#MAGFAB: Damson Idris For British GQ
Damson Idris is off to the races. As he rocketed down the track at the Circuit of the Americas — a Formula One track in Austin, Texas — at 180 miles per hour, Damson Idris could feel it: the force, the power, the thrill. His helmet rattled around his head.
It sounds exhilarating, and also incredibly dangerous. Not that this seems to have ever phased him. Case in point: that other time in Austin when his car spun out so ferociously that he managed to clear three entire turns. “You know it’s an insane spin when you’re listing three turns,” he says. “I was like, this close to hitting the wall.”
I am a coward compared to Idris, because all I can offer in response is: You must’ve been terrified. But clearly not. “I landed straight, and I was like, ‘Wooooo!’” he says.
“I jumped out, and everyone was like, Now you’re a race car driver.”
Idris knew pretty early on that he’d have to drive for real to be in F1. The full-throttle blockbuster, out in June and co-starring Brad Pitt, is the follow-up project from Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, who famously put his actors in real-life jet planes for its sky-high flight sequences.
“The only question I asked Joe the first time we read [the script] was, “I saw Top Gun. These guys were flying the planes for real. What’s going on with this film? CGI? Green screen?” He was like, “No, you and Brad are gonna be driving for real,” Idris recalls. “I had to put on my best poker face.”
By the time Idris was deep into work on F1, he would go to bed imagining tracks like Silverstone, picturing straights and turns that he had completed dozens and dozens of times. “I’d see Maggotts and Becketts [a famous sequence of corners at Silverstone],” he says. He really did learn his way around the tracks: Rockingham, Silverstone, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. “We’d sometimes do 30 laps a day, just going around, trying to get faster,” he says.
The 33-year-old actor is calling in via Zoom from South Africa, where it’s just after lunchtime. The night before he had been up until 4 a.m. on the set of Children of Blood and Bone, the new film from Gina Prince-Bythewood, whose stock soared following the release of 2022 actioner The Woman King.
With the megawatt star power of Pitt, hands-on support from racing demigod Lewis Hamilton, and budgetary backing to the reported tune of $300 million, F1 stands to be a marked step up for Idris. Not that he doesn’t already enjoy his fair share of recognition: For six years, he was the lead in Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton’s TV series Snowfall, playing an L.A. drug dealer who rises the ranks against the backdrop of the ‘80s crack epidemic. Many will also know him for his Black Mirror episode “Smithereens,” in which he plays a worker at a social media firm who is kidnapped by an irate Uber driver. Nevertheless, insofar as the scale of public scrutiny goes, F1 is likely to be an entirely different kettle of fish.
“I’m a very spiritual, prayerful person,” he says of the exposure, for better or worse, that F1 bodes. “I live by the saying that, You have to prepare today for what you may need or be in 20 years. So I always knew this was coming. I just take the responsibility, and I’m ready to be a leader, I’m ready to inspire, and I’m ready to continue on this journey.”
Idris first met with Kosinski at the director's office in 2022. He returned a year later, he says, when he was put in a dark room to read the script under lock and key. Soon thereafter, he flew to London, where he read the script again with Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and casting director Lucy Bevan. Then came the exciting part. “It became apparent to me that [my acting ability] wasn’t their main concern,” he says. “They knew of my work, they trusted me.” What they wanted was a greater sense of was his skill on the track. So, on a rainy day in Bedford, Idris was put behind the wheel — not that they needed him to come off like a seasoned pro from day one.
“They always knew that I was gonna be able to train before filming,” he says. “So it was more about [my] maturity and patience to get better. Those are the qualities they were looking for, and I think that’s what they saw in me.”
Growing up in South London, Idris wanted to be a footballer, and hit semi-pro level before he chose instead to pursue acting in his early 20s. He credits this period as imbuing him with the determination and bravery that enabled him to take on the challenge of a film like F1 — which came bundled with the intimidating prospect of having to drive at death-defying speeds in front of thousands of people.
“I read something the other day that, the fundamentals you get from training as an athlete, whether you make it or not, can definitely be applied to whatever you decide to do in life,” he says. “It was like, Okay, here’s a challenge. Let’s face it head on. Let’s put our heads down, and really disappear into this world, [and] into this sport.”
What sort of footballer was he? A centre-midfield hybrid of Pogba and Ronaldinho, he says, which I take to mean that he had the strength and the tekkers. “My mother was my biggest football supporter. She could see the dollar signs. Because I was really good, man,” he says. Nevertheless, the margins at the top level of the sport are razor thin; so many factors have to coalesce for even the biggest ballers to go pro.
“I remember being 18 or 19 when it started to hit me. I think Messi was around 24 at the time, maybe 23. And I was like, I’m so far behind this man’s ability,” he says. “But that failure gave me such tough skin. When I was rejected after audition, audition, audition, I was like, This is nowhere near as bad as not making it in football.”
To describe that period as a “failure” strikes me as a bit harsh. “Failure is a tough word," he says. "But I see failure as a positive thing, funny enough. To me, it’s a lesson. And without failure, you can’t really embrace and enjoy success."
Besides which, it’s not as though acting in a Brad Pitt movie is a downgrade. And he reckons that, at some point, we’ll be able to see him on the pitch. “I was supposed to do Soccer Aid this year, and last year, and the year before,” he says, but such plans have so far fallen apart for various boring reasons — work, insurance, yada yada. “But when I do eventually do Soccer Aid… I can’t wait to nutmeg Kaka.”
Football aside, any working actor can relate to the cutthroat professional competition of a sport like Formula One. “Your biggest competition is your partner, [and] it’s kind of like that in acting,” he says. “I’m friends with so many actors, and we go up for the same parts, and we love each other. But deep down, we know, if I get it, you don’t. And if you get it, I don’t.”
In keeping with that competitive spirit on the F1 shoot, Idris kept a close eye on Pitt’s lap times. “Every time I wanted to beat him, every time,” he says. “He probably wasn’t [as competitive]. Maybe he was asking for my lap times privately, but I was asking for his publicly.” By Idris’ own admission, Pitt did have his number in at least one regard: he was much quicker at pulling out of the garage. “He could get out so swiftly, like a real Formula One driver,” he says. “But me, I would pull out like a Prius.”
Idris hopes that, at some point soon, he’ll be able to get behind the wheel again. “I definitely miss it. I’ve been soft pitching this idea of starting a charity where a bunch of actors and drivers get into cars and race,” he says. “Maybe we can cap it at 40 miles per hour, you know.” Otherwise, he’s happy enough to be going back to spectator mode. “I’m excited to continue to watch these races, and see how this beautiful sport continues to grow.”
As for his film work, expect speculation around Idris’ franchise future to continue apace. Rumours have flown for years that he will be the next T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if and when Marvel opt to recast the late Chadwick Boseman. He has also been one of the names bandied around to be Daniel Craig’s Bond successor. How does it feel when those rumours crop up?
“I always just see it as evidence that there are people out there who appreciate my work, so I’m always just flattered,” he says. “As my career goes on, who knows? Maybe those characters will come into my space. Maybe they won’t. Either way, I’ll be at the cinema supporting whoever does play them.”
But would he be actively interested in either of them? “...Maybe,” he says, after a long pause, followed by a big laugh.
Right now, Bond and Marvel can wait. He has Children of Blood and Bone to shoot. “It’s spectacle, it’s action-filled. There’s so much heart to it,” he says of the film, an adaptation of the 2018 novel by Tomi Adeyemi. Part of the appeal, Idris says, was to be in a movie set in Africa. “I wanted to play an African, because that is my heritage, of course,” he says. “And when you look at the cast in this” — a smorgasbord of Black talent from Idris to Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis — “we don’t often get to see all of that on screen, probably since Panther. So I wanted to be part of that.”
And, of course, we’re about a month out from the release of F1, the consummation of years of effort: drifting, spinning, heavily publicised shoots at internationally renowned race tracks, the works. What has the experience taught Idris about himself?
“There’s this amazing De Niro quote. He goes, ‘I’ve seen people come, I’ve seen people go. When things are amazing, just stay calm. Be wary,’” he says, paraphrasing the veteran actor during a roundtable interview. “This moment is an amazing moment, but there are highs and lows.”
Idris is level-headed enough at this stage of his career to enjoy the journey. "[It’s about being] in the present… How the GOATs speak of being at the top of the mountain, and what it actually feels like, is just the best game I could receive,” he says. “I don’t need to rush anything.”
It sounds exhilarating, and also incredibly dangerous. Not that this seems to have ever phased him. Case in point: that other time in Austin when his car spun out so ferociously that he managed to clear three entire turns. “You know it’s an insane spin when you’re listing three turns,” he says. “I was like, this close to hitting the wall.”
“I jumped out, and everyone was like, Now you’re a race car driver.”
Idris knew pretty early on that he’d have to drive for real to be in F1. The full-throttle blockbuster, out in June and co-starring Brad Pitt, is the follow-up project from Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, who famously put his actors in real-life jet planes for its sky-high flight sequences.
“The only question I asked Joe the first time we read [the script] was, “I saw Top Gun. These guys were flying the planes for real. What’s going on with this film? CGI? Green screen?” He was like, “No, you and Brad are gonna be driving for real,” Idris recalls. “I had to put on my best poker face.”
