#MAGFAB: Anok Yai Previews Fashion in the Wild for Vogue France August 2025 by Mario Sorrenti
Supermodel Anok Yai delivers a commanding presence on the August 2025 issue of French Vogue styled in a wide range of grandiose, majestic animal print designs by Alastair McKimm. Photographer Mario Sorrenti captures Anok in Saint Barth, wearing Saint Laurent on the cover.
Claire Thomson Jonville says that Anok — as a Vogue France cover star and talented artist — “embodies a different kind of power - vibrant, magnetic and alive.”
Supermodel Anok Yai delivers a commanding presence on the August 2025 issue of French Vogue styled in a wide range of grandiose, majestic animal print designs by Alastair McKimm. Photographer Mario Sorrenti captures Anok in Saint Barth, wearing Saint Laurent on the cover.
Claire Thomson Jonville says that Anok — as a Vogue France cover star and talented artist — “embodies a different kind of power - vibrant, magnetic and alive.”
GORGEOUS!
#RHOA:Cynthia Bailey Gives Kenya Moore Friendship Update Since Filming RHOA Reunion
Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta certainly shook things up. A lot of drama, a lot of shade, and unfortunately some broken friendships too. One relationship that took a hit was the already rocky “friendship” of Cynthia Bailey and Kenya Moore. And Cynthia provided an update on their relationship post RHOA reunion filming.
Cynthia and Kenya appeared to be getting along okay this season until the Brit Eady photo blowup. After everything went down, Cynthia expressed her dissatisfaction with Kenya’s actions which Kenya took to mean she was siding against her. Suffice to say, the two have not been on speaking terms since.
Cynthia Bailey has seen no movement with Kenya Moore. If Kenya was upset because she felt her friend sided against her, it should have only taken a conversation to address the issue. However, despite Cynthia having reached out to Kenya things did not improve.
In fact, Kenya threw shade at Cynthia via a NeNe Leakes clip and was just not ready to talk. Has that changed since? It doesn’t seem like it.
Cynthia appeared on PageSix Radio and talked about how things have been going with Kenya since filming the RHOA reunion. Hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real talked about how good the season was and how it was a bit bittersweet.
“Not sweet and only bitter is knowing that you and Kenya still aren’t on speaking terms?” Evan confirmed. “Has there been any movement on that?”
“No,” Cynthia answered plainly and Evan said he hated it so much and asked how she was processing it and if she was at peace with it.
“To some degree,” Cynthia said. “I mean, I feel like I had no choice but to voice how I felt about the way she responded. And I really hate even being asked about her at this point because people are like, ‘Oh, you always have to talk about her’ and I’m like ‘clearly you just asked me the question.’”
Cynthia clarified that she was sad about it but it is what it is.
“That’s what it is,” she said. “You know she was someone I was friends with off the show, which is why I really wanted, you know, which is why I was disappointed that she made the choice not to respond. Lord knows, please respond. But I just didn’t feel like that was the best response.”
Cynthia and Kenya appeared to be getting along okay this season until the Brit Eady photo blowup. After everything went down, Cynthia expressed her dissatisfaction with Kenya’s actions which Kenya took to mean she was siding against her. Suffice to say, the two have not been on speaking terms since.
Cynthia Bailey has seen no movement with Kenya Moore. If Kenya was upset because she felt her friend sided against her, it should have only taken a conversation to address the issue. However, despite Cynthia having reached out to Kenya things did not improve.
In fact, Kenya threw shade at Cynthia via a NeNe Leakes clip and was just not ready to talk. Has that changed since? It doesn’t seem like it.
Cynthia appeared on PageSix Radio and talked about how things have been going with Kenya since filming the RHOA reunion. Hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real talked about how good the season was and how it was a bit bittersweet.
“Not sweet and only bitter is knowing that you and Kenya still aren’t on speaking terms?” Evan confirmed. “Has there been any movement on that?”
“No,” Cynthia answered plainly and Evan said he hated it so much and asked how she was processing it and if she was at peace with it.
“To some degree,” Cynthia said. “I mean, I feel like I had no choice but to voice how I felt about the way she responded. And I really hate even being asked about her at this point because people are like, ‘Oh, you always have to talk about her’ and I’m like ‘clearly you just asked me the question.’”
Cynthia clarified that she was sad about it but it is what it is.
“That’s what it is,” she said. “You know she was someone I was friends with off the show, which is why I really wanted, you know, which is why I was disappointed that she made the choice not to respond. Lord knows, please respond. But I just didn’t feel like that was the best response.”
#NewMusic: Mariah Carey Keeps It Nice And Neat On ‘sugar Sweet’ With Shenseea And Kehlani
Mariah Carey returns with a breezy new single, “Sugar Sweet,” teaming up with Shenseea and Kehlani for a dreamy, effortless collaboration that feels like summer in slow motion. The track is wrapped in soft edges—airy production, warm tones, and just the right touch of sweetness.
Vocally, Mariah is pristine—her tone delicate yet full of intent, gliding across the track with the kind of ease only she can deliver. Kehlani brings a soulful texture, while Shenseea adds a smooth Caribbean touch that gives the song its lift and glow. Together, the three create a beautiful blend of feminine energy and harmony.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect—Mariah has just announced the release date for her highly awaited sixteenth studio album, expected September 26, 2025, sending fans into celebration mode. “Sugar”Sweet” and “Type Dangerous” ( first single released from the album) gives us a taste of what’s to come. And if these tracks are any indication, we’re in for something tender, timeless, and full of feeling.
The chemistry on this “Sugar Sweet” is undeniable. There’s no competition here—just three distinct voices moving as one. It’s intimate, gentle, and confident. A quiet anthem for soft strength, sensuality, and sweetness.
Vocally, Mariah is pristine—her tone delicate yet full of intent, gliding across the track with the kind of ease only she can deliver. Kehlani brings a soulful texture, while Shenseea adds a smooth Caribbean touch that gives the song its lift and glow. Together, the three create a beautiful blend of feminine energy and harmony.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect—Mariah has just announced the release date for her highly awaited sixteenth studio album, expected September 26, 2025, sending fans into celebration mode. “Sugar”Sweet” and “Type Dangerous” ( first single released from the album) gives us a taste of what’s to come. And if these tracks are any indication, we’re in for something tender, timeless, and full of feeling.
The chemistry on this “Sugar Sweet” is undeniable. There’s no competition here—just three distinct voices moving as one. It’s intimate, gentle, and confident. A quiet anthem for soft strength, sensuality, and sweetness.
LISTEN HERE:
“Sugar Sweet” doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly its magic. It invites you in, lingers in the air, and leaves you wanting another taste.
“Sugar Sweet” doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly its magic. It invites you in, lingers in the air, and leaves you wanting another taste.
#HipHopNews: Wu-Tang Clan Throw Their Support Behind Zohran Mamdani
Wu-Tang Clan appear to have thrown their support behind New York mayoral hopeful, Zohran Mamdani.
The Democratic party’s candidate for the post attended a recent Wu-Tang concert at Madison Square Garden and ended up backstage having a conversation about politics with RZA.
