#MAGFAB: Kam Franklin of The Suffers’ embarks on a personal new solo project.
You might know Kam Franklin for her music. The pansexual singer-songwriter is the front woman of the popular Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers, as well as a solo artist in her own right. But if you don’t know her for her activism work, you’re missing out on what makes her such a powerful and desperately needed force right now.
The 35-year-old Houstonian attended both Texas Southern University and Lone Star College. “I studied the music business before diving into it,” says Franklin, adding that music has long been her calling. “I knew at 5 years old, when I got to sing on a mic for the first time.”
Still, Franklin was torn between following her dreams to be a rock star and taking an entirely different route by setting her sights on becoming a federal judge. “Growing up, we were taught [that a legal career] could make the most significant changes. But if you’re really trying to make the most changes, you need to go for the highest of the high, which would be a federal judge or a Supreme Court justice.”
But when she tested the waters by working at a law firm, it didn’t take long for her to see that working in the legal world wasn’t the right fit. “The law and the way that exists [with so many] restrictions and all of that is really not for me at all. I know that now,” she admits.
As for which rock star made her want to pursue music, she’s quick to answer. “Prince, for sure. We have the same birthday, so that was always a very fun thing to think about. I just loved that he played everything and wrote everything, and that he could sing. I thought he was so beautiful and just so different, in comparison to what I was seeing at the time.”
Growing up, she was also obsessed with R&B. “I was always really enamored with whatever Brandy and Monica, Destiny’s Child, Selena, and people at that level [were doing].”
The Suffers launched in 2011, and three years later when David Letterman’s show came calling, Franklin suddenly found herself working full-time on her music. The three-time recipient of a Houston Press music award for Best Female Vocalist has since performed on five continents, sung with the Houston Symphony and before an Astros game, and produced events promoting up-and-coming independent, minority, and female artists.
Franklin calls the music she does with The Suffers “socially conscious” funk and soul. “That funk, that jazz, that Latin everything—we’re not really leaning into one genre with that, in terms of cumbia or salsa or anything like that,” she notes. “We are really, really just going wherever the flow takes us.”
In February, she released her Bayou City Comeback Chorus EP, a social-justice album funded with a grant from the Houston Arts Alliance that features the voices and musicianship of over 20 local artists.
But her musical collaborations are a bit different from her personal projects. Before the year ends, Franklin plans on releasing a solo record and is currently working on capturing her truth.
“I’ve been hyper-focused on making what I feel is a true record, in terms of what I’m saying. But genre-wise, I think I’ll probably be thrown somewhere between Americana, soul, and country—and I’m okay with that,” she explains. “It’s a bit more than ‘socially conscious’ because I’m not just doing observational writing at that point. I’m doing a lot of self-reflection and a lot of storytelling for my family members. I’m doing work that is beyond myself.”
Franklin describes music as being healing, and a form of comfort for many. “It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. You just gotta find the right song. Music can be a vessel for change. Listen to the music of Marvin Gaye or The Staples Singers, or even Kendrick Lamar. Music has a way to communicate emotion while also encouraging people. It all depends on the message within the music.”
Franklin says The Suffers’ most recent album, It Stars with Love, which was released in June, discussed “oppression within the music industry, whether it applies to sexism, racism, pay inequity—just all kinds of things that exist there. I don’t think that necessarily only applies to music, [so] I call out a lot of different industries.”
When it comes to her solo work, every one of her mentors has told her to just tell the truth. “[That applies] not only as an artist, but as a writer and just as an observer of humans—to know that I could write down what I’m seeing and record it and release it,” she says.
“I think it takes a lot of guts, as I’m releasing a record, to talk shit about music journalists and call out the fact that there’s not very many [trained] music journalists left,” Franklin continues. In one of her upcoming song lyrics, she sings, ‘I know this album will be fire. I can feel it in my soul, but I gotta wait for writers who don’t even like their role. They should be working on their screenplay or off finishing their book, but the budget says they’re music writers that also review the cooks.’
She’s also working on a follow-up to It Starts with Love. “On top of this, I’ll be on tour the rest of the year with The Suffers,” she says.
As for how she manages to keep working despite the state of the world, she says, “I take a lot of breaks. I smoke a lot of weed. I hang out with my friends. I hang out with my family, and I try to stay out of the bullshit. I try to stay well-informed of what is happening in the world. However, I’m not interested in news. I’m interested in fact.”
Franklin hopes that all the violence and hate and disenfranchisement targeting underserved communities will ultimately lead to a better world for everyone.“That’s what it takes, sometimes. It takes everybody being torn apart. It’s going to take people having their rights taken away, it’s going to take people getting uncomfortable. I’ve been more focused on what I can control, because it’s very easy to spiral. It’s like, you’ve got to keep it moving. Got to keep it moving. The world’s chaotic, so I have a lot of things to write about,” she notes, adding that the state of the LGBTQ community is also one of her topics.
Queerness, she says, is “something that you just have to really normalize, because it seems as though people are working really hard to erase the work and connectivity that we’ve all worked so hard to create for one another, for [no good] reason other than hate.”
Hate is something Franklin has no time for. “All I want to do is just keep making more music that is reflective not only of my stories, but the people that can’t tell their own stories—which is probably more of a focus on my solo album. I’ve been working on it for the better part of a decade and was just waiting for funding, and I finally got that and I’m about to get started. It’s a cool time to be creating.”
Keep up with Kam Franklin on Instagram @bamitskam.
