Killer Mike, New York, Blue Note Jazz Club, Michael Render, shows,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 21, 2024

Killer Mike Faces Backlash For Incentivizing Black Fathers In His Child Support System Plan

Killer Mike is under fire for his proposed plan to "strengthen" the Black community by requiring young Black fathers to enter trade school and incentivizing young parents who get married.

Killer Mike is under fire for his proposed plan to “strengthen” the Black community by requiring young Black fathers to enter trade school and incentivizing young parents to get married.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper recently hosted controversial presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his barbershop in Atlanta, where they engaged in open dialogue about how to support the Black community. Killer Mike, real name Michael Render, believes the issues start within broken homes, and if young Black fathers were able to spend the first two years of their child’s life going to school and avoiding child support, things would be a lot better.

The “Scientists and Engineers” rapper explained his two-year plan to Kennedy, which includes no debt for young Black men who impregnate women and a requirement to enter trade school along with stipends for those who choose to get married. Mike argues that incentivizing young couples who get married would “strengthen the Black community.”

“This is the two-year plan: first two years are debt-free,” Mike said in a clip shared online. “You don’t have to pay anything back so she doesn’t have to drag him into court and the court can say you owe us money for investing in your child in food programs and head start programs because in those two years he has the option to then go to a trade school.”

https://twitter.com/colorfullstory/status/1759923394802319472?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

“In my community, the girls are going to college and graduating. They have no men to marry because the boys are not going to college in the same way,” he added.

However, once the video made its rounds across social media, many started calling out Mike’s plan and questioning how it would help the Black community as a whole.

“So what if homeboy gets multiple girls pregnant?? He gonna end up with a PHD by the time he’s finished 😩😩😩😩,” one user asked.

“Lose me when he said “she doesn’t get to DRAG HIM into court.” So with his plan the first 2 yrs the mother will be soley responsible for all support of the child?” added someone else.

Other users began to use the clip to explain Mike’s past support of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp over Democrat Stacey Abrams, whom he beat two times in a row.

“Thank you to whoever resurfaced this dream killing speech from Michael Santiago Render AKA Killer Mike,” one user wrote. “It says so much more than most people know about who he is, what he believes, and why he supported Brian “King” Kemp over Stacey Abrams. I see him clearly.”

Killer Mike is the latest rapper to extend their support to Kennedy’s presidential campaign. He defended Ice Cube for posing for a photo with Kennedy last summer. The NWA rapper has expressed his support for Kennedy and his anti-vaxx stance.

Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel has also endorsed Kennedy and even appeared in a PSA for the independent presidential candidate. However, Killer Mike continues to face criticism for his relationship with Kemp.

He recently appeared on “The View” where he got into a heated debate with Sunny Hostin after she questioned his “support of Kemp.”

“He’s the governor of my state, I have to be involved with him, I can’t divorce myself,” Mike said. “But let me say this, if you criticize someone, don’t lie.”

He continued. “Don’t say I didn’t support [Stacey] Abrams because I did. Don’t say I don’t support Democrats because I’ve helped get three Democratic mayors elected, two state representatives elected, but if someone is in the king’s seat, I’m not going to not have dinner with the king on behalf of my people. I have to do that.”

However, social media disagrees with Mike’s claims and notes his campaigning on Kemp’s behalf.

RELATED CONTENT: Killer Mike Releases Statement After Arrest And Is Confident Of Being Exonerated

mayweather diddy, abuse, assault, allegations
by Rafael Pena

February 21, 2024

Floyd Mayweather Stays Neutral On Diddy’s Allegations: ‘Mistakes Happen’

Retired boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has chosen not to pass judgment on Diddy amid the Hip Hop mogul's sexual assault allegations.

Retired boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has chosen not to pass judgment on Diddy amid the hip-hop mogul’s sexual assault allegations. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast episode released on Feb. 20, hosted by former NFL stars Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark, Mayweather took a diplomatic stance.

“I’m not gonna speak bad about P. Diddy,” Mayweather stated. “‘Cause he still a Black man. Mistakes happen. And I can’t say if it is or not a mistake, but things happen in life. And P. Diddy’s business is P. Diddy’s business. It’s not my job or anybody else’s job to go on the internet and stomp him and kick a man while he’s down.”

