Pop Culture

Kanye West Loses Honorary Degree As SAIC Condemns “Dangerous Statements”

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He has lost billions in partnerships, lucrative deals have dissolved, and now Kanye West no longer holds an honorary degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The South Side native has consistently praised his hometown in his music and given back to local communities. His success earned the attention of the Art Institute, but today (December 8), it was announced that they have rescinded their honorary doctorate.

West was awarded the honor back in 2015 during a highly publicized ceremony. Following the rapper’s recent pro-Nazi rhetoric, students and alumni reportedly petitioned for the school to take action. “The School of the Art Institute of Chicago condemns and repudiates Kanye West’s (now known as Ye) anti-Black, antisemitic, racist, and dangerous statements, particularly those directed at Black and Jewish communities,” the school shared in a statement.

Read More: Kanye West Tells Jewish People To Forgive Hitler

They continued: “Ye’s actions do not align with SAIC’s mission and values, and we’ve rescinded his honorary degree.”

Much of West’s global fanbase has been disappointed in comments made in recent years. From his takes on slavery to his admonishing of Harriet Tubman’s impact to his most recently admitted respect for Adolf Hitler, West has seemingly become his own worst enemy. He continues to sit down for hot-take interviews with far-alt-right outlets as he speaks with controversial political figures.

During his conversations with Infowars Alex Jones and Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes, West admitted to liking Hitler. He also argued that Nazis have received a poor reputation because of the Jewish community, and he also denied that 6 million people were killed during the Holocaust.

(Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Read More: Kanye West To Alex Jones: “I Like Hitler”

Additionally, Ye has officially revealed his bid for president and will run in the U.S. 2024 election. His platform remains unclear, but he has made appearances with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

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Friends Of Takeoff’s Alleged Killer Patrick Clark Think He’s Being “Framed”

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A popular Houston DJ has been arrested in connection with Takeoff’s death, and now friends of Patrick Xavier Clark are speaking out. The Migos star was killed in the early morning hours of November 1 while at a private event. A verbal disagreement ensued, and sadly, Takeoff was shot and killed. Police stated that the rapper was an innocent bystander who was struck by stray bullets.

As Hip Hop continues to mourn the late star, the investigation into his death continues. Takeoff was in a room of upward of 30 people when he was killed, but police claim they are struggling with finding witnesses who will cooperate. Nevertheless, arrests have been made, but Clark has denied responsibility.

Read More: Takeoff Update: Alleged Killer Wants Judge To Help Fund Defense

The Daily Beast reportedly also caught up with people who knew Clark personally, including rapper Jmali. According to the artist, DJ Pat wasn’t a violent person.

“You could see by the reactions of everyone that we’re shocked because that’s not the type of person [Clark] is,” Jmali said. “He was about business, not violence.”

“Pat was similar to Takeoff in that he was quiet and just went about his business,” the rapper added. “That’s why this is so surprising to everyone here.”

Read More: Suspect In Takeoff’s Murder Case Is “Nervous” & Concerned”: Report

Additionally, a friend of Clark’s, who reportedly wanted to remain anonymous, told TDB they believed he was being “framed” for Takeoff’s murder. They also didn’t think Clark would “jeopardize” himself and his life’s work.

“I know him. He’s not like that. I honestly feel like they got the wrong guy,” a person told the outlet. “He doesn’t get mad or hostile. He’s very nice and thoughtful. That’s all I have to say. I feel he is being framed.”

Prosecutors believe otherwise and allege Clark wanted to flee to Mexico as the investigation heated up.

Read More: Takeoff’s Alleged Murderer Planned Mexico Trip Before Arrest 

Cameron Joshua was also arrested in connection with the incident, however, he faces a firearm charge. Investigators don’t believe Joshua had anything to do with Takeoff’s death, but he has been tacked for “carrying a weapon illegally at the party.”

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Celine Dion Details Rare Condition, Stiff-Person Syndrome

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In an emotional, transparent video shared on Instagram, Celine Dion reveals health issues that caused her to amend her world tour. The music icon has been a global sensation for decades as her classic hits are considered a soundtrack to an era of music history. It has been argued that she is one of the greatest vocalists of her generation, if not beyond, but she revealed she has quietly batted Stiff Person Syndrome.

