Category: News

As Amber Heard speaks out for the first time following the crushing verdict in Johnny Depp’s lawsuit against her, the actress revealed that she lives in fear of facing even more litigation from her ex-husband. While speaking to NBC News’ Savannah Guthrie in Part Two of their lengthy interview, Heard opened up about how she’s afraid that anything she says now can be used as fodder for Depp to take her back to court where she could, once again, be subject to a potential jury full of Jack Sparrow fans.

Via NBC News:

Asked if she felt “nervous” about what she can say following the trial’s outcome, she said: “Of course. I took for granted what I assumed was my right to speak.”

“I’m scared that no matter what I do, no matter what I say, or how I say it — every step that I take will present another opportunity for this sort of — silencing, which is what, I guess, a defamation lawsuit is meant to do,” she said, after being asked whether she feared she could be sued by Depp again.

“It’s meant to — meant to take your voice,” she said.

As Heard further explained to Guthrie, the verdict caught the actress and several legal experts off guard because her op-ed in the Washington Post was vetted by a “team of lawyers” specifically to avoid defaming her ex-husband. Heard also said that she had no intentions of “canceling” Depp, and she was simply supporting the growing #MeToo moment.

“The op-ed wasn’t about my relationship with Johnny,” Heard said. “What the op-ed was about was … me loaning my voice to a bigger cultural conversation that we were having at the time.”

Earlier this month, Heard’s legal team told Guthrie that the actress “absolutely” wants to appeal the verdict.

(Via NBC News)

Rootin’ tootin’ Lauren Boebert is staring down her late-June primary. Obviously, the stakes are high with the U.S. reeling from many woes (including gun violence and inflation), and American Muckrakers PAC, the same group that torched Madison Cawthorn’s reelection prospects in North Carolina, has vowed to unseat Boebert as well. In Cawthorn’s case, the group leaked damaging videos that sparked chaotic reactions from him, and that combo easily took him out. In Boebert’s case, she’s largely ignored all reports sourcing from the group, and yup, those reports have been a doozy.

Mind you, the PAC’s trickle has already followed existing word of Boebert’s ex-Shooter’s Grill airing grievances (including accusations of Boebert neglecting to pay them while allegedly splurging on luxury goods and breast implants). And the PAC stepped in with allegations that Boebert covered up a serious, injury-causing accident (that reportedly took place right ahead of her 2020 primary), as well as news of an existing fraud investigation into Boebert’s astronomical campaign write-offs.

The latest set of allegations surfaced on Tuesday and were a lot to stomach. Let’s just say that they included claims (which can be viewed in this tweeted screencap of a press release) that Boebert — who’s taken a staunch, anti-abortion stance (and a self-righteous one at that) — worked as a paid escort who’d had two abortions. It must be noted that these accusations were offered without proof, so they’re unsubstantiated, but there was also chatter about Ted Cruz somehow being involved (he’s been very publicly supportive of Boebert, to an oddly enthused degree), so a hefty dose of mind bleach was in order. And the whole mess would indicate Hypocrisy Gone Wild, if the escorting or abortion allegations turned out out to be true.

Well, Boebert is here to say that these allegations are not true. At least, she cryptically tweeted a “Fact Check: Not true” without mentioning what she was discussing, although it seems obvious what she’s thinking about here. She also added, “Y’all need Jesus!”

So, there you have it. Unless the American Muckrakers PAC surfaces with some, uh, visual proof (like they did with Cawthorn’s humping and drag-dress photos), the escort/abortion allegations might remain just that. The group does favor the trickle approach to releasing reports, however, so there may be more to come.

Meanwhile, Boebert’s GOP challenger, State Senator Don Coram, hopes to unseat her during the June 28 primary.

Bon Iver is on tour at the moment, but Justin Vernon has something else on his mind right now. On April 19, 2010, he adopted a 2-year-old cat named Flo from a shelter. Yesterday, Flo died. Part of Vernon’s mourning process manifested last night, when the musician shared many photos and words about the cat over the course of multiple heartbreaking Instagram posts.

In the first post, Vernon noted he wasn’t able to be there in person to see Flo pass away and that the cat had been dealing with health issues in recent times, writing, “I have spent more time with this creature than any other, human or otherwise. She has been the weirdest, most solid friend to me over all these years. At this moment, I am on Tour and had to FaceTime to say goodbye to her. […] Weve been giving her IV’s for the last year or so, but her little kidneys couldn’t do it anymore.”

