Jennifer Hudson for InStyle US - August 2021!
Here are some more pics from J-HUD’s fabulous spread in InStyle Magazine
She looks great. Don’t forget RESPECT is out in August!
Frankie Lons, best known for appearing in Cole’s various reality TV shows, reportedly succumbed to her years-long battle with addiction while celebrating her birthday
Keyshia Cole‘s mother, Frankie Lons, has passed away from an overdose after a long-fought battle with addiction, her family has confirmed to TMZ. She was 61.
Frankie Lons, was known by many for being the mother of famed R&B songstress Keyshia Cole, after appearing on Cole’s various reality TV shows. Becoming a fan favorite, Frankie wound up earning her own spin-off series entitled, Frankie & Neffe, alongside Cole’s sister Neffeteria Pugh.
The death was first announced by Cole’s sister Elite Noel, who shared the news to her Instagram stories.
In a heartbreaking post, Elite Noel wrote that the passing of her mother is “the worst pain ever.” She wrote in the Instagram story, “worse pain ever…..to see my mama in a body bag on her birthday! My heart so f-ckin broke.”
Keyshia Cole’s brother, Sam, told TMZ that Frankie, unfortunately, had an overdose while celebrating her birthday.
Per TMZ, “Frankie overdosed at her Oakland home Sunday … the same day she was celebrating her born day, when she apparently took drugs while partying — relapsing on what we’re told was a long, hard-fought journey to sobriety.”
The report continues, “Sam also says the family wants the world to remember Frankie as someone who loved her kids, and who wanted her children to be together … despite their turbulent history.”
Adopted at a young age, Cole had a complicated relationship with her biological mother (Lons) and father, Virgil Hunter. Cole was raised by family friends, but she eventually reunited with her biological family as her career took off. Fans eagerly watched her unique relationship with her family on her various reality TV series, including Keyshia Cole: My New Life in 2019.
As TMZ also reports, Cole has been very open with her fans about her mother’s journey with addiction. She wrote in an Instagram post in 2018, “Every time my mom relapse, it breaks my heart more than it’s already been broken. I’m hoping, if any of u are dealing with a family member who’s battling with drug addiction, that you, yourself are learning how to cope with the struggle of it all. And all the pain it brings to see a loved one constantly relapsing.” Cole has not yet commented on her mother’s death.!
Leyna Bloom Is the First Transgender Model to Cover the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue!
'Leyna Bloom just made history. The model and actor is the first openly transgender woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue.
“This cover and this moment represent what it looks like in the future," she told Page Six.
“Being a person of trans experience growing up in the world, there was no representation of that [in fashion], so I felt like I could never do this,” she told the outlet. “I think it [was] just putting myself out there, knowing that I was born in a world I didn’t fit in, so I have to create one that I do. I just wanted to be seen in the world and let people know that people like me do exist and we are beautiful.”
“I have dreamt a million beautiful dreams, but for girls like me, most dreams are just fanciful hopes in a world that often erases and omits our history and even existence,” Bloom wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the cover. “This moment is so powerful because it allows me to live forever even after my physical form is gone. Not a lot of people get to live in the future, so at this moment, I’m proudly choosing to live forever.”
She continued, “I dedicate this cover to all ballroom femme queens past, present and future. This historical moment is important to #girlslikeus because it allows us to live and be seen. Many girls like us don’t have the chance to live our dreams, or to live long at all. I hope my cover empowers those, who are struggling to be seen, feel valued. Let me be a messenger guiding us to a future of respect and appreciation for all women in all forms and from all walks of life.”
Leyna Bloom is one of three cover stars this year: She's joined by Naomi Osaka and Megan Thee Stallion, who each have their separate covers.
Two years ago, Bloom broke new ground at the Cannes Film Festival. Per EW, in 2019 she became the first trans woman of color to lead a movie at the event; she starred in the drama Port Authority, directed by Danielle Lessovitz.
#RHOA: Cast Shakeup, Fans Could Be Saying Goodbye To Porsha Williams!
The upcoming 14th season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast may look a little different. Recently news broke that producers were looking to change up the cast because season 13’s ratings were not great. In fact, they were the lowest in history at 489,000 fewer viewers than the previous season. In more shocking news the reunion is also reported by TV Deets to be the lowest-rated reunion ever, keep in mind many people still watch the reunion and avoid the whole season. “The ratings weren’t the best this past season, so they need to do something to help get more viewers,” said a source for the show.
