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Buzz Feed
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
John Legend On Kanye West's Downfall
If you watch a Kanye West live performance from the early 2000s, it's possible that you might spot a young John Legend somewhere in the background. Yep, long before he was the EGOT winner he is today, John got his big break thanks to his close ties to Kanye, serving as his backing singer and keyboard player. For many years, John and Kanye were incredibly close, both professionally and personally, as were their wives, Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen. However, around the time Kanye first publicly endorsed Donald Trump in 2016, it seems a rift began to form between the two artists. In 2018, Kanye memorably shared a screenshot of a text exchange between himself and John where the All Of Me singer was encouraging him to 'reconsider aligning' himself with Trump. 'You're way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for…So many people who love you feel so betrayed right now because they know the harm that Trump's policies cause, especially to people of color,' one of John's messages read. 'Don't let this be part of your legacy.' At the time, Kanye said he shared the private texts online 'to show that there are people around [him] that disagree with [him] and voice their opinion.' As we know, Kanye's problematic behavior only got worse over the years, resulting in his divorce from Kim in early 2021. Since then, the rapper's vitriolic hate speech online has rightfully left his reputation in ruins. Now, commenting on his former collaborator's public downfall during a new interview with the UK Times, John considered the drastic changes in Kanye's personality since they first met as budding artists. 'Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him. He had so much optimism, so much creativity,' he said. 'I didn't see a hint of what we're seeing now, his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-Blackness, and it is sad to see his devolution.' The Oscar-winning artist also acknowledged how his proximity to Kanye in the early 2000s took his career to the next level after being 'turned down by labels everywhere.' 'Kanye blew up after producing Jay-Z's album The Blueprint in 2001,' he said. 'Then he experienced a buzz as a solo artist and the whole time I was traveling with him, doing shows with him, getting exposure not only as his singer and keyboard player, but also as an artist myself. Then The College Dropout sold 400,000 copies in its first week, everyone wanted to know what was happening in our camp.' He added: 'All those people who turned me down suddenly decided that my music sounded a lot better than it did the first time round.' It's no secret that Kanye was deeply impacted by the death of his mother, Donda West, in November 2007. Notably, John weighed in on the widely theorized belief that 'there was definitely a difference' in Kanye from that point onwards in terms of his problematic behavior. 'His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,' he said.
The Guardian
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
I used to run Israel's security agency – now I'm sounding the alarm about our extremist government
I spent close to 40 years working as a public servant for the state of Israel, including as commander of the navy and head of the Shin Bet, protecting Israel and defending it from external and internal threats. Several weeks ago, along with 17 other colleagues who have also dedicated their lives to Israel's security and welfare, I made a decision that the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is so under threat that it is not just my responsibility, but obligation, to sound the alarm. The 18 of us took out a full-page advert in two major Israeli broadsheet papers. In it, we made clear that the very fabric of the state of Israel and the values on which it was founded are being eroded. The truth is that our hostages in Gaza have been abandoned in favour of the government's messianic ideology and by a prime minister in Benjamin Netanyahu who is desperate to cling to power for his own personal gain. Our government is undermining the democratic functions of the state to shore up and protect its own power. It is forcing us into a perpetual war with no achievable military objectives and which can only result in more loss of life and hatred. And we are not the minority. The overwhelming majority of the Israeli public agree with us – 70% believe there needs to be a comprehensive end to the war in return for bringing our hostages home, and an election as soon as possible so that this government can be replaced. Since we took out our advert, we have been joined by thousands of pilots, navy officers, members of the intelligence and reservists, all of whom, in their own letters to the government, have expressed the same sentiments as our advert did. Concerned for the future of our beloved country, I supported the publication of our advert in translation in the UK Times newspaper on 17 April. It is no longer enough to keep this discussion solely within the borders of Israel. We need to make sure that our allies abroad understand how grave the danger is. We need