Grey's Anatomy Star Jesse Williams Delivers Powerful Speech on Racial Injustice

Grey's Anatomy Star Jesse Williams Delivers Powerful Speech on Racial Injustice at 2016 BET Awards

Grey's Anatomy star Jesse Williams delivered a powerful speech at the 2016 BET Awards on Sunday.

The actor and activist received the Humanitarian Award at the ceremony for his efforts to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement and continued those efforts in his acceptance speech, touching on racial issues, social justice and cultural appropriation.

"A system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us cannot stand if we do. It's kind of basic mathematics. The more we learn about who we are and how we got here, the more we will mobilize," he began, dedicating the award to the "real organizers all over the country, the activists, the civil rights attorneys, the struggling parents, the families, the teachers and the students."

He mentioned Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a Cleveland police officer in 2014; Rekia Boyd, a 22-year-old who was shot and killed by a Chicago police officer as she walked with a group of people in a park, CNN reports; Eric Garner, a New York father who was choked to death by a police officer in 2014 and Sandra Bland, who authorities alleged committed suicide in a Texas jail cell last summer after an apparently routine traffic stop led to her arrest.

"We know that police somehow manage to de-escalate, disarm and not kill white people everyday," he continued. "So what's going to happen is we are going to have equal rights and justice in our own country or we will restructure their function and ours."

Wow. This is good. BET is getting it right. Jesse is saying the thing. Jesse Williams is saying the thing.
— FACTS B (@HelloNurse_) June 27, 2016


He urged the public to take action and condemned those who critique the social justice movement but "have no interest in equal rights for Black people."

"There has been no war that we have not fought and died on the front lines of. There has been no job we haven't done. There is no tax they haven't levied against us and we have paid all of them," he continued.

"But freedom is somehow always conditional here. " 'You're free,' they keep telling us … freedom is always coming in the hereafter, but, you know what though, the hereafter is a hustle. We want it now."

Jesse Williams really deserves this BET Humanitarian Award. #BETAwards
— Jon Haywood (@jontarius) June 27, 2016


Amid a storm of applause, Williams touched on cultural appropriation.

"We've been floating this country on credit for centuries, and we're done watching and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us. Burying Black people out of sight and out of mind while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment like oil. Black gold," he said in the speech.

"Ghettoizing and demeaning our creations, then stealing them, gentrifying our genius, then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit. The thing is though, just because we're magic doesn't mean we're not real."

"The burden of the brutalised is not to comfort the bystander." Jesse Williams speech on race in America is stunning https://t.co/xH5bvS7AOn
— end comment sections (@tauriqmoosa) June 27, 2016


In the hours after the speech, social media users took to Twitter to discuss and applaud Williams' words. However, Justin Timberlake found himself facing backlash after tweeting that he was "#inspired" by the speech.

Many accused Timberlake of cultural appropriation and urged him to use his platform to take action about social issues.

I apologize to anyone that felt I was out of turn. I have nothing but LOVE FOR YOU AND ALL OF US.

--JT
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 27, 2016


I forget this forum sometimes... I was truly inspired by @iJesseWilliams speech because I really do feel that we are all one... A human race
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 27, 2016


The 35-year-old singer soon posted a series of apology tweets writing that he feels "misunderstood."

"I apologize to anyone that felt I was out of turn," he wrote. I have nothing but LOVE FOR YOU AND ALL OF US –JT."




source: people

Bluegrass Great Ralph Stanley Dead at 89

Bluegrass Great Ralph Stanley Dead at 89

Ralph Stanley, a pioneer of bluegrass and Appalachian music, died today, June 23rd, following a battle with skin cancer. He was 89.

His grandson Nathan Stanley, who had been touring with the banjo legend in recent years, confirmed the news on Facebook. "My heart is broken into pieces. My papaw, my dad, and the greatest man in the world, Dr. Ralph Stanley has went home to be with Jesus just a few minutes ago," he wrote, adding, "My Papaw was loved by millions of fans from all around the world, and he loved all of you. If he was singing and on stage, he was happy."

Born on February 25th, 1927, in Stratton, Virginia, Ralph Edmund Stanley teamed up with his guitar-playing sibling Carter in 1946 and began incorporating the folk traditions of the region and Carter Family-style harmonies into their duo the Stanley Brothers and their backing band the Clinch Mountain Boys. Initially the Stanley Brothers performed live on radio stations in Virginia and sang Bill Monroe's songs, but began writing and arranging their own material and recorded sessions for Columbia, Mercury and King Records that established them as key figures in the early growth of traditional bluegrass music. Their 1951 recording of the traditional song "Man of Constant Sorrow" has been adapted and re-adapted numerous times in the following years and they found favor with the folk movement of the Sixties. Sadly, Carter died in 1966 at 41 years old, and Ralph was forced to carry on as a solo artist.

Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys remained a popular fixture at bluegrass festivals for another 50 years, and the band was an incubator for country and bluegrass talent with members including — at various points — Larry Sparks, Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs.

In 1976, Stanley was awarded an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee — hence his usual "Dr." prefix. He also performed at the inaugurations of presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and was given a National Medal of Arts and a Living Legends medal from the Library of Congress. Amazingly, he didn't join the Grand Ole Opry until 2000.

