Tuesday, August 2, 2022

The Daily Buzz For Aug 3 ☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Quavo for GQ Style

Quavious Marshall has always had a talent for manifesting the life he wanted. Just ask his mother, Edna. Even as a baby growing up in Athens, Georgia, the future leader of Migos already showed signs that he was divining his own future. Take the first word to come out of his young mouth.


“Instead of saying ‘mama’ or ‘daddy,’ ” Edna recalls, “he said ‘ball!’ ”

She says that Baby Quavo then reached out for a football, an object he’d come to cherish, and “never said anything else until he was three.”

When I meet up with Quavo on a warm spring day in late May, he’s dressed far less flashily than you might imagine—especially for a global rap star whose whole deal is often one of projecting drippy excess. He’s wearing distressed jeans paired with a splotchy blue, green, and orange Louis Vuitton T-shirt, as if a local weather report was being televised on his torso. No visible jewelry, save for a watch.


We’re inside the Atlanta headquarters of Quality Control Music, the record label that helped turn Migos into a decade-defining force—a group whose trademark triplet flow and playful chemistry reshaped the sound of rap. In the recent history of hip-hop, only a small number of artists could begin to touch their level of influence. Even fewer have sounded like they were having as much fun.


Quavious Marshall, 31, is the eldest of the trio and indisputably the leader. (Hence his nickname, Huncho, the boss.) A trap heartthrob and rap O.G. While he might not be known as the group’s strongest rapper (even he has conceded that distinction belongs to his nephew Takeoff ) or the most visible (that’d be his cousin Offset, husband of Cardi B), Quavo has been the fulcrum of the operation—a true rock star figure whose own story and artistic aspirations have sometimes remained mysterious.

In mid-May, Quavo released a track he’d recorded with Takeoff, a song called “Hotel Lobby,” which the two produced not under the Migos banner but under a new musical moniker, Unc & Phew. A full album is on the way. And while the duo’s traditional playfulness is on full display—in the song’s video, Quavo and Takeoff cruise around Las Vegas on shrooms, Fear and Loathing–style—Quavo hopes this fresh musical project can be the start of something new.


Of course, a project like this was always bound to raise questions about the state of Migos. In the days after we met in Atlanta, for example, a rumor that the trio might be breaking up surfaced on Twitter after a few blogs noticed that Offset unfollowed the other two members of the group on Instagram. And then in June, Migos dropped out as headliners for Governors Ball in New York City. A representative for the group brushed off the idea of a breakup, noting a simple scheduling conflict—Quavo, who recently started acting, had to be on a film set with John Travolta— and pointed out that Migos are still scheduled to perform together at other festivals in September. More than a few observers, notably the rap commentator DJ Akademiks, suggested that the unfollow might even have been part of a savvy publicity move.


Whether or not it’s true that rap stars stand to benefit from online intrigue about their future, Quavo isn’t coy about what he’s after right now. At a pivotal career juncture, he’s chasing new challenges—in the studio, onscreen—and even revisiting some old missteps. Perhaps most notably, for the first time in his career, he wants to explain where he’s coming from and how the trajectory that he’s plotted this past decade will inform what comes next. “I feel like y’all know the Offset story,” he tells me, referring to his cousin’s very public relationship and time spent in jail. “We’re all growing. But I feel like the world really doesn’t know about me.”


He’d like to begin changing that, and offers a motorsport analogy to describe the career he’s built for himself. “I showed y’all the car,” Quavo says. “Now, I’m about to show y’all the engine and how it was put together.”

The people closest to Quavo—and there is nobody closer than his family—will tell you that he was always a mama’s boy. Born in Athens, he was raised as the youngest child of three and the only boy. When he was four or five, his father died, leaving Edna as the sole provider for Quavious and his older sisters.

About a year later, a portion of their home in the North Valley neighborhood burned down in an accident. Edna, a beautician, was styling his sister’s hair. His sister had left some fries on the stove.


As a kid he always had a taste for flash. He loved to wear his mother’s gold necklaces around the house, and was industrious out of necessity: Unable to fit into the big watches at the beauty supply store, he fashioned his own smaller versions out of cardboard. The interest in tinkering with watches endured into adolescence: Inspired by the spinning chain made famous by G-Unit, he copped a knockoff Jacob & Co watch at the flea market, cracked it open, and installed his own spinning piece inside. “I wore it in my yearbook picture,” he recalls.


Sometime between seventh and ninth grade, Edna announced to the family that they’d be moving to Gwinnett County, a northern suburb of Atlanta. “I cried for so long because I didn’t like it. I thought it was so different,” he says. “We’re from the country, where everybody knows everybody.”


The family ended up in Lawrenceville, where they lived in a subsidized three-bedroom home with chocolate brown window trim. Their house wasn’t luxurious, but he always felt loved there. Edna concedes that there was an impression in the family that she reserved special affection for her son. “His sisters still say it now: ‘You would never whoop him like you did us, Mama!’ ” she recalls. Even in those moments when she wanted to be tough with Quavious, mother and son would often end up laughing together instead, and he would scoot away smiling and unpunished. “Go on, boy,” Edna would say, amused.


At Berkmar High School, Quavo was a fine student whose occasional brushes with trouble came about for disrupting class. Outside of school, bigger problems sometimes lurked. When he was around 14, his friends jumped someone at Wild Bill’s, a former teen club in nearby Duluth. “All the girls around there started telling on everybody,” Quavo says. “The whole crew went down.” Quavo was sent to a juvenile detention center for two weeks.


Get more at GQ Hype!

 

 

#RHOA: Phaedra Parks’ self-help book will tackle ‘depression’ after ‘RHOA’ exit

Phaedra Parks experienced a bout of depression after her exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” — and now she wants to help others going through similar struggles.

 

The reality star exclusively tells Page Six that she plans to detail her mental health journey — and share the affirmations she employed throughout her recovery — in a new book that is part memoir and part meditative guide.

