#MAGFAB: Nicole Kidman for Vogue UK - September 2026
She's back!
#RHOA: Andy Comes to Phaedra's Defense at RHOA Reunion: "I've Known This Woman for Many Years..."
Andy Cohen defended Phaedra Parks during the RHOA Season 17 reunion, saying that if she truly wanted to escalate issues with Pinky Cole, she would have directly contacted network executives or him personally.
Phaedra and Pinky’s reunion conflict centered on accusations about behind-the-scenes complaints, business criticism, and the “meat-gate” rumor, with both women accusing each other of damaging their reputations.
Despite the heated exchanges, Phaedra and Pinky ultimately said they had moved forward, noting they had recently spent time together and previously worked together without major issues.
On The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 reunion, host Andy Cohen defended Phaedra Parks amid a debate about behind-the-scenes drama between her and Pinky Cole. More specifically, Pinky accused Phaedra of "call[ing] the higher-ups" on her regarding an undisclosed comment that she allegedly made off-camera.
On Part 2 of the RHOA reunion, Phaedra insisted, "If I wanted to go to the higher-ups, I really would've went to them." That's when Andy chimed in to back up Phaedra's claim.
"I've known this woman for many years," the Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host told Pinky. "If she really wanted to make a thing, she would've called me or she would've called someone in New York. And she didn't."
Pinky, for her part, responded by saying that she wanted to put on record that she was "no threat to anybody in this group" and "wouldn't hurt a fly."
Phaedra and Pinky's interactions during Reunion Part 2 first grew heated amid a conversation about the latter's business losses and bankruptcy filing. After unpacking her reasons for taking issue with Pinky referring to bankruptcy as "a positive thing," Phaedra claimed, "All you do in this group is brag and give everybody your ideas."
From there the two made accusations about each other's business acumen. Afterward, Andy pivoted to another sensitive subject, which he dubbed "meat-gate." (ICYMI: Phaedra had been blamed for accusing the Slutty Vegan owner of secretly eating meat, though it was actually Kelli Potter who made the comment.) After Kelli and Shamea Morton Mwangi both apologized for their roles in the game of telephone, Phaedra replied, "But the real thing is Pinky has never apologized to me."
She added, "You have my number, but you [dragged] me. You prayed for my wigs, you said I eat cadavers. You never apologized.
Pinky, meanwhile, declared to she had no intention of apologizing to Phaedra, because she had "called the higher-ups" on her. "She said I made a comment about having to protect myself when it related to a significant device," Pinky explained. "I did not make the comment."
By Phaedra's account, Pinky never had a one-on-one conversation with her on the matter. "Instead, she just wanted to drag me," she added, prompting a quick rebuttal from Pinky, who said that she'd decided to swallow her feeling because she was a newcomer in the group.
"But I didn't like it," Pinky continued. "I'm not gonna let that s--t go, 'cause you don't play with nobody's name and nobody's character like that."
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.
Once Phaedra and Pinky had seemed to get everything off their chests, Andy asked if the two felt better about their friendship moving forward. "We're fine!" Pinky answered first, before going on to detail how she'd spent some quality time and Phaedra's home, where some "nice vegan food" was even awaiting her, at the time.
"One thing about me is I'm mature, and I can move past things, as we can see," Pinky added. "I can let stuff go. So, I have no problem with Phaedra."
Phaedra, meanwhile, already noted that she and Pinky had actually "done business together" in the past. "I never had a problem with her," she further remarked. "So that's why I didn't understand where all the weird energy was coming from."
With the Phaedra drama behind her, don't miss details on Pinky's pregnancy announcement that she made during Part 1 of the RHOA Season 17 reunion.
Phaedra and Pinky’s reunion conflict centered on accusations about behind-the-scenes complaints, business criticism, and the “meat-gate” rumor, with both women accusing each other of damaging their reputations.
Despite the heated exchanges, Phaedra and Pinky ultimately said they had moved forward, noting they had recently spent time together and previously worked together without major issues.
On The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 reunion, host Andy Cohen defended Phaedra Parks amid a debate about behind-the-scenes drama between her and Pinky Cole. More specifically, Pinky accused Phaedra of "call[ing] the higher-ups" on her regarding an undisclosed comment that she allegedly made off-camera.
On Part 2 of the RHOA reunion, Phaedra insisted, "If I wanted to go to the higher-ups, I really would've went to them." That's when Andy chimed in to back up Phaedra's claim.
"I've known this woman for many years," the Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host told Pinky. "If she really wanted to make a thing, she would've called me or she would've called someone in New York. And she didn't."
Pinky, for her part, responded by saying that she wanted to put on record that she was "no threat to anybody in this group" and "wouldn't hurt a fly."
Phaedra and Pinky's interactions during Reunion Part 2 first grew heated amid a conversation about the latter's business losses and bankruptcy filing. After unpacking her reasons for taking issue with Pinky referring to bankruptcy as "a positive thing," Phaedra claimed, "All you do in this group is brag and give everybody your ideas."
From there the two made accusations about each other's business acumen. Afterward, Andy pivoted to another sensitive subject, which he dubbed "meat-gate." (ICYMI: Phaedra had been blamed for accusing the Slutty Vegan owner of secretly eating meat, though it was actually Kelli Potter who made the comment.) After Kelli and Shamea Morton Mwangi both apologized for their roles in the game of telephone, Phaedra replied, "But the real thing is Pinky has never apologized to me."
She added, "You have my number, but you [dragged] me. You prayed for my wigs, you said I eat cadavers. You never apologized.
Pinky, meanwhile, declared to she had no intention of apologizing to Phaedra, because she had "called the higher-ups" on her. "She said I made a comment about having to protect myself when it related to a significant device," Pinky explained. "I did not make the comment."
By Phaedra's account, Pinky never had a one-on-one conversation with her on the matter. "Instead, she just wanted to drag me," she added, prompting a quick rebuttal from Pinky, who said that she'd decided to swallow her feeling because she was a newcomer in the group.
