#MAGFAB: Jodie Turner-Smith for Glamour UK
#RHOA: Second DUI Scandal Rocks Real Housewives in Less Than a Year
It’s the year of the DUI on Bravo, but not all franchises are celebrating equally.
Whereas Tamra Judge has spent the latest season of The Real Housewives of Orange County recklessly endangering Shannon Beador for her own act of reckless endangerment, Karen Huger’s shocking DUI is a surprisingly moot topic on The Real Housewives of Potomac premiere.
The Grande Dame delivers a “crash course in deflection” throughout Sunday’s episode, reminding viewers exactly how she’s expertly driven past accountability in her decade as a Real Housewife. If only Candiace Dillard-Bassett were here to make her” Drive Back.”
It all starts with an over-the-top reenactment of the fateful car crash that landed Karen with charges that include a DUI and DWI. It’s an interesting road to take, one that also makes it seem as though Karen’s crash was caused by a deer in the road—something unsupported by the initial reports—a foreboding omen for how the show will handle things. In fact, it’s not Karen who finds herself in the hot seat during the first all-cast event, but Mia Thornton.
That’s in large part because Gizelle Bryant has decided to pump the brakes on her feud with Karen, offering support instead. “Gizelle’s about peace these days,” apparently. Please stop being about peace, Gizelle! We need you to be evil.
The first real scene of the season follows the two at breakfast, as the anchors of Potomac discuss the harrowing night of the crash. Well, Gizelle tries to, at least.
Gizelle asking Karen if she’d be triggered by driving past the crash site is an audacious moment that proves her worth to the cast. As is Ashley Darby’s confessional noting this is Karen’s second DUI. Did you get that? If you didn’t, Ashley will be sure to remind you as the season goes on.
But the promising start quickly crashes on its head as Karen refuses to engage. It’s smart on a personal level, sure, but horrible for TV.
At breakfast, Karen dodges all of Gizelle’s softball questions, with an assist from a random waiter who notes that Karen has never drank a drop of alcohol at this restaurant. Gizelle shoots back: “Well, you don’t serve alcohol.” And to think, some of you wanted Gizelle fired.
When Gizelle asks for specifics, Karen simply says, “You can read,” pointing to the many articles written in the wake of the accident. She also says the truth will come out, and like… maybe. Some might argue the truth already has come out, but never doubt Karen’s grand delusions. She truly has a teflon-like ability to keep any bad press from sticking.
The season premiere closes on a birthday lunch for the Grande Dame, where everyone walks on eggshells. Maybe that’s their birthday gift to Karen. Of course, that doesn’t stop the ladies from some light trolling. Before Karen arrives at lunch, Mia and friend-of Jacqueline Blake make sure to sneak in the fact that Karen called Jacqueline recently, drunk. Whoopsie.
But, once Karen actually arrives, all gossip goes out the window—with the exception of Gizelle naming the drinks after Karen, including the “non-alcoholic Grande Dame.” Karen is not amused, even though it’s a huge compliment. Gizelle is just a kind soul who wanted to remind everyone of Karen’s ability to stay sober.
Emboldened by sheer bravado, Karen manages to turn the entire event on its head, turning the lens to the other ladies.
“What I want to know, and I’m just trying to figure out: Who is my real friend?” she says. “Because this is an opportunity for you guys to swing whichever way you want. I want to see who the real soldiers for Karen Huger is, because I certainly don’t want any fake bitches around me.”
There’s something hilarious about using your DUI as a method of guilt-tripping your castmates into proving their loyalty. Karen is a victim. What happened to empathy? Where are her casseroles? Who’s asking her how scared she was that a driver on the right side of the road would hit her?
Moral compass of the group, Karen then drags Mia over the coals for publicly cheating on her estranged husband, Gordon—and Gizelle joins in. Poor Mia leaves the scene in shambles as Karen reaffirms her Grande Dame status
In the grand scheme of things, it’s kind of nice that RHOP subverted all expectations by making Karen’s DUI such a milquetoast event. But it’s also a worrying sign that, even in an episode that had such a slam-dunk opportunity to prove Potomac’s worth after a shaky season, the biggest takeaway is: Meh.
After all, Shannon Beador may be the fan favorite in her own DUI-facing season, but that’s largely a result of Tamra’s relentless takedown and the insanity that is the John Jannsen/Alexis Bellino villain arc. With no one to truly push back on Karen’s throne of lies, who knows if Potomac can regain its spark.
Thankfully, it won’t be long before Mia launches a hellish tirade against Karen, who was very bold poking the bear. Plus, the season trailer promises unhinged sycophantic behavior from newbie Stacey Rusch, while Ashley also appears to come after Karen. There’s still hope, even if it’s fleeting.
