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One thing about the internet, it always keeps the receipts. The star of Emilia Perez is refusing to withdraw her Oscar nomination after a slew of her racist tweets have resurfaced.
As spotted on HuffPost, a thespian is taking some heavy heat for her choice of words and very damming takes on religion, police brutality and even the Oscar Awards itself. Karla Sofía Gascón, the lead actress in Emilia Perez is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role for her work as Emilia Pérez / Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, a drug cartel kingpin who wants to change her identity to a woman through surgery. While the film has been generally panned by the country of Mexico, the Netflix project quickly gained big praise from critics.
In late January a slew of her old posts on Twitter, now known as X, resurfaced. One stated that Islam isn’t “INCOMPATIBLE with Western values.” In another tweet she flat out called George Floyd “a drug addict and a scammer.” She also was critical of the 2021 Oscars saying, “More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films,” Gascón wrote. “I didn’t know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration or the 8M. Apart from that, an ugly, ugly gala.”
As expected, she is now facing extreme backlash and many are asking she withdraw her nomination from Actress in a Leading Role category. In an interview with CNN, she essentially brushed everything off. “I cannot step down from an Oscar nomination because I have not committed any crime nor have I harmed anyone. I am neither racist nor anything that all these people have tried to make others believe I am,” she said.
She has also gone on to apologize in a formal apology via Netflix. “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world,” she added. “I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”
The 2025 Oscar Awards will air live on Sunday, March 2.
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Another day, another lawsuit has been filed against Diddy accusing him of sexual assault, this time from a male singer and comic.
According to reports, another accuser has come forth with a lawsuit against Diddy, alleging that he was assaulted by the Bad Boy Records founder back in 2015. The alleged victim, referred to as John Doe in the filing, filed the suit in New York County Supreme Court with his defense attorney, Tony Buzbee, Monday (Feb. 3). “The conduct described herein is shockingly typical of how defendant Sean Combs conducted himself for many years,” the lawsuit states. “Sean Combs believed he was above the law. He is not.”
In the filing, the victim alleged that he first met Diddy aka Sean Combs at an event he performed at in Los Angeles, California, when he was 23 years old. One of Diddy’s associates told him that if he did well, Diddy would consider signing him to Bad Boy Records. After performing, he was invited to the VIP area where the mogul and his entourage containing some known artists were partying and indulging in drugs. He then claimed someone handed him a drink sent over by Diddy, and that he began to feel lightheaded and passed out after a sip. Before losing consciousness, he saw Diddy and other members of the group engaging in sexual acts.
John Doe would then go on to claim that he woke up to Diddy grabbing his genitals and felt that he was attempting to perform oral sex on him. He then claims that Diddy threatened to ruin his career as he tried to fight him off, escaping only when Diddy demanded that he have sex with a woman in front of everyone. The accuser would feign that he had to go to the bathroom, which allowed him to flee. He is suing for damages.
“Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous or demonstrably false,” a statement from Diddy’s legal team read after the latest lawsuit was filed. “Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor.”
Diddy is currently incarcerated in a Brooklyn detention center, awaiting his trial on May 5.
Ms. Lauryn Hill, Toni Braxton, New Edition and newly minted Grammy Award winner Doechii are among the established and rising stars booked for Jazz in the Gardens (JITG). The 18th annual music festival will take place March 8-9 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (Florida). Explore See latest videos, charts and news See […]
Fresh off a Grammy sweep for “Not Like Us,” which won all five of its nominations, Kendrick Lamar piles on another win as his single “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, darts to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart dated Feb. 8. The track jumps from No. 3 to crown the list after a 12% surge in plays that made it the most-played tune on U.S. panel-contributing monitored rhythmic radio stations in the tracking week of Jan. 24 – 30, according to Luminate.
“TV Off” detaches Tyler, The Creator’s “Sticky,” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, from the Rhythmic Airplay summit after the latter’s one week in charge. Last week’s champ drops to No. 2 after a 2% decline in plays for the week.
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With “TV Off,” Kendrick Lamar achieves his eighth Rhythmic Airplay No. 1 and second of 2025, after “Squabble Up” ruled for two weeks in January. Here’s the updated review of his chart-topping collection on the radio ranking:
“Humble.,” three weeks at No. 1, beginning June 6, 2017“Loyalty.,” featuring Rihanna one, Sept. 30, 2017“Love.,” featuring Zacari, one, Dec. 30, 2017“Pray for Me,” with The Weeknd, two, April 18, 2018“Like That,” with Future and Metro Boomin, four, May 18, 2024“Not Like Us,” 12, June 15, 2024“Squabble Up,” two, Jan. 18, 2025“TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, one, Feb. 8, 2025
Featured artist Lefty Gunplay earns his first Rhythmic Airplay No. 1 through his maiden entry on the chart. The rapper is one of several California-bred rappers with supporting spots on GNX, Lamar’s 2024 album that includes “TV Off” and “Squabble Up.”
