Monday 27 June 2016
BREAKING: Court Orders Removal of Gov.
A Federal High court has ordered Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state to vacate his seat with immediate effect.
Ikpeazu was ordered to vacate his office over the account of fake tax returns prior to the December 2014 governorship election in Abia state
The court orders INEC to immediately issue a certificate of return to Uche Ogah, who polled the second highest number of votes in the PDP primary
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state for allegedly submitting false information to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, ahead of the party’s governorship primary in December 2014.
In his judgement on Monday, June 27, Justice Okon Abang ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately issue a certificate of return to the plaintiff, Uche Ogah, who polled the second highest number of votes in the primary, The Punch reports. Sahara Reporters is reporting that Justice Okon Abang asked the INEC to cease the certificate of return issued to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as he was never qualified to run for the party primaries in the PDP as a guber candidate.
According to the report, the judge also ordered the Chief Judge of the state to swear in, Uche Ogah, his opponent in the Decmeber 2014 gubernatorial election in state as the substantive governor of Abia state.
It was gathered that Ikpeazu was ordered to vacate his office over the account of fake tax returns during the PDP primaries. Justice Abang says Ikpeazu was never qualified to run in the primaries.
Ikpeazu’s problem started after the Nigerian Supreme Court ordered the Federal High Court to retry the case challenging the fraudulent payment of taxes of Governor Ikpeazu before the April 11 governorship election in the state.
It was gathered that some of his opponents in the PDP had approached the Federal High court over the eligibility of Governor Ikpeazu to contest in the primary election conducted for governorship aspirants of the party in the state during the last election in 2015.
Ikpeazu’s opponents had alleged that he was ineligible to contest as he did not pay his taxes of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 as at when due.
According to the group, the taxes he (Ikpeazu) allegedly paid for the three years were paid on the same day. The plaintiff faulted the authenticity of Ikpeazu’s tax clearance certificate and the information contained in his INEC “Form CF100″.
However, in his reaction, Ikpeazu challenged the competence of the Federal High Court Abuja to hear the case but the court overruled his objection. The Court of Appeal however sided him and ruled that the case ought to have been filed at the Abia state High Court.
Determined to get justice, Ikpeazu’s opponents went ahead to seek redress at the Supreme Court following the Court of Appeal ruling and in a judgment handed down on Friday, January 22, by five Supreme Court justices led by Justice Mohammed Muntaka-Coomassie, the court faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal and affirmed the competence of the Federal High Court Abuja to try the case.
The justices ordered the Federal High Court in Abuja to begin a fresh hearing of a suit challenging the qualification of Ikpeazu, adding that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to ensure that the case is heard.
Following the Supreme Court order, the Federal High Court in Abuja re-opened the case against Ikpeazu after which, the governor was ordered to immediately vacate his office.
NTA
$15b arms deals: Report indicts ex-military chiefs
Some former military chiefs are likely to be invited over some suspicious arms contracts, The Nationlearnt yesterday.
They are among those indicted by the Presidential Committee on the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces, a source said.
The committee is ready with its report on arms deals in the Army.
The panel, headed by Air Vice Marshal JON Ode, is expected to submit its report this week to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The audit report on procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector covers 2007 to 2015.
Some former Chiefs of Army Staff may be asked to respond to some issues in the report.
Ahead of the submission of the report, the chairman of the panel on Friday met with the President on some recommendations and the detention of one of its members, Air Commodore Mohammed Umar(retd.)
Umar is said to be central to the breakthrough recorded by the panel on some high-profile fraud.
The Air Commodore was arrested on June 19 by the Department of State Service (DSS). About $1,030,000 was reportedly found at his residence in Maitama District, Abuja.
The DSS has been working on clues that Umar might have taken “advantage of his membership of the Arms Panel” to extort suspects.
But Umar insisted that the money was payment to his company, Easy Jet Integrated Service Limited, for cargo flights to Houston and Hong Kong.
He said the payment on 12 May 2016 was for: Cargo flight (Ilyusin II-76 cargo plane from Nairobi-Houston) at $520,000 and drop-off from Nairobi-Hong Kong at $510,000.
The DSS is, however, still probing Air Commodore Umar.
A source told our correspondent that the Ode Panel was ready with what he described as an “explosive” report.
