'Barbie' Movie Allan Dolls See Price Spike ... Value At All-Time High!!!
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Michael Cera made quite an impression playing the long-forgotten Allan doll in the new "Barbie" movie, and it fans are responding ... by making a fortune selling their own.
The Allan character is turning out to be a fan fave since the movie's release -- probably because he turns out to be an unsung hero in the plot -- and as you can imagine, folks have been wondering if Mattel has plans to re-release the toy.
For those unaware, the Allan doll was first rolled out in '64 as a friend of Ken's, but was discontinued a couple years later. Despite his newfound Hollywood relevance, Mattel recently announced its keeping Allan off store shelves. Bad news for all you Allan stans.
However, that news has impacted Allan's value in the open marketplace. TMZ did some digging, and there's been a major price surge over these past few days. On Thursday, we saw several eBay listings for old Allan dolls going for cheap ... about $35 to $76 a pop.
Come Monday, however ... a lot of those prices have multiplied. The vast majority of Allan's eBay listings are now at least $150, if not a lot more. There are some going for $300 and up.
It's basic economics -- the flick was hugely popular this weekend, and now that we know Mattel ain't putting any new Allans out into the world ... the demand is at a peak right now.
While the re-sale market won't really help Mattel's bottom line -- there are a lot of private sellers who stand to ride the "Barbie" movie's coattails and clean up as well.
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Carlee Russell Admits to Making Up Kidnapping Story ... Apologizes to Community
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7/24/23
Carlee Russell's kidnapping story is a fictional one -- she's now fessing up to it all being a big fat lie, and she's also apologizing to the community that rallied to search for her.
Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, released a statement to Hoover, PD -- and the police chief read it Monday during a news conference. In part, Anthony's letter says, "My client has given me permission to make the following statement on her behalf. There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13th, 2023. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road."
He continues, "My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client didn’t have any help, this was a single act. My client was not with anyone, or not at a hotel with anyone. My client apologizes for her actions. Ask for prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, ask for forgiveness."
Russell's attorney did not elaborate further in his remarks about a possible motive for her fabrication. He is, however, meeting with HPD alongside his client to discuss next steps.
7/13/23
Unclear if charges are going to be filed ... Hoover PD says it's deferring to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office on that front. Presumably, she could face serious punishment for this -- a lot of money and resources went into the 48-hour long search.
As we reported ... this saga had been questioned from the get-go. Some felt the facts of the case weren't adding up as the information started to seep out ... especially when Carlee turned up out of nowhere on Saturday night, with her family insisting she'd been abducted.
The police also had its doubts, saying last week they were unable to confirm her kidnapping story, or that a toddler was spotted on the side of a highway. There were a lot of other clues they say they stumbled upon ... like suspicious searches for things like amber alerts and the movie "Taken."
Now, the truth is out. We'll see if she's held accountable in a court of law.
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Yung Miami Don't Question My Parenting ... My Son Can Make It Rain All He Wants!!!
The City Girls are sending out a warning to whom it may concern -- don't you dare question Yung Miami's maternal instincts, or you'll feel the wrath of TWO protective mama bears!!!
Godmom JT posted footage from Rolling Loud with Miami's son in big boy mode, throwing money at strippers while he was surrounded by adults ... a moment many fans thought was too grown for the 10-year-old tyke.
The scenario looked identical to a rap music video, with several people twerking and getting lit to the music. Miami can even be seen smacking Ari Fletcher's butt cheeks at some point.
The backlash pushed Miami and JT to their breaking points, and they exploded on their critics. Miami fought for her son's right to party, and called Rolling Loud the best day of his young life.
JT also backed her up ... revealing her beau Lil Uzi Vert had the area blocked off so Miami's son couldn't get a handful of any of the gratuitous flesh on display ... only an eyeful.
Whether you like it or not, decisions fall on the guardians but being a VIP kid clearly has its privileges. For what it's worth, Rolling Loud Miami was a 16+ event.
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Cam Newton Get This Jerk Off Me!!! Taunts Heckler With Crude Gesture
Cam Newton rubbed out a heckler who was chirpin' at him recently ... taunting the guy with a crude gesture -- while bragging about the money in his bank account.
The scene appeared to take place at some sort of football camp ... when Newton had clearly had enough of a person who was taunting him from the sidelines.
Video from the event shows Cam walked over ... and immediately began jawing with the guy.
