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Pictured Above: Chris Rock (left) and brother Tony Rock (right) during a CW Launch Party - Inside at WB Main Lot in Burbank, California, United States. (Photo by Chris Polk/FilmMagic).
Comedian Tony Rock blasted Will Smith onstage at a comedy gig on Friday night (1st April 2022) for his viral slap of his brother Chris Rock at the Oscars last weekend. Tony, who is one of Chris' younger brothers, performed standup at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina as part of his “No Remorse” comedy tour.
In a video shared to social media, Tony lashes out at Smith for storming the stage and slapping Chris, taunting him, “If you think you gonna walk up on this stage, this ain’t the motherf##king Oscars!” He continued, “And if you walk your a## up here, you ain’t nominated for s##t but these motherf##king hands! Oh, we going to pop the rest of the year. Every time you see me do a show, pop!”
Tony went on to say he “didn't want to start the show like that!” adding, “You gonna hit my motherf##king brother because your b###h gave you a side-eye?”
Tony, 47, went on to note that there's “a lot of Rock brothers.” Chris, 57, is the oldest of seven (7) siblings. His brothers include Tony, Andre, Brian, Kenny, and Jordan, and he has a sister named Andi. The comedian's half-brother, Charles, died in 2006. Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
[Source: Fox News]
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After slapping presenter Chris Rock on stage at last weekend's Academy Awards, Will Smith announced in a statement Friday (1st April 2022) that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Smith said on Friday, “I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.” He also stated, “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.” Smith willingly resigning from the acclaimed organization of movie stars, directors and producers means he will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances each year. His work, however, will still be eligible for future Oscars consideration and nominations. His resignation comes after the Academy announced on Wednesday (30th March 2022) that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith. President of the Academy, David Rubin, said in a statement Friday that the organization has received and accepted Smith's “immediate resignation.” He said, “We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.” Disciplinary actions by the Academy include suspension or expulsion, along with “other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct,” the organization said. Read Smith’s full statement below: “I have directly responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.” This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: CNN]
UPDATE: According to TMZ, two (2) Academy Officials told Will Smith to leave the Oscars — David Rubin, the President of the Academy, and Dawn Hudson, the CEO. TMZ was told they were “furious” at Smith, and there was plenty of “yelling” and “heated conversations” backstage with his reps after the incident. As one source put it, the Academy Officials were “apoplectic.” TMZ was also told they told Smith to leave shortly after the slap. Will Smith is facing possible suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions under the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, according to the statement issued after a meeting of the Board of Governors on Wednesday (30th March 2022). The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said it has begun “disciplinary proceedings” against Smith after he shockingly slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars on Sunday night (27th March 2022). Officers of the organization’s Board of Governors held an emergency meeting a day after the viral incident. The statement on Wednesday from the Academy said, “The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.” Smith will receive fifteen (15) days’ notice of a vote as well as an opportunity to be heard by written response, and at the next Board meeting scheduled for 18th April 2022, the Academy may take action that could include “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.” In their statement, the Academy also revealed that said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony, but he refused. The Academy also apologized directly to Rock in the statement, as well as nominees, guests and viewers. According to reports, the majority of Board members feel Smith should, at the very least, have his membership suspended and that he should not be back at the ceremony next year to carry out the ceremonial tradition, whereby the previous year’s Best Actor presents the Best Actress award on stage. Following many condemnations of his actions on Sunday night, including from the Academy itself, Smith took to Instagram on Monday (28th March 2022) to apologize to Rock. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.” Rock has yet to make a public statement on the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that the comedian declined to press charges against Smith. See the full statement below from the Academy on Wednesday: The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
Beloved Soca Artiste, Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart, passed away on Monday (28th March 2022) at age fifty-nine (59), following his battle with COVID-19. Blaxx was the leader of D' All Starz Band and was also an International Soca Monarch (ISM) finalist multiple times. News of his death was announced by D' All Starz Band.
