Months after the 2026 BAFTAs, the BBC is again facing intense public backlash after a racial slur was broadcast during two separate news bulletins on Radio 1. 

The corporation has issued an apology for the incident, which involved the use of an unedited song by rapper Childish Gambino during its news programming.

This latest blunder comes after the network was condemned for a similar oversight, involving Tourette’s syndrome advocate John Davidson, during its coverage of the BAFTA Awards.

The BBC has come under fire once again after the N-word was aired during two Newsbeat bulletins on Monday afternoon. The offensive term was heard at 12:45 p.m. and again at 5:45 p.m. during reports focused on the recently released “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”

To soundtrack the items, editors used a track by American rapper Childish Gambino, who stars in the film alongside Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy. However, the production team was reportedly unaware that the lyrics in the selected clip contained the derogatory slur.

Following the broadcasts, a BBC spokesperson expressed deep regret, stating, “We are very sorry this was broadcast. We should not have included this clip in this news report.” 

According to the Daily Mail, a source described the situation as an “appalling oversight in the edit suite,” noting that the wrong version of the song was chosen and standard checking processes were ignored. 

This mistake is particularly sensitive as it follows a major controversy involving the same slur during the edited broadcast of the annual BAFTA Awards. During that event, disability campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, was heard using the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.

An Independent Review Slammed BAFTA Oversight

The recent failures in the BBC’s edit suite reflect broader organizational issues highlighted during a deep dive into the broadcaster’s earlier awards show controversy.

Following the public outcry over the BAFTA Film Awards broadcast, an independent investigation conducted by RISE Associates uncovered some structural weaknesses within the organization. 

The review, commissioned by the BAFTA board, found that the chaos during the live event resulted from poor planning and a lack of proper escalation procedures, rather than any deliberate malice, per The Blast.

According to the report, there were cracks in how crises were coordinated and how information was passed up the chain of command. 

What The BBC Said About The BAFTA Slur Breach

In light of the controversy, the BBC took responsibility for the incident. The organization admitted that its failure to censor a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards was a significant breach of editorial standards. 

Following an investigation into the February ceremony, the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) confirmed that the broadcast of the N-word was a “serious mistake.”  

According to The Blast, former director-general Tim Davie also attributed the error to confusion within the editing truck, where producers reportedly failed to recognize the specific interjection at the moment.

The Tourette’s Advocate Struggled With Bad Luck Following The Incident

While the BBC continued to manage its administrative failures, Davidson also endured significant personal agony following his involuntary outburst during the awards ceremony.

The Tourette’s campaigner saw his life thrown into turmoil when he returned home to Scotland, only to discover that his property had been burgled. 

According to director Kirk Jones, thieves broke into Davidson’s shed and stole his bicycle, which is his primary means of transportation since he does not drive.

Jones highlighted the emotional whiplash Davidson experienced, noting how he went from receiving a standing ovation in the auditorium to being forced to leave amidst widespread upset, per The Blast.

The director emphasized the cruel unpredictability of the neurological ailment, explaining that a single day for Davidson can shift from moments of inclusion and joy to “awful” and “nasty” experiences. 

John Davidson Explained That He Had No Control Over His Tics

Despite the personal hardships following the ceremony, Davidson remained committed to educating the public about the realities of his condition. In a candid interview, the activist spoke openly about the physiological mechanics behind his involuntary outburst at the awards show. 

Davidson explained that his condition leaves him with almost no choice but to tic. While some individuals with Tourette’s syndrome can briefly suppress their tics, he noted that he has almost no ability to hold them back once the pressure builds up, as reported by The Blast.

Davidson also admitted that his stomach dropped the moment the slur came out, realizing the impact of the word even as he remained powerless to stop it.

Colman Domingo isn’t backing down as criticism around “Euphoria” Season 3 continues to build.

The actor pushed back on the growing backlash, suggesting viewers are reacting to the show’s signature unpredictability, a trait he says has been there since day one. But not everyone agrees, with some fans insisting the Sam Levinson-led series has strayed far beyond its original direction.

