#MEDIAFAB: Aaron Pierre Promotes LANTERNS on THE TODAY SHOW
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#RHOA: Porsha Williams Awarded Multimillion-Dollar Home in Divorce Settlement
Porsha Williams won a seven-figure divorce settlement and sole ownership of the mansion she shared with her ex, Simon Guobadia.
TMZ reports that Guobadia agreed to the terms of the settlement with Williams on August 5.
According to court records, Williams has taken full ownership of the former marital home in Atlanta via a quitclaim deed. Along with the property, she is also seeking roughly $1.57 million in equity reimbursement as well as the title to a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost.
With the mansion officially in her hands, Williams is cleared to either sell or refinance the estate. Meanwhile, Guobadia is back in Nigeria following his high-profile ICE arrest and deportation.
Just months after their divorce, Guobadia was detained by ICE in Lumpkin, Georgia, although he's lived in the United States for 42 years. Following his four-month stay in a detention center, Guobadia was deported to Nigeria. Speaking with US Weekly, he said he "felt like a target" as he was in the midst of a "contentious divorce."
The Shade Room reported that Guobadia claims that Williams owes him money.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, he wrote: "They forgot to mention they also inherited $8,000,000 in debt & still got to pay me."
Williams and Guobadia first crossed paths on screen during Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Guobadia appeared as the husband of temporary cast member Falynn Pina (who was originally introduced to the group as Williams' friend).
Following Guobadia and Pina's public separation in April 2021, Williams reached out to him via direct message to extend her condolences regarding his marital split. The exchange quickly sparked a whirlwind romance, and the pair officially began dating in April 2021. They shocked fans just one month later by announcing both their relationship and their engagement in May 2021, with Williams clarifying at the time that she had no part in his previous divorce.
TMZ reports that Guobadia agreed to the terms of the settlement with Williams on August 5.
According to court records, Williams has taken full ownership of the former marital home in Atlanta via a quitclaim deed. Along with the property, she is also seeking roughly $1.57 million in equity reimbursement as well as the title to a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost.
With the mansion officially in her hands, Williams is cleared to either sell or refinance the estate. Meanwhile, Guobadia is back in Nigeria following his high-profile ICE arrest and deportation.
Just months after their divorce, Guobadia was detained by ICE in Lumpkin, Georgia, although he's lived in the United States for 42 years. Following his four-month stay in a detention center, Guobadia was deported to Nigeria. Speaking with US Weekly, he said he "felt like a target" as he was in the midst of a "contentious divorce."
The Shade Room reported that Guobadia claims that Williams owes him money.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, he wrote: "They forgot to mention they also inherited $8,000,000 in debt & still got to pay me."
Williams and Guobadia first crossed paths on screen during Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Guobadia appeared as the husband of temporary cast member Falynn Pina (who was originally introduced to the group as Williams' friend).
Following Guobadia and Pina's public separation in April 2021, Williams reached out to him via direct message to extend her condolences regarding his marital split. The exchange quickly sparked a whirlwind romance, and the pair officially began dating in April 2021. They shocked fans just one month later by announcing both their relationship and their engagement in May 2021, with Williams clarifying at the time that she had no part in his previous divorce.
#NewMusic from Lindsey Webster & Anthony Hamilton ‘Best In Me’
Lindsey Webster has amassed a loyal fanbase over the years who love her unique fusion of neo-soul, jazz, R&B and pop music. The singer-songwriter’s genre-blending is on display on her latest album Music In Me. Released in February, the collection is her seventh album overall and the first in her discography to feature duets. And Lindsey didn’t come to play when it came to choosing her duet partners, snagging R&B/soul legends Stokley and Anthony Hamilton for the project. After kicking off this album cycle with Stokley on their cover of the Stephanie Mills and Teddy Pendergrass classic “Two Hearts,” now it’s Webster and Hamilton’s turn to unite in the music video for their collaboration “Best In Me”
Lindsey Webster has amassed a loyal fanbase over the years who love her unique fusion of neo-soul, jazz, R&B and pop music. The singer-songwriter’s genre-blending is on display on her latest album Music In Me. Released in February, the collection is her seventh album overall and the first in her discography to feature duets. And Lindsey didn’t come to play when it came to choosing her duet partners, snagging R&B/soul legends Stokley and Anthony Hamilton for the project. After kicking off this album cycle with Stokley on their cover of the Stephanie Mills and Teddy Pendergrass classic “Two Hearts,” now it’s Webster and Hamilton’s turn to unite in the music video for their collaboration “Best In Me”LISTEN HERE:
Co-written by Lindsey, Anthony, Keith Slattery, Lorenzo Johnson and Rob Chiarelli, “Best In Me” was originally slated to be a solo number for the songstress. However, one thing led to another, and it evolved into a duet featuring the two talents singing the track’s romantic sentiments between two lovers who bring out the best in each other.
Lindsey and Anthony shot the visual for “Best In Me” on location in AHam’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. As the video begins, we join her outdoors in front of a vibrant set of wall murals for her verse. He then steps into the frame for his verse, and they soon start to interact and we see their friendly chemistry. Interspersed are black-and-white scenes of both artists singing the song in a recording studio. They start off solo on the mic before coming together in full color to put the finishing touches on the track with the producer.
