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Wendy Williams Was Allegedly Moved To Memory Care Unit After 60th Birthday Relapse

Wendy Williams landed in the memory care wing of her assisted living facility after allegedly slipping away to a rooftop bar and drinking on her 60th birthday, according to a new documentary that raises fresh concerns about her health and guardianship.

In the new Lifetime special TRAPPED: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams?, veteran journalist Diane Dimond detailed the July 18 incident, saying the former talk show host left her care unit unsupervised and made her way to the top floor of the building.

“Wendy was on the third floor in this care unit, where she has access to the hallways, to the elevators,” Dimond said. “And on her birthday, she decided to get in the elevator and see where she could go. Well, it went all the way up to the rooftop bar, and it being her birthday, she ordered a drink, and then another one, and another. Who knows how many, but she will admit to you that she got drunk, she had a relapse.”

The birthday bender reportedly led to Williams being transferred to a secured memory unit within the same facility, where her movements are now more restricted.

Wendy Williams Admits Drinking On Her Birthday

Back in March, Williams acknowledged the incident during a phone interview on The View, saying, “But I must admit to you, that when I got from Connecticut to New York, it was my birthday, you know, July 18, and yes, I celebrated, you know what I’m saying? But no more, no more alcohol, thank you.”

Williams, who has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, has been under a court-appointed guardianship since 2022.

Her family has said they have been largely cut off from contact and have raised concerns about her care and the people managing her affairs.

Williams expressed frustration with her current legal arrangement during that same View interview.

“I am a college-educated woman, global international person from radio to television,” she asserted. “I’ve been doing important things all of my life, and these two people don’t look like me, they don’t dress like me, they don’t talk like me, they don’t act like me… They will never be me.”

She continued, “I need them to — with my knees — get off my neck. I can’t do it with these two people again. I can’t. And I’m speaking of the guardian and the judge. I need a new guardian.”

Despite the relapse, Williams insisted she is committed to staying sober, telling The View she is now living an “alcohol-free” life.

Beyoncé Fans Rip President Trump Over Call To Investigate Singer

Beyoncé fans are coming for President Donald Trump after he ignited a social media firestorm Monday (May 19) by demanding a federal probe into the singer.

President Trump called for investigations into Beyoncé’s appearance at campaign events supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris.

The president also said Harris made “illegal campaign contributions” by allegedly paying the music icon $11 million for her involvement.

In a series of all-caps posts, President Trump asked, “HOW MUCH DID CROOKED ‘PHONEY’ KAMALA PAY BEYONCÉ AND SPRINGSTEEN, AND OPRAH, AND BONO, AND ALL THE REST, TO SHOW UP AND SUPPORT HER?”

President Trump offered no proof to back his claims but insisted Harris used celebrity appearances to “artificially build up her sparse crowds” and called the tactic a “corrupt & unlawful way to capitalize on a broken system.”

He also took a personal jab at Bruce Springsteen, calling him a “dried out prune of a rocker” and telling him to “KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT” after the singer labeled the President “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous” during a concert.

The backlash from Beyoncé’s loyal supporters, known as the Beyhive, was immediate and relentless.

One user wrote, “Trump left his first term in utter disaster. Historic levels of American Death, Debt, and Dependency, but somehow you want to trust the proven loser to somehow be extraordinary He’s more focused on investigating Beyoncé and Springsteen.”

Another added, “Donald Trump wants you talking about investigating Beyoncé so he can cut healthcare for 13.7 million Americans. Don’t let him get away with it.”

The accusations didn’t stop with Beyoncé and Springsteen. President Trump also named Oprah Winfrey and Bono in his rant, demanding to know if they were paid for their support of Harris.

He claimed candidates “aren’t allowed to pay for endorsements,” suggesting Harris may have funneled payments under the guise of “paying for entertainment.”

No evidence has been presented to support any of President Trump’s allegations, and Harris’ campaign has not responded to the accusations.

The Beyhive, however, made their stance clear.

“I’ve cackled hard cause he truly & entirely hasn’t grasp the power that woman holds cause by the time he’s done he’ll be on his crutches,” one user posted.

Cassie Ventura’s Mom Took Out Loan To Pay Off Diddy Over Sex Tape Threat

Regina Ventura told a federal courtroom Tuesday (May 20) that she took out a loan to pay Diddy $20,000 after he allegedly threatened to release a sex tape of her daughter, Cassie Ventura.

