lantern” comic book franchise, will reportedly follow,
“new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
The role of Hal Jordan is still in the casting process but several reports note that Kyle Chandler is the frontrunner for the part. Aaron Pierre has recently gained notoriety for his starring role in the Netflix action hit Rebel Ridge, which has spent the last 3 weeks as the #1 movie on the streaming platform. He’s also set to voice Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ animated Lion King prequel for Disney.
Jussie Smollett Rushed To His Mother’s Aid After Her Home Was Nearly Broken Into
Jussie Smollett may be an actor, but he doesn’t play about his family! According to TMZ, the “Empire” star wasted no time arriving on the scene after his mother Janet Smollett was nearly the victim of a home burglary.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday (October 7th) when two individuals attempted to smash the back door of Janet Smollett’s L.A. residence, causing $300 worth of damage.
Sources say the Smollett matriarch heard the noise and confronted the would-be robbers, scaring them off enough for them to flee the property.
Shortly after, Jussie Smollett reportedly arrived to make sure his mom was ok. Thankfully, the report notes she’s seemingly doing fine.
Jussie Smollett may be an actor, but he doesn’t play about his family! According to TMZ, the “Empire” star wasted no time arriving on the scene after his mother Janet Smollett was nearly the victim of a home burglary.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday (October 7th) when two individuals attempted to smash the back door of Janet Smollett’s L.A. residence, causing $300 worth of damage.
Sources say the Smollett matriarch heard the noise and confronted the would-be robbers, scaring them off enough for them to flee the property.
Shortly after, Jussie Smollett reportedly arrived to make sure his mom was ok. Thankfully, the report notes she’s seemingly doing fine.
Max Cancels Mindy Kaling's 'Velma' After Two Seasons
Max has bid farewell to "Velma", the animated series starring Mindy Kaling in the title role. After two seasons of solving mysteries in Crystal Cove, the streamer has pulled the plug on the prequel to the classic "Scooby-Doo" franchise.
"Over the past two seasons, Mindy [Kaling] and Charlie [Grandy] have created an incredibly fun and fresh world within the iconic whodunit franchise," Max said in a statement. "While we won't be moving forward with another season of the series, we thank them for their compelling coming-of-age storytelling, unrivaled clues, and hilarious hijinks."
"Velma" stood out from previous Scooby-Doo series by centering on the bespectacled detective as a high school teen. Notably, it was the first show in the franchise without Scooby-Doo.
The first season, consisting of 10 episodes, aired from January to February 2023, while the second season dropped all 10 episodes on April 25, 2024. A Halloween special also debuted on October 3.
Kaling voiced Velma, while Glenn Howerton, Sam Richardson and Constance Wu played Fred Jones, Norville "Shaggy" Rogers and Daphne Blake, respectively. The voice cast also included prominent guest stars, such as Melissa Fumero, Sarayu Blue, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Byer and Gary Cole.
Despite its cancellation, "Velma" has sparked mixed reactions from critics. The first season received a 38% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Variety's Joshua Alston criticized the characters for being "unpleasant to spend time with."
"Over the past two seasons, Mindy [Kaling] and Charlie [Grandy] have created an incredibly fun and fresh world within the iconic whodunit franchise," Max said in a statement. "While we won't be moving forward with another season of the series, we thank them for their compelling coming-of-age storytelling, unrivaled clues, and hilarious hijinks."
"Velma" stood out from previous Scooby-Doo series by centering on the bespectacled detective as a high school teen. Notably, it was the first show in the franchise without Scooby-Doo.
The first season, consisting of 10 episodes, aired from January to February 2023, while the second season dropped all 10 episodes on April 25, 2024. A Halloween special also debuted on October 3.
Kaling voiced Velma, while Glenn Howerton, Sam Richardson and Constance Wu played Fred Jones, Norville "Shaggy" Rogers and Daphne Blake, respectively. The voice cast also included prominent guest stars, such as Melissa Fumero, Sarayu Blue, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Byer and Gary Cole.
Despite its cancellation, "Velma" has sparked mixed reactions from critics. The first season received a 38% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Variety's Joshua Alston criticized the characters for being "unpleasant to spend time with."
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Engagement Rumors Debunked Despite Troy Aikman's Claims
Rumors of an engagement between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been circulating, fueled by comments made by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman on the "Pardon My Take" podcast. However, both PEOPLE and TMZ Sports have now confirmed that the reports are false.
A source close to the couple told TMZ Sports, "It's not true... the recent speculation is proving that media and fans do not know what's going on."
