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Jason Whitlock Accuses Indiana Fever of “Bullying” Caitlin Clark

Sandra Rose
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Jason Whitlock Accuses Indiana Fever of “Bullying” Caitlin Clark
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The hype surrounding 2024 Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was unprecedented. She led all rookies in scoring and assists and became the first rookie in WNBA history to score a triple-double.

Clark brought more new fans to the WNBA than any other star in league history.

For the first time ever, all 44 regular season Indiana Fever games will be broadcast on national television in 2026. A billion-dollar TV contract is another first in WNBA history.

Since Clark entered the league, viewership and revenue have increased exponentially.

The WNBA recently approved a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that made instant millionaires of veteran WNBA players. But sports journalists pretend Clark didn’t influence the historic CBA.

Million-dollar salaries for WNBA players wouldn’t be possible if Clark was never born.

Sports reporters have their orders: Ignore Caitlin Clark while hyping no-name players.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Sports journalist Jason Whitlock criticized the Indiana Fever for “brainwashing” Clark to dim her light so other players can shine.
 
READ ALSO: Jason Whitlock: “The WNBA wants to promote gay marriage”
 
In recent episodes of his “Fearless” podcast, Whitlock accused the Fever’s head coach Stephanie White of playing Clark off the ball and not maximizing her skills.

Harry How/Getty Images

Whitlock claims the light is gone in Clark’s eyes. She’s lost her killer instinct while no-name players grab headlines.

Clark sat out most of last season with an injury that many of her fans say was fake. They say she sat out to give the spotlight to A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and others.

“I think Caitlin Clark’s attitude has been undermined and she doesn’t want to be the leader of the team anymore,” Whitlock said on Tuesday. “Because they basically brainwashed her and brainwashed the team.”

Whitlock accused the “WNBGAY” of bullying Clark to dim her light in favor of LGBTQ+ players. He said the league is making a “monumental mistake financially”.

“So, Caitlin Clark has been bullied into coming out of her natural personality and thinking, ‘Hey, I’m just one of five here on the court or one of 12 here on the team.’ And that’s a monumental mistake financially and I think over the course of time, you’re gonna see it’s a monumental mistake in terms of on-court play.”

Whitlock added that Clark is still the No. 1 face of the WNBA, but he claimed that the league is “undermining” her.

He noted that the brainwashing of the league’s golden goose has had an effect on ticket sales. Fever games have not sold out this season. The Fever played in a half-empty arena during the preseason. That hasn’t happened since 2023.

Ohio Brothers Who Pretended to Be Dubai Royalty Receive Prison Sentences

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Ohio Brothers Who Pretended to Be Dubai Royalty Receive Prison Sentences
Photo of Zubair Al Zubair, Muzzammil Al Zubair
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Two brothers from East Cleveland, Ohio were sentenced for their roles in a $21 million fraud scheme. A judge sentenced Zubair and Muzzammil Al Zubair to over 2 decades in prison on Tuesday.

Zubair Al Zubair, 43, and Muzzammil Al Zubair, 33, were convicted in February along with their accomplice, former mayoral aide Michael Smedley, 56.

Zubair was sentenced to 24 years, and Muzzammil received a sentence of 23 years in prison, according to reports.

Smedley, former Chief of Staff for the mayor of East Cleveland, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison.

The brothers bribed Smedley to obtain official documents, including police credentials and formal appointment letters for posing as an International Economic Advisor.

Prosectors say the Al Zubairs plied Smedley with cash and expensive gifts, Cleveland Browns suite tickets, Cuban cigars, and promises of future employment.

Zubair Al Zubair claimed to be a prince – and even referred to himself as “His Excellency,” while Muzzammil Al Zubair claimed to be a hedge fund manager.

Zubair is accused of stealing $737,000 from his UAE girlfriend. The brothers also scammed a Chinese investor out of $18 million using a fake cryptocurrency business plan.

They flaunted a luxury lifestyle financed by the money they stole. The brothers ordered custom-made gold-plated AK-47 rifles, expensive vehicles, and chartered private jets for International travel.

“You stole a lot of money, defrauded people and put East Cleveland in a terrible light,” US District Judge Donald Nugent told the brothers in open court on Tuesday.

“You basically flaunted it by driving around in a Rolls Royce and taking private planes.”

