Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations that some readers may find upsetting.
Netflix has dropped the first trailer for season two of its smash-hit series Cheer.
The documentary series follows the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team as they train for the National Cheerleading Championships and will return to the streaming service on January 12 for nine new episodes.
The trailer for the new season catches up with the Navarro College team, including coach Monica Aldama and cheerleader Gabi Butler who have seen their lives change forever since the first season aired.
Jim SpellmanGetty Images
Last September, one of the series' most popular stars, cheerleader Jerry Harris, was charged with producing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to seven charges regarding five minor boys that December.
The 21-year-old was alleged to have solicited nude photos of a 13-year-old boy, with 14-year-old twin brothers alleging that Harris harassed them online for sexual images when he was 19 and they were 13.
At the time, Harris's spokesperson told the media: "We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager.
"We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed."
In the trailer, Aldama tells the camera: "I can't even process it right now," as audio regarding Harris' arrest is played.
Netflix
According to Variety, an episode in season two will feature an interview with the brothers who first came forward with the allegations regarding Harris.
Cheer season two reportedly began filming in secret in January 2020, with production being shut down because of COVID-19 in March. Filming then resumed in September 2020.
The synopsis for season 2 is as follows: "The Emmy-winning breakout sensation is back, and the stakes have never been higher. As Navarro defends its championship crown against a slew of challenges, including their fiercest rivals at Trinity Valley Community College, unexpected events threaten the camaraderie of the team and the season itself."
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, ontheir websiteor by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999.Rape Crisis Scotland’shelpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contactRAINN,or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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Tupac Shakur wrote a love poem to one of his old girlfriends back in the day ... it appears to have inspired one of his big hits ... and now it can be yours if the price is right!
The folks over at Moments in Time are hawking a handwritten poem Tupac penned to a former flame named Simi ... the story goes this piece of Tupac history inspired his famous "All Eyez on Me."
The poem is titled "All Eye Was Lookin 4" ... and it's going up for sale for $95,000 ... so this is no cheap holiday present ... if you're still doing your holiday shopping.
The auction house says the poem, dated Aug. 26, 1995, ended up in a private collection ... and 26 years later it's hitting the market.
BTW ... Tupac's "All Eyez On Me" came out in 1996 ... so it all tracks.
As you see ... Tupac put his rhyming skills to good use in the poem ... telling a story of how he fell in love with Simi and the direction he hoped their relationship would go.
It's not the first time Tupac's opened his heart on paper ... as we reported, he wrote some steamy love letters as a teen, and once confessed why he dumpedMadonna.
Hugh Jackman’s Broadway production “The Music Man” has been postponed until Jan. 1 after he announced he contracted the coronavirus. The actor won’t return until at least Jan. 6.
The 53-year-old tweeted his diagnosis on Tuesday alongside a short clip of himself wearing a mask.
“Just wanted you to hear it from me,” he wrote. “I tested positive for COVID. Mild symptoms and as soon as I’m cleared … looking forward to getting back to The Winter Garden! @MusicManBway.”
In the video, he reiterated his tweet, saying: “I just wanted you to hear it from me that I tested positive this morning for COVID,” Jackman said in a video posted to Twitter and Instagram. “My symptoms are like a cold. I have a scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose, but I’m fine. And I’m just gonna do everything I can to get better ASAP. And as soon as I’m cleared, I’ll be back on stage, heading to River City.”
“Please stay safe,” the “X-Men” star continued. “Be healthy, be kind.”
Hugh Jackman said he has COVID-19 and is now unable to perform on his Broadway show “The Music Man.”Twitter/@RealHughJackman
Representatives for the show told EW that performances have been canceled through Jan. 1 and tickets can be refunded or exchanged.
Despite many Broadway shows being closed due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, Jackman couldn’t help but hype up his show earlier this month.
“I’ve just arrived at the theater, and it is our first preview tonight,” he shared in a video on Instagram on Dec. 20. “I don’t know how many months — years this date has been in my head, but it feels like a long time. I am just so grateful and so … ah … blessed to be here in this position and I am so excited to share this show with you all.”
