Yara Shahidi for Elle UK - November 2018
On her motivating forces: “First and foremost, my parents. People like [Black Lives Matter co-founder] Patrisse Cullors, who I met at The Underground Museum when I was there to watch Angela Davis speak. I already know of them both previously, but actually seeing them speak made me dig deeper into Patrisse’s history of organising, which started at such a young age. Mentorship is extremely important and, like you say, a lot of it stems from peers within my own generation.”
On social media: “Social media is such a double-edged sword because it’s the reason I’ve connected with so many amazing people, such as yourself and Sage [Adams, stylist to SZA and online activist]. I don’t feel as though these connections would have happened as quickly without that level of access to people.
The fact that we have Go Fund Me and we’re able to support a cause with that level of immediacy [is amazing]. At the same time, it’s this grand simplifier. Social media takes everything and simplifies it in a way that’s really helpful, but can also be extremely harmful because you’re giving information with no context. You’re given bits of news or information about somebody without thinking of the bigger picture. I mean, it’s quite literally looking at the little picture!”
Style Credits:
First Image: Jacquemus Fall 2018 Collection
Second Image: Alexander McQueen Fall 2018 Collection
Hair: Nai’vasha Johnson
Makeup: Emily Cheng
#RHoA: Due to Kenya Moore’s departure from RHoA. NeNe, Kandi Cynthia got PAY RAISES!
The drama on the Real Housewives of Atlanta is paying off for the stars of the show. According to a new report, after Kenya Moore got the axe, everyone else — from OG NeNe Leakes to the newest cast members — received a huge raise for Season 11.
Kandi Burruss’ salary went from $2 million to $2.2 million, and Cynthia Bailey went from pulling in $1.6 million to $1.75 million. Radar Online is reporting that Porsha Williams, who is now expecting her first child, got a baby bump and a pay bump. She went from $800,000 to $1.25 million.
They pay increases weren’t just for the full-time cast members. Friend of the show Marlo Hampton earned $275,000, and Eva Marcille and Shamari DeVoe raked in a salary of $250,000. And, to make her show debut, Tanya Sam received $100,000.
After producers fired Moore, it freed up a lot of money. She was earning a salary of $1.5 million, but the show fined her $125,000 for not sharing her secret marriage and not allowing Bravo cameras at the ceremony.
Of course, the top-paid RHOA cast member is NeNe Leakes. She earned $2.75 million during Season 11, and that makes her the highest paid Housewife in the entire franchise. As a matter of fact, Real Housewives of Atlanta is the highest-rated Housewives show on Bravo.
During Season 11, Bailey went through a lot of changes, including dealing with an empty nest after her daughter Noelle Robinson went off to college and having a new man in her life — Mike Hill. And, she also had to go through the season without Moore, one of her best friends.
Both Moore and Sheree Whitfield did not come back for Season 11, and Bailey definitely missed having Moore by her side.
“Although I made some amazing new friends this season, my Twirl @thekenyamoore was dearly missed,” Bailey wrote on Instagram earlier this week.
However, Bailey did say that she was excited about the Season 11 premiere, and she is grateful for the love and support she gets from her family, friends, and fans. She added that she is in a beautiful place in her life, and she appreciates all of the kind words and well wishes. Plus, she is looking forward to sharing her journey with her fans.
Season 11 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta was full of change for Cynthia Bailey, including an empty nest with daughter Noelle Robinson off at college,
Bailey also sent her best wishes to her co-star Leakes and her husband, Gregg. He has been battling cancer, and fans will see that during the upcoming season. Bailey asked her fans to keep praying for Gregg, and she asked for a speedy recovery, plus continued strength for NeNe.
As for Kenya Moore, she is filming a special about her pregnancy journey, although no network or airtime have been announced.
Season 11 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres on Sunday, November 4th.
#Empire: ‘Empire’ Recap: Lucious Puts Rumors About His Family On Blast
It’s clear that this season of Empire is going to tease us about the mysterious person in the casket until the very end, and we just have to deal. We start tonight’s episode with Lucious at that funeral staring at the casket. Becky joins him, grabs his hand, and says, “You couldn’t have known.” Couldn’t have known about what? Didn’t Cookie have a heart attack last season? Lordt.