#RHOA: Kandi Fears That Sheree’s New Man Is Using Her For Publicity
The dating world is hard. Much more so if you’re a reality TV star. Your whole life is out there for public display and that includes relationships. If you’re not willing to put it out there, you likely won’t have a job. And if you do put it out there and things don’t work out, you risk possible humiliation. If you’re thinking of Sheree Whitfield, then you already know where I’m going.
After the embarrassing downfall of her relationship with Tyrone Gilliams played out on her Real Housewives of Atlanta return season, I think we were all rooting for her to find a good man. And we were hoping that happened when she revealed that she’s dating Martell Holt. Who just so happens to be a reality TV star himself, having starred on OWN’s Love & Marriage: Huntsville since 2018.
But some of Sheree’s castmates aren’t so sure this is a good move for the She by Sheree designer. As reported by Page Six, Kandi Burruss recently gave her 2 cents on the new couple. She stated on Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, “I don’t want her to be in a situation where it feels like she’s being used for publicity.”
Kandi went on to spill some tea about one of her friends, who is also a reality star. She declined to name names but shared that her friend went on a date with Martell “earlier this year” at her Blaze restaurant. Kandi said of her friend, “[She] was like … ‘We’re gonna have some boy taking our pictures and video so they can post it.'”
The longtime RHOA star continued, “But no blog really posted. My whole point was now that I see this similar situation, I’m like is he doing this? Is he genuine or is he doing the same thing that he was doing to the other person?” Kandi deemed the whole situation “weird.”
I’m not sure if Sheree knows this information, but if she does, she likely doesn’t care. She recently revealed that she met Martell “through a mutual friend” and were “just hanging out.” Sheree added, “I’m enjoying life right now.”
The new couple has yet to become social media official, but Sheree and Martell might have had the same idea as Kandi’s friend. They were recently seen snapping selfie’s together at the beach.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Martell, he doesn’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to his relationships. The divorced father of 4 had a long-term mistress during his nearly 13 year marriage. It played out on the show and his mistress even posted a video of them together as late as last month. Sheree and Martell allegedly began dating two months ago.
#MusicNews: Beyoncé Enlists Madonna For 'Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)'
Beyoncé surprises with a remix to her Renaissance single “Break My Soul” featuring queen of pop Madonna. The “Queens Remix,” which was released exclusively for download on Beyonce.com, interpolates Madonna’s ’90s classic “Vogue.”
On the 6-minute track, Queen Bey pays homage to ballroom culture as well as other female superstars starting with “queen mother Madonna,” Aaliyah, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Nina Simone, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Whitney Houston, Chloe x Halle, and of course, her sister Solange.
LISTEN HERE
The shoutouts continue with Kelly Rowland, Lauryn Hill, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Tierra Whack, Missy Elliott, Grace Jones (twice), and Jill Scott. “Jilly from Philly, I love you, boo,” she sings.
Earlier in the week, Beyoncé released her 4-track Break My Soul Remixes EP to streaming services, including remixes from will.i.am and Honey Dijon.
#HipHopNews: Drake Tests Negative For COVID, Reschedules Young Money Reunion
The reunion is back on. Drake has announced that he is COVID free and as a result, the highly-anticipated Young Money reunion concert has been rescheduled. Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne are flying back into town and will join Drake on stage this Saturday, Aug. 6 at Budweiser Stage in Toronto.
“Negative test…positive outcome,” Champagne Papi wrote on Instagram. “This was the only date available until the fall and because the family is so solid everybody is flying back in to make it happen for you all…SEE YOU SATURDAY…young moulaaa.”
Just hours before Monday’s show, Drake revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to postpone the reunion, which was set to cap off October World Weekend in his hometown. But he promised fans that he would reschedule, and he wasted no time doing so.
“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,” said Drake, who was previously diagnosed with COVID in August 2021.
“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).”
Kim Kardashian And Pete Davidson Break Up
It’s over for Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson. The couple has called it quits after nine months of dating, sources tell E! News.
Insiders say that the beauty mogul and former “SNL” star decided to just be friends. The split occurred sometime this week.
“While the pair has a lot of love and respect for each other, they found that the long distance and their demanding schedules made it really difficult to maintain a relationship,” writes E!
Davidson has been spending part of his summer in Australia working on a movie, while Kim continues to raise her four kids—North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3.
The couple started dating in November following Kim’s divorce from Kanye West.
The breakup report comes as Kanye parted ways with his fifth lawyer amid their ongoing divorce. Samantha Spector officially withdrew herself as Ye’s legal counsel, saying her relationship with the rapper was irretrievably broken.
“The divorce is moving ahead with Kanye,” a source tells E! News. “They are happily co-parenting.”
Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 and a judge declared her legally single this past March. However, they have yet to reach a final settlement.
Kim appears to still be on good terms with her ex. Just a day ago, she posted a series of photos of herself, Chicago, and North wearing Yeezy sunglasses.
Angelica Ross Makes History as First Openly Trans Actor to Lead Broadway's "Chicago"
Angelica Ross is making her Broadway debut! On Thursday, "Chicago"'s official Instagram account announced that the "Pose" actor will be starring as the one and only Roxie Hart in the musical beginning Sept. 12. "The name on everybody's lips is gonna be... A N G E L I C A!," the account captioned a photo of Ross as Roxie.
Ross also reacted to the news on Twitter, writing, "This day is full of mixed feelings for me! I want to celebrate being on Broadway, but I don't feel like celebrating with #BrittneyGriner sentenced to 9 years in prison. This world is messed up. She doesn't deserve this." Brittney Griner, an American basketball player for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was sentenced to nine years in prison by a Russian court after she was found guilty of drug smuggling with criminal intent, Reuters reported on Aug. 4.
