11/21/24

The Daily Buzz For Nov 22☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Colman Domingo on Euphoria, Sing Sing, Michael and More for VARIETY Magazine

In a new cover story for VARIETY, actor Colman Domingo speaks with reporter Selome Hailu about “Sing Sing,” in which Domingo plays John “Divine G” Whitfield, one of the founding members of an in-prison theater program called Rehabilitation Through the Arts. He also discusses “Euphoria” Season 3, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, being a heartthrob for women, and more. 

On the “Euphoria” Season 3 and its creator, Sam Levinson: “People can rumor what they want about Sam’s practices, and I don’t really have a comment on that. But I do have a comment on my own experience, which has been incredible. He will literally hand me the pen and say, ‘What do you think?’ That’s a true collaborator…Apparently I will be back for Season 3. I don’t know anything about the scripts. I don’t know anything about the production date…I’ve heard it’s January. I’ve heard as much as you’ve heard, so we’ll see. But allegedly—that’s a great word to use, ‘allegedly’—Ali is back. From what I’ve heard.”

On why “Sing Sing” isn’t “a prison film in any way”: “I don’t think I made a ‘Shawshank Redemption’ or ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ you know? The container is a prison, but it’s about the people inside. It’s about people making art and having breakthroughs in their lives.”

On bonding with his co-star, Clarence “Divine Eye” Macli: In “Sing Sing,” Domingo leads the cast as one of only three professional actors—the rest served time at the prison the film is named for.The heart of “Sing Sing” is the platonic affection that blooms between Divine G and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin. The first time Domingo met Maclin, who plays himself in the film, the two were reviewing the script. During this conversation, Domingo broke a major rule of the brotherhood.

“I was being colloquial: ‘N—-, this, that, blah-blah.’” Delicately, Maclin stopped him. “‘We don’t use “n—-.” No. When you are Divine, you use the word “beloved.”’” Domingo makes the sound of a bomb going off. “My head exploded.”

On how “Sing Sing” is the rawest Domingo has ever felt on camera: Domingo says his body is still connected to the film. While promoting the film at festivals and awards events, he skips the screening portion and would slip back into the auditorium as the credits roll.

“When I watch it, I’m feeling whatever I was feeling, and I know that’s not useful when I need to do a talk-back with an audience. I can’t be going out there all emotional…I don’t know! I don’t know what that feels like. I don’t—maybe—I don’t know. I feel—…I don’t want to overindulge. And I don’t want it to be about me or my tears or my feelings. I want to acknowledge yours. And maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I need to go out there a little more vulnerable. But I give so much in my work, and I feel like that’s my offering. Now, when I go out, I’m Colman Domingo, dressed in some style. I can speak in a very well-practiced, very mindful way and not let my emotions override. There’s a certain amount of opaqueness that I think works.”

On “Michael,” the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic in which Domingo plays Joe Jackson, whom Michael (played by the late pop star’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson) accused of physical and emotional abuse:

“Michael” is produced by the executors of the Jackson estate, which maintains his innocence against the multiple allegations against him of child sexual abuse while exerting rigorous control over his public image.

“But anything surrounding those ideas about him never came into play with me. It’s about the character, more than anything. And the idea of working with the estate, [director] Antoine Fuqua and Jaafar Jackson—who is exceptional.”

Domingo claims that regardless of the estate’s involvement, the movie will look at the “complex human being” behind the pop icon.
“I believe everyone has a story to tell…I come from the theater, and my job has always been to let the audience feel what it needs to feel.”

On being a heartthrob for women, despite being openly gay: “They were hugging and kissing on me, and some even whispered, ‘I know you don’t play for our team, but I have a crush on you.’…I said, ‘You can still have a crush on me! I still want you to think I’m hot and sexy, and I’ll flirt with you too. We don’t have to limit ourselves.’ Because I never limited myself. I’ve imagined myself having wives and children and husbands and everything.”

NICE!


#RHOA: Dr. Heavenly: “Phaedra Parks USED Us as a Stepping Stone” for RHOA Comeback
Phaedra Parks has many fans and just as many critics. Interestingly, ‘Married to Medicine’ star Dr. Heavenly Kimes appears to embody both.
The pair appeared together on seasons 10 and 11 of the hit Bravo show.
With the latter set to premiere this Sunday (November 24), Dr. Heavenly sat down to dish on what folk can expect.
When the conversation turned to Parks (who is returning to the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ for season 16), the dentist did not hold back.

When quizzed on why none of the ‘Married to Medicine’ ladies were in attendance to support Parks during her tenure on Dancing with the Stars, Dr. Heavenly quipped:
“First and foremost, we weren’t invited. So we have no clue what was going on. I will come to support anyone of my sisters.”
Continuing, she said of her former castmate:
“I will tell you…I like Phaedra, I think she’s a phenomenal woman. Any girl that’s getting their baf, that’s Black, beautiful, and professional and excellent at what they’re going in a lot of different areas…I’m loving it.”

