Woman identified in shooting at Rihanna's Los Angeles house

Los Angelespolice on Mondayidentified a 35-year-old Florida woman as the person who allegedly opened fire on Rihanna's Southern California home with an AR-15-style rifle.

Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was booked into custody on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the Sunday afternoon incident at the property just outside Beverly Hills, police said.

Thenine-time Grammy winnerwas at the home in Beverly Crest, just north of Beverly Hills, with partner A$AP Rocky andtheir childrenwhen the shots were fired at about 1:15 p.m., police said.

The suspect drove up to the property's entrance and started shooting, police said. A possible motive wasn't clear.

The property's front gate appeared to have bullet holes, but police said no one was hurt.

A car matching the description of the one seen at Rihanna's house during the shooting was spotted in nearby Sherman Oaks, where officers made a traffic stop and arrested the suspect, LAPD sources told NBC Los Angeles.

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Ortiz was arrested at 2:20 p.m. Sunday and booked into L.A. County jail shortly after 2 a.m. Monday, according to sheriff's records. Her bail was listed in jail records at $10.225 million.

The suspect was linked to social media accounts of an Illinois native who claims to work as a speech therapist in Florida.

State records indicate there is a woman of the same name who is a licensed speech-language pathologist who is currently in good standing. The license was issued on March 17, 2015, and is active until Dec. 31, 2027, according to state records.

The suspect also has arrest records linked to Florida.

Her divorce from her ex-husband turned violent on June 25, 2023, when he dropped off their children at Ortiz's apartment, according to an arrest affidavit.

Ortiz had texted the ex-husband, "You'll be socked on the nose tonight" at the drop-off, according to the affidavit.

Cellphone video of the confrontation showed Ortiz calling the man a homophobic slur, the affidavit said.

byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

Woman identified in shooting at Rihanna's Los Angeles house

Los Angelespolice on Mondayidentified a 35-year-old Florida woman as the person who allegedly opened fire on Rihanna...

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Jennifer Runyon Corman once shared why she stopped acting for 2 decades

After being a cast member onAnother WorldandCharles in Chargeand appearing inGhostbustersandUp the Creek, Jennifer Runyon Corman stepped back from acting in the '90s and '00s. But as the actress —who died on March 6 at age 56— revealed in a2016 interview, it was for a worthwhile personal reason.

According to the interview, after the birth of her first son, Wyatt, in 1993, Runyon Corman knew she "wanted to take some time just to be a mom."

"I grew up in a family where my parents worked, and we had housekeepers and nannies," Runyon Corman explained. "I grew up with other people who were there every day. I didn't want that for my kids, because I know all I wanted was my mom. I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to experience every moment. I didn't want somebody calling me on the set going, 'Oh my God, Wyatt walked!' I wanted to be the one, if possible, that experienced that first."

Runyon Corman, who died afterbeing diagnosed with cancer, continued that she and husband Todd Corman opted to leave Hollywood to raise Wyatt and his sister, Bayley, eventually settling in Idaho and then Oregon.

"We were gone for about 10 years and had our kids, and we moved to California 10 years later because our parents were getting older, and we felt it was time to come home and spend time with our parents," Runyon Corman shared.

She continued to utilize her acting skills, however.

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"I would work in [Wyatt and Bayley's] schools and teach acting, not to introduce kids to being actors, but doing all of the fun improv exercises with the kids because it helps them get over that fear of being in front of an audience and peers, if they have to give a speech or do a report," Runyon Corman said. "My hope was, this is a way to enlighten kids, showing them it's okay to stand up in front of people; anybody can do this."

Corman continued her passion for helping youth by becoming involved with theTilly's Life Center, a nonprofit devoted to inspiring "today's youth to reach their full potential as productive, kind, happy, and responsible individuals." In the interview, Runyon Corman shared how she helped launch the center with its namesake and founder, Tilly Levine.

"[Tilly] wanted to give back to kids and help kids who were troubled. She started this program with me, and a couple of other people," she said. "It's a program to give kids tools to get through tough times: how to communicate, how to forgive, how to dream your biggest dreams — tools to help you in life. All of us would benefit from it, and a lot of us don't learn these things until we are older."

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After a two-decade break from being on screen, Runyon Corman returned to acting in 2015 and took on a few roles until her final appearance in 2025'sSpectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson.

Family and friends paid tribute to the actress after her death, with daughter Bayley Cormanwriting in an Instagram postthat "all of the best parts of me" came from her mother. "i would give anything for one more day together," Bayley wrote.Willie Aames, who played Buddy Lembeck acrossCharles in Charge's five-season run, paid tribute to his castmate in aFacebook poston Sunday. "Jenn was more than a friend. She was my dear dear friend, muse, and encourager. We shared family Christmas's together, vacations, weekends, lunches and dinners together… We did shows together, but most of all — we LAUGHED."

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

Jennifer Runyon Corman once shared why she stopped acting for 2 decades

After being a cast member onAnother WorldandCharles in Chargeand appearing inGhostbustersandUp the Creek, Jennifer Runyo...

