#MAGFAB:THEE ICON Iman Is glowing on Three Exclusive Covers for INSTYLE’s 30th Anniversary
The legendary Iman graces three covers for InStyle’s 30th Anniversary Issue, where she reflects on profound changes in fashion, beauty, and culture over the past three decades.
The model, founder, and activist reflects on crucial moments in her career—including how Iman Cosmetics was born out of not having her foundation shade in existence for her first modeling job, working with fellow supermodels Bethann Hardison and Naomi Campbell to amplify fashion’s diversity problem, and more. On a personal level, she opens up about being a mother in the public eye with her daughter Lexi and finding the perfect partner in David Bowie.
Here, she looks back on the influence she has wielded and looks forward to the impact she might continue to make through conversations with three women—model Precious Lee; designer and Fifteen Percent Pledge founder Aurora James; and actress and television host Keke Palmer—who are, in their own ways, carrying her torch.
On the pros and cons of fame, and being mistaken for Tyra Banks: “I would say the only pros I have ever seen is that when I have a very serious subject that I want to highlight—whether it’s famine in Africa, whether it is the plight of refugees—then I have an audience. I can get an audience immediately. So, that’s the only thing that I find that really lifts me up. The rest of it… I’m lucky enough to live in New York and especially in Soho; everybody in Soho is a star, or they think they are. So, nobody bothers me.
I have a very sweet recollection with young girls in Soho. I told this to Tyra many times, and she laughs her heart out. These girls were behind me. I think they were from NYU. They followed me: ‘Tyra, Tyra, Tyra, Tyra.’ I didn’t pay attention to them. Then finally, one tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned around, and she said, ‘Are you Tyra?’ I said, ‘No.’ And she said, ‘Oh my God. Are you Iman?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘You look just like Tyra.’ I said, ‘No, she looks like me.’ And they thought I was dissing her. I said, ‘No, she’s younger than I am. I was here first.’
On not having a foundation in her shade for her very first modeling job: “I looked, literally, gray,” Iman recalls today. “I still say the gods of beauty were looking after me, because the photographs were black and white—that hides all sins.” Otherwise, she believes, her career would have been short-lived. “My image is my currency, so I better have control of that,” she remembers thinking.
On how she, Bethann Hardison and Naomi Campbell addressed the lack of racial diversity in the fashion industry: “In 2013, my friend Bethann Hardison called me. By then I was retired from modeling and I’d started Iman Cosmetics, so I really was not aware of what was going on on the runway. And she said to me, ‘Are you aware that they’re not using Black models on the runways at all?’ And I said, ‘What do you mean? This is 2013.’ And from then on, Naomi Campbell and Bethann and I started this conversation of putting a light on what was really transpiring—the absence of Black models on the runway.
“Obviously it didn’t start with me, Bethann, or Naomi. It was people who had done it before us. It’s just the time, just push things forward and forward and forward. And I’ll tell you, all hell broke loose—the murder of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter [movement], all bets were off. And nobody wanted to hear, ‘Oh, I’m here for you.’ Well, how are you here for me?”
On getting retailers to pay attention to Black consumers with Iman Cosmetics: “The absence of Black models or Black beauties in magazines or in advertisements, it creates a whole self-esteem thing for our young girls. If they’re only bombarded with images of a certain type, they think that that’s beauty; that they are not beautiful. So, I was playing with that, and thank God I was majoring in political science, so I had some kind of a sense of how to play with that and made them understand that it’s in [the retailers’] best interest to treat us right. Because money is money. It doesn’t matter what color it is. It’s always green.”
On being an icon: “I don’t know what it really means. And you know this more than anybody else because you started in this business very young: Every time, it’s a growth spurt. So, it’s never like you get to a destination that you become an icon. And the definition continuously changes. But I’ve always kept it in my head that the minute that you start affecting and changing people’s lives by just how you live, then you’re an icon to them. I don’t need to be an icon to many. I just need to be an icon to a few.”
INSTYLE’s 30th anniversary cover is available now .
The Brooklyn-born, Bronx-bred beauty dazzled audiences with her smooth vocals and feisty personality throughout her 40-year career. Bofill released 10 studio albums with hits like “Angel Of The Night,” “I Try” and “Too Tough.” (The latter was her most commercially successful single, reaching #5 on the R&B charts and #2 on the dance charts.)
After a second stroke in 2007 resulted in her losing her singing voice, Bofill returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience,” in which she recounted her life and career while vocalists Melba Moore, Maysa and Phil Perry performed her hits.
Bofill leaves behind a daughter, Shauna, from her marriage to country artist Rick Vincent.
A memorial service will be held June 28 at St. Dominic’s Church in California. Go below to take a walk down memory lane with her hits!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey’s Advice for Porsha Williams as She Navigates Divorce
Unfortunately, Cynthia Bailey knows a thing or two about the end of a marriage. On Real Housewives of Atlanta, we watched her get married twice. Both times, things ended in a divorce. Now that her RHOA costar Porsha Williams is navigating her second divorce, Cynthia has apparently been a nice source of support.
Of course, we know that Cynthia and Porsha haven’t always been close. We all remember what happened on that boat when Cynthia had to defend herself with a karate kick. These days, the two of them are back on good terms, and since they’re both returning for RHOA Season 16, they’ve been bonding over the highs and lows of pulling the plug on a marriage.
That’s easier said than done. It’s a little bit difficult for Porsha to focus on herself. She and Simon have been in a legal back-and-forth over whether or not their prenup should be enforced. Plus, he threatened the RHOA producers with a lawsuit if they tried filming inside of their marital home.
