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Kanye West has been on an active social media tear of late, and his stream-of-consciousness style of sharing his mind revealed a shocking admission. Referencing a track titled “COUSINS,” Kanye West shared that an older cousin currently behind bars engaged in sexual acts with him, prompting Ferg and Boosie BadAzz to speak out in support.
We do wish to warn readers that the details of this post might be disturbing to some.
Over the weekend, Kanye West took to X, formerly Twitter, and shared details about being exposed to adult magazines and such at a young age and how they led to him engaging in inappropriate acts with an older cousin. That same cousin, according to West, is a convicted murderer who allegedly killed a pregnant woman.
In the string of tweets, West wrote, “Perhaps in my self centered mess I felt it was my fault that I showed him [the cousin in reference] those dirty magazines when he was 6 and then we acted out what we saw My dad had playboy magazines but the magazines I found in the top of my moms closet were different My name is Ye and I sucked my cousins d*ck till I was 14.”
Some online have interpreted West’s words to imply he conducted the sexual acts on his family member under his control and that the cousin was younger. However, it hasn’t been confirmed if the acts were consensual or not, as West didn’t explain the situation in linear detail, nor did he give a range of time.
Ferg, who shared a harrowing experience of abuse on the track “Pool” from his Darold album from 2024. Ferg took to X and wrote, “Good for @kanyewest now you can be whole. When people start to act out you never know the root of the issue ! Sending love brother your a goat.”
Boosie BadAzz also offered support, although a lot less eloquently than Ferg.
DAM KANYEI FEEL BAD FOR THIS DUDE THIS DUDE BEEN THREW SOME SH*T BRA. THE RANTS MAKE SINCE NOW. THIS MAN WAS SUCKING D*CK AS A CHILD SMH HIS MIND IS F*CKED UPI HATE HIM HAVING TO GO THROUGH THIS AS A CHILD.”
We’re sharing the X replies mentioned above in the playlist gallery, along with reactions from X.
If you or someone you know has experienced child sexual abuse, support is available. Here is a resource that can help: CLICK HERE
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Photo: Allen J. Schaben / Getty
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Shannon Sharpe was hit with a $50 million lawsuit by Jane Doe, who has since been revealed by the retired NFL great’s legal team. In the days since the bombshell lawsuit was made public, many are looking into how Shannon Sharpe is handling the matter.
Jane Doe is currently being represented by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, who typically takes on high-profile cases involving celebrities. Buzbee’s credibility was recently put under question after unsuccessfully attempting to launch a lawsuit against Jay-Z amid Buzbee’s alleged personal issues.
Much isn’t known about Jane Doe, but according to what was found online, she is reportedly an OnlyFans model that Sharpe, 54, met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 19. After agreeing to enter into a consensual physical relationship with Sharpe, Doe says things took an odd shift when she realized that the Hall of Fame quarterback took video footage of her performing a sexual act against her consent.
On Tuesday (April 22), Sharpe posted a video statement regarding the case and said that Doe is manipulating footage that paints him in an incorrect light. His legal team has previously fired back and said that Doe’s complaint is an attempt to get Sharpe to pay up and settle the $50 million lawsuit against him.
Online observers have taken notice of the three-decade age gap between Sharpe and Doe and also discovered that the popular podcaster has been accused of forcing a sexual act in 2023 by his girlfriend, Michele Evans. Last year, audio of Sharpe in the throes of passion was leaked online, an incident Sharpe has since apologized for and even flipped into an advertisement for a male sexual enhancement drug.
As referenced at the top of this article, Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe’s legal counsel, put together a statement that Sharpe shared on social media, which reportedly shows Doe’s full name. We’ll share that statement in the body of this post below.
While the credibility of Buzbee is tainted in the eyes of some, some are still wondering if the current legal moves made by Shannon Sharpe are the best course of action. The mudslinging is only ramping up as Doe reportedly released audio that depicts Sharape allegedly threatening her.
