Entertainment
Jordan Chiles Breaks Silence on Medal Revocation – ‘It Seems Unfair’ – Essence
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 28: Jordan Chiles of Team USA looks on in the course of the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification on day two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
American gymnast Jordan Chiles spoke publicly concerning the Olympic Committee’s decision to strip her of her bronze medal.
Chiles’ freestyle routine in the ladies’s freestyle final earned her a 3rd-place finish on the Aug. 5, 2024, podium, marking a historic winning moment for black women, alongside her U.S. teammate Simone Biles and Brazilian Rebecca Andrade.
However, there was controversy over Chiles’ scoring changes that allowed her to win the medal. Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu scored 13.700 points for her routine, allowing her to win the presumptive bronze medal before Chiles’ turn on the mat. Chiles was the last competitor of the day, scoring 13.666 points, good for fifth place.
Forty-seven seconds later, Team USA coach Cecile Landi asked the judges to review the scoring, which appeared to have ignored difficulty points for Chiles’ routine. After making adjustments, the judges updated her rating to 13.766, which ultimately placed her third.
Almost every week later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) received an appeal from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation (FRG), difficult the timing of the U.S.’s investigation and in search of to have the corrected results reversed. CAS ruled that Chiles’s rating ought to be returned to its original value and that her medal ought to be stripped, to be re-awarded to Barbosu.
For its part, the Federal Republic of Germany has publicly condemned The CAS decision stands because it is, and it was stressed that the particular request was for the gymnasts to share the medal, not for it to be invalidated and given to a different medal.
After taking a break from social media on account of mental health issues while USA Gymnastics took various steps to reinstate her medal, Chiles took to Instagram on August 15 to make her first public statement concerning the traumatic experience.
“I am speechless,” she said in an announcement. “This decision feels unfair and is a major blow not only to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey.”
Chiles condemned the “unjustified racial attacks,” which she called “unjust and extremely hurtful.”
“I put my heart and soul into this sport and I am proud to represent my culture and my country.”
In the most recent developments surrounding Chiles’ medal, the U.S. has filed an appeal against CAS’s decision to strip the gymnast of her medal, with time-stamped video evidence proving that each one investigations were conducted inside the regular timeframe. However, the sports arbitration body has said its decision is final. As a result, USA Gymnastics has announced plans to take the case to Switzerland’s highest court.
But Jordan Chiles says she is able to face what she calls “the biggest challenge of my career.”
“I will approach this challenge as I have any other — and I will do my utmost to see that justice is done,” she wrote. “I trust that at the end of this journey, those in power will do what is right.”
Entertainment
‘Obsessed with the dead’ Kim Kardashian criticized for wearing Princess Diana’s diamond cross years after damaging Marilyn Monroe’s dress
Kim Kardashian has once more found herself at the center of a social media storm after stepping out in a rare, iconic piece from the British royal collection: Princess Diana’s Attallah cross necklace.
Fans claim the billionaire mother of 4 is “obsessed” with famous deceased celebrities and feels she just isn’t honoring their legacy by wearing their items.
Known for her love of statement and historic fashion pieces, Kardashian recently wore a surprising amethyst and diamond pendant to the Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on November 2.
Wearing a white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline to her navel, Kardashian let the cross rest between her neckline – a glance that immediately caught the Internet’s attention.
The Attallah Cross, product of gold, silver, amethyst and diamonds, became one among Princess Diana’s signature pieces. Diana famously wore it in 1987 with a Catherine Walker dress at a charity event.
The necklace was named after the original owner, Naim Attallah, who often lent it to Diana but kept it in the family until Kardashian won the bidding war and added the historic item to her collection.
Although she obtained the cross almost two years ago, in January 2023, she didn’t wear it in public until her forty fourth birthday, and has now worn it twice outside the home. It was first shared by Lexy Roche, image director at Maison Margiela, who posted a video on her Instagram Story of Kardashian wearing a black and purple tulle gown with an identical accessory: According to to the city and the countryside.
A recent public appearance at the gala has reignited conversations about Kardashian’s fascination with items associated with deceased celebrity icons, prompting criticism from fans who consider her approach lacks sensitivity.
Everyday fashion bomb sent clip from the SKIMS owner’s Saturday appearance on Instagram, where the comments section quickly filled with opinions.
“I don’t know why, but something about it just doesn’t sit right with me,” one person wrote, expressing an opinion that touched many individuals.
Another comment read: “What is her obsession with dead people cases?” and yet one more added: “I don’t like the fact that this family has so many personal things from deceased people.”
One person called Kardashian’s attachment to the late princess “very strange,” while one other said: “You look good Kim, but you know Diana won’t like you.”
These reactions reflect growing concern amongst fans who feel that Kardashian’s decision to wear historical items, especially those belonging to deceased celebrities, is exploitative somewhat than respectful.
Interestingly, not everyone condemned Kardashian’s style decisions. Some social media users defended her, saying that she looked great, and others identified that collecting memorabilia from iconic characters is nothing latest in the world of stars.
