Shannon Sharpe has announced the postponement of his Nightcap Tour with co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson amid sexual assault allegations. Now officially pushed back to 2026, the tour was to feature Sharpe and Johnson bringing their conversations to live audiences. “We’ve decided to postpone the Nightcap tour,” Sharpe said during the most recent episode of the show. “We look forward to seeing you guys in the summer of 2026. It’s going to be even bigger, even better,” Sharpe continued. “But Ocho and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best thing, as of right now, was to postpone the tour. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2026.” As HOT97 previously reported, Sharpe was accused of several sexual assault accusations and was hit with a $50 million lawsuit in April. Filed in a Nevada state court, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is being accused of comitting assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress in what is described as a “rocky consensual relationship” that went on with a woman for almost two years.  The plaintiff alleges that “Sharpe brutally sexually assaulted her several times at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.” The suit also alleges that the ESPN personality Sharpe threatened to kill her on multiple occasions, was “manipulating and controlling,” and “repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her.” “One time specifically, he was yelling at her while there was a firearm visible in his room,” the complaint states. “Terrified for her safety, Plaintiff tried sharing her location with friends from her iPhone—just in case. But Sharpe saw her doing this. The moment he realized what she was doing, he grabbed her by the neck and told her, “If you ever do that again, I will f–king kill you.” Sharpe has denied allegations levied against him.

The third week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal trial resumed Tuesday, May 27, as prosecutors continued building their case against the music mogul. Diddy, a central figure in hip-hop culture for decades, is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to extend into the summer months. Capricorn Clark, a former assistant to Diddy, took the stand in one of the trial’s more emotionally charged testimonies to date. Her name was previously mentioned by rapper Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, who testified that Clark had informed him about Diddy allegedly entering his home without consent. Clark’s long-standing friendship with Diddy’s former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura—also a key figure in the prosecution—has placed her at the center of this ongoing legal battle. Clark followed two other former assistants who also testified about their time working with Diddy. She described professional struggles after leaving her position in 2012, stating she went three years without consistent employment. According to Clark, her former association with Diddy made it difficult to reestablish her footing in the industry. Clark Alleges Abuse, Threats, and Coercion in Diddy Testimony During her testimony, Clark recalled witnessing an alarming encounter between Diddy and Ventura. “He kept kicking her. He never used his hands,” she said. The courtroom remained focused as Clark delivered her account, which has not yet been corroborated by additional evidence or witness statements. Clark also spoke of an incident tied to the Kid Cudi testimony, describing how Diddy allegedly arrived at her home in a state of rage and armed. “He was livid, furious, mad at me,” she said, recalling that he told her, “Get dressed, we’re going to go kill him.” Defense attorneys have not yet issued a detailed response to this portion of her testimony. Another segment of Clark’s account focused on what she described as an act of coercion. She testified that Diddy accused her of stealing jewelry, brought her to an office building, and had her confronted by a large man who informed her she would be given a polygraph test. “If I didn’t pass,” she said, “I’d be thrown into the East River.” Clark claimed she was subjected to five days of testing before being released. Clark’s testimony adds another dimension to the prosecution’s portrayal of Diddy as someone who allegedly used fear, control, and retaliation in his personal and professional relationships. The defense maintains that the charges are unfounded and continues to contest the credibility of the witnesses. The trial remains ongoing, with more testimonies expected in the days ahead.

