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A controversial legal concept barred in many states allows for the jury to return next week for deliberations. Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ‘70s Shows,” has been on trial for three counts of forcible rape and the jury is currently deadlocked. According to the 1896 Supreme Court ruling in Allen v. United States, a court can instruct deadlocked jurors to re-examine their views, otherwise known as the “Allen Charge.” Other states, including Oregon, Alaska, and Pennsylvania, have barred the ruling’s use altogether. Law & Crime reported that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charmaine F. Olmedo cited the case last week when explaining her response to the hung jury. The foreperson of the jury sent in a note that essentially said the jury couldn’t make a unanimous decision. In some states, a deadlocked jury would lead to a mistrial. In California, though, judges can declare that a jury hasn’t deliberated long enough to declare themselves deadlocked. Masterson’s lawyer Phillip Cohen objected to the jury not returning until Monday. Olmedo says that trials often break for holidays and that five jurors had travel plans and other commitments. Revisions regarding the Allen Charge claim that its existing language injects “extraneous and improper considerations into the jury’s debates.” This included a clause that says dissenting jurors should reconsider their views. California’s revision got rid of that language, and Masterson’s jury weren’t told anything like it. The Allen Charge thrives in U.S. District Court and some judges wouldn’t read it to juries due to fears of coercing a verdict. The “That ‘70s Show” actor faces 45 years in prison if he’s convicted. Masterson’s membership in the Church of Scientology has been a huge part of the trial. Olmedo allowed it for five reasons: Why the alleged victims didn’t contact the police sooner Their fears of becoming a “suppressive person within Scientology The alleged harassment from the Church of Scientology towards the alleged victims Past and present ties to Scientology as it relates to their current state of mind The jurors previously asked to see a poster board shown in closing arguments as well as a police report regarding the first victim who testified, Jennifer B. Both pieces were not submitted to evidence, so Olmedo didn’t allow them to see either. They also requested transcripts of testimony about a phone call between Masterson and Jennifer B., but Olmedo wouldn’t allow that, either. Instead, Olmedo had them listen to the court reporter read back the testimony. Masterson’s trial has been quite full of onlookers, including journalists, Scientology lawyers and other representatives,  and former Scientology members. Interestingly, Masterson’s trial is held in the same building as Harvey Weinstein’s sexual misconduct trial.

JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank have been sued by a Jane Doe for profiting from the sexual of young girls and women by late financier Jeffry Epstein. According to Forbes, two lawsuits were filed against JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank on Thursday for their role in the sexual abuse of women by the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuits allege the financial institutions “benefitted and received things of value for assisting, supporting, facilitating, and otherwise providing the most critical service for the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking organization to successfully rape, sexually assault and coercively sex traffic Plaintiff Jane Doe 1…” This comes during a year-long window in New York for adult sex abuse victims to file cases that would have otherwise been past the statute of limitations. These lawsuits were brought by two different unnamed women who accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse. Both lawsuits describe the inner-workings of Epstein’s trafficking ring. For one, the lawsuits allege that Epstein did not work alone. Epstein was allegedly able to maintain his trafficking ring with the help of influential people who knew he was sexually trafficking and abusing young women and girls. These influential people helped facilitate Epstein’s “sexual trafficking operation.” Deutsche Bank allegedly played a role in the operation from around 2013 until 2018. The bank “knowingly participated” by enabling zepstein to pay off victims. The lawsuit alleges that Deutsche Bank made millions from helping Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking ring. JPMorgan declined to speak with Forbes, though Deutsche Bank told the publication that the allegation holds no merit and the bank will present its own case in court. Read both lawsuits below:

An update on the story surrounding the suspect in the shooting death of Migos rapper Takeoff. On Dec. 2, via a press conference, the Houston Police Department confirmed that they arrested Patrick Xavier Clark the previous night for the murder of Kirsnick Khari Ball, professionally known as Takeoff. Clark had been arrested a day after another man, Cameron Joshua, was charged with the unlawful carrying of a weapon in connection to the case. The news came a month after the rapper’s death. Last week, Clark went in front of a judge asking for his $2 million to be reduced to $300,000. Instead of the requested $300,000, Clark’s bond was lowered to $1 million. Judge Josh Hill believes Clark may be a flight risk and he requested a deep dive into Clark’s personal finances. Hill wonders why Clark couldn’t post bond as he was recorded on a jail phone call saying that the $2 million was doable. According to ABC13 Houston, witnesses took to the stand during court and had nothing but good things to say about Clark. It appears that Clark’s entire family was in court on Wednesday. Joseph Clark, the suspect’s father, said that he is willing to put up the family’s home as collateral if his son’s bond is lowered. The whole family will co-sign a bond issued from a bondsman if lowered. Mark Metze, a bail bondsman, said the family has taken care of it. According to Houston Public Media, Clark had obtained an expedited U.S. passport before his arrest at the beginning of December. He also had a plane ticket to Mexico and more than $1,000 in cash on hand. Once arrested and charged, Clark requested $5,000 to hire a private investigator to help prove his innocence. Complex reports that his family spent their money on an attorney who agreed to work at a reduced rate. Clark argued that he needed to hire someone to “properly investigate” and prepare for the trial. He claims that an investigator has agreed to work on his case for a reduced rate as well. The court ultimately granted him the money. Detectives on the case allege that Clark had a gun in one hand while holding a wine bottle in the other hand. They claim that Clark was seen on camera firing his weapon, which struck and killed Takeoff. Fingerprints on the wine bottle helped authorities identify Clark. Detectives say that Clark searched for information about the case online as well as his age and name in relation to the case. Clark’s attorney claims that he did not know he was a prime suspect in Takeoff’s death. The state asked for such a high bond due to Clark planning to flee the country and he was deemed a flight risk. Prosecutors believe he’s a danger to the community. A search warrant, released last week, cites video and forensic evidence that led to Clark’s arrest. Read full warrant below:

The latest in a string of assault incidents involving the "Neighbors Know My Name" singer. Trey Songz turned himself into the New York Police Department for allegedly assaulting two people at a bowling alley earlier this year. TMZ reports that Songz was given a desk appearance ticket for assault, and police released him shortly after. One of the alleged victims was a woman, who was hospitalized for her injuries following the assault. In the bathroom of the bowling alley, Songz allegedly punched the woman repeatedly and dragged her by her hair. Another man was allegedly punched in the eye by the singer, though he refused medical treatment. Mitch Schuster, Songz’s lawyer, denies the allegations and claims that the singer has been cooperative with law enforcement. “We have been proactively communicating with NY law enforcement, the DA, and those involved,” Schuster told TMZ. “While we will respectfully and proactively work through all the appropriate channels, we are confident that Trey will be cleared of any wrong doing.” Songz has been accused of assault before – both physical and sexual. Most of the allegations have been dismissed by the alleged victims or judges handling the cases. For one, a woman named Morgan Johnson accused the singer of exposing her breast at a party in 2013. In another incident, UNLV basketball player Dylan Gonzalez claimed that Songz raped her more than nine years ago. The Las Vegas Police Department dropped a case against the singer earlier this year, during which he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2021.

