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The Kardashian-Jenners Just Addressed So Many of Their Controversies in a Huge 'New York Times' Profile


Sunday night marks the premiere of the 16th season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians—which, frankly, is wild. Since the show first debuted in the fall of 2007, the Kardashians and Jenners have become basically ubiquitous in pop culture, and along with the fame and the money, there also comes controversy. A lot of it.

Ahead of the upcoming season, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and their momager Kris Jenner talked with the New York Times about the business side of the family—and in the process ended up speaking out (on the record!) about the numerous headline-making dramas that have affected the family over the past year.

Let’s break it all down by controversy.

The Khloé-Tristan-Jordyn Drama

ICYMI, Woods is Kylie Jenner’s (maybe-former?) best friend whom NBA player Tristan Thompson, a.k.a. the father of Khloé’s daughter True, reportedly kissed. Yeah, it’s a lot. (You can catch up on the saga here.)

In the wake of the news, fans noticed that one Lip Kit Kylie created with Woods had its price slashed online, which was interpreted as a shady move by Kylie. Not true, says the cosmetics mogul: The product was actually on sale as part of a packaging change, and it had happened weeks before the gossip story broke. “That is just not my character. I would never do something like that and when I saw it, I was like, thrown back,” Kylie told the Times. “Jordyn knows I didn’t actually put it on sale.”

Being a “Self-Made” Billionaire

The Internet got very worked up when Forbes declared Kylie the youngest self-made billionaire, given the privilege into which she was born even before she launched her wildly successful cosmetics company.

Despite the controversy, Kylie hasn’t commented much about the honor until now. “I can’t say I’ve done it by myself,” she says. “If they’re just talking finances, technically, yes, I don’t have any inherited money. But I have had a lot of help and a huge platform.”

Fyre Fest

Supermodel Kendall Jenner was one of influencers hired to promote the disastrous Fyre Fest music festival in the Bahamas that spawned not one, but two, documentaries. She says she wasn’t involved in the event itself, but she did learn from the experience.

“You get reached out to by people to, whether it be to promote or help or whatever, and you never know how these things are going to turn out, sometimes it’s a risk,” she said. “I definitely do as much research as I can, but sometimes there isn’t much research you can do because it’s a starting brand, and you kind of have to have faith in it and hope it will work out the way people say it will.”

Critiques of Their Sponsorship Choices

The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil has become one of the family’s most vocal critics—frequently calling out the images they put forth on social media and the brands, like Flat Tummy Tea, that they choose to partner with. Jamil recently commented on Khloé’s Instagram: “If you’re too irresponsible to: a) own up to the fact that you have a personal trainer, nutritionist, probable chef, and a surgeon to achieve your aesthetic, rather than this laxative product…And b) tell them the side effects of this NON-FDA approved product, that most doctors are saying [isn’t] healthy. Side effects such as: Possible Flat Tummy Tea side effects are cramping, stomach pains, diarrhea and dehydration… Then I guess I have to. It’s incredibly awful that this industry bullied you until you became this fixated on your appearance. That’s the media’s fault. But now please don’t put that back into the world, and hurt other girls, the way you have been hurt.



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1,600 Men Show Their Support for Christine Blasey Ford in Full-Page 'New York Times' Ad


On Thursday Christine Blasey Ford will testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the allegations that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982. Women around the country have taken to social media over the past week to voice their support of Ford, even staging the National #BelieveSurvivors Walkout on Monday.

Now it’s time for the men to step up.

Today’s New York Times features a full-page ad with the headline, “We believe Anita Hill. We also believe Christine Blasey Ford,” plastered along the top. The ad echoes one placed in the paper back in 1991 when 1,600 African American women in support of Anita Hill—the law professor who testified during the Clarence Thomas nomination hearings—banded together to buy the ad, “African American Women in Defense of Ourselves.”

