The Daily Buzz For March 19 ☕📰☕

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Solange Knowles for Office Magazine - Spring/Summer 2019

Cute!

#RHOA: LOL! Kandi Burruss Responds to NeNe Leakes Unfollowing Her!

"No offense, but it's not like I have a lack of great followers," Kandi tells Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens Live."

Kandi Burruss is as sassy and unbothered as they come, especially when it comes to a castmate unfollowing her on Instagram.

It was recently revealed that NeNe Leakes unfollowed all of her "Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-stars -- except for Shamari DeVoe -- following what Andy Cohen described as a brutal reunion taping, and Kandi's completely indifferent about it. Or is she?

WATCH

"We don't care!" she told Andy on Sunday's "Watch What Happens Live." "We don't care. It's not like -- no offense, but it's not like I have a lack of great followers. Like, I love all the people who do follow me. I appreciate you. I got love for you. And for the one who decided to unfollow, I don't care."

#Empire: Taraji P. Henson says the set is doing fine amid Jussie Smollett drama

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty in a Chicago courtroom Thursday to 16 charges stemming from an alleged hate crime hoax.

Taraji P. Henson isn't stressing over "Empire" co-star Jussie Smollett's legal woes.

The actress opened up — but only slightly — about life on the set of the hip-hop themed hit since Smollett was first exposed as allegedly staging his own hate attack.

"It's a great atmosphere," Henson, 48, told Entertainment Tonight on Sunday.

She quickly pivoted the conversation to be about the content of the show, rather than the controversy surrounding her colleague.

"Cookie's on a really emotional roller coaster this year," Henson said of her fan-favorite character, Cookie Lyon. "She's finding herself."

Henson and Smollett's "Empire" co-star Serayah McNeill previously admitted, however, that the scandal has had an impact on the rest of the cast.

“I think it definitely has an effect on everyone,” McNeill told Us Weekly. “Right now, everyone is fine and everyone is finishing up the season and being professional about it,” she told the magazine. “Everyone is acting very professionally, we all love this show and we have a job to do.”

Smollett's co-star and onscreen father, Terrence Howard, voiced support for the troubled actor-singer.

"Empire" producers and showrunners previously stated that Smollett would be cut from the remainder of Season 5.

#MusicNews: Janet Jackson to Headline Glastonbury Festival 2019

An icon’s work is never done. After announcing her Las Vegas residency last month, global superstar Janet Jackson has now been invited to headline Glastonbury 2019 this summer in the U.K.

The five-day festival will see Jackson blaze the stage on its closing night. Other artists set to perform include Janelle Monáe, Jorja Smith, Lizzo, Wu-Tang Clan, The Killers, The Cure, Miley Cyrus and many more.

Glastonbury Festival 2019 will take place near Pilton, Somerset, England on June 26-30. Tickets for the series of shows have already sold out, however, fans can try their luck at general admission resales on April 28.

Prior to Glastonbury and her Metamorphosis Vegas residency, Jackson will be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Janelle Monáe will present the long overdue honor to the legendary artist on March 29 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

See the complete Glastonbury 2019 lineup below.

Glastonbury 2019 Performers

Glastonbury 2019 Performers
The Killers
The Cure
Stormzy
Kylie
Janet Jackson
George Ezra
Liam Gallagher
Miley Cyrus
Tame Impala
The Chemical Brothers
Vampire Weekend
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Janelle Monáe
Christine And The Queens
Two Door Cinema Club
Jorja Smith
Bastille
Hozier
Sigrid
Snow Patrol
Cat Power
Wu-Tang Clan
Anne-Marie
Years & Years
Billie Eilish
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Hot Chip
Stefflon Don
Jon Hopkins
Santigold
The Streets
Lizzo
Kamasi Washington
IDLES
Rosalía
Johnny Marr
Diplo
Mavis Staples
Rex Orange County
Little Simz
Michael Kiwanuka
Kate Tempest
Loyle Carner
King Princess
Jungle
Neneh Cherry
Kurt Vile & The Violators
The Comet Is Coming
Interpol
Pale Waves
Friendly Fires
Sharon Van Etten
Pond
Sons Of Kemet
Aurora
Fat White Family
Sheryl Crow
Maribou State
Fatoumata Diawara
Bugzy Malone
Low
Sam Fender
This Is The Kit
BCUC
Shura
Slowthai

#HipHopNews: DMX Leads Prayer At Kanye West's Sunday Service

Kanye West’s latest Sunday Service featured a special guest. DMX stopped by Yeezy’s weekly event on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and ended up saying one of his signature prayers for those in attendance.

All of DMX’s albums famously include prayers, so it was a fitting moment for the veteran MC. Kim Kardashian West captured video of his prayer and shared it via Twitter. DMX and his manager also posted some photos from the event on Instagram.

