Latest news with #Oakland-born
San Francisco Chronicle
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
MC Hammer sued after allegedly falling behind on car payments
MC Hammer is once again facing financial trouble after allegedly failing to pay off a Land Rover he bought in 2023. JPMorgan Chase Bank is suing the Oakland-born rapper, claiming he still owes $76,732.79 on a $114,376.90 loan he took out to purchase the vehicle. According to the complaint, filed on July 31 in San Joaquin County Superior Court, Hammer agreed to 60 monthly payments of $2,433.97 beginning in May 2023. But the 'Too Legit to Quit' hitmaker, whose real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, stopped making regular installments in May 2024. He reportedly last paid the bill on July 14. Though the bank said it has 'demanded possession' of the vehicle, the complaint claims the 'defendants have not surrendered' the car. MC Hammer, as he is legally referred to in the court documents, and U Can't Touch This LLC are listed as defendants. Hammer, who rose to fame in the late 1980s for his catchy hip-hop anthems and signature parachute pants, currently lives in Tracy. A Google Street View image of his property shows six vehicles in the driveway, including a light green Land Rover Defender. This isn't the first time that the 'U Can't Touch This' musician has experienced serious financial troubles. Hammer filed for bankruptcy in 1996, less than a decade after reaching the peak of his career, because his luxurious lifestyle sank him into roughly $13 million of debt. He was eventually forced to sell his Fremont mansion to relocate to a three-bedroom home in Tracy. The Grammy-winning artist has since made strides to reconstruct his public image and has become active in Christian ministry. He returned to his musical roots with a tour in 2019, his first major North American outing since 1991.
San Francisco Chronicle
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Tom Holland, Zendaya's fiancé, among top choices as the next James Bond
Could Spider-Man become the next James Bond? A report says Tom Holland, the fiance of Oakland-born actress and singer Zendaya, is one of Amazon MGM Studios' top three choices to play Agent 007, along with 'Euphoria' star Jacob Elordi and 'Babygirl' actor Harris Dickinson. Holland has played the web-flinging superhero in three films, most recently 2021's ' Spider-Man: No Way Home,' with Zendaya as his love interest in all three films. The pair is supposed to star in a fourth Spidey film, but the movie is still in the planning stages. Amazon and the new Bond producers, Amy Pascal and David Heyman, revealed on Wednesday, June 25, that ' Dune ' franchise director Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to helm the first Bond film since Daniel Craig retired from the role. Because the actor cast as Bond would ideally play the character for 15 years or more, the studio and producers are targeting British actors under the age of 30, Variety reported. Elordi is Australian, but there is a precedent for that: Aussie George Lazenby played the dashing British Secret Service agent in 1969's 'On Her Majesty Secret Service.' Ever since Craig's final Bond film, ' No Time to Die ' (2021), speculation has been rampant about his successor, with former ' Superman ' Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Aaron Taylor-Johnson often mentioned as top choices. But Cavill is 42, Elba 52 and Taylor-Johnson 35. Craig was 36 when he was cast as the character created by novelist Ian Fleming in the 1950s. He played the role five times, beginning with 'Casino Royale' (2006). He was 51 during the bulk of the filming of 'No Time to Die.' At 5-foot-7, the 29-year-old Holland would become the shortest James Bond; the 6'5' Elordi, 28, would be the tallest. Dickinson, 29, is 6'2'. Amazon acquired the Bond franchise, which began in 1962 and has made nearly $8 billion across 25 official films, in 2022 and assumed creative control this year. Sean Connery originated the role in 'Dr. No' and starred in the first six of seven films, coming back for one more film after Lazenby's appearance; followed by Roger Moore (seven films), Timothy Dalton (two), Pierce Brosnan (four) and Craig. Whomever is cast to join this elite bunch won't make his debut for a while. Amazon is targeting a 2028 release at the earliest for the gargantuan production. If it is Holland, could Zendaya be the next Bond girl?