We combed through replies on X and will share the commentary we saw regarding this still-developing matter below.
If you or someone you know is contending with sexual abuse or partner violence, please visit the RAINN resources page here to get further assistance.
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Photo: Getty
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Wiz Khalifa would never get confused with being seen as an authority on scientific matters, and we don’t intend that to come off as a diss but just a fact. Wiz Khalifa probably didn’t do himself any favors regarding that assessment after appearing on a Patreon episode of The Joe Budden Podcast discussing and seemingly defending Earth being flat.
On episode 817 of The Joe Budden Podcast, the cast discussed the validity of Earth being flat with co-hosts Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Antwan “Ish” Marby engaging in a light debate. While Ish never fully stated he believed in the Earth being flat, he maintained some skepticism based on things he’s viewed over the years. Hill pushed back slightly, but the crew breezed by the topic on the main podcast.
Taking to Patreon, the gang invited Wiz Khalifa to the set for its “Full Journey” episode with the Pittsburgh rapper. A viewer on X, formerly Twitter, clipped up Wiz speaking on the Earth being flat and with the caption reading, “This might literally be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Podcasts were a mistake.”
“I just believe we live on a flat plane,” Wiz began, while receiving an approving dap from Ish. He continued, “It’s only because I travel so much.”
Hill tried to challenge Wiz on the theory, but the conversation never righted itself after the “Black and Yellow” star broke down how he arrived at his conclusion despite scientists debunking the theory long ago.
We’ve got the video in question by way of X, along with reactions from others who’ve seen the clips. As expected, the responses are all over the place.
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Photo: Scott Legato / Getty
10. The Full Segment Can Be Viewed Here
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Shannon Sharpe found his name trending this week after the former NFL star was hit with a $50 million lawsuit from a woman who alleges that Sharpe sexually assaulted her. In response, Shannon Sharpe’s legal team shared a series of explicit texts and framed the lawsuit as an orchestrated shakedown attempt by her legal counsel.
We would like to warn readers that the details described in this report might be disturbing to some. Do proceed carefully.
As seen on NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk site, Shannon Sharpe was hit with the lawsuit on Sunday (April 20) that was filed in Nevada, with the complaint from a Jane Doe alleging sexual assault, battery, and inflicting emotional distress. Jane Doe said in the filing that she and Sharpe were in a “rocky consensual relationship” that lasted almost two years, according to reports. The woman also said that Sharpe recorded their encounters without her consent and that he shared the footage without her approval to do so.
The complaint added that when an allegedly leaked sexual encounter with another unnamed woman and Sharpe went viral, she took steps to dissolve their relationship. In October of last year, Jane Doe added that Sharpe came into contact with her after she attempted to end their relationship and that he allegedly forced himself on the woman. At the top of the year, Jane Doe said that during an encounter with Sharpe, she tried to get. him to use protection during sex, which he seemingly refused.
As this is a civil case and not a criminal matter, there would be just financial damages to be paid and no time behind bars for Sharpe, who currently runs a successful podcast and is part of ESPN’s First Take morning show team. Jane Doe is represented by Tony Buzbee and Michah Nash.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, issued a statement firing back at Jane Doe and named the woman who is accusing the Hall of Fame tight end. A portion of Davis’ statment read that the lawsuit is a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars. It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed.”
The statement also included the explicit messages that Jane Doe allegedly exchanged between Sharpe and the woman, although the validity of the messages cannot be confirmed at this time.
Shannon Sharpe’s name is still trending on the X platform in the wake of the news. We’ve got reactions from all sides below.
If you or someone you know is contending with sexual abuse or partner violence, please visit the RAINN resources page here to get further assistance.
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Photo: Kaitlyn Morris / Getty
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Sinners, a new film from director Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in a lead role, was released to the wider public this week, and the early returns are in. On X, many are praising Coogler and Jordan for delivering a wild, western movie-inspired vampire romp.
Sinners takes place in the 1930s in the Southern United States and features Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore. Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, Buddy Guy, Saul Williams, and Omar Benson Miller also star in the film.
