The pop star took to Instagram late on July 27 to share a few photos of her entire body covered in white henna-style temporary tattoos.
"So I got carried away with henna !!!!Β Β I think I'm going for a bohemian look in the second picture β¦. not sure what my hands on my hips are about πππ€£!!! I guess I'm demanding attention πππ !!!!" she captioned the photo slideshow, which shows her wearing a snakeskin-print bikini and black choker along with her skin art in the first slide and a printed crop top, tan shorts, white sweatband and some necklaces in the second image.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKdWkVAi6S/
She then shared another photo of herself in a white crop top where some of the white henna-inspired body paint is visible. She captioned that one with three red rose emojis.
A few hours earlier, Britney posted a video of herself striking poses and strutting around as she modeled different tops all while Young T and Bugsey's "Don't Rush" featuring Headie One played over it. "This song is SO COOL !!!! I wonder what song I could write that would be ice cold ππ§ β¦ just a thought π€βοΈπ€π !!!!" she wrote in the caption.
Britney also explained to fans why she looks so tan in the clip. "Ps β¦ I know I look tan !!!! I've been spending lots of time at the poolΒ Β soaking in the vitamin D βοΈ and I finally did my hair straight ππΌββοΈππΌββοΈππΌββοΈ !!!!"
TV drama
Singer abruptly walked off 'Today' gig over dressing room
Kelly Rowland was just not destined to guest host the "Today" show.
According to a new report, the former Destiny's Child singer was set to fill in for Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour of "Today" on Feb. 15, 2024, but she instead walked off the set because she was unhappy with her dressing room, Page Six reported. Kelly's abrupt departure left "Today" in a bind, as producers scrambled to find a last-minute replacement.
Kelly Rowland appeared on "Today" as a guest in the 8 a.m. hour to promote her Tyler Perry-producedΒ Netflix movie "Mea Culpa." (She stars in the film, which she also produced.) She was also set to guest host the fourth hour of the show with Hoda Kotb. However, Kelly decided to pull the plug on the hosting gig because she and her team were displeased with her dressing room β Team Kelly apparently wanted the bigger dressing room Jennifer Lopez was occupying at that moment.Β
"Kelly and her team were not happy. They did not like the dressing room, so they decided to pull her off the show, leaving Hoda without a guest host for the 10 a.m. hour," a source told Page Six.
_
Kelly Rowland's sudden exit stunned "Today" show producers.
"She's beloved at 'Today.' She was getting the full hour, andΒ Hoda's the biggest hype womanΒ on the planet! It made no sense," a source said, adding that Kelly and her team were playing a game of "musical dressing rooms." The Destiny's Child singer "didn't like the one she was in."
_
"Today" dressing rooms are known to be some of the smallest in the business, and Page Six's source even compared them to "glorified closets."
"They're not nice. It's the oldest building. There are major space limitations, [it's] not glamorous. It's not fresh flowers and candles and gourmet food. It's basically [a] white box," the insider said.
_
It seems that Kelly Rowland was offered multiple dressing room options, including a large utility makeup and hair area.
"They didn't want that. [The show] basically offered up as much as possible, but they weren't happy with it, so they walked and they left," the Page Six source said.
_
Amid the drama, singer Rita Ora volunteered to step in. The "For You" singer took over the spot intended for Kelly Rowland β and delivered a flawless performance!
A House mess
Congressman sinks impeachment bid after casting vote from wheelchair, plus more reactions
A vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed in the House of Representatives after some unanticipated dramatics. Due to the hospitalization of Democratic Rep. Al Green, Republicans believed they had the votes to impeach the cabinet member. However, the Texas congressman stunned his colleagues after rushing back following abdominal surgery to vote "no," all while sitting in a wheelchair and wearing hospital scrubs. The vote failed 216-214. Four Republicans joined the Democrats in their "no" votes, but one of those votes was done as a procedural matter so that the vote can be brought up again.
Following the House drama and the unsuccessful vote, many in the House chambers reacted. From his hospital bed, Al Green, himself, told The New York Times, "I was determined to cast the vote long before β I had no idea how close it was going to be. I didn't come assuming that my vote was going to make a difference. I came because it was personal."Β
Keep clicking to see how others in Congress are reactingβ¦.
