Shonda Rhimes for Elle US - November 2018 ‘The Women in Hollywood’
Shonda Makes TV That Represents Everyone!
Television is turning out the most creative, inclusive storytelling today, and writer/producer Shonda Rhimes deserves a good chunk of the credit. When Scandal debuted in 2012, its glamorous, if polemical, fixer Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) was the first black woman to lead a network drama since 1974. In the years following, ABC launched How to Get Away With Murder, Quantico, Fresh Off the Boat, Black-ish, and its spin-off, Grown-ish—all of which center on people of color. For almost half a decade, ABC’s Thursday nights—from Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal (now replaced by Station 19, also executive-produced by Rhimes) to How to Get Away With Murder—have been reserved for Rhimes, a creative force whose headstrong heroines have drawn an average of 8.6 million viewers each week (and helped the megaproducer net two Golden Globes, eight Emmys, 29 NAACP Image Awards, and a Peabody). In August of last year, however, Rhimes announced that after 15 years with ABC, she was leaving the network for Netflix. Under a development deal reportedly worth $150 million, Rhimes’s production company, Shondaland, was tasked with producing an eclectic slate of eight projects. Clearly, Rhimes has moved the needle forward, but women still account for only 21 percent of network TV creators today, according to a study by San Diego State University’s Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film. Rhimes is optimistic. “It feels like we’re in the middle of a giant sea change,” she says. “So for me, it means riding that wave and pushing forward and trying to get all the work done that we want to get done.”
Are we still in a gray area of sorting out what’s right and wrong a year after Harvey Weinstein?
We always knew what was right and wrong, but I do feel like we’re in the middle of making sure those rules are clear to everybody else—and also raising [up] anybody who needs support.
Do you think much has changed?
I don’t know if I can say there’s a measurable change. I mean, I don’t have stats, but it does feel like the air has changed. The attitudes have changed. The conversation has changed. I keep hearing people say they’re holding their breath, waiting for it all to pass. But they’ve been holding their breath for a long time, so it feels like we’re moving toward clear, true change in the way we behave.
Your shows have diverse casts. How important was it to you to show a full range of people?
It’s hugely important, but I didn’t know how conscious it was until I was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. I was trying to figure out my speech, and I realized it was about how you cannot be what you cannot see. I talked about having grown up watching Oprah every single day of my life. How this was a woman of color, who did not look a certain way, who was [based in] Chicago, and who took over the world through television, basically. When I started writing TV shows, I wanted to represent everybody, because it should look like the real world. It should feel normal when you turn on the television and see people who look like you.
What do you tell your daughters about success?
For a long time, my oldest daughter thought I was a doctor, because I was always at work, and it was a hospital. Now she’s 16, so she doesn’t think that anymore. My little ones are six and four and think there’s a land called Shonda. They don’t really understand how it relates to their mother, but it’s nice that they understand that women go to work and enjoy it, and that you can have a business and be in charge.
Now you have this incredible deal with Netflix.
I keep hearing about how I got lured away, as if somebody wagged a piece of candy in front of me. But really, it was me deciding I had a vision, and [Netflix’s chief content officer] Ted Sarandos shared that vision. I wanted to be able to decide what kind of shows we were going to make and how we were going to make them. So to have that kind of power has been an amazing experience so far. It’s also a little bit like Christmas because there’s a very “Yes, we can” attitude. Almost so much that we have to be careful what we ask for, like, “Don’t ask for the moon, because they will build you the moon.”
Good for Her!
#RHoA: Nene Leakes Goes Shoe Shopping to Deal With Stress with Gregg’s Cancer diagnose.
Nene Leakes has made a grand effort to keep her husband Gregg Leakes on the up and up as he continues to fight cancer but the stress of it all means “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star needs to find a way to unwind.
Fans could relate to the reality star and Swagg Boutique owner’s need for some retail therapy.
Nene has been by her husband’s side since his cancer sprung up around May. At the time, she canceled a set of comedy shows in order to be by his side. And when Gregg recently underwent another surgery, Nene was there to help him and drive him home.
Still, the road to recovery hasn’t been smooth as the former actress has tweeted about how mean Gregg has been since coming home.
“When people are sick, is it normal for them to be mean,” she admitted on Oct. 6. “They talk mean to the person that’s helping? So stressful.”
