Ibukunoluwa Daramola

<p>Johanna Leia is a model, television personality, and social media influencer widely recognized for her role on the reality TV show <em>Bringing Up Ballers</em>, which follows the lives of families with young basketball stars. Beyond television, Johanna has made her mark in the fashion world and has amassed a significant following on social media, where she shares glimpses of her life, style, and role as a mother. As the mother of rising basketball talent Amari Bailey, she is both a supportive figure in his athletic journey and a personality in her own right, celebrated for her sense of style, resilience, and influence across entertainment and sports circles.</p>

<p>Johanna Leia was born in Los Angeles, California. Raised in an environment that emphasized both sports and artistic expression, Johanna grew up with a deep appreciation for personal branding, which would later shape her career. While specific details about her early schooling and education remain limited, her upbringing in LA's dynamic and diverse culture gave her early exposure to the entertainment industry, helping her transition into modeling and reality TV in her adult life. This background in the bustling Los Angeles landscape fostered her ambition and laid the groundwork for her eventual pursuits in fashion and media.</p>

<p>Johanna’s career began in the modeling industry, where she worked with various brands, establishing herself as a sought-after figure in fashion. Her work included collaborations with popular fashion brands and publications, which helped her build a reputation as a model with a unique style. In addition to her modeling work, she entered the public eye as one of the main cast members on <em>Bringing Up Ballers</em>. The show spotlighted her journey as a mother of a young basketball prodigy, offering viewers a look into the challenges and rewards of raising a talented athlete.</p>

<p>Beyond reality television, Johanna has built a substantial social media following, where she shares lifestyle, fashion, and motherhood content. Her Instagram posts, often showcasing her high-fashion outfits and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life, have further cemented her role as an influencer in both the fashion and sports communities. As her son Amari’s basketball career has progressed, Johanna has continued to support him publicly, attending games and events and using her platform to promote his talent. Her influence has expanded into youth sports, where she advocates for young athletes and parents alike, encouraging them to balance ambition with emotional and mental well-being.</p>

Johanna Leia modelling [Instagram/ Johanna Leia]

<p>In her personal life, Johanna Leia is most prominently known for her role as a devoted mother to Amari Bailey. Amari, who rose to fame as a standout player for Sierra Canyon High School, is a central figure in Johanna’s life, and she has been a guiding force throughout his athletic career. Johanna’s relationships, especially her brief connection with rapper Drake, garnered significant media attention. Their rumored relationship brought her additional attention and sparked interest in her life outside of her public persona as a model and mother.</p>

<p>Outside of her family life, Johanna is known for her interests in fashion and luxury travel, often sharing her experiences on social media. She has become a symbol of modern, independent motherhood, admired by many for her ability to balance a career in the public eye with raising a young athlete.</p>

Johanna Leia and her kids [Instagram/Johanna Leia]

<p>Throughout her time in the spotlight, Johanna has faced public scrutiny, especially regarding her relationships and personal choices. Her brief association with rapper <strong>Drake</strong> attracted media speculation, and the press’s attention on her personal life has sometimes overshadowed her professional achievements. However, Johanna has largely remained composed, often choosing not to respond to gossip directly. Instead, she continues to focus on her family and career, letting her accomplishments speak for themselves.</p>

<p>Her son Amari’s rising fame has also brought unique challenges, as managing the pressures associated with his basketball career requires constant support and vigilance. Johanna’s role in navigating his success while maintaining a stable family environment has demonstrated her resilience. Despite the challenges of media attention and public life, she has managed to maintain a close-knit family structure, with her focus on being a positive influence for her son.</p>

Drake and Johanna Leia were spotted together publicly numerously [TMZ]

<p>Johanna Leia’s legacy extends beyond her reality television appearance; she is an inspiration to many young mothers and aspiring influencers, admired for her independence, style, and commitment to her family. As a social media figure, her influence reaches young women who look to her for style inspiration, motherhood insights, and the confidence to pursue their own paths. Her impact in the entertainment and sports communities has positioned her as a role model for balancing personal goals with familial responsibilities.</p>

<p>As Amari Bailey’s basketball career advances, Johanna’s guidance and support have proven instrumental in his growth, and her role as a supportive yet ambitious mother serves as a model for families with young athletes. In this way, Johanna continues to build her legacy as both a social influencer and a nurturing parent, demonstrating that success and family values can coexist.</p>

<p>Johanna Leia has carved out a unique space in entertainment, fashion, and social media as a multi-talented figure. Known for her roles as a model, influencer, reality TV star, and mother to an athletic prodigy, she embodies resilience, ambition, and style. Her life’s journey reflects a commitment to personal growth, family, and the pursuit of dreams, making her an inspiring figure in today’s cultural landscape.</p>

Here's what you need to basketball star Amari Bailey's mom, Johanna Leia.

