It took a while, but Mexican cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera was convicted today (Feb. 12) in a Brooklyn federal district court of multiple crimes including operating a continuing criminal enterprise and multiple charges of conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine, heroin and marijuana. He was found guilty of all the charges he was facing. El Chapo is also infamous for escaping not one but two supermax prisons in Mexico. But don’t expect such finesse stateside. Reports the New York Times : The guilty verdict against the kingpin, whose real name is Joaquín Guzmán Loera, ended the career of a legendary outlaw who also served as a dark folk hero in Mexico, notorious for his innovative smuggling tactics, his violence against competitors, his storied prison breaks and his nearly unstoppable ability to evade the Mexican authorities. The jury’s decision came more than a week after the panel started deliberations at the trial in Federal District Court in Brooklyn where prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence against the cartel leader, including testimony from 56 witnesses, 14 of whom once worked with Mr. Guzmán. He faces life in prison at his sentencing. Needless to say, the trial was bananas. Case in point: At times, the trial was so bizarre it felt like a drug-world telenovela unfolding live in the courtroom. Last month, one of Mr. Guzmán’s mistresses tearfully proclaimed her love for him even as she testified against him from the stand. The following day, in what seemed like a coordinated show of solidarity, the kingpin and his wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, appeared in court in matching red velvet smoking jackets. Toward the end of the proceeding, Alejandro Edda, an actor who plays El Chapo on the Netflix series “Narcos: Mexico,” showed up at the trial to study Mr. Guzmán. The crime lord flashed an ecstatic smile when told Mr. Edda had come to see him. El Chapo is accused of making a whopping $14 billion during his run. It was revealed during the trial that he once paid an ex-Mexican President a $100M bribe . The Sinaloa Cartel is still active. — Photo: Getty
Source: John Lamparski / Getty Danish pop group Lukas Graham is facing some backlash after the band decided to cover XXXTentacion ‘s song “Sad!” The late rapper was facing several legal charges at the time of his death and admitted to a lot of the violence he’d been accused of, according to tapes posted by Pitchfork back in October. XXXTentacion was charged with aggravated battery of a pregnant victim , domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and witness tampering—but Lukas Forchhammer, frontman of the aforementioned pop group, says he wasn’t aware. Now that he is, he’s having the Spotify session removed , according to Billboard . “Our cover of SAD will be taken down ASAP,” he wrote on Instagram, according to the site. “I had no knowledge of his violent history. I’m very sorry for the pain I’ve caused. Again, I’m very sorry.” Billboard states that Warner Bros. Records had no additional comment regarding the song’s removal. Thoughts? Photo: Getty
Source: Danita Delimont / Getty Fans Mourn The Death Of A Trailblazer Kevin Fret was known by many as the first openly gay Latin trap artist on his way to stardom. But unfortunately, his life ended in tragedy on Friday when he was shot and killed in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was only 24 years old. According to Billboard , Fret was shot on his motorcycle around 5:30 a.m. local time and he passed away at the Medical Center of Rio Piedras. The case is still under investigation and the motives behind the shooting have yet to be determined. In an official statement, Fret’s manager, Eduardo Rodriguez confirmed the news: “Kevin was an artistic soul, a big-hearted dreamer. His passion was music, and still had a lot to do. This violence must stop. There are no words that describe the feeling we have and the pain that causes us to know that a person with so many dreams has to go. We must all unite in these difficult times, and ask for much peace for our beloved Puerto Rico.” Fret first gained major attention when he dropped his single “Soy Asi” in April 2018. The music video has close to 700,000 views on YouTube and in an interview with Paper magazine , Fret described how he wanted to be as authentic as possible with his debut. “I had everything in my mind, like the day I come out [in Latin trap] as a gay guy,” he said. “I’m going to make my first video and I’m going to be showing my stomach, and I’m going to act like I don’t give a damn about what anybody has to say — with my blonde hair, my black nails, showing my stomach, glittery from head to toe.” In the wake of Kevin’s death he’s already received an outpouring of condolences from fans and celebrities alike. Q ueer Eye stylist Jonathan Van Ness, tweeted “Another beautiful artist taken too soon & another reason why being an ally is so important. # RipKevinFret .” Another beautiful artist taken too soon & another reason why being an ally is so important. #RipKevinFret https://t.co/YTesj3wc9P — Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) January 10, 2019 Meanwhile, My So-Called Life actor Wilson Cruz wrote, “This is INFURIATING! My heart aches for all of # PuertoRico , but especially the family of # KevinFret . So much tragedy STILL in the aftermath and politics of # hurricanemaria but ignored by our federal govt.” This is INFURIATING! My heart aches for all of #PuertoRico , but especially the family of #KevinFret . So much tragedy STILL in the aftermath and politics of #hurricanemaria but ignored by our federal govt. https://t.co/htq6SXlwzE — Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) January 11, 2019 RIP Kevin Fret. We’ll keep you posted if there’s any major updates.
