#MAGFAB: Cynthia Erivo for Paper Magazine
From Paper Magazine's Joan Summers, I meet Cynthia Erivo in the eye of a hurricane.
She and her team are mere moments from announcing that Erivo has completely lost her voice and will be abstaining from interviews at the New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good. I am the last person she speaks to before this happens, which gives our ensuing conversation a charged calm before the winds of that press maelstrom descend back on the both of us.
In the moment, the noise and crush of paparazzi and fans and publicists have faded to stillness. Erivo cuts through that with a keen awareness of just how crazy everything has become. Not just with what she brought to the process of making these two films, but what she's taken from them too. It's a focus not many could match when confronted with a film that has become the biggest box office opening for a Broadway musical adaptation in history.
She tells me, her voice a near whisper, that "This second film is much more grown up. She's way more into her womanhood, and I wanted to embrace that, and I also felt like it's a really beautiful way to sort of segue into being back on my own two feet, in my own lane." We're discussing the artistic evolution of her red carpet style, which has moved from the emeralds of the first film's press cycle to multi-color textures and sleeker silhouettes. "It's like marrying Elphaba with me, finally, as opposed to just telling Elphaba’s story."
I ask, then, in the experience of coming back to herself, if there's any part of Elphaba she's ready to leave behind. "That is such a good question. Ready to let go of? I don’t know. I've never asked myself that question." Erivo pauses to collect her thoughts, and then says that "I don't know if there's anything I want to let go of."
She and her team are mere moments from announcing that Erivo has completely lost her voice and will be abstaining from interviews at the New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good. I am the last person she speaks to before this happens, which gives our ensuing conversation a charged calm before the winds of that press maelstrom descend back on the both of us.
In the moment, the noise and crush of paparazzi and fans and publicists have faded to stillness. Erivo cuts through that with a keen awareness of just how crazy everything has become. Not just with what she brought to the process of making these two films, but what she's taken from them too. It's a focus not many could match when confronted with a film that has become the biggest box office opening for a Broadway musical adaptation in history.
She tells me, her voice a near whisper, that "This second film is much more grown up. She's way more into her womanhood, and I wanted to embrace that, and I also felt like it's a really beautiful way to sort of segue into being back on my own two feet, in my own lane." We're discussing the artistic evolution of her red carpet style, which has moved from the emeralds of the first film's press cycle to multi-color textures and sleeker silhouettes. "It's like marrying Elphaba with me, finally, as opposed to just telling Elphaba’s story."
It echoes what others in orbit around Wicked — costume designer Paul Tazewell, star Marissa Bode — have similarly expressed. Just about anyone these films have passed over professionally have been changed. For Erivo, she doesn't feel the film "is ever going to really leave me, to be honest. Not just the experience on set, not just the making of it, but the things that have come from it." She experiences that change in "the way that people have opened up themselves to tell me their stories, the way people have embraced one another, embraced themselves because of the character"
"I've come to the realization that this piece is going to be a part of my life for the rest of my life, and it's always going to be a part of the conversation of how my career is, and what my career has been," Erivo tells me. "I've just surrendered to it and it's kind of beautiful that this is the thing I get to surrender to." Her voice is still barely a whisper, and I feel a certain kind of magic in the air around us; rain patterns the streets of New York City and the season continues its inexorable turn towards winter, towards the new year. It makes for a spell not wholly dissimilar to those found in Elphaba's grimmerie.
And, just like the seasons, and the premiere of Wicked: For Good, or even her voice for the moment, my interview with Cynthia Erivo passes too. Moments later my phone buzzes, and I see the notice that she'd be abstaining from interviews for the rest of the day. I'm reminded of a story she'd told me about Givenchy director Sarah Burton insisting on personally managing a fitting, even when sick herself. "I love making films. I love being able to play these characters and tell these stories, so I think as a whole, I’m just a creative who loves to do the work."
Thank Oz for the changes; thank Oz for the work. For more from PAPER's cover story with Cynthia Erivo, shot by David LaChapelle, read more HERE:
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss’ Ex Todd Tucker Demands Primary Custody, Questions Prenup
Buckle up. Todd Tucker’s counterclaim in his divorce from Kandi Burruss just went public, and he’s got some big demands. The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum filed for divorce last month, 11 years after tying the knot. Now, he’s asking for primary physical custody of their two kids, and he’s also questioning the validity of their prenup.
In Kandi’s initial divorce filing, she asked for joint custody of their two kids, Ace and Blaze. She also requested that their 2014 prenup be enforced. Todd has other ideas.
Court documents reviewed by Us Weekly revealed that Todd has requested primary custody of their kids. According to Todd, the kids are currently in his care while Kandi handles “out-of-state work obligations.” He said it would stay that way for several months.
Per the court docs, Todd is hopeful that he and Kandi can come to a custody agreement on their own. They’re continuing discussions in “good faith.” Should those conversations fall apart, he’ll pursue physical custody, joint legal custody, and final decision-making authority.
Elsewhere in the counterclaim, Todd and his lawyers questioned the prenup. The court docs accuse Kandi’s legal team of presenting the prenup without him having lawyers present. They claim that Kandi’s legal team had previously spoken with Todd’s legal team about a “potential prenuptial agreement,” but they wound up having him sign it without their approval. Bravo fans saw this drama play out on Kandi’s wedding spinoff.
“Despite that knowledge, [Kandi’s] counsel presented the final agreement to [Todd] for signature immediately before the wedding ceremony, without any notice to or consultation with [Todd’s team], who had been significantly engaged in the negotiation process,” the filing claimed.
