Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Watch: Morgan Freeman Narrates 'The Dreamer' Trailer – Dave Chappelle's Netflix Special, Dec. 31

Dave Chappelle has enlisted the legendary Morgan Freeman to narrate the trailer for his upcoming Netflix special, "The Dreamer," scheduled to premiere globally on New Year's Eve.

The Oscar winner sets the stage in the teaser, posing a compelling question to the audience: "What do you dream about? Not the dreams you have in your sleep: the ones you hold in your heart." Freeman's iconic voice invites viewers to peek into the essence of Chappelle's latest creation, encouraging them not to be intimidated by the audacity of their dreams but to find inspiration in them. He playfully notes, "What happens to a dream deferred? Lucky for Dave, he doesn't know."

Filmed at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Chappelle's hometown of Washington, D.C., "The Dreamer" follows the success of 2021's "The Closer" and marks Chappelle's seventh collaboration with Netflix. The teaser offers a tantalizing glimpse into the narrative style and comedic exploration that fans can expect from Chappelle's latest venture.

Emmy Award-winning director Stan Lathan, a longtime collaborator with Chappelle, returns to direct "The Dreamer," ensuring a seamless continuation of their creative partnership.

Chappelle's previous Netflix special, "The Closer," sparked controversy with its candid discussions on transgender issues, leading to a walkout by some Netflix staff members. Despite the uproar, Netflix stood by the Emmy-winning comic, and "The Dreamer" is poised to make its mark on the streaming service.

The Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., serves as the picturesque backdrop for "The Dreamer," where Chappelle's comedic prowess takes center stage. Known for his Emmy-winning Netflix specials like "Sticks & Stones" and "Equanimity & The Bird Revelation," Chappelle has garnered five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards for his outstanding contributions to comedy.

Receiving the Pollstar Award for Comedy Tour of the Year in 2023, 2018, and 2014, Chappelle's influence in the entertainment industry is undeniable. In 2019, he received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, further solidifying his status as a comedic icon.

To catch a sneak peek of what's in store, watch the teaser below:

Kanye West Issues Apology to Jewish Community for Antisemitic Remarks

Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, has publicly apologized to the Jewish community for his past antisemitic remarks in a heartfelt Instagram post. The post, shared on Tuesday, comes just ahead of the release of his upcoming music collection, "Vultures."

In the message, conveyed in Hebrew, Ye expressed remorse for any "unintended outburst caused" by his "words or actions." The artist acknowledged the pain he may have caused and affirmed his commitment to learning and fostering "greater sensitivity and understanding." Ye declared his dedication to making amends and working towards promoting unity.


The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), responding to the apology, acknowledged that while actions would speak louder than words, this initial act of contrition was a positive step. The non-profit organization highlighted the significant impact of Ye's past antisemitic statements, describing them as having caused "untold damage" by spreading hate.

The timing of Ye's apology aligns with the buildup to the release of his new music collection, "Vultures," expected in January. This follows recent controversies surrounding the lyrics of a song with the same title performed by Ye and Ty Dolla $ign in Dubai, where explicit language raised concerns within the community.

Ye's history of offensive comments, including antisemitic and racially insensitive remarks, has led to severed ties with major companies. Adidas and Balenciaga distanced themselves from the artist over a year ago after a series of incidents, including Ye wearing a shirt with the phrase "White Lives Matter," categorized as a hate slogan by the ADL.

The termination of Adidas' partnership with Ye's Yeezy brand, a collaboration that generated about $2 billion per year, marked a significant turning point. The artist's social media accounts were temporarily restricted, and business relationships with JPMorgan Chase, CAA talent agency, and Balenciaga were severed.

Ye's past expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler and meetings with controversial figures, such as White nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, further fueled the controversies surrounding him. Despite these challenges, the artist has persisted, expressing a commitment to self-reflection and learning from past experiences.

Friday, December 22, 2023

No Bad Blood: Taraji P. Henson Dispels Feud Rumors With Oprah Winfrey Amidst Viral Video Controversy

Photo Credit: Instagram/@tarajiphenson
In response to swirling rumors suggesting a possible feud, Oprah Winfrey and Taraji P. Henson have unequivocally denied any discord and have instead reiterated their mutual respect and unwavering support for each other.


The speculation gained momentum following a viral TikTok video capturing the duo posing for photos atop the Empire State Building during the press tour for their upcoming film, "The Color Purple," scheduled for release on December 25. Fans speculated on tension between the two, particularly noting a moment when Oprah appeared to glance at Taraji before looking away, and Taraji seemed emotional.
@openmichero #duet with @New York Mickey #oprahwinfrey ♬ original sound - New York Mickey

The video surfaced just days after Taraji candidly addressed the persistent issue of pay disparity in Hollywood for Black women, expressing her exhaustion over the ongoing struggle during an interview. Speculations arose that the rumored tension between Taraji and Oprah might be linked to these recent remarks.

However, Taraji took to Instagram to set the record straight, sharing a photo of herself and Oprah and praising the media mogul for her unwavering support and guidance. In a lengthy message, Taraji emphasized that Oprah has been a "steady and solid beacon of light" for the entire cast of "The Color Purple."

“She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all,” Taraji wrote. She acknowledged Oprah's personal accessibility, stating that a single call and conversation with the decision-making Black woman made her feel heard.


Oprah, in response to the rumors, also shared her sentiments about Taraji, expressing her admiration for the actress and singer. “I’ve long admired Taraji. She can make you laugh, cry, cheer, and feel everything in between," Oprah wrote. "Taraji the actress: A force. Taraji the singer? A complete revelation. What I love about her portrayal of Shug Avery is that she plays her like a woman who not only sang the blues but had lived the blues."

In her Instagram post, Taraji also addressed the broader issue of support among women of color, emphasizing the importance of unity across industries. “It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other. It is also imperative to have women of color in decision-making positions across ALL industries,” she noted.

Slider[Style1]

Trending