The discussion unfolded when the hosts brought up the topic of Diddy’s legal troubles. Mayweather emphasized the importance of avoiding condemnation without full knowledge of the situation. He continued, “My take on it is: it’s not my business. I don’t think it’s right at all, and I don’t condone it. Even if that happened to my daughter, I would be hurt, but that’s a choice that my daughter made.”

Co-host Ryan Clark introduced another perspective, mentioning the potential impact on the accusers. “If those things happened to those women, not only is it not right, it’s also not their fault,” Clark emphasized, highlighting the significance of recognizing the victims’ experiences.

Diddy has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault since November of the previous year, with the accusers including his ex-girlfriend Cassie. While the initial lawsuit was settled, three other women have since come forward with claims against the Bad Boy Records founder. Diddy has consistently denied all allegations, labeling them as attempts to extort money.

As the legal battles unfold, Diddy continues to defend his innocence and maintain his reputation amidst a barrage of accusations.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Allegedly Forced Cassie To Get Breast Implants, Then Have Them Removed

Casinos Grossed Record-Setting $66.5B In 2023
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 21, 2024

Casinos Grossed Record-Setting $66.5B In 2023

The American Gaming Association announced that 2023 was the best year ever for casinos as they took in $66.5 billion.

Casinos in the U.S. earned a record-setting $66.5 billion. Which means gamblers lost big.

According to The American Gaming Association, 2023 was the best year for the industry. The total money won at casinos in 2022 was $60.5 billion. This year, it surpassed that total by 10%. It was the third straight year that the numbers have risen for the industry.

“From the traditional casino experience to online options, American adults’ demand for gaming is at an all-time high,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller in a written statement. “Sustaining our momentum will take unified industry efforts around combating pernicious illegal operators and growing responsible gambling efforts in tandem with the growth of the legal market—both of which the AGA is committed to lead on throughout 2024.”

The numbers for 2023 were highlighted by an all-time high quarterly revenue of $17.4 billion that was taken in the last quarter of the year. There was $6.2 billion in revenue in December alone, making it the highest-grossing month in industry history.

With online gaming becoming almost a quarter of the revenue at 24.7%, the commercial gaming industry is seeing dramatic growth.

More than half (12) of the top 20 commercial casino gaming markets reported revenue growth in 2023. The Las Vegas Strip, repeating as the top market in the U.S., comes out ahead of New Jersey, securing second place for another year. This year, Chicago came in third place, flipping positions with this year’s No. 4, the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. market. Rounding out the top five is the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Gaming’s success translates directly to the success of the states, cities, and towns in which we operate,” Miller said. “We are proud to be in 47 U.S. jurisdictions, acting as economic drivers, creating jobs, and providing the funding that makes critical public education programs, infrastructure projects, problem gambling resources, and more possible.”

States benefit from revenue brought by the gambling industry. Last year, commercial gaming operators paid approximately $14.4 billion in direct gaming revenue taxes, an increase of 9.7% from the previous year.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Wins $2.3M Betting On Super Bowl Game

high-rise, chicago, chicago’s south side
by Rafael Pena

February 21, 2024

$40M High-Rise Unveiled By Black Entrepreneurs On Chicago’s South Side

Five Black men including real estate guru Jemal King, are spearheading the development of a groundbreaking high-rise on Chicago's South Side.

In a remarkable tale of ambition and community upliftment, five Black men, including self-made millionaire Jemal King, are spearheading the development of a groundbreaking high-rise on Chicago’s South Side, according to ABC News. Known collectively as the “Model of Transformation,” the development group aims to create more than just a luxury building; they aspire to be catalysts for positive change in the community.

Jemal King, a Chicago-born real estate investor, transitioned from a career as a police officer to become a 9-to-5 millionaire through savvy real estate investments. Now, he and his partners, Mark Beaufort, Damen Stuart, Gerald Williams, and Johnny Mullins, are embarking on a $40 million project called “The Xchange” at 72nd Street and Exchange Avenue in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side.

Standing at an impressive 17 stories, the high-rise will boast 120 luxury units and feature four to eight commercial spaces, hosting some of the finest restaurants. King envisions the building as a symbol of growth and pride for the community, with a black and gold color scheme reflecting Black American culture.

