#MAGFAB: Tessa Thompson for Cultured Magazine
Nice!
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Reacts To AI Photos of Her Kissing Phaedra Parks’ Ex-Husband Apollo Nida
NeNe Leakes is making her triumphant Bravo comeback. She is returning to take part in The Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip: Roaring 20th, which will celebrate two decades of housewives history. Meanwhile, NeNe is reacting to a fake photo of her kissing Apollo Nida. And he happens to be the ex-husband of NeNe’s former Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star, Phaedra Parks.
Of course, in the past, NeNe did hang out with Apollo. However, they never seemed overly chummy. So, when a photo of Apollo and NeNe looking more than cozy appeared, it was a shocker.
NeNe Leakes has no time for the AI slop Podcaster Gibson Johns shared the fake images via X. He captioned the post, “NeNe Leakes responds to those AI photos making the rounds of her kissing Phaedra’s ex Apollo #RHOA.” In the first photo, NeNe and Apollo smiled at the camera. In the second fake snap, they locked lips.
Of course, NeNe’s reaction was priceless. She wrote, “Chileeeeeeeeeee BYE.” Naturally, NeNe’s fans were sounding off in the comments. “Stop looking at my legs Apollo. Nene do not want this felon,” one follower wrote.
Another fan posted, “It would’ve been more believable if it were Peter [Thomas].” Of course, Peter was married once-upon-a-time to NeNe’s former bestie, and RHOA co-star, Cynthia Bailey. Finally, a user wrote, “Honestly, they actually look really good together lol.”
Meanwhile, NeNe is happy to be back on Bravo. “I’m happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo! I almost can’t even believe the words that are coming out of my mouth,” NeNe said in a video posted to social media. “I’m so happy.” Plus, according to sources, NeNe wasted no time hopping into the drama. She was reportedly arguing with a former RHOA co-star while filming the upcoming RHUGT.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is streaming on Peacock.
Of course, in the past, NeNe did hang out with Apollo. However, they never seemed overly chummy. So, when a photo of Apollo and NeNe looking more than cozy appeared, it was a shocker.
NeNe Leakes has no time for the AI slop Podcaster Gibson Johns shared the fake images via X. He captioned the post, “NeNe Leakes responds to those AI photos making the rounds of her kissing Phaedra’s ex Apollo #RHOA.” In the first photo, NeNe and Apollo smiled at the camera. In the second fake snap, they locked lips.
Of course, NeNe’s reaction was priceless. She wrote, “Chileeeeeeeeeee BYE.” Naturally, NeNe’s fans were sounding off in the comments. “Stop looking at my legs Apollo. Nene do not want this felon,” one follower wrote.
Another fan posted, “It would’ve been more believable if it were Peter [Thomas].” Of course, Peter was married once-upon-a-time to NeNe’s former bestie, and RHOA co-star, Cynthia Bailey. Finally, a user wrote, “Honestly, they actually look really good together lol.”
Meanwhile, NeNe is happy to be back on Bravo. “I’m happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo! I almost can’t even believe the words that are coming out of my mouth,” NeNe said in a video posted to social media. “I’m so happy.” Plus, according to sources, NeNe wasted no time hopping into the drama. She was reportedly arguing with a former RHOA co-star while filming the upcoming RHUGT.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is streaming on Peacock.
#NewMusic from Jamie Foxx “Somebody”
Jamie Foxx has officially returned to the music scene with his first major release in years, a poignant and soulful ballad titled “Somebody.” The track serves as a stark, emotional contrast to the upbeat Valentine’s Day releases usually expected this time of year.
“Somebody” finds Foxx in a vulnerable state, stripping away the high-energy production of his past hits for a raw exploration of post-breakup lingering. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life still cluttered with the remnants of a past love—mentioning shared coffee mugs and old clothes that make it “hard to think”.
Musically, the song highlights Foxx’s range as a classic soul crooner. It builds from a quiet, introspective opening to a powerful bridge where he declares that seeing a face every time you blink is the true indicator of being in love.
Jamie Foxx has officially returned to the music scene with his first major release in years, a poignant and soulful ballad titled “Somebody.” The track serves as a stark, emotional contrast to the upbeat Valentine’s Day releases usually expected this time of year.
“Somebody” finds Foxx in a vulnerable state, stripping away the high-energy production of his past hits for a raw exploration of post-breakup lingering. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life still cluttered with the remnants of a past love—mentioning shared coffee mugs and old clothes that make it “hard to think”.
Musically, the song highlights Foxx’s range as a classic soul crooner. It builds from a quiet, introspective opening to a powerful bridge where he declares that seeing a face every time you blink is the true indicator of being in love.
LISTEN HERE:
The production is minimalist, allowing his vocal delivery to carry the weight of the story. It’s a track that feels less like a radio play and more like a personal confession, reminiscent of the deeper cuts from his Unpredictable era.
“Somebody” is a reminder that despite his massive success across film and television, Jamie Foxx remains one of the most capable and emotive voices in modern R&B.
“Somebody” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The production is minimalist, allowing his vocal delivery to carry the weight of the story. It’s a track that feels less like a radio play and more like a personal confession, reminiscent of the deeper cuts from his Unpredictable era.
“Somebody” is a reminder that despite his massive success across film and television, Jamie Foxx remains one of the most capable and emotive voices in modern R&B.
“Somebody” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
#HipHopNews: J. Cole’s ‘The Fall-Off’ Debuts At No. 1 The On Billboard 200
J. Cole‘s decision to bow out of his rap battle with Kendrick Lamar may have led to questions about his place in hip-hop’s “Big Three,” but his latest album is proof that he remains one of the game’s biggest commercial stars.
The Dreamville rapper’s eighth (and supposedly final) LP The Fall-Off has debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 after earning 280,000 equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard.
166,500 units came from streaming (amounting to 169.5 million on-demand official streams) and 113,000 comprised of pure album sales.
