Approximately 300 fashion enthusiasts waited in line for hours to be the first to experience the grand opening of Telfar’s flagship store in New York’s trendy SoHo neighborhood.

The line stretched down Broadway to a close-by alley before the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.

The crowd got here dressed to impress, excited for the rare probability to get their hands on one of Telfar’s highly coveted bags, affectionately referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin.” For years, fans relied on pure luck to get their hands on the bags online, where they often sold out inside minutes, forcing many to show to resale apps and other platforms to secure them.

The 14-year-old, who arrived at 8 a.m., was first in line to get his bag and meet Telfar Clemens.

Skai Karim, 20, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, was fifth in line for a black tote bag. She also met an “icon” and noted how essential the whole experience was “if you’re a big fan.”

“Or perhaps you’ll go to the grand opening of the first flagship store for the first time? It’s a memory that should be created,” Karim said.

The recent 10,000-square-foot store has a striking press office at the entrance, clothing racks suspended from the ceiling and a shocking bag bar stretching the length.

Customers had the opportunity to preview every handbag Telfar has ever produced, receiving a “handbag menu” or QR codes to scan and browse the handbag selection to make selections at the bar.

“It screams New York,” Karim said of the store’s layout. “That screams Telfar.”

Telfar expressed his pride in opening the store, which comes after twenty years of online stores and pop-up stores flocked by fans and hungry sellers.

“The store tells the whole story,” Clemens said of the store opening. “It’s not just bags – it’s a cultural phenomenon and a total look – it took 20 years to develop.”

“This is our flagship store in New York — we want to spread that energy the other 365 days of the year,” Clemens added. “That’s why the store is so centrally located – you’ll never understand Telfar by walking into an existing store.”

Days after Bishop TD Jakes suffered a medical emergency during a Sunday service at his Potter’s House church, his team filed a defamation lawsuit against one other pastor who alleged that he was groomed and sexually abused by the founding father of Woman Thou Art Loose.

Even though Jakes’ lawyers had lived in Texas for several many years, they filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania federal court against Duane Youngblood, a Keystone State pastor. Youngblood claims that a well-liked preacher whom Jakes mentored when he was 18 or 19 hugged him and “tried to kiss him.”

Youngblood, 57, went public along with his story about Jakes in October 2024 on “Larry Reid Live” titled “The Abused Become the Abuser.”

He first talked about leaving prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old in 2002 (arrested in 2006), and later was convicted of “demoralizing a minor” after having illicit conversations with a 17-year-old. Now, Youngblood told the host he desires to be an advocate for many who have been affected.

In the episode, he also talked about being repeatedly sexually abused from the ages of 12 to 18 by various church leaders and musicians, including Jakes, Bishop Quandra Wilson, and Bishop Sherman Watkins of Ohio.

He claimed that Jakes once invited him to a spot where he was staying “to talk.” As they were talking and he was on the point of leave, Jakes allegedly prevented him from walking out the door.

“He came to the road I had to go out on faster than I got there, and as I started to pass him, he pulled me towards him, put his arms around me and tried to kiss me,” Youngblood said. “And at that moment I literally died.”

The next morning, Youngblood, then 19, allegedly received a call from Jake, who was taking a shower while talking to him.

“I get on this phone,” Youngblood recalled. “I hear water. He sits in the bathtub… he says to me without hesitation, “There are three things I need you to do: One is that when I come to Pittsburgh, you are the only person I will sleep with. Secondly, you can’t sleep with anyone else because I don’t want to give anything to my wife… and thirdly, I will take care of you for the rest of your life.’”

On November 15, Youngblood allegedly sent threats to attorney Tyrone Blackburn, the identical attorney representing Lil Rod in his civil case against Sean “Diddy” Combs that also names Jakes, claiming he intended to sue Jakes for sexual assault and harassment. He allegedly requested a $6 million settlement “to resolve this matter quickly and privately.”

Jakes, although still recovering from a medical emergency Sunday during which he appeared to suffer a stroke while preaching, has responded to the explosive allegations along with his own lawsuit.

“This lawsuit seeks to put an end to this scheme, to put an end to the enormous emotional, physical and spiritual toll that defendants’ conduct has taken on Bishop Jakes, to set the record straight so that the world understands the blatant falsehood of the accusations, and to restore Bishop Jakes’ reputation,” Jakes’ team said in an announcement federal lawsuit: According to to the New York Post.

The motion continues: “Bishop Jakes wholeheartedly believes that actual victims of sexual abuse should be treated with the utmost respect, kindness, empathy and compassion, and that the true perpetrators of such abuse should be held accountable for their actions.”

“But that is not the case here,” the defamation suit states. “Youngblood used and abused the power of social media and the legal process to… knowingly make false accusations for his own personal and financial gain.”

Several media outlets published this story on their social media. When you stand up, Erica sent– added lots of her supporters.

“Rebuke these accusations within the name of Jesus!!!! People will learn to maintain their mouths away from God’s people – the pulpit or the pews – we belong to Almighty God,” one person wrote.

