#FRAGRANCEFAB: Jonathan Bailey is the New Giorgio Armani Fragrance Ambassador
Jonathan Bailey has conquered dinosaurs, charmed the Regency era, and stolen countless hearts. Now, Jonathan Bailey is adding another impressive title to his growing résumé: the face of Giorgio Armani’s newest men’s fragrance, I Will.
Naturally, a major fragrance launch deserves a campaign to match. Bailey headlines the cinematic new promotion directed by Academy Award nominee Todd Field, bringing his signature mix of elegance, warmth, and irresistible magnetism to every frame. Forget dramatic shirtless moments. Bailey somehow manages to turn a perfectly tailored suit into one of the sexiest things you’ll see all week.
While it’s easy to get distracted by Jonathan’s impossibly charming smile and effortless style, the actor says the fragrance’s message goes much deeper than looking good.
Speaking with People, Bailey explained that the name I Will represents intention and personal growth.
“I think it’s about intention, being patient, and specific,” he shared. “I think ‘I Will’ feels like a commitment to a future version of yourself and to growth. It’s an important idea, at a time where I think everyone’s looking for focus and confidence and integrity.”
That philosophy fits Bailey remarkably well. Whether he’s portraying emotionally layered characters or championing causes outside Hollywood, he has built a reputation for leading with authenticity as much as talent.
The Armani campaign also marks another exciting chapter in the actor’s increasingly busy schedule.
The Shameless Fund founder recently stepped back from acting to dedicate time to expanding the organization’s work and identifying the right people to support its mission. Now, he is steadily making his return to the spotlight with an enviable lineup of projects.
First up is Audible’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, arriving on October 1, where the actor lends his voice to none other than Count Dracula himself. If anyone can make the Prince of Darkness sound dangerously alluring, our money is firmly on Jonathan Bailey.
He’s also set to appear alongside Natalie Portman in Pumping Black, adding another high-profile film to his growing list of credits. As if that weren’t enough, Bailey is preparing to return to the stage in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. Originally, the production was expected to reunite him with his Wicked co-star and close friend Ariana Grande. However, Grande recently withdrew from the project to take a break from public-facing work, leaving Bailey to carry the theatrical torch.
Naturally, a major fragrance launch deserves a campaign to match. Bailey headlines the cinematic new promotion directed by Academy Award nominee Todd Field, bringing his signature mix of elegance, warmth, and irresistible magnetism to every frame. Forget dramatic shirtless moments. Bailey somehow manages to turn a perfectly tailored suit into one of the sexiest things you’ll see all week.
While it’s easy to get distracted by Jonathan’s impossibly charming smile and effortless style, the actor says the fragrance’s message goes much deeper than looking good.
Speaking with People, Bailey explained that the name I Will represents intention and personal growth.
That philosophy fits Bailey remarkably well. Whether he’s portraying emotionally layered characters or championing causes outside Hollywood, he has built a reputation for leading with authenticity as much as talent.
The Armani campaign also marks another exciting chapter in the actor’s increasingly busy schedule.
The Shameless Fund founder recently stepped back from acting to dedicate time to expanding the organization’s work and identifying the right people to support its mission. Now, he is steadily making his return to the spotlight with an enviable lineup of projects.
First up is Audible’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, arriving on October 1, where the actor lends his voice to none other than Count Dracula himself. If anyone can make the Prince of Darkness sound dangerously alluring, our money is firmly on Jonathan Bailey.
At this point, the Wicked actor’s career is beginning to feel like an overachiever’s dream board come to life. Award-worthy performances? Check. Blockbuster franchises? Check. Stage productions? Check. Charity work? Check. Luxury fragrance campaign that somehow leaves us questioning our ability to function? Very much check.
Whether he’s outrunning prehistoric predators, commanding a ballroom as a viscount, or quietly making everyone reconsider their next cologne purchase, Jonathan Bailey continues to prove that genuine confidence never goes out of style. And honestly, if I Will smells even half as captivating as its ambassador looks, Giorgio Armani may have another instant classic on its hands.Nice!
#RHOA: Everything to Know About Nene Leakes And Her Bravo Return
Nene Leakes is returning to Bravo with appearances on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, reconnecting with former castmates including Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, and Kim Zolciak.
Nene was a central figure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from Season 1 through Season 7 and again from Seasons 10 to 12, while also building a career in acting, Broadway, writing, and business ventures such as Swagg Boutique and The Linnethia Lounge.
Nene was married to Gregg Leakes for many years before he passed away in 2021, and she has since kept her dating life relatively private, though she's been linked to attorney Arthur Horne III and designer Nyonisela Sioh.
Nene Leakes is making her return to Bravo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th premieres on Sunday, August 9 at 9 p.m. EST. Episodes stream next day on Peacock.
In a preview for the new season of RHUGT, (premiering on Bravo on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m. ET) The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum can be seen helping RHUGT Season 6 cast member Porsha Williams pack her bags for the getaway.
"How dare we celebrate 20 years as Housewives and leave out the Nene Leakes?" Porsha asks in a confessional, as seen in the video above, before revealing that this isn't the last that people will see of Nene. "The queen herself will be making an appearance when we enter Atlanta."
Nene is still friends with Porsha, as seen in a RHUGT Season 6 clip. In it, the women admitted that it had been a "long time" since they reunited, but they quickly caught up on many things, including Porsha's relationship with Patrice “Sway” McKinney.
Nene is also still friends with RHOA Season 17 friend Cynthia Bailey, who shared an update on their friendship during a podcast episode in August 2025. "I'm in such a full circle moment with Nene. I love the space we're in," Cynthia said.
Nene is also still friendly with RHOA alum Kim Zolciak, who she has had a history with. "Kim and I are on a good page. We don't have any problems. I've bumped into her several times," Nene told Vulture in May. "I actually just DM'ed her the other day, thank you."
Nene owned the women's clothing store, Swagg Boutique, which closed several locations in 2020. She also owned The Linnethia Lounge, a restaurant and bar located in Duluth, Georgia.