Aikman's initial comments came after he inaccurately referred to Swift as Kelce's "missus" during a "Monday Night Football" broadcast. However, he later clarified that he had heard from someone that the couple "might" be engaged, emphasizing that it was not public knowledge.
Swift and Kelce have been dating for over a year. Swift has been a regular attendee at Kelce's Chiefs games this season, cheering him on from the sidelines. Kelce, in turn, has been spotted hanging out with Swift's friends and participating in game day routines with her.
Despite the rumors, the couple remains unmarried. Kelce teased that he has plans for their bye week, but declined to reveal any details. Swift, meanwhile, is set to resume her "Eras Tour" later this month before it concludes in December.
A source close to the couple told TMZ Sports, "It's not true... the recent speculation is proving that media and fans do not know what's going on."
Aikman's initial comments came after he inaccurately referred to Swift as Kelce's "missus" during a "Monday Night Football" broadcast. However, he later clarified that he had heard from someone that the couple "might" be engaged, emphasizing that it was not public knowledge.
Swift and Kelce have been dating for over a year. Swift has been a regular attendee at Kelce's Chiefs games this season, cheering him on from the sidelines. Kelce, in turn, has been spotted hanging out with Swift's friends and participating in game day routines with her.
Despite the rumors, the couple remains unmarried. Kelce teased that he has plans for their bye week, but declined to reveal any details. Swift, meanwhile, is set to resume her "Eras Tour" later this month before it concludes in December.
Dr. Dre Faces $10 Million Harassment Lawsuit Filed by Former Marriage Counselor
Dr. Dre is being sued for harassment by his former marriage counselor. According to TMZ, the lawsuit was filed by Dr. Charles Sophy, who served as a marriage counselor for Dr. Dre and ex-wife, Nicole Young, during their marriage before acting as a mediator in their divorce.
Sophy alleges Dre started inundating him with abusive and threatening text messages in Feb. 2023, calling him a "bitch" and "piece of shit" and warning that he would "make you pay for that." The messages started coming in 14 months after the divorce was finalized.
Sophy claims that Dre sent people disguised as FBI agents to his residence in a gated community to threaten him. He allegedly employs an increased security presence around his home and wears a bulletproof vest whenever he goes outside.
"Dr. Sophy filed his suit only after he failed to pressure Mr. Young into dropping efforts to get Dr. Sophy punished for dereliction of duties and incredible incompetence," Dr. Dre's attorney Howard King tells TMZ. "These claims are set forth in detail in a confidential complaint Mr. Young filed in 2023 with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California."
"That complaint seeks revocation of Dr. Sophy’s license to provide mental health counseling to needy patients," King continued. "In gross violation of all applicable standards of care, Dr. Sophy inserted himself into a contentious divorce while he simultaneously 'treated' not only Mr. and Mrs. Young, but their children."
"He was terminated when it was revealed that he was encouraging one of their children to take sides against Mr. Young, even encouraging his son to go to the press with false allegations in order to force a financial settlement that he recommended," he added. "Dr. Sophy has consistently rebuffed Medical Board attempts to investigate these claims, but has now filed this desperate suit while the noose of the Medical Board is tightening."
Sophy is seeking $10 million in damages and requesting an order requiring that Dre stays 100 yards away from him.
Dr. Dre is being sued for harassment by his former marriage counselor. According to TMZ, the lawsuit was filed by Dr. Charles Sophy, who served as a marriage counselor for Dr. Dre and ex-wife, Nicole Young, during their marriage before acting as a mediator in their divorce.
Sophy alleges Dre started inundating him with abusive and threatening text messages in Feb. 2023, calling him a "bitch" and "piece of shit" and warning that he would "make you pay for that." The messages started coming in 14 months after the divorce was finalized.
Sophy claims that Dre sent people disguised as FBI agents to his residence in a gated community to threaten him. He allegedly employs an increased security presence around his home and wears a bulletproof vest whenever he goes outside.
"Dr. Sophy filed his suit only after he failed to pressure Mr. Young into dropping efforts to get Dr. Sophy punished for dereliction of duties and incredible incompetence," Dr. Dre's attorney Howard King tells TMZ. "These claims are set forth in detail in a confidential complaint Mr. Young filed in 2023 with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California."
"That complaint seeks revocation of Dr. Sophy’s license to provide mental health counseling to needy patients," King continued. "In gross violation of all applicable standards of care, Dr. Sophy inserted himself into a contentious divorce while he simultaneously 'treated' not only Mr. and Mrs. Young, but their children."