Let's get to know Johanna Leia, mother of Basketball star Amari Bailey

<h2>Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa shared her thoughts on red flags she would never ignore in a relationship, revealing behaviours that would make a man "never hear from her again."</h2>

<p>In a recent interview with <strong>Madame Joyce, </strong>she said, <em>"If I meet a guy that runs his ex down, he's never going to hear from me again. If I meet a guy who talks about his ex consistently, he's still not over her, and he's not going to hear from me. If I meet a guy who makes comparisons to where he's coming from, he's never going to hear from me."</em></p>

<p>Makinwa also warned women about falling for men who trash-talk their exes, adding,&nbsp;<em>"Your vagina is not made of gold, what he did to his ex, he can do times two to you."</em></p>

<p><em>"While you're with him, it's easy for a guy to paint a picture saying 'she was crazy.'&nbsp;every girl is crazy in every guy's book, if my exes talk about me to you, you'd think I'm the mad one because everyone would tell story. I always tell women that nigga going on about how crazy she is is the one that made her crazy," </em>she added.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“If I meet a guy who runs his ex down, he will never hear from me again”<br><br>— Toke Makinwa <a href="https://t.co/XYcPcEjLXO">pic.twitter.com/XYcPcEjLXO</a></p>&mdash; @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1857030361429020771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>"I feel like have this thing as women where we say it can never be me. We have this it can never be me syndrome,"</em> Madame Joyce chipped in.</p>

<p>Regarding that, Makinwa stated that she learnt not to ever use the phrase, 'It can never be me,' because life is quick to humble people.</p>

<p>Makinwa responded, <em>"I never say it can never be me because at 6pm that night. I don't judge people because I don't understand your journey. I hear and I say, may God give us mercy because I've seen how people say it can never be me and life would catch you at 6pm that night. One thing I have learnt is that we're the greatest judges when it comes to other people, but when it's our turn, we make a case."</em></p>

Toke Makinwa lists ref flags in men.

Toke Makinwa lists things men would do and never hear from her again

<h2>Nigerian singer and activist Charly Boy has opened up about sexual experience and touched on the period he was taken advantage of by his childhood nanny.</h2>

<p>Speaking on a recent episode of the<strong><em> Duke Rants </em></strong>podcast, the controversial figure revealed that he was only 10 years of age when the sexual abuse repeatedly occurred.</p>

<p><em>He said, "I was about 17 years old when I had my first child; even at 12 I was sexually active. If we want to take it back a little bit, when I was 10, I didn't know what it was all about; I was raped by my nanny and the day my mother found out, she was angry."</em></p>

<p>He went on to note that at his tender age, he didn't feel abused or emasculated; instead, he liked what was going on because he didn't understand it.</p>

<p><em>"I didn't feel raped at that age; I actually enjoyed it because I didn't know what was going on...but it felt good. My mother drove her away and that was where it ended," said the singer</em></p>

<p>Charly Boy revealed that the abuse left lasting effects on him, making him hypersexual at the age of 12 and before he knew it, he had contracted gonorrhoea.</p>

<p><em>"At 12 I had already contracted gonorrhoea and was going to the brothels around. I was really introduced to sex by one of my crazy cousins when I was 15 or 16 and two families came to the house with their daughters and my father called me. There's a way that my father calls me and then I know there's trouble, so when he called me in that manner i went. He then asked me if I knew the girls and I said yeah even though I knew where the conversation was going. So I told him that all the boys on my team knew them all. He said one of the girls was pregnant and I denied it,"</em> he detailed.</p>

Nigerian songwriter and singer Charly Boy

Nigerian singer Charly boy reveals he was raped by his childhood nanny

I was raped by my nanny at 10 years old - Charly Boy reveals

<h2>Pastor Sam Adeyemi recently addressed the growing popularity of penis-enhancing products among young men, cautioning them against these methods.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In a recent sermon on Daystar Church's official YouTube channel,&nbsp;the pastor spoke on leadership and expressed concern about the widespread availability and promotion of penis enlargement products online.</p>

