#MAGFAB: A$AP Rocky Covers ESQUIRE’s March Issue
Hip-hop superstardom, a budding movie career, his own fashion line, and three kids with Rihanna – this is the new picture of success, and there ain’t a picket fence in sight. A$AP ROCKY is ESQUIRE’s March cover star, and “A$AP Rocky Is Living His American Dream” by Contributing Writer Mitchell S. Jackson is on Esquire.com now and in the upcoming March issue, available by February 17 everywhere magazines are sold.
On being a father: “I wanted to be a dad before I got with my girl,” he says. “I wanted a little baby girl or boy, whatever God gave, and God blessed me with three.”
On family and fame: Rocky still has family uptown, including his grandmother, a woman who refuses to move out of her building. Rocky caught the train uptown to see his grandmother on a recent trip to New York, disguising himself with a balaclava. He subwayed up rather than driving himself or being chauffeured because “I don’t like to floss when I go up there and sh*t like that. Not saying that I’m flossing, but you know, my lifestyle is very, like, fortunate. So I don’t like throwing that…rubbing that in less fortunate people face, man,” Rocky says. “It’s very important. Humility, man. Humanity. You know, just being humble, for the most part. It’s so easy to get gassed off this sh*t.”
On adulting: “I don’t even go to clubs, man. I go to f*cking jazz bars and sh*t like that.” (The song “Robbery” off Don’t Be Dumb is straight-up jazz.) Even listens to it while he works out, which he’s just begun to do: “I got mother*cking Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Coltrane, of course, Dizzy Gillespie, and f*cking Alice Coltrane.”
On his career: “I never wanted to be anything other than a rapper,” Rocky says.
On family and fame: Rocky still has family uptown, including his grandmother, a woman who refuses to move out of her building. Rocky caught the train uptown to see his grandmother on a recent trip to New York, disguising himself with a balaclava. He subwayed up rather than driving himself or being chauffeured because “I don’t like to floss when I go up there and sh*t like that. Not saying that I’m flossing, but you know, my lifestyle is very, like, fortunate. So I don’t like throwing that…rubbing that in less fortunate people face, man,” Rocky says. “It’s very important. Humility, man. Humanity. You know, just being humble, for the most part. It’s so easy to get gassed off this sh*t.”
On his career: “I never wanted to be anything other than a rapper,” Rocky says.
#RHOA: Shamea Morton Faces Pushback From Doctor She Claims Gave Her Permanent Injuries
The legal battle between Shamea Morton Mwangi and a former doctor she worked with is heating up. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star filed a medical malpractice lawsuit claiming she suffered permanent injuries from a chemical peel gone horribly wrong. Now, the doctor has shared her side of the story, and she claims that she’s not liable for what happened. So, what’s next?
Shamea’s lawsuit revolves around a botched chemical peel she received in 2024. In the lawsuit, Shamea claimed that Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and her company, Pretty Faces Atlanta, “negligently” applied the chemical treatment, which resulted in “extensive permanent scarring.”
In Shamea’s suit, she described multiple wrongdoings from her visit to Pretty Faces Atlanta. First of all, she claimed that the chemical peel should have never happened in the first place because of a fungal condition she has called Tinea Versicolor. Shamea felt like the work should have been referred to a dermatologist.
Instead, Shamea claimed that the procedure was completed without Dr. Jing Jing’s supervision, and she said that a nurse wound up applying too much of the chemical treatment to her back and arms, resulting in “second degree burns, blistering, and permanent scarring.”
According to new court documents reviewed by Us Weekly, the doctor clapped back and denied any wrongdoing. They said that Shamea’s adverse reaction to the chemical peel was outside of her office’s control.
The doctor also refuted Shamea’s claim that she didn’t oversee the procedure. While she admitted that a nurse performed the procedure, Dr. Jing Jing said she monitored the whole thing, including spraying Shamea with a neutralizing agent when she complained about her “discomfort.”
Ultimately, the doctor feels like what Shamea experienced was “unforeseen,” and they’re denying any liability for what happened. They’re asking the court to dismiss the entire suit. A judge has yet to decide on the case.
Shamea’s lawsuit revolves around a botched chemical peel she received in 2024. In the lawsuit, Shamea claimed that Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and her company, Pretty Faces Atlanta, “negligently” applied the chemical treatment, which resulted in “extensive permanent scarring.”
In Shamea’s suit, she described multiple wrongdoings from her visit to Pretty Faces Atlanta. First of all, she claimed that the chemical peel should have never happened in the first place because of a fungal condition she has called Tinea Versicolor. Shamea felt like the work should have been referred to a dermatologist.
Instead, Shamea claimed that the procedure was completed without Dr. Jing Jing’s supervision, and she said that a nurse wound up applying too much of the chemical treatment to her back and arms, resulting in “second degree burns, blistering, and permanent scarring.”
According to new court documents reviewed by Us Weekly, the doctor clapped back and denied any wrongdoing. They said that Shamea’s adverse reaction to the chemical peel was outside of her office’s control.
The doctor also refuted Shamea’s claim that she didn’t oversee the procedure. While she admitted that a nurse performed the procedure, Dr. Jing Jing said she monitored the whole thing, including spraying Shamea with a neutralizing agent when she complained about her “discomfort.”
Ultimately, the doctor feels like what Shamea experienced was “unforeseen,” and they’re denying any liability for what happened. They’re asking the court to dismiss the entire suit. A judge has yet to decide on the case.