Regina said Diddy wanted to retaliate against her daughter and rapper Kid Cudi in testimony that added a deeply personal layer to the growing list of accusations against the Hip-Hop mogul.

Ventura said she had to borrow the money “for my daughter’s safety” to pay off the billionaire mogul to prevent the release of explicit material.

Regina Ventura, testifying as a prosecution witness in Diddy’s ongoing federal case, described a disturbing pattern of abuse and control that mirrored her daughter’s earlier testimony.

Diddy is facing multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Regina Ventura said she first met Diddy in 2006 when her daughter signed to his label, Bad Boy Records. “He was her boss. Then they started dating. They moved to LA,” she said.

The most harrowing moment of Ventura’s testimony came when federal prosecutors asked her to read a message from December 2011.

“She said Sean Combs threatened to release a sex tape and go after her and Mr. Mescudi,” Ventura told the court.

When asked how she reacted, Regina Ventura didn’t hold back. “It made me sick. Sean Combs demanded $20,000, he said to recoup losses due to Mr. Mescudi, from my husband and myself.”

Prosecutors then directed her to a binder containing photographs. “These are the photos I took of my daughter’s bruises, from Sean Combs,” Ventura said.

Her testimony supports what Cassie told the court last week—that Diddy recorded their sexual encounters and used them as “blackmail materials” to keep her compliant throughout their relationship, which lasted from 2006 to 2018.

Ray Vaughn Drags Diddy Into Joey Bada$$ Beef With Latest Diss

Much like Kendrick Lamar and Drake last year, Joey Bada$$ and Ray Vaughn’s beef continues to yield multiple diss tracks. Following’s Joey’s release of “My Town” on Monday night (May 19), the Top Dawg Entertainment rapper is back with another verbal lashing, “Goldeneye.”

Produced by J. White Did It, the track finds Vaughn dragging Diddy into the mix, claiming that the Pro Era alum is a “Diddy-bop.”

He raps, “Them gay lines is out of pocket/I ain’t never been to Diddy house/Serayah gon’ be shocked when all that footage come out/Couldn’t get a Grammy and said, ‘F### it n####, put me on that castin’ couch’/That’s the type of dick-licking s### you should be rappin’ bout.”

The single art is a bold statement in itself and features Pro Era members with targets on their foreheads.


Joey Bada$$ sparked the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry with “The Ruler’s Back” in January, when he rapped, “Too much West Coast dick lickin’/I’m hearin’ n##### throwin’ rocks, really ain’t sh*t stickin’/’Cause if we talkin’ bar for bar, really it’s slim pickings.”

He also appeared to target Kendrick Lamar with, “I got murals in my city, f### a nomination/This for every time they left me out the conversation.” Vaughn responded with “Crashout Heritage,” while Daylyt fired back with “Hiyu.”

Then on May 13, Red Bull 1520 enlisted Big Sean, Joey Bada$$ and Ab-Soul for its “Spiral Freestyle” series in which Joey dropped lines aimed at Daylyt and Vaughn.

“I shine through the late night,” he rapped. “I ain’t gotta lose no sleep to break Daylyt/Shouldn’t give you the time of day/But f### it shine a light on ’em, I’m a light Ray/If you need the attention, tell Top he gotta pay.”

Vaughn fired back with “Hoe Era,” which included the line, “B#### you washed/You ain’t carrying no torch/You let Ice Spice turn into the King of New York.”

Daylyt is getting in on the action again, too, with “Ayo.” Check it out below.

Is Diddy Buying Supporters For $20 Per Hour?

We’re trying to figure this out, but it seems like people don’t really want to talk about it. We’ve requested a formal response from Team Diddy and haven’t gotten one. So we’re a little slow reporting on this. But last week, people were reportedly being paid $20 an hour to wear “Free Diddy” shirts. Some of them said “Free Puff,” blah blah blah. Regardless, they were there to promote freedom for one Sean “Diddy” Combs, who’s currently on trial for a series of serious offenses. You know the deal. We are trying to get to the bottom of this.

We put in a formal request for comment from his team, but they haven’t replied. So, this is where the rumors start creeping in. First of all, it’s wild. Because from the outside looking in, it seems like they’re taking advantage of impoverished individuals to create the appearance of widespread support for Diddy’s freedom.

I mean, look at this dude.

Secondly, there seems to be a Diddy coin involved. And let’s be real—cryptocurrency is nasty work right now. There are so many scams tied to it that you can’t help but look at the whole thing with a side eye.