The brothers were ordered to pay $19.2 million in restitution. Zubair was ordered to pay $1.7 million taxes to the IRS and Muzzammil was ordered to pay $300,000 to the IRS.

CNN Founder and Media Mogul Ted Turner Dead at 87

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CNN Founder and Media Mogul Ted Turner Dead at 87
Hugh Dillon/WENN

Billionaire media mogul Ted Turner, who founded the 24-hour Cable News Network (CNN), died Wednesday from natural causes. He was 87. The news was first reported by CNN.

“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment,” CNN chairman and CEO Mark Thompson said in a statement. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.”

Turner also founded the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and launched cable channels such as TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies.

CNN aired its first broadcast on June 1, 1980. Turner turned the cable network into a news giant with breaking news stories 24-hours-a-day. He was one of the first to use TV satellites to beam cable news to viewers around the country.

Turner previously owned the Atlanta Braves, and Ted’s Montana Grill, a restaurant chain that served bison meat. The philanthropist once donated $1 billion to the United Nations.

Ben Rose/WireImage

Turner’s 1991 marriage to Oscar-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda was his third and final marriage. The couple divorced in 2001.

“In his heart, Ted is not a wealthy, powerful, privileged person,” Fonda told interviewers for an HBO documentary in 2018. “He’s a little boy who likes to play, and who has wild brilliance, and that’s what I was attracted to.”

Sandra Rose/Sandrarose.com

“We were both children of suicide, so we understood each other,” Fonda added.

“It was very difficult,” Turner said. “I’ve survived, and so has she, but I feel like I was happier when I was with her than subsequently.”

Turner resigned as vice chairman of AOL Time Warner Inc in 2001. In 2008, Turner announced he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

The Washington Post via Getty Images

“It’s a mild case of what people have as Alzheimer’s. It’s similar to that. But not nearly as bad. Alzheimer’s is fatal,” Turner told journalist Ted Koppel in 2018.

Turner is survived by five children, two from his first marriage, to Judy Gale Nye, and three from his second marriage, to Jane Shirley Smith.

Jenifer Lewis and Taraji P. Henson call out Beyoncé, Serena for attending Met Gala

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Jenifer Lewis and Taraji P. Henson call out Beyoncé, Serena for attending Met Gala
Photo of Jenifer Lewis, Taraji P Henson
Screengrab, BACKGRID

Jenifer Lewis joined fellow actress Taraji P. Henson who called out celebrities for attending the Jeff Bezos-sponsored Met Gala on Monday in NYC.

Lewis criticized Bezos for cutting 30,000 jobs at The Washington Post before contributing $10 million to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez were co-chairs of the Met Gala.

Lewis didn’t name names, but she was disappointed in celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Serena Williams, Venus Williams and others who attended the Gala.

In a video on her Instagram page, Lewis rhymed while playing the piano: “They gutted the Washington Post/ but they showed up anyway/ posturing and posing hoping to be the most.

“They cut one billion in funding for children’s nutrition/ and there they all were vying for the next position.”

Lewis said a girlfriend called and told her celebrities attended the Met Gala, despite the boycott that was in place.

“We’re at war and so many people are dying/ I said to my girlfriend, ‘tell me you’re lying’. How much fame do we need, y’all? How much more fame?” Lewis said.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Taraji P. Henson skipped Monday’s Met Gala Costume Ball after attending the event last year. She also attended in 2021 and 2015.

The “Empire” actress wrote in a comment on Instagram: “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”

A-list celebrities who also skipped this year’s Met Gala included Zendaya, Meryl Streep, Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid and more.

Paramount Cancels Love & Hip Hop Franchise, Including Atlanta

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Paramount Cancels Love & Hip Hop Franchise, Including Atlanta
Photo of Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta S13 cast
VH1

Paramount cancelled reality TV franchise “Love & Hip-Hop” after a 15-year run. The franchise will end in a 6-part miniseries titled “Love & Hip Hop: The Final Chapter” that airs this fall on VH1.

Vh1 announced the cancellation on Friday. The final episodes will feature interviews with cast members from each city, as well as interviews with the producers and VH1 executives.

The “Love & Hip Hop” franchise is based in cities including Atlanta, New York, Hollywood and Miami.