Cam was hit with the classic "how many rings you got?" diss ... to which he replied "none." When the agitator said "we got the same amount" ... Cam went off.
"But, we don't got the same bank account," he said ... before making an X-rated motion with his hand.
Cam got a little triggered 👀 pic.twitter.com/D7MZkLdorg
— Justin Ramos (@NEPinsider) February 21, 2021 @NEPinsider
One of the people on the sideline chided the former NFL star for the gesture ... saying, "You're too famous to be acting like that."
Cam's response ... "No, no, don't play the victim now." The video then ended.
Cam Newton Heckler Apologizes For Trash-Talking QB, 'I Never Meant To Humiliate'
Of course, this ain't the first time Cam's gotten into it with some young spectators on a football field ... back in 2021, he and an H.S. player jawed back and forth about his free agency.
The footballer in that video eventually released an apology to Cam ... but, so far, nothing similar yet from the ex-Panthers QB's latest teaser.
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Minnie Driver I'm Out This Beach ... Masturbating Man Sends Her Packing
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Minnie Driver went to the beach in Malibu with her son, but their day took a dark turn when a man allegedly started masturbating nearby ... and police got involved.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... sheriff's deputies responded Sunday to Paradise Cove Beach Café just before noon for a report of a man pleasuring himself, and Minnie was one of the witnesses who told them the guy was cranking one out in a cabana.
Our sources say the alleged masturbator was gone by the time cops arrived ... and we've got video of Minnie and another woman speaking to deputies.
We're told Minnie and the other beachgoers didn't want to press charges, and simply wanted to make police aware of the situation.
As a result, our sources say the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department beach team is aware and will be keeping an eye out ... just in case the guy gets another urge.
Rachel Zegler's 'Snow White' Old 'Woke' Interview Resurfaces, Ignites Right Wing Rage
Rachel Zegler gave an interview last Fall about the "Snow White" remake -- a clip that's just now getting resurfaced in right-wing circles ... and firing up the base, who call it "woke."
You might've seen 'Snow White' trending this weekend ... and the reason is because of this answer the actress gave to Variety -- alongside costar Gal Gadot -- all the way back in September. She's talking about how the 'SW' remake won't be like the 1937 cartoon.
For whatever reason, conservatives found it and like clockwork ... fired up the outrage, acting like this is new. Of course, they're dragging Zegler's characterization of the film -- which promises to be a modern retelling of the fairy tale classic, one in which Snow White will apparently take a more active role ... as opposed to needing saving by Prince Charming.
Like we said ... the way this movie was going to take shape has been known for quite some time -- but it seems to be getting hyper-focused on now, especially after the release of "Barbie" ... which some right-wing personalities have labeled as "anti-man"/"ultra feminist."
Hollywood is programming young girls to hate men
— The Centerview (@centerviewnews) July 23, 2023 @centerviewnews
Barbie is anti male feminist propaganda and it looks like the new Snow White movie will be more of the same
The far left want to break the nuclear family and they’re succeeding pic.twitter.com/YN3ggnwJ7A
And yes, this latest wave of indignation -- again, over a very old interview -- comes on the heels of the recent "Snow White" set photos that leaked ... which were roasted as well.
Remember, the pics showed one little person ... and six other random people of typical stature following Zegler's stand-in through a field. The other "dwarfs" were also of varying race, gender and height -- and it got a major eye roll from some, especially on the right.
It has sparked a fierce debate ... as some little people have also slammed the decision to lose most of the dwarfs, all because Peter Dinklage found the idea of them insulting.
Considering sensitivities are more heightened than ever -- it remains to be seen how the rebooted "Snow White" will fare at the box office. On its face, it looks like conservatives are gearing up to boycott this one ... they're not liking what they're hearing about it so far.
extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023 @rachelzegler
i really, truly do not want to see it.
so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5
As far as how Zegler herself is reacting to all this pre-publicity right now ... talk to the hand, it seems. She doesn't wanna hear a peep about it, and appears proud of the work they did.
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'SpongeBob SquarePants' Voice Actor's Wife Clarifies My Hubby Ain't Dating Ariana!!!
Ariana Grande is dating a guy who plays SpongeBob SquarePants -- but it ain't the main one you're thinking of ... which is why the wife of the real SB is chirping up.