#MusicNews: Sy Smith Rolls Introduces Dates For ‘The Masterclass Tour 2026’
Sy Smith has some big news for her fans. Fresh from celebrating the second anniversary of the release of Until We Meet Again, the songstress continues to support the album with a newly announced concert tour.
The Masterclass Tour 2026, named after Until We Meet Again track “Masterclass” featuring renowned musicians Sheila E. and Leo Amuedo, will surely live up to its name. Sy Smith is a seasoned touring vocalist, and all of her live shows, whether solo or supporting legends such as Sheila or Chris Botti, are showcases for her vocal dexterity.
Class will be in session starting in March. Smith will kick off The Masterclass Tour 2026 with a two-night stand in Indianapolis on March 13th. She’ll then perform three nights in Philadelphia before heading to Ohio with stops in Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. This first set of shows wraps on March 29th, but look out for more Masterclass Tour dates to be announced in the coming months.
If you’re ready to have big fun with Sy Smith this year, then make plans to catch her on The Masterclass Tour 2026 wherever and whenever you can. Check your calendar and your account balance, and when you’re ready to buy tickets, go to Sy’s website or Bandsintown profile for purchase links to all available shows.
Sy Smith The Masterclass Tour 2026 dates:
March 13-14 — Indianapolis, IN — Jazz Kitchen
March 20-22 — Philadelphia, PA — South Jazz
March 27 — Toledo, OH — Toledo School For The Arts (Black Box Studio)
March 28 — Cleveland, OH — The Vinyl Groove Record Store
March 29 — Columbus, OH — Natalie’s Grandview
Sy Smith has some big news for her fans. Fresh from celebrating the second anniversary of the release of Until We Meet Again, the songstress continues to support the album with a newly announced concert tour.
The Masterclass Tour 2026, named after Until We Meet Again track “Masterclass” featuring renowned musicians Sheila E. and Leo Amuedo, will surely live up to its name. Sy Smith is a seasoned touring vocalist, and all of her live shows, whether solo or supporting legends such as Sheila or Chris Botti, are showcases for her vocal dexterity.
Class will be in session starting in March. Smith will kick off The Masterclass Tour 2026 with a two-night stand in Indianapolis on March 13th. She’ll then perform three nights in Philadelphia before heading to Ohio with stops in Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. This first set of shows wraps on March 29th, but look out for more Masterclass Tour dates to be announced in the coming months.
If you’re ready to have big fun with Sy Smith this year, then make plans to catch her on The Masterclass Tour 2026 wherever and whenever you can. Check your calendar and your account balance, and when you’re ready to buy tickets, go to Sy’s website or Bandsintown profile for purchase links to all available shows.
Sy Smith The Masterclass Tour 2026 dates:
March 13-14 — Indianapolis, IN — Jazz Kitchen
March 20-22 — Philadelphia, PA — South Jazz
March 27 — Toledo, OH — Toledo School For The Arts (Black Box Studio)
March 28 — Cleveland, OH — The Vinyl Groove Record Store
March 29 — Columbus, OH — Natalie’s Grandview
#HipHopNews: Pharrell Responds To Chad Hugo’s Lawsuit Over Withheld Money Allegations
Pharrell has issued a response to a new lawsuit from his former Neptunes partner Chad Hugo over allegations that he’s owed up to $1 million in unpaid royalties.
Filed in federal court in California on Friday (January 23), Hugo’s suit claims that Pharrell has withheld substantial amounts of money from him for his work with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., while also not providing proper accounting for their company, N.E.R.D. Music, LLC, which they formed in 2014.
Hugo, who in the complaint refers to himself as the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation and overall sound design” in The Neptunes, claims that it was Pharrell’s sole responsibility to handle the company’s income, expenses, royalties and other financial matters, but he failed to do so.
Hugo claims that since 2021 he has been trying to get access to the company’s financial records with little success. The suit says he “has not received his appropriate share of royalties in connection with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.’s album sales and released music, as well as distributions from touring income and various merchandising deals.”
Hugo estimates that he is owed between $325,000 and $1 million for his contributions to N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies alone.
“[Pharrell] Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff,” Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, argues in the suit. “Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages.”
In response, a representative for Pharrell issued a statement to Billboard denying any malicious conduct or intent.
“A standard accounting review is already in progress,” the rep said. “The lawsuit filed is premature as there may not even be a dispute between the parties. If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it.
“Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith. He has great respect for Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way that honors their shared history.”
This is not the first legal dispute between the former friends and collaborators, who together as The Neptunes were one of hip-hop’s most dominant hitmakers in the 2000s, producing countless hits for the likes of JAY-Z, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, the Clipse, Ludacris and many more.
Filed in federal court in California on Friday (January 23), Hugo’s suit claims that Pharrell has withheld substantial amounts of money from him for his work with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., while also not providing proper accounting for their company, N.E.R.D. Music, LLC, which they formed in 2014.
Hugo, who in the complaint refers to himself as the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation and overall sound design” in The Neptunes, claims that it was Pharrell’s sole responsibility to handle the company’s income, expenses, royalties and other financial matters, but he failed to do so.
Hugo claims that since 2021 he has been trying to get access to the company’s financial records with little success. The suit says he “has not received his appropriate share of royalties in connection with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.’s album sales and released music, as well as distributions from touring income and various merchandising deals.”
Hugo estimates that he is owed between $325,000 and $1 million for his contributions to N.E.R.D.’s 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies alone.
“[Pharrell] Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff,” Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, argues in the suit. “Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages.”
In response, a representative for Pharrell issued a statement to Billboard denying any malicious conduct or intent.