“The spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” Dion said. “I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life.”

Read More: Celine Dion Begs Drake To Not Get Her Face Tattoo; Invites Him Over For Dinner

According to reports, Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological disease that causes painful spasms and increasing muscle stiffness. This can be triggered by various factors, including changes in temperature or weather, as well as loud noises.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time,” said the “My Heart Will Go On” hitmaker. “And it’s also been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through…It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”

Additionally, only one in one million people are diagnosed with the disease.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Read More: Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Celebrate Anniversary With Celine Dion

Sadly, Dion’s condition has caused her to postpone the European leg of her world tour until 2024. Several dates have been canceled indefinitely.

“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better,” she also said. “I’m working with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again.”

In 2021, Dion reportedly suffered spasms while rehearsing for her anticipated Las Vegas residency. In the end, it was canceled altogether.

Revisit Celine Dion’s mega-hit “My Heart Will Go On” from the blockbuster film Titanic below.

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Seth Rogen Trolls Kim Kardashian At “Women In Entertainment Breakfast”

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Seth Rogen teased Kim Kardashian during The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Entertainment Breakfast” on Wednesday. Confused by Kardashian’s absence, Rogen joked about her having nothing better to do.

“Are we going to talk about how Kim Kardashian didn’t show up?” Rogen asked the crowd. “I have seen every episode of ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ I know she doesn’t have anything more important to do than this.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 28: Seth Rogen arrives at Premiere Of Warner Bros Pictures’ ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

Rogen then back down remarking that she probably had good reason to miss out.

“She’s honestly… she’s probably dealing with a lot right now,” he added.

As for why Kardashian skipped out on the event, her team explained the decision in a statement provided to TMZ.

“The wrong event date was given to Kim’s team several weeks ago,” they said. “The error was realized only on Monday and unfortunately, her schedule could not be moved around at the last minute due to a prior work commitment. She was incredibly disappointed to not be able to attend since she never cancels.”

Season 2 of The Kardashians finished airing on Hulu, last month. Rogen, on the other hand, recently starred in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans.

Rogen wasn’t the only one to make fun of Kim Kardashian at the event. Chelsea Handler also poked fun during her time on stage, joking about security at the event not being enough for Kim.

While she wasn’t in attendance at the breakfast event, Kardashian did post new pictures on Instagram.

Check out Seth Rogen’s comments at the Women in Entertainment Breakfast below. Hollywood Reporter held the event in honor of its 2022 Women in Entertainment Power 100 list.

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Will Smith Says “Emancipation” Has Helped Him Overcome Oscars Slap

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Will Smith says that playing Peter in his new film Emancipation helped him get through the months after his infamous Oscars slap. While promoting the film, Smith explained that the role has helped him with overcoming adversity.

“It’s like when you can locate and center yourself in your divine purpose, you can withstand anything and everything,” he said, according to ABC News

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Actor Will Smith attends the Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Focus” premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 24, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

The film follows an escaped slave inspired by “Whipped Peter,” who evades slave hunters in search of freedom.

He continued: “Peter has absolutely helped me through these last few months, just reestablishing within myself in what my purpose is in this world.”

“This movie was so grueling. Literally across the board, everybody had to devote a hefty amount of suffering to what you see on that screen,” Smith said. “So my greatest wish, and I guess I can talk about my greatest fear, is that my team would be penalized for my actions. I’m out with this film that I love and strictly want my people to get their flowers.”

Antoine Fuqua, who directed Emancipation, says that Smith slapping Chris Rock was just a “mistake.”

“For me, it’s a mistake,” Fuqua said. “Hopefully everybody can get back on track and God bless everyone. But we’re talking about 400 years of brutality.”

Notably, Smith is still eligible for nominations and awards at the Oscars, despite his 10-year ban from the Academy. He cannot, however, accept them at the ceremony.

Smith has also said he’s gotten to feeling “purified and transformed” since the incident.

Emancipation arrives on Apple TV+, Friday. Check out the trailer for the film below.

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“Lord Of The Rings” Hobbiton Set Listed On Airbnb

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Airbnb has listed the actual Hobbiton set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit for rent. The property is located in New Zealand’s Waikato region.

