The WNBA All-Stars wanted to send a clear message to the league on the game’s brightest stage.
All of the players on Team Clark and Team Collier warmed up for Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game in shirts that read “Pay us what you owe us.”
“We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that’s made through the WNBA, which obviously is made through the entertainment we provide,” said Napheesa Collier on the decision to wear the shirts. “So we want a fair and reasonable percentage of that.”
The idea was hatched Saturday morning at a players meeting.
The demonstration comes after the players and the league failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement at an in-person meeting Thursday. The league’s players opted out of their last CBA in October, and are looking for a better revenue-sharing model, increased salaries, improved benefits and a softer salary cap.
After the failed negotiations, many players said there was a large discrepancy between what they wanted and what the league was offering. If a new CBA is not reached by October some players, including All-Stars Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese, have mentioned the potential of a walkout.
Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes holds a sign following a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Collier, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
At the end of the game, chants of “Pay them!” broke out in the arena. Some fans held signs that read “Pay the players,” during the game.
“We had no idea that they were in solidarity with our demonstration,” said Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA. “I’ve been hearing it all weekend at the fan events, supporting us and wanting us to get our fair share of the value.”
This was potentially the last time that so many players would be together in one place before the season ends — a fact not lost on the union leadership.
“This is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for what we’re doing and do it together,” Collier said.
The players aren’t decided whether they’ll wear the shirts on their own teams over the course of the second half of the season which begins Tuesday. They hope that fans will wear them as the union announced on social media during the game that the shirts were on sale.
Ogwumike was unaware that the shirts were already on sale.
“You put it out there, and you stand on business,” said Courtney Williams about the shirts. “And we’re standing on business.”
The tech world remains shaken after Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Human Resources head Kristin Cabot were caught on camera in a compromising embrace at a Coldplay concert this week a moment that has since ballooned into a full-blown corporate scandal, spurred public speculation of workplace misconduct, and now, prompted an official company investigation.
Amid the viral fallout, Astronomer has issued its first formal statement, and it’s drawing a clear line: senior employee Alyssa Stoddard was not at the concert, despite what the internet insists.
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video,” the statement reads. “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Coldplay Kiss Cam Goes Corporate
The chaos began at Coldplay’s July 17 concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, when the band’s now-notorious “kiss cam” landed on two very unexpected guests: Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of HR.
The pair were seen embracing in a manner many viewers described as intimate. But when the camera zoomed in on them, they appeared startled and quickly turned away, visibly uncomfortable as they tried to duck out of frame. Their awkward reaction prompted a quip from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who told the crowd:
“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The comment, innocent enough in the moment, would soon become a global flashpoint.
Update: This story is developing. Astronomer has not yet announced whether Byron or Cabot will be returning to their roles following the investigation.
Noir Nation, this one is beyond disturbing! A former hospital technician at one of New York’s top health systems has admitted to filming over 13,000 patients, staff, and minors with hidden bathroom cameras — yet somehow, he won’t serve a single day behind bars.
🗓️From July 2023 To April 2024
Authorities says Brooklyn father, Sanjai Syamaprasad, carried out a months-long plan to record victims using restrooms at the Northwell Health Sleep Disorder Center in Manhasset, NY.
From July 2023 to April 2024, he placed hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors in nine bathrooms and shower areas used by patients and employees.
The devices were mounted with Velcro and deliberately angled to capture people fully undressed.
📹 13,000+ Victims Identified
Investigators uncovered hundreds of files, including video and photo footage, many involving nude images of minors. A shocking 13,000+ individuals were captured without their consent.
🚫 No Jail Time — Just Probation
According to the New York Post, the 46 year old former sleep tech changed his original April not guilty plea to guilty on five counts of unlawful surveillance, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
Despite pleading guilty to five counts of unlawful surveillance and two counts of tampering with evidence, Syamaprasad received five years probation, must register as a sex offender, and undergo mental-health treatment—but faces no jail time. Judge Meryl Berkowitz cited his remorse and voluntary entry into a treatment program.
