10/30/24

The Daily Buzz For Oct 31☕📰☕

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#FASHIONFAB: In or Out? CFDA Fashion Awards 2024 Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Wiederhoeft
Jackson Wiederhoeft brought their signature flair and storytelling approach to the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, dressing not only notable guests but also themself for the evening at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The artist, designer, and visionary made his mark with bold, corset-inspired looks that leaned into both romance and theatricality.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who’s been delivering memorable red carpet moments this year, donned a Wiederhoeft corseted gown adorned with tulle accents. While the gown’s structure and detail aligned perfectly with Wiederhoeft’s design ethos, the color seemed a touch muted. This may have been due to the lighting, as on the runway, the color appeared far more vibrant.

I like it but do you think its IN or OUT?


#RHOA: Nene Leakes is Deemed “Unrecognizable” After New Photo Goes Viral and Prompts Plastic Surgery Rumors
There’s no denying that Nene Leakes is one of the most iconic reality stars in history. After all, she helped put The Real Housewives of Atlanta on the map. In the years since she was on the show, there have been quite a few discussions about what work she may or may not have done to her face. Of course, adults are allowed to alter their appearances however they feel, but fans are saying Nene is no longer recognizable. 

It should also be noted that Nene has had a rough go of things lately. Sadly, her longtime husband, Gregg Leakes, passed away in 2021. Additionally, one of her sons, Brentt, has had major health issues, and the other one, Bryson, has been in trouble with the law. Also, Nene’s career hasn’t come close to the heights she experienced while on RHOA. Perhaps she feels the pressure to alter herself after experiencing tragedy as well as to get her entertainment career back on track. 

Recently, the RHOA OG took to her Instagram Story to show off her looks, and The Neighborhood Talk was able to capture it. Specifically, it looks like she had just gotten her hair and makeup done and wanted to show it online. Her original post says she was in London. The social media blog captioned the photo, “Yesss 😍 Nene coming through the Neighborhood with a fresh beat! 🔥”

However, despite The Neighborhood Talk’s kind commentary, the fans highlighted how different she looks from the Nene that viewers grew to love and hate. The post also includes an older picture of the RHOA alum. 

One fan commented and said, “She has to stop. This is getting weird.” Someone else wrote, “She got a new face every 3-5 business days 😳”
Some people pointed out that she’s still using FaceTune. They wrote, “Getting a whole new face just to STILL use a filter is crazy 😩”
Highlighting the drastic change, another person wrote, “Thank God for captions cause I had no clue who that was 🤦🏽‍♀️”

Finally, another person complimented and shaded her in the same sentence, writing, “Love me some Nene, but lord knows I didn’t recognize her.”
Of course, Nene looks gorgeous either way, and she still has a huge fan base that hopes to see her back on television in a significant way. 


#MusicNews: Lady Gaga Goes Presents her 'Disease' Music Video:  

Lady Gaga is gifting fans with a double feature, including the music video for her LG7 lead single – “Disease!”
On Tuesday (October 29), the hitmaker rolled out the visual for the stormy single, which arrived last week. Like the song, it signifies a return to a darker and weirder aesthetic that fans know and love.

WATCH:
She paired the video with a live performance of her Bruno Mars duet “Die With a Smile.”
Gaga reflected on the meaning of “Disease” and its accompanying video with a post on Instagram.
“I think a lot about the relationship I have with my own inner demons. It’s never been easy for me to face how I get seduced by chaos and turmoil. It makes me feel claustrophobic,” she wrote.
She continued, explaining, “Disease is about facing that fear, facing myself and my inner darkness, and realizing that sometimes I can’t win or escape the parts of myself that scare me. That I can try and run from them but they are still part of me and I can run and run but eventually I’ll meet that part of myself again, even if only for a moment.”

“Dancing, morphing, running, purging. Again and again, back with myself. This integration is ultimately beautiful to me because it’s mine and I’ve learned to handle it. I am the conductor of my own symphony. I am every actor in the plays that are my art and my life. No matter how scary the question, the answers are inside of me. Essential, inextricable parts of what makes me me. I save myself by keeping going. I am the whole me, I am strong, and I am up for the challenge. Happy Halloween,” she concluded.


