#MAGFAB: Cynthia Erivo for Vanity Fair - November 2024
PRIDE AND JOY: Erivo has 15 minutes to get from Hudson Yards to Lincoln Center. Scratch that: The applause from her headlining set at Stonewall Day 2024 goes so long that it’s actually not over until 8:16 p.m. Now she has 14 minutes to get to David Geffen Hall, where she’s performing in a concert version of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
It’s the Friday of Pride weekend in New York City, about two weeks after our afternoon in Grande’s tree house. Since then, Erivo’s schedule has been, as she puts it, “insane.” She recently handed out the Tony Award for best musical alongside the original Elphie herself, Menzel, who told Erivo onstage how excited she was to see the movie. “I didn’t know that she was going to say what she said until she said it,” Erivo says. “It meant a lot to me. It was like the Queen Mother knighting you.” Later Angelina Jolie fangirled over her too—“she was so effusive and lovely”—and Erivo surprised herself by letting her proverbial hair down. “Usually I run off and go home. I don’t really get to enjoy the night that much,” she says. “But I stayed out and just had a really good time.”
Then it was back to work. Erivo flew to Los Angeles for a show at the Hollywood Bowl, then returned to New York for a single A Little Night Music rehearsal. Just typing it out gives me jet lag.
Even when she’s stretched thin, Erivo knows how to treat herself. “She flies so much, but she makes sure that she has the comforts of home,” says her longtime friend Colman Domingo, who’s flown with her. “She pulled out two blankets. She pulled out a humidifier. She pulled out her own kettle for her piping hot water. I was like, What? Apparently I haven’t been traveling well.” Erivo doesn’t drink alcohol. She loves a good cold plunge, has a wellness room in her LA home, and carries a ziplock bag of gummy vitamins everywhere, though after an abnormal blood test, she learned that you can, in fact, take too much vitamin D.
Erivo’s also an avid runner who once completed a half-marathon before performing a two-show day on Broadway in The Color Purple. “I run every morning,” she says. “I find that the best way to wake up my body is to be really physical.” Grande confirms this, playfully mimicking Erivo’s British accent: “She’ll be like, ‘I did a small one this morning. Only 11 miles.’ ”
“It’s a lifestyle,” Domingo says of Erivo’s devotion to well-being. “She’s like, ‘I take care of my voice. I take care of my body. And I take care of my soul.’ ” She takes care of others too. “When I got to London for rehearsals, she gave me Grether’s Pastilles for the first time,” her Wicked costar Bowen Yang tells me, referring to the Swiss throat-soothing candies that singers swear by. “I was like, ‘What are these?’ Now they’re in every room of my house. I suck on them every day.”
Those small indulgences also helped Erivo endure long sessions in the makeup chair, where Wicked’s team painted her Elphaba’s signature shade. “Two hours and 45 minutes to three hours if it was just head, neck, hands,” she says. “If it was the whole body, that was, like, four hours.” She also sat through multiple “green tests” before production landed on the ideal tint. “Some greens really didn’t work,” she says. “We had alien-esque ones that were just too far.” The best hue for Elphaba wound up having highlighter-yellow undertones. “On brown, it reads like skin.”
Then, of course, came lipstick, colored contacts, and four different wigs. To make certain the hair looked flawless on camera, Erivo shaved her head before production so they could paint her scalp too. She laughs remembering what she looked like before she put her wig on: “Green-scalp Cynthia. Like a little bald-headed green lady.”
She did it for the sake of the production, but honestly, Erivo was into the look: “I would love to do that again,” she says.
It’s the Friday of Pride weekend in New York City, about two weeks after our afternoon in Grande’s tree house. Since then, Erivo’s schedule has been, as she puts it, “insane.” She recently handed out the Tony Award for best musical alongside the original Elphie herself, Menzel, who told Erivo onstage how excited she was to see the movie. “I didn’t know that she was going to say what she said until she said it,” Erivo says. “It meant a lot to me. It was like the Queen Mother knighting you.” Later Angelina Jolie fangirled over her too—“she was so effusive and lovely”—and Erivo surprised herself by letting her proverbial hair down. “Usually I run off and go home. I don’t really get to enjoy the night that much,” she says. “But I stayed out and just had a really good time.”
Then it was back to work. Erivo flew to Los Angeles for a show at the Hollywood Bowl, then returned to New York for a single A Little Night Music rehearsal. Just typing it out gives me jet lag.
Even when she’s stretched thin, Erivo knows how to treat herself. “She flies so much, but she makes sure that she has the comforts of home,” says her longtime friend Colman Domingo, who’s flown with her. “She pulled out two blankets. She pulled out a humidifier. She pulled out her own kettle for her piping hot water. I was like, What? Apparently I haven’t been traveling well.” Erivo doesn’t drink alcohol. She loves a good cold plunge, has a wellness room in her LA home, and carries a ziplock bag of gummy vitamins everywhere, though after an abnormal blood test, she learned that you can, in fact, take too much vitamin D.
Erivo’s also an avid runner who once completed a half-marathon before performing a two-show day on Broadway in The Color Purple. “I run every morning,” she says. “I find that the best way to wake up my body is to be really physical.” Grande confirms this, playfully mimicking Erivo’s British accent: “She’ll be like, ‘I did a small one this morning. Only 11 miles.’ ”
“It’s a lifestyle,” Domingo says of Erivo’s devotion to well-being. “She’s like, ‘I take care of my voice. I take care of my body. And I take care of my soul.’ ” She takes care of others too. “When I got to London for rehearsals, she gave me Grether’s Pastilles for the first time,” her Wicked costar Bowen Yang tells me, referring to the Swiss throat-soothing candies that singers swear by. “I was like, ‘What are these?’ Now they’re in every room of my house. I suck on them every day.”
Then, of course, came lipstick, colored contacts, and four different wigs. To make certain the hair looked flawless on camera, Erivo shaved her head before production so they could paint her scalp too. She laughs remembering what she looked like before she put her wig on: “Green-scalp Cynthia. Like a little bald-headed green lady.”
She did it for the sake of the production, but honestly, Erivo was into the look: “I would love to do that again,” she says.
#RHOA: Newbie Kelli Ferrell Announces She’s Officially Divorced After 12 Years Of Marriage
Kelli Ferrell is embracing a new chapter as she officially announces her divorce after nearly 12 years of marriage.
On September 29, The Real Housewives of Atlanta newbie shared a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring white roses as she reflected on her journey. In her emotional open letter to herself, she wrote,
“Today is my final day as Mrs. Kelli Ferrell… You are raising 4 beautiful daughters who have watched you smile, laugh, and cry… I’M PROUD OF YOU. Get ready to walk into your season, get ready to fulfill your purpose.”
Kelli Ferrell’s divorce from estranged husband Chuvalo Mark Ferrell has been a contentious process, with Kelli seeking sole custody of their four daughters amid disputes over assets valued at $1.7 million.
Despite the challenges, she emphasized her resilience, stating, “Your test was your testimony… Those last months of hell were your preparation for the most beautiful life that you so DESERVE.”
On September 29, The Real Housewives of Atlanta newbie shared a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring white roses as she reflected on her journey. In her emotional open letter to herself, she wrote,
“Today is my final day as Mrs. Kelli Ferrell… You are raising 4 beautiful daughters who have watched you smile, laugh, and cry… I’M PROUD OF YOU. Get ready to walk into your season, get ready to fulfill your purpose.”
Kelli Ferrell’s divorce from estranged husband Chuvalo Mark Ferrell has been a contentious process, with Kelli seeking sole custody of their four daughters amid disputes over assets valued at $1.7 million.
Despite the challenges, she emphasized her resilience, stating, “Your test was your testimony… Those last months of hell were your preparation for the most beautiful life that you so DESERVE.”
It’s almost certain fans will get a glimpse of this divorce on RHOA, which is set to return for its highly anticipated 16th season soon. The new season will feature familiar faces, including Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, and Shamea Morton, alongside newcomers Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley. Cynthia Bailey will also return, making appearances as a friend of the show.
#NewMuisc from Mario Extends an Invitation to His ‘Space’ New Song: Listen
R&B veteran Mario has returned with his new single “Space,” produced by BNYX. He co-wrote the track with James Fauntleroy.
Over a sleek production accented by brassy horns and a funky bassline, Mario lets a woman know that she’s welcome to visit his spot to further enjoy each other’s company.
Over a sleek production accented by brassy horns and a funky bassline, Mario lets a woman know that she’s welcome to visit his spot to further enjoy each other’s company.
LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TWaBGHl3ag
“Hey! / You got that look on your face / Like you still want to place / Come over to my place / Let you into my space,” he sings on the grown and sexy track.
“Space” is Mario’s first single release of the year. It’s also the lead single from his upcoming album, which will release later this year on Epic Records.#HipHopNews: Dame Dash Concerned JAY-Z Implication In Diddy “Freak Offs” Would Make Hip-Hop Look Crazy
Dame Dash has weighed in on the rumors that JAY-Z is somehow tied to Diddy’s RICO indictment.
In a recent interview with his network, America Nu, Dash expressed his deep concern over the allegations involving his former business partner JAY-Z, allegedly being connected to the “freak-off” parties at the center of federal authorities’ investigation into Diddy’s alleged criminal activity. Although he admitted is uncomfortable seeing the legal ordeal Diddy is now facing amid his indictment, Dash also said the mere thought of JAY-Z being complicit in these accusations is difficult to bear.
“Watching what’s going on with Puff, it doesn’t feel good,” Dame began, expressing his conflicted feelings about the ongoing situation. “I don’t want to see someone… die or be tortured. I’m not going to celebrate the pain of anybody, any human being, even if they deserve it.”
Dash quickly turned his attention to the recent headlines surrounding JAY-Z, whose name has been dragged into the chaos.
“The things that they’re saying… they’re terrible,” Dame continued, visibly distressed by the implications. “It’s hard for me to even think that any of those things can be true. I don’t want them to be true. They’re saying they’re going to pick him up next year. I don’t want to see that man go to jail.”
