Newsletter Friday, December 01, 2017

[LaineyGossip.com - Calling all smuthounds!] Friday, December 01, 2017 [Intro for December 1, 2017]( [The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish](Dear Gossips, The NY Film Critics Circle announced their selections for the best of 2017 yesterday. And guess who just stomped into the awards race? TIFFANY HADDISH! Tiffany was named Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Girls Trip even though the NYFCC was big on Lady Bird. Lady Bird won Best Film and Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan) and with that kind of support, you’d think Laurie Metcalf would have been picked in the supporting category, especially since Laurie and Allison Janney are considered the frontrunners for Oscar in that category. That said, you cannot deny Tiffany Haddish. Without Tiffany Haddish, Girls Trip is good …but it’s not what it became. Which of course is why Tiffany is part of the conversation. Can she continue the momentum? The NYFCC don’t always line up with what happens at the Oscars and, as we know, the Oscars are historically snotty-assed about comedy. But there are three nomination days coming up in the next couple of weeks and if we see her name all over those, Tiffany could be building to the big show just in time. Critics’ Choice nominations are happening next Wednesday, December 6. That’s followed by the Golden Globe nominations the following Monday, December 11. Two days after that it’s the SAG nominations. If Tiffany’s name keeps showing up at all of those, she’ll be in the minds of Academy members during the holidays. In other Tiffany news, that may be related, her book, The Last Black Unicorn comes out on Tuesday. It’s a collection of essays about her upbringing, her career, and of course her humour. Not sure how much press she’ll be doing to promote it, but it wouldn’t hurt both book sales and her award season chances to be out there on the circuit, reminding everyone that she’s been one of the top entertainers of the year. Have a great weekend! Yours in gossip, Lainey [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 1:27 PM [What Else?]( Some of you think that Meghan Markle was being extra on Monday when she and Prince Harry were interviewed together. You want extra? [Kaley Cuoco’s engagement reaction is… extra](. I mean obviously anyone married into the royal family would never video their reaction to being proposed to. But still. This is over-the-top in a way that… you know what? I’m not supposed to sh-t on love. So fine. She was overcome by happiness. Let’s leave it there. (Dlisted) Lady Gaga posted photos of herself in a bikini. [And then some people decided to blame her for sexual harassment](. Which would not surprise you if you’ve ever spent any time on Facebook. Or the TMZ comments section. Why aren’t we talking about metallic bikinis and how you wear them on the beach in the sun without the metal heating up and burning your skin? (Pajiba) Someone is pretending to be Chris Pratt and, as Chris Pratt, might be a predator. There is no snark here. Whoever it is they’re a loser. And it could be dangerous. [And Chris Pratt has issued a public service announcement](. And you should read it and beware. (Mashable) There was a Louis Vuitton party last night. And the latest collection has an off the shoulder flutter ruffle detail around the arm that a lot of people hate. I don’t mind it. [It’s kind of a statement on the overkill of the cold shoulder](. And it’s much more interesting visually than a garden variety strapless dress. But where was Emma Stone? I didn’t see her at this event. And she’s LV now. (Go Fug Yourself) Chris Evans will be doing a play in New York [so now he’s looking to buy a place and Jenny Slate was helping him](. Does that mean she might be staying there a lot with him? I’ll leave you to debate that question while I focus on another one. Will Dodger be moving to New York too? Here’s my theory on New York City dogs. If they’re from New York and they’ve only known sidewalks and tiny parks, it’s not a problem. But if they’ve been raised somewhere else, with so much green space and trails and big parks every day, it’s definitely a tougher transition. (Cele|bitchy) [Have you read Jenny Lumet’s essay about Russell Simmons](? This is why he stepped down from his businesses. Not two weeks ago when several models also shared their predation. And Duana’s point yesterday was that women not only have to come forward, the RIGHT woman has to come forward. She has to have her own profile. And only then will the allegations MAYBE be taken seriously. It’s layer upon layer upon layer of bullsh-t. One woman is never enough. And if you have an accusation to make? You better make sure you have a title for your claims to possibly even be considered. (The Hollywood Reporter) [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 8:42 PM [Smutty Social Media, December 1, 2017]( [Gwen Stefani attends a photocall for the switch on Christmas Lights at Westfield's at White City in London, November 30, 2017](The point of this photo, I think, is the filter. But it should have been her outfit. Which she’s not showing. Which is too bad because I’m obsessed with it. There’s a cape. And stars. And a Wonder Woman vibe. And only Gwen Stefani could have gotten away with it. And she did. I love