#MAGFAB: VARIETY Magazine's “Actors on Actors” Issue Featuring Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn
In a new conversation for VARIETY’s “Actors on Actors” issue, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn reunite to discuss SCANDAL and how fans are still obsessed with their characters Olivia and Fitz (Olitz), if Olitiz is still together and making jam in Vermont, and how they felt about the show’s ending. The duo also talk about Washington’s impressive IMPERFECT WOMEN performance, being asked to run for president in real life, HACKS, LAW & ORDER, and more.
Washington:People are so passionate about Olitz, still. Also, have you noticed this thing online where some people are like, “Now that I’m older and I watch the relationship, I’m not sure how healthy it is.” Have you seen any of that?
Goldwyn: They’re just figuring that out? Interesting!
Washington: They weren’t the healthiest couple. That doesn’t mean they weren’t madly in love, but they had some difficulties, which is why people loved it.
Washington and Goldwyn on what their “Scandal” characters are doing now:
Washington: People feel very strongly that they’re in Vermont, making jam and all that. Do you feel that way?
Goldwyn: I feel that Fitz and Olivia are together.
Washington: What are they doing?
Goldwyn: I feel that what we had at the root of it was very real, and it’s why we could never get away from it — as opposed to being something that was ultimately dysfunctional. I thought ultimately these two people were their answer to each other.
Washington: Do you feel like maybe they’re in couples therapy now?
Goldwyn: Yes, regularly! Because they know that’s what they have to do to survive. But I think Fitz spent some time in Vermont. He needed to get out of the toxic patterns.
Washington: Did he make jam on his own?
Goldwyn: I think Olivia probably taught him how to make jam, but then when she ate his jam, she’s like, “Your jam sucks!”
Washington: Your jam is terrible.
Goldwyn: I am obsessed with “Imperfect Women.” You and Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara and Corey Stoll and Joel Kinnaman — all my favorite actors are on that show.
Washington: Elisabeth Moss found the book in 2019, and she knew right away that she wanted to play Mary. One of my favorite things about the book, which we have been able to capture in the show, is this idea that the show shifts perspective. When you’re first reading the book, it feels like it’s going to be an entire novel from Eleanor’s perspective. And then you turn a page and it says “Nancy” and you’re like, “Oh, now I’m going to get this story from the point of view of the dead lady!” And then it shifts again, and it’s Mary. We do that on the show. It meant that rather than having a call sheet that was like one, two, three of who’s the lead actor, we really had a show with three No. 1s. All three of us carry that show together.
Goldwyn: And your work is superb.
Washington and Goldwyn on Goldwyn’s role on “Hacks”:
Washington: You play such a jerk on “Hacks.”
Goldwyn: I was a massive fan. So when they asked me to do a part, I literally didn’t even read it. I was
like, “Please sign me up.” Bob Lipka, who is head of a media company — he’s just one of those guys. I can’t name names, but there are several of them who run these big companies.
Goldwyn: So I did say once, and they were like [whispers], “Don’t say that.” I’ve known several of those kinds of guys, and I don’t have a judgment about them. Those jobs are tough. At the end of Season 5, Jean and I have this crazy scene where Bob Lipka steps to new heights — or depths, how- ever you want to look at it — in his efforts to rein in the brilliant Deborah Vance. It was a privilege to be a part of that show.
Washington and Goldwyn on Goldwyn’s turn in “Law & Order”:
Washington: Were you terrified to step into the iconic Sam Waterston role? I mean, those are such big shoes to fill, and he’s so beloved. Was that intimidating? Inspiring?
Goldwyn: It was inspiring. I was excited to do it. Sam was one of my acting heroes. I got to direct him once on “Law & Order,” 20-some years ago. I can’t fill Sam’s shoes; that’s impossible. But the character I play is a totally different guy; he’s just in the same job. And they’ve created a really interesting character, and the reason the show’s good is they still care about the writing so much.
Cool!
#RHOA: Drew Sidora fuels K. Michelle feud with savage swipe: ‘She has voices in her head’
Things are far from peachy between Drew Sidora and K. Michelle. Sidora fueled her feud with her “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star while talking to Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” hosts Evan Real and Danny Murphy on Tuesday.
During their sit-down, Sidora admitted she was shocked to find out the country star had a problem with her during filming.
Earlier this season, K. Michelle accused Sidora — as well as series veterans Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks — of plotting against her, but Sidora told Real and Murphy, “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Where did it come from?” she wondered before hinting co-star Shamea “Shamessy” Morton might have had something to do with it.That or it was the alleged “voices in her head like Porsha said,” Sidora mused.
“It’s giving delulu,” she added. While Sidora said it is “definitely voices,” she made it clear it isn’t her voice that’s doing the talking.
“I’m confused like everyone else,” she said.
At one point during Season 17, K. Michelle accused Sidora of trying to link her to the latter’s love interest, Kaya Wilson, whose nickname is Black.
The Bravo newbie got upset that Sidora insinuated the two knew each other — especially since K. Michelle is married to Dr. Kastan Sims.
“He was like, ‘I don’t want to be a part of this. I’m not understanding,'” Sidora said of Black’s reaction to the drama.
As the reality star mentioned, the show aired a shot of K. Michelle and Black’s direct messages, proving that the two were acquainted with each other.
“There is some familiarity,” Sidora stated.
