Court asked to enforce $3M deal in police shooting lawsuit
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — (AP) — Several parties to a wrongful death lawsuit over the fatal police shooting of a Black man on the Virginia Beach oceanfront last year have asked a judge to enforce the $3 million settlement agreement announced earlier this month. The city of Virginia Beach and the family of Donovon Lynch — a cousin of musician and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams — announced the settlement agreement Dec. 13. But Lynch's father, Wayne Lynch, has since told local news outlets that he's parted ways with his attorneys and that the settlement isn't finalized. Last week, several parties to the matter filed a joint motion asking a judge to enforce the announced deal. Efforts by The Associated Press to reach Wayne Lynch weren't immediately successful.
wftv.com$3M deal reached over police shooting of Pharrell’s cousin
The city and the family of Donovon Lynch — a cousin of musician and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams — announced the agreement late Tuesday. Lynch's shooting occurred on a warm March night near the city's crowded boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and hotels. “Immediately, unlawfully and without warning, officer Simmons fired his police-issued firearm at Mr. Lynch, shooting him twice and killing him,” the lawsuit states. The settlement comes more than a month after Williams announced that his music festival, Something in the Water, would return to Virginia Beach. Last month, Williams said demand for the festival in Virginia Beach has "never wavered.
wftv.comChanel gets gently geometric in far-flung Paris couture
PARIS — (AP) — Birds tweeted -- not fashionistas -- the day Chanel brought its couture guests to the calm of the Bois de Boulogne forest. Haute couture is the age-old Parisian tradition of producing exorbitantly priced, made-to-measure garments for the world’s richest women. The French designer was in a soft mood for couture this season, letting subtle twists do the talking. FRONT ROWIt’s got to be couture week when, to blasting horns of annoyed motorists in tangled traffic, paparazzi skid in the sand for a snap of the celebrity roll call. MENSWEAR REIGNS IN PARISFront row fashion insiders are commenting how Paris menswear week — held June 21-26 — felt as equally buzzy as this week’s VIP-filled couture.
wftv.comMariah Carey, Neptunes to get in Songwriters Hall of Fame
Music-Songwriters Hall of Fame FILE - Mariah Carey performs at Dubai Expo 2020 One Year to Go in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 20, 2019. Carey will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years and the hall includes such iconic songwriters as Burt Bacharach, Missy Elliott, Paul McCartney and Carly Simon. Carey, whose hits include “We Belong Together” and “Hero,” released her self-titled debut album in 1990. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, she is only behind the Beatles, who had 20 songs top the chart.
wftv.comGrace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for Chanel
APTOPIX Paris Fashion Chanel H/C Charlotte Casiraghi rides a horse as she wears a creation for the Chanel Spring-Summer 2022 Haute Couture fashion collection collection, in Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. But no one quite expected Charlotte Casiraghi, the daughter of Caroline of Monaco and the granddaughter of Princess Grace Kelly, to appear out of nowhere atop an actual racing horse. Here are some highlights of the second day of spring summer 2022 couture shows in Paris. Thus Chanel produced a relatively pared down aesthetic for spring with matching tweeds, minimalist touches, clean curved peplums and lots of white. A white silk train billowed majestically out from the bottom of a sheer bustier corset that sported embroidered lines resembling veins.
wftv.comGrace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for Chanel
APTOPIX Paris Fashion Chanel H/C Charlotte Casiraghi rides a horse as she wears a creation for the Chanel Spring-Summer 2022 Haute Couture fashion collection collection, in Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The equestrian photos handed out to guests as they filtered in were a hint of what was to come. Here are some highlights of the second day of spring summer 2022 couture shows in Paris. Thus Chanel produced a relatively pared down aesthetic for spring with matching tweeds, minimalist touches, clean curved peplums and lots of white. A white silk train billowed majestically out from the bottom of a sheer bustier corset that sported embroidered lines resembling veins.
wftv.comGrace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for Chanel
Huge spinning wheels, “floating” wooden blocks and suspended geometric shapes hovered over a surreal mini gold course Tuesday at Chanel’s remarkable couture show. This sublime, avant-garde decor was the work of Xavier Veilhan and marked the first time in its history that Chanel has entrusted a contemporary artist for staging. The beautiful beast and its VIP rider, in a black Chanel tweed sequined jacket of course, began the show to a symphony of gasps and clopping hooves around the Grand Palais Ephemere’s auditorium as celebrity guests snapped pictures.
news.yahoo.comPharrell Williams calls for economic equity during MLK event
Pharrell Williams Economic Equity FILE - Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston bestows Pharrell Williams with an honorary doctorate after he gave the commencement speech, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in Norfolk, Va. In remarks made Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, during the Urban League of Hampton Roads’ annual Martin Luther King Jr. awards program, singer and music producer Williams challenged corporate America to “do more” by supporting entrepreneurs of color and adopting economic equity measures. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot via AP, File) (Stephen M. Katz)VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — (AP) — Singer and music producer Pharrell Williams is challenging corporate America to “do more" by supporting entrepreneurs of color and adopting economic equity measures. “Not all businesses,” Williams added. Williams, who was born in Virginia Beach, also urged businesses and philanthropists to support the Urban League and thanked the local chapter for their work in financial wellness, health and housing.