That same year, his music found an entirely new audience when he performed on the hit soundtrack for the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou. That multi-million selection included an updated version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" (performed by Union Station's Dan Tyminski) and Stanley's a capella rendition of "O Death." The latter won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2002, beating out Tim McGraw, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. The soundtrack proved to be an influential touchstone for the growth and rise of Americana music, which is steadily growing in profile and popularity. Stanley also appeared on the Lawless soundtrack in 2012, singing a bluegrass version of the Velvet Underground's "White Light/White Heat."

In spite of the advances of age and poor health, Stanley continued touring into his 80s, backed by family members like his son Ralph Stanley II and grandson Nathan. He is survived by his wife Jimmie, three children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

source: rollingstone

Pregnant Blake Lively on staying fashionable

Pregnant Blake Lively on staying fashionable: 'It's fun to dress under the circumstances'

Blake Lively obviously isn’t letting pregnancy affect her style sense in a negative way – in fact, she’s completely embracing it, as evidenced by her head-turning recent ensembles at Cannes.

“It’s fun to dress up in a big sparkly number and a Cinderella-looking dress,” the 28-year-old expectant star of the thriller The Shallows told PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly editorial director Jess Cagle exclusively for The Jess Cagle Interview video series.

“I came home to my baby [18-month-old daughter James] and she was like, ‘Wow.’ You know, because you just look like a Disney movie,” Lively says. “It’s fun to get to do that. Because when you’re a little girl you play dress-up, and now I get to do it in big-girl life too.

“There are lots of variables these days, but [it’s] fun to dress [under] the circumstances,” she adds with a laugh.

Cagle also compliments the actress on being “the most beautiful person on Earth,” which she replies to graciously with a laugh.

“You should see me when I wake up!” she jokes, humbly attributing her put-together facade to those who spend time “making [her] look cute.”

“But this is not real life. I don’t normally wear feather numbers with cashmere sweatshirts,” she continues, admitting that while her experience with being seen as a style icon is “nerve-wracking and weird,” she won’t pretend she doesn’t feel lucky and that it isn’t ridiculously fun too.

Cagle mentions that the former Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star and wife of Ryan Reynolds does all of her own styling, which she confirms but confesses she doesn’t understand why it’s seen as such a big deal.

“Everybody in the world does all their own styling. They wake up in the morning and put their own clothes on themselves. It’s not that different,” she notes, adding that since she’s lucky to have access to a ton of great designers – something she thinks gives her an advantage – what she does is “way less impressive” than it might seem.


source: ew

The Jeep model that killed 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin

The Jeep model that killed 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin was recently recalled for dangerous parking error.

A 2015 Grand Jeep Cherokee.

The vehicle that crushed “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin on Saturday — killing him in a freak accident outside his Los Angeles home — was recalled just months ago, after a problem with its parking function caused dozens of injuries and hundreds of crashes.

Yelchin died after his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backwards and pinned him to his security gate, with enough force to dent the metal fence. Police said the rising star stepped out of his car right before it rolled down a steep hill and slammed into him.

On Monday, his death remained under investigation and authorities did not reveal what caused the accident.

But the machine model that killed him has a well-documented history of rolling toward riders.

In April, Fiat Chrysler voluntarily recalled some of its 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to a dangerous design error in its electronic shifter. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, the electronic gear shift on those models left many drivers uncertain if the cars were in park — until the machines started moving.

"Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged," the NHTSA report said.

The company recalled the 248,667 cars manufactured between July 16, 2012 and December 22, 2015. By the time of the recall, those cars had been tied to 41 injuries, 212 crashes and 308 property damage claims — but no known fatalities.

The NHTSA website shows more than 200 consumer complaints were filed about the 2015 model.

“My wife exited the vehicle to take our 3 year old from the back seat and the Jeep began to roll away,” read one complaint filed this month from a driver in Bowling Green, Ky.

Another complaint this month, from a Massachusetts rider, said the car “seemed to have a mind of its own.”

Attorneys for Yelchin and police investigating his death did not return messages.

Chrysler said in a statement it "extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin," and is working with authorities on the investigation.

"It is premature to speculate on the cause of this tragedy," the company said.

The actor, who will appear in “Star Trek Beyond” next month, was heading to a rehearsal when the accident cut his life short.

source: nydailynews

Anton Yelchin, Star Trek actor, dies at 27

Anton Yelchin, Star Trek actor, dies at 27

Anton Yelchin died Sunday morning in “fatal traffic collision,” his representative confirmed to EW. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office told PEOPLE that his body “was found pinned between a car and a gate at a home in Studio City, California” and that an exact cause of death will not be announced until the autopsy is complete. He was 27. Yelchin begin his acting career appearing in shows like ER, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In 2006, he received critical acclaim for his performance in crime drama Alpha Dog and starred as the title character in the next year’s Charlie Bartlett. The actor made his Star Trek debut in the franchise’s 2009 film, where he played Pavel Chekhov. He reprised that role in 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness and again in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond, which is set to arrive in theaters July 22.

Said representatives for Paramount in a statement, “All of us at Paramount join the world in mourning the untimely passing of Anton Yelchin. As a member of the Star Trek family, he was beloved by so many and he will be missed by all. We share our deepest condolences with his mother, father and family.” Online, many of Yelchin’s Star Trek collaborators paid tribute as well, including Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin and cast member Zachary Quinto. “Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you,” wrote Lin.