Blaxx recently revealed he was battling with various health issues, including with his lungs and kidneys in 2020, for which he was hospitalized, but later recovered. He was a long-standing member of the band Roy Cape All Stars and also of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and Blue Ventures. His last management team was Richard Gordon, Giselle Gellineau-Penrose and Kevin Stephen. Within minutes of the tragic news on Monday, fans began to express their sadness on social media and other platforms, including many in the music fraternity and in politics. His many hits included 2008’s Breathless, 2011’s Tanti Woi, 2013’s Leh Go, 2018’s Hulk and 2019’s Gyal Owner.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) shared condolences from Prime Minister Keith Rowley on Monday. The Prime Minister said, “Dexter 'Blaxx' Stewart has been a regular talented exponent of the happy musical culture of Trinidad and Tobago. His contributions were eagerly awaited each year and appreciated by hordes of adoring fans. He will be sorely missed.”
Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, also offered his condolences on social media.
Band members of D'All Starz said he mentored a lot of young artistes, such as Voice, Preedy, Olatunji, Destra, St. Lucia's Teddyson John and Grenada's V'ghn. He would often refer to his young proteges as his soca children.
On his Facebook page, Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons said the news was very sad for him. Nikki Crosby posted on her page that Blaxx always supported the kids at Nikkiland and never missed a year. She also posted several broken heart emojis. Devon “Lyrikal” Martin posted on Facebook that Blaxx was a father, friend and a legend in soca. “Thank you for all of your great contributions, your passion…Your love for our culture was admirable and your music and legacy shall live on and on forever!!! Can’t forget to mention the great advice and honesty that you gave me and every other artiste…Thank you Brother,” he said. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said in a release that it was saddened to lose one of TT’s finest Soca artistes and cultural icons. “Blaxx was truly a lover of his culture and his country and was proud to fly the flag of TT wherever he performed. His dynamic stage presence, infectious music and his dedication to the soca artform will certainly not be forgotten,” it said. The Ministry sent its condolences to his family and friends. On her Facebook page, Nailah Blackman said her heart was saddened to say “Rest In Peace” to a Soca legend. Blaxx was a good friend of her family and a great artiste, she said. She added that he will be dearly missed. Rapso band 3canal thanked Blaxx for the music, saying his work was over but his music will live on. Meanwhile, Soca artiste Melly Rose, in a phone interview, said she hopes Blaxx’s legacy will live on and that he was a great human being.
[Source: Newsday]
A day after the hard slap was heard and seen around the world, Will Smith has apologized directly to Chris Rock via an Instagram post, saying slapping Chris was “unacceptable and inexcusable.” Will did not apologize to Chris on Sunday night (27th March 2022) during his Best Actor acceptance speech. However, the famous actor is now acknowledging that, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.” His apology comes hours after The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it has launched a formal review following Will’s shocking assault on Chris during the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night. Read Will’s full apology below: Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a formal review following Will Smith’s shocking assault on Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night (27th March 2022). The Academy initially said it condemned violence without mentioning Smith by name, but now it is making its displeasure over the incident more explicit. A Spokesperson for the organization said on Monday, “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.” From the new statement, it appears that Smith may face some type of disciplinary action or sanction — but will he be made to forfeit his ‘Best Actor’ Academy Award win from last night? Although unlikely, only time will tell what consequences will be faced by Smith. In its official Standards of Conduct, the Academy states it is “categorically opposed to any form of abuse.” This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: Variety]
UPDATE: Chris Rock will not be pressing charges against Will Smith following their onstage altercation at this year's Oscars, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has said.
The LAPD released a statement to media outlets, saying, “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a Police report. If the involved party desires a Police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
Chris Rock was up on stage on Sunday night (27th March 2022) to present the Academy Award for ‘Best Documentary,’ but before he started naming the nominees, he made several jokes to the crowd, and eventually turned to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, who were both seated in the audience.
Chris commented on Jada's shaved head, saying, “Jada, I love you: ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it” — which led to an immediate eye-roll from Jada and got the attention of Will. The crowd also didn’t sound particularly pleased by the joke. However, Chris shrugged it off and attempted to continue with the show. Jada has been very public with her Alopecia diagnosis in the past, which leads to her struggles with hair loss. Seconds later, Will stormed the stage and landed a solid slap on Chris, who thought the actor was jokingly coming up to confront him. It was, however, no laughing matter for Will. A stunned Chris exclaimed, "Wow. Will Smith just smacked the s*** outta me." The American broadcast on ABC muted, and even froze, but in other countries it continued, with Will shouting to Chris, “Keep my wife's name out your f****** mouth!” after he sat back down. Chris responded, “Wow, dude. It was a ‘G.I. Jane’ joke.” “Keep my wife’s name out your f****** mouth!” Smith shouted louder. “I’m going to. Okay?” Chris said, shaking his head. “Okay.” Chris eventually gained his composure again and carried on with handing out the Oscar, but the room was left tense with a sense of unease. Watch the entire uncensored version of the shocking incident below.
