Home Blog Page 235

A$AP Rocky Acquitted On Both Assault Counts. ‘Thank Y’all for Saving My Life’

Sandra Rose
-
0
A$AP Rocky Acquitted On Both Assault Counts. ‘Thank Y’all for Saving My Life’
TURBO / BACKGRID

A Los Angeles jury has acquitted rapper A$AP Rocky on both counts of assault with a firearm. The non-Black jury’s verdict was read before a packed courtroom on Tuesday.

Rocky’s common-law wife Rihanna leapt up, as Rocky’s supporters cheered in the courtroom.

“Thank y’all for saving my life,” Rocky told the jury as they exited the courtroom.

Rihanna attended the trial last week with the couple’s two sons, RZA and Riot Rose. The prosecution objected to Rihanna attempting to sway the jury with the 2 babies.

“They brought in two adorable children yesterday for closing argument,” Deputy District Attorney John Lewin said Friday. “They haven’t been here any other time. And you have to ask yourselves, why children that age would be here in a situation like this.”

Rocky was on trial for firing a gun at a former friend, A$AP Relli, in Hollywood in 2021. Relli suffered a grazed knuckle.

Dsanchez/CPR / BACKGRID

Rocky’s attorney Joe Tacopina claims the gun was a starter pistol that the rapper carried for protection.

Rocky previously waived a prosecutor’s offer for a plea deal that included 6 months in jail and 7 years probation.

He faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted of assault with a firearm.

Beyoncé struggling to sell Cowboy Carter Tour tickets in London

Sandra Rose
-
0
Beyoncé struggling to sell Cowboy Carter Tour tickets in London
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Beyoncé is struggling to sell tickets to her “Cowboy Carter Tour” in London. Media outlets report that lots of tickets are still available for all 6 shows at Tottenham Stadium.

Fans took to social media last week to complain that Beyoncé tickets were brutally expensive. Tickets are selling for as much as $3,000.

Now it seems the fans are fighting back by boycotting her London shows.

“Those wanting to stand to see Beyoncé in London in June, [it’s] going to set you back £224.85,” one outraged fan wrote on social media. “Dynamic pricing or not… wow. Count me out.”

Beyoncé’s marketing team claimed fans crashed Ticketmaster to buy tickets, but Ticketmaster denied it.

Beyoncé announced the upcoming tour after she won her first ever Grammy for album of the year. She also won a Grammy for best country album.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Bey is doing better in Atlanta, where she is scheduled to perform her final three shows.

Officials say the huge demand for tickets in Atlanta warranted a third show added to the final tour stop in July.

Her tour will kick off in Los Angeles before heading to Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Houston, Washington and ending with 3 shows in Atlanta.

Cynthia Erivo Cast to Play Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Hollywood Bowl

Sandra Rose
-
0
Cynthia Erivo Cast to Play Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Hollywood Bowl
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Cynthia Erivo is cast to play the role as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.

Erivo announced the news on Instagram, writing: “Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.”

Cynthia previously starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the hit musical in 2020 and sung the popular number “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

“Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl will begin on Aug. 1 and run through Aug. 3.

Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

The responses to Cynthia’s announcement were mixed.

One IG follower wrote: “Crazy how your gonna disrespect Jesus Christ but never disrespect any other religion.”

Another follower wrote: “DISGUSTING. A little fame and you sold your soul quite easily.”

However, users on Reddit.com, a liberal forum social network, were thrilled at the news that a Black lesbian woman will play Jesus.

One person wrote: “The conservatives won’t like it, that makes me smile. Excellent choice!”

Another person wrote: “Oh this is inspired casting. I can’t wait for the meltdowns that this is going to cause.”

A third person commented: “I don’t really like changes like this when the change doesn’t add much of anything to the story.”

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was initially released as a concept album. The success of the album inspired a rock opera on Broadway with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The plot is centered on Judas, one of the Twelve Apostles, who is concerned with the way Jesus is leading his disciples.