The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: “Certainly, heads will roll as it was the case when a similar outcome was presented to the Presidency on the Nigerian Air Force.”
The source said the panel’s chairman met with the President in company of the National Security Adviser(NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd).
“I think the panel had issues with the DSS over the arrest of Air Commodore Umar who is said to be central to the bursting of high-profile arms scandals. He was worried that Umar’s detention had to do with plans by some forces planning to destroy the panel.
“He made known his intention and that of other panel members to abandon the work over what they termed the unfair treatment of Air Commodore Umar,” the source said, adding:
“You know these people have presented their report on Air Force on the basis of which Badeh and other Air Force chiefs are now on trial. They were preparing to submit this week that of the Army, which has indicted many people.
“The detention of Umar was seen by the panel as part of a sinister ploy to get at the committee and rubbish all that we have done. And the Air Commodore, being a key member of the committee, knows too much and has a lot of documents that aided our work. That is why some are jittery.”
“Umar was instrumental to the early success of the committee as he used his personal money to hire foreign experts on forensics and arms procurement to help the committee in unearthing alleged frauds committed over the years.”
Apart from the chairman of the panel, some senior government officials and other individuals close to the President are said to have been angered by what they called “shabby and disgraceful treatment meted out to Umar for no just cause and allegations that cannot be proven”.
A delegation of five governors led by Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was said to have met President Buhari on Thursday to complain about the travails of the retired military officer and the implications of what they called “the power game” on the government.
Some of the items recovered by the DSS from the residence of the Air Commodore on June 19, 2016 are 13 vehicles; various denominations of both foreign and local currencies; one bag containing documents; one Black Star Express bag containing documents; a laptop; a document containing details of disbursements made by the Armed Forces and security agencies, Volume 1-3; document on contract for Niger Armec EE Niger; document on Nigerian Air Force Holding Company(NAFHC) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria; two files of Nigerian Air Force Properties Limited documents; and one file of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Also listed are two Pump Action guns.
The DSS has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja on Air Commodore Umar to ensure that his detention is in line with the law.
Umar is undergoing investigation for alleged illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.
The FIR reads in part: “Illegal possession of firearms and money laundering contrary to Section 27(1) (b) (i) of the Firearms Act Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 15(1) (d) (e) of the Money Laundering Act Cap. M18 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“Enquiries by the State Security Service revealed that Air Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd) has in his possession two Pump Action guns with Serial Numbers 09/1573 and 397 without a valid licence and large sums of money in local and foreign currencies suggestive of the fact that he received the said monies in contravention of the Money Laundering Act.”
A document sighted by our correspondent revealed that the FCT police on March 10, 2000 granted Mohammed the gun licence in line with The Firearms Act of 1958.
The gun is described as SBSG, 12 Calibre or Bore, made by Magnum with No. 397. The ammunition is cartridge with 100 rounds.
The licence reads: “Licence is hereby granted Air Commodore Mohammed Umar of House No. 4 Lundi Close, off Missisipi Road, Maitama, Abuja to possess and bear the firearm described in the Schedule hereunder. The licence is issued subject to the following terms: Hunting and Gaming. The licence is valid until 31st December, 2010.”
The licence was for a period of 10 years; it was not immediately clear why Umar did not renew it.
He ran into trouble with the DSS for not renewing the said licence.
A source gave an insight into the investigation of Air Commodore Umar by the DSS.
He said: “Air Commodore Umar was a known face in Aso Rock from the time of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua up to the twilight of Jonathan administration.
“A very close ally of Isa Yuguda during the inglorious days of the Cabal operating in the Presidency in the absence of an incapacitated late President Umaru Yar’Adua, under the Buhari administration, he has struck a blossoming partnership with a top security chief.
“There is also pressure on investigators to question him as to how he got the money to float Easy Jet as an Air Commodore?
“An equally important question is why keeping government documentary evidence in personal abode?”
The source spoke of “a cabal fraternising with close aides of the President while also going around to drop the President’s name for favour-seekers.
“The activities of the cabal are gradually becoming an embarrassment to the anti-corruption campaign of the Buhari-led administration.”
The cabal is said to have turned the home of a member of the arms probe panel into a “trial-before-trial” meeting place.
