Marlon Wayans is sparking a national conversation on parenting, urging caregivers to abandon physical discipline in favor of open communication. During a recent interview the “Scary Movie” star shared personal reflections on his upbringing and his belief that hitting children causes long-term damage to the parent-child bond. Wayans characterized spanking as a failure of adult communication rather than an effective teaching tool for youth. He suggested that physical punishment transforms a child from a “potential best friend” into a lifelong enemy, fostering deep-seated resentment that can be difficult to overcome in adulthood. “Don’t hit’em. Don’t spank your kids, because it shows that you’re a poor communicator,” Wayans said during the interview. “They’re a baby. Why can’t you talk to a baby? Every time you spank your kid, you’re taking your potential best friend, and you’re making them your enemy.” The comedian acknowledged that many parents use corporal punishment under the guise of teaching discipline. However, he argued that the memory of the pain often outlasts the intended lesson. Wayans noted that children never truly forget the physical altercations and that moving past such trauma often requires “a lot of prayer” and emotional work later in life. Wayans’ perspective aligns with a growing consensus among global health organizations. The actor, who is currently experiencing a career high with the announcement of a record-breaking sixth “Scary Movie” installment, continues to push boundaries in his public discourse. Wayans emphasized that while the transition to non-physical discipline may be challenging for some, it is essential for the emotional health of the next generation. By prioritizing dialogue over force, he said parents can preserve the friendship and trust that should define the relationship between a parent and their child.

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, following eight years of marriage. The professional basketball player submitted the legal documents in Fulton County on Thursday, signaling the end of a high-profile relationship that captured international attention during Griner’s legal battles abroad. According to court records obtained by Complex, the Phoenix Mercury center described the union as “irretrievably broken.” The filing indicates that the couple officially separated on July 24, 2026, just days before the legal proceedings commenced. The news comes as a surprise to many fans who followed the couple’s journey through Griner’s 10-month detention in Russia in 2022. Cherelle Griner, a lawyer, was a vocal advocate for her wife’s release during her imprisonment on drug-related charges. She made numerous media appearances and worked closely with the U.S. government to secure Brittney’s freedom, which was eventually achieved through a high-stakes prisoner exchange in December 2022. “The relationship is irretrievably broken,” the petition stated, using standard legal language for no-fault divorces in the state of Georgia. Neither party has issued a formal public statement regarding the cause of the split or the specific terms being sought in the dissolution of the marriage. The timing of the separation follows a period of professional and personal milestones for the athlete. Griner recently competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and participated in the WNBA All-Star Game. The couple also recently celebrated the birth of a baby boy, an event Griner spoke about with pride, referring to herself as “Pops” to the newborn. This marks the second divorce for Griner, who was previously married to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson. That marriage ended in 2016 after one year. Griner and Cherelle first met while attending Baylor University and later wed in 2018. Legal representatives for the Griners have not yet commented on the filing. As the proceedings move forward in Fulton County Superior Court, fans and the sports community continue to monitor the situation for further developments regarding custody or asset division.

50 Cent explains why his longtime friend and collaborator Eminem never returned to the silver screen after his massive success with the 2002 film “8 Mile.” In a recent interview with GQ, the “Power” executive producer explained that the lack of creative control inherent in the filmmaking process is what ultimately drove the Detroit rapper away from Hollywood. While Eminem earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for “Lose Yourself,” he found the collaborative nature of a movie set to be a jarring departure from his solitary and perfectionist work ethic in the recording studio. “I said, ‘I wanna do a movie.’ Then, when we got into it, it was really no control,” 50 Cent said. He noted that the transition from being a solo artist to a member of a massive production team is a difficult shift for many musicians. The rapper, born Curtis Jackson, compared the two industries by highlighting how much power an artist holds over their music. He said that in the studio, a track is not finished until the artist says it is, allowing for endless revisions until it is perfected. In contrast, film requires working with a large cast and a production crew where the final product is often out of the lead actor’s hands. “This is why they couldn’t get [Eminem] back after 8 Mile, because he can control things when we work on music in the studio,” 50 Cent said. He explained that in film, “now, you just someone on a team of people that can make a great project.” “8 Mile” remains a significant cultural touchstone, grossing more than $240 million worldwide and proving Eminem’s potential as a leading man. Despite several offers over the last 20 years, the rapper has largely limited his on-screen presence to brief cameos and voice-over work, choosing instead to focus on his multi-platinum music career. 50 Cent took a different path after his own 2005 film debut in “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” While he acknowledged the same frustrations regarding creative control, he pivoted into the role of a producer to regain that influence. He has since built a television empire at Starz, including the hit “Power” franchise and “BMF,”.

