#MAGFAB: Ayo Edebiri of THE BEAR Covers VANITY FAIR’s June Issue
In a new cover story for VANITY FAIR’s June issue, contributing editor Leah Faye Cooper speaks with Hollywood darling Ayo Edebiri about her breakout success on THE BEAR; Jeremy Allen White’s Eyes, hosting SNL after apologizing to J.Lo, and more.
Edebiri and White play chefs and business partners in The Bear, their restaurant’s name. The onscreen relationship is electric enough that a contingent of viewers is rooting for a Sydney-Carmy matchup in hotter places than a kitchen.
“We really enjoy each other in life, on camera and off camera. I have a tremendous amount of respect for her as a person, but also as an artist. And so I hope that sort of that kind of thing shines through on camera between Carm and Syd,” says White, who was so eager to speak about Edebiri that he made time to talk to me within a day of being asked—which never, ever happens. “Syd is always able to…I don’t know, to deliver something different to Carmy, and she’s usually right,” he adds. “And I guess I think Ayo is also usually right.”
“Work can be a very intimate thing and a very personal thing and a very emotional thing, and I think when you’re also in industries that are creative or creative adjacent, I think there’s something that also invokes feelings of passion,” Edebiri hypothesizes. “Also, boy’s got some beautiful blue eyes. You know what I mean? Those are eyes you want to project onto.”
On apologizing to J.Lo before her SNL gig:
As a Gen Z cusper, Edebiri is acutely aware of how fickle audiences can be. “People could like me today and hate me tomorrow, and then like me two weeks after,” she says. In late January, Edebiri prophesied to a reporter, “It’s coming.” She meant the inevitable moment when something she said or did would tarnish her shiny image. And it happened sooner than she thought.
In the week leading up to her SNL gig, a clip surfaced online from a 2020 podcast episode in which Edebiri likened Jennifer Lopez’s career to a scam. Lopez happened to be the musical guest on the show, and an awkward tabloid brouhaha ensued. To Edebiri, the media’s suggestion that the comments sparked a beef was absurd; it wasn’t a fair matchup. “That would be like Mr. Bean and Mick Jagger beefing,” she says, “and I’m obviously Mr. Bean. She’s J.Lo!” On SNL, Edebiri poked fun at the ordeal in a sketch, and days later, Lopez told a reporter that the actor had apologized before the show. “She was very chill and nice about it,” Edebiri says.
On achieving her awards season hat trick:
Earlier this year, Edebiri pulled off an awards season hat trick, taking home a Golden Globe, a prime-time Emmy, and a SAG Award for her role as chef Sydney Adamu, a striver and budding genius on the FX Hulu comedy drama The Bear. Amid the awards run, she hosted Saturday Night Live, a return to form as Edebiri came up as a comic. “I feel very fortunate and still I don’t really totally believe it or understand it,” she says. And now we are back to her existential notions. “It’s special but strange; both a really intense experience but also something that I’m very grateful for. People have processed my life as having changed and have processed change in me that I have not processed myself. Does that make sense?”
Available now.
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Speaks in her return: I’m ‘excited’ to help the show reclaim ‘No. 1’ spot on Bravo
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” was once the top-rated series on Bravo — and Cynthia Bailey wants to help bring the show back to its glory days.
The 57-year-old, who announced her return to the reality show in a “friend of” the cast role last week, unpacks her decision to come back to the franchise in an exclusive interview with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast.
“I feel like the show has been just OK for the past couple of years. No shade, but it just has. And it has not thrived the way ‘Atlanta’ has always thrived,” says Bailey, who is “excited” to aid “RHOA” in reclaiming its exalted position within the Bravoverse.
“We were No. 1 for so long. And to watch it not be No. 1 was really hard, even sitting on the sidelines. It really, really was,” she elaborates. “So I think some new blood was needed and from what I can tell, these ladies seem like they really have it going on and I’m so excited to meet them.”
“I’ve always been open to the idea of popping in and out as a friend. I did it last season. My fans loved it, I loved it,” she enthuses. “Bravo was able to work around my schedule just letting me get in where I fit in.”
For Season 16 — which features a retooled cast with series veterans, plus several newbies — the network requested more of Bailey’s presence.
“So when it came up again this season, I was like, ‘You know what? I’ll just do what I did last season. I’ll just pop in when I’m in Atlanta,’” she explains.
“They made it known to me that they were interested in me being a full-time friend, being a friend in a more official capacity this time,” she says.
“And they made it known to me that they were interested in me being a full-time friend, being a friend in a more official capacity this time.”
The multi-hyphenate’s first taste of fame came in the ‘90s as an in-demand model whose peers included such pioneering black catwalk queens as Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Beverly Johnson and Iman.
Her second act came in 2010 when she signed on to “RHOA,” maintaining a full-time position on the Bravo hit for 11 consecutive seasons. She stepped down as a peach-holder after filming 2021’s Season 13 and subsequently launched an acting career.
“We went back and forth trying to work it out. You guys know that my focus and my priority is still my acting career. I just booked my first lead!” raves the bicoastal star, who lives between Atlanta and Los Angeles.
“But we were able to work it out with [‘RHOA’]. I signed everything and I couldn’t be back more excited to join the girls.”
The “RHOA” Season 16 cast features returning stars Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora. Longtime “friend of” the cast Shamea Morton is picking up a peach for the first time as a full-timer, while Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell and Angela Oakley will be making their debuts as “Housewives.”
The cast shakeup — which includes the departures of Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, Sanya Richards-Ross and Shereé Whitfield — comes after Season 15’s ratings slumped, causing fans to call for changes.
As for Whitfield’s absence from the forthcoming installment, the CB VIOR designer says she was “disappointed” by the news.
“I think she definitely adds a certain level of, ‘Who gon’ check me, boo?’ to the show that nobody else brings,” she says, referencing Whitfield’s iconic one-liner from Season 2.
“Like, Shereé will get in there and she’s done the whole bone collector thing. She’s going to ask those hard questions for sure. So I think she definitely will be missed by her fans 100 percent.”
However, Bailey is thrilled that Sidora, 39, is back for another round of unscripted drama.
“I was not surprised that Drew was returning,” she says of the singer, whose split from now-estranged husband Ralph Pittman was covered during the final stretch of Season 15.
Bailey is thrilled that Sidora (second from left) is back, but “disappointed” that Whitfield (far left) isn’t.
“I feel like Drew has a lot of story and I felt like she carried a lot of last season, so I think it makes sense to bring her back.”
Bailey also thinks Morton, 42, moving into a full-time “Housewife” role makes sense.
“Let me just say, Shamea is a good time 100 percent. She has been around the group for years. So I’m excited to see her in a peach-holder capacity,” she says. “She has such amazing story, everything that’s happening in her family, her daughter in particular.”
Bailey is ecstatic that longtime “friend of” the cast Shamea Morton is moving into a full-time role on the show.
Morton’s infant daughter, Shiloh, underwent surgery in 2023 for choanal atresia, a congenital condition involving a narrowing of the rear of one’s nasal cavity that makes breathing difficult.
“I think her fans that have children that have had any serious health issues will definitely resonate with Shamea’s story for sure,” Bailey adds. “She’s one of the strongest people that I know.”
As Morton moves into a more involved role, the Cynthia Bailey Wine Cellar founder is looking forward to watching conflict and catfights play out during filming — without feeling the pressure of having to start any herself.
“I will definitely help this show move along but the peach-holders will definitely be doing all the heavy lifting,” she teases.
“I’ve been on both sides now, both sides of the track: peach-holder and a friend. When you actually get that peach in your hand, it’s a different ballgame,” she tells “Virtual Reali-Tea.”
“Listen, [let me] be very clear. I am the only official friend this season. I will definitely help this show move along but the peach-holders will definitely be doing all the heavy lifting. They will be doing the heavy lifting. That is above my pay grade!”