everything. [A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)]( on Dec 1, 2017 at 5:11am PST Oh come ON, Gabrielle Union. She looks like she’s still in high school! High school! [A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)]( on Dec 1, 2017 at 7:12am PST Yesterday it was Serena Williams finding the good light. Today it’s Zendaya. With a good product plug. But …also… I imagine that Zendaya in sh-tty light is probably not bad at all. [A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya)]( on Nov 30, 2017 at 9:55pm PST Oh thanks God. I think Mimi is finally ready for Christmas. Christmas might be saved after all. Of course we’re all waiting for that unveil, right? There are rumours that Mimi’s made some adjustments. And part of the Christmas delay is to give those adjustments more time. [A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)]( on Dec 1, 2017 at 1:08am PST “I love free stuff.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. [A post shared by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer)]( on Nov 30, 2017 at 8:22pm PST [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 6:33 PM [Harry & Meghan’s first day at work]( [Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the Nottingham Academy as part of their first official public engagements together on December 1, 2017 in Nottingham, England](Today is World AIDS Day. “According to the [UNAIDS Data 2017]( report from UNAIDS, an estimated one million people worldwide died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2016. By the end of 2015, an estimated 36.7 million people around the world were living with HIV.” Here in Canada, [it’s estimated that](, in 2014, 65,000 Canadians were living with HIV and that 20% of Canadians with HIV remain undiagnosed. I read an article this morning that “[Russia stands on the brink of unprecedented HIV crisis](” because of lack of awareness and resources. [According to the UN](, proper education is an issue and so is complacency. Please [click here]( to learn more about World AIDS Day and to find resources on how you can share information in your community. AIDS and HIV awareness has been a priority for [Prince Harry](, continuing the work of his mother. Today, on World AIDS Day, he and [Meghan Markle]( made their first official public engagement together in Nottingham. By all accounts, it was a major success, not unlike the engagement rollout on Monday. Prince Harry is always well-received. With Meghan though, there was an extra level of excitement, especially since she was doing it for the first time. Imagine the scrutiny. No doubt, and she would have known this, there were a lot of people watching how she would perform today, whether or not she’d be able to manage her composure, how comfortable she would be with the situation. And, no doubt, in time they’ll find sh-t to criticise. Tomorrow maybe they’ll start picking apart a detail here and there, challenging her suitability. Today, however, she didn’t give them much to dump on. Several veteran royal reporters I spoke to who were there told me it seemed like she’d been doing it for years, that she was relaxed and engaging with the public, that there was no awkwardness. And that, yes, she and Harry were a lot more in tune with each other than we typically see from other members of the family. It was how they walked arm in arm or hand in hand. One person’s hand was often reassuringly placed on the other’s back – sometimes it was him, other times it was her. She had her hand on his knee at one point. They kept their hands together, even in the car. He leaned in close a few times, right into her ear, to check that she was alright. Pretty much he was always finding ways to touch her. It was, by all accounts, a huge success on her first day at work, as a representative of the royal family. I mean, they’re not technically married, but the fact that she’s now joining him on his duty days means a LOT. It means that he’s that confident in her to be able to do the job. And he’s also kinda showing off, right? Look how easy she made it seem. It’s been four days, and all kinds of talk, and the biggest spotlight, and she slid right into the role without any problem at all. My favourite detail from the day isn’t what happened when he was asked about being a ginger… Video: Hilarious from a red-headed member of the crowd asking Harry how it felt to be with [#Meghan]( 'as a ginger'. 'It's great, isn't it?!' He replied. [#Harry]( [#Meghan]( [pic.twitter.com/taPpdytTVJ]( — Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) [December 1, 2017]( …but what Meghan said when she was asked for a selfie. I’m told someone in the crowd, while she was on the walkabout shaking hands, wanted a selfie. Meghan declined. “We’re not allowed.” Selfies and autographs are not protocol. Because if you say yes to one… And also? This is not a movie premiere for these people. Selfies still are considered rather, um, common? Even for Harry, who’s the most relatable member of the royal family, if “relatable” is even the right word. It happens, once in a while, when it can’t be helped, sure. But the general rule is that selfies don’t happen. I’m curious to see how long this holds up. And if, by the time Big G is grown, whether or not that will change. Other observations: The sex appeal. Royals are supposed to be asexual. That is, there