"He was terminated when it was revealed that he was encouraging one of their children to take sides against Mr. Young, even encouraging his son to go to the press with false allegations in order to force a financial settlement that he recommended," he added. "Dr. Sophy has consistently rebuffed Medical Board attempts to investigate these claims, but has now filed this desperate suit while the noose of the Medical Board is tightening."
Sophy is seeking $10 million in damages and requesting an order requiring that Dre stays 100 yards away from him.
Snoop Dogg Has 1993 Murder Arrest Officially Sealed Following Petition
Snoop Dogg can finally put his 1993 murder case behind him as his arrest in connection to the crime has been officially sealed.
On Wednesday, TMZ Hip Hop obtained court documents that showed the legendary rapper asked a judge in January 2024 to seal his arrest record from the 1993 case. The judge granted Snoop’s petition, and the arrest documents were sealed the following month.
Ceasar McDowell and his nonprofit organization, Unite the People, a California-based company thats fights for social justice and assists the community, assisted with sealing Snoop's record. McDowell is a "formerly incarcerated person who has dedicated his life to assisting the disadvantaged community as well as promote social justice in the United States," the website reads.
The case itself was a highly publicized event that captivated the nation and changed the trajectory of Snoop’s career. The West Coast native was on the come-up with his young career when he was arrested following his performance of “Murder Was The Case” at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. That song was created as a response to the allegations that Snoop and his bodyguard were accused of shooting someone back in 1993.
Snoop’s reaction to the verdict where he was pronounced not guilty became a cultural phenomenon and pushed him further into the spotlight as he would go ahead and carve out a trailblazing career. Fast forward to present day, and he has become one of the most famous rappers on the planet, to the point that his services were used during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It's been reported that Snoop made $9 million from his appearances during the Summer Games. On Instagram, he shared a post that broke down his activities in Paris, which seemingly confirmed he got a bag.
“This is the main star of the Paris Olympics. Snoop Dogg, a top rapper, gets over 40 m rubles daily for his presence at the Paris Olympic Games,” the video says. “Snoop also lives and parties in Paris for free, all to bring more attention to the Olympics.”
The video continued, “Almost every top broadcast features Snoop,” the video continued. “He attends all major Olympic events. For 17 Olympic days, he’ll earn nearly $9 million.”
On Wednesday, TMZ Hip Hop obtained court documents that showed the legendary rapper asked a judge in January 2024 to seal his arrest record from the 1993 case. The judge granted Snoop’s petition, and the arrest documents were sealed the following month.
Ceasar McDowell and his nonprofit organization, Unite the People, a California-based company thats fights for social justice and assists the community, assisted with sealing Snoop's record. McDowell is a "formerly incarcerated person who has dedicated his life to assisting the disadvantaged community as well as promote social justice in the United States," the website reads.
The case itself was a highly publicized event that captivated the nation and changed the trajectory of Snoop’s career. The West Coast native was on the come-up with his young career when he was arrested following his performance of “Murder Was The Case” at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. That song was created as a response to the allegations that Snoop and his bodyguard were accused of shooting someone back in 1993.
Snoop’s reaction to the verdict where he was pronounced not guilty became a cultural phenomenon and pushed him further into the spotlight as he would go ahead and carve out a trailblazing career. Fast forward to present day, and he has become one of the most famous rappers on the planet, to the point that his services were used during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It's been reported that Snoop made $9 million from his appearances during the Summer Games. On Instagram, he shared a post that broke down his activities in Paris, which seemingly confirmed he got a bag.
“This is the main star of the Paris Olympics. Snoop Dogg, a top rapper, gets over 40 m rubles daily for his presence at the Paris Olympic Games,” the video says. “Snoop also lives and parties in Paris for free, all to bring more attention to the Olympics.”
The video continued, “Almost every top broadcast features Snoop,” the video continued. “He attends all major Olympic events. For 17 Olympic days, he’ll earn nearly $9 million.”
#OutandAbout: Calvin Klein & Longtime Boyfriend Kevin Baker Meet Up with Friends for Lunch in NYC
Calvin Klein and his boyfriend Kevin Baker are enjoying a day out with friends.
The 81-year-old designer and the 35-year-old model met up with some friends for lunch at Bar Pitti on Wednesday afternoon (October 9) in New York City.
For their outing, Calvin sported a blue windbreaker jacket with black athletic pants while Kevin wore an all gray outfit.
Calvin was seen holding onto Kevin‘s arm as they arrived at the restaurant.