“When I left ‘Housewives,’ it was a very dark time,” she reflects. “And I went through … depression and a lot of emotions because ‘Housewives’ can give you PTSD. I think anyone that’s been on it for over four to five years will experience some PTSD because it can be very traumatic.”

 

Parks, 48, left “RHOA” in 2017 following seven consecutive seasons on the Bravo reality show. The author’s departure, mourned by her many fans, notably came in tandem with the demise of her friendship with castmate and longtime pal Kandi Burruss.

 

Phaedra Parks plans to detail her mental health journey — while also helping others — in a forthcoming self-help book.

The single mom of two — who shares sons Ayden, 12, and Dyan, 9, with ex-husband Apollo Nida — tells us that she is grateful to have bounced back from the drama with self-reflection and the support of her loved ones.

 

“So I wanted to write a book for women — men can read it, too — that really gave a part of my testimony of just being an overcomer,” she says.

 

Parks is thriving today. She recently made her reality TV return on “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Ex-Wives Club,” a Peacock spinoff that convened Tamra Judge, Taylor Armstrong, Jill Zarin and more iconic “Housewives” of the past from different franchises.

 

 “As you can see, God gave me double for my trouble, honey,” Parks says of her comeback. “I look younger, I feel younger and I lost nothing.”

The multi-hyphenate — who maintains multiple careers as an attorney, mortician, producer and actress — was able to combat previous “shame, embarrassment” and even “suicidal ideations,” she notes, through her faith in a higher power.

 

“Sometimes when people go through bad things, they don’t have a prayer life or they don’t really understand the power of meditation, the power of thinking positive, the power of claiming and proclaiming success, healing over their lives,” she elaborates.

 “I talk about personal stories from my life. And at the end, I give a meditation that helped me through those moments … I want to be that bridge, I want to be that encouragement for someone who doesn’t have someone to talk to.”

 

The Bravolebrity also hopes to break down stigmas surrounding mental health setbacks.

 

“I just want people to know, even through my book, there’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘I need help,’ or, ‘I’m feeling this way,’” she points out. “You should be able to feel transparent to people who love you — and get aid.”

The author shares sons Ayden, 12, and Dylan, 9, with ex-husband Apollo Nida.

A constant source of happiness for Parks has been raising her two boys.

 

“My children are my greatest accomplishments because to continue my legacy, I am imparting all the things that I have learned into them as a parent,” she explains.

 

Just days ago, Parks paid tribute to Ayden and Dylan in a TikTok post accompanied by Caroline Jones’ “So Many Skies,” a tender love song featuring Matthew Ramsey that has gone viral on the social media app this summer.

 

“All that’s happening in the world with COVID, inflation, violence, there’s no better time to talk about love and just be appreciative. I just want my children to know how much I love them and how much I appreciate them,” she says, further gushing, “and how happy I am that God blessed me to be their mom.”

 

Parks’ last book, “Secrets of the Southern Belle: How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun, and Never Have an Off Moment,” hit stores in 2013.

The writer is currently “finishing up” her next literary project, she tells us. A release date and title have yet to be announced.

 

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

 

 

#MusicNews: Beyoncé will remove offensive lyric on 'Renaissance' after backlash

Beyoncé's new album Renaissance has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, but the acclaimed singer faced backlash from activists after Friday's record-breaking release for a lyric deemed "ableist."

 

On the song "Heat," which Beyoncé co-wrote with Drake, she sings: "Spazzin' on that ass, spazz on that ass." The word "spaz" is a derogatory term for spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for people to control some muscles. It seems Queen Bey heard her critics as she will be tweaking the line.

"The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced," a rep for Beyoncé confirms to Variety.

 

Beyoncé isn't the only star who unintentionally used the ableist slur. Lizzo used the offensive word on her hit song "Grrrls" earlier this summer ("I'm a spaz / I'm about to knock somebody out"). Writer and disability advocate, Hannah Diviney, tweeted at Lizzo, explaining "your new song makes me pretty angry + sad."

 

The message went viral and Lizzo changed the lyric.

 

"Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat Black woman in America, I've had many hurtful words used against me so I [understand] the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally)," she said in a statement.

 

The backlash didn't slow down Beyoncé. Spotify announced on Friday that Renaissance is the most-streamed album in a single day by a female artist in 2022.

 

 

#HipHopNews: Drake Postpones Young Money Reunion After Testing Positive For COVID

Just hours before Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj were set to reunite on stage in Toronto on Monday night, Drake has announced that the highly-anticipated concert has been delayed after he tested positive for COVID-19.

 

In an Instagram Story, Drake apologized to fans while sharing his disappointment. “I am truly devastated to say that I tested positive for Covid and the Young Money Reunion show scheduled for tonight is being rescheduled to the SOONEST date possible,” he wrote.

 

He plans to announce a new date as soon as he recovers. “I will keep the city posted and share the new date whenever we have it locked,” he added. “Until then I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and I love you all I am so sorry for letting you down on our weekend together and the moment I test negative I will give you everything I got on stage (except the Covid).”

 

This is not the first time Drake has been diagnosed with COVID. Back in August 2021, he revealed that he tested positive and the illness affected his signature “Certified Lover Boy” hairline.

It’s unclear if Nicki was already in Toronto for tonight’s show at Budweiser Stage. She posted a video with the caption, “Ayo Canada wuts good?!” along with a series of Canadian flag emojis.

 

The trio was set to reunite on stage for the first time in years as part of Drake’s October World Weekend: Road to OVO Fest Tour, a series of three events in his hometown. The festivities kicked off with the All Canadian North Stars concert on Thursday during which Drake surprised the crowd with Nelly Furtado. On Friday, Chris Brown and Lil Baby brought their “One of Them Ones” tour to the 6.

 

 

Chris Rock Has no intentions of burying the hatchet with Will Smith!

Don't expect Chris Rock and Will Smith to hug it out anytime soon.