The Broadway musical grossed more than $237 million worldwide by 1980.

Trump says Elon Musk is not in charge at DOGE and has no authority

Sandra Rose
-
0
Trump says Elon Musk is not in charge at DOGE and has no authority
CNP/MEGA

In a surprising about face, President Donald Trump insists Tesla CEO Elon Musk is not in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Trump has disavowed any knowledge that Musk is running things at DOGE. However, the White House did say that Musk is Trump’s senior adviser.

The White House says Musk is not technically part of DOGE that fired thousands of federal workers at the IRS, U.S. Treasury, CDC, VA, FDIC, HHS, and other agencies.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed as a result of the “illegal” mass firings.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The news comes as a surprise because Trump campaigned on creating DOGE – with Musk at the helm – to eliminate government waste.

“I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency,” Trump said in December 2024.

In an affidavit filed in federal court on Tuesday, a White House official clarified that Elon Musk is not the administrator of the newly formed DOGE.

The filing did not provide any information about who oversees DOGE.

Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan is presiding over a lawsuit that challenges Musk’s authority to fire government workers and have unlimited access to government systems.

“DOGE appears to be moving in no sort of predictable and orderly fashion,” Judge Chutkan said. “This is essentially a private citizen directing an organization that’s not a federal agency to have access to the entire workings of the federal government, fire, hire, slash, contract, terminate programs, all without apparently any congressional oversight.”

Critics warned that Musk’s team includes unvetted nerds and hackers – ages 19-26 – who have access to extremely sensitive government systems with no checks and balances.

One of the nerds – 19-year-old Edward Coristine, who goes by the username “Big Balls” on social media, was recently fired from a cybersecurity company for leaking secrets.

Coristine worked at Musk’s Neuralink before joining DOGE.

One former FBI agent has said he would not have recommended Coristine for government work.

Insider Claims Barack Obama’s Divorce is Imminent, $70 Million Up for Grabs

Sandra Rose
-
0
Insider Claims Barack Obama’s Divorce is Imminent, $70 Million Up for Grabs
Pool/Getty Images

Rumors are swirling that Barack Obama‘s divorce is imminent. According to an exclusive report, the Obamas are facing a blockbuster divorce with a $70 million fortune up for grabs.

The insider said a potential divorce could affect the couple’s business contacts and close friends who will be forced to pick sides.

“The level of rumor and speculation around the Obamas’ marriage has hit a fever pitch,” one source revealed. The insiders note that neither Barack or Michelle has denied the divorce rumors. “It’s been made worse by the fact that neither Barack nor Michelle have addressed it.”

Pool via CNP / MEGA

Michelle Obama‘s absence was very noticeable at former President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service in Washington, DC, which was attended by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Michelle’s office claims she had a “scheduling conflict.” Another source said she was staying at one of her homes in Hawaii.

Both Barack and Michelle have powerful connections in the political, entertainment, and business worlds. Those connections will be put to the test if the Obamas split.

The once powerful couple counts many A-listers among their closest friends, including Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Kamala Harris, and George Clooney.

“Sure, somebody like Tyler Perry is going to be able to continue to maintain friendships with both of them. But further down the A-list pecking order, people are going to have to pick sides,” the insider said.

“The part that gets tricky is if the hypothetical split becomes acrimonious,” the insider added. “Nobody wants to get on either of the Obamas’ enemies list – but you can’t rule out the possibility of that happening. All of their Hollywood pals are very much in wait-and-see mode as the rumors continue to circulate.”

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The source said Michelle could walk away with more than half of Barack’s $70 million net worth, including his real estate portfolio of 6 or 7 homes and multiple luxury cars.

“The Obamas are beyond the point where they need to do something publicly – like take a romantic vacation or kiss in public – to shut down all the rumors and speculation. It’s suspicious that they haven’t taken that step yet, and it’s making their famous friends in Hollywood nervous,” the insider added.

