#CAMPAIGNFABULOSITY: Jeremy Pope Leads Calvin Klein’s 2024 Pride Celebration
For Pride 2024, Calvin Klein launches its “This is Love” campaign featuring the multi-talented Jeremy Pope. Photographed by Gordon von Steiner, Pope, known for his acting and singing work, brings dynamic energy to the advertisement.
Pope showcases Calvin Klein’s 2024 Pride collection, which includes updated Intense Power underwear styles with a limited-edition rainbow logo waistband. The collection also features revamped Cotton Stretch and Modern Cotton underwear styles in vibrant hues and a new Monogram Logo tee and tank.
For Pride 2024, Calvin Klein launches its “This is Love” campaign featuring the multi-talented Jeremy Pope. Photographed by Gordon von Steiner, Pope, known for his acting and singing work, brings dynamic energy to the advertisement.
In the campaign’s fun and lively video, Jeremy Pope lip-syncs to Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love,” alongside Cara Delevingne. The video teems with dynamic dance and features appearances by Charlie Knepper, Diego Pasillas, Janick Heilijgers, Mauro van de Kerkhof, Vinson Fraley, Greta Hofer, Monet Lauren, Stella Maxwell, and Tinglei Liu.
Jeremy Pope’s performance in the “This is Love” campaign encapsulates the celebratory essence of Pride 2024. The combination of Calvin Klein’s modern, bold designs and the vibrant representation of the LGBTQIA+ community delivers a powerful message of inclusivity and joy.
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes gets emotional in first televised interview since announcing 'RHOA' departure!
In September, Leakes posted a video to her YouTube Channel announcing that she would not be part of the upcoming 13th season of the show. She said “it wasn’t any easy decision” for her.
More recently on social media, Leakes has made veiled references to the Bravo series, alleging discrimination and systemic racism.
“Sometimes when people are watching these shows you only see what’s happening on the surface and not everything that’s happening behind the scenes,” she told Hall.
Leakes’s issue is that, according to her, her role on the show has been consistently reduced. Hall responded by asking what sort of resolution she was seeking, although Leakes remained mum on specifics.
“I can’t tell you everything that I want from them, but I can tell you that I want fair treatment,” she said. “I deserve fair treatment.”
But when asked if she’d like to return to the show, Leakes said, “No, I do not.”
Hall continued to prod Leakes about her intentions, especially given that any Real Housewives series involves a degree of conflict and drama. But Leakes maintained she was not out for revenge and doubled down on being mistreated.
“I don’t want to get them back, I would never sit here on national television and tell you that something happened to me and it did not happen to me,” she said.
#NewMusic from Durand Bernarr Releases New Visual EP “En Route”
Cleveland bred R&B sensation Durand Bernarr has just released his new visual EP “En Route”. The project is a genre-bending compilation of his musical influences and serves as a transitional bridge between Durand Bernarr’s sophomore album Wanderlust and his forthcoming solo and collaborative releases.
LISTEN AND WATCH HERE:
Over a period of five days, Durand Bernarr collaborated with long-time partners Sam Hoffman and Budda Foster, as well as Kay’ce Thompson and the renowned duo Louis York, consisting of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, at Spotify’s newly-launched Coke Studio in Los Angeles, CA. Described as a road trip, the eight-track EP provides a soundtrack to the open road of adventure. He adds:
“En Route is the by-product of my experiences and evolution as both a person and an artist. It’s me expressing exactly how I feel, what I need and how I want to be treated. While narrating these stories, I wanted to incorporate the eras, genres, cultures, instruments, and music legends that inspire me. And what did I say would happen when I finally got some music video money?”
#HipHopNews: Eminem's Megan Thee Stallion Name-Drop On "Houdini" Sends Social Media Into An Uproar
Eminem is set to debut his 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), during the summer, beginning with its first single, “Houdini.” Released on Friday (May 31), the track was filled with controversial lyrics that reflected the music he’s been known for throughout his career.
In particular, the Detroit rapper made a nod to the 2020 shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee (What?)/ Stallion if she would collab with me/ Would I really have a shot at a feat? (Haha)/ I don’t know, but I’m glad to be back.”
As to be expected, the lines didn’t go over well for longtime supporters of the Houston native, especially considering she’s been trying to put the traumatic events behind her for quite some time. “This not going to go well for him,” journalist Keith Nelson Jr. wrote on Twitter.
“I hope Megan chews Eminem’s tired a** up,” another commenter said. Someone else stated, “Eminem’s career has largely been built on being shocking and provocative to certain audiences… Being 51 years old and taking shots at Megan Thee Stallion? Out of touch
In August 2023, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for firing a gun and wounding the “Caption Hook” artist’s foot with bullet fragments. He was found guilty on three counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and negligent discharge of a firearm.
