Former Hollywood executive producer Harvey Weinstein was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison after a Manhattan jury convicted him of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley. Haley, a former production assistant, testified about the lasting impact of the 2006 assault during Weinstein’s sentencing hearing. She also described the emotional toll of repeatedly participating in the criminal proceedings. “It has often felt like I was the one on trial,” Haley said. “This process has been the worst decision of my life, for me personally.” Haley said she considered withdrawing from the case multiple times. Her remarks detailed the strain of revisiting the allegations through years of litigation. Weinstein continues to deny sexually assaulting anyone. His attorneys are expected to appeal the conviction and 15-year sentence. The New York prosecution followed the reversal of Weinstein’s original conviction. New York’s highest court overturned that conviction in 2024 after finding legal errors involving testimony about uncharged conduct. Prosecutors subsequently pursued a retrial. A Manhattan jury later found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Haley. Controversial Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Sexual Assault The sentencing adds to Weinstein’s separate criminal exposure in California. He remains subject to proceedings stemming from a rape conviction in that state. Weinstein’s criminal cases followed allegations made publicly by numerous women in 2017. The allegations triggered criminal investigations and civil litigation while helping propel the global #MeToo movement. Weinstein has maintained that his sexual encounters were consensual. His defense has challenged allegations and evidence throughout the proceedings. The New York case has generated years of litigation and multiple courtroom proceedings. Haley’s testimony remained central to the retrial and subsequent sentencing. Her statement Wednesday offered the court a firsthand account of the personal consequences she associates with the assault and prosecution. Weinstein’s anticipated appeal could prolong the New York litigation. His California proceedings also remain separate from the Manhattan case. The sentencing represents another development in a legal saga that began nearly two decades ago. It also follows years of criminal proceedings surrounding allegations against one of Hollywood’s former most powerful executives. Haley’s testimony placed the human consequences of the case before the court. Weinstein’s legal challenges, meanwhile, are expected to continue.

Oakland rapper Ovrkast, whose real name is Silas Wilson, has denied signing an agreement with hip-hop duo Outkast requiring him to change his stage name. Wilson made the assertion Wednesday after High Schoolers LLC, a company tied to OutKast members Big Boi and André 3000, sued him in federal court. The lawsuit accuses Wilson of trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of agreement. High Schoolers alleges Wilson agreed to change Ovrkast to “OVERKXST” by July 15. According to the complaint, Wilson delayed filing paperwork needed to make the change. The company also alleges he proposed two alternative names after missing the deadline. Wilson disputes that account. “For the record, I NEVER signed any agreement,” Wilson wrote on X. “I tried my hardest to cooperate with different options every step of the way.” There’s honestly so many good jokes I could be getting off about this whole thing but I have to practice delayed gratification with this one — Ovrkast. (@ovrkast) September 24, 2026 “This narrative that I’ve done wrong is also wrong,” he added. “(had to clarify) peace.” High Schoolers alleges Wilson continued using Ovrkast after receiving a breach notice on Aug. 5. The company says a subsequent letter set Aug. 11 as a final compliance deadline. The complaint also cites a 2025 Rolling Stone interview in which Wilson acknowledged confusion between his name and OutKast. The plaintiffs seek a jury trial and damages tied to Wilson’s alleged use of the disputed mark. They also seek profits generated from sales associated with the name. Rapper Ovrkast Reacts To Hip-Hop Duo Outkast’s Federal Lawsuit Over Name High Schoolers is asking the court to bar Wilson from using Ovrkast or similar variations. The requested injunction would cover social media, websites, merchandise and performances. The company also seeks destruction of promotional materials and merchandise bearing the allegedly infringing name. Wilson previously described the dispute as emotionally difficult. He said he had been dealing with its effects privately for the past year. “There’s a lot that I’ve been dealing with emotionally/mentally this past year behind closed doors regarding this whole situation,” Wilson wrote. “So before you criticize please remember that I am the newer and younger artist trying to figure my way.” Big Boi and André 3000 have not publicly commented on the litigation. Wilson’s statements instead place the existence and terms of the alleged agreement at the center of the dispute. The case now presents competing accounts over whether Wilson accepted obligations to abandon the Ovrkast name.

