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14 Oct 2024

Chris Brown’s South Africa Concert Faces Backlash With Petition to Ban Him Getting 28,000+ Signatures

Chris Brown’s headed to South African for a pair of concerts in December, but a women’s rights advocacy group has launched a petition seeking to ban him from taking the stage due to his history of alleged abuse.

Women for Change started a petition Oct. 2 on Change.org that boasts more than 28,000 signatures as of press time, hoping to stop Brown — who pleaded guilty in 2009 to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, and was sentenced to probation and community labor — from performing in South Africa, which the BBC reports has a long history of abuse and one of the “highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence in the world.” According to the petition, the group wants the promoters, the South African government and organizers to “reconsider” allowing the artist to perform at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium in mid December.

“His concert is scheduled just days after the global commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, making this event a direct insult to the millions of women and girls affected by violence in South Africa and worldwide,” reads the petition.

“When I saw the news that Chris Brown was coming to South Africa, I was shocked and deeply disappointed,” Women for Change executive director Sabina Walter told the BBC. “The petition was started to send a strong message that we will not tolerate the celebration of individuals with a history of violence against women.”

She continued: “When someone like Chris Brown is given a platform in a country where GBV is at crisis levels, it sends a damaging message — that fame and power outweigh accountability.”

Billboard has reached out to Brown for comment.

The fan demand for Brown’s initial concert at FNB Stadium was so overwhelming — tickets sold out in under two hours — that a second show was added at the 94,000-capacity stadium.

Brown has faced issues for performing in the past due to his legal history in countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia and more. The pair of South Africa shows are currently set for Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.

A documentary surrounding Chris Brown’s alleged history of abuse is coming to the Investigation Discovery network later this month. Chris Brown: A History of Violence will land on ID on Oct. 27 as part of the network’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign, which will further explore his legal issues. The doc features an unidentified victim who is coming forward to tell her story of alleged abuse from Brown for the first time.

14 Oct 2024

Kamala Harris Slams Donald Trump For No Medical Records Release

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Donald Trump Holds Presidential Campaign Rally In Reno, Nevada

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Kamala Harris attacked Donald Trump for his refusal to release his medical records, as Republican politicians tried to cover for him.

With the presidential elections taking place 23 days from now, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is on the offensive. She called out former President Donald Trump for declining to release his medical records, which is customary for those running to be president. “He refuses to release his medical records. He is unwilling to do a 60 Minutes interview. He is unwilling to meet for a second debate,” Harris said at a campaign rally in North Carolina over the weekend. “Why does his staff want him to hide away? Are they afraid that people will see he is too weak and unstable to lead America?”

Vice President Harris’ medical records were publicized by the White House on Saturday (October 12), marking the first time that has taken place. “Harris remains in excellent health,” her doctor, Joshua Simmons, wrote in the release. “She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”

In the past few weeks, Trump has come under scrutiny over his age and mental acuity, evidenced by rally speeches mixed with vitriol and rambling rants. At 78, he’s currently the oldest presidential nominee. Similar charges about age were levied against President Joe Biden, forcing him to drop out of the race and endorse Harris as the nominee. Trump promised to release his medical history in August, but this has not happened.

Republican supporters and politicians have worked to protect Trump amid this new situation. Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung pointed the press to statements regarding his health dating back to last November. House Majority Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Harris as “desperate” during an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press on Sunday (October 13). “The American people don’t care about the cholesterol level of Donald Trump,” he added. “The medical records are irrelevant.” 

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14 Oct 2024

Kanye West Accused Of Drugging & Sexually Assaulting Assistant During Diddy Studio Session

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The Los Angeles Mission's Annual Thanksgiving Event

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This past Summer, Kanye West was slapped with a lawsuit by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, for sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Now, Pisciotta has added another eyebrow-raising accusation to her original suit.

According to PEOPLE, Lauren Pisciotta has amended her original lawsuit and is now alleging that Kanye West once drugged her during a studio session in Santa Monica, Calif., with none other than Diddy, and proceeded to sexually assault her in said session. The amendment comes weeks after it was said that Diddy would serve his guests laced drinks before allegedly sexually abusing his victims. We’re not sure if the news jogged her memory or what, but Pisciotta is claiming that Ye and Diddy preyed on her before she ultimately ended up working for Kanye in 2021.

Though Pisciotta says Diddy was a part of the studio session where everyone was basically forced to drink up if they “wanted to stay,” she doesn’t accuse the embattled music icon of any wrongdoing.

PEOPLE reports:

The filing further alleges that Pisciotta’s drink — allegedly served to her by a studio assistant at the request of West — was “laced with an unidentifiable drug,” before she felt disoriented after “a few small sips.”

“As plaintiff began to slip into an altered and heavily impaired state, she felt less in control of her body and speech, and that is where plaintiff’s memories of that night escape her,” the complaint reads.