Fellow voice actor Jill Talley -- who's married to the man who's been voicing SpongeBob on TV for years now -- posted a clarification in response to an IG post from The Cut ... which ran with a confusing headline about AG's new boo, Ethan Slater.
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It reads, "Is Ariana Grande Dating Spongebob Now?" and it also features a shot of Ariana and Ethan -- this of course after we broke the news that the 'Wicked' costars are together.
Naturally, The Cut's implication here is technically accurate ... but not totally clear in and of itself. Yes, Slater portrays a live-action version of SpongeBob on Broadway -- a role for which he's earned Tony noms. But he's NOT the voice actor who's been playing him forever now.
That's something JT wanted to set the record straight on, commenting on The Cut's post ... "Hi everyone, I’m married to Tom Kenny (who voices SpongeBob on the TV show). He is not dating Ariana Grande. I don’t know if Ethan Slater (who played SpongeBob in the musical) is or isn’t dating Ariana Grande. However, they’re both adorable and I totally ship it."
She added this on her own relationship ... "Just wanted to set the record straight. P.S. as for me and Tom Kenny -- we are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary today."
In other words ... one dude shouldn't be mistaken for the other -- and for a minute, it sounds like they were. Good to know the OG SpongeBoy is faithful through and through.
Like we first told you ... Ethan and Ariana have been dating each other for a few months now -- making the timeline of things a little murky. We know she and Dalton Gomez had ended their relationship in January, but that they also gave it one last go in May during their 2-year anniversary. On the face of it, it seems like there might've been some overlap.
As for Ethan, he's also still married ... but we're hearing he, too, is separated from his wife.
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Rami Malek Praised for 'Oppenheimer' Role ... Fans Think He's 'Back'
Rami Malek has proven to be a scene-stealer in "Oppenheimer" -- something his biggest fans are ecstatic about ... especially considering his mixed-bag journey in Hollywood.
The Oscar-winning actor is one of several stars with a smaller role in Nolan's latest feature -- which is getting rave reviews. Ditto for a lot of the supporting performances, including RM ... who shows up for an impactful monologue at a critical moment in the movie.
Towards the end I said to myself;
— M45 (@xzfrsyfq) July 23, 2023 @xzfrsyfq
“Wow Devon Bostick, the guy from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, got more lines than Josh Peck and Rami Malek combined.”
And then this scene came on. Malek only needed two minutes to drop the audience’s jaw all the way down to the floor. https://t.co/jZNufxkhLB
SPOILERS AHEAD!!! ... Rami's big scene comes toward the end, when Robert Downey Jr. is revealed to be the bad guy -- who's trying to smear Cillian Murphy/Oppenheimer. Rami sits in as a witness in front of Congress, and he backs Oppenheimer in emphatic terms.
Essentially, his character -- who only had a couple of lines up until this point -- turns out to be a major game-changer in the trajectory of the film ... and it happens at the drop of a dime.
christopher nolan really helped us retired rami malek stans win the war with his Oppenheimer performance like thank YOU pic.twitter.com/MhgpmXSoSt
— paul (also ken) (@paulswhtn) July 21, 2023 @paulswhtn
While brief, his work is getting hailed as a standout in a flick packed with talent -- especially on Twitter, where folks are (jokingly) saying they were right to hold onto their Rami Malek stock ... 'cause he's great. His resume of late hasn't always reflected that, unfortunately.
Fact is ... Rami's ascension in showbiz has, at times, felt stunted -- even after he won Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" ... which was controversial. Some felt he didn't deserve the win that year ... of course, others disagreed.
Point is -- since then, he hasn't really blown up the way people thought he would, or should ... instead getting sprinkled into movies here and there, somewhat unremarkably.
However, now ... a lot of his supporters feel vindicated by what he did in 'Oppenheimer,' and are hoping he'll be put back on the leading man trajectory that they feel he deserves.
Funny enough, Rami is far from the only actor receiving attention for their part in "Oppenheimer." Frankly, there are several actors who did stellar jobs -- and there are rumblings Cillian, RDJ and maybe even Matt Damon are in for Oscar noms come Spring.
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F1's Martin Brundle Leaves Terry Crews Mid-Interview ... Labeled Rude By Some
Martin Brundle often gets treated like dirt by celebs at F1 races -- but on Sunday ... the shoe seemed to be on the other foot during his interview with one Terry Crews.