Kodak Black’s baby mama Maranda files to increase his child support

Sandra Rose
-
0
Kodak Black’s baby mama Maranda files to increase his child support
Kodak Black, Maranda Johnson
Getty Images, Instagram

Kodak Black‘s baby mama Maranda Johnson is dragging him to court to increase her child support for their two children. The rapper is father to at least 5 children by four different baby mamas.

Kodak, who recently ate lunch in the middle of an Atlanta roadway, welcomed three daughters in 2022 after knocking up three women around the same time. His first child, King Khalid Octave, was born in 2016.

In January, Maranda was ecstatic as she shared an image of her newborn baby in the delivery room. She captioned the image: “The Last Piece Of My Heart. Idk How I Can Ever Repay You God For My Blessings But Ima Do Right By U And My Kids In The Meantime. My Life Feel Complete Now, My Boy Is Perfect. Happy New Year #2025.”

Maranda Johnson
Instagram

Over the weekend, Maranda shared a photo of a black BMW sedan that Kodak bought her. She captioned the gallery: “[heart emoji] went 2025 i7 big body for the princess, they don’t got this @kodakblack we love & appreciate everything u do daddy u perfect like my car!”

Maranda Johnson
Instagram

But now Maranda wants more child support because she thinks she’s owed more due to the economy, which isn’t improving under President Trump.

Kodak’s attorney Bradford Cohen tells TMZ Hip Hop that the rapper already financially supports all of his children and has visitation with all his kids.

Maranda is a cast member on Netflix’s “W.A.G.s to Riches” reality show, which documents the lives of wives and girlfriends of rappers and pro athletes.

LeToya Luckett, 43, shuts down rumors she’s expecting a baby

Sandra Rose
-
0
LeToya Luckett, 43, shuts down rumors she’s expecting a baby
Marcus Ingram/Getty Images

LeToya Luckett has shut down rumors that she’s expecting another baby at age 43.

The Grammy-winning singer and her ex-husband Tommicus Walker had two children together before calling it quits in 2022.

Recently, rumors swirled that LeToya and her current husband Taleo Coles are expecting a baby. Taleo is husband No. 3 if you’re keeping count.

LeToya sparked the rumors herself when she posted a Valentine’s Day photo that showed an apparent baby bump. She also complained in the caption about her feet. As you know, swollen feet may be a sign of pregnancy in some women.

LeToya wrote in an Instagram post: “My sweetheart did his BIG one for V Day & took me to see my favorite group @newedition in Vegas last night. Literally didn’t sit down the entire show! Feet was on [fire emoji]. Head over to our Snapchat @lovemeLuckett to see a recap of our date night.”

She concluded the post with “Love you @taleo47.”

After her fans questioned whether she fell pregnant with Taleo’s child, LeToya wrote: “I can’t have anymore kids. We will not be having anymore kids except by surrogacy. We’re ok with that. Sorry to disappoint. Thanks for all the well wishes.”

LeToya’s fans praised the former Destiny’s Child singer for her honesty. But she wasn’t done.

LeToya advised her followers to stop assuming every woman with a pouch is pregnant.

Photo may have been deleted

Detroit police investigating Tahiry Broom’s murder as a hate crime

Sandra Rose
-
0
Detroit police investigating Tahiry Broom’s murder as a hate crime
Tahiry Broom
GoFundMe

Detroit police are investigating Tahiry Broom’s murder as a hate crime.

Tahiry Broom, a 29-year-old male-to-female transgender from Cleveland, Ohio, was shot and killed the morning of Feb. 9 in Southfield, Michigan. Tahiry’s body was found face down in the snow in the parking lot of the apartment complex.

“We unfortunately, as a community, just closed the chapter in receiving justice for another trans woman of color, Ashia Davis, and now, less than 90 days later we are hoping to get justice for Tahiry Broom,” Julisa Abad, victim advocate and Director of Outreach at Fair Michigan, told Pride Source. “The violence that my community faces goes to show that this is an epidemic that is not ending anytime soon.”