We May Not Get To See The Love Triangle: Fans of the show were hoping to see Porsha Williams’s engagement drama with Simon Guobadia play out on TV but apparently, the fan-favorite is one of the people who may not be returning. The 39-year-od announced she was engaged to the entrepreneur in Spring soon after the finale finished airing. The controversial announcement shocked fans who spent season 13 inviting Guobadia’s wife to events to film and introducing her as a friend of the show. Williams has since made announcements about new projects some not related to the housewife’s franchise.
It was reported by Love B. Scott that the mom of one is “seriously considering” moving on from the show. She wants to plan her wedding in peace, no doubt. As for who may be making a return, well Sheree Whitfield has been doing a lot of traveling lately and she was an OG of the show. Fans have been flooding her comment section wondering why she is “always on a PJ” and who is paying for all these trips. Some are speculating that these could possibly be cast trips because she is friends with Kandi Burruss. It doesn’t seem like Kenya Moore is going anywhere, she just got back after all.
#MusicNews: Camilla Cabello Revealed New Song on Normani Release Day and Fans Aren't Happy!
Camilla Cabello is receiving criticism online after the singer announced a new single just hours before her ex-bandmate Normani's new track dropped.
Taking to Twitter late on Thursday, the former Fifth Harmony singer revealed a new song titled "Don't Go Yet" set for release on July 23.
However, Friday morning saw the release of Normani's highly anticipated new joint, "Wild Song" with Cardi B.
Many fans are slamming Cabello for "outshining" her fellow singer with fans complaining that Normani should have her moment with her new song without competition from her old bandmate
"you couldn't let normani have her time???" one tweet reads, while another added: "You couldn't wait for Normani to shine could you?"
Another tweet, with more than 1500 likes reads: "not camila annoucing her single on normani day...smthn ain't right."
"Leave it to Camila Cabello to try and announce something a couple hours before Normani release. She could've announced that early next week," said another.
Another questioned: "why tf is camila teasing when normani just came back?..."
The pair do not have a relationship after finding fame on The X Factor together and there has been tension between them over old tweets by Cabello.
In 2019, Cabello apologized after old racist and xenophobic tweets resurfaced.
"When I was younger, I used language that I'm deeply ashamed of and will regret forever," Cabello wrote on both Twitter and her Instagram Stories. "I was uneducated and ignorant and once I became aware of the history and the weight and the true meaning behind this horrible language, I was deeply embarrassed I ever used it."
She continued at the time: "I would never intentionally hurt anyone and I regret it from the bottom of my heart. As much as I wish I could, I can't go back in time and change things I said in the past. But once you know better, you do better and that's all I can do."
Normani—full name Normani Kordei Hamilton—addressed the controversy in an interview with Rolling Stone months later, saying she found the situation "devastating."
"It would be dishonest if I said that this particular scenario didn't hurt me. It was devastating that this came from a place that was supposed to be a safe haven and a sisterhood, because I knew that if the tables were turned I would defend each of them in a single heartbeat."
She continued: "It took days for her to acknowledge what I was dealing with online and then years for her to take responsibility for the offensive tweets that recently resurfaced. Whether or not it was her intention, this made me feel like I was second to the relationship that she had with her fans."
Normani concluded: "I don't want to say that this situation leaves me hopeless because I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for personal growth. I really hope that an important lesson was learned in this. I hope there is genuine understanding about why this was absolutely unacceptable."
#HipHopNews: Dipset Verzuz The LOX Hits Madison Square Garden!
It’s an all New York Verzuz when Dipset and The LOX meet up at Madison Square Garden next month.
The evolution of the Verzuz phenomenon has inevitably come full circle with the announcement of an in-person performance featuring legendary New York crews Dipset and The LOX. The news came on Wednesday, July 14th, with a Verzuz Instagram post captioned, “NYC stand up this one is for the history books!!! THE LOX vs DIPSET TUESDAY, AUGUST 3RD LIVE from @hulutheatermsg!!”
The post included details about attending the in-person show at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre, announcing that tickets go on sale on July 15th. The faceoff will also be streamed on the Verzuz Instagram and the Triller app, which allows viewers to cast the performance to their televisions.
Both crews had repeatedly shown up in conversations about possible Verzuz contenders, leading to Jim Jones commenting on the dynamics of each group when he called into The Joe Budden Podcast back in December.