#NewMusic from JoJo New Single “Porcelain”
R&B superstar JoJo returns with the release of her brand new single called “Porcelain”.
The dynamic track showcases JoJo’s resilient journey and readiness to move forward as she steps into a new iteration of her music career.
LISTEN HERE JoJo - Porcelain (Official Visualizer)
In addition to the new music, JoJo recently released her memoir called “Over the Influence”.
She is currently reprising her role as Satine in Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, developing an original piece of musical theater and gearing up to release additional music later this fall.
#HipHopNews: Lil Durk Announces Forthcoming Album ‘Deep Thoughts’
Lil Durk is gearing up to release his next project, and it’s not Love Songs 4 the Streets 3 like fans initially speculated. On Friday (Oct. 4), the Chicago rapper announced that Deep Thoughts will hit streaming services on Oct. 18.
“For the people, for the trenches, Smurk [is] back,” he captioned an Instagram post alongside the black-and-white artwork. So far, the only confirmed tracks are “Turn Up A Notch” and “Monitoring Me,” the latter of which arrived at midnight.“I was a Jeezy fan, but I was seein' red, ain't build me a snowman/ You put a switch on a new Glock, bet the lil' b**ch'll start jammin'/ I don't even got to pay a n**ga to do none, I got killers, all my friends,” Durk spat on the Southside-produced cut.
Deep Thoughts will be a much-awaited follow-up to 2023’s Almost Healed. The 21-song effort housed guest appearances from Morgan Wallen, the late Juice WRLD, Rob49, Kodak Black, and Future, to name a few. Among the standout cuts were the Alicia Keys-assisted “Therapy Session” and “All My Life,” which won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
“I was getting dressed, and when they [announced that I won], the whole house started screaming. I said, ‘Yep. I know what that means.’ I texted [J. Cole]. He’s excited. You know he’s on the road. So, shout out to J. Cole. Shout out to Dr. Luke,” Durk told the Recording Academy regarding his collaboration with the Dreamville Records founder on “All My Life.”
“I actually did the song, and I held it for a year just to get [J. Cole] on it. If I ain’t get ‘em, I probably wouldn’t have put it out,” he added. “I said, ‘This a Grammy.’ That’s what I said. For me and him together, more songs, tour, just great energy and learning from him. He’s the GOAT.”
#RIP: Grammy-winning singer, and Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy Houston dies at 91!
(AP) Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
Houston died Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston told The Associated Press. The acclaimed gospel singer was surrounded by her family.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are “unparalleled.”
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston was in the well-known vocal group, the Sweet Inspirations, with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warrick. The group sang backup for a variety of soul singers including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters and Dionne Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations appeared on Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and sang background vocals for The Jimi Hendrix Experience on the song “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” in 1967. In the same year, Houston worked on Franklin’s classic “Ain’t No Way.”
Houston’s last performance with the Sweet Inspirations came after the group hit the stage with Presley in a Las Vegas show in 1969. Her final recording session with the group turned into their biggest R&B hit “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover” a composition by the production team of Gamble & Huff, who appeared on the group’s fifth album, “Sweet Sweet Soul.”
During that time, the group occasionally performed live concert dates with Franklin. After the group’s success and four albums together, Houston left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career where she flourished.
Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in multiple genres throughout her career. Her vocals can heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and her daughter.
In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which includes “Mexican Divorce,” “All Kinds of People” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” She performed various standards including Barbra Streisand’s hit song, “Evergreen.”
Houston won Grammys for her albums “Face to Face” in 1997 and “He Leadeth Me” the following year in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
Houston authored three books: “He Leadeth Me,” “How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel” and “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.”
In 1938, Cissy Houston started her career when she joined her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky to form the gospel group, The Drinkard Four, who recorded one album. She attended New Hope Baptist Church, where she later become Minister of Sacred Music.
Houston was the youngest of eight children.
“We are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief,” Houston said on behalf of the family. “We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”
Diddy's Mom Janice Combs Speaks My son's not a monster,
Sean "Diddy" Combs' mother has said she is "devastated and profoundly saddened" by the allegations levelled against her son, but that they are "lies".
The musician, known for hits like 1997's I'll Be Missing You, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering last month. He is currently being held in a Manhattan detention centre after being denied bail.
In a statement, Janice Small Combs defended her son, saying that although he had "made mistakes in the past, as we all have", he is "not the monster they have painted him to be".
"It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies," she wrote.
The statement was attributed to Ms Small Combs and the Combs family, and was issued by her lawyer, Natlie G Figgers.
It came five days after it was revealed that Mr Combs could face lawsuits from more than 100 additional accusers, both men and women, for alleged sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation.