#HipHopNews: Ye And Adidas Reach Settlement After Ending Yeezy Deal
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and Adidas have reached a settlement in their long, drawn-out legal battle. On Tuesday (Oct. 29), the footwear giant’s CEO, Bjørn Gulden, revealed that all claims were dropped, with neither party owing the other any financial retribution.
“Both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims,” Gulden shared, per Bloomberg. “No one owes anybody anything anymore. So, whatever was is history.”

Adidas terminated its partnership with Ye in 2022 following his anti-Semitic remarks, which included the “All Falls Down” rapper saying he would go “[DEFCON] 3 on Jewish people.” The German label issued a statement: “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”

Since then, the rapper has addressed his controversial remarks on songs like “VULTURES” and “KING,” both of which appeared on VULTURES 1.
Gulden broke his silence about their partnership coming to a close during the “In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen” podcast, where he described Ye as “one of the most creative people in the world.” The CEO shared, “That caused [Adidas] to break that contract and withdraw the product. [It’s] very unfortunate because I don’t think he meant what he said, and I don’t think he’s a bad person. It just came across that way.”

The situation dealt a financial blow to Adidas, which saw a $655 million drop in sales during the last quarter of 2022. It also left the company with a net loss of around $551 million that year.
The Ye and Adidas settlement arrived months after the Grammy Award winner called them out for selling “non-approved” Yeezy 350 V2s in a “Steel Grey” colorway. He called out other celebrities for remaining silent while an “actual Fortune 500 company [rapes] one of your heroes in real life.”


Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans Reunite For ‘Scary Movie’ Reboot: “WE’RE BACK!!!”

Whazzzzzzzuppppp! Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans are officially back on Scary Movie, with the pair set to reboot the stalled franchise.
Deadline reports that the pair is back in the world of the parody slasher after 18 years away from the movies. A Scary Movie reboot was previously announced at CinemaCon back in April, with Rick Alvarez attached to the project as a writer. It’s been reported now that the film is set to shoot in 2025 and is planned for a theatrical release through Miramax and Paramount.

Marlon took to Instagram to reveal the news with a picture showing himself posing in a pair of Air Jordans alongside the killer, Ghostface, in some Rick Owens boots. “Last week, I said I had a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT to make. Well, here it is… WE’RE BACK!!! After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give the fans what they’ve been asking for…a return to the SCARY MOVIE franchise! We’re looking forward to having fun on the big screen again,” he captioned the post.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new Scary Movie and work with each other again. This is a franchise we created more than 20 years ago. We remember people laughing in the aisles and hope to see that happen again,” Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Jonathan Glickman and his team at the new Miramax to bring these laughs to theaters, where they belong. It’s a double reunion.”

Jonathan Glickman, Miramax’s boss, released a statement following the announcement. Glickman also referenced a return to Scary Movie glory in his remarks, explaining that their decision to tap the Wayans Bros. was based on bringing back their “unique comedic vision” to the franchise.


50 Cent Says He & Omari Hardwick Aren’t Cool Anymore: ‘He Overvalues Himself’
50 Cent recently discussed his strained friendship with former “Power” star Omari Hardwick, revealing that the two are no longer on good terms.
If you’ve been following, you know Omari has voiced frustrations about his “Power” character, James “Ghost” St. Patrick, being killed off after six seasons.

He’s also been outspoken about his pay on the show, even claiming that his role provided the proof of concept that led to four “Power” spinoffs. Unfortunately, these unresolved issues seem to have affected their friendship.
While chatting with “The Breakfast Club”, 50 Cent confirmed the fallout, saying, “I think he overvalues himself.
50 also felt slighted by Omari’s comments about his pay, which he interpreted as a personal attack.
“He leaves it like it’s me not giving you the money,” 50 explained.
“If he’s saying it and he’s going, ‘Courtney and 50 know.’ You’re saying that – they don’t know who TF Courtney is – I introduced people to her. They don’t know who she is. So, you’re leaving it, ‘50 didn’t make sure I got paid.’”

Omari Hardwick is the only cast member from the “Power” universe that has openly complained about his pay.
Do you think it is because he was underpaid or do you agree with 50 Cent that he “overvalues” himself?


Skai Jackson sparks pregnancy rumors during recent outing

In a surprising turn of events, actress Skai Jackson has seemingly confirmed pregnancy rumors that have circulated for months. The Disney star was recently spotted by paparazzi, and the images suggest that she is indeed expecting a child. This revelation comes on the heels of a tumultuous period in her life, including a recent arrest.