Cameras are rolling for Season 16, yet Porsha still can’t film in her house. Regardless, Cynthia said she felt hopeful that her RHOA costar could move on from this mess. We can all agree that Porsha will get her groove back in no time.
#NewMusic: Brandy And Monica Reunite For Ariana Grande’s “The Boy Is Mine” Video
The Grammy-winner channels her inner Cat Woman as she attempts to seduce the mayor played by You star Penn Badgley. After her love potion fails to make it into the mayor’s mouth, the two end up happily ever after, as he discovers his love for her needs no spell.
The excitement for the track is partly credited to it being inspired by Brandy and Monica’s 1998 hit “The Boy Is Mine.” Although the context is a bit different as the songstresses fought over a man, whereas Grande has her eye on one, the goal of both tunes is to get the guy
WATCH:
The single appeared on Brandy’s second studio album Never Say Never and Monica’s sophomore album of the same name. For Grande, the track appears on her seventh studio album Eternal Sunshine.
#HipHopNews: Metro Boomin Set To Release Debut Issue Of ‘The Metroverse’ Comic Book Series
The 40-page release has been a massive hit among Cudder’s fans as well as comic-book enthusiasts, as it sold out soon after going live online.
Man Looking To Start “Race War” Arrested Before Mass Shooting At Atlanta Bad Bunny Concert
Prieto’s goal, according to the indictment, was to target a rap concert because “there would be a high concentration of African Americans.” While there’s no mention of which artist, the dates indicate that Prieto planned to carry out the massacre at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena during a May 15 Bad Bunny concert.
Authorities claim the investigation began in January after Prieto told another man at a gun show that he wanted “to incite a race war prior to the 2024 United States Presidential Election.” A vendor at the Crossroads of the West gun show himself, Prieto would trade in his personal firearms for upgrades, using cash to avoid interference from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Prieto faces up to 15 years behind bars on each charge of firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, if convicted. He’ll face up to 10 years for having an unregistered firearm and could be possibly fined up to $250,000 for each charge.
Stars Pop Out As Usher And Babyface Are Honored At The Apollo’s 2024 Spring Benefit
Jordin Sparks kicked off the night with a riveting medley of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” before host Kym Whitley kept the crowd laughing with her witty remarks about the evening’s honorees. She joked that Babyface should now be called “Grown-man-face, sexy-face, kiss-your-face” and went off-script to squeal in delight about Usher being in attendance.
Billy Porter Trends After Kissing President Biden’s Hand At The White House Juneteenth Celebration
What are your thoughts on Billy Porter’s White House greetings?
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church Senior Pastor Tony Evans steps away from duties due to unnamed 'sin'
Kehinde Wiley Denies New Allegations of Sexual Assault from Two People
“Posting something to Instagram doesn’t make it true,” Jennifer Barrett, an attorney for Wiley, said in a statement to ARTnews in response to Ingram’s allegations. “Yet, in today’s world, anyone can spread blatant lies with a single post, and the public accepts it at face value.” She said there was “no evidence” for Ingram’s claims.
Ingram, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and the executive director of social justice non-profit Warriors in the Garden, said he was in a three-month-long relationship with Wiley, whom he accused of “extreme violence” and “severe emotional manipulation” during their time together. According to the timeline laid out by Ingram, the alleged rape happened during their relationship. He said he planned to sue Wiley in New York.
Through Barrett, Wiley denied having known of Armistead or having ever met him. Barrett disputed certain details of Armistead’s claims, including a portion referring to “two big dogs” that Wiley allegedly held within his apartment. She said Wiley did not acquire his two Afghan hounds until 2015.
Armistead did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a follow-up statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Wiley called the allegations from Awuah-Darko and Ingram “baseless and defamatory,” and questioned whether money, fame, and an “insatiable need for attention” had driven the two to come forward. Wiley included what he said were screenshots of text conversations between him and his accusers, which he said discredited their claims.
Wiley is renowned for his paintings of Black sitters that reference Old Masters portraiture techniques. A 2022 New Yorker profile labeled him “one of the most influential figures in global Black culture,” and said that with his Black Rock Senegal artist residency program, he was “shifting the art world’s center of gravity toward Africa.”
A Wiley survey held the following year at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco was a hit, drawing massive crowds. It has since traveled, appearing recently at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, with future stops planned at the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Minneapolis Institute of Art in the coming year, according to Wiley’s website. Spokespersons for the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Minneapolis Institute of Art did not respond to requests for comment.
Jeezy And Jeannie Mai Finalize Divorce With Undisclosed Settlement
Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses landmark lawsuit by Tulsa Race Massacre survivors
The New York Times revealed that the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The decision dealt a blow to advocates seeking justice for one of the most egregious acts of violence against Black Americans in United States history. The ruling, which upheld a district court judge's previous decision, concluded that while the grievances of the plaintiffs were valid, they did not align with the parameters outlined in the state's public nuisance statute.
Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, both of whom are over 100 years of age, aimed to hold the city of Tulsa and other entities accountable for the devastation wrought upon the once-thriving Black community of Greenwood. This district, often referred to as Black Wall Street, was ravaged by a white mob on May 31 and June 1, 1921. The violence, which saw the looting and burning of businesses and homes, resulted in the deaths of up to 300 Black residents, with thousands more forced into internment camps under National Guard supervision.