The racer-turned-broadcaster was doing his thing during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Terry was on the grid ... chillin' with the Red Bull crew and taking in the sights. Like he usually does, Martin sorta bum-rushed him and started peppering him with questions.
#HungarianGP🇭🇺: Terry Crews Grid Interview.#F1 #Formula1 #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/RmKu4WCUKQ
— F1 Live Clips (@f1liveclip) July 23, 2023 @f1liveclip
Good sports that he is ... Terry played along, and gave great, thoughtful responses. Terry talked about the technology of the cars and said he was learning a lot about the sport.
Now, for the most part, TC is getting tons of praise for how he handled himself here. Considering how others in the recent past have dealt with Martin -- namely, kinda giving him the cold shoulder, which often goes viral -- Terry's engagement is getting a big thumbs up.
Terry Crews was great with Martin Brundle. Up beat and excited. The way Marin Brundle cut away from Terry Crews was disrespectful. Should have said Thank or something positive #SkyF1 #HungarianGP
— MIKE KING (@MIKEKIN73778218) July 23, 2023 @MIKEKIN73778218
But watch how Martin ends this impromptu chat ... he quickly cuts it short, without even thanking him for his time or anything. He beelines it to another interview subject and leaves Terry awkwardly hanging. Even during the convo, you can tell MB is barely listening.
Welp, folks at home certainly took notice ... and some are labeling Martin rude in how treated Terry -- which, again, is ironic seeing how he's normally the one being snubbed.
I’m a fan of Martin Brundle but he could have at least said thanks to Terry Crews who was actually having a decent conversation with him before running off and chasing Sainz. #F1 #HungarianGP
— James Harker (@James_Harker) July 23, 2023 @James_Harker
In any case, Terry handled it with grace -- even after Martin bolted away mid-thought ... he still flashed a big smile and the peace sign. Good dude, it didn't really phase him.
There's always talk of etiquette on the grid ... perhaps Martin needs to learn some too. 😅
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Doja Cat 💩 on Fans, Slams 'Kittenz' Nickname ... Grow Up, Get a Job!!!
Doja Cat appears to be opening up a can of tough love on her staunchest fans -- rebuking a pet name they've given themselves ... and telling them to grow the hell up.
The rapper/singer has been getting some side-eye from her loyal supporters over the past few days -- and it all appears to have come to a head this weekend when she shot down a term a lot of them use ... which is kind of in the vein of Nicki Minaj stans.
Of course, we're referring to the Barbz -- something Nicki seems to have embraced with open arms ... but the same can't be said for Doja and her "Kittenz." It's a phrase some of her fans have affectionately used to brand themselves as followers of hers, but DC's telling them to drop it ... and more importantly, to get a life!
In a since-deleted tweet, Doja wrote ... "my fans don’t name themselves s***. if you call yourself a 'kitten' or f***ing 'kittenz' that means you need to get off your phone and get a job and help your parents with the house."
There are other since-deleted tweets where she's telling fans of hers to delete their account if they're even referencing her in their profile pic or username ... and yeah, it's a bit combative.
On the one hand -- Doja crapping on the fandom is a refreshing assessment/slam of "stan" culture -- which has run rampant among some of the biggest artists out there (Swifties, Barbz, Harries, Beyhive etc.) But it's also jarringly honest ... so much so, in fact, Doja appears to be rubbing her "kittenz" the wrong way -- to the point they're kinda turning on her now.
You can hop into the Doja Cat trend for yourself to see how people are responding ... but it would seem they're not feeling Doja's hot-and-cold approach to being an A-list celeb. Sometimes she's very warm/welcoming, other times -- she's off-putting and cold. Her timeline and Twitter replies certainly suggest as much, anyway.
Here's hoping Doja can make nice with her potential ticket-buyers soon ... 'cause she's got a tour coming up in the Fall, and she's been promoting it like crazy.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE pic.twitter.com/rjg2ZlqoZn
— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) June 30, 2023 @DojaCat
If she wants those seats to be filled, then she might wanna stop alienating her base -- they sound a little fed up.
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Jason Aldean Stands By 'Racist' Song 'Try That In A Small Town' ... Says He Loves America
Jason Aldean isn't backing down from the storm of criticism he received over his song, "Try That in a Small Town," which many on the left believe is downright racist.
The country star addressed a packed crowd at his Friday concert in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The footage begins with Aldean pacing back and forth on stage, while saying, “It’s been a long week, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that.”
