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Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation To Close Following Post-Oscars Slap Revenue Decline

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The aftermath of the infamous Oscars slap involving Will Smith has taken an unexpected turn for the power couple, as reports emerge of their family foundation’s imminent closure. According to a recent report by Variety, tax filings reveal a significant decline in revenue and donations for the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation following the highly publicized incident. Despite indications that the foundation’s shutdown was in motion before the 2022 Oscars event, the decline in financial support appears to have accelerated the decision.

In 2020, the foundation boasted a substantial revenue of $1.7 million, followed by an even higher figure of $2.1 million in 2021. However, the numbers plummeted dramatically in 2022, with reported revenue dwindling to a mere $366,000. This stark decline speaks to the the impact of the controversy surrounding Will Smith’s on-air altercation with comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Annual Academy Awards. Sources close to the couple disclosed to Variety that the decision to wind down the foundation had been in the works prior to the Oscars incident.

Read More: Jada Pinkett Smith Reflects On Dealing With “Bouts Of Depression”

Will And Jada Smith

HOLLYWOOD, CA – MARCH 02: Actors Will Smith (L) and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the Oscars held at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

The Smiths are now redirecting their focus towards private philanthropy, opting to contribute to charitable causes directly rather than through a formal foundation structure. The shift in approach aligns with their desire to maintain their commitment to philanthropy while adapting to changing circumstances. Signs of the foundation’s downsizing were evident even before the Oscars controversy. In 2021, the organization reduced payments to its only two staff members, and by 2022, there were no paid staff members remaining within the organization. Despite these internal adjustments, the foundation’s closure marks the end of an era for the Smith family’s philanthropic endeavors.

In the wake of the Oscars incident, Will Smith faced widespread criticism before issuing a public apology and stepping away from the spotlight temporarily. However, the actor has since returned with a new project, recently unveiling the trailer for the highly anticipated film Bad Boys 4 alongside co-star Martin Lawrence. As the Smiths navigate the aftermath of the controversy, the closure of their foundation marks a significant transition in their philanthropic efforts, highlighting their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the world, albeit through alternative means.

Read More: Will Smith And Jada Pinkett Smith Roasted On SNL

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‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Names Jenn Tran as the First Asian American Leading Lady

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‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Names Jenn Tran as the First Asian American Leading Lady

The Bachelorette has named Jenn Tran, a contestant from Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor, as the leading lady of season 21, making Tran the first Asian American Bachelorette.

Variety reports that the news, which made history for one of the biggest reality franchises ever, was announced by host Jesse Palmer and former Bachelorette star Charity Lawson during the Season 28 finale of The Bachelor on Monday night. 

“I’m looking for someone who has a really big personality,” said Tran. “I’m all about having fun, all about having that cheeky banter.” She seems ready for all the fun and games but hopefully can balance that with the undoubted drama that comes with starring as The Bachelorette. 

Here’s what Tran said about becoming the first Asian American Bachelorette: “It’s honestly incredible, and I feel so grateful and honored to be the first Asian Bachelorette in this franchise. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to see Asian representation on TV. I feel like it was sparse. Anytime Asians were in the media, it was to fill a supporting character role, to fulfill some stereotype, and I always felt boxed in by that because I was like, I don’t see myself on screen. I don’t see myself as a main character.”

Here’s what ABC said in an official statement where the network described Tran as “a sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant. The bilingual Vietnamese beauty currently resides in Miami and is ready to find love with a man who’s as reliable and thoughtful as she is. When she’s not studying, Tran loves reading, paddleboarding and traveling whenever she has the chance.”

The Bachelorette is a massive production from Next Entertainment and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. Bennett Graebner, Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich, Tim Warner, and Peter Gust serve as executive producers.

There is word on a premiere date for The Bachelorette Season 21, but expect the series to air this summer on both ABC and Hulu.

The post ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Names Jenn Tran as the First Asian American Leading Lady first appeared on The Source.

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Halle Bailey Is Thankful For Her “Real Supporters” Amid Pregnancy Rumors

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Earlier this week, Variety released their annual “Actors On Actors” feature. As usual it features a series of interviews between two different actors where they discuss their craft and the year they’ve had. The biggest interview this year was Margot Robbie and Cilian Murphy. They played the lead roles in two films that famously went head-to-head at the box office this summer Barbie and Oppenheimer.

But another interview that captured fans attention came between Halle Bailey and Rachel Zegler. Bailey took to her Instagram story to share the photo from their cover and show some love to Zegler. She followed it up with a message thanking the people who she sees as her real fans. “I just also wanna say I’m so very grateful for my real supporters who are respectful of women’s bodies and loving,” her statement begins. “being under a microscope is not easy but for the real ones who show unconditional love religiously I appreciate you I feel so blessed and grateful.” Check out her full post below.

