Missy Elliott honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Ethan Shanfeld The American branch of Russian state-funded media network Russia Today (RT) is shutting down and laying off most of its staff, CNN reports.According to a memo, RT America will be “ceasing production” due to “unforeseen business interruption events.”“Unfortunately, we anticipate this layoff will be permanent, meaning that this will result in the permanent separation from employment of most T&R employees at all locations,” the memo said (via CNN).Per CNN, Misha Solodovnikov, the general manager of T&R Productions, the production company behind RT, delivered the news in person to hosts, correspondents, producers and others in the Washington, D.C. bureau.

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.The air will be thick with tension inside the Octagon on Saturday, when Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal face off during the main event of UFC 272.Despite there being no championship on the line, or even a shot at a belt, the headlining pay-per-view event is highly anticipated because of the public feud between the two fighters, who were former training partners before becoming rivals in the ring. Neither Covington nor Masvidal have lost a fight to anyone other than Kamaru Usman since 2017, making for a must-see fight between two evenly matched athletes.The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 5, kicking off with a series of prelims at 6 p.m.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterAariel Maynor, the man accused in the fatal shooting of philanthropist Jacqueline Avant at her home in December, pleaded guilty on Thursday to a charge of murder.Maynor, 30, also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Avant’s security guard and to carrying a firearm as a felon. Maynor is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30.Avant, 81, was the wife of music industry legend Clarence Avant and the mother of Nicole Avant, a former ambassador and prominent political fundraiser who is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.The Avants were at their home in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood of Beverly Hills when Jacqueline was shot after 2 a.m.

WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles for a special screening of the new OWN series, Profiled: The Black Man. Created by Trell Thomas, the four-part docuseries examens the origins of widespread stereotypes that have haunted Black men in America over centuries and combats those myths with modern-day examples to the contrary.The most recent episode of the series, “Black Men Devalue Black Women,” tackled issues of colorism, self-hate, dating preferences, and more while also addressing the hurdles Black women face in America.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterJack Hanick, a onetime producer at Fox News, has been indicted on charges of working for a sanctioned Russian oligarch to establish TV networks in Russia and in other European countries.Hanick, 71, is accused of working for Konstantin Malofeyev, who since 2014 has been under U.S. sanctions that were imposed in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

inspiring “the next generation of female leaders…by shining a light on women who are leaders in their in their respective industries of tech, wellness, STEM, education and more with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in their likeness.”Of those being honored with a doll figurine are two Black icons in their respective industries—Shonda Rhimes, prolific television showrunner and Pat McGrath, “the world’s most influential and in-demand makeup artist.”Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls for Mattel Lisa McKnight said, “We know that children are inspired by what they see around them, which is why it’s so important for young girls to see themselves reflected in role models who’ve daringly pushed past roadblocks and overcome the Dream Gap to become the brave women they are today…This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to honor 12 global trailblazing women to help empower the next generation of female leaders by sharing their stories.”Research by NYU’s Cognitive Development Lab funded by Mattel spurred this novel campaign.

Derek Jeter announced an unexpected decision, declaring he is stepping down as CEO of the Miami Marlins, and explaining that the vision of the future of the franchise seems to be very different from the one he “signed up to lead.”“Today I am announcing that the Miami Marlins and I are officially ending our relationship and I will no longer serve as CEO nor as a shareholder in the Club,” he admitted in a recent statement, taking a moment to show his appreciation for the fans and the players, as the community is now “stronger today than it was five years ago.”Jeter went on to explain that they “had a vision five years ago to turn the Marlins franchise around,” revealing that as CEO, he has been “proud to put my name and reputation on the line to make our plan a reality.”“Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the workforce, and developing a long-term strategic plan for success,“ he shared.Jeter has had undeniable success and an incredible career, winning the World Series five times playing with the New York Yankees, and being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, after announcing his retirement in 2014.He went on to join the Marlins in September 2017, as a part of the ownership group led by Bruce Sherman, Marlins chairman, who thanked Jeter “for his many contributions,” adding that they “are determined to build a team that will return to the postseason and excite Marlins fans and the local community.”

Jason Momoa is ready for life in the fast lane. He's, in fact, joining !The star confirmed the news Wednesday to ET's Rachel Smith at premiere in New York City, where he said, «Yeah, I'm going to do » after being asked what's next on the horizon for the 42-year-old actor.Momoa, who attended the premiere in support of his stepdaughter, Zoë Kravitz (who stars as Catwoman), also said he's champing at the bit to, finally, dabble as a villain.«I get to be the bad boy,» he told ET.

Ana de Armas was spotted working with her Knives Out co-star Chris Evans on the Atlanta, Georgia set of the upcoming action feature Ghosted on Thursday.The 33-year-old performer appeared to be enjoying her time in the production area of the movie as she was seen sharing several laughs with her 40-year-old costar and interacting with the movie's crew members.This marks the first time that the actress has been seen on the set of the feature after she took over from Scarlett Johansson, who recently had to drop out of the project. Hard at work:Ana De Armas was spotted working with Chris Evans on the Atlanta set of the upcoming action-rom-com feature Ghosted on ThursdayDe Armas was costumed in a purple floral print dress that showed off her toned legs during her time on set.The Knives Out actress added a pair of high-heeled black leather cowboy boots.