“As soon as I’m cleared … looking forward to getting back to The Winter Garden,” he added.Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
On Dec. 24, his co-star Sutton Foster became unavailable for the show’s fourth preview. Swing actor and understudy Kathy Voytko stepped in for the 46-year-old within an eight-hour notice.
“It’s not only happening here … but all over Broadway,” Jackman explained shortly after the preview, in footage captured by actress Katherine Winter. “This is a time we’ve never known. We’re in our fourth preview, we’re all just sort of learning so swings and understudies have not had a chance to learn.”
Britney Spears explained in a Monday Instagram post that her extended music hiatus is a “f—k you” to her estranged family.
“Not doing music anymore is my way of saying ‘F–k You’ in a sense when it only actually benefits my family by ignoring my real work,” she wrote in a post that also touted the power of prayer in times of distress.
“It’s like I’ve subconsciously let them win.”
Elsewhere, the “Toxic” singer, 40, reiterated her aggravation at seeing her younger sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, perform a remix to her 2011 single “Till the World Ends” at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards. (Britney was presented with the Icon award that year, followed by a medley performance by Jamie Lynn, 30, Hailee Steinfeld, Sofia Carson and Kelsea Ballerini.)
“It didn’t make sense how network television shows are showcasing my music with remixes of all of my music … yet the person who owns the music is told no!!!!” Britney wrote. “They even gave remixes to my sister but I was always told no?”
The entertainer — who broke free in November from a restrictive 13-year conservatorship established by her father, Jamie Spears — elaborated, “I asked for 13 years to perform new songs and remixes of my old songs … I had two months off in between each show setting for four years in Vegas … and every time I asked I was told, ‘No…’ !!!!”
Britney also shared her belief that she was “set up to fail” by her family, who tested her faith in a higher power.
“I had an experience three years ago where I stopped believing in God!!!! From every angle I was being hurt for no reason and my family was hurting me,” she wrote. “I went into a state of shock and the way I coped was being [in] fake denial … It was too much for me to really face.”
Britney asserted that “people have no idea the awful things that have been done to me personally” and admitted that she is “scared of people and the business!!!!”
The Grammy winner also explained why she felt compelled to share a clip of herself singing last week, along with a list of milestones she has hit throughout her decades-long career.
“I obviously have serious insecurities,” she wrote. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have acted like an obnoxious 8 year old last week defending myself with my accomplishments!!!!”
Britney — whose immediate family also includes mother Lynne Spears and older brother Bryan Spears — added, “Honestly my family embarrassed me and hurt me deeply … so tooting my own horn and seeing my past accomplishments reflecting back at me actually helped!!!!!”
The pop superstar’s last concert tour took place in 2018.Getty Images for BCU
The superstar said people would “COMPLETELY understand” her insecurities if they knew the gravity of what she’s experienced behind closed doors.
“It’s a shame that people don’t like the truth!!!!” she wrote before quipping, “I’d get more respect for doing a spread for Playboy than I would writing a book!!!!”
Britney last studio album, “Glory,” dropped in 2016. In 2020, her team released a deluxe version of the LP with new artwork and a new slate of bonus tracks, including “Mood Ring (By Demand).”
She wrapped her four-year “Piece of Me” Las Vegas residency in 2017 before taking the show out on the road for a second and final time in 2018.
Britney has repeatedly criticized her family for being complicit in the conservatorship, even claiming they deserve to be in jail for their respective roles in the legal arrangement that controlled her personal, medical and financial affairs.
The “Mickey Mouse Club” alum also vowed through her lawyer in November 2020 that she would “not perform” as long as Jamie, 69, was in charge of her career. She has previously expressed a desire to sue her father for “conservatorship abuse.”
