The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope that it could lead to a long-term peace agreement even as Tehran insists it will not give up its nuclear program.

The ceasefire took hold on Tuesday, the 12th day of the war between Israel and Iran, with each side initially accusing the other of violating it until the missiles, drones and bombs finally stopped.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire, told reporters at a NATO summit in the Netherlands that it was going “very well.”

“They’re not going to have a bomb and they’re not going to enrich,” Trump said about Iran.

Iran has insisted, however, that it will not give up its nuclear program and in a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, Iranian parliament agreed to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Vienna-based U.N. watchdog that has been monitoring the Iranian nuclear program for years.

Ahead of the vote, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for having “refused to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities” that were carried out by the United States on Sunday.

“For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,” Qalibaf told lawmakers.

In Vienna, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he had already written to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities.

Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the American strikes and Grossi said his inspectors needed to re-assess the country’s stockpiles.

“We need to return,” he said. “We need to engage.”

Questions over effectiveness of the US strikes

The American strikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump said had “completely and fully obliterated” the country’s nuclear program.

From Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes on Sunday by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage.

“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, while refusing to go into detail.

Trump’s special envoy to the Mideast, Steve Witkoff, said on Fox News late on Tuesday that Israel and the U.S. had now achieved their objective of “the total destruction of the enrichment capacity” in Iran, and Iran’s prerequisite for talks — that Israel end its campaign — had also been fulfilled.

“The proof is in the pudding,” he said. “No one’s shooting at each other. It’s over.”

At the NATO summit, when asked about a U.S. intelligence report that found Iran’s nuclear program has been set back only a few months, Trump scoffed and said it would at least take “years” to rebuild.

Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Wednesday his country’s assessment was also that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been “significantly damaged” and its nuclear program “set it back by years.”

Grossi said he could not speculate on how bad the damage was but that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were well known.

“The technical knowledge is there, and the industrial capacity is there,” he said. “That no one can deny, so we need to work together with them.”

Hopes for a long-term agreement

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the ceasefire agreement with Iran amounted to “quiet for quiet,” with no further understandings about Iran’s nuclear program going ahead.

In the Fox News interview, Witkoff said Trump is now looking to land “a comprehensive peace agreement that goes beyond even the ceasefire.”

“We’re already talking to each other, not just directly, but also through interlocutors,” Witkoff said, adding that the conversations were promising and “we’re hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement.”

China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and close Iranian partner, also weighed in on Wednesday, saying it hoped a “lasting and effective ceasefire can be achieved so as to promote” peace and stability in the region.

China is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has long supported its government politically, blaming Israel for starting the latest conflict and destabilizing the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that in the wake of the conflict, China is willing to “inject positive factors to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Grossi said Iran and the international community should seize the opportunity of the ceasefire for a long term diplomatic solution.

“Out of the … bad things that military conflict brings, there’s also now a possibility, an opening,” he said. “We shouldn’t miss that opportunity.”

Iran executes 3 more prisoners on spying allegations

During the war with Israel, Iran executed several prisoners accused of spying for Israel, sparking fears from activists that it could conduct a wave of executions after the conflict ends.

It hanged three more prisoners on spying charges on Wednesday, bringing the total number of executions for espionage up to six since June 16.

The hangings took place at Urmia Prison in West Azerbaijan, Iran’s most northwestern province. State-run IRNA cited Iran’s judiciary for the news, saying the men had been accused of bringing “assassination equipment” into the country.

Iran identified the three as Azad Shojaei, Edris Aali and Iraqi national Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul. Amnesty International had previously raised concerns that the men could be executed.

During the 12-day war, at least 28 people were killed in Israel and more than 1,000 wounded, according to officials.

Tehran on Tuesday put the death toll in Iran at 606, with 5,332 people wounded. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group released figures Wednesday suggesting Israeli strikes on Iran had killed at least 1,054 people and wounded 4,476.

The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, said 417 of those killed were civilians and 318 were security force personnel.

During the war, Israeli airstrikes also targeted Iran’s top military leadership and other sites associated with its ruling theocracy.

With the ceasefire in place, Iranians are trying to return to their normal lives.

State media described heavy traffic around the Caspian Sea and other rural areas outside of the capital, Tehran, as people began returning to the city.