Jackson, known for her role in Disney Channel’s “Jessie,” has been the subject of speculation regarding her personal life, particularly concerning her potential pregnancy. The recent paparazzi photos have reignited these discussions, as fans and followers eagerly try to piece together the details of her situation.
The images have been featured in various media outlets, further fueling the conversation around her pregnancy. This comes after a notable incident in August 2024, when Jackson was arrested for domestic battery. During that incident, she reportedly claimed to be expecting a child, although the charges were later dismissed.

Skai Jackson’s personal challenges
Jackson’s recent arrest and the subsequent rumors about her pregnancy have undoubtedly placed her in the public eye. Despite the challenges she has faced, including legal troubles and personal scrutiny, she has managed to maintain a level of privacy regarding her pregnancy status. As of now, she has not publicly confirmed her pregnancy, leaving fans to speculate about her future.

In addition to the rumors surrounding her pregnancy, there have been reports that Jackson was engaged at one point. However, details about her engagement remain unclear, and it is uncertain how these personal developments may impact her life moving forward.

Public reaction and support
Fans of Jackson have taken to social media to express their support and excitement regarding the possibility of her becoming a mother. Many have shared messages of congratulations, hoping for the best for the young actress during this transformative time in her life.

Looking ahead
As Jackson continues to navigate her career and personal life, many are curious about what the future holds for her. Will she embrace motherhood? How will this affect her career in Hollywood? These questions linger as fans await any official confirmation from the actress herself.

In the meantime, it’s essential to respect her privacy as she deals with these significant life changes. The entertainment industry can be unforgiving, and public figures often face immense pressure to share their personal lives with the world. For now, congratulations are in order for  Jackson as she embarks on this new journey, whether she chooses to share it publicly or not.


Tekashi 6ix9ine arrested by federal authorities
Tekashi, whose birth name is Daniel Hernandez, allegedly violated the terms of his supervised release from prison on three occasions, according to the court order obtained by TMZ.
Tekashi allegedly violated his probation multiple times
The court docs state that a federal judge wants Tekashi, 28, to appear before him for three reasons: performing in Las Vegas without notifying probation authorities in advance, failing a drug test, and failing to appear for a drug test on another occasion.

Tekashi’s attorney, Lance Lazzaro, said the drug test was most likely a false positive for methamphetamines. Tekashi has been taking Adderall.
According to Lazzaro, the court notified Tekashi two weeks ago that he needed to turn himself in and gave him a specific date. When Tekashi was an hour late for his mandatory court appearance, the judge reportedly dispatched U.S. Marshals to snatch him up. 
However, Tekashi turned himself in without incident on Tuesday morning, Lazzaro informed TMZ. He was scheduled to be arraigned the same afternoon.

Tekashi is disliked by most hip-hop fans for being a rat
As most pop culture fans know, Tekashi evaded a nearly 50-year prison sentence in 2019 by turning state’s evidence on a notoriously violent street gang, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, that he was affiliated with. He was even reportedly confronted by Crips while jailed inside the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in Brooklyn in late 2018, the same jail that Sean “Diddy” Combs is now housed in for sex trafficking and racketeering charges.


Channing Tatum And Zoe Kravitz Break Up, Call Off Engagement After 3 Years Of Dating
Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz have called it quits. According to a new report, the "Magic Mike" actor and the "Big Little Lies" star called off their engagement after three years of dating.
Multiple sources told PEOPLE on Tuesday, October 29 that the pair decided to go separate ways. The outlet, however, didn't reveal the reason behind the couple's split as reps for both stars have yet to comment on the matter.

Prior to this, Zoe appeared to hint at their separation. The daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet had been featured ditching her engagement ring during recent outings, including one where she joined her "Big Little Lies" co-star Shailene Woodley at Buvette in New York City.

Channing and Zoe started dating after working together in Zoe's feature directorial debut "Blink Twice". The two fueled dating rumors when they were seen on several dates in New York City in the summer of 2021.
The couple took their relationship to another level when they got engaged in October 2023. The "High Fidelity" star showed off her 7-carat diamond engagement ring when they stepped out on Halloween weekend.
At the time, the couple was snapped making their way to Kendall Jenner's Halloween party. For the occasion, Zoe opted to dress as Rosemary Woodhouse from the 1968 horror movie "Rosemary's Baby". Channing, meanwhile, transformed into the baby.