The ad was crowdfunded in an initiative started last Friday by Meena Harris, founder of the Phenomenal Women Action Campaign, and Alicia Garza, cofounder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network. Their goal was to raise $100,000. Currently, their fund-raising page notes that over $134,000 has been donated. (The page notes that excess funds will go to Futures Without Violence, a group dedicated to ending violence against women, children, and families around the world.)

“I had been very inspired by the story of the 1,600 black women who came together in 1991 to take out a full-page ad in The New York Times,” Harris (who also happens to be the niece of California Senator Kamala Harris) told Mic.

“We’ve asked men to step up [and sign], so it’s not only the burden of women to do this,” she continued.

The full text of the ad references its inspiration, as well:

Twenty-seven years ago, on November 17, 1991, 1,600 black women joined together and placed a full-page ad in The New York Times to support Professor Anita Hill when she faced backlash for accusing Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. They called it, ‘African American Women in Defense of Ourselves.’ Today we follow in the footsteps of those courageous women.

We are 1,600 men who now stand behind both Professor Anita Hill, as well as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, because we believe them. As men who are allies in the fight to end violence and harassment against women and girls, we write to express our strong support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford for her willingness to speak out publicly and testify before the Senate about the sexual assault that she says was perpetrated against her by Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh.

We believe survivors, and we call on all men of good will to stand with us to ensure that Dr. Blasey Ford’s story is carefully and fully examined without bias or prejudice. It is imperative that the politics of this moment not discolor the facts. Justice demands that both Dr. Blasey Ford and her story be treated fairly, impartially, and with respect.

Too frequently, survivors of sexual assault are forced to suffer in silence. Those that choose to speak out often face backlash, skepticism, and ridicule. As we’ve seen once again the last few weeks, that kind of virulent backlash is most acutely on display whenever those accused of misdeeds are powerful men. If appointed to the Supreme Court, few men would be more powerful than Judge Kavanaugh.

We are a group of men with varying political and legal views. But we each believe women should no longer have to carry these burdens alone.

For decades, a culture of misogyny has allowed men to act with impunity and without consequence. We demand an end to that culture, and we pledge to do our part in dismantling it. That’s why we are speaking out today in favor of a just process, and for the rights of women like Dr. Blasey Ford to be heard fully, fairly, and with respect.

In the words of Anita Hill, ‘There is no way to redo 1991, but there are ways to do better.'”

Male allies are also sharing the ad and its message across their social media platforms.

Ford and Kavanaugh are both slated to testify on Thursday. For the latest on the Kavanaugh nomination, click here.

MORE: A Third Woman Comes Forward with Allegations About Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh





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Vice Media Under Fire for Rampant Sexual Misconduct Allegations, the 'New York Times' Reports


Several months after allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein began a wave of change regarding how sexual harassment allegations are handled at work, Vice Media has become the subject of a new New York Times investigation. The report, published December 23, shone light on four sexual harassment or defamation settlements and published more than two dozen further allegations by current and former employees who say they’ve witnessed or experienced sexual misconduct at the hands of Vice employees and executives.

According to the Times, the publication’s president, Andrew Creighton, allegedly fired an employee for rejecting his advances, for which he reportedly paid a $135,000 settlement in 2016. The Times also reports that Vice reached a settlement after former head of Vice News Jason Mojica allegedly punished a female employee after they got involved sexually. He was fired in November. In January 2016, the company settled with a woman who alleged that Vice producer Rhys James asked her if she had sex with black men and what color her nipples were; James was put on leave last month. Lastly, Vice reportedly settled in 2003 with a writer who said the publication falsely wrote that she agreed to sleep with a rapper she interviewed. In addition, a woman interviewed by the Times described a coworker putting her hand on his crotch outside of work. Still another alleged she was the target of unwanted kissing.

“We have failed as a company to create a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone, especially women, can feel respected and thrive,” Vice co-founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi said in a statement to Vice staff. “Cultural elements from our past, dysfunction, and mismanagement were allowed to flourish unchecked. That includes a detrimental ‘boy’s club’ culture that fostered inappropriate behavior that permeated throughout the company.”