He then said everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions, but that doesn't mean what they say is true.
Aldean went on to explain he's proud to be an American who loves his country and hopes to restore it “to what it once was before all this bulls—t started happening to us."
He ended his 2-minute speech by addressing cancel culture and how it can "try to ruin your life."
By contrast, liberals were totally beside themselves over Aldean's music video for "Try That in a Small Town," which was featured on the Country Music Television (CMT) network. It showed images of violent Black Lives Matter protests in cities across the country to protest the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police.
Aldean's fans seemed to dig what he said. They all hooted, hollered and chanted "USA."
During the video, Aldean was seen performing outside Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which was the site of the 1946 Columbia Race Riot. The uprising led to the near lynching of the first Black Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Last week, activist groups called for boycotts of the network, prompting CMT to yank the video from its airwaves. ABC aired his performance of the song last week during their broadcast from the "CMA Fest" concert in Nashville.
As for the effect of the controversy ... it has propelled the song to the top of the charts.
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Elon Musk Xing Out Twitter's Bird Logo ... Flying In Different Direction
Elon Musk is drawing an "X" through Twitter's famous bird logo and replacing it with ... you guessed it ... a big fat "X."
The Twitter CEO posted a message to his social media platform early Sunday morning, announcing the huge makeover that will certainly bring the company into a new phase with an all-new look.
And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2023 @elonmusk
Musk wrote, "And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds."
In a second post, Musk added that the "X" logo could soon be unveiled if he finds an emblem suited to his tastes.
Like this but X pic.twitter.com/PRLMMA2lYl
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2023 @elonmusk
Musk followed up by offering an image of a glimmering "X," but he wouldn't say if that one qualified as the fresh face of Twitter.
Guess we'll just have to wait for Musk's next reveal on the logo swap. One thing is for sure, though, this is a game-changer for Twitter.
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Luka Sabbat Touring is Better for Artists Than Festivals ... Even If Tix Ain't Selling!!!
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Luka Sabbat doesn't think artists should abandon tours, despite the current ticket sales decline ... because he still values the stage experience as a fan.
We caught the "Grown-ish" actor out in West Hollywood this week, in the aftermath of Lil Baby downsizing his nationwide tour ... while other star rappers such as Future and Toosii also shuttered shows this year.
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Luka's big on the live show circuit ... he soaked up the Coachella Festival sunrays earlier this year but says he favors headlining tours, as artists can personalize their set with theatrics, as opposed to sharing a general stage.
He even broke out his phone and shared his current 🎶 favs for us!!! Destroy Lonely and electronic music are at the top of his playlists!!!
Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of "Earn Your Leisure" agreed that tours are still vital when we spoke to them about the topic in NYC this week ... noting that many artists would sell tickets better if they teamed up and then hit the road.
We also got Luka's thoughts on social media's hot takes that he looks just like singer Steve Lacy ... a resemblance Luka says is close, but no cigar, but still loves Steve's music!!!
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Adam22 Threesome With Jason Luv Off Table ... Can't Keep Mouth Shut!!!
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Adam22 says the porn star who banged his wife in camera is on time-out after giving an interview on the sex tape ... telling us a potential threesome is now off-limits.
We got the popular podcaster in Los Angeles and asked about his souring relationship with Jason Luv, and where it all started going downhill.
Adam22 says he's super pissed over Jason's sex tape interview, where he bragged about being better in bed and more well-endowed than Lena The Plug's husband.
The way Adam22 sees things ... Jason broke a code among porn stars by comparing penis sizes and opening up about other bedroom details ... telling us Lena's seen the interview in question and is upset with Jason as well.
Adam22 says he'd been talking with Lena about filming a threesome with Jason ... but he tells us that's all out the window now.
JULY 2023
And, get this ... Adam22 feels Jason is showing insecurities now that the sex tape is shining a spotlight on all three of them. In fact, he tells us he's even considered a celeb boxing match with Jason to settle their differences ... but says the money he'd make from the event just wouldn't even be worth his time.
It's a fun and interesting conversation ... and Adam22 explains why it's unfair to compare his package to Jason's ... and he tells us how his sex life with Lena is improving.
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Blake Shelton Roped Into Aldean Controversy ... Thru Fake Article/Satire Site
Blake Shelton has gone on the record to support Jason Aldean amid his new song controversy ... at least that's what a satire site wants you to believe, anyway.