It’s also worth mentioning that Slim Shady isn’t the only person to poke fun at Megan over the situation. Hip Hop fans speculated that Drake referenced the incident on 2022’s “Circo Loco”: “This b**ch lie ’bout gettin’ shots, but she still a stallion/ She don’t even get the joke, but she still smilin’.”
Nicki Minaj took more direct jabs on her January release “Big Foot.” The Trinidadian rap star dished out bars like, “Like a bodybuilder, I keep raisin’ the bar/ F**k you get shot with no scar?/ This little piggy toxic, somebody adopt it.”
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Announces Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis, Vows To Continue Legislative Work
In a heartfelt statement shared Sunday night, the 74-year-old congresswoman revealed, “My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
Despite the diagnosis, Jackson Lee remains committed to her legislative duties.
She acknowledged that her treatments might occasionally cause her to miss votes but emphasized her dedication to collaborating with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on crucial legislation.
“I am committed to working on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she said.
Sheila Jackson Lee expressed confidence in her medical team, stating, “I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, non-Hispanic Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is the 10th most common form of the disease and affects 1.7% of people in their lifetime.
The average age of diagnosis is 70.
Representing Texas’ 18th District, which includes parts of Houston, Sheila Jackson Lee recently won a primary election to regain her seat after losing her bid for mayor of Houston late last year.
With roughly 30 years of service in Congress, she has been a staunch advocate for her constituents and a prominent member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
In May, Jackson Lee reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, underscoring her commitment to criminal justice reform.
She serves on the House’s Judiciary and Homeland Security committees and has been a vocal advocate for public education.
Recently, she called for the education department’s Office for Civil Rights to conduct a Title VI investigation into the takeover of Houston’s Independent School District (HISD).
“This is not helping our families,” Sheila Jackson Lee told ABC News in March, responding to reports of Houston public school teachers quitting. “It’s not helping our children. That’s our number one priority, so I’m going to work with them until the very end until we are successful in bringing back an elected board and the governance that has the input of our parents and our teachers so they can do what is best for our children’s well-being.”
More than 80% of HISD students are Black and Hispanic, highlighting the importance of addressing potential racial disparities in educational governance.
Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Rep. Jackson Lee’s announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues and constituents alike.
Her determination to continue her legislative work despite her diagnosis is a testament to her resilience and dedication to public service.
As she embarks on this challenging journey, her commitment to her constituents and her faith in overcoming this adversity remain steadfast.
Please join me in sending an abundance of love and prayers to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
#BROADWAYNEWS: Audra McDonald will play Mama Rose in Gypsy!
And now for a completely inevitable yet overwhelmingly exciting announcement: Audra McDonald (the most Tony-winning performer of all time) is playing Momma Rose in Gypsy (tied for being the most Tony-winning role of all time). It will be the first time a Black actress has played the part on Broadway. In 2022, McDonald referred to Momma Rose as the “King Lear of roles for women in musical theater” and, yeah, we’re gonna need to see McDonald play that.
Even the poster for the upcoming revival simply reads “AUDRA GYPSY,” as if it’s one word. Seems correct. George C. Wolfe (Angels in America, Caroline, or Change) is directing the production — his first musical since 2016’s Shuffle Along (which also starred McDonald). The revival will begin previews on November 21 before opening December 19, and it will re-open the Majestic Theater following its current renovations. There’s no official word on co-stars in the production, but we’re already imagining what it would be like for McDonald to star alongside her Gilded Age daughter, Denée Benton.
Michael Jackson's Kids Cut Off from the Money
Now Michael's children have been cut off until the estate settles their past due tax bills...
From Page Six
Michael Jackson’s kids have been blocked from receiving money from his trust until his estate and IRS settle a years-long dispute, according to court documents obtained by multiple outlets Thursday.
Prince, 27, Paris, 26, and Bigi Jackson, 22, are beneficiaries of his trust while the late King of Pop’s mother, Katherine, 94, is the sole beneficiary of a sub trust in his will.
Following a tax audit, the estate was reportedly “issued a note of deficiency” alleging the estate “undervalued its assets” and owed “$700 million in taxes and penalties.”
According to the filing, the estate argued against the findings in tax court and won in 2021.
The estate has since filed a motion for the value of the “Thriller” singer’s music catalog, known as Mijac, to be reconsidered.
The request is still pending, which means the estate’s value has yet to be finalized for tax purposes.
Halle Berry And Olivier Martinez’s Co-Parenting Agreement After Divorce
Halle Berry and Oliver Martinez separated back in 2015 after being married for two years. However, their divorce wasn’t finalized until August 2023, as they tried to reach custody agreements. The former couple share a 10-year-old son, Maceo.
As reported by Page Six, the two actors have agreed to see a coach for better co-parenting, and “resolve disputes and conflicts between them in an effort to successfully co-parent.” The sessions include two individual meetings, and “at least six joint co-parenting sessions, per the docs.”
It will be up to the coach to decide if they need more sessions to keep working on their co-parenting process. The pair will be splitting the cost of the session, and the actress’ current romantic partner Van Hunt, will be able to attend the joint meetings.