In addition to owning businesses, Nene has also dabbled in acting and writing. She acted in roles on shows like Glee and The New Normal, showing off her acting chops and personality. In 2014, she made her Broadway debut as the wicked stepmother, Madame, in Cinderella, before her run ended in January 2015.
On top of this, in 2011, she published her memoir, Never Make The Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way. In her memoir, according to the publisher, Nene details her journey from growing up, to raising her two sons, to accomplishing her dreams.
#MusicNews: Ariana Grande Achieves Seventh No. 1 Album On Billboard 200 With ‘Petal’
Nene was a central figure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from Season 1 through Season 7 and again from Seasons 10 to 12, while also building a career in acting, Broadway, writing, and business ventures such as Swagg Boutique and The Linnethia Lounge.
Nene was married to Gregg Leakes for many years before he passed away in 2021, and she has since kept her dating life relatively private, though she's been linked to attorney Arthur Horne III and designer Nyonisela Sioh.
Nene Leakes is making her return to Bravo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th premieres on Sunday, August 9 at 9 p.m. EST. Episodes stream next day on Peacock.
In a preview for the new season of RHUGT, (premiering on Bravo on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m. ET) The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum can be seen helping RHUGT Season 6 cast member Porsha Williams pack her bags for the getaway.
"How dare we celebrate 20 years as Housewives and leave out the Nene Leakes?" Porsha asks in a confessional, as seen in the video above, before revealing that this isn't the last that people will see of Nene. "The queen herself will be making an appearance when we enter Atlanta."
Nene is still friends with Porsha, as seen in a RHUGT Season 6 clip. In it, the women admitted that it had been a "long time" since they reunited, but they quickly caught up on many things, including Porsha's relationship with Patrice “Sway” McKinney.
Nene is also still friends with RHOA Season 17 friend Cynthia Bailey, who shared an update on their friendship during a podcast episode in August 2025. "I'm in such a full circle moment with Nene. I love the space we're in," Cynthia said.
Nene is also still friendly with RHOA alum Kim Zolciak, who she has had a history with. "Kim and I are on a good page. We don't have any problems. I've bumped into her several times," Nene told Vulture in May. "I actually just DM'ed her the other day, thank you."
Nene owned the women's clothing store, Swagg Boutique, which closed several locations in 2020. She also owned The Linnethia Lounge, a restaurant and bar located in Duluth, Georgia.
In addition to owning businesses, Nene has also dabbled in acting and writing. She acted in roles on shows like Glee and The New Normal, showing off her acting chops and personality. In 2014, she made her Broadway debut as the wicked stepmother, Madame, in Cinderella, before her run ended in January 2015.
On top of this, in 2011, she published her memoir, Never Make The Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way. In her memoir, according to the publisher, Nene details her journey from growing up, to raising her two sons, to accomplishing her dreams.
#MusicNews: Ariana Grande Achieves Seventh No. 1 Album On Billboard 200 With ‘Petal’
Ariana Grande earns her seventh No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as petal premieres atop the Aug. 15-dated tally. The set launches with 295,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the week ending Aug. 6, marking the singer-songwriter’s biggest week by units in the 2020s. The set also bows with Grande’s biggest week by pure album sales in more than a decade.With a seventh No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Grande ties for the fifth-most leaders among solo women. Taylor Swift leads with 15, followed by Barbra Streisand (11), Madonna (10), Beyoncé (eight) and Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga and Grande (seven each), dating to the chart’s start as a regularly published ranking in 1956.
Grande previously led with Eternal Sunshine (No. 1 for three weeks in 2024), Positions (two, 2020), Thank U, Next (two, 2019), Sweetener (one, 2018), My Everything (one, 2014) and Yours Truly (2013). Further, the new album marks the entertainer’s 10th top 10 on the chart.
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 2,500 ad-supported or 1,000 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Aug. 15, 2026-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Aug. 11. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X and Instagram.
Of petal’s 295,000 equivalent album units earned in the tracking week, album sales comprise 168,000 (Grande’s second-largest sales week ever — it debuts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales), SEA units comprise 126,000 (equaling 128.83 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs — it also debuts at No. 1 on Top Streaming Albums) and 1,000 TEA units.
Grande’s only larger album sales week was registered when My Everything debuted with 169,000 sold in 2014.
The new set was released in its first week across more than 10 digital download and streaming variants (including six with assorted bonus tracks including live cuts, voice notes, a cappellas and instrumentals), 10 vinyl variants (including a signed edition), five CD variants (including a signed edition) and two cassettes. Its vinyl sales totaled 96,000 for the week — Grande’s best week on vinyl ever, and 2026’s fifth-largest week on vinyl overall.
Grande’s new album was announced on April 28 and preceded by her ninth No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” which debuted atop the list dated June 13.
Grande is in the midst of her The Eternal Sunshine Tour, which launched on June 6 and continues through Sept. 1.
#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion Headed To Trial To Fight Harassment, Wage Lawsuit Filed By Her Former Photographer
According to documents obtained by XXL, a New York federal judge on Friday (Aug. 7) denied Megan Thee Stallion's attorneys' motion for summary judgment and ruled that a lawsuit by her former photographer, Emilio Garcia, must proceed to trial. As previously reported, Garcia filed a lawsuit in April of 2024 accusing the Houston rapper of alleged harassment and having a hostile work environment. He also accuses Megan of fat-shaming him while also failing to pay him properly in violation of numerous labor codes.
In his suit, the former cameraman claimed that during a trip to Ibiza, Spain in 2022, he was trapped in a car with Megan while she was having sex with another woman. Garcia further alleges that on the following day, Megan ordered him to, "Don't ever discuss what you saw."
In court documents submitted on Friday, Judge Gregory Woods found conflicting evidence regarding harassment and the workplace environment, allegations of failure to pay wages, and unfair business practices to require that the case go to trial.
"We thank Judge Woods for taking the time to review and consider the evidence which led to his substantive ruling primarily in Mr. Garcia's favor," said Garcia's attorney Ron Zambrano, a partner and Employment Litigation Chair at West Coast Employment Lawyers, in a statement. "Mr. Garcia is looking forward to having his day in court."