Despite their strained relationship, Dash appeared genuinely troubled at the prospect of JAY-Z being caught up in the storm: “As much as he’s been to me unfair toward, or not unfair, the way he’d be f##king with my money, I want to hope that that’s the worst that he’s been doing.”
Dame Dash, who’s been vocal about his own beliefs and the importance of integrity in the music business, found himself in disbelief at the possibility of JAY-Z losing his way.
“I would never want to hear like, ‘Jay at the freak off party’, that’s crazy,” he remarked. “The s### they saying, and I just be wondering why nobody… he don’t say nothing about it.”
Despite the layers of hurt and betrayal between the two, Dash couldn’t fully detach himself from the man he says he still considers to be a “pillar” in Hip-Hop and a friend of the family and his children.
“It would be such another big blow for Hip-Hop, regardless of what, perception-wise, Jay is also a pillar of Hip-Hop, and if anything bad happens to him, then it’s really going to look crazy for Hip-Hop,” he said. “Jay’s supposed to be my son’s godfather. How does he do that to Boogie’s godson’s father?”
While Dash remains hopeful that the allegations aren’t true, he couldn’t help but reflect on the dark realities that could emerge if they are.
“There are some levels that I know are dark, but again, I’m just hoping that it’s not that dark,” he said.
Tensions between the two music moguls have been well-documented over the years and only escalated after Dash has accused JAY-Z of attempting to devalue his one-third share of Roc-A-Fella Records while he’s attempting to auction it off.
Dame Dash has weighed in on the rumors that JAY-Z is somehow tied to Diddy’s RICO indictment.
In a recent interview with his network, America Nu, Dash expressed his deep concern over the allegations involving his former business partner JAY-Z, allegedly being connected to the “freak-off” parties at the center of federal authorities’ investigation into Diddy’s alleged criminal activity. Although he admitted is uncomfortable seeing the legal ordeal Diddy is now facing amid his indictment, Dash also said the mere thought of JAY-Z being complicit in these accusations is difficult to bear.
“Watching what’s going on with Puff, it doesn’t feel good,” Dame began, expressing his conflicted feelings about the ongoing situation. “I don’t want to see someone… die or be tortured. I’m not going to celebrate the pain of anybody, any human being, even if they deserve it.”
Dash quickly turned his attention to the recent headlines surrounding JAY-Z, whose name has been dragged into the chaos.
“The things that they’re saying… they’re terrible,” Dame continued, visibly distressed by the implications. “It’s hard for me to even think that any of those things can be true. I don’t want them to be true. They’re saying they’re going to pick him up next year. I don’t want to see that man go to jail.”
Despite their strained relationship, Dash appeared genuinely troubled at the prospect of JAY-Z being caught up in the storm: “As much as he’s been to me unfair toward, or not unfair, the way he’d be f##king with my money, I want to hope that that’s the worst that he’s been doing.”
Dame Dash, who’s been vocal about his own beliefs and the importance of integrity in the music business, found himself in disbelief at the possibility of JAY-Z losing his way.
“I would never want to hear like, ‘Jay at the freak off party’, that’s crazy,” he remarked. “The s### they saying, and I just be wondering why nobody… he don’t say nothing about it.”
Despite the layers of hurt and betrayal between the two, Dash couldn’t fully detach himself from the man he says he still considers to be a “pillar” in Hip-Hop and a friend of the family and his children.
“It would be such another big blow for Hip-Hop, regardless of what, perception-wise, Jay is also a pillar of Hip-Hop, and if anything bad happens to him, then it’s really going to look crazy for Hip-Hop,” he said. “Jay’s supposed to be my son’s godfather. How does he do that to Boogie’s godson’s father?”
While Dash remains hopeful that the allegations aren’t true, he couldn’t help but reflect on the dark realities that could emerge if they are.
“There are some levels that I know are dark, but again, I’m just hoping that it’s not that dark,” he said.
Tensions between the two music moguls have been well-documented over the years and only escalated after Dash has accused JAY-Z of attempting to devalue his one-third share of Roc-A-Fella Records while he’s attempting to auction it off.
#RIP: Legendary Actor John Amos, Notably known as the Dad on ‘Good Times’, Dies at 84
John Amos, the TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor who starred as the stoic father on Good Times before he was fired from the landmark sitcom for objecting to stereotypes and admittedly letting his temper get the best of him, has died. He was 84.
Amos died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, his son, K.C. Amos, announced.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos, who played football at Colorado State University and had training camp tryouts with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League, saw his showbiz career take off after he landed a gig to play WJN-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
The New Jersey native received his Emmy nom for portraying Toby, the older version of Kunta Kinte, on the acclaimed 1977 ABC miniseries Roots, and he had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on NBC’s West Wing.
His career on the big screen began with Melvin Van Peebles‘ blaxploitation classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971), and he played the manager of a McDonald’s-like restaurant who hires an African prince (Eddie Murphy) and his right-hand man (Arsenio Hall) in Coming to America (1988).
Many years earlier, Amos had been in the McDonald’s training program before appearing as an employee for the fast-food chain in a well-known 1971 commercial (“Grab a bucket and mop, scrub the bottom and top!”) that he said helped put his kids through college.
After showing up a dozen times as the good-natured Gordy on the first four seasons of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the barrel-chested Amos was invited to read for the part of James Evans Sr., the husband of Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans and father of their three kids, on a new CBS series, Good Times.
The 1974-79 show, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, was set in an inner-city Chicago apartment located in the projects (think Cabrini-Green). A spinoff of Maude (itself a descendant of All in the Family), Good Times was the first sitcom to center on an African-American family.
“Everybody knew who Norman Lear was,” Amos said in a 2014 interview for the Televison Academy Foundation. “I’d seen the pilot episode of All in the Family and thought, ‘There’s no way in the world they’re going to put that on television.’ … Sure enough, it became a hit.
“So I went in and read with Miss Rolle for Norman Lear, with just the three of us in his office. When we finished the reading, Norman looked at Esther, and Esther looked at me and looked at Norman and said, ‘He’ll do just fine.'”
Amos starred on the show for three seasons, but he soon disapproved of the silly, stereotypical storylines that surrounded their oldest son on the series, J.J. — played by the comic Jimmie Walker — and he went public with his criticism.
“We had a number of differences,” he said. “I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children, one of whom aspired to become a Supreme Court justice, played by Ralph Carter, and the other, BernNadette Stanis, who aspired to become a surgeon.
“But I wasn’t the most diplomatic guy in those days, and [the show’s producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes. So they said, ‘Tell you what, why don’t we kill him off? We can get on with our lives!’ That taught me a lesson — I wasn’t as important as I thought I was to the show or to Norman Lear’s plans.”
James Evans Sr. was the victim of a car accident in a two-part episode that aired in September 1976 to kick off season four.
John Alan Amos Jr. was born on Dec. 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. His father drove a tractor-trailer and worked as a mechanic, and his mother, Annabelle, was a housekeeper who eventually went back to school and became a nutritionist.
His mom cleaned the home of a cartoonist who drew for the Archie comics, and that led to Amos and a buddy attending a taping of radio’s The Archie Show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. “It blew my imagination wide open,” he said.
“I was disappointed in a way, because none of them looked like Archie or Jughead or Veronica … Some of the magic disappeared, but the science of the industry became apparent to me.”
At East Orange High School, Amos drew cartoons and wrote columns for the school newspaper, played a convict in a production of The Man Who Came to Dinner and was a star running back.
Amos won football scholarships to Long Beach City College in California and then Colorado State University, where the Rams had the longest losing streak in the nation at the time.
“God kept telling me, ‘I don’t want you playing football,'” he said. “The direction I was getting from above was to be a performer, to be a writer, something that I had always done and came easy for me.”
Still, Amos did not give up his dream of playing pro football, signing his first free-agent contract with the Broncos. (One of his training camp teammates was Ernie Barnes, whose painting, Sugar Shack, appeared in the opening credits of Good Times.)
Amos played or tried out to play with many teams, including the Norfolk Neptunes of the Continental Football League and the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.
After the Chiefs cut him for a second time, Coach Hank Stram allowed him to read a poem about shattered dreams to the players — and he received a standing ovation. “It was the first confirmation I got from my peers that I could write material that could evoke emotions in people,” he said. “It was very gratifying, much more so than running off-tackle or trying to pick up a blitz.”
(Amos would play a retired player struggling with injuries from his NFL days on the HBO series Ballers.)
In Vancouver, Amos did stand-up and met a television writer who encouraged him to come to Los Angeles, where he landed a writing and performing job on a syndicated TV variety show hosted by radio personalities Al Lohman and Roger Barkley. (Also getting their starts on that program: McLean Stevenson, Craig T. Nelson and Barry Levinson.)
That in turn led to work writing and performing in sketches on the 1969 CBS variety program The Leslie Uggams Show. Two producers there, Lorenzo Music and Dave Davis, were helping to develop a series for Mary Tyler Moore and thought he’d be great for that.
“They could very easily have said, ‘Well, [Gordy] can be a sports announcer.’ That would have been [as easy as] falling off a log for me,” he recalled. “I liked the fact that he was a meteorologist; that implied the man could think.”
On the 1973-74 season of Maude, Amos appeared on three episodes as Florida’s husband, setting up the launch of Good Times.
James Evans struggled to find full-time work, but “he provided for his family with any job that he could find. We managed to survive, and America loved that show. It was close to how most Americans lived at that time.”
In his 2014 TV Academy Foundation interview, Amos got emotional when he noted that he had “young men, in their 30s and 40, of every ethnicity imaginable, come up to me and say, ‘You’re the dad I never had.'”
After he left Good Times, Lear’s company hired him to play a congressman on the pilot for a new show called Onward and Upward. But he would quit that project as well.
