#MAGFAB: Archie Madekwe for V Man - Fall/Winter 2025
VMAN introduces the “Fall’s Most Wanted” VMAN55 Fall/Winter 2025 issue, starring English Actor Archie Madekwe as the second of six cover stars.
When the first meager drop of fame trickles in, how far will you go to make sure the well never dries up? That’s the heartbeat pumping through the core of “Lurker.” Starring Archie Madekwe, best-known for “Gran Turismo,” “Saltburn,” and “Midsommar,” the British actor’s new film represents a pivotal evolution for his career, taking on a new role as producer. “Lurker” is tight, exhilarating, and, at times, hysterical. Owed largely to the captivating performances of its leading duo—Madekwe as a burgeoning popstar and Théodore Pellerin as the tenacious barnacle suctioned to his orbit—Alex Russell’s directorial debut is nothing short of tremendous.
When the first meager drop of fame trickles in, how far will you go to make sure the well never dries up? That’s the heartbeat pumping through the core of “Lurker.” Starring Archie Madekwe, best-known for “Gran Turismo,” “Saltburn,” and “Midsommar,” the British actor’s new film represents a pivotal evolution for his career, taking on a new role as producer. “Lurker” is tight, exhilarating, and, at times, hysterical. Owed largely to the captivating performances of its leading duo—Madekwe as a burgeoning popstar and Théodore Pellerin as the tenacious barnacle suctioned to his orbit—Alex Russell’s directorial debut is nothing short of tremendous.
ARCHIE MADEKWE ON TAKING ROLES HE RARELY SEES HIMSELF REPRESENTED IN:
“I’m just constantly looking to take on projects that I don’t see people that look like myself in, whether that is something as small and interesting as Midsommar, or something as big as Gran Turismo.”
“I’m just constantly looking to take on projects that I don’t see people that look like myself in, whether that is something as small and interesting as Midsommar, or something as big as Gran Turismo.”
ARCHIE MADEKWE ON LIVING OUT HIS MUSICIAN FANTASY IN “LURKER”:
“There’s another universe where you say, ‘God, it would have been so fun to be a musician.’ And I felt like Lurker, I got to live out that fantasy for a second. And it’s definitely addictive.”
ARCHIE MADEKWE ON HIS EXCITEMENT FOR “LURKER”—AND FOR CO-STAR THÉODORE PELLERIN:
“I’m genuinely, really excited for Theo. I think he’s so incredible in this film, and I just can’t wait for the world to see his performance. I just love him so much, and I just think he’s so special.”
Nice!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Just Announced a Major Career Move: "Coming Soon!"
Just weeks after confirming her next movie project, The Real Housewives of Atlanta friend revealed she had joined forces with Jovani — the high-end womenswear brand that left an indelible mark on the Bravo-verse.
Cynthia announced the move in via Instagram last week, fresh off her reunion with RHOA’s Phaedra Parks and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alumAdrienne Maloof. The trio posed together at a Tequila Comisario promotional event, where Cynthia shared a little taste of her Jovani collaboration.
Fans immediately took to the comments section to compliment the ensemble, which featured a pair of black trousers and a two-tone blazer with black and red panels, a one-button closure, slanted pocket flaps, and notch lapels.
"Make some pants for the tall girls," one fan wrote, to which Cynthia replied, "They are long!!! I am 5’10."
The RHOA friend styled the suit with a lacy top, open-toed black heels, drop earrings, and a quilted shoulder bag. The mother of one also credited her glam to Jason Tavares and Marlissa Mo’Nique.
Cynthia did not provide any more details about the special Jovani collection, including when it was expected to drop.
Cynthia announced the move in via Instagram last week, fresh off her reunion with RHOA’s Phaedra Parks and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alumAdrienne Maloof. The trio posed together at a Tequila Comisario promotional event, where Cynthia shared a little taste of her Jovani collaboration.
Fans immediately took to the comments section to compliment the ensemble, which featured a pair of black trousers and a two-tone blazer with black and red panels, a one-button closure, slanted pocket flaps, and notch lapels.
"Make some pants for the tall girls," one fan wrote, to which Cynthia replied, "They are long!!! I am 5’10."
The RHOA friend styled the suit with a lacy top, open-toed black heels, drop earrings, and a quilted shoulder bag. The mother of one also credited her glam to Jason Tavares and Marlissa Mo’Nique.
Cynthia did not provide any more details about the special Jovani collection, including when it was expected to drop.
#NewMusic from Ledisi She does Dinah Washington's “What a Dif or.ference a Day Made”
Ledisi’s radiant take on “What a Dif or.ference a Day Made” is one of those moments: a gleaming, time-slipping conversation between two towering Black women in American music
The single, out now, is the first taste of Ledisi’s new album For Dinah—a lovingly crafted tribute to Dinah Washington—arriving Friday, October 3, 2025, on Candid Records. The timing couldn’t be sweeter: August 29, 2025, marks what would have been Washington’s 101st birthday. Consider this release a birthday bouquet from one queen to another.
The single, out now, is the first taste of Ledisi’s new album For Dinah—a lovingly crafted tribute to Dinah Washington—arriving Friday, October 3, 2025, on Candid Records. The timing couldn’t be sweeter: August 29, 2025, marks what would have been Washington’s 101st birthday. Consider this release a birthday bouquet from one queen to another.
The track, a standard that Dinah recorded under the name “What A Diff’rence A Day Makes,” back in 1959, was originally fashioned as a slightly bluesy R&B tune. Ledisi’s take, however, plays up the song’s jazz possibilities with delicate piano, upright bass and brushed snare laying the road. It’s on this foundation that the songstress gingerly strolls, bending and flexing her voice as she sees fits to give us soft riffs and brassy, bold belts effortlessly.
LISTEN HERE:
“What A Difference A Day Made” is made all the more beautiful by this new take. And we can’t wait to hear the spin Ledisi will be putting on the other Dinah Washington tunes featured on For Dinah when it arrives on Friday, October 3rd.
#HipHopNews: Busta Rhymes to Receive MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award
Busta Rhymes is adding another accolade to his already legendary career. The hip-hop icon has been named the recipient of the inaugural MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award, to be presented at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. It’s a trophy that’s well-deserved, as Busta has been one of rap’s most inventive all-around visual and audio stylists for the entirety of his career.
Also set to be honored at this year’s VMAs is Mariah Carey, who will take home the Video Vanguard award recognizing her contributions. Salute to two legends. This year’s VMAs will be hosted by LL COOL J.
It was also announced that Alex Warren, J Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr are also booked as VMA performers. And pop superstar Ricky Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award.
Pop icon Lady Gaga leads nominations at this year’s VMAs with 12 nods, including video of the year, artist of the year and best album. Bruno Mars landed 11 nominations. Among the others leading the pack are Kendrick Lamar, Carpenter, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Blackpink singer Rosé, Billie Eilish and Charli XCX. Also, the VMAs finally added a Best Country category to the show’s lineup.
LL is set to host this year and the Hip-Hop icon co-hosted the show back in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. In addition to his previous hosting gig, the Queens rap legend has a lengthy history with the VMAs. He took home the award for Best Rap Video back in 1991. He was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.
Earlier this year, Busta Rhymes appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to debut some tracks from his album, Dragon Season… The Awakening. During the performance, Busta did two new songs — “Unleash Me” and “Do the Busabus Pt. 2” — as well as his hit feature on Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now.”
Busta Rhymes is adding another accolade to his already legendary career. The hip-hop icon has been named the recipient of the inaugural MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award, to be presented at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. It’s a trophy that’s well-deserved, as Busta has been one of rap’s most inventive all-around visual and audio stylists for the entirety of his career.
Also set to be honored at this year’s VMAs is Mariah Carey, who will take home the Video Vanguard award recognizing her contributions. Salute to two legends. This year’s VMAs will be hosted by LL COOL J.
It was also announced that Alex Warren, J Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr are also booked as VMA performers. And pop superstar Ricky Martin will be honored with the Latin Icon Award.
Pop icon Lady Gaga leads nominations at this year’s VMAs with 12 nods, including video of the year, artist of the year and best album. Bruno Mars landed 11 nominations. Among the others leading the pack are Kendrick Lamar, Carpenter, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Blackpink singer Rosé, Billie Eilish and Charli XCX. Also, the VMAs finally added a Best Country category to the show’s lineup.
LL is set to host this year and the Hip-Hop icon co-hosted the show back in 2022 with Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. In addition to his previous hosting gig, the Queens rap legend has a lengthy history with the VMAs. He took home the award for Best Rap Video back in 1991. He was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997.
Earlier this year, Busta Rhymes appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to debut some tracks from his album, Dragon Season… The Awakening. During the performance, Busta did two new songs — “Unleash Me” and “Do the Busabus Pt. 2” — as well as his hit feature on Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ARE engaged!
It's a love story, and Taylor Swift said yes. The music superstar and 3-time Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce announced that they're engaged to be married, delighting fans around the world. They shared a joint post on Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, joking that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married."