The 33-year-old actor is calling in via Zoom from South Africa, where it’s just after lunchtime. The night before he had been up until 4 a.m. on the set of Children of Blood and Bone, the new film from Gina Prince-Bythewood, whose stock soared following the release of 2022 actioner The Woman King.
With the megawatt star power of Pitt, hands-on support from racing demigod Lewis Hamilton, and budgetary backing to the reported tune of $300 million, F1 stands to be a marked step up for Idris. Not that he doesn’t already enjoy his fair share of recognition: For six years, he was the lead in Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton’s TV series Snowfall, playing an L.A. drug dealer who rises the ranks against the backdrop of the ‘80s crack epidemic. Many will also know him for his Black Mirror episode “Smithereens,” in which he plays a worker at a social media firm who is kidnapped by an irate Uber driver. Nevertheless, insofar as the scale of public scrutiny goes, F1 is likely to be an entirely different kettle of fish.
“I’m a very spiritual, prayerful person,” he says of the exposure, for better or worse, that F1 bodes. “I live by the saying that, You have to prepare today for what you may need or be in 20 years. So I always knew this was coming. I just take the responsibility, and I’m ready to be a leader, I’m ready to inspire, and I’m ready to continue on this journey.”
Idris first met with Kosinski at the director's office in 2022. He returned a year later, he says, when he was put in a dark room to read the script under lock and key. Soon thereafter, he flew to London, where he read the script again with Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and casting director Lucy Bevan. Then came the exciting part. “It became apparent to me that [my acting ability] wasn’t their main concern,” he says. “They knew of my work, they trusted me.” What they wanted was a greater sense of was his skill on the track. So, on a rainy day in Bedford, Idris was put behind the wheel — not that they needed him to come off like a seasoned pro from day one.
Growing up in South London, Idris wanted to be a footballer, and hit semi-pro level before he chose instead to pursue acting in his early 20s. He credits this period as imbuing him with the determination and bravery that enabled him to take on the challenge of a film like F1 — which came bundled with the intimidating prospect of having to drive at death-defying speeds in front of thousands of people.
“I read something the other day that, the fundamentals you get from training as an athlete, whether you make it or not, can definitely be applied to whatever you decide to do in life,” he says. “It was like, Okay, here’s a challenge. Let’s face it head on. Let’s put our heads down, and really disappear into this world, [and] into this sport.”
What sort of footballer was he? A centre-midfield hybrid of Pogba and Ronaldinho, he says, which I take to mean that he had the strength and the tekkers. “My mother was my biggest football supporter. She could see the dollar signs. Because I was really good, man,” he says. Nevertheless, the margins at the top level of the sport are razor thin; so many factors have to coalesce for even the biggest ballers to go pro.
“I remember being 18 or 19 when it started to hit me. I think Messi was around 24 at the time, maybe 23. And I was like, I’m so far behind this man’s ability,” he says. “But that failure gave me such tough skin. When I was rejected after audition, audition, audition, I was like, This is nowhere near as bad as not making it in football.”
To describe that period as a “failure” strikes me as a bit harsh. “Failure is a tough word," he says. "But I see failure as a positive thing, funny enough. To me, it’s a lesson. And without failure, you can’t really embrace and enjoy success."
Besides which, it’s not as though acting in a Brad Pitt movie is a downgrade. And he reckons that, at some point, we’ll be able to see him on the pitch. “I was supposed to do Soccer Aid this year, and last year, and the year before,” he says, but such plans have so far fallen apart for various boring reasons — work, insurance, yada yada. “But when I do eventually do Soccer Aid… I can’t wait to nutmeg Kaka.”
Football aside, any working actor can relate to the cutthroat professional competition of a sport like Formula One. “Your biggest competition is your partner, [and] it’s kind of like that in acting,” he says. “I’m friends with so many actors, and we go up for the same parts, and we love each other. But deep down, we know, if I get it, you don’t. And if you get it, I don’t.”
In keeping with that competitive spirit on the F1 shoot, Idris kept a close eye on Pitt’s lap times. “Every time I wanted to beat him, every time,” he says. “He probably wasn’t [as competitive]. Maybe he was asking for my lap times privately, but I was asking for his publicly.” By Idris’ own admission, Pitt did have his number in at least one regard: he was much quicker at pulling out of the garage. “He could get out so swiftly, like a real Formula One driver,” he says. “But me, I would pull out like a Prius.”
Idris hopes that, at some point soon, he’ll be able to get behind the wheel again. “I definitely miss it. I’ve been soft pitching this idea of starting a charity where a bunch of actors and drivers get into cars and race,” he says. “Maybe we can cap it at 40 miles per hour, you know.” Otherwise, he’s happy enough to be going back to spectator mode. “I’m excited to continue to watch these races, and see how this beautiful sport continues to grow.”
As for his film work, expect speculation around Idris’ franchise future to continue apace. Rumours have flown for years that he will be the next T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if and when Marvel opt to recast the late Chadwick Boseman. He has also been one of the names bandied around to be Daniel Craig’s Bond successor. How does it feel when those rumours crop up?
“I always just see it as evidence that there are people out there who appreciate my work, so I’m always just flattered,” he says. “As my career goes on, who knows? Maybe those characters will come into my space. Maybe they won’t. Either way, I’ll be at the cinema supporting whoever does play them.”
But would he be actively interested in either of them? “...Maybe,” he says, after a long pause, followed by a big laugh.
Right now, Bond and Marvel can wait. He has Children of Blood and Bone to shoot. “It’s spectacle, it’s action-filled. There’s so much heart to it,” he says of the film, an adaptation of the 2018 novel by Tomi Adeyemi. Part of the appeal, Idris says, was to be in a movie set in Africa. “I wanted to play an African, because that is my heritage, of course,” he says. “And when you look at the cast in this” — a smorgasbord of Black talent from Idris to Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis — “we don’t often get to see all of that on screen, probably since Panther. So I wanted to be part of that.”
And, of course, we’re about a month out from the release of F1, the consummation of years of effort: drifting, spinning, heavily publicised shoots at internationally renowned race tracks, the works. What has the experience taught Idris about himself?
“There’s this amazing De Niro quote. He goes, ‘I’ve seen people come, I’ve seen people go. When things are amazing, just stay calm. Be wary,’” he says, paraphrasing the veteran actor during a roundtable interview. “This moment is an amazing moment, but there are highs and lows.”
Idris is level-headed enough at this stage of his career to enjoy the journey. "[It’s about being] in the present… How the GOATs speak of being at the top of the mountain, and what it actually feels like, is just the best game I could receive,” he says. “I don’t need to rush anything.”
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes labeled 'transphobic' over Ts Madison interview, revealing she won't date men who sleep with trans women
Real Housewives of Atlanta alum NeNe Leakes has drawn criticism online after a recent conversation with actress, RuPaul's Drag Race judge, and trans media personality Ts Madison saw her reveal that she doesn't want to date a man who sleeps with transgender women.
In the discussion, which occurred as part of an interview on The NeNe Leakes Show talk series, the pair exchanged views on dating, with Leakes asking Madison, "Do you only know gay men?" after the Bros actress asked if Leakes would date someone in Madison's social circle.
"I don't date gay men," Madison clarified, to which Leakes responded, "When you guys be saying that, that's real weird, because what do you mean you don't date gay men? Because if he's sleeping with you and sleeping with a woman, he's something."
Madison clarified that "if a man comes in here and he looks at me and you, well, he likes women," though Leakes pushed back, saying that she felt, in that scenario, it's "because he doesn't know" that a trans woman is trans.
"And if he does know, he likes women," Madison reiterated, prompting Leakes to ask, "What is he? He's bisexual?"
After Madison explained that sexuality also includes pan people, who are interested in all genders, and that many men are pan, Leakes said, "I don't want to run into them, I don't want to date him. I need you to like Hello Kitty, all the time."
Madison reminded Leakes that "there's a possibility in your life that he's been with something" if Leakes has indeed only dated men her entire life. "I know that women consider trans women men because we were born male," Madison continued, "but there's a difference between being a man and male."
Leakes then inquired about Madison's body when she observed, "But you, you have your parts. So, he could love you and think you're so beautiful and want to sleep with you," later asking, "But, does he know it's there?"
"He knows it's there, I'm not hiding it," Madison replied, with Leakes reacting by admitting, "That doesn't make any sense to me."
Leakes again stressed that she wouldn't want to sleep with a man interested in both, because, as she said, "he's not telling me the truth."
Madison said that it's important to "make men comfortable to say they find things [attractive] outside of what society [accepts]," and advised that "all women should be taking" PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV.
After Leakes' words drew criticism online, Madison clarified on X that the exchange was not a contentious one, writing, "Fighting with ne ne Leakes? Over MY identity? Two people sittin down discussing attraction and Dating was fighting?…………. Uuuuuh okay," hours after she posted a lengthy explainer elaborating on some of the points she made in the taped interview.
Still, Leakes received pushback on social media.
"Nene Leakes being a transphobic bigot on camera in front of TS Madison just irked my soul. That woman was never for us," one user wrote on X in reaction to the interview, while another added, "Nene wants to maintain a false sense of privilege and refuses to acknowledge that what men are attracted to when they see her, and TS Madison, is the same thing. Femininity doesn't belong exclusively to cisgendered women, and the insecure amongst us can't take that. Trans women are women."