“These circumstances raise substantial questions concerning the enforceability of said document. Nevertheless, [Todd] remains committed to working in good faith to resolve this matter amicably and privately to the extent possible,” it continued.
With that in mind, Todd has a list of demands if the prenup is found unenforceable. He wants the “division of all marital assets, both real and personal, tangible and intangible, between the parties.” He’ll also seek alimony.
#NewMusic from Shanice & Kenny Lattimore Have a New Holiday Single “Love At Christmas Time”
The holiday season has officially gained a new soulful soundtrack. R&B legends Kenny Lattimore and Shanice have joined forces for a brand-new single, “Love at Christmas Time,” a track that serves as the musical centerpiece for their upcoming BET+ original movie, A Soulful Christmas.
Released just in time for the 2025 holiday rush, the duet marks a major collaboration between the two vocal powerhouses, blending Lattimore’s signature smooth tenor with Shanice’s agile, high-octane soprano.
The release of “Love at Christmas Time” is more than just a standalone single; it is directly tied to the duo’s on-screen roles. In A Soulful Christmas, which is set to premiere on BET+ on December 25, Lattimore and Shanice star as “feuding musical legends” named Ashton Franklin and Patti Young.
LISTEN HERE:"
And, just like the seasons, and the premiere of Wicked: For Good, or even her voice for the moment, my interview with Cynthia Erivo passes too. Moments later my phone buzzes, and I see the notice that she'd be abstaining from interviews for the rest of the day. I'm reminded of a story she'd told me about Givenchy director Sarah Burton insisting on personally managing a fitting, even when sick herself. "I love making films. I love being able to play these characters and tell these stories, so I think as a whole, I’m just a creative who loves to do the work."
Thank Oz for the changes; thank Oz for the work. For more from PAPER's cover story with Cynthia Erivo, shot by David LaChapelle, read more HERE:
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss’ Ex Todd Tucker Demands Primary Custody, Questions Prenup
In Kandi’s initial divorce filing, she asked for joint custody of their two kids, Ace and Blaze. She also requested that their 2014 prenup be enforced. Todd has other ideas.
Court documents reviewed by Us Weekly revealed that Todd has requested primary custody of their kids. According to Todd, the kids are currently in his care while Kandi handles “out-of-state work obligations.” He said it would stay that way for several months.
Per the court docs, Todd is hopeful that he and Kandi can come to a custody agreement on their own. They’re continuing discussions in “good faith.” Should those conversations fall apart, he’ll pursue physical custody, joint legal custody, and final decision-making authority.
Elsewhere in the counterclaim, Todd and his lawyers questioned the prenup. The court docs accuse Kandi’s legal team of presenting the prenup without him having lawyers present. They claim that Kandi’s legal team had previously spoken with Todd’s legal team about a “potential prenuptial agreement,” but they wound up having him sign it without their approval. Bravo fans saw this drama play out on Kandi’s wedding spinoff.
“Despite that knowledge, [Kandi’s] counsel presented the final agreement to [Todd] for signature immediately before the wedding ceremony, without any notice to or consultation with [Todd’s team], who had been significantly engaged in the negotiation process,” the filing claimed.
“These circumstances raise substantial questions concerning the enforceability of said document. Nevertheless, [Todd] remains committed to working in good faith to resolve this matter amicably and privately to the extent possible,” it continued.
With that in mind, Todd has a list of demands if the prenup is found unenforceable. He wants the “division of all marital assets, both real and personal, tangible and intangible, between the parties.” He’ll also seek alimony.
#NewMusic from Shanice & Kenny Lattimore Have a New Holiday Single “Love At Christmas Time”
The holiday season has officially gained a new soulful soundtrack. R&B legends Kenny Lattimore and Shanice have joined forces for a brand-new single, “Love at Christmas Time,” a track that serves as the musical centerpiece for their upcoming BET+ original movie, A Soulful Christmas.
Released just in time for the 2025 holiday rush, the duet marks a major collaboration between the two vocal powerhouses, blending Lattimore’s signature smooth tenor with Shanice’s agile, high-octane soprano.
The release of “Love at Christmas Time” is more than just a standalone single; it is directly tied to the duo’s on-screen roles. In A Soulful Christmas, which is set to premiere on BET+ on December 25, Lattimore and Shanice star as “feuding musical legends” named Ashton Franklin and Patti Young.
LISTEN HERE:"
According to press materials from the film, the plot follows the two stars as their children trick them into collaborating on a holiday song remake. The film’s narrative—moving from rivalry to romance—is mirrored in the chemistry of the new track, which critics are already calling a return to form for classic 90s-style R&B duets.
“Love at Christmas Time” anchors a broader holiday campaign for BET+, which has positioned the song and the accompanying film as key parts of their “Yuletide” programming slate.
Early listeners describe the track as a nostalgic, mid-tempo ballad that leans heavily on vocal harmonies and traditional R&B instrumentation, steering clear of the synthesized pop sounds often found in modern holiday playlists.
The single hit streaming platforms in late November 2025, just weeks before the film’s Christmas Day debut.
Fans can stream “Love at Christmas Time” on all major digital platforms now. The accompanying film, A Soulful Christmas, will be available for streaming exclusively on BET+ starting December 25, 2025.
#HipHopNews: The Game Taps Kanye West For First ‘Gangsta Grillz’ Mixtape
The Compton rapper made the announcement during an interview with Real 92.3 L.A.’s The Cruz Show, revealing that he and Ye will release a sequel to their classic Late Registration collaboration “Crack Music.”