<p>He said<em>, “If you are a young guy, let me encourage you because it is there; it’s all over the internet now. Are they not there? Everywhere you look, you will see either medicine or one Chinese method of elongating your…"</em></p>

<p>Adeyemi stressed that when it comes to intimacy, skills matter beyond size. He went further to convince men to wait until marriage to engage in sex.</p>

<p><em>“It is a lie; it is not the length that matters but the effectiveness, the skills and your love for the other person. So, for God’s sake, wait till you get married. If it is only one person you are doing it with, there will be no need to compare all over the place. Do not let them kill you," </em>he added.</p>

Pastor Sam Adeyemi warns young men against the use of penis-enhancing products.

'Its not the length that matters, but the effectiveness' - Pastor Sam Adeyemi cautions men

<h2>Nollywood actor turned politician Desmond Elliot has finally addressed the spiralling accusations levelled against him, tagging him as gay.</h2>

<p>Speaking with <strong>TVC</strong>, the former <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/desmond-elliot-7-things-you-should-know-about-award-winning-filmmaker/yywh14m">filmmaker</a> explained his reasons for initially refusing to address the claims, stressing that he didn't see the need to clarify anything.</p>

<p>Describing the accusation as baseless, he said, <em>“Why would I respond to allegations made against me when it did not reduce or increase my life? Secondly, it is an opinion that is being conceived. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to come out and say it’s true or not true; as long as I’m affecting people positively, I’m good."</em></p>

<p>Encouraging tolerance, Elliot stated that while everyone has the right to live as they see fit within legal boundaries, mutual respect should remain a priority.</p>

<p>He explained, <em>"If you feel you identify as something as long as it's within the law people don't have to accept it, do you. So let me say right here, I'm straight... you can never have anyone straighter than me. If some people want to enjoy themselves through publicity, that's left to them but I don't care really. Do you and enjoy yourself but do it within the law and with respect to your neighbours."</em></p>

<p>This comes after a blog published a scathing list of male Nigerian celebrities they alleged were gay. The list made its rounds on social media, sparking all sorts of reactions on social media as well as conversations. However, the majority of the men on the alleged list refused to speak on the list and the allegations.</p>

Desmond Elliot says Banning foreign movies can fix Nollywood. [Instagram/DesmondElliot]

Nigerian actor and politician Desmond Elliot says he's not gay.

I'm not gay - Desmond Elliot refutes allegations against him

<h2>Award-winning Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who has never been in a fully committed relationship, has said that when she finally starts to date, it won't be someone in the music industry.</h2>

<p>Speaking with American singer <strong>Coco Jones </strong>during an interview with <strong>Rolling Stone</strong>, Coco asked her if she would date someone in the industry.</p>

<p><em>“In the dream world, it wouldn’t be somebody that is in the industry. Probably just like a billionaire. On a yacht. In Dubai. In a thong,"</em> Ayra Starr replied in between fits of laughter. Her response was a nod to a viral social media sound about living the stress-free, soft life.</p>

<p>On the topic of dating, the <strong><em>Rush </em></strong>singer revealed that her standards for relationships have been set very high.</p>

<p>She said, "I'm<em> so happy I wasn’t really dating before I started music. I didn’t really know what I was missing. So now that I waited this long to date people, I have very high standards. If it’s gonna be hard to meet it, it’s gonna be bye-bye. But also, I don’t have time for myself; talk less of a boy.”</em></p>

Ayra Starr performs 'Last Heartbreak Song' on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

<p>During a recent interview with&nbsp;<strong>Dazed Magazine in</strong> September 2024,<strong>&nbsp;</strong><a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/ive-never-been-in-a-serious-relationship-ayra-starr-reveals/m22c4hj">the singer expressed her longing for a relationship.</a></p>

<p><em>“I want to fall in love. I wrote ‘Lagos Love Story’ about what love would look like if I was,”&nbsp;</em>Ayra<em>&nbsp;</em>Starr shared. While she described herself as a lover girl deep in her heart, she also confessed that she is very single.</p>

<p>Ayra Starr clarified that she has never been in a fully committed relationship. “<em>I’m just very strong-headed about it. I actually have never been in love...I’ve been in certain situations not situationships!—but I’ve never been in a fully committed relationship.” </em></p>

<p>See the full <strong>Rolling Stone</strong> interview below:</p>

Ayra Starr speaks on the global success of Afrobeats (MIKEY OSHAI)

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr says she is not looking to date someone in the music industry.