Others defended Leakes, with one user noting that "Nene is allowed to not want a man who loves transwomen," adding that it "doesn’t mean she’s transphobic" if so.
Other comments under the interview on YouTube praised Madison for her willingness to explain things to Leakes: "TS Madison is so patient for explaining and educating NeNe on gender, sexuality, and attraction," said one commenter, with another writing, "She was so patient and nonconfrontational about explaining and educating Nene and us."
In the discussion, which occurred as part of an interview on The NeNe Leakes Show talk series, the pair exchanged views on dating, with Leakes asking Madison, "Do you only know gay men?" after the Bros actress asked if Leakes would date someone in Madison's social circle.
"I don't date gay men," Madison clarified, to which Leakes responded, "When you guys be saying that, that's real weird, because what do you mean you don't date gay men? Because if he's sleeping with you and sleeping with a woman, he's something."
Madison clarified that "if a man comes in here and he looks at me and you, well, he likes women," though Leakes pushed back, saying that she felt, in that scenario, it's "because he doesn't know" that a trans woman is trans.
"And if he does know, he likes women," Madison reiterated, prompting Leakes to ask, "What is he? He's bisexual?"
After Madison explained that sexuality also includes pan people, who are interested in all genders, and that many men are pan, Leakes said, "I don't want to run into them, I don't want to date him. I need you to like Hello Kitty, all the time."
Madison reminded Leakes that "there's a possibility in your life that he's been with something" if Leakes has indeed only dated men her entire life. "I know that women consider trans women men because we were born male," Madison continued, "but there's a difference between being a man and male."
Leakes then inquired about Madison's body when she observed, "But you, you have your parts. So, he could love you and think you're so beautiful and want to sleep with you," later asking, "But, does he know it's there?"
"He knows it's there, I'm not hiding it," Madison replied, with Leakes reacting by admitting, "That doesn't make any sense to me."
Leakes again stressed that she wouldn't want to sleep with a man interested in both, because, as she said, "he's not telling me the truth."
Madison said that it's important to "make men comfortable to say they find things [attractive] outside of what society [accepts]," and advised that "all women should be taking" PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV.
After Leakes' words drew criticism online, Madison clarified on X that the exchange was not a contentious one, writing, "Fighting with ne ne Leakes? Over MY identity? Two people sittin down discussing attraction and Dating was fighting?…………. Uuuuuh okay," hours after she posted a lengthy explainer elaborating on some of the points she made in the taped interview.
Still, Leakes received pushback on social media.
"Nene Leakes being a transphobic bigot on camera in front of TS Madison just irked my soul. That woman was never for us," one user wrote on X in reaction to the interview, while another added, "Nene wants to maintain a false sense of privilege and refuses to acknowledge that what men are attracted to when they see her, and TS Madison, is the same thing. Femininity doesn't belong exclusively to cisgendered women, and the insecure amongst us can't take that. Trans women are women."
Others defended Leakes, with one user noting that "Nene is allowed to not want a man who loves transwomen," adding that it "doesn’t mean she’s transphobic" if so.
Other comments under the interview on YouTube praised Madison for her willingness to explain things to Leakes: "TS Madison is so patient for explaining and educating NeNe on gender, sexuality, and attraction," said one commenter, with another writing, "She was so patient and nonconfrontational about explaining and educating Nene and us."
#NewMusic from Noel Gourdin Releases New Album “Back To Basics, Vol. 1”
Check out the brand new project from veteran R&B/Soul singer Noel Gourdin called “Back To Basics, Vol. 1”.
This is the first new album from Noel Gourdin in over a decade. He last released his third album “City Heart, Southern Soul” back in 2014.
STREAM HERE:
Although he’s been active with releasing a string over singles in recent years, it’s exciting to see him re-emerge with a full length project. Some of those recently released singles ended up on this album, including “Getcha”, “Celebration”, and “You (I’m Ready)”.
Although he’s been active with releasing a string over singles in recent years, it’s exciting to see him re-emerge with a full length project. Some of those recently released singles ended up on this album, including “Getcha”, “Celebration”, and “You (I’m Ready)”.
#HipHopNews: Wiz Khalifa Marks 15 Years Of ‘Kush & Orange Juice’ With Emotional “Tiny Desk Concert” Set
The performance featured tracks from both the original mixtape and its sequel, blending nostalgia with growth.
Wiz Khalifa ended the set in tears, delivering a raw moment that captured the emotional weight of his journey.
Wiz Khalifa stepped into NPR’s Tiny Desk and turned it into a smoky, soulful 15-year celebration of Kush & Orange Juice, the mixtape that helped define his sound and launched him into rap’s blog era spotlight. The performance was part of NPR’s Black Music Month programming, spotlighting albums that shaped culture and continue to resonate today.
WATCH:
Originally released in 2010, Kush & Orange Juice fused laid-back production with a lifestyle-first approach that became a signature for the Pittsburgh native. For this late anniversary celebration, he curated a live set that pulled from both the original mixtape and his recent follow-up, Kush & Orange Juice 2. The sequel builds on the original’s energy with a more mature edge, and the two projects sat comfortably side by side in this live reimagining.
Wiz Khalifa’s band brought a hometown feel and familiar chemistry. With DJ Bonics on turntables, Kenneth Wright as music director and bassist, Uncle Bubz on keys, Russell Gelman-Sheehan on guitar and Kendall Lewis on drums, the group worked through a six-song set that included “Mezmorized,” “Never Been” and “Red Eye,” to name a few.
The energy in the room felt tight from the start. Wiz Khalifa kept his focus on the music and stayed mostly silent between songs. NPR staff even stepped in after a few tracks to remind him it was okay to interact with the crowd, but he remained distant — until the final song. After “Crime Bud and Women,” the rapper turned to the room, wiped tears from his face, and delivered his only words of the set aimed toward the audience: “You made me cry. F**k y’all.”
The emotion wasn’t forced or overplayed at all. It came through naturally, wrapping the set in something more raw than celebratory. A mixtape that once moved through dorm rooms and smoke-filled basements now lives in a different space, reimagined with live instrumentation and decades of perspective behind it.
Originally released in 2010, Kush & Orange Juice fused laid-back production with a lifestyle-first approach that became a signature for the Pittsburgh native. For this late anniversary celebration, he curated a live set that pulled from both the original mixtape and his recent follow-up, Kush & Orange Juice 2. The sequel builds on the original’s energy with a more mature edge, and the two projects sat comfortably side by side in this live reimagining.
Wiz Khalifa’s band brought a hometown feel and familiar chemistry. With DJ Bonics on turntables, Kenneth Wright as music director and bassist, Uncle Bubz on keys, Russell Gelman-Sheehan on guitar and Kendall Lewis on drums, the group worked through a six-song set that included “Mezmorized,” “Never Been” and “Red Eye,” to name a few.
The energy in the room felt tight from the start. Wiz Khalifa kept his focus on the music and stayed mostly silent between songs. NPR staff even stepped in after a few tracks to remind him it was okay to interact with the crowd, but he remained distant — until the final song. After “Crime Bud and Women,” the rapper turned to the room, wiped tears from his face, and delivered his only words of the set aimed toward the audience: “You made me cry. F**k y’all.”
The emotion wasn’t forced or overplayed at all. It came through naturally, wrapping the set in something more raw than celebratory. A mixtape that once moved through dorm rooms and smoke-filled basements now lives in a different space, reimagined with live instrumentation and decades of perspective behind it.
Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ and Talk Show Host, Dies at 52
Ananda Lewis has died at the age of 52. The former MTV VJ's sister Lakshmi announced news of her death in a Facebook post shared on Wednesday, June 11.
"She’s free, and in His heavenly arms," she wrote, alongside a series of broken heart emojis and a black and white portrait of Lewis. "Lord, rest her soul 🙏🏽"
Lewis became well known in 1997 when she was hired to be one of MTV’s VJs, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. In 1999, The New York Times dubbed her “the hip-hop generation's reigning It Girl.” She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.
Lewis revealed in a 2020 Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She said that she had not been getting regular mammograms because of her fear of radiation. In October 2024, Lewis took part in a roundtable discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam (her friend from college) and CNN anchor Sara Sidner in which she revealed that she went against medical advice and did not have a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed. Her tumor had metastasized, and her cancer had progressed to stage IV, she shared.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” Lewis said. “I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way. . . . I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.”
In an essay she published in Essence in January, Lewis emphasized that "prevention is the real cure" for cancer, and urged women to pay attention to their bodies.
"We're not meant to stay here forever. We come to this life, have experiences — and then we go," she wrote. "Being real about that with yourself changes how you choose to live. I don't want to spend one more minute than I have to suffering unnecessarily. That, for me, is not the quality of life I'm interested in. When it's time for me to go, I want to be able to look back on my life and say, 'I did that exactly how I wanted to.'"
Lewis was born in Los Angeles in 1973. Her parents divorced when she was 2, and she and her sister, Lakshmi, moved with her mother to live with their grandmother in San Diego. In 1999, Lewis opened up to Teen People about her difficult relationship with her mother as a child and teenager.
“Mom was overwhelmed from the get-go, devastated by the divorce and working hard to support two kids,” she said. But Lewis felt neglected and “built up a lot of resentment toward her.”
