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Sonya Massey’s Family Speak Out Following Officer’s Sentencing

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UPDATE: Sonya Massey’s Family Speak Out Following Officer’s Sentencing (VIDEO)

Roommates… justice doesn’t always come with relief — sometimes it comes heavy, complicated, and unfinished. This week, Sonya Massey’s father and cousin are speaking out after the former officer who killed her, Sean Grayson, was finally sentenced. And, they’re sending her name echoing through the courtroom once again.

RELATED: BREAKING! Sean Grayson Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For The Murder Of Sonya Massey 

Sonya Massey’s Father Says Sentence Isn’t Enough

After a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting his daughter inside her home in 2024, Sonya Massey’s father, James Wilburn, spoke out. Standing before reporters after the January 29 sentencing, Wilburn thanked the state of Illinois for taking steps toward accountability. Nonetheless, he still made it clear that the fight is far from over.

Wilburn, who lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, pointed to the passage of the Sonya Massey Act, legislation named in his daughter’s honor that strengthens background checks for future police officers. He also acknowledged that the maximum sentence handed down to former deputy Sean Grayson for second-degree murder may be unprecedented in Illinois. But, he stressed that the law itself still falls short. “Twenty years is not enough, but they did what they could,” Wilburn said. He also noted that Grayson will serve only 50% of his sentence under state statute.

Her Family Shifts Focus To Police Accountability

Despite emotional reactions of family members shouting “Yes!” when the sentence was read — Wilburn emphasized that Illinois’ sentencing range for second-degree murder needs reform. He called for federal civil rights charges against Grayson and reiterated his hope that the Sonya Massey Act becomes law nationwide. “That’s so no family will ever have to go through the kind of hurt this family has gone through,” he said.

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Sontae Massey, Sonya’s cousin, also spoke powerfully following the sentencing, shifting attention to accountability within law enforcement. He publicly praised Deputy Dawson Farley, the officer who testified against Grayson. He emphasized how Farley’s body-worn camera footage played a critical role in the conviction.

Dawson Farley does not get enough credit,” Sontae said. “We need more police officers like him who stood in the fire and told the truth.”

Wilburn echoed those sentiments, saying Farley’s footage “changed the narrative” and exposed what really happened inside Sonya’s home.

How Sonya Massey’s Family Pushes Forward After Sentencing

Both Wilburn and Sontae Massey were visibly emotional as they addressed the media, balancing relief with continued frustration. While acknowledging the sentence as a step toward justice, Wilburn said the hardest moment came when Grayson asked the family for forgiveness in court. “He got on the witness stand during the trial and doubled down on his lie,” Wilburn said. He also insisted that federal action and recognition of Sonya’s civil rights violations are necessary for true accountability.

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The family’s resolve has now turned toward legacy. Sontae Massey urged Sangamon County voters to support the creation and funding of a 708 Mental Health Board. She acknowledged it as a way to honor Sonya’s life and address systemic failures. Sonya Massey’s mother called 911 just hours before her death, seeking help for a mental health crisis that ended in tragedy.

RELATED: Whew! Don Lemon Arrested Following Protest That Disrupted Minnesota Church Service

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When does “Marshals ”come out? All about Kayce Dutton's next chapter (and the “Yellowstone ”stars joining him)

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Luke Grimes will reprise his role as John Dutton’s youngest son on the new CBS spinoff.

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“Suits LA ”star Stephen Amell blames himself for season 1 cancellation: 'It wasn’t good enough'

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“I’m the lead of the series. And it didn’t work,” the “Arrow” alum said of the shortlived NBC drama.

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Britney Spears Gets Down and Dirty in the Dining Room

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Britney Spears
I’m a Dining Room Slave 4 U

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“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City ”star Mary Cosby's son, Robert Jr., dies at 23 after revealing struggles on show

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The “RHOSLC” personality’s mother shared a tearful update on her son at the season 6 reunion.

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Bill Gates Gets Real About His Epstein Ties & Confesses To Affairs

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Bill Gates Addresses To Jeffrey Epstein & Admits To Having Affairs During His Marriage To Melinda Gates

Roommates, new details about Bill Gates’ involvement with Jeffrey Epstein just dropped. Bill is spilling his own tea and clearing the air after 2013 emails surfaced showing that Epstein sent messages to himself claiming Bill was his “right hand.” During a recent town hall with his foundation, the Microsoft co-founder called it a “huge mistake” to spend time with the convicted sex offender. He also admitted to cheating on his ex-wife Melinda Gates with not one, but two women while they were married. Whew! Grab a seat, Roomies we’ve got a lot to unpack! 

