Tim Curry terrified audiences as Pennywise, stole scenes as the frantic butler in “Clue,” and became a cultural icon in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” However, the actor, who died on August 25 at age 80, was also a trained singer with a legitimate rock career.

Curry released three studio albums through A&M Records, toured with his own band, wrote original songs, and landed on the Billboard charts. His musical ambitions were not a brief attempt to capitalize on the success of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Music had been part of Curry’s life long before Hollywood knew his name.

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Curry received classical vocal training while growing up in England and performed as a boy soprano. He later studied drama and English at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1968. His first professional job came almost immediately afterward when he joined the original London production of “Hair.”

According to Curry’s official biography, the inexperienced performer lied when producers asked whether he had professional credits and the required Equity membership. By the time they discovered the truth, Curry had impressed them enough that they helped him secure his union card.

He was cast as Woof in the counterculture musical, placing his voice, stage presence, and willingness to take creative risks at the center of his earliest professional work. The production also introduced Curry to Richard O’Brien, who would later create the character that changed both of their careers.

Dr. Frank-N-Furter Was A Stage Role First

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O’Brien invited Curry to audition for a small experimental production called “The Rocky Horror Show” at London’s Royal Court Theatre. Curry originated the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in 1973, initially experimenting with different accents and approaches before settling on the character’s commanding upper-class English voice.

The role required far more than conventional acting. Curry needed to sing rock songs, deliver comedy, project dangerous sexuality, and control the theater from the moment Frank entered. The production became a hit, leading Curry to reprise the role in Los Angeles and on Broadway before starring in the 1975 film adaptation.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” initially failed at the box office but later exploded through midnight screenings, transforming Curry into a cult icon. Songs such as “Sweet Transvestite” and “I’m Going Home” demonstrated that Frank-N-Furter’s power depended as much on Curry’s voice as his appearance.

After being identified so closely with the character, Curry attempted to establish a musical identity outside the corset and makeup.

‘Read My Lips’ Introduced Curry As A Solo Artist

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Curry released his first solo studio album, “Read My Lips,” in April 1978. The record was produced by Bob Ezrin, known for his work with artists including Alice Cooper, and featured Michael Kamen as associate producer. Rather than chase a single radio-friendly sound, Curry used the album to move across rock, reggae, pop, and theatrical balladry.

The track list included his interpretation of the Beatles’ “I Will,” a dramatic performance of “Sloe Gin,” and a version of “Wake Nicodemus” featuring the Pipes and Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Curry acknowledged at the time that the album’s unusual range was intentional. “It’s very much an introduction and allegro,” he said in a 1978 radio interview preserved on his official website.

His refusal to remove strong language from certain songs reportedly limited their chances of receiving radio play. Curry nevertheless maintained that changing the words would weaken the emotions behind them. The album did not turn him into a mainstream recording star, but it proved that his musical tastes extended far beyond “Rocky Horror.”

‘Fearless’ Gave Tim Curry His Biggest Music Success

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Curry followed his debut with “Fearless” in June 1979. Unlike the cover-heavy “Read My Lips,” the second album consisted largely of original material written by Curry with producers Michael Kamen and Dick Wagner. The record leaned more directly into rock and pop while preserving the theatrical delivery that distinguished Curry from conventional singers.

“Fearless” became the most commercially successful of his three studio albums, reaching No. 53 on the Billboard 200. Another track, “Paradise Garage,” drew its title from the influential New York nightclub and received both seven-inch and extended 12-inch releases in certain markets.

Its best-known single, “I Do the Rock,” placed Curry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 91 in November 1979. The song name-checked celebrities, political figures, and cultural trends over a driving rock arrangement. Curry delivered the rapid succession of references with the same amused authority he later brought to his most memorable movie villains.

The album featured accomplished musicians including saxophonist David Sanborn, bassist Bob Babbitt, and guitarist Bob Kulick.

Curry Took His Music On Tour

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Curry did not confine his recording career to the studio. He toured North America and parts of Europe with his band between 1978 and 1980, proving that his albums were intended as a serious extension of his career. Recordings preserved on Curry’s official site document concerts at San Francisco’s Old Waldorf nightclub and New York City’s Bottom Line. His set lists combined original songs, album tracks, covers, and material associated with “Rocky Horror.”

The live performances allowed Curry to embrace the role of a frontman without pretending to be Frank-N-Furter. Although his dramatic expressions and physical presence remained unmistakable, the concerts introduced a different version of the performer.

He was not an actor attempting karaoke between movie projects. Curry had assembled experienced musicians, worked with major producers, and built a set capable of carrying a full tour.