Of the latter figure, roughly 71 percent (80,000 units) were from vinyl sales, marking Cole’s biggest ever week on vinyl.
The Fall-Off also boasts the largest sales week for a hip-hop album since March 2025 when Playboi Carti‘s MUSIC topped the Billboard 200 with 298,000 opening-week units.
In terms of Cole’s own catalog, The Fall-Off is his seventh consecutive number one album — a streak that dates back to his 2011 debut Cole World: The Sideline Story.
The North Carolina native also topped the Billboard 200 with the 2019 Dreamville compilation Revenge of the Dreamers III, although his 2024 mixtape Might Delete Later missed out on the top spot despite racking up a respectable 115,000 first-week units.
The Fall-Off has been described by J. Cole himself as his final album, one that was years in the making and “brings the concept of [his] first project [2007’s The Come Up] full circle.”
However, in a recent Q&A with fans on his Inevitable blog, the 40-year-old indicated that he is not ready to hang up his mic for good just yet.
He confirmed that his long-awaited It’s a Boy project, which was first teased back in 2020, is still on the way.
“No it’s not scrapped. It will release,” he wrote. “We almost put it out before the album. But with the Birthday Blizzard tape and 24-song album we was like it’s a lot of music to process.”
Cole also teased releasing leftover material from The Fall-Off, including alternate versions of the early fan-favorite “Legacy.”
When asked about the first song he recorded for the album, he replied: “The answer is Legacy. That song not only stood the test of time, it went through phases and got better and better with more love and attention.
“One day this year I plan to put the different iterations of that song on the blog, so people can hear how it progressed.”
The Dreamville rapper’s eighth (and supposedly final) LP The Fall-Off has debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 after earning 280,000 equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard.
166,500 units came from streaming (amounting to 169.5 million on-demand official streams) and 113,000 comprised of pure album sales.
Of the latter figure, roughly 71 percent (80,000 units) were from vinyl sales, marking Cole’s biggest ever week on vinyl.
The Fall-Off also boasts the largest sales week for a hip-hop album since March 2025 when Playboi Carti‘s MUSIC topped the Billboard 200 with 298,000 opening-week units.
In terms of Cole’s own catalog, The Fall-Off is his seventh consecutive number one album — a streak that dates back to his 2011 debut Cole World: The Sideline Story.
The North Carolina native also topped the Billboard 200 with the 2019 Dreamville compilation Revenge of the Dreamers III, although his 2024 mixtape Might Delete Later missed out on the top spot despite racking up a respectable 115,000 first-week units.
The Fall-Off has been described by J. Cole himself as his final album, one that was years in the making and “brings the concept of [his] first project [2007’s The Come Up] full circle.”
However, in a recent Q&A with fans on his Inevitable blog, the 40-year-old indicated that he is not ready to hang up his mic for good just yet.
He confirmed that his long-awaited It’s a Boy project, which was first teased back in 2020, is still on the way.
“No it’s not scrapped. It will release,” he wrote. “We almost put it out before the album. But with the Birthday Blizzard tape and 24-song album we was like it’s a lot of music to process.”
Cole also teased releasing leftover material from The Fall-Off, including alternate versions of the early fan-favorite “Legacy.”
When asked about the first song he recorded for the album, he replied: “The answer is Legacy. That song not only stood the test of time, it went through phases and got better and better with more love and attention.
“One day this year I plan to put the different iterations of that song on the blog, so people can hear how it progressed.”
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall Has Died at 95
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor best known for “The Godfather,“ “Apocalypse Now” and many other tough-guy roles over an acclaimed screen career that spanned six decades, has died. He was 95.
Duvall died “peacefully” at his home in Middleburg, Virginia on Sunday, according to a statement sent by his public relations agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana.
Duvall memorably played the Corleone family consigliere, or key adviser, in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” earning his first of seven Academy Award nominations for the 1972 film before reprising the role two years later in “The Godfather Part II.”
Born in San Diego, California – his father was a career naval officer – Duvall played a wide variety of roles, from cowboys to military men.
He attended Principia College in Illinois and served in the army during the Korean War before moving to New York and studying drama under famed acting coach Sanford Meisner. During that period, he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and hung out with Gene Hackman, another young actor who would go on to great success. Hackman died last year.
Duvall appeared in a number of plays before being cast in the film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the small but pivotal of Arthur “Boo” Radley in 1962. (He later named one of his dogs “Boo.”)
An array of film roles followed, among them the bad guy opposite John Wayne in Wayne’s lone Oscar-winning performance, “True Grit”; the part of Major Frank Burns in the Robert Altman movie “M*A*S*H”; and the lead in “Star Wars” director George Lucas’ dystopian 1971 sci-fi directing debut, “THX 1138,” in which Duvall (and everyone else) sported shaved heads.
That came out the year before “The Godfather,” and his role as Corleone family attorney Tom Hagen propelled Duvall into another echelon. The actor worked constantly thereafter, playing a network executive in the satire “Network,” and migrating to television in the blockbuster TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove.”
Duvall won an Oscar for portraying a country singer in the 1983 movie “Tender Mercies,” in which he did his own singing.
He also earned Academy Award nominations for playing a marine at odds with his family in “The Great Santini,” and as Lt. Col. Kilgore in the Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now,” which reunited him with Coppola and featured him delivering the oft-quoted line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Duvall noticeably skipped appearing in the long-delayed “The Godfather Part III” in 1990, due to a pay dispute with Coppola, telling Bob Costas that Al Pacino was going to be paid five times the amount he was offered, which was “totally unacceptable.”
Later, in an interview with Larry King, Duvall called his decision not to appear in the third “Godfather” movie “a matter of principle.”
Roles in other Westerns were also a part of his oeuvre, such as “Open Range” opposite Kevin Costner, and his Emmy-winning role in another miniseries, “Broken Trail.”