"But I didn't like it," Pinky continued. "I'm not gonna let that s--t go, 'cause you don't play with nobody's name and nobody's character like that."
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.
Once Phaedra and Pinky had seemed to get everything off their chests, Andy asked if the two felt better about their friendship moving forward. "We're fine!" Pinky answered first, before going on to detail how she'd spent some quality time and Phaedra's home, where some "nice vegan food" was even awaiting her, at the time.
"One thing about me is I'm mature, and I can move past things, as we can see," Pinky added. "I can let stuff go. So, I have no problem with Phaedra."
Phaedra, meanwhile, already noted that she and Pinky had actually "done business together" in the past. "I never had a problem with her," she further remarked. "So that's why I didn't understand where all the weird energy was coming from."
With the Phaedra drama behind her, don't miss details on Pinky's pregnancy announcement that she made during Part 1 of the RHOA Season 17 reunion.
#MusicNews: Chris Brown and Usher Extend ‘The R&B Tour’ With Eight New Dates
Chris Brown and Usher‘s R&B Tour just got even more massive. Due to overwhelming demand, the R&B icons have added eight new shows to their co-headlining stadium tour, bringing their total North American run to 59.
The newly added dates include new stops in Baltimore, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, plus a fifth show in Atlanta and a fourth in Los Angeles.
Fans can sign up to access the artist presale now through Tuesday (Aug. 18) at 10 p.m. ET. The Citi Presale begins Wednesday (Aug. 19) at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the artist presale on Thursday (Aug. 20) at 10 a.m. local time, alongside other presales. Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday (Aug. 24) at 10 a.m. local time.
The R&B Tour kicked off June 26 in Denver at Empower Field at Mile High. According to Live Nation, the stadium tour grossed more than $101 million across the tour’s first eight shows alone. Further, over 566,000 tickets were sold across the first 13 concerts — all sold out.
Beyond that, the tour is already making history. It became the first concert tour at Detroit’s Ford Field to play three consecutive nights in the venue’s nearly 25-year history.
At its three-night run at Washington, D.C.’s Northwest Stadium, it set a new venue attendance record, drawing over 122,000 fans, and marked the first-ever three-night concert run in the stadium’s history.
Up next, Usher and Brown will visit Chicago, where they’ll play two nights at Soldier Field Stadium, followed by three shows at San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium. The tour will conclude in Tampa, where they’ll play at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.
Chris Brown and Usher’s Upcoming R&B Tour Dates
Aug 17 – Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium
Aug 21 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field Stadium
Aug 22 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field Stadium
Aug 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Aug 29 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Sep 1 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Sep 5 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 10 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 12 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 13 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Sep 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Sep 29 – Glendale, AZ @ State Farm Stadium
Oct 3 – El Paso, TX @ Sun Bowl Stadium
Oct 5 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome
Oct 9 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Oct 10 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Oct 15 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 17 – Baltimore, MD @ M&T Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 24 – Cincinnati, OH @ Paycor Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 29 – Columbia, SC @ Williams-Brice Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 31 Indianapolis, IN @ Lucas Oil Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 5 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 6 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 8 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Nov 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 20 – New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
Nov 21 – New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
Nov 24 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Dec 3 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
Dec 5 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
Dec 6 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium – Newly Added Date
Dec 11 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Dec 12 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Get tickets at raymondandbrowntour.com.
Chris Brown and Usher‘s R&B Tour just got even more massive. Due to overwhelming demand, the R&B icons have added eight new shows to their co-headlining stadium tour, bringing their total North American run to 59.
The newly added dates include new stops in Baltimore, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, plus a fifth show in Atlanta and a fourth in Los Angeles.
Fans can sign up to access the artist presale now through Tuesday (Aug. 18) at 10 p.m. ET. The Citi Presale begins Wednesday (Aug. 19) at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the artist presale on Thursday (Aug. 20) at 10 a.m. local time, alongside other presales. Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday (Aug. 24) at 10 a.m. local time.
The R&B Tour kicked off June 26 in Denver at Empower Field at Mile High. According to Live Nation, the stadium tour grossed more than $101 million across the tour’s first eight shows alone. Further, over 566,000 tickets were sold across the first 13 concerts — all sold out.
Beyond that, the tour is already making history. It became the first concert tour at Detroit’s Ford Field to play three consecutive nights in the venue’s nearly 25-year history.
At its three-night run at Washington, D.C.’s Northwest Stadium, it set a new venue attendance record, drawing over 122,000 fans, and marked the first-ever three-night concert run in the stadium’s history.
Up next, Usher and Brown will visit Chicago, where they’ll play two nights at Soldier Field Stadium, followed by three shows at San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium. The tour will conclude in Tampa, where they’ll play at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.
Chris Brown and Usher’s Upcoming R&B Tour Dates
Aug 17 – Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium
Aug 21 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field Stadium
Aug 22 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field Stadium
Aug 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Aug 29 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Sep 1 – San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Sep 5 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 10 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 12 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 13 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sep 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Sep 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Sep 29 – Glendale, AZ @ State Farm Stadium
Oct 3 – El Paso, TX @ Sun Bowl Stadium
Oct 5 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome
Oct 9 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Oct 10 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Oct 15 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 17 – Baltimore, MD @ M&T Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 24 – Cincinnati, OH @ Paycor Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 29 – Columbia, SC @ Williams-Brice Stadium – Newly Added Date
Oct 31 Indianapolis, IN @ Lucas Oil Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 5 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 6 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 8 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Nov 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium
Nov 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium – Newly Added Date
Nov 20 – New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
Nov 21 – New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
Nov 24 – Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium
Dec 3 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
Dec 5 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
Dec 6 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium – Newly Added Date
Dec 11 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Dec 12 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
Get tickets at raymondandbrowntour.com.
#HipHopNews: Tyler, The Creator Hosts $5 Dance Party in Atlanta
Tyler, The Creator made good on a promise. Last year, the Grammy winner unveiled his DON’T TAP THE GLASS album, with a pair of events in Los Angeles and New York. Well, on Monday, August 10, he honored a promise he’d made exactly one year earlier, when a fan asked him to bring the events to Atlanta.