For Randle and Fletcher, along with now-deceased plaintiff Hughes Van Ellis, the lawsuit represented a final quest for justice within their lifetimes. “It’s past time," Randle stated before the state’s decision. “I would like to see this all cleared up and we go down the right road. But I do not know if I will ever see that.”
“We were forced to plead this case beyond what is required under Oklahoma standards, which is certainly a familiar circumstance when Black Americans ask the American legal system to work for them,” read a statement by the survivors' attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons, after Judge Wall's dismissal. “Like so many Black Americans, we carry the weight of intergenerational racial trauma day in and day out."
Ariana Grande Breaks Her Silence About Nickelodeon: ‘I Guess I’m Upset’
The release of Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV came with bombshell allegations surrounding Nickelodeon. With Drake Bell and other child stars speaking out in the episode with their stories, there were disturbing clips of other actors—one being one of the most famous singers around today—Ariana Grande.
Grande said she believed the environment needed to be safer for kids, with some examples of what she thinks could help child actors. “I think there should be therapists, I think there should be parents allowed to be wherever they want to be and I think—not only on kids sets—I think if anyone wants to do this or music or anything at the level of exposure that it means to be on TV or to do music with a major label or whatever there should be in the contract something about therapy is mandatory.”
The 30-year-old addressed some of the clips she did for the show, which many believe are very inappropriate and filled with sexual innuendos, like videos of her “juicing a potato.” “Speaking specifically about our show, I think that was something that we were convinced was like the cool thing about us is that like we pushed the envelope with our humor and the innuendos,” she explained. “We were told and convinced as well that it was like the cool differentiation and I don’t know I think it just all happened so quickly and now looking back on some of the clips I’m like ‘that’s - damn. Like really?’” she said visibly affected emotionally.
Grande also explained that videos that weren’t approved for the network were “snuck” onto the website or “whatever it was.” Although she never mentioned him by name, it’s alleged that Schneider would share footage online of Grande doing things like trying to put her foot in her mouth. “That is another discovery but going into it, I guess I’m upset,” she admitted.
Stephen A. Smith Slams Peter Rosenberg For Accusing Him Of Victimizing WNBA Star Caitlin Clark: ‘What He Said Was Utter Bullsh*t’
“This whole idea that if Caitlin Clark isn’t propped up the right way, then it’s not right for the sport — if that’s your take, maybe you don’t really care about the sport and shouldn’t be giving an opinion about it. That’s why Stephen A. is catching the button because he is jumping in on this train of Caitlin Clark’s not being treated fairly by the world, which is not only unfair, actually to Caitlin Clark…but you’re also being unfair to all the other women in this league who don’t deserve to be treated like props.”
It wasn’t long before Stephen A. Smith responded to the remarks. In a lengthy video, the veteran commentator accused Peter Rosenberg of trying to gain favor with the Black community by throwing him under the bus, instead of calling him directly to try and understand what he meant. Smith stated:
“Why the hell would this guy go out there and say to America, ‘Yo, Stephen A. is propping Caitlin Clark up as a victim?’ What, you the white boy that’s gravitating to Black folks and you wanna make folks believe, ‘Hey, you know something, this is the latest thing he’s doing against y’all?’ Is that what this is? You sitting there and you on a station, they’re playing hip-hop music, that makes you down now? You think you know us better than me? Is that what this is, Peter? Peter.”
Jay-Z Performs "Public Service Announcement" As Tom Brady Enters Patriots Hall Of Fame Ceremony
For years, Brady would run onto the field during pregame while the song, with the lyrics "allow me to reintroduce myself," was blaring on the Gillette Stadium speakers.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft is also a fan of the rapper. Jay-Z and Kraft have attended events in the past, and worked together to form a criminal justice reform organization.
"I'll always cherish the opportunity to talk to these young men who are about to start a monumental chapter of their lives," Brady wrote on social media following the event. "I would never be in the place I am today without the incredible people and mentors that came into my life at the right time and at the right place."
Amy Robach Hasn't Heard from 'Most' “GMA” Colleagues Since T.J. Holmes Romance Reveal as He Calls Their Support 'Fake'
“And for us, even we stayed away from some of our former colleagues because we were worried about them,” he continued, before noting that they had lunch with co-host Michael Strahan during their last week. “You wouldn't believe the effort we put into it with Strahan.”
Robach added how the backlash they experienced felt like she “murdered someone.” However, she did note that in rare times when they would walk down the street, they received “a lot of people yelling support. Like ‘We support you.’ ‘We love you.’ ‘Love is love.’"
Holmes and Robach parted ways with the news organization and their roles at GMA3: What You Need to Know in January 2023 following the revelation that they were dating. Although the couple’s off-camera relationship did not violate policy, and both Holmes and Robach were privately separated from their spouses, ABC News said at the time their relationship posed an “internal and external disruption.”
"We do want to say ‘Thank You’ to ABC News. We'll be honest that we were angry as hell at ABC News for quite a while, but only with time and with perspective, we can appreciate them recognizing something in us, putting us together in the first place, set us on a course to get better health and happiness to where we can come out of it now healthier and happier than we've ever been in our adult lives," he said.
Comedian Rob Schneider Rips Into Will Smith Over Oscars Slap, Calls Him A 'Complete Utter Fraud'
Rob Scheider also slammed the Academy Awards showrunners for not immediately punishing Will Smith, claiming that they feared they would be seen as "racist."
He continued, "The point is, violence is what it is. And whether the color of your skin or your religion, it doesn't matter if you commit a crime in front of other people, you get hauled out of there."