The two have a conversation about how to make certain New York neighbourhoods more affordable with RZA appearing on board with Mamdani’s proposals.
He can be seen saying to the Wu-Tang leader: “I think a big part of it is to make Brownsville a place that you don’t have to leave. There are too many people for whom stability, space, raising a family, you can only do it outside of New York City. The whole campaign that we ran on is about ‘How do we make the most expensive city in the United States of America affordable?’”
One person who will not be voting for Mamdani is 50 Cent.
50 had previously called out Mamdani’s tax plans which would include a 2% tax increase for New York’s wealthiest citizens.
On Instagram, 50 posted a clip of the Democrat candidate for mayor being interviewed on The Breakfast Club where he discussed his tax policies.
Mamdani says: “What I’ve proposed is we raise $10 billion to pay for our entire economic agenda and start to Trump proof our city because we know he’ll use federal funding as leverage over this city. And we will do so in two key ways. The first is to match the state’s top corporate tax rate to that of New Jersey. We are at 7.25%, they are at 11.5%. Corporations can pay it over there, they can pay it over here. And the beauty of it is it doesn’t just apply to corporations headquartered in New York City, wherever you are headquartered, as long as you are doing business in the state of New York, you are liable for that corporate tax.
“The second is taxing the top 1% of New Yorkers. We’re talking about people who make $1 million a year or more, taxing them by a flat 2% tax rate increase. I know 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be very happy about this, he tends to not like this tax policy but I want to be very clear, this is about $20,000 a year.”
50 then said in the caption: “Where did he come from whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan no. I will give him $258,750 and a first class one way ticket away from NY. I’m telling Trump what he said too !”
The Democratic party’s candidate for the post attended a recent Wu-Tang concert at Madison Square Garden and ended up backstage having a conversation about politics with RZA.
The two have a conversation about how to make certain New York neighbourhoods more affordable with RZA appearing on board with Mamdani’s proposals.
He can be seen saying to the Wu-Tang leader: “I think a big part of it is to make Brownsville a place that you don’t have to leave. There are too many people for whom stability, space, raising a family, you can only do it outside of New York City. The whole campaign that we ran on is about ‘How do we make the most expensive city in the United States of America affordable?’”
One person who will not be voting for Mamdani is 50 Cent.
50 had previously called out Mamdani’s tax plans which would include a 2% tax increase for New York’s wealthiest citizens.
On Instagram, 50 posted a clip of the Democrat candidate for mayor being interviewed on The Breakfast Club where he discussed his tax policies.
Mamdani says: “What I’ve proposed is we raise $10 billion to pay for our entire economic agenda and start to Trump proof our city because we know he’ll use federal funding as leverage over this city. And we will do so in two key ways. The first is to match the state’s top corporate tax rate to that of New Jersey. We are at 7.25%, they are at 11.5%. Corporations can pay it over there, they can pay it over here. And the beauty of it is it doesn’t just apply to corporations headquartered in New York City, wherever you are headquartered, as long as you are doing business in the state of New York, you are liable for that corporate tax.
“The second is taxing the top 1% of New Yorkers. We’re talking about people who make $1 million a year or more, taxing them by a flat 2% tax rate increase. I know 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be very happy about this, he tends to not like this tax policy but I want to be very clear, this is about $20,000 a year.”
50 then said in the caption: “Where did he come from whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan no. I will give him $258,750 and a first class one way ticket away from NY. I’m telling Trump what he said too !”
Donald Trump Could Be Dragged Back Into Epstein Scandal Over Alleged Missing Chicago Black Girls
Black girls are vanishing in Chicago and a rumored link to Epstein could splatter on the president. People are demanding answers and justice.
OK, y’all. I’m about to speak on something I honestly don’t know much about—but I do want to give you something real to think about. It involves sex trafficking, missing Black girls in Chicago and Jeffrey Epstein.
Now, I already know where your mind is going. But stay with me.
There’s a quiet epidemic happening in Chicago: Black girls are disappearing at a staggering rate. You don’t have to take my word for it—look it up. The numbers are right there. Black women and girls go missing in far greater numbers than any other group in this country. But because they’re Black, we don’t hear about it every day. If they were white? You’d probably see daily coverage.
In Chicago, Black girls and women between the ages of 10 and 20 make up a disproportionately high percentage of missing person cases, despite being a smaller fraction of the city’s population. Specifically, they represent about 30% of all missing person cases in Chicago while only comprising 2% of the city’s population. A 2023 investigation by the Invisible Institute and City Bureau found that Black children, in general, account for 57% of missing person cases in Chicago.
It’s not treated like a national crisis. But it gets deeper. There’s a rumor floating around that connects Epstein, sex trafficking in and out of Chicago, missing Black girls and drug trafficking. And—guess who?
Yeah. Him.
This could get very messy. Trump is already trying to dodge the Epstein allegations. The man’s name pops up regularly in the Epstein files. And while he’s trying to distance himself, even some of his MAGA base isn’t buying it anymore. They are revolting. He’s like a fly caught in a spiderweb. He wriggles around thinking he’s slick, but that web’s got him. Not sure he knows this yet.
Now here’s something that’s always struck me as strange. Epstein was publicly known for targeting young white girls. That’s all the media ever really showed. But there are whispers now that Black girls may have also been victimized. The dots are starting to connect—and it’s not looking good.
There’s talk that this could blow up in the next few weeks or months—if it doesn’t get buried first. They’re already throwing deals at Ghislaine Maxwell. Yes, the same woman convicted of trafficking underage girls. She’s allegedly getting partial immunity. How?!
Let that sink in.
Meanwhile, Trump’s name is all over those flight logs. His ties to Epstein run deep. He maintains that he isn’t lying when everybody says he’s lying.
All of this should lead to convictions, expulsions, impeachments—something. But this is America under Trump’s rule. We need accountability. We need peace. We need to start caring about Black girls and women.
What do you think?
Black girls are vanishing in Chicago and a rumored link to Epstein could splatter on the president. People are demanding answers and justice.
OK, y’all. I’m about to speak on something I honestly don’t know much about—but I do want to give you something real to think about. It involves sex trafficking, missing Black girls in Chicago and Jeffrey Epstein.
Now, I already know where your mind is going. But stay with me.
There’s a quiet epidemic happening in Chicago: Black girls are disappearing at a staggering rate. You don’t have to take my word for it—look it up. The numbers are right there. Black women and girls go missing in far greater numbers than any other group in this country. But because they’re Black, we don’t hear about it every day. If they were white? You’d probably see daily coverage.
In Chicago, Black girls and women between the ages of 10 and 20 make up a disproportionately high percentage of missing person cases, despite being a smaller fraction of the city’s population. Specifically, they represent about 30% of all missing person cases in Chicago while only comprising 2% of the city’s population. A 2023 investigation by the Invisible Institute and City Bureau found that Black children, in general, account for 57% of missing person cases in Chicago.
It’s not treated like a national crisis. But it gets deeper. There’s a rumor floating around that connects Epstein, sex trafficking in and out of Chicago, missing Black girls and drug trafficking. And—guess who?
Yeah. Him.