 

After Smith broke his silence about the Oscars slap in a video on Friday — apologizing to Rock and saying he's "here whenever you're ready to talk" — the word back seems to be that Smith shouldn't hold his breath.

 

"Chris has no plans to reach out to Will," a source told Entertainment Tonight on Monday. The insider went on to question the timing of Smith's video, suggesting it was more to help himself, adding, "He needs the public's forgiveness, not Chris."

 

A People magazine source had a similar party line, saying, "Chris doesn't need to talk. This is clearly something that bothers Will more than Chris. Will needs to deal with his issues. Chris is fine."

A second person told that outlet, "The fact that [Rock] is making jokes about it already is a good thing. That means he is assessing it. But the stress of the slap and the aftermath has not taken over his life. Quite the opposite."

 

It's true — Rock has been referencing the March 27 incident in his Ego Death World Tour, which kicked off on the heels of the Oscars. In May, he made remarks about getting his "hearing back" after being "punched in the face." This past weekend, while performing in Atlanta, Rock referred to the King Richard actor as "Suge Smith." Marion "Suge" Knight, Death Row Records founder, has a long history of violence — is currently incarcerated.

 

Since these Rock sources have been whispering to the entertainment news outlets, Smith sources have been as well to make it clear the video wasn't merely a publicity stunt.

 

"There was no rhyme or reason to it other than time had passed, work had been done, the same questions had been bubbling up and also people were really wanting to hear from him," an insider told People. "There was just a general feeling that it's time and he's at a place where he had more things he wanted to say."

 

The person said Smith is "deeply remorseful, he is still doing a lot of work and he's also human and made a mistake. He's going to move forward with the same positivity that he always had."

 

Meanwhile Us Weekly suggested that Jada Pinkett Smith was a driving force behind the video. She, of course, was the target of Rock's G.I. Jane joke on Oscars night, sparking Smith to storm the stage to slap and curse out an unsuspecting Rock who reportedly didn't know she had alopecia.

 

Smith "never wanted to" publicly apologize, that outlet claimed, but Pinkett Smith has "been pushing Will to apologize because it has become this really dark cloud over her Red Table Talk series" due to people looking for "any mention of that moment" on her show. Smith's team "hoped that the controversy would die down, but it just hasn't" and it had become "impossible for him to move forward successfully unless he [addressed it]," that insider claimed.

 

Reps for Rock and Smith have not responded to our request for comment.

 

On Friday, Smith dropped the video, answering what he said were fan questions about the incident. In it, he said to Rock, "My behavior was unacceptable, and I'm here whenever you're ready to talk." He also denied that Pinkett Smith encouraged the slap. "I made a choice on my own from my own experiences, from my history with Chris," he said. "Jada had nothing to do with it."

 

Smith awkwardly won the Best Actor shortly after his outburst on Oscars night, not apologizing to Rock in his speech. He then went out to the Oscars parties and celebrated his win. He said on Friday that after the slap, he was "fogged out" and the rest of the night was "fuzzy."

 

The day after the slap, Smith posted an apology on Instagram, saying he was "out of line" for hitting Rock, but said the joke about "Jada's medical condition" upset him. Amid an investigation into the events of that night, Smith resigned from the Academy days later, issuing another statement calling his behavior "inexcusable." A week later, the organization banned him from the Oscars and other events for 10 years.

 

 

Chaka Khan Reminds Fans She Hated Kanye West’s 'Through The Wire'

Chaka Khan has never been shy about criticizing Kanye West’s use of her work on his breakthrough single “Through The Wire.” Khan reiterated her disdain for the song, which samples her hit “Through The Fire,” during an interview with comedian Luenell for Vlad TV.

 

The Grammy Award-winning singer gave West permission to sample “Through The Fire” due to Yeezy’s friendship with her son, but she wasn’t happy with the end result.

 

“He said he wanted to redo the song,” she recalled. “I said, ‘Well, are you a singer?’ He said, ‘No, no. I just wanted to use your chorus.'”

She continued, “I thought about it and said, ‘Well, he can’t mess it up because I will be singing it after all. It’s my voice.’ But he found a way. By golly, he found a way to frick that up. I was through.”

 

Khan was upset with West altering her voice through his “chipmunk soul” style of sampling, which changed the pitch of her vocals.

 

“I hate it,” she said. “How can you do that? It was an insult, period. I’m not doing this for money, you understand? So, I was very upset with that.”

But time has seemingly healed the wounds a bit. Well over 15 years after “Through The Wire” was released, Khan’s not heated about it anymore.

 

“I’m through with it,” she noted. “I’m done with it now. I’m even done with ‘Through The Fire’ really [laughs].”

 

 

#RIP: Heather Gray, executive producer of ‘The Talk,’ dies at 50

Staffers at the CBS show shared their grief Sunday on Twitter, calling her “the heart and soul of ‘The Talk’ from day one.”

Heather Gray, 50, an award-winning executive producer of the hit CBS roundtable discussion show, “The Talk,” has died.

 

A CBS letter sent to the crew of “The Talk” and shared with media outlets confirmed the passing of Gray, who was also a former supervising producer for “The Tyra Banks Show.”  No cause of death was stated, but the letter said she had been “bravely battling an unforgiving disease,” according to Variety. Several media outlets reported the death occurred Saturday.

 

“We want to extend our deep condolences to you for the painful loss of our beloved Heather,” the network wrote. “She was an inspiration to us all, living and thriving while bravely battling an unforgiving disease. She showed us what true courage looks like. Her brilliance as an innovative producer was only outmatched by her huge smile and infectious laugh. She was an admired, beloved mama bear of your family and a leader that all looked up to.”

 

“Her contributions to the success of the show are immeasurable,” the letter continued, “but more importantly, she was a boss that proved you can lead with kindness, caring, and friendship. Heather was everyone’s friend, everyone’s champion, everyone’s favorite person on the set. We will miss her terribly.”