Other litigants named in the suit include Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment, Inc., Hot Girl Touring, LLC, and Roc Nation.
Megan Thee Stallion has vehemently denied Garcia's allegations, along with her high-powered attorney, Alex Spiro, who described the case as a money grab.
Legal teams for both parties are now expected to submit letters to the court on the expected length of the trial before the judge sets a date.
#PRAYERS: NFL Legend Roger Craig reveals vascular dementia diagnosis
Roger Craig, the former San Francisco 49ers running back enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, revealed in a prerecorded video message that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Craig, who turned 66 last month, said his doctors believe the condition may be linked, at least in part, to concussions he sustained during his playing career. He delivered the news roughly eight minutes into a nine minute speech played at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio, while he sat on stage in his gold jacket alongside his son and his presenter, longtime teammate Jamie Williams. The crowd gave him a standing ovation, and fellow Hall of Famers on stage greeted him with hugs before he unveiled his bronze bust.
What is vascular dementia, and how does it relate to football? Vascular dementia describes changes in memory and thinking that occur when blood flow to part of the brain is reduced, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common symptoms include confusion, difficulty finding words, trouble organizing thoughts or following through on plans, slowed thinking and memory problems. It ranks as the second most common form of dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease. Some reporting on Craig’s announcement described his diagnosis as early stage. Researchers have increasingly examined potential links between repeated head trauma in contact sports and various forms of cognitive decline later in life, though Craig and his doctors described the connection to his football career as only a partial factor rather than a confirmed sole cause.
Craig said the changes came on gradually and were easy to dismiss at first as normal aging. Over time, he said, his family began noticing the same shifts, which eventually led the group to seek answers from his doctor. He said he wanted to share the diagnosis publicly in hopes it might encourage someone else, whether a former player or a family member, to pay closer attention to their own brain health and seek help if something feels off. He was careful to note that the diagnosis does not change who he is, saying he remains a father, a husband, a teammate and a friend, and that sharing his story would be worth it if it helped even one other family.
Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft out of Nebraska, Craig became one of the most versatile players of his era, excelling as a runner, receiver and blocker. He helped San Francisco win three Super Bowls alongside fellow Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott. In 1985, he became the first player in NFL history to top 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, a feat he described as feeling less like chasing a record and more like part of a team built around winning. He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1988 and his lone First Team All Pro selection that same season. Craig closed his career with a season for the Los Angeles Raiders and two years with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring after the 1993 season. He entered the Hall of Fame as a senior candidate in his 28th year of eligibility, part of a 2026 class that also included Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.
Craig’s announcement lands during a period of heightened attention to football’s long term effects on the brain. Over the past year, families of several former players have donated their brains for examination after suspecting head injuries contributed to their deaths, including Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November, and Hall of Fame defensive lineman Steve McMichael, who died in April from complications related to ALS. Both were later found to have had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative condition linked to repeated head trauma. Anyone affected by the topics raised here can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by call or text.
Mary Mary's Tina Campbell Asks Judge For Primary Custody Of Kids After Ex Hits Her With Divorce
Trecina "Tina" Campbell is responding to her husband's divorce filing ... and she wants primary custody of their kids ... TMZ has learned.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, one-half of the gospel powerhouse duo Mary Mary is asking the judge for legal and physical custody of their two minor children ... but she's open to estranged husband Glendon "Teddy" Campbell getting visitation.
Tina also checked the box to block the court's ability to award her or Teddy any spousal support.
She lists the date of separation as August 8, 2024 ... and says there are no assets or debts to divide, although she doesn't specifically reference any prenup.
Teddy filed for divorce in Los Angeles County in April … citing the standard irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. He didn't check any boxes about custody in his filing.
Teddy says the couple tied the knot back in August 2000.
Tina rose to fame in the late '90s alongside her sister Erica Campbell ... turning Mary Mary into a gospel-meets-R&B juggernaut with crossover appeal.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, one-half of the gospel powerhouse duo Mary Mary is asking the judge for legal and physical custody of their two minor children ... but she's open to estranged husband Glendon "Teddy" Campbell getting visitation.
Tina also checked the box to block the court's ability to award her or Teddy any spousal support.
She lists the date of separation as August 8, 2024 ... and says there are no assets or debts to divide, although she doesn't specifically reference any prenup.
Teddy filed for divorce in Los Angeles County in April … citing the standard irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. He didn't check any boxes about custody in his filing.
Teddy says the couple tied the knot back in August 2000.
Tina rose to fame in the late '90s alongside her sister Erica Campbell ... turning Mary Mary into a gospel-meets-R&B juggernaut with crossover appeal.
Mario Opens up About Reconciling With His Father After His Mom’s Death
Mario is opening up about how one of the darkest moments of his life helped heal one of his oldest wounds.
During a recent appearance on Way Up with Angela Yee, the R&B singer reflected on reconnecting with his father after the death of his mother, explaining that her funeral changed the way he viewed the relationship they never truly had.
Asked what advice he would give people who grew up without a father and struggle with forgiveness, Mario admitted the process wasn't easy.
"It was hard for me because you don't know what you're missing if you never had it," he said.
Mario explained that everything shifted during his mother's funeral in 2017.
"It wasn't until my mother's funeral that I actually felt like, 'Damn,'" he recalled. "He was the only person in that moment when her casket was closing that could console me."
Although his father had largely been absent throughout his childhood, Mario said something deeper happened in that moment.
"Even though he wasn't in my life, it was a spiritual thing," he said. "He was the only person that could hug me and it felt like, 'Yo, you're not alone. You did everything you could.'"
That experience convinced him it was time to rebuild their relationship.
"In that moment I was like, 'Yo, I got to rekindle this relationship because I got one parent left,'" Mario said. "So that's when, for me, it shifted."
Mario has spoken candidly over the years about growing up without his father and the impact it had on his self-worth. He has previously said that not having a father figure contributed to struggles with loving himself and understanding healthy relationships with men.
