Prince William Invites Harry and Meghan To Join Walkaround at Windsor Castle Following Death of Queen
by wendymedina

September 10, 2022

Prince William Invites Harry and Meghan To Join Walkaround at Windsor Castle Following Death of Queen

The newly-appointed Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, were seen walking alongside the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, outside Windsor Castle after the death of Queen Elizabeth. 

According to Kensington Palace, William invited the couple following the passing of their grandmother on Thursday, reports PEOPLE. 

The foursome wore all black as they walked the castle, waved to spectators, and admired the makeshift memorial of flowers for the late queen; what a royal source called, “an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family.”

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex meet members of the public at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England. Crowds have gathered and tributes left at the gates of Windsor Castle to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September, 2022. (Photo by Kirsty O’Connor – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

They revealed that this symbol of union is of great significance, considering the estrangement between the Sussexes’ departure from the throne and friction between the families in recent months.

“It’s such an extraordinary historical moment and also a deeply personal one for the family that you’d hope and think that all members of the family would unite and support [the King] especially. And perhaps some of those wounds can be healed in the process,” revealed the royal source.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales look at floral tributes laid by members of the public on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England. Crowds have gathered and tributes left at the gates of Windsor Castle to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September, 2022. (Photo by Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

According to the outlet, the couple were already in the United Kingdom for a charity event tour at the time of the monarch’s death, however not invited to see her on her deathbed.

Despite the strain, Harry and Meghan did actually meet with Charles privately and introduced him to his grandchildren, 1-year-old Lilibet and 3-year-old Archie.

“It was a fantastic visit. The prince was delighted to see his grandson and meet his granddaughter for the first time,” said the source, stating that it was “wonderful” for the couple to be back in Britain with family.

Following Charles’ induction to the throne at St. James’s Palace in London, William closed out his speech in remembrance of Elizabeth, “My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honor her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”

Meghan and Harry are slated to extend their stay in the U.K. until Sept. 19, which is when the queen’s funeral is expected to take place.

by wendymedina

September 10, 2022

Carnegie Mellon Professor Who Hoped Queen’s Death Was ‘Excruciating’ Called Out by University, Jeff Bezos

Professor of Pittsburgh‘s Carnegie Mellon, Uju Anya, has been the subject of controversy following a tweet she made after news broke of Queen Elizabeth II’s worsening condition before her death on Thursday. The educator wrote she hoped the late monarch died by “excruciating” pain, drawing criticism from the prestigious institution and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. 

At the announcement near her death on Sept. 8, Anya took to Twitter and wrote: “I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.” 

Twitter has since removed the post for violating its community guidelines.

http://twitter.com/yashar/status/1567999354602156032?s=20&t=r6ELRYohnu7FVkyAhEOJ9Q

Carnegie Mellon caught wind of the tweet after it went viral, responding to their associate professor with criticism of their own, alleging Anya’s opinion on the matter was “offensive and objectionable” and that she violated “standards of discourse we seek to foster.”

“Free expression is core to the mission of higher education,” wrote the university in a statement, “however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution.”

The professor of modern languages, who is from Nigeria, rebuttled with more insight on her stance: “If anyone expects me to express anything but disdain for the monarch who supervised a government that sponsored the genocide that massacred and displaced half my family and the consequences of which those alive today are still trying to overcome, you can keep wishing upon a star.”

Somehow Bezos came across the tweet, and condemned Anya, spurring even more backlash after being retweeted by the billionaire CEO. 

“This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don’t think so. Wow,” wrote Bezos.

The professor was undeterred and clapped back, “May everyone you and your merciless greed have harmed in this world remember you as fondly as I remember my colonizers.”

According to Anya’s bio, she teaches critical applied linguistics, critical sociolinguistics, and critical discourse studies.

by wendymedina

September 10, 2022

Halle Bailey Stuns Fans After Reveal of ‘The Little Mermaid’ Teaser

The new teaser trailer for Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid has been released and fans are feeling it!