This could get very messy. Trump is already trying to dodge the Epstein allegations. The man’s name pops up regularly in the Epstein files. And while he’s trying to distance himself, even some of his MAGA base isn’t buying it anymore. They are revolting. He’s like a fly caught in a spiderweb. He wriggles around thinking he’s slick, but that web’s got him. Not sure he knows this yet.
Now here’s something that’s always struck me as strange. Epstein was publicly known for targeting young white girls. That’s all the media ever really showed. But there are whispers now that Black girls may have also been victimized. The dots are starting to connect—and it’s not looking good.
There’s talk that this could blow up in the next few weeks or months—if it doesn’t get buried first. They’re already throwing deals at Ghislaine Maxwell. Yes, the same woman convicted of trafficking underage girls. She’s allegedly getting partial immunity. How?!
Let that sink in.
Meanwhile, Trump’s name is all over those flight logs. His ties to Epstein run deep. He maintains that he isn’t lying when everybody says he’s lying.
All of this should lead to convictions, expulsions, impeachments—something. But this is America under Trump’s rule. We need accountability. We need peace. We need to start caring about Black girls and women.
What do you think?
Tom Lehrer Satirical Music Icon Who Once Sent Letter To 2 Chainz—Dead At 97
In a surprising cultural crossover moment, Lehrer once sent a handwritten letter to 2 Chainz after learning the rap artist had sampled his music for the 2012 song “Dope Peddler.”
Tom Lehrer, who blended satire and science with biting wit and piano keys, died on Saturday (July 26) at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was 97.
Known for his razor-sharp lyrics and deadpan delivery, Lehrer rose to prominence in the 1960s when his satirical songs were featured on the American version of That Was the Week That Was, a comedy news show hosted by David Frost. His 1965 album That Was the Year That Was reached No. 18 on the U.S. charts, thanks to songs like “National Brotherhood Week,” “So Long Mom” and “The Vatican Rag.”
In a surprising cultural crossover moment, Lehrer once sent a handwritten letter to 2 Chainz after learning the rap artist had sampled his music for the 2012 song “Dope Peddler.” Lehrer, known for his dry humor, reportedly wrote, “I’m flattered and slightly confused, but mostly flattered.” The letter, which circulated online among Lehrer’s cult following, became a quirky footnote in the unlikely intersection of classic satire and modern rap.
A Harvard-trained mathematician who began college at 15, Lehrer spent most of his life in academia, teaching math and musical theater at institutions including Harvard, MIT and the University of California-Santa Cruz.
“I don’t like people to get the idea that I have to do this for a living,” he once told a concert crowd. “I mean, it isn’t as though I had to do this. I could be making, oh, $3,000 a year just teaching.”
Lehrer’s early self-released albums, Songs of Tom Lehrer (1953) and More of Tom Lehrer (1959), tackled taboo subjects with a smirk and melody. Tracks like “The Masochism Tango,” “The Old Dope Peddler” and “Be Prepared” poked fun at everything from sexuality to militarism. His song “The Elements,” a rapid-fire rundown of the periodic table set to Gilbert and Sullivan, became a fan favorite and rite of passage for chemistry nerds.
Lehrer’s influence ran deep, inspiring satirists like Randy Newman, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Harry Shearer. TIME magazine even grouped him with the so-called “sick” comedians of the era, including Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl.
Though he stepped away from the spotlight in the 1970s, Lehrer’s work never faded. His songs were featured on The Electric Company, and he supported George McGovern’s 1972 presidential campaign with musical appearances. In 1980, his catalog was revived in the stage revue Tomfoolery in London. Rhino Records released a comprehensive box set, The Remains of Tom Lehrer, in 2000, and Shout! Factory later digitized his discography and released a 1967 concert DVD from Oslo.
Born in New York to a Jewish family, Lehrer began piano lessons at age 7 and developed a love for both classical music and the American songbook. His academic achievements were just as impressive—graduating magna c## laude from Harvard in 1946 and earning a master’s degree a year later.
Lehrer never married and had no children. He remained largely reclusive in his later years, preferring chalkboards and lecture halls to concert stages.
Tom Lehrer, who blended satire and science with biting wit and piano keys, died on Saturday (July 26) at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was 97.
Known for his razor-sharp lyrics and deadpan delivery, Lehrer rose to prominence in the 1960s when his satirical songs were featured on the American version of That Was the Week That Was, a comedy news show hosted by David Frost. His 1965 album That Was the Year That Was reached No. 18 on the U.S. charts, thanks to songs like “National Brotherhood Week,” “So Long Mom” and “The Vatican Rag.”
In a surprising cultural crossover moment, Lehrer once sent a handwritten letter to 2 Chainz after learning the rap artist had sampled his music for the 2012 song “Dope Peddler.” Lehrer, known for his dry humor, reportedly wrote, “I’m flattered and slightly confused, but mostly flattered.” The letter, which circulated online among Lehrer’s cult following, became a quirky footnote in the unlikely intersection of classic satire and modern rap.
A Harvard-trained mathematician who began college at 15, Lehrer spent most of his life in academia, teaching math and musical theater at institutions including Harvard, MIT and the University of California-Santa Cruz.
“I don’t like people to get the idea that I have to do this for a living,” he once told a concert crowd. “I mean, it isn’t as though I had to do this. I could be making, oh, $3,000 a year just teaching.”
Lehrer’s early self-released albums, Songs of Tom Lehrer (1953) and More of Tom Lehrer (1959), tackled taboo subjects with a smirk and melody. Tracks like “The Masochism Tango,” “The Old Dope Peddler” and “Be Prepared” poked fun at everything from sexuality to militarism. His song “The Elements,” a rapid-fire rundown of the periodic table set to Gilbert and Sullivan, became a fan favorite and rite of passage for chemistry nerds.
Lehrer’s influence ran deep, inspiring satirists like Randy Newman, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Harry Shearer. TIME magazine even grouped him with the so-called “sick” comedians of the era, including Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl.
Though he stepped away from the spotlight in the 1970s, Lehrer’s work never faded. His songs were featured on The Electric Company, and he supported George McGovern’s 1972 presidential campaign with musical appearances. In 1980, his catalog was revived in the stage revue Tomfoolery in London. Rhino Records released a comprehensive box set, The Remains of Tom Lehrer, in 2000, and Shout! Factory later digitized his discography and released a 1967 concert DVD from Oslo.
Born in New York to a Jewish family, Lehrer began piano lessons at age 7 and developed a love for both classical music and the American songbook. His academic achievements were just as impressive—graduating magna c## laude from Harvard in 1946 and earning a master’s degree a year later.
Lehrer never married and had no children. He remained largely reclusive in his later years, preferring chalkboards and lecture halls to concert stages.
Beyoncé reunites Destiny's Child for final 'Cowboy Carter' tour date
Crowds were jumpin’ jumpin’ in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium after Beyoncé surprised thousands of fans by briefly reuniting Destiny’s Child.
Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined Beyoncé onstage Saturday night during the final show of the “Cowboy Carter” tour, their first performance together in seven years. The women walked out together, clad in gold, while singing “Lose My Breath.”