Elsewhere in the interview, the “Step Up” actress said it feels like K. Michelle can’t sit down and have a conversation with the other ladies “face to face.”
“She wants to fight, or she is running, she’s leaving her Chanel bag,” the singer continued, referring to this week’s episode in which K. Michelle left a restaurant without her purse in order to avoid a tense conversation with Sidora.
Despite the now-rocky friendship, Sidora confessed that she was hoping to have built a relationship with K. Michelle and was even looking forward to collaborating on music with her.
“That’s what I was hoping for,” she shared. “I will never take away her talent. She might shade me but we all have something to offer.”
Last month, K. Michelle doubled down on her allegations that she was being plotted on behind the scenes.
“I feel like even coming in, that’s who she is,” the “Love ’Em All” crooner told “Virtual Reali-Tea” of Williams. “That’s why I was already skeptical about even walking in — period.”
The singer also claimed that Williams, Parks and Sidora were not looking for a genuine friendship.
“And I just feel like I didn’t come in like people expected,” she said. “And once I didn’t go or pick this group or do this, then it was like, ‘Oh, you didn’t fall in line.’”
During their sit-down, Sidora admitted she was shocked to find out the country star had a problem with her during filming.
Earlier this season, K. Michelle accused Sidora — as well as series veterans Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks — of plotting against her, but Sidora told Real and Murphy, “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Where did it come from?” she wondered before hinting co-star Shamea “Shamessy” Morton might have had something to do with it.That or it was the alleged “voices in her head like Porsha said,” Sidora mused.
“It’s giving delulu,” she added. While Sidora said it is “definitely voices,” she made it clear it isn’t her voice that’s doing the talking.
“I’m confused like everyone else,” she said.
At one point during Season 17, K. Michelle accused Sidora of trying to link her to the latter’s love interest, Kaya Wilson, whose nickname is Black.
The Bravo newbie got upset that Sidora insinuated the two knew each other — especially since K. Michelle is married to Dr. Kastan Sims.
“He was like, ‘I don’t want to be a part of this. I’m not understanding,'” Sidora said of Black’s reaction to the drama.
As the reality star mentioned, the show aired a shot of K. Michelle and Black’s direct messages, proving that the two were acquainted with each other.
“There is some familiarity,” Sidora stated.
Elsewhere in the interview, the “Step Up” actress said it feels like K. Michelle can’t sit down and have a conversation with the other ladies “face to face.”
“She wants to fight, or she is running, she’s leaving her Chanel bag,” the singer continued, referring to this week’s episode in which K. Michelle left a restaurant without her purse in order to avoid a tense conversation with Sidora.
Despite the now-rocky friendship, Sidora confessed that she was hoping to have built a relationship with K. Michelle and was even looking forward to collaborating on music with her.
“That’s what I was hoping for,” she shared. “I will never take away her talent. She might shade me but we all have something to offer.”
Last month, K. Michelle doubled down on her allegations that she was being plotted on behind the scenes.
“I feel like even coming in, that’s who she is,” the “Love ’Em All” crooner told “Virtual Reali-Tea” of Williams. “That’s why I was already skeptical about even walking in — period.”
The singer also claimed that Williams, Parks and Sidora were not looking for a genuine friendship.
“And I just feel like I didn’t come in like people expected,” she said. “And once I didn’t go or pick this group or do this, then it was like, ‘Oh, you didn’t fall in line.’”
#MusicNews: Prince’s Legacy Shines as Thousands Gather for 10th Anniversary Celebration in Minneapolis
The 10th Anniversary Prince Celebration brought thousands of fans from around the world to Minneapolis and Paisley Park from June 3–7, honoring a decade since Prince’s passing with five days of music, community, and remembrance.
One of the event’s biggest announcements was Timeless, a new Prince Estate and Legacy Recordings release arriving Aug. 28. The collection features 10 rare and previously unreleased recordings spanning Prince’s career. Attendees received an exclusive first listen during special sessions at Paisley Park, while the project’s lead single, “Stone,” a previously unreleased 1995 recording, was also unveiled.
A major highlight was the Prince Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary Concert at The Armory, where members of The Revolution and The New Power Generation reunited onstage. The historic performance also featured Morris Day, Miguel, Tevin Campbell, Bilal, Kat Graham, Liv Warfield, Ashley Támar, The Twins, and others.
“Ten years after Prince’s transition, his spirit continues to unite people from every corner of the world through music, creativity, love and community,” said Prince’s former attorney, manager, producer of Prince Celebration, and owner and publisher of The Source, L. Londell McMillan. “This year’s Celebration was a powerful reminder that Prince’s legacy is not only preserved, it continues to grow with supporters from all generations. We are deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, fans, Paisley Park staff, and the city of Minneapolis for helping create an unforgettable tribute worthy of Prince’s extraordinary life and impact.”
Celebration events extended throughout the Twin Cities, including a kickoff party at First Avenue with Chaka Khan, Club 3121 hosted by DJ Rashida, and wellness programming led by Maya McClean. During a special panel discussion, Morris Day received the Prince Legacy Award in recognition of his artistry and cultural impact.
The week also emphasized Prince’s connection to Minneapolis and his “Love 4 One Another” philosophy through food drives, family programming, memorial visits, and local business partnerships. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey proclaimed June 1–7 as Prince Celebration Week.