“[It’s called] ‘Crack Music 2,'” he said. “[With the original song], Ye called me to the studio and I rolled up. He wanted me to do a verse and get on the hook, but I had some fine shit in the car so I was like, ‘That’s that crack music, n-gga!’ and I left.
“But the fans always was like, Man, you should have put a verse on ‘Crack Music,’ so we redid it.”
The Game’s Gangsta Grillz debut is titled Every Movie Needs a Trailer and will be produced entirely by Mike & Keys, the L.A. production duo who worked closely with the late, great Nipsey Hussle.
“It’s gonna be good, man,” he told J Cruz. “It’s my first time doing a Gangsta Grillz. [DJ Drama and I] always talked about it over the years … [We recorded it in] two days. 19 songs from scratch.”
In addition to Kanye West, the mixtape will feature fellow Left Coast lyricist Mozzy and R&B crooner Jeremih. The Game said in the same interview that the project would drop last Friday (November 28), but he has yet to announce an updated release date.
Every Movie Needs a Trailer will serve as a precursor to The Game’s long-awaited album The Documentary 3, which was supposed to drop this year to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the series but will now arrive in early 2026.
“We coming top of the year … January, February — something like that,” he told J Cruz. “I was going to stop with The Documentary 2 but my grandmother always told me, ‘In life, you got three acts.’ And in the Bible, it says you live three scores and a 10 — a score is 20 and a 10 [equals] 70. So if you live to 70 years old, you’ve lived a pretty full life.”
The Game continued: “So with my albums and my legacy, it’s like I’m in my third act. My priorities and the things that I love and care about are shifting. I care less about material things — yeah, I have nice things but I don’t put my energy into those things.
“So with this album, I wanted to do a trilogy just to service my grandmother’s memory and the things she taught me — being more mature and wiser, being a God MC at this point. If anybody knows anything about The Game, they know my pen is never slacking and my ability to put together albums compeltely is always top-tier, so [The Documentary 3] is incredible.”
UNICEF Announces Poet and Activist Amanda Gorman as Newest Ambassador: 'It Is an Honor'
Amanda Gorman is the new ambassador for UNICEF.
The poet and activist, 27, has been announced as the latest ambassador for the children’s rights organization ahead of the 20th annual UNICEF Gala.
The honor comes as Gorman, who has worked with UNICEF since 2021, is set to deliver an original poem advocating for a better world for all children at the event on Tuesday, Dec. 2, UNICEF shared in a press release.
“Gorman began working with UNICEF USA in 2021 and has worked relentlessly to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected,” said UNICEF. “Throughout her tenure, she has used her platform to educate, advocate and fundraise on behalf of the world’s children, with a special focus on children in emergency settings.”
"Working with UNICEF has shown me that when we choose to uplift children, we are choosing to uplift our shared future,” Gorman said, following the announcement. “It is an honor to become a UNICEF Ambassador and to stand with an organization that turns possibility into action every single day, especially for children living through crisis.”
She added that she “couldn't be prouder” in her new position as she continues to support UNICEF’s mission to provide aid for children globally.
At the 2022 U.N. General Assembly, Gorman called for action on global issues of inequality and poverty in a recital of the poem "An Ode We Owe.” The poet hopes to refocus attention on these issues affecting children with her next performance.
“We are honored to welcome Amanda to our family of UNICEF Ambassadors,” said UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “Amanda has a singular talent for communicating the weight of a moment in a way that invites conversation and enacts change … We are thrilled for Amanda to formally join UNICEF’s mission of relentlessly pursuing a more equitable world for every child and look forward to watching her inspire the next generation of philanthropists.”
Gorman’s new title as UNICEF ambassador marks yet another highlight in what has been an amazing year for the writer. In January, she released her fourth book, Girls on The Rise, a children’s picture book celebrating solidarity and support among young girls.
Gorman previously shared on the Book of the Day podcast that she wanted to create the book because "so often girls feel alone."
"Being a young girl in these times can be very difficult, very challenging and I think that's going to continue unless there's a systemic change that makes sure that girls feel safe and protected," she said. "And the more that we can stand with them and amongst them, as allies and as me, as a woman myself, then there's no longer this feeling of being alone but being part of a community that shares your value."
Megan Thee Stallion wins civil defamation trial against blogger
A social media commentator and blogger was found liable on Monday in a defamation lawsuit filed by hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in October 2024.
Milagro Cooper was found liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and promotion of an altered sexual depiction, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.
Megan Thee Stallion, whose legal name is Megan Pete, testified that Cooper, who is known on social media as blogger Milagro Gramz, participated in a targeted and coordinated social media campaign to harass, intimidate and defame her.
Pete alleged Cooper was a "paid surrogate" for rapper Tory Lanez and spread lies on his behalf. Lanez was convicted of shooting and injuring Pete in a July 2020 incident.
“We’re thankful for the jury’s commitment to reinforcing the importance of truth, accountability and responsible commentary on social media,” Megan’s attorney, Mari Henderson, said in a statement. "This verdict sends a clear message that spreading dangerous misinformation carries significant consequences."
Cooper is required to pay $75,000 in damages to Pete.
"I am not ecstatic, of course, you want things to go your way, but like I said, I respect the jury and what they decided, and I think I made out pretty good," Cooper told reporters outside the courthouse on Monday, according to ABC affiliate WSVN.