“Dipset and The LOX, a lot of camaraderie, a lot of good energy, a lot of energy to bounce off each other,” said Jones. “Cam, Jadakiss, and Styles P literally started the same year to get into this game off of freestyles and things like that. We represent the uptown part of New York City. We represent the culture for New York City.”
Taking to social media in anticipation of the show, Styles P offered his prediction about the outcome of the battle, saying, “If you got us losing you can’t be thinking about lyrics because when it comes to that…. No one is in position to challenge our expertise..!!!!!! No one …..!!!!!”
No matter which group comes out on top, it is remarkable to watch the Verzuz platform evolve from a purely online performance arena born out of necessity during the pandemic into a hit-for-hit battle happening in front of a live audience at Madison Square Garden. The event is a welcome sign that the world is returning to in-person entertainment while still holding onto some of the best things to come out of 2020.
#BOXOFFICE: 'Space Jam' And Lebron James Score A Hit At The Box Office!
"Space Jam: A New Legacy," which stars James alongside the Looney Tunes, brought in an estimated $31.6 million in its North America opening this weekend. That exceeded industry expectations, which projected the film to bring in closer to $20 million for its debut.
That number is somewhat surprising for a few reasons.
For starters, the Warner Bros. film was widely panned by critics. The sequel to the 1996 family movie starring Michael Jordan, has a 31% score on review site, Rotten Tomatoes. (Warner Bros., like CNN, is owned by WarnerMedia.)
However, it looks like the reviews didn't matter much to consumers, who gave it an 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an "A-" on CinemaScore.
James himself even commented on the bad reviews by tweeting out a story about the film's positive box office totals alongside a comment that read, "Hi Haters!"
'Space Jam: A New Legacy' lets LeBron James jump into Michael Jordan's shoes
'Space Jam: A New Legacy' lets LeBron James jump into Michael Jordan's shoes
The other reason that the solid box office is a bit of a surprise is because "Space Jam" was also available on HBO Max.
The film, which reportedly had a $150 million production budget, was released on the streaming service at no extra charge to subscribers on the same day it was released in theaters. So audiences could have just stayed home to watch, but it looks like a good amount still went out and bought a ticket.
As for the rest of the weekend box office, Marvel's "Black Widow" came in behind "Space Jam" with an estimated $26.3 million in North America for its second weekend.
The film, starring Scarlett Johansson as the avenging super-spy, is coming off a hit debut at both the box office and on Disney's streaming service, Disney+. Its second weekend box office totals dropped 67% from last weekend.
So far, the superhero film has made $264 million at the worldwide box office, according to Disney (DIS).
Bobby Bones Marries Caitlin Parker in Intimate At-Home Ceremony!
The radio host, Breaking Bobby Bones star and American Idol mentor and Parker tied the knot at their Nashville-area home on Saturday evening — and PEOPLE has all the exclusive details.
"We love home. We picked this place out together — that was really one of the first decisions that we made as a couple. And so she thought, 'What if we got married here?'" Bones, 41, tells PEOPLE.
Adds Parker, 29, "It was such a big gesture for Bobby to want to get a home for us both, that had some of my touches. We got to start fresh. For me, it really wasn't even a question. It was just — if we're getting married in Nashville, we're getting married at the house."
With the help of Ninth & Everett owner and planner Josiah Carr, the couple's backyard was transformed into the wedding venue of their dreams. Blooms from Stella Rose Floral were everywhere while a "C + B" from Alpha-Lit Nashville lit up the area. Additionally, string quartet Viva La Strings played while floating in Bones and Parker's pool during the cocktail hour.
"Josiah has just been the best — not only planning, but also being a bit of a therapist at times for different reasons," Bones says. "Honestly, I didn't know the value of a wedding planner. I thought they hired a couple of people, you ate your cake and you called it a day. But he has been so great and helpful and giving in ways that I never expected him to be."
Bones and Parker planned to forgo a first look ahead of the ceremony — "I will not see her until she's walking down the aisle," he tells PEOPLE — but both were looking forward to the other's appearance as the wedding march began.
Parker was also awaiting the moment her father would hand her off to her fiancé. "I am so close with my dad and he's just the perfect example of what a man should be to his wife and his daughters," she says. "His blessing means a lot to me. And I just like the idea of being passed over from my favorite man in the world to my new favorite man in the world."
