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Published by OK Magazine Donald Trump’s daughter was reportedly not very well-received in the White House. Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner served as senior advisers to the ex-President during his one-term tenure as commander-in-chief. Although the duo had the full support of Donald, staffers didn’t have much respect for them. MEGA “We had all come to call Jared and Ivanka ‘the interns’ because they represented in our minds obnoxious, entitled know-it-alls,” ex-aide Stephanie Grisham wrote in her explosive tell-all, I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw in The White House, reported PEOPLE. IVANKA TRUMP AND JARED KUSHNER REPORTEDLY DISTANCING THEMSELVES FROM DONALD TRUMP TO ‘REHABILITATE THEIR IMAGE’ The former Press Secretary wrote in detail about the night Ivanka’s dad addressed the nation from the Oval Office on March, 11, 2020, at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic — a speech she deemed a “total clusterf**k.” “An address to the nation is serious stuff, and whenever possible you need plenty of time to prepare properly — unless, of course, you were in the Trump White House, where everything was like a clown car on fire running at full speed into a warehouse full of fireworks,” Grisham explained. She noted that during a meeting of the coronavirus task force including Donald, VP Mike Pence, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx and others, it was Ivanka who was adamant about the speech being televised. MEGA “The women’s rights / small-business / crisis communications / and now Covid expert, just kept repeating, ‘There should be an address from the Oval,’” Grisham recalled. “Finally, Ivanka turned to her most powerful ally besides her father. ‘Jared, don’t you agree?’” ‘IVANKA IS DONALD IN A SUIT’: THE EX-PRESIDENT ‘WOULD CHOOSE’ HIS DAUGHTER OVER WIFE MELANIA, FORMER AIDE CLAIMS When pressed for more detail about the specifics of the speech, Grisham said the 39-year-old mother-of-three, Kushner or former communications director Hope Hicks offered no real answers. “One of my other biggest personal regrets is that I didn’t have the courage to speak out against Jared, Ivanka and Hope about the potential dangers of addressing the nation without any Covid response strategy in place, and what a disservice it could be to the country and the president,” Grisham added. Ivanka isn’t the only target in the explosive upcoming memoir due out next week. Grisham takes aim at Donald, claiming he wanted to “promote” a young female staffer he took an “unusual interest” in. MEGA She also alleged Melania slept through Donald’s 2020 election night defeat to President Joe Biden, 78, and was more interested in partaking in a photo shoot than condemning the rioters that swarmed D.C. on January 6. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Just before midnight on Sept. 1, the debate over whether the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority will dramatically change life in America took on a new ferocity when the justices let a near-total ban on abortion in Texas take effect. The intense scrutiny of the court will only increase when the justices – six conservatives and three liberals – open their new nine-month term on Monday. They have taken up cases that could enable them to overturn abortion rights https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/mississippi-asks-us-supreme-court-overturn-abortion-rights-landmark-2021-07-22 established in a landmark ruling 48 years ago and also expand gun rights https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-hear-major-case-carrying-handguns-public-2021-04-26 – two cherished goals of American conservatives. In addition, there are cases scheduled that could expand religious rights, building on several rulings in recent years. These contentious cases come at a time when opinion surveys show that public approval of the court is waning even as a commission named by President Joe Biden https://www.reuters.com/business/legal/bidens-supreme-court-commission-meet-abortion-debate-reignites-2021-05-19 explores recommending changes such expanding the number of justices or imposing term limits in place of their lifetime appointments. Some justices have given speeches rebutting criticism of the court and questions about its legitimacy as a nonpolitical institution. Its junior-most member Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative confirmed by Senate Republicans only days before the 2020 presidential election, said this month the court “is not comprised of a bunch of partisan hacks.” “There’s no doubt that the court’s legitimacy is under threat right now,” lawyer Kannon Shanmugam, who frequently argues cases at the court, said at an event organized by the conservative Federalist Society. “The level of rhetoric and criticism of the court is higher than I can certainly remember at any point in my career.” The court’s late-night 5-4 decision not to block the Republican-backed Texas law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy put abortion-rights advocates including Biden on high alert. The justices now have a chance to go even further. They will hear a case on Dec. 1 in which Mississippi is defending https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mississippi-asks-us-supreme-court-overturn-abortion-rights-landmark-2021-07-22 its law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Mississippi’s Republican attorney general is asking the court to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide and ended an era when some states banned it. In another blockbuster case, the justices could make it easier for people to obtain permits to carry handguns outside the home, a major expansion of firearms rights. They will consider on Nov. 3 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-hear-major-case-carrying-handguns-public-2021-04-26 whether to invalidate a New York state regulation that lets people obtain a concealed-carry permit only if they can show they need a gun for self-defense. CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS Former President Donald Trump was able to appoint three conservative justices including Barrett who tilted the court further rightward, with the help of maneuvering by a key fellow Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell. The Democratic-led Congress has held two hearings in recent months on how the court has increasingly decided major issues, including the Texas abortion one, with late-night emergency decisions using its “shadow docket” https://www.reuters.com/article/legal-us-usa-court-shadow-video/the-shadow-docket-how-the-u-s-supreme-court-quietly-dispatches-key-rulings-idUSKBN2BF16Q process that lacks customary public oral arguments. “The Supreme Court has now shown that it’s willing to allow even facially unconstitutional laws to take effect when the law is aligned with certain ideological preferences,” Democrat Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s chairman, said on Wednesday. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito in a speech on Thursday https://www.reuters.com/world/us/alito-decries-sinister-portrayal-us-supreme-court-shadow-docket-2021-09-30 objected to criticism that portrays the court’s members as a “dangerous cabal that resorts to sneaky and improper methods.” “This portrayal feeds unprecedented efforts to intimidate the court or damage it as an independent institution,” Alito said. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas last month said judges are “asking for trouble” if they wade into political issues. Thomas has previously said Roe v. Wade should be overturned, as many conservatives have sought. Liberal Justice Stephen Breyer noted in a May speech https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-breyer-touts-compromise-democracy-adherence-precedent-2021-05-28 that the court’s legitimacy relies in part on avoiding major upheavals in the law when people have come to rely on existing precedents. “The law might not be perfect but if you’re changing it all the time people won’t know what to do, and the more you change it the more people will ask to have it changed,” Breyer said. Abortion rights advocates have cited the fact that Roe v. Wade has been in place for almost a half century as one reason not to overturn it. Breyer, at 83 the court’s oldest member, himself is the focus of attention. Some liberal activists have urged him to retire so Biden can appoint a younger liberal who could serve for decades. Breyer has said he has not decided when he will retire. George Mason University law professor Jenn Mascott, a former Thomas law clerk, said the justices should not be swayed by public opinion. “What the justices have said they want to do is decide each case on the rule the law,” Mascott said. “I don’t think they should be thinking that the perception would be that they are too partisan one way or another.” (This story corrects Justice Breyer’s age to 83, not 82) (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham and Scott Malone) View the full article