Jean-Marc Vallée, the Quebecois director of films including “Dallas Buyers Club” and TV projects such as “Big Little Lies,” died at his cabin outside Quebec City, Canada. He was 58.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
His producing partner, Nathan Ross, said in a statement, “Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn’t help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”
Vallée earned an Oscar nomination for best editing for 2013’s “Dallas Buyers Club,” which won Oscars for Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey. The film was based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, an AIDS patient who smuggled pharmaceutical drugs into Texas and distributed them to fellow AIDS patients through the “Dallas Buyers Club.”
The next year, he directed “Wild,” starring Reese Witherspoon and based on the bestselling memoir about a former heroin addict who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail to help find herself.
He continued to work with Witherspoon on the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” for which he won the Emmy for directing a limited series, movie or special. Adapted from the bestselling Liane Moriarty novel, the limited series also starred Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley, and it drew acclaim for its lushly photographed look at the lives of wealthy coastal families who must confront a sudden death in their midst.
Vallée’s next HBO project was another suspenseful HBO mini-series based on a popular book, “Sharp Objects.”
“Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth,” said a statement released by HBO. “He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed. We are shocked at the news of his sudden death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his sons, Alex and Émile, his extended family, and his longtime producing partner, Nathan Ross.”
Born in Montreal, Vallée studied film at the Université du Québec. After making music videos and short films, he made his first feature “Black List.”
After making 2005’s acclaimed Quebec film “C.R.A.Z.Y.,” based on the life of a close friend, he directed “The Young Victoria,” which garnered three Academy Award nominations. His other films included “Cafe de Flore,” “Los Locos,” a Western written by and starring Mario Van Peebles, “Loser Love” and “Demolition,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Vallée was set to direct another series for HBO, “Gorilla and the Bird,” based on a memoir by Zack McDermott about a public defender who suffers a sudden psychotic break.
He is survived by two children and three siblings.
It only took five seasons, but Insecure finally gave us an hour-long(ish) episode. The HBO comedy’s series finale saw Issa and her friends make big choices as they forged ahead with their lives.
Picking up with Nathan and Issa on the car ride home after his scuffle with Lawrence, Nathan called their situation toxic and decided to break things off. A defeated Issa returned to her apartment alone, only to receive a text from Lawrence apologizing for what happened at the party. After crying all night, she woke the next morning to Molly bringing her food and alcohol to make her feel better. As Issa gathered herself in the bathroom, Mirror Issa mocked her for ending up the mess she is now. You really hate to see it.
Then it was time to celebrate Molly’s birthday. Issa threw her girl a party at her apartment with all her friends and loved ones there, including Tiffany, who came in from Denver. Kelli met a new man named Desmond, making everyone booed up except for Issa. It was a little awkward, but Issa focused on Molly, who kept changing her clothes because she was so nervous about meeting Taurean’s family. When Issa vented about needing a vacation to get away from everything, Molly urged her friend to stop feeling like a mess and look at how far she’s come. But the night really was about Molly who, after changing her outfit one more time, rejoined everyone to celebrate.
Cut to Issa rushing to Crenshawn’s pop up, worried about a burst pipe, which would have ruined his upcoming fashion show. But this wasn’t so much an emergency as it was a surprise birthday party for Issa. In lieu of gifts, her friends made donations to the Blocc and raised over $5k thus far. As Issa chased some birthday d–k, Molly informed Kelli that she talked to her firm’s partners about adding an estate division. Kelli seemed open to the potential new job and said she’d think about it.
If you thought Nathan arriving would make things awkward, you’d be semi-right. The exes finally cleared the air, with Nathan apologizing for what he said during their breakup. Lamenting their relationship, Issa told him she didn’t want him to have any regrets, and Nathan made it clear he doesn’t. After wishing her a happy birthday, the pair parted on good terms, and Issa went on to meet someone.
The girls made it out to Denver to visit Tiffany, who was now a homeowner. Unfortunately, Tiffany hated her new setting because she wasn’t working, and she didn’t sign up to be a “Real Housewife of Denver.” Her friends assured her that she’ll figure things out and the conversation moved to Issa’s new man, who has a good job and is good in bed, so she can’t complain.
