Megan Thee Stallion for Essence - September/October 2021!
The "Hot Girl" Rapper Sizzles in ESSENCE’s Annual Issue Celebrating Black Style Innovators and Disruptors
With millions of fans, three Grammys and a new album in the works, the artist has been hailed by music’s biggest names in music—and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Megan is resplendent as her alter ego "Tina Snow" for the stunning fashion spread—dripping in diamonds and designers including Hanifa, Cartier, Norma Kamali, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Catherine D’Lish, Orseund Iris and more. In the cover story, Snow No Mercy, she doesn’t hold back as she talks to ESSENCE Associate Editor Brooklyn White about everything from working on her highly-anticipated new album, what’s behind her fierce drive, her musical influences and more:
SNEAK PEEK FROM ESSENCE! Grammy-Award winning artist Megan Thee Stallion channels alter ego "Tina Snow" for ESSENCE's Global Black Fashion September/October cover! In the cover story "Snow No Mercy," she doesn’t hold back as she talks to ESSENCE Associate Editor Brooklyn White about everything from working on her highly-anticipated new album, what’s behind her fierce drive, her musical influences and more. The issue hits newsstands on August 24. **Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more of Megan’s amazing looks on ESSENCE.com. (Photos, Chrisean Rose; stylist: Zerina Akers)
WHAT TO EXPECT ON HER NEW ALBUM: "I feel like [my new album] will be aggressive. I feel like this project is definitely something very well thought out. This project is me talking my sh--, getting back comfortable with myself, getting back to the Megan that was on the come-up..."
ON HER MUSICAL ROOTS…AND TINA SNOW BEING AN ODE TO HOUSTON RAPPER PIMP C: "My mom would always be playing Pimp C, UGK, all of the Houston legends, so that was my vibe, my flavor…Being in Houston, in Texas in general, I feel like getting in a circle and freestyling is just what we do. It doesn’t matter where you at, who you with, somebody is going to do a rap battle. I would see boys together and they would be rapping, so in my head, this is what you do. I wanted to make sure I was always sharp and I could do it…"
ON USING HER MUSIC AS A POLITICAL STATEMENT: "Social media really gave a lot of people a voice that I don’t feel like they needed…When I would see these men and these women talking crazy, I thought, Let me put this in a video, because that is my response…"
ON WHAT DRIVES HER: "Every time I make a move, I’m like, ‘Okay, how can we be better than Megan last month? How can we be better than Megan last year?’…"
ON WHAT KEEPS HER CENTERED: "There are probably approximately four people around me on a daily basis. I don’t see a lot of people, I don’t talk to a lot of people, because I feel like it’s not good for me. I figured out that my personal space is what keeps me balanced and it’s what keeps me centered…"
ESSENCE will extend its editorial celebration of the Black fashion community globally with its ESSENCE Fashion House experience taking place live and streaming in New York City on September 9. For more details, visit ESSENCE.com/FashionHouse.
ESSENCE’s September/October issue hits newsstands August 24. For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com.
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Is asking For Child Support From Estranged Husband Marc Daly, And he wants Half Ownership of Her Georgia Mansion!
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore is preparing to fight her ex-Marc Daly for ownership of the Georgia mansion they lived in and monthly support.
According to court documents obtained by Radar online, the Bravo star is demanding the court shut down her estranged husband’s attempts to stake a claim in the home she purchased in 2015.
Kenya bought the pad for $515,000 and did a complete remodel. Sources say Marc claims he invested money into the home during the marriage. In court documents, his lawyer wrote, “Husband seeks an equitable division of the parties’ marital residence.”
In newly filed docs, Kenya pleaded with the court to deny Marc’s claim over the home. She writes, “Respondent is well aware that Petitioner owned and operated the property in question long before the marriage.”
As previously reported, Kenya filed for divorce from Marc in May. She listed the date of marriage as June 10, 2017. The date of separation is listed as September 19, 2019.
She claims they have been living in a "bonafide state of separation since that date."