Tyler hosted a dance party at the 1,500-capacity Enspire Mercantile venue in Atlanta. “Don’t come if you aren’t going to dance,” the announcement for the event read, advertising it as only $5 to enter.
When he released DON’T TAP THE GLASS, Tyler made it clear that he made an album intended to make listeners want to move.
“I asked some friends why they don’t dance in public, and some said because of the fear of being filmed,” he wrote on Instagram in 2025. “I thought damn, a natural form of expression and a certain connection they have with music is now a ghost. It made me wonder how much of our human spirit got killed because of the fear of being a meme, all for having a good time.”
Tyler hosted a dance party at the 1,500-capacity Enspire Mercantile venue in Atlanta. “Don’t come if you aren’t going to dance,” the announcement for the event read, advertising it as only $5 to enter.
When he released DON’T TAP THE GLASS, Tyler made it clear that he made an album intended to make listeners want to move.
“I asked some friends why they don’t dance in public, and some said because of the fear of being filmed,” he wrote on Instagram in 2025. “I thought damn, a natural form of expression and a certain connection they have with music is now a ghost. It made me wonder how much of our human spirit got killed because of the fear of being a meme, all for having a good time.”
The Isley Brothers End Family Feud Over Legendary Name
Ronald Isley keeps The Isley Brothers trademark after settling a three-year legal fight with his late brother Rudolph’s estate over who owns the legendary group’s name.
Ronald Isley and his late brother’s estate just wrapped up a three-year legal battle over who owns the rights to the name The Isley Brothers, and the settlement came through this week without any public details about what either side actually agreed to.
The two had been fighting in federal court since 2023 over the trademark to one of soul music’s most legendary group names, with Rudolph claiming he and Ronald should own it together and Ronald insisting the name belonged to whoever kept using it.
Attorneys for both sides filed a joint dismissal, ending the dispute with prejudice, which means Rudolph’s estate can’t bring the same claims back to court.
Rudolph filed the original lawsuit months before he passed away in October 2023 at age 84, accusing his brother of trying to lock down exclusive federal trademark registration for The Isley Brothers without his knowledge or permission.
He argued that after their brother O’Kelly died in 1986, he and Ronald remained equal co-owners of the group’s name and everything that came with it.
Ronald’s legal team pushed back hard, pointing out that Rudolph hadn’t performed with the group since 1989 and had basically checked out decades ago, so the trademark belonged to whoever was actually using it in the music business.
The judge initially sided with Rudolph’s argument that he had a legitimate case, refusing to dismiss the case back in August 2023 and citing specific examples of his involvement in the group’s business.
Judge Thomas Durkin noted that Rudolph had helped secure a multimillion-dollar publishing deal in 2018 and arranged for the group’s classic track “Shout” to appear in a Super Bowl commercial in 2023, suggesting he remained connected to the group’s operations even if he wasn’t on stage.
After Rudolph’s death, his estate stepped in as the plaintiff and kept fighting, but negotiations eventually led to this week’s settlement.
Ronald Isley keeps The Isley Brothers trademark after settling a three-year legal fight with his late brother Rudolph’s estate over who owns the legendary group’s name.
Ronald Isley and his late brother’s estate just wrapped up a three-year legal battle over who owns the rights to the name The Isley Brothers, and the settlement came through this week without any public details about what either side actually agreed to.
The two had been fighting in federal court since 2023 over the trademark to one of soul music’s most legendary group names, with Rudolph claiming he and Ronald should own it together and Ronald insisting the name belonged to whoever kept using it.
Attorneys for both sides filed a joint dismissal, ending the dispute with prejudice, which means Rudolph’s estate can’t bring the same claims back to court.
Rudolph filed the original lawsuit months before he passed away in October 2023 at age 84, accusing his brother of trying to lock down exclusive federal trademark registration for The Isley Brothers without his knowledge or permission.
He argued that after their brother O’Kelly died in 1986, he and Ronald remained equal co-owners of the group’s name and everything that came with it.
Ronald’s legal team pushed back hard, pointing out that Rudolph hadn’t performed with the group since 1989 and had basically checked out decades ago, so the trademark belonged to whoever was actually using it in the music business.
The judge initially sided with Rudolph’s argument that he had a legitimate case, refusing to dismiss the case back in August 2023 and citing specific examples of his involvement in the group’s business.
Judge Thomas Durkin noted that Rudolph had helped secure a multimillion-dollar publishing deal in 2018 and arranged for the group’s classic track “Shout” to appear in a Super Bowl commercial in 2023, suggesting he remained connected to the group’s operations even if he wasn’t on stage.
After Rudolph’s death, his estate stepped in as the plaintiff and kept fighting, but negotiations eventually led to this week’s settlement.
Timberwolves to Retire Kevin Garnett’s Jersey on February 28
The Minnesota Timberwolves plan to retire Kevin Garnett’s jersey on February 28 at Target Center, according to Dane Moore.
I've heard February 28th for the Kevin Garnett jersey retirement at Target Center
The ceremony will take place when Minnesota hosts the Boston Celtics, creating a notable occasion for Garnett and the franchise where he established his legacy.
Garnett spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Timberwolves and remains one of the most significant players in franchise history.
The jersey retirement will honor his contributions to Minnesota as the Timberwolves prepare to celebrate one of the organization’s defining stars.
I've heard February 28th for the Kevin Garnett jersey retirement at Target Center
The ceremony will take place when Minnesota hosts the Boston Celtics, creating a notable occasion for Garnett and the franchise where he established his legacy.
Garnett spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Timberwolves and remains one of the most significant players in franchise history.
The jersey retirement will honor his contributions to Minnesota as the Timberwolves prepare to celebrate one of the organization’s defining stars.
Dispatch Audio Suggests Hayden Panettiere May Have Suffered An Overdose
New information has surfaced about Hayden Panettiere’s final moments.
