#LGBTQ The US Supreme Court has Allowed Trump To Reinstate His Military Transgender Ban!
People protest President Trump's announcement of plans to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals from serving. The United States Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his policy of banning certain transgender people from the military.
The court voted 5-4 to grant a Trump administration request to lift injunctions blocking the policy while challenges continue in lower courts. The four liberal judges on the court opposed the ruling. The policy prohibits "transgender persons who require or have undergone gender transition" from serving.
The president announced on Twitter in 2017 that the country would no longer "accept or allow" transgender Americans to serve in the military, citing "tremendous medical costs and disruption".Former defence secretary Jim Mattis refined the policy to limit it to transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, and it makes exceptions for several hundred transgender people already serving openly or willing to serve "in their biological sex".
Gen Mattis in his memo argued that "by its very nature, military service requires sacrifice," and that those who serve "voluntarily accept limitations on their personal liberties".
Several trial judges around the country had issued injunctions blocking the ban.
This is just one Supreme Court action - and it's a procedural move, not a formal court opinion - but it may be a sign that a conservative majority sympathetic to presidential powers and prerogatives is flexing its muscles.
The Trump administration, frustrated that lower-court judges had again blocked implementation of one of its policy decisions, asked the justices to step in and clear the path.
The White House wanted a quick ruling because, it said, allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military presented "too great a risk to military effectiveness".
By a bare majority, the court complied. Although the justices did not entirely bypass the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which the president has tried to paint as a bastion of liberal judges, they did the next best thing for the president.
They permitted the transgender ban to go into effect while the legal fight, which could last years, grinds on.
For the past two years, the president's opponents - locked out of national power until recently - have looked to the judicial system as a last line of defence.
As Tuesday clearly showed, however, those defenses are only as strong as a majority Supreme Court says they are.
The move is a reversal of an Obama administration policy that ruled transgender Americans could serve openly in the military as well as obtain funding for gender re-assignment surgery.
Gender dysphoria is when a person's biological sex and identity does not match.
There are currently some 8,980 active duty transgender troops, according to Department of Defence data analysed by the Palm Center, a public policy nonprofit.
While Mr Trump's rationale for banning transgender troops was financial, according to estimates by the RAND Corporation, a policy think tank working with the US Armed Forces, transition-related healthcare costs are between $2.4 and $8.4m per year.
In 2017, defence data viewed by the Palm Center indicates that cost was in fact lower, at $2.2m.
The top court's ruling has sparked outrage and frustration online.
Charlotte Clymer, a transgender Army veteran, tweeted: "This is a hateful and cowardly policy."
Others, however, said the ban just meant transgender troops must "conform to dress code/physical standards like everyone else". Whatever that means.
Jennifer Lopez for Harper's Bazaar US - February 2019
On getting herself ready for her current relationship: “For me, the relationship journey has been very up and down. But it didn’t have to do with anybody else but me—it was about me figuring out me. Until you learn to love yourself, you can’t completely love [someone else] in a way that is pure and true. Once you do that, you can have relationships that are based on love and respect, that are supportive and nourishing. There’s an evolution there that had to happen for me. I feel like I’m in a better place now.”
On struggling with the constant pressure and unwanted scrutiny of living life in the public eye: “You’re trying to do your best and people are putting you down, or trying to make believe you’re not a nice person, or you’re a diva. I’m always like, ‘Who are you talking about?’”
On the power of believing in yourself and pushing past bias: “From early on in my career, I felt like people wanted to put me in a box. You will play these sorts of roles, do this type of thing. Or you will only act. You cannot sing and act at the same time. I felt very confined by that because I knew I was going to do different things. I was at least going to try!”
On her successful career in Hollywood: “I feel very proud that I’ve survived as long as I have in this business. At this point in my life, I’m trying to give myself more credit. It’s hard when people are always telling you that you’re not good at things or saying, ‘Why is she successful?’ You get a lot of that when you’re a successful woman. You don’t get that as much when you’re a man. The thing about people, women especially, is that you can have 12 people telling you you’re amazing, but that one person kind of putting you down, that’s the voice that sticks in your head… Then finally you go, ‘Wait, I’m not lying. I’ve been doing this a long time. This is not a mistake. I worked hard to be here.’ And you know what? Congratulations to myself. Not in an arrogant way, by any means. It’s like, ‘You’re doing good, baby. Give yourself a break.’”
On her 10-year-old daughter, Emme: “I don’t know if she’ll follow in my footsteps, but she definitely has the genes. She’s a natural. Some people, you put them out there and you can just tell. She’s a little me.”
