A fan video of the removal was posted on Instagram on Monday (April 8). In the clip, you see workers taking down the Kodak Black art installation while attendees looked on. The video abruptly ends after a security guard told the person to stop recording.
The expulsion of the artwork comes after T.I. called out the South Florida rapper for his ill-timed comments on Instagram Live about hollering at Lauren London, who is the girlfriend of late rapper Nipsey Hussle. "Hey, Kodak Black: You outta pocket, nigga. Fix that shit—quickly, expeditiously," said Tip.
Kodak would later apologize to London, but he was short-tempered when it came to T.I. and him barking orders at him. "I said what I said and then y'all trying to misconstrue what I said," he vented on IG Live last Saturday (April 6). "Man fuck that. I don't give a fuck what y'all talking about. I'm in Georgia, right now. What y'all talking about?"
Kodak's remarks about London have also prompted Los Angeles radio station Power 106 to ban the rapper's music from their playlists. Some fans are even calling for a boycott of Kodak's music altogether.
T.I. hasn't addressed the removal of Kodak Black's artwork at the Trap Museum. He's currently vacationing in Maui. Check out the removal process below.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At the University of Southern California campus, students expressed frustration over the plea deals being made in the college admissions cheating scandal.
On Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office played "Let's Make a Deal," cutting plea bargains with 13 parents accused of getting their kids into prestigious colleges through bribes. One of the university coaches charged in the scam also cut a deal.
"Me, personally, I've come from a background where, you know, my parents weren't the most fortunate, so I definitely had to work for what I have," shared USC student Francisco Rodriguez. "It's kind of upsetting if you see that."
Student Mark Parent said he feels cheated.
"To everyone that did get in and who didn't get in, we feel like we were cheated because other people didn't work as hard or took away spots from people that worked harder than they did, and its kind of frustrating," he said.
The biggest name was actress Felicity Huffman, charged with paying an Orange County college fixer $15,000 to boost her daughter's SAT score.
"I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney's Office.
I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions.
I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially, I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly.
My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her. This transgression toward her and the public I will carry for the rest of my life. My desire to help my daughter is no excuse to break the law or engage in dishonesty."
It's unclear what the deal actually is. The crimes carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison. In Huffman's deal, prosecutors said they will recommend a $20,000 fine and that the judge sentence her to the low-end of the sentencing guidelines, which was not spelled out.
Meantime, missing from the plea deal list was actress Lori Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli. They're accused of shelling out half a million dollars to get their two daughters into USC as crew team members.
Church janitor-turned-singer Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, closed out the Top 20 round with a stirring, sophisticated duet of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" with Broadway star Cynthia Erivo. Although the two had only met shortly beforehand in rehearsal, their undeniable onstage chemistry and Harmon's lofty vocal range both earned thumbs up from the judges.
"It was like your guys' souls were singing to each other," Katy Perry said. "You're just very timeless and your voice is so mature. … You've got crazy range, so never forget to show that off. But it was like a spiritual moment for me."
"It was incredible," Luke Bryan added. "I was sitting on the edge of my seat like, 'Please go for the big note,' and you did it and you knocked it out of the park."
Who's that?: 'American Idol': Bobby Bones steps in for ailing Ryan Seacrest on Monday's episode
Sunday: 'American Idol': Katy Perry calls Laci Kaye Booth her 'favorite' after emotional duet
Lionel Richie was similarly effusive in his praise of Harmon, calling it a "glorious" and "masterful performance."
The Maryland native made the final cut for the reality singing competition's Top 14 round, which commences with a live show and fan voting on April 14 (ABC, 8 EDT/PDT). Three more contestants were eliminated Monday: Ryan Hammond, Raquel Trinidad and Logan Johnson.
Felicity Huffman is pleading guilty in the college admissions scandal.
On Monday afternoon, the actress released an emotional apology for her actions and revealed she is pleading guilty to the one charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud that was brought against her on March 12. "I am pleading guilty to the charge brought against me by the United States Attorney's Office," the Desperate Housewives star announced. "I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions."
According to the plea agreement obtained by E! News, the U.S. Attorney will recommend a prison sentence at the "low end" of the sentencing range, in addition to a "fine or other financial penalty of $20,000." The U.S. attorney will also recommend 12 months of supervised release and restitution payments to be determined at a later date. As part of the agreement, Felicity has also forfeited any claim to assets seized for the purpose of the investigation.
In accordance with the agreement, Felicity relinquishes any right to an appeal, "regardless of whether she later changes her mind or finds new information that would have led her not to agree to give up these rights in the first place."
In addition to her announcement that she is taking full responsibility, the actress apologized to her daughter and other students who were negatively impacted by the college scandal. She remorsefully wrote, "I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially, I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly."