According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, officials can be heard referencing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time the 36-year-old actress died Sunday (Aug. 16). Greenville Police had already confirmed to the outlet that officers and EMS responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at a Greenville, South Carolina home around 1:50 p.m., which cited law enforcement sources saying a friend of Panettiere’s placed the 911 call.
First responders reportedly tried to revive Panettiere using advanced cardiac life support — chest compressions combined with medication, breathing tubes and heart rhythm monitoring — before she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are handling the investigation, and an official cause of death is expected only after an autopsy is completed. Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
New information has surfaced about Hayden Panettiere’s final moments.
According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, officials can be heard referencing an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” around the time the 36-year-old actress died Sunday (Aug. 16). Greenville Police had already confirmed to the outlet that officers and EMS responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at a Greenville, South Carolina home around 1:50 p.m., which cited law enforcement sources saying a friend of Panettiere’s placed the 911 call.
First responders reportedly tried to revive Panettiere using advanced cardiac life support — chest compressions combined with medication, breathing tubes and heart rhythm monitoring — before she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office are handling the investigation, and an official cause of death is expected only after an autopsy is completed. Panettiere is survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
Usher Proudly Celebrates Son Cinco As He Heads To Howard University
Usher is one proud dad as his oldest son prepares for an exciting new chapter.
The R&B superstar took to social media to celebrate his son, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, as the teenager prepares to attend Howard University following his high school graduation. Usher shared footage of Cinco surrounded by family and loved ones while marking the major milestone.
Alongside the emotional moment, Usher penned a heartfelt message to his son:
“So proud of my son! U did this. U made this happen. Now it’s your time to show em who U are.”
Cinco graduated from high school earlier this year, with Usher publicly celebrating the accomplishment at the time. Now, the 18-year-old is preparing to continue his education at the prestigious HBCU in Washington, D.C.
Cinco is Usher’s eldest son with his ex-wife Tameka Foster. The former couple also shares son Naviyd Raymond. Usher is also dad to daughter Sovereign and son Sire with his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.
Congratulations to Cinco on his next chapter!
The R&B superstar took to social media to celebrate his son, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, as the teenager prepares to attend Howard University following his high school graduation. Usher shared footage of Cinco surrounded by family and loved ones while marking the major milestone.
Alongside the emotional moment, Usher penned a heartfelt message to his son:
“So proud of my son! U did this. U made this happen. Now it’s your time to show em who U are.”
Cinco graduated from high school earlier this year, with Usher publicly celebrating the accomplishment at the time. Now, the 18-year-old is preparing to continue his education at the prestigious HBCU in Washington, D.C.
Cinco is Usher’s eldest son with his ex-wife Tameka Foster. The former couple also shares son Naviyd Raymond. Usher is also dad to daughter Sovereign and son Sire with his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.
Congratulations to Cinco on his next chapter!
RuPaul's Drag Race is set for a 19th season on MTV, with its companion series Untucked also coming back alongside the new run
RuPaul's Drag Race is set for a 19th season on MTV, with its companion series Untucked also coming back alongside the new run, Thatgrapejuice reports. This renewal underscores the franchise’s ongoing popularity and expanding footprint in reality television.
Deadline further confirms that the renewal announcement includes both the main series and Untucked, emphasizing the continued partnership between MTV and the show's production team. Additionally, Paramount+ has greenlit a 12th season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, with The Hollywood Reporter noting that a ninth season of the All Stars’ Untucked spinoff has also been ordered. Thatgrapejuice adds that Season 18 of RuPaul's Drag Race notably increased its ratings by 19% in the key 18-49 demographic and ranked among the top three cable series of 2026 so far.
RuPaul's Drag Race originally debuted in 2009 and has become a staple of reality competition television, produced by World of Wonder Productions. The show features a rotating panel of judges including Michelle Visage alongside RuPaul, whose engaging hosting earned him his 11th consecutive Emmy nomination this year. The series has secured a total of 11 Emmy nods this season alone and has previously won Outstanding Reality Competition Program multiple times, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone in the entertainment landscape.
The decision to renew both the main series and its companion shows reflects the franchise’s strong fan engagement and its ability to evolve while maintaining loyal viewership. With casting and premiere details for Season 19 yet to be revealed, the continuation of Untucked alongside the main show promises fans an inside look at the drama and camaraderie that has become integral to the series’ appeal.
RuPaul's Drag Race is set for a 19th season on MTV, with its companion series Untucked also coming back alongside the new run, Thatgrapejuice reports. This renewal underscores the franchise’s ongoing popularity and expanding footprint in reality television.
Deadline further confirms that the renewal announcement includes both the main series and Untucked, emphasizing the continued partnership between MTV and the show's production team. Additionally, Paramount+ has greenlit a 12th season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, with The Hollywood Reporter noting that a ninth season of the All Stars’ Untucked spinoff has also been ordered. Thatgrapejuice adds that Season 18 of RuPaul's Drag Race notably increased its ratings by 19% in the key 18-49 demographic and ranked among the top three cable series of 2026 so far.
RuPaul's Drag Race originally debuted in 2009 and has become a staple of reality competition television, produced by World of Wonder Productions. The show features a rotating panel of judges including Michelle Visage alongside RuPaul, whose engaging hosting earned him his 11th consecutive Emmy nomination this year. The series has secured a total of 11 Emmy nods this season alone and has previously won Outstanding Reality Competition Program multiple times, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone in the entertainment landscape.
The decision to renew both the main series and its companion shows reflects the franchise’s strong fan engagement and its ability to evolve while maintaining loyal viewership. With casting and premiere details for Season 19 yet to be revealed, the continuation of Untucked alongside the main show promises fans an inside look at the drama and camaraderie that has become integral to the series’ appeal.
Jeanie Buss Contesting Siblings’ Decision to Sell Remaining Lakers Shares
In a letter from her lawyer, obtained by ESPN, Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings’ vote to sell their remaining 17.8 percent share of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.