"I am just happy to be moving forward; things will be handled. It wasn't a multimillion-dollar verdict and I think that's a blessing. God is good through and through," Cooper added.
The lawsuit alleges that Cooper spread lies about Pete to punish her and attempt to discredit her after she publicly named Lanez as her shooter.
"She's created a space for a lot of people to come speak negatively about me," Pete said in trial testimony last month of Cooper, referencing social media posts where the blogger attacked Pete's character, casting her as a liar and mentally unstable.
Cooper, who took the stand earlier in November, testified that as a blogger, she discussed the shooting on her social media accounts without the influence of Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson.
But Cooper did acknowledge that she spoke with Peterson and was hoping to have him as a guest on her channel. She also testified that she received payments from Peterson's father, Sonstar Peterson, but claimed they were for "personal" reasons like her children's birthdays and "promotional" work.
The jury was shown social media posts in which Cooper claimed that Pete was not shot.
When asked if she believed that Pete was shot, Cooper said, "I can't say she lied about that because I wasn't there," but then Cooper said that she believed that Pete was not shot and had stepped on glass -- a claim that Pete made in her initial statement to police.
Peterson is not named as a defendant in Pete's defamation lawsuit but was asked to give a deposition ahead of the trial. ABC News has reached out to his attorneys, but requests for comment were not immediately returned.
'Protect Black women': How Megan Thee Stallion's story became part of a movement
Peterson, who chose not to take the witness stand during the 2022 trial, pleaded not guilty and his defense attorneys argued during the trial that he was not the shooter.
Peterson was sentenced to 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 8, 2023, after he was convicted in December 2022 of felony assault for shooting and injuring Pete in both of her feet in an incident that occurred in the Hollywood Hills on July 12, 2020.
His legal team appealed his conviction, but it was upheld on Nov. 12 by a federal court in Los Angeles.
With Shonda Rhimes Backing, Emmett Till’s Murder Site To Be Turned Into Memorial
The barn where Emmett Till was murdered 70 years ago is set to be reopened as a memorial for the slain teenager. An organization dedicated to preserving Till’s memory and legacy, with support from Hollywood titan Shonda Rhimes, has acquired the site and intends to make sure its historical significance is remembered.
Organization, community seek to maintain Till’s legacy
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center recently purchased the barn in Drew, Mississippi, where Emmett Till was murdered by two white men after being accused of making a pass at a white woman in a nearby store. The ETIC has said that it plans to preserve and restore the location as a “sacred space for truth, healing, and national reflection.” The organization plans to spend the next several years reinforcing the structure of the building and developing the site as a memorial, with community engagement and consultation.
In a post on its website, the ETIC detailed the work that the organization and members of the community have done to preserve the site relevant to Till’s murder. “We have restored the courthouse where justice failed, commemorated the riverbank where Emmett’s body was found, and replaced the signs that hatred tried to destroy,” the ETIC statement said. “Every project has carried the same conviction: a nation does not grow stronger by forgetting; it grows stronger by telling the truth.” The ETIC plans to have the memorial site opened by 2030 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Till’s death. By 2030, “the barn will open as a part of a larger public memorial — a place of truth, creativity, and conscience. Visitors will come not to look at tragedy, but to confront their own role in the ongoing work of democracy.”
Shonda Rhimes seeks to honor Emmett Till, inspired by his mother
The ETIC purchased the barn from a white dentist who had bought the site in the 1990s. The property was purchased using a $1.5 million donation from producer Shonda Rhimes, who decided to support the ETIC after reading about the organization in a 2021 article about Till by Wright Thompson in The Atlantic. Rhimes stated her intention to make the donation during a 2023 appearance on Good Morning America. In a statement from Rhimes released by the EITC, she said. “Seventy years ago, Mamie Till said, ‘Let them see.’ And today, with the preservation of the barn by the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, the world will see.” The famed producer added, “The barn where Emmett Till, a child, was tortured and killed will now be saved and protected by the Emmett Till Interpretive Center.”
As referenced by Rhimes, Till’s murder 70 years ago shocked Black and white Americans and helped galvanize the Black Freedom Movement. The teenager from Chicago, who was visiting relatives in Mississippi when he was kidnapped, was taken to the barn where he was brutally tortured and eventually killed. Till’s two murderers were acquitted by an all-white jury, while numerous possible accomplices were never punished for their roles in the crime. Images of Till’s mutilated body published at the insistence of his mother outraged the country and helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
The people who killed Till were never brought to justice, and even memorials to the murdered teenager have been vandalized in recent years. In this context, the effort to preserve the story of Till’s killing and maintain his legacy has been a continuing fight. With the work of the ETIC and Rhimes to buy the barn where Till’s life was taken away, an important step has been taken to make sure his story and impact continue to be remembered.
Dr. Heavenly Kimes Announces Candidacy for Congress in GA-13 'We Need More Than Just a Vote. We Need a Voice'
Dr. Kimes explained her decision: "Just days before I announced for State House, the One BBB bill was signed. I waited to hear something from my Congressman about it — I did not. When Donald Trump launched a retribution campaign against former allies like John Bolton, I hoped to hear my Congressman take a stand — I did not. Thousands of Georgians have lost their jobs this year, and I expected to see leadership at a town hall to help families transition to new opportunities — I did not. After hearing from community leaders urging me to run for Congress, I realized this: we need more than a vote in Washington, we need a voice. People are scared, but they also have hope — and they deserve someone willing to speak to both.”