Amos had traveled several times to Africa, including living for months at a time in Liberia “to absorb the culture of the continent that I had come from, indirectly,” when he was approached to appear in Roots.
“It was just what I needed,” he said. “It took the bad taste of Good Times out of my mouth — not that Good Times had been all bad, but the circumstances under which I left and the acrimony between Norman Lear and myself … I realize that a lot of it I brought on myself. I was not the easiest guy in the world to get along with, or to direct. I challenged any and everybody. [Roots] was a vindication, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.”
He and Lear eventually got over it, and Amos starred for the producer in a short-lived 1994 sitcom, 704 Hauser, about a liberal family living in Archie Bunker’s former house in Queens.
Amos also had recurring roles on other TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, on which he played Will Smith’s stepfather; Hunter; The District; Men in Trees; All About the Andersons, as Anthony Anderson’s dad; and the Netflix drama The Ranch.
His film résumé also included The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973), Let’s Do It Again (1975), The Beastmaster (1982), Die Hard 2 (1990), Ricochet (1991), Mac (1992), Night Trap (1993), For Better or Worse (1995), The Players Club (1998), Coming to America 2 (2021) and Because of Charley (2021).
In 1972, he appeared on Broadway in Tough to Get Help, directed by Carl Reiner.
When he found it tough to get work in the 1990s, Amos wrote and starred in the one-man play Halley’s Comet, about an 87-year-old man who ruminates about the state of the world while he waits in the woods for the coming of “the comet.” He toured all over the U.S. and in several overseas cities with the play for more than two decades.
More recently, he and his son produced the documentary America’s Dad.
In addition to K.C. (nicknamed for Amos’ days with the Chiefs), survivors include his daughter, Shannon, both from his first marriage to Noel “Noni” Mickelson. THR’s Gary Baum wrote about his kids’ acrimonious relationship in November.
Amos also was briefly married to actress Lillian Lehman, who played Andre Braugher’s mother on Men of a Certain Age.
John Amos, the TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor who starred as the stoic father on Good Times before he was fired from the landmark sitcom for objecting to stereotypes and admittedly letting his temper get the best of him, has died. He was 84.
Amos died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, his son, K.C. Amos, announced.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said in a statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos, who played football at Colorado State University and had training camp tryouts with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League, saw his showbiz career take off after he landed a gig to play WJN-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
The New Jersey native received his Emmy nom for portraying Toby, the older version of Kunta Kinte, on the acclaimed 1977 ABC miniseries Roots, and he had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on NBC’s West Wing.
His career on the big screen began with Melvin Van Peebles‘ blaxploitation classic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971), and he played the manager of a McDonald’s-like restaurant who hires an African prince (Eddie Murphy) and his right-hand man (Arsenio Hall) in Coming to America (1988).
Many years earlier, Amos had been in the McDonald’s training program before appearing as an employee for the fast-food chain in a well-known 1971 commercial (“Grab a bucket and mop, scrub the bottom and top!”) that he said helped put his kids through college.
After showing up a dozen times as the good-natured Gordy on the first four seasons of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the barrel-chested Amos was invited to read for the part of James Evans Sr., the husband of Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans and father of their three kids, on a new CBS series, Good Times.
The 1974-79 show, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, was set in an inner-city Chicago apartment located in the projects (think Cabrini-Green). A spinoff of Maude (itself a descendant of All in the Family), Good Times was the first sitcom to center on an African-American family.
“Everybody knew who Norman Lear was,” Amos said in a 2014 interview for the Televison Academy Foundation. “I’d seen the pilot episode of All in the Family and thought, ‘There’s no way in the world they’re going to put that on television.’ … Sure enough, it became a hit.
“So I went in and read with Miss Rolle for Norman Lear, with just the three of us in his office. When we finished the reading, Norman looked at Esther, and Esther looked at me and looked at Norman and said, ‘He’ll do just fine.'”
Amos starred on the show for three seasons, but he soon disapproved of the silly, stereotypical storylines that surrounded their oldest son on the series, J.J. — played by the comic Jimmie Walker — and he went public with his criticism.
“We had a number of differences,” he said. “I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children, one of whom aspired to become a Supreme Court justice, played by Ralph Carter, and the other, BernNadette Stanis, who aspired to become a surgeon.
“But I wasn’t the most diplomatic guy in those days, and [the show’s producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes. So they said, ‘Tell you what, why don’t we kill him off? We can get on with our lives!’ That taught me a lesson — I wasn’t as important as I thought I was to the show or to Norman Lear’s plans.”
James Evans Sr. was the victim of a car accident in a two-part episode that aired in September 1976 to kick off season four.
John Alan Amos Jr. was born on Dec. 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. His father drove a tractor-trailer and worked as a mechanic, and his mother, Annabelle, was a housekeeper who eventually went back to school and became a nutritionist.
His mom cleaned the home of a cartoonist who drew for the Archie comics, and that led to Amos and a buddy attending a taping of radio’s The Archie Show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. “It blew my imagination wide open,” he said.
“I was disappointed in a way, because none of them looked like Archie or Jughead or Veronica … Some of the magic disappeared, but the science of the industry became apparent to me.”
At East Orange High School, Amos drew cartoons and wrote columns for the school newspaper, played a convict in a production of The Man Who Came to Dinner and was a star running back.
Amos won football scholarships to Long Beach City College in California and then Colorado State University, where the Rams had the longest losing streak in the nation at the time.
“God kept telling me, ‘I don’t want you playing football,'” he said. “The direction I was getting from above was to be a performer, to be a writer, something that I had always done and came easy for me.”
Still, Amos did not give up his dream of playing pro football, signing his first free-agent contract with the Broncos. (One of his training camp teammates was Ernie Barnes, whose painting, Sugar Shack, appeared in the opening credits of Good Times.)
Amos played or tried out to play with many teams, including the Norfolk Neptunes of the Continental Football League and the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.
After the Chiefs cut him for a second time, Coach Hank Stram allowed him to read a poem about shattered dreams to the players — and he received a standing ovation. “It was the first confirmation I got from my peers that I could write material that could evoke emotions in people,” he said. “It was very gratifying, much more so than running off-tackle or trying to pick up a blitz.”
(Amos would play a retired player struggling with injuries from his NFL days on the HBO series Ballers.)
In Vancouver, Amos did stand-up and met a television writer who encouraged him to come to Los Angeles, where he landed a writing and performing job on a syndicated TV variety show hosted by radio personalities Al Lohman and Roger Barkley. (Also getting their starts on that program: McLean Stevenson, Craig T. Nelson and Barry Levinson.)
That in turn led to work writing and performing in sketches on the 1969 CBS variety program The Leslie Uggams Show. Two producers there, Lorenzo Music and Dave Davis, were helping to develop a series for Mary Tyler Moore and thought he’d be great for that.
“They could very easily have said, ‘Well, [Gordy] can be a sports announcer.’ That would have been [as easy as] falling off a log for me,” he recalled. “I liked the fact that he was a meteorologist; that implied the man could think.”
On the 1973-74 season of Maude, Amos appeared on three episodes as Florida’s husband, setting up the launch of Good Times.
James Evans struggled to find full-time work, but “he provided for his family with any job that he could find. We managed to survive, and America loved that show. It was close to how most Americans lived at that time.”
In his 2014 TV Academy Foundation interview, Amos got emotional when he noted that he had “young men, in their 30s and 40, of every ethnicity imaginable, come up to me and say, ‘You’re the dad I never had.'”
After he left Good Times, Lear’s company hired him to play a congressman on the pilot for a new show called Onward and Upward. But he would quit that project as well.
Amos had traveled several times to Africa, including living for months at a time in Liberia “to absorb the culture of the continent that I had come from, indirectly,” when he was approached to appear in Roots.
“It was just what I needed,” he said. “It took the bad taste of Good Times out of my mouth — not that Good Times had been all bad, but the circumstances under which I left and the acrimony between Norman Lear and myself … I realize that a lot of it I brought on myself. I was not the easiest guy in the world to get along with, or to direct. I challenged any and everybody. [Roots] was a vindication, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.”
He and Lear eventually got over it, and Amos starred for the producer in a short-lived 1994 sitcom, 704 Hauser, about a liberal family living in Archie Bunker’s former house in Queens.
Amos also had recurring roles on other TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, on which he played Will Smith’s stepfather; Hunter; The District; Men in Trees; All About the Andersons, as Anthony Anderson’s dad; and the Netflix drama The Ranch.
His film résumé also included The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973), Let’s Do It Again (1975), The Beastmaster (1982), Die Hard 2 (1990), Ricochet (1991), Mac (1992), Night Trap (1993), For Better or Worse (1995), The Players Club (1998), Coming to America 2 (2021) and Because of Charley (2021).
In 1972, he appeared on Broadway in Tough to Get Help, directed by Carl Reiner.
When he found it tough to get work in the 1990s, Amos wrote and starred in the one-man play Halley’s Comet, about an 87-year-old man who ruminates about the state of the world while he waits in the woods for the coming of “the comet.” He toured all over the U.S. and in several overseas cities with the play for more than two decades.
More recently, he and his son produced the documentary America’s Dad.
In addition to K.C. (nicknamed for Amos’ days with the Chiefs), survivors include his daughter, Shannon, both from his first marriage to Noel “Noni” Mickelson. THR’s Gary Baum wrote about his kids’ acrimonious relationship in November.
Amos also was briefly married to actress Lillian Lehman, who played Andre Braugher’s mother on Men of a Certain Age.
#HAPPYBIRTHDAY Jimmy Carter turns 100, the first former president to do so
Former President Jimmy Carter is marking his 100th birthday — the first former president in United States history to do so.
It's a major milestone for Carter, who has been in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023. Carter lost his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November, after 77 years of marriage. The former president attended his late wife's memorial service in a wheelchair.
President Biden shared a message wishing Carter, "on behalf of the entire Biden family, and the American people, Happy 100th Birthday!" Mr. Biden called him "a moral force for our nation and the world ... and most of all, a beloved friend."
