#MAGFAB: Kerry Washington for Essence Magazine
(via Essence Mag) KERRY WASHINGTON’S SECOND ACT. The 2026 Black Women in Hollywood Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is no longer just starring in stories—she’s shaping them, uplifting the next storytellers and using her platform with intention.
“That was a turning point.” In September of 2023, Kerry Washington published her memoir, Thicker Than Water, in which she revealed that her dad, Earl Washington, who had raised her all her life along with her mother Valerie, is not, in fact, her biological father.
“My dad was like, ‘This will kill me’—not even [me] writing the book, but [me] taking a DNA test, he felt, was going to kill him. So it suddenly became clear that taking a journey of self-discovery where I would commit to pouring as much creative courage and interest into myself as a character as I had to all these other characters throughout my life, that was going to be a threat and a challenge to the script that had been handed to me at birth,” Washington tells ESSENCE. “It was very disruptive to our family life and the story that we were telling about who we were in the world.”
Embarking on that journey “cost me my sense of self,” admits the actress, who learned she’d been conceived via a sperm donor. Yet, now, more than three years and a host of group family therapy sessions later, things have changed. “I daily return to a sense of self that is much deeper and more grounded,” she says.
“When I say the era that I’m in is more about introspection and having more courage, about being curious about my internal being, it comes out of that experience,” adds Washington of her current outlook. “I had to do so much reckoning with myself and my history and my family; being on the other side of that is really emboldening.”
That viewpoint is evident in the latest work of the Black Women in Hollywood (BWIH) honoree. She’s been super busy: from joining the ensemble of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out mystery sequel, Wake Up Dead Man, and the forthcoming crime thriller Animals, written and directed by Ben Affleck, to taking a turn in Imperfect Women, the Apple TV adaptation of Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, set to debut March 18. In the latter, Washington plays Eleanor, a member of the trio of gal pals, which includes co-stars Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, who’s single, successful and, above all, seriously flawed—something Washington’s not afraid to be onscreen.
“I’m not a risk-averse artist, and I think that has really afforded me tremendous opportunities. I’m not intimidated by characters or storylines or themes that are controversial,” says Washington. “I’m just pickier now,” she later adds. “I’m pickier about directors, in particular. And part of that is now having become a producer and being part of the experience where I get to choose my directors. Confirmation was the first time that it was my job to hire a director.”
The HBO drama about Clarence Thomas’s Supreme Court nomination hearings in which Washington portrayed Anita Hill, the attorney-advisor to Thomas who, in 1991, accused him of sexual harassment, premiered on April 16, 2016. That same year, Washington started her production company, Simpson Street, named after the road her mother grew up on in the Bronx, New York. Focused on storytelling
across film, television and podcasts, among Simpson Street’s standout productions are Netflix’s 2019 Emmy-nominated TV movie adaptation of Christopher Demos-Brown’s Broadway play American Son, Hulu’s 2020 Emmy-nominated miniseries Little Fires Everywhere and Hulu’s comedy-drama UnPrisoned, which was canceled in 2024 after two seasons—all of which Washington starred in. The production company is also behind Raamla Mohamed’s Hulu legal drama Reasonable Doubt, which was renewed for a fourth season in November.
Washington first met Mohamed, 2025’s BWIH Visionary Award winner, when she was a research assistant on season one of the Shonda Rhimes political thriller Scandal, through which the actress became a household name playing the crisis management “fixer” Olivia Pope from 2012 to 2018. “She changed my life,” Washington muses of the character which, at the time, made her the first Black woman to lead a network TV drama in nearly 40 years. “She changed the culture, she changed television history, she changed the way we tell stories on television and who gets to tell them.”
After the ABC series ended, Washington asked Mohamed to join the writers’ room of Little Fires Everywhere. “She really excelled and soared there, so when [Reasonable Doubt] came along, we knew she was ready for her own show and it was really exciting to give her that launching pad,” says Washington, referencing Issa Rae’s popular advice about the importance of networking across rather than focusing on networking up. “[Raamla] did the same for me because as we were developing the pilot and selling the series, she would always say, ‘And Kerry will direct the pilot,’ and I was like, ‘Whatever.’ But she was on set when I started directing Scandal, and then she’s such good friends with Issa so she had seen the work that I was doing on Insecure, and she knows how much I love directing. So, it was really exciting for her to push me, honestly, into directing the pilot for Reasonable Doubt. I’m so glad that I did.”
Simpson Street marked its 10th anniversary with 10 NAACP Image Award nominations this year, including six for Reasonable Doubt, three for the action thriller Shadow Force, on which Washington was an executive producer and had a starring role alongside Omar Sy, and one for season two of the Audible podcast The Prophecy, for which she also serves as EP and voices the character of Dr.
Virginia Edwards. “I look at Kerry like Beyoncé. How Beyoncé can do ‘Crazy in Love’ and then ‘Single Ladies’ and B’Day and you think that she’s proven that this is the best thing she could do, and then she’s like, ‘I’m going to do a country album,’” says Mohamed. “Kerry is like that in a way where she’s always challenging herself to do something different or be better. As an artist, she’s always interested in stretching herself in a way that I think is both inspiring, but also admirable, because for someone like her who has done so much and has achieved a lot, she could just coast.”
Instead, Mohamed adds, “She’s always trying to show up and be a better version of herself, not just onscreen, but also in person…the person that you want Kerry to be is the person she is.”
Washington’s reach extends well beyond Hollywood, with the entertainer partnering with the Social Impact Fund to launch the KW Foundation in 2020 to encourage civic engagement around social issues. That includes personally canvassing in cities throughout the country to register citizens to vote during elections. “I’ve said this before, but I don’t speak out as a celebrity,” says Washington. “It’s every single American’s responsibility to participate in our democracy, which is just a fancy word for a government by the people. If the people are silent, there’s no responsible government.”
Whether her political activism has cost her brand deals or opportunities in front of or behind the camera, Washington isn’t sure nor does she care. “I once heard somebody say that the most racist thing that’s been done to you, you’ll never know about because you weren’t even in the room,” she says. “I’m sure that it’s had an impact…but it’s never happened thus far that that would affect my choice to use my voice and be an American.”
Washington’s got a full slate of projects on deck for 2026, following the debut of Imperfect Women, including a five-woman production of Whoopi Goldberg’s acclaimed 1983 one-woman show set to debut at Lincoln Center this summer. “It’s going to take five of us to do what she did because, first of all, she deserves that. She deserves to be honored by more than just me,” says Washington. “But also, it speaks to the complexity of what she did, that it’s going to take five of us to tell a story that she was able to tell as one woman, and we’re all going to work together to do it.”
She’s also developing Onyx Collective’s Desperate Housewives spin-off Wisteria Lane, and the previously announced Audible series Between Me and You with Jurnee Smollett set for release later this year. Netflix also recently announced she’ll star in and executive-produce director Jaume Collet-Serra’s next film, An Innocent Girl.
When Washington was first chosen to be honored at Black Women in Hollywood in 2012, she said in her cover story that it was “a really special time to be a woman of color in this business,” adding, “the landscape of who has the power is changing. We are in more influential positions and are able to have a say in the stories that are told.” Fourteen years later, not only has she borne witness to the truth of those words, but she’s also become living proof.