Written by her attorney Adam Streisand, Jeanie argued in a letter to the five siblings who voted in favor of selling the family’s stake that a 2017 court ruling indicated a sale cannot be “effectuated without approval by the co-trustees, i.e. Jeanie, Janie and Joey Buss.”
Here are the relevant parts of the 2017 court order Jeanie Buss is invoking in contesting the five Buss sibling’s vote to sell the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the tag-along provision was enacted when four of the six siblings in the Buss family trust voted to approve the sale of its remaining stake.
The Buss family trust -- composed of siblings Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse -- received Show more
The Sporting Tribune founder and CEO Arash Markazi reported that Jim, Johnny, Joey and Jesse triggered this provision.
Jim, Johnny, Joey and Jesse Buss had the chance to cash in on the record sale of the Lakers and effectively fire Jeanie Buss as governor and did just that. Jeanie has fired or sued all of her brothers since taking control of the team. It’s the final act of a wild reality show.
Breaking: The Buss family has decided to sell its remaining 17.8% ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to new majority owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, sources tell ESPN.
The Buss family trust -- composed of siblings Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse -- received
The letter argues that co-trustees are “bound to vote … to ensure that the minimum 15 percent ownership requirement is maintained in order to ensure that Jeanie Buss may remain Controlling Owner.”
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Mark Walter agreed to let Jeanie stay on as the team's controlling owner for at least five years when he bought a majority stake in the Lakers in June 2025.
Iger recently told the California Post that he has “every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie,” adding, “If things change, they’ll change.”
The letter stated “to aid or abet the co-trustees as such, would constitute a breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty and be in contempt of court.”
Written by her attorney Adam Streisand, Jeanie argued in a letter to the five siblings who voted in favor of selling the family’s stake that a 2017 court ruling indicated a sale cannot be “effectuated without approval by the co-trustees, i.e. Jeanie, Janie and Joey Buss.”
Here are the relevant parts of the 2017 court order Jeanie Buss is invoking in contesting the five Buss sibling’s vote to sell the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the tag-along provision was enacted when four of the six siblings in the Buss family trust voted to approve the sale of its remaining stake.
The Buss family trust -- composed of siblings Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse -- received Show more
The Sporting Tribune founder and CEO Arash Markazi reported that Jim, Johnny, Joey and Jesse triggered this provision.
Jim, Johnny, Joey and Jesse Buss had the chance to cash in on the record sale of the Lakers and effectively fire Jeanie Buss as governor and did just that. Jeanie has fired or sued all of her brothers since taking control of the team. It’s the final act of a wild reality show.
Breaking: The Buss family has decided to sell its remaining 17.8% ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to new majority owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, sources tell ESPN.
The Buss family trust -- composed of siblings Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse -- received
The letter argues that co-trustees are “bound to vote … to ensure that the minimum 15 percent ownership requirement is maintained in order to ensure that Jeanie Buss may remain Controlling Owner.”
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Mark Walter agreed to let Jeanie stay on as the team's controlling owner for at least five years when he bought a majority stake in the Lakers in June 2025.
Iger recently told the California Post that he has “every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie,” adding, “If things change, they’ll change.”
The letter stated “to aid or abet the co-trustees as such, would constitute a breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty and be in contempt of court.”
Netflix Fires Back at Tyra Banks, Moves to Toss 'ANTM' Defamation Lawsuit
Netflix is asking a court to toss Tyra Banks’ defamation lawsuit over the three-part docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, arguing she signed away rights to approve edits and released defamation claims after her interview.
Banks says the series selectively edited her comments—especially around contestant Shandi Sullivan’s alleged sexual assault—to make it look like she forgot or ignored the incident, while Netflix counters that the documentary clearly shows her remembering and never claims she was present or covered anything up.
Netflix is asking a court to toss Tyra Banks’ defamation lawsuit over the three-part docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, arguing she signed away rights to approve edits and released defamation claims after her interview.
Banks says the series selectively edited her comments—especially around contestant Shandi Sullivan’s alleged sexual assault—to make it look like she forgot or ignored the incident, while Netflix counters that the documentary clearly shows her remembering and never claims she was present or covered anything up.
The legal fight lands amid a broader reexamination of America’s Next Top Model, with former contestants and staff like Tiffany Richardson and Jay Manuel criticizing Banks and the show’s production, even as Banks plans a return with Cycle 25.
Netflix is pushing back against Tyra Banks’ claims that its America’s Next Top Model docuseries defamed her, asking a court to dismiss the model and television personality’s lawsuit and arguing that she agreed to give filmmakers control over how her interview would be edited.
According to court documents obtained by People, the streamer filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on August 14. Netflix and EverWonder Studio also filed an anti-SLAPP motion and said they intend to “vigorously defend” Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, the three-part documentary that premiered in February.
At the center of Netflix’s response is an agreement it says Banks signed after sitting for an extensive interview. According to the motion, Banks acknowledged that she had “no right to review or approve” the finished project and released certain claims related to its production, including defamation and false light.
Netflix characterized her objections as disagreements with “ordinary editorial decisions” rather than false statements.
Banks filed her lawsuit in June, alleging that filmmakers selectively edited her interview to construct a defamatory portrayal of her involvement in controversial events during America’s Next Top Model. She requested a jury trial and unspecified damages.
One of Banks’ central complaints involves Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan. Sullivan has described a sexual encounter filmed while contestants were in Italy as an alleged sexual assault.
Banks claims the Netflix series edited her interview in a manner that falsely suggested she did not remember Sullivan’s story and allowed viewers to believe she knowingly permitted Sullivan’s trauma to be exploited for television.
Netflix disputes that interpretation. “A documentary expressly showing Banks remembering does not imply that she forgot,” the company argued. It also maintains that the series never claims Banks was present during the incident, could have intervened or subsequently covered it up.
The lawsuit marks another development in the renewed examination of America’s Next Top Model, which has included criticism from former contestants and staff.
