WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Pharrell Williams Sells ‘Dope’ At Cannes Film Festival

    Pharrell Williams is enjoying another good year.

    The singer, songwriter, fashion designer and record producer extraordinaire was recently seen at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of the movie Dope.

    Produced by the 42-year-old Pharrell, along with Forest Whitaker and Sean Comb, Dope is an American comedy – drama that has been generating good reviews for its stereotype-busting plot.

    The movie revolves around a high school geek (Shameik Moore) who wants to go to Harvard but is thrust into a ditzy adventure when some drug dealers looking for a place to hide their stash stuff his backpack with Ecstasy.

    Dope also stars Zoe Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Iman and Tony Revolori.

    Aside from executively producing it, Pharell also wrote four songs for the movie which will soon hit theaters on June 19.

    And if there’s one thing that Pharrell is known for, it’s writing and producing award-winning songs. He has collaborated with heavyweights like Snoop Dogg on “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Madonna on “Hey You” and has composed the soundtrack for the lovable movie Despicable Me.

    The “Happy” singer also recently scored his first championship in The Voice. His 16-year-old protégé Sawyer Fredericks edged out Meghan Linsey from Blake Shelton’s team.

    It has also been announced that the Grammy winner is slated to perform in two public concerts this September.

    Fans will be able to see Pharrell perform in Cape Town’s Grand Arena, GrandWest on September 21 and at The Dome in Johannesburg on September 24.

    Despite his busy schedule, the tireless performer has also been enjoying his time with his wife, model Helen Lasichanh, and their 7-year-old son Rocket, who was the inspiration behind the Despicable Me song “Rocket’s Theme.”

    Amazingly, the uber-busy Pharrell is also collaborating with Woolworths on their “AreYouWithUs?” movement which is aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability and education in South Africa.

    As the program’s Style Director, Pharrell is tasked with helping make the idea of sustainability “cool for the next generation of South Africans.”

  • Jinger Duggar Desperate To Escape Her Deeply Religious Family

    This might be the perfect time for Jinger Duggar to break free from her family and follow her dream of moving to a big city.

    The 21-year-old Jinger is old enough to strike out on her own and has even admitted in a 2012 interview that she wanted to move away from their miniscule Arkansas town.

    In the Radar Online interview, older sister Jill described Jinger’s ideal man as a “visionary spunky person” who gives her coffee while Jessa describes him as someone from outside their town, before adding that Jinger “doesn’t want to live three hours out from civilization.”

    It’s a description that Jinger wholeheartedly agrees with.

    And in light of the molestation that she might have suffered at the hands of her older brother Josh, it’s no wonder that the rebel of the family (if you can even describe it as that) wanted to get as far away as possible.

    Unfortunately, Jinger, her sisters and other girls whose families adhere to such deeply traditional, religious beliefs are often trapped (or believe that they are trapped) in that life.

    A Patheos article described ways that parents who follow beliefs like the Duggars ensure that their children, particularly their daughters, have no way of fending for themselves alone.

    Consider the fact that not one of the Duggar daughters have gone to college, making it extremely difficult for them to financially support themselves.

    It’s also unlikely that the Duggar girls will be given opportunities to work in various political organizations, unlike their brother Josh.

    The patriarchal, secretive and closed community they live in would also more likely hush up wrongdoings and try to deal with problems on their own in a bid to avoid scandal, as so obviously shown by Jim Bob and Michelle’s cover-up of Josh’s sexual assault of young girls.

    It’s also seen in the way Jessa Duggar’s father-in-law tries to justify Josh’s and his parents actions.

  • Was B.B. King Poisoned? Death Will Be Investigated As Homicide

    A new development has been declared by the Las Vegas Police Department regarding the death of blues legend B.B. King. Following the debate between the artist’s daughters and his employees, the cops have now declared that his death will be investigated as a homicide.

    B.B. King died at the age of 89 on May 14 in Las Vegas. He suffered a series of strokes which could have been caused by his Type-2 diabetes. However, his daughters Karen Williams and Patty King are not convinced. They asserted that their father did not die of diabetes complications but was poisoned by two of his closest aides: his business manager LaVerne Toney and personal assistant Myron Johnson.

    In an affidavit provided to The Associated Press by Patty King and Williams’ lawyer, the two claimed, “I believe my father was poisoned and that he was administered foreign substances.”

    The LVPD previously announced that there was no active homicide investigation for B.B. King’s death. Likewise, Brent Bryson, the attorney for King’s estate also called Patty King and William’s allegations as “ridiculous.” However, a recent statement from Nevada coroner’s office confirmed that the police will be looking into foul play.