14

The girls are not just pretty, they’re booked, busy, and apparently dodging Real Madrid stars left and right. Melissa M, better known to the Internet as Melimtx, has officially declared herself the unbothered baddie the football world couldn’t bag. The Albanian-Bosnian bombshell, known for racking up millions of followers across TikTok (2.9M) and Instagram (3.5M), recently aired out her DMs in a chaotically iconic livestream and baby, the tea was scalding.

“What Are You Doing Today?”: Vinicius Junior, Apparently

During a recent IRL stream on Kick (because Twitch is for the modest), Melimtx casually decided to expose a few familiar names lurking in her DMs. Her followers demanded receipts and girl, she delivered. She started with Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid’s golden boy and current Ballon d’Or contender, who thought he could shoot his shot with a “What are you doing today?”

Spoiler: he got benched.

“I told him, ‘I just came back from the stadium. I’m going home now, and I don’t know what I will do yet and you?’” she told her viewers, reading the convo out loud like she was recapping a bad Hinge date.

According to Melissa, Vini tried to escalate things quickly by inviting her over. Her response? A very not tonight, darlingkind of energy.

“I was like, who does he think I am? […] You think, because you are a football player, I’m gonna come to your house like that? [laughs]”

Oh, and just to make things messier, she added that Vinicius always deletes his messages after getting curved, leaving her looking like she texted him last. “Like now, it looks like I’m the one who texted him last. It’s not true.” Girl, we believe you.

Karim Benzema, That’s You?

In an unbothered scroll through her messages, Melissa also revealed that another football icon tried his luck: Karim Benzema. And this one didn’t even try to hide it.

“Yeah, it’s Benzema texting me ‘Hola.’ [giggles] And I never answered, and he didn’t delete it. Like, you can see.”

Melissa’s confusion was palpable and delicious.

“This was super random ‘cause, like, why would he text me? Like, it makes no sense.”

Benzema said “Hola.” Melissa said “Ghosted.”

Rafael Leão, The Throwback Text

Just when the stream felt like it couldn’t get any more unfiltered, a viewer dared her to leak another name. And boom Rafael Leão enters the group chat. Melimtx claimed he texted her two years ago, and even dug up the evidence.

Did she care about the privacy of these alleged DMs? Not really.

“We don’t care,” she said flatly, clapping back at a viewer who questioned if exposing the chats was a little too much. “They have millions of messages leaked everywhere. They don’t care either.”

“Humbling Them Is Amazing”

Beyond just spilling the tea, Melimtx made it very clear she is not impressed by status, soccer balls, or blue checks. While she appreciates the attention, she’s not here for the ego boost.

“Humbling them is amazing,” she said, with the grin of someone who knows exactly what she’s doing.

She also confessed she doesn’t even reply to most of the messages she gets: “You know what’s so funny is that I don’t answer to anyone.” She claims to leave the boys on read, deletes convos, and just generally prefers peace over pettiness unless, of course, she’s live and feeling spicy.

Kick’s New Queen of Chaos

Melissa M isn’t just a Fashion Nova model and the founder of her own fitness brand (FitbyOcee), she’s also building an empire off serving looks, lip gloss, and leaked messages. Her fans eat it up, and honestly? So do we.

In a digital world where influencers play it safe and celebrities beg for NDAs, Melimtx is breaking the fourth wall and then some.

Let this be a lesson to the ballers of the world: just because you’ve got a Ballon d’Or doesn’t mean you’ve got a shot. And if you delete your messages, just know she might still have screenshots. Or worse… she might just read them out loud. Live. With giggles.

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Brandy and Monica are coming together once again, this time to co-headline a tour over 25 years in the making. For Brandy and Monica fans, “The Boy is Mine” Tour is an epic moment for many reasons, especially considering the colorful past the two R&B songstresses have had with one another.

But what sparked that major feud all of those years ago between two child stars? In honor of their iconic tour announcement, we’re looking back at one of the biggest feuds of the ’90s and how these two went from foes to genuine friends over the years.

The Boy is Mine

When breaking down the history of Brandy and Monica, you simply have to start with “The Boy is Mine.” One of the biggest hits of the 90s, the song brought both Brandy and Monica together, two huge music acts at the time, who were often pit against each other due to their similarity in age and music styles.