Attorney Ben Crump and forensic investigator Andrew Garrett presented new evidence Thursday concerning the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. The findings came two days after a Mississippi grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in Wells’ death. Garrett said his independent forensic team recovered more than 1 million digital artifacts from Wells’ cellphone. The data included Snapchat and Instagram records, GPS information, phone records and Apple Health data. The autopsy of Nolan Wells reveals that no water was found in the lungs, throat or stomach pic.twitter.com/F082FDSk63 — Kalan Hooks (@KalanHookstv) September 24, 2026 The examination also identified messages that appeared to have been deleted or unsent, according to WAPT. Garrett said his team submitted a preliminary report to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office on Aug. 28. Three final reports followed Sept. 14, he said. The reports were provided to prosecutors before the grand jury reviewed the case. The grand jury report said investigators found no evidence that Wells’ cellphone had been tampered with. Crump’s team also examined the state medical examiner’s autopsy report. The report found no water in Wells’ lungs or throat, according to findings presented Thursday. Attorney Ben Crump Reveals Nolan Wells’ Autopsy Shows No Water In His Lungs After Grand Jury Ruling No Foul Play The autopsy documented contusions on the back of Wells’ head. Crump’s team said the injuries lacked surrounding white blood cells, which it said suggested they occurred shortly before Wells died. Both the state medical examiner and an independent pathologist retained by Wells’ family classified his cause and manner of death as undetermined. The grand jury concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. It said circumstances surrounding Wells’ body were consistent with drowning. Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island. Authorities found his body two days later. The grand jury reviewed evidence from 43 witnesses and issued 132 subpoenas during its investigation. It ultimately found no credible evidence of criminal conduct involving people who traveled with Wells. The grand jury’s decision has not resolved questions surrounding Wells’ death. Crump has continued seeking answers about the circumstances preceding the teenager’s death. The cellphone examination and autopsy findings presented by Crump’s team provide additional evidence for Wells’ family as they pursue answers. Authorities have indicated the matter could be revisited if credible new evidence emerges.

Rapper Macklemore is launching a new “Free Palestine” tour days after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The Seattle-born artist, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced the tour Thursday. He said proceeds will benefit organizations supporting Palestinians. “So, as you all know, my schedule freed up a bit,” Macklemore said while announcing the tour. View this post on Instagram The tour will begin in Dublin on October 26. Macklemore will then perform in Paris on October 29 and London on October 30. He said US dates will be announced later. The announcement follows Macklemore’s comments during a September performance in New Jersey. While opening for Sheeran, he expressed support for Palestinians and criticized the treatment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine,” Macklemore said. He later performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University. Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour on September 14. Sheeran later said the decision was made by the tour’s promoter, rather than by him. Rapper Macklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour With Friends Several other support acts subsequently withdrew from the tour. Macklemore addressed his departure in a statement Thursday. He said the past several weeks reflected “a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation” and raised questions about the influence of wealthy individuals on artists. “What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” he said. “When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention.” Macklemore said he spent the previous week contacting artists who have publicly supported Palestinians despite potential consequences. “But this is a moment of momentum, and there is work to be done,” he said. Billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft has accused Macklemore of hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric concerning Israel and Gaza. Macklemore has continued to defend his support for Palestinians. His new tour will make Palestinian solidarity a central theme of his upcoming performances.