Nate Burleson to Host New Hollywood Squares – Featuring Drew Barrymore in the Center Square
But when I talk about fame, it’s like some days you are the pigeon, some days you’re the statue.”
On being a mother in the public eye: “What I did with my youngest was if people come to me when I’m with her in public, I just say to them, ‘Please don’t.’ If I’m in public, I’m Lexi’s mom, I’m not Iman. And I’m hoping that they will understand that because a lot of them are parents.”People expect [things] from you. They expect you to take a photograph with them, to look beautiful. They see you without makeup in the street with your kid, and they’re like, Oh, she didn’t look so good. Well, who cares? I’m with my kid. You can’t satisfy everybody. You can’t make everybody happy. And so, you just make yourself and your children happy.”
On not having a foundation in her shade for her very first modeling job: “I looked, literally, gray,” Iman recalls today. “I still say the gods of beauty were looking after me, because the photographs were black and white—that hides all sins.” Otherwise, she believes, her career would have been short-lived. “My image is my currency, so I better have control of that,” she remembers thinking.
Legendary R&B Vocalist Angela Bofill Passes Away at 70
We are sad to report that R&B/Soul vocalist Angela Bofill has reportedly passed away at the age of 70.
A social media post on the singer’s Facebook page by longtime manager RIch Engel confirmed that Bofill passed away on June 13. Fellow vocalists Melba Moore and Maysa also confirmed the news and offered condolences.
A cause of death is not known at this time, but Bofill has publicly dealt with health issues in the past few years, including a 2006 stroke that left her partially paralyzed and effectively forced her to retire from active performing.
A social media post on the singer’s Facebook page by longtime manager RIch Engel confirmed that Bofill passed away on June 13. Fellow vocalists Melba Moore and Maysa also confirmed the news and offered condolences.
A cause of death is not known at this time, but Bofill has publicly dealt with health issues in the past few years, including a 2006 stroke that left her partially paralyzed and effectively forced her to retire from active performing.
The Brooklyn-born, Bronx-bred beauty dazzled audiences with her smooth vocals and feisty personality throughout her 40-year career. Bofill released 10 studio albums with hits like “Angel Of The Night,” “I Try” and “Too Tough.” (The latter was her most commercially successful single, reaching #5 on the R&B charts and #2 on the dance charts.)
After a second stroke in 2007 resulted in her losing her singing voice, Bofill returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience,” in which she recounted her life and career while vocalists Melba Moore, Maysa and Phil Perry performed her hits.
Bofill leaves behind a daughter, Shauna, from her marriage to country artist Rick Vincent.
A memorial service will be held June 28 at St. Dominic’s Church in California. Go below to take a walk down memory lane with her hits!
REST IN POWER Angie!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey’s Advice for Porsha Williams as She Navigates Divorce
Cynthia opened up to Page Six about her connection with Porsha in Season 16. Although Cynthia is only returning in a friend role, she said she’s been a full-time source of support for Porsha when it comes to navigating the divorce from Simon Guobadia.
“I’ve been divorced twice, so I know a little bit about it,” Cynthia admitted “I’ve just mostly been giving her positive energy. Just to focus on herself.”“I’m a lover of love; she’s a lover of love. She moves fast; I move fast. We just jump right in,” Cynthia explained.
She added, “But at the end of the day if it’s not working, I think everyone deserves another chance to find their person.”
Ariana Grande has finally released the music video for “The Boy Is Mine,” which epically cameos the title’s originators, Brandy and Monica.
Grande released the single in March and brought on much anticipation for a coinciding visual. Directed by Christian Breslauer, Grande honors the R&B icons as they appear as news anchors who inform the city that the mayor will have a press conference regarding “rats” infesting the city.She sings, “The boy is mine, I can’t wait to try him/ Let’s get intertwined, the stars, they aligned/ Thе boy is mine, watch me take my timе/ I can’t believe my mind, the boy is divine/ Boy is mine.”
In the original, the duo sings, “You need to give it up, had about enough/ It’s not hard to see, the boy is mine/ I’m sorry that you, seem to be confused/ He belongs to me, the boy is mine.”The single appeared on Brandy’s second studio album Never Say Never and Monica’s sophomore album of the same name. For Grande, the track appears on her seventh studio album Eternal Sunshine.
Metro Boomin‘s proximity to the superhero universe is no secret, and he has now directly inserted himself into it.
On Friday (June 14), the inaugural issue of The Metroverse comic book series will be available to purchase here. Written by Ryan Cady and illustrated by Vasilis Lolos, the first installment is titled “The Rise” and will feature a superhuman version of the Missouri native going up against a tyrannical media mogul.Only 4,000 copies of the standard edition have been printed for the opening run, though the item will also be sold at a Complex pop-up in Los Angeles the day before it goes live online. Each package will come with an art print and enamel pin.
“It’s a dream come true to have my own comic book on shelves,” the Missouri native told Rolling Stone about his latest endeavor.
In adjacent news, Kid Cudi made his comic-book debut with Moon Man earlier this year. Released in late January, the superhero saga has been marketed as a contemporary reimagining of Miracleman.The animated piece was written by the 39-year-old in partnership with artist and director Kyle Higgins.
In an Instagram post, the Cleveland rapper and singer wrote: “Ive been secretly workin on this for over a year and its finally happening. Im so fuckin hype for u all to dive in. If you’re into comics, my hope is that this will be your new obssession. Lot of love and hard work went into this, I am so proud to finally reveal my baby to the world.
