ABBOTT ELEMENTARY

Tyler James Williams Shuts Down Rumors About Sexuality, Decries Trying To “Out” People

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It may be Pride Month, but Tyler James Williams is tired of people gossiping about his sexuality. This is not the first time that Williams has gone on social media to address some societal concerns. In 2020, he famously went up against Terry Crews amidst his claims of “black supremacy.” The two formerly starred together in Everybody Hates Chris. Williams was not in the spotlight for some time, but he was thrust back into it in the surprise hit comedy from Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary. In a new set of Instagram Stories, the actor has addressed rumors about his sexuality. Additionally, he has expressed concern over the culture of attempting to expose someone’s sexual orientation.

Williams appears to have come across social media posts suggesting that he displays certain behaviors associated with being gay. In his statement, the actor denied these claims. He also spoke out against anyone who tries to “catch” a gay person that isn’t out. Williams claims that this is a dangerous game and incredibly damaging to the LGBTQ community.

Williams Simultaneously Denies Being Gay And Defends The LGBTQ Community

Tyler James Williams attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Tyler James Williams appears to have come across social media posts about his sexuality. Apparently, these posts suggest that he displays certain behaviors associated with being gay. This is what compelled Williams to speak out. “Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me,” the actor said. “I’m not gay; but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous.” Of course, this practice is commonplace online. One needs only to look at the comments under posts by the likes of Shawn Mendes and Harry Styles to see it. Williams, however, says this behavior only contributes to a feeling of being unsafe for queer people.

“I’ve been very clear about the intentionality I try to put into using my platform to push back against those archetypes every chance that I get,” Williams continued. “Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way. And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggling with real issues.” The actor’s selfless statement no doubt meant quite a bit to members of the LGBTQ community. He went on to wish a happy Pride to his “queer and questioning” friends. What do you think of Williams’ statement? Be sure to sound off in the comments below!

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Quinta Brunson Seeks Dismissal Of “Abbott Elementary” Lawsuit

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Abbott Elementary has quickly become one of the most beloved shows on television. The ABC mockumentary sitcom about an inner-city elementary school in Philadelphia has ridden a recent wave of “wholesome TV”. The show just ended its second season and will likely be an award favorite again this year.

However, the show has been facing a legal battle since mid-2022. Writer and performer Christine Davis filed a copyright suit against creator Quinta Brunson and ABC. Davis claims that Abbott Elementary violates the copyright of her unproduced script This School Year. Davis is seeking damages and all profits generated by Abbott Elementary.

In a filing to have the case dismissed, Brunson argued that the two shows are actually very different. “Starting with reading the very first page of Plaintiff’s treatment, it is evident that the concept and feel of the works are wholly dissimilar. While This School Year begins with a second-grade teacher Ms. Davis, slamming a book against her face at the idea that a new school year is starting, Abbott Elementary begins with a bubbly, positive, and optimistic second grade teacher, Janine Teagues, gushing about how excited she is to be starting another year with her students.” This claim argues that the tone and plots of the show differ based on the main character and how they view the world.

So where will the case go from here? While a judge has yet to rule on the case, Abbott Elementary will likely win out. Davis’ case primarily relies on both shows being about an inner-city elementary school. Her suit does claim that the shows share the “look and feel of the inner-city school, the mockumentary style, unique plot synopsis, set design, and unique characters.” However, according to the US Copyright Office, “The general idea or concept for a program is not copyrightable. Copyright will protect the literary or dramatic expression of an author’s idea but not the idea itself; and Registration for a particular script applies only to the copyrightable material in that script. “Blanket” registration for future scripts or for a series as a whole is not available.” Despite this, we will have to wait for an official ruling.

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Lil Yachty And Quinta Brunson Will Appear On ‘Saturday Night Live’ Next Month

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The first Saturday Night Live guests of April have been revealed. During tonight’s episode, which was hosted by Jenna Ortega and featured two musical performances from The 1975, an onscreen message between commercials revealed that Quinta Brunson from Abbott Elementary will host the first SNL episode of April. The news was then shared on SNL‘s social accounts shortly after.

Joining Brunson will be rapper and singer Lil Yachty, who is still hot off the release of his critically-acclaimed new album, Let’s Start Here.

Yachty’s latest album features him making a departure from his Soundcloud rap stylings and experimenting with a more psychedelic rock sound. In a recent interview with Billboard, Yachty revealed that making this album was vital for him to show his fans — and more importantly, himself — his wide range of musical talents.

“There’s a lot of kids who haven’t heard any of my references,” he said. “They don’t know anything about Bon Iver or Pink Floyd or Black Sabbath or James Brown. I wanted to show people a different side of me — and that I can do anything, most importantly.”