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Beyond the No. 1 title, Kendrick Lamar claims plenty more prime real estate on Rhythmic Airplay. The previous champ “Squabble Up” slides 2-3, while “Luther,” a collaboration with SZA, leaps 9-4 with a 12% improvement in plays. With the trio, Lamar is the first act — in a lead role — to have three of the top five concurrently on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. In total, five acts, including Lamar this week, have had three of the top five at the same time, but the other four – Ashanti, 50 Cent, T-Pain and Drake – all needed a combination of songs in both lead and featured billings.
Moreover, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lamar enjoys a fourth appearance in the week’s top 10 – for a second week in a row – with a different collaboration with SZA, “30 for 30,” which repeats at its No. 10 peak. A week ago, he became the fifth act to have four of the top 10 titles concurrently, and the first ever with four of the top 10 in a lead role. The only other acts to claim four of the top 10 at the same time are 50 Cent, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Drake.
While “TV Off,” “Squabble Up” and “Luther” all appear on Lamar’s GNX, “30 for 30” is from SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA edition of her chart-topping album.
Elsewhere, “TV Off” holds at its No. 10 best on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart (up 3% in weekly plays) and slides 2-3 from its peak on Rap Airplay, though it added 7% in weekly audience listenership. On the all-genre Radio Songs chart, “TV Off” lands a third nonconsecutive week at its No. 30 high, with an 8% boost to 21 million audience impressions across all formats.
LISA is less than a month away from unveiling her debut solo album, Alter Ego, but the superstar isn’t done with teasing the project just yet. The BLACKPINK singer took to Instagram on Tuesday (Feb. 4) to reveal the sleek cover art for her upcoming collaboration with Doja Cat and Raye, “Born Again.” In the mysterious […]
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Tate McRae’s 2025 is off to a roaring start.
Fresh off the release of her new single and music video for “Sports Car,’ McRae has been announced as the newest face of Neutrogena, the popular drugstore beauty brand. As part of her partnership, the Canadian singer will help promote Neutrogena’s “Hydro Boost” collection, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
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Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost’s Water Gel is one of the brand’s top-selling facial moisturizers, with a powerful hyaluronic acid formulation that helps to hydrate and brighten skin. The brand says one jar of its Hydro Boost Water Gel is sold every two seconds around the world. The best part: it’s on sale for under $20 right now at Amazon.
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Just like McRae, we’ve personally been using the Hydro Boost moisturizer for years and it’s been a lifesaver for our sensitive skin, helping to restore balance and texture, while leaving a dewy (but not oily) complexion. Its small size makes it travel-friendly too, and the formula is great for using day and night. The 21-year-old McRae calls Neutrogena Hydro Boost her “must-have secret to juicy skin.”
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“I’m thrilled to partner with Neutrogena – a brand I’ve trusted since I was young,” she says in a release. “What I love about this campaign is how real it feels. We’ve all been there—those moments where your brain just won’t stop spiraling, and the last thing you need is the overthinking messing up your skin. That’s why I’m obsessed with Hydro Boost,” she explains. “It keeps my skin hydrated and is the perfect reminder that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to work.”
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As the brand’s new Global Ambassador, Neutrogena says McRae will be featured in TV, social and digital campaigns to help promote their “Beauty to a Science” motto, which demonstrates the extensive dermatologist testing Neutrogena products go through before they hit store shelves. No stranger to being interviewed, McRae will appear in a campaign video alongside Neutrogena Global Innovation Partner, Dr. Muneeb Shah, to talk about how stress and overthinking can affect skin.
“By featuring Tate and her infectious energy, alongside Dr. Shah, whose expertise helped to make him the most followed dermatologist on social media, we’re bridging the gap between beauty and science, creating a powerful message for the next generation,” says Andrew Stanleick, Kenvue’s President of Skin Health & Beauty in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “With Neutrogena Hydro Boost, we’re redefining hydration and showing how skincare can empower you to feel your best every day.”
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McRae’s new Neutrogena partnership comes as she prepares to release her third album, So Close to What, and hit the road for a world tour this spring.
You can shop all of McRae’s Neutrogena Hydro Boost products here.
