Month: July 2024

Tory Lanez’s Lawyers Seek New Trial After Convicted Rapper’s Driver Signals He Did Not See Who Shot Megan Thee Stallion

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Tory Lanez’s defense team is aggressively seeking a new trial after his driver, Jauquan Smith, submitted an affidavit claiming he did not see who shot Megan Thee Stallion in the 2020 incident. What does this mean for Tory’s case? Hard to say at this juncture but it usually takes new evidence to be granted a new trial and or to win an appeal. This might be a mitigating factor to support their request.

See, defense counsel is saying Smith alleged that the prosecution did not allow him to testify during Lanez’s 2022 trial. We can’t jump out the window with this assertion but if true, this could mean the likelihood Lanez receives a new trial just got a boost.

Okay, so about that affidavit … We won’t get too deep into the legal jargon but Smith essentially stated that he witnessed Megan’s former friend, Kelsey Harris, holding a gun during a fight between Megan and Harris. Now to be clear, Smith did not see who fired the weapon, he noted that Lanez attempted to disarm Harris: 

“Ms. Pete [Megan] and Ms. Harris began fighting. I pulled over to stop them. Ms. Pete and Ms. Harris both got out of the vehicle and continued to fight, both verbally and physically. I broke up this fight and was pulling Ms. Pete toward the back of the car. I saw Ms. Harris with a gun in her hand. Mr. Peterson [Lanez] ran from behind Ms. Pete and myself toward Ms. Harris. Mr. Peterson and Ms. Harris began struggling as Mr. Peterson tried to unarm Ms. Harris. I was still pulling Ms. Pete and did not see who shot the weapon,” Smith explained in the affidavit. 

Hold up, hold up … The plot thickens, ya’ll …

Smith went on to claim: 

“I wanted to present this evidence during Mr. Peterson’s trial but was prevented from doing so as the District Attorney was not ready to cross-examine me, and later they did not call me back due to the holidays and the court schedule. I believe I should have been allowed to present this evidence at trial.”

See if you see where this going, Lanez’s defense team is arguing that Smith’s testimony is crucial and warrants a new trial. That’s up for debate, obviously.

As expected California prosecutors have contested this request. The prosecution highlights that Lanez’s former attorney chose not to call Smith as a witness due to concerns about his bias and the repetitive nature of his testimony. We were wondering when that part would come into play. Why didn’t the defense just, um, call him as a witness?

Here’s what Deputy Attorney General Michael C. Keller stated on the matter:

”Given these circumstances, defense counsel conceded that Smith would not have been a helpful witness because of his bias and the cumulative nature of his proffered testimony.”

ICYMI, Lanez was in fact found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, illegal possession of a firearm, and negligent discharge of a gun in the 2022 trial. In 2023, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Real time. Real years. Easy to see why his team will keep fighting for their client. 

By the way, Tory is dropping music from behind bars. “Prison Tapes” are hitting all platforms every Friday. No BS, and despite his legal peril, it’s hard to argue that the music isn’t good. Sorry ya’ll. It is what it is. 

The post Tory Lanez’s Lawyers Seek New Trial After Convicted Rapper’s Driver Signals He Did Not See Who Shot Megan Thee Stallion first appeared on The Source.

The post Tory Lanez’s Lawyers Seek New Trial After Convicted Rapper’s Driver Signals He Did Not See Who Shot Megan Thee Stallion appeared first on The Source.

Phaedra Parks Poised for Triumphant Return to’Real Housewives of Atlanta’ After Six Year Absence 

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Phaedra Parks is making her return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” after a six-year hiatus. The TV personality announced her comeback to the Bravo reality series on Instagram on Monday. 

In her surprising post on the Gram, Parks shared a top tier pic of herself stepping off a jet plane while holding a peach in her left hand, symbolizing her return to the show. Well, we see you Phaedra. Period. 

Here’s how Ms. Parks captioned the big announcement: ”You called. I answered 🍑#RHOA #S16,” Parks captioned the photo.