“A standard accounting review is already in progress,” the rep said. “The lawsuit filed is premature as there may not even be a dispute between the parties. If the accounting review determines that money is owed, the appropriate party will pay it.
“Pharrell has consistently acted in good faith. He has great respect for Chad and looks forward to resolving this in a way that honors their shared history.”
This is not the first legal dispute between the former friends and collaborators, who together as The Neptunes were one of hip-hop’s most dominant hitmakers in the 2000s, producing countless hits for the likes of JAY-Z, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, the Clipse, Ludacris and many more.
Nicki Minaj Joins Donald Trump Onstage, Says She’s “The President’s #1 Fan”
Last year, Nicki Minaj's public spiral culminated in her unexpected appearance at Turning Points USA's AmericaFest in Arizona alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The rapper's descent into MAGA continued today as she spoke at a Treasury Department event in Washington DC, declaring herself "the president's #1 fan."
The summit is celebrating a new pilot program called the Trump Accounts, which provides children born after Jan. 1, 2025, and before Dec. 31, 2028, investment accounts with a one-time deposit of $1000.
"And the hate with what people have to say, it does not affect me, at all," Minaj said in her speech. "It actually motivates me to support him more. And it's gonna motivate all of us to support him more. We're not going to let them get away with bullying him. The smear campaigns, it's not going to work. He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him. Amen?"
CNBC reports that she is pledging between $150,000 and $300,000 to fund her fans' Trump Accounts. In a statement to The New York Post, Minaj said:
I absolutely love my Barbz. I want to see them bring healthy, and successful children into the world. Becoming a mother was the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and I want others to experience the same joy my son has brought into my life.
Also in attendance were Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senator Ted Cruz, Marty Supreme vampire Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary (who made a speech), and former Curb Your Enthusiasm star/current wife of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cheryl Hines.
Minaj was pictured holding hands with Trump, and after the event she posted a photo of her new Trump Gold Card, which promises to expedite citizenship for a $1M+ fee. “I’m not a citizen of America," Minaj reminded her fans in a TikTok Live stream in late 2024. "Isn’t that crazy?”
The rapper's past comments about not being a US citizen have gone viral in recent weeks as she's embraced Trump’s administration. “I came to this country as an illegal immigrant at 5 years old,” Minaj wrote in a since-deleted Instagram back in 2018. “I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place and having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again.”
They even made a TikTok together using the viral “What's Up?” x “Beez In The Trap” audio. “Hello guys, I’m with my favorite president, the best president of all time,” Minaj says in it. Trump then remarks, “And I’m with the queen of rap.”
Last year, Nicki Minaj's public spiral culminated in her unexpected appearance at Turning Points USA's AmericaFest in Arizona alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The rapper's descent into MAGA continued today as she spoke at a Treasury Department event in Washington DC, declaring herself "the president's #1 fan."
The summit is celebrating a new pilot program called the Trump Accounts, which provides children born after Jan. 1, 2025, and before Dec. 31, 2028, investment accounts with a one-time deposit of $1000.
"And the hate with what people have to say, it does not affect me, at all," Minaj said in her speech. "It actually motivates me to support him more. And it's gonna motivate all of us to support him more. We're not going to let them get away with bullying him. The smear campaigns, it's not going to work. He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him. Amen?"
CNBC reports that she is pledging between $150,000 and $300,000 to fund her fans' Trump Accounts. In a statement to The New York Post, Minaj said:
I absolutely love my Barbz. I want to see them bring healthy, and successful children into the world. Becoming a mother was the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and I want others to experience the same joy my son has brought into my life.
Also in attendance were Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Senator Ted Cruz, Marty Supreme vampire Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary (who made a speech), and former Curb Your Enthusiasm star/current wife of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cheryl Hines.
Minaj was pictured holding hands with Trump, and after the event she posted a photo of her new Trump Gold Card, which promises to expedite citizenship for a $1M+ fee. “I’m not a citizen of America," Minaj reminded her fans in a TikTok Live stream in late 2024. "Isn’t that crazy?”
The rapper's past comments about not being a US citizen have gone viral in recent weeks as she's embraced Trump’s administration. “I came to this country as an illegal immigrant at 5 years old,” Minaj wrote in a since-deleted Instagram back in 2018. “I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place and having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again.”
They even made a TikTok together using the viral “What's Up?” x “Beez In The Trap” audio. “Hello guys, I’m with my favorite president, the best president of all time,” Minaj says in it. Trump then remarks, “And I’m with the queen of rap.”
Regina Hall Join Netflix Hostage Thriller Series ‘Rabbit, Rabbit
Regina Hall (One Battle After Another), Odessa Young (Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere) and Will Poulter (Dopesick, Warfare) have joined the cast of Netflix’s Philip Barantini directed hostage thriller Rabbit, Rabbit.
They join previously announced Adam Driver, who will also executive produce alongside creator/showrunner Peter Craig, and Adolescence director Barantini.
When an escaped convict is cornered by law enforcement at a truck stop, he takes hostages in an effort to bargain for his freedom. But the standoff soon escalates into an unmanageable social experiment with his captives, as well as an emotional poker match with a veteran FBI Crisis Negotiator trained in “tactical empathy.”
Executive Producers are Samantha Beddoe for her and Barantini’s It’s All Made Up Productions (Boiling Point, Wasteman), Bryan Unkeless (I, TONYA) for his and Craig’s Night Owl Stories banner. The studio is MRC, which has a first look deal with Craig and Night Owl Stories
They join previously announced Adam Driver, who will also executive produce alongside creator/showrunner Peter Craig, and Adolescence director Barantini.