The plot follows the Moore brothers as they return home to Mississippi after living in Chicago, attempting to change their former ways. The brothers, realizing the North was just as racist as the South, steal money from some Chicago gangsters and head back home to open up a juke joint. However, arriving back home, they encounter a growing evil in the form of vampires in their hometown.
Jordan has received kudos for pulling double duty as Smoke and Stack. The film also touches on some of the racial tension of the times with Hailee Steinfeld playing the role of Stack’s love interest, Mary, who is passing for a white woman despite being part Black. Also, there is heavy emphasis on music in the film, in particular the Blues, and how it plays into the overall narrative is cleverly done.
On X, fans, including LeBron James and LeVar Burton, are saying that Sinners delivers the big-screen thrills, stating that Ryan Coogler has yet again delivered some movie magic. Of course, there are requisite criticisms, and we’ll try to share comments from all sides below.
Sinners is in theaters now. Learn more here.
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Photo: Sony Classical / Sony Masterworks / Sinners Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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Aaron Rodgers, once considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, is starting the inevitable wall of Father Time despite still being courted by some teams. Aaron Rodgers broke his silence for the first time this offseason, and called “bullsh*t ” on rumors surrounding his time and eventual split with the New York Jets and blasting the team for not delivering his firing in March over the phone.
Aaron Rodgers was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show and dished on several topics, including a February meeting with New York Jets incoming coach Aaron Glenn, which didn’t exactly go as planned. Glenn, a former NFL cornerback and defensive backs coach for the Detroit Lions previously, reportedly asked Rodgers if he was still ready to go, but things went left.
“I think we are going to have this long conversation,” Rodgers said regarding his meeting with Coach Glenn. ” I’ve flown across the country, and 20 seconds in, he goes and he leans to the edge of his seat and says, ‘So, you want to play football?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m interested.’ And he was like, ‘We’re going in a different direction at quarterback.’”
Rodgers went on to say that instead of leaving his home in California to have the quick conversation in New Jersey, the team could’ve just called him and said they weren’t moving ahead with him in the role. Rodgers said that he’s speaking about the situation with the Jets because his sister, Mia Rodgers, who serves as his publicist, urged him to do so and address the “bullsh*t” out there surrounding his career.
On whether or not he intends to play this coming season, Rodgers said he’s spoken with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers since being cut by the Jets. However, the Giants have shored up their QB ranks with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston signing with the team. The Vikings have also leaned in on J.J. McCarthy, which leaves the Steelers as the last reported viable option.
Rodgers added that he’s more concerned with his new relationship and focusing his time on helping a pair of unnamed people through what he framed as serious situations.
Aaron Rodgers saw his name trending on X, formerly Twitter, and we’ve got the reactions below.
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Photo: Tom Jenkins / Getty
420 will land on Sunday this coming weekend, and while that’s also another important day for some, it certainly is a holiday for proponents of cannabis culture. As we’ve been doing around here at Hip-Hop Wired, we’ve put together a nice 420 cannabis gift guide to help shoppers decide on what products to procure to aid in their celebration.I’ve written extensively about how 420 got its start as a “holidaze” back in the 1970s in California, and I won’t bore you again with those details. However, check out this excellent History Channel article about the holiday and its origin.One thing I need to be clear about every time that I do a cannabis roundup is to make certain to stress that we all please take heed to our state and local laws in regards to cannabis usage. These products are meant for those over the age of 21.I also do not endorse high driving just as much as I shoot down drunk driving, and despite all of its wonderful therapeutic benefits, cannabis isn’t for everyone. While I use CBD and THC products in droves, I try to do so with the aim of aiding me in my daily life, not to just get high.Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I’m really excited to roll out this guide. I’ve included a handful of CBD products because I believe they should be part of the mix. I want to thank all of the publicists and their clients for assisting me in getting some eyes on your wares.NOTE: I will be updating this post until 4/17 COB.