The star's lawyer have denied these and all previous charges, calling them "false and defamatory".
He has faced a number of cases since last year, when his former partner Cassie Ventura accused him of rape and abuse.
Mr Combs denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court a day after being filed.
However, he was subsequently sued by 12 other women, many of whom accused the rapper of drugging and assaulting them.
Federal agents raided his properties in March as authorities built a criminal case against the star.
Then in May, a video of Mr Combs physically assaulting Ms Ventura in a hotel room in 2016 was leaked to the press.
In her statement, the Ms Small Combs referenced the video, saying she was "not here to portray my son as perfect because he is not".
"My son may not have been entirely truthful about certain things, such as denying he has ever gotten violent with an ex-girlfriend when the hotel’s surveillance showed otherwise," she said.
"Sometimes, the truth and a lie become so closely intertwined that it becomes terrifying to admit one part of the story, especially when that truth is outside the norm or is too complicated to be believed.
"This is why I believe my son’s civil legal team opted to settle the ex-girlfriend’s lawsuit instead of contesting it until the end, resulting in a ricochet effect as the federal government used this decision against my son by interpreting it as an admission of guilt."
Mr Combs had previously apologised for the incident that was caught on film, saying: "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now.
Concluding her statement, Janice Small Combs argued that one lie did not make him guilty of all the other "repulsive allegations and the grave charges leveled against him".
"It is truly agonizing to watch the world turn against my son so quickly and easily over lies and misconceptions, without ever hearing his side or affording him the opportunity to present his side," she said, adding that she believed some of his accusers were motivated by money.
Mr Combs is next due in court on Wednesday, 9 October, when his lawyers will argue for him to be released on bail.
He was previously denied bail after prosecutors argued that he posed "a significant risk" to the forthcoming trial.
They told a New York judge that Mr Combs had "already tried to obstruct the government's investigation of this case, repeatedly contacting victims and witnesses and feeding them false narratives of events".
Swizz Beatz Accused Of Receiving More Than $7 Million In Stolen Funds
According to court documents first obtained by AllHipHop, the multi-billion dollar fraud lawsuit, which was filed in New York on Wednesday (Oct. 2), states that Swizz allegedly received the funds linked to the 1MDB scandal.
Jho Low and Eric Tan who made up the 1Malaysia Development Berhad allegedly misappropriated the money and stole billions of dollars.
“As the 1MDB Fraud was underway, Jho Low became a well-known figure in the Hollywood scene and developed a reputation as a businessman with deep pockets and a penchant for hosting lavish, star-studded parties and group vacations,” the lawsuit states. “Throughout the early 2010s, Low befriended many U.S. celebrities including Dean and his wife Alicia Keys.”
In order to recoup the funds from Affinity Equity International Partners Limited and Alsen Chance Holdings Limited, which were linked to the 1MDB scandal, filed the suit against Swizz.
The lawsuit says that Low and Tan allegedly gave Swizz the money.
“Between September 21, 2012, and September 4, 2014, Jho Low and/or Eric Tan caused the debtors to transfer $7,300,000 to defendants and, during that same time period, the debtors did not receive any money back from the defendants or any other consideration from the defendants in exchange for the fraudulent transfers,” the lawsuit explained. “Consequently, a net amount of $7,300,000 was conveyed from the debtors to the defendants.”
The lawsuit goes on to say that Alsen Chance of Alsen Chance Holdings Limited, “gave $1.5 million to Swizz Beatz Productions Inc. in September 2012. Payments of $1 million and $800,000 were sent in October 2012… Affinity sent $800,000 to Swizz Beatz’s Monza Studios in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013. Swizz Beatz received $500,000 in June 2014, $300,000 in July 2014, and $1.4 million in September 2014.”
The plaintiffs are seeking $3.3 million in damages from Swizz Beatz Productions, $2.2 million from the producer, $1.8 million from Monza Studios and requested attorney’s fees and other court costs be covered.
Kathy Bates Gets Emotional Over Memory Lapse, Clarifies Retirement Plans
Memory can be deceiving. Kathy Bates experienced this firsthand during an interview with Ben Mankiewicz on "CBS Sunday Morning". Recalling her 1991 Oscar win for Best Actress in "Misery," Bates initially asserted that she had forgotten to thank her mother in her acceptance speech. However, Mankiewicz surprised her with a clip proving that she did.
Bates' face fell in disbelief, but she was visibly relieved. She had a strained relationship with her mother, who had been dismissive of her Oscar success. "Because she should've had my life," Bates explained.
Bates believed her mother deserved the recognition she had achieved. "When she died, I said, 'Come into me,' " she said. "I wanted her spirit to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying because of what she'd given up."