Duvall also became a filmmaker, writing, directing and costarring in the 1997 movie “The Apostle,” about a troubled preacher, and later directing the films “Assassination Tango” and “Wild Horses.” He was again nominated for an acting Oscar for his work in “The Apostle.”
He remained active well into the 2010s, earning his final Oscar nomination at 84 for “The Judge” in 2014, and appearing in such films as “Jack Reacher” and “Widows.”
Duvall also played a number of historical figures during his career, including Robert E. Lee (“Gods and Generals”), Joseph Stalin (in the HBO movie “Stalin”) and Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann (“The Man Who Captured Eichmann”).
Married four times, Duvall’s last marriage was to Argentinian actress-director Luciana Pedraza.
Duvall had a history of supporting Republican candidates. He attended George W. Bush’s inauguration, raised money for Mitt Romney’s candidacy and narrated a video at the Republican National Convention in 2008.
He was awarded the National Medal of Arts during the Bush administration in 2004.
Duvall’s representative’s statement added on Monday that no formal service will be held. Instead, “the family encourages those who wish to honor his memory to do so in a way that reflects the life he lived by watching a great film, telling a good story around a table with friends, or taking a drive in the countryside to appreciate the world’s beauty.”
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor best known for “The Godfather,“ “Apocalypse Now” and many other tough-guy roles over an acclaimed screen career that spanned six decades, has died. He was 95.
Duvall died “peacefully” at his home in Middleburg, Virginia on Sunday, according to a statement sent by his public relations agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana.
Duvall memorably played the Corleone family consigliere, or key adviser, in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” earning his first of seven Academy Award nominations for the 1972 film before reprising the role two years later in “The Godfather Part II.”
Born in San Diego, California – his father was a career naval officer – Duvall played a wide variety of roles, from cowboys to military men.
He attended Principia College in Illinois and served in the army during the Korean War before moving to New York and studying drama under famed acting coach Sanford Meisner. During that period, he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and hung out with Gene Hackman, another young actor who would go on to great success. Hackman died last year.
Duvall appeared in a number of plays before being cast in the film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the small but pivotal of Arthur “Boo” Radley in 1962. (He later named one of his dogs “Boo.”)
An array of film roles followed, among them the bad guy opposite John Wayne in Wayne’s lone Oscar-winning performance, “True Grit”; the part of Major Frank Burns in the Robert Altman movie “M*A*S*H”; and the lead in “Star Wars” director George Lucas’ dystopian 1971 sci-fi directing debut, “THX 1138,” in which Duvall (and everyone else) sported shaved heads.
That came out the year before “The Godfather,” and his role as Corleone family attorney Tom Hagen propelled Duvall into another echelon. The actor worked constantly thereafter, playing a network executive in the satire “Network,” and migrating to television in the blockbuster TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove.”
Duvall won an Oscar for portraying a country singer in the 1983 movie “Tender Mercies,” in which he did his own singing.
He also earned Academy Award nominations for playing a marine at odds with his family in “The Great Santini,” and as Lt. Col. Kilgore in the Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now,” which reunited him with Coppola and featured him delivering the oft-quoted line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Duvall noticeably skipped appearing in the long-delayed “The Godfather Part III” in 1990, due to a pay dispute with Coppola, telling Bob Costas that Al Pacino was going to be paid five times the amount he was offered, which was “totally unacceptable.”
Later, in an interview with Larry King, Duvall called his decision not to appear in the third “Godfather” movie “a matter of principle.”
Roles in other Westerns were also a part of his oeuvre, such as “Open Range” opposite Kevin Costner, and his Emmy-winning role in another miniseries, “Broken Trail.”
Duvall also became a filmmaker, writing, directing and costarring in the 1997 movie “The Apostle,” about a troubled preacher, and later directing the films “Assassination Tango” and “Wild Horses.” He was again nominated for an acting Oscar for his work in “The Apostle.”
He remained active well into the 2010s, earning his final Oscar nomination at 84 for “The Judge” in 2014, and appearing in such films as “Jack Reacher” and “Widows.”
Duvall also played a number of historical figures during his career, including Robert E. Lee (“Gods and Generals”), Joseph Stalin (in the HBO movie “Stalin”) and Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann (“The Man Who Captured Eichmann”).
Married four times, Duvall’s last marriage was to Argentinian actress-director Luciana Pedraza.
Duvall had a history of supporting Republican candidates. He attended George W. Bush’s inauguration, raised money for Mitt Romney’s candidacy and narrated a video at the Republican National Convention in 2008.
He was awarded the National Medal of Arts during the Bush administration in 2004.
Duvall’s representative’s statement added on Monday that no formal service will be held. Instead, “the family encourages those who wish to honor his memory to do so in a way that reflects the life he lived by watching a great film, telling a good story around a table with friends, or taking a drive in the countryside to appreciate the world’s beauty.”
Cardi B Falls Out Of Chair During Las Vegas Show, Jokes ‘That Was the Government’
Cardi B’s “Be Careful” has taken on an entirely new meaning. During her Las Vegas show on Friday, Cardi B fell off a chair in the middle of performing “Thotiana” remix. After leaning back too far, the chair came crashing down on her, and she fell backwards.
Cardi kept on rhyming while she was on her back. When she got to her feet, she revealed who set her up to fall.
“That was the government!” Cardi joked with the crowd.
Following the show, Cardi posted a video to her Instagram Stories making fun of the incident.
“Y’all, the government was out to get me today,” she said, laughing. “I’m telling you, it was the government! The government, b*tch!”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Cardi shared the footage and claimed it was doctored by AI.
“Can someone put a community note on this? This video is clearly AI,” her post read.
On her Instagram Stories, Cardi posted photos with numerous bruises on her legs, knees, and shins. According to the “I Like It” rapper, it was the cost of putting on a great show.