The mega-famous couple shared a five-photo carousel of Swift and Kelce surrounded by flowers with Travis on one knee. While there's no word on when the nuptials will take place, well wishes started pouring in from the worlds of music, sports and more.
Swift and Kelce's Instagram post announcing their engagement featured a close-up shot of the singer's engagement ring, and we can confirm it was created by Kindred Lubeck with Artifex Fine Jewelry.
It's an old mine brilliant cut, with a gold band that matched the Cartier watch Swift also wore in the photos.
“New Heights,” the Kelce brothers’ podcast, shared a clip of Jason Kelce asking Travis about the Eras Tour concert he attended two years ago and then a picture of the engagement, using the “how it started, how it’s going” meme format.
The NFL’s official social media account reposted a picture from the proposal and also shared a clip of Kelce and Swift after the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl 58, with Swift telling Kelce, “I’m in shock, I can’t believe this is really happening,” as confetti fell.
Second-ranked women’s tennis player Iga Swiatek – and noted Swiftie – had news of the engagement broken to her on ESPN’s set of the network’s coverage at the US Open and replied “Oh my God, I’m so happy for her.”
Swift has never publicly been engaged before, though she has been in long-term relationships with other celebrities like Joe Alwyn and Calvin Harris.
Kelce, who was previously linked to sports journalist and model Kayla Nicole, has not been publicly engaged to anyone before his relationship with Swift.
President Donald Trump hasn't always been Taylor Swift's biggest fan, but he had warm wishes for the musician and her football player fiancee Travis Kelce on their engagement.
"I think he's a great player. I think he's a great guy," Trump said at the White House on Tuesday. "And I think that she's a terrific person, so I wish them a lot of luck."
The real-life rom com played out on a football field and concert stops after Kelce went to the Eras Tour in Kansas City in 2023 with a friendship bracelet that he couldn't get to the singer.
"I was disappointed that she doesn't talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings," Kelce said to his brother, Jason.
Swift reached out to him after he put her on blast on "New Heights," and the two began dating quietly until they went public when Swift attended the Chiefs vs. Bears game on Sept. 24, 2023. She attended 13 games that season culminating in Super Bowl 58 when Kansas City beat the 49ers.
Kelce visited Swift's three plus hour show 14 times in Argentina, Australia, Singapore, France, England, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany and Indianapolis.
Eagle-eyed Swifties have already tracked down the details of what Swift was wearing in her engagement photos with Kelce: The singer donned a striped silk-blend dress in shades of cream and black by Ralph Lauren, according to internet sleuths and reports in People and Harper's Bazaar.
"Crafted with a mulberry silk blend for an airy, crinkled hand, this striped dress pairs a smocked bodice and a flowing A-line skirt," the designer says about the $398 dress. "The slender shoulder straps can be adjusted or removed for customized versatility."
The dress, which is on sale for $319, quickly sold out in all sizes on Ralph Lauren's website. It was initially available on the designer's store in a few sizes.
Swift accessorized her look with her go-to diamond-encrusted Panthère de Cartier watch, a pair of brown sandals and her “TNT” friendship bracelet by Wove, a Christmas gift from Kelce.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement overshadows Trump cabinet meeting, interrupts Fox News coverage
Kelce hard launched their relationship on Instagram at the start of Kansas City training camp in July, posting a carousel of 13 photos with the caption, "Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯." The main photo showed Kelce smiling ear-to-ear in a "captain" gold anchor hat while Swift points to being his "first mate."
In a GQ profile released Aug. 12, Kelce gushed about Swift's work ethic, stamina and values.
"When there is not a camera on us, we're just two people that are in love," Kelce said in the piece. "It can be perceived as something else because of how much it is talked about and how much we are tracked whenever we do go out, but I would say that it's as normal of … It happened very organically even though from a media standpoint it was being tracked. It still happened very organically."
The mega-famous couple shared a five-photo carousel of Swift and Kelce surrounded by flowers with Travis on one knee. While there's no word on when the nuptials will take place, well wishes started pouring in from the worlds of music, sports and more.
Swift and Kelce's Instagram post announcing their engagement featured a close-up shot of the singer's engagement ring, and we can confirm it was created by Kindred Lubeck with Artifex Fine Jewelry.
It's an old mine brilliant cut, with a gold band that matched the Cartier watch Swift also wore in the photos.
“New Heights,” the Kelce brothers’ podcast, shared a clip of Jason Kelce asking Travis about the Eras Tour concert he attended two years ago and then a picture of the engagement, using the “how it started, how it’s going” meme format.
The NFL’s official social media account reposted a picture from the proposal and also shared a clip of Kelce and Swift after the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl 58, with Swift telling Kelce, “I’m in shock, I can’t believe this is really happening,” as confetti fell.
Second-ranked women’s tennis player Iga Swiatek – and noted Swiftie – had news of the engagement broken to her on ESPN’s set of the network’s coverage at the US Open and replied “Oh my God, I’m so happy for her.”
Swift has never publicly been engaged before, though she has been in long-term relationships with other celebrities like Joe Alwyn and Calvin Harris.
Kelce, who was previously linked to sports journalist and model Kayla Nicole, has not been publicly engaged to anyone before his relationship with Swift.
President Donald Trump hasn't always been Taylor Swift's biggest fan, but he had warm wishes for the musician and her football player fiancee Travis Kelce on their engagement.
"I think he's a great player. I think he's a great guy," Trump said at the White House on Tuesday. "And I think that she's a terrific person, so I wish them a lot of luck."
The real-life rom com played out on a football field and concert stops after Kelce went to the Eras Tour in Kansas City in 2023 with a friendship bracelet that he couldn't get to the singer.
"I was disappointed that she doesn't talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings," Kelce said to his brother, Jason.
Swift reached out to him after he put her on blast on "New Heights," and the two began dating quietly until they went public when Swift attended the Chiefs vs. Bears game on Sept. 24, 2023. She attended 13 games that season culminating in Super Bowl 58 when Kansas City beat the 49ers.
Kelce visited Swift's three plus hour show 14 times in Argentina, Australia, Singapore, France, England, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany and Indianapolis.
Eagle-eyed Swifties have already tracked down the details of what Swift was wearing in her engagement photos with Kelce: The singer donned a striped silk-blend dress in shades of cream and black by Ralph Lauren, according to internet sleuths and reports in People and Harper's Bazaar.
"Crafted with a mulberry silk blend for an airy, crinkled hand, this striped dress pairs a smocked bodice and a flowing A-line skirt," the designer says about the $398 dress. "The slender shoulder straps can be adjusted or removed for customized versatility."
The dress, which is on sale for $319, quickly sold out in all sizes on Ralph Lauren's website. It was initially available on the designer's store in a few sizes.
Swift accessorized her look with her go-to diamond-encrusted Panthère de Cartier watch, a pair of brown sandals and her “TNT” friendship bracelet by Wove, a Christmas gift from Kelce.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement overshadows Trump cabinet meeting, interrupts Fox News coverage
Kelce hard launched their relationship on Instagram at the start of Kansas City training camp in July, posting a carousel of 13 photos with the caption, "Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯." The main photo showed Kelce smiling ear-to-ear in a "captain" gold anchor hat while Swift points to being his "first mate."
In a GQ profile released Aug. 12, Kelce gushed about Swift's work ethic, stamina and values.
"When there is not a camera on us, we're just two people that are in love," Kelce said in the piece. "It can be perceived as something else because of how much it is talked about and how much we are tracked whenever we do go out, but I would say that it's as normal of … It happened very organically even though from a media standpoint it was being tracked. It still happened very organically."
Congrats to them!
Lil Nas X Out Of Jail; Charged With 4 Felonies Dad Says “Could Happen To Any Family”
Lil Nas X was finally released from jail after taking a nude stroll through Los Angeles and assaulting three police officers in the crazy incident. On Monday (August 25), Lil Nas X was charged with four felonies after Los Angeles police arrested him for walking naked through Studio City and allegedly rushing at officers during the encounter.
The 25-year-old rapper was spotted early on August 21, wearing only cowboy boots and underwear before stripping completely and walking down Ventura Boulevard.
Video from the scene showed him performing lyrics and strutting in the middle of the road without clothes.
Police responded to a 911 call about a naked man in the street. When officers arrived, they found Lil Nas X unclothed and, according to law enforcement, he allegedly charged at them. He was detained and taken to a hospital for a suspected overdose before being booked into jail.
He was charged with three felony counts of battery on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer. Each battery charge carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison, along with fines.
In total, Lil Nas X is facing five years in state prison.
“Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be.”
In the wake of the incident, his father spoke to TMZ and asked the public for compassion.
“He’s in good spirits. He’s alright. He’s very remorseful for what happened. But it can happen to any family. He’s going to get the help that he needs. And just keep him in your prayers. Give him the same grace and mercy that God gives everyone. He’s doing great mentally,” Lil Nas X’s father said.
Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Monday (August 25) and a judge set his bail at $75,000 and ordered him to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings as part of his release conditions.
The arrest and charges mark a serious legal moment for the Grammy-winning artist, who rose to fame with his 2019 hit “Old Town Road.”
His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The 25-year-old rapper was spotted early on August 21, wearing only cowboy boots and underwear before stripping completely and walking down Ventura Boulevard.
Video from the scene showed him performing lyrics and strutting in the middle of the road without clothes.
Police responded to a 911 call about a naked man in the street. When officers arrived, they found Lil Nas X unclothed and, according to law enforcement, he allegedly charged at them. He was detained and taken to a hospital for a suspected overdose before being booked into jail.
He was charged with three felony counts of battery on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer. Each battery charge carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison, along with fines.
In total, Lil Nas X is facing five years in state prison.
“Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be.”
In the wake of the incident, his father spoke to TMZ and asked the public for compassion.
“He’s in good spirits. He’s alright. He’s very remorseful for what happened. But it can happen to any family. He’s going to get the help that he needs. And just keep him in your prayers. Give him the same grace and mercy that God gives everyone. He’s doing great mentally,” Lil Nas X’s father said.
Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Monday (August 25) and a judge set his bail at $75,000 and ordered him to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings as part of his release conditions.
The arrest and charges mark a serious legal moment for the Grammy-winning artist, who rose to fame with his 2019 hit “Old Town Road.”
His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Mo’Nique Pays Tribute To Reggie Carroll after his Murder
Mo’Nique mourned the loss of fellow comedian and longtime collaborator Reginald “Reggie” Carroll after he was shot and killed in Southaven, Mississippi, on August 20.
The Oscar-winning actress shared her grief on Instagram Stories, calling Carroll her “brother in comedy” and reflecting on their final moments together.
“This is why I say treat people the best you can because you never know if you’ll get a chance to see them again, and the last time me and my brother Reggie, girl, was together… that’s what it was, an amazing time, being on tour together, being on that road together, what a time, so I have no sad tears because all of our times together was amazing.”
According to the Southaven Police Department, Carroll was shot on the evening of August 20 and later died from his injuries. He was 52.
Authorities confirmed the incident was isolated and have arrested one man in connection with the shooting. That individual is now facing a murder charge.
Carroll spent decades performing in comedy clubs across the country and built a reputation as a road-tested performer.
He appeared alongside Mo’Nique and Countess Vaughn in a 2000 episode of The Parkers, a spinoff of Moesha. More recently, he starred in the 2022 TV movie Rent & Go and helped produce and perform in the 2023 stand-up special Knockout Kings of Comedy.
Caroline Wanga responds after discourse around the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture reaches a fever pitch.
Amid widespread online scrutiny following the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, Essence Ventures CEO Caroline Wanga is entering the chat.
On Thursday, July 10, just four days after the festival wrapped on Sunday, the CEO posted a somewhat cryptic Instagram post breaking down her role in the brand’s current state of affairs and involvement in the 2025 Essence Fest.
“Out of an abundance of courtesy, I share this regarding my personal integrity, professional ethos & purpose journey,” Wanga began before hinting at her possible recent leave.
“#ImHighlyPercentSure that some missing knowledge has led to false assumptions regarding my leave as President/CEO, that predated the activation of operational planning for a significant annualized event,” she continued, referencing her new memoir “I’m Highly Percent Sure.” “My holistic career experiences amidst the current socioeconomic climate have NO PROVEN ROLE in the current state of affairs within the company and its supporters, but when directly asked a question that my background has insight into, I answer it within the parameters of what I know, have perspective on and am accountable to.”
While there has been no public announcement to suggest she’s no longer the CEO or is on leave, Wanga joined Essence Ventures as the chief growth officer in 2020 after 15 years at Target. In 2022, she took over the reins as president and CEO of Essence Ventures, per her LinkedIn. The post arrives amid a thorny few days online of backlash against this year’s festival. As many who attended reported having a wonderful experience, there are still quite a few raising questions around the brand’s current leadership as it continues to evolve with the times.
In particular, some online have gone as far as to call out the current leadership directly, leading to debates around the heritage of some of its leaders.
In her post, Wanga, who is Kenyan, added, “My heritage, values, principles, lived life and sense of community are a place of pride, passion and purpose to #DemocratizeAuthenticity for the upliftment of all not just some.”
She noted her beliefs that everyone is “obligated” to do their part to advance life and bring about meaningful change. However, this should be done responsibly.
“Leveraging factual and constructive observations, insights and experiences is the only appropriate way to drive change,” she continued. “And should take place as often as needed in service of progressing forward, with sufficient room for the nuance of individual perspectives that needn’t align across all but reflect the realities of the voices that share it.”
Wanga said she encourages debate and discussion “within the aforementioned guardrails” and without “sensationalized slander without proof, lies without legal defense, and character concoctions that give way to conviction and correction.”
“Some have with full knowledge, demonstrated unsubstantiated behavioral undermining that reflects an inability to defend feedback without back-feeding truth,” she said, concluding with, “The “defamation” and “disparagement” smoke that accompanies correlating the uncorrelated ain’t what anyone should want. Take Heed.”
On Thursday, July 10, just four days after the festival wrapped on Sunday, the CEO posted a somewhat cryptic Instagram post breaking down her role in the brand’s current state of affairs and involvement in the 2025 Essence Fest.
“Out of an abundance of courtesy, I share this regarding my personal integrity, professional ethos & purpose journey,” Wanga began before hinting at her possible recent leave.
“#ImHighlyPercentSure that some missing knowledge has led to false assumptions regarding my leave as President/CEO, that predated the activation of operational planning for a significant annualized event,” she continued, referencing her new memoir “I’m Highly Percent Sure.” “My holistic career experiences amidst the current socioeconomic climate have NO PROVEN ROLE in the current state of affairs within the company and its supporters, but when directly asked a question that my background has insight into, I answer it within the parameters of what I know, have perspective on and am accountable to.”
While there has been no public announcement to suggest she’s no longer the CEO or is on leave, Wanga joined Essence Ventures as the chief growth officer in 2020 after 15 years at Target. In 2022, she took over the reins as president and CEO of Essence Ventures, per her LinkedIn. The post arrives amid a thorny few days online of backlash against this year’s festival. As many who attended reported having a wonderful experience, there are still quite a few raising questions around the brand’s current leadership as it continues to evolve with the times.
In particular, some online have gone as far as to call out the current leadership directly, leading to debates around the heritage of some of its leaders.
In her post, Wanga, who is Kenyan, added, “My heritage, values, principles, lived life and sense of community are a place of pride, passion and purpose to #DemocratizeAuthenticity for the upliftment of all not just some.”
She noted her beliefs that everyone is “obligated” to do their part to advance life and bring about meaningful change. However, this should be done responsibly.
“Leveraging factual and constructive observations, insights and experiences is the only appropriate way to drive change,” she continued. “And should take place as often as needed in service of progressing forward, with sufficient room for the nuance of individual perspectives that needn’t align across all but reflect the realities of the voices that share it.”
Wanga said she encourages debate and discussion “within the aforementioned guardrails” and without “sensationalized slander without proof, lies without legal defense, and character concoctions that give way to conviction and correction.”
“Some have with full knowledge, demonstrated unsubstantiated behavioral undermining that reflects an inability to defend feedback without back-feeding truth,” she said, concluding with, “The “defamation” and “disparagement” smoke that accompanies correlating the uncorrelated ain’t what anyone should want. Take Heed.”
SAG-AFTRA Presidential Candidate Chuck Slavin Slammed After Controversial Social Media Posts On ICE & Undocumented Immigrants
SAG-AFTRA New England Local board member and National presidential candidate Chuck Slavin has been criticized for past social media posts that include disparaging language about undocumented immigrants and conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic.
A collection of four of Slavin’s Facebook posts from the last year and a half surfaced Monday on the crew-led Instagram account Crew Stories.
“Here’s a thought on future pandemic prevention… evacuate China’s ‘Wuhan Lab’ and we send it one U.S. Ballistic Missile,” the most recent of the posts, from February, reads. Another, also from February, says: “I’d like to see ICE get a lot of these deportations done by summer…they’ll be a lot less burning of our cities by liberals that way.”
The oldest of the posts, from March 2024, speculates how long it will take until “the first American citizen on U.S. soil get eaten (Dahmer-style) by an illegal migrant.”
In a statement Monday, Slavin said: “I put my personal opinions and preferences aside to serve membership. I welcome working with democrats [sic] and republicans [sic] and any legislators necessary to serve our members. All political policies should be dealt with compassion and at the same time political satire should not be used against any performer, comedian, or improviser to disqualify them for union service including the highest level.”
Within an hour, the Crew Stories post had already begun to generate backlash with nearly 600 likes and dozens of comments.
Crew Stories is ran independently by a network of crew members across the nation. The account has been known to act as a watchdog, often alerting its followers (who are mostly other industry workers) to misconduct from both the studios and the major unions.
