#MAGFAB:STYLING THE YARD HBCU's for Ebony Magazine
For many Black scholars, it’s the first and only space they’ll occupy where consistently showing up as their authentic self is the standard. In most instances, that expectation spills over into how they choose to style their hair. Stigmas around rocking natural coils disappear, braids and locs are commonplace, not some spectacle for those unfamiliar to bother with the dreaded “Can I touch your hair?” and students are released from the pressures of explaining the intricacies of weaves to those oblivious.
At the core of keeping that hair culture alive and well are the students who assume the responsibility of maintaining their peers’ tresses. They’re hairstylists and barbers who provide an on-campus experience at prices favorable to the financial restraints of college life. Their talent, however, rivals that of real-world beauticians. From their sophisticated techniques, attention to detail and ability to stay on top of burgeoning hair trends, HBCU stylists are making a name for themselves both in and out of the classroom.
So, in honor of homecoming season, and in partnership with Mielle Organics, we chatted with a few in-demand HBCU hair experts about their experiences in and behind the chair, and about why choosing a Black institution was non-negotiable.
How eight brilliant HBCU scholars are impacting hair culture on and off their campuses.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are safe havens. For many Black scholars, it’s the first and only space they’ll occupy where consistently showing up as their authentic self is the standard. In most instances, that expectation spills over into how they choose to style their hair. Stigmas around rocking natural coils disappear, braids and locs are commonplace, not some spectacle for those unfamiliar to bother with the dreaded “Can I touch your hair?” and students are released from the pressures of explaining the intricacies of weaves to those oblivious.
At the core of keeping that hair culture alive and well are the students who assume the responsibility of maintaining their peers’ tresses. They’re hairstylists and barbers who provide an on-campus experience at prices favorable to the financial restraints of college life. Their talent, however, rivals that of real-world beauticians. From their sophisticated techniques, attention to detail and ability to stay on top of burgeoning hair trends, HBCU stylists are making a name for themselves both in and out of the classroom.
So, in honor of homecoming season, and in partnership with Mielle Organics, we chatted with a few in-demand HBCU hair experts about their experiences in and behind the chair, and about why choosing a Black institution was non-negotiable.
#RHOP: Stacey Rusch Divorce Timeline Confirmed in New Report
Stacey Rusch has caused a splash from the second she joined The Real Housewives of Potomac, and the drama surrounding her is only escalating throughout Season 10. Stacey’s honesty has come into question among her castmates since last year’s reunion. In particular, Ashley Darby is determined to keep Stacey in the hot seat (and shame her for allegedly having some hot breath).
Ashley and the other RHOP ladies have a lot of questions for Stacey regarding her personal life. In the latest episode, the skepticism surrounded Stacey’s divorce because Detective Ashley couldn’t find any court records in the system. Who knows if the records didn’t exist, or she had a Real Housewives of Miami moment and forgot to scroll down to the bottom of the page? The world may never know.
Stacey’s current storyline centers around her reconciliation with her ex-husband Thiemo Rusch. However, the ladies weren’t sure whether or not Stacey was telling the truth about their divorce — until now
TMZ uncovered Stacey’s divorce court documents to confirm that she and Thiemo were officially divorced last year. The final decree was entered on December 16. However, the case is under seal, so we don’t know any of the details. Unfortunately for Ashley, it looks like Stacey is still rising when it comes to this fight.
Stacey and her man were married since September 2007, separating in August 2023. Even though they’ve been giving each other googly eyes these days, Stacey can be happy to know she’s vindicated that she is a divorced woman.
Now, the jury is still out on the rest of Stacey’s storylines, but we have the rest of Season 10 to figure that out.
Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo
Ashley and the other RHOP ladies have a lot of questions for Stacey regarding her personal life. In the latest episode, the skepticism surrounded Stacey’s divorce because Detective Ashley couldn’t find any court records in the system. Who knows if the records didn’t exist, or she had a Real Housewives of Miami moment and forgot to scroll down to the bottom of the page? The world may never know.
Stacey’s current storyline centers around her reconciliation with her ex-husband Thiemo Rusch. However, the ladies weren’t sure whether or not Stacey was telling the truth about their divorce — until now
TMZ uncovered Stacey’s divorce court documents to confirm that she and Thiemo were officially divorced last year. The final decree was entered on December 16. However, the case is under seal, so we don’t know any of the details. Unfortunately for Ashley, it looks like Stacey is still rising when it comes to this fight.
Stacey and her man were married since September 2007, separating in August 2023. Even though they’ve been giving each other googly eyes these days, Stacey can be happy to know she’s vindicated that she is a divorced woman.
Now, the jury is still out on the rest of Stacey’s storylines, but we have the rest of Season 10 to figure that out.
Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo
#MusicNews: Unexpected Christmas Soundtrack To Feature Songs From Tamar Braxton, Kevin Ross, Melanie Fiona, K-Ci-Hailey & More
3 Diamonds Films is bringing holiday cheer to music lovers with the upcoming soundtrack for its new movie, “Unexpected Christmas”. The official soundtrack is set to be released on October 24.
The title track, “Unexpected Christmas,” by R&B singer October London, along with the song “Cold Day” by **EJ Jones**, are both available now for streaming. The full album is also available for pre-save.
The soundtrack, which aims to evoke the feeling of a Black family holiday gathering, features a mix of classic holiday songs and new, original music created exclusively for the film. The album includes contributions from a range of artists, including Tamar Braxton, Kevin Ross, Melanie Fiona, K-Ci-Hailey, and Koryn Hawthorne. The soundtrack was executive produced by Phil Thornton, Trell Woodberry, and Ron Hill.
Unexpected Christmas: The Soundtrack tracklist:
“Unexpected Christmas” – October London (Produced by October London)
“Cozy With You” – Melanie Fiona (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis)
“What Christmas Means To Me” – Kevin Ross (Produced by Kevin Ross)
“Joy To The World” – Tamar Braxton (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Cold Day” – EJ Jones (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Xmas Alone” – Xenia Manasseh (Produced by Camper)
“You This Christmas” – Kenyon Dixon (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis)
“I’ll Be There” – TA Thomas (Produced by Camper and Tiyon “TC” Christian)
“Wrapped In Red” – Koryn Hawthorne (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas” – K-Ci Hailey (Produced by Eric “E Will” Williams
3 Diamonds Films is bringing holiday cheer to music lovers with the upcoming soundtrack for its new movie, “Unexpected Christmas”. The official soundtrack is set to be released on October 24.
The title track, “Unexpected Christmas,” by R&B singer October London, along with the song “Cold Day” by **EJ Jones**, are both available now for streaming. The full album is also available for pre-save.
The soundtrack, which aims to evoke the feeling of a Black family holiday gathering, features a mix of classic holiday songs and new, original music created exclusively for the film. The album includes contributions from a range of artists, including Tamar Braxton, Kevin Ross, Melanie Fiona, K-Ci-Hailey, and Koryn Hawthorne. The soundtrack was executive produced by Phil Thornton, Trell Woodberry, and Ron Hill.
