More Guest Stars Announced For Upcoming Season Of ‘Will & Grace’

The cast of ‘Will & Grace’ (image via Facebook)

The fall television season is ramping up and as Will & Grace is prepping for reboot Season 2 (really the 10th season) of the NBC hit sitcom, and what we know so far is love is in the air for EVERYBODY:

• Will is the lucky guy who will get a new boyfriend in the form of hunky Matt Bomer who’s character is described as “a smooth-talking, self-satisfied TV news anchor. #Squee!

• Chelsea Handler is set to play a high-powered lesbian client of Grace who begins to date her sister.

• Grace gets some dating action as well with former Friends star David Schwimmer scheduled for a five-episode arc as a her new boyfriend

A post shared by Debra Messing (@therealdebramessing) on Aug 14, 2018 at 7:24pm PDT

• Taking romance to another level is Jack who announced last season he planned on getting hitched to new boyfriend Estefan (Brian Jordan Alvarez).

• AND, Grace’s father (Martin Adler) and Will’s mother (the deliciously delightful Blythe Danner) shared their own plans to stroll down the aisle, which would effectively make besties Grace and Will sister and brother (awkward?).

• More guest stars! Self-declared “America’s sweetheart” and out Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon continues conquering hearts and minds as he’s set to cameo as a – you guessed it – figure skater.

• The brilliant Minnie Driver will return as Karen’s foe for life, Lorraine Finster.

• And co-creator Max Mutchnick has tweeted a tease of the return of ‘Anatasia Beaverhausen,’ Karen’s infamous alter-ego.

We’ll keep you posted on new developments as they’re announced.

The 10th season of Will & Grace premieres on NBC October 4.

(h/t NewNowNext)

Out Star Jim Parsons Calls It Quits After 12 Seasons Of ‘The Big Bang Theory’

CBS has announced The Big Bang Theory, arguably one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, will come to a close at the end of the upcoming 12th season.
The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons

CBS has announced The Big Bang Theory, arguably one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, will come to a close at the end of the upcoming 12th season.

The reason for the series ending, according to Entertainment Weekly, is out actor Jim Parsons felt he was ready to walk away from the sitcom.

To date, the series has not only brought Parsons immense fame but 4 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe award, starring roles on Broadway (The Normal Heart, The Boys in the Band) and in films (A Boy Like Jake, Hidden Figures).

Additionally, as the series’ neurotic “Dr. Sheldon Cooper,” Parsons has become the highest paid actor on television earning, along with his costars Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg, about $1 million per episode.

EW reports that had he stayed for the two years CBS was negotiating, he stood to earn more than $50 million.

“We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past 12 seasons,” read a joint statement by Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions. “We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close.”

According to reports, Parsons will continue to do voiceover work for the prequel series to TBBT, The Young Sheldon.

Although he never officially came out, Parsons has remarked in interviews that he was “delighted” when the New York Times outed the actor by casually writing “Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship” near the end of a profile in 2012.

He married his longtime boyfriend, Todd Spiewak, last year in New York City.

The final season of The Big Bang Theory premieres on September 24.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions Finally Claps Back At Donald Trump

Beleaguered Attorney General Jeff Sessions finally clapped back at his boss, Donald Trump, today after the Trumpster told Fox News that Sessions never took "control" of the Justice Department.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions

You could consider this one of those “the mouse that roared” moments.

Beleaguered Attorney General Jeff Sessions finally clapped back at his boss, Donald Trump, today after the Trumpster told Fox News in an interview that Sessions never took “control” of the Justice Department.

Here’s the full statement from Sessions via Mother Jones:

I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in, which is why we have had unprecedented success at effectuating the President’s agenda—one that protects the safety and security and rights of the American people, reduces violent crime, enforces our immigration laws, promotes economic growth, and advances religious liberty.

While I am Attorney General, the actions of the Department of Justice will not be improperly influenced by political considerations. I demand the highest standards, and where they are not met, I take action. However, no nation has a more talented, more dedicated group of law enforcement investigators and prosecutors than the United States.

I am proud to serve with them and proud of the work we have done in successfully advancing the rule of law.