After her Oscar win, Bates enjoyed a successful Hollywood career, including three more Academy Award nominations and two Emmys. In recent months, she had hinted at retiring after wrapping up her role in CBS' "Matlock" reboot.
However, Bates later clarified that her comments were made before she read the "Matlock" script. Now that she's involved in the series, she hopes it continues for many years.
Despite a difficult experience on an undisclosed film project, Bates' enthusiasm for "Matlock" has reignited her passion for acting. "I think when you feel that kind of betrayal, it really devastates," she said. "But after landing the role on 'Matlock,' which she called 'one of the most wonderful roles I've ever had to play,' she rethought her stance.
"Not retiring. And I'd love to stay with the show as long as it runs, and I hope it runs a very long time," Bates concluded.
Madonna Pens Emotional Tribute To Younger Brother Christopher Ciccone After His Death
"My brother Christopher is gone. He was the closest human to me for so long. It's hard to explain our bond," Madonna began, reflecting on their unique relationship. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, they both felt out of place and faced societal pressures to conform. "We took each other's hands and we danced through the madness of our childhood. In fact, dance was a kind of superglue that held us together."
Madonna credits dance and their shared experiences as a transformative escape from the often harsh realities of their upbringing. Her brother followed her to New York City, where they sought solace and inspiration in the vibrant art and music scenes.
"We devoured Art and Music And Film like hungry animals. We were in the epicenter of all of these things exploding," she wrote. Their bond remained unbreakable as they navigated the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, always returning to the sanctuary found in dance.
Christopher's influence on Madonna's career was profound. He became the Creative Director of many of her tours, bringing his impeccable taste and visionary ideas to the forefront.
"When it came to good taste, my brother was the Pope, and you had to kiss the ring to get his blessing," Madonna noted. Despite their occasional disagreements, which sometimes led to periods of silence, they always found their way back to each other, holding hands and dancing through the highs and lows of life.
In his final years, the siblings reconnected, and Madonna did everything in her power to support him through his illness. "The last few years have not been easy... When my brother got sick, we found our way back to each other. I did my best to keep him alive as long as possible," she shared.
Despite his immense pain, they managed to find solace in one another's presence. "Once again, we held hands. We closed our eyes and we danced. Together. I'm glad he's not suffering anymore. There will never be anyone like him. I know he's dancing somewhere," Madonna concluded.
Madonna's heartfelt tribute to her brother serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of familial bonds and the healing power of dance and art. Their story resonates with a message of resilience, love, and the unbreakable connection they shared throughout their tumultuous but beautifully intertwined lives.
Amanda Seales returns to social media after controversy with Issa Rae
Comedian and cultural commentator Amanda Seales has resurfaced on social media, sparking conversations and speculation among her followers. Her return follows recent comments from “Insecure” creator Issa Rae, who criticized their past working relationship. Seales’ latest post — a cryptic meme — has left many questioning the reasons behind her recent hiatus from the platform.
The cryptic meme and its interpretations
On Sept. 28, Seales shared a meme that has been interpreted in various ways. The post features a bright yellow background with a screenshot of a phone contact labeled “Harriet Tubman” and an emoji depicting a woman with cornrows and a smirk. The only caption accompanying the image was a red emergency telephone emoji, prompting followers to speculate about its meaning.
Many fans humorously questioned whether the meme was a subtle jab at Rae, with comments like, “Is this Issa?” circulating in the comments section. This playful interpretation highlights the ongoing tension between the two women, which has been discussed since Seales’ previous comments about Rae.
Background on the tension between Seales and Rae
In April 2024, Seales gained significant attention during an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, “Club Shay Shay.” During this interview, she opened up about her experiences on the set of “Insecure” and a humiliating incident at a Black Emmys party in 2019. Seales claimed she was denied entry to the event by Rae’s publicist, Vanessa Anderson, which left her feeling unsupported by Rae.
Despite being on the guest list, Seales recounted the moment when she was told she could not enter the party. This incident has since fueled speculation about the nature of their professional relationship, with Seales expressing disappointment over Rae’s lack of intervention during the situation.
Rae’s response
Recently, Rae addressed the fallout from this incident during the launch of her sparkling wine, Viarae, on Sept. 24. Although she did not mention Seales by name, her comments about individuals who “talk s— about me” were widely interpreted as a reference to Seales. Rae emphasized her desire for them to resolve their differences, suggesting that she hoped for a reconciliation between herself and Seales.
Rae’s remarks have led many fans to speculate about the ongoing rift, with some believing that the tension has impacted their professional rapport. Rae has maintained that she was unaware of the incident at the Emmys until the following day, further complicating the narrative surrounding their relationship.