“I’m out here working for y’all motherf—ers!” she said in the video. “That’s a lump right there. I’m out here working for y’all motherf—ers!”
Cardi also shared that she planned to take a “concoction” of supplements and go to sleep on the tour bus.
“I’m gonna take some ashwagandha, magnesium, and melatonin,” she said. “Baby, I cannot wait. I want to sleep so f—ing good, bitch. Woah. I am so tired. And I just cannot get the hang of the bus — the whole shaking and everything. I’m very sensitive.”
Currently, Cardi is on the Little Miss Drama Tour in support of her second studio album, Am I the Drama? It’s her first headlining tour since 2019.
Cardi kept on rhyming while she was on her back. When she got to her feet, she revealed who set her up to fall.
“That was the government!” Cardi joked with the crowd.
Following the show, Cardi posted a video to her Instagram Stories making fun of the incident.
“Y’all, the government was out to get me today,” she said, laughing. “I’m telling you, it was the government! The government, b*tch!”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Cardi shared the footage and claimed it was doctored by AI.
“Can someone put a community note on this? This video is clearly AI,” her post read.
On her Instagram Stories, Cardi posted photos with numerous bruises on her legs, knees, and shins. According to the “I Like It” rapper, it was the cost of putting on a great show.
“I’m out here working for y’all motherf—ers!” she said in the video. “That’s a lump right there. I’m out here working for y’all motherf—ers!”
Cardi also shared that she planned to take a “concoction” of supplements and go to sleep on the tour bus.
“I’m gonna take some ashwagandha, magnesium, and melatonin,” she said. “Baby, I cannot wait. I want to sleep so f—ing good, bitch. Woah. I am so tired. And I just cannot get the hang of the bus — the whole shaking and everything. I’m very sensitive.”
Currently, Cardi is on the Little Miss Drama Tour in support of her second studio album, Am I the Drama? It’s her first headlining tour since 2019.
Candid Cynthia Erivo on Ariana Grande romance rumors
Cynthia Erivo has decided to directly address longstanding rumors suggesting she and Ariana Grande are romantically involved, despite both actresses maintaining well-documented relationships with other partners. The Wicked star chose to tackle the speculation head-on during a recent interview with Stylist, offering her perspective on why such rumors continue circulating among fans and observers.
The decision to publicly discuss the matter represents a departure from how many celebrities handle similar situations. Most public figures typically ignore fan speculation about their personal lives, choosing not to provide any acknowledgment that might fuel additional rumors. However, Erivo opted for a different approach by examining the cultural factors that allow such speculation to persist despite clear evidence to the contrary.
The facts regarding both actresses’ romantic lives remain easily verifiable and have been public knowledge for substantial periods. Cynthia Erivo has been dating filmmaker and actress Lena Waithe for at least a year, with the couple making joint appearances at high-profile events. They attended the NAACP Image Awards together in February of last year, among other public outings that confirmed their relationship status.
Ariana Grande, meanwhile, has been in a relationship with Ethan Slater since at least July 2023. Slater served as Grande’s costar in Wicked, creating a romantic connection that emerged during production of the musical adaptation. Their relationship has been documented through numerous public appearances and media coverage over the past year and a half.
Despite these well-established facts being readily available to anyone following entertainment news, speculation persisted that Erivo and Grande were engaged in some form of romantic entanglement. The rumors gained particular momentum following the release of Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, where the two actresses portrayed close friends whose bond drives much of the storyline.
During her conversation with Stylist, Erivo explored what she believes motivates the persistent rumors despite contradictory evidence. She suggested that many people struggle to understand how two women can maintain a close friendship without romantic involvement. The actress characterized this as reflecting broader societal attitudes toward female relationships.
Erivo noted that observers seemed to believe one of two narratives about her friendship with Grande. Some assumed the closeness displayed publicly was performative, manufactured specifically for cameras and promotional purposes. Others jumped to the conclusion that the bond indicated romantic feelings rather than platonic friendship.
The actress expanded on her theory by pointing to limited cultural conversation around deep, authentic platonic friendships between women. She argued that while such relationships exist everywhere in everyday life, they receive minimal representation in media and public discourse. This lack of visibility makes people uncomfortable when they encounter genuine examples of close female friendship, particularly in the spotlight of celebrity culture.
Erivo suggested that relationships where people demonstrate strong emotional connections sometimes create discomfort among observers who lack frameworks for understanding such bonds. She attributed this partly to inadequate education about the value and normalcy of deep platonic relationships, leaving many people without reference points for interpreting what they witness.
The actress’s analysis touches on broader questions about how society views and validates different types of relationships. Her comments suggest that romantic partnerships receive disproportionate attention and legitimacy compared to platonic bonds, even though friendships can provide equally significant emotional support and life enrichment.
The intensity of speculation likely increased due to the nature of Erivo and Grande’s collaboration on Wicked. The musical explores a profound friendship between two characters who support each other through extraordinary circumstances. The emotional authenticity both actresses brought to their performances may have blurred lines for some observers between the characters’ relationship and the performers’ real-life connection.
Promotional appearances for both Wicked films showed genuine warmth and affection between the costars, providing additional fuel for those inclined to interpret their friendship as something more. The actresses’ obvious comfort with each other and willingness to express appreciation publicly created exactly the kind of visible female friendship Erivo described as being misunderstood in contemporary culture.
Cynthia Erivo has decided to directly address longstanding rumors suggesting she and Ariana Grande are romantically involved, despite both actresses maintaining well-documented relationships with other partners. The Wicked star chose to tackle the speculation head-on during a recent interview with Stylist, offering her perspective on why such rumors continue circulating among fans and observers.
The decision to publicly discuss the matter represents a departure from how many celebrities handle similar situations. Most public figures typically ignore fan speculation about their personal lives, choosing not to provide any acknowledgment that might fuel additional rumors. However, Erivo opted for a different approach by examining the cultural factors that allow such speculation to persist despite clear evidence to the contrary.
