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The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has a history of controversy — ranging from the political to the entertainment world…and most recently to hate speech. In recent weeks, he released a slew of fatphobic and bullying comments and wore a "White Lives Matter" shirt at his fashion show in Paris — years after having apologized for calling 400 years of slavery in the US "a choice." After he told fellow rapper Diddy that "Jewish people" can't "threaten or influence" him, Instagram suspended Ye. And then Twitter locked Ye out of his account for saying he'd go "death con 3 on Jewish people."
DEFCON is a military reference, isn't it?
It is — specific to US forces. The wave of comments raised alarm among the Jewish community and human rights activists…and has emboldened white supremacy ideology. Despite a brief apology, Ye has since been doubling down with antisemitic comments on shows ranging from Tucker Carlson's to Chris Cuomo's. Many — including celebrities, business partners, and even ex-wife Kim Kardashian — have distanced themselves or cut ties. Some, like wide receiver and Donda Sports President Antonio Brown, have stood by Ye. Others have taken weeks to react. Case in point: Adidas.
What's the latest?
The company produces the rapper's reported $2 billion per year Yeezy line. For weeks, it said the partnership was "under review." But yesterday, that changed. Gap followed up hours later, saying it was removing Yeezy Gap products from its stores (after ending the partnership last month). According to Forbes, the decision by Adidas has cost the rapper his billionaire status. Now, many are grappling with Ye's statements amid a national rise in antisemitic attacks. It's also sparked a conversation around mental health — given that Ye has been open about his bipolar disorder diagnosis. But in those conversations, experts are quick to note that people with bipolar disorder are not predisposed to be antisemitic, racist, or fatphobic. And that hate speech is not excusable.
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In recent years, the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements have reinvigorated a push to hold celebrities and brands accountable. Now, after years of controversial and hateful statements, many have had enough.
Dirty bombs. Yesterday, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of planning to use a dirty bomb on its own territory. Aka a weapon containing explosives and radioactive material, like uranium. Russian officials say that a dirty bomb attack by Ukraine could then be pinned on the Kremlin. But provided no evidence. Ukraine and its Western allies like the US, UK, and France shut down the accusations calling them "transparently false." Instead, they argue the Kremlin may be planning a false flag operation, where it blames Kyiv for a dirty bomb attack as a "pretext for escalation." The UN's nuclear watchdog plans to send inspectors to two nuclear locations in Ukraine, per Kyiv's request. And Ukraine is asking Russia to be equally transparent. Meanwhile…
Brittney Griner: A court yesterday denied the WNBA star's appeal, upholding her nine-year prison sentence on drug charges. National security adviser Jake Sullivan slammed it as "another sham judicial proceeding" saying the US gov is still making "every effort" to bring her home.
Who people are remembering…
Ash Carter. This week, the former defense secretary died at the age of 68 after suffering a heart attack. The Rhodes scholar and theoretical physicist served in the Obama admin between 2015 and 2017, where he opened all combat jobs to women. And also ended a ban on transgender people serving in the military. Before that, Carter helped develop defense policies like spearheading the development and production of thousands of mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles, saving countless service members' lives. But critics have said he was out of touch with the military when it came to conflict in the Middle East. Former President Obama celebrated him as a leader who made the US and the world "safer through his lifetime of service." And former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said he will be remembered as a "visionary."
What's facing strong allegations…
The US bodybuilding world. Yesterday, a Washington Post investigation uncovered the widespread sexual exploitation female bodybuilders face. Hundreds of women compete for a chance to win recognition and thousands of dollars in competitions. Now, dozens are coming forward saying they were pressured for decades to pose for sexual photos taken by a relative of a key contest runner. That led to photos of more than 200 female athletes on soft-core pornography websites ranging from bikini shots to posing nude. Other competitors also say not giving in to judges', managers', and promoters' advances could make or break their careers. The allegations uncovered a systemic culture of abuse and intimidation in a sport largely run by men. One source says the women consented to the pictures. But one advocate says it's not consent when the request comes from someone who "holds power over you."
Who's skipping the icebreaker questions...
Rishi Sunak. Yesterday, he officially became PM. His first order of business: keeping Jeremy Hunt on as finance minister. And bringing back the home secretary who called it quits under former PM Liz Truss.
It may be October. But we're making our holiday lists and checking them twice as early this year. (We're excited okay?) And naturally turning to Old Navy. Because they've got seriously festive Jingle Jammies (aka PJs) everyone will wanna wear. We're talking:
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Makeup that turns up the sparkle. This viral TikTok brand just launched a limited edition shade of their fan-fave, Vitamin C-rich highlighter. With superpower ingredients like rosehip and papaya seed oil. And a glowy effect that'll turn heads. Psst…Skimm'rs get a veryyy special offer.*
2. Insurance that's personalized just for you. The State Farm® Personal Price Plan™ helps you cover what's important to you. At a price that actually works for you.† Just call or click here to get started. Let's get personal.*
4. A major sale that'll have you dropping everything. It's *insert drumroll* Way Day. Yep, Wayfair's big sale is back. And you can get up to 80% off furniture, rugs, appliances, and more. Plus free shipping. Btw, tomorrow's the last day. Run, don't walk.*
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On Our Radar
A big sale on super-handy vacuum storage bags. They'll help you store bulky items like towels, sheets, sweaters, and more. Grab 'em while they're hot.
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We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Surviving and thriving…Maria J (MN). She wrote a children's book about her own experience going to school with powering through the chronic illness of cystic fibrosis.
(Some) Birthdays…Jessica Trief (NY), Betelle Hailemariam (DC), Will Shain (MA), Bryan Lazarus (NY), Rebecca Karsenti (FL), Mia Bella Allegra (IL), Hillary Clinton (NY), Katie Rubak (IL), Tracy Winter (TX), Kiki Frane (MO), Jenny Eberhardt (PA), Alex Rossberg (IL), Katie Hughes (RI), Kathy Capeluto (FL), Christi Jenkins (AR), Leslie Bartula (IL), Bryan Simpson (FL), Mary Martin (NY), Jenna Rozenblat (GA)
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Some of you have a green thumb. Some of you kill cacti. And others fall somewhere in the spectrum. We gathered the best plants for beginners, products that'll help you care for your (green) babies, and more. So your plants don't feel jilted, wilted or anything in between. Dig into it.
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Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
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