Kawhi Leonard will be welcomed back to the Toronto Raptors with open arms and a contract extension. According to The Athletic, Leonard has agreed to a two-year extension worth a projected $115 million. The deal includes a player option for the 2028-29 season. In total, it’s about $11 million less than the maximum he could have received. Before the trade and signing, Leonard was in the last year of a three-year, $149.5 million deal he signed with the Clippers in January 2024.  Leonard returned to the Raptors after a blockbuster trade sent forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders to the Los Angeles Clippers.  Just in: Toronto Raptors All-NBA star Kawhi Leonard has agreed on a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the franchise, plus a player option for the 2028-29 season, his agent Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/naqrW8jBV3 — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2026 The deal, originally agreed upon earlier in the summer, had been temporarily paused while the league completed an investigation into reported salary-cap circumvention involving the Clippers. Ultimately resulting in heavy league sanctions for Los Angeles and a fine for Leonard before the transaction was cleared. LENOARD’S REMARKABLE CAREER Leonard stands as one of the most formidable, two-way forces in modern basketball history. Renowned for his elite defense, mechanical midrange game, and quiet composure in high-stakes moments, Leonard is a two-time NBA Champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, capturing titles with both the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Nicknamed “The Klaw” for his extraordinarily large hands and elite perimeter defense, he earned consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2015 and 2016, making him one of only a few non-big men to win the honor multiple times. His extensive resume includes seven NBA All-Star selections, seven All-NBA team honors, seven NBA All-Defensive Team selections, an All-Star Game MVP award (2020), and an NBA steals title (2015). Further cementing his legacy as an all-time elite forward, Leonard was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, recognizing him as one of the 75 greatest players in league history.

A new feature documentary will examine the Las Vegas murder trial of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, focusing on his family and the prosecution of Duane “Keefe D” Davis. AllHipHop broke the news on Wednesday. Sky said Tuesday that filmmaker Marian Mohamed is directing the untitled project. The documentary is slated for Sky Documentaries and NOW in 2027. Passion Pictures, Propagate Content and West Buttermilk are producing the film. Propagate Content will oversee worldwide sales. According to Sky, filmmakers followed Shakur’s relatives throughout Davis’ trial. The production includes access to Shakur’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, and members of his inner circle. The film will incorporate previously unseen family footage and photographs. It also will cover Davis’ conviction and scheduled sentencing. “I want this film to give a voice to a family who are not just grieving,” Mohamed said. She said the family has “taken back agency” over how Shakur’s death is remembered. Mohamed said the documentary will examine Shakur’s life rather than focus exclusively on his killing. A Las Vegas jury convicted Davis of first-degree murder on Aug. 31. Prosecutors alleged that Davis orchestrated the 1996 shooting that killed Shakur. Duane “Keefe D” Davis’ Tupac Shakur Murder Trial To Be A Hip-Hop Documentary Prosecutors did not allege that Davis fired the fatal shots. Instead, they argued that he obtained the weapon and directed the attack. The prosecution tied the shooting to a confrontation involving Shakur and Orlando Anderson, Davis’ nephew, at the MGM Grand. Davis faces a potential life sentence. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13. He has also indicated that he intends to appeal the conviction. Sky said the documentary will include the sentencing proceedings. The production is separate from an earlier documentary reportedly developed with Davis’ defense team before trial. Sky’s project instead centers on Shakur’s family and people close to him. Mohamed said the film will seek to place the legal proceedings within the broader story of Shakur’s life and career. “Most importantly, I want this film to make people laugh and cry and argue,” Mohamed said. She also wants audiences to connect with “who he was.” Sky has not announced a U.S. distributor, final title or specific 2027 release date. The documentary will add another account of a case that has remained unresolved in the public consciousness for nearly three decades.