Unexpected Christmas: The Soundtrack tracklist:
“Unexpected Christmas” – October London (Produced by October London)
“Cozy With You” – Melanie Fiona (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis)
“What Christmas Means To Me” – Kevin Ross (Produced by Kevin Ross)
“Joy To The World” – Tamar Braxton (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Cold Day” – EJ Jones (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Xmas Alone” – Xenia Manasseh (Produced by Camper)
“You This Christmas” – Kenyon Dixon (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis)
“I’ll Be There” – TA Thomas (Produced by Camper and Tiyon “TC” Christian)
“Wrapped In Red” – Koryn Hawthorne (Produced by Daniel Bryant)
“Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas” – K-Ci Hailey (Produced by Eric “E Will” Williams
#HipHopNews: Nas Gives Update On Joint Album With DJ Premier: ‘It’s A Long Time Coming’
Nas has given fans an update on his eagerly anticipated joint album with DJ Premier — which he says has been “a long time coming” for him and the legendary producer.
The Queensbridge native briefly discussed the project in an interview with Rolling Stone, revealing that it will include a handful of older songs that he and Premo recorded when they first made plans to make an album together.
“I’m going to say at least two of those ideas happened on this album,” he said. “We didn’t get a chance to do ’em when we were talking about ’em, but we finally got a chance to put those recordings together this year.”
Though he didn’t share a concrete release date, Nas did express his excitement and enthusiasm for the album, saying: “I can’t wait for people to finally hear it. I don’t know about anybody else, but for me and him, it was personally a long time coming for us to do it.”
The as-yet-untitled album, which has so far spawned one single in “Define My Name,” is the crown jewel in Mass Appeal Records’ Legend Has It…, a year-long series of releases from some of New York hip-hop’s most iconic names.
The celebrations began this past June with the arrival of Slick Rick‘s Victory — The Ruler’s first album in over 25 years — which was soon followed by well-received projects from Raekwon (The Emperor’s New Clothes) and Ghostface Killah (Supreme Clientele 2).
Next up is Mobb Deep‘s Infinite, the duo’s first album since the tragic death of Prodigy in 2017, which is set to drop this Friday (October 10). Big L‘s posthumous LP Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King is due out on October 31, while a new De La Soul record is also on the horizon (hopefully before the end of the year).
“It’s 1995 all over again,” Nas told Rolling Stone of the star-studded series. “Sometimes I feel like 2025 has that feeling. It’s not going backwards, [it’s] going forward, though. It’s that feeling of urgency, that vibration, the celebration of life and these songs and these albums, what they meant 30 years ago.”
He added: “It’s a celebration of a great impact, a standard that they set that we could never forget because it keeps us aiming higher. This series is to encourage [and] inspire hip-hop and remind us all [of] the pureness of hip-hop. I hope that we all can do this together.”
The Queensbridge native briefly discussed the project in an interview with Rolling Stone, revealing that it will include a handful of older songs that he and Premo recorded when they first made plans to make an album together.
“I’m going to say at least two of those ideas happened on this album,” he said. “We didn’t get a chance to do ’em when we were talking about ’em, but we finally got a chance to put those recordings together this year.”
Though he didn’t share a concrete release date, Nas did express his excitement and enthusiasm for the album, saying: “I can’t wait for people to finally hear it. I don’t know about anybody else, but for me and him, it was personally a long time coming for us to do it.”
The as-yet-untitled album, which has so far spawned one single in “Define My Name,” is the crown jewel in Mass Appeal Records’ Legend Has It…, a year-long series of releases from some of New York hip-hop’s most iconic names.
The celebrations began this past June with the arrival of Slick Rick‘s Victory — The Ruler’s first album in over 25 years — which was soon followed by well-received projects from Raekwon (The Emperor’s New Clothes) and Ghostface Killah (Supreme Clientele 2).
Next up is Mobb Deep‘s Infinite, the duo’s first album since the tragic death of Prodigy in 2017, which is set to drop this Friday (October 10). Big L‘s posthumous LP Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King is due out on October 31, while a new De La Soul record is also on the horizon (hopefully before the end of the year).
“It’s 1995 all over again,” Nas told Rolling Stone of the star-studded series. “Sometimes I feel like 2025 has that feeling. It’s not going backwards, [it’s] going forward, though. It’s that feeling of urgency, that vibration, the celebration of life and these songs and these albums, what they meant 30 years ago.”
He added: “It’s a celebration of a great impact, a standard that they set that we could never forget because it keeps us aiming higher. This series is to encourage [and] inspire hip-hop and remind us all [of] the pureness of hip-hop. I hope that we all can do this together.”
Nia Long and Larenz Tate reunite for Netflix romance inspired by Maxwell’s ‘Urban Hang Suite’
“Love Jones” stars Nia Long and Larenz Tate are reuniting for a Netflix film inspired by the smooth, soulful soundsof Maxwell’s debut album.
And now, Netflix just made every R&B lover and certified lover girl/boy’s dreams come true.
The stars who made us fall deeply in love back in 1997’s “Love Jones” are reuniting for a new romantic drama on Netflix. Netflix officially greenlit the project on Wednesday, per Deadline. The untitled film will reportedly be directed by Eugene Ashe, the filmmaker behind “Sylvie’s Love,” another swoon-worthy Black romance.
While Netflix is keeping the plot close to its chest, Deadline reports that the project is inspired by Maxwell’s debut album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.” Recorded between 1994 and 1995 and released on April 2, 1996, the album tells the story of a romance from its passionate beginning to its heart-wrenching end, all drawn from Maxwell’s real-life experiences. And if you know the album, you know this means the untitled film may be a slow-burn, soul-filled love story.
Ashe will direct from a script written by Kay Oyegun, the “This Is Us” writer-producer who’s no stranger to emotional storytelling. Meanwhile Maxwell, John D. Hammond, Long, and Tate are reportedly listed as executive producers, with James Lopez, Charles D. King, and Poppy Hanks producing for Macro Film Studios.
Fans are already buzzing to see if the film will mirror the themes of Urban Hang Suite or simply channel that unmistakable ‘90s Black love aesthetic.
That 1997 romantic comedy-turned-cult classic followed the whirlwind romance between Darius Lovehall, a poet and novelist played by Tate, and Nina Mosley, a photographer portrayed by Long. Since then, Long and Tate have reunited on-screen a handful of times. Once for a Walmart holiday commercial, and most recently, in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” where Long portrays family matriarch Katherine Jackson and Tate plays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. But this marks the first time in years that the two will lead a romantic feature together, and that alone has social media users giddy.
“Immediately, we just kind of had a nice little spark and a connection and it just felt natural. I didn’t feel any pressure going into the room [for the screen test], I don’t think she felt any pressure. Once we began to do our scene, I think they saw immediately that we were the right pair,” Tate told Entertainment Weekly in 2021, reflecting on their original Love Jones chemistry.
It’s safe to say that spark never left. and with Maxwell’s music setting the tone, it’s giving we’re about to fall in love all over again.
“Love Jones” stars Nia Long and Larenz Tate are reuniting for a Netflix film inspired by the smooth, soulful soundsof Maxwell’s debut album.
And now, Netflix just made every R&B lover and certified lover girl/boy’s dreams come true.