Domingo is standing firm behind “Euphoria” despite the growing backlash surrounding the HBO drama’s third season. During a recent appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the actor addressed the criticism directly.

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The actor revealed that many fans have actually reached out to say they’re “happy” the show is back after its four-year hiatus, even if the wait left them frustrated at the time.

At the same time, Domingo acknowledged that not everyone is on board with how the story is unfolding. Calling the reaction “complicated,” he pointed to the show’s nature as a “wild, crazy, and beautiful show,” suggesting that the very unpredictability now drawing criticism has always been central to its identity.

Colman Domingo Claps Back At ‘Euphoria’ Critics

Seth Meyers pointed out that fans originally embraced “Euphoria” for its uniqueness and unpredictability, making the current backlash over those same qualities feel “funny.” While the show continues to lean into that unpredictability, some viewers have pushed back, arguing that this season’s direction isn’t landing the same way.

Domingo, however, had a clear response. Explaining the show’s creative core, he noted that everything is anchored in Zendaya’s character struggling with addiction.

“Well, at the center of the show is an addict, so it has the personality of an addict, it will constantly change,” Domingo said. “It won’t be reliable.”

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Fans Say Colman Domingo Is ‘Missing The Point’

The conversation didn’t stop there, as viewers quickly took to social media to push back on Domingo’s defense of “Euphoria,” with many arguing that the issue is execution.

“Love a good straw man argument. I don’t think people are disappointed because it’s not predictable. They are disappointed it’s gone off the rails completely,” one Reddit user wrote.

Others echoed that sentiment, suggesting the show’s shifting direction feels disconnected rather than intentionally chaotic.

“Yeah, and I love him, but even the other actors were confused about their new storylines. It’s still interesting, but it’s odd — the acting is what’s saving it, not the plot lol,” another user shared.

A third added, “God, they are so off. It’s not the unpredictability. It’s the constant shifts in narrative that don’t match what we were previously given.”

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‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Faces Mounting Backlash

Season 3 has quickly become one of the most criticized releases online, with viewers and critics arguing that Levinson leaned too heavily into shock-driven storytelling, including repeated themes of humiliation and graphic scenes.

The new installment introduces a major five-year time jump, following Zendaya’s Rue Bennett as she tries to settle a dangerous debt owed to her dealer, Laurie, while on the run. Elsewhere, Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie is raising eyebrows with an OnlyFans storyline, while Jacob Elordi’s Nate has drawn criticism for feeling disconnected and underdeveloped compared to previous seasons.

Sam Levinson Explains ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Delay

Levinson has shed light on why “Euphoria” took so long to return.

Speaking at the premiere, the director explained that multiple setbacks slowed production, including industry-wide strikes and the loss of key figures tied to the show. He specifically revealed that the death of Angus Cloud forced him to completely scrap an earlier version of the script and rethink the story moving forward.

“The fact that we’re actually here and we’re able to pull this season off, that’s nothing short of a miracle,” he said, per Vanity Fair.

He added that while scheduling challenges with the show’s in-demand cast played a role, the real delay came from trying to honor those who had passed.

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“Some people asked why it took so long between seasons two and three,” Levinson added. “There were obvious factors… But the real time was in trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost.”

The end of each month signifies both an exciting new selection of movies coming to streaming libraries, but also the sad departure of many other fantastic picks.

Thankfully, there’s still a little over a week left to get in some choice viewings before April gives way to May.

Watch With Us has put together a list of three great but underrated thrillers leaving platforms like Netflix and HBO Max at the end of April that you should prioritize squeezing in while you still have time.

Our picks include a modern Western crime saga, a twisty science fiction drama and a stylish neo-noir from the ’80s.