The pair additionally put a united front at the premiere of "Blink Twice" in Los Angeles in August of this year. Zoe even wrote a gushing letter to the "She's the Man" actor which read, "From producing to performing to the pep talks to holding my head or my feet while I cried on the bathroom floor because I thought I f**ked it all up, thank you for letting me be a complete OCD psycho control freak. Thank you for your patience."
"Making this film with you has been an awfully great adventure. Thank you for trusting me to female direct you," Zoe added, before concluding, "It's really very cool to get to make a movie, but when you get to do it with the love of your life, it's even cooler."


Chris Brown broke up Halloween party fight between Diddy Sons and Ray J
At a Halloween party, Diddy’s sons nearly fought Ray J over his remarks about their father. Chris Brown stepped in to cool tensions.
Things got tense at a Halloween bash in Los Angeles when Diddy’s sons and Ray J clashed in a heated exchange, ready to fistfight each at the parking lot, PageSix reports. Report states that after the party, Diddy’s sons Quincy, Justin, and Christian confronted Ray J over his recent comments about their father, leading to an intense face-off outside. Meanwhile, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs remains in jail after his bail was denied twice with a trial date set for 2025.

The incident, which nearly escalated into violence, was thankfully defused by Chris Brown, who intervened to prevent a physical clash.
The alleged heated altercation between the Combs brothers and William Ray Norwood Jr., aka Ray J, occurred outside Unruly Agency CEO Tara Electra’s Halloween party. The American R&B star had recently made some controversial comments about the disgraced music mogul, which didn’t sit well with Diddy’s sons, who were also guests at the event. The brothers reportedly surrounded Ray J — who was with Amber Rose and his manager, David Weintraub — as they headed toward the parking area.

Ray J has been openly critical of Diddy since a CNN video surfaced showing the music mogul physically abusing Cassie. During an interview with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Ray J a longtime friend of the Bad Boy records producer acknowledged Diddy's past mistakes but stated that their relationship could not be repaired due to the severity of the incident.

The men reportedly confronted each other aggressively, even chest-bumping in the heat of the moment. Luckily, Chris Brown was driving by and caught everything happening. He quickly got out and got involved to cool things off and stop it from turning worse.
This wasn't the first time Diddy's sons had a run-in with Ray J. It seems like Christian, Quincy, and Justin have been trying to talk to him about his comments a bunch of times. They even tried to stand up to Ray J three times in different places, the outlet reported. However, a source said, “Ray J is always going to stand his ground on what he says, but he has never said anything negative about Diddy’s situation.”


Ryan Murphy's '9-1-1' Franchise Expands To Hawaii
Ryan Murphy and Tim Minear's untitled "9-1-1" spin-off is reportedly eyeing Hawai'i as its backdrop. Despite initially considering Las Vegas, the 50th state has become the top contender due to its tropical allure and cultural charm.
The franchise's other installments, "9-1-1" and "9-1-1: Lone Star", have been set in Los Angeles and Austin, respectively. Hawai'i would join a long list of shows set in the islands, including "Rescue: HI-Surf, "Gilligan's Island" and "Magnum P.I."

However, filming in Hawai'i is not without its financial challenges. First responder dramas, such as the "9-1-1" shows, are among the most expensive to produce, often featuring star-studded casts and elaborate effects. The cancellation of "Lone Star" and "NCIS: Hawai'i" underscores the financial constraints in producing such shows in Hawai'i.

ABC may need to explore options to mitigate these costs, such as hiring less expensive actors or reducing production quality. However, this could potentially compromise the show's familiarity and appeal to viewers.

Despite the challenges, Hawai'i's unique tropical setting fits well with the aspirational tone of Murphy's recent productions, such as "Doctor Odyssey" for ABC. The island's allure is undeniable, but its high production costs remain a concern.
Meanwhile, the flagship "9-1-1" series continues on ABC, with "9-1-1: Lone Star" concluding its fifth and final season on FOX. Discussions are underway for a potential spin-off to launch in the 2025/2026 TV season, though no official announcement has been made.