The stars who made us fall deeply in love back in 1997’s “Love Jones” are reuniting for a new romantic drama on Netflix. Netflix officially greenlit the project on Wednesday, per Deadline. The untitled film will reportedly be directed by Eugene Ashe, the filmmaker behind “Sylvie’s Love,” another swoon-worthy Black romance.
While Netflix is keeping the plot close to its chest, Deadline reports that the project is inspired by Maxwell’s debut album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.” Recorded between 1994 and 1995 and released on April 2, 1996, the album tells the story of a romance from its passionate beginning to its heart-wrenching end, all drawn from Maxwell’s real-life experiences. And if you know the album, you know this means the untitled film may be a slow-burn, soul-filled love story.
Ashe will direct from a script written by Kay Oyegun, the “This Is Us” writer-producer who’s no stranger to emotional storytelling. Meanwhile Maxwell, John D. Hammond, Long, and Tate are reportedly listed as executive producers, with James Lopez, Charles D. King, and Poppy Hanks producing for Macro Film Studios.
Fans are already buzzing to see if the film will mirror the themes of Urban Hang Suite or simply channel that unmistakable ‘90s Black love aesthetic.
That 1997 romantic comedy-turned-cult classic followed the whirlwind romance between Darius Lovehall, a poet and novelist played by Tate, and Nina Mosley, a photographer portrayed by Long. Since then, Long and Tate have reunited on-screen a handful of times. Once for a Walmart holiday commercial, and most recently, in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” where Long portrays family matriarch Katherine Jackson and Tate plays Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. But this marks the first time in years that the two will lead a romantic feature together, and that alone has social media users giddy.
“Immediately, we just kind of had a nice little spark and a connection and it just felt natural. I didn’t feel any pressure going into the room [for the screen test], I don’t think she felt any pressure. Once we began to do our scene, I think they saw immediately that we were the right pair,” Tate told Entertainment Weekly in 2021, reflecting on their original Love Jones chemistry.
It’s safe to say that spark never left. and with Maxwell’s music setting the tone, it’s giving we’re about to fall in love all over again.
Halle Berry Celebrates Daughter Nahla’s Early College Acceptance
Halle Berry is one proud momma! The Oscar-winning actress celebrated a huge milestone for her daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry. The 17-year-old received an early acceptance into college. And mommy dearest shared her excitement on social media.
"Congratulations to my sweet Angel Nahla for her early college acceptance!" Berry wrote in an Instagram Stories post on Monday, Oct. 13. In the photo, a cake is shown with "You did it Nahla!!" written in white icing.
During an appearance on “Jenna & Friends” earlier this summer, Berry gushed over her daughter’s higher education plans. "She's 17. She's going to a college summer program, the college that she's hoping to go to next year," she told Jenna.
Berry continued, “Am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she's gonna be? Absolutely. I'm dying to see who she's gonna be and what she's gonna do and what she'll discover."
Berry welcomed Nahla in 2008 with her ex-boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, and also shares a 10-year-old son, Maceo, with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. Over the years, Berry has been open about how raising her children has shaped her perspective.
Recently, Berry’s ex David Justice went viral for his criticism of her while they dated. Justice claimed she wasn’t very “motherly.” However, the mother of two recently shared in an interview that she’s “protective” as a mother and willing to “fight for” her kids. How’s that for motherly?
Though Berry didn’t reveal which college Nahla will attend, fans and friends flooded her comments with love and congratulations.
"Congratulations to my sweet Angel Nahla for her early college acceptance!" Berry wrote in an Instagram Stories post on Monday, Oct. 13. In the photo, a cake is shown with "You did it Nahla!!" written in white icing.
During an appearance on “Jenna & Friends” earlier this summer, Berry gushed over her daughter’s higher education plans. "She's 17. She's going to a college summer program, the college that she's hoping to go to next year," she told Jenna.
Berry continued, “Am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she's gonna be? Absolutely. I'm dying to see who she's gonna be and what she's gonna do and what she'll discover."
Berry welcomed Nahla in 2008 with her ex-boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, and also shares a 10-year-old son, Maceo, with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. Over the years, Berry has been open about how raising her children has shaped her perspective.
Recently, Berry’s ex David Justice went viral for his criticism of her while they dated. Justice claimed she wasn’t very “motherly.” However, the mother of two recently shared in an interview that she’s “protective” as a mother and willing to “fight for” her kids. How’s that for motherly?
Though Berry didn’t reveal which college Nahla will attend, fans and friends flooded her comments with love and congratulations.
D’Angelo’s Daughter Imani Shares Heartfelt Message Following His Passing: I’ll Always Be Your BabyGirl’
DAngelo’s daughter Imani Archer is speaking out following her dad’s shocking passing.
In a heartfelt message shared to IG, she wrote, “dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. you were my biggest hype man my protector my biggest musical inspiration the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could’ve ever had.”
Imani added, “I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl.”
D’Angelo’s son with #AngieStone, Michael Archer II (aka Swayvo Twain), shared his own post reflecting on losing two parents within the same year.
DAngelo’s daughter Imani Archer is speaking out following her dad’s shocking passing.
In a heartfelt message shared to IG, she wrote, “dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. you were my biggest hype man my protector my biggest musical inspiration the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could’ve ever had.”
Imani added, “I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl.”
D’Angelo’s son with #AngieStone, Michael Archer II (aka Swayvo Twain), shared his own post reflecting on losing two parents within the same year.
Nicki Minaj Says She’s “Not Going to Put Out the Album Anymore” After Explosive Tweets Targeting Roc Nation Execs
Nicki Minaj shocked fans after firing off a series of explosive tweets aimed at Roc Nation executives, including Desiree Perez and Jay-Z (tagged as @sc) — before announcing she’s scrapping her upcoming album entirely.
“They came BEGGING the QUEEN for a tour & album & I said NOPE!!!!! LMFAO,” Nicki wrote. “They needed help from the QUEEN & the BARBZ… I called the Barbz on the secret BARB phone & it was a resounding NOOOOOOOO.”
The rapper also appeared to take direct aim at Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, writing:
“Hearing Desiree Perez talking bout how she was begging for 40MM & was told ‘no’ was just ???… OH BROKE NATION how’d you go so fing broke? Like who in their right fing mind would sign to you?”
Just an hour later, Nicki stunned her fans again, tweeting:
“Ok I’m not going to put out the album anymore. No more music. Hope you’re happy now @sc. Bye, Barbz. Love you for life.”
The abrupt announcement left fans in disbelief, with many begging the rapper to reconsider. As of now, neither Roc Nation nor Desiree Perez have publicly responded to Nicki’s claims.
Nicki Minaj shocked fans after firing off a series of explosive tweets aimed at Roc Nation executives, including Desiree Perez and Jay-Z (tagged as @sc) — before announcing she’s scrapping her upcoming album entirely.
“They came BEGGING the QUEEN for a tour & album & I said NOPE!!!!! LMFAO,” Nicki wrote. “They needed help from the QUEEN & the BARBZ… I called the Barbz on the secret BARB phone & it was a resounding NOOOOOOOO.”
The rapper also appeared to take direct aim at Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, writing:
“Hearing Desiree Perez talking bout how she was begging for 40MM & was told ‘no’ was just ???… OH BROKE NATION how’d you go so fing broke? Like who in their right fing mind would sign to you?”