Anyway, we flashback 6 months before that again. Cookie and Lucious have been working well with Treasure and have what they know will be a hit single. However, they’re starting from scratch and discover that radio stations are regarding them as has-beens and are therefore playing hardball. Basically, the stations what Lucious to put his business on blast during interviews with their personalities–particularly addressing the rumors about Cookie and Lucious being broke. Lucious doesn’t want to go there at first but starts to realize that he may have to as things are different now.
Giselle thinks she’s going to be the new CEO of Empire but gets a rude awakening when Patel announces that it’s actually going to be Jeff Kingsly. That’s the man that we saw Giselle sleeping with last week. He’s thrilled but she’s tight. Sitting there looking like:
Obviously, Giselle is pissed and we all know she’ll be plotting because it’s what she does.
Dre is still in the bing, having a hard time keeping out of trouble just before he’s about to be released. People, including some of the guards, are looking out for him, but there’s a bully inmate that Dre is itching to put the paws on so we all know this will come back up eventually.
Lucious finds his way to another radio station and offers to give them an exclusive interview about the meaning behind his classic song, “A Child is Born,” something he has never talked about. So, of course, these thirsty reporters jump at the scoop! The deal gets done and once they get their interview, they play Treasure’s song and issa hit.
But don’t get too excited because Giselle ends up stealing Treasure away from them. Yup, Treasure is disloyal trash and decides to sign with Empire because they have the better deal. Plus, she’s not about that recording in the living room life. Lucious and Cookie threaten to sue Treasure, because they did sign a contract, but then Giselle points out that they don’t have the money to battle Empire in court and they’re still trying to keep their money woes on the low.
Next, Kingsly meets up with Lucious and Cookie and apologizes for the Treasure situation because Giselle acted on her own with that one. He says he respects them and thinks Eddie Barker messed up when he cut them out. He wants to take Empire back to its roots but needs them on board, so he offers them chairman and chairwoman positions. Basically, they’ll get money to show up to events here and there and add cosigns to music. It’s shallow, but at least there will be money involved.
Lucious and Cookie have no reason to trust him so they’re still skeptical but they’ll think about it. Hopefully, they at least figure out how to get stake back in their company!
But what ends up happening is, a drunken Hakeem has a public meltdown in Empire’s lobby and ends up at his parent’s house, downtrodden because he can’t rap due to his injured lung. Cookie and Lucious counseling him but they’re worried. This prompts Cookie to convince Lucious to take the Kingsly deal. Hakeem and Jamal don’t like the idea of this but they’ll support their parents anyway.
Now we fast forward to their Welcome Home party in the Empire Records lobby. This is where Kingsly finally takes his mask off. There’s a moment when he makes small talk with Lucious, who is visibly not thrilled that any of this is happening, and he still doesn’t trust Kingsly. He’s also not feeling Kingsly condescending way of seeming like he’s doing some sort of charity. Kingsly is aware of this and gets pissed that Lucious isn’t being grateful so he tells Lucious that he and Cookie better step and fetch it on the microphone when they make the announcement about the deal, with big smiles on their faces. If they don’t then take the offer on his terms then he’s going to tell the world that they’re broke.
Now let’s cut to Kingsly making a show of bringing Lucious on stage. Lucious gets on stage and invites Cookie and his sons up to the stage. Then he takes control of his narrative! He reveals that the rumors about them being broke are true and rips the new Empire to shreds. He goes all the way left when he says that Empire isn’t the place for the Lyons anymore because the new owner and CEO’s are really just techies who are about the dollar, not the artists, and know nothing about the music. He caps his speech by inviting all the real ones to join them with their brand new management and production company who will put artists first. Kingsly is pissed. No really, Kingsly tells Lucious that he’s making a huge mistake, but there’s an ominous tone in his words. He’s standing there looking like:
And we end the episode at the funeral again. Thirsty comes in and asks who Lucious wants to ride with in the limo. He says he’s riding alone and then the FBI comes in because they want to talk to Lucious.
So yeah, we’re just going to have to ride this mysterious death the entire way through.
#NewMusic from from Ella Mai Feat. Chris Brown – ‘Whatchamacallit’
Ella Mai and Chris Brown’s long-awaited collaboration “Whatchamacallit” is here.
LISTEN HERE
The collaboration was a long time coming for Ella, who grew up listening to Breezy’s music. “Vocally, he’s amazing,” she said. “If he didn’t come out the way he did and make the music that he did, I think I would be a completely different artist. He’s influenced an entire generation.”