Related: 23 Must-Watch Thrillers on Netflix Right Now (April 2026): ‘Clika’ and More

In April 2026, Netflix is still one of the best streaming libraries if you’re looking for a great thriller to watch. Watch With Us has curated a list of our favorite thriller movies on Netflix, including top picks like Gerald’s Game, Trap House, Green Room, and more. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email […]

Toby Howard (Chris Pine) is trying to give his family a better life while keeping their ranch from foreclosing, so he goes into criminal cahoots with his short-tempered ex-con brother and Tanner (Ben Foster) to execute a series of heists targeted at the bank that’s threatening to take away their home. Unfortunately, the brothers have relentless Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) on their scent, accompanied by his equally tough partner Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham). Although Marcus is only weeks away from retirement, that won’t stop him from confronting the brothers in true cowboy fashion: in a climactic showdown, guns blazing.

The screenplay for Hell or High Water comes straight from the brainchild of the Yellowstone Cinematic Universe, Taylor Sheridan, who unsurprisingly makes this riveting crime story a true neo-Western for the modern era. The slow-burn unfolding of the narrative is played out to perfection in the detailed script and the richly textured characters, who are embodied naturalistically by Bridges, Pine, Foster and Birmingham. Though Hell or High Water did receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, it’s far too slept on. If you love movies like No Country for Old Men and Bone Tomahawk, be sure to check this one out.

Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a computer search engine programmer who wins a contest to spend a week at the lavish estate of his company’s CEO, tech entrepreneur Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Little does Caleb know, he hasn’t actually won any vacation. Instead, he was intentionally chosen to act as a guinea pig for Nathan’s latest technology: a highly intelligent humanoid robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). Through his administering of the Turing test on Ava, Caleb discovers the true extent of her consciousness — and she is far more self-aware than either Caleb or Nathan realizes.

Alex Garland (likely most known for screenwriting 28 Days Later) makes his feature directorial debut with the stylish and cinematic indie film Ex Machina, a philosophically minded sci-fi that questions the nature of  human empathy and “God complexes.” The movie trades CGI-heavy special effects for simplistic yet effective designs, with sleek visuals, a sharp script and tremendous performances from Gleeson, Isaac and Vikander. If you haven’t yet given Ex Machina a shot, it doesn’t take long into the runtime to understand why many feel it’s one of the top science fiction films of the 21st century.

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Dogged U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William Petersen) swears revenge on violent counterfeiter Eric “Rick” Masters” (Willem Dafoe), the man who killed Chance’s partner in action. So, he sets out to find Masters alongside his new partner, John Vukovich (John Pankow). Though Vukovich is far more by-the-books than Chance is willing to be, that doesn’t stop Chance from turning to unorthodox methods to get his payback. But when Chance enacts a scheme to ensnare Masters, the resulting violence causes the death of an undercover cop, and Chance’s relentless obsession with Masters only becomes more dangerous.

Related: 7 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Movies on Prime Video Right Now (April 2026)

Mercy may not have made a splash in theaters during its release earlier this year, but this sci-fi flick is now a streaming hit on Amazon Prime Video. Its arrival is fortuitous because Prime Video shed some great sci-fi movies at the end of March. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter […]

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To Live and Die in L.A. comes from legendary auteur director William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection), but it’s a lesser-celebrated installment in the director’s acclaimed body of work. The movie bears the distinction of being the source of the Wang Chung hit “To Live and Die in LA” (which some may recognize now as the theme for Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney), but it’s also replete with killer car chases, a masterful sense of stylistic flair, dynamic pacing and a memorably slimy villain in Dafoe’s Rick Masters. To Live and Die in L.A. is a defining ’80s neo-noir you can’t skip out on.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

Ever since Starfleet Academy was canceled, the discourse around the show has grown more intense. Vicious battle lines have been drawn between two groups: the older fans who wanted the show to be more like Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the younger fans who praised the franchise for trying something new. Many of that second group have grown particularly shrill, blaming small-minded haters for why their favorite new sci-fi show got canceled. The first group, however, maintains that they just wanted a Star Trek show and not a teenage drama that just happens to be set in space.