Ben Whishaw as QJames Bond Gets a Good Gay The existence of gay James Bond characters throughout the super spy’s film and book series has been fraught with queerbaiting and homophobic tropes, but Daniel Craig’s final spin as 007 looks to break that trend. The latest Bond film “No Time to Die” includes a scene that appears to signal that Bond’s gadget and gizmo developer Q, portrayed by out gay actor Ben Whishaw, is gay, marking a first for the series. Nearly all other portrayals of LGBTQ or queer-coded characters in Bond-related media have had a villainous twinge, and none of Bond’s major allies have been depicted as LGBTQ. The closest the series came previously to doing so was in creator Ian Fleming’s novel “Goldfinger” where Pussy Galore ultimately helped Bond after originally siding with the baddies. Galore’s portrayal as a lesbian, or coded lesbian in the case of the film adaptation, is rife with problematic ideas about queer female identity. The book portrays Galore as becoming a lesbian after experiencing sexual abuse from a man and the film shows her essentially converting to being a straight woman due to James Bond’s superior boning ability (gross). Making Q gay represents a huge first for the franchise, but the scene itself, like other blockbuster films that have bragged about LGBTQ inclusion, is drawing criticism for playing coy with addressing Q’s identity. The scene, A dinner date interrupted by Bond and Moneypenny’s world-saving quest, only points to Q’s gayness by having Winshaw refer to a “he” who he expecting for the romantic evening. The scene feels like another in a line of scenes that could easily be edited for markets that aren’t kind to media portrayals of LGBTQ people. But it also represents a positive step as the series slowly creeps toward better diversity and inclusion. Winshaw himself has advocated for a gay James Bond as Craig exits the franchise, telling Attitude, “I really believe that we should be working towards a world where anyone can play anything and it would be really thrilling if it didn’t matter about someone’s sexuality to take on a role like this.” Venom Comes Out? “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is set to hit theaters this weekend with its Spider-Man universe symbiote battle royale, but the film apparently packs some version of a “coming out” scene in between the clash. In an interview with Uproxx, director Andy Serkis detailed that Venom, the alien symbiote that lives within Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock, will have a “coming out party” in a scene where the duo go to a rave that Serkis described as being based on an LGBTQ festival. In the scene, venom gives an impromptu speech to the crowd supporting LGBTQ rights in the only way a cantankerous alien would. “Well, what is interesting is that it’s just like, here he is kind of, he says in the movie, ‘We must stop this cruel treatment of aliens,'” said Serkis. “‘You know, we all live on this ball of rock,’ you know? And so he inadvertently becomes a kind of… he’s speaking for the other. He’s speaking for freedom of the other.” Serkis also stated that the much of the film focuses on the “love affair” between Venom and Brock. “Absolutely they do love each other,” he added. “That’s the kind of the center of the movie is that love affair, that central love affair.” Marvel’s Eternals And Queer Family “Marvel’s Eternals” is poised to offer LGBTQ audiences its most tangible bit of representation yet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will feature the franchise’s first out LGBTQ superhero in the form of Brian Tyree Henry’s Phastos, but it purportedly goes deeper than surface-level portrayals Disney properties have included and celebrated amid criticism. Phastos has a husband and children in the film, meaning the film will be the rare blockbuster that depicts an LGBTQ family. Actor Haaz Sleiman, who portrays Phastos’ husband in the film, expressed excitement at being part of what actually feels like a landmark moment for mainstream cinema. “I feel lucky, and I’m grateful,” Sleiman told Out Magazine. “I got to humanize an LGBTQ+ family and show how beautiful they are … I think queer families, personally, are way healthier than regular families, in my opinion. We stay together and there’s so much love.” Sleiman has helmed multiple roles since coming out in 2017 that have served similar purposes. He won a 2021 GLAAD Media Award for his role in an episode of “Little America” titled “The Son” where he portrayed a queer Syrian man seeking asylum in the United States. Sleiman is bullish on the continued expansion of how media portrays LGBTQ individuals. “We’re evolving,” he said. “The most exciting thing is the stories that are being told in television and film about LGBTQ people … A lot of shows are being more thoughtful about portraying queer people in a more fuller way, not so one-dimensional or very stereotyped.” Gay James Bond: Previously on Towleroad Action Roundup: Gay James Bond Character; Venom’s ‘Coming Out Party;’ ‘Queer Family’ of ‘Marvel’s Eternals’ Brian Bell October 1, 2021 Read More Cassandra Peterson, Horror Icon Elvira, Comes Out, Reveals 19-Year Relationship in New Memoir Brian Bell September 22, 2021 Read More LGBTQ Hollywood Roundup: Bragman Establishes Coming Out Fund; Indya Moore Calls Out Met Gala; Dan Levy Signs Netflix Deal; JoJo Siwa Frustrated With Nickelodeon Brian Bell September 17, 2021 Read More Billy Eichner ‘s ‘Big, Gay Divorce Comedy’ ‘Ex-Husbands’ Headed To Amazon; ‘It’s the Gay ‘War Of The Roses’ You’ve Been Waiting For!’ Brian Bell August 4, 2021 Read More Hollywood Skin Doc–and Home Flipper–Alex Khadavi Threatens to Kill Gay Couple In Homophobic Screed Caught on A Lobby Cam; Acquired by TMZ: WATCH Brian Bell July 22, 2021 Read More A ‘Pose’ Is Not Enough. Hollywood Writers Guild’s LGBTQ Group Calls Out Discrimination On and Off Screen In Open Letter Brian Bell June 14, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lil Nas X is still “very much in love” with his ex-boyfriend. The ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ hitmaker has now confirmed his mystery former partner was Yai Ariza, who appears in his ‘That’s What I Want’ music video, and though he recently declared himself single, he’s admitted it’s possible they will get back together eventually. Speaking to SiriusXM’s Hits 1 LA hosts Tony Fly and Symon, he said: “We were dating, and we are still in very good terms. You know, we may date again I’m sure. “I love him, he is amazing. I wanted to kind of focus on my music right now.” The 22-year-old star described his former partner as “the best person” he has “ever” dated. He added: “I am still very much in love, I’m like trying to manage…If it’s meant, it will happen in the future, life is long.” As well as getting close to Nas in the ‘That’s What I Want’ music video, Yai was also a dancer in the singer’s ‘Industry Baby’ music video and made out with him during his performance of ‘Montero’ at the 2021 BET Awards. The ‘Old Town Road’ hitmaker confirmed earlier this week his relationship had ended. He said: “I was seeing someone. Um, I kind of decided I didn’t want to anymore… “I don’t want to ruin anybody’s perception of [‘That’s What I Want’], but I don’t think I want any guy right now. “Maybe I’m floating around right now. I just want to work on music and every now and then, you know, maybe I’ll kiss a guy, every blue moon, you know.” Just a month ago, Nas gushed about how “effortless” his romance with his boyfriend was. He said: “I feel like this is one of the best [relationships] yet. I’m really happy about it, and it all just feels natural. It’s effortless.” And Nas had previously suggested that his boyfriend could be “the one”. He said: “I’ve had some good boyfriends and some bad ones. A lot of them were emotionally unavailable or had a lot of insecurity and whatnot. “I’ve found someone special now. I think this is the one. I can’t explain it – it’s just a feeling.” View the full article

