12/12/24

The Daily Buzz For Dec 13☕📰☕

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#FASHIONFAB: Dakota Johnson and Julia Garner for Gucci’s ‘A Night in Florence’ Holiday Campaign
Nice!


#RHOA: Kenya Moore Clarifies RHOA Season 16 Drama: ‘Rumors About Revenge Porn Were Not True’

We can all agree that whatever happened between Kenya Moore and Brittany Eady was messy. What we’re still not sure about is what specifically happened. When the story first broke, we heard that Kenya showed a sexually explicit image of the Real Housewives of Atlanta newbie during the opening of her hair care spa.

At the time, many were quick to call this “revenge porn.” Kenya, however, is arguing that that’s not the case. Now, we’re left trying to figure out if this is a game of semantics, or if there really is more to this story.

If it wasn’t revenge porn, then what was it?
Kenya has been on somewhat of an apology tour over the last few weeks. It started when she went on Tamron Hall and said she was taking “accountability” for the drama that derailed RHOA Season 16. In a subsequent interview with The Shade Room, she sang a different tune.
“All of the rumors about revenge porn were not true that was a complete lie,” Kenya claimed. “That was something that someone put out there, and then it just sort of took over that space.”

Keep in mind, during Kenya’s interview on Tamron Hall, she admitted to sharing “distasteful” images of Brittany because she felt “threatened.” However, it sounds like Kenya doesn’t consider that to fall under the category of “revenge porn.” She’s just as insistent about that as she is about the fact that she wasn’t fired from RHOA.

“I’m not fired,” Kenya argued. “I’ve never been fired.”
Kenya explained that she’s still under contract with Bravo, preventing her from diving further into the details of the scandal. She teased that more information would come to light in 2025 when the season airs. By then, she will have probably found a new way to spin this.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 drops sometime next year.


#MusicNews: Mario Announces 2025 ‘Glad You Came’ European Tour Dates
Mario will head to Europe in 2025. The Grammy-nominated singer has announced the dates for his Glad You Came Tour with special guest Eric Bellinger.
The 12-date tour kicks off April 24, 2025, at Vicar Street in Dublin, Ireland. From there, the Baltimore native will make stops in Leeds, London, Manchester, Paris, and more. 

The tour concludes May 17 at Fållan in Stockholm, Sweden. Tickets are on sale now. 
Mario’s upcoming tour will support his sixth album, Glad You Came, which releases Dec. 13 via New Citizen/Epic Records. The 13-track album, executive produced by James Fauntleroy, includes the singles “Space” and “Glad You Came.” 

Regarding the title track, Mario explained, “This song is about the journey of love and intimacy where I’m letting my lady know I’m paying attention to what makes her feel free in intimacy. I will never let her go without being pleased. Imagination and creativity goes a long way when the connection is real.”

The lead single, “Space,” earned Mario a spot on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. At the time of this writing, the song is eyeing the top 10 at No. 11. 
Before Mario embarks on his international tour, the R&B crooner will join Mary J. Blige on The For My Friends Tour along with Ne-Yo. The Live Nation-powered tour begins Jan. 30 in Greensboro, North Carolina and concludes April 17 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. 

As for Bellinger, he will be supporting his Afrobeats-inspired album, It’ll All Make Sense Later, released in November.
The album, preceded by the lead single “Special” featuring Konshens, includes additional collaborations with Oxlade, Raeekado Banks, Tempoe, Taves, Gyakie, Tempoe, Geko, and Vscript. 

Like Mario, Bellinger will also hit the road in North America on his headlining Around The World Tour. 
See Mario’s Glad You Came European Tour dates below.