Seales’ social media hiatus and return
Seales’ recent meme marks her first post since Sept. 6, during which time fans expressed concern over her absence. Comments on her return included sentiments like, “I thought they had shadow-banned you” and “Glad to see you’ve been protecting your peace!” indicating that her followers missed her presence and commentary online.
Despite her hiatus from Instagram, Seales has remained active on her Patreon account, where she continues to share content and engage with her audience. This suggests that while she may have stepped back from public social media, she is still committed to her fanbase and her work.
The future of Seales and Rae’s relationship
The ongoing saga between Seales and Rae highlights the complexities of relationships in the entertainment industry, particularly among Black women navigating their careers. As Seales continues to share her thoughts and experiences, fans are left to wonder how this dynamic will evolve. Will they find common ground, or will the tension persist? Only time will tell, but for now, Seales’ return to social media has certainly reignited interest in their story.
As the conversation continues, it’s essential to support both women in their respective journeys, recognizing the challenges they face in the public eye.
Drea Kelly Announces New Memoir
However, the internet was not impressed. Many began questioning her intent, positing that this could all just be a ploy for attention, or, as one user put it,
The caption of the dancer's post on Instagram read:
"I am a BEAST and a BUTTERFLY. God said it is so. The time has come to disrupt the deception. For years people have spoken on my life without knowing ANYTHING about me. How crazy is it to speak on someone you NEVER MET or had a conversation with as FACT."
She continued, noting that she would be revealing everything to the world about her abusive relationship with R. Kelly.
"Well, the time has come to speak without fear! No more forcing a smile to get thru the pain of being me. No more “be nice” to please an unpleasant world. My book is going to set so many free and if you have a problem….it’s not with me! Take it up with GOD. This is HIS will and it is so."
Just a few days ago, Drea Kelly and R. Kelly’s daughter, Joanne, revealed that a documentary that details her life, and the “dark reality of living in the shadow of one of the most notorious figures in music” is imminent. Her siblings, Jaah Kelly and Robert Kelly Jr, and her mother, all make an appearance. Titled R Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey, the documentary will reflect “raw and emotional” interviews with all of them.Back in 2018 R. Kelly's ex wife, Drea Kelly, sat for an interview where she called R. Kelly a monster and claimed he once hogtied her before going to bed for the night [click here if you missed that].
Over the weekend Drea announced she is working on her memoir, 'Under The Red Carpet...'
Mariah Carey Shares Advice for People Like Chappell Roan Struggling With Fame
Mariah Carey is opening up about stars like Chappell Roan.The Caution diva spoke out in an interview with the Associated Press.
During the conversation, she spoke about going through scrutiny and adjusting to fame in her own trajectory as a superstar.
“Well, I have been through my share of dramas,” she began. “And it’s not fun because you grow up thinking, ‘I want to be famous.’”
“I mean, really with me, it was always, ‘I want to be a singer. I want to write songs,’” she continued.
“But ‘I want to be famous’ was right there with it. I feel like it was probably because I didn’t feel like I was good enough on my own because of the things I went through growing up. And that’s not a good way to feel, you know?”
“My advice would be try your hardest to go into this industry with a love of your talent or what’s really real for you,” she said.
“You know, if it’s like, ‘I want to be famous. I want to run around with those people, whoever they are, the famous people,’ then it’s probably not the best idea,” Mariah went on.
Richard Simmons Was Buried in His Iconic Workout Outfit
“Just like Clark Kent underneath his beautiful things that he was wearing, his clothing, [Richard] is wearing a tank top and shorts,” he said, referring to what his brother was buried in.
“Why, you ask? Because we think that God has another plan for him, and we want to make sure that he was going to be in his normal costume that we all know and love to help the saints and the angels get into shape.”
“So I’m here to say to you that even though he’s not here and I know he’s in spirit here tonight, Richard Simmons will forever be sweating with the Holies,” he concluded, adding: “Thank you so much for coming.”
#BoxOfficeNews: Joker: Folie a Deux bombs with $40 million opening And that's no Joke!
The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux, has made its debut in theaters, but the initial box office results reveal a less-than-stellar performance. Despite being the top film at the North American box office, it collected an estimated $40 million over its opening weekend, which is significantly lower than expectations and a stark contrast to its predecessor’s impressive $96.2 million opening in 2019.
After receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, Joker 2 has struggled to meet its projected earnings. Initially expected to debut with figures around $70 million, the film ultimately fell short by approximately $30 million. This disappointing performance has raised concerns among industry analysts about the film’s long-term viability in theaters.