should never be a hint of that kind of chemistry between them on these occasions. Today I heard, from several people on the ground, that it was palpable. Harry had his hand on Meghan’s waist a few times which is typically a no-go zone. With Harry and Meghan though, there didn’t seem to be any attempt to convey any of that formality. They were tactile, they were not stiff, and that may be something that the old timey pearl clutchers might target eventually. Will they want Harry and Meghan to keep their hands off each other? I certainly don’t. And not just because they’re hot as f-ck together and who doesn’t want that kind of sizzle but also because it’s actually on brand for Harry. Being demonstrably affectionate with his partner fits in with what we’ve known of Harry’s personality. They’ve always said that he is his mother, that he wears his emotions the way she did. She was so appealing to so many people because it never seemed like she held back when she was excited or upset or in love. Diana was never about containment. For Diana it was always expression. Prince Harry is crazy about Meghan Markle. So much so that he really can’t hide it. They tried to stifle this in Diana and it didn’t go well. How would Harry react to being told to pull back? [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 5:36 PM [Christmas Rock]( of Jumanji, [Dwayne Johnson]( covers Entertainment Weekly, with an accompanying slightly disturbing sexy Santa-themed photoshoot. (Some things should never be sexy and Santa is one of them.) The cover teases Johnson talking about his imaginary presidential run, though those quotes are left out of the online preview, but if we’re going to start casting the presidency like a reality show, sure, let’s elect President The Rock. It cannot possibly be worse than what is happening right now. What is in the online preview is the usual soundbites you get from Johnson, about his incredible work ethic and self-motivation—he likes “operating like my back’s against the wall,” which begs the question of what scenario he is imagining in which DWAYNE JOHNSON has his back against the wall. Is he imagining a horde of komodo dragons slowly advancing upon him?—and how everyone likes him and he’s self-minting franchise gold. He has long since mastered the art of talking without saying anything. But there are things to talk about, chiefly Jumanji, which is tracking for a $60 million opening weekend. Up against Star Wars, that would be a fantastic result, and another jewel in Johnson’s box office crown, and will completely erase the failure of Baywatch earlier this year. Johnson isn’t wearing that anyway—even though he did produce it, so he should share in the blame—but if he closes the year with a W, it will be like Baywatch never happened. A big question mark for him, though, is what is happening with his proposed DC villain project, Black Adam? In the wake of Justice League’s failure, there has been no significant movement at DC Films, but Warner Brothers usually does their firing right before the holidays, so there’s still a few weeks to see what, if any, changes will be made in response to the wheels coming off their superhero machine. Because of Johnson’s popularity, they should probably hold onto his project, but if a new honcho comes in to run the DC Films unit, will they want to keep anything developed by the team that face-planted? It’s going to be very interesting to see what does and doesn’t survive the upcoming executive shuffle. [Source]( [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 4:22 PM [Saint Beyoncé](�©-generously-joins-ed-sheeran-for-perfect-duet) Queen is a generous person, a loving, giving, kind soul. She gives back in many ways, to many charitable organizations. This week, she granted the wish of a child in need. In case you were wondering WHY [Beyoncé]( would lend her talents [to a duet with Ed Sheeran](, the answer is that it’s the season of selflessness and philanthropy and her generosity knows no limits. The remix to [Ed Sheeran](’s song Perfect, featuring Beyoncé, dropped yesterday and he’s already been asked HOW he managed to [gain the benevolence of our Queen](� ). “I can’t believe it to be honest… It’s something I kinda did just to see whether should would say yes.” It’s like when little kids write letters to Santa Claus crossing their fingers and wishing on stars that he’ll respond. I’m assuming Ed Sheeran is on the nice list this year because Beyoncé responded with a yes to a plaid shirt-wearing, guitar-playing, corny ginger child (no disrespect to all gingers, just this particular one) on a song that blatantly rips off one of his other songs. When I first heard the OG Perfect, I thought it was his other wedding-friendly ballad Thinking Out Loud. THEY ARE THE SAME SONG. Why is no one talking about this? Ed Sheeran should be on his knees thanking Beyoncé because she elevated this knockoff, cheeseball, throwaway track to a beautiful lullaby. Me listening to the Ed Sheeran solo version of Perfect: Ugh, this is so sappy and it’s trying so hard to be every basic bitch’s first dance song I can’t stand it. Me listening to the Beyoncé version: This is a stunningly romantic story of true love and I hope it will be playing while I sway weeping in my future husband Michael Bae Jordan’s arms on our wedding day. I’ve now listened to the