#MAGFAB: Demi Moore for V Magazine - Summer 2026
Nice!
#RHOA: K. Michelle Makes a Damning Statement on Her Husband When Discussing Cheating
K. Michelle gets candid about her marriage to Dr. Kastan Sims and the possibility of infidelity during The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17, Episode 5.
K.Michelle first shared the news that she’d quietly married her childhood best friend, Dr. Kastan Sims, in September 2025. On The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17, she's been opening up about her marriage, including some surprising thoughts on infidelity.
K.Michelle first shared the news that she’d quietly married her childhood best friend, Dr. Kastan Sims, in September 2025. On The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17, she's been opening up about her marriage, including some surprising thoughts on infidelity.
“I wish he had social media so I could catch him in things,” she joked to her fellow ‘Wives during a girls' trip on RHOA Season 17 Episode 5.
She elaborated to producers. “I believe that all men cheat, and my husband doesn’t have a social media or anything. That’s the sneakiest one of them all. So, I’ve learned to take the positives of it, in that no one can contact him,” she said before jokingly adding, “That I know of.”
In an earlier episode this season, she also joked with her husband about cheating. “I just need you to make sure that your sausage stays in your pants and in your scrubs, because I ain’t got time for none of it,” she warned him.
K. Michelle details her year-long road to marriage with her husband, Dr. Kastan Sims
K. Michelle's marriage to Kastan was a long time coming. “We have been the best of friends since junior high,” she revealed during the April 13 episode.
Eventually, their relationship became more than friends. “We dated for 10, 11 years? And he never married me,” she told producers. “I went into the situation saying, ‘I don’t wanna be married. I don’t want that.’ But now, I realized [if] he didn’t do it, I was offended. Very much offended.”
The Georgia peaches are back, as The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 is officially underway, with new episodes airing Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo and streaming the next day on Peacock.
The returning RHOA Season 17 cast members include Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley, and Kelli Ferrell, along with newcomers Pinky Cole and K. Michelle. The women are joined by friend Cynthia Bailey.
Things get spicy in the ATL, as Porsha juggles two potential new love interests. Viewers can also expect changes in friendships, major relationship news, tea spilling, and shade throwing.
In fact, the pair had gone their separate ways before deciding to take the next step. “We were on a break-up, and I was about to marry another man, he realized. Sometimes you gotta pop out and let ‘em know,” she joked to producers. “So, I left to show him who I was, and my husband was trying to come back. I said, ‘You’re gonna do what you’re supposed to do.' Kastan popped the question because he [had] no other choice.”
On the flight to the girls' trip in Episode 5, she also revealed to the ladies that the couple did not get a prenup. “He is so removed from my life,” K. Michelle explained during the May 3 episode. “Even when I try to help, or try to do something, he [doesn't] want to take it.”
The couple is now looking towards their future. “Kastan has a successful [dental] practice in Memphis, Tennessee, with his father,” she told producers during the April 13 episode. “And now, he is ready to transition to Atlanta, Georgia.”
As the pair toured their new home, she joked to her husband, “I’m getting the baby.”
K. Michelle, who is a mom to 21-year-old Chase Bowman, opened up about wanting to expand her family. “I have always wanted a baby girl, but God has a sense of humor, and he gave me a son,” she shared. “I love my son more than anything in life, but it’s always been a thing for me to have a mini me."
However, growing their family hasn't been an easy process. “I’m struggling in infertility, and I’m trying to get my ovaries running,” K. Michelle shared in the episode.
K. Michelle and Kastan have previously been open about their desire to expand their family. In 2020, K. Michelle shared that she was moving forward with IVF treatments, according to Hot97.
#NewMusic from Stokley “Need Love”
R&B legend and Mint Condition frontman Stokley has returned with a compelling new single, “Need Love,” now available on all digital platforms via his independent BluRaffe Ent.
The track marks a significant evolution for the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, serving as a soulful commentary on the modern social climate. Characterized by Stokley’s signature vocal agility and a lush, percussive arrangement, “Need Love” moves beyond traditional romance to address a universal human necessity.
In “Need Love,” Stokley explores the emotional toll of isolation and the fast-paced nature of the digital age. The song’s lyrics advocate for patience, connection, and the intentional pursuit of affection in a world that often feels disconnected.
“I know it’s a lot going on,” Stokley sings, framing the record as a much-needed reprieve. “I’m a man who needs love / 24/7, no resting.”
The single’s production bridges the gap between classic soul and contemporary R&B, featuring live instrumentation—a hallmark of Stokley’s career—alongside a crisp, modern bounce that has already begun to resonate on Urban Adult Contemporary radio formats.
The release follows a highly active period for the artist. Following the success of his sophomore solo album, Sankofa, which produced several Top 10 R&B hits, Stokley has continued to solidify his place as a premier voice in independent soul.
R&B legend and Mint Condition frontman Stokley has returned with a compelling new single, “Need Love,” now available on all digital platforms via his independent BluRaffe Ent.
The track marks a significant evolution for the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, serving as a soulful commentary on the modern social climate. Characterized by Stokley’s signature vocal agility and a lush, percussive arrangement, “Need Love” moves beyond traditional romance to address a universal human necessity.
In “Need Love,” Stokley explores the emotional toll of isolation and the fast-paced nature of the digital age. The song’s lyrics advocate for patience, connection, and the intentional pursuit of affection in a world that often feels disconnected.
“I know it’s a lot going on,” Stokley sings, framing the record as a much-needed reprieve. “I’m a man who needs love / 24/7, no resting.”
The single’s production bridges the gap between classic soul and contemporary R&B, featuring live instrumentation—a hallmark of Stokley’s career—alongside a crisp, modern bounce that has already begun to resonate on Urban Adult Contemporary radio formats.