Now, I did a little digging, and I’m not quite sure if the embattled Bad Boy is actually behind any of this. It almost feels like someone is using Diddy’s name and slapping it on a sketchy crypto coin. Either way, it’d be nice if someone would clear this up—fast—so we don’t have to keep speculating.

So for now, I’m just going to lay out what we do know and we’ll circle back when more information becomes available. OK..as I finished this, I believe I figured it out. I am officially off the clock but will return tomorrow with my findings.

-illseed out!!

By the way, I love how US Magazine used 50 Cent to get this story out there.

New Orleans Jail Break Inspires Memes & Jokes As Hunt For Inmates Continues

Orleans Parish inmates turned a serious jailbreak into an internet spectacle after surveillance footage of their escape and graffiti taunts ignited a wave of viral memes.

Ten prisoners slipped out of the Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans just after midnight on Friday (May 16) by tearing a metal toilet-sink unit from the wall and crawling through a hole behind it.

The group then scaled a fence using blankets to avoid barbed wire and sprinted across Interstate 10 into a nearby neighborhood.

Before vanishing, someone left a message above the escape hole that read “To Easy LoL” with an arrow pointing to the exit route.

The escape wasn’t discovered until more than seven hours later during a routine headcount, according to Fox 8 Live. Surveillance video released by the sheriff’s office showed inmates in orange and white uniforms bolting from the facility, triggering a manhunt involving over 200 officers.

As of Tuesday (May 20), four fugitives have been recaptured while six remain on the run. The escapees face a range of charges including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, domestic abuse, battery and illegal weapons possession.

One of the recaptured inmates, 21-year-old Gary C. Price, is charged with first-degree murder.

Authorities suspect internal assistance played a role in the escape. Three jail employees have been suspended without pay and a maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly helping the inmates flee.

The jailbreak has taken on a second life online, where clips of the escape and the graffiti message have inspired a flood of memes, reaction videos and TikTok parodies.

Social media users have compared the footage to scenes from “Prison Break” and many mocked the facility’s security failures.

The Washington Post reported that the sheriff’s office is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to each remaining fugitive’s arrest.

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Donald Trump Accuses Joe Biden’s Team Of Hiding Cancer Diagnosis

Donald Trump raised eyebrows after casting doubt on the timing and honesty of Joe Biden’s prostate cancer announcement.

While talking to reporters Monday (May 19), Trump called the situation “very sad, actually,” but suggested the public was kept in the dark for too long.

“I’m surprised that … you know, the public wasn’t notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine, that’s a long time,” Trump said, referring to Biden’s aggressive diagnosis. “Somebody is not telling the facts.”

Trump didn’t hold back, implying the White House may have deliberately delayed the news.

He also took a jab at Biden’s medical team, tying the cancer diagnosis to earlier concerns about Biden’s cognitive health. “If you take a look, it’s the same doctor that said Joe is cognitively fine,” he added before repeating, “Somebody is not telling the facts.”

JD Vance Echoes Donald Trump’s Remarks On Joe Biden’s Diagnosis

Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s skepticism, questioning Biden’s ability to serve while offering a measured response to the diagnosis.

“We really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job,” Vance said.

While he wished Biden well—”I hope he makes the right recovery”—Vance didn’t back away from his concerns.

“I don’t think he was able to do a good job for the American people,” he added.

Both Trump and Vance suggested Joe Biden’s inner circle may have withheld critical health information from the public.

The White House revealed Biden’s diagnosis on Saturday (May 18), stating: “Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated for a newly discovered prostate nodule after experiencing worsening urinary symptoms. On Friday, he received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, marked a Gle score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this indicates a more aggressive type of cancer, it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which facilitates effective management.”

The statement added that Biden and his family are “reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Biden, 82, addressed the news on social media, writing: “Cancer affects us all. As so many of you know, Jill and I have discovered that we are strongest in our most vulnerable moments. Thank you for your love and support.”

Rihanna Steals Spotlight At Cannes While Supporting A$AP Rocky’s Film Debut

Rihanna turned heads Tuesday (May 14) at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, making an unannounced appearance to back A$AP Rocky as he received a five-minute standing ovation for his acting debut in Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee.