Just an hour later, Nicki stunned her fans again, tweeting:
“Ok I’m not going to put out the album anymore. No more music. Hope you’re happy now @sc. Bye, Barbz. Love you for life.”
The abrupt announcement left fans in disbelief, with many begging the rapper to reconsider. As of now, neither Roc Nation nor Desiree Perez have publicly responded to Nicki’s claims.
‘The Blind Side’ Star Quinton Aaron Shows Off 200-Pound Weight Loss: “I Have 55 More Pounds To Go”
Health will always be wealth. Quinton Aaron, star of the 2009 film “The Blind Side,” recently showcased his 200-pound weight loss.
The 41-year-old actor took to Instagram to share his before-and-after photos. “Good Morning Beautiful People! God is Good! I am overwhelmed and blessed to announce that I have reached another cool Milestone in my life,” he began. “Today when weighing myself, I noticed that I reached the 200 pound marker.”
Aaron revealed that he weighed 575 pounds at one point, but through hard work and discipline, he dropped down to 375. Also, he isn’t done yet. “I have 55 more pounds to go to reach my over all goal of 320lbs… I GOT THIS!!!”
Aaron has documented part of his weight transformation over the last year. In July, he celebrated dropping 150 pounds and suited up for the occasion in an Instagram post. “I just wanna say I always look good in a suit if I might say so myself but, dammit if I don’t look #supafly rockin the #bowtie and being 150lbs lighter in this picture than the one on the left,” he wrote.
The Bronx native, like many, struggled with binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Food was my drug,” he told The Recovery Vow podcast this past September. “I was eating when I wasn’t even hungry. Just going out and buying food and sitting in my car in the parking lot, eating it and crying and not knowing why. I’m like, ‘Why do I feel this way?’”
He told TMZ in 2022 that he was going to commit to the gym and change his diet so that he could lead a healthier lifestyle. Evidently, he kept his word, and the proof is in the results.
The 41-year-old actor took to Instagram to share his before-and-after photos. “Good Morning Beautiful People! God is Good! I am overwhelmed and blessed to announce that I have reached another cool Milestone in my life,” he began. “Today when weighing myself, I noticed that I reached the 200 pound marker.”
Aaron revealed that he weighed 575 pounds at one point, but through hard work and discipline, he dropped down to 375. Also, he isn’t done yet. “I have 55 more pounds to go to reach my over all goal of 320lbs… I GOT THIS!!!”
Aaron has documented part of his weight transformation over the last year. In July, he celebrated dropping 150 pounds and suited up for the occasion in an Instagram post. “I just wanna say I always look good in a suit if I might say so myself but, dammit if I don’t look #supafly rockin the #bowtie and being 150lbs lighter in this picture than the one on the left,” he wrote.
The Bronx native, like many, struggled with binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Food was my drug,” he told The Recovery Vow podcast this past September. “I was eating when I wasn’t even hungry. Just going out and buying food and sitting in my car in the parking lot, eating it and crying and not knowing why. I’m like, ‘Why do I feel this way?’”
He told TMZ in 2022 that he was going to commit to the gym and change his diet so that he could lead a healthier lifestyle. Evidently, he kept his word, and the proof is in the results.
Tyler Perry Calls Derrick Dixon Lawsuit Retaliation for Failing to Sell Dixon's TV Pilot to Netflix
Back in June former Tyler Perry's The Oval cast member, Derrick Dixon, filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry accusing him of quid pro quo sixual harassment, sixual battery, sixual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation, and more
In a new filing Tyler Perry claims NONE of Derrick Dixon's allegations are true and accuses him of filing the lawsuit for revenge after Perry was unable to sell Dixon's TV pilot to Netflix...
In a new filing Tyler Perry claims NONE of Derrick Dixon's allegations are true and accuses him of filing the lawsuit for revenge after Perry was unable to sell Dixon's TV pilot to Netflix...
Tyler Perry is alleging that accuser Derek Dixon falsified the sixual assault claims against the film director, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
On Oct. 1, Perry's legal team filed documents with the United States District Court's Central Division of California, alleging that Dixon's sixual assault lawsuit against Perry is “profoundly disappointing, cynical, and—most of all—false.”
In the October filing, Perry’s legal team argues that Dixon’s accusations and lawsuit rely “on Hollywood stereotypes and the bad acts of others," as "Dixon distorts and tries to turn sinister Mr. Perry’s acts of platonic friendship and professional mentorship.”
“Dixon invents alleged assaults and encounters that never happened,” the filing states.
“Mr. Perry never assaulted Dixon or committed any sixual battery. He did not offer Dixon pay raises and shoot Dixon’s television pilot script to threaten, coerce, or control Dixon,” the filing reads.
The filing continues: “And it is notable that in his effort to exploit his friendship and professional relationship with Mr. Perry to obtain a $260 million payday, Dixon was forced to lie not only about Mr. Perry, but himself too.”
On Oct. 1, Perry's legal team filed documents with the United States District Court's Central Division of California, alleging that Dixon's sixual assault lawsuit against Perry is “profoundly disappointing, cynical, and—most of all—false.”
In the October filing, Perry’s legal team argues that Dixon’s accusations and lawsuit rely “on Hollywood stereotypes and the bad acts of others," as "Dixon distorts and tries to turn sinister Mr. Perry’s acts of platonic friendship and professional mentorship.”
“Dixon invents alleged assaults and encounters that never happened,” the filing states.
“Mr. Perry never assaulted Dixon or committed any sixual battery. He did not offer Dixon pay raises and shoot Dixon’s television pilot script to threaten, coerce, or control Dixon,” the filing reads.
The filing continues: “And it is notable that in his effort to exploit his friendship and professional relationship with Mr. Perry to obtain a $260 million payday, Dixon was forced to lie not only about Mr. Perry, but himself too.”
The filing further alleges that the suit is about “Dixon’s greed and avarice, not Mr. Perry’s alleged and nonexistent harassment or abuse.”
The filing goes on to state that Perry “looks forward to refuting each and every false accusation in court.”
Perry’s team alleged that Dixon did not “file this lawsuit because of anything Mr. Perry did,” claiming that Dixon took the legal action because Perry was not able to sell Dixon's television pilot to Netflix, per the filing.
“By his actions and false accusations, it is clear that Dixon needs help. But he cannot find it in this Court,” the filing claims. “Although Dixon alleges that he was the victim of escalating sixual misconduct, he had no problem taking a role on Season 2 of Mr. Perry’s television series The Oval.”
Diddy's Post Release Conditions Revealed
Two weeks ago Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean 'Diddy' Combs was sentenced to 4 years and two months in prison after his conviction on two counts of violating the The Mann Act
After completing his sentence Diddy will have five years of supervised release with strict conditions...
Diddy must submit to searches, and he can't contact the victims in this case for any reason.
Diddy will have to participate in outpatient treatment programs for drug abuse and mental health issues ... where he will be required to take prescribed medicine, unless a health care provider instructs him otherwise.
The rapper must also participate in an approved program for domestic violence and will not be allowed to own, possess or have access to a firearm or other destructive device.