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“The View” cohosts slam 'vapid' and 'shallow' Timothée Chalamet over anti-opera comments: 'Be careful, boy'

The View cohosts have spoken out against Timothée Chalamet's anti-opera comments.

Key Points

• Sunny Hostin called Chalamet "vapid" and "shallow" over his words.

• Whoopi Goldberg advised, "Be careful, boy," after the Marty Supreme star said "no one cares" about those specific performing arts disciplines.

The Viewcohosts have entered a ping-pong match of words againstMarty SupremeOscar nomineeTimothée Chalamet.

Amid public blowback to theHollywood superstar's recent jabs againstthe popularity of opera and ballet, EGOT-winning actressWhoopi Goldberg, legal expertSunny Hostin, and guest cohostSheryl Underwoodall took aim at Chalamet's words on Monday's broadcast ofThe View.

Hostin advised that "ballet is hard," and told the audience, "I'm offended and disappointed in what he said. I didn't realize he was that vapid and that shallow."

Underwood, a comedian and lifelong Republican filling in for conservative cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin, chalked the 30-year-old Chalamet's ill-advised words up to "being young."

"I think he thought he could say that," she added. "First, he just made the good ping-pong movie. He's a young, handsome man, but I bet if he was playing [dancer] Rudolf Nureyev… he'd respect the art form a little bit better."

"That goes to show a lot of young people need to understand, don't just flip off and say something," Underwood said. "Really understand that your words have meaning to other young people. I think he can do it."

Underwood then looked toward the audience at home to deliver a cheeky message: "But, also, where's the camera at so I can speak to Timothée personally: Young man, if you would like to come and talk to me about this, I'm willing to hear your thoughts."

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"Yes, correct, I'll join you," Hostin quipped, while Underwood exclaimed, "Tag team!"

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Goldberg then stepped in, reacting to the aforementioned bit with a firm, "Yeah, no," before adding her thoughts on the matter.

"You come from a dance family, so when you crap on somebody else's art form, it doesn't feel good," theGhostandColor Purplestar said, referencing Chalamet's mother and sister's involvement in the arts he criticized. "You probably didn't realize, until you said, 'Oh, I'm in trouble,' but then you compounded it and said, '14 cents.' No, when people get mad, it'll be a lot more than 14 cents, so be careful. I'm just saying. Be careful, boy."

After the cohosts and audience reacted in light shock over Goldberg's assessment, she doubled down: "He is a boy to me," she said. "No disrespect. Really, don't apologize when you've insulted. It doesn't sound right. You can't say, 'Oh, this is dumb, no disrespect.' That's absolute disrespect."

Entertainment Weeklyhas reached out to representatives for Chalamet for a response.

"I don't want to be working in ballet or opera, or things where it's like, 'Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore,'" Chalamet said in a recent town halldiscussionwith fellow actorMatthew McConaughey. "All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I just took shots for no reason."

Chalamet's remarks also drew a response from the esteemed Metropolitan Opera, the Instagram account for which recentlyposted a videospotlighting the intense craftsmanship that goes into its productions.

"This one's for you, @tchalamet," the account wrote, tagging the four-time Oscar-nominee in the caption. "All respect to the opera (and ballet) people out there."

The Viewairs weekdays on ABC.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

“The View” cohosts slam 'vapid' and 'shallow' Timothée Chalamet over anti-opera comments: 'Be careful, boy'

The View cohosts have spoken out against Timothée Chalamet's anti-opera comments. Key Points Sunny Host...

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Look Back at Queen Elizabeth's Historic 1953 Coronation

After the death of King George VI in February 1952, his daughter Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth

NEED TO KNOW

• Queen Elizabeth was officially crowned on June 2, 1953

• Her coronation took place at Westminster Abbey

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor becameQueen Elizabethin February 1952 — but she wasn't officially crowned until over a year later.

Queen Elizabeth immediately acceded to the throne following the sudden death of her father,King George VI, on Feb. 6, 1952. Due to the unexpected nature of the King's death, Queen Elizabeth's coronation was delayed by more than a year. She wasofficially crowned on June 2, 1953, in front of 27 million viewers who watched by television, 11 million who tuned in via radio and 8,000 distinguished guests who attended in person.

As might be expected for such a momentous event, the coronation required detailed planning for everything from how the Queen would arrive (in a horse-drawn gold carriage) to what she would wear (a gorgeous gown thatshe had a hands-on role in designing) and to who would attend (then-4-year-old Prince Charles received ahand-painted invitationto the ceremony).

Nearly 70 years later,King Charleswas officially crowned King on May 6, 2023. Thecoronation, which also sawQueen Camillaofficially become Queen, took place at Westminster Abbey. The church was also where the royal family heldQueen Elizabeth's funeralin September 2022.

Here is a look back at the coronation ofQueen Elizabethin 1953.

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Date and Venue

Queen Elizabeth acceeded to the throne following King George VI's death on Feb. 6, 1952. Because no one had any idea that she would be crowned only 16 years after her father, planning the Queen's coronation took time.

The coronation was held on June 2, 1953 — a full year after her father's death — at Westminster Abbey.