WATCH HERE

The Sunday Service cameo continued DMX’s comeback run, which has been in full swing since his release from prison in January.

The multi-platinum selling artist recently began a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot and just performed at the 2019 South By Southwest Festival.

DMX will perform at more festivals in the coming months, including Soundset and Rolling Loud.

Aretha Franklin’s estate READS Wendy Williams for “inaccurate and disparaging statements” about her upcoming film ‘Amazing Grace’

Aretha Franklin’s estate is demanding “respect” from Wendy Williams, after the talk show host criticized Amazing Grace, the upcoming concert film starring The Queen of Soul.

In a long statement, the estate says Williams made “inaccurate and disparaging statements” about the 1972 concert film, according to the Detroit Free Press.  

On Friday, Williams call the movie “a one-camera shot,” and questioned the competence of the estate. “When you don’t have real professional people doing real professional things for you,” she commented, “sometimes you lose out.”

The estate responded that her remarks “indicate that she has neither seen the documentary nor understands its import or intent.”

The statement continued, “By showing a brief clip out of context and mocking its quality on her show, Williams inaccurately represented Ms. Franklin and the movie to her audience.”

The film’s release was delayed for years after Aretha obtained two court injunctions to stop the release, claiming she had not licensed the use of her likeness. Following her death on August 16, 2018, the estate and producer Alan Elliott reached an agreement to final release the film, according to Variety.

Regarding Franklin stopping the release of the film, the estate says, “Her objections had nothing to do with its quality; negotiations were incomplete at the time of her death.”

The statement concludes, “At a time when the media is fighting a battle against ‘fake news,’ Williams’ continues to perpetuate false facts, and her commentary was irresponsible.”

The film features music from Aretha’s 1972 live double-platinum Amazing Grace album, which won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance. Amazing Grace will debut in theaters April 19.

Dutch shooting: Utrecht police arrest suspect Gokmen Tanis after three people killed!

A man has been arrested following a shooting on a tram in the Dutch city of Utrecht which left three people dead, police say.

Five others were injured in the incident, and authorities say the attacker's motive remains unclear.

Gokmen Tanis, a 37-year-old Turkish man, was detained several hours after the attack. It is not yet clear where he was arrested.

The incident sparked a city-wide manhunt and the closure of schools.

At about 10:45 local time (09:45 GMT), police were called to reports of a shooting on board one of the city's trams at the 24 Oktoberplein junction.

One witness told local media that "a man started shooting wildly".

Several of the injured are in a critical condition.

Another witness told Dutch public broadcaster NOS that he had helped an injured woman when the tram came to an emergency stop.

"I looked behind me and saw someone lying there behind the tram," he said. "People got out of their cars... and they started to lift her up.

"I helped to pull her out and then I saw a gunman run towards us, with his gun raised," he said. "I heard people yell 'Shooter! Shooter!' and I started to run."

The gunman then fled the scene, leading to the manhunt which lasted for much of Monday.

Schools were closed and security was increased at airports and mosques while counter-terrorism police worked to locate the suspect.

A photograph of him was posted on social media by police, who warned people against approaching him.

A number of raids were reportedly carried out and counter-terrorism officers were pictured surrounding a building and patrolling the streets near to where the attack happened.

Police said the shooting appeared to be a terrorist incident but, at a press conference on Monday evening, a prosecutor said it could have been motivated by "family reasons".

Mr Tanis was known to Dutch police, the prosecutor added.

A local businessman told BBC Turkish that Gokmen Tanis had previously fought in Russia's republic of Chechnya.

Jihadist groups, including those aligned with the Islamic State (IS) group, have long operated in the region.

"He was arrested because of his connections with [IS] but released later," the businessman told the BBC.

The threat level was temporarily raised to its highest point in the province of Utrecht

What's the reaction been?

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the country had been "jolted by an attack", which he described as "deeply disturbing".

"There are many questions and rumours," he said. "It is unclear what the motives are behind this attack."

Leaders from around the world, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, offered their condolences.

Meanwhile, the threat level in Utrecht has been reduced following the arrest. It was earlier raised to its highest point and paramilitary police were posted to airports and mosques.

Police surrounded a house earlier on Monday

Utrecht University closed all its buildings and trains were not allowed to run into the city's central station. Some public transport services have now reopened.

Utrecht, the Netherlands' fourth largest city, has a population of about 340,000.

Crime levels are low and gun killings are rare, which is the case for much of the country.

Anders Holm, Tika Sumpter, Arica Himmel & Gary Cole and more have been Announced For Potential ‘Black-ish’ Spinoff Centered On Tracee Ellis Ross’s Character ‘Rainbow’ 

ABC’s hit comedy Black-ish, now in its fifth season, just might be gearing up to produce yet another spinoff of the popular family show.