Here's the deal ... Blake is trending this weekend, and it's all because of this fake article that has him quoted as explicitly backing Aldean amid the whole "Try That In A Small Town" fracas -- which has divided a lot of people, especially after the music video was released.
Blake Shelton Cancels $30 Million Project With CMT. CMT tried to cancel Jason Aldean and ban his video. Go woke go broke. CMT also turned their last music awards into a trans show. It’s time for them to go bankrupt. Just how I feel. https://t.co/nB2V2Fs7MC
— Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News 🙌 (@unhealthytruth) July 22, 2023 @unhealthytruth
The story comes from a site called The Dunning-Kruger Times -- which labels itself as "America's Last Line of Defense." This article of theirs is headlined as such ... "Blake Shelton Cancels $30 Million Project With CMT: 'Jason Is My Friend.'" The problem ... it's a BS piece.
The reason we know this -- aside from the fact this is literally the only "media outlet" reporting such a story -- is that DKT itself calls itself a website that's just for laughs.
Their "About Us" page spells it out clearly ... "Dunning-Kruger-Times.com is a subsidiary of the 'America’s Last Line of Defense' network of parody, satire, and tomfoolery, or as Snopes called it before they lost their war on satire: Junk News." AKA, it's one big fat joke.
Although this site has openly laid out their intentions -- namely, laughing at conservatives -- folks on the right have ran with this fake story regardless ... lifting it up as a rallying cry.
While Blake and Jason have certainly been on friendly terms in the past ... the former has not said anything about all the hubbub his new song/video has caused -- and yet, it appears folks genuinely believe he's on Jason's side. Unfortunately for them, there's no truth to it.
Strangely enough, this article hasn't been hit with a fact check on Twitter yet ... something Elon and co. have seemingly gone out of their way to do for needed context. Bizarre, indeed.
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Matty Healy Same-Sex Onstage Kiss Gets Malaysia Music Festival Canceled
Matty Healy kissed a dude onstage during a Malaysian music festival -- in protest, no doubt -- and now ... the whole thing's been scrapped for the rest of the weekend.
The 1975 front man was performing with his band Friday in Kuala Lumpur, as part of the Good Vibes Festival that was running through Sunday. Unfortunately, the rest of the performers who were booked won't be taking the stage because of what went down.
Matty Healy speech at Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia#The1975
— p 🐋 (@onmymind75) July 21, 2023 @onmymind75
pic.twitter.com/ZxJF6tPLjD
Throughout their set, Matty made it clear he was pretty pissed about the country's anti-LGBT laws -- which have criminalized homosexual acts, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
He ranted on camera ... and the dude ripped the Asian country a new one, while also promising to perform angry songs as a result -- apologizing to the crowd for having to bear the brunt of his rage. He said there were likely gay people in the audience that night.
1975 banned from Kuala Lumpur for breaching the country's laws
— TheViralLens (@TheViralLens) July 22, 2023 @TheViralLens
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia
During the set, singer Matty Healy kissed bassist Ross Mcdonald ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fmIX15u3c8
Eventually, he hit his point home by locking lips with his bassist, Ross McDonald ... launching into a full-blown make-out sesh in front of everyone, which got oohs and ahhs.
It wasn't long after that the 1975 abruptly left the stage ... only to see Matty briefly return to announce what was going on. He said they'd been banned, and that the show was over.
The 1975 has been banned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after Matty Healy gave a speech calling out the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald onstage:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 21, 2023 @PopBase
“Alright we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, see you later” pic.twitter.com/szflAj2iFT
Unfortunately for everyone ... this ended up getting the whole festival nixed, at the behest of the government. The festival organizers issued a statement, laying the blame squarely at Matty's feet, saying ... "We deeply regret to announce that the remaining schedule of the Good Vibes Festival 2023, planned for today and tomorrow has been canceled following the controversial conduct and remarks made by UK artist Matty Healy from the band The 1975."
They add, "This decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued ... by the Ministry of Communications and Digital. The Ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws." The Comms Minister is also quoted as saying they won't take stars "(touching) on the sensitivities of the community, especially those that are against the traditions and values of the local culture."
While you'd think Matty might be getting nothing praise, you'd be wrong ... he's actually catching a lot of flak for what some say was nothing but a performative stunt/posturing -- knowing full well they'd probably get kicked out, and ruin everyone else's good time.