“Our dear friend. Our comrade. Our anton,” wrote Quinto. “One of the most open and intellectually curious people I have ever had the pleasure to know. So enormously talented and generous of heart. Wise beyond his years. And gone before his time. All love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief.”

Although Yelchin was most known for his Star Trek work, he made a name for himself appearing in smaller films like 2011’s Like Crazy, where he starred opposite Felicity Jones, and 2011’s The Beaver, directed by Jodie Foster and also starring Mel Gibson and Jennifer Lawrence.

He last was seen in this year’s Green Room, a horror-thriller film released this past spring.

In addition to Star Trek Beyond, Yelchin was recently added to the voice cast of Netflix’s Trollhunters. “Our hearts are heavy with this tragic news and Anton’s family and friends are in our thoughts,” Netflix said in a statement. Series producer Guillermo del Toro added on Twitter, “The sweetest, most humble, delightful, talented guy you’d ever meet. Worked together for about a year. Shocked. Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.”

Yelchin was also set to start in indie films Thoroughbred and Porto, and had been cast in the DirecTV series Mr. Mercedes.

“We are devastated to learn of the tragic death of Anton Yelchin,” said a representative for DirecTV. “We greatly admired his talent and were very much looking forward to working with him on Mr. Mercedes. Everyone at AT&T and AUDIENCE Network extends our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”


source: ew

Christina Grimmie buried in New Jersey

Christina Grimmie buried in New Jersey following 'small, intimate gathering'

Christina Grimmie

Christina Grimmie has been laid to rest in her home state of New Jersey, just under a week after her shocking death.

The Thursday funeral was a private, “intimate gathering for her family and close friends,” a source previously told PEOPLE. The service was paid for by Adam Levine, her coach on the Voice, Grimmie’s brother Marcus previously shared.

Taylor Swift-Tom Hiddleston-Kim Kardashian conspiracy theories abound on Twitter

Taylor Swift-Tom Hiddleston-Kim Kardashian conspiracy theories abound on Twitter

So many celebrity social accounts, so little time. In our new feature, we do the work for you, following every Twitter meltdown and nude selfie that you didn’t need to see but probably will anyway.

It.has.been.a.week.

One could be angry at the Taylor Swift / Tom Hiddleston / Calvin Harris / Kim Kardashian frenzy that has overtaken the Internet the last few days for many, many reasons. Most things -- like postulating on celebrity breakups and catfights -- can feel particularly shallow in the wake of something like Orlando. Not that they didn’t to begin with, we get it.

Conspiracy Theory: a group of people told T.Swift to date T.Hiddleston to distract the masses from the real issues of society

— Derrick Barredo (@derricktweets) June 16, 2016

Janet Jackson's Pregnancy at 50

Janet Jackson's Pregnancy at 50

Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana

Janet Jackson is currently expecting her first child and the public has known very few details about the singer's pregnancy, until now.

Back in May, E! News reported that the 50-year-old was preparing to start a family with her husband, Wissam Al Mana, after she was forced to postpone her Unbreakable world tour due to doctor's orders.

At the time, a source told E! News that Janet was in the second trimester of her pregnancy and that she and her husband had been working with a fertility specialist for quite a while.

So given that she and her partner have kept so much of their private life out of the public eye, what do we know about Janet's plans to become a mother for the very first time? Read on for many, many questions answered.

Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana

1. She's Not Using a Surrogate: Janet's brother Tito Jackson explained on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live that the Grammy-winning singer is carrying her own child. He added that she's doing "very well pregnant, very pregnant."

2. She Doesn't Know the Sex of Her Baby: According to Tito, Janet is only "hoping for a healthy baby" and neither she nor Wissam know what they have welcoming to the world just yet.

3. She's Already Got Her Parenting Style Down: Janet's older brother Jermaine opened up recently to reporters about how she'll be as a new mama, saying, "She'll be a great mother because she is tough, very strict."

Jermaine, who was at the AltaMed's Power Up We Are the Future Gala in Los Angeles, also added, "We look at her like our little baby and now she's grown and having a baby."

4. She's Always Wanted Kids: Back in 2009, Janet opened up to Harper's Bazaar about her wishes to have a family of her own one day. "Sure, I'd adopt and I think that if I'm really supposed to have kids, it will happen, if that's God's plan for me."

5. Janet's Siblings Are Over the Moon: Jermaine couldn't help but gush to reporters about the newest member of the Jackson family, proclaiming, "I tell her, ‘If you need any parenting skills or baby skills, let me know because I'm the best diaper changer there is on the planet, still to this day!'"

He lovingly added, "I can't wait to see how this baby is going to look."

And it's only a matter of time before Janet and Wissam's little bundle of joy meets all of his extended family members!


source: eonline

Justin Bieber Collapse

Justin Bieber Collapse As He Pays Emotional Tribute To Christina Grimmie!

Justin Bieber is going through a lot of emotions these days. 2

But over the weekend, the pop star was totally overcome on stage over slain singer Christina Grimmie.
The Sorry singer performed a touching tribute to honor the late The Voice alum — who was fatally shot by a deranged fan on Friday — during his Saturday concert at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Canada.

