The late, great Michael Jackson is one of the most accomplished musicians in history, and this year, perhaps his most iconic music video reached yet another benchmark: “Thriller” netted a billion views on YouTube. If you’re surprised that the video is just now hitting the mark, check this — it’s actually his fourth music video to achieve the honor. “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “They Don’t Care About Us” all reached the billion-view mark first.

“Michael Jackson is the first artist in history to have four 20th century music videos surpass 1 billion views on YouTube: Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It and They Don’t Care About Us. That’s dope. A man who has been deceased for 15 years still breaking records,” music journalist Kia Turner said on X.

The music video was legendary from the moment it debuted on MTV in December 1983, and this week’s benchmark reminded people of just how monumental of a moment it was.

“This is how storytelling was pioneered in music videos by the way. All your favs have to thank a 25-year-old Michael Jackson who decided it was time for a revolution,” X user @thatsadchicken said.

Music videos are perhaps the most powerful element of Michael Jackson’s legacy, known for Jackson’s agile dance moves and dynamic storytelling. But the video for “Thriller” was another level. The Guardian reports that superstars like Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Rock Hudson and Jackie Kennedy Onassis visited the October 1983 set, while Eddie Murphy, Prince and Diana Ross attended the video’s premiere to a private audience. Jackson’s red leather jacket, the choreography of the dancing zombies, and other elements of the video have become timeless elements of pop culture, often spurring annual revisits around Halloween.

“Don’t ever compare anyone to Michael Jackson ever again. Closing in on having FIVE videos with over a billion views each four decades after release? EVER AGAIN!!!” X user @wowthatshiphop proclaimed.

Amid this celebration, it’s also a bittersweet moment: the Jackson family and music fans are mourning the loss of Tito Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5 and Michael’s brother.

Not only was Tito a talented musician,, but he was also a key figure in the success of the Jackson 5.

“RIP Tito Jackson. Without his courage to defy his dad and pick up his guitar, we might have not witnessed the birth of the Jackson 5 or seen Michael Jackson become the greatest entertainer. Tito’s talent as a guitarist was the foundation of it all,” X user @iamveronica777 said.

His passing also reminds fans of the Jackson family’s contributions to the music industry, and the undeniable impact his family continues to have on Black culture.

The abrupt closure of all four locations of Kevin Hart’s fast-food vegan restaurant chain Hart House in Los Angeles has industry experts musing over the staying power of vegan food businesses.

When Hart joined forces with Andy Hooper, the former president of the &pizza chain, to launch Hart House in 2022, the plan was to open 100 locations in five years. The menu offerings included plant-based “burg’rs” and “chick’n” sandwiches, among other items, which aligned with Hart’s transition to mostly a plant-based diet in 2020. Hooper was also interested in eventually entering the consumer packaged goods business.

Hart House initially opened to widespread acclaim and support. The sensational TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee gave Hart House a rave review when he visited in 2023. He praised the establishment for its affordability, sandwiches are under $8 and combos are under $15, and called the sandwich he tried “amazing.”

Now, after the company closed all of its locations, some experts are calling the plan “ambitious.”

According to The Food Institute, Hart House faced an increase in California’s minimum wage from $15.50 to $20 (when the company already offered higher pay, generous health coverage, and employee benefits) and an oversaturated market.

“Consumers may have viewed Hart House as more of a novelty than a serious player in the fast-food industry,” Bassem Mostafa, lead market analyst and owner of Globemonitor Market Research Agency, told The Food Institute.

He continued, “While Kevin Hart’s star power brought visibility, it didn’t necessarily translate into sustained foot traffic or customer retention, both of which are critical for survival in the competitive restaurant space.”

Hart House is far from the only vegan food business to close up shop recently. The Food Institute also reports a “wave” of closures around the country, including the Veggie Grill chain closing 40% of its locations, Stalk & Speed in Minneapolis, Wild Thing in Oregon, and VegeNation in Las Vegas.

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“The response to the product has been incredible, and we thank our committed team, our customers, and our community partners for helping make the change we all craved, and for their unwavering support of Hart House,” Hooper noted in a statement confirming the closure of Hart House according to The Food Institute.

High and increasing operating costs in an already saturated market could mean Hart House simply couldn’t stand up to the competition in its previous form. Instead of using Beyond or Impossible patties like many other establishments offering vegan options, Hart House had devised its own. While Lee seemed to enjoy it, others have expressed the opposite sentiment recently.  

According to the Daily Mail, some have any gone as far as to compare Hart House to other Black-owned vegan brands like the highly successful Slutty Vegan. Whether the reviews have been made in good faith or not is hard to tell, however, we do know Hart most likely doesn’t care.