The release follows a highly active period for the artist. Following the success of his sophomore solo album, Sankofa, which produced several Top 10 R&B hits, Stokley has continued to solidify his place as a premier voice in independent soul.
LISTEN HERE:
“Need Love” is out now via DSING Records and all major streaming services.
“Need Love” is out now via DSING Records and all major streaming services.
#HipHopNews: T.I. Reveals “Kill the King” Release Date
T.I. gears up for Kill the King on May 13th and a major Atlanta celebration to match.
T.I. has announced the release date for his upcoming, oft-delayed album Kill the King, and the rollout has a unique Hollywood angle.
Everything is set for a May 13 celebration in Atlanta. But, Kill The King will share a release date with other Tip-related projects. He’s pairing the new project with a pair of cultural moments, 20 years of both the film ATL and his classic album KING. T.I. is stacking the deck.
T.I. is not coming into this empty-handed. His recent singles “Let Em Know” and “Trauma Bond” have already put him back into heavy rotation. And “Let Em Know” has gone platinum, making it the only platinum single across any genre so far this year.
Kill the King has been in the making for quite a long time, but it is finally. here and comes with an experience to match.
The event itself leans into the duality of having modern relevance as well as traditional legacy. There is a reunion of the “ATL” cast, a nod to the era that helped define his rise. “Bring your skates if you got em. It’s a mf celebration,” Tip said.
T.I. has announced the release date for his upcoming, oft-delayed album Kill the King, and the rollout has a unique Hollywood angle.
Everything is set for a May 13 celebration in Atlanta. But, Kill The King will share a release date with other Tip-related projects. He’s pairing the new project with a pair of cultural moments, 20 years of both the film ATL and his classic album KING. T.I. is stacking the deck.
T.I. is not coming into this empty-handed. His recent singles “Let Em Know” and “Trauma Bond” have already put him back into heavy rotation. And “Let Em Know” has gone platinum, making it the only platinum single across any genre so far this year.
Kill the King has been in the making for quite a long time, but it is finally. here and comes with an experience to match.
The event itself leans into the duality of having modern relevance as well as traditional legacy. There is a reunion of the “ATL” cast, a nod to the era that helped define his rise. “Bring your skates if you got em. It’s a mf celebration,” Tip said.
Busta Rhymes Settles Legal Dispute With Former Assistant
Busta Rhymes has reached a private settlement with a former assistant who accused of assault, abuse and defamation.
Per Digital Music News, both parties reached a resolution through private mediation, and the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. According to the filing, the parties are finalizing the terms and expect to complete the process within 10 days. A judge has instructed them to submit a formal motion confirming the settlement by June 1.
“The parties are finalizing the settlement documentation and anticipate that it will be completed within ten days,” attorneys for both parties wrote in a letter to the judge filed this week. The judge ordered them to file a formal motion for settlement by June 1.
The case originates from an alleged interaction that took plack in 2025. Dashiel Gables, Rhymes’ former assistant, claimed that rapper attacked and punched him in the face in a work-related dispute.
Gables filed a lawsuit seeking between $6 million and $7 million in damages. His claims included assault, battery, wage theft, and emotional distress tied to his time working for the rapper.
In the filing, Gables claimed the rapper, whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr., became enraged over a delayed food order and escalated further when he answered a phone call from his young daughter.
Gables also cited the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and claimed that he was subjected to workplace abuses.
Rhymes denied the allegations and filed a countersuit in October 2025, accusing Gables of defamation and extortion and alleging harm to his public reputation. In response, Gables maintained that his claims are “matters of public interest,” noting that Rhymes is a public figure.
Busta Rhymes has reached a private settlement with a former assistant who accused of assault, abuse and defamation.
Per Digital Music News, both parties reached a resolution through private mediation, and the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. According to the filing, the parties are finalizing the terms and expect to complete the process within 10 days. A judge has instructed them to submit a formal motion confirming the settlement by June 1.
“The parties are finalizing the settlement documentation and anticipate that it will be completed within ten days,” attorneys for both parties wrote in a letter to the judge filed this week. The judge ordered them to file a formal motion for settlement by June 1.
The case originates from an alleged interaction that took plack in 2025. Dashiel Gables, Rhymes’ former assistant, claimed that rapper attacked and punched him in the face in a work-related dispute.
Gables filed a lawsuit seeking between $6 million and $7 million in damages. His claims included assault, battery, wage theft, and emotional distress tied to his time working for the rapper.
In the filing, Gables claimed the rapper, whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr., became enraged over a delayed food order and escalated further when he answered a phone call from his young daughter.
Gables also cited the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and claimed that he was subjected to workplace abuses.
Rhymes denied the allegations and filed a countersuit in October 2025, accusing Gables of defamation and extortion and alleging harm to his public reputation. In response, Gables maintained that his claims are “matters of public interest,” noting that Rhymes is a public figure.
Former NFL Player Marcellus Wiley Faces Four Sexual Assault Allegations
Retired NFL player, Marcellus Wiley has been hit with new accusations of sexual assault from four women, including a former ESPN production assistant.
Per RollingStone, the recent allegations follow filings from three other women who previously sued Wiley with claims of rape during his time as a student and star football player at Columbia University in 1994.
The women’s attorney contends that Columbia bears significant responsibility, arguing the university buried complaints against Wiley and allowed him to project an image of “safety, respect, and integrity” that left future victims vulnerable.
One of the women who originally filed, says Wiley first made contact with her when she was 13, following an appearance he made at her school in Buffalo while playing for the Bills. Over the years, Wiley sent the woman, who was a child at the time, gifts, tickets and access to his home.She said he regularly invited her back, asking for help cleaning his CD collection.