The trio performed a brief medley that included smash single “Bootylicious” and one of Beyoncé’s own songs, “Energy.”
It was a rare reunion for the group, which disbanded in 2006 to pursue solo careers. The last time they were onstage together was in 2018 for Beyoncé’s headlining set at Coachella.
Beyoncé posted a photo of the women on her Instagram without a caption. The comment section was filled with love for the ’90s group and the women’s relationship after all these years.
“This is everything,” one comment said. “Pure friendship, sisterhood and allowing us to share that with you all is truly incredible.”
Crowds were jumpin’ jumpin’ in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium after Beyoncé surprised thousands of fans by briefly reuniting Destiny’s Child.
Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined Beyoncé onstage Saturday night during the final show of the “Cowboy Carter” tour, their first performance together in seven years. The women walked out together, clad in gold, while singing “Lose My Breath.”
The trio performed a brief medley that included smash single “Bootylicious” and one of Beyoncé’s own songs, “Energy.”
It was a rare reunion for the group, which disbanded in 2006 to pursue solo careers. The last time they were onstage together was in 2018 for Beyoncé’s headlining set at Coachella.
Beyoncé posted a photo of the women on her Instagram without a caption. The comment section was filled with love for the ’90s group and the women’s relationship after all these years.
“This is everything,” one comment said. “Pure friendship, sisterhood and allowing us to share that with you all is truly incredible.”
WATCH:
The surprise performance excited both fans in the stadium and those on the internet. Some expressed disbelief over what they just witnessed and others outrage that they weren’t there to see it for themselves.
“There are people who can say they’ve seen Destiny’s Child live in 2025 and I’m not one of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,” one X user wrote.
Even celebrities were excited about the surprise act. Bravo host Andy Cohen posted early Sunday that “the Destiny’s Child reunion videos are making my morning.”
Blue Ivy, the eldest daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, took the stage right after the trio exited together. The 13-year-old has been dancing onstage for her mother’s show all tour.
Many saw symbolism in her entrance just after Destiny’s Child left the stage. Some on social media referred to the teen as the “child of destiny.”
“Destiny’s child passing the torch to Blue Ivy,” one person wrote. “A historic moment.
The surprise performance excited both fans in the stadium and those on the internet. Some expressed disbelief over what they just witnessed and others outrage that they weren’t there to see it for themselves.
“There are people who can say they’ve seen Destiny’s Child live in 2025 and I’m not one of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,” one X user wrote.
Even celebrities were excited about the surprise act. Bravo host Andy Cohen posted early Sunday that “the Destiny’s Child reunion videos are making my morning.”
Blue Ivy, the eldest daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, took the stage right after the trio exited together. The 13-year-old has been dancing onstage for her mother’s show all tour.
Many saw symbolism in her entrance just after Destiny’s Child left the stage. Some on social media referred to the teen as the “child of destiny.”
“Destiny’s child passing the torch to Blue Ivy,” one person wrote. “A historic moment.
Stellar Awards 2025: BeBe & CeCe Winans to Host 40th Anniversary Celebration
The 40th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will take place Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, marking a major milestone for the show widely regarded as gospel music’s biggest night.
This year’s theme, “Our Music, Our Voice, Our Culture,” reflects four decades of honoring the artistry, legacy, and impact of gospel music.
GRAMMY Award-winning siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans will host the evening. Known for blending gospel with R&B and soul, the duo emerged in the 1980s with a self-titled debut album that helped redefine contemporary gospel. Songs like “Addictive Love” and “Close to You” brought them mainstream acclaim, and together they’ve amassed numerous honors including GRAMMY, Dove, Stellar, and Soul Train Awards. Their return to co-hosting signals a full-circle moment for the family that helped shape modern gospel.
The Stellar Awards will feature performances from a wide range of artists across generations. Scheduled to appear are Adia, Donnie McClurkin, Dottie Peoples, Jekalyn Carr, Jason Nelson, Lisa Page Brooks, MAJOR., Melvin Crispell III, Pastor Mike Jr., Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Tramaine Hawkins, and William Murphy.
The celebration extends beyond the main event with the return of the Stellar Plus Experience, a two-day slate of fan and industry events happening August 14–15 in Nashville.
One of the highlights is the invitation-only Stellar Nominee Pre-Show Dinner and Awards at the National Museum of African American Music, hosted by gospel mainstays Dorinda Clark-Cole and Vincent Bohanan. The event honors 2025 nominees in an intimate setting, with additional performers and honorees expected to be announced in the weeks ahead.
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson lead this year’s nominations with nine each, followed closely by CeCe Winans with eight, including nods for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for “More Than This.” According to Central City Productions Chairman and Stellar Awards Founder Don Jackson, the ceremony will honor “40 remarkable years” of elevating gospel music and its most influential voices.
Behind the scenes, the production team includes Don Jackson as executive producer, Jennifer J. Jackson as producer and executive in charge of production, Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer, and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s show is presented by Procter & Gamble, with sponsorship from General Motors, State Farm, AT&T, Walmart, Aflac, McDonald’s, and AARP. Tickets for the live taping are available now through the official Stellar Awards website.
This year’s theme, “Our Music, Our Voice, Our Culture,” reflects four decades of honoring the artistry, legacy, and impact of gospel music.
GRAMMY Award-winning siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans will host the evening. Known for blending gospel with R&B and soul, the duo emerged in the 1980s with a self-titled debut album that helped redefine contemporary gospel. Songs like “Addictive Love” and “Close to You” brought them mainstream acclaim, and together they’ve amassed numerous honors including GRAMMY, Dove, Stellar, and Soul Train Awards. Their return to co-hosting signals a full-circle moment for the family that helped shape modern gospel.
The Stellar Awards will feature performances from a wide range of artists across generations. Scheduled to appear are Adia, Donnie McClurkin, Dottie Peoples, Jekalyn Carr, Jason Nelson, Lisa Page Brooks, MAJOR., Melvin Crispell III, Pastor Mike Jr., Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Tramaine Hawkins, and William Murphy.
The celebration extends beyond the main event with the return of the Stellar Plus Experience, a two-day slate of fan and industry events happening August 14–15 in Nashville.
One of the highlights is the invitation-only Stellar Nominee Pre-Show Dinner and Awards at the National Museum of African American Music, hosted by gospel mainstays Dorinda Clark-Cole and Vincent Bohanan. The event honors 2025 nominees in an intimate setting, with additional performers and honorees expected to be announced in the weeks ahead.
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson lead this year’s nominations with nine each, followed closely by CeCe Winans with eight, including nods for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for “More Than This.” According to Central City Productions Chairman and Stellar Awards Founder Don Jackson, the ceremony will honor “40 remarkable years” of elevating gospel music and its most influential voices.
Behind the scenes, the production team includes Don Jackson as executive producer, Jennifer J. Jackson as producer and executive in charge of production, Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer, and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s show is presented by Procter & Gamble, with sponsorship from General Motors, State Farm, AT&T, Walmart, Aflac, McDonald’s, and AARP. Tickets for the live taping are available now through the official Stellar Awards website.