“As we step into this final chapter, we’re making sure our ending hits like it should, for our talent in front of and behind the camera, and for every fan who’s been rocking with us from day one. Once more for the culture,” said Lashan Browning, founder and CEO of Antoinette Media, the production house behind “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.”

Photo of Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta S1 cast
VH1

The “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” reality series first premiered on June 18, 2012. The series was executive produced by Mona Scott-Young for Monami Productions.

Original cast members included Joseline Hernandez, Erica Dixon, Rasheeda, K. Michelle, Karlie Redd and Mimi Faust. With supporting cast members Stevie J, Lil Scrappy, Scrappy’s mother Momma Dee, Mimi’s best friend Ariane Davis, Rasheeda’s husband Kirk Frost, Benzino and Shay Johnson (“Flavor of Love”).

All cast members returned for a second season. During the Reunion special, K. Michelle announced she was leaving the show to join the cast of “Love & Hip Hop: New York.”

K. Michelle is currently a cast member on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Season 3 saw the addition of rapper Waka Flocka Flame, his then-girlfriend Tammy Rivera and his mother Deb Antney. Waka and Tammy eloped during filming. They have since divorced.

Photo of Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta cast
VH1

Other cast members over the years included rapper Yung Joc, Kalenna Harper and her husband Tony Vick, Scrappy’s girlfriend Bambi Benson, actress Erica Pinkett, booking agent Dawn Heflin and Benzino’s girlfriend Althea Heart.

Chris Brown shares features list for his upcoming album

Sandra Rose
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Chris Brown shares features list for his upcoming album
Photo of Chris Brown album lineup
Illustration

Chris Brown shared the lineup of collaborations on his upcoming R&B album, titled Brown. An AI-generated black & white video on his Instagram account shows the lineup of featured artists in a blues nightclub setting.

A marquee reads, “House of Brown, A Night of Soul R&B and Timeless Classics.”

Photo of Chris Brown album lineup
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Then an emcee introduces the diverse mix of artists: Leon Thomas, Tank, Vybez Kartel, Bryson Tiller, NBA YoungBoy, GloRilla, Fridayy, Sexyy Red and Lucky Daye.

“So sit back, relax and enjoy the show,” the emcee says, as audience members applaud.

But Chris Brown’s fans are not applauding the quirky lineup on an R&B album. One fan, @NaptownFresh wrote on X.com: “The fact that he’s acting like he’s taking it back to the old school tells me this album is gonna suck.” He added, “The R&B he made with his latest song isn’t good R&B imo.”

X user @BrightOsajie wrote: “The feature list is cute but no female R&B artists on this project, especially with the theme he’s going for is CRAZY…who is his A&R?!?!”

User @JoshHobbs183821 commented: “One man one Mic. I don’t want features on an R&B album that’s being promoted as an old 70s R&B album.”

Others accuse Brown of using AI – not only for the video, but also to make the tracks on the album.

X user @johnjokiernan wrote: “A night of soul, but there is no soul in the album as it uses AI lol.”

User @imthatgixl complained: “I found this disrespectful. This is AI generated.”

User @2ambyszaaaaa wrote: “Mind you he beats women, and jumped Frank Ocean (along with calling him an homophobic slur). Now he’s using ai to promote his wack ass album & his fans will still rep him knowing damn well he’s a horrible person.”

Update: Stefon Diggs found not guilty of felony assault, strangulation

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Update: Stefon Diggs found not guilty of felony assault, strangulation
Photo of Jamila Adams, Stefon Diggs
The Boston Globe via Getty Images

A Massachusetts jury acquitted Stefon Diggs of assaulting and choking his former live-in personal chef after a 2-day trial. Jurors at Dedham District Court on Tuesday found the former New England Patriots wide receiver not guilty of felony assault and misdemeanor strangulation charges.

Jamila Adams, Diggs’ ex-personal chef, accused him of assaulting her during an incident at his home on December 2, 2025.

She said Diggs entered her bedroom and slapped her following a discussion about money he owed her. Adams told the court Diggs offered her money to retract the charges.

Diggs’ personal assistant allegedly asked Adams to sign a non-disclosure form.

Diggs denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to both charges. His attorneys said the assault never happened and questioned whether the dispute was about money or relationship problems.