Ross's turn as Roxie marks the first time an openly trans actor has taken on the lead role. "'Chicago's' Roxie Hart is one of the most recognizable, iconic, and beloved characters in the history of Broadway, and a true talent like Angelica Ross will delight audiences with her impressive acting, singing and performance skills," GLAAD VP of Communications & Talent Anthony Allen Ramos said in a press release. "Angelica is also a respected leader in the transgender community, and joins L Morgan Lee as trans women of color currently starring on Broadway."
Ross now joins the ranks of previous stars who've stepped into Roxie's shoes, including Pamela Anderson, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Michelle Williams, and Gwen Verdon, who originated the role.
Big Daddy Kane To Star Opposite Terri J. Vaughn In ‘Daddy’s House’ Sitcom
Hip-Hop legend Big Daddy Kane is set to play opposite actress Terri J. Vaughn in a new sitcom titled Daddy’s House, which is currently in production. The show will cast Big Daddy Kane in its starring role and will also include contributions from fellow rap icon Eric B. .
According to AllHipHop, Kane will play a divorced radio personality from New York City who launches a successful restaurant in Atlanta after migrating down south for a new lease on life. However, just when it appears as if Kane’s character has laid a solid foundation for his new life as a bachelor, the impromptu arrival of his two teenage daughters upends his life. The show is currently preparing to film its pilot episode.
Daddy’s House will be directed by veteran actress and showrunner Terri J. Vaughn, who stars opposite Kane as his ex-wife. Vaughn is known for her roles on The Steve Harvey Show, Daddy’s Little Girls, Three Can Play That Game, and Greenleaf.
Kane’s role in Daddy’s House will add to the Brooklnite’s acting resume, which began in 1993 with his appearance in the western Posse and cult-classic action film The Meteor Man. The Smooth Operator has also graced the small screen on several occasions, including an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit back in 2018
‘The View’ Names Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin as Co-Hosts for Season 26
“The View” is adding two new co-hosts: former Trump staffer, Alyssa Farah Griffin, as well as longtime contributor to the show, Ana Navarro, who Variety has learned has signed a multi-year deal as a permanent co-host, though she won’t appear every day on the show.
Both women are Republicans and will add conservative commentary to the daytime talk show, though their political brands are vastly different, despite their same party affiliation.
Navarro and Farah Griffin will join moderator Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines, resulting in six co-hosts for Season 26.
Navarro — a fan-favorite on “The View” who identifies as a Republican, but is a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump — has appeared as a weekly guest host on the show, but never officially had a permanent spot at the Hot Topics table until now. Over the years, Variety has reported that she had been in discussions to join “The View,” but a full-time deal never materialized.
Insiders tell Variety that while Navarro has inked a deal to be named a permanent co-host, she will continue in her role as a political commentator on CNN and Telemundo, so she won’t be on “The View” every single day, and will be traveling from Miami to New York City to film the show. A person familiar with Navarro’s negotiations says she has inked a long-term deal with ABC.
“‘The View’ is an institution and incomparable platform for women of different backgrounds to share their opinions and insights,” said Navarro in a statement. “It’s been a long courtship, but we’re finally making it official. I love being on the show, and I love living in Miami. I’m happy I will be able to do both. Thank you to ABC News, ‘The View’ family and our loyal viewers for their continued support.”
Farah Griffin will also be continuing in her role as a political commentator on CNN, while joining “The View” full time. Variety previously reported that Farah Griffin was expected to join “The View,” as she had been auditioning as a guest host on the show in recent months. When we reported she was in final negotiations to join as the conservative co-host, several sources said Navarro was disappointed that she hadn’t been selected for the permanent gig. Now, it appears deals were reached to include both women for the upcoming season.
Farah Griffin’s addition to “The View” could prove to be controversial on both sides. She worked for Trump, but only disavowed him after the Jan. 6 insurrection — when she began her television career.
Farah Griffin served as former vice president Mike Pence’s press secretary from 2017 to 2019 and then became press secretary for the United States Department of Defense, before joining the Trump White House in April 2020 where she was the president’s top spokesperson and helped engineer his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also was the youngest person in history to serve as the top spokesperson for the Pentagon. She spent roughly eight months in her role working for President Trump, resigning one month after he lost to President Joe Biden. Ever since she left the White House, she has condemned the former president, publicly disagreeing with his failure to accept the election results and blaming him for the insurrection. In late 2021, Farah Griffin joined CNN as a contributor where she has frequently spoken about her time in the Trump White House.
Farah Griffin’s father is the conservative editor and author Joseph Farah, who founded the far-right website, WorldNetDaily, and rose to prominence with his Clinton conspiracy theories surrounding the suicide of Vince Foster, and then became known for promoting birtherism during Barack Obama’s presidency. During one of her appearances on “The View,” Farah Griffin said that her father refused to attend her wedding because of “political differences” after she spoke out against Trump.
In a statement, Farah Griffin said: “I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to join the ladies of ‘The View.’ The show paved the way for women speaking up and speaking out on TV. At a time when our country is so divided, often on partisan lines, I’m honored to represent the conservative perspective. I hope to model what is too often lost by our elected leaders: learning from others, disagreeing respectfully, and focusing on finding real solutions for our country.”
Navarro is well known to “The View” audience, having appeared as a contributor on the show since 2015, before being named a weekly guest host in 2018. The Republican strategist has served in numerous Republican administrations, including as the national co-chair of the Hispanic Advisory Council for John McCain in 2008 and Jon Hunstman Jr. in 2012. (Navarro shared the screen on “The View” with McCain and Hunstman’s daughters, Meghan McCain and Abby Hunstman, who previously served as co-hosts on the ABC talk show.)