“It will be recalled that former Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu retuned N2.3b to the Federal Government. The EFCC also seized houses belonging to Mr. Amosu worth over N500m, in addition to $140,000 USD in cash with an additional N381m seized from Mr. Amosu’s wife.
“The cabal’s tentacles are growing by the day and might be bigger than what was experienced under any administration in Nigeria.
“The latest onslaught was unleashed on the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari who has been considered a threat to the cabal’s operations. He has been targeted and silenced with a view to successfully isolating the Presidency. Kyari has been side-lined.
But there were rumours last night over plans to save Umar.
A security source said: “Insiders also squealed that an independent team of investigators would be raised to establish the veracity of all allegations against Mohammed Umar.
“This proposed move is to forestall a scandal of unimaginable proportions which could threaten the success of Buhari’s anti-corruption war.”
A source close to Umar debunked all the allegations and described them as baseless.
He said: “These allegations are like wild goose chase. One, how can a person with unblemished military career like Air Cmdr Umar and who is close to the President be accused of terrorism financing? Which terrorists? And because that cannot fly they changed the music.
“The two pump action guns they picked from his house were registered when he procured them in the year 2000. The licence is there. And how can you say someone who has business interests all over the world cannot be found in possession of foreign currencies?
“Air Commodore Umar travels widely. He is a friend of several heads of governments across the world and his two companies, Easy Jet and African Energy, have business interests the world over. And the cars that they found there are vehicles that he bought over the years; some 10 some, some eight, some five years.”
The Nation
Messi Trends Globally as Argentine Captain Quits Int'l Football
 |
| Heartbroken Argentine captain Messi wipes a tear |
A crestfallen Messi confirmed his decision to quit after yet another agonizing near-miss with Argentina, who have now lost three major tournament finals in a row since 2014. “It’s a hard moment for me and the team, and it’s difficult to say, but its over with the Argentina team,” said Messi, who was also on the losing side in the final of the 2007 Copa America. “I’ve done all I can, I’ve been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion,” the 29-year-old five-time world footballer of the year added.
Messi had earlier been left distraught after missing Argentina’s opening penalty in the shoot-out at MetLife Stadium after the two teams had finished extra-time deadlocked at 0-0. Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero had got the shoot-out off to a dream start by saving Chile’s opening spot-kick but Messi then surrendered the initiative by blazing wildly over the bar. A further miss by Lucas Biglia put Chile in the box seat and they duly held their nerve to win 4-2.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino had given no inkling of Messi’s decision in a post-match press conference but sympathized with his captain. – ‘Too painful’ – “He feels the way any football player must feel when he gets to a final and then loses,” Martino said. “Certainly to lose again is too painful to act any differently.” It was a carbon copy of last year’s Copa America final, also won by Chile on penalties after a goalless draw. “The final result is all that counts and the final result is Chile winning by penalties so there’s not much to analyze,” Martino said. “We lost the game and we left empty-handed.” Jubilant Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi meanwhile said he hoped his side would continue to improve after clinching back-to-back Copa America crowns. “We’re going to enjoy this,” said Pizzi, an Argentine. “I hope the team will continue growing and evolving. This group of players has been really pushing the ceiling of its abilities — let’s hope we continue to keep pushing ourselves to achieve more.”
As well as sending Messi into retirement, the defeat ensured Argentina’s 23-year wait for a major title continued. The final had gone to penalties after finishing level at 0-0 after 120 minutes.
Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the first half as Brazilian referee Heber Lopes struggled to get a grip on an ill-tempered contest played in front of a crowd of 82,026. The first yellow card of the match came in the 16th minute when Marcelo Diaz brought down Messi with a cynical hack across the thighs as the Barcelona star advanced on the Chilean goal. Argentina should have taken the lead on 21 minutes when a defensive blunder from Gary Medel, wrongly controlling a back pass, allowed Gonzalo Higuain to go clean through on goal. – Chile let-off – Higuain had time and space but opted to lift his shot over the advancing Claudio Bravo and it rolled wide of the post in a huge let-off for Chile.