 

The letter, which was written and distributed on behalf of CBS, was signed by George Cheeks, CBS president and CEO; David Stapf, CBS Studios president; Kelly Kahl, CBS Network Entertainment president; Thom Sherman, CBS Network Entertainment senior executive vice president of programming; Amy Reisenbach, CBS Network Entertainment executive vice president of current programs; and Laurie Seidman, CBS Network Entertainment senior vice president of daytime programs.

 

On Sunday, “The Talk” staffers grieved on Twitter, calling Gray “the heart and soul of ‘The Talk’ from day one. Her brilliance as an innovative producer was only outmatched by her huge smile and infectious laugh.”

 

Even before her time at “The Talk,” Gray had won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She snagged two for that show, one in 2016 and another in 2018. In 2016, she also won an NAACP Image Award for “The Talk.”

 

Gray worked as a supervising producer of “The Tyra Banks Show” from 2006 to 2010, and it was there that she won her first two Emmy statuettes.

 

A former contributor to “The Talk,” actress Kim Fields shared on Twitter: “With a very heavy heart and profound sadness I tell my family at @TheTalkCBS I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. How wonderful her Light was and will shine on in all of you/us.”

 

 

Wynonna and Ashley Judd Left Out of Mom Naomi’s Will

Country singer Naomi Judd has left her two daughters Wynonna and Ashley out of her will.

via: Page Six

The late country singer – who died by suicide on April 30 – instead appointed her husband of 33 years, Larry Strickland, as the executor of her estate, according to court documents.

 

Naomi requested in the will that the musician, 76, have “full authority and discretion” over any property that is an asset to her estate “without the approval of any court” or permission from any beneficiary of the estate.

 

She also stated, per the documents, that Strickland would be entitled to receive “reasonable compensation” for his services, and that he would be paid or reimbursed for all “reasonable expenses, advances and disbursements, including attorney’s and accountant’s fees, made or incurred in the administration of my estate.”

 

The will was prepared on Nov. 20, 2017, nearly five years before Naomi died.

 

According to the documents, the “Love Can Build a Bridge” singer – who suffered a life-long and public battle with depression – was of “sound mind and disposing memory” when she signed and approved the will.

 

Melissa Sitzler, a senior account manager at a Tennessee law firm called Wiatr & Associates, and another individual named Abigail Muelder signed as witnesses, vouching that Naomi was of “sound mind, memory and understanding, and not under any restraint or in any respect incompetent to make a Last Will and Testament.”

 

According to the will, Naomi also asked that if her husband could not be executor due to death or any other reason, she wanted her brother-in-law, Reginald Strickland, and Daniel Kris Wiatr, the president of Wiatr & Associates, to serve as co-executors.

 

RadarOnline.com claims a source told them Wynonna, 58, is “upset” that she was excluded because she formed one-half of the duo, The Judds, with Naomi and “believes she was a major force behind her mother’s success.”

 

However, reps for Wynonna and Ashley, 54, did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment on their feelings about the will.

 

The sisters have not given any indication of tension between them and their mother since her passing – even attending Naomi’s Country Music Hall of Fame induction one day after announcing her death.

 

Then in May, Wynonna said she felt “helpless” over the loss and vowed to “break the cycle of addiction & family dysfunction, that I must continue to show up for myself [first] and do the personal healing work.”

 

Meanwhile, Ashley said in a podcast interview in July that she could “understand” that her mother – who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound – was in pain after years of dealing with an “undiagnosed and untreated mental illness.”

 

Page Six has also reached out to the attorney who prepared Naomi’s will for further insight, but did not hear back in time for publication.

According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Naomi’s estate is estimated to be worth $25 million.

 

 

Sheree Zampino ‘bumped heads’ with ex Will Smith, Jada Pinkett over co-parenting

Sheree Zampino admits she didn’t see eye-to-eye with ex-husband Will Smith and his new wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, when they first began co-parenting their son, Trey Smith.

 

The entrepreneur explained on David Yontef’s “Behind the Velvet Rope” podcast that it wasn’t always “easy” or “pretty” figuring out everyone’s place in the blended family.

Zampino, 54, and Will, 53, were married for three years before calling it quits in 1995. Two years later, the actor went on to marry Jada, 50.

 

With “three different dynamics, three different personalities and [three] different belief systems,” Zampino explained that “there were times” when they all would disagree on how to co-exist while raising Trey, now 29.

 

“My thing was with Jada — it was like, as long as she treats him well, we’re good,” said Zampino, who joined “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” as Garcelle Beauvais’ friend.

She further acknowledged that the “Red Table Talk” host has always “treated [Trey] well” and “loved him.” Trey was only 5 years old when Will and Jada got married.

 

“Then, sometimes, moms get jealous,” Zampino confessed. “It’s like, ‘I’m getting jealous over another woman ’cause she’s treating my child right? What? That’s insane! Don’t you want her to treat your child right?'”

 

Zampino detailed that her “heart is always for [her] child,” something she learned from her own mother.

“My child comes first. He really does,” she shared. “So it’s not about me anymore. You know, [his father and I are] not together. It’s not about me. It’s about him.”

 

Zampino was pleased to learn that Will and Jada shared the same view, which was tested when the couple welcomed their own children together: son Jaden Smith, 24, and daughter Willow Smith, 21.

 

“Then Jaden comes along, then Willow. It is about these babies. So how do we do this where we honor them and we put them first and we don’t deprive them of any good thing,” Zampino recalled, explaining that “the good thing” referred to the kids’ relationships with each other and with all three parental figures.

 

 “We were just able to go there, and I’m grateful for it,” she shared, though she noted that she couldn’t “really give details as to why” or how.

 

“But I’m grateful that we were kind of all on the same frequency and the same page to really want to do that, which is probably why we are called to one another in this space,” she continued.

“Anybody could have been Trey’s mother. Anybody could have been Jaden and Willow’s mother. But the fact that He picked the three of us — He being God — I think that’s why we were able to do it and show the world.”