If you didn’t know, couple made their first public appearance together back in 2016 when they walked the red carpet together at the American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala.
Calvin and Kevin usually keep their romance out of the spotlight, and the last time we have photos of them together was earlier this year in January when they hit up a gym together in Los Angeles.
Calvin Klein and his boyfriend Kevin Baker are enjoying a day out with friends.
The 81-year-old designer and the 35-year-old model met up with some friends for lunch at Bar Pitti on Wednesday afternoon (October 9) in New York City.
For their outing, Calvin sported a blue windbreaker jacket with black athletic pants while Kevin wore an all gray outfit.
Calvin was seen holding onto Kevin‘s arm as they arrived at the restaurant.
If you didn’t know, couple made their first public appearance together back in 2016 when they walked the red carpet together at the American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala.
Calvin and Kevin usually keep their romance out of the spotlight, and the last time we have photos of them together was earlier this year in January when they hit up a gym together in Los Angeles.
Lupita Nyong'o Confirms Split from Joshua Jackson After He's Spotted Out with German Model Nastassja Roberts
Lupita Nyong’o is back on the market. Back in March, it was revealed that the 41-year-old Oscar-winning actress was dating Joshua Jackson after they were seen kissing while celebrating her birthday in Mexico.
Then in September, the pair sparked split rumors after Joshua, 46, attended the premiere of Grotesquerie with German model Nastassja Roberts.
In a new interview, Lupita officially confirmed that she was single again.
“My love for my cat is singular,” Lupita said of her cat Yoyo in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK published on October 9.
She continued, “If I’m ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it’ll be because of him.”
“I was ready to shut that door and lock it and bolt it. He has ensured that my heart remains open,” Lupita added of Yoyo, whom she adopted last year.
Then in September, the pair sparked split rumors after Joshua, 46, attended the premiere of Grotesquerie with German model Nastassja Roberts.
In a new interview, Lupita officially confirmed that she was single again.
“My love for my cat is singular,” Lupita said of her cat Yoyo in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK published on October 9.
She continued, “If I’m ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it’ll be because of him.”
“I was ready to shut that door and lock it and bolt it. He has ensured that my heart remains open,” Lupita added of Yoyo, whom she adopted last year.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Promoted to Biden’s Senior Adviser
*President Joe Biden has promoted White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to the senior adviser position.
Jean-Pierre made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman appointed press, and the first openly gay individual to hold that role. In a 2022 statement, Biden said, “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”
According to ABC News, Jean-Pierre would begin the new position “effective immediately” while maintaining her job as press secretary.
A White House official told the outlet that “her promotion shows the faith that Biden has in her, as well as his commitment to having diverse and inter-generational voices guiding him in his decisions.”
Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff, said, “Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people in the coming months,” said Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff.
Since taking on her role in May 2022, Jean-Pierre has eneged in numerous confrontations with the press, facing criticism from journalists for evading questions on controversial issues and storming out of the briefing room. Last year, former Biden senior adviser Anita Dunn initiated an effort to remove Jean-Pierre, considering her ineffective as a spokesperson for Biden.
“There was an effort to have some outside folks who Karine knows and trusts talk to her about why leaving last fall [2023] would have made a lot of sense for her and her career,” one source said at the time, New York Post reports.
“Karine doesn’t have an understanding of the issues and she reads the [binder] word-for-word. She doesn’t have a grasp of the issues and doesn’t spend the time to learn.”
*President Joe Biden has promoted White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to the senior adviser position.
Jean-Pierre made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman appointed press, and the first openly gay individual to hold that role. In a 2022 statement, Biden said, “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”
According to ABC News, Jean-Pierre would begin the new position “effective immediately” while maintaining her job as press secretary.
A White House official told the outlet that “her promotion shows the faith that Biden has in her, as well as his commitment to having diverse and inter-generational voices guiding him in his decisions.”
Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff, said, “Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people in the coming months,” said Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff.
Since taking on her role in May 2022, Jean-Pierre has eneged in numerous confrontations with the press, facing criticism from journalists for evading questions on controversial issues and storming out of the briefing room. Last year, former Biden senior adviser Anita Dunn initiated an effort to remove Jean-Pierre, considering her ineffective as a spokesperson for Biden.
“There was an effort to have some outside folks who Karine knows and trusts talk to her about why leaving last fall [2023] would have made a lot of sense for her and her career,” one source said at the time, New York Post reports.
“Karine doesn’t have an understanding of the issues and she reads the [binder] word-for-word. She doesn’t have a grasp of the issues and doesn’t spend the time to learn.”
