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Following a Donald Trump rally at Madison Square Garden over the weekend that included racist and derogatory comments about Latinos, Puerto Rico and others, a representative for the Manhattan arena distanced itself from highly publicized remarks but stopped short of condemning the comments.
“As a business we are neutral in political matters,” the rep says in a statement provided to Billboard. “We rent to either side. We don’t censor artists, performers or speakers.”
The statement follows an appearance at the rally by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, whose 12-minute address involved a series of disparaging remarks about Palestinians, Jewish people, Latinos, major musical stars and more.
“These Latinos, they love making babies, just know that. They do. There’s no pulling out. They don’t do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country,” said Hinchcliffe, host of the popular live comedy podcast Kill Tony. He followed that statement by saying, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
This latter statement garnered swift and widespread backlash, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris quickly releasing a video pledging to do her best for the citizens of the island. Harris’ video was boosted by myriad Puerto Rican artists including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Luis Fonsi.
On Monday (Oct. 28), Marc Anthony also responded, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that “[Trump] launched his campaign by calling Latinos criminals and rapists. He’s told us what he’ll do. He’ll separate children from their families and threatened to use the ARMY to do it This election goes way beyond political parties… And that’s why I support Kamala Harris for President.”
For the Sunday (Oct. 27) rally, the Trump campaign rented Madison Square Garden, which has been used for a number of political events over its long history, including both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. During the rally, the Democratic National Committee projected messages on the side of the venue, including one that read “Trump Praised Hitler.” (To wit, in 1939, Madison Square Garden hosted a rally for the American Nazi party that was billed as a “pro-Americanism” and attended by approximately 20,000 people. The American Nazi party was later outlawed following Adolf Hitler’s declaration of war against the U.S. following the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor at the end of 1941.)
In addition to his other remarks, Hinchecliff’s speech included several derogatory statements about major music stars. “I don’t know about you, but I think that Travis Kelce might be the next O.J. Simpson,” he said in reference to the boyfriend of Taylor Swift, whom Trump lashed out at on X (formerly Twitter) after the superstar endorsed Harris for president in September.
The comedian also referenced Harris supporters Leonardo DiCaprio, Eminem and Beyoncè, saying that “every day the Democratic party looks more like a P. Diddy party.”
During his speech, Trump himself called Madison Square Garden “incredible” and thanked MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan, a registered Democrat who’s been friends with Trump for more three decades. “I want to thank Jim Dolan,” Trump said. “He’s been incredible. He’s been just incredible. The job they’ve done. The job they’ve done. Thank you.”
Jeremy Allen White has already picked up two Emmys for playing a chef. Now, the buzzy actor is eyeing his first Oscar nod as he morphs into Bruce Springsteen. On Monday (Oct. 28), Disney’s 20th Century Studios shared the first look at The Bear actor as The Boss in Deliver Me From Nowhere, a new […]
By now, Mariah Carey‘s annual “It’s Time!” videos — in which she cheekily sings the phrase in her whistling register before the opening notes of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” come in to ring in the Christmas season — are a holiday hallmark as much as snowmen and gingerbread cookies. In an Instagram video shared Monday (Oct. 28), Carey teamed up with Emmy-winning actress and producer Kerry Washington for an election-themed spin on the popular meme.
“No, no, no! It’s not your season yet, Mariah. It’s voting season!” Washington quips as she interrupts Carey’s “All I Want” intro while clad in a white T-shirt and black cap, both emblazoned with “vote.”
After a playfully annoyed “What? OK,” the five-time Grammy winner then affirmatively responds to Washington’s queries about her voting plans for Election Day (Nov. 5). “Have you registered? Have you made a plan?” Washington asks, alluding to the myriad ways voters can make their voices heard at the ballot box next month. Carey, in a characteristically Christmas-y red top, plaid skirt, black tights and boots, replied that she already registered to vote and “executed” her voting plan.