Production for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 has started, though Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date.
#NewMusic from Koffee Brown Returns With New Cover Of Keith Sweat’s “Make It Last Forever”
In case you hadn’t heard, Koffee Brown is out again after the brand has been idle over over two decades. The group now includes original member Vernell “Vee” Sales, along with Ryan Lane, who replaces Falonte “Fonz” Moore.
The group disbanded shortly after releasing their debut album “Mars / Venus” in 2001, which landed them the hit song “After Party”. The group was originally discovered by producer Kay Gee and signed to his Divine Mill label.
LISTEN HERE
They recently put out an updated visual for “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” from the debut album, and now give us a cover of Keith Sweat’s 1987 timeless hit “Make It Last Forever”.
This version of the song was produced by Kaygee, Lady and A Tramp and Eric Hall.
Koffee Brown is currently back in the studio recording new music with KayGee.
#HipHopNews: Eminem & LeBron James Produced ‘HOW MUSIC GOT FREE’ Docuseries
HOW MUSIC GOT FREE details the fascinating story of the technology-driven disruption that changed music during the late-90s and early-2000s. File sharing technology, combined with the unprecedented demand for new music, created both the means and the motive for millions of young people to participate in outright theft on the internet.
The series is executive produced by Eminem and LeBron James along with Maverick Carter, Paul Rosenberg and Steve Stoute, and is based on the popular book of the same name by author Stephen Witt. It is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television/Telepictures in association with SpringHill, Interscope Films and Shady Films.
Narrated by Method Man, the series features interviews with Eminem, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Jimmy Iovine, Rocsi Diaz, Rhymefest, Steve Stoute and more.
Dell Glover from Shelby, NC became the main leaker of music in the wild wild mp3 days who used to work a job at the Universal Music CD pressing plant. The series throws light on his story and how his actions changed the music industry forever.
#OOOPS: Kelly Rowland Makes Stunning Cannes Debut, Gets Into Minor Altercation with Security Guard
It’s not exactly clear what happened to Kelly Rowland on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, but it appears she got into an altercation with a security guard.
The 43-year-old Destiny’s Child singer looked ravishing in a custom red Anamika Khanna dress while appearing at the festival on Tuesday night (May 21) in Cannes, France.
Kelly attended the premiere of the film Marcello Mio in a red gown and stunning jewelry while carrying a bedazzled clutch.
WATCH
While walking up the stairs and heading into the theatre, it appears a female security guard held up her arm to usher Kelly away from the crowd.
Page Six reports, “Whatever transpired did not sit well with Rowland, who immediately turned to face the female staffer. [Kelly] scowled as she held up her left pointer finger and appeared to admonish the woman in front of everyone. The woman seemed frazzled as she spoke back.”
#COMINGOUT: Minneapolis anchor Jason Hackett comes out of the 'glass closet' after 13 years in TV news
A Minnesota news anchor made a splash earlier this month, coming out live on air after 13 years as a journalist.
"For people that really know me — my friends, my coworkers, some members of my family — this isn't some huge surprise," Jason Hackett told viewers of Sunrise, KARE 11's early morning news program. "I've been living in a glass closet for the most part, but now I wanted to let you out there, the viewers out there that wake up with me every morning to know a little bit more about me."
The anchor joined the KARE 11 news team in Minneapolis early last year after spending four years as a morning anchor in Oklahoma City. Although he had come out to colleagues at his earlier jobs, he decided it was finally time for the members of his community to be privy to that part of his life.
Hackett's announcement came after he was asked to be on the cover of Lavender,a local LGBTQ+ magazine.
"[In] sixth grade is when I realized, 'Wait a minute, I think I’m different.' There was a kid at a bus stop every day after school when I was waiting and I always used to stare at him and be like, 'Wow, there’s something about him that I really like. I don’t know what it is, but I really, really like something about him,'" he told the magazine. "And I think it dawned on me somewhere around fifth or sixth grade that, 'Wait a minute, I think I’m gay.'"
Growing up in a religious family where being gay was absolutely not an option, it wasn't until college that Hackett was able to come out and start to live authentically. And now, he says it's important to him to set an example for other young queer Black boys who may not be seeing themselves or the life they want represented in media.
"It’d be nice to think that after this story is published and after my story is told that there is another young, gay, black, or anybody of color kid out there that is like, 'Wow, he is being his authentic self and he’s not getting killed for it, he’s not getting criticized for it. He’s being his authentic self, and maybe I can also be my authentic self, maybe I can also live my truth, just like Jason is,'" he said.
While not everyone may understand why a news anchor would want to come out on their program the way Hackett did, Ohio anchor Taylor Bruck's casual coming out last December provided one obvious but often overlooked reason.
It's common for anchors to make small talk about their weekends or holiday plans to fill in extra time or build just enough of a connection with the audience to get them tuning back in day after day. For those who are heterosexual, mentioning a husband or a girlfriend in those moments wouldn't cause anyone to blink. But for queer people like Bruck or Hackett, who are out to those around them but not on air, every such conversation becomes a choice between coming out or closing that closet door.
But for Hackett, it was clearly time to swing it wide open.
"What me and...everyone here on Sunrise strive for is authenticity. And I can't preach that without being my authentic self," he said. "And for anyone that is watching this now who is struggling to find acceptance or struggling with their family or their friends, take it from me, a gay, Black son of of immigrants, the road may not be easy. I won't lie to you and say that it is. But don't worry. Keep going. You're gonna make it."
Is Serena Williams Hinting At A Return To Tennis?
Serena Williams has hinted at a possible return to the professional sport of tennis in a cryptic X post.
On Tuesday (May 21), the 23-time Grand Slam champ wrote, “I’m ready to hit some balls again.” The viral message comes two years after the 42-year-old revealed that she was “evolving” from tennis, rather than retiring.
In an as-told-to with Vogue, Williams expressed that she wanted to focus on other endeavors in her personal life like family and her venture capital firm.
“I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me,” she shared. “I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”
At the time, she also expressed that she and her husband Alexis Ohanian were planning to expand their family. “In the last year, Alexis and I have been trying to have another child, and we recently got some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and made me feel that whenever we’re ready, we can add to our family,” she said. “I definitely don’t want to be pregnant again as an athlete. I need to be two feet into tennis or two feet out.”
Since her “evolvement,” Williams has done all that she said she would and more, including welcoming her second daughter with the Reddit founder. In April, she also launched her own makeup line called Wyn Beauty, which she describes as “makeup to move in.”
Additionally, the Michigan native stunned on the Met Gala green carpet in New York City back in April and also announced earlier this month that she is this year’s ESPY’s host.
“This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” the 12-time ESPY winner stated. “It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone on-stage in July.”
If Williams does indeed return to tennis, it wouldn’t be the first time she’s teased swinging her racket again. A month after the 2022 U.S. Open, Williams said the chances were “very high,” that she would return to the sport. “You can come to my house and [see]. I have a court.”
Williams and her twin sister Venus have transcended tennis not only as Black women, but as culturally dominant figures both inside and outside of the sport. Both starting out professionally at 19, Serena won her first Grand Slam in 1999 and went on score 23 total. Her sister Venus has won seven.
Together, The Williams’ sisters have won 14 Grand Slam double titles.
Diddy Has Been Sued for Sexual Assault Yet Again
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new sexual-assault allegations. Per TMZ and Rolling Stone, former model Crystal McKinney has filed a lawsuit claiming that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her at his recording studio in 2003 when she was 22. (Per the New York Times, the lawsuit is being brought under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act, which allows complaints to be filed in a certain window after the statute of limitations has passed.) According to McKinney, an unnamed designer inviting her to dinner with Combs during Men’s Fashion Week in New York City. She recalls Combs asking her to go to his Manhattan studio that night, which she felt would be safe since it was a professional environment. However, once there, she claims that Combs gave her a joint that she believes was laced with a narcotic. Allegedly, he then led her to a bathroom where he kissed her without consent, pushed her head down, and forced her to perform oral sex on him. McKinney recalls passing out shortly after and waking up in a cab to realize that she had been sexually assaulted. Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to Vulture’s request for comment.