On taking needed breaks: “Sometimes I get tired. I get tired a lot. But I never think, ‘I don’t want to do this.’ I just think I need a break. I really feel like I have a lot left that I want to do. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to a point where I’ll be satisfied and go, ‘I did it. All of it. I’m done. I got nothing else to say.’ I hope that day never comes.”
Style Credits:
Cover: Shirt and Belt by Gucci | Earrings and Rings by Le Vian
Image 1: Bodysuit by Saint Laurent | Swim Cap by Vex Clothing | Bracelet by Tiffany & Co.
Image 2: Bodysuit and Shoes by Saint Laurent | Necklace by De Beers
#RHoA: Meet Kenya Moore The Lion Queen!
Big hair and Kenya Moore does not care. The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star has a new hilarious photo on social media that has fans laughing crazily.
Moore appears in the picture with her natural hair wild and free. Marc Daly’s wife explained that after having baby Brooklyn, it has been hard to find time to care for her long hair.
She wrote: “When you’re a new mom and don’t have time to do your hair! 😝 I need some @kenyamoorehaircare ASAP! Now available at @sallybeauty. #motherhood #allmine #noweave #growrealhair #kenyamoorehaircare #longhair #newmom #reallife.”
Kenya’s hair has a lot of character just like herself.
#Empire: What will the second half of the season of ‘Empire’ be focused on? In an effort to find an answer to that very important question, the folks at TV Guide hit up showrunner Brett Mahoney for more clues.
What can you tell me about the remaining episodes? What will the second half of the season be focused on?
Mahoney: The second half will be focused on... it's sort of like moving forward. All the Lyons have to ask themselves is it more important to be themselves or is it more important to be a Lyon family unit? And also, what does it mean if they were to have Empire back in family hands? Do they have to give up their souls to keep Empire? What will they have to sacrifice if they have Empire?
Empire returns to Fox in 2019.
#NewMusic: Former R.Kelly protégé and abuse victim Sparkle has a New Single, ‘We Are Ready’
R&B singer Stephanie ‘Sparkle’ Edwards is taking full advantage of her platform following the airing of the three-part Lifetime documentary, ‘Surviving R. Kelly.’
The one-time R. Kelly protégé releases the new single, “We Are Ready,” a female empowerment anthem that not only tackles the current R. Kelly drama, she also touches on cultural movements like Time’s Up.
LISTEN HERE
“We have a voice, and it’s loud,” Sparkle emotionally declares on the song. Her powerhouse vocals take center stage as she warns abusers that about their heinous behaviors.
#HipHopNews: Future Unveils "The Wizard" Album Cover & Documentary Trailer
Future’s next album has a title and release date. Just a few hours after announcing The Wizard documentary, Future revealed his next LP will share the same name.
The Wizard, stylized as The WIZRD, is scheduled to drop on January 18. The project will feature the recently released single “Crushed Up.”
Future fans are eagerly anticipating his next album following the release of his “Crushed Up” single, but he’s got something else in store for them this week. The Freebandz boss and Mass Appeal have dropped a trailer for a new documentary titled The Wizard.
Woodstock’s official 50th anniversary festival will be this Summer!
You might have heard that a 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic Woodstock festival is coming to its original site at Bethel, NY—this is not that. No, this is a wholly separate 50th anniversary Woodstock celebration.
"Why does the world need two," you ask? "Why not!" we say, swinging a Led Zep ‘77 Tour tee wildly in the air.
While the former is being thrown by the original site's groundskeepers Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, this three-day fest is coming straight from original Woodstock co-creator Michael Lang—making it the bonafide "official" celebration.
Coming to Watkins Glen this August 16–18, this fest won't be announcing any names on the lineup until tickets go up for sale in February. Considering previous anniversary celebrations, such as the 94 Saugerties, NY–event, have included the likes of Sheryl Crow, Aphex Twin, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Aerosmith and Bob Dylan, you can be sure to expect a mix of big-name headliners across the event's three stages. Lang has stated that at least 40 acts have already been booked—a massive bill bound only to grow. And just like Max Yasgur's field, which hosted the original event's 400,000-participant throng, new site Watkins Glen boasts a capacity well into the six-digits.
Though the ‘94 event transpired without misfortune, the 30th anniversary celebration Woodstock ‘99 is infamously remembered as a veritable disaster, plagued by sanitation problems, over-priced $4 bottles of water, drug overdoses, lawsuits and even fires and riots. However, the organizers promise they've found the solutions in better oversight and more hygienic port-a-potties.
So in other words: tie-dye those bandanas, buy a roll of toilet paper and break out your glamping gear. It's 1969 all over again!
Phylicia Rashad To Play Beth’s Mother On an Upcoming Episode of ‘This Is Us’
The Cosby Show alum Phylicia Rashad will guest star in an upcoming episode of NBC’s This is Us — and it fits her perfectly.