Victoria Monét has confirmed her relationship with British rapper Stormzy.  During an appearance on Keke Palmer’s podcast, she described Stormzy as “a really special guy.” She says she’s learning a lot about him. “I havee so much respect for him and I got to learn more about him by dating him.” Speculation about their relationship began in October 2024 when the pair were photographed sharing a kiss at London’s Heathrow Airport, shortly after Monét announced her separation from her longtime partner, John Gaines. Monét and Gaines, who share a daughter named Hazel, had actually parted ways ten months prior but delayed the public announcement to avoid false rumors. Similarly, Stormzy had ended his on-again, off-again relationship with TV host Maya Jama in July 2024. Both Monét and Stormzy have emphasized mutual respect and amicable separations from their previous partners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand)

Quinta Brunson, the Emmy Award-winning creator of the acclaimed sitcom Abbott Elementary, will receive Philadelphia’s Key to the City from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. According to the news release, the honor is part of the dedication of a new mural at the Andrew Hamilton School. Titled Blooming Futures, the mural was designed by local artist Athena Scott, who will give remarks along with Brunson at the ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 28. Scott was the elementary school that served as inspiration for Abbott Elementary. Along with Brunson, Scott’s Blooming Futures was created with the help of “Hamilton school students and staff whom she met with for inspiration.” The new mural depicts the school as a garden, surrounded by dedicated educators cultivating the growing student population. Mural Arts, a world-renowned organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to education and uplifting creatives with their communities, made a guest appearance during the second season of Abbott Elementary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mural Arts Philadelphia (@muralarts) In a statement, Brunson expressed her gratitude for the tremendous honor. “I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly,” Brunson’s statement read.“This city shaped me, and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored.” “The City of Philadelphia is beyond grateful to have someone as inspiring and compassionate as Quinta Brunson. She doesn’t just represent the spirit of Philadelphia on television, she brings her success home and shares it with the city that loves her back,”  Mayor Parker added.” It goes without saying that education and representation matter. As our young people look for role models, may they find inspiration in dream chasers and change makers like Quinta Brunson,” she continued. “And let us never forget the impact of a great teacher, who shows up every day to uplift, encourage, and fight for the future of our youth.”

Muni Long took some time to address those who have taken an issue with her personality. In a six-minute TikTok video, Long responded to a TikTok user who challenged her alleged claims that  “only Black women” are not down with her demeanor. “It’s only ever Black women that say they don’t like my personality. I’m being myself, I’m acting just like your raggedly mommy and your aunties,” Long said. “With them ashy cankles. This is how they act, but something wrong with my personality? Take a look in the mirror h*e, you don’t like you.” Following her viral remarks, Long stood by her comments before another TikTok user named NeverStopWithShari reminded her that Black women are the reason she became a successful artist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand) “Muni Long was on her live today and let it be known that it’s only Black women that don’t like her,” the user said. “I think it was only Black women that supported you too. Nobody liked ‘Hours and Hours’ and all these songs until we liked it.” She also warned Long to “watch what she says” when speaking on Black women.” Long was quick to repsond with another video.  “The first question that I have for you, Ms. Shari, is … you said ‘you better watch what you say’ or what?” Long asked. “I know I look young because I drink water and mind my business, but I’m 36 years old. I’ll be 37 in September. I’ve been grown and taking care of myself for a long time. Nobody will talk to me like that.” “Black women it is okay to speak your mind and take up space, for you to assert yourself, for you to be kind instead of nice, for you not to keep taking the shirt off your back and giving it to the next man. You ain’t mammy. We don’t have to raise the world,” she concluded. Some accused her of missing the meaning behind the user’s message. “Did she…. completely miss the point of what the TikToker was saying? Like completely??” one user said. “I personally think she should address the ppl hating on her and NOT “black women” as a whole.”