Cassie Ventura, Combs’s ex-girlfriend and former signee to his label, filed a lawsuit against him last year. Though that case was settled after one day, it was followed by several other legal claims of sexual misconduct and illegal behavior against the music mogul. Combs has consistently denied the allegations against him and instead suggested that his accusers are looking to make money. However, he did recently release an apology after graphic footage showed him assaulting Ventura in a hotel in 2016.
Rihanna Spotted Taking Shot At Club Amid Third Pregnancy Rumors
may have shut down rumors that she's having a third baby on the way. The singer/entrepreneur has been caught on camera taking shot at a club after fueling reports that she's expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky.
On Tuesday, May 21, footage circulated online of the 36-year-old enjoying what seems to be alcoholic drink during her recent outing. She was also engrossed in conversation with a person who was sitting next to her. While listening attentively, the mother of two appeared to show disapproval by lifting her pointer finger and calmly shaking her head.
It's unclear when or where the video was taken, but Rihanna sported long blonde hair in the video, meaning that it's from her latest lighter hair era. The "Umbrella" singer debuted bubblegum pink hair earlier this month ahead of the 2024 Met Gala which she had planned to attend.
Upon seeing the video, fans have mixed reactions to how they should interpret it following the pregnancy rumors. "That's her way of saying get off of her ovaries," one person commented on the clip. Another wasn't convinced that Rihanna was drinking alcohol in the video, claiming, "Mama that's water lol."
Rihanna, who is already a mother of two sons, RZA and Riot, first sparked pregnancy rumors during a vacation in Turks and Caicos in March by showing a little bump on her stomach. She fueled the speculation in late April after she allegedly pretended to take a sip of champagne at a Fenty Beauty event in Los Angeles.
Further making fans convinced that she's having a bun in the oven, the Grammy winner canceled her appearance at the Met Gala at the last minute. While a source told PEOPLE that she decided to skip the event as she was sick with the flu, many claimed that it's not the actual reason of her absence from the event.
Lil Nas X Happy for Beyoncé Country Music Chart Success Wishes It Could Have Happened for Him
Back in 2019 Billboard famously blocked rapper Lil Nas X's smash hit record, "Old Town Road," from the Country Music charts despite its obvious country and western elements.
Lil Nas reflects on Beyoncé and Shaboozey's country music success and wishes he had received the same welcome...
From The BBC
For singer and rapper Lil Nas X, five years after releasing Old Town Road, it's still his most talked-about track.
The 25-year-old's country-trap hit also remains the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, after spending 19 weeks on top.
Despite the song's success in the pop realm, its exclusion from the US country music charts sparked fierce debate at the time of its 2019 release.
Fast forward to 2024 and there has been country chart success for two Black artists in recent months.
One is Beyoncé, whose track Texas Hold 'Em made history by spending 10 weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
She was dethroned by another Black artist, Shaboozey, with A Bar Song (Tipsy).
Lil Nas X tells the BBC he's "happy" for these two artists.
"But I wish this would have happened for me. I wasn't even able to experience this," he adds.
Matthew Perry's death under investigation for Ketamine!
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
Los Angeles Police Capt. Scot Williams said in an email Tuesday that the police department was working with the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old star had so much ketamine in his system when he died in October. The investigation was first reported by TMZ.
Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. His autopsy, released in December, found that the amount of ketamine in Perry’s blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. The drug is sometimes used to treat depression.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his death, deemed an accident.
According to Perry's autopsy, people close to the actor told investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment used to treat depression and anxiety. But the medical examiner said that his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn't explain the levels of ketamine in Perry’s blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours.
Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine. What is the drug used for?
Perry was among the biggest television stars of his generation when he played Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC’s megahit sitcom “Friends.”
Lenny Kravitz sets dates for October Las Vegas residency
Lenny Kravitz is heading to Las Vegas’ Park MGM for a residency this October.
Ahead of the star’s 12th studio album, Blue Electric Light, arriving on May 24, Kravitz has confirmed shows on Oct. 18, 19, 23, 25 and 26 at Dolby Live.
Tickets will be available via the Live Nation presale on May 23 at 10 a.m. PDT. General sales take place at 10 a.m. PDT via Ticketmaster.
The Sin City dates come after Kravitz‘ UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi was confirmed
The “Fly Away” hitmaker has been recruited for the halftime performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 1, which will see the star perform ahead of the Champions League final soccer match between Dortmund and Real Madrid.
As well as fan favorites, the Grammy winner will play songs from his hotly anticipated LP live for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to my performance for the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi in London, a city which holds a special place in my heart,” Kravitz commented. “It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many. We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store.”
Fans can tune in to watch the Kick-Off Show via their local broadcaster and through the official UEFA YouTube channel. Fans are encouraged to stay in the know by following Pepsi on Instagram, X (formally Twitter) and Facebook.
Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis wins Georgia primary election
Fani Willis, the Fulton county district attorney overseeing Georgia’s expansive criminal case against Donald Trump and his allies for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, has won her Democratic primary bid for re-election with nearly 90% of the vote.
Willis and Judge Scott McAfee – who won his primary election on Tuesday – are central figures in the prosecution against the former president and associates in his orbit accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Willis will now face Republican lawyer Courtney Kramer in November. With her high name recognition, the advantages of incumbency and a hefty fundraising haul, Willis’s victory in the primary was not terribly surprising.
The most prominent – and sweeping – charge handed down in an indictment by a grand jury in August 2023 alleged Trump and 18 co-defendants violated Georgia’s racketeering law in a criminal conspiracy to unlawfully change the results of the election.
Trump allies, including the attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, were also charged with forgery in connection with their efforts to send false pro-Trump electors to represent swing states that had in fact elected Joe Biden.
Willis’s role in pursuing the most comprehensive prosecution against Trump has drawn her intense scrutiny. In March, the prosecutor who Willis hired to lead the case, Nathan Wade, resigned after revelations about a romantic relationship between him and Willis threatened to derail the prosecution.
Last week, the Georgia court of appeals agreed to consider an appeal from Trump’s defense seeking to toss Willis from the case amid the allegations of unethical conduct.
Amid the prosecution, Willis has also faced a barrage of threats and harassment. In May, a California resident was charged with threatening to injure Willis for her role in prosecuting Trump and his allies.
The True Story Behind Those Rumors Kenan Thompson And Kel Mitchel Had A Feud Over SNL
In the ‘90s, few TV duos were as well known as Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The former child stars rose to prominence on Nickelodeon during that decade, and it was their popularity on the variety show that arguably earned them their own sitcom. Both men remain close today though, for a while some questioned the stability of their friendship. That all had to do with rumors regarding Saturday Night Live, which they both auditioned for in the early 2000s but only Thompson was hired. Now, we have the true story behind what went down amid the tryouts and how the rumors got started, thanks to Mitchell.
How Did Kel Mitchell And Kenan Thompson Get Started In The Business Together?
All That – one of the best Nickelodeon shows of the ‘90s – went into development early in the early part of that decade, with ex-Nick producer Dan Schneider among the creative team. In time, the producers hired a fresh crop of young actors to fill out the sketch series’ ensemble, including Josh Server, Lori Beth Denberg and Angelique Bates. The eventual Kenan & Kel stars were also selected and, after the show premiered in 1994, the two teens would become fan favorites.
The dynamic duo were funny individuals on their own but, together, they were a comedic force to be reckoned with. Their Good Burger sketches, which saw Kel Mitchell play fast food employee Ed and Kenan Thompson as construction worker Lester Oakes, were very well received. The same is true for the segments involving Mavis and Clavis, two cantankerous, old men played by the two actors.