Ananda Lewis has died at the age of 52. The former MTV VJ's sister Lakshmi announced news of her death in a Facebook post shared on Wednesday, June 11.
"She’s free, and in His heavenly arms," she wrote, alongside a series of broken heart emojis and a black and white portrait of Lewis. "Lord, rest her soul 🙏🏽"
Lewis became well known in 1997 when she was hired to be one of MTV’s VJs, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. In 1999, The New York Times dubbed her “the hip-hop generation's reigning It Girl.” She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.
Lewis revealed in a 2020 Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She said that she had not been getting regular mammograms because of her fear of radiation. In October 2024, Lewis took part in a roundtable discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam (her friend from college) and CNN anchor Sara Sidner in which she revealed that she went against medical advice and did not have a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed. Her tumor had metastasized, and her cancer had progressed to stage IV, she shared.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” Lewis said. “I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way. . . . I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.”
In an essay she published in Essence in January, Lewis emphasized that "prevention is the real cure" for cancer, and urged women to pay attention to their bodies.
"We're not meant to stay here forever. We come to this life, have experiences — and then we go," she wrote. "Being real about that with yourself changes how you choose to live. I don't want to spend one more minute than I have to suffering unnecessarily. That, for me, is not the quality of life I'm interested in. When it's time for me to go, I want to be able to look back on my life and say, 'I did that exactly how I wanted to.'"
Lewis was born in Los Angeles in 1973. Her parents divorced when she was 2, and she and her sister, Lakshmi, moved with her mother to live with their grandmother in San Diego. In 1999, Lewis opened up to Teen People about her difficult relationship with her mother as a child and teenager.
“Mom was overwhelmed from the get-go, devastated by the divorce and working hard to support two kids,” she said. But Lewis felt neglected and “built up a lot of resentment toward her.”
“By the time I was 10, I'd become a belligerent, rebellious kid, and my mother and I were fighting about everything,” she explained.
She attended an arts high school and spent her time in school plays and volunteering. After graduating from Howard University in 1995, she landed a job as the host of BET’s Teen Summit, which filmed in D.C. In one episode, she interviewed then First Lady Hillary Clinton.
“That experience got me noticed at MTV and in August of 1997, I moved to New York and started working there,” she told Teen People. Months earlier, in December 1996, she had reconciled with her mother after a period of estrangement. “I decided to close the chapter on being hateful and resentful toward my mom and open a new one that focused on love, forgiveness and appreciation for her,” she explained.
Lewis became one of MTV’s most popular hosts. ''In the past, our talent was sometimes just pretty people who could read cue cards,'' Bob Kusbit, then MTV's senior vice president for production told The New York Times in 1999 about her talents. ''But when we brought Ananda to MTV, we decided we were going to do a lot more live television, and I was first and foremost interested in her ability to do live TV.''
Lewis interviewed celebrities including Destiny’s Child, Brandy, NSYNC, Britney Spears and many more. She also ended up covering heavier topics for the network, including violence in schools and the 2001 death of Aaliyah, who was her close friend.
In 2000, PEOPLE named Lewis one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. She also made frequent appearances at celebrity events. Even Prince was a vocal fan; he told The New York Times, “Ananda is Cleopatra. You know she's a queen.”
Lewis left her MTV role in 2001 and began hosting her eponymous talk show. "I wanted a change," she told Teen People at the time. "It was a matter of proving to myself that I can do [this]." The series — which premiered Sept. 10, 2001 — lasted one season.
Reflecting on the series to Shondaland, Lewis said, “I wish I had stopped the people that wanted me to do the [talk] show and said, ‘Not yet, it’s a little too early to do this.’ It was overkill for me.” She said she wasn’t happy with the show, explaining, “It wasn’t what I felt like I signed up for.”
Lewis took a break from television and later appeared as a host on The Insider, a spin-off of Entertainment Tonight. She also appeared on the reality series Celebrity Mole: Yucatán and hosted A&E’s America's Top Dog and TLC’s While You Were Out. Lewis also became a contractor and carpenter
MTV News shut down in 2023. Lewis reflected in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, "A pillar of creative and diverse speech is crumbling. MTV News covered things no one else could. We could get inside the trailer with DMX and Korn as they were taking historic concert stages. Artists trusted MTV News to tell their stories."
She added: "Even though I was technically a VJ, I did many specials with MTV News and know firsthand what a huge loss this is for the culture of music and all who love it."
In 2011, Lewis welcomed son Langston with Harry Smith, brother of Will Smith.
Lewis is survived by her son.
She attended an arts high school and spent her time in school plays and volunteering. After graduating from Howard University in 1995, she landed a job as the host of BET’s Teen Summit, which filmed in D.C. In one episode, she interviewed then First Lady Hillary Clinton.
“That experience got me noticed at MTV and in August of 1997, I moved to New York and started working there,” she told Teen People. Months earlier, in December 1996, she had reconciled with her mother after a period of estrangement. “I decided to close the chapter on being hateful and resentful toward my mom and open a new one that focused on love, forgiveness and appreciation for her,” she explained.
Lewis became one of MTV’s most popular hosts. ''In the past, our talent was sometimes just pretty people who could read cue cards,'' Bob Kusbit, then MTV's senior vice president for production told The New York Times in 1999 about her talents. ''But when we brought Ananda to MTV, we decided we were going to do a lot more live television, and I was first and foremost interested in her ability to do live TV.''
Lewis interviewed celebrities including Destiny’s Child, Brandy, NSYNC, Britney Spears and many more. She also ended up covering heavier topics for the network, including violence in schools and the 2001 death of Aaliyah, who was her close friend.
In 2000, PEOPLE named Lewis one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. She also made frequent appearances at celebrity events. Even Prince was a vocal fan; he told The New York Times, “Ananda is Cleopatra. You know she's a queen.”
Lewis left her MTV role in 2001 and began hosting her eponymous talk show. "I wanted a change," she told Teen People at the time. "It was a matter of proving to myself that I can do [this]." The series — which premiered Sept. 10, 2001 — lasted one season.
Reflecting on the series to Shondaland, Lewis said, “I wish I had stopped the people that wanted me to do the [talk] show and said, ‘Not yet, it’s a little too early to do this.’ It was overkill for me.” She said she wasn’t happy with the show, explaining, “It wasn’t what I felt like I signed up for.”
Lewis took a break from television and later appeared as a host on The Insider, a spin-off of Entertainment Tonight. She also appeared on the reality series Celebrity Mole: Yucatán and hosted A&E’s America's Top Dog and TLC’s While You Were Out. Lewis also became a contractor and carpenter
MTV News shut down in 2023. Lewis reflected in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, "A pillar of creative and diverse speech is crumbling. MTV News covered things no one else could. We could get inside the trailer with DMX and Korn as they were taking historic concert stages. Artists trusted MTV News to tell their stories."
She added: "Even though I was technically a VJ, I did many specials with MTV News and know firsthand what a huge loss this is for the culture of music and all who love it."
In 2011, Lewis welcomed son Langston with Harry Smith, brother of Will Smith.
Lewis is survived by her son.
#OOOPS K. Michelle Checks Interviewer Who Claimed She “Didn’t Grow Up In Country Music”
K. Michelle, known as Puddin’ in the world of country music, had to put an interviewer in check recently after they attempted to claim that she “didn’t grow up with country music.”
“I did grow up in country music. You do this all the time,” said the Memphis native. She spoke on her Southern roots and shared how she even got a college scholarship for yodeling. “My start, to you, has been when the Judd [family] reached out to me to go pay Naomi Judd tribute,” she explained.
She was referring to her 2023 performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge” with Jelly Roll at the 57th Annual County Music Association Awards.
The former R&B songstress noted that country music has “always been a thing for me.” She even shared, “I was told I could not sing country music because I was Black, but it was something I had always been doing and will continue to do.”
Of her appearance at the 2025 CMA Fest, where this interview took place, K. Michelle noted, “I’m born and raised in Tennessee. I didn’t fly here. I grew here.”
Going back to country music, she shared, “I am so happy to be able to sing the songs of who I am and what it is I want to. So, I’m happy that people like you are just discovering me though.”
When the interviewer tried to backpedal and state that K. Michelle was unknown on contemporary country radio, she fired back, “Well, you don’t hear a lot of women in contemporary radio, period, right now. And you really don’t hear Black ones, but you will.”
Puddin’s “Outlaw Music” is coming soon, but her debut country single, “Tennessee,” is out now. She signed with BMG Nashville in 2024.
“I did grow up in country music. You do this all the time,” said the Memphis native. She spoke on her Southern roots and shared how she even got a college scholarship for yodeling. “My start, to you, has been when the Judd [family] reached out to me to go pay Naomi Judd tribute,” she explained.
She was referring to her 2023 performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge” with Jelly Roll at the 57th Annual County Music Association Awards.
The former R&B songstress noted that country music has “always been a thing for me.” She even shared, “I was told I could not sing country music because I was Black, but it was something I had always been doing and will continue to do.”
Of her appearance at the 2025 CMA Fest, where this interview took place, K. Michelle noted, “I’m born and raised in Tennessee. I didn’t fly here. I grew here.”