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Let’s take ya’ll back , Parks initially joined “RHOA” in its third season in 2010 and remained a cast member until the end of Season 9 in 2017. During her time away from “Housewives,” she appeared on Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” starring in the show’s milestone 10th season alongside Jackie Walters, Simone Whitmore, Toya Bush-Harris, and Heavenly Kimes.

Her triumphant return to “RHOA” comes in tumultuous times for the arguably one the top reality dramas on the small screen. After the recent departures of cast members Kandi Burruss and Kenya Moore, she steps in to a lot of bad blood and thick air, if you get the drift. 

Bravo, is still leading the way with docudramas, and RHOA is currently filming its 16th season/ Announced in May the newest season will see the return of cast members Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton Mwangi, and Drew Sidora who will be joined by newcomers Brittany Eady, Angela Oakley, and Kelli Ferrell as full-time peach holders. Congrats on the promotions for the full-timers, let’s hope they bring the heat that Kenya undoubtedly left when she got the axe. 

Oh and get this, former “RHOA” personality Cynthia Bailey will return as an official friend of the group. We need some of her confidence back on-air. We don’t know about ya’ll but we’re psyched for this new season. Welcome back Phaedra. 

The post Phaedra Parks Poised for Triumphant Return to’Real Housewives of Atlanta’ After Six Year Absence  first appeared on The Source.

The post Phaedra Parks Poised for Triumphant Return to’Real Housewives of Atlanta’ After Six Year Absence  appeared first on The Source.

Cardi B Viciously Shut Down A Rumor That She Could No Longer Afford Her Marital Home With Offset

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Cardi B has decided to keep details about her marriage with Offset, offline. So, when whispers about their union grow louder, you shouldn’t expect to hear a peep from her. However, the “Enough (Miami)” rapper absolutely won’t stand for rumors about her financial status.

Today (July 29), a gossip page learned this the hard way after Cardi B clapped back at one of its post. In the upload, the platform claimed that she could no longer afford the martial mansion she shares with Offset.

“LMAOOO,” she wrote. “You bum b*tches wish… Me and Offset bought that house in 2019 for 5 million now it’s worth 7. Check the Atlanta market. And no, we not selling it… and if I ever sold it I would just sell my part to Offset since he loves Atlanta. Throwing salt on my home? Hating bad.”

Users online chimed in with mixed reactions to Cardi B’s post. Overwhelmingly, supporters scolded the entertainer for addressing an account without much of a following.

“Girl, this page got 100 follows, why do u care with they say bout u? Nobody believes in they,” wrote one user.

Others applauded Cardi’s actions, given how quickly false information can spread online.

“I actually love that you acknowledge fake news too, because so many people are quick to believe anything they see online despite the questionable source,” penned another.

Lately, Cardi B hasn’t let any perceived mud-slinging go without clapping back, just ask Ice Spice or Joe Budden. So, this fiery post shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Tupac’s Family Hires Investigators To Look Into Diddy Conspiracy Allegations

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Keefe D is the first and only man to be charged with Tupac’s murder. The man born Duane Davis was charged in 2023, and is awaiting a trial set for November 2024. Keefe D’s situation is not ideal, but he has drawn lots of attention for his shocking claims. According to the gangster, Diddy was the one who ordered the hit on Tupac’s life in 1996. Keefe D went on to assert that Diddy wanted Tupac and Death Row co-founder Suge Knight gone so badly that he paid Keefe $1 million to “handle the problem.” This allegation has not been taken lightly by Tupac’s family.

Tupac’s family is taking steps to look into Keefe D’s allegations. According to TMZ, the family has taken steps to ensure that they get to the bottom of what really happened three decades ago. The family has hired attorneys a team of investigators, as well as attorneys Alex Spiro and Christopher Clore, to see if there’s truth to Diddy’s involvement. Sources close to the family claim the mogul will be the sole focus of the investigation. They also told TMZ that Tupac Shakur’s family believe they may be truth to what Keefe D has been claiming.