Campaign Manager Fred Hicks emphasized the importance of Kimes’ candidacy in the broader political landscape:
"I firmly believe that if Democrats are going to win Georgia and take back the House, we need candidates like Dr. Heavenly — candidates who are less political, more passionate, and deeply visible in their communities. Her voice and her audience are the missing keys to closing the vote gap and delivering Democratic victories.”
Dr. Kimes expressed respect for outgoing Congressman David Scott, who has served the district since 2002, while underscoring that today’s challenges call for new leadership. “Congressman Scott’s service has been important, but these are different times than when he was first elected. We must have a new kind of candidate — one who is ready to fight for healthcare access, economic opportunity, education, and justice for every family in GA-13.”
Her campaign will focus on real solutions for working families, small businesses, and underserved communities, bringing her decades of experience in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and mentorship into the halls of Congress.
For more information about Dr. Heavenly for Congress please visit: DrHeavenlyForGeorgia.com
For all press and media inquiries, please contact:
Clorissa Wright-Thomas, Campaign Communications Director
cwright@synergyprservices.com
Clorissa Wright
Synergy PR Services
cwright@synergyprservices.com
Damon Dash Disses 50 Cent After Trailer For Diddy Documentary Released
'Never trust a black man that will make a documentary tearing down another black man for a white man … that’s nasty work'
With the announcement that the Diddy documentary that G-Unit owner 50 Cent has been working on will debut Dec. 2, former Roc-A-Fella co-owner Damon Dash took to social media to diss the Power television executive.
Netflix has released the debut date of the Diddy docuseries, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which 50 started talking about almost immediately after Diddy was arrested on RICO charges (the entertainment mogul was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in July and then sentenced to 50 months in prison in October). Now that the world knows that the completed project will be airing soon, Dash went on the attack, accusing 50 of “tearing down another Black Man” for a white man.
“Never trust a black man that will make a documentary tearing down another black man for a white man … that’s nasty work.”
“I’m not playing these ghetto games, that’s played out.”
Dash, who has been in the news lately for his beefs with other Black men, like Cam’ron, Charlamagne tha God, and others, has been feuding with 50 as recently as September.
The furor towards 50 was inflamed after Netflix recently posted a trailer for the docuseries.
50 has been throwing shots and trolling Diddy for years now, and seemed hell-bent on getting this documentary done to expose the allegations against the No Way Out producer. In the documentary, people who were affected by Diddy in some way spoke about him in front of the cameras. Former recording artists who were signed to him, like Aubrey O’Day, Mark Curry, Brooklyn Babs, and members of Day26, as well as former law enforcement agents, Greg Kading and Derrick Parker, and even ex-employees of the mogul, like Kirk Burrowes and Capricorn Clark, are featured in the doc.
“I’ve been committed to real storytelling for years through G-Unit Film and Television,” 50 said in a written statement. “I’m grateful to everyone who came forward and trusted us with their stories, and proud to have Alexandria Stapleton as the director on the project to bring this important story to the screen.”
Michelle Obama Pose For Pictures Backstage With Brandy & Monica During Their Tour Stop In DC
“A special night!” read the caption of a backstage montage shared by Black Promoters Collective, the production company behind the 32-date trek, to its official Instagram page on Monday morning (Dec. 1). “We were truly honored to have former First Lady [Michelle Obama] in the building for [The Boy Is Mine Tour] stop in DC.”
In the video, the former First Lady can be seen walking backstage and posing for pictures with Brandy, Monica and Kelly Rowland, who performs a 40-minute set as a special guest on each night of the tour. In one clip, Mrs. Obama smiles for a group photo alongside one of Rowland’s former bandmates, Michelle Williams, who was also in attendance.
Last month, Williams earned her first career Grammy nomination outside of Destiny’s Child thanks to her standout work on the 2024 original Broadway cast recording of Death Becomes Her. Nominated for best musical theater album, Williams will face off against Tony-winning heavyweights like Audra McDonald (Gypsy), Jonathan Groff (Just In Time) and Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending). In 2024, she performed her signature Death Becomes Her number, “If You Want Perfection,” at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Like Williams, Mrs. Obama has also had a busy winter. On Nov. 4, she published her third book, The Look, which compiles over 200 photographs chronicling her style evolution inside and beyond the White House. Earlier this year, the former First Lady joined Tina Knowles in conversation for an in-depth look at Knowles’ Matriarch memoir, continuing her decade-plus-long relationship with the Knowles-Carter clan. During a June Las Culturistas podcast episode, the former First Lady raved about Blue Ivy’s growth on Beyoncé’s blockbuster Cowboy Carter Tour, which also included a surprise Destiny’s Child reunion at its final stop.
The Boy Is Mine Tour runs for just seven more shows before wrapping at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. on Dec. 14. Over the weekend, Muni Long, who was a part of the initial show lineup, took to Instagram to announce her permanent departure from the tour, writing, “my doctors have made it clear that it’s not safe for me to continue with the remaining dates of the tour.” Grammy-winning “Case of the Ex” singer Mýa will replace Long for the remaining dates.
#RIPPOORSTACY Florida rapper dies at 26
Florida rapper POORSTACY, who frequently collaborated with Travis Barker, has died, authorities told USA TODAY on Monday, Dec. 1. He was 26.
Born Carlito Milfort Jr., the rapper died the morning of Saturday, Nov. 29, "stemming from an incident" that occurred in Boca Raton, Florida, the Boca Raton Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement. No further details about the cause and manner of death were made available.
The case remains under investigation, police said.
Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician known for hit songs like "I Can See Clearly Now," died at 81, his family confirmed on Nov. 24. The cause was a seizure and pneumonia.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him," the family wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. "To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love." The Grammy-winning artist, born James Chambers, was also known for songs like "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want," and for starring in the 1972 movie "The Harder They Come."
TV journalist Jim Avila, a former senior news correspondent for ABC News, died following a "long illness," ABC News announced on Nov. 13. He was 69. Additional details on Avila's condition were not disclosed.
Avila covered politics, crime and immigration for the network, including a four-year stint covering the White House from 2012-2016.
"We thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth," ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic said in a statement.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him," the family wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. "To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love." The Grammy-winning artist, born James Chambers, was also known for songs like "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want," and for starring in the 1972 movie "The Harder They Come."
The rapper's final Instagram post was published in August and featured three photos of himself inside a car, one of which also showed a child. That month, he was also sharing flyers of scheduled performances in the Florida area.
Under his final Instagram post, friends and fans of POORSTACY left dozens of comments mourning the artist.
"Ur loved bro, always," one comment read. "Thank you for all the memories 🕊️ rest in peace brother," another Instagram user wrote.
Originally from Palm Beach, Florida, POORSTACY's music draws from a myriad of genres, including hip hop, punk rock, and heavy metal. The rapper's music was also influenced by artists such as Billy Idol, XXXTentacion, the Kooks, the Strokes, My Chemical Romance, Pierce the Veil, and Earl Sweatshirt.
He released two studio albums during his career ("The Breakfast Club" and "Party At the Cemetery") and two EPs ("I Don't Care" and "I Don't Rap"). He was also featured on the Grammy Award-nominated soundtrack for 2020's sci-fi comedy film starring Keanu Reeves, "Bill & Ted Face the Music."
Most recently, POORSTACY dropped a new song, "Nothing belongs to you.," in July
World AIDS Day 2025 reveals critical fight against time
Haoliang Xu, United Nations Development Programme Acting Administrator and Associate Administrator, outlined the complex landscape facing the global AIDS response. Longstanding challenges including chronic underinvestment in prevention, overreliance on external aid, fragmented approaches and persistent stigma and discrimination continue to hinder progress toward eliminating the disease.
Even before recent disruptions, no country was on track to meet the Triple10Targets by 2025. These ambitious goals aim to end stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence and inequalities, as well as punitive laws that block access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. The shortfall represents a significant setback for global health efforts that have invested billions of dollars and countless hours working toward these objectives.
New infections are rising in several regions, especially among key populations and their partners. This troubling trend reverses years of declining infection rates and signals that current strategies may not adequately address the evolving nature of the epidemic. Vulnerable communities continue facing barriers to accessing lifesaving prevention and treatment services.
A legacy of overcoming obstacles
The story of HIV remains fundamentally about overcoming obstacles against daunting odds. From the earliest days of the epidemic, people living with HIV, communities, health workers and civil society challenged stigma and helped reshape how the world approaches health and rights. That same determination, rooted in equity, inclusion and community leadership, continues guiding the response today.
This leadership manifests in diverse ways across the globe. Namibia and Angola have advanced rights-affirming reforms that strengthen the enabling environment for HIV services, creating pathways for more people to access care without fear of discrimination. In Kazakhstan, government support for community-led organizations is enabling them to reach more people with prevention services and legal support than ever before.
Pakistan demonstrates innovation through a digital platform co-created with key populations that connects thousands of people to confidential information, self-testing and care. These examples prove that when communities lead and governments support, meaningful progress becomes possible even in challenging circumstances.
Revolutionary prevention tools emerge
A generation ago, antiretroviral therapy reshaped the trajectory of the epidemic by transforming HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition. Today, new long-acting HIV prevention tools offer one of the clearest opportunities to end AIDS as a public health threat. These advances represent the kind of scientific breakthrough that could fundamentally alter the course of the epidemic.
The partnership to make generic lenacapavir available for $40 per year across 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027 demonstrates how science and solidarity can expand access at scale. This affordable pricing stands in stark contrast to the prohibitively expensive treatments that characterized earlier responses to the epidemic.
However, ensuring these innovations deliver their full potential requires removing structural barriers that keep people from services and strengthening health systems so equitable access becomes possible. Community organizations, including key population networks, must play a central role in rollout efforts to ensure the tools reach those who need them most.
Development dimensions shape response
For more than three decades, the United Nations Development Programme has addressed the development dimensions that shape the epidemic. This work includes strengthening inclusive governance, addressing the inequalities that drive HIV, supporting key populations and helping countries build resilient and sustainable systems for health.
Together with key partners including the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, the World Health Organization, other UNAIDS Cosponsors, governments, the Global Fund, civil society and communities, UNDP remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat. These collaborative efforts recognize that no single organization can tackle the multifaceted challenges the epidemic presents.
The path forward requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders. Adequate financing must support prevention and treatment programs. Legal reforms need to protect vulnerable populations from discrimination. Health systems require strengthening to deliver services equitably across all communities.
This World AIDS Day carries a message that every life matters, every community has a role to play, and together the global community can turn disruption into action and hope into health for all. The tools exist to end AIDS as a public health threat. What remains is the collective will to deploy them effectively and equitably.
Southern introduces Marshall Faulk as head football coach
It’s official. Marshall Faulk will be the 22nd head coach of Southern football. A press conference was held on Monday to formally introduce the NFL Hall of Famer.