Perfect duet 4 times this morning. Every time Ed sings, “I don’t deserve this,” I say CORRECT, out loud. This isn’t the first time Ed Sheeran has been the recipient of Beyoncé’s kindness. In 2015, they performed together at [Stevie Wonder’s Grammy tribute](. That year, Ed also told Jimmy Fallon that he played third wheel to Bey and Jay on a pizza date [after his show at Barclays](. Then, they performed an acoustic version Drunk In Love together at the [Global Citizen Festival](. I have spent two years refusing to watch this. Ed Sheeran’s stans will say that this duet happened because Ed and Bey are such great friends and she’s a fan of his work. Here’s how I think it went down: Ed Sheeran calls up Beyoncé and asks her to be on the song. She has to put the phone down to ask Jay to remind her who this kid is. Blue Ivy calls from the other room, “it’s that redhead boy who never brushes his hair!” Beyoncé vaguely remembers. She finds it within her heart to donate her time and angelic voice to a mediocre melody. Christmas is 24 days away. Is this song proof that Beyoncé is a REALLY great gift giver? [Click here for the rest of the photos.](�©-generously-joins-ed-sheeran-for-perfect-duet) Posted at 3:27 PM [Rihanna’s 2017… and 2018?]( [Rihanna attends a ceremony renaming the street where she grew up to Rihanna Drive in Barbados, November 30, 2017]([Rihanna]( was in Barbados yesterday because they named a street after her: Rihanna Drive. She’s from Barbados, as you know, but as far as I’m concerned, they could name a street after her in every country. I mean, it’s Rihanna. Yesterday I happily spent part of my day on a Twitter thread that my colleague Blair sent over. The entire thread is about what Rihanna did almost every day this year. Seriously. It’s riveting. And since it’s Friday and you might want to f-ck around a little, I’m sharing it with you now, even though I originally intended to save it for Smutty Social Media: [Rihanna in 2017]( So it’s not like Rihanna’s been hiding all year. She hasn’t at all. She’s actually been rather visible. She’s launched several projects, including her [very successful makeup line](. Does it feel like she’s been in our faces a lot though? Despite the fact that it’s possible to dedicate an entire Twitter thread documenting what she’s done almost every day this year, does it feel like oversaturation? Because to me, even though we did see Rihanna around, it still seemed like she wasn’t around enough. And that’s a specific skill – to be present but still mysterious. Rihanna has a whole secret life. We know this because it was months before we found out she was dating billionaire Hassan Jameel. Since then, she’s continued to keep their relationship super undercover. Maybe more undercover than she’s ever been with any of her boyfriends? If that’s the case, does it mean that this is as serious as it’s ever been? If Rihanna was busy but still low-keyish in 2017, what does 2018 look like? I’m excited for her in 2018. Ocean's 8 is coming out in 2018. There have been rumours that she’s been working on an album. What if she drops her new album to coincide with Ocean's 8? Ocean's 8 comes out on June 8, just four weeks after the MET Gala. The MET Gala is part of the Ocean's 8 storyline. And Rihanna always, always storms the MET Gala. Which could mean that Rihanna’s 2018 MET Gala look could be even more extra and more life than all of her previous MET Galas. As for her love life in 2018… part of me wants desperately to see what it would be like if Rihanna had to plan a wedding but another part of me wants Rihanna to be the girl who doesn’t give a sh-t about weddings. Anyway, in other Rihanna news. And Rihanna news is pretty much just straight up awesomeness – this: When I thought she couldn't teach me more... [@rihanna]( ❤ [pic.twitter.com/iAX3kJBAr1]( — savage (@lbertootero) [November 29, 2017]( [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 3:06 PM [ScarJost is “official”]( Scarlett Johansson]( was at the 2017 Museum Gala in New York last night. She walked the carpet on her own but inside the event, she agreed to pose with [Colin Jost](. The two have been papped together before, of course, but these represent the first “official” shots of them together. Which, I guess, is supposed to mean that Colin has moved past the “[josting](” and into bonafide status. Because, as we know, Scarjo can be particular about her private life and what she chooses to share. Being photographed like this is most definitely a deliberate share. And a confirmation. So has he done it? Has Colin Jost locked down the [biggest player in Hollywood](? You know what this reminds me of? Scarjo and Colin first hooked up just before the summer at the Saturday Night Live season finale. They were seen together through the summer but she was also photographed hanging out and holding hands with her lawyer Kevin Yorn. It’s fall now though, Kevin’s not around, and Colin’s gotten exclusive time on her schedule. Basically… Cuffing Season! Also, can we play Photo Assumption, our favourite game of baseless conclusions, on this picture? The way I see it, to me, he’s all like, OMG is this really happening? And she’s like, yes, this is happening to you. I am indeed happening to you. Now your turn. [Click here for the rest of the photos.]( Posted at 2:05 PM [Privacy Policy]( - [Unsubscribe](