#Empire' Sneak Peek: Mario Sings His Way to Cookie's Heart in Soulful Introduction
Mario is singing his way to people's hearts on Empire. The R&B singer makes a memorable entrance as Devon, an up-and-coming performer hoping for his big break, on the Fox music drama in Wednesday's episode, and only ET has the exclusive first look at his introduction.
In the clip, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Porsha (Ta'Rhonda Jones) make the trek out to a junkyard to meet Devon for the first time in the hopes of signing him to their management company, Lyon Family Management, as their latest R&B hopeful. To say Devon is starstruck when Cookie introduces herself is an understatement.
"The Cookie Lyon? Wait till I tell my sister about this," Devon says excitedly.
Where did Cookie and Porsha discover him? In an Instagram video, of course. "It was your beautiful voice that cut through all of the clutter," Cookie praises.
"I've been praying for a sign and here y'all are," Devon says with a sense of relief, prompting Porsha to hilariously quip that she's been "praying for a man."
But Cookie needs to know that who she's investing her resources in is the real deal, so she requests Devon perform a little something for her so, you know, they can seal the deal... so to speak. His soulful rendition is just enough for Cookie to sign him on the spot -- only there's a slight problem.
WATCH
The timing of his Empire arc couldn't be more perfect for Mario, whose fifth studio album, Dancing Shadows, just dropped earlier this month.
Empire airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox
#NewMusic from Keith Sweat – Boomerang
Legendary R&B singer Keith Sweat has just released his latest single “Boomerang” featuring Candace Price.
The new song is the latest offering from his recently announced 13th studio album “Playing for Keeps” set to release on October 26th. Also included on the album is previously released single “How Many Ways” featuring K-Ci, which recently reached #5 on Urban A/C.
The 13-track album has features from a diverse mix including Akon, Teddy Riley and Tank as well as newcomers Candace Price and Ray Fade.
The new album showcases the acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer blending his genius formula of provocative wordplay, infectious hooks and harmonies on top of addictive melodies. The album also finds Sweat reuniting with R&B’s finest including New Jack Swing king, Teddy Riley, and crooner Tank on the playful yet sensual number “Who’s Ya Daddy.”
Sweat continues to tap into his audience’s emotions with passionate love songs, sometimes inspired by his own experiences with love.
LISTEN HERE
Keith Sweat “Playing for Keeps” Tracklist:
1) Eney Meeny Miny Moe feat. Ray Fade
2) Bae Bae
3) Cloud 9
4) Get Up In It
5) Big Ass Lie
6) How Many Ways
7) No Love Loss
8) Fuego feat. Akon, Alkaline and Ray Fade
9) Who’s Ya Daddy feat. Teddy Riley and Tank
10) Pull Up
11) Red Negligee
12) Boomerang feat. Candace Price
13) All About You
#NewHipHopVideo from T.I. The Weekend ft. Young Thug, Swizz Beatz
The Kid Art-directed clip takes place at a party at Tip’s sprawling mansion. A group of women hatch a plan to pickpocket the guests. During the lavish soirée, Tip and Thugger party with guests including Dave East while $100 dollar bills are tossed into the pool. One of the female robbers eventually pulls a gun on them, but a drunk Tip and Thug just laugh in her face before throwing her from the window and onto the hood of her car, where she lays lifeless.
LISTEN HERE
Produced by Swizz Beatz, “The Weekend” is a single off Tip’s 10th studio album Dime Trap, which also features Young Thug, Jeezy, Teyana Taylor, Anderson .Paak, and more.
Ariana Grande returns Pete Davidson engagement ring after split
Ariana Grande has returned her $93,000 pear-shaped engagement ring to now-ex-fiancé Pete Davidson, TMZ reported. As for their other joint assets, such as their pet pig named Piggy Smallz, it appears the 25-year-old singer will keep the porker. Davidson won’t ever be too far away from his former pet, as he recently revealed that he had Piggy Smallz tattooed onto his torso.
Presumably, Grande is also remaining in the $16 million apartment she purchased for her and Davidson.
Piggy Smallz was just one of many tattoos Davidson got for Grande, though Page Six recently revealed that he had his “Dangerous Woman”-inspired tattoo covered up just days before the news of the split broke.
The “Saturday Night Live” star and “Sweetener” singer broke up and called off their engagement over the weekend, with insiders claiming Mac Miller’s death was the final straw.
Reps for Grande and Davidson did not immediately return requests for comment.
Will Smith Opens Up About ‘Failing Miserably’ In His Marriage.