Carter has said he wants to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Early voting begins later this month in Carter's home state of Georgia.
"I'm only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," Carter told his son, Chip, as relayed by his grandson, Jason, to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The former president has lived remarkably long in home hospice care, where the average length of time for patients is 63 days, according to the National Institutes of Health. Carter has been in hospice for more than 19 months.
A number of stars paid tribute to Carter in a celebration ahead of his 100th birthday, with more than 4,000 people filling Atlanta's Fox Theatre for a benefit concert in mid-September. The event, "Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song," raised funds for international programs of The Carter Center, the foundation Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter founded after leaving the White House.
"Everyone here is making history," grandson Jason Carter said. "This is the first time people have come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of an American president."
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, the son of a peanut farmer and a nurse — the first future U.S. president to be born in a hospital. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy before returning home to run the family farm. He was elected governor of Georgia in 1970.
Carter, a Democrat, served one term as president, from 1977 to 1981, overseeing a period of record-high inflation and other challenges. The seizure of American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Iran dominated the news during the last 14 months of the Carter administration. Iran released the Americans the day Carter left office in 1981.
Carter, who has devoted his later years to humanitarian work, grew more popular as a former president than he was as president. When he was still physically able, Carter was active in building homes with Habitat for Humanity and traveled the world in support of democracy and public health initiatives.
It's a major milestone for Carter, who has been in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023. Carter lost his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November, after 77 years of marriage. The former president attended his late wife's memorial service in a wheelchair.
President Biden shared a message wishing Carter, "on behalf of the entire Biden family, and the American people, Happy 100th Birthday!" Mr. Biden called him "a moral force for our nation and the world ... and most of all, a beloved friend."
Carter has said he wants to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Early voting begins later this month in Carter's home state of Georgia.
"I'm only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," Carter told his son, Chip, as relayed by his grandson, Jason, to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The former president has lived remarkably long in home hospice care, where the average length of time for patients is 63 days, according to the National Institutes of Health. Carter has been in hospice for more than 19 months.
A number of stars paid tribute to Carter in a celebration ahead of his 100th birthday, with more than 4,000 people filling Atlanta's Fox Theatre for a benefit concert in mid-September. The event, "Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song," raised funds for international programs of The Carter Center, the foundation Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter founded after leaving the White House.
"Everyone here is making history," grandson Jason Carter said. "This is the first time people have come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of an American president."
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, the son of a peanut farmer and a nurse — the first future U.S. president to be born in a hospital. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy before returning home to run the family farm. He was elected governor of Georgia in 1970.
Carter, a Democrat, served one term as president, from 1977 to 1981, overseeing a period of record-high inflation and other challenges. The seizure of American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Iran dominated the news during the last 14 months of the Carter administration. Iran released the Americans the day Carter left office in 1981.
Carter, who has devoted his later years to humanitarian work, grew more popular as a former president than he was as president. When he was still physically able, Carter was active in building homes with Habitat for Humanity and traveled the world in support of democracy and public health initiatives.
Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king, has died at 83
Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king and the Cincinnati Reds icon whose signature gritty hustle couldn’t outpace the gambling transgressions and obfuscation that kept him out of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, has died, according to a spokesperson for the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada. He was 83.
Rose was one of baseball’s greats – a winning-obsessed sparkplug who topped MLB’s all-time hit list with 4,256 over a 24-season career. He stood out for his all-in effort, sliding head-first and running even when a pitcher walked him – a style that earned him the nickname, first derisively, then admiringly, “Charlie Hustle.”
He played for three World Series champion teams – the Reds’ stacked “Big Red Machine” roster in 1975 and 1976, and the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980 – was voted to the National League’s All-Star team 17 times, and won both the National League Rookie of the Year award (1963) and the Most Valuable Player award (1973).
But his gambling on his own team – and his denials – ended his budding baseball managerial career and kept the sport’s most prolific hitter from enjoying its highest honor.
MLB hired a lawyer to investigate Rose in early 1989 after it received reports he bet on MLB games. MLB’s Rule 21 says personnel who bet on games in which they have a “duty to perform” will be declared permanently ineligible.
Lawyer John Dowd’s report concluded Rose bet on the sport, including Reds games – in 1985 and 1986, when he was both a Reds player and the team’s manager, and 1987, when he was just the manager. Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti banned Rose from baseball for life in August 1989, and said he could apply for reinstatement after one year after demonstrating a “redirected, reconfigured, rehabilitated life.”
But Rose was in denial in more ways than one, for years saying he didn’t bet on baseball or the Reds. On the day he was banned, he said he thought he’d be “out of baseball for a very short period of time.”
In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame passed a rule saying any player on the sport’s permanent ineligible list would not appear on its ballot. It wasn’t until 2004 that Rose publicly admitted betting on baseball and the Reds, though he denied ever betting against his own team. He wrote in his 2004 autobiography, “My Prison Without Bars,” that he turned to betting as a way “to recapture the high I got from winning batting titles and World Series.”
“I had huge appetites, and I was always hungry. It wasn’t that I was bored with the challenges of managing the Reds – I just didn’t want the challenges to end,” he wrote in his book.
He knew the penalty for gambling on games in which he was involved was a permanent ban, “so I denied the crime,” he wrote.
The denials – and subsequent suggestions that Rose still wasn’t telling the whole truth – were damaging. Giamatti never got to consider a reinstatement, as he died eight days after banning Rose.
In 2007, Rose told ESPN Radio that he bet on the Reds “every night” when he managed the team. But Dowd told ESPN2 the next day that Rose didn’t bet when certain Reds players pitched. That, New York Times baseball writer Murray Chass wrote, could improperly tip people that he wasn’t confident in winning those games.
In 2015, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred turned down Rose’s request for reinstatement, saying Rose admitted only to having bet on baseball in 1987 while he was just managing the Reds, and that Rose claimed he couldn’t remember evidence in Dowd’s report pointing to him betting while he still was playing in 1985 and 1986. Rose’s comments “provide me with little confidence that he has a mature understanding of his wrongful conduct,” Manfred wrote.
Later, Rose seemed to have given up on entering the Hall of Fame in his lifetime. Betting on baseball was one of the things he would take back if he could, he wrote in his 2019 autobiography, “Play Hungry.”
“I’m not a man who goes around saying sorry, but on this one, I’m truly sorry,” he wrote.
“I know that if I ever make the Hall of Fame in some way, it’s sure to be long after I’m gone from this world,” he wrote. “But I want you to know how I loved baseball, and that I lived a life dedicated to the sport, and played the game the way it should be played … always all out.”
‘You make your own skill … by trying harder than anyone’
Peter Edward Rose was born in 1941 and raised in Cincinnati, son to LaVerne and Harry Francis “Pete” Rose, a bank clerk and semi-pro baseball and football player. He idolized his dad, watching him play football until the elder Rose stopped playing in his early 40s. He focused singularly on sports to make his father proud.
“Everything I ever wanted out of life started and ended with loving my dad … and wanting to make him proud of me,” Rose wrote in “Play Hungry.”
Rose said he became a great hitter not from natural skill, but through sheer will and practice; his father’s decision to have hit from either side of the plate when he was 9; his willingness as a pro to ask for tips from great hitters like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays; and doing homework on opposing pitchers.
“I knew what every pitcher threw. I knew when he was going to throw it. … And the day of the game, I knew how I was going to approach (Sandy) Koufax or (Don) Drysdale or (Juan) Marichal or (Bob) Gibson,” Rose told “OutKick 360” in 2022.
After high school his uncle – a Reds scout – got him a tryout with the Reds, who signed him to a minor league deal in summer 1960.
By the end of first full season in the minors in 1961, the second baseman had turned heads with the second-best batting average in his league – .331 – and by running flat-out every play even after being walked. The trait would rub opponents the wrong way, but he didn’t care.
“You make your own skill by working harder and trying harder than anyone,” he wrote in “Play Hungry.”
In 1963, his first year in the majors, that effort earned him the nickname “Charlie Hustle.” Various accounts say the Yankees’ pitcher Whitey Ford gave the nickname to him sarcastically at spring training, either after seeing him run after a walk, or running in pregame practice.
But Rose’s style would grow on Cincinnati fans. He hit .273 in his Rookie of the Year campaign, and in 1965 led the league in hits (209) and a batting average of .312. That would be the first of 16 seasons in which he hit at least .300; the first of 10 seasons with 200 or more hits (a Major League record); and the first of seven years leading the league in hits.
Defense wasn’t his strength, but he was versatile: He was the only player in Major League history to play more than 500 games at five different positions: First base, second, third, left field and right field. He still earned two Gold Glove awards for fielding excellence as an outfielder in 1969 and 1970.
His hustle sometimes stirred controversy. In the 1970 All-Star game – ostensibly an exhibition – he ran over American League catcher Ray Fosse at the plate, forcing Fosse to miss the ball and allowing Rose to score the winning run. Fosse’s shoulder was fractured and he didn’t enjoy the same level of playing success afterward. “He did his job and I did mine,” Rose wrote in “Play Hungry.” “Neither of us did anything wrong.” Such a play likely wouldn’t be allowed in today’s game; a 2014 MLB rule says runners can’t collide with catchers if a slide could avoid it, and catchers can’t block the runners’ path without having the ball.
Rose played for the Reds until 1978 – often leading off for a lineup that included future Hall of Famers Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Tony Perez – and the Phillies from 1979 to 1983. He played half a season for the Montreal Expos in 1984 before being traded back to Cincinnati, where he’d be both player and manager through 1986.
At age 44, he broke Ty Cobb’s Major League record of 4,191 career hits on September 11, 1985, driving No. 4,192 into left-center at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium against the San Diego Padres. The game stopped for about seven minutes as the crowd cheered, with Rose standing on first and eventually crying as he collected hugs and handshakes from opponents, teammates and his 14-year-old son, Pete Rose Jr. The Reds released him as a player the following year, but he’d manage the team until MLB banned him in 1989, ending his managerial run with a .525 winning percentage.