Philadelphia renames part of S. Broad Street as 'Teddy Pendergrass Way'
The city of Philadelphia honored legendary R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass with a street renaming ceremony Saturday.
The 400 block of South Broad Street is now known as Teddy Pendergrass Way.
A crowd, which included the late singer's wife and family, gathered to mark the occasion at the intersection of Broad and Pine.
"You helped the music come off the sheets and into the spirits and souls of the people who were listening and Teddy made the words, the poetry become a part of our lives," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Some of his hits included "Turn Off the Lights" and "Love TKO." His music has graced the airwaves from Philadelphia and beyond for decades.
"We know and we love Teddy," said Patti Jackson.
The famed singer passed away in 2010, but his music made a mark on the City of Brotherly Love.
"Philadelphia meant everything to Teddy Pendergrass. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and passed on in Philadelphia, so Philadelphia was his heart and soul," said Joan Pendergrass, his widow.
The location of Teddy Pendergrass Way is, of course, important. It's along Avenue of the Arts and near the former home of Philadelphia International Records where the famed singer recorded five platinum albums.
"It's been so many years just thinking about dad and what he meant to the city of Philadelphia," said Teddy Pendergrass Jr..
For Teddy's family, the crowd and the honor served as a reminder that while their dad may be gone, his legacy lives on.
"It feels good. He'd have a big smile on his face right now," said Teddy Jr.
"It's an honor. I'm humbled. There's no words to describe the way I'm feeling," said Joan.
The 400 block of South Broad Street is now known as Teddy Pendergrass Way.
A crowd, which included the late singer's wife and family, gathered to mark the occasion at the intersection of Broad and Pine.
"You helped the music come off the sheets and into the spirits and souls of the people who were listening and Teddy made the words, the poetry become a part of our lives," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Some of his hits included "Turn Off the Lights" and "Love TKO." His music has graced the airwaves from Philadelphia and beyond for decades.
"We know and we love Teddy," said Patti Jackson.
The famed singer passed away in 2010, but his music made a mark on the City of Brotherly Love.
"Philadelphia meant everything to Teddy Pendergrass. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and passed on in Philadelphia, so Philadelphia was his heart and soul," said Joan Pendergrass, his widow.
The location of Teddy Pendergrass Way is, of course, important. It's along Avenue of the Arts and near the former home of Philadelphia International Records where the famed singer recorded five platinum albums.
"It's been so many years just thinking about dad and what he meant to the city of Philadelphia," said Teddy Pendergrass Jr..
For Teddy's family, the crowd and the honor served as a reminder that while their dad may be gone, his legacy lives on.
"It feels good. He'd have a big smile on his face right now," said Teddy Jr.
"It's an honor. I'm humbled. There's no words to describe the way I'm feeling," said Joan.
Sex Worker Suing Diddy and Cassie Has STI Diagnosis Publicized Despite Pleas For Privacy
Clayton Howard, the plaintiff in a high-profile civil suit against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Cassie Ventura, is facing a new wave of scrutiny after his private medical history, including a herpes diagnosis, was made public despite his legal efforts to keep the information sealed.
Howard, who filed a sex trafficking lawsuit earlier this month, initially submitted a motion requesting that portions of the suit, specifically those involving personal health information, remain confidential. In his motion, Howard argued that the release of these sensitive details could cause him irreparable harm. However, before a judge could rule on his request, the documents were posted on the federal court’s public filing system, revealing his medical diagnosis.
Howard responded swiftly, alerting the court that the release violated HIPAA protections and federal court protocols. He called for the documents to be sealed immediately pending a formal decision. While U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang ultimately denied Howard’s original motion to seal the records, she did grant a temporary order blocking public access to some of his health-related claims and gave him until August 4 to revise and resubmit his motion.
The civil complaint, filed on July 4, accuses Diddy and Cassie of orchestrating a years-long cycle of sexual coercion and emotional manipulation beginning in 2009. Howard alleges that he was recruited to participate in what he described as “freak-off” parties, frequently while under the influence of ecstasy allegedly supplied by Cassie. He also claims Cassie infected him with herpes, an allegation that was previously listed in the complaint only as a “sexually transmitted disease.” Additionally, Howard asserts that he impregnated Cassie during the period of abuse, but that she terminated the pregnancy without informing him.
With mounting legal pressure on all parties and the court’s refusal to fully shield personal health details, this case continues to raise questions not only about the alleged misconduct, but also about privacy rights in high-stakes civil litigation.
Howard, who filed a sex trafficking lawsuit earlier this month, initially submitted a motion requesting that portions of the suit, specifically those involving personal health information, remain confidential. In his motion, Howard argued that the release of these sensitive details could cause him irreparable harm. However, before a judge could rule on his request, the documents were posted on the federal court’s public filing system, revealing his medical diagnosis.
Howard responded swiftly, alerting the court that the release violated HIPAA protections and federal court protocols. He called for the documents to be sealed immediately pending a formal decision. While U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang ultimately denied Howard’s original motion to seal the records, she did grant a temporary order blocking public access to some of his health-related claims and gave him until August 4 to revise and resubmit his motion.
The civil complaint, filed on July 4, accuses Diddy and Cassie of orchestrating a years-long cycle of sexual coercion and emotional manipulation beginning in 2009. Howard alleges that he was recruited to participate in what he described as “freak-off” parties, frequently while under the influence of ecstasy allegedly supplied by Cassie. He also claims Cassie infected him with herpes, an allegation that was previously listed in the complaint only as a “sexually transmitted disease.” Additionally, Howard asserts that he impregnated Cassie during the period of abuse, but that she terminated the pregnancy without informing him.
With mounting legal pressure on all parties and the court’s refusal to fully shield personal health details, this case continues to raise questions not only about the alleged misconduct, but also about privacy rights in high-stakes civil litigation.
#BoxOfficeNews: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Scored USD 118M Opening Weekend
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has kicked off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an impressive $118 million domestic box office haul from its opening weekend.
That’s the fourth biggest domestic opening of 2025, behind A Minecraft Movie ($162 million), Lilo & Stitch ($146 million), and Superman ($125 million).
First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, pulled in $100 million internationally, making for a global tally of $218 million.
That’s the best opening weekend for a Marvel movie since last year’s billion dollar blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, and is comfortably ahead of this year’s box office disappointments Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*.
Fantastic Four’s opening is pretty much neck and neck with Superman’s, which managed $217 million globally when it launched. The question for Marvel and parent company Disney will be, can Fantastic Four show staying power at theaters in the weeks and months ahead, long enough to be considered a success theatrically?
All eyes are on Fantastic Four’s performance following Marvel’s recent box office struggles, with the big budget Avengers: Doomsday out late next year. Before that, Spider-Man: Brand New Day comes out July 2026, then Avengers: Secret Wars launches in 2027.
That’s the fourth biggest domestic opening of 2025, behind A Minecraft Movie ($162 million), Lilo & Stitch ($146 million), and Superman ($125 million).
First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, pulled in $100 million internationally, making for a global tally of $218 million.
That’s the best opening weekend for a Marvel movie since last year’s billion dollar blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, and is comfortably ahead of this year’s box office disappointments Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*.
