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IT’S HERE! The First Official Trailer for WICKED is Out!

It routinely shocks people when we say things like this, but we never saw the play, so we can’t speak to how well it captures what made Wicked a worldwide smash, but from a perspective that matters quite a lot to the producers and creators (i.e., the majority of potential ticket-buyers who never saw the play), this looks like one hell of a movie. Both leads fully embody their roles beautifully, the supporting cast all look like great fun, obviously the songs are going to be spectacular, and the production design has Academy Award stamped all over it. There have been several cinematic revisits to Oz in the 85 years since the iconic Judy Garland musical, and this one feels like the first one that has a chance to surpass it in the public mindset. After all, there are probably more Millennial and Gen-Z audience members who know all the words to “Defying Gravity” and virtually none of the words to “Over the Rainbow.” Anyway, we will definitely be seater in the theater for this one.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

WATCH

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz an forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots), and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman).
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

#RHOA: Sherée Whitfield not gon' check The Real Housewives of Atlanta next season
To paraphrase the words of reality TV villain/inspiration Kenya Moore, "She really ain't doin' s--- over there."
That's right, the jogger maven Sherée Whitfield won't be returning to season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed.

Bravo announced the cast of the upcoming season today, and only Moore and Drew Sidora renewed their contracts. Music mogul Kandi Burruss, beloved "friend of" turned divisive main cast member Marlo Hampton, and former Olympian Sanya Richardson-Ross have all exited the series — whether they all did so voluntarily, however, is up for speculation.

The new cast includes returning favorite and newly single Porsha Williams, with her longtime on-and-off-camera friend and Shamea Morton Mwangi finally graduating to peach status. Then there's new gals on the block Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley.

Another familiar face will also be popping in here and there as former Atlanta Housewife Cynthia Bailey is back as a friend in season 16.
As for Whitfield, this is her third time exiting RHOA. An OG of the franchise, Whitfield debuted with the series in 2008 and was a full-time Housewife through season 4; she returned as a friend in season 8, then came back as part of the main cast in seasons 9 and 10. She then left again in 2018, citing a "low ball offer" that she was "not interested" in entertaining. But after a lauded guest appearance in season 13, Whitfield was back clutching a peach for seasons 14 and 15.

During her sporadic tenure, Whitfield's been responsible for some of the most iconic moments in Real Housewives herstory, from perhaps the greatest catchphrase across all franchises ("Who gon' check me, boo?"), to her epic showdown with "veeeeery rich" Nene Leakes, the never-ending struggles she faced building Château Sherée (aka Château She Can't Pay, et. al.), and the oft-delayed launch of her clothing line, She by Sherée.

Even in the latter seasons, Sherée and her confessional looks were a safe port in the choppy waters of RHOA, so this is a big loss. But since she's been helping to keep the lights on over at Bravo for nearly 20 years, one must assume the door is always open to her.
Whitfield was last seen on Traitors being lied to dead-in-the-face by friend and fellow RHOA alum Phaedra Parks, who bops between Real Housewives of Dubai and Married to Medicine, so Sherée and her joggers should have a place to eventually land. 'Cause the Château ain't paying for itself.

But these new ladies on Atlanta...what an unenviable task to have to fill the shoes of Kandi, Marlo, and Sherée, while taking on sworn frenemies Kenya and Porsha. This could be a recipe for disaster or...disaster, but the fun kind. Season 16 starts production this month so time will tell when this new iteration of The Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres next year.

#Music News: 9th annual Black Music Honors set to celebrate icons around the world

The 9th annual Black Music Honors will take place on May 18 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. The show will celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black music icons around the world.
Singer and actress LeToya Luckett and actor DeRay Davis will host the ceremony, which will honor Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins, and Hezekiah Walker.

The ceremony recently announced that additional performers for the night include Ceelo Green, Total, 702, MC Lyte, Marsha Ambrosius, Chrisette Michele, Next, Mr. Talkbox, J. Brown, After 7, Jekalyn Carr, and Mali Music.
Previously announced performers included Ruben Studdard, Kim Burrell, BLK ODYSSY, Donald Lawrence, Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, Ricky Dillard, MonoNeon, Shanice, The Chi (Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, and Syleena Johnson), and Tone Stith with a special appearance by David and Tamela Mann.

The special will premiere on the Stellar Network on June 1 at 8 p.m. EST and will also air on Bounce TV on June 19 at 9 p.m. EST.

#HipHopNews: French Montana Recruits Fivio Foreign And Fabolous For His “Gotta See It To
French Montana is set to traverse across North America this summer. Announced (May 15), the rapper’s “Gotta See It To Believe It Tour” is expected to start on Aug. 1 at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT. Subsequent stops include Chicago, Toronto, Boston, and Pittsburgh, among other cities.

The trek will conclude on Aug. 25 at The Fillmore Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Fans can also catch Fabolous and Fivio Foreign as supporting acts for select dates. The presale starts on Thursday (May 16), while general sales begin on Friday (May 17).
The “Gotta See It To Believe It Tour” reveal arrived in promotion of French’s most recent project, Mac & Cheese 5. The 21-song effort hit streaming platforms in February with guest appearances from Bryson Tiller, Lil Durk, Ye, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, JID, and more.

In an interview with the “The Breakfast Club,” French explained Drake’s absence from the LP. The Toronto native was initially intended to appear on a record titled “Big Pun,” which ultimately never came out.
“[Me and Drake] did [make music], but we got the documentary coming out in June. He executive produced, and so we’re just going to push the records back to then,” French told hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Jess Hilarious. “Me and Kanye were locked in for like a month. He had rented out the hotel for like a month, and we knocked out a [bunch of records].”

He continued, “[Kanye and I] were doing two different sounds. When I was coming in, we was doing the sample vibes, and we was doing that whole him producing and the whole Graduation sound. But then the new sound he got now, it was something he was working on. So, I was like, ‘You know what, bro? I’ma take these records and put ‘em on Mac & Cheese 5 ’cause Mac & Cheese 5 got a certain sound.’”

Theories about Drake not being on the project surfaced again amid the “Hotline Bling” artist’s beef with Rick Ross. In “Champagne Moments,” the Maybach Music Group founder claimed, “I unfollowed you, n**ga, ’cause you sent the motherf**kin’ cease-and-desist to French Montana, n**ga.”

An unofficial version of “Splash Brothers,” a standout cut from Mac & Cheese 5, later surfaced online with Drake’s alleged verse.

Janet Jackson’s Life Story Immortalized In New Comic Book
Janet Jackson’s story is bigger than life, so the next move was, naturally, to adapt it for the comic book medium. Jackson’s life is the next story to be included in the TidalWave Comics series Female Force, which will be released on Friday (May 16), just in time for the icon’s birthday. Titled Female Force: Janet Jackson, the comic will explore The Velvet Rope artist’s life and career.

The story will begin with her origin as the youngest sibling of the iconic Jackson family to the 2004 Super Bowl debacle and the history she made along the way and beyond. An official press release explains that Female Force: Janet Jackson guarantees “to offer a fresh and electrifying perspective to the series,” which focuses on “female empowerment.”