“Told yall I was cookin up something special, in a world you’ve never seen me in. MAD SOLAR taken over mane!! Love to IMAGE Comics team for riding w me on this one and believing in my vision.”
A man from Arizona looking to start a “race war” was caught before he was able to carry out plans for a mass shooting during an Atlanta concert featuring Bad Bunny.
Fox 5 Atlanta reports that 58-year-old Mark Adams Prieto was indicted Tuesday (June 11) by a federal grand jury on charges of firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Prieto was reportedly in talks with two individuals to help plan the shooting between January and May 2024. Thankfully, both of them were undercover FBI agents.On Jan. 21, he revealed to the source and an undercover FBI agent that he needed help carrying out the heinous act, targeting Atlanta specifically due to its high population of African-Americans. After the shooting, he also planned to scream phrases like “”KKK all the way” while leaving confederate flags throughout the arena.
Prieto was pulled over by authorities May 14 on a New Mexico interstate, with cops finding seven firearms in his vehicle. A search of his home later resulted in more firearms being found, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle. During questioning, Prieto claimed he was on is way to Florida to see his mother, with no plans to stop in Atlanta. However, he admitted to discussing the attack and to selling an AR-15 to the FBI agent, telling him that it “would be a good gun to use in the attack.”Stars Pop Out As Usher And Babyface Are Honored At The Apollo’s 2024 Spring Benefit
Just one day after Babyface was inducted into The Apollo‘s Walk of Fame, he and Usher were honored at the venue’s 2024 Spring Benefit.
The fundraising affair raised $3 million, but it was also a lavish, A-list event to celebrate two of R&B’s most distinguished forces, with Ursher receiving this year’s Icon Award and Face receiving the inaugural Legacy Award.Dancers paid homage to the latter with a choreographed performance to some of his greatest hits including “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Caught Up,” and “Confessions, Pt. II.”
During his speech, Usher reflected on watching Showtime At The Apollo with his late grandmother thinking, “Man, someday I’m gonna make it to that stage and hopefully one day, I’ll get a standing ovation.’” As that dream came true, he expressed, “I stand before you humbled by your appreciation.” Looking back on the days when he performed on The Apollo stage, the 45-year-old noted, “You know, they say if you make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Well, if you can make it to The Apollo, you can do anything […] I never became an amateur because I became a major. You gotta let that simmer in.”He continued to thank those closest to him, including his mother, his team, Ron Laffitte, Jon Platt, Quincy Jones, L.A. Reid, and his “best friend”— wife Jennifer.
Fat Joe and Kwanza Jones presented Babyface with his award, but first led the audience in an impromptu performance of “Soon As I Get Home.” When the 65-year-old songwriter-producer took the stage, he kept it sweet and concise, but most of all, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.“I’ve gotten a lot of awards over the years and this is one of the most important ones I’ve gotten,” he began before explaining how receiving the Walk Of Fame plaque and getting the Legacy Award made his sons proud, which was “the best gift that I could ever get.”
The Girls Night Out crooner added, “To know that I’ve done something, not just for the world, but for my kids—I’ve made them proud and that’s what I’m here for […] I am just in awe to be considered as part of this. Normally I stand up here, I’m funnier than this. Usually, I am. But I’m just, I’m really just so taken by this, and I just want to thank you for the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it.”
He was then serenaded by Johnny Gill with “My, My, My,” Karyn White performing “Superwoman,” and Avery Wilson singing “Can We Talk,” before Face himself closed the night with “Whip Appeal.”Billy Porter Trends After Kissing President Biden’s Hand At The White House Juneteenth Celebration
Billy Porter trends after attending the White House's Juneteenth Celebration
Chile, Billy Porter is trending in the streets of Twitter as folks react to his antics at the White House’s Juneteenth Celebration.
The 54-year-old award-winning actor and singer, who is no stranger to an eye-catching ensemble, arrived donned in a sequined dress with his tresses flowing in the breeze.But, it wasn’t Billy’s attire that has Twitter buzzing…it’s the photo of him kissing President Joe Biden’s hand.
There is a second photo of him kissing VP Kamala Harris’ hand as well.Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church Senior Pastor Tony Evans steps away from duties due to unnamed 'sin'
Tony Evans, who has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church for nearly 50 years, announced at services on Sunday he would be stepping away from his duties.
In a statement, the church said this decision was made after multiple meetings between Evans and the church elders.
"The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the scriptures," the statement reads. "Dr. Evans and the elders agree that when any elder or pastor falls short of the high standards of scripture, the elders are responsible for providing accountability and maintaining integrity in the church."In a written statement to the church, Evans said the foundation of the church has been its commitment to the word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which they are to conform their lives.
"When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God," Evans wrote. "A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard."
Evans said that, while he hadn't committed any crime, he hadn't used righteous judgment in his actions.Evans added that Pastor Bobby Gibson and church leadership would keep its members informed on how things will continue moving forward.
"I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley," Evans concluded. "Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and forgiveness as I continue my spiritual healing journey."Evans resignation has community members questioning what the longtime pastor did.
Just minutes up the street from the megachurch is Brown's Barber Shop, where Andre Sewell has cut hair for the last three years. He read the news hours before he got to work and it sparked confusion in his mind.
"Everybody is wondering what did he do," Sewell said.Sewell says he thinks Evans did the right thing in stepping down. However, he believes Evans should tell his congregation what happened.