When an escaped convict is cornered by law enforcement at a truck stop, he takes hostages in an effort to bargain for his freedom. But the standoff soon escalates into an unmanageable social experiment with his captives, as well as an emotional poker match with a veteran FBI Crisis Negotiator trained in “tactical empathy.”
Executive Producers are Samantha Beddoe for her and Barantini’s It’s All Made Up Productions (Boiling Point, Wasteman), Bryan Unkeless (I, TONYA) for his and Craig’s Night Owl Stories banner. The studio is MRC, which has a first look deal with Craig and Night Owl Stories
Serena Williams Calls Out Savannah Guthrie For ‘Distracting’ Interview Questions on ‘Today’ Show
Serena Williams won’t say whether she’s planning a return to professional tennis, and it’s safe to say she is tired of being asked about it.
Williams, 44, appeared on the Wednesday, January 28 episode of Today to discuss her upcoming Super Bowl commercial for Ro and her weight loss journey. During the interview, anchor Savannah Guthrie asked about the former World No. 1 re-entering the WTA’s drug testing pool in December 2025, which some saw as a precursor to a potential return.
“I mean, really? Are you asking this on the Today show? Oh my gosh,” an exasperated Williams replied.
Guthrie, 54, stood her ground and pressed on.
“Yes I am,” she replied. “They’d kill me if I didn’t — tennis nation, all your fans.”
When Williams, who stepped away from tennis in 2022 without officially retiring, said “oh my goodness,” Guthrie asked if that meant “no.”
“Is that a no?” Williams asked, letting out a chuckle as producers off camera could be heard laughing as well. “All the people on your set are laughing. This is distracting. You’re distracting us over there.”
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams added.
When Guthrie pointed out that Williams’ answer was neither a yes nor a no, she replied, “I’m just gonna see what happens.”
“That’s a ‘maybe’ to me,” Guthrie interjected, as Williams quickly shot her down.
“That’s not a maybe,” she insisted.
When news first broke last year that Williams had re-entered the drug testing pool, she took to X and gave a more concrete answer about her future.
“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back,” she wrote. “This wildfire is crazy.”
Just one day before, Porter Magazine published an interview with Williams in which she admitted she was struggling to adjust to life as a former athlete.
“No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard,” she said. “I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.”
In her newfound free time, however, Williams has been able to fully embrace motherhood. (She and husband Alexis Ohanian share daughters Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2.)
In November 2025, Williams shared a series of photos via Instagram with Adira as she gave her daughter her first tennis lessons.
“This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter,” she wrote in the caption.
While Williams has been eager to share her passion, she has no intention of forcing the game onto either of her daughters.
“I would hate her to have to deal with comparisons or expectations,” Williams said of Olympia in a 2018 interview with Vogue. “It’s so much work, and I’ve given up so much. I don’t regret it, but it’s like Sliding Doors: Go through a different door and lead a different life. I’d like her to have a normal life. I didn’t have that.”
She continued, “I think sometimes women limit themselves. I’m not sure why we think that way, but I know that we’re sometimes taught to not dream as big as men, not to believe we can be a president or a CEO, when in the same household, a male child is told he can be anything he wants. I’m so glad I had a daughter. I want to teach her that there are no limits.”
Serena Williams won’t say whether she’s planning a return to professional tennis, and it’s safe to say she is tired of being asked about it.
Williams, 44, appeared on the Wednesday, January 28 episode of Today to discuss her upcoming Super Bowl commercial for Ro and her weight loss journey. During the interview, anchor Savannah Guthrie asked about the former World No. 1 re-entering the WTA’s drug testing pool in December 2025, which some saw as a precursor to a potential return.
“I mean, really? Are you asking this on the Today show? Oh my gosh,” an exasperated Williams replied.
Guthrie, 54, stood her ground and pressed on.
“Yes I am,” she replied. “They’d kill me if I didn’t — tennis nation, all your fans.”
When Williams, who stepped away from tennis in 2022 without officially retiring, said “oh my goodness,” Guthrie asked if that meant “no.”
“Is that a no?” Williams asked, letting out a chuckle as producers off camera could be heard laughing as well. “All the people on your set are laughing. This is distracting. You’re distracting us over there.”
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams added.
When Guthrie pointed out that Williams’ answer was neither a yes nor a no, she replied, “I’m just gonna see what happens.”
“That’s a ‘maybe’ to me,” Guthrie interjected, as Williams quickly shot her down.
“That’s not a maybe,” she insisted.
When news first broke last year that Williams had re-entered the drug testing pool, she took to X and gave a more concrete answer about her future.
“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back,” she wrote. “This wildfire is crazy.”
Just one day before, Porter Magazine published an interview with Williams in which she admitted she was struggling to adjust to life as a former athlete.
“No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard,” she said. “I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.”
In her newfound free time, however, Williams has been able to fully embrace motherhood. (She and husband Alexis Ohanian share daughters Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2.)
In November 2025, Williams shared a series of photos via Instagram with Adira as she gave her daughter her first tennis lessons.
“This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter,” she wrote in the caption.
While Williams has been eager to share her passion, she has no intention of forcing the game onto either of her daughters.
“I would hate her to have to deal with comparisons or expectations,” Williams said of Olympia in a 2018 interview with Vogue. “It’s so much work, and I’ve given up so much. I don’t regret it, but it’s like Sliding Doors: Go through a different door and lead a different life. I’d like her to have a normal life. I didn’t have that.”