Keeping candid, as is her trademark, the outspoken star concluded:
“I just don’t think Phaedra was ever really vested in this group. I think initially she was trying, but when she saw another opportunity, it was like ‘ok, y’all.’ She used us as a stepping stone to get to something else. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Do you agree with Dr. Heavenly? 


#MusicNews:Boyz II Men Are Bringing Their Untold Story To The Big Screen 

Boyz II Men, the Philly-born vocal group that defined an era with rich harmonies and timeless ballads like “End of the Road” and “On Bended Knee,” is finally ready to tell their story on their own terms. The four-time Grammy-winning group is developing a feature film biopic that will chronicle their three-decade-long career, a journey filled with chart-topping success, brotherhood, and the behind-the-scenes struggles that shaped their music.  

The project, first reported by Variety, will be produced in partnership with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave, with Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris onboard as executive producers. Compelling Pictures is also launching a long-form documentary about the group’s unparalleled dominance in the ’90s and 2000s and their continued relevance today.  

“We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all,” Nathan Morris shared in a statement. “Denis and Jeff at Compelling Pictures understood us day 1.”

Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance With Somebody), who will produce the biopic, are in early talks with writers and directors to fast-track the project. Featuring Boyz II Men’s abundant catalog of hits, the film will capture the group’s rise from their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony (1991), to their current status as musical icons.  

“Having grown up as huge fans of Boyz II Men, and having spent the past couple of years getting to know the guys and become friends with them, it’s a tremendous honor to help bring their unique and untold story to the big screen,” said O’Sullivan and Kalligheri. “We’re excited to show the brotherhood and camaraderie, as well as the challenges and strife, humor and heartbreak, that has accompanied the unparalleled success that Nate, Shawn, Wanya, and Mike have worked so hard to achieve. And we think the global audience will want to sing along to a sexy, funny, aspirational, uplifting celebration of friendships and artistic partnerships that have stood the test of time.”

This panel will focus on how Back changemakers use their passions in art, fashion, and other hobbies to spark meaningful change and build powerful collaborations. Rising Future Maker alumni will share how they've embraced their authenticity and used their unique talents to lead and inspire. The moderator will steer the conversation toward embracing individuality and celebrating that Black creatives are no longer seeking a seat at the table - they are already there, shaping the conversation.

The film’s production team is stacked with heavy hitters. Joining O’Sullivan and Kalligheri are Larry Mestel of Primary Wave, Joe Mulvihill of The Mulvi Group, and Jeremy M. Rosen of Roxwell Films. Mulvihill, who has managed the group for over two decades, added: “Being with them for over 22 years now, I’ve seen the highs, the lows, and all the in-depth emotional human turmoil. I think people will be pleasantly surprised to see behind the curtain.”

Over three decades past their debut, they remain the bestselling R&B group of all time, with more than 60 million albums sold worldwide. The group recently celebrated another milestone, headlining a sold-out, three-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl—a triumphant return to the venue where they once performed as openers early in their careers. With hits such as “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and their record-breaking collaboration with Mariah Carey, “One Sweet Day,” the group remains etched in the hearts of fans. 

“Boyz II Men are one of the most influential bands of a generation. They are one of the few who transcend genre and format,” Mestel said. 
With production ramping up, fans can expect a soulful and celebratory look at the group’s meteoric rise and the bonds that held them together. As O’Sullivan and Kalligheri teased, it’s a story full of “doom-doom-doom-da-da” moments—both heartbreaking and heartwarming.  

From the Motownphilly days to the sold out arena nights, Boyz II Men’s journey to the big screen is set to hit all the right notes.


#HipHopNews Travis Scott To ‘design The Desert’ At First Coachella Appearance In 8 Years
Travis Scott will return to Coachella in 2025, marking eight years since he’s appeared at the popular festival.
Going down April 11-13 and April 18-20, the rapper will both perform at and curate the festival, in a move billed as “Travis Scott Designs The Desert.”
A press release Scott shared on Wednesday (November 20) revealed some more details, announcing that the rapper’s “Cactus Jack desert takeover” will “curate a fully immersive and experiential world within the desert.”

It also revealed that Scott will be performing on the Saturday night bill on both weekends, where he “will debut an entirely new era of music to the world.”
In addition to Scott, Post Malone, Green Day and Lady Gaga will headline Coachella, with additional acts including Missy Elliott, Ty Dolla $ign, Mustard, Three 6 Mafia, Megan Thee Stallion and more.
Travis Scott was originally set to headline Coachella in 2020, but the entire event was scrapped amid the COVID pandemic. He was then rescheduled for 2022, but later taken off due to the Astroworld tragedy happening in late 2021.