The facts regarding both actresses’ romantic lives remain easily verifiable and have been public knowledge for substantial periods. Cynthia Erivo has been dating filmmaker and actress Lena Waithe for at least a year, with the couple making joint appearances at high-profile events. They attended the NAACP Image Awards together in February of last year, among other public outings that confirmed their relationship status.
Ariana Grande, meanwhile, has been in a relationship with Ethan Slater since at least July 2023. Slater served as Grande’s costar in Wicked, creating a romantic connection that emerged during production of the musical adaptation. Their relationship has been documented through numerous public appearances and media coverage over the past year and a half.
Despite these well-established facts being readily available to anyone following entertainment news, speculation persisted that Erivo and Grande were engaged in some form of romantic entanglement. The rumors gained particular momentum following the release of Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, where the two actresses portrayed close friends whose bond drives much of the storyline.
During her conversation with Stylist, Erivo explored what she believes motivates the persistent rumors despite contradictory evidence. She suggested that many people struggle to understand how two women can maintain a close friendship without romantic involvement. The actress characterized this as reflecting broader societal attitudes toward female relationships.
Erivo noted that observers seemed to believe one of two narratives about her friendship with Grande. Some assumed the closeness displayed publicly was performative, manufactured specifically for cameras and promotional purposes. Others jumped to the conclusion that the bond indicated romantic feelings rather than platonic friendship.
The actress expanded on her theory by pointing to limited cultural conversation around deep, authentic platonic friendships between women. She argued that while such relationships exist everywhere in everyday life, they receive minimal representation in media and public discourse. This lack of visibility makes people uncomfortable when they encounter genuine examples of close female friendship, particularly in the spotlight of celebrity culture.
Erivo suggested that relationships where people demonstrate strong emotional connections sometimes create discomfort among observers who lack frameworks for understanding such bonds. She attributed this partly to inadequate education about the value and normalcy of deep platonic relationships, leaving many people without reference points for interpreting what they witness.
The actress’s analysis touches on broader questions about how society views and validates different types of relationships. Her comments suggest that romantic partnerships receive disproportionate attention and legitimacy compared to platonic bonds, even though friendships can provide equally significant emotional support and life enrichment.
The intensity of speculation likely increased due to the nature of Erivo and Grande’s collaboration on Wicked. The musical explores a profound friendship between two characters who support each other through extraordinary circumstances. The emotional authenticity both actresses brought to their performances may have blurred lines for some observers between the characters’ relationship and the performers’ real-life connection.
Promotional appearances for both Wicked films showed genuine warmth and affection between the costars, providing additional fuel for those inclined to interpret their friendship as something more. The actresses’ obvious comfort with each other and willingness to express appreciation publicly created exactly the kind of visible female friendship Erivo described as being misunderstood in contemporary culture.
‘America’s Next Top Model’ Icon Miss J Alexander Reveals Stroke Left Him Paralyzed
A major figure from America's Next Top Model is opening up about a life-altering health crisis that had been kept private for years.
According to Entertainment Weekly, runway coach and longtime fan favorite J. Alexander, widely known as Miss J, revealed that he suffered a stroke in late 2022 that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Miss J, born Alexander Jenkins in the South Bronx, built a global reputation long before reality TV. A model discovered by Elite Model Management, he walked for Jean Paul Gaultier and later transitioned into coaching, working with top names like Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons.
His influence extended across major fashion houses, including Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino. By the time he joined America’s Next Top Model, he had already spent years shaping how models carried themselves on the runway.
On the show, Miss J became a defining presence. Known for his sharp eye and signature delivery, he trained contestants across multiple cycles and later joined the judging panel. His nickname—born from an early contestant mix-up—stuck, eventually becoming part of the show’s identity. For many viewers, Miss J wasn’t just a coach; he was the voice behind the walk.
That makes his recent revelation even more jarring. In Netflix’s upcoming docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, Miss J shares what happened after his stroke on December 27, 2022.
“I had a stroke. I woke up, I didn’t know where I was, other than the hospital,” he says. He describes spending weeks in a coma and waking up unable to walk or speak. “I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk… it was emotional. I cried.”
Despite the severity of the situation, he says support came from former colleagues Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel, who visited him during recovery. Reflecting on that moment, Miss J recalls feeling overwhelmed by their time working together. “I cried because I just missed them so much.”
When asked in the docuseries whether Tyra Banks visited him, Miss J says she had not at that time, noting, “She just sent me a text that she wants to come… but no, not yet.”
The docuseries also revisits long-standing backstage tensions, including the 2012 departures of Miss J, Barker, and Manuel. Manuel describes feeling “betrayed” by how events unfolded, while Barker recalls the situation as “disappointing.”
Even in recovery, Miss J remains focused on what’s ahead. “I miss being the queen of the runway,” he says. “I taught models how to walk… and now I can’t walk—not yet.”
He adds that he’s determined to recover, making it clear: “It’s not over for me yet.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, runway coach and longtime fan favorite J. Alexander, widely known as Miss J, revealed that he suffered a stroke in late 2022 that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Miss J, born Alexander Jenkins in the South Bronx, built a global reputation long before reality TV. A model discovered by Elite Model Management, he walked for Jean Paul Gaultier and later transitioned into coaching, working with top names like Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons.
His influence extended across major fashion houses, including Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino. By the time he joined America’s Next Top Model, he had already spent years shaping how models carried themselves on the runway.
On the show, Miss J became a defining presence. Known for his sharp eye and signature delivery, he trained contestants across multiple cycles and later joined the judging panel. His nickname—born from an early contestant mix-up—stuck, eventually becoming part of the show’s identity. For many viewers, Miss J wasn’t just a coach; he was the voice behind the walk.
That makes his recent revelation even more jarring. In Netflix’s upcoming docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, Miss J shares what happened after his stroke on December 27, 2022.