The case that has split the hip hop community has finally come an end. Tory Lanez has been found guilty on all three charges for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, faces a maximum sentence of 22 years and a deportation to Canada. According to Meghann Cuniff, Peterson's father had quite the reaction. He stood up and screamed: “This is a wicked system!” Peterson's father screamed at prosecutors, saying they were evil and “they know exactly what they did here.” Peterson's father and stepmother continued to make a scene as deputies forced them out of the courtroom. For one, Peterson's father screamed about Roc Nation and wicked injustice. Meghann Cuniff, Law & Crime’s senior reporter inside the courtroom, reports that a woman turned to the media and said: "Jay-Z is a bitch. Report that: Jay-Z is a bitch.” Cuniff notes that it was chaotic, even with Peterson's family in the hallway. People in the courtroom tried to leave, but deputies said the hallway wasn’t secure and to go back into the courtroom. Peterson's father could be heard screaming from the hallway. As the media went to the 12th floor, the only place they were allowed to record and take photos, Peterson's family went outside on the opposite side of the courthouse. Cuniff captured a photo of the family with Peterson's lawyers in a parking lot. They’ve made it clear they didn’t want to speak with the media at the time. During the various outbursts, Lanez was put into handcuffs and led out of the courtroom. Earlier in the week, Pete’s former stylist EJ King, real name Eric Culbertson, took the stand to testify about that night. Culbertson claims that he, Pete, and former assistant Kelsey Harris never carried handguns to protect themselves when security wasn’t present. Culbertson testified that during a party at Kylie Jenner’s home, Jenner’s stepfather Corey Gamble tried to get everyone to leave. Lanez arrived at the party around eight or nine in the evening. The celebrity stylist urged Pete to leave the party, but she didn’t want to leave without Lanez. Culbertson explained that Pete was past the “faded point” at that moment. Regarding the shooting, Sean Kelly, the man who called the police, testified about what he saw. He claims that saw Peterslm shoot about four or five times. Kelly alleges that he saw a woman who sat where Harris was in the car, get out to fight the woman in the front seat. During that alleged scuffle, he says he saw a flash and he believes it originated from one of the women. The verdict comes after two years of speculation amongst the hip hop community and social media users alike.

Amongst the explosive reactions, an appeal may be on its way, though the sentencing is still on the horizon. Tory Lanez’s legal team will explore all their options after the Canadian rapper was found guilty on all charges relating to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. On Friday, a Los Angeles  jury found Tory Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. Attorney George Mgdesyan said in a statement obtained by Rolling Stone reporter an Andy Dillon: “We are shocked by the verdict. There was not sufficient evidence to convict Mr. Peterson. We believe this case was proven without a doubt. We will be exploring all options including an appeal.” Peterson has professed his innocence and pled not guilty to all charges. The trial started December 12 and ended on Friday with his guilty conviction. Following his conviction, Peterson’s family had an explosive reaction. Peterson’s father was seen giving a passionate speech directed at Roc Nation, specifically Jay-Z. The rant against Roc Nation continued as Peterson’s father and stepmother continued to their car. During this TMZ video, Peterson's stepmother ranted about both Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Peterson’s father mentioned that the prosecution never produced the fingerprints found on the gun. He also questioned the whereabouts of the bullets that allegedly went missing. ”And they never produced the prints! No fingerprints, not one,” Peterson’s yelled from the side of his car. "Tell me: how did the bullets disappear in the LAPD office?" Another social media user captured Peterson’s younger sister also yelling about Roc Nation ruining her brother’s reputation. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Peterson’s sentencing has been scheduled for January 27, 2023. He faces the maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months.

What happened to the YouTuber? What caused her to go dark? Black Tea Blog, a popular YouTube channel started by a woman named Ebony Mcennis, deactivated her Twitter and Instagram, following recent controversies. One of the controversies related to one of the blog’s tweets about the Tory Lanez trial. “I’m interested to see how people defend Megan if Tory Lanez is found innocent,” the tweet read. The tweet was featured in a thread that called out social media blogs for lying about the trial or insinuating that Megan TheeStallion was a liar. Black Tea Blog has allegedly been known to spread questionable information about the trial. Many social media users called out the blog for the alleged spread of misinformation. It’s hard to determine what Mcennis reported as she wiped her Instagram and Twitter clean. All of her tweets and Instagram posts have been deleted, which presumably happened during the time she deactivated her social media. Another controversy surrounded the blog’s profile picture on Twitter. It featured  a Black woman from the chest up with her eyes blurred out with a black color. Interestingly enough, someone noticed that the photo was of a model named Chance. The model spoke out about the situation on Twitter, explaining that the heavily edited photo made her feel insecure. “The person [in] the profile picture is actually me. She edited my lips, eyebrows and even my skin color,” the model wrote. “All these changes make me feel insecure about myself right now & she's using it without me and the photographer’s consent. I don’t know what to do so she stops using me..” Social media users in the replies of her tweet gave suggestions on how to deal with the situation as well as show support and sympathy to the model. One explained that the photographer typically has ownership of the photos they take, and the photographer should file a copyright infringement claim. Others suggested she should flat out sue Mcennis, especially since the blogger was allegedly  harassing others. After said controversies, Black Tea Blog came back quite differently. Not only has the Youtuber archived her posts on both Twitter and Instagram, she has changed her profile picture. Also, she has become private on Instagram with only one post at the moment. Her Twitter features one pinned tweet, looking to hire a writer for $540 dollar per week.