Brielle Biermann appeared to enjoy a working vacation in the Bahamas this week.The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member shared shots from a resort in Nassau, Bahamas on her Instagram feed Thursday as she shared:'Life’s better in a bikini.'The reality TV star recently celebrated her 25th birthday on February 25 in the island nation. Enjoying the sun: Brielle Biermann appears to be catching a few rays while showing off her assets during a recent trip to the BahamasModeling a thong bikini in multi-colored horizontal stripes, the young influencer tagged the Salty K brand in her post.

Jessica Biel celebrated her 40th birthday by sharing a collection of images of a birthday cake and a banner to her Instagram account on Thursday.In her shots, the actress was seen spending quality time with her husband, Justin Timberlake, 41, and their sons, Silas, age six, and Phineas, age two.The former teen star from 7th Heaven also wrote a short message in her post's caption to express her thoughts about reaching her milestone. Special occasion:Jessica Biel celebrated her 40th birthday by sharing a collection of images to her Instagram account on ThursdayBiel began her statement by writing that she was reflecting on her previous years during her special day.'Thinking of birthdays past and remembering all the amazing ones Justin and I spent solo,' she wrote.

The happiest place on Earth was a hot spot for Hollywood dads this week.Jay Z, 52, was spotted in at Disneyland in Anaheim, California on Thursday with daughter Blue Ivy, 10, alongside celebrity couple Chris Martin, 45, Dakota Johnson, 32, and Martin's teenagers Apple, 17 and Moses, 15.British actor Simon Pegg, 52, was also seen with the group of VIPs, who were being led by a private tour guide. Big day!Jay Z, 52, was spotted in at Disneyland on Thursday with daughter Blue Ivy, 10, alongside celebrity couple Chris Martin, 45, Dakota Johnson, 32, and Martin's teenagers Apple, 17 and Moses, 15It was a special father-daughter date for Jay and Blue who enjoyed a day at the amusement park without mom Beyonce or twins Sir and Rumi.The rap mogul kept his face covered with a full black neck-scarf style facemask, sunglasses and a baseball hat, and rocked a printed graphic T-shirt.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorNot long after Missy Elliott’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled Monday, the hip-hop icon was feted with a starry afternoon after-party at the Ardor at The West Hollywood Edition hotel.The intimate get-together of about 50 people included LL Cool J, Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, Ciara, MC Lyte, CeCe Peniston, Cheryl “Salt” James, JoJo and more.After Missy entered the party to cheers and applause, Mona Scott-Young played a video montage tribute featuring Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Timbaland, Brandy and Busta Rhymes. “Your music, kids still live for it to this very day,” Jackson said. “You are always ahead of the curve.”Missy wiped away tears as the video played.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorFour-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter-producer Missy Elliott was honored Monday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Ciara and Lizzo (pictured below, filming Elliott’s acceptance speech on their phones) were among those to introduce Elliott at the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce ceremony — fittingly, Elliott’s star was placed outside the new location of the giant Amoeba Music record store on Hollywood Boulevard, which will also be a location for stars for other music honorees, Ana Martinez, said.Elliott — who gave a career-spanning interview to Variety to mark the occasion — teared up as she thanked all the people who helped along the way, from her longtime friend and collaborator Timbaland to her

Gallery: He's called WHAT?! You'll never believe the REAL names of these stars! (BANG Showbiz)"You have no idea what you have done for so many Black girls. We don’t deserve you. We don’t deserve Missy Elliott and still you continue to give to us, and given with your heart.

Lizzo gave an emotional speech at Missy Elliott‘s Hollywood Walk Of Fame induction yesterday (November 8), praising the rapper for all she’s done for “so many Black girls”.Elliott said she was “humbly grateful” to be honoured with a star. “It’s just a blessing to dream big and it truly happened,” she explained during her acceptance speech outside Amoeba Records on Hollywood Boulevard.

Get Ur Freak On singer Missy Elliott was honored on Monday morning in Hollywood for her three decades in the music industry.The influential 50-year-old chart-topping hip-hop musician looked ecstatic as she received a star on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.Also at the ceremony were her pals Lizzo and Ciara who served as guest speakers. Big props for ME:Get Ur Freak On singer Missy Elliott was honored on Monday morning in Hollywood for her three decades in the music industry Missy took to Instagram to share how happy she was with the honor.'I am so Humbly Grateful for Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Missy Elliott just hit a huge career milestone!

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is finally getting its freak on.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorMissy Elliott is an artist with few peers or precedents — a wildly innovative singer-songwriter-producer and music video pioneer whose work has cast a long shadow over the past quarter century. Almost immediately from their arrival in the mid-1990s, she and longtime collaborator Timbaland reshaped the sound of hip-hop.