Tiffany Richardson recently accused Banks of bullying her during Cycle 4, while Banks acknowledged in Reality Check that she “went too far” during the infamous confrontation in which she told Richardson, “We were all rooting for you.”
Former creative director Jay Manuel also criticized Banks and the production in the documentary, alleging that story considerations sometimes influenced which contestant photos were selected for judging.
Former judge Kelly Cutrone subsequently defended Banks, saying she believed Banks “got done dirty” by the documentary and blasting Manuel over his criticism of his former boss.
Netflix is now standing firmly behind the filmmakers.
“Tyra Banks was given the opportunity to speak openly about her experience and the creators fairly presented her perspective alongside those of every other participant shown in this documentary,” a Netflix spokesperson told People.
The legal fight arrives as Banks is also preparing to revisit the franchise itself. Earlier this year, she confirmed plans for Cycle 25 of America’s Next Top Model, which would mark its first new installment since 2018.
Netflix is pushing back against Tyra Banks’ claims that its America’s Next Top Model docuseries defamed her, asking a court to dismiss the model and television personality’s lawsuit and arguing that she agreed to give filmmakers control over how her interview would be edited.
According to court documents obtained by People, the streamer filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on August 14. Netflix and EverWonder Studio also filed an anti-SLAPP motion and said they intend to “vigorously defend” Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, the three-part documentary that premiered in February.
At the center of Netflix’s response is an agreement it says Banks signed after sitting for an extensive interview. According to the motion, Banks acknowledged that she had “no right to review or approve” the finished project and released certain claims related to its production, including defamation and false light.
Netflix characterized her objections as disagreements with “ordinary editorial decisions” rather than false statements.
Banks filed her lawsuit in June, alleging that filmmakers selectively edited her interview to construct a defamatory portrayal of her involvement in controversial events during America’s Next Top Model. She requested a jury trial and unspecified damages.
One of Banks’ central complaints involves Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan. Sullivan has described a sexual encounter filmed while contestants were in Italy as an alleged sexual assault.
Banks claims the Netflix series edited her interview in a manner that falsely suggested she did not remember Sullivan’s story and allowed viewers to believe she knowingly permitted Sullivan’s trauma to be exploited for television.
Netflix disputes that interpretation. “A documentary expressly showing Banks remembering does not imply that she forgot,” the company argued. It also maintains that the series never claims Banks was present during the incident, could have intervened or subsequently covered it up.
The lawsuit marks another development in the renewed examination of America’s Next Top Model, which has included criticism from former contestants and staff.
Tiffany Richardson recently accused Banks of bullying her during Cycle 4, while Banks acknowledged in Reality Check that she “went too far” during the infamous confrontation in which she told Richardson, “We were all rooting for you.”
Former creative director Jay Manuel also criticized Banks and the production in the documentary, alleging that story considerations sometimes influenced which contestant photos were selected for judging.
Former judge Kelly Cutrone subsequently defended Banks, saying she believed Banks “got done dirty” by the documentary and blasting Manuel over his criticism of his former boss.
Netflix is now standing firmly behind the filmmakers.
“Tyra Banks was given the opportunity to speak openly about her experience and the creators fairly presented her perspective alongside those of every other participant shown in this documentary,” a Netflix spokesperson told People.
The legal fight arrives as Banks is also preparing to revisit the franchise itself. Earlier this year, she confirmed plans for Cycle 25 of America’s Next Top Model, which would mark its first new installment since 2018.
Anita Baker Teases ‘Forever’ More Than 20 Years After Last Album
Anita Baker teased her long-awaited return to R&B by posting a one-minute clip of new music titled “Forever” with the caption “Forever... is coming,” offering no release date or further details.
The lush, slow-burning teaser marks her first new material since 2004’s My Everything and 2005’s Christmas Fantasy, ending a two-decade drought of full-length releases from the singer behind “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture.”
Baker’s cryptic rollout fits her “Mysterious One” reputation and comes after years of tour drama, including a public fallout with Babyface, viral clashes with concertgoers over filming, and blunt online pushback against rumors about her career.
Anita Baker is done keeping fans waiting. The eight-time Grammy winner teased her return to R&B over the weekend with a one-minute clip of new music—and only three words of explanation.
“Forever... is coming,” Baker wrote on X, pairing the preview with a close-up photo and musical-note emoji. No release date. No rollout. Just enough to put the Queen of R&B back in the conversation.
The teaser captures Baker in the lane she helped build: rich vocals, grown-up romance and a sleek, slow-burning arrangement. She did not say whether “Forever” is a standalone single, the first taste of an album, or something else entirely.
The mystery is on-brand. Baker’s fiercely private persona once earned her the nickname “The Mysterious One,” and even her latest announcement—which was paired with a video clip teasing about a minute of new music—leaves fans to fill in most of the blanks.
Baker’s last studio album, My Everything, arrived in 2004, followed by Christmas Fantasy in 2005. That means listeners have gone more than 20 years without a new full-length collection from the singer behind “Sweet Love,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” “Giving You the Best That I Got” and “Body and Soul.”
The preview also gives Baker a chance to pull the focus back to her music after several years of tour drama and heated social-media exchanges. During her 2023 Songstress Tour, Babyface missed a New Jersey show after technical problems delayed the schedule.
When his supporters blamed Baker, she fired back and told him to “tell Kenny’s crazed narcissist fan base to leave me alone.” She later removed Babyface from the tour’s remaining dates, citing online harassment and threats.
That was hardly Baker’s only viral concert moment. She has stopped performances to confront front-row attendees over flash photography and recording, sometimes directing security to remove fans. Abrupt cancellations—including an Atlanta show called off shortly before it was scheduled to begin—also drew complaints from ticket holders seeking clearer answers.
Baker has been just as direct online, shutting down stories about supposed feuds with Maxwell and the late Luther Vandross while warning commentators against spreading what she described as misinformation about her career and business dealings.
The lush, slow-burning teaser marks her first new material since 2004’s My Everything and 2005’s Christmas Fantasy, ending a two-decade drought of full-length releases from the singer behind “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture.”