Mario’s Glad You Came Europe Tour 2025 Dates

Apr 24 – Dublin, IE @ Vicar Street
Apr 26 – Leeds, UK @ Leeds O2 Academy Leeds
Apr 26 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow
Apr 27 – Newcastle, UK @ O2 City Hall Newcastle
Apr 30 – London, UK @ Indigo at The O2
May 1 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham
May 3 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Victoria Warehouse
May 7 – Paris, FR @ Salle Pleyel
May 10 – Antwerp, BE @ De Roma
May 13 – Tilburg, NL @ 013 Poppodium
May 15 – Copenhagen, DK @ Poolen
May 17 – Stockholm, SE @ Fållan    


#HipHopNews: Quando Rondo Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Drug Conspiracy Charges
On Wednesday (Dec. 11), Quando Rondo appeared in federal court in Chatham County, Ga., where he learned his fate after pleading guilty in a federal drug trafficking case in August, according to local news station WSAV. Quando received a sentence of 33 months. He was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and spend three years on probation following his release, where he will have to undergo drug testing, mental health counseling and educational training requirements. The rapper was facing up to five years in prison. He will begin serving his sentence on Jan. 10, 2025.

Quando Rondo was originally charged with drug conspiracy and participating in criminal street gang activity after being arrested in 2023. He reached a deal with the prosecution in June and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances (marijuana). The rapper also has an open DUI case, which he pleaded not guilty to back in September.

Back in October, Quando released a statement on Instagram dedicated to his hometown of Savanah, Ga. "I've had ups and downs, but I know I can do better - not just for myself, but for the community that has supported me," Bowman wrote in part in a letter shared on Instagram. "Savannah deserves more from me, and I'm working hard to be a better person."
Quando released his most recent album Here for a Reason last month.


Denzel Washington Sets New Golden Globe Awards Nominations Record

Denzel Washington attends "The Equalizer 3" photocall on October 19, 2022 in Atrani, Amalfi, Italy. Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Denzel Washington has made history with his acclaimed role in the film Gladiator II, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards.

This nomination marks his eleventh Golden Globe nomination, setting a new record for Black performers. Washington had previously been tied with the legendary Sidney Poitier, who was nominated for a Golden Globe 10 times during his illustrious career.
Like Poitier, Washington has won two Golden Globe Awards—one for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for Glory and another the following year for Best Film Drama Actor for The Hurricane.

Denzel Washington attends the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on November 13, 2024 in London, England. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Washington’s latest nomination comes for his portrayal of Macrinus in Gladiator II, the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic 2000 film, Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. Scott, a director whom Washington has long admired, invited him to join the cast, and the experience proved to be a deeply humbling one for the actor.

“Before I even worked with Sir Ridley Scott, I was a fan of his movies and his talent,” Washington shared upon receiving his Golden Globe nomination. “But then he invited me into his tent (most recently into his Colosseum of ‘Gladiator II’) and the entire experience has been stunning.”
“The sheer size of this particular production and the incredible cast of actors and crew he assembled, not to mention what he literally built of ancient Rome, humbles me — it humbled me every day on set,” he said. “And giving me Macrinus — to embody, to enjoy, to create — what an incredible honor this is, and has, been.”

As Washington continues to break barriers, there has been speculation about his future in Hollywood, with some suggesting he might retire after the release of his upcoming films. However, the actor has made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate plans.
“I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement. I said that it has to be a level of interest for me. I’m more interested in getting behind the camera, so that’s about five years out,” he explained.
“I’m not retiring,” Washington emphasized, acknowledging the physical demands of action roles as he gets older. “It’s not like on June 5, that’s it. But to think that I’m going to run as far as they are or as far as you are, I’d be a fool.”

Washington’s continued success and historic Golden Globe nomination further solidify his place as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and respected actors, and with Gladiator II, he has once again shown his ability to bring depth and gravitas to any role, regardless of the scale.
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards will air live on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.


Hollywood’s Finest Showed Out At The CCA Black Cinema And Television Celebration
The 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television lit up the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Monday (Dec. 9), with the Critics Choice Association honoring a stellar lineup of talent.
Actor and comedian Jay Pharoah, best known for his Saturday Night Live impressions and his latest comedy special Jared, hosted the glamorous event, which honored exceptional contributions and performances in Black entertainment.

Regina King was recognized with the prestigious Trailblazer Award, while Tyler Perry took home the Icon Award. Cynthia Erivo also received the Film Actress Award for her standout performance in Universal Pictures’ Wicked. Additionally, John David Washington snagged the Film Actor Award for his role in Netflix’s The Piano Lesson, and Jharrel Jerome was celebrated with the Breakthrough Actor Award. Meanwhile, Michael Rainey Jr. earned the Series Rising Star Award for his work in STARZ’s Power Book II: Ghost.