Rose also holds MLB records for games played (3,562) and at-bats (14,053).
He spent some of his latter years living in Las Vegas, trading on his baseball success and betting notoriety and spending hours a day selling autographs at or near various casinos. Sometimes, on the weekend of baseball Hall of Fame inductions in Cooperstown, New York, he also would hold autograph sessions at a nearby bookstore. From 2021 to at least April 2023, he worked on “Pete Rose’s Daily Picks,” a podcast where he gave sports betting advice.
While Cooperstown didn’t admit him into its Hall of Fame, the Reds got him into theirs with the commissioner’s permission. In June 2016, fans cheered as the Reds inducted him into the team’s Hall of Fame during an on-field ceremony at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. The hometown boy described the love affair he’d had with the fans.
“You motivated me to play the way I did. … I wasn’t diving for me. I was diving for you. I was hitting for you. I was trying to score runs for you,” he said.
The Reds gave him a statue outside the ballpark in 2017, depicting him sliding head-first. That was the perfect way to capture Rose, said Johnny Bench, the Hall of Fame catcher.
“How are you going to get a line-drive statue? This (the slide) is what Pete is, and the way we’ll always remember” him, Bench told reporters in 2017.
Divorced from this first wife and separated from his second in 2011, Rose’s survivors include a longtime fiancée and children including Rose Jr., who played a month in MLB for the Reds in 1997.
Tony Award-winning Broadway star Gavin Creel dies at 48
Gavin Creel, a Broadway veteran who won a Tony Award for "Hello, Dolly!" and nominations for "Hair" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie," died Monday of a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was 48.
Publicist Matt Polk said Creel died at his home in Manhattan of metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma.
Creel performed the role of Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles' musical "Waitress" on Broadway in 2019 and on the West End in 2020. He won an Olivier Award for "The Book of Mormon."
He played Steven Kodaly in the 2016 production of "She Loves Me" at Studio 54. The following season, Creel was tapped for the role of Cornelius Hackl, opposite legends Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce, in the smash 2017 revival of "Hello, Dolly!" directed by Jerry Zaks.
He also played the singing waiter Bill in the films "Eloise at the Plaza" and "Eloise at Christmastime" alongside Julie Andrews. In 2021, he was cast in Ryan Murphy's miniseries "American Horror Stories" opposite Matt Bomer. His 2022 solo concert was filmed for the premiere episode of PBS's "Stars Onstage at Westport Country Playhouse."
He is survived by his mother, Nancy Clemens Creel, and father, James William Creel; his sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel; and his partner, Alex Temple Ward.
Publicist Matt Polk said Creel died at his home in Manhattan of metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma.
Creel performed the role of Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles' musical "Waitress" on Broadway in 2019 and on the West End in 2020. He won an Olivier Award for "The Book of Mormon."
He played Steven Kodaly in the 2016 production of "She Loves Me" at Studio 54. The following season, Creel was tapped for the role of Cornelius Hackl, opposite legends Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce, in the smash 2017 revival of "Hello, Dolly!" directed by Jerry Zaks.
He also played the singing waiter Bill in the films "Eloise at the Plaza" and "Eloise at Christmastime" alongside Julie Andrews. In 2021, he was cast in Ryan Murphy's miniseries "American Horror Stories" opposite Matt Bomer. His 2022 solo concert was filmed for the premiere episode of PBS's "Stars Onstage at Westport Country Playhouse."
He is survived by his mother, Nancy Clemens Creel, and father, James William Creel; his sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel; and his partner, Alex Temple Ward.
Chris Brown Named Subject Of New Domestic Violence Documentary From ID: Watch Trailer
Chris Brown took over the title of being R&B’s bad boy following the legal troubles he faced amid his 2009 arrest for assaulting ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.
He’s attempted to rehab his image over the past 15 years, but the controversial crooner is now the subject of Investigation Discovery’s new documentary, Chris Brown: A History of Violence. It will launch the true-crime network’s third annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign on Oct. 27, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film will delve into Brown’s lengthy history of sexual assault allegations, assault charges, interpersonal violence, and “off-stage aggression.”
“Chris Brown’s an amazing and talented musician, but let’s call a thing a thing. He’s an abuser of women. Consistently, unapologetically,” a woman narrates in the trailer (below). A new, anonymous accuser will also come forward—as seen towards the end of the 97-second preview.
“With exprt and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections into each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction in the aftermath of their abuse,” the film’s producers said in a statement.
As part of ID’s No Excuse for Abuse campaign, The View co-host Sunny Hostin will lead a discussion with experts and advocates, following the documentary’s premiere, on intimate partner violence.
Hostin shared, “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases, and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation. This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, is set to be the subject of another ID docuseries, coming in 2025.
Chris Brown took over the title of being R&B’s bad boy following the legal troubles he faced amid his 2009 arrest for assaulting ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.
He’s attempted to rehab his image over the past 15 years, but the controversial crooner is now the subject of Investigation Discovery’s new documentary, Chris Brown: A History of Violence. It will launch the true-crime network’s third annual No Excuse for Abuse campaign on Oct. 27, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film will delve into Brown’s lengthy history of sexual assault allegations, assault charges, interpersonal violence, and “off-stage aggression.”
“Chris Brown’s an amazing and talented musician, but let’s call a thing a thing. He’s an abuser of women. Consistently, unapologetically,” a woman narrates in the trailer (below). A new, anonymous accuser will also come forward—as seen towards the end of the 97-second preview.
“With exprt and cultural commentary layered throughout, the documentary provides thoughtful reflections into each survivor’s experience and the psychological destruction in the aftermath of their abuse,” the film’s producers said in a statement.
As part of ID’s No Excuse for Abuse campaign, The View co-host Sunny Hostin will lead a discussion with experts and advocates, following the documentary’s premiere, on intimate partner violence.
Hostin shared, “Domestic violence is a very close, personal issue to me as I reflect on my past as a prosecutor of these types of cases, and in my role as a mother and public figure whose actions inform and help shape the next generation. This issue is a prevalent epidemic which knows no socio-economic boundaries, so I am dedicated to expanding and continuing this crucial conversation. The more we know, the better we can help advocate for change as a society.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, is set to be the subject of another ID docuseries, coming in 2025.
Inside Beyoncé’s SirDavis American Whisky Launch Party In Paris
Beyoncé treated guests to a Parisian golden hour launch party for her SirDavis American Whisky brand — despite it being night time.
Held on Sept. 23, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée transformed into a classy, warm Western soiree that included cowhide rugs, golden stallions, and plenty of whisky to go ’round. Mixologists treated guests to Queen Bey-curated drinks including the signature Honey Bee cocktail infused with honey and lemon, poured over larger ice cubes branded with the whisky’s logo.
The star-studded room also nibbled on lite bites curated by French Chef Jean Imbert, who prepared “reimagined Texan flavored” delicacies with SirDavis in mind. What appeared to be a more intimate dinner ahead of the open-floor event, saw Bey and Hov enjoying their whisky neat and eating a full-course meal.
Attendees included Lori Harvey, Ziwe, Coco Rocha, Kelly Rowland, Ludmilla, James Conran, and more.
Held on Sept. 23, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée transformed into a classy, warm Western soiree that included cowhide rugs, golden stallions, and plenty of whisky to go ’round. Mixologists treated guests to Queen Bey-curated drinks including the signature Honey Bee cocktail infused with honey and lemon, poured over larger ice cubes branded with the whisky’s logo.
The star-studded room also nibbled on lite bites curated by French Chef Jean Imbert, who prepared “reimagined Texan flavored” delicacies with SirDavis in mind. What appeared to be a more intimate dinner ahead of the open-floor event, saw Bey and Hov enjoying their whisky neat and eating a full-course meal.
Madonna 'Excited' About Working On New Album With Stuart Price
Madonna is back in the studio with Stuart Price. It has been reported that the "Material Girl" hitmaker is "excited" to be working with the music producer again to create her brand new album.
On Monday, September 30, a source revealed the 66-year-old Queen of Pop's feelings about creating new music with Stuart. Speaking to The U.S. Sun, the source spilled, "Stuart was credited with helping Madonna return to form with their 'Confessions' album, so for her to start working again with him is hugely exciting."
The source went on to say, "That record was incredible and Madonna is excited about what they can come up with. It has been five years since she released Madame X, which was a concept album and Madonna is ready to put down some new tunes. Working with Stu on her tour reignited the spark. She has fire in her belly and cannot wait to get started."
That same day, Madonna confirmed that she is creating new music with Stuart. She offered social media users a glimpse of the music creation process. Making use of her Instagram page, she treated her followers to a series of photos featuring her and the producer in the studio.
One of the pictures captured Stuart sitting down on a chair close to music instruments. Behind him was Madonna, who was standing up and looking at him. Another snap, in the meantime, saw her looking tense while sitting down on the floor. Meanwhile, he was focused on an LCD monitor.
In a third photo, it could be seen that Madonna and Stuart were trying to have fun during the studio session. Taking a picture together, both of them showed heart signs with their hands. At that time, she was lying down on a sofa with a laptop on her lap and a microphone next to her.
The upcoming album may be Madonna's 15th studio album. She released her latest record titled "Madame X" on June 14, 2019. It serves as her final album with label Interscope Records. The set features guest appearances by fellow artists Maluma, Quavo, Swae Lee and Anitta.
On Monday, September 30, a source revealed the 66-year-old Queen of Pop's feelings about creating new music with Stuart. Speaking to The U.S. Sun, the source spilled, "Stuart was credited with helping Madonna return to form with their 'Confessions' album, so for her to start working again with him is hugely exciting."
The source went on to say, "That record was incredible and Madonna is excited about what they can come up with. It has been five years since she released Madame X, which was a concept album and Madonna is ready to put down some new tunes. Working with Stu on her tour reignited the spark. She has fire in her belly and cannot wait to get started."