Coach Faulk’s excitement and commitment were on full display. He said the catalyst that brought him to Southern was the pride he saw others express for the university.
“It means the world for me to be here,” Coach Faulk said. “I could not have it be any other and be any other place than here, doing what we’re about to do. These colors, they’ve been good to me.”
The new Southern coach explained he’s also optimistic about what’s ahead and ready to deliver victories.
“I feel like something great is upon us. So, as I also understand, to whom much is given, much is expected. As they were talking about what they expect, there is no fear in me. Winners win. That’s it. Winners win. And if you’re a winner, then you win,” Coach Faulk said.
The coach reflected on his goals in life, his willingness to take on whatever challenge he has in front of him, and his determination.
“I look forward to putting a winning football team out there that you’re happy to support, that you look forward to not just winning but to dominate. We are committed to attacking our opponent’s strength. We want to beat them when they’re at their best,” Coach Faulk said.
Coach Faulk said that in addition to his mission to win, he understands the need to be a positive messenger for Southern. He explained that means having the right mindset.
“We are going to deliver a team that plays with heart, that plays with passion, and that goes out there and represents this community the way that you want to be represented,” Coach Faulk explained.
The coach said he expects a lot from his team on game days. However, he stressed that he has the same serious expectations for his players in the classroom.
“The players that take the field, they’re going to step on that field as boys. They’re going to leave here as young men. And what we plan to do is make sure that they excel off the field as well as on the field because a lot of times, the on the field purpose, it happens. But then when they get off the field, it doesn’t. We’re going to make sure that they have the tools to succeed in life as well as in football,” Coach Faulk said.
Last Wednesday, it was first reported that the Super Bowl 34 champion was being hired for the position.
Faulk, a New Orleans native, just finished his first coaching season at Colorado, where he led the running backs. The Buffaloes finished the season averaging 125.6 rushing per game. That mark ranked 15th in the Big 12 conference and tied for 108th in the nation.
The new Southern football coach was officially introduced.
In a 12-year NFL career, Faulk achieved numerous accolades, including 2000 NFL MVP, three-time league Offensive Player of the Year, and seven-time Pro Bowler.
Rihanna celebrates ‘ANTI’ hitting 500 weeks on Billboard 200 as first Black woman to do it
On Sunday (Nov. 30), Chart Data announced, “.@rihanna's 'ANTI' has now spent 500 weeks on the Billboard 200. First album by a Black female artist to reach this milestone in the chart's history.” A few hours later, the Fenty mogul hopped on X and kept her response short and very on-brand: “God ain’t forget ‘bout me!”
What Anti did differently starts with who was in charge. Rihanna stood at the center of the creative process as executive producer, shaping every detail instead of following the hit-chasing blueprint that defined her early career run. She pulled in collaborators like Drake on “Work,” SZA on the opener “Consideration,” and Travis Scott on “Woo,” while recruiting producers Jeff Bhasker, Timbaland, Hit-Boy, Boi-1da, Mustard, and more to build a sound that felt deliberately unrushed and unpolished.
The Barbadian singer’s eighth studio album leaned into bass-heavy experiments, lo-fi textures, distorted vocals, and moody R&B arrangements that challenged what a Rihanna album “should” sound like. That shift is a huge part of why Anti aged the way it did. Songs like “Work,” “Kiss It Better,” “Needed Me,” and “Love on the Brain” didn’t just become fan favorites; they became career touchstones.
And the numbers backed that up. Anti debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned six RIAA platinum certifications. Critics treated it the same way listeners did — with stamina. Billboard named it No. 7 on its list of “The 100 Greatest Albums of the 2010s,” and Rolling Stone placed it at No. 21 on “The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far.”
This fall, the 37-year-old also became the most-streamed Black female artist in Spotify history, crossing 100 million monthly listeners for the first time. As REVOLT previously reported, Chart Data confirmed the record and Roc Nation celebrated with, “That @Rihanna reign just won’t let up.”
How does Rihanna navigate self-doubt despite her record-breaking success?
And even with all this success, Rihanna recently admitted that self-doubt still creeps in — whether she’s developing products or making music. “Oh, we all have our doubts,” she said on the “Couch by Lena Situations” podcast in Paris. “Anything that you're creating, you get to a point where you're like, ‘Okay, we're about to go for it. Is it good enough?’”
She shared that the same fear shows up in the studio: “When I make my albums, I get to a point where I think, ‘Wow, I've lived with it for so long… Is it right? Is it right yet?’” Rihanna said she copes by stepping away and returning “with fresh ears or fresh eyes and just reappreciate it for what it is.”
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee Urges Birthday Party Shooting Suspects to Turn Themselves In
Jason Lee is pleading for the suspects who opened fire at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California to turn themselves in.
The Hollywood Unlocked founder and Vice Mayor of Stockton spoke at a vigil held on Sunday (Nov. 30) following a mass shooting on Saturday that left four dead, including three children, and 11 wounded, according to CNN.
“What I will say to the people that did this is: it's never been gangsta to kill kids. Never,” Lee said near the 37-minute mark in the video linked here. “You went in a birthday party and shot people's children … Parents brought their children out and they left with medical examiners. That is not human.”
Vice Mayor Jason Lee posted a statement on Facebook, saying in part: “An ice cream shop should never be a place where families
He continued, “And I will say to those who are thinking of retaliation: when my brother got murdered, I thought about it too. It's human to want to hurt people who hurt people you love. But I had a choice to make and I hope that the people out there in our community make the right choice and contact law enforcement, call me, call the mayor, call whoever you know, call the pastors, call your friend, turn yourself in. Because at some point the redemption for what you did is going to happen when you see the person that created you. But you can start that process by turning yourself in and doing the right thing today.”
