The Daily Buzz For Aug 4☕📰☕

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#FRAGRANCEFAB: SPIDER-MAN Star Zendaya for Prada’s Paradoxe Ad Campaign

Introducing Zendaya as the new Prada Beauty Global Ambassador, fronting Paradoxe. 


“I love how Paradoxe celebrates complexity, capturing both strength and vulnerability without trying to frame or define someone. For me, the fragrances we choose are a reflection of how we move through the world. 

Joining the brand feels like a completely natural extension of that mindset, especially since Paradoxe was already a personal favorite.” — Zendaya


#RHOA: Andy Asks Cynthia Bailey a Shocking Question in RHOA Season 17 Reunion Trailer: "Oh Lord"

The newly released sneak peek, which you can check out above, kicks off with host Andy Cohen and the RHOA cast — including Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley, Kelli Potter, Pinky Cole, K. Michelle, and friend Cynthia Bailey — turning the reunion stage into a rave. Though the ladies gamely agree to "drop it" when it comes to dancing, their lingering Season 17 conflicts are another story.

Upon joining the cast on the sofas, Cynthia requests an update on what she's missed so far, and, well, it's a lot. The party vibes continue as Andy playfully fills her in, "K. Michelle's a gay man. Drew's divorced. Phaedra and Porsha both dated Mike [Bless]," amid laughter from the group.

The mood shifts once they all get down to business, however. In one shocking moment, for example, the Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host asks Cynthia, "At what point did you decide you didn't like Shamea?" Though you'll have to tune in to hear what she has to say, jaws hit the floor, while Phaedra, for one, cries out, "Oh Lord!" in response to Andy revealing the extent of Cynthia and Shamea's unexpected rift.

Cynthia is hardly the only cast member with whom Shamea has unfinished business, however. Elsewhere in the reunion trailer, Shamea also goes toe to toe with Angela over the latter being "so invested" in her personal life, before also taking on family-related drama with Porsha in another heated confrontation.

Meanwhile, Andy brings up who was behind the "plot and plan" K. Michelle talked about on Season 17, prompting Drew to enters the fray, claiming, "I know who it is." From there, the WWHL host vaguely mentions some "news" about Drew's "friend-friend" Blakk Tatted, to which K. Michelle interjects, "That's why I didn't want a part of it." Their ensuing argument ends with Drew pulling out a clapperboard and calling, "Cut!"

And they're hardly the only peach-holders with some things left to get off their chests. Among the several other RHOA reunion faceoffs viewers can expect to see are Porsha vs. Kelli, K. Michelle vs. Porsha, Kelli vs. Angela, and Phaedra vs. Pinky.

The Georgia peaches are back, as The Real Housewives of AtlantaSeason 17 is officially underway, with new episodes airing Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo and streaming the next day on Peacock.

The returning RHOA Season 17 cast members include Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley, and Kelli Ferrell, along with newcomers Pinky Cole and K. Michelle. The women are joined by friend Cynthia Bailey.

Things get spicy in the ATL, as Porsha juggles two potential new love interests. Viewers can also expect changes in friendships, major relationship news, tea spilling, and shade throwing.

#NewMusic from Ari Lennox “Hookah Baby”

Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Ari Lennox has officially returned to the airwaves with her brand-new single, “Hookah Baby.” Available now across all major digital streaming platforms, the track serves as a bold and infectious reminder of why Lennox remains one of the most distinct and celebrated voices in contemporary soul.Music & Audio

“Hookah Baby” perfectly encapsulates the smoky, late-night lounge atmosphere its title suggests. Built upon a foundation of warm, laid-back basslines, crisp percussion, and jazzy horn accents, the production creates an intoxicating groove that demands to be played on repeat.

Lennox’s signature buttery vocals glide effortlessly over the instrumental. Lyrically, she brings her trademark blend of witty storytelling, unapologetic sensuality, and relatable humor. The song paints a vivid picture of a casual romantic encounter, capturing the intoxicating, hazy energy of a carefree night out with a captivating love interest.

LISTEN HERE:

Since her breakout with the critically acclaimed debut album Shea Butter Baby and its hit follow-up age/sex/location, Lennox has consistently championed a sound that bridges the gap between classic 90s neo-soul and modern R&B. “Hookah Baby” continues this trajectory, showcasing her undeniable vocal agility and her knack for crafting melodies that feel instantly timeless yet refreshingly modern.

The release of “Hookah Baby” arrives as fans eagerly anticipate the next full-length  musical chapter from the Dreamville standout. While it remains unconfirmed if the single is a standalone release or the lead offering from an upcoming project, it firmly places Lennox back in the spotlight, dominating the R&B conversation as we head into the late summer months.

“Hookah Baby” is available to stream and download now on Spotify, Apple  Music, YouTube, and all other major digital platforms.Celebrities & Entertainment News.

#HipHopNews: Tupac Shakur Murder Trial Begins Next Month, Judge Allows Old Keefe D Police Interview as Evidence – Report

The Tupac Shakur murder trial is scheduled to begin next month, with the judge reportedly ruling yesterday that an old interview that suspect Duane "Keefe D" Davis gave to the police is admissible at trial.

Nearly 30 years after the rap icon's killing, the trial for the only person charged with the crime is slated ot being on Aug. 10, following multiple delays. During a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday (July 28), Las Vegas judge Carli Kierny made a ruling, allowing a 2008 police interview where Keefe D gave details about the murder to be used in court, The Associated Press reports. In the interview, Keefe D told police that suspected shooter Orlando Anderson "popped them," meaning shot Tupac and Suge Knight, in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996.

Keefe D's defense attorney argued that the interview was supposed to be confidential and Keefe D was told it could not be used against him. The prosecution successfully argued that the interview was no longer inadmissible, since Keefe D wrote the tell-all book, Compton Street Legend, and has spoken openly in multiple interviews about what happened on the night of Tupac's murder.

The book will also be allowed in the trial, despite Keefe D's attorney's objections that it is a fictionalized account to make a profit. He also argued that Keefe was simply "exercising his First Amendment right to free speech, even though it is not in good taste."

After being a cold case for over two decades, police arrested Keefe D in 2023, after be admitted in his book and multiple interviews to being present and providing the gun used in Tupac's shooting, which was allegedly retaliation for a fight Tupac and Death Row members were involved in at the MGM Grand shortly before he and Suge were shot in a drive-by near the Las Vegas Strip. The other three men in the suspect car, including alleged shooter Orlando Anderson, have died since the shooting and were never charged.

Keefe D is facing life in prison if found guilty.

BoxOfficeNews: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Weaved a web to n Astonishing $355 Million Debut, Second-Biggest Opening Weekend in Box Office History

Sony and Marvel‘s comic book adventure “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” obliterated box office expectations, collecting a jaw-dropping $355 million from 4,487 North American theaters. It’s the second-biggest debut in domestic box office history following 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame” with $357 million, not adjusted for inflation. “Brand New Day” could end up eclipsing the all-time record if Monday’s final tally lands above estimates. No other films have ever come close to surpassing $300 million in a single weekend. The third-largest domestic opening belongs to 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home” with $260 million, followed by 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” with $257 million. Yes, Marvel Studios now boasts the four largest openings of all time at the domestic box office.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” collected $573 million at the international box office, bringing the grand total to a staggering $927 million worldwide and underscoring Peter Parker’s broad, global appeal. It’ll rank as the second-biggest worldwide debut after “Endgame,” which captured a mind-blowing $1.2 billion in its first weekend of release. Sony spent around $225 million to produce “Brand New Day,” not including marketing costs. Destin Daniel Cretton (“Shang-Chi and the

“This is a truly phenomenal opening, and we are grateful to audiences everywhere for coming out and experiencing our film the way it was meant to be seen,” said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who produced the movie. “This debut reflects the enduring power of Marvel’s characters, and the connection they continue to have with fans around the world — and, as audiences saw, it sets up exciting things to come.”