“Working with Anthony Hamilton was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I have been a fan since the beginning. He's always made music that sits in the soul, and I love that about him,” Lindsey praised her duet partner via press release. They’d originally planned to record a duet for her 2023 album You Change, and though it didn’t materialize, this was divine timing. “It just goes to show you how things can work out for the better, even when it seems like things are falling apart,” Webster went on to say. “There are higher energies at play.”
Lindsey Webster and Anthony Hamilton’s “Best In Me” was meant to be, and if you love a good R&B duet, it needs to be in your collection and on your playlist.
Co-written by Lindsey, Anthony, Keith Slattery, Lorenzo Johnson and Rob Chiarelli, “Best In Me” was originally slated to be a solo number for the songstress. However, one thing led to another, and it evolved into a duet featuring the two talents singing the track’s romantic sentiments between two lovers who bring out the best in each other.
Lindsey and Anthony shot the visual for “Best In Me” on location in AHam’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. As the video begins, we join her outdoors in front of a vibrant set of wall murals for her verse. He then steps into the frame for his verse, and they soon start to interact and we see their friendly chemistry. Interspersed are black-and-white scenes of both artists singing the song in a recording studio. They start off solo on the mic before coming together in full color to put the finishing touches on the track with the producer.
“Working with Anthony Hamilton was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I have been a fan since the beginning. He's always made music that sits in the soul, and I love that about him,” Lindsey praised her duet partner via press release. They’d originally planned to record a duet for her 2023 album You Change, and though it didn’t materialize, this was divine timing. “It just goes to show you how things can work out for the better, even when it seems like things are falling apart,” Webster went on to say. “There are higher energies at play.”
Lindsey Webster and Anthony Hamilton’s “Best In Me” was meant to be, and if you love a good R&B duet, it needs to be in your collection and on your playlist.
#HipHopNews: Kurupt Reveals Eminem Covered The Cost Of His Rehab
During a candid appearance on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning with Sway Calloway, Heather B and Tracy G, the Dogg Pound lyricist reflected on his sobriety journey and revealed that Eminem quietly stepped in to cover the cost of his stay at a rehabilitation facility after learning he was struggling.
According to Kurupt, it all began with a phone call from his longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Dre.
“Well, it was Dr. Dre that called me, literally, and was just giving his support, and just letting me know that we all go through these things,” Kurupt recalled. “He was just giving me that game.”
But the support didn’t stop there.
Kurupt revealed that Eminem immediately offered to help financially, making sure he could enter treatment without worrying about the cost.
“It was Em who came to the table like, ‘I’m going to put Kurupt with my folks and put some money into getting him into a rehab situation where he can sit it down and enjoy himself and be out the way. Nobody know he’s there,'” Kurupt said. “You know these things cost bread, so Em put the cheese up for it.”
He added that Dr. Dre personally relayed Eminem’s message of encouragement.
“‘Tell Kurupt I love him.’ Dr. Dre relayed the message, and then he put me with Em’s folks. That was real special to me. I appreciate both of them so much. He just came out the blue like, ‘Okay, Kurupt going through that. Bam. I’mma do that for him, man. Tell Kurupt get well, we love him.’ That’s deep.”
While Eminem has often kept his charitable efforts out of the spotlight, Kurupt’s story offers another glimpse into the Detroit icon’s loyalty to those he considers family. It also speaks to the lasting brotherhood shared by Dre, Em and Kurupt—artists whose relationships have extended well beyond the recording studio.
For Kurupt, the gesture wasn’t simply about financial assistance. It was a reminder that, even during his darkest moments, he wasn’t fighting alone.
Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s cancer has spread
Former President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden told the BBC on Friday that his father’s cancer is spreading, describing it as “very debilitating” and “painful.”
“It’s really hard,” Hunter Biden told the British broadcaster about his father’s condition in a televised interview. “It’s really sad to watch.”
“I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good. The cancer has spread, it has metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there and he’s still doing his thing,” he added.
His remarks come after former first lady Jill Biden told NBC News in June that Joe Biden would live with cancer forever.
“He’s doing OK,” she told “TODAY” show co-host Craig Melvin. “I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story. And so I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life.”
In May 2025, months after he left office, the former president’s personal office shared that he’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
In September 2025, the Biden family shared that Joe Biden had wrapped up a course of radiation therapy and hormone treatment, though it was unclear whether the former president would require more cancer care.
Last year, Joe Biden’s office also shared that he’d undergone surgery to remove cancerous skin cells.
Speaking to the BBC about his father’s cancer, Hunter Biden was emotional, telling the outlet: “He is our rock. He has been there for each one of us in a way that is hard for me to even possibly articulate and explain.”
In the interview, Hunter Biden also spoke about the pardon he was granted from his father just before he left office, which applied to any crimes committed from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024.
At the time, Hunter Biden was facing federal gun charges and had pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges.
On Friday, Hunter Biden said the pardon was “not fair” but added: “All I know is that I’m grateful that he did it for me.”
“It’s something that is easily criticized, and for good reason,” he said, adding later: “I was the only one in the world that could have gotten what I got from the only person in the world who could give it, my father.”
Previously, on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast, Hunter Biden said that his father’s decision to issue a pardon meant that the former president “chose me over his legacy.”