Written by Michael Frizell and illustrated by Ramon Salas, Female Force: Janet Jackson is a 22-page comic available in both physical and digital formats. Fans eager to add this latest installment to their Female Force collection can conveniently purchase the comic on popular platforms like Amazon.

Frizell spoke about immortalizing Janet Jackson’s life story as a part of the ongoing Female Force series. The writer explained that her story was interesting because, much like superheroes who have historically graced the pages of comic books, the Grammy award-winning singer’s story was also a story of triumph and creativity.”

“You know what’s cool about writing about Janet Jackson? It’s like telling a story of triumph and creativity. Her legacy isn’t just about hits; it’s about breaking barriers and [being] unapologetically herself,” Michael Frizell expressed.
Elsewhere, the Female Force has been going strong. TidalWave Comics’ ongoing series has told the origin stories behind some of pop culture’s most revered sheroes in entertainment, politics, activism, journalism, and more. Previous editions have featured the likes of Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Selena, and more.

Fans looking to order the comic book can get it done here.

Beyonce And Kelly Rowland Stun In Matching Black Outfits In New Photo
Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland appeared to have hung out together. The "Texas Hold 'Em" hitmaker and the "Mea Culpa" actress looked stunning in matching black outfits as seen in a new photo.
On Wednesday, May 15, the 42-year-old superstar, Beyonce, offered social media users a glimpse of her outing with the 43-year-old singer/actress. Making use of her Instagram page, she uploaded a never-before-seen picture featuring herself and the former fellow Destiny's Child singer.

In the photo, it could be seen that Queen Bey and Kelly were having a blast during their outing. The two famous figures were striking a pose in front of a white backdrop as they were joined by their pal. While Bey was pouting her lips, Kelly was showing a stern facial expression.

For the outing, Beyonce opted to wear a daring get-up. She put on a busty display and flashed her toned abs in a long black dress, which came with a huge cut-out on the wearer's bodice. The skin-tight gown, which was long enough to cover her ankles, featured a halter neck design as well as black-and-silver embellishment.

The "Break My Soul" hitmaker enhanced the look with a black fur outer, matching cowgirl hat, a pair of hand gloves and sunglasses. She also sported a pair of open-toe black strappy high heels, which featured two red roses, and sparkling silver hoop earrings. In addition, she styled her long blonde tresses in waves and parted them in the middle.

As for Kelly, she looked chic in a long-sleeved black top, which seemingly was made of satin. She tucked the top in a pair of glossy long matching high-waisted pants. She completed the nearly all-black look with a pair of white-and-black sneakers that had black laces.

The "Love You More at Christmas Time" songstress looked fresh with her natural makeup, including glossy lipstick and long lashes. For the hair, she flaunted her shoulder-length platinum locks that were let loose and made to frame her face.

Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin Defend Kelly Clarkson After Weight Loss Drug Use Confession

Whoopi Goldberg and her "The View" co-hosts have come to Kelly Clarkson's defense after the singer came under fire over her weight loss comments. The ladies discussed the backlash regarding the singer's admission that she has taken drugs to help her lose weight in the Wednesday, May 15 episode of their ABC talk show.

During the Hot Topic segment, Whoopi talked about her previous interview on "The Kelly Clarkson Show", where the former "American Idol" winner got honest about her weight loss journey. While she "had a great time" on the show, the "Sister Act" star said she was disappointed over the negative online response to Kelly.

"Kelly is getting backlash over this from people who say she previously claimed she was losing weight by walking," Whoopi pointed out. "But here's a point about that. A lot of people are taking the shot because they need it ... There's lots of reasons."
The EGOT winner continued, "She has been walking, but this has helped. They kick her behind when she's bigger, they kick her behind when she's lost the weight and now they're kicking her behind because she said it out loud. Maybe she was more comfortable hearing somebody say that's what I did."

Sara Haines said she has "no shade" for Kelly, but thinks celebrities need to be more open about whether or not they're taking prescription medication to lose weight. Joy Behar then came with the harsh truth, "Diets do not work. I've been on diets up and down, up and down. You lose it, then you gain it back." She added, "Nobody wants to be fat except a sumo wrestler. It's uncomfortable, your clothes don't fit, everybody wants to lose weight."

Alyssa Farah Griffin admitted that she could relate to Kelly because she gained weight her first season on "The View", which "was hard" for the Republican commentator. Joy jested, "Wait until you hit menopause!"
Sunny Hostin, who also defended Kelly, then came after the body-shamers. "After 50 it's really difficult to lose weight. If people are doing this to make themselves feel better then I'm all for it," she sarcastically said. "If you feel good about yourself, then mentally you're going to also feel better. There's an epidemic of depression in this country, an epidemic of women shaming women, men shaming men, men shaming women. It all has to stop. ...I don't think the personal health choices you make for yourself should be subject to discussion."

Whoopi concluded the segment by urging audiences to "let people do what they need to do to get where they need to get to, and stop being mad that they're not doing it your way. Cause it's not like what you're really doing. Just like you don't actually know what our personal lives are."

"If you're doing something that's good for you and keeping you healthy, nobody's mad at you," she continued. Before the show went to commercial, Alyssa interjected, "And leave Kelly Clarkson alone!"

Joan Vassos will be ABC's first 'Golden Bachelorette'

“The Golden Bachelorette” has revealed its first leading lady. Joan Vassos, a 61-year-old contestant from “The Golden Bachelor,” will embark on her journey for love in the fall as ABC’s first Golden Bachelorette.
Vassos, a school administrator from Rockland, Maryland, captured hearts as she vied for Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner’s heart last season. Sparks flew after an intimate date between the pair, leaving Turner — and audiences across America — wondering if Vassos was the one. But her time was cut abruptly short after an urgent text from her daughter, who was back home with a newborn and dealing with a medical issue.

“My family will always come first,” Vassos said, announcing her sudden exit.
“I have to go back and be a mom,” she said. “My family needs me.”

Vassos has four children and two grandchildren. Her husband John, whom she was married to for 32 years, died in January 2021 of pancreatic cancer
On the three-year anniversary of John's death this year, Joan posted to Instagram: “He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished. He was the parent that was always the fun one because that's all he knew how to do...lucky kids because fun in his book was generally epic. I could go on for hours."

Vassos enjoys listening to Elton John, spending time with her dog, and cooking, according to ABC.
“Vassos is a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by her resilience, zest for adventure and strong family values,” the network said in a press release.

ABC greenlit a female-led version of the show after “The Golden Bachelor” became a major hit last season — with more than 43 million viewers across platforms tuning in for the debut. The show inspired viewers of all ages that "it's never too late to find love."

Turner, 72, proposed to contestant Theresa Nist, 70, in the show's finale that aired in November. The pair got married in a live televised wedding in January. Unfortunately, the two called it quits about three months into their marriage.
“The Golden Bachelorette” will air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC when it premieres in the fall.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Are ‘Headed for a Divorce,’ He ‘Already Moved Out’

Ben Affleck has hit a breaking point with Jennifer Lopez and has “moved out” of the home they share, a source exclusively tells In Touch.
“The writing is on the wall – it’s over,” the insider dishes. “They’re headed for a divorce – and for once, [Ben’s] not to blame!”
Fans have noticed that Ben and Jennifer have been spending increasing amounts of time apart in recent weeks. The actor did not attend the Met Gala with his wife on May 6, despite her important position as co-chair of the event. Ben’s official excuse for missing the Met Gala was that he was busy filming The Accountant 2, but In Touch’s source says he “decided to call it quits” on his marriage to the A-list singer.