In the second post, he added, “I miss you and im so sorry I cant be there to say goodbye. I know you could tell it was my voice saying your name the way only I did earlier. ‘FLOOOOOOOOW.’ We’ll put you right by your favorite tree. In your favorite yard. By your house. It will always be your house. Rest long and good you beautiful weirdo. Thank you for bringing us such joy over the years.”

The third post was captioned simply with 20 broken heart emojis and 10 waving hand emojis.

In the first post, Vernon noted, “A lot of people people who came through my life got to know Flo.” That seems to be the case based on the comments sections of the posts, as people who took time to share messages of sympathy, support, and/or nostalgia include Sylvan Esso, Gordi, Anaïs Mitchell, Hand Habits, Jim E. Stack, Dave Sitek, Ethan Gruska, Joe Westerlund, Monica Martin, and Rob Moose.

Find Vernon’s posts below.

“April 18, 2010
Met flo at the Chippewa Falls shelter. She was 2 years old. No idea about her life before then.
April 19 , 2010
went to go get her with Kyle F. cause I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I thought she looked like Audrey Hepburn.
(Kyle also happened to encourage me to get a little 6 month old Melmon that day 🙂 but thats a different story.

Today is about my baby, Flo.

April 19th 2010-June 14th 2022 —>
I have spent more time with this creature than any other, human or otherwise.
She has been the weirdest, most solid friend to me over all these years.
At this moment, I am on Tour and had to FaceTime to say goodbye to her.
Andra and Ev are there helping her reach the other side.
Im so thankful to them I cant even begin to comprehend the love of family I have for them.
Shout out to Cherie for all the vet appointments and IV’s over the years when I was gone.
Weve been giving her IV’s for the last year or so, but her little kidneys couldn’t do it anymore.

Alot of people people who came through my life got to know Flo. Got to understand how weird she was. How she would stick her ass so close to your face and expect you to just take it. How she WANTED to be touched on her butt SOO bad, but she would also scratch your skin off your hand if you got too far down. She didnt know how to walk with any balance when you pet her.
She was moody but always loved it when there was any Women were around.
She got a lil nervous when BJ was around but she really really loved him too.
She always sat in the weirdest places.
She was the best hunter. 4-5 mice a week left completely decapitated in the threshold of my open bedroom door.

She would fall down when she had too much cat nip.
She liked to sleep ON my face and would get SUPER pissed when I would try and move her.
Melmon and her never really got along. Kinda an odd couple to say the least.
He sorta moved out right when covid started —on his own and started living in the garden barn.
This gave all the space to Flo and she got me all to her self — out of the deal. Easily spent 500 days with just her and I in these last few years. No Melmon interruptions. Just Us. And sometimes uncle Trev.”

“Mel would walk down the hill and break in every couple weeks just make sure she was alright. As much as she annoyed him , I know he’s gonna miss her too.

Flo and I slept together every night and spent so many days on the Lazy boy or in the little studio with her coming in and out while I did my work.

She did this thing where she would ‘make biscuits’ with her claws on my chest before we went to sleep and it hurt so much but she wanted to do it so much I let her.
I have permanent Flo scars on the center of my chest.
They still red.

That about says it , actually.

I miss you and im so sorry I cant be there to say goodbye. I know you could tell it was my voice saying your name the way only I did earlier.

‘FLOOOOOOOOW’

We’ll put you right by your favorite tree. In your favorite yard. By your house. It will always be your house.

Rest long and good you beautiful weirdo.
Thank you for bringing us such joy over the years.

Credits:

Cherie and I cried on the phone last August when we thought we were gonna lose her. But Cherie, you helped bring her back to life. Thank you Cherie.
Andra and Ev, the care you are putting in to this process touches me so deeply.
Dan and Bez for the trip to the shelter that day.
Kyle for being my guiding light in life back then and for encouraging me to do something , to invite something into my life that I could take care of, not just take care of me.

Enjoy some of the best of all these pictures ive saved over the years.”

K-pop phenomenon BTS has been an unstoppable force in music, but sooner or later every moving object changes direction. As of yesterday (June 14), it sounded like the group could be temporarily splitting up to focus on their solo endeavors after Suga initiated a “hiatus” conversation that RM and Jimin then added to at their 2022 Festa dinner.