1. 2Rise by herbOrder
Source:2Rise
2Rise is a CBD wellness brand produced by herbOrder as part of its innovative line of products that cover pain relief, workout recovery, and restful relaxation. I’ve been using the products for a couple of weeks now, especially the Sleep drops. This is a product I’d feel good about suggesting to anyone.
Learn more here.
2. Acreage’s The Botanist
Source:Acreage
Acreage’s The Botanist is a cannabis brand that covers all aspects of how the medicine can be delivered, including flower, tincture, vape, and concentrate options. Only available in IL, MA, NJ, NY, OH, and PA for now, with plans to expand to other states.
Learn more here.
3. A Golden State
Source:A Golden State
A Golden State takes the process of providing the best flower possible with unique strains meant for all manner of activities. The brand also specializes in solventless live rosin vaporizers, adding to their whole plant approach to cannabis. Currently only available in California.
Learn more here.
4. Betty’s Eddies Caramelt Away
Source:MariMed
Betty’s Eddies is one of the best-tasting edible products on the market. Check out this piece about their Caramelt Away product here.
Learn more about Betty’s Eddies and their other offerings here.
5. Blazy Susan High Roller Set
Source:Blazy Susan
Blazy Susan should be familiar to those who check out our roundups, and the Denver-based brand always has something cooking up for cannabis fans out there. From their High Roller Kit, to their variety of rolling papers, and their dazzling rolling trays among other accessories, tokers and dabbers alike will find something they’ll need with Blazy Susan.
Learn more here.
6. Bubby’s Baked
Source:Bubby’s Baked
Bubby’s Baked is all about transforming sweet baked bites into an infused experience you won’t soon forget. Full disclosure here: I tried out one of their high-dose cookies last week, and I slept like a sweet newborn. Check the store locator to see if Bubby’s Baked is sold near you.
Learn more here.
7. ButACake
Source:@ButACake
ButACake is a Black and woman-owned edible cannabis brand founded by trained pastry chef, Matha Figaro. We haven’t tried out the product, but considering Ms. Figaro’s story and what we’re all about at Urban One, we had to feature them. Hopefully, we can get our hands on some product soon.
Learn more here.
8. Cantrip
Source:Cantrip
Cantrip takes classic soda flavors and bumps up the excitement by adding hemp-derived Delta-9 THC to the can for a sweet, social buzz. They also offer THC seltzers in a selection of flavors. The cream soda? Very fire.
Learn more here.
9. Co2lors
Source:Co2lors
Co2lors focuses on vaporizer 510 thread cartridges and disposable all-in-ones that feature hash oil ramped up with tasty flavors like Pecan Pie, Blueberry Cobbler, Lemonade, and more.
Learn more here.
10. DaySavers NY Pre-Rolled Cones
Source:DaySavers
DaySavers is all about rolling papers and pre-rolled cones. Adding to their innovative lineup, the NY Pre-Rolled Cones are out now and would be a perfect gift for any New York-loving fan. They also have these dope “Filla-A-Blunt” pre-roll cones that should spark memories for those of us of a certain age.
Learn more here.
11. DaVinci IQ3
Source:Davinci
I’m still learning all there is to know about dry herb vaporizers, but one I found incredibly easy to use right away was the DaVinci IQ3 device. It does boast a rather large chamber, so if you’re looking to conserve flower, there might be choices out there that fit one’s needs. For me, I like big flavor, and the conduction heating brings everything to the front.
Learn more here.
12. Evermore Tall Seltzer
Source:Union Craft Brewing
Evermore Cannabis Company is an innovative cannabis brand based in Baltimore, and they partnered with fellow local brewery Union Craft Brewing for the THC-infused Tall Seltzer. I haven’t tried it out but since Maryland is a recreational state, I’ll be making a visit to grab a can.
Learn more here.