Photo of Jamila Adams, Stefon Diggs
Screengrab

Defense attorneys challenged Adams’ allegations in court. The defense said the assault never happened. They pointed out that Adams didn’t take photos of her alleged injuries and failed to disclose to police that she and Diggs were involved in an intimate relationship while she lived in his home.

Under cross examination, Adams admitted she and Diggs were intimate – while he was dating rapper Cardi B.

The defense portrayed Adams as a scorned woman who was upset about being left out of a trip to Miami. The lawyers suggested that her anger may have played a role in her allegations.

The defense called multiple witnesses to the stand who testified that they did not notice any signs of injuries or an assault on Adams.

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The verdict means Diggs, an NFL free agent, can sign with a new team ahead of the 2026 season. He was dismissed by the Patriots following the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl in February.

“Any team that signs him will be lucky to have him,” one of Diggs’ attorneys said after the trial. “We are very pleased and happy that Stefon will continue on and play football in the National Football League.”

Jesse Williams and Actress Alejandra Onieva Secretly Elope

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Jesse Williams and Actress Alejandra Onieva Secretly Elope
Photo of Alejandra Onieva and Jesse Williams
MEGA/WENN

Jesse Williams secretly eloped with actress Alejandra Onieva. Sources tell TMZ the couple tied the knot a few months ago at a super secret ceremony.

They met in 2025 while filming the series “Hotel Costiera” in Italy. Jesse plays a former Marine in the show, while Alejandra stars opposite him.

MEGA

Alejandra, 33, is a native of Madrid, Spain. She appeared in local TV series, before appearing in the first season of the Spanish Netflix original series “Alta Mar.”

Robino Salvatore/GC Images

By early fall 2025, the couple took their relationship public, first in Madrid, then appearing at a Rome premiere where they were seen holding hands.

Jesse, 44, shares 2 children with his ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee. The “Grey’s Anatomy” star finalized their divorce in 2017 after a bitter three-year battle.

BACKGRID

Jesse and Aryn share joint legal and physical custody of their two kids, Maceo and Sadie.

As part of the divorce settlement, Aryn kept the former family home in Los Angeles, as well as homes in Brooklyn, New York and Oakland, California.

MEGA/WENN

Jesse agreed to pay child support and spousal support of $100,000 a month. Jesse and Aryn were married for five years.

After his divorce, Jesse briefly dated sports journalist Taylor Rooks, 33, and actress Taylour Paige, 35.

A-list Stars Who Skipped This Year’s Met Gala

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A-list Stars Who Skipped This Year’s Met Gala
Image Press Agency / MEGA

Actress Zendaya was among the A-list Hollywood celebrities who skipped the 2026 Met Gala on Monday evening.

The stars protested Amazon founder Jeff Bezos who co-chaired the Met Gala along with his wife Lauren Sanchez. Jeff and Lauren contributed $10 million to the 2026 Met Gala this year. But celebrities are offended by Jeff’s link to the Trump administration and ICE.

Some of the biggest stars were absent on Monday, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Oprah Winfrey, Timothée Chalamet, and more.

1. Meryl Streep

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Meryl Streep, star of The Devil Wears Prada 2, has never walked the steps at the Met Gala. But she was expected to attend this year to promote her movie. Meryl’s publicist told PEOPLE, “Meryl has been invited to the Met Gala for many years but has never attended. While she appreciates Vogue, Anna [Wintour], and her incredible imagination and stamina — it has never quite been her scene.”

2. Oprah Winfrey

WENN.com

Oprah Winfrey has attended the Met Gala in the past, but she wasn’t present this year. Oprah’s bestie, Gayle King went from work to the big fashion event by herself. The CBS Mornings co-host revealed on Instagram that she got ready for the big event at the Oprah Daily offices. “I’m off to the ball,” Gayle said in a video as her colleagues applauded.

3. Lizzo

Image Press Agency / MEGA

Pop star Lizzo declined an invitation to attend this year’s Met Gala. The “Truth Hurts” singer attended the 2025 Met Gala after skipping 2024. Lizzo made her Met Gala debut in 2019 and returned in 2022 and 2023.

4. Sydney Sweeney

Image Press Agency/MEGA

Sydney Sweeney skipped this year’s Met Gala, breaking a four-year attendance streak, according to USA Today. The “Euphoria” actress made her Met Gala debut in 2022.

