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Carl Weathers: Mourned, Remembered by Sylvester Stallone and Rocky Cast on February 3, 2024 at 11:40 am The Hollywood Gossip

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As you may have heard by now, Carl Weathers is dead at the age of 76.

The veteran actor passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1 according to family members, who released a statement on Friday that reads as follows:

“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.

“He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

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In this handout photo provided by NBCUniversal, Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers, who co-starred in the 1977 Golden Globe Award-winning film Rocky, present the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Weathers appeared in 75 movies and television shows throughout his impressive career.

He most recently starred in nine episodes of Disney’s The Mandalorian, and he was known for roles in such hit films as Predator, Happy Gilmore and Action Jackson.

But it was Weathers’ role as heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed in the Rocky that put this star on the acting map.

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And for which he’ll likely be most remembered.

Carl Weathers presents the Montecito Award to Actor Sylvester Stallone at the Arlington Theater at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

The original Rocky was written by Sylvester Stallone, who selected Weathers for the role of Creed back in the mid 1970s… and who paid moving tribute to his friend this week.

“We lost a legend yesterday,” Stallone wrote in an Instagram statement, alongside an emotional video.

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“My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.”

In his video, Stallone said he “never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without” Weathers, adding for all to see and hear:

“He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss.”

Carl Weathers attends the panel for “The Mandalorian” series at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

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Elsewhere, Michael B. Jordan played Apollo’s son, Adonis “Donnie” Creed, in 2015’s sequel Creed, along with two follow-ups to this movie.

He also shared a tribute to the man who portrayed his on-screen father.

Via a story posted on his Instagram account Friday, the actor included a photo of Weathers with the caption, “We lost a Legend.”

Carl Weathers stands on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline before the team’s game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Texans 38-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Finally, Rocky IV star Dolph Lundgren posted a statement about appearing opposite with Weathers in the 1985 film.

“I was saddened to hear the news this morning,” said the actor, who played boxer Ivan Drago.

“Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend. I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally.

“Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face.”

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May Carl Weathers rest in peace.

Carl Weathers: Mourned, Remembered by Sylvester Stallone and Rocky Cast was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

[[{“value”:”Carl Weathers is dead at the age of 76. Here, those who knew the actor well and those who worked with him pay tribute to the star.
Carl Weathers: Mourned, Remembered by Sylvester Stallone and Rocky Cast was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.”}]] 

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Beyoncé’s Unreleased Music Stolen in Atlanta Car Break-In

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Atlanta, GA — Unreleased music by Beyoncé, along with critical tour plans and personal belongings, was stolen during a brazen car break-in last week. The theft occurred on July 8, just before the start of the megastar’s “Cowboy Carter” tour performances in Atlanta, sparking a swift police investigation.

According to authorities, thieves targeted a rented SUV parked at Krog Street Market, shattering the rear window and making off with two suitcases. Inside were five thumb drives containing unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé tracks, set lists for upcoming shows, and sensitive information tied to her tour. Laptops, headphones, and luxury clothing were also taken in the heist.

The property belonged to Beyoncé’s longtime choreographer, Christopher Grant, and dancer Diandre Blue, who discovered the break-in less than an hour after leaving the vehicle. “It’s really, really important information in there,” one of the victims told 911 operators, emphasizing the material’s significance for one of the world’s most prominent musicians.

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Atlanta police rapidly secured an arrest warrant for a suspect, aided by surveillance footage and digital tracking of stolen electronics. As of Tuesday morning, the suspect remains at large25. Despite the disruption, Beyoncé continued her sold-out tour, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Adults, Fame, and a Four-Year-Old: Critics Question Ms. Shirley’s Exposure to Grown Men

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Starkville, Mississippi — The viral rise of 4-year-old LaR’iyah Jesireé, better known as “Ms. Shirley,” has captivated millions on TikTok and Instagram. But as her fame grows, so too does a wave of public concern—particularly over her appearances at meet-and-greet events attended by adults, including grown men, raising urgent questions about child safety, parental responsibility, and the blurred boundaries of social media stardom.

A Viral Sensation in the Spotlight

Ms. Shirley’s infectious line dances, especially her signature “Boots on the Ground” routine, have made her a household name in the world of social media. With over a million followers and appearances on national television, she’s become a symbol of youthful talent and joy.

But behind the viral videos lies a controversy that has split public opinion. Critics argue that the very events fueling her fame—public meet-and-greets, often at venues not designed for children—expose her to adult environments and attention that are inappropriate for someone her age.

The Flashpoint: Meet-and-Greet Backlash

  • Adult Attendance: Social media erupted after images and videos surfaced of Ms. Shirley participating in meet-and-greet events where the majority of attendees were adults, many of them men. Critics questioned the wisdom of placing a young child in such settings, with some calling it “gross and exploitative”.
  • Parental Decisions Under Fire: The backlash intensified as Ms. Shirley’s mother, Latisha Tucker, defended her choices online, insisting she remains a protective parent first. “I’m a mother… before anything,” Tucker said in response to critics, but detractors remain unconvinced, pointing to the risks of adult attention and the potential for exploitation.