Rashad, who played loving mother and attorney Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, will play Carol, mother of Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) in episode No. 13, which focuses on Beth’s backstory, Deadline has confirmed.
Rashad joins a roster of previous guest stars on This is Us, including Katey Sagal, Sylvester Stallone, Jane Kaczmarek, Denis O’Hare, Sam Trammell, Seth Meyers, and Katie Couric.
Series creator Dan Fogelman executive produces along with, Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, Ken Olin, Charlie Gogolak and Jess Rosenthal. This Is Us is produced by 20th Century Fox Television.
Two-time Emmy winner Rashad currently recurs as Diana Dubois on Fox’s Empire. She’ll also be seen in a starring role in OWN’s upcoming coming-of-age drama David Makes Man. She appeared on the big screen last year in Creed II, reprising her role as Mary Anne Creed. Her other recent TV credits include Psych and Do No Harm. Rashad is repped by Innovative Artists and Parseghian Planco.
This Is Us returns January 15 at 9 PM on NBC.
EW was first to report Rashad’s casting.
Samuel J Jackson, Sarah Paulson, James McAvoy, & 'Glass' Co-Stars Premiere Movie in London!
The Stars stepped out for the premiere of Glass held at the Curzon Mayfair on Wednesday (January 9) in London, England.
Also seen at the premiere were her co-stars James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, along with director M. Night Shyamalan.
Glass is set to hit theaters on January 18 in the United States and you can watch the trailer for the movie right here.
The movie is the sequel to 2016′s Split and 2000’s Unbreakable.
Rihanna Strips Down For Sexy Savage X Fenty Lingerie Photo Shoot
Rihanna recently stripped down to model the Valentine's Day collection of her Savage x Fenty Lingerie line (which dropped January 9), and let's just say, the made-up holiday just got a lot hotter. The business mogul showed off her enviable curves in a hot pink bra and undies set that was equipped with sexy cut-outs and heart-shaped pasties. (Talk about making lingerie extra AF!)
The self-admitted bad gyal modeled the sexy look for her revolutionary lingerie company, which broke the mold last year with its super-inclusive and body positive designs that cater to women of all shapes and sizes. Following the brand's New York Fashion Week launch in September, Rihanna told Vogue, "Lingerie is not just about exploiting the female body, it’s about celebrating it and that’s what Savage x is all about." She added, "Savage to me is such a powerful word. Especially for women, you know. Women are usually looked at as weak and needy and Savage is just that different woman. It is the opposite of that, she powerful, she’s in charge, and she’s taking ownership of all the choices she makes."
The collection, which features a number of naughty looks, is available in sizes 32A to 44DD in bras and XS to 3X in undies and priced at between $20 and $68.
Click HERE to check out the full Valentine's Day collection.
#LGBTQ: 2 Women charged in transgender restroom assault
RALEIGH, N.C. — Police in North Carolina say two women sexually assaulted a transgender woman at a Raleigh bar.
News outlets report 38-year-old Amber Harrell and 31-year-old Jessica Fowler are charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual battery.
The woman told Raleigh police she was inside the bar’s bathroom in December when Harrell and Fowler started verbally abusing her, exposed themselves and started touching her.
The woman says Harrell and Fowler continued to assault her outside the bathroom and ignored her and the bartender’s orders to stop.
The two women were released on bond; it’s unclear if they have lawyers.
Public bathrooms have been a flashpoint in North Carolina since Republican lawmakers in 2016 required transgender people to use rooms matching their birth certificates. The requirement was rescinded last year
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Announces Divorce From Wife After 25 Yrs Of Marriage
Jeff Bezos of Amazon, the world’s richest man, has announced on Twitter that he and his wife MacKenzie have decided to end their 25 year marriage. The couple had already had a “trial separation.”
The couple met in New York, when Bezos hired her to work for him when he was a VP at a Hedge Fund, 6 months later they were married. They then quit their financial careers and moved to Seattle to jumpstart Jeff’s online bookstore-which would later be known as the origins of what would become Amazon. He started the fledgling company out of his garage. Today the company is worth nearly $810 Billion.
Both Jeff and his wife MacKenzie are successful in their own rights, they both attended Princeton and MacKenzie is a novelist, who studied under Toni Morrison and won an American Book Award In 2006. She is also the Executive Director of an anti-bullying organization called ‘Bystander Revolution’.
The couple owns a total of 400,000 acres of property (making them 2 of the biggest landholders in the country) but they live in Washington, which is a community property state, meaning the assets accrued during their marriage are entitled to be split 50/50.
Bezos assured that the split is amicable saying, “We feel incredibly lucky to have found each other and deeply grateful for every one of the years we have been married to each other.”
The couple share 4 children, who range in age from 13 to 18.