    An autopsy was performed on B.B. King’s body but the results could take up to two months. Because of this, his funeral in Memphis was postponed.

    Toney and Johnson both declined to discuss the accusations made by B.B. King’s daughters. But this didn’t come as a surprise to Toney who claimed that the artist’s daughters have long been attacking them with allegations.

    “They’ve been making allegations all along. What’s new?” Toney said.

    Bryson also seemed to have taken Toney and Johnson’s side. B.B. King’s attorney told the AP, “I hope they [King’s daughters] have a factual basis that they can demonstrate for their defamatory and libelous allegations.”

    Shortly before B.B. King’s death, his daughters filed an April 29 petition which alleged that Toney blocked King’s friends from visiting him. The petition also accused Toney of taking advantage of the legend financially. Aside from taking large sums of money from his accounts, B.B. King’s daughter insisted that Toney also listed her family members on the artist’s payroll.

    Additionally, a week before B.B. King passed away, his daughter Williams requested to be named as his official guardian. However, a Las Vegas judge dismissed her request retaining Toney as the authority figure over all of the artist’s affairs.

  • Alyson Hannigan & Sarah Michelle Gellar Reunite, ‘Buffy’ Stars Enjoy A Throwback Day

    Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg have been through a lot – vampires, undead boyfriends, covens and an assortment of monsters. Their onscreen friendship remained strong to the end.

    And it appears that the real-life friendship the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer developed has also remained strong, as seen in the mini-reunion cast mates Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan had recently.

    Buffy and Willow reunite at family event on the heels of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ 12th anniversary

    The slayer posted an adorable photo of the two of them during a party that might have been held for Hannigan’s 3-year-old daughter Keeva.

    The Instagram pic showed the Scooby-Doo actress wearing a denim jacket and smiling with Hannigan.

    A photo posted by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on

    “So this girl (#AlysonHannigan) and her husband (#AlexisDenisof) know how to throw a party,” Gellar captioned the photo.

    By all accounts, the party was amazing indeed, complete with a farm and pony rides, something that the Crazy Ones mainstay admitted to not expecting to see in Santa Monica.

    But apparently it was something that Hannigan, the “party #CraftMaster” can pull off.

    Gellar was there with her family, husband Freddie Prinze Jr, 5-year-old daughter Charlotte and 2-year-old son Rocky.

    The small Buffy reunion also included Hannigan’s husband Alexis Denisof, who portrayed Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, the Watcher tasked with overseeing Buffy and Faith.

    The small reunion came on the heels of the 12th anniversary of the series’ finale, an event that Gellar marked by posting a photo collage on Instagram.

    “It was an incredible journey that I am so incredibly proud of,” she wrote. “Thank you all for joining me, and continuing to tell her story.”

    The television series, which ran from 1997 to 2003, remains a cult favorite. Produced by the inimitable Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer made Gellar, Hannigan and Denisof household names, along with mainstays Nicholas Brendon, Seth Green and David Boreanaz.

    The show also received critical acclaim and led to the spin-off series Angel.

  • ‘Gossip Girl’ Kelly Rutherford Finally Granted Custody Of Her Children After Six Years

    After years of court hearings and an online petition, Kelly Rutherford will finally be able to see her children.

    The 46-year-old actress was granted “sole and legal” custody of her children by a California judge on May 22.

    This means that her children, 8-year-old son Hermes and 5-year-old daughter Helena, should be brought home from Monaco where they have been living with their father, Rutherford’s ex-husband Daniel Giersch, since 2012.

    The Gossip Girl star’s nightmare started when Giersch’s work visa was revoked and he was barred from entering the US after a family holiday abroad. No exact reason was given and in some weird legal twist, a California judge ruled that the children should reside in France with their father because it was in their “best interest.”

    However, when Rutherford went to France recently to be with her children Giersch refused to let her see them until she handed over their passports.

    The embattled actress has spent the better part of the last 6 years trying to get her children home, a battle that has already cost her almost $2.5 million and forced her to declare bankruptcy. But with the court’s latest decision, the Melrose Place alum can finally put that behind her and look forward.

    In a statement, Rutherford’s lawyer David Glass said that they are “pleased that the Los Angeles Superior Court acted swiftly.”

    “We remain hopeful that Mr. Giersch, after reviewing the Orders, will cooperate fully and assist us in peacefully transferring the children to Kelly’s custody.”