The early 2000s are returning to the footwear world as 50 Cent and Reebok prepare to bring back one of the most successful hip-hop sneaker collaborations in history. The Reebok G-Unit G6 is officially scheduled for a retail comeback on Aug. 20, 2026, marking the first time the iconic silhouette has been re-released since its debut more than two decades ago. The retro launch is designed as a direct 1:1 recreation of the original 2003 white, blue and red colorway. Sneaker enthusiasts can expect the return of the white leather upper paired with a distinct grey suede toe cap. Traditional detailing remains intact, including the silver “G-6” lace dubrae, tri-color heel tabs and the “G-Unit” branding embroidered in blue on the lateral heel. Retailers and industry analysts expect the drop to tap into the current Y2K fashion trend that has seen a resurgence in chunky, era-specific footwear. The sneakers will be priced at $130 and will be available through Reebok’s official website as well as select online and brick-and-mortar retail partners. The original G6 launched during the height of 50 Cent’s commercial dominance, coinciding with the release of his multi-platinum debut album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” At the time, the partnership was a landmark moment for hip-hop, as major athletic brands began shifted their marketing focus from professional athletes to rap superstars. During its initial run, the G-Unit line was a massive financial success for both the rapper and the brand. 50 Cent previously claimed the partnership generated roughly $80 million at its peak. The line famously shared shelf space with Jay-Z’s S. Carter collection, creating a friendly but fierce corporate rivalry within the Reebok roster. The Queens-born rapper, born Curtis Jackson, often boasted that his footwear outsold his contemporaries. “When we started selling shoes… that was a response to losing the bidding war to LeBron [James],” 50 Cent said in a previous interview, noting that the brand turned to hip-hop culture after failing to sign the NBA star. Rumors of the reunion began circulating earlier this year after G-Unit member Tony Yayo inadvertently leaked news of a new deal with Reebok. The official confirmation of the Aug. 20 release date ends months of speculation from collectors who have long hunted for vintage pairs on the secondary market. The return of the G6 follows a broader strategy by Reebok to lean into its archival hits. View this post on Instagram

The energy was UNMATCHED at HOT 97’s Summer Jam! Here’s your quick recap of the biggest moments from the stage — but this is just a taste of what’s coming. Stay tuned for more exclusive concert content, including a backstage Summer Jam livestream with hosts Linda Aybar and Ken Starrz! You don’t want to miss it.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has seen his scheduled prison release date moved up yet again, despite recent reports of disciplinary issues behind bars. According to the latest updates from the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, the rapper and producer is now slated for release on Jan. 24, 2028, shaving more time off his original 50-month sentence. This new date marks the third time the Bureau of Prisons has adjusted Combs’ timeline for freedom. He was previously expected to be released on Feb. 23, 2028, a date that had already been moved up from April 2028 and a prior estimation of June 2028. The specific reasons for these rolling adjustments remain unclear, as federal privacy policies often restrict the public disclosure of credit calculations for individual inmates. Combs was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison in October 2025 following his conviction on two counts of prostitution charges. Since then, his time incarcerated has been a subject of intense public scrutiny, particularly as legal battles involving his past business dealings and personal relationships continue to play out in various courtrooms across the country. The news of the earlier release date is particularly surprising to some legal observers following reports of a physical altercation involving the Bad Boy Records founder. Combs was recently placed in solitary confinement at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix in New Jersey after engaging in a fight with another inmate. Sources familiar with the incident said Combs “held his own” during the scuffle, though prison officials have not commented on the duration of his stay in administrative segregation. While his release date is trending earlier, the transition has not been without criticism from his peers. Longtime rival 50 Cent took to social media to mock Combs’ situation, specifically making light of his time in solitary confinement. The psychological toll of isolation is often significant, though Combs’ legal team has not issued a formal statement regarding his current mental state or the conditions of his confinement. Before his legal troubles reached a peak in 2025, Combs was one of the most influential figures in the music industry. His current incarceration at FCI Fort Dix follows a series of high-profile civil lawsuits and federal investigations that effectively halted his career. As it stands, the 54-year-old mogul is now less than 18 months away from completing his federal prison term and returning to public life.