Disney revealed a teaser at the Anaheim Convention Center during this year’s D23 Expo, the official Disney fan club, giving fans an official first look at the much anticipated live-action reimagination of the 1989 classic.

Directed by Rob Marshall of 2002’s musical hit Chicago, the film has been announced to make its theatrical debut May 26, 2023, reports Deadline.

At the time of its unveiling, star of the film Bailey shared that this was in fact the first time she’s seen any footage of the new Disney adaptation.

“I’m sure all of you in here can relate to Ariel and how special she is to all of us,” she said while onstage at D23. “Being a little girl swimming in the pool, imagining I was a mermaid, I never imagined that would come to life [like this].” 

She continued, “The three days filming ‘Part of Your World’ was the most beautiful experience of my life — feeling all the feelings she feels, her passion, discomfort, everything she’s experiencing. It was so exciting for me to play those emotions and to have Rob directing me and being such a moving force on this film was really an honor.”

The 22-year-old actress also emphasized that in this version, Ariel’s journey won’t be bounded by a man’s love.

“I think she really just goes for what she wants. She’s not scared,” Bailey said. “And it’s not all about a boy. It’s all about what she wants for herself, and her life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Halle Bailey (@hallebailey)

The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter is joined by Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Prince Eric portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King and Javier Bardem takes on the role of King Triton. 

Screenwriters David Magee and Jane Goldman take credit for the new script, paying homage to the 33-year-old classic, and by extension the original fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Marshall says he felt like it was written in the stars when asked to be at the helm of the new live-action adaptation. 

“I have a special connection to this film. In 1989, I don’t know if you remember the excitement to hear a musical again. It was sort of dead — musicals were gone. Even though it was animated, we could hear people singing again and again,” gushed the theater fanatic. “When Disney asked me to do this, it felt like this incredible moment. It felt like fate.”

Lawsuit Filed by Activists Allege BLM Leader Shalomyah Bowers ‘Siphoned’ $10M in Funds
by wendymedina

September 4, 2022

Lawsuit Filed by Activists Allege BLM Leader Shalomyah Bowers ‘Siphoned’ $10M in Funds

According to a new lawsuit filed by Black Lives Matter activists on Thursday, the nonprofit’s new head Shalomyah Bowers has been accused of having “siphoned” over $10 million in donation funds to bankroll his consulting firm.

The New York Post reports that Bowers however, denies the claims and says its a mere show of force by resentful activists who want to seize power.

https://twitter.com/DailyLoud/status/1566242573483757569?s=20&t=Fh8AHU_wkes21P1zjw-mNg

“Mr. Bowers decided he could not let go of his personal piggy bank,” reads the lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. “Instead, he continued to betray the public trust by self-dealing and breaching his fiduciary duties. Instead of using the donations for its intended purposes, Mr. Bowers diverted these donations to his own coffers and intentionally took calculated steps to prevent those same resources from being used by BLM for on-the-ground-movement work.”

Bowers became the new leader of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation in April, and since then has allegedly redirected millions in donation money to his own Bowers Consulting Firm.

According to federal tax documents, the Bowers Consulting Firm received $2,167,894 from the BLM Global Network Foundation in 2021.

The suit additionally claims that assets were also taken from a new group by the name of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, Inc.

Per record filings, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, Inc. was formed three months ago in California and they reportedly represent the local chapters in the U.S. 

It’s worth noting that the three-month-old group was founded by lawyer Walter Mosley, who also drafted the filing against Bowers.

Bowers remains adamant that California State University Pan-African Studies professor Melina Abdullah has spearheaded a group of disgruntled activists who are “hellbent on achieving power and control” of the movement.

“It’s the most insane thing I’ve read in a court pleading, and it’s signed under penalty of perjury when they know it’s a lie,” Bowers told the outlet. He also mentioned that the organization has been subjected to audits that confirm $10 million has not gone to him nor his firm. 