An online petition calling for Scott’s removal from Coachella amassed over 70,000 signatures, citing his “gross negligence and sheer lack of compassion for human life” during the Astroworld tragedy
He was then replaced by Kanye West, and it was rumored Travis would be joining him on stage – before Yeezy dropped out of his headlining slot mere weeks prior to the festival.

In a subtle response, fans driving to the Indio, California festival grounds were greeted with multiple billboards teasing Travis’s UTOPIA album.
Allegedly located on the I-10 highway in Palm Springs, the series of four billboards contain the messages “Psst……. Looking for UTOPIA? WRONG WAY!” followed by the logo of Cactus Jack, Scott’s record label.

Photos of the billboards were later posted on Cactus Jack’s official Instagram page with Coachella tagged as the location
Fans in the comments section certainly seemed to find the location of the billboards amusing, with one writing, “Crying at this being on the road to Coachella.”
In addition to Coachella, Travis Scott will be a part of Monday Night Raw when the WWE makes its Netflix debut in January.

While performing at ComplexCon on Sunday (November 17), La Flame was joined on stage by Triple H, who now serves as WWE’s Chief Content Officer.
In video captured from the moment, Triple H can be seen handing Travis what he called the “Hardcore Champion” title belt before Travis asks, “When’s the first time I can put this to the test?”

“The first date for that [is] January 6 [in] Los Angeles, California,” Triple H replied. “Live to the world on Netflix at the Intuit Dome.
Sharing the clip to X afterward, Triple H added: “When we say WWE goes big, we mean it. The first #WWERaw of the @netflix Era will be at the @IntuitDome in Los Angeles on January 6th, and @trvisXX will be there live and in person. The countdown is on…”

A press release from Netflix on Monday (November 18) revealed that Travis will also be creating a new theme song for RAW. While they didn’t note what he will be doing exactly on January 6, it seems likely that he will perform the track that night.


Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned
Actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in 2019 and lied to police was overturned Thursday over prosecutorial issues in an Illinois Supreme Court decision that did not address his claim of innocence.

The state's highest court found that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the Cook County state’s attorney initially dropped charges against Smollett in exchange for him forfeiting his $10,000 bond and conducting community service.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, claimed two men assaulted him, spouted racial and homophobic slurs and tossed a noose around his neck, leading to a massive search for suspects by Chicago police detectives and kicking up an international uproar. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago, and prosecutors alleged he staged the attack because he was unhappy with the studio’s response to hate mail he received.

“We are aware that this case has generated significant public interest and that many people were dissatisfied with the resolution of the original case and believed it to be unjust,” Justice Elizabeth Rochford wrote in the court's 5-0 opinion. “Nevertheless, what would be more unjust than the resolution of any one criminal case would be a holding from this court that the state was not bound to honor agreements upon which people have detrimentally relied.”

Smollett’s attorneys argued that the case was over when Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx's office dropped an initial 16 counts of disorderly conduct. The deal prompted immediate backlash, with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel calling it “a whitewash of justice.” A special prosecutor was appointed, and a grand jury restored charges, leading to Smollett's 2021 conviction on five counts of disorderly conduct.

“This was not a prosecution based on facts, rather it was a vindictive persecution and such a proceeding has no place in our criminal justice system," Smollett's attorney, Nenye Uche, said in a statement. Uche said “rule of law was the big winner today” and thanked the court for "restoring order to Illinois’ criminal law jurisprudence.”

The special prosecutor, Dan Webb, said he disagreed with the court's ruling while noting that it “has nothing to do with Mr. Smollett’s innocence.”
"The Illinois Supreme Court did not find any error with the overwhelming evidence presented at trial that Mr. Smollett orchestrated a fake hate crime and reported it to the Chicago Police Department as a real hate crime, or the jury’s unanimous verdict that Mr. Smollett was guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct," Webb said.

A spokesperson said Foxx would be available to comment later Thursday. Eileen O’Neill Burke, the incoming Cook County state's attorney who was elected this month to replace Foxx after she decided not to seek a third term, declined to comment.

Testimony at trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew from “Empire” to carry out the attack. Prosecutors said he told them what slurs to shout, and to yell that Smollett was in “MAGA country,” an apparent reference to the Donald Trump’s presidential campaign slogan.

Smollett testified that “there was no hoax” and that he was the victim of a hate crime in his downtown Chicago neighborhood.
He was sentenced to 150 days in jail — six of which he served before he was freed pending appeal — and was ordered to pay about $130,000 in restitution.

Webb noted that Chicago officials can still pursue their civil case against Smollett that seeks to recoup the $130,000, the amount police say they paid in overtime to pursue Smollett's accusations.
Smollett, a child actor who appeared in 1992 movie “The Mighty Ducks,” has credited his role as a singer on the hip-hop drama “Empire” for turbocharging his career. This year, he starred in the movie “The Lost Holliday” with Vivica A. Fox.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Justice Joy Cunningham took no part in Thursday’s decision.