    Rutherford’s friends, who have helped her secure 100,000 signatures in an online petition, are also ecstatic over the good news and have expressed their support and love on Twitter.

    The TV veteran is scheduled to attend a hearing on June 15. Her children and Giersch are also slated to attend the session.

  • Emily Blunt Explains How She Chooses The Characters She Plays

    Emily Blunt’s beauty can be described as ethereal. Her face and charms would easily fit in any period movie where you can imagine her character decked in long gowns and jewels. Instead, the actress seems drawn to characters that are damaged but strong and resilient.

    It’s a choice that the Sicario star has pretty much admitted to.

    In a recent interview, the 32-year-old Blunt says that while she has been offered parts where the characters “don’t have their s*** together,” she’s not interested in playing them.

    “As I get older, I just love seeing people that don’t have their head in their hands,” she admits. “I like seeing people who cope.”

    Her choices probably also stems from the fact that she’s now a mother and has begun to think about what she’s putting out there and “what effect will it have.”

    Her role as Kate Macy in her latest film Sicario has already affected and contributed, in its own little way, to changing how Hollywood actresses are perceived.

    The film follows FBI agent Kate Macy as she joins a covert task force that’s tasked to track and take down the leader of a Mexican drug cartel. As the only female member of the team, Blunt’s character is exposed to the group’s questionable methods and is also forced to question her own morality and choices.

    Director Denis Villeneuve admitted that people were a bit wary of the screenplay because the lead character was a female.

    “I know that the screenwriter was asked several times to re-write the part,” the BAFTA nominated director explained. “When I got on board I embraced the script as it was.”

    The Looper actress says she didn’t try to make her character more masculine, even though she was “definitely trying to survive in a male-driven industry.”

    Much like what Blunt and other actresses do in Hollywood.

  • Khameyea Jennings: Jaguars Sen’Derrick Marks Prom Date Succumbs To Cancer

    It’s always sad to hear of someone struggling with cancer but it’s doubly hard when you hear that someone as young as Khameyea Jennings has succumbed to the devastating illness.

    The 18-year-old made headlines several weeks ago when she attended her prom on the arms of Jacksonville Jaguars player Sen’Derrick Marks.

    Khameyea was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013. But despite the grim diagnosis, the teenager didn’t let that get in the way of living her life to the fullest. She continued with her studies even as she struggled with chemotherapy and it’s a testament to her will that she was able to finish high school early.

    Jennings was initially unsure about attending prom but her grandmother encouraged her.

    Unfortunately, tragedy again struck the already struggling family when Jenning’s grandmother was also diagnosed with cancer and lost to it in March.

    Attending the prom seemed to be a fitting tribute to both of them and Khameyea’s mother admitted that her daughter wanted “a day to be normal, not to have to worry about needles, chemo, potassium levels.”

    Local organization Dreams Come True made sure that Khameyea’s dream will come true.

    The non-profit group got in touch with the Jacksonville Jaguars and broached the subject of Jennings’ prom.

    Marks, known to be very careful with the charities he supports, immediately agreed to the request.

    “I want to do something where you actually make someone’s day, to make a difference in someone’s life,” the defensive player said.

    And he did just that.

    Marks visited Khameyea in the hospital and asked her to be his date. He also picked her up in his Lambhorgini on May 2 to escort her to the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology prom.

    The teen with the big smile sadly lost her battle with cancer last Friday. But while her family and friends struggle with their loss, it’s undoubtedly made easier with the knowledge that Khameyea was able to enjoy her prom, just like a normal teenager.

  • Rachael Farrokh: 40 Pound Anorexic Woman Makes Plea For Help On Crowdfunding Site

    Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, indiegogo and GoFundMe have seen their share of people asking support for their latest movies, inventions or what not. But Rachael Farrokh’s crowdfunding page is asking for something more, it’s asking for help in saving her life.

    The 37-year-old SoCal resident has been battling anorexia for the past decade and has left the 5’7” Rachael barely tipping the scales at 40 pounds.

    In a heartbreaking YouTube video, a skeletal Rachael appealed for help and admitted that “otherwise I don’t have a shot.”

    The video also shows the fragile Rachael being carried down the stairs by her husband, Rod Edmonson, who has given up his job to take care of her full-time.

    Her extreme anorexia has gotten to the point where she might die if she doesn’t receive the right treatment. Unfortunately, other hospitals are not willing to accept Rachael as her weight has become so low that she’s considered “a liability for them.”

    But the ACUTE center for Eating Disorders at the Denver Health Medical Center is willing and able to treat her. However, Rachael and her husband Rod Edmonson needs to raise at least $100,000 to get her in the program.