The festivities concluded with a free downtown block party and inaugural Prince Sing-Along at the city’s iconic Prince mural. Thousands attended performances by CeeLo Green, Meli’sa Morgan, Liv Warfield, and local artists, celebrating the enduring influence of Prince’s music and spirit. In addition, a key moment of the block party was a surprise appearance by Sheila E. The block party was diverse in age, race, culture and style, highlighting how Prince’s aura is enduring across eras and will be everlasting.
Additional programming included conversations with Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, rare concert screenings, exclusive Vault presentations, and the debut of the new Paisley Park mobile app.
#HipHopNews: JAŸ-Z Announces Paris & Los Angeles Shows
JAŸ-Z is going to be active this fall. On Tuesday (June 9), the Hip-Hop mogul and Roc Nation announced that he will be performing in Paris and Los Angeles in September and October, respectively.
The shows go down in Paris, on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Stade De France, and Los Angeles, Friday, October 23, 2026 at SoFi Stadium. Tickets go on sale starting Thursday, June 11 through Citi and Mastercard presales, while general sales will kick off Friday, June 12 at 10am at livenation.com.
The news arrives after the “Hovi Baby” rapper’s headlining set at the annual Roots Picnic on May 30. The performance quickly went viral thanks to a new freestyle he delivered that featured shots at names like Drake, Damon Dash and Nicki Minaj.
The show also served as an appetizer for the series of Yankee Stadium concerts JAŸ-Z is holding in July to celebrate milestone anniversaries of couple of his classic albums; Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint.
JAŸ-Z was spotted courtside at last night’s (June 8), game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately for the home team, Donald Trump also came through and they took an L, with many pinning it on the Sleeper in Chief. Not respectfully.
The shows go down in Paris, on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Stade De France, and Los Angeles, Friday, October 23, 2026 at SoFi Stadium. Tickets go on sale starting Thursday, June 11 through Citi and Mastercard presales, while general sales will kick off Friday, June 12 at 10am at livenation.com.
The news arrives after the “Hovi Baby” rapper’s headlining set at the annual Roots Picnic on May 30. The performance quickly went viral thanks to a new freestyle he delivered that featured shots at names like Drake, Damon Dash and Nicki Minaj.
The show also served as an appetizer for the series of Yankee Stadium concerts JAŸ-Z is holding in July to celebrate milestone anniversaries of couple of his classic albums; Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint.
JAŸ-Z was spotted courtside at last night’s (June 8), game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately for the home team, Donald Trump also came through and they took an L, with many pinning it on the Sleeper in Chief. Not respectfully.
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for murder in Texas track meet stabbing
Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for murder in track meet stabbingAfter deliberating for less than three hours, a jury found Karmelo Anthony, 19, guilty of murder in the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf. The trial deeply divided the community outside Dallas.
A teen was found guilty of murder over the fatal stabbing of another teen at a high school track meet last year and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Karmelo Anthony, 19, was indicted on first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.
Prosecutors called the stabbing "senseless" and "plain and simple murder," while the defense argued that Anthony acted in self-defense.
Following the announcement of the jury's announcement, Metcalf's parents and his twin brother delivered emotional victim impact statements, addressing Anthony directly.
"We will never know what our future could have been," Meghan Metcalf, Austin Metcalf's mother, said, according to WFAA. "For journalists, activists, this is a story. For our family, this is our reality."
Jeff Metcalf, Austin Metcalf's father, said his son's death destroyed the person he used to be.
"People think grief is sadness, it is not. It is rage. Pure unfiltered rage," he said, as he slammed his fist on a table, according to WFAA.
The jury began deliberating midday Tuesday before reaching the guilty murder verdict in three hours, according to a court spokesperson. The jurors also could have considered manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years.
The same jury reached a decision on the sentence after several more hours of deliberation on Tuesday.
After being remanded to the custody of the sheriff's office, Anthony could be seen crying when he returned to the court for the punishment phase, according to ABC Dallas affiliate WFAA, which was in the courtroom for the trial.
Anthony's mother was the only person to take the stand during the punishment phase, asking the jurors to show him mercy as he is sorry for what he did, WFAA reported. The judge said that Anthony waived his right to testify during the punishment phase, according to the station.
The murder charge carried a sentence of five years to life in prison. The state agreed to allow jurors to consider "sudden passion," which, if proven, would have limited the sentence from two to 20 years, according to WFAA. The defense argued that Anthony was overwhelmed by a strong emotion and acted before having time to calm down.
The deadly stabbing occurred at a Frisco Independent School District stadium on April 2, 2025, during a track and field competition involving multiple schools in the district.
Police said Metcalf, an 11th grader at Frisco Memorial High School, was stabbed during an altercation under his school's tent in the stadium bleachers. Witnesses said the two got into an argument over Anthony, a then-17-year-old student at Frisco Centennial High School, being under Metcalf's school tent during the rainy track meet.
Jurors heard testimony over four days at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. Anthony did not take the stand in his own defense.
Judge John Roach imposed a gag order in the case, restricting what those involved can say, and barred any electronics from the courtroom during the trial due to the attention the case has garnered.
Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye told jurors that the stabbing was not self-defense but "unjustified" murder, according to WFAA.
In his closing argument on Tuesday, Wirskye claimed that Anthony provoked Metcalf, questioned why the defendant didn't walk away and called the stabbing disproportionate.
"You don't get to meet a shove with a stab -- especially if you provoke a shove," Wirskye told jurors, according to WFAA.