Following the split they were granted joint legal custody, with the actress agreeing to pay $8,000 in monthly child support, as well as “4.3 percent of any income she receives above $2,000,000.” Halle also pays for their son’s “private school tuition, school uniforms, and school supplies,” with the money going directly to the school instead of being received by her ex-husband.
Ice-T Shares His Thoughts On Lenny Kravitz’s Long-Term Celibacy: “Sh*t’s Weird To Me”
His revelation drew much commentary from the public, including Ice-T, who doesn’t agree with the music icon’s “spiritual” choice.
“9yrs without sex? F that BS. Weirdo sh*t,” the rapper-turned-actor wrote in a since-deleted tweet, captured by TMZ. However, Ice-T reiterated his stance in another post. “If you’re a guy and you can voluntarily go 9yrs without sex … you’re following the wrong page.” He also downplayed Kravitz’s “journey.”
In response to someone asking why he was judging Kravitz’s choice, the Law & Order star replied, “Sh*t’s weird to me … I love to f**k. A lot.”
The “American Woman” rocker opened up about his romantic life while speaking with The Guardian this month. The coveted star shared that not only has he been single for nine years (hoping to find “the one”), but has also been practicing celibacy through his “spiritual” journey.
In the cover, Kravitz admitted that after his marriage to Lisa Bonet, he became promiscuous, much like his father was.
“After the marriage, I became more like him. I was becoming a player,” he revealed. “I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to be that guy. So I had to tackle that and it took years… By taking responsibility. Discipline. Not letting my own desires take over.”
Now, the 60-year-old practices abstinence as he revealed that “he’s not been in a serious relationship for nine years.” He added, “I have become very set in my ways, in the way I live. It’s a spiritual thing.”
Megan Thee Stallion unveils artwork and release date for upcoming album
On Sunday (June 2), Megan Thee Stallion surprised her Hotties with the official artwork for her upcoming album, Megan. The cover depicted the rapper in the nude and partially inside of a cocoon. She also confirmed that the body of work will be released June 28.
In November 2023, she marked her return to wax with the raw and intense “Cobra,” a song that addressed what the emcee had been dealing with mentally. “Breakin' down and I had the whole world watchin', but the worst part is, really, who watched me? Every night, I cried, I almost died, and nobody close tried to stop it, long as everybody gettin' paid, right?” she rapped. The former 1501 Certified signee followed that with the chart-topping "HISS" this past January.
It's been two years since Megan released her sophomore LP, Traumazine, an 18-song effort with additional assists from Key Glock, Latto, Pooh Shiesty, Rico Nasty, Jhené Aiko, Lucky Daye, Future, Dua Lipa, Sauce Walka, and more. That project earned the Houston star a top-five placement on the Billboard 200 and a gold certification.
Cardi B says BIA’s diss accusing her of cheating on Offset is fueled by hate and lies
The two rappers have recently taken digs at each other, with the New York artist on “Wanna Be (Remix)” with GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion and the Boston talent on “SUE ME,” which she played on Instagram Live early Sunday (June 2), a mere hours after Cardi first played a snippet of it during her live chat with fans on Saturday (June 1).
Cardi explicitly expressed that a line was crossed when BIA rapped that she had been unfaithful to Offset. In late December, she confirmed that she and the Migos rapper were separated after six years of marriage and two kids. On the diss, she says, “How you mad at him cheating on you? B**ch, tell him the truth.” During the live stream, the RIAA diamond-certified rapper addressed the tension between her and the up-and-coming artist.
“You can diss me. We can go battle for battle,” said Cardi, but lying about her “p**sy” without “receipts” was a quick route to a defamation lawsuit, much like the multimillion-dollar one she successfully won against blogger Tasha K in 2022. Further airing her grievances to fans, the “Bodak Yellow” superstar said, “If any b**ch wanna rap battle or do whatever the f**k,” that she was down to do so. “You can diss me all you want. You can talk about oh how I look, how I can’t rap, blah, blah, blah, whatever the f**k. I don’t give a f**k,” she said.
But her fractured romantic relationship is not something to play with. “It’s like when you go around lying on me and lying on my p**sy and then it’s like you doing lies that it’s like you trying to mess with my home. Like, you trying [to] mess with my house… To me, that’s beyond rap s**t, like to me… that’s some real hating a** s**t, and it’s crazy,” explained Cardi.
Despite confirming the split, neither she nor Offset have addressed if they have reconciled. However, during the live chat, the “Love & Hip Hop: New York” alumna said that she and her husband share an unbreakable bond regardless of the challenges their non-perfect union may face.
Moreover, the chart-topping artist, who is approaching the release of her long-awaited sophomore album, noted that those lyrics alleging infidelity aside, “I’m in a great place in my career; whether I drop new music or not, I’m still one of the top female rappers — the top female rappers. When I drop music or I’m not dropping, I’m one of the most streamed and most talked about b**ch, even when I’m laying down at home.”