The star-studded evening saw show-stopping fashion choices as Hollywood’s finest hit the seafoam carpet in jaw-dropping ensembles.

Nice, Congrats to all the Honorees!


Caitlin Clark Says WNBA Should Advocate For Black Women More

Caitlin Clark wants Black women to get the proper respect and praise they deserve in the WNBA. On Tuesday (Dec. 10), TIME revealed Caitlin Clark as their athlete of the year and featured an extensive interview with the WNBA rookie. One question found the basketball phenom acknowledging her white privilege. She then went on to explain that, while she worked to get where she is, Black women built up the W, so Black women should be getting more love from the league.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark told the publication. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.”

“The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.” 
Elsewhere in the story, Clark finally opened up about not being selected for the 2024 Olympics team. Pundits — and some white fans at the time — were outraged that Caitlin wasn’t tapped for the team. But Caitlin understands that the decision was bigger than her.

Aliyah Boston #7 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrate after defeating the Chicago Sky in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lyons/Getty Images
“I don’t want to be there because I’m somebody that can bring attention,” she added. “I love that for the game of women’s basketball. But at the same time, I want to be there because they think I’m good enough. I don’t want to be some little person that is kind of dragged around for people to cheer about and only watch because I’m sitting on the bench. That whole narrative kind of upset me. Because that is not fair. It’s disrespectful to the people that were on the team, that had earned it and were really good. And it’s also disrespectful to myself.”

Some white basketball fans have used the Indiana Fever star and other white players as a vehicle for their not-so-veiled racism. One particular incident found A’ja Wilson being attacked by online fans after she praised Kelsey Plum and Paige Bueckers for being aware of their privilege and using it to uplift other women of color.

Caitlin Clark previously called out these fans, dismissing them as “online trolls” and stating that the WNBA has no place for them. During an interview with IndyStar, Clark explained how this “racism” does a “disservice” to the quality of the league and the players.
“It’s definitely upsetting… Nobody really should be facing any sort of racism, hurtful, disrespectful, hateful comments and threats. Those aren’t fans, those are trolls. It’s a real disservice to the people in our league, the organization, the players in the WNBA.”


Terrell Owens reignites criticism over Brett Favre welfare scandal
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre‘s efforts to reshape conversations about his career have instead amplified scrutiny of his alleged involvement in a Mississippi welfare scandal, with fellow NFL legend Terrell Owens leading renewed criticism of the retired star’s actions.

Legacy under fire
The controversy ignited following ESPN’s promotion of its upcoming docuseries “The New York Sack Exchange,” set to debut Dec. 13. The series examines the dominant New York Jets defensive line of the 1980s, featuring Mark Gastineau, whose single-season sack record stood until Michael Strahan surpassed it in 2001.
What should have been a straightforward historical sports documentary has instead reopened multiple chapters of NFL drama. The documentary features a tense confrontation between Gastineau and Favre over the controversial play that gave Strahan his record-breaking sack — a moment many viewed as orchestrated rather than earned.

However, Favre’s attempts to address this decades-old football controversy through social media have backfired spectacularly, drawing attention instead to more serious allegations regarding his involvement in the misappropriation of welfare funds in Mississippi.

Following the money
The Mississippi welfare scandal represents a troubling intersection of privilege and public resources. At its core, the controversy centers on $1.1 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that Favre allegedly received for speaking engagements he never fulfilled. These funds were specifically earmarked to assist struggling families in one of America’s most economically challenged states.

The gravity of these allegations — taking resources intended for families in need — stands in stark contrast to Favre’s carefully cultivated image as a down-to-earth, small-town success story. The disconnect between the multimillionaire athlete and the intended recipients of these welfare funds has sparked intense debate about accountability and privilege in professional sports.

Truth and consequences
Owens — never one to hold back — called out Favre directly on social media, demanding transparency about the welfare funds while Favre attempted to discuss the Gastineau situation. The timing and directness of Owens’ challenge highlighted how the welfare scandal has become impossible for Favre to sidestep, even when attempting to address other aspects of his legacy.
The scrutiny comes at a particularly relevant moment in sports culture, as athletes increasingly face expectations to demonstrate social responsibility and ethical behavior both during and after their playing careers. This shift in public consciousness means that athletic achievements alone no longer shield sports figures from accountability for their off-field actions.