CBS Soap ‘Beyond the Gates’ Rounds Out Cast With Veteran Actor Clifton Davis and More

Upcoming CBS soap opera “Beyond the Gates” has completed its castings, with veteran actor and Broadway star Clifton Davis joining the daytime series as the Dupree family patriarch.
Along with Davis (“Godfather of Harlem”), Alex Alegria (“Gossip Girl”), Lauren Buglioli (“Bad Monkey”), Ben Gavin (“Super 8”), Jibre Hordges (“Grown-ish”), Jen Jacob (“The Union”) and Mike Manning (“This Is Us”) have also signed on to star. Come 2025, the show will be the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first new daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999.

Previously announced cast members include Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.

According to CBS, Davis will star as Vernon Dupree, the husband of Anita and the father of Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. Hordges will play Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Manning will play Bradley “Smitty” Smith, Congressman Martin Richardson’s husband and father to teens Tyrell and Samantha. Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin, a devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Buglioli stars as Vanessa McBride, a high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and is best friends with Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. Lastly, Alegria stars as Tomas “Tom” Navarro, a handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. 

The show comes from daytime O.G. Michele Val Jean, who worked on “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “General Hospital.” It will follow the lives of a wealthy Black family who lives in a luxurious gated community.
“‘Beyond the Gates’ is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty,” CBS teases. “But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.”

“Beyond the Gates” was developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Val Jean will serve as executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.


VP Harris Holds a rally speech at The Ellipse in DC with 75,000 attending!
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign claimed she drew a crowd of more than 75,000 people in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to hear her speech at the Ellipse, the site of Donald Trump’s infamous 2021 speech exhorting supporters to “fight like hell” in the moments just before the January 6 Capitol riot.

If its own early estimate is to be believed, the Harris event drew about 22,000 more people than the Trump speech, whose crowd was estimated by the House committee investigating the Capitol riot to be about 53,000 people.
Trump routinely exaggerates his crowd, with January 6 2021 being no exception. He has claimed that he had as many people in attendance that day as Martin Luther King Jr attracted for his “I Have a Dream” speech near the Lincoln Memorial, on August 28 1968.

Speaking at the Ellipse, a park between the White House and the National Mall, Harris sought to paint a clear contrast between herself and her Republican opponent and offer a “closing argument” to voters.
“America, we know what Donald Trump has in mind. More chaos. More division. And policies that help those at the very top and hurt everyone else. I offer a different path. And I ask for your vote,” Harris told the crowd.

“And here is my pledge to you: I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your lives better,” she added. “I am not looking to score political points. I am looking to make progress.”
The message could not be more different than Trump’s speech at the site, where he made false claims about the election and railed against Republicans who would not go along with his plan to halt the congressional certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 win.


Musiq Soulchild and Hit-Boy Announce ‘Victims & Villains 2’

Victims & Villains 2 is set to release on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2025. The first single, “October 31st,” featuring rapper Dave East, drops on Halloween this Thursday, Oct. 31.
“Get ready to dive into this chilling vibe! Because Relationships Can Be Scary!” Musiq Soulchild posted to his 648,000 Instagram followers.

“October 31st” is available for pre-save/pre-add on major streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Soulchild and Hit-Boy released the first installment of Victims & Villains on March 10, 2023. The 10-song offering, ranked No. 7 on Rated R&B’s 25 Best R&B Albums of 2023 list, included the popular tracks “white rice déjà vu” and “beat of a slow dance.”

In a 2023 interview with Rated R&B, Soulchild explained how Victims & Villains came about. “It was an opportunity that presented itself, and I just leaned into it. I got in contact with Hit-Boy, picked some beats [and] came up with some cool concepts with my writing partner,” he shared.
“I didn’t originally set out to write an album. I was just recording songs to kind of keep myself busy long enough to — you kind of lose it a little bit… lose the passion, lose the fire. But I was like, ‘Why not? It’s been a minute. It’ll be cool to put something fresh out in the streets.'”


Beyoncé Honors 'National Treasure' Willie Nelson Alongside Photos from Kamala Harris Campaign Event: 'I Admire You'
Beyoncé is paying tribute to one of the greats! The singer, 43, shared photos of herself and her Cowboy Carter collaborator Willie Nelson to Instagram on Monday, Oct. 28, showing the pair posing together at Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign event in Houston on Oct. 25.

Nelson, 91, took the stage to perform at the event, before his fellow Texas native Beyoncé introduced the presidential hopeful, 60, in an impassioned speech.
"The Great Willie! You are the coolest!" Beyoncé captioned her photo gallery, which also included shots with mom Tina Knowles. "I admire you, and I sincerely thank you for being the pioneer you are."