In time, the network decided to capitalize on the chemistry between the two and, in 1996, viewers witnessed the debut of the aforementioned Kenan & Kel (which stokes up thoughts upon a rewatch). The show ultimately ran for four seasons before ending in 2000. And, in between that time, a feature film adaptation of Good Burger (which is also highly rewatchable) was released.
2019 also saw the two collaborators return to Nick to help oversee the third iteration of All That, which ran from 2019 to 2020. Considering all of the work the trio has done together and that they’re still on good terms today, one might be surprised by any possible feud rumors. But, alas, they did indeed crop up and persist for years.
What Exactly Happened With The Stars’ SNL Auditions?
After Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell finished their runs on Nickelodeon, the two found themselves vying for the same Saturday Night Live position in 2003. Of course, Thompson was the one who landed the gig and, at this point, he’s the longest serving cast member in the NBC show’s history. It was later assumed that his friendship with Mitchell dissipated because of his hiring. During an episode of Club Shay Shay (which is available on YouTube), Mitchell recalled auditioning for the show, saying that his tryout may have been misread by the powers that be due to what he was going through in his personal life at the time. As for crossing paths with Thompson again, he said the following:
When we got on Saturday Night Live, this is like years, we hadn’t spoken in a while. … When I talk about the isolation and when I talk about work – when people watch us on television, they’re thinking like, ‘Oh [they’re] brothers.’ You know what I mean? ‘They hang out all the time.’ But this is a job. But, when it ended, we were adults. … So you kinda gotta look at like, us being adults and navigating our own things through our life. And we hadn’t talked in a long time.. And, when Saturday Night Live came along, I was going through, probably, the worst time of my life. You’re talking about from ‘97/’98 to now it’s [2003] when [Kenan] gets on the show around that time. And we got to audition. I didn’t even know Kenan was gonna be there. DeRay [Davis], J.B. Smoove, a lot of different other actors. And I talk about this – people look at us like New Edition. You grew up with us, so there’s love there. So they felt like it was like this fight, but it wasn’t. It was just this thing of, ‘Oh, [you’re] here, too. OK, let’s audition.’
Kel Mitchell, who’s recalled his audition before, explained how his material, including a Michael Jackson-centric bit didn’t wow the casting directors. He went on to say that he was “fine” after not getting the audition, as other notable comics had been passed on as well. As Mitchell states, he doesn’t view the situation as him being “upset with” his longtime co-star but simply that they just hadn’t been in contact as much during those years.
During the lengthy interview, the fan-favorite actor went on to say that he’s glad to be in regular contact with Kenan Thompson again and that they’ve even discussing teaming up for more projects following 2023’s Good Burger 2.. As much as I’d love to see the two Nickelodeon veterans working together again, I’m just glad they’re on speaking terms and there’s no animosity between them.
Stream early seasons of All That and Kenan & Kel using a Netflix subscription
17-Year-Old Genius Dorothy Jean Tillman II Makes History as Youngest Person to Earn Doctorate From Arizona State University
A Chicago-area teen genius just made history. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, also known as “Dorothy Jeanius,” officially earned her doctorate in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University at age 17, becoming the youngest person in the university’s history to do so, the Associated Press reports. She attended the commencement ceremony earlier this month.
Tillman told Good Morning America that she had been homeschooled during her early childhood before entering college when she was merely 10 years old.
Per the AP, Tillman earned her bachelor’s degree in humanities from Excelsior College in New York in 2018.
GMA says Tillman earned a Master of Science degree in 2020 from the Unity College of Maine before being accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at ASU the following year, at age 15.
"People in my life like my grandmother [Dorothy Tillman], who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always," Tillman told GMA. "But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about."
"I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me," she added.
"She really led change and worked on different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services," Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at the university, told GMA. "It was wonderful to see her and help her navigate some of those personal and professional interactions and grow through those experiences."
"It's a wonderful celebration...but this is still something so rare and unique," Dr. Manson added. "She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader."
Despite missing out on typical experiences like homecoming dances, spirit weeks, and other school functions, Tillman told the Associated Press that she found time for dance and choreography and founded the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, aimed at helping youth in arts and STEM subjects.
As for her next steps, Tillman told GMA she is "just like any other teenager, still figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are."
"I'm really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I've done so much so young," she added. "And I have time to kind of think that through."
Victoria Monét Cancels Shows Due to ‘Ongoing Health Issues’
*Grammy Award-winning singer Victoria Monét cancelled a slew of upcoming performances as she is dealing with “ongoing health issues.”
Victoria turned to social media to inform fans that she would be taking a brake as she takes time to care for herself. The artist said she had to cancel three of her upcoming performances.
Victoria Monét wrote, “I am gutted to share that I will no longer be able to perform at Governors Ball (NYC), Roots Picnic (Philadelphia) or Blavity (Nashville) this June. I am so sorry!!”
The post continued, “Candidly I have been dealing with some ongoing health issues that have to be addressed right now, but I will be back out there soon, that’s a promise! Please know it wasn’t an easy call but it’s definitely for the best. All other shows are still moving forward as planned. See you soon,”
Monét has been candid about living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), noting previously that “PCOS has me really messed up,” she told fans, per The Jasmine Brand.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PCOS is a common condition in woman that affects hormones. “It causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility. Treatment for PCOS depends on if you wish to become pregnant. People with PCOS may be at higher risk for certain health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Victoria Monét was a big winner at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, where she took home three out of the seven Grammys she was nominated for.
“It’s a battle between time and effort. It’s either you give up before your time happens or you put enough effort into where your time meets you and you’re up face to face and you win. And that’s what happened here tonight,” she said at the awards ceremony in February.
Mo’Nique Backtracks Her Statement About Chelsea Handler Having A Similar Experience To Hers
Mo’Nique has retracted her previous statement regarding Chelsea Handler‘s alleged similarity in experiences with Kevin Hart after fans highlighted that the 49-year-old actress and comedian was, in fact, mocking her.
On Monday, Mo’Nique posted a clip of Handler from Kevin Hart’s recent comedy special for winning The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In the video, Handler shares a time when Kevin told her that he would put her in a movie. She then told Kevin that she wouldn’t mind being in front of the camera or behind and he responded, “I got you.” But to her surprise, the 44-year-old comedian never called her back.
“Here’s how great Kevin is. He said, ‘No problem, Chelsea, I got you! I’ll just get you a gig on my movie.’ I said, ‘Great! Behind the camera…in front…I don’t care. I’ll direct it if I have to.’ He said he’d even help me fill out the paperwork,” Handler said. “I was so excited. He said, ‘I got you, Chelsea. I got you! I got you!’ And that’s when I learned that if you ask Kevin for a favor you can always count on hearing these three words: I got you. And then you can count on never hearing from him again.”
The Instagram video ended with a snippet from Mo’Nique’s appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, where she spoke about how Kevin ghosted her two years ago after agreeing to work with her on new projects. Mo’Nique claims that she reached out to Kevin’s production team and informed them of the new deal. However, two weeks later she learned that the deal was off of the table. She added that when she spoke to Kevin, he told her that the situation was a “miscommunication” and they would discuss it at a later date. Unfortunately, according to Mo’Nique, that day never came.
“HEY MY SWEET BABIES WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT BOTH CHELSEA HANDLER & I WOULD SHARE THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH KEVIN HART, BUT WE’RE BOTH LYING, HUH? 👀🙄 I LOVE US 4REAL,” Mo’Nique captioned her post.
Shortly after, social media users took to Mo’Nique’s comment section under the post to inform her that Handler was actually mocking her “Club Shay Shay” appearance.
“She was making a joke of you…it went over your head baby. Just delete this,” one Instagram user wrote while another one added, “She is definitely not on your side, she took your story and made it into a standup routine.”