Gabourey Sidibe's Husband Calls the Actress and Their 7-Month-Old Twins the 'Loves of My Life' in Adorable New Snap
Gabourey Sidibe and husband Brandon Frankel are loving their lives as parents of two. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the proud dad shared a cute picture on Instagram of the American Horror Story alum, 41, and their 7-month-old twins Cooper and Maya hanging out at home. "The loves of my life," Frankel began the sweet caption.
"No matter how tough things get, or how crazy the world becomes, the way you all light up when you see me just warms my heart," he continued. "I love you all the most ❤️🥰😭."

Sibide shared a similar snap on her own Instagram with the caption, "Weekend Fun."
The family of four recently celebrated their first Halloween together. On Friday, Nov. 1, the actress shared a Reel on her Instagram of the little ones looking too cute in their Elmo and Cookie Monster costumes, getting ready to go trick-or-treating.

"It was Elmo and Cookie Monsters 1st ever Halloween and they were confused at first but eventually were there for the vibes," Sidibe wrote in her post.
"They even had tiny treat bags! We’re absolutely saving the candy for when they have teeth and not eating it ourselves. TOTALLY! 😉."
In early October, Sidibe shared another adorable picture on Instagram with her babies. In the snap, she had one twin in each arm, with all three smiling for the photo. "They are getting so big so fast!!!" Sidibe wrote in her caption.

"My whole entire heart in one picture 😍😭," Frankel sweetly wrote in the comments.


Katt Williams Explains Why He Included Diddy In His Portal Of Hate During ‘Club Shay Shay’ Episode

Over the last year, there’s been an ongoing joke about how Katt Williams “opened a portal of hate” when he declared during his viral Club Shay Shay interview that “all of these deviants are catching hell in 2024.” The joke grew legs because several of his claims wound up ringing true, and his mention of Sean “Diddy” Combs in particular is a line many people have referred back to since Combs’ recent legal woes unfolded.

When speaking about the famous Dave Chappell situation that saw him turning down $50 million from Comedy Central, Williams told host Shannon Sharpe that “P Diddy be wanting to party, and you’ve got to tell him no… I did, I got the receipts.” In a new interview with GQ, the American Hustle star provided more context about why he spoke about the Bad Boy founder in that manner.

He began his explanation by mentioning his connection with Tupac. “So when I was a young man, Tupac was my favorite artist. I loved Tupac. And I felt like we were kindred spirits. So if I hear you responsible for knocking my n**ga off…” he said, referring to ongoing speculation that Diddy may have been involved in Pac’s death.
He continued, “I don’t give a f**k what job I end up being in, I don’t care how things go, if I can get a way to get you, that’s what I’m all about. I just don’t like you walking around scot-free.”

Williams even went as far as calling the father of six a “demon,” making his disdain for the disgraced mogul clear. “’Cause you a demon, and I know demons are powerful, but I know why they’re powerful… It’s cold spiritual warfare going on out here in the real world. And part of my job is to not lose focus on that,” he added.

Eight months after the viral Club Shay Shay interview, Diddy was arrested in NYC in September. He was charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. Since then, the “I Need A Girl” artist has been held in the MDC Brooklyn and denied bail twice.


LL Cool J Takes Credit For Introducing Air Jordan Sneakers To Hip-Hop Culture
LL Cool J has referred to himself as a “G.O.A.T.” on various occasions but this time, he’s claiming he helped introduce the footwear of another great figure to Hip-Hop culture.
According to LL, he was the first rap artist to ever be seen wearing basketball icon Michael Jordan‘s Air Jordan sneaker on their album cover, which were wildly popular at the time.
In an interview with media personality Big Boy’s Off Air series, the Queens native included him being in early on the hype-train surrounding Michael Jordan’s sneakers as a testament to his contributions as a pioneer and vanguard.

“My first album cover, I had the Jordan sneakers on when he was a rookie. I was the first person with the Jordans on in the Radio album cover,” LL claimed.
The 56-year-old also noted that Nike and Air Jordan had yet to overtake competing brands as the sneaker of choice at that time, as Jordan had just entered the NBA and was a fresh face on the scene himself.

“Michael Jordan was a rookie when I did that. Everyone was wearing Adidas and Puma, bro,” the CSI actor added. “I put the Jordans on. He ain’t even have no championships.
LL would later reiterate his statements to his followers on his social media account, professing his love for simply having fashionable footwear as the reasoning for what originally attracted him to Jordan’s.
“I wore the very first pair of Jordan’s on my very first album. Im talkin when Jordan was a rookie,” the “Around the Way Girl” creator wrote on X. “I’m not hating on sneaker heads. Don’t get offended I like sneakers!!!!