The "Texas Hold 'Em" singer continued to address Nelson, "Thanks for your impactful music, your advocacy, and the gracious way you appreciate and celebrate other artists! You are 1 of 1."
"You were so kind to me and the girls of Destiny’s Child when we fanned out meeting you years ago.
And you greeted me with the same kindness 20 years later!" Beyoncé wrote. "You are one of our national treasures."

She concluded, "Sending my love to you ❤️🐝🇨🇱🤠."
The 32-time Grammy winner was joined by her longtime friend and Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland at the Harris event in Houston.
As Beyoncé took the stage to introduce Harris, she made it clear that as a mother of three, she is concerned about the future of America. (The singer shares daughter Blue Ivy, 11, plus 7-year-old twins Rumi and Sir, with husband JAY-Z.)

She also urged those who were tuning in to cast their vote, telling them their voices and votes matter. "Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right."
Beyoncé continued by pointing out that Texans, specifically those from Houston, "play a pivotal role to change the course of our future."
"We must vote. And we need you. It's time to sing a new song," the Lemonade artist added.

Beyoncé’s appearance came months after she allowed Harris’ first campaign video to feature her song “Freedom” in July, shortly after the vice president entered the presidential race.


SAG-AFTRA Reaches Deal on AI Protections With Digital Replica Company Ethovox

As part of its efforts to build industry standards around artificial intelligence protections for actors, SAG-AFTRA announced a deal with AI company Ethovox on Monday as it creates a “foundational voice model” that serves as the basis for digital replicas.
As part of the contract with Ethovox, which was founded by video game voice actor Cissy Jones, SAG-AFTRA members who lend their voices to the development of the model will receive both session fees and ongoing revenue sharing for the life of the foundational model.
In addition, no single actor will have their voice recognizably replicated by the model, as it requires volumes of voice samples to build a foundation.

The Ethovox model will not be user-facing, and the voices included in the model will not be identifiable in any of the speech generated.
“Ethovox is the only voice AI company owned and managed by voice actors, and we are pleased to be partnering with SAG-AFTRA on building a foundational voice AI model that prioritizes the interests of voice actors,” Jones said in a statement. “AI should be a choice. For that reason, we have reached out to the voice actor community throughout this process. Ethovox will continue to do so as we demonstrate that artists can, and should, be compensated for contributing to ethical AI development while also maintaining consent and control over their voice data.”

The Ethovox deal joins those made by SAG-AFTRA with other AI companies, including Narrativ, which will allow members to license their digital voice replica for use in audio ads, and video game voice company Replica Studios.

While the deals have been met with some pushback from SAG-AFTRA members who see any use of AI as a threat to their livelihoods, national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has stressed the importance of building a standard of ethical AI use to counter exploitation of actors’ performance and likenesses without their consent or compensation.
“What will safeguard voice actors’ livelihoods in the AI age is more contractual protection, not less,” Crabtree-Ireland said. “That’s why SAG-AFTRA will continue to recognize AI companies, like Ethovox, that agree with our union’s AI guidelines. Not everyone will want to work with an AI company, and that’s understandable. But for those who intend to utilize the opportunities AI offers, it’s important that agreements require companies to secure informed consent and provide fair compensation. Without informed consent and fair compensation, this new era will become a ‘Wild West’ of AI misuse and exploitation.”

Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA is scheduling a new round of negotiations with video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement, looking to reach a deal after going on strike this past July over what the union says are inadequate proposed AI protections.


Australia Denies Entry to Candace Owens Over Controversial Nazi Comments
*Australia has denied entry to right-wing influencer Candace Owens due to her controversial comments about Nazi medical experiments and the Holocaust.
“From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [Nazi doctor Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” Immigration Minister Tony Burke told Australian outlets.

“Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else,” Burke added. 
Owens was set to kick off her speaking tour on Nov. 17 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. She was also slated to speak in Auckland on Nov. 14.

“Tickets to these events are selling for $100,” Burke told in The Sydney Morning Herald. “I hope she has a good refunds policy.”
In July, Owens suggested on her podcast that Mengele’s experiments on twins at Holocaust death camps “sounds like bizarre propaganda.” Several local leaders reportedly began campaigning this summer for Australia to reject her visa.