Did you know that The Original ‘Dreamgirl’ Sheryl Lee Ralph Was Kept Away From Beyoncé
Sheryl Lee Ralph was the first actress to portray Deena Jones in the Dreamgirls. She was nominated for a Tony for her performance in the 1981 Broadway hit. In 2005, Beyoncé Knowles reprised the role for the big screen, going on the garner a Golden Globe nomination.
Surely, advice from the original Deena could’ve come in handy, but according to the veteran actress, she wasn’t allowed to interact with the “Listen” singer while she filmed the critically acclaimed picture.
“I didn’t get a chance to because they kept us apart,’ Ralph told AM to DM. “They said — what was said to me — and, you know, I’ve been around long enough to actually remember what was said to me, they said that it would be a distraction to have the two of us together.”
She went on,“What does that mean? So it just never happened, we never came together.”
though Ralph was kept away from Knowles, fellow original “Dreamgirl” Loretta Divine landed a cameo in the film, playing a lounge singer.
The original Broadway cast was featured on the cover of the May 1982 issue of EBONY.
Rod Rosenstein expected to leave Justice Department
WASHINGTON — Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had been overseeing the special counsel investigation, plans to step down after Robert Mueller finishes his work, according to administration officials familiar with his thinking.
A source close to Rosenstein said he intends to stay on until Mueller's investigative and prosecutorial work is done. The source said that would mean Rosenstein would remain until early March. Several legal sources have said they expect the Mueller team to conclude its work by mid-to-late February, although they said that timeline could change based on unforeseen investigative developments.
The source said once Mueller's work is done, the special counsel's report to the Justice Department would follow a few weeks later, and Rosenstein would likely be gone by then.
Rosenstein had long intended to serve about two years as the Justice Department's No. 2 official, the administration officials say. They add that this is his own plan and that he is not being forced out by the White House. That's despite the fact that he's been a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump on Twitter.
The administration officials had said that Rosenstein planned to remain on the job until a new attorney general is confirmed. After pushing out Jeff Sessions in November, Trump nominated William Barr, who planned to be at the Capitol on Wednesday to begin a round of courtesy calls with senators ahead of his confirmation hearing, which begins Jan. 15.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Wednesday on Fox News: "I know the deputy attorney general has always planned to roughly stay around two years. My guess is that he is making room for the new attorney general to build a team that he wants around him."
If Barr is confirmed, as seems likely, he will fully take over the investigation. Several legal sources have said it appears that the Mueller investigation is entering its final stages. But Barr would play a key role in deciding whether and how to share Mueller's expected report with Congress and whether to make all or part of it public.
Responding to news of Rosenstein's impending departure, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told CNN's "New Day" that he has "deep concern" about how Barr will handle the Mueller probe. He referred to a memo Barr wrote in which he was critical of the investigation.
"William Barr was sending freelance memos to the Trump administration making a case to undercut the Mueller investigation," Kaine said. "So the deep concern will be if he comes in and Rosenstein is gone, is this just a preface to either undercutting the investigation or trying to keep the results of it hidden from the American public."
Rosenstein has been a consistent defender of Mueller and the Justice Department, responding to attacks from Republicans in Congress. He told a Law Day conference last May that the department "is not going to be extorted," after some House Republicans raised the prospect of seeking Rosenstein's impeachment.
The attacks from Congress and the White House were a jolt for Rosenstein, who enjoyed bipartisan support for most of his three decades as a federal prosecutor. But his congressional support faltered when he wrote a memo providing a rationale for Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey.
By appointing Mueller to take over the Russia investigation as a special counsel, Rosenstein won back Democrats but angered the president, who tweeted, "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt."
Prisoners Are Calling Kim Kardashian “The Princess of Prison Reform” After Cyntoia Brown’s Clemency
Kim Kardashian is being hailed “The Princess of Prison Reform” after she used her celebrity to help get three prisoners released from prison, including 30-year-old Cyntoia Brown, who was recently granted clemency in Tennessee after 15 years in prison.
According to TMZ, the reality star receives thousands of letters from inmates every day, asking for help to be released. In fact, sources say both staffers and inmates are referring to the socialite as the “Princess of Prison Reform” after Brown’s recent release. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But, the name also stems from Kardashian’s meeting with Trump on behalf of the 63-year-old grandmother, Alice Marie Johnson, and the 52-year-old grandfather, Matthew Charles, both of whom have since been released from prison.
Is Kim K the princess of prison reform?
Cardi B, Drake Dominate 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards Nominations
Cardi B and Drake lead the way with 13 and eight nominations, respectively.
Now in its sixth year and partnered with FOX, the iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrate the most popular songs and artists from 2018 played on the iHeartRadio stations and app.