Former President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden told the BBC on Friday that his father’s cancer is spreading, describing it as “very debilitating” and “painful.”“It’s really hard,” Hunter Biden told the British broadcaster about his father’s condition in a televised interview. “It’s really sad to watch.”
“I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good. The cancer has spread, it has metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there and he’s still doing his thing,” he added.
His remarks come after former first lady Jill Biden told NBC News in June that Joe Biden would live with cancer forever.
“He’s doing OK,” she told “TODAY” show co-host Craig Melvin. “I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story. And so I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life.”
In May 2025, months after he left office, the former president’s personal office shared that he’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
In September 2025, the Biden family shared that Joe Biden had wrapped up a course of radiation therapy and hormone treatment, though it was unclear whether the former president would require more cancer care.
Last year, Joe Biden’s office also shared that he’d undergone surgery to remove cancerous skin cells.
Speaking to the BBC about his father’s cancer, Hunter Biden was emotional, telling the outlet: “He is our rock. He has been there for each one of us in a way that is hard for me to even possibly articulate and explain.”
In the interview, Hunter Biden also spoke about the pardon he was granted from his father just before he left office, which applied to any crimes committed from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024.
At the time, Hunter Biden was facing federal gun charges and had pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges.
On Friday, Hunter Biden said the pardon was “not fair” but added: “All I know is that I’m grateful that he did it for me.”
“It’s something that is easily criticized, and for good reason,” he said, adding later: “I was the only one in the world that could have gotten what I got from the only person in the world who could give it, my father.”
Previously, on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast, Hunter Biden said that his father’s decision to issue a pardon meant that the former president “chose me over his legacy.”
Former Florida governor candidate arrested again in Alabama, tests positive for illegal drug
Andrew Gillum, a former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has been arrested again in Alabama, just over a month after a prior arrest in July.
According to court documents, a judge on Thursday ordered Gillum, 46, to be taken to the Baldwin County Jail after he missed a drug screening and tested positive for methamphetamine in a drug court appearance Thursday.
Prosecutors previously weighed sending Gillum to drug court instead of pursuing criminal prosecution.
The Daphne Police Department arrested Gillum on July 2 and charged him with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana. Police reported that they stopped him for driving erratically near North Main Street in Daphne.
Among the items recovered from Gillum were rolled marijuana cigarettes and three packages of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, according to Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby.
Country star turned Trump official fights Alabama Power to protect Shelby County man’s dream home
According to court documents, a judge on Thursday ordered Gillum, 46, to be taken to the Baldwin County Jail after he missed a drug screening and tested positive for methamphetamine in a drug court appearance Thursday.
Prosecutors previously weighed sending Gillum to drug court instead of pursuing criminal prosecution.
The Daphne Police Department arrested Gillum on July 2 and charged him with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana. Police reported that they stopped him for driving erratically near North Main Street in Daphne.
Among the items recovered from Gillum were rolled marijuana cigarettes and three packages of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, according to Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby.
Country star turned Trump official fights Alabama Power to protect Shelby County man’s dream home
Gillum was released from the Baldwin County Jail on July 3.
Gillum served as mayor of Tallahassee from 2014 to 2018 before running for governor of Florida in 2018. He won the Democratic nomination but lost the general election to Republican Ron DeSantis by fewer than 34,000 votes, triggering an automatic recount.
Gillum will now remain behind bars until the court discharges him and is now scheduled to appear on drug court again on.
Gillum served as mayor of Tallahassee from 2014 to 2018 before running for governor of Florida in 2018. He won the Democratic nomination but lost the general election to Republican Ron DeSantis by fewer than 34,000 votes, triggering an automatic recount.
Gillum will now remain behind bars until the court discharges him and is now scheduled to appear on drug court again on.
#RIPJeddaJones, Beloved ‘Ms. Dupree’ of The Tom Joyner Morning Show Passes Away
Jedda Jones created an iconic character in 'Ms. Dupree' on the influential Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Jones' versatility and authenticity made her a respected performer across film, TV, and stand-up comedy.
Her work helped define an era of Black radio and inspired generations of listeners.
Reach Media
For generations of radio listeners, the unmistakable voice of “Ms. Dupree” was one of the highlights of The Tom Joyner Morning Show. With razor-sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and the ability to make audiences laugh while delivering hard-earned wisdom, actress and comedian Jedda Jones created one of the most beloved recurring characters in syndicated radio history.
Jones, who passed away July 29th, leaves behind a remarkable entertainment legacy that stretched across radio, film, television, and stand-up comedy. While she appeared in several acclaimed Hollywood productions, it was her unforgettable work as Ms. Dupree that cemented her place in Black radio culture and made her a household name among millions of listeners.
Born in 1952, Jones built an impressive acting career that included appearances in films showcasing her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Yet no matter where her acting career took her, audiences always embraced the warmth, authenticity, and humor that became her trademark.
Her greatest impact, however, came through The Tom Joyner Morning Show, one of the most influential syndicated radio programs in Black America. Launched nationally in 1994, the show became a cultural institution that blended music, news, comedy, and conversations that resonated deeply with African American audiences across the country.
Among its unforgettable cast of personalities, Ms. Dupree stood out.