The slow but steady rollout for the follow-up to 2018’s Invasion of Privacy includes singles “Like What (Freestyle)” and “Enough (Miami)," which were both released this year, as well as 2023’s “Bongos” featuring Megan Thee Stallion.
Jill Biden blasts Donald Trump as ‘dangerous’ in surprise appearance at Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Pride fest
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden made a surprise appearance in battleground state Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival on Saturday afternoon, engaging with the rainbow flag-clad crowd and delivering a forceful speech on the first day of Pride Month. She took the time to slam former President Donald Trump and his anti-LGBTQ+ policies and positions labeling him as a "bully" and "dangerous."
The festivities began with a parade that traveled through downtown and over the Andy Warhol Bridge, culminating at Allegheny Commons Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Biden arrived at the park with cheers and applause from the crowd. Biden spent time mingling with attendees, shaking hands, and taking pictures.
In her remarks, Biden highlighted the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community while also addressing the challenges that remain.
“I see such joy and beauty and boldness in your faces, and I love it,” she said. “Every year during June, we gather in communities across this country to celebrate how far we’ve come, to reflect on the bravery required to live an authentic life, and to honor the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right.”
“It shouldn’t take courage to go to school and walk down the halls as the person you know you are, to take someone’s hand on the bus, to kiss them goodbye on the sidewalk,” Biden said. “But in too many places, it still does.”
The crowd was mostly supportive of the first lady and her message. Her speech was frequently interrupted by applause and cheers from the crowd. At one point, chants of “four more years” broke out, showing support for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign from those who had gathered for the Pride event. Simultaneously, however, some attendees shouted “free Palestine” in protest of the Biden administration’s position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Biden took the opportunity to speak out against recent legislative efforts aimed at curtailing LGBTQ+ rights.
“This community is under attack,” she said. “Rights are being stripped away; freedoms are eroding. We must fight these measures with everything we have.”
Biden’s visit to the Pride festival is one example of the administration’s attempt to galvanize LGBTQ+ voters. She warned against complacency and the gradual erosion of rights.
“History teaches us that our rights and freedoms don’t disappear overnight. They disappear slowly, subtly, silently. A book ban, a court decision, a ‘don’t say gay’ law. One group of people loses its rights, and then another, and then another, until one morning you wake up and you no longer live in a democracy,” Biden cautioned.
“Donald Trump is a bully,” Biden said bluntly. “He’s dangerous to the LGBTQ+ community, to our families, to our country, and we cannot let him win. We have to meet this moment as if our fundamental rights are at stake because they are. We have to meet this moment as if our democracy is on the line because it is.”
Earlier in the day, Biden made another stop, this time to address the graduates of Erie County Community College. There, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contributions to education and public service.
Innamorato told The Advocate she was excited to greet the first lady and joked that she had struggled to decide what to wear given the significance of the first lady’s visit during Pride. “I considered wearing body glitter,” she joked.
Overall, Biden’s speech in Pittsburgh at the Pride event was a rallying cry for action and solidarity.
“This is a chapter in history, and it’s up to us to see how it ends,” she urged. “We have to meet this moment as if our fundamental rights are at stake because they are. We have to fight like hell and win.”
Sean Kingston Extradited To Florida To Face Fraud Allegations
Kingston waived his right to challenge extradition during a hearing in San Bernardino Superior Court on Tuesday, May 28. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Kingston signed papers agreeing to be transported to Broward County, Florida, where he and his 61-year-old mother, Janice Turner, are accused of orchestrating an elaborate scheme to defraud multiple businesses.
Kingston and Turner were arrested on May 23. Kingston was detained at Fort Irwin in California, while SWAT executed a raid on Turner's residence in Fort Lauderdale. The arrest warrants allege that they stole jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, furniture and money, including $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, and $86,000 from a custom bed manufacturer.
Prior to his arrest, Kingston had been serving a two-year probation sentence for trafficking stolen property. Turner, who was detained on eight fraud and theft charges, has a history of legal issues, including a previous bank fraud conviction.
The investigation into the alleged fraud scheme is ongoing. Kingston and Turner are set to face charges of conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and identity theft.
Representatives for Kingston have yet to provide a comment, but attorney Robert Rosenblatt previously stated that they plan to contest the allegations in court and are "confident of a successful resolution."
Lupita Nyong'o Admits Jared Leto Dating Rumor Almost Ruined Their Friendship
In a recent interview with Glamour, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o shared deep insights into her personal and professional life, from navigating perplexing romance rumors with Jared Leto to finding solace in unexpected places post-heartbreak. Despite her global recognition and acclaim, Nyong'o's journey has not been without its profound challenges and learnings.
Nyong'o, who burst onto the Hollywood scene with a dazzling performance in "12 Years a Slave", soon found herself in the rumor mill during the 2014 awards season. Her close friendship with actor and musician Jared Leto sparked widespread speculation about a possible romantic relationship.