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Prayers up! Remy Ma Has Post-Birth Surgery For Bleeding Remy Ma is unfortunately back in the hospital after giving birth to “The Golden Child.” TMZ reports that Remy was rushed into emergency surgery Tuesday after suffering from excessive bleeding. They add that the rapper had blood transfusions while on the operating table but the surgery was a success. She’s expected to be released soon. Yesterday Papoose revealed that he bought Remy a $94,000 Escalade a “push present” for delivering their baby girl. Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Get well soon Remy! Continue reading →
Source: J. Countess / Getty Tis the season for celebs to give back! This time around it’s Tyler Perry playing Santa for families living in Atlanta. On Thursday (Nov 6), the Hollywood mogul confirmed on social media that he donated a whopping $430,000 to two local Walmarts to pay off both stores’ layaway bills! Tyler admitted he wanted for his act of charity to be anonymous, but given that “nothing can stay secret,” he felt the need to announce his good deed. “I know it’s hard times, everyone’s struggling and I’m just really, really grateful to be able to be in a position to this,” Perry said in the video. “So, God bless you, go get your stuff and merry Christmas.” I was trying to do this anonymously but oh well!!! pic.twitter.com/T0dhRHyU66 — Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) December 6, 2018 According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution , any items placed on layaway at the East Point and Douglasville stores before 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, were included in Perry’s payments. Customers only have to one penny to pick up their items. One of the store’s managers, Shamika, told the newspaper that she was “shocked” by the director’s generosity. “I was shocked. It shows that we know there’s still good people in the world,” she stressed. Yes, there are good people in the world. Thank you Tyler for this beautiful gift! RELATED NEWS: In Wake Of Florida Shooting, Oprah Donates $500,000 To Anti-Gun Violence March In The Giving Spirit: Drake Donates $50K To Miami Women’s Shelter Beautiful News: Rapper Drake Donates $50K Towards College Student’s Tuition [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”2969798″ overlay=”true”]
Larissa Dos Santos Lima may have recently called herself a survivor on Instagram , but the Las Vegas Police Department had a different label for this 90 Day Fiance star over the weekend: Abuser . As previously reported, the TLC reality star was arrested a few days ago on a charge of domestic battery. New details (and Larissa’s mug shot!) regarding the incident have now emerged on the Internet. “On Nov. 10, 2018, at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to a family disturbance at a residence in Northwest Las Vegas,” reads a statement by Las Vegas Police Officer Larry Hadfield. This statement was obtained by In Touch Weekly and it continues: “Two people were contacted at the home who were arguing. “At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that Dos Santos had committed Battery Domestic Violence on her husband and transported to the Clark County Detention Center.” Specifically, Larissa was arrested and detained on one count of misdemeanor domestic battery last Saturday. She freaked fans out and caused major concerns when she locked herself in a bathroom, added her phone number to her Instagram bio and wrote on social media: HELP ME …HE TURNED OFF HIDE MY PHONE HELP ME HE WANTS TO CALL THE POLICE HELP ME. Larissa and her fiance, Colt, it should be noted, met online and are featured on this very season of 90 Day Fiance. You can tune in each week to see their unusual relationship play out. According to Larissa, her fight with Colt took place because he told his girlfriend NOT to share any photos of him on her Instagram account. He said the status of their relationship had to remain a mystery, for the sake of the show. She then went on to allege that Colt caused some damage in their home the two bickered over this demand — and she also claims that, at some point during their fight, he took her phone away. That’s when she posted the above plea for help. After posting a $1,000 bond, Larissa went back on Instagram in order to assure supporters that she was fine. “Hello everyone. Thank you for the support and love. I am safe and resting,” she wrote, adding: The past 48 hours have been the most difficult in my life. But reading the messages from all of you has made me smile. God bless and thank you. I’ll update soon.” But, wait, is she still with Colt? Yes. “We are together and strong. We just choose [to not] expose it,” Larissa added. Colt, meanwhile, has also responded to questions and stories about Larissa’s arrest, as well as his role in the incident. He thinks people on the World Wide Web should stop playing amateur detective and leave the couple alone, basically. “Self proclaimed internet sleuths who think they are Woodward and Bernstein,” he wrote late Monday on Instagram. “They are simply people that spread misinformation, lies, and chaos to make themselves look important. They are nothing and will never be relevant.” We don’t know what actually transpired between Colt and Larissa, of course, but we can say this much: When you are accused of being at the center of a domestic battery confrontation… you may be best served NOT to come across as hostile in your response to it. View Slideshow: 90 Day Fiance: Larissa Dos Santos ARRESTED For Assaulting Husband!