During the performance of Purpose, the Biebs collapsed to the floor of the stage as he belted out the lyrics while fighting back tears, singing:

"Grimmie, can you hear me?"

JB reportedly met Grimmie through Selena Gomez, whose stepfather was the late singer's manager. Selly performed her own tribute to her close friend over the weekend, breaking down while performing Nobody.
Our hearts still ache over the tragic loss of this inspirational young woman, as she clearly touched the lives of many people.
Ch-ch-check out fan footage from the concert (below) to see Justin's heartfelt tribute!

I'm speechless... You were so happy on stage today I love you so much @justinbieber THANK YOU #PurposeTourWinnipeg pic.twitter.com/T1D1iLHYhq

— Mia (@miabelieber100) June 12, 2016

source:  www.perezhilton.com

Janet Waldo Dies at 96

Janet Waldo, Voice of Daughter Judy Jetson on 'The Jetsons,' Dies at 96

The actress also starred as Penelope Pitstop and as the title character on 'Josie and the Pussycats.'

Janet Waldo circa 1949.

Janet Waldo, who supplied the voice of the hip teenage daughter Judy Jetson on the space-age cartoon The Jetsons, died Sunday at her longtime home in Encino, her daughter told The Hollywood Reporter. She was 96.

Waldo's daughter Lucy Lee said that her mother had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor in 2011 and "had been bed-bound for many months."

Waldo voiced scores of cartoon characters during her long career, including guitar-playing frontwoman Josie McCoy on Josie and the Pussycats, the always-in-danger Penelope Pitstop on The Perils of Penelope Pitstop and Wacky Races, Granny Sweet on the Precious Pupp segments of The Atom Ant Show, Morticia Addams on The Addams Family, the witch Hogatha on The Smurfs, Lana Lang on Superman and several characters on The Flintstones.

Waldo also voiced teenager Corliss Archer on the Meet Corliss Archer radio program that ran from 1943-56 and was Princess, one of the young members of G-Force, on Battle of the Planets, a U.S. adaptation of a Japanese anime series that aired in the late 1970s.

On a first-season episode of I Love Lucy, “The Young Fans,” which premiered in January 1952, Waldo portrayed a teenager who is infatuated with Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz). She later appeared on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet and The Andy Griffith Show.

A native of Yakima, Wash., Waldo was discovered by Bing Crosby after she won a talent contest and appeared on the big screen in small roles starting in the late 1930s. She then starred opposite Tim Holt in the Westerns The Bandit Trail (1941) and Land of the Open Range (1942).

Waldo voiced Judy, the Orbit High School daughter of George (George O'Hanlon) and Jane Jetson (Penny Singleton) and the older sister of Elroy (Daws Butler), on Hanna-Barbera's The Jetsons, which played on ABC in primetime in 1962-63 and then returned for new syndicated episodes in 1985-87.

She also starred as the teenager in the 1988 TV movie Rockin' With Judy Jetson. For 1990's The Jetsons: The Movie, she voiced Judy again but was replaced by the pop singer Tiffany, which did not go over well with fans of the cartoon.

Waldo was married to the late playwright Robert Edwin Lee (Inherit the Wind, Auntie Mame).

Survivors also include her son Jonathan.

source: www.hollywoodreporter.com

ALF actor Michu Meszaros dead at 76

ALF actor Michu Meszaros dead at 76

ALF actor Mihaly “Michu” Meszaros died Monday at the age of 76, EW has confirmed. The news comes one week after Meszaros was reportedly found unconscious in his home and hospitalized in Los Angeles, where he slipped into a coma for several days.

At 2-foot-9, Meszaros was unofficially known as the smallest man on Earth. Peforming with the circus since the age of 14, the Hungarian-born actor first rose to prominence in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during the ’70s. He toured throughout the U.S. and Canada putting on shows for the likes of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He even befriended his idol, Michael Jackson, along the way.

Meszaros later landed a role as the title character on ’80s NBC sitcom ALF, which ran from 1986 to 1990. He performed in the furry alien suit whenever ALF’s full body was shown. (Paul Fusco is the man behind ALF’s voice.)

Meszaros also picked up gigs in Warlock: Armageddon and Freaked in 1993. His additional credits include episodes of Dear John and H.R. Pufnstuf, as well as films Look Who’s Talking and Big Top Pee-wee.

According to TMZ, Meszaros had suffered from health problems since experiencing a stroke eight years ago.

A GoFundMe page was recently launched to help with medical fees as Meszaros fought for his life, and now stands to pay for funeral costs.

source: www.ew.com

Man with weapons and explosives arrested, was going to L.A. gay pride parade

Man with weapons and explosives arrested, was going to L.A. gay pride parade, police say

Police confer Sunday around a white Acura, believed to be connected to the man who was arrested, on 11th Street in Santa Monica. (Zahira Torres / Los Angeles Times)

Authorities in Santa Monica found possible explosives as well as weapons and ammunition Sunday in the car of a man who told them he was in town for the L.A. Pride festival in West Hollywood, a law enforcement source said.