Megan Thee Stallion Wins Minor Battle in Photographer Lawsuit
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion has secured a small victory in the ongoing legal battle with her former personal photographer. Six months ago, the photographer sued her for wrongful termination and creating a hostile work environment. The photographer, whose identity has not been made public, also claims he was misclassified as a contractor rather than an employee.
A judge in Los Angeles granted Megan Thee Stallion’s request to transfer the lawsuit to New York City, moving the case out of California, where it was initially filed. This change of venue represents a strategic win for Megan, allowing her legal team to defend the case in New York, where many of her professional affiliations, including Roc Nation, are based.
The photographer’s lawsuit also named Roc Nation a defendant. Although Megan’s legal team sought to dismiss the entertainment company from the case, the judge declined to do so at this stage. Roc Nation, Megan’s management company, remains a co-defendant in the case, meaning they will continue to be involved as the legal proceedings progress.
While this decision is just one step in the more extensive legal process, it signals Megan Thee Stallion’s readiness to fight the claims against her and defend her professional reputation.
A judge in Los Angeles granted Megan Thee Stallion’s request to transfer the lawsuit to New York City, moving the case out of California, where it was initially filed. This change of venue represents a strategic win for Megan, allowing her legal team to defend the case in New York, where many of her professional affiliations, including Roc Nation, are based.
The photographer’s lawsuit also named Roc Nation a defendant. Although Megan’s legal team sought to dismiss the entertainment company from the case, the judge declined to do so at this stage. Roc Nation, Megan’s management company, remains a co-defendant in the case, meaning they will continue to be involved as the legal proceedings progress.
While this decision is just one step in the more extensive legal process, it signals Megan Thee Stallion’s readiness to fight the claims against her and defend her professional reputation.
Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after The Davis Cup Finals
Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain this November.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” he said in a video released Thursday October 10.
“It is obviously a difficult decision and one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
Nadal, 38, won his first professional match aged 15, at a Challenger Tournament in Seville, and won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Opens. He will finish his career with a 112-4 record at Roland Garros, where he lost his final Grand Slam match against Alexander Zverev earlier this year.
In 2008 he broke Roger Federer’s streak of five Wimbledon titles in a final that lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes, in the first seismic shift of a 15-year-rivalry between the two players at the top of the men’s game. Alongside Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer formed the ‘Big Three,’ winning 66 Grand Slam titles between them to date with Djokovic still an active player. Together with those two, Nadal will bow out of tennis as one of the greatest male players of all time.
“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I have experienced. I want to thank the tennis industry and everyone in the sport: my long-term colleagues, especially my great rivals,” he said
Nadal won his last Grand Slam title at the 2022 French Open, essentially playing on one foot after numbing his left with injections in order to compete. He then suffered an abdominal tear at Wimbledon 2022, and another injury at the 2023 Australian Open. His last singles appearance was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost in a lopsided straight-sets defeat to Djokovic, who would win Olympic gold. Nadal won a singles gold medal of his own at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined,” he said.
Nadal is expected to play with Carlos Alcaraz at the Davis Cup, already a four-time Grand Slam champion at 21.
Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain this November.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” he said in a video released Thursday October 10.
“It is obviously a difficult decision and one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
Nadal, 38, won his first professional match aged 15, at a Challenger Tournament in Seville, and won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Opens. He will finish his career with a 112-4 record at Roland Garros, where he lost his final Grand Slam match against Alexander Zverev earlier this year.
In 2008 he broke Roger Federer’s streak of five Wimbledon titles in a final that lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes, in the first seismic shift of a 15-year-rivalry between the two players at the top of the men’s game. Alongside Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer formed the ‘Big Three,’ winning 66 Grand Slam titles between them to date with Djokovic still an active player. Together with those two, Nadal will bow out of tennis as one of the greatest male players of all time.
“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I have experienced. I want to thank the tennis industry and everyone in the sport: my long-term colleagues, especially my great rivals,” he said
Nadal won his last Grand Slam title at the 2022 French Open, essentially playing on one foot after numbing his left with injections in order to compete. He then suffered an abdominal tear at Wimbledon 2022, and another injury at the 2023 Australian Open. His last singles appearance was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost in a lopsided straight-sets defeat to Djokovic, who would win Olympic gold. Nadal won a singles gold medal of his own at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined,” he said.
Nadal is expected to play with Carlos Alcaraz at the Davis Cup, already a four-time Grand Slam champion at 21.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Do these count as stilts?
Or Heels?
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Rod
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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