Prince Philipplayed aninstrumental part in planning the occasion, chairing the Coronation Committee, which was one of two committees created to organize the event.

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Carriage

On her Coronation Day, the Queen traveled in a golden horse-drawn carriage. But despite the vehicle's opulence, she latercalled the transportation "horrible,"before explaining, "It's only sprung on a lever. Not very comfortable."

Three million people lined the streets to see Queen Elizabeth make her way through London in the gilded carriage.

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Gown

Queen Elizabeth played a large role in the design of thegownshe wore to the event. The white duchess satin dress was created by Sir Norman Hartnell (the same designer who made her 1947wedding gown) and included several personal touches requested by Queen Elizabeth herself like embroidered flowers that represented the United Kingdom as well as countries from throughout the Commonwealth, which at that time included Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Hartnell also stitched a four-leaf shamrock for good luck on the left side of the skirt, placed precisely where Queen Elizabeth's hand would fall during the ceremony. Additionally, the dress was threaded with leeks, the symbol of Wales. As Caroline de Gautaut, deputy surveyor of the Queen's Works of Art, told PEOPLE, "Back then, the Earl Marshall, who was in charge of everything to do with the protocols of the coronation, was adamant that the leek was the leading emblem of Wales — it does look very beautiful."

The gown was onlypublicly displayed three timesduring Queen Elizabeth's lifetime, most recently during the Platinum Jubilee in 2022. As de Gautaut explained to PEOPLE, "It's probably one of the most important dresses made in the 20th century — certainly a great piece of British design. The combination of rich fabrics and beautiful embroideries was really Hartnell's absolute signature and I think the greatest expression of all his career."

Queen Elizabeth's shoes were also special. The ornate shoes,which were designed by French shoemaker Roger Vivier and British shoemakers Delman Ltd, were said to have been inspired by the Chartres Cathedral in France. The royal heels were gilded in gold and covered in rubies, making them truly fit for royalty.

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Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Regalia

Queen Elizabeth wore two crowns on her Coronation Day: the St. Edward's Crown and the Imperial State Crown.

According to theHistoric Royal Palaces' website, the St. Edward's Crown is "the most important and sacred of all the crowns" and "is only used at the moment of crowning itself." Originally made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661, the crown weighs nearly 5 lbs and is encrusted with semi-precious stones.

For her departure from Westminster Abbey, the freshly-coronated Queen replaced the St. Edward's Crown with the lighter 3 lb.Imperial State Crown, which is made of gold and features diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and rubies.

Other pieces of the Coronation Regalia (which are part of the Crown Jewels collection) were also used during the coronation, including the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, the Sovereign's Orb and the Coronation Spoon.

As coronation expert Alastair Bruce told PEOPLE, the Jewels themselves are well-known, but their importance is often misunderstood. He said, "The Crown Jewels include 'The Regalia,' which are used at a coronation when the monarch is invested with the best known, if least understood, symbols of this kingdom."

Bruce continued, "Post boxes, police helmets, income tax returns and almost every visual expression of the United Kingdom displays a Crown and Orb. The meaning of each of the key objects has evolved from emblems of authority that date way back before the Saxons arrived. Yet there is an enduring relevance to modern leadership wrapped into each symbol that express values of humility, duty and service, while representing total power. Discovering their meaning helps to define what the Sovereign is to the Crown and how that Crown is the property of us all, in the constitutional function of Monarchy."

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Broadcast

The event was a major one in the life of Queen Elizabeth and in the history of the United Kingdom as a whole. This was the first televised coronation, a fact that popularized the medium in the country. Up to that point, many considered television "radio's weaker brother," but allowing millions of people to enjoy such a momentous event changed that.

Nearly 27 million peoplein Britain watched the events as they unfolded. They were joined by another 11 million who tuned in to hear what was arguably the most important part of the day: the Queen's coronation speech.

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Speech

In her speech, Queen Elizabeth spoke to the millions of people who were watching and listening.She said in part, "I have behind me not only the splendid traditions and the annals of more than a thousand years but the living strength and majesty of the Commonwealth and Empire; of societies old and new; of lands and races different in history and origins but all, by God's Will, united in spirit and in aim."

"Therefore I am sure that this, my Coronation, is not the symbol of a power and a splendor that are gone but a declaration of our hopes for the future, and for the years I may, by God's Grace and Mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your Queen."

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Attendees

Roughly 8,000 guests were invited to attend the coronation ceremony in person. Among these guests were Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, and her son, then-Prince Charles.

While he was not crowned alongside his wife,Prince Philipstill enjoyed the royal treatment during the coronation. He was outfitted in a luxuriousermine-trimmed red robe, under whichhe wore his Admiral of the Fleet uniform. The Duke of Edinburgh was also the first person to pay homage to the new monarch following the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Charles, who was 4 years old at the time, was the first heir apparent to ever attend such an event. He had received hisown hand-painted invitation to the ceremony, one that was specifically designed with the young boy in mind. Decorated with British guards playing instruments and cartoon animals, the invitation read, "By Command of The Queen the Earl Marshal is directed to invite His Royal Highness Prince Charles to the Coronation." However, Charles wasphotographed appearing intermittently enthused and boredby the day's events.