While both Navarro and Farah Griffin are Republicans, ABC in their press release, billed Farah Griffin as filling the “conservative seat,” which has been vacant since McCain left the show in 2021. Before McCain, Elisabeth Hasselbeck changed TV in 2003 as the first Republican arguing about the headlines of the day in daytime TV.
The announcement of the two new co-hosts comes after Variety reported that Hostin inked a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal that will keep her on “The View” for the next three years. ABC had also previously secured long-term deals with Goldberg and Behar, taking them both through Season 28, indicating that “The View” plans to keep many of its core co-hosts at the panel for the foreseeable future — particularly, through the 2024 election when ratings will likely surg
Ebony And Jet Archives To Be Digitized By Getty And The Smithsonian
Over four million negatives and prints from the iconic Jet and Ebony magazines are soon to be digitized. According to an official statement, the vast Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) archives will now be jointly owned by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the Getty Research Institute.
After the sale of its magazines, JPC retained ownership of its photography negatives, photos, and both audio and visual recordings. Now, The Getty Trust will put $30 million towards processing its digitization, which will go on display at the NMAAHC in Washington, DC.
Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert, And Children Cover ‘EBONY’ Magazine, Address Family Rumors
Kevin Young, director of the NMAAHC, stated: “For decades, Ebony and Jet documented stories of Black celebrity, fashion, and the Civil Rights Movement and provided an opportunity for African Americans to see an authentic public representation of themselves while also offering the world a fuller view of the African American experience.” He added, “Our museum is proud that this significant and iconic collection of African American images will be housed in our museum and preserved for generations to study, observe and enjoy.”
According to the NMAAHC, “the archive reveals myriad facets of the Black experience and allows viewers to consider American life of the last century through the eyes of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, Shirley Chisholm, and scores of Black activists, advocates, artists, athletes, entertainers, poets, politicians, students, writers, and everyday people.”
The archives have been in Chicago since its acquirement for protective purposes. The archives are reportedly only available with select exhibition and programming . An archival team, the “Blackivists,” have been trained and tasked with cataloging and assessing the collection. Afterward, a large amount of the prints will be relocated to their new home in Washington, D.C.
Ebony and Jet were founded by John and Eunice Johnson in 1942. Ebony began its publishing in 1945 and Jet in 1951 through JPC – going on to have longevity for 70 years in print. Former NBA player Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman became owner of the magazine brands in 2020, and has been the driving force behind Ebony as an online digital publication in 2022.
Mike Tyson Calls Hulu a "Slave Master" Who Stole His Life Story
Boxing legend Mike Tyson continued to speak out against Hulu’s decision to move forward with a documentary series about his life in a Twitter post on Saturday.
On Saturday (Aug. 6), Tyson blasted Hulu for using his life story for their upcoming limited series “Mike.” The series stars Moonlight actor Trevante Rhodes as the former heavyweight boxing champion.
Tyson has been outspoken in the past of his disapproval of the series. Tyson claims that Hulu executives did not consult with him while making the project, he also said Hulu has not paid him despite using his real life for profit.
In a meme posted Saturday, Tyson wrote: “Don’t let Hulu fool you. I don’t support their story about my life. It’s not 1822. It’s 2022. They stole my life story and didn’t pay me. To Hulu executives I’m just a n****r they can sell on the auction block.” In the caption he wrote, “Hulu is the streaming version of the slave master. They stole my story and didn’t pay me.” But his anger was not limited to Instagram posts, he also took full advantage of his presence on Twitter.
In a separate post, Tyson further likens the streamer to that of a slave master who has tried to tempt his confidants into supporting “Mike.” “Hulu tried to desperately pay my brother @danawhite millions without offering me a dollar to promote their slave master take over story about my life. He turned it down because he honors friendship and treating people with dignity. I’ll never forget what he did for me just like I’ll never forget what Hulu stole from me,” wrote Tyson.
Last year, Tyson attempted to persuade his supporters to join him in boycotting Hulu. As previously reported by REVOLT, Tyson said the limited series was “unauthorized.” “To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for Black story rights,” he wrote online. He added that, “Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to Black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. The real Mike Tyson authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days.”
Doja Cat Responds To Concerns For Her Mental Health After She Shaved Her Head And Eyebrows
Doja Cat wants everyone to know that she is okay. A day after she shaved her head and eyebrows on Instagram Live, the "Kiss Me More" rapper is responding to concerns for her mental health.
In a video shared by The Shade Room on Friday (Aug. 5), Doja Cat appeared on IG Live and addressed people's concerns for her mental health after she shaved her head and eyebrows.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm rich, I'm fine," she begins in the clip. "Just the whole 'Are you okay, queen?' shit makes me want to rip my...I guess the hair that I have left out and that would be my pubics."
"I want to rip my fucking pubic hair out, I absolutely hate it," she added.
Although Doja Cat is fully embracing her no eyebrows look (see her IG photos above), fans were probably worried about her well-being when she went on IG Live Thursday night (Aug. 4) and unveiled her newly shaved head.
She told her followers that she shaved off her hair because she was exhausted from wearing wigs while working out in the gym and the wig would get frizzy from her sweating.
"I just do not like to have hair," she said. "I would be working out, but I couldn't focus because I was more concerned about how I looked. Or how my hair was doing, and how to keep it adhered to my scalp."
"I just can't believe that it took me this long to be like, 'Shave your fucking head,'" she concluded.
Afterward, Doja shaved off her eyebrows, much to her delight.
Willow supports dad Will Smith after Oscars slap: He's human
Willow Smith is letting it be known that she has her father’s back!