The "Foreva" rapper got a victory in court regarding the cover of her mixtape. Cardi B has been wrapped in a court battle surrounding the photo featured on the cover of her mixtape, Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 1. A California jury found her not liable for using Kevin Brophy’s tattoo as part of her mixtape’s cover. The cover features the rapper receiving fellatio from a man while she drinks a bottle of liquor. The man in the photo has a back tattoo on full display. Brophy alleges that his own back tattoo was photoshopped onto the man’s back. He sued Cardi B for $5 million in 2017 for the alleged misappropriation of his likeness. The court found the rapper not liable in its October 2022 verdict, but Brophy requested for the verdict to be thrown out. U.S. Court Judge Cormac J. Carney says the request came too late and it lacked merit. “…the jury could have reasonably concluded that the back tattoo on the model on the mixtape cover at issue in this suit was not sufficiently identifiable with Brophy to constitute misappropriation of his likeness or depiction in a false light,” Carney explained. “Because the model’s face is not visible, identification based on facial appearance is impossible.” Judge Carney further explained that Brophy’s tattoo “played a minor role in what was a larger visual commentary on sexual politics.” He notes Cardi’s testimony where she states the purpose of the mixtape was to show her in control while also reversing traditional gender roles. “It is hard to see how the cover’s economic value derived at all from Brophy’s tattoo,” Carney noted. “Despite any contrary evidence that Brophy presented, the jury was within reason to find that the use of the tattoo was transformative.” The decision marks the end of a five-year court battle, during which Cardi endured other legal battles. The Bronx rapper once went to court in 2019 to sue YouTuber Tasha K, real name Latasha Kebe, for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury in that case sided with Cardi and ordered the YouTuber to pay $3.8 million. Cardi also pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to an August 2018 incident at a Queens strip club. Two bartenders say that the “Bodak Yellow” rapper ordered her friends to attack them using bottles and a hookah. Regarding her music, Cardi signed with new management earlier this year. Billboard also reported that a new album is on the way in 2023.

The long awaited "Baddies East" Auditions will happen this coming weekend. The details surrounding the highly anticipated "Baddies East" Auditions have officially been released. The auditions will take place in McLean, Virginia at the Hilton McLean Tysons Center. Zeus Network emphasizes that it’s a closed audition and anyone who’s not registered for the event will not be allowed on the premises. Those who are registered will gather at the hotel on Friday, May 12. Auditionees will go through two separate rounds of the auditions. In the first round, they will meet a panel of pre-screen judges, which consists of five “Baddies West” cast members — Rollie, Lo London, Scotty, Cat, and Biggie. If the contestants make it past the pre-screen part of the audition, they will head to the main stage. There, they will face three judges: Tokyo Toni, Blac Chyna’s mother, “Bad Girls Club” star Natalie Nunn, and rapper Rubi Rose. Janeisha John, Zeus Network’s resident host, will host these auditions. She will be joined by celebrity guests Blac Chyna, real name Angela White, and “Baddies West” star Chrisean Rock. The date for the premiere of the “Baddies East” audition special has not been confirmed. As the auditions happen on Friday, the “Baddies West” reunion will premiere the same weekend on Sunday, May 14.