In related news, Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters today that Trump will likely fire Sessions after the midterm elections.

California Man Denies Alleged Murder Was Hate Crime

A 21-year-old man from Newport Beach accused of killing a former classmate could face life in prison without parole after prosecutors added a hate crime enhancement to murder charges.
Samuel Woodward is accused in the stabbing death of Blaze Bernstein

A 21-year-old man from Newport Beach accused of killing a former classmate could face life in prison without parole after prosecutors added a hate crime enhancement to murder charges.

Samuel Woodward is accused of murder in the stabbing death of his former high school classmate Blaze Bernstein.

Bernstein was reported missing by his parents in January while he was visiting home during the winter break at the University of Pennsylvania. His body was eventually found in a shallow grave in Borrego Park with over 20 stab wounds.

DNA evidence found in Woodward’s car and Borrego Park led to his arrest.

At the time the hate crime component was added to charges, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas told CBS News that a search of Woodward’s social media and cellphone data revealed “graphic” and “chilling” photos and text messages.

Rackauckas said the material, which was “homophobic, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and anti-government” showed Woodward’s “dark side.”

CBS News also reports that Woodward has been linked to white supremacist group.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Woodward denied the hate crime enhancement during a court appearance on Wednesday even though Woodward admits it was a kiss that sparked the altercation.

According to an affidavit, Woodward told investigators that Bernstein kissed him while they were sitting in a parked car Jan. 2. Woodward told authorities the kiss was unwanted and that he pushed Bernstein away.

After Wednesday’s court appearance, Woodward’s attorney, Edward Munoz, said his client has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder that can hinder a person’s ability to socialize or communicate.

Munoz said that “there’s going to be some evidence that comes out to say he’s very confused” about both his sexual identity and “his own identity.”

Trump: Stock Market Would Crash And “Everybody Would Be Very Poor” If I Got Impeached

 In a softball interview for Fox News, Donald Trump told Fox & Friends talk show host Ainsley Earhardt that he couldn't understand how anyone would impeach "somebody who's doing a great job?"

 In a softball interview for Fox News, Donald Trump told Fox & Friends talk show host Ainsley Earhardt that he couldn’t understand how anyone would impeach “somebody who’s doing a great job?”

The Trumpster went on to declare the stock market would tank and “everybody would be very poor” if he were to face impeachment.

Trump also shared that he feels “flipping” on past associates, as his former attorney Michael Cohen has done this week, “almost ought to be illegal.”

The Donald dodged a question regarding a possible pardon for former campaign chair Paul Manafort who was found guilty of 8 felonies this week.

I’m telling you right now – he’s going to pardon Manafort.

Oh, and Trump gives himself an A+ for the job he’s done. How generous.

News Round-Up: August 22, 2018

• One of my fave InstaHunks, Rodiney Santiago, is currently chronicling his journey through Italian islands where I was just two weeks ago! #MyTimingWasOff
Rodiney Santiago

Some news items you might have missed:

• One of my fave InstaHunks, Rodiney Santiago, is currently chronicling his journey through Italian islands where I was just two weeks ago! You have to click over and check out his gorgeous vacay pics. #MyTimingWasOff

• Pro-football player and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez reportedly came out to his lawyer before committing suicide in 2015.

• Vermont Democratic gubernatorial candidate Christine Hallquist, the first trans candidate for govnernor of a major party, is receiving death threats.

• A self-identified Ku Klux Klan leader in Maryland has been sentenced to four years in prison for firing a gun into a crowd at the 2017 Nazi rally in Charlottesville.

• Craig Zadan, the prolific out producer who brought musicals like The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, Gypsy and Cinderella back to television died unexpectedly at the age of 69 due to complications from shoulder surgery. His arious productions earned six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, 17 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a Grammy Award, six GLAAD Awards, four NAACP Image Awards and two Tony Awards.

•

NYC: Neil Patrick Harris To Reprise “Hedwig” At Revived WIGSTOCK

Tony Award winner Neil Patrick Harris, husband David Burtka and the iconic Lady Bunny are bringing WIGSTOCK back to New York City on Saturday, September 1.
Neil Patrick Harris in his Tony Award-winning role as “Hedwig”

For 18 years, from 1985 to 2003, WIGSTOCK celebrated drag culture in fabulous style.