Pepsi and Shirley, Wham backup singers, think the late George Michael has been sending them messages of support for their new book. The duo – whose full names are Pepsi Demacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp – have reflected on their time as Wham! backing singers in their new autobiography, ‘ Pepsi & Shirlie: It’s All in Black and White’… Pepsi and Shirlie in Wham’s Young Guns Published by BANG Showbiz English Pepsi and Shirley think the late George Michael has been sending them messages of support for their new book. The duo – whose full names are Pepsi Demacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp – have reflected on their time as Wham! backing singers in their new autobiography, ‘ Pepsi & Shirlie: It’s All in Black and White’, and they believe the ‘Careless Whisper’ hitmaker would have wanted the tome to do well. Pepsi said: “I’m quite emotional actually. I’ve been walking into the hotel foyer and every time one of George’s songs comes on. I think he’s got his fairy dust on our book, wishing us well.” Shirlie had known George – who died in December 2016 – and fellow Wham! singer Andrew Ridgeley since their school days and she paid tribute to her friend for his “empathy and wit”. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “I knew George as a friend way before Wham!, way before fame. “He was adorable and his sense of humour, he could laugh at himself. It was his empathy and his wit. “To be that compassionate but that hilarious was a beautiful combination.” The ‘Heartache’ hitmakers – who performed as a duo after Wham! disbanded – are “really proud” of their pop hey days. Shirlie said: “When you meet Wham! or Pepsi and Shirlie fans, you think, ‘Wow, I was actually part of that.” Pepsi added: “I feel really proud of the fact I can look back on so many fond memories. It’s tainted with sadness, but that’s life.” But they admitted it was “really hard work” and they often shunned invites to parties in favour of going straight home after gigs. Pepsi said: “It’s really hard work, coming off stage you’re all sweaty. It seems very glamorous on the outside, cameras going, waving to the fans but Shirlie would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to have a shower, put make-up on, what are we going to wear?’ “We’d look at each other and go, ‘No, I think we’ll go back to the room’.” One of Pepsi and Shirlie Hit Songs on their own Wham Backup Singers on Towleroad Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner Called ‘Interns’ By White House Staffers Who Felt They Were ‘Entitled Know-It-Alls’: Ex-Aide More In Political Crosshairs, U.S. Supreme Court Will Look at Cases That Include Abortion, Guns, and So-called ‘Religious Rights’ More Action Roundup: Gay James Bond Character; Venom’s ‘Coming Out Party;’ ‘Queer Family’ of ‘Marvel’s Eternals’ More Lil Nas X won’t rule out reuniting with ex-boyfriend More Most U.S. deaths from police violence unrecorded in main database- study More Lady Gaga Fashion is limitless. Her Personal Style ‘A Jazz Singer’; The New Gaga Jazz Album With Tony Bennett Drops LISTEN: Full Album & Live Show More Discussing The Origins of Lizzo Twerking, Her New TED talk, Mainstream Butts and African Origins of Twerking More Dolly Parton Hits the Humble, Generous High Notes: ‘Honored And Flattered’ Lil Nas X Covers ‘Jolene,’ Says It’s ‘Really, Really Good’ More OKCupid’s Full, Inclusive ‘Every Single Person’ Campaign Is Literally Attacked. Dating App: ‘If We’re Pissing Off People … You Can Go Elsewhere’ More ACLU Joins Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit Over Unequal Treatment by Schools; Same District Banned Pride Flags Few Months Ago More New Bishop named in Brooklyn after predecessor retired amid sex abuse scandal More Load More View the full article

Published by Reuters (Reuters) – More than half of all U.S. deaths involving police violence from 1980-2018 were not listed as such in the government’s main database, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and published in The Lancet. The U.S. National Vital Statistics System recorded police violence as playing a role in 13,700 deaths over that period, the study’s authors said. By examining three non-governmental, open-source databases, they estimated the true total was around 30,800. The databases they examined were Fatal Encounters, Mapping Police Violence, and The Counted. The burden of fatal police violence is an urgent public health crisis in the United States, said the study published on Thursday in The Lancet, a major British medical journal. Deaths at the hands of the police disproportionately impact people of certain races and ethnicities, pointing to systemic racism in policing, it added. Protests broke out last year in the United States following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes, and other incidents in which police killed Black men and women. “Proven public health intervention strategies are needed to address these systematic biases. State-level estimates allow for appropriate targeting of these strategies to address police violence and improve its reporting,” the study said. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Graff) View the full article

Gaga Fashion. Gaga Jazz Lady Gaga says fashion is “limitless” like jazz music. The Oscar-winner, 35, wowed in two show-stopping gowns designed by her sister, Natali Germanotta, for her global live-streamed concert for Westfield on Thursday (Full concert and album in player below) Published by BANG Showbiz English LISTEN Lady Gaga says fashion is “limitless” like jazz music. The Oscar-winner, 35, wowed in two show-stopping gowns designed by her sister, Natali Germanotta, for her global live-streamed concert for Westfield on Thursday (30.09.21). The ‘Stupid Love’ hitmaker performed songs from her new duets album with jazz icon Tony Bennett, ‘Love For Sale’, and oozed old Hollywood glamour in a head-turning feathery beaded number, before a quick change into an elegant black velvet dress. And the ‘Born This Way’ hitmaker has recalled how her 29-year-old fashion designer sibling created gowns that are “authentic” to who she “truly is”. Gaga is famous for her outrageous ensembles over the years, from the iconic meat dress to the chicken outfit, but the ‘A Star is Born’ star says her true personal style is that of a jazz singer. Gaga said: “In terms of fashion, I would say that there’s nothing that is a limit because when it comes to jazz music, jazz music is limitless. In terms of the figures of chords, the way that music is structured, it’s the most liberated music of all music to me. And I am inspired mostly by family and my sister made the costumes that I wear during the show tonight and she has watched me be a jazz singer since I was in my early pre-teen years when I was an 11 and 12 year old so she knows how to make something for me that feels authentic to who I truly am. I guess what I would say is, when we think about clothing in terms of jazz, we think about authenticity, we don’t think about an idea. And while during the ’20s there was jazz, jazz lived far beyond the ’20s, like right now in 2021. And we think this is jazz too.” Millions of fans both online and across Westfield’s global network of flagship destinations, including fans at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, were treated to a preview of the much-anticipated jazz album, ahead of its official release to the public today (01.10.21). For those who missed the performance, it is available to watch at www.youtube.com/c/WestfieldLive until 14 October. [This post contains video, click to play] Lady Gaga Fashion Towleroad Lil Nas X won’t rule out reuniting with ex-boyfriend More Discussing The Origins of Lizzo Twerking, Her New TED talk, Mainstream Butts and African Origins of Twerking