“He’s focusing on his work and his kids now,” the insider adds. “Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for. They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted.”

An ongoing problem in the pair’s relationship was the different ways they handled the spotlight, with Jennifer embracing media attention and Ben shying away from it. In J.Lo’s documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told, the Air star admitted, “Getting back together, I said, ‘Listen, one of the things I don’t want is a relationship on social media.’ Then I sort of realized it’s not a fair thing to ask. It’s sort of, like, you’re going to marry a boat captain and you go, ‘Well, I don’t want the water.’ We’re trying to learn to compromise.”

Jennifer added, “I don’t think [Ben] is very comfortable with me doing this, [but] he doesn’t want to stop me,” and a source says, “Ben would never try to stifle [Jennifer]’s dreams or tell her she can’t do something that advances her career, even though she can be quite controlling of him.”
Unfortunately, compromising ended up being harder than the couple thought. “They waited almost two decades to get back together, but in the end, they just couldn’t make it work,” the insider explains. “They both said they’d matured and learned from their mistakes, but some of the bigger issues that tore them apart the first time remained the same.”

Ben and Jen first dated in the early 2000s and were just days away from tying the knot when they called off their 2003 wedding. They stayed together until January 2004 before ending the relationship. It wasn’t until 2021 that they reconciled, which led to them finally tying the knot in July 2022.

Will Smith Reveals 'One of the Most Gangsta Ride-or-Die' Friends in His Life
Will Smith opened up about some of his closest friends in an interview. While attending a screening of his forthcoming movie Bad Boys 4 on Wednesday (May 15), the 55-year-old actor gave an interview where he was asked to name some of the “ride or die” people in his life.

The list included the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribiero. However, there was another big star that he named as “one of the most gangsta ride-or-die’s I’ve ever had.”

The person in question is his partner Jada Pinkett Smith. “It’s funny, I was just talking about this, I have always been blessed that there has never been a time in my life when I didn’t look to the side and have a ride or die right there,” he reflected while speaking to ET.
Will continued, saying, “Jada is one of the most gangsta ride-or-die’s I’ve ever had.”
If you missed it, Will recently revealed how his perspective on money has changed over the years.

‘Eddie Winslow’ Trends After Sidney Starr Uses Darius McCrary As Subscriber Bait

“Eddie Winslow” is trending on Twitter after Sidney Starr used “Family Matters” star Darius McCrary as subscriber bait for her OnlyFans account.
Sidney posted a video of herself and Darius getting up close and personal along with the caption:
Y’ALL WANNA SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WITH ME AND ME EDDIE WINSLOW?? SUBSCRIBE TO MY ONLYFANS RIGHT NOW 😈

Now, this isn’t the first time Darius McCrary and Sidney Starr have put on a social media spectacle for attention so this doesn’t come as a surprise to many.
And considering Darius’ child support woes it doesn’t seem far-fetched for him to do something strange for a little change.
But, the truth of the matter is Sidney Starr is still in the stunt business and will do anything for attention and cash.

The video she’s teasing on Twitter is actually from a 2021 photoshoot she did with Darius.
She repurposed the content years later to lure new subscribers to her OnlyFans account.
You know Sidney Starr is no stranger to using men for clout.
You may recall that she famously lied about having a sexual relationship with rapper Chingy and completely derailed his career.

Social media is buzzing as “Eddie Winslow” trends, with those who hadn’t clocked the tea now taking to their timelines to react to Sidney Starr’s latest antics involving Darius McCrary!

Estranged Husband of ‘Bachelorette’ Star Rachel Lindsay Still Lives in Home as She Pays Expenses
*Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay has criticized her estranged husband, Bryan Abasolo, in court documents for allegedly disclosing her financial information amid their contentious divorce proceedings.
According to RadarOnline.com, the reality star urged the court to seal specific sections of Bryan’s recent support motion.
Abasolo filed for divorce on January 1, 2024, and wants Rachel to pay him monthly spousal support. The 44-year-old chiropractor claims he needs the money to afford his own place. Bryan still lives with his ex at their home in Los Angeles, where she pays most of the bills.

According to Radar, Bryan declared in his court filing, “Neither of us wants to continue to live together.”
He added, “Our current living situation is very awkward and strained. We generally do not even talk to each other and try to avoid each other. Rachel has security cameras outside our home. Only Rachel has the credentials to the security cameras, and Rachel can monitor my comings and goings.”

“I want to move out of our family residence as soon as possible, but maintaining our standard of living is not financially feasible at this time,” he added. “I placed my career as a chiropractor on hold to move twice for Rachel’s career. These moves were detrimental to my Chiropractic business, while Rachel’s income and success as a media personality skyrocketed.”

Bryan said he only pulls in $1,700 per month in income.
As Radar reports, in her latest filing, Rachel accused Bryan of violating a confidentiality agreement they had previously established for exchanging financial documents in the case.

She requested that the court seal this information to safeguard herself from repercussions.
As of now, a judge has not decided on the matter.

Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ Commemorates 40th Anniversary With 4K UHD and Digital Release
Warner Home Video is poised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Prince’s iconic film “Purple Rain” with a dazzling rerelease on 4K UHD and digital platforms, filled with special features set for a June 25 release. Get this, the special edition will deliver upgraded picture and sound quality, alongside cherished bonus content, including eight music videos.

”Purple Rain” made its cinematic debut on July 27, 1984 and was co-written and directed by Albert Magnoli. The film, was loosely inspired from Prince’s own life, and grossed over $70 million worldwide. This was feat back in the eighties where films rarely made that kind of money let alone musicals. The Prince starrer clinched an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, and catapulted the then 26-year-old artist to unparalleled stardom.

Alongside Prince, the film featured Apollonia Kotero as the protégé and love interest of Prince’s character. She was revered for her beauty and how she captivated the lead character, The Kid, played by Prince. Also casts were actual members of Prince’s band the Revolution as well as other artists whose songs Prince had written or produced, such as Morris Day and The Time. We say all that to say, fans fell in love with the entire cast and their hits, we heard and saw play out on screen. More on those hits … The iconic motion picture soundtrack, boasted smash records like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” and “I Would Die 4 U,” in addition to the legendary title track, has sold over 25 million copies to date.

Albert Magnoli, a recent graduate of the USC School of Cinema-Television at the time, was handpicked to helm “Purple Rain” following the success of his student film “Jazz.” This caught the eye of Warner Bros. executives and the rest was history – that’s Hollywood for you!
The “Purple Rain” 4K UHD Disc offers fans a plethora of previously released special features, ensuring an immersive experience for longtime Prince fans and new audiences alike. Here’s a list of the included special features:

Commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin

First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty – featurette
Let’s Go Crazy – music video
Take Me with U – music video
When Doves Cry – Music Video
I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star – music video
Purple Rain – music video
Jungle Love – music video
The Bird – music video
Sex Shooter – music video

This refreshing release feels like a must have and just in time for Summer. More importantly, this drop highlights 40 years of celebrated excellence for Prince, who we all miss dearly.