Ella’s self-titled debut arrives Oct. 12. In addition to Breezy, the album features appearances from John Legend and H.E.R.
#NewHipHop from Swizz Beatz Feat. Young Thug – ’25 Soldiers’
Following his Lil Wayne collaboration “Pistol On My Side,” Swizz Beatz links with Young Thug on “25 Soldiers.”
On the militaristic track, Swizz addresses the current social and political climate. “I got 25 soldiers with 25 hoses / Man, we ain’t about the games,” he raps. “We not about the games / Yeah, you know we ain’t the games.”
LISTEN HERE
Executive produced by J. Cole, Poison is due Nov. 2 and features Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Jadakiss, Styles P, Pusha-T, Young Thug, and 2 Chainz.
Suge Knight Sentenced To 28 Years In Prison For Hit-And-Run Killing
Suge Knight has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the hit-and-run death of businessman Terry Carter on January 29, 2015.
The fallen Death Row mogul initially pleaded not guilty claiming he was ambushed and sped away for his safety – accidentally running over Terry.
But, he later switched his plea to no contest to voluntary manslaughter September 20 in a surprise deal that would keep him from facing a life sentence.
Via NY Daily News:
Carter’s daughters confronted Knight in court Thursday with emotional victim impact statements.
“He murdered my dad in cold blood and is a menace to society,” Crystal Carter said, standing at a podium as Knight showed no emotion.
“You only get one dad. My dad is gone. My children’s grandfather is gone,” daughter Nekaya Carter said.
Terry’s sister Jessica Carter read a statement from Terry’s wife Lillian Carter as the widow sat in the courtroom gallery, softly crying and covering her face with her right hand.
“It’s been three years, and it’s not any easier. By God’s grace I am surviving. Not living, just surviving. This is a nightmare,” the statement said. “The loneliness is so very hard…because of the defendant, I have an endless flood of tears, no matter how hard I try to keep them back, they continue.”
Suge Knight is 53-years-old with a 28-year sentence. Based on his laundry list of health conditions and complaints – he’s basically serving a life sentence.
Ben Affleck Breaks His Silence After Completing Third Rehab Stint
Ben Affleck is sharing his truth. The Oscar winner broke his silence on Thursday, October 4, after completing his third stint in rehab.
“This week I completed a 40-day stay at a treatment center for alcohol addiction and remain in outpatient care,” he wrote in a statement posted on Instagram Opens a New Window. . “The support I have received from my family, colleagues and fans means more to me than I can say. It’s given me the strength and support to speak about my illness with others. Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family.”
The statement continued, “So many people have reached out on social media and spoken about their own journeys with addiction. To those people, I want to say thank you. Your strength is inspiring and supporting me in ways I didn’t think was possible. It helps to know I am not alone. As I’ve had to remind myself, if you have a problem, getting help is a sign of courage, not weakness or failure. With acceptance and humility, I continue to avail myself with the help of so many people and I am grateful to all those who are there for me. I hope down the road I can offer an example to others who are struggling.”
Affleck, 46, checked into rehab on August 22 after his estranged wife, Jennifer Garner, and a sober coach helped stage an intervention at his bachelor pad in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. “Ben has been struggling, and it got to a point where he wanted help and knew he needed help,” a source said at the time.
Days earlier, the Justice League star and his girlfriend, Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus, called it quits after more than a year together. He was later spotted out and about with Playboy model Shauna Sexton, who is 24 years his junior.
Affleck previously sought treatment for his battle with alcoholism in 2001 and early 2017. He continued to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after his second stint.
“Ben works incredibly hard to follow a program that makes sense for him and his journey,” a source previously told Us. “He attends meetings, works with a sober coach and takes whatever steps he feels will help him along the way. Knowing when to seek help is one of those steps, and his willingness to do so is a major step in the right direction.”
Through it all, the actor’s main focus has been his three children with Garner: daughters Violet, 12, and Seraphina, 9, and son Samuel, 6. A source told Us in August that the actress was not “willing to settle the custody issues until she’s 100 percent certain that he’s clean.” As Affleck continued to make progress in rehab, Garner filed court documents on Monday, October 1, to speed up their divorce process with the help of a private judge.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline Opens a New Window. at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
#BROADWAYNEWS: Tina Turner Musical Coming To Broadway In 2019!
The Queen of Rock 'N Roll is about to take over Broadway!