Going back to country music, she shared, “I am so happy to be able to sing the songs of who I am and what it is I want to. So, I’m happy that people like you are just discovering me though.”
When the interviewer tried to backpedal and state that K. Michelle was unknown on contemporary country radio, she fired back, “Well, you don’t hear a lot of women in contemporary radio, period, right now. And you really don’t hear Black ones, but you will.”
Puddin’s “Outlaw Music” is coming soon, but her debut country single, “Tennessee,” is out now. She signed with BMG Nashville in 2024.
Disney, Universal File First Major Studio Copyright Lawsuit Against A.I. Company: “Piracy Is Piracy”
Navigating the rise of A.I. and its use in entertainment has consisted of grey areas and controversies, but now, major Hollywood players are taking official steps towards legal regulation. On Wednesday (June 11), Disney and NBCUniversal filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, a generative A.I. start-up, alleging copyright infringement.
In the complaint, the companies claim that Midjourney’s own website “displays hundreds, if not thousands, of images generated by its Image Service at the request of its subscribers that infringe Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works.” Disney and NBCU alleges the artificial intelligence company “helped itself to countless” copyrighted works to train its software and called their actions a “bottomless pit of plagiarism.”
The suit references images of Midjourney allegedly infringing on intellectual property, citing examples from of Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine, Universal‘s Minions from the Despicable Me film franchise, and more. The move marks the first time a major Hollywood studio has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit of this kind.
The Universal logo is seen on a screen onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 10, 2024. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
“By helping itself to Plaintiffs’ copyrighted works, and then distributing images (and soon videos) that blatantly incorporate and copy Disney’s and Universal’s famous characters — without investing a penny in their creation — Midjourney is the quintessential copyright free-rider and a bottomless pit of plagiarism,” Disney and NBCU said in the lawsuit. “Piracy is piracy, and whether an infringing image or video is made with AI or another technology does not make it any less infringing. Midjourney’s conduct misappropriates Disney’s and Universal’s intellectual property and threatens to upend the bedrock incentives of U.S. copyright law that drive American leadership in movies, television, and other creative arts.”
Disney and NBCU are seeking unspecified monetary damages and aim to restrict Midjourney from infringing on their copyrighted works. Read a copy of the full lawsuit here.
Midjourney sells subscriptions to consumers priced at $10-$120 per month, according to Disney and NBCU, so that users can “view and download copies and derivatives of Plaintiffs’ valuable copyrighted characters.” The major media companies also say there is no room for blurred lines with this situation, writing, “This case is not a ‘close call’ under well-settled copyright law.”
The use of A.I., specifically in reference to creating art and entertainment, has continued to elicite polarizing views. Most recently, Timbaland announced he started an A.I. label, Stage Zero, and even signed his first A.I. artist named TaTa. After receiving backlash, the legendary producer circled back by opening the floor to a discussion about his decision to embrace artificial intelligence in this space.
“Let’s have real conversation,” he said. “I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore. And nah I don’t train ai off y’all music. This just means more creativity for creators. Going Live tomorrow. Let’s talk about it.”
In the complaint, the companies claim that Midjourney’s own website “displays hundreds, if not thousands, of images generated by its Image Service at the request of its subscribers that infringe Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works.” Disney and NBCU alleges the artificial intelligence company “helped itself to countless” copyrighted works to train its software and called their actions a “bottomless pit of plagiarism.”
The suit references images of Midjourney allegedly infringing on intellectual property, citing examples from of Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine, Universal‘s Minions from the Despicable Me film franchise, and more. The move marks the first time a major Hollywood studio has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit of this kind.
The Universal logo is seen on a screen onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 10, 2024. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
“By helping itself to Plaintiffs’ copyrighted works, and then distributing images (and soon videos) that blatantly incorporate and copy Disney’s and Universal’s famous characters — without investing a penny in their creation — Midjourney is the quintessential copyright free-rider and a bottomless pit of plagiarism,” Disney and NBCU said in the lawsuit. “Piracy is piracy, and whether an infringing image or video is made with AI or another technology does not make it any less infringing. Midjourney’s conduct misappropriates Disney’s and Universal’s intellectual property and threatens to upend the bedrock incentives of U.S. copyright law that drive American leadership in movies, television, and other creative arts.”
Disney and NBCU are seeking unspecified monetary damages and aim to restrict Midjourney from infringing on their copyrighted works. Read a copy of the full lawsuit here.
Midjourney sells subscriptions to consumers priced at $10-$120 per month, according to Disney and NBCU, so that users can “view and download copies and derivatives of Plaintiffs’ valuable copyrighted characters.” The major media companies also say there is no room for blurred lines with this situation, writing, “This case is not a ‘close call’ under well-settled copyright law.”
The use of A.I., specifically in reference to creating art and entertainment, has continued to elicite polarizing views. Most recently, Timbaland announced he started an A.I. label, Stage Zero, and even signed his first A.I. artist named TaTa. After receiving backlash, the legendary producer circled back by opening the floor to a discussion about his decision to embrace artificial intelligence in this space.
“Let’s have real conversation,” he said. “I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore. And nah I don’t train ai off y’all music. This just means more creativity for creators. Going Live tomorrow. Let’s talk about it.”
Kim Kardashian Speaks Out Against ICE Raids
Los Angeles and the country at large have been in a heightened state of panic ever since President Donald Trump deployed ICE and military troops on the West Coast to raid the community and arrest immigrants. Kim Kardashian recently spoke out in defense of immigrants and their well-being.
“When we’re told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals-great,” she wrote on her Instagram story on Tuesday evening (June 10). “But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what’s right.”
The 44-year-old entrepreneur reflected on her experiences growing up in Los Angeles and how people who move there from elsewhere are so vital to the community. “They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family,” she added. “No matter when you fall politically, it’s clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can’t just turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.” Read the full note below.
Kim Kardashian followed her post with a post of Doechii’s speech at the 2025 BET Awards. Though she was there to celebrate winning the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award, she couldn’t help but extend her love and support to those being taken away from their families.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” the TDE artist said during her acceptance speech. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y’all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our Democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?”
She also stressed the importance of unity and the right to free speech for all races. “For Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza…We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear,” she said. “I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters, against hate, and we protest against it.”
Los Angeles and the country at large have been in a heightened state of panic ever since President Donald Trump deployed ICE and military troops on the West Coast to raid the community and arrest immigrants. Kim Kardashian recently spoke out in defense of immigrants and their well-being.
“When we’re told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals-great,” she wrote on her Instagram story on Tuesday evening (June 10). “But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what’s right.”
The 44-year-old entrepreneur reflected on her experiences growing up in Los Angeles and how people who move there from elsewhere are so vital to the community. “They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family,” she added. “No matter when you fall politically, it’s clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can’t just turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.” Read the full note below.
Kim Kardashian followed her post with a post of Doechii’s speech at the 2025 BET Awards. Though she was there to celebrate winning the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award, she couldn’t help but extend her love and support to those being taken away from their families.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” the TDE artist said during her acceptance speech. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y’all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our Democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?”
She also stressed the importance of unity and the right to free speech for all races. “For Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza…We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear,” she said. “I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters, against hate, and we protest against it.”
Diddy’s ‘Monster’s Ball’ Inmate Costume Sold For Over $24,000
One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ major film roles came in 2001 when he played inmate Lawrence Musgrove— Halle Berry’s husband— in Monster’s Ball.
Amid his federal sex trafficking-racketeering trial, the costume from the film hit the auction block and was sold for $24,510.
GWS Auctions, who oversaw the sale, noted that bidding began and ended on June 7. The ensemble, which consisted of a “short sleeved white Hanes crew neck t-shirt, light grey crew neck sweatshirt with cut off sleeves, pair of Faded Glory blue jeans and pair of black canvas slip on shoes,” was a reported “hot-ticket lot with 49 total bids.” The costume also comes with a production costumer’s tag listing the items and scenes they appeared in.
The official description read, “This ensemble was worn by Sean (P. Diddy) Combs as he portrayed ‘Lawrence Musgrove’ in the 2001 romantic drama film, ‘Monster’s Ball.’ The costume is worn by Combs during the beginning to middle of the film while in prison and meeting with his son and wife ‘Leticia’ (portrayed by Halle Berry) to say goodbye before being executed.”
The costume was acquired from Star Wares of Los Angeles. A rep from GWS told TMZ an overseas collector spent $24,510 acquiring the ensemble.
Meanwhile, his request for a mistrial was denied for a second time. Defense attorneys who previously alleged “prosecutorial misconduct” in a motion to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, made his ruling Tuesday (June 10).
The letter claimed “the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr. Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.” Both Bongolan and Ventura have testified about the alleged incident.
Combs’ defense argued, “The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr. Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.” They also labeled Ventura’s account of the alleged ordeal as “demonstrably false.”
Amid his federal sex trafficking-racketeering trial, the costume from the film hit the auction block and was sold for $24,510.
GWS Auctions, who oversaw the sale, noted that bidding began and ended on June 7. The ensemble, which consisted of a “short sleeved white Hanes crew neck t-shirt, light grey crew neck sweatshirt with cut off sleeves, pair of Faded Glory blue jeans and pair of black canvas slip on shoes,” was a reported “hot-ticket lot with 49 total bids.” The costume also comes with a production costumer’s tag listing the items and scenes they appeared in.