The foundation’s board of directors misappropriation of funds have previously made headlines as recently as April, when former co-founder Patrisse Cullors was accused of using hefty donations raised for the social justice movement to buy a $6 million California mansion in cash, dubbed the “Campus.” She has vehemently denied all allegations.

by wendymedina

September 4, 2022

Rihanna Stays To Help Clean Up New York Restaurant Following Late Night Girls’ Night Out

On Thursday, the Barbados bad gal hit up Michelin-starred Caviar Russe for some girl time in New York City, that ended with her lending a hand to the restaurant staff at closing time. 

Page Six reports that Rihanna and six of her girlfriends asked the caviar bar to stay open past closing to more thoroughly enjoy their seafood and champagne offerings, ending their night around 2 a.m. Due to the lengthy late-night request, RiRi reportedly stayed behind and helped the staff. 

A source revealed that she was “seen helping the waitstaff clean up and push the bar stools back into place since she stayed so late.”

The billionaire beauty mogul was spotted wearing baggy jeans, an oversized No Limit Records jersey, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, pointy lace-up heels, and a sparkling red handbag that tied the look together.

https://twitter.com/gabgonebad/status/1565717962719387648?s=20&t=a-FdFXkaqXkc-1_q_Yn07g

A close friend of Rhianna’s, Melissa Forde, shared a few selfies of the pair on her instagram Stories that are speculated to have been taken that night. 

https://twitter.com/FentyStats/status/1565618580678479872?s=20&t=a-FdFXkaqXkc-1_q_Yn07g

https://twitter.com/gabgonebad/status/1566146814369210379?s=20&t=a-FdFXkaqXkc-1_q_Yn07g

https://twitter.com/RihannaData/status/1565721633071009792?s=20&t=a-FdFXkaqXkc-1_q_Yn07g

The Anti singer was recently photographed in New York walking hand-in-hand with her baby father A$AP Rocky, with whom she shares a baby boy just born in May. The couple were headed to the new members-only club, The Ned, owned by businessman Richie Akiva. Sources share that the pair were definitely “chill and definitely happy,” and of course that Rihanna “looked amazing.”

In July, Billboard reported that Rihanna Fenty’s Roraj Trade, LLC filed two patents for a hair company with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

According to documents, hair products the bad gal plans to roll out include hair bands, bows, brushes, clips, curlers, combs, pins, ribbons, scrunchies, wigs, and more.

3 Children Kidnapped in Memphis After Good Samaritan Dad Pulled Over To Help Suspect
by wendymedina

September 4, 2022

3 Children Kidnapped in Memphis After Good Samaritan Dad Pulled Over To Help Suspect

Three children have been returned to their father on Friday, after being kidnapped by the same man he pulled over to try to help. The kidnapper, who appeared to have been in a crash, stole the dad’s car after he stopped to lend a hand, along with his three children still inside, reports Action News 5.

“I stopped to help and I almost lost everything,” said the dad, identified only as Bryon. “We have to stay closer, because everything can be gone in the blink of an eye.”

His three children, Olivia, 6, Chloe, 4, and Brandon, 2, were unharmed and let go just a few blocks up the street.

“I got carjacked. I stopped to help, and I got carjacked,” Bryon said, “and I’m going to pray because God was on my side.” 

The Memphis father was simply being a good Samaritan when he noticed a car wreck on the side of the road — a white KIA with airbags deployed, windshield smashed in, and a bloodied driver. 

The Memphis Police Department confirmed that “the suspect has a large gash on his forehead” and that the crashed car Bryon stumbled upon was also stolen. 

According to witnesses, the car thief said he had to leave the scene, but couldn’t exactly drive off. When Bryon stopped to see if he was OK is when he took the chance to flee, taking his brown Avalon and the young children with him.

“I’m going to pray for our city,” said their father. “Because the young ones don’t have any guidance, and they need guidance.”

Derick Taylor, a neighbor who witnessed the carjacking, said he was shocked at what he’d just seen. He helped Bryon by taking him in his truck to chase after the thief and retrieve his children. 