Even with the craze surrounding “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” remained a draw with $51 million in its third frame. Together, they have fueled the biggest collective weekend in box office history with roughly $430 million across all films. The top weekend prior to this was, of course, “Avengers: Endgame” ($402 million collectively), followed by “Avengers: Infinity War” ($314 million collectively).

Few in Hollywood had expected another movie to near the initial box office heights of “Avengers: Endgame,” which was touted as the epic culmination of 22 interconnected films. A $300 million-plus start seemed especially unlikely, not just because the pandemic upended the industry a few months later, but also because after the history-making finale of “Endgame,” Marvel experienced its first-ever bout of superhero fatigue. Post-COVID sequels such as 2023’s “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and 2025’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” all disappointing at the box office. There were hits, like “No Way Home,” 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” but audiences were no longer showing up to theaters just because a new superhero adventure was gracing the big screen.

“Audiences are tired of seeing the same thing. There are too many connected storylines, and it’s turning entertainment into homework,” says analyst Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations. “We need a fresh start.”

That’s part of the appeal of “Brand New Day,” which confirms there’s truly no such thing as Spider-Man fatigue. This Spidey adventure was promoted as a reset in the web-slinging series. That’s after the prior installment, “No Way Home,” ended on a massive cliffhanger: Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker made the difficult decision to erase his identity from the world in order to save the multiverse, leaving his girlfriend (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) to forget about him. Demand — to find out the ramifications of Spider-Man’s fateful choice, and to be among the first to find out who Sadie Sink was playing in the film — was so intense that some locations of major theater chains were scheduling showtimes every 15 minutes from dusk to dawn.

What’s more impressive about the debut is “Brand New Day” didn’t play in Imax, the most ubiquitous of the premium large formats, because “The Odyssey” has the network’s entire domestic footprint for three weekends. “Spider-Man 4” dominated the other PLFs, though, establishing new opening weekend records for Dolby ($10 million domestically), 4DX ($17 million globally) and ScreenX ($14.4 million globally).

“This weekend’s historic worldwide results remind me of what Clarence wrote to George Bailey in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: ‘Remember, no man is a failure who has friends,'” Sony’s motion picture group chair Tom Rothman said in a statement. “‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is fundamentally a movie about friendship, about the balm of connection in all our lives, and that is resonant to audiences of all ages and all around the world. In troubled times, Sony is very proud to have united the world in celebrating a film about hope.”

Holland’s run as Spider-Man is the rare series to keep improving upon the last at the box office. His first outing, 2017’s “Homecoming,” launched to $117 million domestically and ended its run with $880 million worldwide. Then 2019’s sequel “Far From Home” ignited to $92 million domestically but powered to $1.13 billion worldwide. And, of course, “No Way Home” was colossal with $1.9 billion worldwide. That film was especially huge because all three Spider-Men — Holland, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield — shared the screen in a crossover event for the ages. Holland’s future with the character is uncertain (he said recently that a succession plan is already in the works), but it’s hard to imagine the studio will want to part with the 30-year-old actor after this historic weekend. Meanwhile, Marvel will build on the success of “Brand New Day” with “Avengers: Doomsday,” which reunites a smattering of superheroes (and reintroduces Robert Downey Jr. not as Iron Man but as the villain Doctor Doom) in December.

Elsewhere, “The Odyssey” has surpassed $911 million at the box office, including $395.5 million domestically and $515 million overseas, after just three weekends in theaters. “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” will imminently be the fourth and fifth releases of the year to surpass $1 billion, following June’s “Toy Story 5” ($1.02 billion) and April’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($1.001 billion) and “Michael” ($1.001 billion).

The staying power of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” will determine whether this summer will become the second since COVID to cross the coveted $4 billion milestone. And with blockbusters like “Dune 3” and “Avengers: Doomsday” on the way, Hollywood is hoping that yearly grosses will hit $10 billion for the first time in the post-pandemic era. Revenues used to regularly eclipse the $10 billion mark before the great movie theater reset.

“This milestone weekend sets up a tremendous month of August,” says Rentrak’s head of marketplace trends, Paul Dergarabedian. “The likelihood of a $4 billion summer and a $10 billion year just went up exponentially.”

 

Howard University Reinstates 200+ Freshmen After Enrollment Crisis

Earlier this week, the Washington, D.C. university interim president, Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD took to social media to share encouraging words. The Trinidadian-American Howard alum, who is also a practicing cancer surgeon at Howard University Hospital, had an important update regarding the hundreds of perspective incoming freshmen who were disenrolled merely days before many were expected to arrive on campus for their first year at the storied HBCU. To the delight of many, approximately 200 students have reportedly had their fall 2026 status reinstated.

In a confident yet compassionate manner, Dr. Frederick explained that he understands the disappointment and uncertainty the disenrollment decision has caused. “Admission to Howard University represents the realization of a lifelong dream,” Frederick said adding that the school’s enrollment decisions impacted many first-time-in-college (FTIC) students and families. 

More of his clear, direct and seemingly heartfelt message is below.

Each year, Howard University, like all colleges and universities, establishes enrollment deadlines that enable us to prepare responsibly for the academic year. These deadlines allow us to finalize financial aid, housing assignments, course schedules, orientation, and the many academic and student support services that position students for success. As part of this process, we must also ensure students have satisfied academic, administrative, and financial requirements for enrollment.

From March through July, the University communicated these expectations through multiple channels, including financial aid notifications, personalized aid information, email reminders, instructional videos, Bison Prep programs and direct outreach. Students were also provided additional time beyond the original deadline to make the required good-faith tuition payment, enroll in an approved payment plan, or submit documentation of pending scholarships, veterans' educational benefits, or other anticipated financial resources.

These decisions were not intended to diminish students' aspirations or place institutional finances above opportunity. Rather, they reflect our responsibility to ensure that students begin their Howard experience with a documented and sustainable financial plan. Across higher education, students who enroll without a realistic plan to meet their educational expenses are significantly more likely to experience financial hardship, interrupt their studies, or leave college before earning a degree. We have a responsibility to help students persist, graduate, and thrive.

At the same time, we recognized that some students' individual circumstances warranted additional review. We have now completed a comprehensive evaluation of every unenrolled student. As a result, a significant number of students have had their enrollment restored after completing payments, verifying scholarships, student loans, veterans' educational benefits, and other financial aid, resolving billing issues, or providing documentation that supported reconsideration. Final notifications to all affected students are now being completed. 

For students whose enrollment cannot be restored this semester, we are actively exploring options to help them continue their educational journey, including opportunities for deferred enrollment at Howard in a future term.

This experience has reinforced the importance of continually strengthening how we serve students and families. While our enrollment expectations remain appropriate, we are committed to making this experience better for future students and families.