The official description read, “This ensemble was worn by Sean (P. Diddy) Combs as he portrayed ‘Lawrence Musgrove’ in the 2001 romantic drama film, ‘Monster’s Ball.’ The costume is worn by Combs during the beginning to middle of the film while in prison and meeting with his son and wife ‘Leticia’ (portrayed by Halle Berry) to say goodbye before being executed.”
The costume was acquired from Star Wares of Los Angeles. A rep from GWS told TMZ an overseas collector spent $24,510 acquiring the ensemble.
Meanwhile, his request for a mistrial was denied for a second time. Defense attorneys who previously alleged “prosecutorial misconduct” in a motion to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, made his ruling Tuesday (June 10).
The letter claimed “the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr. Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.” Both Bongolan and Ventura have testified about the alleged incident.
Combs’ defense argued, “The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr. Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.” They also labeled Ventura’s account of the alleged ordeal as “demonstrably false.”
Damon Dash Ordered To Surrender Film Rights, Music Ventures & Business Assets After Failing To Pay $823K Judgment
Damon Dash’s legal troubles have reached a breaking point.
A federal judge has ordered the hip-hop mogul and his company Poppington LLC to forfeit full ownership of multiple businesses and movie copyrights after failing to pay an $823,284.71 judgment.
The June 9 order from U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger includes Dash Films Inc., Bluroc LLC, Blakroc LLC, and interests in Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC, and 1996 Songs LLC.
Dash must also surrender copyrights to “Honor Up,” “Too Honorable,” “We Went to…China,” and “Welcome to Blackroc.”
If he doesn’t object by June 16, the U.S. Marshal will auction the assets within 180 days.
This stems from a defamation and copyright case that saw Dash hit with $705,400 in damages plus $117,884.71 in interest. He now has 14 days to produce ownership records and another 10 to turn over assignments.
Dash’s financial issues date back to his 2019 bankruptcy.
Damon Dash’s legal troubles have reached a breaking point.
A federal judge has ordered the hip-hop mogul and his company Poppington LLC to forfeit full ownership of multiple businesses and movie copyrights after failing to pay an $823,284.71 judgment.
The June 9 order from U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger includes Dash Films Inc., Bluroc LLC, Blakroc LLC, and interests in Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC, and 1996 Songs LLC.
Dash must also surrender copyrights to “Honor Up,” “Too Honorable,” “We Went to…China,” and “Welcome to Blackroc.”
If he doesn’t object by June 16, the U.S. Marshal will auction the assets within 180 days.
This stems from a defamation and copyright case that saw Dash hit with $705,400 in damages plus $117,884.71 in interest. He now has 14 days to produce ownership records and another 10 to turn over assignments.
Dash’s financial issues date back to his 2019 bankruptcy.
DeMarcus Cousins suspended for the season after controversy in Puerto Rico
DeMarcus Cousins, a former Kentucky Wildcats standout and four-time NBA All-Star, has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league, per a press release by the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.
The punishment stems from an intense and bizarre courtside altercation during a game between the Mets de Guaynabo and the Vaqueros de Bayamón on June 9.
Cousins starred at Kentucky during the 2009–10 season under then-first-year head coach John Calipari. He helped lead the Wildcats to a 35-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance before falling to West Virginia. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning two All-NBA selections and four All-Star nods.
His time in Puerto Rico has now taken a wild turn.
During Monday’s game, Cousins engaged in a heated exchange with a courtside fan. In a viral video, he appeared to make a lewd gesture before shoving his hand near the fan’s face—sparking outrage. He was immediately ejected. League officials later hit him with a $4,250 fine and suspended him for the rest of the season. He may also face an additional $5,750 fine pending further review.
The league also handed down punishments to Vaqueros fans involved in the incident. Several threw beer and other objects at Cousins during the exchange. Those identified have been banned for the remainder of the season, with the Vaqueros required to submit names and beef up security at future games.
This marks a low point for Cousins, once considered among the most dominant big men in the NBA.
The punishment stems from an intense and bizarre courtside altercation during a game between the Mets de Guaynabo and the Vaqueros de Bayamón on June 9.
Cousins starred at Kentucky during the 2009–10 season under then-first-year head coach John Calipari. He helped lead the Wildcats to a 35-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance before falling to West Virginia. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning two All-NBA selections and four All-Star nods.
His time in Puerto Rico has now taken a wild turn.
During Monday’s game, Cousins engaged in a heated exchange with a courtside fan. In a viral video, he appeared to make a lewd gesture before shoving his hand near the fan’s face—sparking outrage. He was immediately ejected. League officials later hit him with a $4,250 fine and suspended him for the rest of the season. He may also face an additional $5,750 fine pending further review.
The league also handed down punishments to Vaqueros fans involved in the incident. Several threw beer and other objects at Cousins during the exchange. Those identified have been banned for the remainder of the season, with the Vaqueros required to submit names and beef up security at future games.
This marks a low point for Cousins, once considered among the most dominant big men in the NBA.
Deion Sanders dealing with severe health issues
Hall of Fame player-turned-head coach Deion Sanders is reportedly dealing with an unspecified medical malady that is so significant that he has to take indefinite leave from his head coaching duties at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
The eldest son of Sanders, Deion Sanders Jr., made the announcement during a YouTube livestream video from the family compound in Prosper, Texas, about 35 miles north of Dallas.
Being somewhat vague and ambiguous, Deion Sanders Jr., 31, said his father, also known as “Prime Time” and “Coach Prime,” is recuperating and is “feeling well.” However, the son doesn’t know how long it will be before his famous father is in the condition to fly back to Boulder, Colo., to oversee the summer football camp currently underway.
“He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,” Deion Jr. said on the YouTube livestream.
Deion Sanders Jr. said his legendary father is out indefinitely
The younger Sanders also intimated that it’s too soon to specify when Coach Prime, 57, will be back in action.
“When we get back in Boulder, I don’t know,” Deion Jr. said June 8. “I’m waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I’ll go. Until then, I’m gonna sit here with him.”
According to USA Today, Coach Prime explained to gridiron star Asante Samuel last month, “What I’m dealing with right now is at a whole ‘nother level,” but did not provide any specifics.
This may have led Coach Prime to back out of a scheduled speaking engagement at the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 8. The organization would only say that the last-minute cancellation was “due to an unavoidable last-minute scheduling change.”
Coach Prime’s health issues are well chronicled. The former superstar cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons had to have his toes amputated prior to taking the head coaching job at Colorado. And in 2023, Sanders also missed the preseason Pac-12 media day due to further medical procedures on his foot.
On the bright side, it is early June, which means Coach Prime has ample time to recuperate in advance of the Buffaloes’ first game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Boulder on Aug. 29.
Hall of Fame player-turned-head coach Deion Sanders is reportedly dealing with an unspecified medical malady that is so significant that he has to take indefinite leave from his head coaching duties at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
The eldest son of Sanders, Deion Sanders Jr., made the announcement during a YouTube livestream video from the family compound in Prosper, Texas, about 35 miles north of Dallas.
Being somewhat vague and ambiguous, Deion Sanders Jr., 31, said his father, also known as “Prime Time” and “Coach Prime,” is recuperating and is “feeling well.” However, the son doesn’t know how long it will be before his famous father is in the condition to fly back to Boulder, Colo., to oversee the summer football camp currently underway.
“He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,” Deion Jr. said on the YouTube livestream.
Deion Sanders Jr. said his legendary father is out indefinitely
The younger Sanders also intimated that it’s too soon to specify when Coach Prime, 57, will be back in action.
“When we get back in Boulder, I don’t know,” Deion Jr. said June 8. “I’m waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I’ll go. Until then, I’m gonna sit here with him.”
According to USA Today, Coach Prime explained to gridiron star Asante Samuel last month, “What I’m dealing with right now is at a whole ‘nother level,” but did not provide any specifics.
This may have led Coach Prime to back out of a scheduled speaking engagement at the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 8. The organization would only say that the last-minute cancellation was “due to an unavoidable last-minute scheduling change.”
Coach Prime’s health issues are well chronicled. The former superstar cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons had to have his toes amputated prior to taking the head coaching job at Colorado. And in 2023, Sanders also missed the preseason Pac-12 media day due to further medical procedures on his foot.
On the bright side, it is early June, which means Coach Prime has ample time to recuperate in advance of the Buffaloes’ first game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Boulder on Aug. 29.
Judge Faith Jenkins And Kenny Lattimore Sue Anonymous YouTubers For Defamation And Harassment
Judge Faith Jenkins and Kenny Lattimore are taking a stand against defamation and harassment with a newly filed lawsuit targeting anonymous YouTubers.
Judge Faith Jenkins and her husband, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, are saying enough is enough—and they’re taking legal action to prove it.
On Wednesday, the couple announced they filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County against a group of anonymous YouTubers who have allegedly published and monetized false, defamatory, and harassing content about their family and marriage.
After weeks of silence, the couple took to Instagram to break their silence and let it be known that they’re pursuing justice—not just for themselves, but to set a clear precedent.
Faith and Kenny shared a joint statement via Instagram, writing in part:
“Today we filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County to hold anonymous YouTubers accountable for the defamation and harassment they’ve directed at our family and personal lives. For weeks, we remained silent—but that silence should not be mistaken for acceptance.”
