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

A legal dispute that has followed Cardi B for years resurfaced again this week. This has drawn renewed attention to her ongoing conflict with media personality Tasha K. The case traces back to a defamation lawsuit in which Cardi B was awarded $3.9 million after a jury found damaging statements had been made about her. However, that judgment was later reshaped in bankruptcy court. The payout was reduced to a $1.2 million repayment plan spread out over time. As part of that restructured agreement, Tasha K also agreed to a non-disparagement clause. This clause restricts commentary about Cardi B and her family. Court filings now allege that those limits were breached. In particular, they point to recent remarks concerning Offset and claims about gambling-related issues. The filings argue that the comments violated the terms of the settlement. As a result, they reopened the door to enforcement action. Judge Sides With Cardi B as Tasha K Faces New Court Orders On May 6, a judge ruled in Cardi B’s favor on the enforcement request, according to reporting from AllHipHop. The decision requires Tasha K to cover legal fees and remove videos that reference Offset from her platforms. As a result, the order adds another layer of court oversight to a case that has repeatedly shifted between settlement compliance and renewed disputes. Cardi B’s attorney, Lisa Moore, is now pursuing an additional step. She is asking the court to reinstate the original $3.9 million judgment in full. That request remains unresolved and will be considered separately. For now, the ruling focuses on enforcement rather than escalation. However, it signals that further violations could carry increased financial consequences.

The long-running fracture between Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan was never publicly repaired before Quan’s death. As a result, there is a lingering sense of unfinished business around one of Atlanta rap’s most influential partnerships. By the time Quan died, Young Thug was incarcerated. Whatever private conversations may have existed between them never reached the public. In the months since, Thug has repeatedly referenced his former Rich Gang collaborator in interviews, performances, and social media posts. However, those gestures have not always been embraced by people close to Quan. The latest round of tension began after Young Thug insisted online that he had “never switched” on the late rapper. That statement prompted criticism from figures within Quan’s circle, including Rich Homie Monta, who responded with “Don’t ride for me.” Rich Homie Dre described the fallout as “Pride & Ego.” Their reactions reignited years-old conversations about how the once-close relationship deteriorated behind the scenes. This was especially relevant during the height of both artists’ rise in hip-hop. Young Thug later addressed the criticism directly. He argued that the breakdown between them did not begin on his side. “Quan went against me my n**a how was it my pride? If you hoie do some bullsht towards u u suppose to reach out first,” he wrote. In a separate post, he expanded further. He connected the fallout to his previous issues with YFN Lucci and explained how loyalty to Quan shaped his decisions at the time. Young Thug responds to claims that he switched up on Rich Homie Quan. After Quan’s camp seemingly pushed back on Thug’s recent tribute post, the Atlanta rapper shared multiple IG Stories explaining his side of what happened between them. Thug says he stopped rocking with YFN… pic.twitter.com/VfFc8Cf9GB — XXL Magazine (@XXL) May 7, 2026 Young Thug Reflects on Loyalty, Regret, and His Rift With Rich Homie Quan “I didn’t fck with Lucci ‘cause Quan didn’t. He felt like Lucci did a song with a na that dissed him on the song. Wasn’t my problem but was my brada so I was with him, then he stop fcking with me cause he thought he was bigger along [which] I had no problem with but now yall pies wanna post about a real n***a to Quan,” Young Thug wrote. Earlier this year during Coachella weekend, Thug paid tribute to Quan with a performance of “Lifestyle,” the breakout hit that once defined their chemistry. He also admitted during a livestream with N3on that one of his deepest regrets was never getting the chance to settle the conflict before Quan’s passing.

A deadly virus outbreak aboard a luxury cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three passengers dead and several others ill, according to international health authorities. The incident has triggered urgent monitoring efforts across multiple countries and raised questions about onboard safety protocols. The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a Dutch-operated expedition vessel traveling between South America and West Africa. Health officials believe the illness is linked to hantavirus, a rare but serious disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents. The World Health Organization reported at least seven cases connected to the ship, including three confirmed deaths. One patient remains in critical condition, while others have shown mild symptoms.  International Response Intensifies Authorities in several countries have begun tracking passengers who recently disembarked. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to the public remains low but confirmed it is monitoring travelers from multiple states. Spain agreed to allow the ship to dock in the Canary Islands for medical assistance and passenger processing. However, the decision has sparked concern among regional leaders who questioned the safety of accepting the vessel.  Three individuals, including a medical staff member, were evacuated earlier for urgent treatment. Officials said some patients were flown to Europe as part of emergency response measures. A spokesperson for the World Health Organization said, “The overall public health risk remains low,” while noting the situation is still under close observation.  Passengers Isolate as Investigation Continues Passengers remaining onboard have been instructed to isolate and follow strict hygiene protocols. Reports indicate that most travelers have complied with safety measures while awaiting clearance to disembark. Health experts say hantavirus infections are rare and usually not spread between people. However, the strain suspected in this outbreak may allow limited human-to-human transmission, which has heightened concern. Cruise ships, which carry large numbers of passengers in close quarters, can be vulnerable to outbreaks. Past incidents have often involved norovirus, though more severe diseases are less common. Investigators are still working to determine how the virus spread onboard. Early findings suggest exposure may have occurred during shore excursions in remote areas. Officials continue to emphasize that such outbreaks are uncommon. Still, the incident highlights the challenges of containing infectious diseases in confined travel environments.