“A union leader embodies inclusivity and empathy, never promoting harmful narratives that target vulnerable community members,” the caption of the post read. “A union leader represents all, transcending personal biases. I’m dismayed by certain comments, but let’s be clear: ideology shapes our actions, and we vote for leaders based on their morality and core values. This individual doesn’t represent our union’s values or the morality we expect from leadership. Normalizing hate is unacceptable.”
Slavin is running his campaign for SAG-AFTRA President alongside Peter Antico, who is vying for national secretary-treasurer. They are running against Sean Astin and Michelle Hurd, respectively. Antico previously ran for union president in 2017, while Slavin was a candidate for secretary-treasurer.
SAG-AFTRA New England Local board member and National presidential candidate Chuck Slavin has been criticized for past social media posts that include disparaging language about undocumented immigrants and conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic.
A collection of four of Slavin’s Facebook posts from the last year and a half surfaced Monday on the crew-led Instagram account Crew Stories.
“Here’s a thought on future pandemic prevention… evacuate China’s ‘Wuhan Lab’ and we send it one U.S. Ballistic Missile,” the most recent of the posts, from February, reads. Another, also from February, says: “I’d like to see ICE get a lot of these deportations done by summer…they’ll be a lot less burning of our cities by liberals that way.”
The oldest of the posts, from March 2024, speculates how long it will take until “the first American citizen on U.S. soil get eaten (Dahmer-style) by an illegal migrant.”
In a statement Monday, Slavin said: “I put my personal opinions and preferences aside to serve membership. I welcome working with democrats [sic] and republicans [sic] and any legislators necessary to serve our members. All political policies should be dealt with compassion and at the same time political satire should not be used against any performer, comedian, or improviser to disqualify them for union service including the highest level.”
Within an hour, the Crew Stories post had already begun to generate backlash with nearly 600 likes and dozens of comments.
Crew Stories is ran independently by a network of crew members across the nation. The account has been known to act as a watchdog, often alerting its followers (who are mostly other industry workers) to misconduct from both the studios and the major unions.
“A union leader embodies inclusivity and empathy, never promoting harmful narratives that target vulnerable community members,” the caption of the post read. “A union leader represents all, transcending personal biases. I’m dismayed by certain comments, but let’s be clear: ideology shapes our actions, and we vote for leaders based on their morality and core values. This individual doesn’t represent our union’s values or the morality we expect from leadership. Normalizing hate is unacceptable.”
Slavin is running his campaign for SAG-AFTRA President alongside Peter Antico, who is vying for national secretary-treasurer. They are running against Sean Astin and Michelle Hurd, respectively. Antico previously ran for union president in 2017, while Slavin was a candidate for secretary-treasurer.
Rampage Jackson’s Son Raja Under Investigation For Ruthless Attack At LA Wrestling Event
While both WWE and AEW had major wrestling shows this weekend, it is a local independent wrestling show in Los Angeles that has dominated the headlines. Raja Jackson, son of former UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, is under investigation for a ruthless attack that left a wrestler in critical condition.
Stuart Smith, known in the wrestling space as Syko Stu, competed in a Knokx Pro bout that went south when Jackson got involved. Raja slammed Stu to the mat and punched him several times while he laid there motionless. The most cringeworthy part of this is the fact that it was being livestreamed on Kick, so viewers were able to see Jackson’s merciless attack and wrestlers rushing the ring to restrain him.
Douglas Malo, one of the wrestlers who assisted Stu, told USA Today that he had broken bones in his face and lost a lot of teeth. Fans quickly learned that Jackson’s involvement was scripted as this story made its rounds on the internet, but it was revealed that he was not supposed to take things as far as he did. “First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being,” a Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy representative wrote.
“What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans,” the statement continued. Rampage Jackson also took to X to explain what took place.
“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable,” he wrote. “Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring, i thought it was apart of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this.”
Stu’s brother, Andrew Smith, provided an update on his condition via a Facebook post on Sunday. “Thank you everyone for your prayers, concerns, and kind words for my brother Stu. Please continue to keep him I your prayers,” he wrote. “He’s currently stable but in critical care. At this time we’re focused on his recovery and appreciate all the support. Also we currently do not have a GoFundMe set up, any links posted are not affiliated with us.”
Stuart Smith, known in the wrestling space as Syko Stu, competed in a Knokx Pro bout that went south when Jackson got involved. Raja slammed Stu to the mat and punched him several times while he laid there motionless. The most cringeworthy part of this is the fact that it was being livestreamed on Kick, so viewers were able to see Jackson’s merciless attack and wrestlers rushing the ring to restrain him.
Douglas Malo, one of the wrestlers who assisted Stu, told USA Today that he had broken bones in his face and lost a lot of teeth. Fans quickly learned that Jackson’s involvement was scripted as this story made its rounds on the internet, but it was revealed that he was not supposed to take things as far as he did. “First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being,” a Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy representative wrote.
“What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans,” the statement continued. Rampage Jackson also took to X to explain what took place.
“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable,” he wrote. “Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring, i thought it was apart of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this.”
Stu’s brother, Andrew Smith, provided an update on his condition via a Facebook post on Sunday. “Thank you everyone for your prayers, concerns, and kind words for my brother Stu. Please continue to keep him I your prayers,” he wrote. “He’s currently stable but in critical care. At this time we’re focused on his recovery and appreciate all the support. Also we currently do not have a GoFundMe set up, any links posted are not affiliated with us.”
Nike Officially Unveils Caitlin Clark’s Signature Logo
The WNBA has exploded in popularity in the 2020s, and with that, Nike has recognized the influence the league's stars can bring. Not only do these ladies get to proudly represent The Swoosh in the W through exclusive sneakers, but a select few are getting signature models of their own. Now, Nike has officially unveiled Indiana Fever and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark’s signature logo.
Clark first signed an NIL deal with Nike in 2022 during her days at Iowa, constantly taking the court in Nike Kobe sneakers, and later it was reported that she signed an eight-year $28 million extension. The terms of the deal included an eventual signature sneaker, which was later confirmed by Nike CEO Elliot Hill at the start of 2025.
“Nike’s signature roster features all-time greats, and I am incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” says Caitlin. “I’m excited to share a first look at what we’ve started to create together.”
As for Caitlin Clark’s signature logo, her initials (CC) are done in an interlocking monogram design meant to reflect her magnetic connection with fans around the globe. Tucked in between the two large Cs is a hidden “C” representing how Caitlin’s game was built from the inside out. Caitlin also played an integral role in the design and creative process with Nike designers to ensure her logo felt timeless, simple, and elevated.
“To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” says Clark. “People always talk about leaving your mark on the game — and this is another way I can do that.”
Even though we have yet to get our hands on (or even a look at) her signature sneaker, Nike has given fans opportunities to purchase Caitlin Clark Nike sneakers. She launched her first Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE earlier in the year, and there are plans for even more Kobe PEs in the near future. Included in this is the Light Armory Blue Kobe 6.
To celebrate her signature logo unveiling, Nike is releasing a navy and yellow Caitlin Clark logo T-shirt on September 1, 2025. A full clothing capsule will be released on October 1, 2025. Expect her signature sneaker to release in 2026. Check below for images of the clothing, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.Nike Officially Names Caitlin Clark A Signature Athlete, Reveals Her Custom Logo Ahead Of Apparel Launch
Caitlin Clark has officially joined the ranks of Nike’s signature athletes, marking a major milestone in her career and in women’s basketball.
As part of the announcement, Nike unveiled her custom-designed logo — a pair of interlocking Cs meant to symbolize Clark’s dynamic playing style and her deep connection with fans.
“Nike’s signature roster features all-time greats, and I am incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” said Clark.
She worked closely with Nike designers to shape the logo, which will appear on a new line of sportswear and performance gear. “To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” she added.
The first item, a navy and yellow logo T-shirt, drops September 1 in North America. Her full apparel collection follows on October 1, with her debut signature shoe slated for 2026. Clark has been a Nike athlete since 2022.
The WNBA has exploded in popularity in the 2020s, and with that, Nike has recognized the influence the league's stars can bring. Not only do these ladies get to proudly represent The Swoosh in the W through exclusive sneakers, but a select few are getting signature models of their own. Now, Nike has officially unveiled Indiana Fever and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark’s signature logo.
Clark first signed an NIL deal with Nike in 2022 during her days at Iowa, constantly taking the court in Nike Kobe sneakers, and later it was reported that she signed an eight-year $28 million extension. The terms of the deal included an eventual signature sneaker, which was later confirmed by Nike CEO Elliot Hill at the start of 2025.
“Nike’s signature roster features all-time greats, and I am incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” says Caitlin. “I’m excited to share a first look at what we’ve started to create together.”