A changing playbook
The evolving dynamics within the NFL community reflect broader societal changes. With Owens recently signing with Michael Strahan’s sports agency, the professional networks connecting these former players continue to influence how stories of NFL history are told and retold.

Favre’s silence regarding the welfare allegations speaks volumes in an era where transparency and accountability are increasingly demanded by sports fans and the broader public. His inability to effectively address these serious allegations while attempting to manage other aspects of his legacy demonstrates how past actions can overshadow even the most celebrated athletic careers.
As the documentary’s premiere approaches, the conversation has clearly shifted from historical NFL achievements to present-day accountability. The serious nature of the welfare fund allegations has transformed what might have been a simple sports documentary promotion into a broader discussion about privilege, responsibility, and the proper use of public resources intended for communities in need.


How Netflix’s ‘Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…’ shot to No. 1

Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has opened up about the severe medical condition that left him hospitalized in 2023, sharing his experience in his latest Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, released on Dec. 10.

In the special, Foxx, 56, revealed that he suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke, a condition so critical that he lost memory of a 20-day period spanning from April to May 2023.
News of Foxx’s hospitalization first surfaced in April 2023, when his daughter, Corinne Foxx, shared a statement about a “medical complication” that had required immediate care. The severity of his condition prompted family members, including his sister Deidra Dixon, to gather at his bedside in Atlanta, sparking widespread concern.

Foxx disclosed that the ordeal began with an intense headache before his condition escalated. He emphasized how vital his family was to his recovery, praising the unwavering support of his daughters, Corinne Foxx and Anelise Bishop, and his sister.
Despite the gravity of his illness, Foxx infused humor into his recollections during the Atlanta-taped special, reflecting on the challenges of his recovery with resilience. His mantra, repeated throughout the performance, encapsulated his determination: “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.”

Jamie Foxx’s testimony
The special itself has been lauded by viewers, with many calling it more of a moving testimony than a comedy special. Foxx’s candid storytelling and emotional reflection offered a heartfelt glimpse into his near-death experience and journey to recovery, making it a powerful testament to perseverance and family bonds.
The Oscar-winning actor’s revelations serve as a reminder of the importance of health, support systems, and humor, even in the face of life’s most serious challenges. “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…” is now streaming on Netflix.


Brandon T. Jackson Calls Katt Williams a Fake Prophet
Actor and stand-up comedian Brandon T. Jackson appeared on YouTuber Kid L’s channel and ripped into fellow comic Katt Williams. In the video uploaded on December 11, Jackson called out Williams by saying, “Stop talking through the media.”
Brandon shared that if Katt is indeed the “righteous” man he portrayed himself to be, he shouldn’t have gone on the Club Shay Shay podcast in January this year and trolled him.

“I don’t like fake prophets. If you’re a real prophet, be a real prophet. Don’t just say stuff in the media. Real prophets follow the law of God. If not, you’re just a comedian talking sh*t and trying to sell tickets. Don’t come off if you’re a prophet disguised as a comedian. I’m fine with that. But real prophets have honor, not fake honor,” Brandon shared.

He further continued by calling Katt Williams an alleged member of the Illuminati who reportedly worked for Live Nation.
“You’re exposing the industry but you’re sides to the same people you exposed… Don’t act like you f*cking free, bro. You a slave just like everybody else. Stop the bullsh*t,” Jackson added.

These comments came nearly a year after Katt Williams’ appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast where he mocked Brandon T. Jackson for wearing a dress in Martin Lawrence’s film, Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son in 2011.

Exploring further Brandon T. Jackson’s latest response to Katt Williams
On Kid L’s show, Brandon T. Jackson claimed that nobody wanted to call out Katt Williams before his Club Shay Shay interview because everybody wanted to do their own thing in harmony. However, as per Jackson, if Williams had issues with so many industry insiders, he should have directly addressed them instead of going to the media.