RELATED: Melinda Gates Reacts To Epstein File Allegation Claiming Bill Tried To Secretly Give Her STI Medicine (VIDEO)

Bill Gates Spills Tea On His Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein

In the emails from 2013, Jeffrey Epstein bragged that he and Bill had a solid relationship. He even claimed that Bill took part in things that were “ethically unsound.” Now, Gates’ reps are shutting that down and calling Epstein’s claims “absurd” and “completely false.” Bill actually addressed the accusations himself, noting that he “did nothing illicit and saw nothing illicit.” He added that when he met with Jeffrey, he never stayed overnight with him or spent time with any of his victims, per The Wall Street Journal. However, per NBC News, the investor did admit that he flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet and spent time with him in Washington, New York, Germany, and France. He also said other high-profile people would show up to their meetings, which made it “easier” for him to the view the whole situation as somewhat normal. Gates started meeting with Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein plead guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates claimed he was unaware of the charges at the time and continued meeting with him.

“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein.” Gates added, “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”

Bill Confessing To Cheating On Melinda During Their Marriage

Gates didn’t hold back on opening about his past. He kept it real about cheating with two women while he was married to Melinda. Bill and Melinda tied the knot in 1994 and spent 27 years together until they finalized their divorce in 2021. According to CNBC, Gates admitting to having an affair with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist, but he alleges that neither of them were Epstein’s victims.

Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged 2013 Emails Spill Shocking Claims About Bill Gates

Although Bill Gates is telling his side, alleged 2013 emails that Jeffrey Epstein reportedly sent to himself paint a different picture. In those messages, Epstein claims he was pulled into a “several marital dispute” between Bill and Melinda Gates. Epstein also allegedly demanded two years of severance pay from Bill. He believed he deserved it for helping Bill secure medication after his affairs. Epstein continued to accuse Bill of asking him to keep alleged STDs under wraps and provide antibiotics so Bill could allegedly give them to Melinda without her knowing.

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Melinda recently responded to the statements in the emails, saying reading the released the documents filled her with “unbelievable sadness.” She added that going through them brought her back to “very, very painful times” that she experienced during her marriage. Additionally, Melinda noted that her heart goes out to the young girls who were Epstein’s victims. “I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, my God, how did that happen to those girls?”

RELATED: Former Prince Andrew Arrested On Suspicion Of Misconduct In Public Office Over Ties To Jeffrey Epstein

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Carmen Electra Trusts the Wayans to Write a ‘Scary Movie’ That’s Un-Cancelable

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Carmen Electra
‘Scary Movie 6’ Won’t Get ‘Canceled’ …
The Wayans Are Too Good at What They Do!!!

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Driver who killed Dixie Chicks founding member in car crash sentenced to 15 years in prison

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Laura Lynch, the former lead singer and bassist of the band now known as The Chicks, was killed in a head-on collision in December 2023.

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Squatty Potty creator featured on “Shark Tank” arrested on child pornography charge

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that Robert Edwards possessed multiple devices containing child sexual abuse material.

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Beyond the Gates Early Spoilers March 2-6: Anita Battles Major Setback & Leslie Flaunts Her Victory

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Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) - Dana "Leslie" Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant)

Beyond the Gates spoilers for March 2 – 6, 2026 reveal Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) struggling and Dana “Leslie” Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) showboating.

We always start with what is coming the rest of this week and then we talk about what’s coming next week.

Celebrating Beyond the Gates’ One-Year Anniversary and Ashley’s Career Milestone

On Wednesday, February 25th—just a quick note, by the way, if you didn’t know it—Beyond the Gates celebrated its one-year anniversary on Tuesday, February 24th. Man, what a year! I expect them to need a U-Haul to gather up all the daytime Emmys they are going to win at the next awards ceremony. I think they may sweep or just clean up.

Also, it is Ashley Morgan’s (Jen Jacob) work anniversary as she celebrates her first year at Garland Memorial. She and Chenise Valjean (Tiara Wilkins) are talking about the past year and all that has happened. Speaking of Ashley’s past year, her ex, Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin), also gets some screen time as he makes a decision about what to do for a job now that his time as a firefighter is over.

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Derek’s New Career Path and Leslie’s Clinic Power Plays on BTG

I wonder if Leslie is going to wind up hiring Derek. If so, I wish him so much grace. Related to that, Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) is annoyed with Leslie, who’s yapping about the clinic and telling Eva that she’s going to show her how you do real business. Leslie says, “Watch and learn.” We know she and Derek get into it. This may be when Leslie and Derek can iron things out and decide if they can work together.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Jacob’s Undercover Crisis – Will Isaiah Blow His Big Brother’s Cover?

Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) is getting deeper and deeper undercover. Now he is embedded with the plasma ring red market people, but then he runs into his younger brother, Izaiah Hawthorne (David Lami Friebe), while on the job. Jacob’s cover could be blown. He asks why Izaiah is out in that dodgy corner of town, and Izaiah tells his big brother he could ask him the same.

