Category: Celebrity News

A new update has emerged in the tragic case of the One Direction singer.

Five individuals are now facing charges in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically passed away at the age of 31.

Payne died after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16. He had been in Argentina to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan as part of his worldwide tour.

The Charges

Argentinian newspapers Clarin and Infobae first reported the charges, which have been confirmed by the Argentinian Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Two of the people charged include a hotel employee and a waiter, both accused of providing Payne with cocaine. The hotel worker allegedly supplied Payne with the drug on two separate occasions, including the day he died, while the waiter is accused of doing so on October 14.

A chief receptionist at the hotel is facing manslaughter charges after allegedly instructing three people to “drag” Payne to his room, where he later fell from the balcony.

Additionally, the hotel manager has been charged with manslaughter. According to court documents, the balcony posed a “serious threat,” and the manager should have ensured that Payne was placed in a safe area until medical help arrived.

Finally, a friend of Payne’s has been charged with manslaughter for failing to provide proper care and assistance. The friend allegedly left Payne in a vulnerable state, knowing he was struggling with multiple addictions and unable to care for himself.

Judge’s Statement

Judge Laura Bruniard, who is overseeing the case, stated that while she does not believe those charged with manslaughter intentionally caused Payne’s death, their actions led to a “risk” to his life.

A toxicology report from November revealed that Payne’s system contained a mix of cocaine, alcohol, and antidepressants at the time of his death.

Reactions to the Tragic Loss

Payne’s death, which shocked the world, made international headlines due to his fame as a former member of One Direction. His bandmates expressed their devastation through a joint statement:

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”

Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson all attended the funeral, along with Simon Cowell and Cheryl Tweedy, Payne’s former partner.

Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with Cheryl. In an emotional statement on Instagram, Cheryl expressed her grief:

“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own pain, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. Liam wasn’t just a pop star—he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son.

“A son who now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again. What is breaking my heart even more is that one day Bear will have to see the horrific media coverage that we’ve been subjected to in these past few days. It’s heartbreaking that I can’t protect him from that in the future.”

Beyoncé has been left “upset and concerned” after a judge refused to dismiss rape allegations against her husband, Jay-Z, but she is “sticking” by him, a source has revealed.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with a woman who claims he raped her when she was 13 years old. Despite several attempts by his lawyer, Alex Spiro, to dismiss the case or force the accuser to be publicly identified, Judge Analisa Torres ruled in favor of the accuser on Thursday, granting her anonymity for the next stage of the proceedings.

“Heartbroken”: Beyoncé Speaks on the Case

A source exclusively found out that, amid her husband’s legal troubles, Beyoncé, 43, has come to terms with the fact that “there isn’t anything she can do except support her man.”

The insider revealed, “She 1,000 percent believes him, but it’s very stressful to deal with. Not only is everything in the public eye, but as a mother of a daughter who is a similar age to the accuser at the time, it’s heartbreaking.”

They added, “Beyoncé, who has been blessed with a life where she usually has control of her own narrative, now has to deal with this. There isn’t anything she can do except be there for Jay-Z and support him as the legal process unfolds.”

The source emphasized that Beyoncé is fully committed to standing by her husband, but the situation has caused emotional strain. “It’s a struggle to deal with, and thinking of ways to help the situation is exhausting. She knows that staying by Jay’s side is the most important thing she can do right now,” the insider explained.

Family Impact

The allegations have also taken an emotional toll on their family. The insider noted that Beyoncé is keen to return to a sense of normalcy and hopes the case will not drag on for too long. “She’s praying this will be over soon so that everyone can get back to their lives and be happy. One positive outcome is that they might emerge as a stronger family after this.”

Another source highlighted the emotional turmoil the case has caused for Beyoncé, describing how she initially wanted to go into overdrive to show the world “what a good man her husband is.” However, she later realized it was best to let the legal process play out without interfering.

Details of the Allegations

The accuser, referred to as Jane Doe, alleges that Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs drugged and raped her at an afterparty for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City when she was 13. Both men have denied the allegations.