“Marcellus Wiley raped me on my 18th birthday, after grooming me from the age of 13,” she wrote in the complaint. “If Columbia had properly pursued the complaints… I would never have been groomed and raped.”
“Wiley frequently mentioned his sociology degree from Columbia University, which led me to believe he was respected and trustworthy. He gave me the same CDs to clean over and over,” she wrote, adding that he called her his “little momma” and showered her with attention and gifts. “My whole identity was wrapped up in the belief that I would eventually marry Wiley,” she wrote.
The ESPN staffer alleged that in 2009, Wiley lured her to a hotel room under the pretense of a meeting. “He pushed me up against the windows of the room so hard I thought they would shatter,” she wrote. “I was petrified and believed I was going to be killed.” She added that “the assault was devastating to me, and I will live with the effects to this day.”
Wiley, who’s married to former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Annemarie Wiley, called the claims “B.S” on his YouTube show.
“Defendant denies that he committed any of the wrongs alleged, denies that plaintiff or any other purported members of the class were harmed by him, and denies that the claims in the complaint are properly asserted as a class action,” Wiley’s lawyer wrote in an answer to one of the Jane Doe lawsuits.
A class action certification hearing is scheduled for May 12.
Per RollingStone, the recent allegations follow filings from three other women who previously sued Wiley with claims of rape during his time as a student and star football player at Columbia University in 1994.
The women’s attorney contends that Columbia bears significant responsibility, arguing the university buried complaints against Wiley and allowed him to project an image of “safety, respect, and integrity” that left future victims vulnerable.
One of the women who originally filed, says Wiley first made contact with her when she was 13, following an appearance he made at her school in Buffalo while playing for the Bills. Over the years, Wiley sent the woman, who was a child at the time, gifts, tickets and access to his home.She said he regularly invited her back, asking for help cleaning his CD collection.
“Marcellus Wiley raped me on my 18th birthday, after grooming me from the age of 13,” she wrote in the complaint. “If Columbia had properly pursued the complaints… I would never have been groomed and raped.”
“Wiley frequently mentioned his sociology degree from Columbia University, which led me to believe he was respected and trustworthy. He gave me the same CDs to clean over and over,” she wrote, adding that he called her his “little momma” and showered her with attention and gifts. “My whole identity was wrapped up in the belief that I would eventually marry Wiley,” she wrote.
The ESPN staffer alleged that in 2009, Wiley lured her to a hotel room under the pretense of a meeting. “He pushed me up against the windows of the room so hard I thought they would shatter,” she wrote. “I was petrified and believed I was going to be killed.” She added that “the assault was devastating to me, and I will live with the effects to this day.”
Wiley, who’s married to former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Annemarie Wiley, called the claims “B.S” on his YouTube show.
“Defendant denies that he committed any of the wrongs alleged, denies that plaintiff or any other purported members of the class were harmed by him, and denies that the claims in the complaint are properly asserted as a class action,” Wiley’s lawyer wrote in an answer to one of the Jane Doe lawsuits.
A class action certification hearing is scheduled for May 12.
Ciara & Russell Wilson Donate $1 Million To Bronx Kids Community Center
Ciara and Russell Wilson fueled opportunity in the Bronx by backing a revitalized teen hub designed to uplift and inspire the next generation.
Salute Ciara and Russell Wilson aka “Danger Russ” – LOL! Seriously, they brought star power and service to the West Bronx in a month or so ago 2026. And they put down a $1 million investment aimed at uplifting local teens. This is what I love to hear.
The couple unveiled the Why Not You Teen Center at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, marking a major expansion of resources for young people in the area. Funded through their Why Not You Foundation, the renovated space is designed to support education, mentorship and personal growth for Bronx youth. Why aren’t more BX or NYC rappers doing this? I digress.
Located in the West Bronx (where the culture was started), the center reflects a broader push to strengthen community infrastructure in neighborhoods often underserved. The transformation was brought to life with the help of George to the Rescue, along with designer Corey Damen Jenkins and SilverLining Inc, who collaborated to reimagine the facility into a modern and welcoming environment.
The Why Not You Foundation has consistently focused on reducing poverty through access to education and youth empowerment programs. The new teen center aligns with that mission, offering a safe space for learning, creativity and community engagement.
The unveiling also underscores Ciara and Wilson’s growing presence in philanthropy. They are a great team or as women say: “GOALS.”
By the way, this happened in March but the really promoted it more recently on social media.
An R&B chick and an NFL star opened teen center in the BX. Will you look at that?
The Why Not You Teen Center now sits as a reminder that meaningful change often begins at the local level…with unlikely super heroes.
Kanye West Albania Concert Set to Go Ahead Despite Global Backlash
Kanye West has been given the go-ahead to move forward with a performance in Albania this summer despite growing criticism tied to his past remarks.
On Thursday (April 30), the country's Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed the show in a brief social media post, citing a July 11 date in the capital, Tirana.
The announcement signals a major international event for the country, even as West continues to face scrutiny in other parts of the world.
Officials in Albania say the concert will not rely on public funding, instead it's being financed through ticket sales. However, government agencies are expected to assist with logistics, citing the potential economic upside.
The country's Ministry of Culture framed the event as an opportunity to boost tourism and elevate Albania's profile as a destination for large-scale entertainment. Leaders have suggested the concert could draw significant international attention and visitors.
"In every aspect, it is our obligation to welcome and facilitate the development of such events that bring numerous benefits to tourism and the economy," the ministry said in a statement.
Reports indicate that organizers are preparing for a massive turnout, with plans for a temporary venue capable of holding tens of thousands of fans, far exceeding the capacity of existing stadiums in Tirana.
On Thursday (April 30), the country's Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed the show in a brief social media post, citing a July 11 date in the capital, Tirana.