Alone in the house with Molly, Issa tried not to think about Lawrence after seeing a photo of him with Elijah. This prompted Molly to ask what she would have said to Lawrence if Nathan hadn’t interrupted. Issa didn’t have an answer; after all, “It’s too late, anyway.” Molly reminded her that it’s not too late if that’s what she wants. Before they could get into it further, Molly received a call from her brother Curtis: Her mom died.
Jumping ahead, Issa called Lawrence on his birthday and offered to take him out to celebrate. However, Lawrence had a date with someone —whom he greeted with a kiss — but was open to grabbing dinner with Issa some other time.
In the meantime, Issa attended Kelli’s birthday dinner with her now-boyfriend Nasir. Kelli revealed that she’s pregnant, much to everyone’s surprise, including Issa, who reminded Kelli she didn’t want kids. But after “almost” dying, Kelli realized she wanted kids with Desmond.
Molly was still MIA after her mother’s death and hadn’t called Issa back yet. Issa brushed this off and focused on Nasir, who was waiting for her in the bedroom. Mirror Issa was hyped about all their friends making choices and going on their respective paths, but Issa wasn’t so convinced about hers. When Lawrence decided to call — this man’s timing is impeccable — Mirror Issa warned her not to pick up. After all, she’s got a good man on the other side of the door! Taking up Mirror Issa’s advice, Issa ignored her phone and resumed the night with Nasir.
Molly’s birthday came around again, and Issa checked in on her friend, who’s thinking about her mom and the fact that they were just celebrating together last year. Molly missed her mom, and both friends wondered when life got so real. They acknowledged that it had gotten harder to maintain their friendship, but Issa was determined to take her girl out to dinner on a different night since Taurean had her for that night. Kelli barged into Molly’s office — she took the job, after all — to chide her friend for staying at work when she needed to go home and get ready for her birthday dinner with her man.
Sometime later, Issa was examining color samples for the Blocc’s new office when Lawrence arrived. Opening up to him, she spoke of all the insecurities in her head that held her back, that she needed to believe it would work out for it to work. But they were no longer talking about her career, especially when Lawrence asked if she believed whether it would work out. “I’m OK with finding out,” Issa told him. They embraced and then kissed and then… Issa clumsily kicked over a coffee mug.
A year later, the gang came together to celebrate Molly and Taurean’s wedding. Molly danced with her father, tearfully remembering her mom. But she now had Taurean, who pulled her in for an upbeat dance to “Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Toné! The party was also bittersweet for Issa, who expressed joy for her girl but knew things would be different now. Later than evening, as Issa helped Molly out of her dress, a teary-eyed Molly thanked a teary-eyed Issa for everything — for “loving me while I was me.” Cue the buckets of tears as both friends embraced and told each other, “I love you.”
And in case you were wondering if Issa got her happy ending, the final scene gave an update on the show’s main character. The Blocc was booming, and Issa hopped in her Lexus to make the drive home after another productive day. She passed the Dunes (where Thug Yoda was snapping pics of his daughter out front); her old job We Got Y’all, which moved into a bigger space; and a man in a Best Buy shirt walking to his car in front of a Rite Aid.
She arrived at her much nicer home to find Lawrence and a now-talking Elijah waiting for her. The excited boy even decorated her birthday cake. They decided to have some cake and ice cream before Lawrence took her out to dinner. Issa looked genuinely happy and content while getting ready in the mirror with an engagement ring on her finger. She received a call from Molly, who was vacationing with Taurean in Greece. The series ended as it should — with Molly and Issa chatting and living their best lives.
As for the final music cue? The beloved series went out with Kelis’ “Bossy” transitioning into the credits.
What did you think of Insecure’s ending? Grade the series finale below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, Issa attended Kelli’s birthday dinner with her now-boyfriend Nasir. Kelli revealed that she’s pregnant, much to everyone’s surprise, including Issa, who reminded Kelli she didn’t want kids. But after “almost” dying, Kelli realized she wanted kids with Desmond.