Cardi B received the most nominations thanks to her breakout year, debut album “Invasion of Privacy” and multiple collaborations. 2018’s most streamed song, “God’s Plan” by Drake, picked up five nominations and competes in the Hip-Hop Song of the Year race with Drake’s other singles “In My Feelings” and “Nice For What.”
Other artists who received multiple nominations include Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Maroon 5.
Actress Rosario Dawson and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker are an item...
From Page Six
Spies at Saturday’s performance of Broadway hit “Dear Evan Hanson” say they were left in no doubt that Booker and Dawson — who brought Dawson’s daughter and Booker’s niece to see the show — are a couple.
And after meeting the cast post-show, Dawson — who was walking across the empty stage on her way to the exit — began fooling around and singing a made-up song to Booker that went, “I love you; te amo [as in, the Spanish for ‘I love you’].”
Is R. Kelly Planning To Flee The Country Amid Criminal Investigation?
R. Kelly's accusers are reportedly worried the disgraced singer may be planning to flee the country amid his ongoing criminal investigation.
According to The Blast, "there is a rumor circulating that the singer is preparing to leave the United States." A source told the gossip site that Africa has been mentioned as one of the places he may seek solace. The families of the women in his alleged sex cult are reportedly worried if the girls travel out of the country with Kelly they may never see them again. So, they're hoping the 50-year-old singer is charged with a crime so his passport is taken away and he isn't allowed to leave with the girls.
As previously reported, Kelly is being criminally investigated in Georgia because of the recently released documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, which sent shockwaves throughout audiences with its gripping and harrowing recounts of Kelly's alleged sexual abuse — told by seven alleged survivors — over the last 20-plus years.
Fulton County District Attorney's Office reportedly opened an investigation into the allegations made against the singer in the three-part docu-series shortly after the first episode aired on Lifetime Thursday (January 3). The office was also reportedly flooded with calls from people with their own stories, which is said to have encouraged them to begin their investigation.
A second criminal investigation in connection to Kelly's alleged sexual abuse could also be opening in Kelly's hometown of Chicago. On Tuesday (January 8), the Cook County State Attorney held a press conference asking anyone who was a victim or has information about a victim to come forward.
Kelly has denied all sexual abuse allegations against him.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
Beyoncé Addresses ‘Formation’ Video Backlash, Says Her Message Is Not Anti-Police!
In addition to her new activewear brand for women, Ivy Park, perfectionism, and power – Beyoncé addresses backlash she received after releasing her new song/video -“Formation” – in her interview with ELLE.
Following its release, some called for a boycott of the singer, saying the video’s message is anti-police. In setting the record straight, Bey explained:
I mean, I’m an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things.
If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me. I’m proud of what we created and I’m proud to be part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way.
She adds that she is exhausted by labels, and doesn’t want calling herself a feminist to make it feel as though it’s her one priority, over racism, sexism or anything else.
“If you believe in equal rights, the same way society allows a man to express his darkness, to express his pain, to express his sexuality, to express his opinion—I feel that women have the same rights,” she says.
Beyoncé hopes that her work will encourage others do the right thing. “I hope I can create art that helps people heal,” she explains. “Art that makes people feel proud of their struggle. Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform.”
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Continues To Fuel Pregnancy Rumors – “Practices” With Baby Stroller!
After fueling pregnancy rumors for months – many (including myself) thought she would wait for the RHOA reunion to reveal she was expecting; however in true Kenya form, nothing is straight forward!
When asked about it by Andy, Kenya stated that she couldn’t say. As she didn’t deny it, many took this as a “yes” but thought that she didn’t want to confirm until she was ‘x’ months along.
While I do understand that and realize that many women want to wait until after a certain time before announcing it, it seems like Kenya is just using this time to milk press for all it’s worth (as opposed to waiting until she is in the “safe zone”.)
Case in point? Kenya has used Instagram to say her “pants no longer fit” and more recently to take her dogs on a walk in stroller for “practice”.
If you ask me, whether Kenya is pregnant or not she is loving the extra spotlight she is getting for all of this!
Kenya posted the following photo to her Instagram saying:
“Practicing with #kingandtwirl with the baby stroller today”
In the photo, Kenya is also wearing a loose fit poncho so we can’t tell for sure if she has a baby bump. At this point she needs to either confirm or deny as she’s not politely asking people for privacy but instead is begging for speculation!
What are your thoughts on Kenya’s post? Do you think she’s pregnant? If so, do you think she should just announce it already?
#EMPIRE NEWS: 'Empire' Season 2 News, Spoilers: 'Expect Weddings And Funerals,' EP Says!