“The world we live in is just ridiculous now,” Taylor shared with the outlet. “You can’t even offer help. It’s ridiculous. Thankfully he dropped the children off up the street.” 

Authorities revealed that the three kids were swifty returned to their panicked father, however the suspect is still at large.

“This has got to stop,” he said. “It could have been much worse. I’m just glad I got my babies.”

Despite the traumatic events that evening, Bryon says it will not deter him from helping others in the future.

“You can’t help your heart. If your heart tells you to help somebody, you’re going to help somebody,” said the good Samaritan. “God had me. So, I’ll leave it at that.” 

by wendymedina

September 4, 2022

Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle Band Together To Bash Will Smith During London Show: ‘F— Your Hostage Video’

On Saturday, comedy powerhouses Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle took the stage at London’s O2 Arena as part of their joint European stand-up tour, and once again reflected on their assaults earlier this year, reports Deadline.

https://twitter.com/SuperGeeee/status/1566488866042920962?s=20&t=OPoClkFRN0qU_jIHoBzBNg

For the first time since the Oscars slap, Rock devoted a part of his act to speak on Will Smith and the fallout that ensued since March. Throughout the first half of his Ego Death tour, Rock only gave one-liners here and there about his experience, but this time, he wholeheartedly responded: “F— your hostage video,” to Smith’s apology video. 

The video was posted on YouTube in late July, and has since amassed almost four million views. In the video Smith mentions how, “[Rock is] not ready to talk, and when he is he will reach out.”

In a previous set, Rock commented on the lightheartedness of the joke and the sting of the slap. “Did that s— hurt?” Rock asked the audience, per the outlet. “Godd— right… the motherf—er hit me over a bulls— joke, the nicest joke I ever told.”

The Brooklyn comedian went on to call Smith “Suge Smith,” referencing the Death Row’s former exec Suge Knight. 

He then claimed all was well physically as he returned to work the next day and that he was not a victim. 

Chappelle’s act then followed, where he too reflected on his assault in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl during his performance at the Netflix is a Joke festival.

“That was some scary s—,” he said, before asserting that Rock upstaged him by coming up during the set and making a short-witted Smith joke. 

At the close of Chappelle’s performance, he urged the audience to be their authentic selves and not like Smith who “did an impression of a perfect man for 30 years.”

The 49-year-old comedian then added, “I just hope he doesn’t put that mask back on.”

by wendymedina

September 4, 2022

T.I. on Son King Harris’ Arrest: ‘Life Is Gonna Teach Him All the Lessons He Need To Know’

T.I. and Tiny’s son King Harris was arrested Aug. 31, which led to a string of videos posted by the 18-year-old responding to critics that he was trying to be a gangster.

After immediate backlash on those videos, many took to calling out Tip to better father his son so he wouldn’t have to ruin his life over internet clout. 

As previously reported, the reason for the teenager’s arrest was not immediately available. 

The Atlanta rapper later responded by posting on Instagram, telling all those with something to say, that all the scolding has fallen on deaf ears.

“Got a small request,” T.I. said. “Stop hitting me and getting in my comments, telling me what to tell King, okay? I know my son. Think I ain’t spoke to my son? Think I ain’t told my son, his mama, and his grandmama?” he began. 

“His a– going to prison if he godd— keeps up. His a– going to prison. Ain’t no way around it. Ain’t nothing I’m going to be able to do it about it. Can’t nobody stop it but him. I’ve already had the conversation, I’ve already made my peace with it. ‘Cause I know that energy — I was that energy. I know exactly how it’s gonna turn out.”

He continued: “King’s a good kid. He’s chasing after the wrong s— and I trust in God to deal with it the way he see fit… Now, he going have to go through it and get through it… Life is gonna teach him all the lessons he need to know.”

In a previous video by King, he addressed the arrest and said that he did not ask to be pulled over by the police. The 18-year-old then began bashing everyone who called him out, and asked why all the blogs covering his arrest didn’t cover his latest music drop, under stage name Kid Saiyan.