😡⚖️ District Attorney Office Outrage
Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly publicly criticized the ruling, stating she was “filled with disappointment and disgust.” She argued the severity of the crime—recording thousands, night after night—warranted prison time:
“This case deserved jail time… night after night after night, victim after victim.”
🏥 Class‑Action Lawsuits
Northwell has notified approximately 13,000 potential victims, and multiple class‑action lawsuits are now underway. Victims’ attorneys demand accountability, stricter protections in medical settings, and transparency over how long recordings may have persisted.
🔐 Public Fallout
This breach has shaken trust in medical spaces, raising urgent questions about privacy, surveillance security, and how easily vulnerable individuals can be victimized—even in hospitals. Many are calling for systemic change.
🗣️ Noir Nation, What Do You Think?
When someone violates your privacy so deeply, is probation enough? Should remorse and cooperation outweigh the scale of the crime? Or does avoiding jail time send a message to predators?
Megan Thee Stallion, our beloved Hot Girl Coach, is always giving us a peek into her workout routines on Instagram and TikTok, showing off that incredible physique. But in a recent video, she linked up with her boo, four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, for a workout that has the streets talking!
Their relationship has been a whole topic on social media, with folks wondering if it’s built to last. But this latest video, which quickly racked up 8 million views on Instagram, ain’t leaving no doubt about how cute they are together.
In the gym, Megan and Thompson are not playing around. They’re tackling every exercise in pairs, lifting weights, and doing Russian twists, tossing a ball back and forth like it’s a hot potato. Megan brings her signature humor with the voice-over, detailing their every move, while Thompson throws in his own two cents.
“We had to do these goddamn russian twists, throwing the ball thingamajigs, and I don’t really like how he was throwing the ball to me, because I feel like he was plotting on my downfall, wanting me to miss.”
To which Thompson adds, “She was better than me.” And the couple burst into a fit of giggles.
The video is non-stop cuteness as the couple hype each other and laugh together in the voice over. The cuteness overload doesn’t stop there, as at the end of the video, Thompson wipes the sweat off Megan’s face, and Megan helps Thompson stretch.
The comments under the post were filled with people cheesin’ over the couple:
“I ain’t NEVA heard Klay talk this much! That man in love lol,” wrote another user.
The couple has even earned the blessing of Taraji P Henson and Tamar Braxton, who were also in the comments hyping the couple up:
“I love all of this,” wrote the Empire actress with heart emojis.
“Sister, this is the one,” wrote Toni Braxton with both fire and heart emojis.
“I have never dated somebody so kind. This is my first relationship where I’ve been with someone who is genuinely a nice person, and he makes me genuinely happy… I’m just grateful that he’s here by my side and he feels the same way about me.”
Like the majority of the comments, I think we can agree we don’t mind seeing more of this adorable couple, and most importantly, seeing Hot Girl Coach Megan be happy.
Few 20th-century African-American male actors have garnered the longevity, mass appeal and critical acclaim of Samuel L. Jackson, one of the most respected figures not just in Hollywood but also wider popular culture. A charismatic and unapologetic presence in both film and public life, Jackson is a cinematic force, famous for appearing in iconic movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” the “Star Wars” prequels and the cult classic “Snakes on a Plane.”
In this Samuel L. Jackson bio, you’ll learn about the impact and legacy of this legendary actor, his continued relevance, his frequent collaborators, and much more.
The unstoppable force: Samuel L. Jackson on screen
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: Samuel L. Jackson attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images) – Credit: Photo Monica Schipper / Getty Images
With a career spanning over 50 years, Samuel L. Jackson (born Samuel Leroy Jackson) is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood history. Since his debut in “Together For Days” in 1972, he’s appeared in over 100 films that have collectively grossed in excess of $27 billion, making him the highest-grossing actor of all time.
Jackson has starred in independent films, high-budget Hollywood flicks and everything in between. He’s also starred in big-name franchises, such as “Kingsman,” “The Incredibles,” “Avengers” and the “Star Wars” prequels. His most commercially successful movie is 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” which made nearly $2.8 billion at the worldwide box office.