In response to the allegations, Vice fired three employees, brought on a new human resources leader, created a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board that includes Gloria Steinem, and issued a prohibition on supervisors dating people working under them.

“The misogyny might look different than you would have expected it to in the 1950s, but it was still there, it was still ingrained,” Kayla Ruble, a journalist who worked for Vice from 2014 to 2016, told The New York Times. “This is a wakeup call.”

Related: Powerful People in Entertainment Who Have Been Accused of Sexual Harassment or Assault



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Billy Bush Writes 'New York Times' Op-Ed Stating the Access Hollywood Tape Is True


Late last night, The New York Times published a new op-ed written by former Access Hollywood host, Billy Bush, titled “Yes, Donald. You Said That.”

Of course, the quotes Bush is referring to are those from the infamous tape in which the now President says:

“I moved on her like a bitch. But I couldn’t get there. And she was
married. Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony
tits and everything. She’s totally changed her look…I better use
some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I’m
automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s
like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star,
they let you do it. You can do anything…Grab ’em by the pussy. You
can do anything.”

Bush is heard egging Trump on throughout the tape, was summarily fired by NBC, and now he seems to be on a publicity tour to rehab his image—even tweeting, “Well, you asked…” when sharing the Times piece—and frankly, I’ve got no time for it.

Actually, Billy, I don’t think we did. Reports started circulating last week that the President had privately expressed that perhaps the tape was faked, even though at the time he told The Washington Post: “This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course—not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended.”

Here’s the thing: Anyone who actually thinks that tape isn’t real is never going to be convinced otherwise. We all know there’s a segment of Trump’s base who will side with him, no matter what facts are presented to the contrary. There was not ever any real dispute over the veracity of the tape. We didn’t need Billy Bush to confirm it.

Now, the substance of Bush’s op-ed isn’t all bad, per se. He says that he believes the women who have accused Trump of misconduct. Great. He admits that he was “guilty of sacrificing a bit of ourselves in the name of success.” We all knew that, but OK, I’m glad you can say it out loud now. He writes, “The activist and gender-relations expert Jackson Katz has said that this is not a women’s issue—it’s a men’s issue. That’s a great place to start, and something I have real thoughts about—but it is a story for another day.” True, but what are you waiting for? Probably a book deal.

I’m sure I sound a little cynical, and that’s probably because I am. How can you not be, given how we’ve watched the failing upward of men behaving badly so many times? This happened and Trump became the President of the United States. Yeah, I’m cynical. But also, I just don’t have time right now to help make men feel better about what they’ve done. This moment in time is so utterly raw, emotional, and triggering for women. We are too busy taking care of one another to give Bush a warm pat on the back for performing what I suppose he considers “wokeness.”

“On a personal note, this last year has been an odyssey, the likes of
which I hope to never face again: anger, anxiety, betrayal,
humiliation, many selfish but, I hope, understandable emotions. But
these have given way to light, both spiritual and intellectual. It’s
been fortifying.

I know that I don’t need the accouterments of fame to know God and be
happy. After everything over the last year, I think I’m a better man
and father to my three teenage daughters—far from perfect, but
better.”

I’ll take a hard pass on all this rhetoric, especially the part where you try to use your daughters for sympathy, like so many men before you. I do feel for them, very much. But they shouldn’t be a tool you use to get your career back.

I hope you continue to evolve as a person, Billy Bush. Seriously, I do. Just keep it to yourself.





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This Taylor Swift Theory Explains Why 'New Year's Day' Is the Last Song on 'Reputation'


“New Year’s Day” is a standout song on Taylor Swift’s new album, Reputation, for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s the sole ballad, which is a shocking move from an artist known for her melodic, acoustic tunes. It’s also the most lyrically poignant song on the record. The majority of Reputation features Swift lamenting about love, drinking, and settling scores over large, bombastic beats—but not “New Year’s Day.” Here, she talks about the aftermath of a wild New Year’s Eve—the bottles on the floor, girls walking with their heels off—and how she’s lucky to have someone to help her navigate the next day. “I want your midnights / But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day,” she sings. It’s not about partying and fun anymore; it’s about beginning the next chapter of her life with a clean slate.