Cat and Tomas Face a Relationship Crossroads over Living Arrangements on BTG

Katherine “Kat” Richardson (Colby Muhammad) wants to know if she can stay forever after Tomas “Tom” Navarro (Alex Alegria) said Kat can come over to his place whenever she wants. Kat wants to know if Tomas still wants to live together. If you remember, he asked Kat to move in about four months ago, back in December, but she told Tomas, “No, it’s too fast.”

This time, he seems a little offended. He wants to know Kat’s motives, and it looks like Tomas may tell her no. He wants Kat to choose him for him, not by default or as a second choice because Chelsea Hamilton’s (RhonniRose Mantilla) moving out to move in with her fiancé and Kat doesn’t want to crash alone in her Aunt Dani Dupree’s (Karla Mosley) guest house.

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Thursday Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Mysterious Visitors and Leslie’s Self-Promotion

On Thursday, February 26th, a “no” from Tomas might be why Kat is suddenly hyper-focused and ranting about Laura Peterson’s (Destiny Love) car accident that nearly killed her almost a year ago. Leslie has avoided any consequences for it, which of course is not okay. Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) checks in with Ashley and updates her on Jacob moving out. Will Naomi mention that Jacob is undercover and that’s why he did it, or will Naomi be cryptic just because of any potential risk?

Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) and Dani Dupree have a visitor they were not expecting and don’t want to see. It could be Leslie or it could be Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings). Meanwhile, Leslie engages in some self-promotion. She is showboating about something. Now, it could be about her new clinic that she’s funding or some other insanity. I definitely could see Leslie trying to piggyback off the attention that Anita has gotten because of the cancer.

Anita’s Brave Cancer Journey Shakes the DMV After Gayle King Interview

Speaking of which, Gayle King’s interview with Anita has energized the whole DMV. We’re going to be getting lots more breast cancer awareness as this rocks on, which is great. Awareness for that is wonderful. I wonder if Anastasia (Timeca M. Seretti) is going to be petty or sympathetic since she was one of the people pushing gossip saying that Anita was drunk at the club when she was actually suffering side effects of chemo. I wonder if Leslie is going to try and get closer to Anita to sponge off that residual attention because she’s just awful.

Friday BTG Drama: Cat’s Confrontations and Vanessa’s Dating App Dilemmas

On Friday, February 27th, Kat amps up a nasty confrontation with Eva and Leslie. Kat may be upset by Tomas and lashing out at Eva, but it’s clear the two of them are living rent-free in Kat’s head. I hope long-term that she and Eva develop a real bond as sisters, but it seems impossible—especially as long as Leslie’s around.

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Chelsea has a blowup with a cousin. My money is on Kat and not Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) because Kat is in a mood. She’s so enraged, in fact, that Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) and Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) are quite concerned about their daughter. Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) tries to cheer up Nicole. I wonder if this is about Anita’s interview and all the attention and stress that came with it, but it was unavoidable.

It’s kind of ironic; I noticed that Vanessa was defending her escort app to Nicole, who was horrified by the idea that she would look for a date for Samantha Richardson (Najah Jackson) on there. Then ironically, Vanessa’s daughter wound up with a date from the Heart Attach app. That whole scene with her and Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) discussing it featured some clever dialogue: “Do as I say, not who I do.”

Mysterious Meetings and Smitty’s Pursuit of the Plasma Ring

Izaiah is asked to meet with someone and it surprises him. Maybe it’s his dad, Police Chief Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik), who’s not exactly a fan of his son. Or maybe it’s tied to the plasma case because Izaiah has a background in shady DMV goings-on. Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) catches up with an old friend, and I wonder if this might be tied to him poking into the plasma case as well.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) - Dana "Leslie" Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) - Dana "Leslie" Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant)
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Anita Dupree – Dana “Leslie” Thomas

Looking Ahead to March 2nd: Anita’s CBS Morning Show Aftershocks on Beyond the Gates

The week of March 2nd through the 6th, we expect lots more aftershocks from Anita’s stunning CBS Morning Show announcement about her cancer, the stage it’s in, and how scary everything is. I thought that interview segment was done really well. It was perfect. I thought I was watching an episode of the real CBS Morning Show. They don’t always do stuff that well on soaps.

I expect Leslie to come over with flowers, a plant, and fake sympathy. I hope she’s not going to be making tacky comments about Anita being the second articulate who might lose her life since her mom, Barbara, was the first to pass away. And I trust that Leslie is going to make everything worse on Anita while she says she’s trying not to.