Charles Krupa/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Furthermore, the star revealed that her teenage daughter was unaware of the lengths she went to ensure her admission. "My daughter knew absolutely nothing about my actions, and in my misguided and profoundly wrong way, I have betrayed her. This transgression toward her and the public I will carry for the rest of my life," Felicity stated. While the actress meant well, she acknowledged that it is "no excuse to break the law or engage in dishonesty."
12 other parents involved in the college bribery scandal are also planning on pleading guilty, including William "Rick" Singer.
E! News has reached out to an attorney for Felicity Huffman for comment.
Over the weekend, Netflix shared a mysterious project poster titled Homecoming, which featured some Greek symbols throughout the spelling.
The only details the streaming service provided was the release date. So obviously, fans began to speculate what it could be. Some thought it had something to do with Spider-Man.
But that wasn't it.
Columbia Pictures
Others connected the letter symbolism in the title to, the one and only, Beyoncé and her iconic Coachella performance...
...going as far as providing proof a to why it couldn't be anyone or anything else. Beyoncé's Beychella Homecoming merchandise collection was inspired by Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Divine Nine.
For those who don't know, the Divine Nine represents the five black historical fraternities and four sororities. Beyoncé also launched a scholarship program last year called the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, which awarded four HBCUs $25,000 to give to a student of their choosing.
Well, leave it to the BeyHive to crack the code, because on Monday Netflix confirmed their post WAS about Beyoncé, by releasing the Homecoming trailer.
The film is described as, "An intimate, in-depth look at Beyoncé's celebrated 2018 Coachella performance from creative concept to cultural movement."
Bey made history by becoming the first woman of color to headline Coachella and what did she do??? SHE SHUT SHIT DOWNNNNNN!!! So, it's no wonder they gave her her own Netflix special.
And once news broke, let's just say the reaction fell right into formation:
@strongblacklead Seeing her live at #beychella was truly the best performance I have ever seen. This year I will be watching this on repeat with my pregnant belly and daughter,super emotional crying over her greatness. #Homecoming
When you heard Netflix was raising prices again but then they get Beyoncé to release #Beychella as a movie so you keep your subscription 😩
Beyoncé: just drop a picture the date and title of my documentary
Netflix: wait so we’re not putting your name or any other information?? Beyoncé: the people will just know
#Beychella
Netflix: So you know we finna drop that Beychella performance
Me:
#Homecoming #Beychella
I don't think it has to be said that being able to work on this campaign has been the greatest joy of my life so far.
Beyoncé is truly THAT girl, and I am so proud that she is being so outspoken about her Blackness and Black culture. Beychella was FOR US! #BeyonceHomecoming https://t.co/b9jqnTxCzI
wow. how blessed are we to witness and experience beyonce? a black woman who shares her god-given gifts and entire being to uplifting black culture, and with unwavering excellence mind you. how powerful and amazing.
im just...
... ready to weep again watching #beyoncehomecoming
I’m excited by the Beyoncé doc because I’m really interested in the work ethic of the folks on stage. Notes were on key, all the ladies were moving in Formation, 150% given at every performance. How long does it take to get THAT level of perfection? @netflix @strongblacklead
Some days out of the Blue (Ivy) I think about this Coachella performance and how it left me stunned, sprawled out on my bed for a good hour wondering what we did to deserve Beyoncé. https://t.co/aKv6ruesJU
A film by Beyoncé
Blue Ivy leading rehearsals once again with her foot on the neck
I’m excited like I haven’t watched it 56926 times 😂
y’all really thought she was done with Beychella LMAO one year later and she’s still coming for us #HOMECOMING
Beyoncé's Homecoming Netflix documentary will debut on April 17. The only thing that could top this news would be another surprise album...but I don't want to sound greedy. Thanks, Queen.
The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones premieres on Sunday, April 14th, and HBO has been in full marketing swing to remind viewers of the years-long journey to get here: Iron Thrones have been hidden around the world, and the network has been producing endless trailers and teasers and spinoff products from custom sneakers to branded Oreos, all centered on one message: #ForTheThrone. But eight years in, Game of Thrones’ title has never been less accurate. As the sweeping stakes of the show have escalated, the Iron Throne of Westeros, and the question of who gets to sit on it, has become almost completely unimportant to the story.
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 17th, 2011, the network didn’t use the poetic but unwieldy name George R.R. Martin gave his densely written book series. The creators simplified: instead of A Song of Ice and Fire, they used a slightly truncated version of the first book’s title A Game of Thrones.
Back in season 1, “game of thrones” was an apt description of the action. The show’s driving force was largely political in nature, with far less of a focus on epic fantasy. Instead of giant battles and dragon-filled set pieces, earlier episodes tended to spend more time on debate-filled council sessions and surreptitious alliance-forming meetings than on epic battles.