The announcement signals a major international event for the country, even as West continues to face scrutiny in other parts of the world.
Officials in Albania say the concert will not rely on public funding, instead it's being financed through ticket sales. However, government agencies are expected to assist with logistics, citing the potential economic upside.
The country's Ministry of Culture framed the event as an opportunity to boost tourism and elevate Albania's profile as a destination for large-scale entertainment. Leaders have suggested the concert could draw significant international attention and visitors.
"In every aspect, it is our obligation to welcome and facilitate the development of such events that bring numerous benefits to tourism and the economy," the ministry said in a statement.
Reports indicate that organizers are preparing for a massive turnout, with plans for a temporary venue capable of holding tens of thousands of fans, far exceeding the capacity of existing stadiums in Tirana.
The move comes as West continues to secure bookings elsewhere. Performances across Europe have been canceled in recent months, and he has faced travel restrictions in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia due to backlash over antisemitic comments and controversial content tied to his music.
Critics within Albania have also voiced concern. Activists and media figures have questioned the decision to promote the event, arguing that hosting West sends the wrong message given his past statements.
Isa Myzyraj, head of the Association of Journalists of Albania, said: "It is incomprehensible why the Prime Minister decides to provoke [people] by promoting Kanye West."
Despite the pushback, government officials in Albania appear committed to the event, emphasizing its potential to drive economic activity and position the country as a hub for major cultural experiences.
West, who has previously issued public apologies for some of his past behavior, has attributed his actions to mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder.
Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized in Florida, Spokesman Says He’s In ‘Critical But Stable Condition’
Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized in Florida. The 81-year-old former mayor of New York City is currently in the hospital, though a reason is currently unknown.
Ted Goodman, a spokesman for the politician, shared a statement about his condition.
“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently in the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition,” he said, via ABC News. “Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak. We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor — Rudy Giuliani.”
Ted also shared the statement on his Twitter/X account on Sunday evening (May 3).
Rudy is best known for serving as NYC mayor from 1994 to 2001. He was at the end of his time in office when the tragic September 11th attacks took place, with the primary election to select the candidates for his succession scheduled for that day.
In 2000, he also ran for US Senate against Hillary Clinton, but dropped out after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was then in the running for the republican nomination in the 2008 Presidential race, but withdrew after poor polling numbers in the primary.
In 2016, Rudy consulted Donald Trump on his Presidential campaign and early on in the administration after his election. He later joined the President’s legal team, and served through the 2020 election. However, Rudy was hit with allegations of engaging in corruption and profiteering while serving as the President’s attorney.
In 2024, he was indicted on charges related to the 2020 election in Arizona, and was disbarred by New York that July, followed by the District of Columbia in September. Last fall, Trump issued a federal pardon to Rudy.
Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized in Florida. The 81-year-old former mayor of New York City is currently in the hospital, though a reason is currently unknown.
Ted Goodman, a spokesman for the politician, shared a statement about his condition.
“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently in the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition,” he said, via ABC News. “Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak. We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor — Rudy Giuliani.”
Ted also shared the statement on his Twitter/X account on Sunday evening (May 3).
Rudy is best known for serving as NYC mayor from 1994 to 2001. He was at the end of his time in office when the tragic September 11th attacks took place, with the primary election to select the candidates for his succession scheduled for that day.
In 2000, he also ran for US Senate against Hillary Clinton, but dropped out after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was then in the running for the republican nomination in the 2008 Presidential race, but withdrew after poor polling numbers in the primary.
In 2016, Rudy consulted Donald Trump on his Presidential campaign and early on in the administration after his election. He later joined the President’s legal team, and served through the 2020 election. However, Rudy was hit with allegations of engaging in corruption and profiteering while serving as the President’s attorney.
In 2024, he was indicted on charges related to the 2020 election in Arizona, and was disbarred by New York that July, followed by the District of Columbia in September. Last fall, Trump issued a federal pardon to Rudy.
Barry Manilow Delays May Las Vegas Shows While Recovering From Surgery
In a message posted on his official Instagram Story on May 1, Manilow shared encouraging news from a recent doctor’s visit. He stated, "Good news! I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I'm making great progress and look great! All the training and exercising I've put in is paying off."
However, Manilow also noted that despite these positive signs, he is not yet ready to perform in Las Vegas. He confirmed that this means he will be unable to fulfill his May residency shows at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
Looking ahead, Manilow expressed confidence regarding his upcoming June concerts in the United Kingdom, indicating he expects to be ready for those arena shows. He added, "The Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home and I'll see you all in July."
This delay is the latest in a series of schedule adjustments following Manilow's lung cancer diagnosis, which was revealed in December 2025. At that time, he announced he had Stage 1 lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his left lung later that same month.
Since his surgery, Manilow has not performed live. His initial February residency dates in Las Vegas were postponed first, followed by the rescheduling of his arena tour launch dates, originally planned from late February through March. Subsequent April arena shows were also pushed back, all in accordance with medical advice emphasizing the need for additional recovery time.
Despite these setbacks, Manilow remains committed to returning to live performances. His Las Vegas residency at the Westgate is set to continue through December 2026. Additionally, his farewell arena tour, titled The Last Concerts, still has rescheduled dates on the calendar.
Barry Manilow has been recognized as the No. 1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time by Billboard. Over his extensive career spanning more than fifty years, he has sold over 85 million albums worldwide and achieved 13 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
His accolades include Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Awards, as well as induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In March 2026, Manilow scored a top 10 Adult Contemporary hit with his single "Once Before I Go," making him the only artist in history to chart on the Adult Contemporary rankings in six consecutive decades, from the 1970s through the 2020s.