The life of Tina Turner is about to make its way to the biggest stage in the country with a musical twist. "Tina," a musical based on the life and music of Tina Turner, will debut on Broadway in Fall 2019.
Ealier this year, "Tina" made its world premiere in London's West End and now we're about to get a taste of the musical magic.
“Bringing this musical to life on stage and working with this team has meant so much to me,” Turner, who co-produced the musical, said in a statement. “I feel that it is in many ways a culmination of my career. London audiences have been and continue to be extraordinary. Now, the bright lights of Broadway are calling, and I’m very excited to share this beautiful show with New York audiences next year.”
Back in June, Tina shared an emotional goodbye that she wrote to her son, Craig Turner, who died by suicide. He was 59.
Along with the musical, it's reported Tina Turner will be releasing a second memoir, "Tina Turner: My Love Story," set to be released later this year.
Chris Evans announces he's done with Marvel ‘s Captain America
Chris Evans seemed to confirm Thursday that he’s hanging up Captain America’s shield and leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Officially wrapped on Avengers 4,” he tweeted. “It was an emotional day to say the least. Playing this role over the last 8 years has been an honor. To everyone in front of the camera, behind the camera, and in the audience, thank you for the memories! Eternally grateful.”
Evans first took on Steve Rogers in 2011 in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and has continued the role in half a dozen more films.
The 37-year-old actor has been teasing his departure for months, including in March when he told the New York Times that “"You want to get off the train before they push you off."
It’s unclear, though, if the death of Evans’ Steve Rogers is the death of Captain America in general, or if another superhero could take his place. In the comics, Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier (played by Sebastian Stan in the movies) and Sam Wilson/the Falcon (Anthony Mackie) have taken up Cap’s shield.
“Avengers 4” hits theaters May 3.
The Beloved Queen from Queens The #LGBT icon "Ms. Colombia" found dead at Rockaway Beach
A beloved performer who went by the sobriquet “Ms. Colombia” has been identified as the man found dead at Riis Park in Queens, police sources and a local councilman said Thursday.
The body of Osvaldo Gomez, 64, known for dressing in colorful outfits was found about 3:30 a.m. near Beach 149th St. in Queens. There were no apparent signs of trauma and he is believed to have drowned.
Word of his death triggered an outpouring of sympathy from the many people who knew him in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and beyond.
The @NYPD has reported to that #MsColombia, a.k.a. Osvaldo Gomez, was found dead in the water off Jacob Riis Park yesterday. At this time, no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is being performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death. pic.twitter.com/u0RvR5Hy4m
— José Antonio MartÃnez (@josemartinews) October 4, 2018
City Councilmember Daniel Dromm called Gomez, “an iconic figure” in the LGBT community the city at large.
“She was beloved by all who saw her in the streets, at parks and in the neighborhood wearing her colorful outfits and a bird on her shoulder,” he said in a statement. “Her cheerfulness and ability to bring a smile to the faces of all who met her will be missed by all New Yorkers."
“While life did not always treat Ms. Colombia with all the respect she was due, New Yorkers will remember Ms. Colombia as a hero to everyone,” Dromm said.
“May this amazing soul who all he wanted to do was entertain and make people laugh Rest in Peace Forever,” wrote an anonymous poster to the Brownstoner website.
Gomez said in a documentary called “No Your City” that she was a lawyer and moved from Colombia in 1975. She said she was diagnosed with HIV in the 1980s.
Veteran police officer Terrence Carraway identified as victim in South Carolina shooting that left six other cops wounded
A veteran South Carolina police officer was killed in a shooting that left six other cops wounded while serving a warrant on a 74-year-old suspect on Wednesday.
Terrence Carraway, pictured above, was a 30-year veteran of the police force. He was killed when senior citizen Fred Hopkins opened fire while deputies were trying to serve a warrant at Hopkins’s home.
Police went to the Florence County home in response to a report that a 27-year-old person inside the house molested a foster child.
Authorities used a bullet-proof vehicle to retrieve the fallen officers after Hopkins barricaded himself inside the home and fired at the police for hours.
Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said police went to the home unaware of the firepower and tons of ammunition Hopkins had inside the home located in an upscale neighborhood.
Boone told reporters three deputies initially went to the home to serve the warrant. After they were shot by Hopkins, he opened fire on more officers arriving at the scene, including Carraway.