“Drake does the same thing, buying items from dead legends,” one user commented, while one other noted, “Michael Jackson did the same thing – nothing new there.”
The necklace is really unique. According to Attallah’s son, Ramsay Attallah, Princess Diana was the only person to wear such an outfit before Kardashian.
“When I was growing up, we always had it on the table at Christmas lunch, but it was never worn by anyone other than Diana, and it hasn’t been seen in public since she died,” he said last yr.
This is not the first time Kardashian has faced criticism for wearing clothes with a wealthy history associated with iconic figures.
At the 2022 Met Gala, she wore a Marilyn Monroe gown that read “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” a sheer, rhinestone-encrusted gown that Monroe wore to serenade President John F. Kennedy on his forty fifth birthday. birthday in 1962. At that point, the dress scandalized the then conservative America with the illusion of nudity because its fabric was encrusted with over 2,500 crystals.
After Kardashian appeared in the dress, the dress was allegedly destroyed. Owners reported that the fabric had stretched, latest holes had formed, and plenty of of the rhinestones were either barely attached or had fallen off completely.
“The dress is definitely not the same – it has been destroyed” – Molly Elizabeth Agnew of Eternal Goddess.com he stated.
Despite essentially destroying the historic garment, Kardashian wore one other of Monroe’s green sequin Norman Norell gowns at the 1962 Golden Globes – illustrating her determination to make a press release, even when it means pushing the boundaries of preserving historic fashion .
She posted a photograph of her dress on social media, writing partially: “While searching for the hand-beaded Jean Louis gown I wore to the gala, I discovered that @heritageauctions had Marilyn’s iconic green sequin gown. During my research, I discovered that the owner of the Golden Globe Award she received that evening was none aside from my friend @jeffleatham“
She continued: “I saw it all as a sign of the alignment of all the stars. “Being able to tap into my inner Marilyn in this way on such a special night will forever be one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
In addition to Marilyn Monroe, Kardashian’s collection also includes jade and diamond bracelets that after belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, an actress whom she openly admires and considers her personal muse. According to to Hello! Warehouse.
Kardashian purchased Taylor’s bracelets at auction in 2011, signaling her longtime interest in acquiring jewelry from beloved Hollywood legends.
Each of those acquisitions reflects Kardashian’s ambition to attach with – and maybe embody – fashion icons of the past. But as her collection of deceased celebrity memorabilia grows, so does public opinion, leaving people wondering whether it’s obsession, exploitation, a high-end collector’s love, or, as someone said, “weird.”
Entertainment
‘Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words’ Director Nneka Onuorah Talks About the Superstar’s Vulnerability
Like many black women, Grammy Award-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, wears a mask. A shield, a protective armor she developed as a young person to guard her from unexpected pain and difficulties that arose in her personal life. But what happens when the armor is pierced by something that affects each Houston resident Megan Pete and superstar Megan Thee Stallion? Prime Video’s Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, directed by Nneka Onuorah, explores the star’s rise to fame and the way her vulnerability became her biggest superpower.
“I see Megan as a feminist icon,” Onuorah told theGrio. “She represents the dichotomy and multi-faceted nature of black women all rolled into one. “And showing us that we don’t have to just show our strong side, but showing vulnerability can help us get through anything, accept our emotions and feelings, which also makes us strong.”
However, the “Savage” rapper wasn’t initially thrilled with the idea of revealing the young woman behind her confident, unflappable public persona. When they began filming the documentary in 2022, the star was reportedly reluctant to open up and let people see the trauma hiding beneath the surface of her “Megan Thee Stallion” brand.
Although the film depicts Pete’s grief over losing her father soon as a baby and her mother early in her profession, in addition to her experiences with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts, Onuorah realized that the two bonded over their conversation about boiled potato chips in a jalapeno cauldron.
“There’s a scene in the movie where Meg is, you know, talking about jalapeno chips and she’s really stressed out,” the award-winning director recalled of the moment, which took place in Las Vegas ahead of the Billboard Awards. “Me and her interacting in that scene and (it was) the first time in my life I’ve ever seen Meg without her hair and makeup team, her glam team. She just at all times worked and had people in her face. So I said this can be a probability for me to return (to the hotel) along with her and just be me and her alone.
“She just got a jalapeno chip spiral and we talked… we laughed and I think we opened up for the first time. She opened up to me emotionally and I just let the camera do its thing,” she continued.
In addition to chronicling Pete’s rise to fame, the documentary provides insight into how Megan Thee Stallion handled public criticism following her altercation with rapper Tory Lanez. In 2020, Lanez, born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, shot the “Body” singer in the foot, which ultimately led to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filing semi-automatic assault charges against Peterson.
Despite being the victim in the case, Pete needed to cope with social media trolls who questioned the validity of her claims. From popular industry commentators like Joe Budden to local delivery drivers on TikTok, the documentary highlights the enormous backlash the star has faced online over the Peterson trial.
“Sometimes you need understanding, especially in a world with social media and so much chaos and opposition, she just needed someone to be there for her and rock with her,” Onuarah explained. “We had a real bond. I think I offered myself to her as a safe space and let her know that (I was there) to support her and protect her and help amplify her voice. … Sometimes we laughed at the pain. These intimate moments brought us closer together.”