Michael Jordan was drafted to the NBA in 1984 and the Air Jordan’s debuted during his rookie season, on April 1, 1985. This aligns closely with LL’s own timeline, as he released his debut album, Radio, on Nov. 18, 1985, and likely shot the photographs for the album months prior.


Botham Jean’s Family Awarded Nearly $98 Million In Civil Trial Against Amber Guyger

The family of Botham Jean, a young accountant whose life was tragically cut short, has been awarded nearly $100 million in a civil lawsuit against former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger.
This substantial verdict comes more than six years after Jean was fatally shot in his own apartment by Guyger, who mistakenly entered his home, believing it was hers.

A jury found that Guyger acted with malice or reckless disregard during the 2018 incident, resulting in the award of $98.65 million.
This amount includes $60 million in punitive damages and $38.6 million in compensatory damages—far exceeding the $54.4 million initially sought by Jean’s family.
Jean’s family attorney, Daryl K. Washington, emphasized the importance of the jury’s decision, stating, “It was crucial to hold Amber Guyger civilly liable for taking Botham’s life.

This verdict sends a strong message that his life mattered.”
Botham Jean, a 26-year-old accountant and worship leader, was described by family members as a bright and promising individual with dreams of becoming the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, his home country.
He was a graduate of Harding University and worked at a leading professional services firm in Dallas.

During the trial, family members shared heartfelt stories of Jean’s life, painting a vivid picture of his potential and the deep loss caused by his death.
“Today, I believe justice was served,” said Bertram Jean, Botham’s father. His mother, Allison Jean, added, “This verdict brings some comfort, knowing the value of Botham’s life was recognized.”

Amber Guyger, currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for Jean’s murder, was not present in court and had no legal representation during the civil trial.
This absence, according to Jean’s family, underscores her refusal to fully take responsibility for her actions.
In 2019, Guyger was convicted of murder after the court rejected her claim of self-defense.
She is serving her sentence at a state prison in Gatesville, Texas, and her next parole hearing is scheduled for 2026.

A Tragic Night
The tragedy unfolded on September 6, 2018, when Guyger, returning home after a 13-hour shift, mistakenly entered Jean’s fourth-floor apartment, thinking it was her third-floor unit.
Guyger claimed she believed Jean was an intruder and fired two shots, fatally wounding him.
Evidence presented during her criminal trial contradicted her account, showing that Jean was likely standing up and posed no threat.

Justice For Botham
The Jean family has stated that any compensation collected will be used to help others, honoring Botham’s giving spirit.
This landmark verdict stands as a powerful statement about accountability and justice, offering some solace to a family forever changed by the loss of their beloved son.


Fans respond to LeBron James quitting social media indefinitely

LeBron James announced to his social media followers that he is going to abstain from social media interactions for an indefinite period likely due to the ceaseless toxicity that’s been directed at him and his son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. 

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who turns 40 in December, retweeted a post by entrepreneur Rich Kleiman to explain why he needs to take a moratorium from X and Instagram. 

LeBron James leaves social media for the time being
“With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of National sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes,” Kleiman wrote on X. “We can all acknowledge that sports is the last part of society that universally brings people together. So why can’t the coverage do the same? It’s only clickbait when you say it. When the platform is so big, you can make the change and allow us all an escape from real-life negativity. I for one find it all a waste of breath. The Olympics and JJ and Bron’s show was the future of what this can and should all be.”

After reposting this soliloquy, King James bid his 52 million X followers adieu for the foreseeable future.
LBJ also shared the same two posts for his 159 million Instagram followers.
The Lakers superstar was probably referring to the unrelenting bombardment of toxicity he’s incurred since he and Bronny took the Lakers’ court together in the first game of the season, becoming the first father and son duo to play in a game together in NBA history. Many critics claim LeBron manipulated things behind the scenes to get his son drafted and have spoken out on social media against him.

The father has also taken grief over the years for the sociopolitical stances that he has taken on behalf of the Black community.
Fans sound off
After LeBron James Sr. posted his exodus from social media, fans let loose with their thoughts.
“Aye n—, take these bronsexuals WITH YOU. I don’t want them cryin on my page til you come back,” said one user.
Another showed support, saying, “If this means you’re locked in for a championship then by all means take your time King. Everyone needs a break from social media at times but I know you have a task at hand and that is to bring a championship to the city of angels once again!”

Others were merciless towards James: “Are you going to a Diddy Party?” one person asked, while another said, “Tell Diddy we said hello.”


Marion Barry mural to be unveiled in Washington, D.C.

A mural paying homage to the life and career of Marion Barry, the legendary former mayor of Washington, D.C.,  will be unveiled on Saturday, Nov. 23, in the nation’s capital.