    This prompted the personal trainer to set up the page “Rachael’s Road to Recovery” on GoFundMe and posted the heartbreaking video in a last ditch effort to save his wife.

    Edmonson also wrote that it’s his “mission to get her” to the Colorado hospital. He also shared how society often oversimplifies anorexia so “people think it’s just about being skinny and that they just need to eat something and it will be all better.”

    It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by his wife, who also hopes that she’ll be able to help others suffering from eating disorders by raising awareness and getting rid of the misconceptions surrounding it.

    The couple has already raised more than the needed amount for the specialized treatment so let’s hope that Rachael’s story receives the happy ending it deserves.

  • Josh Duggar Admits To Molesting Underage Girls, TLC Stalls On Fate Of ’19 Kids And Counting’

    Lurid accusations, parents covering up the crime, police inaction. You’d think this was the plot from another sordid soap opera but no, these apparently happened on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting.

    The reality show, which follows the Christian family as they cope with raising 19 children, has long been hounded with rumors that the eldest Duggar son had molested several young girls, including some of his sisters.

    It was a dark family secret that recently came to light when Josh admitted to the crime.

    “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” the 27-year-old Josh said.

    The Duggar parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, also released their own statement admitting that their son “made some very bad mistakes” and that they “were shocked” by it.

    “We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before,” they added.

    But while the parents sought God, they didn’t seek professional help for their son or for their victimized daughters.

    Instead, reports show that they just sent Josh to a “Christian” program where he would allegedly receive counseling and do hard physical work.

    However, this apparently wasn’t true as matriarch Michelle admitted to police that her son never saw a counselor but was just sent “to a family friend who was in the home remodeling business.”

    Jim Bob and Michelle’s appalling lack of concern or empathy for their daughters Jana, Jill, Jessa, Jinger and Joy-Anna was quickly picked up on by viewers and fans who have expressed their support and concern for some of Josh’s alleged victims.

    The real question here is what’s to be done with Josh, his parents and the show?

    TLC has already pulled the show from its roster but hasn’t formally canceled it. It’s also been speculated that Josh will just be fired from the show.

    But why is the network even considering other options for a show where the parents have covered up for their son’s sexual misdeeds?

  • Cara Delevingne Wraps Up Her Busy Week By Enjoying The Races In Monaco

    Ah, to be young and carefree.

    Cara Delevingne really lived it up last week as she partied hardy during the Cannes Film Festival before wrapping up her week by doing ambassador duties for Tag Heur at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco.

    The 22-year-old model spent the better part of last week hanging out with her bff Kendal Jenner and enjoying the sights and shows in Cannes before jetting off to Monaco.

    Delevingne looked like she belonged in the cockpit as she donned a hot pink and black racing suit with the top zipped low enough to flash some serious cleavage. She kept it relatively simple with a few necklaces, barely there makeup and stylish sunglasses.

    The model was joined by fellow Tag Heur image model and friend Cristiano Ronaldo as they strolled around.

    The London-bred model even sat behind the wheel of one McClaren racing car to get a feel of the specially crafted machine.

    The leggy model was also seen smiling happily as she posed in the cockpit with Formula 1 stars Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, along with soccer superstar Ronaldo.

    The Suicide Squad star then changed into something a bit more comfortable later in the day when she joined her sister Poppy before the start of the race.

    The two stylish sisters turned heads as  Cara walked around in a sports T-shirt, miniscule white shorts and high-tops while the 29-year-old Poppy opted to wear jeans, a flared top that’s currently all the rage and comfortable pumps.

    They were joined by their friends Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin and Gigi and Bella Hadid. Fashion favorites Baldwin, Jenner and Hadid were there to show their support for Mercedes AMG driver Lewis Hamilton.

    Fans of the busy fashion model were able to live vicariously through her as Delavigne continually updated them via social media of all the latest happenings.

  • Kaitlyn Bristowe ‘Slut-Shamed’ For Having Sex On ‘The Bachelorette’

    Kaitlyn Bristowe ‘Slut-Shamed’ For Having Sex On ‘The Bachelorette’

    For a show that revolves around a person dating several men or women simultaneously, The Bachelorette viewers can be such prudes, as Kaitlyn Bristowe recently found out.

    The Vancouver native is experiencing some backlash after this season’s The Bachelorette trailer showed her candidly talking about having sex with a suitor even before the notorious “fantasy suite” episode.

    The clip showed the brunette hanging a “do not disturb” sign on her door followed by some heavy breathing.