This year, Howard University received more than 36,000 applications for the fall 2026 academic year, reflecting the growing demand for a Howard education. Of those applicants, more than 2,200 students successfully completed all enrollment requirements to secure their place in the entering class. Enforcing established enrollment processes and deadlines is essential not only to responsibly managing an incoming class of this size, but also to ensuring that every enrolled student has access to the academic, financial, residential, and student support resources necessary to thrive. 

Amid this ordeal, some other colleges and universities have extended invitations to assist the disenrolled Howard students. The nearby, smaller HBCU, University of the District of Columbia is one such school. Maryland governor Wes Moore announced yesterday that the University System of Maryland will attempt to help those impacted. Even colleges and universities in the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems beyond the DMV-area have offered to support said students as well.

#WEDDINGBELLS: Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones Got Married in Greenwich ceremony

Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones are now married.

The Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star and the Grammy Award-winning singer tied the knot in a ceremony in Greenwich, Connecticut, on Saturday. The two shared their first dance to Musiq Soulchild's 2000 hit song "Love," as seen in a video posted by sports agent Troy Payne on Instagram.

The wedding was attended by a strong cast of notable athletes and names, including Mitchell's Cavaliers teammates, Bam Adebayo and Josh Hart, as well as Russell Wilson and Ciara. Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown were both in attendance as well, with Brown capturing Brunson on the dance floor in a clip that went viral on social media.

Mitchell and Jones announced their engagement in July 2025. Rumors of their relationship had begun to swirl in September 2024, when they were spotted holding hands at an Usher concert in Las Vegas.

Mitchell is coming off a season in which he made the All-NBA second team and led the Cavaliers to a 52-30 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks. Jones' last album, "Why Not More?" was nominated for best R&B album at the 68th annual Grammy Awards.

Ariana Grande to take 'step back from visibility' due to 'endless' public scrutiny

Ariana Grande has announced she will step back from public-facing engagements after finishing her current tour, citing concerns about "endless, ongoing public scrutiny". There has been renewed public commentary surrounding Grande’s physical appearance following the release of her new album.

American singer-songwriter and Oscar-nominated actress Ariana Grande will “take a step back from visibility” after her ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour, and has withdrawn from her planned West End debut.

Grande, 33, is wrapping up the North American leg of her tour and will begin a 10-date residency at London’s O2 Arena later this month. Her representative has confirmed that she will take a break from public appearances after these shows, which end on 1 September.

“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour,” the rep told People. “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”

People also quoted a source close to Grande, who emphasised that she was in good health. “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved,” they said. “She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night."

The decision to take a break comes after renewed public commentary surrounding Grande’s body and appearance - commentary which intensified online after she recently released the video for ‘Petal’ (see above), the title track from her new album which was released last Friday (31 July).

Grande has previously spoken out about having people comment on her physical appearance and health, and has also been open about her mental health following the Manchester Arena attack at her concert in May 2017 when a suicide bomber killed 22 people.

Ariana Grande concludes the US leg of her tour on 6 August and heads to her London residency at the O2 Arena on 15 August. The sold out shows conclude on 1 September.

Nicki Minaj Launches $10 X Subscription & Fans Have Questions

Nicki Minaj is betting on the Barbz once again! Are they still there for here financially? The internet is already split over this latest exploit by the one known now as MAGA Minaj.

She has officially launched a paid subscription on X, giving fans access to exclusive content for $10 per month. Nicki’s move is drawing extra attention because she has never done this with her massive following.

“I finally did it,” Nicki wrote to her 26.6 million followers while introducing the new feature. She described the subscription as a place where fans could laugh, debate, vent and simply enjoy each other’s company away from the rest of us heathens.

The package she offers includes exclusive posts, subscriber-only X Spaces and a special badge that appears next to subscribers’ names whenever they interact with Nicki. The Barbz are gonna love that! For years, many of these people have competed for Nicki’s attention, and now she can milk this $10 at a time.

The early numbers suggest plenty of fans are willing to put their money where their tweets are. So far there are like 1,100 paying members. At $10 per month, that works out to about $11,000 in monthly recurring revenue, or approximately $132,000 annually. I need to find a way to make this happen for me.

Under X’s Creator Subscriptions program, creators keep up to 97 percent of subscription revenue! That is before reaching $50,000 in lifetime earnings! Not bad…even with Apple Google and payment processing taking a piece. After that, it comes down to 90 percent. Not a bad take. Almost like highway robbery with the prices of nearly everything going way up.

Not everyone is reaching for their wallets.

Some people clapped for Nicki for finding yet another way to get money from her dedicated fanbase. Does anything Nicki do warrant a $10 monthly fee?

I’m putting gas in my car and $10 gets actually gets me here and there.

Madonna & Kylie Minogue Debut Long-Awaited Collaboration at Surprise WorldPride 2026 Performance: ‘Are We in Gay Heaven?’

Madonna and Kylie Minogue are finally uniting on a song after decades of demand from fans.

The “I Feel So Free” and “Love at First Sight” pop icons surprised the crowd with a live debut of a new remix of Madonna‘s “Love Sensation” featuring Kylie at WorldPride 2026 on Saturday night (August 1) in Amsterdam. Madonna and Kylie Minogue together at WorldPride in Amsterdam 202646

Madonna launched her latest official “Club Confessions” party at the LGBTQ+ Pride party following stops in West Hollywood, London, Paris and New York City, taking to the stage alongside longtime collaborator Stuart Price and Honey Dijon, as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race fan-favorites Symone and Gigi Goode, who hyped up the crowd.

The Queen of Pop danced along and performed selections from her No. 1 new album Confessions II including “I Feel So Free,” “Bring Your Love,” “Danceteria” and “One Step Away” before launching into “Love Sensation” and announcing Kylie to the stage.

The two got up on the DJ booth and performed their new remix of the track together, as Madonna declared to the roaring crowd: “Are we in gay heaven?”

Madonna and Kylie Minogue together at WorldPride in Amsterdam 202646

They happily hugged and embraced afterward, as Madonna then launched into “Sorry” alongside Kylie, performing the Confessions on a Dance Floor song properly live for the first time since 2006, as well as the global smash “Hung Up.”

Following the surprise appearance, Kylie posted a video showcasing her spinning around backstage in Confessions II-era style purple and silver ensemble, as well as footage from the historic meet-up onstage. Watch above!

Madonna also shared the first snippet of the “Love Sensation” Afterhours Mix featuring Kylie.

‘Hadestown’ Producers Confirm Geno Segers’ Departure From Broadway Production Amid

Geno Segers will no longer be joining the cast of Broadway’s Hadestown after his alleged past social media posts have come to light.

Known for his work on TV shows including Pair of Kings, Knight Squad, and Henry Danger, the 49-year-old actor was supposed to make his Broadway debut in the production as Hades. Other cast members were also confirmed for the September 1 start date for the New York City production.

The producers of Hadestown confirmed that Geno Segers will no longer be playing the role

In a statement to Just Jared, the producers released the following: “The producers of Hadestown and Geno Segers have mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production. Additional casting will be announced shortly.”

What social media activity was unearthed? OnStageBlog says that there were anti-transgender posts unearthed on his social media.

Some videos allegedly had text that read, “TRANS FAIRNESS?” and “NO MORE TRANS?”

The outlet also reported allegations that Segers had criticized pronoun usage and expressed opposition to trans women participating in women’s sports.

Segers has not publicly commented on the reported social media activity or the decision for him to no longer join the Broadway production of Hadestown.