Kenya is demanding primary custody of their daughter, Brooklyn, with Marc only receiving visitation. Marc is onboard with their daughter living with Kenya but wanted joint legal custody, which will allow him to have a say in important life decisions. They both listed the marriage as being “irretrievably broken.”
Now, Kenya is also asking the court to immediately grant her sole custody, order Marc to pay her child support, and deny all his requests.
Kenya is also pleading with the court to schedule an emergency hearing in the case. Her lawyer wrote, "there are various issues impacting the care, safety and well-being of the minor child that could be continuously impacted if not addressed at least on a ‘Temporary’ basis."
They added, "Without assistance and direction for this Honorable Court, it is our belief that the un- resolved matters as to the minor child will continue, and could become irreparable.”
Marc's attorney fired back denying there was a need for an emergency hearing. His motion read, "Respondent DENIES that there are various issues impacting the safety and well-being of the minor child that could be continuously impacted if not addressed."
The judge has yet to set a hearing.
#MusicNews: Prince Lands 20th Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Welcome 2 America’!
He's now one of a dozen artists with at least 20 top 10s in the chart's 65-year history.
Prince's new archival studio album Welcome 2 America arrives at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart (dated Aug. 14), garnering the late legend his 20th top 10 album. With the bow, he is now among a dozen artists to reach the milestone since the chart began in 1956.
Welcome 2 America was recorded in 2010 but not released until this July 30. It marks his first newly-released album to reach the Billboard 200's top 10 since his death on April 21, 2016, at age 57.
#HipHopNews: Kodak Black Wants To Be Mentored By Drake Or Nas!
Kodak Black is looking for guidance from two rap greats.
The “ZEZE” rapper took to Twitter to reveal that he wants to be mentored by Drake or Nas.
“Can’t Wait To Nas Put Me Under His Wing Him Or Drake,” he wrote in response to a fan who requested that he collaborate with Nas. “I’m Fu**ed Up Bout Dem Two Ni**as.”
He also responded with a smirking emoji when a fan said he should be on Drake’s long-awaited album Certified Lover Boy.
Kodak has previously shared his love for Drake. “I Am Your Biggest Fan Sir,” he commented on one of Drake’s Instagram posts from January 2020. “I Love Your Music Sir.”
He also proposed that they make an entire album together. “If We Can’t Do A Whole Album Together, I Never Want To Do A Song With You Sir,” added Kodak.
Back in December 2018, Drake co-signed Black’s album Dying to Live. “Bro your album really one of my favorites in the last five years,” said Drizzy in a DM. “The bars you are rapping about friends and your purpose is so pure.”
Kodak is working on new music and recently announced that his new album will arrive in October
A Powerful quake adds to Haiti’s misery, killing at least 304!
LES CAYES, Haiti (AP) — A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake added to the misery in Haiti, killing at least 304 people, injuring a minimum of 1,800 others and destroying hundreds of homes, leaving those without shelter to sleep on soccer fields.
People in the Caribbean island nation rushed into the streets to seek safety and to help help rescue those trapped in the rubble of collapsed homes, hotels and other structures.
Saturday’s earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere’s poorest nation, almost razing some towns and triggering landslides that hampered rescue efforts in two of the hardest-hit communities. The disaster added to the plight of Haitians who were already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence.
The epicenter of the quake was about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The widespread damage could worsen by early next week, with Tropical Storm Grace predicted to reach Haiti late Monday or early Tuesday.
Aftershocks were felt throughout the day and through the night, when many people now homeless or frightened by the possibility of their fractured homes collapsing on them stayed in the streets to sleep — if their nerves allowed.
In the badly damaged coastal town of Les Cayes, some families salvaged their few belongings and spent the night at an open-air football pitch. On Sunday morning, people lined up to buy what little was available: bananas, avocados and water at a local street market.
Some in the town praised God for surviving the earthquake, and many went to the city’s cathedral, which appeared outwardly undamaged even if the priests’ residence was destroyed.