Fans can also look forward to his upcoming album What a Time, which is his first release of new material in nearly 15 years and is scheduled for release on June 5, 2026.
As Barry Manilow focuses on his recovery, his supporters eagerly await his return to performing, hopeful to see the iconic artist back on stage later this year.
#BoxOfficeNews: Box Office: ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Dazzles With $77 Million Domestic Debut, Powers to $233 Million Worldwide
Disney’s star-studded sequel has defied box office expectations with $77 million from 4,150 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Those ticket sales tower above the original, which launched to $27.5 million domestically in 2006. They also rank as the fourth-best start of the year, behind “Michael” ($97.5 million), “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($131 million) and “Project Hail Mary” ($80 million).
“Prada 2” racked up another $156.6 million at the international box office, bringing global ticket sales to $233.6 million for the weekend. The sequel secured the second-biggest worldwide debut of 2026, ahead of “Michael” ($217 million) and after “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($372.5 million).
Disney’s 20th Century Studios spent lavishly on the sequel, which was produced for roughly $100 million, not including the worldwide marketing budget. To compare, the first film carried a price tag of around $40 million, not adjusted for inflation. Director David Frankel told the New York Times the sequel’s budget “mostly went to [the cast].” Already, the studio’s investment in more “Prada” is proving to be money well spent; the second film is poised to outgross the original’s lifetime haul in a matter of weeks.
“Very few dramedies do this kind of business once, let alone a second time that’s bigger,” says David A. Gross, who publishes the box office newsletter FranchiseRe. “Audiences, mostly female, can’t get enough.”
Lauren Weisberg’s 2003 novel, a roman à clef about working as an assistant to Vogue boss Anna Wintour, was the basis of the first film. The follow-up, which brought back the original director Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, picks up two decades later as Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs returns to Runway magazine as a features editor under Meryl Streep’s powerful editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Reviews were mixed, but audiences were more receptive and awarded it an “A-“ grade on CinemaScore exit polls. Nearly 75% of opening weekend crowds were women, according to PostTrak.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2″ benefitted from nostalgia as well as the excitement of the original cast — Streep, Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci — returning to their beloved roles after 20 years. The first film, a commercial success with $326 million globally, has remained a generation-spanning cultural touchstone. That’s thanks in part to endlessly quotable lines like “gird your loins!” and “by all means, move at a glacial pace” and one withering monologue about a cerulean-colored sweater.
“I never had any idea that my lines would get quoted to me every single week of my life since the movie has come out,” Blunt told Variety when “The Devil Wears Prada” turned 10.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” was this weekend’s only major new release, so holdover titles rounded out the rest of the box office charts. Second place went to “Michael” with a massive $54 million from 3,955 venues in its second weekend, down just 44% from its debut. Lionsgate’s musical biopic about Michael Jackson has been a major draw with $183.8 million in North America and $423 million globally after just 12 days in theaters.
Universal’s animated “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” landed in third place with $12.1 million from 3,419 locations. After four weekends of release, the family film has earned an impressive $402.67 million domestically and nearly $900 million globally. It’s another juggernaut for Universal, Illumination and Nintendo after the first film generated $574 million in North America and $1.3 billion globally in 2023.
“Project Hail Mary” was No. 4 with $8.5 million from 3,017 venues, another solid hold for the space epic in its seventh weekend of release. So far, the Ryan Gosling-led blockbuster has amassed $318 million in North America and $638.4 million worldwide. It currently stands as Hollywood’s second-highest grossing movie of the year, though “Michael” could soon surpass that benchmark.
Also new to theaters is Neon’s indie thriller “Hokum,” which debuted in fifth place with $6.4 million from 1,855 theaters. It’s a strong start considering the film is playing in far fewer theaters than the rest of the movies in the top five. Adam Scott stars as a writer who travels to an Irish inn to spread the ashes of his parents, unaware that the estate is haunted by an ancient evil. The film earned a “B” grade on CinemaScore, which is strong for the horror genre.
“Audiences are generally in some state of agitation at the end of a horror movie,” Gross adds. “So a ‘B’ score is excellent.”
”Animal Farm,” this weekend’s final newcomer, opened at No. 6 with $3.3 million from 2,600 screens. Angel Studios backed the animated Orwellian remake, which has been saddled with lousy reviews and a weak “C-“ grade on CinemaScore.
Disney’s star-studded sequel has defied box office expectations with $77 million from 4,150 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Those ticket sales tower above the original, which launched to $27.5 million domestically in 2006. They also rank as the fourth-best start of the year, behind “Michael” ($97.5 million), “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($131 million) and “Project Hail Mary” ($80 million).
“Prada 2” racked up another $156.6 million at the international box office, bringing global ticket sales to $233.6 million for the weekend. The sequel secured the second-biggest worldwide debut of 2026, ahead of “Michael” ($217 million) and after “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($372.5 million).
Disney’s 20th Century Studios spent lavishly on the sequel, which was produced for roughly $100 million, not including the worldwide marketing budget. To compare, the first film carried a price tag of around $40 million, not adjusted for inflation. Director David Frankel told the New York Times the sequel’s budget “mostly went to [the cast].” Already, the studio’s investment in more “Prada” is proving to be money well spent; the second film is poised to outgross the original’s lifetime haul in a matter of weeks.
“Very few dramedies do this kind of business once, let alone a second time that’s bigger,” says David A. Gross, who publishes the box office newsletter FranchiseRe. “Audiences, mostly female, can’t get enough.”