"The sham impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas was demanded by Donald Trump and is being led by Marjorie Taylor Greene. What does this have to do with fixing the challenges at the border? Absolutely nothing." βRep. Hakeem Jeffries via CNN
_
"There was a motion to recommit. That means that we can bring the Articles of Impeachment back to the floor maybe as early as next week. So, this is not over yet." βRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
_
"Welcome to another week of Impeachment Unlimited. Having no legislative accomplishments to show for their 14 months in power, Republicans are voting on yet another pointless resolution. These are not serious people." βRep. Adam Schiff
_
"Last night was a setback but democracy is messy. We live in a time of divided government. We have a razor-thin margin here and every vote counts. Sometimes when people show up when they're not expected to be in the building it changes the equation. We have a duty and a responsibility to take care of this issueβ¦We will pass those articles of impeachment. We'll do it on the next time round." βHouse Speaker Mike Johnson
_
"Wouldn't it have been nice to still have Kevin McCarthy in the House? Never thought you'd hear me say that. But McCarthy after being dislodged as speaker took his marbles and went home, he would have been a reliable vote for impeachment, but if we wasn't speaker, he wasn't willing to stick aroundβ¦Β the abject selfishness of Kevin McCarthy contributed to this result" βRep. Matt Gaetz via Newsmax
_
"This is a not a high crime or misdemeanor. This is not an impeachable offense. This is a policy difference β¦ it's wrong, and we should not set this precedent." βRep. Ken Buck
_
"The Trump-Putin-maga faction, headed up by the distinguished gentlelady from Georgia, has been given this worthless trinket on a consolation prize, the opportunity to bring a slapstick impeachment drive against a cabinet member of unimpeachable integrity who has obviously committed no treason, no bribery, no high crimes, not misdemeanors, nothing indictable or even in-dict-able, if you prefer." βRep. Jamie Raskin
_
"Secretary Mayorkas is guilty of maladministration of our immigration laws on a cosmic scale. But we KNOW that's not grounds for impeachment, because the American Founders specifically rejected it." βRep. Tom McClintock
_
"This is insanity! We are on the floor! MAGA Mike is upset he can't deliver for daddy Trump and holding us on the floor where the vote is tied 215-215 which means the BS impeachment fails!" βRep. Jasmine Crockett
_
"When you have no record of accomplishment to run on, nothing on education, nothing on health care, nothing about creating jobs, nothing on the environment, nothing about keeping people safe, this is what you do. You put on a circus. And that's why we're here today" βRep.Β Joaquin Castro
_
"Welcome to the Marjorie Taylor Greene impeachment show. She has been leading these efforts to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and the President, all to help Donald Trump's campaign. Her insanity must be stopped." βRep. Robert Garcia
_
"With a tight majority these things happen. Still doesn't mean I'm not annoyed and deeply disappointed and angry. But I do think he will be impeached within the next month or two." βRep.Β Pat Fallon via the Texas Tribune
_
"The impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas was nothing but a baseless, political ploy to help Donald Trump in the 2024 Election. Tonight, we defeated this sham impeachment and protected the rule of law, the solemn power of impeachment, and our Constitution." βRep Dan Goldman
Selena's day out
The best pictures of a popular singer-actress dressed down in Beverly Hills
Music and TV star Selena Gomez stepped out in Beverly Hills with a good friend on Dec. 19, 2023, treating herself to jewelry and sushi. Keep reading to see the best photos from their outing, which came days after after the Rare Beauty founder made headlines for a dinner appearance with pal Taylor Swift in New York City after confirming she's been in a relationship with songwriter and music producer Benny Blancoβ¦
Girls' day out
Music and TV star Selena Gomez and pal Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The dressed-down friends went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Keeping it casual
Music star and "Only Murders in the Building" actress Selena Gomez and friend Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The buddies went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Bundled up
Music and TV star Selena Gomez enjoyed a green drink as she and pal Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The dressed-down friends went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Keeping it loose
Selena Gomez spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. She and pal Anna Collins went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Sipping while shopping
Selena Gomez sipped a green drink while out and about in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The music and TV star went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar with pal Anna Collins.