“We’re gonna keep rent competitive to what’s already there in the area, you know, especially from the Hyde Park area, South Shore area. We’re not trying to rent gouge. We want this development to be for the community,” asserts King, emphasizing their commitment to community-centric development.

In addition to creating a visually striking and modern landmark, the Model of Transformation group intends to nurture the next generation. King and his partners are actively working to expose local children to programs focused on architecture, development, and entrepreneurship. Their goal is to inspire future leaders who can carry the torch of progress in the community.

“The one thing that I want a kid to know 100 years from now when they walk past is that this building was developed by five men who just believed that all things were possible,” King affirmed, highlighting the enduring impact they hope to leave.

The Xchange project is poised to break ground in the upcoming spring, with an anticipated completion date in late next year. As Chicago continues to evolve, this transformative endeavor led by a visionary team of Black entrepreneurs stands as a testament to the power of community-driven development and the realization of ambitious dreams.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Woman-Founded Mentoring Program In Chicago Receives A Major Investment

admissions policy, supreme court
by Rafael Pena

February 21, 2024

Supreme Court Opts Not To Challenge ‘Race-Neutral’ Admissions Policy At Virginia High School

The Supreme Court chose not to engage in a heated debate over race and education, opting against challenging an admissions policy.

In a decision on Feb. 20, the Supreme Court chose not to engage in the heated debate over race and education, opting against challenging an admissions policy designed to foster diversity at a Virginia high school, according to NBC News.

This move by the high court follows its earlier decision to cease considering race in college admissions, and it raises questions about the conservative-dominated court’s stance on admissions policies that, while not explicitly factoring in race, contribute to a more diverse student body.

The case in question pertained to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a public high school in Fairfax County, VA. The school implemented a new admissions policy in 2022, asserting its commitment to a “race-neutral” approach by not considering standardized test scores, and ensuring spots for top-performing students from various middle schools in the county.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene in this case leaves the fate of such admissions policies uncertain, particularly those that may lead to increased diversity without explicitly incorporating racial criteria.

However, two conservative justices, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, dissented from the majority decision. Alito expressed disagreement with the lower court’s ruling, stating, “We should wipe the decision off the books.” He argued that the appeals court’s conclusion implied that intentional racial discrimination is constitutionally acceptable as long as it is not deemed excessively severe.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, voiced his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s choice not to hear the case. In a post on social media platform X, Youngkin emphasized his belief in admissions based on merit and the nation’s founding principles of building a better future through hard work and determination.

The alterations to Thomas Jefferson High School’s admissions process resulted in a shift in the student demographic, with a decline in the number of Asian American students and an increase in Black and Latino students. The school’s leadership maintains that the changes align with constitutional principles and are in the best interests of their students.

As the debate over admissions policies and diversity in educational institutions continues, the Supreme Court’s recent decision reflects the ongoing tension surrounding these issues within the realm of legal scrutiny and constitutional interpretation.

RELATED CONTENT: US Colleges Game Out a Possible End to Race-Conscious Student Admissions

Uncle Nearest
by Stacy Jackson

February 21, 2024

Uncle Nearest Brand, Valued At $900M, Aims To Stay Black-Owned

Fawn Weaver, the founder of the company now valued at $900 million, intends for it to stay Black-owned and Black-led.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey—now valued at $900 million—is poised to reach unicorn status. Founder Fawn Weaver intends for it to stay Black-owned and Black-led.

The whiskey company, founded in 2016, has six investors—one, Craig Leipold, is a majority owner of the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild—whom Weaver intends to buy out, Fortune reported.

Weaver’s plans to buy would make the company a unicorn as one of a few Black-led, Black-owned companies that have not been sold to a white-owned company.

“When talking about Black-owned consumer companies, we [Black people] have never held them in our 400 years in this country. And every single time we have sold, we sell to a white-owned company,” Weaver said to the outlet.

“Every investor that comes in knows that the company has a very active secondary market,” Weaver added. Among the individual investors include Steve Mosko, CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, and Jesse Burwell, CFO of Liberty Strategic Capital.

The company’s funding was secured in an unconventional way. The Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey founder told Fortune she’s “never sent a pitch deck.”