Will Smith Opens Up About 'Failing Miserably' In His Marriage. The 50-year-old rapper and actor is being as transparent as Saran Wrap especially when he opens up about the period of time when he says he was “failing miserably” in his marriage.
There was a period where mommy woke up and cried for forty-five days straight.
I started keeping a diary. It was every morning.
I think that’s the worst I ever felt in our marriage. I was failing miserably.
Jada interjected, “You missed some days.”
Watch the clip HERE
So obviously there was some truth to all of those rumors that were circulating claiming their marriage was in shambles.
“Red Table Talk” season 2 premieres on October 22.
Lady Gaga confirms engagement to Christian Carino
Fans are praising Lady Gaga for her sexy, nude photo shoot she shared on social media. It is unclear if the photos are connected with her new Las Vegas show residency, 'Enigma.'
Lady Gaga is officially getting married. The “A Star Is Born” actress finally confirmed her engagement to her Hollywood agent boyfriend, Christian Carino, while at the 25th Annual ELLE Women in Hollywood event in Los Angeles.
According to E! News, the singer-turned-actress thanked her "fiancé Christian" during an emotional speech at the ceremony after the star was honored.
Though it is unclear how long the couple have been formally engaged, the pair first set off rumors about their relationship back in February 2017, when they were snapped sharing kisses while on the Super Bowl football field, prior to the singer’s Half Time performance.
But before her relationship with Carino, Gaga was engaged to “Chicago Fire” actor, Taylor Kinney. Kinney originally proposed to the singer on Valentine’s Day in 2015, but the former couple called off their engagement in July 2016.
And though not a real-life couple, Gaga and Bradley Cooper make their on-screen love believable in their new hit movie. But despite her “A Star Is Born” romance with Cooper, Gaga is said to be “very much in love” with her fiancé.
“They are very much in love,” a source told Us Weekly in August. “They haven’t set a wedding date yet. Christian isn’t in a rush, and Gaga is finishing her next album. Christian has children from his previous marriage, and he wants to make sure they’re comfortable with anything that happens.”
Columbus Short Accuses Kim Kardashian of Casting Spells on Kanye West
Actor Columbus Short calls out Kim Kardashian for using witchcraft on Kanye West...
Columbus made the shocking allegations in a post on Instagram showing Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in a picture with the First Lady of Uganda.
LOL! The post has since been deleted.
Donald Trump calls Stormy Daniels 'Horseface' and her Attorney STRIKES BACK!
President Trump on Tuesday called adult-film star Stormy Daniels "Horseface" and threatened to "go after" her after he won a court victory over his alleged mistress.
“'Federal Judge throws out Stormy Danials [sic] lawsuit versus Trump. Trump is entitled to full legal fees.' @FoxNews Great, now I can go after Horseface and her 3rd rate lawyer in the Great State of Texas. She will confirm the letter she signed! She knows nothing about me, a total con!' he tweeted.
The tweet comes one day after a federal judge in California threw out Daniels's defamation lawsuit against Trump and ordered Daniels to repay the president's legal fees.
Daniels's attorney, Michael Avenatti, responded by calling Trump a "disgusting misogynist" and a "liar" who has dishonored his family and country.
"You are a disgusting misogynist and an embarrassment to the United States. Bring everything you have, because we are going to demonstrate to the world what a complete shyster and liar you are. How many other women did you cheat on your wife with while you had a baby at home?" he tweeted.
The former adult film star later hit back at Trump, making a ribald reference to his genitals.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present your president. In addition to his...umm...shortcomings, he has demonstrated his incompetence, hatred of women and lack of self control on Twitter AGAIN! And perhaps a penchant for bestiality. Game on, Tiny," she tweeted.
The judge's ruling does not affect a separate lawsuit Daniels is bringing against Trump regarding a 2016 nondisclosure agreement.
Daniels alleges she had an affair with Trump in 2006 and that the former business mogul paid her $130,000 during the run-up to the 2016 presidential election in exchange for her silence.
The payment is also being probed by federal prosecutors in New York City, who have already secured a guilty plea from Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who arranged the payment.
Cohen pleaded guilty to a campaign-finance violation in connection to the payment and said Trump directed him to make it. Trump's team has denied he had an affair with Daniels and said he had no involvement in the hush-money agreement.
Critics denounced Trump's language, calling it the latest example of his willingness to insult the appearances of women who pose a threat to him.