“Katt needs to have honor and come to the people for real and say, ‘What’s up?’ ‘Cause, Katt been dissing me since I was 20… and I’ve been nothing but a fan of him,” Brandon shared.He went on to add:
“You can’t sniff c*caine and say you love Jesus at the same time. Like, what is he? C*caine and Jesus don’t mix. Like, stop the games. Like, either you going to be righteous or you going to be wicked. Or you say I’m both. Or say, look I’m working on myself. I mean nobody’s perfect. But don’t act like you just profit, dude.”

When Kid L pointed out that Katt Williams’ remarks about Hollywood as well as Jackson came right before his special, Brandon agreed. The latter explained it was as if he was trying to “sell” tickets.
“Exactly, like, are you a prophet or you trying to profit?... Don’t do this woke sh*t if you’re not really going to be about it. That’s my issue… That’s why I don’t respect what Katt Williams be saying,” Brandon asked about Katt.

Jackson claimed Williams was “posing like a man of God type” where it’s like he can’t decide between his personas, adding that the Wild ‘n Out alumnus was being a “fake a*s preaching comedian.”
According to the 40-year-old Detroit actor, Katt Williams should not act like he’s not a typical African American man who used the same currency and paid the same taxes as the rest of them, and seemingly had nobody to fight for them. He challenged the 53-year-old Cincinnati comedian to “leave” the comedy business like him and serve the community.

“Tell him to leave. Tell him not to make money. Tell him to go broke trying to help your people. Tell him to investing his millions and millions of dollars on his people to make us come together. Then I shut the f*ck up. Until he do that, I don’t want to hear nothing he got to say,” Brandon added.
Jackson concluded by saying Williams was neither a “leader” nor a “mentor” who showed others the “right” way forward and thus didn’t deserve any “respect” from the likes of him.

Here's what Brandon T. Jackson said about Katt Williams in the past
On January 3’s nearly three-hour-long Club Shay Shay appearance, Katt Williams went on record to share that his male colleagues didn’t reach stardom without stealing each other’s jokes, selling their souls, and dressing as women. The last remark was directed at several comedians including Brandon T. Jackson.

At the time, Jackson issued a subtle response via Instagram by writing:
“No matter what they say, The Most High put me where I am. Period. Never did nothing strange for a piece of change.”

Subsequently, during a January 5 interview on Breaking the Machine podcast, Brandon explained that his Instagram comment meant that what entertainers like him did “off-screen” was more pertinent than what they did “on-screen.”
“I never ever had to sell my body s*xually for any roles. God covered me. And never have any studio head [come] on to me s*xually, or — you know, I know that happens in the industry — never had that happen to me,” he noted.

The Deadbeat actor also thanked Katt for pointing out the existing “problems” in Hollywood but added that it wasn’t enough, and rather he should focus on finding solutions, such as investing in aspiring performers and independent films.
“Katt Williams could have taken $500,000 of his money that he’s gonna make on one show, ‘cause he’s probably gon’ make like $10 million, I would urge Katt to either invest in young artists, you know, young producers, get a fund… and produce quality content that uplifts our people and uplifts humanity in all,” he added.


Mariah Carey to star in show open of Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL games

All Netflix wants for Christmas is Mariah Carey. The streaming service announced Thursday that the five-time Grammy-winning singer will headline the “show open” of its first NFL game, which will stream live on Christmas Day.  
Carey, who is winding down a Christmas music tour, will perform her iconic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” during the pre-taped clip that starts the show. 

Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday doubleheader will feature regular-season games between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET and the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET. Beyoncé will perform during the halftime show of the Ravens-Texans game from her hometown of Houston. It will be her first time performing songs from her recent country album “Cowboy Carter” live. 

Carey is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her Christmas album “Merry Christmas” and its signature song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which returned to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for the 15th cumulative week, a remarkable feat for a 30-year-old song. The track was recently certified 16x Platinum by the RIAA, making it the highest-certified single ever for a female artist. 
Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday is another test of the streaming service’s push into live sports. It follows the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, which Netflix says was watched by 60 million households worldwide.