More Dolly Parton Hits the Humble, Generous High Notes: ‘Honored And Flattered’ Lil Nas X Covers ‘Jolene,’ Says It’s ‘Really, Really Good’ More OKCupid’s Full, Inclusive ‘Every Single Person’ Campaign Is Literally Attacked. Dating App: ‘If We’re Pissing Off People … You Can Go Elsewhere’ More ACLU Joins Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit Over Unequal Treatment by Schools; Same District Banned Pride Flags Few Months Ago More New Bishop named in Brooklyn after predecessor retired amid sex abuse scandal More Lil Nas X is single More Cher says Britney Spears can start a ‘new life’ after conservatorship battle More Sir Ridley Scott reveals plans for Gladiator sequel More Donald Trump Fires Corey Lewandowski From Team AGAIN After He’s Accused Of ‘Stalking’ & Touching Butt Of Female Republican Donor Amid Alleged Kristi Noem Affair More Watchdog faults FBI for ‘widespread’ errors handling surveillance warrants More Load More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lizzo credits twerking for helping her to love her butt. The ‘Good as Hell’ hitmaker admitted her backside used to be her “least favourite” part of her body, but she admitted her opinion has changed dramatically in recent years, largely thanks to the raunchy dance move. In a new TED Talk, she said: “I used to think that only asses like J.Lo’s or Beyoncé’s could be famous. I always felt like my body type wasn’t the right one or the desirable one growing up, because I grew up in an era where having a big ass wasn’t mainstream… “My a** has been the topic of conversation. My a** has been in magazines. Rihanna gave my a** a standing ovation. … How did this happen? Twerking! Through the movement of twerking, I discovered my a** is my greatest asset.” In the talk, Lizzo reflected on the history of twerking, explaining how it evolved from West African dance styles to become a staple of Black club culture in the 1980s, before hitting the mainstream thanks to Miley Cyrus’ controversial MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) performance in 2013. From that point, Lizzo felt twerking has been adopted by pop culture and “misunderstood and taken out of context”. She said: ““I wish that a Black woman could have popularized twerking in the mainstream. Everything that Black people create, from fashion to music to the way we talk, is co-opted, appropriated and taken by pop culture.” However, the 31-year-old star insisted she wasn’t “trying to gatekeep”. But she added: “But I’m definitely trying to let you know who built the damn gate.” And Lizzo vowed to use her platform to continute to highlight the origins of the dance style. She said: “I twerk for fat, Black women because being fat and Black is a beautiful thing. “Black women invented twerking and twerking is part of the revolution. We’ve been doing it, we going to keep doing it, because we have and always will be the blueprint.” View the full article

Dolly Parton hits it big even when entirely lifting another. Dolly Parton Hits High Notes on Towleroad OKCupid’s Full, Inclusive ‘Every Single Person’ Campaign Is Literally Attacked. Dating App: ‘If We’re Pissing Off People … You Can Go Elsewhere’ More ACLU Joins Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit Over Unequal Treatment by Schools; Same District Banned Pride Flags Few Months Ago More New Bishop named in Brooklyn after predecessor retired amid sex abuse scandal More Lil Nas X is single More Cher says Britney Spears can start a ‘new life’ after conservatorship battle More Sir Ridley Scott reveals plans for Gladiator sequel More Donald Trump Fires Corey Lewandowski From Team AGAIN After He’s Accused Of ‘Stalking’ & Touching Butt Of Female Republican Donor Amid Alleged Kristi Noem Affair More Watchdog faults FBI for ‘widespread’ errors handling surveillance warrants More Activists clash with police outside youth climate summit in Milan More While Britney Spears rejoices, her father’s attorney calls conservator suspension ‘wrong’ More Stormy Daniels Said Donald’s ‘Little Don’ Looks Like A ‘Mushroom’. Trump Pushes Back At Bizarre Air Force 1 Staff Meeting (She Undercounted?) New Book Spills. More Load More View the full article

OKCupidOKCupid’s “Every Single Person” Dating site OKCupid refused to back down from the inclusive message of its recent “Every Single Person” promotional campaign after OKCupid LGBTQ-inclusive ads on the New York City subway were torn down by passengers in a viral video. OKCupid launched the “Every Single Person” campaign earlier this year as a way of highlighting the dating app’s commitment to inclusivity and continuing shift to highlight the continued evolution in gender and relationship definitions. The campaign heavily focuses on LGBTQ identities, including an increased focus on non-binary individuals, and spotlights non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships. “‘Every Single Person,’ embraces all singles everywhere, no matter whom you’re interested in, what you’re looking for, or what matters to you,” the company said in a blog post announcing the campaign in July. “Our Every Single Person campaign reflects the beauty and complexity of that. Everyone deserves the love they seek – every single person.” Speaking to The Advocate, Hobley said OKCupid is happy to put itself “in a line of fire a little bit” in order to support its users. “When you’re hitting a nerve, that’s OK … The most important thing though is that we’re supporting all of our daters,” she said. “If we’re pissing off people that don’t want to celebrate diversity or to celebrate all kinds of love, then that’s OK. You can go elsewhere. We’re totally fine with that.” The dating app’s response has garnered celebrity support as well, including famed gay actor George Takei. Takei posted a tweet from Hobley on his Instagram account stating “In light of the recent homophobic rant sparked by our ad campaign celebrating all kinds of love, OKCupid is making an even bigger commitment to be inclusive. So thanks for the craziness. Also, put on a mask. You owe the MTA $50.” OKCupid LGBTQ: Previously on Towleroad OKCupid’s Full, Inclusive ‘Every Single Person’ Campaign Is Literally Attacked. Dating App: ‘If We’re Pissing Off People … You Can Go Elsewhere’ Brian Bell September 30, 2021 Read More ACLU Joins Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit Over Unequal Treatment by Schools; Same District Banned Pride Flags Few Months Ago Brian Bell September 30, 2021 Read More Cook at Applebee’s Complaint When Told to Ignore A Toxic Mix of Workplace Slurs and Confederate Paraphernalia Spurs Federal Lawsuit Brian Bell August 13, 2021 Read More Virginia Tech Pride Flags Torn Down, Confederate Flags Put Up in Place in Act of ‘Intimidation’ Brian Bell August 12, 2021 Read More Lil Nas X Scared Commenting on Homophobia in Rap; More Confident, Authentic Because ‘People Pleasers …never become legends’ Towleroad August 12, 2021 Read More AIDS Groups Release Open Letter to DaBaby; Denver Cancels Festival He Was to Headline; IHeartRadio, Austin City Limits Also Drop; WednesDababy Update Brian Bell August 4, 2021 Read More Image courtesy of OKCupid View the full article