“We had only really seen each other in passing at awards shows and things, but I had always commended her for her accomplishments…Then [Brandy’s label] Atlantic Records called and told me that she wanted to do this song with me,” Monica told the Los Angeles Times back in 1998 when discussing the track. Brandy also told the outlet that she hoped the song would in fact help “combat” rumors that the two didn’t get along. Unfortunately, it wound up doing the exact opposite.

The song was a hit, spending 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and even earning them both a Grammy. According to reports, however, Monica was not too happy back in the day when Brandy performed the hit single solo on “The Tonight Show.” Brandy, on the other hand, was allegedly not pleased with Monica for naming her second studio album after their joint song. This all reportedly came to a head at the MTV VMAs that year, right before a now-infamous live performance of the song.

The Infamous VMAs Fight

The two reportedly got into an altercation while rehearsing for the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. The news of this naturally hit the tabloids pretty swiftly, so much so that their managers at the time released a joint statement, “addressing the so-called feud and blaming the media for the ‘disturbing’ rumors, and believed the ‘ongoing negativity [was] totally unfair,'” per PEOPLE.

Monica even later confirmed that there indeed was a physical altercation that happened between them in the past to Angie Martinez back in 2012. A little over ten years after the height of their rumored feud and that alleged altercation, the two seemed to be in a decent place, teaming up again for yet another song.

Their First Reunion

In 2012 the two reunited for the first time, releasing “It All Belongs To Me.” While the song was nowhere near the success of “The Boy is Mine,” it did signal that the two singers were in a good place with each other, even promoting the song with interviews and performances. Brandy said in an interview at the time, “We just had a really good time just recording it, going back and forth. It was a lot of fun.”

While things seemed great for them at the time, just a few years later, their relationship seemed to hit another bump in the road…this time having to do with one of their biggest icons and mentors.

Whitney Houston

Both Brandy and Monica shared a very special bond with the late Whitney Houston. If you remember, Brandy starred alongside Whitney in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” and even named her sixth studio album, “Two Eleven,” after the date of Houston’s passing. Monica has also been incredibly open about her bond with the late singer, telling Entertainment Tonight, “The past 10 years is like 10 minutes or 10 days to me,” when discussing the anniversary of her passing.

Back in 2017, they both posted to honor Whitney’s birthday, but those posts wound up igniting a feud that fans long thought may have been dormant. “Happy Heavenly Birthday Nippy…You still inspire many & touch hearts daily… You will forever be the greatest …. You will forever be missed,” Monica wrote in her post to social media.

Just a few hours later, Brandy took to social media, writing her own post, “You live on in me… I can feel your Spirit inside of me and all around me. My angel, my friend, my fairy God Mother. I love you forever… thank you for trusting me with the torch!!!” She went on to add that she will remember “every moment” she had with her. Well, Monica fans were not too pleased about this post, many accusing Brandy of making the post about herself, and viewed it as a jab at Monica.

Brandy at the time clapped back at the haters in the comments, and looped Monica in in the process, writing, “Monica needs to really check her evil ass fans.” She added, “Me and Whitney have nothing to do with anyone but the two of us…we made history and I cared more about being with her than I did about anything else.”

Verzuz

In 2020, the two truly broke the internet when they participated in Verzuz, the viral music sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw famous rivals in music come together for the first time in 8 years in a track-by-track battle. The streaming moment was a smashing success for both Verzuz and the singers, with the battle breaking viewership records at the time, and proving to the world just how much fans want to see these two come together. Now, five years later, it seems fans’ prayers have finally been answered.

The Long Awaited Tour

And now we have a true, real reunion that fans can also take part in in “The Boy is Mine” tour. The two announced the tour, which will also feature Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts, on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, where they once again gave us an update on their relationship.

“It started as nothing and it really did turn into something,” Monica said to the hosts during the interview. ” There was a lot of confusion and conflict and there was a lot of people around.”

She also added context that she and Brandy were both 17 and 18 when they recorded “The Boy is Mine.” She explained, “People forget that you’re having this conversation about children, basically. You’re inciting a riot amongst children! We were teenagers!”

“The song didn’t help either,” Brandy then quipped, adding, “We were fighting over a boy!”

Check out more on the tour details here.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary to Zohran Mamdani as the 33-year old member of the state Assembly had a significant lead in the race Tuesday night.