“That’s amazing!” Washington exclaimed. “Because it’s my season before it’s her season. So, now all we need is you!” To drive home the final word of her sentence, Washington and Carey returned to singing as they harmonized the “you” riff from the beginning of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey even vocalized a bit of the instrumental before the pair sang the opening note of the first verse in unison. Given Washington’s musical background — she starred in Ryan Murphy’s Golden Globe-nominated film adaptation of the Tony-nominated Prom musical in 2020 — the actress proved to be a formidable duet partner for the singer.
Carey and Washington’s cheeky clip continues the Scandal actress’ involvement in getting out the vote for the 2024 election. She served as emcee for the final night of August’s Democratic National Convention and recently lent her voice to a historic radio ad campaign targeting Black voters. Last year, Carey visited the White House with her twins Moroccan and Monroe to ring in the Christmas season with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
This year, Carey is celebrating 30 years of her Merry Christmas album, which has spent two weeks atop Holiday Albums. The legendary set, which houses her Billboard Hot 100-topping “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will receive a special anniversary release later this year. On Nov. 6, she will kick off her Christmas Time tour in Highland, Calif. The trek will visit major cities such as Houston and Nashville before concluding in Brooklyn on Dec. 17.
Watch Mariah Carey and Kerry Washington’s video encouraging fans to vote:
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Tate McRae is ready for the holidays, and to help fans get into the spirit, she teamed up with SKIMS as the face of the lifestyle brand’s new holiday collection.
Featuring a mix of flirty athleisure and loungewear apparel, the latest Holiday Shop by SKIMS will bring the heat to your winter outfit rotations. The 21-year-old spotlights her upbeat energy within the campaign, which features images of the “Greedy” singer posing with a stuffed polar bear while modeling a vibrant red lace bodysuit. You can also take a peek at her showing off her more playful side in a fuzzy oversized hat paired with holly-patterned pajamas.
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Tate McRae x SKIMS
SKIMS
While the collection doesn’t go live until Wednesday (Oct. 30), you can still browse the musician-approved collection and get some gift inspirations for the music lover in your life — or treat yourself to some new luxe, cozy pieces.
It’s not just women’s lingerie and loungewear available, either — you can shop styles for your entire family including men’s, children and pets.
Keep reading to check out the styles seen on the “She’s All I Wanna Be” singer below.
SKIMS
Triangle Cami & Boy Shorts Set
SKIMS highlights winter holiday sweaters with a snowflake pattern that embodies coziness. The camisole and boyshort matching set features a soft and stretchy material that’s lightweight and form-fitting with extra flirty details added, like a small bow in the center of the chest along with a delicate lace hem.
SKIMS
Stretch Lace Teddy
For a more sultry look this holiday season, you can grab this bold cranberry red teddy. It features with a lace material, adjustable straps and adorable roses decorating the straps and chest.
SKIMS
Sweater Pointelle Cropped Cardigan
Channel your inner ice queen with this cropped cardigan made from a soft pointelle material. You can adjust the button-front closure, and layer it over your favorite cami or style it alone.
SKIMS
Sweater Pointelle Briefs
Turn it into a matching set with these identical briefs. Your bottom will be able to relax into the comfy sweater pointelle fabric that’s breathable to keep you cozy all day long.
SKIMS
Waffle Long Sleeve Henley & Shorts Set
Turn your PJs into a fashion moment when you throw on this waffle set from SKIMS. Each piece is decorated with a holly pattern for a subtle nod to the holidays, while the waffle fabric adds some texture to your sleepwear.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Brief
Rather than stock up on the typical neutral underwear shades, go bold for the holidays with this bright red brief. The design comes in SKIMS’ beloved cotton material that’s lightweight, breathable and has some stretch to prevent any digging.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Plunge Bralette
Your bralette can make the ultimate statement in this chic cranberry shade. Since it comes with a plunging neckline and adjustable straps, you can easily wear lower cut tops without worry of your bra peeking through.
McRae is the latest artist featured in a SKIMS campaign, joining the likes of Charli XCX, Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher and Nelly Furtado. The “Exes” singer couldn’t help but gush over how cozy yet elegant the pieces she showed off were.