“We only have Jesus now,” said Johanne Dorcely, 58, whose house was destroyed. “If it wasn’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be able to be here today.”
Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with patients. A former senator rented a private airplane to move injured people from Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince for medical assistance.
Henry declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country and said he would not ask for international help until the extent of damage was known.
“The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble,” said Henry. “We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people.”
Jerry Chandler, director of Haiti’s Office of Civil Protection, told reporters that the death toll stood at 304 Saturday night. Rescue workers and bystanders were able to pull many people to safety from the rubble.
Chandler said a partial survey of structural damage found at least 860 destroyed homes and more than 700 damaged. Hospitals, schools, offices and churches were also affected.
On the tiny island of Ile-a-Vache, about 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) from Les Cayes, the quake damaged a seaside resort popular with Haitian officials, business leaders, diplomats and humanitarian workers. Fernand Sajous, owner of the Abaka Bay Resort, said by telephone that nine of the hotel’s 30 rooms collapsed, but he said they were vacant at the time and no one was injured.
“They disappeared — just like that,” Sajous said.
People in Les Cayes tried to pull guests from the rubble of a collapsed hotel, but as the sun set, they had only been able to recover the body of a 7-year-old girl whose home was behind the facility.
“I have eight kids, and I was looking for the last one,” Jean-Claude Daniel said through tears. “I will never see her again alive. The earthquake destroyed my life. It took a child away from me.”
The reports of overwhelmed hospitals come as Haiti struggles with the pandemic and a lack of resources to deal with it. The country of 11 million people received its first batch of U.S.-donated coronavirus vaccines only last month via a United Nations program for low-income countries.
The earthquake also struck just over a month after President Jovenel Moïse was shot to death in his home, sending the country into political chaos. His widow, Martine Moïse, who was seriously wounded in the attack, posted a message on Twitter calling for unity among Haitians: “Let’s put our shoulders together to bring solidarity.”
As he boarded a plane bound for Les Cayes, Henry said he wanted “structured solidarity” to ensure the response was coordinated to avoid the confusion that followed the devastating 2010 earthquake, when aid was slow to reach residents after as many as 300,000 Haitians were killed.
U.S. President Joe Biden authorized an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the U.S effort to help Haiti. USAID will help to assess damage and assist in rebuilding, said Biden, who called the United States a “close and enduring friend to the people of Haiti.”
Power announced Sunday that USAID was sending a search and rescue team at the request of Haiti’s government. The 65-person team will bring specialized tools and medical supplies to assist with the disaster response, Power said on Twitter.
Argentina and Chile also were among the first nations to promise help.
The North Carolina-based aid group Samaritan’s Purse announced Sunday it would airlift 13 disaster response specialists and 31 tons of emergency supplies to Haiti. Those include shelter materials and water filtration units.
Humanitarian workers said gang activity in the seaside district of Martissant, just west of the Haitian capital, also was complicating relief efforts.
“Nobody can travel through the area,” Ndiaga Seck, a UNICEF spokesman in Port-au-Prince, said by phone. “We can only fly over or take another route.”
Seck said information about deaths and damage was slow coming to Port-au-Prince because of spotty internet service, but UNICEF planned to send medical supplies to two hospitals in the south, in Les Cayes and Jeremie.
People in Port-au-Prince felt the tremor and many rushed into the streets in fear, although there did not appear to be damage there.
Haiti, where many live in tenuous circumstances, is vulnerable to earthquakes and hurricanes. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake in 2018 killed more than a dozen people.
By early Sunday, the island had experienced six aftershocks stronger than magnitude 5.0 and more above 4.0.
Claude Prepetit, a Haitian civil engineer and geologist, warned of the danger from cracked structures.
“More or less intensive aftershocks are to be expected for a month,” he said, cautioning that some buildings, “badly damaged during the earthquake, can collapse during aftershocks.”