That same day, Madonna confirmed that she is creating new music with Stuart. She offered social media users a glimpse of the music creation process. Making use of her Instagram page, she treated her followers to a series of photos featuring her and the producer in the studio.
One of the pictures captured Stuart sitting down on a chair close to music instruments. Behind him was Madonna, who was standing up and looking at him. Another snap, in the meantime, saw her looking tense while sitting down on the floor. Meanwhile, he was focused on an LCD monitor.
In a third photo, it could be seen that Madonna and Stuart were trying to have fun during the studio session. Taking a picture together, both of them showed heart signs with their hands. At that time, she was lying down on a sofa with a laptop on her lap and a microphone next to her.
The upcoming album may be Madonna's 15th studio album. She released her latest record titled "Madame X" on June 14, 2019. It serves as her final album with label Interscope Records. The set features guest appearances by fellow artists Maluma, Quavo, Swae Lee and Anitta.
Tia Mowry Says Growing Apart From Twin Sister Tamera Is 'Natural' And 'Normal'
Tia Mowry opens up about her relationship with twin sister Tamera Mowry ahead of her new reality TV show "Tia Mowry: My Next Act". After raising eyebrows with her statement that she's no longer close with Tamera, Tia offers details about their current situationship.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Tia says, "You start as siblings in a household and a family, and as we grow up and start our own families." She continues, "It is very normal for all of us to take on new roles and responsibilities when it comes to our life."
"My sister has a family of her own...I guess what I'm saying is it's normal. It's very natural for us to create lives for ourselves," she adds.
Tia, who rose to fame through "Sister, Sister" with Tamera, further notes that "there's so much love" between them despite their distance. "There's this beautiful bonding connection that we have that will never leave. My sister and I have always been women of inspiration, and we will continue to. And why would that change now?"
"I think we've shown who we are as people and our integrity," Tia shares. Of the distance between them now, she says, "It's just a part of life. People have started to create their own families. It is what it is and that's okay. There's no hard feelings."
Tia also addressed her remarks in her show's recent trailer, in which she said she wished she and her sister Tamera were "still close." She clarified, "I'm just wanting a hug, you know what I mean? That's what I'm referring to."
The actress additionally explains why she decides to do the reality TV show. "For me, it's never been about fame for me. It's been about inspiring, encouraging, and really having some purpose," she shares.
Referring to her divorce from actor Cory Hardict, the 46-year-old continues, "I decided to do this show mainly because as I was going through this transition in my life, I felt very alone. I didn't see any representation when it came to women being vulnerable and open about this process and this journey. And I didn't want anyone to feel alone and the way I felt."
Speaking to PEOPLE, Tia says, "You start as siblings in a household and a family, and as we grow up and start our own families." She continues, "It is very normal for all of us to take on new roles and responsibilities when it comes to our life."
"My sister has a family of her own...I guess what I'm saying is it's normal. It's very natural for us to create lives for ourselves," she adds.
Tia, who rose to fame through "Sister, Sister" with Tamera, further notes that "there's so much love" between them despite their distance. "There's this beautiful bonding connection that we have that will never leave. My sister and I have always been women of inspiration, and we will continue to. And why would that change now?"
"I think we've shown who we are as people and our integrity," Tia shares. Of the distance between them now, she says, "It's just a part of life. People have started to create their own families. It is what it is and that's okay. There's no hard feelings."
Tia also addressed her remarks in her show's recent trailer, in which she said she wished she and her sister Tamera were "still close." She clarified, "I'm just wanting a hug, you know what I mean? That's what I'm referring to."
The actress additionally explains why she decides to do the reality TV show. "For me, it's never been about fame for me. It's been about inspiring, encouraging, and really having some purpose," she shares.
Referring to her divorce from actor Cory Hardict, the 46-year-old continues, "I decided to do this show mainly because as I was going through this transition in my life, I felt very alone. I didn't see any representation when it came to women being vulnerable and open about this process and this journey. And I didn't want anyone to feel alone and the way I felt."
Lauryn Hill LATE, AGAIN for a Nairobi's WalkerTown Festival: EABL To Refund Fans, Issues Apology
The East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has announced a full refund to all ticket holders for the second day of the WalkerTown festival held on Sunday in Kasarani, Nairobi.
In a statement on Monday, EABL apologised for the mishaps experienced during the festival as concert-goers were forced to brave heavy rains which delayed the much-anticipated performances from the day's headliners.
"This resulted in the delayed performance by Miss Lauryn Hill and, regrettably, the cancellation of our brand partner Nyashinski’s performance, which deeply impacted the overall festival experience," said EABL.
EABL, therefore, noted that it will issue a one hundred percent refund to all Day Two ticket holders within the next two weeks.
"This is a reflection of our commitment to fairness and respect for the trust you placed in us," EABL added.
The brewer further apologised to all affected fans, artists and partners, affirming that they will provide a quality concert experience in future events.
As of Monday morning, dejected attendees had taken to social media to lament the show's underwhelming experience as others demanded a refund.
Some said that Hill graced the stage at 3 am with poor sound quality and was forced to struggle through her performance.
"She was the only one who performed. Can’t really blame Nyashinski—the sound quality and timing were off, making it impossible to deliver a great show. The organizers of Walker Town should refund everyone who bought Sunday's ticket," said one user on X.
The East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has announced a full refund to all ticket holders for the second day of the WalkerTown festival held on Sunday in Kasarani, Nairobi.
In a statement on Monday, EABL apologised for the mishaps experienced during the festival as concert-goers were forced to brave heavy rains which delayed the much-anticipated performances from the day's headliners.
"This resulted in the delayed performance by Miss Lauryn Hill and, regrettably, the cancellation of our brand partner Nyashinski’s performance, which deeply impacted the overall festival experience," said EABL.
EABL, therefore, noted that it will issue a one hundred percent refund to all Day Two ticket holders within the next two weeks.
"This is a reflection of our commitment to fairness and respect for the trust you placed in us," EABL added.
The brewer further apologised to all affected fans, artists and partners, affirming that they will provide a quality concert experience in future events.
As of Monday morning, dejected attendees had taken to social media to lament the show's underwhelming experience as others demanded a refund.
Some said that Hill graced the stage at 3 am with poor sound quality and was forced to struggle through her performance.
"She was the only one who performed. Can’t really blame Nyashinski—the sound quality and timing were off, making it impossible to deliver a great show. The organizers of Walker Town should refund everyone who bought Sunday's ticket," said one user on X.
Diddy’s scandal draws ‘Family Matters’ actor Reginald VelJohnson into the fray
In the ever-churning world of celebrity gossip, an unexpected name has surfaced amidst a storm of controversy surrounding music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Reginald VelJohnson, the actor best known for his portrayal of Carl Winslow on the beloved 1990s sitcom “Family Matters,” has found himself thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The 71-year-old actor, whose career has spanned decades of wholesome family entertainment, vehemently denies any connection to what has been dubbed Combs’ “freak offs” — alleged gatherings that have become the subject of intense speculation and legal scrutiny.
A wholesome image under threat
“It’s preposterous,” VelJohnson said in an exclusive interview with the New York Times. “I’ve dedicated my life to bringing joy to families through my work. To have my name dragged into this … it’s beyond comprehension.”
The allegations first emerged when comedian Luce Cannon, a rising star in the stand-up circuit, made a shocking claim during a podcast appearance. Cannon alleged he had witnessed VelJohnson participating in one of Combs’ notorious parties, going so far as to describe sounds reminiscent of VelJohnson’s on-screen son-in-law, the nasally-voiced Steve Urkel.
VelJohnson’s swift and unequivocal denial came as he left a rehearsal for “Dancing with the Stars,” where he is set to compete in the upcoming season. “I’ve never even met Mr. Combs,” the actor stated firmly. “These claims are not just false; they’re hurtful and damaging.”
The actor’s representatives have hinted at possible legal action against Cannon for defamation, underscoring the seriousness with which VelJohnson is treating the situation.
A larger legal storm
This latest development comes amid a tumultuous period for Combs, who is currently facing serious legal troubles. The music mogul has been charged with racketeering and sex trafficking, allegations that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Combs, who has been denied bail twice, is currently being held in a high-security unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Echoes of past controversies
The VelJohnson allegations have also brought renewed attention to past rumors surrounding Combs. Charlamagne Tha God, a prominent radio personality, recently recounted on his podcast “Flagrant” a story involving his former boss, Wendy Williams. According to Charlamagne, Williams was allegedly fired from Hot 97 for sharing a compromising photo of Combs with another man.
The volatile nature of modern fame
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of fame in the digital age. In a world where a single tweet can upend lives and careers, the line between fact and fiction becomes increasingly blurred. For figures like VelJohnson, caught in the crossfire of a larger scandal, the challenge lies in preserving a hard-earned legacy in the face of a voracious media machine.
The unfolding drama surrounding Reginald VelJohnson and Sean “Diddy” Combs serves as a potent reminder of the power and peril of celebrity in the 21st century. What began as an offhand comment by a comedian has ballooned into a full-blown media frenzy, threatening to tarnish the reputation of a beloved television icon and adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
This saga underscores the need for a more nuanced and responsible approach to celebrity reporting. In an era where information — and misinformation — spreads at the speed of light, the potential for collateral damage is immense. The ease with which unsubstantiated claims can gain traction highlights the critical importance of fact-checking and ethical journalism.
Moreover, this incident raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the public’s right to know. As society continues to grapple with these issues, it becomes increasingly clear that a new framework is needed – one that balances the public’s appetite for celebrity news with the fundamental rights of individuals, famous or not.
As the legal proceedings against Combs progress and VelJohnson works to clear his name, this story will likely continue to evolve. Whatever the outcome, it will undoubtedly serve as a cautionary tale for celebrities, media outlets, and the public alike – a stark illustration of the complexities and consequences of life in the digital spotlight.