Fantastic Four’s opening is pretty much neck and neck with Superman’s, which managed $217 million globally when it launched. The question for Marvel and parent company Disney will be, can Fantastic Four show staying power at theaters in the weeks and months ahead, long enough to be considered a success theatrically?
All eyes are on Fantastic Four’s performance following Marvel’s recent box office struggles, with the big budget Avengers: Doomsday out late next year. Before that, Spider-Man: Brand New Day comes out July 2026, then Avengers: Secret Wars launches in 2027.
Eddie Murphy Shares Update on 'Shrek 5' & Donkey Spinoff Movie
Eddie Murphy is revealing some news up about a couple of upcoming projects he’s working on!
The 64-year-old actor and comedian will be reprising his voice role of Donkey in the upcoming fifth Shrek movie, and he’s also set to go out and star in his own spinoff movie.
While promoting his other new movie The Pickup, Eddie was asked where he was at with Shrek 5.
“They’re still doing voiceover stuff. We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek,” he told ScreenRant. “We start in September on Donkey, we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now, but we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.”
“Donkey’s going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys,” Eddie added. “They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”
If you missed it, earlier this year it was announced that Zendaya has joined the voice cast of the upcoming movie. Find out who she’s playing!
Shrek 5 is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026.#BoxOfficeNews: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Scored USD 118M Opening Weekend
Eddie Murphy is revealing some news up about a couple of upcoming projects he’s working on!
The 64-year-old actor and comedian will be reprising his voice role of Donkey in the upcoming fifth Shrek movie, and he’s also set to go out and star in his own spinoff movie.
While promoting his other new movie The Pickup, Eddie was asked where he was at with Shrek 5.
“They’re still doing voiceover stuff. We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek,” he told ScreenRant. “We start in September on Donkey, we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now, but we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.”
“Donkey’s going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys,” Eddie added. “They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”
If you missed it, earlier this year it was announced that Zendaya has joined the voice cast of the upcoming movie. Find out who she’s playing!
Shrek 5 is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026.#BoxOfficeNews: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Scored USD 118M Opening Weekend
Keke Palmer Wows In Sheer Look at 'The Pickup' Premiere
The 31-year-old entertainer joined her co-stars Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson at the event, as well as director Tim Story and his wife Vicky.
Also in attendance at the premiere were Eddie‘s wife Paige Butcher, his Dolemite Is My Name co-star Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Vivica A Fox, Skai Jackson, Algee Smith, BJ the Chicago Kid and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Pete was also seen posing on the carpet with his pregnant girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, just less than two weeks after they announced they are expecting.
In The Pickup, a routine cash pickup takes a wild turn when two mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson), are ambushed by ruthless criminals led by a savvy mastermind, Zoe (Palmer), with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo. As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-risk danger, clashing personalities, and one very bad day that keeps getting worse.
The Pickup is set to be released on August 6th on Prime Video. Watch the trailer here!
FYI: Keke is wearing a vintage Versace dress.
Jennifer Lopez Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction at 'Up All Night' Concert In Warsaw
Jennifer Lopez is the latest performer to have a wardrobe malfunction on stage!
The 56-year-old entertainer, who just recently celebrated her birthday, was performing her Up All Night show in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday (July 25) when the incident happened.
During the concert, JLo returned to the stage as her band sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and while walking out, she nearly immediately grabbed the back of her skirt, with dancer Giuseppe Giofrè noticing and jumping into action.
As JLo stopped on stage, he tried to fix the skirt and when she walked away, it just fell off, as seen in the video here.
“I’m out here in my underwear,” she said, as Giuseppe returned to try and fix it again, but JLo just took it off and threw it into the crowd.
“I’m glad that they reinforced that costume, and I’m glad I had underwear on,” she said. “I don’t usually wear underwear.”
She then told the fan who caught the costume piece that they could keep, “I don’t want it back. You can have it forever.”
The day before was her actual birthday, and she officially released her new song, “Birthday,” which she has been performing at recent concerts.
The 56-year-old entertainer, who just recently celebrated her birthday, was performing her Up All Night show in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday (July 25) when the incident happened.
During the concert, JLo returned to the stage as her band sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and while walking out, she nearly immediately grabbed the back of her skirt, with dancer Giuseppe Giofrè noticing and jumping into action.
As JLo stopped on stage, he tried to fix the skirt and when she walked away, it just fell off, as seen in the video here.
“I’m out here in my underwear,” she said, as Giuseppe returned to try and fix it again, but JLo just took it off and threw it into the crowd.
“I’m glad that they reinforced that costume, and I’m glad I had underwear on,” she said. “I don’t usually wear underwear.”
She then told the fan who caught the costume piece that they could keep, “I don’t want it back. You can have it forever.”
The day before was her actual birthday, and she officially released her new song, “Birthday,” which she has been performing at recent concerts.
Jay Leno Says Today’s Late-Night Hosts ‘Alienate’ Half the Audience With Political Jokes ‘Cozying Up to One Side’: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Wants to Hear a Lecture’
Jay Leno believes late-night TV comedians have become too politicized — and that they risk losing half the viewing audience by “cozying up to one side or the other.”
“To me, I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from things, you know, the pressures of life, whatever it might be,” Leno said in a recent interview with David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion.”
Leno didn’t name names. But the current roster of late-night hosts — Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Seth Meyers and more — has routinely mocked President Trump and the MAGA movement. To be fair, they have also opportunistically lampooned Democrats.
Leno’s impression is that late-night TV these days skews toward specific political viewpoints. “I love political humor, don’t get me wrong,” the late-night veteran told Trulio. “But it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other.” Leno asked rhetorically, “Why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole. I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture.”
Leno’s interview with Trulio, formerly Fox News Digital’s managing editor and head of strategy and editorial operations, was conducted before CBS announced on July 17 that it was canceling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” CBS claimed it was “purely a financial decision.”
The axing of Colbert’s show appeared to many critics to be another concession to Trump, coming after CBS parent company Paramount Global agreed to pay the president $16 million to settle what legal experts said was a meritless lawsuit going after “60 Minutes.” After Trump said “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Colbert told Trump to “Go fuck yourself.” On Friday, David Letterman, former “Late Show” host, slammed the cancellation of Colbert’s show as an act of “pure cowardice” and suggested that Skydance Media (whose takeover of Paramount is set to close next month after the FCC approved the deal) wanted Colbert ousted to avoid problems with the Trump administration.
The caption on the Reagan Foundation’s YouTube interview clip with Leno, which was posted July 22, says, “Late-night TV used to be about laughs — not lectures. @jayleno tells us why he never shared his political opinions on The Tonight Show, and why he thinks today’s hosts are losing half of America by doing so.” The first part of Trulio’s interview with Leno was posted July 9 on YouTube. Part 2, in which Leno “shares his thoughts on Reagan’s comedic brilliance,” was uploaded July 15.
Leno hosted “The Tonight Show” on NBC from 1992 to 2009; Conan O’Brien briefly took the reins of the show before NBC brought Leno back from 2010-14. Leno was the first late-night talk show host to conduct an interview with a sitting president, with President Barack Obama appearing on the show in March 2009.
After Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Leno said in an appearance on “The View” that he was “not a fan” of Trump but that, “The nice thing about this election is, it was fair, it was honest…. there was no cheating. Everybody says it was honest. I mean, it’s a great day for democracy,” Leno added.
In the interview with Leno, Trulio alluded to a study of the comedian’s “Tonight Show” jokes, which Trulio said had found were “roughly equally balanced between going after Republicans and taking aim at Democrats.” According to a George Mason University analysis released in 2009, on “The Tonight Show” from 1992-2008, Leno told 4,468 jokes about Bill Clinton, nearly 50% more than George W. Bush (2,999 jokes).
Asked by Trulio what his strategy was vis-a-vis political humor, Leno replied, “It was funny to me when I got hate letters [that said], ‘You and your Republican friends’ and ‘Well, Mr. Leno, I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy‘ — over the same joke. And I go, ’Well, that’s good. That’s how you get a whole audience.’”
Leno has previously shared his belief that late-night hosts who have come after him are too one-sided. In 2019, he said on “The View” that he “always liked to humiliate and degrade both sides equally.”
Jay Leno believes late-night TV comedians have become too politicized — and that they risk losing half the viewing audience by “cozying up to one side or the other.”
“To me, I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from things, you know, the pressures of life, whatever it might be,” Leno said in a recent interview with David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion.”
Leno didn’t name names. But the current roster of late-night hosts — Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Seth Meyers and more — has routinely mocked President Trump and the MAGA movement. To be fair, they have also opportunistically lampooned Democrats.
Leno’s impression is that late-night TV these days skews toward specific political viewpoints. “I love political humor, don’t get me wrong,” the late-night veteran told Trulio. “But it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other.” Leno asked rhetorically, “Why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole. I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture.”
Leno’s interview with Trulio, formerly Fox News Digital’s managing editor and head of strategy and editorial operations, was conducted before CBS announced on July 17 that it was canceling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” CBS claimed it was “purely a financial decision.”
The axing of Colbert’s show appeared to many critics to be another concession to Trump, coming after CBS parent company Paramount Global agreed to pay the president $16 million to settle what legal experts said was a meritless lawsuit going after “60 Minutes.” After Trump said “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Colbert told Trump to “Go fuck yourself.” On Friday, David Letterman, former “Late Show” host, slammed the cancellation of Colbert’s show as an act of “pure cowardice” and suggested that Skydance Media (whose takeover of Paramount is set to close next month after the FCC approved the deal) wanted Colbert ousted to avoid problems with the Trump administration.
The caption on the Reagan Foundation’s YouTube interview clip with Leno, which was posted July 22, says, “Late-night TV used to be about laughs — not lectures. @jayleno tells us why he never shared his political opinions on The Tonight Show, and why he thinks today’s hosts are losing half of America by doing so.” The first part of Trulio’s interview with Leno was posted July 9 on YouTube. Part 2, in which Leno “shares his thoughts on Reagan’s comedic brilliance,” was uploaded July 15.
Leno hosted “The Tonight Show” on NBC from 1992 to 2009; Conan O’Brien briefly took the reins of the show before NBC brought Leno back from 2010-14. Leno was the first late-night talk show host to conduct an interview with a sitting president, with President Barack Obama appearing on the show in March 2009.
After Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Leno said in an appearance on “The View” that he was “not a fan” of Trump but that, “The nice thing about this election is, it was fair, it was honest…. there was no cheating. Everybody says it was honest. I mean, it’s a great day for democracy,” Leno added.
In the interview with Leno, Trulio alluded to a study of the comedian’s “Tonight Show” jokes, which Trulio said had found were “roughly equally balanced between going after Republicans and taking aim at Democrats.” According to a George Mason University analysis released in 2009, on “The Tonight Show” from 1992-2008, Leno told 4,468 jokes about Bill Clinton, nearly 50% more than George W. Bush (2,999 jokes).
Asked by Trulio what his strategy was vis-a-vis political humor, Leno replied, “It was funny to me when I got hate letters [that said], ‘You and your Republican friends’ and ‘Well, Mr. Leno, I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy‘ — over the same joke. And I go, ’Well, that’s good. That’s how you get a whole audience.’”
Leno has previously shared his belief that late-night hosts who have come after him are too one-sided. In 2019, he said on “The View” that he “always liked to humiliate and degrade both sides equally.”
Is Justin Timberlake Is ‘in a Rut’ as Viral Videos Slam His ‘Lackluster’ Shows
Justin Timberlake and controversy seem to go hand in hand — he can’t escape the headlines. This time, it’s his performance on the Forget Tomorrow World Tour that is drawing criticism from fans.
The noise began on TikTok after concertgoers in Romania chimed in with their disappointed thoughts, as he appeared less than enthusiastic during the very rainy performance. He was singing his hit single, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” from the 2016 movie, Trolls, but he didn’t really perform. He let the audience do most of the singing. (You can see the video here.)
The noise began on TikTok after concertgoers in Romania chimed in with their disappointed thoughts, as he appeared less than enthusiastic during the very rainy performance. He was singing his hit single, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” from the 2016 movie, Trolls, but he didn’t really perform. He let the audience do most of the singing. (You can see the video here.)
A fan wrote across the video, “When you pay for a concert but get a mute singer,” as Timberlake halfheartedly danced. The caption added more thoughts to the conversation, “Dude took a day off on stage…” Now, the Daily Mail is chiming in with what is reportedly happening with the 44-year-old singer behind the scenes.
An insider told the media outlet that Timberlake is “in a rut” in his career and “needs to do something new.” The former NSYNC star “‘wants to create new music and to do something he hasn’t done yet,” but his fans want to hear his greatest hits — he’s reached that stage of his career.
Timberlake’s 2024 album, Everything I Thought It Was, was met with “lackluster” sales as he kicked off a world tour with a DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York, last summer. He reportedly ran a stop sign and failed to stay in his lane. The situation only worsened when Page Six obtained the police report and shared an ego-driven statement that was revealed by a source.
“The cop didn’t know who he was at first,” the insider told the media outlet. “Justin said under his breath, ‘This is going to ruin the tour.’ The cop replied, ‘What tour?’ Justin said, ‘The world tour.’”
With the Daily Mail reporting that “ticket sales haven’t been as buoyant as he’d hoped,” Timberlake has allegedly become “short-tempered both on and off stage.” And now, his fans are paying the price and spreading the word about his concerts on social media — buyer beware!
Azealia Banks Sparks Outrage with Pedophilia-Defending Comments on Social Media
*On Saturday (07-26-25), rapper and professional chaos agent Azealia Banks took to X (formerly Twitter) to post what might be her most unhinged take yet—arguing that adult-minor sexual relationships were “normalized” before the 1990s and should not be seen as predatory today.
Banks claimed that when she was 15, she had relationships with older men and saw them not as victims or criminals, but as a “bad choice” on her part.
She also said the shift in public morality was “new thinking,” sparking outrage across social platforms.