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe was invited to the party by a man claiming to be Combs’ limousine driver after she tried to get into the awards show at Radio City Music Hall. Once at the party, she was allegedly coerced into signing a nondisclosure agreement, given a drink laced with drugs, and subsequently assaulted by Carter and Combs while a female celebrity looked on.

In his response, Carter has called the allegations baseless and has accused the accuser and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, of fabricating a “false statement.” He also claimed the lawsuit is an extortion attempt.

Legal Developments

In a crucial win for the plaintiff, Judge Torres ruled that Jane Doe’s anonymity would be preserved, stating that “the weight of the factors tips in favor of allowing Plaintiff to remain anonymous, at least for this stage of the litigation.”

The judge also criticized Spiro’s aggressive legal tactics, describing his motions as “combative” and filled with “inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks.” She emphasized that such behavior was “inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and unlikely to benefit his client.”

“The court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it,” Judge Torres stated firmly.

Jay-Z’s Response

Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, has denied any wrongdoing on behalf of his client. In his public statements, Carter has accused Buzbee of attempting to blackmail him by seeking a legal settlement.

“I have no idea how you have come to be such a deplorable human, Mr. Buzbee,” Carter said in a statement. “But I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. You claim to be a Marine? Marines are known for their valor. You have neither honor nor dignity.”

Buzbee, a well-known attorney with a history of high-profile cases, has said his firm represents over 150 people who allege sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of Combs. He has described Carter’s actions as an attempt to bully and harass him and his client. However, he insists this behavior has only strengthened their resolve to see the case through.

Combs’ Separate Legal Troubles

Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, is also facing serious allegations. He remains jailed in New York, awaiting trial on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His trial is scheduled for May 2025. Combs has denied all allegations against him.

Beyoncé’s NFL Christmas Performance

Despite the ongoing legal drama, Beyoncé used her recent NFL Christmas performance as a welcome distraction. According to a separate insider, the high-profile event allowed her to shift her focus away from the “mess” of the lawsuit.

“She was so consumed with her performance and ensuring Blue Ivy’s involvement went smoothly that it gave her a chance to take her mind off everything else,” the source shared. “The performance reminded everyone—including herself—that she’s still the best performer in the music industry.”

The source added, “The performance was a much-needed escape. It allowed her to focus on her craft and the joy it brings, even as she navigates these challenging times with her family.”

Moving Forward

As the legal case continues, Beyoncé and Jay-Z remain united, focusing on supporting each other and their family. While the allegations have cast a shadow over their lives, they hope to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Mia Khalifa, the former adult film star, has left many of her fans shocked after revealing her real name. In doing so, she also shared the story behind the stage name she chose when she entered the adult industry.

Khalifa is one of the most followed personalities on social media. With millions of followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, she has made a huge impact. She also earns a significant income from her OnlyFans page, where 22 million subscribers pay for her exclusive content. Reports suggest she makes up to $6.4 million (£5.07 million) every month.

However, this success came after a very brief time in the pornography industry. Khalifa spent only a few months in the adult film world, creating a small number of films. Her career was surrounded by controversy, particularly after her first movie in which she wore a hijab during explicit scenes. This led to backlash in her native Lebanon, where she was vilified, and even death threats from the Islamic State.

Despite the short-lived nature of her adult film career, Khalifa became a huge name, topping Pornhub’s search rankings multiple times.

Fans were surprised to learn that her stage name isn’t her real one. The name Mia Khalifa was actually created when she first entered the adult industry.

Khalifa explained that after getting breast enhancement surgery at 21, she was approached by a man in Miami who offered her the opportunity to do nude modeling. She decided to create a stage name for the occasion. She combined the name of her dog, Mia, with that of her favorite rapper, Wiz Khalifa. She liked both his music and the fact that his name “felt Arabic,” she told Bustle.

Interestingly, the adult film company she worked for, Bang Bros, also encouraged her to wear a hijab for her infamous scene, which led her to react strongly, saying, “You motherf**kers are going to get me killed.”

Khalifa’s real name is Sarah Joe Chamoun, which she briefly listed in her Instagram bio before removing it after fans noticed. Some fans expressed surprise, commenting, “How stupid do you feel believing her real name was Mia Khalifa?” While others remarked, “Everybody knows Mia Khalifa isn’t Muslim, and that’s not even her real name. She’s actually Sarah Joe Chamoun, not all Lebanese people are Muslim.”