“It’s always been an investor in my company sharing with people in their network that, ‘Yeah, it’s risky as hell, but I’m willing to take that risk.’ Then they convince their peers who express interest in investing.”

That won’t stop her from keeping the company from attaining unicorn status.

“I have first right of refusal on every investment in my company. And the only plan I have is to buy [all investors] out,” Weaver added, according to Fortune. Maybe it’s because the company’s origins trace back to Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling whiskey.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has a presence in over 30,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants across 12 countries, Fortune noted. Its 432-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, also attracted 200,000 visitors in 2023. It also acquired an estate in Cognac, France, encompassing “over 100 acres with Charente River frontage and a unique island,” according to Fortune.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Whiskey Company ‘Uncle Nearest’ Launches Cognac Brand

Interactive Timeline, 401(k)
by Stacy Jackson

February 21, 2024

Why Experts Say Cashing Out Your 401(k) Could Be A Costly Mistake

Financial experts advise that people plan for long-term financial security by exploring alternative options during the aftermath of a layoff.

Financial experts warn people who have been laid off from their jobs to avoid cashing out on their 401(k)—unless they want to suffer big money consequences come tax time.

Retirement expert Anne Lester told CNBC Make It that the “long-term consequences” of pulling from a 401(k) plan early, or before 59 years and six months old, can be “very painful.”

The author of the upcoming book, Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want, said withdrawing from a 401(k) before the retirement age could come with heavy tax consequences and starting over with retirement goals.

Lester explained the amount a person has in a 401(k) could be different from the actual amount they can withdraw.

“You may look at the number in your 401(k) and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have $100,000,’ but you don’t actually have $100,000. Depending on your tax bracket, you may only get half of that.”

Owing income tax on the withdrawn amount is one thing. But CNBC Make It reported a person could also face an extra 10% tax penalty, according to the IRS. All in all, taxes and penalties could reduce the amount of money a person can actually get from a 401(k) plan.

Sacrificing the growth of savings already acquired through compound interest is another consequence of withdrawing from a 401(k) too soon.

Ed Slott, publisher of IRAHelp.com, said, “The greatest money-making asset anyone can possess is time,” CNBC Make It noted. And taking out funds is basically the same as restarting a retirement savings journey. Rebuilding funds to their previous level could be tough.

All hope is not lost. Lester shared alternative options like emergency savings, another source of income, 0% interest credit cards, or unemployment benefits to help cover living expenses.

Although, Lester noted that a credit card should be a last resort because debt can become an issue due to high interest rates.

Applying for unemployment benefits should be done “as soon as possible,” Lester said, according to the outlet.

“This is not the time to feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t do that,” Lester said. “That’s embarrassing.’ There’s no shame in getting laid off or getting unemployment benefits.” Eligibility varies by state. Generally, a person might qualify if they were let go from a job through no fault of their own, CNBC Make It noted. The amount a person gets will be based on a percentage of their earnings over the past 52-week period and capped at their state’s maximum amount.

RELATED CONTENT: Are You Missing Out on the Roth 401(k)?

The Seattle Storm Signs Coveted Free Agents Skylar Diggins-Smith And Nneka Ogwumike
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 21, 2024

The Seattle Storm Signs Coveted Free Agents Skylar Diggins-Smith And Nneka Ogwumike

Skylar Diggins-Smith has reportedly signed a two-year contract for $422K, while Nneka Ogwumike signed a contract for one year for $208K

The Seattle Storm recently announced that six-time WNBA All-Star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith signed with the team. 

“Joining the Seattle Storm is the ideal next step in my basketball journey. The organization’s dedication to its players and the progression of the league is commendable,” said Diggins-Smith. “I’m laser-focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell, benefiting from the leadership of Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.” 

Diggins-Smith makes clear that being “around winners” was a determining factor in her decision, citing a desire to play alongside Jewell and Nneka Ogwumike, who left the Los Angeles Sparks to play in Seattle.

The two newly acquired Storm players credited ownership as a reason for them deciding to land in Seattle. Well, that, and the franchise has already won four championships.


The Seattle Times reported that Ogwumike spoke highly about the female majority-owned basketball team.