She continued, “I think sometimes women limit themselves. I’m not sure why we think that way, but I know that we’re sometimes taught to not dream as big as men, not to believe we can be a president or a CEO, when in the same household, a male child is told he can be anything he wants. I’m so glad I had a daughter. I want to teach her that there are no limits.”
Diddy Sex Worker Sues 50 Cent, Netflix Over Docuseries Portrayal
Clayton Howard just hit 50 Cent and Netflix with a lawsuit over how they portrayed his story in the hit documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning.
The former sex worker says they twisted his testimony to make Cassie look like a victim instead of what he calls his “primary trafficker.” Howard appeared in the Netflix docuseries that dropped last month. But he’s not happy with the final cut.
His lawsuit claims the producers “deliberately edited, distorted, and misrepresented” his account to protect Cassie Ventura while silencing his allegations against her.
“This calculated misrepresentation was done in furtherance of defendant Curtis Jackson’s personal and business vendetta against Sean Combs,” Clayton Howard alleges in court documents. He says 50 Cent created a “commercially profitable narrative” that protected a documented trafficker.
The irony runs deep here. Diddy threatened to sue Netflix and 50 Cent over the same documentary, but never followed through. His lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter, claiming the footage was “stolen,” and demanding that Netflix pull the series.
They warned of legal action but never filed anything. Now one of Diddy’s alleged victims actually did what the mogul only threatened to do. Howard wants Netflix to add a notice that accounts are “edited and may not reflect complete testimony.” He’s also seeking damages for what he calls severe harm to his reputation.
The lawsuit stems from Howard’s larger legal battle against both Diddy and Cassie. He filed a $20 million suit against the former couple in July 2025, claiming they sex trafficked him for over a decade.
Howard alleges Cassie recruited him through an escort agency around 2009 and arranged paid encounters that often included threesomes. According to Howard’s claims, Cassie used aliases while Diddy operated under the name “Frank Black.”
He says Cassie arranged sessions where Diddy would watch or participate. Howard also alleges that Cassie gave him an STD, became pregnant by him, had an abortion without telling him and then continued having unprotected sex.
The former escort argues Cassie wasn’t just a victim but an active participant who helped manage the trafficking operation. He’s currently studying law while representing himself in the complex case.
Howard says the government used his cooperation when it helped their case, but now treats him like he’s invisible. The unresolved status of his claims has blocked his application to the Backpage Remission Program, a federal fund distributing $200 million to trafficking victims.
Cassie previously accused Diddy of rape and abuse in her own civil case, settling with him for $20 million in November 2023.
Neither 50 Cent nor Netflix has publicly responded to Howard’s new lawsuit.
Diddy is currently serving a 50-month federal sentence after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. He was acquitted of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have meant decades in prison.
The former sex worker says they twisted his testimony to make Cassie look like a victim instead of what he calls his “primary trafficker.” Howard appeared in the Netflix docuseries that dropped last month. But he’s not happy with the final cut.
His lawsuit claims the producers “deliberately edited, distorted, and misrepresented” his account to protect Cassie Ventura while silencing his allegations against her.
“This calculated misrepresentation was done in furtherance of defendant Curtis Jackson’s personal and business vendetta against Sean Combs,” Clayton Howard alleges in court documents. He says 50 Cent created a “commercially profitable narrative” that protected a documented trafficker.
The irony runs deep here. Diddy threatened to sue Netflix and 50 Cent over the same documentary, but never followed through. His lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter, claiming the footage was “stolen,” and demanding that Netflix pull the series.
They warned of legal action but never filed anything. Now one of Diddy’s alleged victims actually did what the mogul only threatened to do. Howard wants Netflix to add a notice that accounts are “edited and may not reflect complete testimony.” He’s also seeking damages for what he calls severe harm to his reputation.
The lawsuit stems from Howard’s larger legal battle against both Diddy and Cassie. He filed a $20 million suit against the former couple in July 2025, claiming they sex trafficked him for over a decade.
Howard alleges Cassie recruited him through an escort agency around 2009 and arranged paid encounters that often included threesomes. According to Howard’s claims, Cassie used aliases while Diddy operated under the name “Frank Black.”
He says Cassie arranged sessions where Diddy would watch or participate. Howard also alleges that Cassie gave him an STD, became pregnant by him, had an abortion without telling him and then continued having unprotected sex.
The former escort argues Cassie wasn’t just a victim but an active participant who helped manage the trafficking operation. He’s currently studying law while representing himself in the complex case.
Howard says the government used his cooperation when it helped their case, but now treats him like he’s invisible. The unresolved status of his claims has blocked his application to the Backpage Remission Program, a federal fund distributing $200 million to trafficking victims.
Cassie previously accused Diddy of rape and abuse in her own civil case, settling with him for $20 million in November 2023.
Neither 50 Cent nor Netflix has publicly responded to Howard’s new lawsuit.
Diddy is currently serving a 50-month federal sentence after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. He was acquitted of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have meant decades in prison.
Philanthropist Shirley Raines, Known For Helping Homeless People In Skid Row, Passes Away
Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines has passed away. A post on her Instagram account shared the heartbreaking news: “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines.”
#MsShirley built a large online following through her outreach and charitable work across Los Angeles and Nevada, which she documented on TikTok for the world to see. Many watched as she helped those struggling in Skid Row, providing food, makeup services, clothing, hygiene items, and other resources.
The statement continued: “This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue to live on through the work she started and the hearts she touched.”
We send heartfelt condolences to #ShirleyRaines’ loved ones, team members, and supporters.
Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines has passed away. A post on her Instagram account shared the heartbreaking news: “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines.”
#MsShirley built a large online following through her outreach and charitable work across Los Angeles and Nevada, which she documented on TikTok for the world to see. Many watched as she helped those struggling in Skid Row, providing food, makeup services, clothing, hygiene items, and other resources.
The statement continued: “This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue to live on through the work she started and the hearts she touched.”
We send heartfelt condolences to #ShirleyRaines’ loved ones, team members, and supporters.
K. Michelle Isn’t Here For Unmarried ‘Relationship Coaches’ Giving Marriage Advice Online
K. Michelle recently took to X and got a lot off her chest. In an era where everyone seems to have answers about relationships and marriage, the singer made it clear she’s had enough. In a series of posts, she questioned, “How yall be online getting guidance and paying people to lead you where they’ve never been?” K. Michelle, who is heavily rumored to be making her #RHOA debut this upcoming season, continued, “There are soooo many relationship coaches who aren’t in relationships online. … Weird. I’ve always made it a point to sing about the things I KNOW. The things I’m living or have lived.”
She doubled down in additional posts, writing, “How can you tell people how to be married when you’ve never been married? … Just because you have lips doesn’t mean you should always open them to speak. Knowing your lane and staying in it is such an unpopular, but honorable position to play.”
Last September, #KMichelle confirmed that she quietly tied the knot with her longtime friend Dr. Kastan Sims, whom she has known since childhood. She wrapped up her posts by adding, “I just hate to see people misguided or feeling like their steps aren’t already ordered, because of opinions, not facts.”
So, do you agree with K. Michelle
She doubled down in additional posts, writing, “How can you tell people how to be married when you’ve never been married? … Just because you have lips doesn’t mean you should always open them to speak. Knowing your lane and staying in it is such an unpopular, but honorable position to play.”
Last September, #KMichelle confirmed that she quietly tied the knot with her longtime friend Dr. Kastan Sims, whom she has known since childhood. She wrapped up her posts by adding, “I just hate to see people misguided or feeling like their steps aren’t already ordered, because of opinions, not facts.”
So, do you agree with K. Michelle
Bill Cosby Admits to Getting Quaalude Prescriptions to Drug Women
Bill Cosby has been hit with more allegations of drugging and raping women five years after he served time for aggravated indecent assault.
According to TMZ, the disgraced comedian and actor, 88, admitted under oath that he was prescribed quaaludes seven times with the intention of giving them to women and sexually assaulting them.
The admission was given in a lawsuit filed by one of Cosby's accusers, Donna Motsinger.
The Cosby Show star was reportedly prescribed the sedative drug by a gynecologist, Dr. Leroy Amar, while at a poker game hosted at Cosby's home before 1972. Amar's medical license was revoked in 1979.
In her lawsuit, Montsinger alleges that Cosby drugged and raped her when she was a waitress at Trident, a former restaurant in Sausalito, California.
Motsinger claims that Cosby gave her a pill that she thought was aspirin, and upon ingesting it, she fell in and out of consciousness. The next day, Montsinger said, she found herself wearing only her underwear in her home.
Cosby's attorney wants the lawsuit to be dismissed.
The comedian has been accused of rape by roughly 60 women, prominently in the last decade. One of the last allegations was made in August 2023, when a woman claimed that she was drugged and raped by Cosby on multiple occasions between 1987 to 1990.
According to USA Today, Cosby allegedly invited his accuser, Morganne Picard, to the set of The Cosby Show "under the pretense" of getting her a role on the sitcom. Picard claimed that while at Cosby's home on one occasion, she was given a drink, lost consciousness, and awoke naked in a hotel room with vaginal soreness.
Bill Cosby has been hit with more allegations of drugging and raping women five years after he served time for aggravated indecent assault.
According to TMZ, the disgraced comedian and actor, 88, admitted under oath that he was prescribed quaaludes seven times with the intention of giving them to women and sexually assaulting them.
The admission was given in a lawsuit filed by one of Cosby's accusers, Donna Motsinger.
The Cosby Show star was reportedly prescribed the sedative drug by a gynecologist, Dr. Leroy Amar, while at a poker game hosted at Cosby's home before 1972. Amar's medical license was revoked in 1979.
In her lawsuit, Montsinger alleges that Cosby drugged and raped her when she was a waitress at Trident, a former restaurant in Sausalito, California.
Motsinger claims that Cosby gave her a pill that she thought was aspirin, and upon ingesting it, she fell in and out of consciousness. The next day, Montsinger said, she found herself wearing only her underwear in her home.
Cosby's attorney wants the lawsuit to be dismissed.
The comedian has been accused of rape by roughly 60 women, prominently in the last decade. One of the last allegations was made in August 2023, when a woman claimed that she was drugged and raped by Cosby on multiple occasions between 1987 to 1990.
According to USA Today, Cosby allegedly invited his accuser, Morganne Picard, to the set of The Cosby Show "under the pretense" of getting her a role on the sitcom. Picard claimed that while at Cosby's home on one occasion, she was given a drink, lost consciousness, and awoke naked in a hotel room with vaginal soreness.
The Isley Brothers Honored With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
The Isley Brothers’ journey officially reached a new milestone this week, as the legendary group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony held on January 28.
According to Variety, the group began performing together in the 1950s—years before the Walk of Fame even existed—and the moment was both historic and deeply symbolic.
Led today by brothers Ronald and Ernie Isley, the group has remained active for more than seven decades, a rarity in popular music. Reflecting on the honor, Ronald Isley described the recognition as surreal, saying, “That’s fantastic and amazing… so many years, man.”