As Will Smith continues to face public scrutiny following the now-infamous 2022 Oscars slap, his 21-year-old daughter is speaking out.
In fact, she says backlash from the March incident didn’t “rock me as much as my own internal demons.”
“I see my whole family as being human, and I love and accept them for all their humanness,” said Willow during an interview with Billboard. “Because of the position that we’re in, our humanness sometimes isn’t accepted, and we’re expected to act in a way that isn’t conducive to a healthy human life and isn’t conducive to being honest.”
As previously reported, Will has issued two apologies to Chris Rock after he took to the stage and slapped him during the star-studded event.
I’ve reached out to Chris, and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk, said the I Am Legend actor in a video shared to his YouTube channel last Friday (July 29). “And when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris: I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable, and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
He also opened up about hating to let people down.
“I hate when I let people down. So it hurts, it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me,” said Will. “And the work I’m trying to do is, I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself. I’m human and I made a mistake, and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of s**t.”
Despite the apology, Rock is not quite ready to reconcile with the fellow comedian.
Anne Heche's Condition Upgraded to Stable After Fiery Auto Accident, Family Asks for Prayers
Actress Anne Heche was in critical condition after suffering severe burns in a fiery wreck, but doctors have now upgraded her to stable.
Family and friends of actress Anne Heche are asking for prayers for her recovery following an automobile accident that left the Emmy winner seriously injured. On Friday, Heche was reportedly driving a vehicle that crashed into a house in the Mar Vista neighborhood in Los Angeles. The house and vehicle both caught fire, resulting in Heche getting taken to the hospital where her condition was declared to be critical.
Per People, Heche's condition has now been upgraded to stable, and she remains intubated after suffering severe burns. A statement from a rep speaking for Heche has also released a brief statement confirming her condition and calling for fans to send prayers.
"Anne is currently in stable condition," the statement reads. "Her family and friends ask for your thoughts and prayers and to respect her privacy during this difficult time."
TMZ also reported that Heche had also been involved in another accident that was a bit less serious shortly before the fiery crash. According to the outlet, Heche had first crashed into the garage of a nearby apartment complex. Witnesses reportedly said they had attempted to get Heche out of the vehicle when she allegedly put the car in reverse and sped away from the scene, leading to the near-fatal crash that occurred shortly thereafter.
All across social media, there are a lot of fans who have already been wishing Heche well along with sending those prayers with encouragement to get better. Some of those who know Anne Heche have joined the fans in sending love and support. Actor James Tupper, who was previously in a relationship with Heche and shares a 13-year-old son with the actress, posted to Instagram a message along with a photo of Heche and their child.
"Thoughts and prayers for this lovely woman, actress and mother tonight Anne Heche. We love you," the message states.
"While Anne and I are no longer an item, today's tragic news was devastating to me and to all who love her," actor Thomas Jane, who also once dated Heche and worked with her on Hung, told the Daily Mail. "My heart goes out to Anne and her two sons. As of right now Anne is stable and expected to pull through. My thoughts and prayers are with Anne, one of the true talents of her generation. Thank God no one else was hurt."
A veteran actress, Heche previously won a Daytime Emmy for her role in Another World before later getting another nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the TV movie Gracie's Choice. In recent years, she has appeared in movies like My Friend Dahmer, The Last Word, The Best of Enemies, and The Vanished. Her more recent small screen appearances include competing on Dancing with the Stars and recurring roles in The Brave and Chicago P.D. Heche is also set to appear in the upcoming HBO series The Idol.
John Legend says Kanye West's support of Trump ended friendship
Kanye West and John Legend haven't repaired their fractured relationship. Legend, whom West has publicly called a "sellout," confirmed politics caused a rift in their friendship.
"We aren't friends as much as we used to be," Legend said on Wednesday's The Axe Files podcast on CNN. "I honestly think because we publicly disagreed on his running for office, his supporting Trump. I think it became too much for us to sustain our friendship."
West was former president Donald Trump's most famous supporter and confirmed last year he's "still got a red hat on." Kim Kardashian's ex-husband mounted a failed presidential run in 2020 as a third-party candidate, but his campaign was apparently run by several Republican operatives who wanted to get Trump re-elected.
David Axelrod noted that Legend was not the only one who didn't support West's bid for president.
"I wasn't alone in that, but, you know, he was not happy about that. And we really haven't been close since then," Legend replied.
There's no love lost on West's end.
In November, the "Runaway" singer called out Legend and Big Sean for their lack of support, calling them "scared."
"Both John Legend and Big Sean, when I ran for office, got used quick by the Democrats to come at they boy that actually changed they life. And that's some sellout shit. And I don't rock with neither of them and I need my apologies," he said on the Drink Champs podcast.
Legend and wife, Chrissy Teigen, have remained close with Kardashian.
Kevin Spacey ordered to pay nearly $31 million to House Of Cards makers over firing
A Los Angeles judge ruled on Thursday that Kevin Spacey must pay nearly $31 million in damages to the makers of House Of Cards over his firing, Entertainment Weekly reports. The actor was removed from the Netflix series in 2017 amid allegations of misconduct and predatory behavior.
The decision follows a 2020 discovery by a private arbiter that Spacey violated the sexual harassment policy upheld by MRC, the company behind House Of Cards. MRC successfully argued that Spacey’s alleged misconduct cost them a pretty penny after they were forced to remove him from the series and cut the sixth season down by five episodes.
Although he was first faced with the fine last year, Spacey, who has continuously denied allegations against him both in the U.S. and internationally, challenged the sum in open court. His legal team argued that Spacey’s actions were not actually a significant factor in the House Of Cards losses MRC reported.