wftv.comPharrell to college grads: ‘We are the emerging majority’
People Pharrell Williams NSU graduates cheer for Pharrell Williams who gave the class's commencement speech Saturday, Dec.11, 2021 in Norfolk, Va. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) (Stephen M. Katz)NORFOLK, Va. — (AP) — Grammy-winning musician Pharrell Williams on Saturday told the newest graduates of a historically Black university in Virginia to act like “the emerging majority” and help develop the area's businesses and culture. Williams gave the fall commencement speech at Norfolk State University, not far from where the producer and rapper grew up in adjoining Virginia Beach. “I didn’t attend Norfolk State, but I was always present,” Williams said. Before the presentation, Willams said he remembered the band as a child and wondered why the band at his Virginia Beach high school lacked the same “cadence” as Norfolk State. “I wanted to be able to make people feel the way Norfolk State’s band made me feel,” he said.
wftv.comCity seeks festival's return, Pharrell cites 'toxic energy'
2021 MET Museum Costume Institute Benefit Gala Helen Lasichanh, left, and Pharrell Williams attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" exhibition on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, in New York. City leaders appealed to the Grammy-winning producer to restore the festival in 2022. In 2019, the festival brought $24 million to the local Hampton Roads economy. In its response, the city said Lynch, who was Black, pointed a gun at the officer who shot him. “By meeting in person and communicating, I am confident we can move in a better direction.
wftv.comCity seeks festival's return, Pharrell cites 'toxic energy'
Virginia Beach leaders want Pharrell Williams to reconsider bringing the Something in the Water festival back next year, but the musician responded that he wishes the city had taken a more proactive stance after a police officer fatally shot his cousin.
State police to probe deadly Virginia Beach police shooting
Aubrey "Japharii" Jones, left, walks on the sidewalk on Atlantic Ave. Saturday March 27, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Va.. Overnight shootings near the Atlantic oceanfront in Virginia Beach left two people dead and eight wounded in a scene described by authorities on Saturday as very chaotic. Williams, who is also a Virginia Beach native, declined to comment further through a representative. “We need far better accountability and transparency, and the families of those killed by police, in Virginia Beach and across this country, deserve answers,” Jones said Sunday. Lynch's shooting was one of three separate shooting incidents that police said occurred within minutes of each other along Virginia Beach's oceanfront. Also killed in a separate shooting nearby that night was Deshayla E. Harris, 28, of Norfolk.
Ariana Grande joining 'The Voice' for season 21 as a coach
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2018 file photo, Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series "The Voice" for its fall 2021 cycle. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – “The Voice" is switching their positions for Ariana Grande: the pop star is taking her seat in the coach's chair later this year. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series for its fall 2021 cycle. The 20th season of “The Voice" is currently on air and features those three singers along with Nick Jonas.
Iran cracks down on contentious pop music video with arrests
This photo provided by AZ Films shows California based Iranian pop singer Sasy with American adult film actress Alexis Texas in the music video for "Tehran Tokyo." Iranian authorities have arrested multiple music producers connected to the California-based Iranian pop singer, his management company and Iranian media said Thursday, March 11, in Tehrans latest effort to halt what it deems decadent Western behavior. The arrests come as Iranian social media has been awash with criticism of popular underground Iranian singer, “Sasy,” or Sasan Heidari Yafteh's, new music video. Rafahi said the gambling accusations stemmed from a misunderstanding, given that a poker website helped sponsor the music video. __Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
New this week: Sia, Clarice Starling and Kristen Wiig
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. One nominee, “Judas and the Black Messiah," arrives on HBO Max (as well as in theaters) on Friday. Ad— Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo's last writing partnership turned out pretty well. Ad— AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Sia’s Golden Globe-nominated directorial debut, “Music,” will be accompanied with a 14-track album. Ad— “Silence of the Lambs” is three decades in the rearview mirror, but only a year has passed as CBS’ “Clarice” picks up the story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling.
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
FILE - Pharrell Williams attends the world premiere of "The Black Godfather," in Los Angeles on June 3, 2019. Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. He was especially angered that the event was hours after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)From classic American rockers to British artists to the estates of late legends, here's a look at some of the musicians who have objected to Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events. JOHN FOGERTY, PHIL COLLINS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEENSome classic rockers say not only do they oppose Trump using their music, the choice of songs is ironic or downright wrong. Eddy Grant sued Trump in September over the use of his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” in a Trump campaign animated video that mocked his opponent Joe Biden.