It was a nightmarish case of deja vu for Higuain, who missed potentially match winning chances in both the 2014 World Cup final and last year’s Copa America. Seven minutes later Chile were left rocking when Messi burst forward only to be bodychecked blatantly by Diaz, who collected a second yellow to see red. It ought to have been a warning to both sides but the spiteful tone continued for the remainder of the half, with Javier Mascherano and Arturo Vidal next into the book in the 37th minute. The next flare-up came on 40 minutes when Messi darted into the box at high speed and tumbled over following a collision with Jose Pedro Fuenzalida. Chile’s players surrounded Lopes demanding a yellow card for a dive and Messi was duly booked. – Rojo red – Two minutes from half-time and Lopes was reaching for a red card, this time sending off Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo for a reckless tackle on Vidal. The cards continued in a fractious start to the second half, Jean Beausejour booked for hacking at Gabriel Mercado.
A cynical foul on Messi by Charles Aranguiz resulted in another yellow card. Chile striker Eduardo Vargas went close on the 80th minute, thumping a fierce low shot that Romero did well to block at his near post. Sergio Aguero had a chance to steal victory in the 84th minute when he was worked into space on the right of the box but he blazed his shot high and wide.
Vanguard
Happening Now: Nigerian Senate President, Deputy Arrive in Court over Forgery Case
 |
| Saraki (left) and Ekweremadu |
Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu are in court to face trial on alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery of the Senate Standing Rules, 2015.
The two Senate leaders are being arraigned along with a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa and his deputy, Mr Benedict Efeturi.
All four accused persons are seated in court.
The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, trying to organise the court, asked supporters to vacate their seats so that lawyers could seat.
Justice Halilu also asked journalists and lawyers to leave the court.
He said names of persons that would be allowed in would be called.
Lawmakers supporting the Senate President are also locked outside the court.
In the affidavit filed on June 10, the Investigative Police Officer (IPO), swore that the investigation into the case had been concluded.
The affidavit read: “The charges filed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, by the Federal Government, against the senators reads that you, Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu, on or about, the 9th of June, 2015, at the National Assembly complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired amongst yourselves to forge the Senate Standing Order, 2011 (as amended) and you thereby committed the offence of conspiracy, punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Penal Code Law”.
It also accused them of allegedly forging the Order, causing it to be believed as the genuine Standing Order, 2015 and circulated same for use during the inauguration of the 8th Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senator Saraki has maintained that he knows nothing about how the rules adopted in the inauguration of the Eighth Senate on June 9, 2015 was formulated.
He said the on-going efforts to drag him into a case of forgery before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, was just another phase in the orchestrated persecution he has faced since he emerged as Senate President a little over a year ago.
Saraki, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that he was not a part of the leadership of the 7th Senate that made the rules in question and prior to his unanimous election as Senate President on June 9, 2015, he was merely a Senator-elect like all his colleagues and therefore was not in a position to influence the rules that were to be used in the conduct of the election.
Channels
Housemaid rips out heart,limb of baby girl Warning: Graphic images
These are the gory pictures an apparently concerned individual sent to Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin recently.
It highlights the horrific scene where the heart of a baby gorls is ripped out by a housemaid!
Hashtagged #caution, we all do need to be extremely careful and observant of the kind of domestic employees we employ nowadays.
Sunday 26 June 2016
Singer Fergie poses topless ahead of album release
It's been nearly ten years since Fergie released her debut solo album, The Dutchess.
Following her personal life achievements of marriage and motherhood, the member of The Black Eyed Peas is set to return with a followup album, Double Dutchess.
In the past several weeks, the 41-year-old crooner has teased her upcoming album on Instagram, with a video for what appears to be the song, Hungry.
Scroll down for video
'This just leaked....aaahhhh!!!': On Saturday, Fergie appeared topless in a shot posted on her Instagram page
On Saturday, Fergie appeared without a top in a shot posted on her Instagram page
'This just leaked....aaahhhh!!! Oh well, here it is,' wrote the star, followed by heart emojis.
Second release: Earlier in the week, Fergie shared a visual snippet of her new song, Hungry, on Instagram
Her new artwork follows a second video clip release from her song, Hungry.
Earlier in the week, Fergie shared a visual snippet on Instagram of the track.
The first clip was shared over a month ago.
Big drop: The first clip was shared over a month ago
Despite not having released an EP or an album since 2006's The Dutchess. Fergie did share the song, L.A. Love (La La) in 2014.