The timing felt especially fitting, as the Isleys are still recording new music and collaborating with contemporary artists well into 2026.
Across generations, their catalog has become part of everyday life—showing up at parties, weddings, road trips, and in film soundtracks ranging from Anchorman to Rush Hour.
Their influence extends further through hip-hop, where their music has been sampled by artists including Ice Cube, The Notorious B.I.G., Kendrick Lamar, Drake, SZA, and Megan Thee Stallion.
According to Sony Music Publishing executive Rachael Conte, the group’s work remains endlessly reusable. “You could take it apart any which way, and it’s gonna be a hit,” she said.
The Isley Brothers hold a unique place in chart history as the only act to land songs on the Billboard Hot 100 across six consecutive decades. Their sound evolved with the times, moving from early R&B staples like “Shout” and “Twist & Shout” to funk-driven classics such as “It’s Your Thing” and the guitar-heavy “That Lady.”
That evolution was shaped in part by an early association with Jimi Hendrix, who played guitar for the group in the early 1960s and left a lasting impression on Ernie Isley.
Despite personal losses over the years—including the passing of brothers O’Kelly, Marvin, and Rudolph—the group’s legacy has remained intact.
Their most recent chart success came in 2022 with a reworked version of “Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” featuring Beyoncé, which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.
The Isley Brothers’ journey officially reached a new milestone this week, as the legendary group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony held on January 28.
According to Variety, the group began performing together in the 1950s—years before the Walk of Fame even existed—and the moment was both historic and deeply symbolic.
Led today by brothers Ronald and Ernie Isley, the group has remained active for more than seven decades, a rarity in popular music. Reflecting on the honor, Ronald Isley described the recognition as surreal, saying, “That’s fantastic and amazing… so many years, man.”
The timing felt especially fitting, as the Isleys are still recording new music and collaborating with contemporary artists well into 2026.
Across generations, their catalog has become part of everyday life—showing up at parties, weddings, road trips, and in film soundtracks ranging from Anchorman to Rush Hour.
Their influence extends further through hip-hop, where their music has been sampled by artists including Ice Cube, The Notorious B.I.G., Kendrick Lamar, Drake, SZA, and Megan Thee Stallion.
According to Sony Music Publishing executive Rachael Conte, the group’s work remains endlessly reusable. “You could take it apart any which way, and it’s gonna be a hit,” she said.
The Isley Brothers hold a unique place in chart history as the only act to land songs on the Billboard Hot 100 across six consecutive decades. Their sound evolved with the times, moving from early R&B staples like “Shout” and “Twist & Shout” to funk-driven classics such as “It’s Your Thing” and the guitar-heavy “That Lady.”
That evolution was shaped in part by an early association with Jimi Hendrix, who played guitar for the group in the early 1960s and left a lasting impression on Ernie Isley.
Despite personal losses over the years—including the passing of brothers O’Kelly, Marvin, and Rudolph—the group’s legacy has remained intact.
Their most recent chart success came in 2022 with a reworked version of “Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” featuring Beyoncé, which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.
Halle Berry Set to Play the U.S. President in ‘The President Is Missing’
Halle Berry is stepping into one of the most powerful roles of her career — literally.
According to Deadline, the Oscar winner is set to portray the President of the United States in The President Is Missing, a feature film in development at Apple Original Films based on the bestselling political thriller by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.
In the film, Berry will play President Joanna Duncan, a reimagined, gender-swapped version of the novel’s central character. The story centers on a major national security threat that forces the sitting president to withdraw from public view to prevent a catastrophic attack.
As the plot unfolds, the president must evade her security detail and operate outside the White House to prevent the country from plunging into chaos.
The adaptation is being written by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and David Chasteen (CIA), with production handled by Berry and her producing partner Holly Jeter through their company HalleHolly.
Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum’s RK Films are also producing, alongside Clinton and Patterson, who previously saw the novel top The New York Times bestseller list following its 2018 release.
The President Is Missing is just one piece of a rapidly expanding slate for Halle Berry, who has been increasingly active behind the scenes as both a producer and creative driver.
HalleHolly, launched in 2022, was founded to center complex, often underrepresented characters across film and television.
Beyond her film tenure as POTUS, Berry is involved in a wide range of projects across genres.
On the television side, she is set to star in Zero F*cks, a menopause-themed comedy in development at Peacock. The series follows three middle-aged friends navigating life’s second act while unexpectedly investigating the death of a woman they didn’t even like.
Berry has described menopause advocacy as a personal mission, having launched her Respin Health platform to address gaps in women’s health education.
Berry is also attached to HBO’s psychological horror series The Patient, based on Jasper DeWitt’s viral novella. In the show, she plays Josephine Todd, a notoriously difficult psychiatric patient whose treatment begins to unravel the sanity of the doctor attempting to help her.
On the film side, Berry is lined up for projects ranging from the action comedy Bad Cop, Bad Cop to thrillers like Sunburn and Parole Officer.
Halle Berry is stepping into one of the most powerful roles of her career — literally.
According to Deadline, the Oscar winner is set to portray the President of the United States in The President Is Missing, a feature film in development at Apple Original Films based on the bestselling political thriller by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.
In the film, Berry will play President Joanna Duncan, a reimagined, gender-swapped version of the novel’s central character. The story centers on a major national security threat that forces the sitting president to withdraw from public view to prevent a catastrophic attack.
As the plot unfolds, the president must evade her security detail and operate outside the White House to prevent the country from plunging into chaos.