Read the original article onPeople

byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

Look Back at Queen Elizabeth's Historic 1953 Coronation

After the death of King George VI in February 1952, his daughter Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth NEED TO KNO...

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A reporter in Nashville has been covering ICE arrests in her community. Then she was detained herself

Nashville journalist Estefany Rodriguez frequently reports on Immigration and Customs Enforcement action, becoming familiar with the sudden arrests that have become hallmarks of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

But when trucks surrounded her and her husband's car Wednesday and agents approached the windows, she was confused, her husband Alejandro Medina said.

Medina realized it was ICE before his wife did, he said. "We really couldn't understand why we're being surrounded."

"We're definitely shocked," he told CNN.

Rodriguez, who was born in Colombia, entered the United States legally, one of her lawyers said. She is a journalist for Spanish-language news outlet Nashville Noticias and has reported stories "critical of the practices" by ICE and was covering immigration arrests the day before her detainment Wednesday, a petition filed by her lawyers for her release stated.

It's the latest instance of journalists being caught up in the Trump administration's nationwidecrackdown on immigration. Mario Guevara,a Salvadoran journalist, was deported in October after being arrested while covering a "No Kings" protest in Atlanta.

The agents swarming the car to detain Rodriguez knew a lot about her and her husband, Medina said. They knew he was born in the US, and they knew they had applied for a green card, he said.

Rodriguez also has a pending political asylum claim and a valid work permit, according to court documents. A spokesperson for ICE told CNN in a statement Rodriguez "currently has no lawful immigration status."

"A pending green card application and work authorization does NOT give someone legal status to be in our country," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told CNN.

Rodriguez was at a detention center in Alabama as of Friday before she was set to be sent to Louisiana, according to her lawyer, Joel Coxander.

There is still no evidence she has been transferred from the Alabama detention center, Coxander told CNN on Saturday, adding a federal judge in her habeas corpus case has ordered DHS to show cause in response to the petition challenging her detention.

When she worked for a large broadcaster in her home country of Colombia, she reported on government agencies and instances of corruption, her dad Juan Rodriguez and Coxander said.

But then she started receiving threats, Juan Rodriguez said. She reported them to the police and the country's prosecutor's office, and a security detail was assigned to her for a while, but that later changed to routine check-ins, her father said.

"There are a lot of problems, including armed groups, guerrillas, corrupt politicians. When you report, you'll find that some of these people don't like what you're reporting on, and they'll get bothered and think they have to get rid of the reporter because the reporter is making too much noise and informing the public," Juan Rodriguez said.

When her daughter turned 1, Estefany Rodriguez decided to try to find safety in the US, he said. She came to the United States on a tourist visa in 2021, according to court documents. Before it expired, she applied for political asylum, it said.

However, according to ICE, "she failed to depart the country and is in violation of the conditions of her visa and currently has no lawful immigration status. She will remain in ICE custody pending her immigration proceedings."

While Coxander said Friday he asked the court to let him amend his initial petition to release Rodriguez to "specifically address that this is a First Amendment violation and retaliation" for her coverage of ICE activities, the agents said they were detaining her because she had failed to show up for two immigration appointments.

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Rodriguez received a letter from ICE on January 8 asking her to come to the Nashville field office for "processing and additional information," according to court documents. She and her lawyer collected paperwork and were ready for the appointment, Coxander said, but the city was shut down by an ice storm and the office closed.

She soon received a second letter, rescheduling the appointment for February 25, Coxander said.

Three days before the rescheduled meeting, Rodriguez's husband and another attorney visited the ICE office to see if the office could mail the immigration charging documents to Rodriguez's legal team rather than her appearing in person, the petition said.

The lawyer asked the ICE agent directly if she needed to be there on February 25, and the agent said they couldn't find Rodriguez in their computer system for appointments "and could find no sign of an appointment for her on February 25," according to the petition. The agent then said Rodriguez should come on March 17 instead, according to Coxander. The agency gave her another notice that had the March 17 date on it.

Dispute emerges over warrant shared by DHS

DHSposted Saturday on X a photo of what it saidwas a "warrant for arrest of alien" for Rodriguez, dated March 4, purporting to show an immigration officer determined there was probable cause she was removable from the United States.

However, Rodriguez's attorney disputed DHS's version of the document, saying the actual version the department submitted to the court is dated March 2, lacks an Alien Registration Number for Rodriguez, and the section of the warrant where officials are supposed to indicate the warrant was served is blank.

CNN has reviewed the version of the warrant Coxander said was submitted in court filings.

A spokesperson for DHS told CNN the lower section of an immigration arrest warrant is typically completed after an arrest, while the top portion reflects approval to make the arrest.

The document DHS posted on X appears to be different from what Coxander says is the actual document and indicates it was issued following a deferred inspection with ICE that occurred that day. Coxander argues the warrant posted on X could not have been the basis for Rodriguez's initial arrest.