Ayra Starr says she wont date a musician, even in her dreams

<h2>In a recent Instagram post, the daughter of incarcerated R&amp;B singer R. Kelly, Joann Kelly, has spoken for the first time since making her ground-breaking revelation that he allegedly sexually abused her as a child.</h2>

<p>In her heartfelt post, Joann addresses her younger self, saying, <em>“Hey Baby girl… It’s me, you. We’re 26 now. I know you didn’t even think you’d make it past 15 but you did. I know you’re probably wondering how we made it here and what we’re doing now."</em></p>

<p>She acknowledged the ongoing struggles in the world but emphasised her growth and inner strength,<em> “You have built up a strength and a faith that is beyond what you can comprehend. You finally told everyone…I know I know. We swore we wouldn’t. But it wasn’t good for us anymore. Please don’t be angry with me but I had to."</em></p>

<p>Celebrating her achievements, Joann highlighted her journey into motherhood, the healing of her family, and her pursuits in music and art.</p>

<p><em>She wrote, “You’re a mother, a fucking amazing one at that, your son is so handsome and so funny and everything you’ve been daydreaming about and more, your mom is truly healing, your brother and sister are alive and well, you’ve reconnected with blood relatives, you went on to do music and art, and you were on TV."</em></p>

<p>Recall that R. Kelly <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/r-kelly-gets-extra-20-year-jail-term-for-child-porn-crimes/ffmlt69">was sentenced to 20 years</a> in&nbsp;prison for child sexual abuse and child pornography in February 2023, and on October 11, 2024, Joann revealed that she was also abused by him but was too scared to come forward. She also noted that when she finally got the strength to report him, the authorities said that they couldn’t prosecute him because she waited too long.</p>

<p>Now, she says she has been able to forgive him for abusing her.</p>

Joann Kelly alleges that abuse began when she 8 or 9 years old [Instagram/Buku.abi]

R. Kelly's daughter speaks to younger self after after revealing her father abused her

R. Kelly's daughter speaks up for first time after revealing he abused her as a child

<h2>Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has highlighted seven key things he believes Nigerians should avoid amid the current economic crises in Nigeria, laying particular emphasis on pregnancy.</h2>

<p>In an Instagram post made on October 17, 2024, Agu stressed the importance of making prudent choices during these tough times. </p>

<p><em>"Here is a list of things to watch out for, the way things are going in our country today. Number one, try not to fall sick if possible," </em>he advised, emphasising the increasing difficulties of accessing healthcare amid economic instability.</p>

<p>The actor continued,<em> "Number two, make sure your phone is in good shape and ensure your data is active. Number three,&nbsp;make sure you drink plenty of water and healthy food, that is, if there is food to eat."</em></p>

<p>Humorously, Agu repeatedly listed pregnancy as the top thing to avoid, saying, <em>"Number 4, no give woman belle o, for this hard time. Number 5, avoid cases that would land you in prison. Number 6, observe rule number four, no give woman belle o. Number 7 is always listen to rule number 4, no vibe woman belle o. And finally, which is the most important, pray to God."</em></p>

<p>The actor's post received equally humorous comments from Instagram users who agreed with his list.</p>

<p>One user wrote, <em>"NO GIVE WOMAN BELLE OOOO... I say make I highlight am for capital letters 😂"</em></p>

<p><em>"If you like go and say 'Children will bring financial blessings,' you’ll cry more than the baby. You better think about the future of your kids, if you’re not financially and mentally prepared to have kids, don’t ever bring an innocent child into this world to suffer!!" </em>another person wrote.</p>

<p><em>"No do watin go land you for police station," </em>another person emphasised.</p>

Nollywood actor Chiwetalu tells Nigerians things to avoid.

Chiwetalu Agu lists pregnancy and 6 other things to avoid these days

<h2>Love is in the air and Nigerian politician Ned Nwoko has taken to social media to pen a rather sweet note to his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, as she celebrates her 24th birthday.</h2>

<p>On Regina's special day, Nwoko took to Instagram to post a video from his woman's sultry photoshoot. In the caption, he doted on her by penning a touching tribute that showcases his love and appreciation for her.</p>

<p>He wrote, <em>"To my dear wife Gina. It’s amazing how time flies. I don’t really like the idea we have to do this only once a year because I always wish we could celebrate you every single day. You are an amazing wife and mother and we love you so much. On behalf of the entire family especially our two lovely boys, we wish you a very happy birthday ❤️&nbsp;@regina.daniels."</em></p>