Gay-Straight AllianceUnfair Treatment The Indiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has teamed up with an Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance to file a lawsuit alleging that it has been unfairly barred from operating on-campus in a similar fashion as other “non-curricular” clubs. The suit, filed last week in U.S. District Court, claims that the Pendleton Heights Gay-Straight Alliance (PHGSA) has been prohibited from advertising itself on the campus of Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton, IN. The ban includes posting flyers on school bulletin boards and running ads on the school’s radio station. The filing also alleges that the club has been barred from conducting fundraising activities on school grounds. All of the privileges currently being denied to the PHGSA are readily available to other student groups and clubs at the school regardless of their respective focuses’ relation to the school’s curriculum. The PHGSA reformed this year after a period of inactivity. The claim states that these prohibitions have “severely hindered” the PHGSA’s ability to attract students who may be in need of its “beneficial function to be a place of shelter, support and education, not just for gay, lesbian, transgender and non-binary students, but for all Pendleton Heights High School students.” “This group aims to create an environment that provides support to students, during a time that otherwise might be increasingly difficult for LGBTQ students,” said ACLU of Indiana advocacy strategist Kit Malone in a statement. “The differential treatment aimed at Pendleton Heights Gay-Straight Alliance by administrators is unwarranted and these students must be treated in the same manner that all other student groups are treated.” Past Issues The complaint come months after students and parents questioned a policy from the South Madison Community Schools board that told teachers to remove Pride flags from their classrooms. According to the Indianapolis Star, school board president Bill Hutton equated Pride flags and other pro-LGBTQ paraphernalia to the imagery of white supremacy, saying that allowing the display of Pride flags would mean the board would have to allow other groups the same privilege. Students present also complained about school officials’ unfair treatment of the PHGSA in its previous incarnation. The anti-Pride flag policy remains intact. “Unoffical” Club Both the school and school district are named as defendants in the lawsuit, but the filing focuses heavily on the actions of an unnamed Pendleton Heights High School principal. The suit claims that the principal recognized the PHGSA as a “non-curricular” club but not an “official” club despite it having a faculty sponsor and it meeting the U.S. Supreme Court’s definition of a “non-curricular” club that is guaranteed the same privileges as “curricular” clubs. Deeming the PHGSA as an “unofficial” club allows for the restrictions imposed by the principal, which the filing claims has caused “irreparable harm” to the PHGSA. The ACLU of Indiana believes this infringes on the Equal Access Act, which bars secondary schools that receive federal funding from preventing “non-curricular” clubs from accessing resources available to other student groups. “Students at Pendleton Heights High School may participate in non-curricular clubs recognized by the school,” said ACLU of Indiana legal director Ken Falk. “By creating additional hurdles for Pendleton Heights Gay-Straight Alliance such as censoring the group’s promotions and prohibiting fundraising, the school is infringing on these students’ rights.” The suit also claims that the principal’s, and therefore the school and school district’s, actions violate the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs are requesting that the court “allow the Pendleton Heights Gay-Straight Alliance to have the same access to school facilities and avenues of communication, including fundraising opportunities, provided to curricular and official clubs.” South Madison Community Schools Superintendent Mark Hall declined to comment on the situation when asked by the Indianapolis Star, saying that he was yet to receive the filing. Indiana Gay: Previously on Towleroad ACLU Joins Indiana Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit Over Unequal Treatment by Schools; Same District Banned Pride Flags Few Months Ago Brian Bell September 30, 2021 Read More LGBTQ School News Roundup: Scotland Adds LGBTQ Education; Texas Students Protest Discrimination; Catholic School Rehires Out Coach; Florida School District Investigating Hate Actions Brian Bell September 24, 2021 Read More California Teacher Investigated Over Joking Students Could ‘Pledge Allegiance’ to LGBTQ Pride Flag Brian Bell August 31, 2021 Read More Kansas City Christian School Reportedly Tells Teachers to Oust Out LGBTQ Students or Find Another Job Brian Bell May 10, 2021 Read More London’s Highgate School to Allow Skirts For Boys In School Uniform Adam Rhodes May 17, 2017 Read More Pittsburgh Schools Unanimously Approve Transgender Nondiscrimination Policy: VIDEO Michael Fitzgerald June 24, 2016 Read More Photo courtesy of Quinn Dombrowski/Creative Commons View the full article

Published by AFP Pope Francis in September 2015 with retiring Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio (C), who was cleared in a Vatican sex abuse investigation New York (AFP) – The Vatican on Wednesday announced a new bishop for the Diocese of Brooklyn, after the retirement of long-serving Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who was cleared in a sex abuse investigation. The 77-year-old DiMarzio had been the subject of a high-profile Vatican probe after two men accused him of abusing them fifty years ago when he was a priest in New Jersey. Earlier this month, the Vatican cleared DiMarzio in the investigation, saying the accusations against him do not “have the semblance of truth.” The lawyer for the two men dismissed the Vatican probe as biased and said they will pursue civil lawsuits against the priest. DiMarzio, whose resignation was earlier accepted by Pope Francis, will be succeeded by Bishop Robert Brennan, 59, a native of New York City, who has served as the Bishop of Columbus, Ohio since 2019, according to US media reports. “Today I welcome Bishop Robert Brennan appointed as the eighth Bishop of Brooklyn,” DiMarzio said on Twitter. “I have known Bishop Brennan for years and have great confidence in his ability to lead the diocese.” Several states in northeastern United States have been rocked by sexual abuse scandals in recent years. The drama is illustrated by the 2015 Oscar-winning film “Spotlight,” which documents how journalists with the Boston Globe newspaper uncovered sexual abuse committed by dozens of Boston priests. According to BishopAccountability.org, an advocacy organization, between 1950 and 2016, the Catholic Church in the US received complaints from more than 18,500 alleged victims claiming abuse by more than 6,700 clergy members. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lil Nas X is single again. The ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ singer has confirmed he’s no longer dating his mystery boyfriend because he “didn’t want to” see him anymore, though he declined to share any further details. During an appearance on Sirius XM’s ‘Andy Cohen Live’, the presenter asked Nas about his relationship and if he could share any details. However, his guest replied: “I was seeing someone. Um, I kind of decided I didn’t want to anymore.” Andy said: “All right. OK. Well, I have to, I have to, uh, assume that there are thousands of people applying for the job of a Lil Nas X’s boyfriend.” But the 22-year-old star insisted he isn’t looking for a relationship at the moment because he wants to focus on his career. He replied: “There are definitely a couple of people for sure. A couple of people out there…I don’t want to ruin anybody’s perception of [‘That’s What I Want’], but I don’t think I want any guy right now. “Maybe I’m floating around right now. I just want to work on music and every now and then, you know, maybe I’ll kiss a guy, every blue moon, you know.” Just a month ago, Nas gushed about how “effortless” his romance with his mystery boyfriend, who he met in May, was. He said: “I feel like this is one of the best [relationships] yet. I’m really happy about it, and it all just feels natural. It’s effortless.” The ‘Old Town Road’ hitmaker had previously suggested that his boyfriend could be “the one”. He said: “I’ve had some good boyfriends and some bad ones. A lot of them were emotionally unavailable or had a lot of insecurity and whatnot. “I’ve found someone special now. I think this is the one. I can’t explain it – it’s just a feeling.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Cher thinks Britney Spears can embark on “a new life” after a judge suspended her dad’s position as conservator of her estate. The 75-year-old pop icon has taken to Twitter to express her joy and relief at the news, which came after a judge concluded that Jamie Spears’ position in charge of his daughter’s affairs had become “untenable”. Cher wrote on the micro-blogging platform: “Thank God [sparkles emoji] I’ve Talked & [prayer emoji] ‘d About This 4 YEARS [clapping emoji] . IM MORE THAN THRILLED 4 HER [cake emoji] BLESS OUR SUPER [star emoji] #FREEBRITNEY (sic)” The ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker now believes Britney can begin a new chapter in her life, having been under a conservatorship since 2008. Cher tweeted: “[prayer emoji] THIS WILL [bee emoji] THE START [footprints emoji] OF A NEW LIFE,BRIT [kissing emoji] Me (sic)” Bette Midler has also expressed her support for the chart-topping pop star. The 75-year-old singer observed that Britney has spent the last 13 years “in the wilderness”. She tweeted: “#BritneySpears is free. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this about, especially Britney, who, after 13 years in the wilderness, never gave up until she was finally heard. (sic)” Elsewhere, La Toya Jackson has also offered her congratulations to Britney after the court ruling. She wrote on the micro-blogging site: “A huge congratulations to Britney Spears!!! #FreeBritney #freedom #BritneySpears (sic)” Dionne Warwick posted a similar message, observing that Britney can now “breathe” and enjoy her life after being under a conservatorship for so many years. She wrote online: “This is wonderful news. She can now breathe. Congratulations, Britney. Enjoy your life!” Britney’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, hailed the ruling as a “monumental” moment for the 39-year-old singer. He added: “This is a substantial step toward her freedom. “It’s been a lot of hard work. It’s been intense. I’m proud. Britney’s proud.” The attorney also credited the Free Britney movement for being “instrumental” in moving the ‘Circus’ singer’s case along, including having him come in to replace her court-appointed attorney, Sam Ingham, in July. He added: “And to the extent that it allowed my firm to carry the ball across the finish line, I thank them as well.” Mathew’s next step is to file a petition outlining plans to terminate the conservatorship completely, and he’s optimistic Britney – who hasn’t had control of her own affairs since 2008 – has got a “great future ahead of her.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Sir Ridley Scott will begin working on the ‘Gladiator’ sequel after shooting ‘Kitbag’. The 83-year-old director is currently focused on his new Joaquin Phoenix-led project about Napoleon Bonapart, but Ridley subsequently intends to start work on the long-awaited sequel to ‘Gladiator’, his award-winning historical drama. He told Empire: “I’m already having [the next] ‘Gladiator’ written now. So when I’ve done Napoleon, ‘Gladiator’ will be ready to go.” ‘Kitbag’ is expected to be released in 2023, meaning that the ‘Gladiator’ sequel might not hit cinema screens until 2024 at the earliest. Ridley has been tentatively working on the concept for years, but Russell Crowe – who starred in the original movie – will not be returning for the sequel, as his character met his demise in the 2000 hit. Russell, 57, won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Maximus Decimus Meridius in the acclaimed historical drama. And the Hollywood star previously admitted that he feels incredibly proud of the film’s enduring legacy, explaining that it has achieved something rare in the film industry. He said last year: “The standout thing with this film, and 20 years later I can say with confidence that somewhere in the world, today, tonight, that movie will be played on prime-time. And it’s 20 years since it came out. Not every movie lasts in that way.” Ridley also regards the movie as one of his career highlights. The acclaimed filmmaker – whose credits also include ‘Alien’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’ – shared: “I think ‘Gladiator’ would have to go up near the top one, two or three, and after nearly 30 movies, that’s crazy.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online Donald Trump has once again fired Corey Lewandowski after he was accused of inappropriately touching and “stalking” a female donor — AND amid rumors he had an affair with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The alleged incident went down over the weekend in Vegas when Trashelle Odom came forward alleging Corey touched her butt and legs and “stalked” her at a charity event. Odom also claimed Corey repeatedly talked about his genitals, “described his sexual performance,” and reportedly showed her his hotel room key. Taking to their Twitter, a spokesperson announced Trump was replacing Corey. MEGA “Pam Bondi, the very talented and honorable frmr AG of FL, has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action. Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service,” the statement read. While Trump made a swift move following the allegations, it’s worth noting this is the second time he’s dismissed Corey from his team. Corey’s lawyers denied Odom’s claims. His firing also comes in the wake of his rumored affair with Noem. Multiple sources told conservative site American Greatness, the married father of four was having a sexual relationship with the rising Republican star, something Noem venomously shot down. MEGA “These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie,” she tweeted on Wednesday, before expressing her love for her husband and children. “These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can’t achieve anything without a man’s help. I love Bryon. I’m proud of the God-fearing family we’ve raised together. Now I’m getting back to work.” Noem has been married since 1992. She has three children. As for Corey, who is currently unemployed, he married Alison Lewandowski in 2005. When it comes to Corey’s employment history with Trump, it’s complicated. He was fired as Trump’s campaign manager in 2016, but offered a job in the former president’s administration in 2017. Corey rejected that job offer, allegedly telling his buddies that the position was “beneath him.” MEGA View the full article

Published by Reuters By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog on Thursday said he had uncovered “widespread non-compliance” with the FBI’s domestic surveillance program, dealing the bureau another setback and raising questions about the accuracy of the information underpinning its wiretap warrants. Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s findings mark the latest problem uncovered since 2019, when his office first discovered https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia/mistakes-but-no-political-bias-in-fbi-probe-of-trump-campaign-watchdog-idUSKBN1YD11L the FBI had made numerous errors in its warrant applications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court as part of the early probe into contacts between President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Horowitz’s report on Thursday entailed an audit of the FBI’s so-called “Woods Procedures” – rules the bureau follows to ensure FISA applications to the court are “scrupulously accurate.” “A failure to adhere to the Woods Procedures … could easily lead to errors that do impact probable cause — and therefore potentially call into question the legal basis for the government’s use of highly intrusive FISA warrants,” Horowitz said. In a statement, National Security Division Acting Assistant Attorney General Mark Lesko said the FBI “has already implemented numerous reforms” and that the department is committed to “meet the highest standards of accuracy.” In 2019, the inspector general revealed the FBI had severely botched applications to continue monitoring the communications of Carter Page, a former adviser to Trump’s 2016 campaign. The errors prompted a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judge to issue a rare public ruling https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-fbi/u-s-judge-blasts-fbi-over-handling-of-wiretap-applications-of-ex-trump-campaign-adviser-idUSKBN1YL2FX ordering the FBI to detail how it would correct its policies and procedures. Horowitz’s findings led Special Counsel John Durham to later file charges against FBI Attorney Kevin Clinesmith for falsifying a document used in a FISA application to monitor Page. Clinesmith pleaded guilty https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-clinesmith/ex-fbi-lawyer-pleads-guilty-to-doctoring-email-in-russia-probe-of-trump-campaign-idUSKCN25F16S in August 2020. The ACLU, which has long expressed concerns about the FISA process, said in a statement on Thursday that Horowitz’s report shows “yet more evidence that FISA surveillance is in need of reform.” The FBI’s efforts since the Page debacle “have not gone nearly far enough,” ACLU attorney Ashley Gorski said. Thursday’s audit is an extension of an earlier report from Horowitz from March 2020 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-justice-fbi-surveillance/justice-department-cites-more-flaws-in-fbi-handling-of-surveillance-warrants-idUSKBN21I29U in which he found 209 errors in 29 applications. Since then, he said his office had uncovered an additional 200 errors or lack of supporting documents in those applications – and he accused the FBI and the National Security Division of displaying “a tolerance for error.” Jason Jones, the FBI’s general counsel, disagreed with that assertion in his response. He said the FBI has implemented reforms and that its “commitment to emphasize the importance of scrupulous accuracy will continue unabated.” (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; editing by Jonathan Oatis) View the full article