Early Sunday, Santa Monica police received a call of a suspected prowler near Olympic Boulevard and 11th Street. Patrol officers responded and encountered an individual who told officers he was waiting for a friend. That led officers to inspect the car and find several weapons and a lot of ammunition as well as tannerite, an ingredient that could be used to create a pipe bomb.

The car had Indiana plates. The man was arrested and made comments that he was in town for the Pride event in West Hollywood this weekend. The festival is going ahead with tightened security, and police are looking for the friend mentioned by the suspect.

Authorities said they see no connection between the Santa Monica arrest and a gay nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday morning. The Santa Monica investigation has been taken over by the FBI

Santa Monica Police spokesman Saul Rodriguez confirmed that the suspect was from Indiana and that weapons were found in the car, but added that police “were not aware of what the suspect’s intentions were at this point.”

Neighbors called police after he was spotted knocking on doors and “loitering in the area,” Rodriguez said.

Santa Monica police were searching the suspect’s white Acura on Sunday morning near 11th Street and Michigan Street where the arrest was made. All four of the car’s doors were open, and a green blanket, red gasoline canister and several other smaller items were being piled on the sidewalk next to it.

A city official in West Hollywood also confirmed the arrest and stressed that officials were beefing up security at the gay pride event.

"They found him with weapons that were very disconcerting," said the source, adding officials are "taking the appropriate safety precautions."

The parade comes hours after the attack at the Orlando club that killed at least 50 people. At least 53 were injured in the deadliest shooting in modern American history after a gunman took hostages. The gunman, who was killed in a shootout with police, has been identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, a U.S. law enforcement official said.

One source in West Hollywood said there was discussion of calling off the parade but that officials decided to go forward, with heavy security including undercover officers in the crowd.

The sources spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

West Hollywood City Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath said in a statement that Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials are stepping up security efforts around Sunday’s parade and other festivities. But she said officials do not believe there is any threat around Sunday’s activities.

“We are hearing absolutely devastating news reports from Orlando this morning,” she said. “Gun violence on the LGBTQ family during Pride Month makes me sick. The deadliest mass shooting in America happened to LGBTQ people on Latin night. While we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we must also rededicate ourselves to the fight for full equality for all people. No one is equal unless everyone is equal.”

A reporter for ProPublica tweeted out a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department bulletin detailing the arrest.

news source: latimes

Kevin Hart Inspired Dwayne Johnson

Kevin Hart Inspired Dwayne Johnson to FaceTime with His Family from the Set

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does not have a simple schedule.

But in between the TV appearances, interviews and promotions for his upcoming film, Central Intelligence, Johnson does one thing to keep himself going: FaceTime with his 6-month-old, Jasmine.

“She recognizes me,” Johnson, 44, tells PEOPLE, of his daughter with girlfriend Lauren Hashian. “We do FaceTime.”

In fact, staying in touch with his family was something he learned from co-star Kevin Hart.

“Kevin is the king of FaceTime,” Johnson said at the Central Intelligence premiere on Friday. “Kevin was the one that really inspired me and us as a family to do FaceTime. That was one of the things that actually helped me because we’re all so busy and we are a big FaceTime family.”

Hart, 36, said he was proud of Johnson’s ability to devote enough time to his family while still maintaining a killer work ethic (and a hectic schedule).

“It’s important,” the comedian joked. “You’re never not gonna get 100 percent of him.”

Central Intelligence hits theaters on June 17.

source: celebritybabies.people

The Voice singer's killer did not know her

Police say The Voice singer's killer did not know her

Florida police have said that the killer of The Voice USA contestant Christina Grimmie did not not appear to personally know the singer.

Grimmie, who appeared in the 2014 series of The Voice USA, died following a shooting at her concert in Orlando, Florida on Friday night.

The 22-year-old singer was taken to hospital with critical injuries having been shot while signing autographs by a male suspect who was found dead at the scene.

"It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord," Grimmie's publicist told E! News.

"She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn't survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning."

With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, @TheRealGrimmie has died from her injuries.

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016

A representative from the Orlando Police department told E! News on Saturday, "Upon arrival officers found the male suspect, who was deceased, and one victim who was gravely injured. That victim, singer Christina Grimmie, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.

"Detectives were told the suspect, who is not being identified at this time, walked toward Christina and shot her. Christina's brother immediately tackled the suspect, stopping him from causing any more harm to Christina and her fans. During the struggle, the suspect shot himself. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."

The investigation is still in its preliminary stages and the motive for the attack is not yet known. During a press conference on Saturday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said that the suspect did not appear to know Grimmie personally.

Mina said the man who shot and killed the singer apparently travelled from another city in Florida to Orlando to commit the crime, and that he had two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting life on his person when he confronted the singer.

There were unarmed security guards at The Plaza concert venue where the attack took place, and they checked people's bags, but there were no metal detectors or pat-downs when people entered the venue.

We are heartbroken. @TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family. Our thoughts are with her and her family. #PrayForChristina

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016

There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016

Maroon 5 singer Levine shared an old selfie with Grimmie while she was still in critical condition to his Instagram account with the caption, "I'm sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this... This just isn't fair."

I'm sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this...this just isn't fair.

A photo posted by Adam Levine (@adamlevine) on Jun 10, 2016 at 11:35pm PDT

Tributes to the late singer have poured in on Twitter following the news of her death.

I'm stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl... Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind.