The singer's mother, Shawntia Hardaway, died in June 2017 following a long battle with addiction. Before her passing, Mario spent years trying to help her recover, investing significant time and money into rehabilitation programs. He later described watching her casket being lowered as the moment he fully accepted her loss.
That grief shaped much of his later music, particularly his 2018 album Dancing Shadows and the emotional single "Care for You," which revisited his childhood and his mother's addiction while encouraging vulnerability.
Outside of music, Mario has continued advocating for families affected by substance abuse through his Mario Do Right Foundation, which he launched in 2008. He has repeatedly urged families not to blame themselves for a loved one's addiction and has emphasized that addiction impacts entire families, not just the individual struggling with it.
Mario is opening up about how one of the darkest moments of his life helped heal one of his oldest wounds.
During a recent appearance on Way Up with Angela Yee, the R&B singer reflected on reconnecting with his father after the death of his mother, explaining that her funeral changed the way he viewed the relationship they never truly had.
Asked what advice he would give people who grew up without a father and struggle with forgiveness, Mario admitted the process wasn't easy.
"It was hard for me because you don't know what you're missing if you never had it," he said.
Mario explained that everything shifted during his mother's funeral in 2017.
"It wasn't until my mother's funeral that I actually felt like, 'Damn,'" he recalled. "He was the only person in that moment when her casket was closing that could console me."
Although his father had largely been absent throughout his childhood, Mario said something deeper happened in that moment.
"Even though he wasn't in my life, it was a spiritual thing," he said. "He was the only person that could hug me and it felt like, 'Yo, you're not alone. You did everything you could.'"
That experience convinced him it was time to rebuild their relationship.
"In that moment I was like, 'Yo, I got to rekindle this relationship because I got one parent left,'" Mario said. "So that's when, for me, it shifted."
Mario has spoken candidly over the years about growing up without his father and the impact it had on his self-worth. He has previously said that not having a father figure contributed to struggles with loving himself and understanding healthy relationships with men.
The singer's mother, Shawntia Hardaway, died in June 2017 following a long battle with addiction. Before her passing, Mario spent years trying to help her recover, investing significant time and money into rehabilitation programs. He later described watching her casket being lowered as the moment he fully accepted her loss.
That grief shaped much of his later music, particularly his 2018 album Dancing Shadows and the emotional single "Care for You," which revisited his childhood and his mother's addiction while encouraging vulnerability.
Outside of music, Mario has continued advocating for families affected by substance abuse through his Mario Do Right Foundation, which he launched in 2008. He has repeatedly urged families not to blame themselves for a loved one's addiction and has emphasized that addiction impacts entire families, not just the individual struggling with it.
Usher Denies Having Body Double During New Jersey Performance: 'They Can't Clone This'
Usher is shutting down speculation that he used a body double during a recent concert in New Jersey.
The R&B superstar addressed the rumors on social media after clips from his latest show sparked online debate, with some fans claiming the performer on stage wasn't actually him.
"Ya'll are funny .... clone? They can't clone this??" Usher wrote, dismissing the theory that a stand-in had taken his place during the performance. "How y'all come up with this. A.I. ain't that advanced."
The speculation gained traction after concert footage circulated online, with some viewers questioning Usher's appearance and movements during portions of the show. Others suggested the singer may have used a body double while changing outfits or preparing for another segment of the production.
Usher, however, quickly put the rumors to rest with his blunt response, making it clear he was the one on stage throughout the performance. The singer has not offered any further explanation beyond his social media response, but his message left little room for interpretation.
The rumors come as Usher continues to make headlines during his Raymond & Brown Tour with Chris Brown. During the Aug. 7 stop at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the show was delayed by severe weather before eventually delivering nearly three hours of performances, elaborate choreography and surprise guest appearances.
One of the night's biggest moments came when 50 Cent made an unannounced appearance alongside Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performing a medley of Get Rich or Die Tryin' classics including "What Up Gangsta," "Many Men," and "P.I.M.P." The cameo capped off a whirlwind evening for 50, who had already performed earlier that night at Fuerza Regida's sold-out stadium show at Citi Field.
The concert also featured Jadakiss joining Usher for "Throwback" before teaming with Fat Joe for "New York." Usher celebrated the 25th anniversary of 8701 with performances of "U Remind Me," "U Don't Have to Call," and "U Got It Bad," while he and Chris Brown linked up for "Back to Sleep (Remix)" and "New Flame." Brown also ran through fan favorites including "Take You Down," "Don't Judge Me," and "Residuals."
The R&B superstar addressed the rumors on social media after clips from his latest show sparked online debate, with some fans claiming the performer on stage wasn't actually him.
"Ya'll are funny .... clone? They can't clone this??" Usher wrote, dismissing the theory that a stand-in had taken his place during the performance. "How y'all come up with this. A.I. ain't that advanced."
The speculation gained traction after concert footage circulated online, with some viewers questioning Usher's appearance and movements during portions of the show. Others suggested the singer may have used a body double while changing outfits or preparing for another segment of the production.
Usher, however, quickly put the rumors to rest with his blunt response, making it clear he was the one on stage throughout the performance. The singer has not offered any further explanation beyond his social media response, but his message left little room for interpretation.
The rumors come as Usher continues to make headlines during his Raymond & Brown Tour with Chris Brown. During the Aug. 7 stop at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the show was delayed by severe weather before eventually delivering nearly three hours of performances, elaborate choreography and surprise guest appearances.
One of the night's biggest moments came when 50 Cent made an unannounced appearance alongside Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, performing a medley of Get Rich or Die Tryin' classics including "What Up Gangsta," "Many Men," and "P.I.M.P." The cameo capped off a whirlwind evening for 50, who had already performed earlier that night at Fuerza Regida's sold-out stadium show at Citi Field.