Mahershala Ali Calls Out Marvel For Canceling ‘Blade’: “If They Wanted to Do It, We Would’ve Done It”

After years of delays, rewrites, director changes, and release-date shuffling, it appears Marvel Studios’ long-troubled “Blade” reboot is officially dead.

Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali, who was supposed to play the titular character, has broken his silence on the project’s collapse, and apparently — the decision wasn’t his (via GQ).

You had me under contract, they have billions of dollars. If they wanted to do the movie, we would’ve done the movie… I feel ready to move on from the Blade questions. Those questions are for them.

This is what I would call Ali throwing shade at Marvel and Kevin Feige. There’s no way around it.

Marvel Studios unveiled Ali as the new Blade at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, and many believed it was perfect casting. However, what followed became one of the MCU’s most infamous development stories.

The film cycled through multiple writers (at least six) and directors (at least three), reportedly underwent numerous rewrites, lost release dates, and was eventually removed from Marvel’s schedule altogether.

Throughout the process, rumors suggested the studio struggled to find the right creative direction for the vampire hunter while also trying to fit him into the MCU’s increasingly interconnected storyline.

Ali’s comments suggest the delays weren’t because of scheduling conflicts or creative indecision on his part. Instead, he places the responsibility squarely on Marvel, which most likely overcomplicated what should have been one of its simplest and most efficient projects. What a massive missed opportunity.

The studio overcomplicated what could have been a simple, standalone vampire action movie starring Ali instead of worrying so much about fitting it into the larger MCU.

Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade in “Deadpool & Wolverine” has also made his “there’s only one Blade” joke even funnier in hindsight. With Ali’s version seemingly dead, that line now feels unintentionally prophetic.

John Legend to play Harry Belafonte in apartheid-era drama

The Road Home centers on Hugh Masekela and explores how African music drew international attention to the fight against apartheid.

The Bill Condon-directed film also stars Cynthia Erivo, Guy Pearce, Johnny Flynn, and Thabo Rametsi, with production underway in South Africa.

John Legend previously described Harry Belafonte as a friend and mentor, reflecting on how he showed artists how they can engage in social justice work.

On Thursday (July 30), Deadline revealed that John Legend will portray Harry Belafonte in The Road Home, an upcoming musical drama centered on South African jazz giant and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekela.

The "All of Me" artist joins a cast led by South African actor Thabo Rametsi as Masekela. Cynthia Erivo will portray singer and activist Miriam Makeba, while Guy Pearce and Johnny Flynn were tapped to play Archbishop Trevor Huddleston and Paul Simon, respectively. Production is currently underway in South Africa.

Directed by Bill Condon from a script written by Michael Bronner, the film will explore Masekela’s belief that African music could bring international attention to the fight against apartheid. The story also examines the controversy surrounding Simon’s Graceland, which featured South African musicians despite a United Nations-backed cultural boycott of the country’s apartheid government.

Legend shared that accepting the role carries personal significance because of the relationship he developed with Belafonte before the legendary performer’s death in 2023.

“I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor, and collaborator in the struggle for justice,” Legend said. He added that Belafonte established a standard for artists who use their platforms to confront social and political issues.

Belafonte became a prominent supporter of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and ’60s, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr., organizing demonstrations, and providing financial support for movement activities. His activism later extended to international causes, including opposition to apartheid and advocacy concerning humanitarian issues across Africa.

How Harry Belafonte’s activism helped inspire John Legend

Legend previously named Belafonte among the artists who shaped his understanding of how entertainers could participate in movements for social change. During a 2024 appearance at Georgetown University, he cited Belafonte and Nina Simone as role models who used their music, money, and public platforms to support protesters and organizers.

Legend’s acting credits include "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," while his song “Glory” from Selma, recorded with Common, earned him an Academy Award. He became the first Black man — and the youngest person — to achieve EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status in 2018.

Studiocanal is financing The Road Home and will distribute the film across several international markets. A release date wasn't given at the time of the announcement.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

Interesting choice for a day out with the kids 🤔

Didn’t understand until I read the shirt. 🤦

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

The Daily Buzz For Feb 19☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Ayo Edebiri and Luca Guadagnino Covers W Magazine's March 2025 Issue!

“I was in Chicago shooting ‘The Bear’,” Ayo Edebiri tells Lynn Hirschberg, writing for W Magazine’s March 2025 cover story. “Luca and I met over Zoom and ended up talking for two hours about the script and life and films.”
The script in question is ‘After the Hunt’, directed by Luca Guadagnino, who also photographs Edebiri for W Magazine, as they pay homage to his favorite actors from the ’60s. “I especially love Sophia Loren,” he said. “And, of course, Ingrid Bergman.”

Edebiri was very enthusiastic about the shoot. “It’s truly liberating to become someone completely opposite from me,” she said. Guadagnino agreed. “You’re melancholic but fierce—like all the fantastic stars that we love.”
Edebiri said of her Directors Issue character: “I’m an Italian widow. Or maybe I’m a mistress who has been jilted by her lover. Either way, I’m alone. In my villa. And to keep myself amused, I’m trying on all of my clothes and jewelry, and I’m wandering around the stunning home that I will have to leave behind.”

The clothes and jewelry showcased by Edebiri and styled by Sara Moonves includes Alaïa, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Celine by Hedi Slimane, Chanel, Gucci, Loewe, Prada, The Row and more. Jewelry is from Cartier exclusively.

Edebiri has won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for outstanding supporting actress and best female actor, respectively, for her work on ‘The Bear’.
“Ayo is a movie star in the real sense of bigness, and cinema, and excitement,” Luca Guadagnino says about his star. “She has a commitment toward performance that you rarely find now. She absolutely commands your gaze.”
Guadagnino has released two highly praised—and very different—films in the last year: ‘Challengers’, a ménage à trois power struggle set in the world of tennis, and ‘Queer’, an adaptation of the famous William S. Burroughs novel, set in Mexico City in the ’50s.

“Ayo is also a director,” Guadagnino tells Hirschberg. “And she thinks like one.”
The compliment is deserved. In 2025 Edebiri was nominated for a prestigious Directors Guild of America Award for directing an episode of ‘The Bear’.
“Ayo’s like me,” continued Guadagnino. “I try to always multitask, to follow both the horizontal and vertical vectors of time. Currently, I am producing three movies, I’m directing a new film very soon, I’m designing houses and hotels, and my movie After the Hunt comes out in the fall. I prefer to be busy, but film is my first love. Always, always! And I think Ayo will be the same as me. She can do everything!”

Hours ago, ‘After the Hunt’ landed a limited theatrical release date of Oct. 10 from Amazon MGM Studios. Besides Edebiri, Julia Roberts leads a cast that includes Andrew Garfield, Chloë Sevigny, and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film will expand to additional theaters with a nationwide release on Oct. 17.

‘After the Hunt’ focuses on a college professor [Roberts] who is forced to confront her own dark past when a prominent student [Edebiri] makes an accusation against one of her colleagues [Garfield]. The film was shot in London and at Cambridge University.

#RHOA:Shamea Morton Mwangi Discusses the Difficulties of Being a “Friend Of”

Having been a part of The Real Housewives of Atlanta in some way, shape, or form since Season 5, Shamea Morton Mwangi is finally becoming a peach-holder. But life as a guest and "Friend of" had not always been the easiest. Speaking with former RHOA star Kandi Burruss on "Speak On It," Shamea divulged the difficulties of not being a full-time star on the hit Bravo series.