Read More: Halle Bailey Stranded After Running Out Of Gas

Halle Bailey Shares Message To Her Real Fans

Many suspect that what’s upsetting Halle Bailey are the pregnancy rumors swirling around her recently. In the comments of a repost of her Instagram story you can see the exact kind of remarks she’s taking issue with. “Her pretending to not be pregnant is what’s making the masses more curious,” one of the top comments on the post reads. Many other comments all the way down the post take a similar tone.

The pregnancy speculation began last month when Bailey’s boyfriend shared a video to his snapchat. Fans broke down the clip frame by frame and think they identified a frame where he accidentally shows Bailey on camera. They think she looks pregnant during the brief time she’s visible on screen. Bailey herself has been largely quiet about the rumors only addressing them in similarly indirect statements. What do you think of Halle Bailey’s message to her real supporters about showing her unconditional support? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: DDG Says He’s Halle Bailey’s “Biggest Supporter”

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Billie Eilish Upset With Variety For “Outing” Her In Their Recent Interview

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Billie Eilish’s star has been burning bright for a few years now. After the release of her 2019 breakout album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO?, much of the world became enamored with her. However, as time has passed some have had some issues with the alternative pop star’s comments. Not too long ago, she was making headlines for her statement on how a man’s physical appearance is never in question as much as a woman’s. To sum things up, Billie said that girls are nice and do not care how a man looks.

That had a lot of people turning on her, but, this latest response might win some back. According to Uproxx and a host of other publications. Eilish was interviewed by Variety at their Hitmakers Event. Her sexuality was in question after she gushed about how attractive women are. “I kinda thought, ‘Wasn’t it obvious?’ I didn’t realize people didn’t know… I just don’t really believe in [coming out]. I’m just like, ‘Why can’t we just exist?’”

Read More: Karlissa Saffold’s Ex-Lesbian Lover/Best Friend Attempts To Sleep With Her Man, Visits Chrisean Jr. Alone

Billie Was Not To Happy After Soaking It In

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish)

After letting that all marinate, Billie realized that it was a little out of pocket for the publication to out her like that. In a recent Instagram photo dump, she voiced her frustrations with them. It reads, “thanks variety for my award and for also outing me on a red carpet at 11 am instead of talking about anything else that matters i like boys and girls leave me alone about it please literally who cares stream “what was i made for”🥸 Fans in her comments were absolutely on board with her calling them out for the way they handled the interview and cover story. Since it was posted it has garnered over 3.7 million likes.

What are your initial thoughts on these comments from Billie Eilish about her slamming Variety for their coverage of their interview? Were the singer’s actions valid or is she out of line in any way? Do you think Billie has a point about coming out being too glorified? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Billie Eilish. Furthermore, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: Young Dolph’s Alleged Murderer Is A Scapegoat, Rapper’s Fiance Suggests

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Billie Eilish Gets Candid On Her Sexuality And Identity

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Earlier today, Variety shared their newest cover story. For the piece they talked to one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Billie Eilish. In the interview she discusses her own thoughts and feelings towards other women. “I love them as people. I’m attracted to them as people. I’m attracted to them for real, I’m physically attracted to them. But I’m also so intimidated by them and their beauty and their presence,” Eilish explained.

Alongside her complicated views of other women, she also expressed uncertainty in her own femininity. “I’ve never felt like a woman, to be honest with you. I’ve never felt desirable, never felt feminine,” Billie began. “I have to convince myself that I’m, like, a pretty girl. I identify as ‘she/her’ and things like that, but I’ve never really felt like a girl,” Eilish concluded the interview portion. Though it’s only a portion of the interview, it’s already caught fire online as fans reflect on some of Eilish’s biggest hits through the newly shared lens. Read the full cover story below.

Read More: Billie Eilish’s Dyed Hair Leads To Hilarious Weather Map Comparisons

Billie Eilish “Doesn’t Feel” Like A Woman

Over the weekend, Billie made an appearance supporting another young star. 2023 breakout rapper Ice Spice was tapped to perform at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival. During her set, fans spotted an excited Billie Eilish in the VIP section cheering her on. She’s often been one of the biggest supporters of some of her fellow young stars.

She popped up to praise another rapper back in September. Eilish appeared in the comments underneath a video of Megan Thee Stallion twerking on Instagram. The two have been interacting online regularly for years since Billie first shared a video dancing to Megan’s hit “Body.” While Billie and Ice Spice don’t appear to be that close yet, they’re clearly fans of each other. What do you think of Billie Eilish’s new reveals in her Variety cover story? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Billie Eilish Reacts To Lil Yachty’s Bar About Her “Big Tits” From Drake’s “For All The Dogs”

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Billie Eilish Reacts To Lil Yachty’s Bar About Her “Big Tits” From Drake’s “For All The Dogs”

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Billie Eilish says she was “flattered” when Lil Yachty referenced her “big tits” on a lyric from her feature on Drake’s For All The Dogs track, “Another Late Night.” In full, Yachty raps, “She had big tits like Billie Eilish, but she couldn’t sing.” Eilish discussed the lyrics during a new interview with Variety.