The concert also featured Jadakiss joining Usher for "Throwback" before teaming with Fat Joe for "New York." Usher celebrated the 25th anniversary of 8701 with performances of "U Remind Me," "U Don't Have to Call," and "U Got It Bad," while he and Chris Brown linked up for "Back to Sleep (Remix)" and "New Flame." Brown also ran through fan favorites including "Take You Down," "Don't Judge Me," and "Residuals."
Don Nelson, Second-Winningest NBA Coach and Five-Time Celtics Champion, Dies at 86
Don Nelson, the architect of "Nellie Ball" and one of basketball's most influential minds, died Sunday morning at age 86.
"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family," his family said in a statement. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."
Hall of Famer Don Nelson, three-time NBA Coach of the Year and five times a champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, has died at age 86.
The family has issued this statement:
“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson Show more
Nelson compiled a 1,335-1,063 regular-season record across 31 seasons as an NBA head coach, retiring as the all-time wins leader before Gregg Popovich surpassed that mark in March 2022. He made 18 playoff appearances and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1983, 1985, and 1992.
His head coaching career began in Milwaukee, where he took over the Bucks just 15 games into the 1976-77 season after Larry Costello was fired. Over 11 seasons there, he won 540 games, captured seven straight Central Division titles, and missed the playoffs just twice.
Nelson's footprint stretched across the league. He coached the Golden State Warriors in two separate stints, guiding the electric RUN TMC lineup of Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond. At Dallas, he helped orchestrate draft-day moves that landed Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, two players who would define the franchise for a generation.
His recruiting instincts for Nowitzki were no accident. "We hid Dirk for several weeks before the draft," Nelson recalled. "We made a commitment that we were going to draft him. We just wanted to keep him from going anywhere else to work out. He was going to be ours."
During the 2009 NBA draft, Nelson pushed Golden State to take Stephen Curry with the No. 7 pick. Curry credited the decision as career-defining. "One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Curry said. "He taught me a lot during our one season together, and I'll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game."
Before he ever drew up a play, Nelson was a champion. He won five NBA titles as a player with the Boston Celtics, with rings in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Don Nelson, the architect of "Nellie Ball" and one of basketball's most influential minds, died Sunday morning at age 86.
"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family," his family said in a statement. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."
Hall of Famer Don Nelson, three-time NBA Coach of the Year and five times a champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, has died at age 86.
The family has issued this statement:
“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson Show more
Nelson compiled a 1,335-1,063 regular-season record across 31 seasons as an NBA head coach, retiring as the all-time wins leader before Gregg Popovich surpassed that mark in March 2022. He made 18 playoff appearances and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1983, 1985, and 1992.
His head coaching career began in Milwaukee, where he took over the Bucks just 15 games into the 1976-77 season after Larry Costello was fired. Over 11 seasons there, he won 540 games, captured seven straight Central Division titles, and missed the playoffs just twice.
Nelson's footprint stretched across the league. He coached the Golden State Warriors in two separate stints, guiding the electric RUN TMC lineup of Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond. At Dallas, he helped orchestrate draft-day moves that landed Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, two players who would define the franchise for a generation.
His recruiting instincts for Nowitzki were no accident. "We hid Dirk for several weeks before the draft," Nelson recalled. "We made a commitment that we were going to draft him. We just wanted to keep him from going anywhere else to work out. He was going to be ours."
During the 2009 NBA draft, Nelson pushed Golden State to take Stephen Curry with the No. 7 pick. Curry credited the decision as career-defining. "One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Curry said. "He taught me a lot during our one season together, and I'll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game."
Before he ever drew up a play, Nelson was a champion. He won five NBA titles as a player with the Boston Celtics, with rings in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Aaron Pierre Confirms He's Single After Teyana Taylor Split
Aaron Pierre is back on the market. The Lanterns actor revealed that he's single during a recent appearance on TODAY, ending months of speculation following his reported breakup with singer and actress Teyana Taylor.
Pierre's relationship status came up after hosts mentioned the overwhelming attention he's received online, where fans have embraced him as one of Hollywood's newest leading men and even “the Internet’s boyfriend.”
Rather than brushing off the praise, the 32-year-old said he appreciates the support.
"We're all only human," Pierre said. "I would be lying to you if I said it wasn't warmly received. I'm very appreciative of it. It definitely makes me smile."
When asked directly if he was single, Pierre kept his answer simple: "I am."
Days before Lanterns introduces Aaron Pierre as the new John Stewart, he finally answered the question everyone wanted to ask.
“You are dubbed the internet’s boyfriend. A full heartthrob.”“I would be lying if I said it isn’t Show more
Still, he suggested this chapter of his life is less about dating and more about personal growth.
"I'm just very locked into being the best father I can be, and being the best artist I can be," he explained.
The confirmation follows Pierre's high-profile romance with Teyana Taylor. The two fueled dating rumors throughout early 2025 before making their relationship public that summer. Pierre later appeared alongside Taylor in the music video for her single "Long Time.”
Reports later surfaced that the pair had gone their separate ways toward the end of 2025, although neither publicly addressed what led to the split.
Professionally, Pierre has little time to slow down. He is set to make his debut as John Stewart in HBO's highly anticipated Lanterns, starring opposite Kyle Chandler as fellow Green Lantern Hal Jordan. The series follows the duo as they investigate a murder that uncovers a much larger conspiracy on Earth.
Looking back on landing the iconic DC role, Pierre said the opportunity meant everything to him.
"It was a dream come true," he said. "John is such a beautifully dynamic and complex character, and it was just a joy and a privilege."
With Lanterns premiering on Aug. 16 and a role in Star Wars: Starfighter already lined up for 2027, Pierre might have to take a well-deserved dating break.
Pierre's relationship status came up after hosts mentioned the overwhelming attention he's received online, where fans have embraced him as one of Hollywood's newest leading men and even “the Internet’s boyfriend.”
Rather than brushing off the praise, the 32-year-old said he appreciates the support.
"We're all only human," Pierre said. "I would be lying to you if I said it wasn't warmly received. I'm very appreciative of it. It definitely makes me smile."
When asked directly if he was single, Pierre kept his answer simple: "I am."