Wearing a custom Alaïa gown in soft blue with cutouts that revealed her baby bump, Rihanna walked the red carpet for the first time in eight years. It marked Rocky’s first time at Cannes and their second public outing since revealing they’re expecting their third child. The couple already shares two sons, RZA, 3, and Riot, 20 months.

The red carpet moment was full of warmth and rain. A$AP Rocky held an umbrella over Rihanna while she leaned in for kisses, and he gently held her stomach.

Rocky stars as Yung Felon in the neo-noir crime drama Highest 2 Lowest, opposite Denzel Washington, who plays a music executive caught in a ransom scheme.

The film, a modern take on Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, is set in New York City and will hit theaters August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5.

Rocky celebrated with a preview of new music from his upcoming album DON’T BE DUMB, playing snippets at an after-party and even during his red carpet walk with Rihanna.

Spike Lee, who directed the film, showed up in Knicks colors—an orange and blue striped suit and matching hat—while Washington wore a classic black suit and took time to greet people along the Croisette.

Before the screening, Lee surprised Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or, calling him “my brother from another mother.”

Rihanna’s appearance also comes on the heels of her return to music, having recently dropped a track for the upcoming Smurfs movie, where she voices Smurfette.

50 Cent Claims Diddy “Freak-Off” Participant Is Reality TV Star Who Beat Friend To Death

50 Cent wasted no time clowning Diddy on Monday (May 19) after prosecutors dropped a binder of headshots showing 13 male escorts allegedly involved in the mogul’s so-called “freak-off” sex parties—one of whom the G-Unit mogul claims was a convicted killer.

“Where the f### are the women,” 50 wrote on Instagram, posting the images of the men reportedly hired for the sessions that Cassie Ventura testified about in court.

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The binder, submitted as evidence in Diddy’s ongoing legal battles, included names like Ash, Tommy, Jake, Greg and Jonathan. Cassie identified the men in court, stating she was responsible for arranging the encounters per Diddy’s instructions.

She also confirmed she had sex with all the men pictured and said they were paid using Combs’ money.

50 Cent Targets Diddy “Freak-Off” Escort “Ash”

But 50 wasn’t done. He zoomed in on one escort in particular, Ash, claiming he was a former reality TV star, Ash Armand, posting a screenshot of a news article about his alleged criminal past.

“This s### is a movie,” he captioned the post. “One of the sex workers caught a body.”

Ash Armand, born Akshaya Kubiak, is a former reality TV personality best known for his role on Showtime’s Gigolos from 2012 to 2016. On the show, he was portrayed as the “zen master” of the group, promoting tantric sex and a wellness lifestyle.

In July 2020, Armand was arrested in Las Vegas for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, Herleen Dulai. He later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and mayhem in 2021.

According to court records, Armand claimed he blacked out after Dulai allegedly attacked him while they were both under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. Dulai died from blunt force trauma and strangulation.

He was sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison and is currently serving time. His case is revisited in the Paramount+ docuseries Sin City Gigolo, which debuted in March 2025 and features interviews with his family and former castmates.

50 Cent also continued poking fun at the reports that people were being paid $20 an hour to wear “Free Diddy” shirts outside the courthouse.

He posted an AI-generated image of himself in one of the shirts.

“Ok now where do I send my $20 invoice guys,” he joked. “A deals a deal. If you want I can be there tomorrow from 3 to 4 OK!”

Denzel Washington Checks Photographer In Explosive Exchange On Cannes Red Carpet

Denzel Washington confronted a pushy photographer on the Cannes red carpet Tuesday (May 14) after the man grabbed his arm during a conversation with A$AP Rocky and Spike Lee, prompting the actor to snap back with a pointed warning.

The tense moment unfolded just before the premiere of Washington’s new film, Highest 2 Lowest, when the photographer reached out to get his attention.

Washington immediately pulled away and appeared to say, “stop it, stop it, stop it,” while pointing at the man.

He then yanked his arm back and seemed to say, “Don’t ever put your hands on me again,” before walking off.

The photographer laughed, apparently trying to defuse the situation, but that only seemed to irritate Washington more.

Denzel Washington Surprised With Honorary Palme d’Or At Cannes

Despite the awkward exchange, the night took a sharp turn when Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or during the film’s out-of-competition debut.

“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional,” Washington said as he accepted the award from director Spike Lee. “But from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”

He continued, “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike.”

The two have worked on multiple projects over the years, and Washington clarified how much the moment meant to him.

“To be here once again in Cannes, you know, we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well,” he said. “You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”

Highest 2 Lowest hits select theaters on August 22 and will stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.