“I think it’s fun!” she said. “I’m flattered! Yachty is my friend. Drake is my friend. It’s a joke. I do have big tits. I love it.” Eilish also discussed her body while reflecting on her gender identity and the way fans have sexualized her. “I have big boobs. I’ve had big boobs since I was nine years old, and that’s just the way I am. That’s how I look. You wear something that’s at all revealing, and everyone’s like, ‘Oh, but you didn’t want people to sexualize you?’” Of the trolls, she added: “You can suck my ass! I’m literally a being that is sexual sometimes. F*ck you!”

Read More: Billie Eilish Co-Signs Lil Yachty’s NSFW Lyrics About Her From Drake’s Album

Billie Eilish Performs At Coachella

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 23: Billie Eilish performs on the Coachella stage during the 2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 23, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Coachella)

Eilish also explained in the interview that she doesn’t feel she relates to girls all that much. “I’ve never really felt like I could relate to girls very well,” she admitted. “I love them so much. I love them as people. I’m attracted to them as people. I’m attracted to them for real.” Despite this, she still has “deep connections with women in my life, the friends in my life, the family in my life. I’m physically attracted to them. But I’m also so intimidated by them and their beauty and their presence.” Check out Lil Yachty’s lyrics about Eilish below.

Lil Yachty References Billie Eilish On “Another Late Night”

In the rest of the interview, Eilish discusses being vegan, her style, her Barbie song, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Billie Eilish on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Billie Eilish Raps Along To Young Thug’s “Power:” Watch

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Ice Spice Travels So Much She Practically Lives In Hotel Rooms

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Ice Spice has had an absolutely meteoric rise to fame. In about a year she transformed from bubbling underground rapper to mainstream pop superstar. Along the way, she’s picked up four top-10 hits. Among them is a song from the soundtrack for the biggest film of the summer and collaborations with superstars like Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. Earlier this summer she released the deluxe edition of her Like…? EP. The project spawned yet another hit for her with “Deli” and established her as a presence on the Billboard 200.

It’s unsurprising that her speedy rise to fame hasn’t given her much time to settle down. “The truth is, I’m everywhere. I’m constantly moving,” Ice Spice said in a recent interview with Variety. Because of the nature of her new lifestyle, she doesn’t really have a place to call home. “I’m always moving because people are starting to notice me a lot, and things get weird and creepy really quickly. But I mostly be staying in hotel rooms; that’s really where I live,” she explains. It’s one of a number of details she reveals about her life throughout the interview. Check out the full thing below.

Read More: Ice Spice Reveals Which Nicki Minaj Project Is The Greatest Album Of All Time

Ice Spice Starting To Get Noticed A Lot

Ice Spice interviews have been making waves for months now. For the very same Variety piece, they spoke to Taylor Swift who gave some strong words to the young rapper’s professionalism. In a more recent interview, Central Cee spoke on how Spice’s demeanor reminds him of himself.

In that same interview, Ice Spice elaborated on why she respects the opinions of music critics. She brought up how much time they spend analyzing and critiquing and the fact that they put their face and name behind their work. She explained that compared to anonymous social media users, she cared about the opinions of the critics more. What do you think of Ice Spice’s revelation that she basically lives in hotel rooms? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Ice Spice Inspires Trisha Paytas’ Hot Pink Fashion Statement

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Ice Spice & Latto Drama Rumours Reignited Over Former’s Fake Nice “Variety” Comments

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It’s no secret that hip-hop is primarily a male-dominated world, but in 2023, it’s been the women who have really held things down. Several new faces have quickly emerged as favourites in the genre this year, including names like Ice Spice and Sexyy Red. Both women’s catapult into the spotlight has been somewhat meteoric, but they’ve handled it with as much grace (and attitude) as was necessary. For her part, Spice has been facing accusations of being a one-hit wonder and industry plant since her career first began. Of course, she’s putting in plenty of work to combat those rumours.