Even though the post is still active, the outpour of responses prompted Mo’Nique to reconsider her comment and update her initial caption.
“It had come to my attention that the joke is on me!! LOL!!!” she wrote on the post.
As of now, it’s unknown if the two comedians will ever make amends but it is clear that Mo’Nique is sticking by her statement.
Fans Resurface Joseline Hernandez Calling Out Amber Rose After Rose Endorses Trump
Joseline Hernandez and Amber Rose.Joseline Hernandez is trending on social media after Amber Rose shared a photo endorsing Donald Trump for the next presidential election.
Many users and fans were baffled that a woman of color would vote for a candidate who has repeatedly demonstrated racist, classist, and sexist behavior.
However, other users argued that Amber’s mixed race and celebrity status play a significant role in her decisions.
Social media users eventually dug up an old clip of Joseline confronting Amber about the topic of race and identity during season 2 of College Hill: Celebrity Edition last year.
In the clip, Joseline stated that she considers Amber as a black woman, while also accusing her of being a “Karen” and wishing that she was white.
On X, users claimed that Joseline was right and suggested that she tried to tell us about Amber and her identity crisis on the show.
In a new cover story for VANITY FAIR’s June issue, contributing editor Leah Faye Cooper speaks with Hollywood darling Ayo Edebiri about her breakout success on THE BEAR; Jeremy Allen White’s Eyes, hosting SNL after apologizing to J.Lo, and more.
Edebiri and White play chefs and business partners in The Bear, their restaurant’s name. The onscreen relationship is electric enough that a contingent of viewers is rooting for a Sydney-Carmy matchup in hotter places than a kitchen.
“Work can be a very intimate thing and a very personal thing and a very emotional thing, and I think when you’re also in industries that are creative or creative adjacent, I think there’s something that also invokes feelings of passion,” Edebiri hypothesizes. “Also, boy’s got some beautiful blue eyes. You know what I mean? Those are eyes you want to project onto.”
On apologizing to J.Lo before her SNL gig:
As a Gen Z cusper, Edebiri is acutely aware of how fickle audiences can be. “People could like me today and hate me tomorrow, and then like me two weeks after,” she says. In late January, Edebiri prophesied to a reporter, “It’s coming.” She meant the inevitable moment when something she said or did would tarnish her shiny image. And it happened sooner than she thought.
In the week leading up to her SNL gig, a clip surfaced online from a 2020 podcast episode in which Edebiri likened Jennifer Lopez’s career to a scam. Lopez happened to be the musical guest on the show, and an awkward tabloid brouhaha ensued. To Edebiri, the media’s suggestion that the comments sparked a beef was absurd; it wasn’t a fair matchup. “That would be like Mr. Bean and Mick Jagger beefing,” she says, “and I’m obviously Mr. Bean. She’s J.Lo!” On SNL, Edebiri poked fun at the ordeal in a sketch, and days later, Lopez told a reporter that the actor had apologized before the show. “She was very chill and nice about it,” Edebiri says.
On achieving her awards season hat trick:
Earlier this year, Edebiri pulled off an awards season hat trick, taking home a Golden Globe, a prime-time Emmy, and a SAG Award for her role as chef Sydney Adamu, a striver and budding genius on the FX Hulu comedy drama The Bear. Amid the awards run, she hosted Saturday Night Live, a return to form as Edebiri came up as a comic. “I feel very fortunate and still I don’t really totally believe it or understand it,” she says. And now we are back to her existential notions. “It’s special but strange; both a really intense experience but also something that I’m very grateful for. People have processed my life as having changed and have processed change in me that I have not processed myself. Does that make sense?”
Available now.
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Speaks in her return: I’m ‘excited’ to help the show reclaim ‘No. 1’ spot on Bravo
The 57-year-old, who announced her return to the reality show in a “friend of” the cast role last week, unpacks her decision to come back to the franchise in an exclusive interview with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast.
“I feel like the show has been just OK for the past couple of years. No shade, but it just has. And it has not thrived the way ‘Atlanta’ has always thrived,” says Bailey, who is “excited” to aid “RHOA” in reclaiming its exalted position within the Bravoverse.
“We were No. 1 for so long. And to watch it not be No. 1 was really hard, even sitting on the sidelines. It really, really was,” she elaborates. “So I think some new blood was needed and from what I can tell, these ladies seem like they really have it going on and I’m so excited to meet them.”
“I’ve always been open to the idea of popping in and out as a friend. I did it last season. My fans loved it, I loved it,” she enthuses. “Bravo was able to work around my schedule just letting me get in where I fit in.”
For Season 16 — which features a retooled cast with series veterans, plus several newbies — the network requested more of Bailey’s presence.
“So when it came up again this season, I was like, ‘You know what? I’ll just do what I did last season. I’ll just pop in when I’m in Atlanta,’” she explains.
“They made it known to me that they were interested in me being a full-time friend, being a friend in a more official capacity this time,” she says.
“And they made it known to me that they were interested in me being a full-time friend, being a friend in a more official capacity this time.”
The multi-hyphenate’s first taste of fame came in the ‘90s as an in-demand model whose peers included such pioneering black catwalk queens as Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Beverly Johnson and Iman.
Her second act came in 2010 when she signed on to “RHOA,” maintaining a full-time position on the Bravo hit for 11 consecutive seasons. She stepped down as a peach-holder after filming 2021’s Season 13 and subsequently launched an acting career.
“We went back and forth trying to work it out. You guys know that my focus and my priority is still my acting career. I just booked my first lead!” raves the bicoastal star, who lives between Atlanta and Los Angeles.
“But we were able to work it out with [‘RHOA’]. I signed everything and I couldn’t be back more excited to join the girls.”
The “RHOA” Season 16 cast features returning stars Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora. Longtime “friend of” the cast Shamea Morton is picking up a peach for the first time as a full-timer, while Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell and Angela Oakley will be making their debuts as “Housewives.”
The cast shakeup — which includes the departures of Kandi Burruss, Marlo Hampton, Sanya Richards-Ross and Shereé Whitfield — comes after Season 15’s ratings slumped, causing fans to call for changes.
As for Whitfield’s absence from the forthcoming installment, the CB VIOR designer says she was “disappointed” by the news.
“I think she definitely adds a certain level of, ‘Who gon’ check me, boo?’ to the show that nobody else brings,” she says, referencing Whitfield’s iconic one-liner from Season 2.
“Like, Shereé will get in there and she’s done the whole bone collector thing. She’s going to ask those hard questions for sure. So I think she definitely will be missed by her fans 100 percent.”
However, Bailey is thrilled that Sidora, 39, is back for another round of unscripted drama.
“I was not surprised that Drew was returning,” she says of the singer, whose split from now-estranged husband Ralph Pittman was covered during the final stretch of Season 15.
Bailey is thrilled that Sidora (second from left) is back, but “disappointed” that Whitfield (far left) isn’t.
“I feel like Drew has a lot of story and I felt like she carried a lot of last season, so I think it makes sense to bring her back.”
Bailey also thinks Morton, 42, moving into a full-time “Housewife” role makes sense.
“Let me just say, Shamea is a good time 100 percent. She has been around the group for years. So I’m excited to see her in a peach-holder capacity,” she says. “She has such amazing story, everything that’s happening in her family, her daughter in particular.”
Bailey is ecstatic that longtime “friend of” the cast Shamea Morton is moving into a full-time role on the show.
Morton’s infant daughter, Shiloh, underwent surgery in 2023 for choanal atresia, a congenital condition involving a narrowing of the rear of one’s nasal cavity that makes breathing difficult.
“I think her fans that have children that have had any serious health issues will definitely resonate with Shamea’s story for sure,” Bailey adds. “She’s one of the strongest people that I know.”
As Morton moves into a more involved role, the Cynthia Bailey Wine Cellar founder is looking forward to watching conflict and catfights play out during filming — without feeling the pressure of having to start any herself.