It was previously reported that a potential spinoff was being centered around the character of Rainbow, played by Golden Globe award winner Tracee Ellis Ross. Well, now the cast has officially been announced for the spinoff’s pilot—meaning it’s one step closer to reality.

After the success of the Black-ish spinoff Grown-ish, which follows actress Yara Shahidi’s character as she navigates through college life, the executives of the family comedy are looking to potentially strike gold twice courtesy of a second spinoff. This one would be solely focused on family matriarch Rainbow and her interracial upbringing as a teen in the 80s/90s.

According to reports, the backdoor pilot for the potential spinoff has finally found its cast, in an episode that is set to air sometime before the end of the current fifth season.

The cast includes Tika Sumpter, who will play Rainbow’s mother Alicia, Anders Holm, will play Rainbow’s father Paul and young actress Arica Himmel is set to play teenage Rainbow.

Rounding out the cast, includes, Gary Cole as Harrison, Rainbow’s grandfather, Christina Anthony as Denise, Rainbow’s aunt, Ethan William Childress as Johan and Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica. Based on how well-received the backdoor pilot is, coupled with ABC’s upcoming 2019-2020 roster, the spinoff could be officially picked up to series.

What do you think about another Black-ish spinoff?

#RHOP: They’re BACK! The Real Housewives Of Potomac Returns May 5

The ladies of Potomac are going through it on Bravo Media's hit "The Real Housewives of Potomac," returning Sunday, May 5 at 9pm ET/PTwith Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Monique Samuels, and Candiace Dillard Bassett. Katie Rost also returns as a friend. Beginning Sunday, May 19, the series moves to its permanent timeslot at 8pm ET/PT. Babies, wig shifting, silent judging, and scandals rule as the women try to pick up the pieces.

This season, lies are UNCOVERED and relationships are strained, but love always finds a way. Ashley and Michael have healed from their loss and are ready to work on expanding their family, but the word on the street in Potomac is that Michael has to deal with some serious allegations. Meanwhile, Monique is ready to deliver her new bundle of joy and focus on her entrepreneurial endeavors, but her husband Chris is not ready to say good-bye to his baby-making days. Karen and Ray are pushing through their troubles, while still watching everyone else with a side eye, as Karen launches one of her biggest ventures. Gizelle has a tale she wants to tell with her upcoming book launch, and she is also working on mending her friendships and revitalizing her love life. Meanwhile, love is blooming in Potomac as Candiace and Chris are knee deep in wedding planning. However, Candiace's mother, Dorothy, has an opinion on everything, making one wonder who is actually in control. Robyn and Juan have found their groove finding their way back to each other as Robyn also works on her property investment goals. With all the trials and tribulations ahead, will these ladies be able to keep it cute and classy?

"The Real Housewives of Potomac" is produced by Truly Original with Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh, Lauren Eskelin, Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, Thomas Kelly, and Kemar Bassaragh serving as Executive Producers. Yessica Garcia serves as Co-Executive Producer. Andy Cohen also serves as an Executive Producer.

Beyoncé Fights To Keep Text Convos With Jay Z & Mama Tina 

Beyoncé is determined to trademark her daughter's name, Blue Ivy Carter, but a wedding planner won't let her be great.

According to The Blast, Veronica Morales - the wedding planner - wants Mrs. Carter to hand over all communication, which includes text messages with her husband Jay Z and mother Tina Lawson and any record of conversations between them about the trademark.

Morales doesn't believe Bey ever planned on using the trademark, so she wants her turn over any evidence and samples of her intent to use the name. But, Mrs. Carter isn't turning over anything. She refused to turn over the records and has demanded a protective order be entered to prohibit Morales or her team from leaking the confidential information.

The site reports: Morales is also seeking all communications with Jay-Z relating to their 2016 trademark application, any communications of her or Jay-Z knowing about “Blue Ivy” before their daughter was born in February 2012, and any records of convos with Bey and her mother about the mark.

Beyoncé has thus far refused to hand over the documents and is demanding a protective order be entered which would prohibit Morales or her legal team from leaking the confidential information.

Blue Ivy was born January 7, 2012. In October 2012 it was reported the Carters' application for the "Blue Ivy" trademark was placed on hold by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since the office granted "Blue Ivy" trademark rights to the Boston wedding planner.

In February 2017, Bey filed to lock down the "Blue Ivy Carter" trademark to be sure she had the exclusive use of her daughter's name. Morales filed to oppose the application, demanding the "Love On Top" singer not be allowed to trademark the name.

Morales’ company had been around three years before Beyoncé’s daughter was born. She pointed out in her opposition that Jay-Z even spoke to Vanity Fair admitting they had no intention of using the Blue Ivy mark to sell products but wanted to prevent others from profiting.