Jones transformed the character into more than just comic relief. Ms. Dupree was outspoken, quick with a comeback, and never afraid to tell it like it was. Whether she was hilariously checking someone in the studio, offering unsolicited advice, or delivering one liners that instantly became fan favorites, she brought an authenticity that made listeners feel like they knew her personally. She embodied the lovable, no nonsense auntie who could make you laugh one moment and leave you reflecting the next.
Her chemistry with Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown, and the rest of the cast helped create many of the show’s most memorable moments. Together, they built a program that entertained while celebrating Black culture, community, and conversation. Jones’ contributions helped make the morning show appointment listening for millions of Americans during its remarkable 25-year run.
Beyond the microphone, Jones remained respected throughout the entertainment industry for her professionalism and longevity. She was also honored by The HistoryMakers, which preserved her life story through an oral history interview recognizing her contributions to African American entertainment.
Although millions knew her best as the unforgettable Ms. Dupree on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Jedda Jones also enjoyed a successful career on the big and small screen. The veteran actress appeared in a number of notable films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including Indecent Proposal, Bulworth, Shattered, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, and the Academy Award-winning biopic Ray. Her television résumé was equally impressive, with guest appearances on popular series such as Martin, Moesha, The Parent ’Hood, ER, and The Jamie Foxx Show. Whether portraying a comedic scene stealer or a memorable supporting character, Jones brought warmth, authenticity, and impeccable timing to every role. Her ability to seamlessly transition between film, television, stand-up comedy, and radio showcased a rare versatility that earned her the respect of audiences and fellow entertainers alike.
As news of her passing spreads, countless listeners are remembering not just a talented performer, but a voice that became part of their daily routine for decades. Her work helped define an era of Black radio, and her performances continue to live on through fans who grew up with The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Jedda Jones created an iconic character in 'Ms. Dupree' on the influential Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Jones' versatility and authenticity made her a respected performer across film, TV, and stand-up comedy.
Her work helped define an era of Black radio and inspired generations of listeners.
Reach Media
For generations of radio listeners, the unmistakable voice of “Ms. Dupree” was one of the highlights of The Tom Joyner Morning Show. With razor-sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and the ability to make audiences laugh while delivering hard-earned wisdom, actress and comedian Jedda Jones created one of the most beloved recurring characters in syndicated radio history.
Jones, who passed away July 29th, leaves behind a remarkable entertainment legacy that stretched across radio, film, television, and stand-up comedy. While she appeared in several acclaimed Hollywood productions, it was her unforgettable work as Ms. Dupree that cemented her place in Black radio culture and made her a household name among millions of listeners.
Born in 1952, Jones built an impressive acting career that included appearances in films showcasing her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Yet no matter where her acting career took her, audiences always embraced the warmth, authenticity, and humor that became her trademark.
Her greatest impact, however, came through The Tom Joyner Morning Show, one of the most influential syndicated radio programs in Black America. Launched nationally in 1994, the show became a cultural institution that blended music, news, comedy, and conversations that resonated deeply with African American audiences across the country.
Among its unforgettable cast of personalities, Ms. Dupree stood out.
Jones transformed the character into more than just comic relief. Ms. Dupree was outspoken, quick with a comeback, and never afraid to tell it like it was. Whether she was hilariously checking someone in the studio, offering unsolicited advice, or delivering one liners that instantly became fan favorites, she brought an authenticity that made listeners feel like they knew her personally. She embodied the lovable, no nonsense auntie who could make you laugh one moment and leave you reflecting the next.
Her chemistry with Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes, J. Anthony Brown, and the rest of the cast helped create many of the show’s most memorable moments. Together, they built a program that entertained while celebrating Black culture, community, and conversation. Jones’ contributions helped make the morning show appointment listening for millions of Americans during its remarkable 25-year run.
Beyond the microphone, Jones remained respected throughout the entertainment industry for her professionalism and longevity. She was also honored by The HistoryMakers, which preserved her life story through an oral history interview recognizing her contributions to African American entertainment.
Although millions knew her best as the unforgettable Ms. Dupree on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Jedda Jones also enjoyed a successful career on the big and small screen. The veteran actress appeared in a number of notable films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including Indecent Proposal, Bulworth, Shattered, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, and the Academy Award-winning biopic Ray. Her television résumé was equally impressive, with guest appearances on popular series such as Martin, Moesha, The Parent ’Hood, ER, and The Jamie Foxx Show. Whether portraying a comedic scene stealer or a memorable supporting character, Jones brought warmth, authenticity, and impeccable timing to every role. Her ability to seamlessly transition between film, television, stand-up comedy, and radio showcased a rare versatility that earned her the respect of audiences and fellow entertainers alike.
As news of her passing spreads, countless listeners are remembering not just a talented performer, but a voice that became part of their daily routine for decades. Her work helped define an era of Black radio, and her performances continue to live on through fans who grew up with The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Toni Braxton Addresses Reported $600K IRS Tax Debt
The clarification comes after public records indicated the “Un-Break My Heart” vocalist owed nearly $600,000 to the Internal Revenue Service spanning the last three fiscal years.
According to documents first reported by TMZ, the IRS issued a federal tax lien against Braxton on June 22. The filing alleged that the singer had an unpaid balance of approximately $598,000. The total was reportedly broken down into several specific increments: $69,390 for the 2022 tax year, $278,876 for 2023, and a further $250,358 for the 2024 period. Despite the emergence of these documents, a spokesperson for Braxton said the matter has been entirely resolved.