Lee, 48, lost his brother Rodney Townsend to gun violence in 1997 during a shooting at a downtown Stockton bowling alley. Townsend, 27, was killed after stepping into the path of a bullet intended for someone else, according to The Stockton Record.
Two of the victims from Saturday’s shooting were identified as 21-year-old Susano Archuleta and 14-year-old Amari Peterson. The ages of the other children killed were eight and nine years old.
“Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” said Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, at a news conference, per CNN. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited.”
The shooting took place inside of a banquet hall just before 6 p.m. in the northern part of Stockton. The birthday party had between 100 to 150 people in attendance, according to the sheriff’s office.
“I am confident in our team and with the work that we have done so far that we will find these animals that did this and bring them justice, but we still need the public’s help.” said Sheriff Patrick Withrow on Sunday, while pleading for members of the community to share any information with the office about the shooting, no matter how small it might be.
“We’re confident that this was not a random act,” Withrow added. “We’re not gonna say whether it’s gang related or not, until we have all the facts in front of us.”
Per NBC News, there is a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
Influencer Lyas Medini Shocks in NSFW Bodysuit from Jean Paul Gauliter at British Fashion Awards 2025
The fashion commentator, who created La Watch Party for live stream events of fashion shows, showed up at the awards show in a NSFW bodysuit. We have blurred the photos here.
Lyas walked the red carpet in Jean Paul Gaultier‘s controversial bodysuit, depicting a fully unclothed man, on Monday night (December 1) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
Lyas‘ fans were divided in his comments, with some saying that he was “genius” and he “slayed,” but others were taken aback by the look.
One person wrote, “Sorry, but this looks awful, it looks like a costume bought online 😐.” Another said, “There’s no way to defend this, JPG so wrong 😑.”
Zoe Saldana & Sam Worthington Join 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' Cast at World Premiere Event in Hollywood!
We’re still a few weeks away from Avatar: Fire and Ash hitting theaters, but a lucky audience just watched the movie alongside the cast at the world premiere!
Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, and more stepped out for the red carpet event on Monday night (December 1) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Director James Cameron walked the red carpet with his wife Suzy. Also in attendance was Miley Cyrus, who wrote a song for the soundtrack.
The third movie in the blockbuster franchise takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Saldaña), and the Sully family. The movie hits theaters on December 19.
'Death of a Salesman' Returning to Broadway with Nathan Lane & Laurie Metcalf
Nathan Lane, Laurie Metcalf, and Christopher Abbott will star in the lead roles of Willy Loman, Linda Loman, and Biff Loman, with Ben Ahlers as Happy Loman. Joe Mantello will direct.
Previews for the new run start on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre for a limited 14-week run, with opening night set for Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Nathan, who is a three-time Tony Award winner, shared a statement saying, “In 1995 while rehearsing a Terrence McNally play with Joe, he turned to me one afternoon out of the blue and quietly said, ‘Someday you and I are going to do Death of a Salesman.’ And true to his word, 30 years later, that day has come.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to follow in the footsteps of so many great actors in tackling the role of Willy Loman, especially with the brilliant Laurie Metcalf by my side and the remarkable cast Joe is assembling. It’s a privilege to do what is arguably the greatest drama of the twentieth century, and like all great plays it always seems to speak to us anew each time we see it.”
Laurie, who has won two Tony Awards, said, “Collaboration is everything in the theater. I am lucky to be going from one exciting project to another with Joe Mantello – and in the very same season. Joe and Nathan are longtime collaborators, and my shared history with — and deep respect for — them makes what might otherwise feel daunting feel familiar, and absolutely thrilling.”
Charlie Puth Backs Super Bowl 2026 Selection Amid Criticism
Charlie Puth is ready to hit one of the world’s biggest stages: the Super Bowl. Just announced as a pregame performer for Super Bowl LX, he took to social media to clap back at critics doubting his pipes.
Puth teased fans about a “really special arrangement” in D major, promising his national anthem performance will be one of his best yet.
Charlie Puth addresses backlash over his selection in Super Bowl 2026 lineup
The chatter kicked off when an influencer named Link Lauren threw shade at Charlie Puth on X, saying, “Man, we’ve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? He’s not gonna give us vocals, I’m afraid,” Lauren said.
Puth responds with humility, acknowledging Whitney’s legendary performance while talking about his own. Puth claims that he’ll never be able to compete with Whitney Houston, but assures the fans that it will be one of his performances.
“I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together- in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances.”
Charlie Puth’s response comes as part of the star-studded pregame lineup for Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Puth will belt out the national anthem, while Coco Jones takes on Lift Every Voice and Sing. While Brandi Carlile will be offering America the Beautiful.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez praised the roster, saying, Charlie, Brandi, and Coco are ‘generational talents,” and they’re thrilled to have them. Charlie Puth also celebrated the big Super Bowl news with a fun social media clip, asking how tough the national anthem can be. Using football lingo, he shared the challenge of performing the song.
Charlie Puth is now joining the Super Bowl lineup alongside heavyweights like Beyoncé, Shakira, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Kendrick Lamar. Even with a few netizens doubting him, Puth is promising that his performance will do justice to Super Bowl LX.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Priorities.
Living life to his fullest!, Huh?
Living life to his fullest!, Huh?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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