The battle has been going on over a year and turned particularly nasty last year with Beyoncé accusing Morales of offering to sell her company for $10 million to the singer. Morales denied the allegations.

Man these text messages leak...............

Justin Bieber And Hailey Baldwin Spend St. Patrick’s Day At The Beach And Look Madly In Love

Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin are deeply in love and it’s clear to see. After many reports surfacing that say Justin is suffering from deep depression, it’s evident that Hailey is his best medicine. The two spent a wonderfully relaxing day at California’s Laguna Beach and they brought their dog and a young child who is the daughter of a friend. With the little girl and dog, Justin and Hailey were giving off all kinds of family vibes making people wonder if it won’t be too long that we hear Hailey is pregnant.

As for now, she was showing off her gorgeous beach body wearing a pink two-piece while Justin wore Dodgers swimming trunks. Hailey covered up with an oversized flannel shirt.

There was plenty of PDA on display and the married couple radiated love and happiness. The only problem was neither Justin Bieber or Hailey Baldwin wore green as if they were oblivious to the fact that it was St. Patrick’s Day.

You may see exclusive video of the pair captured by X17 online in the video player below.

It was a low-key event as people at the beach didn’t seem to realize they were sitting in the midst of them and no one made a fuss when Justin and Hailey took the little girl down to the water’s edge.

It appears that the time away in the sun and away from throngs of fans was just what the couple needed to enjoy some quiet bonding time away from all the publicity and fanfare.

Still, their special moment was captured on video but it doesn’t seem to have bothered the couple any. These two lovebirds may be young, but they have already endured plenty and have known each other for many years.

While many high-profile relationships fail, there’s a lot of hope that Justin and Hailey will make it for the long haul and if they keep communicating and interacting like this, it’s likely they will.

What do you think of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin? Does their relationship and bond surprise you? Do you think they are going to beat the odds and have a long, happy marriage?

Ariana Grande Gives Old Pete Davidson Tattoo A Makeover

Ariana Grande knows the best way to get over an ex is by going under the needle.

Over the weekend, the singer debuted some brand new ink on Instagram, which happens to lay over an older tattoo she got for her ex-fiance Pete Davidson during their engagement last year. But as the "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" star explained, the modification wasn't designed to cover up any old memories of her former bae.

"Post run thrus, 3 am with @girlknewyork :) Not a cover up just evolvin," the 25-year-old wrote along with a picture of her fresh ink, a branch full of leaves scrawled across her ribs, overlapping the "Always" tattoo she had done for Davidson months prior.

It's no hard feelings, though: Davidson has also covered his share of Grande-inspired tats too.

Despite their engagement, Grande called things off with Davidson in October after four months of dating, with sources indicating the "Sweetener" singer realized a romance just wasn't in the cards with the comedian.

Since then, the vocalist has released her fifth album, Thank U, Next, which Grande will promote on her "Sweetener World Tour," kicking off tonight (March 18) in Albany, New York.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old funnyman has since sparked a romance with 45-year-old actress Kate Beckinsale. Grande, on the other hand, remains happily single but has been spotted with exes Big Sean as well as actor Graham Phillips in recent weeks.

Jordyn Woods Has Acquired Several Lucrative Business Deals Since Separating From The Kardashian/Jenner Family

Jordyn Woods hasn’t let the Tristan Thompson scandal stop her from securing deals and increasing her money flow. In fact, she’s slowly been continuing business as usual on her social media, recently posting her first Instagram ad since the drama.

Although Woods initially feared the Kardashians would emotionally and financially “break her,” according to The Blast, her career is starting to take off after her ‘Red Table Talk’ interview. The publication stated that Woods “has been flooded with calls from companies who want to get their brands seen with the star.” One of the biggest deals reportedly involves a new line for Woods’ designer eyelashes.

Jordyn and her momager, Elizabeth Woods, will be heading to London at the end of the month to sign several deals and then on to the Middle East and Dubai to make several appearances.

Experienced marketing expert, Sheeraz Hasan, has been assisting the Woods family in sorting through all of the new offers Jordyn has on the table. Hasan has previously handled Middle East deals for stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Paris Hilton.

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

Courtesy of PoWM

‘ALIEN ENCOUNTER’

Not sure what this guy is doing at the deli counter when those boots and shorts scream that he should be standing on the side of the road swinging an umbrella and talking about the impending battle we have with the aliens.

EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Daddy John

Meet John! So you know what to do to see more. Just CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

You’re Welcome!

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

The Daily Buzz For March 7 ☕📰☕

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Lady Gaga Looks FAB in her new 'V' Magazine Feature!

Lady Gaga is on the cover of V magazine, decked out as a showgirl in Armani Privé. This issue marks 10 years since her first cover with the mag.