The representative confirmed to media outlets that the bill has been paid, effectively ending the dispute with the federal government. The prompt resolution suggests the singer took swift action to settle her accounts once the discrepancies were identified. This recent financial headline inevitably draws comparisons to Braxton’s widely publicized past struggles with money management. The 58-year-old performer has famously filed for bankruptcy on two separate occasions during her decades-long career. Her first filing occurred in 1998, which she attributed to a disadvantageous contract with her record label, Arista/LaFace.
Braxton sought bankruptcy protection for a second time in 2010, citing health issues and the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency as primary factors for her financial distress. That specific case took five years to navigate, eventually closing in 2015. Since then, the singer has focused on her health, television appearances on “Braxton Family Values,” and new music ventures.
Neither Braxton nor her management team has provided additional details regarding the cause of the recent tax oversight. The singer has remained active in the industry, maintaining a high public profile that often makes her personal finances a subject of intense media scrutiny. Legal experts note that tax liens are public records used by the government to secure its interest in a person’s property when a tax debt remains unpaid.
However, once a taxpayer satisfies the amount owed, the IRS typically issues a Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien within 30 days of payment. With the debt now reportedly cleared, Braxton appears to have avoided the prolonged legal battles that defined her earlier financial history.
‘Martin’ Spinoff The ‘Varnell Hill Show’ Sets September Premiere Date
The iconic comedy world of “Martin” is returning to the small screen this fall as the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Varnell Hill Show,” officially secured its streaming release date.
The new comedy series will premiere on Paramount+ beginning Sept. 1, bringing back one of the original show’s most memorable characters nearly 30 years after his first appearance. Comedian Tommy Davidson will reprise his role as the titular Varnell Hill, a flamboyant and ultra-confident entertainer who first rose to fame as Martin Payne’s late-night talk show rival.
The new series consists of eight episodes that pull back the curtain on Hill’s fictional talk show. The plot follows the aging star as he struggles to maintain his status in the modern media landscape while dealing with a chaotic writers’ room, demanding network executives and his own massive ego. Fans of the original 1990s sitcom can expect two episodes to drop on the premiere date, followed by a weekly rollout every Tuesday through Oct. 13.
Martin Lawrence, who starred in the original series, serves as an executive producer and is confirmed to make a guest appearance. The production has assembled a robust cast of comedic veterans to support Davidson. Kym Whitley and Wendy Raquel Robinson are set to star alongside Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams.
Producers said the show will also feature a heavy rotation of celebrity guest stars throughout its debut season, including Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Omarion, Ms. Pat and Damon Wayans. The revival of the Varnell Hill character marks a significant expansion of the “Martin” universe, which has remained a cultural staple through decades of syndication. Producers said the spinoff provides a unique opportunity to explore the high-stakes world of late-night television through the lens of one of television’s most eccentric side characters.
The iconic comedy world of “Martin” is returning to the small screen this fall as the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Varnell Hill Show,” officially secured its streaming release date.
The new comedy series will premiere on Paramount+ beginning Sept. 1, bringing back one of the original show’s most memorable characters nearly 30 years after his first appearance. Comedian Tommy Davidson will reprise his role as the titular Varnell Hill, a flamboyant and ultra-confident entertainer who first rose to fame as Martin Payne’s late-night talk show rival.
The new series consists of eight episodes that pull back the curtain on Hill’s fictional talk show. The plot follows the aging star as he struggles to maintain his status in the modern media landscape while dealing with a chaotic writers’ room, demanding network executives and his own massive ego. Fans of the original 1990s sitcom can expect two episodes to drop on the premiere date, followed by a weekly rollout every Tuesday through Oct. 13.
Martin Lawrence, who starred in the original series, serves as an executive producer and is confirmed to make a guest appearance. The production has assembled a robust cast of comedic veterans to support Davidson. Kym Whitley and Wendy Raquel Robinson are set to star alongside Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams.
Producers said the show will also feature a heavy rotation of celebrity guest stars throughout its debut season, including Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Omarion, Ms. Pat and Damon Wayans. The revival of the Varnell Hill character marks a significant expansion of the “Martin” universe, which has remained a cultural staple through decades of syndication. Producers said the spinoff provides a unique opportunity to explore the high-stakes world of late-night television through the lens of one of television’s most eccentric side characters.
Madonna Breaks Silence on the Death of William Orbit, Her ‘Ray of Light’ Producer
Madonna is sharing a beautiful tribute. The 67-year-old Queen of Pop spoke out on Saturday (August 8) following the sad news of William Orbit‘s passing, the English producer responsible for co-creating her critically acclaimed album Ray of Light, among other collaborations together over the years.
“Goodbye- William Orbit,” she began.
“I had an epiphany when I met you and started working with you. I realized that music did not have to fit into categories or genres. So we created our own. You pressed a magic button inside of me and I fell into a galaxy of unrealized dreams. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on and I visited many places. Sad and Joyful,” she continued.
“I sang in ways I’d never sung before. I used words without caring if they made sense or not. In many ways you were my Ray of Light -as was my daughter Lola who was born around this time,” Madonna wrote.