While spilling the sweet tea about her excitement of finally making it to the main roster, Shamea was pressed by her former costar about the struggles she faced being a lesser-tiered cast member. Shamea revealed, "That's the thing I want to clarify. People say, "You've been on the show before." No, not for real. Because, in the past, I've been a 'friend.' Which means sometimes I wasn't even mic-ed. Which means your voice don't really count that much as a friend." While her bombshell may not come as a shock, it's brought revelation into her desire for this long-awaited promotion.

Shamea continued to divulge how, because the series doesn't follow their stories or lives if you're not full-time, being able to hold your own was one of the more difficulties of filming. She said, "So, you could read me for filth, and it looks like I just laid down and took it. When, in actuality, I gave it back to you. Maybe they didn't air it, or it wasn't on camera because I didn't realize you did it until I watched it like the rest of the fans." Kandi jumped in to remind viewers that in the "Friend of" capacity, you don't get confessionals, something that will change for Shamea this season. Shamea said, "I don't get to react to it. I'm just a friend and I hope they let me come to the next event, so I can get you back."

Now that Shamea will be a part of the full-time crew, Kandi was eager to learn about how she got the part through some "gotcha" journalism. As much as Kandi hoped to catch Shamea into ragging on Porsha Williams, Shamea would not budge. She did reveal that she was honest with her fellow Season 16 cast member about the potential of being a peach-holder and how Porsh was, in fact, excited to share the honor with her on the upcoming season. Shamea stated that now the two of them can kick it in a way that they were unable to when she was just a "Friend of."

Throughout their conversation together, viewers were given a bit more insight into their relationship and just exactly how they ended up sharing the same surrogate. But most of the latter part of their chat was Kandi, one of the longest-tenured cast members on any franchise, offering Shamea words of wisdom, including keeping responses concise and not having a Google alert on. We'll see if Shamea heeds her advice.

#MewMusic from Jagged Edge Releases New Album “All Original Parts

Legendary R&B group Jagged Edge have just released their brand new album called “All Original Parts: Volume 1”. This is the eleventh studio album overall from the group.
Included on the album are fifteen all new original songs, featuring the lead single “Just Might Get It”. This is the first album from the group since “A Jagged Love Story” came out in 2020.

Last month, fans were granted early access to “All Original Parts Vol. 1” album via the direct-to-consumer EVEN.BIZ which gives them the ability to listen to the music before it’s available on streaming platforms. The album was inspired by themes of love, resilience, and personal growth, reflects Jagged Edge’s evolution while staying true to the sound that has made them one of the most celebrated acts in R&B.

STREAM HERE

It was also recently announced that Jagged Edge will embark on a Live Nation Urban tour, titled “An Evening with Jagged Edge: 25 Years of JE Heartbreak.” This exclusive tour will offer fans a chance to experience the group’s greatest hits alongside new music in an intimate, up-close setting.
The “An Evening with Jagged Edge: 25 Years of JE Heartbreak” tour will kick off in March.

#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ Is Back At No. 1 After The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is back at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and to no surprise, the Super Bowl LIX halftime show helped a lot.
According to the publication, the Compton rapper’s surprise sixth album moved an impressive 236,000 units in the week ending Feb. 13. Of that total, 117,000 came from streaming equivalent album units (equal to 161 million on-demand streams), while another 116,000 were pure sales. It notably marked the first time GNX topped the chart since its debut in December 2024, when it opened with 319,000 units.

While not the only reason for its reemergence, GNX finally hitting physical formats definitely played a role. On Feb. 7, the 12-song project became available on CD, cassette and several vinyl versions, including black, white, gray and Dodger blue.

The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Definitely Helped
A good chunk of Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show pulled from the aforementioned LP, even some of the lesser-known tracks like “man at the garden.” He kicked things off with an unreleased song — possibly from the rumored deluxe — before moving into “squabble up,” “peekaboo,” the SZA-assisted “luther” and more. And, of course, “Not Like Us,” which is expected to top the Hot 100 on Monday (Feb. 17), made the cut.

It was definitely a smart play on Lamar’s part, especially considering how past halftime performers have seen major streaming boosts after hitting the stage. Usher, for example, saw a 46% spike, with “Yeah!” nearly reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100. In 2023, Rihanna experienced a similar surge, with ANTI jumping from No. 50 to No. 8 on the Billboard 200 — seven years after its release and not much new music since.

It’s also worth mentioning that two of Lamar’s other albums climbed back into the Top 10 after his halftime show. DAMN., from which he performed “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.,” jumped from No. 29 to No. 9. Meanwhile, good kid, m.A.A.d city landed at No. 10, marking its first time back in the Top 10 just over 12 years after its original release.

Draymond Green Slams “Ridiculous” 2025 All-Star Game

Draymond Green ain’t feeling the new NBA All-Star format, and he’s got some words for the league.
With the new rules constructed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the All-Star Game was transformed from East vs. West into a mini four-team tournament. Team Shaquille O’Neal defeated Team Charles Barkley in the All-Star Championship on Sunday (Feb. 16), 41- 25, in a blow-out win. And while his Golden State Warriors teammate, Steph Curry, was voted MVP, Green was still rather unimpressed with the on-court product, opting to rate it a 0 out of 10.

“You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40, and then you’re done,” the outspoken vet expressed during the festivities. “This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who just took this game really seriously. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just took this game seriously. When you talk about chasing after the points record, Melo, Kobe and all these guys that had great scoring nights, they don’t get the opportunity to do that with this game. All so we can watch some rising stars.”

“We about to watch the Olympic team, now we get the treat of watching the Olympic team play against a U-19 team. Come on, what are we doing? This is ridiculous.
The four-time NBA Champion then shifted his attention towards the NBA at large. Green, 34, explained that even regular season games are “boring” and lack any strategic nuance like old school basketball.
“Every possession is some type of chess move. You don’t get that today in the NBA often…You don’t just get that on a regular basis,” Green explained. “It’s just who can run faster, who can hit more threes. It’s no substance. I think it’s very boring.”

Barkley clapped back at the Michigan State legend, insisting that the league wouldn’t be in this situation if Green and his generation of hoopers took the All-Star Game seriously during their tenure in the NBA. The former Phoenix Sun player argued that Draymond’s peers “messed the game up,” saying, “I’m going to disagree with Draymond a lot. I use the analogy like when the kids mess up the house, you make them clean it up and they’re complaining.”

More legendary players hopped into the All-Star Game discourse to vent their opinions about Draymond Green’s stance on the league. Oscar Robertson asserted that he doesn’t care about Green’s view of the game and took up for the current generation of players in the Association. Big O also took some shots at the Michigan native in the process, calling him out for being a one-trick pony.

“Who cares what Draymond says? It doesn’t mean anything,” Robertson said. “This is what I mean, one guy can say this, another guy can say that. The game is what it is. Either people like the game or they don’t, and I think people enjoy the game, especially if their team can win.”
“And if you look at the basketball, it might be boring to him because if he’s not passing the ball to Curry, what is he doing?”
Kevin Durant took a more sarcastic approach, posting his rebuttal to his former Golden State Warriors teammate and other naysayers on X/Twitter.