    But Bristowe is confounded by the negative feedback she’s getting for doing something everyone does, especially since she’s an adult.

    “I’m a 30-year-old woman and I make my own decisions and intimacy to me is a part of every relationship,” she explained before adding that she doesn’t “know why everyone is so shocked by it. It’s 2015.”

    However, Bristowe was also seen expressing some remorse in the trailer when the other suitors heard about the incident.

    While she appeared tearful, the new Bachelorette says she’s not ashamed of what she did.

    “I just regret the timing. But I’m also not afraid to talk about it,” she said.

    Other Bachelor alums have rallied around the embattled Bristowe, even calling out ABC for their alleged slut-shaming of the dancer over something that regularly happens on the show.

    AshLee Frazier, who was on the 17th season of The Bachelor, admits that aside from Sean Lowe and another bachelor “they all have sex. They don’t (talk about it), and I don’t know why.”

    One person who’s probably chortling about this issue is Britt Nilsson. The deposed candidate is known to have had her claws out for Bristowe and has been “out for blood” since the beginning.

    A source even says that “instead of teaching the guys about herself, Britt spent her time in the house throwing Kaitlyn under the bus.”

    We imagine she’s doing a happy dance just about now.

  • Gisele Bundchen And Tom Brady Get A Puppy To Distract Themselves From Deflategate

    There’s nothing that a few kisses from a puppy won’t fix. Gisele Bunchen clearly knows that as she posted a photo of her family’s newest member on Instagram.

    The adorable pic shows Bunchen’s husband, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, receiving kisses from a Beagle the couple named Scooby.

    The newest addition to the Brady bunch is shown with its paws on the athlete’s shirt with the caption “our newest family member Scooby (heart emoji).”

    Scooby appears to be a good fit for the couple who already has two children, 5-year-old Ben and 2-year-old Vivian, as well as a fur baby named Lua.

    The Pitbull mix is a star on its own right, as Lua occasionally makes an appearance on Bundchen’s Instagram account and has even starred opposite Brady in a commercial for UGG Australia.

    Getting a new puppy can be the leggy model’s way of altruistically expanding her family or a way of getting her embattled husband’s mind away from his Deflategate suspension. It can also be a clever way of swaying public opinion on the issue.

    Brady is currently on a four game suspension for his alleged role in – or awareness of – the Deflategate scandal.

    If you recall, accusations have been thrown against the New England Patriots for deflating the balls they used during the game.

    And underinflated ball is believed to be easier to catch, throw and grip, thereby giving the Patriots an alleged advantage over their opponent, the Indiana Colts.

    While Brady has denied any involvement, results of the investigation over the issue found that the 37-year-old quarterback was “generally aware” that the Patriots’ equipment managers had tinkered with the footballs used in the game.

    Brady is currently appealing his suspension and has also been getting a lot of support from Patriots fans who conducted a “Free Tom Brady” rally at the Gillette Stadium.

  • Shirley Bassey Criticizes Beyonce’s Skimpy Outfit At Met Gala

    Beyonce might have had people fawning over the barely-there gown she wore at the Met Gala, but Dame Shirley Bassey is not impressed.

    But it’s not just Jay-Z’s better half who earned the ire of the legendary singer, it’s every single diva today who seems to be more focused on showing off their skin than their talent.

    The “Diamonds are Forever” singer was in London recently for the Shooting Star book launching and took the opportunity to advise younger singers to choose more modest outfits and leave the provocative stuff on the stage.

    To say that the James Bond hit maker was shocked would be an understatement.

    “When I saw the Met Ball the other night – and Beyonce’s gown – I was like, “Excuse me?”

    She was undoubtedly talking about the infamous sheer dress that the “Beautiful Liar” singer wore. Viewers could clearly see that Beyonce ditched her underwear and just relied on some cleverly clustered jewels to protect what little was left of her modesty.

    And after being inundated with other sheer dresses from the likes of Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, it’s no wonder the 78-year-old commented that “it’s like they’re all in competition with each other for who can wear the skimpiest outfit.”

    “In my day it was for the stage only, you didn’t go out looking like that,” she added.

    While she admits that some of her own dresses during her shows were considered risqué, she also “left a lot to the imagination. I didn’t show everything.”

    Bassey added her voice to the growing number of people who are speaking out against this trend of celebrities trying to out-skimp each other, saying that it gives a bad impression for young people.

    And instead of going down the X-rated way, Bassey wants talented female singers to “go in the studio and sing your heart out. Get a vocal coach and strengthen your vocal chords.”