BACKGRID
Casual Tuesday
Music and TV star Selena Gomez and pal Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The dressed-down friends went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Pointing the way
Music and TV star Selena Gomez and pal Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The dressed-down friends went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Walking around town
Music and TV star Selena Gomez and pal Anna Collins, a model and artist, spent a day out in Beverly Hills on Dec. 19, 2023. The dressed-down friends went shopping at XIV Karats, a jewelry store, then grabbed lunch at Kiyono Sushi Bar.
BACKGRID
Unofficially married
Oscar winner and long-term partner 'exchanged vows' for their three kids before he died following a secret years-long battle with ALS: Report
Sandra Bullock and longtime partner Bryan Randall were every bit a husband-wife team despite not being legally married. In fact, they were so committed that they reportedly "exchanged vows" in 2017.
On Aug. 8, DailyMail.com published a video of the couple dancing on the beach in the Bahamas allegedly following an intimate ceremony during which they exchanged vows.
The Grosby Group / BACKGRID
"They really did this for the children, to kind of seal the deal and show them this was a forever thing. After the ceremony [Sandra's kids] Louis and Laila started calling Bryan dad," a source shared.Β
The Academy Award-winning actress and began dating the model-turned-photographer in 2015 after they met when he photographed her son's birthday party. Although Sandra has spoken publicly about never wanting to marry again, she called Bryan "the love of my life" on a 2021 episode of "Red Table Talk."
"We share two beautiful children β three children, [including Bryan's] older daughter. It's the best thing ever," she said.Β At the time, she didn't reference his health issues.Β
Bryan passed away on Aug. 5 following a secret three-year battle with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He was 57.
Skyler2018 / BACKGRID
While Sandra's sister said the actress was there until the end, an insider told DailyMail.com that Bryan's illness did strain their relationship. But they were "more together than ever" at the time of his death, the insider added. Sandra also arranged and paid for his around-the-clock care.Β
Interestingly, split rumors had surrounded the couple for the better part of a year, largely due to the fact they hadn't been seen together in public for a while. That speculation actually helped them keep his health battle private.Β
Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock
"Sandra kept Bryan hidden away in the back of the house. It's so big that you could conceal what was going on with him but towards the end she really didn't let people into the home beyond the doctors and nurses who were looking after him," the insider said. "It was quite convenient for them to have these rumors that they'd broken up because it helped conceal what was really going on. It was easier to let people assume they hadn't seen him because they were no longer together."
A separate source noted, "The relationship was absolutely strained by it, and it was really hard for the children. He had been living in one of her Malibu properties for a while just because it was nicer for him to be there, by the ocean, and I think some people assumed they had split because it looked like they were living separately, but there weren't. She'd have the house stocked up with everything he needed, and his nurses would go there."
BACKGRID
According to a statement from Bryan's family released after his death, "Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request." The statement continued, "We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours. At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan." The statement was signed by, "His Loving Family."
Bizarre, terrible incident
Singer's nanny killed in freak accident after elderly driver crashed SUV into reception area at car dealership
Yadira Calito β who nannied Katharine McPheeΒ andΒ David Foster's son β died in a freak accident after she was run over by an SUV at a car dealership in the Los Angeles area.
According to reports, an unnamed 84-year-old woman went to a San Fernando Valley car dealership on Aug. 11 to get her Toyota RAV4 serviced. She then somehow hit the gas pedal rather than the brakes, launching her vehicle from the service bay driveway into the customer reception area.
MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Yadira, who was at the dealership, suddenly found herself pinned under the car and was dragged for about 20 feet, TMZ reported. Kat and David's nanny was eventually freed from under the car and, according to DailyMail.com, an off-duty nurse started performing CPR on her before emergency services arrived.Β
The nanny to Kat and David's 2-year-old son, Rennie, was eventually transported to a hospital in critical condition but later died.Β
Two men working at the dealership were also injured in the shocking incident, but their injuries were not life-threatening. The driver of the car stayed on site to answer authorities' questions and declined to be taken to the hospital. She was not arrested.