Read More: Tupac Murder Suspect Keefe D Verbally Attacks Prosecution In Court

Tupac’s Family Thinks There’s Merit To Diddy Claims

Diddy has never charged in connection to the Tupac shooting. He has, however, been hounded by many conspiracy theories over the years. A 2008 piece by The Los Angeles Times claimed he had knowledge of the Tupac shooting, but it was quickly retracted. The retraction didn’t stop Diddy from denying these allegations outright. “This story is beyond ridiculous and completely false,” he asserted. “Neither Biggie nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest that there was any involvement by Biggie or myself.”

Obviously, Diddy’s reputation is not as sterling as it once was. The Bad Boy founder has been caught lying about multiple transgressions, including the abuse of his ex-girlfriend Cassie. There’s also been multiple victims that have come forward with stories about Diddy’s illegal antics during the ’90s. One such, story, from ex-Vibe editor, claimed Diddy threatened to have her killed if she didn’t give him an advance copy of a cover story. If Diddy did in fact have anything to do with Tupac’s death, then the Shakur family will find out.

Read More: Drake Poses In Tupac Shirt Amidst Ongoing Kendrick Lamar Feud

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Tory Lanez’s Driver Claims He Didn’t See Megan Thee Stallion Get Shot

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The case involving Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion seemed like a done deal. The former was found guilty of shooting the latter in the foot, and sentenced to prison as a result. Evidently, however, there was more to the story. Tory Lanez’s former driver, Jauquan Smith, recently came forward with an eyewitness account. He recalled driving the vehicle shortly before the 2020 shooting, and claimed that he didn’t see who actually shot Megan Thee Stallion. Smith’s testimony was submitted in an attempt to appeal Lanez’s prison sentence.

Jauquan Smith stated that Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, and a woman named Kelsey Harris were arguing in the vehicle. He added that he saw Harris holding the gun that shot Megan at one point, and recalls seeing Lanez attempt to disarm the woman. “I pulled over to stop them,” Smith continued. “Ms. Pete and Ms. Harris both got out of the vehicle and continued to fight, both verbally and physically. It’s here where the driver’s testimony proves revelatory. He insisted that Lanez attempted to diffuse the situation, rather than escalate it. “Mr. Peterson and Ms. Harris began struggling as Mr. Peterson tried to unarm Ms. Harris,” Smith wrote.

Read More: Tory Lanez Announces New “Free Tory Playlist” Via Prison Phone Call

Tory Lanez’s Driver Didn’t Testify During The Singer’s Trial

The driver, notably, did not testify during Tory Lanez’s trial. He did, however, provide some clarification as to why he’s coming forward now. He claims the D.A. was not ready to cross examine him during the case, and was not contacted afterwards. Smith asserted that the eye witness testimony he has to offer would have been immensely helpful to Lanez. “I wanted to present this evidence during Mr. Peterson’s trial but was prevented from doing so,” he explained. “I believe I should have been allowed to present this evidence at trial.”

The California Attorney General’s Office presents a different story. They acknowledged that they knew about Jauquan Smith’s testimony, but felt it wouldn’t have helped. “Recognizing that an independent eyewitness had placed the gun in the hands of Harris prior to the shooting,” explained Deputy Attorney General Michael C. Keller. “Defense counsel explained that it would not ‘do anything’ to have appellant’s friend say the same thing.” It remains to be seen what Smith’s testimony will do for Lanez in retrospect.

Read More: Tory Lanez Achieves Shocking Sound Quality On New “Prison Tapes” Tracks

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MGK & Jelly Roll Divulge In Their Tragic Pasts On “Lonely Road”

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Jelly Roll and mgk are working together for the first time in their careers on a country rock cut, “Lonely Road”. Both are obviously superstars in their respective genres, so this crossover is something that makes sense from a streaming standpoint. However, more importantly, this combination of talent is a great pairing musically speaking as well. Both are quite often bobbing and weaving in and out of different genres, mgk especially. However, Jelly Roll does too, as he has some rapport with quite a bit of hip-hop artists. According to the Cleveland native, this record is something that has taken a long time to finally release.