Lauren Weisberg’s 2003 novel, a roman à clef about working as an assistant to Vogue boss Anna Wintour, was the basis of the first film. The follow-up, which brought back the original director Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, picks up two decades later as Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs returns to Runway magazine as a features editor under Meryl Streep’s powerful editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Reviews were mixed, but audiences were more receptive and awarded it an “A-“ grade on CinemaScore exit polls. Nearly 75% of opening weekend crowds were women, according to PostTrak.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2″ benefitted from nostalgia as well as the excitement of the original cast — Streep, Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci — returning to their beloved roles after 20 years. The first film, a commercial success with $326 million globally, has remained a generation-spanning cultural touchstone. That’s thanks in part to endlessly quotable lines like “gird your loins!” and “by all means, move at a glacial pace” and one withering monologue about a cerulean-colored sweater.
“I never had any idea that my lines would get quoted to me every single week of my life since the movie has come out,” Blunt told Variety when “The Devil Wears Prada” turned 10.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” was this weekend’s only major new release, so holdover titles rounded out the rest of the box office charts. Second place went to “Michael” with a massive $54 million from 3,955 venues in its second weekend, down just 44% from its debut. Lionsgate’s musical biopic about Michael Jackson has been a major draw with $183.8 million in North America and $423 million globally after just 12 days in theaters.
Universal’s animated “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” landed in third place with $12.1 million from 3,419 locations. After four weekends of release, the family film has earned an impressive $402.67 million domestically and nearly $900 million globally. It’s another juggernaut for Universal, Illumination and Nintendo after the first film generated $574 million in North America and $1.3 billion globally in 2023.
“Project Hail Mary” was No. 4 with $8.5 million from 3,017 venues, another solid hold for the space epic in its seventh weekend of release. So far, the Ryan Gosling-led blockbuster has amassed $318 million in North America and $638.4 million worldwide. It currently stands as Hollywood’s second-highest grossing movie of the year, though “Michael” could soon surpass that benchmark.
Also new to theaters is Neon’s indie thriller “Hokum,” which debuted in fifth place with $6.4 million from 1,855 theaters. It’s a strong start considering the film is playing in far fewer theaters than the rest of the movies in the top five. Adam Scott stars as a writer who travels to an Irish inn to spread the ashes of his parents, unaware that the estate is haunted by an ancient evil. The film earned a “B” grade on CinemaScore, which is strong for the horror genre.
“Audiences are generally in some state of agitation at the end of a horror movie,” Gross adds. “So a ‘B’ score is excellent.”
”Animal Farm,” this weekend’s final newcomer, opened at No. 6 with $3.3 million from 2,600 screens. Angel Studios backed the animated Orwellian remake, which has been saddled with lousy reviews and a weak “C-“ grade on CinemaScore.
Tatyana Ali Shares Horrific Birthing Story: “They Basically Pushed Him Back Inside Me”
Tatyana Ali shared her horrific maternal healthcare experience in a recent interview. The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actress, 47, shares two sons with her husband, Stanford English professor Vaughn Rasberry.
Tatyana said she is helping to raise awareness of racial bias in maternal healthcare after her horrific experience while giving birth to her first son. “I experienced obstetric violence in the hospital,” she said.
Tatyana said the doctor forced her to have a C-section when she didn’t want one. Labor and delivery staff pinned her arms and legs to the bed during her ordeal.
Speaking to Future of Personal Health, Tatyana explained: “My first birth experience led me to the reproductive justice movement. After a very joyful and healthy pregnancy, I experienced obstetric violence in the hospital. Our baby spent four days in the NICU, and we were left extremely traumatized. My journey began with questions: Why was our birth plan ignored? Why was I repeatedly urged to take an epidural when I didn’t want it? Why did they forcibly pin my arms and legs down to the bed? I discovered that my story is commonplace among Black birthing people.”
She continued: “I also realize that my family is lucky because my baby and I survived and I am able to tell my own story. I will continue to do this work until all Black mothers and families are safe.”
When asked what “some of the biggest obstacles Black women” face when giving birth were, Tatyana responded: “Bias. There are still people in the medical profession who believe that Black skin is thicker and that we feel less pain than others. There are people in healthcare who believe that we don’t want the best for our children and our families. There are people in healthcare who believe that we lack the cognitive intelligence or morality to make choices for ourselves. There are people who believe we are unworthy of bodily autonomy.”
Tatyana said the American healthcare system prioritizes profit over good patient care.
“Our healthcare system prioritizes money and centralized authority over lives,” she added. “In 2016, my emergency C-section and the subsequent NICU care my son needed after the abuse we endured cost $250,000. I am a SAG-AFTRA union member with good coverage. I was covered by my husband’s insurance as well at the time. The insurance company paid the hospital right away, no questions asked.”
Tatyana shared more details during an appearance on “Pod Meets World” on Monday. She explained she remains focused on advocating for black maternal healthcare.
“Once I realized that what happened to me and to my kids, my family… Once I realized that our story, our trauma is very commonplace, I have to tell you, it was just real anger. That something so awful could be so common.”
She continued: “Once it was time for us to leave the hospital, and this is after my son had been in the NICU — he couldn’t pee on his own for a long time, for about five or six days — and it actually was a pediatric urologist who is the only one who came to my side and said: ‘I saw what happened during your birth.’ The things that resulted in this emergency C-section, she said: “I think the traumatic nature of his birth is what is causing this,’ and that was the only person in the whole hospital who mentioned what happened. There was a lot of gaslighting.”
“I mean, they pushed him back inside me,” Tatyana shared. “That’s what happened. My baby was all the way crowned… In my records, it shows that he goes from the lowest station — I saw his hair, I touched his hair — to the highest station. And it doesn’t say how that happened. It’s an incredibly dangerous thing that they did; they could have snapped his neck. This is after hours of them holding me down.”
Tatyana said she is helping to raise awareness of racial bias in maternal healthcare after her horrific experience while giving birth to her first son. “I experienced obstetric violence in the hospital,” she said.