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 11, 2016

So sad about @TheRealGrimmie. I'm still in shock. She was special. Had IT. Talented. Kind. Funny. Loving. Courageous. We hurt w her family.

— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) June 11, 2016

So sad about @TheRealGrimmie. I'm still in shock. She was special. Had IT. Talented. Kind. Funny. Loving. Courageous. We hurt w her family.

— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) June 11, 2016

#RIPChristina 😰😢 my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones..

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) June 11, 2016

My heart hurts. I met @TheRealGrimmie on So Random and she was sweet and brilliantly talented. #RIPChristina https://t.co/ietT4YtGPT

— Audrey Whitby (@audreywhitby) June 11, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to loved ones of @TheRealGrimmie. She was a star on earth and now she's a star in the sky. ✨

— CeCe (@CeCeFrey) June 11, 2016

we will miss you @TheRealGrimmie. thank you for sharing your talents with the world. our thoughts are with your family.

— DNCE (@DNCE) June 11, 2016

Saddened to hear about the murder of Christina Grimmie. What a tragedy. Condolences to her family.

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 11, 2016

source: rte

Christina Grimmie Shot Dead at 22, The Voice Family and Other Stars Pay Tribute

Christina Grimmie Shot Dead at 22: The Voice Family and Other Stars Pay Tribute

Christina Grimmie

The Voice family and other celebs are mourning the death of former show finalist Christina Grimmie, who was shot dead at age 22 Friday.

The singer, who came in third place during season six in 2014, was gunned down by an unidentified assailant at an Orlando, Florida concert of a band she was touring with, Before You Exit. Her brother tackled the gunman as he opened fire and the suspect soon shot and killed himself. Grimmie later died of her wounds. The motive for the shooting was unclear and police are still investigating.

A single tweet was posted on Grimmie's Twitter page Saturday morning: "The end."

"We are heartbroken," read a post on The Voice's Twitter page. "@TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family. Our thoughts are with her and her family. #PrayForChristina."

"There are no words," read another tweet posted on behalf of the NBC show. "We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie."
The end.

— Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie) June 11, 2016

Christina Grimmie (@TheRealGrimmie

The Voice hostCarson Daly talked about Grimmie's death via phone on NBC's Today show Saturday, calling the singer "an incredible talent and incredible person."

The Voice coachAdam Levine, who had Grimmie on his team, had shared a selfie of the two on Instagram before she succumbed to her injuries.

"I'm sad, shocked and confused," he wrote. "We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this...this just isn't fair."

He later said in a statement to E! News that he and wife Behati Prinsloo "are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie's tragic death."

"Our hearts go out to her family," Levine added. "Christina was a natural, a gifted talent that comes along so rarely. She was taken from us too soon. This is yet another senseless act of extreme violence. I am left stunned and confused how these things can conceivably continue to happen in our world."

"I'm stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl..." fellow coach Blake Shelton tweeted after Grimmie's death. "Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind."

Co-star Christina Aguilera wrote, "So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo."

I'm sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this...this just isn't fair.

A photo posted by Adam Levine (@adamlevine) on Jun 10, 2016 at 11:35pm PDT

After Grimmie succumbed to her injuries, scores of stars took to social media to pay tribute to the singer, including the band she was touring with.

"Christina was such a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart," read a post on Before You Exit's Twitter page. "She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend. We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken."

"Words fail to describe how much Christina means to all of us," the post continued. "She was always a constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her. Her carefree spirit and her laughter constantly lit up every room she entered and she always had this glisten in her eyes which was evident in her faith. While we know there is no sort of feeling that can replace the joy Christina brought into our lives, we know she is glistening from up in Heaven and shining down on all of us."

Selena Gomez, who had Grimmie open for her on her Stars Dance tour in 2013, posted a selfie of her and the late singer.

My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina pic.twitter.com/KWGwZZlj4t

— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) June 11, 2016

Rachel Platten, who also toured with Grimmie, tweeted, "I am at a loss for words...I just keep remembering sitting at breakfast with her on tour and her beautiful brown eyes beaming at me asking advice about how she could spread the most love in the world through her music. And I just was thinking—you already do. You already are. This is unfair and tragic and the only glimpse of light I can find in this is knowing she died doing what she loved. You will be missed beautiful sweet girl—

Nick Jonas, who performed on The Voice season six finale, shared a selfie with Grimmie, saying, "#ripchristina."

"#RIPChristina my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones," Demi Lovato tweeted.

Colton Haynes said, "So sad right now. My thoughts & prayers go out to Christina Grimmie's friends/family. What an incredible talent that won't be forgotten."

Saturday Night Live star Jay Pharoah tweeted, "Christina Grimme another life gone way too soon my heart goes out to her family #RIPChristina."

American Idol alum Adam Lambert wrote, "Devastating Tragedy @TheRealGrimmie."

"Christina Grimmie...You were so talented. I hope you find peace," tweeted actress Abigail Breslin. "You didn't deserve this. #RIPChristina."

💔 #ripchristina

A photo posted by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) on Jun 11, 2016 at 12:45am PDT

Grimmie was also known as a YouTube star. The video network also paid tribute to the late singer.