Several moments after the onstage incident, reporters in attendance at the show started tweeting that Denzel Washington, as well as Tyler Perry, were seen talking to the flustered couple.
Will, who played Richard Williams (the father of tennis prodigies Venus and Serena) in the biopic “King Richard,” appeared onstage about forty (40) minutes later to accept his prize for Best Actor.
Crying throughout his acceptance speech, in which he didn’t reference Chris directly, Will apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and his fellow nominees for the disruption. “I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams,” Smith said, possibly trying to lighten the mood of the still shocked audience. “But love will make you do crazy things.”
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
[Source: TMZ]
Pictured Above: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in Harlem, New York. Credit: Diggzy/Shutterstock. Rihanna revealed on Monday morning (31st January 2022) that she is expecting her first child with rapper A$AP Rocky. In a series of photos, the couple can be seen strolling in Harlem, New York (A$AP’s hometown), with Rihanna’s baby bump on full display.
Rihanna’s well-suited outfit for the big reveal included a gold cross with jewels resting on her baby bump. The couple were not outside for long due to the chilly weather. They were seen heading back to their apartment afterwards. Rihanna and A$AP started dating at the end of 2020 and have been inseparable ever since. They were friends for several years prior to that. Congrats to the happy couple! Following months of uncertainty, Government has finally given its approval for a limited version of Carnival 2022, where Safe Zone events only are to be held. The decision came after months of consultations with various stakeholders. In a Media Release on Wednesday evening (19th January 2022), the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said only concert-type events would be allowed. These would include soca and calypso concerts; calypso tents; soca, calypso, extempo and chutney competitions; steelband concerts; Carnival King and Queen shows; and Carnival theatre. However, no fetes or parties will be allowed because of the risk of increased spread of the COVID-19 virus. Starting in October 2021, the Ministry said it began a process of consultation with stakeholders through regular stakeholder meetings, surveys, and focus groups to determine among other things, the safe re-opening of the events sector and what Carnival 2022 could look like in light of event sectors in parts of North America opening up and hosting events within a set health protocol framework. The stakeholders at these meetings included, among others, the National Carnival Commission, TUCO, Pan Trinbago, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association, representatives of the Chutney Soca fraternity, Trinidad and Tobago Promoter's Association, Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, iGovtt, the Ministry of National Security, the Tobago Festivals Commission, and Corporate Trinidad and Tobago. Following several rounds of discussions, the submission of proposals by the various stakeholders, and the receipt of survey responses to the Ministry's circulated survey instrument, the Ministry said “most stakeholders were in agreement that it would be inadvisable and irresponsible to attempt to host Carnival in the way we are accustomed to with a parade of the bands and open events in light of the ongoing Pandemic.” Stakeholders suggested and agreed with the hosting of limited Carnival activities and events, with the following conditions:
Subsequent to this, the Ministry notes that Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced on 25th November 2021 that Carnival will be held in 2022, albeit in a limited fashion. The Ministry explained, “Further consultations were held with the Carnival stakeholders and comments were requested and received from the Ministry of Health, giving a better understanding of the level of vaccination, infections, and hospitalisations (actual and projected) so as to assist in determining the types of events that were possible, particularly given the prevailing public health challenges locally and worldwide.” DECISION The Ministry states that, “In light of the decision indicated by the Honourable Prime Minister, Carnival 2022 events will be on a limited basis and fall within the current Public Health Regulations. Carnival activities during the Carnival period in 2022 will be Safe Zone-type activities at Safe Zone venues for vaccinated persons only.” Further, the Ministry adds that, “These Safe Zone-type events will be limited to 50% capacity, with controlled entry and exit points and sanitization upon entry in accordance with the Public health Regulations. Events will take the form of concert type shows such as soca and calypso concerts, calypso tents, soca, calypso, extempo and chutney competitions, steelband concerts, Carnival King and Queen shows, and Carnival theatre.” Following public health guidance and regulations, the Ministry emphasizes that fetes, parties and similar type of events by any other name will not be allowed on account of the nature of those activities and the risk they pose to the increased spread of the COVID-19 virus. “While PCR testing of patrons was