Tatyana said the doctor forced her to have a C-section when she didn’t want one. Labor and delivery staff pinned her arms and legs to the bed during her ordeal.
Speaking to Future of Personal Health, Tatyana explained: “My first birth experience led me to the reproductive justice movement. After a very joyful and healthy pregnancy, I experienced obstetric violence in the hospital. Our baby spent four days in the NICU, and we were left extremely traumatized. My journey began with questions: Why was our birth plan ignored? Why was I repeatedly urged to take an epidural when I didn’t want it? Why did they forcibly pin my arms and legs down to the bed? I discovered that my story is commonplace among Black birthing people.”
She continued: “I also realize that my family is lucky because my baby and I survived and I am able to tell my own story. I will continue to do this work until all Black mothers and families are safe.”
When asked what “some of the biggest obstacles Black women” face when giving birth were, Tatyana responded: “Bias. There are still people in the medical profession who believe that Black skin is thicker and that we feel less pain than others. There are people in healthcare who believe that we don’t want the best for our children and our families. There are people in healthcare who believe that we lack the cognitive intelligence or morality to make choices for ourselves. There are people who believe we are unworthy of bodily autonomy.”
Tatyana said the American healthcare system prioritizes profit over good patient care.
“Our healthcare system prioritizes money and centralized authority over lives,” she added. “In 2016, my emergency C-section and the subsequent NICU care my son needed after the abuse we endured cost $250,000. I am a SAG-AFTRA union member with good coverage. I was covered by my husband’s insurance as well at the time. The insurance company paid the hospital right away, no questions asked.”
Tatyana shared more details during an appearance on “Pod Meets World” on Monday. She explained she remains focused on advocating for black maternal healthcare.
“Once I realized that what happened to me and to my kids, my family… Once I realized that our story, our trauma is very commonplace, I have to tell you, it was just real anger. That something so awful could be so common.”
She continued: “Once it was time for us to leave the hospital, and this is after my son had been in the NICU — he couldn’t pee on his own for a long time, for about five or six days — and it actually was a pediatric urologist who is the only one who came to my side and said: ‘I saw what happened during your birth.’ The things that resulted in this emergency C-section, she said: “I think the traumatic nature of his birth is what is causing this,’ and that was the only person in the whole hospital who mentioned what happened. There was a lot of gaslighting.”
“I mean, they pushed him back inside me,” Tatyana shared. “That’s what happened. My baby was all the way crowned… In my records, it shows that he goes from the lowest station — I saw his hair, I touched his hair — to the highest station. And it doesn’t say how that happened. It’s an incredibly dangerous thing that they did; they could have snapped his neck. This is after hours of them holding me down.”
Oscars: New rules announced - AI actors and scripts cannot win awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, addressed the use of artificial intelligence in performances and scripts for the 2027 Academy Awards.
As part of its annual review of Oscar eligibility rules, the Academy has tackled the issue of AI.
While the new rules state that “the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination” and that each branch “will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award,” the Academy are reserving the right to request more information from the filmmaking team about the nature of the use of AI and “human authorship.”
“Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor. “As AI continues to evolve, our conversations around AI will do so along with that. But for the academy, we are always going to put human authorship at the center of our awards eligibility process.”
When it comes to the eligibility of performances, only roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” will be considered.
The organization declined to comment on whether the upcoming AI-generated Val Kilmer performance would be eligible.
“We will review that on a case-by-case basis,” Kramer said. “We, like everybody in our industry and world, we will be assessing this every year.”
There is much less ambiguity in the screenplay categories, where the rules state that “screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.”
Elsewhere, and in a notable shake-up, actors may now be nominated for multiple performances in the same category. For decades, it was not possible for an actor to be nominated twice for the same acting category.
Additionally, the academy revised its longstanding policy that the category of Best International Feature only consider one film per country or region, as determined by a local academy-approved selection committee. From now on, a non-English language film can qualify by winning the top prize at one of several major film festivals, including Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and Venice. A single country can now also have more than one film nominated in the category, and all the international films will be credited as the nominee, not the country or region.
The Academy’s changes come as industry tensions continue to grow. More and more A-listers are addressing the existential threat that AI poses, especially in the face of AI-generated actors making headlines.
They also coincide with recent comments made by Evangeline Lilly, who has criticised Disney for firing Marvel employees, largely from the visual development team, as part of company-wide layoffs.
This has led to speculation the company may be pivoting to AI for its special effects, although Marvel have made no official announcement confirming this.
Lilly, who starred in Marvel’s Ant-Man films, as well as appearing in Avengers: Endgame, took to Instagram to accuse Disney of turning its back on the people who built the MCU’s success.
“I reached out to my good friend Andy Park, who was the genius behind creating the original Wasp super-suit and concept drawings, and I said, ‘Is this true? Is this really what’s happening?’ He said, ‘Yeah, it’s true.’”
She continued: “I can’t quite believe that… that Disney has let go of the artists who brought the Marvel Universe to life through their genius and that the people who invented these characters and who designed them are being replaced by AI. AI that will take their designs and take what they created and use it to create iterations of that. I am so sorry, Andy. I am so sorry to every one of the artists who were let go.”
Lilly wrote in her Instagram caption: “Disney, SHAME ON YOU for turning your back on the people who built the power you are now using to throw them away,” before questioning the laws surrounding replacing human workers with AI.
“Where are the laws that REMOVE all human art from the AI bank?!?” she asked. “Why do they get to steal our brilliance and use it to make executives rich while the artists responsible for feeding their robots go hungry?? Disgusting. California lawmakers…where are you?!?!?”
Kim Kardashian’s Skims Faces Legal Battle Over “Fits Everybody” Name
Kim Kardashian’s massive fashion brand is heading to court after a small New York designer claimed the mogul’s “Fits Everybody” line is a direct violation of her trademark.