The adaptation is being written by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and David Chasteen (CIA), with production handled by Berry and her producing partner Holly Jeter through their company HalleHolly.
Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum’s RK Films are also producing, alongside Clinton and Patterson, who previously saw the novel top The New York Times bestseller list following its 2018 release.
The President Is Missing is just one piece of a rapidly expanding slate for Halle Berry, who has been increasingly active behind the scenes as both a producer and creative driver.
HalleHolly, launched in 2022, was founded to center complex, often underrepresented characters across film and television.
Beyond her film tenure as POTUS, Berry is involved in a wide range of projects across genres.
On the television side, she is set to star in Zero F*cks, a menopause-themed comedy in development at Peacock. The series follows three middle-aged friends navigating life’s second act while unexpectedly investigating the death of a woman they didn’t even like.
Berry has described menopause advocacy as a personal mission, having launched her Respin Health platform to address gaps in women’s health education.
Berry is also attached to HBO’s psychological horror series The Patient, based on Jasper DeWitt’s viral novella. In the show, she plays Josephine Todd, a notoriously difficult psychiatric patient whose treatment begins to unravel the sanity of the doctor attempting to help her.
On the film side, Berry is lined up for projects ranging from the action comedy Bad Cop, Bad Cop to thrillers like Sunburn and Parole Officer.
Rihanna Goes Sleek in All Black Outfit for Dinner in Paris
Rihanna is hitting the town with friends! The 37-year-old “We Found Love” singer, Fenty boss, and mom of three strutted her way into the iconic Laperouse restaurant for dinner on Tuesday night (January 27) in Paris, France.
For her night out, Rihanna rocked a furry black jacket over a black dress paired with heels and sunglasses.
Rihanna has been in Paris for the past several days now during Fashion Week. The night before, the Grammy winner donned snakeskin-print boots as she and partner A$AP Rocky headed to a club together. Before that, she joined tons of other A-list stars at the Dior Fashion Show.
In a new interview, A$AP Rocky opened up about his relationship with Rihanna and revealed who encouraged him to romantically pursue her.
Rihanna is hitting the town with friends! The 37-year-old “We Found Love” singer, Fenty boss, and mom of three strutted her way into the iconic Laperouse restaurant for dinner on Tuesday night (January 27) in Paris, France.
For her night out, Rihanna rocked a furry black jacket over a black dress paired with heels and sunglasses.
Rihanna has been in Paris for the past several days now during Fashion Week. The night before, the Grammy winner donned snakeskin-print boots as she and partner A$AP Rocky headed to a club together. Before that, she joined tons of other A-list stars at the Dior Fashion Show.
In a new interview, A$AP Rocky opened up about his relationship with Rihanna and revealed who encouraged him to romantically pursue her.
Lamar Odom Checks Into Rehab After DUI Arrest
Lamar Odom has entered a rehabilitation facility following his recent arrest.
Early Saturday morning (January 17), the 46-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers player was arrested and booked for driving under the influence in Las Vegas.
Now nearly two weeks later, Lamar‘s manager confirmed on Wednesday (January 28) that the retired pro basketball player “made the personal decision” to enter a 30-day treatment program at the iRely Recovery facility in Los Angeles to “reset and focus on his health.”
“After a recent incident, he took a step back to reflect and address triggers he’s been dealing with,” Lamar‘s manager told Us Weekly. “He’s taking full responsibility and choosing to be proactive about his wellbeing.”
“Lamar is grateful for the support and is committed to moving forward in a healthy, positive way,” his manager added.
Along with the DUI charge, Lamar also received two traffic violations – driving more than 41+ miles per hour over the limit and improper lane change/failure to maintain lane.
Over the years, Lamar has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. He was previously arrested for DUI in 2013 and in 2015, he nearly died of a drug overdose when he was found unconscious in a Las Vegas brothel with cocaine and opiates in his system in October 2015.
His ex-wife Khloe Kardashian nursed him back to health after overdose, but they had a falling out in 2016 when she learned that he was using drugs again. When they sat down for a conversation, which was filmed for The Kardashians, last year, Khloe, 41, looked back at punching Lamar in the face when she learned he was using again.
Early Saturday morning (January 17), the 46-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers player was arrested and booked for driving under the influence in Las Vegas.
Now nearly two weeks later, Lamar‘s manager confirmed on Wednesday (January 28) that the retired pro basketball player “made the personal decision” to enter a 30-day treatment program at the iRely Recovery facility in Los Angeles to “reset and focus on his health.”
“After a recent incident, he took a step back to reflect and address triggers he’s been dealing with,” Lamar‘s manager told Us Weekly. “He’s taking full responsibility and choosing to be proactive about his wellbeing.”
“Lamar is grateful for the support and is committed to moving forward in a healthy, positive way,” his manager added.
Along with the DUI charge, Lamar also received two traffic violations – driving more than 41+ miles per hour over the limit and improper lane change/failure to maintain lane.
Over the years, Lamar has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. He was previously arrested for DUI in 2013 and in 2015, he nearly died of a drug overdose when he was found unconscious in a Las Vegas brothel with cocaine and opiates in his system in October 2015.
His ex-wife Khloe Kardashian nursed him back to health after overdose, but they had a falling out in 2016 when she learned that he was using drugs again. When they sat down for a conversation, which was filmed for The Kardashians, last year, Khloe, 41, looked back at punching Lamar in the face when she learned he was using again.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Bus blocking every handicap spots
It's a bus full of handicapped people
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