“Australia has no place for those who mock the suffering of genocide survivors and insult the memories of the 6 million Jews who perished,” Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Owens spoke to Sydney radio station 2GB about the ban.
“It’s kind of incredible to think people could be so fearful of just speech and conversation,” she said. “I was quite surprised to see that: they were like ‘Don’t give her a visa, she’s a bad person’. But I promise you it is not going to harm you to hear different ideas.”


Marlon Jackson On the Last Moments With His Brother, Tito Jackson

Marlon Jackson is finally opening up about the death of his brother Tito Jackson.
In a video posted to TikTok during one of The Jacksons’ latest performance in Atlantic City over the weekend, Marlon detailed his last moments with his late brother and explained the heartbreaking moment he found out his brother passed. As previously reported, the beloved member of The Jackson 5 and elder sibling to Michael and Janet Jackson, died at age 70 after suffering a heart attack.

Speaking to the crowd over the weekend, Marlon said:
“The thing about it is that, Tito had called me and we were on the phone laughing and joking, cracking jokes. An hour later, I got a phone call, I talked to the doctor and they told me he didn’t make it. I said what do you mean? His friend called me and told me ‘Tito is in the hospital and they’re working on him.’”

Marlon went on to say how doctor’s put in a breathing tube to help his brother but it was ultimately to no avail. What’s more, Marlon then panned to a part of the stage that held a microphone stand that was adorned with one of Tito’s jackets and his bowl hat and asked the crowd to engage in a moment of silence while his brother Jackie and nephew Taryll quietly held back their emotions behind him.
“On Sept. 10, 2001, we had our last show with our brother Michael. On Sept 10, 2024 -last show with Tito,” Marlon said before breaking down into tears.


Adidas Basketball and UNDFTD Launch New Jabbar OG Collection, Honoring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Legacy
Adidas Basketball reveals fresh colorways for the Jabbar OG Collection, a tribute to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s iconic style. Known for its influential presence in streetwear and sneaker culture, UNDFTD will lead the storytelling for this launch, connecting basketball’s legacy with modern fashion.
The Jabbar OG Collection’s new designs retain the original aesthetic, showcasing details that celebrate Jabbar’s career and influence:

Smooth Leather Tongue and Upper: Premium leather creates a sleek look that’s both classic and contemporary.
Suede Toe Cap: The suede toe adds texture and a refined contrast, ensuring a distinct, durable finish.
Gold Foil Logos: Gold logos on the tongue and heel add a sophisticated touch, paying homage to Jabbar’s storied career.
Soft Leather Collar and Lining: Enhanced comfort through soft leather elevates each step.
Cream White Midsole: A vintage-inspired cream midsole offers a balanced, modern-retro appeal.
Eyestay Treatment: An eyestay treatment lends a vintage effect, echoing classic Adidas designs.
Tumbled Leather 3-Stripes: Signature Adidas 3-Stripes add texture and distinction in tumbled leather.

The Jabbar OG Hi will retail for $110, with the Lo at $100. Both styles will be available exclusively at UNDFTD on November 6, with a global release on November 15. For more details, visit adidas.com/basketball.


TGI Fridays Shuts Down Nearly 50 Locations in Recent Days Signaling a Possible Bankruptcy Filing

Beloved casual dining chain TGI Fridays is facing some serious challenges, with its future hanging in the balance.
The restaurant, which has been a staple in America for nearly six decades, has closed almost 50 locations over the past few days. Now, the company has just 164 locations left in the U.S., down from 270 at the start of 2024. The shutters are taking place as the company nears what appears to be an inevitable bankruptcy filing. These closures have occurred in cities such as Columbus, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York. In January alone, 36 underperforming establishments from coast to coast were shut down.

In recent years, TGI Fridays has struggled to keep the lights on. Faced with high inflation and a shift in consumer habits that favors home-cooked meals over eating out, the chain that once stood for everyday indulgence has had a hard time finding its footing in the changing food industry.  Chapter 11 bankruptcy could enable the company to shed unprofitable leases, restructure its debt, and possibly emerge with a smaller, sustainable presence. Still, even such measures may mean more closures and much-diminished Fridays.

The company’s plight mirrors other well-loved restaurants, including Red Lobster, Buca di Beppo, and BurgerFi, which have recently sought bankruptcy protection.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Halloween Stuff 50% Off

You might get hungry so they offer that also.


EVENING GOODIES: Meet Big Ori
Meet Ori! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember to exercise CAUTION AT WORK!

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Enjoy!


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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