Defense attorney Mike Howard told jurors that Anthony had gone to the Memorial tent to get out of the rain when Metcalf confronted him and told him to leave, WFAA reported. Howard said Anthony "acted in fear and chaos" after Metcalf pushed him, and stabbed the other teen in self-defense, according to WFAA.
During his closing argument on Tuesday, Howard said Metcalf had "no legal right" to use force on Anthony, WFAA reported. In response to contentions that Anthony could have just left, the defense attorney said, "I am sure he wishes he did," according to WFAA.
Multiple students who were at the track meet that day testified that they saw Metcalf push Anthony, who was seated on the bleacher, with some describing it as a two-handed push, like a "lineman move," while others said it was a one-handed "small shove," WFAA reported.
One witness testified that Anthony was asked to leave the tent about 15 times, according to WFAA. Some recalled Anthony saying, "Touch me and see what happens," during the altercation, which witnesses said lasted about four to six minutes, according to WFAA. Another witness quoted Metcalf as telling Anthony, "I'm not going to fight you," the station reported.
Surveillance footage from the track meet played in court did not show the stabbing, and some of the witnesses were asked to demonstrate the incident, according to WFAA.
After the stabbing, witnesses said Anthony jogged away from the tent, and a coach who spoke to him on the track testified that he said, "He put his hands on me. I stabbed him," according to WFAA.
A pocket knife used in the stabbing was found on the bleachers, police said. Collin County Medical Examiner Dr. Elizabeth Ventura testified that Metcalf was stabbed on the left side of his chest, and the knife perforated his right ventricle, according to WFAA.
Several people spoke during the trial of the efforts to save Metcalf. A football coach who was helping at the track meet testified that he put pressure on the stab wound, and Memorial's athletic trainer said she did CPR until paramedics arrived, according to WFAA.
"Everybody was praying," Memorial High School head track coach Robert Starr said in emotional testimony, according to WFAA. "I just knew Austin was gone."
Metcalf was transported to an area hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, police said.
Frisco ISD reacted to the verdict, saying in a statement, "We respect the judicial process and will continue to support our students with compassion and care."
"We know this trial has brought strong emotions and deep grief, and we ask that our community continue to support each other with respect, sensitivity and understanding," the statement continued.
Democrat Xavier Becerra, Hilton advance in California governor's race
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has advanced to the general election in the California gubernatorial race, NBC News projects, where he will face former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Hilton, a Republican, emerged from a crowded primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot and the top two vote getters move on. NBC News projected Friday that Becerra, a Democrat, would advance.
With 88% of the expected vote tallied one week after polls closed, Becerra was taking about 28% support compared to 25% for Hilton. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer was in third with roughly 23%, while Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was the only other candidate in double digits, with 10%.
Vote-counting in California can take weeks because of the state’s heavy reliance on mail-in ballots, which take longer to process. And ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received up to a week afterward are allowed to be counted. The wait has fueled unfounded claims from President Donald Trump and some Republicans of a “rigged” election in California.
Hilton will now enter the November general election as a significant underdog in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans nearly 2-to-1. California voters haven’t elected a Republican governor in 20 years, and Trump lost the state by 20 points in the 2024 election.
Hilton was born in the United Kingdom, where he previously worked as an aide to then-Prime Minister David Cameron before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021. He was able to consolidate Republican support after Trump endorsed him in April.
Prior to Trump’s involvement, some Democrats feared they were at risk of getting shut out of the general election, with so many of their candidates on the ballot and no clear front-runner. Bianco, who stirred up controversy after seizing hundreds of thousands of ballots in March as part of a purported investigation into California’s 2025 election, had also been polling near the top of the field along with Hilton.
The field was further shaken up in April, when former Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the top-polling Democrats, dropped out of the race after facing sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which he has denied.
In the wake of Swalwell’s abrupt exit, Becerra, a former California attorney general and congressman, quickly began to rise in the polls after he was mired in the low single digits for much of the campaign.
As Becerra became the leading choice for more moderate Democrats, Steyer ran as a progressive, pushing for single-payer health care and a billionaire tax. He also poured more than $215 million of his own money into his campaign, allowing him to dominate the airwaves.
Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, has now spent more than half a billion dollars on unsuccessful campaigns for elected office. In 2020, he did not win any delegates during his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination after spending more than $300 million of his own money.
Term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, remained neutral in the race to replace him.
Becerra and Hilton traded barbs during the primary debates that could preview the attacks to come in the general election.
At a May debate, Hilton described Becerra — and his party more broadly — as responsible for the state’s problems after holding power in California for decades.
“Some of these Democrats on the stage, they talk as if we’re in some parallel universe where Democrats haven’t been running the state for the last 16 years of one-party rule. I mean, you look at Xavier — 36 years he’s been a career politician for Democrats,” Hilton said.
Meanwhile, Becerra hit back at Hilton over his lack of government experience.
“What does a Fox News talking head know about running government?” he said. “You’ve never balanced a budget the size of California’s.”
Hilton, a Republican, emerged from a crowded primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot and the top two vote getters move on. NBC News projected Friday that Becerra, a Democrat, would advance.
With 88% of the expected vote tallied one week after polls closed, Becerra was taking about 28% support compared to 25% for Hilton. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer was in third with roughly 23%, while Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was the only other candidate in double digits, with 10%.