Jamie Foxx is opening up about becoming a dad again at 58. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, Kimmel mentioned that he has become a dad again. “I got a baby on the way … still got it,” Foxx shared. “About to be back in the drop-off line,” adding, “I wasn’t on the fence about it, but being 58 … you know what I’m saying?” He is the father of daughter Corinne with ex Connie Kline, and daughter Anelise with ex Kristin Grannis. During the interview, Foxx said that a conversation with Al Pacino changed his perspective. Pacino had his son Roman at age 83 with then-29-year-old Noor Alfallah in June 2023. I did run into Al Pacino, so if I was ever on the fence, I wasn’t on the fence when I talked to him,” Foxx explained. “And I was like, ‘Al, what’s up?’ [He said] ‘Ah, Jamie, good to see ya. I was worried about ya, Jamie.’ Pacino then told him, “I’m having a baby.” “I said, ‘Al, how old are you?’ He said, ‘84.’ I said, ‘Man, you’re gonna be 84 years old back in the drop-off line,’ to which he said Pacino responded, “Every time I get out, they pull me back in.” Kimmel joked about whether Foxx had run the numbers on his age during his new child’s major milestones. “I even tell my girl, I said, ‘Look, just hang in there for 12 years.’ If I’m 58, 12 years I’ll be 70 … you’ll just put a blanket over my thighs, give me some tapioca pudding…” Foxx then said that he fully recovered after his health scare in 2023. “I’m feeling fantastic,” he said. “I went through some stuff; I didn’t know if I was gonna be back here. I cry easily, and I’m crying right now, because I didn’t think I’d see all these beautiful people [again].” “Sometimes my daughter says I’m too grateful, because I mean I almost died, so I’m just so thankful for everything,” he added.

Chris Brown is demanding proof from a prominent journalist after facing public claims that he continues to engage in abusive behavior toward women. The exchange, which unfolded on social media this week, marks the latest chapter in a long-standing debate over the singer’s public image and the loyalty of his massive fan base. The controversy began when David Dennis Jr., a senior writer for Andscape, posted a video to his personal Instagram account discussing the psychology behind Brown’s supporters. In the video, Dennis Jr. argued that fans often attempt to rationalize the singer’s history of legal troubles rather than simply admitting they prioritize his musical talent over his personal conduct. “I just think that those fans don’t necessarily love him enough,” Dennis Jr. said in the video. He suggested that true supporters should acknowledge the reality of the artist’s life, stating, “Love him while he’s abusing. And just be honest with yourself. Say, ‘That man backflip so good. I don’t care that he abuses women.’” However, the specific claim that drew Brown’s ire was Dennis Jr.’s assertion that the singer is “still actively abusing women to this day and kind of never stopped.” While Brown famously pleaded guilty to the felony assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, he maintained that the journalist’s characterization of his current life is factually incorrect. Brown responded directly in the comment section of the post, challenging the journalist to provide documented evidence of recent legal issues. The singer emphasized that criminal records are a matter of public record and demanded to see “receipts” for the claims of ongoing violence. “Hey brother: can you show me where I’m actively abusing women to this day,” Brown wrote. “NOT ALLEGEDLY, NOT I HEARD. CRIMINALITY IS PUBLIC INFORMATION WHEN YOU ARE CONVICTED OF SOMETHING!” The singer continued by asking Dennis Jr. to list any convictions for violence against women that have occurred over the last 17 years. The “Under the Influence” singer has faced various allegations and legal hurdles since the 2009 incident, but he maintains that the narrative of continuous, active abuse is a fabrication. Dennis Jr. concluded his original video by suggesting that making excuses for an artist actually weakens the bond of fandom. He argued that “real love” is loving someone for who they are, including their flaws, rather than ignoring controversial behaviors to maintain a clean image of a celebrity. As of Wednesday, the online exchange has sparked thousands of comments from both critics and supporters, further fueling the conversation regarding accountability and cancel culture in the entertainment world.