“I had a stroke. I woke up, I didn’t know where I was, other than the hospital,” he says. He describes spending weeks in a coma and waking up unable to walk or speak. “I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk… it was emotional. I cried.”
Despite the severity of the situation, he says support came from former colleagues Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel, who visited him during recovery. Reflecting on that moment, Miss J recalls feeling overwhelmed by their time working together. “I cried because I just missed them so much.”
When asked in the docuseries whether Tyra Banks visited him, Miss J says she had not at that time, noting, “She just sent me a text that she wants to come… but no, not yet.”
The docuseries also revisits long-standing backstage tensions, including the 2012 departures of Miss J, Barker, and Manuel. Manuel describes feeling “betrayed” by how events unfolded, while Barker recalls the situation as “disappointing.”
Even in recovery, Miss J remains focused on what’s ahead. “I miss being the queen of the runway,” he says. “I taught models how to walk… and now I can’t walk—not yet.”
He adds that he’s determined to recover, making it clear: “It’s not over for me yet.”
Teyana Taylor is Glowing in Tamara Ralph at the 28th Costume Designers Guild Awards
Teyana Taylor wore a rose pink Tamara Ralph Couture to the 2026 Costume Designers Guild Awards, held at the Ebell of Los Angeles on Thursday, February 12.
The outfit featured an armored breastplate with a satin draped skirt.
The “One Battle After Another” Oscar nominee won the guild’s Vanguard Spotlight Award. The award recognizes Teyana’s range across acting, directing, choreography and creative work in films.
“One Battle After Another” also took home the top awards for costume design at the 28th Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Teyana Taylor wore a rose pink Tamara Ralph Couture to the 2026 Costume Designers Guild Awards, held at the Ebell of Los Angeles on Thursday, February 12.
The outfit featured an armored breastplate with a satin draped skirt.
The “One Battle After Another” Oscar nominee won the guild’s Vanguard Spotlight Award. The award recognizes Teyana’s range across acting, directing, choreography and creative work in films.
“One Battle After Another” also took home the top awards for costume design at the 28th Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Kendall Jenner's Ex Devin Booker Is Getting Attention for His Bad Bunny Halftime Show Response
NBA star Devin Booker is getting attention online for his comment regarding Bad Bunny‘s halftime show.
But first, here’s some backstory if you aren’t aware. Kendall Jenner dated both the 29-year-old Phoenix Suns player and the 31-year-old superstar entertainer.
Kendall and Devin split up in late 2022 after over two years together, but have been the subject of reconciliation rumors quite a bit over the years, and had a flirty exchange just a few weeks ago.
Bad Bunny and Kendall faced romance rumors in 2023, but apparentlysplit by the very end of the year. They briefly rekindled their romance in May 2024, but broke up again later.
Now, Devin was asked about Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl halftime show performance, and fans are clocking his response.
A reporter asked “for the fans of Puerto Rico” how it “felt to be a part of” the show.
He then responded, “I’m Mexican.” He paused for a bit before then saying, “I didn’t watch to be completely honest.”
But first, here’s some backstory if you aren’t aware. Kendall Jenner dated both the 29-year-old Phoenix Suns player and the 31-year-old superstar entertainer.
Kendall and Devin split up in late 2022 after over two years together, but have been the subject of reconciliation rumors quite a bit over the years, and had a flirty exchange just a few weeks ago.
Bad Bunny and Kendall faced romance rumors in 2023, but apparentlysplit by the very end of the year. They briefly rekindled their romance in May 2024, but broke up again later.
Now, Devin was asked about Bad Bunny‘s Super Bowl halftime show performance, and fans are clocking his response.
A reporter asked “for the fans of Puerto Rico” how it “felt to be a part of” the show.
He then responded, “I’m Mexican.” He paused for a bit before then saying, “I didn’t watch to be completely honest.”
Tyler Perry Broke His Collarbone During Italy Bike Ride
Tyler Perry is opening up about a serious injury he sustained while in Italy.
The 56-year-old filmmaker made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday (February 12).
During the appearance, he spoke about filming Why Did I Get Married Again? last year in Lake Como, Italy.
“I went for a bike ride in Elba and flipped over the handle bars, broke my collarbone, had to have surgery,” he said, adding: “It was terrible.”
“Worst mistake in my life,” he said.
“If you’re ever in Italy — God, I love my Italian people, but don’t go to the hospital there,” he went on to explain.
“This guy, he looks at me…I can fix. I can fix.’ And he puts the strap on me, pulls… I screamed so loud, man, I think I woke up everybody in the whole country. It was awful.”
“I didn’t know it was broken and it separated in two places and he was trying to pull it together with no pain meds. Nothing! So I got drunk as hell, got on the plane, and came back to America and had surgery,” Tyler went on to explain. Watch him tell the story above.
Tyler Perry is opening up about a serious injury he sustained while in Italy.
The 56-year-old filmmaker made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday (February 12).
During the appearance, he spoke about filming Why Did I Get Married Again? last year in Lake Como, Italy.
“I went for a bike ride in Elba and flipped over the handle bars, broke my collarbone, had to have surgery,” he said, adding: “It was terrible.”
“Worst mistake in my life,” he said.
“If you’re ever in Italy — God, I love my Italian people, but don’t go to the hospital there,” he went on to explain.
“This guy, he looks at me…I can fix. I can fix.’ And he puts the strap on me, pulls… I screamed so loud, man, I think I woke up everybody in the whole country. It was awful.”
“I didn’t know it was broken and it separated in two places and he was trying to pull it together with no pain meds. Nothing! So I got drunk as hell, got on the plane, and came back to America and had surgery,” Tyler went on to explain. Watch him tell the story above.
Michael Jordan’s Daytona 500 Victory Marred by Accusations of Inappropriate Child Interaction
*Dang. Talk about going left! A joyful night at Daytona International Speedway quickly turned tense online. A Michael Jordan controversy has flared up after a viral clip from Victory Lane went viral on social media. The footage showed Jordan interacting with Tyler Reddick’s young son during the post-race celebration.