our friends from outside Israel to express their support for the Israeli people and not an extremist government committed to unravelling the fabric of the state. This applies to governments who are Israel's allies and Jewish communities around the world who we regard as our greatest friends. It is for this reason that I and many others embroiled in the struggle for Israel's future were so pleased to see members of The Board of Deputies of British Jews – the UK Jewish community's largest representative community body – speak out in solidarity with us and in support of this existential battle we are waging. The 36 individuals who wrote a public letter expressed the exact concerns and sentiments that we have been articulating on the streets, week in, week out. These people are true friends of Israel. It is not easy to speak out and I commend them for their bravery. I know that they will now face a backlash. However, so many of us leading the struggle in Israel wish that more of our friends in the diaspora would follow their lead. To be a supporter of Israel today means to speak out against this extremist government, not to sit on the sidelines in silence or, worse still, conduct a business-as-usual relationship, meeting government officials and presenting an image of a global Jewry united behind the Israeli government. The crisis we are facing is existential. If we cannot build enough momentum to create a course correction, the very existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is under threat. Silence is a show of support for the Israeli government. Punishing and berating friends that speak out is undermining our struggle. I call on our allies – governments and diaspora Jewish communities – to hear the plea of the Israeli public and in particular the hostage families, who are demanding an end to the war and a new dawn for Israel. We all share the same commitment to Israel's future safety and security, but to be a true friend is to be a friend of the Israeli people – and not its disastrous government. Ami Ayalon is a former director of Israel Security Agency (the Shin Bet) and a former commander-in-chief of Israel's navy
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King Charles set to give Kate Middleton power to put $1 billion 'Kate Effect' into action
Kate Middleton could likely become an official influencer. Prince William's wife is expected to be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years who will be granted the power to give royal warrants. According to the royal family's website, a "Royal Warrant of Appointment" is a seal of approval given by senior members of the British royal family to brands or people they support. Kate Middleton Is 'The Glue' When King Charles, Prince William 'Don't See Eye To Eye': Expert It's a "mark of recognition" to those who "have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household." According to multiple outlets, Kate is viewed as an important asset to Britain's fashion industry. Her photographed items often go viral and sell out. Her influence is estimated to be worth over $1 billion in sales. Read On The Fox News App Several royal experts told Fox News Digital that King Charles III is keen to give his "beloved" daughter-in-law, as he once called her, this rare royal honor. "King Charles is extremely fond of his loving and resilient daughter-in-law," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "He holds her in high esteem. I'm sure he will be honored to implement a major royal first." British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital she's been told that this "prestigious endorsement" is expected to happen "sooner rather than later." "It signals King Charles III's faith in Catherine," said Fordwich. "She'll have increasing influence as she is being groomed for such responsibilities. This is due to her poise, intelligence, tact and reliability as he is gradually delegating responsibilities to the next generation." Sources close to the mother of three originally told the UK Times that Kate will grant royal warrants to her favorite companies this year. Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter The last Princess of Wales to issue royal warrants was the future Queen Mary before her husband, George V, ascended the throne in May 1910. While Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, that honor was not extended to his wife, Princess Diana, after their wedding in 1981. The couple's divorce was finalized in 1996. Kate became the Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The outlet noted there's no set timeline for when both William and Kate will grant royal warrants. However, sources said it was her "hope" that it would happen soon. "She's keen to recognize British skills and industry," shared an insider. Chard believes the idea is a no-brainer. "It would be a smart move by King Charles III to offer the role of grantor of royal warrants to none other than our 'gem in the monarchy's crown,'" said Chard. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the monarchy also understands the power of "the Kate Effect." Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News "The 'Kate Effect,' which has led to over $1 billion sales in British fashion, could be one of many reasons for King Charles to offer his daughter-in-law the ability to issue royal warrants," he explained. "Alexander McQueen, Kate's go-to fashion house, is one contender, now led by Sarah Burton, who produced her Victorian lace style wedding dress… Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham are other strong contenders as their fashion has added to the style of the Princess of Wales during the past decade." "It is also said Strathberry, the handbag designer, is on speed dial for all major occasions, and Catherine Zoraida for jewelry," Pelham Turner shared. "Certainly, as I have been writing recently, William and Kate are becoming more prominent in creating decisions about a younger style monarchy and focusing 'The Firm' brand towards the future." "For the businesses that meet Kate's high standards, it will be a mark of recognition which would carry significant branding weight in the fashion world and cachet in the retail world," Fordwich explained. "To date, she has had a sensational impact on sales as her endorsements by using a product or outfit have already purportedly been valued at approximately £4 billion, or almost $5 billion to the British fashion industry. Her wardrobe choices result in an immediate sales surge." Royal warrants are issued for up to five years, People magazine reported. According to the outlet, the companies whose goods are sold to the royal household become members of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. It allows them to use the royal arms in connection with their work. The outlet also noted that last month, Queen Camilla granted her facialist, wedding dress designer and hairdresser of 30 years royal warrants. "Dating back to the 15th century, Henry VIII formalized the granting of royal warrants authorizing the Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, to formally appoint tradespeople and purveyors to his royal court," Fordwich explained. "British companies continuing this tradition of supplying the royal family may display the Royal Arms for their branding, thereby touting their royal association," she shared. "Losing the royal warrant is ghastly branding-wise." WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON MAKES KEY DECISIONS FOR ROYALS AS FUTURE QUEEN: EXPERT "In 2018, the late Queen Elizabeth II's bra-fitter, Rigby & Peller, was banished from the palace following an indiscrete memoir revealing private encounters with royal family members written by its former owner," Fordwich claimed. The UK Times noted that the decision is ultimately up to the king, 76. As reigning monarch, he decides which senior members can grant warrants. But the decision to give Kate the honor seemed to be a no-brainer among those within the palace. "An official royal seal of approval would only serve to further enhance sales for any British company formally associated with the future Queen," the outlet reported. Chard said that if Kate is given the honor, she doesn't doubt that the Princess of Wales will give royal warrants to "meaningful businesses close to her heart." "The Princess of Wales embodies positivity and hope," said Chard. "People will feel genuinely thrilled and privileged to buy into her special 'Brand Britain' chosen products." "They will somehow feel connected to her through her favorite brands and happy that they are doing their bit to help grow our struggling economy," she shared. "You [will] see the positive knock-on effect. It's a win-win situation. Kate Middleton's Cancer Is 'In Remission' As She Remains 'Focused' On Recovery "What a coup receiving a royal warrant from the world's favorite British royal!" Chard added. Earlier this month, Kate announced she is in "remission" from cancer and is focused on her future. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to."Original article source: King Charles set to give Kate Middleton power to put $1 billion 'Kate Effect' into action
Fox News
27-01-2025
- Business
- Fox News
King Charles set to give Kate Middleton power to put $1 billion 'Kate Effect' into action
Kate Middleton could likely become an official influencer. Prince William's wife is expected to be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years who will be granted the power to give royal warrants. According to the royal family's website, a "Royal Warrant of Appointment" is a seal of approval given by senior members of the British royal family to brands or people they support. It's a "mark of recognition" to those who "have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household." According to multiple outlets, Kate is viewed as an important asset to Britain's fashion industry. Her photographed items often go viral and sell out. Her influence is estimated to be worth over $1 billion in sales. Several royal experts told Fox News Digital that King Charles III is keen to give his "beloved" daughter-in-law, as he once called her, this rare royal honor. "King Charles is extremely fond of his loving and resilient daughter-in-law," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "He holds her in high esteem. I'm sure he will be honored to implement a major royal first." British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital she's been told that this "prestigious