It is not known when her follow up solo album is expected to be released, but it appears to be headed for a summer debut.
On Sunday, Fergie is scheduled to take the stage at the Dance on the Pier event for the NYC Pride festival.
First solo album: Despite not having released an EP or an album since 2006's The Dutchess
Meet Sofiane Boufal, the Chelsea & Arsenal target drawing comparisons with Eden Hazard
 |
| Boufal |
image: http://www.squawka.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/boufal-u23.jpg
Ligue 1 has become something of a hotbed for talent in recent years with the likes of Eden Hazard, Dimitri Payet and N’Golo Kante all being unearthed from France’s top tier.
The trio, like many others from across the Channel, have lit up the Premier League while proving good value for money.
However this summer English teams have already lost out on teenage sensation Ousmane Dembele, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Stade Rennais, and it seems as if the Premier League’s elite are going to be facing a fight to lure Lille star Sofiane Boufal to these shores too.
As reported by the Guardian, both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in securing the winger’s signature this summer but face competition from La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The aforementioned article states that Lille are resigned to losing Boufal, who is valued at €25 million (£19.6m), during the summer transfer window so what should Premier League fans expect if the Morocco international joins the long list of players to swap France for England?
What is his background?
Boufal, who was born in Paris as one of 11 siblings, developed his trade in the Angers youth system after failing to make the cut at a bigger club.
Having made his senior debut for the team in Ligue 2 in 2012, Boufal was the subject of a €4 million bid from Lille halfway through the 2014/15 campaign – which resulted in Angers’ winning promotion to France’s top flight.
Boufal settled instantly at Lille that season, making 14 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring three times and registering six assists
How has he done this season?
Boufal has really built on his first year at Lille and this season the 22-year-old was one of the revelations of the campaign. Lille’s opening half of the season was dire but Boufal remained the bright spark, regularly serving up moments of inspiration.
When Frederic Antoinetti was appointed in November to replace Herve Renard, there were some concerns due to his penchant for solid football rather than an expansive style. However, he seemed to give Boufal a new lease of life, trying him in different positions and granting him more freedom.
Boufal finished the season with 11 goals and four assists, with all but four goals coming after Antoinetti was appointed. His crowning performance came away at GFC Ajaccio in April when he scored an impressive hat-trick as he tormented the opposition throughout.
What are his best attributes?
The trait that stands out most prominently about Boufal is his close control of the ball. He benefits from a low centre of gravity and, like the best dribblers in the world, the ball seems to be stuck to his feet at times. He won 124 take-ons this season and only five players in Europe’s top five leagues won more.
He’s also shown an impressive consistency in front of goal, although at times he can be a little bit selfish. This stems from the fact that he regularly has to do everything at Lille, though this is unlikely to occur at a better side where he could focus on his creative output.
Boufal’s versatility will also appeal to any potential suitors, as he can play on either flank or in the No.10 role. Due to his style of play and his performances at Lille, many have even compared him to Chelsea star Hazard.
Squawker
Squawker
Ese's abduction: Report indicts AIG, others
The police have submitted the report of their investigation into the abduction of Ese to the Police Service Commission with the report recommending sanctions for the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Shuaibu Gambo and other officers, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.
It was gathered that the sanction for Gambo was informed by the shoddy investigation into the abduction of the teenager and her forceful conversion to Islam.
Ese was abducted in 2015 and taken to Kano by Yunusa Dahiru who converted her to Islam and also impregnated her. Yunusa is facing criminal prosecution in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while the teenager had since given birth to a baby girl.
It was learnt that the AIG had faced the Force Disciplinary Committee for not taking the necessary steps to rescue the abducted teenager when the case was reported to his office.
Checks indicated that the FDC, which comprises all the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary, had sent its report to the Inspector-General of Police who forwarded the file to the Police Service Commission for further action.
Gambo allegedly did not give the case deserving attention as the case was allowed to drag on for about six months until SUNDAY PUNCH championed the rescue of the teenager in March, 2016.
Sources told our correspondent on Satuday in Abuja that the disciplinary committee indicted Gambo and some officers and recommended them to the PSC for appropriate disciplinary action.