Some viewers accused the NBA legend of touching the child inappropriately. Critics claimed the brief gesture crossed a line during the crowded celebration. The accusations ignited fierce debate within hours of the race ending.
Clips shared on X, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit fueled the controversy. Several posts described the interaction as “inappropriate” or “creepy” in tone. A few viral messages used extreme language while demanding accountability.
Some critics compared the footage to past controversies involving public figures and children. Others argued that adults should avoid physical contact near sensitive areas. The social media storm overshadowed much of the race coverage.
Defenders say the clip shows harmless play during a chaotic family moment. They point out the child appeared to smile and laugh in the video. Supporters argue Jordan was gesturing toward clothing near a visible Jumpman logo.
Fans on NASCAR forums criticized what they called an overblown reaction. They noted that Victory Lane scenes are crowded and filled with spontaneous celebrations. No official complaints or statements have been released regarding the Michael Jordan controversy.
Lost in the Michael Jordan controversy is a major NASCAR milestone. Tyler Reddick captured his first ‘Daytona 500’ victory in dramatic fashion. The win marked the first triumph in the Great American Race for 23XI Racing.
Reddick led only the final lap after Chase Elliott crashed attempting a late block. The wreck-filled finish brought fans to their feet in suspense. Team co-owners Jordan and Denny Hamlin celebrated the breakthrough moment.
Jordan hoisted the Harley J. Earl Trophy with visible emotion. The basketball icon compared the experience to winning an NBA title. His comments quickly circulated alongside the growing Michael Jordan controversy.
“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
He also joked about wearing a size 13 ring ahead of his 63rd birthday. The lighthearted remark contrasted sharply with the heated online debate. For many fans, the victory represented redemption for the young team.
23XI Racing recently settled a major lawsuit with NASCAR in late 2025. The organization entered the new season with renewed focus and determination. Winning the ‘Daytona 500’ validated years of rapid growth.
Founded in 2021, the team has steadily expanded its presence in the sport. Reddick’s triumph signals that 23XI Racing is now a serious championship contender. The Michael Jordan controversy, however, has complicated the celebratory mood.
High-profile figures often face intense scrutiny in the digital age. Short video clips can trigger widespread reactions without full context. The Michael Jordan controversy shows how quickly celebrations can shift into debate.
At this stage, the issue remains confined to online discussion. There have been no investigations or formal complaints announced. Meanwhile, NASCAR fans remain divided over what they witnessed.
Some viewers accused the NBA legend of touching the child inappropriately. Critics claimed the brief gesture crossed a line during the crowded celebration. The accusations ignited fierce debate within hours of the race ending.
Clips shared on X, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit fueled the controversy. Several posts described the interaction as “inappropriate” or “creepy” in tone. A few viral messages used extreme language while demanding accountability.
Some critics compared the footage to past controversies involving public figures and children. Others argued that adults should avoid physical contact near sensitive areas. The social media storm overshadowed much of the race coverage.
Defenders say the clip shows harmless play during a chaotic family moment. They point out the child appeared to smile and laugh in the video. Supporters argue Jordan was gesturing toward clothing near a visible Jumpman logo.
Fans on NASCAR forums criticized what they called an overblown reaction. They noted that Victory Lane scenes are crowded and filled with spontaneous celebrations. No official complaints or statements have been released regarding the Michael Jordan controversy.
Lost in the Michael Jordan controversy is a major NASCAR milestone. Tyler Reddick captured his first ‘Daytona 500’ victory in dramatic fashion. The win marked the first triumph in the Great American Race for 23XI Racing.
Reddick led only the final lap after Chase Elliott crashed attempting a late block. The wreck-filled finish brought fans to their feet in suspense. Team co-owners Jordan and Denny Hamlin celebrated the breakthrough moment.
Jordan hoisted the Harley J. Earl Trophy with visible emotion. The basketball icon compared the experience to winning an NBA title. His comments quickly circulated alongside the growing Michael Jordan controversy.
“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
He also joked about wearing a size 13 ring ahead of his 63rd birthday. The lighthearted remark contrasted sharply with the heated online debate. For many fans, the victory represented redemption for the young team.
23XI Racing recently settled a major lawsuit with NASCAR in late 2025. The organization entered the new season with renewed focus and determination. Winning the ‘Daytona 500’ validated years of rapid growth.
Founded in 2021, the team has steadily expanded its presence in the sport. Reddick’s triumph signals that 23XI Racing is now a serious championship contender. The Michael Jordan controversy, however, has complicated the celebratory mood.
High-profile figures often face intense scrutiny in the digital age. Short video clips can trigger widespread reactions without full context. The Michael Jordan controversy shows how quickly celebrations can shift into debate.
At this stage, the issue remains confined to online discussion. There have been no investigations or formal complaints announced. Meanwhile, NASCAR fans remain divided over what they witnessed.
Trump cuts $600 million in funding for HIV, STD prevention: ‘STDs do not reflect our priorities’
The Trump administration cut $600 million in funding for HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention in 4 states.
The administration cut grants for CDC programs supporting HIV and STD prevention and HIV surveillance.
The funding cuts will affect minority communities in California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota.
A spokesperson for the Trump administration said, “These grants are being terminated because they do not reflect agency priorities.”
Americans in those 4 states are urged to practice safe sex through abstinence.
Health officials say the funding cuts will impact Black women the most.
“Black women in Illinois are 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than their white counterparts,” said John Peller, president and CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago.
He said the funding cuts couldn’t come at a worse time. About 800 people a year are newly diagnosed with HIV in Chicago.
“It makes tremendous sense to be investing in HIV prevention programs if the concern is about saving money,” Peller said.
Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago will be hardest hit by the cuts. The hospital runs a program that aims to prevent HIV/AIDS among Black women.