According to the filing, Pisciotta woke up the following day “feeling physically ill and confused” and felt “immense and embarrassment” for not being able to recall what happened after she had the drink, according to the filing.

For years, West’s former assistant thought she got roofied and made a fool of herself at a work event. Much later — after West hired Pisciotta to serve as an assistant and Chief of Staff and do A&R for him — she says the rapper allegedly brought up the night in question for the first time. During the conversation, West told Pisciotta that they “did kind of hook up a little one time,” referring to the evening in the Santa Monica studio where the alleged assault took place.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Pisciotta also recalled how Kanye West basically barged into her hotel room at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco at 6 a.m. claiming that he needed to use her shower as his was “out of order.” Once he was in Kanye allegedly “dropped” his towel and attempted to “forcefully thrust his naked body onto and penis into Plaintiff’s face” and “ignored her pleas to stop.” Per the complaint, West “swiftly left” after saying “sorry” and “went about his day as normal.”

This is the same guy who dropped an album named Jesus Is King?? Christ on crutches!

A lawyer for Kanye West did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment about the story.

What do y’all think about this latest development in Lauren Pisciotta’s lawsuit against Kanye West? Let us know in the comments section below.

14 Oct 2024

#IndigenousPeoplesDay: X Acknowledges Indigenous Peoples Day As Only It Can

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Indigenous Peoples' Day. Native American Day. American Indian culture. Heritage Month. Celebrate annual in United States. Tradition pattern. Poster, card, banner and background. Vector illustration

Indigenous Peoples Day began as a counter to the United States federal holiday of Columbus Day to honor and celebrate Indigenous American peoples and is now an official holiday in some cities and states. Annually on X, Indigenous Peoples Day trends with many on the social media platform showing their support and recognition by sharing history, small factoids, memes, and more.

Here is a brief explainer from History.com:

For the fourth year in a row, the United States will officially observe Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. In 2024, the holiday falls on Monday, October 14.

While the Joe Biden administration has officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2021, it is not yet a federal holiday. More than a dozen states recognize some version of the holiday in place of Columbus Day. Some states and cities, however, still celebrate Columbus Day or Italian Heritage Day. Across the US, 17 states, including Washington, South Dakota and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C., have holidays honoring Indigenous communities. Dozens of cities and school systems observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as well.

There has been some effort to formally designate Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday. The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act, reintroduced in Congress on October 2, 2023, would designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day nationwide.

Columbus Day is named after Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who sailed to the Americas and came across several Indigenous groups during his travels. Often credited for discovering the Americas, most view Columbus as a symbol of the harm caused by European colonization in the Americas and Caribbean region.

On X, that sentiment is shared time and again and we’ve got several replies from X listed below.

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Photo: Getty

14 Oct 2024

Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘In Her Words’ Documentary Is Coming to Screens Soon

Megan Thee Stallion’s Hotties will have another reason to celebrate Hottieween this spooky season. Amazon MGM Studios announced on Monday (Oct. 14) that the feature length documentary Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words documentary will be released on Amazon’s Prime Video on Oct. 31.

In Her Words will offer fans “unprecedented” behind-the-scenes access into the “woman behind the persona,” according to the press release. The doc is set to delve into Meg’s most vulnerable moments as she navigates life as a superstar rapper.

TIME Studios, Roc Nation and Amazon MGM Studios are onboard collectively to produce the documentary surrounding the Grammy Award winner.

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“I feel so honored to work with Amazon MGM Studios, Roc Nation, and TIME Studios to share Megan’s story,” director Nneka Onuorah said in a statement. “Her raw and beautiful spirit really shines through in the film. She is a champion for all women who deserve their truth to be heard.”

In Her Words was originally announced in May 2022, and about two-and-a-half years later, the documentary will land on Prime Video on Halloween.

“We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan’s story with the world,” TIMES Studios’ Loren Hammonds said at the time. “Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series will give her a chance to share her truth as never before. Her story is a powerful one, and the accomplishments that she continues to achieve are remarkable. We feel lucky to have this opportunity to capture her at a crucial moment in her life and career, as she continues to grow exponentially in both her artistry and global impact.”

It’s a busy spooky season for Megan Thee Stallion. In addition to the doc’s upcoming arrival, the 29-year-old will hit the stage for 2024’s Hottieween at Chicago’s United Center on Oct. 31 in an event she’s promising will be “bigger than ever.”

Tickets for the Halloween show sold out on Friday (Oct. 11); all proceeds will be going toward supporting Megan’s Pete and Thomas Foundation.

Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words

Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words

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14 Oct 2024

Atlanta Radio Legend Wanda Smith Passes Away At 58, X Gives Her The Flowers She Deserves

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Both comedy and radio lost a giant with Wanda Smith’s passing over the weekend. She was only 58.