I was starting a new chapter, I was choosing another road to walk down-and you were right by my side with your crooked teeth and your genius, way of hearing music. The studio was often church like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them………..” she added.
I miss those days. Only you could inspire me to write a song like Drowned World or Swim. You were so otherworldly. So singular. The years passed and I moved on to make music with other people, but I have never forgotten you or the magical time we spent together.”
Goodbye Billy Bubbles. I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you,” she concluded.
William worked with Madonna to create Ray of Light, as well as reuniting to work on Music, “Beautiful Stranger,” and later, her 2012 album MDNA.
His family issued a statement confirming his death one day before. RIP.
“Goodbye- William Orbit,” she began.
“I had an epiphany when I met you and started working with you. I realized that music did not have to fit into categories or genres. So we created our own. You pressed a magic button inside of me and I fell into a galaxy of unrealized dreams. Your music gave me a magic carpet to fly on and I visited many places. Sad and Joyful,” she continued.
“I sang in ways I’d never sung before. I used words without caring if they made sense or not. In many ways you were my Ray of Light -as was my daughter Lola who was born around this time,” Madonna wrote.
I was starting a new chapter, I was choosing another road to walk down-and you were right by my side with your crooked teeth and your genius, way of hearing music. The studio was often church like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them………..” she added.
I miss those days. Only you could inspire me to write a song like Drowned World or Swim. You were so otherworldly. So singular. The years passed and I moved on to make music with other people, but I have never forgotten you or the magical time we spent together.”
Goodbye Billy Bubbles. I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you,” she concluded.
William worked with Madonna to create Ray of Light, as well as reuniting to work on Music, “Beautiful Stranger,” and later, her 2012 album MDNA.
His family issued a statement confirming his death one day before. RIP.
‘Michael 2′ Filming Is Expected To Begin In Early 2027
Filming for “Michael 2” is expected to begin near the end of 2026 or in early 2027, giving fans a clearer timeline for Lionsgate’s planned sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson said the studio is “targeting a production start towards the end of this year or early next.” As for its debut, he added, “I think that end of calendar ’27 and the first half of calendar ’28 would be the current thought of roughly where the movie would go.”
Fogelson cautioned, “we’re not ready to announce everything at the moment.”
The sequel could move faster because Lionsgate has footage from the first production.
“We do have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated, but we are mostly focused right now on how to make sure we can deliver, at the right price, the biggest, best sequel,” he said.
The first film was delayed from November 2025 to April 2026 following reshoots. Fogelson said “Michael” will have “a long tail” and added, “There’s nothing unusual as far as profit being shared among participants.”
Filming for “Michael 2” is expected to begin near the end of 2026 or in early 2027, giving fans a clearer timeline for Lionsgate’s planned sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson said the studio is “targeting a production start towards the end of this year or early next.” As for its debut, he added, “I think that end of calendar ’27 and the first half of calendar ’28 would be the current thought of roughly where the movie would go.”
Fogelson cautioned, “we’re not ready to announce everything at the moment.”
The sequel could move faster because Lionsgate has footage from the first production.
“We do have a number of sequences, particularly some big musical sequences, that were shot previously, that are almost sure to be incorporated, but we are mostly focused right now on how to make sure we can deliver, at the right price, the biggest, best sequel,” he said.
The first film was delayed from November 2025 to April 2026 following reshoots. Fogelson said “Michael” will have “a long tail” and added, “There’s nothing unusual as far as profit being shared among participants.”
Savannah James Hermès Incident Leads to Store Employee Being Fired
Savannah James says a Hermès saleswoman in Milan refused to honor her and April McDaniel’s pre-booked shopping appointment, prompting McDaniel to escalate the issue until the employee was fired.
Hermès staff then moved the pair to a private room with champagne, macarons, and an array of luxury items, while a separate stop at a Chanel boutique in France saw a sales associate repeatedly tell Savannah not to touch a miniature bag that had no "do not touch" signage.
Savannah James, wife of LeBron James, was given discouraging service at a Hermès location in Italy that resulted in an employee being fired.
Mrs. James and her close friend and podcast co-host April McDaniel recounted the incident on the Friday (August 7) episode of Danielle Robay's podcast Question Everything.
Around the 52-minute mark of the video below, McDaniel said they had personally arranged Hermès shopping appointments during a European trip. Upon their arrival to a store in Milan, the women were allegedly mistreated by an employee.
McDaniel recalled not hesitating to step in for her longtime friend. "And fired a lady. I said, 'We’ll be back for you. I’ll be right back. Baby you caught the wrong one today,'" she told the salesperson, describing Savannah as "very nice" unlike herself.
Staffers eventually resolved the situation by inviting Savannah and McDaniel to a private showing where champagne and macarons were served. "They brought out everything," Savannah said.
During a separate incident at a Chanel boutique in France, a sales associate told Savannah not to touch a miniature bag on the floor, although McDaniel didn’t notice signage that indicated the piece was off-limits.
"Typically when it's like a exclusive situation, it'll say, don't touch," Savannah said. "I can read. Very much so. And I can see very clearly. And there was nothing that said, don't touch. And I'm in a merchandise store. That man said, 'Don’t touch.'"