After the groomsmen — including retired tennis pro Andy Roddick — walked in to The Office theme song, the couple's two dogs, Stanley and Eller, also made their way down the aisle in bow ties and pearls — though days before the ceremony, Bones was unsure if the rambunctious pups would be able to "pull it off." He joked, "We're rooting for them, but it'll be a game-time decision."
Bones and Parker, who wrote their own vows, were married by her childhood music minister, Jeff Elkins. "I don't have a godfather, but if I did, it would be him," Parker says of Elkins, who's also her childhood best friend's dad. "He was the only option."
For their wedding, Bones wore a custom suit with bow tie by Alton Lane, preferring to "blend in" with a classic look so Parker could "come down and own the show" in her Galia Lahav gown.
Parker found the perfect piece at The Dress Theory Nashville much quicker than she initially expected.
"It was probably the third dress that I tried on, and I knew it immediately. I had five girls [including bridesmaids Abby Smyers and Bobby Bones Show personality Amy Brown] with me and three of them started crying! It was the absolute opposite of what I thought that I wanted from the start — completely different," she tells PEOPLE. "Bobby's very superstitious about it. He doesn't even want me to say the word 'dress.' He won't look at my phone — he's afraid a picture will pop up. He won't go into the closet where it's hanging, even though you can't see it."
Parker finished her bridal look with hair by Sarah Klein and makeup by Marz Collins.
Following the ceremony, guests — including country stars Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Chuck Wicks and radio personality Charlamagne Tha God — enjoyed a cocktail hour with apps passed on marble trays in the shape of Bones and Parker's home states of Arkansas and Oklahoma while listening to the floating quartet White Door Events set up in the couple's pool.
The party then moved into a tent on the property for dinner and dancing, where the pair were officially introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Estell. Pals Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay then took the stage to sing Bones and Parker's first dance song — the Jesse and the Rippers version of The Beach Boys' "Forever" from Full House.
Other industry friends provided additional entertainment, as Gary LeVox serenaded the crowd with Rascal Flatts' hits "Bless the Broken Road" and "Fast Cars and Freedom" while Ronnie Dunn performed the Brooks & Dunn classic "Neon Moon" as a light-up moon was lowered from the ceiling as a surprise for the newlyweds.
Bones tells PEOPLE he was especially looking forward to the dances — both the first and last. "I know I won't cry then," he says of the Dan + Shay performance, but if a few tears sneak out, "I can just hide on her shoulder." The pair planned to share a private moment at the end of the night as well. "We're going to do a last dance when everybody's gone," Bones explains. "I look forward to that with no pressure."
Bubbles & Brews Nashville provided champagne and craft beer, while Beyond Details catered the event, serving steak, crab cakes, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Cakes + Co provided sweet treats, including Bones' favorite Funfetti cookie dough cake that he previously had for his birthday. "They'll be very full when they leave here," Bones jokes of his guests.
But the couple was most excited about the evening's send-off — a Sonic Drive-In pop-up serving everything from "put a ring on it" onion rings to Nashville hot chicken sliders to the couple's personal concoction, the Bobby Water. (Despite the name, the drink — which features water, strawberries, cherries and Nerds — was Parker's creation. "Bobby went on air the next day and was like, 'So I invented this crazy thing at Sonic.' And I caught wind of it and was furious!" she recalls with a laugh. "That might be the biggest fight we've ever had.")
Bones and Parker consider the Sonic snacks the "most personal part of the night" because it reminds them of the early days of their relationship when they were figuring out their feelings for each other.
"When she was coming from Los Angeles to Nashville and I would pick her up at the airport, I would go by Sonic and get her drinks first," Bones explains of the first few months of dating long-distance in 2019. "It was like, 'Hey, you just flew for five hours. This is an odd thing I'm doing because I'm trying to show you how much I care about you, but I don't really know how to express human emotions.' So to have that as a big part of our wedding means a lot to us. It wasn't some sort of product placement. We actually pursued them and were like, 'Is there any way you will do this here?' And they went above and beyond."
"We want kids. I never really had a family growing up," Bones tells PEOPLE of his childhood burdened by poverty, an absent father and a mother (now deceased) who abused drugs and alcohol. "It's also a growing process for me to be a better, more well-rounded human. I'm looking forward to that."
Adds Parker: "My family is really big on traditions. Christmas Eve, we do the same thing every year, and we always go on a family vacation. I really look forward to continuing some of those with him, but also starting our own."