‘Simplicity’ Became His Final Studio Album

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Curry released “Simplicity,” his third studio album, in 1981. The record combined original compositions with covers, including new versions of the Zombies’ “She’s Not There,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street,” and Squeeze’s “Take Me, I’m Yours.” Although it did not achieve the American success of “Fearless,” “Simplicity” reportedly reached No. 45 on the Canadian album chart.

Curry did not release another full-length studio album after “Simplicity,” but his recording career was later collected on “The Best of Tim Curry.” Previously unreleased sessions also surfaced years afterward, revealing that he had recorded additional music as early as 1976.

His solo catalog remained relatively small, but the three albums captured a period when Curry was balancing rock concerts, theater, television, and an expanding film career.

Kylie Jenner is clearing the air after viral speculation that she is expecting another baby.

“I think that I’m so used to people creating their own narrative that I actually have to just laugh about it and I really don’t care,” Jenner, 29, said on the Wednesday, August 26, episode of the “Better Half” podcast. “I just assume people will figure it out eventually, which is what they always do. Like, people think I’m pregnant right now. At least I saw some things.”

Jenner, who shares two children with ex Travis Scott, further explained why she doesn’t feel compelled to publicly dispel every rumor about herself.

“I’m not going to address everything ‘cause it’s, like, I’m going to be in a bikini somewhere or I’m going to be out and the rumors will be squashed,” she stated. “I, kind of, just don’t feel the need to say anything ever.”

Related: Kylie Jenner Shares Rare Insight Into Timothee Chalamet Romance

Kylie Jenner is sharing rare insight into her romance with boyfriend Timothée Chalamet — and teasing the possibility of having more children. “In the last years of my 20s, I want to focus on just me, my businesses, my work, traveling with my kids, enjoying my kids, and then …” Jenner, 28, said in a […]

The Kardashians star added, “I can’t, like, talk [or] comment on everything. So, I just laugh about it and join in on the party.”

While Jenner has not shared whether she plans to expand her family further, the makeup mogul has been in a relationship with Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet since 2023. Jenner and Chalamet, 30, keep their relationship relatively private — with the expectation of rare public outings at the likes of award show red carpets and New York Knicks games. (Chalamet is a longtime superfan of the NBA team, often inviting his girlfriend to join him courtside for game dates.)

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“I never was into it unless it was, like, someone was married or dating someone and then I would watch it,” Jenner said of her basketball history. “It wasn’t until I went to my first Knicks game that I fell in love, like, there’s something about the energy in the stadium and [in Madison Square Garden] and being there. It was so much fun, and then I followed them for those two seasons. For them to win, I mean, I’m the luckiest Knicks fan ‘cause I feel like I am a new Knicks fan … and I got to see them win!”

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Related: Kylie Jenner Shows Off Toned Stomach After Timothee Pregnancy Rumors

Kylie Jenner showed off her toned tummy while modeling jeans. Jenner, 26, subtly slammed rumors that she’s expecting her first baby with boyfriend Timothée Chalamet while posing in a number of low-waisted jeans on Thursday, April 25. In the clip, which she shared via her Instagram Story, Jenner rocked a pair of Classic Low-Rise pants […]

While joining Chalamet courtside at Knicks games, Jenner has dressed to impress in spirited orange-and-blue designer outfits.

“I have a whole section in my archive closet of just orange and blue things,” Jenner teased of her game day wardrobe. “I have all the old Chanel, like, all every orange and blue thing that they’ve done. I have custom things. … I just keep making things, and I’ll just save it in my closet.”

There have been plenty of Wonder Women throughout DC history. Diana Prince might be synonymous with the name, but everyone from her mother Hippolyta to Artemis of Bana-Mighdall has carried the mantle. After quite a long time, though, we’ve finally got our new Wonder Woman following months of speculation, and this time, DC’s latest addition is considerably more sinister.

Next Level: One Shot #1 has officially introduced an evil clone of Wonder Woman, alongside similarly twisted copies of Batman and Superman, with the three part of a mysterious group known as the Drones, genetically engineered superhumans created using the DNA of DC’s most powerful characters. The new Wonder Woman retains Diana’s immense strength and speed, while sporting black markings around her eyes and a spiked variation of her traditional armor.

DC’s New Wonder Woman Has a Disgusting Superpower

Written by Gerry Duggan with art from Fernando Blanco, Next Level: One Shot #1 follows Deadshot as Rick Flag reveals the Drones and their connection to a new incarnation of Cadmus.

The organisation has been creating bespoke superhumans that can be sold to the highest bidder, even combining abilities from different characters. Deadshot encounters one particularly horrifying example possessing the powers of both Man-Bat and King Shark.