The mixed reviews began during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 12-minute standing ovation but later saw its Rotten Tomatoes score plummet from 63% to 33% by the end of its first weekend in theaters. Audience reactions were equally disappointing, as evidenced by a D CinemaScore rating from ticket buyers on opening night. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, commented that such poor reception creates a “double whammy” that is challenging for any film to recover from.
The reviews have sparked discussions across social media platforms, with many fans expressing disappointment over the film’s direction and execution. While some appreciated Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck once again, others felt that the narrative did not live up to the high standards set by the original film. The disparity between critical acclaim and audience approval has left many wondering if the sequel could have benefitted from a different release strategy.
The financial landscape surrounding Joker 2 is complicated by its production costs, which are reported to be at least double those of the first film. While director Todd Phillips stated that the budget was less than the reported $200 million, others have pegged it closer to $190 million. To break even, Joker 2 would need to earn approximately $450 million globally-a daunting task given its current trajectory.
Warner Bros. released the film in over 4,100 locations across North America, with about 12.5% of its domestic total coming from IMAX screens. Globally, it has earned approximately $81.1 million from around 25,788 screens, bringing its total global earnings estimate to $121.1 million. These figures indicate that while Joker 2 opened strong in terms of ticket sales, it has not captured the audience’s imagination in the way its predecessor did.
Looking ahead, Joker 2 is set to open in Japan and China within the next two weeks. However, industry experts are skeptical about whether these markets will significantly boost its earnings given the current negative word-of-mouth surrounding the film. The international box office can sometimes provide a lifeline for films struggling domestically; however, this may not be enough for Joker 2 given its current challenges.
In comparison to other films currently showing in theaters, Joker 2 faces stiff competition. Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot took second place at the box office with $18.7 million in its second weekend, while Warner Bros.’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice secured third place in its fifth weekend. With such competition and disappointing numbers from both domestic and international markets, it will be interesting to see how Joker 2 navigates this challenging landscape.
Despite opening at the top of the box office, Joker: Folie a Deux has not lived up to the expectations set by its predecessor. The combination of poor reviews and audience reception has left many wondering if this sequel can find a way to recover financially or if it will become yet another example of how difficult it can be for sequels to capture lightning in a bottle twice.
As discussions continue on social media regarding the film’s quality and performance, it remains clear that Joker 2 will have a tough road ahead if it hopes to achieve profitability and overcome the challenges presented by its initial reception. With a hefty budget and disappointing box office results thus far, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this dark musical unfolds in theaters around the world.
Ultimately, while Joker: Folie a Deux had all the ingredients for success, an acclaimed director, and a talented cast led by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the execution appears to have faltered. Whether this sequel can turn things around remains uncertain as audiences weigh their options at local cinemas.
Jussie Smollett Says He’s Spent $3M Fighting Hoax Case: “I Don’t Want to Have a Felony on My Record for Something I Didn’t Do”
The Empire alum, who recently returned to the big screen in The Lost Holliday — which he directed, co-wrote, produced and stars in — spoke about his ongoing effort to appeal his 2021 disorderly conduct conviction after he was accused of staging that attack and lying about it to the Chicago police.
In a sit-down interview with Entertainment Tonight seemingly done as part of his Lost Holliday promotion, which has included a smattering of interviews, the actor continued to maintain his innocence, saying he’s still fighting for the truth of what happened to emerge.
“I want to have all of these things in my life, and I don’t want to have a felony on my record for something that I didn’t do,” Smollett said in part. “That’s what we’re fighting for. I know that on the surface it probably seems like why doesn’t he just serve the time, why doesn’t he just let this go. It would be easier if I had in fact done this to say that I did it. I wouldn’t have spent almost $3 million of my own money. I wouldn’t have had a trial.”
After Smollett was arrested in 2019 and accused of staging the attack, the charges against him were dropped and then refiled a year later and he was convicted in 2021 of five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He’s since appealed that conviction, with the case currently being reviewed by the Illinois Supreme Court.
He admits that as an “entertainer” and “businessman,” he should stop fighting.
“But as a human being and as a man, as a Black man and as an openly gay Black man, I have a problem with letting them win on something they shouldn’t be able to,” Smollett said. “I’m a grown man and something happened. I can’t tell exactly what did happen, but I can tell you what did not happen. That’s what I have to sit on. No matter how much people are yelling in my face, saying ‘You’re a liar, you’re a liar.’ No, I’m not. No, I’m not. I don’t want them to believe that, but if that is what they believe, that’s on you.”
Looking back on the nearly six years since Smollett said he was attacked in early 2019, he says there are “a million things” he would have done differently. Specifically, he regrets doing a high-profile sit-down about what he claimed happened to him, before he was charged with disorderly conduct, with Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts.