What may surprise you, though, is that network executives warned Star Trek about creating a Starfleet Academy-style show over 60 years ago. When NBC was determining which episodes of The Original Series should air first, execs decided they didn’t like “Charlie X” because it focused on an adolescent boy with superpowers. As written in These Are the Voyages: TOS Season One, those executives thought this made the show seem like nothing more than a teenage melodrama set in space. They decided against showing “Charlie X” as the first episode, but thanks to its low postproduction costs (everything took place aboard the Enterprise), it ended up being the second episode ever.

Teen Drama In Space

In retrospect, “Charlie X” was a solid episode. Sure, it felt a bit more like The Twilight Zone instead of Star Trek, but Robert Walker did a great job as the titular Charlie. Plus, this episode was basically a one-off, and no other Original Series episode would channel those same “teen drama” vibes. However, 60 years later, Alex Kurtzman and the other architects of NuTrek ignored what those NBC executives said way back when and decided to give us the ultimate sci-fi teen drama show: Starfleet Academy.

Since Starfleet Academy’s cancellation, there has been endless discourse over why the show got canceled. Everyone knows it got the ax because it didn’t get enough viewers to justify its exorbitant production costs, but why did fans avoid this new show in a way they didn’t avoid, say, Picard or Strange New Worlds? For many fans of old-school Trek, the reason they hated SFA was that it looked like a teen drama in space. Ever since the first previews hit, that’s exactly what these fans dreaded the new show would be, and it justified those fears at every turn.

Star Trek Meets Dawson’s Creek

In-between delivering some life-and-death Star Trek misadventures, Starfleet Academy focused on wacky teen hijinks at every turn. This included prank wars with fellow students, silly love triangles (will the gay Klingon end up with the twink thug or the bisexual disaster?), bar fights, and multiple arcs (for Caleb, SAM, and Genesis) about everyone’s respective mommy and daddy issues. It was what all the skeptics feared: a CW-style teen melodrama that just happened to have the Star Trek name attached to it.

Given its sudden cancellation, it’s reasonable to assume that most fans rejected the new show (there are unconfirmed reports that it averaged only 40,000 viewers per episode). They rejected it because it didn’t feel like Star Trek in the way that Strange New Worlds (itself a direct prequel to The Original Series) or even Picard did. In this way, the fandom validated what those NBC executives tried warning Trek producers about 60 years ago: that this new sci-fi venture needed to be more than a reskinned version of a teenybopper soap opera.

Modern franchise producers like Alex Kurtzman have learned their lesson. Starfleet Academy is clearly not what the fandom wants. Paramount has seemingly learned this lesson as well, and they are preparing to effectively relaunch the entire franchise with a brand new Star Trek movie that ditches the Kelvinverse continuity. At this point, nobody knows exactly what the movie will be about. But based on the new Star Trek spinoff’s failure, it’s a surefire bet that it won’t focus on teen melodrama in space!

Ben McKenzie is incredibly proud of wife Morena Baccarin‘s hit CBS series Sheriff Country — but could he make an onscreen appearance?

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly about his new documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, McKenzie, 47, revealed if he could see a scenario in which he would appear on the Fire Country spinoff, saying coyly, “I do.”

McKenzie has enjoyed tuning in every week to see Baccarin’s police procedural.

“She’s great. The kids love her show — or at least a couple of them do. We were watching the last two episodes last night,” the actor, who shares three kids with Baccarin, 46, shared. “It was a two-parter. It was a Sheriff Country and then a Fire Country [crossover]. And it’s just awesome.”

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Ben McKenzie and Morena Baccarin became real-life loves after meeting on the set of Gotham in 2014. Before she struck up a relationship with the O.C. alum, Baccarin married director Austin Chick in November 2011, welcoming son Julius two years later. Chick filed for divorce from the actress in June 2015. Thank You! You have successfully […]

He continued: “It’s interesting because in many ways, it’s a show that is similar to other shows, in the sense there’s a cop drama, but it’s really about the community of Edgewater and the relationships between all these people in this fictional small town.”

As a viewer, McKenzie has been thrilled by the show’s success just one season in.