About two years, multiple studios, and a handful of countries only were needed for mgk and Jelly Roll to deliver “Lonely Road”. Overall, the single is produced and performed with a lot of emotion. If some of the lyrics sound familiar, it’s because it interpolates the iconic country song by John Denver, “Country Roads, Take Me Home”. Throughout, mgk and Jelly Roll talk about their struggles with addiction and relationships, something that are consistent themes in both artist’s discographies. This record has been doing massive numbers (expectedly), especially on YouTube. It’s currently the number one trending video for music thanks to it suggestion that Megan Fox and mgk could be announcing the expectance of their first child? His partner in crime is wearing a baby bump in the visuals. It fast forwards eight months later to when the kid is born, so maybe we have a big update for real coming soon.

Read More: Foolio Murder: Suspects Named As Arrest Body-Cam Footage Hits The Internet

“Lonely Road”- MGK & Jelly Roll

Quotable Lyrics:

I hear the devil wears Prada, but I couldn’t read the tags
And your horn started showin’ when I see you mad
But I’ll wait for you ’cause this is not the face I knew
And I probably could’ve saved us, but instead, I let us crash
‘Cause I don’t trust no one to love me back, but you say, “I do”
And this is not the place for you

Read More: Erica Ash Of “Real Husbands Of Hollywood” Passes Away At 46

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Police Killed Sonya Massey’s 4-Year-Old Cousin Terrell Miller In March: What We Know

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It took four months for the tragedy regarding Terrell Miller, out of Macomb, Illinois, to reach the masses. As the U.S. was swept up in the news about Sonya Massey’s slaying in nearby Springfield, it’s reported that her four-year-old cousin, Terrell, lost his life after being used as a human shield during a confrontation. NewsOne stated that police were responding to a call of a man, suspect Anthony George, with a knife in a domestic dispute. This resulted in the deaths of both George and little Terrell, and the officer responsible will not be charged.

Terrell Miller’s Mother Was Stabbed During The Incident

On March 16, 2024, Macomb police dispatch received a call from Keianna Miller’s home. They could hear her screaming, crying, and begging for someone to help her. Once police arrived, they used force to enter the apartment and found Keianna, Terrell’s mother, with multiple stab wounds. Also on the scene was Anthony George, 57, holding two knives. Quickly, officers moved Keianna outside as George reportedly took Terrell from his bedroom and returned to the hallway, where he used the little boy as a shield between himself and the officers. Seconds later, an unidentified police officer fired a single shot that went through Terrell’s head, also striking George. The suspect and the child were killed in the incident.

Officers Involved Will Not Be Charged

It came as a shock to Terrell’s loved ones when they learned that the police officers involved in the hostage incident wouldn’t be charged. Special Prosecutor Jonathan H. Barnard explained that he reviewed all the evidence and decided not to press any criminal charges. This has understandably angered many. “I feel like Terrell will never receive justice. He died for nothing,” Keianna stated.

The evidence in question included interviews with witnesses, reports from the Coroner, body camera footage from police, and more. According to authorities, when George emerged from Terrell’s room and was in the hallway, he was holding a knife to the little boy’s neck. There was reportedly another knife at George’s waist. “Based upon that review, I find that there is no basis for any criminal action or prosecution that is supportable under the facts of this case against any of the officers involved in this tragic incident,” Barnard said in a letter earlier this month.

“We believe that the police officer acted recklessly and not within standard guidelines for the use of deadly force,” Marleen Suarez, Keianna Miller’s attorney, said. “Terrell was just a little boy, and he didn’t have a chance.” Suarez added, “I watched the body cam video of Terrell’s shooting, and it is as tragic as you can imagine.” She wants the investigation into the case reopened. “We intend to hold the Macomb Police Department accountable for Terrell’s tragic death and will be pursuing civil remedies.”

Terrell’s Mother Called Him Her “Miracle Baby”

Terrell’s loved ones are still trying to pick up the pieces of this catastrophe. They told reporters he was a precious, always smiling child who couldn’t get enough of Spider-Man and trains. Further, he was referred to as his mother’s “miracle baby” because Kieanna struggled with fertility issues before Terrell’s celebrated arrival. Of course, news of Terrell’s death has shocked the Macomb community, and several have gathered in protest and for a recent press conference. There has been a call for justice, but it is unclear if the authorities are interested in re-evaluating this case.