“As jaded as I can be about how hard the business remains, and as realistic as I can be about how difficult it is to still win in this business and in the world as a Black woman, I also know that we didn’t wait another 40 years. There have been so many Black women, whether it’s Viola [Davis] or Taraji [P. Henson], and women of color with Priyanka [Chopra] after that. It no longer became a risk to put a woman of color as the face of a network television show. It became a mandate, and every network wanted their All Rise or their How to Get Away with Murder so that I’m proud of, and I’m grateful, because I didn’t do that,” says Washington. “It was audiences that did that…they created a groundswell that made [Scandal] undeniable. And that’s what changed the opportunities that were
out there and transformed the kinds of stories that we tell and who gets to tell
them.
“I’m not under any illusion that the business is now easy for anybody,” Washington adds. “But I was able to have a show, and Viola was able to have a show, and Taraji was able to have a show, and Priyanka was able to have a show, and we all have production companies now. We all are creating content and
material for other artists and creatives beyond just us.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY PEACE BUREAU
STYLED BY WAYMAN & MICAH FOR THE ONLY AGENCY
HAIR: MILES JEFFRIES
MAKEUP: KEITA MOORE
NAILS: SREYNIN PENG
SET DESIGN: YARA KAMALI
SET ASSISTANT: CIERRA MCGREW & JEAN PAUL DANIELS
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: NATE STURLEY
DIGITAL TECHNICIAN: FERNANDO MATAMOROS
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: FERNANDO MATAMOROS
PRODUCTION: PEACE BUREAU
PRODUCTION MANAGER: NIA JEAN-RAYMOND
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS: CIERRA MCGREW & JEAN PAUL DANIELS
POST PRODUCTION: SAMANTHA NANDEZ
LOCATION: DUST STUDIOS, LA
SPECIAL THANKS:
ESSENCE, Visuals Director, Breanna Hall
ESSENCE, Art Director, Isaiah Stewart
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Reacts to RHOA Season 17 Trailer; Shades Brit Eady
Has Kenya Moore seen the new trailer for Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta? She absolutely has, and she has some thoughts. The RHOA alum said she enjoyed seeing her girls and laughed so hard. She’s looking forward to “trying to tune in” when the season airs and she throws in just a little bit of shade Brit Eady’s way.
To say that Kenya had a tumultuous Season 16 is a vast understatement. It was chaotic. Many fans already knew she wouldn’t be finishing the season way before everything “twirled on down to hell” on our screens.
So what did Kenya think of the new RHOA trailer? “I actually liked the trailer,” Kenya said. “It was good to see my girls. I laughed so hard when I saw Angela reading Pinky (Cole) about her being Mr. Clean. I can’t unsee that. Angela reminds me of a baby me.”
She said that the trailer was funny and lighthearted. She thought the girls looked great, and overall, she thinks it’s going to be a very different season. The viewers will decide if they like it or not. Kenya added that she’s going to find a way to tune in and support amidst her trips and jobs (plural).
Then, before the video ended, she laughed and said “I did not say, ‘who is this hoe?’ because unlike her, I am not burning my bridge with Bravo.” She added that she speaks to the network often. She even made a Traitors joke, saying she’s a faithful “until the day I die” and not a traitor. Could this possibly mean Kenya’s heading to the castle?
“I have never betrayed the network, and I’m not gonna start now,” Kenya concluded. “Because at the end of the day, if it’s not me, it will never be you. It will never be you. So, clock that tea.”
#MusicNews: Jill Scott’s ‘Pressha’ Hits No. 1 at R&B Radio
Jill Scott is back on top. The soul singer’s latest single “Pressha” rises from No. 3 to No. 1 at R&B radio.
According to MediaBase, the song received 2,160 spins from Feb. 22 through Feb. 28, pushing Kehlani‘s “Folded” from the summit.
“Pressha” debuted at R&B radio in mid-January, before reaching the top 10 later in the month. It leaped from No. 16 to No. 9 during the tracking week of Jan. 18.
Meanwhile, on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, “Pressha” trails “Folded” at No. 2, up one spot from last week.
On Tuesday, Scott released the official music video for “Pressha,” which features cameos from Tyler Lepley, Tasha Smith and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The visual poem captures the haze of being privately desired but not publicly acknowledged, and the courage to liberate oneself from another person’s narrow view of you. “I wanted you to be mine in the daytime as well as the night / But you needed to hide me,” she sings.
#HipHopNews: Quavo Owes Uncle Sam $3M In Back Taxes
Quavo has a massive bill due from Uncle Sam. The Migos rapper reportedly owes the IRS a cool $3M in back taxes.
Hey, if that’s how much he owes, then it means he made a whole lot more.
TMZ reports that in January 2026, Quavo, born Quavois Marshall, got hit with a federal tax lien that spans money he owes over several years.
Allegedly, the “Stir Fry” rapper owes $915,660 for 2021, $887,486 for 2022, and $1,109,497.79 for 2023 — totalling almost $3M.
Not so coincidentally, his former Migos groupmate, rapper Offset, recently paid the IRS $2.3M to clear the liens he had been blessed with for several years of back taxes, too.
These guys might want to look into some business accountants and a lot of itemized tax deductions. Keep those receipts.
We doubt he’ needs it’s hurting for funds, but Quavo will be busy and bringing more income in sooner than later. Huncho is due to release a collaborative album with Pharrell Williams in 2026. In January, Pharrell previewed new music with Quavo during LV’s Paris Fashion Week presentation.
And per usual, the Internet is being anything but empathetic, and getting jokes off.
Billy Porter Says He Was “Dead for 3 Days” During Sepsis Battle.
Billy Porter is reflecting on his terrifying health experience.
The Pose star shared that he was in a coma for several days in September 2025 after learning that he had a kidney stone trapped in his urethra that caused him to develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extremely dysfunctional response to an infection.
"When they got in there, there was so much puss and bile, and infection, behind the stone," Billy shared during a March 2 appearance on the Outlaws podcast, noting that the infection led to him having a type of sepsis called urosepsis, which begins in the urinary tract and travels to the kidneys. "It bubbled up and I went uroseptic in minutes."
The 56-year-old had gone to the doctor for a "routine check" at the time, but recalled that he was quickly put on an ECMO machine—a form of life support—due to the severity of his condition.
"I was dead for three days," he continued. "I am a miracle. I'm a walking miracle."
However, the two-time Emmy winner's health battle wasn't over when he woke up from his coma. After he was removed from life support, his doctors informed him that his leg had "compartment syndrome," which he described as "when the muscles close in on themselves and cut off the oxygen."
"They had to cut me open on either side of my leg while I was in a coma, and from my knee to my hip, and leave it open for two days," he recalled, "so they could save my leg."
Ultimately, Billy—who withdrew from his role as Emcee in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club due to the illness—was able to make a full recovery, which he certainly doesn't take for granted.
"I am so grateful to be here," he said. "It is such a gift."
And looking back, the Cinderella actor's hospitalization taught him a few important life lessons, too.
"As I sat in my hospital bed, reflecting, there were a couple of things I heard. The first thing I heard was: Work smarter, not harder," he shared. "The second thing I heard was: Be obedient and answer the call. And the third thing I heard was: Don't you ever stop telling the truth again."
Gayle King issues defiant statement after renewing CBS contract: ‘Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated’
Gayle King has renewed her contract at CBS News after reports suggested she would depart the network amid its ongoing overhaul.
“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,” King said in a statement, per Variety, seeming to reference Mark Twain’s famous quote about death after reports swirled that she would depart the network.
“CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at ‘CBS Mornings,’” she continued. “As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”
King, 71, is arguably CBS’s most recognizable face after hosting the network’s morning show for over a decade. Speculation that she would step down from her anchor role mounted last fall amid Paramount’s corporate takeover following its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
As the network was facing sweeping layoffs under CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, King addressed the rumors that she would be affected by the changes.
Gayle King has co-anchored 'CBS Mornings' since 2012 (Getty)
“I saw those rumors. What I say is this: ‘I’m not going to negotiate in the press,’” King said during a December 2025 episode of Sherri Shepherd’s talk show. “I hear one thing in the building and one thing outside of the building. I’ll be reading one thing, and I’m like, ‘that’s not true.’”
She continued: “I’ve decided I’m going to stay out of the drama — and there is some drama.”
King then acknowledged the changes that Weiss has already brought to the network, including Tony Doukoupil being promoted to anchor of CBS Evening News: “Tony’s promotion is certainly going to mean changes at CBS Mornings. There’s no question about that, so we shall see.”
Rumors about King’s potential departure began to swirl in October when Variety ran a report indicating she would leave the popular morning show and transition into a new role at the end of her contract in May 2026.
The publication reported that King’s salary is about $14 million per year, and that her staying on at CBS News could have a negative financial impact on the network as fallout from the merger continues.
Still, Weiss offered a statement of support as King’s new deal was announced.
“There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home,” Weiss said. “We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”
“That was a turning point.” In September of 2023, Kerry Washington published her memoir, Thicker Than Water, in which she revealed that her dad, Earl Washington, who had raised her all her life along with her mother Valerie, is not, in fact, her biological father.
“My dad was like, ‘This will kill me’—not even [me] writing the book, but [me] taking a DNA test, he felt, was going to kill him. So it suddenly became clear that taking a journey of self-discovery where I would commit to pouring as much creative courage and interest into myself as a character as I had to all these other characters throughout my life, that was going to be a threat and a challenge to the script that had been handed to me at birth,” Washington tells ESSENCE. “It was very disruptive to our family life and the story that we were telling about who we were in the world.”
Embarking on that journey “cost me my sense of self,” admits the actress, who learned she’d been conceived via a sperm donor. Yet, now, more than three years and a host of group family therapy sessions later, things have changed. “I daily return to a sense of self that is much deeper and more grounded,” she says.
“When I say the era that I’m in is more about introspection and having more courage, about being curious about my internal being, it comes out of that experience,” adds Washington of her current outlook. “I had to do so much reckoning with myself and my history and my family; being on the other side of that is really emboldening.”
That viewpoint is evident in the latest work of the Black Women in Hollywood (BWIH) honoree. She’s been super busy: from joining the ensemble of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out mystery sequel, Wake Up Dead Man, and the forthcoming crime thriller Animals, written and directed by Ben Affleck, to taking a turn in Imperfect Women, the Apple TV adaptation of Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, set to debut March 18. In the latter, Washington plays Eleanor, a member of the trio of gal pals, which includes co-stars Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, who’s single, successful and, above all, seriously flawed—something Washington’s not afraid to be onscreen.
“I’m not a risk-averse artist, and I think that has really afforded me tremendous opportunities. I’m not intimidated by characters or storylines or themes that are controversial,” says Washington. “I’m just pickier now,” she later adds. “I’m pickier about directors, in particular. And part of that is now having become a producer and being part of the experience where I get to choose my directors. Confirmation was the first time that it was my job to hire a director.”
The HBO drama about Clarence Thomas’s Supreme Court nomination hearings in which Washington portrayed Anita Hill, the attorney-advisor to Thomas who, in 1991, accused him of sexual harassment, premiered on April 16, 2016. That same year, Washington started her production company, Simpson Street, named after the road her mother grew up on in the Bronx, New York. Focused on storytelling
across film, television and podcasts, among Simpson Street’s standout productions are Netflix’s 2019 Emmy-nominated TV movie adaptation of Christopher Demos-Brown’s Broadway play American Son, Hulu’s 2020 Emmy-nominated miniseries Little Fires Everywhere and Hulu’s comedy-drama UnPrisoned, which was canceled in 2024 after two seasons—all of which Washington starred in. The production company is also behind Raamla Mohamed’s Hulu legal drama Reasonable Doubt, which was renewed for a fourth season in November.
Washington first met Mohamed, 2025’s BWIH Visionary Award winner, when she was a research assistant on season one of the Shonda Rhimes political thriller Scandal, through which the actress became a household name playing the crisis management “fixer” Olivia Pope from 2012 to 2018. “She changed my life,” Washington muses of the character which, at the time, made her the first Black woman to lead a network TV drama in nearly 40 years. “She changed the culture, she changed television history, she changed the way we tell stories on television and who gets to tell them.”
After the ABC series ended, Washington asked Mohamed to join the writers’ room of Little Fires Everywhere. “She really excelled and soared there, so when [Reasonable Doubt] came along, we knew she was ready for her own show and it was really exciting to give her that launching pad,” says Washington, referencing Issa Rae’s popular advice about the importance of networking across rather than focusing on networking up. “[Raamla] did the same for me because as we were developing the pilot and selling the series, she would always say, ‘And Kerry will direct the pilot,’ and I was like, ‘Whatever.’ But she was on set when I started directing Scandal, and then she’s such good friends with Issa so she had seen the work that I was doing on Insecure, and she knows how much I love directing. So, it was really exciting for her to push me, honestly, into directing the pilot for Reasonable Doubt. I’m so glad that I did.”
Simpson Street marked its 10th anniversary with 10 NAACP Image Award nominations this year, including six for Reasonable Doubt, three for the action thriller Shadow Force, on which Washington was an executive producer and had a starring role alongside Omar Sy, and one for season two of the Audible podcast The Prophecy, for which she also serves as EP and voices the character of Dr.
Virginia Edwards. “I look at Kerry like Beyoncé. How Beyoncé can do ‘Crazy in Love’ and then ‘Single Ladies’ and B’Day and you think that she’s proven that this is the best thing she could do, and then she’s like, ‘I’m going to do a country album,’” says Mohamed. “Kerry is like that in a way where she’s always challenging herself to do something different or be better. As an artist, she’s always interested in stretching herself in a way that I think is both inspiring, but also admirable, because for someone like her who has done so much and has achieved a lot, she could just coast.”
Instead, Mohamed adds, “She’s always trying to show up and be a better version of herself, not just onscreen, but also in person…the person that you want Kerry to be is the person she is.”
Washington’s reach extends well beyond Hollywood, with the entertainer partnering with the Social Impact Fund to launch the KW Foundation in 2020 to encourage civic engagement around social issues. That includes personally canvassing in cities throughout the country to register citizens to vote during elections. “I’ve said this before, but I don’t speak out as a celebrity,” says Washington. “It’s every single American’s responsibility to participate in our democracy, which is just a fancy word for a government by the people. If the people are silent, there’s no responsible government.”
Whether her political activism has cost her brand deals or opportunities in front of or behind the camera, Washington isn’t sure nor does she care. “I once heard somebody say that the most racist thing that’s been done to you, you’ll never know about because you weren’t even in the room,” she says. “I’m sure that it’s had an impact…but it’s never happened thus far that that would affect my choice to use my voice and be an American.”