"She's an Enigma! Celebrating 10 years of @LadyGaga and #VMagazine, our March/April cover story sees @jeanpaulgoudeofficial transform #LadyGaga into a couture doll," V Magazine shared on Instagram. "Seen here as a showgirl in @Armani Prive, she returns as the ultimate shape-shifter in this long-awaited #JeanPaulGoude collaboration."

Along with an unforgettable photo shoot comes an accompanying article that details the publication's long-time relationship with Gaga.  And based on the career this artist is having, perhaps it's only the beginning.

Gaga will be heading back to Las Vegas to perform her residency at Park MGM. And with 2019 just getting started, we can only hope for a few surprises in the coming months.

V118 will hit newsstands everywhere on March 7th.

#RHoA: Oh Really? Shamari DeVoe Has a Few Words for those Who Miss Kenya Moore And Phaedra Parks!

There are a lot of people who are missing Phaedra Parks and especially Kenya Moore on the RHOA show. The TV series’ fans always tell Kenya for instance that she should be back on the show because they are not even watching it anymore since she left.

Speaking of Kenya, the woman has recently confessed via social media that she was recently kicked out of a restaurant with her baby girl, Brooklyn Daly because she attempted to change a diaper.

Some of Kenya’s followers told her once again that they want her back on RHOA because they have stopped watching the series since she left.

Other fans, on the other hand, believe that she should never return and instead wait for a project more suitable for her talent.

Now, just take a look at what Shamari DeVoe has to tell people who miss Kenya and Phaedra:

What do you think?

#Empire: Lets Catch up before the season begins!

Folks in one week we’ll back in Lyon Land. Through the up and downs of the recent Jussie allegations. Lets sit back and catch up to whjat we’ll be soon awaiting in the next season on Empire

WATCH HERE

#MusicNews: Legendary Singer Dionne Warwick Announces New Album ‘She’s Back’

Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has new music on the way. The Grammy-winning songstress has announced her 36th studio album, She’s Back, will arrive on May 10 via Kind Music Group/Entertainment One.

Warwick enlisted her son Damon Eliot to handle production on the album. The lead single is an updated version of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic, “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” which Warwick originally recorded in the 1960s.

She’s Back will include ten new songs and duets with Kenny Lattimore (“What Color Is Love”), Musiq Soulchild (“Am I Dreaming?) and Krayzie Bone of Bone, Thugs & Harmony (“Déjà Vu”).

If that’s not enough, the album will be packaged with a bonus disc of remastered songs from Warwick’s 1998 album, Dionne Sings Dionne, which features some of her greatest hits including “Walk On By” and “I Say A Little Prayer For You.”

Listen To “What The World Needs Now Is Love” HERE

She’s Back is Warwick’s first dedicated R&B/soul album in fifty years, since her 1969 Scepter Records effort Soulful. 

On April 4, Warwick will kick off her Las Vegas residency at the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s. The string of shows will conclude on April 27.

#HipHopNews: DMX & Swizz Beatz Back In The Studio

NEW YORK, NY – DMX and Swizz Beatz have crafted countless creations over the years. Their collaborative relationship stretches back to the early Ruff Ryders days. With X out of prison, it looks like the dynamic duo is working on their next venture.

On Tuesday evening (March 5), X shared a photo of Swizz and himself on Instagram, showing both of them posted up at the studio rocking a similar pose.

Swizz was one of the first to provide an update on the historically troubled MC’s mental state post-prison.

“I just got off the phone with my brother DMX!” he wrote on Instagram late last month. “He told me this time he didn’t work out his body in jail he said he worked out his mind! He also said he’s about to make music for the people that need his truth and pain!”

X was released from prison in January after serving roughly one year for tax evasion.

Disney adds Maleficent sequel, Mistress of Evil, to packed 2019

As Netflix locks horns with Steven Spielberg, a proxy for the traditional movie studio paradigm, over the streaming service’s complete disruption of the moviegoing landscape, Walt Disney Studios is quietly preparing for one of the biggest box-office years in Hollywood history.

Kicking off with the release of Captain Marvel, Disney will premiere the live-action remake of Dumbo, Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Artemis Fowl, and Frozen 2, then round out the year with Star Wars: Episode IX. In 2018, Disney movies grossed over $7.3 billion (with Warner Bros. and Universal trailing behind with $5.5 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively). 2019 will be even bigger.

And now Disney’s bolstering the aggressive play for attention with one more blockbuster: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which finds Angelina Jolie resuming her role from the 2014 live-action Sleeping Beauty riff. The first Maleficent movie, which co-starred Elle Fanning as Aurora and Sharlto Copley as the greedy king Stefan, grossed over $758 million worldwide. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil will arrive to theaters on Oct. 18, 2019.