Diddy Trial: Graphic Images Of Cassie Ventura’s Injuries & “Freak-Off” Escorts Released By Prosecutors

Diddy trial prosecutors released dozens of disturbing images, including photos of “freak-off” participants and gruesome photos of Cassie Ventura’s injuries.

Sean “Diddy” Combs sat stone-faced in court as prosecutors unveiled graphic photos of Cassie Ventura covered in bruises and a gallery of 13 male escorts allegedly involved in “freak-off” sex parties he orchestrated and watched while masturbating.

The disturbing evidence, presented Tuesday (May 14), included stills from Combs’s own video recordings, which prosecutors say depict coerced group sex acts that Ventura testified she was forced to participate in at his demand.

She testified that Combs liked to “direct” them as he watched and masturbated, and said some of the sessions stretched for hours, with one lasting four days.

The photos, prosecutors argued, support a pattern of sexual exploitation, manipulation and violence that Ventura and others say defined their time around Combs.

In addition to the escort photos, prosecutors introduced images of Ventura’s injuries—welts, cuts and bruises she claimed were inflicted by Combs.

One photo showed a knife she said she kept nearby to protect herself. Surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 was also shown, allegedly capturing Combs kicking, dragging and shoving Ventura as she tried to flee one of the “freak-offs.”

Prosecutors also entered into evidence photos from the night of Combs’s arrest, showing $9,000 in cash, bottles of baby oil and drugs that tested positive for ketamine and MDMA.

Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard testified that she saw Combs assault Ventura and recalled an incident where he allegedly hit her with a frying pan.

Ventura’s former best friend Kerry Morgan told the court she saw Ventura’s injuries firsthand and begged her to leave Combs.

Morgan said she was also assaulted by Combs and later paid $30,000 to stay quiet.

Former assistant David James described an atmosphere of fear and control, detailing how Combs’s security team carried weapons and how hotel rooms were prepped for his encounters.

Prosecutors said the evidence paints a broader picture of coercion, threats and blackmail, including claims that Combs threatened to leak explicit footage to silence Ventura and others.

Joe Biden Shares Emotional Words After Cancer Diagnosis

Joe Biden addressed the public Monday (May 19) after confirming he’s battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

The 82-year-old former president took to Instagram to thank supporters and reflect on the emotional weight of the diagnosis.

“Cancer touches us all,” he wrote. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

The message was posted alongside a photo of Biden with his wife Jill Biden and their cat.

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Biden’s office released a statement Sunday confirming the diagnosis, which followed a medical evaluation prompted by worsening urinary symptoms.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

The statement added that although the cancer is aggressive, it is hormone-sensitive, which allows for treatment options that could help manage the disease.

“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” the statement said.

In an unexpected show of support, Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social offering well wishes.

“Melania (Trump) and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump wrote. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Young Thug Reacts After Gunna Covers Up YSL Tattoo

Young Thug didn’t hold back his sarcasm after spotting Gunna’s missing YSL tattoo in a recent gym selfie, poking fun at the move with a pointed Instagram comment.

Gunna issued a statement after he took a plea deal in the YSL RICO case that ensnared Young Thug, Gunna, Lil Rod, Yak Gotti and others.

In December 2022, Gunna issued a statement and acknowledged YSL was a music label and a gang.

“I have chosen to end my own RICO case with an Alford plea and end my personal ordeal by publicly acknowledging my association with YSL,” Gunna said.

The tattoo cover-up, first spotted in shirtless photos Gunna posted online, erased the YSL logo that once symbolized his loyalty to the label. The move apparently rankled Thugger, who decided to comment.

“I mean… he said it must end lol,” Young Thug wrote in response to the tattoo removal.

Gunna’s latest ink swap has only fueled speculation that his relationship with Young Thug is fractured beyond repair.

Social media lit up with theories about whether the rapper was distancing himself from the crew that helped launch his career.

Despite public backlash and rumors of snitching, Gunna has insisted he never cooperated with prosecutors.

“I have NOT made any statements, I have NOT been interviewed, I have NOT cooperated, I have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case,” he said in a statement following his release.

Still, the optics of the plea—and now the tattoo removal—have only deepened the divide between the two rappers.

Young Thug also pleaded guilty in the same RICO case and was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.