Washington’s got a full slate of projects on deck for 2026, following the debut of Imperfect Women, including a five-woman production of Whoopi Goldberg’s acclaimed 1983 one-woman show set to debut at Lincoln Center this summer. “It’s going to take five of us to do what she did because, first of all, she deserves that. She deserves to be honored by more than just me,” says Washington. “But also, it speaks to the complexity of what she did, that it’s going to take five of us to tell a story that she was able to tell as one woman, and we’re all going to work together to do it.”
She’s also developing Onyx Collective’s Desperate Housewives spin-off Wisteria Lane, and the previously announced Audible series Between Me and You with Jurnee Smollett set for release later this year. Netflix also recently announced she’ll star in and executive-produce director Jaume Collet-Serra’s next film, An Innocent Girl.
When Washington was first chosen to be honored at Black Women in Hollywood in 2012, she said in her cover story that it was “a really special time to be a woman of color in this business,” adding, “the landscape of who has the power is changing. We are in more influential positions and are able to have a say in the stories that are told.” Fourteen years later, not only has she borne witness to the truth of those words, but she’s also become living proof.
“As jaded as I can be about how hard the business remains, and as realistic as I can be about how difficult it is to still win in this business and in the world as a Black woman, I also know that we didn’t wait another 40 years. There have been so many Black women, whether it’s Viola [Davis] or Taraji [P. Henson], and women of color with Priyanka [Chopra] after that. It no longer became a risk to put a woman of color as the face of a network television show. It became a mandate, and every network wanted their All Rise or their How to Get Away with Murder so that I’m proud of, and I’m grateful, because I didn’t do that,” says Washington. “It was audiences that did that…they created a groundswell that made [Scandal] undeniable. And that’s what changed the opportunities that were
out there and transformed the kinds of stories that we tell and who gets to tell
them.
“I’m not under any illusion that the business is now easy for anybody,” Washington adds. “But I was able to have a show, and Viola was able to have a show, and Taraji was able to have a show, and Priyanka was able to have a show, and we all have production companies now. We all are creating content and
material for other artists and creatives beyond just us.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY PEACE BUREAU
STYLED BY WAYMAN & MICAH FOR THE ONLY AGENCY
HAIR: MILES JEFFRIES
MAKEUP: KEITA MOORE
NAILS: SREYNIN PENG
SET DESIGN: YARA KAMALI
SET ASSISTANT: CIERRA MCGREW & JEAN PAUL DANIELS
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: NATE STURLEY
DIGITAL TECHNICIAN: FERNANDO MATAMOROS
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: FERNANDO MATAMOROS
PRODUCTION: PEACE BUREAU
PRODUCTION MANAGER: NIA JEAN-RAYMOND
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS: CIERRA MCGREW & JEAN PAUL DANIELS
POST PRODUCTION: SAMANTHA NANDEZ
LOCATION: DUST STUDIOS, LA
SPECIAL THANKS:
ESSENCE, Visuals Director, Breanna Hall
ESSENCE, Art Director, Isaiah Stewart
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Reacts to RHOA Season 17 Trailer; Shades Brit Eady
To say that Kenya had a tumultuous Season 16 is a vast understatement. It was chaotic. Many fans already knew she wouldn’t be finishing the season way before everything “twirled on down to hell” on our screens.
So what did Kenya think of the new RHOA trailer? “I actually liked the trailer,” Kenya said. “It was good to see my girls. I laughed so hard when I saw Angela reading Pinky (Cole) about her being Mr. Clean. I can’t unsee that. Angela reminds me of a baby me.”
She said that the trailer was funny and lighthearted. She thought the girls looked great, and overall, she thinks it’s going to be a very different season. The viewers will decide if they like it or not. Kenya added that she’s going to find a way to tune in and support amidst her trips and jobs (plural).
Then, before the video ended, she laughed and said “I did not say, ‘who is this hoe?’ because unlike her, I am not burning my bridge with Bravo.” She added that she speaks to the network often. She even made a Traitors joke, saying she’s a faithful “until the day I die” and not a traitor. Could this possibly mean Kenya’s heading to the castle?
“I have never betrayed the network, and I’m not gonna start now,” Kenya concluded. “Because at the end of the day, if it’s not me, it will never be you. It will never be you. So, clock that tea.”
#MusicNews: Jill Scott’s ‘Pressha’ Hits No. 1 at R&B Radio
Jill Scott is back on top. The soul singer’s latest single “Pressha” rises from No. 3 to No. 1 at R&B radio.
According to MediaBase, the song received 2,160 spins from Feb. 22 through Feb. 28, pushing Kehlani‘s “Folded” from the summit.
“Pressha” debuted at R&B radio in mid-January, before reaching the top 10 later in the month. It leaped from No. 16 to No. 9 during the tracking week of Jan. 18.
Meanwhile, on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, “Pressha” trails “Folded” at No. 2, up one spot from last week.
On Tuesday, Scott released the official music video for “Pressha,” which features cameos from Tyler Lepley, Tasha Smith and Niecy Nash-Betts.
The visual poem captures the haze of being privately desired but not publicly acknowledged, and the courage to liberate oneself from another person’s narrow view of you. “I wanted you to be mine in the daytime as well as the night / But you needed to hide me,” she sings.
#HipHopNews: Quavo Owes Uncle Sam $3M In Back Taxes
Hey, if that’s how much he owes, then it means he made a whole lot more.
TMZ reports that in January 2026, Quavo, born Quavois Marshall, got hit with a federal tax lien that spans money he owes over several years.
Allegedly, the “Stir Fry” rapper owes $915,660 for 2021, $887,486 for 2022, and $1,109,497.79 for 2023 — totalling almost $3M.
Not so coincidentally, his former Migos groupmate, rapper Offset, recently paid the IRS $2.3M to clear the liens he had been blessed with for several years of back taxes, too.
These guys might want to look into some business accountants and a lot of itemized tax deductions. Keep those receipts.
We doubt he’ needs it’s hurting for funds, but Quavo will be busy and bringing more income in sooner than later. Huncho is due to release a collaborative album with Pharrell Williams in 2026. In January, Pharrell previewed new music with Quavo during LV’s Paris Fashion Week presentation.
And per usual, the Internet is being anything but empathetic, and getting jokes off.
Billy Porter Says He Was “Dead for 3 Days” During Sepsis Battle.
Billy Porter is reflecting on his terrifying health experience.
The Pose star shared that he was in a coma for several days in September 2025 after learning that he had a kidney stone trapped in his urethra that caused him to develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extremely dysfunctional response to an infection.
"When they got in there, there was so much puss and bile, and infection, behind the stone," Billy shared during a March 2 appearance on the Outlaws podcast, noting that the infection led to him having a type of sepsis called urosepsis, which begins in the urinary tract and travels to the kidneys. "It bubbled up and I went uroseptic in minutes."
The 56-year-old had gone to the doctor for a "routine check" at the time, but recalled that he was quickly put on an ECMO machine—a form of life support—due to the severity of his condition.
"I was dead for three days," he continued. "I am a miracle. I'm a walking miracle."
However, the two-time Emmy winner's health battle wasn't over when he woke up from his coma. After he was removed from life support, his doctors informed him that his leg had "compartment syndrome," which he described as "when the muscles close in on themselves and cut off the oxygen."
"They had to cut me open on either side of my leg while I was in a coma, and from my knee to my hip, and leave it open for two days," he recalled, "so they could save my leg."