After Lucious (Terrence Howard) lost control of Empire to Camilla (Naomi Campbell) and Mimi (Marisa Tomei) and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Grey), the new CEO, betrayed his father, things on the Fox musical drama "Empire" are almost at a boiling point.
"Empire" executive producer Ilene Chaiken recently spoke to Deadline about the recently debuted back half of season 2 and suggested that events on the show will only get more explosive from here on out.
In the interview, Chaiken explained why the back half of the second season will have fewer celebrity appearances than the first season and hinted at what's ahead for Camilla and Lucious.
"What I can say is that the first two episodes launch us into Season 2B and then it takes off like a demon," the "Empire" boss said.
Chaiken also spoke about the reason season 2B will have fewer guest stars than the show has ever had. According to the "Empire" show-runner, the show will focus on telling stories about the Lyon family and, as such, celebrity guest appearances will have to be "in the context of and in service of" the Lyons' stories.
As for what's in store for Camilla, who everyone but Hakeem seems to want to get rid of, Chaiken said, "Let's just say Camilla's story will be resolved in the way that the Lyon family resolves those kinds of situations."
Chaiken also hinted at a major storyline for the Lyon family patriarch, saying that "Empire" viewers will learn more about Lucious and what made him the man he is today.
"The past comes home to roost in a lot of different ways," she teased. "You can expect weddings and funerals."
Meanwhile, actor/performer Bryshere Y. Grey, who plays the youngest and most fame-obsessed Lyon son in "Empire," recently spoke to PEOPLE about the advice his idol, "Suicide Squad" actor Will Smith, has given him.
"[He tells me] to stay strong, keep the realness, stay truthful to your character, stay truthful to yourself, and keep your family around you," Grey said. "Keep God first."
"Empire" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
DECISION 2016: Cruz, Sanders emerge victorious in Wisconsin primaries!
Republican Ted Cruz stormed to a commanding victory in Wisconsin Tuesday, denting front-runner Donald Trump’s chances of capturing the GOP nomination before the party’s convention. Bernie Sanders carried the Democratic race over Hillary Clinton, a win that still leaves him with a mathematically difficult path to the White House. Trump’s defeat capped one of the worst periods of his campaign, a brutal stretch that highlighted his weaknesses with women and raised questions about his policy depth. While the billionaire businessman still leads the Republican field, Cruz and an array of anti-Trump forces hope Wisconsin signals the start of his decline. “Tonight is a turning point,” Cruz told cheering supporters at a victory rally. “It is a call from the hardworking people of Wisconsin to America. We have a choice. A real choice.” For Sanders, Wisconsin was the latest in a string of victories that have given him an incentive to keep competing against Clinton. But he still trails her in the pledged delegate count and has so far been unable to persuade superdelegates— the party officials who can back any candidate — to drop their allegiance to the former secretary of state and back his campaign. The results in Wisconsin make it likely both parties’ primaries will continue deep into the spring, draping front-runners Trump and Clinton in uncertainty and preventing both from fully setting their sights on the general election. For Sanders, Wisconsin was favorable territory, with an overwhelming white electorate and liberal pockets of voters, and the Vermont senator’s victory gives him a fresh burst of momentum. Because Democrats award delegates proportionally, Sanders and Clinton will both emerge from Tuesday’s contest with more delegates. Heading into Wisconsin, Clinton had 1,243 to Sanders’ 980 based on primaries and caucuses. When including superdelegates, the party officials who can back any candidate, Clinton holds a much wider lead — 1,712 to Sanders’ 1,011. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. Clinton’s campaign has cast her lead as nearly insurmountable. Yet Sanders’ continued presence in the race has become an irritant for the former secretary of state, keeping her from turning her attention to the general election. According to exit polls, Sanders has excited voters in Wisconsin, with more than half of Democratic primary-goers saying the senator inspires them more about the future of the country. But three-quarters of Democratic voters say Clinton has realistic policies. The exit polls were conducted by Edison Research for The Associated Press and television networks. Trump has battled a series of campaign controversies in the lead-up to Wisconsin, including his campaign manager’s legal problems following an altercation with a female reporter and his own awkward stumbles in clarifying his views on abortion. Wisconsin’s Republican establishment, including Gov. Scott Walker, has also campaigned aggressively against the businessman. Exit polls in the state underscored the concerns about Trump that are surging through some corners of the Republican Party. Nearly 4 in 10 GOP voters in Wisconsin said they were scared about what Trump would do as president. Complicating the primary landscape for both Cruz and Trump is the continuing candidacy of John Kasich. The Ohio governor’s only victory has come in his home state, but he’s still picking up delegates that would otherwise help Trump inch closer to the nomination or help Cruz catch up. If Cruz wins all of Wisconsin’s 42 delegates, Trump would need to win 57 percent of those remaining to clinch the GOP nomination before the July convention. So far, Trump has won 48 percent of the delegates awarded. To win a prolonged convention fight, a candidate would need support from the individuals selected as delegates. The process of selecting those delegates is tedious, and will test the mettle of Trump’s slim campaign operation. Cruz prevailed in an early organizational test in North Dakota, scooping up endorsements from delegates who were selected at the party’s state convention over the weekend. While all 28 of the state’s delegates go to the national convention as free agents, 10 said in interviews that they were committed to Cruz. None has so far endorsed Trump. Despite the concern among some Wisconsin Republicans about Trump becoming president, nearly 6 in 10 GOP voters there said the party should nominate the candidate with the most support in the primaries, which so far would be Trump. Even among voters who favored Cruz, 4 in 10 said the candidate with the most support going into the convention should be the party’s nominee
#NEWMUSIC: Ruben Studdard – Can’t Nobody Love You
Love some soulful horns, and Ruben Studdard brings it heavy with his brand new single “Can’t Nobody Love You,” the first release off his forthcoming album, When Love Calls Me, due out this fall.