The popular Atlanta radio personality passed away on Saturday, a d day after celebrating her 58th birthday. Wanda Smith was a beloved figure in ATL during her more than two decades in the radio business.

Atlanta’s V-103 radio’s Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Rick Caffey, announced the sad news in an Instagram post, writing, “Our hearts are weighing heavier today as we grieve the loss of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who always made us smile and who was a big part of V-103 for years. We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to her family.”

Per FOX 5 Atlanta, Smith began hosting the Frank and Wanda in the Morning show in 1998 for V-103, previously known as WVEE-FM. She held that position for over two decades before being let go in 2019.

According to the Atlanta-Constitution Journal, her only year off was in 2013; she returned to co-host alongside Ryan Cameron the following year.

Smith also gained prominence as a comedian. She wrote for the Def Comedy Jam TV series and BET’s Comicview and had weekly comedy sets at the Atlanta Comedy Theater.

She also appeared in Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail and Madea’s Witness Protection.

Wanda Smith Was More Than Her Viral Moment With Katt Williams

For those who didn’t know Smith, she came across your social media timelines because of her interview with Katt Williams, which featured a testy exchange between the two comedians.

Fans took to social media to give Smith flowers and remind the world that she was much more than the Katt Williams moment; she was a legend.

“I think it’s totally fucked that Wanda Smith died and all people can do is talk about her interview with Katt Williams and how he roasted her. Disrespectful,” a user on X, formerly Twitter wrote. 

Another user wrote, “please don’t diminish Wanda Smith’s LENGTHY career to THAT moment, she is a radio icon and always will be.”

Facts.

Her cause of death has not been revealed, she leaves behind her husband LaMorris Sellers and her three children

You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

1. Thoughts from her cohost Frank Ski

2. He definitely should, sicne he does like to talk.

14 Oct 2024

Everything We Learned About Viña Del Mar at Billboard Latin Music Week 2024

Billboard Latin Music Week kicked off Monday (Oct. 14) at the Fillmore Miami Beach with back-to-back business panels, one of which was “The Power of Viña” presented by Viña del Mar. 

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Moderated by Alfredo Alonso, director of entertainment, Bizzarro Live/producer of the Viña Del Mar Festival, the 15-minute panel revealed how the Chilean event became a must-stop for all major Latin acts, and how you can score an invitation to perform. 

Below, learn more about the festival that is celebrating more than 64 years and has served as an important platform in the earlier years of some of the biggest Latin and international acts, such as Julio Iglesias, Luis Miguel, Shakira and The Police, to name a few.

What Is Viña del Mar?

“In the ’60s, it started as a competition to pick the most important song at the time. As the years went by, it became a big platform for artist exposure, and the competition became more and more relevant,” Alonso said. The format is a six-day live event that lasts five hours each night and includes music, competition and humor. “The stress and excitement that comes with this festival is huge,” he noted.

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How to Be a Part of the Festival

It’s important that you achieve a connection with an audience by having them know your name, know your music, and know your image. Any artist or composer can be part of the festival if they have an unreleased song, and they can submit their song in the folk section and represent their country. For example, Shakira participated in 1994 and represented Colombia. You can also be invited as an emerging artist (either as an opening or closing act), or you can form part of the jury. 

The Monster

“El Monstruo” is the name given to the passionate Viña del Mar audience — one of the most demanding and ruthless audiences in entertainment that’s critical and not easily impressed. From comedians to artists, everyone faces the challenge of conquering the monster and few have been able to leave their mark on Vina.

Over the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become the foundation of Latin music in this country, becoming the single most important — and biggest — gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Initially named Latin Music Seminar, sponsored by Billboard, the event traces back to 1990, where it kicked off as a one-day event in Miami featuring a two-artist showcase and awards show.

Throughout the years, it has taken place in Miami, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, returning to Miami Beach for a fourth consecutive year in 2024, and has welcomed some of the biggest Latin acts including Celia Cruz, Selena, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Jenni Rivera, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and Romeo Santos. Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.

14 Oct 2024

Sabrina Carpenter Reacts to Ariana Grande’s Hilarious Pitch-Imperfect ‘Espresso’ Spoof on ‘SNL’

Ariana Grande was working late on Saturday Night Live this weekend, ’cause she’s a singer — not that you would’ve been able to tell from her hilarious spoof of Sabrina Carpenter‘s “Espresso” during the live comedy show Saturday (Oct. 12).

And one day after the sketch — which featured the Wicked star stumbling through parody lyrics set to the tune of the summer smash as part of an awkward bridesmaid tribute — the “Please Please Please” musician shared her reaction. “Very nice and on pitch,” Carpenter sarcastically joked on her Instagram Story, reposting a clip of the skit and adding a couple heart emojis.