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth,” host Russell Alexander said in a statement. “I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world.”

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 15: Peter Jackson, New Zealand director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy poses with the props from the film set in his Wingnut Films office in Wellington New Zealand. Jackson has been nominated for best director at the 2002 Academy Awards and his film ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ has a further 12 nominations. (Photo by Robert Patterson/Getty Images)

Access to “The One-and-Only Hobbiton” will be tough to come by. Reservations will go live on December 13 at 9:00 PM, GMT, and will only cost $6 USD. Additionally, only three individual two-night bookings are available. The stays will take place on March 2-4, March 9-11, as well as March 16-18 in 2023. There will be a maximum of four guests per stay.

“There’s such diverse scenery and landscapes here in New Zealand,” Alexander further added. “It ties back to how Tolkien describes things in the books. From here, I can go a couple hours south and go skiing in the mountains, or 45 minutes to Mount Manganui and I could be surfing. New Zealand has contrasting scenery, it’s all relatively accessible, and it fits into everything Tolkien described.”

Altogether, fans will be able to see 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other locations. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. However, the property will provide a car service to travel to and from the airport.

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Alex Jones Slams Kanye West’s “Hitler Fetish”

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Alex Jones called out Kanye West and Nick Fuentes for having a “Hitler fetish” after the two appeared on his show, last week. Jones reflected on the interview while speaking with right-wing YouTuber Steven Crowder on Tuesday.

“There is this Hitler fetish. And no, I’m not into dudes in fancy peacock military uniforms that, by the way, got 22 million Germans killed,” Jones said. “Hitler was horrible, screw Hitler, burn in hell Hitler.”

AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 18: Infowars founder Alex Jones interacts with supporters at the Texas State Capital building on April 18, 2020 in Austin, Texas. The protest was organized by Infowars host Owen Shroyer who is joining other protesters across the country in taking to the streets to call for the country to be opened up despite the risk of the COVID-19. (Photo by Sergio Flores/Getty Images)

Speaking of Kanye in particular, Jones remarked, “I don’t think he’s mentally ill — I think he’s enjoying himself.“

Jones also labeled Fuentes “baby Hitler” and a “Nazi lover.”

Of the entire interview, Jones says, “I can’t bring myself to watch it again — I can’t stand to watch it.”

Fuentes responded to the criticism by labeling Jones “controlled opposition” on Telegram afterward.

“MTG and Alex Jones both threw me under the bus to appease Jewish groups,” he wrote. “I don’t take it personally but people need to be aware that they are the definition of controlled opposition.”

Speaking on Jones’ InfoWars show, Kanye West had admitted to liking Hitler.

“The Jewish media has made us feel like the Nazis and Hitler have never offered anything of value to the world,” Ye said at one point. “I see good things about Hitler, also.”

After the interview, West posted a picture of a swastika on Twitter. Elon Musk banned him from the platform in response.

Check out Jones’ discussion with Steven Crowder below.

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DJ Khaled Models For Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty

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DJ Khaled dons silk pajamas and a tracksuit in the latest photoshoot for Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty. He is the latest in a line of celebrities who have modeled for the brand, including Olivia Cooke, Summer Walker, and more.

INGLEWOOD, CA – MARCH 11: DJ Khaled attends the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards which broadcasted live on TBS, TNT, and truTV at The Forum on March 11, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

Khaled also rocked a pair of slippers personalized with his name while modeling the loungewear.

The God Did producer first confirmed that he’d be collaborating with the brand back in August. On social media, he posted a video taken from behind the scenes of the shoot.

“I got team Rihanna and team Fenty in the building,” he said at the time, before adding, “I got the tailors from Fenty. I got my tailor. We got tailors from Italy. We doing a top secret shoot. I got Rihanna’s people in my house, this my house and Rihanna’s team is at my house.”

Khaled added: “I ain’t gone name other companies ‘cause I’m rolling with Fenty. Y’all didn’t see the vision. I’m born beautiful. I’m a sex symbol. They been wanting this for the longest time. Wait until I put these things on.”

Outside of fashion, Khaled and Rihanna have worked together numerous times over the years. In 2017, they released the hit song, “Wild Thoughts,” which peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The campaign comes as Savage x Fenty recently settled a consumer protection lawsuit for $1.2 million. The brand allegedly used deceptive marketing tactics to automatically enroll customers in a subscription without their knowledge.