Cuomo’s concession came as the race’s outcome will be decided by a ranked choice count after neither Democrat got a clear majority in the vote.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist member of the state Assembly, started to pull ahead with more than an estimated 80% of ballots counted.

Cuomo, in a speech to supporters, said Mamdani “won” and that “we are going to take a look and make some decisions.”

“Tonight is his night,” Cuomo said.

Mamdani would be the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected. Cuomo is trying to make a comeback from a sexual harassment scandal. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams skipped the primary. He’s running as an independent.

The race’s ultimate outcome could say something about what kind of leader Democrats are looking for during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The vote takes place about four years after Cuomo, 67, resigned as governor following a sexual harassment scandal. Yet he has been the favorite throughout the race, with his deep experience, name recognition, strong political connections and juggernaut fundraising apparatus.

The party’s progressive wing, meanwhile, had coalesced behind Mamdani. A relatively unknown state legislator when the contest began, Mamdani gained momentum by running a sharp campaign laser-focused on the city’s high cost of living and secured endorsements from two of the country’s foremost progressives, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The primary winner will go on to face incumbent Adams, a Democrat who decided to run as an independent amid a public uproar over his indictment on corruption charges and the subsequent abandonment of the case by Trump’s Justice Department. Republican Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, will be on the ballot in the fall’s general election. There is also a possibility that Cuomo runs on the November ballot as an independent candidate if he loses the primary.

The mayoral primary’s two leading candidates — one a fresh-faced progressive and the other an older moderate — could be stand-ins for the larger Democratic Party’s ideological divide, though Cuomo’s scandal-scarred past adds a unique tinge to the narrative.

The rest of the pack has struggled to gain recognition in a race where nearly every candidate has cast themselves as the person best positioned to challenge Trump’s agenda.

Comptroller Brad Lander, a liberal city government stalwart, made a splash last week when he was arrested after linking arms with a man federal agents were trying to detain at an immigration court in Manhattan. It was unclear if that episode was enough to jump-start a campaign that had been failing to pick up speed behind Lander.

Among the other candidates are City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Mamdani’s energetic run has been hard not to notice.

His army of young canvassers relentlessly knocked on doors throughout the city seeking support. Posters of his grinning mug were up on shop windows. You couldn’t get on social media without seeing one of his well-produced videos pitching his vision — free buses, free child care, new apartments, a higher minimum wage and more, paid for by new taxes on rich people.

That youthful energy was apparent Tuesday evening, as both cautiously optimistic canvassers and ecstatic supporters lined the streets of Central Brooklyn, creating a party-like atmosphere that spread from poll sites into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Outside his family’s Caribbean apothecary, Amani Kojo, a 23-year-old first-time voter, passed out iced tea to Mamdani canvassers, encouraging them to stay hydrated.

“It’s 100 degrees outside and it’s a vibe. New York City feels alive again,” Kojo said, raising a pile of Mamdani pamphlets. “It feels very electric seeing all the people around, the flyers, all the posts on my Instagram all day.”

Cuomo and some other Democrats have cast Mamdani as unqualified. They say he doesn’t have the management chops to wrangle the city’s sprawling bureaucracy or handle crises. Critics have also taken aim at Mamdani’s support for Palestinian human rights.

In response, Mamdani has slammed Cuomo over his sexual harassment scandal and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In one heated debate exchange, Cuomo rattled off a long list of what he saw as Mamdani’s managerial shortcomings, arguing that his opponent, who has been in the state Assembly since 2021, has never dealt with Congress or unions and never overseen an infrastructure project. He added that Mamdani couldn’t be relied upon to go toe-to-toe with Trump.

Mamdani had a counter ready.

“To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace,” he said.

Cuomo resigned in 2021 after a report commissioned by the state attorney general concluded that he had sexually harassed at least 11 women. He has always maintained that he didn’t intentionally harass the women, saying he had simply fallen behind what was considered appropriate workplace conduct.

During the campaign, he has become more aggressive in defending himself, framing the situation as a political hit job orchestrated by his enemies.

The fresh scandal at City Hall involving Mayor Eric Adams, though, gave Cuomo a path to end his exile.

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025

The precious 🥹🩷 Coi Leray has officially stepped into a new chapter of life—motherhood—and fans are living for every moment!

First Look at Baby Leray 💕

The “Players” hitmaker sent the internet into full-on baby fever this week after sharing the first public photos of her newborn daughter. Posted to Instagram and Snapchat, Coi is seen snuggling her little girl, who’s dressed in soft pink and wrapped in a cozy blanket with just a preview of her side profile. The baby already has a full head of thick, black hair—just like her mama.

———

Trippie Redd Is the Father 🤱🏽

Trippie Redd and Coi previously announced on social media that they had been expecting their first child together after being in an on again-off again relationship over the years. The two artists ended earlier this year following reports of infidelity.

Despite the split, both parents are said to be focused on the well-being of their child.

———

Private Pregnancy, Public Joy 🤍

Following the former couple’s split, Coi chose to keep her pregnancy largely out of the public eye and step into motherhood as a single woman. Trippie shared on social media that him and his family were ultimately banned from attending Coi’s decked out luxury-pink baby shower.

Coi revealed the gender of her baby girl on social media through a series of heartwarming photos accompanied by her growing baby bump.

Now that her daughter has arrived, Coi is letting fans in on this new and intimate chapter.

———

Fans & Celebs Show Love 🌸

Love poured in from all corners of social media. Many praised Coi for how gracefully she stepped into motherhood.

“She gave us a whole baby and kept the peace,” one fan tweeted. “No mess, no drama. That’s how you do it.”

———

What’s Next for Coi Leray? 💿🍼

As Coi embraces life as a first-time mom, it’s clear she’s entering a new era—one filled with intention, softness, and strength. Though she hasn’t said when she’ll return to music, fans are already anticipating what a “mommy era” Coi album might sound like.

Noir Nation, are y’all tapped in?

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17

Washington is on fire, and no, we’re not talking about the literal Middle East bombings. We’re talking about Donald J. Trump vs. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a political brawl so messy, even Bravo wouldn’t touch it. After President Trump authorized surprise strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend without Congressional approval, the progressive firebrand from New York came out swinging. AOC is now calling for Trump’s impeachment again, and Donald? Oh, honey, he snapped.

Let’s unpack the chaos, shall we?

AOC Accuses Trump of War Crimes, Trump Screams “MAKE MY DAY!”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez didn’t mince words:

“He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

The congresswoman cited the War Powers Resolution, you know, that dusty old part of the Constitution that says only Congress can declare war, and accused Trump of a “grave violation.” She’s not alone either. Several progressive members of Congress have raised alarm bells about the legality of Trump’s bomb-happy weekend, especially after a tentative ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran on Monday.

So instead of responding with, let’s say, a shred of professionalism, Donald Trump did what he does best: launched a scorched-earth tirade on Truth Social, his digital rage diary.

And baby, it was messy.

Trump Calls AOC “Stupid,” “The Mouse,” and Demands She Take a Cognitive Test

Trump opened his post with a headline:

“Stupid AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the ‘dumbest’ people in Congress…”

That’s right. We’re back to schoolyard insults and late-night TV-level pettiness.

He blamed AOC’s “rantings” on what he calls the “Victories that the U.S.A. has had under the Trump Administration,” even though we’re currently on the brink of another Middle East conflict, global inflation’s still kicking, and Congress is in gridlock.

But he didn’t stop at calling her dumb. Oh no. He suggested the lawmaker “should be forced to take the Cognitive Test that I just completed at Walter Reed Medical Center,” which he claims to have “aced.” He literally said the doctor told him,

“President Trump ACED it,”
as if bragging about remembering five random words is the pinnacle of presidential intellect.

Then came the Queen’s dig:

“Alexandria should go back home to Queens, where I was also brought up, and straighten out her filthy, disgusting, crime ridden streets…”

Please. The only thing more delusional than this post is the idea that Trump’s walking the streets of Queens in anything but a tinted SUV.

Ilhan Omar and Jasmine Crockett Get Dragged into Trump’s Tantrum

And just when you thought this fever dream couldn’t get any worse, Trump expanded the roast.

He labeled Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) a “seriously Low IQ individual,” which is ironic coming from a man who once said windmills cause cancer.

Then he turned to Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), whom he accused of doing “nothing but complain about our Country,” while slandering her birth country (Somalia) as “drenched in Crime and Poverty,” and possibly “not even rated at all.”

Let’s be clear: that wasn’t foreign policy commentary. That was straight-up xenophobic bile. He essentially said, “How dare The Mouse tell us how to run the U.S.?” referring to AOC as “The Mouse” like this was an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Capitol Hill Edition.

The Real Drama: A President Who Acts Like a Dictator

Whether you love or loathe AOC, she’s got a point. Bombing foreign countries without Congressional approval is a red flag flashing in neon. The Constitution is crystal clear: war powers belong to Congress, not a president with a Wi-Fi connection and an ego complex.

And while Trump was calling his critics “dumb,” “disgusting,” and “low IQ,” AOC was pointing out that bypassing Congress to drop bombs is quite literally the thing our founding fathers tried to prevent.

This wasn’t just some shady political clapback. This was a warning shot from a member of Congress saying we’re dangerously close to a dictatorship if we let this slide.

What’s Next? Impeachment? Or Just More Screaming on Truth Social?

Trump dared her to “go ahead and try Impeaching me, again, MAKE MY DAY!”
And listen, if anyone’s up for the challenge, it’s AOC. This woman didn’t survive the wrath of Wall Street bros, Fox News anchors, and Joe Manchin’s eye-rolls to be scared of one greasy keyboard warrior with a golden toilet.

With tensions still high in the Middle East and Congress already organizing hearings into the legality of Trump’s actions, don’t be surprised if articles of impeachment start flying by July.

Because if Trump thought the first two impeachments were a nightmare, he hasn’t seen what happens when a Latina from the Bronx has time, receipts, and a Twitter account.

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If you fancy yourself a movie buff or just a lover a cinema, then you already know there are arguably more films out there than hairs on our head. But, that doesn’t mean all of them are going to be good to watch or worth your time. So how do you decide which ones to press play on or which ones to skip?

Well, lucky for you, we’ve decided to help you out but rounding up a handful of our favorite Black celebs to get their insight on what some of their favorite movies are. We’re talking picks from esteemed directors like Ryan Coogler and Gina Prince-Bythewood and megastars like Cynthia Erivo, Gabrielle Union and more. And believe us when we tell you, some of their decisions will definitely throw you for a loop and surprise you.

So, grab a drink and a snack, and get ready to get enlightened! Trust us, by the end of this, your “What to Watch” list will get a whole lot better. Keep reading to get into the goodness!

Ryan Coogler’s Favorite Films

During his episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Black Panther” director selected his five favorite films: “Seven Samurai,” “Thief,” “Late Spring,” “Malcolm X,” and “Love Jones.”

Janelle Monae’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Float” singer selected her five favorite films, specifically horror related: “The Blob,” “Eraserhead,” “1984,” “Brazil,” and “Night of the Living Dead.”

Ayo Edebiri’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, “The Bear” actress selected her five favorite films: “High and Low,” “Charade,” “Bottle Rocket,” “Thief,” “The Funeral,” “To Sleep With Anger,” and Eyimofe (This Is My Desire.)”

Cynthia Erivo’s Favorite Films

Speaking to Letterboxd at the premiere of “Wicked,” Erivo listed out her four favorite films: “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Ms. Harris Goes to Paris,” ” Chocolat,” and “Eve’s Bayou.”

John David Washington’s Favorite Films

During John David’s visit to the Criterion Closet, his favorite films were: “Menace II Society,” “Faces,” “Rumble in the Bronx,” “Malcolm X,” “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.”

Lashana Lynch’s Favorite Films

Speaking at the premiere for her film “Bob Marley: One Love” back in 2024, Lynch shared her four favorite films directed by Black filmmakers: “Waiting to Exhale,” “The Woman King,” “Love & Basketball,” and “Moonlight.”

Zoe Kravitz’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Blink Twice” director selected her five favorite films: “Paris Is Burning,” “The Vanishing,” “A Woman Under the Influence,” “The Killing,” “Moonstruck,” “Thelma and Louis,” and “Midnight Cowboy.”

Questlove’s Favorite Films

During Questlove’s visit to the Criterion Closet, his favorite films were: “Beastie Boys Anthology,” “Black Orpheus,” “The Complete Monterey Pop Festival,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Bamboozled.”

Lee Daniels’ Favorite Films

During Lee Daniels’ visit to the Criterion Closet, the favorite films he selected were: “Spartucus,” “The Piano,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Claudine,” “Female Trouble,” “Querelle,” “Pickup on South Street,” “8 1/2,” and “Essential Fellini.”

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Favorite Films

During her episode of “Closet Picks” for the Criterion Collection, the “Love & Basketball” director selected a handful of her favorite films such as: “Devil in a Blue Dress,” “Claudine,” “A Dry White Season,” “In the Mood for Love,” “Broadcast News,” “Fish Tank,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” “An Actor’s Revenge” and more.

Kerry Washington’s Favorite Films

Speaking with Letterboxd back in March, the “Shadow Force” star shared her four favorite films: “When Harry Met Sally,” “Malcolm X,” “Hoop Dreams,” and “Django Unchained.”

Gabrielle Union’s Favorite Films

Speaking in an interview for Rotten Tomatoes, the “Being Mary Jane” star shared her four favorite films: “Grease,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Life,” “Boomerang,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old high school student who allegedly fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf, also 17, at a championship track meet in Frisco, TX, in April, has been charged with first-degree murder, according to TMZ. Anthony reportedly admitted to the stabbing but maintained that he did it in self-defense. 

The charges were announced on Tuesday in Collin County, Texas.  

During a press conference to announce the charges, Collin County District Attorney said, “For weeks, my team has been presenting evidence to the Grand Jury. Today, I summarized that evidence, and I asked the Grand Jury to return a first-degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony and — which they did.” 

He continued, “With that indictment his case now moves formally into the court system. From this point forward, we’ll continue doing our part—fully and fairly—to pursue justice under the law. The trial schedule will be set by the court. But when the time comes, we’ll be ready.”

On April 2, 2025, at a district track and field championship held at Frisco’s Kuykendall Stadium, Anthony allegedly sought cover when it began to rain under a tent belonging to Memorial High School. Metcalf, a student at Memorial, told Metcalf that he needed to leave the tent; then an altercation ensued that resulted in Anthony allegedly stabbing Metcalf in the chest. 

The case drew national attention for several reasons: Metcalf was a white student and Anthony is a Black student. Both families raised large sums of money in the wake of the incident. Anthony’s bond, originally set at $1 million, was reduced to $250,000, which also drew outrage from some corners of the internet. The case became a lightning rod for discussions about race and the criminal justice system. 

Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, reiterated that his client acted in self-defense in a video message and said, “We are confident that when all the facts are presented and the full story is heard the jury will reach the right conclusion and justice will be done.”

If convicted, Anthony would face up to life in prison.

PHOTO: Getty Images

The internet is in shambles after reports surfaced that media powerhouse, Tyler Perry is facing a bombshell lawsuit from “The Oval” actor Derek Dixon—alleging a disturbing pattern of sexual assault, harassment, and power-driven manipulation dating back to 2019.

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Allegations Date Back to Industry Introduction in 2019 📆
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Derek says the alleged misconduct began after meeting Tyler Perry at an industry event in 2019. Perry allegedly requested his number and told him there might be opportunities ahead. Derek claims this marked the start of what he describes as a “deeply imbalanced relationship rooted in industry power dynamics.”

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Alleged Incident at Perry’s Atlanta Home 🏠
In January 2020, Derek says he was invited to Perry’s Atlanta home. According to the lawsuit, Derek became intoxicated and passed out in a guest room. He alleges he woke up to Perry lying in the bed next to him and touching his thighs.

Though Derek states that he rejected Perry’s advances, he claims Perry continued to pursue him romantically and sexually, even after that encounter.

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From Alleged Assault to a Role on ‘The Oval’ 🎬
Shortly after the incident, Derek was cast in Perry’s BET political drama The Oval—but he says that’s when the situation escalated. In the lawsuit, Derek accuses Perry of sending sexually suggestive messages, asking about his sexual preferences, and even revealing explicit details about Perry’s alleged same-sex relationships.

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Claims of Harassment Behind the Scenes 💬

The legal filing suggests that Derek felt pressured to maintain a relationship with Perry to keep his role and protect his reputation in the entertainment industry. He claims the communication became invasive and inappropriate, leading to emotional distress.

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No Public Response From Perry Yet 🔇

As of now, BET has not issued a statement regarding the accusations or whether they will impact production on The Oval.

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Tyler has long been regarded as a pioneer for Black creators in Hollywood, building a billion-dollar empire through film, television, and media ownership. These claims, if proven true, could carry massive implications—not only legally but also for his legacy and business partnerships.

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Noir Nation!

What are your thoughts on this developing story?

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There’s no greater pleasure than the buzz of a film that seeps under your skin and stays with you after the credits roll, and American Sweatshop does just that. Brainstorm Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the festival hit, which made waves at its World Premiere this year at SXSW. Directed by Riverdale star Lili Reinhart in her most scandalous performance to date, this social media thriller mystery is not just a game for our web-age paranoia, but gets a stranglehold on it.

Directed by Emmy nominee Uta Briesewitz (Stranger Things, Severance) in her feature debut, American Sweatshop is a thrilling idea on high with the pacing of a psychological horror and the satire of a dystopian drama. The film explores a world that we all participate in every single day but barely ever think about: the people behind the curtain who wipe our online lives squeaky clean.

Plot: The Moderators Behind the Curtain

Reinhart plays Daisy Morris, a content moderator for a popular social media site. Her job? Scanning and erasing the most explicit, hateful, and traumatizing content on the internet. From violence to hate speech, Daisy’s unit is a human firewall, fighting humanity’s darkest desires pixel by pixel. And yet when one particularly violent clip takes hold in her mind, she sets out to track its origin, leaving the safety of her virtual world and navigating a raw, in-the-flesh maze.

Matthew Nemeth’s (City on a Hill) script grounds the narrative in unnerving reality, and it’s a gradual descent into modern horror that feels all too real. It’s rather less Black Mirror fantasy and closer to documentary horror.

A Star Reborn: Reinhart Unplugged

We’ve seen Lili Reinhart tackle emotional drama (Chemical Hearts) and whip-smart satire (Hustlers), but American Sweatshop peels back another layer of her range. This isn’t Betty Cooper with a flashlight. Reinhart’s Daisy is raw, unraveling, and dangerously relatable. She doesn’t just carry the film, she drags us into the murky, morally ambiguous waters of digital trauma with her.

Briesewitz’s directorial work is precise and deliberate. As the one behind the eye on prestige television, transitioning to features makes sense. Her sensibility remains rooted in the gray areas, both aesthetic and ethical. For her, an antiseptic cubicle is a battle of the mind, and any autoplayed video is an armed weapon.

A Supporting Cast Worth Clicking On

Abetting Reinhart is an excellent supporting cast: Daniela Melchior (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X) comes alive as a fight-hardened co-worker, Josh Whitehouse (Daisy Jones & The Six) is slick but untrustworthy sidekick material, and Joel Fry (Game of Thrones, Yesterday) brings weight to the desperation racing narrative. Together, they form a tight yet fractured microcosm of burnout in the digital age. 

The Real-Life Horror of Online Labor

Briesewitz speaks on the emotional price behind the occupation at the center of the film:

“To view a playful meme on a social media platform is just as easy as viewing the most violent images nobody should ever be exposed to... These places of content moderation can be seen as a Petri dish experiment, showing us what the darkest corner of the internet will do to our souls.”

In a society where AI can produce content but not cause harm, American Sweatshop brings the price of human moderation into stark, terrifying focus.

Backed by Hollywood Heavyweights

If the premise and cast weren’t captivating enough, the film also boasts a production pedigree to die for. It’s supported by industry players like Anita Elsani (Operation Napoleon), Jason Sosnoff (The Survivor), and the legendary Barry Levinson (Rain Man), with Lili Reinhart serving as both executive producer.

Coming Soon: A Thriller That Asks, Why Are We Still Watching?

Brainstorm Media CEO Michelle Shwarzstein said it best:

“American Sweatshop is a timely thriller that taps into our collective anxieties about the digital world and the unseen labor behind it… We’re excited to partner with this extraordinary team.”

Due out in North America this fall, American Sweatshop is shaping up to be one of the most intense indie thrillers of the year, taut, disturbing, and unflinchingly true. For those who like their social commentary tart and their mysteries coated in digital dread, it’s one to update your feed for.

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