  • Freddie Gray: Six Baltimore Police Officers Indicted, Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby Presses Ahead With Charges

    On Thursday, a grand jury indicted six Baltimore police officers charged in the case of Freddie Gray. This served as a green light for State Attorney Marilyn Mosby to press ahead with severe charges despite numerous criticism. She also announced that the officers will be arraigned on July 2.

    The indictments were similar to the charges raised by Mosby almost three weeks ago. The serious charges for each officer were retained but the lesser charges were changed.

    Edward Nero and Garrett Miller were both indicted on second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office for “failure to perform a duty regarding the safety of a prisoner” and for an illegal arrest. Their indictments did not include the false imprisonment charge which Mosby previously asserted.

    Nero’s defense attorney Marc Zayon felt relieved about this change. He expressed that he is glad that the grand jury did not choose to indict Nero on false imprisonment. As for the rest of the charges pressed against his client, he feels confident that Nero will be acquitted.

    The driver of the van Caesar Goodson will be facing charges of manslaughter and a second-degree “depraved heart” murder. He was also indicted on second-degree assault and misconduct in office. The rest of the officers Alicia White, Brian Rice and William Porter were charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office. They will also face reckless-endangerment charges.

    Like Nero’s defense attorney, White’s lawyer Ivan Bates also feels confident about his client’s innocence. He is also looking forward to seeing the state attorney in court.

    Prosecutors have been presenting the evidence to the grand jury for the past two weeks and according to Mosby, they discovered some new information which caused the change in the charges. However, she didn’t say what this new information was and she also refused to entertain any queries.

    Gray died due to a critical spinal injury which he suffered while under police custody. When he was arrested, he was handcuffed, shackled by his feet and placed head-first into a van. He also wasn’t secured with a seatbelt which is a violation of police policy. Moreover, Gray’s please for medical attention were repeatedly ignored. Instead, they further secured him with leg irons because the officers considered him as “irate.”

    A week after, Gray’s death inspired protests on two occasions which led to violence, looting and arson. His death became a symbol of police brutality against African-Americans residing in Baltimore which is why the Justice Department instigated a civil rights investigation of the Baltimore Police Department.

  • Johnny Depp Jumps Ship In Bid To Save Marriage To Amber Heard

    Looks like Pirates of the Caribbean 5 has hit stormy waters yet again.

    Reports say that lead Johnny Depp has walked out of the set and is flying back to the US to try and salvage his marriage to Amber Heard.

    A source on the movie’s production team has said the actor is “going back to the States on the first available private charter flight he can get on.”

    The 29-year-old Heard left for the US last week with their two Terriers, Pistol and Boo, in a bid to save their lives.

    The two dogs were brought in Australia without going through its very strict quarantine laws, a move that didn’t sit well with the country’s Agriculture Minister.

    The Sleepy Hollow actor and his wife were given 50 hours to return the dogs or the pets would be seized and euthanized.

    The rhum loving captain of the Black Pearl was supposed to bring the dogs back to the US but was discouraged by producers.

    But pet fiasco aside, insiders are saying that Depp’s wife of three months also left because she was barred from the set of Pirates as the couple’s fights were starting to affect the movie’s shooting schedule.

    A publicist for the Mortdecai actor has spoken out about the reports and said that none of it was true.

    “I can’t go into detail on our filming schedules or the movements of individuals but I can tell you that nothing in that report has any relation to reality,” publicist Michael Singer clarified.

    “Mr. Depp has been filming on schedule. It’s business as usual with all participants working,” he added.

    Well, that’s certainly good news for everyone involved.

    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is already behind schedule with the unexpected hiatus it took when Depp injured his right hand.

    Another break might maroon the franchise altogether.

  • Eva Mendes Has A Big Day! Actress Posts First Selfie To Help A Special Boy

    There are people like the Kardashians who love to document every second of their lives via selfies. And then there are people like Eva Mendes who have never taken a selfie before.

    Until now.

    Months after signing up for an Instagram account, the Hitch actress finally gave in and posted her very first selfie. But she did it her own way – by making sure that the photo is for a good cause.

    The selfie shows the beautiful actress smiling at the camera and wearing a statement t-shirt that says “Hopes and Prayers for Andrew Wilson.”

    “This is my first selfie and it’s for an amazing cause,” she captioned the photo.

    Mendes also thanked everyone who has donated to Andrew Wilson’s cause and encouraged more people to do same.