Roots in revolution: Early collaborations with Spike Lee
One of Jackson’s earliest film roles is “School Daze,” a musical comedy-drama directed by Spike Lee. He had met the director while appearing in the play “A Soldier’s Play” in New York City. Both Jackson’s and Lee’s work at the time contained revolutionary themes about race and social justice.
After “School Daze,” Jackson appeared in other Lee movies, including 1989’s “Do the Right Thing” and 1991’s “Jungle Fever.” Jackson won the first-ever Best Supporting Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the latter, with judges commending him for his performance as a drug-addicted character named Gator.
During this time, Jackson and Lee were a formidable force in cinema, with their work reflecting the Black experience in the late 20th century.
ScreenRant says about their partnership:
“The pair are always elevated by each other’s work, with Lee providing plenty of opportunities for Jackson to deliver a memorable performance, which in turn makes those jokes even stronger and funnier. Not all of their collaborations have been huge successes, but they’re consistently entertaining thanks to the unique dynamic they have with each other’s work.”
‘Say what again!’: The ‘Pulp Fiction’ breakthrough
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Samuel L. Jackson attends the Opening Night Gala and 30th Anniversary Screening of “Pulp Fiction” during the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TCM) – Credit: Photo Emma McIntyre / Getty Images
The movie that made Jackson famous was 1994’s “Pulp Fiction,” a crime drama directed by Quentin Tarantino. In it, he plays Jules Winnfield, a fast-talking hitman who quotes the Bible.
However, Jackson almost didn’t get the job, which may have changed his career trajectory:
“Quentin sent me the script, told me, ‘Jules is yours.’ I went in, and they just wanted to hear the character. I read it, and they were like, ‘Amazing. Job’s yours’… Then I hear, ‘Well, there’s this other actor who came in to audition for [“Pulp Fiction”] for another role, and he asked if he could read Jules, and we let him. And we kind of love him. So we need you to come back and read it again.’ Now I’m like, ‘What the fuck? What do you mean, read again?’”
“Pulp Fiction” instantly gained cult classic status, not just for its innovative direction but also for its iconic lines delivered by Jackson. One of the most famous scenes featuring the star is as follows:
Jules: Describe what Marsellus Wallace looks like!
Brett: What?
Jules: Say ‘what’ again. Say ‘what’ again, I dare you, I double dare you [expletive], say what one more Goddamn time!
In 1995, Jackson won the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jules and received nominations in the same category at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. He lost out on the Oscar to Martin Landau, who appeared as Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood.” It was Jackson’s only Oscar nomination to date.
Commanding the screen: Leading man in blockbusters
Jackson has been a leading man in many high-profile films, appearing at the top of the bill in “Shaft,” “The 51st State” and “Black Snake Moan,” to name just a few.
One of his most famous roles as a leading man is John Shaft in the 2000s “Shaft” and its 2019 sequel. Both movies revive the ’70s Black action hero for new audiences, with the former earning a massive $107,626,125 at the global box office, making it one of Jackson’s most commercially successful projects.
Despite his successful career as both a character actor and leading man, Jackson has never won a competitive Oscar. He says:
“We’ve been in the business long enough to know that when folks go, ‘It’s just an honor to be nominated.’ No, it ain’t. It’s an honor to win. You get nominated and folks go, ‘Yeah I remember that.’ Or most people forget. Generally, it’s a contest you didn’t volunteer to be in. I didn’t go in there, so I could flex. ‘Let me do my scene so you can remember who I was.’”
Jackson’s career as a leading film actor has been lucrative. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is worth $250 million, making him one of the richest actors in the world. He has also made money from various brand endorsements over the years, including appearing in commercials for Capital One.
Enter Nick Fury: Architect of the MCU
Jackson has appeared in numerous action movie franchises, most notably the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where he plays the S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nicholas Joseph ‘Nick’ Fury. The fictional character is one of the most popular in the Marvel franchise, known for his perseverance in fighting against evil.