She’s made strong connections with heavy hitters such as Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift already, but that doesn’t mean everyone is on the 23-year-old’s side. In particular, she’s been butting heads with Atlanta-based superstar Latto since the 777 hitmaker said that she wasn’t familiar with Spice’s viral TikTok song during a red-carpet interview. They’ve never faced off directly, but the redhead has made it abundantly clear that she’s seen Latto taking notes on her style choices, and is perhaps not of the mindset that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

Read More: Ice Spice Deflects The Accusations Of Being An Industry Plant

Ice Spice is Variety‘s Latest Cover Star

“It is a competition at the end of the day,” the New Yorker told Variety in her latest interview. “People want to be all, ‘I’m a girl’s girl,’ but then behind the scenes being b**ches… I can be transparent, and I know the competition is checking on me too,” Spice confidently stated. “It’s like, ‘Yeah, girl, I’m watching you and I know you watching me.’ And boys are watching too, because they be secretly haters.”

Seeing as the “Karma (Remix)” artist directly mentioned the phrase “girl’s girl,” many social media users think she’s referencing a viral Latto interview in which she praised herself for supporting other female rappers. “All this started just because Latto acted like she didn’t know Ice Spice’s viral TikTok song,” one person speculated on Twitter. “The rap girlies are so entertaining and I’m here for it.”

Read More: Latto Says She Doesn’t Charge Rising Female Rappers For Features

Fans React to “Girl’s Girl” Comments

Keep scrolling to see what both Latto and Ice Spice’s fans are saying about the former’s new Variety cover story. Do you think that the “Deli” rapper intended to throw shade directly at Latto, or was she simply making a blanket statement? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Ice Spice Deflects The Accusations Of Being An Industry Plant

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Everyone is talking about Ice Spice’s new cover story in Variety. All day, fans have been unpacking various details she lets slip throughout the comprehensive discussion of her personality and artistry. She gave everyone an update on her situation with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Healy made some offensive comments about Spice on a podcast earlier this year, but eventually apologized both publicly and to the rapper herself. She now says things are all good between them.

Because of her meteoric rise to fame, Ice Spice has faced allegations that many breakout stars have to weather. Some believe she’s an industry plant due to her near instantaneous cultural ubiquity. While the allegations seemed to bother her at first, she’s over it now. “A lot of people have thrown that in my face — like ‘Oh, I’ve never seen anything happen so quickly. She needs to be studied,’ or ‘She’s a plant. I just let people believe whatever they want to believe, to be honest. I don’t really mind all the rumors. At first, I did, but now I’m at a point where I understand that just comes with this lifestyle,” she clarified. Check out the entire interview below.

Read More: Ice Spice’s Doppelganger Blows Up On TikTok

Ice Spice Doesn’t Mind The Industry Plant Allegations

The article was such a big undertaking that even Taylor Swift herself provided a statement. She spoke to Variety about Ice Spice’s professionalism and confidence and ended it by saying the rapper “impressed the hell” out of her. Spice’s friendships with Taylor and Nicki Minaj come up a few times in the interview and are part of the fuel for the industry plant allegations from listeners.

It’s no surprise the allegations emerged when Spice skyrocketed to fame so quickly. After breaking through last year she has already notched four separate top 10 hits on the Hot 100 in 2023 alone with a handful of other songs landing lower down the charts. What do you think of Ice Spice’s response to allegations of being an industry plant? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Ice Spice Explains How Some Women Rappers Act Differently In Private

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Ice Spice Explains How Some Women Rappers Act Differently In Private

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One of the most common refrains coming from female rappers is the insistence put on them to compete with each other. Many rap girls have commented in the past on how much they don’t like that all female rappers are made to compete with each other. Typically, those complaints don’t lead to much as fans tend to turn right back around and keep doing it. But Ice Spice had a different perspective on things in her new cover story with Variety.

“It is a competition at the end of the day. People want to be all ‘I’m a girl’s girl,’ but then behind the scenes being b*tches,” Ice Spice told Variety in a new interview. She also spoke on how at the end of the day, there’s a competition between female rappers whether they want it or not. “Basically, we here, the girls, are doing amazing. I’m excited to see it. I feel like the competition is what keeps us all excited because I think we all secretly enjoy competing and seeing who put that sh*t on better and who’s gon’ get the most views.” Check out the entire interview below.

Read More: Max B Flirts With Ice Spice: “She Looking Real Good”

Ice Spice Sees Rap As Competition

The new interview with Ice Spice has dozens of moments fans are latching onto. One of the biggest is Taylor Swift’s appearance. The pop star gave a quote to the publication where she extended some massive praise to Spice. She praises the rapper’s professionalism, personality, and hustle. Finally, she claims that Spice “impresses the hell” out of her.

Ice Spice also talked about her connection to Matty Healy. The lead singer from pop rock band The 1975 famously made cruel jokes about Spice on a podcast. Since then though, Healy has apologized to the rapper and now the two are “good.” There are even more moments fans are going crazy over deeper in the interview. What do you think of Ice Spice’s perspective on the competition between girls in hip-hop? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Ice Spice’s Doppelganger Blows Up On TikTok

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