Baker’s cryptic rollout fits her “Mysterious One” reputation and comes after years of tour drama, including a public fallout with Babyface, viral clashes with concertgoers over filming, and blunt online pushback against rumors about her career.
Anita Baker is done keeping fans waiting. The eight-time Grammy winner teased her return to R&B over the weekend with a one-minute clip of new music—and only three words of explanation.
“Forever... is coming,” Baker wrote on X, pairing the preview with a close-up photo and musical-note emoji. No release date. No rollout. Just enough to put the Queen of R&B back in the conversation.
The teaser captures Baker in the lane she helped build: rich vocals, grown-up romance and a sleek, slow-burning arrangement. She did not say whether “Forever” is a standalone single, the first taste of an album, or something else entirely.
The mystery is on-brand. Baker’s fiercely private persona once earned her the nickname “The Mysterious One,” and even her latest announcement—which was paired with a video clip teasing about a minute of new music—leaves fans to fill in most of the blanks.
Baker’s last studio album, My Everything, arrived in 2004, followed by Christmas Fantasy in 2005. That means listeners have gone more than 20 years without a new full-length collection from the singer behind “Sweet Love,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” “Giving You the Best That I Got” and “Body and Soul.”
The preview also gives Baker a chance to pull the focus back to her music after several years of tour drama and heated social-media exchanges. During her 2023 Songstress Tour, Babyface missed a New Jersey show after technical problems delayed the schedule.
When his supporters blamed Baker, she fired back and told him to “tell Kenny’s crazed narcissist fan base to leave me alone.” She later removed Babyface from the tour’s remaining dates, citing online harassment and threats.
That was hardly Baker’s only viral concert moment. She has stopped performances to confront front-row attendees over flash photography and recording, sometimes directing security to remove fans. Abrupt cancellations—including an Atlanta show called off shortly before it was scheduled to begin—also drew complaints from ticket holders seeking clearer answers.
Baker has been just as direct online, shutting down stories about supposed feuds with Maxwell and the late Luther Vandross while warning commentators against spreading what she described as misinformation about her career and business dealings.
Diplo Reveals He Privately Welcomed His Fourth Child, Shares First Photo of Baby Girl
Diplo is a dad again.The 47-year-old DJ and producer privately welcomed a baby girl, his fourth child, last year.
What did Diplo share about his daughter?
He revealed the news in an Instagram update about his life and his family over the weekend, writing: “My daughter celebrated her first birthday with llamas wearing sunglasses,” adding “Lazer couldn’t find peru on a map.”
Diplo is a father to sons Lockett, 15, and Lazer, 11, with ex Kathryn Lockhart, as well as Pace, 6, with Jevon King.
“Watching your kid become someone new in real time is the whole thing,” he added.
He also shared a photo of himself holding his newborn daughter with a red heart emoji placed over her face.
Diplo made headlines recently by saying it’s time to embrace AI, because it’s inevitable. The Major Lazer superstar producer and DJ spoke out about embracing the new technology in an interview, and quotes from the conversation are making the rounds on social media.
Diplo reflects on traveling with his family
This trip didnt fit anywhere in my schedule so I just tore it up the calender because I’ve missed things before telling myself there’d be a next time. there isn’t always.
What gets me about the incas is that nobody told them it was impossible. no wheels, no shoes, some bulls–t uncooperative alpacas, no iron, no writing. They just eating corn, potatoes and guinea pig. and they cut stone the size of a car and set it so tight you can’t get a knife between the joints, dragged them halfway up a mountain. five hundred years ago. the churches the spanish built on top of them have cracked. the inca walls are still there. They had a very large idea of what was possible.
dad asked a shaman if he’d find love again since my mother passed which is not a question i’ve ever heard him ask out loud. It was the vulnerable thing I’ve ever heard him say.. my daughter celebrated her first birthday with llamas wearing sunglasses …Lazer couldn’t find peru on a map a week ago and walked out of the airport in a poncho and an alpaca hat looking like he been selling ayuasca to backpackers .. watching your kid become someone new in real time is the whole thing.
i always have a lot on. But id rather lose sleep with my family then at a club or a rave this summer.. happiness is all just moments we collect and some of them sit at 15,000 feet, listening to a band play Los mirlos on a train to Cusco. The Shaman told my dad in Quechua that hes got love all around him . I fell asleep on the floor in my son’s lap in this old library where we passed around Guinea pig bones and coca leaves.
But now its time to get back to work, this trip was worth reaching even thought it’s hard to reach.
Diplo is a dad again.The 47-year-old DJ and producer privately welcomed a baby girl, his fourth child, last year.
What did Diplo share about his daughter?
He revealed the news in an Instagram update about his life and his family over the weekend, writing: “My daughter celebrated her first birthday with llamas wearing sunglasses,” adding “Lazer couldn’t find peru on a map.”
Diplo is a father to sons Lockett, 15, and Lazer, 11, with ex Kathryn Lockhart, as well as Pace, 6, with Jevon King.
“Watching your kid become someone new in real time is the whole thing,” he added.
He also shared a photo of himself holding his newborn daughter with a red heart emoji placed over her face.
Diplo made headlines recently by saying it’s time to embrace AI, because it’s inevitable. The Major Lazer superstar producer and DJ spoke out about embracing the new technology in an interview, and quotes from the conversation are making the rounds on social media.
Diplo reflects on traveling with his family
This trip didnt fit anywhere in my schedule so I just tore it up the calender because I’ve missed things before telling myself there’d be a next time. there isn’t always.