“There’s something about the incredibly strong desire for those communities — and the absence of those — that is really quite charming. I also just love that there’s a female lead in a female sheriff,” he explained. “This is a part that would always have gone to a man — including myself — in the past. It’s fantastic to be able to see her do that. She’s crushing it.”

McKenzie admitted it has been “funny” to see how often people now “recognize” Baccarin over him, adding, “I have to try to remind my kids that at one point I was also famous! They’re not impressed by my crypto documentary.”

Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, which is out in theaters now, explores the cryptocurrency industry. The film was self-financed by McKenzie, who directed, wrote, produced and starred in the documentary as part of research for the 2023 book Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud.

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Related: ‘The O.C.’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Welcome to The O.C.! Ben McKenzie, Adam Brody, Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson were catapulted to fame while starring on the hit teen drama. The Fox series ran from August 2003 to February 2007 and focused on the lives of affluent teenagers in Newport Beach, California. McKenzie (Ryan Atwood), Brody (Seth Cohen), Barton (Marissa Cooper), Bilson […]

“I hope people will be entertained. Everyone knows somebody who’s invested in cryptocurrency, but the point of the doc is not really to speak to [the] five to six percent of the population that’s really into it,” he detailed. “The point is to speak to the rest of us, the 80-plus percent of the country that’s never bought crypto. The vast majority of the public is very skeptical of it, because all they read about is the crime and the corruption and the people who lose their money.”

As a cryptocurrency skeptic and critic, McKenzie was hoping to start a conversation.

“I want to express to those people that it’s not you, it’s them. We’re in a bad place right now where crypto has worked its way into our system via the president’s newfound love of crypto and dismantling of regulation and all of that,” he continued. “That’s very dangerous, but we do have the power, if we hold our representatives to account, to change the tide of history and to put this thing back in its place where it belongs.”

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McKenzie was grateful for Baccarin’s help with the project. He also reflected on what he considered his own best investment.

“You’re gonna think this is cheesy, but it’s my relationship with my wife,” he gushed. “It is so hard in life to do it on your own. I’m just deeply grateful for meeting her and for her being brave enough, foolish enough, to marry me. Best investment by far.”

Everyone Is Lying to You for Money is out now.

Lucy Liu is taking a moment to look back on a lyrical shoutout that’s still standing the test of time. The actress joked she’s officially “a part of history” after Destiny’s Child name-dropped her in their 2000 anthem “Independent Women, Part 1,” which was famously part of the rollout for the blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels.”

Now, years removed from the film’s success, Liu is opening up about what it would actually take to reunite with co-stars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz for another installment, while also teasing a mysterious new role in the upcoming “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Liu is reflecting on the experience of being name-dropped in a chart-topping anthem.

Speaking in a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, the actress reflected on hearing her name in Destiny’s Child’s 2000 smash hit, which opened with Beyoncé singing, “Lucy Liu / With my girl, Drew / Cameron D. and Destiny…”

“I guess it means you’re a part of history,” Liu said of the moment, adding that the recognition still carries weight because of its connection to the film. “I think it’s incredible to have that value that was connected to ‘Charlie’s Angels.’”

The track went on to dominate the charts, spending 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was later included on the group’s 2001 album “Survivor.”

Liu Reflects On Boosting Asian Representation

Liu says her breakout moment in “Charlie’s Angels” helped shift how Asian actors were seen in mainstream Hollywood.

Over the years, the actress has built a wide-ranging career, with roles in “Kill Bill,” “Elementary,” and other major productions. But she points to her portrayal of Alex Munday as a defining moment, one that expanded representation in action films and beyond.

“For me, my pride is knowing that my character was able to change the visual aspect of what Americana was, and to create that image that led the way for all other people,” Liu said.

Lucy Liu Still Hears Destiny’s Child Hit In Public

Liu says the legacy of Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women, Part 1” hasn’t faded, and she still hears it in the most unexpected places.

Reflecting on the song’s staying power, Liu shared that over the past two decades, it has continued to pop up in public settings.