The Girl Meets World alum also tagged Grande and the SNL cast members who played bridesmaids alongside the “We Can’t Be Friends” artist in the wedding reception-themed sketch: Heidi Gardner, Sarah Sherman and Ego Nwodim. While toasting a bride played by Chloe Fineman in front of her groom, played by Andrew Dismukes, the quartet reveals through their rendition of “Espresso” that their bachelorette party trip wasn’t exactly innocent. 

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“Now we’re back in the house in the hot tub/ She’s there with Domingo,” the bridesmaids sing to the chorus melody of Carpenter’s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit as Dismukes watches in horror. “Asks us to leave, get a hotel/ She’s vibing with Domingo.”

Sharing the “Feather” singer’s appraisal on her own Instagram Story, Grande replied, “tysm we tried.”

The “Espresso” skit was just one of several hilarious moments in the Grande-hosted episode Saturday. Though she made a concerted effort not to show off her usually fabulous vocals in the bridesmaid toast, the three-time Grammy winner did get to put her talents to use in a couple other scenes — despite Stevie Nicks appearing as musical guest instead of her.

In her opening monologue, for instance, Grande belted out a few runs in front of a kick line moments after pledging to keep her appearance on the show low-key. Elsewhere, the pop star impersonated Celine Dion, sang an ode to the singular scent of one’s best friend’s house and flexed her opera chops while portraying a young Italian music prodigy named Antonio.

Grande’s second time hosting comes eight years after she first led the show in 2016, and seven months after she appeared as musical guest earlier this year to perform tracks from her Billboard 200-topping album Eternal Sunshine. In May, Carpenter made her SNL debut, singing “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” on the Jake Gyllenhaal-hosted program.  

Watch Grande’s “Espresso” spoof on SNL below.

14 Oct 2024

Flat Earth Enthusiast Lord Jamar Continues Attacks On Vice President Kamala Harris’ Blackness

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Lord Jamar has largely shifted his focus from music and other creative endeavors to becoming a commentator known for his strong and sometimes controversial opinions. A new clip featuring Lord Jamar is going viral with the Brand Nubian star aiming sharp words toward Vice President Kamala Harris and once again attacking the validity of her Blackness.

Lord Jamar sat down with The Art of Dialogue and delivered his thoughts on a bevy of topics including Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, and more. In the clips that have been published on The Art of Dialogue’s YouTube page, it’s clear that Jamar is not going to bite his tongue. In one clip, Jamar is seen defending presidential hopeful Donald Trump and claims that the former president is not a racist.

In a clip that is currently going viral on social media was Jamar’s assertion that Black men are abandoning Trump for Vice President Kamala Harris, who Jamar says is not a Black woman despite having a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. Supporting many of the conservative and MAGA media talking points, Jamar says that several Black men and women will not support her with their vote.

Further, Jamar, who also referred to Harris using the “b-word,” says he believes that he and other Black voters are being bullied into casting their ballots for Harris, who is recognized as both the first Black and first Indian Vice President of the United States.

The quip from Lord Jamar is making its rounds on X, formerly Twitter, and he had several people cosign his stances regarding Vice President Kamala Harris.

We’ve got reactions from X listed below.

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Photo: Getty

14 Oct 2024

How Can Artists Collect Royalties? What We Learned at Billboard Latin Music Week 2024

Billboard Latin Music Week kicked off Monday (Oct. 14) morning at Fillmore Miami Beach with a 15-minute crash course on how artists can collect their royalties. In a panel called “Global Wealth: How to Collect Your Neighboring Rights Around the World,” speaker Fernando Prados, members area manager of AIE, revealed information on the topic. 

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“AIE collects the neighboring rights of its members in 59 countries and it helps the reputation and recognition of the musical work,” he said. 

“Neighboring rights” is the term used to refer to the public performance rights associated with a sound recording, which generates public performance royalties for artists and the sound recording copyright owner(s).

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Prados explained that the beneficiaries are “artists on the recording of songs that are hits, as well as the main musicians who formed part of the session.” He also emphasized that “the role of producer does not apply to the rights, only if the producer is featured as an artist.” It’s also possible to do a joint venture with the owners of the master, for example Warner Music. 

At the end of the panel, he also encouraged all the artists at Latin Music Week to continue making music because “the repertoire doesn’t generate much at first, but it’s important to have it for when you get that hit.”

Over the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become a steady foundation of Latin music in this country, becoming the single most important — and biggest — gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Initially named Latin Music Seminar, sponsored by Billboard, the event traces back to 1990, when it kicked off as a one-day event in Miami, featuring a two-artist showcase and awards show.

Throughout the years, it has taken place in Miami, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, returning to Miami Beach for a fourth consecutive year in 2024, and has welcomed some of the biggest Latin acts, including Celia Cruz, Selena, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Jenni Rivera, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Bad Bunny and Romeo Santos. Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.