 

Even when there are unavoidable bumps along the road, Zampino said she and the Smiths “get back on that horse” because they are ultimately all in agreement.

 

“It’s about the family. It’s about the kids. We have a responsibility to them,” she concluded.

Zampino and Will have remained on good terms following their divorce in 1995.

 

The reality star even congratulated her ex when he won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard.”

 

 

Quinta Brunson is officially the new face of Olay

This is a season of winning for Quinta Brunson! According to BusinessWire, the “Abbott Elementary” creator has officially signed her first beauty partnership as the new face of Olay.

 

“It is an honor to be the new face of such an iconic brand,” said Brunson in an official news release. “When I was growing up, society pushed a beauty standard that was unattainable. Brands told me I needed to change everything about myself to be beautiful. It’s exciting to be a part of the latest OLAY campaign and to help change that narrative. This partnership coming to life as my first-ever beauty collaboration is truly a ‘pinch me’ moment.”

 

The company also expressed its excitement for welcoming Brunson to the family.

 

“We are thrilled to have Quinta Brunson join the OLAY family,” said Stephanie Headley, P&G’s senior vice president of OLAY and North America Skincare. “Quinta’s fearless confidence is unmatched, and she represents the Fearless to Face Anything confidence we want for all women. When the standard of her own beauty was being molded by society, she decided it was time to share her unique point of view. We are honored to partner with someone who truly embodies OLAY’s mission to help women feel bold and confident to Face Anything.”

 

For Brunson, it’s all about feeling comfortable in her own skin.

“It’s important for me to feel actually more comfortable walking into my writers room, having a bare face,” she continued. “It’s funny because the [brand’s] tagline is ‘Face Anything,’ but I truly do feel like I’m able to do that with just this line of products as someone who doesn’t love to wear a ton of makeup.”

 

The latest collection, which includes Olay’s Retinol24 + Peptide collection is a huge part of Brunson’s nighttime skincare routine.

 

Watch Quinta Brunson shine in the new campaign HERE.

 

 

Nick Cannon rents out water park for 11-year-old twins he shares with Mariah Carey

Over the weekend, Nick Cannon rented out a water park to spend some quality time with his 11-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan, whom he shares with ex-wife Mariah Carey.

 

The “Wild N Out” host shared some moments from the fun day to his Instagram, writing, “Waterpark to ourselves!!! It’s the Roc & Roe Takeover!!”

 

In the video, Cannon records himself and the twins as they ascend down a large waterslide. The TV personality bravely brought his phone along for the wet ride as they all screamed and laughed while the camera got splashed with water.

 

The fun didn’t stop once the trio got out of the water. At the end of the video Cannon, 41, hyped up his eldest kids as they danced around before heading to their next ride.

Cannon’s phone was splashed with water as the trio headed down the water slide.

The day at the water park comes a month after Cannon welcomed his eighth child with Bre Tiesi. After a long and “intense” labor, the model revealed their son, Legendary, needed “respiratory support.”

 

Aside from his two children with Carey and newborn with Tiesi, the comedian also shares 5-year-old son Golden “Sagon”and 1-year-old daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; and 7-month-old twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir with Abby De La Rosa.

 

He also welcomed his late son, Zen, with Alyssa Scott in July 2021 but he died five months later from brain cancer.

 

Even after fathering eight kids, the “Masked Singer” host in planning on expanding his growing family.

Last month, the comedian told “Entertainment Tonight” that it’s “safe to bet” he’ll father at least three more children this year. De La Rosa is currently pregnant and has yet to announce the father of her unborn baby.

 

“That would take all the fun out of it if I just gave you a number right now,” he joked to host Nischelle Turner.

 

 

Brad Pitt Sports Green Outfit for 'Bullet Train' Premiere in L.A. with Co-Stars Brian Tyree Henry & Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Brad Pitt is hitting the red carpet for the L.A. premiere of his new movie.

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actor looked cool in a green outfit as he stepped out for the premiere of Bullet Train on Monday (August 1) at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles.

 

Fellow cast members in attendance included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Joey King, Logan Lerman, Andrea Muñoz, Masi Oka, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Zazie Beetz along with director David Leitch.





In the film, trained killer Ladybug (Pitt) wants to give up the life but is pulled back in by his handler Maria Beetle in order to collect a briefcase on a bullet train heading from Tokyo to Kyoto. Onboard the train, he and other competing assassins discover their objectives are all connected.

 

Bullet Train will be out in theaters on Friday, August 5

 

 

Showtime Cancels 'The First Lady' Series After Just One Season

The First Lady is over at Showtime. What was meant to be an anthology series on the network has turned into just a limited series after Showtime announced that it would be ending with just one season.

 

The first, and now only, season of the series focused on three of the First Ladies in the White House – Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson), Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama (Viola Davis).

 

“Showtime can confirm that the anthology series ‘The First Lady’ will not be moving forward with another season,” a Showtime spokesperson told Variety. “We would like to applaud the artistry and commitment of our showrunner Cathy Schulman, director Susanne Bier, their fellow executive producers, our amazing cast, led by executive producer Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson, and our studio partner Lionsgate for their dedicated work in telling the unique stories of three remarkable leaders.”

 

The second season would have focused on these First Ladies of the White House.

 

 

President Biden Announces The U.S Killed Osama Bin Laden’s ‘Leader’ Atman Al-Zawahiri, In A Drone Strike In Afghanistan

President Joe Biden announced Monday that a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan over the weekend killed top al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri, the successor of the terrorist network’s slain leader Osama bin Laden.

 

 “Justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more,” the president said during his speech at the White House Monday evening.

According to USA Today, Al-Zawahri, 71, was located on a balcony of a “safe house” in downtown Kabul that was hit by two missiles.

 

“He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats, and American interests,” President Biden said in his brief remarks from the White House balcony. “Now, justice has been delivered. And this terrorist leader is no more.”