It’s worth noting that Khalifa was raised as a Catholic, further clarifying the misunderstanding surrounding her background.

Johnny Depp has finally addressed the rumors swirling around the possibility of him dating 21-year-old Jenna Ortega.

In the fast-moving world of celebrity gossip, rumors about relationships can spread quickly. Recently, the rumor mill erupted with talk of a romance between Depp, the 61-year-old Hollywood star, and Ortega, the 21-year-old actress known for her role in Netflix’s Wednesday.

How the Rumors Started

The speculation began when the popular celebrity gossip page Deuxmoi posted claims that Depp and Ortega had been seen together. This quickly grabbed the attention of both fans and media outlets, who speculated about the nature of their relationship.

The idea of this unlikely pairing, given the significant age gap between the two, quickly became a topic of interest. Now, Depp has spoken out, addressing the rumors directly.

Johnny Depp’s Past Relationships

Depp, at 61, remains one of the most talked-about figures in Hollywood, not just because of his career, but also because of his past relationships, which have been highly publicized.

His most well-known long-term relationship was with French singer, model, and actress Vanessa Paradis. The couple was together from 1998 until their separation in 2012. They share two children, Lily-Rose and Jack. Despite their split, the couple remained largely private about their personal life, and they have reportedly maintained a friendly relationship since parting ways.

Depp’s relationship with actress Amber Heard, however, was far more turbulent. The two met during the filming of The Rum Diary in 2009, married in 2015, and divorced in 2016. Their marriage was filled with public legal battles, including Heard filing for a restraining order against Depp. In 2022, Depp won a defamation lawsuit against Heard after she published a 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post.

Depp’s Relationship with Yulia Vlasova

Adding fuel to the fire, Depp has also been linked to another woman recently: Russian model and beautician Yulia Vlasova. Vlasova, who lives in Prague, is said to have met Depp in 2021 at the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Though Depp and Vlasova have not confirmed any official relationship, there have been some signs that suggest a romantic connection. Vlasova shared several social media posts that hinted at their possible romance. This sparked further public attention, especially since Vlasova resembles Heard, causing fans to make comparisons. The significant age difference, with Depp being much older than Vlasova—who is reportedly in her late twenties—also led to widespread speculation and concern among Depp’s fans.

The Jenna Ortega Rumors

However, it’s not just Vlasova who has been linked to Depp. The latest rumors involving Jenna Ortega have caused even more online commentary.

As speculation about a relationship between Depp and Ortega gained momentum, Depp was forced to respond to these claims. Ortega, for her part, took to Instagram to address the rumors herself, dispelling any false claims. In an Instagram story, Ortega stated: “This is so ridiculous I can’t even laugh. I have never met or worked with Johnny Depp in my life. Please stop spreading lies and leave us alone.”

After Ortega’s statement, Depp’s representatives also stepped in, addressing both the dating rumors and speculation that Depp might be involved in Beetlejuice 2, the upcoming sequel to the 1988 film directed by Tim Burton, in which Ortega is reportedly starring.

Depp’s Official Statement

Depp’s team released a statement clarifying the situation: “Mr. Depp has no personal or professional relationship with Ms. Ortega whatsoever. He has never met her or spoken to her. He is not involved in any project with her, nor does he intend to be. He is appalled by these baseless and malicious rumors that are intended to harm his reputation and career.”

This statement not only debunked the dating rumors but also directly addressed the speculation about Depp’s involvement in Beetlejuice 2. Depp’s team made it clear that Depp has no connection to Ortega, professionally or personally, and that he would not be joining her in the upcoming film.

This marks the end of the rumors linking Depp and Ortega, but the public’s curiosity about Depp’s personal life, especially after his very public relationships, seems unlikely to die down any time soon.

Jada Pinkett Smith has recently opened up about having an affair with a celebrity most people wouldn’t expect.

Jada, 52, is a well-known American actress, singer, and talk show host, recognized for her roles in films like The Nutty Professor, the Madagascar animated movies, and Girls Trip.