But the stakes have escalated dramatically. The second and third seasons continued the “game of thrones” theme, with warring factions vying for the throne after the suspicious death of King Robert Baratheon. That was the most apt era of the show for the title, back when there were five kings running around, facing off in actual martial and political contests over the throne. But by the time season 4 ended, the contest for the Iron Throne was virtually over — Robert Baratheon’s supposed heir Tommen (and by extension, his mother Cersei Lannister) had gained near-total control over the country of Westeros. Their power was contested in disastrous ways, but Cersei only solidified her status over the next few seasons.
Despite the shifts in power in the south, Game of Thrones has increasingly drawn its focus away from the actual Iron Throne and toward the inevitable fight with the undead White Walkers in the north. Having moved past Martin’s published material and into original scripts, the series has become far flashier, a much more special effects-driven story, more attached to traditional sword-and-sorcery fantasy than Martin’s slow-burning, complicated political gambits, with their scheming and backstabbing.
There have been costs to those jumps. Earlier seasons of the show were more grounded in historical politics and realistic in a sort of alternate-medieval-history sort of way, but each progressive year has seen the show get less subtle and more bombastic. In season 1, for example, the show devoted an entire episode (“The Kingsroad”) to showing the time it took to get from the northern castle of Winterfell to the southern city of King’s Landing. Building an army and crossing the Narrow Sea to invade Westeros took up years of plotlines for upstart queen Daenerys Targaryen. But now, characters teleport across the Seven Kingdoms as if by magic, pinging back and forth between the farthest reaches of the North to King’s Landing and back in no time at all as the rapidly accelerating plot demands.
That’s partially simple narrative progression. Eventually, events had to come to a head in Westeros. That series title that HBO discarded has been promising a war between fire-breathing dragons and ice zombies since the first book was published back in 1996. But the dried-up well of source material has also contributed. As fans of the novels are exceedingly aware, Martin has only written five of the seven promised books that the show is based on. It’s been nearly eight years since he set out to write the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, and the TV series has moved far past his published stories. Without hundreds of pages of Martin’s political intrigue to guide them, it’s no wonder showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have shifted toward broad strokes and big battles.
The writers have even laid out the shift openly. Last season, in a speech entreating Daenerys to join the North’s fight against the invading White Walkers, Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) addressed the issue head-on: “If we don’t put aside our enmities and band together, we will die. And then it doesn’t matter whose skeleton sits on the Iron Throne.”
The stakes of Game of Thrones have elevated so much that the question of who rules Westeros pales in comparison to the question of whether Westeros can possibly survive. But not everyone has embraced the shift in priorities. Last season ended with Cersei still seeing the White Walkers as a possible weapon in her pointless jockeying to keep the Iron Throne. She’s still playing the game, even if no one else is.
Not that this matters to the title of the show. Game of Thrones has become a recognizable, highly successful brand, and so has the Iron Throne. They’re far too well known for HBO to want to change them, or even de-emphasize them in marketing. At this point, the title Game of Thrones is certainly more recognizable than Martin’s original A Song of Ice and Fire — even if that latter title better reflects what the series has become and what we can most expect from the final season.
“Smallville” star Allison Mack faces 15 years to life in prison If she is convicted for conspiracy to commit forced labor and sex trafficking. She was released from federal custody on $5 million dollars bail.
Former "Smallville" actress Allison Mack pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn federal court Monday to racketeering charges in relation to the cultlike group NXIVM.
Mack entered her plea shortly before jury selection was scheduled to start.
The trial was expected to detail sensational allegations that the group recruited sex slaves for its spiritual leader, Keith Raniere.
Prosecutors accused Mack of helping Raniere recruit women to a secret sub-society within the group.
Mack is best known for her long-running role on the superhero TV show about the early days of Clark Kent’s life. However, it was reported that she was heavily involved in the NXIVM organization shortly after authorities began making arrests. Mack allegedly got involved with the group when she was unhappy with her acting career. She reportedly rose in the ranks to become a key player in its activities, which allegedly included branding its members and finding sex slaves for Raniere.
The defense says the women were never abused.
Keith Raniere (left) and his accused sidekick, "Smallville" actress Allison Mack, are also being accused of crimes related to the alleged self-help group NXIVM.
(YouTube/AP)
Authorities say the women were branded by a surgical tool with a symbol that resembled Raniere's initials. Mack has said in an interview that the group emphasized self-discipline and self-empowerment and she likened the branding to getting a tattoo, but cooler.
Mack is said to have been living in upstate New York with alleged cult leader Raniere until he reportedly fled to Mexico in November. She was seen running after him when he was apprehended in Mexico in March.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16016570/789983bfc96862e5fc1bf8072e4fa6f814c4ac6167151e8cfcc945d845361a58.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16016572/f67f56310eac70f5e67f753e4551a7c85eaf3a8fcc9f9982037b735ba000eb8efeb619b6d8e946ff5b07fe6fe2f6f42d0601c5a6f9e35bb6e99087a6ae6c5511.jpg)