 

“After relentlessly seeking Zawahiri for years under Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump, our intelligence community located Zawahiri earlier this year,” Mr. Biden said. “He had moved to downtown Kabul to reunite with members of his immediate family.”

 

The president said that after he considered  “clear and convincing evidence” of al-Zawahiri’s location, he “authorized a precision strike that would remove him from the battlefield once and for all.” He gave his final approval to “go get him” one week ago.

 

“None of his family members were hurt and there were no civilian casualties,” the president said. The U.S. government has a high level of confidence that no one else was killed in the strike, according to the senior administration official.

 

 

Nichelle Nichols Reportedly Cut Her Son Out Of $10 Million Estate Before Her Death Over Fears He Would Sell Her Belongings

Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” reportedly amended her will before her death that cut her son, Kyle Johnson, out from accessing her $10 million estate. According to Radar Online, who obtained the note written by the late actress in 2017, instead of Kyle overseeing her fortune, she requested that all memorabilia and property be placed in the possession of executives running her company N.N. Legacy LLC.

 

The letter Nichelle had written personally addressed her son, as she recounted him allegedly telling her that he wanted to “get rid of this sh**,” referring to the properties she owned. Her then-manager, Gilbert Bell, had also claimed how Kyle wanted to lock his mom away in a nursing home so that he could get his hands on her money.

 

It prompted Nichelle to revise her will as she penned, “I, Nichelle Nichols, do hereby declare that I am amending my Last Will & Trust. As you have stated to me several times, ‘I can’t wait to get rid of this sh—t and sell my house and property. He made a decision to amend my Will & Trust.”

 

Sources assert that there could be a legal battle brewing between Kyle and the executives in control of Nichelle’s company because according to her son, his mother had been suffering from short-term memory loss and spent most of her time confined in a wheelchair due to her poor health. He has also contended that the people who were around his mom were exploiting her former battle with dementia to gain hold of her money.

 

“Certain individuals have unduly exerted themselves into Ms. Nichols’ life to her detriment,” Kyle previously argued in documents filed to the court, where he asked a judge to appoint trustees to oversee the $10 million fortune.

 

But sources for Radar beg to differ, saying, “Kyle had been trying to put her in a nursing home for close to a decade. He never showed up for Mother’s Day, never called his mom on her birthday. He wasn’t a loving, or caring son. Nichelle had asked Gilbert to promise, ‘Whatever you do, please don’t put me in a nursing home.’ He vowed and told her he wouldn’t.”

 

With Nichelle having passed away on Saturday, it’s now being suggested that another court battle could ensue between her son and those who are in control of her estate.

 

 

Beanie Feldstein Shares Emotional Farewell as She's Replaced by Lea Michele in 'Funny Girl'

Beanie Feldstein said a heartfelt goodbye to Funny Girl this weekend as she gave her last performance before being replaced by Glee star Lea Michele.

 

The actress gave her final show as Fanny Brice at the August Wilson Theatre on Sunday, July 31. In an Instagram post that night, she shared behind-the-scenes photos with fellow cast members as well as friends—including Sarah Paulson—many who praised Feldstein on social media.

 

"But now it’s just another show/And you leave ‘em laughing when you go," Feldstein captioned the post, taking the lyrics from Joni Mitchell's song "Both Sides Now."

The actress starred in the lead role of Fanny Brice on Broadway's production of the dramedy for three months, but this July, she announced she would be stepping away from the show entirely.

 

In an Instagram post, she said that though starring in the show was "a lifelong dream," once "production decided to take the show in a different direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to step away sooner than anticipated."

Soon, it was announced that Michele would be taking over. Gleeks and theater critics quickly reacted to the news on social media, many praising Feldstein and addressing the controversies associated with Michele. (She was accused of promoting a toxic culture on the Glee set.)

 

Last week, Michele kicked off rehearsals for the Broadway show, which she said is more than "a dream come true" for her.

 

Feldstein is not the only Funny Girl cast member leaving the show; Glee star Jane Lynch, who plays Fanny's mother, will also be leaving prematurely, just days before Michele is set to take over as the lead.



Rapper Mystikal arrested, accused of first-degree rape and battery

Mystikal is facing a third allegation of rape and battery.

Police from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office arrested the rapper, whose real name is Michael Tyler, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before midnight Saturday after officers responded to a "hospital in reference to sexual assault," Sheriff Bobby Webre said in a press release Monday.

 

"Detectives interviewed the victim who sustained minor injuries during the attack," Webre added.

 

Tyler has been charged with three felonies and two misdemeanors relating to the alleged incident, including first-degree rape, domestic abuse battery (strangulation) and simple robbery, arrest records viewed by USA TODAY show.

 

This is the third time Mystikal has been publicly accused of sexual assault.

A woman accused the "Shake Ya (Expletive)" rapper of sexual battery in 2002, and in December 2020 he was cleared of a second allegation of rape and kidnapping, stemming from a 2016 accusation.

The Louisiana rapper initially denied involvement with an alleged victim stemming from a 2016 charge of first-degree rape. He spent 18 months in jail before being released on a $3 million bond. Louisiana’s Caddo Parish District Attorney closed the investigation after new evidence was presented to a second grand jury that declined to bring an indictment. The district attorney then filed to dismiss the charges.

 

The long ordeal “was like a reoccurring bad dream,” he told the Associated Press in April 2021. “I didn’t know how it was going to work out.”

 

The female victim alleged the rape occurred after his 2016 performance at a “Legends of Southern Hip-Hop” concert stop in Shreveport, Louisiana, police records obtained by the AP stated.

 

Britney Green, who oversaw the case for the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, told the outlet it was important to remember "that there is a distinction between not guilty and innocent, and that also because the case is dismissed or a case is resolved in a fashion other than at trial, that it doesn’t necessarily mean that an incident did not happen.”

 

In 2002, Mystikal was charged with aggravated rape and extortion by his then-hairstylist. The victim alleged he forced her to perform sex acts on him and two bodyguards in retaliation for allegedly cashing $80,000 worth of unauthorized checks from his account.