“I love the holidays, and SKIMS always nails the perfect pieces for every occasion,” said McRae in an press release. “This year’s holiday collection is amazing! It has such a cute mix of comfy and romantic styles. I felt amazing in everything and can’t wait to wear it all season.”
Founder and CEO Kim Kardashian specifically tapped the Billboard Hot 100 chart-maker for the campaign based on her big personality.
“We wanted this year’s Holiday Shop to be bold and exciting,” she said in a press statement. “Tate McRae was the perfect fit. She’s captivating, beautiful and truly of the moment. She looks incredible in every shot, and her confident, playful spirit really brings the new collection to life.”
Check below to watch the official campaign video for Tate McRae x SKIMS.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Even when she’s dressed down, ROSÉ’s shines. The BLACKPINK star looked cozy and casual in a recent TikTok video teasing the cover […]
With just over a week to go before Election Day, the DNC is kicking into high gear.
On Monday (Oct. 28), the DNC announced a historic “I Will Vote” ad campaign targeting Black voters through ads in 55 Black publications and on 48 Black radio stations across the United States. Grammy-winning Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers Stevie Wonder, John Legend and LeToya Luckett-Coles are set to lend their voices to the campaign, alongside Emmy-winning actress and producer Kerry Washington.
Wonder, Legend, Luckett-Coles and Washington each voice a unique ad focusing on a different element of the upcoming election. Wonder stresses the merit and importance of voting in elections because they “determine our future”; Legend explicitly notes the Democrats’ triumph in capping insulin prices at “$35 a month for seniors”; Luckett-Coles reminds listeners that “several women in states across this country are literally dying because they rolled away our rights to reproductive health care” and Washington encourages voting “if you want to lower the cost of living.”
“This investment showcases Democrats’ unwavering commitment to reaching Black voters where they are and through the platforms they trust – including familiar Black voices that will reach them on the airwaves – to ensure they have the resources they need to cast their ballot in the most important election of our lifetimes,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement. “We know that the Black vote will play a major role in the outcome of this election … In this last sprint to Election Day, the Democratic Party is taking no vote or community for granted, using every opportunity to engage with every facet of our diverse coalition of voters in order to elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November.”
Some of the Black digital and print publications that will feature the new ad campaign include African News Digest, The Baltimore Times, Ebony News Today, The New Orleans Tribune, Pride Magazine, Star of Zion, Word In Black and The Villager.
The “I Will Vote” campaign coincides with the DNC’s HBCU Homecoming Tour in partnership with BET We V.O.T.E., which featured Spelman College and Morehouse College’s Spelhouse Homecoming as its final stop. The tour also visited Winston-Salem University (Sept. 28), Lincoln University (Oct. 12), Virginia State University (Oct. 12), Howard University (Oct. 19) and North Carolina A&T State University (Oct. 19).
All of the artists involved in the “I Will Vote” campaign have lent their support to the Democratic Party in the past. At this year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago (held Aug. 19-22), Wonder performed his 1973 Hot 100 top 10 hit “Higher Ground” (No. 4); a few weeks later, the music legend unveiled a poignant new single titled “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” his first new song in four years. That track soon gave way to a short arena tour called Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart.
Legend also performed at the 2024 DNC. The EGOT winner teamed up with Sheila E. for a spirited rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy” in tribute to Prince, who shares a home state with Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (Minnesota). Though she is not a musician, Washington also lent her star power to the DNC, serving as emcee for the convention’s final night while staging a reunion with Scandal co-star (and fictional president!) Tony Goldwyn.
Luckett-Cole, who boasts a Billboard 200 No. 1 album of her own (2006’s LeToya), is a former member of Destiny’s Child. During her time in the Grammy-winning vocal group, she sang alongside Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and Beyoncé, whose Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Freedom” has served as Vice President Kamala Harris‘ official campaign song.