The couple married in an intimate ceremony in May 2021. Ariana Grande and her soon-to-be ex-husband Dalton Gomez split after more than two years together. A source confirmed to PEOPLE that the couple separated earlier this year and they’ve been working on their friendship since. Another source told TMZ that the couple have been separated since January. According to TMZ, the couple tried to reconcile but those efforts fell short. As Grande stays in London to film the screen adaptation of “Wicked,” she spent a day at Wimbledon where she was seen at the tennis tournament without her ring. This isn’t the first time she was seen without her ring. In August, she posted a makeup tutorial to TikTok and people noticed her ring less finger. “I’m just not wearing my wedding ring, it’s getting cleaned. I’m not getting divorce before you start, don’t,” Grande explained at the time. The couple wed in an intimate ceremony, surrounded by less than 20 people. They began dating in January 2020 and announced their engagement 11 months later. They kept their relationship out of the spotlight for the most part.

Ken Barbie’s tweet started an all out war with himself and the City Girl, somehow roping in Lil Uzi Vert’s alleged side chick. Ken Barbie, real name Ken Davis, began a war of words with JT, one half of the City Girls, when he sent out a disparaging tweet about JT and Ice Spice. The tweet brought a delayed response from JT, real name Jatavia Johnson, devolving into a back-and-forth between the celebrity blogger and rapper that featured various screenshots and videos. Some of the screenshots featured conversations about Lil Uzi Vert, real name Symere Woods, and his alleged entanglements. “Somebody better tell JT Ice Spice already brought her ‘princess’ collar,” Ken Barbie’s original tweet read. His tweet features a screenshot of JT’s tweet that reads “the princess vs the peasants,” accompanied by a photo of Ice Spice wearing a “princess” necklace. JT responds by accusing him of using terms that insinuate that Black women are dogs. This leads to JT telling the blogger to “pull up” as she was currently in New York. Ken Barbie takes a jab about JT’s latest song allegedly sitting at the bottom of the charts. The blogger called out the rapper’s hypocrisy as she allegedly tweeted how she likes dark skin girls, but not the ones that are “too crispy.” Davis continuously alleged that JT wasn’t as tough as she was presenting. For one, he tweeted an audio clip featuring Rah Ali, a socialite known for her time on “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” Ali was heard explaining the negative energy surrounding Johnson. She alleges that she spoke with someone from Miami and that person says that Johnson isn’t as tough as she portrays. “I talked to a b–h from Miami. [Johnson] is a punk,” Ali said in the recording. “She said, ‘Sis, with all the mouth, another one of those ‘loudest b–hes in the room’ is the softest one. Ain’t gon’ fight, never seen that b–h scratch a h–e.’” Throughout the back-and-forth, Wood’s alleged entanglements were mentioned. Davis alleges that Johnson knew about the supposed flings, though Johnson didn’t see how this was relevant to the topic at hand. At this point, one of Wood’s alleged side chicks, Saudiah B., chimes into the drama. The woman pens a short note about her alleged relationship with the “Just Wanna Rock” rapper in 2020 — or lack thereof. “You constantly run with this side bitch narrative which you know isn't true, you've dm'd me, stalked me down in malls, etc.,” the note partially read. Johnson responds to Saudinah’s tweet via a Twitter Voice note, saying that she hasn’t spoken to Saudiah in three years. She notes that she told Davis to not bring up any of Woods’ alleged entanglements. The two trade insults for some time, though, it ends with Johnson getting the last word. “Last tweet: I’m trolling [because] she really came at me for no reason [about] something from three years ago. And now, y’all acting like I started it with Ms. Alibaba,” Johnson tweeted.