Following her divorce, Jennifer Lopez says she is living her best single life. Earlier this year, Lopez divorced her fourth husband, Ben Affleck, after three years of marriage.  Speaking with Access Hollywood‘s Lauren Herbert, the reporter joked that Tiffany Haddish wanted to go “manhunting” with Lopez. Despite the offer, Lopez said that she is content with being by herself for the moment. “She said that to me, I said, ‘Girl, I’m not looking for no man,’” Lopez replied. “I’m happy right now. I’m not trying to ruin it, okay?” Previously,  Lopez told comedian Nikki Glaser that it was devastating to fall out of love with Affleck, but the split taught her some very valuable lessons. “But you have to be healthy. You have to be complete if you want something that’s more complete. You have to be good on your own,” Lopez said to Interview. “I thought I learned that, but I didn’t. And then, this summer, I had to be like, ‘I need to go off and be on my own. I want to prove to myself that I can do that.” Along with loving her single status, Lopez recently announced a new Las Vegas residency following the American Music Awards, which she hosted. Taking to Instagram, the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer shared her excitement about heading back to “Sin City.” “SURPRISE JLOVERS!” Lopez, 55, captioned a post on Instagram with a promo image of the tour. “We’re back! I’m doing a residency in Las Vegas!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) “Join me for Up All Night Live In Las Vegas At The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Dec 30 – Jan 3, & select dates in March! Tickets on sale Friday, June 6 at 10 AM PT. ”

On Saturday (May 24), Lizzo dropped her remix to PlutoNotDaBratt’s viral “Whim Whamie” track. The Grammy Award winner also shared a short visual on her Instagram. The clip starts with Lizzo outside her home, rocking flowy, blond tresses and a two-piece from her Yitty brand. Along with showing off her slimmed-down frame, she offers some fiery bars. “B*tch its Lizzo/Call me Lizzy/” she raps. “I been fat and I been skinny/ B*tches still ain’t f*ckin with me.” That said, the track has yet to hit streaming platforms, much to the chagrin of her fans. PlutoNotDaBratt is an up-and-coming artist based in Atlanta. A few weeks back, she released her now-viral single, “Whim Whammie,” featuring YK Niece, a rising star on the Atlanta rap scene. Prior to Lizzo, Sexxy Red dropped off her remix with Pluto and YK Niece. Latto recently revealed that she was supposed to jump on the remix with Pluto and YK first— however, she refused to clear her verse due to alleged drama behind the scenes. Lizzo remixes Pluto and YK Niece’s “WHIM WHAMIEE.” pic.twitter.com/i2pelqp0KZ — Rap Alert (@rapalert6) May 24, 2025 Lizzo Opens Up About Mental Health After Having A Breakdown In other news, Lizzo opened up about her ongoing mental health struggles and how to cope. On May 21st, the Grammy winner shared a personal post on Instagram, reminding her followers that it’s okay not to be okay. In the photo, Lizzo is seen smiling in a T-shirt that reads “God’s sexiest soldier” and a hat from her Yitty shapewear brand. But her caption revealed a much heavier emotional state. “My crashouts about the world are valid. And so are yours,” she began. She went on to describe how she broke down earlier that day. “I was bawling in bed… I cancelled my workout… I was driving around sobbing because some days I just can’t take it. This shit ain’t easy for anybody,” she shared. Lizzo also expressed compassion for anyone else feeling overwhelmed. “I have grace for everyone who feels like they’re going insane… for everyone who feels like nothing is good enough… for everyone who feels like they failed… I FEEL YOU,” she wrote. She ended on an encouraging note, adding, “But I’m still here, and so are you.”

On Saturday (May 24), TMZ reported that Ja Rule traded his gritty bars for tears while walking his daughter, Brittney Atkins down the aisle. Atkins is the eldest child of Ja’s three children, whom he shares with his wife Asia. In the touching photos and videos shared by TMZ, dozens of family and friends gathered at the lavish affair to celebrate Brittney’s happy union. During a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, Ja Rule opened up about what parenthood looks like for him. “I want my kids to run to me, not from me…And I tell them all the time, it’s three people in the world you cannot lie to… your doctor, your lawyer, and me, good old dad.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by JaRule (@jarule) He added, “Because I’m the one that’s going to get you out of it, whatever it may be. I have your best interests at heart.” The rapper also shared the emotional moment with his fans in an Instagram post. On a more sour note, following Irv Gotti’s unexpected passing, Ja Rule offered a touching tribute at his funeral held a few weeks back. “I just wanna say Irv I love you,” Ja said at the podium. “Everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in your own way in this room. I know everyone has their moments… so we’re all here in celebration of your life because it will live on forever. I love you, my brother. I’ll see you when I get there.” According to TMZ, alumni of Gotti’s Muder Inc., such as  Vita, Ashanti, Lloyd, and Charli Baltimore. Also, JAY-Z, Fat Joe, Hype Williams, Steve Stoute, and Benny Boom paid their final respects to Gotti.