P-Valley Star Brandee Evans Joins Sheryl Lee Ralph in ‘The Fabulous Four’ an Upcoming Comedy Film

Star of P-Valley, Brandee Evans, just joined Sheryl Lee Ralph for a new film, The Fabulous Four.
Evans, best known for playing Mercedes Woodbine, is boarded into a cast that tapped Ralph to star alongside acting icons Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler with Megan Mullally, which is being billed as a comedy being released on July 26, 2024.

Here’s the drop as reported by Black Film and TV: the film “follows three longtime friends (Ralph, Sarandon and Mullally) who go to Key West to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college friend Marilyn (Midler).” Now, with all four friends back together, “sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up again in all its glory, and there are enough sparks, drinks and romance to change all their lives in ways they never expected,” based on the logline. Evans will play Ralph’s daughter.

Evans will be reprising her role as Mercedes in the new season of P-Valley, which is one of Starz’s hit series alongside the Power franchise. Back in 2021, Evans was quoted by Shadow and Act in an interview:
“I don’t think on TV you’ve really seen what happens truly at home on any show that you try to compare us to, and we’re going to continue to break that barrier. This isn’t anything you’ve ever seen before, P-Valley stands alone in that sense,” she said.”And it’s shot from a woman’s gaze, which I think is so beautiful and Katori [Hall] is going to continue on with those female directors this season as well. It’s a beautiful moment when you’re able to see it through a woman’s eyes and mostly with a woman’s perspective on the show.”

The Brooklyn Nets to Retire Vince Carter’s Jersey Next Season
Vince Carter‘s iconic number 15 jersey will officially be displayed alongside his teammate Jason Kidd in the Barclays Center. The team announced in a video this morning, with Vince included, that his jersey will be retired and put up in the rafters.
Toronto traded Carter in 2004, and Carter had the opportunity to find a new life and play some of his best years during his five-year stint in New Jersey until 2009. Jason Kidd and Carter are two legendary players who found success together because of their feel for the game.

Carter still holds the single-season record for most points in a season, with 2,070 points in the 2006-2007 season. Carter is in the top ten for multiple categories in the organization, and the timing seemed right. The Brooklyn Nets flew into Orlando to Vince’s house to congratulate him on making the Nasmith Hall of Fame’s class for later this year and to deliver this special announcement.

Carter became the team’s seventh player to get his jersey retired, joining greats like Julius Erving, Drazen Petrovic, and Jason Kidd. The video starts with an iconic shot from Carter against his old team in his third year with the Nets. It then shows the commentator talking about Carter’s greatness and how he was an all-time player for the organization.

He started to catch on when they showed Carter’s jersey beside Kidd’s.
During this busy Playoff period, Kid still found time to commemorate and congratulate his friend and former teammate on this incredible accomplishment.

“Congratulations on having your number retired next to mine,” Kidd said in the video as Carter smiled. “We got five and 15, you made the game so easy. Maybe too easy. But again congratulations you had an incredible career. I think you played 40 years somewhere around there. Well deserved, Understand you were one of my best teammates you know in New Jersey. Again, made the game easy.”

Vince was touched by the video, and they asked him what emotions he felt after watching both videos.
“So I think about you know coming into the league, trying to be, you know the best player you can be,” Carter told the producer. “And you know you go through a trade and you get new life. Especially playing with someone like J Kidd who was a Hall of Famer. Legend. Up in the stands as well and I heard a story from Gary Susman talking about J Kidd after I hit that shot in Toronto, he felt like I was a guy that he could trust.”

'GMA3' Anchor DeMarco Morgan's Skin-Tight Biker Shorts Cause a Stir With ABC Execs

Good Morning America 3 co-host DeMarco Morgan shared photos of himself after a bike ride in Santa Monica just a few weeks ago which have now gained more attention than he may have ever anticipated, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Top brass are claimed to be mulling how to address Morgan's Instagram snaps after "executives at the highest levels of ABC have flagged the photos internally," according to a new report.

The images of Morgan in skin-tight shorts make for an uncomfortable fit with ABC's family-friendly corporate parent Disney, sources told the New York Post.
"It leaves very little to the imagination," said an insider who claimed execs had a heated discussion about whether or not to ask the TV personality to take them down.

ABC News has declined to comment, per the report. RadarOnline.com has reached out.
"It leaves very little to the imagination," said an insider who claimed there has been a heated discussion among execs focused on whether or not to ask the TV personality to take them down.
Morgan has not only caused a stir online but also at the office, insiders in a separate report claimed. "The buzz surrounding DeMarco's wardrobe has earned him the affectionate moniker DeYummy," a source told Closer in a report published last week. "He knows he's got it and he's not afraid to flaunt it — and with a physique like his, who can blame him?"

Fans were just as enthusiastic about the pics shared on social media in April. "Mr. D, stop teasing us women," one person echoed in the comments. "Shots like this should be outlawed because I damn sure zoomed in," a second wrote while a third quipped, "Well ... well ... well."

Fans were just as enthusiastic about the pics shared on social media in April.
DeMarco remains a permanent anchor for the show after taking over the reins alongside Eva Pilgrim in May 2023 following his time as a fill-in host.
Former ABC News president Kim Godwin, who recently exited as the network's president, had the talented duo replace T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach as co-hosts of GMA3 after their budding romance came to light.

Just last month, yet another shakeup was revealed when it was reported that ABC News weatherman Rob Marciano was no longer with the company, allegedly getting fired a year after temporarily getting pulled off the air for "anger management issues."

Biden and Trump Agree to Face Off in Presidential Debate

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both confirmed their participation in a debate on June 27, marking a historically early face-off in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election. This event, organized by CNN and set to take place in their Atlanta studios, diverges from the customary fall debates traditionally overseen by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

Biden took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce his acceptance of CNN’s invitation, playfully nudging Trump with a call to action, “Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place.”
Not one to back down, Trump confirmed his participation during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, stating, “The answer is yes, I will accept.”

CNN plans to host the debate without a live audience, a format that echoes the earliest televised presidential debates. This setup is intended to focus squarely on the dialogue between Biden and Trump without the influence of audience reactions.
Both campaigns have expressed distinct preferences for the debate’s logistics and atmosphere. Biden’s team has advocated for earlier debates to align more closely with modern voting timelines and to enhance voter engagement before early voting begins. On the other hand, Trump has shown interest in larger, more dynamic settings, although he has agreed to the no-audience format for the upcoming June event.

The debate will offer voters a chance to assess the candidates well ahead of the general election, providing insights into their policies, readiness, and ability to engage on critical national issues.

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

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

What do they sell at Walmart?

HUH???

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!