The couple also called out the monetization of “messy” content, the use of fabricated documents, fake quotes, and even AI-generated lies—all for clicks and clout.
They emphasized that while they’re used to public opinion as public figures, what’s happening now has crossed legal lines.
Their legal counsel, Felton Newell of Newell Law Group, will be handling the case.
According to the couple’s statement, YouTube Legal has confirmed it will release identifying information for the anonymous uploaders upon valid legal request—paving the way for the lawsuit to move forward.
“Some [creators] went as far as referencing non-existent court documents, fabricated judicial rulings, attributing fake quotes to us, and using AI to manufacture lies. This is not only harmful—it is unlawful.”
While the legal battle is just beginning, Judge Faith and Kenny Lattimore are keeping their eyes on what really matters—family, faith, and forward movement.
Faith is currently hosting her new court show, “Virtual Justice,” and her true crime series on Oxygen.
Kenny is preparing to release a new orchestral album.
And together, they’re raising their two-year-old daughter with love, intention, and integrity.
“Despite the noise, we remain rooted in love, our family, and the purpose-driven work we’re blessed to do.”
This lawsuit sends a loud message to messy content creators: defaming people behind anonymous accounts for profit may come with serious consequences.
Content creators, especially on YouTube, often walk a fine line between commentary and defamation.
But this case could very well be the one that shifts the landscape—especially if other public figures follow suit.
Judge Faith Jenkins and her husband, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, are saying enough is enough—and they’re taking legal action to prove it.
On Wednesday, the couple announced they filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County against a group of anonymous YouTubers who have allegedly published and monetized false, defamatory, and harassing content about their family and marriage.
After weeks of silence, the couple took to Instagram to break their silence and let it be known that they’re pursuing justice—not just for themselves, but to set a clear precedent.
Faith and Kenny shared a joint statement via Instagram, writing in part:
“Today we filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County to hold anonymous YouTubers accountable for the defamation and harassment they’ve directed at our family and personal lives. For weeks, we remained silent—but that silence should not be mistaken for acceptance.”
The couple also called out the monetization of “messy” content, the use of fabricated documents, fake quotes, and even AI-generated lies—all for clicks and clout.
They emphasized that while they’re used to public opinion as public figures, what’s happening now has crossed legal lines.
Their legal counsel, Felton Newell of Newell Law Group, will be handling the case.
According to the couple’s statement, YouTube Legal has confirmed it will release identifying information for the anonymous uploaders upon valid legal request—paving the way for the lawsuit to move forward.
“Some [creators] went as far as referencing non-existent court documents, fabricated judicial rulings, attributing fake quotes to us, and using AI to manufacture lies. This is not only harmful—it is unlawful.”
While the legal battle is just beginning, Judge Faith and Kenny Lattimore are keeping their eyes on what really matters—family, faith, and forward movement.
Faith is currently hosting her new court show, “Virtual Justice,” and her true crime series on Oxygen.
Kenny is preparing to release a new orchestral album.
And together, they’re raising their two-year-old daughter with love, intention, and integrity.
“Despite the noise, we remain rooted in love, our family, and the purpose-driven work we’re blessed to do.”
This lawsuit sends a loud message to messy content creators: defaming people behind anonymous accounts for profit may come with serious consequences.
Content creators, especially on YouTube, often walk a fine line between commentary and defamation.
But this case could very well be the one that shifts the landscape—especially if other public figures follow suit.
Deitrick Haddon is very disappointed Over GloRilla’s BET Win For Best Gospel Song
The ‘2025 BET Awards’ are still causing a stir days after the show. Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon is now sharing his thoughts, taking to social media to express his frustrations over GloRilla winning the ‘Best Gospel/Inspirational’ award. Haddon’s got the internet going off with reactions as he claims the gospel industry is “dying” and needs a major shake-up after BET’s recent ceremony.
On Tuesday, June 10, Deitrick Haddon took to Instagram with a post, getting a few things to get off his chest. He’s fed up, y’all, saying the gospel music industry is in desperate need of an overhaul after GloRilla’s win. In a passionate video, he spilled, “The gospel music industry needs an overhaul. Period. After last night’s show, it’s an indicator that we just need a complete reset.”
Haddon’s issues lie with the Bobby Jones Gospel Award being given to artists who don’t truly represent gospel music. GloRilla was apparently the perfect example. Her winning song, ‘Rain Down On Me,’ features Kirk Franklin and is technically a gospel track. However, Haddon suggested that having one record about faith and God shouldn’t qualify you to win Best Gospel/Inspirational.
“It’s hard to watch the Bobby Jones Gospel Award being given to somebody that’s not in our space,” he added. “No disrespect to the artist, but that’s not the space she’s in.” The 52-year-old believes the genre is too small to be handing out awards to outsiders, which he claims hurts the industry’s growth tremendously.
For his accompanying caption, Haddon further unpacked his deep love for gospel music and his frustration with its current state. He expressed that the genre has given him purpose and “a reason to keep singing.” But at this point, he’s tired of seeing gifted gospel artists sidelined by industry politics, thereby missing out on the same type of recognition.
“We can’t keep honoring the same few people every year and expect the genre to grow,” he wrote. “I’ve heard the cries behind the scenes. People are tired. The culture is shifting, but the system is stuck. Gospel music deserves better. The next generation deserves better. We all do.”
What do you think?
The ‘2025 BET Awards’ are still causing a stir days after the show. Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon is now sharing his thoughts, taking to social media to express his frustrations over GloRilla winning the ‘Best Gospel/Inspirational’ award. Haddon’s got the internet going off with reactions as he claims the gospel industry is “dying” and needs a major shake-up after BET’s recent ceremony.
On Tuesday, June 10, Deitrick Haddon took to Instagram with a post, getting a few things to get off his chest. He’s fed up, y’all, saying the gospel music industry is in desperate need of an overhaul after GloRilla’s win. In a passionate video, he spilled, “The gospel music industry needs an overhaul. Period. After last night’s show, it’s an indicator that we just need a complete reset.”
Haddon’s issues lie with the Bobby Jones Gospel Award being given to artists who don’t truly represent gospel music. GloRilla was apparently the perfect example. Her winning song, ‘Rain Down On Me,’ features Kirk Franklin and is technically a gospel track. However, Haddon suggested that having one record about faith and God shouldn’t qualify you to win Best Gospel/Inspirational.
“It’s hard to watch the Bobby Jones Gospel Award being given to somebody that’s not in our space,” he added. “No disrespect to the artist, but that’s not the space she’s in.” The 52-year-old believes the genre is too small to be handing out awards to outsiders, which he claims hurts the industry’s growth tremendously.
For his accompanying caption, Haddon further unpacked his deep love for gospel music and his frustration with its current state. He expressed that the genre has given him purpose and “a reason to keep singing.” But at this point, he’s tired of seeing gifted gospel artists sidelined by industry politics, thereby missing out on the same type of recognition.
“We can’t keep honoring the same few people every year and expect the genre to grow,” he wrote. “I’ve heard the cries behind the scenes. People are tired. The culture is shifting, but the system is stuck. Gospel music deserves better. The next generation deserves better. We all do.”
What do you think?
Amerie Reveals She's Separated and Going Through Divorce With Her Husband of 19 Years
Amerie has confirmed that she's divorcing her husband of 19 years, Lenny Nicholson.
The "1 Thing" hitmaker made the surprising revelation during a recent appearance on Way Up With Angela Yee recorded during the 2025 BET Awards. When Angela Yee suggested that Amerie's relationship status was "locked in," the singer responded candidly, "I was but not now."
Yee and her cohost Jasmine were shocked by Amerie's response and proceeded to ask her what happened. According to Amerie, divorce was the reason, and she explained that no one knew because "not everyone knows that."
"We're going through the divorce, but we've been separated since 2023," said Amerie before expressing she's contemplating whether or not she wants to date someone again.
The news marks the end of a nearly two-decade-long relationship between the two. Amerie and Nicholson, who once served as her manager, tied the knot in June 2011, after they began dating in 2007. The couple shares a 7-year-old son named River Rowe.
Amerie kept her marriage and much of her private life out of the spotlight since she made her debut in 2001, which led to many people on social media expressing their thoughts on the news. Many were shocked, while others claimed Amerie would be "outside" as a single woman this summer.
The 45-year-old is no stranger to making shocking revelations as she told The Joe Budden Podcast last month that she didn't listen to music for a decade in order to focus on her literary career.
The "1 Thing" hitmaker made the surprising revelation during a recent appearance on Way Up With Angela Yee recorded during the 2025 BET Awards. When Angela Yee suggested that Amerie's relationship status was "locked in," the singer responded candidly, "I was but not now."
Yee and her cohost Jasmine were shocked by Amerie's response and proceeded to ask her what happened. According to Amerie, divorce was the reason, and she explained that no one knew because "not everyone knows that."
"We're going through the divorce, but we've been separated since 2023," said Amerie before expressing she's contemplating whether or not she wants to date someone again.
The news marks the end of a nearly two-decade-long relationship between the two. Amerie and Nicholson, who once served as her manager, tied the knot in June 2011, after they began dating in 2007. The couple shares a 7-year-old son named River Rowe.
