Sunday, May 19, 2024

Weekly Entertainment News 5/20/24




Cassie's Lawyer Slams Diddy's Apology Over 2016 Assault Video

Cassie's legal team is crapping on Diddy's apology over the leaked 2016 video that shows him assaulting her -- calling him a hypocrite ... and suggesting he misled the public.

One of Cassie's lawyers, Meredith Firetog, issued a statement Sunday -- saying, "Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt."

She adds, "When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday." Of course, she's referencing Diddy's strong denial in December ... this after he'd been sued by yet another accuser, post-Cassie.

At the time, he wrote in part ... "Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth."

Now, Firetog says that statement rings hollow -- with her adding, "That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words."

Diddy isn't hiding from cameras in the wake of the Cassie video – if anything, he's making a point to be out in public ... stepping out into the wild and seemingly telegraphing a few things, if these pics are any indication.


Diddy Spotted For First Time Since Release of Cassie Hotel Video

The rap mogul looked unbothered as he smoked a cigar while taking a leisurely stroll through his Miami neighborhood Sunday. Dressed in an all-white outfit and wearing a medallion -- which featured a childhood photo of himself and his father -- Diddy appeared to be signaling something with his look ... although, he stayed mum when he ran into photogs.

Instead, the rapper offered up a one word response, "Love" ... which he supported by making the shape of the letter "L" with his hand. Hard to say for sure what he's trying to communicate – but on its face, he's showing that he ain't ducking out of the spotlight ... even at this point, with many in the public having turned on him.

Mind you ... this is the first time Diddy has been seen in public since the release of the 2016 hotel security footage, which showed Puff beating on his ex – something he addressed this weekend as well in an apology video.



Diddy's Former Media Co. Revolt 'Disturbed' by Cassie Beating Video

Diddy's former employees at Revolt, the media company he co-founded, are reacting to the horrific video of him assaulting Cassie.

The company posted a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent video circulation of our former chairman, Sean "Diddy" Combs,”

It added, "Even with his recent separation from REVOLT, it is still our duty to address this matter, and recognize the direct impact it has on our staff, our audience, and the culture we represent."

Diddy co-founded Revolt, with Andy Schuon in 2013, and the company now says it “stands in solidarity" with all victims of domestic abuse.


Drake Loses $565K Wager on Tyson Fury Boxing Match

Drake's losses are coming at a fast and furious clip -- the embattled rapper/sports gambler put more than half a million down for Tyson Fury to win his boxing match ... and, he did not.

It's debatable who's in more pain this morning ... Drake or Tyson, after the boxer lost to Oleksandr Usyk by a split decision Saturday night in Saudia Arabia. Prior to the bout, Drake posted his $565,000 wager backing Tyson, and IF he'd won ... Drake would've won $1 million.

Shoulda woulda coulda ... the massive financial blow has fans buzzing about the ol' "Drake curse" in the sports world.

He's previously lost a six-figure sum when Anthony Joshua knocked Francis Ngannou, another $700K after Dricus Du Plessis beat Sean Strickland at UFC 297, $550K on Israel Adesanya's loss to Strickland ... and $890K betting Logan Paul would knock out Dillon Danis.


DRAKE, NICKI MINAJ, & BEYONCÉ LEAD 2024 BET AWARD NOMINATIONS

Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé have scored the most nominations for the upcoming 2024 BET Awards, which is scheduled to air on the network on June 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The full list of all the nominations was revealed on Thursday (May 16) on the network’s official website, and they revealed that the 6 God leads the pack with seven nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.

Minaj is second runner-up for nominations, and the Pink Friday rapper received a total of six nods, including Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year (for “Barbie World” featuring Ice Spice).

The Queen Bey, meanwhile, has four nominations, alongside 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, and Usher.


50 CENT'S FINAL LAP TOUR IS FOURTH-EVER HIP HOP TOUR TO GROSS $100M

50 Cent‘s Final Lap tour has been officially declared one of the most successful Hip Hop tours in history, becoming only the fourth tour in the genre to gross $100 million in ticket sales.

Touring Data has a breakdown, by the numbers, of the final tour of the G-Unit boss’s illustrious career. The numbers, which were published on Wednesday (May 15), reveal that the tour grossed $104,975,322 in ticket sales, with 1,179,753 total tickets sold, and an average price of about $88 per person.

92 of the 97 shows have turned in their sales figures, so it’s possible that the final numbers will increase some more.

Regardless, Fif joins the ranks of Drake (who had two tours — Aubrey & The Migos and It’s All A Blur — gross more than $100 million in ticket sales) and Kendrick Lamar (whose The Big Steppers tour also achieved that feat) to cross that $100 million threshold. He is also only the third rapper in history to helm a tour that achieved such a feat.