Two weeks ago Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean 'Diddy' Combs was sentenced to 4 years and two months in prison after his conviction on two counts of violating the The Mann Act
After completing his sentence Diddy will have five years of supervised release with strict conditions...
Diddy must submit to searches, and he can't contact the victims in this case for any reason.
Diddy will have to participate in outpatient treatment programs for drug abuse and mental health issues ... where he will be required to take prescribed medicine, unless a health care provider instructs him otherwise.
The rapper must also participate in an approved program for domestic violence and will not be allowed to own, possess or have access to a firearm or other destructive device.
Britney Spears Slams Kevin Federline’s Memoir as ‘Constant Gaslighting’ and ‘Extremely Hurtful’
Britney Spears is speaking out against the “constant gaslighting” she says she’s been enduring from her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, who recently announced his new tell-all memoir, You Thought You Knew.
Federline’s book, expected to be released later this month (Oct. 21), claims to expose troubling details about his ex-wife, whom he was married to from 2004 to 2007.
On Wednesday (Oct. 15), Spears used social media to respond to her ex-husband’s recent claims in his new book, in which he alleges she engaged in concerning behavior around their sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston, including standing in their room at night with a knife.
"The constant gaslighting from ex-husband is extremely hurtful and exhausting," she wrote on X. "I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys. Relationships with teenage boys is complex."
"I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life," she continued. "Sadly, they have always witnessed the lack of respect shown by own father for me. They need to take responsibility for themselves."
She criticized Federline’s book for containing “white lies,” adding, “I am the only one who genuinely gets hurt here.”
“I am actually a pretty intelligent woman who has been trying to live a sacred and private life for the past five years,” she concluded. “I speak on this because I have had enough, and any real woman would do the same.”
Spears' social media post comes in the wake of her first husband, Jason Alexander, criticizing Federline over his tell-all book, You Thought You Knew, which alleges Spears cheated on him with a female dancer in Amsterdam.
Alexander accused Federline of rewriting history to make himself look blameless. In an Instagram post on Tuesday (Oct. 14), he wrote, “As someone who’s known Britney most of her life — not just as her first husband, but as a friend who’s seen what she’s gone through — I can’t stay silent.”
Spears and Federline divorced in 2007. The two went through a contentious custody battle over their two sons. Federline also revealed in 2022 that their sons had a strained relationship with Spears and had chosen not to see her for several months, including skipping her wedding.
Britney Spears is speaking out against the “constant gaslighting” she says she’s been enduring from her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, who recently announced his new tell-all memoir, You Thought You Knew.
Federline’s book, expected to be released later this month (Oct. 21), claims to expose troubling details about his ex-wife, whom he was married to from 2004 to 2007.
On Wednesday (Oct. 15), Spears used social media to respond to her ex-husband’s recent claims in his new book, in which he alleges she engaged in concerning behavior around their sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston, including standing in their room at night with a knife.
"The constant gaslighting from ex-husband is extremely hurtful and exhausting," she wrote on X. "I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys. Relationships with teenage boys is complex."
"I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life," she continued. "Sadly, they have always witnessed the lack of respect shown by own father for me. They need to take responsibility for themselves."
She criticized Federline’s book for containing “white lies,” adding, “I am the only one who genuinely gets hurt here.”
“I am actually a pretty intelligent woman who has been trying to live a sacred and private life for the past five years,” she concluded. “I speak on this because I have had enough, and any real woman would do the same.”
Spears' social media post comes in the wake of her first husband, Jason Alexander, criticizing Federline over his tell-all book, You Thought You Knew, which alleges Spears cheated on him with a female dancer in Amsterdam.
Alexander accused Federline of rewriting history to make himself look blameless. In an Instagram post on Tuesday (Oct. 14), he wrote, “As someone who’s known Britney most of her life — not just as her first husband, but as a friend who’s seen what she’s gone through — I can’t stay silent.”
Spears and Federline divorced in 2007. The two went through a contentious custody battle over their two sons. Federline also revealed in 2022 that their sons had a strained relationship with Spears and had chosen not to see her for several months, including skipping her wedding.
Angel Reese & Suni Lee Make History as First Athletes to Walk in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025
Angel Reese and Suni Lee are making history! The 23-year-old WNBA player and the 22-year-old gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast walked the runway 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday (October 15) held at Brooklyn Navy Yard Wednesday evening (October 15) in Brooklyn New York.
They are the first two pro athletes to ever walk in the fashion event! Just like last year’s show, the event is a shoppable experience with all items on the runway available for purchase online as they’re being shown on TV.
For her first trip down the catwalk, Angel wore the Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra ($49.95) and the Lace Bikini Panty ($18.95).
For her second walk, Angel wore the Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra ($49.95) and the Lace Brazilian Panty ($18.95).
Suni wore the Relay Racerback Sports Bra, which you can buy now at VictoriasSecret.com for $39.95.
They are the first two pro athletes to ever walk in the fashion event! Just like last year’s show, the event is a shoppable experience with all items on the runway available for purchase online as they’re being shown on TV.
For her first trip down the catwalk, Angel wore the Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra ($49.95) and the Lace Bikini Panty ($18.95).
For her second walk, Angel wore the Wicked Unlined Lace Balconette Bra ($49.95) and the Lace Brazilian Panty ($18.95).
Suni wore the Relay Racerback Sports Bra, which you can buy now at VictoriasSecret.com for $39.95.
Diane Keaton's Cause of Death Revealed by Her Family
Diane Keaton‘s family is speaking out following her death. On Saturday (October 11), it was announced that the legendary Oscar-winning actress had passed away at the age of 79.
Days later, Diane‘s family broke their silence on her passing and revealed her cause of death.
In a statement with People, Diane‘s family confirmed that the First Wives Club actress died from pneumonia.
“The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the statement read.
“She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community,” the statement continued, “so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Diane is survived by her two children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25.
Days later, Diane‘s family broke their silence on her passing and revealed her cause of death.
In a statement with People, Diane‘s family confirmed that the First Wives Club actress died from pneumonia.
“The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the statement read.
“She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community,” the statement continued, “so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Diane is survived by her two children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25.
NBC News’ 150 Layoffs Gut Black, Latino, Asian American and LGBTQ+ Diversity Teams
NBC News eliminated its teams dedicated to covering issues affecting Black, Asian American, Latino and LGBTQ+ groups as part of its layoffs of about 150 staffers on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter, a significant culling as the Peacock network separates from its sister news network, MSNBC.
The cuts mean that the verticals NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino and NBC OUT will no longer have dedicated teams bolstering their coverage. The verticals will continue to publish stories related to the specific groups, according to one source, but the work will be distributed across the broader newsroom.
The total reductions, which affected NBC News’ entire news operation, make up about 7% of NBC News’ newsroom of about 2,000 staffers and 2% of the wider NBCU News Group, which includes Telemundo and the network’s owned-and-operated local news stations. The cuts did not target specific teams and were driven by the network’s budget and the desire to streamline its editorial efforts, according to one source.
The cuts were announced to staff at a brief, 10 a.m. meeting on Wednesday by NBC News’ executive vice president of editorial, Catherine Kim, who said the layoffs marked a “difficult day for a lot of us,” according to a source in the meeting.