    A photo posted by Eva Mendes (@evamendes) on

    The 41-year-old actress also mentioned that she will be signing the shirt she’s wearing and will give it away to the person who makes a donation within 48 hours, adding that people who want to make a donation can click the link on her bio.

    “Together let’s help this family get their son the proper treatment that he needs,” she said.

    Mendes also posted a picture of Andrew and true to her description he seemed “full of smiles” and appeared to be “a ball of energy.”

    A video posted by Eva Mendes (@evamendes) on

    The 17-month-old Andrew was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks babies and young children, last year.

    Since then, his friends and family have tried everything to keep the family together and to get Andrew the treatment that he needs. And with Mendes’ help, there’s an even better chance of that happening.

    Cancer is an issue close to the actress’ heart. Her own brother is currently fighting the disease as well.

    The Training Day actress shared her family’s experience with the dreaded disease during the Stand Up to Cancer event which was held earlier this year.

  • Kendall Jenner: Hit And Miss Fashion Choices

    This is not a good week to be Kendall Jenner. After the Billboard Music Awards debacle, the young model is now being blasted for her fashion choices at Cannes.

    Earlier this week Kendall, along with younger sister Kylie, took to the stage to introduce their brother-in-law Kanye West, who was slated to perform the finale of the awards show.

    The sisters were said to have been met with boos from the audience at the MGM Grand.

    But despite the less than warm reception, the Keeping up with the Kardashians stars appeared unfazed and continued with what they were tasked to do.

    A source close to the family admits that the sisters have more or less accepted that this is part of the game.

    “They expect people are going to hate on them at all times, so they are just going to be themselves and have their fans remain happy,” the source says.

    The two youngest Kardashians were escorted at the event by close family friend, designer Olivier Rousteing.

    The sisters cut very fashionable figures during Billboard’s big night, with Kendall wearing a piece from Rousteing’s new Balmain x H&M collection, a black and white top that was cut very low in front and paired with simple black jeans and boots. While Kendall was covered up during the awards night, it was a different scenario when she appeared on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

    The 19-year-old model wore a black crop top and full skirt that didn’t seem to sit well with a lot of people, maybe because the too long skirt had peek-a-boo panels that gave a glimpse of the youngster’s black underwear.

    Kendall rounded out her goth-glam look with a necklace and cuff that looked out of place with the outfit.

    Actually, the outfit isn’t as bad as some of the ones she and her sisters have been seen in, but it just doesn’t compare to what the more stylish ladies of Cannes have been wearing.

  • Joran Van Der Sloot Says Eyewitness To Natalee Halloway’s Murder Is A ‘Crackhead’

    It seems that the Natalee Holloway’s case has reached another dead end as Aruba’s prosecutor dismissed an eyewitness’ claims that he saw Joran van der Sloot kill the American teenager.

    The claims were made last week by Jurrien De Jong, a new witness who alleged that he saw primary suspect Joran van der Sloot chase Holloway into a building before hiding her body in a crawl space.

    The allegations were enough to drive Aruban authorities to look into the case again. It also prompted Holloway’s father to return to Aruba with a private investigator and a cadaver dog to follow up the lead.

    But a statement released by the office of Aruba’s Chief Prosecutor Eric Olthof debunks De Jong’s testimony.

    The Prosecutor’s office requested for information regarding the Marriott hotel’s Spyglass Tower construction site at the alleged time frame, specifically “what was built and what was not yet built” on the night of Holloway’s disappearance.

    Based on the information provided “it becomes indisputably clear that on the 30th of May 2005, no construction or building activities were started at the location that Mr. De Jong has specifically pointed out as the spot where Natalee Holloway would have been hidden and/or buried.”

    In short, the missing teenager could not have been hidden or buried on the site.

    Joran van der Sloot has also spoken out against De Jong, calling him “a crackhead, a f***ing liar, a compulsive liar.”

    Van der Sloot, who’s serving time in a Peruvian prison for the murder of another young woman, told his lawyer that he knows De Jong as “someone who sold drugs in Aruba to all of his friends.”

    Maximo Altez, van der Sloot’s lawyer, also said his client is advising the Holloways to disregard De Jong’s statement.

    “You know the mind of a crackhead, he’ll do anything to get money, and that’s all he wants,” Altez said. “You shouldn’t waste your time listening to him.”

  • Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet To Premiere In Chicago

    It took quite a while but Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s On Your Feet is finally dancing its way to a world premiere in Chicago.

    On Your Feet showcases the life of the one and only Queen of Latin Pop and her relationship with her husband Emilio, 19-times Grammy winner and record producer extraordinaire.