Interestingly, though, “New Year’s Day” is the last song on the record. She quite literally ends Reputation on a quiet, calm note after 14 tracks of loud, electronic jams. And I think that’s intentional. It’s possible the first 14 songs from Reputation are a metaphor for Swift’s chaotic 2016: the year she faced the most scrutiny about her personal life. Remember, that was the year Swift dated (and dumped) Calvin Harris and Tom Hiddleston, had Snapchat beef with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and continued squabbling with Katy Perry. All of this is addressed, in some shape or form, on the first 14 Reputation songs, which are sonically bonkers. It’s the most electric, emotional, and hectic Swift has ever sounded—just like her life in 2016. Interwoven in these songs are nods to her boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, who serves as her lifeline through the madness.

And then we get to “New Year’s Day.” January 1. It’s quiet and still; the dust has settled. She’s ready to start things fresh. That’s why the song is last on the record: to illustrate how she’s putting 2016’s messiness behind her and moving on with the person who makes her the happiest (Alwyn). She’s finally waking up from all the feuds, wild nights, and bumpy romances—and she just wants peace.

We’ve had it wrong this whole time: “New Taylor” isn’t on Reputation—not on the first 14 songs, at least. Nope, that’s “Old Taylor,” addressing her past issues one last time as a form of catharsis. It’s only on “New Year’s Day” where we catch a glimpse of “New Taylor”: a woman who, finally, is done with the drama. Here’s to seeing more of her.

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Taylor Swift’s Reputation: All the Kimye, Joe Alwyn, Calvin Harris, and Tom Hiddleston References



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Taylor Swift Debuts New Love Song 'New Year's Day'


Sorry Haylor stans, but this isn’t the song you’ve been waiting for.

When Taylor Swift’s Reputation track list was released just days ago, sleuthing Swifities took to dissecting each song’s name for clues, crafting theories both sensical and non. And, unsurprisingly, one of those theories harkened back to the ye olde days of Swift’s relationship with Harry Styles (known in the fandom as “Haylor”). Fans surmised that “New Year’s Day” may refer to the now-iconic image of Swift sitting alone on a boat following a new year’s breakup with Styles. The coincidence seemed all too perfect, but also, that breakup happened in 2012, so it was nonetheless farfetched. Regardless, fans hoped Taylor would finally spill the tea on why she and Harry did not ring in the new year.

But now, with Swift’s debut of the track “New Year’s Day” Thursday night on ABC, during an episode of Scandal—the irony is not lost that she has been embroiled in several “scandals” over the past year herself—fans have confirmation that the song is not at all about Haylor. Instead it is about, both literally and figuratively, New Year’s Day. In the ballad, which was pre-recorded during a Secret Sessions in her Rhode Island home, Swift details cleaning up after a night of partying. There’s glitter and candle wax and polaroids (of course), but it’s OK because she will gladly partake in the unglamorous activity of tidying up, if her beau is in it for the “long road.”

No mention of boats. No mention of the British Virgin Islands. No mention of paper airplanes. Guess Haylor is finally dead.

But fret not, because another fan theory alive and well, even after her performance. Other fans, albeit without proof, hoped the final track on her album would reveal an engagement to Joe Alwyn. While neither the song (nor performance) revealed any kind marriage news, it was, above all else, a love song—seemingly dedicated to Joe, much like “Gorgeous”—in which she promises to stay with someone through all the ups and downs. “I’ll be there through the toast of the town babe / Or if you strike out and you’re crawling home,” she sings. “But I stay when it’s hard or it’s wrong or we’re making mistakes / I want your midnights / But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.”

It’s no ring, but we’ll take what we can get.

Watch her performance below, and stay tuned for many more fan theories, because her whole album drops at midnight.

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Related: The Problem With ‘New’ Taylor Swift Is That Nothing’s Changed



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