As for Caitlin Clark’s signature logo, her initials (CC) are done in an interlocking monogram design meant to reflect her magnetic connection with fans around the globe. Tucked in between the two large Cs is a hidden “C” representing how Caitlin’s game was built from the inside out. Caitlin also played an integral role in the design and creative process with Nike designers to ensure her logo felt timeless, simple, and elevated.
“To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” says Clark. “People always talk about leaving your mark on the game — and this is another way I can do that.”
Even though we have yet to get our hands on (or even a look at) her signature sneaker, Nike has given fans opportunities to purchase Caitlin Clark Nike sneakers. She launched her first Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE earlier in the year, and there are plans for even more Kobe PEs in the near future. Included in this is the Light Armory Blue Kobe 6.
To celebrate her signature logo unveiling, Nike is releasing a navy and yellow Caitlin Clark logo T-shirt on September 1, 2025. A full clothing capsule will be released on October 1, 2025. Expect her signature sneaker to release in 2026. Check below for images of the clothing, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.Nike Officially Names Caitlin Clark A Signature Athlete, Reveals Her Custom Logo Ahead Of Apparel Launch
Caitlin Clark has officially joined the ranks of Nike’s signature athletes, marking a major milestone in her career and in women’s basketball.
As part of the announcement, Nike unveiled her custom-designed logo — a pair of interlocking Cs meant to symbolize Clark’s dynamic playing style and her deep connection with fans.
“Nike’s signature roster features all-time greats, and I am incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” said Clark.
She worked closely with Nike designers to shape the logo, which will appear on a new line of sportswear and performance gear. “To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” she added.
The first item, a navy and yellow logo T-shirt, drops September 1 in North America. Her full apparel collection follows on October 1, with her debut signature shoe slated for 2026. Clark has been a Nike athlete since 2022.
Ts Madison Calls Out Snoop Dogg For ‘Homophobic’ Remarks About Lesbian Couple In Pixar’s ‘Lightyear
Speaking with TMZ, the TV personality reacted to Snoop’s story about watching “Lightyear,” which features a lesbian couple. After seeing the characters raise a child, Snoop said he was unprepared to answer his grandson’s questions about it.
Ts Madison fired back, accusing Snoop of being homophobic.
“It’s on parents and grandparents to educate their kids and grandkids about folks who may live different lives than what is normal in their homes,” she said.
While she admitted the film’s LGBTQ themes might be “too much for younger audiences,” she emphasized that “Lightyear” is clearly for kids and that education should start early.
Ts also expressed frustration with Black men speaking negatively about the LGBTQ community and said she had questions for Snoop himself.
Netflix’s Jussie Smollett Documentary ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett’ Alleges Police May Have Tampered with Evidence
Over six years later, the case of Empire actor Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is once again in the news, thanks to the new Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which began streaming today. The documentary raises more questions than it answers, but may earn Smollett some more supporters, thanks to a bombshell allegation that the Chicago police may have tampered with surveillance video evidence in Smollett’s case.
Smollett himself is featured in the documentary—directed by Gagan Rehill, and produced by Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle via RAW Productions—and vehemently maintains his innocence. According to Smollett, in January 2019, he was attacked by two masked, white men in Chicago in the middle of the night. Smollett said the men knew who he was, spewed racial and homophobic slurs, referenced “MAGA country,” attacked him, and put a rope noose around his neck. Smollett reported the incident to the Chicago police, who investigated it as a hate crime. However, during the investigation, authorities began to publicly state they doubted Smollett’s story. Eventually, the police arrested brothers Abimbola “Bola” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, who claimed Smollett hired them to stage the attack. Smollett was indicted for filing a false police report and convicted on five felony counts in 2021. Last year, in November 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois overturned Smollett’s conviction.
The first hour of the documentary is spent rehashing Smollett’s case, from him reporting the incident to his eventual conviction. In addition to Smollett himself, participants featured in the documentary include former chief of detectives of Chicago police Melissa Staples, former superintendent of Chicago police Eddie Johnson, and the Osundairo brothers, who build their case that Smollett lied. But the last half-hour of the film pivots, and instead features participants who come to Smollett’s defense and invite viewers to question the police’s narrative. Because according to freelance investigative journalist Chelli Stanley, there are things that don’t add up.
The Nigerian-born Osundairo brothers—who are both Black men—claim they were the two figures seen on security footage moments before Smollett’s alleged attack. But two witnesses in Smollett’s case claim to have seen a white man in the vicinity just before the alleged attack.
One of those witnesses, Anthony Moore—a security guard working the night shift at a hotel adjacent to the site of the alleged crime—says he saw a masked white man run just before the alleged incident, and that he pointed a flashlight at the man as he passed. Moore said was pressured by police, when giving his statement in February 2019, to say it was possible the man could have been Black. Moore remained adamant that the masked man was white, which would corroborate Smollett’s claims.
Chelli Stanley requested the security footage of the hotel where Moore worked, and when she finally received it, she claimed a vital 10 seconds of footage was missing. “Just as Anthony Moore opens the door to go outside, the video jumps ahead,” Stanley says in the documentary. Viewers can see for themselves in the documentary that the security footage jolts, and the time on the video jumps ahead by 10 seconds.
“It erases the guy who Anthony Moore say is white and wearing a black face mask, running by him,” Stanley says. “It misses Moore shining the flashlight in his face. I wrote to [the Chicago police] immediately and said ‘Please send me those 10 seconds.’ But they didn’t give it to me. Why did they take it out? You know, if they did. Because, maybe you could see that the guy was white.”
Stanley goes on to suggest that, perhaps, the police pressured the Osundairo brothers into a false confession. Police reports reveal authorities found several illegal firearms in the Osundairo brothers’ home. Ola Osundairo was already a convicted felon, and was barred from owning any firearms—so the police had leverage over him, and possibly used that to broker a deal. Both police featured in the documentary, Johnson and Staples, deny this allegation.
Another security footage video, obtained by Stanley via a Freedom of Information Act request, is well-lit, and shows one of the suspects in the case near the scene and time of the alleged incident, unmasked. The documentary ends with various documentary subjects struggling to identify whether the suspect in the video is white or Black. The Osundairo brothers claim it is a video of themselves.
Over six years later, the case of Empire actor Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is once again in the news, thanks to the new Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which began streaming today. The documentary raises more questions than it answers, but may earn Smollett some more supporters, thanks to a bombshell allegation that the Chicago police may have tampered with surveillance video evidence in Smollett’s case.
Smollett himself is featured in the documentary—directed by Gagan Rehill, and produced by Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle via RAW Productions—and vehemently maintains his innocence. According to Smollett, in January 2019, he was attacked by two masked, white men in Chicago in the middle of the night. Smollett said the men knew who he was, spewed racial and homophobic slurs, referenced “MAGA country,” attacked him, and put a rope noose around his neck. Smollett reported the incident to the Chicago police, who investigated it as a hate crime. However, during the investigation, authorities began to publicly state they doubted Smollett’s story. Eventually, the police arrested brothers Abimbola “Bola” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, who claimed Smollett hired them to stage the attack. Smollett was indicted for filing a false police report and convicted on five felony counts in 2021. Last year, in November 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois overturned Smollett’s conviction.
The first hour of the documentary is spent rehashing Smollett’s case, from him reporting the incident to his eventual conviction. In addition to Smollett himself, participants featured in the documentary include former chief of detectives of Chicago police Melissa Staples, former superintendent of Chicago police Eddie Johnson, and the Osundairo brothers, who build their case that Smollett lied. But the last half-hour of the film pivots, and instead features participants who come to Smollett’s defense and invite viewers to question the police’s narrative. Because according to freelance investigative journalist Chelli Stanley, there are things that don’t add up.
The Nigerian-born Osundairo brothers—who are both Black men—claim they were the two figures seen on security footage moments before Smollett’s alleged attack. But two witnesses in Smollett’s case claim to have seen a white man in the vicinity just before the alleged attack.
One of those witnesses, Anthony Moore—a security guard working the night shift at a hotel adjacent to the site of the alleged crime—says he saw a masked white man run just before the alleged incident, and that he pointed a flashlight at the man as he passed. Moore said was pressured by police, when giving his statement in February 2019, to say it was possible the man could have been Black. Moore remained adamant that the masked man was white, which would corroborate Smollett’s claims.
Chelli Stanley requested the security footage of the hotel where Moore worked, and when she finally received it, she claimed a vital 10 seconds of footage was missing. “Just as Anthony Moore opens the door to go outside, the video jumps ahead,” Stanley says in the documentary. Viewers can see for themselves in the documentary that the security footage jolts, and the time on the video jumps ahead by 10 seconds.
“It erases the guy who Anthony Moore say is white and wearing a black face mask, running by him,” Stanley says. “It misses Moore shining the flashlight in his face. I wrote to [the Chicago police] immediately and said ‘Please send me those 10 seconds.’ But they didn’t give it to me. Why did they take it out? You know, if they did. Because, maybe you could see that the guy was white.”