“I think it’s more fun to complain about the nba than to actually watch it,” wrote Durant. “Crazy, cancel All-Star weekend, and let’s just give everybody a break since we’re so miserable around this time…”

Wendy Williams moved after reportedly getting drunk

Wendy Williams was moved from one section of the assisted living facility to a more secured location because she allegedly got drunk without management’s knowledge or approval
TMZ reports that insiders at the unnamed facility were shocked to learn that Williams was rolling up in the restaurant on the top level and ordering drinks. One time, Williams was there for a long spell and ended up inebriated.

The publication claimed that when management learned of the episodes, Williams was moved to a new floor with fewer freedoms than the third floor she lived on for months. For example, the third floor where she was located had unobstructed access to the elevators. This is not the case now that she resides on the fifth floor.

Williams is not showing effects of reported demential diagnosis
As far as her reported dementia diagnosis, the person informed TMZ that Williams is not showing signs of that recently.
“Wendy doesn’t have good and bad days. She’s the same all the time,” adding, “You can tell her something today and 2 weeks later she’ll remember it. Her memory is fine.”

Suge Knight’s son challenges Ray J to a street fight

The son of Death Row founder Marion “Suge” Knight Jr. is challenging Ray J to a fight after he allegedly spread lies about his incarcerated father.
Suge Jacob Knight, the son, accuses Ray J of “spreading lies” and “talking about my family.” He hopped onto his Instagram page and said he wanted to “run that fade,” meaning he wanted to exchange hands in the streets.

Knight’s son also reminded Ray J that he was home-schooled, while Knight graduated from the notoriously tough Crenshaw High School in south central Los Angeles, and that the singer and reality star was not ready for the smoke Knight would bring.
The situation popped off because Ray J conducted a recent interview with Vlad TV in which he discussed at length the situation with Death Row during the pinnacle of its powers and influence.
During the Ray J interview, the “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood” star said Suge Knight Jr., who will be eligible for parole in October 2034, supported and encouraged Tupac Shakur’s beef with Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls. Furthermore, Ray J said the Death Row co-founder made Tupac feel “unstoppable.”

Of course, the situation ended tragically for both uber-talented lyricists as 2Pac and Biggie were murdered six months apart from each other in the mid-1990s.
The Knights said Ray J is lying because they said Ray was not around Death Row in the early to mid-1990s.
Many fans agree that Ray is not being truthful

“This dude wasn’t even around them dudes during them days,” one person said in the YouTube comments section.
“Vlad, u letting ray j lie in yo face,” said a second person, while a third added, “Ray j going to lie more then Soulja Boy and game having a conversation with each other.”
A fourth user said facetiously that “TRUE LIES has to be Ray J’s favorite movie,” while a fifth respondent branded Ray J a “Certified goofy.”
At issue is the timeline of events, because as one fan points out, “Ray J wasn’t around the real Deathrow in 1992-1996…ray j didn’t go to Deathrow until 2001.”

This is why, another fan said “Vlad asking him knowing D–N WELL HE WASNT THERE.”

Lisa Leslie to Angel Reese: 'We're Going to Fix' Your Layups During 2nd WNBA Season

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie knows what part of Angel Reese's game she wants to target ahead of the Chicago Sky's 2025 season.
"The biggest advice I have for you is gonna be how you shoot your layups, period," Leslie told Reese on Thursday's episode of Unapologetically Angel (26-minute mark). "We're gonna fix that. That's fixable for you."
Reese averaged 13.6 points per game and finished as WNBA Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2024 while shooting 39.1 percent from the field.

That included a 44.5 percent shooting rate on attempts from within five feet and a 42.4 percent accuracy rate on layups.
The Sky forward, who missed the end of her rookie season after undergoing season-ending wrist surgery, has previously referred to that shooting percentage on social media "the worst you'll ever see me."
Leslie has expressed hope that she can help Reese improve her shooting before, like when she mentioned Reese's offensive "ceiling" to Kelley O'Hara in a September episode of Just Women's Sports (10-minute mark).

"She has a whole ceiling of space to improve on. Her offense, her ability to shoot, just her down-post game, her face-up game. I hope to work with Angel one day in the gym, just to really help her get to that next level, because I believe that really can," Leslie said in September.
That hope came to fruition during Unrivaled's inaugural season, when Rose BC shared a video of Reese and Leslie training together.
In their latest conversation on Reese's podcast, Leslie praised the second-year WNBA forward for wanting to improve her game.

"For me to hear from you, and see that you're like, 'Yes, I want you to work with me, I want you to help me, I want to get better,' that's what it's about," Leslie told Reese. "The fact that you already have that attitude? You're going to get better, and I can help you get better. I'm positive. I'm serious."
Before returning for her second WNBA season, Reese will look to show off some of the lessons she's learning from Leslie when Unrivaled team play resumes next Tuesday between Rose and Vinyl.

Cynthia Erivo will play Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl

Cynthia Erivo will star as Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" in August at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Erivo, hot off her performance as Elphaba in the hit film adaptation of "Wicked," took to her Instagram story on Tuesday to confirm the news.
"Just a little busy this Summer. Can't wait!!," she wrote, reposting Broadway World's announcement to her Instagram Story.

The role marks the Oscar nominee’s return to the stage nearly a decade after her acclaimed Broadway debut in “The Color Purple” as Celie Harris, which earned her a Tony in 2016 for Best Lead Actress in a musical.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” Webber’s iconic rock opera, made its world premiere on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The Tony-nominated musical is a loose retelling of Jesus Christ's final days through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. With a score that blends rock, gospel and symphonic influences, the show explores the complex relationships between Jesus, his disciples and the Roman Empire.

Tony-winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo will direct and choreograph the production at the Hollywood Bowl, which will run from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3. Additional casting details have yet to be announced.
Erivo is no stranger to the material. She performed “I Don’t Know How to Love Him" from an all-female album version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," titled "She Is Risen," which released in 2020.

Harvey Weinstein Sues Brother Bob Weinstein For Fraud, Says He Misused $45 Million Loan

Harvey Weinstein is taking legal action against his brother Bob Weinstein, accusing him of fraud.
Harvey Weinstein filed the lawsuit in New York’s Supreme Court last week, naming his brother, former #WeinsteinCompany president David Glasser, and former EVP of Accounting Irwin Reiter as defendants. The suit stems from a 2017 complaint by AI International Holdings, which demanded immediate repayment of a $45 million loan Harvey Weinstein personally guaranteed in 2016.

According to Harvey Weinstein, his brother and associates “knowingly” misrepresented the loan’s purpose, leading him to believe it would help sustain The Weinstein Company. Instead, he claims they “diverted significant portions of the loan funds for unauthorized and personal purposes, including bonuses, unrelated business ventures, and personal expenses.”

Weinstein also alleges that Bob Weinstein, Glasser, and Reiter negotiated a settlement with AI International without transparency, ultimately securing a $15 million deal that left him “solely responsible for the remaining $30 million plus interest.” He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and the return of any “improperly appropriated” assets.
This lawsuit comes as Weinstein awaits a retrial for his 2020 sexual abuse conviction, which was overturned in April 2024.

Delta regional jet flips over while landing at Toronto Airport 

On Monday, while arriving from Minneapolis, a Delta airline crashed and flipped upside down, resulting in a dramatic crash landing at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Reports state that it is believed that a number of passengers on the plane were hurt. The chilling situation involving a Delta Air Lines plane at Toronto Pearson International Airport was being responded to by emergency personnel, according to the reports. According to pictures going viral online, the commercial jet reportedly fell over onto its back on a snowy runway.