According to Barry’s widow, Cora Masters Barry, the mural will be in the lobby of the Marion Barry, Jr. Building, located at 441 4th Street, formerly known as One Judiciary Square.
She spoke to the news outlets WTOP and WUSA9 about the meaning and significance of the mural that speaks to the many indelible contributions the former mayor and councilman made to the community that far eclipsed his oversensationalized missteps. 

“The reason it’s taking place is, we know that Marion has a great following in the District of Columbia and then, there are many people who don’t know about him, many new people in the city who say, ‘What’s this Marion Barry about?’” she told WTOP.
There is a sector of society that Masters Barry says knows “about the sensationalism of his perceived drug problem, which, of course, we know in today’s world, is pretty much understood as not a crime, but an illness,” she explained. 

Masters Barry enumerated some of the feats Marion Barry accomplished during his tenure as a public servant.
“We wouldn’t have a Capital One Arena if Marion Barry and Abe Polin didn’t get together. Marion insisted upon having that arena placed in that place, and that is why we have that whole renovation of that area,” she revealed, adding that Barry’s summer jobs program launched thousands of careers for young people in D.C.

“If I go to the grocery store, somebody is going to say, ‘I got my first job from Marion Barry,’” she said. “So his legacy is deep in this community, but it is not well known by the new people who have come here, or some of the people who were there before, but didn’t understand the business of it.”


NIcki Minaj Reacts To Keke Palmer's Hilarious Impersonation Of Her
Nicki Minaj is breaking her silence on [cKeke Palmer]'s recent impression of her. Seemingly loving it, the "Super Freaky Girl" hitmaker took to her Instagram account to share her reaction to the actress' impersonating her on "Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon".
During her appearance on the late night talk show, Keke recounted her encounter with the "Trinidadian" star at Met Gala. According to the "Nope" actress, the musician scared her when she asked to speak to her at the event.

Keke initially thought she was in trouble, but it turned out that Nicki wanted to give her valuable advice to survive the industry. "Look, I don’t read the press," Palmer saying while mimicking the raptress.

She continued, "I don’t know everything that’s goin' on'. But I just wanna tell you, nobody knows what it’s like when we turn off the lights and we gotta be with ourselves. So you do whatever you need to do to be good with you."
It didn't take long before Nicki caught wind of Keke sharing the heartwarming story during appearance on "Tonight Show". The mom of one jokingly tweeted, "Ummmm…why would she even tell that story? doesn’t she know that could mess up the whole 'bad guy' thing? Let’s see if she still laughin when she get hit w/that cease & desist chi."

Fans, meanwhile, praised Nicki for the lovely gesture. "I love Nicki & ppl still will never understand her sense of humor," one said. One other added, "All jokes aside, this was done very good advice !!"


Latto Sparks Pregnancy Rumors With Suspicious Clothing At Atlanta Show
Latto, formerly known as Mulatto, is the latest celebrity who has been hit with pregnancy rumors. The hip-hop artist has sparked speculation that she may be having a bun in the oven following her performance in Atlanta.
On Tuesday, November 19, the "Big Energy" femcee hit the stage to close out Rhythym + Flow Festival. In a video taken and shared by one of concertgoers, the artist suspiciously wore baggy clothes.

The 25-year-old opted for a white oversized jacket and baggy jeans while her hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail. However, fans spotted an apparent bulging belly underneath her white crop top, sparking the pregnancy speculation.
"From barely clothes to fully clothed hmmmm interesting baby peach on the way," someone commented on the video, which was reposted on The Shade Room's Instagram account. Another claimed, "I know a pregnant woman when I see one."

A third echoed the opinion as saying, "We all thinking the same thing! We can't all be wrong!" A fourth stated, "Definitely pregnant," while another penned, "Mr. invisible got her pregnant congratulations!!" Someone else tried to guess, "It's giving preggo because why is everything so extra big on her and if she is congrats to her."
Others, however, refused to make the assumption based on a single outing. They think that she could be simply bloated due to woman's menstrual cycle. "y'all be forgetting that women have cycles and can be bloated who wants to be damn near naked on their period?" someone argued.

Another similarly pointed out, "It's sad how many women on here are assuming she's pregnant Meanwhile she might just be on her period. yall get on my fkn nerves." Another fan claimed, "She's Def Bloated… I Just Saw Her Saturday And Stomach Was Flat As Ever," as someone else added, "Damn people don't know what bloated means ?? And assume someone pregnant."
Interestingly, Latto was one of those who weighed in on GloRilla's recent pregnancy rumors after the "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" raptress sparked the speculation with her Instagram post back in October. "Gloria gone on," the "Muwop" hitmaker said without clarifying if Glo was pregnant or not.