San Francisco Chronicle
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Mark Hamill trolls Trump for AI-generated ‘Star Wars' portrait
President Donald Trump used artificial intelligence to transform into a Jedi in honor of Star Wars Day, and Mark Hamill's snide reaction says it all. The Oakland-born actor, who originated Luke Skywalker in the franchise, took to Bluesky to criticize the AI-generated image of Trump, in which he is gripping a red lightsaber in front of two American flags and eagles, wearing a sleeveless Jedi robe that reveals bulging muscles. 'Proof this guy is full of SITH,' Hamill wrote on Sunday, May 4, responding to a post from Mrs. Betty Bowers, Canadian comedian Deven Green's satirical character, about the image. Bowers pointed out in her Bluesky post that as part of 'Star Wars' lore, 'those who have embraced the Dark Side of the Force wield red lightsabers.' The White House shared the controversial image on Sunday morning to celebrate the day that many fans regard as a 'Star Wars' holiday due to the way in which the date sounds like its most iconic phrase: 'May the Force be with you.' For the first time ever, BART also recognized the fan holiday by offering a special 'Star Wars'-themed 'starship' ride on Sunday. The sold-out experience featured trivia, costume contests and other activities to help commuters form new friendships over the course of the 90-minute ride. Other May the Fourth activities in the Bay Area over the weekend included film screenings, craft parties and even a burlesque show. Hamill, one of the science-fiction franchise's most recognizable stars, has been a vocal opponent of Trump's for years. He even banded together with 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' director J.J. Abrams, 'Pixels' star Josh Gad and a handful of other notable white men to support former Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid during last year's election season. The group, which operated under the name White Dudes for Harris, raised $4 million during a viral rally in July.
San Francisco Chronicle
28-04-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
As others exit Union Square, Bulgari opens new flagship in historic S.F. building
Bulgari, the Italian luxury jeweler and accessory house, has opened its new San Francisco flagship in the historic 1908 Hastings Building at the corner of Grant Avenue and Post Street, deepening its commitment to Union Square even as other high-end retailers exit the city's once-bustling shopping district. The 3,500-square-foot boutique at 206 Grant Avenue replaces Bulgari's previous location on Stockton Street and showcases the brand's signature blend of Roman-inspired architecture and contemporary luxury. The space includes two salons for private client experiences, a custom chandelier featuring 300 crystal wands by Italian glassmaker Venini, and a decorative panel by Milan-based studio Pictalab that merges the skylines of Rome and San Francisco. 'We're proud to bring a unique blend of artistry, tradition and modern energy to the heart of this iconic city,' said Hervé Perrot, Bulgari's North America president, in a statement to Women's Wear Daily. 'San Francisco, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and global spirit, is the perfect place for us.' Founded in Rome in 1884 and now part of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton portfolio, Bulgari will offer its signature collections of fine jewelry, watches and handbags at the new location. Oakland-born actress Zendaya is an ambassador for the brand. Originally expected to open in fall 2025, the boutique now anchors a luxury corridor that includes Dior, Cartier and Harry Winston. The space was formerly occupied by The North Face, which vacated in early 2024 at the landlord's request. Grosvenor, the property's owner, revealed at the time that it had been in negotiations with Bulgari for over a year before the lease was finalized. It invested millions to reconfigure the space ahead of Bulgari's move, to cater to the brand's 'unique needs' 'Grosvenor was intentional in their selection of an iconic, long-term partner for one of the most productive and elevated retail intersections on the West Coast,' said CBRE's Laura Barr, who brokered the deal, in a statement. 'This will serve as a capstone not only for Grant Avenue but another win for the Post Street corridor which continues to strengthen.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kehlani's Cornell show canceled over ‘antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments'
Cornell University has pulled the plug on R&B singer Kehlani performing at its annual campus concert over her antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments. The five-time Grammy Award-nominated artist, who has been outspoken about Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, was dropped from the upstate New York Ivy League school's 2025 Slope Day festivities, taking place May 7. Newly appointed school president Michael I. Kotlikoff wrote that 'the selection of Kehlani as this year's headliner has injected division and discord' into the event in an email Wednesday. 'In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos and on social media,' he wrote. Earlier this month, the Trump administration halted $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell amid the President's ongoing anti-DEI campaign targeting prestigious universities and colleges. Kotlikoff explained that his decision followed a meeting with members of the student board that planned the concert. According to the university leader, the students agreed that their choice had 'compromised what is meant to be an inclusive event.' Kehlani, real name Kehlani Ashley Parrish, is an Oakland-born singer-songwriter who is signed to Atlantic Records. Signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation management firm last year, she has collaborated with artists such as Cardi B, Ty Dolla $ign, Charlie Puth and Chance the Rapper. An unapologetic pro-Palestinian supporter, the artist wore a jacket adorned with keffiyehs as dancers waved Palestinian flags in her 2024 music video 'Next 2 U,' which included the phrase 'Long live the intifada' in its introduction. The word 'intifada' translates into rebellion or uprising, which the ADL said is a slogan for 'indiscriminate violence against Israel.' But others consider it a cry for liberation and freedom. The 30-year-old 'Gangsta' star is scheduled to perform at the Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage concert on June 26 in Central Park. ______