The version of the warrant DHS posted on X appears to cite factors including an alleged "failure to establish admissibility subsequent to deferred inspection" and statements made by Rodriguez to immigration officers as the basis for probable cause she is removable from the United States — boxes that were not checked on the version of the warrant Coxander says was submitted to the court.

In their Friday court filing responding to the government's preliminary documents, Rodriguez's legal team notes that, along with the blank certificate of service on the warrant, ICE's own report of the arrest shows from the moment agents approached Rodriguez in the parking lot until she was taken to the Nashville holding room, she was never presented with a warrant.

This means, the court filing claims, Rodriguez was effectively arrested without a warrant. The documents suggest ICE agents seized her in the parking lot and transported her to the office, bypassing the formal process of serving a warrant.

This distinction is central to her lawyers' argument.

The X post from DHS appeared to come in response to criticism from Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, whowrote on XFriday that ICE had arrested the journalist "without a warrant" and called her detention part of "the Trump Admin's machine of cruelty that is attacking the free press and violating our rights."

"She's a tough person. Obviously, she's been through a lot and kept being a journalist despite everything that's happened, and despite, you know, obviously, the inherent risk of just being near ICE and while she's covering other arrests," Coxander said.

Medina said his wife "cares about her community, and she cares about her job, and she's really good at it," adding that her work in journalism is only "a piece of her life."

"She is a mother, she's a wife, she's someone that makes her friends feel close," he said.

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byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

A reporter in Nashville has been covering ICE arrests in her community. Then she was detained herself

Nashville journalist Estefany Rodriguez frequently reports on Immigration and Customs Enforcement action, becoming famil...

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12 songs from the ’80s that have aged really badly

Ah, the 1980s, a decade known for its catchy tunes, very large shoulder pads, and poorly-aged lyrics. It's one thing to put on your legwarmers and play music from that decade while you aerobicize, but have you read the lyrics to some of these songs?

12 songs from the '80s that have aged really badly

Just like any other decade, the 1980s produced its share of questionable content, and now that it's 40 years behind us, much of that content has only become more objectionable. Here's our list of songs from the 1980s that only seem like innocent fun if you ignore the lyrics.

Image Credit: s_bukley/depositphotos.

1. 'Turning Japanese' by The Vapors (1980)

When "Turning Japanese" came out in 1980, some people found it offensive because they believed the song was about touching one's private area. They were wrong – it's offensive for its depictions of Asian culture, right down to the use of fake Asian musical motifs that date back to 1930s Charlie Chan movies. And Charlie Chan was supposed to be Chinese, not Japanese.

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Image Credit: eBay.

2. 'Seventeen' by Winger (1988)

For some reason, male rock musicians over the last 60-plus years have uniformly decided to write songs about underage girls, specifically those who are seventeen. The glam metal band Winger got into the act with their biggest hit song, 1988's "Seventeen," which features the couplet, "She's only seventeen, Daddy says she's too young, but she's old enough for me." In 2008, Kip Winger said that when he wrote the song, he didn't know that seventeen was underage.

Image Credit: eBay.

3. 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady)' by Aerosmith (1987)

The Aerosmith song "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" had its genesis when singer Steven Tyler came up from behind an attractive blonde woman at a nightclub to possibly parlay it into a romantic encounter, only to find out that it was actually Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil. Desmond Child, who co-wrote the song with the band, said that the lyrics areaccepting of the trans community, thanks to the line, "Never judge a book by its cover, or who you're going to love by your lover." However, in this age of greater acceptance and empathy for the trans community, a lot of people will never even get past the song title.

Image Credit: eBay.

4. 'We Didn't Start the Fire' by Billy Joel (1989)

Lyrics don't have to be inappropriate to be offensive. Sometimes, they can offend due to repetition, self-righteous preachiness, and a stubborn refusal to take responsibility for the failures of one's own generation. This is the fate that befell the deeply annoying Billy Joel song, "We Didn't Start the Fire," which is pretty much alist of grievancesfiled on behalf of the Baby Boom generation that amounts to "The state of the world is not our fault, and we're not going to do anything about it either." OK, Boomer.

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5. 'Parents Just Don't Understand' by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (1988)

The Fresh Prince – better known today as Will Smith – spends the entirety of this song listing the many travails he must endure as a teenager with authoritarian parents who commit such unforgivable crimes as buying him the wrong sneakers. While that's annoying enough on its own, he also absconds with his parents' Porsche and picks up a girl with a ravenous carnal appetite, butshe turns out to be twelveyears old. He laments that he will likely be grounded for the crime, but maybe he can cheer himself up by slapping a stand-up comedian since that seems to have some therapeutic value for him.

Image Credit: eBay.

6. 'Girls' by Beastie Boys (1986)

This song was deeply problematic when it was released, and it's only aged more and more badly as the decades have ticked by. It's basically a list of household chores that the band members believe should be performed by members of the titular gender, and it's asmisogynisticas it sounds. How this group ended up being the darlings of woke hipsters is a mystery science has yet to solve.

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Image Credit: eBay.