Images from the crash β which occurred around 9 a.m. β show the white SUV parked among shattered glass.Β
Jason Merritt/Radarpics/REX/Shutterstock
Upon learning about Yadira's injuries and death Katharine β who found fame as a runner-up on "American Idol" in 2006 β canceled two shows in Asia, where she was touring with her Grammy-winning husband.Β
"Dearest Jakarta fans, it's with heavy heart I announce I have to miss our final two shows of our Asia run," sheΒ wrote on InstagramΒ on Aug. 11 without providing further details. "David and I have had a horrible tragedy in our family and at least one of us need to get back home to our family."Β
She added, "Please know how sorry I am and how much I wish to return one day and perform for you all. Love Katharine."Β
The songstress flew back to Los Angeles the same day. TMZ reported that the superstar couple considered Yadira "family." After several celebrity friends, including David's ex-wife Linda Thompson,Β commented with well wishes,Β Kat disabled the comments section of her Instagram.
On Aug. 17, the car dealership, Hamer Toyota, issued a statement about what happened. "We extend our deepest condolences to Yadira's family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of such a vibrant life in such tragic circumstances is a heavy burden to bear, and we share in their grief," the dealership's director of communications told Us Weekly.Β
"At Hamer Toyota, we take the safety of our customers and our community very seriously. We are fully cooperating with the Los Angeles Police Department as they conduct their investigation into this unfortunate event," the spokesperson added. "Our commitment is to ensure transparency, assist the LAPD in every possible way, and to learn from this incident so we can prevent such tragedies in the future. In these moments of profound sadness, we ask our community to join us in remembering Yadira and extending our collective support to her loved ones."
Running for office
Viral tanning salon mom reveals why she's running for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida as a Republican
Remember "Tan Mom"? In 2012, she went viral after she took her 5-year-old daughter to a New Jersey tanning salon. Now the pop culture personality β whose real name is Patricia Krentcil β is running for office.
Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
On Jan. 15, 2023, Patricia filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida,Β TMZΒ confirmed. She's challenging incumbent GOP senator Rick Scott in the 2024 election β and she's running as a Republican despite not exactly following the party line on multiple issues, especially amid a controversy-filled political climate in Florida, where she now calls Boca Raton home.
Patricia spoke to "TMZ Live" to explain why she's running, explaining that she's not a fan of some of Republican governor Ron DeSantis's controversial policies and thinks others in her party feel the same way.
"I was blessed and was able to be a part of raising money for the Sunshine Cathedral in Florida. I saw the amazing work they had done and it really impressed me," Patricia told TMZ, referring to the Ft. Lauderdale church with a ministry based in progressive Christianity that has a constituency of same-gender and gender non-conforming people and prides itself on being a safe and open community for LGBTQ+ people to worship.
Patricia also said she's concerned about the banning of books in her new home state. "I was horrified about the book banning [in schools] in Florida β¦ just a lot of the episodes that are going on here," she told TMZ. "And nobody is addressing them."
MediaPunch/Shutterstock
She also said Medicaid was an issue for her, as she believes it's "just being abominably banished for the elderly especially. That's three reasons I started doing this," she added of what sparked her interest in going to Washington.
During their chat, TMZ founder Harvey Levin pointed out that Patricia's positions make her sound more like a Democrat than a Republican. But according to her, she's running asΒ Republican because "I've always been a Republican and my feeling and my issues may sound more Democratic but I am a Republican through and through," she insisted.
"I'm trying to embrace it for people who realize the situation at hand, more today than it ever was, and maybe if I sound more like a Republican, Republicans need to take this not for granted," she continued.
Taylor Hill/Getty Images
She's hoping people will see her in a new light. "I don't want to be known as what I was as 'Tan Mom.' I've grown and I'm here to help and want to help people that are struggling," she said. "And maybe more Republicans should have a different taste in their mouth when they're trying to help people in the world today."
Patricia further told TMZ, "I know that I am different. And I have suffered for it. But us all being different is what makes this country so amazing and unique."
According to the New York Post, her candidacy comes as she's starring in the TV docuseries "Tan to 10," which chronicles her efforts to stop tanning and change her life. Patricia β who went to rehab for alcohol addiction in 2013 β named her producers Gregg Maliff and Adam Barta as her campaign managers.