“I’ve heard that song so many times in different places,” she said, though she admitted she’s never quite sure why it starts playing. “Was it already in the mix, or did someone just put that on because I happened to show up in the restaurant? I don’t know.”

Either way, the actress says the track still lands the same. “It’s such a wonderful song. And as soon as you hear the beat, you know what’s coming,” Liu added. “You get into the mode, and it kind of transports you. That’s the beauty of music.”

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Liu Teases Reunion With Diaz, Barrymore

Nobody cares about a young Willy Wonka Hollywood! What we want is the third installment of Charlie’s Angels with Lucy Liu, my girl Drew & Cameron D and Destiny’s Child on the soundtrack! pic.twitter.com/Fpmmn9h0CB

— 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼 Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavinoTNews) May 24, 2021

Liu says time hasn’t touched the bond she shares with her “Charlie’s Angels” co-stars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz.

More than two decades after the film’s release, Liu revealed the trio is still very much in each other’s lives, recently catching up over lunch in New York. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 Time Women of the Year event in Los Angeles, she described the reunion as one of those rare, meaningful moments that pick up exactly where they left off.

As for whether that off-screen connection could translate into another on-screen outing, Liu isn’t shutting the door. “Let’s see,” she added. “There’s always an ellipsis.”

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Lucy Liu Hints At Surprise Role In ‘Prada 2’

Liu is keeping things under wraps when it comes to her role in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Speaking to PEOPLE, the actress teased that her appearance in the highly anticipated sequel could best be described as a “mystery role,” noting that her absence from most trailers has only added to the intrigue.

“I think that’s what’s special about it,” Liu said. “I think everyone’s looking forward to it.”

While details remain scarce, she hinted at what audiences can expect from the film overall.

“It’s going to be highly entertaining. It’s going to give you all the things, all the eye candy, and it’s going to show that these characters have grown and changed,” she added.

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Chris Brown is speaking out amid backlash over his upcoming tour with Usher.

“The funniest and the weirdest s*** ever to me is the fact that poeple [sic] have the option to come to my tour and the option not to,” the “With You” singer shared in an Instagram Story on Sunday, April 26. “I know everyone who is a fan of me and USHER will definitely be in the building and it will be PACKED just like last year.”

Brown, 36, continued, “But I’m scrolling through insta and tik tok and I come across rage bait pages and or these fake woke stand up for nothing pages bashing people for wanted to come have a good time. The dudes hating, I can understand that(thinking we gone steal ya girl and shit). BUT THE KARENS, and the self hating hoes be making me LAUGH.”

“I CANT WAIT TO RUB THIS S*** IN YALL FACE,” he added.

Related: Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty in U.K. Bottle-Throwing Incident

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Chris Brown‘s 2009 arrest for physically assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna was just the beginning of his ongoing legal issues. Brown rose to stardom after releasing his studio album in 2005. His second album, which was released two years later, featured his hit song “Kiss Kiss,” which put Brown on the path to being […]

Brown and Usher, 47, announced their Raymond & Brown Tour, abbreviated the R&B Tour, on April 10. The joint tour is set to launch on June 26 in Denver and wrap in December in Tampa, Florida.

However, the tour has faced criticism due to Brown’s various legal issues over the years, including allegations of abuse against women. The singer pleaded guilty to the felony assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. He served five years probation and agreed to community service and domestic violence counseling.

“I look back at that picture, and I’m like, ‘That’s not me, bro. That’s not me.’ I hate it to this day. That’s going to haunt me forever,” he said in his 2017 documentary, Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life.

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Brown and Usher’s coheadlining tour comes three years after the pair allegedly got into a physical altercation at Brown’s 34th birthday party in Las Vegas in May 2023. TMZ reported at the time that Usher appeared to have a bloody nose following the alleged skirmish. The pair later performed at Usher’s Lovers & Friends festival.

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Despite the incident, Usher and Brown have collaborated on songs including “New Flame.” During an April 2023 interview with BigBoyTV, Usher said he was open to further collaborations with the “Run It” singer.