"I think that's going to be the most responsible thing for him to do," he said.Kehinde Wiley Denies New Allegations of Sexual Assault from Two People
For a second time, Kehinde Wiley denied allegations of sexual assault after new claims emerged this week.
On Instagram on Monday, activist Derrick Ingram accused Wiley, a painter most widely known for doing Barack Obama’s official portrait, of having raped him in 2021. Ingram alleged that the assault happened in Wiley’s SoHo apartment. Then, on Tuesday night, Terrell Armistead also accused Wiley of having raped him.Barrett said that Ingram and Wiley had had a “one-time consensual encounter.” Ingram did not respond to a request for additional comment.
In the text posted as an image to his Instagram, Ingram explicitly named Wiley. In an accompanying caption that did not name Wiley, he wrote that he had been assaulted by “a predator that met me at my most vulnerable and knew that I was just starting to heal. He actively exploited my pain and today I am taking back my power.”Ingram linked in his bio to a petition launched by Joseph Awuah-Darko, who accused Wiley of sexual assault last month. Like Ingram, Awuah-Darko claimed he had been assaulted in 2021. Also like Ingram, Awuah-Darko said he planned to take legal action against Wiley.
Armistead’s claims revolved around an alleged encounter in 2010 at Wiley’s New York apartment. Armistead accused Wiley of having made an effort to “grab my genitals aggressively” and of “performing forced oral penetration on me.” Armistead said he planned to join a class action lawsuit filed by Awuah-Darko, Ingram, and Nathaniel Lloyd Richards, who had also previously accused Wiley of sexual misconduct on social media.On Monday, Barrett alluded to Awuah-Darko’s allegations, which she said were untrue.
“The false claims against Mr. Wiley began as a vendetta by an individual who shared a single consensual encounter with him,” she said. “This person pursued Mr. Wiley for over a year, unsuccessfully pushing for a relationship. Recently, this individual has reinvented himself, soliciting cash contributions from followers and encouraging others to join his fraudulent Instagram campaign. His efforts have produced one other person, who also had a one-time consensual encounter with Mr. Wiley years ago and subsequently spent months sending him romantic texts seeking a deeper relationship.”“What is clear,” Wiley wrote, “is that my accusers wanted far more than I was willing to give them.”
Wiley previously denied Awuah-Darko’s claims, saying, “Someone I had a brief, consensual relationship with is now making false, disturbing, and defamatory accusations about our time together. These claims are deeply hurtful to me, and I will pursue all legal options to bring the truth to light and clear my name.”Jeezy And Jeannie Mai Finalize Divorce With Undisclosed Settlement
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai are officially divorced. The two finalized their divorce on Tuesday (June 11) in Georgia’s Fulton County Superior Court. Jeezy filed for divorce in September 2023 after two and a half years of marriage.
According to Entertainment Tonight, no details regarding the settlement, child support agreement, and permanent parenting plans will be publicized because both parties chose to keep those records sealed.The court who reviewed the terms of their divorce determined “that the harm resulting to the privacy of the parties and their child, if the documents were made public, clearly outweighs public interest in these specific documents.”
The rapper and the former daytime talk show host were ordered not to “disseminate, distribute, post, nor cause the dissemination, distribution of posting of the Settlement Agreement or Child Support Worksheet to any person or in any manner, including but not limited to any form of media, social media, or the internet.”When Jeezy filed for divorce, documents suggested that there was “no hope for reconciliation.” He also said the decision to split was not “impulsive.” The couple did have a prenup and at the time, he was seeking joint legal and physical custody of their daughter, Monaco.
Since then, Mai claimed that she was physically and emotionally abused by her now ex-husband. Jeezy denied the allegations, noting that they’re “not only false but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved.” In a statement, he described her claim as a “malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family.” The author also expressed his confidence in letting “the truth prevail through the proper legal channels.”
His legal team refuted the accusations in court documents that stated Mai’s abuse claims were conjured up “all because [Jeezy] declined to have a second baby with her.” Neither she nor her attorneys have responded to that comment.
They wed in March 2021 in an intimate ceremony.Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses landmark lawsuit by Tulsa Race Massacre survivors
District Court Judge Caroline Wall previously ruled in May 2022 that the case could proceed before dismissing it a year later. As reported, she sided with city lawyers, who argued that “simply being connected to a historical event does not provide a person with unlimited rights to seek compensation from any project in any way related to that historical event.” In August 2023, the Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal of the lower court’s dismissal.
Ariana Grande Breaks Her Silence About Nickelodeon: ‘I Guess I’m Upset’
Questionable content starring Grande have been floating around for years, with many wondering if she would ever speak out about her experience working on shows like Victorious and Sam & Cat. Now, the “7 Rings” singer has begun to peel back some layers, admitting on Penn Badgley’s “Podcrushed” podcast that she has started to “reprocess” it.
“I think we had some very special memories, and we feel so privileged to be able to create those roles and become a part of something so special for a lot of young kids,” she explained, adding, “I think we’re reprocessing our relationship to it a little bit.” Grande’s Sam & Cat costar, Jennette McCurdy, has already opened up about her time on Nickelodeon. In her memoir, she has a section about someone she called “The Creator” and his inappropriate actions, which many believe is about producer Dan Schneider.