“If your ownership is investing that’s one thing, but if they are engaging that’s where you really see stuff happening,” Ogwumike said. “That’s when you really feel like the players are being taken care of. We can talk about all of these other resources, but the teams that have investment and engagement from ownership is the difference maker, and I really feel like Seattle is at the top of that.”

Diggins-Smith is joining her third team after playing for the Tulsa Shock/Dallas Wings in 2013, and previously suiting up for the Phoenix Mercury. She has reportedly signed a two-year contract for $422,685. Ogwumike, who left the Los Angeles Sparks after playing with the team for 12 years, signed a one-year contract for $208,209.

RELATED CONTENT: The WNBA And Voice In Sport Launch Groundbreaking Initiative To Empower Girls And Women In Sports

Black sports professionals
by Selena Hill

February 21, 2024

Diverse Representation Spotlights Black Sports Professionals During Super Bowl Weekend

Jaia Thomas, Esq., founder and CEO of Diverse Representation, highlighted the achievements of Black sports professionals and need for more diversity in the industry

A record-breaking 123.7 million people tuned into Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, watching the Kansas City Chiefs secure their second consecutive championship and R&B superstar Usher Raymond bring a taste of A-town to Sin City during his halftime performance.

Yet, beyond the big game, it’s the league of professionals working behind the scenes that keep the NFL and its players operating efficiently. Those representing athletes don’t get nearly as much recognition as the players on the field. Meanwhile, it’s often even harder for Black professionals to break into or get opportunities for advancement within the sports industry. That’s why sports and entertainment attorney Jaia Thomas, Esq. launched Diverse Representation, an organization dedicated to increasing the hiring and exposure of African Americans in sports and entertainment.  

Jaia Thomas Diverse Representation
Source: Jaia Thomas, Esq., the founder and CEO of Diverse Representation (Photo Courtesy of Diverse Representation)

“I was tired of seeing so many Black athletes and Black entertainers represented by white agents, white attorneys, white managers, and white publicists. I wanted to make sure that more of them were being represented by people who look like them,” said Thomas while in Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend. “The company started as just a directory of all the Black attorneys, agents, managers, and publicists in sports and entertainment. Since then, we’ve grown into different programming and events.”

Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, Thomas partnered with the Minorities in Sports Business Network to host the second annual “Toast to Black Sports Luncheon” on Feb. 8, honoring two of the five Black NFL team presidents: Jason Wright, president of the Washington Commanders, and Kevin Warren, president of the Chicago Bears.

“Usually during Super Bowl weekend, a lot of emphasis is placed on celebrating players and the people on the field. We just felt like there still wasn’t enough celebration of the people behind the scenes — the agents, the owners, the executives,” Thomas told BLACK ENTERPRISE at the luncheon. “There really wasn’t an event like this during Super Bowl weekend specifically for Black professionals in sports. So, we wanted to create a space to congregate, celebrate, [and] network with Black professionals in the industry.”

Held at Brezza, a refined Italian steakhouse on the Las Vegas Strip, the intimate ceremony included a select group of former NFL players, sports agents, and executives from Goldman Sachs, which sponsored the event.

“Jason is the very first Black president in the NFL. Kevin is the most recently hired president in the NFL, so they’re kind of bookends in terms of Black presidents in the NFL,” continued the Los Angeles-based lawyer. “They’ve both done amazing work within their tenure as presidents and we wanted to honor and celebrate them and encourage them to keep on going.”

Jason Wright
Source: Jason Wright, President of the Washington Commanders, and Kevin Warren, president of the Chicago Bears (Photo Courtesy of Diverse Representation)

While accepting his award, Wright reflected on Warren’s legacy as a mentor and trailblazing Black sports executive. Warren then shared a moving testimony about how he recovered from a debilitating car accident as a child and has since leaned on his faith for guidance, especially during challenging times in his career.

“They both gave amazing, fantastic inspiring speeches upon receiving their awards. They really lit up the room, and I think a lot of people left very inspired,” said Thomas.

In a statement, Shaina Wiel, the founder and CEO of the Minorities in Sports Business Network, said she was proud to curate an event “that not only celebrated Black sports executives, but also created a safe space for fellowship, community, and relationship building. It felt like a family reunion.”

Following the lunch, Warren told BE that the key to career elevation is faith and identity.