Published by DPA Police clash with Extinction Rebellion activists who blocked traffic in front of MiCo, the Milan Convention Center in the Fiera area, where the Pre-COP 26 Summit on climate change begins today. Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa Environmental activists clashed with police in Milan on Thursday on the sidelines of a youth climate summit. Delegates to the Youth4Climate summit discussed the climate crisis with politicians including Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Meanwhile dozens of activists held a demonstration in front of the conference centre. A video of the protest showed demonstrators clashing with the police, who used batons against the crowd. Others activists blocked traffic by lying down in the streets until they were removed by police officers. Some of the protesters briefly entered the conference centre to protest ahead of Draghi’s speech. The event, organized jointly by the Italian and British governments, was intended as preparation for the COP26 climate change conference, which is due to take place in Glasgow later this year. Draghi reiterated that the world must show more commitment in the fight against climate change. Responding to criticism by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who recently lambasted politicians for their “blah, blah, blah” rather than meaningful action, Draghi said: “Sometimes it takes that blah blah to convince everyone.” Big goals can only be achieved together, he said, adding that he was optimistic that leaders were “absolutely convinced that this is time to act, to act quickly”. Later Draghi met with Thunberg and other climate activists in private for a face-to-face discussion. Police clash with Extinction Rebellion activists who blocked traffic in front of MiCo, the Milan Convention Center in the Fiera area, where the Pre-COP 26 Summit on climate change begins today. Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa View the full article

Published by Reuters By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A lawyer for Jamie Spears on Thursday denounced a Los Angeles judge’s decision to suspend him as conservator of his daughter Britney Spears’ $60 million estate. LA Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny removed Jamie Spears https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/britney-spears-case-back-court-with-dads-role-line-2021-09-29 from the role on Wednesday and set a November court date to consider whether to terminate the 13-year-old legal arrangement. The judge replaced him temporarily with an accountant suggested by Britney Spears’ attorney. “Respectfully, the court was wrong to suspend Mr. Spears, put a stranger in his place to manage Britney’s estate, and extend the very conservatorship that Britney begged the court to terminate earlier this summer,” Vivian Thoreen, a lawyer for Jamie Spears, said in a statement. The outcome was “disappointing, and frankly, a loss for Britney Spears,” Thoreen said. The “Stronger” singer previously told the court that her father was controlling and that she was afraid of him. After he was suspended, the pop star said that she was “on cloud 9 right now.” Thoreen, however, said Jamie Spears had helped the singer revive her career and re-establish a relationship with her children under the conservatorship, which has governed her personal and financial affairs since she had a mental health breakdown in 2008. Details of the singer’s mental health have not been publicly disclosed. “For anyone who has tried to help a family member dealing with mental health issues, they can appreciate the tremendous amount of daily worry and work this required,” Thoreen said. “For Mr. Spears, this also meant biting his tongue and not responding to all the false, speculative, and unsubstantiated attacks on him by certain members of the public, media, or more recently, Britney’s own attorney,” she added. In a surprise move earlier this month, Jamie Spears asked the court to end the conservatorship https://www.reuters.com/world/us/britney-spears-father-asks-court-end-singers-conservatorship-media-reports-2021-09-07. (Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) View the full article

Trump’s former Spokesperson Stephanie Grisham doesn’t leave it at Stormy Daniels ‘mushroom’. In her just released book she criticizes the president for not trusting Pence; reveals why he went to Walter Reed that time, describes everything being done for his ego, and that he had a handler known as the “Music Man” who would play Broadway tunes, including Memory from ‘cats’ to calm him down. Published by AFP Stephanie Grisham listens as then president Donald Trump speaks to the media aboard Air Force One in 2019 Washington (AFP) – An aide dubbed the “Music Man” was tasked with playing calming tunes for Donald Trump when he went into rages, according to a scandal-filled book by a former press secretary. Stephanie Grisham, notorious for not giving a single televised press conference while serving as Trump’s chief spokeswoman, writes in “I’ll Take Your Questions Now” that her boss went into “terrifying” rants. The former president and his wife Melania have vociferously condemned the book, excerpts of which appeared Tuesday in The New York Times and Washington Post. Current Trump spokeswoman Liz Harrington branded Grisham a “disgruntled former employee” and said the book is “full of falsehoods.” However, as a longtime insider in the tumultuous Trump years, Grisham’s book is attracting attention ahead of its publication next week. One frequent target of Trump’s anger, the Times quoted the book as saying, was chief White House lawyer Pat Cipollone because he’d warn Trump that he was looking to do things that “were unethical or illegal. So (Trump would)… scream at them.” Sometimes, Trump’s displeasure took bizarre turns, Grisham was quoted saying. On one occasion, she was summoned on Air Force One to hear Trump push back against the unflattering description of his penis as resembling a “mushroom” by pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels. To calm Trump’s moods, a handler known to White House staff as the “Music Man” would play him Broadway tunes, including “Memory” from the long-running hit show “Cats,” the book claims. According to Grisham, the Trump White House revolved around the boss’s outsized ego, even when that meant lying to the public or stirring damaging rumors. An example was Trump’s mysterious visit to the presidential hospital at Walter Reed Medical Center in 2019. The White House’s refusal to explain the nature of the visit led to speculation that he was hiding a serious health problem. Grisham says the visit was merely for a “very common procedure,” which she hints was a colonoscopy. However, Trump refused to go under sedation because that would have meant handing power for a short time over to his vice president, Mike Pence, and he believed this would be “showing weakness,” the Times quoted her as writing. As for her own much criticized performance while holding the office of press secretary — she was often unresponsive to journalists and killed off the traditional daily briefing — Grisham claims she was just trying to stay out of trouble. “I knew that sooner or later the president would want me to tell the public something