As if that weren’t enough, she linked her comments to defending former President Donald Trump from pedophilia allegations—though she later clarified it “wasn’t really about him.”
Apparently, the Trump defense was just her warm-up act for full-on internet combustion.
Outrage was immediate. Thousands of users called her out as “deranged,” “dangerous,” and “disgusting.” Some said she was blaming child victims for adult behavior. Others were just stunned at the sheer ignorance.
“With the Epstein case, 14-year-olds who were flown in from small towns, told they would be models, and then raped. Is that the 14-year-olds she means? This is truly the dumbest take and somehow not surprising.”
“This is why she’s not relevant and broke now. She’s stupid af, and the sh!t she says reinforces how low of an IQ she has.”
“She needs to be punched in the face. She’s such a magat that she wants to make people forget like her orange Papi. If Slump was asking for her services, she would fly out of Sweden like a bat out of hell to come f*** him.”
Yikes. Not exactly the fan feedback you want when you’re trying to resurrect your music career. But with Banks, it’s hard to tell whether it’s meltdown or marketing at this point.
Banks has a long history of posting what can only be described as “rage bait”—outrageous, click-hungry hot takes that ignite Twitter and leave her fans wondering if she’s okay. Spoiler: she’s not.
Back in 2018, she called Nicki Minaj’s collab with 6ix9ine “gross and evil” because of his conviction for sex with a minor. Fast forward to 2025 and she’s now arguing that same behavior is totally fine, just misunderstood history. That’s quite a pivot.
She’s also famously feuded with everyone from Elon Musk to Beyoncé’s BeyHive. She’s been accused of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and witchcraft (and posted chicken sacrifices in her closet to prove it). Somewhere in there, she also made a few decent songs.
No Apologies, Just Vibes—and Bad Ones
So far, Banks hasn’t deleted the posts or issued any sort of apology. Instead, she doubled down, claiming she was speaking her truth and implying the outrage is just people being sheep.
That may fly in her inner circle, but for many fans and casual observers, this feels like the final straw. “I used to think she was misunderstood,” one Reddit user wrote. “Now I just think she’s dangerous.”
Her defenders are growing fewer, and her music—which once earned her critical acclaim—is barely part of the conversation anymore. It’s all about the next outburst. And right now, this one may be too far, even for her.
Why It’s Bigger Than Azealia Banks
Child protection advocates have spoken out, reminding the public that minors cannot legally or morally consent to sexual relationships with adults.
Framing abuse as “normal” or “acceptable” is not only harmful, but potentially triggers survivors.
This latest controversy raises a bigger question: should platforms continue to give Banks a stage? With her history of pushing boundaries for attention, many are now calling for her deplatforming. And unlike her past antics, this isn’t just petty drama—it’s dangerous misinformation.
Whether she gets canceled or clings to her platform, one thing is clear: Azealia Banks’ spiral into online absurdity has now entered a deeply disturbing chapter.
Banks claimed that when she was 15, she had relationships with older men and saw them not as victims or criminals, but as a “bad choice” on her part.
She also said the shift in public morality was “new thinking,” sparking outrage across social platforms.
As if that weren’t enough, she linked her comments to defending former President Donald Trump from pedophilia allegations—though she later clarified it “wasn’t really about him.”
Apparently, the Trump defense was just her warm-up act for full-on internet combustion.
Outrage was immediate. Thousands of users called her out as “deranged,” “dangerous,” and “disgusting.” Some said she was blaming child victims for adult behavior. Others were just stunned at the sheer ignorance.
“With the Epstein case, 14-year-olds who were flown in from small towns, told they would be models, and then raped. Is that the 14-year-olds she means? This is truly the dumbest take and somehow not surprising.”
“This is why she’s not relevant and broke now. She’s stupid af, and the sh!t she says reinforces how low of an IQ she has.”
“She needs to be punched in the face. She’s such a magat that she wants to make people forget like her orange Papi. If Slump was asking for her services, she would fly out of Sweden like a bat out of hell to come f*** him.”
Yikes. Not exactly the fan feedback you want when you’re trying to resurrect your music career. But with Banks, it’s hard to tell whether it’s meltdown or marketing at this point.
Banks has a long history of posting what can only be described as “rage bait”—outrageous, click-hungry hot takes that ignite Twitter and leave her fans wondering if she’s okay. Spoiler: she’s not.
Back in 2018, she called Nicki Minaj’s collab with 6ix9ine “gross and evil” because of his conviction for sex with a minor. Fast forward to 2025 and she’s now arguing that same behavior is totally fine, just misunderstood history. That’s quite a pivot.
She’s also famously feuded with everyone from Elon Musk to Beyoncé’s BeyHive. She’s been accused of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and witchcraft (and posted chicken sacrifices in her closet to prove it). Somewhere in there, she also made a few decent songs.
No Apologies, Just Vibes—and Bad Ones
So far, Banks hasn’t deleted the posts or issued any sort of apology. Instead, she doubled down, claiming she was speaking her truth and implying the outrage is just people being sheep.
That may fly in her inner circle, but for many fans and casual observers, this feels like the final straw. “I used to think she was misunderstood,” one Reddit user wrote. “Now I just think she’s dangerous.”
Her defenders are growing fewer, and her music—which once earned her critical acclaim—is barely part of the conversation anymore. It’s all about the next outburst. And right now, this one may be too far, even for her.
Why It’s Bigger Than Azealia Banks
Child protection advocates have spoken out, reminding the public that minors cannot legally or morally consent to sexual relationships with adults.
Framing abuse as “normal” or “acceptable” is not only harmful, but potentially triggers survivors.
This latest controversy raises a bigger question: should platforms continue to give Banks a stage? With her history of pushing boundaries for attention, many are now calling for her deplatforming. And unlike her past antics, this isn’t just petty drama—it’s dangerous misinformation.
Whether she gets canceled or clings to her platform, one thing is clear: Azealia Banks’ spiral into online absurdity has now entered a deeply disturbing chapter.
Claressa Shields Remains Undefeated after her bout with Lani Daniels
Heavyweight boxer Claressa Shields remains undefeated after her bout with Lani Daniels...
Claressa Shields successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision victory versus tough-nosed New Zealand native Lani Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, 99-91 in favor of Shields, who was on her A-game.
"She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots," Shields said. "I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head. I mixed it up on her. Lani is just very, very tough, and I knew she would be tough just from watching her fights and I could tell she worked on her speed."
Claressa Shields successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision victory versus tough-nosed New Zealand native Lani Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, 99-91 in favor of Shields, who was on her A-game.
"She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots," Shields said. "I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head. I mixed it up on her. Lani is just very, very tough, and I knew she would be tough just from watching her fights and I could tell she worked on her speed."
The victory marked the first time that Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) had fought twice in a calendar year since 2022. She said she welcomes all the big challenges going forward in her career, including retired champion Laila Ali and a potential showdown against welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer at 154 if they are seriously interested.
"I'm going to stay at heavyweight and hopefully get the big fights with Franchon Crews, Che Kenneally. I want to fight Laila Ali," Shields said. "We put up the $15 million for the fight and we ain't heard nothing back yet.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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