But first, the honeymoon. "There's a little motel about a mile from the house, so we're going to go stay for a day," Bones initially jokes, before confirming he will in fact be enjoying a brief break. "I've never taken two weeks off of work!"
Tennis Star Coco Gauff Will Miss Tokyo Olympics After Testing Positive For COVID-19!
Coco Gauff announced on Sunday that she will not be able to represent Team USA at the 2020 Olympics after she tested positive for the coronavirus.
The 17-year-old tennis star made the announcement on her official Twitter page where she expressed her disappointment in not being able to participate in the games. ‘I’m disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future,’ she tweeted.
“I want to wish TEAM USA [the] best of luck and a safe games for every Olympian and the entire Olympic family,” Gauff continued.
The games were pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is scheduled to start on Friday. As previously reported, there was a spike in coronavirus cases in Tokyo which caused Olympics officials to ban spectators in order to prevent a new wave of infections.
More Than 60 People Sickened After “Chemical Incident” At Texas Water Park!
Around 65 people got sick yesterday at a Houston-area water park in what local officials have described as a “chemical incident.”
According to CNN, public health officials ordered the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, Texas, to remain closed until they can determine exactly what happened.
“In the area around the kiddie pool in this water park, a lifeguard was sick, and soon after that, more and more people began becoming sick,” Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo said in a news conference in front of the water park.
Spring Fire Department Chief Scott Seifert said 26 people were taken to area hospitals, and 39 refused transport. The victims had to be decontaminated before leaving the park.
“The chemical combination was about 30-35% sulfuric acid and 10-13% bleach, and that’s all we have at this time,” Chief Seifert said.
Sharon Stone wows in white gown at Cannes Film Festival!
Sharon Stone ruled the red carpet on the final night of the Cannes Film Festival.
The 63-year-old actress oozed glamour in a white Dolce & Gabbana gown — featuring a high slit and body-skimming silhouette — at the festival’s closing ceremony and screening of “OSS 117: From Africa With Love.”
Stone looked every bit the queen of the red carpet that she was — waving to fans and blowing kisses to the crowd with a wide smile that never seemed to leave her face.
“Sharon – the older she gets, the more beautiful she shines,” one fan wrote on Twitter after Stone shared the details of her look.
“Stunning spirit shining through a beautiful body,” another commented.
“Oozing radiant energy,” another person wrote.
The “Basic Instinct” star is “definitely having a hot girl summer,” a source told Page Six earlier this month.
The Hollywood icon has been wowing fans with her fashions — including a statement-making floral Dolce & Gabbana gown at another Cannes event and a yellow bikini for a recent day of lounging — as well as her personal life.
“They’re enjoying each other’s company right now and hanging out,” a source told Page Six. “They’re having a great time together.”
On Cannes’ final night, Stone co-presented the Palme d’Or — the biggest award at Cannes — to the film “Titane,” after legendary director Spike Lee mistakenly revealed the winner earlier in the evening.
A$AP Rocky Drops His Highly-Anticipated Pacsun Capsules!
A$AP Rocky is making moves in 2021- both in the studio and now in the world of fashion. Earlier this week, the All Smiles artist debuted his new capsule collections for PacSun to largely rave reviews.
The Rocky x PacSun collection was launched under A$AP Worldwide in partnership with global streetwear brand PacSun. The line features two capsules- one with iconic sneaker brand Vans as well as one with sports heritage brand Russell Athletic.
A teaser reel on Instagram showed some behind the scenes looks at the capsules’ development, which appears to be largely influenced by skateboard and athletic culture. The video also showcased PacSun’s new logo, which is surrounded by flames.
The Vans capsule features two new versions of the Old Skool silhouette (one built on white leather and the other built atop black canvas). The pairs retail for about $110 and $100 USD, respectively.
The Russell Athletic capsule consists of athletic wear including T-shirts, sweats, and fleeces. The t-shirts are bright bold colors with “Russell” printed in large simple font. The fleeeces feature an all-over skull print and come in a variety of neon colors as well as black.
In a honor of the collection, Rocky issues the following statement: “This partnership is special to me because it’s a collaboration that combines my roots, A$AP Worldwide, and some of the most respected heritage brands that have roots in both the sportswear and lifestyle worlds. Together with Pacsun, we will be releasing several limited edition collections that are both nostalgic and forward at the same time.”
More information about the collection can be found here.