Done deal?
Princess of Pop and actor-trainer husband of 14 months are divorcing
Britney Spears and her husband of 14 months, Sam Asghari, are divorcing.
TMZ reported on Aug. 16 that the duo separated the previous week after a "nuclear argument" during which Sam confronted her over unconfirmed rumors that she'd been unfaithful.Β
"It's only a matter of time before Sam files for divorce," a source shared.
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for GLAAD
Sam filed for divorce later the same day, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split and listing July 28 as their date of separation. In court documents, he's asking for spousal support and attorneys fees.
The writing was seemingly on the wall, as reports of blowout fights and arguments between the two have been floating around for several months. In May, a TMZ documentary claimed their marriage was in "deep trouble" and that Sam was rarely staying in their home. Britney even ditched her wedding ring during a spring vacation in Puerto Rico.
Britney and Sam met in 2016 when he starred in one of her music videos. They quickly began dating and became rather inseparable. The couple got engaged in the midst of her conservatorship battle, and they eventually tied the knot in June 2022.
Prior to their 2022 wedding, the "Toxic" singer's lawyers set up an "ironclad prenup" to ensure the finances and assets Britney had going into the marriage would remain hers should she and Sam ever call it quits. Britney has an estimated net worth of $60 million. Regardless, it's believed that she will likely settle things with Sam financially.Β Divorce docs hint at a potential prenup challenge, TMZ reported, with Sam's attorney noting the actor-trainer "has yet to determine the full nature and extent of the separate property assets and obligations of each party" and that "There are various items of community and quasi-community assets and debts, the full nature and extent of which are unknown to [Sam] at this time."
Her crumbling marriage is justΒ one piece of the troubling puzzle involving the Princess of Pop. According to aΒ February TMZΒ report, those close to BritneyΒ felt an intervention was direly neededΒ because people around her had become deeply alarmed by what TMZ described as "her erratic, volatile behavior." A source told the webloid that the singer was taking medications that "hype her up" β but not taking the medications that stabilize her β and that she'd been "flying off the handle" with increasing regularity. But an intervention wasΒ suddenly scrapped,Β TMZΒ reported, after Britney caught wind of it. "I'm afraid she's gonna die," one source in regular contact with Britney told TMZ at the time.Β
Home Depot lawsuit
'Fast & Furious' star sues The Home Depot for $450M for discriminating against him
Singer-actor Tyrese Gibson is accusing The Home Depot of discrimination and racial profiling after an incident in February that occurred at one of the brand's California stores.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
On Aug. 9, the "Fast & Furious" franchise star and two other plaintiffs β Eric Mora and Manuel Hernandez, craftsmen who've provided construction services to the singer-actor β filed a lawsuit claiming "outrageous discriminatory mistreatment and consumer racial profiling" at a Home Depot in West Hills, California, on Feb. 11, 2023.
NBC News reported that in the complaint, Tyrese says he, Eric and Manuel went to The Home Depot together to buy some materials for a project they were doing at his home. A cashier allegedly took 20 minutes to ring up the items. Meanwhile, other shoppers began recognizing and approaching the actor, prompting him to wait in his vehicle to prevent a disturbance. Before he went outside, Tyrese told the cashier that the craftsmen with him would complete the sale on his behalf. The suit claims Eric and Manuel were not allowed to do so, which led Tyrese to come back inside to show ID so they could finish the transaction. He asked to speak to a manager, who allegedly refused.
Rob Latour/Shutterstock
"The actions of the cashier and manager were discriminatory based on race and origin," the complaint states. "There is no other plausible explanation for the mistreatment of Plaintiffs. The transaction was refused, despite Gibson's repeated authorizations, because of Plaintiffs' skin color and, in the case of Mora and Hernandez, also because of their national origin."
The suit calls the "humiliating and demeaning" interaction "a clear and deplorable instance of discriminatory mistreatment and consumer racial profiling" and further alleges that The Home Depot has "doubled down, lawyered-up" instead of holding itself accountable for what transpired. In short, The Home Depot "invited this civil rights lawsuit," the complaint further alleges. "This is the absolute height of hypocrisy for a company that disingenuously promotes itself to the world as 'an environment of mutual respect that is free of harassment and discrimination.'"