Vote-counting in California can take weeks because of the state’s heavy reliance on mail-in ballots, which take longer to process. And ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received up to a week afterward are allowed to be counted. The wait has fueled unfounded claims from President Donald Trump and some Republicans of a “rigged” election in California.
Hilton will now enter the November general election as a significant underdog in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans nearly 2-to-1. California voters haven’t elected a Republican governor in 20 years, and Trump lost the state by 20 points in the 2024 election.
Hilton was born in the United Kingdom, where he previously worked as an aide to then-Prime Minister David Cameron before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021. He was able to consolidate Republican support after Trump endorsed him in April.
Prior to Trump’s involvement, some Democrats feared they were at risk of getting shut out of the general election, with so many of their candidates on the ballot and no clear front-runner. Bianco, who stirred up controversy after seizing hundreds of thousands of ballots in March as part of a purported investigation into California’s 2025 election, had also been polling near the top of the field along with Hilton.
The field was further shaken up in April, when former Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the top-polling Democrats, dropped out of the race after facing sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which he has denied.
In the wake of Swalwell’s abrupt exit, Becerra, a former California attorney general and congressman, quickly began to rise in the polls after he was mired in the low single digits for much of the campaign.
As Becerra became the leading choice for more moderate Democrats, Steyer ran as a progressive, pushing for single-payer health care and a billionaire tax. He also poured more than $215 million of his own money into his campaign, allowing him to dominate the airwaves.
Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, has now spent more than half a billion dollars on unsuccessful campaigns for elected office. In 2020, he did not win any delegates during his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination after spending more than $300 million of his own money.
Term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, remained neutral in the race to replace him.
Becerra and Hilton traded barbs during the primary debates that could preview the attacks to come in the general election.
At a May debate, Hilton described Becerra — and his party more broadly — as responsible for the state’s problems after holding power in California for decades.
“Some of these Democrats on the stage, they talk as if we’re in some parallel universe where Democrats haven’t been running the state for the last 16 years of one-party rule. I mean, you look at Xavier — 36 years he’s been a career politician for Democrats,” Hilton said.
Meanwhile, Becerra hit back at Hilton over his lack of government experience.
“What does a Fox News talking head know about running government?” he said. “You’ve never balanced a budget the size of California’s.”
Teyana Taylor Named Icon of the Year for the 2026 BET Awards
Teyana Taylor gets the Icon of the Year nod at the 2026 BET Awards, cementing her status as a multi-industry force.
Teyana Taylor is about to walk into the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and receive one of the biggest honors in entertainment.
The 35-year-old multi-hyphenate artist will be recognized as the Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards, joining an elite group that includes Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Usher. This isn’t just another award on her shelf. It’s validation for someone who’s been grinding since she was 15 years old.
Her career trajectory spans music, film, television, directing, and fashion in ways that most artists never attempt.
Last year alone, she won a Golden Globe for best supporting actress in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” earned an Oscar nomination for the same role, and scored a Grammy nomination for her R&B album Escape Room.
She’s also been working with Ryan Murphy on “All’s Fair” and appeared alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in “The Rip.”
She’s collaborated with Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, and Erykah Badu.
BET executive vp Connie Orlando explained the decision perfectly: “She doesn’t ask for a seat at the table; she builds the table, designs the rooms and sets the tone for everyone who walks in.”
That’s the difference between being famous and being an icon.
Taylor told The Hollywood Reporter that her patience in the game since age 15 makes this moment hit harder than if everything had gone her way immediately.
“This moment hits a lot harder than it would’ve if everything had gone my way when I wanted it to,” she said.
The ceremony airs live on Sunday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, hosted by Druski across BET and multiple Paramount networks including MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central.
Lauryn Hill is also being honored with the Living Legend Award at the same event, making it a night that celebrates Black culture.
Jermaine Jackson Challenges $6.5 Million Judgment In 1988 Assault Case
Jermaine Jackson is contesting a $6.5 million default judgment against him stemming from a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Rita Butler Barrett. He has denied the allegations in newly filed court documents.
The lawsuit accuses Jermaine Jackson of raping Barrett in the spring of 1988 at her Los Angeles-area home. The default judgment was entered because Jackson did not respond to the lawsuit for over two years. His legal team argues the judgment should be vacated, asserting that Jackson was not properly served due to attempts made at an outdated address and under a former legal name. Jackson's attorney also stated that he only recently became aware of the lawsuit, which prevented him from responding before the judgment was issued. A hearing on the request to set aside the judgment is scheduled for June 30, 2024, before Judge Elaine W. Mandel in Los Angeles.
Jermaine Jackson is best known as a founding member of the Jackson 5 and for his solo hits like "Let’s Get Serious." He has appeared in projects including Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall and the 1984 film "Voyage of the Rock Aliens." Jackson currently resides overseas in Bahrain and legally changed his name to Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun in 2013. He has had multiple marriages, including past relationships with Hazel Gordy and Alejandra Genevieve Oiaza, and is currently married to Halima Rashid.
This development is significant as it directly challenges a multimillion-dollar judgment tied to decades-old allegations. It highlights ongoing legal battles involving prominent figures and the complexities of service and response in long-delayed cases. The outcome of the June hearing will determine whether Jackson can contest the claims in court or if the judgment will stand as is.