However, Judge Mel Red Recana was unconvinced. In her ruling, she writes Spacey and his legal team “fail to demonstrate that this is even a close case” and “do not demonstrate that the damages award was so utterly irrational that it amounts to an arbitrary remaking of the parties’ contracts,” per court documents. Now, Spacey will be mandated to shell out the $30.9 million he was initially asked to pay.
“We are pleased with the court’s ruling,” MRC counsel Michael Kump said in a statement to EW.
The hefty fine marks just one of the consequences Spacey is currently navigating for an alleged history of predatory harassment and assault dating back over a decade. Last month, Spacey formally pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in the U.K. ahead of a trial that will kick off next summer. Spacey has been charged with four counts of sexual assault from three different men dating back to 2005, as well as one count of “causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.” Spacey has entered a not guilty plea for all five charges.
‘RHONJ’ star Teresa Giudice marries fiancé Luis ‘Louie’ Ruelas
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice married Luis “Louie” Ruelas in a lavish wedding ceremony at Park Chateau Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick, N.J., on Saturday.
Giudice, 50, wore a tight-fitting strapless wedding gown paired with mesh gloves, while Ruelas, 48, rocked a tuxedo with black pants and a white jacket. The bride’s look was finished off with an embellished crown, long veil and dazzling earrings.
The guest list read as a mini BravoCon, with stars from nearly every franchise in attendance, including her “RHONJ” co-stars Dolores Catania and Jennifer Aydin, who served as bridesmaids.
Giudice’s four daughters Gia, 21, Gabriella, 17, Milania, 16 and Audriana, 12, were also bridesmaids.
co-stars Margaret Josephs — who previously teased she didn’t think she’d get invited — Jackie Goldschneider and rumored “RHONJ” newcomer Danielle Cabral also all watched the lovebirds say “I do.”
“Real Housewives” head honcho Andy Cohen was also in attendance.
Other invited guests included her “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” co-stars, including Luann de Lesseps, Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey and Ramona Singer — who leaked venue deets weeks before the ceremony.
totally go off without a hitch. Page Six reported on Friday that her daughter Gia was “begging” to be let on a flight home from Nashville on Thursday.
Prior to the big day, Giudice and Ruelas seemingly had a joint bachelor and bachelorette party at Cedars Lebanese Cuisine on Thursday night. Giudice posted several videos to her Instagram Story of her and her beau dancing the night away with belly dancers, her daughters and other celebs.
The mom of four also celebrated her bridal shower with close friends and family earlier this week. The reality star sipped on “Tretini” cocktails while posing for photos in front of a wall covered with roses.
Giudice hit a major wedding planning roadblock when Singer leaked the exact time, date, and location of her nuptials, causing the pair to hire “more security” among other possible changes.
The couple got engaged in Greece in October 2021 after nearly a year of dating. Giudice finalized her divorce from Joe Giudice — with whom she shares her four daughters — in September 2020.
The “Turning the Tables” author gushed to Page Six in May about how involved her soon-to-be hubby was in the wedding process.
“Wedding plans are going amazing. Luis is involved with me, and I love that. We’re doing it together, so it’s not just me,” she said, adding, “I remember my first wedding; I did it by myself. But [Luis is] involved, and I love that.”
Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson welcome second child
Khloe Kardashian is now a mom of two. The reality TV star and her ex-boyfriend, Canadian-American basketball player Tristan Thompson, have welcomed their second child via surrogate, a source close to Kardashian told CNN.
No name for the baby boy has been shared yet.
Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are seen on January 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA.
Khloe Kardashian says Tristan Thompson is 'not the guy for me'
The former couple are also parents to a 4-year-old daughter, True.
The pair have had a tumultuous, on-and-off again relationship marked by several cheating scandals. In January, Thompson confirmed that he had welcomed a son with fitness model Maralee Nichols.
But Kardashian, 38, has been vocal about her commitment to co-parenting with Thompson and her desire to grow her family. She documented her efforts to conceive a second child through IVF and fertility assistance on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
Bow Wow Returns to BET to Host New Dating Series
*Bow Wow is getting back to his TV bag! The entertainer will be making a return to BET as he is set to host a new dating show titled “After Happily Ever After.”
According to the network, the new show that will possibly air this fall will follow people in long-term relationships that ended in divorce or separation and their exes who look to play matchmaker to help them find love once again.
The former 106 & Park host will host the eight-episode series, marking his return to the network following an 8-year hosting hiatus.
BET Unscripted Programming Executive Vice President Tiffany Lea Williams said in a statement: “We look forward to airing this entertaining dating series that will help singles find love. This show promises to be full of surprises, twists, and turns that will leave viewers asking for more. We are also thrilled to welcome Bow Wow home to BET and to partner with Bunim/Murray Productions, who has been creating unscripted hits for three decades and always delivers their latest guilty pleasures to viewers. We can’t wait to add After Happily Ever After to our winning portfolio of acclaimed unscripted shows that engage and delight fans across all of our platforms worldwide.”
Bow Wow will throw a singles party with a new group of contestants in each episode to kick things off. However, the catch lies in the party only being attended by the exes in an attempt to pick the best option for their former partner, according to HipHopDX.
Once someone is chosen, they will move in with the contestant and date them for 48 hours. Ultimately, the person will get to choose whether to keep the prospect or send them back to the group for a chance to meet someone else.
The series announcement comes two years after Bow Wow revealed he wanted to bring BET back to its glory days by taking on a top executive position at the network. The rapper was widely considered “Mr. 106 & Park” for his dominance on the countdown show and later hosted it for two years. Bow Wow claimed BET was losing its luster, and he had a plan to bring it back.