EFREM

5/15/24

The Daily Buzz For May 16☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Gayle King on her first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at age 69

It's a brand-new day, and "CBS Mornings" co-anchor Gayle King is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star.
The broadcasting legend, who is set to turn 70 later this year, learned the news Tuesday in a surprise moment during the morning show.
As King interviewed this year's SI Swimsuit cover stars and models Hunter McGrady and Kate Upton, when the chat took a surprising turn when King's co-host Nate Burleson said, "Kate and Hunter aren't the only cover stars in the room right now," before pointing at Oprah's best friend and confidante.

"She is right here!" Upton said before showing King a copy of her cover. The revelation elicited cheers and clapping from King who said, "I'm on the cover? They told me I was just going to be on the inside!"

McGrady chimed in with a "Yes girl, you did that!" and added that "sexy isn't an age, sexy isn't a size," calling King's cover "so inspiring to women of all ages." King also praised her cover photographer Yu Tsai, who shot all of the SI Swimsuit covers. In addition to her own cover, King landed on the franchise's special legends cover.
King said she told the magazine that she did not want retouching done on her SI Swimsuit shoot, quipping that she had a cheeseburger the day before her cover shoot.

"They said, 'what about retouching?' I said, 'I don't really want retouching.' I don't mind if you take out a couple of dimples in the thighs however, but I really didn't want it," King told the group.

King, Upton and McGrady headline the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover models along with model and Cravings mogul Chrissy Teigen and 23 other cover models celebrating the franchise's 60th anniversary on a special legends cover.
This year's SI Swimsuit lineup also features Chanel Iman, Christen Harper, host Kamie Crawford, Katie Austin and Louisiana State University gymnastics star Olivia "Livvy" Dunne. SI Swimsuit roster rookies include Brittany Mahomes, Jena Sims, Lori Harvey and Big 12 athletes Alexa Massari, Jasmine Williams and Jillian Hayes.

On the SI Swimsuit website, editor-in-chief MJ Day said King "not so gently reminds us that women are limitless and control their destinies."
"It wasn't something I dreamed about, but it was one of the highlights of all the things I've done because I never thought this would be possible," King told People magazine of the SI Swimsuit.

#RHOA: Confirms Season 16 Cast: 3 Returnees Joined By 4 New Peaches, Including Shamea Morton Mwangi; Cynthia Bailey Returning As Friend
After months of speculation as things continued to play out, Bravo has officially confirmed the Season 16 cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Returning from Season 15 are Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora, and Porsha Williams is also making her return to the show after being absent for Seasons 14 and 15. Moore and Williams were already confirmed to return, and Tuesday’s news is the official confirmation of Sidora’s return.
New full-time peach holders are Shamea Morton Mwanji, who appeared as a Friend in Season 8 and has guest-starred numerous times over the years, as well as Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell and Angela Oakley.

Longtime cast member Cynthia Bailey, who hasn’t been a peach holder since Season 13, is back this year as a Friend as well.
Bravo notes in their official statement, “This season brings a new attitude and fresh perspective as the journey continues for these triumphant housewives as they cultivate new friendships and flourish in their careers and social circles.”

The show is produced by Truly Original. Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh, Lauren Eskelin, Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, Shanae Humphrey and Glenda Cox executive produce. Andy Cohen also executive produces. Kate Murphy and Saleda Bryant are co-executive producers.

#NewMusicVideo from Lalah Hathaway ‘So in Love’ Video

Love comes in many shapes and forms. Lalah Hathaway’s video for her new single, “So In Love,” beautifully captures this sentiment.
In the Sadé Clacken Joseph-directed video, Hathaway dons several stylish looks, and scenes of Black parents, children, and couples are interspersed.

“‘So In Love’ has such a vibe, and like a lot of the work I do, it explores some of the more non-traditional ideas about love and self-love. The video does this on a grand scale!” Hathaway explained.

Hathaway co-wrote “So In Love” with Philip Beaudreau. The heartwarming anthem is the first single from her upcoming album, VANTABLACK, out June 14 via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group.

WATCH HERE

“VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song,” explained Hathaway.
“At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the Blackest I’ve ever been, and even though I’m steeped in who I am, it doesn’t exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the Black music that I create. So it’s all a melting pot, and this song truly exemplifies that.”

VANTABLACK will include features from WILLOW, MC Lyte, Common, Rapsody, Michael McDonald, Phonte, and Gerald Albright.

#HipHopNews: Childish Gambino Shares “Little Foot Big Foot” Video Feat. Quinta Brunson,
Four years ago, Donald Glover released the album 3.15.20 under his Childish Gambino persona. The record came out as quietly as possible, despite big-deal guest appearances from people like Ariana Grande and 21 Savage. Most of its song titles were timestamps, Glover gave the album no promotion, and it came out just as the pandemic was hitting.

Last month, shortly after a surprise guest appearance with Tyler, The Creator at Coachella, Glover previewed what he says will be his final Childish Gambino album. He also announced plans for an updated version of 3.15.20. Today, that album, retitled Atavista, has arrived. It’s got a couple of new songs and an eye-grabbing music video, and Glover has also announced a gigantic world tour.

Childish Gambino videos tend to get more attention than anything else that comes out of the project, so let’s start with that. The new clip is for “Little Foot Big Foot,” the song previously known as “35.31.” The video comes from longtime Glover collaborator Hiro Murai, who’s become one of the most in-demand prestige-TV directors out there. In the black-and-white clip, Glover plays a jazz-age entertainer who does an elaborate “Single Ladies”-esque dance routine in a hostile venue. Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson plays the venue owner, and Murai builds tension the way that only he can do. The song also has an added-on guest verse from Atlanta rapper Young Nudy. Here’s the clip.

WATCH

The newly revamped Atavista mostly consists of songs that already appeared on 3.15.20, though there may be some alterations in there. But Glover has also released two brand-new songs, “Atavista” and “Human Sacrifice. And he’s announced a global arena tour that’ll take him across North America, Europe, and Australia. Willow and Amaarae will open different legs of the tour, which will keep going all the way into next year. It’s the first Childish Gambino tour since 2019.

In other Childish Gambino news, on Friday he won an appeal in a lawsuit that alleged he stole “This Is America” from the rapper Kidd Wes.

Lil Baby Safe After Shooting Erupts During His Music Video Filming In Atlanta

The production of a Lil Baby music video was marred by a shooting. On Tuesday, May 14, shooting erupted during the production of the rapper's upcoming new video in Atlanta, but thankfully he was unharmed in the incident.

A spokesperson for the "Drip Too Hard" hitmaker said he is safe following the incident. The spokersperson told The Shade Room that the hip-hop star, who was seen in the area before the shooting took place, and the production crew were not involved in the shooting.
Three people were injured in the incident, but none of them was part of the production team. "There may have been individuals involved in the totality of the production," noted Major Ralph Woolfolk.

According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the shooting rang out at 4:50 P.M. near a commercial strip on Verbena Street. A 24-year-old man was shot in the arm and a 27-year-old man was shot in the back. They were both rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Nicki Minaj Thanks Barbz As She Makes History With 'Pink Friday 2 World Tour'
Nicki Minaj has a good reason to celebrate. The "Barbie World" raptress voiced her appreciation to her fans, famously known as Barbz, as she made history with her ongoing "Pink Friday 2 World Tour".
On Tuesday, May 14, the 41-year-old hip-hop artist made use of Instagram to thank her devotees and crews for making the world tour happen. In the lengthy caption of her new post, she penned, "I still have to post the last 4 shows that I didn't get a chance to post yet, but I'd like to thank EVERYONE who's become a #GagCityResident."