13. Fable
Source:Fable
Fable adds its name to the hat of the growing category of THC-infused canned cocktails, and we’ve featured the brand in previous times. Founders Kristin and Benjamin Kennedy created Fable in 2016 after experimenting with booze-free, botanical-boosted mocktails, but decided some hemp-derived Delta-9 was the final missing ingredient. Fresh tasting and effective, Fable deserves more light in the industry.
Learn more here.
14. FLORA+BAST THCA Flower
Source:FLORA+BAST
FLORA+BAST is a cannabis brand that takes the medicinal approach of using the plant properly very seriously. Combining overall wellness with cannabis isn’t a new concept, but FLORA+BAST is pushing the envelope in this arena. The brand’s THCA flower jars is their newest offering, along with their other standout products.
Learn more here.
15. Flower Union Artisan Gummies
Source:Flower Union
Flower Union Artisan Gummies focused on using the whole plant inside their edible product to produce true-to-flower effects. The brand employs Azuca’s TiME INFUSION® technology to bring about the desired effects in 5-15 minutes.
Learn more here.
16. Golden State Canna
Source:Golden State Canna:
Golden State Canna bills itself as California’s top cannabis delivery service, and the brand’s CBN Groovy Chews are made for those looking to ease into their evenings.
Learn more here.
17. G Pen
Source:G Pen
G Pen has been good to me as a brand overall, and their wide range of collaborations with Berner’s Cookies, B-Real’s Dr. Greenthumbs, and Mike Tyson’s Tyso 2.0 brands legitimizes them in my eyes. I’ve been sticking with my G Pen Dash+ pen, an easy-to-use dry herb vaporizer that’s clutch for short sessions. G Pen also has THCA flower for sale and I’m interested in trying them out.
Learn more here.
18. Grön
Source:Grön
Grön, founded by architect Christine Apple, is one of the fastest-rising edible cannabis brands around. The brand focuses on strain-specific needs such as sleep and relaxation, along with blends for energy and focus.
Learn more here.
19. Hometown Hero
Source:Hometown Hero
Hometown Hero and their hemp-derived Delta-9 products are part of a larger movement to keep the products federally legal despite the various roadblocks that tend to crop up. Founded by Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, Hometown Hero’s measured approach to providing quality, along with potent edible treats and vapes, is a delight to witness. They also have some of the tastiest edibles around, too.
Learn more here.
20. llicit Gardens Live Sauce
Source:Illicit Gardens
Illicit Gardens is all about the extracts game, and their Live Sauce is a high-terpene, densely-packed concentrate meant to deliver the biggest and best effects for those who dab.
Learn more here.
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Spotify is a dominant force in the music and audio streaming space and owns a large market share of users who enjoy the service. On Wednesday (April 16), however, Spotify found itself trending on X after users complained of the service going dark on them and sparking complaints.
As of this writing, Spotify still appears to be down, and neither the Web nor mobile versions are working. We even tried the desktop app, and that too was not responsive. Taking a look at Downdetector, it appears the service went out around 8 AM ET this morning with nearly 50,000 users reporting an outage.
Via the Spotify Status account on X, the service’s teams are aware of the issues and have posted a message.
“We’re aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!” read their reply on X.
In the comment section of Downdetector, some are reporting limited functionality, but overall, most are saying that all forms of the service are inaccessible at the moment.
While the company addresses the issue and gets the fix going, we’ve scoured X for some replies regarding the outage of the audio streaming service. According to some of the replies we’ve seen, some people felt inconvenienced by the service interruption.
Check out those replies below.
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Photo: SOPA Images / Getty
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has been making waves across the globe, selling out stadiums, smashing records, and solidifying the Colombian superstar’s legacy as one of the most powerful voices in music and culture. But behind the eye-popping performances, emotional highs and dazzling fashion, French photographer Nicolas Gerardin has been translating the energy, intimacy and humanity of it all into images that speak louder than words.Known for his work with celebrities across industries — including Lisa of BLACKPINK, Nick Jonas, Jeff Bezos, Leo Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo — the fashion and celebrity photographer brings a unique mix of precision and emotional storytelling to his photography. His collaboration with Shakira began two years ago, right around the time of her groundbreaking Bizarrap release that marked a new milestone in her career. Since then, Gerardin has become an integral part of her creative team, joining her on her current world tour, which kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Feb. 11.