Amerie kept her marriage and much of her private life out of the spotlight since she made her debut in 2001, which led to many people on social media expressing their thoughts on the news. Many were shocked, while others claimed Amerie would be "outside" as a single woman this summer.
The 45-year-old is no stranger to making shocking revelations as she told The Joe Budden Podcast last month that she didn't listen to music for a decade in order to focus on her literary career.
Kim Zolciak & Kroy Biermann Had to Be Forced Out of House by U.S. Marshals 3 Months After it Sold
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann had to be forcibly removed their Georgia house.
Amid their ongoing, contentious divorce, the former Bravo stars officially sold their Alpharetta house in January for $2.8 million. According to new court documents, it has been revealed that Kim, 47, and Kroy, 39, were “ejected” from the house by U.S. Marshals, in April.
According to the court documents obtained by People, the marshals were “commanded” to remove Kim and Kroy “with his/her property hereon from said house and premises and to deliver full and quiet possession” to the new owners. The process took place between 3:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday, April 8.
On the same day they were forced out of the the house, Kim was selling furniture from their home on Instagram. People reported at the time that she was selling 23-year-old daughter Ariana Biermann‘s bedroom set, which she described as hand painted perfect condition” for $10,000.
The sale of the property came one month after Kim and Kroy saw their house facing foreclosure and being put up for auction.
Kim and Kroy married in November 2011 and split up in May 2023 after 12 years of marriage. Kroy first filed for divorce in August 2023, and then filed again in October 2023. He then filed for a third time in February 2025.
Along with Ariana – who Kroy legally adopted along with her older sister Brielle, 28, in July 2013 — the former couple share four more children together: sons KJ, 14, and Kash, 12, along with 11-year-old twins twins Kaia and Kane, 11.
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann had to be forcibly removed their Georgia house.
Amid their ongoing, contentious divorce, the former Bravo stars officially sold their Alpharetta house in January for $2.8 million. According to new court documents, it has been revealed that Kim, 47, and Kroy, 39, were “ejected” from the house by U.S. Marshals, in April.
According to the court documents obtained by People, the marshals were “commanded” to remove Kim and Kroy “with his/her property hereon from said house and premises and to deliver full and quiet possession” to the new owners. The process took place between 3:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday, April 8.
On the same day they were forced out of the the house, Kim was selling furniture from their home on Instagram. People reported at the time that she was selling 23-year-old daughter Ariana Biermann‘s bedroom set, which she described as hand painted perfect condition” for $10,000.
The sale of the property came one month after Kim and Kroy saw their house facing foreclosure and being put up for auction.
Kim and Kroy married in November 2011 and split up in May 2023 after 12 years of marriage. Kroy first filed for divorce in August 2023, and then filed again in October 2023. He then filed for a third time in February 2025.
Along with Ariana – who Kroy legally adopted along with her older sister Brielle, 28, in July 2013 — the former couple share four more children together: sons KJ, 14, and Kash, 12, along with 11-year-old twins twins Kaia and Kane, 11.
Carnie Wilson Breaks Silence on Dad Brian Wilson's Death
Carnie Wilson is speaking out following the death of her dad Brian Wilson.
On Wednesday (June 11), it was announced that Brian, one of the founding members of the iconic band The Beach Boys, had sadly passed away at the age of 82.
Hours later, Carnie, 57, took to Instagram to share a message honoring her late dad.
“I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now. My Father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body,” Carnie wrote along with alongside a throwback photo of herself with Brian and her sister Wendy Wilson.
The Wilson Phillips singer continued, “He will be remembered by millions and millions until the world ends. I am lucky to have been his daughter and had a soul connection with him that will live on always. I’ve never felt this kind of pain before, but I know he’s resting up there in heaven … or maybe playing the piano for Grandma Audree his Mom. I will post something else soon but this is all my hands will let me type. I love you Daddy….I miss so much you already.”
Following the death of his wife Melinda last year, Brian‘s family filed court documents to obtain a conservatorship, revealing that he suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
Melinda – who died on Jan. 30 at the age of 77 – had helped Brian through his illness and “attended to Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs, as Mr. Wilson is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.”
Our condolences go out to Brian Wilson‘s loved ones and family. RIP.
On Wednesday (June 11), it was announced that Brian, one of the founding members of the iconic band The Beach Boys, had sadly passed away at the age of 82.
Hours later, Carnie, 57, took to Instagram to share a message honoring her late dad.
“I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now. My Father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body,” Carnie wrote along with alongside a throwback photo of herself with Brian and her sister Wendy Wilson.
The Wilson Phillips singer continued, “He will be remembered by millions and millions until the world ends. I am lucky to have been his daughter and had a soul connection with him that will live on always. I’ve never felt this kind of pain before, but I know he’s resting up there in heaven … or maybe playing the piano for Grandma Audree his Mom. I will post something else soon but this is all my hands will let me type. I love you Daddy….I miss so much you already.”
Following the death of his wife Melinda last year, Brian‘s family filed court documents to obtain a conservatorship, revealing that he suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
Melinda – who died on Jan. 30 at the age of 77 – had helped Brian through his illness and “attended to Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs, as Mr. Wilson is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.”
Our condolences go out to Brian Wilson‘s loved ones and family. RIP.
Harvey Weinstein Convicted Again in New York on Criminal Sexual Act Charge
Harvey Weinstein was found guilty by a New York jury on June 11 in his high-stakes retrial—more than a year after the state Supreme Court overturned his 2020 convictions. A panel of seven women and five men delivered a partial verdict, finding Weinstein guilty of a first-degree criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on a second criminal sexual act charge, and jurors remain deadlocked on a third-degree rape charge connected to Jessica Mann. Deliberations on that count are set to resume on Thursday.
This trial reevaluated allegations dating back to the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Prosecutors accused Weinstein of raping actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and forcing oral sex on Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola in 2006. The jury convicted Weinstein on the count involving Haley, cleared him of the Sokola allegation, and remain undecided about Mann’s rape claim.
From the start, Weinstein has insisted every encounter was consensual. He chose not to testify in this proceeding or the original 2020 trial.
His conviction this time around reinforces the #MeToo movement’s legacy and these women’s persistence. With the rape jury still deliberating, the trial isn’t over—but the guilty verdict is another blow to Weinstein’s influence and an echo of accountability across Hollywood.
Harvey Weinstein was found guilty by a New York jury on June 11 in his high-stakes retrial—more than a year after the state Supreme Court overturned his 2020 convictions. A panel of seven women and five men delivered a partial verdict, finding Weinstein guilty of a first-degree criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on a second criminal sexual act charge, and jurors remain deadlocked on a third-degree rape charge connected to Jessica Mann. Deliberations on that count are set to resume on Thursday.
This trial reevaluated allegations dating back to the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Prosecutors accused Weinstein of raping actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and forcing oral sex on Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola in 2006. The jury convicted Weinstein on the count involving Haley, cleared him of the Sokola allegation, and remain undecided about Mann’s rape claim.
From the start, Weinstein has insisted every encounter was consensual. He chose not to testify in this proceeding or the original 2020 trial.
His conviction this time around reinforces the #MeToo movement’s legacy and these women’s persistence. With the rape jury still deliberating, the trial isn’t over—but the guilty verdict is another blow to Weinstein’s influence and an echo of accountability across Hollywood.
THEY'RE COMING! ICE Tactical Teams Prepare Immigration Raids in Five Major U.S. Cities
Federal immigration authorities are getting ready to hit five Democrat-led cities with coordinated enforcement actions. According to MSNBC, ICE tactical units are gearing up to deploy into New York City, Philadelphia, northern Virginia, Chicago, and Seattle.
While the agency hasn’t shared a specific timeline, the move signals an aggressive push by the federal government to ramp up immigration enforcement in urban areas that have long pushed back against strict deportation tactics.
These cities—known for progressive leadership and policies that often shield undocumented residents—could see increased patrols, detainments, and raids in neighborhoods where immigrant populations are high.
This isn’t the first time ICE operations have sparked major backlash. Previous sweeps in cities like Los Angeles triggered nights of protests, curfews, and arrests. With tensions still simmering from those incidents, officials in these five cities are likely preparing for more unrest.
As communities brace for what’s next, immigrant advocates and city leaders are already sounding the alarm, warning residents to know their rights and stay alert.
Federal immigration authorities are getting ready to hit five Democrat-led cities with coordinated enforcement actions. According to MSNBC, ICE tactical units are gearing up to deploy into New York City, Philadelphia, northern Virginia, Chicago, and Seattle.
While the agency hasn’t shared a specific timeline, the move signals an aggressive push by the federal government to ramp up immigration enforcement in urban areas that have long pushed back against strict deportation tactics.
These cities—known for progressive leadership and policies that often shield undocumented residents—could see increased patrols, detainments, and raids in neighborhoods where immigrant populations are high.
This isn’t the first time ICE operations have sparked major backlash. Previous sweeps in cities like Los Angeles triggered nights of protests, curfews, and arrests. With tensions still simmering from those incidents, officials in these five cities are likely preparing for more unrest.
As communities brace for what’s next, immigrant advocates and city leaders are already sounding the alarm, warning residents to know their rights and stay alert.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Well, if the color matches. Why not, right?
Stacks at Walmart are weird
Well, if the color matches. Why not, right?
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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