Denise Cesare, the owner of Fits Everybody To A T, filed a 43-page lawsuit in the Southern District of New York. The filing claims that Skims moved forward with its collection even “after receiving repeated, unequivocal notice” that Cesare already owned the rights to the name.
The legal battle highlights a major power struggle between a $5 billion empire and a self-funded entrepreneur. According to the documents, Cesare has been operating her brand for nearly ten years, while Skims didn’t hit the scene until 2019.
Her legal team argues that Kardashian’s brand made a “calculated decision” to use the name anyway, “relying on its overwhelming financial resources, celebrity connections, and marketing machine to simply crush” the smaller business. They allege that Skims likely believed the “small business owner would likely lack the resources to fight back.”
The impact of the similar branding has been devastating for the original creator. Cesare’s team says her brand is now “effectively invisible” online because Skims has saturated the market. Despite the USPTO rejecting the Skims application twice due to a “likelihood of confusion,” the shapewear brand has reportedly earned up to $900 million from that specific collection.
Cesare’s attorney, Jessica Mathews, made it clear that they aren’t backing down.
“Trademark law doesn’t care how big you are or how many followers you have,” she said. “It cares about who was first to use the mark. Our client was first, and had no choice but to file suit to protect her brand and small business.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, addressed the use of artificial intelligence in performances and scripts for the 2027 Academy Awards.
As part of its annual review of Oscar eligibility rules, the Academy has tackled the issue of AI.
While the new rules state that “the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination” and that each branch “will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award,” the Academy are reserving the right to request more information from the filmmaking team about the nature of the use of AI and “human authorship.”
“Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor. “As AI continues to evolve, our conversations around AI will do so along with that. But for the academy, we are always going to put human authorship at the center of our awards eligibility process.”
When it comes to the eligibility of performances, only roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” will be considered.
The organization declined to comment on whether the upcoming AI-generated Val Kilmer performance would be eligible.
“We will review that on a case-by-case basis,” Kramer said. “We, like everybody in our industry and world, we will be assessing this every year.”
There is much less ambiguity in the screenplay categories, where the rules state that “screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.”
Elsewhere, and in a notable shake-up, actors may now be nominated for multiple performances in the same category. For decades, it was not possible for an actor to be nominated twice for the same acting category.
Additionally, the academy revised its longstanding policy that the category of Best International Feature only consider one film per country or region, as determined by a local academy-approved selection committee. From now on, a non-English language film can qualify by winning the top prize at one of several major film festivals, including Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and Venice. A single country can now also have more than one film nominated in the category, and all the international films will be credited as the nominee, not the country or region.
The Academy’s changes come as industry tensions continue to grow. More and more A-listers are addressing the existential threat that AI poses, especially in the face of AI-generated actors making headlines.
They also coincide with recent comments made by Evangeline Lilly, who has criticised Disney for firing Marvel employees, largely from the visual development team, as part of company-wide layoffs.
This has led to speculation the company may be pivoting to AI for its special effects, although Marvel have made no official announcement confirming this.
Lilly, who starred in Marvel’s Ant-Man films, as well as appearing in Avengers: Endgame, took to Instagram to accuse Disney of turning its back on the people who built the MCU’s success.
“I reached out to my good friend Andy Park, who was the genius behind creating the original Wasp super-suit and concept drawings, and I said, ‘Is this true? Is this really what’s happening?’ He said, ‘Yeah, it’s true.’”
She continued: “I can’t quite believe that… that Disney has let go of the artists who brought the Marvel Universe to life through their genius and that the people who invented these characters and who designed them are being replaced by AI. AI that will take their designs and take what they created and use it to create iterations of that. I am so sorry, Andy. I am so sorry to every one of the artists who were let go.”
Lilly wrote in her Instagram caption: “Disney, SHAME ON YOU for turning your back on the people who built the power you are now using to throw them away,” before questioning the laws surrounding replacing human workers with AI.
“Where are the laws that REMOVE all human art from the AI bank?!?” she asked. “Why do they get to steal our brilliance and use it to make executives rich while the artists responsible for feeding their robots go hungry?? Disgusting. California lawmakers…where are you?!?!?”
Kim Kardashian’s Skims Faces Legal Battle Over “Fits Everybody” Name
Denise Cesare, the owner of Fits Everybody To A T, filed a 43-page lawsuit in the Southern District of New York. The filing claims that Skims moved forward with its collection even “after receiving repeated, unequivocal notice” that Cesare already owned the rights to the name.
The legal battle highlights a major power struggle between a $5 billion empire and a self-funded entrepreneur. According to the documents, Cesare has been operating her brand for nearly ten years, while Skims didn’t hit the scene until 2019.
Her legal team argues that Kardashian’s brand made a “calculated decision” to use the name anyway, “relying on its overwhelming financial resources, celebrity connections, and marketing machine to simply crush” the smaller business. They allege that Skims likely believed the “small business owner would likely lack the resources to fight back.”
The impact of the similar branding has been devastating for the original creator. Cesare’s team says her brand is now “effectively invisible” online because Skims has saturated the market. Despite the USPTO rejecting the Skims application twice due to a “likelihood of confusion,” the shapewear brand has reportedly earned up to $900 million from that specific collection.
Cesare’s attorney, Jessica Mathews, made it clear that they aren’t backing down.
“Trademark law doesn’t care how big you are or how many followers you have,” she said. “It cares about who was first to use the mark. Our client was first, and had no choice but to file suit to protect her brand and small business.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Stray Dog goes into Walmart and chills in the Frozen Food Section
Just an instacart or DD shopper who brought their dog in to chill.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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