Quinta Brunson and Lil Yachty’s episode of Saturday Night Live will air on Saturday, April 1 at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC. The episode will also stream live on Peacock.

Joe Budden Reacts To Being Shouted Out In “Abbott Elementary”

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Joe Budden is one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop culture. He was never quite the most popular rapper in the game while he was active, but he was a prominent member of Slaughterhouse. His 2003 hit, “Pump It Up” is certainly the most successful track of his career.

He retired from the rap game in 2018 and his last full-length release came in the form of 2016’s Rage & The Machine. Ever since then, Budden has found continuous success as a broadcaster for various platforms. Regardless, the 42-year-old continues to maintain his relevance in society.

Joe Budden speaks onstage at the REVOLT X AT&T 3-Day Summit In Los Angeles – Day 1 at Magic Box on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for REVOLT)

ABC‘s sitcom show, Abbot Elementary, shouts out the “Pump It Up” rapper in a bit from one of their recent episodes, “Read-A-Thon.” Airing on Wednesday (January 4), the episode is part of the series’ second season.

The scene showcases one of the show’s students educating his teacher on who Joe Budden is while in the school’s new podcasting club. The teacher, who’s played by Chris Perfetti, brings up “the podfather.” “Oh, you mean Joe Budden,” the student replies. “I think he pronounces it Biden, but we will work on diction when the mics are hot,” says Mr. Hill in response.

The kid subsequently reveals that it’s shocking he’s never heard of the former Slaughterhouse rapper. He plays the prof a clip from The Joe Budden Podcast, but Mr. Hill is appalled by the explicit language.

“Joe is a star. It’s ok to admit. He made broadcasting cool. We changed the game forever. #AbbottElementary,” says Budden’s manager, Ian Schwartzman in a tweet.

One fan took to their Twitter account to publicly acknowledge the show’s mention of Budden. “Not the Podfather @JoeBudden on Abbot Elementary,” writes the fan, along with a couple of emojis crying with laughter. “Nah don’t gas me.. i love that show lol,” the 42-year-old replies back. Evidently, he’s loving the shout-out.

What do you think about Abbott Elementary shouting out Budden in the show? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates in music and pop culture.

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Joe Budden Reacts To ‘Podfather’ Shoutout In Abbot Elementary

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Joe Budden Joins Patreon As Head of Creator Equity

Joe Budden is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in podcasting and has heavily impacted the landscape of the medium for years to come. In a new episode of Abbot Elementary, the “Podfather” was shouted out in a scene where one of the teachers, Mr. Hill, told one of his students that he had never heard of the “Pump It Up” rapper. The student then shows Mr. Hill a clip from the podcast full of bleeps, responding “Woah! I’m not sure how Mr. Budden’s mother would feel about that podcast.”

Joe Budden, who has expressed his love for the show in the past, was quite appreciative of the shoutout. In a post on Instagram, Budden shared the clip of his shoutout, along with a caption that read, “First of all y’all already know how i feel about @quintab and this show…….. secondly, thank you. 🙏🏾🔥#Abbottelementary #Podfather“

Budden also responded to fans on Twitter who saw the shoutout as well. “Nah don’t gas me.. i love that show lol,” he Tweeted in response to a fan. “That’s [fire],” he said in a follow up tweet.

Budden’s manager Ian Schwartzman even commented on the shoutout in a post on Instagram. “Joe is a star. It’s ok to admit. We changed the game forever. Our little podcast. #abbottelementary,” Ian captioned his IG post.

Joe is surely to bring this up in the next episode of the JBP, air horns, gunshots, and everything.

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‘Abbott Elementary’ Fans Are Freaking Out About Its Latest Cameos, Including Vince Staples And A 76ers Legend

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In just two short seasons, Abbott Elementary has become an outright sensation. The show, which is kind of like The Office or Parks And Recreation set in a Philadelphia public elementary school, has garnered rave reviews for its heart and laugh-out-loud comedic touch. However, another aspect of its popularity that can’t be overlooked is its cameos and commitment to its Philadelphia setting.

While comedian/rapper Zack Fox played an integral role in the first season, the second season has upped the ante, with a hilarious appearance from Philly Flyers mascot Gritty, and in the show’s latest episode which aired last night, Vince Staples and 76ers legend Andre Iguodala. They join a cast that is already full of delightful comedic personalities including Tyler James Williams (from Everybody Hates Chris), Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Quinta Brunson, the show’s creator and main character, rookie educator Janine Teagues.

And since Staples is cast as a romantic rival to Williams’ Gregory for Janine’s affections, fans are rightfully freaking out, since Greg and Janine are the show’s “will they, won’t they” couple. Williams and Brunson’s smoldering chemistry doesn’t hurt either.