The move is a bit of a surprise: After a will she/won’t she over Jolie’s interest and schedule allowing for a sequel, Disney finally moved forward with production on the sequel in May 2018, with Joachim Rønning (Kon-Tiki, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) at the helm. Without a new Marvel or Star Wars film on the horizon, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil was considered one of Disney’s safe, gigantic plays for 2020. The 2019 release date makes it the studio’s fourth animated adaptation of the year, and fifth sequel.

Here’s how Disney described the film when production began last May:

A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, Maleficent II continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.

Joining Jolie and Fanning in the film are Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, Harris Dickinson as Prince Phillip, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ed Skrein, and Robert Lindsay in undisclosed roles.

“Leaving Neverland” was a FLOP for HBO, Beaten by The boring “Real Housewives of Atlanta

After all that, “Leaving Neverland” was not a smash hit on Sunday night. Modest hit maybe is the best way of describing it.

The controversial Michael Jackson doc attracted just 1.285 million viewers at 8pm on HBO. It was beaten by “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “Beachfront Bargain Hunt,” and the survivalists series “Naked and Afraid,” all on cable.

If it had competed with network shows, “Leaving Neverland” tied with a rerun of “Bob’s Burger’s” on Fox.

The top rated cable show of the evening was “The Walking Dead,” itself dying with just 4.7 million viewers at 9pm on AMC.

“Leaving Neverland” had more publicity than any show in 2019 on any channel. It’s possible that the ratings will rise via repeated viewings over several days including other HBO outlets. But the build up to the 8pm showing on Sunday was the target, and it wasn’t the hot button everyone anticipated.

A million more viewers– 2.3 million– tuned into a Hallmark Hall of Fame cable romcom show called “When Calls the Heart,” just to give you an idea. And that was like watching warm milk cool.

Did the Jackson supporters warn people away from “Leaving Neverland”? Possibly. Or just the shock value? But in the end it may not have been worth it for HBO ratings-wise. On Saturday night, HBO scored a better total number at 8pm with a showing of a bad movie called “Skyscraper.”

#PRAYERSUP: ‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek says he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer

"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek revealed in a YouTube video Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Trebek learned of his condition this week, he said in the video.

"Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working," he said. "And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease."

Taking a lighter note, Trebek then quipped that he'd have to recover in order to fulfill his hosting duties.

"Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years!" he said. "So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you."

Trebek offered the update on his heath so as to be "open and transparent" with fans of the TV show.

Luke Perry's Son Makes First Statement After His Dad's Tragic Death

Luke Perry‘s son, Jack, 21, has made his first public statement since his father’s tragic death at the age of 52 following a massive stroke.

“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad. He loved supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be. I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for,” Jack posted on Instagram. “I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth. I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.”

Luke‘s daughter, Sophie, 18, also recently released a statement on her Instagram account.

Joycelyn Savage Contacts Family After Bizarre R. Kelly Interview and R. Kelly is BACK BEHIND BARS!

Joycelyn Savage, one of R. Kelly’s girlfriends who has been estranged from her family for several years, contacted her parents Wednesday, soon after the singer’s bizarre interview with CBS This Morning.

Gerald Griggs, an attorney for the Savage family – whose attempts to reconnect with their daughter were featured  in the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly – tweeted that Joycelyn reached out to her parents by phone after Kelly’s interview and reiterated that she remains with Kelly by choice. According to Griggs, it was the first time they spoke to her since 2017. Savage’s parents have long claimed that Kelly has brainwashed their daughter into staying with him.

 “We are glad to finally hear from Joycelyn today,” Griggs tells Rolling Stone. “After speaking with her little sister, Joycelyn paused from the seemingly prepared script and was able to share her love for her family. We hope that today was the first step to re-establishing a loving relationship with her family.”

In video of the phone call, Savage appeared to recite a prepared message to her parents. “I have told you guys a million, million times that I am OK where I am and I’m happy, so I just want to let you know that,” Joycelyn said.

However, when her younger sister hopped on the phone call, Joycelyn became silent; Joycelyn then said she loved her sibling before asking that her parents come back on the phone. When her mother reentered the conversation, Joycelyn repeated the “million, million times” statement again.

 “She would have called home by now. She would have called my mom, my dad, my little sister,” Joycelyn’s 18-year-old sister Jailyn said at a press conference Wednesday. “I know for a fact that my sister is not OK. R. Kelly is mentally destroying her. I just want her home. He has put a lot of things in her head that makes her think the world is out to get her.”

A rep for Kelly declined to comment on the phone conversation or Griggs’ statement.

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary, another of Kelly’s girlfriends estranged from her family, will appear on Friday’s episode of CBS This Morning to discuss their seemingly consensual relationship with Kelly.

Joycelyn’s father Timothy Savage tweeted Wednesday prior to his daughter’s phone call, “Today on CBS This Morning Robert Kelly has had a emotional breakdown. We need to stay in prayer for R. Kelly and we need to stay in prayer for Joycelyn savage and Azriel [Clary].”