MONICA AWKWARDLY MISTAKEN FOR SEXYY RED BY A FAN: 'SHE WAS SO DISAPPOINTED'

Monica was recently chased down by a fan for a photo in the airport – only for the fan to learn that the iconic singer was not, in fact, Sexyy Red.

The hilarious mix-up went down on Wednesday morning (May 15), and Monica took to her Instagram Story to share the story shortly afterward.

“Ok… This older lady literally chased me down in the airport to say Good Morning Miss Sexy Red May I pls have a Picture!” the singer wrote with a selfie showing she’s currently rocking red hair – though it’s a vastly different shade than Sexyy’s.

She continued: “I hated to disappoint her but I said ‘Mmm I love her, but I’m not Sexy Red’ LMAOOOO now I can’t get the song out of my head. She was so disappointed LOL”


SOULJA BOY APOLOGIZES TO METRO BOOMIN BUT CONTINUES ATTACKING 21 SAVAGE & MEEK MILL

Soulja Boy has apologized to Metro Boomin for dissing him, but has continued to launch attacks on 21 Savage and Meek Mill.

After a feud originally blew up over a resurfaced tweet from Metro where he mocked Soulja Boy, the “Crank That” rapper is now trying to mend fences with the renowned producer.

On X (formerly Twitter), Soulja wrote: “I apologize to @MetroBoomin for over reacting over an old tweet. Condolences to his mom. I’m going to seek therapy and anger management. I’m done responding to hate, new or old.”

Speaking on Instagram Live, Big Draco later expanded on his apology while taking more shots at both 21 and Meek.

He said: “21, where you at n-gga? I’m hanging out the window, n-gga. Pussy ass n-gga, you still a bitch, n-gga. I ain’t apologize for you, n-gga. I apologize for myself, n-gga. I ain’t like what I said about the n-gga momma. 21, you still a bitch.

“Meek Mill, n-ggas still playing in your booty hole. Fuck y’all n-ggas, suck my dick. Stop letting n-ggas fuck you in the booty, n-gga. Put a condom on next time, n-gga. 21 Savage, you a bitch, slapping a knife off your forehead. Don’t think it’s all the way sweet.

“I just didn’t like what I said about the n-gga momma. Y’all n-ggas still hoes, don’t get it fucked up.”


RICH HOMIE QUAN TO TESTIFY IN YOUNG THUG RICO TRIAL AFTER BEING SUBPOENAED BY STATE

Rich Homie Quan has been called to testify in Young Thug‘s ongoing RICO trial after being subpoenaed by the prosecution.

According to social media user ThuggerDaily, Thug’s former collaborator has been served a summons to take the stand at the trial as a witness.

The same account also claims that Quan has previously given a police statement that will be read in court.

Quan will not necessarily provide evidence against Thug during his appearance on the witness stand.

Lil Wayne may also be called to testify in the trial after Fulton County prosecutors tried to play videos of the rapper speaking about Thug in the courtroom, but Judge Ural Glanville refused to allow it unless Wayne testified himself.

The issue relates to the 2015 shooting of Wayne’s tour bus which the prosecution claim Thug was behind.

They claim he hired affiliate PeeWee Roscoe to carry it out. Roscoe was eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation over the matter, but his conviction was overturned in 2018.

Though Lil Wayne may end up in the courtroom, one rapper who will not be called to testify is Gunna.


SAUCY SANTANA ROASTS AKADEMIKS OVER RAPE LAWSUIT: 'MIDGET B-TCH!'

Saucy Santana and Akademiks have a storied history of beef, so it comes as little surprise that the former has something to say amid the media personality’s recent rape allegations.

Taking to his Instagram Story on Wednesday (May 15), Santana pointed out how Akademiks was quick to assert that the allegations against Yung Miami in the lawsuit against Diddy had to be true, yet expects people to believe the new lawsuit accusing him of both rape and defamation is a lie.

“6ix9ine freaky bitch! Nasty tail!” he began. “And what would make you think we believe that it’s fake lawyers? What would make you think we believe that these is fake headlines? But when it was Caresha bitch, the word was bond. It was no muthafucking way!”

He continued: “Pink cocaine and all this other weird ass shit, but bitch we supposed to believe that shorty lying on you? I don’t think so. Not gon’ happen. Midget dick bitch! Sitting down all muthafucking day. You just smell like sat! Sat! Been sitting in that muthafucking seat!”


JADE CARGILL WANTS NICKI MINAJ & MEGAN THEE STALLION IN THE WWE

Jade Cargill has shared that she’d love it if Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion join her in the WWE — at least for a few “dream matches.”

The Tag Team Champion sat down with the Battleground podcast on Friday (May 10), where she told the hosts that she’d love it if there was more of a marriage between Hip Hop and the international wrestling organization.