For years, Hermès has been accused of racial profiling, from turning away billionaire entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey in 2005, to a January investigative story alleging that the brand withholds access to their merchandise depending on customers' addresses and purchase histories among other factors.
Hermès staff then moved the pair to a private room with champagne, macarons, and an array of luxury items, while a separate stop at a Chanel boutique in France saw a sales associate repeatedly tell Savannah not to touch a miniature bag that had no "do not touch" signage.
Savannah James, wife of LeBron James, was given discouraging service at a Hermès location in Italy that resulted in an employee being fired.
Mrs. James and her close friend and podcast co-host April McDaniel recounted the incident on the Friday (August 7) episode of Danielle Robay's podcast Question Everything.
Around the 52-minute mark of the video below, McDaniel said they had personally arranged Hermès shopping appointments during a European trip. Upon their arrival to a store in Milan, the women were allegedly mistreated by an employee.
McDaniel recalled not hesitating to step in for her longtime friend. "And fired a lady. I said, 'We’ll be back for you. I’ll be right back. Baby you caught the wrong one today,'" she told the salesperson, describing Savannah as "very nice" unlike herself.
Staffers eventually resolved the situation by inviting Savannah and McDaniel to a private showing where champagne and macarons were served. "They brought out everything," Savannah said.
During a separate incident at a Chanel boutique in France, a sales associate told Savannah not to touch a miniature bag on the floor, although McDaniel didn’t notice signage that indicated the piece was off-limits.
"Typically when it's like a exclusive situation, it'll say, don't touch," Savannah said. "I can read. Very much so. And I can see very clearly. And there was nothing that said, don't touch. And I'm in a merchandise store. That man said, 'Don’t touch.'"
For years, Hermès has been accused of racial profiling, from turning away billionaire entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey in 2005, to a January investigative story alleging that the brand withholds access to their merchandise depending on customers' addresses and purchase histories among other factors.
Michael B. Jordan & Raye Spend the Day Together at Six Flags
Michael B. Jordan and Raye are hanging out! On Friday (August 7), he 39-year-old Oscar-winning actor and the 28-year-old “Where Is My Husband!” singer spent the day riding roller coasters together at Six Flags Magic Mountain, just outside of Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael wore beige overalls, a white T-shirt, and a baseball hat while Raye opted for an all black look as they were seen in a photo on X chatting on a ride as they waited for the coaster to begin moving.
Then in a TikTok posted by a fan, Michael and Raye were seen talking as they were loaded onto another ride.
In an interview GQ published back in February 2025, Michael said he was too focused on his career to have a girlfriend.
“I’m not tripping over it,” the Sinners actor said. “I’m so work focused.”
“I would want somebody to fit into the flow of my life, of where I am,” he explained. “And that’s timing, right? You can meet the right person, and be at the wrong time, and it just doesn’t work out.”
Michael B. Jordan and Raye are hanging out! On Friday (August 7), he 39-year-old Oscar-winning actor and the 28-year-old “Where Is My Husband!” singer spent the day riding roller coasters together at Six Flags Magic Mountain, just outside of Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael wore beige overalls, a white T-shirt, and a baseball hat while Raye opted for an all black look as they were seen in a photo on X chatting on a ride as they waited for the coaster to begin moving.
Then in a TikTok posted by a fan, Michael and Raye were seen talking as they were loaded onto another ride.
In an interview GQ published back in February 2025, Michael said he was too focused on his career to have a girlfriend.
“I’m not tripping over it,” the Sinners actor said. “I’m so work focused.”
“I would want somebody to fit into the flow of my life, of where I am,” he explained. “And that’s timing, right? You can meet the right person, and be at the wrong time, and it just doesn’t work out.”
New Mexico court orders Meta to pay $567 million over mental health harms to kids online
A New Mexico court has ordered Instagram and Facebook parent company Meta to pay $567 million to address harms to young people from its platforms in the second phase of a landmark trial.
Judge Bryan Biedscheid said in a ruling late Thursday that the bulk of the money — $420 million — will be used for treatment services for young people. The rest will go toward awareness and prevention, screening services and other costs over the next five years.
The new penalty is in addition to the $375 million in civil penalties that jurors ordered against Meta in March after determining the company knowingly harmed children's mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms. In the second phase, prosecutors asked the judge to impose fundamental changes at Meta aimed at reining in addictive features, improving age verification and preventing child sexual exploitation through default privacy settings and closer oversight.
The total amount Meta is responsible for — $942 million — is a small fraction of of its annual profit, which was about $60 billion in 2025. Investors seemed to shrug off the New Mexico ruling in after-hours trading Thursday, sending Meta's stock down less than half a percent to $589.44.
Still, the ruling is another setback for Meta, which faces an avalanche of lawsuits from thousands of families of children harmed by social media.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said it sends an unmistakable message that companies will be held accountable when their product designs knowingly put children at risk.
"Today's decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online," he said in a statement.
Meta vowed to appeal. "We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and have been transparent about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors and harmful content," the company said in a statement. "We remain confident in our record of protecting teens online and will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts."
The judge ordered Facebook and Instagram to build banner and informational screens to clearly explain its protection features, best practices and tools to address inappropriate comment, for example, and display them regularly. Those changes and an educational campaign in New Mexico would be subject to review by the state.