Talking about his original nine-picture deal to play Fury, Jackson says:
“[Marvel Studios president] Kevin [Feige] said that: ‘We’re going to offer you a nine-picture deal.’ How long do you have to stay alive to make nine movies? It’s not the quickest process in the world. I didn’t know they were going to make nine movies in like two and a half years. That’s kind of crazy! Oh [expletive], I’m using up my contracts. It worked out.”
Here are some of the most popular Samuel L Jackson movies in the Marvel franchise:
“The Avengers”
“Avengers: Endgame”
“Avengers: Infinity War”
“Avengers: Age of Ultron”
“Spider-Man: Far from Home”
“Captain Marvel”
As part of the Marvel franchise, Jackson has worked with some of the biggest movie stars in the world, including Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr., who is also one of the 50 highest-grossing actors of all time.
Power duos: Creative partnerships that shaped a legend
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Samuel L. Jackson attends “The Last Full Measure” Atlanta red carpet screening at SCADshow on January 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Roadside Attractions ) – Credit: Photo Paras Griffin / Getty Images
Jackson’s partnerships with directors, producers and movie studios have helped shape his career.
Working with Quentin Tarantino
One of his most famous long-term collaborations is with Quentin Tarantino, which started with “Pulp Fiction.” In total, the duo has worked together six times:
“Pulp Fiction”
“Jackie Brown”
“Kill Bill: Volume 2”
“Inglourious Basterds” (Jackson provides a voiceover but doesn’t appear on screen)
“Django Unchained”
“The Hateful Eight”
Collider says Jackson and Tarantino have “one of the most iconic director-actor collaborations in modern cinema.”
Talking about his relationship with Tarantino, Jackson says:
“It’s great to know that someone who writes that well and who makes films that well or who has a cinematic love for what we do trusts me with his material. And it makes me want to give him more and work harder for him,” he said. “And I think I’ve become a better actor for it, and I think he’s a better filmmaker for our collaborations.”
Teaming up with Spike Lee
After appearing in several Lee movies in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Jackson didn’t work with the director again until 2013’s “Oldboy.” The pair fell out over a salary dispute after Lee invited Jackson to audition for a role in “Malcolm X.” Lee says Jackson’s agent told him that he was turning the part down:
“What bothered me was not that he didn’t want to do the film, but the fact that he had his agent call me. I would have preferred it if he had said, ‘Look, Spike, I can’t do it. I understand that you can’t pay me the money I want, so I gotta do what I gotta do.’”
“Oldboy,” a thriller-action movie about a man trying to find out the reason for his 20-year solitary confinement, wasn’t well-received by critics, scoring just 39% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.
The pair teamed up again in 2015 for the musical crime drama movie Chi-Raq, which also stars Nick Cannon and Wesley Snipes.
Long-term relationships with producers and studios
Jackson’s role as Nick Fury in the Marvel franchise has led to a long relationship with the Walt Disney Company, which owns Marvel Studios. He’s also worked closely with Lawrence Bender, the film producer famous for Tarantino’s movies, including “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2.”
Due to his ongoing collaborations in the movie industry, Jackson is trusted by major studios. In 2019, The Hollywood Reporter called him “Hollywood’s most bankable star.”
Jackson is also known in the industry for his voice work, having appeared in animated movies such as “The Incredibles” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” He has also worked as a celebrity voice for Alexa.
Beyond the screen: Samuel L. Jackson, the cultural lightning rod
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Samuel L. Jackson accepts the honorary award onstage during the 2022 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 25, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) – Credit: Photo Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Jackson is not just a movie star but an advocate for racial equity, representation and other social justice and cultural issues. He frequently champions causes on his social media accounts, including The Legal Defense Fund, a New York-based nonprofit that fights for racial justice through litigation advocacy.
Over the years, Jackson has spoken candidly about race and representation and how he perceives the movie industry as a Black actor. Here are some of the things he’s said:
On Black British actors in American race-related roles: “There are a lot of Black British actors in these movies. I tend to wonder what that movie [“Get Out”] would have been with an American brother who really feels that. Daniel [Kaluuya]grew up in a country where they’ve been interracial dating for a hundred years. What would a brother from America have made of that role? Some things are universal, but [not everything].”
On modern-day racism: “America is much more willing to acknowledge what happened in the past. We freed the slaves! It’s all good! But to say, ‘We are still unnecessarily killing black men’ – let’s have a conversation about that.”
On Black stories in Hollywood: “I’m not positive that Black Panther is going to change the dynamic of black stories being told in Hollywood and being accepted all over the world.”
Jackson has also been outspoken about politics. He supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and has insulted President Trump.
His politics have leaned toward the left throughout his career.
As a huge star with broad commercial appeal, Jackson seamlessly balances fame with activism. For example, he often uses his visibility to highlight important discussions during interviews.
Still defying expectations
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Samuel Jackson performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) – Credit: Photo Emilee Chinn / Getty Images
With a career spanning over five decades, Jackson remains a mainstay of pop culture and continues to defy expectations both on and off the big screen.
2025 Super Bowl with Kendrick Lamar: A moment
Jackson dressed up as Uncle Sam to introduce Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, a moment that sparked debate in the media. ScreenRant says:
“Jackson’s Uncle Sam character is there to remind and try to enforce what the typical Super Bowl half-time show performer should be like, and of what certain sections of America expect from that, offering vibrancy and patriotism to contrast with Kendrick Lamar’s subtle and understated performance.”
The performance drew 133.5 million viewers, a larger audience than Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show.
Next on deck: Roles that keep pushing boundaries
In recent years, Jackson has continued to take on roles that push boundaries. In 2024’s “The Piano Lesson,” set during the Great Depression, he plays Doaker Charles, who struggles over whether to keep a family piano with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.
Upcoming projects for Jackson include 2024’s “The Honest Liar,” due for release in 2026. In the movie, he plays an actor who teaches undercover police officers how to act like criminals in order to solve cases. Jackson will also reprise his role as Nick Fury in “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is scheduled for a 2026 release.
Other Samuel L Jackson movies and TV shows in the works include “The Beast” and “NOLA King,” which is a spinoff of “Tulsa King.”
Samuel L. Jackson is most famous for his long-lasting acting career, starring in movies that have made an indelible mark on Hollywood and its wider culture. From “Pulp Fiction” to numerous Marvel movies, Jackson is one of the most respected Black actors over 50, continuing to push boundaries by starring in roles that spark conversations. Despite never winning a competitive Oscar, he’s a highly bankable star, appearing in movies that have grossed more than $27 billion. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.
As well as his achievements as an American actor, Jackson has spoken candidly about social justice issues throughout his career. His work often reflects larger issues about race and society, making him a significant figure in the history of Black cinema.
FAQs
What is Samuel L. Jackson famous for?
Jackson is most famous for his more than 50-year movie career, appearing in films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Jurassic Park” and the “Star Wars” prequels. Some of his best-known roles include Nick Fury in the Marvel franchise and Gator in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever.” Jackson is the highest-grossing actor in Hollywood history.
What movie made Samuel Jackson famous?
“Pulp Fiction” is Jackson’s breakthrough role. He appears as Jule Winnfield in the Quentin Tarantino-directed movie, which went on to gross more than $210 million at the worldwide box office.
Who did Samuel L. Jackson lose the Oscar to?
Jackson received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 1995 Academy Awards for his role as Jules Winnfield in “Pulp Fiction,” his only Oscar nomination to date. He lost out to Martin Landau, who appeared as Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood.”
How many times has Samuel L. Jackson worked with Quentin Tarantino?
Jackson has worked with Tarantino six times, appearing in movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2.” He doesn’t physically appear in “Inglourious Basterds” but lends his voice to the movie.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and sports media titan Shannon Sharpe has resolved a high-profile civil suit in which he was charged with sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse on a confidential basis. The $50 million complaint filed in April 2025 by a woman identified only as Jane Doe was officially settled and dismissed with prejudice Thursday in a joint statement made available to both parties.
The sudden resolution to the months-long legal standoff was confirmed by Tony Buzbee, a well-known Texas attorney who has represented dozens of women in the Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct lawsuits. Buzbee announced the settlement in a public post on X (formerly Twitter) stating:
“On April 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada making several allegations against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client. Both sides acknowledge a long term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.”
No money or personal terms of the deal were disclosed, and both parties had no further public comment after the releases.
The Allegations: “Violent,” “Nonconsensual Recordings,” and “Emotional Distress”
The lawsuit, which was submitted to Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court, accused Sharpe of intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual assault, and battery stemming from events that allegedly took place while a “volatile” relationship endured for several years.
Jane Doe had complained that Sharpe had beaten her at least twice in October 2024 and also in January 2025. The complaint outlined escalating physical violence and unauthorized recording of sexual activity. It also claimed that Sharpe, 56, used his public status and position to “manipulate and control” her, leaving her traumatized and fearing for her safety.
In court documents, obtained by several media organizations, the plaintiff contended that the former NFL great’s actions had caused her to experience “severe emotional and psychological harm,” and demanded $50 million in damages.
Sharpe, through his attorneys, categorically rebutted them all, adding that the affair itself had been fully consensual and that assertions of the opposite were either overstated or misrepresentative.
Sharpe’s Silence, And His Future at ESPN
Throughout the hearing, Sharpe was still very quiet about it. The ex-tight end turned commentator still has his hit podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” that has exploded in popularity over the last few years. It also often has A-list guests such as Katt Williams, Monique, and Megan Thee Stallion.
However, there has been doubt about his status at ESPN, where he co-anchors First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith. While still appearing regularly in pre-taped podcast segments, Sharpe hasn’t worked at the network in a live on-air role since late June. ESPN has said nothing officially about his status or whether he’ll return to be on air in the next couple of weeks.
Insiders within the network were said to have characterized the situation as “under review” but would not comment on the record. Whether Sharpe returns or not, it is not known if the network will acknowledge the resolution of the lawsuit or let the story quietly die.
Less than 24 hours after news broke that the $50 million sexual assault lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe had been dismissed with prejudice, the woman at the center of the case has made a major announcement of her own: she’s retiring from OnlyFans!
The surprise retirement comes on the heels of headlines surrounding the now-settled legal dispute, which had remained under the radar until ESPN confirmed the lawsuit had officially been closed.
💻 Final Message To Fans
In a heartfelt post to her followers, the woman—identified in legal filings as Jane Doe—shared her gratitude and revealed she’s stepping away from the subscription platform:
“Today, I have decided to retire from OF. Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown me over the past few years. This community has given me a life I could have never imagined. I’ll still be active on social media and have several new projects in the works that I can’t wait to share! I’m truly excited for this next chapter. I love you all forever and ever.”
🤐 What We Know So Far
While the terms of the lawsuit settlement remain confidential, sources close to the situation confirm the accuser’s lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed. The legal language—“with prejudice”—means she cannot refile in the future. Neither Sharpe nor his legal team has issued a public statement regarding the woman’s abrupt retirement.
Meanwhile, Shannon Sharpe is expected to return to ESPN’s First Take in the coming weeks, just in time for the NFL season kickoff.
🗣️ Noir Nation, Let’s Talk
The timeline of events has sparked questions online, and social media is buzzing with speculation. Was the OnlyFans retirement part of a larger deal—or simply a coincidence? Either way, this story isn’t over for public opinion.
Stay locked in with NoirOnlineOrg for the latest on this developing story.
Following the news of Shannon Sharpe settling the lawsuit, the female accuser gabriella zuniga has announced her retirement from OnlyFans, she is hanging up her jersey folks pic.twitter.com/ZCniDwrpCB
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@Chatnigga101) July 20, 2025
Shannon Sharpe settled with that kid over them sexual assault allegations for $50 million & she released a statement saying she’s retired from Only Fans … I’m just so disappointed in Shannon, he let that white kid get away with the oldest trick in the game & now she’s rich 🥴
Shannon Sharpe got caught up due to a few things but mostly because he has paper. Most of the time a girl will not go this length if you’re broke and the fact that the girl was an only fans character. She seen an opportunity but the major proof was just not there.
Since the Cowboy Carter Tour began, all anyone can talk about (besides Beyoncé herself) are Blue Ivy and Rumi, and TikTok creator Steven Etienne (@thestevensteven) knows this. He’s gained thousands of followers leaning into the “Manager Blue” meme, playing a version of “Manager Blue” to millions of viewers, taking the iconic meme to a whole new level.
In each hilarious clip, Steven appears as Blue Ivy, writing long emails to Rumi, Beyoncé and even Jay-Z after each show with extensive notes on their performances. Steven’s Blue Ivy character brings the “manager” meme to life, with fans eating up every single video he posts. We caught up with Etienne, breaking down what inspired him to craft this larger-than-life version of Blue.
“We’ve all been able to have fun with the whole Blue Ivy ‘managerial allegations’ since she was born, pretty much,” Etienne tells us. “So, after Rumi was first revealed in ‘PROTECTOR,’ I just had the thought of, ‘What if this was actually occurring, and Blue Ivy is over here sending emails to the family down the hallway?’ In my head, it was just funny.”
Millions of TikTok users clearly agree. Typing on a bag of rice, Steven (as Blue Ivy) writes these stern letters to her sister, about remembering to follow the right steps in the choreography, to stop distracting her mother from doing her job right, and more.
Etienne has also incorporated some physical comedy into the bit as well. Instead of typing on a computer or on his desk to have this effect, however, he types on a bag of rice (to hilarious effects). He tells us that using the bag of rice, while outlandish and hilarious, was more of a logistical decision than anything else.
“When I did the video my very first time and I was watching it back, I was typing on the table and it was shaking the camera,” he explained. “I looked to my left and I had just gone food shopping … I grabbed the bag of rice and it seemed to work, the phone was no longer shaking and boom, we were in business.”
He explained that that the bag “just so happened” to sound like a computer, so he kept leaning in, even letting the bag of rice appear in the frame. As he explains, the videos are heightened on purpose, and he tries to make them as “ridiculous” as he can.
The videos have continued to grow, along with his following. Now, in addition to the post-show email videos, Steven has appeared as both Beyoncé and Rumi, parodying all of the times Rumi has hyped the crowd up. In one clip with over a million views, Steven replied to a comment saying that Rumi was “about to crowd surf,” playing Rumi, Bey and Blue as Rumi attempts to jump into the crowd of her adoring fans.
The comments are always filled with hilarious reactions and suggestions, which Etienne explains to us is where he draws a lot of inspiration. “The comments really tell me what to do,” he says. Now, his fans literally comment about how they can’t wait for “Blue’s” reviews of each show. An Atlanta-based artist, he got to attend the shows there, which, as we reported, we clearly some of the best in the entire run.
In the days since he started making these videos, more and more eyes have seen his work. A pinch me moment for Etienne came when host of The Read podcast Crissle West, gave him a shoutout on a recent episode of the show. Comments were flooded with fans saying “The Read” and “Crissle” sent them there.
As for whether or not Etienne plans to continue this stylized character of Blue, Rumi and Beyoncé post the Cowboy Carter World Tour? It’s unlikely, at least while they aren’t performing for us.
“I think it’s fun to have fun with this whole thing during their professional, front-facing work,” he explains. “But, when they’re not working, I don’t know if its fun to pretend like they’re not real people and just make up stories, you know? So, I think as a respect to them, this will only happen when they are working.”
He concluded, “There are already people being like, ‘After the tour you should do Blue Ivy talking about this or that,’ and I’m like, one, I don’t know her. Two, she’s 13! Three, it has nothing to do with her work as a professional dancer right now.” Once this tour is done, he’ll be “leaving” the Blue Ivy character alone, and we’re sure there are plenty of other pop culture figures he can tackle next.
The USDA recently announced that race and gender will no longer be deciding factors when giving out increased benefits to programs.
This decision comes as the final rule, where the agricultural department said the “socially disadvantaged” designation for racial minorities and women will no longer be used in key programs.
USDA’s decision is a result of President Donald Trump’s executive order to undo all diversity, equity and inclusion aspects in the federal government. The department said it does not have an interest in correcting historical discrimination, since it has made extensive progress so far.
With this announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said it will be impartial to race.
“President Trump has directed the cabinet to scrutinize all programs for illegal and unfair discrimination,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in a statement. “As long as I am Secretary of Agriculture, when we find leftover Biden discrimination in our programs, we will hold those persons who have committed these insidious acts accountable and take swift action.”
A House Agriculture Committee member, Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, said this 1900 “socially disadvantaged” designation has helped farmers of color gain access to land and credit in USDA agencies.
“This move isn’t about fairness or efficiency. It’s about erasing history and stripping the tools that help level the playing field,” Brown said in a statement. “USDA must be held accountable, and Congress must act to protect the farmers this country has long ignored.”
The tech world is still reeling from the kiss cam scandal that derailed the careers of two high-ranking executives at Astronomer, a once little-known DataOps company now thrust into a brutal public spotlight. Less than 72 hours after a Coldplay concert in Boston set off a firestorm of controversy, CEO Andy Byron has officially resigned from his post.
Astronomer Breaks Its Silence: “Our Leaders Are Expected to Set the Standard”
In a no-nonsense statement issued to Page Six on Saturday, Astronomer confirmed that Byron had “tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.” The company emphasized that the departure was a reflection of its values, not just public pressure.
“As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” the statement reads.
The board also announced that it would begin a formal search for the company’s next Chief Executive. In the interim, Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will continue to serve as CEO. He, too, has not escaped the mess entirely unscathed. He previously joked about the viral footage in a now-deleted internal Slack message.
The Video That Sparked a Firestorm
The drama began Wednesday night at Coldplay’s concert in the Boston area when a stadium jumbotron zeroed in on Byron and Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s head of Human Resources, seated side by side. As the camera lingered, the two appeared visibly startled, leaning away from each other and attempting to hide from the lens in a move that felt less like stage fright and more like damage control.
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin even called attention to the moment mid-song, quipping, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
It didn’t take long for the internet to run with the former theory and receipts. Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, who quickly removed his surname from her Facebook profile and then deactivated her account altogether following the incident. The public has yet to hear from Megan, but the message was clear. The family was blindsided.
As for Kristin Cabot, her personal life now appears equally murky. Though she finalized a divorce from Kenneth Thornby in 2022, Massachusetts property records and recent photos suggest she may now be married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum. The pair co-own a home in New Hampshire and appear in multiple family photos together with two children. Notably, Kristin is seen wearing a wedding ring in several of them.
The Alyssa Stoddard Mix-Up: Astronomer Quashes False Twitter Rumors
In the whirlwind aftermath, social media added fuel to the fire by misidentifying the woman next to Kristin in the kiss cam footage as Astronomer employee Alyssa Stoddard, who reports to Cabot. On Friday, the company issued a sharp correction via LinkedIn.
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video,” the company stated. “This is a rumor started on Twitter. There may be some similarities in the countenance of the person, but it’s not [Stoddard].”
The company reiterated that an investigation had already been launched and that Byron and Cabot had both been placed on leave pending its outcome. That process was still underway when Byron suddenly resigned on Saturday, cutting short what was likely to become a prolonged public spectacle.
Damage Control at Warp Speed: DeJoy Steps In
Interim CEO Pete DeJoy now finds himself at the helm of a company in crisis. Astronomer’s name has become synonymous with corporate scandal virtually overnight. Still, the company insists the core of their business remains strong.
“While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not,” the company said. “We’re continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.”
For a company previously known only to insiders in the data infrastructure space, the exposure has been both a curse and, oddly, a kind of grotesque marketing miracle. Astronomer has trended multiple times on Twitter and TikTok, with thousands of memes, reaction videos, and hot takes flooding the timeline.
But behind the laughter, the fallout is real and personal. Two high-powered executives are gone. Marriages may be in tatters. A company’s reputation now dangles on the edge of a tightrope strung between data science and damage control.