Meanwhile, Sonya Massey’s Shooter Has Been Charged

The reportedly related nature of Sonya Massey and Terrell Miller only amplifies both tragedies. “So, really, we wanted to hold a space tonight for the community to come together, have some collective healing, and just be able to highlight the lives lost in Sonya and her cousin Terrell,” Advocates for Social Justice Board Member Harold Walehwa stated. While Terrell’s killer will seemingly escape legal troubles, deputy Sean Grayson of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has been charged in Sonya’s death.

On July 6, Sonya called the police after she believed a burglar was on her property. Although she was the person who called for help, police responded and questioned her about a car in her driveway and asked for her license. Then, Grayson told Sonya to check on a pot of boiling water still on her stove, but the situation took a grave turn when she entered the kitchen. Things intensified, and Sonya told the officers, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Officers drew their weapons, and Grayson threatened to shoot Sonya in the “f*cking face.” She dropped to the ground in fear and said, “Okay, I’m sorry,” holding the pot in front of her face and crouching on the floor. Grayson shot her three times.

Grayson Lied About The Scene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 28: Demonstrators with signs protest the killing of Sonya Massey by a Springfield, Illinois sheriff’s deputy, in Washington Square Park on July 28, 2024 in New York City. Massey was shot at home in the head by Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County, Illinois deputy after she called the police to report a possible prowler. Grayson has been arrested, sparking protests around the country demanding justice for Massey’s death. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Sonya’s death was first reported as self-inflicted, and on his body camera, Grayson can be heard accusing Sonya of setting up the scene on purpose. He also advised his fellow officers not to attempt life-rescuing efforts, reportedly telling them, “She’s done.” After footage of the incident was released, it quickly circulated on social media. Advocates are calling for justice once more, and Grayson has been arrested and faces several charges, including three counts of first-degree murder. With the U.S. Presidential Election less than 100 days away, both incidents will be talking points regarding police reform, immunity, and accountability.

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Flava Flav Emerges as USA Women’s Water Polo Sponsor, Joins Jill Biden at the Paris Olympics

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Flava Flav and Jill Biden cheer on US Women's Water Polo Team in Paris

Flava Flav has always been a man of many talents and ventures whether it is music, reality television, or business. And while nobody probably had Flav sponsoring the USA Women’s water polo team on their 2024 bingo card, that is exactly the case as the artist has emerged as playing a vital role in the team’s success and journey to the Olympics.

The story began in May when women’s water polo team member Maggie Steffens posted how most of the women work one (or more) full-time jobs in addition to practicing and competing in the sport. She commented how the women’s water polo team, like many of the less popular sports, relies on sponsors to pay for things like equipment, travel, and pool time.

Flav commented on her post, vowing that “as a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports,” he would “personally sponsor you my girl,,, whatever you need,” promising that his manager would be in touch with her agent and vowing to “use all my relationships and resources to help all y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.”

The former Public Enemy artist indeed came through on his promise, donating an undisclosed amount of money and more importantly, serving as the team’s unofficial hype man, attending matches wearing a Team USA branded water polo cap and (of course) a similarly branded waterproof clock necklace. Joining him to cheer on the team was First Lady Jill Biden, who thanked him for his support of women’s sports.

On X, Flav shared a video of him embracing Biden and team members along with the caption:

“I love all the support Women’s Water Polo is getting,,, ya boy is so appreciative that the First Lady came to the First Game . THANK YOU @flotus Dr. Jill Biden for all the support of you and your family.”

In a statement to the Associated Press, Flav stated that “When I come out and I watch this water polo team … ‘USA! USA!’ Yo, I’m going to be the biggest hype man that they ever had in their life,” he told the AP on Friday. “I’m going to be bigger than any cheerleader that they had in their life. I’m going to cheer this team on, and I’m going to cheer this team into winning a gold medal.”

The post Flava Flav Emerges as USA Women’s Water Polo Sponsor, Joins Jill Biden at the Paris Olympics first appeared on The Source.

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