Madonna Sparks Chatter With Youthful Look In New Profile Picture
Madonna has garnered mixed responses to her youthful look. The "Material Girl" hitmaker sparked chatter among social media users after changing her profile picture, in which she looked much younger than her actual age.
Recently, the 66-year-old Queen of Pop decided to use one of her recent photos for the profile picture on her Instagram account. On Wednesday, December 11, a blog reposted the selfie on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In the photo, it could be seen that Madonna was confidently striking a pose in front of the camera. She put on a busty display in a black lace top that came with a plunging neckline, allowing her to expose her cleavage. She also rocked a matching lace veil.
Madonna accessorized herself with a sparkling necklace, which featured huge stones, and a pair of earrings. Underneath the veil, she had a gold crown that had white pearls all over it. In addition, her long blonde locks were styled in loose curls and parted in the middle.

The "Vogue" hitmaker looked fresh with her full makeup. Aside from apparently thick complexion, she also had orange blush on her cheeks, glossy pink lipstick, black eyeliner and long lashes. Along with the selfie, the blog tweeted, "Madonna stuns in new profile pic."
It did not take long for the tweet to be flooded with comments from X users. While some of them showered Madonna with praise for her beauty, others criticized the singer's unnatural look. In the replies section, one in particular corrected the blog, " 'Makeup' stuns in new pic." Similarly, another chimed in, "stuns??? you sure that's the word you wanna use."

Meanwhile, a third argued, "Take off the makeup and you'll really shock and stun the world," adding a slew of laughing face emojis. A fourth suggested, "Everyone saying she looks 20 needs to get their eyes checked." A fifth, in the meantime, simply penned, "Botox doing a great job."


Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation Makes $100K Donation to University of Houston’s Law Center

Beyoncé is giving back for the holiday season. She got into the spirit with her BeyGood Foundation, making a $100,000 donation to the University of Houston’s Law Center on Wednesday (Dec. 11).
The gift to her hometown college will go toward benefiting the Criminal Justice Clinic, which will now be able to hire a full-time director and see expanded services poured into the program. With a full-time faculty, more students will be able to enroll in the clinic in future semesters.

“I am delighted that the BeyGood Foundation has made this very generous gift to the UH Law Center,” Leonard Baynes, who serves as dean of the UH Law Center, said in a statement. “Not only will this funding help establish a full-time criminal justice clinic that provides pro bono legal services in our community, but it will also supercharge our already excellent criminal law and justice programming.”

With the added resources, the Criminal Justice Clinic will up efforts to assist communities and underserved areas surrounding the University of Houston.
Baynes continued: “At UH Law, we envision a legal profession where ‘everyone has the opportunity to prosper,’ as BeyGood envisions, and we will achieve this vision by providing access to strong and effective legal representation in criminal proceedings. And together, through this gift, the BeyGood Foundation and UHLC will shepherd the next generation of criminal justice attorneys in the city of Houston, the state of Texas and the nation.”

Launched in 2013, Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation aims to support various organizations and uplift communities to economic prosperity, well-being and more.

It’s a busy close to 2024 for Bey. She pulled up to the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere in Los Angeles earlier this week with her family. While the Grammy-winning artist is reprising her role as Nala, daughter Blue Ivy is making her feature film debut as Kiara, Nala and Simba’s daughter.
“Seeing Blue as Kiara and hearing her voice come out of that character,” Bey said on Good Morning America, “it was really hard to focus and do my job after that. I was like, ‘Wait, hold up, guys. Y’all gotta give me a second. I have to digest that.’ I’m so proud of her.”


50 Cent says he's working on a documentary about UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been the center of national headlines following a days-long FBI manhunt. Having caught wind of the conversation is 50 Cent, who said he’s already in the process of “doing a documentary” on Tuesday (Dec. 10) night.

“I don’t know, I kinda like this killer,” 50 Cent wrote via a now-deleted Instagram post. “I’m sorry this is going [the] way it is… He is special! I apologize in advance for anyone who doesn’t understand.”
Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s on Monday (Dec. 9) and charged with second-degree murder, multiple counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a forged document. He was charged in New York and in Pennsylvania, and his lawyer, Thomas Dickey, has stated that he plans to plead not guilty in both courts.

50 Cent accompanied his caption with an excerpt from Mangione’s alleged manifesto. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone. This was fairly trivial: some elementary social engineering, basic CAD, and a lot of patience,” it read. “The spiral notebook, if present, has some straggling notes and to-do lists that illuminate the gist of it.”