EXCLUSIVE: Lil Durk Accused Of Threatening Witnesses As Feds Reply To Dismissal Attempt

Lil Durk faced a sharp rebuke from federal prosecutors Monday (May 19) after attempting to dismiss murder-for-hire charges tied to the 2022 killing of a rival rapper’s cousin in Los Angeles.

The government is insisting the case is about orchestrated violence—not lyrics.

“[Lil Durk] is not on trial for his lyrics or his music; he is on trial because he directed, orchestrated, and financed the brazen murder plot at issue in this case,” U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli wrote in a filing opposing the motion to dismiss.

Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, is accused of ordering a hit on Quando Rondo, which led to the fatal shooting of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson—known as Lul Pab—on a Los Angeles street in August 2022. Rondo survived the ambush.

The Chicago rapper has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, murder-for-hire and using interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.

His legal team filed a motion on April 18 to toss the indictment, arguing that prosecutors improperly used lyrics from his verse on Babyface Ray’s “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy” to sway the grand jury.

Durk’s attorneys claim the lyrics were written and recorded in January 2022—seven months before the shooting—and had no connection to the crime.

They submitted sworn statements from producers to back that up and accused the government of presenting “false evidence” that violated due process.

Shortly after the motion was filed, Durk’s camp promoted the idea that he was being prosecuted for his music, not his actions.

In response, prosecutors revised the indictment on May 1, removing any mention of lyrics. However, they maintained that the core allegations remain unchanged.

“The motion fails to cite any legitimate basis to dismiss the indictment or unseal grand jury transcripts, particularly in this murder case where witnesses and their family members have already been threatened,” Essayli added.

The government emphasized that the charges stem from what they describe as a calculated act of retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von, a close associate of Durk, not from artistic expression.

Durk remains in federal custody in Los Angeles. He’s scheduled to appear in court again in June for a third attempt to secure bond ahead of trial.

Megan Thee Stallion Loses It After Congresswoman Calls For Tory Lanez Pardon

Megan Thee Stallion unloaded on social media after a growing wave of support for Tory Lanez, including a public pardon request from a sitting member of Congress, reignited debate over the 2020 shooting that left her injured.

The Grammy-winning rapper appeared fed up after Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna urged California Gov. Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez, who is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan in the foot.

Luna claimed the case was politically motivated and called the evidence “flawed,” demanding Lanez be released immediately.

“His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind— not driven by headlines Free Tory Lanez,” Luna wrote.

In a lengthy post on her Instagram Stories, Megan Thee Stallion didn’t hold back. “At what point are yall gonna stop making me have to re live being shot BY TORY!? At what point are Tory and yall FANS gonna stop lying? Like how much is the check to keep harassing me? Why is this happening EVERY DAY?? One min him/ yall said I was never shot now yall letting him play in yall face AGAIN and say I was shot but it wasn’t him oh okay… ?” she wrote.

Megan Thee Stallion Snaps Over Tory Lanez Support

Her frustration comes as a petition calling for Lanez’s release has gained more than 266,000 signatures, backed by celebrities like Drake, Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign.

The petition, launched by the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety, argues Lanez’s conviction lacked solid physical evidence and was tainted by political bias.

Megan Thee Stallion continued, “I’m sick of this s### LEAVE ME TF ALONE!!!! HE AINT DARE GET ON THAT STAND AND DENY HE SHOT ME AND THAT WAS HIS CHOICE BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE DID THAT S###!”

Tory Lanez was convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and other charges. His legal team has since launched an appeal, citing new witness testimony and alleged mishandling of forensic evidence.

A man named Bradley James, who identified himself as the former bodyguard of Megan’s ex-friend Kelsey Harris, claimed Harris admitted to firing the gun.

According to James, Harris confessed during a phone call that she fired three shots and that Lanez only tried to stop her by pushing her arm down.

Lanez’s attorneys say James’s account aligns with testimony from Sean Kelly, a neutral witness who said he saw two women fighting before shots were fired from the passenger side of the vehicle.

Despite the new claims, Megan’s legal team maintained that the trial was fair and that the verdict was just. Harris, who was granted immunity during the trial, has not responded publicly to the latest allegations.

Megan added in her post, “FACTS ARE FACTS , he did it , it was PROVEN IN COURT f### the hate campaign on the internet TORY YOU SHOT ME !! Ain’t no new f###### evidence yall been saying the same s### for years TORY PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE you a f###### demon. I’m off this silly ass internet s###, BYE.”