Now, per a representative, it appears BTS will carry on as members work on their solo material simultaneously. The rep told Pitchfork, “To be clear, they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various different formats.” Big Hit also reportedly said in a statement (via Bandwagon Asia), “BTS now starts a new chapter with new solo projects as well as group projects. Members will take this time to achieve personal growth through various new activities, and we expect it to further strengthen the foundation for the group’s long run as a team. Big Hit Music will actively support the artists.”

The group has been associated for over a decade and a few of them kept it very honest about where they currently stand despite the success. RM and Jimin spoke toward identity, with the latter even acknowledging there has been a “rough patch.” However, for now, it appears there is nothing to be concerned about.

These comments come just five days after the group released their three-disc anthology CD Proof. BTS has risen in prominence over the years, earning nine American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and two nominations both at the Grammys and BRIT Awards each. The group was the quickest to earn five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Global 200 and Hot 100 charts since Michael Jackson. The hard work has paid off, and now as they look toward filming Run BTS, they are opening themselves up to explore additional other paths.

Yesterday, June 14th, was Donald Trump’s 76th birthday. He doesn’t look a day over 75; it must be all that Diet Coke (not Diet Pepsi).

How did you celebrate the Big Ripoff, I mean, the Big Day? Maybe by looking at these glum photos of his inner circle from election night 2020, or watching Ivanka’s dead-eyed testimony against her father, or taking a “big massive dump.” Those are all good ideas, especially compared to paying for the honor of signing Trump’s birthday card.

Insider reports that “Donald Trump Jr. is offering his father’s supporters a chance to sign the former president’s ‘official’ birthday card — but only if they donate money to his fundraising committee. A link in the email allows the recipient to write a message to the former president, but potential well-wishers must first pledge at least $1.”

The email reads, “My father has done so much for this great Country, and I know it would mean so much to him to see YOUR NAME on his OFFICIAL Birthday Card,” along with options to donate from $25 to $2,500 to the Save America Joint Fundraising Committee. MAGA lovers can also pony up “Other,” as long as the amount isn’t lower than $1.

“This is President Trump’s ONLY Official Birthday Card. So make sure you sign THIS ONE and not the other fake ones out there… HURRY — there’s not much time left. I can only save your spot for 20 MINUTES,” the email reads.

I guess swindling his supporters out of $250 million wasn’t enough. Happy birthday!

(Via Insider)

After a few months away following the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters announced recently that they will return for a pair of tribute concerts in honor of Hawkins. The first of them goes down on September 3 at London’s Wembley Stadium and now we know some of the artists who will be participating in that show.

The list is full of artists whose work Hawkins admired, including Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age, Mark Ronson, Oasis’ Liam Gallagher, former Police drummer Stewart Copeland, Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Wolfgang Van Halen, members of Hawkins’ cover band Chevy Metal, Supergrass, drummer Omar Hakim, and “a special appearance” from Dave Chappelle. More artists are expected to be announced.

When the shows were initially announced, Hawkins’ wife Alison wrote in a statement, “My deepest thanks and admiration go out to the global Foo Fighters community and Taylor’s fans far and wide for the outpouring of love each and every one of you have shown our beloved Taylor. Your kindness has been an invaluable comfort for my family and me during this time of unimaginable grief. […] Taylor’s endearing spirit and deep love of music will live on forever through the collaborations he so enjoyed having with other musicians and the catalog of songs he contributed to and created. In celebration of his life, it is now up to all of us who loved him most to honor Taylor’s legacy and the music he gave us.”

It’s been over two years since Brent Faiyaz released an album, with his last effort being 2020’s F*ck The World. While the project only peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200, it would go down to be one of the more celebrated R&B projects of that year. Since then, fans have been patiently waiting for the singer’s third album, and luckily enough for them, the wait for the upcoming project hasn’t been too grueling. He’s released records like “Mercedes,” “Wasting Time,” “Show U Off,” and “Gravity.” Thankfully, at long last, Brent arrived with the news that we’d been waiting for.