Ultimately, this scandal may be remembered not just for its sensational details but for the broader conversations it ignited about fame, responsibility, and the nature of truth in an age of instant information. As we move forward, the challenge will be to learn from these moments, striving for a media landscape that informs without exploiting and that satisfies curiosity without sacrificing integrity.
The 71-year-old actor, whose career has spanned decades of wholesome family entertainment, vehemently denies any connection to what has been dubbed Combs’ “freak offs” — alleged gatherings that have become the subject of intense speculation and legal scrutiny.
A wholesome image under threat
“It’s preposterous,” VelJohnson said in an exclusive interview with the New York Times. “I’ve dedicated my life to bringing joy to families through my work. To have my name dragged into this … it’s beyond comprehension.”
The allegations first emerged when comedian Luce Cannon, a rising star in the stand-up circuit, made a shocking claim during a podcast appearance. Cannon alleged he had witnessed VelJohnson participating in one of Combs’ notorious parties, going so far as to describe sounds reminiscent of VelJohnson’s on-screen son-in-law, the nasally-voiced Steve Urkel.
VelJohnson’s swift and unequivocal denial came as he left a rehearsal for “Dancing with the Stars,” where he is set to compete in the upcoming season. “I’ve never even met Mr. Combs,” the actor stated firmly. “These claims are not just false; they’re hurtful and damaging.”
The actor’s representatives have hinted at possible legal action against Cannon for defamation, underscoring the seriousness with which VelJohnson is treating the situation.
A larger legal storm
This latest development comes amid a tumultuous period for Combs, who is currently facing serious legal troubles. The music mogul has been charged with racketeering and sex trafficking, allegations that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Combs, who has been denied bail twice, is currently being held in a high-security unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Echoes of past controversies
The VelJohnson allegations have also brought renewed attention to past rumors surrounding Combs. Charlamagne Tha God, a prominent radio personality, recently recounted on his podcast “Flagrant” a story involving his former boss, Wendy Williams. According to Charlamagne, Williams was allegedly fired from Hot 97 for sharing a compromising photo of Combs with another man.
The volatile nature of modern fame
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of fame in the digital age. In a world where a single tweet can upend lives and careers, the line between fact and fiction becomes increasingly blurred. For figures like VelJohnson, caught in the crossfire of a larger scandal, the challenge lies in preserving a hard-earned legacy in the face of a voracious media machine.
The unfolding drama surrounding Reginald VelJohnson and Sean “Diddy” Combs serves as a potent reminder of the power and peril of celebrity in the 21st century. What began as an offhand comment by a comedian has ballooned into a full-blown media frenzy, threatening to tarnish the reputation of a beloved television icon and adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
This saga underscores the need for a more nuanced and responsible approach to celebrity reporting. In an era where information — and misinformation — spreads at the speed of light, the potential for collateral damage is immense. The ease with which unsubstantiated claims can gain traction highlights the critical importance of fact-checking and ethical journalism.
Moreover, this incident raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the public’s right to know. As society continues to grapple with these issues, it becomes increasingly clear that a new framework is needed – one that balances the public’s appetite for celebrity news with the fundamental rights of individuals, famous or not.
As the legal proceedings against Combs progress and VelJohnson works to clear his name, this story will likely continue to evolve. Whatever the outcome, it will undoubtedly serve as a cautionary tale for celebrities, media outlets, and the public alike – a stark illustration of the complexities and consequences of life in the digital spotlight.
Ultimately, this scandal may be remembered not just for its sensational details but for the broader conversations it ignited about fame, responsibility, and the nature of truth in an age of instant information. As we move forward, the challenge will be to learn from these moments, striving for a media landscape that informs without exploiting and that satisfies curiosity without sacrificing integrity.
Ariana Grande Blasts ‘Evil’ Homewrecker Speculation
Ariana Grande slammed “disreputable tabloids” for spreading rumors that she began dating actor Ethan Slater before he separated from his now ex-wife.
The singer-actress in a new interview published Monday acknowledged the controversy surrounding her courtship with her Wicked co-star, whom she began dating in 2023 shortly after they each split from their respective spouses.
“It definitely doesn’t get any easier, seeing some of the negativity that was birthed by disreputable tabloids,” the singer-actress told Vanity Fair, pointing to her absence from the public eye while working on Wicked as part of the media frenzy. “I understand why it was a field day for the tabloids to sort of create something that paid their bills.”
When filming began on Wicked, Grande was still with her husband Dalton Gomez and Slater had not yet parted ways with his then-spouse, with whom he shares a 2-year-old son.
Soon after reports emerged that Grande was dating Slater, his ex told Page Six that the singer allegedly spent time with both her and Slater while they were together, calling the pop star “not a girl’s girl,” before claiming “my family is just collateral damage... the story is her and Dalton.”
Grande and Slater coupled up soon after news broke that Grande was leaving then-husband Dalton Gomez, sparking controversy regarding the relationship’s timeline.
While Grande disagreed with the popular narrative surrounding her and Slater and disputed certain unnamed allegations, she claimed she “will never go into certain details” about their relationship.
“The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it,” the award-winning vocalist said, pointing to Slater being painted as someone who left his wife and child to be with a pop star.
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she told the outlet, continuing, “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about.”
Having risen to fame on Nickelodeon, Grande accused tabloids of “trying to destroy” her since she was a teenager. “I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.” she said. “I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”
Grande’s response to allegations surrounding her relationship comes as the star promotes the coming Wicked movie adaptation in which she plays Glinda. The film is scheduled to debut in theaters on Nov. 22.
Ariana Grande slammed “disreputable tabloids” for spreading rumors that she began dating actor Ethan Slater before he separated from his now ex-wife.
The singer-actress in a new interview published Monday acknowledged the controversy surrounding her courtship with her Wicked co-star, whom she began dating in 2023 shortly after they each split from their respective spouses.
“It definitely doesn’t get any easier, seeing some of the negativity that was birthed by disreputable tabloids,” the singer-actress told Vanity Fair, pointing to her absence from the public eye while working on Wicked as part of the media frenzy. “I understand why it was a field day for the tabloids to sort of create something that paid their bills.”
When filming began on Wicked, Grande was still with her husband Dalton Gomez and Slater had not yet parted ways with his then-spouse, with whom he shares a 2-year-old son.
Soon after reports emerged that Grande was dating Slater, his ex told Page Six that the singer allegedly spent time with both her and Slater while they were together, calling the pop star “not a girl’s girl,” before claiming “my family is just collateral damage... the story is her and Dalton.”
Grande and Slater coupled up soon after news broke that Grande was leaving then-husband Dalton Gomez, sparking controversy regarding the relationship’s timeline.
While Grande disagreed with the popular narrative surrounding her and Slater and disputed certain unnamed allegations, she claimed she “will never go into certain details” about their relationship.
“The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it,” the award-winning vocalist said, pointing to Slater being painted as someone who left his wife and child to be with a pop star.
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she told the outlet, continuing, “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about.”
Having risen to fame on Nickelodeon, Grande accused tabloids of “trying to destroy” her since she was a teenager. “I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.” she said. “I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”
Grande’s response to allegations surrounding her relationship comes as the star promotes the coming Wicked movie adaptation in which she plays Glinda. The film is scheduled to debut in theaters on Nov. 22.
Law Roach says “social media is a piece of s**t sometimes”
When asked about relying on social media in the fashion industry, celebrity image architect Law Roach called it a double-edged sword.
The stylist and visionary behind Zendaya's wardrobe sat down with moderator Domo Wells and Kollin Carter at 2024 REVOLT WORLD for the “Future Of Fashion Fireside Conversation,” where he discussed his retirement and return, influences, upcoming book, and more. Roach acknowledged that although social media has helped his career, there are times when he feels it's "a piece of s**t."
"For stylists, social media became our portfolios years ago. To be honest, maybe 60 percent of my clients came from social media and interactions on social media. Also, it makes the world smaller, right? You can have a conversation with a designer in Mumbai or Japan in a split second. So, it's super beneficial,” the fashion icon noted.
Despite the perks of increased exposure and ease of communication, Roach mentioned that constantly seeing people's curated best selves often triggers comparison. "A lot of it is not real," he added.
"It's a double-edged sword because I came, in a way, before the influence. Like, I worked really hard, and then you see people get these amazing opportunities because they just consistently do the same thing over and over again. But you also want to be happy for them because that, too, is a job. So, for me, I'm torn with that," Roach explained.
Wells emphasized that while platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great tools, being mindful of what you post is crucial, as things can backfire and get taken out of context. Although it wasn’t mentioned, Roach may have suspected Wells was alluding to the backlash he faced after sharing a post with Naomi Campbell, which many believed was aimed at Rihanna.
On the night of the Alaïa fashion show (Sept. 6), videos circulated online that appeared to show the music icon ignoring Roach and Campbell as she greeted Edward Enninful and walked past them. At some point, Roach and Campbell filmed a playful take on the "demure" and "mindful" trend, wearing the same outfits they donned for the event. In the clip, Roach said, "We don't come with our tatas out or our chi-chis out. Very demure." The banter continued with Campbell adding, "Very mindful" and "It's not about showing yourself; it's about showing the clothes." Social media users quickly speculated that the duo was throwing shade at Ri.
After catching wind of the controversy, Roach responded on X with another video urging people to calm down. "Can y’all just stop making s**t up?" he captioned the post. Many were unforgiving, however, accusing him of trying to backtrack.
During the REVOLT WORLD panel, Wells noticed that Roach was caught off guard by her comments about the importance of discernment on social media. In response, she asked him about his reaction. Alluding to the RiRi mishap, he said, "I don't know because s**t just happened with me, and I feel like you're talking about it." The interviewer reassured him she wasn't referring to a specific incident, emphasizing that being misunderstood online is a shared experience. The fashion veteran agreed, stating, "Social media is a piece of s**t sometimes, but it is what it is."