According to court documents, the three plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages, which Entertainment Weekly reported is how much Tyrese estimates he's spent at The Home Depot over the years, plus statutory damages, attorney's fees, punitive damages, a declaratory judgment confirming that The Home Depot's actions violated California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and also "such other relief as the Court may deem just and proper."
Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
The actor's team released a statement on his Instagram page on Aug. 11 alongside a video of Tyrese speaking to The Home Depot staff inquiring about their policies. According to the social media post, they're seeking a total of $450 million in damages.
"Craftsmen Eric Mora and Manuel Hernandez are an integral part of my team and have made significant contributions to my visions for over a decade. Together, we ardently uphold our commitments to civil rights, promoting empathy, and understanding," the statement began. It continued, "The Home Depot, we envision a world free from discriminatory practices and consumer racial profiling. Just as I have done for the past 20-plus years, I pledge to continue to utilize my platform to empower the voiceless, fostering a spirit of unity and hope, while illuminating our shared path forward."
The Home Depot claims they've tried to address what happened: "Diversity and respect for all people are core to who we are, and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form," a company spokesperson told Today.com in a statement on Aug. 11. "We value Mr. Gibson as a customer, and in the months since this happened, we've reached out to him and his attorneys several times to try to resolve his concerns. We will continue to do so."
She's done
TV star leaves ESPN after settling lawsuit over Obama race and COVID vaccine comments
After 16 years, Sage Steele has left ESPN so that she can exercise her First Amendment rights "more freely," the broadcaster said. TheΒ ex-"SportsCenter" host and her former company both confirmed the news on Aug. 15.
Brian To/Shutterstock
"Life update. Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely. I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!" she shared on social media.
In a statement, ESPN said the company and Sage "mutually agreed to part ways," adding, "We thank her for her many contributions over the years."
The announcement comes after Sage settled a lawsuit with the company that she filed in 2022. In that suit, she claimed ESPN violated her First Amendment rights as well as Connecticut free-speech laws when she was suspended over public comments she made about the network's COVID vaccine policy and former President Barack Obama's racial identity.
It all began when Sage was a guest on a September 2021 episode of the "Uncut With Jay Cutler" podcast. She said she'd just been vaccinated against the coronavirus but called ESPN and parent company The Walt Disney Co.'s corporate vaccine mandate "sick" and "scary to me in many ways."
She also shared on the podcast that she felt late TV journalist Barbara Walters had belittled her for identifying as biracial. (Sage's father is Gary Steele, the first Black football player at U.S. Military Academy West Point, and mother is Mona Steele, who is white.)
Sage said that after the founder of "The View" asked her what race she'd choose on the census and she responded, "well, both," Barbara made a comment about Barack choosing Black. "And I'm like, well, congratulations to the president," Sage said on the podcast. "That's his thing. I think that's fascinating considering his Black dad was nowhere to be found but his white mom and grandma raised him. But hey, you do you. I'm going to do me."
Logan Riely/Getty Images
In the wake of her podcast comments, ESPN took her off the air for 10 days and pulled her from several big assignments at the network. "At ESPN, we embrace different points of view β dialogue and discussion makes this place great," the company said in a statement. "That said, we expect that those points of view be expressed respectfully, in a manner consistent with our values, and in line with our internal policies."
Sage issued an apology, saying in a statement, "I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize. We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it's more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully."
In her lawsuit, which was filed in 2022, her lawyers accused ESPN of relying "on the misleading characterizations of her comments" and said her employer "forced her to apologize, allowed media to destroy her, and let media reports that she had been suspended go unchallenged, and allowed Steele's colleagues to defame her in violation of company policy without so much as a reprimand."
The Associated Press reported that in June 2023, court documents showed that ESPN offered to settle Sage's claims for $501,000.00 plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Details on their settlement terms, however, were not made public when Sage and the company announced they'd parted ways in August.
Our Privacy / Cookie Policy contains detailed information about the types of cookies & related technology on our site, and some ways to opt out. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use