<p>In the spirit of Regina's birthday, he then announced a giveaway, <em>"To begin the celebration of my wife I will give the first 50 correct answers 50k each that gets the answer to the following riddle. Tell me something that flies but does not have wings." 😁</em></p>

<p>Nwoko and Daniel's controversial marriage took place in 2019 and was the talk of the social media space for days after, especially because Daniel was only 19 years old at the time. According to Nwoko during an interview with&nbsp;<strong>The Guardian Nigeria</strong>&nbsp;in 2022, he has six wives, of which Daniels was the last.</p>

<p>Despite the occasional backlash over the years, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/my-marriage-is-sweeter-than-what-you-see-online-regina-daniels/6sr90nz">the actress describes her marriage to him as sweeter than the online perception</a>. They have since welcomed two baby boys over the course of their marriage.</p>

Regina Daniels and her Husband Ned Nwoko [instagram/Reginadaniels]

Ned Nwoko Celebrates Regina Daniels' 24th Birthday with Heartfelt Message

I wish we could celebrate you every day - Ned Nwoko celebrates Regina Daniels' birthday

<h2>On the heels of her divorce proceedings with ex-husband Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez has confessed that she is now at peace with being alone.</h2>

<p>During a recent sit-down with Interview Magazine, the singer-actress opened up about <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/jennifer-lopez-files-for-divorce-from-ben-affleck-after-2-years-of-marriage/pf8y2qb">her divorce </a>and her journey towards self-acceptance and personal peace.</p>

<p>Glazer, the interviewer, asked,<em> "I think we all know you have to love yourself before you can let someone else love you. We know that, but do we practice it? Do you feel now you’re practising it?"</em></p>

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were married for two years [Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP]

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in December 2023.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

<p>Lopez responded,<em> "That, to me, is a scary thing too, or a confusing thing, because it’s like, 'Oh, you couldn’t love me if I have flaws. I have to be perfect to be loved.' That’s not true! Somebody who truly loves you will help you heal those parts of yourself. That’s what I’ve learned about love, that it is a secure thing."</em></p>

<p>She continued, <em>"You make me feel safe, and when I fall short of the glory, you understand me and you help me to grow to be better, because you have your boundaries and I have my boundaries. And I go, Here’s where you’re falling short for me and here’s where I’m falling short for you. And so,we get better at those things together."</em></p>

<p>When asked about her new standards for future partners, Lopez stunned her interviewer by saying, <em>"There’s no new bar because I’m not looking for anybody. How’s that?," </em>She then admitted that this was her first time ever admitting that to herself as a single woman.</p>

<p><em>"Oh my god! What does that look like for you?" </em>Glazer asked.</p>

<p>The singer responded between laughter, saying, "<em>You know what? For people who are romantics and love being in relationships and want to grow old with somebody, we think, 'I have to have that to be whole and happy. And you don’t. It only took 30 years."</em></p>

Jennifer Lopez wasn't always a pop megastar.

There was a time when Jennifer Lopez was just Jenny from the block. She grew up in the Bronx, walking around with holes in her shoes. Once she decided to drop out of college and pursue singing, she even became homeless for a while. She told Extra in 20...

Jennifer Lopez opens up on accepting singlehood and self-love

It has taken me 30 years to realise I don't need anyone - Jennifer Lopez

<h2>Nigerian singer Darkoo has humorously reacted to fans urging her to dump her sexuality and switch to the other side.</h2>

<p>It all began on October 9, 2034, when an X user named <strong>Najilal</strong> quoted a lyric from one of the singer's songs, humorously pointing out the tautology in it.</p>

<p>She wrote, <em>“Lemme put my kids in you???” Darkoo please, not today."</em></p>

<p>The post racked up numerous reactions regarding the lyric and Darkoo's sexuality in general in a light-hearted matter. Within the banter on the microblogging platform, another user attempted to sway the singer, saying, <em>"My girl collect better preek leave les sh! t."</em></p>

<p>In response, Darkoo wrote, <em>"Bring your babe, let’s see who fit knack pass," </em>which made her followers laugh even more.</p>

<p>The <strong><em>favourite girl</em></strong> singer, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/ive-been-happy-since-i-told-my-mum-im-a-lesbian-singer-darkoo/0jsm197">who has always been open about her sexuality as a lesbian</a>, through her songs, had previously opened up about coming out to her Nigerian parents. Speaking during an interview with <strong>Layo</strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong><em>The Appointment Show</em></strong> in September 2024, she revealed that even though her Nigerian parents do not align with her sexuality, they have accepted her and love her still.</p>