The lawsuit accuses Jermaine Jackson of raping Barrett in the spring of 1988 at her Los Angeles-area home. The default judgment was entered because Jackson did not respond to the lawsuit for over two years. His legal team argues the judgment should be vacated, asserting that Jackson was not properly served due to attempts made at an outdated address and under a former legal name. Jackson's attorney also stated that he only recently became aware of the lawsuit, which prevented him from responding before the judgment was issued. A hearing on the request to set aside the judgment is scheduled for June 30, 2024, before Judge Elaine W. Mandel in Los Angeles.
Jermaine Jackson is best known as a founding member of the Jackson 5 and for his solo hits like "Let’s Get Serious." He has appeared in projects including Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall and the 1984 film "Voyage of the Rock Aliens." Jackson currently resides overseas in Bahrain and legally changed his name to Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun in 2013. He has had multiple marriages, including past relationships with Hazel Gordy and Alejandra Genevieve Oiaza, and is currently married to Halima Rashid.
This development is significant as it directly challenges a multimillion-dollar judgment tied to decades-old allegations. It highlights ongoing legal battles involving prominent figures and the complexities of service and response in long-delayed cases. The outcome of the June hearing will determine whether Jackson can contest the claims in court or if the judgment will stand as is.
Chris Brown Settles ‘Monalisa’ and ‘Sensational’ Lawsuit from Lyricist
R&B singer Chris Brown has reached a "settlement in principle" with a lyricist who claimed he was cut out of millions in revenues from Brown's hit songs "Sensational" and "Monalisa," according to a new court filing.
In a notice of settlement obtained by Rolling Stone, the plaintiff, Steve Chokpelle, said the agreement would resolve all of his claims against Brown and Universal Music Group, effectively removing them from the royalties lawsuit. The terms were not disclosed, and lawyers for the parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"The parties have reached a settlement in principle that will resolve plaintiff's claims against defendants, as well as codefendant Chris Brown, in their entirety," the new filings reads. "The settlement will bring an end to this matter as it pertains to defendants and Brown."
Chokpelle filed his underlying complaint in February, claiming he was at Brown's Los Angeles home with fellow musician Sean Kingston in 2020 when Brown allegedly asked him to compose lyrics for a 2021 track titled "Monalisa." A "Monalisa" remix from Nigerian musicians Lojay and Sarz that featured Brown would eventually peak at Number Eight on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
In his complaint, Chokpelle also alleged he penned the lyrics for the follow-up track "Sensational." He claimed that after Brown heard a demo, he decided to record the song himself. According to Chokpelle, Brown later mixed and mastered his own version featuring Lojay, which landed on Brown's 2023 album 11:11. The track, which listed Kingston and Lojay as co-authors, climbed to Number One on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaked at 71 on the Hot 100. The lawsuit alleged "Sensational" generated more than $1 million in revenue.
Chokpelle claimed Brown deprived him of proper credit for the songs and "his properly entitled compensation flowing from his role as author/owner of the lyrics." He asked for a court order declaring him an author and copyright owner of the two songs and sought damages from Brown, Kingston, and Universal Music, among others.
"Defendants sustained a tremendous benefit, and shall continue to receive tremendous benefit, by earning millions in revenues, acclaim, accolades, and goodwill, from the commercial exploitation of 'Monalisa' and 'Sensational,'" the 13-page lawsuit said. It claimed Brown and the other defendants were "unjustly enriched" while Chokpelle received "no revenues whatsoever."
In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in March, Brown and his lawyers pointed out that "Monalisa" was released and distributed by third parties. They also said the statute of limitations for copyright ownership claims is three years, so the filing was too late. The judge had not yet ruled on the motion when the notice of settlement was filed on Monday.
R&B singer Chris Brown has reached a "settlement in principle" with a lyricist who claimed he was cut out of millions in revenues from Brown's hit songs "Sensational" and "Monalisa," according to a new court filing.
In a notice of settlement obtained by Rolling Stone, the plaintiff, Steve Chokpelle, said the agreement would resolve all of his claims against Brown and Universal Music Group, effectively removing them from the royalties lawsuit. The terms were not disclosed, and lawyers for the parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"The parties have reached a settlement in principle that will resolve plaintiff's claims against defendants, as well as codefendant Chris Brown, in their entirety," the new filings reads. "The settlement will bring an end to this matter as it pertains to defendants and Brown."
Chokpelle filed his underlying complaint in February, claiming he was at Brown's Los Angeles home with fellow musician Sean Kingston in 2020 when Brown allegedly asked him to compose lyrics for a 2021 track titled "Monalisa." A "Monalisa" remix from Nigerian musicians Lojay and Sarz that featured Brown would eventually peak at Number Eight on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
In his complaint, Chokpelle also alleged he penned the lyrics for the follow-up track "Sensational." He claimed that after Brown heard a demo, he decided to record the song himself. According to Chokpelle, Brown later mixed and mastered his own version featuring Lojay, which landed on Brown's 2023 album 11:11. The track, which listed Kingston and Lojay as co-authors, climbed to Number One on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaked at 71 on the Hot 100. The lawsuit alleged "Sensational" generated more than $1 million in revenue.
Chokpelle claimed Brown deprived him of proper credit for the songs and "his properly entitled compensation flowing from his role as author/owner of the lyrics." He asked for a court order declaring him an author and copyright owner of the two songs and sought damages from Brown, Kingston, and Universal Music, among others.