Ultimately, Billy—who withdrew from his role as Emcee in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club due to the illness—was able to make a full recovery, which he certainly doesn't take for granted.
"I am so grateful to be here," he said. "It is such a gift."
And looking back, the Cinderella actor's hospitalization taught him a few important life lessons, too.
"As I sat in my hospital bed, reflecting, there were a couple of things I heard. The first thing I heard was: Work smarter, not harder," he shared. "The second thing I heard was: Be obedient and answer the call. And the third thing I heard was: Don't you ever stop telling the truth again."
Gayle King issues defiant statement after renewing CBS contract: ‘Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated’
“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,” King said in a statement, per Variety, seeming to reference Mark Twain’s famous quote about death after reports swirled that she would depart the network.
“CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at ‘CBS Mornings,’” she continued. “As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”
King, 71, is arguably CBS’s most recognizable face after hosting the network’s morning show for over a decade. Speculation that she would step down from her anchor role mounted last fall amid Paramount’s corporate takeover following its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
As the network was facing sweeping layoffs under CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, King addressed the rumors that she would be affected by the changes.
Gayle King has co-anchored 'CBS Mornings' since 2012 (Getty)
“I saw those rumors. What I say is this: ‘I’m not going to negotiate in the press,’” King said during a December 2025 episode of Sherri Shepherd’s talk show. “I hear one thing in the building and one thing outside of the building. I’ll be reading one thing, and I’m like, ‘that’s not true.’”
She continued: “I’ve decided I’m going to stay out of the drama — and there is some drama.”
King then acknowledged the changes that Weiss has already brought to the network, including Tony Doukoupil being promoted to anchor of CBS Evening News: “Tony’s promotion is certainly going to mean changes at CBS Mornings. There’s no question about that, so we shall see.”
Rumors about King’s potential departure began to swirl in October when Variety ran a report indicating she would leave the popular morning show and transition into a new role at the end of her contract in May 2026.
The publication reported that King’s salary is about $14 million per year, and that her staying on at CBS News could have a negative financial impact on the network as fallout from the merger continues.
Still, Weiss offered a statement of support as King’s new deal was announced.
“There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home,” Weiss said. “We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”
Tyler Perry Readies Production For Firefighter Series, ‘Where There’s Smoke’
Tyler Perry has set a new firefighter drama, Tyler Perry’s Where There’s Smoke, at Netflix.
According to an official press release, the media giant has kicked off production in Atlanta for Perry’s all-new firefighter drama series. The longtime producer has cast Tyler Lepley to play Owen, Mike Merrill in the role of Cameron, Da’Vinchi (BMF, All American) will play Noah and Eltony Williams will play Jermaine.
The 16-episode show will follow “the lives of a group of firefighters as they navigate the intense challenges of their high stakes profession while grappling with personal struggles, fractured relationships and the emotional toll of saving lives in a world filled with danger, drama and heartbreak,” according to a synopsis from the producers.
The series comes from a previously announced creative partnership with Netflix, where Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look series deal.
Where There’s Smoke will join a slate of Tyler Perry Studios releases on Netflix, including Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black Seasons 1 and 2, Six Triple Eight, Mea Culpa, A Jazzman’s Blues, A Madea Homecoming, and A Fall from Grace.
The premiere date for the firefighter proudction will be announced later.
Tyler Perry has set a new firefighter drama, Tyler Perry’s Where There’s Smoke, at Netflix.
According to an official press release, the media giant has kicked off production in Atlanta for Perry’s all-new firefighter drama series. The longtime producer has cast Tyler Lepley to play Owen, Mike Merrill in the role of Cameron, Da’Vinchi (BMF, All American) will play Noah and Eltony Williams will play Jermaine.
The 16-episode show will follow “the lives of a group of firefighters as they navigate the intense challenges of their high stakes profession while grappling with personal struggles, fractured relationships and the emotional toll of saving lives in a world filled with danger, drama and heartbreak,” according to a synopsis from the producers.
The series comes from a previously announced creative partnership with Netflix, where Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look series deal.
Where There’s Smoke will join a slate of Tyler Perry Studios releases on Netflix, including Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black Seasons 1 and 2, Six Triple Eight, Mea Culpa, A Jazzman’s Blues, A Madea Homecoming, and A Fall from Grace.
The premiere date for the firefighter proudction will be announced later.
“Abbott Elementary” Is Locked In: ABC Renews Hit Comedy for Season 6
“Abbott Elementary” Season 6 is officially happening, with ABC confirming the hit comedy will return for the 2026–27 television season. The early pickup continues a familiar pattern for the network, marking the fourth consecutive year that “Abbott Elementary” has been the first ABC series renewed for the following season.
The renewal was announced with a playful nod to fans of the show. In a special message shared by the network, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s character Barbara Howard delivered the news through a humorous voicemail-style announcement, celebrating the sitcom’s continued success.
Five seasons in, the award-winning workplace comedy remains one of television’s strongest performers. According to Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings, the Quinta Brunson–created series currently ranks as TV’s No. 1 comedy among Adults 18–49 in multi-platform viewing across seven days.
The mockumentary-style series follows teachers working at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia as they navigate classroom chaos, district politics, and the everyday challenges of educating their students. Brunson leads the cast as optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues.
The ensemble also includes Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as principal Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Emmy-winning Sheryl Lee Ralph as veteran educator Barbara Howard.
“Abbott Elementary” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, a division of Disney Television Studios. Brunson executive produces alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions.
With Season 6 now secured, the beloved comedy continues its strong run as one of broadcast television’s most consistent hits.
The renewal was announced with a playful nod to fans of the show. In a special message shared by the network, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s character Barbara Howard delivered the news through a humorous voicemail-style announcement, celebrating the sitcom’s continued success.
Five seasons in, the award-winning workplace comedy remains one of television’s strongest performers. According to Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings, the Quinta Brunson–created series currently ranks as TV’s No. 1 comedy among Adults 18–49 in multi-platform viewing across seven days.
The mockumentary-style series follows teachers working at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia as they navigate classroom chaos, district politics, and the everyday challenges of educating their students. Brunson leads the cast as optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues.
The ensemble also includes Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as principal Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Emmy-winning Sheryl Lee Ralph as veteran educator Barbara Howard.
“Abbott Elementary” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, a division of Disney Television Studios. Brunson executive produces alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions.
With Season 6 now secured, the beloved comedy continues its strong run as one of broadcast television’s most consistent hits.
Rev. Frederick Haynes Wins Democratic Primary For Texas’ 30th Congressional District
Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III was victorious in the Democratic primary for Texas’s 30th Congressional District on Tuesday night. According to CBS News, the longtime pastor from Dallas is now officially seen as the overwhelming favorite to win a seat in Congress in the heavily Democratic district.
Hailed as one of the bluest seats in the state. Texas’ 30th Congressional District currently rates the district at D+25 on its Partisan Voting Index, per The Cook Political Report. In other words, the district t votes “25 percentage points more Democratic than the nation as a whole.”
The district has been represented by Democrats for several decades, and Jasmine Crockett, who lost in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, represents the district.
In announcing his campaign, Haynes focused on “championing justice, uniting communities, and fighting for people-first leadership.”
Haynes passionately made his case to the crowd at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Fair Park, framing himself as an outsider to Washington who would shake things up.