7. 'Illegal Alien' by Genesis (1983)

Just like "Girls," this song was already problematic the day it was released, and it's been aging like expired mayonnaise ever since then. Some of the lyrics describe the trials and tribulations that undocumented workers must endure as they seek a path to citizenship, butPhil Collins singsthe entire song in a fake Mexican accent stolen from the Frito Bandito, which makes any of the song's redeeming values evaporate instantly.

Image Credit: eBay.

8. 'All in the Name of … ' by Mötley Crüe (1987)

In the 1980s, no one listened to hair metal for the lyrics, and those who did would have found some nastiness included therein. While Winger would extol the virtues of courting seventeen-year-olds, Mötley Crüe must have found girls that age to be already too old and shriveled for them, which may have led them to write the couplet,"She's only fifteen… you say illegal, I say legal's never been my scene."

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9. 'I Want Action' by Poison (1987)

To their fans, the music of Poison is goofy fun. To their detractors, the music is moronic garbage. Having said that, both sides can probably agree that "I Want Action" has significant ick factor, thanks in part to the lyrics, which depict nonconsensual relations as just boys being boys. The most offensive lyric is, "If I can't have her, I'll take her and make her," which ishard to seein any kind of positive light.

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10. 'Eat Me Alive' by Judas Priest (1984)

"Eat Me Alive" is not just your everyday offensive 80s metal song. Tipper Gore and theParents Music Resource Centersingled the song out as particularly objectionable, with Gore saying the song was about forcing someone at gunpoint to, you know… eat you alive, cough cough. While she was indeed correct that that's precisely what the song is about, the band insisted that it was all in good fun, and while it might offend some 40 years later, there has been way worse stuff released since then by countless bands.

Image Credit: eBay.

11. 'Let Me Put My Love Into You' by AC/DC (1980)

From the title of this song alone, it's clear that the members of AC/DC were not looking to brand themselves as allies of the feminist movement. Most of their songs were kind of similar to this one, as they were big, stupid songs about bawdy topics, but this one went the extra step of saying consent was not necessary, as typified by the lyrics,"Don't you struggle, don't you fight, don't you worry 'cause it's your turn tonight." They make it sound like the intended victim in the song has won something on "The Price Is Right."

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12. 'Into the Night' by Benny Mardones (1980)

Offensive lyrics from the 1980s weren't limited just to heavy metal bands. Even soft rock artists got into the act, including Benny Mardones, whose 1980 song"Into the Night"depicts the love of a man who's obsessed with a sixteen-year-old girl and wants to show her "a love like you've never seen." The song even mentions well-intended parties telling Mardones to "leave her alone," so unlike Kip Winger, he can't feign ignorance about the song's topic.

Image Credit: VitalikRadko/depositphotos.

Wrap up

Looking back at this list, a few things become clear. The 1980s were not a golden age of lyrical sensitivity, and we were apparently too busy doing the running man to notice what was actually being sung at us. Some of these songs are merely dated; others were indefensible the day they were recorded, and the charts rewarded them anyway. The musicians themselves often seem to understand this now. Kip Winger has been known tochange "seventeen" to "thirty-five"in concert, and Phil Collins almost certainly wishes Genesis had stopped at track two. The legwarmers were great. Some of the lyrics, not so much.

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byDonna Devi

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March 09, 2026

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Ah, the 1980s, a decade known for its catchy tunes, very large shoulder pads, and poorly-aged lyrics. It's one thing...

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Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock legend with an anti-war hit, dies at 84

"Country Joe" McDonald, who became aWoodstock festival legendand fronted the band Country Joe and the Fish, has died at age 84.

The singer, born Joseph Allen McDonald, died Saturday, March 7, in Berkeley, California, from complications fromParkinson's disease, according to astatement from the band posted to their official Facebook page.

The band was "saddened" to share the news of McDonald's death and adds that he was "surrounded by his family." No further details were provided.

His death was also announced by his wife, Kathy McDonald, according to a news release shared with USA TODAY on Sunday, March 8. No public memorial is planned at this time, per the release.

"McDonald was widely recognized as one of the defining voices of the 1960s counterculture movement," read anofficial obituaryshared by the band. "His music blended folk, rock and political commentary, capturing the spirit of a generation deeply affected by social upheaval, civil rights struggles and the Vietnam War."

McDonald performed at rock promoter Bill Graham's venue Fillmore East in New York City when it closed on June 27, 1971.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> McDonald photographed at the start of a European tour in November 1973.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The singer turned out for Woodstock's 40th anniversary show on Aug. 15. 2009, in Bethel, New York.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Celebrating the 40th aniversary at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> McDonald gets the crowd to chant and clap at the original Woodstock festival site on Aug. 15, 1999.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The musician, who was lead singer of the 1960s band Country Joe and the Fish, poses with his vanity license plate at home in Berkeley, California, on Dec. 9, 2014.

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Revisit Country Joe McDonald's career, starting with Woodstock

McDonald performed at rock promoter Bill Graham's venue Fillmore East in New York City when it closed on June 27, 1971.