The court said federal children's privacy laws prevent Meta from applying age-verification tools to children under 13. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, means it cannot order Meta to request children to submit personal data or be passively tracked online, even for age verification purposes.
The court also noted that ordering verification of children's ages only for Meta and not other social media companies would be "inequitable and unduly injurious" to the company.
Instead, the court ordered Meta to continue to improve its age assurance tools in New Mexico, which include using artificial intelligence to determine people's age based on signals such as who their friends are and what types of content they post and consume. Meta must also attempt to develop a dedicated "under-13-years-of-age prediction model" in the next two years.
Additionally, Meta should also request proof of age for Instagram and Facebook users in New Mexico it estimates to be under 13. If it determines a user to be under 13, or under 18 but without being able to estimate a specific age, Meta must treat the user as under 13 or under 18 until the user verifies their age.
The company must also partner with schools or a child safety organization to create a reporting portal where school staff can flag users who may be under 13. And it must delete personal information it has collected on users under 13. The court also ordered Meta to report on its progress twice a year on how it's complying with the abatement measures.
Meta is also gearing up for a trial later this month in federal court in Oakland, California. Here, Meta will face the first four of 29 states that sued it in a federal multi-district lawsuit filed in 2023 for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.
Eight states, including Tennessee, where a trial is currently ongoing, filed lawsuits in their own state courts.
And late last month, Meta, along with TikTok, Snap and Google's YouTube, were sued by the families of four teenagers who died by suicide over what they describe as "years of escalating harms" from using their platforms that eventually resulted in their deaths.
What comes out of New Mexico is the first of many dominoes that will fall for Meta, said Laura Edelson, an assistant professor at Northeastern University focusing on social media and cybersecurity.
"America is not going to pass a law that bans social media," Edelson said. "But if companies like Meta know they're causing harm to users by product design, the states are finally finding a way to rein this in."
Judge Bryan Biedscheid said in a ruling late Thursday that the bulk of the money — $420 million — will be used for treatment services for young people. The rest will go toward awareness and prevention, screening services and other costs over the next five years.
The new penalty is in addition to the $375 million in civil penalties that jurors ordered against Meta in March after determining the company knowingly harmed children's mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms. In the second phase, prosecutors asked the judge to impose fundamental changes at Meta aimed at reining in addictive features, improving age verification and preventing child sexual exploitation through default privacy settings and closer oversight.
The total amount Meta is responsible for — $942 million — is a small fraction of of its annual profit, which was about $60 billion in 2025. Investors seemed to shrug off the New Mexico ruling in after-hours trading Thursday, sending Meta's stock down less than half a percent to $589.44.
Still, the ruling is another setback for Meta, which faces an avalanche of lawsuits from thousands of families of children harmed by social media.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said it sends an unmistakable message that companies will be held accountable when their product designs knowingly put children at risk.
"Today's decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online," he said in a statement.
Meta vowed to appeal. "We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and have been transparent about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors and harmful content," the company said in a statement. "We remain confident in our record of protecting teens online and will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts."
The judge ordered Facebook and Instagram to build banner and informational screens to clearly explain its protection features, best practices and tools to address inappropriate comment, for example, and display them regularly. Those changes and an educational campaign in New Mexico would be subject to review by the state.
The court said federal children's privacy laws prevent Meta from applying age-verification tools to children under 13. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, means it cannot order Meta to request children to submit personal data or be passively tracked online, even for age verification purposes.
The court also noted that ordering verification of children's ages only for Meta and not other social media companies would be "inequitable and unduly injurious" to the company.
Instead, the court ordered Meta to continue to improve its age assurance tools in New Mexico, which include using artificial intelligence to determine people's age based on signals such as who their friends are and what types of content they post and consume. Meta must also attempt to develop a dedicated "under-13-years-of-age prediction model" in the next two years.
Additionally, Meta should also request proof of age for Instagram and Facebook users in New Mexico it estimates to be under 13. If it determines a user to be under 13, or under 18 but without being able to estimate a specific age, Meta must treat the user as under 13 or under 18 until the user verifies their age.
The company must also partner with schools or a child safety organization to create a reporting portal where school staff can flag users who may be under 13. And it must delete personal information it has collected on users under 13. The court also ordered Meta to report on its progress twice a year on how it's complying with the abatement measures.
Meta is also gearing up for a trial later this month in federal court in Oakland, California. Here, Meta will face the first four of 29 states that sued it in a federal multi-district lawsuit filed in 2023 for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.
Eight states, including Tennessee, where a trial is currently ongoing, filed lawsuits in their own state courts.
And late last month, Meta, along with TikTok, Snap and Google's YouTube, were sued by the families of four teenagers who died by suicide over what they describe as "years of escalating harms" from using their platforms that eventually resulted in their deaths.
What comes out of New Mexico is the first of many dominoes that will fall for Meta, said Laura Edelson, an assistant professor at Northeastern University focusing on social media and cybersecurity.
"America is not going to pass a law that bans social media," Edelson said. "But if companies like Meta know they're causing harm to users by product design, the states are finally finding a way to rein this in."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Bread twuck
Hog feed
Hog feed
AND NOW Meet: Savino
It's Savino! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
It's Savino! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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