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
LIV owner David Grutman poses for a photograph at the nightclub, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. LIV, one of Miami's most glamorous, star-studded nightclubs sits empty and quiet these days, a casualty of both the coronavirus outbreak and a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
The parties at the club are so legendary they have inspired lyrics from Drake, Kanye West and Rick Ross. Today, LIV sits quiet and empty — a casualty not just of the coronavirus outbreak but of a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. “I cried real tears,” the 46-year-old Grutman said of his last visit to the shuttered club and nightlife's seemingly bygone era. Grutman has fielded countless calls from DJs begging to be the first when the club reopens. Others have asked to host Zoom parties from LIV, but Grutman just isn't into it.
Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambition
NEW YORK Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have teamed up to release a new song about Black ambition titled Entrepreneur." Black Twitter, whats that? When Jack gets paid, do you? raps Jay-Z, referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. For every one Gucci, support two FUBUs.On the track, Williams sings: In this position with no choice/The system imprison young Black boys/Distract with white noise." Williams told TIME the song is about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with."
Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nods
Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show Starring Jennifer Lopez And Shakira picked up four nominations, including outstanding variety special (live). It was not clear if Lopez and Shakira were specifically nominated, though past halftime singers, including Beyonc, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, have earned Emmy nominations as performers. For their work on Watchmen, they scored a second Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition for a limited series, movie or special. They earned nominations as producers for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special and as writers for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who composed music for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, picked up a nomination for outstanding music composition for a documentary series of special.
Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killing
Hess shot Henry as Henry drove through a parking lot, away from a disturbance that spilled out of a bar in October 2010 in Mount Pleasant, a New York City suburb. Hess has said Henry was trying to run him down and that he fired through the windshield to stop the driver. The Henrys have said Hess jumped front of the car, got onto the hood and shot their son for no good reason. Henry's father said new information that has come out since the criminal case was closed warrants a reexamination of his son's death. As human beings we should all want a standard of justice that is fair and right, Danroy Henry Sr. told The Boston Globe.
Dr. Dre earned $950 million in the past decadehere are the other 9 top-earning musicians of the 2010s
The year also marked when Beats Electronics, owned by super-producer and businessman Andre Young (aka Dr. Dre) was acquired by Apple for $3 billion. This major deal helped Dr. Dre secure his top spot as the highest-paid musician of the 2010s, during which time he earned a reported $950 million, according to Forbes' list of the 10 top-earning musicians of the decade. Unlike Taylor Swift and Beyonce, who come in second, earning $825 million, and third, earning $685 million respectively, Dr. Dre didn't spend the past decade going on sold-out world tours to promote multi-platinum albums. Dr. Dre's business prowess has inspired the likes of billionaire mogul Richard Branson. Here are the other artists who join Dr. Dre in earning the most money in the 2010s.
cnbc.comGlobal Citizen Festival announces iconic lineup
The headliners for this year's Global Citizen Festival, which will be held Sept. 28 in Central Park, pack a big punch. Queen, still riding its "Bohemian Rhapsody" publicity bump, will perform, with Adam Lambert on vocals. and Carole King will also headline the event, which highlights Global Citizen's mission of ending poverty. "Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live," Pharrell tweeted on Tuesday, talking about his partnership with the Global Citizen cause. "Global citizens" earn their way into the audience by taking actions like signing petitions, tweeting about issues or calling their senators.
Pharrell Williams offers internships to 114 Harlem high school grads
(CNN) - The promise Pharrell Williams made to a group of more than 100 graduating high school seniors in Harlem has changed Brionna Pope's life as she heads to college. All 114 graduates have been accepted to college, Harlem Children's Zone CEO Anne Williams-Isom said. Pope, with a phone in hand recording Williams' speech, couldn't believe it at first. "I currently have a struggling single mother who is trying to pay for my student loans for Syracuse." Recent Federal Reserve data shows Americans owe $1.5 trillion in student loans -- and African-American students are more likely to take out federal student loans, according to the Center for American Progress.
MoneyWatch: Exxon CEO expects oil prices to remain low; "Blurred Lines" trial resumes
MoneyWatch: Exxon CEO expects oil prices to remain low; "Blurred Lines" trial resumes Exxon Moblie CEO, Rex Tillerson says that oil production has outpaced consumption. And, in the trial over the hit song "Blurred Lines," Pharrell Williams testified that he did not copy Marvin Gaye's song. Wendy Gillette reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams on success: "I've been hoisted up" by others
Pharrell Williams on success: "I've been hoisted up" by others The Grammy-winning producer-singer-songwriter of such hits as "Get Lucky," "Blurred Lines" and "Happy" tells correspondent Anthony Mason his success comes not from his music, but from an audience making a choice.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams on meeting his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo
Pharrell Williams on meeting his Neptunes partner Chad Hugo Grammy Award-winner Pharrell Williams talks about his schoolmate Chad Hugo, with whom he formed a highly successful music production duo, The Neptunes, that was responsible for some of the most successful hip hop, R&B and pop hits of the 1990s and 2000s.
cbsnews.comPharrell Williams: “My story is the average story”
Pharrell Williams: “My story is the average story” In this “Sunday Morning” preview Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Pharrell Williams gives credit to his high school band teachers for helping him get to where he is today, and tells Anthony Mason that while growing up, his life was filled with special people.
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