Nicki went on to say, "I'd like to thank the incredible ppl who whether on stage or behind the stage, every single night, have been the most incredible, talented & reliable ppl on earth in order to make this show happen for the Barbz in the most over the top, stunning & unique way."

The Trinidadian rapper further teased, "We're just getting started tho. So many ppl have asked if I'd consider adding more U.S. DATES." Near the end of the caption, she reminded her fans that the European leg of the tour will kick off soon, writing, "Anyway, headed to Europe in a few days. Love you," adding a face blowing a kiss emoji.
In the same post, Nicki uploaded a video of radio personality Angela Yee discussing her recent achievement on syndicated radio show "Way Up". In the short clip, the host could be seen reading a message that read, "Nicki Minaj sold out the entire U.S. leg of her 'Pink Friday 2 Gag City World Tour'."

Angela additionally revealed, "36 shows consecutively sold out. She is the only female rapper in history to do it and it's the highest grossing tour by a female rapper in history. And she has more shows coming up overseas."
Nicki kicked off the world tour on March 1 in Oakland. During the U.S. leg of the tour, she brought along several surprise guests, including 50 Cent and Drake, onstage. She will stop by many cities in Europe before concluding the tour on July 14 in Belgium.

DJ Akademiks Responds To Rape Lawsuit, Calls It 'Shakedown' Attempt

DJ Akademiks has spoken up after he was hit with a lawsuit alleging him of rape and defamation. Going against his attorney's advice, the Internet personality has denied the allegations brought against him by a woman named Fauziya "Ziya" Abashe.
On Tuesday, May 14, the hip-hop pundit took to Rumble livestream to address the lawsuit. "I'm going to go against my very high-priced attorney's advice today, but I'm still not going to say much," he said.

Trying not to share too much, he said, "My only comment should really be: Whatever this is will be handled in court. Just know, according to the law and according to the police and according to all sanctioning governing authorities, Akademiks is an innocent man who has not ever been charged with anything of the sort that has to do with any deviancy or anything like that, has never been charged, will never be charged. That's a fact."

Akademiks claimed that the situation was caught on video footage and the police have cleared him of all wrongdoing. He insinuated that Roc Nation and Tyrone Blackburn, who represents the alleged victim, are going after him. He additionally called the lawsuit "a shakedown," adding, "This is a money tree situation."

In the lawsuit filed in New Jersey Superior Court on Monday, Ziya alleged Akademiks, whose real name is Livingston Allen, and two unnamed "accomplices" drugged and raped her in July 2022. Ziya, described as a writer who lives in Pennsylvania, sued Akademiks and two John Does for sexual assault, negligent infliction of emotional distress and defamation.
Ziya's lawyer Tyrone said in a statement on Tuesday, "Litigation is always the last resort. After several unsuccessful attempts to resolve this case privately, Ms Abashe was left with no choice but to file. Mr. Allen's hubris will be his downfall."

As to why Akademiks believes that Roc Nation is hunting him, this may stem from his critical take on the Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez situation. The Texas femcee, who was shot in the feet by the Canadian rapper in July 2020, signed a management deal with Jay-Z's entertainment company in 2019.

Chrisean Rock Served Lawsuit At Football Practice For Assault Against Singer James Wright Chanel
The reality star allegedly attacked Tamar Braxton's backup singer last November backstage during a concert.
According to RadarOnline, Chrisean Rock has been served lawsuit documents regarding Tamar Braxton‘s backup singer, James Wright Chanel, whom she allegedly assaulted last November

Rock, who’s notably dated Blueface and appeared on the reality show Baddies, was reportedly handed Wright Chanel’s lawsuit in person while attending a high school football game on May 4.
Per the outlet, the server found the 24-year-old at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles after she posted online that she would be attending football practice there at 6:30 PM.

The lawsuit was initially filed by Wright Chanel back in February.
Rock, whose real name is Chrisean Malone, allegedly struck Wright after feuding with Tamar’s team over performing at Los Angeles’ Novo club last year during the “Love & War” singer’s concert. The “Vibe” crooner was reportedly invited to Braxton’s concert and became angry after not being allowed to perform her music for the crowd.

According to a member of Braxton’s team, Le Troy Davis, Rock came to the venue “drunk, with 1,000 people, smelling like weed.”

At the time, Davis explained that Rock got into some sort of argument with Wright Chanel backstage about not performing, struck the singer in his face, and left him bloody. He reportedly had to seek medical attention to stop the bleeding. Reportedly, Wright was left with two broken teeth and cuts on his face from her rings.

The backup singer seemingly confirmed that he was assaulted by the new mother in a video shortly after, where he did not show his face. “Everybody wanna tell stories and tell they versions… I was an innocent bystander,” he said in complete darkness. “You know, you still gotta keep joy and stuff… I don’t know what be wrong with people.”

He went on, “All I did was went to work, chile… y’all already know what type of person I am… but let me tell you what ain’t nobody gone do… ain’t nobody gone take my joy… my praise… my worship… y’all should see my f**ing face, and I still got joy.
Wright’s attorney, Kevin Anderson, stated to the Los Angeles Times at the time, “She hit him multiple times in the face for no reason at all. We were surprised that she was able to leave the facility that night. She had on rings that were pretty much equivalent to brass knuckles.”

Besides Davis — who deemed Rock “trash” and responsible for “why her life is the way that it is” — Braxton also spoke out about the incident. In a statement shared via Instagram, the singer said she initially did not address the heinous act “out of respect for James” and her team, but confirmed, “[Wright] got assaulted” at her show and “it was by Chrisean.”

Speaking on why Rock was invited to her show in the first place, Braxton said via IG, “Chrisean is someone I look at like, from afar, a younger sister. She was somebody I wanted to meet, to possibly take under my wing.” She also shared that she felt connected to Rock, as they’re both from Maryland.

Braxton also admitted that she did indeed invite the Baltimore native to come on stage for the show’s “twerk off” but not to perform. She added that there must have been a “misunderstanding” between both parties.
Following the incident, Rock spoke out via IG Live and claimed that “false narratives” were being made about her.

“I think it’s just a clout chasing thing… Honestly, I need to start protecting my name,” she in a since deleted X post.

‘Inside the NBA’ as NBC Reportedly Outbids TNT for NBA Rights signaling the end of the show.

Recent reports suggest that Turner Sports may be losing the bidding war with NBC for a major sports media rights deal. NBC is reportedly ready to offer a $2.5 billion package to become the third network, along with ESPN and Amazon.
Bill Simmons of The Ringer hinted on his latest podcast episode that the deal might have already been sealed. “One of the funniest things ever is that we’re all pretending that the TV deal wasn’t done like a week and a half ago,” Simmons said. “I think it’s done. I think Warner [Bros. Discovery] already lost it. And I don’t know why we’re waiting until after the playoffs, maybe that’s how they have to do it. But it’s a wrap. NBC’s getting it. I’m just telling you.”

