Breaking News
‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Assaulted In Reported Hate Crime
In a horrifying series of events, the popular star of Fox’s Empire, Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon) was assaulted at 2am this morning in Chicago, where he is currently filming episodes of the series..
According to the report from the Chicago Police Department, Smollett was walking down the street when two offenders approached him and began yelling racial and homophobic slurs toward him. The offenders then became physically violent, battering Smollett with their hands and pouring an “unknown chemical substance” on him. At some point during the attack, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around Smollett’s neck before fleeing the scene. Some reports have the attackers shouting Pro-MAGA comments and wearing ski masks.
Chicago PD said in a statement: “Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime. Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline.”
Smollett was hospitalized following the attack, and is said to be in good condition and cooperating fully with investigators.
In addition, there is a possibility that this attack was premeditated. According to a report from That Grape Juice, Smollett had previously received a death threat in the mail with a drawing of him getting shot; accompanied by his name and a homophobic slur.
In an report/update from TMZ on the incident they state: “Sources directly connected to Jussie say the actor arrived in Chicago from New York late Monday, and at around 2 AM he was hungry and went to a Subway. We’re told when he walked out, someone yelled, ‘Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?’ The 2 men — both white and wearing ski masks — viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back, but they beat him badly and fractured a rib. They put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and as they left they yelled, ‘This is MAGA country.’ Jussie was taken to Northwestern Memorial where he was treated. He was discharged later Tuesday morning.”
Since the TMZ report, The Daily Beast’s Tim Teeman tweeted that according to a Chicago police spokesperson he spoke with, the attackers did not yell “This is MAGA country”. Chicago PD said, ‘There is no report of that being said.’ The spokesperson said the genders of the attackers was unknown, and their faces and hands had been covered.”‘
So, what do you think of this disgusting hate crime against Smollett? Please send your well-wishes to Jussie via the comment section below.
So very sad for Jussie. Hope his attackers are quickly caught and brought to a powerful justice. If people can’t accept, they should tolerate, and if they can’t do either, then never leave your home, because that is how small hater’s worlds are.
Donald Trump owns this.
Donald Trump’s supporters own this.
Everyone who allows racist and homophobic words to go unchecked in 2019 owns this.
Words are actions that lead to more actions.
Like this one.
My God. This is horrible. I hope they catch these guys in put them under the jail….
No one deserves this type of treatment!
It’s just that…disgusting! What the hell is wrong with people?
This is disturbing beyond words. He has been a frequent guest/guest host on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and have loved his positive approach to life, great smile and thankfulness for his job. I have read several reports today and it seems people HAVE to have someone to blame, whether it is being a racist, homophobia or making it political. Let’s get one thing straight. This is H-A-T-E. The men that attacked him are nothing better than a wild animal that needs to be caged. I hope these men are caught and are prosecuted to the fullest extent.
Get well, Jussie.
This is (some of) us. Sad. People spending more time judging and worrying about another person’s life choice while all the while THEY’RE the ones headed to Hell. Throwing MAGA crap in there is just a smoke screen if that was added. When men like this go after gay men it’s because that gay man struck a chord in them that they’ve ignored and basically get angry at themselves and react by taking it out on unsuspecting victims. That’s just the bottom line. More than to do with hate.
So sad,prayers for Jussie
Love him! Was horrified to read this…just unspeakable violence and sick. The irony is it sounds like a scene out of Empire.
Good thing they didn’t know he was Jewish, too. That’d be the icing on the cake.
this is what these fools consider “Making America Great Again”??
If they have their way, pretty soon Hell will look like a paradise compared to Orangemerica.
Send those MAGAtts down…. I’ll take it from there. The dragons could use some new chew toys.
It’s really unbelievable and sad that stuff like this still goes on in 2019. We should all be embarrassed and ashamed. White, black, brown, gay, straight, rich, poor, liberal, conservative there should be no acceptance for hate of any kind in this country period. Everyone needs to stop concerning themselves with what other people are doing in their lives, things that have no effect on you whatsoever, and worry about living your own life. The world would be a much better place if everyone did that. Live and let live.
Get well soon, Jussie.
Words cannot convey what I am feeling. This is totally vicious and ridiculous! What gives another person the right to take their issues out on another person? Jussie is an out and proud gay man and has the right to live his life and love as he pleases. This —- cannot be accepted or allowed!
I am left stunned and angry! I wish Jussie nothing but the best and a speedy recovery. It is my hope that these two attackers are brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one should have to go through what Jussie went through early Tuesday morning.
this hurts
this hurts , like no other (s)
I certainly do believe that the current climate ( MAGA ) has heightened the fear.
FEAR … afraid to come out… because I did not make that choice… I am born not unlike you
oh Lord… after all the effort… Obama reached. this is definitely, one of those times… one step forward, two steps back. we have definitely taken , with a lot of legislation by the current GOP … taken steps back in denigrating another human being (s). like legally, right ? after the marriage law was made legal… I had hoped that the , “tolerance” would ebb and flow and acceptance seep in to our consciousness.
“Mr. Jussie Smollett” My heart is with you… as I search again and again my soul to remain vigilant and forward to that day when ALL walks of life reach an accord
These attacks have definitely increased since Trump took office. Racist, anti-gay… anti semitic attacks have increased by 60%. He’s unleashed all the roaches that were always there but under the woodwork. Now they’re freely crawling among us.
just read that he is now telling a different story.. I hope this is not true!!
Real believable story. Now racists carry bleach at 2 a.m.?
Breaking News
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.
Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).
However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
Photo: JPI
As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.
In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.
Photo:JPI
Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass
Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.
Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”
When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.
That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.
Photo: Freemantle
Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.
Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”
Photo: Freemantle
For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.
Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee
The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.
Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.
So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne would like to share a special message regarding our incredible #Neighbours Daytime Emmy Award nominations 💛 @DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/wWWo5PxmfD
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 23, 2024
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Y&R’s Eric Braeden Pays Tribute to Former On-Screen Wife, Meg Bennett: “She Was Such a Bright and Gentle Lady”
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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