“Surprised is an understatement,” a local resident told WMBF. “The worst thing that goes on around here is that someone runs a stop sign and it gets posted on Facebook.”
Police eventually subdued Hopkins after the hours-long standoff. He was hospitalized with a head injury, according to WMBF.
A 27-year-old man inside the home on Ashton Drive was also shot and transported to a hospital.
Carraway had just received his 30-year pin from the police department when he lost his life.
Actor Pooch Hall Arrested for DUI; Letting 2-Year-Old Son Drive
Actor Pooch Hall was arrested for driving under the influence after an officer spotted his car weaving through traffic with his 2-year-old son behind the wheel.
Hall told the officer he let his toddler take the wheel because he was “too drunk” to drive.
Hall, 44, was arrested Wednesday night in Burbank California. He is a resident of Sherman Oaks, CA.
A Burbank police officer spotted Hall’s Chrysler sedan weaving in and out of traffic on Wednesday night.
The cop noticed the driver had a baby on his lap, and the baby was gripping the wheel and in control of the vehicle.
Police pulled Hall’s car over, and he blew a .25 on the breathalyzer, which is more than 3 times the legal limit.
Hall was arrested and booked for child endangerment and DUI. Other charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, according to the NY Daily News.
Hall’s son was released into his wife Linda’s custody.
Hall is best known for his role as a sensitive quarterback married to a domineering med school wife (played by Tia Mowry) on the BET scripted TV series “The Game”. The series ran from October 2006 through August 5, 2015.
Kanye West Lied About Being Bullied Over MAGA Hat on Saturday Night Live
Last week Kanye West went on an angry rant claiming he was bullied by Saturday Night Live staffers who didn't want him to wear his Make America Great Again hat in support of Donald Trump during his appearance on SNL [click here if you missed that].
Insiders claim it's not true...On set sources tell People Magazine,
“No one bullied him about wearing the MAGA hat. He wore it in promos and all week before the show even aired and was asking everyone if they thought he should wear the hat, interns, anyone walking by who would listen.”
Former Clemson running back C.J. Fuller has died at 22
Gill Payne, the athletic director at South Carolina’s Easley High School, where Fuller attended, confirmed his death to multiple outlets Wednesday afternoon, including The Greenville News and CBS affiliate WSPA.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney released a statement later Wednesday.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.’s family,” Swinney said. “I’ve known C.J. for a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues all the way through Easley High School. I’m proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all, his accomplishment of being a Clemson graduate. Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace.”
Pickens County coroner Kandy Kelley told the Greenville News that Fuller died at Greenville Memorial Hospital after being transported from a family member’s house. She declined to release further information on his death until an autopsy is complete. She said in investigation into his death could take up to eight weeks.
Fuller played at Clemson from 2015 to 2017, including the Tigers’ 2016 national championship team. Details of his death have not been reported.
He announced his plans to transfer in February. In March, he was arrested along with fellow former Clemson player Jadar Johnson and former Duke player Quaven Ferguson on armed robbery charges in downtown Clemson.
Fuller tallied 599 rushing yards and 155 receiving yards while totaling six touchdowns during his three-year Clemson career.
R.I.P
Amy Schumer Arrested at Brett Kavanaugh Protest in DC
The protest against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh took place on Thursday (October 4) in Washington, DC. Amy, who told her social media followers that she would be protesting, was photographed as one of the several protesters who were held at the Hart Senate Office Building by police.
There’s also a video of Amy being taken away here. Another fan got a special message from Amy on a video, saying, “I think [I'm] gonna get arrested.”
“We need to stand up. I want to encourage anyone and everyone to get active if it’s with a post or a march or a donation. This is not a drill. Show up in DC tomorrow and Friday. Show up for your sister and daughters and mothers. Show up! We will keep fighting. We see you Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and everyone else who told the truth no matter what happens we thank you we love you we are you,” Amy posted on Instagram on Wednesday (October 3).
If you do not know, Brett Kavanaugh has been accused of sexual assault by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. A hearing took place last week, and he is currently Donald Trump‘s Supreme Court nominee
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘FAT COON’
What the shit? That thing is gigantic. Ignoring the fact that a raccoon is chilling on your shoulder like you’re the weirdest pirate of all time, that thing looks like it could take down a adult deer.
#EGGPLANT NATION Meet Ray!
Meet Ray! Well to see more you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
ENJOY!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