<p>She explained, <em>"This is what makes me happy and I feel whole, I don't feel like I'm faking it or doing what I don't want to do. This is me at the end of the day, I'm very spiritual and I feel like I have a good relationship with God, my heart is clean and pure and I'm loving."</em></p>

<p><em>"I bring girls home and my parents don't mind. I have parents who love me for me and at the end of the day, I know they don't think what I'm doing is right because they're African at the end of the day. But they love me and that's what it is,"</em>&nbsp;she concluded.</p>

Darkoo says she is happy and she has a good relationship with God [Instagram/Darkoo]

Darkoo responds to fans telling her to change her sexuality.

Singer Darkoo reacts to a fan telling her to quit being a lesbian

<h2>Nigerian singer and former member of the P-square duo, Paul Okoye, has weighed in on Speed Darlington's recent arrest for defamation.</h2>

<p>On October 9, 2024, he took to his Instagram story to emphasise the complexities of freedom of speech and the responsible use of social media.</p>

<p>He wrote,<em> "Everything na cruise and jokes until hand touch you... then they will say you are an oppressor because you think you have money and all ... There’s a huge difference between freedom of data and freedom of speech."</em></p>

<p><em>"Press play; don’t let the play press you Use the internet; don’t let the internet use you,"</em> the singer added in a separate post.</p>

<p>His posts came after reports that controversial singer and content creator Speed Darlington was arrested for allegedly defaming Burna Boy.</p>

<p>Speed Darlington had previously made a video about the singer, alleging that he had affiliations with American rapper&nbsp;<strong>Diddy</strong>,&nbsp;<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/american-rapper-sean-diddy-combs-arrested-amid-trafficking-allegations/bvn7qwt">who was recently arrested for sex trafficking and other crimes</a>.</p>

<p>Then in the late hours of October 7, 2024, an SOS was posted on Speed's Instagram page, stating that he had been missing for 3 days and asking anyone with information to come forward.</p>

His second story post [Instagram/Iamkingrudy]

<p>Things then took a different turn when Speed Darlington's mother revealed that her son was declared missing after making. In her video posted online, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/speed-darlingtons-mother-begs-burna-boy-to-release-her-son/7e70yeq">&nbsp;she was seen begging the singer</a>&nbsp;to have mercy on her son and kindly release him. As a result of the turn of events, both Speed Darlington and Burna Boy became trending topics on social media, with many social media users highlighting the importance of discretion.</p>

Paul Okoye of PSquare [Instagram'IamKingRudy]

Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, weighs in on Speed Darlington's arrest.

There’s a difference between freedom of data and speech - Paul Okoye

<h2>Following American rapper Diddy's arrest for sex trafficking and racketeering, his mother has now broken her silence regarding his charges.</h2>

<p>In a statement issued by her lawyer, <strong>Natlie G Figger</strong>, <strong>Janice Combs</strong> defended her son, saying, <em>"He made mistakes in the past; as we all have, he is not the monster they have painted him to be."</em></p>

<p><em>"It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies. My son may not have been entirely truthful about certain things, such as denying he has ever gotten violent with an ex-girlfriend when the hotel’s surveillance showed otherwise," </em>she said.</p>

<p>Ms. Combs added,<em> "Sometimes, the truth and a lie become so closely intertwined that it becomes terrifying to admit one part of the story, especially when that truth is outside the norm or is too complicated to be believed."</em></p>

Sean "Diddy" Combs and his defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo at a court hearing.Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

<p>In her statement, she also referred to Diddy's turbulent relationship with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which she alleged was riddled with abuse. An allegation which the rapper had vehemently denied unti<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/domestic-violence-is-the-issue-cassie-ventura-on-2016-video-with-ex-diddy/htvc9ws">l the press leaked old footage of him abusing her in a hotel</a>.</p>

<p><em>"This is why I believe my son’s civil legal team opted to settle the ex-girlfriend’s lawsuit instead of contesting it until the end, resulting in a ricochet effect as the federal government used this decision against my son by interpreting it as an admission of guilt," </em>Ms. Combs wrote.</p>