The Grammy-nominated, American Idol winner teams up with Earnest Echols on the ’70s soul inspired love song. Declaring his unbeatable loving abilities, Studdard sings: “You can look high and low, but they can’t love you girl / No, they can’t love you like I do.”
Ruben has a busy TV schedule this week, including a performance on the finale of American Idol on Thursday.
Take a listen to his soulful new single HERE
The Velvet Teddy Bear is back!
#HIPHOPNEWS: HOT 97 Summer Jam Festival Stage Performers Announced
Hot 97 just announced the line up for their 2016 Summer Jam Festival Stage. Chance the Rapper, Torey Lanez, Curren$y and Desiigner were among the names revealed.
Post Malone, Dave East, Justine Skyy, Dougie F and Rotimi round out the line up that was revealed this morning on the Ebro in the Morning show.
In a press released on Hot 97’s website, Ebro states:
Last year’s show was so hot, it sold-out the morning of! So it left a few people unable to get tickets out in the parking lot. We want to make sure everyone gets to party with us this year, so get your tickets early and plan to get to MetLife for the Festival Stage, kicking off at 3 p.m.!
Presale tickets are on sale now. Performers on the Stadium Stage will be announced on Friday, April 8. General admission tickets will go on sale on Saturday, April 9.
#DISGUSTING! Mississippi Governor Signs 'Religious Freedom' Bill Into Law
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has signed a controversial "religious freedom" bill into law.
The legislation, HB 1523, promises that the state government will not punish people who refuse to provide services to people because of a religious opposition to same-sex marriage, extramarital sex or transgender people.
Supporters say it protects the rights of people who are opposed to homosexuality but who now live in a country where same-sex marriage is a legal right.
Opponents say the law amounts to a state sanction for open discrimination.
The Rev. Chris Donald, a Methodist chaplain at Millsaps College, joins other human rights advocates Wednesday at the state Capitol's rotunda, calling for the Mississippi Senate to defeat what they believe is a discriminatory anti-LGBT bill. The Senate passed the bill, which is now on the governor's desk.
In a statement on Twitter, Bryant said he signed the bill into law "to protect sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions ... from discriminatory action by state government."
He said the new law "merely reinforces" existing religious freedom rights, "does not limit any constitutionally protected rights or actions" and does not challenge federal law.
"The legislation is designed in the most targeted manner possible to prevent government interference in the lives of the people from which all power to the state is derived," Bryant said.
The law is not a broad religious-protections law, such as many recent controversial state laws. As we reported last week, the Mississippi legislation protects only three beliefs or convictions: that marriage is between a man and a woman, that sex is "properly reserved to such a marriage," and that words like "male" and "female" are "objectively determined by anatomy and genetics at birth."
The law protects, among other things, state employees who refuse to license marriages, religious organizations who fire or discipline employees and individuals who decline to provide counseling or some medical services based on those oppositions.
Did You Know It's Legal In Most States To Discriminate Against LGBT People?
Even without such a law, it is already legal in Mississippi — as in most states in the country — to discriminate against LGBT people in providing employment, housing and public accommodation.
The law's language also suggests protections for those who deny services based on an opposition to premarital sex; but similarly, it was already legal in Mississippi to deny an unmarried couple housing because of a moral objection.
Paul Boger of Mississippi Public Broadcasting reports that Republican state Rep. Andy Gipson of Braxton, who introduced the measure, says it has been misrepresented.
"It specifically says that is a case where a person has a religious conviction, they can decline, but they must provide somebody in their office to provide that service," Gipson says. That requirement covers state employees declining to license or perform a marriage.