Rihanna’s Fenty Company Sued For $10 Million In Damages, Over Using Song That Offended Muslims!
Rihanna’s Fenty brand is being hit with a lawsuit for millions. According to TMZ, the lawsuit is based on Fenty playing an incorrect song during a fashion the show. The words, were offensive to Muslims.
Reportedly, a musician (who filed the lawsuit under Jane Doe to protect her identity) claims Fenty reached out to use one of her songs during a Savage X Fenty show last fall, but accidentally played a version of the song that included a sample of sacred Islamic proverbs being chanted.
The artist claims she immediately got threats on her life when the fashion show was live-streamed to millions. Prior to the show, the artist claims that they made it clear to Fenty reps one version of the song had the religious verses and one did not, and she warned them not to use the Islamic proverbs.
The artist claims she was forced into hiding after receiving a barrage of death threats over the song. She claims the constant threat of being decapitated and murdered led to anxiety and depression.
The artist is suing for more than $10 million in damages.
Former Houston Track Star Cameron Burrell, Carl Lewis' Godson, Death Ruled a Suicide!
Former University of Houston track star Cameron Burrell’s death has been officially ruled as a suicide.
via People: The Nike athlete suffered a fatal gunshot wound on Monday, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. He was 26.
“We may never know why Cameron made such a decision. We encourage anyone who may be struggling in their lives to reach out for help,” Cameron’s father, Olympic track and field gold medalist Leroy Burrell, said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press on Friday.
Leroy added, “You are not alone, and you are surrounded by more people who love and care for you than you may think in a dark moment.”
Cameron’s father, who is also the head coach of the University of Houston’s track and field program, released a statement via the athletic department on Tuesday announcing his death.
“My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night. We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends,” Leroy said, adding, “We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support.”
Cameron followed in the footsteps of his relatives, one of America’s most successful track and field families. His father, mother Michelle Finn-Burrell and aunt Dawn Burrell are all former Olympians. Cameron’s godfather is the legendary nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.
Dawn shared a tribute to Cameron on Tuesday, prefacing that she usually doesn’t publicly speak about her life, but in this case, it “is too heavy to carry alone.”
“I have no children. My nieces and nephews are it. I love them like they are mine. I guess this post serves as a cry for help right now because for the first time, my battle is too much to bare. Right now, my heart is broken into a million pieces,” the Top Chef alum wrote.
Dawn added, “He was so amazing and so troubled. I did not know how much so.”
“I am saying all this to say- Please check on your strong family members that you view as kings. They might be struggling internally more than you realize,” she said.
Cameron was a sprinter at the University of Houston from 2013 to 2018. In 2018, he won the NCAA individual national championship in the 100m — a feat accomplished by his father 28 years earlier. The same season he also ran the anchor leg of the 4x100m relay team, helping the Cougars defend their NCAA national championship in that event.
“Cameron grew up around the Houston Athletics Department, worked hard and developed himself into one of our greatest Track and Field stars,” Chris Pezman, University of Houston Vice President of Athletics wrote in a statement released earlier this week. “To lose him so suddenly is tragic. We ask all University of Houston and track and field fans to keep Coach Burrell and his family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Cameron is survived by his father, mother, and brothers, Joshua and Jaden.
Prayers go out to the Burrell family. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
‘DAMN!’ Kevin Hart’s Reaction To Don Cheadle’s Age Goes Viral For The Wrong Reasons!
Kevin Hart’s recent interview with Academy Award-nominated actor Don Cheadle gave viewers an awkwardly hilarious moment this week, as the comic was taken aback once learning the “Black Friday” star’s age.
The viral moment took place on Hart’s new Peacock talk show, “Hart to Heart,” described by the streaming service as “unplanned, unscripted and unfiltered.”
As guest Cheadle, 56, discussed his age and generational wealth during the episode, the stand-up, 42, interrupted the “Avengers: Endgame” actor’s train of thought, and remarked, “Damn!”