Stanley goes on to suggest that, perhaps, the police pressured the Osundairo brothers into a false confession. Police reports reveal authorities found several illegal firearms in the Osundairo brothers’ home. Ola Osundairo was already a convicted felon, and was barred from owning any firearms—so the police had leverage over him, and possibly used that to broker a deal. Both police featured in the documentary, Johnson and Staples, deny this allegation.
Another security footage video, obtained by Stanley via a Freedom of Information Act request, is well-lit, and shows one of the suspects in the case near the scene and time of the alleged incident, unmasked. The documentary ends with various documentary subjects struggling to identify whether the suspect in the video is white or Black. The Osundairo brothers claim it is a video of themselves.
University Of Missouri Cancels ‘Black 2 Class Block Party,’ Says Event Name Suggests Racial Exclusion
The University of Missouri's Black student government organization met with university leaders Thursday after MU canceled the organization's Black 2 Class Block Party over the word "Black" in the name.
The meeting consisted of around half of the Legion of Black Collegians' 13-member executive board and MU administrators including Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Angela King Taylor, UM System President Mun Choi and his chief of staff, John Middleton, and Dean of Students Michelle Froese, according to LBC President Amaya Morgan.
The meeting came the day after LBC publicized MU's decision to cancel its back-to-school block party over the word "Black" in the name. The Legion said Wednesday that MU told the organization Monday it could no longer host its Black 2 Class Block Party. The event was set to happen Friday.
LBC posted a statement to Instagram calling the university's decision "a deliberate act of erasure."
“At every turn, we are shut down," LBC said in the statement. "Things as simple as putting ‘Black’ in a name results in consequences.”
MU said the name of the event suggested it excluded people based on race.
Morgan said LBC offered to change the name to the "Back 2 Class Block Party" but that the university maintained the event's cancellation.
"For you to cancel it and not offer any other solutions when we are offering to comply with your standards is what makes people more upset," Morgan said.
Last year, LBC said the university forced the Legion to change the name of the "Welcome Black BBQ," the organization's historic welcome event, to the "Welcome Black and Gold BBQ." LBC pulled out of that event this year.
"People are just disappointed — but not surprised," Morgan said.
The university's official Instagram account responded to the Wednesday post with a copy of an email Choi sent to LBC leadership. MU spokesperson Christopher Ave declined an interview request Thursday and sent an updated statement to KOMU 8:
"The University of Missouri fosters a non-discriminatory campus environment," the statement read. "When holding events using university facilities, student organizations must avoid excluding individuals based on race. The event had already been promoted with a name that suggested such exclusivity. For that reason, the decision was made that the event as described would not be held on campus."
In the Instagram post, LBC demanded the university publicly condemn racial harassment, host a town hall within 60 days of the semester's starting and mandate campus-wide messaging to students making clear MU's policies on forms of harassment.
Morgan said the Thursday meeting between LBC and MU administration was to continue discussion on the Legion's demands. She said the conversation revolved around the Block Party and campus safety, in general.
Morgan said LBC has always had open lines of communication with Choi and that Thursday's meeting was imperative due to LBC's demands.
"I did want to stress to him (Choi) how important these issues are because coming off the 2024-2025 school year, plenty of people have been called the N-word, myself included."
LBC said in its Instagram post that last school year, Black students had been called racial slurs while walking to class, leaving organization events or practices and going out in downtown Columbia. The Legion said it was made aware of dozens of incidents like this.
Morgan said MU's Office of Institutional Equity, which enforces nondiscrimination policies, does its job very well. Morgan said MU punishes students caught using racial slurs, but she thinks Choi needs to acknowledge the issue, she said.
"No matter how many times we report these issues, they continue to go on, so how do we get them to stop?" Morgan said.
Morgan said the conversation in the meeting about the Block Party went in circles.
"We were definitely in circles of conversation where it was seen as exclusion, but that is never what we do as the Legion of Black Collegians," Morgan said. "It is literally in our constitution that we are open to all types of identities."
Morgan said the basis of the Legion of Black Collegians is to help students find their communities.
"Several times, I hear people talk about, 'Oh, I didn't know where Black people were on campus. Oh, I didn't know where to go to find my community,'" Morgan said. "People still deserve to have a home, no matter what identity, what race, what gender, what sexuality, whatever — you deserve to have a home and a safe space."
Ave told KOMU 8 on Wednesday that the university's issue with the Black 2 Class Block Party started with a permit for its location.
LBC announced the event Aug. 5, and the post for the event said it would be held in the parking lot of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. Ave said LBC had not received a permit to host the Block Party in that parking lot.
An Aug. 5 confirmation email Morgan shared with KOMU 8 showed the Legion received permission to host the event at the Black Culture Center. The event details listed in that email did not specify the location as the building's parking lot.
The Welcome Black BBQ was historically held in that parking lot.
"The permit issues honestly came out of nowhere," Morgan said. "Even today, they never brought up permitting issues."
Morgan said she had correct permits for food, equipment and open flame and had space in the Black Culture Center reserved.
The Division of Student Affairs oversees student events like the block party and the barbecue. KOMU 8 requested to interview Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Angela King Taylor. King Taylor declined the request.
Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity at MU, expressed support for the Legion and concern over the university's decision to cancel the Black 2 Class Block Party.
"Its cancellation not only erases a cherished tradition but also reinforces a troubling pattern in which Black organizations are met with unnecessary barriers to visibility and belonging," Phi Beta Sigma said in a statement posted to Instagram.
The meeting consisted of around half of the Legion of Black Collegians' 13-member executive board and MU administrators including Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Angela King Taylor, UM System President Mun Choi and his chief of staff, John Middleton, and Dean of Students Michelle Froese, according to LBC President Amaya Morgan.
The meeting came the day after LBC publicized MU's decision to cancel its back-to-school block party over the word "Black" in the name. The Legion said Wednesday that MU told the organization Monday it could no longer host its Black 2 Class Block Party. The event was set to happen Friday.
LBC posted a statement to Instagram calling the university's decision "a deliberate act of erasure."
“At every turn, we are shut down," LBC said in the statement. "Things as simple as putting ‘Black’ in a name results in consequences.”
MU said the name of the event suggested it excluded people based on race.
Morgan said LBC offered to change the name to the "Back 2 Class Block Party" but that the university maintained the event's cancellation.
"For you to cancel it and not offer any other solutions when we are offering to comply with your standards is what makes people more upset," Morgan said.
Last year, LBC said the university forced the Legion to change the name of the "Welcome Black BBQ," the organization's historic welcome event, to the "Welcome Black and Gold BBQ." LBC pulled out of that event this year.
"People are just disappointed — but not surprised," Morgan said.
The university's official Instagram account responded to the Wednesday post with a copy of an email Choi sent to LBC leadership. MU spokesperson Christopher Ave declined an interview request Thursday and sent an updated statement to KOMU 8:
"The University of Missouri fosters a non-discriminatory campus environment," the statement read. "When holding events using university facilities, student organizations must avoid excluding individuals based on race. The event had already been promoted with a name that suggested such exclusivity. For that reason, the decision was made that the event as described would not be held on campus."
In the Instagram post, LBC demanded the university publicly condemn racial harassment, host a town hall within 60 days of the semester's starting and mandate campus-wide messaging to students making clear MU's policies on forms of harassment.
Morgan said the Thursday meeting between LBC and MU administration was to continue discussion on the Legion's demands. She said the conversation revolved around the Block Party and campus safety, in general.
Morgan said LBC has always had open lines of communication with Choi and that Thursday's meeting was imperative due to LBC's demands.
"I did want to stress to him (Choi) how important these issues are because coming off the 2024-2025 school year, plenty of people have been called the N-word, myself included."
LBC said in its Instagram post that last school year, Black students had been called racial slurs while walking to class, leaving organization events or practices and going out in downtown Columbia. The Legion said it was made aware of dozens of incidents like this.
Morgan said MU's Office of Institutional Equity, which enforces nondiscrimination policies, does its job very well. Morgan said MU punishes students caught using racial slurs, but she thinks Choi needs to acknowledge the issue, she said.
"No matter how many times we report these issues, they continue to go on, so how do we get them to stop?" Morgan said.
Morgan said the conversation in the meeting about the Block Party went in circles.
"We were definitely in circles of conversation where it was seen as exclusion, but that is never what we do as the Legion of Black Collegians," Morgan said. "It is literally in our constitution that we are open to all types of identities."
Morgan said the basis of the Legion of Black Collegians is to help students find their communities.
"Several times, I hear people talk about, 'Oh, I didn't know where Black people were on campus. Oh, I didn't know where to go to find my community,'" Morgan said. "People still deserve to have a home, no matter what identity, what race, what gender, what sexuality, whatever — you deserve to have a home and a safe space."
Ave told KOMU 8 on Wednesday that the university's issue with the Black 2 Class Block Party started with a permit for its location.
LBC announced the event Aug. 5, and the post for the event said it would be held in the parking lot of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. Ave said LBC had not received a permit to host the Block Party in that parking lot.