And now, Tony Award winner Neil Patrick Harris, husband David Burtka and the iconic Lady Bunny are bringing WIGSTOCK back to New York City on Saturday, September 1.

The day-long drag festival will take place at the fab new Pier 17 Rooftop in New York City’s Seaport District beginning at 2PM and continuing on until 10PM.

In an Instagram video, Harris announced he will be reprising his 2014 Tony Award winning role of “Hedwig” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Also schedule to appear are Broadway performers Alex Newell (Once On This Island), Peppermint (Head Over Heels), as well as Justin Vivian Bond, Lypsinka, Taylor Mac, and Varla Jean Merman.

Plus, a veritable universe of drag performers including RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Alaska Thunderfuck, Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Jinkx Monsoon, Willam and many, many more.

For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

Check out Neil Patrick Harris’ announcement video below with his adorable son who reminds Neil that there will be “wig cannons” which will shoot wigs at the crowd so all can dress up. #LOL

Trump Foundation Investigators Issue Subpoena To Michael Cohen

Donald Trump

Here’s where it starts to get really interesting, kids.

The AP is reporting that former attorney and ‘fixer’ for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, has received a subpoena from investigators looking into possible state violations regarding the Trump Foundation.

Investigators in New York state have issued a subpoena to Michael Cohen as part of their criminal probe into the Trump Foundation.

A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s tax department confirmed the subpoena to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The subpoena was issued after Cohen’s attorney said the longtime lawyer for President Donald Trump has information that would be of interest to prosecutors at both the state and federal level.

As a close Trump confidant, Cohen could potentially be a significant source of information for state investigators looking into whether Trump or his charity broke state law or lied about their tax liability.

As the AP notes, a president can’t pardon anyone found guilty of state charges.

The entire Trump family could possibly face legal jeopardy.

Anti-LGBT Congressman (And Wife) Indicted On Campaign Finance Violations, Wire Fraud & More

Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter

 Virulently anti-LGBTQ Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter was indicted Tuesday, along with his wife Margaret, on charges of misusing campaign funds to the tune of $250,000.

Charges also included filing false campaign finance records to the Federal Election Commission.

CNN has the details:

The charges of wire fraud, falsifying records, campaign finance violations and conspiracy were the culmination of a Department of Justice investigation that has stretched for more than a year, during which the Republican congressman from California has maintained his innocence.

Republican Party leaders had long worried that with a potential indictment looming, Hunter’s traditionally safe district which makes up much of eastern San Diego County could be at risk of Democratic takeover in November’s midterm election.

The CNN report goes on to share that the congressman and his wife overdrew their bank accounts over 1,100 times in a 7 year period.

Investigators found the Hunters took several lavish family vacations including “a 2015 family vacation in Italy over Thanksgiving totaling more than $14,000; an April vacation in Hawaii costing $6,500; and a $3,700 trip to Las Vegas and Boise in July 2015.”

There were also big-ticket “campaign expenditures” like a $2,000 trip for a family member to attend a Pittsburgh Steelers football game in 2010.

Hunter allegedly insisted his wife be paid $116,000 from 2010 to 2017 as a “campaign consultant.”

According to The Washington Examiner, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has now stripped Hunter of his committee assignments.

“The charges against Rep. Hunter are deeply serious,” Ryan said. “The Ethics Committee deferred its investigation at the request of the Justice Department.”

“Now that he has been indicted, Rep. Hunter will be removed from his committee assignments pending the resolution of this matter,” Ryan added.

While Hunter represents a solidly Republican district, his Democratic opponent, Campa-Najjar, has been out-fundraising the Republican, reporting more than $1 million in campaign donations. Campa-Najjar has just over $200,000 in cash-on-hand while Hunter has over $350,000.

The California congressman has been viciously anti-LGBTQ for years and was one of the most strident voices against the repeal of DADT in 2011 and strongly supported the hideous Defense of Marriage Act.

Hunter was the second member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for president. The first was Rep. Chris Collins (R) of New York.

Both now face prison time.