LGBT advocates in Mississippi had been calling for Bryant, a Republican, to veto the legislation, as had members of the business community such as the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, Nissan North American and Tyson Foods.
The Family Research Council described business opposition to the measure as "economic blackmail" and celebrated Bryant's signature. "No person should be punished by the government with crippling fines, or face disqualification for simply believing what President Obama believed just a few years ago, that marriage is the union of a man and a woman," FRC President Tony Perkins said in a statement.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi's executive director, Jennifer Riley-Collins, said in a statement, "This is a sad day for the state of Mississippi and for the thousands of Mississippians who can now be turned away from businesses, refused marriage licenses, or denied housing, essential services and needed care based on who they are. This bill flies in the face of the basic American principles of fairness, justice and equality and will not protect anyone's religious liberty."
However, A nonprofit humanitarian group has the perfect response to the new Mississippi law that legalizes discrimination against the LGBT community.
The organization Planting Peace, which earned viral fame after purchasing a house adjacent to the Westboro Baptist Church and painting it with rainbow colors, may have outdone themselves entirely with a new billboard in Jackson, Mississippi. The billboard shows Jesus face-palming, along with the text, “Guys, I said I hate figs and to love thy neighbor,” making reference to a less well-known section of the Bible in which Jesus curses a fig tree, making it barren.
The billboard is located on High Street in downtown Jackson, just blocks away from the Mississippi State Capitol.
The law goes into effect July 1….SHAMEFUL!
Karrine Steffans Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against Columbus Short
Karrine Steffans has received a temporary restraining order against her husband, Columbus Short. According to multiple reports, the former Scandal actor has been instructed to move out of her home. We’re told that Karrine takes issue with Columbus’ erratic behavior, especially when he drinks and becomes physically violent. Reportedly, Columbus threatened Karrine’s 18-year-old son. Karrine has remained mum on social media. Last week, shortly after their split, she tweeted the following:
And on Monday, Columbus tweeted:
Columbus nor Karrine have yet to comment on the restraining order
LA Lakers Deactivate Nick Young
LA Lakers head coach deactivates Nick Young amid cheating scandal...
Last week LA Lakers D'Angelo Russell apologized for posting video online of teammate Nick Young admitting that he cheats on his fiancé, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.
This week Lakers head coach Bryon Scott confirms Nick has been deactivated because he head isn't in the game.
Coach Scott tells the media,
“It has nothing to do with chemistry and everything to do with just basketball. Right now, I know what he’s going through, and I know it’s hard on him. But he’s not here with us, mentally, and there’s no need for me to put him out there on the floor.”
DAMN HOMIE!
#WINNING? NeNe Leakes Adds a Second Show in Charlotte
Last month NeNe Leakes announced a one-off one woman stage show in Charlotte,
NeNe adds a second performance after the first show sells out...
Strange that she’s such a friend of the Gays that she would still go perform after that hate bill has been signed into law!
Adele Overcomes Sound Issues And Emerges Victorious In Birmingham UK
Ever since the microphone fell on her piano during the Grammy Awards earlier this year, Adele has consistently proven she’s a consummate professional performer regardless of her context.
Case in point- a few nights ago, the “Hello” songstress was giving a concert in Birmingham, England when the house PA system suddenly cut out.
Rather than freaking out, Adele kept singing “All I Ask” through to the end, and as it turns out her in-ear monitors had been working just fine. She asked the crowd, “The sound went off? The PA f*cking cut off? So you guys had a private concert down in the front? Every f*cking show I sing live.” Check the video HERE!
YESSSS!
The Celebs come out to Celebrate "Jungle Book" Premiere
Lupita Nyong'o arrived at The Jungle Book premiere at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre in this fabulous gold skirt and simple tee as she promoted her upcoming animated film.
She brought her brother Peter along for her big night, and posed it up with co-star (who is the only human in the movie) Neel Sethi:
'Pita added a denim jacket and posed it up with her upcoming Queen of Katwe co-star David Oyelowo.
Lupita's pulling double duty as she's currently starring on Broadway in Eclipsed. So she hopped a cross-country flight to link up with her co-stars to promote their big movie.
Fab designer Rachel Roy brought her gorgeous daughters Ava and Tallulah Dash to see the epic film.
The gorgeous Garcelle Beauvais, new host of "Hollywood Live," brought her adorably dressed twins Jax and Jaid.
"Grey's Anatomy" and "Mistresses" star Jason George brought his wife and kids out for some fun.
Faizon Love was there and grabbed a pic with his longtime friend Kym Whitley.
The Jungle Book hits theaters April 15th.
#EGGPLANT NATION!!! Meet That Butter Pecan Man!
He wants YOU to touch him! Well you can ‘virtually’ when CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS!Remember they’re NSFW! ENJOY!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