An Aug. 5 confirmation email Morgan shared with KOMU 8 showed the Legion received permission to host the event at the Black Culture Center. The event details listed in that email did not specify the location as the building's parking lot.
The Welcome Black BBQ was historically held in that parking lot.
"The permit issues honestly came out of nowhere," Morgan said. "Even today, they never brought up permitting issues."
Morgan said she had correct permits for food, equipment and open flame and had space in the Black Culture Center reserved.
The Division of Student Affairs oversees student events like the block party and the barbecue. KOMU 8 requested to interview Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Angela King Taylor. King Taylor declined the request.
Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity at MU, expressed support for the Legion and concern over the university's decision to cancel the Black 2 Class Block Party.
"Its cancellation not only erases a cherished tradition but also reinforces a troubling pattern in which Black organizations are met with unnecessary barriers to visibility and belonging," Phi Beta Sigma said in a statement posted to Instagram.
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are spotted out together in Rome
New photos of a certain celebrity pairing are getting the internet talking. Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz were spotted out together in Italy, sparking rumors that the two were a new couple.
In a video originally posted by TikToker beatrizalyrio on Aug. 24 and then shared on X by a Styles fan account, the “Sign of the Times” singer and the Blink Twice director were seen walking arm in arm along the streets of Rome. The TikToker originally captioned the video “Quando você encontra com o harry styles e a zoe kravitz em Roma,” which, according to Google Translate, translates to English as “When you meet Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz in Rome.”
The commenters on X were surprised by the pairing, with one writing, “I wasn’t expecting this idc if they are dating or not they are both so gorg together.” Another posted, “OMG PLEASEEEE SHES SO BEAUTIFUL YESSSS.” Still, others aren’t convinced the stroll was romantic, with one writing, “I walk with my friends like this. You guys are weird.”
While there’s no indication that this walk was explicitly romantic, both Styles and Kravitz have been linked to other people recently in the press. Kravitz, who is currently promoting her new Darren Aronofsky crime thriller, Caught Stealing, has been spending time with costar Austin Butler, sparking some to speculate about a possible romantic relationship brewing. She was previously engaged to Channing Tatum, who starred in her directorial debut, Blink Twice, but the two ended their relationship in October 2024 after three years together.
Styles, meanwhile, split with Bones and All actress Taylor Russell in May 2024 after a year of dating. Prior to that, he was in a relationship with Olivia Wilde, his director for the film Don’t Worry Darling.
And Styles also famously dated one of Kravitz’s close friends, Taylor Swift, more than 10 years ago — and was rumored to be her muse during her 1989 era. In recent interviews, Kravitz spoke about, during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying in the pop star’s house, in which her mother Lisa Bonet’s snake got stuck behind the wall of one of Swift’s bathrooms.
New photos of a certain celebrity pairing are getting the internet talking. Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz were spotted out together in Italy, sparking rumors that the two were a new couple.
In a video originally posted by TikToker beatrizalyrio on Aug. 24 and then shared on X by a Styles fan account, the “Sign of the Times” singer and the Blink Twice director were seen walking arm in arm along the streets of Rome. The TikToker originally captioned the video “Quando você encontra com o harry styles e a zoe kravitz em Roma,” which, according to Google Translate, translates to English as “When you meet Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz in Rome.”
The commenters on X were surprised by the pairing, with one writing, “I wasn’t expecting this idc if they are dating or not they are both so gorg together.” Another posted, “OMG PLEASEEEE SHES SO BEAUTIFUL YESSSS.” Still, others aren’t convinced the stroll was romantic, with one writing, “I walk with my friends like this. You guys are weird.”
While there’s no indication that this walk was explicitly romantic, both Styles and Kravitz have been linked to other people recently in the press. Kravitz, who is currently promoting her new Darren Aronofsky crime thriller, Caught Stealing, has been spending time with costar Austin Butler, sparking some to speculate about a possible romantic relationship brewing. She was previously engaged to Channing Tatum, who starred in her directorial debut, Blink Twice, but the two ended their relationship in October 2024 after three years together.
Styles, meanwhile, split with Bones and All actress Taylor Russell in May 2024 after a year of dating. Prior to that, he was in a relationship with Olivia Wilde, his director for the film Don’t Worry Darling.
And Styles also famously dated one of Kravitz’s close friends, Taylor Swift, more than 10 years ago — and was rumored to be her muse during her 1989 era. In recent interviews, Kravitz spoke about, during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying in the pop star’s house, in which her mother Lisa Bonet’s snake got stuck behind the wall of one of Swift’s bathrooms.
#RIP: Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad celebrate mom, gone at 102
Dr. Vivian Ayers Allen, the mother of director Debbie Allen and actress Phylicia Rashad, and a renowned poet, cultural activist in her own right, has passed away at 102.
The news first appeared on Debbie’s Instagram page, saying, “Mommie you have transformed into that cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom. We will follow your trail of golden dust and continue to climb higher. We promise ‘to be true, be beautiful, be Free.’ ” and listing her closest family members as co-signers.
The matriarch, who was affectionately known as “Ma Turk” by her family, was deeply loved and respected. She celebrated her last birthday less than a month ago, on July 30.
“My parents gave up their first-floor bedroom and they moved into the guest room so she could stay in their room,” her namesake and granddaughter, Vivian Nixon of Los Angeles, said in a Generations United post in 2020. “When she first moved here my parents were working full time and then up all night with my grandmother. I don’t know how they did it.”
A 1939 graduate of the historic Brainerd Institute in Chester, Dr. Ayers Allen attended Barber-Scotia College and Bennett College. She also received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Bennett College and Wilberforce University.
Her literary career began in Houston, with the publication of “Spice of Dawns” (1952), a collection of poems that was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. “Hawk,” the work that Debbie cited in her aforementioned tribute, was an allegory of freedom made analogous to space flight, and was published on July 11, 1957, just 11 weeks before the launch of Sputnik I. “Hawk” would later earn praise from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at their Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, where enlarged reproductions of the writings are exhibited.
Dr. Ayers’ Allen also studied classical Greek at Rice University, Columbia University, and Princeton University. She also studied and translated texts on Mayan culture and astronomy.
She collaborated with certified teachers to create her signature program, “Workshops in Open Fields,” in 1973, while working with the Harris County Community Association. Nancy Hanks, then Director of the National Endowment of the Arts, recommended it as a prototype of grassroots arts programming. Dr. Ayers Allen was invited to serve as an advisor to the endowment as a member of The Associated Councils of the Arts.
Dr. Ayers Allen also was the Founding Director of the Brainerd Institute Heritage. For more than a decade, her Workshops in Open Fields has been active on the Brainerd Institute campus in Chester, S.C., where she lived until she was 95, before the family decided she should no longer live alone and moved her to Los Angeles. In addition to visual arts education, the program also serves Chester residents and surrounding areas by presenting Free Dance Days, with faculty from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, as well as a Summer Preschool Literacy Program.
The news first appeared on Debbie’s Instagram page, saying, “Mommie you have transformed into that cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom. We will follow your trail of golden dust and continue to climb higher. We promise ‘to be true, be beautiful, be Free.’ ” and listing her closest family members as co-signers.
The matriarch, who was affectionately known as “Ma Turk” by her family, was deeply loved and respected. She celebrated her last birthday less than a month ago, on July 30.
“My parents gave up their first-floor bedroom and they moved into the guest room so she could stay in their room,” her namesake and granddaughter, Vivian Nixon of Los Angeles, said in a Generations United post in 2020. “When she first moved here my parents were working full time and then up all night with my grandmother. I don’t know how they did it.”
A 1939 graduate of the historic Brainerd Institute in Chester, Dr. Ayers Allen attended Barber-Scotia College and Bennett College. She also received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Bennett College and Wilberforce University.
Her literary career began in Houston, with the publication of “Spice of Dawns” (1952), a collection of poems that was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. “Hawk,” the work that Debbie cited in her aforementioned tribute, was an allegory of freedom made analogous to space flight, and was published on July 11, 1957, just 11 weeks before the launch of Sputnik I. “Hawk” would later earn praise from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at their Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, where enlarged reproductions of the writings are exhibited.
Dr. Ayers’ Allen also studied classical Greek at Rice University, Columbia University, and Princeton University. She also studied and translated texts on Mayan culture and astronomy.
She collaborated with certified teachers to create her signature program, “Workshops in Open Fields,” in 1973, while working with the Harris County Community Association. Nancy Hanks, then Director of the National Endowment of the Arts, recommended it as a prototype of grassroots arts programming. Dr. Ayers Allen was invited to serve as an advisor to the endowment as a member of The Associated Councils of the Arts.
Dr. Ayers Allen also was the Founding Director of the Brainerd Institute Heritage. For more than a decade, her Workshops in Open Fields has been active on the Brainerd Institute campus in Chester, S.C., where she lived until she was 95, before the family decided she should no longer live alone and moved her to Los Angeles. In addition to visual arts education, the program also serves Chester residents and surrounding areas by presenting Free Dance Days, with faculty from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, as well as a Summer Preschool Literacy Program.