"Defendants sustained a tremendous benefit, and shall continue to receive tremendous benefit, by earning millions in revenues, acclaim, accolades, and goodwill, from the commercial exploitation of 'Monalisa' and 'Sensational,'" the 13-page lawsuit said. It claimed Brown and the other defendants were "unjustly enriched" while Chokpelle received "no revenues whatsoever."
In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in March, Brown and his lawyers pointed out that "Monalisa" was released and distributed by third parties. They also said the statute of limitations for copyright ownership claims is three years, so the filing was too late. The judge had not yet ruled on the motion when the notice of settlement was filed on Monday.
Diddy is Being Sued by Former Child Actor Over Alleged Sexual Assault
Sean “Diddy” Combs is getting sued again. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, a man going by John Doe is suing Diddy over claims the rapper sexually assaulted him when he was a minor.
The docs say that John was a child actor who was invited to a Hollywood Hills party in 2007 when he met Diddy, who allegedly invited him to chat further about career opportunities.
When they were alone, he claims that Diddy rubbed parts of his body before performing oral sex on him. He also said he made the rapper aware that he was uncomfortable before it started.
Afterward, John alleges that Diddy said he would keep him in mind for potential jobs in the future, and then left. He is now suing Diddy and a few agents who he says had a duty to protect him for unspecified damages.
The docs say that John was a child actor who was invited to a Hollywood Hills party in 2007 when he met Diddy, who allegedly invited him to chat further about career opportunities.
When they were alone, he claims that Diddy rubbed parts of his body before performing oral sex on him. He also said he made the rapper aware that he was uncomfortable before it started.
Afterward, John alleges that Diddy said he would keep him in mind for potential jobs in the future, and then left. He is now suing Diddy and a few agents who he says had a duty to protect him for unspecified damages.
Diddy‘s rep gave the following statement to TMZ about the new lawsuit and allegations.
“The allegations from this so-called nameless child actor are false and ridiculous. He’s just another hater in a long list of people trying to get in on the money gravy train encouraged by personal injury lawyers. Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone — and that includes any child! These allegations will be disproved like all the rest.”
Idris Elba Believes Audiences Would Reject a Black James Bond
*Idris Elba has a simple answer for anyone still holding out hope he will play James Bond. It was never going to happen.
Speaking with British GQ, the 53-year-old actor said the casting buzz had no real foundation. “It was always just a rumor,” Elba said. “I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.”
His reasoning goes beyond personal preference. Elba pointed to resistance in certain global markets as a hard reality, arguing that Bond’s international audience is not uniformly open to a Black actor carrying the franchise.
“Bond is big all over the world,” he said. “And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
Speculation about a Black James Bond gained momentum after Daniel Craig raised the possibility during a 2008 premiere in Italy, a conversation that eventually placed Elba at the center of years of casting rumors. Before Craig, Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan all played the iconic spy.
Elba says the attention was flattering, but he draws a firm line at reinventing the character entirely. “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he said. “I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
Away from Bond, Elba recently received a knighthood from King Charles on June 2 for services to young people.
*Idris Elba has a simple answer for anyone still holding out hope he will play James Bond. It was never going to happen.
Speaking with British GQ, the 53-year-old actor said the casting buzz had no real foundation. “It was always just a rumor,” Elba said. “I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.”
His reasoning goes beyond personal preference. Elba pointed to resistance in certain global markets as a hard reality, arguing that Bond’s international audience is not uniformly open to a Black actor carrying the franchise.
“Bond is big all over the world,” he said. “And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
Speculation about a Black James Bond gained momentum after Daniel Craig raised the possibility during a 2008 premiere in Italy, a conversation that eventually placed Elba at the center of years of casting rumors. Before Craig, Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan all played the iconic spy.
Elba says the attention was flattering, but he draws a firm line at reinventing the character entirely. “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he said. “I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
Away from Bond, Elba recently received a knighthood from King Charles on June 2 for services to young people.
Tom Hanks & Tim Allen Pose With Woody & Buzz at ‘Toy Story 5’ Premiere In Los Angeles
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen strike a pose at the Toy Story 5 premiere held at Dolby Theatre on Tuesday (June 9) in Los Angeles.
The voice stars of the movie were seen snapping photos with their respective characters, Woody and Buzz.
Tom and Tim are reprising their voice roles in the upcoming fifth, big-screen installment of the franchise.
What is Toy Story 5 about?
Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?
Other longtime Toy Story voice stars at the premiere, include Joan Cusack (Jessie), Wallace Shawn (Rex) and John Ratzenberger (Hamm), as well as Bonnie Hunt, who joined in Toy Story 3 as the voice of Dolly, and John Bergman, with wife Carla Delaney Bergman, who joins the voice cast as Mr Potato Head, taking over the role from the late Don Rickles.
Several other voice cast members also stepped out for the Toy Story 5 premiere, and you can see them all below!
Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19th.
The voice stars of the movie were seen snapping photos with their respective characters, Woody and Buzz.
Tom and Tim are reprising their voice roles in the upcoming fifth, big-screen installment of the franchise.
What is Toy Story 5 about?
Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?
Other longtime Toy Story voice stars at the premiere, include Joan Cusack (Jessie), Wallace Shawn (Rex) and John Ratzenberger (Hamm), as well as Bonnie Hunt, who joined in Toy Story 3 as the voice of Dolly, and John Bergman, with wife Carla Delaney Bergman, who joins the voice cast as Mr Potato Head, taking over the role from the late Don Rickles.