considered as a form of risk mitigation, it was not deemed realistic as the cost per test per patron would be uneconomical. All performance spaces will be made available for booking events at very affordable rates.” MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS The Ministry said on Wednesday (19th January 2022), “another Carnival Working Group meeting was convened to determine the specific events that will be held and a calendar of events is being developed that would not run afoul of the current Public Health Regulations. Another focus of the meeting was to gauge the level of financial assistance that the NCC and other stakeholders would be require to support the planned events since the usual level of appropriation was not made in the Appropriation Act 2022.” The Media Release added, “While we understand that the wait on a firm position for hosting the festival has caused some anxiety among stakeholders, there had to be careful and measured consideration given to vaccination rates, health sector capacity and current rates of infection and mortality. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts is optimistic with the cautious re-opening of the entertainment and events sector, but is also deeply concerned with the deadly effects of the COVID-19 virus.” Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said, "This move represents a first step in restarting the events sector. Given the economic importance of Carnival, we felt it was necessary to consider what was possible, and what events can be had safely. We look forward to the development of a calendar of events and its subsequent marketing so that we can all have a safe taste of the Carnival that is truly a part of all of us." Minister Mitchell continued, "While we remain committed to safely restarting the events and entertainment sector, we must consider the global scenario which is that Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the world, are in the midst of a global Pandemic which continues to evolve with new variants being detected, causing health organizations worldwide to quickly adapt and change strategies." The Ministry said it will continue facilitating open dialogue among the cultural stakeholders to facilitate a safe and successful return to full events. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
UPDATE 3: In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the Saget family said, “We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today. He was everything to us and we want you to know how much he loved his fans, performing live and bringing people from all walks of life together with laughter. Though we ask for privacy at this time, we invite you to join us in remembering the love and laughter that Bob brought to the world.”
UPDATE 2: Tributes for Bob Saget have started coming in from celebrities, including several from his “Full House” co-stars.
UPDATE: The Orange County Sheriff's Office says Saget’s death appears to be a mystery to them as so far, there are no signs of any red flags at the scene. "On arrival, [Deputies] located a man who was unresponsive in a hotel room. The man, identified as Robert Lane Saget, (DOB: 5/17/1956), was pronounced deceased on scene. We have no information on cause of death, and Detectives have found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case. This is all the information we have for release at this time and we do not anticipate further updates."
The Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final call on the cause and manner of death.
Bob Saget, most famous for his starring role as Danny Tanner on “Full House,” has died at the age of sixty-five (65). He passed away on Sunday (9th January 2022) at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida.
According to TMZ, the Sheriff's Department and the Fire Department responded to the Hotel around 4pm ET after Hotel Security found Saget unresponsive in his room. He was pronounced dead on the scene, but the circumstances of his death are still unclear. Saget played the patriarch on the hit ABC sitcom for almost ten (10) years, landing the lead star role in 1987 and finishing out its first iteration in 1995 — opposite stars John Stamos, Dave Coulier and his TV daughters, Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin as well as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who swapped the duties of portraying Michelle. He later reprised his role in 2016 for Netflix's reboot of the franchise, “Fuller House,” which ran for four (4) years and ended in 2020. In addition to performing stand-up comedy and his “Full House” fame, Saget will also be remembered for hosting “America's Funniest Home Videos,” from 1989 to 1997, running concurrently with his time/tone on “Full House.” Saget’s other notable acting credits include a recurring role on “Entourage,” in which he played a zany version of himself, the narrator's voice of “How I Met Your Mother,” another sitcom he starred in called “Raising Dad,” one of the penguins in “Farce of the Penguins,” the lead in “Surviving Suburbia,” and a standout cameo in “Half Baked” as a recovering crack head, among many, many other appearances on film and television over the years. Saget is survived by his wife, Kelly Rizzo, and three (3) children. R.I.P.
[Source: TMZ]
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