McDonald served as the lead singer and co-founder of the 1960s psychedelic folk-rock group Country Joe and the Fish, and he wrote the group's most enduring songs, including the protest song against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, titled"I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag."

"Well, come on all of you big strong men / Uncle Sam needs your help again / Got himself in a terrible jam / Way down yonder in Vietnam," he sings in the satirical anti-war anthem. "Put down your books and pick up a gun / We're going to have a whole lot of fun."

That track became a battle cry and was immortalized, along with an infamous f-word cheer during his 1969 Woodstock performance.

Speaking toRolling Stone in 2019on the 50th anniversary of his career-defining performance at the festival, McDonald reflected on the cheer and how it also "gave me a lot of problems."

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"Of course, you couldn't play it on the radio, you know? So my most famous song couldn't be played on the radio. Some people lost their jobs for playing it on the radio, but it's great. It's a great moment," he told the outlet. "I'm happy and proud that I could represent the Vietnam War and Vietnam veterans in that moment. It was very powerful."

Of the performance, McDonald told Rolling Stone that he "never thought about the historic significance of it" but now does. "But I do believe that the Woodstock Festival, film and album changed everything in America. And the changes are still happening today, right? It's still a challenge between the mores and the tastes of the World War II generation and the Woodstock generation, that battle is still going on," he said.

McDonald was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in El Monte, California. After serving three years in the U.S. Navy as a teenager, he returned to California, where he immersed himself in the burgeoning Bay Area folk and protest music scene.

Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter behind tracks like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Oh! Carol," has died at 86, his representative Victoria Varela confirmed on Feb. 27.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the family said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The Brooklyn, New York, native grew up to become a beloved pop and rock musician with over 700 songwriting credits, including long-lasting, recognizable hits, such as "Laughter in the Rain" and "Calendar Girl."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Lizzie McGuire" actor Robert Carradine died Monday, Feb. 23, by suicide after living for two decades with bipolar disorder, his brother Keith Carradine confirmed to Deadline. He was 71. "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him," the family said in a statement.

Carradine starred as Bob Younger in "The Long Riders" alongside his actor brothers Keith and David, as Private Zab in "The Big Red One," and dorky underdog Lewis Skolnick in his breakout role, 1984's "Revenge of the Nerds," as well as its three sequels. Two decades later, he would go on to play Sam McGuire, dad to Hilary Duff in Disney Channel's "Lizzie McGuire."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" star Eric Dane died 10 months after he revealed his ALS diagnosis. He was 53.

Dane's representative, Melissa Bank, confirmed the news in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, Feb. 19. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," the statement read. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight."

Dane was best known for playing the charismatic and flirtatious Dr. Mark Sloan – aka "McSteamy" – on "Grey's Anatomy" from 2006 to 2012. He continued working in Hollywood after he went public with his diagnosis, playing a firefighter with ALS on NBC's "Brilliant Minds," and reprised his role of Cal Jacobs on HBO's "Euphoria" in the upcoming third season, due April 12, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tom Noonan, the character actor known for roles in "Heat," "Manhunter" and "The Monster Squad," has died at 74, according to a social media post from Fred Dekker, Noonan's "Monster Squad" director.

Noonan became accustomed to playing antagonists on camera after his breakout role in "Manhunter," which was based on Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon," the first of his Hannibal Lecter novels. Noonan also played the main villain, Cain, in 1990's "Robocop 2" and the Ripper in 1993's "Last Action Hero."

Off-screen, Noonan was also a playwright and director who adapted his stage production, "What Happened Was…," into a 1994 indie film costarring Karen Sillas, which received acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival that year.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Frederick Wiseman, the prolific documentary filmmaker behind the controversial 1967 film "Titicut Follies" and 2017's "Ex Libris," has died. He was 96.

The director "passed away peacefully at his home" in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the morning of Feb. 16, a representative for his film distribution company Zipporah Films confirmed to USA TODAY.

Wiseman was well into his 30s when he started his filmmaking career, which kicked off with his directorial debut "Titicut Follies" and continued into his 90s. Wiseman's most recent project was 2023's "Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Hollywood classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95.

Duvall died "peacefully" at home on Feb. 15 in Middleburg, Virginia, a representative for the actor confirmed. He was with his wife, Luciana Duvall.

During a seven-decade stage, TV and screen acting career, Duvall disappeared into a stunning range of strong-willed characters, leading to seven Oscar nominations and a best actor win for his role as a down-and-out country singer in 1983's "Tender Mercies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Drummer Timothy Very, who performed with the Atlanta indie rock band Manchester Orchestra since 2011, has died, his bandmates shared on social media Feb. 14.

"The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We've all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief," the band's post read.

"The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You'd be pressed to find a more joyful dad. We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died on Feb. 11 at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

"He met his final days with courage, faith and grace," read a post on the actor's official Instagram page. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Catherine O'Hara, the legendary actress known for "Home Alone," "Best in Show" and "Schitt's Creek," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71, O'Hara's manager confirmed to People magazine. A cause of death was not given.