Since 1997, she has been married to the Hollywood icon Will Smith, with whom she shares two children: Jaden, 26, and Willow, 23.

The Media Scrutiny on Their Marriage

Over the years, Jada and Will’s marriage has faced intense public scrutiny. Their relationship made global headlines in 2022 when Will slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Oscars.

It all started when Rock, who was hosting the event, made a joke about Jada’s shaved head, comparing her to Demi Moore’s look in G.I. Jane (1997).

Jada had previously opened up about living with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. After Rock’s comment, Will walked up on stage and slapped him, shocking the audience. Upon returning to his seat, Will yelled: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”

Despite the dramatic incident, the night continued with Will winning the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard. However, the slap overshadowed what should have been the highlight of his career.

Following the altercation, Will was banned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 10 years. The organization stated that the awards ceremony was “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior” displayed by Will.

Another Scandalous Moment: Jada’s Affair

But the Oscars incident wasn’t the only controversy the couple has faced. In fact, an even bigger scandal had already occurred before the Oscars in 2020.

Between 2018 and 2023, Jada hosted a talk show called Red Table Talk on Facebook, alongside her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and daughter Willow. The trio often interviewed guests and discussed a variety of topics.

One of the most talked-about moments came in 2020 when Jada and Will sat down for a candid conversation. During this episode, Jada admitted to having an affair with August Alsina, a 31-year-old hip-hop and R&B singer.

Jada explained: “It all started with him just needing some help, me wanting to help his health, his mental state.”

She added that the family initially offered support to August for his health issues. “We found all those different resources to help pull him through, and from there, you and I were going through a very difficult time,” she said.

Jada clarified that she and August had since ended their relationship.

Permission and the Truth About the Affair

During the Red Table Talk episode, the couple addressed rumors suggesting that Will had given Jada permission to have the affair. Jada set the record straight, saying, “One of the things I want to clear up that was kind of swirling in the press was you giving permission, which the only person who can give permission in that particular circumstance is myself.”

She explained further, “But what August was actually trying to communicate – because I could actually see how he would perceive it as permission because we were separated amicably – I think he also wanted to make it clear that he’s not a homewrecker, which he’s not.”

A Shocking Revelation in 2023

Then, in 2023, Jada dropped another bombshell about her marriage.

In a primetime NBC News special with Hoda Kotb, she revealed that she and Will had been living “completely different” lives since 2016. “I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce,” she shared. “We will work through whatever. And I just haven’t been able to break that promise.”

In a separate interview with People magazine, Jada added, “We’re still figuring it out. We’ve been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just got deep love for each other, and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us.”

Will later addressed these revelations in an email to The New York Times, writing, “When you’ve been with someone for more than half of your life, a sort of emotional blindness sets in, and you can all too easily lose your sensitivity to their hidden nuances and subtle beauties.”

Beyoncé reportedly had a massive payday for her halftime performance as part of Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day doubleheader, taking home $20 million for her 13-minute music extravaganza.

Alongside special guests Shaboozey, Post Malone, and her 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, Beyoncé took the field at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston at the halfway point of the Ravens’ blowout of the Texans.

Beyoncé earning more than $1 million per minute for her time on Netflix are just reports and have not been confirmed by either the streaming network or the “Cowboy Carter” singer.

The $20 million figure comes from social media, with several people claiming the staggering sum is part of a larger deal between Beyoncé and Netflix.

The performance divided football fans on social media, with some claiming the performance was worthy of the Super Bowl, not a regular season game.

Others, like Barstool boss Dave Portnoy, hated the halftime show, stating, “Beyoncé has been LOST since Destiny’s Child,” he wrote on X, mentioning the pop group she used to be a part of with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

The figure is unconfirmed, but it means Beyoncé earned more than $1 million per minute on stage.

The 43-year-old star reportedly signed a three-project deal with the streaming giants in 2019, which is now two-thirds done.

The first part was a documentary that showed her 2019 performance at Coachella, which earned her $20 million.

Now, the second part has earned her two-thirds of the contract’s earnings. What the final part of her $60 million deal will be is unclear, although some would not mind an encore for Netflix’s next NFL spectacular.