Stephen A. Smith Slams Peter Rosenberg For Accusing Him Of Victimizing WNBA Star Caitlin Clark: ‘What He Said Was Utter Bullsh*t’
Safe to say Stephen A. Smith didn’t appreciate a recent remark made by Peter Rosenberg. The First Take host recently called out the radio personality after they shared polarizing viewpoints about how basketball star Caitlin Clark is portrayed by the media
In case you missed it, Stephen A. Smith has come under fire recently for criticizing the WNBA’s decision not to add rookie Caitlin Clark to their Olympic team. While responding to the situation in general, Peter Rosenberg argued that the media uses the 22-year-old as the “face of white fragility.” He mentioned Stephen A. Smith’s comments about the matter as well and stated:“I don’t appreciate what he said. Actually, I think what he said was utter bulls**t.”
Continuing, the TV host clarified that his thoughts about Clark purely came from a perspective that considers the economic impact her presence could have on the league. Blasting Rosenberg, however, for seemingly not having in his “heart and mind” the “need to be fair,” Smith added:Smith followed up by acknowledging Rosenberg’s talent and intellect and challenged him to do better, continuing:
“You’re not stupid, Peter…You know better. In this instance, you’re just full of s**t…Shutting the hell up would have been an option, you know, if you’re gon’ call my name out like that…But once again I find myself in front of the microphone saying, d**n.”Jay-Z Performs "Public Service Announcement" As Tom Brady Enters Patriots Hall Of Fame Ceremony
The Patriots promised a star-studded event as Tom Brady is inducted to the team's Hall of Fame, and they delivered when rap icon Jay-Z took the stage Wednesday night.
Jay-Z, whose birth name is Shawn Carter, performed his song "Public Service Announcement" for the sold-out crowd at Gillette Stadium.After each run to the opposite end zone, Brady would pump his fist and unleash a signature "Let's go!"
Brady was asked about the song choice during a 2014, as transcribed by MassLive.com. The quarterback said it has been his song choice for "a long time." When asked what it was about the song that he likes, he said "I'm a big fan of [Jay-Z]."Patriots owner Robert Kraft is also a fan of the rapper. Jay-Z and Kraft have attended events in the past, and worked together to form a criminal justice reform organization.
In 2022, Jay-Z sat in Kraft's Gillette Stadium box during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Earlier this offseason, Brady and Jay-Z attended a breakfast with several recently drafted players, including quarterback Drake Maye, who was selected No. 3 by New England.Amy Robach Hasn't Heard from 'Most' “GMA” Colleagues Since T.J. Holmes Romance Reveal as He Calls Their Support 'Fake'
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are opening up about how their former coworkers responded to their relationship.
During the June 12 episode of their podcast Amy & T.J., which was filmed live in New York City, the former GMA3 co-hosts looked back on the moment their relationship was publicly revealed and how the people they worked with responded at the time.Robach, 51, explained that the pair returned to work two days after initial news broke that they had a "private relationship," and clarified that the photos taken of them "did not catch [them] cheating."
She continued: "But when we came back for those two days, we were surrounded with support. My dressing room was full of all of our colleagues—"“Some of it fake, some of it fake, absolutely. Some of it was BS,” Holmes, 46, interjected.
“But once it was clear that we weren't coming back," Robach said with a laugh, "I never heard from most people again.
Holmes admitted that he could understand where some of their colleagues were coming from, saying, "And we get that to a certain degree, right? Everybody's trying to hold on to their job. They don't want to be seen as being an ally of the two people that ABC News doesn't like."Holmes then revealed that they would speak with Strahan about what time to arrive in comparison to when they would arrive, noting they were trying to “protect Strahan from [them].”
“That is the shame I'm talking about,” he explained. “This is a guy we've been very close to for 10 years now, and even we didn't want to get whatever our 'stank' is on him for some reason. And we've struggled to get out of that mindset. But friends like that do help, and time helps.”Robach added how the backlash they experienced felt like she “murdered someone.” However, she did note that in rare times when they would walk down the street, they received “a lot of people yelling support. Like ‘We support you.’ ‘We love you.’ ‘Love is love.’"
“No one came up and said anything horrible to our faces, but it was just all the comments and all the commentary and all the headlines, it just, it weighs you down to the point where you think ‘I'm the worst person in the world,’" she said. "And you do feel like you've committed a crime.”
"It's bizarre… It was strange to me to suddenly, you know, to be this, this just hated horrible person for loving someone. It was frustrating, too, because the narrative was not true," she continued.
Holmes also said the fact they stayed silent in the immediate aftermath was partly to blame for why the narrative got out of control."We lost the narrative off the top, is the problem. Once people were told what it was, and we didn't come out and make a statement," he explained, adding that they drafted statements that day, but ABC News allegedly rejected them.
“Once we lost that ability to speak and to control the narrative, it was done, and in the social media age, nothing we could do," he said, as Robach concluded, "Perception becomes reality.""After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News. We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions," an ABC spokesperson said in a statement at the time.
In an earlier episode of their podcast, Holmes admitted they were "angry as hell" after their exit but have since come to see the silver lining.Comedian Rob Schneider Rips Into Will Smith Over Oscars Slap, Calls Him A 'Complete Utter Fraud'
Rob Schneider is finally talking about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
In his no-holds-barred rant about the incident, the comedian called Smith a barrage of names and said that his action was a "deep, dark thing to do in front of all those people."
Rob Scheider also slammed the Academy Awards showrunners for not immediately punishing Will Smith, claiming that they feared they would be seen as "racist."
During his appearance on "The Kyle & Jackie O Show," Schneider held nothing back while giving his opinion about Smith's shocking act of slapping Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
The slap occurred after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett, who has alopecia, a medical condition resulting in hair loss.