Someone else wrote: “Shut it down before Bishop even starts!” as one other commented: “Good! People should start being held accountable for accusing others when it is not true!”

A fourth person was not quick to side with Jakes, writing: “Behind every lie there may be some truth. I like Jake’s truth, but I won’t ever think that somebody is just not capable. I pray the accusations will not be true, but I won’t be surprised. if that is the case. Nowadays you’ll be able to’t count anyone out.

Larry Reid too sent on his social media, and his supporters also publicized the scandal.

“Looks like Katt Williams was right, everything will be revealed in 2024.” – wrote considered one of the people.

Another asked: “How can he file a lawsuit when he’s sick and under medical care? And I’m undecided if he had a heart attack or a stroke?

A 3rd person said: “@larryreidlive Duane Youngblood must have gone to the authorities not social media!! Only he and Jakes know what really happened between them that night. I’ll say…if someone I didn’t want in any way tried to drag me in to kiss me, he would not have felt comfortable enough to call me the following morning and make any request!…let alone the three things he allegedly talked about Jakes. required.”

Reid, also mentioned in Jakes’ grievance, took to social media and claimed that considered one of Jakes’ “fixers” asked him how silent he needs to be about what he knew concerning the pastor’s alleged encounters with other men, to which he responded : “There is no money you can give me.”

Larry Reid claims TJ Jakes tried to pay him to maintain quiet.

Jakes, 67, filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a fellow pastor, who alleged that Jakes tried to harm him when he was 18 or 19 years old.

Credit Conscioutv pic.twitter.com/JQod4OcX5D

— Gworls fight (@baddietvv) November 26, 2024

On November 27, Jakes posted an update to concerned fans regarding his health concerns.

“I am grateful for all of you, for all those who prayed, for all those who sent text messages, for all those who participated in the prayer vigils,” the bishop said, sitting in a wheelchair outside the hospital. In his emotional thanks to supporters, Jakes explained that he didn’t have a stroke, but his incident was a near death.

While Jakes remains to be recovering from his ordeal within the pulpit, the lawsuit revealed some facts concerning the younger preacher he claims defamed him.

The lawsuit states that Youngblood is currently a registered sex offender within the state of Pennsylvania and can be on parole. In addition to admitting to having sexual relationships with at the very least two underage boys, he can be the brand new writer of a book titled “Freedom from Homosexuality: No More Living a Lie.”

Youngblood didn’t immediately reply to the defamation suit, but Blackburn will probably be his lawyer and one other move will probably be made soon.

NEW YORK (AP) – The holiday season truly begins when massive helium balloons begin to float above New York City. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — two years to the a centesimal birthday — this yr there will be 17 giant balloons with characters, 22 floats, 15 progressive and historic inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups and more stars than will fit around the table.

The parade begins rain or shine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on thirty fourth Street, which serves as the stage and backdrop for the performances.

Here’s the most significant details about the parade and how to watch it.

What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

For the second yr in a row, the Thursday parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.

What channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on?

It will air on NBC, available over-the-air or through cable and satellite providers.

What if I would like to stream it?

For the Cord Cutters, the parade is broadcast on Peacock, with an encore broadcast starting at 2:00 PM ET/PST. A simulcast in Spanish will even be available on Telemundo.

What will the weather be like?

It could also be a wet day – the forecast predicts rain with temperatures above 40 degrees, clouds and winds of around 16 km/h. New York law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts exceed 35 mph.

Who are a few of the stars performing?

This yr there are more stars than ever. Grammy, Oscar, Emmy and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson will perform, in addition to global pop icon and Grammy winner Kylie Minogue and Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner Billy Porter.

Someone else?

Reality TV shows Ariana Madix, Broadway fan Idina Menzel, hip-hop lover T-Pain, members of WNBA champion New York Liberty and country duo Dan + Shay. Other musical artists include: War and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Loud Luxury, The Temptations, Chlöe, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots and Coco Jones. It will begin with a performance by the “Glow” actor. Alison Brie ribbon cutting.

Who hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

For those watching on TV or in your computer, a trio of stalwart hosts — Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb AND Al Roker from “Today”. But this yr could also be more emotional because it could be Kotb’s last – for her last official day on “Today” it will be January tenth.

What are the recent balloons?

There will be six recent character balloons, including Minnie Mouse, “Noorah the Amazing” with Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”, Goku from “Dragon Ball”, Marshall from “Paw Patrol” and the recent “Spider Man” “

What about recent floats?

New platforms include Disney Cruise Line, Haribo, “Wednesday” from Netflix, Universal Orlando Resorts and “The Grannies Car” from BBC Studios’ “Bluey.” Nickelodeon and Paramount’s “Dora the Explorer” will have each a float and a balloon. One recent swimmer will attract attention Rao food brand, depicting a knight and a dragon in battle, fabricated from real pasta elements. Another will have a good time the one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary of the Bronx Zoo with performances of a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra and a gorilla.

Is your state represented by any of the teams?

Marching bands will come from Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia and, in fact, New York.