“I want to get to Congress because those outside need a voice and vision on the inside,” Haynes told the crowd. “I hope y’all join me. Let’s go to the house with an outside voice and make America a better place.”
Haynes also spoke out against ICE during his speech.
“We have a terrorist group of ICE agents who are moving throughout this nation and engaging in waging war on communities,” Haynes said.
Since 1983, Haynes has been the senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the Friendship-West Baptist Church adopted churches in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. The church membership exceeds more than 13,000 members.
He was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service by President Joe Biden in 2022. He also previously served as the CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the social justice organization founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Haynes earned his B.A. degree in religion and English from Bishop College, his M.Div. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Rev. Frederick Douglas Haynes III was victorious in the Democratic primary for Texas’s 30th Congressional District on Tuesday night. According to CBS News, the longtime pastor from Dallas is now officially seen as the overwhelming favorite to win a seat in Congress in the heavily Democratic district.
Hailed as one of the bluest seats in the state. Texas’ 30th Congressional District currently rates the district at D+25 on its Partisan Voting Index, per The Cook Political Report. In other words, the district t votes “25 percentage points more Democratic than the nation as a whole.”
The district has been represented by Democrats for several decades, and Jasmine Crockett, who lost in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, represents the district.
In announcing his campaign, Haynes focused on “championing justice, uniting communities, and fighting for people-first leadership.”
Haynes passionately made his case to the crowd at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Fair Park, framing himself as an outsider to Washington who would shake things up.
“I want to get to Congress because those outside need a voice and vision on the inside,” Haynes told the crowd. “I hope y’all join me. Let’s go to the house with an outside voice and make America a better place.”
Haynes also spoke out against ICE during his speech.
“We have a terrorist group of ICE agents who are moving throughout this nation and engaging in waging war on communities,” Haynes said.
Since 1983, Haynes has been the senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the Friendship-West Baptist Church adopted churches in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. The church membership exceeds more than 13,000 members.
He was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service by President Joe Biden in 2022. He also previously served as the CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the social justice organization founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Haynes earned his B.A. degree in religion and English from Bishop College, his M.Div. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
New England Patriots Reportedly Releasing Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs could be taking his talents elsewhere.
According to multiple sports reports, the New England Patriots have informed the veteran wide receiver that they plan to release him once the new league year begins on March 11. The move comes after just one season in New England, which ended with a 29–13 Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Once the release becomes official, Diggs will hit free agency. While the exact reasoning behind the decision hasn’t been detailed, the shift signals a new chapter for both the 32-year-old standout and the Patriots as they look ahead to the 2026 NFL season.
According to multiple sports reports, the New England Patriots have informed the veteran wide receiver that they plan to release him once the new league year begins on March 11. The move comes after just one season in New England, which ended with a 29–13 Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Once the release becomes official, Diggs will hit free agency. While the exact reasoning behind the decision hasn’t been detailed, the shift signals a new chapter for both the 32-year-old standout and the Patriots as they look ahead to the 2026 NFL season.
Kirk Franklin says he’d be down to do the Super Bowl halftime show on one condition
Kirk Franklin is arguably the most lauded gospel artist of all time. With 20 Grammy wins to his name, the Fort Worth native redefined modern gospel music in the mid-’90s. However, there’s one stage he still hasn’t touched yet … and he’s a bit weary about it.
During an AMA session on Instagram, Franklin acknowledged the online question of whether he’d perform at the Super Bowl. Without hesitation, Franklin balked at the idea a bit.
“Not by myself!” he said with a laugh. “I’d be too scared to do it by myself. Maybe if we put together a squad, like a gospel Avengers type of moment. Kinda like how Snoop and Dre, Kendrick and Em did it. That was fire.”
He added, “Who would you like to see in that gospel Avengers moment for Super Bowl? If you include me, that’d be really sweet. I’d really appreciate it. I can’t do it by myself, but who could you really see as the gospel Avengers for Super Bowl?”
Even though there was some reluctance on Franklin’s part, plenty of people jumped in his comments to cheer him on.
“Ayyyye I’m witit,” Tye Tribbett wrote with an eyes emoji.
Scott Evans chimed in, “Chamonnnnneeee we ready!!”
Speculation about Franklin’s participation has grown in the past month after Bad Bunny‘s record-breaking performance. The Puerto Rican superstar reset global viewership records for his performance last month, bringing his island to the global stage with a homage to the interwoven cultures of his homeland, plenty of Black and Brown Americans, and a hat tip to the diaspora across the Americas.
Since the Super Bowl halftime show falls under Jay-Z’s purview, it has celebrated diverse acts from the worlds of pop, R&B, reggaeton, hip-hop, and more. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were the first performers under the Roc Nation-helmed halftime banner in 2020, followed by The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and friends, Rihanna, Usher, and Kendrick Lamar, before Bad Bunny took the baton in Santa Clara.
Kirk Franklin is arguably the most lauded gospel artist of all time. With 20 Grammy wins to his name, the Fort Worth native redefined modern gospel music in the mid-’90s. However, there’s one stage he still hasn’t touched yet … and he’s a bit weary about it.
During an AMA session on Instagram, Franklin acknowledged the online question of whether he’d perform at the Super Bowl. Without hesitation, Franklin balked at the idea a bit.
“Not by myself!” he said with a laugh. “I’d be too scared to do it by myself. Maybe if we put together a squad, like a gospel Avengers type of moment. Kinda like how Snoop and Dre, Kendrick and Em did it. That was fire.”
He added, “Who would you like to see in that gospel Avengers moment for Super Bowl? If you include me, that’d be really sweet. I’d really appreciate it. I can’t do it by myself, but who could you really see as the gospel Avengers for Super Bowl?”
Even though there was some reluctance on Franklin’s part, plenty of people jumped in his comments to cheer him on.
“Ayyyye I’m witit,” Tye Tribbett wrote with an eyes emoji.
Scott Evans chimed in, “Chamonnnnneeee we ready!!”
Speculation about Franklin’s participation has grown in the past month after Bad Bunny‘s record-breaking performance. The Puerto Rican superstar reset global viewership records for his performance last month, bringing his island to the global stage with a homage to the interwoven cultures of his homeland, plenty of Black and Brown Americans, and a hat tip to the diaspora across the Americas.
Since the Super Bowl halftime show falls under Jay-Z’s purview, it has celebrated diverse acts from the worlds of pop, R&B, reggaeton, hip-hop, and more. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were the first performers under the Roc Nation-helmed halftime banner in 2020, followed by The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and friends, Rihanna, Usher, and Kendrick Lamar, before Bad Bunny took the baton in Santa Clara.
Rihanna Shows Love to Don Lemon on His Birthday Amid Nicki Minaj Feud
Rihanna is making it clear she's standing with Don Lemon following his clash with Nicki Minaj ... posing alongside the journalist to ring in his 60th birthday.
Lemon took to IG to share a sweet rooftop selfie with RiRi -- smiling ear-to-ear as he rocks a fresh pair of shades. He captions the pic, “Birthday hijinks with my girl Rihanna,” and set it to her 2011 hit “Birthday Cake.”
You’ll recall … a few weeks ago, Lemon found himself in an all-out war with Nicki Minaj after he live-streamed a news report from Cities Church in St. Paul, MN, where demonstrators interrupted a service to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Nicki went ballistic online, at one point posting, “DON ‘C**K SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING” -- along with several other insulting remarks.
Rihanna, meanwhile, seems perfectly happy to celebrate with him.