    The musical will show audiences how their dedication to each other, their heritage and their pursuit of the American dream led to their remarkable success. It will cover Gloria’s early years with the Miami Sound Machine and her miraculous recovery from a broken back in 1990.

    Bringing On Your Feet to the stage is a feat in itself. It’s rare that a bilingual, Latino-centered musical is showcased and biographies are especially tricky.

    However, the couple is confident that they can pull it off and Emilio is certain that “Chicago’s gonna bring us a lot of good luck.”

    It’s a sentiment that Gloria believes in as well.

    “The audience is a wonderful nurturing audience but also they’re savvy in the way of theater so it’s a great place to try your stuff out,” the 57-year-old hitmaker said.

    As expected, Gloria’s hits will also play an essential part. Audiences will be treated to well-loved songs like “Conga,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Don’t Want to Lose You Now” and the titular “Get On Your Feet.”

    While her hits will take center stage, Gloria won’t be.

    Instead, she’s leaving it to the very capable hands of Ana Villafane, who was discovered after a worldwide search for the lead.

    But who knows, Gloria said she might just “sneak in there and be my mom.”

    On Your Feet will open at Chicago’s Oriental Theater on June 2 and will run for five weeks. The musical will then be previewed on Broadway at the Marquis Theater on October 15 before beginning its official run on November 5.

  • Jillian Michaels Opens Up About Her Nose Job And Her New Show

    Jillian Michaels is known for a lot of things – her confidence, her determination to make her protégées reach their weight goals and her way of inspiring people.

    Who would’ve thought that this uber confident woman was bullied at a very young age?

    In one interview, Michaels recounted the time when a group of students from her school gathered around her and made fun of her looks, particularly about her nose which she described was “the size of a softball.”

    The incident was so bad that her mother had to place her in another school.

    The incident made her decide to have a nose job, and she admits that she never regretted her decision as she felt more confident after the surgery.

    While she has always encouraged her clients to look for their inner strength to lead better lives, Michaels also admits that a little plastic surgery can be a positive thing, “little” being the operative word here.

    “There are some things that can make people feel really insecure,” the Biggest Loser trainer admits. “So, if there is something you want to fix that allows you to feel a little bit more confident, I support it.”

    But she cautions that it has to be done “for the right reasons.”

    This mindset is probably what led the outspoken personal trainer to leave The Biggest Loser.

    According to Michaels, she wanted some changes to be made to the show but the producers weren’t too keen about it. Reports say that some of those changes were prompted by the extreme weight loss of winner Rachel Frederickson, who dropped 155 lbs.

    The fitness guru believed Frederickson “lost too much weight” and said she felt “ashamed” by the incident.

    But the 41-year-old Michaels is now moving on and will be seen next in Just Jillian, a new docu-reality show for E!

    Just Jillian will revolve around the Biggest Loser trainer as she tries to juggle her private life with the demands of business.

  • Meghan Linsey Settles For Second Place In The Voice

    Sorry, Blake Shelton. It’s Pharrell Williams’ turn.

    For a moment there it seemed like country singer Shelton was on his way to winning The Voice for the fifth time with his contestant Meghan Linsey. But in the end, William’s 16-year-old protégée Sawyer Fredericks took the top prize.

    Linsey, the self-described fashionista and empowerer of women, really captivated the audience as she metamorphosed from country singer to powerful performer who’s not afraid to spread her wings.

    She came back stronger week after week and had several unforgettable performances, including her rendition of “Amazing Grace,” “Tennessee Whiskey” and her cover of Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One.”

    Linsey continued to deliver captivating performances during the three-hour season finale of the show, like her duet with her mentor, Shelton.

    Instead of doing a country song, the two showed their softer side by performing Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway of Love.”

    Linsey also showcased her songwriting skills when she performed her original song “Change My Mind.” The stirring ballad made it to the Top 5 on iTunes.

    Shelton had nothing but praises for the song, commending Linsey on her singing but also pointing out that she “wrote the hell out of that song.”

    “That hook is so strong, so powerful,” Shelton added.

    The Nashville native also got a big boost from American Idol Kelly Clarkson who shared the stage with her while they performed “Invincible,” Clarkson’s new song.

    Their rousing rendition brought the house down and gave fans the impression that Linsey would soon be nabbing the top spot.

    While it didn’t turn out that way, it was still a good run for Linsey, who confessed she went into the competition just hoping for a “second chance at being a solo artist.”

    And with her impressive performances during this season of The Voice, it’s hard to imagine that she’ll have any trouble landing a recording contract.