 

The acts were filmed and the video would seal his fate. Hoping to dodge the potential life sentence a rape charge can carry in Louisiana, Mystikal pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and served six years in prison.

 

“I learned from the first situation,” Mystikal said in the AP interview.

He said he’s committed to not put himself “in situations where things like this can happen. I’m too old for that.” He also said he no longer hangs out with groupies or indulges in the rock star lifestyle. “I don’t perform at the show and get the ladies (excited) and get her all goo-goo eyed and take advantage (of being a celebrity) ... That was a young Mystikal.”

 

Scroll back up to restore default view.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE & online.rainn.org).

 

 

Elon Musk’s Father on Whether He’s Proud of SpaceX Founder and Tesla CEO: ‘No’

Elon Musk’s father, Errol Musk, is making headlines again. This time, however, the headlines in question are not focused on reportedly having children with a stepdaughter.

 

Over the weekend, Errol appeared on Australia’s The Kyle and Jackie O Show, with the hosts asking him about Elon’s accomplishments. At around the 1:43 mark in the video below, for example, Errol is asked if he is “proud” of Elon, to which a “no” is offered before the question is even finished being asked.

 

Pushed to clarify whether he is indeed “not proud” of Elon, Errol pointed to what he described as the larger family’s assortment of accomplishments, including those he says precede Elon’s own.

 

“No. … I mean, we are a family that have been doing a lot of things for a long time,” he said. “It’s not as though we suddenly started doing something. So we’ve all been, you know, as a family all doing things … from the very beginning and, um, so, I mean, the kids were traveling with me around the world when they were tiny. They’ve been doing pretty much very interesting things. We’ve been down to the Amazon together, for example. We’ve been to China, you know, long ago when it was quite difficult to get there.”

 

In Errol’s opinion, Elon—whose brother Kimbal is a successful restaurateur—is “not as happy as he’d like to be” because he believes he is “behind schedule.”

 

Also broached during the conversation is the aforementioned stepdaughter development, headlines about which Errol responded to, in part, by saying the following: “I was married to her mother for two years in the ‘90s. … She was actually placed in foster care.”

 

 

Travis Scott to Launch Road to Utopia Experience as Las Vegas Residency

Next month, Travis Scott will launch his new Road to Utopia experience.

According to a press release, the “nightclub residency experience” will be housed at Resorts World Las Vegas’ Zouk Nightclub starting on Sept. 17. At this time, a total of seven shows are planned, with the residency potentially set to give attendees teases of new music. In a statement, Zouk Group CEO Andrew Li touted La Flame as “a seamless fit” for the venue.

 

“His electric performances will pair perfectly with our immersive atmosphere, bringing our guests an unmatched show unlike anything else they can find in Las Vegas,” Li said Monday. “We can’t wait to kick off his residency and continue to amplify our talent lineup.”

 

At the time of this writing, the Road to Utopia dates with tickets currently available were Sept. 17 and Oct. 15, although additional details are expected to be announced soon. See here for additional info.

 

Last month, it was reported that Scott’s first major solo concert since the fatal crowd crush incident at last year’s Astroworld Festival was met with a swift sellout, spurring the addition of a second date.

 

Utopia, of course, is the name of Scott’s next expected album and will mark the follow-up to the 2018 blockbuster Astroworld. Teasing for the album dates back to at least 2020, including a tweet from Scott marking the Astroworld album anniversary by noting he was “going to go cook up and build these walls for Utopia.” An official release date, however, has not been announced.

 

 

Horse Named Black Lives Matter Dies Mysteriously While in Care of White Veterinarians

*A racing horse named “Black Lives Matter” has reportedly died while in the care of white veterinarians in Texas.

The stallion went viral earlier this year after winning his first race at the Sam Houston Derby trials in Houston, Black Enterprise reports. In an Instagram video shared over the weekend, owner Kee’Undra Hatley-Smith explained that Black Lives Matter mysteriously died at an equestrian clinic and the staffers provided no explanation as to what caused his death.

 

“We took our horse BLM an hour away to a VET for a small, common procedure to be done that would collect sperm for future reproduction and to also have him castrated so that he can perform without raging hormones and have better success during races.”

 

She continued, “We dropped him off healthy! But when we returned to pick him up, he was non-responsive. We noticed this camera directly above the stall that he was kept in after the procedure.”

 

Hatley-Smith also notes that a tech told the family the camera footage of BLM’s stall was not available —  how convenient.

“We requested him be shipped to a pathologist for an autopsy,” the text of the video reads. Another clip shows several people covering the animal with dozens of ice bags “because the drive is 3 hours away and its 105 degrees in Texas,” the owner explains.

 

Hatley-Smith said she attempted to cancel the castration because the family wouldn’t be able to attend the operation in person but the vet continued with the surgery anyway.

 

“There is no proof of post-op care and documentation. We are so hurt,” she added.

 “When we asked to come to get footage of the procedure someone at the front desk told us ‘we are not here for your social media needs’ this made us suspicious so we told them not to move forward.

 

“Being that our horse has been all over social media bringing awareness to the BLM movement, we found that statement disrespectful.”

 

The family is now calling for “answers and we want JUSTICE!”

Many social media are hopeful that the family will sue the vet clinic as the popular consensus seems to be that foul play was definitely involved. We will keep you updated as the family waits on the autopsy results.

 

 

John Lewis-class Fleet Oiler Designed to Support the U.S. Navy

*The US Navy has accepted delivery of the first John Lewis-class fleet oiler that will be operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC).

Per Navel Technology, “It will be used for delivering jet fuel for aircraft, diesel fuel, lubricating oil, small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions and potable water to US Navy vessels deployed at the sea.”

 

“USNS John Lewis will provide much needed capability to the fleet as the primary fuel pipeline at sea,” said John Lighthammer, program manager for the oilers. “This is the first of a 20-ship class providing the sailors and merchant mariners another tool to support at-sea operations.”