"To say this is unbecoming of any man, let alone the POTUS, is a vast understatement. And to say this enables teenage boys to feel they have a license to refer to girls w such names is obvious. It’s all very embarrassing," said Rep. Ryan Costello (R-Pa.), who is not seeking reelection.
OH LOOK! There's Now A Sexy Meghan Markle Halloween Costume
Are you even surprised? A sexy Meghan Markle Halloween costume now exists, because, of course it does. There was a ton of hype surrounding the Duchess of Sussex's wedding gown, so, it makes sense that somebody, somewhere would turn it into a Halloween costume, but this is definitely pretty extra. The costume, which is listed as "American Princess Costume," is being sold be e-retailer Yandy. Here's the costume's description:
You're living an actual fairy tale! Get ready to walk down the royal aisle in this exclusive American Princess costume featuring a white minidress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, 3/4 length sleeves, a smooth bodice, a tulle veil with a large bow accent, a satin bow detail, and a bejeweled tiara.
While Yandy doesn't explicitly say this is a "sexy Meghan Markle Halloween Costume," it's obvious to anybody familiar with the Duchess's story. Not only is she an "American Princess," the costume mimics her royal wedding dress with the 3/4 quarter sleeves and off the shoulder style. The website also includes a Deal-or-No-Deal inspired briefcase in their photos, in case you weren't totally sure this look was inspired by Markle.
The whole look costs $49.95, however, the Deal-Or-No-Deal suitcase is not included. It will be interesting to see how many Meghan Markle costumes pop up between now and Halloween. There's always the option of making a DIY version of this costume, as well.
Will you be dressing up in the "American Princess Costume?" Who knows, maybe there's a sexy Prince Harry costume out there for your boyfriend. The internet is a vast and mysterious place full of plenty of interesting costume ideas, that's for sure!
Drake: ‘I wanted to start a family with Rihanna’
Before Drake had a baby, the Hip Hop star was eager to start a family with superstar singer Rihanna.
In an interview with HBO’s The Shop, Drake said he was eager to fulfill his fantasy to settle down with Rihanna and start a family. But she didn’t share his enthusiasm.
Drake pursued Rihanna and made sure to tip the paparazzi off whenever they went out.
But Rihanna resisted his efforts due to persistent ghey rumors, the fact that he was corny, and stories that he used women like her as beards to conceal his down low lifestyle.
Drake said, “Well I don’t have the fairy tale life like, ‘Oh Drake married Rihanna and it’s so perfect.’ It looked so good on paper!”
The rapper ended up siring a baby boy with a random, and the fairy tale life with a pop/R&B singer still eludes him.
K.Michelle: Take a Look At My Silicone Free Booty!
K.Michelle is celebrating her health. The singer and Love & Hip Hop star has spoken openly about having a botched plastic surgery procedure where she had her butt enhanced.
This week, she shared an image of her backside, noting that she is now silicone free. She captioned the image,
Say what now? #allme #nowwhat #siliconefree #hoodbathroombootypic
She also shared another image showing off her new donk.
So what you think of the new K Michelle booty?
Khloe Kardashian Implies That She’s Never Had Plastic Surgery On Her Face
E! Channel star Khloe Kardashian, and the rest of her family, have been transparent about almost aspects of their lives. But there’s one subject the Kardashian/Jenner crew dances around – plastic surgery. Their assets have been a topic of discussion for nearly a decade. Recently, Khloe implied to her social media followers that she’s never had a facial surgery – despite her ever-changing appearance. She tweeted:
“I hope that whenever I need/want a facial surgery I can just take a pill or something lol this sh*t scares me #KUWTK”
But, Khloe Kardashian admitted to having a botched face filler procedure in 2015 on her now-cancelled talk show, Kocktails With Khloe. Considering she was conscious during the procedure, and scalpels weren’t used – it can be assumed Khloe doesn’t consider this to be a surgery. She said:
“It did not work for me. I looked crazy, and I still think the effects are in there – I went to have it all dissolved like three times. I did it and then Lamar’s accident happened.”
She continued: “I was so stressed out the doctor was like, ‘I think it’s just too much was happening to your real emotions.’ My face was so f***ed I had to go and get this whole thing dissolved.”
Whatever!
Famous Las Vegas Pimp Dennis Hof Dies Star Of HBO ‘Cathouse’ Reality Series Was 72
Dennis Hof, the Las Vegas pimp at the center of HBO’s Cathouse reality series and a Republican candidate for the Nevada state legislature, has died at age 72.