<p><em>"It is truly agonizing to watch the world turn against my son so quickly and easily over lies and misconceptions, without ever hearing his side or affording him the opportunity to present his side," she said, adding that she believed some of his accusers were motivated by money," </em>she concluded.</p>

<p>Recall that<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/american-rapper-sean-diddy-combs-arrested-amid-trafficking-allegations/bvn7qwt"> the rapper was arrested</a> on Monday, September 17, 2024, at the Park Hyatt Hotel on 57th Street in Manhattan and was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations. He was promptly placed on suicide watch and <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/diddy-taken-off-suicide-watch-in-jail-receives-visit-from-family/p1fv9wd">then taken off it</a> and was allowed to receive visits from family members.</p>

Diddy's mother says he's made mistakes like everyone else [BBC News]

Diddy's mother breaks her silence about his arrest and the charges against him.

My son is not the monster they have painted him to be - Diddy's mother

<h2>Nigerian comedian Basketmouth has voiced his frustrations regarding the state of Nigeria's economy and the leadership of the country.</h2>

<p>Speaking during an interview with the <strong>African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), </strong>Basketmouth shared his growing concern over the rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira, which has drastically affected the lives of everyday Nigerians.</p>

<p>He said, <em>"There's nothing that can happen, quote me anywhere. Think about it, in 1970, the year I was born, it was one naira to a dollar and this year it's one dollar to 1600 naira. There was never a time from that time to date that the dollar crashed and went back to what it was and stayed there. It has never happened; think about it."</em></p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot; &#39;E go better. E go better&#39;... It&#39;s getting worse bro&quot;<br><br>- BasketMouth <a href="https://t.co/jkpRH5157o">pic.twitter.com/jkpRH5157o</a></p>&mdash; @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1841377144548610467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Baketmouth also slammed the saying,' E go better', meaning 'It will get better,' a popular saying by Nigerians in the midst of hardship.</p>

<p><em>"Every time it changes, all the conversations you'd be hearing is 'E go better, E go better.' it's getting worse, bro. What are the policies? And what have they done? Now 100 pages for a passport is 100,000 naira;&nbsp;they just increased it," </em>he explained.</p>

<p>He speculated that the government might have orchestrated these economic challenges to push citizens toward the idea of "japa," a popular term for emigrating in search of better opportunities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>"I suspect that our government planned this thing to make the Nigerian population suffer. So that when they suffer they can now want to japa, then they will increase the price of the passport and they'd make money," </em>said <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/see-bts-photos-from-basketmouths-upcoming-film-a-ghetto-love-story/hrjwjpb">the actor</a>.</p>

<p>Sarcastically, he added,<em> "It's not like I've given up hope; I'm hopeful. Maybe one day, the country will be better. Let's all believe in that pipe dream. It's done, it's over."</em></p>

Nigerian comedian Basketmouth [Instagram/Basketmouth]

Nigerian comedian Basketmouth speaks on the downfall of Nigeria's economy.

They say 'E go better,' it's getting worse - Basketmouth on Nigeria's economy

<h2>Social media has been set ablaze following singer Wizkid's new barrage of insults directed at Davido.</h2>

<p>It all began in the late hours of October 1, 2024, when Wizkid took to the microblogging platform X with a subliminal tweet, <em>"Beg me! just like …"</em> After his post, it didn't take much time for his fans and other X users to decipher that the post hinted at a viral video of Davido.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beg me ! 😎 just like …</p>&mdash; Wizkid (@wizkidayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizkidayo/status/1841229876000436712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>His first post raked various reactions from his fans and even Davido's fans, leading to heated disputes between them in the comment section. However, the singer did not stop there.</p>

<p>Wizkid's fan tweeted at him, saying, "<em>Wiz at this point, anytime you like, you drop the Album. Na dem need us,"</em> and in response, the singer said, <em>"Bingos got nothing on starboy General!! till infinity."</em></p>

<p>Relentless, he said in another post, "Frogido!," throwing shade at Davido, yet again.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Frogido! 😂❤️🦅 <a href="https://t.co/iBk6GjXT3T">https://t.co/iBk6GjXT3T</a></p>&mdash; Wizkid (@wizkidayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizkidayo/status/1841232510937608277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>"Pussy boys dropping mids again! 80 trash ! We got 80 albums for any song y’all drop! Pussy boys!" </em>Wizkid wrote.</p>