As we reported … Don had some R&R lined up for his birthday, telling us he planned a “spa day in a beach town” after attending the NAACP Image Awards, where he was honored with 4 awards.
Clearly, Rihanna was the icing the cake.
Lemon took to IG to share a sweet rooftop selfie with RiRi -- smiling ear-to-ear as he rocks a fresh pair of shades. He captions the pic, “Birthday hijinks with my girl Rihanna,” and set it to her 2011 hit “Birthday Cake.”
You’ll recall … a few weeks ago, Lemon found himself in an all-out war with Nicki Minaj after he live-streamed a news report from Cities Church in St. Paul, MN, where demonstrators interrupted a service to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Nicki went ballistic online, at one point posting, “DON ‘C**K SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING” -- along with several other insulting remarks.
Rihanna, meanwhile, seems perfectly happy to celebrate with him.
As we reported … Don had some R&R lined up for his birthday, telling us he planned a “spa day in a beach town” after attending the NAACP Image Awards, where he was honored with 4 awards.
Clearly, Rihanna was the icing the cake.
Trump Fires Scandal-Plagued Kristi Noem As Homeland Security Secretary
In a stunning move, President Donald Trump announced Thursday he fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and is tapping Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her at the end of the month.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump posted on social media.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida,” he said.
“I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’” the president added.
Kristi Noem, out. Markwayne Mullin, in.HEATHER DIEHL VIA GETTY IMAGES
The White House hasn’t formally nominated Mullin to the post yet, and he still has to be confirmed by the Senate to get the job.
Noem later thanked Trump for her new appointment and boasted of her “historic accomplishments” at DHS.
“We delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children,” she wrote on social media later that afternoon. “FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard.”
But Noem’s legacy at DHS, which she’s led since January 2025, will be largely defined by her sloppiness, scandals and potential law-breaking.
On her watch, thousands of federal immigration enforcement agents descended on Minnesota and spent months brutalizing immigrants, terrorizing communities, and fatally shooting two Minneapolis residents: U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Noem, without any evidence, characterized both Good and Pretti as domestic terrorists — an allegation which other officials said was not true — to justify the agents’ actions.
Noem has also come under fire for spending $220 million in taxpayer money on a flashy DHS ad campaign that prominently features her riding around on a horse in a cowboy hat at Mount Rushmore. A huge chunk of those federal dollars was secretly awarded to a firm with ties to Noem, a firm that was stood up just eight days before the contract went out.
She’s also faced allegations of misleading or straight-up lying to Congress under oath about various actions she’s taken, ranging from the role of her top aide, Corey Lewandowski, in approving contracts, to the reality that her department has been detaining American citizens in its sweep of supposed criminals in the country illegally.
In still another scandal, Noem has faced allegations of having an inappropriate personal relationship with Lewandowski, who made headlines last month for entering the cockpit of a government jet mid-flight and firing the pilot over a misplaced blanket. The pilot had to be immediately reinstated as there was no one else to fly Noem and Lewandowski back home.
Trump’s decision to fire Noem seems directly tied to the bipartisan condemnation she faced this week before Congress, as she testified to House and Senate committees during oversight hearings.
Democrats have been demanding her resignation for months over her reckless handling of Trump’s immigration crackdown, but in her televised hearings, she faced scorching disapproval from Republicans as well.
In a minutes-long tirade, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) excoriated her for her “failure of leadership,” citing the deaths of Good and Pretti, for not reimbursing his state billions of dollars in badly needed disaster relief funds, and generally, for focusing DHS’ immigration enforcement efforts on sheer numbers of detentions versus paying attention to who is actually being detained.
“Quality matters, not quantity!” Tillis shouted at her during a Wednesday hearing. “What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem! A disaster! What we’ve seen is innocent people being detained that turn out are American citizens!”
Still, it was another Republican senator in that hearing, John Kennedy, who may have been the real cause for Noem’s firing.
The Louisiana senator pressed Noem on whether Trump signed off on her $220 million DHS ad campaign that was “effective in your name recognition,” but that “puts the president in a terribly awkward spot” given its price tag. She said the president did give the OK, which ended up infuriating Trump to the point that he called Kennedy directly to gripe about the senator’s questioning of Noem.
By Thursday morning, the president was reportedly calling Republicans on the Hill to see if they thought he should fire Noem. Noem’s expulsion comes as Congress fights over tying any new funding for DHS to major reforms at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats have refused to budge on this demand, as Republicans insist the agency be funded while they debate ICE reforms separately.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday it’s great news that Noem is out, but it changes nothing about Democrats’ insistence on real changes at ICE.
“Good riddance,” he told reporters of Noem’s ouster. “But the problems with this agency transcend one person. The rot is deep.” Noem will be a prime target of Democratic investigations after November if they win back the House, which they are well-positioned to do.
During Tuesday’s House oversight committee, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) lashed at the DHS secretary for having “regularly ignored court orders and lied to judges,” citing 210 cases of her staff ignoring federal court orders in 2026 alone.
“You are the secretary of DHS ― for now,” Balint told Noem. “You think you’re immune from accountability. But I promise you this: One day, he is not going to be president anymore.”
Noem said nothing as the Vermont Democrat continued: “When that day comes, we will still be here ... and in hearings like this,” she said. “We are going to continue to prove your guilt.”
In a stunning move, President Donald Trump announced Thursday he fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and is tapping Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her at the end of the month.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump posted on social media.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida,” he said.
“I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’” the president added.
Kristi Noem, out. Markwayne Mullin, in.HEATHER DIEHL VIA GETTY IMAGES
The White House hasn’t formally nominated Mullin to the post yet, and he still has to be confirmed by the Senate to get the job.
Noem later thanked Trump for her new appointment and boasted of her “historic accomplishments” at DHS.
“We delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children,” she wrote on social media later that afternoon. “FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard.”
But Noem’s legacy at DHS, which she’s led since January 2025, will be largely defined by her sloppiness, scandals and potential law-breaking.
On her watch, thousands of federal immigration enforcement agents descended on Minnesota and spent months brutalizing immigrants, terrorizing communities, and fatally shooting two Minneapolis residents: U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Noem, without any evidence, characterized both Good and Pretti as domestic terrorists — an allegation which other officials said was not true — to justify the agents’ actions.
Noem has also come under fire for spending $220 million in taxpayer money on a flashy DHS ad campaign that prominently features her riding around on a horse in a cowboy hat at Mount Rushmore. A huge chunk of those federal dollars was secretly awarded to a firm with ties to Noem, a firm that was stood up just eight days before the contract went out.
She’s also faced allegations of misleading or straight-up lying to Congress under oath about various actions she’s taken, ranging from the role of her top aide, Corey Lewandowski, in approving contracts, to the reality that her department has been detaining American citizens in its sweep of supposed criminals in the country illegally.
In still another scandal, Noem has faced allegations of having an inappropriate personal relationship with Lewandowski, who made headlines last month for entering the cockpit of a government jet mid-flight and firing the pilot over a misplaced blanket. The pilot had to be immediately reinstated as there was no one else to fly Noem and Lewandowski back home.
Trump’s decision to fire Noem seems directly tied to the bipartisan condemnation she faced this week before Congress, as she testified to House and Senate committees during oversight hearings.
Democrats have been demanding her resignation for months over her reckless handling of Trump’s immigration crackdown, but in her televised hearings, she faced scorching disapproval from Republicans as well.