The job losses came as the network no longer needed to support two different news operations, as MSNBC has moved under the spun-off company Versant. It also reflects the challenging nature of operating a large-scale newsroom amid a media environment facing declining ratings and a fragmented audience, with layoffs occurring across news outlets, including the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, CNN and PBS.
The layoffs also reflect the media industry’s larger retreat from efforts focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Gannett, the nation’s largest newspaper chain, removed mentions of diversity from its website in April and said it would stop publishing demographic data on its website. Disney also rebranded its internal DEI efforts last week to “Opportunity & Inclusion,” according to Puck.
NBC and its parent company, Comcast, have also come under federal scrutiny for their diversity-focused efforts. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sent a letter to Comcast in February saying he would investigate the company for its promotion of DEI, alleging the company has “executives specifically dedicated to promoting DEI across the TV and programming
side of the business.”
MSNBC has begun growing its own newsroom, hiring swaths of talent from NBC News, the Washington Post, Politico and others as it builds its newsgathering operation. It plans to launch its rebranded image — including its new name, MS NOW — in the coming weeks.
Cesar Conde, the head of the NBCU News Group, touted the company’s investment in news in a memo to staffers last week, referencing its upcoming subscription service and a marketing campaign that “will reinforce our reputation for rigorous fact-based reporting that is indispensable and accessible across all platforms for all.”
Wednesday’s reductions are NBC News’ second round of cuts this year, following its January layoffs of about 40 staffers, which included some from teams focused on diversity groups. The company currently has about 140 jobs open across its news group, and it plans to repurpose a dozen of the Wednesday jobs into new roles that laid-off staffers could apply for.
NBC News eliminated its teams dedicated to covering issues affecting Black, Asian American, Latino and LGBTQ+ groups as part of its layoffs of about 150 staffers on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter, a significant culling as the Peacock network separates from its sister news network, MSNBC.
The cuts mean that the verticals NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino and NBC OUT will no longer have dedicated teams bolstering their coverage. The verticals will continue to publish stories related to the specific groups, according to one source, but the work will be distributed across the broader newsroom.
The total reductions, which affected NBC News’ entire news operation, make up about 7% of NBC News’ newsroom of about 2,000 staffers and 2% of the wider NBCU News Group, which includes Telemundo and the network’s owned-and-operated local news stations. The cuts did not target specific teams and were driven by the network’s budget and the desire to streamline its editorial efforts, according to one source.
The cuts were announced to staff at a brief, 10 a.m. meeting on Wednesday by NBC News’ executive vice president of editorial, Catherine Kim, who said the layoffs marked a “difficult day for a lot of us,” according to a source in the meeting.
The job losses came as the network no longer needed to support two different news operations, as MSNBC has moved under the spun-off company Versant. It also reflects the challenging nature of operating a large-scale newsroom amid a media environment facing declining ratings and a fragmented audience, with layoffs occurring across news outlets, including the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, CNN and PBS.
The layoffs also reflect the media industry’s larger retreat from efforts focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Gannett, the nation’s largest newspaper chain, removed mentions of diversity from its website in April and said it would stop publishing demographic data on its website. Disney also rebranded its internal DEI efforts last week to “Opportunity & Inclusion,” according to Puck.
NBC and its parent company, Comcast, have also come under federal scrutiny for their diversity-focused efforts. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sent a letter to Comcast in February saying he would investigate the company for its promotion of DEI, alleging the company has “executives specifically dedicated to promoting DEI across the TV and programming
side of the business.”
MSNBC has begun growing its own newsroom, hiring swaths of talent from NBC News, the Washington Post, Politico and others as it builds its newsgathering operation. It plans to launch its rebranded image — including its new name, MS NOW — in the coming weeks.
Cesar Conde, the head of the NBCU News Group, touted the company’s investment in news in a memo to staffers last week, referencing its upcoming subscription service and a marketing campaign that “will reinforce our reputation for rigorous fact-based reporting that is indispensable and accessible across all platforms for all.”
Wednesday’s reductions are NBC News’ second round of cuts this year, following its January layoffs of about 40 staffers, which included some from teams focused on diversity groups. The company currently has about 140 jobs open across its news group, and it plans to repurpose a dozen of the Wednesday jobs into new roles that laid-off staffers could apply for.
‘South Park’ Abruptly Starts Season 28 With Viral ‘6-7’ TikTok Trend and Peter Thiel Hunting Down Trump’s Antichrist Baby
After a three-week wait, “South Park” is back with a new episode and a new season.
In an abrupt turn of events, the short-lived Season 27 has ended after just five episodes, instead of the previously determined 10, a spokesperson for Comedy Central confirmed. No details were provided as to why. Wednesday’s Season 28 premiere saw South Park Elementary enveloped in the “6-7” TikTok trend, and Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel thinks the Antichrist is to blame.
The episode opens on a rally led by PC Principal, who is determined to get South Park Elementary back on track after catching wind of some “santaic numerology shit” going on.” To set things straight, he brings in a guest speaker to talk some sense into the student body: The “absolute expert on the end of days and the coming of the Antichrist,” Peter Thiel.
“Hello, kids, I’m Peter Thiel, and I’m here to talk to you about the Antichrist,” he says. “Ok, so first, what is the Antichrist? The Antichrist is a newer, more human form of Satan that will soon walk the Earth. We don’t know how soon it will walk the Earth, but it could be within the next six to seven weeks.”
The South Park Elementary student body then explodes in unison, “6-7!”
Confused, Thiel continues his impromptu TED Talk. He explains that Satan wasn’t able to have a child until Donald Trump came along, who has the perfect-sized manhood to fit inside Satan’s “pinhole” sized rectum. How big is Trump’s manhood? Thiel estimates it’s between “six and seven centimeters.”
Once again, his Gen Alpha audience shouts, “6-7!”
Now frustrated, Thiel yells back at the kids, “The Antichrist is coming! The Bible refers to the eagle, which refers to America, the fourth seal broken, and hell coming to Earth. It’s right here in Revelations Six… Six-Seven.”
Dead set on putting an end to the seemingly demonic “6-7” craze, Thiel dives into the school data center with PC Principal and South Park Elementary’s counselor, Jesus Christ, to look for answers.
“I’ve downloaded all the students’ information and loaded them into an AI face detection program so the school’s security cameras can watch their every move,” he says. “Now look. Two students passing each other in the hallway. They give each other the sign: six, seven. Exactly 67 seconds later, this odd parka-wearing child makes the same gesture. And then inside the girls’ bathroom, two girls doing the same thing!”
A concerned Jesus stops him, “Wait, why is there a camera inside the girls’ bathroom?”
Thiel returns, “To stop the Antichrist!”
All the while, Thiel has been secretly working for JD Vance, who is determined to stop the Antichrist from being born so that he can take Trump’s place instead of the devil child. He tells Vance, while en route to a child he suspects is connected to the demon spawn, “I’m very close to finding the secret of the numbers. I’ve narrowed it down to one little boy who seems more possessed than the others.”
The child in question: Eric Cartman.
Ala “The Exorcist,” Thiel walks up to Cartman’s room to free him from the possession.