“My only dream job now is i want to take over BET. I want a high position,” the rapper tweeted at the time. “I was blessed to host but NOW i want an office. I want to run and come up with content for the network. I know what they missing. All you have to do is LISTEN to the people.”
He added: “BET forgot what made them HOT! The MUSIC!!! breaking artist etc… music shows that mattered. Now it’s like Lifetime. Just a bunch of sitcoms. Do you know the only time there is music on BET IS when there is an award show? Think about that. Like 3 x out the year. That’s crazy!”
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team to Extend Bubba Wallace’s Contract
*Rumors have been doing rounds that Bubba Wallace is unlikely to renew his contract with Michael Jordan‘s 23XI NASCAR team after 2023.
The speculation became even louder after the team signed Tyler Reddick for 2024 and beyond. However, the matter has finally been put to rest: Wallace is expected to remain with 23XI beyond 2023. Jordan himself is negotiating with him, and they are close to a deal to extend his contact.
On 31 July, Wallace took to Twitter to confirm the reports that the negotiation is ongoing.
“We’ve been working on it for a while; that’s all coming together really nice. Hopefully, we’ll have something to announce here soon,” explained Wallace to his fans.
Wallace has not won a race this year but has finished in the top 10 in the last 3 weeks at New Hampshire, Pocono and Indianapolis. Furthermore, he earlier this year finished second at Daytona 500. His performance seems to have improved since his pit crew was replaced. The pit crew had been struggling earlier this year.
This extension of his contract shows just how much confidence Jordan has for Wallace. Renewing his contract is also good news for Joe Gibbs Racing, which is the flagship that the 23XI team is under.
Joe Gibbs Racing are yet to sign their No. 1 driver, Kyle Busch, to an extension nor find a sponsor for him yet.
Meanwhile, in other Bubba Wallace news, the NASCAR star met with fans at a McDonald’s near Michigan International Speedway earlier today. That comes as no surprise because Wallace has been greeting fans at McDonald’s restaurants across the nation this year. McDonald’s is one of his primary sponsors.
Wallace will drive the No. 23 McDonald’s Toyota in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at MIS, which starts at 3 p.m. and is televised on the USA Network. He drives for 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by driver Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, according to Mlive.com
There are four races left in the regular season, and Wallace needs a victory if he wants to qualify for the playoffs. Wallace is coming into Michigan hot after finishing fifth, eighth and third in his last three races.
The infield campsites are sold out at MIS for race weekend for the first time since 2012. Grandstand tickets remain for both races Saturday and for Sunday’s Cup Series race.
U.S. reportedly delayed ordering adequate amount of monkeypox vaccines
The United States Department of Health and Human Services had an adequate amount of monkeypox vaccines, but health officials seemingly ignored signs that this would become a health emergency. The New York Times reports officials didn’t bottle the medication so it could be quickly distributed. Additionally, the small company in Denmark that manufactures the vaccine worldwide received orders late. But that’s not all: The company gave hundreds of thousands of doses to Europe, which were initially set aside for the U.S.
The monkeypox cases in America continue to increase significantly, with 7,000 reported cases and counting. Scientists believe it will take a minimum of three million vaccines to combat the outbreak, and the country only plans to administer one million. An additional 5.5 million doses were ordered, but only half a million will be delivered in October. The remaining vaccines won’t arrive until 2023.
The White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha was questioned about the U.S.’s response to the monkeypox epidemic on CNN. He said declaring it a health emergency will help speed up vaccinations. “Thankfully, no one has died, so we are still at a point in this outbreak where I do believe that, while it is very serious, it is not something that is reason for widespread alarm,” Dr. Jha said. “The goal of this is still to eliminate this virus — to get it under control and ultimately eliminate it. In terms of vaccines, we have substantially ramped up vaccine acquisition from abroad. There’s one small company in Denmark that makes these vaccines. We have gotten more vaccines than the rest of the world combined. And we’re primarily targeting those vaccines to the community where this virus is spreading.”
While Jha noted that most cases so far have been found in homosexual and bisexual men, he also warned that anyone can contract monkeypox via skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated clothing and bed linen.
One Of Ahmaud Arbery’s Convicted Killers Says He Fears Being Killed In Georgia State Prison
Well, this is something someone should have thought about before killing an innocent Black man. According to court documents, one of the men found guilty of killing Ahmaud Arbery fears being killed in state prison.
In November 2021, Travis McMichael, his father Greg, and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, were found guilty in the February 2020 fatal shooting of Arbery. The McMichaels received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Bryan received a life sentence with the possibility of parole. They were also found guilty of federal hate crime charges and will face sentencing for that next week.
Travis McMichael’s attorney Amy Lee Copeland filed a memorandum on Thursday in federal court asking for him to remain in the physical custody of the federal government because apparently, he is afraid he’ll be killed once in the Georgia state prison system, CNN reported.
McMichael has been detained at the Glynn County Detention Center since he was arrested in May 2020, according to the memo, and has since received threats that people “are ‘waiting for him,’ that he should not go into the yard. He was also told that correctional officers have promised a willingness (whether for pay or for free) to keep certain doors unlocked and backs turned to allow inmates to harm him.”
“His concern is that he will promptly be killed upon delivery to the state prison system for service of that sentence: He has received numerous threats of death that are credible in light of all circumstances, and the government has a pending investigation into the Georgia DOC’s ability to keep inmates safe in a system where murder rates have tripled,” the memo continued.
It also claims McMichael has received hundreds of threats and “quit counting in January 2022, at around 800 threats.”