Thompson was fatally shot on Dec. 4 in Manhattan by a masked gunman. Authorities later reported that the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were written on shell casings found on the crime scene. According to AP News, Mangione’s supposed actions were motivated by his grudge against “health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed.”
Aside from his upcoming documentary about Diddy, which was picked up by Netflix, the “21 Questions” rapper launched his very own channel on Roku on Tuesday (Dec. 10). In partnership with Lionsgate and G-Unit Film and Television, the 50 Cent Action Channel arrived with over 20,000 titles, including The Expendables, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and Rambo.


Is Joe Burrow Dating Olivia Ponton? NFL Star Breaks Silence After House Burglary

Cincinnati star quarterback Joe Burrow has made his first official comments since his house was burglarized on Monday (December 9) while he was playing in a Monday Night Football game.

When media reports emerged about the break-in, another detail came to light. A 22-year-old model named Olivia Ponton was the person who called in the burglary, and said she was employed by Joe.
The nature of their relationship is unknown, but as of earlier this year, he was possibly engaged to his longtime girlfriend Olivia Holzmacher.
During his regularly scheduled press conference on Wednesday (December 11), Joe, 28, addressed the burglary and the violation he has felt.

“I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one, and way more is out there than I would want out there and that I care to share,” Joe told the media. “We live a public life and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy, and that has been difficult to deal with my entire career. I’m still learning, but I understand it’s the life that we choose. It doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.”
He made his statement right at the top of his press conference


Adele Givens, Porshca Coleman, Denzel Whitaker Star In BET+ Film ‘Too Many Christmases’
BET+ is bringing on the holiday cheer and laughs with the forthcoming film Too Many Christmases.
Directed by Kenny Young (Merry Ex-Mas), this festive comedy follows newlywed couple, Jerome (Denzel Whitaker) and Kayla (Porscha Coleman), as they prepare for their first Christmas together. However, they’ve never celebrated the holiday without their respective families. This year, neither one of them are willing to compromise, so to keep the peace, the couple decides to attend both Christmas celebrations at the same time in hopes to appease both families.

The film stars Adele Givens, Porshca Coleman and Denzel Whitaker along with Jackee Harry, DeShawn Bowens (Harlem), Willie C. Carpenter (Godfather of Harlem), Johnath Davis, Russell G. Jones, Ratoya Banks, Juhahn Jones, Mister Fitzgerald, and Jordan Babbs. Too Many Christmases also has an impressive list of executive producers that include Tichina Arnold and Tami Roman.

Take a look at the trailer below and stream the film on BET+ (Dec. 12).

Too Many Christmases comes on the heels of the BET+ Original film Brewster’s Millions: Christmas which has already set the holiday tone on the streaming platform.
The 1985 comedy remake—which originally starred Richard Pryor—now stars China Anne McClain and Romeo Miller, along with Richard Pryor Jr., and Rain Pryor—the children of the late and legendary comedian. Also appearing in the film are Telma Hopkins, Tequan Richmond, and Sierra McClain.

Brewster’s Millions follows Morgan Brewster, a wealthy heiress who has “lost her way.” When faced with a Christmas challenge to inherit her uncle Monty Brewster’s grandfather’s fortune, she must learn the true meaning of Christmas—”giving instead of receiving.” However, it’s easier said than done as she endures chaos along the way. Watch the trailer here.
Viewers looking to get into the Christmas spirit are sure to be inspired with the BET+ app this holiday season.


President Biden Commutes Nearly 1,500 Sentences and Grants 39 Pardons

*In the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and pardoned 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.
Biden noted that the commutations emphasize a commitment to justice reform, public safety, and providing second chances. Many of those receiving commutations would face lighter sentences under current laws. The pardons, primarily for drug offenses, include individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, such as a military veteran, a nurse who supported COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and an addiction counselor.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

He added, “These commutation recipients, who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance.”
The clemency comes after Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter, who faced charges related to gun and tax offenses.