“Emergency crews are responding to an incident involving a Delta Air Lines plane,” Toronto Pearson International Airport wrote in a post on X, confirming the event. Every traveler and crew member have been ‘accounted for’ but we are still waiting on confirmation on just exactly how serious the injuries are. USA today has reported that there were no fatalities.
“Toronto Pearson Airport is aware of an incident upon landing involving a Delta Airlines plane arriving from Minneapolis,” the airport added. Emergency personnel are on the way.

The dramatic scene that depicts the plane’s odd position has also been captured in a number of photos and videos that have appeared on social media. According to reports, several passengers managed to safely disembark from the airplane and enter the frozen runway. As soon as possible, emergency personnel encircled the aircraft and sprayed it to prevent a fire. The cause of the incident is being looked into by emergency personnel and airport authorities. More details are will be made public shortly, and an investigation to the accident is underway.

This accident is just the latest among a string of eerie airplane incidents. On Saturday Feb. 15, a private jet crashed in metro Atlanta, Covington Police Department reported. They reported both passengers on the plane passed away. Earlier this month, a high-profile accident involving a mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River made headlines. That incident, with 67 fatalities and currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has prompted heightened scrutiny over regional flight safety.

Kanye West says 'made $40 million next day' post swastika T-shirts and anti-Semitic comments

Kanye West has sparked widespread outrage once again, claiming that he made $40 million the day after posting his controversial anti-Semitic views on X and promoting swastika-themed T-shirts on his online shopping platform. In a series of disturbing tweets earlier this month, the 47-year-old rapper expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler, even declaring, "I'm a Nazi," before revealing he was selling the offensive T-shirts featuring the Nazi symbol on his Yeezy website.

West claims he made $40 million from Swastika-themed T-shirts
Kanye has now claimed to have made $40 million following his rant, stating on X, “I will write this more poetically in a bit cause right now I’m finishing my verse for Game's album. The idea of being Jew-proof is I said all these politically incorrect things, and nobody was able to stop me, extort me, or threaten me into changing anything."

The rapper added, “And I made 40 million the next day between my different businesses. There’s a lot of Jewish people I know and love and still work with. The point I made and showed is that I am not under Jewish control anymore. In war, you take a couple losses. I lost one of my favorite Yeezy designers, named Simon—he tailored the Grammy dress. This was a major loss. We lost Malcolm, who was our lead stylist and shopper and also found Simon. Maybe one day they will understand why I had to do what I did, and one day they will forgive my method.,” as reported by The Mirror US.

West’s site dropped by Shopify
The clothing items were quickly removed after the e-commerce platform Shopify deactivated the rapper’s site, which hosts numerous online businesses. The $20 T-shirts, which bore the cryptic HH-01 code, lacked any description but were flagged by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a reference to the Nazi salute, “Heil, Hitler,” a phrase associated with Adolf Hitler’s regime.

West also addressed Yeezy’s removal from Shopify on social media where he described the move as “a major victory” adding, “I HATE SHOPIFY AND I ALWAYS HAVE.” In a statement to NBC News, Shopify announced that they have dropped the rapper’s website. They stated, “All merchants are responsible for following the rules of our platform. This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms so we removed them from Shopify."

Jay-Z Reveals He And Beyoncé Faced Death Threats Over Rape Lawsuit As He Countersues Accuser's Lawyer

Jay-Z has filed a countersuit against Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing an anonymous accuser who alleged he and rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs raped her when she was 13 years old.
In his filing, the Roc Nation boss claims he and his wife Beyonce faced death threats following the "malicious and fictitious" lawsuit, adding that the timing in which the suit came was "purposely" done by Buzbee to force him into a no-win situation.

The case was recently dismissed with prejudice, leading Jay-Z to reveal that Tony Buzbee attempted to get money from him with a number of allegations.
According to the Daily Mail, Jay-Z has filed a countersuit against Buzbee, attorney to an anonymous accuser who alleged that he and Diddy raped her as a minor at a 2000 MTV VMAs party.

In his filing, the "Empire State Of Mind" rapper claimed he and his wife received death threats due to the rape lawsuit and that Buzbee's "public statements about me and accusations against me have caused me harm."
"People have said, 'I can't wait until you join (Combs) in prison. Then later in hell,'" Jay-Z alleged in his complaint. "Other comments have accused me of being a 'satanist,' a 'trafficker,' a 'terrorist,' and a 'monster,' called me the N-word and threatened violence against me and my wife, including to 'kill' or 'execute' us."

The rape lawsuit was notably filed against Jay-Z in December, a day before the "Lion King" prequel "Mufasa," which starred Beyonce and Blue Ivy, premiered in London.
Jay-Z added in his complaints that Buzbee "purposely" filed the lawsuit the day before the premiere to "put me in the position of having to choose between supporting my daughter or hiding to avoid the negative press coverage."

Beyond the damage done to his reputation, Jay-Z also claims he lost $20 million in business contracts due to the accusations, describing the ordeal as a calculated attack on his reputation.
In court documents obtained by TMZ, the "Drunk In Love" rapper also alleged that Buzbee tried to extort him of huge sums of money over two different allegations, one of which was the case just dismissed and another which didn't make it to court.

The other case in question involved an anonymous male accuser who alleged Jay-Z sexually assaulted him at a 2015 Beverly Hills party when he was 16 years old and had been secretly drugged by someone other than the hip-hop billionaire.
According to the news outlet, the rapper noted that Buzbee's letters for both clients demanded "something of substance" to address the "situation."
However, Jay-Z interpreted it as a demand for a lot of money "to buy their silence," calling the letters "blatant blackmail attempts."
Jay-Z's countersuit comes after the anonymous plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the sexual assault lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled again in its current form.

The rapper, via his entertainment company Roc Nation, then issued a statement referring to the dismissal as a "victory."
"Today is a victory," the statement began. "The frivolous, fictitious, and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere. The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims."
He continued, "I would not wish this experience on anyone. The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed. This 1-800 lawyer gets to file a suit hiding behind Jane Doe, and when they quickly realize that the money grab is going to fail, they get to walk away with no repercussions."

Jay-Z added that "the system has failed," noting that while the court "must protect victims," it must also "protect the innocent from being accused without a shred of evidence" with "the same ethical responsibility."

"May the truth prevail for all victims and those falsely accused equally," the rapper concluded.


Guy Pearce Breaks Down In Tears As He Recalls Being 'Targeted' By 'Aggressive' Kevin Spacey

Guy Pearce opened up about his uncomfortable experiences with Kevin Spacey. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter's podcast "Awards Chatter," he discussed his encounters with the "House of Cards" alum during the filming of their 1997 movie "L.A. Confidential".
Pearce, who is Oscar-nominated for his role in "The Brutalist," recalled how Spacey's unwanted advances made him feel uncomfortable. He tried to brush it off as "nothing" but deep down he knew he was being "targeted" by the "Usual Suspects" star.

Recounting the incident, Pearce stated, "Really I was sort of scared of Kevin because he's quite an aggressive man. He holds a room remarkably. But I was young and susceptible, and he targeted me, no question."
Pearce was not the only one that caught Spacey's eye. He remembered "the only days I feel safe are the days when [Simon Baker] is on set because I'm dumped like a hot potato, and [Kevin] focuses on [Simon] because he was ten times prettier than I am."
Pearce was hesitant to call himself a victim, but acknowledged the extent of Spacey's inappropriate behavior. He also tried to confront Spacey on multiple occasions, only to find the interactions to be "ugly."