that was not true or that would make me sound like a lunatic,” she wrote. Stormy Daniels ‘Mushroom’ on Towleroad Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen launch gender-neutral kids’ clothing line More Bethenny Frankel is Begging For Some Andy Cohen Gay Influence (Her Former Boss) To Save Her Show After Transphobic Remarks More HIV Crime Laws: Spreading AIDS Virus Can Carry Penalty in 37 States, Up To Life In Prison; Are Having Unintended Results; Experts Say to Revise More Will Smith wanted ‘harem’ of women including Halle Berry; But Decided Was ‘horrific’. Speaks of His Non-Traditional Marriage More Powerful Bishop Calls Out Catholic Church. Says Ban on the Blessing LGBTQ Couples Was Met With “Indignation…Head Shaking … Open Resistance”; And More More Trump’s presidency coincided with a rise in extreme mental distress among LGBT people, according to a massive new study More Andrew Burnap and Moulin Rouge triumph at 2021 Tony Awards More Two transgender women win seats in German parliament More US warns Americans fake pills contain deadly fentanyl More U.S. President Reagan’s shooter John Hinckley wins unconditional release More Jurors reach verdict in R Kelly sex trafficking trial More Load More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English The Olsen twins have launched a gender-neutral kids’ clothing range for fall. Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen, 35, have unveiled their brand The Row’s first line of knitwear for youngsters The former child stars said: “The items have to have a sense of practicality, ease, and comfort … We think of this for our main collections, but it’s even more important for kids. Over the past 10 years, we’ve personalised cashmere onesie and blanket sets for our clients and friends who have had kids. We wanted to explore that in a bigger way.” On their decision to make the capsule collection genderless, Ashley added to W Magazine: “Kids are the heart of creativity… They should be able to pick and choose what they want to wear, no matter what.” The extensive collection includes cashmere sweaters, trousers, cardigans, beanies, and velvet shoes, suitable for children aged two to 10. The prices range between $390 to $790, and the pieces are available to purchase via The Row website. The famous twins launched their fashion brand when they were just 18 in 2006, and the ‘New York Minute’ stars recently admitted they didn’t want it to be a celebrity brand. Ashley explained: “We didn’t want to be in front of it, we didn’t necessarily even want to let people know it was us. It was really about the product, to the point where we were like: ‘Who could we get to front this so that we don’t have to?’” The ‘Two of a Kind’ actresses insisted they were “raised” to be “discreet. View the full article

No word yet on whether she is going to be able to leverage some of that Andy Cohen gay influence and celebrity to catch her fall. Published by Radar Online Former Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel is fighting for her life to save her controversial podcast, Just B after broadcasting “transphobic” comments. “Bethenny has reached out to her old boss Andy Cohen to help save her show. Andy is a major influencer in the LGTBQ community and Bethenny thinks that if he comes out and supports her, others in the community will follow too,” sources tell Radar. “However, so far Andy has said nothing.” MEGA Frankel got herself in hot water again after talking about pronouns, gender identity, and her 11-year-old daughter, Bryn. Before implying that she would not want her daughter to sleep in the same bunk at a summer camp with a transgender girl. Previously, Frankel has suggested that identity could be a “phase.” “The folks at iHeart are appalled. The company is built on a promise of respect and inclusion for everyone. They even have huge quotes about the beliefs and values of the company printed on with massive letters in the reception area,” adds a company insider. MEGA “iHeart took a gamble on Bethenny after passing on several other Real Housewives podcasts. These women have been rewarded for bad behavior for years. Being controversial wrapped in ‘saying it as it is,’ is part of every reality stars’ DNA. However, what works for Bravo doesn’t work for iHeart. Bethenny will be lucky if she survives this. At this point, she is going to need more than Andy Cohen to save her job,” our source added. As Radar previously reported, Bethenny is also trading jabs with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. MEGA Earlier this month, Frankel claimed Jayne’s estranged husband Tom Girardi owed her late ex, Dennis Shields, $500,000. On her podcast, she said, “My experience is, especially with the ‘Housewives’ … if someone’s flaunting their money, they don’t really have it.” Shields reportedly told her Girardi owed him “half a million dollars.” She claimed her ex said. “I know this other guy he owes a million and a half dollars. He doesn’t have money. He owes everybody money.” Jayne’s attorney fired back at the claims. He told Page Six, “Erika has no knowledge of the alleged loans or the conversations referred to by Ms. Frankel, which even per Ms. Frankel, didn’t involve Erika.” MEGA Andy Cohen Gay Influencer on Towleroad Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen launch gender-neutral kids’ clothing line More HIV Crime Laws: Spreading AIDS Virus Can Carry Penalty in 37 States, Up To Life In Prison; Are Having Unintended Results; Experts Say to Revise More Will Smith wanted ‘harem’ of women including Halle Berry; But Decided Was ‘horrific’. Speaks of His Non-Traditional Marriage More Powerful Bishop Calls Out Catholic Church. Says Ban on the Blessing LGBTQ Couples Was Met With “Indignation…Head Shaking … Open Resistance”; And More More Trump’s presidency coincided with a rise in extreme mental distress among LGBT people, according to a massive new study More Andrew Burnap and Moulin Rouge triumph at 2021 Tony Awards More Two transgender women win seats in German parliament More US warns Americans fake pills contain deadly fentanyl More U.S. President Reagan’s shooter John Hinckley wins unconditional release More Jurors reach verdict in R Kelly sex trafficking trial More Rep. Liz Cheney: ‘I Was Wrong’ To Oppose Marriage Equality in 2013; Regrets Causing Family Rift; Still Voted Against Equality Act More Load More View the full article

Published by AFP United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby has required all US employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 New York (AFP) – United Airlines will dismiss nearly 600 employees who refused to comply with a requirement to be vaccinated for Covid-19, company officials said Tuesday. Besides the 593 workers who refused to get vaccinated, another 2,000 employees have also requested a medical or religious exemption to the vaccine requirement, company officials said. That is about three percent of United’s 67,000-person workforce. The big US carrier said it was pleased with the overall impact of the policy. In early August, United announced that all US employees would be required to receive the vaccine and upload their vaccine card into the company’s system. More than 99 percent of the remaining US staff complied with the requirement, according to a memo to employees from United Chief Executive Scott Kirby and President Brett Hart. The airline is working on its policies for employees who have requested exemptions, citing a pending court case on the matter. “This is a historic achievement for our airline and our employees as well as for the customers and communities we serve,” said the memo. “Our rationale for requiring the vaccine for all United’s US-based employees was simple –- to keep our people safe –- and the truth is this: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated, and vaccine requirements work.” United said it would follow the requirements of agreements with unions as far as employee dismissals for people who refused vaccines. “For the less than one percent of people who decided to not get vaccinated, we’ll unfortunately begin the process of separation from the airline per our policy,” the memo said. “This was an incredibly difficult decision but keeping our team safe has always been our first priority.” View the full article