“I will definitely help this show move along but the peach-holders will definitely be doing all the heavy lifting,” she teases.
“I’ve been on both sides now, both sides of the track: peach-holder and a friend. When you actually get that peach in your hand, it’s a different ballgame,” she tells “Virtual Reali-Tea.”
“Listen, [let me] be very clear. I am the only official friend this season. I will definitely help this show move along but the peach-holders will definitely be doing all the heavy lifting. They will be doing the heavy lifting. That is above my pay grade!”
Production for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 16 has started, though Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date.
#NewMusic from Koffee Brown Returns With New Cover Of Keith Sweat’s “Make It Last Forever”
In case you hadn’t heard, Koffee Brown is out again after the brand has been idle over over two decades. The group now includes original member Vernell “Vee” Sales, along with Ryan Lane, who replaces Falonte “Fonz” Moore.
The group disbanded shortly after releasing their debut album “Mars / Venus” in 2001, which landed them the hit song “After Party”. The group was originally discovered by producer Kay Gee and signed to his Divine Mill label.
LISTEN HERE
They recently put out an updated visual for “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” from the debut album, and now give us a cover of Keith Sweat’s 1987 timeless hit “Make It Last Forever”.
This version of the song was produced by Kaygee, Lady and A Tramp and Eric Hall.
Koffee Brown is currently back in the studio recording new music with KayGee.
#HipHopNews: Eminem & LeBron James Produced ‘HOW MUSIC GOT FREE’ Docuseries
The series is executive produced by Eminem and LeBron James along with Maverick Carter, Paul Rosenberg and Steve Stoute, and is based on the popular book of the same name by author Stephen Witt. It is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television/Telepictures in association with SpringHill, Interscope Films and Shady Films.
Narrated by Method Man, the series features interviews with Eminem, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Jimmy Iovine, Rocsi Diaz, Rhymefest, Steve Stoute and more.
Dell Glover from Shelby, NC became the main leaker of music in the wild wild mp3 days who used to work a job at the Universal Music CD pressing plant. The series throws light on his story and how his actions changed the music industry forever.
#OOOPS: Kelly Rowland Makes Stunning Cannes Debut, Gets Into Minor Altercation with Security Guard
It’s not exactly clear what happened to Kelly Rowland on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, but it appears she got into an altercation with a security guard.
The 43-year-old Destiny’s Child singer looked ravishing in a custom red Anamika Khanna dress while appearing at the festival on Tuesday night (May 21) in Cannes, France.
Kelly attended the premiere of the film Marcello Mio in a red gown and stunning jewelry while carrying a bedazzled clutch.
WATCH
While walking up the stairs and heading into the theatre, it appears a female security guard held up her arm to usher Kelly away from the crowd.
Page Six reports, “Whatever transpired did not sit well with Rowland, who immediately turned to face the female staffer. [Kelly] scowled as she held up her left pointer finger and appeared to admonish the woman in front of everyone. The woman seemed frazzled as she spoke back.”
#COMINGOUT: Minneapolis anchor Jason Hackett comes out of the 'glass closet' after 13 years in TV news
"For people that really know me — my friends, my coworkers, some members of my family — this isn't some huge surprise," Jason Hackett told viewers of Sunrise, KARE 11's early morning news program. "I've been living in a glass closet for the most part, but now I wanted to let you out there, the viewers out there that wake up with me every morning to know a little bit more about me."
The anchor joined the KARE 11 news team in Minneapolis early last year after spending four years as a morning anchor in Oklahoma City. Although he had come out to colleagues at his earlier jobs, he decided it was finally time for the members of his community to be privy to that part of his life.
Hackett's announcement came after he was asked to be on the cover of Lavender,a local LGBTQ+ magazine.
"[In] sixth grade is when I realized, 'Wait a minute, I think I’m different.' There was a kid at a bus stop every day after school when I was waiting and I always used to stare at him and be like, 'Wow, there’s something about him that I really like. I don’t know what it is, but I really, really like something about him,'" he told the magazine. "And I think it dawned on me somewhere around fifth or sixth grade that, 'Wait a minute, I think I’m gay.'"
Growing up in a religious family where being gay was absolutely not an option, it wasn't until college that Hackett was able to come out and start to live authentically. And now, he says it's important to him to set an example for other young queer Black boys who may not be seeing themselves or the life they want represented in media.
"It’d be nice to think that after this story is published and after my story is told that there is another young, gay, black, or anybody of color kid out there that is like, 'Wow, he is being his authentic self and he’s not getting killed for it, he’s not getting criticized for it. He’s being his authentic self, and maybe I can also be my authentic self, maybe I can also live my truth, just like Jason is,'" he said.
While not everyone may understand why a news anchor would want to come out on their program the way Hackett did, Ohio anchor Taylor Bruck's casual coming out last December provided one obvious but often overlooked reason.
It's common for anchors to make small talk about their weekends or holiday plans to fill in extra time or build just enough of a connection with the audience to get them tuning back in day after day. For those who are heterosexual, mentioning a husband or a girlfriend in those moments wouldn't cause anyone to blink. But for queer people like Bruck or Hackett, who are out to those around them but not on air, every such conversation becomes a choice between coming out or closing that closet door.
But for Hackett, it was clearly time to swing it wide open.
"What me and...everyone here on Sunrise strive for is authenticity. And I can't preach that without being my authentic self," he said. "And for anyone that is watching this now who is struggling to find acceptance or struggling with their family or their friends, take it from me, a gay, Black son of of immigrants, the road may not be easy. I won't lie to you and say that it is. But don't worry. Keep going. You're gonna make it."
Is Serena Williams Hinting At A Return To Tennis?
Serena Williams has hinted at a possible return to the professional sport of tennis in a cryptic X post.
On Tuesday (May 21), the 23-time Grand Slam champ wrote, “I’m ready to hit some balls again.” The viral message comes two years after the 42-year-old revealed that she was “evolving” from tennis, rather than retiring.
In an as-told-to with Vogue, Williams expressed that she wanted to focus on other endeavors in her personal life like family and her venture capital firm.
“I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me,” she shared. “I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”
At the time, she also expressed that she and her husband Alexis Ohanian were planning to expand their family. “In the last year, Alexis and I have been trying to have another child, and we recently got some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and made me feel that whenever we’re ready, we can add to our family,” she said. “I definitely don’t want to be pregnant again as an athlete. I need to be two feet into tennis or two feet out.”
Since her “evolvement,” Williams has done all that she said she would and more, including welcoming her second daughter with the Reddit founder. In April, she also launched her own makeup line called Wyn Beauty, which she describes as “makeup to move in.”
Additionally, the Michigan native stunned on the Met Gala green carpet in New York City back in April and also announced earlier this month that she is this year’s ESPY’s host.
“This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” the 12-time ESPY winner stated. “It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone on-stage in July.”
If Williams does indeed return to tennis, it wouldn’t be the first time she’s teased swinging her racket again. A month after the 2022 U.S. Open, Williams said the chances were “very high,” that she would return to the sport. “You can come to my house and [see]. I have a court.”
Williams and her twin sister Venus have transcended tennis not only as Black women, but as culturally dominant figures both inside and outside of the sport. Both starting out professionally at 19, Serena won her first Grand Slam in 1999 and went on score 23 total. Her sister Venus has won seven.
Together, The Williams’ sisters have won 14 Grand Slam double titles.
Diddy Has Been Sued for Sexual Assault Yet Again
Cassie Ventura, Combs’s ex-girlfriend and former signee to his label, filed a lawsuit against him last year. Though that case was settled after one day, it was followed by several other legal claims of sexual misconduct and illegal behavior against the music mogul. Combs has consistently denied the allegations against him and instead suggested that his accusers are looking to make money. However, he did recently release an apology after graphic footage showed him assaulting Ventura in a hotel in 2016.