"We are devastated by the loss of Christina Grimmie," read a post on the company's Twitter page Saturday. "Our thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone she inspired."


source: eonline

Johnny Depp Auctioning Pricey Jean

Johnny Depp Auctioning Pricey Jean-Michel Basquiat Art Collection Amid Divorce Drama With Amber Heard!

Johnny Depp.

As revealed in Thursday's statement from Christie's in London, Johnny Depp is planning to sell his pricey Jean-Michel Basquiat art collection later this month. Well, well!
The auction house confirmed that the Pirates of the Caribbean star is planning to part with nine pieces from the famous 20th century artist, which will easily be worth millions. It's said Depp has been collecting Basquiat's work for almost 25 years as most of the pieces are from the 1980s.
In a press release, Depp explained:

"Nothing can replace the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry, or the absolute questions and truths that he delivered. The beautiful and disturbing music of his paintings, the cacophony of his silence that attacks our senses, will live far beyond our breath."

While this announcement comes amid the A-lister's divorce drama with Amber Heard, the actor-turned-rocker has been in talks with Christie's since the beginning of the year. Hmm, okay.
Also, since Johnny is worth about $400 million we doubt he really NEEDS the money. Although, that doesn't mean Miz Heard isn't going to come after the profits from the sale.
It'll be inneresting to see if this auction is brought up in the twosome's court hearing about Heard's restraining order against Depp on June 17. We guess we'll just have to wait and see!

source: perezhilton

Justin Bieber friends fear.

Justin Bieber’s Friends Fear He’s Headed For A ‘Breakdown’ After Fight

Oh no! Justin Bieber’s closest pals are really concerned that with the stress of his tour and that recent fight, the singer could be headed for a ‘breakdown,’ a shocking report claims.

Justin B.

Justin Bieber’s got a lot on his plate, and his friends reportedly fear he could “have a breakdown.” The report claims that the reason Justin has been so distant with everyone lately is because he’s “overwhelmed.” Could Justin’s stress be the reason why he got into a violent brawl in Cleveland on June 8?

“People around Justin are nervous about him and worry that he could have a breakdown,” a source told ET. “He feels like people forget that he is a human being and needs privacy. Him writing those social posts about the ‘no photos etc…,’ that is him just being overwhelmed. It wasn’t intended to make people think he is a snotty pop star, but it’s definitely reflective of what he is going through right now. During his time off, he has been trying to be as normal as possible and trying to be super low-key about everything.”

It’s definitely understandable that Justin is feeling overwhelmed. He’s been very open about that. He’s in the middle of a world tour, and he’s still only 22 years old. However, HollywoodLife.com learned from a source close to Justin that there is “no such concern” that Justin is headed for a breakdown.

While on a break from his Purpose tour, Justin got into a nasty fight with Lamont Richmond after the NBA Finals on June 8 in Cleveland. Things got physical between Justin and Lamont after the singer allegedly threw the first punch and called Lamont a “motherf*cker.” Lamont is now saying he’s going to SUE Justin!

There’s one person who is worried about Justin in the midst of his ongoing drama, and it’s Selena Gomez! Justin getting in that fight was “worrisome to her, but they have been in communication and he told Selena it was no big deal,” HollywoodLife.com learned EXCLUSIVELY.

Justin’s got a couple of weeks left until his Purpose tour starts up again. Hopefully he doesn’t get into any more fights! We want that “pretty” face to stay pretty!

source: hollywoodlife

World turns to Louisville for sendoff of favorite son Muhammad Ali

World turns to Louisville for sendoff of favorite son Muhammad Ali

In the end, it was Ali himself who planned his own funeral.

True to his giant character, he wanted it as open as possible -- with a chance for his fans to say goodbye. Three days of funeral proceedings began Wednesday with a downtown festival called "I Am Ali," in his hometown of Louisville, KY, and continue Thursday with a public Muslim service at the city's Expo center.
Thousands of free tickets have been made available to his fans to pay their respects during Thursday's service -- a brief program of prayer, called a jenazah.

All about Muhammad Ali

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Fans of the Champ don't come bigger than Louisvillians -- people in the northern Kentucky city revere him.
"He was the greatest," Jeffrey Mitchell, 50, said Wednesday at the festival.
"He was the most recognizable face in the world, regardless of sports. All over the world he was known, so that meant a lot to the city."

The city has already started embracing its most famous son's legacy, celebrating the three-time World champion Wednesday, sharing memories and paying tribute to the man they know as the "Louisville Lip."
People brought flowers and photos to a memorial at the Muhammad Ali Center and left tributes on a wall at the the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts.
Thursday's service, one of the most public parts of this very public send-off, is in a fitting location: The Kentucky Expo Center's north wing, with overflow crowd admitted into the center's Freedom Hall -- where Ali defeated Willi Besmanoff on November 29, 1961, his last fight in the city.
A total of 14,000 free tickets were made available on a first come, first service basis, his spokesman Bob Gunnell said.
Authorities are going after ticket scalpers trying to profit off selling funeral tickets, Gunnell said, calling their attempts to cash in "despicable" and "deplorable."
Ali had said it was important that the memorials be conducted in the Muslim tradition, Gunnell said.
Doors for the ceremony will open at 9 a.m. Thursday and the jenazah will begin at 12 noon.
Imam Zaid Shakir, a Muslim scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California, will lead the service.
The ceremony is a simple one, and not fundamentally different to the funereal rites of other faiths. At its essence it is a prayer of seeking forgiveness for the deceased, showing support to the family, and praying to the prophet Muhammad and Allah.
18,000 people are expected to attend the service and all faiths are welcome, although those who self-identify as Muslims will be given priority seating. Among them will be one fan, who traveled all the way from Bangladesh, showing up in Louisville knowing no one, with nowhere to stay.