<p>When an X user asked Wizkid, "<em>So if you no beef @davido your song won’t sell ??," </em> he replied, "I don’t beef wack niggas! We all know he’s wack! No talent!"</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don’t beef wack niggas! We all know he’s wack! No talent! 🦅 <a href="https://t.co/LrLnllkNng">https://t.co/LrLnllkNng</a></p>&mdash; Wizkid (@wizkidayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizkidayo/status/1841244797131952368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/a-history-of-the-beef-between-davido-and-wizkid/wcnd3wc">The Afrobeats star's decade-long beef</a> and rather tumultuous relationship dates back to 2014. Back then, on July 28,&nbsp;<strong>Wizkid</strong>&nbsp;put out a post on Twitter (Now X) after his show his New York and ahead of his London concert. In the tweet, Wizkid said&nbsp;<em>"proper shows, proper venues,"</em>&nbsp;in what was considered a diss at&nbsp;<strong>Davido,</strong>&nbsp;who also recently held his concert.</p>

<p>Then Davido took a swipe at Wizkid on Snapchat. In the post, Davido stated that the<strong>&nbsp;"Pon Pon"</strong>&nbsp;sound was the popping sound and all other sounds were "less" in what was considered to be a dig at Wizkid, who teased his third album, 'Sound From The Other Side'.</p>

Wizkid & Davido brutally drag each other online

Wizkid shades Davido in new tweets, calls him wack and talentless.

Wizkid begins assaults on Davido, calls him talentless

<h2>Hollywood actress Maggie Smith, fondly known for her appearances in the Harry Potter movies and Downton Abbey, has passed away at age 89.</h2>

<p>According to Sky News, the actress died in the hospital surrounded by loved ones, and the news of her passing was announced by her children Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.</p>

<p>In a statement, they said: <em>"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.</em></p>

Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall.Warner Bros. Pictures

<p><em>"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank </em>you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time," they added.</p>

<p>She was popularly known for her role as <strong>Professor Minerva McGonagall </strong>in the seven <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/what-daniel-radcliffe-is-saying-about-a-new-harry-potter-film/5czyhe6">Harry Potter films</a> and won an Oscar in the Best Actress category for <strong><em>The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie</em></strong> in 1969 and also Best Supporting Actress for<strong> California Suite</strong> in 1978.</p>

Maggie Smith as Mother Superior and Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris Van Cartier in "Sister Act."Touchstone Pictures

<p><strong>Hugh Bonneville</strong>, who co-starred in Downton Abbey with Dame Maggie, paid tribute, saying, <em>“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”</em></p>

British actress Dame Maggie Smith in London, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. The Oscar-winner has died at age 89.AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

'Harry Potter', 'Downton Abbey' actress Maggie Smith dies at age 89.

'Harry Potter' actress Dame Maggie Smith dies at age 89

<h2>British-Nigerian singer Darkoo has opened up about coming out to her Nigerian parents as a lesbian and their reactions.</h2>

<p>During a sit-down with <strong>Layo</strong> on <strong><em>The Appointment Show</em></strong>, Darkoo described the journey of sharing her truth with her parents, noting that it was more challenging with her mother because of their bond.</p>

<p><em>"The day I told my mum I felt a massive weight off my shoulders and I've been happy since then, trust me, I'm happy. Now that every job knows what I'm on, I feel happier. Telling her and having the conversation with my dad...it was easier with my dad,"</em><a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://pulse.ng/entertainment/music/darkoo-features-mayorkun-on-new-single-there-she-goes-jack-sparrow/f9cj8w8"> the singer </a>explained.</p>

<p>Darkoo noted that even though it was easier with her dad, he was not 100% open to the conversation.</p>

<p>She said,<em> "It was harder with my mum because I'm closer to her and It was very emotional. My dad didn't want to have the conversation; he didn't stop it though. They're not stupid so they figured but at the end of the day, I'm living my life for me and that's what I'm doing."</em></p>

<p><em>"This is what makes me happy and I feel whole, I don't feel like I'm faking it or doing what I don't want to do. This is me at the end of the day, I'm very spiritual and I feel like I have a good relationship with God, my heart is clean and pure and I'm loving,"</em> she continued.</p>

<p>The <strong><em>Favourite girl </em></strong>singer revealed that even though her Nigerian parents do not align with her sexuality, they have accepted her and love her still.</p>

<p><em>"I bring girls home and my parents don't mind. I have parents who love me for me and at the end of the day, I know they don't think what I'm doing is right because they're African at the end of the day. But they love me and that's what it is,"</em> she concluded.</p>