In a minutes-long tirade, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) excoriated her for her “failure of leadership,” citing the deaths of Good and Pretti, for not reimbursing his state billions of dollars in badly needed disaster relief funds, and generally, for focusing DHS’ immigration enforcement efforts on sheer numbers of detentions versus paying attention to who is actually being detained.
“Quality matters, not quantity!” Tillis shouted at her during a Wednesday hearing. “What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem! A disaster! What we’ve seen is innocent people being detained that turn out are American citizens!”
Still, it was another Republican senator in that hearing, John Kennedy, who may have been the real cause for Noem’s firing.
The Louisiana senator pressed Noem on whether Trump signed off on her $220 million DHS ad campaign that was “effective in your name recognition,” but that “puts the president in a terribly awkward spot” given its price tag. She said the president did give the OK, which ended up infuriating Trump to the point that he called Kennedy directly to gripe about the senator’s questioning of Noem.
By Thursday morning, the president was reportedly calling Republicans on the Hill to see if they thought he should fire Noem. Noem’s expulsion comes as Congress fights over tying any new funding for DHS to major reforms at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats have refused to budge on this demand, as Republicans insist the agency be funded while they debate ICE reforms separately.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday it’s great news that Noem is out, but it changes nothing about Democrats’ insistence on real changes at ICE.
“Good riddance,” he told reporters of Noem’s ouster. “But the problems with this agency transcend one person. The rot is deep.” Noem will be a prime target of Democratic investigations after November if they win back the House, which they are well-positioned to do.
During Tuesday’s House oversight committee, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) lashed at the DHS secretary for having “regularly ignored court orders and lied to judges,” citing 210 cases of her staff ignoring federal court orders in 2026 alone.
“You are the secretary of DHS ― for now,” Balint told Noem. “You think you’re immune from accountability. But I promise you this: One day, he is not going to be president anymore.”
Noem said nothing as the Vermont Democrat continued: “When that day comes, we will still be here ... and in hearings like this,” she said. “We are going to continue to prove your guilt.”
Mary Cosby Not Filming ‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ After Son’s Death
Production on the next season of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is moving forward, but Mary Cosby is not currently filming as the show resumes work following the death of her son, Robert Cosby Jr.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bravo restarted production on season seven after briefly pausing filming last week in response to the tragedy. The network has chosen to allow Cosby space to grieve, and she is not participating in filming at this time.
Per the outlet, producers are following her lead on any potential return, and Bravo has not announced any official casting updates for the upcoming season as of this writing.
The pause occurred just as cameras were scheduled to begin rolling during the week of February 23. That timeline shifted when Robert Cosby Jr. was found dead in Utah at age 23.
Authorities in Salt Lake City said officers initially responded to a call involving a possible overdose around 6:14 p.m. on that day. The situation later became a death investigation, and the medical examiner has not publicly confirmed an official cause of death.
Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., addressed the loss in a public statement. “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” they said. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Robert Cosby Jr. had appeared on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alongside his mother in previous seasons, including a widely discussed moment in season five when he spoke openly about addiction. During that conversation, he said he began experimenting with drugs at 16 and later used substances including Xanax, acid, Molly, and cocaine.
Mary later reflected on the reaction to that episode, saying the response from fans was “mind-blowing.” She added that addiction is “a silent epidemic,” noting that many families face similar challenges. “It’s real, it’s happening,” she said in a previous interview. “We’re not the only ones facing it.”
In recent months, Robert Cosby Jr. had also faced legal troubles. During the season six reunion, Mary Cosby revealed that he was in jail in connection with multiple charges related to violations of a protective order involving his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff. He had previously entered rehab in 2024 and was released from jail earlier this year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.
For substance abuse or mental health support, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential assistance available 24/7.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bravo restarted production on season seven after briefly pausing filming last week in response to the tragedy. The network has chosen to allow Cosby space to grieve, and she is not participating in filming at this time.
Per the outlet, producers are following her lead on any potential return, and Bravo has not announced any official casting updates for the upcoming season as of this writing.
The pause occurred just as cameras were scheduled to begin rolling during the week of February 23. That timeline shifted when Robert Cosby Jr. was found dead in Utah at age 23.
Authorities in Salt Lake City said officers initially responded to a call involving a possible overdose around 6:14 p.m. on that day. The situation later became a death investigation, and the medical examiner has not publicly confirmed an official cause of death.
Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., addressed the loss in a public statement. “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” they said. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Robert Cosby Jr. had appeared on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alongside his mother in previous seasons, including a widely discussed moment in season five when he spoke openly about addiction. During that conversation, he said he began experimenting with drugs at 16 and later used substances including Xanax, acid, Molly, and cocaine.
Mary later reflected on the reaction to that episode, saying the response from fans was “mind-blowing.” She added that addiction is “a silent epidemic,” noting that many families face similar challenges. “It’s real, it’s happening,” she said in a previous interview. “We’re not the only ones facing it.”
In recent months, Robert Cosby Jr. had also faced legal troubles. During the season six reunion, Mary Cosby revealed that he was in jail in connection with multiple charges related to violations of a protective order involving his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff. He had previously entered rehab in 2024 and was released from jail earlier this year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.
For substance abuse or mental health support, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential assistance available 24/7.
Britney Spears Arrested For DUI, Taken To Hospital
Superstar Britney Spears was taken to a hospital after being arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
The 44-year old retired singer was arrested on Wednesday (March 4) for a DUI offense in California, per TMZ. The following day, Spears had her blood drawn to determine her blood alcohol content.
The outlet noted that the singer has been “telling people [her BAC] was .06.”
Though the legal limit in California is .08 percent, individuals can be charged with driving under the influence if seen operating a vehicle erratically.
Spears was booked at 3:02 a.m. the following morning and released at 6:07 a.m on March 5. The arrest is noted as a “cite and release” and has no probation listed, with the Grammy winner’s next court date listed as May 4.
Britney Spears’ team released a statement
Spears’ representative immediately shared a statement, where they call this “completely inexcusable” and “unfortunate,” per PEOPLE.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the rep shared with the outlet.
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being,” the statement continued.
The arrest arrives months after Spears sold her entire music catalog to publisher Primary Wave for around $200 million.
Britney is mom to sons Jayden James, 19 and Sean Preston, 20.
Superstar Britney Spears was taken to a hospital after being arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
The 44-year old retired singer was arrested on Wednesday (March 4) for a DUI offense in California, per TMZ. The following day, Spears had her blood drawn to determine her blood alcohol content.
The outlet noted that the singer has been “telling people [her BAC] was .06.”
Though the legal limit in California is .08 percent, individuals can be charged with driving under the influence if seen operating a vehicle erratically.
Spears was booked at 3:02 a.m. the following morning and released at 6:07 a.m on March 5. The arrest is noted as a “cite and release” and has no probation listed, with the Grammy winner’s next court date listed as May 4.
Britney Spears’ team released a statement
Spears’ representative immediately shared a statement, where they call this “completely inexcusable” and “unfortunate,” per PEOPLE.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the rep shared with the outlet.
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being,” the statement continued.
The arrest arrives months after Spears sold her entire music catalog to publisher Primary Wave for around $200 million.
Britney is mom to sons Jayden James, 19 and Sean Preston, 20.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
At least it's diet I guess?
How much weight does that add to the car, I wonder
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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