The Drones have an even stranger ability: versions of the mind-controlling alien Starro are concealed inside their stomachs, which they can vomit onto another person and use to create a copy of them. Deadshot discovers this when the trio scan him to create another duplicate.

However, the Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman Drones aren’t necessarily villains. They appear to have rebelled against Cadmus and intend to destroy its hidden army of clones, despite expecting the mission to kill them. Wonder Woman’s Drone subsequently describes the group as “the last Suicide Squad.”

The Drone conspiracy is going to be the key that connects all of DC’s new Next Level titles. In those, Rick Flag suspects that Vixen, Etrigan, members of the Bat-Family, Teen Titans, Doom Patrol and Red Hood could secretly have been replaced. It’s very similar to Marvel’s Secret Invasion arc, when Skrulls infiltrated the superhero community by impersonating our beloved heroes. In the story, Deadshot is also given technology capable of detecting the Starro creatures inside Drones, potentially making him crucial to uncovering the conspiracy.

And with Cadmus capable of cloning Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman — or combining different characters’ powers — there’s no telling how far its infiltration has spread.

Next Level: One Shot #1 is available now from DC Comics.

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Release Date

June 2, 2017

Runtime

141 minutes

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Director

Patty Jenkins

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Writers

Allan Heinberg, William Moulton Marston, Zack Snyder, Jason Fuchs

Producers

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Charles Roven, Geoff Johns, Richard Suckle, Stephen Jones, Zack Synder, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller, Steven Mnuchin

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Pennsylvania police shot and killed a 22-year-old college student over the weekend. Now, his dad is shedding more light on the case. Cops were responding to a possible burglary, while Glenwood Pysher IV had just realized he was at the wrong home. The 22-year-old was waiting for friends to come get him when police shot him, his father said Wednesday (August 26).

RELATED: Atatiana Jefferson’s Family Reportedly To Receive $11.25M Settlement Nearly 7 Years After She Was Killed By Police Officer

Details About The Pennsylvania Police Shooting

Police in Upper Pottsgrove Township, northwest of Philly, responded around 12:30 a.m. Sunday (August 23) to a 911 call about a possible break-in attempt, according to the Montgomery County district attorney’s office. The office said in a statement that police found Glenwood Pysher IV at the rear of the home. Ultimately, he was shot and killed.

Pysher’s father, Glen Pysher, said his son and his friends had visited several bars earlier in the evening. They were splitting up to spend the night in two homes when his son took a wrong turn in the woods. Based on what he has been told by his son’s friends, Pysher believes his son mistakenly tried to enter what he thought was his friend’s house. His son wasn’t carrying any weapons. The dad said all Glen had was a phone and a backpack containing clothing and a few beers.

“He tried to open the doorknob and obviously startled the homeowner,” he said. “From what we understand, he announced, ‘Hey! Open the door!’ because he thought he was at his friend’s house.”

Pysher then sat down on the back porch and contacted his friends, who realized he was in the wrong place and set out to find him. But minutes later, they saw Pennsylvania police and emergency vehicles. They figured their friend would be arrested for public drunkenness. Instead, he was shot.

“At 12:32 a.m. my son was on a FaceTime call with his friends that were coming to get him,” he said. “We were told that my son was shot at 12:35 a.m. So what kind of encounter could have ensued? What kind of communication could that officer have given him?”

Police Declines To Release Names Of Officers Involved

Meanwhile, a Montgomery County Department of Public Safety dispatch record shows police were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. and arrived at 12:34 a.m. However, Upper Pottsgrove Township Police Chief Al Werner declined to release any information, including the names of any officers involved, until the investigation is complete. The Montgomery County Detective Bureau is investigating the shooting, the district attorney’s office said.

College Student’s Dad Speaks On His Character

Glenwood Pysher IV was about to begin his senior year at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey, where he planned to play baseball. His goal was to become a high school history teacher and coach after graduation. His father described him as a kindhearted, loving kid who could be a “knucklehead” but enjoyed helping others.

Since the Pennsylvania shooting, former teammates, coaches and others have been texting his father to share their memories of him.

“One young man in particular texted me and said, ‘I was going through a lot of really difficult things in my life. I was going the wrong way. And your son is the one who helped me put my life on track,’” the father said. “He will be sadly missed in his community.”

Pysher said police have given the family almost no information. On Wednesday, he called asking whether he could retrieve his son’s favorite pair of black shoes to bury him in. A rep told him that it could be arranged, but it didn’t happen.