“Oh, man, I would love to see Latto,” she said at the 7:00 minute mark, when asked about her dream celebrity tag-teams. “I would love to see Megan Thee Stallion. I would love to see Nicki [Minaj]. There’s a couple people I would love to see in the ring. I had Trina with me as well [in AEW].”

She continued: “If they’re welcome for the challenge and want to take these bumps and these hits, bring them on. If they’re willing to work hard obviously, because to be a part of this industry is a gift. It’s hard work. I think it’s something that we shouldn’t just invite anybody to because we work hard, and we want people that respect the business and that’s going to go out there and put their best foot out as well and hold these secrets.”


‘Royal Rules of Ohio’ – Ghanaian Royalty Navigates Life in America


Freeform’s newest docuseries, “Royal Rules of Ohio,” offers an intimate look into the lives of the Agyekum sisters, three royal descendants from Ghana navigating their 20s in Columbus, Ohio.

The series captures the unique journey of Brenda, Nana, and Thelma Agyekum as they blend their rich cultural heritage with the challenges of modern American life.

“We are just trying to figure out life, love, and all these royal rules, but we cannot risk ruining the family name,” explains Brenda Agyekum. Roughly 25 years ago, the Agyekum family moved from Ghana to Ohio, bringing with them traditions and expectations of royal behavior. Brenda, the eldest sister, adds, “My sisters and I are trying to figure out these royal rules.”

Nana Agyekum, the middle sister, balances respect for their heritage with the desire to carve out her own path. “We play by our parents’ rules because the culture has really instilled in us how to navigate this world,” Nana says. “But also, we’re kind of creating our own rules. We are in our 20s. This is the time you’re supposed to discover what you like, and what you dislike.”

The youngest sister, Thelma, brings a bold vision and enthusiasm to the series. “The world isn’t ready for the Agyekums,” she told Chicago’s ABC7. “We’re taking over the world. I feel like it’s something the world hasn’t even seen yet, so they need to be prepared.”

“Royal Rules of Ohio” promises a mix of family drama, cultural insights, and comedic moments. “You can expect to see so much stuff, from family drama to betrayal. You will also see our Ghanaian culture,” Brenda reveals. The sisters assure viewers that their family’s dynamic and comedic moments will keep them entertained. “I think our family is just comedy,” Brenda laughs. “Viewers are going to love how funny we are.”

Beyond the family dynamics, the docuseries offers a fresh perspective on life in Columbus. “We show Ohio like it’s never been seen before,” says Thelma. The series captures the vibrant multicultural landscape of the state capital through the unique experiences and perspectives of the Agyekum sisters.

“Royal Rules of Ohio” premiered Wednesday on Freeform but will also be available for streaming on Hulu. This groundbreaking series invites viewers into the world of Ghanaian royalty in America, showcasing their journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and family bonds in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening.


Louis Farrakhan Once Called Kendrick Lamar ‘The Boss’ and Endorsed His ‘Cultural Revolution’

*As the dust tries to settle on the recent heated hip-hop beef between Kendrick Lamar and Toronto native Drake, the social users, on the other hand, are determined to raise more dust. They — possibly Lamar’s fans on social media — went digging and unearthed something they consider juicy and strong enough to add points to Lamar: kind, encouraging mention by the Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

The mention is actually from an old clip of one of Louis Farrakhan’s sermons, which is now circulating online and gathering more views. At some point during the sermon, Kendrick Lamar is mentioned in the conversation.

“To our community, to our cultural giants, say what you feel. Put it out there with strength. They allowed you to call your women b***hes and wh***s, now put it out there that you love yourself…we’ll back you up,” says the minister who adds: “Kendrick Lamar, set a new standard. He freed rappers to come on up. He’s the boss…the cultural revolution is on!”

That he called Lamar, a Compton native, by name tells a lot. This is an old clip made likely somewhere in 2017, which means Louis Farrakhan made the above statements before the recent beef between Lamar and Drake started. But for Lamar’s fans, the endorsement might as well mean that Farrakhan is siding with Lamar against Drake.

So far, neither Lamar nor the minister have commented on the clip. But even in his silence, it’s easy to guess what Lamar is thinking about it. He can only be glad it was dug out around this time.

Lamar and Farrakhan met probably for the first time in 2017, at least publicly. At that time, their meeting made headlines after the spiritual leader himself took to social media to talk about it, according to theJasmineBrand.

He shared images with the caption: “I was very honored to meet and talk with my powerful brother and Hip-Hop artist Kendrick Lamar. The Cultural Revolution is On.”

As far as the beef goes, Lamar has always been on the offensive even before it blew into this. In the past, he would criticize Drake’s negative influence on the Black culture, even accusing him of not respecting or liking Black women in the song “Meet the Grahams.”