Along with the concerns for his safety, the memo also cites “the government’s investigation into the violence in Georgia state prisons” as reasons that he should remain in the physical custody of the federal government.
Arbery’s family has objected to the killers serving time in federal instead of state prison.
Pregnant Windsor Hills Crash Victim Identified, Driver Charged With Manslaughter
The pregnant victim of a fiery Los Angeles that left six people dead and eight others injured on Thursday has been identified.
The woman, 23-year-old Asherey Ryan, was killed along with her 11-month-old son Alonzo and her unborn baby. KTLA reports that Ryan, who was six months pregnant, was on her way to a pregnancy checkup.
The unborn baby, which Ryan planned to name Armani, did not survive the accident.
“It’s hard to believe I’m never going to see them again,” Ryan’s sister, Cotie Davis, told reporters. “I can’t even imagine staring over her casket. This has definitely taken a huge chunk of me.”
Nicole Linton, 37, has been arrested in connection with the deadly car crash. She is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. California Highway Patrol told the outlet that Linton is cooperating. Formal charges are expected next week.
Linton was taken to an area hospital following the crash, where she remains with unspecified injuries.
Linton was driving a gray Mercedes-Benz at a high rate of speed when she ran a red light in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. She crashed into at least six vehicles, causing three of them to burst into flames. Several people were ejected from their cars.
The eight people that were injured were taken to local hospitals. The victims included two adults and six teenager
The London Metropolitan police investigating sexual offence allegations against Tim Westwood
Four allegations against former BBC Radio 1 DJ date from 1982, 1985, 2010 and 2016, it is understood
The Metropolitan police are investigating sexual offence allegations against the DJ Tim Westwood, one of which dates back 40 years, it is understood.
The force’s central specialist crime unit was looking into four reports of historical offences allegedly committed in London, from 1982, 1985, 2010 and 2016, a spokesperson said.
The Met statement did not name Westwood, who was a DJ at BBC Radio 1 from 1994 to 2013.
In April, a joint investigation by the Guardian and BBC News published allegations of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour made by several women. Westwood, 64, subsequently stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra.
He denied all the allegations, with a spokesperson for him saying there had never been any complaints against him “officially or unofficially”.
Ten more women made claims of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour in a further Guardian/BBC News investigation in July. The report included a claim from a woman who said Westwood first had sex with her when she was 14 and he was in his 30s in the early 1990s. Westwood did not respond to a request for comment for that story.
A statement from Scotland Yard on Thursday said: “Detectives from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime continue to investigate four reports relating to allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man. The offences are alleged to have occurred in London in 1982, 1985, 2010 and 2016. There have been no arrests, inquiries continue.”
The BBC has faced questions in relation to Westwood after it initially denied receiving complaints against him. The day after the investigation was first published, the BBC director general, Tim Davie, insisted the corporation had “no evidence of complaints” against Westwood.
But the corporation backtracked in July, admitting it had received six complaints of alleged bullying and sexual misconduct relating to when the DJ was an employee, some of them received after publication of the first Guardian/BBC News stories.
Westwood was approached for comment.
Wiz Khalifa Apologizes To DJs For Nightclub Tirade
Wiz Khalifa is breaking his silence following his viral outburst. A week after he was seen verbally attacking a couple DJs at an L.A. nightclub, the rapper has addressed his angry tirade. He sat down with DJ Envy and DJ Drama on “The Breakfast Club” on Friday where he apologized for his behavior.
“First of all, I want to apologize to all the DJs and the entire DJ community for my behavior,” said Wiz. “I do realize that it was a bit much and I’m a big enough man to be like, ‘Yo, that shouldn’t have happened. That shouldn’t go down. That’s not how business gets handled. That’s not how you get your point across.’ So I apologize to anybody who I offended, sincerely.”
Wiz explained that he was booked for a club appearance at Poppy to celebrate the release of his new album Multiverse, which dropped the same day. Wiz and his team prepared a five-song set and gave the flash drive to the DJ. But when it came time for his performance, things didn’t go as planned.
Video footage shows Wiz berating the DJs in front of the crowd and even threatening to fight them.
“It was just a real issue with timing and firing the songs, the cues were wrong,” he said. “It wasn’t going right. The music wasn’t going right. There were people talking over it.”
He “calmly” tried to speak with the DJs so they could “get on the same page.” “As the sets continued, it just got even more unprofessional, songs were playing in the middle of my songs,” he explained.
Unable to contain his frustration, Wiz lashed out at the DJs before knocking the hats off their heads. But he admits that he got carried away and reacted in the moment.
“It was really frustrating and I got emotional and I showed my emotions,” he said. “I was entirely out of line for touching the young man’s hat and doing what some people would consider assaulting a DJ. That’s not in my character and that’s not how I handle things and it’s not excusable, it’s not defendable in any way, shape, or form.”
After the clip went viral, Wiz faced backlash from the DJ community including the legendary Kid Capri, who reportedly helped stage “The Breakfast Club” meeting.
“To stand up there and disrespect them like that, that was just crazy,” said Capri. “It be stuff like this that minimizes what the DJ is… If that was me and you spoke to me like that, I would have swung on you immediately.”
One of the DJs, Mike Danger, did share a message on Instagram earlier this week addressing the situation. “As much as what happened was not okay, I’m going to keep it moving with the hopes that we can eventually move forward from this experience with civility and love,” he wrote.
Wiz reached out to Mike, but they have not been able to connect yet. “It’s definitely a goal of mine to get in touch with him personally and personally apologize,” he said.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘HE JUST WANT TO SHOW SKIN’
Nothing wrong with that?
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Miguel
Meet! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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