Diddy Accused Of Smashing Cassie Ventura’s Door In With Hammer During Fit Of Rage

Diddy allegedly tried to force his way into Cassie Ventura’s home with a hammer after a brutal hotel assault, according to testimony delivered Monday (May 19) in a New York courtroom.

The disturbing claim came from Kerry Morgan, a former assistant and close friend of Ventura, who described a terrifying encounter that followed the now-public 2016 hotel beating.

That incident, captured on surveillance footage and shown in court last week, showed Diddy attacking Ventura in a hallway.

Morgan told jurors the violence didn’t stop there. She said Diddy showed up at Ventura’s residence shortly after she arrived and tried to break in.

“He was hitting the door with a hammer to try to open it,” Morgan testified. “I was freaking out. I don’t think (Ventura) cared if (Diddy) came in and killed her.”

Morgan said Ventura had a black eye at the time and appeared emotionally detached. She claimed Diddy arrived about 30 minutes after she got there.

The assistant also testified that she was assaulted by Diddy in 2018 inside Ventura’s Hollywood Hills apartment. She said the Hip-Hop mogul accused Ventura of cheating and turned violent.

“He choked me,” Morgan told the court, adding that she had “finger marks on my neck.” She continued, “When I got up, he boomeranged a (coat) hanger at my head.”

Morgan said she sought medical help at an urgent care clinic and was diagnosed with a concussion. She told the court that the attack ended her friendship with Ventura.

Diddy is currently facing federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Salt-N-Pepa Claim UMG’s Holding Their Copyrights Hostage In Latest Headache For Label

Salt-N-Pepa launched a legal battle against UMG on Monday (May 19) in New York federal court, accusing the music giant of refusing to return control of their classic recordings and deliberately pulling their songs from streaming platforms in retaliation.

The Hip-Hop trailblazers—Cheryl James and Sandra Denton—filed suit asserting that UMG Recordings has ignored their 2022 Notices of Termination under Section 203 of the Copyright Act.

That law allows artists to reclaim ownership of their work after a specific period, and Salt-N-Pepa say they followed the rules.

Instead of complying, UMG allegedly yanked their music from streaming services and blocked licensing opportunities, moves the duo claims were meant to punish them and devalue their catalog.

Salt-N-Pepa are asking the court for declaratory and injunctive relief to regain control of their masters, along with damages for what they describe as UMG’s bad-faith conduct and conversion of their property.

The group, which exploded onto the scene in 1985 with “The Showstopper,” became one of the most influential acts in Hip-Hop history.

They were the first female rap group to win a Grammy and have sold over 15 million albums in the U.S. Their music has racked up over 1 billion streams globally and remains a staple in film, television and advertising.

UMG has held the rights to Salt-N-Pepa’s master recordings since 1986. The lawsuit claims the label is now violating federal copyright law by refusing to honor the termination notices and cutting off access to the music entirely in the U.S. market.

This legal clash adds to a growing list of high-profile disputes UMG has faced in 2025.

In January, Drake filed a defamation suit against the label, alleging it profited from Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track “Not Like Us,” which he claims contained false and damaging statements. Limp Bizkit followed with a $200 million lawsuit accusing UMG of hiding royalties using deceptive software. Meanwhile, Iggy Azalea has publicly threatened legal action over what she says are millions in unpaid royalties, rejecting a reported $18,000 settlement offer.

Salt-N-Pepa’s case is pending in the Southern District of New York.

Diddy Trial: Photos Of Seized Ketamine, Lube, Baby Oil & MDMA Entered Into Evidence

Several damning photos were introduced into evidence on Monday (May 19) as week two of Diddy’s RICO trial kicked off. The items photographed were collected during the Bad Boy Records mogul’s arrest in September 2024.

As one of the arresting special agents testified last week, the authorities seized several bottles of baby oil, prescription drugs, lubricants, stacks of cash and pink powder, presumed to be the MDMA (ecstasy) previously identified by special agent Yasin Binda.

Last week, Binda testified police found drugs, baby oil and various lubricants in Diddy’s hotel room at the time of his arrest. Specifically, they uncovered bags of Astroglide lubricant and baby oil in a closet, along with additional lubricant bottles on a nightstand and in the bathroom.

Police also recovered a bottle of Klonopin labeled with the name “Frank Black” in a luxury bag, as well as ketamine and MDMA in the nightstand.

Jurors were shown the photos of the hotel room and asked to pass around a bag of pink drugs for inspection.