“When photographing Shakira, I focus on capturing what makes her a legend — her presence, energy, and the essence that has made her an icon for decades,” Gerardin tells Billboard Español, who also shot her on recent magazine covers for GQ, Elle, and Marie Claire. “It’s about telling her story in every shot. I always aim to showcase her true essence, her artistry, and the depth of her impact.”
“She’s aware of everything, from production to lighting. She knows everything about cameras. She knows what’s best for her,” he explains, noting how her hands-on approach ensures every moving piece of her tour aligns with her meticulously curated vision.
Despite her global fame, Gerardin credits her sensitivity and emotional connection with her art as the driving force behind her appeal. “She’s very involved emotionally in everything. She always wants the best for her fans. She’s a woman full of emotion, very sensitive. She’s caring for everyone… She wants to give the best for the fans,” he shares.
His dedication to capturing Shakira’s tour goes beyond the stage or performance photography. Gerardin’s work often focuses on backstage moments, the quieter fragments of her life away from the spotlight that tell their own story. “My vision is to create an iconic image that’s going to stay forever,” he says. “It can be her putting her makeup on or her after finishing the last song exhausted.” These fragments come together to create a portrait of a woman in motion — a legend embracing transformation in real-time.
Among his favorite images he took is a high-concept promotional shoot for her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. In one particularly striking shot, Shakira is captured arm wrestling a man. “It was an exciting challenge because I wanted to capture both her strength and the bold energy of the album while keeping the visual storytelling dynamic and impactful,” recalls the photographer.
For this shoot, Shakira granted him full creative freedom, an example of the trust and respect their working relationship has cultivated.
Despite touring with Shakira, Gerardin emphasizes that he does not define himself as a concert photographer. His background in fashion photography shapes the unique angle he brings to his work — whether backstage or during live shows. “Most global artists that work in the music industry, when they take me on tour, they don’t expect me to shoot the live show. I’m here to capture the fashion side of the tour,” he explains. With Shakira, he adds, “We just want to create history at this point.”
Check out the gallery below for an exclusive look at Gerardin’s stunning photography.
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Megan Thee Stallion took to the Coachella 2025 stage and delivered one of the most dynamic sets of her career, and there were several surprises in store for the fans watching in person and at home. On X, the reactions to Megan Thee Stallion’s high-energy performance and the surprise guest appearances of Queen Latifah, Victoria Monet, and Ciara added to the excitement.
Megan Thee Stallion was one of the last two headlining acts for the first weekend of Coachella, and her set on Sunday (April 13) was one for the ages. Running through hits like “Star,” “Body,” “Big Ole Freak,” and dipping into earlier mixtape cuts like “Cognac Queen,” the Houston Hottie looked and sounded marvelous. But just when we thought Hot Girl Meg was all we were getting, Queen Latifah appeared out of nowhere to drop some quick bars.
Following that moment, Victoria Monet’s cameo was another shock out of thin air, and the chemistry the pair shared was incredible to witness. And just when the crowd was already worked to a frenzy, Ciara came out and showed off some of her legendary dance moves and solid vocals.
Megan Thee Stallion was the next to closing act, yielding the stage to Post Malone after briefly running over time as she exited the stage to her global smash, “Star,” and told the crowd she’ll be back to rock the Coachella stage next weekend. Some fans online were rightly upset at the Coachella stage crew cutting off Megan’s microphone just as “Star” was set to roll.
Not for nothing, the show could’ve ended there, no diss to all of Posty’s fans out there.
On X, formerly Twitter, fans are still processing what they witnessed tonight at Coachella, and we’re in the same boat. Check out the reactions below.
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Photo: Christopher Polk / Getty