“I wish I hadn’t done the interview,” Smollett said. “I never wanted to. I watched it, and I was mortified.”
Smollett last year reportedly entered rehab for substance abuse, something that he said he was told he “couldn’t” do previously.
“I’ve wanted to do it for a number of years. And to be quite honest, I was told that I couldn’t,” he said.
He argued that one of the challenges of “fighting the very things that are untrue” is how “some truths did come into play that they used to kind of to prove things that were not true.”
“So there were those moments where I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, my life is kind of — oh, well, I didn’t do that.’ And they’re like, ‘But you did this.’ And I’m like ‘Ah, I did do that. I did buy that.’ And there are things like that that I’ve had to talk to my family about, that I’ve had to talk to friends about,” he said. “I’m OK with accepting responsibility for things that I’ve actually done. I’m just not OK with accepting responsibility for things that I did not do.”
Smollett maintained that he has not changed his story throughout this ordeal.
“I’ve stood by, not my truth but the truth for the entire time, almost six years,” he said. “I haven’t switched my story up. I haven’t changed anything that I ever said. I stand by every single thing that I’ve ever said. Everyone else in the situation, every single person, has changed their story numerous times.”
Zendaya on ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Time Jump: “Only So Much High School Drama You Can Deal With”
Zendaya is looking forward to seeing her Euphoria character out of high school in season three.
The Emmy-winning actress, who plays Rue, recently teased the long-gestating third installment of the Sam Levinson-created HBO drama, which will feature a time jump to life after high school.
“It’s important because there’s only so much high school drama you can deal with,” she said to Entertainment Weekly‘s The Awards podcast, before quipping, “‘And then she cheats on her boyfriend again!'”
While Zendaya, who is also an executive producer on the show, couldn’t share many details about the season three storylines, she teased that it will be “fascinating.”
“I don’t actually know much about what is happening,” she said. I don’t quite know exactly what the season is going to look like, but I do know that the time jump is happening.”
The Challengers star continued, “It will be fascinating to see and understand these characters outside of the context of high school and how all the stuff that we saw when they were kids and they were in high school affects the adulthood they have and who they become in a much bigger world. I’ll be interested to see what happens too.”
Season three of Euphoria, which will see Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie and Maude Apatow return, is set to begin production in January 2025. Barbie Ferreira previously announced that she would not be returning to the show, and Angus Cloud died of an accidental overdose in July 2023.
Earlier this year, Sweeney opened up about returning to her character Cassie three years after last playing her in 2022’s second season.
“We did have a long time between season one and season two, but especially now with the time jump, it’s a new process for me,” she told Cosmopolitan in August. “I’m kind of just learning as I go and being open for whatever’s to come. But I’m also really excited. I love Cassie. She is always such a thrilling character to play, so I’m really looking forward to what’s gonna happen in her life.”
Former Georgia Teacher Featured in Viral Rap Video Indicted for Sexual Contact With Student
Ex-educator Audrianna Cobb-Williams is facing criminal charges after being indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree sexual contact by an employee or agent.
The indictment, which involves accusations of inappropriately touching a student, stems from an incident that happened in December 2023.
Before facing criminal charges, Cobb-Williams generated headlines and popularity online from appearing with another teacher in a viral 2020 rap video for a remix of the Jack Harlow hit “What’s Poppin’.”
At the time, Cobb-Williams was a teacher at Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany, Ga. the JasmineBrand reports.
An excerpt from the indictment details the incident between Cobb-Williams and the student, highlighting a kiss and sexual act that was performed “contrary to the laws of the state.
“…Audrianna Cobb- Williams… an employee of Monroe High School, did knowingly kiss… a student, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-5.,1” the excerpt read.
“[Williams]… did knowingly perform (a sexual act)… with the student who said accused knew was… enrolled as a student… contrary to the laws of the state.”
Weighing in on the situation, Walton County District Attorney Greg Edwards emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“We must protect the integrity of both our educators and our children. The way that a community protects its senior citizens, its disabled persons and its children— is reflective of the character of the community.”
If found guilty, Cobb-Williams faces up to 10 years behind bars for each count surrounding the incident with the student.
Halle Berry Refuses to Turn Over Financial Records in Heated Child Custody Case
Actress Halle Berry is pushing back against her ex-husband Olivier Martinez’s demands to produce financial records in their ongoing child custody dispute, according to In Touch. The actress is objecting to appearing in court later this month and providing extensive financial documents, escalating tensions in what has become a contentious legal battle.