Beyoncé’s halftime show during the Texas-Ravens games was also her first performance since husband Jay-Z was accused of rape, with a lawsuit accusing the music mogul and disgraced rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in New York in 2000.

Jay-Z strenuously denied the allegations, and a lawyer for Diddy, who is currently awaiting trial and behind bars on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, also denied the accusations.

It was her first performance since she last hit the stage in October of 2023 to wrap her highly successful Renaissance World Tour at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Beyoncé’s Christmas show was her third major showing at halftime of an NFL game.

She was the solo headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 and was a special guest alongside Bruno Mars during Coldplay’s Super Bowl show three years later.

Performers are not paid to take the stage at halftime during the Super Bowl, relying on the massive publicity that comes with around 100 million watching worldwide.

Jay-Z has served as the executive producer of the Super Bowl halftime show since 2020, with some calling for him to lose that spot amid the lawsuit.

On Monday, a source close to the Texas Hold ‘Em singer told The Sun that she is slated to announce her next run of shows in a matter of weeks — and they say it will kick off in Los Angeles in March.

The insider revealed: “It’s been a very tough few months for Beyoncé but she’s laser-focused on making her upcoming tour a success.

“The next few weeks are crucial as she will announce a new album and a new tour. The announcement was supposed to happen a couple of weeks ago but it was pushed back,” the source continued.

Nine players have been fined during the 2024 NFL season for similar actions.

Beyoncé stirred up controversy with her halftime show performance at an NFL game, leaving fans and critics debating her actions.

The iconic singer took center stage on Christmas Day (December 25) at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, during the halftime break of the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.

The Ravens went on to dominate the match, winning 31-2, while elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a 29-10 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This win added to their stellar year after clinching the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.

But while the games themselves delivered plenty of excitement, it was Houston native Beyoncé’s halftime show that had everyone talking.

Beyoncé’s Performance

Beyoncé, known for her electrifying performances, showcased songs from her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The show also featured surprise appearances from Post Malone and Shaboozey, much to the delight of the crowd.

However, her performance drew criticism after she made a gesture that caused quite a stir.

The Gesture That Sparked Controversy

During her performance, Beyoncé used a gun gesture with her fingers, which quickly ignited debates online.

Fans and critics alike expressed their disapproval on social media.

One person tweeted, “Queen Bey’s tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix’s Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege.”

Another added, “One set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone. NFL players get fined for this all the time.”

Why Is the Gesture Banned in the NFL?

The NFL has long prohibited “violent gestures,” including gun fingers, as part of its unsportsmanlike conduct rules. The league views such actions as contrary to the principles of sportsmanship and has enforced strict fines for players who violate these guidelines.

The issue has been a hot topic recently, particularly after fines like the one issued to New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard.

When asked about Lazard’s fine, a league spokesperson explained to NBC Sports, “That’s been a longstanding rule as part of the reference to any violent gesture. It’s also part of the players’ manual.”

What Does the NFL Rulebook Say?

The NFL’s manual explicitly prohibits actions deemed unsportsmanlike, including violent or offensive gestures. As per the New York Times, the rulebook states:
“There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct. This applies to any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

It further clarifies that the following are prohibited:

• Throwing punches, forearms, or kicks, even if no contact is made.
• Using abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gesturestoward others.
• Engaging in baiting or taunting actsthat may provoke hostility.
• Making violent gesturesor acts deemed sexually suggestive or offensive.

How Much Are Players Fined?

The fines for violating these rules are hefty, often amounting to thousands of dollars.

For example:

• Allen Lazardwas fined $14,069 in October for a gun-themed gesture.
• Last year, Cleveland Browns players Deshaun Watsonand David Njoku were fined $13,569 each for a similar celebration.

So far in the 2024 season, NBC Sports has reported that nine fines have been issued for violent gestures.

Celebrity Privilege vs. NFL Rules

The incident with Beyoncé has reignited discussions about double standards, with many fans questioning why the NFL’s strict rules don’t seem to apply to celebrities performing at their events.

While Beyoncé hasn’t commented on the backlash, her gesture has certainly added an unexpected layer of controversy to what was meant to be a highlight performance.