Safety, Exploitation, and the Role of Social Media

  • Child Safety Concerns: The controversy has led some observers to report the family to Child Protective Services, citing fears over Ms. Shirley’s exposure to adult audiences and the pressures of internet fame at such a young age.
  • Debate Over Exploitation: For every fan who sees a proud mother sharing her daughter’s talent, there are others who see a child being thrust into the limelight for adult entertainment. Critics warn that the combination of viral fame and adult-dominated events could have lasting consequences for Ms. Shirley’s well-being.
  • Online Reactions: The internet is divided—while many celebrate Ms. Shirley’s talent, others voice discomfort at seeing a toddler perform in spaces where alcohol and adult behavior are present. Some question why a 4-year-old is being branded with a mature-sounding stage name and presented in such grown-up contexts.

The Mother’s Response

Latisha Tucker, Ms. Shirley’s mother, has not shied away from the criticism. She maintains that her daughter’s appearances are carefully managed and that the backlash is fueled by outsiders who misunderstand their intentions. Tucker has publicly stated that any earnings from Ms. Shirley’s fame will be set aside for her future, and insists that her daughter is simply “being a kid like any other kid.” Still, she acknowledges that the scrutiny comes with the territory of internet celebrity.

SOURCE: TIKTOK / @@LARIYAH.MISSSHIRLEY

A Broader Conversation

The uproar over Ms. Shirley’s meet-and-greets is part of a larger debate about the responsibilities of parents who share their children’s lives online, the adequacy of social media safeguards, and the potential for exploitation in the pursuit of viral fame. As platforms like TikTok continue to blur the lines between childhood and celebrity, the story of Ms. Shirley stands as a flashpoint—one that forces parents, platforms, and audiences alike to confront uncomfortable questions about where to draw the line.

Table: Key Issues in the Ms. Shirley Controversy

IssueDescription
Adult Attendance at EventsGrown men and other adults present at meet-and-greets, sparking safety concerns
Parental OversightDebate over whether Ms. Shirley’s mother is protecting or exploiting her child
Child SafetyReports to CPS and public calls for better safeguards for young social media stars
Online DivisionFans celebrate her talent, critics warn of long-term risks and inappropriate exposure

As Ms. Shirley’s star continues to rise, so does the scrutiny. For now, her story remains a cautionary tale at the intersection of childhood, celebrity, and the unpredictable power of the internet.

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Nicki Minaj Demands $200 Million from Jay-Z in Explosive Twitter Rant

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Nicki Minaj has once again set social media ablaze, this time targeting Jay-Z with a series of pointed tweets that allege he owes her an eye-popping $200 million. The outburst has reignited debates about artist compensation, industry transparency, and the ongoing power struggles within hip-hop’s elite circles.

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The $200 Million Claim

In a string of tweets, Minaj directly addressed Jay-Z, writing, “Jay-Z, call me to settle the karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my top five though. Let’s get it.” She went further, warning, “Anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.” According to Minaj, the alleged debt stems from Jay-Z’s sale of Tidal, the music streaming platform he launched in 2015 with a group of high-profile artists—including Minaj herself, J. Cole, and Rihanna.

When Jay-Z sold Tidal in 2021, Minaj claims she was only offered $1 million, a figure she says falls dramatically short of what she believes she is owed based on her ownership stake and contributions. She has long voiced dissatisfaction with the payout, but this is the most public—and dramatic—demand to date.

Beyond the Money: Broader Grievances

Minaj’s Twitter storm wasn’t limited to financial complaints. She also:

  • Promised to start a college fund for her fans if she receives the money she claims is owed.
  • Accused blogs and online creators of ignoring her side of the story, especially when it involves Jay-Z.
  • Warned content creators about posting “hate or lies,” saying, “They won’t cover your legal fees… I hope it’s worth losing everything including your account.”

She expressed frustration that mainstream blogs and platforms don’t fully cover her statements, especially when they involve Jay-Z, and suggested that much of the coverage she receives is from less reputable sources.

Credit: Heute.at

Satirical Accusations and Industry Critique

Minaj’s tweets took a satirical turn as she jokingly blamed Jay-Z for a laundry list of cultural grievances, including:

  • The state of hip-hop, football, basketball, and touring
  • The decline of Instagram and Twitter
  • Even processed foods and artificial dyes in candy

She repeatedly declared, “The jig is up,” but clarified that her statements were “alleged and for entertainment purposes only.”

Political and Cultural Criticism

Minaj also criticized Jay-Z’s political involvement, questioning why he didn’t campaign more actively for Kamala Harris or respond to President Obama’s comments about Black men. While Jay-Z has a history of supporting Democratic campaigns, Minaj’s critique centered on more recent events and what she perceives as a lack of advocacy for the Black community.

The Super Bowl and Lil Wayne

Adding another layer to her grievances, Minaj voiced disappointment that Lil Wayne was not chosen to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, a decision she attributes to Jay-Z’s influence in the entertainment industry.

Public and Industry Reaction

Despite the seriousness of her financial claim, many observers note that if Minaj truly believed Jay-Z owed her $200 million, legal action—not social media—would likely follow. As of now, there is no public record of a lawsuit or formal complaint.

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Some fans and commentators see Minaj’s outburst as part of a larger pattern of airing industry grievances online, while others interpret it as a mix of personal frustration and performance art. Minaj herself emphasized that her tweets were “for entertainment purposes only.”

Credit: Heute.at

Conclusion

Nicki Minaj’s explosive Twitter rant against Jay-Z has once again placed the spotlight on issues of artist compensation and industry dynamics. Whether her claims will lead to further action or remain another dramatic chapter in hip-hop’s ongoing soap opera remains to be seen, but for now, the world is watching—and tweeting.

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