 

Lighthammer said: “The John Lewis-class oilers will add capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system at sea.”

 

The first John Lewis-class fleet oiler was built at the NASSCO shipyard in Barrio Logan.

Here’s more from Wiki:

 

On 30 June 2016, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) was awarded detailed design and construction for six John Lewis-class replenishment oilers. NASSCO began construction on John Lewis on 20 September 2018, and began construction on Harvey Milk on 3 September 2020. In January 2020 it was announced the lead ship delivery estimate had been delayed from November 2020 until June 2021 due to delays in delivery of gear and flooding of a graving dock.

 

The class is named for its lead ship, John Lewis, which in turn is named for American politician and civil rights leader John Lewis. The remaining John Lewis-class oilers will be named after prominent civil rights leaders and activists.

 

In 2019, Lewis, a pioneer in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, traveled to San Diego to initial the keel plate of the ship named in his honor.

“To name a series of ships after me is…unbelievable,” said Lewis at the time. “It says something about the distance we’ve come and the progress we’ve made. It’s a different America.”

 

“I hope this ship will inspire people,” he told the shipyard workers, as reported by the Times of San Diego.

“My philosophy is very simple,” he explained. “When you see something that’s not right, you have a moral obligation to speak out.”

 

 

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot inks 10-year deal with Lollapalooza

It was a huge weekend for Chicago as the city celebrated Lollapalooza. The four-day music festival happened from Thursday (July 28) to Sunday (July 31) in Grant Park. With performances from top artists like Lil Durk, Jazmine Sullivan, J. Cole, Lil Baby, and more, it’s no wonder Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed to have the revenue-boosting event return.

 

Yesterday (July 31), Lightfoot hit the stage to announce the festival would not only return for next year but the next 10 years. “I’m here to tell you that Lolla, all the great work, all the fabulous music, will continue for 10 more years,” the mayor said. “That’s 10 more years of music, of arts, of support for the city of Chicago. Four billion dollars in economic impact, 10 more years.” she continued. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the mayor’s office released a statement saying the city made a deal with the festival’s production company C3 Presents to keep Lollapalooza at Grant Park until 2032. There’s even the option to extend the event an additional five years.

 

Last year, Lollapalooza reportedly brought in over $4 million in taxes for Chicago. Moving forward, Chicago Park will bring in between 5% and 20%, depending on what the festival makes. This could mean $2 million for a four-day festival, $1.5 million for a three-day fest and $750,000 even if the event gets canceled. In addition to the decade-long deal, dates for 2023 were also announced. Lollapalooza will make its return to Chicago from Aug. 3-6, 2023.

 

Hotel packages and ticket information are already available for next year’s event. Attendees can expect to stay within walking distance of the festival grounds. Guests will also receive a complimentary cocktail and on-site experience concierge, as well as other great add-ons, depending on what package you purchase. Ticket packages for the four-day festival have options for general admission, general admission plus, VIP and platinum.

 

 

Transgender Cheerleader Expelled From Texas Cheer Camp After Allegedly Choking Female Teammate Who Made Transphobic Remarks

After reportedly choking a female teammate, a transgender cheerleader has been issued a criminal citation and expelled from a cheerleading camp in Texas.

 

“Well, guys, I’m officially retired as a cheerleader as of last night at 5:30 a.m. A girl on the team was being very disrespectful and told me I am a MAN with a PENIS and that [guys] should not be on the team,” the cheerleader, Averie Chanel Medlock, wrote on Facebook. “I stood up for myself, and she called her mom and dad because she was scared because I [stood] up for myself. Her father said, ‘she still has testosterone and a penis, and I will kill anyone who comes after my daughter.'”

 

According to other team members’ Facebook posts, the incident happened at Ranger College, where police were called to settle a dispute amongst team members.

 

Several cheerleaders allegedly hid in a room from an agitated Medlock before the altercation, which Medlock claims was caused by transphobic and racist remarks from a teammate.

It has been reported that the father of the girl Medlock allegedly choked has begun pressing police to release CCTV and body camera footage.

“I ask you what you would have done when receiving a phone call at 1 a.m. from your daughter stating they had locked themselves in the room with other girls,” the father, Mike Jones, wrote on Facebook. “At no time did I ever say anything about your race or your gender.”

 

The police on the scene issued a criminal citation for assault against the former cheerleader and removed Medlock from campus despite Medlock’s claim that it was a joke.

 

 

Netflix Sues “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” For Infringement

Netflix sues the songwriting team behind the Unofficial Bridgerton Musical for infringement.

According to Deadline, the streaming company filed a lawsuit against Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. The filing comes just days after the two sold out the Kennedy Center for the viewing of the musical.

 

“Defendants Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear and their companies (Barlow & Bear) have taken valuable intellectual property from the Netflix original series Bridgerton to build an international brand for themselves,” the lawsuit states.

 

It continues, “Bridgerton reflects the creative work and hard-earned success of hundreds of artists and Netflix employees. Netflix owns the exclusive right to create Bridgerton songs, musicals, or any other derivative works based on Bridgerton. Barlow & Bear cannot take that right—made valuable by others’ hard work—for themselves without permission. Yet that is exactly what they have done.”

 

Initially, the streaming company supported the musical when it first debuted online for free. However, Netflix now believes the performance is now “for-profit,” with tickets selling up to $149 each.

 

“Netflix supports fan-generated content, but Barlow & Bear have taken this many steps further,” a Netflix representative says. “Seeking to create multiple revenue streams for themselves without formal permission to utilize the Bridgerton IP. We’ve tried hard to work with Barlow & Bear, and they have refused to cooperate.  The creators, cast, writers, and crew have poured their hearts and souls into Bridgerton, and we’re taking action to protect their rights.”



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

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

MYSTERIOUS POKEMON

That back is really something



EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Felipe

Meet Felipe! 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 ALL!!!

EFREM

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