Wyoming Bar Under Fire For Selling Shirt Advocating Anti-Gay Violence!
A bar in Wyoming is facing criticism after selling T-shirts that appear to advocate for violence against LGBTQ people.
Eagle's Nest, in Cheyenne, sold shirts that said, “In Wyoming, we have a cure for AIDS, we shoot f----n' f-----s,” according to local news outlets and a statewide advocacy group. The shirt also includes an image of a man with a pistol that’s aimed at the viewer.
The bar's owner, Raymond Bereziuk, has not returned a request for comment, but he told The Cheyenne Post on Monday that the shirts are sold out and he doesn't plan to sell any more. He added that he is "in the bar business, not the apparel business."
Wyoming Equality, an LGBTQ advocacy group, shared a photo of one of the shirts in a Facebook post Saturday with the profanity and homophobic slur covered.
"We are sad to say that we failed to convince a local bar to pull these shirts from circulation," the post read. "We hoped that they would choose to stop selling them when they realized the harm it did to the LGBTQ community and those living with AIDS."
LOOK!
Wyoming Equality did not share the name of the business, saying, "We do not want them to gain notoriety/ sell more shirts off the pain of our community." Rather, the group asked people to support its work by donating and to consider supporting the nonprofit organization Wyoming AIDS Assistance.
One of Wyoming Equality's followers commented on the Facebook post and suggested the group contact alcohol distributors to “see if they are OK with working with an establishment selling these types of items.”
The organization responded, “Our friends at the Human Rights Campaign are helping us with this.” HRC, the country's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, did not immediately return a request for comment.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, condemned the shirts in a statement to the Casper Star-Tribune.
“It’s incredibly disheartening to learn that any business would offer a product for sale with a message like this,” he said. “This hurtful rhetoric is not reflective of our state’s values, and does nothing but promote hate and division.”
Cheyenne, where Eagle's Nest is located, is less than an hour from Laramie, where gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard died after being brutally beaten in 1998, sparking nationwide protests and vigils.
Shepard's murder was a catalyst for the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law in 2009. The measure provides funding to state, local and tribal jurisdictions to help them investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by bias against a particular race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, among other protected classes.
In 2018, Heidi Beirich, then the director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center, told NBC News that the federal legislation was a step forward, but its jurisdiction is narrow and didn’t have much of an impact on state laws.
Since Shepard's murder, many states have passed hate crime laws, which are meant to deter bias-motivated crime, though Wyoming isn't one of them. In fact, Wyoming is one of only four states without any hate crime legislation at all, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit LGBTQ think tank.
That, however, could change: In June, Wyoming lawmakers voted to have the Legislative Service Office draft two potential hate crime measures, which they will consider during the next legislative session in 2022, the Casper Star-Tribune reported. The bills would provide protections to more groups of people and would require state law enforcement to report hate crimes to the federal government, The Associated Press reported. Because the bills haven't been drafted yet, it's unclear which groups would be protected.
During public comment on the Wyoming hate crime bills, a woman testified that her lesbian daughter attempted suicide after she and her friends were assaulted and robbed by a group of teenagers who yelled homophobic slurs, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.
“She tried to take her own life because there are not protections for these kids. They cannot protect themselves,” she said, the Casper Star-Tribune reported. “We need to do better, there need to be laws that specifically cater to this.”
Twenty-two states explicitly prosecute hate crimes committed due to a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, according to Movement Advancement Project. Eleven states include only sexual orientation, and one state interprets existing law to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Thirteen states have hate crime laws that don’t include LGBTQ status. The remaining states, including Wyoming, have no hate crime laws at all.
Sara Burlingame, the executive director of Wyoming Equality, told NBC News that the shirt has made at least a few state legislators understand the need for a hate crime law in Wyoming. She said the state can be warm, welcoming and hospitable, but it has also earned a reputation of being unsafe for LGBTQ people.
“As we make this pitch to the global community to come and invest in us, there’s a piece of us that is just so cankering and that we refuse to look at, we refuse to address — and it’s not going to go away,” she said.
Adele and LeBron James' Agent Rich Paul Look Cozy While Attending NBA Finals Game Together!
Adele's new rumored romance has us rolling in the deep. On Saturday, July 17, the 33-year-old singer turned heads after making a rare public appearance at the NBA Finals for Game 5. The English star looked as fabulous as ever, wearing a wildly fun-printed coat and all-black ensemble underneath.