If this is the case, the Western Conference Finals could potentially mark the final appearance of the beloved ‘Inside the NBA’ crew, and the sports community is rallying for a proper send-off. When asked about potentially joining another show, Charles Barkley expressed his loyalty to his long-time colleague Ernie Johnson, stating he wouldn’t consider a move if Johnson wasn’t involved.

After Simmons’s words went viral, fans on Twitter speculated and started to overreact to the idea of the group being broken up after this season.

Memorial plans announced for victims of Buffalo supermarket mass shooting
(May 14) marked the second anniversary of a Buffalo, NY supermarket mass shooting that took the lives of 10 innocent people. On Monday (May 13), government officials announced a permanent memorial to commemorate those victims as an acknowledgment of the tragic day.

Titled "Seeing Us," the memorial’s design was created by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood and features interconnected stone pillars and arches, along with a windowed building for exhibitions and events. Said design was chosen out of several other submissions by the 5/14 Memorial Commission, a board established after the racially motivated event.

“What happened... was an act of senseless violence and it was an act of hate,” said Rev. Mark Blue, the chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, in a press conference. “It’s my intent to make sure we have a memorial that the families and the communities can be proud of.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State allocated $5 million towards the $15 million project, with Buffalo contributing $1 million. A yearlong fundraising campaign is expected to cover the remaining costs. “As we approach the solemn two-year anniversary of when our neighbors were senselessly slaughtered solely because of the color of their skin, we rededicate ourselves in supporting the East Buffalo community, remembering those we lost, and supporting those who were injured,” she added.

As previously reported, the shooting claimed the lives of nine shoppers, aged between 32 and 86, along with a retired Buffalo police officer working as a security guard. Three store employees were also wounded. All of the victims were Black.
The white gunman, 18-year-old Payton Gendron, is serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty to state charges of murder and hate-motivated domestic terrorism. He faces separate federal charges and a potential death penalty if convicted. Tops Friendly Markets, the supermarket chain where the mass shooting occurred, plans to dedicate another memorial near the store and observe a moment of silence at 2:28 p.m., the time of the attack, later today

Lori Beth Denberg Claims Dan Schneider 'Preyed' on Her While She Starred on 'All That'

Lori Beth Denberg is the latest Nickelodeon star to speak out against Dan Schneider.
Back in March, Investigation Discovery released the Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV docu-series, which detailed much of Dan‘s time at Nickelodeon and focused on the inappropriate conduct and toxic environment on the set of his shows, with former Nick actors sharing their experiences.

Following the docu-series release, Lori Beth – who appeared All That as a teenager from 1994 to 1998 – alleged that she had a “weird, abusive friendship” with Dan that she now views as an inappropriate power imbalance.

In an interview with Business Insider published on Tuesday (May 14), Lori Beth alleged that when she 19-years-old, Dan, who was a producer on All That, started discussing sexual topics with her over the phone and allegedly once initiated phone sex.
She also claims that they would give each other massages while she spent evenings at his house, and Lori Beth also claimed that one time when she was 20 or 21, Dan allegedly fondled and put his mouth on her breasts.

Lori Beth also claimed that Dan often lashed out at her on set and allegedly showed her pornography multiple times.
“I feel like that is the first time he preyed on me,” Lori Beth said.

Also in her interview, Lori Beth claimed that she voiced concerns around 2000 to the then-president of Nickelodeon Entertainment, Albie Hecht, and All That co-creator Brian Robbins over how Amanda Bynes was treated by Dan after noticing she looked “gaunt.”
After sharing her concerns, Lori Beth alleged that she was barred from the set of The Amanda Show.

After Lori Beth‘s interview was published, Dan released a statement with USA Today saying that her allegations are “wildly exaggerated and, in most cases, false.”
“The fact that an Executive Producer of ‘Quiet on Set’ would pursue allegations regarding what may have happened between adults nearly thirty years ago — only a week after I filed a defamation lawsuit accusing ‘Quiet on Set’ of being intentionally false and misleading — seems more than coincidental,” Dan said.

“As I have previously stated, there were times, particularly in the early years of my career, that I made mistakes and exhibited poor judgment as a leader,” he added. “If I did that with respect to Lori Beth, I sincerely apologize to her. But I cannot apologize for things I did not do.”

Dan also recently filed a lawsuit against the Quiet on Set producers.

Jennifer Lopez Spotted House Hunting in L.A. Amid Tour Rehearsals
Jennifer Lopez has a lot on her plate these days, but she’s also on the hunt for a new house!

The 54-year-old entertainer was spotted looking at a property with her longtime producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas on Tuesday afternoon (May 14) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Jennifer and her husband Ben Affleck purchased a $60 million estate together last year, so it’s unclear if the house is for herself, for someone else, or just a possible investment opportunity.

There’s a lot going on in JLo‘s career right now with the upcoming release of her movie Atlas on May 24 and the launch of her summer concert tour on June 26. She also just wrapped production on the movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, for which she’s attributing her recent weight loss.

MC Lyte to Release First Album in Nearly a Decade This Summer

*MC Lyte revealed that she will release her first album in nearly a decade this summer.
“I got a new record,” the hip-hop icon told MC Sha-Rock and Grandmaster Caz during her May 10 appearance on their Rock The Bells show That’s The Joint, Vibe reports.

“I’m working on it right now. The new single is out. It’s ‘Woman.’ The new record is coming,” MC Lyte added. “We’ll have another single coming in June for Black Music Month, which is going to be spectacular. Of course, I’ve got some winning folks on this album, now I gotta talk to Major.”

“The album comes out August 9, and the next single comes out June 9,” she said.
This project will be Lyte’s first album since her 2015 LP Legend.

Last month, Lyte released the single “Woman” featuring Big Daddy Kane, Raheem DeVaughn, and Cheryl “Salt” James. Have a listen to it via the YouTube clip above.
Last year, the rapper celebrated hip-hop’s 50th anniversary by telling CNN that she was “elated” by how far the genre has come since its inception in 1973.

“Look where we are. I am just so elated, and excited, it’s almost as though hip-hop, of all generations, have gotten like a dose of rejuvenation. We have been so busy this year,” the raptress said in an interview on CNN Tonight with Sara Sidner.
As Vibe reports, Lyte received accolades for her impactful storytelling during the SEED Summit+ Awards in March, and she expressed her gratitude in a message on social media, writing, “Thank you, @valeisha, and the Hello Seed Awards for the wonderful honor,” she wrote. “My sister @lynnrichardson and I are forever grateful for your love and acknowledgment. Thank you @devonfranklin for being a part of a memorable evening for Lynn and I. God bless your journey. And a big congratulations to all the honorees! A beautiful night indeed!!

Red Lobster Abruptly Shuts Down Dozens of Restaurants Nationwide
Struggling Red Lobster is abruptly closing at least 48 of its restaurants around the country, according to a leading restaurant liquidator.

TAGeX Brands is conducting an online auction of Red Lobster restaurant inventory, including kitchen equipment, furniture, tables and chairs. The auction begins Monday and continues through Thursday, according to company founder Neal Sherman.
Red Lobster locations in Buffalo, Orlando, Jacksonville and other cities were listed as “temporarily closed” on Red Lobster’s website, according to local news reports.

Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment. The company has around 650 locations.
Red Lobster is reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy protection. The chain has tapped a restructuring expert as its chief executive, a possible indicator of an impending bankruptcy.

The mass closures are another sign of problems at Red Lobster and one of the only times in its more than 50-year history the chain has closed dozens of stores at once.
Red Lobster was a casual dining pioneer, bringing affordable seafood to middle-class consumers for the first time.

But the chain has declined in recent years due to a range of factors, including corporate mismanagement, say former leaders and restaurant analysts.

In 2020, Thai Union, a longtime supplier to Red Lobster, took an undisclosed financial stake in the chain, becoming a key shareholder. Under Thai Union’s direction, Red Lobster has cycled through four CEOs and an all-you-can-eat shrimp deal last year that slowed down table service and cut into Thai Union’s profitability.
The promotion has been a tradition at the chain for more than 18 years, but Red Lobster made endless shrimp a permanent fixture on the menu.

“We need to be much more careful,” Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri said in November of the shrimp deal.
Thai Union said earlier this year it would divest from Red Lobster and take a $530 million loss on its investment.
“I’m going to stop eating lobster,” Chansiri said.
The explosive growth and popularity of fast-casual chains like Chipotle and quick-service chains like Chick-fil-A over the past two decades also squeezed Red Lobster and the casual dining sector.

Casual dining has slipped from 36% of total restaurant industry sales in 2013 to 31% in 2023, according to Technomic, a restaurant research firm.

Tyrese Ends Concert Mid-Performance to Avoid Being Served Lawsuit

Tyrese is the talk of social media after a video surfaced showing him abruptly ending a Georgia concert.
The singer did not fall ill, nor did he have an emergency. Instead, sources claim Tyrese was informed by a member of the security that a process server was in the building to serve him with lawsuit documents. They were reportedly by a man named Bryan Barber, who is suing Tyrese for defamation and libel over comments allegedly made about him.

The show at the Stockbridge Amphitheater appeared to be packed with fans who were likely disappointed over the surprise ending. However, an insider tells TMZ that the performer only had about three more songs left before his set was over. The timing was still slightly humorous, as Tyrese was in the middle of his hit, “How You Gonna Act Like That,” when he received the news. As he ran off stage, he continued singing while out of frame.

Tyrese hasn’t spoken out about the incident, aside from sharing a message on Instagram that thanked concert attendees. Still, the internet got quite the laugh out of the matter. It remains to be seen if the lawsuit papers were served.

Ice Spice Gets Her Own MTA MetroCard
At the center of New York City‘s transit system is the MTA MetroCard which serves as a symbol of convenience that helps you navigate the city. Throughout the years, this card has become a canvas for honoring individuals important to the culture. From local legends to global celebrities, the MetroCard has displayed a wide range of people from different walks of life. Now, the latest addition to the lineup is none other than Ice Spice!

These limited-edition cards feature the New York native wearing a Versace baby t-shirt and leather shorts. According to reports, only 50,000 cards will be available for purchase and will be offered at three select stops: Fordham Rd for the 4 and B/D trains, 34th-Penn Station for the A/C/E lines, and the Times Square station.
However, Ice Spice is not the only celebrity to be featured on the MetroCard. Last year, to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the MTA launched a special series of MetroCards paying tribute to iconic New York native rappers. LL Cool J, Rakim, Cameron, and the late Pop Smoke were on the list. Additionally, last year, to highlight the 25th season of “Law & Order: SVU,” the MTA released a limited-edition MetroCard featuring Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson. In a separate tribute, the MTA also issued a MetroCard to celebrate the 50th birthday of the legendary Notorious B.I.G.

Nevertheless, as commuters travel throughout the city, they’ll be reminded of the rich history of hip-hop culture that’s injected into the streets of New York.

Brad Pitt Hit With Countersuit in Winery Battle for Allegedly Misappropriating Funds

The latest chapter in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's ongoing legal battle over their $500 million French winery, Château Miraval, is unfolding
TMZ reports Pitt has been countersued for misappropriating funds from Chateau Miraval by the company that his ex-wife is trying to sell her shares to.

Pitt previously sued the Tenute del Mondo wine group to block them from purchasing Jolie's shares in Chateau Miraval. Tenute del Mondo is now suing the actor, claiming he used the winery as his "personal piggy bank," as he spent over $1 million to renovate a pool only used by him, plus a recording studio, gin brand, and cosmetics company.

Pitt's team is shutting down Tenute del Mondo's suit, telling TMZ that the actor isn't impressed with Tenute's legal action.
"We're told Chateau Miraval is only as successful as it is because of how Brad has run it," the outlet reports, "and the notion he plundered it for his own personal gain is absurd and nonsensical...as it would only hurt him if he did the things they're claiming he did."

Prior to getting married in 2014, Pitt and Jolie purchased Château Miraval, with Brad owning 60 percent to Angelina's 40 percent. The same year the former spouses got hitched, Pitt endowed Jolie with an additional 10 percent stake in the property to split ownership evenly.
Back in February, a Luxembourg court ruled that Jolie's additional 10 percent ownership must be given back to Pitt after the actress sold her shares to Yuri Shefler, an investor and owner of the Stolichnaya vodka brand.

Lupe Fiasco Seemingly Addresses GOP Candidate Using His Song for Homophobic Campaign Video
Lupe Fiasco doesn’t seem to be a fan of how one of his hits is being used in a political campaign.
Missouri GOP Secretary of State candidate Valentina Gomez, 24, shared a bizarre campaign video on Sunday featuring Fiasco’s 2010 hit “The Show Goes On.”

In the clip, Gomez jogs in the middle of an empty street and wears a weighted vest as she declares, “In America, you can be anything you want. So don’t be weak and gay. Stay fucking hard.”
Missouri, a predominantly and historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Gomez also tagged known misogynist Andrew Tate, 37, the controversial influencer and media personality, and his brother Tristan, 35, in the tweet. It’s worth mentioning that the Tate brothers, along with two other individuals, were charged with rape and human trafficking in Romania last June.

The campaign clip seemingly got 42-year-old Fiasco’s attention, though he didn't point directly to the self-proclaimed MAGA/America First devotee’s homophobic campaign slogan.
“We are aware and currently taking action. Thank you. #TeamLupe,” Fiasco tweeted on Tuesday afternoon, hours after Gomez's post.

About 20 minutes after Lupe posted, Gomez replied to her own tweet, adding, "Music by the great Lupe Fiasco. The Show Goes On.
Tweet by Valentina Gomez mentioning music by Lupe Fiasco with a song title: The Show Goes On
The candidate made headlines in February for an unhinged video of herself using a flamethrower to burn two LGBTQ books, according to NBC News.
“This is what I will do to the grooming books when I become Secretary of State,” said Gomez in the video shared to her social media. “These books come from a Missouri public library. When I’m in office, they will burn.”

Per NBC News, X restricted the flamethrower video’s visibility on the grounds that it might violate the platform’s rules against hateful conduct.