5. Ryan Reynolds

AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Actor Ryan Reynolds did not accompany his wife Blake Lively to the 2026 Met Gala. The “Deadpool” star first attended the Met in 2014 alongside Blake. They both wore Gucci.

6. Miley Cyrus

Image Press Agency/MEGA

Pop singer Miley Cyrus also skipped the Met Gala after attending last year. The “Hannah Montana” star first attended the gala in 2013 at age 20 and returned in 2015 and 2019.

7. Sarah Jessica Parker

Spread Pictures / MEGA

Sarah Jessica Parker missed the 2026 Met Gala after also missing the 2025 Met Gala. Sarah met with England’s Queen Camilla at the NY Public Library in New York City last week. Sarah gave the Queen a tour of the library, where she also met Anna Wintour.

8. Bella Hadid

Image Press Agency / MEGA

Bella Hadid declined an invite to attend the Met Gala, though her sister Gigi Hadid was in attendance. Bella previously attended the Costume Ball in 2022.

9. Taylor Swift

Image Press Agency / MEGA

Taylor Swift hasn’t attended the Met Gala in a decade. But she was rumored to go on Monday with her fiancé Travis Kelce. However, they declined to show up.

10. Billie Eilish

Image Press Agency / MEGA

Pop singer Billie Eilish stayed away from all the protests happening outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday. The “Ocean Eyes” singer was also absent in 2025.

11. Jennifer Lopez

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Wild horses couldn’t drag Jennifer Lopez away from the Met Gala in recent years. But she was absent on Monday after making her debut a decade ago.

12. Selena Gomez

Image Press Agency / MEGA

Selena Gomez made her Met Gala debut in 2014. But she was absent on Monday after attending the 2025 Met Gala with her husband, Benny Blanco.

13. Ariana Grande

Phil Lewis/WENN

Ariana Grande was also a no-show at the 2026 Met Gala. She made her debut at the Met in 2018. But she didn’t walk the steps again until 2024.

14. Lady Gaga

MEGA/WENN

Lady Gaga was among the A-listers who skipped the Met Gala this year. The “Paparazzi” singer also skipped the event in 2025.

15. Justin Bieber

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Justin Bieber’s wife, supermodel Hailey Bieber walked the steps at the Met Gala without him on Monday. He also skipped the 2025 Met Gala after they made their debut as man and wife in 2021.

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy won’t be invited back to the Met Gala

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Beyoncé and Blue Ivy won’t be invited back to the Met Gala
BFA.com / BACKGRID

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, broke a longstanding rule at the Met Gala Costume Ball on Monday night in New York City. The rule requires all celebrities to remove their sunglasses – with NO exceptions. Every A-list celebrity who has ever attended the Met Gala knows the rule.

However, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter broke the rule by keeping her shades on, despite being told by multiple people to remove her sunglasses.

ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images

First, Beyoncé’s bodyguard, Julius (pictured right) asked Blue Ivy to remove her shades. But she ignored him. Then Bey’s longtime stylist, Ty Hunter asked Blue to remove the sun blockers. But Blue ignored him too.

Beyoncé’s longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure (pictured above 2nd from left) pleaded with the 14-year-old debutante to remove her glasses. But Blue Ivy stared straight ahead and ignored her.

Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images

Ty Hunter (pictured left) tried once more to convince the truculent teen to remove her spectacles. But Blue Ivy dismissed him.

While all this was happening, Blue Ivy’s mother, Beyoncé, stood next to her grinning and enjoying the drama Blue Ivy was causing.

BFA.com / BACKGRID

Finally, Jay-Z stepped forward and begged his defiant daughter to remove her shades because she’s making both of her parents look bad in front of mixed company. But Blue told her father she’s keeping her sunglasses on.

Blue Ivy’s disobedience set tongues wagging online. Fans were shocked by her rebellious behavior. But it’s a well-known fact that Blue Ivy runs the Carter household. Beyoncé and Jay-Z are probably afraid of their firstborn child.

BFA.com / BACKGRID

As panic set in amongst the Met organizers, a decision was made to let Blue Ivy keep her shades on. But she won’t be invited back next year.

Beyoncé probably didn’t plan to return next year anyway. Her attendance at the Met Gala on Monday was her first after a 10-year absence. It will probably be another 10 years before Bey attends the Met Gala again.

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