It has since been revealed that Glo's baby bump was just part of her new music video for "I LUV HER", her collaborative track with T-Pain, which was unleashed on November 14.


NFL Issues Warning to Players Over International Crime Ring Targeting Athletes After Travis Kelce & Patrick Mahomes Burglaries
The NFL issued a warning to the player’s union, as well as team security personnel after break-ins at Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes‘ homes.
The home burglaries are said to be part of a larger international crime ring, with criminals targeting professional athletes. Apparently, those taking part in this are from an South American crime ring.

A source told NFL.com, “It’s legit. It’s a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they’ve focused on NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country.”
The crimes are said to be committed when the players are not at home. Apparently, they are using public record information to find addresses, and by tracking player schedules, target the homes when they know the players will not be there. They focus on master bedrooms, closets, and other areas where higher priced items might be found.

Dallas Cowboys’ defensive tackle Linval Joseph was also apparently recently targeted.


Matt Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate
Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer.

The announcement averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump's Cabinet picks. It represents a setback in Trump's efforts to install fierce loyalists in his administration and is the first indication of the resistance the incoming president could face within his own party to picks with checkered backgrounds.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support for confirmation to lead the Justice Department.

“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added.
Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

The selection of Gaetz just nine days ago to lead the department that once investigated him came even as Trump was thought to be considering other contenders with more extensive legal qualifications. In the Senate, deeply skeptical senators repeatedly raised concerns over the sex trafficking allegations and demanded more information about a now-closed federal investigation. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker who has repeatedly railed against their agency and echoed Trump in claiming that it had been weaponized against political adversaries.

In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman.
One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18.

"“They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.”
Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him.

Gaetz’s political future is uncertain, at the moment.
He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected to be as attorney general. That move was seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
Republicans on the committee declined this week to release its findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter.

As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.”
Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.”
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hopes Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.”

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., suggested that Trump name Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a former prosecutor and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Trump needs someone he has confidence in, Rounds said, but also someone whom the Senate “recognizes, knows and also has confidence in.”
Rounds added that "the president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit. But the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent. And in this particular case, I think there was advice offered rather than consent.”
Gaetz did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025. But it’s unclear whether he would take office. There are plans for a special election in Florida for his seat.

Gaetz has said he did “not intend to” take the oath of office in the new Congress.
In his Nov. 13 resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Gaetz said, “I hereby resign, as United States Representatives for Florida’s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.”

He transmitted a similar letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy.


Victor Cruz and KidSuper Team Up For Unexpected Merch Drop With Captain Morgan
Captain Morgan is diving into the fashion scene with two creative powerhouses—multidisciplinary label KidSuper and Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz—to bring fans a drop that’s as bold as the adventures the brand itself inspires.
This collaboration, which drops November 22nd on KidSuper.com for a limited time only, celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and the thrill of the unexpected, all while embracing the essence of both Cruz’s football legacy and KidSuper’s vibrant and artful aesthetic.

The standout piece of this collaboration? A crewneck with a design inspired by Cruz’s infamous salsa dance, which he performed multiple times in the endzone after scoring a touchdown and pays homage to his grandmother and Puerto Rican heritage. It’s an effortless blend of bold design and culture, inviting you to bring your crew together to create some legendary moments.
“Captain Morgan has this sense of adventure that really resonates with how I create—bold, unexpected, and always with a hint of mischief,” shared Colm Dillane of KidSuper.

However, this isn’t just a merch drop—it’s a gateway to something bigger. By following the Captain, you can unlock exclusive access to this limited edition drop; but it doesn’t stop there. Scanning the QR codes across Captain Morgan’s campaign could win you epic prizes, including merch, gift cards, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Super Bowl.
“This collab is exciting for me, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring my style and personality to life alongside KidSuper and Captain Morgan. I’m taking my long standing partnership with Captain to new heights with a partnership with KidSuper to bring my style and personality to life,” stated Cruz.

Ultimately, Cruz and KidSuper’s collab is a reminder that adventure is always just a step away when you’re with the right crew—and the right Captain. So, gear up, follow the Captain, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. The clock is ticking, and once these pieces are gone, they’re gone.


Elon Musk to Be Summoned by UK MPs About X’s Role in Spreading Misinformation

The UK Parliament is preparing to summon Elon Musk to testify about his platform X (formerly Twitter) and its role in spreading disinformation tied to this year’s UK riots and the rise of harmful AI-generated content. Lawmakers on the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee aim to question Musk as part of a larger inquiry into social media platforms and their impact on public safety.
Executives from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and TikTok are also expected to be called to testify. The inquiry, set to begin early next year, will address growing concerns that the UK’s online safety laws are lagging behind advancements in technology and the increasingly politicized use of platforms like X.