Police arrested Robert Ridges III, 28, at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit hours later. He is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm possession.

According to WXYZ, Ridges contacted Tahiry through an online advertisement and they met up on Sunday, Feb. 9, near Ridges’ apartment. An argument ensued, and Ridges shot Tahiry in the head.

Southfield police believe Tahiry was the victim of a hate crime and was lured to Southfield for a planned robbery.

Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said Ridges placed 33 phone calls to various trans sex workers the morning of the shooting. Tahiry agreed to meet up near Ridges’ apartment.

A memorial was held by friends and family on Valentine’s Day in Cleveland. A GoFundMe was launched to raise money for funeral expenses.

Trump Fires 1300 CDC ‘Disease Detectives’ – More Layoffs Expected

Sandra Rose
-
0
Trump Fires 1300 CDC ‘Disease Detectives’ – More Layoffs Expected
Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Nearly 1,300 “disease detectives” at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta were fired as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate government waste.

The mass firings targeted mainly probationary workers at federal agencies who have less than a year on the job.

75,000 workers accepted President Trump’s buyout offer to resign and continue to receive paychecks until September 2025. A federal judge gave the green light for the buyout program on Feb. 12.

Lu ShaoJi / Moment

At the CDC, a group of researchers known as “the disease detectives” were let go on Friday. All or most of the group were probationary employees who were not employed during the COVID pandemic.

Critics warn that the CDC jobs are essential and the country is not safe.

“The country is less safe. These are the deployable assets critical for investigating new threats, from anthrax to Zika,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, a former top-ranking CDC official.

Democratic lawmakers claim the job terminations would put Americans at risk of disease outbreaks. They pointed to a recent Ebola scare in New York City as an example.

However, Ebola was ruled out as the cause of an infectious disease contracted by 2 patients in NYC.

The media gathered outside a Manhattan urgent care facility as the 2 patients were transported to a hospital by first responders wearing hazmat suits.

The news media captured video of the patients, and the news made headlines around the country.

However, law enforcement sources said the infections were likely caused by a norovirus and not Ebola.

Norovirus is one of the viruses that causes gastroenteritis, also known as a stomach bug or stomach flu. The symptoms are fever, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, and joint pain. The symptoms usually last from 1-3 days.

To avoid contracting norovirus, always wash your hands before touching your face or handling food.

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to OUST Mayor Eric Adams after urgent meeting with ‘key leaders’

Sandra Rose
-
0
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to OUST Mayor Eric Adams after urgent meeting with ‘key leaders’
Kathy Hochul, Eric Adams
Photo illustration

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will forcibly remove Mayor Eric Adams from office after convening an urgent meeting with “key leaders” on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Gov. Hochul said last week that she is considering removing Adams from office after the Trump administration ordered the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against him.

Hochul and other Democrat lawmakers believe the DOJ dropped the charges against Adams in return for helping them take down New York AG Letitia James and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

Many of Mayor Adams’ advisors have resigned after the charges were dropped. On Monday, Hochul said she spoke with four deputy mayors who turned in their resignations earlier in the day.

“If they feel unsafe to serve in City Hall at this time that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this Mayoral administration,” she said.

The governor went on to say she has the constitutional authority to fire Adams, but she said, “In the 235 years of New York State History, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly.”

She added, “the alleged conduct at City Hall is troubling and cannot be ignored.”

She then announced an urgent meeting with “key leaders” in her Manhattan office on Tuesday to discuss “the path forward, with the goal of ensuring stability for the City of New York.”

“Let me be clear: my most urgent concern is the well-being of my 8.3 million constituents who live in New York City,” Hochul continued.

“I will be monitoring this situation extraordinarily closely to ensure that New Yorkers are not being shortchanged by the current crisis in city government,” she said.

1...234235236...3,757Page 235 of 3,757