A source said, “AIG Gambo has been referred to the Police Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action over the poor handling of Ese’s case. He and some officers had faced a disciplinary committee as directed by the immediate past IG, Solomon Arase.’’
However, the Commissioner in charge of media, PSC, Comfort Obi, said Gambo’s case had yet to come before the commission’s disciplinary committee, explaining that disciplinary cases involving senior officers passed through several stages and processes before they are decided.
She said, “The PSC has departments and committees handling different things. The department will work on the file and send to the disciplinary committee. If it (Gambo’s case) has come to the Police Service Commission, perhaps, it is going through the processes.’’
Copyright PUNCH
Saturday 25 June 2016
Kanye West debuts naked topless photos of Taylor Swift in controversial "Famous" music video
SOURCE: TIDAL/TWITTER
06/24/2016 AT 09:00 PM EDT
Kanye West has pushed the boundaries of music video visuals, completely.
The rapper debuted the NSFW music video for "Famous," the first single off his latest album, The Life of Pablo, on Friday night at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The presentation, which sold out in 20 minutes on Ticketmaster, also streamed live on Tidal.
Inspired by Vincent Desiderio's 2008 "Sleep" painting, West literally strips down 12 of the biggest pop culture figures. The video opens with a snippet ofTaylor Swift with background audio from the MTV Video Music Awards.
Then, naked sculptures resembling Swift, George W. Bush, Anna Wintour,Donald Trump, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye, Kim Kardashian West, Ray J,Amber Rose, Caitlyn Jenner and Bill Cosby all lay naked in repose, and are lumped together on a significantly large bed with a singular bed sheet covering them.
During the video, the camera pans on each individual's face as body tattoos and differing hairstyles make each celebrity identifiable. Rihanna, who lends her vocals for the chorus, can be recognized by her Egyptian goddess Isis tattoo while Rose, who is West's ex, can be recognized by her bleached buzzed head.
And at the end, a panorama-style visual shows all 12 celebrities in one shot followed by ending credits that name each figure in order from left to right, starting with Bush and ending with Cosby. "Special thanks for being famous," the clip closes.
"I wanna thank Eli first of all who was in the project every day … I don't wanna give away how it all happened," West addressed the audience. "I wanna thank all my family, my wife, and y'all supporting ideas and truth. I got one question though. Would you like me to play that back?"
About the NSFW "Famous" clip, which took three months to perfect, West told Vanity Fair, "It's not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It's a comment on fame." He explained to the publication that the nudity is not meant to be erotic. "We were very careful with shots that had [something] sexual to take them out," he said.
In the same interview, West also stated that Kardashian West gave the music video her stamp of approval. "[I say] a lot of lines other wives would not allow a husband to say. But my wife also puts up photos that other husbands wouldn't let them put up," he said. "One of the keys to happiness in our marriage is we're allowed to be ourselves. Our life is walking performance art."
Dressed in a white "Famous" shirt, white jeans and color coordinated Yeezy sneakers, West, 39, joined the audience over 45 minutes before the scheduled 7 pm premiere taking photos with fans and hanging out with famous pals. The start time was delayed by 40 minutes due to ticket holders being stuck in L.A. traffic.
Joining the star were his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Rick Rubin,Scott Disick, French Montana, Desiigner, The Game, 2 Chainz and Post Malone.
Kylie Jenner and Tyga were seated next to the rest of the family, and appeared to be back together as they held hands throughout the event.
North and Saint's mom dressed in a beige slip dress with a fur shawl. She accessorized with her $10,000 "Saint" choker.
"Famous" is the infamous song that refueled West's feud with Swift, 26. The father of two raps, "For all my Southside n----s who will know me best / I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why, I made that bitch famous / God damn / I made that bitch famous."
Though Swift claims she didn't approve the verses mentioning her, Kardashian West, 35, recently came to the defense of her husband in an interview saying: "She totally approved that. She totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn't. I swear, my husband gets so much s--- for things [when] he really was doing proper protocol and even called to get it approved."
A spokesperson for Swift released the following statement about the Wests: "Taylor does not hold anything against Kim Kardashian as she recognizes the pressure Kim must be under and that she is only repeating what she has been told by Kanye West. However, that does not change the fact that much of what Kim is saying is incorrect. Kanye West and Taylor only spoke once on the phone while she was on vacation with her family in January of 2016 and they have never spoken since. Taylor has never denied that conversation took place. It was on that phone call that Kanye West also asked her to release the song on her Twitter account, which she declined to do."