At the heart of the investigation is generative AI, which has been linked to the spread of inflammatory images that fueled Islamophobic protests following the tragic killings of three schoolgirls in Southport in July. Misinformation about the incident, including false accusations against a Muslim asylum seeker, spread rapidly on social media, leading to widespread unrest and violent rhetoric.
Chi Onwurah, chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of holding Musk accountable. “I would certainly like the opportunity to cross-examine him to see how he reconciles his promotion of freedom of expression with his promotion of pure disinformation,” she said.

Musk has previously clashed with the UK government. After being excluded from an international investment summit in September, he criticized the country for prioritizing social media prosecutions over other criminal issues. His comments, including declaring that “civil war is inevitable” during the Southport riots, have drawn significant backlash.
The inquiry also plans to explore how social media algorithms and AI technologies amplify harmful content, a concern highlighted by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Ofcom has reported that platforms were used to incite violence, spread hatred, and target religious and racial groups following the Southport tragedy. The regulator’s upcoming rules under the Online Safety Act will require platforms to remove illegal material, prevent harm, and redesign their systems to mitigate safety risks.

Social media’s evolving landscape has also seen users leaving X for alternative platforms like Bluesky. Many are protesting against X’s alleged leniency toward misinformation, controversial figures like Andrew Tate, and new terms of service that allow the platform to train AI using user data.
Musk has yet to confirm whether he will testify.


Ellen DeGeneres And Wife Portia de Rossi To Settle In UK After Donald Trump's Victory: Report
Donald Trump's US presidential victory over Kamala Harris has reportedly prompted Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi to make a big decision. The couple is ready to say their final goodbyes to the United States and move out of the country permanently. Instead, they are planning to settle in Cotswolds, South West England. The place is two hours from London. As per reports, Ellen and Portia had already purchased their new home before the election. “Very disillusioned” with Donald Trump's win, Ellen and her wife took the quick decision “to get the hell out” of the USA. The pair are even thinking of listing their home in Montecito, California. Previously, they sold another mansion in the US for $96 million. 

A few days ago, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were seen having a good time at British host Jeremy Clarkson's pub The Farmer's Dog in Burford, England. In a video posted by Jeremy's girlfriend Lisa Hogan, Ellen and Portia appeared to be enjoying an acoustic performance of The Corrs. Accompanying the group was singer Natalie Imbruglia, best known for the 1997 song Torn. Take a look: 
Ellen DeGeneres emerged as one of the top supporters of Kamala Harris. She even donated $3,300 to Kamala Harris' election campaigns, reported TMZ. Ellen, the former talk show host of the popular The Ellen DeGeneres Show, even endorsed Kamala on social media after the Vice President was tapped to replace President Joe Biden in July. 

Back in August, Ellen DeGeneres showed her support for Kamala Harris by dropping a post on Instagram. She wrote, “There is nothing more powerful than a woman whose time has come!! I can't wait for Kamala Harris to be our next president.”
Workwise, Ellen DeGeneres exited The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 both as a host and an executive producer following complaints of a “toxic work environment.” The television programme ran successfully for 19 seasons. It earned 64 Daytime Emmy Awards. Ellen was last seen in the stand-up comedy special For Your Approval on Netflix which was released on September 24. 


Kenyon Martin Sr and Gilbert Arenas Call Out Joel Embiid’s Lack of Leadership 

The Philadelphia 76ers have faced significant turmoil early in the season, with Joel Embiid‘s lack of availability reportedly impacting the team’s overall morale. Following a loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, reports emerged that All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey called out Embiid during a team meeting for his repeated tardiness and how it has negatively affected the team’s chemistry.
Sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, even after newly acquiring All-Star small forward Paul George, concerns are mounting in Philadelphia. On his podcast, Gilbert Arenas and his crew discussed how some of these reported issues could have been addressed earlier.

Reports also indicated that some Sixers players expressed a desire to be coached harder. Former NBA player Kenyon Martin Sr. weighed in, criticizing head coach Nick Nurse for missing an opportunity to hold Embiid accountable in a way that could have prevented the need for a team meeting.

“So you make an example,” Martin said. “If we were in Miami, the game is in Miami, there’s a lot of sh^% going through a mother^^%&* brain. Out all night drinking, partying—a whole lot comes with that. That was Nick Nurse’s primetime to make an example. Then the team meeting wouldn’t have been necessary. The team meeting wouldn’t even happen if Nick Nurse stepped in and made an example in that moment.”

Martin emphasized that leadership starts at the top, and Nurse needs to do a better job of setting the tone if the Sixers hope to turn their season around and become competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Gilbert Arenas also shared his thoughts, stating that when a star like Embiid is lazy and not demonstrating professionalism, it becomes impossible to win. “That has stood true to the test of time,” Arenas added.



AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Regrets are Instant

My mother always told me to wear clean underwear in case this happened.


EVENING GOODIES: Meet Omar
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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM

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