According to The Associated Press, Biden is considering issuing preemptive pardons to individuals involved in investigating Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, anticipating they may face retaliation if Trump returns to office. Advocacy groups are also urging the president to extend pardons to individuals on federal death row.
“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” Biden said. “My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”


Man Who Attacked Las Vegas Judge by Leaping Over Bench Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison
*Deobra Redden, the man who leaped over the bench to attack Las Vegas District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing in January, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for the assault.
The incident, captured on video, saw Redden leap over the bench and assault the judge as he was being sentenced on a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. District Court Judge Susan Johnson, who handed down the 26-year sentence, stated the attack was an assault on the entire judiciary, TMZ reports. 

Prosecutors sought a lengthy sentence, while Redden’s attorneys requested that it be served concurrently with his existing prison time from the prior battery case.

As we reported previosuly, Judge Holthus was attacked in the courtroom after she denied Redden bail and began to sentence him to jail. But before she could finish, Redden rushed towards her, jumped over her bench, and attacked her. The video shows the judge falling to the ground as district court marshals rush in to restrain Redden. They struggle to subdue him for several moments before the footage cuts off.
In a statement to KTNV Channel 13, the Las Vegas district court says Judge Holthus experienced some injuries, and a court marshal was transported to the hospital after also sustaining injuries.
“I’m not a bad person, I’m not an evil guy,” Redden told Johnson before she sentenced him.
“I’m not making excuses for my actions, but I’m saying I’m not a bad person, and I know that I did not intend to kill Mary Kay Holthus, I know I cared about her wellbeing,” he added. 

Prosecutors read a statement from Holthus that said, “He made a conscious decision to kill me and made every effort to succeed. If he had his way, he’d be facing a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for murder.”
Redden’s defense attorney stated that his client has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and has previously gone through mental health court twice due to a history of violent crimes.


Claressa Shields Challenges Remy Ma to a Fight: “Come Get Yo Ass Whooped!”

The feud between rapper Remy Ma and world champion boxer Claressa Shields has reached new heights over Papoose, as the two took their beef from Instagram to Twitter. What started as a heated back-and-forth on Instagram over alleged infidelity and betrayal has now escalated into a full-blown social media war, with both women exchanging sharp jabs and even a challenge for a boxing match.

Claressa kicked off the Twitter feud with a series of tweets, seemingly addressing Remy Ma’s recent Instagram posts:
“Misery loves company baby…. Smh. I’m just so happy over here. I can’t believe a 45-year-old woman is crashing out like this.  behavior.”

Remy Ma Fires Back
Never one to back down, Remy Ma responded swiftly, correcting Claressa’s claim about her age and throwing shade in return:
“I’m not 45 YET! But you are 29 and I’ll just say this…you not aging like wine. AGAIN tho I’m not your enemy, tell ya boyfriend buy you some flowers & gifts. & he didn’t answer any of his phones cuz he was with his Cali girl this week.”

The response quickly gained traction, with fans reacting to the jab about Claressa’s appearance and the mention of alleged infidelity.
Claressa didn’t let the insult slide, firing off a string of tweets in response:
“You making fake text is crazy! I’m not a bitch you can bully. You’re bitter and mad. You making yourself look stupid, just stop it.”
But the boxer didn’t stop there. She used the moment to promote her upcoming fight, cheekily inviting Remy Ma to step into the ring:
“Might as well! Next Fight is Feb 2nd in Flint, Michigan for some more Heavyweight Belts!  & ‘The Fire Inside’ comes out Christmas Day in a theatre near you! ”

Then came the knockout line:
“Claressa Shields vs @RealRemyMa Feb 2nd! Come get yo ass whooped crash out!!”
Fans have been quick to weigh in on the feud, with some siding with Remy Ma and others defending Claressa Shields. The Twitter showdown has only added fuel to the fire, with many wondering if the feud will escalate further or if the two will find a way to settle their differences.

A Boxing Match on the Horizon?
While Claressa’s challenge for a boxing match may have been tongue-in-cheek, the possibility has sparked excitement among fans of both women. As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is clear: neither Remy Ma nor Claressa Shields is backing down anytime soon.

Stay tuned as this feud evolves—whether it’s more tweets, receipts, or a potential showdown in the ring!


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
He’d be in jail.

A man who is clearly not allowed within 500 feet of a child celebrates every holiday at once.


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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM

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