“We conduct all of our research to improve the lives of children, adolescents and families,” a spokesperson for Lurie said Tuesday.
The funding cuts come weeks after the Department of Health and Human Services moved to end $10 billion in social services and child care funding to the same four states plus New York
The Trump administration cut $600 million in funding for HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention in 4 states.
The administration cut grants for CDC programs supporting HIV and STD prevention and HIV surveillance.
The funding cuts will affect minority communities in California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota.
A spokesperson for the Trump administration said, “These grants are being terminated because they do not reflect agency priorities.”
Americans in those 4 states are urged to practice safe sex through abstinence.
Health officials say the funding cuts will impact Black women the most.
“Black women in Illinois are 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than their white counterparts,” said John Peller, president and CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago.
He said the funding cuts couldn’t come at a worse time. About 800 people a year are newly diagnosed with HIV in Chicago.
“It makes tremendous sense to be investing in HIV prevention programs if the concern is about saving money,” Peller said.
Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago will be hardest hit by the cuts. The hospital runs a program that aims to prevent HIV/AIDS among Black women.
“We conduct all of our research to improve the lives of children, adolescents and families,” a spokesperson for Lurie said Tuesday.
The funding cuts come weeks after the Department of Health and Human Services moved to end $10 billion in social services and child care funding to the same four states plus New York
Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty: “This Is About All Journalists”
Don Lemon made it official in a Minnesota courtroom on Friday, entering a not guilty plea against federal charges that have sparked a massive debate over the First Amendment.
The case involves Lemon’s coverage of a January 18 protest at a St. Paul church, where he was reporting as a freelancer. Despite the government’s claims that his presence was criminal, Lemon stood his ground outside the court, framing the case as a direct hit on the media. “I wanted to say this isn’t just about me, this is about all journalists, especially in the United States,” Lemon said. “For more than 30 years, I’ve been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work. The First Amendment, freedom of the press, is the bedrock of our democracy.”
The legal battle is already getting messy. Prosecutors revealed they grabbed Lemon’s phone during his arrest and are now using a search warrant to comb through it, a move his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, called a potential “over-execution.” The defense is calling the government’s tactics “highly unusual,” noting that a judge had actually refused to sign arrest warrants before the administration took the case to a grand jury.
While Attorney General Pam Bondi described the protest as a “coordinated attack,” the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) hit back, calling the prosecution an attempt to “criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.” The NABJ added that “a government that responds to scrutiny by targeting the messenger is not protecting the public, it is attempting to intimidate it.
In a motion filed late Friday, Lemon’s legal team labeled the indictment a “nakedly political” and “unconstitutional mess.” They argued that this kind of prosecution is something usually reserved for dictatorships. “In the United States of America, we do not prosecute journalists for doing their job. That happens in Russia, China, Iran and other authoritarian regimes. And yet the government sold this unconstitutional mess to the grand jury,” the motion states. They also pointed out that local prosecutors in Minnesota didn’t even put their names on the indictment, suggesting the orders came from the top.
Even the government’s own civil rights officials admit they are testing out new legal theories. Harmeet Dhillon noted that the statutes being used were never originally intended for this purpose. “In all these years up until I was the assistant attorney general for civil rights, nobody ever used that houses of worship part to prosecute protesters or criminals blocking access to a house of worship, so we’ve started to do that,” Dhillon has said.
Through it all, Lemon says the support from the public and his peers has been overwhelming. “I’d like to thank everyone again for their support,” Lemon said. “To my colleagues, countless journalists around the world … my family and my friends, you all have showed up for me in a real way, and I am extremely grateful for that. I feel it. I feel it. I feel it.”
The case involves Lemon’s coverage of a January 18 protest at a St. Paul church, where he was reporting as a freelancer. Despite the government’s claims that his presence was criminal, Lemon stood his ground outside the court, framing the case as a direct hit on the media. “I wanted to say this isn’t just about me, this is about all journalists, especially in the United States,” Lemon said. “For more than 30 years, I’ve been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work. The First Amendment, freedom of the press, is the bedrock of our democracy.”
The legal battle is already getting messy. Prosecutors revealed they grabbed Lemon’s phone during his arrest and are now using a search warrant to comb through it, a move his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, called a potential “over-execution.” The defense is calling the government’s tactics “highly unusual,” noting that a judge had actually refused to sign arrest warrants before the administration took the case to a grand jury.
While Attorney General Pam Bondi described the protest as a “coordinated attack,” the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) hit back, calling the prosecution an attempt to “criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.” The NABJ added that “a government that responds to scrutiny by targeting the messenger is not protecting the public, it is attempting to intimidate it.
In a motion filed late Friday, Lemon’s legal team labeled the indictment a “nakedly political” and “unconstitutional mess.” They argued that this kind of prosecution is something usually reserved for dictatorships. “In the United States of America, we do not prosecute journalists for doing their job. That happens in Russia, China, Iran and other authoritarian regimes. And yet the government sold this unconstitutional mess to the grand jury,” the motion states. They also pointed out that local prosecutors in Minnesota didn’t even put their names on the indictment, suggesting the orders came from the top.
Even the government’s own civil rights officials admit they are testing out new legal theories. Harmeet Dhillon noted that the statutes being used were never originally intended for this purpose. “In all these years up until I was the assistant attorney general for civil rights, nobody ever used that houses of worship part to prosecute protesters or criminals blocking access to a house of worship, so we’ve started to do that,” Dhillon has said.
Through it all, Lemon says the support from the public and his peers has been overwhelming. “I’d like to thank everyone again for their support,” Lemon said. “To my colleagues, countless journalists around the world … my family and my friends, you all have showed up for me in a real way, and I am extremely grateful for that. I feel it. I feel it. I feel it.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
How would you describe this fashion decision?
He has to rotate the hats orders so that each hat gets equal time as the top hat.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