Brent announced the title for his third project and revealed its collaborators as well. Wasteland is set to arrive sooner than later, and in a trailer for the album, Brent revealed who helped him craft his next body of work. In total, the list of collaborators reads as follows: Drake, Raphael Saadiq, Alicia Keys, The-Dream, Tyler, The Creator, Nascent, No I.D., Paperboy Fabe, Mike Dean, Jorja Smith, Lil Rece, The Neptunes, Jonathan “Freeze” Wells, Mikeblud, OG Che’ The Sensei, Joony, DJ Dahi, Beat Butcha, Steve Lacy, Itai Schwartz, Jayne Andrew, Coop The Truth, Sam Wish, Malcolm Mays, and Jimi Cravity.

The records with Drake and Tyler The Creator have already been released, those being “Wasting Time” (prod. The Neptunes) and “Gravity” (prod. DJ Dahi) respectively. Jorja’s contribution could be the previously released record “Nobody But You” with Sonder, Brent’s group with producers Dpat and Atu.

As for an official released date, we’ll have to wait a bit longer to

You can view the album trailer in the video above.

Kate Bush’s 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill” is currently relentless in its resurgence, thanks to Stranger Things. It’s such a big deal that Bush acknowledged it in a post on her website earlier this month. “Running Up That Hill has just gone to No 2 in the UK charts and No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden…. How utterly brilliant!”

She’s back with more to say. In a newer post, she talks about the way the song has risen even higher, and she’s grateful to have it enjoyed by a new audience. Read it below.

It’s all so exciting! Since the last post, Running Up That Hill has gone to No 1 in Norway and Austria. This is such great news and we just heard today that it’s up from No 8 to No 4 in the US.
The track is being responded to in so many positive ways. I’ve never experienced anything quite like this before!
I just want to say a really big thank you to everyone in the US who has supported the song. It’s the first time I’ve had a top ten single over there and now it’s in the top 5!
Thank you so much again to the Duffer Brothers – because of their latest, extraordinary series of Stranger Things, the track is being discovered by a whole new audience.
Best wishes,
Kate

Tacoma, WA’s Enumclaw, known for calling themselves the “best band since Oasis,” released one of the best EPs of last year with the breezy Jimbo Demo. Its songs had addictive basslines and an inexplicable, seemingly effortless coolness, not unlike their influence Nirvana. Today, they’ve finally announced their debut full-length Save The Baby, arriving in October. The new single “Jimmy Neutron” is out now, and it’s a sunlit song that retains their candid charm with the deadpan of the casually heartbreaking refrain “I want to fall in love / But I don’t think I can have it / Every time I get close to you / I start to panic.”

“This song is about getting so close to love that you can almost taste it,” frontman Aramis Johnson said in a statement. “All the highs of being in love and how ridiculously unlike yourself it can make you act. All the day dreaming you do about what things could be and how they might go. There’s always a catch though and in this story as soon as you reach out to grab ‘love’ and have it in your hands you drop it.”

Watch the video for “Jimmy Neutron” above. Check out the album artwork and tracklist below.

1. “Save the Baby”
2. “2002”
3. “Park Lodge”
4. “Blue Iris”
5. “Paranoid”
6. “Somewhere”
7. “Cowboy Bepop”
8. “Can’t Have It”
9. “Jimmy Neutron”
10. “10th and J 2”
11. “Apartment”

Save The Baby is out 10/14 via Luminelle Recordings. Pre-order it here.

One of the more popular R&B records from 2021 came from SZA with “I Hate U.” The song stood as her third release in a little over a year, a spike in activity for the singer who was quieter than expected after her 2017 debut Ctrl. In addition to the song breaking records on Apple Music, it’s also been remixed by a few artists, two of those being 6lack and Phabo. There’s a new entry to that list and it comes from Atlanta rapper Deante Hitchcock who offers his take on the track for the latest entry in his New Atlanta Tuesdays freestyle series.

The Atlanta native released the freestyle with an accompanying video that sees him walk up to his former lover’s home with a boombox in hand. As the song’s instrumental begins, Hitchcock unloads a freestyle that details his struggle of watching his ex move on to someone new. In the end, he leaves her with a very salty and spiteful message: “You hate me but I still love you / But if anyone asks I hate you too b*tch / I hate you too b*tch / Yes it’s true, yes it’s true, yeah it’s true b*tch.”

Hitchcock’s new freestyle arrives after he released “Alone,” “Callin‘” with Big KRIT and Westside Boogie, and “All My Children” as singles off his upcoming album, one that would be his first full-length effort since 2020’s Better.

You can watch Deante Hitchcock’s freestyle over “I Hate U” in the video above.