Ultimately, the film should remind us of the star’s humanity. As “Megan Thee Stallion,” she represents many things to many individuals – an advocate for mental health, feminism, body positivity, daring self-confidence, and more. However, Onuorah explains that the young woman behind the fame is not any different from her fans who watch her online.
“Like Megan Pete, I wish (people) would understand that this girl is under 30 and is just a regular person who has to do the same things as us…without her parents. There (were) times when we were shooting during the holidays and she (didn’t) have family to spend it with. All this is happening and she’s just an ordinary person going through it… It’s something that people should empathize with,” the director told Grio. “She’s still a young girl trying to figure it out and people can figure it out.”
Ultimately, Onuorah believes that everybody, especially Black women, can learn something from the duality exposed in the film.
“I think because Megan Pete and Megan Thee Stallion were going through something at the same time, she couldn’t rely on Megan Thee Stallion, her mask. “She really had to convince Megan Pete to step up and get empowered… now she’s truly empowered,” she added. “I feel like a lot of women need to hear this and see that our strength doesn’t just come from how tough we are or how much we avoid certain things. But how much we accept pain and sadness and how transformative it can be for us, so that we can rise from the ashes and head towards Phoenix.”
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Entertainment
Denzel Washington cuts off repeated questions about his past during a tense exchange with a reporter.
It’s been a few weeks since Denzel Washington fans saw the actor running away from paparazzi in New York City. The shocking incident was captured on video and bears little resemblance to his demeanor in one other interview through which Washington appeared exasperated.
The same moment through which the seemingly hot-tempered artist was interviewed in 2010 resurfaced and caused more shock.
A fan reposted an ungainly interview through which Washington sits across from a reporter and asks him about the upcoming film “Unstoppable,” to which he responds tersely.
“How did it feel to climb on a moving train?” she asked, to which he replied, “Eh, you know… you get used to it.”
He then says, “You have had some amazing co-workers who stand out. When you look back at some of the most amazing talents, who do you think stands out?” and Washington replies, “I do not look back. What for?
The interviewer continued speaking, maintaining a skilled calm. “So what do you do – is there someone you want to work on, something you still want to achieve?” she asked. “You know I want to have a good day today,” he said. “I want to achieve it and I strive for it every day.”
She then asked Washington if winning two Oscars was the highlight of his profession. He replied, “We’re back in the past again.” Giggling, she said, “because I want to show all these wonderful things.”
At this point, while talking to herself, Washington was the primary to interrupt her, saying, “You have a specific plan. Okay, just tell me what you want and maybe I can help you with it. Yes, I won two Oscars.”
He softens a bit when he starts talking about the talent that Angelina Jolie and Dakota Fanning have. However, Washington later points out that the interviewer desires to proceed dwelling on his previous works, which seems to annoy him.
She asks him about Alonzo Harris and dealing with him on “Training Day,” the film that won Washington his second Academy Award.
“Training day!? Yes, yes, it was good,” he said, then smiled sarcastically and added: “You keep going back to the past. Have you cracked your case?
Before hanging up, the interviewer shakes his hand to rise up and leave, and he replies, “Now you’ve gotten to send me this clip. I need to see what you connected. It’s pressure.
Fans were shocked by Washington’s behavior within the video, with some saying he was a bit rough. One person said: “There is not any must treat someone this fashion. It doesn’t matter how big you might be…”
Someone else wrote: “He has a nasty streak. No wonder he can play such characters with surprising intensity.”
Some fans offered other perspectives. One said: “The interviewer desired to do a profession retrospective, probably because she really admired his body of labor. Denzel was there to hype up his movie, it was business and I feel that is why he was frustrated. Talking about Training Day won’t make you go see a movie about his runaway train.
Another wrote: “Actors and their studios comply with a majority of these interviews to advertise a newly or recently released movie. Don’t let the interviewer, talk show host or anyone else sit and reflect on the actors’ past work.”
“I’m sitting in a hotel corridor with dozens of reporters from all over the world. And wait for hours,” she said within the article Australian outlet, baby.
She continued: “Crowds of young publicists are flying up and down, barely concealing their panic. “He came,” I hear considered one of them whisper, “But he doesn’t want to leave the room.” An hour later, as one other runs past, I hear a breathless, “I want more tea.”
As she waited patiently, Washington finally appeared: “Huge, graceful, gorgeous, and full of attitude (and probably tea).”
The same awkward interaction occurred between Washington and a group of photographers from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. While posing for photos, someone in the gang shouts, “Show us some love.”
The “Fences” actor walks as much as the guy and says, “Yo, yo, yo… put it down. You’re talking to a man now, he said. “I heard you. You talk about “showing love” and this and that. How about… respect me?
One of the paparazzi guests continued: “We always do this.” Washington replied with an annoyed look on his face, “I said I’d see you when I get out. What part of this don’t you understand?”
He added: “Or not. We can do it one other way. I can do that in additional ways than one, y’all. Can you’re feeling me?
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