However, Adele's showstopping style wasn't the only thing worth noting.
The "Rumor Has It" singer was sitting courtside next to LeBron James's agent Rich Paul. And although the two didn't pack on the PDA during the game against the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, they did look cozy together.
During their fun night out, the duo seemed attentive to what was going on throughout the game. At one point, the Grammy winner even noted something happening on the court, with the sports agent leaning in to listen closely.
A source confirms to E! News that they are dating, with a separate insider adding, "Adele and Rich Paul attended the game together.
As Phoenix and Milwaukee faced off in the finals, the twosome took some of the spotlight away from the players and even captured the attention of ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
In a recent podcast episode of The Lowe Post, the sports journalist reacted to Adele and Rich's date night.
"Meanwhile, Rich Paul, [LeBron's] agent, brings his girlfriend to the game to sit next to LeBron. His girlfriend is Adele," Brian said. "Rich Paul is at the game with Adele. Lebron is watching the game with Adele. This is the first time that they've come out in public together so this will be all over the tabloids, especially in England tomorrow. Trust me."
At this time, both Adele and Rich have yet to publicly comment on their rumored romance. E! News has reached out to both of their reps but we haven't received a response.
News of the singer's possible relationship comes four months after she finalized her divorce with Simon Konecki. The two, who split in September 2019, agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of their son Angelo, 8.
A month after she and Simon broke up, Adele was rumored to be dating rapper Skepta. Last June, the "Chasing Pavements" musician and the rapper exchanged flirty messages on Instagram, which only added more fuel to the fire.
But by October 2020, she confirmed that she wasn't in a relationship during her unforgettable appearance on Saturday Night Live. As she wrote on Instagram at the time, "I'm going back to my cave now to be the (single) cat lady that I am! Peace out til next year [black heart emoji]."
As for Rich? In 2019, the sports agent was linked to Jennifer Meyer—Tobey Maguire's estranged wife, who filed for divorce in October 2020.
But even though Adele could have a new man by her side, a source close to the English performer previously told E! News that she's still putting herself first.
"Adele has been very busy focusing on herself this last year," the insider shared last month, "and has spent months in the studio recording her new album."
The source teased, "The album is going to be released very soon, and she is excited for the world to hear it."
Kanye West ‘Donda’ Tracklist Leaks Ahead Of Rumored Album Listening!
DONDA may finally see the light. While fans eagerly await his oft-delayed album, Kanye West recently hit the studio with Tyler, the Creator. Consequence shared a short video of a masked Ye and Tyler appearing to work on new music.
“ConsTV Exclusive Ye x Tyler Epic Level Summer 21,” he captioned the muted clip.
Fans also noticed a whiteboard in the background with a tentative DONDA tracklist that shows 10-11 tracks. As HipHop-N-More points out, some of the titles are the same from the tracklist that surfaced one year ago including “24” and “Hurricane.” Other new track titles include “Remote,” “Daylight,” “Jonah,” and “No Child Left Behind.”
Additionally, it appears that Kanye plans to preview the long-awaited project tonight in Las Vegas. An alleged invitation for an invite-only listening party claims that the event will take place at 6:30 p.m. and no cell phones are allowed.
DONDA has been a long time coming. In honor of Kanye’s birthday last month, his manager Abou “Bu” Thiam announced that an album was on the way.
DONDA, the follow-up 2019’s Jesus Is King, was slated to drop last July before being delayed several times. The album was previously titled God’s Country, but was changed to honor his mother, the late Donda West, who died in 2007 from surgery complications.
Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus Reveals He Has Stage 4 Cancer!
Blink 182’s lead vocalist Mark Hoppus revealed during a live stream with fans that he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Hoppus explained to fans on a Twitch live stream that he has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma Stage 4-a and went into details about his treatment. “My classification is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma Stage 4-A, which means, as I understand it, it’s entered four different parts of my body. I don’t know how exactly they determine the four-part of it but it’s entered enough parts of my body that I’m Stage 4, which I think is the highest that it goes. So, I’m Stage 4-A,” he explained.
According to Page Six, Hoppus said he’s been receiving chemotherapy treatment and was scheduled to meet with his doctor to see if they have been working.
The singer says he has to go through three more rounds of chemotherapy in order to make sure he’s fine but he is remaining positive about his diagnosis. Hoppus revealed he had cancer back in June and said he received the diagnosis in April.