The actor looked shocked and upset, momentarily going silent before Hart offered an apology.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, because it was a thought,” Hart said. “It was a thought and I blurted it out. I didn’t mean it that way. Just understand I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”
“It’s fine. We’ll take a poll on how you meant it with people here later after the show’s over,” Cheadle replied.
The “Night School” star continued to apologize, even claiming it “came from a place of love,” while repeating the word with a softer inflection, which Cheadle noted were “two different damns.”
Social media had a field day with the clip, with many debating whether or not the moment was a joke between the two or if Cheadle actually felt insulted. He later put minds at ease when he lightheartedly responded to a fan asking, “what went through your mind at the moment?”
“😂😂😂 that @KevinHart4real and i need to do a movie together asap! i think this is my favorite interview ever. ‘damn! 😂😂😂,” he tweeted in response.
Hart promoted the episode with an Instagram video last week, captioning the snippet, “Here is a small clip of me & @doncheadle doing what we do best and that’s being assholes to one another 😂😂😂😂.”
That’s a wrap! Singer Tony Bennett Officially Retires From 70-Year Career, Cancels Remaining Tour Dates!
The long concert career of singer Tony Bennett is finally finished after 70 years. Bennett’s son, Danny Bennett, his manager for more than 40 years, canceled his remaining tour dates on Thursday. He said on Friday that Bennett’s two recent dates with Lady Gaga at New York’s Radio City Music Hall would be his last.
Earlier this year, Bennett’s family revealed that the 19-time Grammy-winner was diagnosed with dementia in 2016.
The younger Bennett cited doctor’s orders as the reason, although acknowledging his father was still capable of performing at age 95. The move has been made to avoid any falls or other onstage mishaps, he said. According to AARP The Magazine, the singer rarely speaks, and “when he does, his words are halting; at times, he seems lost and bewildered.”
Bennett will always be known for his signature song, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” It spent 21 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962, peaking at No. 19. His other hits included 1951’s “Because of You” and 1953’s #1 hit, “Rags to Riches” and #2 “Stranger in Paradise,” as well as the 1954 top-10 hit “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight.”
Bennett had a career revival in the 1990s. He appeared at the 1993 MTV Music Video Awards, presenting a trophy to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, following that up in 1994 with an MTV Unplugged that spotlighted duets with k.d. lang and Elvis Costello.
That resulted in the album MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett, which won the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance Grammy and Album of the Year.
Last year, he issued The Playground and an autobiography, The Good Life.
There is one last item on the Bennett agenda. On Oct. 1, his second duet album with Lady Gaga, Love For Sale, will be released.
Nicki Minaj & Husband Sued by Alleged Attempted Rape Victim for Harassment!
Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty are being sued by Petty’s alleged attempted rape victim who claims they have been intimidating and harassing her.
According to the New York Times, Jennifer Hough, filed a lawsuit Friday, stemming from a case in 1994 when she was just 16.
Per court documents, Hough claims Nicki “directly and indirectly intimidated” her in an alleged attempt to get her to “recant her legitimate claim that Defendant Petty raped her.”
As we reported, Hough claims Petty, who was also 16 at the time had raped her after forcing her into a home at knife point. Petty was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree rape, and later pled guilty to attempted rape, serving around 4 years in jail.
Hough claims that Nicki and Kenneth had their associates offer money to her family and “offering to have Defendant Minaj record a birthday video for Plaintiff’s daughter.”
Nicki is even alleged to have gone as far as offering “$500,000.00 in exchange for Plaintiff recanting her 1994 rape claim against Defendant,” and “stalking and harassing Plaintiff’s twenty-two-year-old daughter while her daughter was out with friends in Georgia.”
Hough is suing Minaj and Petty for intentional infliction of emotional distress, harassment, and witness intimidation. In addition also suing Kenneth for sexual assault in connection with the ’95 rape.
Season three of Donald Glover’s “Atlanta” will air on FX early 2022!
FX’s hit-series “Atlanta” is returning for seasons three and four, and according to the network’s chairman John Landgraf fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the show back on their TV screens. During the network’s Television Critics Association presentation on Friday (Aug. 13), Landgraf revealed that the highly-anticipated return of its Emmy award-winning series will arrive in early 2022.
“We haven’t locked down the scheduling for season three yet as it just finished shooting — it’s shot primarily in Europe,” Landgraf said during the executive session. “It’s in post-production and it’s a lengthy post-production process, and part of that is because they’re currently in production of season four in Atlanta. All the scripts for that season have been written, and I absolutely adore the scripts for both seasons.”
“The reason I can’t lock down a date right now is that it’s being driven by Donald Glover and Hiro Morai’s schedule and availability and the length of post, both for season three while in the process of producing season four,” he continued. “I did list it as one of the things coming back in the first half of 2022, that is our anticipation. I think we’ll be able to lock down an actual date for three and maybe for both cycles within the next couple of months.”
It’s been over three years since viewers have watched Earn, Darius, and Paper Boi attempt to ascend to hip hop royalty. The final scene in season two depicts Earn and Paper Boi preparing for a flight to go on tour with fellow rapper Clark County. Where they go (in Europe) and what they get into next remains a mystery.
Season three was announced shortly after season two concluded. The plan was for the show to return in 2019, however scheduling conflicts led to delays. Last November, Glover took to Twitter, in a rare social media sighting, to let his followers know the wait will be worthwhile. “While I’m here: “Atlanta” s3+s4 are going to be some of the best television ever made,” he tweeted. “Sopranos only ones who can touch us.” The tweet has been deleted but Glover’s point was made — the next two seasons of “Atlanta” are going to be epic.
Gayle King Seems to have Push For Nate Burleson’s hiring at ‘CBS This Morning’!
CBS shocked the news biz when it announced former football player and “Extra” correspondent Nate Burleson would replace longtime journalist Anthony Mason on “CBS This Morning.” But multiple insiders tell Page Six that Gayle King was one of his biggest advocates.
“Gayle is a huge fan of Nate, and she has more clout than people realize,” one source said.
Another told us King was a “proponent of Nate and was instrumental behind the scenes to make [the deal] happen.”
Sources previously told us Burleson was “being groomed” when he tested out for the spot in June while filling in for Tony Dokoupil, who was on paternity leave. “The morning [shows] are about chemistry, and Gayle clicked with him. That’s hugely important in the mornings,” a third source said.
A CBS spokesperson told us there’s no validity to King influencing the network’s decision to hire Burleson.
“This isn’t true. Leadership in news and sports drove this entirely,” they said.
“He was electric when he filled in on the show, and Gayle, like everyone else, is excited he’s joining,” they said.
Meanwhile, Drew Barrymore, whose daytime show is on CBS, had also filled in at one point, signaling an “identity crisis” for a morning show that prides itself on rebuffing fluff for hard news.
“It’s a disaster. they keep going back and forth, trying to figure out who they are. They’re having an identity crisis. They are real far behind in third place [in the ratings], and they haven’t been able to get it together since Charlie [Rose was fired],” the second source said.
Burleson joining the team is “a really bitter pill to swallow at CBS News” for other on-air talents, who have jumped from market to market, according to the third insider. “This guy hasn’t done that, but lands one of the best jobs in television — an anchor chair at the third-place morning show is still one of the most coveted.”
It’s probably not the last we’ve heard of any behind-the-scenes scuttlebutt over the new hire. “You’ll hear about it pronto if he starts rubbing people the wrong way. CBS is so leaky,” a source warned.
Bill Cosby To Plead Fifth Amendment In Civil Lawsuit!
Bill Cosby celebrated his release in June but he fears that he can be prosecuted again for Los Angeles civil lawsuit.
Judy Huth alleged the disgraced comedian sexually assaulted her when she was 15-years-old at the Playboy Mansion in 1974.
Huth filed the lawsuit in 2014 and Cosby declined to answer the questions for the disposition. Plus, the criminal case filed by Andrea Constand took over and ultimately led to his conviction.
Bill Cosby has the opportunity to testify in Huth’s case but his attorney Michael Freedman informed the judge that his client will not speak on the alleged assaults and exercise his fifth amendment right.
“Defendant does not agree that merely because the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated Defendant’s criminal conviction for a single offense, allegedly arising from an incident that occurred in 2004, Defendant no longer enjoys a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.”
The document states that Cosby is remaining silent in an attempt to avoid prosecution. “This is particularly so where numerous states have no criminal statutes of limitations for sex crimes. It is well-settled that the Fifth Amendment protects both the innocent and the guilty. Having already been forced to face a malicious criminal prosecution that resulted in an unlawful three-year incarceration, Defendant is not confident that such a risk does not still exist in this jurisdiction and others.”
Freedman explained, “Indeed, prior to a stay being entered in this case, LAPD claimed that the Huth matter is an open criminal investigation. Thus, Defendant anticipates that if he is forced to sit for a deposition, he will exercise his Fifth Amendment guarantees absent a court order ruling that he has no Fifth Amendment right in this jurisdiction or any others.”
Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer Apologizes for Comparing Restaurant Workers to 'Hungry Dogs' in Fox News Interview!
Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer is doing a renovation on his reputation after a controversial Fox News interview where he compared unemployed bar and restaurant workers to “hungry dogs.”
Taffer apologized on Friday after video of his interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham went viral. In the interview, Taffer and Ingraham blamed COVID-era unemployment benefits for staffing issues in the bar and restaurant industry. “I had a friend in the military who trains military dogs,” Taffer offered. “They only feed a military dog at night, because a hungry dog is an obedient dog. Well, if we are not causing people to be hungry to work, then we’re providing them with all the meals they need sitting at home… These benefits make absolutely no sense to us.”
After a sizable backlash, Taffer tweeted out an apology: “Regarding an interview I did yesterday, I want to sincerely apologize for using a terrible analogy in reference to the unemployment situation. That was not my intention and I greatly regret it. My comment was an unfortunate attempt to express a desire for our lives to return to normal. I recognize this has been a challenging year for everyone, and I am eager for the hospitality industry to come back stronger than ever.”
Taffer, a longtime food and beverage industry consultant, has been the host of Bar Rescue since 2011. On the show, which began on Spike and currently airs on Paramount Network, Taffer takes over failing bars, remodeling them and retraining the staff before a grand reopening. Season 8 premiered in May.
Prosecutors Call To Revoke Tory Lanez’ Bail For Violating Protective Order After Surprise Appearance At Rolling Loud!
Prosecutors filed a new motion against the artist, stating he violated the restraining order against him after making a surprise appearance during Da Baby’s performance at Rolling Loud Miami last month. According to TMZ, they have asked a judge to revoke his bail or increase it. Additionally, they believe he and Da Baby might have rushed the stage while Megan was performing.
However, a rep close to Tory Lanez says he didn’t see Megan at Rolling Loud and he didn’t close to her physically.
As previously reported, Megan’s team showed concerns about Tory Lanez’s violation of the restraining order and they told Rolling Loud officials how his surprise appearance made them upset. The Miami Police Department and Los Angeles County D.A.’s Office were reportedly informed about the performance as well.
Last summer, Tory Lanez was accused of shooting Megan in the foot and he was issued a restraining order to stay 100 feet away from her.
Sha'Carri Richardson to face Tokyo Olympic 100m finalists at Prefontaine Classic!
After missing out on her first Olympics, US sprint sensation Sha'Carri Richardson will meet three-quarters of the field from the Tokyo 100 metres final.
Richardson tested positive and admitted to using marijuana during the US Olympic trials in June, while she was struggling with the recent death of her mother.
The one-month ban meant she missed the women's 100m final on July 31, and she was not picked to run in the 4x100m relay despite it falling outside the suspension.
But the 21-year-old will get a chance to face six of the eight 100m finalists from the Tokyo Games at the US's "premier track and field meet" in Eugene, Oregon this coming weekend.
Jamaica's gold, silver and bronze medallists — Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson — will be there, along with finalists Cote d'Ivoire's Marie-Josee Ta Lou, Mujinga Kambundji of Switzerland and American Teahna Daniels.
Briana Williams, who won Olympic gold as part of Jamaica's 4x100m relay team, will also race, as will 26-year-old American Javianne Oliver.
Eugene is the site of Richardson's positive test as well as her wind-aided 10.64 run at the Olympic trials — a time that would have been good enough for silver behind Thompson-Herah at the Olympics, even after it was adjusted to 10.72 to account for wind assistance.
Minneapolis Plans To End Police Stops For Certain Minor Traffic Violations!
The Minneapolis Police Department is making some new policy changes.
According to The Associated Press, officers will no longer stop drivers for minor traffic violations, such as expired plates or air fresheners hanging from rearview mirrors. In a memo, obtained by the Star Tribune, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arrandondo said the department is making the changes after looking into how officers can better use time and resources.
“MPD will no longer be conducting traffic stops solely for these offenses: expired tabs, an item dangling from a mirror, or not having a working license plate light,” Arradondo wrote in the memo.
Protestors who flooded Minneapolis streets last year and community activists have argued these same low-level traffic stops disproportionately affect minorities. The demands for both change and justice have gotten louder since the deaths of Philando Castile and Daunte Wright, who were fatally shot by police during traffic stops. Chief Arrandondo pledged to make major changes within the department following the death of George Floyd. With the City’s Attorney’s Office and Mayor Jacob Frey seemingly on the same page, policing for citizens in Minneapolis should look very differently.
Minneapolis Attorney Jim Rowader issued a statement emphasizing the city’s commitment to “addressing the racial inequalities in traffic stops while not compromising public safety.”
“The City Attorney’s Office recommended these changes to the mayor and chief after a very thorough and thoughtful analysis,” Rowader wrote. “While expired tabs will no longer be the primary reason for a traffic stop, this offense will still be enforced in other ways. Whenever a vehicle with expired tabs is stopped for speeding, red light running or any other public safety reason, the expired tabs charge can and should be added to the citation. The City’s Traffic Control agents will also continue to enforce expired tabs on parked vehicles as part of their work…These new policies are just one small step in addressing the disparities around traffic stops while freeing up resources to focus on offenses that have a direct impact [on] public safety.”
Mayor Frey took to Twitter to share his own update, mentioning his administration has been working with the department on reform for traffic enforcement.
“Another concrete change moving us in the right direction,” Frey tweeted. “To be clear, it’s against the law to have expired tabs, you can still get a ticket for expired tabs for instance if you’re parked — and it’s noted your tabs aren’t up-to-date — the only difference, and it’s an important one, is that you wouldn’t get pulled over for those infractions as a primary reason. I think this is the right direction to go.”
The sweeping changes arrive nearly four months after the Department of Justice announced it launched an investigation into the City of Minneapolis and its police department.
Fake Vaccine Cards On The Way To New Orleans Were Seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection!
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized three boxes containing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards that were headed to New Orleans, The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate reports.
The fraudulent cards were remarkably similar to the official ones but were described by officials as “low-quality.” “There were typos, unfinished words, and some of the Spanish verbiage on the back was misspelled,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Matthew Dyman said.
Officials seized the fake cards between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10 at a Memphis, Tennessee, port, where batches meant for New York and Alabama were also discovered, the spokesman said.
There could be a steep penalty for those who choose to use a fake card, Dyman added. It is a felony to use a government seal and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, The Daily Beast reported.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recently announced that the city would mandate vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and other indoor venues.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘FREE TASTE SECTION?’
Free taste 23 bucks for a banana peel, hmmm???
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Mr. LV
Meet Mr. LV! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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