A veteran in the entertainment industry, O'Hara has been one of the most lauded and respected actors of her generation, winner of two career Emmy awards, a Golden Globe and two Actor Awards (formerly Screen Actors Guild Awards). She was nominated for two Emmys at the 2025 ceremony. 

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Chuck Negron, founding member of "One" and "Til the World Ends" rockers Three Dog Night, has died. He was 83.

The singer died Feb. 2 at his home in Los Angeles' Studio City neighborhood from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complications, publicist Zach Farnum confirmed to USA TODAY.

Singers Danny Hutton and Cory Wells invited the New York City native to found Three Dog Night in 1967, going on to lead a successful run through the early '70s. Their 21 Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit singles include "Til the World Ends" and "Joy to the World." But the band is perhaps best known for their covers, popularizing Leo Sayer's "The Show Must Go On," Eric Burdon's "Mama Told Me," "Easy to Be Hard" from the musical "Hair" and Harry Nilsson's "One."

Negron embarked on a solo career, releasing the albums "Am I Still in Your Heart?," "Long Road Back" and the Christmas record "Joy to the World."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rafael Pineda, known to countless viewers as the familiar face of Univision 1, has died. He was 88.

Univision 41 announced the news with a story on its website, confirming Pineda died Jan. 25, in Florida.

Pineda anchored WXTV, or Univision 1, in New York for more than 40 years from 1972 to 2013, when he retired. When he left the network, he was the longest-serving news anchor in the New York market and a pioneering Spanish-language voice.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kim Vō, the celebrity hair colorist behind the blond tresses of stars such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Pamela Anderson and Goldie Hawn, has died.

Vō died following a seven-year battle with colorectal cancer that saw him "exceeding all medical expectations," his husband, Adeel Vo-Khan, wrote in a Jan. 24 social media post.

Aside from working with celebrity clients, Vō also appeared on shows like Bravo's "Shear Genius" and the 2022 Paramount+ show "Blowing LA," which featured his flagship salon in West Hollywood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Rob Hirst, the Australian rock drummer best known for cofounding the band Midnight Oil, has died at age 70 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Hirst's bandmates revealed on social media on Jan. 20. Hirst had been diagnosed in 2023.

The musician released 13 studio albums with Midnight Oil from 1978-2022, including 1987's platinum-selling "Diesel and Dust." He was also a member of the bands Ghostwriters and Backsliders.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Valentino Garavani, Italian fashion designer to the stars, died at 93.

A post shared Jan. 19 on Instagram by his foundation and his own @realmrvalentino account reads, "Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones." His cause of death was not given.

The founder of the eponymous brand Valentino retired from designing in 2008 after a storied career in fashion that included dressing notable figures, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone. He also introduced a signature shade of crimson, with a hit of orange, known as "Valentino Red."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Roger Allers, the Oscar-nominated animated filmmaker who co-directed Disney's 1994 blockbuster hit "The Lion King," died on Jan. 17, the company's CEO announced. He was 76.

Allers died following "a short illness," a Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and Animation Magazine. USA TODAY reached out to the studio and his family for additional information.

Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about Allers' death in a Jan. 18 social media post, calling the director a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."

Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues."

"For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69, representatives confirmed to USA TODAY.

Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Grammy-nominated country songwriter Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.

Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8.

"Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.

2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Passages 2026 – Neil Sedaka, Eric Dane, more stars we lost

Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter behind tracks like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Oh! Carol," has died at 86, his representative Victoria Varela confirmed on Feb. 27.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the family said in a statement to USA TODAY.The Brooklyn, New York, native grew up to become a beloved pop and rock musician with over 700 songwriting credits, including long-lasting, recognizable hits, such as "Laughter in the Rain" and "Calendar Girl."

In the mid-1960s, he co-founded Country Joe and the Fish with guitarist Barry Melton in Berkeley, and the band quickly became one of the most well-known acts in the San Francisco psychedelic rock movement. Their debut album, released in 1967, was the genre-defining "Electric Music for the Mind and Body."

"Throughout his career, McDonald used music as a platform for political and social commentary,"McDonald's official obituary reads. "Beyond the Vietnam War, his work also addressed environmental issues, civil rights and humanitarian causes. Even after Country Joe and the Fish disbanded in 1971, he continued to record and perform as a solo artist, producing albums and touring internationally for decades."

McDonald is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy; children Seven McDonald, Devin McDonald, Tara Taylor McDonald, Emily McDonald Primus and Ryan McDonald; and his grandchildren, Celia, Reuben, Kepler, and Marcus.

In his final interview with Rolling Stone in 2019, McDonald said the next chapter of his life was out of the spotlight. "I'm retired now," he said. "I did a series of performances [recently], and now I'm done. I'm finished. I'm completely retired.

"I've been dabbling with being retired for a couple years and now I'm just watching the grandkids, staying home and getting to know my neighbors."

The family requested donations be made in his memory toSwords to Ploughsharesor the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Country Joe McDonald dead – Woodstock legend dies at 84

byDonna Devi

in

March 09, 2026

Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock legend with an anti-war hit, dies at 84

"Country Joe" McDonald, who became aWoodstock festival legendand fronted the band Country Joe and the Fish, ha...

Read More