“Then I got a call back saying they have to think about it,” he said. “They don’t know if they can give them to me.”

RELATED: Prayers Up! Montana Man Kills 8 Relatives, Including 4 Kids, At Sunday Dinner Before Setting Home On Fire

Associated Press writers Holly Ramer and Kate Brumback contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

It’s not like Batman is a character whose time has been spent in sunshine and rainbows, but the newest take on the Caped Crusader is going considerably darker than most. More than three decades after Bane famously broke the Bat, Knightfall is finally receiving the adaptation fans have been waiting for, and audiences haven’t wasted any time finding it.

Just one day after it was released on August 2, Batman: Knightfall Part 1 climbed to No. 3 on the Apple TV/iTunes movie chart, trailing only Nine to Five and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. That’s an impressive start for an R-rated animated superhero movie, particularly before it even gets a physical release and it’s proof that people will always turn up for Batman.

The movie is a multipart animated event bringing to life one of the most iconic and beloved runs in the rich history of Batman comics. In Part 1, when the mysterious behemoth known only as Bane frees Batman’s entire Rogue’s Gallery from Arkham Asylum, the Caped Crusader is pushed to his mental and physical breaking point.

The cast includes Anson Mount (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) voices Bruce Wayne/Batman, with Michael Mando (Better Call Saul) as Bane, Pablo Schreiber (Halo) as Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael and Jack Giffin as Tim Drake/Robin. The adaptation remains faithful to the original comics by using Tim as Robin. Screenwriter Jeremy Adams previously teased: “It’s an old-school Tim. He’s so good in it.” Jeff Wamester directs from Adams’ screenplay, with Jim Krieg and Kimberly S. Moreau producing.

Why Is ‘Knightfall’ Rated R?

The R rating gives Knightfall greater freedom to capture the brutality of its source material. Beginning in 1993, the original storyline sees Bane systematically exhaust Bruce Wayne by freeing Arkham Asylum’s inmates and forcing Batman to battle villain after villain.

It culminates in one of the most iconic moments in Batman history, with Bane breaking Bruce’s back across his knee. Bruce’s injuries eventually lead Jean-Paul Valley to inherit the Batman mantle, only for Azrael to adopt a considerably more violent approach to crime-fighting.

Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall is available digitally now, with its 4K Blu-ray release scheduled for September 8.

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Release Date

August 25, 2026

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Runtime

79 minutes

Director

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Jeff Wamester

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Viola Davis is making it clear that sorry does not erase the damage done, especially when it is one that brings to mind a painful chapter in history.

Following Target’s release of a children’s Halloween outfit, all has not gone down well for them. The idea has since drawn backlash, as many believe it evoked minstrel show and blackface imagery. 

While the company has apologized for its wrongs, it has done nothing to help the situation. The “Woman King” actress has now weighed in, rejecting their show of remorse.

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The “How To Get Away With Murder” actress did not  hold back, noting that the evil of the retailer’s actions has far outweighed any statement of regret. She reshared a post highlighting Target’s response and expressed her thoughts.

“Target, I do not accept your apology, and I do not believe that you understand the impact… the pain… the dehumanization of the above,” Davis wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.

“These images laid the foundation and the ideology for every atrocity that has been committed against my people.” She added, “We MATTER!! You have shown us that you are not on OUR side.”

In the brand’s statement, they revealed that they had pulled down the offensive clothing, admitting it should never have been included in its product lineup.

They acknowledged that the mistake was particularly hurtful to Black customers, employees, and partners and promised to ensure there won’t be a repeat of this incident.

“As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” they wrote, according to Us Weekly.

Other Reactions To Target’s Offensive Clown Outfit

While Davis has slammed the organization’s apology, the design itself has since drawn criticism from all corners. 

Comedian LaTrez Anderson reacted in the comments of a now-deleted Instagram Reel, writing, “Target, for real? I’m not surprised, but this is a new low.” Another social media user expressed disappointment with those responsible for approving the concept.

According to PEOPLE Magazine, the controversial design showed a young Black child in clothes marketed as Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown. The ensemble included a black-and-orange patterned bodysuit, a matching hood, an oversized grin design, and a small top hat.

The child posed raising one arm and one leg as if waving, which critics have claimed echoes racist imagery associated with the Jim Crow era and historical caricatures of Black people.

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Target Previously Cut DEI Programs 

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This is not the first time the retailer has received heat over decisions involving race and inclusion. Less than a year ago, the brand scaled back several of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Since announcing those changes, the company has faced boycotts and criticism from some consumers.

At the time, Anne and Lucy Dayton, daughters of one of Target’s founders, publicly condemned the move, describing it as a “betrayal.”