What gets me about the incas is that nobody told them it was impossible. no wheels, no shoes, some bulls–t uncooperative alpacas, no iron, no writing. They just eating corn, potatoes and guinea pig. and they cut stone the size of a car and set it so tight you can’t get a knife between the joints, dragged them halfway up a mountain. five hundred years ago. the churches the spanish built on top of them have cracked. the inca walls are still there. They had a very large idea of what was possible.
dad asked a shaman if he’d find love again since my mother passed which is not a question i’ve ever heard him ask out loud. It was the vulnerable thing I’ve ever heard him say.. my daughter celebrated her first birthday with llamas wearing sunglasses …Lazer couldn’t find peru on a map a week ago and walked out of the airport in a poncho and an alpaca hat looking like he been selling ayuasca to backpackers .. watching your kid become someone new in real time is the whole thing.
i always have a lot on. But id rather lose sleep with my family then at a club or a rave this summer.. happiness is all just moments we collect and some of them sit at 15,000 feet, listening to a band play Los mirlos on a train to Cusco. The Shaman told my dad in Quechua that hes got love all around him . I fell asleep on the floor in my son’s lap in this old library where we passed around Guinea pig bones and coca leaves.
But now its time to get back to work, this trip was worth reaching even thought it’s hard to reach.
NAACP Joins Fight For Answers in the Nolan Wells Case
The push for answers in Nolan Wells’ unexplained death is gaining new legal force as the NAACP joins his family in demanding a fuller accounting of what happened on Mississippi’s Horn Island.
According to Reuters, the NAACP announced Monday that its Office of General Counsel has joined the legal team representing Wells’ family. The organization will work alongside attorneys already involved in the Nolan Wells investigation, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, while pushing authorities for comprehensive fact-finding and greater transparency.
“We’re taking up this fight to search for truth and transparency surrounding the death of Nolan Wells,” said Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. “Drawing on the Association’s long history of pushing for full and fair investigations when Black lives are lost under suspicious circumstances, we will help bring additional investigative resources to bear and work to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking answers and accountability for Nolan’s family.”
Clarke previously led the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division before becoming the NAACP’s general counsel, according to the organization’s leadership information. The NAACP’s involvement adds another major civil rights voice to a case that has expanded far beyond Mississippi and drawn demands for outside scrutiny.
The Nolan Wells investigation began after the 18-year-old traveled with friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July gathering. Wells did not return to the mainland with the group, and his body was recovered two days later. His family has questioned accounts of his final hours, including explanations about why he allegedly remained on the island while his phone was taken back to the mainland. Authorities have not announced evidence establishing that a crime occurred.
Those unanswered questions became more significant after Wells’ family commissioned an independent autopsy. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr. listed Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined and said he could not rule out nonaccidental factors. Mitchell found no fractures or deep tissue injuries, but he documented an area of red discoloration on the back of Wells’ skull that he said required additional investigation. Decomposition and limitations caused by the earlier state autopsy also restricted what Mitchell could determine.
Mississippi’s State Medical Examiner has completed an official autopsy, but its findings had not been publicly released as of mid-August. Jackson County officials have also said the completed investigation will be presented to a grand jury, a procedure the district attorney has described as routine for deaths in the county that are not natural or noncriminal vehicle fatalities.
The Nolan Wells investigation has also reached Washington. The Congressional Black Caucus called for a full, transparent and independent investigation in July, saying Wells’ family and the public deserve answers about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
“The world is watching, and Nolan Wells’s family deserves a thorough accounting of what happened,” said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP. “Too often, the deaths of young Black people are dismissed, downplayed, or inadequately investigated unless we demand answers. Our involvement in this case is part of our ongoing commitment to make sure those answers are pursued with urgency and respect for Black lives.”
With the NAACP now working alongside Crump and the Wells family, the pressure for transparency continues to grow while the central question remains unresolved: what happened to Nolan Wells between the time he arrived on Horn Island and the recovery of his body two days later?
According to Reuters, the NAACP announced Monday that its Office of General Counsel has joined the legal team representing Wells’ family. The organization will work alongside attorneys already involved in the Nolan Wells investigation, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, while pushing authorities for comprehensive fact-finding and greater transparency.
“We’re taking up this fight to search for truth and transparency surrounding the death of Nolan Wells,” said Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. “Drawing on the Association’s long history of pushing for full and fair investigations when Black lives are lost under suspicious circumstances, we will help bring additional investigative resources to bear and work to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking answers and accountability for Nolan’s family.”
Clarke previously led the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division before becoming the NAACP’s general counsel, according to the organization’s leadership information. The NAACP’s involvement adds another major civil rights voice to a case that has expanded far beyond Mississippi and drawn demands for outside scrutiny.
The Nolan Wells investigation began after the 18-year-old traveled with friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July gathering. Wells did not return to the mainland with the group, and his body was recovered two days later. His family has questioned accounts of his final hours, including explanations about why he allegedly remained on the island while his phone was taken back to the mainland. Authorities have not announced evidence establishing that a crime occurred.
Those unanswered questions became more significant after Wells’ family commissioned an independent autopsy. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr. listed Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined and said he could not rule out nonaccidental factors. Mitchell found no fractures or deep tissue injuries, but he documented an area of red discoloration on the back of Wells’ skull that he said required additional investigation. Decomposition and limitations caused by the earlier state autopsy also restricted what Mitchell could determine.
Mississippi’s State Medical Examiner has completed an official autopsy, but its findings had not been publicly released as of mid-August. Jackson County officials have also said the completed investigation will be presented to a grand jury, a procedure the district attorney has described as routine for deaths in the county that are not natural or noncriminal vehicle fatalities.
The Nolan Wells investigation has also reached Washington. The Congressional Black Caucus called for a full, transparent and independent investigation in July, saying Wells’ family and the public deserve answers about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
“The world is watching, and Nolan Wells’s family deserves a thorough accounting of what happened,” said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP. “Too often, the deaths of young Black people are dismissed, downplayed, or inadequately investigated unless we demand answers. Our involvement in this case is part of our ongoing commitment to make sure those answers are pursued with urgency and respect for Black lives.”
With the NAACP now working alongside Crump and the Wells family, the pressure for transparency continues to grow while the central question remains unresolved: what happened to Nolan Wells between the time he arrived on Horn Island and the recovery of his body two days later?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Customer service heated argument
Walmart employees appreciate when another customer can deflect the rage away from them.😁👍
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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