Letitia Wright Opens Up About 'Tough' Week Reflecting on 5 Years Since Chadwick Boseman's Death
Letitia Wright is remembering her late Black Panther costar Chadwick Boseman ahead of the fifth anniversary of his death at 43.
Wright, who plays the character Shuri in the Black Panther movies, shared a collection of photos of Boseman during his college years at Howard University on her Instagram Stories Monday, Aug. 25.
She wrote a message over a photo of the sun setting from what appeared to be a train cabin window. "This week. Every year since 2020. Is a tough one," Wright wrote. "But always a time of reflection, taking time to appreciate the beautiful soul of my brother."
Boseman, the actor who achieved superstar status by playing the T'Challa, a.k.a. the Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the late 2010s, died of colon cancer on Aug. 28, 2020.
Few people, even those whom Boseman worked with on his movies, knew that the actor had received a stage-III colon cancer diagnosis in 2016 until his family announced his death, leaving his Black Panther costars shocked by the news.
Wright has spoken publicly about how hard Boseman's death hit her over the years. In a November 2022 Variety interview to promote the Black Panther sequel Wakanda Forever, Wright admitted she experienced a "downward spiral" in the wake of Boseman's death, particularly because she was not able to travel to the U.S. for Boseman's private memorial service due to the pandemic.
“It haunted me for months that I couldn’t say goodbye to him or be around my Black Panther family to share in that moment,” she said at the time. “I kind of had to do that by myself. Like, bless Daniel [Kaluuya] — he came to see me and stuff. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted to book a flight that day.”
In an interview with NBC Nightly News released around the same time, Wright said "emotions [were] really raw" surrounding the sequel's release.
Wakanda Forever saw Wright's character Shuri eventually take on T'Challa's role as the Black Panther following T'Challa's sudden death. Though the series' director Ryan Coogler has said that he will make Black Panther 3 — and cast Denzel Washington in a major role — the franchise's future is unclear as of now.
After Wakanda Forever, Wright most recently appeared on the big screen in the 2023 movie Surrounded. She is among the returning MCU cast members in the next Avengers film, Doomsday, which is currently in production and scheduled to release Dec. 18, 2026.
Letitia Wright is remembering her late Black Panther costar Chadwick Boseman ahead of the fifth anniversary of his death at 43.
Wright, who plays the character Shuri in the Black Panther movies, shared a collection of photos of Boseman during his college years at Howard University on her Instagram Stories Monday, Aug. 25.
She wrote a message over a photo of the sun setting from what appeared to be a train cabin window. "This week. Every year since 2020. Is a tough one," Wright wrote. "But always a time of reflection, taking time to appreciate the beautiful soul of my brother."
Boseman, the actor who achieved superstar status by playing the T'Challa, a.k.a. the Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the late 2010s, died of colon cancer on Aug. 28, 2020.
Few people, even those whom Boseman worked with on his movies, knew that the actor had received a stage-III colon cancer diagnosis in 2016 until his family announced his death, leaving his Black Panther costars shocked by the news.
Wright has spoken publicly about how hard Boseman's death hit her over the years. In a November 2022 Variety interview to promote the Black Panther sequel Wakanda Forever, Wright admitted she experienced a "downward spiral" in the wake of Boseman's death, particularly because she was not able to travel to the U.S. for Boseman's private memorial service due to the pandemic.
“It haunted me for months that I couldn’t say goodbye to him or be around my Black Panther family to share in that moment,” she said at the time. “I kind of had to do that by myself. Like, bless Daniel [Kaluuya] — he came to see me and stuff. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted to book a flight that day.”
In an interview with NBC Nightly News released around the same time, Wright said "emotions [were] really raw" surrounding the sequel's release.
Wakanda Forever saw Wright's character Shuri eventually take on T'Challa's role as the Black Panther following T'Challa's sudden death. Though the series' director Ryan Coogler has said that he will make Black Panther 3 — and cast Denzel Washington in a major role — the franchise's future is unclear as of now.
After Wakanda Forever, Wright most recently appeared on the big screen in the 2023 movie Surrounded. She is among the returning MCU cast members in the next Avengers film, Doomsday, which is currently in production and scheduled to release Dec. 18, 2026.
Crumbl Cookies Co-Founder Sawyer Hemsley Comes Out as Gay Amid Social Media Speculation
Sawyer Hemsley, the co-founder of Crumbl, is addressing the speculation surrounding his sexuality.
The 33-year-old businessman released a statement on Instagram on Monday (August 25) to confirm that he is gay.
While some have labeled Sawyer as the CEO of the company, he actually is the Chief Brand Officer.
Sawyer, who grew up as a Mormon in Utah, has been the subject of backlash from the LGBT community over the past week due to lots of speculation surrounding his sexuality and beliefs. He has been accused of hiding his sexuality and allegedly supporting politicians who don’t support the community, but there’s no clear evidence of that.
In his statement, Sawyer addressed the “values and beliefs” that he grew up with and “still deeply love and respect.”
Read his full statement below…
Over the past little while, there have been people online trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful. Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words.
The truth is, over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay. It’s taken me a long time to really process this part of myself and even longer to feel comfortable enough to say it out loud. For most of my life, I didn’t have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors. Coming to terms with it has been overwhelming and, at times, scary — but it has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I grew up with values and beliefs that I still deeply love and respect, which made this journey more complicated. But I remain grateful for my foundation, even as I’ve worked to embrace this truth about myself.
I know some people may have questions or even judgments, but my hope is that kindness, empathy, and love will lead the way. I’ve learned so much through this process — about strength, compassion, and the importance of living authentically.
At the end of the day, I’m deeply thankful: for the opportunities I’ve had, for the people who support me, and for the chance to live and share my story. It’s a journey of growth and honesty, and one I’ll never stop being grateful for.
Sawyer‘s net worth is rumored to be as much as $70 million and he recently just bought a lavish new home in Los Angeles, in addition to other properties he already owns.
It was just reported that Sawyer paid $12 million for a mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
Sawyer often shares shirtless photos on his Instagram page and has claimed that he still eats Crumbl cookies almost every day.
The 33-year-old businessman released a statement on Instagram on Monday (August 25) to confirm that he is gay.
While some have labeled Sawyer as the CEO of the company, he actually is the Chief Brand Officer.
Sawyer, who grew up as a Mormon in Utah, has been the subject of backlash from the LGBT community over the past week due to lots of speculation surrounding his sexuality and beliefs. He has been accused of hiding his sexuality and allegedly supporting politicians who don’t support the community, but there’s no clear evidence of that.
In his statement, Sawyer addressed the “values and beliefs” that he grew up with and “still deeply love and respect.”
Read his full statement below…
Over the past little while, there have been people online trying to define me, twist things, and share conversations in ways that feel harmful. Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words.
The truth is, over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay. It’s taken me a long time to really process this part of myself and even longer to feel comfortable enough to say it out loud. For most of my life, I didn’t have the clarity to answer the questions or respond to the rumors. Coming to terms with it has been overwhelming and, at times, scary — but it has also brought me peace, joy, and authenticity that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I grew up with values and beliefs that I still deeply love and respect, which made this journey more complicated. But I remain grateful for my foundation, even as I’ve worked to embrace this truth about myself.
I know some people may have questions or even judgments, but my hope is that kindness, empathy, and love will lead the way. I’ve learned so much through this process — about strength, compassion, and the importance of living authentically.
At the end of the day, I’m deeply thankful: for the opportunities I’ve had, for the people who support me, and for the chance to live and share my story. It’s a journey of growth and honesty, and one I’ll never stop being grateful for.
Sawyer‘s net worth is rumored to be as much as $70 million and he recently just bought a lavish new home in Los Angeles, in addition to other properties he already owns.
It was just reported that Sawyer paid $12 million for a mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
Sawyer often shares shirtless photos on his Instagram page and has claimed that he still eats Crumbl cookies almost every day.
Venus Williams Defeated in First Round of U.S. Open During Her First Grand Slam Match in Years
Venus Williams has suffered a defeat in the first round of her big comeback.
The 45-year-old tennis player returned to the tennis court for the 2025 U.S Open, marking her first grand slam match in two years, on Monday (August 25) at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Venus played against Karolina Muchova, but lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Venus made history as the oldest player to compete in a singles match at the U.S. Open since 1981. She quickly left the court after the defeat, but got a huge standing ovation from the crowd,
Venus Williams has suffered a defeat in the first round of her big comeback.
The 45-year-old tennis player returned to the tennis court for the 2025 U.S Open, marking her first grand slam match in two years, on Monday (August 25) at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Venus played against Karolina Muchova, but lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Venus made history as the oldest player to compete in a singles match at the U.S. Open since 1981. She quickly left the court after the defeat, but got a huge standing ovation from the crowd,
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Betcha can't eat just one".
Prolly can't
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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