Schneider told listeners that the "Bad Boys" actor was a "tw-t" and an "a--hole," adding that the incident made it clear to the world that Smith was not the nice guy he had portrayed himself to be.
Schneider also delivered more scathing remarks about the Hollywood star, claiming that he is a "liar" and a "complete, utter fraud."Speaking further, the 60-year-old admonished the actor for not caring that it was all in public and that his victim was someone who had helped pave the way for others before him.
Schneider said: "It's a deep, dark thing to do that in front of all those people and to a really great legendary comedian, who's literally the best comedian of our generation. You wouldn't have this whole wave of comedy that came after if it wasn't for Chris Rock. He's kicked open the doors."
Regarding why Schneider was just now sharing his opinion on the topic, the comedian revealed that he couldn't do so earlier due to a "sticky situation" at the time of the incident.He also criticized the Oscar committee for taking too long to punish Smith, a punishment that ultimately resulted in a 10-year ban from future award ceremonies.
To Schneider, the committee was acting "politically correct" and "cowardly," adding that if he had acted the way Smith did, he would have been "hauled off to prison."
Schneider also mentioned that they were really "worried" about being seen as racist, claiming that this was why they delayed punishing the actor.He continued, "The point is, violence is what it is. And whether the color of your skin or your religion, it doesn't matter if you commit a crime in front of other people, you get hauled out of there."
Nate Burleson to Host New Hollywood Squares – Featuring Drew Barrymore in the Center Square
CBS is bringing back the beloved game show “Hollywood Squares” with a fresh twist, featuring Drew Barrymore as the iconic center square and Nate Burleson stepping up as the host. Set to premiere in January, the show will air on Wednesdays following “The Price Is Right at Night” and “Raid the Cage.”
Nate Burleson, co-host of “CBS Mornings” since September 2021 and a renowned NFL studio analyst, will be guiding contestants through the fun and games. Burleson, who has seamlessly transitioned from an impressive 11-year NFL career to broadcasting, will bring his charismatic and engaging style to the show. His NFL career spanned the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions, making him a well-respected figure in both sports and media.
Drew Barrymore, the acclaimed actress and producer, will bring her charm and wit to the center square, promising to add a delightful twist to the game. “Hollywood Squares” is produced by Jesse Collins for Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore for Flower Films, ensuring a high-quality and entertaining revival.
Born on August 19, 1981, in Calgary, Alberta, Nate Burleson is a Canadian-born American television host, football commentator, and former NFL wide receiver. He played college football at the University of Nevada, earning first-team All-American honors in 2002. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2003, Burleson also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions before retiring in 2014 and moving into broadcasting. His work on CBS Sports and “CBS Mornings” has earned him two Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Analyst in 2021 and 2022.
Burleson is known for his versatility, engaging viewers on a wide range of topics beyond sports, including societal and political issues. He co-hosts Nickelodeon’s “NFL Slimetime” and contributes to Super Bowl coverage for both CBS and Nickelodeon. Off-screen, Burleson is married to Atoya Burleson, who hosts the podcast “inSIDELINES” and runs her own website. The couple has three children.
The original “Hollywood Squares” aired on NBC in the 1960s, debuting in its entirety in 1966. The revival promises to bring a fresh yet nostalgic experience to audiences, combining the engaging format of the original show with the dynamic personalities of Drew Barrymore and Nate Burleson. Fans can look forward to the show’s premiere in January, marking an exciting new chapter in the storied history of “Hollywood Squares.”
Jonathan Majors to Be Honored with Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards will take place on Friday, June 21 at 6pm PT at The Beverly Hilton and will be hosted by Tiffany Haddish.
The announcement was made by CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach during a Deadline-moderated panel at the Banff World Media Festival.
“Hollywood Squares” is a game where two contestants compete in a tic-tac-toe format to win money and prizes.
The board is a stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity who answers questions. Contestants win by correctly judging the legitimacy of the celebrities’ answers.Drew Barrymore, the acclaimed actress and producer, will bring her charm and wit to the center square, promising to add a delightful twist to the game. “Hollywood Squares” is produced by Jesse Collins for Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore for Flower Films, ensuring a high-quality and entertaining revival.
Jonathan Majors to Be Honored with Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
Jonathan Majors is set to receive the Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the award is “given to an individual who has shown that no matter what adversity they face, they will continue to aspire to inspire.”
Majors will be honored at the Los Angeles event on June 21. The award comes six months after his December conviction for third-degree reckless assault and harassment. As we reported earlier via CNN, he was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment.The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Majors and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.
In April, Majors was sentenced to a 52-week, in-person domestic violence intervention program. He was eligible for up to one year in jail based on his conviction.Jabbari delivered a victim impact statement, saying Majors caused her “extreme physical and emotional pain. I was small, scared and vulnerable, held tightly in his abusive hand,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, founded by Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee, recognizes “influencers, celebrities, and icons who have made a lasting effect on the culture. The award show highlights recipient contributions across the music, film, media, political, social and creative industries to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions for the Black community founded by CEO, culture critic, media personality, and TV star, Jason Lee,” per the news release.The year’s awards dinner will include special performances from Golden Globe nominated actress/singer Fantasia and Gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard.
Per the release, the event will recognize Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett with the Social Impact Award, Ben Crump with the Community Award, Da Brat & Jesseca Harris-Dupart with the Spirit Award, Christian Louboutin with the Innovation Award, Fat Joe with the Culture Award, and Cardi B with the Inspiration Award.EVENING GOODIES: Meet Daddy Keith
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