Addressing these rumors, she stated, "I paid no attention." However, she candidly admitted, "I didn't love all of the romance rumors and that it almost took a toll on her friendship with Leto. It was drawing attention away from the work. I didn't want that sort of attention."
Despite the unwanted media frenzy, Nyong'o's friendship with Leto remained genuine and supportive, with both often seen together during various events and ceremonies. Their camaraderie culminated when both took home the Best Supporting Academy Awards for their roles in "Dallas Buyers Club" and "12 Years a Slave".
Beyond her early career challenges, Nyong'o has also faced personal upheavals. Following her public split from TV host Selema Masekela. "There is a time to be open and there's a time not to be, and I chose that time to be open," she explained her decision to go public with their breakup.
"I had made the choice to share the relationship with the world, and I wanted to make the choice to share the end of it with the world," she said. "I knew that announcing it or sharing it with the world would mean there would be a reverb and I would have to deal with the onset of that."
In 2023, she revealed she was in a "season of heartbreak." Struggling to find joy once more, she turned to a surprising source of comfort - a cat named Yoyo. On this newfound companionship, Nyong'o reflected, "I was really having a hard time believing in joy. I wasn't there yet, but I was flirting with it. And I had a voice say in my head, 'Get a cat.' "
This decision proved transformative, with Yoyo helping her through the toughest of times, "I guess the best antidote for when you feel poorly taken care of is to take care of something and I took care of Yoyo and he pried my heart open."
Nyong'o's engagement with personal and social issues extends beyond personal experiences. She has been an outspoken advocate for movements like Oscars So White, Me Too, and Black Lives Matter. Reflecting on these efforts, she remarked, "There's been a lot of amplification of things that hadn't really been talked about before, and I definitely have been a beneficiary of many of those movements."
Throughout these professional achievements and personal revelations, Nyong'o remains a figure of resilience and grace. As she continues to shine in projects like the upcoming prequel "A Quiet Place: Day One", her journey is a testament to the power of friendship, self-care, and the courage to speak up for what matters.
Justin Timberlake Halts Texas Tour Stop to Help Fan in Need of Assistance: 'House Lights Up'
"We need some assistance right here about five rows back," the *NSYNC star said in a clip shared on social media
Justin Timberlake on stage in Los Angeles (left), halting his show in Austin (right)
Justin Timberlake is looking out for his fans!
On Saturday, June 1, the singer, 43, was performing his 2002 hit "Cry Me a River" at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas when he noticed a fan seemingly needing assistance.
In a video shared on TikTok, Timberlake was seen briefly halting his Forget Tomorrow World Tour performance to check up on the fan in question.
After telling the crowd to "put your hands up" to the song, he tried to get a member of the security team's attention, pointing to the person who appeared to need help.
"House lights up, thank you! Sorry everybody one second... we need some assistance right here about five rows back," the *NSYNC star said.
"Are we OK? No, no problem!" the musician told the fan after they seemingly thanked him for stopping the show to check on them.
"OK, we're OK," Timberlake said while smiling and clapping.
Per TMZ, an eyewitness said paramedics weren't called to the scene and the fan in question later returned to their seat.
The incident came after Timberlake ended a five-year hiatus on April 29, 2024, to kick off his latest world tour at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
Timberlake delivered two hours of back-to-back hits and new favorites from his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, according to a release.
The musician performed tracks including “My Love,” "Suit & Tie,” “Rock Your Body,” and “SexyBack” as well as performing live debuts of “Technicolor,” “Infinity Sex,” “Imagination,” “Drown,” “My Favorite Drug,” “F---in' Up the Disco,” “Play,” and “Flame” from his new album, which was released on March 15.
Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president
Mexico’s projected presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first female president in the country’s 200-year history.
Sheinbaum, the favored successor of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, vowed to continue on the direction set by the populist leftist leader. But the cool-tempered scientist offers a sharp contrast in style — and a break with Mexico’s male-dominated political culture.
“I promise that I am not going to let you down,” Sheinbaum said, greeting supports in Mexico City’s colonial-era main plaza, the Zocalo.
The National Electoral Institute’s president said Sheinbaum had between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, while opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez had between 26.6% and 28.6% and Jorge Álvarez Máynez had between 9.9% and 10.8% of the vote. Sheinbaum’s Morena party was also projected to hold its majorities in both chambers of Congress.
The climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor said that her two competitors had called her and conceded her victory.
The official preliminary count put Sheinbaum 28 points ahead of Gálvez with nearly 50% of polling places reporting.
The fact that the two leading candidates were women had left little doubt that Mexico would make history Sunday.
“As I have said on other occasions, I do not arrive alone,” Sheinbaum said shortly after her victory was confirmed. “We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”
Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.
She will start her six-year term Oct. 1. Mexico’s constitution does not allow reelection.