During a recent episode of his podcast, “Gold Minds with Kevin Hart,” he told his fellow “Fright Night” co-star Chloe Bailey that he “never” reads reviews concerning “any” of his material — good or bad.

“I don’t get caught up in the good or the bad version of it, because what I get caught up in is having an idea, then telling myself that I’m going to do the idea, collaborating with people to do it, finishing it, then seeing the idea on the big screen, or on the small screen, or in script form,” he said, adding, “I go, ‘Man, good for me. I put my mind on something and I finished it.’ So, I’m happy with the fact that I can do the things that I say I’m going to do. Other people’s opinions of that thing does not affect my joy about my goal of completing [it].”

What’s to come of Hart House is still a mystery, although a goodbye statement on the company’s Instagram does hint at a “next chapter.” 

14

Emmy-winning hit series Abbott Elementary is set to return for its highly anticipated fourth season on October 9. The beloved mockumentary-style comedy has captured hearts with its charming portrayal of life at an underfunded Philadelphia public school, and its star-studded cast will be back for another year of witty, heartfelt antics.

As Abbott Elementary continues to grow in popularity, so too does the compensation for its cast members. According to a new report from Deadline, the show’s top actors are receiving significant pay raises for their performances this season, with some doubling or even tripling their previous earnings.

Quinta Brunson

Series creator and star Quinta Brunson, who portrays optimistic young teacher Janine Teagues, is set to receive a substantial increase in her acting salary. Brunson, who won an Emmy for her work on the show, is reportedly earning between $350,000 and $400,000 per episode in season 4. Beyond her acting role, Brunson holds an overall deal with Warner Bros. TV, covering her duties as the show’s executive producer.

Tyler James Williams

Golden Globe-winning actor Tyler James Williams, who plays the reserved yet earnest teacher Gregory Eddie, is also seeing a sizable pay raise. He is reportedly earning $250,000 per episode this season.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph, whose portrayal of the wise and nurturing teacher Barbara Howard earned her an Emmy, will reportedly be receiving $250,000 per episode. Ralph’s performance has been one of the show’s highlights, and her increased salary reflects her crucial role in the ensemble.

Janelle James

Comedian Janelle James, who steals scenes as the quirky and unpredictable principal Ava Coleman, will reportedly be earning $200,000 per episode this season. Her character’s outlandish behavior has become a fan favorite, and the pay raise mirrors her impact on the series.

Lisa Ann Walter

Lisa Ann Walter, who plays the tough but caring teacher Melissa Schemmenti, is also seeing a bump in pay, with a reported $200,000 per episode salary for season 4. Walter’s character has been essential to the show’s dynamic, offering both humor and heart.

Chris Perfetti

Chris Perfetti, who portrays socially conscious teacher Jacob Hill, will reportedly earn $200,000 per episode this season. Perfetti’s character provides both comic relief and an earnest perspective, making him an essential part of the ensemble cast.

William Stanford Davis

William Stanford Davis, who started as a recurring character and became a series regular in season 2, is receiving a significant raise for his portrayal of the sarcastic and ever-resourceful janitor Mr. Johnson. Davis will reportedly earn $100,000 per episode this season, marking his first major pay increase as a regular on the show.

As Abbott Elementary heads into its fourth season, the increased salaries reflect not only the success of the show but also the value and talent each actor brings to the series. With the promise of more laughter, heartfelt moments, and sharp social commentary, fans are eager to see what’s in store for the beloved teachers and staff of Willard R. Abbott Elementary.

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The Gladiators are reuniting in the name of democracy once again. 

The cast of Shonda Rhimes’ hit show “Scandal” will be coming back together to join Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz in Michigan for their Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour. Actors Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, Guillermo Díaz, Bellamy Young, Katie Lowes, Dan Bucatinsky, Scott Foley, Portia de Rossi, George Newbern, Jeff Perry and Cornelius Smith Jr. will join the Harris-Walz campaign’s canvass launch in Madison Heights. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast’s appearance on the political tour is part of the Democratic presidential candidate’s strategy to win the 2024 elections. According to the Harris-Walz campaign, the tour’s mission is to “emphasize the stark contrast between Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, who will restore the protections of Roe v. Wade when Congress passes a bill to do so, and Donald Trump and JD Vance, who will enact their dangerous Project 2025 agenda to ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to birth control, force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions, and jeopardize access to IVF.”

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Having started on Sept. 3 in Florida, the Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour plans to travel to key states across the country to discuss the stakes of reproductive rights with both Democratic and Republican communities. During the latest presidential debate, the focus turned to abortion rights and in vitro fertilization (IVF), when Harris pledged to reinstate nationwide reproductive rights, while Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, declined to commit to vetoing a nationwide abortion ban if he wins reelection. 

In August, “Scandal” stars Washington and Goldwyn, known for their iconic roles as Olivia Pope and fictional President Fitzgerald Grant, thrilled fans by reuniting to co-host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Through the years, Washington has become known for her political advocacy. A vocal Democratic supporter, the actress has not only partnered with non-profits to discuss abortion rights but also launched her own non-profit, Influence Change, which “recruits fellow artists to promote civic engagement.”

“Democracies work best when everyone votes. As someone in the public eye, it’s important to me to remind people of their political power and to share whatever information I have that helps them to step into their power,” she said, as previously reported by theGrio. “Artists, musicians, athletes, actors, and creators have a unique opportunity to encourage voters. The combined reach of our networks can be leveraged to inspire participation and ensure that more people take their rightful place as active participants in our democracy. I don’t speak out because I am an artist, I speak out because I am an American.”

Djimon Hounsou is an extremely accomplished actor, delivering memorable performances in fan favorites like “Gladiator,” “Beauty Shop,” and “Amistad” that have earned him Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. However, even with all his popularity and credits, he has questions about his financial worth in the film industry.

In a new cover story for OkayAfrica, Hounsou reaffirmed previous comments that he’s being “cheated” in Hollywood.

“Not much has changed since then, so I still feel that way. I stay with the same quote that I said,” the “A Quiet Place: Day One” actor said.

Hounsou was referring to a 2023 interview he did with The Guardian, in which he explained that he’s “still struggling to try to make a dollar.”

“I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades,” he said. “So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well.”

Why do we constantly find ourselves back at this place where Black actors are forced to advocate for their money publicly? No matter how talented, acclaimed and popular they are, Black actors have to prove their value over and over. You don’t see stars like Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman or Hugh Grant forced to repeatedly justify themselves.

What’s really interesting about Hounsou’s comments is that he doesn’t seem to be receiving the same level of vitriol as Taraji P. Henson did when she made her feelings known about being underpaid.

We know that when women stand up for themselves it never takes long for misogyny to rear its ugly head, but she was called out of her name for weeks and blamed for the poor box office performance of the 2023 remake of “The Color Purple.” Meanwhile, it’s totally OK for men to be upset about their money.

Djimon Hounsou has a career many actors envy. He has an unmatched star presence, bringing gravitas and class to every role. He should not be disrespected in this manner.

It’s yet another example of how Hollywood keeps dropping the ball on Black talent.

16

Anime fans, get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience! Crunchyroll, the premier destination for anime worldwide, has just announced that it has acquired the North American and select international theatrical rights for Solo Leveling -ReAwakening-, an epic fan experience that promises to take you deeper into the world of Solo Leveling. This highly anticipated feature will hit theaters in the United States and Canada on December 6, 2024, with Crunchyroll teaming up with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring it to the big screen.

Solo Leveling fans, get ready for a treat! Solo Leveling -ReAwakening is dropping a recap of season 1 and a sneak peek of the first two episodes of season 2. It’s like getting a double dose of awesomeness. Based on a popular web novel, this anime has been blowing people away with its amazing visuals. The first season was a hit, and the second season is shaping up to be even better. So, mark your calendars for January 2025 and get ready to be amazed!

In this special theatrical experience, fans will relive the journey of Sung Jinwoo, the so-called “Weakest Hunter of All Mankind,” who gains the unique ability to level up like a video game character after a near-death encounter in a mysterious double dungeon. The stakes have never been higher, and audiences will get a glimpse of what’s to come as Jinwoo’s journey continues in the second season.

The Solo Leveling anime is about to be a total banger! It’s being made by A-1 Pictures, the same folks who did Sword Art Online. The visuals are gonna be insane, thanks to Production I.G, the studio behind Attack on Titan and PSYCHO-PASS. The director, Shunsuke Nakashige, is a pro at this, and the soundtrack is by the legendary Hiroyuki Sawano, with some help from TOMORROW X TOGETHER. The characters and monsters look super cool, thanks to Tomoko Sudo and Hirotaka Tokuda. Get ready for an epic ride!

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Pharrell Williams is not a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the multi-hyphenate star shared his more “humanitarian” perspective on politics and his opinions on the music and entertainment industries getting involved in elections. 

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people trying to help people. Not sure I’ll ever vote far right. I won’t do that,” he said reportedly laughing. “But I don’t really do politics. Some policies I lean into; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW [whose mission is equity through education], and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps Black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition — those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As thousands of men and women rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings on stars publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow either party to feature his music in their campaigns, just as Beyoncé did for Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes gets “annoyed” by celebrities’ involvement in politics. 

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“I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for]. There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them. I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you,’” he explained. “When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and shit, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!’”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have become pivotal parts of political campaigns for both parties. Though Williams appears to have no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he did show public support for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a cease-and-desist letter for using his song “Happy” during one of his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, during a Clinton rally in 2016. “But I’m a human. I’m a human being with a family, a human being that shares this Earth with other human beings. This election is just too important. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines and just be quiet.”

Social media users quickly called out Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments. 

“Respectfully disagree, Pharrell. Informed voices can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“This is a privileged take lol,” another added. 

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ hot take reminds us how important it is to do research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote. 

5

Elena, the young Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, captivated Spain during her recent promotional tour for her second album, ¿Qué Tú Te Crees?, featuring the hit single “No Quiero Amarte.”

With this new album, Elena once again showcases her unique talent and ability to reinvent herself, offering fans a collection of songs and rhythms that explore new musical dimensions in her career.

During her visit to Spain, Elena participated in several interviews, sharing her excitement about the album and expressing her gratitude to her fans. The artist stated, “Spain, you were something truly special.” She also had the chance to visit the historic city of Toledo and even made a stop in Portugal.

Each of her appearances was an unforgettable experience, allowing the young Puerto Rican artist to connect with her audience. Elena will continue her extensive promotional tour in Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.

¿Qué Tú Te Crees? is available on all digital platforms. Fans can stay up-to-date with Elena’s latest news and upcoming projects through her official social media channels.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Journalists at a news site that covers the Haitian community in the United States say they’ve been harassed and intimidated with racist messages for covering a fake story about immigrants eating the pets of people in an Ohio town.

One editor at the Haitian Times, a 25-year-old online publication, was “swatted” this week with police turning up at her home to investigate a false report of a gruesome crime. The news site canceled a community forum it had planned for Springfield, Ohio and has shut down public comments on its stories about the issue because of threats and vile posts.

The Times, which had the Committee to Protect Journalists conduct safety training for its journalists in Haiti, has now asked for advice on how to protect staff in the United States, said Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher.

“We’ve never faced anything like this,” Pierre-Pierre said Wednesday.

The site says it isn’t backing down

The Times has debunked and aggressively covered the aftermath of the story about immigrants supposedly eating the dogs and cats of other Springfield residents, as it was spread by Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump’s Republican running mate in the presidential election, and Trump himself in his debate with Democrat Kamala Harris.

Despite receiving hundreds of these messages, the site isn’t backing down, said Pierre-Pierre, a former reporter at The New York Times who echoed a mission statement from his old employer in making that promise.

“We do not want to hibernate,” he said. “We’re taking the precautions that are necessary. But our first duty is to tell the truth without fear or favor, and we have no fear.”

Pierre-Pierre, who emigrated to the United States in 1975, started the Haitian Times to cover issues involving first- and second-generation Haitians in the United States, along with reporting on what is happening in their ancestral home. It started as a print publication that went online only in 2012 and now averages 10,000 to 15,000 visitors a day, although its readership has expanded in recent weeks.

Macollvie Neel, the New York-based special projects editor, was the staff member who had police officers show up at her doorstep on Monday.

It was triggered when a Haitian advocacy group received an email about a crime at Neel’s address. They, in turn, notified police who showed up to investigate. Not only did the instigators know where Neel lived, they covered their tracks by funneling the report through another organization, she said.

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Neel said she had a premonition something like this might happen, based on hateful messages she received. But it’s still intimidating, made more so because the police who responded were not aware of the concept of doxxing, or tracing people online for the purpose of harassment. She said police searched her home and left.

She was always aware that journalism, by its nature, can make people unhappy with you. This takes the threat to an entirely new level. Racist hate groups who are ready to seize on any issue are sophisticated and well-funded, she said.

“This is a new form of domestic terrorism,” she said, “and we have to treat it as such.”

They’re receiving some backup

Katherine Jacobsen, the Committee to Protect Journalists’ U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator, said it’s a particularly acute case of journalists being harassed in retaliation for their coverage of a story. “It’s outrageous,” she said. “We should not be having this conversation. Yet we are.”

Even before Springfield received national attention in recent weeks, the Haitian Times had been covering the influx of immigrants to the Midwest in search of jobs and a lower cost of living, Pierre-Pierre said. A story currently on its site about Springfield details how the furor “reflects America’s age-old battle with newcomers it desperately needs to survive.”

Another article on the site talks about the NAACP, Haitian-American groups and other activists from across the country coming to the aid of Springfield residents caught in the middle of the story.

Similarly, the Times has heard from several other journalists — including from Pierre-Pierre’s old employer — who have offered support. “I’m deeply touched,” he said.