Pardison Fontaine revealed on Tuesday (Feb. 4) that his highly anticipated “Toot It” collab with Cardi B is arriving on Friday, Feb. 7. “You guys keep asking for ‘Toot It.’ Where’s ‘Toot It’? Where’s ‘Toot It’ at? Can we get ‘Toot It’? Here go the song, here go ‘Toot It.’ Take it, play it, do […]
Kai Cenat had a great time at the Grammys and now he seems to be buddies with Jay-Z. The popular streamer recapped his experience on Twitch and talked about meeting Jay-Z and Beyoncé for the first time. “I go up to Jay, I say, ‘What’s up, bro?’” Cenat said before giving their oldest daughter a […]
Ibiza‘s newest club is aiming to make a big impact, with the club today (Feb. 4) announcing that it will host the newest gargantuan production from Eric Prydz during a 14-week residency this summer.
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The Swedish producer will debut Holosphere 2 at [UNVRS], the new club from The Night League, the group behind the concept along with Ibiza clubbing institutions Hï and Ushuaïa. Shows will begin on June 2 and extend through Sept. 1.
Calling itself “Ibiza’s most technologically advanced venue,” [UNVRS] should prove an apt venue for Prydz, who has long pushed technological boundaries with shows including the much-lauded Holo and the first edition of Holosphere, which debuted in 2019 and found Prydz playing within an eight-ton sphere that was more than two stories tall, big enough that Belgian mega-festival Tomorrowland had to reconfigure its festival grounds to accommodate the structure.
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Holosphere 2 is set to be even bigger, with organizers calling it “the island’s biggest production and most high-tech residency to date.” See imagery from the show below.
“Eric Prydz possesses an extraordinary vision and talent for crafting otherworldly experiences—pushing the boundaries of innovation with every show,” says Yann Pissenem, the owner, founder and CEO of The Night League and Ushuaïa Entertainment. “With Holosphere 2.0, he has reached an entirely new level, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with an ambitious scale like never before. I can’t wait to present this new chapter of Eric Prydz at [UNVRS], where audiences will witness something truly unprecedented—transforming this residency into a one-of-a-kind future-forward show that will redefine the global audiovisual experience in 2025.”
With the announcement, Prydz joins a list of previously announced [UNVRS] residents that includes Carl Cox, Fisher and events from the island’s longstanding party company Elrow.
Pissenem announced the opening of [UNVRS] last August, telling Billboard that with the new space “we’re taking everything we’ve learned from creating Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza—venues ranked among the world’s best—and pushing the boundaries even further… Imagine seeing your favorite artists in a space that offers the best elements of a club, the infrastructure of an arena, and the best hospitality in the world.[UNVRS] is about attention to granular detail, from the finishes across the venue to the unique experiences our guests will never forget. It’s a space that retains the raw energy of a rave, connecting the present and future within the walls of stunning architecture.”
Dwight Yoakam and Turnpike Troubadours and a string of other artists are set to help raise funds to aid those impacted by the greater Los Angeles-area wildfires, with a concert at Nashville‘s Bridgestone Arena.
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On Feb. 19, Yoakam and Turnpike Troubadours will lead LA Revival, a special benefit concert presented by Thirty Tigers and Triple Tigers. The show will also feature performances from “Burning House” hitmaker Cam, Corey Kent, Carter Faith, Shane Profitt and Brit Taylor.
All of the proceeds from the event will go to the MusiCares LA Fire Relief Effort, to help those affected by the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area last month. MusiCares was founded by The Recording Academy in 1989; the organization offers preventative, emergency and recovery programs, offering a safety net to aid the health and welfare of those in the music community.
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LA Revival is just one of many recent concerts that have raised funds to help those who have been impacted by the wildfires. The recent FireAid concert, which featured artists including Green Day, Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, has raised more than $100 million to date. Meanwhile, The Recording Academy raised nearly $9 million on Sunday (Feb. 2), when the Grammy Awards aired; throughout Grammy weekend, the Recording Academy and MusiCares raised over $24 million for charitable activities.
In November, Yoakam released his first album in nearly a decade, Brighter Days. The long-tail influence of California’s country music scene has been embedded in Yoakam’s music since the beginning; In the 1980s, he pursued a career in Nashville, but soon decamped to California, soaking in the influence of Buck Owens and the Bakersfield sound, and his unique sound resulted in his debut project Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.
This year, Turnpike Troubadours will also join Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour on select dates. They also recently announced two dates at the iconic outdoor venue Red Rocks, on May 8-9.
Tickets for LA Revival will go on sale Feb. 5 starting at 5 p.m. CT.