Several other voice cast members also stepped out for the Toy Story 5 premiere, and you can see them all below!
Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19th.
Nick Reiner Accused of killing his Parents Demands trust fund money to pay for his defense, court filing shows
Nick Reiner says he needs money from his trust fund to help pay for his defense team, specifically to rehire famed defense attorney Alan Jackson, according to a new court filing. The petition alleges that Reiner is entitled to the funds in his trust, half of which were required to be released to him when he turned 30, something he claims did not happen.
Reiner, 32, was charged with the murders of his parents, renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, in December.
Reiner was previously represented by Jackson, but Jackson abruptly resigned from the case in January for reasons that were not shared at the time.
The petition alleges Reiner's siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, had initially agreed to pay Jackson's fees, but in January, "Nick learned that Jackson and his firm were forced to withdraw because the anticipated funding did not materialize, and the Public Defender was appointed to take over Nick's defense."
It is not known why funding from Reiner's siblings was unavailable.
"Since then, Nick has repeatedly asked that Jackson's firm resume its representation if funds become available," the petition states, adding that Jackson "has reaffirmed not only that he 'stands ready, willing, and able to resume [his] representation,' but that he is 'committed to representing' Nick and 'willing to consider reasonable alternatives to the original fee arrangement.'"
"These are not estate assets, and Nick does not seek them from his parents' estate," the petition adds. "They are his own funds. Nick has no other means -- to pay for his legal expenses, or for his basic support needs while incarcerated.
The petition specifically notes that the trust in question was created for Reiner by his parents "more than 30 years ago, when Nick was an infant," and that similar "children's" trusts were also created for his siblings.
The petition argues that these children's trusts were "funded independently" of the larger family trusts that hold the Reiner family's estate, and that the terms of the independent trusts required one half to be paid out when the beneficiary turned 30, with the other half disbursed when they turned 35.
"Nick turned 30 on September 14, 2023 -- more than two and a half years ago -- at which point his right to one-half of the Trust vested and became due to him as a matter of right. But he did not receive his Mandatory Age-30 Distribution then, and he has not received it since," the petition alleges.
The petition claims the "Current Trustee" overseeing Reiner's independent trust "has offered a shifting series of excuses and justifications, none of which can be reconciled with the Trust's plain terms -- most recently, unsubstantiated 'concerns' about Nick's so-called competence to 'manage a trust.'"
It adds, "Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths. But the facts about what did and did not happen to them are not at issue in this Trust litigation."
Jackson told reporters in January that he "had to withdraw as Nick Reiner's counsel" due to "circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick's control."
"Sadly, it's made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick," Jackson said at the time.
Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14, 2025. The night before their deaths, Nick Reiner -- who had been living on his parents' property at the time -- got into an argument with Rob Reiner at a holiday party and was seen acting strangely, sources told ABC News in December.
Nick Reiner was taken into custody in downtown Los Angeles hours after the bodies were discovered. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders, to which he pleaded not guilty.
He remains in jail on no bail. His is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in September.
Sue Bird Opens Up About Why She & Megan Rapinoe Called It Quits After 10 Years Together
Sue Bird is opening up about her split from Megan Rapinoe.
The couple, who were together for 10 years, announced their breakup in April with a joint statement. Sue, 45, spoke to Women’s Health about how she’s doing now in an interview published on Tuesday (June 9).
“It’s like anything. It’s like, you grow, you change, you start having conversations about that in your relationship, and it just got to a point where we realized it might not be working anymore,” she said, acknowledging that the split came as a surprise since she and Megan, 40, “planned on being together forever.”
The former couple first met during the 2016 Rio Olympics and announced their engagement in October 2020.
Despite no longer being together, the retired basketball pro says she and Megan remain on “great terms” and have no “bad blood” between them.
Sue and Megan were open about going to couples therapy on their joint podcast A Touch More and Sue says that experience has helped her cope with the breakup.
“It’s made it a lot more, for me, easier and calmer,” she shared. “Otherwise, sometimes it can feel like you’re set in stone on something, and that can bring an anxiety, but it hasn’t felt like that.”
In addition to announcing they were no longer together in April, Megan and Sue also shared that they would be ending their podcast at the time. The final episode was released on May 28.
The couple, who were together for 10 years, announced their breakup in April with a joint statement. Sue, 45, spoke to Women’s Health about how she’s doing now in an interview published on Tuesday (June 9).
“It’s like anything. It’s like, you grow, you change, you start having conversations about that in your relationship, and it just got to a point where we realized it might not be working anymore,” she said, acknowledging that the split came as a surprise since she and Megan, 40, “planned on being together forever.”
The former couple first met during the 2016 Rio Olympics and announced their engagement in October 2020.
Despite no longer being together, the retired basketball pro says she and Megan remain on “great terms” and have no “bad blood” between them.
Sue and Megan were open about going to couples therapy on their joint podcast A Touch More and Sue says that experience has helped her cope with the breakup.
“It’s made it a lot more, for me, easier and calmer,” she shared. “Otherwise, sometimes it can feel like you’re set in stone on something, and that can bring an anxiety, but it hasn’t felt like that.”
In addition to announcing they were no longer together in April, Megan and Sue also shared that they would be ending their podcast at the time. The final episode was released on May 28.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Macho Man Randy Savage LIVES!
He is off the clock so the cowboy hat is at home
He is off the clock so the cowboy hat is at home
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