Revenge, rich kids, and high school social politics? A recipe that Netflix mastered well in “Do Revenge.” Starring Maya Hawke and Camila Mendes, “Do Revenge” navigates the world of Rosehill Country High School through the lenses of Drea Torres and newcomer Eleanor. The Netflix film beautifully traverses the world of rich, well-connected high school students and the accompanying social politics. As viewers watch the inner-workings of high school cliques, they see a revenge plot unravel. “Do Revenge” does amazing with the “socialite becomes social outcast and wants revenge on those who knocked them down” trope. Drea Torres, played by Camila Mendes, starts the film as the it girl of Rosehill. Her clique features her three friends, Meghan Perez (played by Paris Berelc), Tara (played Alisha Boe) and Montana Ruiz (played by Maia Reficco) as well as her boyfriend Max (played by Austin Abrams) and his friend Elliot (played by Jonathan Daviss). The fall from grace happened quickly for Drea as an intimate video she sent to Max was leaked for public consumption. She faced punishment after punching Max in the face as he was the school’s golden boy. At this point, viewers see the once popular girl deal with being the social pariah of the setting she once ruled. During the summer, Drea works at a tennis camp where she meets Eleanor (played by Maya Hawke), a girl who’s transferring to Rosehill for senior year. The two become close after Eleanor gives Drea a ride home. They connected over their shared experience of public humiliation: a horrible rumor was started about Eleanor, not only outing her as q1ueer, but displaying her in a predatory light. Viewers are privy to the duo’s relationship, which blossoms in the most organic way. For one, when senior year officially begins, they come up with their plan for revenge. In the style of “Mean Girls,” Eleanor will infiltrate the popular group and destroy Max from the inside, while Drea does the same for Carissa (played by Ava Capri), the girl who supposedly started the rumor about Eleanor. Another beautiful moment of their friendship happens during the makeover scene, during which they discuss the details of the revenge and they give Eleanor a makeover. “You are now, and forevermore, the coolest, most mysterious student at Rosehill Country Day. I’m Frankenstein, and your Frankenstein’s bad b–h,” Drea said once the makeover was complete, one of the many funny quips from the character. The duo’s conflicting energies complemented each other well throughout the film. Drea’s fierieness and knack for punchy one liners was beautifully balanced with Eleanor’s cool and laid back persona. This was apparent not only during the makeover scene, but when they first came up with the revenge plot in the school’s bathroom. When asked if she wanted revenge against Carissa, Eleanor calmly said she wanted to “burn her to the ground.” “That gave me chills. Do you see this? My arm hair’s up,” Drea said. “You’re giving off some serious, like, Glenn Close in ‘Fatal Attraction’ energy.” “Glennergy,” Eleanor said in a calm and shy tone. The duo’s dynamic is enticing and inviting, a dynamic that the audience will enjoy, which makes the plot twist the more surprising and heartbreaking. Eleanor’s cool, calm and collected turns cold and calculated as it’s revealed that she played the long game. The scenery and color grading of the film takes a dark turn when the twist is revealed. The bright pastel colors turn dark when the former friends speak in Drea’s home after the actual revenge plot was revealed. In that moment, Eleanor’s cold nature is full frontal as she explains the last piece of her revenge puzzle. Another moment of dark scenery occurs when the duo arrive at the senior class’ “Admissions Party,” a raunchy celebration of seniors getting admitted to college. During this party, the dark and gritty energy is palpable as everything comes to a head. The revenge plot thickens as the former friends, now foes, continue toward Eleanor’s goal and Drea’s demise. Through the darkness of the admissions party, supported by the bonfire they stood next to, the friends-to-foes essentially managed to get through  the fire to become friends again. Life brightens up and the pastels make their return as the world becomes right. The duo receives their happy ending, letting go of the trauma of their past. Netflix’s “Do Revenge” does revenge well by handling the world of high school social politics differently than before. Even though we’ve seen the various tropes associated with high school cliques and revenge done before, “Do Revenge” does it in a charming way, a way that stands out from what was done before.