Target Shares Dropped After Product Recall

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As outrage surrounding the controversy continues, the fallout has extended to the stock market. According to TradingView, Target’s shares fell by as much as 5% after it pulled the product from shelves.

The incident has also drawn scrutiny from investors. Shareholder advocacy group SOC Investment Group described it as yet another example where the company has “lost trust” of its customers.

This is concerning because its business model is built around shoppers choosing to spend on optional items, making brand reputation and customer sentiment especially important.

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Morningstar analyst Brett Husslein noted that the market’s reaction highlighted how vulnerable Target’s competitive position can be when consumer trust is shaken.

Viola Davis Previously Condemned Donald Trump’s Depiction Of The Obamas As Apes

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Davis’ response to Target is not the first time she has used her platform to address racial issues. When Donald Trump reportedly shared a now-deleted manipulated video showing Michelle and Barack Obama with ape bodies, the “Widows” star publicly spoke out.

As The Blast reported, Davis shared a heartfelt video of Michelle Obama on Instagram and used the caption to celebrate the former First Lady.

She reminded followers that when racism seeks to demean a woman of color, the appropriate response is to uplift and honor her. 

The EGOT winner also reflected on the state of the nation, emphasizing that a true home should never diminish anyone’s humanity and must continue supporting all of its people.

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Teddy bears have traditionally been a gift for kids, but one artist is giving an extra reason for adults to embrace the “kidult” plush. Fancy Teddy is a handmade teddy bear collection created by contemporary artist Jeffrey Men. But what really makes them stand out is what they’re infused with.

You can shop adult-geared plushies infused with healing crystals. We know! We didn’t realize this was a thing, either. Each bear is hand-stuffed by the artist himself with organic kapok, a light, fluffy, plant-based fiber. They’re infused with three crystals, such as amethyst for clarity and calm, citrine for wealth and positive energy, quartz for healing and energy amplification and lapis lazuli for wisdom and deep spiritual awareness.

Get The Honey Fancy Teddy at Fancy Teddy!

The imperfect teddy bears are half the appeal. Combine that with the infused healing crystals, and it’s no wonder fans are calling it ‘the teddy with good vibes.’ According to the artist, Jeffrey Men, “I always loved the idea of each one being different,” he said. “We are all imperfect, and I wanted to highlight that in each individual unique Teddy.”

Take The Honey Fancy Teddy, which is a special-edition collaboration with BeeKeeper’s Naturals Superfood Honey, for example. The nostalgic option is handmade with German mohair, genuine pebble leather and silk velvet, along with a custom oversized cotton tee that says “Fancy.” The healing crystals are inside, so you can bring good vibes to whatever space needs it most.

Not only has Fancy Teddy garnered nearly 30,000 Instagram followers, but it has also gained celebrity fans, including Ariana Madix and Lindsay Hubbard. Even more impressive, the brfand has been recognized by the Orange County Museum of Art.

There are five other Fancy Teddy offerings, including the Original, Midnight, Bubblegum, Arctic and Cosmic. There are also Mini Original, Mini Bubblegum and Mini Cosmic. The small sizes come with a clear clip-on zipper bag pouch, so you can keep it with you for positive energy throughout the day.

When you consider the fact that they are not mass-produced by a machine, feature high-end materials and include thoughtful crystals, you’re really getting something different than anything you can find in a store.

To make your plush addition feel extra special, it comes with a custom display box and birth certificate of authenticity. Each teddy is one of a kind, so it’s truly a special piece that you’ll keep forever.

Get The Honey Fancy Teddy at Fancy Teddy!

Sy’Rai Smith, the daughter of singer Brandy, has folks up in arms following an interview on Tuesday, August 25. Smith sparked an online frenzy after she shared her love for the reality TV show ‘Baddies.’ And spoiler alert: her fans are not having it!

RELATED: Okay?! Brandy Sings The Theme Song For ‘A Different World’ Reboot And Fans Are Shook (VIDEO)

Sy’Rai Smith Has Fans Hollerin’ Over Love For ‘Baddies’

Ray J Wins Celebrity Boxing Match Against Orlando Brown

Ray J fought Orlando Brown in a celebrity boxing match at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The celebrity fight was before the Claressa Shields–Kaye Scott match, Zeus Network aired the match. The three-round fight resulted in a win for Ray J, who was knocked-out by Supa Hot Fire earlier this year, and former pro-boxers Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford congratulated the singer for the win.

RELATED: Sibling Love! Brandy And Ray J’s Reunion Has Fans In Their Feels (VIDEO)