Court documents obtained by In Touch reveal that Berry, 58, is contesting Martinez’s request for her to attend a hearing on October 22, arguing there is no legitimate reason to compel her presence. Berry’s lawyer filed objections, pointing out that Martinez, also 58, has sought to delay hearings multiple times, claiming he lacked the resources to pursue discovery until a court issued a fee order. Despite these claims, Berry’s legal team accuses Martinez of launching an “aggressive and extensive” financial discovery process that they argue goes beyond what’s necessary for post-divorce proceedings.
According to Berry’s recent filing, Martinez demanded documents covering 70 categories spanning multiple years, requests that her legal team calls “overly broad in time and scope.” Berry’s lawyer stressed that her historical financial information has no relevance to the current issues being contested in court, particularly regarding needs-based legal fees.
The filing further alleges that Martinez’s demands are “unduly burdensome, harassing, and a waste of time and resources,” with Berry’s attorney emphasizing that the scope of the requests exceeds the matters at hand. The actress believes she shouldn’t be forced to incur additional legal fees to produce what she deems irrelevant documentation.
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez, who finalized their divorce in late 2023, have been locked in a complicated legal battle since then. Their ongoing custody issues, which include financial disagreements, have drawn considerable attention, with Berry fighting to protect her privacy and limit the extent of financial discovery.
As the October 22 hearing approaches, the courtroom drama between the former couple appears far from over, leaving the resolution of their legal battle still uncertain.
Former NBA Star Dwight Howard Defrauded of $7 Million in Fake Atlanta Dream Purchase Scheme
The situation kicked off following a bogus investment deal that promised Howard an ownership stake in the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. The trial took place inside a New York City courtroom, where Howard testified against Darden. He explained that Darden convinced him to invest $7 million, thinking that he would gain ownership in the WNBA team in return. However, that was far from the truth. In fact, in 2021, the actual purchase of the team was made by a three-member investment group and Howard’s $7 million contribution had no part in the transaction. When the courts asked Howard what he received in exchange for his monetary payment, he responded, “A slap in the face.”
According to prosecutors, Darden’s conviction could result in a prison sentence of 11 to 14 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Meade highlighted Darden’s alleged lack of remorse for his involvement in the incident and called for him to be taken into custody following the verdict. However, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick ruled that Darden could remain free on bail until his sentencing next year.
Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time Darden found himself in legal trouble for fraudulent behavior. In 2016, Darden was sentenced to one year in prison for impersonating his father, a successful businessman, in an attempt to purchase Maxim magazine. He was also found guilty of scamming former NBA player Chandler Parsons out of $1 million. Darden lured Parsons into believing he was investing in the development of NBA star James Wiseman.
VP Kamala Harris Also Will Guest On ‘The View’ And Howard Stern’s Show In Interview Blitz
Kamala Harris will be doing a series of national interviews this week, greatly upping her exposure as the presidential race enters its final weeks.
Harris will sit down with ABC’s The View on Tuesday, as well as SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, the campaign announced this morning. CBS already announced that Harris would guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night, and would be on a special edition of 60 Minutes on Monday.
Harris will participate in a Univision town hall on Thursday as shee campaigns in Nevada later this week. Donald Trump also is participating in a separate forum. Harris also taped the Call Her Daddy podcast which will debut this week.
Her running mate, Tim Walz, is appearing on Fox News Sunday today and Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, and he will be interviewed on 60 Minutes.
The schedule is a contrast to the early weeks of the campaign, in which Harris and Walz avoided national media interviews. In late August, they sat down for a joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, and they have made a smattering of appearances since then, with Harris concentrating to an extent on local media.
Trump has made frequent appearances on Fox News and he has held press conferences, among other appearances. But he backed out of a 60 Minutes interview after his campaign initially agreed to it, according to CBS News. His campaign said that the booking was never finalized.
Kamala Harris will be doing a series of national interviews this week, greatly upping her exposure as the presidential race enters its final weeks.
Harris will sit down with ABC’s The View on Tuesday, as well as SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, the campaign announced this morning. CBS already announced that Harris would guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night, and would be on a special edition of 60 Minutes on Monday.
Harris will participate in a Univision town hall on Thursday as shee campaigns in Nevada later this week. Donald Trump also is participating in a separate forum. Harris also taped the Call Her Daddy podcast which will debut this week.
Her running mate, Tim Walz, is appearing on Fox News Sunday today and Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, and he will be interviewed on 60 Minutes.
The schedule is a contrast to the early weeks of the campaign, in which Harris and Walz avoided national media interviews. In late August, they sat down for a joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, and they have made a smattering of appearances since then, with Harris concentrating to an extent on local media.
Trump has made frequent appearances on Fox News and he has held press conferences, among other appearances. But he backed out of a 60 Minutes interview after his campaign initially agreed to it, according to CBS News. His campaign said that the booking was never finalized.
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