The grandeur of the L.A. event mirrored West's previous Madison Square Garden gathering where he released his seventh studio album and Yeezy Season 3 fashion show in February.
Earlier this month, West announced dates for his Saint Pablo tour, which kicks off Aug. 25 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He has four shows (Oct. 25, Oct. 26, Oct. 27 and Nov. 1) scheduled at the Forum.
People
The rapper debuted the NSFW music video for "Famous," the first single off his latest album, The Life of Pablo, on Friday night at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The presentation, which sold out in 20 minutes on Ticketmaster, also streamed live on Tidal.
Inspired by Vincent Desiderio's 2008 "Sleep" painting, West literally strips down 12 of the biggest pop culture figures. The video opens with a snippet ofTaylor Swift with background audio from the MTV Video Music Awards.
Then, naked sculptures resembling Swift, George W. Bush, Anna Wintour,Donald Trump, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye, Kim Kardashian West, Ray J,Amber Rose, Caitlyn Jenner and Bill Cosby all lay naked in repose, and are lumped together on a significantly large bed with a singular bed sheet covering them.
SOURCE: KIM KARDASHIAN / SNAPCHAT
And at the end, a panorama-style visual shows all 12 celebrities in one shot followed by ending credits that name each figure in order from left to right, starting with Bush and ending with Cosby. "Special thanks for being famous," the clip closes.
"I wanna thank Eli first of all who was in the project every day … I don't wanna give away how it all happened," West addressed the audience. "I wanna thank all my family, my wife, and y'all supporting ideas and truth. I got one question though. Would you like me to play that back?"
About the NSFW "Famous" clip, which took three months to perfect, West told Vanity Fair, "It's not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It's a comment on fame." He explained to the publication that the nudity is not meant to be erotic. "We were very careful with shots that had [something] sexual to take them out," he said.
In the same interview, West also stated that Kardashian West gave the music video her stamp of approval. "[I say] a lot of lines other wives would not allow a husband to say. But my wife also puts up photos that other husbands wouldn't let them put up," he said. "One of the keys to happiness in our marriage is we're allowed to be ourselves. Our life is walking performance art."
Dressed in a white "Famous" shirt, white jeans and color coordinated Yeezy sneakers, West, 39, joined the audience over 45 minutes before the scheduled 7 pm premiere taking photos with fans and hanging out with famous pals. The start time was delayed by 40 minutes due to ticket holders being stuck in L.A. traffic.
VINCE FLORES / STARTRAKS
Kylie Jenner and Tyga were seated next to the rest of the family, and appeared to be back together as they held hands throughout the event.
North and Saint's mom dressed in a beige slip dress with a fur shawl. She accessorized with her $10,000 "Saint" choker.
"Famous" is the infamous song that refueled West's feud with Swift, 26. The father of two raps, "For all my Southside n----s who will know me best / I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why, I made that bitch famous / God damn / I made that bitch famous."
Though Swift claims she didn't approve the verses mentioning her, Kardashian West, 35, recently came to the defense of her husband in an interview saying: "She totally approved that. She totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn't. I swear, my husband gets so much s--- for things [when] he really was doing proper protocol and even called to get it approved."
A spokesperson for Swift released the following statement about the Wests: "Taylor does not hold anything against Kim Kardashian as she recognizes the pressure Kim must be under and that she is only repeating what she has been told by Kanye West. However, that does not change the fact that much of what Kim is saying is incorrect. Kanye West and Taylor only spoke once on the phone while she was on vacation with her family in January of 2016 and they have never spoken since. Taylor has never denied that conversation took place. It was on that phone call that Kanye West also asked her to release the song on her Twitter account, which she declined to do."
The grandeur of the L.A. event mirrored West's previous Madison Square Garden gathering where he released his seventh studio album and Yeezy Season 3 fashion show in February.
Earlier this month, West announced dates for his Saint Pablo tour, which kicks off Aug. 25 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He has four shows (Oct. 25, Oct. 26, Oct. 27 and Nov. 1) scheduled at the Forum.
People
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)