His bandmates, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge expressed their support towards Hoppus and remained positive.
Britney Spears Calls Out People She Feels Have Never Been There For Her!
Amid the turmoil surrounding her conservatorship, Britney Spears called out the people who have never been there for her in a lengthy Instagram post.
“There’s nothing worse than when the people closest to you who never showed up for you post things in regard to your situation whatever it may be and speak righteously for support … there’s nothing worse than that !!!! How dare the people you love the most say anything at all … did they even put a hand out to even lift me up at the TIME !!!???” the “Toxic” singer wrote. “How dare you make it public that NOW you CARE … did you put your hand out when I was drowning ???? Again … NO … so if you’re reading this and you know who you are … and you actually have the nerve to say anything about my situation just to save face for yourself publicly !!! If you’re gonna post something …. Please stop with the righteous approach when you’re so far from righteous it’s not even funny ….”
Spears does not mention anyone by name in her post but clarifies that they know who they are.
“PS if you’re reading this today and you can relate …. I’m sorry because I know what it’s like … and I send you my love !!!!” Spears concluded the post.
The embattled songstress scored a small victory in her ongoing legal battle to remove her father from her conservatorship. The court approved her new attorney Mathew Rosengart. During a hearing on Wednesday, Rosengart said he intends to file a motion to have Jamie Spears removed as conservator.
Last month, Spears tearfully opened about her conservatorship in court, which she called abusive and cruel. At the time, she expressed the desire to press charges against her father.
Derek Fisher and Gloria Govan Finally Get Married!
Derek Fisher and Gloria Govan are officially married! via People: Govan and Fisher, former NBA player and current head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, got married on Saturday at Cielo Farms in Malibu, California. The newlyweds got engaged in April 2018 after dating for three years and were forced to delay their wedding last April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We got engaged in 2018, and we eagerly started planning the wedding, but, unfortunately, like many, we had to cancel our big day,” Govan, 36, tells PEOPLE. “There were times we thought we should have a Zoom wedding instead of waiting but quickly realized our families being a part of the big day was important and our kids, who are just as excited as we are.”
For the big day — which was planned and designed by Kelly Patrice — Govan wore a curve-hugging gown with lace panels and beading around the waist by Monique Lhuillier. Karla Daniels created Govan’s chic up-do, while David Rodriguez was the artist behind the bride’s makeup.
Bridesmaids wore dresses by Dessy Collection, while Fisher’s groomsmen looked sharp in suits by Octavius Perry.
The venue was decked out with specialty rentals and lighting from Premiere Party Rentals, Papillon Rentals, and Casa De Perrin, and stunning florals created by Lilla Bello. While the custom invitations were designed and produced by Wesley Sloan Designs.
Govan’s brother Eric Govan officiated the ceremony, which took place in front of a picturesque mountainscape with the couple standing underneath a stunning floral arch.
For the reception, guests dined on food from Trés LA Group’s Rob Pausmith and indulged their sweet tooths with a cake by Susie Cakes. For a caffeine boost, I Do Coffee provided a coffee bar. Partiers sipped on four different signature cocktails, representing the blended Fisher-Govan family. (Govan has two children from a previous relationship, while Fisher, 46, is a dad of four.)
“For Derek and me, our wedding has been about unity and a blending of families,” says Govan. “After the pandemic, we realized how important family really is. We could have easily eloped or filled out the paperwork and gotten it over with. But sharing this moment and event with those closest to us took priority over taking the easy route. We kept our guest list limited to those closest to us.”
And that intimate group was on hand as the couple shared their first dance to Amellarriux’s “For Real.” Music for the reception was provided by DJ Malski.
The entire evening was captured by photographer Jenny Quicksall and videographer Miguel Garcia Studios. Guests could create their own picture memories in a photo booth from MirMir.
“For both of us, this is our second marriage,” Govan tells PEOPLE. “The most exciting part about this time around is all the growth we bring to the relationship. The trials and tribulations we’ve experienced have played a huge part in who we are in our relationship today. From the start, we’ve been very honest about our expectations from our friendship to marriage.”
Adds the happy Mrs. — who will head to Thailand with Fisher in October for their honeymoon — “After almost two years of waiting here, we are — and we couldn’t be happier.”
Congrats to the happy couple.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘DREAM JOB AT WALMART’
I guess!
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Handsome Troy
Meet Troy! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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