Voters choosing Mexico’s next president will decide Sunday between a former academic who promises to further the current leader’s populist policies and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur who pledges to up the fight against deadly drug cartels.
The leftist has said she believes the government has a strong role to play in addressing economic inequality and providing a sturdy social safety net, much like her political mentor.
López Obrador’s anointed successor, the 61-year-old Sheinbaum consistntly led in polls despite a spirited challenge from Gálvez. This was the first time in Mexico that the two main opponents were women.
“Of course, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum with all my respect who ended up the winner by a wide margin,” López Obrador said shortly after the electoral authorities’ announcement. “She is going to be Mexico’s first (female) president in 200 years.”
If the margin holds it would approach his landslide victory in 2018. López Obrador won the presidency after two unsuccessful tries with 53.2% of the votes, in a three-way race where National Action took 22.3% and the Institutional Revolutionary Party took 16.5%.
Still, Sheinbaum is unlikely to enjoy the kind of unquestioning devotion that López Obrador has enjoyed.
In the Zocalo, Sheinbaum’s win did not draw the kind of cheering, jubilant crowds that greeted López Obrador’s victory in 2018. Those present were enthusiastic, but comparatively few in number.
Sara Ríos, 76, a retired literature professor at Mexico’s National Autonomous University, celebrated after hearing that Gálvez had conceded.
“The only way that we move forward is by working together,” Ríos said. “She is going to work to bring peace to the country, and is going to manage to advance, but it is a slow process.”
Fernando Fernández, a chef, 28, said he voted for Sheinbaum because of her ties to López Obrador, using the president’s intials, AMLO. But his highest hope is that Sheinbaum can “improve what AMLO couldn’t do, the price of gasoline, crime and drug trafficking, which he didn’t combat even though he had the power.”
The main opposition candidate, Gálvez, a tech entrepreneur and former senator, had promised a more aggressive approach toward organized crime.
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In her concession speech, she said “I want to stress that my recognition (of Sheinbaum’s victory) comes with a firm demand for results and solutions to the country’s serious problems.”
López Obrador claims to have reduced historically high homicide levels by 20% since he took office in December 2018. But that’s largely a claim based on a questionable reading of statistics. The real homicide rate appears to have declined by only about 4% in six years.
Julio García, a Mexico City office worker, said he voted for the opposition because of crime. “They’ve robbed me twice at gunpoint. You have to change direction, change leadership,” the 34-year-old said. “Continuing the same way, we’re going to become Venezuela.”
On the fringes of Mexico City in the neighborhood of San Andres Totoltepec, 34-year-old homemaker Stephania Navarrete said she planned to vote for Sheinbaum despite her own doubts about López Obrador and his party.
“Having a woman president, for me as a Mexican woman, it’s going to be like before when for the simple fact that you say you are a woman you’re limited to certain professions. Not anymore.”
She said the social programs of Sheinbaum’s mentor were crucial, but added that deterioration of cartel violence in the past few years was her primary concern in this election.
Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote and turnout appeared to be about 60%, similar to earlier elections
Voters were also electing governors in nine of the country’s 32 states, and choosing candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of mayorships and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen and ones that have been marked by violence.
The elections were widely seen as a referendum on López Obrador, a populist who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce cartel violence in Mexico. His Morena party currently holds 23 of the 32 governorships and a simple majority of seats in both houses of Congress.
Sheinbaum promised to continue all of López Obrador’s policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice.
Just as the upcoming November rematch between U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has underscored deep divisions in the U.S., Sunday’s election revealed how severely polarized public opinion is in Mexico over the direction of the country, including its security strategy and how to grow the economy.
Taraji P. Henson Returns to Host the 2024 BET Awards
Y’all ready for Culture’s Biggest Night? The 2024 BET Awards is set to be an unforgettable night of celebration, talent, and culture, with award-winning actor and entertainment powerhouse Taraji P. Henson returning as the host. The event will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
Henson, an Academy Award® nominated and Golden Globe® winning actor, author, director, producer, and philanthropist, expressed her excitement about hosting the awards for the third time.
“I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” said Henson.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award will be presented to GRAMMY® award-winning global entertainment icon Usher. Known for his significant contributions to the music industry, Usher’s recognition is a highlight of this year’s awards.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, praised Henson’s vibrant personality and charisma, saying, “Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, ‘BET Awards,’ the ultimate celebration of Black creativity.”
The 2024 BET Awards will also feature performances by an incredible lineup of artists, including GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét. Drake leads the nominations this year with seven nods, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the music scene.
Voting for the 2024 BET Awards Viewer’s Choice Award begins on June 6, 2024, and ends on June 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM PT/9:30 PM ET. For a complete list of nominees and to cast your vote, visit BET.com.
BET is also transforming Culture’s Biggest Night into Culture’s Biggest Week with BET Experience 2024, featuring performances by influential artists like Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, The Roots, Common, Queen Latifah, and many more. Attendees can look forward to live performances, comedy shows, culture-shifting conversations, immersive workshops, and the fan-favorite BETX 2024 Fan Fest, a free, all-ages cultural festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 28-29.
Rupert Murdoch, 93, Gets Married for Fifth Time, Ties the Knot With Elena Zhukova
Rupert Murdoch is a married man! The 93-year-old media mogul said “I Do” with Elena Zhukova in a weekend wedding on Saturday (June 1) in California, just three months after it was revealed they were engaged.
This is the fifth marriage for Rupert, who stepped down from Fox and News Corp in fall 2023.
Rupert and Elena, who is a retired molecular biologist, got married at his California winery and estate called Moraga, in Bel Air.
The chairman kept it classic and simple in a black suit, with a yellow tie, while Elena, 67, wore a strapless, mid-length white dress from Emilia Wickstead. You can see photos from their big day on The Sun, which is owned by Rupert’s family’s company News Corp.
Rupert and Elena reportedly met through his third wife Wendi Deng, who was seen attending the wedding this weekend.
Justin Timberlake Halts Texas Tour Stop to Help Fan in Need of Assistance: 'House Lights Up'
Justin Timberlake on stage in Los Angeles (left), halting his show in Austin (right)
Justin Timberlake is looking out for his fans!
On Saturday, June 1, the singer, 43, was performing his 2002 hit "Cry Me a River" at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas when he noticed a fan seemingly needing assistance.
In a video shared on TikTok, Timberlake was seen briefly halting his Forget Tomorrow World Tour performance to check up on the fan in question.
After telling the crowd to "put your hands up" to the song, he tried to get a member of the security team's attention, pointing to the person who appeared to need help.
"House lights up, thank you! Sorry everybody one second... we need some assistance right here about five rows back," the *NSYNC star said.
"Are we OK? No, no problem!" the musician told the fan after they seemingly thanked him for stopping the show to check on them.
"OK, we're OK," Timberlake said while smiling and clapping.
Per TMZ, an eyewitness said paramedics weren't called to the scene and the fan in question later returned to their seat.
The incident came after Timberlake ended a five-year hiatus on April 29, 2024, to kick off his latest world tour at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
Timberlake delivered two hours of back-to-back hits and new favorites from his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, according to a release.
The musician performed tracks including “My Love,” "Suit & Tie,” “Rock Your Body,” and “SexyBack” as well as performing live debuts of “Technicolor,” “Infinity Sex,” “Imagination,” “Drown,” “My Favorite Drug,” “F---in' Up the Disco,” “Play,” and “Flame” from his new album, which was released on March 15.
Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president
Mexico’s projected presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first female president in the country’s 200-year history.
Sheinbaum, the favored successor of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, vowed to continue on the direction set by the populist leftist leader. But the cool-tempered scientist offers a sharp contrast in style — and a break with Mexico’s male-dominated political culture.
“I promise that I am not going to let you down,” Sheinbaum said, greeting supports in Mexico City’s colonial-era main plaza, the Zocalo.
The National Electoral Institute’s president said Sheinbaum had between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, while opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez had between 26.6% and 28.6% and Jorge Álvarez Máynez had between 9.9% and 10.8% of the vote. Sheinbaum’s Morena party was also projected to hold its majorities in both chambers of Congress.
The climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor said that her two competitors had called her and conceded her victory.
The official preliminary count put Sheinbaum 28 points ahead of Gálvez with nearly 50% of polling places reporting.
The fact that the two leading candidates were women had left little doubt that Mexico would make history Sunday.
“As I have said on other occasions, I do not arrive alone,” Sheinbaum said shortly after her victory was confirmed. “We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”
Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.
She will start her six-year term Oct. 1. Mexico’s constitution does not allow reelection.
Voters choosing Mexico’s next president will decide Sunday between a former academic who promises to further the current leader’s populist policies and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur who pledges to up the fight against deadly drug cartels.
The leftist has said she believes the government has a strong role to play in addressing economic inequality and providing a sturdy social safety net, much like her political mentor.
López Obrador’s anointed successor, the 61-year-old Sheinbaum consistntly led in polls despite a spirited challenge from Gálvez. This was the first time in Mexico that the two main opponents were women.
“Of course, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum with all my respect who ended up the winner by a wide margin,” López Obrador said shortly after the electoral authorities’ announcement. “She is going to be Mexico’s first (female) president in 200 years.”
If the margin holds it would approach his landslide victory in 2018. López Obrador won the presidency after two unsuccessful tries with 53.2% of the votes, in a three-way race where National Action took 22.3% and the Institutional Revolutionary Party took 16.5%.
Still, Sheinbaum is unlikely to enjoy the kind of unquestioning devotion that López Obrador has enjoyed.
In the Zocalo, Sheinbaum’s win did not draw the kind of cheering, jubilant crowds that greeted López Obrador’s victory in 2018. Those present were enthusiastic, but comparatively few in number.