Check out pictures from Khaled’s work with Savage x Fenty below.

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Tory Lanez Case: Detective Who Was “Key Witness” Won’t Testify: Report

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We’re sure your timelines are cluttered with updates about the case involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. The news filters in real-time as the trial date approaches next week. In July 2020, an incident occurred outside a Hollywood Hills mansion. Megan alleged her former friend shot her in the foot, and quickly, the allegations became the talk of pop culture. However, Lanez has repeatedly denied the accusations as he heads to trial. The rapper-singer faces several felony charges, including his newly added discharge of a weapon count.

Nancy Dillon, a senior reporter for Rolling Stone, has been keeping the world updated about Lanez’s case since its onset. She offered information via Twitter and, earlier today, returned with more news. “Tory Lanez Trial Update: LAPD Det. Ryan Stogner ‘relieved of duty’ in last month,” she wrote.

Read More: Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Is “Confident” Rapper Will Win Megan Thee Stallion Case

Dillon added, “Prosecutors reveal in court Lanez’s atty George Mgdesyan says on the record the ‘underlying’ reason for dismissal was a DV allegation.” However, “Prosecutors say no charges filed & they won’t call him @ trial.”

“Mgdesyan says Stogner, who was the investigating officer who interviewed Megan The Stallion after the shooting, is a critical witness for the defense. He told court he plans to call him under the theory Stogner ‘botched’ the investigation. Judge says he would allow.”

Reports stated that the defense team plans to call Kris Jenner’s partner Corey Gamble and daughter Kylie Jenner as witnesses. Just before the shooting, Megan, Lanez, and Jenner appeared together on Instagram Live as they partied at the mansion and enjoyed its swimming pool. It is unclear what Jenner may have witnessed, but the rumors have been unending.

Read More: Tory Lanez Tweets Bible Verses Following Megan Thee Stallion Hearing

It has also been reported that Kelsey Nicole, Megan’s former best friend, may take the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Kelsey was at the scene when the shooting occurred, but as the years progressed, she has had a tense relationship with the rapper. The two were once close, but their fallout played out for social media audiences. Megan publicly suggested that her ex-BFF remained silent about what happened because she allegedly took a bribe from Lanez’s camp. Kelsey denies the accusations.

On Twitter, Lanez seems confident that the trial will vindicate him.

Tory Lanez Tweets Bible Verses Following Megan Thee Stallion Hearing

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After over two years of speculation, the world is about to discover what may have happened between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. The former friends were once thick as thieves; however, an incident in July 2020 would change their lives forever. It was then that Megan was injured outside of a Hollywood Hills mansion as Lanez was arrested. She later came forward to accuse Lanez of shooting her in the foot—a charge he denied since the onset.

This week, Lanez received an additional charge of negligent discharge of a firearm. He already faced charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm, according to TMZ. Hours ago, he returned to Twitter with what he called his “last tweet,” and it once again divided pop culture.

Read More: Tory Lanez Faces 3rd Felony Charge In Megan Thee Stallion Case: Report

“I’m going to leave this here one more time …and watch how it ages,” the singer-rapper wrote. “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER … AND EVERY TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST ME IN JUDGEMENT SHALL BE CONDEMNED u sit and watch now …. And don’t ever question the GOD I serve again . This is my last tweet.”

Lanez’s supporters interpreted this as his way of saying he was confident that the trial would end in his favor. There has been a divide, especially within Hip Hop culture, about this case. Megan has repeatedly stated that Lanez, and no one else, was her assailant. However, with Lanez’s adamant enthusiasm that he did not pull the trigger, others have deemed the Houston rapper a liar.

Read More: Tory Lanez & Prince From “Love & Hip-Hop” Settle Alleged Assault Cases

This is a trial that many have been waiting for, if not just to hear the end of the ongoing saga. DJ Akademiks has been vocal for years as he seemingly sides with Lanez in this court battle. He has claimed to have looked at court documents and alleges that Megan isn’t telling the truth.

The trial is set to begin next week. Check back with us as we continue to cover updates about the case.

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