Cardi B is firing back at social media critics who are pressuring her to undergo further cosmetic surgery, stating she is finally satisfied with her physique after years of public scrutiny. The Bronx native addressed the growing online discourse this week, specifically targeting fans and “haters” who have repeatedly urged her to seek another Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) reduction procedure. The “Bodak Yellow” artist has long been celebrated for her transparency regarding plastic surgery, but she expressed frustration over the obsessive nature of the commentary regarding her frame. While Cardi acknowledged that she has previously undergone two liposuction procedures and one butt reduction to adjust her silhouette, she made it clear that her journey under the knife has reached its conclusion for the foreseeable future. “I like my body how it looks right now. I’m comfortable in my skin,” Cardi B said during a recent social media address. She explained to followers that additional reductions would not be a simple fix, noting that further surgery would require a highly invasive process to address loose skin. Such a procedure would involve significant cutting and a grueling recovery period that the rapper is unwilling to endure. Beyond the physical toll, the chart-topping performer emphasized that her professional life leaves no room for the downtime required by major surgery. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbWrTpDjiIB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== She pushed back against the logic of her detractors, questioning how she could possibly fit secret operations into a schedule filled with international travel and public appearances. She noted that if she were constantly recovering from procedures, she would not be able to maintain her current level of activity. The rapper also challenged the habit of fans assuming she has had new work done every time she debuts a fresh look or a different outfit. She urged her audience to stop speculating on her medical history and instead focus on more practical health habits. Cardi encouraged her followers to prioritize hydration and proper digestion rather than looking for a surgical solution to every perceived imperfection. This latest defense of her bodily autonomy follows a series of candid conversations Cardi has had with her fanbase regarding the risks of cosmetic enhancements. In recent years, she has used her platform to warn young women about the dangers of illegal injections and the complications that can arise from unregulated procedures. By standing her ground now, she continues to advocate for a more balanced approach to body image in the spotlight. The rapper’s statement serves as a firm boundary against the “BBL culture” that often dominates hip-hop discourse. As she prepares for upcoming performances, including a highly anticipated show at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Cardi B remains focused on her music and her comfort rather than the shifting aesthetic demands of the internet.

R&B superstar Usher offered a pointed response to a viral concert mishap Tuesday night, issuing a warning to fans before inviting them to join him on stage during a performance in Alabama. The singer’s comments come days after a tense encounter in Nashville where he removed a woman from the stage for her apparent lack of enthusiasm. During the Birmingham stop of “The R&B Tour,” the Grammy winner paused the show to address the crowd before selecting a guest to participate in his set. Usher made it clear that he only wanted fans who intended to fully engage with the performance to step into the spotlight. “Only agree to come up if you actually want to be there,” Usher said to the audience. The statement was widely interpreted by concertgoers and social media users as a direct reference to Gabrielle Cheyenne, a woman whose disinterested reaction at his Saturday night show in Nashville, Tenn., became a trending topic across the internet. The controversy began when Cheyenne was invited on stage during the Nashville date but remained visibly unbothered by Usher’s performance. The singer eventually intervened, cutting her segment short and asking her to return to the crowd. Cheyenne later defended her actions on social media and in various interviews, stating that she was primarily at the event to see fellow performer Chris Brown rather than Usher. Cheyenne has faced significant backlash from fans who labeled her behavior as “ungrateful” and “rude,” though she has continued to capitalize on the viral moment through media appearances. Some critics have accused her of seeking “15 minutes of fame” at the expense of the professional production. Usher’s new “safeguards” suggest the veteran entertainer is looking to avoid a repeat of the awkward exchange. By setting expectations early in the night, the singer aims to ensure that the fan-interaction portions of his show remains a positive experience for both the artist and the ticket-holders. The R&B Tour is scheduled to continue through several major U.S. cities. Despite the distraction of the Nashville incident, Usher remains focused on delivering the high-energy showmanship that has defined his three-decade career. Representatives for the singer have not issued a formal statement beyond his remarks on stage.