Proper preparation for Muslim burial

Those who can't make it inside the arena can watch the funeral streamed live on the Muhammad Ali Center's website.
"To be properly prepared for burial, prayed over and then buried is a right owed to every single Muslim," Shakir said in a statement provided by organizers. "If no one fulfills those rights, then the entire community has fallen into sin.
"In the case of someone of Muhammad Ali's stature, to leave any of those rights unfulfilled would be a crime."
Thursday's jenazah will be followed Friday by a morning funeral procession through the streets of Louisville before the public memorial service at the KFC Yum! Center.
The main service will see former President Bill Clinton, longtime sportscaster Bryant Gumbel and comedian and close Ali friend Billy Crystal, among others, delivering eulogies.

The people's champion

"It's a real testament to the power of Muhammad Ali, his message and all he stood for that so many thousands showed up to be able to recognize him," fan Brian Eller told CNN affiliate WAVE-TV, leaving empty-handed after waiting in line for hours for tickets to Friday's service.
Another fan, Jeanne Stone told the TV station she traveled from Rochester, New York, for a chance to attend Friday's memorial service. She said she briefly met Ali, by chance, on a flight a few years ago.
"He came down the aisle of the plane and shone in my mind," she said. "He was like the gift of kindness... You saw this shining soul. It made an imprint on my life."
The death of the boxing icon has resonated around the world, but perhaps no more so than within his own communities: African-Americans and American Muslims.

"As an American, as a African-American, as a Muslim, he really inspired me to fight and to stand for what was right and what was strong," Ayah Kutmah, 18, said on Wednesday at the downtown festival.
"Hearing that he died was awful, it was one of the worst things, because we lost a hero. This was his home, and even though there may have been times when people might not have been the kindest to him here, he still went back to his roots and appreciated his hometown.
He was a hero for all Muslims all around the world. You saw him as a symbol against oppression, against Islamophobia, against people who tried to put him into a small sphere. He was like, 'These are my beliefs, you can take it or you can leave it.' That really inspired us to take a stand. To not hide when times get tough. To show people we shouldn't be ignored."

source: edition.cnn

Some shocking things about Amber Heard

Benicio del Toro has said some shocking things about Amber Heard

Benicio del Toro has made some disparaging comments about Amber Heard

Benicio del Toro thinks there’s something ‘a little manipulative and twisted’ about Amber Heard’s behaviour in light of her accusations against ‘abusive’ Johnny Depp.

The actor has come out in support of Depp by slamming his ex, saying there is ‘something really twisted about that girl’ and adding that she is the source of a ‘lot of trouble’.
Del Toro made the shocking comments despite admitting he didn’t ‘know the specifics’ of the situation, and went onto describe his Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas co-star Depp as ‘a nice guy, very caring, very smart’.

Benicio del Toro, opposite Johnny Depp on the right, pictured with him and Amber Heard in November 2015

‘What I know, there’s a lot of trouble from the girl that sounds a little manipulative,’ del Toro told the New York Daily News. ‘It sounds a little bit like there’s something really twisted about that girl … but I don’t know the specifics.’
Del Toro also speculated about Heard’s motives for the divorce, criticising her decision to file quickly on from the death of Depp’s mother, despite her claims that her husband was abusive to her.
He said: ‘It seems the fact that his mom passed away and she filed for divorce two days later and then she wants money and she’s saying she got hit, it’s almost like, wait, I saw them not too long ago. Maybe it was January, a dinner for the Oscars or something like that. He was there with her and they were fine.’
Heard, Depp and del Toro were last photographed together in November at the Hollywood Film Awards in LA.

Depp and Heard at The Danish Girl premiere, also in November Buckner/Variety/REX/Shutterstock)

Depp and Del Toro have acted in movies together twice – Cannes Man in 2002 and 1998’s Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, the latter of which increased Depp’s status in Hollywood.
Del Toro might do well to lawyer up after making these comments, because Heard filed a lawsuit against Depp’s friend Doug Stanhope for allegedly accusing her of blackmail and manipulation.
Meanwhile a mutual friend of Depp and Heard, who lived with them for a year, has taken her side in the ongoing row, claiming she’s seen evidence of the attacks.

Amber attended court with a bruise on her face at the end of May 

In a piece for Refingery 49, iO Tillett Wright wrote: ‘The reports of violence started with a kick on a private plane, then it was shoves and the occasional punch, until finally, in December, she described an all-out assault and she woke up with her pillow covered in blood.
‘I know this because I went to their house. I saw the pillow with my own eyes. I saw the busted lip and the clumps of hair on the floor. I got the phone call immediately after it happened, her screaming and crying, a stoic woman reduced to sobs.’
Metro.co.uk reached out to Heard, Depp and Del Toro for comment.

Source: Metro.co.uk