Chuck Muth, Hof’s campaign manager in the state election, tweeted that Hof “died quietly in his sleep” and that his body was discovered this morning by porn star Ron Jeremy.
His death had earlier been confirmed by Nye County Sheriff Lt. David Boruchowitz, who told reporters that, preliminarily, there is no indication of foul play.
Boruchowitz said that Hof was found not breathing at his Love Ranch legal brothel Tuesday morning. Boruchowitz would not say where on the ranch Hof was found. An investigation is ongoing.
According to media reports, Hof, who turned 72 Sunday, had celebrated his birthday Monday night at a hotel in Pahrump, Nevada, an hour west of Vegas. Hof had told reporters that party invitees included Jeremy, former sheriff Joe Arpaio, tax reform advocate Grover Norquist, and rapper Flavor Flav. Arpaio confirmed to the Associated Press that he attended the party, and, when informed of Hof’s death, responded, “Boy, that’s shocking.”
Hof’s name will remain on the already-printed ballots, though signs at polling places will note that Hof has died. His opposition is Democrat Lesia Romanov.
Cathouse, a late-night reality series about legal brothels in Nevada, debuted on HBO in 2005 and returned for a second season in 2007. Occasional specials followed.
USA Gymnastics Head Mary Bono is Out After Less Than A Week As Interim President
Newly appointed interim president and CEO of USA Gymnastics Mary Bono announced she’s resigning from the position after only five days in the role.
“It is with profound regret, coupled with a deep love for the sport of gymnastics and respect for those who aspire to be great gymnasts, that I today tendered my resignation as the Interim CEO of USA Gymnastics,” Bono wrote in a statement published to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.eggpl
Bono, a former gymnast and Republican congresswoman from California, wrote in her resignation that she had hoped to have had a positive impact on USA Gymnastics, an organization that has been floundering since former team trainer Larry Nassar was accused of sexual abuse by hundreds of athletes.
“My regret is that I would have brought to the organization, the angst and anger of my own story: a young apprising gymnast who witnessed first-hand the assaulting behavior of a coach; watched peers who acquiesced in it move ahead while those who didn’t were left behind, and myself stayed silent — perhaps the norm then, but very trouble to me to this day,” she wrote.
USA Gymnastics appointed Bono on Friday in hopes of course-correcting the organization in the wake of the Nassar scandal.
“I would have brought a fire in the belly to ensure that no one as taken with gymnastics as I was at that age, should have to choose between abuse and ambition, or between properly speaking out and promoting personal success,” Bono added.
The day after her new role was announced, Bono came under fire for posting a photo on Twitter of her covering the Nike logo on her golf shoes. The photo suggested that Bono was protesting the sportswear company’s move to partner with Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL player who has kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
Olympian Simone Biles called out Bono on Twitter, writing: “Mouth drop. Don’t worry, it’s not like we needed a smarter USA Gymnastics president or any sponsors or anything.”
Bono since deleted the tweet and apologized. She specifically responded to the Kaepernick debacle, writing in her resignation:
With respect to Mr. Kaepernick, he nationally exercised his first amendment right to kneel. I exercised mine: to mark over on my own golf shoes, the logo of the company sponsoring him for “believing in something even if it means sacrificing everything” — while at a tournament for families who have lost a member of the armed services (including my brother-in-law, a Navy SEAL) who literally “sacrificed everything.” I twas an emotional reaction to the sponsor’s use of that phrase that caused me to tweet, and I regret that at the time I didn’t better clarify my feelings. That one tweet has now been made the litmus test of my reputation over almost two decades of public service.
Bono’s resignation also comes in the wake of harsh criticism from multiple gymnasts who were sexually abused by Nassar, who’s currently serving a life sentence on child sexual abuse and child pornography charges.
Many Nassar survivors, including Olympian Aly Raisman, were upset with Bono’s appointment and pointed out that the former Republican congresswoman from California worked for Faegre Baker Daniels, which represented USA Gymnastics when investigations into Nassar began in 2015. Some Nassar survivors claimed Faegre Baker Daniels helped cover up Nassar’s abuse while the firm was employed by USA Gymnastics.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘AHOY MATEYS’
You laugh, this pirate movie grossed $848 billion. Congrats Jerry Bruckheimer.
#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Father Dave!
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ENJOY!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