“If that ever happens, it’ll be one of the biggest things that anybody has ever experienced in entertainment in celebration of two people who love each other,” Usher said at the time. “I love Chris. I don’t like his music — I love his music [and] I love him. He’s my little brother, and he’s always been there for me, and I’ve always been there with him. Through hard ups and down times, I’ve been there with him. And for us to be able to celebrate what we do together, man, that’ll be crazy.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 18 seconds ago

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a show that has only gotten better with age. It was arguably the best genre series of the ‘90s, and the streaming era has brought new generations of fans into the fold. Most of those fans feel a very personal connection with Buffy because the show tells stories about teenage drama and trauma through the lens of urban fantasy. In this way, the show was never really about vampires, werewolves, and other demons. It was actually about the heartbreak and fear that young people have about feeling helpless, and the transcendent joy they feel when they finally discover their own power. 

Of course, the show changed one fan’s life in a much more direct way by giving her a walk-on cameo in one of the series’ best episodes. The drama-filled episode “Lovers Walk” had an over-the-top, comedic ad with a special sweepstakes where one lucky fan could get a cameo in the upcoming episode “The Prom.” The winner was Jessica Johnson, who became a small part of the show’s history thanks to the strangest advertisement in Buffy history.

Reach Out And Dust Someone

“Lovers Walk” was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode that (you guessed it) was all about the messy romantic relationships of our favorite characters. Bad boy vampire Spike tries to coerce Willow into making a spell that will force his old girlfriend, Drusilla, into loving him again. Willow, however, has her own problem: she has been making out with Xander behind the back of Oz, her faithful werewolf boyfriend. Cordelia discovers their affair, causing her to break up with her boyfriend, Xander. Meanwhile, Angel reluctantly admits he cannot tell Buffy what she really needs to hear: he doesn’t love her.

While “Lovers Walk” is one of the better episodes of Season 3 (arguably Buffy’s best season), the sweepstakes attached to this episode is even more entertaining than the story. It’s part of a 1-800-COLLECT advertisement. Sarah Michelle Gellar pops up and tells fans they don’t have to be alone for the holidays. At this point, the announcer tells audiences that every call will enter fans into a Buffy contest where they can win a cameo in an upcoming episode. After the narrator hypes the upcoming “Lovers Walk” episode, David Boreanaz shows up, startling Gellar. She nearly stakes him with an icicle. The ad ends with her telling fans that their “Christmas wish might just come true.”

’90s Nostalgia Overload

There is something impossibly nostalgic about watching this vintage advertisement. For one thing, a commercial for a collect calling company seems downright quaint in an age of smartphones and video calls. Additionally, the ad seems hilariously tacky in retrospect. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the most critically acclaimed genre shows in television history, but its two biggest stars were forced by the network to do a goofy commercial that seemed more suited for a Saturday morning children’s cartoon block than prime time TV.

The commercial also plays with ambiguity regarding whether these actors are actually playing their iconic Buffy characters. On one hand, it makes no real sense for our favorite Slayer to break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience about how great collect calls are. On the other hand, she nearly takes out Boreanaz with an icicle in the shape of a stake. If this is supposed to be Gellar and not a fierce vampire killer, it’s insane to think that this was the best self-defense tool rather than, say, some mace.

The Weirdest Contest In Buffy History

At any rate, all’s well that ends well with this bizarre advertisement. It did a great job promoting “Lovers Walk,” which ended up being one of the best episodes (currently sitting at an 8.8 out of 10 on IMDB) of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Meanwhile, the sweepstakes was successful, and Jennifer Johnson of Maryland got a non-speaking cameo in the fan-favorite episode “The Prom.” Ironically enough, the only real loser here was 1-800-COLLECT, a company that, like a vampire, basically turned to dust shortly after its run-in with the Slayer.

Incidentally, it’s pretty funny to see Buffy shilling for a 1-800-COLLECT, a telecom giant whose parent company would go bankrupt before the show aired its final episode. But what else would you expect from a character whose earliest tagline was “if the apocalypse comes, beep me”?