Thiel tells a giggling Cartman, “I came to see you in an Uber. You know how long it took me to get here? Around six or seven minutes.” Cartman starts laughing so hard that he projectile vomits all over Thiel.
Unable to complete the exorcism, he tells Ms.Cartman that he must take her child to D.C., and that “everything we hold dear could end” if he doesn’t “unlock the secrets he holds.”
“6-7” (pronounced “six seven”) is a viral lyric from the rap single “Doot Doot (6 7)” from American artist Skrilla. The phrase skyrocketed into the cultural zeitgeist through TikTok, proving especially popular with younger users. As demonstrated by “South Park,” “6-7” is often recited in tadum with a hand gesture popularized by a TikTok user named Maverick Trevillain, fittingly known as “The 67 Kid.” The phrase doesn’t appear to have any real meaning and functions more as an internet inside joke.
Thiel recently made headlines after the Washington Post published the contents of his invite-only, off-record lectures on religion and the tech industry. Across the four, roughly two-hour-long talks, the venture capitalist accused Greta Thunberg as well as all those who are critical of the rapid development of artificial intelligence of being “legionnaires of the Antichrist.”
In an abrupt turn of events, the short-lived Season 27 has ended after just five episodes, instead of the previously determined 10, a spokesperson for Comedy Central confirmed. No details were provided as to why. Wednesday’s Season 28 premiere saw South Park Elementary enveloped in the “6-7” TikTok trend, and Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel thinks the Antichrist is to blame.
The episode opens on a rally led by PC Principal, who is determined to get South Park Elementary back on track after catching wind of some “santaic numerology shit” going on.” To set things straight, he brings in a guest speaker to talk some sense into the student body: The “absolute expert on the end of days and the coming of the Antichrist,” Peter Thiel.
“Hello, kids, I’m Peter Thiel, and I’m here to talk to you about the Antichrist,” he says. “Ok, so first, what is the Antichrist? The Antichrist is a newer, more human form of Satan that will soon walk the Earth. We don’t know how soon it will walk the Earth, but it could be within the next six to seven weeks.”
The South Park Elementary student body then explodes in unison, “6-7!”
Confused, Thiel continues his impromptu TED Talk. He explains that Satan wasn’t able to have a child until Donald Trump came along, who has the perfect-sized manhood to fit inside Satan’s “pinhole” sized rectum. How big is Trump’s manhood? Thiel estimates it’s between “six and seven centimeters.”
Once again, his Gen Alpha audience shouts, “6-7!”
Now frustrated, Thiel yells back at the kids, “The Antichrist is coming! The Bible refers to the eagle, which refers to America, the fourth seal broken, and hell coming to Earth. It’s right here in Revelations Six… Six-Seven.”
Dead set on putting an end to the seemingly demonic “6-7” craze, Thiel dives into the school data center with PC Principal and South Park Elementary’s counselor, Jesus Christ, to look for answers.
“I’ve downloaded all the students’ information and loaded them into an AI face detection program so the school’s security cameras can watch their every move,” he says. “Now look. Two students passing each other in the hallway. They give each other the sign: six, seven. Exactly 67 seconds later, this odd parka-wearing child makes the same gesture. And then inside the girls’ bathroom, two girls doing the same thing!”
A concerned Jesus stops him, “Wait, why is there a camera inside the girls’ bathroom?”
Thiel returns, “To stop the Antichrist!”
All the while, Thiel has been secretly working for JD Vance, who is determined to stop the Antichrist from being born so that he can take Trump’s place instead of the devil child. He tells Vance, while en route to a child he suspects is connected to the demon spawn, “I’m very close to finding the secret of the numbers. I’ve narrowed it down to one little boy who seems more possessed than the others.”
The child in question: Eric Cartman.
Ala “The Exorcist,” Thiel walks up to Cartman’s room to free him from the possession.
Thiel tells a giggling Cartman, “I came to see you in an Uber. You know how long it took me to get here? Around six or seven minutes.” Cartman starts laughing so hard that he projectile vomits all over Thiel.
Unable to complete the exorcism, he tells Ms.Cartman that he must take her child to D.C., and that “everything we hold dear could end” if he doesn’t “unlock the secrets he holds.”
“6-7” (pronounced “six seven”) is a viral lyric from the rap single “Doot Doot (6 7)” from American artist Skrilla. The phrase skyrocketed into the cultural zeitgeist through TikTok, proving especially popular with younger users. As demonstrated by “South Park,” “6-7” is often recited in tadum with a hand gesture popularized by a TikTok user named Maverick Trevillain, fittingly known as “The 67 Kid.” The phrase doesn’t appear to have any real meaning and functions more as an internet inside joke.
Thiel recently made headlines after the Washington Post published the contents of his invite-only, off-record lectures on religion and the tech industry. Across the four, roughly two-hour-long talks, the venture capitalist accused Greta Thunberg as well as all those who are critical of the rapid development of artificial intelligence of being “legionnaires of the Antichrist.”
CultureCon Honor Beyoncé’s Hairstylist Neal Farinah At Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience 2025
The third annual Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience brought Caribbean vibrancy, grace, and creative power to life in spectacular fashion on October 1st. Trinbagonian-based social impact agency Industry 360, in partnership with CultureCon, hosted an unforgettable evening that honoured the lifetime service of two industry-giants – Neal Farinah, Trinidad and Tobago-born celebrity hairstylist to Grammy-winning recording artist Beyoncé, and Petra Roach, seasoned tourism professional and Director of Sales and Marketing at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. Among a cross section of Caribbean thought-leaders, specially-invited guests included Consul General NY of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Andre Laveau; Haitian-American media personality Jessie Woo and Peter Mayers, US Director of Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc.
The invitation-only dinner embodied the 2025 theme Mille Fleur: The Secret Garden: a lush celebration of Caribbean brilliance blooming in all its creative forms. From the decor to the culinary experience – as well performances by Jamaican favorite Hector Roots Lewis and Tionne Hernandez of Barbados – every detail reflected the spirit of unity and abundance that defines the Caribbean creative landscape.
Receiving his first ever award from a Caribbean-based organization, Neal Farinah emotionally reflected on his life’s work, his previous challenging circumstances, and the importance of receiving the 2025 Cultural Legacy Award. “I never thought in my life that I would get an award or flowers for what I’ve done, but I came to the United States with $35 and a dream, and I’m still dreaming,” the Arima-born legend humbly shared with the capacity audience of Caribbean professionals and allies. Recounting his personal experiences with the living legend who he fondly referred to as ‘his boss’, Farinah explained, “I remember when my mother was dying, Beyoncé told me ‘she’s proud of you’. And I know she’s proud of me now.”
Another marquee moment was the presentation of the Industry 360 Cultural Legacy Award to beloved Caribbean Tourism icon, Petra Roach, which drew thunderous applause from attendees. The newly minted Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados was recognized for her decades-long leadership in positioning the Caribbean as a premier travel and cultural destination.
Receiving a standing ovation for her moving acceptance speech, Roach reflected on the significance of being recognized by Industry 360 and CultureCon. She used the awards opportunity as a call-to-action to all Caribbean people and allies, emphasizing that, “We all have a role, a responsibility and a duty to play in the way that the world sees the Caribbean. Our indigenous treasures should be celebrated, protected and respected as we continue to shine on the global stage.”