Sara Ríos, 76, a retired literature professor at Mexico’s National Autonomous University, celebrated after hearing that Gálvez had conceded.
“The only way that we move forward is by working together,” Ríos said. “She is going to work to bring peace to the country, and is going to manage to advance, but it is a slow process.”
Fernando Fernández, a chef, 28, said he voted for Sheinbaum because of her ties to López Obrador, using the president’s intials, AMLO. But his highest hope is that Sheinbaum can “improve what AMLO couldn’t do, the price of gasoline, crime and drug trafficking, which he didn’t combat even though he had the power.”
The main opposition candidate, Gálvez, a tech entrepreneur and former senator, had promised a more aggressive approach toward organized crime.
The year will test even the most robust democracies. Read more on what’s to come here.
Take a look at the 25 places where a change in leadership could resonate around the world.
In her concession speech, she said “I want to stress that my recognition (of Sheinbaum’s victory) comes with a firm demand for results and solutions to the country’s serious problems.”
López Obrador claims to have reduced historically high homicide levels by 20% since he took office in December 2018. But that’s largely a claim based on a questionable reading of statistics. The real homicide rate appears to have declined by only about 4% in six years.
Julio García, a Mexico City office worker, said he voted for the opposition because of crime. “They’ve robbed me twice at gunpoint. You have to change direction, change leadership,” the 34-year-old said. “Continuing the same way, we’re going to become Venezuela.”
On the fringes of Mexico City in the neighborhood of San Andres Totoltepec, 34-year-old homemaker Stephania Navarrete said she planned to vote for Sheinbaum despite her own doubts about López Obrador and his party.
“Having a woman president, for me as a Mexican woman, it’s going to be like before when for the simple fact that you say you are a woman you’re limited to certain professions. Not anymore.”
She said the social programs of Sheinbaum’s mentor were crucial, but added that deterioration of cartel violence in the past few years was her primary concern in this election.
Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote and turnout appeared to be about 60%, similar to earlier elections
Voters were also electing governors in nine of the country’s 32 states, and choosing candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of mayorships and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen and ones that have been marked by violence.
The elections were widely seen as a referendum on López Obrador, a populist who has expanded social programs but largely failed to reduce cartel violence in Mexico. His Morena party currently holds 23 of the 32 governorships and a simple majority of seats in both houses of Congress.
Sheinbaum promised to continue all of López Obrador’s policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a program that pays youths to apprentice.
Just as the upcoming November rematch between U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has underscored deep divisions in the U.S., Sunday’s election revealed how severely polarized public opinion is in Mexico over the direction of the country, including its security strategy and how to grow the economy.
Taraji P. Henson Returns to Host the 2024 BET Awards
Henson, an Academy Award® nominated and Golden Globe® winning actor, author, director, producer, and philanthropist, expressed her excitement about hosting the awards for the third time.
“I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” said Henson.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award will be presented to GRAMMY® award-winning global entertainment icon Usher. Known for his significant contributions to the music industry, Usher’s recognition is a highlight of this year’s awards.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, praised Henson’s vibrant personality and charisma, saying, “Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, ‘BET Awards,’ the ultimate celebration of Black creativity.”
The 2024 BET Awards will also feature performances by an incredible lineup of artists, including GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét. Drake leads the nominations this year with seven nods, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the music scene.
Voting for the 2024 BET Awards Viewer’s Choice Award begins on June 6, 2024, and ends on June 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM PT/9:30 PM ET. For a complete list of nominees and to cast your vote, visit BET.com.
BET is also transforming Culture’s Biggest Night into Culture’s Biggest Week with BET Experience 2024, featuring performances by influential artists like Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, The Roots, Common, Queen Latifah, and many more. Attendees can look forward to live performances, comedy shows, culture-shifting conversations, immersive workshops, and the fan-favorite BETX 2024 Fan Fest, a free, all-ages cultural festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 28-29.
Rupert Murdoch, 93, Gets Married for Fifth Time, Ties the Knot With Elena Zhukova
Rupert Murdoch is a married man! The 93-year-old media mogul said “I Do” with Elena Zhukova in a weekend wedding on Saturday (June 1) in California, just three months after it was revealed they were engaged.
This is the fifth marriage for Rupert, who stepped down from Fox and News Corp in fall 2023.
Rupert and Elena, who is a retired molecular biologist, got married at his California winery and estate called Moraga, in Bel Air.
The chairman kept it classic and simple in a black suit, with a yellow tie, while Elena, 67, wore a strapless, mid-length white dress from Emilia Wickstead. You can see photos from their big day on The Sun, which is owned by Rupert’s family’s company News Corp.
Rupert and Elena reportedly met through his third wife Wendi Deng, who was seen attending the wedding this weekend.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Horse and Cow
How appropriate in the meat section
How appropriate in the meat section
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