Regarding witness testimony, Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard stated she witnessed Diddy allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura on multiple occasions. She described one particularly violent incident from 2009, after which Diddy allegedly threatened her to remain silent.

Along with the photos, Richard also returned to the stand on Monday, telling the court USHER, Ne-Yo and record executive Jimmy Iovine were present at a West Hollywood restaurant, where Diddy allegedly punched Ventura in the stomach.

Diddy is currently on trial facing serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. The prosecution alleges that, over a period of years, he orchestrated and participated in a pattern of sexual exploitation, abuse and violence, primarily involving Ventura and others in his inner circle.

Diddy pleaded not guilty to five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and two counts related to the transportation of individuals for prostitution.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Prosecutors have indicated that his substantial assets, including homes, businesses and other properties, could be subject to seizure as proceeds or instruments of the alleged crimes.

The trial began on May 12 and is expected to last eight weeks.

Kid Cudi Says Upcoming Memoir Is “Heavy”

Kid Cudi revealed his upcoming memoir, Cudi: The Memoir, will be a deep introspective look into his life, struggles and triumphs.

The 320-page book, written under his birth name Scott Mescudi, traces his journey from childhood to his 40th birthday, diving into battles with depression, addiction and self-worth.

The rapper announced the project on Instagram and X, describing it as both “raw” and “therapeutic.”

“My memoir is pretty heavy yall. I talk about some very real s###, bringing u into my mind during the most difficult times. But it will help those who struggle not feel so alone,” he wrote.

The memoir also includes Cudi’s original artwork, childhood photos and career milestones.

It’s designed to mirror the emotional support his music has offered listeners for years.

“Life lessons, the rager period of my life and fighting my demons. All the way to the present, where happiness has found me. I hope this book does what my music does for u and gives u guidance and hope that u will make it through those difficult times,” he added.

Cudi: The Memoir will be released August 5 through Simon & Schuster.

The book will be supported by a global book tour and its release aligns with the debut of his new single “Neverland” and a short film premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025.

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The announcement comes as Kid Cudi remains in headlines following disturbing allegations in a federal racketeering case involving Diddy.

Prosecutors claim Diddy blew up Cudi’s Porsche in a jealous rage over his relationship with Cassie.

Cassie confirmed Diddy told her he wanted to destroy the car and make sure Cudi’s friends saw it happen.

Trump Becomes Unhinged Over Alleged $11M To Beyoncé For Kamala Harris Endorsement

Donald Trump called for a federal investigation into Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen over their appearances at campaign events for Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing them of accepting millions in illegal payments for political support.

In a series of all-caps social media posts, Trump questioned, “HOW MUCH DID HARRIS PAY BEYONCÉ AND SPRINGSTEEN?” and claimed the involvement of celebrities was a “corrupt & unlawful way to capitalize on a broken system” and “artificially build up her sparse crowds.”

“According to news reports, Beyoncé was paid $11,000,000 to walk onto a stage, quickly ENDORSE KAMALA, and walk off to loud booing for never having performed, NOT EVEN ONE SONG!” President Trump fumed. “Remember, the Democrats and Kamala illegally paid her millions of Dollars for doing nothing other than giving Kamala a full throated ENDORSEMENT. THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ELECTION SCAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL!”

Trump also took aim at Springsteen directly, calling him a “dried out prune of a rocker” and telling him to “KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT” after the singer labeled Trump “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous” during a recent concert.

“Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country,” President Trump said.

The former president didn’t stop there. He lumped in Oprah Winfrey and Bono, demanding to know if they were compensated for their support of Harris.

“Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for endorsements,” President Trump wrote, accusing Harris of doing so “under the guise of paying for entertainment.”

Despite the accusations, Trump offered no proof to back up his claims.

The criticism comes as Trump himself faces scrutiny over a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet, valued at roughly $400 million, offered by Qatar’s royal family for use as Air Force One during his presidency.

The aircraft is expected to be transferred to his presidential library after his term.

Trump defended the arrangement, calling it a “wonderful gesture” and saying it would be “stupid” not to accept it. He insisted the plane was “a gift to the United States government, comparing it to France’s gift of the Statue of Liberty.

Qatari officials, however, pushed back, saying the aircraft was not a gift but part of a temporary agreement still under negotiation.

Critics have pointed out the irony of Trump’s accusations, given his acceptance of high-value perks in office.