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What’s song matches your current vibe? Facebook wants to make it easier to spark conversations about music and more with its new profile features unveiled during the Facebook IRL event during Austin City Limits earlier this month.
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The social media giant transformed Fair Market in Austin, Texas, into a real-life Facebook account with different stations representing profile features including a hi-fidelity music lounge featuring albums from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus and other recording stars. The event also included live performances.
“Whatever you’re into, there are people on Facebook that can help you find and do more of it,” Facebook head Tom Alison explained during Facebook IRL. “Our vision is to make it easy to discover that content and those people. Ultimately, that is what Facebook is for. We’ve been helping people explore their interests and discover new things for many years.”
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“Facebook is building the best technology to help you discover the content and connections that are right for you,” he continued. “We’ve made major investments in building state of the art AI systems that can service the most interesting content to people all across the world.”
Facebook Messenger Hi-Fi Lounge
Aarron Anderson
New features include a Local tab, which collects content from Reels, Marketplace, Groups and Events on Facebook and Facebook Explore, which lets you dive even deeper dive into your interests.
“It’s personalized around your broad set of interests and allows you to learn and do more with them,” Alison said of Facebook Local. “What is unique about Explore is that it gives recommendation algorithms that are less focused on entertaining content and a bit more focused on finding authentic and practical content that’s going to be useful to you.”
Facebook Local is currently testing in Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Phoenix and San Francisco.
Messenger Communities, another new feature, offers a fresh way for communities to “connect over shared interests and topic-based chats,” according to the company.
Other new features include an upgraded, full-screen Video tab that gives Reels a more prominent position, posts with AI Comment Summaries that you can read instead of scrolling through comments and Matchmaker, a new Facebook Dating feature that you can enact to allow your friends to “swipe for potential matches on your behalf.”
With Facebook’s Weekly and Weekend Digest for Events feature, you can find the best concerts, music festivals and other events in your area and share them with your Facebook friends or groups “to find someone to go with,” noted Alison.
The company also added music and mentions to Notes in Messenger and a new feature that lets you invite your Instagram followers to events that you created on Facebook — regardless of whether they have a Facebook account.
Facebook’s new profile features were announced ahead of the Meta Quest S3 ($299) release on Oct. 15. The Meta Quest S3 is available at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and the Meta store.
The latest person to join the cast of Adam Sandler’s upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel is Mr. Rager himself: Kid Cudi. As announced Friday (Oct. 25) by Deadline, the rapper is officially set to appear in the Netflix follow-up to the 1996 cult-classic film, which stars Sandler in the title role as an amateur golfer. Details […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Watching NFL games may be the main way to show support for your football team, but collecting merch will put your […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Musicians and Converse make for a perfect pairing. From Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani and Olivia Rodrigo to Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg, recording stars have been faithfully wearing Chuck Taylors for years.
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Charli XCX is another fan of Converse, and the latest musician to join forces with the shoe brand. “I wear my Chucks so much they have holes in them, so I was really excited to work with Converse so I could get a new pair. They’re iconic,” Charli said in a statement announcing the partnership on Friday (Oct. 25).
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Charli joins Converse alongside fellow recording artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish and Lamar’s pgLang. Over the years, Converse has released music-based collabs including Blondie, Curt Cobain and AC/DC and Metallica Chuck Taylors. Converse’s family of creators also includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexis Sablone, Rick Owens and Isabel Marant.
Kicking off her new collaboration, Charli stars in Converse’s 2024 holiday campaign which showcases her love for the shoes. Shot by photographer Sharna Osborne, the campaign features the “360” singer surrounded by Chuck Taylors. More details about Charli’s Converse partnership will be unveiled in the coming months.
In other Charli news, the U.K. singer released her Brat remix album on Oct. 11 featuring appearances form Ariana Grande, Eilish, Troy Sivan, Addison Rae, Lorde and more. On Monday, she wrapped up the Sweet tour with Sivan at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Next, Charli heads back home to the U.K. and later to Australia for the international leg of her global tour. Get tickets here.