Kanye West is back peddling from his past discriminatory remarks against the Jewish community and claims he’s “done” feeding into Antisemitic propaganda. On Thursday (May 22), in a series of X posts, the controversial rapper and mogul revealed that he’s not only “done” with antisemitism, but he has “love for all people.” The rapper also makes an emotional plea to God, asking for forgiveness. Kanye also claimed that he’d forgiven all the people who’ve “caused him pain” in the past. In 2022, Kanye West made mutliple discriminatory comments about the Jewish community. Following the fallout and loss of brand deals, the rapper seemingly leaned deeper into antisemitism. Earlier this month, the rapper dropped a controversial track titled, “Heil Hitler (HH).” However, it seems something inspired the rapper to change his tune. X.com/KanyeWest In other news, Kanye West recently shared his displeasure with Kid Cudi, following his testimony in the ongoing Diddy RICO trial. In an X post on Saturday (May 24), West stated, “I wish Cudi hadn’t testified against Puff. We need to not be locked in white systems. Praying for Puff and his family.” Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, took the stand on May 22, 2025, detailing a series of incidents from 2011. He testified that after he began a relationship with Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s then-girlfriend, Combs allegedly broke into his home and later orchestrated the firebombing of his Porsche using a Molotov cocktail. Cudi described a subsequent confrontation where Combs exhibited a menacing demeanor, likening him to a “Marvel supervillain.” Following his testimony, Cudi expressed relief, stating, “I’ve been seeing all the love and support. I just wanna say thank you so much, man… This is a stressful situation. I’m glad it’s behind me.”

Sacha Jenkins, one of the most renowned and beloved creatives in hip-hop culture, has passed away.  Jenkins’ passing was confirmed by several posts on social media. “WTF…..Dammit. Sacha was one of the writers who influenced my era of writers and journalists in the late ’90s. May he rest in power,” wrote noted journalist Keith Murphy on X (formerly Twitter). WTF…..Dammit. Sacha was one of the writers that influenced my era of writers and journalists in the late ’90s. May he rest in power. https://t.co/V8QM6KPXoD — Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29) May 23, 2025 Born in Philadelphia but raised in Queens, as a teenager, Jenkins published Graphic Scenes & X-Plicit Language, one of the earliest ‘zines that chronicled the art of graffiti. In 1992, Jenkins and childhood friend Haji Akhigbade established Beat-Down Newspaper, a very early hip-hop newspaper. In 1994, Jenkins co-founded ego trip, an influential magazine, along with fellow hip-hop journalist Elliot Wilson. Although only 13 issues of the zine were published over a four-year period, the brand spawned books, ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists, and even a TV show, ego trip’s The White Rapper Show, that aired on VH1. In 2005, he wrote season one of Aaron McGruder’s hit series The Boondocks. In 2011, Jenkins was executive producer of “50 Cent: The Origin of Me” — a documentary that traces the genealogy of rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. From 1997 and 2000, Jenkins was the music editor of Vibe magazine, and he penned articles and features for Spin magazine, Rolling Stone, and many more. As a prolific filmmaker, he directed 50 Cent: The Origin of Me (2011), Fresh Dressed (2015), Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, (2019), Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021), Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain, the Biz Markie doc All Up in the Biz (2023), Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (2022) and many more.  At the time of his passing, he was the creative director of Mass Appeal magazine.  We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sacha Jenkins.