Days before Lanterns introduces Aaron Pierre as the new John Stewart, he finally answered the question everyone wanted to ask.
“You are dubbed the internet’s boyfriend. A full heartthrob.”“I would be lying if I said it isn’t Show more
Still, he suggested this chapter of his life is less about dating and more about personal growth.
"I'm just very locked into being the best father I can be, and being the best artist I can be," he explained.
The confirmation follows Pierre's high-profile romance with Teyana Taylor. The two fueled dating rumors throughout early 2025 before making their relationship public that summer. Pierre later appeared alongside Taylor in the music video for her single "Long Time.”
Reports later surfaced that the pair had gone their separate ways toward the end of 2025, although neither publicly addressed what led to the split.
Professionally, Pierre has little time to slow down. He is set to make his debut as John Stewart in HBO's highly anticipated Lanterns, starring opposite Kyle Chandler as fellow Green Lantern Hal Jordan. The series follows the duo as they investigate a murder that uncovers a much larger conspiracy on Earth.
Looking back on landing the iconic DC role, Pierre said the opportunity meant everything to him.
"It was a dream come true," he said. "John is such a beautifully dynamic and complex character, and it was just a joy and a privilege."
With Lanterns premiering on Aug. 16 and a role in Star Wars: Starfighter already lined up for 2027, Pierre might have to take a well-deserved dating break.
Aubrey Plaza Gives Birth, Welcomes First Child with Christopher Abbott (Report)
Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott are officially parents!
The 42-year-old actress has reportedly given birth to the couple’s first child, according to TMZ.
Per the publication, Aubrey and Christopher, who is currently starring in Death of a Salesman on Broadway, welcomed their little one in the last week of July.
Aubrey reportedly gave birth to a baby girl, nearly four months after it was first revealed that she pregnant.
In photos obtained by TMZ, the actress was seen carrying the little one while leaving a performance of Death of a Salesman in NYC on Sunday (August 9), which was Christopher‘s final performance.
If you didn’t know, Aubrey and Christopher have known each other for years. They first worked together in summer 2019 on the indie movie Black Bear and then took the film to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020.
The actors later worked together on the off-Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, which ran performances from October 2023 to January 2024. All of their previous red carpet appearances are from those two projects.
Congratulations to Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott on their new bundle of joy!
Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott are officially parents!The 42-year-old actress has reportedly given birth to the couple’s first child, according to TMZ.
Per the publication, Aubrey and Christopher, who is currently starring in Death of a Salesman on Broadway, welcomed their little one in the last week of July.
Aubrey reportedly gave birth to a baby girl, nearly four months after it was first revealed that she pregnant.
In photos obtained by TMZ, the actress was seen carrying the little one while leaving a performance of Death of a Salesman in NYC on Sunday (August 9), which was Christopher‘s final performance.
If you didn’t know, Aubrey and Christopher have known each other for years. They first worked together in summer 2019 on the indie movie Black Bear and then took the film to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020.
The actors later worked together on the off-Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, which ran performances from October 2023 to January 2024. All of their previous red carpet appearances are from those two projects.
Congratulations to Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott on their new bundle of joy!
‘Very Demure’ Trans Creator Jools Lebron Says She’s Leaving TikTok After GoFundMe Backlash
Jools Lebron is taking a break from TikTok. The 33-year-old TikTok influencer with over 2 million followers, best known for starting the “Very Demure” trend, has announced she is stepping away from the social media platform after being met with outrage and backlash for initially launching, and then deleting, a GoFundMe fundraiser for dental surgery.
I think I have to officially let TikTok go. I think that I am fooling myself that this algorithm will ever favor me. I think I’m fooling myself. If I ever think that I will make back the momentum that I had during Very Demure and I think that I’m fooling myself if I think that being an influencer and chasing this dream is healthy for me in my mind, I’m clearly having some kind of mental break and I’m clearly not in a good space and I’m clearly not doing well and I think that when I think about it more and more it all just steps back to me trying to chase the same fame and recognition and momentum that Very Demure had and I have to move it’s time – Jools Lebron
Over the weekend, Jools launched a GoFundMe called “Jools Needs Dental Surgery to End Pain,” seeking $45,000 for dental surgery and claiming that her teeth are rotting following her addiction battles, which she has spoken about.
“My teeth are severely destroyed…every time I go to the dentist, it’s made clear to me I’m fighting an uphill battle,” she explained.
She added: “I’ve already spent $6,000 on this. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want to ask my community for help, but I feel like I have no other choice at this point. I would love to go get a regular job…but even then, I don’t think that’s going to help my situation.”
Almost immediately, Jools was met with backlash, with viewers calling her out for being a seemingly successful influencer asking followers for money for a procedure. The claim that she couldn’t work a normal job outside of being an influencer also sparked outrage.
Jools had previously disclosed on the Tamron Hall Show that she was getting $45,000 to $80,000 offers for videos following her viral success. She also previously said that she invested her viral money in helping out her family.
The debacle has also prompted thousands of videos examining the situation and debating the ethics of asking followers for money. Others defended Jools, explaining that TikTok fame and virality is not all that it seems online, and that she may not in fact be earning enough to afford the procedure.
I think I have to officially let TikTok go. I think that I am fooling myself that this algorithm will ever favor me. I think I’m fooling myself. If I ever think that I will make back the momentum that I had during Very Demure and I think that I’m fooling myself if I think that being an influencer and chasing this dream is healthy for me in my mind, I’m clearly having some kind of mental break and I’m clearly not in a good space and I’m clearly not doing well and I think that when I think about it more and more it all just steps back to me trying to chase the same fame and recognition and momentum that Very Demure had and I have to move it’s time – Jools Lebron
Over the weekend, Jools launched a GoFundMe called “Jools Needs Dental Surgery to End Pain,” seeking $45,000 for dental surgery and claiming that her teeth are rotting following her addiction battles, which she has spoken about.
“My teeth are severely destroyed…every time I go to the dentist, it’s made clear to me I’m fighting an uphill battle,” she explained.
She added: “I’ve already spent $6,000 on this. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want to ask my community for help, but I feel like I have no other choice at this point. I would love to go get a regular job…but even then, I don’t think that’s going to help my situation.”
Almost immediately, Jools was met with backlash, with viewers calling her out for being a seemingly successful influencer asking followers for money for a procedure. The claim that she couldn’t work a normal job outside of being an influencer also sparked outrage.
Jools had previously disclosed on the Tamron Hall Show that she was getting $45,000 to $80,000 offers for videos following her viral success. She also previously said that she invested her viral money in helping out her family.
The debacle has also prompted thousands of videos examining the situation and debating the ethics of asking followers for money. Others defended Jools, explaining that TikTok fame and virality is not all that it seems online, and that she may not in fact be earning enough to afford the procedure.
Denzel Washington Says He Passed on ‘Se7en’ Because ‘The Script Was Too Demonic’
*Denzel Washington has built one of Hollywood’s most respected careers by trusting his instincts. But one decision continues to stand out among the roles he declined: passing on David Fincher’s “Se7en” because he believed the script was simply “too demonic.”
Few films have earned the lasting reputation of 1995’s “Se7en,” the psychological thriller starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey that helped establish David Fincher as one of Hollywood’s premier directors.
Yet Washington nearly became part of that story.
Speaking in comments highlighted by Far Out Magazine, the Academy Award-winning actor revealed that he was offered a role in the film but decided to walk away after reading the screenplay.
“The script was too demonic,” Washington said, explaining why he ultimately passed on the project. At the time, the decision made sense to him.
Beyond the screenplay’s disturbing subject matter, Fincher was still an emerging filmmaker trying to rebound from the troubled production of “Alien 3.” While he had built a strong reputation directing music videos, he had yet to prove himself as a major Hollywood filmmaker.
Looking back, Washington’s decision has become one of Hollywood’s more fascinating “what if” stories.
“Se7en” went on to become both a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its haunting atmosphere, unforgettable ending and performances by Pitt and Freeman. The film also helped launch Fincher into the top tier of directors, paving the way for acclaimed movies including “Fight Club,” “Zodiac,” “The Social Network” and “Gone Girl.”
It has never been publicly confirmed whether Washington was offered Pitt’s role as Detective David Mills or Freeman’s role as veteran detective William Somerset. Many observers have speculated that the latter would have been the more likely fit given Washington’s dramatic résumé at the time.
Regardless of which character he would have played, turning down the film meant passing on one of the defining thrillers of the 1990s.
Ironically, Washington would later prove he had no hesitation portraying morally complex characters once the right project came along.
That transformation reached its peak in 2001 with “Training Day,” where he portrayed corrupt Los Angeles detective Alonzo Harris in a performance that shocked audiences accustomed to seeing him play heroic or inspirational figures.
The role earned Washington his second Academy Award and demonstrated a willingness to embrace darker material on his own terms.
Rather than avoiding challenging characters altogether, Washington appeared to be selective about the stories he wanted to tell and the filmmakers he trusted to tell them.
His career would continue evolving with performances in films such as “The Book of Eli,” the “Equalizer” franchise and later directing adaptations including “Fences.”
Hollywood history is filled with stories of actors turning down movies that later became classics. Scheduling conflicts, creative differences and personal instincts often shape careers as much as the roles performers accept.
For Washington, passing on “Se7en” may remain one of his most discussed career decisions, but it’s hardly one that diminished his legacy.
Instead, it highlights the importance he has always placed on following his convictions, even when hindsight suggests a different outcome might have led to another iconic performance.
In the end, Washington built a career that includes multiple Academy Awards, unforgettable performances and a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected actors. If “Se7en” represents one road not taken, it also serves as a reminder that sometimes the roles actors decline become just as intriguing as the ones they choose to make.
Few films have earned the lasting reputation of 1995’s “Se7en,” the psychological thriller starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey that helped establish David Fincher as one of Hollywood’s premier directors.
Yet Washington nearly became part of that story.
Speaking in comments highlighted by Far Out Magazine, the Academy Award-winning actor revealed that he was offered a role in the film but decided to walk away after reading the screenplay.
“The script was too demonic,” Washington said, explaining why he ultimately passed on the project. At the time, the decision made sense to him.
Beyond the screenplay’s disturbing subject matter, Fincher was still an emerging filmmaker trying to rebound from the troubled production of “Alien 3.” While he had built a strong reputation directing music videos, he had yet to prove himself as a major Hollywood filmmaker.
Looking back, Washington’s decision has become one of Hollywood’s more fascinating “what if” stories.
“Se7en” went on to become both a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its haunting atmosphere, unforgettable ending and performances by Pitt and Freeman. The film also helped launch Fincher into the top tier of directors, paving the way for acclaimed movies including “Fight Club,” “Zodiac,” “The Social Network” and “Gone Girl.”
It has never been publicly confirmed whether Washington was offered Pitt’s role as Detective David Mills or Freeman’s role as veteran detective William Somerset. Many observers have speculated that the latter would have been the more likely fit given Washington’s dramatic résumé at the time.
Regardless of which character he would have played, turning down the film meant passing on one of the defining thrillers of the 1990s.
Ironically, Washington would later prove he had no hesitation portraying morally complex characters once the right project came along.
That transformation reached its peak in 2001 with “Training Day,” where he portrayed corrupt Los Angeles detective Alonzo Harris in a performance that shocked audiences accustomed to seeing him play heroic or inspirational figures.
The role earned Washington his second Academy Award and demonstrated a willingness to embrace darker material on his own terms.
Rather than avoiding challenging characters altogether, Washington appeared to be selective about the stories he wanted to tell and the filmmakers he trusted to tell them.
His career would continue evolving with performances in films such as “The Book of Eli,” the “Equalizer” franchise and later directing adaptations including “Fences.”
Hollywood history is filled with stories of actors turning down movies that later became classics. Scheduling conflicts, creative differences and personal instincts often shape careers as much as the roles performers accept.