Another video that spread on social media captured a girl who showed off her violation copies for not using a seatbelt, as King is heard in the background saying he “got four.”

https://twitter.com/nojumper/status/1565158237447458817?s=20&t=HSZhO4Msjg7xVBmJxZzluA

 

Kelis Speaks About the Death of Husband Mike Mora Following His Battle With Cancer
by wendymedina

September 3, 2022

Kelis Speaks About the Death of Husband Mike Mora Following His Battle With Cancer

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, singer-songwriter Kelis revealed her relationship with grief for the first time after recently losing husband Mike Mora to stomach cancer in March. 

The Grammy-nominated musician shared that she chooses to remain positive despite having to mourn her partner’s devastating loss because that’s something she can control.

“It doesn’t change the fact that I’m heartbroken… but it does change how I choose to approach it,” she said. “It reminds you how short time is and how we don’t have any control. I want to control what I can control — how I treat the people around me. I’m really big on celebrating people when they’re here. I don’t feel like it’s as useful when they’re gone.”

Kelis continued, “Life is not always what we want it to be, but it’s still life. That’s something else beautiful that was able to come from an otherwise really tragic and painful time for a lot of people.”

Her late husband was 37 at the time of his death and was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in 2020. The 43-year-old chef also said that following Mora’s diagnosis, they chose to focus on the positives in life as they spent his last days doing everything together. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike Mora (@mikemorafotos)

“It wasn’t something that was sudden. We were able to prepare, love, and say goodbye,” she revealed, per the outlet.

“We were able to spend the time that we needed to, as much as we were given, the best way that we could,” she added. “Is it a great situation? No, it’s freaking awful, but I am grateful.”

In one of Mora’s final posts on Instagram, the photographer shared a black and white image of his wife against what looks like a blurred desert backdrop.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike Mora (@mikemorafotos)

“It was out of our hands from the beginning,” she explained. “We’re just grateful for what we had. It’s part of life.”

The pair shared a 6-year-old son, Shephard, and babygirl Galilee, whom they welcomed right before Mora’s diagnosis. Kelis also shares 13-year-old Knight with rapper Nas.

The R&B singer will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album Tasty next year, as well as her upcoming studio album.

Mother, Child Abducted by 2 Men in Broad Daylight From Target Parking Lot in Tennessee
by wendymedina

September 3, 2022

Mother, Child Abducted by 2 Men in Broad Daylight From Target Parking Lot in Tennessee

A woman and her 1-year-old son were held up at gunpoint and abducted while putting away groceries at a Memphis, Tennessee, Target parking lot on Wednesday, report police.

Authorities responded to a 911 call around 12 p.m. to 7989 Highway 64 at Target, of two men welding a firearm to force an unidentified mother and her infant into their vehicle after she said she didn’t have any cash on her. 

WREG-TV reports that she went as far as to give up her wallet and pin number to one of her cards. The suspects then grabbed the child from the shopping cart and made the woman get in their sedan. She was forced to sit up front with the driver, while the armed man sat in the backseat with the child.

According to the victim, the perpetrators drove to the Regions Bank at 7790 Highway 64 and demanded she withdraw $800 from the ATM. They then let them go at the same Target they were picked up from, and left with her wallet. She immediately ran inside the store to alert an employee who then called the police. 

“It’s very shocking, can’t believe it almost,” said Callie Alt, a shopper who was there at the time with her 3-year-old son, according to FOX 13.

Per the Memphis Police Department, they were able to capture images of the suspects from surveillance footage of a nearby Walmart, which have been released.

They additionally released an image of their vehicle, a four door goldish-tan sedan. 

“A one-year-old, it’s not good. Being a mom, it’s very horrible,” said Laura Parsons, another shopper there with her daughters. “It makes me want to be aware of my surroundings and lock my doors and possibly carry mace.”

No arrests have been made at this time, as the investigation is currently active.

Authorities urge anyone with any information, to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.