It wasn't until the #MeToo movement and the allegations against Spacey surfaced in 2017 that Pearce realized the true impact of his experiences. He recalled, "I was in London working on something, and I heard [the reports] and I broke down and sobbed, and I couldn't stop. I think it really dawned on me the impact that had occurred."

Back in 2018, Guy Pearce called Spacey "a handsy guy" in an interview. He later clarified his remarks, "I addressed and handled the situation when it took place, hence my regret at making it public now."
Looking back, he has since regretted downplaying Spacey's misconduct. "I don't want him to get away with what he gets away with," he explained. "I just try to be more honest about it now and call it for what it is."

Kevin Spacey has denied all allegations of misconduct and was acquitted of charges in a British court in 2023.

Actress Candice Bergen Mourning The Loss Of Her Husband Marshall Rose

Marshall Rose, the husband of actress Candice Bergen, has passed away at the age of 88. Rose died from complications with Parkinson's disease on Saturday, February 15, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Brighton Beach, New York, in 1937, Rose earned degrees in economics and law. He had a distinguished career in real estate development, overseeing projects such as Frank Gehry's IAC building and the renovation of Madison Square Garden.

In addition to his professional achievements, Rose was a dedicated philanthropist. He served for 30 years on the board of the New York Public Library and was passionate about adult literacy programs.
Rose met Bergen in 2000 through mutual friends. They married in June of that year, and were approaching their 25th wedding anniversary at the time of Rose's passing.

Rose was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather in his obituary. He is survived by Bergen, his children Wendi and Andrew, his stepdaughter Chloe, and his grandchildren Alexander, Clio, Ell, Milo, Arthur, and Alice.
Rose's funeral will be held at Central Synagogue on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the New York Public Library in his memory.
Bergen, who was widowed when she met Rose, has said that Rose was the perfect husband. She described him as a handsome, charming, and trustworthy man with a deep love for his family and a commitment to his community.

Smokey Robinson Explains Inspiration Behind 1975 Song Believed to Be About His Affair with 'Babe' Diana Ross

Did Smokey Robinson write "The Agony and the Ecstasy" about his affair with Diana Ross?
In a new interview with The Times, the 84-year-old Motown legend was asked about the 1975 track from his A Quiet Storm album and whether it's lyrics about "forbidden" love were inspired by his affair with Ross, 80, during his marriage to first wife Claudette Rogers.

"As a songwriter I could not possibly have experienced everything I’ve written about, and that song seemed like a good idea because so many people were in that situation," Robinson told the outlet.
"The Agony and the Ecstasy" features musings on a romance clearly occurring outside of one's preexisting relationship. "What's it all about this crazy love? / How did our two worlds entwine? / How do I fit into your life / How did you get into mine? / I belong to someone else we know," he sings on the track, later adding that the two people in question now pay a "forbidden lover's price."

Responding to a direct question about Ross being the woman who inspired the song, Robinson added, "Ha ha! I’ve known Diana Ross since she was eight years old, man! She’s precious to me. She’s my longest living friend. Oh yeah, she’s my babe."
The Miracles vocalist previously opened up about his affair with the Supremes frontwoman in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, noting that their romance lasted "about a year" during his marriage to Rogers, 82.

"I was married at the time. [Ross and I] were working together and it just happened. But it was beautiful," said Robinson. "She's a beautiful lady, and I love her right til today. She's one of my closest people. She was young and trying to get her career together."
"I was trying to help her," continued the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member. "I brought her to Motown, in fact. I wasn't going after her and she wasn't going after me. It just happened."
He then explained how the affair ended. "After we'd been seeing each other for a while, Diana said to me she couldn't do that because she knew Claudette, and she knew I still loved my wife," he said. "And I did. I loved my wife very much."

Robinson was married to Rogers from 1959 to 1986. He married his second wife, Frances Glandney, in 2002. Meanwhile, Ross was married to Robert Ellis Silberstein from 1971 to 1977, and Arne Naess Jr. from 1985 to 2000.

Kamala Harris to Receive Prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award

*Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the Chairman’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday.
This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in public service and use their influence to inspire meaningful change. 
“Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, per The Associated Press.
“With bold determination, Vice President Harris fights for justice, amplifies the voices of the marginalized, and stands as a beacon of hope. She embodies the resilience and brilliance of Black women, uplifting their legacy as the driving force behind change in this country. VP Harris reminds us all that when Black women lead, the entire nation rises,” Johnson added.

Past recipients of the Chairman’s Award include Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, former Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, and Representative Maxine Waters.
Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general and a U.S. senator, will be recognized alongside comedian Dave Chappelle, who is set to receive the President’s Award.

Additionally, the 2025 NAACP Image Awards will honor the iconic Wayans family with an induction into the Hall of Fame. 
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” Johnson said in a press release. 
“Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities,” he continued.  

The Wayans family, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Sr., Marlon, Shawn, Kim, and Damon Wayans Jr., is one of Hollywood’s most influential comedic dynasties, known for their groundbreaking work in television, film, and stand-up comedy. They have left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry with their unique blend of humor, satire, and cultural commentary.

“The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen,” Johnson added. 
The 2025 NAACP Image Awards ceremony will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/PT, airing live on BET and CBS.

Kyle Kuzma & Winnie Harlow Are Engaged

The NBA star proposed to the supermodel during a romantic trip to Turks & Caicos on February 13.
According to Vogue, Kuzma surprised Harlow with a baecation, chartering a private jet decorated with roses, balloons, chocolates, and Champagne. Harlow initially believed it was all for Valentine’s Day—until Kuzma asked her to sit beside him and began reading a heartfelt poem.

The final line revealed his true intentions: “Will you be my wife?”
Harlow immediately said yes, and Kuzma presented her with a custom-designed 8.5-carat oval-cut engagement ring with two baguette diamonds on the sides. The NBA forward spent three months designing the ring himself, choosing a style he felt was “elegant, timeless, and simplistic.”

When they landed, both Harlow and Kuzma’s families were waiting at their villa to celebrate.
Congrats to the couple!

Krispy Kreme Drops Movie Snack-Inspired Doughnuts with Hulu

Krispy Kreme is bringing the magic of movie night to its doughnut case with a limited-edition collection inspired by classic cinema snacks. In collaboration with Hulu, the Krispy Kreme x Hulu: Movie Snacks Doughnuts Collection are now available.

The collection features four new flavors, each inspired by popular movie concessions:

Caramel Popcorn Doughnut – Designed to resemble a classic bucket of popcorn, this unglazed shell doughnut is filled with caramel popcorn-flavored cream, dipped in white icing with red stripes, and topped with crunchy caramel popcorn.
Candy Double Feature Doughnut – A treat for chocolate lovers, this Original Glazed doughnut is dipped in white icing, topped with milk chocolate M&M-like candies and mini chocolate chips, and drizzled with chocolate-flavored icing.
Cookie Dough Superstar Doughnut – Featuring an unfilled shell doughnut, this creation is loaded with chocolate buttercream-flavored filling, dipped in chocolate icing, and finished with gold glitter sprinkles and cookie dough bites.
Blue Raspberry Slush Doughnut – Inspired by classic slushie drinks, this Original Glazed doughnut is dipped in blue raspberry-flavored icing, coated with blue sugar sanding, and designed to turn your tongue blue—just like a real slushie.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

Its a me, Mario

Mario Cart!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM