California judge has dismissed a sexual harassment and wrongful termination lawsuit filed against Will Smith by a former touring violinist. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for the “King Richard” star, who has faced increased public scrutiny in the years following the 94th Academy Awards. U.S. District Court records indicate the judge granted Smith’s request to toss the lawsuit filed by Brian King Joseph. In the ruling, the judge determined that the allegations failed to meet the legal threshold for sexual harassment because the conduct described was not “sufficiently severe or pervasive” to qualify under the law. Joseph, who performed as a violinist on tour with Smith, alleged in his complaint that he was the victim of grooming and harassment. The central incident involved an alleged break-in at Joseph’s hotel room during the tour. According to the lawsuit, Joseph returned to his room to find a disturbing note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back … just us,” signed by an individual identified as “Stone F.” The plaintiff further claimed the intruder left behind a variety of personal items, including a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication prescribed to an unknown person. Joseph alleged that Smith’s camp retaliated against him and eventually terminated his employment after he reported the security breach to hotel management. However, the judge noted several deficiencies in the complaint. The ruling highlighted a lack of evidence tying Smith or his immediate management to the room entry, particularly since Joseph’s bag—which contained his room key—had been left in a van with numerous crew members before being returned to him. Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has consistently maintained his client’s innocence since the claims first surfaced. “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky said. “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims.” While the dismissal is a victory for the actor, it may not be the end of the legal battle. The judge reportedly granted Joseph the opportunity to amend his complaint to address the factual gaps identified by the court. If Joseph chooses to file an amended version with more specific allegations, the case could potentially move forward.

A$AP Rocky turned a brief red carpet exchange into a viral hip-hop moment after entertaining the idea of battling Zohran Mamdani on the mic during the Met Gala. The Harlem rapper attended the star-studded event earlier this week when a reporter floated the possibility of a lyrical showdown between Rocky and the newly elected New York City mayor. Instead of brushing off the question, Rocky leaned into it immediately. “That was fire. I like that,” Rocky said in a clip shared by Variety. “Actually, yes, I am.” A$AP Rocky laughs when asked about a potential rap battle with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Who you got your money on?”#MetGala pic.twitter.com/GSo7kwcqoC — Variety (@Variety) May 5, 2026 Moments later, the rapper doubled down and threw out a challenge of his own. “Who you got your money on?” Rocky asked while smiling at cameras gathered along the carpet. The exchange exploded online within hours. Hip-hop fans quickly debated whether the mayor could survive against one of Harlem’s biggest rap stars. Social media users also revisited Mamdani’s lesser-known music background. Rapper A$AP Rocky Gives Hilarious Response To Proposed Rap Battle Against Mayor Zohran Mamdani Before entering politics, the mayor recorded music under the name Mr. Cardamom. During his campaign run, Mamdani occasionally referenced hip-hop culture while connecting with younger voters across New York City. Rocky’s comments also reignited discussion surrounding his own political ambitions. In a January 2026 interview with Esquire, the rapper, born Rakim Mayers, revealed he had considered a possible mayoral campaign in 2029. During that interview, Rocky spoke openly about issues affecting New Yorkers, including subway costs, inflation, healthcare access, and poor street conditions. He tied those concerns to his upbringing in Harlem. Outside music, Rocky has continued investing in his community. Reports previously revealed he covered rent for tenants connected to a Harlem property owned by his family. He also supported residents at the Regent Family Residence shelter, where he once lived. The viral Met Gala moment arrives as Rocky continues his international tour and maintains momentum from his latest release alongside frequent public appearances with Rihanna.

Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak sparked fresh romance speculation after the pair stepped out together Thursday night in Los Angeles. The Grammy-winning musicians attended a screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Westfield Century City, where onlookers spotted them walking hand in hand through the theater complex. Anderson .Paak arrived in a glittering suit that matched the upscale event’s stylish atmosphere. Carey complemented the evening in a shimmering dark outfit as the two stayed close throughout the outing. Fans quickly shared photos and reactions online, fueling months of dating rumors surrounding the collaborators. Speculation involving the pair first emerged in late 2024 after they were seen spending time together during the holidays in Aspen. Their recent studio collaborations only intensified fans’ curiosity, prompting questions about whether the relationship had become more personal. Mariah Carey & Anderson .Paak Spotted Out Months After Jeannie Mai Kiss In Los Angeles Neither Carey nor Anderson .Paak has publicly confirmed a romance. However, Thursday’s appearance marked one of their most affectionate public moments to date. The sighting also arrives after Anderson .Paak faced separate dating rumors involving Jeannie Mai earlier this year. Social media users speculated about a possible connection after the two appeared together several times in recent months. Neither star addressed the reports publicly. Fans flooded social platforms following Thursday’s outing, with many calling the hand-holding moment the strongest indication yet of a relationship between Carey and Anderson .Paak. One fan wrote, “They really look happy together.” Another added, “Mariah and Anderson .Paak were not on my 2026 bingo card, but I love this.” Despite growing public interest, both artists remain silent about the speculation. Still, their glamorous Los Angeles appearance has amplified fascination surrounding the rumored romance and left fans eager for answers.

Recording artist D4vd remains at the center of a widening criminal case after his younger brother, Caleb Burke, publicly denied allegations linking him to the investigation surrounding the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. In a series of Instagram Story posts published Thursday, Caleb Burke said online speculation falsely portrayed him as someone who concealed information about the alleged relationship between D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, and the 14-year-old girl prosecutors say he later killed. “I’ve been wanting to say something for a while, but I have to be careful,” Burke wrote. “This is an ongoing legal matter. I don’t want to make this horrible situation about me. I want justice for Celeste and her family.” Prosecutors charged D4vd with murder following his April 16 arrest. Investigators allege the singer communicated with Hernandez for several years before the relationship allegedly became romantic. Authorities further claim the pair remained in contact before her disappearance earlier this year. Burke rejected allegations circulating on social media accusing him of shielding his brother from scrutiny or knowing details tied to the investigation. D4vd’s Brother Caleb Burk Wants Justice For Celeste Rivas Hernandez “I’ve seen people say that I knew what was going on and was protecting my brother,” Burke wrote. “That is not true at all. I have not lived with my brother for years and was not very close with him.” Burke also denied claims that he secretly brought Hernandez backstage during concerts. He said he encountered the teenager only a few times at performances. “People have even gone as far as to say that I was sneaking her backstage, which is not true,” he wrote. The 18-year-old further disputed accusations that he attempted to use the case to revive his music career amid widespread media attention. “My intent has never been to use this to bring attention to myself or my music,” Burke stated. Prosecutors additionally accused D4vd of attempting to mutilate Hernandez’s body after her death. Court records show a preliminary hearing remains scheduled for later this month.

Thousands of parents who fall behind on child support payments could soon lose their passports under an expanded federal enforcement effort, officials said Thursday. The U.S. State Department plans to begin revoking passports for individuals with significant unpaid child support, marking a shift in how a decades-old law is enforced. The move is expected to begin with the most severe cases before expanding to a broader population.  Initially, the policy will target parents who owe $100,000 or more in unpaid child support. Officials estimate roughly 2,700 passport holders fall into that category. The program will later expand to include parents who owe more than $2,500, a threshold established under a 1996 federal law that has historically been underutilized. Expansion of Existing Law Federal law has long allowed the government to deny or revoke passports for individuals with substantial child support arrears. The measure stems from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Until now, enforcement typically occurred when individuals applied for a new passport or renewal. The updated policy allows officials to act proactively, using data from the Department of Health and Human Services. Officials say the goal is to increase compliance and ensure children receive financial support. “We are expanding a commonsense practice that has been proven effective,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar. “Once these parents resolve their debts, they can once again enjoy the privilege of a U.S. passport,” Namdar added. Authorities noted that individuals who settle their debts or arrange payment plans can have their passport privileges restored. Impact and Enforcement The expanded enforcement could affect tens of thousands of Americans, though exact figures are still being compiled by federal and state agencies. Parents who are abroad when their passports are revoked will still be able to return home. They can obtain limited emergency travel documents from U.S. embassies or consulates.  The policy builds on an existing program that officials say has already helped collect hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid child support since its launch in 1998.  Government officials emphasized that the effort is not punitive, but corrective. “We are taking this action precisely to impel these parents to do the right thing,” the State Department said in a statement.  Advocates for child welfare say the measure could provide stronger incentives for compliance, particularly for those who have avoided payment while maintaining the ability to travel internationally. The rollout is expected to begin immediately, with broader enforcement phases anticipated in the coming months.

Amber Rose says she may have been behind Kanye West’s infamous crashout of Taylor Swift’s 2009 VMA speech. ​Appearing on the latest episode of Ball in the Family Podcast, Rose claimed she helped to egg West on throughout the evening. ​”It’s partially my fault,” Rose said. ​Earlier in the evening, West and Rose had been drinking from a bottle of Hennessy, which did not help. ​”I’m like, ‘Babe, you got that bottle of Hennessy upstairs, like, you a superstar. You need to get the Henny… We need to be, you know, just taking shots of Henny on the carpet,” recalled Rose to podcast cohosts LiAngelo Ball, Anthony Salazar, and Darren Moore. “I’m hyping him up. He’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, let me go get the Henny.’” Even on the red carpet, West was seen with a cognac, offering it to other celebrities he came across. ​”And it kind of backfired,” Rose admitted. ​After drinking throughout the ceremony, when the award for Best Female Video was given to Swift for “You Belong With Me” instead of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” West rushed the stage. “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you,” he said, taking the microphone from the 19-year-old singer. “I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!” Rose barely had time to react. “I’m just sitting there, and then he’s on stage and I’m like, ‘Oh s—t,’” she recalled. “I was not expecting that… Do I agree with how he did it? No. But was he right? Yes.” West and Rose called it quits the following year. Although West and Swift would reconcile, they famously clashed again in 2016 over his “Famous” lyric: “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex.” The drama peaked when Kim Kardashian, Ye’s then-wife, released audio of a phone call suggesting Swift had approved the line.

Jaylen Brown did not take kindly to Stephen A. Smith’s recent critiques of him. After the Boston Celtics postseason exit, Brown hopped on Twitch to vent his frustrations with the officiating. The outburst earned him a $50,000 fine, but rather than backing down, Brown later doubled down on his critique. Brown claimed this was his “favorite season” of his career. It was a surprising admission that turned heads across the league, especially since it came just days after a disappointing elimination and only two years after his 2024 championship run. “I hate that our president of basketball operations even had to respond to this,” Brown said. “Me and Brad have a great relationship. I love Boston. And if it was up to me, I could play in Boston for the next 10 years.”  Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown goes live on Twitch a day after his team blew a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers and admits that Joel Embiid dominated them despite his previous comments saying the 76ers were better without him “We’ve been streaming all year. All season,… pic.twitter.com/6ME5DIC2gL — Slime (@ItsKingSlime) May 4, 2026 Smith took time to addresse Brown’s comments on ESPN’s “First Take.” “You got knocked out in the first round,” Smith said. “The Boston Celtics, one of the top two most storied franchises, if not the most storied franchise in the history of basketball, lost a 3-1 lead for the first time in its postseason history.”  “The first order of business is that he needs to be quiet and… go on vacation unless you’re trying to get traded,” Smith continued. Brown responded to Smith on social media. I’ll “be quiet” / stop streaming if you “be quiet” and retire let’s give the people what they want https://t.co/uRiHDyvIHo — Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) May 7, 2026 “I’ll ‘be quiet’ / stop streaming if you ‘be quiet’ and retire let’s give the people what they want,” Brown wrote on social media.  Of course, Smith would let that one slide. “Bro, I got love for you so I’m not going to even go there. Folks are looking out for you and you don’t even realize it. Here you are making this kind of noise and it hasn’t even been a week since you lost a 3-1 lead. You’re HOME. A champion and a Finals MVP saying his favorite season is the season he’s home in the FIRST ROUND. This is not about ME. It’s about YOU….and what YOU SAID. Enjoy your offseason.” Brown also expressed his regret for Brad Stephens having to address the situation at press conference. “I hate that our president of basketball operations even had to respond to this,” Brown said. “Me and Brad have a great relationship. I love Boston. And if it was up to me, I could play in Boston for the next 10 years.” 

Fresh off the release of Bully, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) spent part of this week in an Atlanta courtroom defending himself in a copyright dispute tied to his 2021 DONDA listening event. Four producers—DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, John Mease, and Dan Seeff—claim Ye improperly used portions of their track “MSD PT2” within the unreleased “Hurricane Demo.” The case centers on whether the material was cleared before it appeared during the high-profile stadium showcase. This showcase helped launch the DONDA rollout. While the legal arguments were technical, the hearing occasionally drifted into the strange mix of tension and spectacle. This mix has long followed West’s public life. One exchange, in particular, cut through the courtroom formality. During questioning, West’s attorney referenced the Grammy-winning collaboration with JAY-Z by using the censored title “Brothers in Paris.” Ye paused before replying, “What’s the real name?” This prompted laughter throughout the room. According to reports from inside the courthouse, the mood quickly settled afterward. Then testimony returned to the subject of sampling and licensing. Ye maintained that his team followed standard industry procedure before using any material connected to the event. Ye cracked a joke while testifying in court today during a ‘DONDA’ copyright trial While going over his career accolades, his attorney asked whether he won a Grammy for “Brothers in Paris.” Ye replied: “What’s the real name?” The courtroom gallery reportedly broke out in… pic.twitter.com/Y8slTgpTRN — Kurrco (@Kurrco) May 6, 2026 ye Defends His Deal as Legal Fight Stays Narrow “We went through the normal process to get it taken care of,” Ye testified. “I pride myself on giving people what they deserve. I feel like a lot of people try to take advantage of me.” The producers are currently seeking compensation tied only to revenue generated from the Atlanta listening event, not from the commercial releases of “Hurricane” or “Moon.” A broader royalties claim connected to those records was previously dismissed. The lawsuit arrives during another unpredictable chapter in Ye’s career. Meanwhile, he attempts to stabilize his public image while preparing for a planned international tour behind Bully.

Kelvin Evans, the man accused of stealing unreleased Beyoncé music and other sensitive materials from members of her touring team, is set to stand trial next week after rejecting a plea agreement. In addition, prosecutors leave him facing felony and misdemeanor charges tied to a break-in involving tour-related property. If convicted, he could face six years in prison given his prior record. The case moved forward this week after a final pretrial hearing confirmed the trial schedule. The charges stem from a July 2025 incident during Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour stop in Atlanta. Members of her team reported that two suitcases were taken from a parked Jeep Wagoneer inside a Krog Street garage. Investigators said the vehicle’s rear window had been smashed, suggesting a forced entry into the secured parking area. The stolen items included flash drives containing unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé music, along with set lists, tour plans, laptops, and personal electronics. Moreover, some of the digital materials have still not been recovered despite investigative efforts. View this post on Instagram Beyoncé Tour Crew Theft Case Heads to Trial Amid Prior Convictions The incident involved members of Beyoncé’s creative production staff, including a choreographer and dancer. Their vehicle had been left in an Atlanta apartment complex garage before the performance in question. Surveillance footage later pointed to a 2025 Hyundai Elantra with Georgia plates, which investigators say was connected to the theft. Evidence and witness accounts placed Evans in possession of multiple black bags removed from the vehicle. He was later seen leaving the area on a bicycle after the items were transferred, reportedly. Evans was arrested in September 2025 in Hapeville on a parole violation and later charged in connection with the break-in and vehicle entry allegations. Notably, court records show a criminal history spanning more than two decades, including convictions for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and vehicle theft. Prosecutors argue that his prior convictions could significantly increase potential sentencing exposure if a jury finds him guilty. Jury selection is expected to begin next week as the case moves into its trial phase.

The ongoing family rift between Memphis rapper GloRilla and her sister has escalated from social media rants to the studio. Victoria Woods, the sister of the “Yeah Glo!” artist, released a snippet of a new diss track this week that takes direct aim at the rapper’s inner circle, including NBA star Brandon Ingram and Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion. “BroRilla” has frequently used social media platforms to air grievances against the platinum-selling artist, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods. Central to the dispute are allegations from Woods that GloRilla has failed to provide financial support to her family members despite her rapid ascent fame. The new lyrics do not stop at family finances, however. Woods notably targets Brandon Ingram, a forward for the Toronto Raptors, and reportedly GloRilla’s boyfriend. In the verse, Woods mocks Ingram’s recent professional performance, specifically referencing his struggles during the Raptors’ first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Woods reportedly questions Ingram’s basketball credentials, bringing the athlete’s on-court difficulties into the middle of the sisters’ private dispute. The diss track also drags Megan Thee Stallion into the fray. Woods references Megan’s high-profile breakup with NBA veteran Klay Thompson, used as a rhetorical tool to criticize GloRilla for her perceived silence on her friend’s personal matters. View this post on Instagram