endorsement" is expected to happen "sooner rather than later." "It signals King Charles III's faith in Catherine," said Fordwich. "She'll have increasing influence as she is being groomed for such responsibilities. This is due to her poise, intelligence, tact and reliability as he is gradually delegating responsibilities to the next generation." Sources close to the mother of three originally told the UK Times that Kate will grant royal warrants to her favorite companies this year. The last Princess of Wales to issue royal warrants was the future Queen Mary before her husband, George V, ascended the throne in May 1910. While Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, that honor was not extended to his wife, Princess Diana, after their wedding in 1981. The couple's divorce was finalized in 1996. Kate became the Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The outlet noted there's no set timeline for when both William and Kate will grant royal warrants. However, sources said it was her "hope" that it would happen soon. "She's keen to recognize British skills and industry," shared an insider. Chard believes the idea is a no-brainer. "It would be a smart move by King Charles III to offer the role of grantor of royal warrants to none other than our 'gem in the monarchy's crown,'" said Chard. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the monarchy also understands the power of "the Kate Effect." "The 'Kate Effect,' which has led to over $1 billion sales in British fashion, could be one of many reasons for King Charles to offer his daughter-in-law the ability to issue royal warrants," he explained. "Alexander McQueen, Kate's go-to fashion house, is one contender, now led by Sarah Burton, who produced her Victorian lace style wedding dress… Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham are other strong contenders as their fashion has added to the style of the Princess of Wales during the past decade." "It is also said Strathberry, the handbag designer, is on speed dial for all major occasions, and Catherine Zoraida for jewelry," Pelham Turner shared. "Certainly, as I have been writing recently, William and Kate are becoming more prominent in creating decisions about a younger style monarchy and focusing 'The Firm' brand towards the future." "For the businesses that meet Kate's high standards, it will be a mark of recognition which would carry significant branding weight in the fashion world and cachet in the retail world," Fordwich explained. "To date, she has had a sensational impact on sales as her endorsements by using a product or outfit have already purportedly been valued at approximately £4 billion, or almost $5 billion to the British fashion industry. Her wardrobe choices result in an immediate sales surge." Royal warrants are issued for up to five years, People magazine reported. According to the outlet, the companies whose goods are sold to the royal household become members of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. It allows them to use the royal arms in connection with their work. The outlet also noted that last month, Queen Camilla granted her facialist, wedding dress designer and hairdresser of 30 years royal warrants. "Dating back to the 15th century, Henry VIII formalized the granting of royal warrants authorizing the Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, to formally appoint tradespeople and purveyors to his royal court," Fordwich explained. "British companies continuing this tradition of supplying the royal family may display the Royal Arms for their branding, thereby touting their royal association," she shared. "Losing the royal warrant is ghastly branding-wise." WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON MAKES KEY DECISIONS FOR ROYALS AS FUTURE QUEEN: EXPERT "In 2018, the late Queen Elizabeth II's bra-fitter, Rigby & Peller, was banished from the palace following an indiscrete memoir revealing private encounters with royal family members written by its former owner," Fordwich claimed. The UK Times noted that the decision is ultimately up to the king, 76. As reigning monarch, he decides which senior members can grant warrants. But the decision to give Kate the honor seemed to be a no-brainer among those within the palace. "An official royal seal of approval would only serve to further enhance sales for any British company formally associated with the future Queen," the outlet reported. Chard said that if Kate is given the honor, she doesn't doubt that the Princess of Wales will give royal warrants to "meaningful businesses close to her heart." "The Princess of Wales embodies positivity and hope," said Chard. "People will feel genuinely thrilled and privileged to buy into her special 'Brand Britain' chosen products." "They will somehow feel connected to her through her favorite brands and happy that they are doing their bit to help grow our struggling economy," she shared. "You [will] see the positive knock-on effect. It's a win-win situation. "What a coup receiving a royal warrant from the world's favorite British royal!" Chard added. Earlier this month, Kate announced she is in "remission" from cancer and is focused on her future. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to."