“We need to embrace our background, our heritage, but also just having a strong faith. I found it makes life more simple when you just follow the voice and the wisdom and the heeding of God,” he said.

Wright told BE that he’s optimistic about the NFL’s diversity efforts and acknowledged the accomplishments of all the three other Black team presidents: Sashi Brown of the Baltimore Ravens, Sandra Douglass Morgan of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Damani Leech of the Denver Broncos.

“Sandra led the league and ticket revenue. Kevin is making progress on a new stadium deal. Damani did a major renovation. The Ravens continue to outperform for their market. We led the league in all these revenue growth categories,” he said. “The belief in Black intellect to run businesses in terms of dollars and cents is growing, and more people will get opportunities in the future.”

Jemele Hill
Source: Sports Journalist Jemele Hill (Photo courtesy of WME)

In addition to the luncheon, Diverse Representation partnered with William Morris Endeavor, one of the largest sports and entertainment talent agencies in the world, to host a networking event for diverse agents, executives, and managers working in sports and entertainment. The lounge included an open bar, light bites, and a gifting suite featuring Black-owned products such as Tracee Ellis Ross’ PATTERN Beauty, Brandon Blackwood, WILL Perform by Serena Williams, and Harlem Candle Co. The event also featured an exclusive fireside chat with sports broadcast journalists and WME clients Jemele Hill and Cari Champion.

“There’s a lot of attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Hill during the discussion, noting the weaponization of critical race theory by right-wing conservatives. “What I have seen and witnessed is that those same companies that were pledging to listen to Black folks and to do better by Black folks just three, four years ago after the unfortunate murder of George Floyd have all gone running,” she continued. “This is the thing that people have to understand when it comes to supporting marginalized communities: it’s a tough fight.”

Diverse Representation
Source: Sports journalists Cari Champion and Jemele Hill (photo courtesy of WME)

At another point during the conversation, Champion praised Hill for her unwavering support throughout her career and the opportunities Hill gave her while they were working for ESPN.

“When I didn’t believe in myself and I didn’t think I mattered, she had my back,” said Champion. “When I didn’t think that my voice was important in sports and I didn’t think anybody cared about what I said, she invited me on her show to talk about my opinion. She helped me develop a voice. She already had the street credibility, she already had the acumen, and I was a new girl coming in.”

RELATED CONTENT: The WNBA And Voice In Sport Launch Groundbreaking Initiative To Empower Girls And Women In Sports

Vanessa Williams, The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestley
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 21, 2024

Vanessa Williams Lands Lead Role In Elton John’s ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Musical

Vanessa Williams is returning to her musical roots after landing the lead role in Elton John's upcoming "The Devil Wears Prada" musical.

Having landed the lead role in Elton John’s upcoming “The Devil Wears Prada” musical, Vanessa Williams is returning to her musical roots.

The multifaceted singer-actress has been selected to portray Miranda Priestly in the forthcoming West End stage musical by Elton John and Shaina Taub, Deadline reports. An official teaser trailer for the new musical revealed Williams’ addition as the authoritarian magazine chief.

“Don’t just sit there. Buy tickets. Or something,” Williams says to the camera.

It’s a dream come true for Williams, who has an extensive theater career, including her Tony-nominated role as the witch in the “Into the Woods” musical in 2002 and Jessie Mae Watts in “The Trip to Bountiful” in 2013. She also won a Billboard Music Award in 1993 for Adult Contemporary Single for her song “Love Is” and a Theater World Award in 1995 for her Broadway debut in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”

“Bringing Miranda Priestly to life in the West End is an absolute dream come true. Gird your loins, folks,” Williams says of her latest role.

No stranger to London’s West End, Williams made her debut in the 2019 revival of “City of Angels.” Her other musical credits include “Sondheim on Sondheim,” “After Midnight,” and most recently, 2022’s “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.”

“The Devil Wears Prada” will launch on October 24 at the Dominion Theatre in London. No additional casting has been announced.

The highly anticipated staging was created from Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel and the 2006 film starring Meryl Streep as Priestly. The “Prada” musical incorporates compositions by John, lyrics by Taub, and a script penned by Kate Wetherhead. Jerry Mitchell is director and choreographer of the production.

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