Ming Li, the sister of rap superstar Nicki Minaj, recently opened up about the strained relationship between the siblings, citing the rapper’s desire for privacy as a primary source of tension. During an appearance on the “No Jumper” podcast with host Adam22, Li discussed the current distance between her and the “Super Freaky Girl” artist. She suggested that Minaj became upset following Li’s decision to participate in media interviews, which the rapper reportedly viewed as a breach of her private life. “She probably got mad because she didn’t want me to basically talk about her and stuff like that, which I do 100% respect,” Li said during the interview. She explained that as she begins her own journey in the public eye, questions about her world-famous sister are unavoidable. Li noted that while she understands her sister’s perspective, it was her first major interview and a difficult situation to navigate. When the podcast host characterized Minaj’s reaction as sensitive, Li quickly moved to defend her sister. She attributed Minaj’s guarded nature to a lifetime of navigating the music industry and personal hardships. Adam22 interviews Nicki Minaj sister and asks why their relationship broke up pic.twitter.com/vEG0qLWbyr — NBA Hoops (@Thechat101) July 28, 2026 Li noted that Minaj’s behavior is rooted in survival instincts developed from a young age. “We don’t know what the fck that woman been through,” Li said. “She’s been through so much since a young age. I could understand her reaction with people sometimes because it has to be on a distance level because not everyone is very genuine.” Despite their current lack of communication, Li expressed empathy for the pressures Minaj faces. She explained that while her sister may sometimes need to “chill the fck out,” the defensive posture is a result of moving through hostile environments throughout her career. The interview highlights the ongoing difficulty of maintaining family bonds under the intense scrutiny of global fame. Minaj has not yet publicly commented on her sister’s recent remarks or the status of their relationship. Li remains firm that while they may not be on the best terms currently, she maintains respect for the path her sister has forged.

A federal judge has dismissed all legal claims brought against singer Cassie by an individual alleging he was harmed during sexual encounters involving her and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, in a case that had sought to link her to the controversial “freak-off” events described in various lawsuits against Combs. The plaintiff, identified as former male escort Clayton Howard, had filed a lawsuit against both Cassie and Combs. Howard alleged that the singer had coerced him into taking illegal drugs, specifically ecstasy, and claimed she was responsible for transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to him. Additionally, Howard’s suit included claims regarding a secret abortion and various psychological injuries he said were sustained during his involvement with the former couple. According to court documents obtained by media outlets, the judge found the current claims insufficient to proceed. While every claim against Cassie was thrown out, the court did provide Howard with a window to amend certain parts of his filing. This procedural allowance means that while the case is currently dismissed, it could potentially be revived if the plaintiff can provide more robust legal arguments or evidence in a future filing. Cassie’s legal team argued that Howard’s motivations were purely financial. They contended that he only pursued legal action after news broke that Cassie had settled her own massive lawsuit against Combs for an estimated $20 million. Her attorneys pointed to a text message Howard reportedly sent to her husband, Alex Fine, before the settlement was reached. In that message, Howard reportedly described Cassie’s own allegations against Combs as “100% valid” and expressed relief that she was seeking justice. Howard has countered that the text message does not invalidate his claims and that his trauma is legitimate. He remains one of several individuals who have come forward with allegations regarding the lifestyle and private parties hosted by Combs over the last two decades. Combs has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing across the multiple civil suits filed against him recently. The dismissal is seen as a pivotal moment for Cassie, who has transitioned from a victim in the court of public opinion to a defendant in this specific matter. Her 2023 lawsuit against Combs, which was settled within 24 hours of filing, sparked a wave of similar litigation against the Bad Boy Records founder. This latest ruling suggests that the judiciary is carefully scrutinizing the merits of secondary claims brought against her as the broader legal battles surrounding Combs continue. Legal experts suggest that the “freak-off” allegations remain a central component of the ongoing federal scrutiny into Combs’ past activities. However, for now, the court has determined that the specific allegations leveled by Howard against Cassie lack the necessary legal standing to move toward a trial. Cassie has not made a public statement regarding the dismissal, though her representatives have characterized the lawsuit as an attempt at extortion.