By Mariel Turner
7:12am PDT, Jul 26, 2019
A$AP Rocky charged with assault in Sweden
After three weeks of sitting in a Swedish jail as authorities investigated, A$AP Rocky was charged with assault on July 25. The rapper was arrested on July 3 following an altercation with another man in Stockholm. Swedish public prosecutor Daniel Suneson claimed that the American music star and two other men kicked the alleged victim and beat him with a glass bottle, but the rapper maintains his innocence, insisting that he was acting in self defense after being followed and harrassed.
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Meek Mill's 2008 conviction overturned
On July 24, a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned Meek Mill's 2008 conviction on drug and gun charges and granted him a new trial. A three-judge panel said the rapper would likely be acquitted if the case was retried based on new evidence that weakens the credibility of the testifying officer. "The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I'm ecstatic that justice prevailed," Meek said in a statement. "Unfortunately, millions of people are dealing with similar issues in our country and don't have the resources to fight back like I did. We need to continue supporting them."
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Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift lead MTV VMA Awards nominations
Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift are among the top nominees at the MTV Video Music Awards, which are set for Aug. 26, with 10 nominations each, according to a July 23 announcement. Also notable: Lil Nas X scored eight nominations for his No. 1 breakout hit "Old Town Road," while newcomer Billie Eilish walked away with nine.
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Neville Brothers singer Art Neville dies at 81
Art Neville, a member of the Neville Brothers and a founding member of funk band The Meters, died on July 23 at age 81. His cause of death was not immediately known but Neville had been suffering from several health issues, including complications from back surgery.
Rihanna announces the return of her Diamond Ball
Rihanna's Diamond Ball is back and better than ever! The Fenty Beauty founder announced on July 19 that the fundraising event will return on Sept. 12 with Seth Meyers scheduled to host. "Our 5th Annual #DIAMONDBALL is just 2 months away!!!" she captioned a photo on Instagram. Pharrell will also be performing at the 2019 Diamond Ball, which benefits the Clara Lionel Foundation.
Aretha Franklin's sons battle for control of her estate
Aretha Franklin's sons are duking it out in court over her estate. Teddy White Jr., Aretha's son with first husband Teddy White, asked a judge to stop Kecalf Franklin's request to remove Sabrina Owens, the current personal representative, and appoint him instead. Teddy is asking for the judge to appoint him as co-personal representative of the estate, along with Sabrina, according to court documents obtained on July 21. Kecalf argues that Sabrina is mismanaging Aretha's estate and has failed to inform the heirs about Aretha's property and assets.
George Michael's former boyfriend Fadi Fawaz arrested for trashing singer's mansion
George Michael former boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, was arrested for aggravated criminal damage on July 23 after allegedly causing "extensive damage" to the late singer's London mansion. The 46 year old was reportedly spotted on the roof and began to destroy fixtures, toilets and windows in the home upon police officers' arrival, a neighbor told the Sun.
Paul McCartney writing songs for "It's a Wonderful Life" musical
Paul McCartney is adding musical composer to his resume. The former member of The Beatles is nearly finished writing songs for a stage adaptation of the 1946 movie "It's a Wonderful Life, Paul's representatives shared on July 24. The musical is slated to kick off in 2020.