In Kelly’s erratic interview with Gayle King, the singer insinuated that the girls’ families “handed” the women over to him for financial gain. 

IN MORE BREAKING R. KELLY NEWS HE'S BACK IN JAIL!

R. Kelly was taken into custody on Wednesday in Cook County, Ill., after he was in court for a hearing over unpaid child support.

The 52-year-old R&B singer left the courtroom with his legal team through a different door than he entered, but his hands weren't cuffed. Cook County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari told The Associated Press that Kelly was detained and would be transferred to the county jail.

Kelly, according to the spokesperon, won't be released from jail until he pays $161,00 in back child support.

Kelly was detained just over a week after he pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. He posted bail on Feb. 25 and was released from jail.

The singer is charged with having sexually abused four women years ago, including three who were underage at the time.

Meet The SHEROES!  Yara Shahidi, Naomi Osaka, & More “Sheroes” Are Getting Their Own Barbies In Honor Of The Doll’s 60th Anniversary

Barbie is bringing her representation game up to 11, and I am living for it. Yara Shahidi, Naomi Osaka, and other “Sheroes” are getting their own Barbies in celebration of Barbie’s 60th anniversary and International Women’s Day on March 8. Mattel announced in a news release that it is honoring the largest lineup of global female role models. The company has also announced it is taking the next steps to close the “Dream Gap” by donating funds to organizations that aim to “level the playing field for girls.”

Barbie is honoring more than 20 “sheroes” in multiple countries and continents speaking 13 languages, according to the news release, and these role models range in age from 19 to 85. In addition to actor, model, and activist Yara Shahidi and tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, Barbie is releasing dolls of model and body activist Ashley Graham, film director Ava Duvernay, and supermodel and activist Adwoa Aboah, among many other super amazing people.

"For 60 years, Barbie has championed girls, inspired generations to believe through make-believe and showed them that they have choices,” Lisa McKnight, general manager and senior vice president of Barbie, said in a news release. “With more than 200 careers, six runs for president, and a trip to the moon before Neil Armstrong, Barbie continues to evolve to be a modern, relevant role model for all ages.”

Osaka said she feels honored be included in the “Sheroes” initiative, according to People. “I’ve played with Barbies when I was a kid, and I think it’s a bit of a surreal experience to have the opportunity to have a Barbie that looks like me,” Osaka told People. She said she hopes having a Barbie doll that represents high-achieving female athletes will inspire girls who loves sports to maintain their own sports goals and dreams, People reports.

Shahidi expressed similar sentiments about being included in the “Sheroes” initiative. “I’m honored to be repping all the young ones as a Barbie Role Model,” Shahidi said in an Instagram post. “Let’s continue to inspire the next generation and each other. We need your voices and are watching you all blossom and shine! #YouCanBeAnything #Barbie60.”

According to Barbie, starting as young as 5, many girls stop believing they can do or be anything just because they’re girls, and that’s what the Dream Gap is. And there’s plenty of research to back that claim up. A 2017 study published in the journal Science found girls start to believe boys are smarter than them as young as six years old. To help combat this, Barbie is donating $1 from every doll sold in the United States (except in select states) up to $250,000 through March 11 to organizations dedicated to closing the Dream Gap, the company said in a news release.

A representative from Mattel confirmed to Bustle via email that these are one-of-a-kind dolls that are not available for purchase at this time. Girls — and people of all ages — can play out different roles with more than 50 career dolls options to choose from, along with Barbie's Inspiring Women series that honors historical women, including Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, and Frida Kahlo.

Although these dolls aren't currently available for purchase, it's super cool to see Mattel honor these women with their own one-of-a-kind dolls. The world needs to see more women uplifted for the vital contributions they're making every single day, and this is such a unique way to do that.

Tristan Thompson’s Mystery Woman Has been Revealed

Despite the drama in Calabasas between Khloe Kardashian and KarJenner family friend, Jordyn Woods, Tristan Thompson is living his best life as a single man in New York City. In fact, less than a week after Thompson was spotted with a mystery woman in the Big Apple, the baller is back in the city for seconds. 

Last month, almost two weeks after the cheating scandal erupted in L.A., Thompson took his talents to the city that never sleeps for a night out on the town with a mystery woman. At first, sources said Thompson met the woman at the restaurant and dipped from the kitchen. 

However, sources later told TMZ that the woman might have been Jordan Clarkson’s date, as he was later identified as Thompson’s wingman for the night. But now, less than a week later, Thompson has blown his cover – as he was once again spotted with the mystery woman. 

This time, Thompson was seen walking into the team hotel with two Starbucks cups on Tuesday afternoon, hours before the two sat down for dinner at Nobu. But, who is the mystery woman?