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Undercover Dangers and the Hunt for Justice in the Red Market

Smitty and Jacob may both be in danger doing this red market plasma sting. I wonder if somebody we know is linked to this ring. I hope Joey’s not, but you never know with him. Lynette Wise (Domini Madison) is feeling pretty good about her cover-up con targeting that poor homeless guy that Joey paid off and sent away, but he smells a rat.

I do suspect Joey’s going to figure out Lynette and Hayley are in cahoots. I also expect Joey to confront Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) about a false suspect, but he may keep Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) in the dark. Joey may just tell him people jump bail all the time. The problem is Bill still wants justice because the alleged mugger disappeared from the DMV.

Final Spoilers: Vernon’s Protection and Cat’s Growing Frustration on BTG

Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) does all he can to protect Anita now that her big secret is out and there are a lot more eyes on them. Meanwhile, Hayley thinks she got away with everything, but I doubt it. The bottom line is Lynette is never going to go away and get her hand out of Hayley Lawson’s purse. They have got to do something about that girl.

Kat’s frustrations grow and I wonder if the family’s going to stage an anger intervention. Is Tomas going to circle back around to Kat and tell her yes, he wants her to move in? Randy’s on edge and hoping the scrutiny is over, but Joey’s likely going to dig into him more. We will have to wait to see if Derek starts working with Leslie at her clinic.

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Why Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco Divorce Calls Are Absurd

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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco at Lakers vs Heat game

When Benny Blanco launched his new “non-podcast,” he likely expected chatter about celebrity guests and spontaneous songwriting.

Instead, the internet fixated on his bare feet and a rumored on-camera fart.

Within hours, the conversation escalated from jokes to calls for Selena Gomez to divorce him.

It was absurd, revealing far more about online culture than the couple themselves.

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Benny Blanco Podcast Moment Sparks Cancel Culture Reflex

Let’s be honest. The outrage was never about hygiene but about the thrill of piling on.

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One critic wrote, “He’s the most disgusting person I’ve ever seen in my life, seriously, it blows my mind that Selena is with this f-cking creature.”

Another added, “The fact that his feet are ACTUALLY that filthy makes me sick to my stomach. Like Selena girl what’s going on?”

A third chimed in, “He’s a whole superstar with a massive fanbase and still can’t handle hygiene? Fame doesn’t replace manners.”

The escalation did not stop there. Some users went further, demanding that Gomez leave him.

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“Once again, Benny has embarrassed Selena and y’all wonder why I can’t stand his disgusting -ss,” one person wrote, while another added, “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better.”

Take a pause and consider that. A fan asking a couple to divorce over dirty feet.

We live in a culture that treats minor imperfections like moral failings. Instead of laughter or indifference, the reflex is cancellation.

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It is a digital mob mentality disguised as moral superiority.

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Hollywood Divorce Rates Are Already High Enough

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco at Lakers vs Heat game
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

If people truly cared about relationships, they would not casually chant for breakups over non-issues.

The CDC reports the U.S. divorce rate was 2.4 per 1,000 population in 2022.

Hollywood’s numbers are often higher. According to 2017 U.S. Census data, about 23% of married couples in the United States divorce, with rates of 20% for men and 26% for women.

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In contrast, the average divorce rate among Hollywood celebrities is about 52%, roughly double the general population, with 50% for men and 62% for women.

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That is the real crisis. Yet instead of encouraging stability, growth, and grace, the internet now cheers for separation at the first sign of embarrassment.

Calling for a couple who have not even been married a year to divorce over dusty soles is not concern. It is spectacle.

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Benny Blanco And Selena Gomez Have Been Judged Before

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco at Oscars 2025: RED CARPET
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

This is not the first time Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have faced public scrutiny.

Fans have questioned the pairing based largely on looks rather than character or compatibility.

The narrative was shallow then, and it remains shallow now.

What changed? Nothing. The same culture that once said Gomez “deserved better” because of aesthetics is now saying she deserves better because of feet.

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Relationships are not beauty contests nor are they hygiene tribunals.

The Love Is Real And The Demands Are Pointless

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco hugging
Instagram | Selena Gomez

There is no credible evidence that Selena Gomez is unhappy.

On the contrary, her public appearances with Benny Blanco suggest affection and ease.

Hence, demanding divorce does not give strangers control over their lives, as marriage is not a voting system.

Fans can dislike a podcast moment. They can joke. They can scroll past. However, what they cannot do is dictate the future of two adults who clearly care for each other.

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Suggesting that Gomez should dismantle her marriage because some viewers were “grossed out” wastes emotional energy on something they do not own.

The truth is simple. Blanco and Gomez will not divorce because strangers disliked his feet.

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Benny Blanco ‘Non Podcast’ Innovation Got Lost In The Noise

Benny Blanco Reveals His Secret To Never Getting A Hangover
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