Years ago, Taylor Swift released an album titled “Red.” Nevertheless, this beloved solo artist stunned the universe this week when she made her political opinion known for the first time in her professional life, revealing herself to be… … a democrat! Or at least to be supporting a pair of democrats in her home state of Tennessee: Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives. Cooper is running against Marsha Blackburn, who Swift wrote on Instagram has a voting record in Congress that “appalls and terrifies me,” explaining thusly: “She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. “She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. “These are not MY Tennessee values.” Asked about these comments on the White House lawn on Monday afternoon, President Trump said, sort of humorously: “Let’s say that I like Taylor’s music about 25 percent less now.” He added more specifically: “Marsha Blackburn is doing a very good job in Tennessee. She’s leading now substantially which she should. “She’s a tremendous woman. I’m sure Taylor Swift doesn’t know anything about her.” Swift actually outlined her take in a very detailed, calm and fair manner. But she's been pilloried by republicans nevertheless, of course. They apparently think Kanye West is a well-educated political guru who should be listened to and respected when it comes to his opinion… … but Swift is a vapid moron whose viewpoint she be scoffed at, naturally. “So @taylorswift13 has every right to be political but it won’t impact election unless we allow 13 yr old girls to vote,” Mike Huckabee tweeted for instance. “Still with #MarshaBlackburn.” Okay, but — who wants to do the math for the former Governor and explain to him how old Taylor Swift fans who started following her after the release of her first album in 2006 are now? WATCH TRUMP'S RESPONSE TO SWIFT IN THE VIDEO FEATURED HERE.
She’s sorry, but the old Taylor Swift can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Because she’s busy knocking on doors and canvassing neighborhoods in Tennessee to make sure everyone is informed and registered to vote in the 2018 midterm elections. Indeed, the singer has broken from an often-criticized tradition and done more than merely dip a toe in political waters. She’s gone right ahead and jumped in with two feet. On Sunday evening, the beloved solo artist shared the photo above, along with a lengthy Instagram message that endorsed a pair of candidates in the November 6 election for various important offices. “In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now,” Swift said to open her statement. She continued: “I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. “I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. “I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.” In the eyes of many critics, Swift had come under fire many times in the past for never using her famous platform for the greatest good. While fellow superstars such as Beyonce had not only backed certain candidates, but given speeches and performances on their behalf, Swift had remained out of the political arena entirely. Some were especially appalled by this decision in 2016 when there was such a clear choice between a candidate who supported women’s rights (Hillary Clinton) and, well… Donald Trump . “I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent,” Taylor added in this new message. “I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.” Why is Swift speaking out now? Likely because Republican senators just confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court — despite one notable accusation of sexual assault against him, along with pretty clear temperment concerns. Perhaps with this in mind, Swift went on to specifically throw her support behind two candidates from her home state. “Running for Senate in the state of Tennessee is a woman named Marsha Blackburn. As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. “Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. “She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. “These are not MY Tennessee values.” In races that appear rather close and which could legitimately impact the country, Swift therefore announced the candidates who have her backing: “I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives. “Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. For a lot of us, we may never find a candidate or party with whom we agree 100% on every issue, but we have to vote anyway.” As you might expect, taking a partisan side has elicited mixed reactions on Twitter. A handful of users are for the move: Others have scoffed at the move: (Editor’s Note: Since Kanye supposedly “ended” Swift by interrupting her speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the two highest-grossing tours in the world belong to… Taylor Swift.) This, of course, is the danger of getting involved in politics: you may engender some serious opposition. But Swift must think it is worth the fight and the criticism in order to speak her mind and espouse her values. This is how Swift concluded her unexpected post: So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count. But first you need to register, which is quick and easy to do. October 9th is the LAST DAY to register to vote in the state of TN. Go to vote.org and you can find all the info. Happy Voting! We wish the very same to you, Taylor. View Slideshow: Taylor Swift Albums: The Definitive Countdown!