For both Roach and Farinah, their heartfelt words echoed the night’s overarching theme: a celebration of the many flowers that make up the Caribbean’s global cultural garden, and underscored the importance of recognizing regional talent within its own community.
Industry 360 Founder, Tenille Clarke expressed profound gratitude for the evening’s success and continued widespread diasporic support, explaining, “What we witnessed on October 1 in partnership with CultureCon was the power of community. The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was built to honour our excellence, our resilience, and our right to be celebrated. Seeing Neal and Petra so moved, seeing the smiles, the laughter, the tears: that is the magic of this Caribbean movement.”
From heartfelt speeches to a celebration of music, food and culture, the evening overflowed with warmth, gratitude, and pride, a true testament to the strength and unity of the Caribbean diaspora.
As the lights dimmed on the evening’s festivities, one truth remained clear: the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience has blossomed into one of New York’s most anticipated cultural celebrations during CultureCon Week: continuing to uplift the voices, vision, and vitality of Caribbean creators, storytellers and dreamers worldwide.
The 2025 Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was made possible through generous support from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Chambers Media Solutions, Wyndham Grand Barbados, Jim Beam, Nouvelle Vie, Maya Winston, and PR Girl Manifesto.
The third annual Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience brought Caribbean vibrancy, grace, and creative power to life in spectacular fashion on October 1st. Trinbagonian-based social impact agency Industry 360, in partnership with CultureCon, hosted an unforgettable evening that honoured the lifetime service of two industry-giants – Neal Farinah, Trinidad and Tobago-born celebrity hairstylist to Grammy-winning recording artist Beyoncé, and Petra Roach, seasoned tourism professional and Director of Sales and Marketing at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. Among a cross section of Caribbean thought-leaders, specially-invited guests included Consul General NY of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Andre Laveau; Haitian-American media personality Jessie Woo and Peter Mayers, US Director of Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc.
The invitation-only dinner embodied the 2025 theme Mille Fleur: The Secret Garden: a lush celebration of Caribbean brilliance blooming in all its creative forms. From the decor to the culinary experience – as well performances by Jamaican favorite Hector Roots Lewis and Tionne Hernandez of Barbados – every detail reflected the spirit of unity and abundance that defines the Caribbean creative landscape.
Receiving his first ever award from a Caribbean-based organization, Neal Farinah emotionally reflected on his life’s work, his previous challenging circumstances, and the importance of receiving the 2025 Cultural Legacy Award. “I never thought in my life that I would get an award or flowers for what I’ve done, but I came to the United States with $35 and a dream, and I’m still dreaming,” the Arima-born legend humbly shared with the capacity audience of Caribbean professionals and allies. Recounting his personal experiences with the living legend who he fondly referred to as ‘his boss’, Farinah explained, “I remember when my mother was dying, Beyoncé told me ‘she’s proud of you’. And I know she’s proud of me now.”
Another marquee moment was the presentation of the Industry 360 Cultural Legacy Award to beloved Caribbean Tourism icon, Petra Roach, which drew thunderous applause from attendees. The newly minted Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados was recognized for her decades-long leadership in positioning the Caribbean as a premier travel and cultural destination.
Receiving a standing ovation for her moving acceptance speech, Roach reflected on the significance of being recognized by Industry 360 and CultureCon. She used the awards opportunity as a call-to-action to all Caribbean people and allies, emphasizing that, “We all have a role, a responsibility and a duty to play in the way that the world sees the Caribbean. Our indigenous treasures should be celebrated, protected and respected as we continue to shine on the global stage.”
For both Roach and Farinah, their heartfelt words echoed the night’s overarching theme: a celebration of the many flowers that make up the Caribbean’s global cultural garden, and underscored the importance of recognizing regional talent within its own community.
Industry 360 Founder, Tenille Clarke expressed profound gratitude for the evening’s success and continued widespread diasporic support, explaining, “What we witnessed on October 1 in partnership with CultureCon was the power of community. The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was built to honour our excellence, our resilience, and our right to be celebrated. Seeing Neal and Petra so moved, seeing the smiles, the laughter, the tears: that is the magic of this Caribbean movement.”
From heartfelt speeches to a celebration of music, food and culture, the evening overflowed with warmth, gratitude, and pride, a true testament to the strength and unity of the Caribbean diaspora.
As the lights dimmed on the evening’s festivities, one truth remained clear: the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience has blossomed into one of New York’s most anticipated cultural celebrations during CultureCon Week: continuing to uplift the voices, vision, and vitality of Caribbean creators, storytellers and dreamers worldwide.
The 2025 Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience was made possible through generous support from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Chambers Media Solutions, Wyndham Grand Barbados, Jim Beam, Nouvelle Vie, Maya Winston, and PR Girl Manifesto.
Rihanna's Beauty Named One of TIME’s Greatest Inventions
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty has solidified its reputation as one of the most influential and innovative brands in the beauty industry. For this reason, Fenty Beauty has been recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions Hall of Fame as one of the best inventions in makeup.
Praised for redefining standards of inclusivity, the company has created products that truly cater to a wide spectrum of skin tones and preferences.
The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation continues to be a standout product, celebrated for its buildable, sweat-resistant formula that works for every skin type. Its success sparked a shift across the industry, encouraging other brands to expand their shade ranges and develop better options for people with darker complexions.
Rihanna has also expanded her foundation lineup to offer even more versatility. The Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation delivers a glowy, natural finish, while the Eaze Drop Tint Stick and Blurring Skin Tint provide lightweight, buildable coverage.
Testers have praised the Eaze Drop for its effortless blendability, noting that it layers easily for medium coverage without feeling heavy.
Fenty Beauty’s continued innovation demonstrates that groundbreaking beauty is about more than just formulas; it’s about representation and accessibility.
By offering products that embrace diversity and versatility, Rihanna has created a brand that not only meets consumers’ needs but also inspires the industry to raise its standards.
Fenty Beauty remains a shining example of how thoughtful, inclusive innovation can truly be a game-changing invention.
Praised for redefining standards of inclusivity, the company has created products that truly cater to a wide spectrum of skin tones and preferences.
The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation continues to be a standout product, celebrated for its buildable, sweat-resistant formula that works for every skin type. Its success sparked a shift across the industry, encouraging other brands to expand their shade ranges and develop better options for people with darker complexions.
Rihanna has also expanded her foundation lineup to offer even more versatility. The Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation delivers a glowy, natural finish, while the Eaze Drop Tint Stick and Blurring Skin Tint provide lightweight, buildable coverage.
Testers have praised the Eaze Drop for its effortless blendability, noting that it layers easily for medium coverage without feeling heavy.
Fenty Beauty’s continued innovation demonstrates that groundbreaking beauty is about more than just formulas; it’s about representation and accessibility.
By offering products that embrace diversity and versatility, Rihanna has created a brand that not only meets consumers’ needs but also inspires the industry to raise its standards.
Fenty Beauty remains a shining example of how thoughtful, inclusive innovation can truly be a game-changing invention.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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