The stylist and visionary behind Zendaya's wardrobe sat down with moderator Domo Wells and Kollin Carter at 2024 REVOLT WORLD for the “Future Of Fashion Fireside Conversation,” where he discussed his retirement and return, influences, upcoming book, and more. Roach acknowledged that although social media has helped his career, there are times when he feels it's "a piece of s**t."
"For stylists, social media became our portfolios years ago. To be honest, maybe 60 percent of my clients came from social media and interactions on social media. Also, it makes the world smaller, right? You can have a conversation with a designer in Mumbai or Japan in a split second. So, it's super beneficial,” the fashion icon noted.
Despite the perks of increased exposure and ease of communication, Roach mentioned that constantly seeing people's curated best selves often triggers comparison. "A lot of it is not real," he added.
"It's a double-edged sword because I came, in a way, before the influence. Like, I worked really hard, and then you see people get these amazing opportunities because they just consistently do the same thing over and over again. But you also want to be happy for them because that, too, is a job. So, for me, I'm torn with that," Roach explained.
Wells emphasized that while platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great tools, being mindful of what you post is crucial, as things can backfire and get taken out of context. Although it wasn’t mentioned, Roach may have suspected Wells was alluding to the backlash he faced after sharing a post with Naomi Campbell, which many believed was aimed at Rihanna.
On the night of the Alaïa fashion show (Sept. 6), videos circulated online that appeared to show the music icon ignoring Roach and Campbell as she greeted Edward Enninful and walked past them. At some point, Roach and Campbell filmed a playful take on the "demure" and "mindful" trend, wearing the same outfits they donned for the event. In the clip, Roach said, "We don't come with our tatas out or our chi-chis out. Very demure." The banter continued with Campbell adding, "Very mindful" and "It's not about showing yourself; it's about showing the clothes." Social media users quickly speculated that the duo was throwing shade at Ri.
After catching wind of the controversy, Roach responded on X with another video urging people to calm down. "Can y’all just stop making s**t up?" he captioned the post. Many were unforgiving, however, accusing him of trying to backtrack.
During the REVOLT WORLD panel, Wells noticed that Roach was caught off guard by her comments about the importance of discernment on social media. In response, she asked him about his reaction. Alluding to the RiRi mishap, he said, "I don't know because s**t just happened with me, and I feel like you're talking about it." The interviewer reassured him she wasn't referring to a specific incident, emphasizing that being misunderstood online is a shared experience. The fashion veteran agreed, stating, "Social media is a piece of s**t sometimes, but it is what it is."
Legendary Theater and screen actor Ken Page Has died at 70- Broadway Actor Known for 'The Wiz' & 'Cats' and the voice of Oogie Boogie
Broadway actor Ken Page has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
The beloved musical theatre actor was best known for playing the roles of Lion in the musical The Wiz and Old Deuteronomy in Cats, as well as voicing Oogie Boogie in the classic animated movie The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The news was confirmed on Monday (September 30) by Ken‘s friend, producer Dorian Hannaway.
“Ken Page has passed onto the next show. My heart is broken,” she posted on Facebook.
Shari Belafonte shared, “Ken Page. One of the sweetest, most talented guys on the planet. Dorian Hannaway just posted that he’s left us. And, I couldn’t believe it… but it’s true. It feels like it’s coming just a bit too fast and a tad too furiously now… James Earl, Dame Maggie, Kris, Pete Rose, Dikembe, Officer Taggert/John Ashton, Drake H… and now Ken. RIP ALL of you. Heaven is packing it in right now with brilliant talent stepping off that First Class charter…”
We’re sending our thoughts and condolences to Ken‘s loved ones during this difficult time.
New Go-Go Museum & Cafe Celebrates Washington, DC’s Musical Legacy
*The new Go-Go Museum & Cafe in Washington, DC’s historic Anacostia neighborhood will officially open in early 2025, providing a permanent home for the city’s go-go music scene.
Chuck Brown is considered the Godfather of Go-Go, DC’s brand of funk music that originated in the 1970s and has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity within the Black community, ESSENCE reports.
The museum, founded by community organizer Ron Moten and curated by Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, was inspired by the #DontMuteDC movement, which aims to preserve the DC’s musical heritage.
Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SE, the Go-Go Museum will feature interactive exhibits, live performances, and historic memorabilia from go-go legends.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting on November 18 will inaugurate the first institution dedicated to preserving the genre, which was designated as the city’s official music in 2019.
Per ESSENCE, “Rooted in syncopated beats and live performances, go-go has provided the soundtrack to countless DC block parties, political protests, and neighborhood gatherings,” the outlet writes.
“Today, we are proud to say that DC’s official music will always be Go-Go because there is no DC without Go-Go and there is no Go-Go without DC!” Mayor Bowser previously said. “Go-Go music is a creative force that has inspired generations of Washingtonians socially, culturally, and artistically, and this legislation will empower us to preserve and celebrate our native sound.”
“We wanted to create a space where the community could come together to celebrate and experience go-go in all its glory,” Moten said of the museum, per ESSENCE.
Equipped with a recording studio, outdoor stage, and café, the Go-Go Museum is poised to become a lively cultural hub that will thrive for years to come.
The museum is set to officially open in January.
Chuck Brown is considered the Godfather of Go-Go, DC’s brand of funk music that originated in the 1970s and has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity within the Black community, ESSENCE reports.
The museum, founded by community organizer Ron Moten and curated by Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, was inspired by the #DontMuteDC movement, which aims to preserve the DC’s musical heritage.
Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SE, the Go-Go Museum will feature interactive exhibits, live performances, and historic memorabilia from go-go legends.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting on November 18 will inaugurate the first institution dedicated to preserving the genre, which was designated as the city’s official music in 2019.
Per ESSENCE, “Rooted in syncopated beats and live performances, go-go has provided the soundtrack to countless DC block parties, political protests, and neighborhood gatherings,” the outlet writes.
“Today, we are proud to say that DC’s official music will always be Go-Go because there is no DC without Go-Go and there is no Go-Go without DC!” Mayor Bowser previously said. “Go-Go music is a creative force that has inspired generations of Washingtonians socially, culturally, and artistically, and this legislation will empower us to preserve and celebrate our native sound.”
“We wanted to create a space where the community could come together to celebrate and experience go-go in all its glory,” Moten said of the museum, per ESSENCE.
Equipped with a recording studio, outdoor stage, and café, the Go-Go Museum is poised to become a lively cultural hub that will thrive for years to come.
The museum is set to officially open in January.
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez Formally Exonerated After 24 Years, Cleared of 1998 Murder Conviction
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, who was granted clemency and freed in 2021, has now been officially exonerated, clearing his name of a wrongful conviction that kept him behind bars for nearly 24 years. A New York judge vacated his 1998 murder conviction on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in his long fight for justice. Velazquez, 48, had been sentenced to life in prison for the killing of retired NYPD officer Albert Ward during a robbery at a Harlem gambling den, a crime prosecutors now say he didn’t commit.
Outside the courtroom, Velazquez tearfully hugged family and friends, finally able to close the chapter on the wrongful conviction that had overshadowed his life. His exoneration follows newly discovered DNA evidence that proved crucial in clearing his name. DNA found on a betting slip handled by the actual perpetrator did not match Velazquez, evidence that was not available at the time of his trial. This breakthrough led the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to work with Velazquez’s legal team to vacate the conviction.
Velazquez’s story gained widespread attention in 2021 after his release and his role in the award-winning film Sing Sing. The film, directed by Greg Kwedar, focused on a prison arts program he participated in while incarcerated. It stars Velazquez and other former inmates and has been well-received by critics, with talk of possible Oscar nominations.
Since his release, Velazquez has become a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. He founded the educational program Voices From Within during his time at Sing Sing and now works through his organization JJ4Justice to help other wrongfully convicted individuals. In 2022, Velazquez received a formal apology from President Joe Biden for his wrongful conviction, further solidifying his standing as a voice for change.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the exoneration and acknowledged the importance of correcting wrongful convictions. Since its formation, his Post-Conviction Justice Unit has vacated 10 wrongful convictions, including Velazquez’s. Bragg’s office reopened Velazquez’s case in 2022 after a Dateline NBC investigation in 2002 first raised doubts about the conviction.
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, who was granted clemency and freed in 2021, has now been officially exonerated, clearing his name of a wrongful conviction that kept him behind bars for nearly 24 years. A New York judge vacated his 1998 murder conviction on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in his long fight for justice. Velazquez, 48, had been sentenced to life in prison for the killing of retired NYPD officer Albert Ward during a robbery at a Harlem gambling den, a crime prosecutors now say he didn’t commit.
Outside the courtroom, Velazquez tearfully hugged family and friends, finally able to close the chapter on the wrongful conviction that had overshadowed his life. His exoneration follows newly discovered DNA evidence that proved crucial in clearing his name. DNA found on a betting slip handled by the actual perpetrator did not match Velazquez, evidence that was not available at the time of his trial. This breakthrough led the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to work with Velazquez’s legal team to vacate the conviction.
Velazquez’s story gained widespread attention in 2021 after his release and his role in the award-winning film Sing Sing. The film, directed by Greg Kwedar, focused on a prison arts program he participated in while incarcerated. It stars Velazquez and other former inmates and has been well-received by critics, with talk of possible Oscar nominations.
Since his release, Velazquez has become a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. He founded the educational program Voices From Within during his time at Sing Sing and now works through his organization JJ4Justice to help other wrongfully convicted individuals. In 2022, Velazquez received a formal apology from President Joe Biden for his wrongful conviction, further solidifying his standing as a voice for change.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the exoneration and acknowledged the importance of correcting wrongful convictions. Since its formation, his Post-Conviction Justice Unit has vacated 10 wrongful convictions, including Velazquez’s. Bragg’s office reopened Velazquez’s case in 2022 after a Dateline NBC investigation in 2002 first raised doubts about the conviction.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
A true loyalist
You can't this guys mind even if you insist.
EVENING GOODIES: Meet J Strok
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