Rihanna Spotted Taking Shot At Club Amid Third Pregnancy Rumors
On Tuesday, May 21, footage circulated online of the 36-year-old enjoying what seems to be alcoholic drink during her recent outing. She was also engrossed in conversation with a person who was sitting next to her. While listening attentively, the mother of two appeared to show disapproval by lifting her pointer finger and calmly shaking her head.
It's unclear when or where the video was taken, but Rihanna sported long blonde hair in the video, meaning that it's from her latest lighter hair era. The "Umbrella" singer debuted bubblegum pink hair earlier this month ahead of the 2024 Met Gala which she had planned to attend.
Upon seeing the video, fans have mixed reactions to how they should interpret it following the pregnancy rumors. "That's her way of saying get off of her ovaries," one person commented on the clip. Another wasn't convinced that Rihanna was drinking alcohol in the video, claiming, "Mama that's water lol."
Rihanna, who is already a mother of two sons, RZA and Riot, first sparked pregnancy rumors during a vacation in Turks and Caicos in March by showing a little bump on her stomach. She fueled the speculation in late April after she allegedly pretended to take a sip of champagne at a Fenty Beauty event in Los Angeles.
Further making fans convinced that she's having a bun in the oven, the Grammy winner canceled her appearance at the Met Gala at the last minute. While a source told PEOPLE that she decided to skip the event as she was sick with the flu, many claimed that it's not the actual reason of her absence from the event.
Lil Nas X Happy for Beyoncé Country Music Chart Success Wishes It Could Have Happened for Him
Back in 2019 Billboard famously blocked rapper Lil Nas X's smash hit record, "Old Town Road," from the Country Music charts despite its obvious country and western elements.
Lil Nas reflects on Beyoncé and Shaboozey's country music success and wishes he had received the same welcome...
From The BBC
For singer and rapper Lil Nas X, five years after releasing Old Town Road, it's still his most talked-about track.
The 25-year-old's country-trap hit also remains the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, after spending 19 weeks on top.
Despite the song's success in the pop realm, its exclusion from the US country music charts sparked fierce debate at the time of its 2019 release.
Fast forward to 2024 and there has been country chart success for two Black artists in recent months.
One is Beyoncé, whose track Texas Hold 'Em made history by spending 10 weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
She was dethroned by another Black artist, Shaboozey, with A Bar Song (Tipsy).
Lil Nas X tells the BBC he's "happy" for these two artists.
"But I wish this would have happened for me. I wasn't even able to experience this," he adds.
Matthew Perry's death under investigation for Ketamine!
Los Angeles Police Capt. Scot Williams said in an email Tuesday that the police department was working with the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old star had so much ketamine in his system when he died in October. The investigation was first reported by TMZ.
Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. His autopsy, released in December, found that the amount of ketamine in Perry’s blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. The drug is sometimes used to treat depression.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report that Perry also drowned in “the heated end of his pool,” but that it was a secondary factor in his death, deemed an accident.
According to Perry's autopsy, people close to the actor told investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment used to treat depression and anxiety. But the medical examiner said that his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn't explain the levels of ketamine in Perry’s blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours.
Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine. What is the drug used for?
Perry was among the biggest television stars of his generation when he played Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC’s megahit sitcom “Friends.”
Lenny Kravitz sets dates for October Las Vegas residency
Lenny Kravitz is heading to Las Vegas’ Park MGM for a residency this October.
Ahead of the star’s 12th studio album, Blue Electric Light, arriving on May 24, Kravitz has confirmed shows on Oct. 18, 19, 23, 25 and 26 at Dolby Live.
Tickets will be available via the Live Nation presale on May 23 at 10 a.m. PDT. General sales take place at 10 a.m. PDT via Ticketmaster.
The Sin City dates come after Kravitz‘ UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi was confirmed
The “Fly Away” hitmaker has been recruited for the halftime performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 1, which will see the star perform ahead of the Champions League final soccer match between Dortmund and Real Madrid.
As well as fan favorites, the Grammy winner will play songs from his hotly anticipated LP live for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to my performance for the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi in London, a city which holds a special place in my heart,” Kravitz commented. “It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many. We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store.”
Fans can tune in to watch the Kick-Off Show via their local broadcaster and through the official UEFA YouTube channel. Fans are encouraged to stay in the know by following Pepsi on Instagram, X (formally Twitter) and Facebook.
Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis wins Georgia primary election
Willis and Judge Scott McAfee – who won his primary election on Tuesday – are central figures in the prosecution against the former president and associates in his orbit accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Willis will now face Republican lawyer Courtney Kramer in November. With her high name recognition, the advantages of incumbency and a hefty fundraising haul, Willis’s victory in the primary was not terribly surprising.
The most prominent – and sweeping – charge handed down in an indictment by a grand jury in August 2023 alleged Trump and 18 co-defendants violated Georgia’s racketeering law in a criminal conspiracy to unlawfully change the results of the election.
Trump allies, including the attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, were also charged with forgery in connection with their efforts to send false pro-Trump electors to represent swing states that had in fact elected Joe Biden.
Willis’s role in pursuing the most comprehensive prosecution against Trump has drawn her intense scrutiny. In March, the prosecutor who Willis hired to lead the case, Nathan Wade, resigned after revelations about a romantic relationship between him and Willis threatened to derail the prosecution.
Last week, the Georgia court of appeals agreed to consider an appeal from Trump’s defense seeking to toss Willis from the case amid the allegations of unethical conduct.
Amid the prosecution, Willis has also faced a barrage of threats and harassment. In May, a California resident was charged with threatening to injure Willis for her role in prosecuting Trump and his allies.
The True Story Behind Those Rumors Kenan Thompson And Kel Mitchel Had A Feud Over SNL
In the ‘90s, few TV duos were as well known as Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The former child stars rose to prominence on Nickelodeon during that decade, and it was their popularity on the variety show that arguably earned them their own sitcom. Both men remain close today though, for a while some questioned the stability of their friendship. That all had to do with rumors regarding Saturday Night Live, which they both auditioned for in the early 2000s but only Thompson was hired. Now, we have the true story behind what went down amid the tryouts and how the rumors got started, thanks to Mitchell.
How Did Kel Mitchell And Kenan Thompson Get Started In The Business Together?
All That – one of the best Nickelodeon shows of the ‘90s – went into development early in the early part of that decade, with ex-Nick producer Dan Schneider among the creative team. In time, the producers hired a fresh crop of young actors to fill out the sketch series’ ensemble, including Josh Server, Lori Beth Denberg and Angelique Bates. The eventual Kenan & Kel stars were also selected and, after the show premiered in 1994, the two teens would become fan favorites.
The dynamic duo were funny individuals on their own but, together, they were a comedic force to be reckoned with. Their Good Burger sketches, which saw Kel Mitchell play fast food employee Ed and Kenan Thompson as construction worker Lester Oakes, were very well received. The same is true for the segments involving Mavis and Clavis, two cantankerous, old men played by the two actors.
In time, the network decided to capitalize on the chemistry between the two and, in 1996, viewers witnessed the debut of the aforementioned Kenan & Kel (which stokes up thoughts upon a rewatch). The show ultimately ran for four seasons before ending in 2000. And, in between that time, a feature film adaptation of Good Burger (which is also highly rewatchable) was released.
2019 also saw the two collaborators return to Nick to help oversee the third iteration of All That, which ran from 2019 to 2020. Considering all of the work the trio has done together and that they’re still on good terms today, one might be surprised by any possible feud rumors. But, alas, they did indeed crop up and persist for years.
What Exactly Happened With The Stars’ SNL Auditions?
After Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell finished their runs on Nickelodeon, the two found themselves vying for the same Saturday Night Live position in 2003. Of course, Thompson was the one who landed the gig and, at this point, he’s the longest serving cast member in the NBC show’s history. It was later assumed that his friendship with Mitchell dissipated because of his hiring. During an episode of Club Shay Shay (which is available on YouTube), Mitchell recalled auditioning for the show, saying that his tryout may have been misread by the powers that be due to what he was going through in his personal life at the time. As for crossing paths with Thompson again, he said the following:
When we got on Saturday Night Live, this is like years, we hadn’t spoken in a while. … When I talk about the isolation and when I talk about work – when people watch us on television, they’re thinking like, ‘Oh [they’re] brothers.’ You know what I mean? ‘They hang out all the time.’ But this is a job. But, when it ended, we were adults. … So you kinda gotta look at like, us being adults and navigating our own things through our life. And we hadn’t talked in a long time.. And, when Saturday Night Live came along, I was going through, probably, the worst time of my life. You’re talking about from ‘97/’98 to now it’s [2003] when [Kenan] gets on the show around that time. And we got to audition. I didn’t even know Kenan was gonna be there. DeRay [Davis], J.B. Smoove, a lot of different other actors. And I talk about this – people look at us like New Edition. You grew up with us, so there’s love there. So they felt like it was like this fight, but it wasn’t. It was just this thing of, ‘Oh, [you’re] here, too. OK, let’s audition.’
Kel Mitchell, who’s recalled his audition before, explained how his material, including a Michael Jackson-centric bit didn’t wow the casting directors. He went on to say that he was “fine” after not getting the audition, as other notable comics had been passed on as well. As Mitchell states, he doesn’t view the situation as him being “upset with” his longtime co-star but simply that they just hadn’t been in contact as much during those years.
During the lengthy interview, the fan-favorite actor went on to say that he’s glad to be in regular contact with Kenan Thompson again and that they’ve even discussing teaming up for more projects following 2023’s Good Burger 2.. As much as I’d love to see the two Nickelodeon veterans working together again, I’m just glad they’re on speaking terms and there’s no animosity between them.
Stream early seasons of All That and Kenan & Kel using a Netflix subscription
17-Year-Old Genius Dorothy Jean Tillman II Makes History as Youngest Person to Earn Doctorate From Arizona State University
Tillman told Good Morning America that she had been homeschooled during her early childhood before entering college when she was merely 10 years old.
Per the AP, Tillman earned her bachelor’s degree in humanities from Excelsior College in New York in 2018.
GMA says Tillman earned a Master of Science degree in 2020 from the Unity College of Maine before being accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at ASU the following year, at age 15.
"People in my life like my grandmother [Dorothy Tillman], who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always," Tillman told GMA. "But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about."
"I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me," she added.
"She really led change and worked on different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services," Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at the university, told GMA. "It was wonderful to see her and help her navigate some of those personal and professional interactions and grow through those experiences."
"It's a wonderful celebration...but this is still something so rare and unique," Dr. Manson added. "She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader."
Despite missing out on typical experiences like homecoming dances, spirit weeks, and other school functions, Tillman told the Associated Press that she found time for dance and choreography and founded the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, aimed at helping youth in arts and STEM subjects.
As for her next steps, Tillman told GMA she is "just like any other teenager, still figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are."
"I'm really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I've done so much so young," she added. "And I have time to kind of think that through."
Victoria Monét Cancels Shows Due to ‘Ongoing Health Issues’
*Grammy Award-winning singer Victoria Monét cancelled a slew of upcoming performances as she is dealing with “ongoing health issues.”
Victoria turned to social media to inform fans that she would be taking a brake as she takes time to care for herself. The artist said she had to cancel three of her upcoming performances.
Victoria Monét wrote, “I am gutted to share that I will no longer be able to perform at Governors Ball (NYC), Roots Picnic (Philadelphia) or Blavity (Nashville) this June. I am so sorry!!”
The post continued, “Candidly I have been dealing with some ongoing health issues that have to be addressed right now, but I will be back out there soon, that’s a promise! Please know it wasn’t an easy call but it’s definitely for the best. All other shows are still moving forward as planned. See you soon,”
Monét has been candid about living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), noting previously that “PCOS has me really messed up,” she told fans, per The Jasmine Brand.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PCOS is a common condition in woman that affects hormones. “It causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility. Treatment for PCOS depends on if you wish to become pregnant. People with PCOS may be at higher risk for certain health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Victoria Monét was a big winner at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, where she took home three out of the seven Grammys she was nominated for.
“It’s a battle between time and effort. It’s either you give up before your time happens or you put enough effort into where your time meets you and you’re up face to face and you win. And that’s what happened here tonight,” she said at the awards ceremony in February.
Mo’Nique Backtracks Her Statement About Chelsea Handler Having A Similar Experience To Hers
On Monday, Mo’Nique posted a clip of Handler from Kevin Hart’s recent comedy special for winning The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In the video, Handler shares a time when Kevin told her that he would put her in a movie. She then told Kevin that she wouldn’t mind being in front of the camera or behind and he responded, “I got you.” But to her surprise, the 44-year-old comedian never called her back.
“Here’s how great Kevin is. He said, ‘No problem, Chelsea, I got you! I’ll just get you a gig on my movie.’ I said, ‘Great! Behind the camera…in front…I don’t care. I’ll direct it if I have to.’ He said he’d even help me fill out the paperwork,” Handler said. “I was so excited. He said, ‘I got you, Chelsea. I got you! I got you!’ And that’s when I learned that if you ask Kevin for a favor you can always count on hearing these three words: I got you. And then you can count on never hearing from him again.”
The Instagram video ended with a snippet from Mo’Nique’s appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, where she spoke about how Kevin ghosted her two years ago after agreeing to work with her on new projects. Mo’Nique claims that she reached out to Kevin’s production team and informed them of the new deal. However, two weeks later she learned that the deal was off of the table. She added that when she spoke to Kevin, he told her that the situation was a “miscommunication” and they would discuss it at a later date. Unfortunately, according to Mo’Nique, that day never came.
“HEY MY SWEET BABIES WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT BOTH CHELSEA HANDLER & I WOULD SHARE THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH KEVIN HART, BUT WE’RE BOTH LYING, HUH? 👀🙄 I LOVE US 4REAL,” Mo’Nique captioned her post.
Shortly after, social media users took to Mo’Nique’s comment section under the post to inform her that Handler was actually mocking her “Club Shay Shay” appearance.
“She was making a joke of you…it went over your head baby. Just delete this,” one Instagram user wrote while another one added, “She is definitely not on your side, she took your story and made it into a standup routine.”
Even though the post is still active, the outpour of responses prompted Mo’Nique to reconsider her comment and update her initial caption.
“It had come to my attention that the joke is on me!! LOL!!!” she wrote on the post.
As of now, it’s unknown if the two comedians will ever make amends but it is clear that Mo’Nique is sticking by her statement.
Fans Resurface Joseline Hernandez Calling Out Amber Rose After Rose Endorses Trump
Joseline Hernandez and Amber Rose.Joseline Hernandez is trending on social media after Amber Rose shared a photo endorsing Donald Trump for the next presidential election.
Many users and fans were baffled that a woman of color would vote for a candidate who has repeatedly demonstrated racist, classist, and sexist behavior.
However, other users argued that Amber’s mixed race and celebrity status play a significant role in her decisions.
Social media users eventually dug up an old clip of Joseline confronting Amber about the topic of race and identity during season 2 of College Hill: Celebrity Edition last year.
In the clip, Joseline stated that she considers Amber as a black woman, while also accusing her of being a “Karen” and wishing that she was white.
On X, users claimed that Joseline was right and suggested that she tried to tell us about Amber and her identity crisis on the show.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Rare Reverse Fupa
FuPa…LOL!
FuPa…LOL!
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Zavier THICK
Meet Zavier! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember to exercise CAUTION AT WORK!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment