Serena Williams Venus Williams Will Smith for Entertainment Weekly - November 2021!
Venus and Serena fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their forthcoming biopic King Richard which will hit theaters on Nov.19. The oscar worthy film will give viewers a close look at the tennis sister’s upbringing through the lens of their iconic father Richard Williams, played by the inimitable Will Smith. Actresses Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney will portray the Grandslam All-Stars, while their mother, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, will be played by Aunjanue Ellis.
Richard Williams undoubtedly played an instrumental role in shaping both Venus and Serena into the coveted athletes we know today. From pushing them to their limits in practice to coaching them on how to interact with the press off the court, the film depicts “an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever,” the bio for the film reads.
The Wimbledon champs and Smith recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the making of the film and their iconic tennis careers.
“I guess the in through Richard appealed to me because it’s the only way I could be involved,” Smith told the outlet during the interview, adding that Richard reminded him a lot of his own father. “It was that same generation — men that used to fix everything with their hands. I understood what it was like to live at the edge of survival and to try to sustain a dream.”
“There are so many ways to tell this story. But I think telling it through my dad was the best way because he had the idea. He knew how to do it,” Serena added. “He was one of the most misunderstood people during that time. Nobody got it…He was so far ahead in terms of the balance between pushing and protecting, [and] had a savant-level comprehension of when those moments were.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Venus shared that she loved seeing their childhood innocence maintained throughout the film, something that the sisters still “hang on to” today, according to the 41-year-old.
“It’s kind of difficult for me to say, ‘Oh, this film shows me.’ Because me is Serena. And there’s no me without her, and I could have never done what I’ve been able to achieve on the court without her. It’s so symbiotic,” she explained.
The trio posed for their EW cover story dressed up in REEM ACRA and MARCO BOLOGNA dresses styled by Scot Louie and they look absolutely stunning.
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey & Husband Mike Hill Are Shutting Down Rumors That He Cheated: ‘NotTrue’!
Bravo alum Cynthia Bailey and her hubby told paparazzi that there’s been no infidelity in their marriage. The couple also said things are ‘great’ between them.
Those cheating rumors about Cynthia Bailey and Mike Hill? Not true in the slightest bit — at least according to the couple themselves. An anonymous Instagram user claimed that the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum’s husband sent a woman nude photos on Snapchat, but when asked about the accusations by a TMZ reporter at LAX Airport on Tuesday, November 2, Cynthia, 54, and Mike, 51, said the claims were “not true at all.” See the conversation below.
The reporter also asked the couple what the motivation would be for this infidelity accuser, who has since deleted their social media account. “I don’t know bro. I can’t tell you to be honest with you,” Mike said. Cynthia then assured the paparazzi that she and her husband are “great” right now, adding, “Rumors are rumors.”
As Cynthia and Mike continued strolling through the airport, the paparazzi questioned the lovebirds if they would consider taking legal action against the claims. “If it continues, absolutely,” Mike said. “We’ll take care of it the way it’s supposed to be taken care of.” Mike was then asked if he has a message to the anonymous accuser — and he simply responded, “I hope you get help.”
Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey and her daughter Noelle Robinson ride the Bravo TV float at World Pride March in New York City
Cynthia and Mike got married on Oct. 10, 2020, after over two years of dating. Their wedding was quite the extravaganza: they had over 250 guests at Governors Towne Club in Acworth, GA., and took tons of precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grand nuptials and reception lasted well into the wee hours of the next day, so much so that the couple were too tired to use the sex swing that Cynthia’s co-star Kandi Burruss gifted them for their wedding.
Recently, Cynthia made the big decision to leave RHOA after 11 years. “I am so grateful to have had this amazing journey and I am anxiously waiting to embark on new adventures,” she said in a statement after announcing her departure.
#MusicNews: R.I.P. Ruben Rodriguez Legendary Record Exec Dies at 60!
We are saddened to hear of the death of Ruben Rodriguez, a legendary promo and marketing executive who founded Pendulum Records and helped guide multiple legacy labels into the hip-hop marketplace.
Rodriguez died Monday at the age of 68.
In a career that stretched back to the mid-1970s, Rodriguez did stints at Motown, Casablanca in its heyday, Island, Columbia in the 1980s and finally, Elektra, where he and the company partnered on Pendulum and broke Digable Planets.
At Casablanca he worked records by Donna Summer, Parliament Funkadelic and Cameo. At Columbia, where he was key to developing and promoting Terence Trent D'Arby, Public Enemy, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam and LL Cool J, he played a crucial role in getting George Michael’s Faith to #1 on the R&B charts.
He left Casablanca to join Elektra as SVP, working with Anita Baker, Keith Sweat and Natalie Cole and developing its presence in hip-hop through the music of Busta Rhymes and Brand Nubians.
While at Elektra, he founded Pendulum Records, which allowed him to sign R&B and hip-hop acts. A year in, Pendulum had its first major hit with Digable Planets’ “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” Rodriguez revived Pendulum in 2008, enjoying success with gospel artists. He also ran RAM Talent Group, where he managed Donell Jones and helped him launch his own label.
Rodriguez received the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award in 2003 from the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Living Legends Foundation in 2015.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 6th, 2021, from 1-3pm at the Saint Cecilia Church (masks required) located at 55 W. Demarest Avenue, Englewood NJ. Live streaming of the service will be available at: https://claytonfuneralhome.com/.../Ruben.../obituary.html
#HipHopNews: Dababy Announces ‘Live Show Killa Tour’!
DaBaby is returning to the road. In the wake of his homophobic scandal, the rapper has announced a headline tour. Presented by Rolling Loud, the “Live Show Killa Tour” is set to kick off Nov. 26 in Chicago and will travel across the country through next year. The 22-date trek will make stops in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Nashville before wrapping Feb. 6 in Los Angeles.
“THE SHOW YOU THOUGHT YOU’D NEVER SEE AGAIN,” DaBaby wrote while acknowledging the controversy.
He faced backlash for homophobic comments he made onstage at Rolling Loud Miami in July. He has since privately met with nine HIV awareness organizations and apologized for his “inaccurate and hurtful comments.”
DaBaby, who is readying a new album, returned to the Rolling Loud stage in New York last month as a special guest of 50 Cent. The festival tells TMZ that it believes DaBaby has grown and learned from his past, and everyone will be welcome at his shows.
A pre-sale begins Thursday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. before tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.
LIVE SHOW KILLA TOUR DATES
Nov. 26 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Nov. 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
Nov. 30 – Albany, NY – Albany Capital Center
Dec. 2 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
Dec. 4 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Dec. 7 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Dec. 8 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Jan. 11 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Jan. 12 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Jan. 15 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit
Jan. 16 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
Jan. 17 – Moon, PA – UPMC Events Center
Jan. 19 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Jan. 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Jan. 23 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
Jan. 25 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Jan. 29 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Feb. 1 – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
Feb. 2 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
Feb. 3 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Feb. 5 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre
Feb. 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Tory Lanez Fails To Reach Plea Deal In Megan Thee Stallion Assault Case!
Tory Lanez’s felony assault case will proceed after he failed to reach a plea deal.
Despite attempts to resolve the case, the Canadian rapper will head to court to face live testimony next month alleging he shot Megan Thee Stallion.
According to Rolling Stone, Lanez’ defense lawyer Shawn Holley appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and agreed to return with her client on Dec. 14 for his preliminary hearing, which would be necessary to send the case to trial.
Last month, prosecutors said Lanez was in “meaningful discussions” to strike a deal that could avoid a preliminary hearing with witnesses. However, Holley said her client’s plea of not guilty “stands.”
“As in every case, the lawyers for the parties discuss the possibility of resolving the case. This case is no different. That said, our position as to what did and did not happen in this matter remains unchanged,” she told Rolling Stone.
Lanez was charged with felony assault for allegedly shooting the “Savage” rapper in the foot with a semiautomatic gun after they left a party in the Hollywood Hills on July 12. He has pleaded not guilty and is out of custody on $250,000 bail. He faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison if convicted.
In August, a judge increased his bail from $190,000 to $250,000 for violating a protective order when he came within 100 yards of Megan at Rolling Loud Miami. According to prosecutors, Lanez “attempted to rush the stage” while Megan was performing before appearing onstage with DaBaby at the festival.
Ahead of his preliminary hearing, Tory will release his new album, Alone at Prom, on Dec. 1. He is also slated to perform three concerts in the U.K.
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Tyler Perry Dishes on ‘Sister Act 3’: ‘Whoopi’s really excited!’
Oh, happy day! Tyler Perry has revealed Whoopi Goldberg is “really excited” to start filming “Sister Act 3.”
Perry — who is producing the highly anticipated movie-musical — revealed the news to The Hollywood Reporter this week, saying he thought the feel-good flick will be “just what the country needs.”
The powerhouse producer said serious progress is being made on the movie, as “the script is being written” and Tim Federle has signed on to direct.
“We need that feel-good moment in the movies where you go, ‘Oh my God, I left there singing.’ That’s my hope,” Perry said of the project.
No production details have been publicly announced by Disney, which purportedly plans to release the film on their streaming service, Disney+.
It’s been 29 years since the first “Sister Act” film hit cinemas, becoming a surprise smash and grossing a whopping $231 million at the box office. A sequel, “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” was released the following year.
The movies have both been performing well on Disney+, and the company is keen to capitalize on nostalgia by rebooting some of their most popular shows and films in their back catalog, Deadline reported last week.
Goldberg, now 65, is set to reprise her role as lounge singer-turned-nun Dolores Van Cartier.
The EGOT legend first revealed the project was in the works during an interview with James Corden last year.
“For a long time they kept saying no one wanted to see it, and then, quite recently, it turns out that may not be true, people might want to see it,” she told the funnyman.
Before “Sister Act 3,” however, Goldberg is next set to appear on the big screen in “Till” — a historical drama about the brutal murder of 14-year-old African American Emmett Till.
Las Vegas Raiders release WR Henry Ruggs III, who faces two felony charges in fatal crash!
The Las Vegas Raiders released wide receiver Henry Ruggs III on Tuesday night following his involvement in a vehicle crash earlier in the morning that left a woman dead.
Ruggs faces felony charges of driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death and reckless driving, court records show. He was released from a hospital and taken to jail earlier Tuesday ahead of an initial court appearance scheduled Wednesday.
The Chevrolet Corvette that Ruggs, 22, was driving slammed at high speed into the rear of a Toyota Rav4 on a busy thoroughfare in a residential area several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip at about 3:39 a.m. local time Tuesday.
Ruggs and his passenger, Kiara Je'nai Kilgo-Washington, with whom he has a young daughter, were hospitalized with "serious" injuries that police said did not appear life-threatening. The Toyota burst into flames and the driver and her dog died, police said.
Ruggs "showed signs of impairment,'' police said in a statement that did not identify the woman who died.
Police are prohibited by federal privacy law from disclosing medical information, said Officer Larry Hadfield, a department spokesman.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson did not immediately respond to messages about the charges
A member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigates the fatal crash involving Raiders WR Henry Ruggs early Tuesday. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Probation is not an option in Nevada for a conviction on a charge of DUI causing death, which carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in state prison. The possible sentence for reckless driving is one to six years in prison, with probation available.
Ruggs' attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, said they are investigating the crash on behalf of their client "and ask everyone to reserve judgment until all the facts are gathered.''
Chesnoff declined additional comment after Ruggs was released from University Medical Center and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. Chesnoff and Schonfeld also represented Raiders running back Josh Jacobs after his Jan. 4 single-car crash. Jacobs was arrested for DUI, but charges were never filed after an investigation found his blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit.
The driver's death is the 119th traffic-related fatality in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction this year, the department said.
The Raiders, who do offer car services for players who might need them and have a player engagement program that warns players of such risks, didn't wait for the courts to act, sending out a brief statement Tuesday night announcing Ruggs' release. The Raiders had issued a statement earlier in the day saying the team was aware of the crash, "devastated by the loss of life,'' and "in the process of gathering information.''
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy issued a statement saying, "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim of this horrific tragedy. We will continue to gather facts and monitor the matter under our policies, but our thoughts at this time are with those impacted by this devastating incident.''
The Raiders (5-2) were on their bye week but reported back to team headquarters on Monday before having an off day on Tuesday. They were scheduled to begin practicing Wednesday before Sunday's game at the New York Giants (2-6).
Ruggs was the Raiders' first-round draft pick in 2020 out of Alabama, No. 12 overall, and at the time, team owner Mark Davis said of the speedy wideout, "He was the only person I wanted in this draft."
With 24 catches for 469 yards and two touchdowns, Ruggs' 19.5 yards-per-catch average was second in the NFL among pass-catchers with at least 20 receptions.
Ruggs lost a childhood friend, Rod Scott, in a car accident in 2016, and Ruggs pays tribute to him by putting up three fingers -- Scott wore No. 3 -- to the sky after big plays.
Rihanna Rocks a Lime Green Coat to Dinner in NYC!
Rihanna is enjoying a night out! The 33-year-old entertainer, fashion designer, and makeup mogul was spotted leaving Carbone restaurant in New York City on Tuesday night (November 2).
She wore a bright green coat for her night out, pairing it with a black top and sparkly jeans. She accessorized the look with matching green gloves, black sunglasses and lots of jewelry.
Earlier this week, Rihanna was photographed heading to her brother Rory‘s Halloween party in a heading turning black and white look.
She was also recently seen meeting up with another famous musician for a business dinner.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19, will not play in Week 9 vs. Chiefs!
The NFL's hottest team will be without its most important player Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Green Bay's showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Rodgers was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love will start in place of Rodgers.
Despite telling reporters in August he'd "been immunized," Rodgers is not vaccinated against COVID-19, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. Rodgers must spend a mandatory 10 days away from the team, according to the league's COVID-19 protocol, ruling him out for the Packers' Week 9 game against the Chiefs. The earliest Rodgers can rejoin the team is Nov. 13 -- the day before their Week 10 matchup against the Seahawks.
Rodgers previously had sought and was denied an exemption from the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 protocols based on his antibody levels this summer, which left his status as unvaccinated, NFL Media reported Wednesday.
Rodgers received homeopathic treatment from his personal doctor to raise his antibody levels and asked the NFLPA to review his status. The players' union, the NFL-NFLPA jointly designated infectious disease consultant and the league agreed that Rodgers' treatment did not provide any documented protection from the coronavirus.
Accordingly, Rodgers did not qualify for an exemption, and he remained subject to a variety of restrictions, including daily testing, mask-wearing and high-risk close contact protocol that would force him to isolate for five days based on interaction with a positive individual, even if he tested negative.
If his antibody levels are high enough, Rodgers could be considered fully vaccinated with just one shot. The NFL-NFLPA regular-season COVID protocols allow for an individual to become fully vaccinated via "a quantitative antibody test (taken at the Club facility and administered by BioReference Laboratory personnel after Aug. 26, 2021 and before the individual has received any dose of a COVID vaccine) demonstrating COVID total antibody levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) to the spike protein of 100 U/mL or greater, and a positive antibody test to the COVID IgG nucleocapsid protein, and 14 days have passed since the individual received one dose of any COVID vaccine (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna)."
Sources, however, told NFL Media that Rodgers has not received one of the COVID-19 vaccines.
After telling reporters the Packers are "all hands on deck" with Rodgers out, coach Matt LaFleur was asked if the QB's August comment may have been misleading, to which he replied, "It's a great question for Aaron, I'm not going to comment on it," per the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
When asked if he'd consider Rodgers to be selfish for electing not to get the vaccine, LaFleur replied: "I think everybody has to make their own personal decision, and that's just is what it is."
The Packers also will be without practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert this week as he tested positive for the virus earlier this week. LaFleur noted that general manager Brian Gutekunst has been working to bring another QB in for depth purposes.
The Packers must look toward Week 9 with Love as their man. The second-year passer saw his most action during the preseason and impressed in a limited amount of snaps, teaming with Devin Funchess and Kylin Hill to move the ball effectively in Weeks 1 and 3 of the exhibition slate. Love also entered during garbage time of Green Bay's Week 1 loss -- the Packers' lone defeat this season -- completing 5 of 7 passes for 68 yards.
Love's replacement of Rodgers should lower expectations for offensive production for the Packers, but that might not change the minds of those expecting Green Bay to win. Kansas City has found itself in an offensive rut for much of the season and needed a late field goal to beat the now 2-6 Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. A much stronger Packers team should present a greater challenge to the Chiefs, even if Rodgers isn't involved.
Love will have the rest of the week to prepare to make his first regular-season start of his career in the hostile confines of Arrowhead. Rodgers, meanwhile, will spend it recuperating at home.
JAY-Z’s Roc Nation to host job fair in New York!
JAY-Z’s Roc Nation and the REFORM Alliance are hosting a job fair on Nov. 18 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
According to Page Six, the initiative, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, is looking to help disadvantaged people — including single parents and those who were previously incarcerated — find jobs based in the state. “The Team Roc New York Job Fair is a real opportunity for socio-economic mobility for New Yorkers — those who want to work, yet have not had the exposure or connections to the right-fit jobs, or to the support services that can strengthen their prospects for employment,” Dania Diaz, managing director of Team Roc, said in a press release Wednesday (Nov. 3).
Companies such as Amazon, Lowe’s, Zara, Madison Square Garden, VICE, Foot Locker, Live Nation and JAY’s 40/40 Club are among those who will be interviewing applicants on-site. REFORM Alliance and Roc Nation will also be offering work opportunities. Several career-development services will be given at no cost during the job fair, including interview preparation, tips on how to dress to impress and resume building.
“My hope is this event will not only stimulate New York’s economy but pair the state’s best and brightest employees with the country’s leading organizations,” said Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.
It’s unclear whether the Reasonable Doubt emcee will be in attendance for the event, but several celebrity guests and motivational speakers are slated to make an appearance.
Hov and his team are no strangers to helping others. As previously reported, Team Roc, the social justice area of Roc Nation, helped raise $1 million toward the investigation of wrongful convictions in Wyandotte County in Kansas — a month after filing a lawsuit against the Kansas Police Department for their alleged cover-ups of police misconduct.
North Carolina Police Detective Fired After Allegedly Planting Fake Drugs On Black Men!
A North Carolina police detective has been fired following accusations that he planted fake drugs on several Black men, leading to their wrongful arrests on drug trafficking charges.
The Raleigh Police Department confirmed that it fired Omar Abdullah on Oct. 28, a month after the city of Raleigh reached a $2 million settlement in a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the men after charges against them were dropped.
Abdullah, who has not been criminally charged, had been on administrative leave for a little more than a year after he was accused of staging heroin drug busts on at least 15 people using packets of brown sugar between December 2019 and May 2020.
According to the lawsuit filed against Abdullah and the city back in April, the detective allegedly paid a drug informant to meet with the men and then falsely claim to recover drugs from them. The men were consequently arrested by Abdullah for trafficking heroin, even though field tests on the sugar failed to detect drugs.
“Abdullah and other officers often failed to submit the alleged heroin for lab testing until weeks or months after Plaintiffs’ incarceration,” the lawsuit says.
Even after laboratory tests came back negative for drugs, Abdullah and other officers either failed to inform the district attorney about the test results or severely delayed supplying this information. The district attorney was also not told about the negative field tests, the suit claims.
The suit alleges that seven police officers were aware of Abdullah’s scheme but did not intervene.
“Plaintiffs served a combined approximately 2.5 years in jail before the charges against each of them were dismissed,” the lawsuit says, adding that they each faced more than seven years in prison if convicted of the falsified charges.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman held an emotional meeting with community members in late September in which she said she would not be filing criminal charges against Abdullah due to a lack of evidence. Her office did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment on Tuesday.
The News and Observer reported Tuesday that Abdullah may be fighting his termination and that none of the other officers named in the lawsuit were placed on administrative leave or duty for their alleged roles in the arrests.
“The Raleigh Police Department consistently reviews its policies and practices with the goal of making necessary changes and adopting best practices,” a spokesperson for the police department told HuffPost in a statement Tuesday.
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson Spotted Together for Second Night in a Row!
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson are clearly enjoying each other’s company.
According to TMZ, the two were spotted entering the exclusive Zero Bond social club on Wednesday night, marking their second NYC dinner date in a row. Davidson, 27, reportedly arrived at the spot shortly before Kardashian, 41, wearing a plaid jacket, pair of jeans, and white sneakers. The reality TV star was seen entering the building minutes later, but—in typical Kardashian style—opted for a more head-turning look that consisted of an all-black fitted dress and a pair of sunglasses.
Sources confirmed to Page Six that the two had dinner together inside despite arriving separately. Both outlets report that others were also in attendance for the dinner. The outing has, of course, fueled dating rumors surrounding Kardashian and Davidson, who reportedly had a private rooftop dinner date in Staten Island on Tuesday night.
“It was just the two of them,” the insider said about the rooftop rendezvous. “They quietly were able to sneak in and out.”
Romance rumors began swirling last week after Davidson and Kardashian were seen holding hands at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. The two joined Kardashian’s older sister, Kourtney Kardashian, and her fiancée, Travis Barker, leading some to believe it was a double-date situation.
Though Kardashian and Davidson have yet to confirm the status of their relationship, sources say their get-togethers are strictly platonic.
“They hang in the same circles so they will be together from time to time,” an insider told People magazine. “It’s just friends hanging out.”
Kardashian is currently in divorce proceedings with Kanye West, whom she married back in 2014. The two share four children together and have reportedly agreed to remain friends.
Will Smith Admits He Once Considered Murdering His Father to Avenge Mom!
Will Smith says he once contemplated killing his father as a way to avenge his abused mother.
The 53-year-old entertainer admitted to the thoughts in his upcoming memoir, Will, in which he provided more details about his childhood trauma and strained relationship with his dad, U.S. Air Force veteran Willard Carrol Smith Sr. In an excerpt published by People magazine, Will painted his father as a complex man who was “at every game, play, and recital,” but also a “violent” alcoholic who terrorized his family for years.
“When I was nine years old, I watched my father punch my mother in the side of the head so hard that she collapsed,” he wrote. “I saw her spit blood. That moment in that bedroom, probably more than any other moment in my life, has defined who I am.”
Will said the moment caused him so much pain in the following years, as he regretted not standing up to his dad and protecting his mother in that moment.
“Within everything that I have done since then — the awards and accolades, the spotlights and attention, the characters and the laughs — there has been a subtle string of apologies to my mother for my inaction that day,” he continued. “For failing her in the moment. For failing to stand up to my father. For being a coward. What you have come to understand as ‘Will Smith,’ the alien-annihilating MC, the bigger-than-life movie star, is largely a construction – a carefully crafted and honed character – designed to protect myself. To hide myself from the world. To hide the coward.”
In a separate excerpt shared by Entertainment Tonight, Will reflected on the time he considered killing his dad as a form of payback for the abuse. He said he had the thought while caring for Will Sr. during his battle with cancer.
“That when I was big enough, when I was strong enough, when I was no longer a coward, I would slay him,” he admitted. “I paused at the top of the stairs. I could shove him down, and easily get away with it. I’m Will Smith. No one would ever believe I killed my father on purpose. I’m one of the best actors in the world. My 911 call would be Academy Award level. As the decades of pain, anger, and resentment coursed then receded, I shook my head and proceeded to wheel Daddio to the bathroom.”
Will’s parents split when he was a teen and got officially divorced in 2000. Will Sr. died 16 years later after a long battle with cancer.
The memoir will be released on Nov. 9, a day after the premiere of his YouTube Originals series The Best Shape of My Life. Will also stars in King Richard, a biographical drama centered on Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. The Reinaldo Marcus Green film will hit theaters Nov. 19.
Gov Phil Murphy wins N.J. governor’s race, narrowly beating Ciattarelli for a 2nd term!
Phil Murphy, a Democrat who has pushed New Jersey in a more progressive direction and overseen the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, has been projected to win a second term as the Garden State’s governor Wednesday night, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli by a razor-thin margin in a bitter race that was too close to call for nearly 24 hours.
The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday evening.
Murphy fended off a fierce challenge from Ciattarelli, a former member of the state Assembly, to become the first Democrat in 44 years to be re-elected New Jersey governor. Brendan Byrne last did it, in 1977.
The race ended up being much closer than polls that predicted a single-digit but comfortable victory for Murphy, a 64-year-old former Wall Street executive and American diplomat.
As of just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Murphy’s margin over Ciattarelli was less than a percentage point — 50% to 49.2%. It’s a difference of 19,440 votes out of 2.4 million cast, which, if it holds up, would make it one of the closest governor’s races in New Jersey history.
Murphy celebrated at a late night victory party in Asbury Park, where about 24 hours earlier he had told a dejected crowd “they’d have to wait a little longer” while votes were counted.
“If you want to know what the future looks like, come to New Jersey,” Murphy said in his brief speech. “If you want to understand where America is heading, look to New Jersey. And, if you want to be governor for all of New Jersey, you must listen to all of New Jersey. And New Jersey, I hear you.”
The Ciattarelli campaign criticized the call by the AP.
“With the candidates separated by a fraction of a percent out of 2.4 million ballots cast, it’s irresponsible of the media to make this call when the New Jersey Secretary of State doesn’t even know how many ballots are left to be counted,” Ciattarelli spokeswoman Stami Williams said in a statement.
It’s possible the race could still be contested. Mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted, and Ciattarelli could petition the state courts for a recount.
Despite his slim victory, Murphy did not shy away from touting his progressive credentials in his victory speech Wednesday night. last four years. He also suggested he would listen to all residents.
“If you want to know what the future looks like, come to New Jersey,” Murphy told a crowd of more than 200 supporters at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park. “If you want to understand where America is heading, look to New Jersey. And, if you want to be governor for all of New Jersey, you must listen to all of New Jersey. And New Jersey, I hear you.”
“So tonight, I renew my promise to you — whether you voted for me or not — to work every single day of the next four years to keep moving us forward,” he added. “Forward with renewed optimism to ensure greater opportunities for all 9.3 million who call this great state home.”
Murphy’s victory was one of the lone bright spots for Democrats just one year after the state turned out in droves to send President Joe Biden to the White House. Several Democrats who were favored to win re-election in legislative races were on the verge of being unseated. The most stunning development: Long-time Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, appears en route to losing his seat.
State Senate Republicans released a joint statement Wednesday saying voters “sent a clear message that they are tired of having their concerns dismissed by Democrat leaders who think they know better.”
“It should be clear that whatever mandate Democrats thought they had to govern from the far left no longer exists,” they added.
The election was also notable for the number of New Jersey residents who voted early and by mail. Counting those ballots and reporting totals led to confusion Tuesday night and early Wednesday as Ciattarelli seemed poised for a shocking victory.
Ciattarelli led Murphy in early returns deep into election night on Tuesday, rolling up big support in suburban and traditionally Republican parts of the state, while turnout in urban areas was light for Murphy compared to four years ago. Both campaigns left their election night parties without declaring victory or conceding defeat, as Ciattarelli led Murphy by about 1 percentage point overnight.
But Murphy — the state’s 56th governor — pulled ahead Wednesday as more votes were tabulated from Democratic-leaning areas.
Tupac Shakur Museum Coming to Los Angeles!
A museum dedicated to the life and impact of Tupac Shakur is coming to Los Angeles.
Next year, “Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free” is touching down in Los Angeles for a limited time only. The museum, which will explore Tupac’s life, music and impact, is a collaborative project created with the help of Shakur’s estate. Deadline reports the project took years to make and launch.
“Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free” – its name from a passage from the album The Rose That Grew From Concrete, Volume 1 – is described as a “fully immersive, thought-provoking experience that explores the life and legacy of the acclaimed artist and activist.” The website says the exhibit “leverages technology, contemporary art and never before seen artifacts from Tupac’s personal archives.”
It goes on to say that the museum will “delve into the greater meaning of his activism, music, and revolutionary art, as the exhibit educates and enlightens attendees through a labyrinth of emotions, as they take this journey through his extraordinary life.”
The museum will be located in downtown Los Angeles at The Canvas at L.A. Live. The museum will reportedly travel around the country, with dates to be announced at some point later on. Those interested can get their tickets at wakemewhenimfree.com starting Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. Pre-sale tickets are also available online. The museum will open up to visitors Jan. 21.
Unfortunately, only kids who are over 14 will be able to attend, as the exhibit notes a “sensory warning” due to the museum featuring “strobe lighting effects, simulated gunfire and sudden loud noises.”
Kelly Price Responds to Trolls Claiming Her Husband Is Taking Her Money!
*Kelly Price has responded to rumors that her husband is using her and taking her money.
On Monday, the singer took to social media to address speculation about her marriage. She photo of herself and her husband and captioned the photo: “One down forever to go. Happy USaversary @_king_uf_kings_ ([praying hands emoji, heart emoji, praying hands emoji])”
As reported by thejasminebrand.com, she also mentioned the charity work that the couple do together.
“Thank you Sheff GG cannot wait to speak to you so we can chat! It’s not my fault that people don’t know that he and I were doing charity work together long before the public knew who he was! Lol”
When one user suggested that another woman is going to take her man, Price responded: “if they can grab him he was never mine… I’m confident.”
As previously reported, the songstress was diagnosed with COVID-19 which she claims nearly killed her.
Last month, Price spoke out about the ordeal days after her family members expressed concerns about her well-being following her hospitalization. The 48-year-old singer told TMZ that she was never “missing” despite her family’s initial claims. Price said she was quarantined from family and fans so that she could recover from COVID-19.
Price had been battling the disease since August, and she said her condition had been progressing “in the wrong direction” for a week prior to her hospitalization. Price’s husband had been working with medical staff virtually to help treat her symptoms, but she said her health took a turn for the worst after she was diagnosed with a fever of over 103 and her breathing became “extremely shallow.”
At one point in Price’s harrowing testimony, the singer said she nearly “flatlined” during her hospitalization.
“At some point, they lost me. I woke up a couple of days later, and the first thing I remember is the team of doctors standing around me and asking me if I knew what year it was… I died. I remember waking up in ICU and the doctor asking me if I knew what year it was. Going into the hospital, I had actually had COVID for over a week–but my conditions were progressing in the wrong direction from home.”
In the comments section of her recent post, one user suggested she’d been MIA because of her husband. Price respond: “no COVID was. This is the reason I didn’t have to nurse myself back to health.”
When someone else commented: “Why you letting this n**** spend all yo money,” Price clapped back with: “f^*%k U and worry about your own bank Accounts #IGotTimeToday.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
NEW CLOTHING STYLE
She just invented a new trend while in a hurry from the restroom
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Darra
Meet Darra! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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