Word on the street is that JHud potentially has a new upcoming gig. Straight Outta Compton producer Scott Bernstein is developing an Aretha Franklin biopic, and rumor has it that he is tapping Jennifer Hudson to portray the Queen of Soul. The untitled flick, which doesn’t have a release date yet, would chronicle Aretha’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. We are so here for that. [The Wrap]
Dave Chappelle could be coming to a city near you. The Chappelle Show comedian just announced a three-week U.S. tour, scheduled to kick off Sept. 14 in Salt Lake City and conclude on Oct. 7 in Hershey, Penn and making stops in Maine, Colorado, New Hampshire and Idaho among other cities. Will you be buying tickets? [Rolling Stone]
A fresh new face is on its way to Miss America. Zendaya has just signed on to judge next month’s Miss America Pageant. In a statement, the Disney star expressed her excitement to be involved in an event that celebrates positive women. “I remember watching Miss America as a kid, so it’s an honor to help celebrate the 95th anniversary of the competition and to help select the next Miss America,” she said in a statement. [People]
Legendary singer and iconic civil rights activist will be recognized at next month’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, where he will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his ongoing activism. Congrats, Harry! [Billboard]
Trevor Noah is getting ready to step into some pretty big shoes. The South African comedian is gearing up to take over The Daily Show from long-time host Jon Stewart. According to a 30-second ad that Comedy Central just released, it’s the same chair with a “different a–” in it. Well put, Comedy Central. Check out the ad here, and tell us what you think. [BGR]
The family of Julian Bond released a statement yesterday that the famed civil rights activist, who died on Saturday, would be buried at see. “We are honoring his wishes that his body be cremated and his ashes be committed to the Gulf of Mexico,” the family said. “We invite you to gather at a body of water near your home and precisely at 2 p.m. CDT, spread flower petals on the water and join us in bidding farewell to Horace Julian Bond.” [USA TODAY]
Mbuso Mandela, the 24-year-old grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in the bathroom of a restaurant earlier this month. Mbuso currently remains in police custody and has a bail hearing scheduled for Friday. [E! Online]