https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/?hl=en Taylor Swift > Kanye West Remember about 10 years ago when Kanye West hopped on the VMA stage to yank Taylor Swift’s award and pay homage to Beyonce? That sparked a feud between the two that hasn’t ended. No one would have thought, 10 years ago, that in 2018 we’d be getting a Taylor Swift that speaks up for black people and a Kanye West who wears MAGA hats. But that’s exactly what happened. Swift just dropped this IG note on her political views and, spoiler alert: she’s voting democrat. I’m writing this post about the upcoming midterm elections on November 6th, in which I’ll be voting in the state of Tennessee. In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love. Running for Senate in the state of Tennessee is a woman named Marsha Blackburn. As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values. I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives. Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. For a lot of us, we may never find a candidate or party with whom we agree 100% on every issue, but we have to vote anyway. So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count. But first you need to register, which is quick and easy to do. October 9th is the LAST DAY to register to vote in the state of TN. Go to vote.org and you can find all the info. Happy Voting! That’s right, Swift cares more about black people than Kanye West. This is some damn BS. If you had told me two years ago Kanye would be running around in a MAGA hat while Taylor Swift was endorsing democratic candidates, I would have smacked you to the ground and stolen your wallet for wasting my time. — KB (@KaraRBrown) October 8, 2018 Twitter is…not okay. Take a look at everyone having an existential crisis over this. WTF, Kanye. WTF indeed.
Gary With Da Tea is keeping us updated with all the celebrity news. Wendy Williams will be taking a break from her talk show. Williams suffers from thyroid issues as well as graves disease, months ago she fainted while filming. Doctors have ordered her to take a vacation so she can feel better. Follow @TheRSMS Gary also talked about how people have been seeing R. Kelly walking around with no where to go. He allegedly stopped paying rent at his two homes and they put him out. There is no word on if R. Kelly is homeless, but we will keep you posted. Listen to “ The Rickey Smiley Morning Show ” 6am ET. RELATED: Black Activists Are Calling For R. Kelly Boycott RELATED: Black Tony Says He’s Selling A Piano From R. Kelly’s House [EXCLUSIVE] RELATED: Ne-Yo Shares Thoughts On Allegations Against R. Kelly [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] The Latest : Is R. Kelly Homeless? [EXCLUSIVE] Power, Music & Instagram – Meet Rotimi – Video Did Blac Chyna Leak Her Own Sex Tape? [EXCLUSIVE] Family Friendly Spring Break Ideas! Chris Tucker Confirms “Rush Hour 4” Is Happening The Ciroc Apple VIP Sweepstakes at Club Opium Remy Ma’s Little Sister Allegedly Shoots Up Car And Runs Over Bleeding Victim Russell Simmons Surfaces In Bali Wendy Williams Announces Three-Week Break From Talk Show In Wake Of Florida Shooting, Oprah Donates $500,000 To Anti-Gun Violence March [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1866977″ overlay=”true”]