According to Baller Alert they have identified the woman as 28-year-old model, Karizma Ramirez, who’s made headlines for her past relations with basketball player, Shane Larkin and singer Chris Brown. In 2013, Brown was accused of “hanging out with a beautiful New York waitress,” who was later identified as Ramirez, behind Rihanna’s back. Two years later, the model was linked to Larkin, who is currently a professional baller for Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball Super League and the Euro League. Now, it appears she’s kicking it with Thompson, in the same jacket she shared to her own Instagram. 

What are your thoughts?

Yessica Rosales’s Brownface Impersonation of Yalitza Aparicio Was Not Funny at All!

On February 24, Mexican TV personality Yessica Rosales posted a photo on Instagram featuring herself and actor Claudio Herrera posing as director Alfonso Cuarón and the star of his film Roma, Yalitza Aparicio. The pic, supposedly posted from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was promoting an upcoming episode of La Parodia, a Mexican sketch comedy series produced by Televisa. “We don’t mean to be spoilers but today we’ll win an Oscar!” Rosales wrote in Spanish to her 7,500-plus followers.

The problem? The photo in question features Rosales in brownface complete with a prosthetic nose, thick lips, and a pair of dark, full eyebrows – presumably to make herself, who is on the lighter side, look more like Yalitza.

Mocking people for being brown, poor, black, dark-skinned and using “endearing” names to describe others as inditos, negritos or chinitos is far too common – and rarely frowned upon – in Latin America. And this goes way beyond the world of show business.

Not long ago, a study commissioned by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) concluded that skin color “has an influence on the level of education that people reach as well as the employment opportunities available to them.” Furthermore, Mexico’s National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED), found that a whopping 20 percent of Mexicans “don’t feel comfortable with the color of their skin and many feel they had been discriminated against because of their physical appearance, mainly for being dark-skinned.”

Televisa’s Roma segment aired Monday night on La Parodia, featuring some of the film’s most iconic moments in parody form, starting with Rosales (as Aparicio) sweeping the floor and nagging Cuarón for walking on it while still wet. The 9-minute sketch, shot in black-and-white just like the actual film, goes on to mock other key sequences from the movie, including a scene where Cleo goes to a hotel with her boyfriend who, for some reason, confesses to being the infamous “Negro de WhatsApp.”

La parodia also pokes fun at Roma‘s beach scene where we see the family, and their beloved maid Cleo, hugging each other after a tragedy was averted in the treacherous sea of Veracruz, except this time the moving scene gets interrupted by a local vendor peddling pareos, oysters, shrimp, and parachute rides, all of this in the slapstick brand of humor that Televisa has come to be known for.

To Ms. Rosales: What’s most problematic about your characterization of Yalitza Aparicio, and the fact that neither you nor your fans want to see “what the big deal is” is that it will only make matters worse. Maybe if we had a more diverse pool of talent out there we wouldn’t have to resort to fake lips, brown makeup, or extra-large noses and eyebrows to characterize people who look different from us, because we’ll all be portrayed in the different sizes and colors that we actually come in.

#POLITICS: Former Rep. Schock to repay funds in exchange for dropped charges

CHICAGO — Former Rep. Aaron Schock of Illinois agreed Wednesday to repay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and to campaign committees in exchange for prosecutors dismissing his felony corruption case.

During an appearance in Chicago federal court, Schock agreed to repay his three campaign committees nearly $68,000. He must work with the Internal Revenue Service to determine how much he owes in taxes. If he holds up his part of the deal, prosecutors within six months will drop the original felony counts that were filed against him.

Schock resigned from Congress in 2015 amid scrutiny of his spending, including redecorating his office in the style of the “Downton Abbey” TV series. He was indicted in 2016 on 22 counts, including wire fraud and falsification of election commission filings. The case was originally filed in central Illinois. The Justice Department transferred it to prosecutors in Chicago last year.

Schock admitted in court to purchasing Super Bowl and World Series tickets at face value and selling them for a profit of more than $42,000. He also admitted submitting mileage reimbursements without documentation.

Schock said he made mistakes, such as poor record keeping, but said they weren’t crimes. He said “part of that was because I was working my tail off” representing a large congressional district that includes more than 200 communities.

Defense attorney George Terwilliger said the case had a just outcome.“It began as a bang,” Terwilliger told reporters. “That bang turned out to be a blank. Now it’s ending with a whimper.”

Prosecutor Erik Hogstrom called it “a fair and sensible resolution.” Asked about what his future holds and whether he will run for public office again, Schock didn’t say yes or no. He said he’s looking forward to having the weight of this case off his chest and having a private life.

AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

‘WACKY WEED WIZARD’

He’s a wizard, but can like only bring out more weed after he blows a giant vape cloud to distract you.

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Meet Dino! So you know what to do to see them goods. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!

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EFREM