For Washington, passing on “Se7en” may remain one of his most discussed career decisions, but it’s hardly one that diminished his legacy.
Instead, it highlights the importance he has always placed on following his convictions, even when hindsight suggests a different outcome might have led to another iconic performance.
In the end, Washington built a career that includes multiple Academy Awards, unforgettable performances and a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected actors. If “Se7en” represents one road not taken, it also serves as a reminder that sometimes the roles actors decline become just as intriguing as the ones they choose to make.
TikTok Is Cutting 250 Jobs due to AI
TikTok layoffs are back in the headlines, and this time the cuts are landing hard in Music City. The platform is letting go of 250 employees and permanently closing its Nashville office, a hub that housed part of the team responsible for reviewing content on the app. According to the New York Times, the closure marks one of the company’s more significant domestic cuts this year, and it comes at a moment when TikTok is under a new ownership structure and leaning harder into automation.
Zanna Crowley, a spokesperson for the TikTok USDS Joint Venture, confirmed the closure and framed it as a business decision rather than a warning sign. Crowley said the company decided to close the Nashville office to streamline operations and better align its teams for long term growth. She also emphasized that TikTok remains fully committed to providing secure, safe and positive experiences for the 200 million Americans who create, discover and connect with what they love on the app.
That reassurance lands differently depending on who you ask. TikTok has become one of the most powerful platforms for Black creators, comedians, musicians and entrepreneurs to build audiences and get paid, and any shake up to the team responsible for moderating what shows up on the For You Page tends to ripple through the culture that leans on it most. Nashville has spent the last several years positioning itself as a growing tech and entertainment satellite, and TikTok’s presence there was part of that pitch. The office sat inside the Moore Building on Music Row, a space TikTok signed a lease for in 2024 covering more than 140,000 square feet, one of the largest office deals in the city that year. That kind of footprint disappearing in just two years says a lot about how fast priorities can shift inside a company still working through a major ownership transition.
The Nashville office will officially close on October 5, and it is not the only piece of TikTok’s structure changing. The company has openly acknowledged that it is relying more on artificial intelligence to monitor and remove violent or explicit content across its platform, a trend that has been building across social media broadly. Human moderators built the foundation for how these apps stay livable, catching context, slang, sarcasm and cultural nuance that automated systems still struggle with. As TikTok layoffs continue to chip away at those human teams, questions about consistency and fairness in moderation are only going to get louder, especially for communities that have historically been over policed or misunderstood by algorithms trained without their voice in mind.
The timing also connects to a bigger story. TikTok’s operations in the United States were reshaped earlier this year when the platform officially transitioned into the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a new entity formed to satisfy the federal law requiring TikTok to separate from Chinese ownership. Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi based MGX each hold a stake in the venture, while ByteDance retained a minority position just under 20 percent, according to ABC News. That restructuring gave TikTok a new corporate home in the United States, and with new ownership often comes new efficiency decisions, which is exactly what appears to be playing out in Nashville right now.
For the 250 people losing their jobs, the language around streamlining offers little comfort. And for the millions of users and creators who treat TikTok as both a creative outlet and a source of income, these TikTok layoffs are a reminder that the platform’s foundation is still shifting beneath the surface, even as the app itself keeps running like nothing changed.
TikTok layoffs are back in the headlines, and this time the cuts are landing hard in Music City. The platform is letting go of 250 employees and permanently closing its Nashville office, a hub that housed part of the team responsible for reviewing content on the app. According to the New York Times, the closure marks one of the company’s more significant domestic cuts this year, and it comes at a moment when TikTok is under a new ownership structure and leaning harder into automation.
Zanna Crowley, a spokesperson for the TikTok USDS Joint Venture, confirmed the closure and framed it as a business decision rather than a warning sign. Crowley said the company decided to close the Nashville office to streamline operations and better align its teams for long term growth. She also emphasized that TikTok remains fully committed to providing secure, safe and positive experiences for the 200 million Americans who create, discover and connect with what they love on the app.
That reassurance lands differently depending on who you ask. TikTok has become one of the most powerful platforms for Black creators, comedians, musicians and entrepreneurs to build audiences and get paid, and any shake up to the team responsible for moderating what shows up on the For You Page tends to ripple through the culture that leans on it most. Nashville has spent the last several years positioning itself as a growing tech and entertainment satellite, and TikTok’s presence there was part of that pitch. The office sat inside the Moore Building on Music Row, a space TikTok signed a lease for in 2024 covering more than 140,000 square feet, one of the largest office deals in the city that year. That kind of footprint disappearing in just two years says a lot about how fast priorities can shift inside a company still working through a major ownership transition.
The Nashville office will officially close on October 5, and it is not the only piece of TikTok’s structure changing. The company has openly acknowledged that it is relying more on artificial intelligence to monitor and remove violent or explicit content across its platform, a trend that has been building across social media broadly. Human moderators built the foundation for how these apps stay livable, catching context, slang, sarcasm and cultural nuance that automated systems still struggle with. As TikTok layoffs continue to chip away at those human teams, questions about consistency and fairness in moderation are only going to get louder, especially for communities that have historically been over policed or misunderstood by algorithms trained without their voice in mind.
The timing also connects to a bigger story. TikTok’s operations in the United States were reshaped earlier this year when the platform officially transitioned into the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a new entity formed to satisfy the federal law requiring TikTok to separate from Chinese ownership. Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi based MGX each hold a stake in the venture, while ByteDance retained a minority position just under 20 percent, according to ABC News. That restructuring gave TikTok a new corporate home in the United States, and with new ownership often comes new efficiency decisions, which is exactly what appears to be playing out in Nashville right now.
For the 250 people losing their jobs, the language around streamlining offers little comfort. And for the millions of users and creators who treat TikTok as both a creative outlet and a source of income, these TikTok layoffs are a reminder that the platform’s foundation is still shifting beneath the surface, even as the app itself keeps running like nothing changed.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
What a gReAt DeAL
What a great deal: I get to pay 2 more dollars :)
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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