Iggy’s appearance is played more for straight laughs, as he appears as the boyfriend of the school’s irresponsible principal, Ava (portrayed by James). Fans were naturally excited to get yet another Philly reference on the show, which has nodded to Sixers basketball a couple of times this season, including with Janine’s Halloween costume of James Harden.

The show is going into its winter hiatus. Still, it will return in early 2023 — undoubtedly with more fun surprises and complications in the ongoing story of the interoffice romance between Janine and Greg (and hopefully, more Ava/Iggy shenanigans).

Beyoncé Sends A Heartfelt Gift To ‘Original Dreamgirl’ Sheryl Lee Ralph Following Her ‘Abbott Elementary’ Emmy Win

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Beyonce Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100 2018
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Over the weekend, Beyoncé had a personal gift shipped to Abbott Elementary‘s Sheryl Lee Ralph, in celebration of her recent Emmy win for Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series. Ralph became just the second Black woman to win in that category at last week’s Emmy Awards. Along with the bouquet of yellow and white flowers, Beyoncé wrote Ralph a special note, referencing the role as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls that both of them played (Ralph in the 1981 Broadway debut, Beyoncé in the 2006 movie).

“To the original Dreamgirl, sending you a beautiful congratulations,” Ralph read from the card in an Instagram video. “All my love, Beyoncé.”

Ralph played one of the soundtrack’s songs, “We’re Your Dreamgirls,” in the background, as she shared her own reaction to Beyoncé’s congratulatory present. “They’re beautiful, oh Beyoncé… I don’t have a voice, but it’s wonderful,” she said, visibly shocked by the card in the present.

For the video’s caption, Ralph continued her sweet messages to the singer, writing, “Every one has their own special dream and all your dreams can come true. Just look in the mirror and love what’s in front of you. Thank you @beyonce don’t forget to dream girls!”

Other members of the Dreamgirls universe also sent Ralph flower arrangements, including Jennifer Hudson, who won the Oscar for her portrayal as Effie White in the movie version. Although Oprah was not a part of Dreamgirls, she was also someone who gave Ralph flowers, specifically some so big “they had to open the double doors and get a trolley,” according to Ralph telling The Hollywood Reporter. She even received a call from Vice President Kamala Harris.

Watch Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Instagram video above. The second season of Abbott Elementary premieres on ABC this Wednesday, September 21 at 9 p.m. ET.

Kid Cudi Sends Flowers To Sheryl Lee Ralph After Her Emmy Win: ‘You Are A Legend’

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Kid Cudi Governors Ball 2022
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Kid Cudi seems to be a fan of Abbott Elementary. In a TikTok video uploaded by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph‘s son, Etienne Maurice, Ralph, who plays Barbara Howard on Abbott, reveals to her son that Cudi sent her flowers following her winning the award for Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series at the Emmys.

Maurice reads the message sent with the flowers, which says, “Congrats Sheryl, you are a legend, and watching you and Quinta [Brunson] win was truly inspiring. Your speech was everything. Always rooting for you…Looking forward to meeting you one day.”

@walkgoodetienne

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think one of my favorite artists of all time would be sending flowers to my mom. I know this is about my Mom, but @KidCudi, my mother wouldn’t know who you were if I wasn’t blasting your music on my way to school in the morning or her buying tickets to see you for my high school graduation. I am your fan from DAY 1 bro bro. Thank you for showing love to moms. You are loved my g.

♬ Man On The Moon – Album Version (Explicit) – Kid Cudi

It’s hard to tell who’s more excited; Ralph or her son. But nonetheless, Maurice is grateful that his mother is receiving her flowers (in both the figurative and literal sense).

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think one of my favorite artists of all time would be sending flowers to my mom,” he said in the post’s caption. “I know this is about my Mom, but @KidCudi, my mother wouldn’t know who you were if I wasn’t blasting your music on my way to school in the morning or her buying tickets to see you for my high school graduation. I am your fan from DAY 1 bro bro. Thank you for showing love to moms. You are loved my g.”

The second season of Abbott Elementary premieres on ABC next Wednesday, 9/21 at 9 p.m. EST

Quinta Brunson Becomes First Black Woman To Be Nominated in Three Comedy Categories in Same Year

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Quinta Brunson Becomes First Black Woman To Be Nominated in Three Comedy Categories in Same Year

Quinta Brunson is taking over the 2022 Emmy Awards. The genius creator of hit ABC comedy, Abbott Elementary, has become the first Black woman to earn three Emmy nominations in comedy categories in the same year.

According to Variety, the 32-year-old star is nominated for outstanding comedy series, lead actress in a comedy, and writing for a comedy series for the show’s pilot episode.

In the past, only one Black woman has one in either the lead actress or writing categories. Isabel Sanford won leading actress for her role in The Jeffersons and Lena Waithe won for writing Master of None on Netflix.

The Emmys are set for Monday, Sept. 12.

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