Dr. Donda West’s legacy now has a permanent place on the streets of Chicago. The late educator and mother of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was honored Tuesday with an honorary street designation. A portion of 78th Street on Chicago’s South Side now bears the name “Dr. Donda West Way.” The designation covers 78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue. The area sits near the West family’s former South Shore home. Ye attended the Sept. 22 ceremony and helped unveil the street sign bearing his mother’s name. The moment brought together West’s family, former colleagues, friends, community leaders and several figures from Chicago’s hip-hop scene. Among those present were Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Leonard “GLC” Harris, Don “Don C” Crawley and Warren “Really Doe” Trotter. West died in 2007 at 58 following complications associated with surgery. Nearly two decades later, speakers focused largely on the life she built before her death. Remembering Donda West Beyond Music West spent more than two decades teaching at Chicago State University. She also served as chair of the university’s English Department. During her academic career, West helped establish the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing. Chicago State professor Garrard McClendon nominated West for the honorary street designation. He also spoke during Tuesday’s ceremony. “As chair of the Department of English at Chicago State, she played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the institution,” McClendon said. Chicago Alderman Greg Mitchell, who represents the 7th Ward, also reflected on West’s influence. “Dr. Donda West was not only a scholar — she was a builder of people, a cultivator of talent, and a champion for Black creativity and intellectual excellence,” Mitchell said. The Chicago City Council proposal for “Dr. Donda West Way” was introduced in May 2024. Mitchell sponsored the honorary designation. The honor recognizes a career that extended beyond the classroom. West was also a Fulbright scholar, businesswoman and mentor. Those closest to her recalled a woman who welcomed young creatives into her home. That group included several artists who later became important figures within Chicago’s hip-hop community. Rhymefest described West as a mother figure to more people than Ye. “This is really a story about a woman who raised a community of boys,” Smith said during the ceremony. A Legacy That Lives Through Chicago For Ye, the street naming adds another public tribute to the woman whose influence has remained visible throughout his career. He named his 2021 studio album “Donda” after his mother. Her voice has also appeared throughout his music. However, Tuesday’s ceremony placed the spotlight firmly on West’s accomplishments outside her son’s fame. Friends remembered her support for Chicago’s young artists before their careers had taken shape. They also described a mentor who challenged them to think seriously about their words, choices and futures. GLC recalled West as a source of encouragement for young people growing up around her. “She made us feel limitless,” he said. West’s influence also reached generations of students through her work in higher education and Black literature. Now, Chicago residents walking through South Shore will have another reminder of that work. Signs bearing her name stand near the neighborhood where she lived, taught and helped nurture a generation of creatives. For Rhymefest, the street designation solidifies something many who knew West already understood. “I think this day really makes Donda West a Chicago institution,” he said.

After years in the making, hip-hop star J. Cole announces the release of his new shoe, INDIE 5000, his first independent sneaker, with a new trailer via Instagram. The first drop is in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Wednesday, September 23. The sneaker first appeared in the rapper’s debut issue of The Fall Off magazine. The trailer highlights the rap star’s lengthy process behind the shoe’s creation. According to the Dreamville founder, the INDIE 5000 has been in development for five years. “5 years in the making,” Cole wrote. “Took my time to make sure I did it right.” View this post on Instagram The rapper also stressed the shoe’s independent production. Cole said he remained involved throughout the design and manufacturing process. “Designed, developed and manufactured independently,” he added. The announcement positions the INDIE 5000 as an extension of Cole’s creative philosophy. The rapper has built much of his career around maintaining control over his music and business ventures. Hip-Hop Star J Cole Drops First Sneaker, INDIE 5000, In His Hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina That approach now extends into footwear. The INDIE 5000 also carries a distinct connection to Fayetteville. Cole was raised in the North Carolina city before his career took him onto the global hip-hop stage. Bringing the sneaker’s first release home gives the launch a personal dimension. Details surrounding the shoe remain limited. Cole has yet to disclose its full design specifications, pricing or broader availability. However, the initial Fayetteville release provides the first look at a project that has been years in the making. The INDIE 5000 arrives as the relationship between hip-hop and sneaker culture continues to evolve. Artists have increasingly turned footwear into another avenue for personal expression and independent design. For Cole, the project appears rooted in the same principle behind its name. Five years of development preceded the sneaker’s arrival, with the rapper emphasizing patience and creative control. Now, Fayetteville will host the INDIE 5000’s first chapter. After years of design, development and manufacturing, J. Cole is finally ready to put his latest creation on the feet of his hometown.